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Association of interleukin-15 protein and interleukin-15 receptor genetic variation with resistance exercise training responses.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is an anabolic cytokine that is produced in skeletal muscle and directly affects muscle anabolism in animal and in vitro models. The contribution of IL-15 variability in muscle responses to 10 wk of resistance exercise training in young men and women was examined by measuring acute and chronic changes in IL-15 protein in plasma and characterizing genetic variation in the IL-15 receptor-alpha gene (IL15RA). Participants trained 3 days a week at 75% of one repetition maximum, performing three sets (6-10 repetitions) of 13 resistance exercises. Plasma IL-15 protein was significantly increased (P < 0.05) immediately after acute resistance exercise but did not change with training and was not associated with variability in muscle responses with training. A single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 7 of IL15RA was strongly associated with muscle hypertrophy and accounted for 7.1% of the variation in regression modeling. A polymorphism in exon 4 was also independently associated with muscle hypertrophy and accounted for an additional 3.5% of the variation in hypertrophy. These results suggest that IL-15 is an important mediator of muscle mass response to resistance exercise training in humans and that genetic variation in IL15RA accounts for a significant proportion of the variability in this response.

Adult↗

Oxidative stress, human genetic variation, and disease.

Oxidative stress has been implicated in numerous pathophysiological conditions and also aging. The tools for studying oxidative stress are now expanding as a result of the human genome effort and, in particular, expanding knowledge on human genetic variation. A few genetic variants, mostly in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms of relevance to oxidative stress are already studied by a molecular epidemiologic approach. A review of the current knowledge on variant human genes that are directly implicated in human protection against oxidative stress is presented.

Animals↗

Seasonal fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides within natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. II. Features of genetic variation in susceptibility to organophosphate insecticides within natural populations of D. melanogaster.

To elucidate genetic variation in susceptibility to organophosphate insecticides within natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster, we conducted an analysis of variance for mortality data sets of isofemale lines (10-286 lines) used in the previous studies. Susceptibility of isofemale lines to the three organophosphate insecticides was continuously distributed within each natural population, ranging from susceptible to resistant. Analysis of variance showed highly significant variation among isofemale lines in susceptibility to each insecticide for each natural population. Significant genetic variances in susceptibility to the three chemicals were estimated for the Katsunuma population; 0.0529-0.2722 for malathion, 0.0492-0.1603 for prothiophos, and 0.0469-0.1696 for fenitrothion. Contrary to the consistent seasonal tendency towards an increase in mean susceptibility in the fall, reported in the previous study, genetic variances in susceptibility to the three organophosphates did not change significantly in 1997 but tended to increase by 2- to 5-times in 1998. We tested whether both the observed situations, maintenance and increase in genetic variance in organophosphate resistance, can be generated under circumstances in which the levels of resistance to the three organophosphates tended to decrease, by conducting a simulation analysis, based on the hypothesis that resistant genotypes have lower fitnesses than susceptible ones under the density-independent condition. The simulation analysis generally explained the pattern in the mean susceptibility and genetic variances in susceptibility to the three organophosphates, observed in the Katsunuma population of D. melanogaster. It was suggested that the differences in the frequencies of resistance genes in the summer population could affect the patterns in genetic variance in organophosphate resistance in the fall population.

Animals↗

Genetic variation, nucleotide diversity, and linkage disequilibrium in seven telomere stability genes suggest that these genes may be under constraint.

To maintain chromosomal integrity and to protect the ends of chromosomes against recognition as damaged DNA, end-to-end fusion, or recombination, a coordinated set of genes is required to stabilize the telomere. We surveyed common genetic variation in seven genes that are vital to telomere stability (TERT, POT1, TNKS, TERF1, TINF2, TERF2, and TERF2IP) and validated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four different ethnic groups (n=118 total). Overall, our data show limited degrees of nucleotide diversity in comparison with data from other gene families. We observed that these genes are highly conserved in sequence between species, and that for nearly all of the coding SNPs the most common allele is ancestral (i.e., it is observed in primate sequences). Our findings support the hypothesis that genetic variation in a pathway that is critical for telomere stability may be under constraint. These data establish a foundation for further investigation of these genes in population-genetics, evolution, and disease-association studies.

Animals↗

Genetic variation in Przewalski's horses, with special focus on the last wild caught mare, 231 Orlitza III.

In our continuing efforts to document genetic diversity in Przewalski's horses and relatedness with domestic horses, we report genetic variation at 22 loci of blood group and protein polymorphisms and 29 loci of DNA (microsatellite) polymorphisms. The loci have been assigned by linkage or synteny mapping to 20 autosomes and the X chromosome of the domestic horse (plus four loci unassigned to a chromosome). With cumulative data from tests of 568 Przewalski's horses using blood, hair or tooth samples, no species-defining markers were identified, however a few markers were present in the wild species but not in domestic horses. Inheritance patterns and linkage relationships reported in domestic horses appeared to be conserved in Przewalski's horses. A derived type for the last wild caught mare 231 Orlitza III provided evidence for markers apparently not found in (or not currently available by descent from) the other species founders that were captured at the end of the nineteenth century. This information has been critical to the development of parentage analyses in the studbook population of Przewalski's horses at Askania Nova, at one time the largest herd of captive animals and the source of stock for reintroduction efforts. Some horses in the study showed genetic incompatibilities with their sire or dam, contradicting published studbook information. In many cases alternative parentage could be assigned from living animals. To assist in identification of correct parentage, DNA marker types for deceased horses were established from archived materials (teeth) or derived from offspring. Genetic markers were present in pedigreed animals whose origin could not be accounted for from founders. Genetic distance analysis of erythrocyte protein, electrophoretic and microsatellite markers in Przewlaski's horses and ten breeds of domestic horse place the Przewalski's horse as an outgroup to domestic horses, introgression events from domestic horses not withstanding.

Animals↗

Genetic variation in the endemic and endangered Rosmarinus tomentosus Huber-Morath & Maire (Labiatae) using RAPD markers. Random amplified polymorphic DNA.

Rosmarinus tomentosus Huber-Morath & Maire, an endemic species of southern Spain, is critically endangered as a consequence of habitat destruction by anthropogenic activities. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used for initial evaluation of genetic variation in this species; among zones, among populations (within zones and independently of zones), and among individuals (within populations and zones). The eight primers used to study five populations provided 126 reliable bands, of which 109 (86%) were polymorphic. Analyses of the RAPD markers conducted using different approaches (cluster analysis, Shannon's diversity measure and analysis of molecular variance-AMOVA) showed similar results concerning genetic structure of populations of R. tomentosus. The three zones studied, and their corresponding populations, were clearly defined through UPGMA analysis. AMOVA analyses indicated that 18.0% of the total genetic variation was attributable to differences among zones. When total variance was partitioned without considering the zonal distribution of the populations, 34.1% was attributable to differences among populations, and 65.9% to differences among individuals within populations. Similar results were obtained using Shannon's information measure. Significant genetic distances (Ph(ist) values) were obtained between any two populations. This strong genetic differentiation among zones, populations and subpopulations may be explained by geographical distances and limited gene flow. This study will be of considerable help during subsequent formulations of conservation strategies for the endangered species R. tomentosus.

Asteraceae↗

Constitutional genetic variation at the human aromatase gene (Cyp19) and breast cancer risk.

The activity of the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens into oestrogens and has a major role in regulating oestrogen levels in the breast, is thought to be a contributing factor in the development of breast cancer. We undertook this study to assess the role of constitutional genetic variation in the human aromatase gene (Cyp19) in the development of this disease. Our genotyping of 348 cases with breast cancer and 145 controls (all Caucasian women) for a published tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism at intron 4 of the Cyp19 gene revealed the presence of six common and two rare alleles. Contingency table analysis revealed a significant difference in allelic distribution between cases and controls (chi2 5df = 13.52, P = 0.019). The allele measuring 171 bp was over-represented in cases; of 14 individuals homozygous for this allele, 13 were cases. These individuals had a higher incidence of cancer in family members and an earlier age at diagnosis than other cases. In sequencing Cyp19's coding exons and regulatory regions, we discovered a perfect association between a silent polymorphism (G-->A at Val80) and the high-risk genotype. Our conclusion is that constitutional genetic variation at the Cyp19 locus is associated with the risk of developing breast cancer, with the 171-bp allele serving as the high-risk allele.

Adult↗

Genetic variation in pathogenic bacteria.

In contrast to textbook ideas of pure cultures and defined strains, genetic variation is a fact of life in the microbial world. It not only allows pathogens to establish themselves in their chosen host, but also allows them to resist that host's subsequent attempts to evict them. Here we review some of the mechanisms that bring about this variation, and some of the functional consequences that result from it.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Pharmacogenetics of antiretroviral therapy: genetic variation of response and toxicity.

The application of a pharmacogenetic approach to antiretroviral drug therapy represents a significant challenge, as treatment involves multiple drugs and drug classes with the potential for significant variability in drug-host, as well as drug-drug, interactions. However, despite this inherent complexity, considerable gains have been made in understanding how genetic factors influence the efficacy and toxicity of HIV therapy. In this review the available evidence regarding genetic variation in drug disposition will be examined, including the potential for relatively polymorphic drug-metabolizing enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450 isoforms) and drug transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein) to influence the disposition of HIV protease inhibitor and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs. In addition, the role of genetic variation in determining the immune response to drug-specific antigens will be considered as a potentially significant determinant of susceptibility to idiosyncratic drug reactions (e.g., major histocompatibility complex alleles associated with abacavir hypersensitivity). The current and potential clinical utility of pharmacogenetic testing in HIV management will also be emphasized.

Anti-Retroviral Agents↗

Genetic variation in a population of the wild quail Coturnix coturnix japonica.

To investigate genetic variation and to compare it with those of domestic quail populations, enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins in a wild quail population were examined electrophoretically. The wild quail population had a genetic variability considerably lower than those of domestic populations. The average heterozygosity estimated for 22 loci was 0.090 in the wild quail population.

Alleles↗

Genetic variation among broiler genotypes in susceptibility to colibacillosis.

Selection for reduced susceptibility to colibacillosis in broilers may contribute to the prevention of colibacillosis. Such selection should focus on the responses to Escherichia coli rather than the associated primary agent(s). The purpose of the current study was to examine whether genetic variation is present in the susceptibility to colibacillosis. This was achieved through an evaluation of the susceptibility to primary colibacillosis in 5 pure broiler lines, a slow-growing line, and two 2-way crosses of the pure lines (altogether referred to as genotypes). A challenge experiment was executed in 2 trials. Per trial, 24 chicks per genotype were challenged and 20 chicks per genotype were controls. At 7 d of age, challenged chicks were intratracheally inoculated with 0.3 mL of E. coli O78K80 solution, and controls with 0.3 mL of PBS. All chicks were euthanized at 14 or 15 d. Traits measured were mortality, lesion scores (airsacculitis, pericarditis, and perihepatitis) at 14 or 15 d, and BW at 1, 4, 7, 10, 12, and 14 or 15 d. An effect of genotype on mortality, lesion prevalence, and growth retardation was found, indicating the presence of genetic variation in susceptibility to colibacillosis, and suggesting that selection for reduced susceptibility is possible. There were large between-genotype differences in mortality (up to 46%) and in lesion prevalence (up to 41%). Growth retardation was not observed for any genotype in chicks without lesions, whereas genotypes differed from none to 20% growth retardation for chicks with airsacculitis but no systemic lesions, and up to 13% for chicks with systemic lesions. The heterosis in susceptibility and growth retardation was found to be either negative or absent, indicating that crossbreeding would not be an advantage for the selection for reduced susceptibility, and that test crossing is essential.

Animals↗

Quantitative genetic variation in the hematopoietic stem cell and progenitor cell compartment and in lifespan are closely linked at multiple loci in BXD recombinant inbred mice.

