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  • Review Article
    Advances in Transcriptomics in the Response to Stress in Plants
    Xiaojuan Wang, Na Li, Wei Li, Xinlei Gao, Muha Cha, Lijin Qin, Lihong Liu
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(02): 30-34. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714414

    Adverse stress influences the normal growth and development of plants. With the development of molecular biology technology, understanding the molecular mechanism of plants in response to adverse stress has gradually become an important topic for academic exploration. The expression of the transcriptome is dynamic, which reflects the level of expression of all genes in a particular cell, tissue, or organ of an individual organism at a particular stage of growth and development. Transcriptomics can disclose the expression at the whole genome level under stress from the whole transcriptional level, which can be useful in understanding the complex regulatory network associated with the adaptability and tolerance of plants to stress. In this article, we review the application of transcriptomics in understanding the response of plants to biotic stresses such as diseases and insect infestation and abiotic stresses such as water, temperature, salt, and heavy metals to provide a guideline for related research.

  • Review Article
    DNA Profiling in Forensic Science: A Review
    Jaya Lakshmi Bukyya, M L. Avinash Tejasvi, Anulekha Avinash, Chanchala H. P., Priyanka Talwade, Mohammed Malik Afroz, Archana Pokala, Praveen Kumar Neela, T K. Shyamilee, Vammi Srisha
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(04): 135-143. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1728689

    DNA is present in most of the cells in our body, which is unique in each and every individual, and we leave a trail of it everywhere we go. This has become an advantage for forensic investigators who use DNA to draw conclusion in identification of victim and accused in crime scenes. This review described the use of genetic markers in forensic investigation and their limitations.

  • Review Article
    Potential of CRISPR/Cas13 System in Treatment and Diagnosis of COVID-19
    Amir Khodavirdipour, Motahareh Piri, Sarvin Jabbari, Mohammad Khalaj-kondori
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(01): 7-10. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1723086

    The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) belongs to coronaviridae families like sarbecovirus (SARS), and causes pyrexia, pertussis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in major. Started from Wuhan, China, COVID-19 now forced the World Health Organization (WHO) call it a global pandemic. These dreadful figures elevate the need for rapid action for a rapid diagnostic tool, an efficacious therapy, or vaccine for such widespread disease. In this article, we reviewed all the latest research and trials including conventional antiviral medicines that have a narrow and finite effect on COVID-19. Recently, some advances were made by a nucleotide/nucleoside analogues (NUC) inhibitor (remdesivir), ivermectin (antiparasitic drug), and convalescent plasma; the later one has more recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, a clinical-grade soluble human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), named hrsACE2, was able to inhibit the infection of human blood vessel organoids, as well as the human kidney organoids, by the virus. As of now, innovative therapeutics based on the CRISPR/Cas13d might overcome the challenge of COVID-19 either as a treatment option or precise and rapid diagnostic tool due to its rapid and precise nature. In this updated comprehensive rapid review, we tried to cover all recent findings in terms of genomics, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

  • Review Article
    Psoriasis: An Immunogenetic Perspective
    Kocaaga Ayca, Kocaaga Mustafa
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(02): 82-89. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1743259

    Psoriasis is an erythematous-squamous dermatosis with a polygenic inheritance history. Both environmental and genetic factors play a role in the etiology of the disease. Over the past two decades, numerous linkage analyzes and genome-wide association studies have been conducted to investigate the role of genetic variation in disease pathogenesis and progression. To date, >70 psoriasis susceptibility loci have been identified, including HLA-Cw6, IL12B, IL23R, and LCE3B/3C. Some genetic markers are used in clinical diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and personalized new drug development that can further explain the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This review summarizes the immunological mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis and recent advances in susceptibility genes and highlights new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

  • Original Article
    Thromboses and Hemostasis Disorders Associated with COVID-19: The Possible Causal Role of Cross-Reactivity and Immunological Imprinting
    Darja Kanduc
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(04): 162-170. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1731068

    By examining the issue of the thromboses and hemostasis disorders associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) through the lens of cross-reactivity, it was found that 60 pentapeptides are shared by SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (gp) and human proteins that— when altered, mutated, deficient or, however, improperly functioning— cause vascular diseases, thromboembolic complications, venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathies, and bleeding, inter alia. The peptide commonality has a relevant immunological potential as almost all of the shared sequences are present in experimentally validated SARS-CoV-2 spike gp-derived epitopes, thus supporting the possibility of cross-reactions between the viral gp and the thromboses-related human proteins. Moreover, many of the shared peptide sequences are also present in pathogens to which individuals have previously been exposed following natural infection or vaccinal routes, and of which the immune system has stored imprint. Such an immunological memory might rapidly trigger anamnestic secondary cross-reactive responses of extreme affinity and avidity, in this way explaining the thromboembolic adverse events that can associate with SARS-CoV-2 infection or active immunization.

  • Review Article
    Genetics of Dentofacial and Orthodontic Abnormalities
    Praveen Kumar Neela, Anjana Atteeri, Pavan Kumar Mamillapalli, Vasu Murthy Sesham, Sreekanth Keesara, Jaya Chandra, Udayini Monica, Vasavi Mohan
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 7(04): 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1722303

    The development of craniofacial complex and dental structures is a complex and delicate process guided by specific genetic mechanisms. Genetic and environmental factors can influence the execution of these mechanisms and result in abnormalities. An insight into the mechanisms and genes involved in the development of orofacial and dental structures has gradually gained by pedigree analysis of families and twin studies as well as experimental studies on vertebrate models. The development of novel treatment techniques depends on in-depth knowledge of the various molecular or cellular processes and genes involved in the development of the orofacial complex. This review article focuses on the role of genes in the development of nonsyndromic orofacial, dentofacial variations, malocclusions, excluding cleft lip palate, and the advancements in the field of molecular genetics and its application to obtain better treatment outcomes.

  • Original Article
    From Anti-EBV Immune Responses to the EBV Diseasome via Cross-reactivity
    Darja Kanduc, Yehuda Shoenfeld
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(02): 51-63. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1715641

    Sequence analyses highlight a massive peptide sharing between immunoreactive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) epitopes and human proteins that—when mutated, deficient or improperly functioning—associate with tumorigenesis, diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and immunodeficiencies, among others. Peptide commonality appears to be the molecular platform capable of linking EBV infection to the vast EBV-associated diseasome via cross-reactivity and questions the hypothesis of the “negative selection” of self-reactive lymphocytes. Of utmost importance, this study warns that using entire antigens in anti-EBV immunotherapies can associate with autoimmune manifestations and further supports the concept of peptide uniqueness for designing safe and effective anti-EBV immunotherapies.

  • Review Article
    Association of Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatments with Imprinting Disorders
    T. Kopca, Pinar Tulay
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(01): 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1723085

    Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a broad field in infertility that encompasses different types of treatments. These revolutionary treatment methods aimed to aid infertile or subfertile couples. Treatment was expanded exponentially, as 1 to 3% of the births worldwide takes place with ART procedures. However, treatment is not flawless. Gametes and embryos are exposed to different chemicals and stress through treatment, which leads to disturbance in proper embryo development and results in prenatal and congenital anomalies. When compared with in-vivo development of gametes and preimplantation embryos in mice, in-vitro conditions during ART treatments have been suggested to disturb the gene expression levels, especially imprinted genes. Therefore, ART has been suggested to be associated with increased incidences of different imprinting disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Silver-Russell syndrome, as proved by different case reports and studies. This literature review aims to explain the association of imprinting disorders with this revolutionary treatment procedure.

  • Original Article
    Medical, Genomic, and Evolutionary Aspects of the Peptide Sharing between Pathogens, Primates, and Humans
    Darja Kanduc, Yehuda Shoenfeld
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(02): 64-67. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1716334

    Comparing mammalian proteomes for molecular mimicry with infectious pathogens highlights the highest levels of heptapeptide sharing between pathogens and human, murine, and rat proteomes, while the peptide sharing level is minimal (or absent) with proteomes from nonhuman primates such as gorilla, chimpanzee, and rhesus macaque. From the medical point of view, the data might be useful to clinicians and vaccinologists to develop and evaluate immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic approaches. As a matter of fact, primates seem to be unreliable animal models for revealing potential autoimmune events in preclinical testing of immunotherapies. In terms of genomics, the scarce or absent peptide sharing between pathogens and primates versus the massive peptide sharing existing between pathogens and humans lets foresee mechanisms of pathogen sequence insertion/deletion/alteration that have differently operated in mammals over evolutionary timescales. Why and how the human genome has been colonized by pathogen sequences and why and how primates escaped such a colonization appears to be the new scientific challenge in our efforts to understand not only the origin of Homo sapiens but also his autoimmune diseasome.

  • Review Article
    Genetic Factors in Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts
    Mahamad Irfanulla Khan, Prashanth CS, Narasimha Murthy Srinath
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 7(04): 101-108. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1722951

    Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are the most common congenital birth defects in humans and immediately recognized at birth. The etiology remains complex and poorly understood and seems to result from multiple genetic and environmental factors along with gene-environment interactions. It can be classified into syndromic (30%) and nonsyndromic (70%) clefts. Nonsyndromic OFCs include clefts without any additional physical or cognitive deficits. Recently, various genetic approaches, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), candidate gene association studies, and linkage analysis, have identified multiple genes involved in the etiology of OFCs.
    This article provides an insight into the multiple genes involved in the etiology of OFCs. Identification of specific genetic causes of clefts helps in a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of OFC. In the near future, it helps to provide a more accurate diagnosis, genetic counseling, personalized medicine for better clinical care, and prevention of OFCs.

  • Editorial
    World-First Phase I Clinical Trial for CRISPR-Cas9 PD-1-Edited T-Cells in Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
    Qian Liu
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(03): 73-74. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1721451
  • Case Report
    Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Blueprints on the Oral Manifestation of COVID-19: A Case Report
    Amir Khodavirdipour, Mahsa Asadimanesh, Seyed Alireza Masoumi
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(04): 183-185. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735538

    Nonsegmented positive-sense RNA enveloped RNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can result in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus is from β-coronaviridae family of viruses. The common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, cephalgia, diarrhea, and nausea. Physicians and dentists around the world could directly link the COVID-19 and oral diseases such as ageusia and anosmia. After time passes, different aspects of symptoms of the diseases have been discovered. Research suggests that the oral cavity is the most vulnerable region for the virus because of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor abundance in the mouth. In this case report (no. of patients = 6), we would like to report significant findings in patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 reported to our clinic during May 2021 complaining about the oral manifestation of it such as xerostomia, gingival inflammation, and cracked teeth. All patients are younger than 40 years with no history of dental complaints and oral diseases. Fortunately, these symptoms are not life threatening and treatable/manageable by current treatment options. To date, there is no clear proof of how and via which pathway, SARS-CoV-2 genomic blueprint causes the oral manifestation of COVID-19 beside ACE2 receptor which is the only known biopathway for such incidents.

  • Original Article
    CTLA-4 (+49A/G) Polymorphism in Type 1 Diabetes Children of Sudanese Population
    Khalid E. Khalid Kheiralla
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(01): 11-18. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1723008

    Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an organ-specific T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, characterized by destruction of pancreatic islets. Cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a negative regulator of T cell proliferation, thus conferring susceptibility to autoimmunity.
    Aims This study aimed to investigate the association of CTLA-4 +49A/G (rs231775) polymorphism with a risk of T1DM in Sudanese children.
    Methods This a case-control study included 100 children with T1DM, referred to the pediatric clinic at referral pediatric teaching hospital in Gezira State-Sudan. Hundred unrelated healthy controls were recruited from departments in the same hospital. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)-preserved blood using QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (QIAamp Blood) (QIAGEN; Valencia, CA). The polymerase chain reaction PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing were applied for the CTLA-4 (+49A/G) genotyping. The changes accompanied the polymorphism were evaluated using relevant bioinformatics tools.
    Results The genotype and allele frequencies of the CTLA-4 (+49A/G) polymorphism were significantly different between the patients and controls (p = 0.00013 and 0.0002, respectively). In particular, the frequency of the G allele, GG homozygous genotype, and AG heterozygous genotype were significantly increased in patients than in controls ([28% versus 7%, odds ratio (OR) = 5.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.77-9.65, p = 0.00] [12% versus 2%, OR = 6.68, CI = 1.46-30.69, p = 0.01] [32% versus 10%, OR = 4.24, CI = 1.95-9.21, p = 0.00], respectively). The presence of the G allele (homozygous) showed an influence on the signal peptide polarity, hydrophobicity, and α-helix propensity of the CTLA-protein.
    Conclusion The results further support the association of CTLA-4 (+49A/G) polymorphism and the risk of T1DM in our study population.

  • Review Article
    The Human Genetics of Dental Anomalies
    Irfanulla Khan Mahamad, Ahmed Nadeem, Kumar Neela Praveen, Unnisa Nayeem
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(02): 76-81. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1743572

    The development of tooth is a highly complex procedure and mastered by specific genetic programs. Genetic alterations, environmental factors, and developmental timing can disturb the execution of these programs, and result in various dental anomalies like hypodontia/oligodontia, and supernumerary teeth, which are commonly seen in our clinical practice. Advances in molecular research enabled the identification of various genes involved in the pathogenesis of dental anomalies. In the near future, it will help provide a more accurate diagnosis and biological-based treatment for these anomalies. In this article, we present the molecular phenomenon of tooth development and the genetics of various dental anomalies.

  • Case Report
    Inclusion of Cephalexin in COVID-19 Treatment Combinations May Prevent Lung Involvement in Mild Infections: A Case Report with Pharmacological Genomics Perspective
    Amir Khodavirdipour
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(02): 78-81. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1726461

    Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a nonsegmented positive sense RNA, enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the family of β-coronaviridae. This virus shall cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which consequently leads to breathing difficulty and need to admit to intensive care units (ICUs). The current conventional treatment combination in most of the hospitals in Iran includes azithromycin 500 + naproxen 500 + vitamin C 1,000 + Zinc + vitamin D3 1,000. In this case reports (n = 4), we would like to report significant findings in course of COVID-19 treatment reported to our clinic on August 8 and 9, 2020; patients presented as walk in and were advised house isolation and complete bed rest as there were no signs of lung involvement and their overall condition was stable. By the inclusion of cephalexin 500 in treatment combination, patients who received cephalexin 500 for 5 days along with other medicines did not develop any lung involvement and breathing complications. Cephalexin is the gold standard in upper and lower respiratory tract infections and here also shall play a vital role besides other conventional therapies. Azithromycin is a macrodial antibiotic working via the ABCB1 gene pathway. As of date, there is no clear evidence of pharmacogenomics data in COVID-19 patients. More research needs to be performed in COVID-19 before any sort of pharmacogenomics tests could be advised.

  • Review Article
    A New Perspective of COVID-19 Infection: An Epigenetics Point of View
    Ozturkler Ziya, Kalkan Rasime
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(01): 4-6. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1736565

    Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor was one of the most important genes related to the entrance of the virus to the host. Until now, several variations have been identified in ACE2 and related transmembrane protease serine 2. Epigenetic modifications not only play an important role during the maintenance of genome and cellular homoeostasis but also for the etiopathophysiology of the virus infection. Studies showed methylation of ACE2 was changed to depend on host and age of the host during the viral infection.
    In this study, we provided an epigenetics point of view to the coronavirus infection. We highlight the importance of epigenetic modifications during viral replication and infection and their interaction with COVID-19 susceptibility and host viral response.

  • Review Article
    VEXAS Syndrome—Review
    Yue Zhang, Xifeng Dong, Huaquan Wang
    Global Medical Genetics, 2023, 10(03): 133-143. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1770958

    VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a newly defined refractory adult-onset autoinflammatory syndrome caused by somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) gene in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, resulting in a shift in UBA1 isoform expression. Thus, patients develop a spectrum of systemic inflammatory manifestations and hematologic symptoms. To date, patients respond poorly to immune suppressive drugs, except high-dose glucocorticoids, and no treatment guidelines have been established. Given the high mortality rate, VEXAS syndrome needs to be taken seriously by physicians in all specialties. This article aims to describe the key features, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of VEXAS syndrome to better understand the targeted treatment and improve the prognosis of VEXAS syndrome.

  • Review Article
    Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations in Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Bugsem Oztenekecioglu, Merdiye Mavis, Meryem Osum, Rasime Kalkan
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(04): 144-148. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735540

    It is extremely important to understand the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a neurodevelopmental disease. Treatment and lifelong support of autism are also important to improve the patient's life quality. In this article, several findings were explained to understand the possible causes of ASD. We draw, outline, and describe ASD and its relation with the epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we discuss, several different factors leading to ASD such as environmental, epigenetic, and genetic factors.

  • Review Article
    Genetic Variants and Drug Efficacy in Tuberculosis: A Step toward Personalized Therapy
    Khan Almas, Abbas Mohammad, Verma Sushma, Verma Shrikant, Abbas Rizvi Aliya, Haider Fareya, Tasleem Raza Syed, Mahdi Farzana
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(02): 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1743567

    Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major infectious disease affecting individuals worldwide. Current TB treatment strategy recommends the standard short-course chemotherapy regimen containing first-line drug, i.e., isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol to treat patients suffering from drug-susceptible TB. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causing agent, is susceptible to drugs, some patients do not respond to the treatment or treatment may result in serious adverse reactions. Many studies revealed that anti-TB drug-related toxicity is associated with genetic variations, and these variations may also influence attaining maximum drug concentration. Thus, inter-individual diversities play a characteristic role by influencing the genes involved in drug metabolism pathways. The development of pharmacogenomics could bring a revolution in the field of treatment, and the understanding of germline variants may give rise to optimized targeted treatments and refine the response to standard therapy. In this review, we briefly introduced the field of pharmacogenomics with the evolution in genetics and discussed the pharmacogenetic impact of genetic variations on genes involved in the activities, such as anti-TB drug transportation, metabolism, and gene regulation.

  • Original Article
    Reduced Expression of GPX3 in Breast Cancer Patients in Correlation with Clinical Significance
    Pensri Saelee, Tanett Pongtheerat, Thanet Sophonnithiprasert
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(03): 87-91. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1722170

    MGlutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) is the main antioxidant enzyme in plasma. Its biological roles are to protect cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. Several studies have been reported the association between GPX3 expression and its correlation with cancer carcinogenesis including breast cancer. The aim of this research was to investigate the GPX3 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in 82 breast tumors and paired normal breast tissues by SYBR green quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the association with clinicopathological data. Our results show that GPX3 reduced expression was found significantly associated with number of metastatic lymph nodes (odds ratio [OR] = 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35-8.64, p = 0.01), no distant metastasis (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 3.74-11.89, p = 0.04), and nonhormone usage breast cancer patients (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.93, p = 0.04). This finding suggested that GPX3 plays a role in breast carcinogenesis, and might serve as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer patients.

  • Review Article
    Concise Update on Genomics of COVID-19: Approach to Its latest Mutations, Escalated Contagiousness, and Vaccine Resistance
    Amir Khodavirdipour, Sarvin Jabbari, Fariba Keramat, Mohammad Y. Alikhani
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(03): 85-89. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1725143

    The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that started to invade the world from the Chinese fish market, causes an acute respiratory distress syndrome. COVID-19 is a dreadful infectious disease that surfaced only less than 8 months ago and caused the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. In this new species with a positive, single-strand RNA genome and a huge size, from the proteomics point view, there are no changes in sequences of amino acids in NSP7, 13, matrix, or envelope or other proteins including 8b and p6 and excluding NSP2 and NSP3. P6 is a multifunctional golgi-endoplasmic reticulum membrane-associated protein. This complex has a key duty to increase the replication rate of the virus and also causes intrinsic immune system responses by suppressing the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 1 (STAT 1) translocated to the nucleus. Palmitoylated proteins elevate hydrophobicity which helps in membrane connection. Inside the N-linked glycosylation, moieties oligosaccharide is adhering to Asn-X-Ser/Thr canonical sequence. This helps for exact enfolding and carrying viral proteins by industriously using host's chaperon proteins including calreticulin and calnexin. 2B proteins encourage the internalization of major histocompatibility complex, class-I (MHC-I) protein and meanwhile inhibit their transfer to the surface of the cell as a recognition side. The deubiquitination of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has precise modification apparatus in the posttranslational stage. In this article, we outlined the recent and up-to-date data on genomic and molecular structures, epidemiology, vaccine development, and, last but not least, the clinical features, diagnostics, and treatment of the novel coronavirus.

  • Original Article
    The Role of PON1 Variants in Disease Susceptibility in a Turkish Population
    Mahmoud Abudayyak, Tuğçe Boran, Rumeysa Tukel, Ezgi Oztas, Gül Özhan
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(02): 41-46. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1715568

    Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme plays a major role in antioxidant defense and protects the cells against reactive species. The most common PON1 Q192R and L55M polymorphisms are responsible for a wide variation of PON1 activity, which showed an up to 13-fold interindividual variation among the same genotype. PON1 genotypes were evaluated with the development of pancreatitis, colorectal cancer, and hypothyroidism in a hospital-based, case-control study. Individuals with rs662 G allele had a two-fold risk of developing hypothyroidism. A weak association was found between rs854560 T allele and pancreatitis. The results were preliminary. Further studies with a larger number and detailed biochemical parameters are needed.

  • Original Article
    From Anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Immune Response to Cancer Onset via Molecular Mimicry and Cross-Reactivity
    Darja Kanduc
    Global Medical Genetics, 2021, 8(04): 176-182. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735590

    Background and Objectives Whether exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may predispose to the risk of cancer in individuals with no prior cancers is a crucial question that remains unclear. To confirm/refute possible relationships between exposure to the virus and ex novo insurgence of tumors, this study analyzed molecular mimicry and the related cross-reactive potential between SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (gp) antigen and human tumor-suppressor proteins.
    Materials and Methods Tumor-associated proteins were retrieved from UniProt database and analyzed for pentapeptide sharing with SARS-CoV-2 spike gp by using publicly available databases.
    Results An impressively high level of molecular mimicry exists between SARS-CoV-2 spike gp and tumor-associated proteins. Numerically, 294 tumor-suppressor proteins share 308 pentapeptides with the viral antigen. Crucially, the shared peptides have a relevant immunologic potential by repeatedly occurring in experimentally validated epitopes. Such immunologic potential is of further relevancy in that most of the shared peptides are also present in infectious pathogens to which, in general, human population has already been exposed, thus indicating the possibility of immunologic imprint phenomena.
    Conclusion This article described a vast peptide overlap between SARS-CoV-2 spike gp and tumor-suppressor proteins, and supports autoimmune cross-reactivity as a potential mechanism underlying prospective cancer insurgence following exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Clinically, the findings call for close surveillance of tumor sequelae that possibly could result from the current coronavirus pandemic.

  • Review Article
    A Narrative Review on Fanconi Anemia: Genetic and Diagnostic Considerations
    Sharma Preksha, Sharma Neha, Sharma3 Dhruva
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(03): 237-241. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1751303

    Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disorder, both genetically and phenotypically. It is characterized by chromosomal instability, progressive bone marrow failure, susceptibility to cancer, and various other congenital abnormalities. It involves all the three cell lines of blood. So far, biallelic mutations in 21 genes and one x-linked gene have been detected and found to be associated with FA phenotype. Signs and symptoms start setting in by the age of 4 to 7 years, mainly hematological symptoms. This includes pancytopenia, that is, a reduction in the number of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. Therefore, the main criteria for diagnosis of FA include skeletal malformations, pancytopenia, hyperpigmentation, short stature, urogenital abnormalities, central nervous system, auditory, renal, ocular, and familial occurrence. Patients showing signs and symptoms of FA should be thoroughly evaluated. A complete blood count will reveal a reduced number of RBC, WBC, and platelets, that is, pancytopenia. Chromosomal breakage study/stress cytogenetics should be done in patients with severe pancytopenia. Momentousness timely diagnosis of current disease, prenatal diagnosis, and genetic counseling should be emphasized.

