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At least 937 records · Page 52Linked to original sources

The role of pathogenic DJ-1 mutations in Parkinson's disease.

Mutations in DJ-1 (PARK7) have been reported in two consanguineous families with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD). This study aims to confirm the presence of pathogenic DJ-1 mutations and determine their contribution in young-onset and more typical later onset Parkinson's disease (PD). The entire open reading frame of the DJ-1 gene was screened by direct sequencing in 185 unrelated YOPD patients and a separate cohort of 190 pathologically proven cases of PD. Ethnically matched controls were screened for all mutations identified. We report a low frequency of pathogenic DJ-1 mutations in our cohort of patients. One homozygous missense mutation and one heterozygous mutation were found in two YOPD samples. In addition, several variants were found in the coding sequence of the gene, which are likely to represent polymorphisms. In one case, the polymorphism was population specific. The reported 14Kbp deletion was not found in any of our samples or controls. We confirm the presence of pathogenic DJ-1 mutations in YOPD and estimate their frequency at approximately 1%. No mutations were found in our cohort of later onset sporadic pathologically confirmed cases, suggesting that DJ-1 mutations may only rarely contribute to the cause of this more typical sporadic form of the disease.

Adult↗

Mutation screening of the N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

In a previous study, we have shown that N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), classified in databases as a tumor suppressor and heavy metal-response protein, is mutated in hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy Lom (HMSNL), a severe autosomal recessive form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. The private founder mutation R148X, causing HMSNL in patients of Romani ethnicity, has so far remained the only molecular defect linking NDRG1 to a specific disease phenotype. Here we report the first study aiming to assess the overall contribution of this gene to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies, in cases where the most common causes of CMT disease have been excluded. Sequence analysis of NDRG1 in 104 CMT patients of diverse ethnicity identified one novel disease-causing mutation, IVS8-1G>A (g.2290787G>A), which affects the splice-acceptor site of IVS8 and results in the skipping of exon 9. The phenotype of the IVS8-1G>A homozygote was very closely related to that of HMSNL patients. In addition, we have detected homozygosity for the known R148X mutation in two affected individuals. Mutations in NDRG1 thus accounted for 2.88% of our overall group of patients, and for 4.68% of cases with demyelinating neuropathies. No other variants were identified in the coding sequence, whereas 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms were observed in the introns. Hum Mutat 22:129-135, 2003.

Adolescent↗

Detection of mutations in the COL4A5 gene by SSCP in X-linked Alport syndrome.

Alport syndrome is a progressive renal disease leading to chronic renal failure, which often is accompanied by sensorineural deafness and ophthalmological signs in the form of anterior lenticonus. The X-linked form of the disease is caused by mutations in the COL4A5 gene encoding the alpha5-chain of type IV-collagen. We performed mutation analysis of the COL4A5 gene by PCR-SSCP analysis of each of the 51 exons with flanking intronic sequences in 81 patients suspected of X-linked Alport syndrome including 29 clear X-linked cases, 37 cases from families with a pedigree compatible with X-linked inheritance, and 15 isolated cases. We found a mutation detection rate of 52% (42/81) (58% in males and 21% in females), and 69% (20/29) in families who clearly demonstrated X-linked inheritance. Thirty-six different mutations were found in 42 patients comprising 16 missense mutations, seven frameshifts, three in-frame deletions, four nonsense mutations, and six splice site mutations. Twenty-two of the mutations have not previously been reported. Furthermore, we found one non-pathogenic amino acid substitution, one rare variant in a non-coding region, and one polymorphism with a heterozygosity of 28%. Three de novo mutations were found, two of which were paternal and one of maternal origin.

Codon, Nonsense↗

Prenatal Phenotypic Features of Five Fetal Cases With RNU4ATAC-Associated Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism Type I.

