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Gene and Protein Information ![]() |
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Species | TM | AA | Chromosomal Location | Gene Symbol | Gene Name | Reference |
SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | 75 | Orf4 | E | Envelope protein | |
SARS-CoV | 1 | 76 | Orf4 | E | Envelope protein |
Previous and Unofficial Names ![]() |
envelope small membrane protein | orf4 |
Database Links ![]() |
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Entrez Gene | |
RefSeq Protein | |
UniProtKB | P0DTC4 (SARS-CoV-2), P59637 (SARS-CoV) |
General Comments |
By similarity to other coronavirus E proteins, SARS-CoV-2 E is predicted to constitute a single transmembrane (potentially homopentameric) ion channel with selectivity for monovalent cations over monovalent anions [2-5]. The SARS-CoV E protein's ion channel function has been linked to calcium entry into endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi membrane complexes and the subsequent activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and interleukin-β (IL-1β) production [1]. |
1. Nieto-Torres JL, Verdiá-Báguena C, Jimenez-Guardeño JM, Regla-Nava JA, Castaño-Rodriguez C, Fernandez-Delgado R, Torres J, Aguilella VM, Enjuanes L. (2015) Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus E protein transports calcium ions and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. Virology, 485: 330-9. [PMID:26331680]
2. Pervushin K, Tan E, Parthasarathy K, Lin X, Jiang FL, Yu D, Vararattanavech A, Soong TW, Liu DX, Torres J. (2009) Structure and inhibition of the SARS coronavirus envelope protein ion channel. PLoS Pathog., 5 (7): e1000511. [PMID:19593379]
3. Surya W, Li Y, Verdià-Bàguena C, Aguilella VM, Torres J. (2015) MERS coronavirus envelope protein has a single transmembrane domain that forms pentameric ion channels. Virus Res., 201: 61-6. [PMID:25733052]
4. Wilson L, McKinlay C, Gage P, Ewart G. (2004) SARS coronavirus E protein forms cation-selective ion channels. Virology, 330 (1): 322-31. [PMID:15527857]
5. Zhang R, Wang K, Lv W, Yu W, Xie S, Xu K, Schwarz W, Xiong S, Sun B. (2014) The ORF4a protein of human coronavirus 229E functions as a viroporin that regulates viral production. Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1838 (4): 1088-95. [PMID:23906728]