Title : A modulation of DNA methylation of vitamin D genes: A connecting link between vitamin D levels and grade of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract:

The mechanistic relationship between the methylation process of the vitamin D gene and its impact on the vitamin D levels and COVID-19 infection severity remains a subject of ongoing investigation. However, lack of vaccine and targeted treatment in initial phase of pandemic has stimulated considerations regarding the potential use of vitamin D as a strategy for managing the disease. Vitamin D genes regulate the vitamin D synthesis through epigenetic changes such as methylation, which affect the various gene expressions. However, it is yet to discover how methylation controls the deficiency status and severity of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, we have investigated the relationship between low levels of vitamin D and the percentage of vitamin D gene methylation in COVID-19 patients. Our study concludes that the percent methylation of the vitamin D genes is associated with vitamin D levels and COVID severity.

Biography:

Dr. Sunita Girsih studied Medical Biochemistry at the Pune University, India in 1994. She then joined the B. J. Government Medical College, Pune as a medical teacher in 1999 and worked till  2023. She received her PhD degree, Medical Biochemistry in 2004 at the same institution. She have completed Fogarty fellowship in 2013. She received her PhD degree, Genetics in 2025 at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Pune India. She have published more than 20 research articles various national and international journals.