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Journal of Endocrinological Investigation

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Open Access 01-05-2021 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Article

Detection of SARS-COV-2 receptor ACE-2 mRNA in thyroid cells: a clue for COVID-19-related subacute thyroiditis

Authors: M. Rotondi, F. Coperchini, G. Ricci, M. Denegri, L. Croce, S. T. Ngnitejeu, L. Villani, F. Magri, F. Latrofa, L. Chiovato

Published in: Journal of Endocrinological Investigation | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Purpose

SARS-COV-2 is a pathogenic agent belonging to the coronavirus family, responsible for the current global world pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is the receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. ACE-2 is a type I transmembrane metallo-carboxypeptidase involved in the Renin-Angiotensin pathway. By analyzing two independent databases, ACE-2 was identified in several human tissues including the thyroid. Although some cases of COVID-19-related subacute thyroiditis were recently described, direct proof for the expression of the ACE-2 mRNA in thyroid cells is still lacking. Aim of the present study was to investigate by RT-PCR whether the mRNA encoding for ACE-2 is present in human thyroid cells.

Methods

RT-PCR was performed on in vitro ex vivo study on thyroid tissue samples (15 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules) and primary thyroid cell cultures.

Results

The ACE-2 mRNA was detected in all surgical thyroid tissue samples (n = 15). Compared with two reporter genes (GAPDH: 0.052 ± 0.0026 Cycles⁻¹; β-actin: 0.044 ± 0.0025 Cycles⁻¹; ACE-2: 0.035 ± 0.0024 Cycles⁻¹), the mean level of transcript expression for ACE-2 mRNA was abundant. The expression of ACE-2 mRNA in follicular cells was confirmed by analyzing primary cultures of thyroid cells, which expressed the ACE-2 mRNA at levels similar to tissues.

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrate that the mRNA encoding for the ACE-2 receptor is expressed in thyroid follicular cells, making them a potential target for SARS-COV-2 entry. Future clinical studies in patients with COVID-19 will be required for increase our understanding of the thyroid repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Title: Detection of SARS-COV-2 receptor ACE-2 mRNA in thyroid cells: a clue for COVID-19-related subacute thyroiditis
Authors: M. Rotondi
F. Coperchini
G. Ricci
M. Denegri
L. Croce
S. T. Ngnitejeu
L. Villani
F. Magri
F. Latrofa
L. Chiovato
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis
Published in: Journal of Endocrinological Investigation / Issue 5/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1720-8386
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01436-w

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