Although the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is firmly in the world’s rear-view mirror, its variants are still giving people reasons to stay home. The latest variants, known collectively as FLiRT, are KP.2, JN.1.7 and other KP and JN variants. More specifically, they have mutation in positions 456, 346, and 572 of the spike protein. As a result of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 research and monitoring efforts, Aurora Biolabs continues to provide quality SARS-CoV-2 products to facilitate the efforts.

SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, also referred to as SARS-CoV-2 Main protease and SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease plays an essential role in viral replication by processing the polyproteins 1ab at 11 cleavage sites. Inhibiting the activity of this enzyme blocks viral replication. Therefore, Mpro is a promising target for the development of anti-coronaviral therapeutic agents.

Aurora SARS-CoV-2 Mpro assay kit is a homogeneous FRET-based assay for screening the Mpro Inhibitors. The assay is fast and convenient, and it just requires 30 minutes and two steps. In the first step, the Mpro enzyme is preincubated with the compound for 30 minutes. The reaction is started by adding substrate solution at the second step. The fluorescent intensity is measured with a fluorescent plate reader at the excitation wavelengths of 340-360nm and emission wavelengths of 460-480nm.

2x Assay Buffer (20ml), 0.5M DTT (200µl), 0.5 mM Substrate (10µl), Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (5µg), and one 96 well plate.

A microplate reader capable of measuring fluorescence at excitation wavelengths of 340-360nm and emission wavelengths of 460-480nm.

Hu Q, Xiong Y, Zhu GH, Zhang YN, Zhang YW, Huang P, Ge GB. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro): Structure, function, and emerging therapies for COVID-19. MedComm (2020). 2022 Jul 14;3(3):e151. doi: 10.1002/mco2.151. PMID: 35845352; PMCID: PMC9283855