In silico identification of conserved cis-acting RNA elements in the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The aim of this study was to computationally predict conserved RNA sequences and structures known as cis-acting RNA elements (CREs) in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome.

Materials & methods

Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze and predict CREs by obtaining viral sequences from available databases.

Results

Computational analysis revealed the presence of RNA stem-loop structures within the 3' end of the ORF1ab region analogous to previously identified SARS-CoV genomic packaging signals. Alignment-based RNA secondary structure predictions of the 5' end of the SARS-CoV-2 genome also identified conserved CREs.

Conclusion

These CREs may be potential vaccine and/or antiviral therapeutic targets; however, further st

SUBMITTER: Alhatlani BY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7507811 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature