PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T K Tang

Publications and source records attributed to T K Tang.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Molecular characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency by natural and amplification created restriction sites: five mutations account for most G6PD deficiency cases in Taiwan.

We have developed a rapid and simple method to diagnose the molecular defects of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Chinese in Taiwan. This method involves the selective amplification of a DNA fragment from human G6PD gene with specific oligonucleotide primers followed by digestion with restriction enzymes that recognize artificially created or naturally occurring restriction sites. Ninety-four Chinese males with G6PD deficiency were studied. The results show that 50% (47 of 94) were G to T mutation at nucleotide (nt) 1376, 21.3% (20 of 94) were G to A mutation at nt 1388, 7.4% (7 of 94) were A to G mutation at nt 493, 7.4% (7 of 94) were A to G mutation at nt 95, 4.2% (4 of 94) were C to T mutation at nt 1024, 1.1% (1 of 94) was G to T mutation at nt 392, and 1.1% (1 of 94) was G to A mutation at nt 487. These results show that the former five mutations account for more than 90% of G6PD deficiency cases in Taiwan. Aside from showing that G to T change at nt 1376 is the most common mutation, our research indicates that nt 493 mutation is a frequent mutation among Chinese in Taiwan. We compared G6PD activity among different mutations, without discovering significant differences between them.

Base Sequence↗

Diverse point mutations result in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) polymorphism in Taiwan.

Glucose-6-PHOSPHATE dehydrogenase (G6PD; EC 1.1.1.49) deficiency is the most common human enzymopathy, affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. Although greater than 400 variants have been described based on clinical and biochemical criteria, little is known about the molecular basis of these G6PD deficiencies. Recently, the gene that encodes human G6PD has been cloned and sequenced, which enables us to examine directly the heterogeneity of G6PD at the DNA level. During the past 10 years, we examined the G6PD activity in 21,271 newborn Chinese infants (11,400 males and 9,871 females) and identified 314 (2.8%) males and 246 (2.5%) females having low G6PD activity. The G6PD gene from 10 randomly selected affected individuals and their relatives was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified, subcloned, and sequenced. Our results indicate that at least four types of mutation are responsible for the G6PD polymorphism in Taiwan. The first type of mutation (487 G----A) was found in an affected Chinese with a G to A change at nucleotide 487, which results in a (163)Gly to Ser substitution. The second type of mutation (493 A----G) is a novel mutation that has not been reported in any other ethnic group and was identified in two affected Chinese. This mutation causes an A to G change at nucleotide position 493, producing an (165)Asn to Asp substitution. Interestingly, the 487 G----A and 493 A----G mutations create Alu I and Ava II recognition sites, respectively, which enabled us to rapidly detect these two mutations by PCR/restriction enzyme (RE) digestion method. The third mutation (1376 G----T) was found in four affected Chinese. This mutation causes a G to T change at nucleotide position 1376 that results in an (459)Arg to Leu substitution. The 1376 G----T mutation seems to be the dominant allele that causes G6PD deficiency in Taiwan. Finally, two affected Chinese were identified as having the fourth mutation (1388 G----A). This mutation causes a G to A change at nucleotide 1388 that produces an (463)Arg to His substitution. Our studies provide the direct proof of the genetic heterogeneity of G6PD deficiency in the Chinese populations of Taiwan and the PCR/RE digestion method is suitable for simultaneous detection of the 487 G----A and 493 A----G mutations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

No evidence for linkage of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chromosome 14q1 locus D14S26 in a Chinese family: evidence for genetic heterogeneity.

To understand the molecular basis of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) in the Chinese population, a family with FHC was investigated. Nineteen family members who were 16 years of age or older were examined by M-mode or two-dimensional echocardiography. Eight members were diagnosed to be affected echocardiographically or clinically. Lymphocytes isolated from 20 family members were successfully transformed into permanent lymphoblastoid cell lines by Epstein-Barr virus. Three genomic DNA probes (CRI-L436, CRI-L329, and pSC14) that were derived from chromosome 14q1 loci and demonstrated to be linked closely to FHC were used to probe this family. Using the techniques of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and linkage analysis, the probe CRI-L436, which recognized locus D14S26, was found informative in this family. The lod scores were -2.0 at theta = 0.025 and -1.49 at theta = 0.05. Thus, there was no evidence of linkage between the locus D14S26 and the gene for FHC in the pedigree studied. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification did not indicate a mutation on exon 13 of the beta cardiac myosin heavy chain gene as previously reported. Our data suggest that FHC is a genetically heterogeneous disease.

Adult↗

Diagnosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) mutations by DNA amplification and allele-specific oligonucleotide probes.

We have recently identified that at least four types of mutation are responsible for the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) polymorphism in the Chinese of Taiwan. Two mutations (487 G-->A and 493 A-->G) occurring at nucleotide position 487 and 493, respectively, create Alu I and Ava II recognition sites which enabled us to directly examine these two mutations by PCR/restriction enzyme (RE) digestion. However, the other two mutations (1376 G-->T and 1388 G-->A), which do not generate any recognizable restriction sites, were detected by DNA sequencing method which is not suitable for rapid diagnosis. Using the PCR technique, we have successfully developed a simple and rapid method for the detection of 1376 and 1388 mutations. This method involves the selective amplification of a DNA fragment from human G6PD gene with specific oligonucleotide primers, followed by hybridization with allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes. Using the PCR/ASO and PCR/RE methods, we have successfully examined two families and 20 unrelated subjects with G6PD deficiency. Our results indicate that the PCR/ASO method is suitable for the rapid determination of 1376 and 1388 mutations. The combined use of PCR/ASO and PCR/RE methods will be suitable for rapid diagnosis of four known G6PD mutations in Chinese.

Alleles↗

Idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in identical twins. Morphological heterogeneity of the left ventricle.

We report a pair of identical twins with HC with varying extent of left ventricular hypertrophy and some degree of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The diagnosis of identical twins was based on the same sex, blood typings, HLA typings and hybridization patterns to four hypervariable DNA probes. Identical twins are derived from a single zygote and are genetically homogeneous human beings. The present report suggests that heterogeneity in the morphologic expression of HC may not be solely attributed to genetic factors. Environmental factors also may play an important role.

Adult↗

Interrelationship between estradiol and thyroxine on the release of thyrotropin and prolactin in ovariectomized-thyroidectomized rats.

The effects of estradiol and thyroxine (T4) on the spontaneous and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-stimulated release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) in vitro from rat anterior pituitary glands (APs) were studied. Rats were ovariectomized (Ovx) and thyroidectomized (Tx) following injection of either thyroxine (20 micrograms/kg, sc) or saline and either estradiol benzoate (EB, 0.4 micrograms/kg, sc) or peanut oil daily for 42 days. Twenty hours after the last injection, all rats were decapitated. The blood samples were collected and the APs were bisected and incubated with or without TRH (1 or 1000 ng/ml) at 37 degrees C for 4 h. Serum TSH concentration was reduced by T4 injection but not altered by EB replacement. The concentration of serum PRL was increased by EB. Injection of both T4 and EB reduced the serum PRL level as compared with the PRL levels in Ovx-Tx rats injected with T4 or EB alone. The spontaneous release of TSH in vitro from APs of OVx-Tx rats was not altered by the replacement of T4, EB, or both. The TSH response to TRH (1000 ng/ml) was not influenced by EB treatment, but higher in T4-treated than in vehicle-treated group. Injection of both EB and T4 prevented the stimulatory effect of T4 alone on TSH response. Both spontaneous and TRH-stimulated releases of PRL in vitro were enhanced by EB injection. Administration of T4 did not affect the basal release of PRL, but stimulated the PRL response to TRH (1000 ng/ml). Injection of EB plus T4 caused a higher PRL response to TRH as compared with that in the rats injected with EB or T4 alone. These results suggest an antagonistic interaction between estradiol and thyroxine on the in vitro release of TSH in response to TRH and a synergetic interaction between these two hormones on PRL response to TRH. The interaction between estradiol and thyroxine on serum prolactin and TSH levels was not reflected by the interaction between these two hormones on the anterior pituitary gland.

Animals↗

Purification of radioiodinated human insulin by high performance liquid chromatography for a sensitive radioimmunoassay.

The optimal sensitivity of a radioimmunoassay depends on the purity of the radiolabeled antigen. The conventional purification methods are not complete and are time consuming. The combination of a Sep-pak C18 cartridge and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the purification of 125I-labeled insulin in our study revealed that the Sep-pak cartridge can serve as the preliminary step to remove unreacted radioactive iodide, the reactants, and labeled but presumably damaged materials unadsorbed to the cartridge. The fractions eluted from the Sep-pak containing high radioactivity and high immunoreactivity to the antibody were chosen for further purification by HPLC to eliminate undesirable radiolabeled substances with a lesser immunoreactivity. The purified radiolabeled insulin was used to develop a sensitive radioimmunoassay with detecting limits of 0.03 microU/mL per tube.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Preparation of radioiodinated secretin for radioimmunoassay.

Radioiodination of synthetic human secretin on its N-terminal histidyl residue was not difficult when a greater amount of Chloramine T and a longer reaction time were employed to achieve better incorporation of 125I. The radioiodinated tracer for an optimal radioimmunoassay required purification. The combination of Sep-pak C18 Cartridge and high performance liquid chromatography for the purification of 125I-secretin in our study revealed that the Sep-pak cartridge was a preliminary step in removing unlabeled radioactive iodide, the reactant, and labeled materials unadsorbed to the cartridge. The eluate eluted from the Sep-pak containing high radioactivity and high immunoreactivity to the antibody were selected for further purification by HPLC which eliminated undesirable radiolabeled substances with lower immunoreactivity. The purified radiolabeled secretin was used in developing a sensitive radioimmunoassay.

Humans↗

The influence of cryogenic brain injury on the pharmacodynamics of pentobarbital. Evidence for a serotonergic mechanism.

To study of the influence of brain injury on the pharmacodynamics of pentobarbital, the authors examined the effect of a focal cortical freezing lesion in rats on the brain concentration of pentobarbital associated with lack of response to tail clamp. The freezing lesion was made with a probe (-50 degrees C) applied through a craniotomy to the intact dura over the left parietal cortex. Three days after injury the rats were anesthetized with a continuous intravenous infusion of pentobarbital until they first did not respond to tail clamp stimulation. The brains were then removed for determination of pentobarbital by high-performance liquid chromatography. The brain pentobarbital concentration required to prevent response to tail clamp (EC50) was reduced from 209 +/- 39 nmol/g (mean +/- standard deviation) in rats without brain injury to 149 +/- 28 nmol/g in the injured animals (P = 0.005). The cortical serotonin (5-HT) concentration was increased from 1904 +/- 358 pmol/g in uninjured rats to 2513 +/- 598 pmol/g (P less than 0.01) in injured animals ipsilateral to the lesion. Pretreatment of the rats with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 200 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection) to inhibit 5-HT synthesis abolished both the increase in 5-HT concentration associated with the injury (left cortex, 708 +/- 389 pmol/g; right cortex, 911 +/- 979 pmol/g) and the effect of the lesion on EC50 (uninjured, EC50 = 186 +/- 24 nmol/g; injured, EC50 = 179 +/- 47 nmol/g). Prevention of the decrease in EC50 by inhibition of 5-HT synthesis provides support for a functional role for 5-HT in the influence of cold injury on the pharmacodynamics of pentobarbital.

Animals↗

Rapid localization of membrane skeletal protein 4.1 (EL1) to human chromosome 1p33----p34.2 by nonradioactive in situ hybridization.

Hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) is a heterogeneous group of red-cell disorders. One class of HE patients was shown to have a mutated erythrocyte membrane skeletal protein 4.1 gene. We have recently shown that human protein 4.1 contains multiple isoforms with novel sizes, functions, and tissue-specific expression. Here, we report the subregional localization of this gene to human chromosome 1p33----p34.2, based on the fractional length, by nonradioactive in situ hybridization.

Chromosome Banding↗

Heterogeneity of mRNA and protein products arising from the protein 4.1 gene in erythroid and nonerythroid tissues.

