Study reveals the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with over 60,000 host proteins and may trigger carcinogenesis!

Medical News: A groundbreaking study has recently uncovered the intricate and concerning relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human proteome. Researchers from several leading institutions have discovered that the spike protein, particularly the S1 subunit, interacts with more than 60,000 proteins in human cells, potentially leading to long-term cellular dysfunction and even triggering carcinogenesis. The study highlights the extensive reach of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into various biological processes, revealing its potential to cause a wide range of diseases, including cancer. This Medical News report explores the key findings and potential implications of this critical study.


Study reveals the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with over 60,000 host
proteins and may trigger carcinogenesis!

Researchers and Study Background
The study was led by Dr Giovanni Colonna from the Unit of Medical Informatics at the University of Campania in Naples, Italy, alongside an international team of experts in virology, bioinformatics, and cellular biology. Their investigation focused on the interaction between the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human proteome. The spike protein is a crucial component of the virus, allowing it to attach and enter human cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor. However, the study reveals that the S1 subunit does far more than facilitate viral entry - it plays an active role in the disruption of numerous cellular processes, potentially leading to carcinogenesis.
 
What the Study Found
The S1 subunit of the spike protein was found to interact with over 60,000 proteins within human cells. These interactions span a staggering 2,557 biological processes, indicating that the S1 subunit may have widespread effects on human health. The spike protein was shown to have a particular affinity for proteins related to the nervous system, liver, lungs, and blood. One of the most alarming findings is its interaction with the tumor suppressor protein TP53 and the ribosomal protein RPS27A, both of which are involved in regulating cell stress responses and preventing tumor development.
 
These interactions suggest that the spike protein may interfere with the body’s natural ability to control tumor growth, possibly triggering cancer in infected individuals. The researchers employed advanced bioinformatics tools, such as Cytoscape and BioGRID, to model the interactions between the spike protein and the human proteome. This allowed them to identify specific one-to-one interactions, which could be responsible for the activation of molecular mechanisms linked to diseases like hepatitis B and various cancers.
 
The Potential Link to Carcinogenesis
One of the key concerns raised by the study is the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to trigger carcinogenesis, the process by which normal cells transform into cancerous ones. The researchers discovered that the spike protein uses a viral strategy to hijack the ubiquitin system, which is essential for protein degradation and cellular stress responses. This hijacking impairs the antiviral and tumor-suppressing functions of proteins like TP53, which normally help prevent the formation of cancerous cells.
 
The study also highlighted the role of RPS27A, a ribosomal protein involved in protein turnover and cellular stress responses. The interaction between S1 and RPS27A could potentially disrupt these vital processes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and, ultimately, cancer.
 
Implications for Long COVID and Other Health Conditions
Beyond the immediate effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the study suggests that the long-term presence of the spike protein in the body could contribute to chronic conditions, including "long COVID." This condition is characterized by a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, and immune dysregulation, which can persist for months or even years after the initial infection.
 
The research team found that the S1 subunit continues to interact with human proteins even after the active infection has subsided, potentially contributing to the lingering effects of long COVID. In particular, the spike protein's ability to disrupt immune regulation and cellular stress responses could explain why some individuals experience prolonged illness and may also shed light on the mechanisms behind other post-infection complications.
 
Methodology
The researchers used a combination of experimental data and bioinformatics tools to map the interactions between the spike protein and human proteins. By selecting 146 significant proteins from the BioGRID database, they were able to build a comprehensive model of the spike protein’s interactome, which encompasses over 60,000 proteins. This model allowed them to analyze the functional activities of the spike protein and its potential to cause disease.

Using reverse engineering techniques, the team identified 27 specific one-to-one interactions between the spike protein and human proteins. These interactions were found to be independent of the biological context in which they occurred, meaning that the spike protein interacts with human proteins in the same way regardless of whether the individual is infected with the virus or has received a vaccine containing the spike protein.
 
Key Study Findings
-60,000+ Protein Interactions: The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with more than 60,000 human proteins, affecting over 2,500 biological processes.

-Carcinogenic Potential: The spike protein’s interactions with tumor suppressor proteins like TP53 and ribosomal proteins like RPS27A suggest it may trigger cancer.
 
-Long-Term Effects: The spike protein’s continued presence in the body could contribute to long COVID and other chronic health conditions.
 
-Widespread Impact: The spike protein affects proteins in the nervous system, liver, lungs, and blood, suggesting it may play a role in a wide range of diseases.
 
Conclusion
The study’s findings represent a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its potential long-term effects on human health. The discovery that the spike protein interacts with over 60,000 human proteins and may trigger carcinogenesis raises serious concerns about the long-term implications of COVID-19, particularly for those who have recovered from the virus or received a vaccine containing the spike protein. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which the spike protein triggers these effects, the study provides a clear warning that SARS-CoV-2 may have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate impact of the infection.
 
The findings of this study were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202410.0323/v1
 
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