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Genetic variation of human aspartic proteinases.

The human aspartic proteinases include pepsinogen A, pepsinogen C, cathepsin D, cathepsin E and renin. Comparative analysis of the proteinase genes reveals a high degree of similarity with regard to their respective coding sequences and the location of exon-intron junctions. Despite strong conservation of the regions containing the active site aspartyl groups, genetic polymorphisms have been identified for each of the proteinase genes with the exception of cathepsin D. These genetic polymorphisms are useful for localization of genes on linkage maps as well as determination of gene copy number. The chromosomal location of each aspartyl proteinase has been determined by a variety of gene mapping methods employing recombinant DNA probes including; analysis of somatic cell hybrid mapping panels, in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosome preparations and family linkage analysis with polymorphic markers. Pepsinogen A exhibits the most extensive polymorphism among aspartic proteinases which can be detected by either by protein electrophoresis or by DNA analysis. Southern blot hybridization with respective DNA probes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification have revealed nucleotide differences located within the coding and noncoding portions of the aspartic proteinase genes. These polymorphisms can be used to investigate potential roles of each proteinase in genetically influenced clinical conditions. The development of additional highly polymorphic markers detected by PCR amplification of divergent nucleotide sequence repeats will greatly assist with documentation of the effect of genetic variation of the aspartic proteinases may have in specific clinical diseases such as ulcer and hypertension.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Interphase cytogenetics using biotin and digoxigenin labelled probes I: relative sensitivity of both reporter molecules for detection of HPV16 in CaSki cells.

This study was undertaken to develop technology for the detection of nucleic acid using two different DNA probe reporter molecules, the ultimate aim being to differentially label two nucleic acids within the same nucleus. Digoxigenin and biotin were used to label DNA probes. The absolute and relative sensitivity of digoxigenin and biotin labelled DNA probes for detecting integrated human papilloma virus 16 (HPV16) was investigated in CaSki cells by non-isotopic in situ hybridisation (NISH). Several methods for the detection of labelled probes were also investigated. The optimal sensitivity of digoxigenin labelled probe was equivalent to that of biotin when alkaline phosphatase was used as the final detector. The median number of discrete viral signals discernible in each cell with the most sensitive detection system was seven to eight with both labelled probes. The average number of HPV16 genomes in each CaSki cell, derived by dot blot hybridisation, was about 270. The calculated absolute sensitivity of NISH for viral detection in this system is complex because of variation of signal size and number. Nevertheless, one signal per nucleus equates to as little as 30 to 40 viral copies, and probably much less. The ability to distinguish up to 15 discrete signals with both digoxigenin and biotin labelled probes in the nuclei of CaSki cells indicates that these methods will be useful in interphase cytogenetics in material routinely fixed in aldehyde.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Diversity of Olea genotypes and the origin of cultivated olives.

Tandem repeats belonging to three DNA sequence families ( OeTaq80, OeTaq178, and OeGEM86) were isolated from the nuclear DNA of Olea europaea cv. Carolea and dot-hybridized to the genomic DNA of 14 hypothetically different Olea species, 78 olive cultivars, and 14 wild olives. The copy number per unreplicated haploid genome of OeTaq80- and OeTaq178-related sequences was in the 10(7)-10(6) range and that of OeGEM86-related sequences was in the 10(5) range in cultivars, wild olives and some Olea species. A large variation in the frequency of repeats belonging to each sequence family was observed within each group of plants. Positive correlations existed in each genome between the frequencies of repeats belonging to each family, and their overall frequency was positively correlated to the genome size. Duncan grouping showed that the frequency variation of tandem repeats within each group of plants was not continuous. Two main groups and several subgroups of genotypes could be separated within both the olive cultivars and the wild olives. Discrete areas in the Mediterranean Basin could be delimited by the geographic distribution of cultivated olives with different genotypes and the wild plants were associated with the cultivars in these areas according to genotypic similarity. The Olea species could be divided into four genotypic groups. Three of these, comprising accessions from Asia and North Africa, showed similarity with the genotypes of cultivars and wild olives. These results suggest a polyphyletic origin of cultivated olives from different wild Olea forms distributed throughout the Mediterranean Basin.

