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Population Genetic Testing and SERPINA1 Sequencing Identifies Unidentified Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alleles and Gene-Environment Interaction with Hepatitis C Infection

Design and aims: Data were available through an institutional effort to combine de-identified electronic health records (EHR) data with genomic information from a DNA biobank. The design of this work was a retrospective cohort study in which we investigated the rates of liver transplantation and hepatitis C infection as it relates to genotype risk for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). We used regression analysis to look for relationships between these risks and outcomes. This led to further investigation of environmental exposures and phenotypes as it related to the underlying genotypic risk.

Population information: The cohort consisted of 72,027 individuals of European ancestry for whom genotype and EHR data were available.

Molecular technologies employed: Genome-wide genotyping was previously performed using the Illumina Infinium Expanded Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array plus custom content (referred to as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center BioVU MEGAEX). Individuals' AATD-related alleles were inferred from the genotyping data.

Principal findings of the study: Liver transplantation was associated with presence of the Z AATD allele and with hepatitis C infection. There was a significant interaction between AATD genotype groups and hepatitis C infection as it related to liver transplantation.

Data available through dbGaP: Inferred AATD genotype status, sex, age, length of EHR in years, presence/absence of AATD clinical diagnosis, liver transplant status, and hepatitis C infection status.