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Addo EK, Hartnett ME, Bernstein PS. The value of pre-symptomatic genetic risk assessment for age-related macular degeneration: the Moran AMD Genetic Testing Assessment (MAGENTA) study-a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:414. [PMID: 37337222 PMCID: PMC10278319 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07436-4] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an irreversible blinding eye condition with complex genetic and environmental etiologies. Genetic testing for AMD for previously identified multiple-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms can help determine an individual's future susceptibility. However, such testing has been discouraged until evidence shows that providing such information to symptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals will alter their disease course. Therefore, we designed this study to investigate whether knowledge of AMD risk could stimulate the adoption of a healthier lifestyle that could lower the incidence of AMD later in life. We hypothesize that pre-symptomatic individuals informed of a high genetic risk of AMD are more likely to make quantifiable, positive lifestyle changes relative to participants informed of lower genetic risk or randomized to deferred disclosure of genetic testing results. METHODS The Moran AMD Genetic Testing Assessment (MAGENTA) study is a phase 2, single-center, prospective, double-masked, randomized controlled trial conducted at the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Participants are randomized by a 3:1 allocation ratio to immediate and deferred disclosure groups and followed for 12 months. Skin, ocular, and serum carotenoid status, as well as nutritional and social surveys, are assessed at study visits. Skin carotenoid assessment is by resonance Raman spectroscopy and reflectance spectroscopy, ocular carotenoids are measured with Heidelberg Spectralis autofluorescence imaging and fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO), and serum carotenoids are quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The primary outcome evaluates changes in skin carotenoid status in response to genetic risk disclosure. The secondary outcomes examine changes in ocular and serum carotenoid status in response to genetic risk disclosure. Also, we will correlate AMD genetic risk with baseline ocular and systemic carotenoid status and FLIO. DISCUSSION MAGENTA will provide much-needed evidence on whether pre-symptomatic testing for AMD risk can lead to quantifiable long-term changes in behavior and lifestyle associated with a lower incidence of AMD later in life. Findings from the MAGENTA trial will facilitate the design of a future larger, longer-term, multicenter phase 3 trial that could feature subgroup analysis, expanded measures of lifestyle modification, and potential active nutritional interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05265624 . Registered on March 3, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel K Addo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Hartnett
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Paul S Bernstein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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WARE: Wet AMD Risk-Evaluation Tool as a Clinical Decision-Support System Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071034. [PMID: 35887531 PMCID: PMC9321802 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the multifactorial features characterizing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the availability of a tool able to provide the individual risk profile is extremely helpful for personalizing the follow-up and treatment protocols of patients. To this purpose, we developed an open-source computational tool named WARE (Wet AMD Risk Evaluation), able to assess the individual risk profile for wet AMD based on genetic and non-genetic factors. In particular, the tool uses genetic risk measures normalized for their relative frequencies in the general population and disease prevalence. WARE is characterized by a user-friendly web page interface that is intended to assist clinicians in reporting risk assessment upon patient evaluation. When using the tool, plots of population risk distribution highlight a “low-risk zone” and a “high-risk zone” into which subjects can fall depending on their risk-assessment result. WARE represents a reliable population-specific computational system for wet AMD risk evaluation that can be exploited to promote preventive actions and personalized medicine approach for affected patients or at-risk individuals. This tool can be suitable to compute the disease risk adjusted to different populations considering their specific genetic factors and related frequencies, non-genetic factors, and the disease prevalence.
