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Deregulated expression of autophagy genes; PIK3C3 and RAB7A in COVID-19 patients

Mona Tahoun1, Ahmed S Sadaka2

  • 1Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.

Human Immunology
|April 12, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Autophagy genes PIK3C3 and RAB7A expression were significantly reduced in COVID-19 patients. Lower expression of these autophagy markers may aid in monitoring disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Autophagy's role in coronavirus infection and replication is debated.
  • Autophagy is a cellular process involving lysosomal breakdown and recycling of intracellular components.
  • Investigating autophagy gene expression in COVID-19 is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the expression of autophagy genes PIK3C3 and RAB7A in COVID-19 patients.
  • To determine if PIK3C3 and RAB7A can serve as biomarkers for monitoring COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 50 COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy controls.
  • Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression levels.

Main Results:

  • PIK3C3 and RAB7A gene expression were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • PIK3C3 and RAB7A showed high sensitivity and specificity as potential biomarkers.
  • Gene expression correlated positively with inflammatory markers (WBCs, IL-6, CRP) and clinical indicators (neutrophils, D-dimer, ALT).

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 patients exhibit reduced expression of PIK3C3 and RAB7A.
  • Further research is recommended to elucidate the specific roles of these autophagy genes in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Keywords:
AutophagyCOVID-19PIK3C3RAB7ASARS-CoV-2

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