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Updated: Aug 25, 2025
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Studying Age-dependent Genomic Instability using the S. cerevisiae Chronological Lifespan Model
Published on: September 29, 2011
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DNA damage contributes to age-associated differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Rui Jin1, Chang Niu2, Fengyun Wu2
1Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.
Aging Cell
|October 18, 2022
Summary
DNA damage, a hallmark of aging, enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection by increasing ACE2 receptor expression. DNA repair interventions like NMN show promise in reducing COVID-19 severity in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aging is linked to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases like COVID-19.
- The precise mechanisms by which aging influences SARS-CoV-2 infection and progression are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DNA damage, a key aging process, in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting DNA damage pathways for COVID-19 treatment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Analysis of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways and ACE2 receptor expression.
- Assessment of interventions promoting DNA repair, such as NMN.
Main Results:
- DNA damage promotes SARS-CoV-2 entry and infection by upregulating ACE2 receptor expression via c-Jun activation.
- Inhibition of DDR hinders viral entry, while promoting DNA repair alleviates infection.
- Elevated ACE2 expression in aged tissues correlates with DNA damage biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- DNA damage is a critical factor in age-associated COVID-19 severity.
- Targeting DNA repair mechanisms presents a novel therapeutic avenue for managing SARS-CoV-2 infections in older adults.
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