Novel genes and sex differences in COVID-19 severity

Here, we describe the results of a genome-wide study conducted in 11939 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases with an extensive clinical information that were recruited from 34 hospitals across Spain (SCOURGE consortium). In sex-disaggregated genome-wide association studies for COVID-19 hospitalization, genome-wide significance (P= 60 years) among males than among females. Parallel genome-wide screening of inbreeding depression in SCOURGE also showed an effect of homozygosity in COVID-19 hospitalization and severity and this effect was stronger among older males. In summary, new candidate genes for COVID-19 severity and evidence supporting genetic disparities among sexes are provided.Peer reviewe

Novel genes and sex differences in COVID-19 severity

Here, we describe the results of a genome-wide study conducted in 11939 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases with an extensive clinical information that were recruited from 34 hospitals across Spain (SCOURGE consortium). In sex-disaggregated genome-wide association studies for COVID-19 hospitalization, genome-wide significance (P= 60 years) among males than among females. Parallel genome-wide screening of inbreeding depression in SCOURGE also showed an effect of homozygosity in COVID-19 hospitalization and severity and this effect was stronger among older males. In summary, new candidate genes for COVID-19 severity and evidence supporting genetic disparities among sexes are provided.Instituto de Salud Carlos III European Commission COV20_00622 COV20/00792 COV20_00181 COV20_1144 PI20/00876European Union (ERDF) 'A way of making Europe'Fundacion Amancio Ortega, Banco de SantanderEstrella de Levante S.A.Colabora Mujer AssociationLa Caixa FoundationAgencia Estatal de Investigacion RTC-2017-6471-1Cabildo Insular de Tenerife (Apuestas cientificas del ITER para colaborar en la lucha contra la COVID-19) CGIEU0000219140Fundacion Canaria Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Canarias PIFIISC20/5