COVID-19 Research Using C. elegans  Models

We can provide the following genetic models using C. elegans:

ACE2 Humanized Biosensor Model

• This C. elegans line expresses the human ACE2 receptor fused with GFP under a ubiquitous promoter.  Upon treatment with Spike protein, the ACE2 receptor translocates from the cell surface to cytoplasmic vesicles.
• This strain will help visualize the localization of the ACE2 receptor and whether drug treatment has disrupted this mechanism or whether RNA or DNA- encoding antigens and viral pseudotypes are successful in triggering it.

ACE2 Endocytosis Biosensor Model

• This C. elegans line expresses the human ACE2 receptor fused with a pH sensitive GFP variant,  pHlorin,  under a ubiquitous promoter. The pHlorin biomarker fluoresces more strongly following endocytosis of the ACE2 protein into endosomes where there is a marked pH drop.
• This strain can help researchers determine to what extent ACE2 is endocytosed and the dynamics of release of viral content into the cell. 

ACE2/ TMPRSS2 Double Humanized Model:

• This C. elegans line expresses the human ACE2 receptor and the human TMPRSS2 protease under a ubiquitous promoter. The ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are each fused with one part of a split GFP (ACE2::GFP1-10 and TMPRSS2::GFP11).
• This line enables the easy visualization of the colocalization of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. 

ACE2 Strain Longevity Platform

• COVID-19 has a marked increase in severity in those with advanced age. C.elegans is a validated model organism to study longevity and aging.
• We offer a Longevity Platform analysis in our ACE2 humanized line to experimentally test drugs and vaccine behavior during immune senescence. 

ACE2 Variant Analysis

• We can rapidly induce point mutations in the canonical human ACE2 and TMPRSS2 sequences, enabling researchers to perform variant analysis in these genes in the Humanized line.