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Genetic and Functional Evidence of Complement Dysregulation in Multiple Myeloma Patients with Carfilzomib-Induced Thrombotic Microangiopathy Compared to Controls. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123355. [PMID: 35743426 PMCID: PMC9225266 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Carfilzomib, an irreversible proteasome inhibitor approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) has been associated with Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA). Several pathogenetic mechanisms of carfilzomib-induced TMA have been proposed; however, recently, there has been a shift of focus on the potential contribution of complement dysregulation. Our aim was to explore whether patients with carfilzomib-induced TMA harbor germline variants of complement-related genes, which have been characterized as risk factors for TMA. Methods: We retrospectively recruited consecutive MM patients with carfilzomib-induced TMA and compared them to MM patients who received ≥4 cycles of carfilzomib and did not develop signs/symptoms of TMA, in a 1:2 ratio. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was analyzed using next generation sequencing (NGS) with a complement-related gene panel; ADAMTS13 activity and soluble C5b-9 were measured using ELISA. Results: Complement-related variants were more common in patients with carfilzomib-induced TMA compared to non-TMA controls, regardless of patient and treatment characteristics; ADAMTS13 activity and C5b-9 were compatible with the phenotype of complement-related TMA. Conclusions: We confirmed the previous findings that implicated complement-related genes in the pathogenesis of carfilzomib-induced TMA. Most importantly, by incorporating a control group of non-TMA MM patients treated with carfilzomib-based regimens and functional complement assays, we enhanced the credibility of our findings.
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Strafella C, Caputo V, Termine A, Fabrizio C, Ruffo P, Potenza S, Cusumano A, Ricci F, Caltagirone C, Giardina E, Cascella R. Genetic Determinants Highlight the Existence of Shared Etiopathogenetic Mechanisms Characterizing Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurol 2021; 12:626066. [PMID: 34135841 PMCID: PMC8200556 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.626066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) showed several processes and risk factors in common with neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). The present work explored the existence of genetic determinants associated with AMD, which may provide insightful clues concerning its relationship with NDDs and their possible application into the clinical practice. In this study, 400 AMD patients were subjected to the genotyping analysis of 120 genetic variants by OpenArray technology. As the reference group, 503 samples representative of the European general population were utilized. Statistical analysis revealed the association of 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with AMD risk. The analysis of epistatic effects revealed that ARMS2, IL6, APOE, and IL2RA could contribute to AMD and neurodegenerative processes by synergistic modulation of the expression of disease-relevant genes. In addition, the bioinformatic analysis of the associated miRNA variants highlighted miR-196a, miR-6796, miR-6499, miR-6810, miR-499, and miR-7854 as potential candidates for counteracting AMD and neurodegenerative processes. Finally, this work highlighted the existence of shared disease mechanisms (oxidative stress, immune-inflammatory response, mitochondrial dysfunction, axonal guidance pathway, and synaptogenesis) between AMD and NDDs and described the associated SNPs as candidate biomarkers for developing novel strategies for early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of such disorders in a progressive aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Termine
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Fabrizio
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Ruffo
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Saverio Potenza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cusumano
- UOSD of Ophthalmology PTV Foundation "Policlinico Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Ricci
- UNIT Retinal Diseases PTV Foundation "Policlinico Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania
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5
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Fan J, Qin X, He R, Ma J, Wei Q. Gene expression profiles for an immunoscore model in bone and soft tissue sarcoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:13708-13725. [PMID: 33946044 PMCID: PMC8202872 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202956] [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: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Immune infiltration is a prognostic marker to clinical outcomes in various solid tumors. However, reports that focus on bone and soft tissue sarcoma are rare. The study aimed to analyze and identify how immune components influence prognosis and develop a novel prognostic system for sarcomas. Methods: We retrieved the gene expression data from 3 online databases (GEO, TCGA, and TARGET). The immune fraction was estimated using the CIBERSORT algorithm. After that, we re-clustered samples by K-means and constructed immunoscore by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. Next, to confirm the prognostic value, nomograms were constructed. Results: 334 samples diagnosed with 8 tumor types (including osteosarcoma) were involved in our analysis. Patients were next re-clustered into three subgroups (OS, SAR1, and SAR2) through immune composition. Survival analysis showed a significant difference between the two soft tissue groups: patients with a higher proportion of CD8+ T cells, macrophages M1, and mast cells had favorable outcomes (p=0.0018). Immunoscore models were successfully established in OS and SAR2 groups consisting of 12 and 9 cell fractions, respectively. We found immunosocre was an independent factor for overall survival time. Patients with higher immunoscore had poor prognosis (p<0.0001). Patients with metastatic lesions scored higher than those counterparts with localized tumors (p<0.05). Conclusions: Immune fractions could be a useful tool for the classification and prognosis of bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients. This proposed immunoscore showed a promising impact on survival prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinyi Qin
