The Role of ncRNAs in Covid-19 Pathogenesis

Abstract

Genomic studies have shown that approximately 2% of the human genome encodes protein, and the rest consists of non-coding RNAs (ncRNA). ncRNAs are the modifications that can alter gene expression at different levels without making any changes on the DNA sequence. One of the most important function of non-coding RNAs is to modulate host immunity and inflammatory response by regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. The World Health Organization has declared Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 shows symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and it can lead to severe symptomatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), bring along many problems such as cardiovascular complications, kidney damage, stroke and death. Virus host interactions associated with the immune system is also important beside the viral replication mechanism in the development of a successful therapeutic target for SARS-CoV-2. Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate virus-host interactions affect the extent and adequacy of immune and inflammatory responses that are important for clinical outcomes. Thus, identifying ncRNAs involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection will help to understand the epigenetic regulation underlying the immune response that occurs and to develop new specific strategies to prevent and treat the infection. In this review, the importance of ncRNA mediated gene regulation in SARS-CoV-2 infection and its role in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic were discussed.