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Bioengineer
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Gene Variant Linked to Elevated Risk of Long COVID
- An international study published in Nature Genetics identifies a genetic variant near the FOXP4 gene as a significant contributor to long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms post SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Individuals with the identified genetic variant have a 60% increased risk of developing long COVID compared to control subjects.
- The FOXP4 gene plays a crucial role in lung development and immune responses, linking genetic disruptions to prolonged respiratory dysfunction post COVID-19.
- Researchers highlight the complexity of long COVID, acknowledging the involvement of various biological processes beyond the FOXP4-related variant.
- The study underscores the importance of large-scale genetic analyses in understanding conditions like long COVID, offering insights for precision medicine and risk assessment.
- GWAS methodologies and multiethnic cohorts were utilized to enhance the credibility of the findings, emphasizing the need for diverse data sources in genetic studies.
- Variations in FOXP4 expression may impact lung tissue repair post-viral injury, contributing to chronic respiratory symptoms observed in long COVID patients.
- While significant, researchers caution that long COVID is influenced by a range of factors, necessitating further studies to unravel its complete etiology.
- Understanding genetic risk factors could aid in patient stratification, therapy development, and personalized interventions for long COVID.
- This collaborative research exemplifies the potential of global scientific efforts and big data in addressing emerging health challenges, offering hope for managing the long-term impact of COVID-19.
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