The FAM171A2 gene is a key regulator of progranulin expression and modifies the risk of multiple neurodegenerative diseases

Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted pleiotropic glycoprotein associated with the development of common neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the pathophysiological role of PGRN may help uncover biological underpinnings. We performed a genome-wide association study to determine the genetic regulators of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PGRN levels. Common variants in region of FAM171A2 were associated with lower CSF PGRN levels (rs708384, P = 3.95 × 10−12). This was replicated in another independent cohort. The rs708384 was associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia and could modify the expression of the FAM171A2 gene. FAM171A2 was considerably expressed in the vascular endothelium and microglia, which are rich in PGRN. The in vitro study further confirmed that the rs708384 mutation up-regulated the expression of FAM171A2, which caused a decrease in the PGRN level. Collectively, genetic, molecular, and bioinformatic findings suggested that FAM171A2 is a key player in regulating PGRN production.

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Genotoxicity and inflammatory potential of stainless steel welding fume particles: an in vitro study on standard vs Cr(VI)-reduced flux-cored wires and the role of released metals

Archives of Toxicology ◽

10.1007/s00204-021-03116-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah McCarrick ◽

Valentin Romanovski ◽

Zheng Wei ◽

Elin M. Westin ◽

Kjell-Arne Persson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Damage ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Human Monocyte ◽

Welding Fumes ◽

Welding Fume ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Cored Wires

AbstractWelders are daily exposed to various levels of welding fumes containing several metals. This exposure can lead to an increased risk for different health effects which serves as a driving force to develop new methods that generate less toxic fumes. The aim of this study was to explore the role of released metals for welding particle-induced toxicity and to test the hypothesis that a reduction of Cr(VI) in welding fumes results in less toxicity by comparing the welding fume particles of optimized Cr(VI)-reduced flux-cored wires (FCWs) to standard FCWs. The welding particles were thoroughly characterized, and toxicity (cell viability, DNA damage and inflammation) was assessed following exposure to welding particles as well as their released metal fraction using cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3kt, 5–100 µg/mL) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (THP-1, 10–50 µg/mL). The results showed that all Cr was released as Cr(VI) for welding particles generated using standard FCWs whereas only minor levels (< 3% of total Cr) were released from the newly developed FCWs. Furthermore, the new FCWs were considerably less cytotoxic and did not cause any DNA damage in the doses tested. For the standard FCWs, the Cr(VI) released in cell media seemed to explain a large part of the cytotoxicity and DNA damage. In contrast, all particles caused rather similar inflammatory effects suggesting different underlying mechanisms. Taken together, this study suggests a potential benefit of substituting standard FCWs with Cr(VI)-reduced wires to achieve less toxic welding fumes and thus reduced risks for welders.

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Genomic variation across a clinical Cryptococcus population linked to disease outcome

10.1101/2021.11.22.469645 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Poppy Channa Sakti Sephton-Clark ◽

Jennifer Tenor ◽

Dena Toffaletti ◽

Nancy Meyers ◽

Charles Giamberardino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Outcomes ◽

Large Scale ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Sugar Transport ◽

Genomic Variation ◽

Clinical Isolates ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Gwas Approach

Cryptococcus neoformans is the causative agent of cryptococcosis, a disease with poor patient outcomes, accounting for approximately 180,000 deaths each year. Patient outcomes may be impacted by the underlying genetics of the infecting isolate, however, our current understanding of how genetic diversity contributes to clinical outcomes is limited. Here, we leverage clinical, in vitro growth and genomic data for 284 C. neoformans isolates to identify clinically relevant pathogen variants within a population of clinical isolates from patients with HIV-associated cryptococcosis in Malawi. Through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, we identify variants associated with fungal burden and growth rate. We also find both small and large-scale variation, including aneuploidy, associated with alternate growth phenotypes, which may impact the course of infection. Genes impacted by these variants are involved in transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, glycolysis, sugar transport, and glycosylation. When combined with clinical data, we show that growth within the CNS is reliant upon glycolysis in an animal model, and likely impacts patient mortality, as CNS burden modulates patient outcome. Additionally, we find genes with roles in sugar transport are under selection in the majority of these clinical isolates. Further, we demonstrate that two hypothetical proteins identified by GWAS impact virulence in animal models. Our approach illustrates links between genetic variation and clinically relevant phenotypes, shedding light on survival mechanisms within the CNS and pathways involved in this persistence.

