SARS-CoV-2 Subgenomic RNAs: Characterization, Utility, and Perspectives
Samuel Long
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent at the root of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, harbors a large RNA genome from which a tiered ensemble of subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) is generated. Comprehensive definition and investigation of these RNA products are important for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. This review summarizes the recent progress on SARS-CoV-2 sgRNA identification, characterization, and application as a viral replication marker. The significance of these findings and potential future research areas of interest are discussed.
Topics & Concepts
Subgenomic mRNABiologyComputational biologyRNAGenomeSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)VirologyCoronavirusIdentification (biology)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PandemicGeneticsGeneMedicineDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyBotanySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchViral gastroenteritis research and epidemiologyMicroRNA in disease regulation