Universal whole-genome Oxford nanopore sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 using tiled amplicons.

We developed a comprehensive multiplexed set of primers adapted for the Oxford Nanopore Rapid Barcoding library kit that allows universal SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing. This primer set is designed to set up any variants of the primers pool for whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 using single- or double-tiled amplicons from 1.2 to 4.8 kb with the Oxford Nanopore. This multiplexed set of primers is also applicable for tasks like targeted SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing. We proposed here an optimized protocol to synthesize cDNA using Maxima H Minus Reverse Transcriptase with a set of SARS-CoV-2 specific primers, which has high yields of cDNA template for RNA and is capable of long-length cDNA synthesis from a wide range of RNA amounts and quality. The proposed protocol allows whole-genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with tiled amplicons up to 4.8 kb on low-titer virus samples and even where RNA degradation has occurred. This protocol reduces the time and cost from RNA to genome sequence compared to the Midnight multiplex PCR method for SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore.

A high scale SARS-CoV-2 profiling by its whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology in Kazakhstan.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19. The original viral whole-genome was sequenced by a high-throughput sequencing approach from the samples obtained from Wuhan, China. Real-time gene sequencing is the main parameter to manage viral outbreaks because it expands our understanding of virus proliferation, spread, and evolution. Whole-genome sequencing is critical for SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance, the development of new vaccines and boosters, and the representation of epidemiological situations in the country. A significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in August 2021 in Kazakhstan facilitated a need to establish an effective and proficient system for further study of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants and the development of future Kazakhstan's genomic surveillance program. The SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome was sequenced according to SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC protocol (EXP-MRT001) by Oxford Nanopore Technologies at the National Laboratory Astana, Kazakhstan to track viral variants circulating in the country. The 500 samples kindly provided by the Republican Diagnostic Center (UMC-NU) and private laboratory KDL "Olymp" were collected from individuals in Nur-Sultan city diagnosed with COVID-19 from August 2021 to May 2022 using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). All samples had a cycle threshold (Ct) value below 20 with an average Ct value of 17.03. The overall average value of sequencing depth coverage for samples is 244X. 341 whole-genome sequences that passed quality control were deposited in the Global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID). The BA.1.1 (n = 189), BA.1 (n = 15), BA.2 (n = 3), BA.1.15 (n = 1), BA.1.17.2 (n = 1) omicron lineages, AY.122 (n = 119), B.1.617.2 (n = 8), AY.111 (n = 2), AY.126 (n = 1), AY.4 (n = 1) delta lineages, one sample B.1.1.7 (n = 1) belongs to alpha lineage, and one sample B.1.637 (n = 1) belongs to small sublineage were detected in this study. This is the first study of SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing by the ONT approach in Kazakhstan, which can be expanded for the investigation of other emerging viral or bacterial infections on the country level.

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule/cluster of differentiation 166 rs10933819 (G>A) variant is associated with familial intracranial aneurysms.

Rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Currently, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that inflammatory responses contribute to aneurysm rupture. Moreover, the familial occurrence of SAH suggests that genetic factors may be involved in disease susceptibility. In the present study, a clinically proven case of IA in a patient who is a heterozygous mutation carrier of the activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM)/cluster of differentiation 166 (CD166) gene, is reported. Genomic DNA was extracted from two siblings diagnosed with SAH and other available family members. A variant prioritization strategy that focused on functional prediction, frequency, predicted pathogenicity, and segregation within the family was employed. Sanger sequencing was also performed on the unaffected relatives to assess the segregation of variants within the phenotype. The verified mutations were sequenced in 145 ethnicity-matched healthy individuals. Based on whole exome sequencing data obtained from three individuals, two of whom were diagnosed with IAs, the single-nucleotide variant rs10933819 was prioritized in the family. Only one variant, rs10933819 (G>A), in ALCAM co-segregated with the phenotype, and this mutation was absent in ethnicity-matched healthy individuals. Collectively, ALCAM c1382 G>A p.Gly229Val was identified, for the first time, as a pathogenic mutation in this IA pedigree.

A glimpse of the genetics of young-onset Parkinson's disease in Central Asia.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the genetic background of many human diseases is currently lacking from genetically undiscovered regions, including Central Asia. Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country where the genetic studies of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been emerging since it had become a member of the International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium. Here we report on the results of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 50 young-onset PD (YOPD) cases from Kazakhstan. METHODOLOGY: WES was performed on 50 unrelated individuals with YOPD from Kazakhstan. Exome data were screened for novel/ultra-rare deleterious variants in known and candidate PD genes. Copy number variants and small indels were also called. RESULTS: Only three cases (6%) were found to be positive for known PD genes including two unrelated familial PD cases with LRRK2 p.(Arg1441Cys) and one case with a homozygous pathogenic PRKN p.(Arg84Trp) variant. Four cases had novel and ultra-rare variants of uncertain significance in LRRK2, DNAJC13, and VPS35. Novel deleterious variants were found in candidate Mendelian PD genes including CSMD1, TNR, EIF4G1, and ATP13A3. Eight cases harbored the East Asian-specific LRRK2 p.(Ala419Val) variant. CONCLUSIONS: The low diagnostic yield in our study might imply that a significant proportion of YOPD cases in Central Asia remains unresolved. Therefore, a better understanding of the genetic architecture of PD among populations of Central Asian ancestry and the pathogenicity of numerous rare variants should be further investigated. WES is a valuable technique for large-scale YOPD genetic studies in Central Asia.

Association of polymorphisms in TP53 and the promoter region of IL10 with gastric cancer in a Kazakh population.

The emerging evidence indicates that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 10 (IL10), tumor protein p53 (TP53), and cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) genes may determine individual susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to investigate the associations for polymorphisms of the TNF, IL10, TP53, and CD14 genes in a population of Kazakhs, to identify potential risk or protective associations of the SNPs with GC. A case group of 143 patients hospitalized for GC was enrolled. Controls were 355 volunteers with no history of any cancer and frequency matched with cases by age. Differences in proportions for categorical variables and the assessment of genotypic frequencies conforming to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law were evaluated by the Chi-square test. Associations between genetic polymorphisms and the risk of GC were estimated by regression analysis. For genetic analysis, three genetic models (additive, dominant, and recessive) were used. Four significant associations were found. The SNPs rs1042522 of TP53 and rs1800896 of IL10 were risk factors for GC by the additive model. Two polymorphisms of IL10 were protective of GC, namely, rs1800872 by additive model and rs1800871 by recessive model. No significant associations were observed between the TNF and CD14 polymorphisms and GC. The polymorphisms TP53 rs1042522 and IL10 rs1800896 are associated with GC risk, while the polymorphisms IL10 rs1800872 and rs1800871 are protective of GC in the population of Kazakhs.

LRRK2 Mutations and Asian Disease-Associated Variants in the First Parkinson's Disease Cohort from Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND: LRRK2 mutations have emerged as the most prevalent and potentially treatable determinants of Parkinson's disease (PD). Peculiar geographic distribution of these mutations has triggered an interest in genotyping PD cohorts of different ethnic backgrounds for LRRK. OBJECTIVE: Here, we report on the results of LRRK2 screening in the first Central Asian PD cohort. METHODS: 246 PD patients were consecutively recruited by movement disorder specialists from four medical centers in Kazakhstan, and clinicodemographic data and genomic DNA from blood were systematically obtained and shipped to the Institute of Neurology University College London together with DNAs from 200 healthy controls. The cohort was genotyped for five LRRK2 mutations (p.Gly2019Ser, p.Arg1441His, p.Tyr1699Cys, p.Ile2020Thr, and p.Asn1437His) and three East Asian disease-associated variants (p.Gly2385Arg, p.Ala419Val, and p.Arg1628Pro) via Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay analysis. RESULTS: None of the study subjects carried LRRK2 mutations, whereas the following Asian variants were found with insignificant odds ratios (OR): p.Gly2385Arg (1.2%, minor allele frequency (MAF) 0.007, OR 1.25, p=0.8), p.Ala419Val (3.7%, MAF 0.02, OR 1.5, p=0.8), p.Ala419Val (3.7%, MAF 0.02, OR 1.5. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that East Asian LRRK variants could be found in Central Asian populations but their pathogenicity remains to be elucidated in larger PD cohorts.

