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Nowak-Malczewska DM, Karolak JA, Swierkowska J, Jaworska MM, Kulinska KI, Polakowski P, Rydzanicz M, Ploski R, Szaflik JP, Gajecka M. Changes in Nuclear Gene Expression Related to Mitochondrial Function Affect Extracellular Matrix, Collagens, and Focal Adhesion in Keratoconus. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:6. [PMID: 34478492 PMCID: PMC8419871 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.11.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abnormalities were previously found to be causative in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Here, comprehensive mitochondrial and nuclear sequence and transcript analyses, along with analyses of the methylation aspects of nuclear genes related to mitochondrial function, were performed in patients with keratoconus (KTCN) to evaluate their contribution to the KTCN pathogenesis. Methods Blood mtDNA of 42 KTCN and 51 non-KTCN individuals was Sanger sequenced and analyzed along with the previously obtained corneal RNA-sequencing data of 20 KTCN and 21 non-KTCN individuals. In addition, the expression and methylation of mtDNA genes and 1223 mitochondria-related nuclear genes were evaluated. Results The mtDNA sequence alterations detected in blood coincided with variants identified in transcripts of the matched corneal tissues. In KTCN corneas, 97 mitochondria-related genes were deregulated, including TGFB1, P4HB, and BCL2, which are involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, collagen formation, and focal adhesion pathways. No changes in the expression of mtDNA transcripts and no differentially methylated genes among the assessed mitochondrial–nuclear gene sets were found. Conclusions The absence of corneal-specific mtDNA variants indicates that there is no direct relationship between mitochondrial sequence variability and KTCN phenotype in the studied individuals. However, the identified KTCN-specific transcriptomic alterations of the nuclear genes directly related to the mitochondria functioning point to their possible involvement in the ECM organization, collagen formation, and focal adhesion. Translational Relevance The identification of abnormalities within nuclear genes regulating ECM formation, collagen synthesis, and/or focal adhesion may form the basis of future treatment strategies or predict the progression of corneal changes in KTCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota M Nowak-Malczewska
- Chair and Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Justyna A Karolak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Marcelina M Jaworska
- Chair and Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Karolina I Kulinska
- Chair and Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Polakowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Rafal Ploski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek P Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Gajecka
- Chair and Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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2
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Loukovitis E, Sfakianakis K, Syrmakesi P, Tsotridou E, Orfanidou M, Bakaloudi DR, Stoila M, Kozei A, Koronis S, Zachariadis Z, Tranos P, Kozeis N, Balidis M, Gatzioufas Z, Fiska A, Anogeianakis G. Genetic Aspects of Keratoconus: A Literature Review Exploring Potential Genetic Contributions and Possible Genetic Relationships with Comorbidities. Ophthalmol Ther 2018; 7:263-292. [PMID: 30191404 PMCID: PMC6258591 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-018-0144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Keratoconus (KC) is a complex, genetically heterogeneous, multifactorial degenerative disorder that is accompanied by corneal ectasia which usually progresses asymmetrically. With an incidence of approximately 1 per 2000 and 2 cases per 100,000 population presenting annually, KC follows an autosomal recessive or dominant pattern of inheritance and is, apparently, associated with genes that interact with environmental, genetic, and/or other factors. This is an important consideration in refractive surgery in the case of familial KC, given the association of KC with other genetic disorders and the imbalance between dizygotic twins. The present review attempts to identify the genetic loci contributing to the different KC clinical presentations and relate them to the common genetically determined comorbidities associated with KC. Methods The PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and GeneCards databases were screened for KC-related articles published in English between January 2006 and November 2017. Keyword combinations of “keratoconus,” “risk factor(s),” “genetics,” “genes,” “genetic association(s),” and “cornea” were used. In total, 217 articles were retrieved and analyzed, with greater weight placed on the more recent literature. Further bibliographic research based on the 217 articles revealed another 124 relevant articles that were included in this review. Using the reviewed literature, an attempt was made to correlate genes and genetic risk factors with KC characteristics and genetically related comorbidities associated with KC based on genome-wide association studies, family-based linkage analysis, and candidate-gene approaches. Results An association matrix between known KC-related genes and KC symptoms and/or clinical signs together with an association matrix between identified KC genes and genetically related KC comorbidities/syndromes were constructed. Conclusion Twenty-four genes were identified as potential contributors to KC and 49 KC-related comorbidities/syndromes were found. More than 85% of the known KC-related genes are involved in glaucoma, Down syndrome, connective tissue disorders, endothelial dystrophy, posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, and cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Sfakianakis
- Division of Surgical Anatomy, Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiota Syrmakesi
- AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Eleni Tsotridou
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Myrsini Orfanidou
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Rafailia Bakaloudi
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Maria Stoila
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Athina Kozei
- Ophthalmica Eye Institute, Thessaloníki, Greece.,School of Pharmacology, University of Nicosia, Makedonitissis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zisis Gatzioufas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aliki Fiska
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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3
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Venter M, van der Westhuizen FH, Elson JL. The aetiology of cardiovascular disease: a role for mitochondrial DNA? Cardiovasc J Afr 2017; 29:122-132. [PMID: 28906532 PMCID: PMC6009096 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2017-037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a world-wide cause of mortality in humans and its incidence is on the rise in Africa. In this review, we discuss the putative role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aetiology of CVD and consequently identify mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation as a viable genetic risk factor to be considered. We then describe the contribution and pitfalls of several current approaches used when investigating mtDNA in relation to complex disease. We also propose an alternative approach, the adjusted mutational load hypothesis, which would have greater statistical power with cohorts of moderate size, and is less likely to be affected by population stratification. We therefore address some of the shortcomings of the current haplogroup association approach. Finally, we discuss the unique challenges faced by studies done on African populations, and recommend the most viable methods to use when investigating mtDNA variation in CVD and other common complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Venter