  • Original Article
    CRISPLD2 Gene Polymorphisms with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip Palate in Indian Population
    Praveen Kumar Neela, Srinivas Reddy Gosla, Akhter Husain, Vasavi Mohan
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(01): 22-25. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1713166

    Cleft lip palate (CLP) is one of the common congenital anomalies with multifactorial etiology. Many genes are associated with its etiology. In one of the studies CRISPLD2 gene polymorphisms rs1546124, rs4783099, and rs16974880 were reported in the Chinese population. However, its role in the Indian population is not yet studied. Hence, this research was conducted on the Indian population to know the role of these high-risk polymorphisms in patients with nonsyndromic CLP. Following an inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 multiplex CLP families were selected from a high volume cleft center in India. Genomic DNA was isolated from these families. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1546124, rs4783099, and rs16974880 were analyzed for their association using MassARRAY method. A whole-genome association analysis toolset, PLINK was used for statistical analysis. The polymorphisms followed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. None of the polymorphisms showed any significance. Hence the high-risk polymorphisms rs1546124, rs4783099, and rs16974880 are not associated with nonsyndromic CLP in Indian population.

  • Review Article
    The Role of the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Tumor Development and Metastasis: A Narrative Review
    Datis Kalali
    Global Medical Genetics, 2023, 10(02): 48-53. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1768166

    Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is one of the widely studied enzymes of the extracellular matrix which can degrade various matrix biomolecules. The gene coding for this enzyme has been found to be associated with various multifactorial diseases, including cancer. More specifically, the expression of MMP-9 and polymorphisms of its gene have been found to be correlated with the formation and the invasiveness of different types of cancer. Hence, the latter gene can potentially be used both as a clinical genetic marker and a possible target in anticancer therapy. The present minireview explores the role of the MMP-9 gene in the process of tumor formation, growth, and metastasis and presents an overview of the polymorphisms of the gene associated with cancer as well as its regulation mechanisms, to provide an insight into the potential clinical applications. Nevertheless, further clinical trials and research are still required to reach more valuable conclusions for the clinical implications of the recent findings.

  • Original Article
    Molecular Detection of blaOXA-type Carbapenemase Genes and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns among Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
    Kafshnouchi Maghsoud, Safari Marzieh, Khodavirdipour Amir, Bahador Abbas, Hamid Hashemi Seyed, Sina Alikhani Mohammad, Saidijam Massoud, Yousef Alikhani Mohammad
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(02): 118-123. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1740019

    Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterium found in most places, especially in clinics and hospitals, and an important agent of nosocomial infections. The presence of class D enzymes such as OXA-type carbapenemases in A. baumannii is proven to have a key function in resistance to carbapenem. The aim of the current study is to determine the blaOXA-type carbapenemase genes and antimicrobial resistance among clinically isolated samples of A. baumannii. We assessed 100 clinically isolated specimens of A. baumannii from patients in intensive care units of educational hospitals of Hamadan, West of Iran. The A. baumannii isolates' susceptibility to antibiotics was performed employing disk diffusion method. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the blaOXA-24-like , blaOXA-23-like , blaOXA-58-like , and blaOXA-51-like genes. The blaOXA-23-like , blaOXA-24-like , and blaOXA-58-like genes' prevalence were found to be 84, 58, and 3%, respectively. The highest coexistence of the genes was for blaOXA-51/23 (84%) followed by blaOXA-51/24-like (58%). The blaOXA-51/23- like pattern of genes is a sort of dominant gene in resistance in A. baumannii from Hamadan hospitals. The highest resistance to piperacillin (83%) and ciprofloxacin (81%) has been observed in positive isolates of blaOXA-23-like . The A. baumannii isolates with blaOXA-58-like genes did not show much resistance to antibiotics. Based on the results of the phylogenetic tree analysis, all isolates have shown a high degree of similarity. This study showed the high frequency of OXA-type carbapenemase genes among A. baumannii isolates from Hamadan hospitals, Iran. Thus, applying an appropriate strategy to limit the spreading of these strains and also performing new treatment regimens are necessary.

