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The variety of clinical manifestations of cystic fibrosis is driven by the diversity of the CFTR gene nucleotide sequence. Descriptions of the clinical manifestations in patients with the newly identified genetic variants are of particular interest.The aim of this study was to describe clinical manifestations of the disease with the newly identified genetic variants.Methods. Data from Registry of patients with cystic fibrosis in the Russian Federation (2018) were used. The data review included three steps — the search for frequent mutations, Sanger sequencing, and the search for extensive rearrangements by MLPA. 38 pathogenic variants were identified that were not previously described in the international CFTR2 database. We selected and analyzed full case histories of 15 patients with 10 of those 38 pathogenic variants: p.Tyr84*, G1047S, 3321delG, c.583delC, CFTRdele13,14del18, CFTRdele19-22, c.2619+1G>A, c.743+2T>A, p.Glu1433Gly, and CFTRdel4-8del10-11.Results. A nonsense variant p.Tyr84* was found in 5 patients (0.08 %). Two missense variants c.3139G>A were found in 2 siblings (0.03 %). The c.4298A>G was found in 1 patient. Other variants were detected in a single patient (0.02 %) each. They included two variants of a deletion with a shift of the reading frame 3321delG and c.583delC, two splicing disorders c.2619+1G>A and c.743+2T>A, three extended rearrangements CFTRdele19-22, CFTRdele13,14del18, and CFTRdel4-8del10-11. The last two variants include 2 rearrangements on one allele, which cause the severe course in two young children. 8 of the 10 variants are accompanied by pancreatic insufficiency (PI). Among patients with p.Tyr84*, one had ABPA, one had liver transplantation, and all had Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Nasal polyps were diagnosed in 2 patients with p.Tyr84*, 1 with G1047S, 1 with CFTRdel4-8del10-11, and 1 patient with 3321delG, who also had osteoporosis and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). 2 patients with PI with 3321delG and CFTRdel4-8del10-11 genetic variants, and 1 with PI with p.Glu1433Gly genetic variant had severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).Conclusion. Clinical manifestations of previously undescribed CFTR genetic variants were described. 5/10 genetic variants should be attributed to class I, 3/10 – to class 7 of the function classification of pathogenic CFTR gene variants associated with transcription and translation disruptions. Class of the identified missense variants c.3139G>A and c.4298A>G has not been established and requires further functional, cultural, and molecular genetic studies.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease that affects the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, salivary, sweat glands, reproductive system, caused by pathological variants of the CFTR gene located in the long arm of chromosome 7. Considering the fact that CF is the most common hereditary disease, transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner, threatening death and/or disability in case of late diagnosis, the study of population characteristics in different regions is important not only from an epidemiological, but also from a socio-economic point of view. High incidence of CF, the ability to identify the carrier of pathogenic CFTR gene variant, prenatal and preclinical diagnosis, adequate treatment and medical and social adaptation determine the need for organizing mass screening of newborns for this disease. Objective of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of neonatal screening for CF in RNO – Alania, to detect the frequency of its occurrence in the region, and to determine the molecular genetics features of CF in the population. A retrospective analysis of medical records of CF patients diagnosed before neonatal screening was carried out, as well as an analysis of the results of mass newborns screening for CF during 13 years from January 2007 to December 2019. Based on the analysis performed, it was found that the CF frequency in North Ossetia-Alania was 1:16369 live births, which is significantly lower than the average for Russia (1:9500).

Intestinal organoids derived from rectal biopsies of cystic fibrosis patients are a highly sensitive personalized method for evaluating the functional activity of the CFTR channel and the efficacy of target drugs. We examined four patients whose genotype contains the pathogenic F508del variant (three patients and one healthy heterozygous person). It was shown that F508del/F508del genotype (two patients) could be effectively corrected by CFTR modulators (VX-770 and VX-809). The modulators had no significant effect on the restoration of the chlorine CFTR channel function in a patient with the W361X/F508del genotype. The CFTR functional activity in the heterozygous F508del carrier was as high as in the healthy control. cystic fibrosis, intestinal organoids, genetic F508del variant, genotype, forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay, CFTR modulators This study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education as part of a State Assignment for RCMG.

Objective. To analyze the association between NOS1, NOS2, NOS3, ARG1, and ARG2 gene polymorphisms and clinical, laboratory, and functional characteristics of bronchial asthma (BA) in children by evaluating gene-gene interactions. Patients and methods. We have evaluated the associations between the NOSs and ARG genes and gene-gene interactions in 107 children with BA. We performed comparative genetic analysis of associations between polymorphic variants of candidate genes in 107 BA patients and clinical manifestations of the disease, laboratory, and functional parameters. Results. We have found an association between the short (S) allele and SS genotype of the NOS1 (AAT)n gene and early disease onset (

The results of genetic and epidemiological study of monogenic hereditary diseases (HD) among children of the Karachay-Cherkess Republics are presented. The surveyed population comprised 410 368 individuals (Cherkessk and ten rural areas), including 90 739 children (22.11%). The examination was performed following the original protocol for genetic-epidemiological studies (developed by the Research Centre for Medical Genetics) making it possible to register not less than 3500 HD and syndromes. One hundred eighty-three nosological forms of HD (922 patients from 764 families) were registered in the child population, including 100 patients with AD (459 patients from 366 families), 60 patients with AR (372 patients from 326 families), and 23 patients with X-linked inheritance (91 patients from 72 families). The structure of diversity is determined, and frequent HDs are described in accordance with the main classification by organ and systemic types of disease: neurological, ophthalmic, genodermatoses, skeletal, hereditary syndromes, and other pathology. There were 55 frequent HDs (30.05%)—the number of patients in this group was 739 (80.15% of sick children). The load of AD, AR, and X-linked pathology for urban and rural child population was calculated. Differences in HD load were identified. On the basis of correlations between the load and FST, the causes of the observed differentiation of subpopulations were proposed.

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 4 (AOA4) is a rare autosomal recessive, PNKP-related disorder delineated in 2015 in Portugal. We diagnosed AOA4 by next generation sequencing (NGS) followed by Sanger's sequencing in three boys from two unrelated Belarusian families. In both families, one of the heterozygous PNKP mutations was c.1123G>T, common in Portuguese patients; biallelic mutations, c.1270_1283dup14 and c.1029+2T>C, respectively, were novel. These are the first reported AOA4 Slavic cases and the first with a “Portuguese” PNKP mutation outside Portugal. Distinction in two brothers was microcephaly but their disease was not severe in contrast to PNKP-related “microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay” and reported cases with features of both phenotypes.

Cystic fibrosis (CF, MIM# 219,700) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by pathogenic variants within the CFTR gene. It was shown that genetic variants located in cis can affect disease severity or treatment response because of additive or epistatic effects. Studies on the prevalence of complex alleles in Russian CF patients have just begun.AimTo evaluate frequencies and genetic background of complex alleles carrying c.1521_1523delCTT (F508del) and c.1399C>T (L467F), c.2562T>G (T854=) or c.4389G>A (Q1463=) in cis; to determine clinical consequences of complex allele c.[1399C>T;1521_1523delCTT] ([L467;F508del]) in Russian CF patients.MethodsSequencing of coding regions of CFTR gene and analysis of polymorphic markers in CF patients carrying F508del variant. Comparing of clinical features in two groups patients having genotypes [L467F;F508del];[F508del] (group 1) and [F508del];[F508del] (group 2).ResultsFrequency of [L467F;F508del] allele linked to 2–2–21–6–17–13 haplotype was 4.42%, of [F508del;T854=;Q1463=] allele linked to haplotype 1–2–21–6–17–13 – 2.2% in F508del chromosomes. No differences in disease severity in patients carrying complex allele [L467F;F508del] and patients homozygous for F508del was found.ConclusionThe frequency of complex alleles associated with F508del was at least 6.6% in Russian CF patients, which should be taken into account for the decision on optimal treatment options with CFTR modulators.

Hereditary nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss is a disease in which hearing loss occurs due to damage to the organ of the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the center in the brain that is responsible for the perception of sound, characterized by wide locus and allelic heterogeneity and different types of inheritance. Given the diversity of population of the Russian Federation, it seems necessary to study the ethnic characteristics of the molecular causes of the disease. The aim is to study the molecular and genetic causes of hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in Chuvash, the fifth largest ethnic group in Russia. DNA samples of 26 patients from 21 unrelated Chuvash families from the Republic of Chuvashia, in whom the diagnosis of hereditary sensorineural hearing loss had been established, were analyzed using a combination of targeted Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification, and whole exome sequencing. The homozygous variant NM_133261.3(GIPC3):c.245A>G (p.Asn82Ser) is the major molecular cause of hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in 23% of Chuvash patients (OMIM #601869). Its frequency was 25% in patients and 1.1% in healthy Chuvash population. Genotyping of the NM_133261.3(GIPC3):c.245A>G (p.Asn82Ser) variant in five neighboring populations from the Volga-Ural region (Russian, Udmurt, Mary, Tatar, Bushkir) found no evidence that this variant is common in those populations.

Hereditary nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss is a disease in which hearing loss occurs due to damage to the organ of the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the center in the brain that is responsible for the perception of sound, characterized by wide locus and allelic heterogeneity and different types of inheritance. Given the diversity of population of the Russian Federation, it seems necessary to study the ethnic characteristics of the molecular causes of the disease. The aim is to study the molecular and genetic causes of hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in Chuvash, the fifth largest ethnic group in Russia. DNA samples of 26 patients from 21 unrelated Chuvash families from the Republic of Chuvashia, in whom the diagnosis of hereditary sensorineural hearing loss had been established, were analyzed using a combination of targeted Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification, and whole exome sequencing. The homozygous variant NM_133261.3(GIPC3):c.245A>G (p.Asn82Ser) is the major molecular cause of hereditary sensorineural hearing loss in 23% of Chuvash patients (OMIM #601869). Its frequency was 25% in patients and 1.1% in healthy Chuvash population. Genotyping of the NM_133261.3(GIPC3):c.245A>G (p.Asn82Ser) variant in five neighboring populations from the Volga-Ural region (Russian, Udmurt, Mary, Tatar, Bushkir) found no evidence that this variant is common in those populations.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic autosomal recessive disease, associated with pathogenic variants in the CFTR gene. The splicing variant c.3140-16T>A (3272-16T>A) has been described previously and, according to the Russian CF Patients Registry, occurs with a frequency of 0.34%. The phenotypic features of CF patients with the c.3140-16T>A variant were compared with those of patients with the genotype F508del/F508del. Patients with the allele c.3140-16T>A had higher average age and age at diagnosis, and the allele was present in a greater proportion of adults. Patients carrying the c.3140-16T>A allele were characterised by better physical development indicators, both in adults and in children, had preserved pancreatic function, as well as the absence of a number of complications, and required pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy less often than patients with the F508del/F508del genotype. Sweat test values also were lower in patients with the c.3140-16T>A genotype. According to the results of clinical and laboratory studies, the phenotype of patients with the genetic variant c.3140-16T>A can be considered “mild”. Functional CFTR protein activity in the presence of c.3140-16T>A was evaluated using intestinal current measurements (ICM) and the forskolin-induced swelling assay on organoids obtained from patients’ rectal biopsies. c.3140-16T>A had high residual CFTR channel activity and was amenable to effective pharmacological correction with thea VX-770 potentiator. To evaluate the effect of the variant on CFTR pre-mRNA splicing we performed a minigene assay, as well as RT-PCR analysis of RNA isolated from the nasal epithelium and rectal biopsy of patients. We showed that the c.3140-16T>A variant creates a novel acceptor AG dinucleotide within CFTR intron 19, resulting in a 14-nucleotide extension of exon 20. This frameshift produces a premature termination codon and triggers mRNA degradation by the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) mechanism. Moreover, we observed that the c.3140-16T>A allele could produce a residual amount of normally spliced transcript, thus explaining the patient’s mild phenotype.

Background: Recently, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the ethnic differences in genetic risk factors associated with childhood asthma. Aim: to analyze the association of GSDMB, NOS1, NOS2, NOS3, ADRB2, FCER2, TNFA, GSTM1 genes with the development of asthma. To identify markers of increased risk in Buryat adolescents living in the Zabaykalsky Kray depending on their gender. 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in studied genes were genotyped in 68 Buryat asthmatics, and 100 healthy. In the male group: 31 asthmatics, and 54 healthy. In the female group: 37, and 46 respectively. Results: The diagnosis of asthma was associated with GSDMB(rs7216389), NOS1(AAT)n and (VNTR). Markers of disease increased risk include: the homozygous genotype TT of the rs7216389 GSDMB (p A) are considered risk factors; while in boys, alleles containing long repeats of L and LL genotypes NOS1 (AAT)n predispose to asthma. Conclusion: We identified 4 SNPs associated with asthma in Buryats adolescents: (AAT)n predispose to asthma.

Background: Asthma is a complex disease resulting from interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors. Objective: We investigated gene-gene interactions and asthma risk in Buryats. 10 SNPs of 8 genes possibly associated with asthma were tested in 68 Buryat asthmatics and 100 controls. Gene-gene interactions were analyzed by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR, MDR). Results: 4 models of gene-gene interactions predisposing to the development of asthma in Buryats were revealed. (rs7216389), ADRB2 (Arg16Gly), ADRB (Gln27Glu), NOS1 (AAT)n with a cross-validation interval (CV) consistency 10/10 (p=0.001), balanced accuracy 0,8397, balanced accuracy 0,7593; GSDMB (rs7216389), ADRB2(Arg16Gly), NOS1(AAT)n with a CV consistency of 9/10 (p=0.001). Optimal models of gene-gene interactions were GSDMB (rs7216389), FCER(T2206C) with a CV consistency of 5/10 (p=0.001); GSDMB (rs2305480), GSDMB rs7216389), FCER(T2206C), ADRB2(Arg16Gly), NOS2А(CCTTT)n, NOS1 (AAT)n with a CV consistency 6/10 (p=0.01). For each model of gene-gene interactions, we compared the frequency of genotypes of interacting genes in asthma patients and in healthy controls. Genotypes of increased risk of asthma developing in Buryats were GSDMB rs7216389*TТ - ADRB2(Arg16Gly)*АG - (T2206C)*TT (p Conclusions: The study showed that it is necessary to take into account gene-gene interactions when predicting the risk of asthma developing. Conclusions: The study showed that it is necessary to take into account gene-gene interactions when predicting the risk of asthma developing.

The goal was to study the phenotypic manifestations of c.3844T>C (p.Trp1282Arg, W1282R) variant, a CF-causing mutation, in patients from the Russian Federation. Clinical manifestations and complications (the age at CF diagnosis, sweat test, pancreatic status, lung function, microbial infection, body mass index (BMI), the presence of meconium ileus (MI), diabetes, and severe liver disease) were compared in four groups: group 1—patients carrying c.3844T>C and severe class I or II variant in trans; group 2—3849+10kbC>T/F508del patients; group 3—F508del/F508del patients; and group 4—patients with W1282R and “mild” variant in trans. Based on the analyses, W1282R with class I or II variant in trans appears to cause at least as severe CF symptoms as F508del homozygotes as reflected in the early age of diagnosis, high sweat chloride concentration, insufficient pancreatic function, and low lung function, in contrast to 3849+10kbC-T/F508del compound heterozygotes having milder clinical phenotypes. The W1282R pathogenic variant is seemed to lead to severe disease phenotype with pancreatic insufficiency similarly to the F508del homozygous genotype.

The distribution and frequency of the CFTR gene mutations vary considerably between countries and ethnic groups. Russians are an East Slavic ethnic groups are native to Eastern Europe. Russians, the most numerous people of the Russian Federation (RF), make about 80% of the population. The aim is to reveal the molecular causes of CF in ethnic Russian patients as comprehensively as possible. The analysis of most common CFTR mutations utilized for CF diagnosis in multiethnic RF population accounts for about 83% of all CF-causing mutations in 1384 ethnic Russian patients. Variants c.1521_1523delCTT (F508del), c.54-5940_273+10250del21kb (CFTRdele2,3), c.2012delT (2143delT), c.2052_2053insA (2184insA), and c.3691delT (3821delT) are most typical for CF patients of Russian origin. DNA of 154 CF patients, Russian by origin, in whom at least one mutant allele was not previously identified (164 CF alleles), was analyzed by Sanger sequencing followed by the multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) method. In addition to the 29 variants identified during the previous test for common mutations, 91 pathogenic CFTR variants were also revealed: 29 missense, 19 nonsense, 14 frame shift in/del, 17 splicing, 1 in frame ins, and 11 copy number variations (CNV). Each of the 61 variants was revealed once, and 17 twice. Each of the variants c.1209G>C (E403D), c.2128A>T (K710X), c.3883delA (4015delA), and c.3884_3885insT (4016insT) were detected for three, c.1766+1G>A (1898+1G>A) and c.2834C>T (S945L) for four, c.1766+1G>C (1898+1G>C) and c.(743+1_744-1)_(1584+1_1585-1)dup (CFTRdup6b-10) for five, c.2353C>T (R785X) and c.4004T>C (L1335P) for six, c.3929G>A (W1310X) for seven, c.580-1G>T (712-1G>T for eight, and c.1240_1244delCAAAA (1365del5) for 11 unrelated patients. A comprehensive analysis of CFTR mutant alleles with sequencing followed by MLPA, allowed not only the identification of 163 of 164 unknown alleles in our patient sample, but also expansion of the mutation spectrum with novel and additional frequent variants for ethnic Russians.

The L138ins mutation, found in Russian cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, is a duplication of three nucleotides (CTA) in exon 4 of the CFTR gene and is categorised as a small in-frame insertion/deletion. As a result, the CFTR protein molecule elongates by one amino acid residue, leucine, at position 138 (codon 138 (CTA)). In accordance with the new nomenclature, it should be called c.411_412insCTA (p.Leu138dup). The c.411_412insCTA (p.Leu138dup, L138ins) mutation is found in CF patients of Slavic origin (Russians, Ukrainians) and has been linked to a single haplotype of the intragenic DNA markers IVS1CA-IVS6aGATT-IVS8CA-IVS17bCA - 22-7-16-13.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening autosomal recessive disease. CF is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that encodes an anionic channel, which is expressed in epithelial cells. The most common genetic variant is F508del, its allelic frequency in the Russian Federation 52.81% (2017). This variant belongs to class II, leads to incorrect folding of the CFTR protein and its premature degradation. Currently, the effectiveness of target therapy can be individually evaluated by forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay on intestinal organoids obtained from CF patients with different genotypes.

The diversity and prevalence of hereditary diseases (HDs) among Nogais of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR) are described. The size of the surveyed KChR population was 387231 individuals, including 3.81% Nogais (14741 individuals). We revealed 36 nosological forms of HDs (110 patients from 81 families): 22 with autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance, 10 with autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance, and 4 with X-linked inheritance. The prevalence of HDs in Nogais was 1: 134. The features of HD diversity in Nogais were determined in comparison with the previously surveyed populations of Russia. The accumulation of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (1: 388), AD amelogenesis imperfecta (1: 3685), AD ichthyosis (1: 4914), AR nonsyndromic mental retardation (1: 1340), AR Gilbert syndrome (1: 4914), and X-linked inherited deficit of glucose-6-dehydrogenase (1: 1774 males) was established. The analysis of heterozygous carriage of mutations “major” for Russia in the genes of the four following AR diseases in 118 unrelated clinically healthy Nogais (236 analyzed chromosomes) was performed: cystic fibrosis (13 mutations in the CFTR gene: CFTRdele2,3 (21 kb), F508del, I507del, 1677delTA, 2184insA, 2143delT, 2183AA>G, 2184delA, 394delTT, 3821delT, L138ins, E92K, W1282X); phenylketonuria (six frequent mutations in the PAH gene: R261X, R408W, R413P, F331S, P211T, P211L); nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene); and Gilbert syndrome (an increase in the number of TA repeats in the UGT1A1 gene). Allelic specificity for all studied genes in the Nogai people was revealed.

This paper estimates the load and nosological spectrum of monogenic hereditary diseases (HDs) in Abazins of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR), identified in Cherkessk and ten districts, Abazinsky, Ust-Dzhegutinsky, Malokarachaevsky, Karachaevsky, Prikubansky, Khabezsky, Nogaysky, Adyge-Khablsky, Urupsky, and Zelenchuksky. The number of the investigated population was 387231 individuals (including 33264 Abazins). We detected 153 patients from 105 families with 45 nosological forms of HDs: 83 patients from 50 families with 23 AD diseases, 47 patients from 42 families with 15 AR diseases, and 23 patients from 13 families with 7 X-linked diseases. The total load of HDs in Abazins was 1: 218 individuals (in the rural population 1: 162, in the urban population 1: 305). Frequent and rare nosological forms of HDs and the accumulation of certain diseases in Abazins in comparison with the previously surveyed populations of Russia were determined. On the basis of the prevalence of AD and AR hereditary diseases, a principal component analysis was carried out, which determined the genogeographical position of Abazins among nine ethnic groups (13 populations) of Russian Federation: six Russian regions, Bashkirs of the Bashkortostan, Tatars of the Tatarstan, Chuvashes of the Chuvashia, Maris of the Mari El, Udmurts of the Udmurtia, Adygeans of the Adygea, and Circassians and Abazins of the KChR.

The aim of this investigation was to analyse the register of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients of Central Federal District (CFD) of Russian Federation (RF) in 2017. The register of CF patients includes data on 3096 people from 81 regions-entities of RF. CF patients in CFD represent 30% of total amount of patients included in the register. The full data presents 9 regions. The data of the rest 9 regions is presented partially. There is a list of genetically, clinical and microbiological peculiarities in comparison with RF in general and, at the same time, with other districts of CFD. The difference between adult patients and average age of patients by areas of received treatment, laboratory and instrumental indicators. There are obvious differences in infection indicators of the same age groups, there is difference in provided therapy. The analysis of the register data will enable to optimize aid to CF patients in CFD, to take over the experience of regions with the best indicators and criteria of the progress of the disease.

Prevalence and allelic heterogeneity of hereditary diseases (HDs) could vary significantly in different human populations. Current knowledge of HDs distribution in populations is generally limited to either European data or analyses of isolated populations which were performed several decades ago. Thus, an acknowledgement of the HDs prevalence in different modern open populations is important. The study presents the results of a genetic epidemiological study of hereditary diseases (HDs) in the population of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR). Clinical screening of a population of 410,367 people for the identification of HDs was conducted. The population surveyed is represented by five major ethnic groups&mdash, Karachays, Russians, Circassians, Abazins, Nogais. The study of the populations was carried out in accordance with the proprietary protocol of genetic epidemiological examination designed to identify &gt, 3500 HDs easily diagnosed during clinical examination by qualified specialists specializing in the HDs. The protocol consists of the population genetic and medical genetic sections and is intended for comprehensive population analysis based on the data on different genetic systems, including the genes of HDs, DNA polymorphisms, demographic data collected during hospital-based survey. 8950 families (with 10,125 patients) with presumably the HDs were initially identified as a result of the survey and data collection through various sources of registration (from 1156 medical workers from 163 medical institutions). A diagnosis of hereditary pathology was established in 1849 patients (from 1295 families). Two hundred and thirty nosological forms were revealed (in 1857 patients from 1295 families). The total prevalence of HDs was 1:221. Differences between populations and ethnic groups were identified: 1:350 in Russians, 1:195 in Karachays, 1:199 in Circassians, 1:218 in Abazins, 1:135 in Nogais. Frequent diseases were determined, the presence of marked genetic heterogeneity was identified during the confirmatory DNA diagnosis. To explain the reasons for the differentiation of populations by load of HD, a correlation analysis was carried out between the FST (random inbreeding) in populations and HDs load values. This analysis showed genetic drift is probably one of the leading factors determining the differentiation of KChR populations by HDs load. For the first time, the size of the load and spectrum of HDs in the populations of the KChR are determined. We have demonstrated genetic drift to be one of the main factors of the population dynamics in studied population. A significant genetic heterogeneity of HDs, both allelic and locus, was revealed in KChR.

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF; OMIM #219700) is a common autosomal recessive disease caused by pathogenic variants (henceforward mutations) in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). The spectrum and frequencies of CFTR mutations vary among different populations. Characterization of the specific distribution of CFTR mutations can be used to optimize genetic counseling, foster reproductive choices, and facilitate the introduction of mutation-specific therapies. Chechens are a distinct Caucasian ethnic group of the Nakh peoples that originated from the North Caucasus. Chechens are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the Caucasus, the sixth largest ethnic group in the Russian Federation (RF), and constitute the majority population of the Chechen Republic (Chechnya). The spectrum of CFTR mutations in a representative cohort of Chechen CF patients and healthy individuals was analyzed. Methods Molecular genetic analysis of 34 CFTR mutations (representing approx. 80–85% of mutations in multiethnic CF populations of the RF) was performed in 32 CF patients from 31 unrelated Chechen families living in Chechnya. One hundred randomly chosen healthy Chechens were analyzed for the 15 most common “Russian” mutations. The clinical symptoms in Chechen CF patients with different CFTR genotypes were investigated. Results High frequencies of c.1545_1546delTA (p.Tyr515X; 1677delTA) (52 out of 64 CFTR alleles tested; 81.3%) and c.274G > A (p.Glu92Lys, E92K) (8/64, 12.5%) mutations were found. Twenty patients were homozygous for the c.1545_1546delTA mutation, and eight were compound heterozygous for the c.1545_1546delTA and c.274G > A mutations. Three carriers of the c.1545_1546delTA mutation were also found in the cohort of 100 apparently healthy Chechens (frequency – 0.015). The c.1545_1546delTA and c.274G > A mutations are linked to the same haplotype (22–7–16–13) of intragenic Short Tandem Repeat markers, i.e., IVS1CA, IVS6aGATT, IVS8CA, and IVS17bCA. Conclusions The distribution of CFTR mutations in the Chechen CF population is unique regarding the high frequency of mutations c.1545_1546delTA and c.274G > A (more than 90% of the mutant alleles). The c.274G > A mutation is associated with a less severe course of CF than that observed in c.1545_1546delTA homozygotes. Testing for these two variants can be proposed as the first step of CF DNA diagnosis in the Chechen population.

The clinical pictures of the disease of two Russian patients with cystic fibrosis with a rare nonsense variant c.831G>A (p.Trp277*) are described. The first case is a patient with the genotype comprising variant c.54-5940_273+10250del21kb (CFTRdele2,3), and the genotype of the second case included variant c.1521_1523delCTT (F508del). Patient 1, whose genotype had two class I genetic variants, revealed severe violations of CFTR synthesis based on the intestinal current measurements (ICM) and results obtained in the intestinal organoids. In both cases of patients with genetic variant c.831G>A, a severe course of cystic fibrosis was observed.