Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting the expression of COVID-19-relevant genes in the large airway epithelium.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The large airway epithelial barrier provides one of the first lines of defense against respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. Substantial inter-individual variability in individual disease courses is hypothesized to be partially mediated by the differential regulation of the genes that interact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or are involved in the subsequent host response. Here, we comprehensively investigated non-genetic and genetic factors influencing COVID-19-relevant bronchial epithelial gene expression.

Methods

We analyzed RNA-sequencing data from bronchial epithelial brushings obtained from uninfected individuals. We related ACE2 gene expression to host and environmental factors in the SPIROMICS cohort of smokers with and without chronic

SUBMITTER: Kasela S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8059115 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature