Research Supported by BRF at Univates Identifies 109 Mutations in Genes of The SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Eight months after BRF donated R $ 100,000 to Univates, from Lajeado (RS), to support research and projects related to Covid-19, among the promising studies at the University of Vale do Taquari are the identification of mutations in the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the search for compounds that can inhibit viral replication. The first step was to analyze 627 genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 collected from samples in different regions of the country. The team identified 109 mutations in the virus, which do not mean new variants of the disease, but are an important discovery for better understanding. on the behavior of SARS-CoV-2. The study also provides support for a better understanding of the effectiveness of vaccines, pursuing the objective of identifying compounds that can be used to fight the pandemic.

The results of this first phase of the research were shared in a platform available to researchers from around the world to help them in the collective search for a cureand submitted to one of the most respected scientific journals in the world, Scientific Reports, of the Nature group. The team is made up of six researchers, including professors and students at Univates, including a doctoral fellow and a postdoctoral fellow. Professor Luís Fernando Saraiva Macedo Timmers, doctor in Cellular and Molecular Biology, coordinated the analysis of mutations in the genomes, carried out from June to December last year. The data for this study were obtained through the public databaseGISAID, from Germany, which includes samples collected in Brazil and sequenced in a collaborative work involving scientists from all over the world.

To assess the presence of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, Univates researchers combined computational techniques such as structural bioinformatics and comparative genomics, with the aim of demonstrating what the prevalent mutations are and where, in the structure of the virus, are the prevalent mutations. . The study is highlighted by Univates as an expansion of knowledge about the interaction of the Covid-19 virus with the human organism.

“We have completed the computational part and now we are starting the experimental part,” explains Timmers, adding that, based on the findings of this work, the PhD student in the Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology (PPGBiotec) Débora Bublitz Anton will focus the research on one of the virus proteins, 3CLpro, in search of potential inhibitors. “The research contributes to the scientific community, by showing the mutations present in the virus, their locations in the structures of viral proteins, paving the way for the search for new compounds to fight the virus. It is also a warning sign for society, as it reinforces the perception that it is a virus with a high risk of mutation. That is why protective measures are important ”, highlights the researcher.

The efforts had the collaboration of six more institutions: the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), the University Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) and the University of Tübingen (Germany).

Other research by Univates with support from BRF

This is not the only Univates project under development that uses resources donated by BRF.

• Faster and cheaper diagnosis - In a project under the title Detection of the Corona Virus-2 Respiratory Syndrome virus by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Professor Daiane Heidrich, doctor in Medicine, is looking for a faster and cheaper exam, and with less environmental impact, to detect the virus by saliva, instead of the secretion collected from the nose and throat used by RT-PCR. The goal is to develop an alternative technology that can be used by the population of Vale do Taquari, through the support and interest of the municipal health networks, and even outside the region where Univates is located.

• Ozone for disinfection and sanitization - The Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Univates, Professor Simone Stülp, PhD in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, coordinates a project, together with a startup installed at Tecnovates, Alvap, which investigates the adoption of ozone for disinfection and sanitization. Alvap’s management of ozone is used for cleaning fruit, water purification, mainly in industry and agriculture. Professor Simone Stülp points out that the BRF investment for Tecnovates is an approximation with the BRF Innovation Hub, connected with the priority areas of the Technological Park, and welcome in an area of ​​extreme need at this time of sanitary emergency. BrfHub is the open innovation arm of BRF, which seeks to connect the company with new studies and technologies on a daily basis.

Donations in the fight against Covid

The donation to Univates is part of a set of R $ 50 million announced by BRF in April 2020, used in food distribution, medical supplies and support for research and social development funds, to contribute to efforts to combat the effects of the pandemic. The initiative reaches hospitals, social assistance organizations and health professionals in the states and municipalities where the company operates. Among the winners, in addition to Univates, are the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), in Rio de Janeiro, the Butantan Institute and the Hospital das Clínicas, in São Paulo.

Less than a month ago, on March 31, BRF announced the donation of another R $ 50 million, which includes actions in 15 Brazilian states and countries where BRF has production units, distribution centers and corporate offices. Food will be delivered to hospitals, social organizations and initiatives to support vulnerable populations. Hospital supplies and medical equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen plants and ICU beds, will be destined to municipal, state and health departments. It is also foreseen to promote other social development and health actions, as well as support for new scientific research, aiming to contribute with solutions to the challenges imposed by the worsening of the pandemic.

BRF donations and other actions in the fight against Coronavirus can be followed on the website https://www.brf-global.com/sobre/seguranca/comunicado-coronavirus

About BRF

One of the largest food companies in the world, BRF is present in more than 130 countries and owns iconic brands such as Sadia, Perdigão and Qualy. Its purpose is to offer quality food that is increasingly tasty and practical to people all over the world, through the sustainable management of a long, complex and living chain, which provides better life for everyone, from the farm to the table. Guided by the fundamental commitments of safety, quality and integrity, the Company bases its strategy on a long-term vision and aims to generate value for its more than 95 thousand employees in the world, more than 300 thousand customers and approximately 10 thousand integrated in Brazil, all its shareholders and to society.