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L Hammarström

Publications and source records attributed to L Hammarström.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression of single-chain antibody against RgpA protease of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Lactobacillus.

AIMS: The monoclonal antibody 61BG1.3, recognizing the RgpA protease, has been reported to confer protection against recolonization by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis in humans. The aim of this study was to express a functional scFv derived from the monoclonal antibody 61BG1.3 on the surface of Lactobacillus paracasei for potential use in the prevention or treatment of periodontal diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: The scFv was fused to an E-tag and cloned in the Escherischia coli/Lactobacillus shuttle vector pLP501, which mediates surface expression of the scFv. FACS analysis using an anti-E-tag antibody revealed that the scFv was expressed on the surface of the transformed lactobacilli and binding of the scFv to RgpA was shown by ELISA. Lact. paracasei expressing the scFv against RgpA was able to agglutinate P. gingivalis whereas the Lact. paracasei expressing an irrelevant scFv fragment did not. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated efficient binding of the lactobacilli expressing the scFv anti-RgpA to P. gingivalis. CONCLUSIONS: We have expressed a functional scFv antibody directed against the RgpA protease of P. gingivalis in Lactobacillus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest a potential of Lactobacillus expressing scFvs against P. gingivalis to be used to combat periodontal disease.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗

Intravenous polyclonal IgM-enriched immunoglobulin therapy in sepsis: a review of clinical efficacy in relation to microbiological aetiology and severity of sepsis.

The efficacy of intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulin (IVIG) as adjunct therapy in sepsis has long been debated. Clinical trials have yielded contradicting results, in part due to the varying study design and varying microbiological aetiologies. In most trials, the study drug has been IVIG containing polyclonal IgG. However, in recent reports, the efficacy of IgM-enriched IVIG as adjunct therapy in sepsis has been highlighted. Here we review studies on IgM-enriched IVIG therapy in sepsis and we discuss the clinical efficacy in relation to microbiological aetiology and severity of sepsis. The results suggest that patients most likely to benefit from IgM-enriched IVIG therapy are those with Gram-negative septic shock.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Breast and other cancers in 1445 blood relatives of 75 Nordic patients with ataxia telangiectasia.

Epidemiological studies have consistently shown elevated rates of breast cancer among female blood relatives of patients with ataxia telangiectasia (AT), a rare autosomal recessive disease. A large proportion of the members of AT families are carriers of AT-causing gene mutations in ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated), and it has been hypothesised that these otherwise healthy carriers are predisposed to breast cancer. This is an extended and enlarged follow-up study of cancer incidence in blood relatives of 75 patients with verified AT in 66 Nordic families. Blood relatives were identified through population registry linkages, and the occurrence of cancer was determined from cancer registry files in each country and compared with national incidence rates. The ATM mutation carrier probabilities of relatives were assigned from the combined information on location in family, consanguinity, if any, and supplementary carrier screening in some families. Among the 1445 blood relatives of AT patients, 225 cancers were observed, with 170.4 expected, yielding a standardised incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-1.4). Invasive breast cancer occurred in 34 female relatives (SIR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) and was diagnosed in 21 women before the age of 55 years (SIR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8-4.5), including seven mothers of probands (SIR, 8.1; 95% CI, 3.3-17). When the group of mothers was excluded, no clear relationship was observed between the allocated mutation carrier probability of each family member and the extent of breast cancer risk. We concluded that the increased risk for female breast cancer seen in 66 Nordic AT families appeared to be restricted to women under the age of 55 years and was due mainly to a very high risk in the group of mothers. The findings of breast cancer risk in mothers, but not other likely mutation carriers, in this and other studies raises questions about the hypothesis of a simple causal relationship with ATM heterozygosity.

Adult↗

Mutations in TNFRSF13B encoding TACI are associated with common variable immunodeficiency in humans.

The functional interaction of BAFF and APRIL with TNF receptor superfamily members BAFFR, TACI and BCMA is crucial for development and maintenance of humoral immunity in mice and humans. Using a candidate gene approach, we identified homozygous and heterozygous mutations in TNFRSF13B, encoding TACI, in 13 individuals with common variable immunodeficiency. Homozygosity with respect to mutations causing the amino acid substitutions S144X and C104R abrogated APRIL binding and resulted in loss of TACI function, as evidenced by impaired proliferative response to IgM-APRIL costimulation and defective class switch recombination induced by IL-10 and APRIL or BAFF. Family members heterozygous with respect to the C104R mutation and individuals with sporadic common variable immunodeficiency who were heterozygous with respect to the amino acid substitutions A181E, S194X and R202H had humoral immunodeficiency. Although signs of autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation are evident, the human phenotype differs from that of the Tnfrsf13b-/- mouse model.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Oral lactobacilli in chronic periodontitis and periodontal health: species composition and antimicrobial activity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lactobacilli are known to play an important role in the maintenance of health by stimulating natural immunity and contributing to the balance of microflora. However, their role in chronic periodontitis is unclear. We aimed to identify oral lactobacilli in chronic periodontitis and periodontally healthy subjects, and to determine their antimicrobial activity against putative oral pathogens. METHODS: A total of 238 Lactobacillus isolates from the saliva and subgingival sites of 20 chronic periodontitis and 15 healthy subjects were collected. In all, 115 strains were identified using rapid amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia was assessed. RESULTS: Lactobacilli belonging to 10 species were identified. The most prevalent strains in healthy persons were Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus fermentum and in chronic periodontitis patients, Lactobacillus plantarum. Obligately homofermentatives, particularly L. gasseri, were less prevalent in chronic periodontitis patients compared with healthy subjects (8% vs. 64% for L. gasseri, P < 0.01). Sixty-nine percent of tested lactobacilli inhibited S. mutans, 88% A. actinomycetemcomitans, 82% P. gingivalis and 65% P. intermedia. The strongest antimicrobial activity was associated with Lactobacillus paracasei, L. plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus salivarius. The strains from periodontally healthy patients showed a lower antimicrobial activity against S. mutans than the strains from chronic periodontitis patients. CONCLUSION: The composition of oral lactoflora in chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects differs, with a higher prevalence of homofermentative lactobacilli, particularly L. gasseri, in the latter group. Both homo- and heterofermentative oral lactobacilli suppress the growth of periodontal pathogens, but the antimicrobial properties are strain, species and origin specific.

Adult↗

The aggregation-promoting factor of Lactobacillus crispatus M247 and its genetic locus.

AIMS: Characterization of the aggregation-promoting factor (APF) of the human intestinal isolate Lactobacillus crispatus M247 and its homologous nonaggregating mutant Mu5. METHODS AND RESULTS: Western blot analysis revealed that the supernatant of both M247 and Mu5 contains a 28-kDa protein which cross reacts with the antiserum produced against the APF of Lact. gasseri 4B2. The apf genes of M247 and Mu5 strains were identical and were shown to be 672 nucleotides in length and encoding a protein of 223 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 24.0 kDa. CONCLUSION: Our results shows that the lost of aggregation in Mu5 is not related to a defect in secretion of the APF protein or a mutation in the apf gene. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest that the mutation in Mu5 may be contained in another molecule involved in aggregation such as a possible receptor for APF.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Photo-induced oxidation of a dinuclear Mn(2)(II,II) complex to the Mn(2)(III,IV) state by inter- and intramolecular electron transfer to Ru(III)tris-bipyridine.

To model the structural and functional parts of the water oxidizing complex in Photosystem II, a dimeric manganese(II,II) complex (1) was linked to a ruthenium(II)tris-bipyridine (Ru(II)(bpy)(3)) complex via a substituted L-tyrosine, to form the trinuclear complex 2 [J. Inorg. Biochem. 78 (2000) 15]. Flash photolysis of 1 and Ru(II)(bpy)(3) in aqueous solution, in the presence of an electron acceptor, resulted in the stepwise extraction of three electrons by Ru(III)(bpy)(3) from the Mn(2)(II,II) dimer, which then attained the Mn(2)(III,IV) oxidation state. In a similar experiment with compound 2, the dinuclear Mn complex reduced the photo-oxidized Ru moiety via intramolecular electron transfer on each photochemical event. From EPR it was seen that 2 also reached the Mn(2)(III,IV) state. Our data indicate that oxidation from the Mn(2)(II,II) state proceeds stepwise via intermediate formation of Mn(2)(II,III) and Mn(2)(III,III). In the presence of water, cyclic voltammetry showed an additional anodic peak beyond Mn(2)(II,III/III,III) oxidation which was significantly lower than in neat acetonitrile. Assuming that this peak is due to oxidation to Mn(2)(III,IV), this suggests that water is essential for the formation of the Mn(2)(III,IV) oxidation state. Compound 2 is a structural mimic of the water oxidizing complex, in that it links a Mn complex via a tyrosine to a highly oxidizing photosensitizer. Complex 2 also mimics mechanistic aspects of Photosystem II, in that the electron transfer to the photosensitizer is fast and results in several electron extractions from the Mn moiety.

2,2'-Dipyridyl↗

Expression of amelin and trauma-induced dentin formation.

According to recent studies, amelin (ameloblastin, sheathlin) is expressed in young odontoblasts at the initiation of dentin formation during odontogenesis. The purpose of the present investigation was to study whether amelin is also expressed at the onset of trauma-induced reparative dentin formation. The mandibular developing first molars of 5-day-old rats were surgically taken out, and their pulp tissue briefly separated from the inner dentin surface and immediately repositioned. Then the teeth were re-implanted in their alveoli. At 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 14 days after surgery, the animals were sacrificed and the experimental teeth evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry for amelin. At 2, 4, 6 and 8 days after surgery, the detached and traumatized odontoblasts in the experimental teeth exhibited increasing signs of degeneration and loss of intracellular structures. At days 6 and 8 after surgery, immunohistochemistry revealed a strong staining for amelin in the traumatized odontoblastic layer. Twelve and 14 days after replantation, only necrotic cell remnants of the traumatized odontoblasts were discernible. At this stage, no amelin could be detected by immunostaining. A wide zone of an unorganized mineralized tissue surrounded the odontoblastic cell remnants. On the pulpal side of the unorganized tissue, a new, highly organized tubular reparative dentin layer was observed, bordered by columnar odontoblast-like cells abutting on newly formed predentin. The results indicate that the initiation of trauma-induced reparative dentin formation mimics that of primary dentin formation and that amelin seems to be involved in both processes, possibly as a signaling molecule.

Animals↗

The induction of reparative dentine by enamel proteins.

AIM: This study was designed to examine whether enamel matrix derivative (EMD) could induce reparative dentine formation without eliciting adverse side-effects in pulpotomized teeth in the miniature swine. METHODOLOGY: Pulpotomy was performed in 36 mandibular incisor teeth from 11 adult miniature swine. Following the surgical procedure, the exposed pulp tissue was treated with EMD or covered with a calcium hydroxide preparation (Dycal). Following an observation period of 3, 4 and 8 weeks, the experimental teeth were extracted and examined using light microscopy and histometric analysis. The total amount of reparative dentine formed in the EMD-treated teeth was calculated as total area using digital histomorphometry analysis of the five central-most sections from each experimental tooth. RESULTS: In the EMD-treated teeth, substantial amounts of dentine-like tissue formation consistently led to a complete hard-tissue bridging of the defects. The onset of hard tissue formation could be observed after 2 weeks and was located only on the pulpal wound. More limited dentine formation was also observed in Dycal-treated teeth. However, in these teeth the new hard tissue formed at the expense of pulp chamber width, causing narrowing of root canals. The total amount of reparative dentine formed in the EMD-treated teeth was significantly higher (P<0.005) than in the Dycal-treated specimens. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the potential of EMD as a biologically active pulp-dressing agent that specifically induces pulpal wound healing and dentine formation in the pulpotomized teeth without affecting the normal function of the remaining pulp.

Animals↗

Bovine anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies for oral immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Passive immunization with orally administered antibodies against specific pathogens has previously been successfully used therapeutically in both animal and human studies. We employed a similar strategy for experimental treatment of mice infected with the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. METHODS: An anti-H. pylori bovine colostral hyperimmune immunoglobulin preparation (BIC) was generated and its efficacy was tested in different in vitro experiments, such as binding to the Lewis(b) blood group antigen, inhibition of adherence of H. pylori to human gastric mucosa tissue sections in situ and in a haemagglutination assay. The BIC preparation was also given in the drinking water to H. pylori-infected mice. RESULTS: An inhibition of 95% of the binding of H. pylori to Lewis(b) glycoconjugate was observed in vitro. Furthermore, a blocking activity of almost 90% was observed when the BIC was preincubated with H. pylori bacteria. Finally, the BIC preparation inhibited the haemagglutination of H. pylori and human red blood cells. Seven of 40 (17.5%) mice remained infected in the treatment group as compared with 25 of 45 (55.5%) in the control group. Hence, the cure rate was 66%, P = < 0.001. The mean number of colonies in the antibody-treated mice where eradication was not successful was also reduced (P < 0.05). In trials using FVB/N transgenic Lewis(b) expressing mice, a cure rate of 50%-66% was observed. CONCLUSION: Bovine colostral antibodies against H. pylori can be generated in high titres, inhibit binding in vitro and can eradicate or reduce the number of bacteria in infected mice.

Animals↗

A biomimetic approach to artificial photosynthesis: Ru(II)-polypyridine photo-sensitisers linked to tyrosine and manganese electron donors.

The paper describes recent advances towards the construction of functional mimics of the oxygen evolving complex in photosystem II (PSII) that are coupled to photoinduced charge separation. Some key principles of PSII and artificial systems for light-induced charge accumulation are discussed. Systems are described where biomimetic electron donors--manganese complexes and tyrosine--have been linked to a Ru(II)-polypyridine photosensitiser. Oxidation of the donors by intramolecular electron transfer from the photo-oxidised Ru(III) complex has been studied using optical flash photolysis and EPR experiments. A step-wise electron transfer Mn(III,III)-->tyrosine Ru(III) has been demonstrated, in analogy to the reaction on the donor side of PSII. Electron transfer from the tyrosine to Ru(III) was coupled to tyrosine deprotonation. This resulted in a large reorganisation energy and thus a slow reaction rate, unless the tyrosine was hydrogen bonded or already deprotonated. A comparison with analogous reactions in PSII is made. Finally, light-induced oxidation of a manganese dimer linked to a Ru(II)-photosensitiser has been observed. Preliminary results suggest the possibility of photo-oxidising manganese dimers in several steps, which is an important advancement towards water oxidation.

Dimerization↗

The antioxidant profile of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furan-5-ol and its 1-thio, 1-seleno, and 1-telluro analogues.

