Diagnostics Infectious disease, Microscopy and imaging, Microbiology and immunology

3D Imaging of the SARS-CoV-2 Replication Cycle

SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle uncovered through subcellular changes in infected cells

12/14/2020 | Quick Read

Credit: Julian Hennies/EMBL. Segmented subvolume of a cell, showing membrane-bound organelles (grey) and double-membrane vesicles (red).

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so too do global efforts to learn more about the virus. Researchers at Heidelberg University investigated how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with its host, replicates within the cell, and leads to cell death (1). They used focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy to image infected cells at the subcellular level in 3D – identifying structural changes caused by the virus.

They found significant remodeling of the endomembrane system of infected cells – a structure that defines different compartments within the cell. This change enables the virus to produce its own replication organelles, with the viral genome then replicating in large amounts in double-membrane vesicles (shown in red above).

Email*

Choose a password*

I have read and understand the Privacy Notice *

Stay up to date with our other newsletters and sponsors information, tailored specifically to the fields you are interested in

I want to stay up to date with the Retina field I want to stay up to date with the Infectious Diseases field I want to stay up to date with the Pathologist Educator field

When you click “Subscribe” we will email you a link, which you must click to verify the email address above and activate your subscription. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at [email protected].
If you wish to unsubscribe, you can update your preferences at any point.