GENETIKA, Vol. 58, No2 (2026)
Iliya MALLAM, Abdulmojeed YAKUBU, Maikano Mohammed ARI, Ibrahim Suleiman MUSA, Neyu Patrick ACHI, Dauda GAMBO and Paul Apagu JOHN
EFFECTS OF BREED, DIET, AND SEX ON CARCASS YIELD IN NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS GOAT BREEDS UNDER TROPICAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS [Abstract] [Full text]
Natalia GEORGIEVA, Valentin KOSEV, Teodora MIHOVA, Vera POPOVIĆ, Mila POPOVIĆ
ADAPTABILITY OF KEY QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN CHAENOMELES GENOTYPES AND THEIR POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS [Abstract] [Full text]
Humay Kamran NURI, Tofig Idrıs ALLAHVERDIYEV, Jabrail Tazakhan AGHAYEV
EFFECTS OF LATE BLIGHT, EARLY BLIGHT,
AND POWDERY SCAB ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD-RELATED TRAITS OF POTATO GENOTYPES [Abstract] [Full
text]
Barış KUZKUN, Alper ADAK, Senem Sabanci BAL, Sekip ERDAL
EVALUATION OF MAIZE FOR DUAL-PURPOSE TRAITS ACROSS WATER-REGIME-DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS USING MULTI-TRAIT AND G×E ANALYSES [Abstract] [Full text]
Nikolay TSENOV, Sonya DONEVA, Rumyana ANGELOVA
STABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY OF CURRENT COMMON WHEAT CULTIVARS FOR GRAIN YIELD UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SOUTHERN DOBRUDZHA [Abstract] [Full text] [Supplement]
Praveen Kumar BIND and Arvind Kumar SINGH
RANDOM DISTRIBUTION OF GENOTYPIC COMBINATIONS AMONG
MICROSATELLITE LOCI IN TWO INDIAN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF Drosophila
ananassae [Abstract] [Full
text]
Tofig ALLAHVERDIYEV
GAS EXCHANGE PARAMETERS OF FLAG AND PENULTIMATE LEAVES OF BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) GENOTYPES UNDER NATURAL DROUGHT STRESS AND NON-STRESSED CONDITIONS [Abstract] [Full text]
Milica KECKAREVIĆ MARKOVIĆ, Milica MIHAJLOVIĆ SREJIĆ, Vanja TANASIĆ, Tijana PETROVIĆ, Dušan KECKAREVIĆ
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH AND EPILEPSY: IS THERE A ROLE OF GENETICS? [Abstract] [Full text]
Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No2(2026), pp. 83-100
© 2026 Serbian Genetics Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602083M
Original
scientific article
EFFECTS OF BREED, DIET, AND SEX ON CARCASS YIELD IN NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS GOAT BREEDS UNDER TROPICAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Iliya MALLAM1*, Abdulmojeed YAKUBU2, Maikano Mohammed ARI2, Ibrahim Suleiman MUSA2, Neyu Patrick ACHI3, Dauda GAMBO2 and Paul Apagu JOHN4
1Department of Animal Science, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State, Nigeria
2Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Lafia, 950101, Nigeria
3 National Animal Production Research Institute/Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria, Nigeria
4Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Mallam I., A. Yakubu, M. M. Ari, I. S. Musa, N. P. Achi, D. Gambo, P.A. John (2026): Effects of breed, diet, and sex on carcass yield in Nigerian indigenous goat breeds under tropical production systems. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 83-100.
This study investigated the main and interactive effects of breed, diet, and sex on carcass characteristics of two Nigerian indigenous goat breeds; West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto under controlled feeding conditions. Thirty-six weaner goats (3–4 months old; n = 18 per breed; balanced for sex) were assigned to a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement in a Completely Randomized Design. Experimental diets comprised 100% Digitaria smutsii, 50% Digitaria smutsii +50% groundnut haulms, and 50% Digitaria smutsii + 50% cowpea husk. Carcasses evaluated include fasted live weight, bled weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, primal cuts, and visceral organ weights. The data were analyzed using Statistix Analytical Software version 8.1. Significant means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. Results showed that breed significantly influenced fasted live weight, forelimb weight, neck weight, feet weight, and kidney weight (P<0.05), with Red Sokoto goats exhibiting higher values than West African Dwarf goats. Diet had limited influence on carcass traits, with a significant effect observed only on empty stomach weight. Sex significantly affected fasted live weight, bled weight, head weight, and full stomach weight, with females showing higher values compared to males. Significant interaction effects were observed for selected carcass parameters, particularly in breed × diet and breed × sex combinations. The findings demonstrate that breed plays a dominant role in determining carcass yield among Nigerian indigenous goats, while dietary supplementation and sex contribute to variations in specific carcass components. The Red Sokoto breed is recommended for improved carcass yield under similar management conditions.
