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Platelet chimerism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) utilizing variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in allogeneic stem cell transplant in children: a new novel approach to full chimerism analysis.

Evaluation of chimerism following allogeneic transplantation has been performed traditionally focusing on two cellular compartments, namely lymphoid and myeloid. However, none has been described so far to evaluate platelet chimerism. In order to achieve full chimerism in all three cellular compartments, we prospectively obtained 138 samples of peripheral blood in 55 patients at different post transplant periods following allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation. Evaluation of chimerism was performed utilizing tests of variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) and sex determination by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tests for platelet chimerism using platelet-rich plasma were simultaneously analyzed with samples for T-cell lymphoid and myeloid compartments. Complete donor chimerism was noted in 49 of 55 patients (89%), while the remaining six have split chimerism ranging from 34 to 98%. There is significant difference (P=0.0004) between the percentages of donor DNA in all three cellular compartments comparing the means+/-s.e.m. (myeloid 95.60+/-0.9, T-cell lymphocytes 87.6+/-1.9, and the platelets 90.8+/-1.5); however, comparison between the medians is not statistically significant. This study represents an additional step towards achieving full chimerism and the observation may help reduce the number of unnecessary platelet transfusions once chimerism is noted in that cellular compartment.

Adolescent↗

Diagnosis of transfusion-associated graft-vs.-host disease: the importance of short tandem repeat analysis.

Transfusion-associated graft-vs.-host disease (TA-GvHD) can occur following transfusion of blood products containing immunocompetent lymphocytes, usually from HLA homozygous donors, into immunocompromised patients sharing one HLA haplotype with the donor. The diagnosis of TA-GvHD may be delayed due to the initial nonspecific clinical features involved. Investigations to detect the presence of donor-derived cells in the blood and/or affected tissues of the recipient are essential to confirm the diagnosis. We report the investigation of suspected TA-GvHD using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, to detect the presence of donor cells (chimerism), in an immunocompetent patient admitted for coronary artery bypass surgery. Peripheral blood and skin biopsies (from affected and nonaffected sites) from the patient and peripheral blood samples from the implicated donors were taken for HLA typing and STR analysis. STR analysis revealed the presence of donor material in the patient's peripheral blood sample and in DNA extracted from the affected skin biopsy but not the unaffected biopsy, suggesting lymphocytes from this donor were responsible for the development of TA-GvHD. Furthermore, HLA typing results supported the diagnosis of TA-GvHD. These data demonstrate the use of STR and HLA analysis as effective tools in the diagnosis of TA-GvHD.

Aged↗

A novel 25 bp tandem repeat within the human trefoil peptide gene TFF2 in 21q22.3: polymorphism and mammalian evolution.

Trefoil peptides belong to a family of small secretory proteins characterised by three intrachain disulfide bonds forming the trefoil motif (TFF-domain). They serve to maintain or repair the epithelial mucosa, and promote cell migration. They are predominantly found in gastrointestinal tissues, and are upregulated around areas of epithelial damage, and in meta- and neoplasia. The corresponding three genes are clustered in human 21q22.3. TFF2 is the only human one encoding two TFF-domains on separate exons. In between (intron 2), a novel 25 bp sequence is located that is tandemly repeated approximately 48 times, but is unique in the human genome. A diallelic polymorphism with a second allele comprising approximately 53 repeat units is present among individuals. Both alleles were cloned on BAC recombinants. In Caucasians (n = 78) the allele frequencies found are 0.85 and 0.15, respectively, representing a frequency of heterozygosity of 26%. Ape and monkey species exhibit homologous repeats of shorter total array length, whereas none is found in other mammals.

Alleles↗

Variable number tandem repeat in exon/intron border of the cystathionine beta-synthase gene: a single nucleotide substitution in the second repeat prevents multiple alternate splicing.

We studied a large number of individuals with respect to the 31-bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in the cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) gene. The number of repeats varies from 15-20, with 17 repeats the most common allele. Significantly, we found that the first repeat of the 31-bp VNTR originates 12 bp from the 5' end of exon 13 and extends 19 bp into intron 13. Since this VNTR spans across the exon-intron border, it can theoretically create multiple alternate splice sites. However, a substitution of g-->a at the exon-intron border is uniquely present in the second repeat, preventing alternate splicing at that site. While the g-->a substitution is absent from all subsequent 31-bp repeats, alternate splicing probably does not occur at those distal sites due to the lack of exon 13 sequences not contained in the repeats but needed for the binding of spliceosomes. Investigation of five individuals with normal plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and five individuals with mild hyper-homocysteinemia shows that all have the g-->a substitution in the second repeat. Nonetheless, we speculate that the absence of this substitution may be found in rare individuals with normal CBS cDNA and unexplained hyperhomocysteinemia. Gene scanning and direct nucleotide sequencing were used to characterize the VNTR in 398 patients with premature coronary artery disease and 137 controls. Five alleles and 10 genotypes were found; 17/17 is the most prevalent genotype in our study population. The two other prevalent genotypes, 16/17 and 17/18, are associated with significantly decreased tHcy levels as compared to the 17/ 17 genotype, suggesting that the 16 and 18 repeats haplotype may be in linkage disequilibrium with regulatory elements which upregulate CBS gene transcription.

