1
|
Reščenko R, Brīvība M, Atava I, Rovīte V, Pečulis R, Silamiķelis I, Ansone L, Megnis K, Birzniece L, Leja M, Xu L, Shi X, Zhou Y, Slaitas A, Hou Y, Kloviņš J. Whole-Genome Sequencing of 502 Individuals from Latvia: The First Step towards a Population-Specific Reference of Genetic Variation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15345. [PMID: 37895026 PMCID: PMC10607061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015345] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid improvements in the accessibility of whole-genome sequencing (WGS), understanding the extent of human genetic variation is limited by the scarce availability of genome sequences from underrepresented populations. Developing the population-scale reference database of Latvian genetic variation may fill the gap in European genomes and improve human genomics research. In this study, we analysed a high-coverage WGS dataset comprising 502 individuals selected from the Genome Database of the Latvian Population. An assessment of variant type, location in the genome, function, medical relevance, and novelty was performed, and a population-specific imputation reference panel (IRP) was developed. We identified more than 18.2 million variants in total, of which 3.3% so far are not represented in gnomAD and dbSNP databases. Moreover, we observed a notable though distinct clustering of the Latvian cohort within the European subpopulations. Finally, our findings demonstrate the improved performance of imputation of variants using the Latvian population-specific reference panel in the Latvian population compared to established IRPs. In summary, our study provides the first WGS data for a regional reference genome that will serve as a resource for the development of precision medicine and complement the global genome dataset, improving the understanding of human genetic variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raimonds Reščenko
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Monta Brīvība
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Ivanna Atava
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Vita Rovīte
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Raitis Pečulis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Ivars Silamiķelis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Laura Ansone
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Kaspars Megnis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Līga Birzniece
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| | - Mārcis Leja
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1079 Riga, Latvia
| | - Liqin Xu
- Latvia MGI Tech, LV-2167 Mārupe, Latvia; (L.X.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Xulian Shi
- Latvia MGI Tech, LV-2167 Mārupe, Latvia; (L.X.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yan Zhou
- Latvia MGI Tech, LV-2167 Mārupe, Latvia; (L.X.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Andis Slaitas
- Latvia MGI Tech, LV-2167 Mārupe, Latvia; (L.X.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yong Hou
- Latvia MGI Tech, LV-2167 Mārupe, Latvia; (L.X.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.); (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Jānis Kloviņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.B.); (I.A.); (V.R.); (R.P.); (I.S.); (L.A.); (K.M.); (L.B.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Daggag H, Gjesing AP, Mohammad A, Ängquist L, Shobi B, Antony S, Haj D, Al Tikriti A, Buckley A, Hansen T, Barakat MT. Monogenic diabetes variants in Emirati women with gestational diabetes are associated with risk of non-autoimmune diabetes within 5 years after pregnancy. Metabol Open 2022; 16:100213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
3
|
Alnaqbi H, Tay GK, Chehadeh SEH, Alsafar H. Characterizing the diversity of MHC conserved extended haplotypes using families from the United Arab Emirates. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7165. [PMID: 35504942 PMCID: PMC9065074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aside from its anthropological relevance, the characterization of the allele frequencies of genes in the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and the combination of these alleles that make up MHC conserved extended haplotypes (CEHs) is necessary for histocompatibility matching in transplantation as well as mapping disease association loci. The structure and content of the MHC region in Middle Eastern populations remain poorly characterized, posing challenges when establishing disease association studies in ethnic groups that inhabit the region and reducing the capacity to translate genetic research into clinical practice. This study was conceived to address a gap of knowledge, aiming to characterize CEHs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population through segregation analysis of high-resolution, pedigree-phased, MHC haplotypes derived from 41 families. Twenty per cent (20.5%) of the total haplotype pool derived from this study cohort were identified as putative CEHs in the UAE population. These consisted of CEHs that have been previously detected in other ethnic groups, including the South Asian CEH 8.2 [HLA- C*07:02-B*08:01-DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 (H.F. 0.094)] and the common East Asian CEH 58.1 [HLA- C*03:02-B*58:01-DRB1*03:01- DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 (H.F. 0.024)]. Additionally, three novel CEHs were identified in the current cohort, including HLA- C*15:02-B*40:06-DRB1*16:02-DQB1*05:02 (H.F. 0.035), HLA- C*16:02-B*51:01-DRB1*16:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02 (H.F. 0.029), and HLA- C*03:02-B*58:01-DRB1*16:01-DQA1*01:02-DQB1*05:02 (H.F. 0.024). Overall, the results indicate a substantial gene flow with neighbouring ethnic groups in the contemporary UAE population including South Asian, East Asian, African, and European populations. Importantly, alleles and haplotypes that have been previously associated with autoimmune diseases (e.g., Type 1 Diabetes) were also present. In this regard, this study emphasizes that an appreciation for ethnic differences can provide insights into subpopulation-specific disease-related polymorphisms, which has remained a difficult endeavour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halima Alnaqbi