Journal Article↗

Plus- and minus-stranded foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA quantified simultaneously using a novel real-time RT-PCR.

Even though tagged RT-PCR and rTth RT-PCR have been developed to improve strand-specific detection of RNA virus, these assays are not quantitative. In this study, a novel real-time RT-PCR assay, which combines the benefits of both the tagged and rTth RT-PCR has been developed to quantify the strand-specific RNA of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The tagged-primers plus a TaqMan probe located within the highly conserved viral 3D region were used. The in vitro synthesized minus-and plus-stranded RNA templates were used as a dual control along with the copy number of viral RNA molecules, which is more reliable than reported RT-PCR employing a DNA-based standard. This assay was used to quantify FMDV RNA from 10(9) to 10(1) copies with a maximum sensitivity of between ten and five copies and was shown to be highly reproducible with low intra-and inter-assay variation. Coefficients of variation (CV) values were 0.70-1.39% and 0.98-2.1%, respectively. Importantly, the method was applied to simultaneously quantify both plus-stranded and minus-stranded FMDV RNA using tagged-RT and tagged-FP primer during a high-temperature reverse transcription. Highly sensitive and strand-specific real-time RT-PCR assay has been established. We tested the ratio of viral plus-stranded to minus-stranded RNA in acutely infected and persistently infected BHK-21 cells, for which the values ranged from 22/1 to 143/1 and from 287/1 to 334/1, respectively, suggesting different replication patterns of plus-and minus-stranded RNA in acutely infected and persistently infected cells. This value ranged from 83/1 to 93/1 in enriched FMDV virions, indicating that FMDV encapsidation is highly specific for plus-stranded RNAs. In addition, the method was applied to surveille the FMDV replication at animal level.

Animals↗

Intra- and inter-specific variations in the copy number of two types of retrotransposons from the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Tricholoma matsutake.

To explore intra- and inter-specific variations of the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Tricholoma matsutake that produces the fruit body "matsutake", we carried out real-time PCR analysis based on two types of retrotransposons, one designated marY1, which resembles a retrovirus carrying the long terminal repeat (LTR) and the other marY2N, which resembles mRNA carrying the polyadenylated tail. Calculation based on the average genome size of homobasidiomycetes (34 Mbp) shows that ca. 5.5% of the total genome of T. matsutake isolated from Asia is made up of these retrotransposons, whereas they occupy ca. 1.4% in the isolates from Morocco, ca. 0.8% in isolates from Mexico, and ca. 0.5% in Tricholoma magnivelare, the species which produces "American matsutake". Other Tricholoma spp. that produce fruit bodies similar to those of T. matsutake, such as T. bakamatsutake, T. fulvocastaneum, and T. robustum, carry them in the region less than 0.05% of their total genome. Copy number of LTR of marY1 is consistently and markedly higher than that of the coding regions of marY1 and marY2N. Data suggest that retrotransposons are deeply involved in evolution of the ectomycorrhizal symbiont.

Agaricales↗

Variation in the size of human apolipoprotein(a) is due to a hypervariable region in the gene.

We have investigated whether the size heterogeneity of the human apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is due to differences in the number of plasminogen kringle 4-like repeat units present in the different alleles. Using the Southern blot hybridization technique and a DNA probe for the kringle 4 domain of plasminogen, we have observed that in 31 different individuals a 5.8-kb PvuII restriction fragment band varies widely in intensity relative to other bands. A strong correlation (r = 0.76, P less than 0.001) was found between apo(a) protein size and the variation in intensity of the detected restriction fragment band. We confirmed this correlation in a large family where the parents are heterozygous for the apo(a) protein size isoforms. The specificity of the 5.8-kb band was established by using an apo(a)-specific oligonucleotide. These correlations strongly suggest that the observed size heterogeneity in apo(a) protein is due to different numbers of copies of the kringle 4 sequence in the apo(a) glycoprotein gene.

Alleles↗

The evolutionary dynamics of extrachromosomal DNA in human cancers.

Oncogene amplification on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is a common event, driving aggressive tumor growth, drug resistance and shorter survival. Currently, the impact of nonchromosomal oncogene inheritance-random identity by descent-is poorly understood. Also unclear is the impact of ecDNA on somatic variation and selection. Here integrating theoretical models of random segregation, unbiased image analysis, CRISPR-based ecDNA tagging with live-cell imaging and CRISPR-C, we demonstrate that random ecDNA inheritance results in extensive intratumoral ecDNA copy number heterogeneity and rapid adaptation to metabolic stress and targeted treatment. Observed ecDNAs benefit host cell survival or growth and can change within a single cell cycle. ecDNA inheritance can predict, a priori, some of the aggressive features of ecDNA-containing cancers. These properties are facilitated by the ability of ecDNA to rapidly adapt genomes in a way that is not possible through chromosomal oncogene amplification. These results show how the nonchromosomal random inheritance pattern of ecDNA contributes to poor outcomes for patients with cancer.

Biological Evolution↗

Comparison of two quantitative hepatitis C virus reverse transcriptase PCR assays.

A quantitative hepatitis C virus reverse transcriptase PCR (HCV RT-PCR) assay established in our laboratory was compared with the Roche Amplicor HCV Monitor test kit for agreement of test results and intra-assay variability. Both assays rely on reverse transcription and amplification of extracted RNA from patients' sera together with an internal RNA standard derived from the 5'-noncoding region of HCV. A panel of clinical serum samples (n = 33) was quantitatively analyzed in parallel by both test systems. The methods demonstrated substantial agreement between 1 x 10(3) and 5 x 10(5) HCV RNA molecules per ml of serum. However, with sera containing more than 5 x 10(5) copies per ml, according to our in-house assay, the results diverged on average in a nonacceptable range of 2 orders of magnitude. Our in-house HCV RT-PCR assay measured up to 5 x 10(7) HCV-RNA molecules per ml in some serum samples. However, the Roche Amplicor HCV Monitor test kit did not detect more than 2 x 10(6) molecules in any of the serum samples tested. After dilution of serum samples prior to testing, an approximately 0.5 order of magnitude more HCV RNA molecules was detected by the Roche HCV test kit in sera containing high copy numbers (> 5 x 10(5) RNA copies according to the in-house assay). The in-house PCR and the Roche Amplicor HCV Monitor test kit revealed coefficients of variation of 6.2 and 7.5%, respectively.

Base Sequence↗

A theoretical study of random segregation of minicircles in trypanosomatids.

The kinetoplast (k) DNA network of trypanosomatids is made up of approximately 50 maxicircles and the order of 10(4) minicircles. It has been proposed, based on various observations and experiments, that the minicircles are randomly segregated between daughter cells when the parent cell divides. In this paper, this random segregation hypothesis is theoretically tested in a population dynamics model to see if it can account for the observed phenomena. The hypothesis is shown to successfully explain, in Leishmania tarentolae, the observation that there are a few major and many minor minicircle classes, the fluctuations of minicircle class copy numbers over time, the loss of non-essential minicircle classes, the long survival times of a few of these classes and that these classes are likely to be the major classes within the population. Implications of the model are examined for trypanosomatids in general, leading to several predictions. The model predicts variation in network size within a population, variation in the average network size and large-scale changes in class copy number over long time-scales, an evolutionary pressure towards larger network sizes, the selective advantage of non-random over random segregation, very strong selection for the amplified class in Crithidia fasciculata if its minicircles undergo random segregation and that Trypanosoma brucei may use sexual reproduction to maintain its viability.

