In this semilab, we will be engaged in the design of novel anti-coronavirus drugs. More concretely, we will be identifying small organic molecules that can potentially bind to one coronavirus protein called Main protease and disrupt its activity. This protein is absolutely necessary for viral replication, so if its activity is suppressed, the virus cannot propagate. The design will be performed using special software, but the results of our search will be tested in the Stony Brook University wet lab. If our predictions are confirmed by experiments, they can potentially contribute to the development of an anti-coronavirus drug. The semilab will include learning the rules of design of small molecule inhibitors and mastering some molecular biology software. It is possible that the semilab may start before the official Sigma start and/or last after its official end.
Prerequisites: This is an advanced semilab intended for students who want to learn more about Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Familiarity with the foundations of Physics (energy, forces, conservation laws), Chemistry (General and Organic Chemistry), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Protein structure) is desirable, although not absolutely required.