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Dmitry Korkin: Computational Biology of Coronavirus | Lex Fridman Podcast #90
12 segments available
Dmitry Korkin is a professor of bioinformatics and computational biology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he specializes in bioinformatics of complex disease, computational genomics, systems biology, and biomedical data analytics. I came across Dmitry's work when in February his group used the viral genome of the COVID-19 to reconstruct the 3D structure of its major viral proteins and their interactions with human proteins, in effect creating a structural genomics map of the coronavirus and making this data open and available to researchers everywhere. We talked about the biology of COVID-19, SARS, and viruses in general, and how computational methods can help us understand their structure and function in order to develop antiviral drugs and vaccines. Support this podcast by signing up with these sponsors: - Cash App - use code "LexPodcast" and download: - Cash App (App Store): https://apple.co/2sPrUHe - Cash App (Google Play): https://bit.ly/2MlvP5w EPISODE LINKS: Dmitry's Website: http://korkinlab.org/ Dmitry's Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmkorkin Dmitry's Paper that we discuss: https://bit.ly/3eKghEM PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4 Clips playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOeciFP3CBCIEElOJeitOr41 OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 2:33 - Viruses are terrifying and fascinating 6:02 - How hard is it to engineer a virus? 10:48 - What makes a virus contagious? 29:52 - Figuring out the function of a protein 53:27 - Functional regions of viral proteins 1:19:09 - Biology of a coronavirus treatment 1:34:46 - Is a virus alive? 1:37:05 - Epidemiological modeling 1:55:27 - Russia 2:02:31 - Science bobbleheads 2:06:31 - Meaning of life CONNECT: - Subscribe to this YouTube channel - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman
Segments Timeline
Introduction to Dmitry Korkin
In this segment, Lex Fridman introduces Dmitry Korkin, a professor of bioinformatics and computational biology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. They discuss Korkin's groundbreaking work on the COVID-19 viral genome, which led to the reconstruction of its 3D structure and interactions with human proteins, creating a vital structural genomics map for researchers.
"the following is a conversation with Dimitri korkin he's a professor of bioinformatics and computational biology at WPI Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he specializes in bioinformatics of comple..."
The Fascination and Terror of Viruses
Dmitry Korkin shares his thoughts on viruses, describing them as both terrifying and fascinating. He discusses the efficiency of viruses as machines that have evolved to maximize their survival and success, prompting a deeper reflection on their intelligence and the implications of their behavior on a societal level.
"terrifying or fascinating when I think about viruses I think about them I mean I imagine them as those villains that do their work so perfectly well that's that is impossible not to be fascinated with..."
Engineering Viruses: A Double-Edged Sword
Korkin addresses the complexities of engineering viruses, expressing concern over naturally occurring viruses rather than engineered ones. He highlights the ongoing emergence of new strains of influenza and coronaviruses, emphasizing the importance of understanding these natural processes to mitigate future pandemics.
"incredible simplicity and the efficiency - is it the evolutionary process - maybe another way to ask that if you look at the next hundred years are you more worried about the natural pandemics or the ..."
Contagiousness of Viruses Explained
In this segment, Korkin explains what makes a virus contagious, discussing factors such as transmission methods, survival on surfaces, and the role of asymptomatic carriers. He emphasizes the significance of understanding these dynamics in the context of public health and pandemic preparedness.
"virus more contagious or the I'm sure there's a lot of variables that come into play but is it is it that whole discussion of aerosol and like the size of droplets if if it's airborne or there's some ..."
Understanding Viral Proteins
Korkin delves into the function of viral proteins, discussing their roles in infection and how they interact with host cells. He explains the importance of studying these proteins to develop effective antiviral drugs and vaccines, highlighting the ongoing research in this critical area of virology.
"tangent and can you can you say how one would try to figure out what a function of a particular protein is so you've mentioned people are still trying to figure out what the function of the envelope p..."
Biology of Coronavirus Treatments
This segment focuses on the biology behind potential treatments for coronaviruses. Korkin discusses the mechanisms of action for various antiviral strategies and the challenges faced in developing effective therapies, underscoring the need for continued research and innovation in the field.
"in if it's okay sure so it's a paper called structured of Tsarskoe how do you even pronounce our scurvy - Co V - yeah by The Cove it is such a terrible name but it stuck and yes Tsarskoe V - indicates..."
Is a Virus Alive?
Korkin explores the philosophical question of whether viruses can be considered alive. He discusses the characteristics that define life and how viruses fit into this framework, prompting a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of life and the role of viruses in ecosystems.
"spikes it has roughly 200 to 400 membrane protein dimers and those are arranged in there very nice lattice so you can actually see sort of the it's it's like a it's a carpet of on the surface again ex..."
Epidemiological Modeling Insights
In this brief segment, Korkin shares insights on epidemiological modeling and its importance in understanding virus spread and containment strategies. He emphasizes the role of data analytics in predicting outbreaks and informing public health responses.
"mean you did mention that viruses are I think you mentioned that they're now living yes they are not living organisms so let me ask that questioning and why do you think they're not living organisms w..."
Reflections on Russia
Korkin reflects on his experiences and perspectives related to Russia, touching on cultural and scientific aspects. This segment provides a personal glimpse into his background and how it shapes his views on global health challenges.
"epidemiological modeling the simulation of these things so the zooming out outside of the body during the aging based simulation so that's where you actually simulate individual human beings and then ..."
Science Bobbleheads: A Lighthearted Moment
In a lighter moment, Korkin and Fridman discuss science bobbleheads, bringing humor into the conversation. This segment serves as a brief interlude, showcasing the lighter side of scientific discussions.
"have a bit of a Russian accent Russian or no Russian accent uh were you born in Russia yes and the you you're too kind I have a pre thick Russian accent what are your favorite memories of Russia so I ..."
The Meaning of Life
In the closing segment, Korkin and Fridman ponder the meaning of life, exploring philosophical questions that transcend science. This thought-provoking discussion wraps up the podcast on a reflective note, inviting listeners to consider their own perspectives.
"a collection of science bobbleheads yes which look amazing which which bobblehead is your favorite and which real-world version which scientist is your favorite yeah so yeah by the way I was trying to..."
Reflections on Human Fragility
Korkin concludes the conversation by reflecting on the fragility of human life in the face of viruses and diseases. He emphasizes the importance of societal bonds and the hope that scientific endeavors can lead to meaningful solutions. This segment encapsulates the essence of human resilience and the role of science in addressing global challenges.
"you know people argue but some of them were pretty sure that if not for this you know photograph 51 by rosalind Franklin that you know what Sun Cree got access to he would be he would be the one who s..."