TAQ1 and FOX polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene as possible biomarkers of disease induced by the Sars-CoV-2 virus

• Grant number: 23/08859-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Pathological Anatomy and Clinical Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Eder de Carvalho Pincinato
• Grantee: Pedro Gamberini Martins
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has become the latest global emergency. Vitamin D, due to its important immunomodulatory function, may indicate a potential risk factor in coronavirus infections when deficient in an individual. The TAQ1 (rs731236) and FOX (rs2228570) polymorphisms in the VDR gene may be associated with the severity of the COVID-19 patient's condition. Therefore, in order to understand this severity, the objective of this study is to correlate the TAQ1 and FOX polymorphisms with the vulnerability and level of severity of the disease in COVID-19-infected patients. The study will be conducted at the State Hospital of Sumaré through the collection of blood samples from the patients, with informed consent. The genotypes of the patients related to mutations in the chosen alleles will be investigated and classified in relation to the severity of the disease. Thus, it is an observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study, with non-probabilistic consecutive sampling. To determine the gene polymorphisms, 4 mL of blood will be collected. For this purpose, extraction and isolation of the genetic material (DNA) will be performed using standardized procedures (Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit, Promega). The polymorphism analysis will be performed using the TaqMan® Genotyping Assays system (Life Technologies, Foster City, CA) by real-time PCR reaction. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney test will be used for genotype determination.