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Trajanoska K, Bhérer C, Taliun D, Zhou S, Richards JB, Mooser V. From target discovery to clinical drug development with human genetics. Nature 2023; 620:737-745. [PMID: 37612393 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The substantial investments in human genetics and genomics made over the past three decades were anticipated to result in many innovative therapies. Here we investigate the extent to which these expectations have been met, excluding cancer treatments. In our search, we identified 40 germline genetic observations that led directly to new targets and subsequently to novel approved therapies for 36 rare and 4 common conditions. The median time between genetic target discovery and drug approval was 25 years. Most of the genetically driven therapies for rare diseases compensate for disease-causing loss-of-function mutations. The therapies approved for common conditions are all inhibitors designed to pharmacologically mimic the natural, disease-protective effects of rare loss-of-function variants. Large biobank-based genetic studies have the power to identify and validate a large number of new drug targets. Genetics can also assist in the clinical development phase of drugs-for example, by selecting individuals who are most likely to respond to investigational therapies. This approach to drug development requires investments into large, diverse cohorts of deeply phenotyped individuals with appropriate consent for genetically assisted trials. A robust framework that facilitates responsible, sustainable benefit sharing will be required to capture the full potential of human genetics and genomics and bring effective and safe innovative therapies to patients quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Trajanoska
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claude Bhérer
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Taliun
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sirui Zhou
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Brent Richards
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vincent Mooser
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Zhang BH, Yin F, Qiao YN, Guo SD. Triglyceride and Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Atherosclerosis. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:909151. [PMID: 35693558 PMCID: PMC9174947 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.909151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death globally, and atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of CVDs. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a strong causal factor of atherosclerosis. However, the first-line lipid-lowering drugs, statins, only reduce approximately 30% of the CVD risk. Of note, atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) cannot be eliminated in a great number of patients even their LDL-C levels meet the recommended clinical goals. Previously, whether the elevated plasma level of triglyceride is causally associated with ASCVD has been controversial. Recent genetic and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that triglyceride and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) are the main causal risk factors of the residual ASCVD. TGRLs and their metabolites can promote atherosclerosis via modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and formation of foam cells. In this article, we will make a short review of TG and TGRL metabolism, display evidence of association between TG and ASCVD, summarize the atherogenic factors of TGRLs and their metabolites, and discuss the current findings and advances in TG-lowering therapies. This review provides information useful for the researchers in the field of CVD as well as for pharmacologists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ya-Nan Qiao
- Institute of Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis, Innovative Drug Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shou-Dong Guo
- Institute of Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis, Innovative Drug Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Mascalzoni D, Biasiotto R, Borsche M, Brüggemann N, De Grandi A, Goegele M, Frygner-Holm S, Klein C, Kösters M, Staunton C, Pramstaller PP, Krawczak M, Hicks AA. Balancing scientific interests and the rights of participants in designing a recall by genotype study. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1146-1157. [PMID: 33981014 PMCID: PMC8298596 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00860-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recall by genotype (RbG) studies aim to better understand the phenotypes that correspond to genetic variants of interest, by recruiting carriers of such variants for further phenotyping. RbG approaches pose major ethical and legal challenges related to the disclosure of possibly unwanted genetic information. The Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study is a longitudinal cohort study based in South Tyrol, Italy. Demand has grown for CHRIS study participants to be enrolled in RbG studies, thus making the design of a suitable ethical framework a pressing need. We here report upon the design of a pilot RbG study conducted with CHRIS study participants. By reviewing the literature and by consulting relevant stakeholders (CHRIS participants, clinical geneticists, ethics board, GPs), we identified key ethical issues in RbG approaches (e.g. complexity of the context, communication of genetic results, measures to further protect participants). The design of the pilot was based on a feasibility assessment, the selection of a suitable test case within the ProtectMove Research Unit on reduced penetrance of hereditary movement disorders, and the development of appropriate recruitment and communication strategies. An empirical study was embedded in the pilot study with the aim of understanding participants' views on RbG. Our experience with the pilot study in CHRIS allowed us to contribute to the development of best practices and policies for RbG studies by drawing recommendations: addressing the possibility of RbG in the original consent, implementing tailored communication strategies, engaging stakeholders, designing embedded empirical studies, and sharing research experiences and methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Mascalzoni
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy.
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Center for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Roberta Biasiotto
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Max Borsche
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Norbert Brüggemann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alessandro De Grandi
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Martin Goegele
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maria Kösters
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Ciara Staunton
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
- School of Law, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Peter P Pramstaller
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Michael Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andrew A Hicks
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
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