Multiscale network analysis identifies potential receptors for SARS-CoV-2 and reveals their tissue-specific and age-dependent expression
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Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 using Immuno RNA-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Published on: December 23, 2020
Christian V Forst1,2,3,4, Lu Zeng1, Qian Wang1,2,3
1Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected tens of millions of individuals and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. Here, we present a comprehensive, multiscale network analysis of the transcriptional response to the virus. In particular, we focused on key regulators, cell receptors, and host processes that were hijacked by the virus for its advantage. ACE2-controlled processes involved CD300e (a TYROBP receptor) as a key regulator and the activation of IL-2 pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. We further investigated the age dependency of such receptors in different tissues. In summary, this study provides novel insights into the gene regulatory organization during the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the tissue-specific, age-dependent expression of the cell receptors involved in COVID-19.
Insights
This study reveals key host factors hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, including ACE2-controlled processes involving CD300e and IL-2 signaling. Findings offer insights into COVID-19 gene regulation and receptor expression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Network Biology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global health crisis.
- Understanding the host's transcriptional response is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Viral hijacking of host cell machinery is a key mechanism of infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a comprehensive network analysis of the transcriptional response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To identify key host regulators, cell receptors, and processes exploited by the virus.
- To investigate the age and tissue-specific expression of relevant receptors.
Main Methods:
- Multiscale network analysis of gene expression data.
- Identification of key regulatory nodes and pathways.
- Analysis of age-dependent receptor expression across different tissues.
Main Results:
- ACE2-controlled processes were identified, highlighting CD300e (a TYROBP receptor) as a critical regulator.
- Activation of IL-2 pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling was implicated in the host response.
- Significant age-dependent variations in receptor expression were observed across various tissues.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel insights into the gene regulatory network of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Identified host factors and pathways offer potential therapeutic targets.
- Tissue-specific and age-dependent receptor expression patterns are crucial for understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis.
