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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Nitric oxide synthase 2A (NOS2A) polymorphisms are not associated with invasive pneumococcal disease
Antony Payton1, Debbie Payne, Limangeni A Mankhambo
1Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research, Stopford Building, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. Tony.Payton@man.ac.uk
Genetic variants in the nitric oxide synthase 2A (NOS2A) gene were investigated for their role in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) susceptibility and survival. This study found no significant association, suggesting NOS2A gene variations do not influence IPD risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae causes over a million deaths annually, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
- Host immune response and potential genetic factors influence invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) susceptibility.
- The nitric oxide synthase 2A (NOS2A) gene plays a role in immune defense and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between genetic variants in the NOS2A gene and susceptibility to IPD.
- To determine if NOS2A gene variations impact survival rates in children with IPD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study in Malawi involving 299 children with IPD and 931 age-matched controls.
- Analysis of nine haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the NOS2A gene.
- Comparison of minor allele frequencies between IPD cases and controls, and between survivors and non-survivors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between NOS2A gene variants and IPD susceptibility (cases vs. controls).
- No significant association was observed between NOS2A gene variants and survival in IPD patients.
- A near-significant association for SNP rs8078340 was noted but not adjusted for multiple testing.
Conclusions:
- Polymorphic variation within the NOS2A gene does not appear to influence susceptibility to invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Genetic variations in NOS2A are unlikely to be a major factor in determining survival outcomes for IPD.
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