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | | | - Joanna L Elson
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
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4
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Rong SS, Ma STU, Yu XT, Ma L, Chu WK, Chan TCY, Wang YM, Young AL, Pang CP, Jhanji V, Chen LJ. Genetic associations for keratoconus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4620. [PMID: 28676647 PMCID: PMC5496893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04393-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic associations for keratoconus could be useful for understanding disease pathogenesis and discovering biomarkers for early detection of the disease. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize all reported genetic associations for the disease. We searched in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and HuGENET databases for genetic studies of keratoconus published from 1950 to June 2016. The summary odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals of all polymorphisms were estimated using the random-effect model. Among 639 reports that were retrieved, 24 fulfilled required criteria as eligible studies for meta-analysis, involving a total of 53 polymorphisms in 28 genes/loci. Results of our meta-analysis lead to the prioritization of 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6 genes/loci for keratoconus in Whites. Of them 5 genes/loci were originally detected in genome-wide association studies, including FOXO1 (rs2721051, P = 5.6 × 10-11), RXRA-COL5A1 (rs1536482, P = 2.5 × 10-9), FNDC3B (rs4894535, P = 1.4 × 10-8), IMMP2L (rs757219, P = 6.1 × 10-7; rs214884, P = 2.3 × 10-5), and BANP-ZNF469 (rs9938149, P = 1.3 × 10-5). The gene COL4A4 (rs2229813, P = 1.3 × 10-12; rs2228557, P = 4.5 × 10-7) was identified in previous candidate gene studies. We also found SNPs in 10 genes/loci that had a summary P value < 0.05. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust. Replication studies and understanding the roles of these genes in keratoconus are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Song Rong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Tsz Ue Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Ting Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tommy Chung Yan Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Meng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alvin L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
- UPMC Eye Centre, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Li Jia Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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5
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Vallabh NA, Romano V, Willoughby CE. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in corneal disease. Mitochondrion 2017; 36:103-113. [PMID: 28549842 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the anterior transparent surface and the main refracting structure of the eye. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of inherited (e.g. Kearns Sayre Syndrome) and acquired corneal diseases (e.g. keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy). Both antioxidants and reactive oxygen species are found in the healthy cornea. There is increasing evidence of imbalance in the oxidative balance and mitochondrial function in the cornea in disease states. The cornea is vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress due to its highly exposed position to ultraviolet radiation and high oxygen tension. The corneal endothelium is vulnerable to accumulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage due to the post- mitotic nature of endothelial cells, yet their mitochondrial genome is continually replicating and mtDNA mutations can develop and accumulate with age. The unique physiology of the cornea predisposes this structure to oxidative damage, and there is interplay between inherited and acquired mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and a number of corneal diseases. By targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in corneal disease, emerging treatments may prevent or reduce visual loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeru A Vallabh
- Corneal and External Eye Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Romano
- Corneal and External Eye Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Colin E Willoughby
- Corneal and External Eye Service, St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Decreased Integrity, Content, and Increased Transcript Level of Mitochondrial DNA Are Associated with Keratoconus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165580. [PMID: 27783701 PMCID: PMC5081165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of keratoconus (KC). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is involved in mitochondrial function, and the mtDNA content, integrity, and transcript level may affect the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and be involved in the pathogenesis of KC. We designed a case-control study to research the relationship between KC and mtDNA integrity, content and transcription. One-hundred ninety-eight KC corneas and 106 normal corneas from Chinese patients were studied. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the relative mtDNA content, transcript levels of mtDNA and related genes. Long-extension PCR was used to detect mtDNA damage. ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP were measured by respective assay kit, and Mito-Tracker Green was used to label the mitochondria. The relative mtDNA content of KC corneas was significantly lower than that of normal corneas (P = 9.19×10−24), possibly due to decreased expression of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) gene (P = 3.26×10−3). In contrast, the transcript levels of mtDNA genes were significantly increased in KC corneas compared with normal corneas (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 [ND1]: P = 1.79×10−3; cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 [COX1]: P = 1.54×10−3; NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1, [ND6]: P = 4.62×10−3). The latter may be the result of increased expression levels of mtDNA transcription-related genes mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) (P = 2.55×10−4) and transcription factor B2 mitochondrial (TFB2M) (P = 7.88×10−5). KC corneas also had increased mtDNA damage (P = 3.63×10−10), higher ROS levels, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels compared with normal corneas. Decreased integrity, content and increased transcript level of mtDNA are associated with KC. These changes may affect the generation of ROS and play a role in the pathogenesis of KC.
