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Exploring Mitochondrial Localization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by Padlock Assay: A Pilot Study in Human Placenta
Francesca Gabanella1,2, Christian Barbato1, Nicoletta Corbi2
1CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 26, 2022
Summary
This study visualizes SARS-CoV-2 RNA in placental tissue, finding it colocalizes with mitochondria. This suggests SARS-CoV-2 infection may alter mitochondrial function in the maternal-fetal interface.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates research into SARS-CoV-2's impact on various tissues.
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an RNA virus responsible for COVID-19.
- The placenta is a critical interface for maternal-fetal health, potentially affected by viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a padlock assay for visualizing SARS-CoV-2 RNA in placental tissue.
- To investigate the localization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and its spike protein within placental cells.
- To explore the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and mitochondrial morphology in the placenta.
Main Methods:
- Utilized formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded placental samples from a COVID-19 patient.
- Employed an optimized padlock assay to detect viral RNA.
- Performed immunolocalization to identify the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein.
- Imaged mitochondria within placental villi using advanced microscopy techniques.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully localized within trophoblastic cells of the placenta.
- The SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein was also detected, confirming viral presence.
- A significant overlap was observed between SARS-CoV-2 RNA and mitochondria in trophoblastic cells.
- Aberrant mitochondrial networks were correlated with the presence of viral RNA.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of SARS-CoV-2 genome colocalization with mitochondria in infected placental tissue.
- Findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may reprogram mitochondrial activity at the maternal-fetal interface.
- This interaction could have implications for placental function and pregnancy outcomes during COVID-19.
