Protein Z gene polymorphisms (intron F 79 G>A; -13 A>G) are not associated with acute coronary syndromes.
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Variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) within non-coding regions of a number of genes have been correlated with susceptibility to various disease states. In particular, a VNTR polymorphism of a 16 or 17 bp element within intron 2 of the human serotonin transporter gene has been correlated with a predisposition to affective disorders. We have demonstrated that this region will support differential levels of reporter gene expression in differentiating embryonic stem cells, this being dependent on the presence of 10 or 12 copies of the repeat. The VNTR domain can therefore act as a transcriptional regulator, a property which potentially contributes to disease susceptibility.
Somatic mutations of 11q23.3-linked constitutive heat shock protein 70 gene (HSPA8 alias HSC70) are detected by others in breast carcinomas. To examine whether intragenic, somatic mutations of HSPA8 occur in lung carcinomas, we sequenced its exons 2-8, with adjacent intronic sequences, in a series of DNA samples from non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Twenty-one polymorphisms were detected, but no somatic mutation. However, we observed an association between the HSC70 1541-1542delGT genotype and the immunohistochemical staining pattern of HSC70 protein. Tumors with weak (+) HSC70 protein staining were more frequent in the carriers of the polymorphic 1541-1542delGT allele than in the homozygotes of the major allele (20% vs. 6%, P=0.05 by Fisher's exact test). This statistically significant association prompted us to test the polymorphism functionally. The method we developed for the functional evaluation of intronic sequence alterations showed that the HSPA8 intron 2 with the deleted GT dinucleotide was associated with noticeable (approximately 20%) and statistically significant (P=0.005) reduction of the reporter gene activity. Our case-control analysis showed that the 1541-1542delGT heterozygous genotype was associated with significantly decreased risk for lung cancer (crude odds ratio (OR)=0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23-0.84). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the association between a polymorphism of a gene coding for the chaperone protein and lung cancer risk. Moreover, the simple method reported here, based on the dual-luciferase reporter assay system, can be useful for testing functional significance of polymorphisms located in introns of other genes.
We report a new polymorphism in the complement C7 gene that results from an A-C transversion in intron 12, 27 bp upstream of exon 13 (C712.-27) and 36 bp upstream of the point mutation that underlies the C7 M/N antigenic polymorphism. The C7 12.-27 polymorphism subdivides C7 M haplotypes, but not C7 N. It also sheds light on the evolution of the various types of deficiency genes at the adjacent C6 locus.
This study aimed to identify interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) gene variants in cattle for diagnostic purposes. Therefore, the entire bovine IFN-gamma gene (BoIFNG) and 2605 bp of its promoter DNA were sequenced. The BoIFNG DNA sequence conforms to the published part of Bo-IFN-gamma cDNA. Primer extension experiments show the presence of a 5' extension of exon 1 by 42 nucleotides (nt). One SINE element (Bov-A2) is located in the 5'-region, and two SINE elements (Bov-tA, Bov-B) are contained in the 3'-region of BoIFNG. The variants were detected by comparative sequence analysis of PCR amplicons from different bovine species. Four polymorphic mononucleotide repeats are situated in the promoter and in intron 1. Four distinct series of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were found in functionally important regions of BoIFNG. The region between the two intron 1 microsatellites contains the highest density of SNPs in Bos taurus breeds. One G-T transversion in the coding region of exon 1 causes a Gly(14) to Val(14) exchange in the BoIFNG signal peptide of different bovine species. A G-A transition in exon 2 encodes a Ser(19) to Asn(19) change in the mature protein of the Tibetan yak. Genotyping of randomly sampled Holstein Friesian cows at selected SNPs and of both intron 1 microsatellites revealed two dominant BoIFNG microhaplotypes. The detected SNPs improve the recently reported genotyping system of cattle.
We have identified a gene encoding transcription factor activating enhancer binding protein-2beta (TFAP2B) as a candidate for conferring susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Although we have also found that TFAP2B was preferentially expressed in adipose cells in a differentiation-dependent manner, the mechanisms by which the gene and gene polymorphisms contribute to conferring susceptibility to the disease have not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the polymorphisms within the TFAP2B gene on conferring susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. We identified that a 300-bp DNA fragment in intron 1 of TFAP2B had significant enhancer activity, and the variations of this region affected this enhancer activity in differentiated adipocytes. In an experiment using adenovirus vectors encoding TFAP2B, the expression of TNF-alpha gene was shown to be elevated in the TFAP2B overexpressing cells compared with those in control cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression of TFAP2B was increased in the adipose tissues of subjects with the disease-susceptibility allele, and the plasma levels of TNF-alpha and high sensitivity C-reactive peptide were significantly elevated in the patients with the disease-susceptibility allele. These results suggest that TFAP2B may contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes through regulation of adipocytokine gene expression, and that TFAP2B may be a promising target for treatment or prevention of this disease.
Exon 1 of globin gene ct-13RT in clone lambdagb2-1 from Chironomus thummi contains a 444nt SINE (CTRT1). Based on in situ hybridization to polytene salivary gland chromosomes, C. thummi (ct), C. piger (cp) and C. tentans (ctn) contain copies of CTRT1 at multiple chromosomal loci. Genomic PCR amplifications reveal interrupted (ct-13RT) and uninterrupted (ct-13) alleles of the globin gene in the German population of C. thummi maintained in our laboratory, and only uninterrupted alleles or their homologs in different populations of C. thummi, C. piger and C. tentans. PCR amplification did generate different length fragments from cp-13 gene homologs in natural and laboratory C. piger populations that were due to variation in the length of minisatellite expansions of the central introns of the genes rather than a CTRT1-like SINE. Within minisatellite arrays, aligned homologs were more similar than paralogs in a single population, indicating that a tandem cluster of these repeats predated separation of the C. piger populations. The ct-13 genes of several C. thummi populations lack the minisatellites, suggesting their origin in C. piger only after the thummi/piger split. CTRT1 transposition into a ct-13 allele is even more recent, occurring after separation of German and other European C. thummi populations. The nearly intact ct-13RT and comparison with its intact ct-13 allele support a very recent transposition of the CTRT1 SINE into one of at least two already diverged ct-13 globin gene alleles. PCR analysis of DNA from individual adults in C. thummi shows a 1:2:1 distribution of ct-13/ct-13:ct-13/ct-13RT:ct-13RT/ct-13RT genotypes, consistent with a neutral spread of the ct-13RT allele since transposition, and indicating that the hemoglobin encoded by ct-13 is not necessary for survival, at least in a laboratory population of C. thummi.
The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene contains a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) domain within intron 2 that is often associated with a number of neurological conditions, including affective disorders. The implications of this polymorphism are not yet understood, however, we have previously demonstrated that the 5-HTT VNTR is a transcriptional regulatory domain, and the allelic variation supports differential reporter gene expression in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to identify transcription factors responsible for the regulation of this VNTR. Using a yeast one-hybrid screen, we found the transcription factor Y box binding protein 1 (YB-1) interacts with the 5-HTT VNTR. Consistent with this, we demonstrate in a reporter gene assay that the polymorphic VNTR domains differentially respond to exogenous YB-1 and that YB-1 will bind to the VNTR in vitro in a sequence-specific manner. Interestingly, the transcription factor CCTC-binding factor (CTCF), previously shown to interact with YB-1, interferes with the ability of the VNTR to support YB-1-directed reporter gene expression. In addition, CTCF blocks the binding of YB-1 to its DNA recognition sequences in vitro, thus providing a possible mechanism of regulation of YB-1 activation of the VNTR by CTCF. Therefore, we have identified YB-1 and CTCF as transcription factors responsible, at least in part, for modulation of VNTR function as a transcriptional regulatory domain. Our data suggest a novel mechanism that explains, in part, the ability of the distinct VNTR copy numbers to support differential reporter gene expression based on YB-1 binding sites.
Midkine (MK) is a heparin-binding growth factor specified by a retinoic acid responsive gene. It plays important roles in development and carcinogenesis. The MK gene is located on chromosome 11q11.2 in humans. A heterozygous G to T transition at the 62nd base in intron 3 of this gene has been identified in sporadic colorectal and gastric cancers (Int. J. Mol. Med. 6 (2000) 281). To clarify whether this polymorphism is associated with a cancer risk, a case-control study was conducted. We examined 98 colorectal, 60 gastric, 59 esophagus, 32 lung and 37 breast cancer tissue specimens and their corresponding non-neoplastic tissues. Also, 86 unaffected control specimens were examined. The G/T genotype frequency in colorectal cancers was higher than that in normal samples (11.2 versus 2.3%; P=0.017). Therefore, this genotype could represent a risk factor for tumorigenesis in the colon and rectum of Japanese.
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The present study aims at a phylogeographic description of Zacco platypus from southeast China, in order to detect subdivisions within the nominal species. Two main basins were sampled: the Chang Jiang (Yangstze River) in central and east China (Hunan and Sichuan provinces) and the Xi Jiang, the more southern main tributary of the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River, Guangxi province). A total of 27 intron systems were tested, five of them were informative and gave 12 interpretable and polymorphic loci. Within the diversity of Z. platypus, four genetic groups were identified by multidimensional (FCA) analyses, corresponding to distinct genetic pools. The geographical distribution of the genetic groups corresponds neither with the drainage structure, nor the geographic distances between samples. It follows that isolation by distance and limited migration are insufficient to explain this geographic structure. The history of the river network therefore appears to have played an important role.
