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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
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  • Aktarul Islam Siddique,
  • Neelanjana Sarmah,
  • Nargis Bali K,
  • Norman Nausch,
  • Biswajyoti Borkakoty
Aktarul Islam Siddique
ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre Dibrugarh
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Neelanjana Sarmah
ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre Dibrugarh
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Nargis Bali K
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Library
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Norman Nausch
German Epidemic Preparedness Team – SEEG
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Biswajyoti Borkakoty
ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre Dibrugarh

Corresponding Author:biswaborkakoty@gmail.com

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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.
31 Jul 2024Submitted to Journal of Medical Virology
01 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
01 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
01 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Oct 20241st Revision Received
29 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
29 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
29 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Nov 2024Editorial Decision: Accept