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    Item type:Publication,
    Comprehensive Analysis of Genetic Contributions to Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia in Admixed Latin American Populations
    (Wiley, 2024-12)
    Juliana Acosta‐Uribe
    ;
    Stefanie Danielle Pina Escudero
    ;
    J. Nicholas Cochran
    ;
    Jared W Taylor
    ;
    Caroline Warly Solsberg
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>Most research initiatives have emerged from high‐income countries (HIC), leaving a gap in understanding the disease’s genetic basis in diverse populations like those in Latin American countries (LAC). ReDLat tackles this gap, focusing on LAC’s unique genetics and socioeconomic factors to identify specific Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) risk factors in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method</jats:title><jats:p>We employed a comprehensive genetic analysis approach, integrating Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Exome Sequencing, and SNP arrays to understand the cohort’s unique genetic architecture. We conducted ancestry analysis and searched for disease‐causing variants with mendelian inheritance, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), rare variant enrichment, and evaluation of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS).</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>We recruited and genotyped an initial cohort of 1046 participants with AD, 423 with FTD, and 855 healthy controls (HC) between 2020 and 2023. Analysis is ongoing, and we expect to sequence ∼600 additional samples in the coming months. Ancestry analysis revealed tri‐continental admixture, except for Brazil, which showed an additional Asian component (Figure 1). Top candidate gene rare variant enrichment associations (SKAT p &lt; 0.05) were <jats:italic>TREM2</jats:italic> for FTD and <jats:italic>ABCA7</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>ABCA1</jats:italic> for AD. GWAS identified a robust association with the <jats:italic>APOE</jats:italic> locus on chromosome 19 in AD vs. HC.. We tested an AD PRS developed in European populations by Bellenguez et al (2020). on our cohort using 83 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms.. The PRS modestly distinguishes between all patients and HC (p = 2.4 × 10^‐12), AD vs. HC (p = 2.2 × 10^‐12), and even FTD vs. HC (p = 4.3 × 10^‐5), albeit with modest separation between groups, as expected for its application in a genetically admixed population.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>Our findings represent a pivotal step in understanding the genetic landscape of AD and FTD in admixed populations. They underscore the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research, paving the way for future studies. These findings have the potential to inform more personalized approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in diverse global populations, as well as identify novel targets for therapeutic development.</jats:p></jats:sec>
      3
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    Item type:Publication,
    The first genome‐wide association study in the Argentinian and Chilean populations identifies shared genetics with Europeans in Alzheimer's disease
    (2023)
    Maria Carolina Dalmasso
    ;
    Itziar de Rojas
    ;
    Natividad Olivar
    ;
    Carolina Muchnik
    ;
    Bárbara Angel
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>INTRODUCTION</jats:title><jats:p>Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) are fundamental for identifying loci associated with diseases. However, they require replication in other ethnicities.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>METHODS</jats:title><jats:p>We performed GWAS on sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) including 539 patients and 854 controls from Argentina and Chile. We combined our results with those from the European Alzheimer and Dementia Biobank (EADB) in a meta‐analysis and tested their genetic risk score (GRS) performance in this admixed population.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>RESULTS</jats:title><jats:p>We detected apolipoprotein E ε4 as the single genome‐wide significant signal (odds ratio  = 2.93 [2.37–3.63], <jats:italic>P</jats:italic> = 2.6 × 10<jats:sup>−23</jats:sup>). The meta‐analysis with EADB summary statistics revealed four new loci reaching GWAS significance. Functional annotations of these loci implicated endosome/lysosomal function. Finally, the AD‐GRS presented a similar performance in these populations, despite the score diminished when the Native American ancestry rose.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>DISCUSSION</jats:title><jats:p>We report the first GWAS on AD in a population from South America. It shows shared genetics modulating AD risk between the European and these admixed populations.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Highlights</jats:title><jats:p><jats:list list-type="bullet"> <jats:list-item><jats:p>This is the first genome‐wide association study on Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a population sample from Argentina and Chile.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>Trans‐ethnic meta‐analysis reveals four new loci involving lysosomal function in AD.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>This is the first independent replication for <jats:italic>TREM2L</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>IGH‐gene‐cluster</jats:italic>, and <jats:italic>ADAM17</jats:italic> loci.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>A genetic risk score (GRS) developed in Europeans performed well in this population.</jats:p></jats:list-item> <jats:list-item><jats:p>The higher the Native American ancestry the lower the GRS values.</jats:p></jats:list-item> </jats:list></jats:p></jats:sec>
    Scopus© Citations 3  1
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    Genomic analysis of the diversity, antimicrobial resistance and virulence potential of clinical Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains from Chile
    (2021)
    Veronica Bravo
    ;
    Assaf Katz
    ;
    ; ;
    Carmen Varela
    <jats:p><jats:italic>Campylobacter jejuni</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Campylobacter coli</jats:italic> are the leading cause of human gastroenteritis in the industrialized world and an emerging threat in developing countries. The incidence of campylobacteriosis in South America is greatly underestimated, mostly due to the lack of adequate diagnostic methods. Accordingly, there is limited genomic and epidemiological data from this region. In the present study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the genetic diversity, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance of the largest collection of clinical <jats:italic>C</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>jejuni</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>C</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>coli</jats:italic> strains from Chile available to date (n = 81), collected in 2017–2019 in Santiago, Chile. This culture collection accounts for more than one third of the available genome sequences from South American clinical strains. cgMLST analysis identified high genetic diversity as well as 13 novel STs and alleles in both <jats:italic>C</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>jejuni</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>C</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>coli</jats:italic>. Pangenome and virulome analyses showed a differential distribution of virulence factors, including both plasmid and chromosomally encoded T6SSs and T4SSs. Resistome analysis predicted widespread resistance to fluoroquinolones, but low rates of erythromycin resistance. This study provides valuable genomic and epidemiological data and highlights the need for further genomic epidemiology studies in Chile and other South American countries to better understand molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of this emerging intestinal pathogen.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 23  4
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    Item type:Publication,
    Identification of genetic modifiers of murine hepatic β-glucocerebrosidase activity
    (2021)
    Anyelo Durán
    ;
    Boris Rebolledo-Jaramillo
    ;
    Valeria Olguin
    ;
    Marcelo Rojas-Herrera
    ;
    Macarena Las Heras
    Scopus© Citations 6  2
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    Item type:Publication,
    A Mouse Systems Genetics Approach Reveals Common and Uncommon Genetic Modifiers of Hepatic Lysosomal Enzyme Activities and Glycosphingolipids
    (2023)
    Anyelo Durán
    ;
    David A. Priestman
    ;
    Macarena Las Las Heras
    ;
    Boris Rebolledo-Jaramillo
    ;
    Valeria Olguín
    <jats:p>Identification of genetic modulators of lysosomal enzyme activities and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) may facilitate the development of therapeutics for diseases in which they participate, including Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). To this end, we used a systems genetics approach: we measured 11 hepatic lysosomal enzymes and many of their natural substrates (GSLs), followed by modifier gene mapping by GWAS and transcriptomics associations in a panel of inbred strains. Unexpectedly, most GSLs showed no association between their levels and the enzyme activity that catabolizes them. Genomic mapping identified 30 shared predicted modifier genes between the enzymes and GSLs, which are clustered in three pathways and are associated with other diseases. Surprisingly, they are regulated by ten common transcription factors, and their majority by miRNA-340p. In conclusion, we have identified novel regulators of GSL metabolism, which may serve as therapeutic targets for LSDs and may suggest the involvement of GSL metabolism in other pathologies.</jats:p>
      1
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    Multiomics characterization of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) isolates with heterogeneous intermediate resistance to vancomycin (hVISA) in Latin America
    (2022)
    Betsy E Castro
    ;
    Rafael Rios
    ;
    Lina P Carvajal
    ;
    Mónica L Vargas
    ;
    Mónica P Cala
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> <jats:p>Heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA) compromise the clinical efficacy of vancomycin. The hVISA isolates spontaneously produce vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) cells generated by diverse and intriguing mechanisms.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Objective</jats:title> <jats:p>To characterize the biomolecular profile of clinical hVISA applying genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Methods</jats:title> <jats:p>39 hVISA and 305 VSSA and their genomes were included. Core genome-based Bayesian phylogenetic reconstructions were built and alterations in predicted proteins in VISA/hVISA were interrogated. Linear discriminant analysis and a Genome-Wide Association Study were performed. Differentially expressed genes were identified in hVISA-VSSA by RNA-sequencing. The undirected profiles of metabolites were determined by liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction in six CC5-MRSA.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>Genomic relatedness of MRSA associated to hVISA phenotype was not detected. The change Try38 → His in Atl (autolysin) was identified in 92% of the hVISA. We identified SNPs and k-mers associated to hVISA in 11 coding regions with predicted functions in virulence, transport systems, carbohydrate metabolism and tRNA synthesis. Further, capABCDE, sdrD, esaA, esaD, essA and ssaA genes were overexpressed in hVISA, while lacABCDEFG genes were downregulated. Additionally, valine, threonine, leucine tyrosine, FAD and NADH were more abundant in VSSA, while arginine, glycine and betaine were more abundant in hVISA. Finally, we observed altered metabolic pathways in hVISA, including purine and pyrimidine pathway, CoA biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism and aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title> <jats:p>Our results show that the mechanism of hVISA involves major changes in regulatory systems, expression of virulence factors and reduction in glycolysis via TCA cycle. This work contributes to the understanding of the development of this complex resistance mechanism in regional strains.</jats:p> </jats:sec>
      1Scopus© Citations 8  3
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      1  2
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    Item type:Publication,
    GERO Cohort Protocol, Chile, 2017–2022: Community-based Cohort of Functional Decline in Subjective Cognitive Complaint elderly
    (2020) ;
    Pedro Zitko
    ;
    David Martínez-Pernía
    ;
    Gonzalo Forno
    ;
    Felipe A. Court
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>With the global population aging and life expectancy increasing, dementia has turned a priority in the health care system. In Chile, dementia is one of the most important causes of disability in the elderly and the most rapidly growing cause of death in the last 20 years. Cognitive complaint is considered a predictor for cognitive and functional decline, incident mild cognitive impairment, and incident dementia. The GERO cohort is the Chilean core clinical project of the Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO). The objective of the GERO cohort is to analyze the rate of functional decline and progression to clinical dementia and their associated risk factors in a community-dwelling elderly with subjective cognitive complaint, through a population-based study. We also aim to undertake clinical research on brain ageing and dementia disorders, to create data and biobanks with the appropriate infrastructure to conduct other studies and facilitate to the national and international scientific community access to the data and samples for research.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>The GERO cohort aims the recruitment of 300 elderly subjects (&gt; 70 years) from Santiago (Chile), following them up for at least 3 years. Eligible people are adults not diagnosed with dementia with subjective cognitive complaint, which are reported either by the participant, a proxy or both. Participants are identified through a household census. The protocol for evaluation is based on a multidimensional approach including socio-demographic, biomedical, psychosocial, neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric and motor assessments. Neuroimaging, blood and stool samples are also obtained. This multidimensional evaluation is carried out in a baseline and 2 follow-ups assessments, at 18 and 36 months. In addition, in months 6, 12, 24, and 30, a telephone interview is performed in order to keep contact with the participants and to assess general well-being.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Discussion</jats:title><jats:p>Our work will allow us to determine multidimensional risks factors associated with functional decline and conversion to dementia in elderly with subjective cognitive complain. The aim of our GERO group is to establish the capacity to foster cutting edge and multidisciplinary research on aging in Chile including basic and clinical research.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Trial registration</jats:title><jats:p><jats:ext-link xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04265482">NCT04265482</jats:ext-link>in ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration Date: February 11, 2020. Retrospectively Registered.</jats:p></jats:sec>
    Scopus© Citations 13  2
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    Integrin Alpha E (CD103) Limits Virus-Induced IFN-I Production in Conventional Dendritic Cells
    (2021)
    Vikas Duhan
    ;
    Vishal Khairnar
    ;
    Simo Kitanovski
    ;
    Thamer A. Hamdan
    ;
    <jats:p>Early and strong production of IFN-I by dendritic cells is important to control vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), however mechanisms which explain this cell-type specific innate immune activation remain to be defined. Here, using a genome wide association study (GWAS), we identified Integrin alpha-E (<jats:italic>Itgae</jats:italic>, CD103) as a new regulator of antiviral IFN-I production in a mouse model of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection. CD103 was specifically expressed by splenic conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and limited IFN-I production in these cells during VSV infection. Mechanistically, CD103 suppressed AKT phosphorylation and mTOR activation in DCs. Deficiency in CD103 accelerated early IFN-I in cDCs and prevented death in VSV infected animals. In conclusion, CD103 participates in regulation of cDC specific IFN-I induction and thereby influences immune activation after VSV infection.</jats:p>
      1Scopus© Citations 4
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    Scopus© Citations 7  3