- School of Graduate, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Rongquan He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qingjun Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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6
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Hadziahmetovic M, Malek G. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Revisited: From Pathology and Cellular Stress to Potential Therapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:612812. [PMID: 33569380 PMCID: PMC7868387 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.612812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the aging retina, in which patients experience severe vision loss. Therapies available to patients are limited and are only effective in a sub-population of patients. Future comprehensive clinical care depends on identifying new therapeutic targets and adopting a multi-therapeutic approach. With this goal in mind, this review examines the fundamental concepts underlying the development and progression of AMD and re-evaluates the pathogenic pathways associated with the disease, focusing on the impact of injury at the cellular level, with the understanding that critical assessment of the literature may help pave the way to identifying disease-relevant targets. During this process, we elaborate on responses of AMD vulnerable cells, including photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelial cells, microglia, and choroidal endothelial cells, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, to select stressful agents, and discuss current therapeutic developments in the field, targeting different aspects of AMD pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majda Hadziahmetovic
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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7
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Strafella C, Caputo V, Termine A, Barati S, Gambardella S, Borgiani P, Caltagirone C, Novelli G, Giardina E, Cascella R. Analysis of ACE2 Genetic Variability among Populations Highlights a Possible Link with COVID-19-Related Neurological Complications. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070741. [PMID: 32635188 PMCID: PMC7397291 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been recognized as the entry receptor of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). Structural and sequence variants in ACE2 gene may affect its expression in different tissues and determine a differential response to SARS-Cov-2 infection and the COVID-19-related phenotype. The present study investigated the genetic variability of ACE2 in terms of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number variations (CNVs), and expression quantitative loci (eQTLs) in a cohort of 268 individuals representative of the general Italian population. The analysis identified five SNVs (rs35803318, rs41303171, rs774469453, rs773676270, and rs2285666) in the Italian cohort. Of them, rs35803318 and rs2285666 displayed a significant different frequency distribution in the Italian population with respect to worldwide population. The eQTLs analysis located in and targeting ACE2 revealed a high distribution of eQTL variants in different brain tissues, suggesting a possible link between ACE2 genetic variability and the neurological complications in patients with COVID-19. Further research is needed to clarify the possible relationship between ACE2 expression and the susceptibility to neurological complications in patients with COVID-19. In fact, patients at higher risk of neurological involvement may need different monitoring and treatment strategies in order to prevent severe, permanent brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.B.); (G.N.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.B.); (G.N.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Andrea Termine
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Shila Barati
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefano Gambardella
- Neuromed Institute IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Paola Borgiani
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.B.); (G.N.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.B.); (G.N.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Neuromed Institute IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy;
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.B.); (G.N.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (A.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (P.B.); (G.N.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1000 Tirana, Albania
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8
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Strafella C, Caputo V, Galota RM, Campoli G, Bax C, Colantoni L, Minozzi G, Orsini C, Politano L, Tasca G, Novelli G, Ricci E, Giardina E, Cascella R. The variability of SMCHD1 gene in FSHD patients: evidence of new mutations. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3912-3920. [PMID: 31600781 PMCID: PMC6969370 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the sequence of (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes flexible Hinge Domain containing 1) SMCHD1 gene in a cohort of clinically defined FSHD (facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy) patients in order to assess the distribution of SMCHD1 variants, considering the D4Z4 fragment size in terms of repeated units (RUs; short fragment: 1–7 RU, borderline: 8-10RU and normal fragment: >11RU). The analysis of SMCHD1 revealed the presence of 82 variants scattered throughout the introns, exons and 3’untranslated region (3′UTR) of the gene. Among them, 64 were classified as benign polymorphisms and 6 as VUS (variants of uncertain significance). Interestingly, seven pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in patients carrying a borderline or normal D4Z4 fragment size, namely c.182_183dupGT (p.Q62Vfs*48), c.2129dupC (p.A711Cfs*11), c.3469G>T (p.G1157*), c.5150_5151delAA (p.K1717Rfs*16) and c.1131+2_1131+5delTAAG, c.3010A>T (p.K1004*), c.853G>C (p.G285R). All of them were predicted to disrupt the structure and conformation of SMCHD1, resulting in the loss of GHKL-ATPase and SMC hinge essential domains. These results are consistent with the FSHD symptomatology and the Clinical Severity Score (CSS) of patients. In addition, five variants (c.*1376A>C, rs7238459; c.*1579G>A, rs559994; c.*1397A>G, rs150573037; c.*1631C>T, rs193227855; c.*1889G>C, rs149259359) were identified in the 3′UTR region of SMCHD1, suggesting a possible miRNA-dependent regulatory effect on FSHD-related pathways. The present study highlights the clinical utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms for the molecular diagnosis of FSHD and the importance of integrating molecular findings and clinical data in order to improve the accuracy of genotype–phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, 00142, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Campoli
