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Corning PA. Cooperative genes in smart systems: Toward an inclusive new synthesis in evolution. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 189:26-31. [PMID: 38593906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
For more than half a century, biologist Julian Huxley's term, the "Modern Synthesis", has been used as a label for a model of biological evolution where genetic influences are viewed as a principal source of creativity and change. Over the years, as evidence has accumulated that there are many other, far more important factors at work in evolution, theoretical "compromises," such as the so-called "Extended Synthesis", have been proposed. This is no longer tenable. It is time to abandon the Modern Synthesis, and its doppelganger "The Selfish Gene". Here is the case for a new, multi-faceted, open-ended, "inclusive" evolutionary synthesis, where living systems themselves are recognized as purposeful (teleonomic) "agents" and cooperative effects (synergies) of various kinds are seen as all-important influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Corning
- Institute for the Study of Complex Systems, 1390 158th Place NE #616, Bellevue, WA, 98008, USA.
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2
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Eastwood SV, Hemani G, Watkins SH, Scally A, Davey Smith G, Chaturvedi N. Ancestry, ethnicity, and race: explaining inequalities in cardiometabolic disease. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:541-551. [PMID: 38677980 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.04.002] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Population differences in cardiometabolic disease remain unexplained. Misleading assumptions over genetic explanations are partly due to terminology used to distinguish populations, specifically ancestry, race, and ethnicity. These terms differentially implicate environmental and biological causal pathways, which should inform their use. Genetic variation alone accounts for a limited fraction of population differences in cardiometabolic disease. Research effort should focus on societally driven, lifelong environmental determinants of population differences in disease. Rather than pursuing population stratifiers to personalize medicine, we advocate removing socioeconomic barriers to receipt of and adherence to healthcare interventions, which will have markedly greater impact on improving cardiometabolic outcomes. This requires multidisciplinary collaboration and public and policymaker engagement to address inequalities driven by society rather than biology per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie V Eastwood
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL Population Sciences and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gibran Hemani
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah H Watkins
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aylwyn Scally
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nishi Chaturvedi
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL Population Sciences and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
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3
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Capalbo A, de Wert G, Mertes H, Klausner L, Coonen E, Spinella F, Van de Velde H, Viville S, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Lencz T, Carmi S. Screening embryos for polygenic disease risk: a review of epidemiological, clinical, and ethical considerations. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae012. [PMID: 38805697 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic composition of embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be examined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Until recently, PGT was limited to detecting single-gene, high-risk pathogenic variants, large structural variants, and aneuploidy. Recent advances have made genome-wide genotyping of IVF embryos feasible and affordable, raising the possibility of screening embryos for their risk of polygenic diseases such as breast cancer, hypertension, diabetes, or schizophrenia. Despite a heated debate around this new technology, called polygenic embryo screening (PES; also PGT-P), it is already available to IVF patients in some countries. Several articles have studied epidemiological, clinical, and ethical perspectives on PES; however, a comprehensive, principled review of this emerging field is missing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review has four main goals. First, given the interdisciplinary nature of PES studies, we aim to provide a self-contained educational background about PES to reproductive specialists interested in the subject. Second, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of arguments for and against the introduction of PES, crystallizing and prioritizing the key issues. We also cover the attitudes of IVF patients, clinicians, and the public towards PES. Third, we distinguish between possible future groups of PES patients, highlighting the benefits and harms pertaining to each group. Finally, our review, which is supported by ESHRE, is intended to aid healthcare professionals and policymakers in decision-making regarding whether to introduce PES in the clinic, and if so, how, and to whom. SEARCH METHODS We searched for PubMed-indexed articles published between 1/1/2003 and 1/3/2024 using the terms 'polygenic embryo screening', 'polygenic preimplantation', and 'PGT-P'. We limited the review to primary research papers in English whose main focus was PES for medical conditions. We also included papers that did not appear in the search but were deemed relevant. OUTCOMES The main theoretical benefit of PES is a reduction in lifetime polygenic disease risk for children born after screening. The magnitude of the risk reduction has been predicted based on statistical modelling, simulations, and sibling pair analyses. Results based on all methods suggest that under the best-case scenario, large relative risk reductions are possible for one or more diseases. However, as these models abstract several practical limitations, the realized benefits may be smaller, particularly due to a limited number of embryos and unclear future accuracy of the risk estimates. PES may negatively impact patients and their future children, as well as society. The main personal harms are an unindicated IVF treatment, a possible reduction in IVF success rates, and patient confusion, incomplete counselling, and choice overload. The main possible societal harms include discarded embryos, an increasing demand for 'designer babies', overemphasis of the genetic determinants of disease, unequal access, and lower