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Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies are not markers for genetic susceptibility or indicators of genetic heterogeneity in familial ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVES: Autoantibodies that bind to the perinuclear region of neutrophils have been suggested to represent subclinical markers of genetic susceptibility and indicators of genetic heterogeneity in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, results from more recent studies have contradicted this statement. To address this discrepancy, we assayed perinuclear neutrophil antibodies in the UC-affected members of 53 families with at least one relative pair affected with UC. METHODS: Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies were detected using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies were present in 53% of the study subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC). In 15 families (28%), all members with UC were positive for perinuclear neutrophil antibodies, whereas in 12 families (23%), none of the UC-affected members were positive. In the remaining 26 families (49%), the results for the UC-affected relatives were discordant. Similar results were found when only sibling pairs were evaluated. Statistical analysis revealed that for all affected relative pairings, observed concordance did not significantly exceed expected concordance. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the degree of relationship was not enough to predict concordance for perinuclear neutrophil antibodies, and that these antibodies are not markers of genetic heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Perinuclear neutrophil antibodies are not markers for genetic susceptibility or indicators of genetic heterogeneity in UC.

Adult↗

Genetic heterogeneity in the VP2 gene of infectious bursal disease viruses detected in commercially reared chickens.

The genetic heterogeneity of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccine strains was compared with IBDV detected in bursa tissue of commercially reared chickens. The vaccine strains tested represented classic viruses from the United States, South Africa, England, and France plus variant viruses from the United States. Bursa tissue samples used for the detection of IBDV from commercially reared chickens were from the United States. Genetic heterogeneity was examined using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of a 743-bp fragment of the VP2 gene that was amplified using reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR). The RT/PCR products were digested using restriction enzymes BstNI and MboI. On the basis of RFLP profiles, viruses were placed into molecular groups. Thirty-eight vaccine and laboratory strains of IBDV were placed into five molecular groups. Groups 1 and 2 contained variant viruses, groups 3 and 4 contained classic viruses, and group 5 contained Lukert/Edgar strain classic viruses. In contrast to these five molecular groups, 22 molecular groups were observed for 70 IBDV-positive samples from U.S. chicken flocks. Twenty-two of the 70 IBDV-positive samples were placed into molecular groups 1 (2 samples), 2 (18 samples), and 5 (2 samples). Nineteen new RFLP profiles that did not match the five molecular groups observed for vaccine strains were detected. No viruses were observed to have RFLP profiles like molecular groups 3 and 4 observed in the vaccine strains. The genetic heterogeneity was greater among IBDV strains circulating in commercially reared poultry compared with vaccine strains of the virus.

Animals↗

Indication of linkage and genetic heterogeneity for asthma and atopy on chromosomes 8p and 12q in 107 French EGEA families.

Using the sample of 107 families with at least two asthmatic siblings, as part of the EGEA study, we have investigated linkage to asthma (or atopy) and genetic heterogeneity according to the presence/absence of atopy (or asthma) using two approaches: (1) the triangle test statistic (TTS), which considers the identical by descent (IBD) distribution among affected sib-pairs discordant for another associated phenotype (eg asthmatic sib-pairs discordant for atopy) and (2) the predivided sample test (PST), which compares the IBD distribution of marker alleles between affected sib-pairs concordant and discordant for the associated phenotype. Two regions, 8p and 12q, already reported to be linked to both asthma and atopy, were examined here. A total of 20 asthmatic sib-pairs discordant for atopy and 24 atopic pairs discordant for asthma were analyzed by both TTS and PST methods and 83 pairs with atopic asthma by PST. Some evidence for linkage was observed for two markers in the 8p23.3-p23.2 region; D8S504 for asthma with genetic heterogeneity according to the presence/absence of atopy and D8S503 for atopy with genetic heterogeneity according to the presence/absence of asthma. In the 12q14.2-q21.33 region, there was also some evidence of linkage to two markers, D12S83 and D12S95, for atopy and asthma, respectively, with genetic heterogeneity according to the presence/absence of the associated trait. Provided the small distance between the two markers on either 8p (16 cM) or 12q (21 cM), it is unclear whether one or two genetic factors are involved in either region.

