SARSCoV-2 Genomics: Providing a Tool for Viral Evolution Rate Assessment, to Inform Exploratory Modelling of Immune and Clinical Response

• Funding source: EU Structural Fund
• Grant agreement number: 13.1.1-LMT-K718-05-0023
• Date: July 2021 – July 2023
• Description: The project will contribute to implementation of the chosen thematic specificity through: (i) improvement of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing protocol in order to acquire the data of the whole genome (without missing regoins), (ii) improvement of bioinformatic tools for modelling of genomic and protein structures, as well as (iii) development of digital tool that will include data analysis algorithms for assessment of virulence of emerging SARS-CoV-2 lineages and influence of certain (modelled) point and/or multiple mutations on SARS-CoV-2 protein structure and virulence. Expected project result (i.e. digital tool) will be targeted at the medical and biopharmaceutical sectors as it will be suitable for the evaluation of the evolution rate and origin of distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages, modelling of genomic mutations and their influence on spike protein structure, affinity to ACE2 receptor and could be beneficial for the improvement of existing and development of new, more effective vaccines.