RESEARCH: COVID-19
FOLDING PROJECT #14903 PROFILE

This project studies how the SARS-CoV-2 virus attaches to human cells. Researchers at the University of Illinois are creating a computer simulation of the virus's spike protein binding to human ACE2 receptors. This will help us understand how the virus works and potentially develop new treatments.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

COVID-19 PROJECT This system is the solvated human ACE2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and RBD (receptor-binding domain) complex involved in SARS-CoV-2 transfection.

This simulation will help us to understand the major interactions responsible for binding of the RBD domain of S1 protein to human ACE2. This project is managed by Matthew Chan at the Univerisity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Matthew is a Ph.D.

Candidate in Prof.

Diwakar Shukla's group.

The long-term research goal of Shukla group is to combine theory, computation, and experiments to develop quantitative models of biological phenomena relevant for health, energy and climate change.

Under the broad umbrella of molecular engineering and sciences, our research program is focused on developing a platform for understanding regulation of protein function such as elucidating mechanistic insights to regulate plant growth and development in context of global climate change.

We integrate ideas from a wide range of disciplines tied together by a vision of “dynamic” biology and its role in engineering products for human health, energy, and climate change.

https://shuklagroup.org/.

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COVID-19

A contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. In some cases, it can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death.

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ACE2

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2

ACE2 is a protein found on the surface of many cells in the body, including those in the lungs and heart. It plays a role in regulating blood pressure and other bodily functions. The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses ACE2 as a receptor to enter and infect cells.

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RBD

Receptor-binding domain

The RBD is a specific region on the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that binds to the ACE2 receptor on human cells. This binding allows the virus to enter and infect cells.

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SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. It is a type of coronavirus that first emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.

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Transfection

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a cell.

Transfection is a laboratory technique used to introduce genetic material (DNA or RNA) into cells. This can be used for various research purposes, such as studying gene function or developing new therapies.

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Protein

A large biomolecule composed of chains of amino acids.

Proteins are essential molecules that perform a wide range of functions in living organisms. They are involved in processes such as catalyzing reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and regulating cellular activities.

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Simulation

A computer-based model of a real-world system.

Simulations are used to study complex systems and predict their behavior. In the context of biological research, simulations can be used to model molecular interactions, cellular processes, or entire organisms.

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Ph.D.Candidate

A person who is working towards a doctoral degree.

A Ph.D. Candidate is a graduate student pursuing a doctorate-level degree. They conduct in-depth research, write a dissertation, and defend their work before a committee of experts.