Article
Ophthalmology
Zhang Chuan, Yousheng Yan, Shengju Hao, Qinghua Zhang, Bingbo Zhou, Xuan Feng, Xing Wang, Furong Liu, Lei Zheng, Zongfu Cao, Xu Ma
Summary: This study aimed to identify the mutation spectrum of 63 Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) patients in northwest China and establish correlations between phenotype and genotype. By molecular testing, common TYR gene variants were detected, and five novel variants were also discovered. The findings provide valuable information for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of OCA in northwest China.
CURRENT EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Muhammad Shakil, Abida Akbar, Nazish Mahmood Aisha, Intzar Hussain, Muhammad Ikram Ullah, Muhammad Atif, Haiba Kaul, Ali Amar, Muhammad Zahid Latif, Muhammad Atif Qureshi, Saqib Mahmood
Summary: This study identified novel and previously reported pathogenic variants in TYR, OCA2, and HPS1 genes in congenital OCA families from Pakistan, expanding the heterogeneity of OCA. Genomic sequencing and in silico analysis were used to predict causative variants, with two families found to have new genetic pathogenic variants and six families harboring previously reported variants.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zureesha Sajid, Sairah Yousaf, Yar M. Waryah, Tauqeer A. Mughal, Tasleem Kausar, Mohsin Shahzad, Ali R. Rao, Ansar A. Abbasi, Rehan S. Shaikh, Ali M. Waryah, Saima Riazuddin, Zubair M. Ahmed
Summary: The study highlights the potential presence of pathological variants causing OCA in different genes, attributed to inter- and intra-familial locus heterogeneity. This is particularly important for highly inbred populations.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Wenjian Bi, Wei Zhou, Rounak Dey, Bhramar Mukherjee, Joshua N. Sampson, Seunggeun Lee
Summary: A new method (POLLMM) was proposed to accurately model ordinal categorical phenotypes, outperforming traditional methods, and identified numerous genome-wide significant variants in the UK Biobank dataset.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aileen Patricia Szczepanski, Natsumi Tsuboyama, Jun Watanabe, Rintaro Hashizume, Zibo Zhao, Lu Wang
Summary: A previously unidentified protein, C11orf53, coexpressed with POU2F3, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Muhammad Ikram Ullah, Muhammad Shakil, Adnan Riaz
Summary: The aim of this study was to recruit families with congenital oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and identify mutations in the TYR and OCA2 genes, expanding the mutation spectrum. The findings revealed a common association of TYR and OCA2 mutations with consanguinity in the Pakistani population, aiding in genetic counseling and diagnostic outcomes.
PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zilin Zhong, Zheng Zhou, Jianjun Chen, Jun Zhang
Summary: This study identified mutational alleles in a group of OCA patients through molecular analysis and predicted their pathogenicity. The study also reported three OCA cases for the first time in the Chinese population and identified two novel mutations.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pierre-Antoine Soret, Sara Lemoinne, Maxime Mallet, Karima Ben Belkacem, Olivier Chazouilleres, Christophe Corpechot
Summary: This retrospective study examined the efficacy of obeticholic acid (OCA) in patients with low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis (LPAC) syndrome who had an inadequate response or intolerance to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The results suggest that OCA may be effective in treating LPAC syndrome in patients who do not respond well to UDCA, showing improvements in symptoms in most patients but persistence of radiological signs of hepatolithiasis.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xiaohui Zhang, Yanxia Qi, Youzhi Pang, Bingjie Yuan, Xiaolong Li
Summary: In this study, HERC2-OCA2 gene locus polymorphisms were evaluated in Korean and Beijing white quails using RNA-Seq and KASP technology. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be significantly associated with feather color in quail, and the expression of OCA2 mRNA was lower in Beijing white quails compared to Korean quails. These findings suggest that variants in the HERC2-OCA2 intergenic region could influence OCA2 expression and contribute to the diluted feather color in Beijing white quail.
JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ting-Ting Fu, Yan-Bo Sun, Wei Gao, Cheng-Bo Long, Chun-Hua Yang, Xin-Wang Yang, Yi Zhang, Xin-Qiang Lan, Song Huang, Jie-Qiong Jin, Robert W. Murphy, Yun Zhang, Ren Lai, David M. Hillis, Ya-Ping Zhang, Jing Che
Summary: A study on Nanorana parkeri, the highest-elevation frog, revealed its superior defense against UV radiation compared to lower-elevation relatives. The frog showed less skin damage and more efficient antioxidant activity after UV exposure. Analysis of its genes, metabolomics, and large-scale transcripts indicated a time-dependent coordinated defense mechanism, as well as the presence of important regulatory microRNAs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Bosch, Jun Wang, Lluis Blancafort
Summary: This study successfully models the stability and optical absorption of Eumelanin using deep neural networks, addressing the structural challenge of Eumelanin.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liliana Bento-Lopes, Luis C. Cabaco, Joao Charneca, Matilde V. Neto, Miguel C. Seabra, Duarte C. Barral
Summary: Skin pigmentation relies on melanin production and transfer between melanocytes and keratinocytes. The mechanisms of melanin synthesis and transport in melanocytes are well characterized, but less is known about melanin transfer and processing in keratinocytes. Multiple models have been proposed to explain melanin transfer, and this review examines the current knowledge on melanin exocytosis, internalization, processing, and polarization. Understanding these molecular mechanisms can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for pigmentation disorders and provide insight into organelle biology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Frank Fluker Velasquez Barreto, Luis A. Bello-Perez
Summary: This review analyzed the current knowledge of chemical, structural, technological properties, and applications of Andean tuber starches. It was found that the amylose content of Andean tuber starches influenced their physicochemical and functional properties. Limited studies have reported structural features, and further research is needed to explore the structure-function relationships and suggest applications for underused Andean tuber starches.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Desiree Brancato, Elvira Coniglio, Francesca Bruno, Vincenzo Agostini, Salvatore Saccone, Concetta Federico
Summary: The use of genetic polymorphisms related to specific phenotypes, such as eye color, has greatly contributed to the development of forensic DNA phenotyping and has enabled investigators of crime cases to reduce the number of suspects. The HERC2-OCA2 locus is the major contributor to eye color and shows a high level of evolutionary conservation. However, the exact role of genetic variants in eye color formation is still poorly understood, which limits the predictivity of current forensic DNA phenotyping assays.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krystian Mokrzynski, Shosuke Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Theodore G. Camenish, Tadeusz Sarna, Michal Sarna
Summary: The photoreactivity of natural melanins isolated from hair samples of donors with different skin phototypes was studied, with melanins from blond and chestnut hair showing the highest photoreactivity. These melanins also exhibited the highest quantum efficiency of singlet oxygen photogeneration at 332 nm and 365 nm, supporting their potential contribution to UVA-induced melanoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francois Boemer, Claire Josse, Geraldine Luis, Emmanuel Di Valentin, Jerome Thiry, Christophe Cello, Jean-Hubert Caberg, Caroline Dadoumont, Julie Harvengt, Aime Lumaka, Vincent Bours, Francois-Guillaume Debray
Summary: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) play crucial roles in protein synthesis and brain neurotransmission. BCKDK is a kinase responsible for the inactivation of BCKDH. A new mutation in the BCKDK gene was identified in three patients with developmental delays, and treatment improved their symptoms. Decreased BCAA concentrations were found in newborn screening, suggesting BCKDK as a potential target for treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Mamy Ngole, Valerie Race, Gloire Mbayabo, Paul Lumbala, Cathy Songo, Prosper Tshilobo Lukusa, Koenraad Devriendt, Gert Matthijs, Aime Lumaka
Summary: This study aims to adapt DNA-based SCA tests for use in limited resource countries and evaluate their economic benefit. The results show that the DNA-based test using dried blood spots (DBS cards) is feasible, with good sample conservation and high sensitivity and precision. Additionally, the cost of this approach is lower compared to the widely used isoelectric focusing of hemoglobin.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Prince Makay, Gerrye Mubungu, Aimee Mupuala, Krista Bluske, Carolyn Brown, Sarah A. Schmidt, Mamy Ngole, Patrick Fuanani, Denise L. Perry, Prosper Lukusa, Koenraad Devriendt, Ryan J. Taft, Aime Lumaka
Summary: PERCHING syndrome is a rare multisystem developmental disorder caused by autosomal recessive variants in the KLHL7 gene. This study reports the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the syndrome in a patient from Central Africa and identifies novel variants in the KLHL7 gene. Reviewing published cases suggests that this disease may have recognizable clinical features and could be considered as an encephalopathy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART A
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Gloire Mbayabo, Paul Lumbala Kabuyi, Mamy Ngole, Aime Lumaka, Valerie Race, Diane Maisin, Damien Gruson, Gert Matthijs, Tite Mikobi Minga, Koenraad Devriendt, Chris Van Geet, Prosper Lukusa Tshilobo
Summary: This study evaluated the usefulness and feasibility of DNA-based diagnosis of sickle-cell anemia (SCA) in rural Central Africa. The results showed a high proportion of false-positive SCA diagnoses using the Emmel test, highlighting the importance of DNA testing in conjunction with Hb electrophoresis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Aime Lumaka, Nadia Carstens, Koenraad Devriendt, Amanda Krause, Benard Kulohoma, Judit Kumuthini, Gerrye Mubungu, John Mukisa, Melissa Nel, Timothy O. Olanrewaju, Zane Lombard, Guida Landoure
Summary: The rich and diverse genomics of African populations is significantly underrepresented in databases, making it challenging to interpret Next Generation Sequencing data for Africans. By increasing data sharing, educating participants, and funding, we can generate more representative African genomic data to address health disparities and improve diagnostic capabilities for rare diseases in African populations.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Gerrye Mubungu, Mathieu Roelants, Aime Lumaka, Prince Makay, Dahlie Tshika, Toni Lubala, Prosper Tshilobo Lukusa, Koenraad Devriendt
Summary: The evaluation of dysmorphism in newborns is subjective due to the difficulty of measuring continuous traits. Population-specific reference ranges are needed. Facial measurements were taken on Congolese newborns, and a correction factor was introduced to allow interchangeability between measurement techniques. Certain facial traits were significantly different in Congolese newborns compared to European references. There was poor agreement between clinical evaluation and measured features, suggesting that the measured interpupillary distance did not accurately reflect the clinical evaluation of wide-spaced eyes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART A
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Henriette Poaty, Lauria Batamba Bouya, Aime Lumaka, Arnaud Mongo-Onkouo, Deby Gassaye
Summary: This study investigated the genetic etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a patient with multiple colorectal polyps and a family history of cancers. A deleterious PMS2 germline heterozygous mutation was detected, supporting the association between Lynch syndrome and polyps, and demonstrating the predisposition of PMS2 heterozygous mutation in Lynch-associated CRC at a young age.
