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Ginete C, Delgadinho M, Santos B, Miranda A, Silva C, Guerreiro P, Chimusa ER, Brito M. Genetic Modifiers of Sickle Cell Anemia Phenotype in a Cohort of Angolan Children. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:469. [PMID: 38674403 PMCID: PMC11049512 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify genetic markers in the HBB Cluster; HBS1L-MYB intergenic region; and BCL11A, KLF1, FOX3, and ZBTB7A genes associated with the heterogeneous phenotypes of Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) using next-generation sequencing, as well as to assess their influence and prevalence in an Angolan population. Hematological, biochemical, and clinical data were considered to determine patients' severity phenotypes. Samples from 192 patients were sequenced, and 5,019,378 variants of high quality were registered. A catalog of candidate modifier genes that clustered in pathophysiological pathways important for SCA was generated, and candidate genes associated with increasing vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and with lower fetal hemoglobin (HbF) were identified. These data support the polygenic view of the genetic architecture of SCA phenotypic variability. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the intronic region of 2q16.1, harboring the BCL11A gene, are genome-wide and significantly associated with decreasing HbF. A set of variants was identified to nominally be associated with increasing VOC and are potential genetic modifiers harboring phenotypic variation among patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of clinical variation in SCA in Angola using a well-customized and targeted sequencing approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Ginete
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.D.); (C.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Mariana Delgadinho
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.D.); (C.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Brígida Santos
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Bengo 9999, Angola;
- Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino (HPDB), Luanda 3067, Angola
| | - Armandina Miranda
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Carina Silva
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.D.); (C.S.); (P.G.)
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-013 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Guerreiro
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.D.); (C.S.); (P.G.)
| | - Emile R. Chimusa
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK;
| | - Miguel Brito
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.D.); (C.S.); (P.G.)
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Bengo 9999, Angola;
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Mboowa G, Sserwadda I, Kanyerezi S, Tukwasibwe S, Kidenya B. The dawn of a cure for sickle cell disease through CRISPR-based treatment: A critical test of equity in public health genomics. Ann Hum Genet 2024. [PMID: 38517013 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Equity in access to genomic technologies, resources, and products remains a great challenge. This was evident especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when the majority of lower middle-income countries were unable to achieve at least 10% population vaccination coverage during initial COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, despite the rapid development of those vaccines. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Globally, the African continent carries the highest burden of SCD with at least 240,000 children born each year with the disease. SCD has evolved from a treatable to a curable disease. Recently, the UK medical regulator approved its cure through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based treatment, whereas the US Food and Drug Administration has equally approved two SCD gene therapies. This presents a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate equity in public health genomics. This CRISPR-based treatment is expensive and therefore, a need for an ambitious action to ensure that they are affordable and accessible where they are needed most and stand to save millions of lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Mboowa
- The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ivan Sserwadda
- The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Kanyerezi
- The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Tukwasibwe
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda
| | - Benson Kidenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Kumari A, Chauhan G, Chaudhuri PK, Kumari S, Prasad A. Genetic Variants Associated with the Risk of Stroke in Sickle Cell Anemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Hemoglobin 2024; 48:101-112. [PMID: 38637280 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2024.2340685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common cause of stroke in children. As it is a rare disease, studies investigating the association with complications like stroke in SCD have small sample sizes. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies exploring an association of genetic variants with stroke to get a better indication of their association with stroke. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies that had performed an association analysis of genetic variants for the risk of stroke in SCA patients. After screening of eligible studies, summary statistics of association analysis with stroke and other general information were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using the fixed effect method on the tool METAL and forest plots were plotted using the R program. The random effect model was performed as a sensitivity analysis for loci where significant heterogeneity was observed. 