1. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Expression Is Detectable in Keratinocytes, Cutaneous Appendages, and Blood Vessels by Multiplex RNA In Situ Hybridization.
- Author
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Ganier C, Harun N, Peplow I, Du-Harpur X, Arthurs C, Watt FM, and Lynch MD
- Subjects
- Endothelial Cells, Humans, In Situ Hybridization, Keratinocytes, RNA, SARS-CoV-2, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 genetics, COVID-19
- Abstract
Objective: The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor mediates uptake of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Previous work analyzing publicly available bulk RNA-sequencing data sets has shown the expression of ACE2 in human keratinocytes. This finding is potentially relevant for the etiology of COVID-19-associated rashes and might also suggest a possible entry mechanism for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study, the authors examined the spatial localization of ACE2 mRNA in vivo., Methods and Results: The authors analyzed several publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing data sets. They determined spatial localization of ACE2 mRNA using multiplex RNA in situ hybridization in human skin., Conclusions: Both analyses supported ACE2 expression in keratinocytes and skin vasculature, which could reflect a potential cutaneous entry point for SARS-CoV-2, particularly in damaged or broken skin. Moreover, ACE2 expression in vascular endothelial cells may support direct, virally mediated mechanisms in the etiology of the chilblain-like acral eruption that is seen in patients with COVID-19., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
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