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Deciphering the omicron variant: integrated omics analysis reveals critical biomarkers and pathophysiological
Qianyue Yang1, Zhiwei Lin1,2, Mingshan Xue1,3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
Researchers identified key protein and metabolite biomarkers in Omicron infections, revealing roles in coagulation and metabolism. These findings offer potential targets for diagnostics and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology and virology
- Biomarker discovery
- Systems biology
Background:
- The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 presents significant public health challenges.
- Understanding Omicron's molecular mechanisms is crucial for clinical and public health strategies.
- There is an urgent need to identify specific biomarkers for Omicron infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decipher the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying Omicron infections.
- To identify specific protein and metabolite biomarkers associated with Omicron pathogenesis.
- To explore the roles of identified biomarkers in physiological processes and metabolic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Multi-omics analysis integrating proteomics and metabolomics.
- Proteomic analysis using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry.
- Metabolomic profiling via Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC).
- Bioinformatics analysis including protein-protein interactions, pathway enrichment, and metabolic network dynamics using STRING and Cytoscape.
Main Results:
- Eight dysregulated proteins (e.g., THBS1, ACTN1, ACTB, ICAM1) identified, linked to coagulation and hemostasis.
- 146 differentially expressed metabolites discovered, associated with tryptophan metabolism, retinol metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
- Significant alterations in metabolic equilibrium and systemic implications of Omicron infection highlighted.
Conclusions:
- The study enhances understanding of Omicron variant's physiological effects, particularly coagulation and platelet pathways.
- Identified biomarkers show potential as critical targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Findings provide insights for developing tailored treatments and improving patient care during the pandemic.
