It’s a gene that’s also involved in the outcome of other diseases, researchers have found.
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has caused the death of millions of people worldwide since the pandemic first began in 2020. Having an underlying condition that can make it more difficult for your body to fight off the illness is known to make you more susceptible to dying from COVID-19. This includes living with things like diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and simply being of an older age. Scientists have now also discovered a gene they say makes you more likely to die from COVID-19. While most people aren’t aware of their specific genome, it’s an interesting discovery that will hopefully lead to further effective treatments that save lives.
Why some people’s immune system goes into overload
The notable gene is called “APOE” and it has several versions. These include APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. Scientists at the Rockefeller University found that mice with APOE4 and APOE2 were more likely to die from COVID-19 compared with those who had the APOE3 variation. These mice had more tissue damage and inflammation as well as virus replicating in their lungs.
Related: Is the pandemic over?
“It is clear that age, sex, and certain preconditions such as diabetes increase the risk of detrimental outcomes, but these factors don’t fully explain the spectrum of COVID outcomes,” said Sohail Tavazoie, the university’s Leon Hess Professor. “This is the first time that we’ve seen such a common genetic variant associated with COVID mortality.”
Benjamin Ostendorf, a lead author in the study, said the varying amino acids caused a significant difference in whether or not the mice survived COVID. While the same outcome hasn’t been proven in humans, this genetic difference could be one of the keys to COVID survival.
Those with Alzheimer’s genes were also at a greater risk of dying
Scientists also found that mice carrying genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease were at a greater risk of dying from COVID-19. Vaccination, of course, changed the picture. Tavazoie said he believes many of the individuals who died early on in the pandemic may have survived had they had access to a vaccine.
The APOE gene is an interesting one that seems to have an effect on many different disease outcomes. These include cancer, dementia, and viral infections like COVID-19. The goal of researchers now is to hone in on how this gene influences and shapes the behavior of human cells in different contexts. The more the world of science knows, the better advancements can be made in creating treatments and formulating avenues for prevention.
Of course, most people don’t have any knowledge of what their genome contains, specifically. With only access to some basic guesses based on family histories, most of us are navigating blindly. As we head into winter, stabbing in the dark, get boosted and provide yourself with the best COVID-19 protection you can. It’s worth the hassle and could be that extra layer of protection you need to stay safe.
photo credits: Billion Photos/Shutterstock./com
