Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Pages: L1186-L1193

Journal: American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology

Volume number: 320

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 1040-0605

eISSN: 1522-1504

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00056.2021

Publisher: American Physiological Society

Abstract: 
A significant number of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that is associated with a poor outcome. The molecular mechanisms driving failure of the alveolar barrier upon severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remain incompletely understood. The Na,K-ATPase is an adhesion molecule and a plasma membrane transporter that is critically required for proper alveolar epithelial function by both promoting barrier integrity and resolution of excess alveolar fluid, thus enabling appropriate gas exchange. However, numerous SARS-CoV-2-mediated and COVID-19-related signals directly or indirectly impair the function of the Na,K-ATPase, thereby potentially contributing to disease progression. In this Perspective, we highlight some of the putative mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-driven dysfunction of the Na,K-ATPase, focusing on expression, maturation, and trafficking of the transporter. A therapeutic mean to selectively inhibit the maladaptive signals that impair the Na,K-ATPase upon SARS-CoV-2 infection might be effective in reestablishing the alveolar epithelial barrier and promoting alveolar fluid clearance and thus advantageous in patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS.

Harvard Citation style: Kryvenko, V. and Vadasz, I. (2021) Molecular mechanisms of Na,K-ATPase dysregulation driving alveolar epithelial barrier failure in severe COVID-19, American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, 320(6), pp. L1186-L1193. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00056.2021

APA Citation style: Kryvenko, V., & Vadasz, I. (2021). Molecular mechanisms of Na,K-ATPase dysregulation driving alveolar epithelial barrier failure in severe COVID-19. American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 320(6), L1186-L1193. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00056.2021