In silico analysis of genomic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 and its variant of concerns (Delta and Omicron) reveals changes in the coding potential of miRNAs and their target genes.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 related morbidities and mortalities are still continued due to the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. In the last few years, viral miRNAs have been the centre of study to understand the disease pathophysiology. In this work, we aimed to predict the change in coding potential of the viral miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2's VOCs, Delta and Omicron compared to the Reference (Wuhan origin) strain using bioinformatics tools. After ab-intio based screening by the Vmir tool and validation, we retrieved 22, 6, and 6 pre-miRNAs for Reference, Delta, and Omicron. Most of the predicted unique pre-miRNAs of Delta and Omicron were found to be encoded from the terminal and origin of the genomic sequence, respectively. Mature miRNAs identified by MatureBayes from the unique pre-miRNAs were used for ta

SUBMITTER: Saini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9721428 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature