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Linking COVID-19 and Heme-Driven Pathophysiologies: A Combined Computational-Experimental Approach
Marie-Thérèse Hopp1, Daniel Domingo-Fernández2,3, Yojana Gadiya2
1Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
Biomolecules
|April 30, 2021
Summary
This study explores the link between heme and COVID-19, finding shared inflammatory pathways and biomarkers. Computational analysis identified potential heme-binding proteins in COVID-19, suggesting new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with altered clinical biomarkers like hemoglobin and interleukins.
- Hemolysis, a condition involving red blood cell breakdown, also alters these biomarkers due to increased labile heme.
- A potential link between heme-related processes and COVID-19 pathophysiology warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the potential connection between heme biology and COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- To identify common inflammatory pathways and biomarkers linking heme and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To computationally and experimentally assess specific COVID-19 proteins as potential heme-binding targets.
Main Methods:
- Superimposition of knowledge graphs for heme biology and COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- Focus on inflammatory pathways and biomarkers as common elements.
- Computational analysis of ACE2, TMPRSS2, viral protein 7a, and S protein for heme-binding potential, followed by experimental validation.
Main Results:
- Identification of shared pathways and biomarkers between heme dysregulation and COVID-19.
- Computational analysis suggested specific COVID-19-related proteins (ACE2, TMPRSS2, viral 7a, S protein) as potential heme binders.
- Experimental validation supported the computational findings regarding heme-protein interactions.
Conclusions:
- Heme-related processes may significantly contribute to COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- Understanding these links can improve the diagnosis and personalized treatment of COVID-19.
- Targeting heme-protein interactions presents a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
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