Immunologically cross-reactive isoforms of the cytoskeletal element protein 4.1 have been identified in many tissues in which they exhibit heterogeneity of molecular weight, abundance, and intracellular localization. To examine the basis for isoform production in erythroid and nonerythroid tissues, we have compared the structure and expression of cDNAs isolated from human erythroid and nonerythroid sources. We have encountered cDNAs representing many distinct mRNA sequences. These exhibit complete nucleotide sequence homology along most of their lengths. Differences were confined to five sequence blocks designated Motifs I-V, which were present or absent in each mRNA moiety. Motif I was expressed only in erythroid cells; it encodes 21 amino acids in a well-characterized spectrin/actin binding domain. Motif II, located near the COOH terminus of the 80-kD "erythroid" protein 4.1 molecule is present in the vast majority of transcripts from both erythroid and nonerythroid cells. Motifs IV and V alter the 5' untranslated region: simultaneous insertion of Motif IV and deletion of Motif V in the untranslated region inserts a new initiator methionine and establishes a contiguous open reading frame encoding a novel 135-kD protein 4.1 molecule. By immunochemical analysis we have identified the longer isoform in cells. Our results are most consistent with tissue-specific alternative mRNA splicing of transcripts of the protein 4.1 gene to yield numerous isoforms. These isoforms exhibit tissue specificity and alter strategic portions of the molecule. Moreover, we describe a novel high molecular weight form of protein 4.1 that arises by splicing events which allow translation at an upstream site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in mice using novel immunization methods.

Two novel immunization methods (intrasplenic and intra-inguinal lymph node) have been developed for the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in mice. Freund's complete adjuvant and antigen were mixed in the ratio of 1:2 (v/v). Various concentrations of human serum albumin (HSA) were used as antigen. No primary immune response was induced with 0.1 microgram of HSA in either of the methods studied. Intrasplenic immunization resulted in the strongest primary immune responses using all other doses of HSA. The primary immune response induced by intrasplenic immunization with 0.5 microgram of HSA was higher than any response induced by subcutaneous immunization with various doses of HSA. Inguinal lymph node immunization was less effective than intrasplenic immunization but better than subcutaneous immunization with 1-50 micrograms of HSA. Comparisons were also made of the efficacy of different adjuvants when inducing primary immune responses with 1 microgram of HSA. Freund's complete adjuvant resulted in a much stronger response than Freund's incomplete adjuvant and alum. Both intrasplenic and inguinal lymph node immunization using 1-5 micrograms of HSA were able to induce strong primary immune responses. Secondary immunization with either method or intravenous injection 3 days before fusion resulted in a higher frequency of specific monoclonal antibodies.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Expression of specific isoforms of protein 4.1 in erythroid and non-erythroid tissues.

Protein 4.1 in red cells is an important submembrane linking protein that binds to spectrin actin complexes at one end of its structure and to transmembrane proteins, such as glycophorin, at the other. Protein 4.1 thus contributes to the strength and flexibility of the erythrocyte membrane, a fact dramatically exemplified by the appearance of hereditary hemolytic anemias in patients with absent or abnormal protein 4.1. Recently, protein 4.1 forms have been discovered in many non-erythroid tissues. Their intracellular locations raise the possibility that these isoforms might have different functions. We have thus conducted comparative analysis of erythroid and non-erythroid protein 4.1 forms by cloning and sequencing erythroid and lymphoid protein 4.1 cDNAs. The lymphoid protein 4.1 isoforms exhibit at least five nucleotide sequence motifs that appear to be either inserted or deleted relative to the erythroid mRNA sequence by alternative splicing of a common mRNA precursor. One of these motifs, located within the spectrin-actin binding domain, is found only in erythroid cells and is specifically produced during erythroid cell maturation. The selective expression of this alternatively spliced mRNA during erythroid maturation implies the existence of a lineage specific splicing mechanism whose activity is triggered by terminal maturation. Two motifs alter the 5' untranslated region of the "prototypical" erythroid mRNA in such a way as to permit synthesis of a novel larger isoform. This form appears to localize preferentially in the nucleus. We thus conclude that a single gene gives rise to multiple protein 4.1 isoforms with potentially diverse locations and functions.

Base Sequence↗

Selective expression of an erythroid-specific isoform of protein 4.1.

We have conducted comparative analysis of nucleotide sequences encoding erythroid and lymphoid protein 4.1 isoforms. The lymphoid protein 4.1 isoforms exhibit several nucleotide sequence motifs that appear to be either inserted into or deleted from the mRNA sequence by alternative splicing of a common mRNA precursor. One of these motifs, located within the spectrin-actin binding domain, is found only in erythroid cells and is specifically produced during erythroid cell maturation. The selective expression of the alternatively spliced mRNA during erythroid maturation implies the existence of a lineage-specific splicing mechanism whose activity is triggered by terminal maturation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