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Guan K Tay
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Division of Psychiatry, UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. .,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mbarek H, Devadoss Gandhi G, Selvaraj S, Al-Muftah W, Badji R, Al-Sarraj Y, Saad C, Darwish D, Alvi M, Fadl T, Yasin H, Alkuwari F, Razali R, Aamer W, Abbaszadeh F, Ahmed I, Mokrab Y, Suhre K, Albagha O, Fakhro K, Badii R, Ismail SI, Althani A. Qatar Genome: Insights on Genomics from the Middle East. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:499-510. [PMID: 35112413 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent biomedical breakthroughs and large genomic studies growing momentum, the Middle Eastern population, home to over 400 million people, is under-represented in the human genome variation databases. Here we describe insights from phase 1 of the Qatar Genome Program with whole genome sequenced 6,047 individuals from Qatar. We identified more than 88 million variants of which 24 million are novel and 23 million are singletons. Consistent with the high consanguinity and founder effects in the region, we found that several rare deleterious variants were more common in the Qatari population while others seem to provide protection against diseases and have shaped the genetic architecture of adaptive phenotypes. These results highlight the value of our data as a resource to advance genetic studies in the Arab and neighbouring Middle Eastern populations and will significantly boost the current efforts to improve our understanding of global patterns of human variations, human history and genetic contributions to health and diseases in diverse populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamdi Mbarek
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Geethanjali Devadoss Gandhi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University.,College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Senthil Selvaraj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University
| | - Wadha Al-Muftah
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Radja Badji
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yasser Al-Sarraj
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Bioinformatics Core, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Chadi Saad
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dima Darwish
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Alvi
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tasnim Fadl
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Heba Yasin
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima Alkuwari
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rozaimi Razali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University
| | - Waleed Aamer
- Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ikhlak Ahmed
- Sidra Medicine, Biomedical Informatics - Research Branch, Doha, Qatar
| | - Younes Mokrab
- Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karsten Suhre
- Bioinformatics Core, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar Albagha
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Center of Genomic and Experimental Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University
| | - Ramin Badii
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Asma Althani
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rodriguez-Flores JL, Messai-Badji R, Robay A, Temanni R, Syed N, Markovic M, Al-Khayat E, Qafoud F, Nawaz Z, Badii R, Al-Sarraj Y, Mbarek H, Al-Muftah W, Alvi M, Rostami MR, Cruzado JCM, Mezey JG, Shakaki AA, Malek JA, Greenblatt MB, Fakhro KA, Machaca K, Al-Nabet A, Afifi N, Brooks A, Ismail SI, Althani A, Crystal RG. The QChip1 knowledgebase and microarray for precision medicine in Qatar. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 35046417 PMCID: PMC8770564 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-021-00270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk genes for Mendelian (single-gene) disorders (SGDs) are consistent across populations, but pathogenic risk variants that cause SGDs are typically population-private. The goal was to develop "QChip1," an inexpensive genotyping microarray to comprehensively screen newborns, couples, and patients for SGD risk variants in Qatar, a small nation on the Arabian Peninsula with a high degree of consanguinity. Over 108 variants in 8445 Qatari were identified for inclusion in a genotyping array containing 165,695 probes for 83,542 known and potentially pathogenic variants in 3438 SGDs. QChip1 had a concordance with whole-genome sequencing of 99.1%. Testing of QChip1 with 2707 Qatari genomes identified 32,674 risk variants, an average of 134 pathogenic alleles per Qatari genome. The most common pathogenic variants were those causing homocystinuria (1.12% risk allele frequency), and Stargardt disease (2.07%). The majority (85%) of Qatari SGD pathogenic variants were not present in Western populations such as European American, South Asian American, and African American in New York City and European and Afro-Caribbean in Puerto Rico; and only 50% were observed in a broad collection of data across the Greater Middle East including Kuwait, Iran, and United Arab Emirates. This study demonstrates the feasibility of developing accurate screening tools to identify SGD risk variants in understudied populations, and the need for ancestry-specific SGD screening tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan L Rodriguez-Flores
