ASAP1 genetic polymorphisms and tuberculosis: A comprehensive review of susceptibility markers

ASAP1 polymorphisms have been investigated for their potential association with tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility in various populations. This review aimed to investigate the association between ASAP1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to TB in various populations. A systematic review of relevant studies was conducted, focusing on genetic association analysis and functional studies investigating ASAP1 expression and its role in TB pathogenesis. Data were drawn from various populations, including Russian, African, Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan groups, to assess genetic diversity in TB susceptibility. A genome-wide association study in Russia identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ASAP1 associated with TB susceptibility. However, studies conducted in China's Xinjiang Muslim population yielded mixed results, with two of these SNPs significantly associated with TB risk. The A allele of rs4733781 was associated with increased TB risk (OR = 1.242, P = 0.046), while the G allele of rs1017281 was associated with decreased risk (OR = 0.792, P = 0.028). In contrast, studies in Mongolian, Tibetan, and Han Chinese populations found no significant association, suggesting potential ethnic and environmental influences. However, some individuals with ASAP1 SNPs (rs10956514, rs4733781, rs2033059, rs12680942, rs1017281, rs1469288, and rs17285138) tended to have a reduced risk of TB, although this difference was not statistically significant. The biological role of ASAP1 in dendritic cell migration suggests TB susceptibility and host-pathogen interactions; yet, functional validation remains incomplete. This review highlights gaps in current knowledge, emphasizing the need for large-scale multi-ethnic studies, functional genomics approaches, and epigenetic analyses to elucidate the role of ASAP1 in TB pathogenesis.