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

Multi-ancestry genome-wide analyses identify variants near UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 associated with COVID-19-related loss of smell or taste. Both genes are expressed in the olfactory epithelium and play a role in metabolizing odorants. 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.

Automated summary

Multi-ancestry genome-wide analyses have identified variants near UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 genes that are associated with COVID-19-related loss of smell or taste. These genes are expressed in the olfactory epithelium and play a role in metabolizing odorants.