Adolescent↗

A methylation imprint mark in the mouse imprinted gene Grf1/Cdc25Mm locus shares a common feature with the U2afbp-rs gene: an association with a short tandem repeat and a hypermethylated region.

We identified a sperm-specific methylation imprint mark (Site II) associated with a short tandem repeat sequence and a site/region methylated in both gametes (Site I) in the Grf1 locus on mouse chromosome 9, which shared a common feature with the U2afbp-rs gene. Sites or regions of gamete-specific methylation in imprinted genes are strong candidates for carrying information regarding the parental origin of alleles. The gamete-specific methylation pattern of Sites I and II was conserved after fertilization, but attained the somatic cell pattern by the blastocyst stage. In primordial germ cells, Site I was methylated, but Site II was unmethylated in both male and female embryos, suggesting that the sperm-specific methylation imprint mark in Site II was established during spermatogenesis. These common features in methylation imprint regions may be a clue to identifying regions carrying primary information for the imprinting regulation.

Animals↗

A tandem repeat of the SPKK peptide motif induces psi-type DNA structures at alternating AT sequences.

The interaction between a tandem repeat of the SPKK peptide motif and calf thymus DNA or several polynucleotides has been investigated by circular dichroism. The octapeptide SPKKSPKK does not induce any important changes in the CD spectra of the polynucleotides poly(dG).poly(dC), poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) and poly(dA).poly(dT) while the spectrum of calf thymus DNA is slightly modified. Binding of this basic peptide to the alternating copolymer poly(dA-dT).poly(dA-dT) results in a marked psi-type condensation in a manner similar to that induced by the entire C-terminal domain of histone H1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Variable number of tandem repeats in zygosity diagnosis in twins.

The use of DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) to analyze variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) sequences dispersed in the human genome, has become a powerful tool for the study of population genetics due to the very substantial polymorphism involved. Because the markers usually employed for twin zygosity determination (such as sex combination, placentation, HLA typing, blood group antigens, etc) may not be uniformly informative, we propose the use of synthetic olygonucleotides, representing VNTR "core" sequences, for the determination of zygosity in twins.

Base Sequence↗

The dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) variable number of tandem repeats domain enhances transcription in dopamine neurons.

The dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (SERT) transporter genes both contain variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in non-coding gene regions which have been correlated with a predisposition to a variety of CNS disorders. There is considerable homology between individual DAT and SERT repeat DNA sequences, which is reflected in their ability to compete with each other for specific protein binding as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The SERT VNTR has recently been shown to act as a transcriptional enhancer. Because of the similarities between SERT and DAT VNTRs, the DAT VNTR may also enhance transcription. This study demonstrates by lipid transfection into an immortalized dopaminergic cell line and biolistic transfection into dopamine neurons in neonatal rat midbrain slices that the human nine-repeat DAT VNTR can enhance transcription. This enhancing activity suggests that the DAT VNTR may play a role in regulation of DAT gene expression.

Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗

Typing and subtyping of Clostridium difficile isolates by using multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis.

Using the genomic sequence of Clostridium difficile strain 630, we developed multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) with automated fragment analysis and multicolored capillary electrophoresis as a typing method for C. difficile. All reference strains, representing 31 serogroups, 25 toxinotypes, and 7 known subtypes of PCR ribotype 001, could be discriminated from each other. Application of MLVA to 28 isolates from 7 outbreaks due to the emerging hypervirulent PCR ribotype 027-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type NAP1 resulted in recognition of 13 clusters. Additionally, 29 toxin A-negative, toxin B-positive isolates belonging to PCR ribotype 017 from eight different countries revealed eight country-specific clusters. MLVA is a highly discriminatory genotyping method and a new tool for subtyping of newly emerging variants of C. difficile.

Automation↗

Isolation and mapping of a human gene (SEC14L), partially homologous to yeast SEC14, that contains a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) site in its 3' untranslated region.