Key words: Carcass yield, Effects, Indigenous goats, Red Sokoto, West African dwarf
Corresponding author: Iliya Mallam, Department of Animal Science, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Kaduna State, Nigeria, mallamiliya2011@gmail.com
Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol.
58, No. 2 (2026), pp.101-119|
© 2026 Serbian
Genetics Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.630
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602101G
Original
scientific article
ADAPTABILITY OF KEY QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN CHAENOMELES GENOTYPES AND THEIR POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Natalia GEORGIEVA1, Valentin KOSEV1*, Teodora MIHOVA2, Vera POPOVIĆ3*,
Mila POPOVIĆ4
1Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven, Agriculture academy, Bulgaria,
2The Institute of Mountain Animal Husbandry and Agriculture – Troyan, Agriculture academy, Bulgaria
3Department fоr Vegetable and Alternative Crops, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia
4University of Novi Sad, Medicinal Faculty, Novi Sad, Serbia
Abstract
Georgieva N., V. Kosev, T. Mihova, V. Popović, M. Popović (2026): Adaptability of key quantitative traits in Chaenomeles genotypes and their potential health benefits. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 101-119.
The genus Chaenomeles belongs to the Rosaceae family (Pomoideae subfamily). The plant has been used for ages to treat cardiovascular conditions, rheumatism, gout, and anaemia. In conditions of considerable increase of the negative impact of the environment on fruit production in fruit species, the inclusion of new material with increased adaptability to environmental factors in the selection process is a significant biological resource for successful priority management in modern selection programs. The adaptability assessment of 10 Chaenomeles genotypes in the conditions of the Central Balkan Mountain by different methods and parameters shows on the one hand that a clear favorite among them could not be determined, and on the other hand the different quantitative traits received different adaptability assessments. It was found that the genotype factor had the strongest impact on the phenotypic manifestation of the key quantitative traits. The environment as a factor is of secondary significance. The most adaptable to environmental conditions with high total adaptability for diameter and fruit height were G3 (7.91, 10.28) and G11 (6.56 and 11.22), whereas G2 (35.30, 42.75, 5.85, 1.64) and G3 (46.30, 53.92, 13.23, 3.96) were for shrub height, shrub diameter, fruit weight/shrub and fruit yield. According to the last two traits, G2 and G3 were also characterized by high values of genetic flexibility. Determination of homeostasis and stress resistance in terms of fruit weight/shrub and fruit yield gave high assessments to specimens, such as G1', G2', G5' and G6'. They are distinguished by high selective value as follows: G2 (156.81, 208.44, 7.02) and G 3 (133.29, 197.19, 4.49) in height and diameter of the shrub and fruit weight/shrub, G2 (33.77) and G6' (24.30) in fruit diameter, G6' (32.95) and G1' (32.37) in fruit height, G6' (8.42) in fruit yield. The fruit yield values and the parameters, such as general adaptability and selective value, determine genotypes G6', G3 and G2 as suitable for growing in the conditions of the Central Balkan Mountain, as well as for their use as initial parental forms in selection programs.
Key words: adaptability, Chaenomeles, genotypes, homeostasis, selection value
Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol.
58, No.2 (2026), pp.121-133
© 2026 Serbian Genetics Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.630
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602121N
Original
scientific article
EFFECTS OF LATE BLIGHT, EARLY BLIGHT, AND POWDERY SCAB ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND YIELD-RELATED TRAITS OF POTATO GENOTYPES
Humay Kamran NURI 1*, Tofig Idrıs ALLAHVERDIYEV 2,3, Jabrail Tazakhan AGHAYEV 4
1Scientific Research Institute of Vegetable Growing Ministry of Agriculture of the Azerbaijan Republic, Baku, Azerbaijan
2Research Institute of Crop Husbandry Ministry of Agriculture of the Azerbaijan Republic, Baku, Azerbaijan
3Institute of Molecular Biology Ministry of Science and Education of the Azerbaijan Republic, Baku, Azerbaijan
4Scientific Research Institute of Plant Protection and Technical Plants Ministry of Agriculture of the Azerbaijan Republic, Baku, Azerbaijan
Abstract
Nurı K. H., T. Allahverdıyev I., J. T. Aghayev (2026): Effects of late blıght, early blıght, and powdery scab on physıologıcal and yıeld-related traıts of potato genotypes. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 121-133.
