The UGT2A1/UGT2A2 locus is associated with COVID-19-related loss of smell or taste.

Janie F SheltonAnjali J ShastriChristopher Fletez-Brantnull nullStella AslibekyanAdam Auton

Published in: Nature genetics (2022)

Using online surveys, we collected data regarding COVID-19-related loss of smell or taste from 69,841 individuals. We performed a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study and identified a genome-wide significant locus in the vicinity of the UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 genes. Both genes are expressed in the olfactory epithelium and play a role in metabolizing odorants. These findings provide a genetic link to the biological mechanisms underlying COVID-19-related loss of smell or taste.

Keyphrases

genome wide
genome wide association study
coronavirus disease
sars cov
dna methylation
social media
copy number
gene expression
healthcare
machine learning
transcription factor
big data
health information
deep learning
artificial intelligence
drug induced
data analysis