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Peroxisomes exhibit compromised structure and matrix protein content in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells

Barbara Knoblach1, Ray Ishida2, Tom C Hobman1,2,3

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada.

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|May 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disrupts human cell peroxisomes. This virus infection causes peroxisome damage, impacting innate immunity and antiviral signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes significant global health and economic crises.
  • Peroxisomes play crucial roles in cellular homeostasis and innate immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on peroxisomes in human cell lines.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2-induced peroxisome dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of human cell lines (Huh-7 and SK-N-SH) with SARS-CoV-2.
  • Microscopy to observe peroxisome morphology.
  • Biochemical assays to assess peroxisomal protein localization and content.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation to detect protein-protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection induced dramatic changes in peroxisome morphology in human cells.
  • Peroxisomal membrane rearrangement and redistribution of matrix proteins to the cytosol were observed.
  • A significant decrease in mature peroxisomes was noted in infected cells.
  • The SARS-CoV-2 ORF14 protein was found to physically interact with human PEX14, a key protein in peroxisome biogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 directly targets peroxisomes, leading to structural and functional impairment.
  • The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 ORF14 and PEX14 may be a mechanism for peroxisome disruption.
  • Disruption of peroxisomes by SARS-CoV-2 could compromise innate immunity and antiviral signaling pathways.

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