Research project focuses on development of a soft x-ray-based imaging methodology for analyses of virus-cell interactions – One of the studied virus is SARS-CoV-2

Viruses have an important impact on human health, and the benefits of development of antiviral therapies and virus-mediated cancer therapy are considerable, in terms of economic, physical, social and mental well-being. The research project led by Docent Maija Vihinen-Ranta from Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center aims to advance understanding of the cellular origin of diseases and thereby to allow development of specific treatment of disorders and virus-mediated treatment of cancer. The total funding of the Horizon 2020 project is € 5,6 million and the funding for the Ģֱ project is 836 000 €.
Kuvassa on SiriusXT Ltd:n kehittämä matalaenergiseen röntgensäteilyyn perustuva mikroskooppi. Kuva: SiriusXT Ltd
Published
15.10.2020

In Compact Cell-Imaging Device (CoCID) project, a soft x-ray-based methodology for laboratory use will be developed. This technique enables fast and inexpensive three-dimensional imaging of whole, intact cells. To demonstrate the power of the technique, we will address some of the pressing issues in current society – viral diseases and cancer.

The CoCID consortium consists of seven partners from four European countries: Ireland, Germany, Spain and Finland. It has been composed to achieve the highest possible expertise in complex instrument design by SiriusXT Ltd and scientist-driven virus research, imaging and image analyses.

“In our studies, we will examine virus-cell interactions and virus-induced changes in cellular structures by using 3D soft x-ray microscopy. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the cellular mechanisms of these events and in development of antiviral drugs and virus-mediated oncolytic therapy”, says Maija Vihinen-Ranta from the Ģֱ and Nanoscience Center.

“To achieve our goals, we will employ an interdisciplinary approach that combines state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, advanced image analysis, and 3D soft x-ray imaging. Our project focuses on fours viruses: the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis-inducing hepatitis C and E viruses, and oncolytic Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virus”, says Maija Vihinen-Ranta.

In addition to the Horizon 2020 project, the herpesvirus research of Vihinen-Ranta group has recently been supported by Academy of Finland and Jane and Aatos Erkko foundation research grants.

Additional information:
Maija Vihinen-Ranta, maija.vihinen-ranta@jyu.fi, +358 40 024 8118