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[Genetic variability of the human influenza virus during adaptation in mice].

After 12 passages of a mouse-nonpathogenic influenza A/USSR/90/77 virus in mouse lungs a pathogenic virus was obtained causing death of the animals at 4-7 days after intranasal inoculation. The genetic and structural analysis of the initial and pathogenic viruses performed by oligonucleotide mapping of individual virus genes demonstrated that in the course of adaptation to mice structural changes had occurred at least in 5 out of 8 genes of virus with the exception of the genes coding for matrix and nonstructural proteins. The greatest differences were found in the genes coding for surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. The experimental results indicate an important functional role of surface glycoproteins of influenza virus, particularly hemagglutinin, in the process of adaptation and formation of the pathogenic properties of virus.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Evolution of virulence in picornaviruses.

The Picornaviridae encompass many positive-strand RNA viruses, all of which share a generally similar genome design and capsid structure, but which induce quite diverse diseases in humans and other animals. Picornavirus strains of the same serotype have been shown to express different virulence (or pathogenic) phenotypes when studied in animal models, demonstrating that key elements of pathogenesis reside in the viral genome. However, the genetics that determine the virulence phenotype of any picornavirus are poorly understood. Picornaviruses do not have virulence genes per se, but the design ofthe capsid andhow it interacts with the virus receptor expressed on the host cell surface, specific sequences within the nontranslated regions of the viral genome, as well as coding sequences that result in different protein sequences may all have a part in determining the virulence phenotype. Virulence may be better understood as a continuum from an apparent inability to induce disease to the ability to cause severe pathogenic changes. Ultimately, the ability of a picornavirus to induce disease depends upon viral genetics and how they are modulated by the host environment.

Animals↗

Sequence of mitochondrial DNA in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The excess female transmission of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the observation of an MS-like illness in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy who carry a mitochondrial DNA mutation may indicate that mitochondrial genes contribute to the genetic susceptibility to MS. We sequenced the protein- and RNA-coding sequences of 9 patients with MS who had a family history of MS consistent with maternal transmission. Four base-pair (bp) changes of particular interest were identified. Those at bp 4216 and 4917 may play a role in the etiology of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Two others, at bp 11447 and 14766, were found in all MS patients sequenced. Restriction enzyme analysis used to screen 175 unrelated MS patients and 233 healthy control subjects showed that each of these changes was present in MS patients at a similar frequency to control subjects. The 4216 and 4917 changes were at a higher frequency in north European control subjects than previously documented. We conclude that variation in mitochondrial DNA is unlikely to contribute to susceptibility to MS. The etiology of the overlap between Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and MS remains unexplained.

Cytochromes↗

Mutational analysis of the human cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 in primary breast carcinomas.

The human p27kip1 gene encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor implicated in the negative regulation of the cell cycle. In order to elucidate the possible role of p27 mutations in the development or progression of human breast cancer, we have studied the occurrence of genetic abnormalities in this gene in a series of 30 primary breast carcinomas. Direct sequence analysis of the polymerase chain reaction amplified human p27 gene revealed the occurrence of two sequence variations with respect to the reported sequence; both variants were also present in the lymphocyte DNA from the same patients. First, a silent G to A change at codon 142 (Thr) was detected in a single case. Second, a T to G transversion at codon 109, resulting in a Val to Gly change, was observed in eight tumour DNA samples (26%) and in 31 out of 80 unrelated normal individuals (39%). This latter change creates a Bg/I restriction site that might be useful for genetic analysis of human tumours. Despite the occurrence of these polymorphisms, we did not however find any evidence of somatic mutations in the coding region of the p27 gene. On the basis of these results, we suggest that alterations in the integrity of the human p27 gene are not common events in human breast carcinomas.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomics and proteomics in cancer.

Cancer development is driven by the accumulation of DNA changes in the approximately 40000 chromosomal genes. In solid tumours, chromosomal numerical/structural aberrations are common. DNA repair defects may lead to genome-wide genetic instability, which can drive further cancer progression. The genes code the actual players in the cellular processes, the 100000-10 million proteins, which in (pre)malignant cells can also be altered in a variety of ways. Over the past decade, our knowledge of the human genome and Genomics (the study of the human genome) in (pre)malignancies has increased enormously and Proteomics (the analysis of the protein complement of the genome) has taken off as well. Both will play an increasingly important role. In this article, a short description of the essential molecular biological cell processes is given. Important genomic and proteomic research methods are described and illustrated. Applications are still limited, but the evidence so far is exciting. Will genomics replace classical diagnostic or prognostic procedures? In breast cancers, the gene expression array is stronger than classical criteria, but in endometrial hyperplasia, quantitative morphological features are more cost-effective than genetic testing. It is still too early to make strong statements, the more so because it is expected that genomics and proteomics will expand rapidly. However, it is likely that they will take a central place in the understanding, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of (pre)cancers of many different sites.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

An update on the malignant hyperthermia syndrome.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle. In humans, MH is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion; in swine, the principal model for MH, it is in a recessive fashion. Those with MH susceptibility usually are asymptomatic except in the presence of certain "triggering" anaesthetic agents such as isoflurane, enflurane and the muscle relaxant succinylcholine. Upon such exposure hypermetabolism, increased CO2 production, acidosis, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis and hyperthermia occur. Untreated, death may result in 70% of patients. With prompt diagnosis and treatment with dantrolene sodium, the mortality is less than 10%. The overall incidence of MH is low (perhaps 1:50,000 anaesthetics), but it is more common in children. Children also display a paradoxical increase in jaw muscle tone to succinylcholine which often presages MH, but confusing clinically, may also be a normal response to succinylcholine. The pathophysiology of MH centres around a defect in calcium flux in skeletal muscle. A specific base pair change in the gene that codes for the ryanodine receptor calcium channel in muscle has been demonstrated in susceptible swine, but occurs rarely in humans. It is hoped that the understanding of the molecular genetics of MH will lead to a simpler diagnostic test than is currently available, and enhance our understanding of MH and its relation to other myopathies.

Anesthetics↗

Polymorphisms in the human xeroderma pigmentosum group A gene and their impact on cell survival and nucleotide excision repair.

Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes may contribute to defects in DNA repair and increased susceptibility to cancer. The xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA) gene is required for nucleotide excision repair (NER) and mutations in XPA highly predispose humans to skin cancer. We examined DNA samples from 189 individuals for polymorphisms in the XPA gene. First, SSCP analysis was used to examine each of the six exons and their intron boundaries. One frequent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the untranslated region of exon 1 and two rare SNPs which produce the changes Arg228Gln and Val234Leu in the coding region of exon 6 were identified. Quite surprisingly, no sequence variants were found within the coding regions or the adjacent intron boundaries of exons 1-5. Ecdysone-inducible expression vectors containing wild type XPA cDNA or cDNAs representing the two polymorphisms that we identified in exon 6 were created and independently introduced into the XPA deficient cell line XP12RO-SV. Transcription-coupled repair (TCR), global genome repair (GGR) and cell survival following UV irradiation were studied in each cell line in the absence or presence of the ecdysone hormone analog, ponasterone A. No substantial difference in repair or cell survival was found in cells complemented with wild type or polymorphic alleles of XPA. A 10-fold increase in the expression of XPA by addition of ponasterone A resulted in faster removal of 6-4 photoproducts from the total genomes of cells complemented with wild type or polymorphic alleles of XPA but had no significant impact on TCR or global genome repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Since our SSCP analysis failed to detect significant numbers of polymorphisms we directly sequenced exons 4-6 in a subset of our samples. One additional rare SNP, which produces the change Leu252Val was found in exon 6 and four rare SNPs and one rare single nucleotide deletion were found in intron 4. Hence, the XPA gene appears to be a cold spot for genetic variation and rare polymorphisms in the coding region of the gene do not reduce NER or cell survival after UV irradiation.

