Bioinformatic analysis of the SARS virus X1 protein shows it to be a calcium-binding protein

Abstract

The X1 open reading frame of the SARS virus encodes a ptoentially unique protein not found in other coronaviruses. Here we present results of bioinformatic analyses that predict the X1 protein to bind calcium. The regulation of calcium homeostasis and calciummediated signalling pathways in infected cells may affect cell fate and contribute to the unique pathogenesis of this virus.