A research proposal to study the life cycle of COV

Authors

  • Phelps Tin None
  • Sam Kunes Harvard University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v10i2.1434

Keywords:

Chemical Genetics, SARS-COV2, Viral Cycle, High Through-put Screen, Bakers’ Yeast

Abstract

SARS-CoV2 continues to affect the lives of the majority of the world, and although vaccines are beginning to become available, much of the world will still be unable to obtain them. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that there may have to be annual vaccines and as strains of the virus continue to increase, it is essential for us to move to the next stage of research and attempt to better understand the virus.

By utilizing a chemical genetics approach where numerous ligands of distinct chemical libraries are screened through high-throughput screening, we may be able to form an ordered viral cycle of metabolic events that could help identify drug targets more efficiently and coordinate drug use to improve efficacy. A modified version of the virus (to decrease its ability of infection) along with the URA3 protein is then inserted into yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and screened. A simple assay involving the addition of 5’- fluoroorotic acid helps to determine ligand interference and after identifying the compounds, we can order their action into specific steps in the lifecycle and order the events of the life cycle.

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Author Biography

Sam Kunes, Harvard University

Professor Sam Kunes is a professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University. His laboratory conducts research in a number of areas within this broad topic, mostly using Drosophila melanogaster as the system of choice. 

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Published

07-01-2021

How to Cite

Tin, P., & Kunes, S. (2021). A research proposal to study the life cycle of COV. Journal of Student Research, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v10i2.1434

Issue

Section

HS Research Articles