The researchers at Singapore's Bioinformatics Institute, led by Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, report an evolutionary analysis of the critical protein, neuraminidase, produced by the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus strain.
"Because we were working as a team, driven by the common goal to understand potential risks from this new virus, our group … was able to successfully complete this difficult analysis within such a short time," said Maurer-Stroh.
Using their interactive 3-D model, the scientists said they were able to map the regions of the protein that have mutated and determine whether drugs and vaccines that target specific areas of the protein are effective.
"(The institute's) H1N1 virus sequence study marks a significant milestone in the use of computational biology methods in understanding how the mutations of the fast evolving influenza virus affect immunogenic properties or drug response," said institute Director Frank Eisenhaber. "This information helps to develop a strategy for fighting the H1N1 virus and for organizing an effective treatment for patients."
The interactive 3D model is available at http://mendel.bii.a-star.edu.sg/SEQUENCES/H1N1/.
The research is reported in the journal Biology Direct.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
Post new comment