A novel synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene-5-ol based on intramolecular homolytic substitution on sulfur was reported. The "antioxidant profile" of the series of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furan-5-ol (2a) its 1-thio (2b), 1-seleno (2c) and 1-telluro (2d) analogues was determined by studies of redox properties, the capacity to inhibit stimulated lipid peroxidation, the reactivity toward tert-butoxyl radicals, the ability to catalyze decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of glutathione, and the inhibiting effect on stimulated peroxidation in liver microsomes. The one-electron reduction potentials of the aroxyl radicals corresponding to compounds 2a-2d, E degrees (ArO(*)/ArO(-)) were 0.49, 0.49, 0.49, and 0.52 V vs NHE, respectively, as determined by pulse radiolysis. With increasing chalcogen substitution the compounds become slightly more acidic (pK(a) = 10.6, 10.0, 9.9, and 9.5, respectively, for compounds 2a-2d). By using Hess' law, the homolytic O-H bond dissociation enthalpies of compounds 2a-2d (340, 337, 336, and 337 kJ mol(-)(1), respectively) were calculated. The reduction potentials for the proton coupled oxidation of compounds 2a-2d (ArOH --> ArO(*) + H(+)) as determined by cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile were 1.35 (irreversible), 1.35 (quasireversible) 1.13 (reversible), and 0.74 (reversible) V vs NHE, respectively. As judged by the inhibited rates of peroxidation, R(inh), in a water/chlorobenzene two-phase lipid peroxidation system containing N-acetylcysteine as a thiol-reducing agent in the aqueous phase, the antioxidant capacity increases (2d > 2c = 2b > 2a) as one traverses the group of chalcogens. Whereas the times of inhibition, T(inh), were slightly reduced for the oxygen (2a) and sulfur (2b) derivatives in the absence of the thiol-reducing agent, they were drastically reduced for the selenium (2c) and tellurium (2d) derivatives. This seems to indicate that the organochalcogen compounds are continuously regenerated at the lipid aqueous interphase and that regeneration is much more efficient for the selenium and tellurium compounds. The absolute rate constants for the oxidation of compounds 2a-2b by the tert-butoxyl radical in acetonitrile/di-tert-butyl peroxide (10/1) were the same-2 x 10(8) M(-)(1) s(-)(1). Whereas the oxygen, sulfur, and selenium derivatives 2a-2c were essentially void of any glutathione peroxidase-like activity, the organotellurium compound 2d accelerated the initial reduction of hydrogen peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and cumene hydroperoxide in the presence of glutathione 100, 333, and 213 times, respectively, as compared to the spontaneous reaction. Compounds 2a-2d were assessed for their capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes stimulated by Fe(II)/ADP/ascorbate. Whereas the oxygen, sulfur, and selenium compounds showed weak inhibiting activity (IC(50) values of approximately 250, 25, and 13 microM, respectively), the organotellurium compound 2d was a potent inhibitor with an IC(50) value of 0.13 microM.

Animals↗

Cancer in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and in their relatives in the nordic countries.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies of the families of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a recessive genetic neurologic disorder caused by mutation of the ATM gene, suggest that heterozygous carriers of an ATM mutation are at increased risk of cancer. A population-based study of cancer incidence in A-T families with unbiased selection and tracing of relatives would confirm this hypothesis. METHODS: We conducted a study in the Nordic countries of 1218 blood relatives of 56 A-T patients from 50 families. The relatives were identified from population registries, and the occurrence of cancer was determined from cancer registry files in each country and compared with national incidence rates. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients with A-T, we observed six cases of cancer (four leukemias and two non-Hodgkin's lymphomas) compared with 0.16 expected, yielding a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 37 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13 to 80). Among the 1218 relatives, 150 cancers were recorded, with 126 expected (SIR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.40). Invasive breast cancer occurred in 21 female relatives of A-T patients (SIR = 1.54; 95% CI = 0.95 to 2.36), including five of the 50 mothers (all of whom are obligate ATM mutation carriers) (SIR = 7.1; 95% CI = 2.3 to 17). Relatives who were less likely to be carriers of a mutant ATM allele had no increase or only a modest, statistically nonsignificant increase in the risk of breast cancer. There was no evidence of increased risk for cancer at any other site. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the previously recognized high risk of lymphoma and leukemia in A-T patients. Our data are also consistent with an increased risk of breast cancer among blood relatives of A-T patients. The epidemiologic findings suggest, however, that, even if ATM mutations are responsible for some breast cancer cases, ATM is a relatively weak genetic risk factor for the disease.

Adult↗

Both normal and leukemic B lymphocytes express multiple isoforms of the human Aiolos gene.

Aiolos is a chromatin remodeling transcription regulator that plays an antiproliferative role in B lymphocyte function. In contrast to the related Ikaros factors, mammalian Aiolos has not been reported to generate splice variants. In addition, although human leukemic lymphoblasts express non-DNA-binding Ikaros isoforms with potential dominant negative effect on other interacting factors,the role of Aiolos in human lymphoid disorders has remained obscure. To address the question, why Aiolos should delineate from Ikaros in such a marked way, we have here analyzed whether also human Aiolos could generate alternate isoforms. According to the results obtained, both normal and neoplastic B lineage cells were found to express at least five novel Aiolos variants. Also structurally dominant negative variants with less than three DNA-binding domains were identified. In conclusion, given the multiplicity of also human Aiolos isoforms and thereby the evidently more intricate contribution of Aiolos to the chromatin remodeling machinery, it is suggested, that not only Ikaros, but also Aiolos could participate in a more versatile manner in the regulation of B lymphocyte function.

