1. FGF7 enhances the expression of ACE2 in human islet organoids aggravating SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Author
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Hao Meng, Zhiying Liao, Yanting Ji, Dong Wang, Yang Han, Chaolin Huang, Xujuan Hu, Jingyi Chen, Hengrui Zhang, Zonghong Li, Changliang Wang, Hui Sun, Jiaqi Sun, Lihua Chen, Jiaxiang Yin, Jincun Zhao, Tao Xu, and Huisheng Liu
- Subjects
Medicine ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Abstract The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a primary cell surface viral binding receptor for SARS-CoV-2, so finding new regulatory molecules to modulate ACE2 expression levels is a promising strategy against COVID-19. In the current study, we utilized islet organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), animal models and COVID-19 patients to discover that fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) enhances ACE2 expression within the islets, facilitating SARS-CoV-2 infection and resulting in impaired insulin secretion. Using hESC-derived islet organoids, we demonstrated that FGF7 interacts with FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) and FGFR1 to upregulate ACE2 expression predominantly in β cells. This upregulation increases both insulin secretion and susceptibility of β cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Inhibiting FGFR counteracts the FGF7-induced ACE2 upregulation, subsequently reducing viral infection and replication in the islets. Furthermore, retrospective clinical data revealed that diabetic patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms exhibited elevated serum FGF7 levels compared to those with mild symptoms. Finally, animal experiments indicated that SARS-CoV-2 infection increased pancreatic FGF7 levels, resulting in a reduction of insulin concentrations in situ. Taken together, our research offers a potential regulatory strategy for ACE2 by controlling FGF7, thereby protecting islets from SARS-CoV-2 infection and preventing the progression of diabetes in the context of COVID-19.
- Published
- 2024
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