In silico and experimental analysis of ribosomal proteins expressions in SARS-cov-2 patients

Abstract

The expression levels of ribosomal proteins (RPs), selected based on microarray data, were analyzed in severe and mild infected patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus. qRT-PCR (Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) was performed to measure gene expression levels. Significant down-regulation was observed in RPL27a (-0.75 +/- 2.95 in severe vs. -1.71 +/- 1.91 in mild), RPL26 (0.021 +/- 2.12 in severe vs. -1.23 +/- 2.06 in mild), and RPL14 (-1.51 +/- 1.9 in severe vs. -0.79 +/- 1.5 in mild) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, no significant differences were found in the expression of RPL23 (-1.6 +/- 3.4 in severe vs. -2.0 +/- 2.69 in mild) and RPL31 (-2.5 +/- 1.77 in severe vs. -2.09 +/- 2.41 in mild). A significant correlation was identified between RPL26, RPL14, and RPL27a in mild patients, while RPL23 correlated with RPL31 and RPL27a in severe patients. These findings confirm the involvement of ribosomal proteins in SARS-CoV-2 infections in both severe and mild cases, suggesting their influence on the severity of the disease.