Alternative Splicing↗

Regulation of switching and production of IgA in human B cells in donors with duplicated alpha1 genes.

IgA is the predominant immunoglobulin class synthesized in humans and can be subdivided into two subclasses, IgA1 and IgA2, each encoded by a separate gene and differentially expressed depending on age and anatomical localization of the producing cells. Duplication of the alpha1 gene is frequently observed in selected populations. As this duplication may serve to enhance IgA-mediated immunity, we determined its effect on switching and production of IgA in human B cells. We developed a nested PCR strategy, involving sequencing the switch (S) alpha2 region, the only human S region not sequenced to date, to assess the proportion of cells switching to IgA1 and IgA2 in vivo. Our results show that there is no difference in the serum and salivary levels of IgA1 and IgA or rate of switching to IgA1 and IgA between normal donors and individuals carrying alpha1 gene duplications, suggesting involvement of a regulatory step in the production of IgA.

Animals↗

Primary immunodeficiency mutation databases.

Primary immunodeficiencies are intrinsic defects of immune systems. Mutations in a large number of cellular functions can lead to impaired immune responses. More than 80 primary immunodeficiencies are known to date. During the last years genes for several of these disorders have been identified. Here, mutation information for 23 genes affected in 14 immunodefects is presented. The proteins produced are employed in widely diverse functions, such as signal transduction, cell surface receptors, nucleotide metabolism, gene diversification, transcription factors, and phagocytosis. Altogether, the genetic defect of 2,140 families has been determined. Diseases with X-chromosomal origin constitute about 70% of all the cases, presumably due to full penetrance and because the single affected allele causes the phenotype. All types of mutations have been identified; missense mutations are the most common mutation type, and truncation is the most common effect on the protein level. Mutational hotspots in many disorders appear in CPG dinucleotides. The mutation data for the majority of diseases are distributed on the Internet with a special database management system, MUTbase. Despite large numbers of mutations, it has not been possible to make genotype-phenotype correlations for many of the diseases.

Alleles↗

Short tandem repeat (STR) haplotypes in HLA: an integrated 50-kb STR/linkage disequilibrium/gene map between the RING3 and HLA-B genes and identification of STR haplotype diversification in the class III region.

We present a dense STR/linkage disequilibrium(LD)/gene map between the RING3 and HLA-B loci, reference allelic sizes on the most prevalent HLA haplotypes and their allelic frequencies in pedigree founders. This resource will facilitate LD, evolution and gene mapping studies, including comparisons of HLA and STR haplotypes and identification of HLA recombinants. The map was constructed by testing novel and previously reported STRs using a panel of 885 individuals in 211 families and 60 DNA samples from cell lines and bone marrow donors homozygous in the HLA-A, -B and -DR loci selected from over 15 000 entries into the registry of Swedish bone marrow donors. We have also analysed the variability of STR alleles/haplotypes on the most prevalent HLA haplotypes to identify STRs useful for fine mapping of disease genes in the region previously implicated in susceptibility to many disorders. The analysis of 40 HLA-A*01, B*0801, DRB1*03011, DQB1*0201 haplotypes in homozygous donors showed a surprising stability in 23 STRs between the class II recombination hot spot and HLA-B, with the average of 1.9% (16/838) variant alleles. However, 40% variant alleles were found at the D6S2670 locus in intron 19 of the tenascin-X gene both in the families and homozygous donors. The nucleotide sequence analysis of this STR showed a complex polymorphism consisting of tetra- (CTTT)(8-18) and penta-nucleotide (CTTTT)(1-2) repeats, separated by an intervening non-polymorphic sequence of 42 bp. The HLA-A1, B*0801, DRB1*03011, DQB1*0201 haplotypes had five (CTTT)(14-18)/(CTTTT)(2) variants with a predominant (CTTT)(16) allele, implicating the tetranucleotide component as the source of this ancestral haplotype diversification, which may be due to the location of D6S2670 in the region of the highest GC content in the human MHC.

Centromere↗