Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 09, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 4 days, 2 hours, 49 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has turned the world upside down in countless ways. While its primary target is the respiratory system, scientists have discovered that this virus can also affect other parts of the body, including breast cancer cells. A recent study by Italian researchers that is covered in this
COVID-19 News report, has revealed some surprising interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and different types of breast cancer cells, shedding light on how this virus could influence cancer progression.
Impact of in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection on breast cancer cells
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on breast cancer cell gene expression profiles. MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937 breast cancer cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 lineage B1, and gene expression profile analysis was performed at 24 h and 7 days p.i. (a) Number of DEGs (FDR < 0.05) identified by the comparison of infected and control cells of each cell line 24 h p.i. (b) Overlapping upregulated DEGs (FDR < 0.05) identified by the comparison of infected and control cells of each cellular model 24 h p.i. (c-e) Bubble plots of the top 10 Reactome pathways with an FDR q-value < 0.05 found to be enriched in infected cells versus uninfected cells as determined by preranked GSEA. (f) Bubble plot of the only 4 Reactome pathways with an FDR q-value < 0.05 found to be enriched in infected cells versus uninfected HCC1937 cells at 7 days p.i., as determined by preranked GSEA. The X-axis shows the normalized enrichment score (NES). The bubble area is proportional to the size of the gene set, and the bubble color represents the FDR q value.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers examined three types of breast cancer cells: MCF7 (luminal A), MDA-MB-231 (basal B/claudin-low), and HCC1937 (basal A). These cell lines represent various subtypes of breast cancer, each with unique characteristics. The team infected these cells with SARS-CoV-2 to observe how the virus replicates and affects the cells over time. They also looked at the expression of specific genes and proteins to understand the molecular changes caused by the infection.
Virus Replication in Breast Cancer Cells
Interestingly, the MCF7 cells, which are estrogen receptor-positive, were the most susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus replicated efficiently in these cells, indicating that the estrogen receptor might play a role in supporting viral replication. On the other hand, the MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937 cells were less permissive to the virus. This suggests that different types of breast cancer cells have varying degrees of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.
Tamoxifen’s Role in Reducing Virus Replication
One of the significant findings of the study was the effect of Tamoxifen, a drug commonly used to treat estrogen receptor-positive br
east cancer. When MCF7 cells were treated with Tamoxifen, the replication rate of SARS-CoV-2 decreased. This suggests that Tamoxifen might help reduce the virus's ability to replicate in breast cancer cells, providing a potential therapeutic benefit for breast cancer patients who contract COVID-19.
Gene Expression Changes
The researchers also conducted gene expression profiling to identify changes in the infected breast cancer cells. They found that the MCF7 cells showed significant changes in gene expression, particularly in genes related to estrogen receptor signaling and viral recognition. This indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection can alter the molecular landscape of breast cancer cells, potentially impacting their behavior and progression.
Impact on Breast Cancer Patient Survival
The study didn't stop at cell cultures. The researchers wanted to understand how these findings might translate to real-world scenarios. They analyzed data from breast cancer patients and found that a group of genes upregulated by SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with poorer outcomes in premenopausal patients with luminal A breast cancer. This highlights the potential long-term impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer prognosis.
The Estrogen Connection
The connection between the estrogen receptor and SARS-CoV-2 is particularly intriguing. Estrogen signaling seems to enhance the virus's ability to replicate in MCF7 cells. However, Tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen receptor activity, significantly reduced viral replication. This dual role of estrogen in supporting viral replication and being a target for therapeutic intervention opens up new avenues for managing breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Broader Implications for Cancer and COVID-19
This study underscores the importance of understanding how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with different types of cancer cells. As the virus continues to circulate, it's crucial to explore how it affects cancer biology and patient outcomes. The findings suggest that breast cancer patients, especially those with estrogen receptor-positive tumors, might face unique challenges if they contract COVID-19. Ongoing research is essential to develop targeted strategies to protect these vulnerable patients.
Conclusion: Navigating New Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing breast cancer. This study provides valuable insights into how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with breast cancer cells, particularly highlighting the role of the estrogen receptor. As researchers continue to unravel the complex relationship between COVID-19 and cancer, these findings will be crucial in guiding treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
Moving Forward
As we move forward, it's essential to monitor the long-term effects of COVID-19 on breast cancer patients. Continued research will help us better understand the virus's impact and develop effective treatments to ensure the best possible care for cancer patients in these unprecedented times.
By understanding the intricate interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and breast cancer cells, we can better prepare for the challenges ahead and protect the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Scientific Reports.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-63804-3
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