At the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (Tigem) in Pozzuoli the research group led by Antonella De Matteis has shed light on how SARS-CoV2 replicates inside our cells in a sort of “den” that it builds before multiplying, also suggesting a new potential pharmacological target for new anti-COVID-19 drugs.
The study deserved the pages of Nature and is the result of the long and solid experience of Tigem on membrane traffic, the set of transport mechanisms to and from cells, which is compromised in several rare genetic diseases. The work, in addition to the Telethon Foundation, was supported by the Campania Region and the Ministry of University and Research.
“Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we have been wondering how we can put our skills to work in this global health emergency, to better understand the behavior of the new virus, in particular how it exploits the host cell to its advantage,” explains Professor Antonella De Matteis, who directs the Cell Biology program at the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (Tigem) in Pozzuoli and is Full Professor of Cell Biology at the Federico II University of Naples.
“Immediately after entering our cells, SARS-CoV-2 sheds its coating, made up of the now famous spike protein targeted by vaccines and two other proteins called M and E – explains Professor De Matteis – and before starting to reproduce, the virus builds a sort of den by exploiting the membranes of the host cell, in particular those of the endoplasmic reticulum, an important structure for various cellular activities, including protein synthesis.
In this niche, the virus can replicate its RNA-based genetic heritage undisturbed, safe from the host cell's control systems: a bit like a mother protecting her young from predators."
Article published on May 12, 2022 - 13:22 pm