407 studies were identified using the search term and after screening 37 studies that cumulatively analyzed 11,373 SCA patients were included. These 37 studies included a total of 2,222 SCA patients with stroke, predominantly included individuals of African ancestry (N = 16). Three of these studies performed whole exome sequencing while 35 performed single nucleotide-based genotyping. Though the studies reported association with 132 loci, meta-analyses could be performed only for 12 loci that had data from two or more studies. After meta-analysis we observed that four loci were significantly associated with risk for stroke: -α3.7 kb Alpha-thalassemia deletion (P = 0.00000027), rs489347-TEK (P = 0.00081), rs2238432-ADCY9 (P = 0.00085), rs11853426-ANXA2 (P = 0.0034), and rs1800629-TNF (P = 0.0003396). Ethnic representation of regions with a high prevalence of SCD like the Mediterranean basin and India needs to be improved for genetic studies on associated complications like stroke. Larger genome-wide collaborative studies on SCD and associated complications including stroke need to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aradhana Kumari
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Ganesh Chauhan
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Central Research Facility, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Partha Kumar Chaudhuri
- Department of Paediatrics, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Sushma Kumari
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Centre, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Anupa Prasad
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
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Thami PK, Choga WT, Dandara C, O’Brien SJ, Essex M, Gaseitsiwe S, Chimusa ER. Whole genome sequencing reveals population diversity and variation in HIV-1 specific host genes. Front Genet 2023; 14:1290624. [PMID: 38179408 PMCID: PMC10765519 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1290624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV infection continues to be a major global public health issue. The population heterogeneity in susceptibility or resistance to HIV-1 and progression upon infection is attributable to, among other factors, host genetic variation. Therefore, identifying population-specific variation and genetic modifiers of HIV infectivity can catapult the invention of effective strategies against HIV-1 in African populations. Here, we investigated whole genome sequences of 390 unrelated HIV-positive and -negative individuals from Botswana. We report 27.7 million single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in the complete genomes of Botswana nationals, of which 2.8 million were missing in public databases. Our population structure analysis revealed a largely homogenous structure in the Botswana population. Admixture analysis showed elevated components shared between the Botswana population and the Niger-Congo (65.9%), Khoe-San (32.9%), and Europeans (1.1%) ancestries in the population of Botswana. Statistical significance of the mutational burden of deleterious and loss-of-function variants per gene against a null model was estimated. The most deleterious variants were enriched in five genes: ACTRT2 (the Actin Related Protein T2), HOXD12 (homeobox D12), ABCB5 (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 5), ATP8B4 (ATPase phospholipid transporting 8B4) and ABCC12 (ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 12). These genes are enriched in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis (p < 2.84e-6) pathways and therefore, may contribute to the emerging field of immunometabolism in which therapy against HIV-1 infection is being evaluated. Published transcriptomic evidence supports the role of the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways in the regulation of susceptibility to HIV, and that cumulative effects of genetic modifiers in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways may potentially have effects on the expression and clinical variability of HIV-1. Identified genes and pathways provide novel avenues for other interventions, with the potential for informing the design of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca K. Thami
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wonderful T. Choga
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- UCT/SAMRC Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation (PREMED) Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen J. O’Brien
- Laboratory of Genomics Diversity, Center for Computer Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Myron Essex
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emile R. Chimusa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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Kishore RR, Gupta M, Gupta K. A new era dawns on sickle cell disease in India. Indian J Med Res 2023; 157:491-493. [PMID: 37530303 PMCID: PMC10466490 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1045_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Kishore
- Indian Society of Health Laws & Ethics, New Delhi, India
| | - Mihir Gupta