OBJECTIVE: To present the prenatal sonographic features, genomic findings, and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with biallelic pathogenic RNU4ATAC variants linked to microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type I (MOPD1). METHODS: This retrospective case series includes five prenatal cases with MOPD1. Diagnoses were established by prenatal ultrasound and genetic testing. Genome sequencing (GS) or targeted exome sequencing (ES) detected the variants either prenatally or after termination of pregnancy (TOP). Clinical data including parental demographics, ultrasound findings, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. RESULTS: All fetuses presented with consistent anomalies on ultrasound including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), microcephaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), intracranial cysts, lissencephaly, and micrognathia. IUGR was the earliest anomaly detected in all five cases. Prenatal ultrasound findings suggestive of skeletal dysplasia were identified in one case. All cases carried biallelic pathogenic RNU4ATAC variants associated with MOPD1. TOP was chosen in four cases. One fetus was delivered at 39 + 1 weeks with genetic diagnosis confirmed at 27 weeks. CONCLUSION: IUGR, microcephaly and ACC can be detected in fetuses with MOPD1 at around 18 weeks of gestation. Interestingly, skeletal dysplasia was not a consistent prenatal finding. Variants in the non-coding RNU4ATAC gene need to be detected by GS or targeted approaches beyond standard ES.

Humans↗

High-level expression in Escherichia coli and purification of recombinant plant profilins: comparison of IgE-binding capacity and allergenic activity.

Because of their structural similarity and ubiquitous distribution as actin binding proteins, plant profilins represent important cross-reactive allergens for almost 20% of patients suffering from Type I allergy to pollen and other plant products. The cDNAs coding for three birch profilin variants (Tyr44, Glu47, and Asn47), timothy grass profilin, and three tobacco profilin isoforms (ntprof1-3) were expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli as non-fusion proteins. The recombinant plant profilins were purified to homogeneity by poly (L-proline) affinity chromatography and showed comparable capacity to bind IgE-antibodies from profilin allergic patients. All recombinant plant profilins elicited dose-dependent histamine release from basophils of a profilin allergic patient and induced immediate type skin reactions. It is concluded that profilins from different plant species share IgE-epitopes and allergenic properties. Plant profilins therefore constitute a family of functional pan-allergens which may substitute each other for diagnosis and specific immunotherapy.

Allergens↗

Genomic organization and isoform-specific tissue expression of human NAPOR (CUGBP2) as a candidate gene for familial arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.

Neuroblastoma apoptosis-related RNA-binding protein (NAPOR; HGMW-approved symbol CUGBP2) is a newly discovered gene prominently induced during apoptosis, suggesting that it plays a role during apoptosis. We have found that it is encoded by a gene located on chromosome 10p13-p14 between Généthon markers D10S547 and D10S223, a region to which we have recently localized a gene responsible for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). To examine its possible role in the pathogenesis of ARVD, we determined the genomic organization of the human NAPOR gene including its exon-intron boundaries and the putative promoter sequence, which provide a plausible mechanism for its alternative mRNA splicing. We also demonstrated that three isoforms of the NAPOR transcript were differently expressed, with NAPOR-3 being nearly neuron specific while the other two forms were ubiquitously expressed. The expression of NAPOR is differentially regulated during development. Finally, we screened the members of the ARVD family for mutations and identified two DNA sequence variants in the protein-coding exons of NAPOR, neither of which was responsible for ARVD. While the function of NAPOR remains to be elucidated, our current characterization of the NAPOR gene will be valuable for further clinical and functional study.

Alternative Splicing↗

Mitochondrial malic enzyme in mosaic skeletal muscle of mouse chimeras.

The question was investigated whether mitochondria in the mammalian skeletal muscle fiber syncytium incorporate gene products encoded by one or many nuclei. Mouse chimeras were produced from strains which differ in their electrophoretic variants of the nuclear-coded mitochondrial protein, malic enzyme (MOD-2, E.C. 1.1.1.40, L-malate NADP+ oxidoreductase decarboxylating). The MOD-2 phenotypes of skeletal muscles of these chimeras were characterized in a starch gel electrophoretic system. The results indicate that individual mitochondria can contain products encoded by multiple nuclei and therefore that, for skeletal muscle mitochondria, the cell is not subdivided into nuclear territories. Possible mechanisms of gene product distribution in skeletal muscle fibers are discussed.

Animals↗

Evolutionary potential: a mathematical hypothesis of mouse hemoglobin beta chain evolution.

