PLA Daily 2003-06-04

　 　Experts at the Radioactive Medicine Institute of the Military Academy of Medical Science made a breakthrough in proteome research of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus recently.

　　Led by Academician He Fuchu, director of the Radioactive Medicine Institute, researchers carried out a large-scale research on identification of natural structured proteins (protein M is not yet identified in the world), trying to pinpoint the pathogenesis of SARS virus so as to provide solid scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of SARS virus disease.

　　On the basis of mapping out the molecular structure of the SARS virus, researchers have discovered three antigen proteins, found out the molecular structure of virus serum (antibody) and defined the process of the SARS virus' attack on the Vero clone. In addition, researchers also discovered for the first time the strong interaction between furcella protein and nuceocapsid protein.

　　"The proteome research on the SARS virus will facilitate a systematic research on pathogenesis of other types of coronaviruses," the academician explained, "therefore this research is to provide a technological platform for the research of other unknown viruses in the future."

　　By Zhang Feng and Wu Zhijun

　　(June 4, PLA Daily)