Cell Survival↗

Genetic heterogeneity of the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important etiological agent in the development of chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The virus, identified only recently, contains a single-stranded RNA genome of positive polarity, is distantly related to pestiviruses and flaviviruses, and has been classified as the first member of a third genus within the family Flaviviridae. Extensive analysis of HCV genomic sequences demonstrated that this virus possesses significant genetic heterogeneity. Different regions of the viral genome demonstrate a varying degree of heterogeneity; the regions coding for the putative envelope proteins are the most variable sites between different isolates. Furthermore, HCV circulates as a quasispecies in the host. During the course of acute and chronic infection, the sequence composition of the HCV population in one patient has been found to change sequentially with an extremely high rate of nonconserved nucleotide changes in the hypervariable region I (HVR1) of HCV. Such sequence changes alter the antigenicity of the epitopes coded within HVR1 so that these are not always recognized by preexisting antibodies. It has been suggested that this could represent one mechanism by which HCV evades host immune surveillance and may account for the high rate of chronicity observed in such infections. Continuous viral replication may, in turn, lead to the development of chronic liver disease, including HCC, in infected individuals. To date, at least nine major genetic groups (genotypes 1-9) and more than 30 subgroups of HCV have been recognized based on genetic differences. A distinct difference has been observed in the genotype distribution in Africa compared with other continents. Recent data have suggested a difference in pathogenesis and in the outcome of interferon therapy in individuals infected with HCV of certain genotypes. For example, genotype 1b (II) seems to be associated with more severe liver disease, including HCC, and with a poorer response to interferon therapy. The extensive genetic heterogeneity of HCV may have serious implications for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of hepatitis C as well as in understanding the biology of infection by this important human pathogen.

Genome, Viral↗

Genetic variants in epigenetic genes and breast cancer risk.

Epigenetic events, resulting changes in gene expression capacity, are important in tumour progression, and variation in genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms might therefore be important in cancer susceptibility. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examined common variants in 12 genes coding for DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetyltransferases, histone methyltrasferases and methyl-CpG binding domain proteins, for association with breast cancer in a large case-control study (N cases = 4474 and N controls = 4580). We identified 63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that efficiently tag all the known common variants in these genes, and are also expected to tag any unknown SNP in each gene. We found some evidence for association for six SNPs: DNMT3b-c31721t [P (2 df) = 0.007], PRDM2-c99243 t [P (2 df) = 0.03] and t105413c [P-recessive = 0.05], EHMT1-g-9441a [P (2df) = 0.05] and g41451t (P-trend = 0.04), and EHMT2-S237S [P (2df) = 0.04]. The most significant result was for DNMT3b-c31721t (P-trend = 0.124 after adjusting for multiple testing). However, there were three other results with P < 0.05. The permutation-based probability of this occurring by chance was 0.335. These significant SNPs were genotyped in 75 human cancer cell lines from different tumour types to assess if there was an association between them and six epigenetic measures. No statistically significant association was found. However, a trend was observed: homozygotes for the rare alleles of the EHMT1, EHMT2 and PRDM2 had a mean value for both trimethylation of K9 and K27 of histone H3 remarkably different to the homozygotes for the common alleles. Thus, these preliminary observations suggest the possible existence of a functional consequence of harbouring these genetic variants in histone methyltransferases, and warrant the design of larger epidemiological and biochemical studies to establish the true meaning of these findings.

Adult↗

Cytosine to thymine transitions from decay of cytosine-5-3H in bacteriophage S13.

Decay of cytosine-5-(3)H incorporated into bacteriophage S13 DNA causes a molectular rearrangement of the cytosine molecutle undergoing the decay. The molecular rearrangement produces a cytosine to thyimine coding change with at efficiency approaching one. Decay of either thymidine-(methyl)-(3)H or cytosine-6-(3)H is less than 1 percent as effective in calusing either cytosine to thymine or thymine to cytosine transitions.

Centrifugation, Density Gradient↗

Evolution of a transfer RNA gene through a point mutation in the anticodon.

The transfer RNA (tRNA) multigene family comprises 20 amino acid-accepting groups, many of which contain isoacceptors. The addition of isoacceptors to the tRNA repertoire was critical to establishing the genetic code, yet the origin of isoacceptors remains largely unexplored. A model of tRNA evolution, termed "tRNA gene recruitment," was formulated. It proposes that a tRNA gene can be recruited from one isoaccepting group to another by a point mutation that concurrently changes tRNA amino acid identity and messenger RNA coupling capacity. A test of the model showed that an Escherichia coli strain, in which the essential tRNAUGUThr gene was inactivated, was rendered viable when a tRNAArg with a point mutation that changed its anticodon from UCU to UGU (threonine) was expressed. Insertion of threonine at threonine codons by the "recruited" tRNAArg was corroborated by in vitro aminoacylation assays showing that its specificity had been changed from arginine to threonine. Therefore, the recruitment model may account for the evolution of some tRNA genes.

Anticodon↗

Dollo's law and the death and resurrection of genes.

Dollo's law, the concept that evolution is not substantively reversible, implies that the degradation of genetic information is sufficiently fast that genes or developmental pathways released from selective pressure will rapidly become nonfunctional. Using empirical data to assess the rate of loss of coding information in genes for proteins with varying degrees of tolerance to mutational change, we show that, in fact, there is a significant probability over evolutionary time scales of 0.5-6 million years for successful reactivation of silenced genes or "lost" developmental programs. Conversely, the reactivation of long (> 10 million years)-unexpressed genes and dormant developmental pathways is not possible unless function is maintained by other selective constraints; the classic example of the resurrection of "hen's teeth" is most likely an experimental artifact, and the experimental reactivation of the Archaeopteryx limb developmental program has been shown to be a misinterpretation. For groups undergoing adaptive radiations, lost features may "flicker" on and off, resulting in a distribution of character states that does not reflect the phylogeny of the group.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗

Genomic organization and polymorphism of human angiotensin II type 2 receptor: no evidence for its gene mutation in two families of human premature ovarian failure syndrome.

Angiotensin II type 2 (AT(2)) receptor is highly expressed in the fetal tissues and decreases rapidly after birth. AT(2) receptor is re-expressed in the adult atretic ovarian follicles. Recently, it has been reported that AT(2) receptor mediates apoptosis. Primarily, we have cloned human AT(2) receptor cDNA and mapped it to the X-chromosome. To further analyze the organization and function of the AT(2) receptor gene, in this study we cloned the human AT(2) receptor genomic DNA. Human AT(2) receptor gene is composed of three exons and two introns. Primer extension analysis revealed a putative transcription initiation site at 24 bp downstream from TATA box. Furthermore, we identified a polymorphism (C-A) in 3' untranslated region of exon 3, which may be a useful genetic marker for genetic analysis of human X-linked inherited disease. In this study, we postulated that the patients with premature ovarian failure, which has been reported to be linked with X-chromosome abnormality, have AT(2) receptor mutation that may contribute to the early onset of atresia. We examined the entire coding sequence of this receptor in two different families of sisters with premature ovarian failure (POF) but found no changes in nucleotide sequences.

Base Sequence↗

Tn7 and Tn501 Insertions into Pseudomonas aeruginosa plasmid R91-5: mapping of two transfer regions.

We constructed a restriction endonuclease map of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa narrow-host-range plasmid R91-5. Insertions of transposons Tn7 and Tn501 into the plasmid DNA were characterized physically and genetically. The distribution of sites of insertion showed some regional specificity for the insertion of these transposons, especially TN501. The insertion of Tn7 was unusual in that all 42 of 43 insertions were in the same orientation. By relating phenotypic changes to the site of insertion, the Tn1 transposon that was already present on R91-5 and coded for carbenicillin resistance was mapped, and its orientation was determined. Two major transfer regions were identified. We believe that Tra1 is involved in conjugal DNA metabolism, whereas Tra2 is involved mainly in production of the sex pili.

