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"Tandem" duplication of 4p16.1p16.3 chromosome region associated with 4p16.3pter molecular deletion resulting in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome phenotype.

Chromosome imbalance affecting the short arm of chromosome 4 results in a variety of distinct clinical conditions. Most of them share a number of manifestations, such as mental retardation, microcephaly, pre- and post-natal growth retardation, anteverted and low-set ears, that can be considered as nonspecific signs, generally attributable to gene dosage impairment. On the other hand, more distinctive phenotypic traits correlate with the segmental aneuploidy. Duplications of the distal half of 4p give rise to the partial trisomy 4 syndrome, characterized by a "boxer" nose configuration and deep-set eyes. These signs are usually observed even in cases of small terminal duplications. Haploinsufficiency of 4p16.3 results in the so-called Wolf-Hirschhorn (WH) syndrome, a contiguous gene syndrome characterized by maxillary hypoplasia, large and protruding eyes, high nasal bridge, skeletal abnormalities, and midline defects. The smallest overlapping deletion described so far as a cause of this condition is only 165 kb long, suggesting that one or a few genes in this region act as "master" regulators of different developmental pathways. A "tandem" duplication of 4p16.1p16.3 was detected in association with a subtle deletion of 4p16.3pter on the same chromosome in a patient with the WH phenotype. The 3.2 Mb deletion, spanning the genomic region from the vicinity of D4S43 to the telomere, encompasses the recently delimited "WHS critical region" [Wright et al., 1997: Hum. Mol. Genet. 6:317-324]. This unusual chromosome rearrangement resulted in WH phenotype, clinical manifestations of partial 4p trisomy being mild or absent. This observation led us to speculate that the regulatory gene/genes in the critical WH region affect the expression of other genes in a dose-dependent manner. Haploinsufficiency of this region could be more deleterious than various partial trisomies.

Child, Preschool↗

The adult form of Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a fatal neurovisceral lipid storage disease of autosomal inheritance resulting from mutations in either the NPC1 (95% of families) or NPC2 gene. The encoded proteins appear to be involved in lysosomal/late endosomal transport of cholesterol, glycolipids and other molecules but their exact function is still unknown. The clinical spectrum of the disease ranges from a neonatal rapidly fatal disorder to an adult-onset chronic neurodegenerative disease. Based upon a comprehensive study of 13 unrelated adult patients diagnosed in France over the past 20 years as well as the analysis of the 55 other cases published since 1969, we have attempted to delineate the major clinical, radiological, biochemical and genotypic characteristics of adult NPC. Overall, mean age at onset (+/-SD) of neuropsychiatric symptoms was 25 +/- 9.7 years. The diagnosis of NPC was established after a mean delay of 6.2 +/- 6.4 years and the mean age at death (calculated from 20 cases) was 38 +/- 10.2 years. Major clinical features included cerebellar ataxia (76%), vertical supranuclear ophthalmoplegia (VSO, 75%), dysarthria, (63%), cognitive troubles (61%), movement disorders (58%), splenomegaly (54%), psychiatric disorders (45%) and dysphagia (37%). Less frequent signs were epilepsy and cataplexy. During the course of the disease, clinical features could be subdivided into (i) visceral signs (hepatomegaly or splenomegaly), (ii) cortical signs (psychiatric cognitive disorders and epilepsy); and (iii) deep brain signs (VSO, ataxia, movement disorders, dysarthria, dysphagia, cataplexy) which exhibited different evolution patterns. Asymptomatic and non-evolutive visceral signs were often noticed since early childhood (38.5% of our patients), followed by mild cortical signs in childhood (learning difficulties) and early adulthood (62% of cases among which 38% were psychiatric disorders). Deep brain signs were observed in 96% of patients and were usually responsible for death. In general, there was a good correlation between clinical signs and the localization of brain atrophy on MRI. The 'variant' biochemical phenotype characterized by mild abnormalities of the cellular trafficking of endocytosed cholesterol was over-represented in the adult form of NPC and seemed associated with less frequent splenomegaly in childhood and lesser psychiatric signs. Involvement of the NPC1 gene was shown in 33 families and of the NPC2 gene in one. Improving the knowledge of the disease among psychiatrists and neurologists appears essential since emerging treatments should be more efficient at the visceral or cognitive/psychiatric stages of the disease, before the occurrence of widespread deep brain neurological lesions.

Adolescent↗

Convergent latitudinal erosion of circadian systems in a rapidly diversifying order of fishes.

