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Gonçalves E, Smaoui S, Brito M, Oliveira JM, Arez AP, Tavares L. Sickle Cell Disease: Current Drug Treatments and Functional Foods with Therapeutic Potential. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5845-5865. [PMID: 38921020 PMCID: PMC11202234 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060349] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA), the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD), is a genetic blood disorder. Red blood cells break down prematurely, causing anemia and often blocking blood vessels, leading to chronic pain, organ damage, and increased infection risk. SCD arises from a single-nucleotide mutation in the β-globin gene, substituting glutamic acid with valine in the β-globin chain. This review examines treatments evaluated through randomized controlled trials for managing SCD, analyzes the potential of functional foods (dietary components with health benefits) as a complementary strategy, and explores the use of bioactive compounds as functional food ingredients. While randomized trials show promise for certain drugs, functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds also hold therapeutic potential. Further research is needed to confirm clinical efficacy, optimal dosages, and specific effects of these compounds on SCD, potentially offering a cost-effective and accessible approach to managing the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisângela Gonçalves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon (UNL) 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.G.); (A.P.A.)
| | - Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microbial and Enzymes Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), University of Sfax-Tunisia, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P.O. Box 1177, Sfax 3018, Tunisia;
| | - Miguel Brito
- Health Research Centre of Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola;
- H&TRC—Health & Technology Research Center, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-092 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J. M. Oliveira
- School of Design, Management and Production Technologies Northern Aveiro, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Cercal, 449, 3810-193 Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal;
- EMaRT Group—Emerging Materials, Research, Technology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CICECO Aveiro—Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Arez
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, (IHMT), NOVA University of Lisbon (UNL) 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.G.); (A.P.A.)
| | - Loleny Tavares
- School of Design, Management and Production Technologies Northern Aveiro, University of Aveiro, Estrada do Cercal, 449, 3810-193 Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal;
- EMaRT Group—Emerging Materials, Research, Technology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CICECO Aveiro—Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Dilli PP, Obeagu E, Tamale A, Ajugwo A, Pius T, Makeri D. Update on the practice of premarital screening for sickle cell traits in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1467. [PMID: 38822327 PMCID: PMC11143629 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19001-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for sickle cell traits before marriage or producing children is one of the outstanding preventive measures for sickle cell disease (SCD).The disease is a collection of inherited blood disorders that impact millions globally, with a predominant 75% occurrence in the sub-Saharan region. With increasing burden of SCD on the continent amidst a cost effective prevention method, no study has systematically reviewed or presented meta-analytic uptake or practice of premarital sickle cell trait screening. METHODS This review systematically explored the uptake or practice of premarital genotype screening in Africa. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases for African studies on premarital screening for sickle cell traits. RESULTS Our results indicate that the pooled uptake of premarital sickle cell trait screening in Africa is 47.82% (95% CI: [46.53-49.11]; I2: 98.95% [98.74-99.13]). Our review observed, a significant relationship between the awareness of sickle cell disease and the uptake of genotype screening; F(1, 13) = 12.04, p = 0.004). The model explained approximately 48.08% of the variation in genotype screening (R² = 0.4808) and predicted a 0.729 increase in the likelihood of genotype screening uptake for every unit rise in sickle cell disease awareness (β = 0.729, p = 0.004). Additionally, Pearson correlation (r = 0.6934) indicated a moderately strong positive correlation between the two variables. CONCLUSION With over 75% of the global burden of sickle cell disease domiciled in Africa, the continent cannot overlook the cost of hemoglobinopathies. The uptake of sickle cell traits screening is suboptimal across the continent. To achieve the mandate of sustainable development goal number (3); to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age by 2030, there is need to intensify campaigns on premarital genetic screening through education and other health promotion tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Peter Dilli
- Department of Public Health, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Obeagu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda
| | - Andrew Tamale
- Department of Public Health, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda
| | - Anselm Ajugwo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda
| | - Theophilus Pius
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda
| | - Danladi Makeri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University-Western Campus, Ishaka, Ishaka, Uganda.
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Mboowa G, Sserwadda I, Kanyerezi S, Tukwasibwe S, Kidenya B. The dawn of a cure for sickle cell disease through CRISPR-based treatment: A critical test of equity in public health genomics. Ann Hum Genet 2024. [PMID: 38517013 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Equity in access to genomic technologies, resources, and products remains a great challenge. This was evident especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when the majority of lower middle-income countries were unable to achieve at least 10% population vaccination coverage during initial COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, despite the rapid development of those vaccines. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Globally, the African continent carries the highest burden of SCD with at least 240,000 children born each year with the disease. SCD has evolved from a treatable to a curable disease. Recently, the UK medical regulator approved its cure through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based treatment, whereas the US Food and Drug Administration has equally approved two SCD gene therapies. This presents a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate equity in public health genomics. This CRISPR-based treatment is expensive and therefore, a need for an ambitious action to ensure that they are affordable and accessible where they are needed most and stand to save millions of lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Mboowa
- The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ivan Sserwadda
- The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Kanyerezi
- The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Tukwasibwe
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda
| | - Benson Kidenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Ekoube CE, Bitsie DM, Njiengwe EF, Ma Linwa EM, Eyoum C, Betoko RM, Massako JD, Nsang EH, Soumaiyatou A, Kuate CT. Exploring Factors Associated with Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease and HIV: A Comparative Analysis. Anemia 2024; 2024:4429541. [PMID: 38487039 PMCID: PMC10937083 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4429541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Paediatric HIV and sickle cell disease (SCD) are two stigmatising and potentially fatal illnesses that place a significant burden on families. HIV patients benefit from a longstanding free-service national programme in Cameroon, and this could considerably alleviate burden of care on HIV caregivers, possibly leading to better quality of life (QoL) in HIV caregivers compared to SCD caregivers. Our study aimed to compare the QoL between caregivers of children and adolescents with SCD and HIV and explore factors associated with this QoL in Cameroon. Methods and Materials We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional analytic study at Douala Laquintinie Hospital from February to May 2023. A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of paediatric patients (≤18 years) with SCD and HIV. The Pediatrics Quality of Life-Family Impact Module (PedsQL FIM), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and the 9-item Patient Health Question (PHQ-9) tools were used as measures of quality of life, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine factors associated with quality of life. A significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results We included 199 caregivers: SCD = 104 and HIV = 95. The mean age of caregivers in our sample was 40.47 ± 10.18 years. Caregivers of paediatric patients with HIV had a better mean quality of life than SCD (93.01 ± 7.35SD versus 64.86 ± 9.20SD, p < 0.001). PHQ-9 score (B = -1.52, 95% CI = [-2.08; -0.96], p=<0.001), GAD-7 score (B = -1.46, 95% CI = [-2.09; -0.83], p=<0.001), spending less than 75 000 FCFA on medications monthly (B = 12.13, 95% CI = [5.73; 18.94], p=<0.001), and being a SCD caregiver (B = -11.62, 95% CI = [-18.46; -4.78], p=0.001) were factors independently associated with quality of life on multivariable analysis. Conclusion Quality of life is lower in caregivers of children and adolescents with SCD than with HIV. Preventing depression and anxiety as well as advocating for the subsidization of medications through a national SCD program may improve quality of life in SCD caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Eposse Ekoube
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Dora Mbonjo Bitsie
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Christian Eyoum
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Ritha Mbono Betoko
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Emmanuel Heles Nsang
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Abba Soumaiyatou
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Callixte Tegueu Kuate
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
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Druye AA, Boso CM, Amoadu M, Obeng P, Nabe B, Kagbo JE, Doe PF, Okantey C, Ofori GO, Opoku-Danso R, Agyare DF, Osei Berchie G, Owusu G, Nsatimba F, Abraham SA. Self-management needs, strategies and support for sickle cell disease in developing countries: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083688. [PMID: 38448082 PMCID: PMC10916173 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant global health burden, particularly affecting individuals in developing countries with constrained healthcare resources. While research on self-management in the context of SCD is emerging, it has predominantly focused on primary studies, and there is a notable dearth of evidence synthesis on SCD self-management in developing countries. This scoping review aims to identify and map self-management needs of individuals living with SCD, the strategies they employed to meet those needs, and the support systems available to them. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The review will be conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) 29 framework to comprehensively examine the landscape of SCD self-management research. Searches will be performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Dimensions AI, with additional searches in other databases and grey literature. Indexed literature published in English from inception to January 2024 will be included. Reference list from included studies will also be searched manually. Two teams will be constituted to independently screen titles, abstracts and full text against the eligible criteria. Data will be extracted from included studies onto a customised data extraction form. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this review due to the fact that it synthesises information from available publications. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Also, the findings will possibly be presented at relevant international and national conferences. This protocol has already been registered with the Open Science Framework. The study characteristics such as design and setting will be descriptively analysed and presented as graphs, tables and figures. Thematic analysis will also be conducted based on the study objectives and presented as a narrative summary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrews Adjei Druye
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Christian Makafui Boso
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Mustapha Amoadu
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Paul Obeng
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Bernard Nabe
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Justice Enock Kagbo
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Patience Fakornam Doe
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Christiana Okantey
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Godson Obeng Ofori
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Rita Opoku-Danso
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Frempomaa Agyare
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Gifty Osei Berchie
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Gifty Owusu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Frederick Nsatimba
- Department of Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Susanna Aba Abraham
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Ansong-Ansongton YON, Adamson TD. Computing Sickle Erythrocyte Health Index on quantitative phase imaging and machine learning. Exp Hematol 2024; 131:104166. [PMID: 38246310 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin and deformation of red blood cells (RBCs), leading to complications and reduced life expectancy. This study developed an in vitro assessment, the Sickle Erythrocyte Health Index, using quantitative phase imaging (QPI) and machine learning to model the health of RBCs in people with SCD. The health index combines assessment of cell deformation, sickle-shaped classification, and membrane flexibility to evaluate erythrocyte health. Using QPI and image processing, the percentage of sickle-shaped cells and membrane flexibility were quantified. Statistically significant differences were observed between individuals with and without SCD, indicating the impact of underlying pathophysiology on erythrocyte health. Additionally, sodium metabisulfite led to an increase in sickle-shaped cells and a decrease in flexibility in the sickle cell blood samples. Based on these findings, two approaches were used to calculate the Sickle Erythrocyte Health Index: one using hand-crafted features and one using learned features from deep learning models. Both indices showed significant differences between non-SCD and SCD groups and sensitivity to changes induced by sodium metabisulfite. The Sickle Erythrocyte Health Index has important clinical implications for SCD management and could be used by providers when making treatment decisions. Further research is warranted to evaluate the clinical utility and applicability of the Sickle Erythrocyte Health Index in diverse patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Ofosu Nyansa Ansong-Ansongton
- Department of Bioengineering, KovaDx, New Haven, CT; Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Bioengineering, Berkeley, CA.
