Is SARS-CoV-2 the result of gain of function research?

Whilst the predominant consensus among scientists is reportedly that they think SARS-CoV-2 most likely occurred in nature, and not in a laboratory, there are still a number of unknowns and unanswered questions on this topic.

The furin cleavage site issue

A key and unique attribute of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is what’s referred to as the ‘furin cleavage site’. “Furin is an enzyme expressed by human cells that separates the spike protein subunits at the cleavage site, enabling the virus to bind more efficiently to human cells and release its genetic material into them. It is an important reason that SARS-CoV-2 is so easily transmissible.”((NY Post — Letter confirms Wuhan lab’s COVID-19 leak was funded by US taxpayers))

Various scientists have point