utility in people of non-European ancestries. Benefits and harms will vary across the main potential patient groups, comprising patients already requiring IVF, fertile people with a history of a severe polygenic disease, and fertile healthy people. In the United States, the attitudes of IVF patients and the public towards PES seem positive, while healthcare professionals are cautious, sceptical about clinical utility, and concerned about patient counselling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The theoretical potential of PES to reduce risk across multiple polygenic diseases requires further research into its benefits and harms. Given the large number of practical limitations and possible harms, particularly unnecessary IVF treatments and discarded viable embryos, PES should be offered only within a research context before further clarity is achieved regarding its balance of benefits and harms. The gap in attitudes between healthcare professionals and the public needs to be narrowed by expanding public and patient education and providing resources for informative and unbiased genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Juno Genetics, Department of Reproductive Genetics, Rome, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Department of Medical Genetics, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society, CAPHRI-School for Public Health and Primary Care and GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liraz Klausner
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Edith Coonen
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Spinella
- Eurofins GENOMA Group Srl, Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Department of Scientific Communication, Rome, Italy
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Research Group Genetics Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Stephane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Genetics Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Todd Lencz
- Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Shai Carmi
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Kharitonova EV, Sun Q, Ockerman F, Chen B, Zhou LY, Cao H, Mathias RA, Auer PL, Ober C, Raffield LM, Reiner AP, Cox NJ, Kelada S, Tao R, Li Y. EndoPRS: Incorporating Endophenotype Information to Improve Polygenic Risk Scores for Clinical Endpoints. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.23.24307839. [PMID: 38826253 PMCID: PMC11142285 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.24307839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Polygenic risk score (PRS) prediction of complex diseases can be improved by leveraging related phenotypes. This has motivated the development of several multi-trait PRS methods that jointly model information from genetically correlated traits. However, these methods do not account for vertical pleiotropy between traits, in which one trait acts as a mediator for another. Here, we introduce endoPRS, a weighted lasso model that incorporates information from relevant endophenotypes to improve disease risk prediction without making assumptions about the genetic architecture underlying the endophenotype-disease relationship. Through extensive simulation analysis, we demonstrate the robustness of endoPRS in a variety of complex genetic frameworks. We also apply endoPRS to predict the risk of childhood onset asthma in UK Biobank by leveraging a paired GWAS of eosinophil count, a relevant endophenotype. We find that endoPRS significantly improves prediction compared to many existing PRS methods, including multi-trait PRS methods, MTAG and wMT-BLUP, which suggests advantages of endoPRS in real-life clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Kharitonova
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Quan Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Frank Ockerman
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Brian Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Laura Y. Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hongyuan Cao
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Rasika A. Mathias
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Paul L. Auer
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Carole Ober
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Laura M. Raffield
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexander P. Reiner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Nancy J. Cox
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Samir Kelada
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ran Tao
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Reimers M. Human resilience depends on distinctively human brain circuitry and development. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1370551. [PMID: 38817805 PMCID: PMC11137282 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1370551] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Most studies of psychological resilience in the past century have focused on either biological or social psychological correlates of resilience or depression. This article argues that the two approaches need to be integrated because of uniquely human processes of cortical development during early childhood. The article concludes with some suggestions for integrative research agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Reimers
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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6
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Cornel MC, van der Meij KRM, van El CG, Rigter T, Henneman L. Genetic Screening-Emerging Issues. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:581. [PMID: 38790210 PMCID: PMC11121342 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050581] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In many countries, some form of genetic screening is offered to all or part of the population, either in the form of well-organized screening programs or in a less formalized way. Screening can be offered at different phases of life, such as preconception, prenatal, neonatal and later in life. Screening should only be offered if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Technical innovations in testing and treatment are driving changes in the field of prenatal and neonatal screening, where many jurisdictions have organized population-based screening programs. As a result, a greater number and wider range of conditions are being added to the programs, which can benefit couples' reproductive autonomy (preconception and prenatal screening) and improve early diagnosis to prevent irreversible health damage in children (neonatal screening) and in adults (cancer and cascade screening). While many developments in screening are technology-driven, citizens may also express a demand for innovation in screening, as was the case with non-invasive prenatal testing. Relatively new emerging issues for genetic screening, especially if testing is performed using DNA sequencing, relate to organization, data storage and interpretation, benefit-harm ratio and distributive justice, information provision and follow-up, all connected to acceptability in current healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina C. Cornel
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karuna R. M. van der Meij
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla G. van El
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessel Rigter
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lidewij Henneman
- Section Community Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Furrer RA, Barlevy D, Pereira S, Carmi S, Lencz T, Lázaro-Muñoz G. Public Attitudes, Interests, and Concerns Regarding Polygenic Embryo Screening. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2410832. [PMID: 38743425 PMCID: PMC11094562 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Polygenic embryo screening (PES) is a novel technology that estimates the likelihood of developing future conditions (eg, diabetes or depression) and traits (eg, height or cognitive ability) in human embryos, with the goal of selecting which embryos to use. Given its commercial availability and concerns raised by researchers, clinicians, bioethicists, and professional organizations, it is essential to inform key stakeholders and relevant policymakers about the public's perspectives on this technology. Objective To survey US adults to examine general attitudes, interests, and concerns regarding PES use. Design, Setting, and Participants For this survey study, data were collected from 1 stratified sample and 1 nonprobability sample (samples 1 and 2, respectively) between March and July 2023. The surveys measured approval, interest, and concerns regarding various applications of PES. In the second sample, presentation of a list of potential concerns was randomized (presented at survey onset vs survey end). The survey was designed using Qualtrics and distributed to participants through Prolific, an online sampling firm. Sample 1 was nationally representative with respect to gender, age, and race and ethnicity; sample 2 was recruited without specific demographic criteria. Analyses were conducted between March 2023 and February 2024. Main Outcomes and Measures Participants reported their approval, interest, and concerns regarding various applications of PES and outcomes screened (eg, traits and conditions). Statistical analysis was conducted using independent samples t tests and repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results Of the 1435 respondents in sample 1, demographic data were available for 1427 (mean [SD] age, 45.8 [16.0] years; 724 women [50.7%]). Among these 1427 sample 1 respondents, 1027 (72.0%) expressed approval for PES and 1169 (81.9%) expressed some interest in using PES if already undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Approval among these respondents for using PES for embryo selection was notably high for physical health conditions (1109 [77.7%]) and psychiatric health conditions (1028 [72.0%]). In contrast, there was minority approval for embryo selection based on PES for behavioral traits (514 [36.0%]) and physical traits (432 [30.3%]). Nevertheless, concerns about PES leading to false expectations and promoting eugenic practices were pronounced, with 787 of 1422 (55.3%) and 780 of 1423 (54.8%) respondents finding them very to extremely concerning, respectively. Sample 2 included 192 respondents (mean [SD] age 37.7 [12.2] years; 110 men [57.3%]). These respondents were presented concerns at survey onset (n = 95) vs survey end (n = 97), which was associated with less approval (28-percentage point decrease) and more uncertainty (24 percentage-point increase) but with only slightly higher disapproval (4 percentage-point increase). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that it is critical for health care professionals and medical societies to consider and understand the perspectives of diverse stakeholders (eg, patients undergoing IVF, clinicians, and the general public), given the absence of regulation and the recent commercial availability of PES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy A. Furrer
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dorit Barlevy
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stacey Pereira
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shai Carmi
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Todd Lencz
- Institute of Behavioral Science, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
- Division of Research, Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital Division of Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York
| | - Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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Ingelman-Sundberg M, Pirmohamed M. Precision medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics: Evaluating the role of pharmacogenetic analysis prior to drug treatment. J Intern Med 2024; 295:583-598. [PMID: 38343077 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacogenomics is the examination of how genetic variation influences drug metabolism and response, in terms of both efficacy and safety. In cardiovascular disease, patient-specific diplotypes determine phenotypes, thereby influencing the efficacy and safety of drug treatments, including statins, antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Notably, polymorphisms in key genes, such as CYP2C9, CYP2C19, VKORC1 and SLCO1B1, significantly impact the outcomes of treatment with clopidogrel, warfarin and simvastatin. Furthermore, the CYP2C19 polymorphism influences the pharmacokinetics and safety of the novel hypertrophic cardiomyopathy inhibitor, mavacamten. In this review, we critically assess the clinical application of pharmacogenomics in cardiovascular disease and delineate present and future utilization of pharmacogenomics. This includes insights into identifying missing heritability, the integration of whole genome sequencing and the application of polygenic risk scores to enhance the precision of personalized drug therapy. Our discussion encompasses health economic analyses that underscore the cost benefits associated with pre-emptive genotyping for warfarin and clopidogrel treatments, albeit acknowledging the need for further research in this area. In summary, we contend that cardiovascular pharmacogenomic analyses are underpinned by a wealth of evidence, and implementation is already occurring for some of these gene-drug pairs, but as with any area of medicine, we need to continually gather more information to optimize the use of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacogenetics, Biomedicum 5B, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Munir Pirmohamed
