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Molecular analysis of human interleukin-9 receptor transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Identification of a splice variant encoding for a nonfunctional cell surface receptor.

Genetic studies on mouse models of asthma have identified interleukin-9 (IL9) as a determining factor in controlling bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a hallmark of the disease. Recently, the human IL9 receptor (hIL9R) gene locus has also been implicated in determining susceptibility to bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma. In order to evaluate the structure and function of the encoded product, we analyzed receptor transcripts derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 50 unrelated donors. Sequence analysis of the entire coding region identified a splice variant that contains an in frame deletion of a single residue at codon 173 (DeltaQ). This variant could be permanently expressed in a cytokine-dependent murine T-cell line but lacked the ability to induce proliferation in response to human IL9. In situ analyses of cells expressing the wild-type and DeltaQ receptors found both forms to be expressed at the cell surface, but the DeltaQ receptor was unable to bind hIL9 and could not be recognized by N-terminal specific antibodies. These findings demonstrate that hIL9RDeltaQ presents an altered structure and function and suggests its potential role in down-regulating IL9 signaling in effector cells and associated biological processes.

Alternative Splicing↗

Identification of alternative spliced variants of human hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha.

Mammalian cells are able to sense oxygen and regulate a number of genes in response to hypoxia. The transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) was identified as an important key component of the hypoxia signaling pathway. HIF-1 is a heterodimer composed of two members of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor superfamily containing a PAS (PER-ARNT-SIM) domain: HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta/ARNT. During the cloning by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of the human HIF-1alpha subunit, we isolated two cDNA clones which corresponded to alternative splicing of the HIF-1alpha gene. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing revealed that both clones possessed three additional base pairs between exons 1 and 2. Also, one of them lacked 127 base pairs corresponding to exon 14. We demonstrate that the mRNA of this truncated form is expressed in several human cells lines and human skin but apparently not in rodents. When transfected in HEK 293 cells, the corresponding 736 amino acid protein (HIF-1alpha(736)) is regulated by hypoxia in a similar manner as the full-length HIF-1alpha (HIF-1alpha(FL)). In luciferase transfection assays, both recombinant proteins HIF-1alpha(736) and HIF-1alpha(FL) dimerize with HIF-1beta/ARNT and activate the VEGF promoter upon hypoxia. However, the shorter HIF-1alpha isoform is 3-fold less active than HIF-1alpha(FL), a result consistent with the lack of the C-terminal transactivation domain. As expected, this small isoform can compete with the endogenous and transfected full-length HIF-1alpha. Altogether, these results suggest that the HIF-1alpha(736) isoform modulates gene expression upon hypoxia.

Alternative Splicing↗

Identification and topology of variant sequences within individual repeat domains of the human epithelial tumor mucin MUC1.

This study shows for the first time that the tandemly repeated icosapeptide of human MUC1 underlies a genetic sequence polymorphism at three positions (underlined): PDTRPAPGSTAPPAHGVTSA. The concerted replacement DT-->ES (sequence variation 1) and the single replacements P-->Q (sequence variation 2), P-->A (sequence variation 3), and P-->T (sequence variation 4) were identified by sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products and studied by minisatellite variant repeat analysis for their incidence and topology in the 5' and 3' peripheral regions of the variable number of tandem repeats domain. Minisatellite variant repeat analyses were performed with 27 individual samples of genomic DNA from human cells and tissues covering 30-60% of the domain. Within the peripheral regions, sequence variations 1-4 occur at high incidence and show a nearly constant repeat topology in all individual normal and tumor samples. Also, individuals who were non-Caucasian or of different ethnic background were found to have the same set of replacements with identical topology. The repeat variant 1 replacing the established tumor target motif DTR with ESR was found in all individuals and appears predominantly in repeat clusters (diads and triads). The largely constant topology of variant repeats is interpreted by the assumption that the variable number of tandem repeats domain has evolved as a recent expansion of sequence variable super-repeats.

Alleles↗

Polymorphisms in OATP-C: identification of multiple allelic variants associated with altered transport activity among European- and African-Americans.

The human organic anion transporting polypeptide-C (OATP-C) (gene SLC21A6) is a liver-specific transporter importantly involved in the hepatocellular uptake of a variety of endogenous and foreign chemicals. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of multiple functionally relevant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in OATP-C in a population of African- and European-Americans. Moreover, examination of 14 nonsynonymous polymorphisms indicated that genotypic frequencies were dependent on race. Functional assessment of 16 OATP-C alleles in vitro revealed that several variants exhibited markedly reduced uptake of the OATP-C substrates estrone sulfate and estradiol 17beta-d-glucuronide. Specifically, alterations in transport were associated with SNPs that introduce amino acid changes within the transmembrane-spanning domains (T217C (Phe-73 --> Leu), T245C (Val-82 --> Ala), T521C (Val-174 --> Ala), and T1058C (Ile-353 --> Thr)) and also with those that modify extracellular loop 5 (A1294G (Asn-432 --> Asp), A1385G (Asp-462 --> Gly), and A1463C (Gly-488 --> Ala)). Cell surface biotinylation experiments indicated that the altered transport activity of some OATP-C variants was due, in part, to decreased plasma membrane expression. Given the relatively high genotypic frequency of the T521C (14%) transition in European-Americans and the G1463C (9%) transversion in African-Americans, SNPs in OATP-C may represent a heretofore unrecognized factor influencing drug disposition.

Alleles↗

Identification of four gene variants associated with myocardial infarction.

Family history is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI). However, known gene variants associated with MI cannot fully explain the genetic component of MI risk. We hypothesized that a gene-centric association study that was not limited to candidate genes could identify novel genetic associations with MI. We studied 11,053 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6,891 genes, focusing on SNPs that could influence gene function to increase the likelihood of identifying disease-causing gene variants. To minimize false-positive associations generated by multiple testing, two studies were used to identify a limited number of nominally associated SNPs; a third study tested the hypotheses that these SNPs are associated with MI. In the initial study (of 340 cases and 346 controls), 637 SNPs were associated with MI (P<.05); these were evaluated in a second study (of 445 cases and 606 controls), and 31 of the 637 SNPs were associated with MI (P<.05) and had the same risk allele as in the first study. For each of these 31 SNPs, we tested the hypothesis that it is associated with MI, using a third study (of 560 cases and 891 controls). We found that four of these gene variants were associated with MI (P<.05; false-discovery rate <10%) and had the same risk allele as in the first two studies. These gene variants encode the cytoskeletal protein palladin (KIAA0992 [odds ratio (OR) 1.40]), a tyrosine kinase (ROS1 [OR 1.75]), and two G protein-coupled receptors (TAS2R50 [OR 1.58] and OR13G1 [OR 1.40]); all ORs are for carriers of two versus zero risk alleles. These findings could lead to a better understanding of MI pathophysiology and improved patient risk assessment.

Aged↗

Identification of conserved and variant epitopes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 by human monoclonal antibodies produced by EBV-transformed cell lines.

Using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation of B cells isolated from peripheral blood of two asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus type 1-(HIV-1) infected subjects, we have produced four IgG1 human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) that bind to HIV-1 gp120, as determined by Western blot analysis. Two of these HMAbs, designated N70-1.5e and N70-2.3a, react with epitopes of gp120 expressed by all strains tested thus far, and therefore, appear to identify conserved epitopes. The other two HMAbs, K24-3b and N70-1.9b, identify variant epitopes; K24-3b binds to an epitope which is absent from two strains but heterogeneously expressed in eight other strains; N70-1.9b binds to an epitope that is found in relatively few strains. We also describe a novel immunoassay in which viral glycoproteins, produced by HIV-1-infected cells grown in serum-free medium, are affinity immobilized in Concanavalin A-coated wells of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates. This method greatly facilitates the preparation of solid-phase HIV envelope glycoproteins from multiple virus strains and screening immunoassays based on this method are highly sensitive and effective in detecting antibodies to gp120.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Identification of a new variant CYP2D6 allele with a single base deletion in exon 3 and its association with the poor metabolizer phenotype.

The human CYP2D6 gene codes for the enzyme, debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase, which metabolizes over 25 therapeutically important drugs. The inability to metabolize these drugs, which results in a 'poor metabolizer' (PM) phenotype, can be attributed, in some cases, to the presence of any of three previously described mutations in the CYP2D6 gene. To identify new alleles responsible for the PM phenotype, we have examined the CYP2D6 gene from individuals whose phenotypes were not consistent with their apparent genotypes. DNA sequencing revealed a single base deletion in exon 3, T1795, resulting in a frame shift and generating a stop codon one codon after the deletion. A PCR-based test was designed for this new allele (designated CYP2D6(T)) and 236 unrelated individuals from a lung cancer case control study were tested for the presence of the CYP2D6(T) mutation. Eight unrelated individuals were found to carry the D6(T) allele. Four subjects also carry the non-functional D6(B) allele and the drug metabolism phenotypes of these four D6(B)/D6(T) individuals are consistent with the D6(T) allele being responsible for reduced debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase activity. The frequency of the D6(T) allele among Caucasian controls of the case-control study was 1.8% (4/220 chromosomes).

