Decrease inACE2mRNA expression in aged mouse lung

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a critical receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This has led to extensive speculation on the role ofACE2in disease severity, and in particular, whether variation in its expression can explain higher mortality in older individuals. We examine this question in mouse lung and show that 24-month old mice have significantly reducedACE2mRNA expression relative to 3-month old mice. The differences appear to be localized to ciliated cells.