Intersection between ageing-related Genes and SARS-CoV-2 Interactome: Is it higher than expected?

Abstract

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (coronavirus disease, 2019; COVID-19) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients. It has been observed that lethality seems to be related to the age of patients. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that ageing causes some modifications at a molecular level.Objective The study aims to investigate a possible link between the increased COVID-19 lethality and the molecular changes that occur in elderly people.Methods We considered publicly available datasets on ageing-related genes and SARS-CoV-2 interactors. Then, for each SARS-CoV-2 protein interactor, we tested for the enrichment of ageing-related proteins. Finally, we performed a network-based analysis to identify which molecular mechanisms could play a role in the SARS-CoV-2 molecular aetiology and ultimately affect COVID-19 outcome.Results We observed a significant intersection between some SARS-CoV-2 interactors and ageing-related genes. Our analysis evidenced that virus infection particularly affects ageing molecular mechanisms centred around proteins EEF2, NPM1, HMGA1, HMGA2, APEX1, CHEK1, PRKDC, and GPX4.Conclusion Our study generated a mechanistic framework aiming at explaining the correlation between COVID-19 incidence in elderly patients and molecular mechanisms of ageing. This will provide testable hypotheses for future investigation on the mechanism of action of coronaviruses and pharmacological solutions tailored on specific age ranges.

Risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on leukemia patients: basic science to clinical aspect ‎

“…Currently, in China, where the first case of COVID-19 was found, 82.545 positive cases and 3.314 deaths due to COVID-19 have been recorded [2]. The first case in China was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and then cases kept appearing in other provinces around Hubei [7,9]. All over the world, 198 countries have reported positive cases of COVID-19 and 158 countries with local transmission.…”

“…Most patients' peak temperatures are between 38,1-39°C and mostly show respiratory symptoms [32]. If the disease is left untreated, the disease course may cause uncontrolled inflammatory processes leading to complications such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis that can result in death [7]. From initial symptoms to death, it may take 6-41 days, 14 days on average.…”

“…There is also a decrease in mature lymphoid function in secondary lymphoid tissues. These cause the immune response in the elderly not to be as strong as that of a young person [7]. Besides that, other conditions that cause people to have a higher risk of death when infected with coronavirus are comorbidities such as chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cancer included hematologic malignancy, especially leukemia [8].…”