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Antigenic and genomic variabilities among recently prevalent parvoviruses of canine and feline origin in Japan.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia (FLP) virus (FPLV) are well known and ubiquitous diarrhea-causing pantropic viruses. A "new" antigenic variant of CPV-2 (designated as CPV-2a) has been also prevalent among dogs in Japan. In the present study, 24 canine and 8 feline isolates collected during 1987-1991 were compared with 17 CPV-2 or CPV-2a and 7 FPLV strains that had been characterized previously. Genomic properties were determined by the restriction cleavage patterns of amplified genes encoding the capsid proteins VP1 and VP2 by the polymerase chain reaction. Antigenic properties were determined by hemagglutination-inhibition assay with monoclonal antibodies against an FPLV strain. Growth characteristics in feline CRFK and canine MDCK cells were also examined. Genomic and antigenic properties of the canine isolates were relatively invariable with one exceptional isolate, C27, which was recovered from a typical clinical case of parvovirus infection but possessed properties similar to FPLV rather than CPV-2 and CPV-2a. All isolates from FPL cases possessed the same genomic and antigenic properties as those of reference FPLVs isolated in the 1970s, but three of five strains isolated from the feces of clinically healthy cats were likely to be of canine origin because they possessed very similar properties to CPV-2a. Although species-specificity of these novel isolates could not be determined definitely, the results indicate a possibility that transmission of parvovirus has occurred between these two animal species.

Animals↗

Identification of a common genetic substrate underlying postpartum cardiac events in congenital long QT syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to elucidate the genetic basis for long QT syndrome (LQTS) in patients with a personal or family history of postpartum cardiac events. BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is a time of increased arrhythmogenic susceptibility in women with LQTS. METHODS: Between August 1997 and May 2003, 388 unrelated patients (260 females, average age at diagnosis, 23 years, and average QTc, 482 ms) were referred to Mayo Clinic's Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory for LQTS genetic testing. Comprehensive mutational analysis of the 5 LQTS-causing channel genes was performed. The postpartum period was defined as the 20 weeks after delivery. Cardiac events included sudden cardiac death, aborted cardiac arrest, and syncope. The presence of a personal and/or family history of cardiac events during postpartum period was determined by review of the medical records and/or phone interviews and was blinded to the status of genetic testing. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (3.6% of cohort) had personal (n = 4) and/or family history (n = 11) of cardiac events during the defined postpartum period. Thirteen of 14 patients (93%) possessed an LQT2 mutation and 1 had an LQT1 mutation. Postpartum cardiac events were found more commonly in patients with LQT2 (13 of 80, 16%) than in patients with LQT1 (1 of 103, <1%, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a relatively gene-specific molecular basis underlying cardiac events during the postpartum period in LQTS. Along with previous gene-specific associations involving swimming and LQT1 as well as auditory triggers and LQT2, this association between postpartum cardiac events and LQT2 can facilitate strategic genotyping.

Adult↗

Targeted mutational analysis of ankyrin-B in 541 consecutive, unrelated patients referred for long QT syndrome genetic testing and 200 healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in ANK2-encoded ankyrin-B underlie long QT syndrome type 4 (LQT4) and various other dysrhythmia phenotypes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and spectrum of ankyrin-B mutations in a large cohort of unrelated patients referred for LQTS genetic testing and among healthy control subjects. METHODS: Between August 1997 and July 2004, 541 consecutive, unrelated patients (358 females, average age at diagnosis 24 years, average QTc 482 ms) were referred to Mayo Clinic's Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory for comprehensive mutational analysis of the five cardiac channel genes implicated in LQTS: KCNQ1 (LQT1), KCNH2 (LQT2), SCN5A (LQT3), KCNE1 (LQT5), and KCNE2 (LQT6). Based on this prior analysis, 269 of 541 cases lacked an identifiable mutation (genotype negative). In this study, targeted mutational analysis of 10 ANK2 exons (36,37,39-46) encoding the critical C-terminal regulatory domain or implicated previously as hosting pathogenic mutations was performed on genomic DNA from 541 patients and 200 control subjects using polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Overall, 14 distinct nonsynonymous variants (10 novel) were observed in 9 (3.3%) of 269 genotype-negative LQTS patients, 5 (1.8%) of 272 genotype-positive LQTS cases, 4 (4%) of 100 white controls, and 9 (9%) of 100 black controls. Four variants found in controls (L1622I, T1626N, R1788W, and E1813K) were implicated previously as LQT4-associated mutations and displayed functional perturbations in vitro. All genotype-negative LQTS cases hosting ANK2 variants had been diagnosed as "atypical" or "borderline" cases, most presenting with normal QTc, nonexertional syncope, U waves, and/or sinus bradycardia. CONCLUSION: Nonsynonymous ankyrin-B variants were detected in nearly 3% of unrelated LQTS patients and nearly 7% of healthy control subjects. Genotype-negative LQTS patients with a single ANK2 variant displayed nonexertional syncope, U waves, sinus bradycardia, and extracardiac findings. Whether the identification of previously reported functionally significant variants residing in 2% of apparently healthy subjects suggests proarrhythmic potential or potential misclassification warrants further scrutiny.

