Scientists Discover New Route to Understand Monkey Pox Virus Virology
Monkey Pox Virus (MPV) has become a global concern due to its unanticipated spread and lack of understanding regarding its transmission and symptoms. To combat this public health emergency, scientists from JNCASR, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have identified a new route to understand the virology of MPV and develop diagnostic tools for the infection. Their research focuses on the detection of specific DNA structures called G-quadruplexes (GQs) within the MPV genome, which could lead to the development of highly reliable diagnostic assays and therapeutic interventions.
The Importance of Understanding MPV Virology
The recent declaration of MPV as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of its virology. Without this knowledge, effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies cannot be developed. The modes of transmission and symptoms of MPV are not well understood, making it crucial to explore new avenues for research.
G-Quadruplexes as Diagnostic Targets
MPV is a double-stranded DNA virus, and traditional detection methods rely on amplification of dsDNA. However, these methods lack the ability to differentiate between specific and non-specific amplification products. The scientists from JNCASR have identified highly conserved GQ-forming DNA sequences within the MPV genome. Leveraging the unique structures of GQs, they have developed a tailored fluorescent small-molecule probe that enables precise detection of MPV. These GQ sequences are stable, conserved, and not present in other pox viruses or the human genome, making them valuable targets for diagnostic tools and therapeutic intervention.
The Development of a Fluorogenic Molecular Probe
The scientists have developed a fluorogenic molecular probe called BBJL, which selectively detects the specific GQ sequence in the MPV genome. This probe delivers a significant enhancement in fluorescence output upon binding with the MPV GQs. It is the first practical demonstration of a GQ-targeted diagnostic strategy for MPV detection. The ability of BBJL to distinguish the target MPV-derived GQ from other GQs and DNA conformations derived from the human genome is a significant breakthrough.
The identification and characterization of GQ sequences within the MPV genome offer promising avenues for the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions. The research conducted by the scientists from JNCASR expands the modular diagnostic platform, GQ-targeted reliable conformation polymorphism (GQ-RCP), originally developed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. The GQs identified in MPV can also serve as potential anti-viral targets. This study contributes to the broader scientific community’s understanding of MPV virology and the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
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