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Putative role of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 mediated brain dysfunctions: a prospect

Shashank K Maurya1, Meghraj S Baghel2, Gaurav3

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.

Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Reviews
|August 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacts the nervous system, causing brain dysfunction. Mitochondria play a key role in these COVID-19 neurological impairments, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 and affects multiple organ systems, including the brain.
  • Neurological symptoms like anosmia, dizziness, and memory loss are reported in infected individuals.
  • The precise mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2-induced brain dysfunction remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2-related neurological complications.
  • To explore how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to altered brain energy metabolism during COVID-19.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria for neurological impairments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on SARS-CoV-2, neuroscience, and mitochondrial function.
  • Analysis of studies investigating viral protein interactions with mitochondrial components.
  • Synthesis of findings on bioenergetic alterations in infected host cells.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and altered bioenergetics are implicated in SARS-CoV-2-induced brain impairments.
  • Evidence suggests an interaction between viral and mitochondrial proteins contributes to pathogenesis.
  • Altered energy metabolism in brain cells is a consequence of mitochondrial involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria are central to the pathogenesis of neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Understanding mitochondrial roles may lead to novel prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19-related brain dysfunction.
  • Targeting mitochondrial pathways presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2braininflammationmitochondria

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