MicroRNAs as predictive biomarkers for COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to a clinical picture of variable features and degrees of severity, ranging from mild influenza-like symptoms to life-threatening respiratory distress and multiple organ failure. While the precise pathomechanism for COVID-19 is still incompletely understood, various routine haematological parameters including increased D-dimer levels and decreased platelet counts have been discussed as predictive parameters. Analysis of our retrospective cohort of COVID-19 patients indicates that these routine parameters fail to reliably predict patient outcome. We therefore started prospectively collecting plasma from patients with COVID-19 to evaluate the potential of circulating microRNAs, as an alternative biomarker to predict disease outcome in COVID-19 patients. MicroRNAs, can be shed from virtually all cells in the body and released into blood. MicroRNAs could therefore mirror pathological processes that occur during COVID-19. Therefore they could not only represent an easily accessible, minimal invasive biomarker but also reveal insights into the underlying pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The fact that there is currently neither therapy nor reliable biomarkers to predict patient outcome in COVID-19 represents a major clinical problem. Thus, this project is highly relevant to improve the quality of life and survival of these patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to a clinical picture of variable features and degrees of severity, ranging from mild influenza-like symptoms to life-threatening respiratory distress and multiple organ failure. While the precise pathomechanism for COVID-19 is still incompletely understood, various routine haematological parameters including increased D-dimer levels and decreased platelet counts have been discussed as predictive parameters. Analysis of our retrospective cohort of COVID-19 patients indicates that these routine parameters fail to reliably predict patient outcome. We therefore started prospectively collecting plasma from patients with COVID-19 to evaluate the potential of circulating microRNAs, as an alternative biomarker to predict disease outcome in COVID-19 patients. MicroRNAs, can be shed from virtually all cells in the body and released into blood. MicroRNAs could therefore mirror pathological processes that occur during COVID-19. Therefore they could not only represent an easily accessible, minimal invasive biomarker but also reveal insights into the underlying pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The fact that there is currently neither therapy nor reliable biomarkers to predict patient outcome in COVID-19 represents a major clinical problem. Thus, this project is highly relevant to improve the quality of life and survival of these patients.