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Differences in endosomal Rab gene expression between positive and negative COVID-19 patients

Nur Atik1, Farruqi Wirawan2, Riezki Amalia3

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, 40161, Indonesia. n.atik@unpad.ac.id.

BMC Research Notes
|July 15, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

COVID-19 infection alters endocytic protein expression. SARS-CoV-2 positive patients showed increased RAB5 mRNA and decreased RAB7 and RAB11B mRNA compared to negative patients, suggesting a role for these Rab proteins in viral entry.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes the ACE2 receptor for host cell entry.
  • Viral entry mechanisms can involve endocytosis and associated proteins, such as the Rab family.
  • The specific involvement of endocytic Rab proteins (RAB5, RAB7, RAB11B) in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of RAB5, RAB7, and RAB11B in patients with and without COVID-19.
  • To determine if SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with altered expression of these key endocytic pathway genes.

Main Methods:

  • RNA was isolated from 249 patient samples (viral and human epithelial cells).
  • Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to quantify gene expression.
  • Statistical analysis, including the Mann Whitney U Test, was used to compare expression levels between COVID-19 positive and negative groups.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant increase in RAB5 mRNA expression was observed in the COVID-19 patient group compared to the control group (P < 0.001).
  • Conversely, RAB7 and RAB11B mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients relative to controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.036, respectively).
  • These findings represent the first report of significant differences in RAB5, RAB7, and RAB11B expression between individuals with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with distinct alterations in the expression of endocytic Rab proteins.
  • The observed changes in RAB5, RAB7, and RAB11B expression may play a role in the cellular internalization mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise functional implications of these Rab proteins in the context of COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Keywords:
Endocytic pathwayRab11bRab5Rab7SARS CoV-2Viral entry

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