Comparing the expression of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 reveals their overlaps and differences across human tissues and demographics. Both genes are coexpressed in respiratory and intestinal cells, and their overall expression levels are largely similar across sexes. However, their primary expression sites differ significantly: TMPRSS2 is expressed most highly in the prostate and more than ACE2 in the lungs, whereas ACE2 is most highly expressed in the testes.

Comparison of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 Expression

- tissue expression
- comparing expression to ACE2

Michigan State University

Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a serine protease.  Its gene is located on chromosome 21 at 21q22.3.  Androgen signaling controls its expression upstream of the gene's transcriptional start site.  

TMPRSS2

TMPRSS2 is a human serine protease, an enzyme that cleaves a peptide chain via hydrolysis.  This enzyme has been shown to activate SARS-Cov-2 S protein by cleaving the S1 and S2 subunits of the S protein in order to expose the S2 subunit.  This allows the viral membrane to fuse with the cellular membrane.  Consequently, this process helps facilitate infection.  TMPRSS2 is also responsible for cleaving ACE2 receptors to further enhance SARS-CoV-2 entry.  This serine protease does not have a known, relevant function in human physiology and therefore could be a promising therapeutic target.  

TMPRSS2 in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19

TMPRSS2 is a serine protease involved in the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2.  Its gene is regulated in part by upstream androgen receptors and has consequently been shown to be androgen-sensitive.  It may be possible to treat a SARS-CoV-2 infection using androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or -anti-androgens which are currently used as prostate cancer therapies.  

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