Research Networks and Collaborative Projects
The MCGG-SARS-CoV-2 project
A severely disturbed sense of smell and taste is the predominant neurological symptom of COVID-19 disease (Parma V et al. 2020). Scientists assume that the SARS-CoV-2 virus impairs chemosensory perception via other mechanisms than common cold viruses do (Cooper KW et al. 2020). In order to investigate these at the molecular level and thus create a scientific basis for new therapeutic approaches and test options, the Leibniz-LSB@TUM has received funding from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs for a research project started in June 2020. As part of the MCGG-SARS-CoV-2 project, the institute works closely together with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Vienna.
MCGG-SARS-CoV-2 stands for: Molekularbiologische Charakterisierung von Geruchs- und Geschmacksrezeptoren bei Probanden mit positivem Nachweis von SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Antikörpern sowie auftretenden Geruchs- und Geschmacksstörungen.
Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR)
The Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) is a group of scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Members are spread across 30 countries on five continents. An LSB scientist is also a member of the GCCR, which is conducting a global study to assess the possible relationships between respiratory illnesses (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, the common cold) and their effects on smell and taste perception gcchemosensr.org/projects/. Preliminary results on recovery patterns, which should facilitate selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions, can be found here: www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-96987-0.