Using Bioinformatics Tools and Databases for Drug Development (Hands-on Exploration)

Scientists recently found that some small drugs can stop infection by the deadly Ebola virus in its tracks. Lab researchers found that these drugs bind to a protein that the Ebola virus uses to enter our cells, and this is how infection is prevented. However, this also means that the bound protein no longer functions in our cells. How might these drugs accidentally disrupt important biological processes in our bodies? What other proteins might these drugs bind to? In this science project, you will explore how drugs that may someday be used to treat deadly diseases are tested to make sure that they do not unintentionally damage our bodies.