[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have completed a high-resolution genetic map of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This signifies that the reality of COVID-19 has been confirmed, and it is expected to accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments.
The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) announced on the 10th that a research team led by Kim Bitnaeri, head of the RNA Research Group, and Jang Hyesik, research fellow and professor of the Department of Life Sciences at Seoul National University, in collaboration with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Institute of Health, achieved this result. The research findings were published online on the same day in the world-renowned international journal Cell.
Acquisition of RNA Transcriptome Information of the Virus Causing COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 Genomic RNA and Subgenomic RNA Composition, Schematic Diagram of Virus Particle Structure
The research team analyzed the RNA transcriptome produced within host cells infected by SARS-CoV-2 using two types of next-generation sequencing methods. Through these methods, they identified the precise locations of viral genes and discovered RNAs that had not been previously confirmed. The team confirmed that chemical modifications occur at at least 41 sites on the virus's RNA.
SARS-CoV-2 possesses RNA genes rather than DNA. The virus invades host cells, replicates RNA containing genetic information, and produces various 'subgenomic RNAs' based on the genomic RNA. The subgenomic RNAs synthesize proteins and, together with the replicated genes, form complete viral particles inside the host cell, which then exit the cell to infect new cells. With the secrets of the RNA genome unveiled through this study, it is expected that vaccine and therapeutic development will accelerate in the future.
A New Chapter in COVID-19 Virus Diagnosis and Therapeutic Development
This achievement was made possible through collaboration between the research team and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Kim Bitnaeri is the scholar with the most research achievements related to RNA studies in Korea. Professor Jang Hyesik, a key figure in developing the programming language Python used for big data analysis, utilized his expertise to complete RNA transcriptome analysis, which typically takes six months, in just three weeks. Additionally, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency promptly provided the research team with inactivated COVID-19 virus samples in February.
Kim Bitnaeri stated, "Cell expedited the publication decision amid the global pandemic of COVID-19," adding, "This research contributes to understanding the virus's replication principles through abundant information and detailed maps of SARS-CoV-2, which will help develop more accurate diagnostic kits and new therapeutic strategies for coronavirus family viruses in the future."
Meanwhile, Kim Bitnaeri, who led this research, is a world-renowned expert in microRNA (miRNA) research and has been frequently mentioned as a strong candidate for the Nobel Prize every year among Korean scientists.
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