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Ramzi Temanni
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Najeeb Syed
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Monika Markovic
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eiman Al-Khayat
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima Qafoud
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zafar Nawaz
- Diagnostic Genomic Division, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramin Badii
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Diagnostic Genomic Division, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hamdi Mbarek
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason G Mezey
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew B Greenblatt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Khalid A Fakhro
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ajayeb Al-Nabet
- Diagnostic Genomic Division, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nahla Afifi
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew Brooks
- RUCDR Infinite Biologics, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Asmaa Althani
- Qatar Genome Program, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
ElHajj Chehadeh S, Sayed NS, Abdelsamad HS, Almahmeed W, Khandoker AH, Jelinek HF, Alsafar HS. Genetic Variants and Their Associations to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complications in the United Arab Emirates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 12:751885. [PMID: 35069435 PMCID: PMC8772337 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.751885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DNp), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In this study, we investigated genetic variations and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with DR, DNp, DPN and their combinations among T2DM patients of Arab origin from the United Arab Emirates, to establish the role of genes in the progression of microvascular diabetes complications. Methods A total of 158 Emirati patients with T2DM were recruited in this study. The study population was divided into 8 groups based on the presence of single, dual, or all three complications. SNPs were selected for association analyses through a search of publicly available databases, specifically genome-wide association study (GWAS) catalog, infinome genome interpretation platform, and GWAS Central database. A multivariate logistic regression analysis and association test were performed to evaluate the association between 83 SNPs and DR, DNp, DPN, and their combinations. Results Eighty-three SNPs were identified as being associated with T2DM and 18 SNPs had significant associations to one or more diabetes complications. The most strongly significant association for DR was rs3024997 SNP in the VEGFA gene. The top-ranked SNP for DPN was rs4496877 in the NOS3 gene. A trend towards association was detected at rs833068 and rs3024998 in the VEGFA gene with DR and rs743507 and rs1808593 in the NOS3 gene with DNp. For dual complications, the rs833061, rs833068 and rs3024997 in the VEGFA gene and the rs4149263 SNP in the ABCA1 gene were also with borderline association with DR/DNp and DPN/DNp, respectively. Diabetic with all of the complications was significantly associated with rs2230806 in the ABCA1 gene. In addition, the highly associated SNPs rs3024997 of the VEGFA gene and rs4496877 of the NOS3 gene were linked to DR and DPN after adjusting for the effects of other associated markers, respectively. Conclusions The present study reports associations of different genetic polymorphisms with microvascular complications and their combinations in Emirati T2DM patients, reporting new associations, and corroborating previous findings. Of interest is that some SNPs/genes were only present if multiple comorbidities were present and not associated with any single complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Noura S. Sayed
- Khalifa University Center of Biotechnology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanin S. Abdelsamad
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wael Almahmeed
- Institute of Cardiac Science, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahsan H. Khandoker
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Herbert F. Jelinek
- Khalifa University Center of Biotechnology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba S. Alsafar
- Khalifa University Center of Biotechnology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Daw Elbait G, Henschel A, Tay GK, Al Safar HS. A Population-Specific Major Allele Reference Genome From The United Arab Emirates Population. Front Genet 2021; 12:660428. [PMID: 33968136 PMCID: PMC8102833 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.660428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ethnic composition of the population of a country contributes to the uniqueness of each national DNA sequencing project and, ideally, individual reference genomes are required to reduce the confounding nature of ethnic bias. This work represents a representative Whole Genome Sequencing effort of an understudied population. Specifically, high coverage consensus sequences from 120 whole genomes and 33 whole exomes were used to construct the first ever population specific major allele reference genome for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). When this was applied and compared to the archetype hg19 reference, assembly of local Emirati genomes was reduced by ∼19% (i.e., some 1 million fewer calls). In compiling the United Arab Emirates Reference Genome (UAERG), sets of annotated 23,038,090 short (novel: 1,790,171) and 137,713 structural (novel: 8,462) variants; their allele frequencies (AFs) and distribution across the genome were identified. Population-specific genetic characteristics including loss-of-function variants, admixture, and ancestral haplogroup distribution were identified and reported here. We also detect a strong correlation between F ST and admixture components in the UAE. This baseline study was conceived to establish a high-quality reference genome and a genetic variations resource to enable the development of regional population specific initiatives and thus inform the application of population studies and precision medicine in the UAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gihan Daw Elbait