Parkinson's Disease in Central Asian and Transcaucasian Countries: A Review of Epidemiology, Genetics, Clinical Characteristics, and Access to Care.

Our understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD) has significantly accelerated over the last few years, but predominant advances have been made in developed, Western countries. Little is known about PD in the Central Asian (CA) and Transcaucasian (TC) countries. Here, we review the clinical characteristics, treatments used, epidemiology, and genetics of PD in CA and TC countries via a methodological search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. For the acquisition of PD care-related data, the search was extended to the local web resources. Our findings showed that PD prevalence in the region is averaging 62 per 100,000 population. The mean age of onset is 56.4 ± 2.8 in females and 63.3 ± 3.5 in males. Large-scale national studies on PD prevalence from the region are currently lacking. A limited number of genetic studies with small cohorts and inconclusive results were identified. The G2019S LRRK2 mutation, the commonest mutation in PD worldwide, was found in 5.7% of patients with idiopathic PD and 17.6% of familial cases in 153 Uzbek patients. Our review highlighted systematic deficiencies in PD health care in the region including lacks of neurologists specializing in PD, delays in PD diagnosis, absence of specialized PD nurses and PD rehab services, limited access to PD medications and surgery, and the unavailability of PD infusion therapies. Overall, this article demonstrated the paucity of data on this common neurological disorder in CA and TC countries and identified a number of healthcare areas that require an urgent consideration. We conclude that well-designed large-scale epidemiological, genetic, and clinical studies are desperately needed in this region. Healthcare professionals, local and national institutions, and stakeholders must come together to address deficiencies in PD healthcare systems in CA and TC countries.

Genetic Risk Factors for Intracranial Aneurysm in the Kazakh Population.

An intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a weak or thin area on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons as it fills with blood. Genetic factors can influence the risk of developing an aneurism. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and IA in Kazakh population. The patients were genotyped for 60 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Genotyping was performed on the QuantStudio 12K Flex (Life Technologies). A linear regression analysis found 13 SNPs' significant association with development and rupture of IA: the rs1800956 polymorphism of the ENG gene, rs1756 46 polymorphism of the JDP2 gene, variant rs1800255 of the COL3A1, rs4667622 of the UBR3, rs2374513 of the c12orf75, rs3742321 polymorphism of the StAR, the rs3782356 polymorphism of MLL2 gene, rs3932338 to 214 kilobases downstream of PRDM9, rs7550260 polymorphism of the ARHGEF, rs1504749 polymorphism of the SOX17, the rs173686 polymorphism of CSPG2 gene, rs6460071 located on LIMK1 gene, and the rs4934 polymorphism of SERPINA3. A total of 13 SNPs were identified as potential genetic markers for the development and risk of rupture of aneurysms in the Kazakh population. Similar results were obtained after adjusting for the confounding factors of arterial hypertension and age.

Genetic risk factors for restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in Kazakh population.

BACKGROUND: After coronary stenting, the risk of developing restenosis is from 20 to 35 %. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association of genetic variation in candidate genes in patients diagnosed with restenosis in the Kazakh population. METHODS: Four hundred fifty-nine patients were recruited to the study; 91 patients were also diagnosed with diabetes and were excluded from the sampling. DNA was extracted with the salting-out method. The patients were genotyped for 53 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Genotyping was performed on the QuantStudio 12K Flex (Life Technologies). Differences in distribution of BMI score among different genotype groups were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, statistical analysis was performed using R and PLINK v.1.07. Haplotype frequencies and LD measures were estimated by using the software Haploview 4.2. RESULTS: A logistic regression analysis found a significant difference in restenosis rates for different genotypes. FGB (rs1800790) is significantly associated with restenosis after stenting (OR = 2.924, P = 2.3E-06, additive model) in the Kazakh population. CD14 (rs2569190) showed a significant association in the additive (OR = 0.08033, P = 2.11E-09) and dominant models (OR = 0.05359, P = 4.15E-11). NOS3 (rs1799983) was also highly associated with development of restenosis after stenting in additive (OR = 20.05, P = 2.74 E-12) and recessive models (OR = 22.24, P = 6.811E-10). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that FGB (rs1800790), CD14 (rs2569190), and NOS3 (rs1799983) SNPs could be genetic markers for development of restenosis in Kazakh population. Adjustment for potential confounder factor BMI gave almost the same results.