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ESR1, WT1, WNT4, ATM and TERT loci are major contributors to uterine leiomyoma predisposition

10.1101/291237 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Niko Välimäki ◽

Heli Kuisma ◽

Annukka Pasanen ◽

Oskari Heikinheimo ◽

Jari Sjöberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Estrogen Receptor Alpha ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Benign Tumors ◽

Risk Alleles ◽

Estrogen Exposure ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Genetic Level ◽

Genomic Risk

ABSTRACTUterine leiomyomas (ULs) are benign tumors that are a major burden to women’s health. A genome-wide association study on 5,417 UL cases and 331,791 controls was performed, followed by replication of the genomic risk in two cohorts. Effects of the identified risk alleles were evaluated in view of molecular and clinical features.Five loci displayed a genome-wide significant association; the previously reported TNRC6B, and four novel loci ESR1 (ERα), WT1, WNT4, and ATM. The sixth hit TERT is also a conceivable target. The combined polygenic risk contributed by these loci was associated with MED12 mutation-positive tumors. The findings link genes for uterine development and genetic stability to leiomyomagenesis. While the fundamental role of sex hormones in UL aetiology has been clear, this work reveals a connection to estrogen receptor alpha on genetic level and suggests that determinants of UL growth associated with estrogen exposure have an inherited component.

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Genomic and functional gene studies suggest a key role of beta-carotene oxygenase 1 like (bco1l) gene in salmon flesh color

10.1101/821652 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Hanna Helgeland ◽

Marte Sodeland ◽

Nina Zoric ◽

Jacob Seilø Torgersen ◽

Fabian Grammes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Beta Carotene ◽

Color Variation ◽

Flesh Color ◽

Functional Studies ◽

Genetic Components ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Mrna And Protein Expression

AbstractRed coloration of muscle tissue (flesh) is a unique trait in several salmonid genera, including Atlantic salmon. The color results from dietary carotenoids deposited in the flesh, whereas the color intensity is affected both by diet and genetic components. Herein we report on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variation underlying this trait. Two SNPs on ssa26 showed strong associations to the flesh color in salmon. Two genes known to be involved in carotenoid metabolism were located in this QTL-region: beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (bco1) and beta-carotene oxygenase 1 like (bco1l). To determine whether flesh color variation is caused by one, or both, of these genes, several functional studies were carried out including mRNA and protein expression in fish with red and pale flesh color. The catalytic abilities of these two genes were also tested with different carotenoids. Our results suggest bco1l to be the most likely gene to explain the flesh color variation observed in this population.

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Effect of HLA-DRB1 alleles and genetic variants on the development of neutralizing antibodies to interferon beta in the BEYOND and BENEFIT trials

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458518763089 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 565-573 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Dorothea Buck ◽

Till FM Andlauer ◽

Wilmar Igl ◽

Eva-Maria Wicklein ◽

Mark Mühlau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Genetic Variants ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Phase Iii ◽

Interferon Β ◽

Hla Alleles ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Increased Risk

Background: Treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with interferon β can lead to the development of antibodies directed against interferon β that interfere with treatment efficacy. Several observational studies have proposed different HLA alleles and genetic variants associated with the development of antibodies against interferon β. Objective: To validate the proposed genetic markers and to identify new markers. Methods: Associations of genetic candidate markers with antibody presence and development were examined in a post hoc analysis in 941 patients treated with interferon β-1b in the Betaferon® Efficacy Yielding Outcomes of a New Dose (BEYOND) and BEtaseron®/BEtaferon® in Newly Emerging multiple sclerosis For Initial Treatment (BENEFIT) prospective phase III trials. All patients were treated with interferon β-1b for at least 6 months. In addition, a genome-wide association study was conducted to identify new genetic variants. Results: We confirmed an increased risk for carriers of HLA-DRB1*04:01 (odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, p = 6.9 × 10−4) and HLA-DRB1*07:01 (OR = 1.8, p = 3.5 × 10−3) for developing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Several additional, previously proposed HLA alleles and genetic variants showed nominally significant associations. In the exploratory analysis, variants in the HLA region were associated with NAb development at genome-wide significance (OR = 2.6, p = 2.30 × 10−15). Conclusion: The contribution of HLA alleles and HLA-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the development and titer of antibodies against interferon β was confirmed in the combined analysis of two multi-national, multi-center studies.

