SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cardiomyocyte fusion may contribute to increased arrhythmic risk in COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

SARS-CoV-2-mediated COVID-19 may cause sudden cardiac death (SCD). Factors contributing to this increased risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias include thrombosis, exaggerated immune response, and treatment with QT-prolonging drugs. However, the intrinsic arrhythmic potential of direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of the heart remains unknown.

Objective

To assess the cellular and electrophysiological effects of direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of the heart using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs).

Methods

hiPSC-CMs were transfected with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (CoV-2 S) or CoV-2 S fused to a modified Emerald fluorescence protein (CoV-2 S-mEm). Cell morphology was visualized using immunofluorescence microscopy. Action pote

SUBMITTER: Clemens DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9994677 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature