Expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor "ACE2" in human pancreatic β cells: to be or not to be!. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El-Huneidi, Waseem; Hamad, Mawieh; Taneera, Jalal
• Is Part Of: Islets. Volume 13:Issue 5/6(2021)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 114
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- ACE2 -- pancreatic β cells -- type 2 diabetes -- TMPRSS2; Islands of Langerhans -- Periodicals; Pancreas -- Periodicals; 616.46
• DOI: 10.1080/19382014.2021.1954458
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-2022

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The current COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to spread across the globe, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2). Soon after the pandemic emerged in China, it became clear that the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2 ) serves as the primary cell surface receptor for SARS-Cov-2. Subsequent work has shown that diabetes and hyperglycemia are major risk factors for morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. However, data on the pattern of expression of ACE2 on human pancreatic β cells remain contradictory. Additionally, there is no consensus on whether the virus can directly infect and damage pancreatic islets and hence exacerbate diabetes. In this mini-review, we highlight the role of ACE2 receptor and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding its expression/co-localization in human pancreatic endocrine cells. We also discuss recent data on the permissiveness of human pancreatic β cells to SARS-Cov-2 infection.