It was seen that nsp12 did not show much polymerase activity on its own, but with nsp7 and nsp8, the highest polymerase activity was seen. This demonstrates that the cofactors nsp7 and nsp8 need to be bound to nsp12 for the complex to promote SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. 

nsp12 cannot function without nsp8 or nsp7 for SARS-CoV-2 viral replication 

ATP is the natural substrate for the active site of nsp12, a molecule on the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Nsp12 is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication. ATP has to bind to nsp12 in order for viral replication to occur. 


The interactions between nsp12 and ATP for SARS-CoV-2 replication

Studies have demonstrated that nsp12 is essential for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to be able to replicate in host cells. As of August 2020, nsp12 is a popular target for treatment of COVID-19. However, it was found that nsp12 does not have much activity on its own. 

Santa Clara University

An in-silico study was performed to assess the effectiveness of C-phycoyanin, a compound in spirulina, to inhibit nsp12, a molecule that is required for replication of SARS-CoV-2. 

Study Investigating the Effectiveness of  C-Phycoyanin as a Coronaviral Protease Inhibitor

Raj, T., Kanthesh, B. M., & Gopenath, T. S. (2020). C-PHYCOCYANIN OF SPIRULINA PLANTESIS INHIBITS NSP12 REQUIRED FOR REPLICATION OF SARS-COV-2: A NOVEL FINDING IN-SILICO. International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research, 11(9). doi:10.13040/ijpsr.0975-8232.11(9).4271-78


C-PHYCOCYANIN OF SPIRULINA PLANTESIS INHIBITS NSP12 REQUIRED FOR REPLICATION OF SARS-COV-2: A NOVEL FINDING IN-SILICO. 

- In-vivo studies showed positive benefits of spirulina on mice infected with influenza. The mice treated with spirulina had higher survival rates than the mice that were not. 
- The government of India has recommended its citizens take spirulina as a supplement during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep up activity of their immune systems. 
- Taking spirulina supplements may be one of the ways to combat COVID-19.


The Antiviral Properties of Spirulina 

nsp12 is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication 

- It was found that C-phycocyanin interacts almost as perfectly as ATP does with the active site of nsp12. Out of 1000 dock conformations, it showed a very low binding energy, at -4kcal/mol, meaning it binds to the active site spontaneously. 


Results of the Investigation of the Effectiveness of C-Phycoyanin as a Coronaviral Protease Inhibitor

-Wang and colleagues hypothesize that because C-phycocyanin has such a low binding energy with nsp12 and it is able to bond spontaneously, C-phycocyanin could bind to nsp12 instead of ATP, which would block the viral replication process. 


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