The 3a protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a potential calcium binding protein

Abstract The 3a protein is an accessory protein of SARS-CoV-2. We present here the result of bioinformatics analysis based on cryo-EM structure of 3a protein that has predicted calcium binding, majorly in cytoplasmic domain of 3a protein, thereby providing crucial information for further understanding of viral pathogenesis in context to its effect on cellular calcium signaling. The prediction analysis has also shown binding of antiviral drug amantadine with 3a protein of SARS-CoV-2.