To identify drugs that are effective against COVID-19, we need to understand how they work, known as their mode of action (MoA). EMBL researchers are using a technology called thermal proteome profiling, which can systematically identify targets for potential drugs in living cells. This will be used to identify which proteins in the cell are targeted by approved drugs that have shown potential against COVID-19. Most of these drugs are used against other diseases, but their MoA is still unknown. Identifying their MoA will help scientists to quickly propose other efficient drugs or drug combinations to treat COVID-19, which are urgently needed until a vaccine is developed and made available globally. Drugs will possibly be needed afterwards too, if COVID-19 becomes seasonal, as backup therapies when vaccination fails to cover individual people.
The project will rely on services provided by EMBL’s Proteomics Core Facility (PCF). The PCF helps scientists from EMBL and other institutions to identify proteins and study their physical and chemical properties. The facility provides state-of-the-art mass spectrometry. This is an essential tool for the analysis of proteins, and is needed to understand the MoA of potential drugs against COVID-19.
About EMBL
EMBL is Europe’s flagship laboratory for the life sciences. Established in 1974 as an intergovernmental organisation, EMBL is supported by over 20 member states. EMBL performs fundamental research in molecular biology, studying the story of life. The institute offers services to the scientific community; trains the next generation of scientists and strives to integrate the life sciences across Europe. EMBL is international, innovative and interdisciplinary. Its more than 1700 staff, from over 80 countries, operate across six sites in Barcelona (Spain), Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Heidelberg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Rome (Italy). EMBL scientists work in independent groups and conduct research and offer services in all areas of molecular biology. EMBL research drives the development of new technology and methods in the life sciences. The institute works to transfer this knowledge for the benefit of society.
