The COVID-19 legacy: consequences for the human DNA methylome and therapeutic perspectives.

Carlo Gaetano, Sandra Atlante, Michela Gottardi Zamperla, Veronica Barbi, Davide Gentilini, Barbara Illi, Marco Malavolta, Fabio Martelli, Antonella Farsetti

Laboratory of Epigenetics, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy. [email protected] of Epigenetics, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy. [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting legacy on human health, extending beyond the acute phase of infection. This article explores the evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce persistent epigenetic modifications, particularly in DNA methylation patterns, with potential long-term consequences for individuals' health and aging trajectories. The review discusses the potential of DNA methylation-based biomarkers, such as epigenetic clocks, to identify individuals at risk for accelerated aging and tailor personalized interventions. Integrating epigenetic clock analysis into clinical management could mark a new era of personalized treatment for COVID-19, possibly helping clinicians to understand patient susceptibility to severe outcomes and establish preventive strategies. Several valuable reviews address the role of epigenetics in infectious diseases, including the Sars-CoV-2 infection. However, this article provides an original overview of the current understanding of the epigenetic dimensions of COVID-19, offering insights into the long-term health implications of the pandemic. While acknowledging the limitations of current data, we emphasize the need for future research to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying COVID-19-induced epigenetic changes and to explore potential approaches to target these modifications.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper discusses the long-term epigenetic consequences of COVID-19, particularly in relation to DNA methylation and its implications for aging and health trajectories. This focus on epigenetic modifications and their potential role in accelerated aging aligns with longevity research. However, while the findings are relevant and contribute to understanding the intersection of infectious diseases and aging, the impact appears to be solid but limited, as it primarily reviews existing knowledge and emphasizes the need for future research rather than presenting groundbreaking new findings.

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