Identification of Transcription Factors Regulating SARS-CoV-2 Entry Genes in the Intestine.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Chen L
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7428702 | biostudies-literature | 2021
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Identification of Transcription Factors Regulating SARS-CoV-2 Entry Genes in the Intestine.
Chen L L Marishta A A Ellison C E CE Verzi M P MP
Cellular and molecular gastroenterology and hepatology 20200815 1
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Project description:SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, employs two key host proteins to gain entry and replicate within cells, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the cell surface transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). TMPRSS2 was first characterized as an androgen-regulated gene in the prostate. Supporting a role for sex hormones, males relative to females are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in terms of mortality and morbidity. Several studies, including one employing a large epidemiological cohort, suggested that blocking androgen signaling is protective against COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate that androgens regulate the expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and androgen receptor (AR) in subsets of lung epithelial cells. AR levels are markedly elevated in males relative to females greater than 70 years of age. In males greater than 70 years old, smoking was associated with elevated levels of AR and ACE2 in lung epithelial cells. Transcriptional repression of the AR enhancesome with AR or bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) antagonists inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Taken together, these studies support further investigation of transcriptional inhibition of critical host factors in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. These mouse data are part of a larger investigation (data not provided here) targeting the transcriptional regulation of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
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