Scientific article
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English

Sars-cov-2 receptors and entry genes are expressed in the human olfactory neuroepithelium and brain

Published iniScience, vol. 23, no. 12, 101839
Publication date2020
Abstract

Reports indicate an association between COVID-19 and anosmia, as well as the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virions in the olfactory bulb. To test whether the olfactory neuroepithelium may represent a target of the virus, we generated RNA-seq libraries from human olfactory neuroepithelia, in which we found substantial expression of the genes coding for the virus receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and for the virus internalization enhancer TMPRSS2. We analyzed a human olfactory single-cell RNA-seq dataset and determined that sustentacular cells, which maintain the integrity of olfactory sensory neurons, express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. ACE2 protein was highly expressed in a subset of sustentacular cells in human and mouse olfactory tissues. Finally, we found ACE2 transcripts in specific brain cell types, both in mice and humans. Sustentacular cells thus represent a potential entry door for SARS-CoV-2 in a neuronal sensory system that is in direct connection with the brain.

Citation (ISO format)
FODOULIAN, Leon et al. Sars-cov-2 receptors and entry genes are expressed in the human olfactory neuroepithelium and brain. In: iScience, 2020, vol. 23, n° 12, p. 101839. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101839
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Journal ISSN2589-0042
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