Atlas of ACE2 gene expression reveals novel insights into transmission of SARS-CoV-2

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05850
• Publication Date: 2020-12-26T04:53:51Z
• Authors: Kun Sun; Liuqi Gu; Li Ma; Yunfeng Duan
• Keywords: Coronavirus; Pandemic

The recent pandemic, COVID-19, is caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, with elusive origin. SARS-CoV-2 infects mammalian cells via ACE2, transmembrane protein. Therefore, the conservation and expression patterns of ACE2 may provide valuable insights into tracing carriers SARS-CoV-2. In this work, we analyzed its pattern among various species that are close to human beings. We show gene deeply conserved at both DNA peptide levels, suggesting broad range mammals can potentially host further report in certain tissues consistent clinical symptoms COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, have built first atlas common mammals, which shows expresses species-specific manner. Most notably, observe exceptionally high external body parts cats dogs, these household pet animals could be vulnerable viral infections and/or serve as intermediate hosts, thus yielding transmission