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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Genotyping Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Mitochondrial Genome by Pyrosequencing
Published on: February 10, 2023
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in NOD1, RIPK2, MICB, PLCE1, TNF, and IKBKE Genes Associated with Symptomatic Dengue
Yerly Magnolia Useche1, Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves2, Berta-Nelly Restrepo3
11 Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia , Medellín, Colombia .
Insights
Host genetic variations influence dengue susceptibility, especially in children. This study identified specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune genes linked to symptomatic dengue risk and resistance in Colombian children.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Host genetic variability impacts dengue infection outcomes, with children being more vulnerable to severe disease.
- Understanding genetic factors is crucial for predicting dengue susceptibility and developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune genes and symptomatic dengue development in Colombian children.
- To explore population-specific genetic influences on dengue susceptibility in admixed populations.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 15 SNPs across 12 immune genes in 298 symptomatic dengue cases and 648 healthy controls.
- Inference of Ancestry Proportions (APs) using 29 ancestry informative markers.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for gender, APs, and population of origin.
Main Results:
- Four SNPs in NOD1, RIPK2, MICB, and PLCE1 genes were associated with increased susceptibility to symptomatic dengue.
- One SNP in the TNF gene and two haplotypes in the IKBKE gene showed associations with resistance to dengue.
- Confirmed previously reported associations for MICB and PLCE1 genes.
Conclusions:
- Identified specific immune gene SNPs and haplotypes associated with dengue susceptibility and resistance in Colombian children.
- Highlights the role of host genetics in dengue pathogenesis, particularly in admixed populations.
- Results warrant further functional validation to elucidate mechanisms of genetic influence on dengue.
Abstract:
Functional immunological evidence supports the impact that the host genetic variability has on the susceptibility to develop asymptomatic or symptomatic dengue infection. Children are more prone to develop severe dengue. Thus, we have evaluated possible associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in immune genes and the development of symptomatic dengue in children from two Colombian populations with differences in genetic backgrounds and geographical features. We genotyped 15 SNPs (in 12 genes) in 298 symptomatic children and 648 healthy controls. Ancestry proportions (APs) were inferred by genotyping 29 ancestry informative markers. We observed four SNPs associated with susceptibility to develop dengue in NOD1, RIPK2, MICB, or PLCE1 genes. Conversely, we found one SNP in TNF gene and two haplotypes in the IKBKE gene associated with resistance to develop dengue. These associations were adjusted by gender, APs, and the population of origin because the association of polymorphisms may be different in admixed populations like Colombian. To our knowledge, this is the first reported association study with dengue in IKBKE, RIPK2, and NOD1 genes. We have also confirmed previously reported associations in MICB and PLCE1 genes with dengue. Overall, our results contribute to the understanding of the genetic susceptibility/resistance to develop symptomatic dengue. Nevertheless, these associations must be validated through functional analysis.
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