SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Subunit Triggers Pericyte and Microvascular Dysfunction in Human Pancreatic Islets
Different components of the renin-angiotensin system are expressed by vascular cells in human pancreatic islets. The islet microvasculature is responsive to vasoactive angiotensin peptides. This pancreatic renin-angiotensin system is targeted upon incubation with a SARS-CoV-2 spike recombinant protein. SARS-CoV-2 spike activates pericytes and constricts capillaries in human islets. Islet vascular dysfunction could contribute to dysglycemia in some patients with COVID-19.
Authors
- Maria Boulina
- Joana Almaça (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9316-712X)
- Elizabeth Pereira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1762-3717)
- R. Santa Cruz
- Ruy A. N. Louzada (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1789-4234)
- Catarina de Andrade Barboza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1096-8432)
- Luciana Mateus Gonçalves (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1147-5066)
Institutions
- University of Miami (US)
- University of Miami Health System (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Diabetes
- Published
- 2024-12-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.2337/db24-0816
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.33
Funders
- University of Miami
- Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
- National Institutes of Health