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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Gene Expression in Breast Tissue

Sammy Al-Benna1

  • 1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.

European Journal of Breast Health
|April 19, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for cell entry. This study found higher ACE2 gene expression in human breast tissue than lung tissue, suggesting potential SARS-CoV-2 infection of the breast.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry into host cells depends on binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.
  • ACE2 receptors are present in various human tissues, including the lungs, a primary target for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Previous research has not confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in human breast tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of the ACE2 gene in human breast tissue.
  • To compare ACE2 gene expression levels in breast tissue with those in lung tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a public gene expression database.
  • Performed a search to identify and analyze ACE2 gene expression data in human breast tissue samples.

Main Results:

  • ACE2 gene expression was detected in human breast tissue.
  • The expression level of the ACE2 gene was found to be higher in human breast tissue compared to human lung tissue.

Conclusions:

  • The elevated ACE2 expression in breast tissue suggests it could be a potential target for SARS-CoV-2.
  • This finding implies that SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to pathology in breast tissue.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the implications of ACE2 expression in breast tissue concerning COVID-19.
Keywords:
BreastCOVID-19angiotensin converting enzyme 2coronavirusgene expressionsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

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