Integrative Imaging Reveals SARS-CoV-2-Induced Reshaping of Subcellular Morphologies.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Virology
• Microscopy

Background:

• SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis involves inflammation and cell damage.
• Understanding virus-induced organelle changes is crucial for treatment development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate morphological organelle alterations in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung epithelial cells.
• To elucidate the role of cytoskeleton remodeling in viral replication.

Main Methods:

• Integrative imaging analysis using 3D electron microscopy.
• Live cell imaging with an infection sensor.
• Pharmacological inhibition of cytoskeleton dynamics.

Main Results:

• Observed extensive Golgi fragmentation, mitochondrial network alterations, and peroxisome recruitment to viral replication sites (DMVs).
• Identified endoplasmic reticulum tethering of DMVs, offering insights into viral replication coordination.
• Demonstrated profound cytoskeleton remodeling and suppression of SARS-CoV-2 replication upon pharmacological inhibition.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection induces significant cytopathic effects through organelle perturbation and cytoskeleton remodeling.
• Targeting cytoskeleton dynamics presents a potential therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2.
• Provided a public repository of 3D datasets for further research on SARS-CoV-2-infected cells.