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most-common monogenic recessive disease in humans, annually affecting almost 300,000 newborns worldwide, 75% of whom live in Africa. Genomics research can accelerate the development of curative therapies for SCD in three ways. First, research should explore the missing heritability of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) - the strongest known modifier of SCD clinical expression - among highly genetically heterogenous and understudied African populations, to provide novel therapeutics targets for HbF induction. Second, SCD research should invest in RNA therapies, either by using microRNA to target the production of HbF proteins by binding to the transcription machinery in a cell, or by directly mediating production of HbF or adult haemoglobin through injection of messenger RNA. Third, investigators should aim to identify currently unknown genetic risk factors for SCD cardiovascular complications, which will address mortality, particularly in adults. Now is the time for global research programs to uncover genomic keys to unlock SCD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise Wonkam
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Sickle Cell Disease in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Historical, Clinical, and Public Health Perspective of Sub-Saharan Africa and Beyond. Int J Pediatr 2022; 2022:3885979. [PMID: 36254264 PMCID: PMC9569228 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3885979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an umbrella term for a group of life-long debilitating autosomal recessive disorders that are caused by a single-point mutation (Glu→Val) that results in polymerization of hemoglobin (Hb) and reversible sickle-shape deformation of erythrocytes. This leads to increased hemolysis of erythrocytes and microvascular occlusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and tissue infarction, ultimately causing multisystem end-organ complications. Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) is the most common and most severe genotype of SCD, followed by HbSC, HbSβ0thalassemia, HbSβ+thalassemia, and rare and benign genotypes. Clinical manifestations of SCD occur early in life, are variable, and are modified by several genetic and environmental factors. Nearly 500 children with SCD continue to die prematurely every day, due to delayed diagnosis and/or lack of access to comprehensive care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a trend that needs to be urgently reversed. Despite proven efficacy in developed countries, newborn screening programs are not universal in SSA. This calls for a consolidated effort to make this possible, through the use of rapid, accurate, and cheap point-of-care test kits which require minimal training. For almost two decades, hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), a century-old drug, was the only disease-modifying therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recently, the list expanded to L-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxelotor, with several promising novel therapies in the pipeline. Despite its several limitations, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the only curative intervention for SCD. Meanwhile, recent advances in gene therapy trials offer a glimpse of hope for the near future, although its use maybe limited to developed countries for several decades.
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Feldmann D, Bope CD, Patricios J, Chimusa ER, Collins M, September AV. A whole genome sequencing approach to anterior cruciate ligament rupture-a twin study in two unrelated families. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274354. [PMID: 36201451 PMCID: PMC9536556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Predisposition to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is multi-factorial, with variation in the genome considered a key intrinsic risk factor. Most implicated loci have been identified from candidate gene-based approach using case-control association settings. Here, we leverage a hypothesis-free whole genome sequencing in two two unrelated families (Family A and B) each with twins with a history of recurrent ACL ruptures acquired playing rugby as their primary sport, aimed to elucidate biologically relevant function-altering variants and genetic modifiers in ACL rupture. Family A monozygotic twin males (Twin 1 and Twin 2) both sustained two unilateral non-contact ACL ruptures of the right limb while playing club level touch rugby. Their male sibling sustained a bilateral non-contact ACL rupture while playing rugby union was also recruited. The father had sustained a unilateral non-contact ACL rupture on the right limb while playing professional amateur level football and mother who had participated in dancing for over 10 years at a social level, with no previous ligament or tendon injuries were both recruited. Family B monozygotic twin males (Twin 3 and Twin 4) were recruited with Twin 3 who had sustained a unilateral non-contact ACL rupture of the right limb and Twin 4 sustained three non-contact ACL ruptures (two in right limb and one in left limb), both while playing provincial level rugby union. Their female sibling participated in karate and swimming activities; and mother in hockey (4 years) horse riding (15 years) and swimming, had both reported no previous history of ligament or tendon injury. Variants with potential deleterious, loss-of-function and pathogenic effects were prioritised. Identity by descent, molecular dynamic simulation and functional partner analyses were conducted. We identified, in all nine affected individuals, including twin sets, non-synonymous SNPs in three genes: COL12A1 and CATSPER2, and KCNJ12 that are commonly enriched for deleterious, loss-of-function mutations, and their dysfunctions are known to be involved in the development of chronic pain, and represent key therapeutic targets. Notably, using Identity By Decent (IBD) analyses a long shared identical sequence interval which included the LINC01250 gene, around the telomeric region of chromosome 2p25.3, was common between affected twins in both families, and an affected brother'. Overall gene sets were enriched in pathways relevant to ACL pathophysiology, including complement/coagulation cascades (p = 3.0e-7), purine metabolism (p = 6.0e-7) and mismatch repair (p = 6.9e-5) pathways. Highlighted, is that this study fills an important gap in knowledge by using a WGS approach, focusing on potential deleterious variants in two unrelated families with a historical record of ACL rupture; and providing new insights into the pathophysiology of ACL, by identifying gene sets that contribute to variability in ACL risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daneil Feldmann
