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Genetic Link to Long COVID
Context
A major international GWAS published in Nature Genetics has identified a genetic variant near the FOXP4 gene on chromosome 6 linked to increased risk of long COVID. The study highlights the genetic basis of post-COVID complications and the urgent need for more inclusive research involving underrepresented populations like India.
About GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study):
- GWAS identifies genetic variants, specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), that are associated with specific conditions by comparing genomes of affected vs. unaffected individuals.
Key Finding – FOXP4 Gene Variant:
- The rs9367106 variant near FOXP4 on chromosome 6 increases long COVID risk by 63% in carriers of the “C” allele.
- Stronger FOXP4 expression found in type 2 alveolar cells in lungs — essential for tissue repair and immune response.
- Co-localisation analysis showed a 91% probability linking FOXP4 activity to long COVID susceptibility.
Global Representation in Study:
- Data from 33 groups across 19 countries.
- However, South Asian representation was limited, raising concerns about applicability to Indian populations.
India-Specific Concerns:
- Long COVID prevalence in Indian studies ranges between 45% to 80%, with limited clinical follow-up.
- GenomeIndia Project provides a foundational genetic dataset (10,000 individuals) but is not disease-specific.
- Need for India-specific GWAS due to environmental and metabolic risk variation (e.g., air pollution).
Clinical Implications:
- No diagnostic biomarker yet, but FOXP4 findings may inform future screening, risk stratification, and targeted therapies.
- Emphasises importance of inclusion of genetically diverse cohorts in public health genomics.
Limitations:
- Study predates vaccination rollouts and Omicron variants.
- Evolving definitions of long COVID could introduce misclassification bias.
- Multifactorial etiology — genetics, immunity, and comorbidities jointly determine disease course.
PYQ:
Q. Consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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