The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major threat to public health and safety worldwide. As scientists work diligently to study SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for the outbreak, EpiGentek proudly supports their efforts by providing relevant products, resources, and asistance.
What are Coronaviruses?
Anatomy of a Killer: https://www.economist.com/briefing/2020/03/12/understanding-sars-cov-2-and-the-drugs-that-might-lessen-its-power
Coronaviruses are a large family of RNA viruses that are common in both humans and animals. They were first identified in the late 1960s and have been linked to a wide range of respiratory symptoms. They are named "corona" for their crown-like protein structures that appear to be spiked. Most human-type coronaviruses are not dangerous and cause only mild to moderate upper-respiratory infections like the common cold. However, there are a few that can cause more severe illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The outbreaks of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003 and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) in 2103 were caused by two types of coronaviruses that were deadly. The SARS-CoV-2 (previously known as 2019-nCoV), which emerged in December 2019, is the latest strain to be identified. While COVID-19 can present with mild symptoms in some patients, it can be more aggressive in others and even life-threatening to older people and those with existing medical conditions.
Research on COVID-19
Scientists have sequenced the genome of SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) and have found that it shares a 79.5% sequence identity with SARS-CoV, the same SARS virus from 2003, and 96% of identity with a bat coronavirus. To cause infection, it connects to the cellular receptors of the host using its spike-like protein structures, then enters the host cells via an angiotensin-converting enzyme. Recent studies have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may use the ACE-2 enzyme, the same cell entry receptor as other SARS-CoV types, including 6,9,10. While there is no known cure for COVID-19, researchers are currently working on establishing a vaccine, as well as other antiviral treatments to combat SARS-CoV-2. Most of the research to date has been aimed at targeting SARS-CoV-2 directly, or it's host cell components (receptors) that aid in viral replication. Growing evidence suggests that, being an RNA virus, RNA modifications such as m6A methylation may play a role in the function of SARS-CoV-2, and therefore could be beneficial as the subject of additional studies.
Supporting Coronavirus Research
EpiGentek is pleased to offers a variety of products that can be used to study SARS-CoV-2, as well as other similar viruses. Our product range from detection kits to highly specific antibodies and proteins that associated SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we offer complimentary products for viral research, including viral RNA extraction kits and viral RNA modification assays.
Testing is a crucial factor in being able to control and defeat the outbreak of COVID-19. At EpiGentek, we have utilized our resources to create low-cost COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 testing kits for healthcare professionals and researchers. This collection of kits are designed to rapidly detect IgG and IgM antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 present in blood, serum or plasma.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to affect the respiratory system. EpiGentek's highly validated and reliable COVID-19 antibodies may help to increase researchers' understanding of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The collection of antibodies below are designed to help study SARS-CoV-2, as well as similar viruses to support efforts of finding improved treatments and cures.
EpiGentek offers a full collection of proteins dedicated to the research of COVID-19. Proteins are heavily involved in the structure and function of coronaviruses. COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 is made up of two main proteins: spike proteins (S-proteins) and nucleocapsid proteins (N-proteins). S-proteins are involved in viral attachment and cell entry, making them an important diagnostic target. N-proteins are involved in creating the viral capsid, and can be used as a marker for diagnostic assays.