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7
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Nita M, Grzybowski A. The Role of the Reactive Oxygen Species and Oxidative Stress in the Pathomechanism of the Age-Related Ocular Diseases and Other Pathologies of the Anterior and Posterior Eye Segments in Adults. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:3164734. [PMID: 26881021 PMCID: PMC4736974 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3164734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 818] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The reactive oxygen species (ROS) form under normal physiological conditions and may have both beneficial and harmful role. We search the literature and current knowledge in the aspect of ROS participation in the pathogenesis of anterior and posterior eye segment diseases in adults. ROS take part in the pathogenesis of keratoconus, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and granular corneal dystrophy type 2, stimulating apoptosis of corneal cells. ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma stimulating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways on the level of the trabecular meshwork and promoting retinal ganglion cells apoptosis and glial dysfunction in the posterior eye segment. ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and traumatic optic neuropathy. ROS induce apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells. ROS promote apoptosis of vascular and neuronal cells and stimulate inflammation and pathological angiogenesis in the course of diabetic retinopathy. ROS are associated with the pathophysiological parainflammation and autophagy process in the course of the age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Nita
- Domestic and Specialized Medicine Centre “Dilmed”, Ulica Bohaterów Monte Cassino 3, 40-231 Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Grzybowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan City Hospital, Ulica Szwajcarska 3, 61-285 Poznań, Poland
- Chair of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, University of Warmia and Mazury, Ulica Żołnierska 14 C, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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8
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Abu-Amero KK, Helwa I, Al-Muammar A, Strickland S, Hauser MA, Allingham RR, Liu Y. Case-control association between CCT-associated variants and keratoconus in a Saudi Arabian population. J Negat Results Biomed 2015; 14:10. [PMID: 26040312 PMCID: PMC4461978 DOI: 10.1186/s12952-015-0029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratoconus (KC) is the most common primary ectatic disease of the cornea and a major indication for corneal transplant. To date, limited KC-associated-risk loci have been identified. Association has recently been suggested between KC and 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genomic regions of FNDC3B, COL4A3, MPDZ-NF1B, RXRA-COL5A1, LCN12-PTGDS, FOXO1, and BANP-ZNF469. These SNPs are associated with central corneal thickness (CCT), a known risk factor to KC. We are questioning whether these SNPs are significantly associated with KC in a Saudi Arabian population. The study included 108 unrelated KC cases and 300 controls. Patients were diagnosed with KC according to the Schimpff-flow based elevation map of the cornea. DNA genotyping was done using probe-based allelic discrimination TaqMan assays. Allele frequencies were compared between the cases and controls. RESULTS All SNPs were successfully genotyped with high efficiency (>95 %). The SNPs had no significant deviation in cases or controls from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE, p value > 0.05). None of the selected SNPs were significantly associated with KC in the Saudi Arabian population. However, we replicated the same trend of minor allele frequency (MAF) between cases and controls reported by a recent GWAS regarding the 5 SNPs rs4894535 (FNDC3B, chr3: 171995605), rs1536482 (RXRA-COL5A1, chr9: 137440528), rs7044529 (COL5A1, chr9: 137568051), rs11145951 (LCN12-PTGDS, chr9: 139860264), and rs2721051 (FOXO1, chr13: 41110884). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study investigating the association of these SNPs with KC in a population from Saudi Arabia. We replicated the same trend of MAF alteration of the association between the SNPs rs4894535 (FNDC3B, chr3: 171995605), rs7044529 (COL5A1, chr9: 137568051), rs11145951 (LCN12-PTGDS, chr9: 139860264) and rs2721051 (FOXO1, chr13: 41110884) and KC-risk as reported by a recently published GWAS. Consistently replicated population-based studies are necessary to identify and/or confirm genetic susceptibility for certain diseases. We acknowledge that the lack of significance in our study is due to our small sample size and insufficient statistical power; however our data still add to the body of evidence of potential KC-candidate SNPs. This report aims at supporting the possible association between CCT-associated SNPs and KC susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled K Abu-Amero
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Inas Helwa
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, The Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Abdulrahman Al-Muammar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shelby Strickland
- Departments of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Michael A Hauser
- Departments of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - R Rand Allingham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, The Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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