Adolescent↗

Deficient DNA repair in the human progeroid disorder, Werner syndrome.

The study of how DNA repair mechanisms change with aging is central to our understanding of the aging process. Here, I review the molecular functions of a key aging protein, Werner protein (WRN), which is deficient in the premature aging disorder, Werner syndrome (WS). This protein plays a significant role in DNA repair, particularly in base excision repair and in recombination. WRN may be a key regulatory factor in these processes and may also play a role in coordinating them. WRN belongs to the RecQ helicase family of proteins, often referred to as the guardians of the genome. These proteins appear to integrate with the more classic DNA repair pathways and proteins.

DNA Helicases↗

Progress in genetic screening of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A: is calcitonin testing obsolete?

BACKGROUND: Recent identification of RET mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) allows a DNA-based approach to diagnosis in lieu of calcitonin sampling. To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of mutational analysis, genetic screening was performed in 124 patients (53 male, 71 female; age, 1 month to 80 years) at risk for MEN 2A referred over 3 months. METHODS: Analysis used genomic DNA and a polymerase chain reaction-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis strategy for mutation detection at RET codons 609, 611, 618, 620, and 634. Ninety-three of 124 patients were from established MEN 2A kindreds (group A), and screening replaced calcitonin testing. Twenty-one of 124 patients (group B) represented index cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), and DNA analysis was performed to distinguish sporadic from hereditary disease. Ten patients (group C) had modest calcitonin elevations or had undergone thyroidectomy without confirming pathologic results, and testing was undertaken to clarify status. RESULTS: Group A: RET mutations occurred in 29 (median age, 10 years) of 93 patients, 14 of whom underwent thyroidectomy. No false-positive results were observed. Group B: five (24%) of 21 patients with seemingly sporadic MTC had RET mutations at codons 618 (one), 620 (one), or 634 (three). Group C: Nine of 10 patients with alleged MEN 2A had genetically negative results. CONCLUSIONS: Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis reliably detects MEN 2A. Modest calcitonin elevations may lead to a false-positive diagnosis of MTC. DNA testing is the optimal approach to evaluating MEN 2A. Index cases of sporadic MTC should also undergo DNA analysis.

Adolescent↗

An unusual cervical carcinoma showing exception to epitheliotropism of human papillomavirus.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infect epithelial tissues but have not been previously detected within mesenchymal cells. During a systematic investigation of FIGO stage Ib cervical cancers with colorimetric in situ hybridization, we detected HPV 16 DNA within the stromal compartment of an unusual undifferentiated carcinoma. The mesenchymal nature of the HPV-containing cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. No viral particles were identified. Sequencing the majority of the HPV 16 genome identified few changes from the revised reference clone; all previously reported in other HPV 16 variants. These viral changes are unlikely to explain the exceptional mesenchymal localization of the HPV 16 DNA in this case.

Adult↗

A DNA fragment of Leptospira interrogans encodes a protein which shares epitopes with equine cornea.

Horses infected with Leptospira interrogans present several clinical disorders, one of them being recurrent uveitis. An antigenic relationship between this bacterium and equine cornea has been described in previous studies. With the aim to make progress on defining the molecular basis and pathogenesis of equine recurrent uveitis, here we describe the cloning of one DNA fragment from a Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona genomic lambda gt11 library. Although there are references of transcription of leptospiral genes in E. coli from their own leptospiral promoters, in this recombinant construction the leptospiral DNA was located under the control of lacZ promoter since no expression could be detected in the absence of IPTG. This clone, isolated by expression screening with polyclonal serum raised against equine corneal proteins, encodes a 90 kDa protein of L. interrogans which crossreacts with equine cornea as proved Western-blotting. Antibodies directed against this leptospiral protein strongly recognised a 66 kDa equine corneal protein, one of those recognised by an anti-equine cornea serum. Our findings suggest that an immune response to 90 kDa protein participates in pathogenesis of equine uveitis.

Animals↗

A role for p53 in the frequency and mechanism of mutation.

The tumor suppressor protein, p53, is often referred to as the guardian of the genome. When p53 function is impaired, its ability to preserve genomic integrity is compromised. This may result in an increase in mutation on both a molecular and chromosomal level and contribute to the progression to a malignant phenotype. In order to study the effect of p53 function on the acquisition of mutation, in vitro and in vivo models have been developed in which both the frequency and mechanism of mutation can be analyzed. In human lymphoblastoid cells in which p53 function was impaired, both the spontaneous and induced mutant frequency increased at the autosomal thymidine kinase (TK) locus. The mutant frequency increased to a greater extent in cell lines in which p53 harbored a point mutation than in those lines in which a "null" mutation had been introduced by molecular targeting or by viral degradation indicating a possible "gain-of-function" associated with the mutant protein. Further, molecular analysis revealed that the loss of p53 function was associated with a greater tendency towards loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) within the TK gene that was due to non-homologous recombination than that found in wild-type cells. Most data obtained from the in vivo models uses the LacI reporter gene that does not efficiently detect mutation that results in LOH. However, studies that have examined the effect of p53 status on mutation in the adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) gene in transgenic mice also suggest that loss of p53 function results in an increase in mutation resulting from non-homologous recombination. The results of these studies provide clear and convincing evidence that p53 plays a role in modulating the mutant frequency and the mechanism of mutation. In addition, the types of mutation that occur within the p53 gene are also of importance in determining the mutant frequency and the pathways leading to mutation.

Animals↗

Nucleic acid spot hybridization: rapid quantitative screening of lymphoid cell lines for Epstein-Barr viral DNA.

A simple nucleic acid hybridization method to screen numerous samples of eukaryotic cells rapidly for their Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA content is described. Whole cells are spotted on nitrocellulose filters and their DNA is denatured and fixed to the filter. The resultant DNA spots are hybridized to nick-translated EBV DNA and the extent of hybridization is monitored by autoradiography and scintillation counting. Statistical analysis of serial dilutions of cells permits their viral genome content to be estimated quantitatively by reference to a known standard, such as Raji cells or an artificial mixture of pure viral DNA and uninfected lymphocytes. The sensitivity of the method is between 5 and 50 pg of viral DNA. With this method we are able to select subclones that are high produces of EBV DNA and to identify the optimal time for harvest of EBV DNA from cultured cells. Spot hybridization should permit any cell population or fluid to be screened for the presence of a DNA sequence for which a radioisotopically labeled probe is available.

Animals↗

Tumor suppressor SMAR1 activates and stabilizes p53 through its arginine-serine-rich motif.

Various stresses and DNA-damaging agents trigger transcriptional activity of p53 by post-translational modifications, making it a global regulatory switch that controls cell proliferation and apoptosis. Earlier we have shown that the novel MAR-associated protein SMAR1 interacts with p53. Here we delineate the minimal domain of SMAR1 (the arginine-serine-rich domain) that is phosphorylated by protein kinase C family proteins and is responsible for p53 interaction, activation, and stabilization within the nucleus. SMAR1-mediated stabilization of p53 is brought about by inhibiting Mdm2-mediated degradation of p53. We also demonstrate that this arginine-serine (RS)-rich domain triggers the various cell cycle modulating proteins that decide cell fate. Furthermore, phenotypic knock-down experiments using small interfering RNA showed that SMAR1 is required for activation and nuclear retention of p53. The level of phosphorylated p53 was significantly increased in the thymus of SMAR1 transgenic mice, showing in vivo significance of SMAR1 expression. This is the first report that demonstrates the mechanism of action of the MAR-binding protein SMAR1 in modulating the activity of p53, often referred to as the "guardian of the genome."

Amino Acid Motifs↗

A microsatellite-based genetic linkage map for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Microsatellite loci were identified in channel catfish gene sequences or random clones from a small insert genomic DNA library. Outbred populations of channel catfish contained an average of eight alleles per locus and an average heterozygosity of 0.70. A genetic linkage map of the channel catfish genome (N = 29) was constructed from two reference families. A total of 293 microsatellite loci were polymorphic in one or both families, with an average of 171 informative meioses per locus. Nineteen type I loci, 243 type II loci, and one EST were placed in 32 multipoint linkage groups covering 1958 cM. Nine more type II loci were contained in three two-point linkage groups covering 24.5 cM. Twenty-two type II loci remained unlinked. Multipoint linkage groups ranged in size from 11.9 to 110.5 cM with an average intermarker distance of 8.7 cM. Seven microsatellite loci were closely linked with the sex-determining locus. The microsatellite loci and genetic linkage map will increase the efficiency of selective breeding programs for channel catfish.

Alleles↗

Identification and characterization of an ovary-selective isoform of epoxide hydrolase.

A novel ovary-selective gene was identified by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) that is expressed only during the mouse periovulatory phase of a stimulated estrous cycle. Analysis of the protein encoded by the full-length cDNA revealed that the majority of it, with the exception of the first 44 amino acids, matched soluble epoxide hydrolase (Ephx2, referred to as Ephx2A). By comparing the cDNA sequence of this newly identified variant of soluble epoxide hydrolase (referred to as Ephx2B) with the mouse genome database, an exon was identified that corresponds to its unique 5' cDNA sequence. Through the use of an Ephx2A-specific probe, Northern blot analysis revealed that this mRNA was also expressed in the ovary, with the highest level of expression occurring during the luteal phase of a stimulated estrous cycle. In situ hybridization revealed that Ephx2B mRNA expression was restricted to granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. Ephx2A mRNA expression, however, was detectable in follicles at different stages of development, as well as in the corpus luteum. Total ovarian epoxide hydrolase activity increased following the induction of follicular development, and remained elevated through the periovulatory and postovulatory stages of a stimulated estrous cycle. The change in enzyme activity paralleled the combined mRNA expression profiles for both Ephx2A and Ephx2B, thus supporting a role for epoxide metabolism in ovarian function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparative genomic hybridization for molecular cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors.

Comparative genomic hybridization produces a map of DNA sequence copy number as a function of chromosomal location throughout the entire genome. Differentially labeled test DNA and normal reference DNA are hybridized simultaneously to normal chromosome spreads. The hybridization is detected with two different fluorochromes. Regions of gain or loss of DNA sequences, such as deletions, duplications, or amplifications, are seen as changes in the ratio of the intensities of the two fluorochromes along the target chromosomes. Analysis of tumor cell lines and primary bladder tumors identified 16 different regions of amplification, many in loci not previously known to be amplified.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Isolation and characterization of a new subtype of Borna disease virus.

Borna disease virus (BDV), the causative agent of severe meningoencephalitis in a wide variety of animal species, has been considered to be genetically invariable and to form a single type within the genus Bornavirus of the family Bornaviridae. BDV infections are of particular interest, because for the first time a virus infection appears to be linked to human psychiatric disorders. We now describe a new subtype of BDV isolated from a horse which was euthanatized due to severe, incurable neurological disease. The nucleotide sequence of this new strain, named No/98, differs from the reference strains by more than 15%, and the subtype is difficult to detect by standard reverse transcriptase PCR protocols. The nucleotide exchanges of the novel BDV isolate have surprisingly little effect on the primary structures of most viral proteins, with the notable exception of the X protein (p10), which is only 81% identical to its counterpart in reference strains. Our data indicate that the genome of BDV is far more variable than previously assumed and that naturally occurring subtypes may escape detection by currently used diagnostic assays.

Animals↗

Ngari virus is a Bunyamwera virus reassortant that can be associated with large outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever in Africa.

Two isolates of a virus of the genus Orthobunyavirus (family Bunyaviridae) were obtained from hemorrhagic fever cases during a large disease outbreak in East Africa in 1997 and 1998. Sequence analysis of regions of the three genomic RNA segments of the virus (provisionally referred to as Garissa virus) suggested that it was a genetic reassortant virus with S and L segments derived from Bunyamwera virus but an M segment from an unidentified virus of the genus Orthobunyavirus. While high genetic diversity (52%) was revealed by analysis of virus M segment nucleotide sequences obtained from 21 members of the genus Orthobunyavirus, the Garissa and Ngari virus M segments were almost identical. Surprisingly, the Ngari virus L and S segments showed high sequence identity with those of Bunyamwera virus, showing that Garissa virus is an isolate of Ngari virus, which in turn is a Bunyamwera virus reassortant. Ngari virus should be considered when investigating hemorrhagic fever outbreaks throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa South of the Sahara↗

Telomeres and telomerase in human health and disease.

Epigenetics refers to the durable changes affecting the genome of an individual during development and aging, but which are not necessarily passed on to subsequent generations. Among the best studied of these epigenetic changes is the shortening of chromosome ends or telomeres. Telomeres are specialized structures, consisting of characteristic DNA repeat sequences and the complex of associated proteins, which cap and protect chromosome ends and serve to preserve genome integrity. In most somatic cells, progressive rounds of cell division are associated with telomere shortening. Such progressive attrition of telomere length eventuates in loss of replicative capacity (cellular senescence). In order to protect the germline and the subpopulation of stem cells from senescence, mechanisms have evolved to prevent telomere attrition in these cellular compartments. The most common and best studied mechanism involves the activation of a ribonucleoprotein enzyme complex, known as telomerase. Activity of telomerase circumvents loss of replicative capacity, by preserving telomere length and chromosome integrity. Hence the detailed mechanisms governing the expression and activity of telomerase have been intensively studied in development and differentiation. Early embryonic development and cellular differentiation are associated with a progressive diminution in telomerase activity. This decrease in activity is principally mediated at the level of the promoter for the gene encoding the catalytic unit of the telomerase complex. Unraveling the detailed mechanisms involved in the regulation of telomere length and telomerase activity will have important and far-reaching implications in understanding many aspects of human health and disease, ranging from accelerated aging syndromes to cancer pathogenesis, among others. Furthermore, insights gleaned from continuing research in this area will likely be applicable to the development of strategies to circumvent cellular senescence in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapeutics in the years to come.

Animals↗

CNS drugs III: psychotherapeutics.

This two-day symposium reviewed specific aspects of current drug development for psychiatric disorders. The aim was to identify how existing drugs could he improved and what approaches could he adopted to develop new drugs acting by different mechanisms. The meeting was attended by approximately 50 delegates, mainly from multinational pharmaceutical companies or smaller private biotechnology based companies with a few academic clinicians and preclinical scientists. The topics covered on the first day included the influence of genomics and proteomics on drug discovery with reference to antipsychotics, GABAA receptor subunit specific compounds as a route to improved anxiolytics. AMPA receptor modulators as add-on therapy in schizophrenia and corticotrophin releasing factor receptors as targets in depression. The second day placed a greater emphasis on drugs influencing amine neurotransmission; an aspect already raised on the first day by discussion of 5-HT-moduline. The main areas covered were how serotonergic ligands could he used with greater effect in depression and schizophrenia, the therapeutic value of serotonin noradrenaline uptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and the potential clinical value of new amine re-uptake inhibitors. Finally, the meeting discussed the impact of various technological advances in genetics. neuroimaging and psychometric testing in psychotherapeutic drug discovery.

Central Nervous System Agents↗

Detection of genetic polymorphism by RAPD-PCR among isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Sixteen isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis recovered from different Jordanian habitats were compared using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to determine whether they could be differentiated at the molecular level. Total genomic DNA from each isolate and three reference strains were amplified using 10-mer primers. Electrophoretic analysis of the amplification products revealed the incidence of polymorphism among the isolates. Pair-wise comparisons of polymorphic products were used to construct a dendrogram applying the cluster analysis. Fifteen of the isolates were all in one major cluster which was divided into six small groups. Such analysis showed some regional variation among the isolates, but did not indicate a clearly defined habitat locational pattern of the DNA polymorphism.

Bacillus thuringiensis↗