PCR amplification of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA gene of 40 isolates of Nectria galligena revealed four length polymorphisms. PCR-RFLP analysis of the SSU rDNA gene divided the isolates into four categories similar, but not identical, to categories identified by Southern-RFLP analysis. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that isolates in three of the four SSU rDNA (18S) categories possess an intron of 363 bp, 1185 bp or 1423 bp at the NS 7 priming site. Isolates in the fourth category do not possess an intron. The nucleotide sequences of these introns did not contain the core elements characteristic of typical group I introns, nor did they exhibit a group I intron secondary structure. Homology between the introns indicates a common lineage, all three possibly having come from a larger intron and having been formed by subsequent deletions. PCR primers upstream of the SSU rDNA intron region and from within the internal transcribed spacer 1 region amplify a product specific to N. galligena, which will confirm the identity of the pathogen and reveal its 18S category in a single reaction.
Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), an important component of innate immunity, binds to a range of foreign antigens and initiates the lectin complement pathway. Earlier studies have reported high plasma MBL levels in allergic patients in comparison to healthy controls. In view of varied plasma MBL levels being determined by genetic polymorphisms in its collagen region, we investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the collagen region of human MBL with respiratory allergic diseases. The study groups comprised patients of bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis (n = 49) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (APBA) (n = 11) and unrelated age-matched healthy controls of Indian origin (n = 84). A novel intronic SNP, G1011A of MBL, showed a significant association with both the patient groups in comparison to the controls (P < 0.01). Patients homozygous for the 1011A allele showed significantly higher plasma MBL levels and activity than those homozygous for the 1011G allele (P < 0.05). The 1011A allele also showed a significant correlation with high peripheral blood eosinophilia (P < 0.05) and low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) (P < 0.05) of the patients. We conclude that the 1011A allele of MBL may contribute to elevated plasma MBL levels and activity and to increased severity of the disease markers in patients of bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis and ABPA.
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Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1), the main thrombin receptor on vascular cells, plays a key role in platelet activation. We examined the range of PAR-1 expression on platelets, obtained twice, 1 week apart, from 100 healthy subjects and found a 2-fold interindividual variation in receptor numbers (95% CI = 858-1700). Because PAR-1 density was stable with time (r(2) = 76%, P <.001), we sought a genetic explanation for the observed variability. To validate this approach, we also analyzed the alpha(2)beta(1) genotype according to receptor density and platelet mRNA expression data. We found that the number of PAR-1 receptors on the platelet surface is associated with the intervening sequence IVSn-14 A/T intronic variation. The number of receptors was also found to govern the platelet response to the SFLLRN agonist, in terms of aggregation and P-selectin expression. The T allele (allelic frequency, 0.14) can be considered as an allele with decreased expression, because it was associated with lower PAR-1 expression on the platelet surface and with a lower response to SFLLRN. The IVSn-14 A/T intronic variation may therefore be clinically relevant.
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an autosomal dominant disorder of heme biosynthesis, caused by a partial deficiency of hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS). Knowledge of the nature of the HMBS mutations causing AIP in Spanish families is very limited. Here we report a novel 669_698del of the HMBS gene in twenty-two individuals from five independent Spanish AIP families, settled in Murcia (southeastern region of Spain). All mutation carriers shared a common disease associated haplotype indicating an ancestral founder effect. Identification of the 669_698del founder mutation allowed rapid and simple molecular diagnosis of AIP in families from this region in Spain. In addition, 771 + 58C>T in intron 12 on the non-669_698del allele was identified in six AIP patients, which promoted homozygous AIP misdiagnosis.
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OBJECTIVE: Presenilin-1 is a major causative gene for early onset familial Alzheimer's disease, and the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele is a major genetic risk factor known to influence late onset and sporadic early onset Alzheimer's disease. The presenilin-1 1/1 genotype has recently been reported to be associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Alzheimer's disease is associated with presenilin-1 gene polymorphism and the apolipoprotein E genotype in an extended case-control study. METHODS: An examination was conducted on 217 patients with Alzheimer's disease, along with an equal number of age and sex matched controls derived from the same community in a Japanese population, by using a chi2 test for homogeneity and a logistic regression analysis. A meta-analysis of data from the literature on allele frequencies in Alzheimer's disease and control populations was used for comparison with the Japanese allele frequencies obtained in this study. RESULTS: The presenilin-1 allele-1 frequencies were similar in patients with early onset Alzheimer's disease (0.61) and younger controls (0.61), and in those with late onset Alzheimer's disease (0.63) and elderly controls (0. 63). We found no evidence for a possible association between the presenilin-1 polymorphism and the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele. However, the meta-analysis showed that the association between the presenilin-1 1/1 genotype and Alzheimer's disease was significant (Peto odds ratio=1.16, 95% confidence interval=1.04-1.31). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a subtle but positive association of presenilin-1 gene polymorphism with Alzheimer's disease, although Japanese data in this study which failed to support such a relation would indicate an ethnic variation.