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D Vidaud

Publications and source records attributed to D Vidaud.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Three novel mutations of antithrombin inducing high-molecular-mass compounds.

We have identified three novel mutations of the antithrombin (AT) gene in patients with thrombotic complications: a Cys 128 --> Tyr mutations, a G --> A mutation in the intervening sequence 4 (IVS4) 14 nucleotide 5' to exon 5, and a 9 bp deletion in the 3' end of exon 6 resulting in a short aberrant sequence after Arg 425. The latter mutation was associated with an Arg 47 --> His mutation in two compound heterozygous brothers. These three mutations led to the expression in the circulation of small amounts of inactive molecules with a high molecular mass in immunoblot analysis. In reducing conditions, these variant molecules had a normal molecular mass, which led us to postulate that these mutations prevent the formation of one intramolecular disulfide bond and allow the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds. Plasma from a heterozygous patients bearing the Cys 128 --> Tyr mutation and from a compound heterozygote bearing the Arg 47 --> His mutation and the 9 bp deletion in exon 6 were passed through a heparin-sepharose column. In both cases a population of high-molecular-weight AT molecules with no binding affinity and no AT activity was separated from a population of normal molecules in the first patient, together with a population of molecules with a reduced binding affinity for heparin due to the substitution of Arg 47, in the compound heterozygote. The common feature of these three mutations is that they lead to partial misfolding and to the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds with other plasma components, inducing the pleiotropic phenotypes observed.

Adolescent↗

Nucleotide substitutions at the -6 position in the promoter region of the factor IX gene result in different severity of hemophilia B Leyden: consequences for genetic counseling.

Mutations in the promoter region of the factor IX gene result in hemophilia B Leyden, which is characterized by considerable improvement in the disease after puberty. We have found that distinct nucleotide substitutions at the -6 position in the Leyden-specific (LS) region are associated with a different severity of hemophilia B. The proband (aged 2) from one family is a severe hemophiliac with factor IX activity (F.IXC) and antigen (F.IXAg) levels less than 1.0 U/dl. F.IXC and F.IXAg levels in two affected uncles are approximately 30% of normal levels. The LS region was targeted for analysis because the phenotypes suggested the inheritance of a factor IX Leyden gene. An abnormal TaqI digestion pattern was found in amplified DNA from the proband, and sequencing showed a G(-6) to C transversion that was linked to the disease in the family. In another family, two brothers (aged 8 and 9) suffer from mild hemophilia with F.IXC ranging from 7 to 10 U/dl and F.IXAg from 3 to 4 U/dl. They are the only documented members of the family with a bleeding tendency. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis on amplified fragments from one of the patient's genomic DNA corresponding to the 8 exons and flanking sequences of the factor IX gene suggested a defect only in a segment from the 5' region. This segment showed an altered TaqI digestion pattern, and sequencing demonstrated a G(-6) to A transition that was traced to the patient's mother and a grandmother. The different phenotypes associated with the G(-6) to A purine nucleotide transition compared with a G(-6) to C transversion provide evidence that this area is directly involved in the regulation of the human factor IX gene expression in vivo by binding of regulatory factors. The ability to predict that the conditions of a hemophilia B patient will improve with age has important implications for genetic counseling of the family. Therefore, the LS region should always be included when scanning the factor IX gene for mutations.

Adult↗

Detection of a molecular defect in 40 of 44 patients with haemophilia B by PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.

Oligonucleotides were computer designed to amplify by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the coding region, splice junctions, 112 bp of the 5' flanking region and 279 bp surrounding the polyadenylation site of the factor IX gene for analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Forty-four unselected haemophilia B patients were studied of whom 24 had severe haemophilia and 20 had a mild to moderate form of the disease. Potential mutations were identified in 40 (91%) of the 44 cases. A defect could not be detected in three severe and one mild haemophiliac by DGGE analysis and direct sequencing of all the PCR fragments from these patients revealed no nucleotide alteration supporting the DGGE results. A total of 37 point mutations, two complete gene deletions and a duplication of 26 bp were found. The 37 point mutations included 35 single nucleotide substitutions, a deletion and an insertion of one nucleotide. The 35 single nucleotide substitutions included 26 missense mutations, seven nonsense mutations, a G (-6) to A transition in the promoter region and a G (30154) to A transition within the donor splice site of the last intron. Fifteen of these nucleotide substitutions involved CpG dinucleotides. Fifteen point mutations were found at codons where nucleotide substitutions had not been detected before. An insertion of a single nucleotide T at position 6370 and deletion of a G at nucleotide 30845 resulted in frameshift mutations creating stop codons at amino acid positions -2 and 250, respectively. A duplication of 26 bp (17747-17772) in exon V was found in a severe haemophilia patient resulting in a termination codon in exon VI. The detection of the mutation by the combined use of PCR, DGGE and direct sequencing was important for carrier diagnosis of 20 families with no prior history of haemophilia B.

Amino Acids↗

Haemophilia B due to a de novo insertion of a human-specific Alu subfamily member within the coding region of the factor IX gene.

A de novo insertion of an Alu repeated DNA element was found within exon V of the factor IX gene in a patient with severe haemophilia B. The element interrupts the reading frame of the mature factor IX at glutamic acid 96 resulting in a stop codon within the inserted sequence. The Alu repeat is 322 bp long, and the 5' region is shortened by 38 bp. The insertion created a target site duplication of 15 bp consistent with retroposition, and contains a pure polyadenine tract of at least 78 resides at the 3' end. The nucleotide sequence agrees with a consensus for an Alu subfamily which is evolutionarily the most recently inserted, suggesting that it is an exact copy of a putative source gene. These observations indicate that retroposition of Alu elements is a continual process and a mechanism for generating human genetic defects.

Base Sequence↗

Met 358 to Arg mutation of alpha 1-antitrypsin associated with protein C deficiency in a patient with mild bleeding tendency.

The molecular defect responsible for a dramatic prolongation of all standard clotting tests discovered in a 15-yr-old boy has been identified. Initial investigations revealed the presence of an activated Factor X (Factor Xa) and thrombin inhibitor which copurified with alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT), thereby suggesting the occurrence of an alpha 1-AT variant similar to alpha 1-AT Pittsburgh. This was confirmed by dot-blot analysis and direct sequencing after amplification by the polymerase chain reaction. A G to T transition at nucleotide 10038 results in the substitution of Met to an Arg, converting alpha 1-AT into an Arg-Ser protease inhibitor (serpin) that inhibited thrombin and Factor Xa more effectively than antithrombin III. Surprisingly, there was no bleeding history in the proband. The common mutation Z, which may explain a reduced expression of the allele bearing the Arg 358 Met mutation, was not observed in the propositus' DNA. To exclude the presence of another mutation, the coding regions and intron/exon junctions were sequenced. No other mutation was found. Recently, the patient experienced his first hemorrhagic episode at the age of 17. The level of the abnormal inhibitor had increased twofold 2 mo before. The large decrease in protein C concentration may account for the mild bleeding tendency in this case, despite the presence of the alpha 1-AT Pittsburgh mutation. An abnormal protein C pattern was observed in patient's plasma, suggesting that the circulating deficiency might be due to a deleterious effect of the abnormal inhibitor on both intracellular processing and catabolism of protein C.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular basis for antithrombin III type I deficiency: three novel mutations located in exon IV.

Antithrombin III (AT III) type I deficiencies are characterized by a 50% decrease of both immunoreactive and functional protein and carry a high risk of thrombotic complication. We have studied the molecular basis for such deficiencies by asymmetric polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing of the seven exons and of the intron-exon junction of the AT III gene. Three different mutations were observed in the exon IV: a 4-bp deletion, a 2-bp deletion, and a nucleotide insertion. Each of these mutations results in a frameshift introducing premature stop codons at positions 313, 309, and 232, respectively. These results were confirmed by dot-blot analysis with allele-specific oligonucleotide probes. Furthermore, no mutation was observed in the other six exons. The comparison of the type of mutations observed by our group in six cases of type I deficiencies and in 16 cases of type II heparin binding site variants deficiencies suggests that the former are caused by heterogeneous molecular abnormalities while the latter are caused by recurrent missense mutations.

Adult↗

Towards a transgenic mouse model of sickle cell disease: hemoglobin SAD.

In order to obtain a transgenic mouse model of sickle cell disease, we have synthesized a novel human beta-globin gene, beta SAD, designed to increase the polymerization of the transgenic human hemoglobin S (Hb S) in vivo. beta SAD (beta S-Antilles-D Punjab) includes the beta 6Val substitution of the beta S chain, as well as two other mutations, Antilles (beta 23Ile) and D Punjab (beta 121Gln) each of which promotes the polymerization of Hb S in human. The beta SAD gene and the human alpha 2-globin gene, each linked to the beta-globin locus control region (LCR) were co-introduced into the mouse germ line. In one of the five transgenic lines obtained, SAD-1, red blood cells contained 19% human Hb SAD (alpha 2 human 1 beta 2SAD) and mouse-human hybrids in addition to mouse hemoglobin. Adult SAD-1 transgenic mice were not anemic but had some abnormal features of erythrocytes and slightly enlarged spleens. Their erythrocytes displayed sickling upon deoxygenation in vitro. SAD-1 neonates were anemic and many did not survive. In order to generate adult mice with a more severe sickle cell syndrome, crosses between the SAD progeny and homozygous for beta-thalassemic mice were performed. Hemoglobin SAD was increased to 26% in beta-thal/SAD-1 mice which exhibited: (i) abnormal erythrocytes with regard to shape and density; (ii) an enlarged spleen and a high reticulocyte count indicating an increased erythropoiesis; (iii) mortality upon hypoxia; (iv) polymerization of hemolysate similar to that obtained in human homozygous sickle cell disease; and (v) anemia and mortality during development.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Structure of the Echinococcus multilocularis U1 snRNA gene repeat.

The gene encoding U1 snRNA in Echinococcus multilocularis has been cloned and sequenced. This gene is contained within a 1300-bp sequence which is tandemly repeated in the E. multilocularis genome. E. multilocularis U1 snRNA is 50-70% homologous to U1 snRNAs of other species. E. multilocularis U1 snRNA could assume a predicted secondary structure similar to that proposed for other U1 snRNAs, and appears shorter (157 bases) than the U1 snRNAs of higher eukaryotes (163-166 bases).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular basis for hereditary antithrombin III quantitative deficiencies: a stop codon in exon IIIa and a frameshift in exon VI.

Antithrombin III (AT III) is an inhibitor of serine protease (serpin) comprising 432 amino acids. Quantitative AT III deficiencies are associated with a high risk of thrombotic disease. Although this risk is smaller in patients with qualitative AT III deficiencies, the molecular defects characterizing the latter have been the subject of many studies. However, in quantitative AT III deficiencies, only three mutations have been described: Pro 407 to Leu and A1a404 to Thr (both located in the C-terminal part of the AT III molecule) and also a frameshift in exon IIIa. Using the asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genomic DNA analysis by direct sequencing, we detected two mutations in three unrelated families: (i) a C----T transition in exon IIIa in two families, leading to the replacement of the codon corresponding to Arg 129 by a stop codon, and (ii) in the third family, insertion of an adenine in the codon corresponding to Phe 408, a highly conserved serpin amino acid. This insertion altered the reading frame and led to the appearance of a premature stop signal. Patients of all three families were heterozygous for their abnormality. These results show that asymmetric PCR and genomic DNA analysis by direct sequencing permit fast identification of the molecular basis of quantitative AT III deficiencies. It is concluded that in many cases the absence of AT III gene product probably results from point mutation, as previously observed for another serpin, alpha-1-antitrypsin.

Adolescent↗

Important role of arginine 129 in heparin-binding site of antithrombin III. Identification of a novel mutation arginine 129 to glutamine.

An hereditary abnormal antithrombin III (ATIII Geneva) with defective heparin cofactor activity was characterized by DNA single strand amplification and subsequent direct sequencing. ATIII Geneva was found to have a G to A transition in Exon IIIa leading to an Arg-129 to Gln mutation. This amino acid is part of the ATIII region comprising residues 114-154, which contains the highest proportion of basic residues (Arg or Lys), and is known from chemical modification studies to be involved in heparin binding. The variant protein did not bind heparin-Sepharose and was isolated from the propositus plasma by immunoaffinity chromatography. High affinity (for ATIII) heparin had only a minimal effect on thrombin and activated factor X inhibition by the purified abnormal ATIII. Taken together, these results demonstrate an important role for Arg-129 in the binding and interaction of ATIII with heparin of high affinity. We propose that a cooperation between Lys-125, Arg-129, Lys-136, and Arg-47 exposed at the surface of the inhibitor allows the binding of the essential pentasaccharide domain of heparin which is specific for the ATIII interaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Towards a mouse model for sickle cell disease: HB SAD.

Very recently a high expression of human hemoglobin S, which causes sickle cell disease, has been obtained in transgenic mice. We have constructed a modified beta S gene, beta SAD which carries two additional mutations in order to induce polymerization of transgenic hemoglobin when diluted by endogenous mouse Hb. The transgenic SAD mice are not anemic but exhibit a low percentage of irreversible sickle cells. Sickling is induced by deoxygenation of erythrocytes in vitro. In addition, the anemia of neonates and the low incidence of SAD animals in the progeny suggest a deleterious effect of SAD Hb during development. Finally, hypoxia induces a high mortality in SAD adults suggesting the induction of vaso-occlusive events.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Mutations in the catalytic domain of human coagulation factor IX: rapid characterization by direct genomic sequencing of DNA fragments displaying an altered melting behavior.

Deficiency in coagulation factor IX, a plasma glycoprotein constituent of the clotting cascade, results in hemophilia B, an inherited recessive X-linked bleeding disorder. Some affected individuals, referred to as antigen positive or CRM+, express an inactive factor IX gene product at normal levels and are expected to have natural mutations altering domains of the molecule that are critical for its correct function. The serine protease catalytic domain of activated factor IX, encoded by exons VII and VIII of the gene, is a possible target for such mutations. We designed a strategy allowing rapid analysis of this region through enzymatic amplification of genomic DNA, analysis of the amplification products by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and direct sequencing of the fragments displaying an altered melting behavior. This procedure permitted us to characterize two previously undescribed mutations. Factor IX Angers is a G-to-A substitution generating an Arg in place of a Gly at amino acid 396 of the mature factor IX protein. Factor IX Bordeaux is an A-to-T substitution introducing a nonsense codon in place of the normal codon for Lys at position 411. Moreover, the already described factor IX Vancouver defect was found in three apparently independent families. These results provide further insight into the molecular heterogeneity of hemophilia B. In addition, we demonstrate the usefulness of this rapid screening procedure, which has broad applications in human genetics and can be used as an alternative to RFLP analysis in carrier detection or prenatal diagnosis studies.

Base Sequence↗

A 5' splice-region G----C mutation in exon 1 of the human beta-globin gene inhibits pre-mRNA splicing: a mechanism for beta+-thalassemia.

We have characterized a Mediterranean beta-thalassemia allele containing a sequence change at codon 30 that alters both beta-globin pre-mRNA splicing and the structure of the hemoglobin product. Presumably, this G----C transversion at position -1 of intron 1 reduces severely the utilization of the normal 5' splice site since the level of the Arg----Thr mutant hemoglobin (designated hemoglobin Kairouan) found in the erythrocytes of the patient is very low (2% of total hemoglobin). Since no natural mutations of the guanine located at position -1 of the CAG/GTAAGT consensus sequence had been isolated previously, we investigated the role of this nucleotide in the constitution of an active 5' splice site by studying the splicing of the pre-mRNA in cell-free extracts. We demonstrate that correct splicing of the mutant pre-mRNA is 98% inhibited. Our results provide further insights into the mechanisms of pre-mRNA maturation by revealing that the last residue of the exon plays a role at least equivalent to that of the intron residue at position +5.

