Copy Number Variation of CCL3-like Genes Affects Rate of Progression to Simian-AIDS in Rhesus Macaques
2009

CCL3-like Genes and Simian-AIDS Progression in Rhesus Macaques

Sample size: 57 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Degenhardt Jeremiah D., de Candia Paola, Chabot Adrien, Schwartz Stuart, Henderson Les, Ling Binhua, Hunter Meredith, Jiang Zhaoshi, Palermo Robert E., Katze Michael, Eichler Evan E., Ventura Mario, Rogers Jeffrey, Marx Preston, Gilad Yoav, Bustamante Carlos D.

Primary Institution: Cornell University

Hypothesis

Does copy number variation at CCL3-like genes affect the rate of progression to simian-AIDS in rhesus macaques?

Conclusion

Lower copy numbers of CCL3-like genes are associated with a more rapid progression to simian-AIDS in rhesus macaques.

Supporting Evidence

  • CCL3L CNV explains approximately 18% of the variance in time to simian-AIDS.
  • Lower CCL3L copy number is associated with a more rapid disease course.
  • CCL3L copy number varies significantly among rhesus subpopulations.

Takeaway

Some monkeys have more copies of a gene that helps them fight off a virus, and those with fewer copies get sick faster.

Methodology

The study used a retrospective analysis of 57 rhesus macaques infected with SIVmac, measuring CCL3L copy number using real-time PCR.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from population substructure affecting the results.

Limitations

The study is based on a relatively small sample size and may not fully capture the role of CCL3L in all populations.

Participant Demographics

The study included 37 Indian-origin and 20 Chinese-origin rhesus macaques.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000346

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