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christian D. Bope
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Patricios
- Wits Sport and Health (WiSH), School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Emile R. Chimusa
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- UCT Research Centre for Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), Cape Town, South Africa
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alison V. September
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- UCT Research Centre for Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), Cape Town, South Africa
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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Klemens CA, Dissanayake LV, Levchenko V, Zietara A, Palygin O, Staruschenko A. Modulation of blood pressure regulatory genes in the Agtrap-Plod1 locus associated with a deletion in Clcn6. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15417. [PMID: 35927940 PMCID: PMC9353118 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The AGTRAP-PLOD1 locus is a conserved gene cluster containing several blood pressure regulatory genes, including CLCN6, MTHFR, NPPA, and NPPB. Previous work revealed that knockout of Clcn6 on the Dahl Salt-Sensitive (SS) rat background (SS-Clcn6) resulted in lower diastolic blood pressure compared to SS-WT rats. Additionally, a recent study found sickle cell anemia patients with mutations in CLCN6 had improved survival and reduced stroke risk. We investigated whether loss of Clcn6 would delay the mortality of Dahl SS rats on an 8% NaCl (HS) diet. No significant difference in survival was found. The ability of Clcn6 to affect mRNA expression of nearby Mthfr, Nppa, and Nppb genes was also tested. On normal salt (0.4% NaCl, NS) diets, renal Mthfr mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in the SS-Clcn6 rats. MTHFR reduces homocysteine to methionine, but no differences in circulating homocysteine levels were detected. Nppa mRNA levels in cardiac tissue from SS-Clcn6 rat in both normotensive and hypertensive conditions were significantly reduced compared to SS-WT. Nppb mRNA expression in SS-Clcn6 rats on a NS diet was also substantially decreased. Heightened Mthfr expression would be predicted to be protective; however, diminished Nppa and Nppb expression could be deleterious and by preventing or blunting vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis that ought to normally occur to offset blood pressure increases. The conserved nature of this genetic locus in humans and rats suggests more studies are warranted to understand how mutations in and around these genes may be influencing the expression of their neighbors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Klemens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Hypertension and Kidney Research CenterUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Lashodya V. Dissanayake
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| | - Vladislav Levchenko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Adrian Zietara
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of PhysiologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| | - Oleg Palygin
- Department of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Alexander Staruschenko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Hypertension and Kidney Research CenterUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- James A. Haley Veterans' HospitalTampaFloridaUSA
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Nguweneza A, Ngo Bitoungui VJ, Mnika K, Mazandu G, Nembaware V, Kengne AP, Wonkam A. Clinical characteristics and risk factors of relative systemic hypertension and hypertension among sickle cell patients in Cameroon. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:924722. [PMID: 35928290 PMCID: PMC9344053 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.924722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased blood pressure (BP) has been associated with higher risk of stroke and mortality in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). We investigated risk factors associated with Relative Systemic Hypertension (RSH) or systemic hypertension in SCD patients in Cameroon. Using R, Multivariate multinomial logistic regression modeling was used to examine the effects of the demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory factors to determine risk factors. A total of 815 individuals with SCD, including 380 (46.6%) males were analyzed. At baseline, the median age [interquartile range] was 18.0 [12.0-25.0] years, ranging from 3 to 66 years. Approximately three-quarters of the patients (n = 645; 79.1%) had normal BP, 151 (18.5%) had RSH and 19 (2.3%) had hypertension. Age (P < 0.001) and gender (P = 0.022) were significantly different across the BP categories. Weight (P < 0.001), height (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), pulse pressure (P = 0.020), history of stroke (P = 0.012), hemoglobin level (P = 0.002), red blood cell count (P = 0.031), creatinine (P < 0.001), and (estimated glomerular filtration rate) eGFR (P = 0.002) was also significantly different across the three BP categories. After adjustment, the significantly associated factors of RSH in the SCD patients were age [OR = 1.03, (95% CI = 1.01-1.06), P < 0.010], male gender [OR = 1.54, (95% CI = 1.04-2.27), P = 0.029], BMI [OR = 1.10, (95% CI = 1.04-1.17), P = 0.001]. After adjustment, the independent variables significantly associated factors of Hypertension in the SCD patients were age [OR = 1.05, (95% CI = 1.01-1.10), P = 0.034], male gender [OR = 3.31, (95% CI = 1.04-10.52), P = 0.042], BMI [OR = 1.14, (95% CI = 1.01-1.29), P = 0.027]. Creatinine was significantly associated with RSH [OR =1.31 (1.05-1.63), P = 0.016]. SCD patients with RSH or hypertension maybe at increased risk of renal dysfunction. We found relatively high prevalence of RSH and hypertension (20.8%) in SCD patients in Cameroon. Tailored Interventions that consider major risk factors (age, gender, and BMI) may lower BP pressure and prevent severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthemon Nguweneza
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Valentina Josiane Ngo Bitoungui
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khuthala Mnika
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gaston Mazandu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victoria Nembaware
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre P. Kengne
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Brown C, Tonda M, Abboud MR. Voxelotor for the treatment of sickle cell disease in pediatric patients. Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:485-492. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2082408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clark Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Miguel R. Abboud
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Wonkam A, Munung NS, Dandara C, Esoh KK, Hanchard NA, Landoure G. Five Priorities of African Genomics Research: The Next Frontier. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:499-521. [PMID: 35576571 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-111521-102452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To embrace the prospects of accurately diagnosing thousands of monogenic conditions, predicting disease risks for complex traits or diseases, tailoring treatment to individuals' pharmacogenetic profiles, and potentially curing some diseases, research into African genomic variation is a scientific imperative. African genomes harbor millions of uncaptured variants accumulated over 300,000 years of modern humans' evolutionary history, with successive waves of admixture, migration, and natural selection combining with extensive ecological diversity to create a broad and exceptional genomic complexity. Harnessing African genomic complexity, therefore, will require sustained commitment and equitable collaboration from the scientific community and funding agencies. African governments must support academic public research and industrial partnerships that build the necessary genetic medicine workforce, utilize the emerging genomic big data to develop expertise in computer science and bioinformatics, and evolve national and global governance frameworks that recognize the ethical implications of data-driven genomic research and empower its application in African social, cultural, economic, and religious contexts. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; , , .,Current affiliation: McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA;
| | - Nchangwi S Munung
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; , ,
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; , ,
| | - Kevin K Esoh
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; , ,
| | - Neil A Hanchard
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
| | - Guida Landoure
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technology of Bamako, Bamako, Mali;
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13
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Wonkam A. New mutations predict clinical manifestation of complex traits. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:392-393. [DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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14
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Nguweneza A, Oosterwyk C, Banda K, Nembaware V, Mazandu G, Kengne AP, Wonkam A. Factors associated with blood pressure variation in sickle cell disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:359-368. [PMID: 35209795 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2043743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Blood pressure (BP) values ≥120/70 mmHg considerably increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension and renal dysfunction in Sickle Cell Disease (CSD) patients and ultimately increased morbidity and mortality. This has led to the development of the term relative systemic hypertension (RSH). RSH was defined as Systolic BP 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 70-89 mm Hg, whereas systemic hypertension is defined as Systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg. Systematic identification of BP variations and risk factors in SCD patients could promote effective management. This review aimed to identify factors associated with BP variation among SCD patients. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to December 2020 with no geographical or language restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened and summarized data from eligible studies. RESULTS Advancing age, gender, higher body weight, hemoglobin, eGFR, triglycerides, greater hematocrit, higher blood viscosity, history of blood transfusion, and targeted variants in DRD2 and MIR4301 genes were independently associated with the risk of hypertension in SCD patients. CONCLUSION Interventions that consider these risk factors may potentially contribute to lower BP pressure in SCD patients and prevent the development of severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthemon Nguweneza