This paper examines the possibility that the linkage arrangements and regulatory properties of genes may be influenced by selection. A mathematical hypothesis is developed in order to show how selective properties of hemoglobin beta chains could have influenced the linkage and regulation of their structural genes. The hypothesis is applied to the case of mouse hemoglobin beta chains. In most mice, closely-linked pairs of loci (doublets) code for two structurally divergent beta chains in unequal amounts. Some mouse strains have singlet alleles, however, coding for another beta chain variant. With the mathematical hypothesis, one can show that selectively determined "evolutionary potentials" may have favored changes in proportions of major and minor chains produced by a doublet allele. In the extreme case, zero production of the minor chain may give a selective advantage, leading to a singlet; conversely, selection may favor linking another gene to the singlet locus to give a doublet. A specific prediction of the model is the stable maintenance under certain conditions of multiple alleles at regulatory loci. The concept of evolutionary potential thus suggests that selection could have influenced the evolution of genotypic fitnesses, in addition to causing changes in gene frequencies as in standard population genetics models

Animals↗

Multiple cryptic splice sites can be activated by IDS point mutations generating misspliced transcripts.

Mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) were reported as the cause of the X-linked recessive lysosomal disease, mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II). Amongst the different mutations, it emerges that nearly 10% are nucleotide substitutions causing splicing mutations. We now report the molecular characterisation of three MPS II patients with multiple aberrant transcripts due to three different point mutations. The c.418+1G>C that occurred in the invariant splice-site motif, produced only aberrantly spliced transcripts. Whilst the mutations affecting variant motifs (c.419G>T) or coding regions (c.245C>T) led to aberrantly spliced transcripts in addition to correctly spliced transcripts with the respective predicted missense mutation, p.G140V or p.A82V. A combination of experimental tests and computational approaches were used to understand the molecular basis underlying the altered transcription patterns. In addition, by using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, the reduction of mRNA amount in two patients observed was likely due to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. Overall, our results further emphasised the importance of cloning and sequencing independent transcripts to reveal less abundant, aberrant products, which often could not be detected by direct sequencing. Moreover, the different splicing patterns observed in the three patients as a consequence of point mutations show how sensitive the balance is between constitutive and cryptic splice sites in the IDS gene. The generation of such diverse transcripts, together with their level of expression, could contribute to the profound phenotypic variability reported in MPS II.

Adolescent↗

Imaging membrane potential in dendrites and axons of single neurons.

This review focuses on the use of imaging techniques to record electrical signaling in the fine processes of neurons such as dendrites and axons. Voltage imaging began with the use and development of externally applied voltage-sensitive dyes. With the introduction of internally applied dyes and advances in detection technology, it is now possible to record supra-threshold action potential responses, as well as sub-threshold synaptic potentials, in fine neuronal processes including dendritic spines. The development of genetically coded sensors, as well as variants of laser scanning microscopy such as second harmonic generation, offers promise for further advances in this field. Through the use and further development of these methods, optical imaging of membrane potential will continue to be a valuable tool for investigators wishing to explore the electrical events underlying single neuronal computation.

Action Potentials↗

p63/73 homologues in surf clam: novel signaling motifs and implications for control of expression.