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A Genome-wide Association Study to Identify Candidate Genes for Metabolic Disorders in Offspring by in Vitro Fertilization

10.21203/rs.3.rs-717175/v6 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Lihong Liu ◽

Siyao HA ◽

MingQing Li ◽

Zhiling Li

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

Health Risks ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Offspring Health

Abstract BackgroundIn vitro fertilization (IVF) processes increase offspring's short-term and long-term health risks, but their mechanisms remain unclear. MethodsWe conducted a bibliometric analysis to determine the landscape of IVF offspring health. Subsequently, a bioinformatics method was utilized to identify the co-genes properties and biological function mechanisms of IVF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Finally, we predicted compounds against key targets and performed multiple validations of the mechanisms underlying IVF offspring health risks. ResultsWe identified 15 genes associated with T2DM, and their biological functions are primarily associated with lipid metabolism. We also identified the properties of co-genes, modified characteristics, identified 3 SNPs sites, and determined the three core genes, APOA1, APOB, and APOE, which were mainly correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we predicted drugs that may improve metabolic abnormalities in IVF offspring. ConclusionsThe impact of aberrant lipid metabolism in offspring after IVF therapy warrants additional investigation, particularly in terms of long-term health consequences and possible mechanisms.

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Genome wide association study of HTLV-1–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in the Japanese population

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.2004199118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 118 (11) ◽

pp. e2004199118

Author(s):

Marina Penova ◽

Shuji Kawaguchi ◽

Jun-ichirou Yasunaga ◽

Takahisa Kawaguchi ◽

Tomoo Sato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Association Study ◽

Proviral Load ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Japanese Population ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Increased Risk

HTLV-1–associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The aim of our study was to identify genetic determinants related to the onset of HAM/TSP in the Japanese population. We conducted a genome-wide association study comprising 753 HAM/TSP patients and 899 asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers. We also performed comprehensive genotyping of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DPB1, -DQB1, and -DRB1 genes using next-generation sequencing technology for 651 HAM/TSP patients and 804 carriers. A strong association was observed in HLA class I (P = 1.54 × 10−9) and class II (P = 1.21 × 10−8) loci with HAM/TSP. Association analysis using HLA genotyping results showed that HLA-C*07:02 (P = 2.61 × 10−5), HLA-B*07:02 (P = 4.97 × 10−10), HLA-DRB1*01:01 (P = 1.15 × 10−9) and HLA-DQB1*05:01 (P = 2.30 × 10−9) were associated with disease risk, while HLA-B*40:06 (P = 3.03 × 10−5), HLA-DRB1*15:01 (P = 1.06 × 10−5) and HLA-DQB1*06:02 (P = 1.78 × 10−6) worked protectively. Logistic regression analysis identified amino acid position 7 in the G-BETA domain of HLA-DRB1 as strongly associated with HAM/TSP (P = 9.52 × 10−10); individuals homozygous for leucine had an associated increased risk of HAM/TSP (odds ratio, 9.57), and proline was protective (odds ratio, 0.65). Both associations were independent of the known risk associated with proviral load. DRB1-GB-7-Leu was not significantly associated with proviral load. We have identified DRB1-GB-7-Leu as a genetic risk factor for HAM/TSP development independent of proviral load. This suggests that the amino acid residue may serve as a specific marker to identify the risk of HAM/TSP even without knowledge of proviral load. In light of its allele frequency worldwide, this biomarker will likely prove useful in HTLV-1 endemic areas across the globe.

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Genomic and functional gene studies suggest a key role of beta-carotene oxygenase 1 like (bco1l) gene in salmon flesh color

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-56438-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hanna Helgeland ◽

Marte Sodeland ◽

Nina Zoric ◽

Jacob Seilø Torgersen ◽

Fabian Grammes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Beta Carotene ◽

Color Variation ◽

Flesh Color ◽

Functional Studies ◽

Genetic Components ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Mrna And Protein Expression

AbstractRed coloration of muscle tissue (flesh) is a unique trait in several salmonid genera, including Atlantic salmon. The color results from dietary carotenoids deposited in the flesh, whereas the color intensity is affected both by diet and genetic components. Herein we report on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variation underlying this trait. Two SNPs on ssa26 showed strong associations to the flesh color in salmon. Two genes known to be involved in carotenoid metabolism were located in this QTL- region: beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (bco1) and beta-carotene oxygenase 1 like (bco1l). To determine whether flesh color variation is caused by one, or both, of these genes, functional studies were carried out including mRNA and protein expression in fish with red and pale flesh color. The catalytic abilities of these two genes were also tested with different carotenoids. Our results suggest bco1l to be the most likely gene to explain the flesh color variation observed in this population.