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chandré Oosterwyk
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kambe Banda
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victoria Nembaware
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gaston Mazandu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre P Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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15
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Martella M, Campeggio M, Pulè G, Wonkam A, Menzato F, Munaretto V, Viola G, Da Costa SP, Reggiani G, Araujo A, Cumbà D, Liotta G, Sainati L, Riccardi F, Colombatti R. Distribution of HbS Allele and Haplotypes in a Multi-Ethnic Population of Guinea Bissau, West Africa: Implications for Public Health Screening. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:826262. [PMID: 35463879 PMCID: PMC9021572 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.826262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited condition that is widespread globally and especially in malaria-endemic West African countries. Limited epidemiological data on SCD are available for Guinea Bissau, where newborn screening is not yet implemented, routine diagnosis is not available, and care is case directed. METHODS Dried blood spots were collected from children accessing two hospitals managed by Italian Non-Governmental Organizations in the capital city of Bissau and sent to Padova for Hemoglobin (Hb) quantification through HPLC and molecular analysis. Beta globin gene analysis was performed in all; and Hb haplotype of the HbSS and HbSA patients was performed in South Africa. One hundred samples belonging to the most frequent ethnic groups were randomly selected for detection of G6PD mutations. RESULTS Samples from 848 consecutive children (498 males and 350 females, mean age 6.8 years) accessing the two hospitals were analyzed: 6.95% AS (4.42% allelic frequency), 0.94% SS, and 0.23% AC. 376G G6PD allelic frequency was 24%; 14.8% in AS individuals. The Senegal haplotype was the most prevalent (31%), and the proposition of chromosomes with the atypical haplotype was surprisingly high (56%). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a significant frequency of the HbS allele in the population of Guinea Bissau supporting the implementation of screening strategies. The differences among ethnic groups can help guide targeted interventions for SCD awareness campaigns and determine priority areas for public health interventions. The pilot analysis on haplotypes reveals a large proportion of the atypical haplotype, which may be indicative of a genetically heterogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Martella
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mimma Campeggio
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gift Pulè
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Federica Menzato
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vania Munaretto
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giampietro Viola
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Reggiani
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Sainati
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Riccardi
- Università di Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Aid, Health and Development Onlus, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Colombatti
- Clinic of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, Padova, Italy.,Aid, Health and Development Onlus, Rome, Italy
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Kingdom R, Wright CF. Incomplete Penetrance and Variable Expressivity: From Clinical Studies to Population Cohorts. Front Genet 2022; 13:920390. [PMID: 35983412 PMCID: PMC9380816 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.920390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The same genetic variant found in different individuals can cause a range of diverse phenotypes, from no discernible clinical phenotype to severe disease, even among related individuals. Such variants can be said to display incomplete penetrance, a binary phenomenon where the genotype either causes the expected clinical phenotype or it does not, or they can be said to display variable expressivity, in which the same genotype can cause a wide range of clinical symptoms across a spectrum. Both incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity are thought to be caused by a range of factors, including common variants, variants in regulatory regions, epigenetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Many thousands of genetic variants have been identified as the cause of monogenic disorders, mostly determined through small clinical studies, and thus, the penetrance and expressivity of these variants may be overestimated when compared to their effect on the general population. With the wealth of population cohort data currently available, the penetrance and expressivity of such genetic variants can be investigated across a much wider contingent, potentially helping to reclassify variants that