New software helps know more about SARS | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

New software helps know more about SARS

PTI | ByPress Trust of India, New Delhi
May 05, 2003 01:35 PM IST

Using a new bioinformatics software, Indian scientists claim to have assigned functions to 6 proteins of the virus, that may prove crucial.

Indian scientists claim to have assigned functions to six proteins of the SARS virus, that may prove to be important in efforts to curtail the infection, using a new bioinformatics software, which was launched here on Saturday.

HT Image
HT Image

"The new software, PLHost (Peptide Library based Homology Search Tool), is an Indian product which will contribute towards knowing functions of genes, thus speeding the process of drug development," CSIR Director RA Mashelkar said launching it.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The software has been used to designate function to a human gene and identify antibacterial targets which are not present in humans, Dr Samir K Brahamachari, Director of the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, that has developed the software said.

Such antibacterial targets are important in drug development against bacteria, he said.

"It has also been used to assign functions to six SARS virus proteins by us," Brahamachari said.

SARS virus genome, unveiled few days back, was used to carry out the job, he said adding of the six, three proteins have a role in viral replication and the other three have some biochemical functions.

"With this knowledge of the proteins with replicating functions, one can move towards targetting the virus," he said. The paper related to this is being sent to a scientific journal.

It allows comparison of a large number of proteins from various organisms based on "identity" rather than "similarity", he said.

Manchester University has shown some interest in the new software and further talks are on, he said.

Initially, the programme which is available along with a database of 63 organisms' genomes, is available for Rs 20,000 to benefit the country's scientific laboratories and universities. The price of any other similar product in the market is at least 6,000 dollars. For industry, it would be sold at about 6,000 to 8,000 dollars.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On