Biological clocks allow organisms to anticipate cyclical environmental changes, yet in high-latitude or deep-sea habitats, the diel cues that entrain these rhythms are often seasonally diminished or absent. Fishes of the order Perciformes have rapidly diversified across these arrhythmic ecosystems, raising the question of whether changes to circadian rhythms and biological clock genetic architecture are a component of their evolutionary success. Here, we used a comparative genomic approach to investigate patterns of core biological clock gene loss across 96 perciform and five outgroup species. We found widespread and lineage-specific loss in core clock genes, particularly in the convergently evolving polar and deep-sea suborders Notothenioidei and Cottoidei. This trend of clock gene loss was significantly amplified with higher-latitude species. To determine if these genomic signatures reflect a functional loss of rhythmicity, we performed metabolic phenotyping on three notothenioid species. We found a consistent lack of circadian metabolic oscillations during the late austral fall across all notothenioids, including the sub-Antarctic sister lineage to the cryonotothenioid adaptive radiation, Eleginops maclovinus. Experimental data across Perciformes, combined with suborder-wide patterns of gene loss, suggest that a release from circadian constraints occurred early in their diversification, potentially facilitating the repeated expansion of these fishes into polar and deep-sea habitats.

Animals↗

Different distribution of daunomycin in plasma membranes from drug-sensitive and drug-resistant P388 leukemia cells.

When the anthracycline daunomycin (DNM) is incorporated into isolated plasma membranes from P388 murine leukemia cells, the drug partitions between 'deep' and 'surface' membrane domains. Such domains have been characterized on the basis of: (1) fluorescence resonance energy transfer between 1,6-diphenylhexa-1,3,5-triene or 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenylhexa-1,3,5-triene as energy donors, which are well known in their positioning within the membrane, and daunomycin as the energy acceptor, and (2) quenching of the fluorescence of the membrane-associated drug by the water-soluble quencher iodide. The distribution of DNM between the two plasma membrane domains is different depending on the cellular phenotype. Thus, in membranes from drug-sensitive cells, DNM is preferentially confined to 'surface' domains, while in membranes from drug-resistant cells, the drug distributes more homogeneously between 'surface' and 'deep' domains. Experiments using artificial lipid vesicles suggest that differences in the relative levels of certain lipids in the plasma membranes from drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells, namely phosphatidylserine and cholesterol, are partly responsible for the observed differences in the distribution of DNM. Since drug-membrane interactions are important in anthracycline cytotoxicity, it is possible that our observations on a different membrane distribution of daunomycin, may be related to the different sensitivity to the drug exhibited by these cells.

Animals↗

Fastidiosipila sanguinis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new Gram-positive, coccus-shaped organism from human blood.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on two strains of an unidentified Gram-positive, fastidious, non-spore-forming, coccus-shaped bacterium recovered from human blood. The organism was catalase-negative and grew under strictly anaerobic conditions and in the presence of 2 and 6 % O(2). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the unidentified bacterium was, phylogenetically, far removed from peptostreptococci and related Gram-positive coccus-shaped organisms, but exhibited a phylogenetic association with Clostridium rRNA cluster III [as defined by Collins et al., Int J Syst Bacteriol 44 (1994), 812-826]. Sequence divergence values of 15 % or more were observed between the unidentified bacterium and all other recognized species within this and related rRNA clostridial clusters. Treeing analysis showed that the unknown bacterium formed a deep line branching at the periphery of rRNA cluster III and represents a hitherto unknown genus within this supra-generic grouping. On the basis of both phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from blood be classified in a new genus, Fastidiosipila gen. nov., as Fastidiosipila sanguinis sp. nov. The type strain of Fastidiosipila sanguinis is CCUG 47711(T) (=CIP 108292(T)).

Aged↗

Clinical and molecular characterization of the first adult congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) type Ic patient.

Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) type Ic, the second largest subtype of CDG, is caused by mutations in human ALG6 (hALG6). This gene encodes the alpha1,3-glucosyltransferase that catalyzes transfer of the first glucose residue to the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor for N-linked glycosylation. In this report, we describe the first adult patient diagnosed with CDG-Ic, carrying two previously unknown mutations. The first is a three base deletion (897-899delAAT) leading to the loss of I299, the second is an intronic mutation (IVS7 + 2T > G) that causes aberrant splicing. Wildtype hALG6, delivered by a lentiviral vector into patient's fibroblasts, clearly improves the biochemical phenotype, which confirms that the mutations are disease-causing. Striking clinical findings include limb deficiencies in the fingers, resembling brachydactyly type B, a deep vein thrombosis, pseudotumor cerebri, and endocrine disturbances with pronounced hyperandrogenism and virilization. However, even in adulthood, this patient shows normal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Adult↗

Distribution and identification of red yeasts in deep-sea environments around the northwest Pacific Ocean.

