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Published on: August 15, 2019
Sequence variant at 4q25 near PITX2 associates with appendicitis
Ragnar P Kristjansson1, Stefania Benonisdottir2, Asmundur Oddsson2
1deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland. ragnarpk@decode.is.
A genome-wide study identified a genetic variant near the PITX2 gene associated with an increased risk of appendicitis, particularly in adults. This finding may relate to developmental processes affecting organ symmetry.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with potentially life-threatening complications.
- Genetic factors influencing appendicitis risk are not fully understood.
- The PITX2 gene plays a role in embryonic development and left-right asymmetry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic variants associated with appendicitis risk through a genome-wide association study.
- To investigate the potential role of the PITX2 gene in appendicitis susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted on Icelandic and Dutch cohorts.
- Analysis included 7,276 appendicitis cases and large control groups.
- Statistical analysis identified significant genetic associations.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between intergenic variant rs2129979 [G] near the PITX2 gene and increased appendicitis risk (OR=1.15, P=1.8×10⁻¹¹).
- This association was observed specifically in adult-diagnosed appendicitis cases.
- The identified variant is distinct from those previously linked to atrial fibrillation and PITX2.
Conclusions:
- The rs2129979 variant near PITX2 is a novel genetic risk factor for appendicitis in adults.
- PITX2's role in developmental symmetry may explain its influence on appendicitis risk through organ arrangement anomalies.
- Further research can explore the functional mechanisms linking this genetic variant to gastrointestinal complications.
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