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Baverstock K. Responses to commentaries on "The gene: An appraisal". PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 188:31-42. [PMID: 38360273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The central conclusions of "The Gene: An Appraisal" are that genetic variance does not underpin biological evolution, and, therefore, that genes are not Mendel's units of inheritance. In this response, I will address the criticisms I have received via commentaries on that paper by defending the following statements: 1. Epistasis does not explain the power-law fitness profile of the Long-Term Evolution Experiment (LTEE). The data from the evolution of natural systems displays the power-law form ubiquitously. Epistasis plays no role in evolution. 2. The common characteristics of living things (natural systems) are described by the principle of least action in de Maupertuis's original form, which is synonymous with the 2nd law of thermodynamics and Newton's 2nd law of motion in its complete form, i.e., F = dp/dt. Organisms strive to achieve free energy balance with their environments. 3. Based on an appraisal of the scientific environment between 1880 and 1911, I conclude that Johannsen's genotype conception was perhaps, the only option available to him. 4. The power-law fitness profile of the LTEE falsifies Fisher's Genetical Theory of Natural Selection, Johannsen's genotype conception, and the idea that 'Darwinian evolution' is an exception to the generic thermodynamic process of evolution in natural systems. 5. The use of the technique of genome-wide association to identify the causes and the likelihoods of inherited common diseases and behavioural traits is a 'wild goose chase' because genes are not the units of inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Baverstock
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Kuopio, Finland.
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10
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Evans W, Meslin EM, Kai J, Qureshi N. Precision Medicine-Are We There Yet? A Narrative Review of Precision Medicine's Applicability in Primary Care. J Pers Med 2024; 14:418. [PMID: 38673045 PMCID: PMC11051552 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine (PM), also termed stratified, individualised, targeted, or personalised medicine, embraces a rapidly expanding area of research, knowledge, and practice. It brings together two emerging health technologies to deliver better individualised care: the many "-omics" arising from increased capacity to understand the human genome and "big data" and data analytics, including artificial intelligence (AI). PM has the potential to transform an individual's health, moving from population-based disease prevention to more personalised management. There is however a tension between the two, with a real risk that this will exacerbate health inequalities and divert funds and attention from basic healthcare requirements leading to worse health outcomes for many. All areas of medicine should consider how this will affect their practice, with PM now strongly encouraged and supported by government initiatives and research funding. In this review, we discuss examples of PM in current practice and its emerging applications in primary care, such as clinical prediction tools that incorporate genomic markers and pharmacogenomic testing. We look towards potential future applications and consider some key questions for PM, including evidence of its real-world impact, its affordability, the risk of exacerbating health inequalities, and the computational and storage challenges of applying PM technologies at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Evans
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine (PRISM), Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (J.K.); (N.Q.)
| | - Eric M. Meslin
- PHG Foundation, Cambridge University, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK;
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Joe Kai
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine (PRISM), Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (J.K.); (N.Q.)
| | - Nadeem Qureshi
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine (PRISM), Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (J.K.); (N.Q.)
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11
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Alamad B, Elliott K, Knight JC. Cross-population applications of genomics to understand the risk of multifactorial traits involving inflammation and immunity. CAMBRIDGE PRISMS. PRECISION MEDICINE 2024; 2:e3. [PMID: 38549844 PMCID: PMC10953767 DOI: 10.1017/pcm.2023.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in interindividual variation in immune and inflammatory responses. The availability of high-throughput low-cost genotyping and next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our ability to identify human genetic variation and understand how this varies within and between populations, and the relationship with disease. In this review, we explore the potential of genomics for patient benefit, specifically in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory and immune-related diseases. We summarize the knowledge arising from genetic and functional genomic approaches, and the opportunity for personalized medicine. The review covers applications in infectious diseases, rare immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases, illustrating advances in diagnosis and understanding risk including use of polygenic risk scores. We further explore the application for patient stratification and drug target prioritization. The review highlights a key challenge to the field arising from the lack of sufficient representation of genetically diverse populations in genomic studies. This currently limits the clinical utility of genetic-based diagnostic and risk-based applications in non-Caucasian populations. We highlight current genome projects, initiatives and biobanks from diverse populations and how this is being used to improve healthcare globally by improving our understanding of genetic susceptibility to diseases and regional pathogens such as malaria and tuberculosis. Future directions and opportunities for personalized medicine and wider application of genomics in health care are described, for the benefit of individual patients and populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bana Alamad
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Elliott