This study evaluated the effects of late blight, early blight, and powdery scab on potato physiology, quality, yield, and integrated disease management effectiveness. Under control conditions, LA was highest in Colomba (91.8 cm2) and lowest in Captiva (79.5 cm2). Among disease-infected variants, Captiva showed the greatest reduction in LA (late blight - 29.2 cm2), whereas Colomba maintained the highest LA (powdery scab - 44.3 cm2). RWC during the mass flowering phase ranged from 93.7% (Amiri-600) to 96.4% (Colomba) under control conditions. Under disease conditions, RWC was highest in Sevinj (76.8%) and lowest in Captiva (49.1%). Sevinj also recorded the highest dry biomass under control conditions at both the budding (69.3 g) and mass flowering (94.1 g) stages. The integrated control scheme applied to Colomba was effective, reducing late blight incidence to 9.6% (87.4% biological efficiency), early blight to 6.5% (87.7%), and powdery scab to 0% (100%). Productivity reached 36.1 t/ha, with profitability of 411.5%. Under the standard treatment, disease incidence was higher and productivity reached 25.4 t/ha. Under control conditions, moisture content varied from 72.2% to 79.9%, while starch content ranged from 10.8% to 16.4% and protein content from 1.3% to 1.6%. Colomba recorded the highest yield under control conditions (836.7 g/bush), and maintained the highest yield under disease conditions (720.0-796.7 g/bush). Differences in yield among varieties and treatments were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Games-Howell post hoc test in IBM SPSS Statistics.
Key words: Alternaria solani, disease resistance, physiological parameters, Phytophthora infestans, Spongospora subterranea
Corresponding author: Humay Kamran Nuri, Scientific Research Institute of Vegetable Growing, Baku, Azerbaijan, email: 12humay@gmail.com
Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol. 58, No2(2026), pp.135-154
© 2026 Serbian Genetics
Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.633.15
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602135K
Original
scientific article
EVALUATION OF MAIZE FOR DUAL-PURPOSE TRAITS ACROSS WATER-REGIME-DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS USING MULTI-TRAIT AND G×E ANALYSES
Barış KUZKUN, Alper ADAK, Senem Sabanci BAL, Sekip ERDAL*
Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute, Dept. of Field Crops, 07100, Antalya, Türkiye
Abstract
Kuzkun B., A. Adak, S. S. Bal, S. Erdal (2026): Evaluation of maize for dual-purpose traits across water-regime-diverse environments using multi-trait and G×E analyses. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 135-154.
In Mediterranean agriculture, increasing climate variability calls for dual-purpose maize hybrids that perform well for both silage and grain yield under different irrigation regimes. This study evaluated seven maize hybrids (four candidate and three commercial checks) across eight environments (irrigated and non-irrigated trials in Antalya and Aydın, Türkiye, over 2022 and 2023). Using a randomized complete block design with two replications, we assessed traits including forage yield (FY), dry matter yield (DMY), plant height, flowering, senescence, and grain yield (GY). Mixed model analysis revealed that environments explained most of the variation in FY (81.2%), DMY (81.3%), and GY (85.5%). Genetic variance ranged from 2.8% (GY) to 6.8% (FY), while genotype × environment (G×E) interactions contributed 5.9–6.9%. Repeatability values were high: 0.90 for FY, 0.71 for DMY, and 0.80 for GY.Hybrid C3 showed the highest FY and DMY overall, ranking in the top three in all environments, especially under irrigation. H3 performed well in non-irrigated trials, showing greater stability. Plant height correlated strongly with FY and DMY (r = 0.48–0.79), supporting its use in indirect biomass selection. G×E interactions, visualized with AMMI and GGE biplots, revealed crossover patterns. A Dual-purpose Index based on standardized FY, DMY, GY, and moisture loss ranked C3 and H3 as top performers. This study highlights the importance of multi-trait, multi-environment selection. Hybrids C3 and H3 are promising for Mediterranean regions, offering high productivity, adaptability, and stress resilience.
Key words: AMMI and GGE biplot analysis, Genotype × environment interaction (G×E), Maize silage and grain yield, Multi-trait selection
Corresponding author: Sekip Erdal, Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute, Dept. of Field Crops, 07100, Antalya, Türkiye, email: sekip.erdal@tarimorman.gov.tr
Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol.
