Characterization and regulation of new proteins in COVID-19/SARS CoV-2 by cannabinoids

Presently, there are almost 100,000 people in Canada with COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus, and almost 7000 have died. Although an effective vaccine is the ultimate goal, it is a long way off. To slow the spread and reduce the medical, social, and economic burdens, new treatments are needed. To find those, we need to know how the SARS CoV-2 virus works. In the proposed research, we will study two new proteins that SARS CoV-2 makes, which haven’t been seen in viruses before, to find out how they harm cells. We will also study a group of possible new drugs, the cannabinoids, to see if they can counteract the damage done by these viral proteins. This work will help scientists understand how the virus works in cells, to spur the development of new treatments. It may also uncover a new treatment for the virus, helping to save lives.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robin Elaine Duncan

Student:

Maria Fernanda de Andrade Fernandes

Partner:

Akseera Pharma Corp

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: