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Biomedical subjects

C Hohoff

Publications and source records attributed to C Hohoff.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Esketamine multi-omic biomarker evaluation in major depressive disorder (EMBER-MDD): concept, objectives and methodologies of a non-clinical investigator-initiated study.

Treatment resistance (TR) in major depressive disorder (MDD) affects a substantial minority of patients and is hard to recognize early, delaying intensified care. The Esketamine multi-omic biomarker evaluation in MDD (EMBER-MDD) is a non-interventional, investigator-initiated, in-vitro study within the EU Psych-STRATA programme, analyzing biospecimens collected in the randomized INTENSIFY study and the mirror OBS-TR cohort after participants complete treatment. EMBER-MDD aims to discover individual-omic and integrated multi-omic (hypothesis-free) biomarkers and signatures associated with TR risk, and molecular correlates of clinical response to esketamine nasal spray versus treatment as usual (TAU). Biomaterials will derive from approximately 420 adults with MDD (estimated n = 210 esketamine; n = 210 TAU) and include whole blood, RNA-stabilized whole blood, plasma and serum, sampled at baseline and, when feasible, during and after treatment (up to ~ 5,040 aliquots stored at - 80 °C). Genomics will use baseline DNA genotyping on Illumina Infinium GSA v3.0+MD arrays; epigenomics will profile genome-wide DNA methylation across time points using MethylationEPIC v2.0; transcriptomics will employ mRNA-seq (NovaSeq X/ X Plus); and proteomics/ metabolomics will be generated using high-throughput Olink and/ or Biocrates platforms. Each layer will undergo state-of-the-art preprocessing and analyses (e.g., GWAS/ PRS, EWAS, differential expression, WGCNA, pathway and network analyses), followed by integrative strategies including QTL mapping (meQTL/ eQTL/ pQTL/ mQTL) and intermediate-fusion machine learning with nested cross-validation, explainable AI (SHAP/ LIME) and treatment-effect modelling. All outputs are research-only and will not support individual efficacy, tolerability, or clinical decision-making. The study will deliver robust biosignatures and mechanistic hypotheses to guide future validation and inform stratified, molecularly guided intervention strategies in subsequent prospective trials. Trial registration number: 2023-506617-21-00 and 2025-178-f-S.

Humans↗

Kurdish population data for 11 STR loci (ACTBP2, CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, vWA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D13S317 and D21S11).

In a Kurdish population sample composed of 950 unrelated individuals from Northern Iraq, 11 tetrameric short tandem repeat (STR) loci from 10 different chromosomes (i.e., ACTBP2, CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, vWA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D13S317 and D21S11) were typed to establish a database for immigration cases. The combined power of discrimination (PD) and the combined power of exclusion (PE) of all 11 loci were 0.99999999999994 and 0.99996, respectively.

Databases, Factual↗

Allele frequency data for 16 STR loci in the Vietnamese population.

The short tandem repeat systems ACTBP2, D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, VWA, D8S1179, TPOX and FGA were studied in a population sample from Vietnam (178 individuals, mainly from the Hanoi area). The 16 loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations and possess a combined power of discrimination greater than 0.9999999999999999998 and a combined power of exclusion greater than 0.99999994 in this Vietnamese population.

Alleles↗

A STR mutation in a heteropaternal twin case.

A heteropaternal male twin case with two men being alleged fathers was investigated as requested by the Court. Up to 37 PCR-based polymorphic DNA systems were studied in this case which was complicated by a paternal ACTBP2 mutation detected in one twin. This is the first report on a STR mutation in a double paternity case where both biological fathers were indisputably identified. The STR systems enable the resolution of these complex genetic relationships even in a case where a mutation in one STR locus was encountered.

DNA Fingerprinting↗

Results of a collaborative study of the EDNAP group regarding the reproducibility and robustness of the Y-chromosome STRs DYS19, DYS389 I and II, DYS390 and DYS393 in a PCR pentaplex format.

A collaborative exercise was carried out by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) in the frame work of the STADNAP program, i.e. standardization of DNA profiling in Europe, in order to evaluate the performance of a Y-chromosome STR pentaplex, which includes the loci DYS19, DYS389 I and II, DYS390 and DYS393 and to determine whether uniformity of results could be achieved among different European laboratories. Laboratories were asked to analyze the five Y-STRs using singleplex and multiplex conditions in three bloodstains and one mixed stain (95% female and 5% male). All the laboratories reported the same results even for the mixed stain included in the exercise. This demonstrates the reproducibility and robustness of Y-chromosome STR typing even with multiplex formats and proves the usefulness of Y-STR systems for analyzing mixed stains with a male component.A total of 930 male samples from 10 different populations from Europe were also analysed for all the loci included in the pentaplex. Eight of these ten populations also included haplotype data. As for single gene analysis, haplotype diversity was higher in Germany and Italy and lower in Western European countries and Finland. Pairwise haplotype analysis shows the Finnish departure from the rest of the populations and a relatively homogeneity in the other European populations with F(ST) estimates lower than 0.05.UPGMA analysis shows an association of Western European population (Ireland, UK, Portugal and Galicia) on the one hand and central European populations on the other.

Blood Stains↗

Online reference database of European Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) haplotypes.

The reference database of highly informative Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) haplotypes (YHRD), available online at http://ystr.charite.de, represents the largest collection of male-specific genetic profiles currently available for European populations. By September 2000, YHRD contained 4688 9-locus (so-called "minimal") haplotypes, 40% of which have been extended further to include two additional loci. Establishment of YHRD has been facilitated by the joint efforts of 31 forensic and anthropological institutions. All contributing laboratories have agreed to standardize their Y-STR haplotyping protocols and to participate in a quality assurance exercise prior to the inclusion of any data. In view of its collaborative character, and in order to put YHRD to its intended use, viz. the support of forensic caseworkers in their routine decision-making process, the database has been made publicly available via the Internet in February 2000. Online searches for complete or partial Y-STR haplotypes from evidentiary or non-probative material can be performed on a non-commercial basis, and yield observed haplotype counts as well as extrapolated population frequency estimates. In addition, the YHRD website provides information about the quality control test, genotyping protocols, haplotype formats and informativity, population genetic analysis, literature references, and a list of contact addresses of the contributing laboratories.

Databases, Factual↗

Mutation rates at two human Y-chromosomal microsatellite loci using small pool PCR techniques.

Polymorphic Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are being employed for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies as well as for forensic applications. Precise knowledge of mutation types and rates is essential and has hitherto been obtained from computer simulation or small-sized father/son pairs, or derived from the more intensively studied autosomal STRs, respectively. To establish more accurate values we analysed about 18 000 DNA sequences isolated from sperm cells of three donors, representing highly validated offspring. Two loci were examined, i.e. DYS19 and DYS390. The methodology applied was small pool PCR with automated laser-induced fluorescence detection. The mutation rates for single repeat gains were determined as 0.18% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11--0.31%] for DYS390 and 0.21% (95% CI 0.13--0.33%) for DYS19, and two-repeat changes occurred in the order of 0.01%. Assuming a similar rate for the loss of repeats, which could not be detected with our approach, we predict an overall mutation rate of approximately 0.4% per gamete per generation for both Y tetranucleotide loci. Moreover, these results support the stepwise mutation mechanism based on replication slippage. We expect this approach to be useful for individual mutation risk determination, as well as for studies concerning male history.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

The evidential value of STRs. An analysis of exclusion cases.

In this study, a total of 191 cases with STR exclusions out of 591 paternity cases were analysed using 2 STR sets, i.e. (set a) 5 STRs in 462 cases with 150 exclusions and (set b) 9 STRs in 129 cases with 41 exclusions. Set (a) was associated with four exclusions on average while set (b) showed five exclusionary loci on average. Double exclusions were observed in 18 cases and further elaborated. Of these, 2 ended up with probabilities of paternity of 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively and with a random occurrence of the hypothesis "mutation" of 1:20,000 and 1:50,000, respectively, while all other cases were associated with much lower frequencies. The conclusion is that the evidential value of a set of highly polymorphic STRs applied in paternity cases is usually extremely high.

Genetic Markers↗

Trajectory reconstruction from trace evidence on spent bullets. II. Are tissue deposits eliminated by subsequent impacts?

STR-based individualisation of biological deposits on bullets after perforation of tissue, can identify the person injured or killed by a particular bullet and comparison with the firearms used can identify the weapon and thus possibly the person who did the shooting. In this study, the effect of subsequent impacts on intermediate targets such as loss of cells was investigated by amplification of mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Bovine tissue was perforated and the 9 mm Luger FMJ bullets were recovered from the bullet collector. The mt cytochrome-b (cyt-b) gene could be amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 14 out of 15 bullets. Examination with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) demonstrated the presence of minute dried tissue deposits on all bullets (n = 10) but was not able to establish preferential locations. In a series of 25 gunshots, various intermediate targets (glass, wood, car metal, gypsum board, asphalt) were perforated/impacted following perforation of tissue and the cyt-b gene could be typed from all bullets. It is concluded that subsequent impacts on intermediate targets do not eliminate enough biological deposits to render DNA analysis impossible and that the amplification of mtDNA is a useful additional method.

Animals↗

Frequency data for the STR locus ACTBP2 (SE33) in eight populations.

Allele frequency data for the STR system ACTBP2 (SE33) were determined in eight populations by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with automated laser-induced fluorescence detection. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed. The power of discrimination and the mean exclusion chance ranged from 96.6% to 98.7% and from 76.3% to 88.9%, respectively. These forensic efficiency values stress the importance of ACTBP2 for individualisation purposes.

Alleles↗

Haplogroup-specific deviation from the stepwise mutation model at the microsatellite loci DYS388 and DYS392.

Deviation from the stepwise mutation model (SMM) at specific human microsatellite loci has implications for population genetic and forensic investigations. In the present study, data on six Y chromosome-specific microsatellites were pooled for 455 paternally unrelated males from six Middle Eastern populations. All chromosomes were assigned to three haplogroups defined by six binary polymorphisms. Two of the microsatellite loci tested, DYS388 and DYS392, displayed marked haplogroup-specific differences in their allele variability. A bimodal distribution of short and long alleles was observed for DYS388 in haplogroup 1 and for DYS392 in haplogroups 1 and 2. Further investigation showed that the short/long alleles segregated almost completely between genealogically distinct haplogroups defined by additional binary markers. Thus, these two loci have a discriminatory power similar to a binary polymorphism. DYS388 was characterised by an extremely low mutation rate in haplogroups 2 and 3, as was DYS392 in haplogroup 3. Sequence analysis of the repeat regions at the two loci revealed no irregularities, indicating that the triplet expansion in these loci is not controlled by sequence variation at the repeat level. A high frequency of long DYS388 alleles has, so far, been found only in populations originating in the Middle East, suggesting that this microsatellite is useful as a region-specific marker.

Alleles↗

Pentanucleotide short tandem repeat locus DXYS156 displays different patterns of variations in human populations.

AIM: To establish a database for the pentameric short tandem repeat locus DXYS156 from worldwide populations for routine genotyping in forensic identity testing and evolutionary biology. METHODS: Using polymerase chain reaction with a newly designed primer pair, we analyzed 1,408 male and female samples from 28 populations representing four major geographic groups. RESULTS: We observed 11 different alleles, which we sequenced and used to construct an allelic ladder. CONCLUSION: DXYS156 displays a contrasting pattern of X-linked and Y-linked variation among geographic regions, and between X and Y chromosomes. This complex allele distribution may be forensically useful for the ethnic differentiation of unknown stains.

Alleles↗

Human identity testing with PCR-based systems.

Large numbers of repetitive stretches of DNA are present within the human genome that are associated with human individuality due to their polymorphic character. Approximately one-third of these repeat sequences is arranged as microsatellites or short tandem repeats (STRs) whose valuable application as state-of-the-art technique in human identity testing will be briefly summarized in this review. Prerequisites for successful DNA typing using STRs amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are outlined and particular attention is paid to the molecular structure of STRs from autosomes as well as from the Y chromosome. A comprehensive overview about current and emerging methods of STR analysis is given as well.

Genetic Variation↗

Expression, purification, and crystal structure determination of recombinant human epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein.

We describe the crystal structure of human epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein (E-FABP) that was recently found to be highly upregulated in human psoriatic keratinocytes. To characterize E-FABP with respect to ligand-binding properties and tertiary structure, we cloned the respective cDNA, overexpressed the protein in Escherichia coli and purified it to homogeneity by a combination of ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatographic steps with a yield of 30 mg/L broth. The purified protein revealed a 5-fold higher affinity for stearic acid than for oleic and arachidonic acids. The crystal structure of recombinant human E-FABP was determined to 2.05 A and refined to an R(factor) of 20.7%. The initial residual electron density maps clearly showed the presence of a ligand, which was identified as endogenous bacterial fatty acid. Within a central cavity of 252 A(3), this ligand is bound in a U-shaped conformation, its carboxyl group interacting with tyrosine 131 and arginines 129 and 109, the latter via an ordered water molecule. The E-FABP crystal structure is unique in the FABP family because of the presence of a disulfide bridge between cysteines 120 and 127 that may be physiologically as well as pathophysiologically relevant. Cysteines 67 and 87 are also in close vicinity but in contrast do not form a disulfide bridge. We postulate that this protein belongs to a particular FABP subfamily whose members share common structural as well as functional features.