We isolated 99 yeast strains, including 40 red yeasts, from benthic animals and sediments collected from the deep-sea floor in various areas in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Comparing the yeast isolates from animals and sediments collected from shallow locations, the proportion of red yeasts differed considerably, comprising 81.5% and 10.6% of the isolates from animals and sediments, respectively. All of the red yeast isolates belonged to the genera Rhodotorula and Sporobolomyces. On the basis of morphological and physiological characteristics, the isolates were identified as R. aurantiaca, R. glutinis, R. minuta and R. mucilaginosa of the genus Rhodotorula, and S. salmonicolor and S. shibatanus of the genus Sporobolomyces. Only R. glutinis and R. mucilaginosa were isolated from sediments. All of the others were isolated from animal sources. Phylogenetic analyses based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and 5.8S rRNA gene sequences allowed us to establish the precise taxonomic placement of each of the isolates and thereby investigate the intraspecific relationships among the isolates. Twenty-two strains identified as members of R. glutinis, which showed a wide distribution in the deep-sea, and five isolates identified as R. minuta, which were isolated only from benthic animals, showed substantial heterogeneity within the species. The isolates phenotypically identified as Sporobolomyces species and R. mucilaginosa phylogenetically occupied the placements corresponding to these species. Some strains assigned to known species on the basis of phenotypic features should be regarded as new species as suggested by the results of molecular analysis.

Ascomycota↗

Loss of dipeptidyl peptidase IV immunostaining discriminates malignant melanomas from deep penetrating nevi.

The deep penetrating nevus is a rare variant of benign melanocytic nevus with histologic features mimicking vertical growth phase, nodular malignant melanoma. In this study, we expand on the search for new complementary discriminating markers by analyzing a selection of both cell cycle-related factors, such as retinoblastoma protein and phospho-retinoblastoma protein Ser795 as indicators for retinoblastoma protein activation/inactivation status, and invasion-related factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 and integrin beta3. MIB-1/Ki-67 was analyzed as an example for a common proliferation marker. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 was analyzed as a marker affecting both proliferation and invasion of malignant melanocytic tumors. Semiquantitative assessment of both immunolocalization and immunoreactivity of retinoblastoma protein and phospho-retinoblastoma protein Ser795, MIB-1/Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 and integrin beta3 revealed no consistent differences between deep penetrating nevi (n=14) and matched cases of nodular malignant melanomas (n=10). Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 immunostaining of some deep penetrating nevi even exceeded that of nodular malignant melanomas. Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression scores of nodular malignant melanomas were higher than those of deep penetrating nevi, which was, however, not significantly discriminative. In contrast, immunostaining of dipeptidyl peptidase IV was significantly discriminative due to a consistent lack of dipeptidyl peptidase IV-expression in nodular malignant melanomas. These results add evidence that among the selected markers supposed to be relevant for melanoma progression the presence of dipeptidyl peptidase IV can be used to support diagnosis of deep penetrating nevi in doubtful cases. As loss of dipeptidyl peptidase IV may also be causally linked to the transition of invasive to metastatic phenotypes, the molecular mechanisms downstream of dipeptidyl peptidase IV deserve to be studied in more detail in future investigations.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Cryptic genetic variation and paraphyly in ravens.

Widespread species that are morphologically uniform may be likely to harbour cryptic genetic variation. Common ravens (Corvus corax) have an extensive range covering nearly the entire Northern Hemisphere, but show little discrete phenotypic variation. We obtained tissue samples from throughout much of this range and collected mitochondrial sequence and nuclear microsatellite data. Our study revealed a deep genetic break between ravens from the western United States and ravens from throughout the rest of the world. These two groups, the 'California clade' and the 'Holarctic clade' are well supported and over 4% divergent in mitochondrial coding sequence. Microsatellites also reveal significant differentiation between these two groups. Ravens from Minnesota, Maine and Alaska are more similar to ravens from Asia and Europe than they are to ravens from California. The two clades come in contact over a huge area of the western United States, with mixtures of the two mitochondrial groups present in Washington, Idaho and California. In addition, the restricted range Chihuahuan raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) of the south-west United States and Mexico is genetically nested within the paraphyletic common raven. Our findings suggest that the common raven may have formerly consisted of two allopatric groups that may be in the process of remerging.

Animals↗

Complex IV deficiency due to COX4I1 deep intronic and de novo variants results in progressive motor impairment and Leigh syndrome.

COX4I1 gene encodes cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1, involved in the early assembly stages of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV. To date, COX4I1 pathogenic variants have been reported in only a few cases, each exhibiting heterogeneous clinical phenotypes and limited functional data. Here, we describe the fourth reported case of COX4I1 deficiency associated with human disease, expanding the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of this rare mitochondrial disorder and providing novel clinical, molecular, and functional data. The herein reported individual presented with progressive deterioration of motor skills, intellectual disability and brain imaging abnormalities compatible with Leigh syndrome. Genetic studies combining short and long read next generation sequencing uncovered a peculiar genetic combination in this patient, harboring a de novo COX4I1 nonsense substitution in trans with an inherited deep intronic variant (c.[64C>T];[73+1511A>G]; p.[Arg22Ter];[Glu25ValfsTer9]). Functional studies performed in patient's tissues and transiently transfected cell lines demonstrated that the identified variants mainly exert their pathogenic effect by targeting COX4I1 protein levels, thereby impairing the proper assembly and activity of complex IV.Additionally, proteomic data in patient's fibroblasts suggested an underlying pathomechanism that involves not only the regulation of complex IV function but also the levels of mitoribosomal proteins. In summary, our findings shed light to clarify some of the main clinical features associated with COX4I1 deficiency and the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Humans↗

The Rhnull phenotype in an English individual: haematological, serological and immunological studies.

We have characterized the first case of Rhnull phenotype to be identified in England. The red cells were serologically negative for C, c, Cw, D, E, e, f, hr B, Rh17, Lw a, Lw ab and Duclos, while the patient's serum contained anti-Rh29, which was subsequently boosted by transfusion. The Rh phenotype of the patient's son (R1r) confirmed that this was a regulator type of Rhnull in the patient. Follow up studies confirmed the presence of a mild chronic anaemia with stomatocytes and spherocytes; electron microscopy revealed the presence of cells with deep central indentations. Osmotic fragility was increased to a level intermediate between normal and hereditary spherocytic controls. The presence of ongoing haemolysis was indicated by a mild reticulocytosis and splenomegaly. The potent anti-Rh29 has made the provision of compatible blood difficult and autologous units have been frozen. The case illustrates the rare phenomenon of the Rhnull phenotype which not only causes problems for the transfusionist but should also be recognized as a cause of haemolytic anaemia secondary to a membrane defect. Blood film and Rh phenotyping are useful preliminary investigations in suspected cases.

Aged↗

Neurofibrillary tangles, amyotrophy and progressive motor disturbance in mice expressing mutant (P301L) tau protein.

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of the microtubule-associated protein tau are prominent in Alzheimer disease (AD), Pick disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Mutations in the gene (Mtapt) encoding tau protein cause frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), thereby proving that tau dysfunction can directly result in neurodegeneration. Expression of human tau containing the most common FTDP-17 mutation (P301L) results in motor and behavioural deficits in transgenic mice, with age- and gene-dose-dependent development of NFT. This phenotype occurred as early as 6.5 months in hemizygous and 4.5 months in homozygous animals. NFT and Pick-body-like neuronal lesions occurred in the amygdala, septal nuclei, pre-optic nuclei, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons, medulla, deep cerebellar nuclei and spinal cord, with tau-immunoreactive pre-tangles in the cortex, hippocampus and basal ganglia. Areas with the most NFT had reactive gliosis. Spinal cord had axonal spheroids, anterior horn cell loss and axonal degeneration in anterior spinal roots. We also saw peripheral neuropathy and skeletal muscle with neurogenic atrophy. Brain and spinal cord contained insoluble tau that co-migrated with insoluble tau from AD and FTDP-17 brains. The phenotype of mice expressing P301L mutant tau mimics features of human tauopathies and provides a model for investigating the pathogenesis of diseases with NFT.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

A cell-line-specific defect in the intracellular transport and release of assembled retroviral capsids.

Retrovirus assembly involves a complex series of events in which a large number of proteins must be targeted to a point on the plasma membrane where immature viruses bud from the cell. Gag polyproteins of most retroviruses assemble an immature capsid on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane during the budding process (C-type assembly), but a few assemble immature capsids deep in the cytoplasm and are then transported to the plasma membrane (B- or D-type assembly), where they are enveloped. With both assembly phenotypes, Gag polyproteins must be transported to the site of viral budding in either a relatively unassembled form (C type) or a completely assembled form (B and D types). The molecular nature of this transport process and the host cell factors that are involved have remained obscure. During the development of a recombinant baculovirus/insect cell system for the expression of both C-type and D-type Gag polyproteins, we discovered an insect cell line (High Five) with two distinct defects that resulted in the reduced release of virus-like particles. The first of these was a pronounced defect in the transport of D-type but not C-type Gag polyproteins to the plasma membrane. High Five cells expressing wild-type Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) Gag precursors accumulate assembled immature capsids in large cytoplasmic aggregates similar to a transport-defective mutant (MA-A18V). In contrast, a larger fraction of the Gag molecules encoded by the M-PMV C-type morphogenesis mutant (MA-R55W) and those of human immunodeficiency virus were transported to the plasma membrane for assembly and budding of virions. When pulse-labeled Gag precursors from High Five cells were fractionated on velocity gradients, they sedimented more rapidly, indicating that they are sequestered in a higher-molecular-mass complex. Compared to Sf9 insect cells, the High Five cells also demonstrate a defect in the release of C-type virus particles. These findings support the hypothesis that host cell factors are important in the process of Gag transport and in the release of enveloped viral particles.

Animals↗

Computer-assisted stereotaxic biopsy for the diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Primary CNS lymphoma was diagnosed in 13 patients after stereotaxic biopsy of indeterminate intracerebral mass lesions. Two patients also had laser extirpation of CT-visible tumor. The group consisted of 10 men and 3 women, aged 17 to 81 (mean, 55 years; median, 60 years). The lesions on CT were characteristically hyperdense, homogeneously contrast-enhancing, and associated with mild to moderate mass effect. Five patients had more than one lesion visible on CT. Complete staging procedures for occult systemic lymphoma were negative in all 13 patients. The majority (eight) of the tumors were of the diffuse, large-cell type. Five biopsy specimens underwent special immunostaining as a supplemental diagnostic effort. Two patients with small lymphocytic tumors demonstrated features consistent with T cell phenotype. Two patients with diffuse, large-cell tumors were confirmed as B cell phenotype by monotypic immunoglobulin light chain content. Primary CNS lymphomas represent a treatable group of primary brain tumors. Because of their tendency to develop in deep cerebral regions, they are often inaccessible to conventional neurosurgical techniques. We propose that stereotaxic neurosurgery can provide safe and accurate diagnosis, which is a prelude to planning comprehensive management.

Adolescent↗

Migration defects of cdk5(-/-) neurons in the developing cerebellum is cell autonomous.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a member of the family of cell cycle-related kinases. Previous neuropathological analysis of cdk5(-/-) mice showed significant changes in CNS development in regions from cerebral cortex to brainstem. Among the defects in these animals, a disruption of the normal pattern of cell migrations in cerebellum was particularly apparent, including a pronounced abnormality in the location of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Complete analysis of this brain region is hampered in the mutant because most of cerebellar morphogenesis occurs after birth and the cdk5(-/-) mice die in the perinatal period. To overcome this disadvantage, we have generated chimeric mice by injection of cdk5(-/-) embryonic stem cells into host blastocysts. Analysis of the cerebellum from the resulting cdk5(-/-) left arrow over right arrow cdk5(+/+) chimeric mice shows that the abnormal location of the mutant Purkinje cells is a cell-autonomous defect. In addition, significant numbers of granule cells remain located in the molecular layer, suggesting a failure to complete migration from the external to the internal granule cell layer. In contrast to the Purkinje and granule cell populations, all three of the deep cerebellar nuclear cell groupings form correctly and are composed of cells of both mutant and wild-type genotypes. Despite similarities of the cdk5(-/-) phenotype to that reported in reeler and mdab-1(-/-) (scrambler/yotari) mutant brains, reelin and disabled-1 mRNA were found to be normal in cdk5(-/-) brain. Together, the data further support the hypothesis that Cdk5 activity is required for specific components of neuronal migration that are differentially required by different neuronal cell types and by even a single neuronal cell type at different developmental stages.

