Understanding how ACE2 is regulated to improve treatments for COVID-19

Transcriptional regulation of ACE2 and the adaption of SARS-CoV-2

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-10739306

This study is looking at how the body controls a key protein that the COVID-19 virus uses to enter our cells, which could help find new ways to treat COVID-19 and improve care for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10739306 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the regulation of ACE2, the primary receptor that SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter human cells. By utilizing advanced techniques like CRISPR to identify key host factors involved in ACE2 transcription, the study aims to uncover how different tissues express ACE2. The research will focus on four specific cell lines from various tissues, including lung and kidney, to provide insights that could lead to innovative treatments for COVID-19. Patients may benefit from this work as it could inform the development of new therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of severe COVID-19 or have underlying conditions that affect ACE2 expression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by COVID-19 or do not have conditions related to ACE2 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively target SARS-CoV-2 infection.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding viral entry mechanisms, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.