Reprogenetic News Roundup #1
Welcome to this inaugural edition of the Reprogenetic News Roundup newsletter!
If you know of relevant stories, analyses, books, or events for future editions, do not hesitate to email us!
Reprogenetic Technologies
Munevver Serdarogullari et al, “Unpacking the artificial intelligence toolbox for embryo ploidy prediction” (Human Reproduction)
AI can help identify embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the highest potential for successful implantation and gestation.
AI Machine Learning (ML) models are revolutionizing the landscape of IVF and are poised to play an important role in clinical practice.
The authors conclude that synergy between medical expertise and technical innovation will encourage more effective and informed decision-making in assisted reproduction.
“Dr. Eli Adashi on in vitro gametogenesis: ‘It’s time for the public to get a sense of the possible’” (Brown University)
Dr. Eli Adashi of Brown University chaired a National Academy of Medicine workshop on in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), the creation of sperm or egg cells in the lab. The workshop’s findings were summarized in a 140-page report on the social, ethical and legal implications of IVG.
It’s only a matter of time before technology will allow scientists to take cells from a person’s mouth or skin to turn those cells into human eggs or sperm which can be used to create embryos.
IVG could radically simplify IVF for women, which currently requires hormonal treatments to stimulate egg production and surgery to retrieve the eggs. This would also make embryo selection significantly more practicable.
“Role of Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in thalassemia prevention” (iCliniq)
Thalassemia is a recessive disorder compromising the formation of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Common therapies include regular blood transfusions, folate supplements, and bone marrow transplants.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) plays a vital role in thalassemia prevention, enabling selective embryo screening and implantation.
More on reprogenetic technologies:
Explained: What is gene therapy? How is DNA used to treat genetic disorders? (Times of India)
Genetic Studies
Abigail Kuile et al, “Genetic decomposition of the heritable component of reported childhood maltreatment” (Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science)
This genome-wide association study (GWAS) broke down different genetic components influencing traits underlying the heritability of childhood maltreatment.
“Researchers confirm postpartum depression heritability, home in on treatment mechanism” (University of North Carolina School of Medicine)
Largest-ever meta-analysis of GWASs of postpartum depression (PPD) to investigate the genetic architecture of PPD. This architecture significantly correlates with those for major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
The study suggests 14% of the variation in PPD cases can be attributed to common genetic factors.
The research was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
“Polygenic risk score can measure VTE risk from oral contraceptics” (Contemporary OB/GYN)
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death, with 22,000 events reported in Europe annually.
The heritability of VTE is approximately 50%, but only 6% of this can currently be explained by known genetic variation.
A study using UK Biobank data found that women with higher polygenic risk scores (PGS) for VTE also predicts higher risk of developing VTE when using oral contraceptives, thus making genetic testing useful for prevention.
Kara Musafer, “A meta-analysis and review on genetic mapping of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Iraq” (Egyptian Journal of Medical Genetics)
The study identified genetic variants associated with Type 2 Diabetes among Iraqis.
The identifications can help in the development of personalized treatment options, leading to better disease management and improved patient outcomes.
Yoonsu Cho et al, “Genetic influences on alcohol flushing in East Asian populations” (BMC Genomics)
This GWAS of over 15,000 Korean and Chinese males sought to identify genetic associations with alcohol flushing.
The role of already identified genetic variants in alcohol flushing was confirmed and new associated variants were identified. The authors argue the findings show the importance of additive genetic effects in modifying alcohol consumption and that this has implications for epidemiology and public health.
More on genetics:
Aroon Hingorani et al, “Performance of polygenic risk scores in screening, prediction, and risk stratification: secondary analysis of data in the Polygenic Score Catalog” (BMJ Medicine)
“Are migraines hereditary? A closer look at the research and facts” (PharmEasy)
“Nature or nurture? The jury is still out on where musical talent comes from” (Classic Radio ABC)
“Parents: Do You Have ADHD? ADHD has a strong genetic component, so your child may not be the only one in the family who needs a diagnosis” (Parents)
Emil Krupa, “An assessment of the genetics parameters of boars’ reproductive traits” (Genes)
“Angus Genetics, Inc. releases Functional Longevity Research EPD” (Drovers)
Books
Coming soon: Jonathan Anomaly, Creating Future People: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Enhancement, second edition, (Routledge, 2024)
Creating Future People offers readers a fast-paced primer on how advances in genetics will enable parents to influence the traits of their children, including their children’s intelligence, moral capacities, physical appearance, and immune system.
The second edition includes updates about what will be scientifically possible in the coming years and the moral issues these developments will raise, new and substantial coverage of embryo selection for minimizing the risk of genetic diseases, and engagement with all important, new publications on the science of genetic enhancement.
Greg Powell, Genetic Testing Markets (Howe Sound Research, 2023)
This report looks at how the explosion in genetic knowledge is creating a complex “new global market for genetic testing.”
Lower pricing of genetic testing and increased knowledge of the role of genetics in health and disease are driving record growth in the industry.
New drugs may only work for people with a certain genetic makeup.
The report includes detailed information on 14 countries and 5 regions.
Topics covered include predictive diagnostics, pharmacogenomic testing, direct-to-consumer testing, as well as potential pitfalls for the industry and investors
Events
Know of a relevant event? Reach out to help us populate this section!