So, yesterday, we discussed the computational chemistry (theoretical) research effected by Anika Chebrolu that won her the 3M Young Scientist fair. Today, we’ll discuss research being done by adults in Bristol (UK), Heidelberg (Germany), and Geneva (Switzerland).
Drs. Imre Berger (Max Planck Institute) and Christiane Schaffitzel (University of Bristol), along with their fellow academicians (Christine Toelzer,Kapil Gupta,Sathish K. N. Yadav, Ufuk Borucu, Deborah K. Shoemark, Andrew D. Davidson, Maia Kavanagh Williamson, Rachel Milligan3, Julien Capin, and Adrian J. Mulholland all of Bristol); Frederic Garzoni of Imophoron (Bristol UK); Oskar Staufer and Joachim Spatz of the Max Planck Institute (Heidelberg Germany), and Daniel Fitzgerald of Geneva Biotech Sarl (Geneva Switzerland) published the results of their research in Science. The report was entitled Free fatty acid binding pocket in the locked structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
The spike protein (the corona) of SARS-CoV-2 is comprised of a glycoprotein- and it’s that structure and material that creates all those problems in our body. SARS-CoV-2 spikes into our cells, bonding to their surfaces, whereby the nucleic acid in the virus causes our cells to become drones and make myriad copies of the noxious virus. This virus attacks and damages endothelial cells in the heart, kidneys, liver and intestines. This suggests that instead of it being a purely respiratory disease, there is a vascular infection component.
Knowing that rhinovirus has a pocket in its spike (as cited in the article above)- and that interfering with that pocket aborts its infectivity led Berger and Schaffitzel to see if SARS-CoV-2 had a similar pocket; in other words, a potential kryptonite. Using a very high powered electron cryo-microscope – operating at near atomic resolution- they found the pocket in the spike. And, that means they can replicate what’s been done for the rhinovirus- use small molecule antivirals to exploit that weakness in SARS-CoV-2.
More importantly, the study also identified that linoleic acid (LA) is buried in this spike. This fatty acid is normally critical for cellular function (inflammation and immune modulation), as well as maintaining lung cell membranes’ functionality (to enable proper breathing)- even though our bodies don’t make this compound.
We already possessed significant knowledge of how LA triggers inflammation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, as well as pneumonia. This research team examined the free fatty acid interaction both experimentally and computationally.
LA was used in conjunction with remdesivir (RNA dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, with some functionality against COVID-10); the remdesivir dose needed was dramatically reduced and the SARS-CoV-2 replication was suppressed.
Things are looking up in our battle against our new enemy.
Speaking of enemies- you did vote already, right?
Way above my head Roy so for now I will continue wearing my mask, loading up of vitamins C & D as well as zinc and staying as far away from people as I can, and washing my hands often. Of course, I am in that age group that has the most problems with the covid so there are no promises.
Chef William recently posted..Gratitude is an Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
Yes, we both are, Chef William. Which is why I am not venturing onto an airplane anytime soon.
That will be great if things start looking up!
Martha recently posted..Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Bread
We need some treatments for this scourge, Martha.