On the other hand, the mRNA levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), an enzyme acting in the upstream of cholesterol synthesis,38 and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) were not changed irrespective of the severity of COVID-19 (Supplementary Fig. 2). The gene discussed is HMGCR; the disease is COVID-19.