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, 00142, Italy
| | - Cristina Bax
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, 00142, Italy
| | - Luca Colantoni
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, 00142, Italy
| | - Giulietta Minozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, 20100, Italy
| | - Chiara Orsini
- vCardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- vCardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tasca
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy.,Neuromed Institute IRCCS, Pozzilli, 86077, Italy
| | - Enzo Ricci
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy.,Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, 00142, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, 1000, Albania
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Ragazzo M, Melchiorri S, Manzo L, Errichiello V, Puleri G, Nicastro F, Giardina E. Comparative Analysis of ANDE 6C Rapid DNA Analysis System and Traditional Methods. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E582. [PMID: 32456006 PMCID: PMC7288309 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid DNA analysis is an ultrafast and fully automated DNA-typing system, which can produce interpretable genetic profiles from biological samples within 90 minutes. This "swab in-profile out" method comprises DNA extraction, amplification by PCR multiplex, separation and detection of DNA fragments by capillary electrophoresis. The aim of study was the validation of the Accelerated Nuclear DNA Equipment (ANDE) 6C system as a typing method for reference samples according to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Here, we report the evaluation of the validity and reproducibility of results by the comparison of the genetic profiles generated by the ANDE 6C System with those generated by standard technologies. A quantity of 104 buccal swabs were analyzed both through the ANDE 6C technology and the traditional method (DNA extraction and quantification, amplification and separation by capillary electrophoresis). Positive typing was observed in 97% of cases for ANDE 6C technology with only three buccal swabs failing to reveal interpretable signals. Concordance was determined by comparing the allele calls generated by ANDE 6C and conventional technology. Comparison of 2800 genotypes revealed a concordance rate of 99.96%. These results met the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, enabling us to receive the accreditation for this method. Finally, rapid technology has certainly reached a level of reliability which has made its use in laboratories of forensic genetics a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ragazzo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (S.M.); (L.M.); (V.E.); (G.P.)
| | - Stefano Melchiorri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (S.M.); (L.M.); (V.E.); (G.P.)
| | - Laura Manzo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (S.M.); (L.M.); (V.E.); (G.P.)
| | - Valeria Errichiello
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (S.M.); (L.M.); (V.E.); (G.P.)
| | - Giulio Puleri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (S.M.); (L.M.); (V.E.); (G.P.)
| | | | - Emiliano Giardina
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (S.M.); (L.M.); (V.E.); (G.P.)
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
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10
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Strafella C, Caputo V, Campoli G, Galota RM, Mela J, Zampatti S, Minozzi G, Sancricca C, Servidei S, Giardina E, Cascella R. Genetic Counseling and NGS Screening for Recessive LGMD2A Families. High Throughput 2020; 9:ht9020013. [PMID: 32397577 PMCID: PMC7349198 DOI: 10.3390/ht9020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic counseling applied to limb–girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) can be very challenging due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity and the availability of different molecular assays. Genetic counseling should therefore be addressed to select the most suitable approach to increase the diagnostic rate and provide an accurate estimation of recurrence risk. This is particularly true for families with a positive history for recessive LGMD, in which the presence of a known pathogenetic mutation segregating within the family may not be enough to exclude the risk of having affected children without exploring the genetic background of phenotypically unaffected partners. In this work, we presented a family with a positive history for LGMD2A (OMIM #253600, also known as calpainopathy) characterized by compound heterozygosity for two CAPN3 mutations. The genetic specialist suggested the segregation analysis of both mutations within the family as a first-level analysis. Sequentially, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was performed in the partners of healthy carriers to provide an accurate recurrence/reproductive risk estimation considering the genetic background of the couple. Finally, this work highlighted the importance of providing a genetic counseling/testing service even in unaffected individuals with a carrier partner. This approach can support genetic counselors in estimating the reproductive/recurrence risk and eventually, suggesting prenatal testing, early diagnosis or other medical surveillance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Campoli
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosaria Maria Galota
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Julia Mela
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Stefania Zampatti
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Giulietta Minozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Cristina Sancricca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurofisiopatologia, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (S.S.)
- Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Sezione Laziale, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Serenella Servidei
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurofisiopatologia, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Genomic Medicine Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (R.M.G.); (J.M.); (S.Z.); (E.G.); (R.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1000 Tirana, Albania
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11
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Strafella C, Caputo V, Pagliaroli G, Iozzo N, Campoli G, Carboni S, Peconi C, Galota RM, Zampatti S, Minozzi G, Novelli G, Giardina E, Cascella R. NGS Analysis for Molecular Diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP): Detection of a Novel Variant in PRPH2 Gene. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100792. [PMID: 31614793 PMCID: PMC6826621 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This work describes the application of NGS for molecular diagnosis of RP in a family with a history of severe hypovision. In particular, the proband received a clinical diagnosis of RP on the basis of medical, instrumental examinations and his family history. The proband was subjected to NGS, utilizing a customized panel including 24 genes associated with RP and other retinal dystrophies. The NGS analysis revealed a novel missense variant (c.668T > A, I223N) in PRPH2 gene, which was investigated by segregation and bioinformatic analysis. The variant is located in the D2 loop domain of PRPH2, which is critical for protein activity. Bioinformatic analysis described the c.668T > A as a likely pathogenic variant. Moreover, a 3D model prediction was performed to better characterize the impact of the variant on the protein, reporting a disruption of the α-helical structures. As a result, the variant protein showed a substantially different conformation with respect to the wild-type PRPH2. The identified variant may therefore affect the oligomerization ability of the D2 loop and, ultimately, hamper PRPH2 proper functioning and localization. In conclusion, PRPH2_c.668T > A provided a molecular explanation of RP symptomatology, highlighting the clinical utility of NGS panels to facilitate genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Pagliaroli
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Iozzo
- Organi di Senso Department, University "la Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Campoli
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefania Carboni
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristina Peconi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Stefania Zampatti
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulietta Minozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Neuromed IRCSS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1000 Tirana, Albania.
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12
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Bilateral Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation in a Variant of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Case Rep Ophthalmol Med 2019; 2019:8547962. [PMID: 31467752 PMCID: PMC6699319 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8547962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe the first case of bilateral retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in a patient with a variant of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Case Report An 85-year-old man with RP presented with visual acuity decrease and metamorphopsia in the left eye (LE). Fundus examination revealed typical signs of RP in both eyes, associated with intraretinal macular hemorrhage in the LE. Multimodal imaging, using Colour fundus Photography, Fluorescein (FA), and Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) as well as Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), revealed a type 3 neovascular lesion in the involved eye. Genetic testing (NGS analysis) was performed to search for genetic variants correlated with the disease phenotype displayed by the patient. The patient was treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, according to a fixed protocol of bimonthly injections plus a booster dose at second month. After 9 months, he was referred for visual acuity decrease and metamorphopsia in the fellow eye, where SD-OCT/OCTA showed a type 3 neovascular lesion in the right eye (RE). He was scheduled for intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. In both eyes, treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab was successful.