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andreas Henschel
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Guan K. Tay
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Habiba S. Al Safar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahma AT, Elbarazi I, Ali BR, Patrinos GP, Ahmed LA, Al-Maskari F. Stakeholders' Interest and Attitudes toward Genomic Medicine and Pharmacogenomics Implementation in the United Arab Emirates: A Qualitative Study. Public Health Genomics 2021; 24:99-109. [PMID: 33730737 DOI: 10.1159/000513753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Mapping the power, interest, and stance of stakeholders is a cornerstone for genomic medicine implementation. In this study, we aimed at mapping the power/interest of various stakeholders in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and exploring their attitudes toward pressing health genomics aspects. The overarching aim of this study is to facilitate the construction of a road map for the full implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics in the UAE with potential applicability to many healthcare systems around the world. METHODS A qualitative approach using in-depth interview was employed. Heterogeneous stakeholders were identified by experts in the field. The analysis of the data was a hybrid of deductive and inductive approach using NVivo software for coding and analysis. RESULTS 13 interviews were conducted. Following mapping the Mendelow's matrix, we categorized the stakeholders in UAE to promoter, latent, defender, and apathetic. Most of the interviewed stakeholders emphasized the clinical demand for genomic medicine in UAE. However, many of them were less inclined to articulate the need for pharmacogenomics at the moment. The majority of stakeholders in UAE were in favor of building infrastructure for better genetic services in the country. Stakeholder from an insurance sector had contradicting stance about the cost-effectiveness of genomic medicine; the majority were concerned with the legal and ethical aspects of genomic medicine and had an opposing stance on direct-to-consumer kits. CONCLUSIONS Implementing the Mendelow's model will allow the systematic strategy for implementing genomic medicine in UAE. This can be achieved by engaging the key players (promoters and defenders) as well as engaging and satisfying the latent stakeholder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azhar T Rahma
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Genomics and Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - George P Patrinos
- Department of Genomics and Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Luai A Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Al-Maskari
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Science, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, .,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Association between genetic variants at chromosome 9p21 and risk of coronary artery disease in Emirati Type 2 Diabetes patients. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
10
|
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers toward Genetic Testing and Pharmacogenomics among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040216. [PMID: 33182317 PMCID: PMC7711841 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to successfully translate the scientific models of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics into clinical practice, empowering healthcare workers with the right knowledge and functional understanding on the subject is essential. Limited research in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have assessed healthcare worker stances towards genomics. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes on genetic testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers practicing in either public or private hospitals or clinics as pharmacists, nurses, physicians, managers, and allied health. Participants were recruited randomly and via snowball techniques. Surveys were collected between April and September 2019; out of 552 respondents, 63.4% were female, the mean age was 38 (±9.6) years old. The mean knowledge score was 5.2 (±2.3) out of nine, which shows a fair level of knowledge. The scores of respondents of pharmacy were 5.1 (±2.5), medicine 6.0 (±2.0), and nursing 4.8 (±2.1). All participants exhibited a fair knowledge level about genetic testing and pharmacogenomics. Of the respondents, 91.9% showed a positive attitude regarding availability of genetic testing. The top identified barrier to implementation was the cost of testing (62%), followed by lack of training or education and insurance coverage (57.8% and 57.2%, respectively). Building upon the positive attitudes and tackling the barriers and challenges will pave the road for full implementation of genetic testing and pharmacogenomics in the UAE. We recommend empowering healthcare workers by improving needed and tailored competencies related to their area of practice. We strongly urge the stakeholders to streamline and benchmark the workflow, algorithm, and guidelines to standardize the health and electronic system. Lastly, we advocate utilizing technology and electronic decision support as well as the translational report to back up healthcare workers in the UAE.
