Core mitochondrial genes are down-regulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection of rodent and human hosts

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral proteins bind to host mitochondrial proteins, likely inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and stimulating glycolysis. We analyzed mitochondrial gene expression in nasopharyngeal and autopsy tissues from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In nasopharyngeal samples with declining viral titers, the virus blocked the transcription of a subset of nuclear DNA (nDNA)-encoded mitochondrial OXPHOS genes, induced the expression of microRNA 2392, activated HIF-1α to induce glycolysis, and activated host immune defenses including the integrated stress response. In autopsy tissues from patients with COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 was no…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Awards: T-0404, NNX16AO69A
• BA
  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

  Award: INV-046722
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: COVID-19
• AR
  Ames Research Center
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Award: COVID-19
• ND
  NHLBI Division of Intramural Research