Recent research has revealed a concerning link between SARS-CoV-2 and synaptic homeostasis in the brain. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, highlights the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virions on neural cells and their potential role in COVID-19-related neurological disorders.
The investigation found that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to the upregulation of synaptic components and disrupts local electrical field potential. Using cerebral organoids, organotypic cultures of human brain explants, and post-mortem brain samples, the researchers observed that neural cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 to a certain extent. The virus induced abnormal presynaptic morphology and increased the expression of specific synaptic components, indicating a direct impact on synaptic function.
Moreover, the study identified that treatment with a specific agonist partially restored organoid electrical activity and reversed the aberrant presynaptic morphology induced by SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the accumulation of virions at specific synapses suggests a potential mechanism for local hindrance contributing to synaptic perturbations.
These findings provide valuable molecular insights into the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the brain, shedding light on the potential mechanisms underlying COVID-19-related neurological complications. The study’s implications could contribute to a better understanding of the diverse neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, offering potential avenues for targeted interventions and therapies.
