Rajshahi: A research team of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Rajshahi University (RU) has identified nine new genes of the dengue virus. Simultaneously, the team selected possible drugs to prevent the virus effectively.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, student of the department Abdul Latif conducted the research associated with two other students, Al Noman and Faisal Ahmed, under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman. Abdul Latif mentioned that they analyzed the genetic data collected from dengue virus patients. The identified genes include CDK1, BIRC5, TYMS, KIF20A, CCNB2, CDC20, AURKB, TK1, and PTEN.
The team also selected three preventive drugs through analyzing the biotechnologies of these genes. The drugs-Entroctinib, Ematinib, and Kuetapin-have the potential to play a significant role in preventing the dengue virus effectively in the future.
The research further indicates that some changes related to micro RNA occur in the body due to the virus infection, which may contribute to virus prevention. Notably, the influence of MIR-103A-3P microRNA is seen as very positive for dengue prevention. Abdul Latif added that the drugs do not target the virus directly but instead target the associated genes of the virus in the human body.