Application of cryo-EM method to study Covid-19 proteins

Abstract

Researchers from all around the globe are working quickly to utilize cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to explain how the corona virus disease (COVID-19) infects human cells, in tandem to the global community's efforts to stop the spread of the illness and cure individuals who have been diagnosed. Through the use of cryo-EM, these researchers were able to determine the spike protein's structural characteristics as well as that of the virus' cellular receptor. Cryo-EM, which studies the structure of physiologically significant molecules like proteins and pathogens at almost atomic resolution to easily grasp 3D structure and activity, has emerged in recent years as a popular and successful approach for biological research. The creation of vaccinations and the advancement of COVID-19 therapies will be facilitated and accelerated by these discoveries. Public access to the research team's cryo-EM structures is now possible. About seven years ago, cryo- EM began to be used more widely as improvements in electron detectors, software, productivity, and other critical elements made it possible for scientists to resolve crucial biological material at better resolution. A lot of work has been achieved in understanding the structure and dynamics of the corona virus in far less than two months. In the past, it may have taken years to advance to this level. This article will be reviewing the applications of the Cryogenic electron microscopy for studying and understanding the characteristics of protein spikes of the SARS-CoV-2, which can originate COVID-19 in the human body.