58, No.2 (2026), pp. 155-178
© 2026 Serbian
Genetics Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.630.11
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602155T
Original scientific article
STABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY OF CURRENT COMMON WHEAT CULTIVARS FOR GRAIN YIELD UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SOUTHERN DOBRUDZHA
Nikolay TSENOV*¹, Sonya DONEVA², Rumyana ANGELOVA¹
¹ Department of Agrotechnology and
Animal Breeding, Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, BG-9520 General Toshevo,
Agricultural Academy, BG-1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
² Department of Breeding of Cereal and Leguminous Crops, Dobrudzha
Agricultural Institute, BG-9520 General Toshevo, Agricultural Academy, BG-1000
Sofia, Bulgaria
Abstract
Tsenov N., S. Doneva, R. Angelova (2026): Stability and adaptability of current common wheat cultivars for grain yield under the conditions of southern Dobrudzha. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 155-178.
Over a period of six consecutive growing seasons (2020–2025), grain yield (GY) performance of thirty-five winter wheat genotypes developed at the Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, General Toshevo, during the last three decades was evaluated. The study aimed to assess the productivity, stability and adaptability of modern Bulgarian wheat varieties under the agro-ecological conditions of Northeastern Bulgaria in a situation of several seasonal meteorological anomalies. Grain yield data (t ha⁻¹) were obtained from field plots with an area of 12.5 m², arranged in a randomized design with three replications. All cultivars were grown under identical agronomic management practices. Sowing was performed annually between 15 and 25 October at a seeding rate of 500 viable seeds m⁻². Yield data were subjected to multi-environment statistical analyses to quantify the effects of genotype (G), environment (E; year), and their interaction (G×E), and to evaluate cultivar stability and adaptability. The growing seasons differed substantially with respect to grain yield formation, providing a robust basis for objective assessment of cultivar performance. Environmental conditions, genotype, and their interaction had a highly significant effect on grain yield. The G×E interaction accounted for approximately 20% of the total phenotypic variation, while the combined contribution of genotype and G×E explained nearly half of the overall variability in grain yield. The interaction effect was complex and multi-dimensional, with several principal components (PC1–PC5) contributing significantly, indicating heterogeneous cultivar responses to seasonal conditions. The application of multiple statistical models and complementary analytical approaches to unbalanced multi-environment data enabled effective discrimination among cultivars based on realized grain yield and stability. The combined use of established stability indices and integrated ranking approaches facilitated the identification of cultivars with superior performance in terms of productivity, stability, and adaptability. Among the most valuable cultivars under the conditions of Southern Dobrudzha were Kami, Kosara, Roki-3, Radoslava, Korona, Yulita, Fani, Kiara, Kalina, and Lazarka.
Key words: adaptability, genotype x environment interaction, grain yield, stability, wheat
Corresponding author: Nikolay Tsenov, Department of Agrotechnology and Animal Breeding, Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, BG-9520 General Toshevo, Agricultural Academy, BG-1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, email: nick.tsenov@gmail.com
Return to contentPublished in „GENETIKA“ Vol.
58, No. 2(2026), pp. 179-191
© 2026 Serbian Genetics
Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602179B
Original
scientific article
RANDOM DISTRIBUTION OF GENOTYPIC COMBINATIONS AMONG MICROSATELLITE LOCI IN TWO INDIAN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF Drosophila ananassae
Praveen Kumar BIND and Arvind Kumar SINGH*
Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India
Abstract
Bind P. Kumar and A. Kumar Singh (2026): Random distribution of genotypic combinations among microsatellite loci in two Indian natural populations of Drosophila ananassae. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 179-191.
Among the genus Drosophila, D. ananassae is a genetically distinctive species, mainly due to the occurrence of spontaneous crossing over in its males, which does not occur in most other species of the genus. This species has been adequately studied for its chromosomal, allozyme, and nucleotide polymorphisms to envisage genetic differentiation in its natural and laboratory populations. Its ample use in population genetic investigations has helped to decipher various micro-evolutionary phenomena. The present study deals with the genotypic associations among seven microsatellite gene loci in natural populations of D. ananassae. Each microsatellite locus, having two allelic forms, varies due to differences in their di-nucleotide repeats and follows a co-dominant inheritance pattern. Thus, the comparison between two such independent loci yield nine genotypic combinations. The results of the study showed a random occurrence of all possible genotypic associations in twenty-one gene loci comparisons. This equilibrium in different gene combinations may be attributed to the neutral role of microsatellite gene loci, providing equal survival chances to individuals carrying them. Besides the absence of selection, the independent assortment of different gene combinations might have promoted the occurrence of linkage equilibrium in D. ananassae. Further, the positions of microsatellite gene loci on different chromosomes in D. ananassae and their status with respect to linkage disequilibrium have been discussed in this paper.
Key words: chromosomal polymorphisms, genetic markers, linkage disequilibrium, microsatellite loci, nucleotide variations
Corresponding author: Arvind Kumar Singh, Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India; email: ak.singh2@bhu.ac.in,
Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol.
