Genetic factors for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an integrated approach combining a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analysis

Background The time of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) varies greatly, and the genetic factors that contribute to the survival of ALS are not well studied.

There is a lack of a comprehensive study to elucidate the role of genetic factors in the survival of ALS.

Methods The published studies were systematically searched and obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library without any language restrictions from inception to Oct 27, 2021.

A network meta-analysis for ALS causative/risk genes and a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis for other genetic modifiers were conducted.

The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022311646.

Results A total of 29,764 potentially relevant references were identified, and 71 papers were eligible for analysis based on pre-decided criteria, including 35 articles in network meta-analysis for 9 ALS causative/risk genes, 17 articles in pairwise meta-analysis for four genetic modifiers, and 19 articles described in the systematic review.

Variants in three genes, including ATXN2 (HR: 3.6), C9orf72 (HR: 1.6), and FUS (HR:1.8), were associated with short survival of ALS, but such association was not identified in SOD1 , TARDBP , TBK1 , NEK1 , UBQLN2 , and CCNF .

In addition, UNC13A rs12608932 CC genotype and ZNF521B rs2275294 C allele also caused a shorter survival of ALS; however, APOE ε4 allele and KIFAP3 rs1541160 did not be found to have any effect on the survival of ALS.

Conclusions Our study summarized and contrasted evidence for prognostic genetic factors in ALS and would help to understand ALS pathogenesis and guide clinical trials and drug development.