Identification and classification of differentially expressed genes reveal potential molecular signature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung adenocarcinomal cells. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soremekun, Opeyemi S.; Omolabi, Kehinde F.; Soliman, Mahmoud E.S.
• Is Part Of: Informatics in medicine unlocked. Volume 20(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Differentially expressed genes -- SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- Enrichment analysis -- RNAseq; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2020.100384
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-9148

Abstract

Abstract: Genomic techniques such as next-generation sequencing and microarrays have facilitated the identification and classification of molecular signatures inherent in cells upon viral infection, for possible therapeutic targets. Therefore, in this study, we performed a differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and gene ontology on RNAseq data obtained from SARS-CoV-2 infected A549 cells. Differential expression analysis revealed that 753 genes were up-regulated while 746 down-regulated. SNORA81, OAS2, SYCP2, LOC100506985, and SNORD35B are the top 5 upregulated genes upon SARS-Cov-2 infection. Expectedly, these genes have been implicated in the immune response to viral assaults. In the Ontology of protein classification, a high percentage of the genes are classified as Gene-specific transcriptional regulator, metabolite interconversion enzyme, and Protein modifying enzymes. Twenty pathways with P-value lower than 0.05 were enriched in the up-regulated genes while 18 pathways are enriched in the down-regulated DEGs. The toll-like receptor signalling pathway is one of the major pathways enriched. This pathway plays an important role in the innate immune system by identifying the pathogen-associated molecular signature emanating from various microorganisms. Taken together, our results present a novel understanding of genes and corresponding pathways upon SARS-Cov-2 infection, and could facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the treatment of COVID-19.