Sequencing SARS-CoV-2 genome

Researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) started sequencing samples of the SARS-CoV-2 virus provided by hospital units in the Lisbon region. The samples were sequenced and compared with other genomes of the virus. 

Knowing the virus and its potential mutations was fundamental to set containment, treatment and prevention strategies. The data was added to open access platforms that allow all scientific community to share this information. 

 

New lines of Research

Several teams at the IGC redirected part of their research with the aim of knowing more about the new coronavirus. These new studies focused on the virology and evolution fields as well as in the immunology and tolerance to infection subjects.

These projects allowed us to expand knowledge about mutation rates of the virus, on how it replicates, and also on the tolerance to infection, allowing us to evaluate the effectiveness of medicines already available in the market and open the way for new therapies.