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Non-Coding RNAs in COVID-19: Emerging Insights and Current Questions
Tobias Plowman1,2, Dimitris Lagos1,2
1York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, UK.
Non-Coding RNA
|September 26, 2021
Summary
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in severe COVID-19 by regulating key pathological processes. Understanding these interactions is vital for developing future treatments for coronavirus disease 2019.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by complex immunopathology.
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), previously overlooked, are increasingly recognized for their regulatory roles in biological processes.
- Emerging evidence highlights the involvement of ncRNAs in the immune response to viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the current evidence on the involvement of short and long ncRNAs in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- To explore the potential roles of ncRNAs in regulating key hallmarks of severe COVID-19, including cytokine storm, hemostasis, immune cell recruitment, and vascular dysregulation.
- To propose hypotheses for future research into the mechanistic and clinical implications of ncRNA-host and ncRNA-virus interactions in COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and evidence synthesis.
- Analysis of existing studies on ncRNA function in viral infections and immune responses.
- Comparative evaluation of short and long ncRNAs in the context of COVID-19 pathology.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs are implicated in regulating critical aspects of severe COVID-19, such as cytokine storm syndrome, hemostatic alterations, immune cell recruitment, and vascular dysregulation.
- Evidence suggests potential interactions between host and viral ncRNAs, as well as interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), influencing disease progression.
- Both short ncRNAs (e.g., microRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) demonstrate significant roles in modulating the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs are integral to the immunopathology of severe COVID-19, acting as key regulators of disease mechanisms.
- Further investigation into ncRNA-mediated host-virus interactions is warranted to elucidate specific molecular pathways.
- Understanding the functional roles of ncRNAs in COVID-19 may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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