When SARS-CoV-2 infects cultured monkey cells, it co-opts numerous host proteins, changing their function through chemical tags known as phosphate groups, a study finds. Among the effects, the study authors report this week (June 28) in Cell, is that a cell protein called CK2 spurs the growth of tentacle-like protrusions known as filopodia. These filopodia contain viral particles and are likely used to poke holes in nearby cells, spreading SARS-CoV-2 to them, according to a university press release.
Coronavirus-Infected Cells Grow Filopodia
SARS-CoV-2 causes cells to put out projections that spread the virus, a study finds.
Written byShawna Williams
Shawna was an editor at The Scientist from 2017 through 2022. She holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Colorado College and a graduate certificate and science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
View Full Profile
Learn about our Editorial Policies.
| 1 min read
Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share
Interested in reading more?
The Scientist ARCHIVES
Become a Member of
Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here
Related Topics
Meet the Author
Shawna was an editor at The Scientist from 2017 through 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Colorado College and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Previously, she worked as a freelance editor and writer, and in the communications offices of several academic research institutions. As news director, Shawna assigned and edited news, opinion, and in-depth feature articles for the website on all aspects of the life sciences. She is based in central Washington State, and is a member of the Northwest Science Writers Association and the National Association of Science Writers.
View Full Profile
Share