To understand the role of p53 gene family members during invertebrate embryonic development, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify p63/73 homologues in the marine mollusc Spisula solidissima. Here, we report the sequences of two distinct p63/73-like homologues, both cloned from Spisula embryos. The first, Ssp63/73alpha is 2699 nucleotide (nt); the second, Spp63/73beta is 3920 nt. The nucleotide sequences of the two variants are nearly identical up to their stop codons but diverge in their 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). The deduced amino acid sequence of both Ssp63/73 variants is 597 amino acids, coding for a protein with predicted molecular weight of approximately 68 kDa. We conclude that the two unique transcripts, containing 3' UTRs of variable lengths, represent tandem alternate polyadenylation sites for the Ssp63/73 gene. While alternative splicing has been well documented in the p63/73 gene family, this is the first report of alternate polyadenylation site choice as a control point for p63/73 gene expression in any species. In order to identify specific post-transcriptional as well as post-translational signals potentially involved in regulation of p63/73-like expression, we compared Ssp63/p73 nucleotide and Ssp63/73 deduced amino acid sequences to corresponding regions of other mammalian and nonmammalian p63 and p73 homologues. Within the Spisula 3' UTRs we identified multiple AU-rich elements (AREs) which may control translation activation. Within the deduced amino acid sequence, we identified potential sites for sumoylation, a post-translational process that has been identified in mammalian p63 and p73 proteins. Identification of these novel signaling sites provides information about potential mechanisms controlling expression of multiple p63/73 isoforms during development.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Genome-wide association study reveals two novel genetic loci associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) leads to declining respiratory function and high mortality, representing the main barrier to long-term survival in lung transplantation (LT). We performed the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) investigating donor's and recipient's genetic factors associated with CLAD. METHOD: We genotyped 392 donor-recipient pairs from the multicentric Cohort in Lung Transplantation. We tested 4.5 million SNPs for association with CLAD using multivariable logistic regression models corrected for age, sex, initial disease and genetic ancestry. Three levels of explanatory variables were separately considered to conduct GWAS: donors-only, recipients-only, and donor-recipient mismatches. We also ran HLA-centric analyses using the same models. RESULTS: Our analysis confirmed the deleterious impact of HLA allelic and epitopic mismatches on CLAD risk, mostly driven by class I HLA (p=0.004). No significant associations with CLAD were found for donors' genotypes or donor-recipient non-HLA mismatches. We highlighted two independent recipient's loci associated with CLAD, including one protective signal (0.39 in CLAD vs 0.66 in non-CLAD recipients, p-value=5.05×10-7, q-value=0.017, OR=0.35) encompassing the PLXDC2 gene, and one risk signal (0.66 in CLAD vs 0.38 in non-CLAD recipients, p-value=9.86×10-7, q-value=0.017, OR=2.83) encompassing the ZNF518A/BLNK genes. These non-coding SNPs are putative regulatory variants of gene expression. Importantly, our single-cell RNA-sequencing showed a down-regulation of PLXDC2 in fibroblasts and lung epithelium in CLAD vs healthy controls. CONCLUSION: This first LT GWAS revealed two candidate loci from the recipient's genome, both biologically relevant for CLAD pathogenesis. Our study calls for larger LT genomic initiatives to increase power for signal discovery.

Humans↗

Transthyretin: no association between serum levels or gene variants and schizophrenia.

It has been proposed that schizophrenia results from an environmental insult in genetically predisposed individuals. Environmental factors capable of modulating transcriptional activity and their carriers could link the genetic and environmental components of schizophrenia. Among these is transthyretin (TTR), a major carrier of thyroid hormones and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Retinoids and thyroid hormones regulate the expression of several genes, both during development and in the adult brain. Decreased TTR levels have been reported in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with depression and Alzheimer's disease, and the absence of TTR influences behavior in mice. DNA variants capable of altering TTR ability to carry its ligands, either due to reduced transcription of the gene or to structural modifications of the protein, may influence development of the central nervous system and behavior. In the present study we searched for variants in the regulatory and coding regions of the TTR gene, and measured circulating levels of TTR and RBP. We found a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), ss46566417, 18 bp upstream of exon 4. Neither this SNP nor the previously described rs1800458 were found associated with schizophrenia. In addition, serum TTR and RBP levels did not differ between mentally healthy and schizophrenic individuals. In conclusion, our data does not support an involvement of the TTR gene in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Adult↗

Aphid symbiotic virus engineered for in vivo expression of insecticidal effectors.

Microbial pesticides are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. However, few viral pesticides have been developed. Insects harbor diverse symbiotic viruses, which have the potential to be engineered for translational applications in pest control. Here, we engineered Acyrthosiphon pisum virus (APV), a symbiotic virus of the pea aphid, to deliver anti-aphid effectors using reverse genetics technology. A cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven APV infectious clone was successfully rescued in pea aphids with the assistance of nanocarrier star polymer (SPc). Based on this infectious clone, the protein coding sequence of chymotrypsin inhibitor variant 8 (Chy8) and the double-stranded RNA sequence targeting the aphid clip-domain serine protease (SPLP) were separately assembled into the APV genome to generate APV-Chy8 and APV-dsSPLP infectious clones, respectively. The recombinant APV clones reduced aphid relative survival rates by 34% and 17% by microinjection, respectively. To enhance the transcriptional efficiency, the APV-Chy8 and APV-dsSPLP clones were transcribed in vitro using the T7 promoter. The in vitro-synthesized APV-Chy8 and APV-dsSPLP clones reduced aphid relative survival rates by 48% and 45% by microinjection, respectively. These results demonstrate that engineered APV can deliver cargos and reduce aphid survival under injection-based experimental conditions, highlighting the potential of symbiotic virus-based vectors for delivering insecticidal effectors.

