The COVID-19 pandemic was officially declared as a global health emergency last year in January 2020 by the World Health Organization. A contagious disease caused by SARs-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has caused much distraught and disdain in the lives of people around the world.

Spreading mainly through close contact, the virus enters through the nose or mouth and is thought to have a zoonotic (animal) origin. The lungs are the most affected organs as COVID-19 can affect both the upper and the lower respiratory tract.

According to a report by WorldoMeters.info, there have been over 92 million reported cases of coronavirus and over 1.9 million fatalities as of 13^th January 2021.

The United States has the most number of reported cases that are over 23.3 million as well as fatalities that are around 389,599 and still counting. Over 221 countries and nations around the world are impacted due to the ongoing pandemic with more than 18 countries reporting over a million cases each.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at how COVID-19 is affecting human genetics.    

·        ACE2

The ACE2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) is an enzyme attached to the cell membranes located in the arteries, heart, intestines, kidneys, and lungs. The basic functions of ACE2 are to breakdown proteins as well as regulate cell functions. Unfortunately, it is also the main entry point for coronaviruses, including COVID-19.

The interaction between the two leads to endocytosis and translocation of the virus into endosomes located within the cells. While some hypothesize that decreasing ACE2 levels in cells might help in fighting the infection; however, on the other hand, studies indicated that ACE2 offers protection from virus-induced injuries by producing vasodilator angiotensin 1-7. 

·        TMPRSS2

Transmembrane protease serine 2 is encoded by the TMPRSS2 gene and is an enzyme found in humans. While this gene's biological function is still doubtful, in relation to coronaviruses, both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 are activated by TMPRSS2.

This also means that they can be also be inhibited by TMPRSS2 inhibitors.

As we already know that COVID-19 uses ACE2 as an entry point, the TMPRSS2 serine protease is used for S protein priming. In clinical studies, a TMPRSS2 inhibitor was approved and was able to successfully block the virus's entry, which can later be used as a constituent for a treatment option in the near future.  

·        BATF

Basic leucine zipper transcription factor, BATF is a protein in humans that is ATF-like and encoded by the BATF gene. In clinical studies of the past observed that mice without BATF gene lacked Th17, which is a type of inflammatory immune cell.

This made them resistant to conditions that normally induced an autoimmune condition similar to multiple sclerosis. 

BATF has been observed to act as an essential regulator of IL-25 responsive migratory ILC2 cell fate and function.

Furthermore, BATF-dependent migratory iILC2s can respond early to epithelial damage as well as contribute towards the restoration of the epithelium (protective layer of cells). Young learners who are asked to  do my assignment UK should ponder on these clinical findings and make sure that they follow best practices to stop the spread of this deadly virus.

·        Human Neural Progenitor Cells

NPCs (neural progenitor cells) are the originator cells of the central nervous system (CNS). These cells make up our nervous system by giving rise to many glial and neuronal cell types. They are also present in the immune system cells. COVID-19 causes neurological symptoms, including ageusia, anosmia, confusion, encephalopathy, headaches, and seizure.

In recent studies, it has been observed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect as well as replicate in the cells of neuronal origins. This is devastating news because human neural progenitor cells are vital to our bodies, and this is why COVID-19 can be considered as extremely lethal to our systems.     

·        Brain Organoids

Studies have shown that COVID-19 can damage the brain in Japan, and those who become ill with coronavirus can develop neurological symptoms. Reports have also identified swelling and inflammation in brain tissues. In other cases, it was observed that patients had deterioration of myelin which is a fatty coating that protects neurons.

As time is progressing, new cases are coming in that include brain hemorrhage, memory loss, and strokes. As a result, there are speculations that some people might even be suffering from lifelong problems as a result. 

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic is truly a horrifying event, and it would not be forgotten so easily. While vaccines are underway with many countries now embracing massive scale vaccination programs, there is still much to know how this virus is impacting our bodies and genes in particular.

Hopefully, in the future, with more time, scientific and medical studies will hold all the answers that we seek. Till then, let's all pray, keep ourselves safe at home, and practice safety precautions as an obligation to not only our own wellbeing but also the wellbeing of others as well.   

Author Bio

Liza Brooke currently works as a Sr. Research Analyst & Blogger at Dissertation Assistance serves as coursework help UK for students. During her free time, she likes to read sci-fi novels and indulge herself in popular fan-fiction.