Evolutionarily Conserved Long Non-coding RNA Regulates Gene Expression in Cytokine Storm During COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, cause significant human health issues.
• Severe COVID-19 can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), often involving a cytokine storm.
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play roles in gene regulation and cellular processes, and are implicated in disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To computationally identify conserved lncRNAs involved in regulating gene expression during COVID-19 cytokine storm.
• To find potential disease markers or drug targets for severe COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Computational analysis to identify conserved lncRNAs.
• Investigated lncRNA interactions with cytokines overexpressed in COVID-19 cytokine storm.

Main Results:

• Identified 22 lncRNAs targeting 10 overexpressed cytokines in COVID-19 cytokine storm.
• Eight lncRNAs targeted two or more cytokines.
• The lncRNA NORAD (non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage) targeted five cytokines and is evolutionarily conserved.

Conclusions:

• Conserved lncRNAs, including NORAD, are promising candidates for regulating gene expression in COVID-19 cytokine storm.
• These lncRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for severe COVID-19.
• Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted.