학술논문

Increased expression of SCARF genes favoring SARS-CoV-2 infection in key target organs in CKD
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Document Type
Academic Journal
Source
Clinical Kidney Journal. December 2023, Vol. 16 Issue 12, p2672, 11 p.
Subject
Spain
Language
English
ISSN
2048-8505
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused over 6.6 million deaths [1]. SARS-CoV-2 causes primarily pulmonary damage but can [...]
Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially diabetic CKD, is the condition that most increases the risk of lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFs) regulate coronavirus cell entry and/or replication. We hypothesized that CKD may alter the expression of SCARF genes. Methods. A literature search identified 34 SCARF genes of which we selected 21 involved in interactions between SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 and host cells, and assessed their mRNA expression in target tissues of COVID-19 (kidneys, lungs, aorta and heart) in mice with adenine-induced CKD. Results. Twenty genes were differentially expressed in at least one organ in mice with CKD. For 15 genes, the differential expression would be expected to favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or severity. Of these 15 genes, 13 were differentially expressed in the kidney and 8 were validated in human CKD kidney transcriptomics datasets, including those for the most common cause of CKD, diabetic nephropathy. Tw o genes reported to protect from SARS-CoV-2 were downregulated in at least two non-kidney target organs: Iftm3 encoding interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) in lung and Ly6e encoding lymphocyte antigen 6 family member 6 (LY6E) in aorta. Conclusion. CKD, including diabetic CKD, is associated with the differential expression of multiple SCARF genes in target organs of COVID-19, some of which may sensitize to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information may facilitate developing therapeutic strategies aimed at decreasing COVID-19 severity in patients with CKD. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, mortality, risk factor, SARS-CoV-2, SCARF