Polymorphisms in genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the Kazakhs of Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND: Studies of genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs are crucial to the development of therapeutics in clinical medicine. Such data provide information that may improve our understanding of individual differences in sensitivity or resistance to certain drugs, thereby helping to avoid adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients and improve the quality of therapies. Here, we aimed to analyse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in the ADME of multiple drugs in Kazakhs from Kazakhstan. RESULTS: A total of 158 SNPs involved in the ADME of various drugs were studied. We analysed 320 Kazakh DNA samples using OpenArray genotyping. Of the 158 SNPs, 75 were not found in heterozygous or homozygous variants. Comparative analysis among Kazakhs and world populations showed a fairly high percentage of population differentiation. CONCLUSION: These results provide further information for pharmacogenetic databases and may contribute to the development of personalized approaches and safer therapies for the Kazakh population. Moreover, these data provide insights into the different racial groups that may have contributed to the Kazakh population.

Collagen Type I alpha1 (COL1A1) Gene Polymorphism and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Kazakh Women.

INTRODUCTION: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the collagen type I alpha 1 gene (COL1A1) rs1800012 has been widely studied and has shown an association with bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures. A minor allele TT of this SNP was found to be greatly overrepresented in individuals with fractures compared to controls, thus becoming a good predictor of increased fracture risk. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate potential association between COL1A1 gene polymorphism and osteoporosis in Kazakh postmenopausal women. METHODS: The study population included 103 postmenopausal women recruited from Pavlodar and Almaty clinics. BMD was measured using DEXA. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood of study participants with Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega, USA). Detection of COL1A1 +1245G/T (Sp1) polymorphism was done by the TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay of real-time PCR. RESULTS: Densitometry results revealed 36 osteoporotic, 42 osteopenic, and 25 normal postmenopausal women. Data analysis of 1245G>T polymorphism in COL1A1 gene in the group of women with osteopenia and osteoporosis revealed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The mutant TT genotype was prevalent compared to the heterozygous genotype GT in both groups. Distributions were 83% GG, 3% GT, and 14% TT in the group with osteopenia and 80% GG, 6% GT, and 14% TT in the group with osteoporosis. The distribution of genotypes frequency in the group of normal postmenopausal women was 76% GG, 16% GT, and 8% TT. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TT genotype of COL1A1 +1245G/T (Sp1) polymorphism is associated with risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Kazakh women. Further studies involving a larger number of women are needed to clarify the relationship of this polymorphism with risk of osteoporosis.

Estrogen Receptor Gene (ESR1) PVUII and XBAI Polymorphisms and Bone Mineral Density in Kazakh Women.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a common age-related disease that is strongly influenced by genetics. Polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor gene alpha (ESR1) are consistently been associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture.The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate potential association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants of the ESR1 gene and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine in Kazakh women. METHODS: 140 female participants in Pavlodar clinics with varying measures of BMD. We are examined the potential association of BMD with 2 SNPs from the ESR1 gene (rs2234693 [PvuII] and rs9340799 [XbaI]). Genotyping of the PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms was performed by direct sequencing of the gene fragments containing restriction sites with the identification of genotypes PP, Pp, pp and XX, Xx, xx respectively. RESULTS: Unadjusted mean BMD values ranged from 1.14±0.14 g/cm2 in Caucasian women and 1.03±0.11 g/cm2 in Asian women. The association between PvuII polymorphism and BMD at the lumbar spine (p= 0.04 for PP=Pp=pp) was statistically significant in all women. The XbaI polymorphism was not associated with BMD at lumbar spine. The relative risk for low BMD was higher for the marker PvuII (RR=1.51) than for the marker XbaI (RR=1.35). CONCLUSION: The PvuII polymorphism had a weak association with lumbar spine BMD. XbaI polymorphism was unlikely to be a predictor of lumbar spine BMD in Kazakh women. These conclusions could help to determine the genetic risk factors for osteoporosis; however, further studies on the association between gene polymorphisms and BMD are needed including larger numbers of participants and genes to clarify genetic risks.