Carbs and Covid-19

3D models of SARS-CoV-2 S protein non-glycosylated (left); glycosylated (right)

The secrets of carbs and Covid-19

Dr Elisa Fadda at the Department of Chemistry is working on pathbreaking research into how the coronavirus hides and attaches to cells

Your research on the Covid-19 virus was featured recently by the New York Times – can you tell us more?

That was so exciting. It was about the work we have been doing with international collaborators on the carbohydrate molecules that surround the spike protein on the surface of the Covid-19 virus. The journalist, Carl Zimmer, did a super job of writing about it, and the story was first on the front page of the New York Times, and then a few days later they ran a fantastic set of images about the project in the centre of the newspaper. I am going to frame it.

Why are you interested in the carbohydrates on the outside of the virus?

A lot of people talk about the proteins on the surface of the virus, but then you have this “fur” of carbohydrates (or glycans) linked to the protein surface, and they affect the function hugely. We have been showing how the glycans on the spike protein not only help the virus to hide from our immune system, but they also enable the spike protein to move in particular ways so that the virus can attach to our cells and get inside them.

How do you look at those carbohydrates?

In my group in Maynooth we use very large computers from national and EU research facilities to simulate the carbohydrate structures, properties and dynamics, and collaborators around the world complement that with experiments in their labs.

What were you working on before Covid-19?

We were looking at how a sugar called fucose present in carbohydrates on antibodies makes them less effective. We can see that the presence of fucose increases the glycans’ dynamics, destabilising the antibody’s structure, and that is what you don’t want if you are, say, developing a therapeutic antibody.

Were you always a carbohydrate person?

No, not at all. I had the good fortune to grow up in Sardinia, and studied chemistry there. Then I did my PhD in Montreal on hardcore quantum physics. After that I worked at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and this is where I developed a love for biophysics – I saw how the fundamental research could be applied to developing new therapies and diagnostics. Then I moved to Ireland and I worked in NUI Galway on carbohydrate research before coming to Maynooth.

What has life been like for you during Covid-19?

Work has been extremely busy. While nobody wants this pandemic, I think it is helping people to appreciate the importance of carbohydrates in biology. Until about 15-20 years ago, carbohydrates were considered a nuisance and decoration, something that needed to be removed so you could examine the protein. When I would go to conferences, people would say, “Please, spare me the carbohydrate talk,” but now I am being invited to talk about carbohydrates all over the place. I have also been fortunate to be able to work from home and online. I don’t think I will ever wear high heels again.

Dr Elisa Fadda

How do you escape from work if you are at home all day?

I enjoy yoga at home. And I am lucky to live very close to the Phoenix Park, and I go running there. I am a terrible runner, I am always getting injured, but I love it. It clears my head.

This article was written by science journalist Dr Claire O’Connell and published with the permission of The Irish Times, Science section, ‘Research Lives.’

2014 Eva Marie Acton

2014 BSc Education Science Teacher, Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar

2020 got off to a great start for Eva Marie Acton. Awarded the Analog Devices Educator of Excellence Award for Technology 2020 at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition earlier this year, Eva Marie received one of the four teacher awards which were given out nationally for educators of excellence in technology. Her students, who had six projects in the competition, won a Met Éireann special award and had three projects highly commended. Eva Marie has entered 20 projects in BTYS since graduating from Maynooth University. Eva Marie graduated with her BSc Science Education in 2014 after joining the course as a mature student. She subsequently established Coláiste Coding, a lunch time coding club in her school Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar. The Mullingar school went on to be selected as one of the first 40 schools to implement Leaving Certificate Computer Science, which will be examined for the first time in 2020.

As she told The Bridge, “When I look back on my time in Maynooth University, I find myself wishing I could go back and do it all over again! “I was supported on my learning journey every step of the way by the fantastic staff at MU. The lecturers knew us by name and were always available to help. We all felt part of the same team. What is particularly special about Maynooth is that even after I graduated, I was still supported. When I sought advice about setting up a coding club, and establishing computer science in my school, the lecturers were still very interested and willing to assist me. “A highlight of my time in MU was the opportunity to be part of the exchange with St. Mary’s College in Indiana. This research experience shaped me both as a teacher and a collaborator.

The biggest thing I have taken away from my time in MU is the friendships I have built. These lifelong friendships are priceless and are cherished now more than ever.”