The protein expression profile of ACE2 in human tissues

F Hikmet, L Méar, Å Edvinsson, P Micke… - Molecular systems …, 2020 - embopress.org
F Hikmet, L Méar, Å Edvinsson, P Micke, M Uhlén, C Lindskog
Molecular systems biology, 2020embopress.org
The novel SARS‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) poses a global challenge on healthcare and
society. For understanding the susceptibility for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the cell type‐specific
expression of the host cell surface receptor is necessary. The key protein suggested to be
involved in host cell entry is angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we report the
expression pattern of ACE2 across> 150 different cell types corresponding to all major
human tissues and organs based on stringent immunohistochemical analysis. The results …
Abstract
The novel SARS‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) poses a global challenge on healthcare and society. For understanding the susceptibility for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the cell type‐specific expression of the host cell surface receptor is necessary. The key protein suggested to be involved in host cell entry is angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we report the expression pattern of ACE2 across > 150 different cell types corresponding to all major human tissues and organs based on stringent immunohistochemical analysis. The results were compared with several datasets both on the mRNA and protein level. ACE2 expression was mainly observed in enterocytes, renal tubules, gallbladder, cardiomyocytes, male reproductive cells, placental trophoblasts, ductal cells, eye, and vasculature. In the respiratory system, the expression was limited, with no or only low expression in a subset of cells in a few individuals, observed by one antibody only. Our data constitute an important resource for further studies on SARS‐CoV‐2 host cell entry, in order to understand the biology of the disease and to aid in the development of effective treatments to the viral infection.
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