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Genetic Diversity of the ACE2 Gene and Susceptibility to COVID-19 in Morocco Population

Nourdin Harich1, Hamid Farhane1, Soufiane Karchali1

  • 1Laboratory of Anthropogenetics, Biotechnology and Health, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaïb Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.

Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers
|July 10, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Genetic variations in the ACE2 gene, specifically the rs4646127 polymorphism, show a significant link to COVID-19 infection rates in Moroccan regions. This finding suggests ACE2 gene variants could help identify populations at higher risk for COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • COVID-19 pandemic exhibited global infection rate variability.
  • The Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells, influencing infection susceptibility.
  • Genetic factors, including ACE2 gene polymorphisms, may play a significant role in differential COVID-19 susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the allelic frequencies of four Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ACE2 gene (rs4646127, rs2074192, rs2285666, rs112171234).
  • To evaluate the correlation between these ACE2 gene SNPs and COVID-19 infection rates across four distinct regions in Morocco.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic DNA extraction from 200 participants across four Moroccan regions (Rif, Doukkala, Ouarzazate, Guelmim).
  • Genotyping of ACE2 SNPs using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with TaqMan technology.
  • Statistical analysis to determine allelic frequencies and correlations with infection rates.

Main Results:

  • Significant regional variations in alternative allele frequencies for the studied ACE2 SNPs were observed (0% to 74%).
  • A strong positive correlation (r=0.96, p=0.03) was found between the rs4646127 G allele frequency and COVID-19 infection rate variations.
  • Comparisons with global populations revealed significant differences (up to 54.17%) in SNP frequencies.

Conclusions:

  • The rs4646127 polymorphism in the ACE2 gene is significantly correlated with regional COVID-19 infection rates in Morocco.
  • This ACE2 SNP may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying individuals or groups at increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
  • Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these exploratory findings due to the limited sample size.
Keywords:
ACE2COVID-19MoroccoSARS-CoV-2infection raters4646127

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