The dN/dS ratio (also known as the Ka/Ks ratio) is a measure used in genetics to compare the rate of nonsynonymous (dN) mutations (which alter the amino acid sequence of a protein) to the rate of synonymous (dS) mutations (which do not alter the amino acid sequence). In the context of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), the dN/dS ratio can provide insights into the selective pressures acting on hematopoietic stem cells.dN/dS比值(又称Ka/Ks比值)是遗传学中用来比较非同义(dN)突变(改变蛋白质的氨基酸序列)率与同义(dS)突变(不改变氨基酸序列)率的一种指标。在具有不确定潜能的克隆造血(CHIP)中,dN/dS比值可以让人们深入了解造血干细胞所承受的选择性压力。
Here's what the dN/dS ratio can reveal in CHIP:以下是 dN/dS 比值在 CHIP 中的显示结果:
Positive Selection: A dN/dS ratio greater than 1 indicates that nonsynonymous mutations are occurring at a higher rate than would be expected by chance, suggesting that these mutations confer a selective advantage to the cells. This can imply that certain mutations in hematopoietic stem cells are beneficial for clonal expansion and survival, potentially leading to the development of CHIP.正选择:dN/dS 比率大于 1 表示非同义突变发生率高于偶然预期,表明这些突变赋予细胞选择性优势。这可能意味着造血干细胞中的某些突变有利于克隆扩增和存活,从而可能导致CHIP的发展。
Neutral Evolution: A dN/dS ratio around 1 suggests that nonsynonymous mutations are occurring at a rate similar to synonymous mutations, indicating that the mutations are largely neutral in terms of selective pressure. This means that the mutations neither provide a significant advantage nor disadvantage to the cells.中性进化:dN/dS 比率在 1 左右表明,非同义突变的发生率与同义突变的发生率相似,这表明就选择压力而言,突变基本上是中性的。这意味着突变既不会给细胞带来明显的优势,也不会给细胞带来明显的劣势。
Purifying Selection: A dN/dS ratio less than 1 suggests that nonsynonymous mutations are being removed by purifying selection because they are deleterious. This indicates that there is a selective pressure against mutations that alter protein function, maintaining the stability of hematopoietic stem cell populations.净化选择:dN/dS 比率小于 1 表明,非同义突变因有害而被净化选择去除。这表明,对改变蛋白质功能的突变存在选择压力,从而维持了造血干细胞群体的稳定性。
In summary, the dN/dS ratio in CHIP can help researchers understand the evolutionary dynamics of hematopoietic stem cells and the role of specific mutations in clonal expansion. Higher ratios suggest positive selection and potential pathogenic relevance, while lower ratios indicate purifying selection, maintaining cellular homeostasis.总之,CHIP中的dN/dS比值有助于研究人员了解造血干细胞的进化动态以及特定突变在克隆扩增中的作用。较高的比率表明存在正向选择和潜在的致病相关性,而较低的比率则表明存在纯化选择,可维持细胞平衡。