Korean researchers have completed the world's first high-resolution genetic map of Severe acute reaction syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which generates COVID-19. It is expected to contribute to the development of COVID-19 diagnostic testing kits and treatments in the future.
The Korea Institute for Basic Science said on April 9 that a research team led by Kim Bit-naeri of the RNA research group and Jang Hye-sik of the Department of Life Sciences at Seoul National University made the achievement through joint research with the National Institute of Health at the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This is the first time for a virus gene map to accurately identify genes that are actually produced by entering human cells. The results of the study were published in the online edition of Cell, a world-renowned international journal.
Using next-generation analysis methods such as Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing, the research team analyzed both the genes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the RNA Transcriptome produced by infiltrating into host cells.
It found the exact location of the virus gene. It also found chemical deformation of the virus' RNA in at least 41 hidden RNAs. In addition, the team understood how the virus' Transcriptome was constructed and correctly identified where the virus genes were located on the genome.
This has secured a map to reveal the hidden genetic secrets of SARS-CoV-2. The research team also produced big data on dielectric and Transcriptome in the study, providing various information for follow-up research.
Earlier in January, China's Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and others first released information on the DNA gene of SARS-CoV-2. Based on this, a DNA-based diagnostic kit was developed, but this was only a prediction of the genetic location based on genetic RNA information.
In the study, Kim's research team experimentally identified subgenetic RNAs produced from genetic RNAs and analyzed all genetic information of each Transcriptome to pinpoint where genes are located on genetic RNAs.
"By providing detailed guidance and information on SARS-CoV-2, the study will understand the principles of virus proliferation and, based on them, contribute to the development of diagnostic kits and treatment strategies for related coronavirus," Kim said.