Adult↗

Determination of the spectrum of beta-thalassemia genes in Spain by use of dot-blot analysis of amplified beta-globin DNA.

We have delineated the molecular lesions causing beta-thalassemia in Spain, a country that has witnessed the passage of different Mediterranean populations over the centuries, in order to evaluate the extent of heterogeneity of these mutations and to make possible simplified prenatal diagnosis of the disorder in that country. The use of the polymerase chain-reaction (PCR) technique to preferentially amplify beta-globin DNA sequences that contain the most frequent beta-thalassemia mutations in Mediterraneans enabled us to rapidly analyze 58 beta-thalassemia alleles in a dot-blot format either by hybridization with allele-specific radiolabeled oligonucleotide probes or by direct sequence analysis of the amplification product. The Spanish population carries seven different beta-thalassemia mutations; the nonsense codon 39 is predominant (64%), whereas the IVS1 position 110 mutation, the most common cause of beta-thalassemia in the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin, is underrepresented (8.5%). The IVS1 mutation at position 6 accounts for 15% of the defects and leads to a more severe form of beta+-thalassemia than originally described in most of the patients we studied. In this study, we demonstrate further the usefulness of the dot-blot hybridization of PCR-amplified genomic DNA in both rapid population surveys and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia.

Base Sequence↗

Human TIP49b/RUVBL2 gene: genomic structure, expression pattern, physical link to the human CGB/LHB gene cluster on chromosome 19q13.3.

Bacterial DNA helicase RuvB protein is an essential component in homologous recombination and DNA double-strand break repair. Here, we report the gene structure of TIP49b/RUVBL2, a second putative human homologue of the bacterial RuvB gene. This gene contains 15 exons and 14 introns. The TIP49b/RUVBL2 open reading frame encodes a protein of 463 amino acids, showing 43% identity with the RUVBL1 protein. The TIP49b/RUVBL2 gene is physically linked to the human CGB/LHB gene cluster on chromosome 19q13.3. Genomic sequence analysis revealed that the TIP49b/RUVBL2 gene is very close (55 nucleotides in length) to the LHB gene, in the opposite orientation. The very close co-location of the mouse homologues of the human TIP49b/RUVBL2 and LHB genes was also conserved on mouse chromosome 7. Co-ordinated transcriptional regulation between the TIP49b/RUVBL2 and LHB genes was not observed. TIP49b/RUVBL2, like RUVBL1, was expressed ubiquitously in all human tissues examined and more strongly in testis. As TIP49b/RUVBL2 is expected to be involved in recombination repair and is located in a chromosome region frequently amplified in breast cancer, we quantified TIP49b/RUVBL2 gene expression by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR in a series of breast tumour samples. None of the tumour samples showed an altered TIP49b/RUVBL2 transcription level relative to normal breast tissue.

ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activitie↗

CCND1 mRNA overexpression is highly related to estrogen receptor positivity but not to proliferative markers in primary breast cancer.

To elucidate the role of CCND1 alterations in sporadic breast cancer we investigated the possible link between CCND1 mRNA levels versus estrogen-receptor (ER) status and a proliferation marker, S-phase fraction (SPF), measured by flow cytometry. CCND1 expression was quantified by means of real-time quantitative RT-PCR in a well-characterized series of 33 primary breast cancer patients. Eighteen tumors (54.5%) showed CCND1 overexpression ranging from 3.3 to 29.5 times the level observed in normal breast tissue. Seventeen (94.4%) of the 18 cases with CCND1 overexpression were ER-positive compared to seven (46.7%) of the 15 cases with normal CCND1 expression (p=0.0074). CCND1 overexpression was independent of SPF and DNA-ploidy status. These data suggest that the CCND1 gene does not act as an oncogene responsible for more rapid cell proliferation in breast cancer, but could be involved in the regulation of hormone sensitivity associated with ER.

Adult↗