Collapse
|
11
|
Daw Elbait G, Henschel A, Tay GK, Al Safar HS. Whole Genome Sequencing of Four Representatives From the Admixed Population of the United Arab Emirates. Front Genet 2020; 11:681. [PMID: 32754195 PMCID: PMC7367215 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole genome sequences (WGS) of four nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at an average coverage of 33X have been completed and described. The selection of suitable subpopulation representatives was informed by a preceding comprehensive population structure analysis. Representatives were chosen based on their central location within the subpopulation on a principal component analysis (PCA) and the degree to which they were admixed. Novel genomic variations among the different subgroups of the UAE population are reported here. Specifically, the WGS analysis identified 4,161,067-4,798,806 variants in the four individual samples, where approximately 80% were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 20% were insertions or deletions (indels). An average of 2.75% was found to be novel variants according to dbSNP (build 151). This is the first report of structural variants (SV) from WGS data from UAE nationals. There were 15,677-20,339 called SVs, of which around 13.5% were novel. The four samples shared 1,399,178 variants, each with distinct variants as follows: 1,085,524 (for the individual denoted as UAE S011), 1,228,559 (UAE S012), 791,072 (UAE S013), and 906,818 (UAE S014). These results show a previously unappreciated population diversity in the region. The synergy of WGS and genotype array data was demonstrated through variant annotation of the former using 2.3 million allele frequencies for the local population derived from the latter technology platform. This novel approach of combining breadth and depth of array and WGS technologies has guided the choice of population genetic representatives and provides complementary, regionalized allele frequency annotation to new genomes comprising millions of loci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gihan Daw Elbait
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andreas Henschel
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Computer Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Guan K Tay
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Habiba S Al Safar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Collage of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Saber-Ayad M, Hammoudeh S, Radwan H, Manzoor S, Jabbar H, Wardeh R, Ashraf A, Habib P, Alsamman AM, Hamoudi R. The FGF-21 genetic variants rs838133 and rs838145 are associated with high salt intake in the Emirati population. J Adv Res 2020; 24:485-494. [PMID: 32566284 PMCID: PMC7296188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Food predilection is linked to variants in the hepatokine "Fibroblast Growth Factor-21" gene (FGF21); with rs838133 linked to the sweet tooth in Caucasians. The effect of FGF21 variants on food intake is still unclear in other populations. A cohort of 196 healthy Emirati subjects was investigated [age: 30.34 ± 9.75yrs (44.4% males)]. The FGF21 rs838133 and rs838145 were genotyped. The daily intake was calculated based on a 61-item food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was performed using in house R script that implements two-way unsupervised hierarchical clustering to detect the association of the studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and related SNPs in linkage disequilibrium, using data from the 1000 genome project. Both SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilaribium (HWE). BMI positively correlated with age (p = 0.002), but not with caloric intake. Salt intake was significantly higher in subjects homozygous (A: rs838133) and (G:rs838145),(p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). An interaction was observed between both SNPs; significantly associated with high salt intake. Using publicly available data, both SNPs fall within a region transmitted in Iberians which has a profile closely similar to Caucasians, but far from Chinese population. In conclusion, the minor alleles of FGF21 rs838145 and rs838133 are associated with high salt intake in Emiratis and may suggest neuro-metabolic link to dietary preference across different populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maha Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarah Hammoudeh
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shaista Manzoor
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hussein Jabbar
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahaf Wardeh
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Ashraf
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Peter Habib
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Alsamman M. Alsamman
