ACE2 expression is elevated in airway epithelial cells from older and male healthy individuals but reduced in asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

COVID-19 is complicated by acute lung injury, and death in some individuals. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that requires the ACE2 receptor and serine proteases to enter AEC. We determined what factors are associated with ACE2 expression particularly in patients with asthma and COPD.

Methods

We obtained lower AEC from 145 people from two independent cohorts, aged 2-89 years, Newcastle (n = 115) and Perth (n = 30), Australia. The Newcastle cohort was enriched with people with asthma (n = 37) and COPD (n = 38). Gene expression for ACE2 and other genes potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 cell entry was assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was confirmed with immunohistochemistry on endobronchial biopsies and cultured AEC.

Results

Increased gene

SUBMITTER: Wark PAB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8014151 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature