Bionano Genomics Announces Publication by International COVID-19 Host Genome Structural Variation Consortium Describing How OGM Identified Structural Variations as Predisposing Factors Associated with Severe COVID-19
“Research continues to unravel the genetic factors that predispose people to severe COVID-19, and it is no surprise that structural variants can play a role,” commented Dr. Ravindra Kolhe, Associate Dean for
In this peer-reviewed study, published in the journal iScience, researchers performed OGM on samples from 52 severely ill COVID-19 patients to investigate SVs as decisive predisposition factors associated with COVID-19. They identified 7 SVs in 9 patients (17% of patients tested) involving genes implicated in two key host-viral interaction pathways: innate immunity and inflammatory response, and viral replication and spread. The study authors reported that SVs in two genes, STK26 and DPP4, are the most intriguing candidates in these biological pathways.
As the authors indicate, this is the first study to systematically assess the potential role of SVs in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 severity. These findings indicate that SVs can be a factor in COVID-19 severity and expand the research community’s understanding of COVID-19 susceptibility and progression.
“We are excited by the work of the
The pre-print version of the paper was published
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things, the potential role of SVs in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 severity; the ability for OGM to continue to play a role in the evaluation of COVID-19; the potential for ongoing research on SVs to elevate our understanding of human health; and the potential for genetic variants to become additional factors in risk stratification for severe disease. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape, including the introduction of competitive technologies or improvements in existing technologies; failure of future study results to support those demonstrated in the study referenced in this press release; changes in our strategic and commercial plans; our ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund our strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the ability of medical and research institutions to obtain funding to support adoption or continued use of our technologies; and the risks and uncertainties associated with our business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the
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Source: Bionano Genomics