Network-based analysis between SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 and common host factors in COVID-19 and asthma: Potential mechanistic insights

Abstract

ACE2 as a functional receptor for SARS coronavirus plays an important role in COVID-19 infection of the host. Thus, we aimed to explore interaction networks between ACE2 and common host factors in COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. We identified 1,191 protein targets closely related to ACE2, and integrated the GEO database and multiple public databases to identify 305 host factors related to ACE2 between COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. Further enrichment analyses showed that metabolic processes, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation and PPAR signaling pathways had vital significance in the comorbidity of asthma and COIVD-19. HRAS, IFNG, CAT, CDH1, FASN, ACLY, CCL5, VCAM1, SCD and HMGCR were the key host factors related to ACE2. Tissue-specific enrichment and correlation analysis with ACE2 showed that SCD, CAT and FASN were highly expressed in the lung; and these 10 molecules were closely related to ACE2 and specifically expressed in multiple tissues. We also identified a series of drugs, such as estradiol, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, resveratrol, cyclosporine, perfluorooctanoic acid and so on. Finally, the expression levels and diagnostic performance of HRAS and SCD showed statistical significance in external databases. This study explored the interaction networks of ACE2-related host factors in COVID-19 and asthma and identified several potential drugs for COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. Although our research needs further verification, it still informs the mechanisms and treatment of COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity.