RESEARCH: COVID-19
FOLDING PROJECT #14909 PROFILE

This project studies how the SARS-CoV-2 virus attaches to human cells. By simulating the interaction between the virus and a protein called ACE2, researchers hope to understand how the virus works and find ways to stop it. The long-term goal is to use this knowledge to develop new treatments for diseases.

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

These simulations will allow us to understand the major interactions responsible for binding of these proteins and how the protein behave in the body. The long-term reseaerch goal of the 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 regulat 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/.

COVID-19

A highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. The disease can lead to complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure. Vaccines and antiviral medications are available to help prevent and treat COVID-19.

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 fluid balance. The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses ACE2 as a receptor to enter cells, leading to infection.

RBD

Receptor-binding domain

The RBD is a 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.

SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that causes the disease COVID-19. It is a type of coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 and spread rapidly around the world.

Transfection

The process of introducing foreign DNA into cells.

Transfection is a laboratory technique used to introduce genetic material (DNA or RNA) into cells. It is widely used in research to study gene function, develop new therapies, and produce proteins for various applications.