Adsorption↗

Novel mutations in ENG and ACVRL1 identified in a series of 200 individuals undergoing clinical genetic testing for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT): correlation of genotype with phenotype.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT; Osler-Weber-Rendu disease) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by arteriovenous malformations ranging from cutaneous and mucous membrane telangiectasias to more severe pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Acute complications from bleeding or pulmonary shunting may be catastrophic. However, when diagnosed early, the complications can usually be prevented. Mutations in two genes, Endoglin (ENG) and activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1 or ALK1) have been associated with HHT. We describe the results of mutation analysis on a consecutive series of 200 individuals undergoing clinical genetic testing for HHT. The observed sensitivity of mutation detection was similar to that in other series with strict ascertainment criteria. A total of 127 probands were found, with sequence changes consisting of 103 unique alterations, 68 of which were novel. In addition, eight intragenic rearrangements in the ENG gene and two in the ACVRL1 gene were identified in a subset of coding sequence mutation-negative individuals. Most individuals tested could be categorized by the number of HHT diagnostic criteria present. Surprisingly, almost 50% of the cases with a single symptom were found to have a significant sequence alteration; three of these reported only nosebleeds. Genetic testing can confirm the clinical diagnosis in individuals and identify presymptomatic mutation carriers. As many of the complications of HHT disease can be prevented, a confirmed molecular diagnosis provides an opportunity for early detection of AVMs and management of the disease.

Activin Receptors, Type II↗

Identification and fine mapping of a locus controlling multi-main-stem trait in Brassica napus.

BACKGROUND: The main stem is a crucial component determining individual plant yield in rapeseed (Brassica napus). However, the genetic and developmental basis underlying the multi-main-stem trait remains largely unclear. RESULTS: In this study, we identified a multi-main-stem mutant, mms1, which exhibited a significantly increased silique number per plant and abnormal shoot apical meristem (SAM) development. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the multi-main-stem trait was controlled by a recessive gene. Using bulked segregant analysis combined with a Brassica napus 50&#xa0;K SNP array and map-based cloning, the locus was mapped to a 340-kb interval on chromosome A09 of the ZS11 reference genome and was designated BnaA09.MMS1. Candidate gene analysis revealed that BnaA09G0254500ZS, which harbors sequence variations in both the promoter and coding regions and shows significantly increased expression in the mutant, was the most likely candidate gene. In addition, phytohormone analysis revealed reduced auxin accumulation in mutant SAMs, together with transcriptomic changes in genes associated with the CLAVATA3 (CLV3)-WUSCHEL (WUS) feedback loop. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide an important foundation for elucidating the genetic basis of the multi-main-stem trait and offer a valuable genetic resource for rapeseed improvement.

Brassica napus↗

Genetic diversity of chicken anemia virus following cell culture passaging in MSB-1 cells.

It has been shown that a chicken anemia virus (CAV) isolates which had undergone 60 passages in MSB-1 cells (SMSC-1/P60, 3-1/P60) acquired 33-66 nucleotide substitutions at the coding region resulting in 13-16 amino acid changes as compared to the CAV isolates passaged only 5 times in MSB-1 cells (SMSC-1 and 3-1) (Chowdhury et al., Arch. Virol. 148, 2437-2448, 2003). In this study we found that a low CAV (BL-5) and a high CAV passage (BL-5/P90) differed by only 15 nucleotide substitutions resulting in 11 amino acid changes. Phylogenetic analysis based on VP1 also revealed that both isolates were close to each other but not to other CAV isolates from Malaysia, namely SMSC-1 and 3-1.

Amino Acid Substitution↗