Direct RNA sequencing reveals m6A modifications and isoform changes in SARS-CoV-2-infected HEK cells.

ABSTRACT: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers complex host responses, including alterations in RNA transcription and modification. Understanding these changes is crucial for elucidating viral pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets. We used direct RNA sequencing to comprehensively profile the transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic landscapes of human HEK-AT cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 at 8 h post-infection, compared to mock controls. We analysed viral and host transcriptomes, focusing on gene and transcript expression, isoform usage and RNA m6A modifications. Viral RNA sequencing reads showed 3' end-biassed coverage indicative of subgenomic RNA synthesis, with high expression of N gene subgenomic RNA reads. Sixteen m6A modifi

SUBMITTER: Duru IC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12451313 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature