During this semilab, we will be studying the structure of one of the most important proteins of the virus SARS-CoV2, the pathogen that causes COVID-19. This protein is called "main protease", and our goal is to find molecules that can bind to it and block its activity. This approach is believed one of the most promising approach to COVID-19 chemotherapy. We will be doing that using computational modelling, but our findings may be used later by chemists and biologists who are working on the development of anti-COVID-19 drugs
Prerequisites: This is an advanced semilab intended for students who want to learn more about Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Familiarity with the foundations of Physics (energy, forces, conservation laws), Chemistry (General and Organic Chemistry), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Protein structure) is desirable, although not absolutely required.