| | - Timothy D Adamson
- Department of Bioengineering, KovaDx, New Haven, CT; Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Bioengineering, Berkeley, CA
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Bell V, Varzakas T, Psaltopoulou T, Fernandes T. Sickle Cell Disease Update: New Treatments and Challenging Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients 2024; 16:258. [PMID: 38257151 PMCID: PMC10820494 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020258] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD), a distinctive and often overlooked illness in the 21st century, is a congenital blood disorder characterized by considerable phenotypic diversity. It comprises a group of disorders, with sickle cell anemia (SCA) being the most prevalent and serious genotype. Although there have been some systematic reviews of global data, worldwide statistics regarding SCD prevalence, morbidity, and mortality remain scarce. In developed countries with a lower number of sickle cell patients, cutting-edge technologies have led to the development of new treatments. However, in developing settings where sickle cell disease (SCD) is more prevalent, medical management, rather than a cure, still relies on the use of hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and analgesics. This is a disease that affects red blood cells, consequently affecting most organs in diverse manners. We discuss its etiology and the advent of new technologies, but the aim of this study is to understand the various types of nutrition-related studies involving individuals suffering from SCD, particularly in Africa. The interplay of the environment, food, gut microbiota, along with their respective genomes collectively known as the gut microbiome, and host metabolism is responsible for mediating host metabolic phenotypes and modulating gut microbiota. In addition, it serves the purpose of providing essential nutrients. Moreover, it engages in direct interactions with host homeostasis and the immune system, as well as indirect interactions via metabolites. Nutrition interventions and nutritional care are mechanisms for addressing increased nutrient expenditures and are important aspects of supportive management for patients with SCD. Underprivileged areas in Sub-Saharan Africa should be accompanied by efforts to define and promote of the nutritional aspects of SCD. Their importance is key to maintaining well-being and quality of life, especially because new technologies and products remain limited, while the use of native medicinal plant resources is acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Bell
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Theodoros Varzakas
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Theodora Psaltopoulou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Tito Fernandes
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
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Marin WM, Augusto DG, Wade KJ, Hollenbach JA. High-throughput complement component 4 genomic sequence analysis with C4Investigator. HLA 2024; 103:e15273. [PMID: 37899688 PMCID: PMC11099535 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15273] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The complement component 4 gene loci, composed of the C4A and C4B genes and located on chromosome 6, encodes for complement component 4 (C4) proteins, a key intermediate in the classical and lectin pathways of the complement system. The complement system is an important modulator of immune system activity and is also involved in the clearance of immune complexes and cellular debris. C4A and C4B gene loci exhibit copy number variation, with each composite gene varying between 0 and 5 copies per haplotype. C4A and C4B genes also vary in size depending on the presence of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) in intron 9, denoted by C4(L) for long-form and C4(S) for short-form, which affects expression and is found in both C4A and C4B. Additionally, human blood group antigens Rodgers and Chido are located on the C4 protein, with the Rodger epitope generally found on C4A protein, and the Chido epitope generally found on C4B protein. C4A and C4B copy number variation has been implicated in numerous autoimmune and pathogenic diseases. Despite the central role of C4 in immune function and regulation, high-throughput genomic sequence analysis of C4A and C4B variants has been impeded by the high degree of sequence similarity and complex genetic variation exhibited by these genes. To investigate C4 variation using genomic sequencing data, we have developed a novel bioinformatic pipeline for comprehensive, high-throughput characterization of human C4A and C4B sequences from short-read sequencing data, named C4Investigator. Using paired-end targeted or whole genome sequence data as input, C4Investigator determines the overall gene copy numbers, as well as C4A, C4B, C4(Rodger), C4(Ch), C4(L), and C4(S). Additionally, C4Ivestigator reports the full overall C4A and C4B aligned sequence, enabling nucleotide level analysis. To demonstrate the utility of this workflow we have analyzed C4A and C4B variation in the 1000 Genomes Project Data set, showing that these genes are highly poly-allelic with many variants that have the potential to impact C4 protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley M. Marin
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Danillo G. Augusto
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Kristen J. Wade
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jill A. Hollenbach
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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