Animals↗

Reiterated genes with varying location in intercalary heterochromatin regions of Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes.

The localization of two cloned D. melanogaster DNA fragments in polytene chromosomes was determined by means of in situ hybridization. These different fragments (Dm 225 and Dm 234B) are present in the genome in hundreds copies and contain genes whose transcription yields two different classes in abundant mRNA (Ilyin et al., 1976, 1977; Tchurikov et al., 1978). About 20--30 sites of these genes are demonstrable in the polytene chromosomes of a given stock. There are small but significant variations in the number and localization of these sites among individuals of the same stock. On the other hand, different stocks of D. melanogaster have an utterly different distribution of revealed hybridization sites in the polytene chromosomes. The location of both fragments (Dm 225 and Dm 234) was found to be virtually identical within any given stock of D. melanogaster. 69 sites for localization of Dm 225 or Dm 234 genes were detected in the chromosomes of 11 individuals studied. At least 50 (and up to 62) of them coincide with intercalary heterochromatin regions which are known to be characterized by ectopic pairing, late replication and the presence of "weak spots" in the chromosome. The ability of Dm225 and Dm 234 to code for the "abundant" classes of messenger RNA (Ilyin et al., 1976) and the fact that their location may coincide with the histone and ribosomal genes suggest that intercalary heterochromatin regions are "nests" containing various types of actively transcribable tandem-repeated genes coding for common "household" cell functions.

Animals↗

The increase of mitochondrial DNA content in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells: a quantitative study using laser-captured microdissected tissues.

OBJECTIVE: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a frequent genetic event in the D-loop region (which controls mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication) of mitochondrial genome of endometrial cancer. We therefore investigated the relationship between mtMSI and mtDNA content in endometrial cancer. METHODS: Tumor tissues from 65 cancer patients and normal tissues from 41 non-cancer patients were used in this study. Pure endometrial adenocarcinoma cells and normal endometrial glandular epithelial cells were collected by laser capture microdissection, and analyzed for levels of mtDNA copy number by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Our data show that mtDNA copy number was not related with age in both endometrial cancer and normal endometrium cells. Great inter-individual variations in mtDNA copy number in endometrial cancer group were found; and mtDNA content was significantly larger than that in normal endometrium group. About 2-fold increase of mtDNA copy number was found in endometrial adenocarcinoma compared with normal endometrial glandular epithelium (P = 0.001). In particular, the analysis also shows that the copy number of mtDNA in the cases that carried the mtMSI at nucleotide position 303 was significantly higher than that of the negative cases (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that mtDNA copy number increased during endometrial cancer development. There is also a correlation between the mtDNA instability and mtDNA content in endometrial cancer cells. Role of mitochondrial genome changes in carcinogenesis warrants further investigation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

X chromosome array-CGH for the identification of novel X-linked mental retardation genes.

Array-CGH technology for the detection of submicroscopic copy number changes in the genome has recently been developed for the identification of novel disease-associated genes. It has been estimated that submicroscopic genomic deletions or duplications will be present in 5-7% of patients with idiopathic mental retardation (MR). Since 30% more males than females are diagnosed with MR, we have developed a full coverage X chromosome array-CGH with a theoretical resolution of 82 kb, for the detection of copy number alterations in patients with suspected X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). First, we have validated the genomic location of X-derived clones through male versus female hybridisations. Next, we validated our array for efficient and reproducible detection of known alterations in XLMR patients. In all cases, we were able to detect the deletions and duplications in males as well as females. Due to the high resolution of our X-array, the boundaries of the genomic aberrations could clearly be identified making genotype-phenotype studies more reliable. Here, we describe the production and validation of a full coverage X-array-CGH, which will allow for fast and easy screening of submicroscopic copy number alterations in XLMR patients with the aim to identify novel MR genes or mechanisms involved in a deranged cognitive development.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

Mitochondrial DNA structure and expression in specialized subtypes of mammalian striated muscle.

Mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) in cells of vertebrate organisms can assume an unusual triplex DNA structure known as the displacement loop (D loop). This triplex DNA structure forms when a partially replicated heavy strand of mtDNA (7S mtDNA) remains annealed to the light strand, displacing the native heavy strand in this region. The D-loop region contains the promoters for both heavy- and light-strand transcription as well as the origin of heavy-strand replication. However, the distribution of triplex and duplex forms of mtDNA in relation to respiratory activity of mammalian tissues has not been systematically characterized, and the functional significance of the D-loop structure is unknown. In comparisons of specialized muscle subtypes within the same species and of the same muscle subtype in different species, the relative proportion of D-loop versus duplex forms of mtDNA in striated muscle tissues of several mammalian species demonstrated marked variation, ranging from 1% in glycolytic fast skeletal fibers of the rabbit to 65% in the mouse heart. There was a consistent and direct correlation between the ratio of triplex to duplex forms of mtDNA and the capacity of these tissues for oxidative metabolism. The proportion of D-loop forms likewise correlated directly with mtDNA copy number, mtRNA abundance, and the specific activity of the mtDNA (gamma) polymerase. The D-loop form of mtDNA does not appear to be transcribed at greater efficiency than the duplex form, since the ratio of mtDNA copy number to mtRNA was unrelated to the proportion of triplex mtDNA genomes. However, tissues with a preponderance of D-loop forms tended to express greater levels of cytochrome b mRNA relative to mitochondrial rRNA transcripts, suggesting that the triplex structure may be associated with variations in partial versus full-length transcription of the heavy strand.

Animals↗

Variable SINE 3' poly(A) sequences: an abundant class of genetic markers in the pig genome.

Previous studies on human DNA have shown that the 3' poly(A) tracts of Alu elements may display considerable genetic polymorphism. To explore whether this marker type is generally applicable in mammalian genomes, I analyzed porcine SINEs. A database screening revealed 17 porcine sequences with significant homology to a previously identified pig SINE. The occurrence in the database suggested a SINE frequency of one copy every 12 kb of pig DNA. All SINEs contained a 3' poly(A) tract with an average of 12 uninterrupted adenines. The repetitive regions were analyzed for polymorphism by locus-specific PCR amplification. Allelic length variation (two to five alleles among 10 pigs) was found at 8 out of 10 loci investigated, in most cases probably because of varying number of iterated adenine residues. There was a positive relationship between repeat length and the degree of polymorphism. Stable Mendelian inheritance was documented in 200 meioses each at four loci. The high genomic frequency of SINEs implies that a potentially informative marker may be found near any gene or in any cosmid clone. These SINE 3' poly(A) polymorphisms, termed SINEVA [SINE variable poly(A)s], thus provide an abundant and useful class of genetic marker in mammalian genomes.

Alleles↗

Real-time PCR assay of individual human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants in coinfected human lymphoid tissues.

In the course of infection, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mutates, diverging into a "swarm" of viral quasispecies, and the predominance of CCR5- or CXCR4-utilizing quasispecies is strongly associated with the pattern of disease progression. Quantification of CCR5- and CXCR4-utilizing viruses in viral swarms is important in the investigation of the mechanisms of this phenomenon. Here, we report on a new real-time PCR-based methodology for the evaluation of replication of individual CCR5- and CXCR4-utilizing variants. The assay is highly reproducible, with a coefficient of variation of <3%, and it accurately estimates the numbers of virus-specific RNA copies even when their difference in the mixture is 2 orders of magnitude. We demonstrate that replications of CCR5- and CXCR4-utilizing variants can be evaluated and distinguished in experimentally coinfected human lymphoid tissue. The assay we developed may facilitate study of the mechanisms of the R5-to-X4 switch in viral swarms in human tissues infected with HIV-1.

