Harnessing Genome Editing for COVID-19 Drug Discovery (Health Canal)

Harnessing Genome Editing for COVID-19 Drug Discovery

A University of Florida research team is harnessing the power of genomic editing to illuminate druggable targets in human cells for the fight against COVID-19.

By taking advantage of high-containment labs in UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute—especially designed for studying highly contagious and virulent pathogens—the team is using CRISPR genome editing techniques to screen human cell lines. Their goal is to discover genetic factors that either hasten or thwart infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.

The interdisciplinary team includes Christopher Vulpe M.D., a professor in UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with Stephanie Karst, a professor in UF’s College of Medicine, and Mike Norris, a professor in UF’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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