COVID-19 Research Uncovers Key Genes and Epigenetic Factors in Severe Cases

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have made a significant discovery in understanding the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing expression quantitative trait methylation (eQTM) in severe cases of the disease, the team identified 16 differentially expressed genes and 30 nearby differentially methylated CpG sites. These genes are associated with viral infiltration, immune activation, lung damage, and oxidative stress-related multi-organ failure, which are the hallmarks of severe COVID-19. The findings provide insight into the dynamics of epigenetic and transcriptomic shifts according to the infectious stage, supporting potential prognostic and therapeutic approaches for severe COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 16 differentially expressed genes and 30 nearby differentially methylated CpG sites in severe COVID-19 cases.
  • The genes, including SRXN1, FURIN, IL18RAP, FOXO3, GCNT4, and FKBP5, are associated with viral infiltration, immune activation, lung damage, and oxidative stress-related multi-organ failure.
  • The methylation and gene expression levels returned to baseline during the recovery phase, indicating a rapid and reversible nature of these molecular changes.
  • The findings provide insight into the dynamics of epigenetic and transcriptomic shifts according to the infectious stage.
  • The research supports potential prognostic and therapeutic approaches for severe COVID-19.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), including Kyungwhan An, Hyojung Ryu, Yoonsung Kwon, Yeonsu Jeon, Sungwon Jeon, Hansol Choi, Yeo Jin Kim, Sunhwa Kim, Ok Joo Sul, SangJoon Lee, Asaph Young Chun, and Eun-Seok Shin.

Statistics:

  • 16 genes were identified as differentially expressed in severe COVID-19 cases.
  • 30 nearby differentially methylated CpG sites were identified in the study.
  • The genes are associated with various hallmarks of severe COVID-19, including viral infiltration, immune activation, lung damage, and oxidative stress-related multi-organ failure.
  • The methylation and gene expression levels returned to baseline during the recovery phase.
  • The study supports potential prognostic and therapeutic approaches for severe COVID-19.
  • The research was conducted by a team of 13 researchers from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST).

Sources:

  • Communications Biology (2025) 8(1):1174
  • NewsRx (2025, August 31). Studies from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Provide New Data on COVID-19 (Identification of reactive CpGs and RNA expression in early COVID-19 through cis-eQTM analysis reflecting disease severity and recovery). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA.
  • Nature Portfolio. Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • Korean Genomics Center (KOGIC), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea.