COVID-19 Systems Virology
Identification of Genes and Pathways in Severe COVID-19 Cases
Project Overview
This critical research project employed a comprehensive systems virology approach to identify key genes and signaling pathways associated with severe COVID-19 cases. Through rigorous analysis of high-throughput transcriptomic data, we uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying disease severity and identified potential therapeutic targets.
As the lead bioinformatics analyst, I processed and analyzed RNA-Seq data from severe COVID-19 patients compared to mild cases and healthy controls. The project integrated multiple computational approaches including differential expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and network biology to provide a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology.
Project Details
- Status: Published
- Year: 2022-2023
- Role: Bioinformatics Analyst
- Field: Systems Virology
- Output: Preprint Publication
Research Objectives
Gene Identification
Identify differentially expressed genes in severe COVID-19 patients using RNA-Seq analysis.
Pathway Analysis
Discover dysregulated biological pathways and molecular mechanisms driving disease severity.
Therapeutic Targets
Identify potential drug targets and repurposing opportunities for severe COVID-19 treatment.
Methodology
Data Analysis Pipeline
- RNA-Seq data processing and quality control
- Differential gene expression analysis (DESeq2)
- Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis
- KEGG pathway mapping and visualization
- Protein-protein interaction network construction
Systems Biology Approach
- Multi-omics data integration
- Network topology analysis
- Hub gene identification
- Drug-gene interaction databases screening
- Validation using independent datasets
Key Findings
- Identified 847 differentially expressed genes significantly associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes
- Discovered dysregulated immune pathways including cytokine storm, interferon response, and inflammatory signaling
- Found key hub genes including IL6, TNF, CXCL8, and CCL2 as central players in disease severity
- Revealed metabolic reprogramming in severe cases affecting energy metabolism and oxidative stress responses
- Identified potential drug targets through integration with pharmacological databases
- Published preprint contributing to global understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology
Technology Stack
Results & Impact
847
DE Genes Identified
25+
Key Pathways
15
Hub Genes
Preprint
Published
Clinical Significance
🎯 Biomarker Discovery
Identified gene signatures that can predict disease severity and patient outcomes.
💊 Therapeutic Insights
Revealed potential drug targets for developing new treatments or repurposing existing drugs.
🔬 Mechanism Understanding
Advanced understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19 pathology.
Interested in Bioinformatics Research?
Let's discuss systems biology, high-throughput data analysis, or research collaborations.