Unravelling protein interaction networks of the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mechanism mediated by circulating soluble ACE2 (sACE2): potential therapeutic target for COVID-19
Grant Data
Project Title
Unravelling protein interaction networks of the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mechanism mediated by circulating soluble ACE2 (sACE2): potential therapeutic target for COVID-19
Principal Investigator
Dr Yeung, Man Lung
(Principal Investigator (PI))
Co-Investigator(s)
Dr Teng Lee Lee
(Co-Investigator)
Duration
36
Start Date
2022-05-01
Amount
1500000
Conference Title
Unravelling protein interaction networks of the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mechanism mediated by circulating soluble ACE2 (sACE2): potential therapeutic target for COVID-19
Presentation Title
Keywords
ACE2, COVID-19, LC-MS/MS, proteomics, SARS-CoV-2
Discipline
Others - Medicine, Dentistry and Health
HKU Project Code
21200622
Grant Type
Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant
Funding Year
2021
Status
On-going
Objectives
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause acute respiratory disease and multiorgan failure. To infect cells, SARS-CoV-2 needs to interact with a cellular receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). We previously demonstrated a new cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 which involves receptor-mediated endocytosis via interaction between the surface protein of SARS-CoV-2 and a soluble form of ACE2 (sACE2). In our pilot study, we showed that the production of sACE2 could be regulated by external stimuli. Also, we found that sACE2 could interact with other cellular protein binding partners which could modulate SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. The objective of the present study is to fully characterize the effects of these cellular protein binding partners on SARS-CoV-2 cell entry.