Differential Gene Expression and Transcriptomics Reveal High M-Gene
Expression in JN.1 and KP.1/2 Omicron Sub-Variants of SARS-CoV-2:
Implications for Developing More Sensitive Diagnostic Tests
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a positive-strand RNA virus, utilizes both genomic
replication and subgenomic mRNA transcription. Whole genome sequencing
(WGS) from clinical samples can estimate viral gene expression levels.
We conducted WGS on 529 SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical samples from Assam
and northeastern India to track viral emergence and assess gene
expression patterns. Our results reveal differential expression across
structural, non-structural, and accessory genes, with notable
upregulation of the M gene, especially in the Omicron variant, followed
by E and ORF6. The mean Transcript Per Million (TPM) expression levels
of the M gene were significantly higher in Omicron variants
(175611±46921), peaking in the KP.1/KP.2 sublineage (220493±34917),
compared to the Delta variant (129717±33773). The relative fold change
of M gene expression between Delta and Omicron 2024 subvariants showed a
1.6-fold change. Variant-wise gene expression analysis suggests a
correlation between gene expression and viral mutation, impacting
replication and transmission. As anticipated, the expression levels of
genes surge with the increase in the virus mutation. The Chi-square
trend for average substitution count vs. average TPM of the M gene was
highly significant (72.78, p<0.0001). The M gene’s high
expression and low mutation rate make it an ideal target for designing a
real-time RT-PCR kit assay. These findings highlight the need for
continuous surveillance and understanding of viral gene expression
dynamics for effective COVID-19 management. Further studies are
necessary to elucidate the significance of these observations in viral
pathogenesis and transmission dynamics.