Animals↗

Rapid genotyping of MBL2 gene mutations using real-time PCR with fluorescent hybridisation probes.

In this study, we describe a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genotyping all known polymorphisms of the human mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene. These comprised two variations in the 5' regulatory region at positions -550 (H/L) and -221 (X/Y), one in the 5' untranslated sequence at position +4 (P/Q) and three structural mutations within exon 1 at codons 52, 54, and 57, also known as the D, B and C variants, respectively. Three reactions with two different conditions were sufficient to genotype one individual unambiguously. The three mutations in exon 1 were detected in one capillary using a sensor probe covering the three mutations, whereas amplification of the variants located upstream of the coding sequence was performed in only two reactions. Single colour detection was used for detection of the (H/L) polymorphism and multiplexing by dual colour probes was used for simultaneous genotyping of (X/Y) and (P/Q). The reliability of the system was evaluated by comparison with a conventional PCR method with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). For this study, 100 individuals of Danish and 30 of African descent were analysed, and the genotypes obtained were concordant in all cases. This new method is rapid and provides reliable results without ambiguities.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Mammalian type I interferon receptors consists of two subunits: IFNaR1 and IFNaR2.

The human type I interferon (IFN) receptor consists of two essential subunits, huIFNaR1 and huIFNaR2; however, so far only IFNaR1 has been identified in other species. Furthermore, it has been suggested that in some species the type I IFN receptor may consist of a single subunit, since expression of murine IFNaR1 in human cells rendered them responsive to several type I murine IFNs. To resolve this issue, we screened a mouse cDNA library with a probe derived from huIFNaR2 cDNA. A cDNA clone, coding for a transmembrane protein which has 49% identity with huIFNaR2 was isolated. This level of identity suggests that this cDNA codes for a muIFNaR2. In addition, several cDNA clones, coding for two distinct soluble variants of muIFNaR2 were identified. To test whether muIFNaR2 is a functional component of the receptor, we co-expressed it with muIFNaR1 in human cells and with an IFN-responsive luciferase reporter vector. Treatment of these cells with muIFN-beta induced high levels of luciferase, whereas no induction was obtained in cells expressing only one of the two subunits. We therefore conclude that the murine type I IFN receptor consists of two different subunits--a configuration shared by humans, and probably all other mammals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Role of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene in alopecia areata: strong association of a potentially functional AIRE polymorphism with alopecia universalis.

Alopecia areata is characterized by a reversible form of patchy or complete hair loss associated with T-cell infiltration of hair follicles. The lifetime disease risk of approximately 1.4% in the general population is increased to more than 30% in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dysplasia syndrome (APECED), a recessive condition resulting from a mutation of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene on chromosome 21q22.3. Aire protein is thought to have transcriptional regulatory activity but its role is not well defined at present. In this study, we have examined the possible involvement of AIRE in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. On screening the AIRE coding sequence, we identified 20 variants. Two of these at positions, G961C and T1029C, give rise to amino acid changes, S278R and V301A, located in the DNA-binding segment (SAND) and PHD1 zinc finger motif, respectively. We found no difference in the frequency of the AIRE T1029C polymorphism between the control and patient groups. We genotyped 202 alopecia areata patients and 175 matched Caucasian controls for the AIRE G961C alleles. The frequency of the rare allele (961G) was 0.08 in the controls and there was a significant increase to 0.13 in alopecia areata overall and 0.20 in severe disease (alopecia universalis). We found no association between the AIRE G961G variant and mild (patchy) alopecia areata or alopecia totalis. However, the AIRE 961G allele is a potent risk factor (> 3) for the severest form of alopecia areata, and for disease of early age at onset (at 30 years). The change from serine to arginine in the SAND domain of AIRE protein may have a significant effect on AIRE DNA-binding activity. Moreover, our results could provide a rational explanation of the unusually high frequency of AA in APECED patients, supporting the concept of AA as an autoimmune disease.

Adolescent↗