Unlocking the Potential of RNA Sequencing in COVID-19: Toward Accurate Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine

Abstract: COVID-19 has caused widespread morbidity and mortality, with its effects extending
to multiple organ systems. Despite known risk factors for severe disease, including
advanced age and underlying comorbidities, patient outcomes can vary significantly. This
variability complicates efforts to predict disease progression and tailor treatment strategies.
While diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are still under debate, RNA sequencing
(RNAseq) has emerged as a promising tool to provide deeper insights into the pathophysiology
of COVID-19 and guide personalized treatment. A comprehensive literature review
was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We employed
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and relevant keywords to identify studies that
explored the role of RNAseq in COVID-19 diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.
RNAseq has proven instrumental in identifying molecular biomarkers associated with
disease severity in patients with COVID-19. It allows for the differentiation between asymptomatic
and symptomatic individuals and sheds light on the immune response mechanisms
that contribute to disease progression. In critically ill patients, RNAseq has been crucial for
identifying key genes that may predict patient outcomes, guiding therapeutic decisions,
and assessing the long-term effects of the virus. Additionally, RNAseq has helped in
understanding the persistence of viral RNA after recovery, offering new insights into the
management of post-acute sequelae, including long COVID. RNA sequencing significantly
improves COVID-19 management, particularly for critically ill patients, by enhancing diagnostic
accuracy, personalizing treatment, and predicting therapeutic responses. It refines
patient stratification, improving outcomes, and holds promise for targeted interventions in
both acute and long COVID.