Glaucoma News: Ohio State University Study Identifies Novel Rare Variants And Genes Associated With Intraocular Pressure And Glaucoma!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 05, 2023 6 months, 3 weeks, 23 hours, 4 minutes ago
Glaucoma News: Glaucoma stands as a formidable global health challenge, ranking as the foremost cause of irreversible blindness. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) represents a significant risk factor for glaucoma, making it a pivotal modifiable target for glaucoma management. Previous research has illuminated the role of common genetic variants in influencing IOP. However, the contributions of rare genetic variants to IOP have remained enigmatic. In a groundbreaking study, conducted by the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at The Ohio State University, researchers harnessed the power of whole-exome sequencing (WES) to delve into this uncharted territory.
The study, encompassing an impressive cohort of 454,756 participants from the UK Biobank (UKB), constitutes the largest exome-wide association study (ExWAS) of IOP to date.
The results of this study not only confirmed the involvement of known IOP genes but also unearthed a trove of 40 novel rare-variant genes, revealing a plethora of potential therapeutic targets for glaucoma. This
Glaucoma News report delves into the pivotal findings of this comprehensive study, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of IOP and its implications for glaucoma treatment.
Unlocking the Genetic Mysteries of IOP
Intraocular pressure (IOP) serves as a principal risk factor for glaucoma. The criticality of IOP in glaucoma pathogenesis underscores the need to unravel the genetic determinants of this key parameter. Previous genetic studies have predominantly focused on common genetic variants, offering valuable insights into the heritability of IOP. However, the role of rare variants in influencing IOP has remained largely unexplored until now.
The UK Biobank (UKB) emerged as an invaluable resource for this ambitious undertaking. This prospective cohort, comprising half a million individuals, boasts extensive genetic data linked to an array of health metrics, making it a formidable platform for genetic research. Importantly, the recent inclusion of whole-exome sequencing (WES) data in the UKB arsenal has paved the way for the interrogation of rare variants, which often wield significant effects.
Rare Variants
Rare genetic variants have long held intrigue in the field of genetics. While they may individually occur infrequently, their cumulative impact can be substantial. In the context of IOP, rare variants offer a unique opportunity to elucidate the intricate mechanisms governing this trait. Unlike common variants, rare variants are more straightforward to interpret since they directly correspond to genes.
Leveraging WES data from nearly half a million UKB participants, the researchers embarked on a groundbreaking ExWAS, aimed at identifying rare variants and genes associated with IOP. The study yielded a treasure trove of findings:
-Novel Rare Variants: The investigation uncovered a total of 14 rare variants, with 11 of them being novel discoveries. These variants exhibited significant associations with IOP, providing fresh insights into the genetic basis of this trait.
;-Notable Discoveries: Among the most noteworthy findings was the identification of a stop-gain variant in the MYOC gene, rs74315329, which has a well-established link to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Additionally, the study reaffirmed the significance of rs28991009 in the ANGPTL7 gene, a previously identified IOP-related variant.
-Key Genes: The ExWAS unveiled a plethora of genes associated with IOP, including BOD1L1, ACAD10, and HLA-B. Notably, the BOD1L1 gene demonstrated a significant association with IOP and its potential involvement in glaucoma management.
-Drug Targets: The study yielded an exciting revelation - six of the identified genes, namely ADRB1, PTPRB, RPL26, RPL10A, EGLN2, and MTOR, are either established drug targets for clinical treatment or are currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Implications for Glaucoma Management
Perhaps the most tantalizing aspect of this research lies in its potential implications for glaucoma management. By shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of IOP and its associations with glaucoma, the study offers a promising avenue for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
ADRB1: Adrenoceptor beta 1 (ADRB1), a gene previously unlinked to IOP, emerged as a significant discovery. It is expressed in the trabecular meshwork, ciliary body, and cardiac tissue. Notably, ADRB1 is a known drug target for topical beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists, which are used to lower IOP. This finding suggests that existing drugs targeting ADRB1 could potentially be repurposed for glaucoma treatment.
PTPRB: The PTPRB gene, highly expressed in vein and artery endothelium cells, was identified as a potential drug target for retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema. The small molecule razuprotafib, targeting PTPRB, shows promise in these areas.
Other Potential Drug Targets: EGLN2, associated with hypoxia-related pathways, has implications for anemia and chronic kidney disease. MTOR, with a presence in microvessel endothelium cells throughout the eye, is targeted by perhexiline, a drug used for cardiovascular disease. RPL26 and RPL10A are associated with various diseases, including cystic fibrosis and leukemia.
Rare-Variant Polygenic Risk Score
In addition to single-variant analyses, the researchers constructed a rare-variant polygenic risk score (rvPRS) using the rare variants identified in pan-ancestry analysis. The rvPRS demonstrated a significant association with glaucoma in independent UKB European subjects, underscoring the relevance of these rare IOP variants in glaucoma pathogenesis.
Pan-Ancestry Analysis: A Game-Changer
The study's approach of including participants from diverse ancestral backgrounds in a pan-ancestry analysis yielded remarkable results. Pan-ancestry analyses outperformed white-only analyses, identifying additional rare variants and genes associated with IOP. This highlights the importance of studying diverse populations to maximize the power of genetic research.
Challenges and Future Directions
While this study offers profound insights into the genetic basis of IOP and its implications for glaucoma management, it is not without limitations. Rare variants pose challenges due to their scarcity, making replication a formidable task. Further research is required to confirm the impact of these rare variants on glaucoma and to explore the remaining unidentified genes.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ohio State University's groundbreaking study represents a significant leap forward in our understanding of glaucoma. By unlocking the genetic mysteries of intraocular pressure and identifying novel rare variants and genes, this research offers new hope for the millions affected by this debilitating condition. The potential repurposing of existing drugs and the discovery of new therapeutic targets hold promise for more effective glaucoma treatments in the future. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of diverse populations in genetic research and highlights the role of rare variants in unraveling the complexities of human traits and diseases. As the field of genetics continues to advance, the path to combating glaucoma becomes clearer, offering a brighter future for those at risk of this sight-stealing disease.
The study findings were published on a preprint server and are currently being peer reviewed.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.27.22275601v1
For the latest Glaucoma News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Share
Tweet
Share
