Author:
Biancolella Michela,Colona Vito Luigi,Luzzatto Lucio,Watt Jessica Lee,Mattiuz Giorgio,Conticello Silvestro G.,Kaminski Naftali,Mehrian-Shai Ruty,Ko Albert I.,Gonsalves Gregg S.,Vasiliou Vasilis,Novelli Giuseppe,Reichardt Juergen K. V.
Abstract
AbstractThree and a half years after the pandemic outbreak, now that WHO has formally declared that the emergency is over, COVID-19 is still a significant global issue. Here, we focus on recent developments in genetic and genomic research on COVID-19, and we give an outlook on state-of-the-art therapeutical approaches, as the pandemic is gradually transitioning to an endemic situation. The sequencing and characterization of rare alleles in different populations has made it possible to identify numerous genes that affect either susceptibility to COVID-19 or the severity of the disease. These findings provide a beginning to new avenues and pan-ethnic therapeutic approaches, as well as to potential genetic screening protocols. The causative virus, SARS-CoV-2, is still in the spotlight, but novel threatening virus could appear anywhere at any time. Therefore, continued vigilance and further research is warranted. We also note emphatically that to prevent future pandemics and other world-wide health crises, it is imperative to capitalize on what we have learnt from COVID-19: specifically, regarding its origins, the world’s response, and insufficient preparedness. This requires unprecedented international collaboration and timely data sharing for the coordination of effective response and the rapid implementation of containment measures.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Drug Discovery,Genetics,Molecular Biology,Molecular Medicine
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