REACT-Genomics England (GE) [COVID-19]

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  REACT-Genomics England (GE) sub-study (REACT-GE): Multi-omics to identify biological pathways underlying susceptibility to and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection

• IRAS ID

  291775

• Contact name

  Paul Elliott

• Contact email

  p.elliott@imperial.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Imperial College London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 9 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Summary of Research
  This is a research study into the factors that determine why some people who contract COVID-19 suffer a milder condition or have no symptoms at all, whilst others suffer more severely requiring hospitalisation and even intensive care.
  In this study, we will carry out an in-depth analysis of blood and urine samples donated by people who have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies and have suffered milder symptoms which did not require hospitalisation or no symptoms at all. This study will focus on identifying links between the proteins and small molecules present in blood and urine, DNA and how genetic code is expressed in participants' body and how these affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19.
  The overall purpose is to support the development of better treatments or vaccines for COVID-19.

  Summary of Results
  About 36,000 participants from the initial REACT Study (Real time Assessment of Community Transmission) were invited to join the REACT-GE (REACT-Genomics England) study and attend one of 39 study centres to donate blood and urine samples and have various clinical measurements taken. Over 8,600 participants joined REACT-GE and attended a study assessment centre.
  In addition to detailed questionnaire responses the following data have been obtained:
  • Whole genomes (DNA) and transcriptomes (RNA)
  • Proteomics determined by three different analyses
  • Immunology
  • Sars-CoV-2 Antibodies
  • Standard blood analyses including cholesterol and diabetes tests
  • BMI (Body Mass Index)
  • Waist circumference
  • Blood pressure
  • Grip strength
  • Lung function

  The REACT-GE study was overtaken by events during the challenging time of the pandemic. Additional funding was awarded for the REACT-LC study (REACT-Long COVID) and REACT-GE was incorporated into the REACT-LC study. As a result, the REACT-GE cohort was expanded to add 2,000 younger people and a more comprehensive set of clinical measurements. This also incorporated a follow-up in person for over 2,000 of the participants.
  Analyses of the combined REACT-GE / REACT-LC are underway and results will be submitted for publication in the peer review literature as they are finalised.
  

• REC name

  South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  20/SC/0447

• Date of REC Opinion

  10 Dec 2020

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion