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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Advancing precision tacrolimus therapy: a systems genetics dissection in BXD platform.

BACKGROUND: Tacrolimus is a core immunosuppressant in organ transplantation, but its narrow therapeutic window and significant pharmacokinetic variability hinder precision dosing. Although CYP3A5-guided strategies have established clinical relevance for tacrolimus initial dose adjustment, they do not fully account for the marked interindividual variability in tacrolimus exposure, highlighting the need for complementary models to decode more complex genetic regulation. This study aimed to identify candidate genetic modulators of tacrolimus metabolism and develop an integrated predictive framework for individualized therapy. METHODS: Using 46 BXD recombinant inbred mouse strains, we characterized transcriptomics and machine learning, and validated key genes. We then constructed a clinical model using data from 168 renal transplant recipients. RESULTS: We identified 19 genomic loci associated with tacrolimus pharmacokinetic traits and supported DBP/CYP2A6 as candidate modulators associated with tacrolimus disposition. The clinical prediction model, incorporating these genes and clinical variables, achieved robust AUROC. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a polygenic contribution to tacrolimus metabolism and provide an experimental and computational framework for identifying candidate modulators relevant to individualized dosing. The BXD mouse platform offers a systems-genetics approach for mechanistic discovery that may inform future translational studies on tacrolimus precision dosing.

Animals↗

Genetic dissection of functional domains within the avian erythroblastosis virus v-erbA oncogene.

The avian erythroblastosis virus v-erbA locus potentiates the oncogenic transformation of erythroid and fibroblast cells and is derived from a host cell gene encoding a thyroid hormone receptor. We report here the use of site-directed mutagenesis to identify and characterize functional domains within the v-erbA protein. Genetic lesions introduced into a putative hinge region or at the extreme C-terminus of the v-erbA coding domain had no significant effect on the biological activity of this polypeptide. In contrast, mutations introduced within the cysteine-lysine-arginine-rich center of the v-erbA coding region, a DNA-binding domain in the thyroid and steroid hormone receptors, abolished or severely compromised the ability of the viral protein to function. Our results suggest that the mechanism of action of the v-erbA protein in establishing the neoplastic phenotype is closely related to its ability to interact with DNA, presumably thereby altering expression of host target genes by either mimicking or interfering with the action of the normal c-erbA gene product.

Alpharetrovirus↗

Mouse models for genetic dissection of polygenic gastrointestinal diseases.

Many diseases with a major public health impact are the result of complex interactions between environmental factors and multiple genes. In the past decade, methods for genome analysis, in particular quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in animal models, were developed to identify and localize the genes responsible for multifactorial (polygenic) diseases; QTL analysis is based on experimental crosses between inbred strains with high and low genetic susceptibility. Recently the genes underlying several QTLs could be cloned successfully. Here we describe the impact of these genomic approaches in mice on our understanding of the multifactorial genetics of three gastrointestinal diseases related to metabolism (cholesterol cholelithiasis), development (gastroschisis), and colorectal cancer. The examples demonstrate how mouse models continue to be an invaluable tool in unravelling complex pathomechanisms and unlocking our understanding of human diseases.

Animals↗

Genetic dissection of thymus development in mouse and zebrafish.

Lymphoid organs represent a specialized microenvironment for interaction of stromal and lymphoid cells. In primary lymphoid organs, these interactions are required to establish a self-tolerant repertoire of lymphocytes. While detailed information is available about the genes that control lymphocyte differentiation, little is known about the genes that direct the establishment and differentiation of principal components of such microenvironments. Here, we discuss genetic studies addressing the role of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) during thymopoiesis. We have identified an evolutionarily conserved key regulator of TEC differentiation, Foxn1, that is required for the immigration of prothymocytes into the thymic primordium. Because Foxn1 specifies the prospective endodermal domain that gives rise to thymic epithelial cells, it can be used to identify the evolutionary origins of this specialized cell type. In the course of these studies, we have found that early steps of thymus development in zebrafish are very similar to those in mice. Subsequently, we have used chemical mutagenesis to derive zebrafish lines with aberrant thymus development. Strengths and weaknesses of mouse and zebrafish models are largely complementary such that genetic analysis of mouse and zebrafish mutants may lead to a better understanding of thymus development.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Genetic dissection of signal transduction mediated by the sevenless receptor tyrosine kinase in Drosophila.

The specification of the R7 photoreceptor cell fate in the developing eye of Drosophila depends on the local activation of the sevenless (sev) receptor tyrosine kinase by boss, a protein expressed on the membrane of the neighboring R8 cell. Constitutive activation of the sev receptor results in a dosage dependent increase in the number of R7 cells per ommatidium. Genetic screens have been used to identify mutations that alter the efficiency of signal transduction. Subsequent molecular characterization of the corresponding genes has led to the identification of a number of proteins involved in transducing the signal from the receptor to the nucleus. In contrast to the receptor and its ligand, these components are shared between different signal transduction pathways not only in Drosophila but are also homologous to components involved in signal transduction in other organisms.

Animals↗

Mouse models of serotonin receptor function: toward a genetic dissection of serotonin systems.

Central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) systems regulate a wide variety of complex behaviors, and are targeted by drugs used in the treatment of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders. The actions of 5-HT are mediated by a large and heterogeneous family of 5-HT receptor subtypes. Studies of the functional significance of individual subtypes have been complicated by the limited availability of selective receptor agonist and antagonist drugs. Molecular genetic techniques offer complementary approaches for studying the behavioral roles of individual 5-HT receptor subtypes through the generation of gene-targeted and transgenic lines of mice with altered expression of 5-HT receptor genes. This review will examine insights into the serotonergic regulation of behavior that have been produced by the study of these lines, as well as discuss important caveats to the interpretation of these studies.

Animals↗

Genetic dissection of signal transduction mediated by the sevenless receptor tyrosine kinase in Drosophila.

The specification of the R7 photoreceptor cell fate in the developing eye of Drosophila depends on the local activation of the sevenless (Sev) receptor tyrosine kinase by Boss, a protein expressed on the membrane of the neighbouring R8 cell. Constitutive activation of the Sev receptor results in a dosage-dependent increase in the number of R7 cells per ommatidium. Genetic screens have been used to identify mutations that alter the efficiency of signal transduction. Subsequent molecular characterization of the corresponding genes has led to the identification of a number of proteins involved in transducing the signal from the receptor to the nucleus. In contrast to the receptor and its ligand, these components are shared between different signal transduction pathways not only in Drosophila but are also homologous to components involved in signal transduction in other organisms.

Animals↗

Genetic dissection of thyroid hormone receptor beta: identification of mutations that separate hormone binding and transcriptional activation.

The thyroid hormone receptors (TR) are members of the nuclear receptor family of ligand-mediated transcription factors. The large region of TR that lies C-terminal to its DNA-binding domain subserves functions of ligand binding, dimerization, and transactivation. Little is known regarding the structural or functional determinants of these processes. We have utilized genetic screening in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify residues involved in these functions. Random mutations of the rat TR beta 1 isoform between amino acid residues 179 and 456 were screened, and mutants with reduced hormone-dependent activation of reporter gene activity were isolated. In this paper we describe the characterization of a class of mutants that exhibit a dissociation between hormone binding and transcriptional activation. These mutants retained hormone binding (> 15% of the wild-type level) yet failed to transactivate a reporter gene. A number of these mutations occurred within the D region, which links the DNA-binding and ligand-binding domains of the receptor. One subset of these mutations abrogated DNA binding, supporting a role of the D region in this process. The remainder retain DNA binding and thus highlight residues critical for receptor activation. In addition, an unexpected group of "superactivator" mutations that led to enhanced hormone-dependent activation in S. cerevisiae were found. These mutations localized to the carboxy-terminal portion of the receptor in a region which contains elements conserved across the superfamily of nuclear receptors. The hormone-dependent phenotype of these superactivator mutations suggests an important role of this segment in ligand-mediated transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic dissection of the early stages of protein secretion in yeast.

The earliest events in the export of secretory proteins from eukaryotic cells are their insertion into and transport across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, followed by signal peptide cleavage and transfer of core oligosaccharides to specific asparagine residues. Much has been learned through reconstitution of these processes in vitro using cell-free extracts prepared from mammalian and yeast cells. Now, a combination of genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches are being employed to study the early stages of protein secretion in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Animals↗

Genetic dissection of vasculitis, myeloperoxidase-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody production, and related traits in spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh mice.

The spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh (SCG/Kj) mouse is a model of human crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis associated with the production of the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA). Although the disease is mediated initially by mutation of the Fas gene (lpr), SCG/Kj mice also have non-Fas predisposing genetic factors. To define these factors, genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed on female (B(6)x SCG/Kj) F(2) intercross mice. Fourteen non-Fas QTLs were identified. QTLs of glomerulonephritis were located on chromosomes 1, 10, 13, 16, and 17, vasculitis on chromosomes 1 and 17, splenomegaly on chromosome 1, hypergammaglobulinemia on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, and 17, antinuclear Ab on chromosomes 1, 8, 10, and 12, and MPO-ANCA production on chromosomes 1 and 10. Significant QTLs derived from SCG/Kj on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 13 were designated Scg-1 to Scg-5, respectively, and those derived from B(6) on chromosomes 4, 6, 17, and 10 were designated Sxb-1 to Sxb-4, respectively. Two loci linked to MPO-ANCA production on chromosomes 1 and 10 were designated Man-1 and Man-2 (for MPO-ANCA), respectively. Although both Scg-1 and Scg-2 were on chromosome 1 and shared several functions, it was of interest that aberrant MPO-ANCA production was exclusively controlled by Man-1, the centromeric half region of the Scg-2 chromosomal segment. We also examined the epistatic effects between the lpr mutation and non-Fas susceptibility genes. QTLs are discussed in relation to previously described loci, with emphasis on their candidate genes.