- Genome Mapping Department, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Almomani BA, Al-Sawalha NA, Al-Keilani MS, Aman HA. The difference in knowledge and concerns between healthcare professionals and patients about genetic-related issues: A questionnaire-based study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235001. [PMID: 32559245 PMCID: PMC7304621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective adoption of genetics in clinical practice requires the support of and interaction between the different partners of healthcare system; healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. The study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, factors affecting the knowledge, and concerns of HCPs and patients regarding genetic-related issues such as lack of knowledge about genetics and genetic conditions, awareness of the importance of genetics in clinical practice and genetic services and resources deficits. A cross sectional study was conducted in different areas of Jordan using a convenient sampling approach. An English questionnaire was self-administered to HCPs. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients in Arabic by trained researcher. A total of 1000 HCPs and 1448 patients were recruited. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the knowledge between HCPs and patients. Among HCPs, physicians (OR = 2.278, 95%CI = 1.410–3.680, p = 0.001) and pharmacists (OR = 2.163, 95%CI = 1.362–3.436, p = 0.001) were more knowledgeable than nurses. In addition, females were more knowledgeable than males (OR = 1.717, 95%CI = 1.203–2.451, p = 0.003). Among patients, participants who had a bachelor degree (OR = 1.579, 95%CI = 1.231–2.025, p<0.001) were more knowledgeable compared to those who only had school education. HCPs appeared to have more concerns than patients (p<0.001) regarding all genetic-related issues. These findings suggested a positive association between education and genetic knowledge as well as concerns; as HCPs were more knowledgeable and concerned than patients. Appropriate integration and expansion of basic genetic knowledge courses and clinical genetic training in the curriculum should be adopted to prepare HCPs to enhance the integration of genetic information in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basima A. Almomani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- * E-mail:
| | - Nour A. Al-Sawalha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maha S. Al-Keilani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hatem A. Aman
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tay GK, Henschel A, Daw Elbait G, Al Safar HS. Genetic Diversity and Low Stratification of the Population of the United Arab Emirates. Front Genet 2020; 11:608. [PMID: 32595703 PMCID: PMC7304494 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With high consanguinity rates on the Arabian Peninsula, it would not have been unexpected if the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was shown to be relatively homogenous. However, this study of 1000 UAE nationals provided a contrasting perspective, one of a relatively heterogeneous population. Located at the apex of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the observed diversity could be explained by a plethora of migration patterns since the first Out-of-Africa movement. A strategy to explore the extent of genetic variation of the population of the UAE is presented. The first step involved a comprehensive population stratification study that was instructive for subsequent whole genome sequencing (WGS) of suitable representatives (which is described elsewhere). When these UAE data were compared to previous smaller studies from the region, the findings were consistent with a population that is a diverse and admixed group of people. However, rather than sharp and distinctive clusters, cluster analysis reveals low levels of stratification throughout the population. UAE emirates exhibit high within-Emirate-distance/among-Emirate distance ratios. Supervised admixture analysis showed a continuous gradient of ancestral populations, suggesting that admixture on the south eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula occurred gradually. When visualized using a unique technique that combined admixture ratios and principal component analysis (PCA), unappreciated diversity was revealed while mitigating projection bias of conventional PCA. We observe low population stratification in the UAE in terms of homozygosity versus separation cluster coefficients. This holds for the UAE in a global context as well as for isolated cluster analysis of the Emirati birthplaces. However, the subtle clustering observed in the Emirates reflects geographic proximity and historic migration events. The analytical strategy used here highlights the complementary nature of data from genotype array and WGS for anthropological studies. Specifically, genotype array data were instructive to select representative subjects for WGS. Furthermore, from the 2.3 million allele frequencies obtained from genotype arrays, we identified 46,481 loci with allele frequencies that were significantly different with respect to other world populations. This comparison of allele frequencies facilitates variant prioritization in common diseases. In addition, these loci bear great potential as biomarkers in anthropological and forensic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guan K Tay
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Andreas Henschel
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Computer Science, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gihan Daw Elbait
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba S Al Safar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|