GLOBAL MEDICAL GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aime Lumaka, Corinne Fasquelle, Francois-Guillaume Debray, Serpil Alkan, Adeline Jacquinet, Julie Harvengt, Francois Boemer, Andre Mulder, Sandrine Vaessen, Renaud Viellevoye, Leonor Palmeira, Benoit Charloteaux, Anne Brysse, Saskia Bulk, Vincent Rigo, Vincent Bours
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility, turnaround time, yield, and utility of rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) in critically ill pediatric patients in Belgium. The results showed that rWGS led to a definite diagnosis in 12 patients within an average of 39.80 hours, and identified unexpected diagnoses in 7 patients. rWGS guided care adjustments for diagnosed patients. The study successfully implemented the fastest rWGS platform in Europe and obtained one of the highest rWGS yields, establishing the path for a nationwide semi-centered rWGS network in Belgium.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
J. Harvengt, A. Lumaka, C. Fasquelle, J. H. Caberg, M. Mastouri, A. Janssen, L. Palmeira, V. Bours
Summary: ROHHAD syndrome and HIDEA syndrome share significant similarities. HIDEA syndrome is caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants in the P4HTM gene and includes hypotonia, intellectual disabilities, eye abnormalities, hypoventilation, and dysautonomia. We report the first patient identified with HIDEA syndrome from our ROHHAD cohort.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aime Lumaka
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Toni Kasole Lubala, Tony Kayembe-Kitenge, Gerrye Mubungu, Aime Lumaka, Gray Kanteng, Sarah Savage, Oscar Luboya, Randi Hagerman, Koenraad Devriendt, Prosper Lukusa-Tshilobo
Summary: The aim of this pilot study was to test the recognition performance of Face2Gene on Bantu Congolese subjects with FXS compared to those with intellectual disability but without FXS. The results showed that the Face2Gene algorithm was able to effectively distinguish between FXS and non-FXS cases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Yannick Nlandu, Jean-Robert Makulo, Marie Essig, Ernest Sumaili, Aime Lumaka, Yannick Engole, Marie-France Mboliasa, Vieux Mokoli, Tresor Tshiswaka, Aliocha Nkodila, Justine Bukabau, Augustin Longo, Francois Kajingulu, Chantal Zinga, Nazaire Nseka
Summary: This study evaluated the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), the factors associated with it, and mortality in COVID-19 patients in a Sub-Saharan African intensive care unit. The results showed that AKI occurred in 28.4% of the patients, and it was associated with factors such as dyspnea, SOFA score ≥5, AST/ALT ratio, N/L ratio, mechanical ventilation, and Amikacin. AKI was also found to be independently associated with in-hospital death.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Savino Sciascia, Dario Roccatello, Marco Salvatore, Claudio Carta, Laura L. Cellai, Gianluca Ferrari, Aime Lumaka, Stephen Groft, Yasemin Alanay, Maleeha Azam, Gareth Baynam, Helene Cederroth, Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz, Vajira Harshadeva Weerabaddana Dissanayake, Roberto Giugliani, Claudia Gonzaga-Jauregui, Dineshani Hettiarachchi, Oleg Kvlividze, Guida Landoure, Prince Makay, Bela Melegh, Ugur Ozbek, Ratna Dua Puri, Vanessa I. Romero, Vinod Scaria, Saumya S. Jamuar, Vorasuk Shotelersuk, William A. Gahl, Samuel A. Wiafe, Olaf Bodamer, Manuel Posada, Domenica Taruscio
Summary: This study evaluates the unmet needs for patients with undiagnosed rare diseases (URD) in 20 countries and reveals that major barriers to improving patient care still exist. The study finds that low-income countries have the highest prevalence of unmet needs, but no specific trend is observed when comparing countries based on economic or health indicators. The findings highlight the importance of identifying actionable points to improve the care and diagnosis of rare diseases and URDs on a global scale.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Gloire Mbayabo, Mamy Ngole, Paul Kabuyi Lumbala, Aime Lumaka, Valerie Race, Gert Matthijs, Tite Minga Mikobi, Koenraad Devriendt, Chris Van Geet, Prosper Tshilobo Lukusa
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical and biological profile of sickle cell anemia children in rural Central Africa. The severity of the disease was found to depend on multiple factors, with fetal hemoglobin being the main modulator of disease severity. These findings can provide valuable information for treatment options.