2023 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
Real-time observation of native conformations and molecular behaviors of viral fusion proteins using high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM)
| Project/Area Number |
20K16262
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| Research Institution | Kanazawa University |
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Principal Investigator |
LIM KEE・SIANG 金沢大学, ナノ生命科学研究所, 特任助教 (60842987)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | HS-AFM nanoimaging / viral fusion protein / Hemagglutinin / Spike protein / Influenza A / SARS-CoV-2 |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
From 2020-2023, the applicant conducted HS-AFM nanoimaging to study viral fusion proteins like hemagglutinin (HA; Influenza A) and spike protein (S protein; SARS-CoV-2). The results indicate HS-AFM's capability in capturing nanoscale structural dynamics of these proteins, including fusogenic transitions of HA, S protein-ACE2 interactions, and more. These transient structures are challenging to observe with cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography. Additionally, the applicant investigated neutralizing antibody-S protein interactions. Overall, the applicant showcases HS-AFM's potential for studying viral fusion proteins and identifying potential antiviral targets.
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