Immune aplastic anemia (IAA) is a condition where the bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells, which can lead to low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Although IAA is often seen as an immune problem, recent research shows that genetics might also be important, especially in certain groups of people, like those from Southeast Asia. Most studies on genetics have focused on small changes in genes, but they often miss larger genetic differences, especially in parts of the DNA that don’t directly code for proteins. Traditional methods for studying genetics might not catch these bigger changes. Newer technologies, like long-read sequencing from Oxford Nanopore, are better at finding these large variations. There is a pressing need to understand the genetic factors that contribute to IAA. Many patients may have inherited conditions that make their symptoms worse. Genetic tests have shown that a good number of people with IAA actually have inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, which means we need to look more closely at their genetic makeup. Recent research has found that many IAA patients carry genetic variants usually linked to inherited disorders, challenging the idea that IAA is only caused by environmental factors. Additionally, complex genetic changes, such as large variations in gene sequences, are more common in IAA than in other types of bone marrow failure, indicating a complicated genetic picture. Long-read sequencing technology has significant advantages over traditional methods. It can effectively capture larger genetic changes, helping researchers identify both known and previously unseen genetic variations. This could provide clearer insight into what causes IAA. This study aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of large genetic changes in IAA by using advanced sequencing technology. We plan to take small blood samples from IAA patients to analyze their genetic makeup. By comparing their genetics to those of healthy individuals, we hope to uncover differences that could provide insights into the condition. Recent findings highlight how effective long-read sequencing is for studying genetics. Using this technique in IAA could help us discover important details about its genetic profile. By thoroughly investigating the genetic landscape of IAA, this research could lead to better understanding of how the disease develops. It may also help in creating more targeted treatments for patients. Ultimately, understanding the genetic basis of IAA could improve outcomes and support more personalized approaches to care.
- Aplastic Anemia