Identifying Host Cell Gene Expression Modulation as Potential Markers for SARS-CoV2 Infection

Abstract

Background The SARSCoV2 emergence in 2019 has caused health, safety, and socioeconomic issues around the world. Current testing prioritizes viral RNA detection, requiring specialized techniques, training, and time periods, resulting in significant testing limitations. Viral infection can cause changes in host cell gene expression, which vary from virus to virus. Recent research suggests SARSCoV2-induced gene expression modulations in infected human cells may be differentiated from expressions elicited by other acute respiratory illnesses. Data in this study highlight specific genes that are differentially expressed during SARSCoV2 infection. This novel application of individual sample analysis in connection with global databases, provides robust data for genes that are specifically modulated during SARSCoV2 infection. This expression profile would be valuable for SARSCoV2 testing, prevention, treatment, and basic virology research. Methods Previously collected COVID-19 surveillance-testing samples from cadets at the United States Air Force Academy were used to quantify the expression of 19 target genes using direct primer-mediated qRTPCR. Additionally, samples were analyzed with RNA-seq to assess the different transcriptomes between uninfected and SARSCoV2-infected samples. Results were compared with national databases to confirm agreement with the results. Results 19 genes were identified to be altered during SARSCoV2 infection using in-lab experimental results. This expression profile matches previous research and may uniquely describe SARSCoV2 infection. The genes expected to be upregulated according to previous research, IL1B, IFI44L, ACE2 & DUX3, were all upregulated. RNA-seq data confirms these results and identified 122 other genes that are significantly different between uninfected and SARSCoV2 infected samples. The results have a 93% agreement rate with national databases. Conclusion Despite the availability of vaccines for SARSCoV2, the continual mutation and evolution of the virus, the emergence of novel and increasingly infectious strains, and the anti-vaccine sentiment increase the need for safe and rapid testing alternative options. The expression profile of altered host genes during SARSCoV2 infection could be extremely advantageous to detect and prevent infection, as well as further research efforts for treatment and understanding SARSCoV2 infection.