RESEARCH: COVID-19
FOLDING PROJECT #17403 PROFILE

This project looks at the SARS-CoV-2 virus's copying machine (nsp12). Scientists want to find places on this machine where drugs could attach and stop it from working. They also want to see how changes in the machine's design affect how well drugs work.

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

This project simulates the SARS-Cov2 nsp12 polymerase (RNA-directed RNA polymerase), which is responsible for duplicating the SARS-Cov2 genome during infection.

These simulations will focus on identifying druggable pockets on the protein's surface as well as predicting the effect of mutations on drug sensitivity.

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SARS-Cov2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. It's a type of coronavirus that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

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nsp12

Non-structural protein 12

NSP12 is a key enzyme found in SARS-CoV-2 that's responsible for replicating the virus's genetic material (RNA). It's essential for the virus to make copies of itself within infected cells.

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Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes polymers from monomers

Polymerases are enzymes that build long chains of molecules. In the case of SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, it's an RNA polymerase, meaning it builds RNA chains from existing RNA templates.

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RNA-directed RNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from an RNA template.

This type of polymerase is unique to certain viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It uses existing RNA as a blueprint to create new RNA molecules.

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Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

A genome is like the instruction manual for a living thing. It contains all the DNA (or RNA) that determines its traits and characteristics.

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Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence.

Mutations are alterations in an organism's genetic code. They can be small changes or large-scale rearrangements and often lead to variations in traits.

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Drug sensitivity

A measure of how susceptible a microorganism is to a particular drug.

Drug sensitivity refers to how well a virus or bacteria responds to medication. Researchers study this to develop effective treatments and understand how resistance develops.