To understand the zoonotic nature of SARS-CoV-2 and identify novel drugs to treat COVID-19, we investigated its entry receptor ACE2. We conducted a systematic analysis of the ACE2 conservation and co-evolution protein network across 1671 eukaryotes, revealing unexpected conservation patterns. We then mapped the co-evolved protein network and identified potential drugs that can target it.
The naked mole rat and the elephant show exceptional longevity and resistance to cancer. The tardigrade is resistant to heat, cold and UV radiation. Other species are resistant to desiccation, muscle waste and many other extreme conditions. In this project we aim to identify the unique protein sequences which evolved in these species to give them “super powers”. These sequences will be used for the identification of drug targets for treatment of cancer and other conditions.
