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Updated: Nov 25, 2025
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Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses
Published on: December 29, 2015
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SARS-CoV-2 RNA reverse-transcribed and integrated into the human genome
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|December 17, 2020
Summary
SARS-CoV-2 RNA can integrate into the human genome and be transcribed, explaining prolonged PCR positivity in recovered patients. This retro-integration mechanism offers new insights into SARS-CoV-2 replication and persistence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and recurrent PCR positivity are observed post-recovery.
- These patients are typically non-infectious, suggesting non-replicative RNA sources.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA can undergo reverse transcription and genomic integration in human cells.
- This retro-integration process, potentially mediated by LINE-1, may explain persistent viral RNA detection after recovery.
- Identifies a novel aspect of SARS-CoV-2 replication and RNA persistence.
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