Asthma↗

Genetic heterogeneity: implications and methods of detection.

Genetic heterogeneity is highly pervasive in genetic disorders. The need to identify its existence is reflected in the potentially different treatments, prognoses, and recurrence risks associated with each disease entity. Of the 3 major approaches to its detection, biochemical methods are better than pedigree, and pedigree methods are better than clinical in their ability to pinpoint the underlying defect, but each plays an important role in the discovery process. With the advent of several new highly specific biochemical techniques, the next decade promises to show major advances in this area of genetics.

Epistasis, Genetic↗

Genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant amelogenesis imperfecta demonstrated by its exclusion from the AIH2 region on human chromosome 4Q.

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of hereditary enamel defects, characterized by large clinical diversity. On the basis of differences in clinical manifestation and inheritance pattern, 14 different subtypes have been recognized. A locus for autosomal dominant AI (ADAI) of local hypoplastic type was recently mapped to the region between D4S392 and D4S395 on the long arm of chromosome 4. To test whether the chromosome 4 locus is responsible for other forms of AI as well, a linkage study was carried out with 17 families representing at least five clinical forms of ADAI. Admixture tests for heterogeneity performed with the marker D4S2456 gave statistical support for genetic heterogeneity of ADAI with the odds 78:1. Linkage to the ADAI locus on chromosome 4q (AIH2) could only be demonstrated with families expressing the local hypoplastic type, and there was no support for heterogeneity within that group of families. Furthermore, linkage could be excluded for five families with other clinical forms of ADAI. The data therefore demonstrated that ADAI is genetically heterogeneous, and that at least two loci for it exist.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta↗

Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity and progression of endometrioid type endometrial adenocarcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: Development of genetic heterogeneity is one mechanism whereby tumors may acquire increasing aggressiveness during neoplastic progression. In this study we relate development of intratumoral genetic heterogeneity to invasion and metastatic spread of sporadic endometrioid (type I) endometrial adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Microsatellite unstable adenocarcinomas underwent detailed microsatellite allelotype mapping with reconstruction of neoplastic lineages using maximum parsimony analysis. RESULTS: Within individual patients, tumor allelotypes sometimes varied between regions of histologically identical tumor, indicating that genotypic variation may reflect differences inapparent by histology. Comparison of noninvasive (surface/luminal) with invasive (myometrial invasion or metastasis) carcinoma showed highly related genotypes in 3/8 cases in which the invasive component can be recognized as evolved from the superficial tumor lineage by progressive clonal selection. In 3/8 cases superficial and invasive genotypes independently evolved different sets of altered microsatellites, indicating either divergence at an early stage in tumor evolution or independent selection events. A total of 2/8 cases had random patterns of marker distribution between sampled areas that were not informative in delineating systematic relationships between surface and invasive tumor. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude from these results that endometrial tumor progression may occur through physical extension of existing clones or through creation of new subclones with altered growth properties. The latter occurs in about half of cases, where myometrial invasion may select for particular clones that are poorly represented on the luminal surface.

Alleles↗

Genetic heterogeneity in Pneumocystis carinii: an introduction.

Molecular techniques have played an important role in demonstrating a high level of heterogeneity among the different types of organisms which are collectively known as Pneumocystis carinii. Genetic heterogeneity has been observed in Pneumocystis organisms isolated from different host species, suggesting that Pneumocystis infection is host-species specific. On the basis of this genetic divergence a provisional trinomial nomenclature has been adopted, in which different types of Pneumocystis organisms are designated a 'special form'. Multiple special forms of Pneumocystis have been detected in some host species, for example in infected rat and ferret lungs, but not in human lungs. Lower levels of genetic heterogeneity have been observed within each Pneumocystis special form, and in particular in human-derived Pneumocystis. Analysis of the genetic heterogeneity of populations of Pneumocystis is contributing to the understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of this infection.

Animals↗

Effect of genetic heterogeneity and assortative mating on linkage analysis: a simulation study.

Linkage studies of complex genetic traits raise questions about the effects of genetic heterogeneity and assortative mating on linkage analysis. To further understand these problems, I have simulated and analyzed family data for a complex genetic disease in which disease phenotype is determined by two unlinked disease loci. Two models were studied, a two-locus threshold model and a two-locus heterogeneity model. Information was generated for a marker locus linked to one of the disease-defining loci. Random-mating and assortative-mating samples were generated. Linkage analysis was then carried out by use of standard methods, under the assumptions of a single-locus disease trait and a random-mating population. Results were compared with those from analysis of a single-locus homogeneous trait in samples with the same levels of assortative mating as those considered for the two-locus traits. The results show that (1) introduction of assortative mating does not, in itself, markedly affect the estimate of the recombination fraction; (2) the power of the analysis, reflected in the LOD scores, is somewhat lower with assortative rather than random mating. Loss of power is greater with increasing levels of assortative mating; and (3) for a heterogeneous genetic disease, regardless of mating type, heterogeneity analysis permits more accurate estimate of the recombination fraction but may be of limited use in distinguishing which families belong to each homogeneous subset. These simulations also confirmed earlier observations that linkage to a disease "locus" can be detected even if the disease is incorrectly defined as a single-locus (homogeneous) trait, although the estimated recombination fraction will be significantly greater than the true recombination fraction between the linked disease-defining locus and the marker locus.

Computer Simulation↗

Genetic linkage study of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) to 16p13.3 and evidence for genetic heterogeneity in the Turkish population.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive condition that is almost entirely restricted to the non-Askhenazi Jews, Arabs, Armenians, and Turks. Genetic linkage study of a large group of non-Turkish families has previously mapped the FMF locus to the 16p13.3 region and shown that this locus resides 0.305 cM distal to D16S246. Furthermore, allelic association has also been shown with D16S3070 (75%) and D16S3275 (66%). However, no genetic heterogeneity has been described for any of the three major reported groups of FMF families. Here, we describe the genetic linkage relationship of the fourth major group of Turkish families and report the first evidence for genetic heterogeneity of this condition. Two point linkage analysis and haplotype inspection of 15 DNA markers from the reported region of the FMF locus identified tight linkage in a group of six Turkish FMF families. A maximum lod score of 9.115 at theta = 0.00 was observed for D16S3024. Nine other DNA markers provided similar evidence of linkage with lod score values of above 5.21. However, two other FMF families were completely unlinked to this region of chromosome 16. Haplotype construction of DNA markers in five consanguineous linked families showed that a segment of homozygosity has been conserved for D16S3070 and D16S2617. No other DNA markers showed any such conservation. Therefore, we suggested that these two markers reside in close proximity to the FMF locus. Furthermore, we observed 80% allelic association with D16S2617 but no association with D16S3070 or any other DNA markers from the FMF critical region. In summary, we conclude that our Turkish families are also linked to the reported FMF locus at 16p13.3, there is a genetic heterogeneity for this condition at least in our group of Turkish families, and D16S2617 is in linkage disequilibrium in the Turkish FMF families. Combination of this study with previously published observations suggests that the FMF locus resides between D16S246 and D16S3070/D16S2617 and within a region of about 250-300 kb.

Adolescent↗

Computer model of the maintenance and selection of genetic heterogeneity in polygamous helminths.

A stochastic simulation model of the transmission and maintenance of genetic heterogeneity in the absence and presence of external selection pressures is presented for polygamous intestinal helminths such as Ascaris. The model assumes that the density distribution of the adult parasites is highly aggregated and that density-dependent effects on fecundity are important. The model gives rise to stable infection rates in the host. Where the parasite population contains genetic heterogeneity, with the exception of stochastic fluctuations which models genetic drift, the ratio of the different alleles remained constant over extended periods of time. This result contrasts with that of an earlier analytical model (Anderson, R.M., May, M.R. & Gutpa S. (1989) Parasitology 99, S59-S79), in which uneven mating probabilities for the different combinations of worm possible in a host was postulated to inevitably lead to fixation of the most abundant allele. New results suggest that in spite of the restricted choice of mating available to a worm in the confines of a host, selection pressure always leads to enrichment of the parasites carrying resistant alleles.

Animals↗

Genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis viruses and its clinical significance.

The genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (8 genotypes A-H) has been applied for tracing the route of HBV transmission and the geographical migration of HBV carriers but it also appeared to have clinical implications. The secondary structure of e encapsidation signal could explain why the precore mutant virus prevails in Mediterranean countries, where genotype D is most prevalent, while the wild type virus is frequent in Western countries, where genotype A is most prevalent. There is increasing evidence that patients infected with genotype C have more severe outcome of chronic liver disease than those infected with genotype B. Genotype B was associated with fulminant hepatitis and more severe episodes of acute exacerbation of chronic HBV infection. Patients infected with genotype B appeared to seroconvert earlier than those infected with genotype C. The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) has 3 genotypes (I, II, III) which are associated with different disease patterns. Genotype III is the most distantly related HDV genotype and is associated with the most severe outcome while genotype II with relatively mild liver disease. The most geographically widespread genotype is I and is associated with a broad spectrum of chronic liver disease. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) displays high genetic heterogeneity with six genotypes (1-6), multiple subtypes and quasispecies. This viral diversity has epidemiological and clinical implications and has been associated with the severity of liver disease, prognosis, response to treatment and failure to generate an effective protective vaccine. HCV genotype 1 is the predominant genotype in Western countries and has been associated with a low response rate to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) or to the combination of ribavirin and IFN-alpha. Consequently the duration of treatment has been tailored according to HCV genotype.

Animals↗

Genetic heterogeneity in five captive specific pathogen-free groups of rhesus macaques.

Gene diversity was used to estimate genetic heterogeneity in the founders of five specific pathogen-free (SPF) colonies of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and ranged from about 0.20 to 0.32. In the founders of three groups at the California Regional Primate Research Center (CRPRC) that have been minimally managed to maintain genetic heterogeneity, gene diversity was about 0.30, approximately the value for that species, and has declined at the rate of only about 2.5% per generation since 1976. Without intervention, less than half the gene diversity in SPF harem groups will remain after 5 generations whereas gene diversity in multimale SPF groups should decline at less than half that rate. The proportion of gene diversity attributable to average differences among the three groups at the CRPRC, indicating the level of genetic subdivision, was lower than that in the founders of all but one of the SPF colonies and actually declined slightly over a 10-year period. Genetic subdivision in SPF colonies consisting of harem breeding groups was about three times that in colonies consisting of multimale breeding groups. The number of male breeders should be increased and variance in male reproductive success should be reduced in all SPF colonies, especially those containing multimale breeding groups. Genetic heterogeneity can most easily be retained, and genetic subdivision prevented, in each breeding group in all SPF colonies by ensuring gene flow among the breeding groups in each colony. Male breeders who exceed the lowest acceptable level of reproductive success in their colony of origin should also be exchanged among different SPF colonies to maximize the effective population size of the breeding groups in all SPF colonies.

Animals↗

Genetic heterogeneity in human-derived Pneumocystis carinii.

Genetic heterogeneity has been observed among isolates of human-derived Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii sp. f. hominis). DNA sequence analysis has been shown to be informative in distinguishing between isolates of P. carinii sp. f. hominis. Single base polymorphisms have been observed in the genes encoding the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA, the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA and the AROM protein. The highest level of genetic variation has been found at the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA operon. Typing of isolates of P. carinii sp. f. hominis has enabled the examination of the frequency of different types of P. carinii sp. f. hominis in distinct populations. It has also facilitated studies on the acquisition and transmission of P. carinii sp. f. hominis infection.

Genetic Heterogeneity↗

Phenocopies versus genetic heterogeneity: can we use phenocopy frequencies in linkage analysis to compensate for heterogeneity?

