# name
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds and modulates estrogen receptors

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as its primary infection mechanism. Interactions between S and endogenous proteins occur after infection but are not well understood. We profiled binding of S against >9000 human proteins and found an interaction between S and human estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha). Using bioinformatics, supercomputing, and experimental assays, we identified a highly conserved and functional nuclear receptor coregulator (NRC) LXD-like motif on the S2 sub-unit. In cultured cells, S DNA transfection increased ER alpha cytoplasmic accumulation, and S treatment induced ER-dependent biological effects. Non-invasive imaging in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters localized lung pathology with increased ER alpha lung levels. Postmortem lung experiments from infected hamsters and humans confirmed an increase in cytoplasmic ER alpha and its colocalization with S in alveolar macrophages. These findings describe the discovery of a S-ER alpha interaction, imply a role for S as an NRC, and advance knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 biology and coronavirus disease 2019 pathology.

# metadata.dc.publisher[].value
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (Institut d'lnvestigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL))

# metadata.dc.title[].value
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds and modulates estrogen receptors