Alleles↗

Breakthrough infections and identification of a viral variant in Gambian children immunized with hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis B (HB) breakthrough infections, identified by the presence of HB core (c) antibody, were found in 32 of 358 Gambian children vaccinated with plasma-derived HB vaccine. Over 2 years, 15 of these children lost their HBc antibodies. These children had significantly higher HB surface antibody levels before infection than those who retained HBc antibodies. One child, who responded well to the vaccine, had HB viral DNA detected in the presence of HBs antibodies. The S gene sequence of this DNA showed nucleotide changes that resulted in an amino acid substitution at residue 141 (lysine to glutamic acid) of the surface antigen. This finding suggests the child was infected with a variant virus that was not neutralized by antibodies resulting from HB vaccination.

Child↗

Identification of antigenic escape variants in an immunodominant epitope of hepatitis C virus.

Numerous investigators have postulated that one mechanism by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) may evade the immune system is through the formation of escape mutants. This hypothesis is based largely on the observed mutability of the viral genome resulting in evolution of diverse quasispecies over the course of infection. That such diversification is a product of viral RNA polymerase infidelity, immune-driven selection or a combination of the two processes has not been addressed. We have examined sequence variability in a specific segment of HCV RNA encoding a known immunodominant region of the viral helicase, amino acids 358-375 of the non-structural 3 protein. Using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization and automated DNA sequencing, we report a high frequency of mutations, essentially all of which result in amino acid replacements. To assess the biological impact of such mutations, corresponding chemically synthesized peptides were compared to wild-type peptide in T cell proliferation assays. We observed that a sizeable fraction of such peptides stimulated attenuated or negligible levels of proliferation by peripheral T cells from a chronically infected patient. This observation is consistent with expectations for immune-mediated selection of escape variants at the epitope level. We postulate that such a mechanism may be important in the immunopathogenesis of HCV infections.

Base Sequence↗

Identification of a new variant of PDE1A calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase expressed in mouse sperm.

In mature sperm, cAMP plays an important role as a second messenger regulating functions that include capacitation, the acrosome reaction, motility, and, in some cases, chemosensing. We have cloned from mouse testis a novel calmodulin-stimulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A isoform, Pde1a_v7 (mmPDE1A7), which arises from an alternative transcription start in the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A gene. The open reading frame is predicted to encode a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 52 kDa. Two further variants of this form, which contain two additional new exons, arise from alternative splicing. Analysis of testis cDNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicates that the Pde1A_v7 transcript variant is the most abundant. The PDE1A_v7 protein uniquely lacks the first amino-terminal calmodulin-binding domain, but does possess an inhibitory domain and a second calmodulin-binding site shared with other variants. In vitro translation of the corresponding Pde1a_v7 cDNA produced a 52-kDa polypeptide having cyclic nucleotide hydrolytic activity, which was stimulated threefold by calcium-bound calmodulin. Immunoprecipitation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1 activity from detergent extracts of mouse sperm revealed a major protein of the size expected for PDE1A_v7, and the immunocytochemical staining for cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A in mouse sperm showed intense immunoreactivity in the tail only. These observations, along with the PCR data, strongly suggest that this new variant PDE1A_v7 is the major form of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1A expressed in mature sperm and is therefore likely to play an important role in cyclic nucleotide regulation of mature sperm function.

Alternative Splicing↗

Paracortical nodular T-cell lymphoma. Identification of an unusual variant of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are regarded as diffuse proliferations. We describe an unusual paracortical nodular growth pattern in four nodal PTCLs that were initially interpreted as atypical lymphoid hyperplasia in three patients and small B-cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation in a fourth. The nodules were vague to easily discernible and produced minimal to partial architectural distortion. Sinuses were often open, and scattered cortical lymphoid follicles with atretic to hyperplastic germinal centers were present. Clusters of tumor cells abutted some follicles in all cases, and in one case they exhibited focal T-zone expansion. Hypervascularity was not prominent, but a few nodules surrounded epithelioid venules, imparting an angiofollicular appearance. The nodules were composed primarily of small lymphocytes with irregular nuclei admixed with scattered large transformed cells, both cell types having clear cytoplasm. Paraffin immunoperoxidase showed that the nodules were composed of T cells. Dendritic cell networks were present only in follicular centers. Southern blot analysis found T-cell receptor gene rearrangements and a germline immunoglobulin gene configuration in all four nodes. These paracortical clear cell nodules of clonal T cells may be a special type of PTCL. Alternatively, they may represent early foci of lymphoma or they may be a subgroup of T-zone lymphoma. Paracortical nodular PTCL must be differentiated from atypical hyperplastic lesions and some B-cell lymphomas.

Aged↗

Identification of four splice variants of the mouse stress-activated protein kinase JNK/SAPK alpha-isoform.

Four splice variants (alpha I-IV) of the stress-activated protein kinase JNK/SAPK alpha-isoform have been identified in the mouse. One of them (alpha I) contains an open reading frame of 1269 bp encoding a potential protein of 423 amino acids, whereas the second variant (alpha II) differs in a region encoding 31 amino acids located in subdomain IX. alpha III lacks this region and also differs in the terminal portion of the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR). A fourth variant (alpha IV) which lacks a region of 41 amino acids located in subdomain IX has also been identified. These splice variants are differentially expressed in mouse tissues: alpha I is the most abundant in brain areas, whereas alpha II is mainly expressed in extracerebral tissues, such as liver; alpha III and alpha IV are present in brain and other tissues although in lower amounts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a new variant CYP2D6 allele lacking the codon encoding Lys-281: possible association with the poor metabolizer phenotype.

A variant CYP2D6(C) P450 protein was found in a liver characterized by deficient microsomal metabolism of bufuralol and sparteine, prototypical substrates for the debrisoquine-sparteine drug oxidation polymorphism. This protein was present at decreased levels in liver and had a slightly different relative mobility on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The cDNA cloning and sequencing of the variant, designated CYP2D6(C), revealed that its mRNA lacked a single codon resulting in deletion of Lys281. This was the result of a three base pair deletion at the 3' end of CYP2D6 exon 5. The CYP2D6(C) P450, produced in HepG2 cells using vaccinia virus mediated cDNA expression displayed Km values toward bufuralol, debrisoquine and sparteine that were not significantly different from wild type CYP2D6. These data suggest that the poor metabolizer phenotype in livers expressing CYP2D6(C) is not due to a catalytically defective enzyme but perhaps due to decreased levels of the P450 protein in microsomal membranes. Low microsomal CYP2D6(C) contents could result from deficient membrane insertion or decreased stability of the P450 protein. A polymerase chain reaction-based procedure, developed to detect CYP2D6(C) alleles, indicates that this variant probably represents less than 1.5% of all CYP2D6 alleles.

Alleles↗

Identification and characterization of variant alleles of human acetyltransferase NAT1 with defective function using p-aminosalicylate as an in-vivo and in-vitro probe.

Although several variant alleles at the human NAT1 gene locus have been reported, their relationship to phenotypic variations in NAT1 function remains unclear. We have used in-vivo and invitro phenotyping tests, along with PCR-based cloning and heterologous expression, to investigate the extent of variation in NAT1 function and to characterize novel allelic variants at the NAT1 gene locus. The NAT1-selective substrate p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) was used as a probe for NAT1 function. In-vivo PAS acetylation rates were estimated by determining the ratio of PAS to N-acetylated PAS (AcPAS) in urine and plasma following the oral ingestion of Nemasol Sodium. Excluding outliers, a 65-fold variation in the urinary AcPAS:PAS ratio was observed (n = 144), while a 5.6-fold variation in the plasma AcPAS:PAS ratio was seen in a subset (n = 19) of this sample. Urinary and plasma ratios correlated moderately (r = 0.74, p < 0.0005). One individual (case 244) had a marked impairment of PAS N-acetylation, with 10-fold lower urinary and plasma AcPAS:PAS ratios compared with other subjects. Biochemical investigations in whole blood lysates from case 244 suggested a NAT1 kinetic defect, with a 20-fold increased apparent K(m) for PAS and a 90-fold decreased Vmax for AcPAS formation. We subcloned, sequenced and expressed the protein-coding regions of the NAT1 alleles from case 244 and from seven other selected probands. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of two new variant alleles, designated as NAT1 x 14 and NAT1 x 15, in case 244, as well as one variant, NAT1 x 11, which has been observed in previous investigations. NAT1 x 14 contained a missense mutation (G560-->A) that is predicted to change a single amino acid (Arg187-->Gln), as well as two 3' non-coding region mutations (T1088-->A and C1095-->A) that have previously been observed in the NAT1 x 10 allelic variant. NAT1 x 15 had a single nonsense mutation (C559-->T; Arg187-->stop) and, thus, encodes a truncated protein. The activity of recombinant NAT1 14 mirrored the defective enzyme function in whole blood lysates from case 244, while NAT1 15 was completely inactive. Expressed NAT1 11, on the other hand, had identical activity to the wild type NAT1 4 allele, suggesting that the coding region mutations in this variant are functionally silent. The frequencies of NAT1 x 11, NAT1 x 14 and NAT1 x 15 were 0.021, 0.028 and 0.014 (n = 288 alleles), respectively, suggesting that they are relatively rare in our predominantly Caucasian sample.

Adolescent↗

Identification of a novel variant CYP2C9 allele in Chinese.

OBJECTIVES: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 metabolizes about 16% of drugs in current clinical use, including lornoxicam and tolbutamide. SNPs in the CYP2C9 gene have increasingly been recognized as determinants of the metabolic phenotype that underlies interindividual and ethnic differences. METHODS: The present study focused on a Chinese poor metabolizer (PM) whose apparent genotype (CYP2C9*1/CYP2C9*3) did not agree with his PM phenotype for both lornoxicam and tolbutamide. By sequencing his CYP2C9 gene, we identified a new variant CYP2C9 allele involving a T269C transversion in exon 2 that leads to a Leu90Pro substitution in the encoded protein. RESULTS: The CYP2C9 genotype analysis in the family of the poor metabolizer showed the new exon 2 change and CYP2C9*3 occurred on different alleles. Thus, the PM status of this subject could be attributed to his being heterozygous for the CYP2C9 T269C allele together with the CYP2C9*3. Frequency analysis in 147 unrelated Chinese males indicated approximately 2% of the Chinese population carry the allele. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that this novel CYP2C9 allele was correlated with reduced plasma clearance of drugs that are substrates for CYP2C9.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Identification of a new variant in the YMDD motif of the hepatitis B virus polymerase gene selected during lamivudine therapy.

A new hepatitis B virus variant selected during lamivudine treatment was detected, in which the methionine (rtM204) in the so-called YMDD motif in the C domain of the catalytic site of the polymerase gene was replaced by a serine (rtM204S). This change simultaneously resulted in a tyrosine-195 into valine variant (sY195V) in the surface protein HBsAg. The detection of this YSDD variant was initially observed, after an increase of HBV DNA levels, by sequencing of amplification products from day 586. A specific RFLP assay was developed that could identify 10% of YSDD-containing variants in the virus pool, which enabled detection of this new variant virus at day 506. However, by cloning several PCR products and sequencing individual recombinant clones, the mutation was first identified at day 477, before a significant increase of HBV DNA was observed in serum. The mutation was followed by a leucine to methionine change at position 180 (rtL180M). The consequences of this mutation for disease management and diagnostic strategies are discussed.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Identification of five allelic variants of the sheep PrP gene and their association with natural scrapie.

Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of sheep that belongs to the group of prion diseases found in humans and animals. The host encoded prion protein (PrP) plays a central role in the disease process. In the PrP genes of man, mice and sheep, polymorphisms have been found that are associated with disease susceptibility and pathogenesis. We have used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to detect polymorphisms in the sheep PrP gene. In addition to the already described polymorphisms at codons 136, 154 and 171, we identified a hitherto unknown G --> T transition at codon 171. This transition is responsible for a glutamine to histidine substitution. An arginine to glutamine substitution at this position has been described previously. DGGE allowed us to identify five different combinations of these polymorphisms within the PrP gene representing five allelic variants, which were cloned and sequenced. Based on the triplet sequences present at codons 136, 154 and 171 these allelic variants were designated PrPVRQ, PrPARR, PrPARQ, PrPARH and PrPAHQ. To determine the association of these allelic variants with natural scrapie, we screened 34 scrapie affected and 91 healthy control sheep of the Texel breed for the presence of these allelic variants. In these two groups, the five variants gave rise to 13 different genotypes. The distribution of the allelic variants among both groups showed marked differences. The PrPVRQ variant was present with high frequency in scrapie affected sheep, whereas the PrPARR variant was almost exclusively present in the healthy group. Two other variants, PrPARQ and PrPARH, were found in both groups with equal frequencies. The data obtained suggest modulation of disease susceptibility in these Texel sheep by at least five different PrP allelic variants, with the PrPVRQ and PrPARR alleles acting in a dominant, but opposite fashion over the PrPARQ and PrPARH alleles. The frequency of the PrPAHQ variant was too low to draw any conclusions.

Alleles↗