The number of bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as defined by the lineage(-), Sca1(++), c-kit(+) (LSK) phenotype and their proliferative capacity in vitro are subject to quantitative genetic variation, and several quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified in young mice. Because some traits affecting hematopoiesis also change with age in a mouse strain-dependent fashion, we performed quantitative trait analysis in aged BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice for the number and frequency of LSK cells, and for their proliferative capacity in vitro. Several novel QTL were identified. The number and frequency of LSK cells in old mice correlated inversely with lifespan. Furthermore, 4 of 7 lifespan QTL overlap with QTL contributing to the number, frequency, or proliferative capacity of LSK cells in young or old mice. Taken together, these data establish a close genetic, and perhaps functional, link between genetic variation in lifespan and characteristics of stem and progenitor cells.

Aging↗

Genetic variation at the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 locus is associated with altered levels of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a rapid inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator, has been shown to be an independent risk factor for recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) at a young age. To investigate whether genetic variation in the PAI-1 gene is affecting plasma PAI-1 levels, a sample of 145 patients with an MI before the age of 45 years was genotyped for two polymorphisms at the PAI-1 locus, together with a sample of 95 healthy individuals of a similar age. All individuals were measured for plasma PAI-1 levels as well as for other fibrinolytic and metabolic risk indicators. A HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used in this study in conjunction with a previously unreported eight-allele dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the PAI-1 locus. The dinucleotide repeat polymorphism and HindIII RFLP were in strong linkage disequilibrium. There was no difference in the frequency of alleles of either polymorphism between patient and control groups. However, the smaller dinucleotide repeat alleles were significantly associated (p = 0.03) with higher plasma PAI-1 levels in the patient sample. This association was also apparent in the control sample but not at significant levels. Differences in regression coefficients for the effect of triglycerides on plasma PAI-1 levels suggest that triglyceride regulation of PAI-1 is genotype specific. Our data suggest that genetic variation at this locus contributes to between-individual differences in the level of plasma PAI-1, which is important in fibrinolysis and the pathogenesis of MI.

Adult↗

Genetic variation in ICOS regulates mRNA levels of ICOS and splicing isoforms of CTLA4.

Genetic and functional studies suggest that polymorphism in cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA4) and inducible costimulator (ICOS) genes, both reported to harbour autoimmune susceptibility loci, could regulate the immune activation through affecting their expression and splicing of CTLA4. To address this, we studied expression of CTLA4 and ICOS and the role of polymorphisms in the gene region by measuring the relative amounts of transcripts, including the soluble CTLA4 (sCTLA4) splicing isoform in healthy volunteers. We combined a physiologically relevant in vitro activation for human CD4(+) T lymphocytes and a quantitative RT-PCR. The susceptibility allele CT60G in CTLA4 gene was confirmed to be associated with a decreased amount of sCTLA4, but only in resting cells. During the T cell activation two genetic variants in ICOS gene, IVS1+173T/C and c.1624C/T, affected expression of CTLA4 isoforms and ICOS, respectively. We could not confirm that the level of sCTLA4 is down-regulated following T lymphocyte activation, instead the levels of CTLA4 splicing isoforms correlated to each others. Our results indicate that genetic variation in this gene region regulates the expression of both CTLA4 and ICOS and not only the splicing of sCTLA4 as suggested earlier.

Adult↗

Genetic variation in the ATP-binding cassette transporter gene ABCG2 (BCRP) in a Swedish population.

The ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG2 (also named breast cancer resistance protein, BCRP) functions as a drug efflux transporter and is expressed at high levels in the human small intestine. The aim of this study was to screen the human ABCG2 gene for genetic variation. The regions of the gene most likely to affect function, namely the coding parts, exon/intron boundaries, 5' untranslated region and 3' untranslated region and the proposed promoter region, were included in the screening. DNA was obtained from 60 Swedish individuals. The screening was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography approach followed by sequence analysis. Eight sites of genetic variation were identified. The sequence variations considered to be most likely to affect transcription level or transport function were a CTCA deletion in the 5' flanking region, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a 5' flanking CpG island, two non-synonymous SNPs, changing valine at amino acid position 12 to methionine and glutamine at position 141 to lysine, respectively. Genotyping of these sequence variations revealed linkage between the CTCA deletion and the SNP changing glutamine 141 for lysine. This information forms the basis for future association studies to investigate the genetic basis of differences of drug disposition due to sequence variation in the ABCG2 gene.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

Genetic variation in toll-like receptor 9 and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Autoantibodies produced by differentiated B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) gene has recently emerged as an important costimulatory molecule for both B cells and dendritic cells that respond to chromatin immune complexes. Genetic variation affecting the function of TLR-9 may therefore increase or decrease the threshold of B cell or dendritic cell activation. This variability in activation threshold may, in turn, affect an individual's susceptibility to SLE. This study assessed the role of genetic variation within the TLR-9 gene in susceptibility to SLE. METHODS: We genotyped 362 SLE-affected subject/parent trios for 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering a 68,742-bp genomic segment that contains the TLR-9 gene and approximately 60 kb of flanking sequence. We analyzed the data using the transmission disequilibrium test. RESULTS: There was no association of susceptibility to SLE with any of the 9 SNPs that generated usable data or the 8 haplotypes found at a frequency of >0.05 in this population. When analyzing the subset of 143 subjects with lupus nephritis, there was also no evidence of association between disease susceptibility and any SNP or haplotype. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that there is no evidence that common (frequency higher than 5%) alleles of the TLR-9 gene contribute significantly to the genetic risk involved in susceptibility to SLE or lupus nephritis.

Genetic Predisposition to Disease↗

Spatiotemporal structure of genetic variation of a spreading plant metapopulation on dynamic riverbanks along the Meuse River.

Long-distance seed dispersal is a crucial determinant of within-population genetic variability and among-population genetic differentiation in plant metapopulations undergoing recurrent local extinctions and (re-)colonization. We investigated the spatial and temporal structure of genetic variation in a metapopulation of Sisymbrium austriacum located along a dynamic river system using dominant AFLP markers. Data on riverbank dynamics and colonization history allowed separating populations based on their age (< or =5 vs >5 years old). Bayesian analysis of population genetic structure indicated that populations were significantly differentiated from each other, but Mantel tests revealed that there was no relationship between pairwise geographic and genetic distances, suggesting that long-distance seed dispersal partly determines spatial genetic structure. Recent populations were less differentiated from each other than old populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that both spatial factors and population age significantly determined genetic diversity, the effects of age being more important than spatial location. Clustering analysis revealed five large clusters, which were related primarily to population age and to a minor extent to geographical location. Our results indicate that the recurrent formation and destruction of riverbank habitats following peak flow events have a large impact on genetic diversity of riparian plant species.

Belgium↗

Kinetics of beta-glucuronidase induction by androgen. Genetic variation in the first order rate constant.

Measurements of enzyme activity, rates of protein synthesis, and mRNA activity suggest that the induction of beta-glucuronidase in mouse kidney in response to androgen is regulated at a pretranslational level. Following an initial lag period, the rate and extent of induction follow the rules of simple turnover kinetics and can be described in terms of a zero order rate constant for acquisition of mRNA activity (ka) and a first order rate constant for loss of activity (kb). Genetic variation in kb, described here for the first time, alters the half-time and extent of induction. Variation in kb is independent of previously described variation in ka and, unlike changes in ka, is not associated with change in the lag time. The DNA sequences determining kb, like those determining ka, are genetically linked to the structural gene for beta-glucuronidase. Following the removal of androgen, beta-glucuronidase activity, rate of synthesis, and mRNA activity all decline rapidly with half-lives of 1-2 days. Even in the most rapidly inducing strains, this is significantly faster than the half-time for induction determined by kb. Furthermore, genetic variation in kb does not affect the rate of de-induction. These facts suggest that kb may not describe the turnover of beta-glucuronidase mRNA, but rather the turnover of another step in the induction process.

Animals↗