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Whole genome sequencing identified a 16 kilobase deletion on ECA13 associated with distichiasis in Friesian horses

BMC Genomics ◽

10.1186/s12864-020-07265-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

E. A. Hisey ◽

H. Hermans ◽

Z. T. Lounsberry ◽

F. Avila ◽

R. A. Grahn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whole Genome Sequencing ◽

Genome Sequencing ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Secondary Infection ◽

Whole Genome Sequencing Data ◽

Incomplete Penetrance ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

Abstract Background Distichiasis, an ocular disorder in which aberrant cilia (eyelashes) grow from the opening of the Meibomian glands of the eyelid, has been reported in Friesian horses. These misplaced cilia can cause discomfort, chronic keratitis, and corneal ulceration, potentially impacting vision due to corneal fibrosis, or, if secondary infection occurs, may lead to loss of the eye. Friesian horses represent the vast majority of reported cases of equine distichiasis, and as the breed is known to be affected with inherited monogenic disorders, this condition was hypothesized to be a simply inherited Mendelian trait. Results A genome wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the Axiom 670 k Equine Genotyping array (MNEc670k) utilizing 14 cases and 38 controls phenotyped for distichiasis. An additive single locus mixed linear model (EMMAX) approach identified a 1.83 Mb locus on ECA5 and a 1.34 Mb locus on ECA13 that reached genome-wide significance (pcorrected = 0.016 and 0.032, respectively). Only the locus on ECA13 withstood replication testing (p = 1.6 × 10− 5, cases: n = 5 and controls: n = 37). A 371 kb run of homozygosity (ROH) on ECA13 was found in 13 of the 14 cases, providing evidence for a recessive mode of inheritance. Haplotype analysis (hapQTL) narrowed the region of association on ECA13 to 163 kb. Whole-genome sequencing data from 3 cases and 2 controls identified a 16 kb deletion within the ECA13 associated haplotype (ECA13:g.178714_195130del). Functional annotation data supports a tissue-specific regulatory role of this locus. This deletion was associated with distichiasis, as 18 of the 19 cases were homozygous (p = 4.8 × 10− 13). Genotyping the deletion in 955 horses from 54 different breeds identified the deletion in only 11 non-Friesians, all of which were carriers, suggesting that this could be causal for this Friesian disorder. Conclusions This study identified a 16 kb deletion on ECA13 in an intergenic region that was associated with distichiasis in Friesian horses. Further functional analysis in relevant tissues from cases and controls will help to clarify the precise role of this deletion in normal and abnormal eyelash development and investigate the hypothesis of incomplete penetrance.

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The International SSRI Pharmacogenomics Consortium (ISPC): a genome-wide association study of antidepressant treatment response

Translational Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/tp.2015.47 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. e553-e553 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

J M Biernacka ◽

K Sangkuhl ◽

G Jenkins ◽

R M Whaley ◽

P Barman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Association Study ◽

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Transmembrane Domain ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Research Network ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Response to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) varies considerably between patients. The International SSRI Pharmacogenomics Consortium (ISPC) was formed with the primary goal of identifying genetic variation that may contribute to response to SSRI treatment of major depressive disorder. A genome-wide association study of 4-week treatment outcomes, measured using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17), was performed using data from 865 subjects from seven sites. The primary outcomes were percent change in HRSD-17 score and response, defined as at least 50% reduction in HRSD-17. Data from two prior studies, the Pharmacogenomics Research Network Antidepressant Medication Pharmacogenomics Study (PGRN-AMPS) and the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study, were used for replication, and a meta-analysis of the three studies was performed (N=2394). Although many top association signals in the ISPC analysis map to interesting candidate genes, none were significant at the genome-wide level and the associations were not replicated using PGRN-AMPS and STAR*D data. Top association results in the meta-analysis of response included single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HPRTP4 (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase pseudogene 4)/VSTM5 (V-set and transmembrane domain containing 5) region, which approached genome-wide significance (P=5.03E−08) and SNPs 5’ upstream of the neuregulin-1 gene, NRG1 (P=1.20E−06). NRG1 is involved in many aspects of brain development, including neuronal maturation and variations in this gene have been shown to be associated with increased risk for mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Replication and functional studies of these findings are warranted.

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