Genetic variability in COVID-19-related genes in the Brazilian population

Rodrigo Secolin; Tânia K. de Araujo; Marina C. Gonsales; Cristiane S. Rocha; Michel Naslavsky; Luiz De Marco; Maria A. C. Bicalho; Vinicius L. Vazquez; Mayana Zatz; Wilson A. Silva; Iscia Lopes-Cendes

doi:10.1038/s41439-021-00146-w

Human Genome Variation (Apr 2021)

Genetic variability in COVID-19-related genes in the Brazilian population

Rodrigo Secolin,
Tânia K. de Araujo,
Marina C. Gonsales,
Cristiane S. Rocha,
Michel Naslavsky,
Luiz De Marco,
Maria A. C. Bicalho,
Vinicius L. Vazquez,
Mayana Zatz,
Wilson A. Silva,
Iscia Lopes-Cendes

Affiliations

Rodrigo Secolin: Department of Translational Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN)
Tânia K. de Araujo: Department of Translational Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN)
Marina C. Gonsales: Department of Translational Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN)
Cristiane S. Rocha: Department of Translational Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN)
Michel Naslavsky: Departament of Genetics and Evolutive Biology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, (USP) and The Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center
Luiz De Marco: Department of Surgery, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Maria A. C. Bicalho: Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Vinicius L. Vazquez: Molecular Oncology Research Center (CPOM), Barretos Cancer Hospital
Mayana Zatz: Departament of Genetics and Evolutive Biology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, (USP) and The Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center
Wilson A. Silva: Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto (USP)
Iscia Lopes-Cendes: Department of Translational Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41439-021-00146-w
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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COVID-19: Variants related to susceptibility in a Brazilian population Genetic variants in the Brazilian population do not appear to explain the relatively high overall rates of COVID-19 cases compared to other countries, but could be relevant for risk assessment at the individual level. Iscia Lopes-Cendes of the University of Campinas and colleagues in Brazil examined gene sequences for variations in 27 genes reported to influence COVID-19 infection in Brazilians of mixed heritage and of people born in the southeast where case numbers are high. These studies included the ACE2 gene that codes for a receptor allowing SARS-CoV-2 to enter host cells. Genetic variants were also identified in two international genome databases. Seventy variants were unique to Brazilians, but computer modeling predicted only seven variants that could affect protein function. The team also looked for and found variants that could affect individual immunity to COVID-19. Similar genetic studies could help identify at-risk individuals and therapeutic targets.

Published in Human Genome Variation

ISSN: 2054-345X (Online)
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General): Genetics; Science: Biology (General): Life
Website: http://www.nature.com/hgv/

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