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Decoding the Genetic Basis of Mast Cell Hypersensitivity and Infection Risk in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Authors :
Purusha Shirvani
Arash Shirvani
Michael F. Holick
Source :
Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Vol 46, Iss 10, Pp 11613-11629 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder marked by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Recent studies have linked hEDS with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), suggesting a genetic interplay affecting immune regulation and infection susceptibility. This study aims to decode the genetic basis of mast cell hypersensitivity and increased infection risk in hEDS by identifying specific genetic variants associated with these conditions. We conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on 18 hEDS participants and 7 first-degree relatives as controls, focusing on identifying genetic variants associated with mast cell dysregulation. Participants underwent clinical assessments to document hEDS symptoms and mast cell hypersensitivity, with particular attention to past infections and antihistamine response. Our analysis identified specific genetic variants in MT-CYB, HTT, MUC3A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1, which are implicated in hEDS and MCAS. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed significant interactions among identified variants, highlighting their involvement in pathways related to antigen processing, mucosal protection, and collagen synthesis. Notably, 61.1% of the hEDS cohort reported recurrent infections compared to 28.5% in controls, and 72.2% had documented mast cell hypersensitivity versus 14.2% in controls. These findings provide a plausible explanation for the complex interplay between connective tissue abnormalities and immune dysregulation in hEDS. The identified genetic variants offer insights into potential therapeutic targets for modulating mast cell activity and improving patient outcomes. Future research should validate these findings in larger cohorts and explore the functional implications of these variants to develop effective treatment strategies for hEDS and related mast cell disorders.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14673045 and 14673037
Volume :
46
Issue :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.78f8ea0c431a4d68a0fd00c82d915f7a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46100689