PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E J Turner

Publications and source records attributed to E J Turner.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Confirmation and fine mapping of chromosomal regions influencing peak bone mass in mice.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is determined by both environmental influences and polygenic inheritance. The extreme difficulty of dissecting out environmental factors from genetic ones in humans has motivated the investigation of animal models. Previously, we used quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to examine peak BMD in 24 recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains, derived from a cross between C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) progenitors (RI-BXD). The distribution of BMD values among these strains indicated strong genetic influences and a number of chromosomal sites linked to BMD were identified provisionally. Using three additional independent mapping populations derived from the same progenitors, we have confirmed loci on chromosomes 1, 2, and 4, and 11 that contain genes that influence peak BMD. Using a novel fine-mapping approach (RI segregation testing [RIST]), we have substantially narrowed two of the BMD-related chromosomal regions and in the process eliminated a number of candidate genes. The homologous regions in the human genome for each of these murine QTLs have been identified in recent human genetic studies. In light of this, we believe that findings in mice should aid in the identification of specific candidate genes for study in humans.

Animals↗

The hereditary stomatocytoses and allied disorders: congenital disorders of erythrocyte membrane permeability to Na and K.

The hereditary stomatocytoses and allied disorders are a set of dominantly inherited haemolytic anaemias in which the plasma membrane of the red cell 'leaks' sodium and potassium. There are about 10 different forms of these conditions, ranging from a moderately severe haemolytic anaemia to minor conditions in which the haematology is essentially normal, but where the patients present with pseudohyperkalaemia, due to leakage of K from the red cells on cooling to room temperature. Frequently misdiagnosed as atypical hereditary spherocytosis, these conditions can show marked thrombotic complications after splenectomy, which should be avoided. Laboratory studies of these conditions have drawn attention to a 32 kDa membrane protein, stomatin, which seems to act as a regulator of Na and K transport in human and animal tissues generally, but mutations in this gene do not cause these diseases. Genetic mapping in some kindreds, but not all, points to a mutation locus on chromosome 16.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital↗

Spurious elevated platelet counts associated with bacteremia.

Spuriously elevated automated platelet counts secondary to in vivo bacteremia have not been reported previously. Two patients are described with blood cultures positive for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively, and bacteria present on peripheral blood smear. Those bacteria caused falsely elevated platelet counts to be generated by the Ortho ELT-8. These cases illustrate an unusual artifact and demonstrate that spurious counts can be generated by laser optical blood cell counters.

Adult↗