Unique properties of Coronaviridae single-pass transmembrane domain regions as an adaptation to diverse membrane systems

Abstract

Enveloped viruses such as Coronaviridae (CoV) enter the host cell by fusing the viral envelope directly with the plasma membrane (PM) or with the membrane of the endosome. Replication of the CoV genome takes place in membrane compartments formed by rearrangement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane network. Budding of these viruses occurs from the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). The relationship between proteins and various membranes is crucial for the replication cycle of CoVs. The role of transmembrane domains (TMDs) and pre-transmembrane domains (pre-TMD) of viral proteins in this process is gaining more recognition. Here we present a thorough analysis of physico-chemical parameters, such as accessible surface area (ASA), average hydrophobicity (Hav), and contribution of specific amino acids in TMDs and pre-TMDs of single-span membrane proteins of human viruses. We focus on unique properties of these elements in CoV and postulate their role in adaptation to diverse host membranes and regulation of retention of membrane proteins during replication.