Gene changes might explain long-haul COVID-19 symptoms
Airway cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exhibited persisting changes in gene expression
Results from a new cell study suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can bring about long-term gene expression changes. The findings could help explain why some COVID-19 patients -- referred to as COVID long-haulers -- experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and dizziness long after clearing the infection.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is covered in tiny spike proteins. During infection, the spike proteins bind with receptors on cells in our body, starting a process that allows the virus to release its genetic material into the inside of the healthy cell.
"We found that exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone was enough to change baseline gene expression in airway cells," said Nicholas Evans, a master's student in the laboratory of Sharilyn Almodovar, PhD, at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. "This suggests that symptoms seen in patients may initially result from the spike protein interacting with the cells directly."
Evans will present the research at the END
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is covered in tiny spike proteins. During infection, the spike proteins bind with receptors on cells in our body, starting a process that allows the virus to release its genetic material into the inside of the healthy cell.
"We found that exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone was enough to change baseline gene expression in airway cells," said Nicholas Evans, a master's student in the laboratory of Sharilyn Almodovar, PhD, at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. "This suggests that symptoms seen in patients may initially result from the spike protein interacting with the cells directly."
Evans will present the research at the END