58, No2(2026), pp 193-209
© 2026 Serbian
Genetics Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.633.11
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602193A
Original
scientific article
GAS EXCHANGE PARAMETERS OF FLAG AND PENULTIMATE LEAVES OF BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) GENOTYPES UNDER NATURAL DROUGHT STRESS AND NON-STRESSED CONDITIONS
Tofig ALLAHVERDIYEV
Department of Plant Physiology, Research Institute of Crop Husbandry Ministry of Agriculture, Baku, Azerbaijan
Laboratory of Bioadaptation, Institute of Molecular Biology PLE Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan
Abstract
Allahverdıyev T. (2026): Gas exchange parameters of flag and penultımate leaves of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under natural drought stress and non-stressed condıtıons. - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 193-209.
Two years experiment was conducted to study the effect of drought stress on gas exchange parameters of bread wheat genotypes. Gas exchange parameters measured by using Li-6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System. The rate of photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentrations (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr) were studied in penultimate and flag leaves from booting to grains milky ripe stage of bread wheat genotypes. Gas exchange parameters in penultimate leaf are maintained high during the booting and heading stages, while gas exchange parameters in flag leaf are high during the heading and anthesis stages. If compare the share of flag leaf and penultimate leaf in photosynthesis, it is about 62% and 38% at heading and anthesis stages, respectively. The share of flag leaf in photosynthesis increases under drought stress conditions. An average reduction of Pn, gs and Tr in penultimate and flag leaves due to water stress were 28% and 19.5%, 31% and 20%, 22% and 14% in 2021-2022, 37% and 32%, 49% and 33%, 38% and 20% in 2022-2023 growing seasons, respectively. Mesophyll conductance (gm) decreases, water use efficiency (WUE) first increases and then decreases under drought stress conditions. Correlations between Pn and gm is stronger (r=0.991** and r=0.982**) than correlations between Pn and gs (r=0.604** and r=0.464**), indicating predominance role of mesophyll conductance in regulating photosynthesis rate.
Key words: drought stressm, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, wheat
Corresponding author Tofig Allahverdıyev, Department of Plant Physiology, Research Institute of Crop Husbandry Ministry of Agriculture, Baku, Azerbaijan, Laboratory of Bioadaptation, Institute of Molecular Biology PLE Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan, Phone No.+994504631989, E-mail: tofiqa896@gmail.com
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Published in „GENETIKA“ Vol.
58, No.2 (2026), pp.211-222
© 2026 Serbian Genetics
Society
S. Bajića 1, 11185 Belgrade-Zemun
Serbia
UDC 575.
https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR2602211K
Original
scientific article
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH AND EPILEPSY: IS THERE A ROLE OF GENETICS?
Milica KECKAREVIĆ MARKOVIĆ1*, Milica MIHAJLOVIĆ SREJIĆ1,
Vanja TANASIĆ1, Tijana PETROVIĆ2, and Dušan KECKAREVIĆ1
1 Centre for Forensic and Applied Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2 Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract
Keckarević Marković M., M. Mihajlović Srejić, V. Tanasić, T. Petrović, D. Keckarević (2026): Sudden cardiac death and epilepsy: Is there a role of genetics? - Genetika, Vol 58, No. 2, 211-222.
The main cause of premature death in people with epilepsy (pwE) is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), that could be misconcepted as sudden cardiac death (SCD). Several factors contribute to an increased likelihood of SUDEP, with the most significant risks associated with the seizure type, epilepsy severity, cumulative number of seizures, gender, associated symptoms, and therapy. The direct role of genetic risk factors for SUDEP is linked to the mechanisms of death, such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory dysfunction, and autonomic dysregulation. The highest genetic risk is associated with pathogenic variants in genes linked to arrhythmias, such as long QT and Brugada syndrome, as well as epilepsy, like Dravet syndrome. Some variants identified by employing arrhythmogenic and epilepsy gene panels, although predicted to be deleterious or absent in the general population, did not meet the criteria for the pathogenicity and were therefore classified as VUS. Additionally, some identified variants were classified as benign or likely benign. However, SUDEP risk could also result from a polygenic effect. Considering that SUDEP is the most frequent cause of premature death in pwE, genetic testing should become an essential part of epilepsy care, particularly for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy or unexplained cardiac symptoms.
Key words: epilepsy, genetics, ion channel, SCD, SUDEP
Corresponding author: Milica Keckarevic Markovic, Centre for forensic and applied molecular genetics, Faculty of biology, University of Belgrade, Studenski trg 16, 11185 Belgrade, Serbia, email: milica@bio.bg.ac.rs