Epigenetic Modifications and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Biochemical Perspective

Neurological Sequelae of COVID-19: A Biochemical Perspective

Exogenous factors can induce protein expression and modify the proteome which sustains for a certain period of time. The proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are high in valine plus glycine, which possess potent affinity to divalent cations such as calcium. Calcium buildup changes the protein expression profile by enabling the efficient synthesis of proteins rich in amino acids with calcium affinity. Subsequent formation of insoluble and stiff calcium oxalate and aggregates confers cellular stress and causes cell senescence. This scenario accounts for sequelae seen in some patients following recovery from COVID-19.

Why Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 is Less Fatal?

The article published by Nie et al. addressed one of the two key questions regarding the Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2, while the underpinning for the less deadly nature of the variant remains unexplained. The proteins of the Omicron variant have numerous mutations, notably several substitutions of other amino acids by lysine residues. Glycine and valine attract calcium and enhance the formation of stressful, insoluble, and stiff calcium oxalate. Lysine residues in proteins build up chloride via ionic bonds which solubilizes insoluble and rigid divalent salts. The aforementioned mutations have weakened the lethalness of the Omicron variant perhaps via a biochemical mechanism. Despite net gain in favorable mutations versus deleterious mutations, the overall valine plus glycine content is still high in the proteins of Omicron variant of SARS‐CoV‐2, which remains a public health concern.