Investigation of circular RNAs as mediators of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the cardiovascular system
Project leader: Prof. Dr. Thomas Thum
Key area
- Pathophysiology: immunmodulation and immune control
Who is involved?
- Prof. Dr. Thomas Thum (Project leader, MHH)
- Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kalinke (TWINCORE)
What is the aim?
The human transcriptome is mostly composed of RNA transcripts which, unlike mRNAs, are not translated into proteins. These allegedly non-coding RNAs are increasingly being recognized as essential and functional molecules that are significantly involved in the development and regulation of non-communicable diseases, but also of infectious diseases. In this project, the role of circular, i.e. closed, functional RNA molecules in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and propagation in the cardiovascular system is to be investigated. Our preliminary work has already shown that the expression of circular RNAs in human myocardial cells is subject to major changes after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, while the targeted manipulation of specific circular RNAs can suppress the SARS-CoV-2 infection or replication in the cell culture system. In our future work, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for these circular RNAs in detail. In addition, using the COFONI technology platforms, a circular RNA-based COVID-19 therapy will be tested in relevant different pre-clinical models.