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13
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Strafella C, Campoli G, Galota RM, Caputo V, Pagliaroli G, Carboni S, Zampatti S, Peconi C, Mela J, Sancricca C, Primiano G, Minozzi G, Servidei S, Cascella R, Giardina E. Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies (LGMDs): The Clinical Application of NGS Analysis, a Family Case Report. Front Neurol 2019; 10:619. [PMID: 31263448 PMCID: PMC6585112 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of LGMD2A (calpainopathy) can be challenging due to genetic heterogeneity and to high similarity with other LGMDs or neuromuscular disorders. In this setting, NGS panels are highly recommended to perform differential diagnosis, identify new causative mutations and enable genotype-phenotype correlations. In this manuscript, the case of a patient affected by LGMD2A is reported, for which the application of a defined custom designed NGS panel allowed to confirm the diagnosis of calpainopathy linked with two heterozygous variants in CAPN3, namely c.550delA and c.1813G>C. The first variant has been extensively described in relation to calpainopathy. The second variant c.1813G>C, instead, is novel and has been predicted to be probably damaging. In addition, NGS analysis on the proband revealed a heterozygous variant (c.550C>T) in the LMNA gene, which is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. The variant is novel and has been predicted to be deleterious by subsequent bioinformatic analysis. Successively, segregation analysis was performed on family members. Interestingly, none of them showed neuromuscular symptoms but the mother was diagnosed with bradycardia and syncopal episodes and showed a positive family history for cardiomyopathy. The segregation analysis reported that the proband inherited the c.1813G>C (CAPN3) from the father who was a healthy carrier. The mother was positive for c.550delA (CAPN3) and c.550C>T (LMNA), suggesting thereby a possible genetic explanation for her cardiovascular problems. Segregation analysis, therefore, confirmed the inheritance pattern of the variants carried by the proband and highlighted a familiarity for cardiomyopathy which should not be neglected. The NGS analysis was further performed on the partner of the proband, to estimate the reproductive risk of the couple. The partner was negative to NGS screening, suggesting thereby a low risk to have an affected child with calpainopathy and 50% probability to inherit the LMNA variant. This case report showed the clinical utility of the NGS panel in providing accurate LGMD2A diagnosis and identifying complex phenotypes originating from mutations in multiple genes. However, NGS results should always be accomplished by a dedicated genetic counseling, not only to evaluate the recurrence and reproductive risks but also to uncover unexpected findings which can be clinically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Campoli
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maria Galota
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pagliaroli
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Carboni
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Zampatti
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Peconi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Julia Mela
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Sancricca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurofisiopatologia, Rome, Italy.,Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Sezione Laziale, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Primiano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurofisiopatologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulietta Minozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Serenella Servidei
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurofisiopatologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory Unione Italiana Lotta Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM), Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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14
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The Interplay between miRNA-Related Variants and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: EVIDENCE of Association of MIR146A and MIR27A. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071578. [PMID: 30934838 PMCID: PMC6480223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental variables is the basis for the multifactorial origin of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previous results highlighted that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CFH, ARMS2, IL-8, TIMP3, SLC16A8, RAD51B, VEGFA, and COL8A1 were significantly associated with the risk of AMD in the Italian population. Given these data, this study aimed to investigate the impact of SNPs in genes coding for MIR146A, MIR31, MIR23A, MIR27A, MIR20A, and MIR150 on their susceptibility to AMD. Nine-hundred and seventy-six patients with exudative AMD and 1000 controls were subjected to an epigenotyping analysis through real-time PCR and direct sequencing. Biostatistical and bioinformatic analysis was performed to evaluate the association with susceptibility to AMD. These analyses reported that the SNPs rs11671784 (MIR27A, G/A) and rs2910164 (MIR146A, C/G) were significantly associated with AMD risk. Interestingly, the bioinformatic analysis showed that MIR27A and MIR146A take part in the angiogenic and inflammatory pathways underlying AMD etiopathogenesis. Thus, polymorphisms within the pre-miRNA sequences are likely to affect their functional activity, especially the interaction with specific targets. Therefore, our study represents a step forward in the comprehension of the mechanisms leading to AMD onset and progression, which certainly include the involvement of epigenetic modifications.