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian C. Knight
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hubacek JA, Adamkova V, Lanska V, Staněk V, Mrázková J, Gebauerová M, Kettner J, Kautzner J, Pitha J. Cholesterol associated genetic risk score and acute coronary syndrome in Czech males. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:164. [PMID: 38252350 PMCID: PMC10803395 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09128-3] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a general decline in mean levels across populations, LDL-cholesterol levels remain a major risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The APOB, LDL-R, CILP, and SORT-1 genes have been shown to contain variants that have significant effects on plasma cholesterol levels. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined polymorphisms within these genes in 1191 controls and 929 patients with ACS. Only rs646776 within SORT-1 was significantly associated with a risk of ACS (P < 0.05, AA vs. + G comparison; OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.01-1.45). With regard to genetic risk score (GRS), the presence of at least 7 alleles associated with elevated cholesterol levels was connected with increased risk (P < 0.01) of ACS (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06-1.52). Neither total mortality nor CVD mortality in ACS subjects (follow up-9.84 ± 3.82 years) was associated with the SNPs analysed or cholesterol-associated GRS. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that, based on only a few potent SNPs known to affect plasma cholesterol, GRS has the potential to predict ACS risk, but not ACS associated mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav A Hubacek
- Experimental Medicine Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, IKEM-CEM-LMG, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vera Adamkova
- Preventive Cardiology Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Lanska
- Information Technology Division, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Staněk
- Cardiac Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jolana Mrázková
- Experimental Medicine Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, IKEM-CEM-LMG, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Gebauerová
- Cardiac Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kettner
- Cardiac Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Cardiac Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pitha
- Experimental Medicine Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, IKEM-CEM-LMG, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Curtis D. Genetic Variants Associated with Hypertension Risk: Progress and Implications. Pulse (Basel) 2024; 12:19-26. [PMID: 38404912 PMCID: PMC10890806 DOI: 10.1159/000536505] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic variants causing diseases with hypertension as a secondary feature have previously been identified. Studies focussing on primary hypertension have utilised common and latterly rare genetic variants in attempts to elucidate the genetic contribution to the risk of primary hypertension. Summary Using genome-wide association studies (GWASs), associations of hypertension with hundreds of common genetic variants have been reported, implicating thousands of genes. Individual variants have small effect sizes and cumulatively account for around 6% of genetic risk. The common variant signal is enriched for relevant tissues and physiological processes, while some variants are associated with traits expected to have secondary impacts on hypertension risk, such as fruit intake, BMI, or time watching television. Studies using rare variants obtained from exome sequence data have implicated a small number of genes for which impaired function has moderate effects on blood pressure and/or hypertension risk. Notably, genetic variants which impair elements of guanylate cyclase activation, stimulated by either natriuretic hormones or nitric oxide, increase hypertension risk. Conversely, variants impairing dopamine beta-hydroxylase or renin production are associated with lower blood pressure. Variants for which a definite effect can be designated remain cumulatively extremely rare and again make only a small contribution to overall genetic risk. Although these results are of interest, it is not clear that they provide radical new insights or identify drug targets which were not previously known. Nor does it seem that genetic testing could be useful in terms of quantifying disease risk or guiding treatment. Key Messages Research has increased our knowledge about the relationship between naturally occurring genetic variation and risk of hypertension. Although some results serve to confirm our understanding of underlying physiology, their value in terms of potentially leading to practical advances in the management of hypertension appears questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Curtis
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, UK
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Lim SY, Klein C. Parkinson's Disease is Predominantly a Genetic Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:467-482. [PMID: 38552119 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of a pathogenic variant in the alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene in the Contursi kindred in 1997 indisputably confirmed a genetic cause in a subset of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Currently, pathogenic variants in one of the seven established PD genes or the strongest known risk factor gene, GBA1, are identified in ∼15% of PD patients unselected for age at onset and family history. In this Debate article, we highlight multiple avenues of research that suggest an important - and in some cases even predominant - role for genetics in PD aetiology, including familial clustering, high rates of monogenic PD in selected populations, and complete penetrance with certain forms. At first sight, the steep increase in PD prevalence exceeding that of other neurodegenerative diseases may argue against a predominant genetic etiology. Notably, the principal genetic contribution in PD is conferred by pathogenic variants in LRRK2 and GBA1 and, in both cases, characterized by an overall late age of onset and age-related penetrance. In addition, polygenic risk plays a considerable role in PD. However, it is likely that, in the majority of PD patients, a complex interplay of aging, genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors leads to disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Yang Lim
- The Mah Pooi Soo and Tan Chin Nam Centre for Parkinson's and Related Disorders, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
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