In this study we explore whether a phenocopy frequency (defined as a "penetrance' for nondisease genotypes) can approximate or model genetic heterogeneity in a single-locus analysis. We simulated two types of heterogeneity situations: "sporadic models', where there are two forms of a disease, one genetic and linked to a marker and the other purely random, and "genetic heterogeneity models', where the disease is caused by either of two different loci, one linked to the marker and the other unlinked. We analyzed simulated data sets for linkage, assuming a single-locus analysis with varying phenocopy frequency, in analogy with earlier work on epistatic two-locus models. We found that in the presence of purely random sporadics, there was a difference between assuming any nonzero phenocopy frequency and a zero frequency, but that the actual value of the assumed phenocopy frequency had little effect on the maximum lod score. In contrast, when both forms of disease are genetic, and are generated under similar genetic parameters, assuming a positive phenocopy frequency will not, in general, compensate for the presence of the unlinked form. However, when the modes of inheritance of the two forms differ, the assumption of a nonzero phenocopy frequency does have an effect, either to increase or decrease the maximum lod score, depending on the modes of inheritance of the two disease forms. We conclude with practical recommendations for investigators, based on these results.

Gene Frequency↗

Mortality rates in a genetically heterogeneous population of Caenorhabditis elegans.

Age-specific mortality rates in isogenic populations of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans increase exponentially throughout life. In genetically heterogeneous populations, age-specific mortality increases exponentially until about 17 days and then remains constant until the last death occurs at about 60 days. This period of constant age-specific mortality results from genetic heterogeneity. Subpopulations differ in mean life-span, but they all exhibit near exponential, albeit different, rates of increase in age-specific mortality. Thus, much of the observed heterogeneity in mortality rates later in life could result from genetic heterogeneity and not from an inherent effect of aging.

Aging↗

Genetic heterogeneity of severe von Willebrand disease type III in the German population.

The genetic heterogeneity of severe von Willebrand disease (vWd) type III was estimated by analysing extended haplotypes of eleven intragenic restriction fragment length polymorphisms and one variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism in 32 patients from 28 families from Germany or of German origin. All patients were screened for gross deletions and for mutations at potential "hot spot" regions of the von Willebrand factor (vWf) gene. Disease-associated haplotypes were established in 24 families. Only a few, apparently unrelated families shared common haplotypes suggesting a considerable genetic heterogeneity in the German population of vWd type III patients. Defects causing vWd type III were identified on 14 out of 56 chromosomes (25%). Gross deletions were detected in two families. A complete homozygous deletion of the vWf gene was displayed in one patient. Another patient was compound heterozygous for a large deletion of at least 100 kb of the vWf gene with an additional, as yet unidentified, defect. One homozygous missense mutation was detected in exon 10, and two nonsense mutations were detected in exon 8 and exon 45 of the vWf gene, respectively. A frameshift mutation (delta C) in exon 18 was identified in five families and an additional frameshift mutation (delta G) was found in exon 28 in one family. It appears that delta C is the most common molecular defect in German patients with vWd type III. Its association with a number of different haplotypes suggests repeated de novo mutations at a mutation "hot spot". Evidence is presented that particular molecular defects causing vWd type III are associated with different patterns of inheritance, depending on their location within the vWf gene. Complete deletions of the gene and nonsense mutations in the pro-sequence are correlated with recessive inheritance, whereas frameshift and nonsense mutations in the gene sequence corresponding to the mature vWf subunit tend to be inherited in a dominant fashion.

Adolescent↗

Genetic heterogeneity of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type 1: clinical and genetic analysis of 10 French families.

We performed linkage analysis between the gene responsible for spinal cerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) and the highly polymorphic chromosome 6 locus, D6S89, in 10 French families with autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) type 1. These families were clinically indistinguishable except for one family with loss of hearing and vision. Very close linkage was observed in four families, with no evidence of recombination between SCA1 and D6S89. Linkage with D6S89 was excluded in the six others, thus demonstrating genetic heterogeneity for ADCA type 1. The D6S89 marker, which is very closely linked to the disease locus, can be used to identify SCA1 families and will lead to predictive testing.

Adult↗