  • Review Article
    The Clinical Effectiveness of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for Chromosomal Translocation Carriers: A Meta-analysis
    Manijeh Mahdavi, Seyedeh M. Sharafi, Seyede S. Daniali, Roya Riahi, Majid Kheirollahi
    Global Medical Genetics, 2020, 7(01): 14-21. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1712455

    Published data on the relationship between pregnancy outcomes of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in translocation carriers have implicated inconclusive results. To identify potentially eligible reports, an electronic search was conducted in several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane. Pooled odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were estimated based on a random-effect model to evaluate the strength of association between PGD and successful pregnancy outcome in translocation carriers. A total of six cohort studies were included in the current study. The meta-analysis of these studies revealed that the PGD method was associated with an increased successful pregnancy outcome of translocation carriers (OR = 8.58; 95%CI: 1.40-52.76). In subgroup analysis, there was no significant association according to the chromosomal translocation carrier origin and the type of translocated chromosomes, as well as country. In developed countries, the pregnancy outcome of PGD was significantly improved in translocation carriers (OR = 21.79; 95%CI: 1.93-245.52). The current meta-analysis demonstrated that the PGD method is associated with successful pregnancy outcome in both types of reciprocal and Robertsonian translocation carriers, especially in developed countries.

  • Original Article
    Investigation on the Effects of Modifying Genes on the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Phenotype
    Zhuri Drenushe, Gurkan Hakan, Eker Damla, Karal Yasemin, Yalcintepe Sinem, Atli Engin, Demir Selma, Ikbal Atli Emine
    Global Medical Genetics, 2022, 9(03): 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1751302

    Introduction Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, muscle weakness, and atrophy that leads to infant's death. The duplication of exon 7/8 in the SMN2 gene reduces the clinical severity of disease, and it is defined as modifying effect. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression of modifying genes related to the prognosis of SMA like PLS3, PFN2, ZPR1, CORO1C, GTF2H2, NRN1, SERF1A, NCALD, NAIP, and TIA1.
    Methods Seventeen patients, who came to Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Genetics Department, with a preliminary diagnosis of SMA disease, and eight healthy controls were included in this study after multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis. Gene expression levels were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and delta-delta CT method by the isolation of RNA from peripheral blood of patients and controls.
    Results SERF1A and NAIP genes compared between A group and B + C + D groups, and A group of healthy controls, showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.037, p = 0.001).
    Discussion PLS3, NAIP, and NRN1 gene expressions related to SMA disease have been reported before in the literature. In our study, the expression levels of SERF1A, GTF2H2, NCALD, ZPR1, TIA1, PFN2, and CORO1C genes have been studied for the first time in SMA patients.

  • Review Article
    Role of Molecular Targeted Therapeutic Drugs in Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review Article
    Himanshu Singh
    Global Medical Genetics, 2023, 10(02): 79-86. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-57247

    Breast cancer is a multifactor, multistage, and heterogeneous disease. Systemic treatment of breast cancer has changed significantly over the last decade. With a better knowledge of the pathogenesis, researchers and scientists have discovered numerous signaling pathways and synonymous therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Because of the molecular nature of breast cancer, which makes it difficult to understand, previous attempts to treat or prevent it have failed. However, recent decades have provided effective therapeutic targets for treatment. In this review, literature or information on various targeted therapy for breast cancer is discussed. English language articles were explored in numerous directory or databases like PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The important keywords used for searching databases are “Breast cancer,” “Targeted therapy in breast cancer,” “Therapeutic drugs in breast cancer,” and “Molecular targets in breast cancer.”