Adipose Tissue↗

Cloning and chromosomal localisation of the murine epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein gene (Fabpe).

We succeeded in cloning the gene encoding the murine epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein (E-FABP). To avoid the screening of pseudogenes, the presence of which was shown by PCR, we designed an intron-specific probe and screened a bacterial artificial chromosome library from mouse embryonic stem cells. One of the clones obtained was analysed by restriction with various enzymes and an 11-kb EcoRI fragment with the complete gene was subcloned. The gene revealed the canonical exon/intron FABP structure consisting of four exons (112, 173, 102 and 544bp, respectively) and three introns (2217, 327 and 546bp, respectively). The exon sequences were identical with the cDNA encoding mouse E-FABP (Krieg, P., Feil, S., Fürstenberger, G., Bowden, T.G., 1993. Tumor-specific overexpression of a novel keratinocyte lipid-binding protein. Identification and characterisation of a cloned sequence activated during multistage carcinogenesis in mouse skin. J. Biol. Chem. 268, 17362-17369). Of the 5' region, 2470bp were sequenced and searched for transcription factor binding sites. Putative responsive elements within the promoter region were identified that may be responsible for the wide expression observed for E-FABP in mouse tissues. The 11-kb EcoRI fragment was used to localise Fabpe on chromosome 3 in the region 3A1-3 by fluorescence in-situ hybridisation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of fatty-acid-binding proteins in cells involved in lung-specific lipid metabolism.

Members of the fatty-acid-binding protein (FABP) family are thought to play an important role in fatty acid transport within the cytosol and thus to be involved in lipid metabolism. As previous data on the occurrence of distinct FABP types in total lung are contradictory, we determined the expression of FABP types in three isolated cell types of rat lung, which are characterised by active lipid metabolism. Alveolar type-II cells synthesise, store and secrete pulmonary surfactant, a phospholipid-rich surface-tension-lowering agent, whereas lung fibroblasts, localised adjacent to the alveolar type-II cells, are assumed to provide neutral lipid substrate to alveolar type-II cells around birth, and alveolar macrophages are known to degrade complex lipids. Initial screening by reverse transcriptase PCR revealed the occurrence of heart (H-), epidermal (E-) and liver FABP in rat lung, the latter being not detectable in the three cell types studied. Cells were analysed by northern and western blotting, then quantitatively by sandwich ELISA, for which recombinant rat E-FABP was prepared. E-FABP mRNA was found in all three cell types, and E-FABP was detected in the following amounts: 240.9 +/- 19.0 ng/mg cytosolic protein in alveolar type-II cells; 172.3 +/- 0.7 ng/mg protein for lung fibroblasts; and 36.9 +/- 3.5 ng/mg protein for alveolar macrophages. This indicates a basic function of E-FABP in cellular lipid metabolism. In contrast, H-FABP probably is involved in the metabolism of neutral lipids because H-FABP mRNA was found only in lung fibroblasts with a corresponding protein level of 315.5 +/- 6.9 ng/mg. Small amounts of H-FABP protein were present in alveolar type-II cells and alveolar macrophages.

Animals↗

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein - involvement in growth inhibition and differentiation.

Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) comprise a well-established family of cytoplasmic hydrophobic ligand binding proteins and are thought to be involved in lipid metabolism by binding and intracellular transport of long-chain fatty acids. However, from other studies role for FABPs in cell signalling, growth inhibition and differentiation has also been implied. In particular, the heart-type (H-FABP) is abundantly expressed in differentiated mammary gland and its relationship with a very homologous (95%) mammary derived growth inhibitor (MDGI) was disputed. Here we give a survey on the experimental evidence for the existence of such protein with growth inhibitory function. After cloning of the bovine adipocyte-type (A-)FABP cDNA from mammary gland we conclude that the reported MDGI sequence actually represents a mixture of bovine H- and A-FABP and that the MDGI function is exerted by H-FABP. We also monitored the H-FABP level during differentiation of C2C12 muscle cells from myoblasts to multiply nucleated myotubes. H-FABP expression is clearly detected after that of the transcription factor myogenin which is upregulated immediately upon onset of differentiation and after that of the typical muscle enzyme creatine kinase. This argues against an active role of H-FABP in muscle development unlike the situation in the mammary gland.

Amino Acid Sequence↗