In silico identification of conserved cis-acting RNA elements in the SARS-CoV-2 genome

AimThe aim of this study was to computationally predict conserved RNA sequences and structures known as cis-acting RNA elements (CREs) located within the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Materials & methodsBioinformatics tools were used to analyse and predict cis-acting regulatory elements by obtaining viral sequences from available databases. ResultsComputational analysis prediction revealed the presence of RNA stem-loop structures within the 3 end of the ORF1ab region that are analogous to the previously identified SARS-CoV genomic packaging signals. Alignment-based RNA secondary structures prediction of the 5 end of the SARS-CoV-2 genome identified also conserved CREs. ConclusionThese CREs could be used as potential targets for a vaccine and/or antiviral therapeutics developments; however, further studies would be required to confirm their roles in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle.