In silico analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human C-C chemokine receptor type five (CCR5) gene

IntroductionChemokines are small transmembrane proteins with immune surveillance and immune cell recruitment functions. the expression of CCR5 gene affects virus production and viral load(1). The CCR5 gene contains two introns, three exons, and two promoters, and it is necessary as a co-receptor for the entry of the macrophage-tropic HIV strains. Mutations in the coding region of CCR5 affect the protein structure, which will affect production, chemokine binding, transport, signaling and expression of the CCR5 receptor.MethodsSNPs within CCR5 gene were retrieved from ensemble database. Coding SNPs were analyzed using SNPnexus. Coding non-synonymous SNPs in CCR5 binding domains with Viral gp120 were analyzed using SIFT, PolyPhen and I-mutant tools. Project HOPE then used to modelled the 3D structure of the protein resulting from these SNPs. Non-coding SNPs that affects miRNAs in 3’ rejoin were analyzing using PolymiRTS. SNPs that affect transcription factor binding were analyzed using regulomeDB.Results(178) non-synonyms missense SNPs were found to have deleterious and damaging effect on the structure and function of the protein. In CCR5 binding domains with Viral gp120: 3 SNPs rs145061115, rs199824195 and rs201797884 were found to affect both structure and function and stability of chemokine protein. The 2 SNPs rs185691679 and rs199722070 has a role in disruption and creation of the target sites in miRNA seeds due to their high conservation score.ConclusionMutations in CCR5 gene may explain and represent the molecular basis of the resistance to HIV infection.