Aging↗

Characterization of trophoblast cell populations by lectin histochemistry in canine placenta during development.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize populations of trophoblast cells in canine placenta during different stages of fetal development using lectin histochemistry. Dogs have endotheliochorial placentation and trophoblast cell invasion continues after chorioallantois villous penetration early in pregnancy, leading to formation of a labyrinth. Specialized subpopulations of cells differentiate, such as syncytial trophoblast that invades the maternal epithelium early in placentation and surrounds and forms intimate cuffs around maternal blood vessels. Marginal haematomata, which are lined by specialized phagocytic cytotrophoblast cells, form by mid-gestation. Invasive 'extravillous' cells advance into and remodel maternal endometrial tissues further. Placentas and attached uterine tissues were collected and sampled from six bitches at mid-gestation (days 31-33 of gestation) and 12 females in late gestation (day 42-term) for characterization of these tissues and identification of other populations of trophoblast cells. Uterine tissues from nonpregnant bitches were also collected at oestrus (n = 2) and during the luteal phase (n = 1). In histochemical studies, two of six biotinylated lectins that were tested stained cytotrophoblast and syncytial trophoblast cell populations differentially. Arachis hypogaea agglutinin (PNA) was specific for cytotrophoblasts in placental tissue lining villi and cytotrophoblastic cells with phagocytic or absorptive phenotypes in the necrotic zone at mid-gestation. In late gestation, cytotrophoblast cells with an absorptive phenotype at the interface between the labyrinth and lacunar glandular chambers were stained with PNA. Staining of other cells was minimal, with the exception of deep endometrial glands. Lectin binding using Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPL) specifically stained the same cells as PNA and the population of invasive syncytial trophoblast cells remodelling maternal blood vessels and small maternal vessels at the materno-fetal interface, as well as trophoblast cells within necrotic zones at mid-gestation. Both lectins were positive for phagocytic cytotrophoblast cells lining the haematophagus organs. The results of this study demonstrate that lectin histochemistry is a useful tool for staining subpopulations of cytotrophoblast and syncytial trophoblast cells.

Animals↗

[The phenotype of the trisomy of the short arm of chromosome no. 4. (a new case with t (4p; 11q) (author's transl)].

Report on a 5 year old girl with the caracteristic features of the partial trisomy of the short arm of a chromosome no.4: short stature, microcephaly, hydrocephaly, enophthalmus, bulbous nose, deep set malformed ears, hypertrichosis, brachydactyly, hypoplastic ribs, abnormal EEG, imbecility. Trisomy originated from a reciprocal translocation in the father (46, XY, rcp (4;11) (p 13; q23)). q23)).

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Genomic and phylogenetic characterization of luminous bacteria symbiotic with the deep-sea fish Chlorophthalmus albatrossis (Aulopiformes: Chlorophthalmidae).

Bacteria forming light-organ symbiosis with deep-sea chlorophthalmid fishes (Aulopiformes: Chlorophthalmidae) are considered to belong to the species Photobacterium phosphoreum. The identification of these bacteria as P. phosphoreum, however, was based exclusively on phenotypic traits, which may not discriminate between phenetically similar but evolutionarily distinct luminous bacteria. Therefore, to test the species identification of chlorophthalmid symbionts, we carried out a genomotypic (repetitive element palindromic PCR genomic profiling) and phylogenetic analysis on strains isolated from the perirectal light organ of Chlorophthalmus albatrossis. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of 10 strains from 5 fish specimens placed these bacteria in a cluster related to but phylogenetically distinct from the type strain of P. phosphoreum, ATCC 11040(T), and the type strain of Photobacterium iliopiscarium, ATCC 51760(T). Analysis of gyrB resolved the C. albatrossis strains as a strongly supported clade distinct from P. phosphoreum and P. iliopiscarium. Genomic profiling of 109 strains from the 5 C. albatrossis specimens revealed a high level of similarity among strains but allowed identification of genomotypically different types from each fish. Representatives of each type were then analyzed phylogenetically, using sequence of the luxABFE genes. As with gyrB, analysis of luxABFE resolved the C. albatrossis strains as a robustly supported clade distinct from P. phosphoreum. Furthermore, other strains of luminous bacteria reported as P. phosphoreum, i.e., NCIMB 844, from the skin of Merluccius capensis (Merlucciidae), NZ-11D, from the light organ of Nezumia aequalis (Macrouridae), and pjapo.1.1, from the light organ of Physiculus japonicus (Moridae), grouped phylogenetically by gyrB and luxABFE with the C. albatrossis strains, not with ATCC 11040(T). These results demonstrate that luminous bacteria symbiotic with C. albatrossis, together with certain other strains of luminous bacteria, form a clade, designated the kishitanii clade, that is related to but evolutionarily distinct from P. phosphoreum. Members of the kishitanii clade may constitute the major or sole bioluminescent symbiont of several families of deep-sea luminous fishes.

Animals↗