We have isolated a novel human gene, designated SEC14L, that contains tandemly-repeated sequences in the 3' untranslated region. This gene includes an open reading frame of 2,145 bp encoding a 715-amino-acid protein. Partial homologies to yeast SEC14 and to retinal-binding protein (RALBP) of the Japanese flying squid suggest a possible role of the gene product in an intracellular transport system. As the predicted protein is also highly homologous to hypothetical proteins of C. elegans, evolutionary conservation is indicated. SEC14L, which was expressed in all human tissues examined, was localized to chromosome bands 17q25.1 --> q25.2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Finding the region of pseudo-periodic tandem repeats in biological sequences.

The genomes of many species are dominated by short sequences repeated consecutively. It is estimated that over 10% of the human genome consists of tandemly repeated sequences. Finding repeated regions in long sequences is important in sequence analysis. We develop a software, LocRepeat, that finds regions of pseudo-periodic repeats in a long sequence. We use the definition of Li et al. 1 for the pseudo-periodic partition of a region and extend the algorithm that can select the repeated region from a given long sequence and give the pseudo-periodic partition of the region.

Journal Article↗

Genetic heterogeneity of variable number tandem repeats in thymidylate synthase gene in colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To analyze the genetic variability in a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the thymidylate synthase (TS) enhancer promoter region and assess the influence of functional alterations in mismatch repair genes by analyzing constitutional and tumoral DNA from patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma with a high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or microsatellite stability (MSS) status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma were selected from the colorectal database of our institute and, on the basis of MSI status, assigned to a study group and a control group: group A, MSI-H; group B, MSS. Microsatellite status was investigated using the Bethesda recommended panel (BAT-26, BAT-25, D2S123, D5S346, D17S250). In MSI-H patients an additional analysis was made of the microsatellite loci D18S61 and D18S58, both mapping in the region containing the TS gene (18p11.2-11.32). Based on the number of altered microsatellites (> or = 2, 1, or 0), tumors were considered as having high (MSI-H) or low (MSI-L) instability or microsatellite stability (MSS), respectively. Genotyping for thymidylate synthase promoter polymorphism was carried out on constitutional and tumor DNA of each patient by PCR amplification of the polymorphic region. RESULTS: MSI-H was found in 55 patients (group A) and MSS in 50 patients (group B). In none of the MSI-H patients was microsatellite instability found in the additional D18S61 and D18S58 loci. In five group A and ten group B cases the analysis was not performed because constitutional DNA and/or tumoral DNA were not amplifiable. Homozygotes for the triple repeat variant (3R/3R) displayed only the large PCR product, homozygotes for the double repeat variant (2R/2R) displayed only the smaller PCR product, while heterozygotes (2R/3R) displayed both the larger and smaller PCR products. In 3/50 (6%) group A patients and 5/40 (12%) group B patients repeat variations were found in tumoral DNA. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that there is genetic homogeneity between constitutional and tumoral DNA but do not support the hypothesis that mismatch repair genes are involved in VNTR recombinant events in TS gene variability.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Validation of highly polymorphic fluorescent multiplex short tandem repeat systems using two generations of DNA sequencers.

Validation studies are a crucial requirement before implementation of new genetic typing systems for clinical diagnostics or forensic identity. Two different fluorescence-based multiplex DNA profiling systems composed of amelogenin, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (referred to as multiplex 1A), and HumD3S1358, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (multiplex 1B) have been evaluated for use in forensic identification using the Applied Biosystems Model 373A and Prism 377 DNA Sequencers, respectively. Experiments were aimed at defining the limit of target DNA required for reliable profiling, the level of degradation that would still permit amplification of the short tandem repeat (STR) loci examined, and the robustness of each locus in the multiplexes after samples were exposed to environmental insults. In addition, the specificity of the multiplexes was demonstrated using nonhuman DNAs. Forensically relevant samples such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, fingernails and envelope flaps were processed using both an organic extraction procedure and a QIAamp protocol. DNAs and resultant multiplex STR profiles were compared. The validation of the triplex STR systems was extended to include over 140 nonprobative casework specimens and was followed with a close monitoring of initial casework (over 300 exhibits). Our results document the robustness of these multiplex STR profiling systems which, when combined with other multiplex systems, could provide a power of discrimination of approximately 0.9999.

Animals↗

Tandem repeats in the CpG islands of imprinted genes.

In contrast to most genes in mammalian genomes, imprinted genes are monoallelically expressed depending on the parental origin of the alleles. Imprinted gene expression is regulated by distinct DNA elements that exhibit allele-specific epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation. These so-called differentially methylated regions frequently overlap with CpG islands. Thus, CpG islands of imprinted genes may contain special DNA elements that distinguish them from CpG islands of biallelically expressed genes. Here, we present a detailed study of CpG islands of imprinted genes in mouse and in human. Our study shows that imprinted genes more frequently contain tandem repeat arrays in their CpG islands than randomly selected genes in both species. In addition, mouse imprinted genes more frequently possess intragenic CpG islands that may serve as promoters of allele-specific antisense transcripts. This feature is much less pronounced in human, indicating an interspecies variability in the evolution of imprinting control elements.

Animals↗

Comparison of biochemical polymorphisms and short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers for paternity testing in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Genetic markers are indispensable for molecular and statistical genetic research involving nonhuman primates. Genetic markers must be used to ascertain parentage and to confirm the accuracy of pedigrees based solely on housing or demographic records; otherwise, the results of pedigree, linkage, or quantitative genetic analyses may be unreliable. Until recently, most genetic markers used in nonhuman primates were plasma proteins or isozyme polymorphisms, which were required in large numbers, because levels of genetic variation revealed by these markers were rather low. We compared the newer, PCR-amplified short tandem repeat markers (STRs) with a panel of classical biochemical polymorphic markers, for paternity determination among captive-bred rhesus monkeys. The STR markers exhibited an average genetic diversity of 64% and an expected paternity exclusion probability of 0.443. Both of these were greater than the average 54.5% genetic diversity and 0.298 exclusion probability exhibited by the biochemical markers. The STRs were much more efficient than the biochemical markers for parentage determination, since they required only half the amount of genetic typing data to resolve an average paternity case. Thus, the results of applying these two classes of genetic markers in paternity tests were somewhat different than expected on the basis of theoretical exclusion probabilities. These differences were probably due to inbreeding and other genetic differences among breeding colonies. Because they are more informative and provide rapid and efficient genetic data, STRs are now the method of choice for parentage determination and pedigree corroboration among nonhuman primates.

Animals↗

Cloning of a human UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-Galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase that complements other GalNAc-transferases in complete O-glycosylation of the MUC1 tandem repeat.

A fourth human UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, designated GalNAc-T4, was cloned and expressed. The genomic organization of GalNAc-T4 is distinct from GalNAc-T1, -T2, and -T3, which contain multiple coding exons, in that the coding region is contained in a single exon. GalNAc-T4 was placed at human chromosome 12q21.3-q22 by in situ hybridization and linkage analysis. GalNAc-T4 expressed in Sf9 cells or in a stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cell line exhibited a unique acceptor substrate specificity. GalNAc-T4 transferred GalNAc to two sites in the MUC1 tandem repeat sequence (Ser in GVTSA and Thr in PDTR) using a 24-mer glycopeptide with GalNAc residues attached at sites utilized by GalNAc-T1, -T2, and -T3 (TAPPAHGVTSAPDTRPAPGSTAPPA, GalNAc attachment sites underlined). Furthermore, GalNAc-T4 showed the best kinetic properties with an O-glycosylation site in the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 molecule. Northern analysis of human organs revealed a wide expression pattern. Immunohistology with a monoclonal antibody showed the expected Golgi-like localization in salivary glands. A single base polymorphism, G1516A (Val to Ile), was identified (allele frequency 34%). The function of GalNAc-T4 complements other GalNAc-transferases in O-glycosylation of MUC1 showing that glycosylation of MUC1 is a highly ordered process and changes in the repertoire or topology of GalNAc-transferases will result in altered pattern of O-glycan attachments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of the genomic Xist locus in rodents reveals conservation of overall gene structure and tandem repeats but rapid evolution of unique sequence.

The Xist locus plays a central role in the regulation of X chromosome inactivation in mammals, although its exact mode of action remains to be elucidated. Evolutionary studies are important in identifying conserved genomic regions and defining their possible function. Here we report cloning, sequence analysis, and detailed characterization of the Xist gene from four closely related species of common vole (field mouse), Microtus arvalis. Our analysis reveals that there is overall conservation of Xist gene structure both between different vole species and relative to mouse and human Xist/XIST. Within transcribed sequence, there is significant conservation over five short regions of unique sequence and also over Xist-specific tandem repeats. The majority of unique sequences, however, are evolving at an unexpectedly high rate. This is also evident from analysis of flanking sequences, which reveals a very high rate of rearrangement and invasion of dispersed repeats. We discuss these results in the context of Xist gene function and evolution.

3' Untranslated Regions↗