The Role of ACE2 rs41303171 Gene Polymorphism in Susceptibility for Infection with SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a human receptor for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and successful interactions between the spik protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 are responsible for the initial and complete infection. The aim of the current study included: the determination of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms A/G of the ACE2 rs41303171 gene and their association with the susceptibility to infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Material and Methods: Allele Specific-polymerase Chain reaction (AS-PCR) method was used for investigating Single Nucleotide polymorphisms A/G of ACE2 rs41303171 in different states of patients with COVID-19,

Results: The wild genotype of (GG) for the ACE2 rs41303171 gene may be more susceptible to the infection with SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, the heterozygote genotype (AG) and mutated genotype (AA) for ACE2 rs41303171gene may be associated with more protection from the infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion: the main findings of our study show an apparent positive correlation between susceptibility to infection and severity of COVID-19 with the qualitative expression of the ACE2 gene in Iraqi people.