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A promoter mutation causes differential nitrate reductase activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis.

The recent publication of the genome sequence of Mycobacterium bovis showed >99.95% identity to M. tuberculosis. No genes unique to M. bovis were found. Instead numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. This has led to the hypothesis that differential gene expression due to SNPs might explain the differences between the human and bovine tubercle bacilli. One phenotypic distinction between M. tuberculosis and M. bovis is nitrate reduction, which not only is an essential diagnostic tool but also contributes to mycobacterial pathogenesis. We previously showed that narGHJI encodes a nitrate reductase in both M. tuberculosis and M. bovis and that NarGHJI-mediated nitrate reductase activity was substantially higher in the human tubercle bacillus. In the present study we used a genetic approach to demonstrate that an SNP within the promoter of the nitrate reductase gene cluster narGHJI is responsible for the different nitrate reductase activity of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. This is the first example of an SNP that leads to differential gene expression between the human and bovine tubercle bacilli.

Mutation↗

Multiplexed, high-throughput genotyping by single-base extension and end-labeled free-solution electrophoresis.

Technologies that allow for high-throughput, economical, and accurate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping are becoming crucial for modern genomic efforts. Here, we present a method for multiplexed single-base extension (SBE) genotyping that takes advantage of the unique separation modalities made possible via end-labeled free-solution electrophoresis (ELFSE). Three unique SBE oligonucleotide primers, which probe for mutations of clinical importance in the human p53 gene, were covalently conjugated to three unique polypeptoid frictional end labels and mixed together. This primer-polypeptoid conjugate cocktail was then used in a multiplexed SBE reaction followed by free-solution separation in a 96-capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) instrument. The study was designed to demonstrate multiplexed SNP genotyping of several loci in a single reaction and a single subsequent analysis. Further, the electrophoretic analysis was conducted without any viscous polymeric separation media, was complete in less than 10 min, and can be implemented in any capillary or microfluidic electrophoretic system with four-color fluorescent detection capabilities. Multiplexed SBE-ELFSE genotyping analysis resulted in the simultaneous and accurate genotyping of three p53 loci on five different DNA templates in a single reaction set and single CAE analysis. With the implementation of this method in 96 or more capillaries in parallel, high-throughput screening of SNPs will be accessible to a large number of laboratories.

DNA Primers↗

Data and animal management software for large-scale phenotype screening.

The mouse N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis program at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) uses MouseTRACS to analyze phenotype screens and manage animal husbandry. MouseTRACS is a Web-based laboratory informatics system that electronically records and organizes mouse colony operations, prints cage cards, tracks inventory, manages requests, and reports Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol usage. For efficient phenotype screening, MouseTRACS identifies mutants, visualizes data, and maps mutations. It displays and integrates phenotype and genotype data using likelihood odds ratio (LOD) plots of genetic linkage between genotype and phenotype. More detailed mapping intervals show individual single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the context of phenotype. In addition, dynamically generated pedigree diagrams and inventory reports linked to screening results summarize the inheritance pattern and the degree of penetrance. MouseTRACS displays screening data in tables and uses standard charts such as box plots, histograms, scatter plots, and customized charts looking at clustered mice or cross pedigree comparisons. In summary, MouseTRACS enables the efficient screening, analysis, and management of thousands of animals to find mutant mice and identify novel gene functions. MouseTRACS is available under an open source license at http://www.mousetracs.sourceforge.net.

Animals↗

Ghrelin gene: identification of missense variants and a frameshift mutation in extremely obese children and adolescents and healthy normal weight students.

Ghrelin induces obesity via central and peripheral mechanisms. Administration of ghrelin leads to increased food intake and decreased fat utilisation in rodents. Ghrelin levels are decreased in obese individuals. Recently, a polymorphism (Arg-51-Gln) within the ghrelin gene (GHRL) was described to be associated with obesity. We screened the GHRL coding region in 215 extremely obese German Children and adolescents (study group 1) and 93 normal weight students (study group 2) by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP). We found the two previously described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP: Arg-51-Gln and Leu-72-Met) in similar frequencies in study groups 1 and 2 (allele frequencies were: 0.019 and 0.016 for the 51-Gln allele and 0.091 and 0.086 for the 72-Met allele, respectively). Hence, we could not confirm the previous finding. Additionally, two novel variants were identified within the coding region: (1) We detected one healthy normal weight individual with a frameshift mutation (2bp deletion at codon 34). This frameshift mutation affects the coding region of the mature ghrelin. Hence, it is highly likely that the normal weight student is haplo-insufficient for ghrelin. (2) An A to T transversion leads to an amino acid exchange from Gln to Leu at amino acid position 90. The frequency of the 90-Leu allele was significantly higher in the extremely obese children and adolescents (0.063) than in the normal weight students (0.016; nominal p = 0.011). Additionally, we genotyped 134 underweight students and 44 normal weight adults for this SNP. Genotype frequencies were similar in extremely obese children and adolescents, underweight students and normal weight adults (p > 0.8). In conclusion, we identified four sequence variants in the coding region of the ghrelin gene in individuals belonging to different weight extremes. A frameshift mutation was detected in a normal weight individual. None of the variants seem to influence weight regulation.

Adolescent↗

Role of the thioredoxin system and the thiol-peroxidases Tpx and Bcp in mediating resistance to oxidative and nitrosative stress in Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori possesses two distinct thioredoxin proteins (Trx1 and Trx2) which may play important roles in the ability of this bacterium to survive oxidative stress. Trx1 has previously been shown to be an electron donor in vitro for alkyl-hydroperoxide reductase (AhpC), one of three members of the peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant peroxidases present in H. pylori. In this study, mutants in the trxA1 and trxA2 genes encoding Trx1 and Trx2, respectively, and in the tpx and bcp genes, which encode the remaining two members of the H. pylori peroxiredoxin family, were constructed in order to determine their roles in resistance to damage by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Mutation of trxA1 led to a pronounced increase in sensitivity to oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide generator paraquat, as well as to the nitric oxide (NO) releasers sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), consistent with an in vivo role for Trx1 as a reductant for AhpC. A trxA2 single mutant grew normally in an atmosphere of 2 % (v/v) O(2) but grew very poorly in 10 % (v/v) O(2). It showed slight increases in killing by hydrogen peroxide, paraquat, SNP and GSNO compared to the wild-type, but was significantly more sensitive to cumene hydroperoxide in disc-diffusion assays. A trxA1 trxA2 double mutant was very sensitive to all of the oxidative and nitrosative stresses applied. Comparison of the phenotypes of the tpx and bcp mutants showed that Tpx plays a significant role in peroxide and superoxide resistance in H. pylori, while the role of Bcp is minimal. No evidence was obtained for a role for either Tpx or Bcp in resistance to the toxic effects of NO. The results show that a functional thioredoxin system is necessary for both oxidative and nitrosative stress resistance in H. pylori but, surprisingly, is not essential for viability despite the absence of glutathione and a glutaredoxin system in this bacterium.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Haplotype structure and association to Crohn's disease of CARD15 mutations in two ethnically divergent populations.

Current debate focuses on the relevance of linkage disequilibrium (LD), ethnicity and underlying haplotype structure to the search for genes involved in complex disorders. The recently described association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CARD15 (NOD2) gene and Crohn's disease (CD) in populations of north-European descent provides a test case that we have subjected to detailed SNP haplotype based analyses. We examined 23 SNPs spanning 290 kb, including CARD15, in large North-European and Korean samples of patients with Crohn's disease and normal controls. In Europeans we confirmed that the three disease-associated SNPs occur independently but share a common background haplotype. This suggests a common origin and the possibility of an undiscovered more strongly predisposing mutation. Korean CD patients present a phenotype identical to the European patients and have not previously been screened for CARD15. The three disease-associated SNPs were absent and there was no evidence of association between CARD15 and CD. Consequently, the disease-associated mutations in the Europeans, which are rare, have arisen recently (after the Asian-European split). Our results highlight important issues relevant to mapping the genes that predispose to complex disorders. First, although ethnically divergent populations may present identical phenotypes they do not necessarily share the same set of predisposing genes. Second, although single-locus tests of association showed consistent association with markers throughout the gene, pair-wise LD between markers (r(2) and D') yielded very little information about actual disease-association. Third, a population comparative approach allowed refining of the marker set through the examination of shared polymorphisms and common LD-groups. This approach, in conjunction with the examination of the mutational steps in a haplotype network, allows unambiguous identification of the potentially causative mutations.

Asian People↗

The Val81 missense mutation of the melanocortin 3 receptor gene, but not the 1908c/T nucleotide polymorphism in lamin A/C gene, is associated with hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia in obese Greek caucasians.

