A bioactive peptide from the pearl has dual roles in resisting SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications

  1. Xiaojun Liu
  2. Yayu Wang
  3. Zehui Yin
  4. Qin Wang
  5. Xinjiani Chen
  6. Bailei Li
  7. Liping Yao
  8. Zhen Zhang
  9. Rongqing Zhang

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Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a critical receptor for the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into cells. Moreover, a decrease in ACE2 level and its activity due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered a crucial reason for the development of Covid-19-associated complications. Here, we report a bioactive peptide derived from the seawater pearl oyster Pinctada fucata , named SCOL polypeptide, which binds strongly to ACE2 and effectively inhibits 65% of the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein to ACE2; thus, this peptide can be used as a blocker to enable cells to resist SARS-CoV-2 infection. The SCOL polypeptide also increases ACE2 enzyme activity by 3.76 times. Previous studies have shown that ACE2 deficiency is associated with inflammation, pain, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, and nervous system injury. Therefore, the SCOL polypeptide can be used to treat or alleviate complications such as lung inflammation, pain, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and loss of taste or smell caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, the SCOL polypeptide can play a dual role in resisting SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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  1. PREreview

    This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a Structured PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/10253467.

    Does the introduction explain the objective of the research presented in the preprint? Yes It clearly describes how the pearl has dual roles in resisting SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications.
    Are the methods well-suited for this research? Somewhat appropriate
    Are the conclusions supported by the data? Highly supported Their conclusions are supported. Their figures show how the study was conducted and results match the conclusion.
    Are the data presentations, including visualizations, well-suited to represent the data? Somewhat appropriate and clear
    How clearly do the authors discuss, explain, and interpret their findings and potential next steps for the research? Neither clearly nor unclearly
    Is the preprint likely to advance academic knowledge? Somewhat likely This pearl could be a scientific advancements to treat COVID infections.
    Would it benefit from language editing? No
    Would you recommend this preprint to others? Yes, it's of high quality
    Is it ready for attention from an editor, publisher or broader audience? Yes, as it is

    Competing interests

    The author declares that they have no competing interests.

  2. Version published to 10.1101/2023.10.23.563427v1 on bioRxiv