Differential gene expression analysis of common target genes for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using real time-PCR

Abstract

COVID-19 currently is the main cause of the severe acute respiratory disease and fatal outcomes in human beings worldwide. Several genes are used as targets for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, including the RDRP, N, and E genes. The present study aimed to determine the RDRP, N, and E genes expressions of SARS-CoV- 2 in clinical samples. For this purpose, 100 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were collected from diagnostic laboratories of Mazandaran province, Iran. After RNA extraction, the real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time RT-PCR) assay was performed for differential gene expressions’ analysis of N, E, and RDRP. The threshold cycle (Ct) values for N, RDRP, and E targets of 100 clinical samples for identifying SARS-CoV-2 were then evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This result suggests N gene as a potential target for the detection of the SARS-CoV‐2, since it was observed to be highly expressed in the nasopharyngeal or oropharynges of COVID-19 patients (P < 0.0001). Herein, we showed that SARS-CoV- 2 genes were differentially expressed in the host cells. Therefore, to reduce obtaining false negative results and to increase the sensitivity of the available diagnostic tests, the target genes should be carefully selected based on the most expressed genes in the cells.