Obesity-related phenotypes have been linked to human chromosomes 1q21 and 20q13, regions where the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) and the melanocortin 3 receptor gene (MC3R) map, respectively. Recently, a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in LMNA (1908C/T) was associated with plasma leptin and obesity indices in aboriginal Canadians, but these associations have not yet been explored in other populations. In contrast, no significant associations of MC3R variants with obesity have been detected, although a significant association with hyperinsulinemia has been reported in Caucasian populations. We investigated the associations between the LMNA 1908C/T variant and the 241G/A variant of the MC3R gene (Val81Ile missense mutation) and body composition, as well as plasma leptin and insulin levels, in two samples of unrelated healthy Greek subjects. A group of 112 young nonobese subjects, and a group of 116 adult women with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 23.2 to 47.7 kg/m2 were studied cross-sectionally. We found no significant association of the LMNA 1908C/T and a borderline significant association of MC3R 241G/A SNPs with body composition variables, in the entire study sample. However, unlike the LMNA 1908C/T genetic variation, the MC3R 241G/A genetic variation was significantly associated with hyperleptinemia and huperinsulinemia in obese subjects, and there was evidence of interaction between this polymorphism and fat mass or BMI in predicting hyperinsulinemia. Our results suggest that the LMNA 1908C-->T substitution and the Val81Ile mutation of the MC3R gene are unlikely to be major predictors of body composition in Greek Caucasians, but the latter genetic variation may predispose obese subjects to develop insulin and leptin resistance. Future studies are needed to confirm these data and assess whether individuals carrying this mutation are more resistant to weight-reducing and insulin-sensitizing treatments.

Adult↗

Sensitivity and specificity of single-nucleotide polymorphism scanning by high-resolution melting analysis.

BACKGROUND: Screening for heterozygous sequence changes in PCR products, also known as "mutation scanning", is an important tool for genetic research and clinical applications. Conventional methods require a separation step. METHODS: We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of homogeneous scanning, using a saturating DNA dye and high-resolution melting. Heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection was studied in three different sequence backgrounds of 40%, 50%, and 60% GC content. PCR products of 50-1000 bp were generated in the presence of LCGreen I. After fluorescence normalization and temperature overlay, melting curve shape was used to judge the presence or absence of heterozygotes among 1632 cases. RESULTS: For PCR products of 300 bp or less, all 280 heterozygous and 296 wild-type cases were correctly called without error. In 672 cases between 400 and 1000 bp with the mutation centered, the sensitivity and specificity were 96.1% and 99.4%, respectively. When the sequence background and product size with the greatest error rate were used, the sensitivity of off-center SNPs (384 cases) was 95.6% with a specificity of 99.4%. Most false negatives occurred with SNPs that were compared with an A or T wild type sequence. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution melting analysis with the dye LCGreen I identifies heterozygous single-base changes in PCR products with a sensitivity and specificity comparable or superior to nonhomogeneous techniques. The error rate of scanning depends on the PCR product size and the type of base change, but not on the position of the SNP. The technique requires only PCR reagents, the dye LCGreen I, and 1-2 min of closed-tube, post-PCR analysis.

DNA↗

A single-nucleotide polymorphism of SMARCB1 in human breast cancers.

The gene SMARCB1 has been considered a candidate for a tumor-suppressor gene. Nucleotide alterations in SMARCB1 have been reported, primarily in association with malignant rhabdoid tumor cases. We carried out a search for mutations in SMARCB1 in 60 human gastro-intestinal tract carcinoma cases, 122 breast cancer cases, and 36 human cancer cell lines. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 152 with an amino acid change (Asn to Asp) was found in 2 of 122 (1.6%) breast cancer cases, and another SNP at codon 299 without an amino acid change was found in tumor and normal tissues from 7 (5.7%) cases. Codons 152 and 299 of SMARCB1 are localized near or within the binding site for the cMYC protein. The amount of immunoprecipitated cMYC protein was reduced in two different cell lines expressing the codon 152 polymorphic SMARCB1 clone compared with those expressing wild-type SMARCB1, regardless of the identical expression of SMARCB1 protein in both cell lines. Therefore, the SNP at codon 152 is considered to be one of the coding SNPs that alters the SMARCB1-cMYC complex, which regulates various tumor-suppressor related genes against cancer. In addition, we identified three types of splicing isoforms, a 27-bp deleted gene, a 51-bp inserted gene, and a consensus gene, in both carcinoma tissues and in normal tissues; however, no clinical significance was observed for those isoforms. We found a nucleotide change at codon 152 of SMARCB1 that may alter the amount of immunoprecipitated cMYC protein, but we finally determined that SMARCB1 is highly conserved in human solid carcinomas.