Animals↗

Genetic dissection of systemic acquired resistance.

Significant progress has been made in the past year in understanding the mechanism of systemic acquired resistance. Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades have been implicated as negative regulators of salicyclic acid accumulation and the induction of resistance. The salicylic acid signal is transduced through NPR1, a nuclear-localized protein that interacts with transcription factors that are involved in regulating salicylic-acid-mediated gene expression. Both promoter analyses and genetic studies have shown that gene expression in systemic acquired resistance requires not only the activation of a transcriptional activator(s) but also inhibition of a transcriptional repressor(s). Microarray experiments have been performed to search for those genes whose expression is transcriptionally regulated during systemic acquired resistance and to identify common promoter elements that control these genes.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Genetic dissection of obesity in polygenic animal models.

In contrast to diseases caused by single-gene defects, many of the most common human maladies such as obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension exhibit continuous phenotypic variation and a predominantly multifactorial and polygenic basis. Genes with roles in energy balance, nutrient partitioning, lipid and insulin metabolism, and a variety of behavioral traits are likely interacting with environmental stimuli to regulate obesity phenotypes. With the current proliferation of highly polymorphic genetic markers and the refinement of experimental approaches, it is now possible to screen thoroughly the genomes of model organisms for the individual genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control measurable polygenic traits such as obesity. With the growing wealth of comparative mapping, it will be possible to predict the location of a homologous locus in the human after first mapping it in the mouse. Many experiments have been conducted in mice, rats, and pigs to estimate the number, location, and effect of QTL controlling obesity and related traits. This review describes the design and strategies of such studies and summarizes the results and their implications toward understanding the complex nature of obesity in humans.

Animals↗

The use of designer rats in the genetic dissection of hypertension.

The rat is a well-established model for hypertension research, in both physiologic and pharmacologic study. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for blood pressure and related phenotypes have been described on every rat chromosome; therefore, more simplified models must be generated to identify and study the function of the gene(s) located by QTL analysis. Designer rat strains, such as congenic and consomic strains, which share phenotypic and genotypic characteristics with humans but with a greatly simplified genetic background, would yield a powerful platform for functional studies, especially when combined with microarray technologies. Development of these designer rats would result in better-defined disease models that can be used in physiologic and applied pharmacologic studies to better treat human essential hypertension.

Animals↗

Integration--a key to success in the genetic dissection of complex diseases?

Complex diseases are polygenic and multifactorial. The outcome of two decades of search for the culprit genes in complex diseases involving the cardiovascular system has been less than satisfactory. Genomic studies using linkage analysis have led so far to the detection of a large number of quantitative trait loci that embed a large number of candidate genes. Transcriptomic studies using differential gene expression profiling and DNA microarrays have also generated hundreds of potential candidate genes. None of these genetic strategies has enabled researchers to reduce the number of genes to a manageable number or to identify the specific culprit genes. We recently proposed that the search for genes involved in complex diseases such as hypertension might benefit from an integration of genomics and transcriptomics as a logical alternative strategy to using either approach alone. We applied this integrated genomic-transcriptomic approach to identify the genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the Sabra rat model of salt susceptibility. We successfully identified seven novel candidate genes for hypertension, an outcome that could not have been achieved by genomics or transcriptomics alone.

Animals↗

Human genetics: dissecting Williams syndrome.

Molecular analysis of a small hemizygous deletion in a patient with partial Williams syndrome suggests that loss of the LIM-Kinase1 gene may be responsible for the impaired visuospatial constructive cognition characteristic of the syndrome.

Animals↗

Methods for genetic dissection of complex traits.

In this Perspective, the author responds to a recent SAGE KE Perspective. An alternative view of the benefits of quantitative trait loci mapping as a way to understand the molecular mechanisms of life-span determination is presented.

Animals↗

Poliovirus and its cellular receptor: a molecular genetic dissection of a virus/receptor affinity interaction.

The ability of a virus to attach to a susceptible host cell is of utmost importance for the initiation of viral life cycle. Cell surface proteins called viral receptors mediate the initial steps of virus attachment and uptake. Poliovirus (PV) is one of the most studied animal viruses and its interaction with its cellular receptor, the human poliovirus receptor (hPVR) has been well characterized. This review will present our current understanding of the PV/hPVR interaction at the genetic and biochemical level. In addition, we will also discuss the implications of the PV/hPVR interaction on PV tissue tropism and the evolution of the three PV serotypes.

Animals↗