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15
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Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) molecular diagnosis: from traditional technology to the NGS era. Neurogenetics 2019; 20:57-64. [PMID: 30911870 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-019-00575-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder which mainly affects the muscles of the face, shoulder, and upper arms. FSHD is generally associated with the contraction of D4Z4 macrosatellite repeats on 4q35 chromosome or mutations in SMCHD1, which are responsible of the toxic expression of DUX4 in muscle tissue. Despite the recent application of NGS techniques in the clinical practice, the molecular diagnosis of FSHD is still performed with dated techniques such as Southern blotting. The diagnosis of FSHD requires therefore specific skills on both modern and less modern analytical protocols. Considering that clinical and molecular diagnosis of FSHD is challenging, it is not surprising that only few laboratories offer a comprehensive characterization of FSHD, which requires the education of professionals on traditional techniques even in the era of NGS. In conclusion, the study of FSHD provides an excellent example of using classical and modern molecular technologies which are equally necessary for the analysis of DNA repetitive traits associated with specific disorders.
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16
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Liu S, Wu M, Zhang B, Xiong X, Wang H, Zhou X. Analysis of genetic polymorphisms for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Chinese Tujia ethnic minority group. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:25. [PMID: 30696427 PMCID: PMC6352349 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause vision loss or blindness in elderly. The associations between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and AMD in Chinese Tujia ethnic minority group are still unclear. Methods A total of 2122 Tujia volunteers were recruited and 197 of them were diagnosed with AMD (either dry or wet type).Then the blood specimens of these 197 AMD patients and 404 controls from the remaining 1925 normal Tujia volunteers were collected to detect the frequencies of 39 chosen SNPs. The Bonferroni method was used to correct the P values from the Fisher’s exact test. Results The mean age of the 197 AMD patients(113 males and 84 females) was 68.4197 years old. No significant differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies were found for all the 39 SNPs between the patients and controls. However, weak correlations between 10 SNPs (CFH rs1329428 TT genotype, CFH rs3753394 CC genotype and T allele, CFH rs1410996 AA genotype, CFH rs800292 AA genotype, CFH rs800292 A allele, VEGF rs833061 TT genotype and C allele, VEGF rs2010963 CG genotype, VEGFR2 rs1531289 TT genotype, ARMS2 rs10490924 TT genotype, KCTD10 rs238104 GC genotype, rs1531289 T allele and ARMS2 rs10490924 T allele) and AMD were shown. Conclusions The effects of 39 SNPs have found no associations with the morbidity of AMD in Chinese Tujia ethnic minority group. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-019-0756-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengchun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.74, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Mingxing Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.74, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Bianwen Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.74, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiaojing Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.74, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.74, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.74, Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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17
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Strafella C, Caputo V, Galota MR, Zampatti S, Marella G, Mauriello S, Cascella R, Giardina E. Application of Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurol 2018; 9:701. [PMID: 30190701 PMCID: PMC6115491 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main challenges for healthcare systems is the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative pathologies together with the rapidly aging populations. The enormous progresses made in the field of biomedical research and informatics have been crucial for improving the knowledge of how genes, epigenetic modifications, aging, nutrition, drugs and microbiome impact health and disease. In fact, the availability of high technology and computational facilities for large-scale analysis enabled a deeper investigation of neurodegenerative disorders, providing a more comprehensive overview of disease and encouraging the development of a precision medicine approach for these pathologies. On this subject, the creation of collaborative networks among medical centers, research institutes and highly qualified specialists can be decisive for moving the precision medicine from the bench to the bedside. To this purpose, the present review has been thought to discuss the main components which may be part of precise and personalized treatment programs applied to neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson Disease will be taken as an example to understand how precision medicine approach can be clinically useful and provide substantial benefit to patients. In this perspective, the realization of web-based networks can be decisive for the implementation of precision medicine strategies across different specialized centers as well as for supporting clinical/therapeutical decisions and promoting a more preventive and participative medicine for neurodegenerative disorders. These collaborative networks are essentially addressed to find innovative, sustainable and effective strategies able to provide optimal and safer therapies, discriminate at risk individuals, identify patients at preclinical or early stage of disease, set-up individualized and preventative strategies for improving prognosis and patient's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Strafella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,Emotest Laboratory, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria R Galota
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Zampatti
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Raffaella Cascella
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Chemical-Toxicological and Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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