Base Sequence↗

Characterization of three low-molecular-weight Glu-D3 subunit genes in common wheat.

Low-molecular-weight glutenins (LMW-GS) in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are of great importance for processing quality of pan bread and noodles. The objectives of this study are to identify LMW-GS coding genes at GluD3 locus on chromosome 1D and to establish relationships between these genes and GluD3 alleles (a, b, c, d, and e) defined by protein electrophoretic mobility. Specific primer sets were designed to amplify each of the three LMW-GS chromosome 1D gene regions including upstream, coding and downstream regions of eight wheat cultivars containing GluD3 a, b, c, d and e alleles. Three LMW-GS genes, designated as GluD3-1, GluD3-2 and GluD3-3, were amplified from the eight wheat cultivars. The allelic variants of these three genes were analysed at the DNA and protein level. GluD3-1 showed two allelic variants or haplotypes, one common to cultivars containing protein alleles a, d and e (designated GluD3-11) and the other was present in cultivars with alleles b and c (designated GluD3-12). Comparing with GluD3-12, a 3-bp deletion was found in the coding region of the N-terminal repetitive domain of GluD3-11, leading to a glutamine deletion at the 116th position. GluD3-2 had three variants at the DNA level in the eight cultivars, which were designated as GluD3-21, GluD3-22 and GluD3-23. In comparison to GluD3-21, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was detected for GluD3-22 in the signal peptide region, resulting in an amino acid change from alanine to threonine at the 11th position; and 11 mutations were found at GluD3-23, with five in upstream region, four in coding region and two in downstream region, respectively. GluD3-3 had two haplotypes, designated as GluD3-31 and GluD3-32, both belonging to LMW-s glutenin subunits though their first amino acids in N-terminal region are different. Compared with the GenBank GluD3 genes, nucleotide sequences of GluD3-21 and GluD3-23 were the same as X13306 and AB062875, respectively. GluD3-22 and GluD3-11 had only one-base difference from U86027 and AB062865. GluD3-12 was not found in the GenBank database, indicating a newly identified GluD3 gene variation. GluD3-3 was a new gene different from any other known GluD3 genes. Analyses of the relationship between Glu-D3 alleles defined by protein electrophoretic mobility and different GluD3 gene variations at the DNA or protein level provided molecular basis for DNA based identification of glutenin alleles.

Agriculture↗

Genetic thrombophilias and preeclampsia: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the factor V Leiden (1691 G-A) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C-T SNP, and the prothrombin 20210 G-A SNP and the risk of preeclampsia, by conducting a meta-analysis of all case-control studies with data on these polymorphisms and the risk of preeclampsia. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1966 to November 2002), EMBASE (1980 to November 2002). Search terms included "preeclampsia," "thrombophilia," "factor V Leiden," "protein C," "MTHFR," "methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase," "homocysteine," and "prothrombin gene 20210." METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Case-control studies of genetic thrombophilias and preeclampsia were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: We identified 349 titles and reviewed 47 articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-one studies with 7,522 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Data from patients characterized as having severe preeclampsia were extracted and analyzed separately. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the association of factor V Leiden and all cases of preeclampsia was 1.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.87) and 2.24 (95% CI 1.28-3.94) for cases of severe preeclampsia. The pooled OR for the MTHFR 677 TT genotype and all preeclampsia was 1.01 (95% CI 0.79-1.29) and 1.38 (95% CI 0.93-2.06) for severe preeclampsia. The OR for the prothrombin 20210 polymorphism and all preeclampsia was 1.37 (95% CI 0.72-2.57) and 1.98 (.94-4.17) for severe preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that the factor V Leiden SNP is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Further studies are warranted to determine whether subgroups of high-risk women should be screened for this mutation.

Case-Control Studies↗

Different applications of polymerases with and without proofreading activity in single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis.

With the completion of the human genome project, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have become the focus of intense study in biomedical research. Polymerase-mediated primer extension has been employed in a variety of SNP assays. However, these SNP assays using polymerase without proofreading function are compromised by their low reliability. Using a newly developed short amplicon harboring restriction enzyme site, EcoR-I, we were able to compare the single-base discrimination abilities of polymerases with and without proofreading function in primer extension in a broad range of annealing temperatures. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated a striking single-nucleotide discrimination ability of polymerases with proofreading function. Using unmodified 3'-end allele-specific primers, only template-dependent products were generated by polymerase with proofreading activity. This powerful single-base discrimination ability of exo(+) polymerases was further evaluated in primer extension using three types of 3' terminally modified allele-specific primers. As compared with the poor fidelity in primer extension of polymerases lacking 3' exonuclease activity, this study provides convincing evidence that the use of proofreading polymerases in combination with 3'-end modified allele-specific primers can be a powerful new strategy for the development of SNP assays.

Base Sequence↗

Potential impact of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the hyaluronan synthase 1 gene in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

The hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) gene encodes a plasma membrane protein that synthesizes hyaluronan, an extracellular matrix molecule. Previously, in patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), we detected upregulation of HAS1 transcripts and identified aberrant splice variants of this gene. Aberrant splicing of HAS1 results from activation of cryptic splice sites. In turn, activation of cryptic donor and acceptor splice sites can be promoted by mutations occurring upstream of these sites and/or at the branch point of slicing. We measured the frequency of the HAS1 833A/G polymorphism (ie, single-nucleotide polymorphism; SNP) in patients with WM and healthy donors. Additionally, HAS1 gene expression was evaluated in the same group of patients. Our observations so far suggest that HAS1 833A/G SNPs contribute to aberrant splicing of this gene; this idea is supported by the fact that 833A/G SNP is located on an exonic splicing enhancer motif. Based on the results obtained thus far, we speculate that individuals with HAS1 833G/G genotype are predisposed toward aberrant HAS1 splicing and expression of HAS1 variants, resulting in an enhanced risk of developing WM. Study of a larger group of patients and healthy donors is needed to confirm these speculations and to evaluate the prognostic significance of these findings.

Case-Control Studies↗

Linkage disequilibrium mapping of CHEK2: common variation and breast cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) averts cancer development by promoting cell cycle arrest and activating DNA repair in genetically damaged cells. Previous investigation has established a role for the CHEK2 gene in breast cancer aetiology, but studies have largely been limited to the rare 1100delC mutation. Whether common polymorphisms in this gene influence breast cancer risk remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess the importance of common CHEK2 variants on population risk for breast cancer by capturing the majority of diversity in the gene using haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We analyzed 14 common SNPs spanning 52 kilobases (kb) of the CHEK2 gene in 92 Swedish women. Coverage evaluation indicated that these typed SNPs would efficiently convey association signal also from untyped SNPs in the same region. Six of the 14 SNPs predicted well both the haplotypic and single SNP variations within CHEK2. We genotyped these six tagSNPs in 1,577 postmenopausal breast cancer cases and 1,513 population controls, but found no convincing association between any common CHEK2 haplotype and breast cancer risk. The 1100delC mutation was rare in our Swedish population--0.7% in cases and 0.4% in controls--with a corresponding odds ratio for carriers versus noncarriers of 2.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.99-5.15). Estimates of the population frequency and the odds ratio of 1100delC indicate that our sample is representative of a Northern European population. CONCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding the involvement of the CHEK2 gene in breast cancer aetiology, we show that common polymorphisms do not influence postmenopausal breast cancer risk.

Aged↗

Selection at linked sites in the partial selfer Caenorhabditis elegans.

Natural selection can produce a correlation between local recombination rates and levels of neutral DNA polymorphism as a consequence of genetic hitchhiking and background selection. Theory suggests that selection at linked sites should affect patterns of neutral variation in partially selfing populations more dramatically than in outcrossing populations. However, empirical investigations of selection at linked sites have focused primarily on outcrossing species. To assess the potential role of selection as a determinant of neutral polymorphism in the context of partial self-fertilization, we conducted a multivariate analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density throughout the genome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We based the analysis on a published SNP data set and partitioned the genome into windows to calculate SNP densities, recombination rates, and gene densities across all six chromosomes. Our analyses identify a strong, positive correlation between recombination rate and neutral polymorphism (as estimated by noncoding SNP density) across the genome of C. elegans. Furthermore, we find that levels of neutral polymorphism are lower in gene-dense regions than in gene-poor regions in some analyses. Analyses incorporating local estimates of divergence between C. elegans and C. briggsae indicate that a mutational explanation alone is unlikely to explain the observed patterns. Consequently, we interpret these findings as evidence that natural selection shapes genome-wide patterns of neutral polymorphism in C. elegans. Our study provides the first demonstration of such an effect in a partially selfing animal. Explicit models of genetic hitchhiking and background selection can each adequately describe the relationship between recombination rate and SNP density, but only when they incorporate selfing rate. Clarification of the relative roles of genetic hitchhiking and background selection in C. elegans awaits the development of specific theoretical predictions that account for partial self-fertilization and biased sex ratios.

Animals↗

Five haplotypes account for fifty-five percent of ATM mutations in Brazilian patients with ataxia telangiectasia: seven new mutations.

We have studied the molecular genetics of 27 Brazilian families with ataxia telangiectasia (AT). Five founder effect haplotypes accounted for 55.5% of the families. AT is an autosomal recessive disorder of childhood onset characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, ocular apraxia, telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, radiation sensitivity, chromosomal instability, and predisposition to cancer. The ATM gene spans more than 150 kb on chromosome region 11q23.1 and encodes a product of 3056 amino acids. The ATM protein is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) family of proteins and is involved in cell cycle control and DNA repair pathways. DNA was isolated from lymphoblastoid cell lines and haplotyped using four STR markers (D11S1818, NS22, D11S2179, D11S1819) within and flanking the ATM gene; all allele sizes were standardized in advance. In addition to the STR haplotypes, SNP haplotypes were determined using 10 critical polymorphisms. The entire gene was screened sequentially by protein truncation testing (PTT), single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), and then denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) to identify the disease-causing mutations. Of the expected 54 mutations, 50 were identified. All mutations but one, led to a truncated or null form of the ATM protein (nonsense, splice site, or frameshift). Five families (18.5%) carried a deletion of 3450nt (from IVS28 to Ex31), making this one of the two most common Brazilian mutations. Mutations were located throughout the entire gene, with no clustering or hotspots. Standardized STR haplotype analysis greatly enhanced the efficiency of mutation screening.

Ataxia Telangiectasia↗

M385T polymorphism in the factor V gene, but not Leiden mutation, is associated with placental abruption in Finnish women.

This study determines whether genetic variability in the gene encoding factor V contributes to differences in susceptibility to placental abruption. Allele and genotype frequencies of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the factor V gene leading to nonsynonymous changes (M385T in exon 8, and R485K and R506Q [Leiden mutation] in exon 10) were studied in 116 Caucasian women with placental abruption and 112 healthy controls. Single-point analysis was expanded to haplotype analysis and haplotype frequencies were estimated using an expectation-maximisation (EM) algorithm. Comparison of single-point allele and genotype distributions of SNPs in exon 8 and exon 10 of the factor V gene revealed statistically significant differences in M385T allele (P = 0.021) and genotype ( P = 0.013) frequencies between the patients and the control subjects. The C allele of SNP M385T was significantly less frequent among the patients (7%) vs. the control subjects (13%), at an odds ratio of 0.48 (95% CI 0.25-0.91). Allele and genotype differences between the patients and control subjects as regards R485K and Leiden mutation were not significant. In haplotype estimation analysis, there was a significantly lower frequency of haplotype T-R-R encoding the T385-R485-R506 variant in the group with placental abruption vs. the control group (P = 0.038) at an odds ratio of 0.519 (95% CI 0.272-0.987). We conclude that T385 is less frequent among the patient group than in the control group. The M385T variant in the factor V gene other than the Leiden mutation may play a role in disease susceptibility.

Abruptio Placentae↗

Novel missense mutations (p.T596M and p.P1797H) in NOTCH1 in patients with bicuspid aortic valve.

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac malformation, occurring in 1-2% of the population. In a recent report, mutations in NOTCH1 a signaling and transcriptional regulator have been shown to cause BAV in two families. This study provides data on systematic sequencing in search for novel mutations in NOTCH1 gene in a large sample BAV. For the first time, we report results of a systematic mutation-analysis based on DNA-sequencing of all coding exons and adjacent splice consensus sequences of NOTCH1 gene. Our analyses revealed 57 NOTCH1 sequence variants. Twenty-one variants are located within exons and 36 within intronic or 5'-UTR sequences. Thirty-five variants were described previously as polymorphisms. The remaining 22, however, were neither listed in public SNP databases nor in the literature and were therefore considered novel. Seventeen variants were found only once (MAF = 1%), of these 15 were novel. Two sequence variants led to amino acid substitutions (p.T596M and p.P1797H) and are located in highly conserved regions of the NOTCH1 protein. In addition, these two mutations could not be detected in at least 327 healthy controls by using RFLP-analysis. The functional relevance of the other 13 novel and rare variants could not be proven without further functional examination. In this study, we provide a new evidence that the mutations in the NOTCH1 gene may trigger the underlying mechanism causing the valve calcification, especially in BAV. In conclusion, NOTCH1 gene mutations do not only play a role in familiar BAV, but can also be observed in approximately 4% of sporadic cases.

Adult↗