Almost simultaneously, several studies reported the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages characterized by their phylogenetic and genetic distinction (1), (2), (3), (4).…

In this study, we report the sequencing of 180 new viral genomes obtained from different municipalities of the state of Rio de Janeiro from April to December 2020. We identified a novel lineage of SARS-CoV-2, originated from B.1.1.28, distinguished by five single-nucleotide variants (SNVs): C100U, C28253U, G28628U, G28975U, and C29754U. The SNV G23012A (E484K), in the receptor-binding domain of Spike protein, was widely spread across the samples. This mutation was previously associated with escape from neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This novel lineage emerged in late July being first detected by us in late October and still mainly restricted to the capital of the state. However, as observed for other strains it can be rapidly spread in the state. The significant increase in the frequency of this lineage raises concerns about public health management and continuous need for genomic surveillance during the second wave of infections.Article Summary LineWe identified a novel circulating lineage of SARS-CoV-2 in the state of Rio de Janeiro Brazil originated from B.1.1.28 lineage.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is increased in the lungs of individuals with asthma and may modulate airway inflammation and remodeling. Some genetic studies have found that a C-to-T single-nucleotide polymorphism (C-509T) in the TGF-beta1 gene promoter may be associated with altered gene expression and asthma phenotype. To build on these data, we performed a case-control association study at this locus involving 527 subjects with asthma and 170 control subjects without asthma. All individuals were white. Genotyping at 49 unlinked polymorphisms indicated that a subset of case subjects and all control subjects were well matched and without evidence of population stratification. Logistic regression was used to model the effects of age, sex, and genotype on case-control status. The diagnosis of asthma was positively associated with the T allele and TT genotype under a codominant model (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.45 to 6.25; p = 0.003). Total serum IgE, eosinophil count, and FEV1% predicted levels were not associated with this polymorphism. Furthermore, we show that the C-509T polymorphism alters TGF-beta1 promoter-reporter activity and promoter interactions with the transcription factor Yin Yang 1. We conclude that the T allele of C-509T is associated with the diagnosis of asthma and may enhance TGF-beta1 gene transcription.