Base Sequence↗

Autonomous transposition of gypsy mobile elements and genetic instability in Drosophila melanogaster.

The laboratory mutator strain (MS) of Drosophila melanogaster is characterized by an elevated frequency of spontaneous mutation (10(-3)-10(-4). Mutations occur in both sexes at premeiotic stages of germ cell development. The increased mutability is a characteristic feature of MS itself, since it appears in the absence of outcrossing. Most of the mutations arising in this strain are unstable: reversions to wild type, high frequency mutation to new mutant states and replicating instability were observed. We have investigated the localization of the transposable genetic elements mdg1, 412, mdg3, gypsy (mdg4), copia and P in the X chromosomes of the MS and in the mutant lines y, ct, sbt derived from it by in situ hybridization. The P element was not found in any of these strains. The distributions of mdg1, 412, mdg3 and copia were identical in the X chromosomes of the MS and its derivatives. However, the sites of hybridization with gypsy differ in the various lines tested. In the polytene chromosomes of MS animals significant variation in location and number of copies of the gypsy element was demonstrated between different larvae; copy numbers as high as 30-40 were observed. These results suggest autonomous transposition of gypsy in the MS genome while several other mobile elements remain stable.

Animals↗

Characterization of a mosaic minisatellite locus in the mitochondrial DNA of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.].

A mosaic minisatellite region has been identified in the mitochondrial genome of Norway spruce (Picea abies). The array was composed of three tandem repeats PaTR1 (32 bp), PaTR2a (26 bp) and PaTR2b (26 bp). PaTR2a and PaTR2b differed by one base substitution. The analysis of 92 trees covering the whole natural distribution area of the species allowed detection of 11 length variants ranging from 131 bp to 447 bp. This high intra-specific polymorphism relies on variation in the number of the tandem repeats. Population genetic parameters estimated among 14 populations suggested high population differentiation (Gst=0.749). The phylogenetic analysis of the 11 sequenced length variants has been performed using a parsimony approach. The topology of the tree showed a good association of groups with geographical origin and a low level of size homoplasy. The phylogenetic reconstruction also suggests that this minisatellite locus has mainly evolved by an increase in the repeat copy number.

Base Sequence↗

Regulation of toxA by PtxR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA103.

Exotoxin A (ETA) production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires the regulatory locus regAB. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA103 produces significantly higher levels of ETA than the prototypic strain PAO1 does, partly because of differences in the regAB locus. Other factors that contribute to this variation are not known. We previously described the P. aeruginosa gene ptxR that positively regulates production of ETA through regAB. ETA production was enhanced but still iron regulated in the PAO1 strain PAO1-XR that carries two copies of ptxR on its chromosome. Here we determine whether ptxR regulation of ETA is different in PA103. In contrast to PAO1-XR, ETA activity produced by PA103-2R, a PA103 strain carrying two copies of ptxR, is enhanced tenfold and partially deregulated in the presence of iron. Real-time PCR transcriptional analysis showed that the copy number of toxA mRNA in PA103-2R is significantly higher than in PA103 in both the presence and absence of iron, yet no similar increase in either regAB or ptxR mRNA copy number was detected. The integrated plasmid together with adjoining DNA was retrieved from the PA103-2R chromosome to determine whether integration-induced DNA changes played a role in this phenotype. Introduction of the retrieved plasmid in PA103 produced a phenotype similar to that of PA103-2R. Sequence analysis of the plasmid revealed the loss of 322 bp within the region 3' of ptxR. A plasmid construct carrying a 4-bp insertion in this same region produced in PA103 a phenotype similar to that of PA103-2R. Our results suggest that the effect of ptxR on toxA expression is different in PA103 than in PAO1 and that this variation in PA103-2R does not occur solely through regAB. Changes within the region 3' of ptxR are critical for the production of the unique PA103-2R phenotype, which occurs in trans and requires intact ptxR, but is not caused by ptxR overexpression.

3' Untranslated Regions↗