LABORATORY OF FUNCTIONAL VIROMICS AWARDED $1.9m R01 GRANT FROM NIH/NIAID TO EXPLORE CORONAVIRUS CELL ENTRY
November 20th, 2023
Pullman, Wa – The Laboratory of Functional Viromics, directed by Dr. Michael Letko, is honored to receive an R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID). This support will facilitate a deeper understanding of the diverse coronaviruses found in the wild and their potential implications for human health.
Overview: Over the past two decades, numerous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV related viruses have been sequenced from wildlife. However, a comprehensive laboratory-based understanding, especially of sarbeco and merbeco-viruses, remains a work in progress.
Research Focus: Coronaviruses make their way into cells after the virus’s “spike” protein directly binds to host cell receptor molecule. Understanding this process is pivotal to gauging a virus’s potential to jump to humans. The lab’s innovative and safe BSL2-compatible viral pseudotype system permits a methodical study of the entry mechanisms of a broad range of coronavirus RBD sequences.
Key Aims:
Functional Screening: Led by Dr. Letko’s lab, the primary goal is to evaluate the potential of uncharacterized betacoronaviruses to enter human cells. Once these viruses are characterized by the laboratory of functional viromics, Bronwyn Gunn’s team at WSU and James Robinson at Tulane University will assist in gauging efficacy of currently available vaccines in thwarting viral entry.
Molecular Analysis: The Laboratory of Functional Viromics will delve into the molecular determinants of virus entry, prioritizing those with potential human transmission implications. Subsequently, collaboration with Pamela Bjorkman’s laboratory at Caltech will allow for a precise structural understanding of spike-receptor interactions.
Data-driven Predictions: Working with the viral entry data from our previous work and from this study, Dr. Barbara Han at the Cary Institute will oversee computational analysis, utilizing data-driven machine-learning-based models to project the potential cell entry behavior of uncharacterized viruses.
This R01 grant from NIH/NIAID is a testament to research and collaborative spirit of the Laboratory of Functional Viromics. We are excited to get started!
About the Laboratory of Functional Viromics: In a world brimming with undiscovered viral sequences, we bridge the gap between sequencing and understanding. Through the power of synthetic biology, protein engineering, and computational strategies, we illuminate the functions of these elusive viruses, asking fundamental questions about their potential to infect humans and animals we interact with. Our specialized CoVaType platforms empower us to probe the intricacies of viral entry. As we build on this knowledge, we collaborate with global partners to preemptively address zoonotic threats, aiming for a safer tomorrow. Our ultimate vision? Producing robust data to develop highly accurate, next generation computational methods that identify viral risks.
For more information, contact: michael.letko@wsu.edu
Website: http://labs.wsu.edu/lofv/