Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025
08:41
Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
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ACE2: the molecular doorway to SARS-CoV-2
Miriam Marlene Medina-Enríquez1, Sandra Lopez-León2, José Alberto Carlos-Escalante3
1Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Cell & Bioscience
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Factors like sex, environment, and comorbidities influence ACE2 expression and COVID-19 severity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) serves as the primary host receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
- ACE2 is widely expressed across 72 human cell types and plays a critical role in regulating the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
- Dysregulation of ACE2 is implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions, including immunity, inflammation, coagulopathy, and cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the genetic and molecular functions of the ACE2 receptor.
- To explore the relationship between ACE2 and physiological/pathological conditions relevant to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- To review comorbidities and external factors influencing ACE2 expression and function in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on genetic and molecular functions of ACE2.
- Analysis of factors affecting ACE2 expression (sex, environment, comorbidities, medications).
- Examination of ACE2's role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and associated comorbidities.
Main Results:
- ACE2 expression is modulated by multiple factors including sex, environmental influences, comorbidities, and medications.
- ACE2 acts as a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
- ACE2 is intricately linked to immune responses, inflammation, coagulopathy, and cardiovascular health, impacting COVID-19 severity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ACE2's multifaceted roles is essential for comprehending COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- Factors influencing ACE2 expression significantly affect SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and disease progression.
- ACE2's involvement in RAS regulation and its interaction with comorbidities highlight its central role in COVID-19.
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