Physiological genomics
-
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the causative agent for a series of atypical respiratory diseases in the Hubei Province of Wuhan, China in December of 2019. The disease SARS-CoV-2, termed COVID-19, was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 contains a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome surrounded by an extracellular membrane containing a series of spike glycoproteins resembling a crown. ⋯ COVID-19 infection causes imbalances in ACE2 and induces an inflammatory immune response, known as a cytokine storm, both of which amplify comorbidities within the host. Herein, we discuss the genetics, pathogenesis, and possible therapeutics of COVID-19 infection along with secondary complications associated with disease progression, including ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis. Understanding the mechanisms of COVID-19 infection will allow the development of vaccines or other novel therapeutic approaches to prevent transmission or reduce the severity of infection.
-
Physiological genomics · Jan 2019
Identification of molecular signatures of cystic fibrosis disease status with plasma-based functional genomics.
Although cystic fibrosis (CF) is attributed to dysfunction of a single gene, the relationships between the abnormal gene product and the development of inflammation and progression of lung disease are not fully understood, which limits our ability to predict an individual patient's clinical course and treatment response. To better understand CF progression, we characterized the molecular signatures of CF disease status with plasma-based functional genomics. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors were cultured with plasma samples from CF patients ( n = 103) and unrelated, healthy controls ( n = 31). ⋯ The flow cytometry and ELISA data confirmed that various immune modulators are relevant contributors to the CF molecular signature. This study provides strong evidence for distinct molecular signatures among CF patients. An understanding of these molecular signatures may lead to unique molecular markers that will enable more personalized prognoses, individualized treatment plans, and rapid monitoring of treatment response.
-
Physiological genomics · Aug 2018
Distance running alters peripheral microRNAs implicated in metabolism, fluid balance, and myosin regulation in a sex-specific manner.
Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) mediate adaptive responses to exercise and may serve as biomarkers of exercise intensity/capacity. Expression of miRNAs is altered in skeletal muscle, plasma, and saliva following exertion. Women display unique physiologic responses to endurance exercise, and miRNAs respond to pathologic states in sex-specific patterns. ⋯ Three miRNAs (miR-4675, miR-6745, miR-6746-3p) demonstrated sex-specific responses to exercise. Numerous salivary miRNAs change in response to endurance running and target the expression of genes involved in metabolism, fluid balance, and musculoskeletal adaptations. A subset of miRNAs may differentiate the metabolic response to exercise in men and women.
-
Physiological genomics · Apr 2018
Artificial intelligence, physiological genomics, and precision medicine.
Big data are a major driver in the development of precision medicine. Efficient analysis methods are needed to transform big data into clinically-actionable knowledge. To accomplish this, many researchers are turning toward machine learning (ML), an approach of artificial intelligence (AI) that utilizes modern algorithms to give computers the ability to learn. ⋯ Disease-applicable tissue may be difficult to obtain, but there are important exceptions such as kidney needle biopsy specimens. As AI continues to advance, new analytical approaches, including those that go beyond data correlation, need to be developed and ethical issues of AI need to be addressed. Physiological genomic readouts in disease-relevant tissues, combined with advanced AI, can be a powerful approach for precision medicine for common diseases.