RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 SARS-CoV-2 D614 and G614 spike variants impair neuronal synapses and exhibit differential fusion ability
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2020.12.03.409763
DO 10.1101/2020.12.03.409763
A1 Chiung-Ya Chen
A1 Yu-Chi Chou
A1 Yi-Ping Hsueh
YR 2020
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/12/03/2020.12.03.409763.abstract
AB Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibits two major variants based on mutations of its spike protein, i.e., the D614 prototype and G614 variant. Although neurological symptoms have been frequently reported in patients, it is still unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 impairs neuronal activity or function. Here, we show that expression of both D614 and G614 spike proteins is sufficient to induce phenotypes of impaired neuronal morphology, including defective dendritic spines and shortened dendritic length. Using spike protein-specific monoclonal antibodies, we found that D614 and G614 spike proteins show differential S1/S2 cleavage and cell fusion efficiency. Our findings provide an explanation for higher transmission of the G614 variant and the neurological manifestations observed in COVID-19 patients.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.