were previously thought to be completely penetrant. Research into the penetrance and expressivity of such genetic variants is important for clinical classification, both for determining causative mechanisms of disease in the affected population and for providing accurate risk information through genetic counseling. A genotype-based definition of the causes of rare diseases incorporating information from population cohorts and clinical studies is critical for our understanding of incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. This review examines our current knowledge of the penetrance and expressivity of genetic variants in rare disease and across populations, as well as looking into the potential causes of the variation seen, including genetic modifiers, mosaicism, and polygenic factors, among others. We also considered the challenges that come with investigating penetrance and expressivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline F Wright
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
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17
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Esoh K, Wonkam-Tingang E, Wonkam A. Sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa: transferable strategies for prevention and care. Lancet Haematol 2021; 8:e744-e755. [PMID: 34481550 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease can be life-threatening or chronically debilitating for both children and adults. Worldwide, more than 300 000 children are born with sickle cell disease every year, over 75% of whom in sub-Saharan Africa. Increased awareness and early interventions, such as neonate screening and comprehensive care, have led to considerable reductions in mortality in children younger than 5 years in high-income countries. However, sickle cell disease prevention and care have largely been neglected in Africa. Without intervention, 50-90% of affected children in many sub-Saharan African countries die before their fifth birthday. Fortunately, increasing initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa are piloting interventions such as neonate screening and comprehensive care, and as mortality declines, quality of life and increased life expectancy become major targets for interventions. Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) and haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation have already been shown to be effective therapies in high-income countries, but are either not widely accessible or too expensive for most African populations. These challenges are being alleviated by numerous networks evolving through international collaborations that are positively changing the outlook of sickle cell disease management in sub-Saharan Africa. In this Series paper, we describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinicobiological profile, and psychosocial effects of sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa. We highlight transferable strategies already used for the successful management of the condition and key strategies and recommendations for affordable and comprehensive care on the continent. TRANSLATION: For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Esoh
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edmond Wonkam-Tingang
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Wonkam A, Kengne AP. Modelling the mortality of sickle cell disease in Africa. Lancet Haematol 2021; 8:e677-e678. [PMID: 34481548 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00268-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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19
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Esoh K, Wonkam A. Evolutionary history of sickle-cell mutation: implications for global genetic medicine. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R119-R128. [PMID: 33461216 PMCID: PMC8117455 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance afforded by the sickle-cell trait against severe malaria has led to high frequencies of the sickle-cell mutation [HBB; c.20T>A, p.Glu6Val; OMIM: 141900 (HBB-βS)] in most parts of Africa. High-coverage sequencing and genotype data have now confirmed the single African origin of the sickle-cell gene variant [HBB; c.20T>A, p.Glu6Val; OMIM: 141900 (HBB-βS)]. Nevertheless, the classical HBB-like genes cluster haplotypes remain a rich source of HBB-βS evolutionary information. The overlapping distribution of HBB-βS and other disease-associated variants means that their evolutionary genetics must be investigated concurrently. In this review: (1) we explore the evolutionary history of HBB-βS and its implications in understanding human migration within and out of Africa: e.g. HBB haplotypes and recent migration paths of the Bantu expansion, occurrence of ~7% of the Senegal haplotype in Angola reflecting changes in population/SCD dynamics, and existence of all five classical HBB haplotype in Cameroon and Egypt suggesting a much longer presence of HBB-βS in these regions; (2) we discuss the time estimates of the emergence of HBB-βS in Africa and finally, (3) we discuss implications for genetic medicine in understanding complex epistatic interactions between HBB-βS and other gene variants selected under environmental pressure in Africa e.g. variants in HBB, HBA, G6PD, APOL1, APOE, OSBPL10 and RXRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Esoh
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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20
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Abstract
Capture the full scope of variation to improve health care, equity and medical research globally.
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