Host genomics of COVID-19

Status Completed
Start date 2021
Location Quebec
Researcher Hussin, Julie
Associated institution Institut de cardiologie de Montréal and Université de Montréal
Summary

This project aimed to understand why some people develop more severe forms of COVID‑19. To do so, researchers compared the genetics and characteristics of several cohorts from Quebec and abroad, including CARTaGENE. The goal was to identify genetic factors associated with the risk of infection and disease severity, as well as to examine the influence of known factors such as obesity, medication use, and medical history.
The analyses focused on human genetic data, particularly from the RECOVER2 cohort at Sainte‑Justine Hospital, where healthcare workers provided samples for immunological tests and studies involving HLA molecules. The UK Biobank cohort was also analyzed to complement this work. The results helped explore how certain genetic variations may influence the immune response to the virus.
The part of the project involving human data from CARTaGENE is now complete. However, work continues on viral genetic data to better understand how specific mutations emerge and spread.

Themes
  • Environment and lifestyle
  • Genetics and genomics
  • Public health and epidemiology
Data types
  • Biochemical and hematological data
  • Genetic data
  • Physical and cognitive measures
  • Questionnaire data