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IPFS News Link • Pandemic

COVID-19 alters human genes, explaining mystery behind coronavirus 'long haulers'

• https://www.studyfinds.org by Chris Melore

These include anything from skin problems, to shortness of breath, to losing the sense of taste or smell. Now, researchers say they may know why this is happening. A new study finds coronavirus actually causes long-term changes to an infected patient's genes.

Specifically, scientists reveal the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, creates long-lasting changes to human gene expression. These tiny spikes cover the surface of coronavirus cells. They allow the virus to bind to certain receptors on human cells and hijack their functions — leading to COVID infection. Once the spike cuts into a patient's cells, the virus releases its own genetic material into the cell so it can replicate.


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