A new study, led by Dr. Yaiaira de Tamayo-Ordóñez and Dr. Ninfa Rosas-García from the Politécnico Nacional Instituto, discovered how certain RNA components in the SARS-COV-2 virus change over time, from mutations. The study, published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology, used advanced computer modeling to explore specific RNA structures, such as loops and knots, that are critical to the virus’s ability to replicate.
Dr. Yaira de Tamayo-Ordóñez and Dr. Ninfa Rosas-García discovered that these RNA elements, known as “cis-elements,” play a crucial role in controlling how the virus operates, including its ability to replicate itself and produce proteins. . By examining these elements in different variants of the virus, they found that these structures are flexible and adaptable, allowing the virus to change in ways that help it evade the immune system. As Dr. Tamayo-ordóñez explains: “The flexibility of these RNA structures helps viruses adapt and survive, which is why understanding them can provide valuable insights for developing therapies.”
Cis-elements are found in important parts of viral genomes and are responsible for many key processes. Researchers focused on these structures in various regions of the SARS-COV-2 genome and found that they play a central role in the virus’s ability to evolve. Dr. Rosas-García added: “Not only are these RNA structures conserved, but they are able to adjust their order, which allows the virus to continue to adapt and remain a serious threat.”
Another focus of the study was specific RNA structures located in regions of the viral genome that influence how the virus interacts with its host. This structure evolves with the virus and helps it avoid detection by the immune system. Variants such as Omicron and Eris display changes in S2M structure, suggesting that these alterations may contribute to their rapid spread and ability to evade immunity. The adaptability of this structure is an important area for future research, as the goal could be potential strategies for developing therapies that halt the virus in its tracks.
To better understand how these RNA structures change, the team used computer programs to predict their shapes. They found that the stability of these structures, which is critical for the normal function of the virus, varied between different virus variants. These slight changes may affect how easily the virus can replicate and spread. As Dr. Rosas-García points out, “Even small differences in these structures could lead to significant changes in the way the virus behaves, potentially explaining why some variants are more susceptible than others. Infectious.”
The study’s results highlight the importance of these evolving RNA structures in understanding viral behavior. Dr. Tamayo-Ordóñez noted that targeting these structures could provide new ways to combat viruses, saying: “By focusing on these key elements, especially structures like pseudonolin and S2M, we may be able to develop viruses that block their ability. Therapies reproduce and spread.”
The research opens up new possibilities for treating Covid-19 and provides key information about how the virus adapts. With these insights, scientists can work to develop more effective treatments to keep up with the rapid evolution of the virus.
Journal reference
Tamayo-ordóñez, Y. d. J., Rosas-García, N. M., et al. “Genome evolution strategy B in SARS-COV-2 lineage B: coevolution of cis elements.” Curr. Question Moore. Biol. , 2024, 46, 5744–5776. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060344
About the author
Dr. Yahaira de Jesús Tamayo Ordóñez are leading researchers in the field of biotechnology with solid academic backgrounds and careers ranging from state-of-the-art research to creating innovative solutions to health, sustainability and environmental issues. She consolidated her experience in microevolution and biomedical biotechnology through two postdoctoral stays at the Autonomous University of Coahuila and the Center for Genomic Biotechnology of the National Polytechnic Institute, where she worked through collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to meeting Mexico’s challenges. Her commitment to academic research and technology transfer and applied innovation is demonstrated by her membership in the National System of Researchers (SNI), the National Society of Biotechnology and Engineering (SONABIIN) and her co-founding of the Microenterprise Innovación Biote Cnología (Inbioto). Since October 2022, Dr. Tamayo has been involved in a comprehensive project studying the evolution of the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, looking for possible drugs to counteract its effects. This work is critical to developing advanced methods for detecting and diagnosing new variants, an important aspect of predicting and mitigating the impact of future pandemics.
Dr. Ninfa M. Rosas-García Responsible for the Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory of CBG-IPN, Reynosa, Mexico. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology Sciences from UANL. Her research focuses on biological control of insect pests and the study of microorganisms that degrade xenobiotic products. She served as director of CBG from 2010 to 2014 and later spent a sabbatical at Texas A&M University’s Agrilife Research Center working on improving and combating pests of Mexican lime. Dr. Rosas has served as technical manager for various research projects with internal and external funding and has also supervised various undergraduate, master’s and doctoral theses. She has published 69 research articles in indexed journals and several book chapters, and has served as an editor of international books. Dr. Rosas collaborates abroad, primarily in the United States and India. Currently, Dr. Rosas continues to work on the biological control of pests that attack the economic importance of the country, also focusing on the research and production of secondary metabolites produced by fungi and bacteria to determine their entomoviral, biodegradative and antimicrobial capabilities, To identify agricultural impacts and the development of products that benefit the environment.
