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Hierarchical analysis of population genetic structure in the monogynous ant Cataglyphis cursor using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers.

Despite having winged queens, female dispersal in the monogynous ant Cataglyphis cursor is likely to be restricted because colonies reproduce by fission. We investigated the pattern of population genetic structure of this species using eight microsatellite markers and a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence, in order to examine the extent of female and nuclear gene flow in two types of habitat. Sampling was carried out at a large spatial scale (16 sites from 2.5 to 120 km apart) as well as at a fine spatial scale (two 4.5-km transects, one in each habitat type). The strong spatial clustering of mtDNA observed at the fine spatial scale strongly supported a restricted effective female dispersal. In agreement, patterns of the mtDNA haplotypes observed at large and fine spatial scales suggested that new sites are colonized by nearby sites. Isolation by distance and significant nuclear genetic structure have been detected at all the spatial scales investigated. The level of local genetic differentiation for mitochondrial marker was 15 times higher than for the nuclear markers, suggesting differences in dispersal pattern between the two sexes. However, male gene flow was not sufficient to prevent significant nuclear genetic differentiation even at short distances (500 m). Isolation-by-distance patterns differed between the two habitat types, with a linear decrease of genetic similarities with distance observed only in the more continuous of the two habitats. Finally, despite these low dispersal capacities and the potential use of parthenogenesis to produce new queens, no signs of reduction of nuclear genetic diversity was detected in C. cursor populations.

Animals↗

Characterization of factors involved in modulating persistence of transgene expression from recombinant adenovirus in the mouse lung.

One potential limitation of adenovirus (Ad)-based vectors for the gene therapy of cystic fibrosis (CF) and other genetic diseases is the transience of expression observed in most in vivo systems. In this study, the influence of various factors on persistence of transgene expression in the lung was investigated. In the absence of immune pressure, such as in the nude mouse, the genomic structure of the vector was found to be predominant in determining the persistence of expression; Ad vector constructs with an E1-E3+E4ORF6+ backbone encoding beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) or the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) produced declining levels of expression while an Ad/CMV beta Gal vector with an E1-E3+E4+ backbone gave rise to sustained, long-term reporter gene expression. The ability of the latter vector to persist was in turn limited in part by the presence of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Adoptive transfer experiments indicated that CTLs directed against either viral proteins or the beta-Gal reporter gene product were able to reduce expression in nude C57BL/6 mice stably expressing beta-Gal from the E4+ vector. Finally, the specificity and strength of the CTL response elicited by Ad vector was found to vary considerably depending on mouse strain haplotype. These results indicate that persistence of transgene expression in a given system is determined by the interplay between several factors including genomic structure of the vector, host background, and immune response.

Adenoviridae↗

Efficient inference of haplotypes from genotypes on a large animal pedigree.

We present a simple algorithm for reconstruction of haplotypes from a sample of multilocus genotypes. The algorithm is aimed specifically for analysis of very large pedigrees for small chromosomal segments, where recombination frequency within the chromosomal segment can be assumed to be zero. The algorithm was tested both on simulated pedigrees of 155 individuals in a family structure of three generations and on real data of 1149 animals from the Israeli Holstein dairy cattle population, including 406 bulls with genotypes, but no females with genotypes. The rate of haplotype resolution for the simulated data was >91% with a standard deviation of 2%. With 20% missing data, the rate of haplotype resolution was 67.5% with a standard deviation of 1.3%. In both cases all recovered haplotypes were correct. In the real data, allele origin was resolved for 22% of the heterozygous genotypes, even though 70% of the genotypes were missing. Haplotypes were resolved for 36% of the males. Computing time was insignificant for both data sets. Despite the intricacy of large-scale real pedigree genotypes, the proposed algorithm provides a practical rule-based solution for resolving haplotypes for small chromosomal segments in commercial animal populations.

Algorithms↗

Linkage disequilibrium mapping of bipolar affective disorder at 12q23-q24 provides evidence for association at CUX2 and FLJ32356.

Chromosome 12q23-q24 has been implicated by several linkage studies as harboring a gene for bipolar affective disorder. We performed linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping with 17 microsatellite markers across a 1.6 Mb-wide segment forming the central part of our narrowest linkage region. A significant signal (P = 0.0016) was identified for one microsatellite marker in our UK Caucasian case-control sample (347 cases, 374 controls). Genes, including regulatory elements, around this marker were screened for mutations and the LD structure of the region determined by genotyping 22 SNPs and insertion/deletion polymorphisms in 94 individuals. A set of 11 haplotype tagging (ht) SNPs was genotyped in our sample using a two-stage procedure. Two SNPs (rs3847953 and rs933399) and an insertion/deletion with putative functional relevance (which are in high LD with each other and with the microsatellite marker) showed significant or nearly significant association with bipolar disorder after Bonferroni-correction (reaching nominal P values from P = 0.002 to P = 0.005). In a sample of 110 UK Caucasian parent-offspring trios there was a trend for an over transmission in the same direction that failed to meet conventional levels of statistical significance. Our data provide evidence for association between bipolar mood disorder and markers on chromosome 12q23-q24 but need replication in independent samples.

Adult↗

Epitope analysis of the T cell response to a complex antigen: proliferative responses to human rhinovirus capsids.

Understanding the factors which regulate the repertoire of a T cell response is important when selecting T helper cell epitopes for inclusion in synthetic viral vaccines. In this study we have examined the T cell response to human rhinovirus (HRV) type 1 A in a mouse model system, using a comprehensive set of synthetic peptides which span all four of the proteins which make up the HRV capsid. This constitutes the first study to use a set of peptides covering the entire sequence of all structural proteins of any virus. This study identifies the major proliferative (CD4) T cell epitopes within the minor receptor group HRV 1 A, and analyzes these epitopes with relation to their location within the three-dimensional structure of the virus. The proliferative response to HRV is highly selective, with strong responses to only a very small number of epitopes, many of which are grouped together within restricted areas of the primary structure of the HRV proteins. The repertoire of the response is almost entirely specific to the major histocompatibility complex haplotype of the host. The major T cell epitopes are spatially distinct from the sites of the major antibody recognition sites, and are buried within the viral capsid. In striking contrast to the antibody responses, the T cell responses are highly cross-reactive against a wide variety of viral serotypes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Can microsatellites be used to infer phylogenies? Evidence from population affinities of the Western Canary Island lizard (Gallotia galloti).

Population phylogeographic studies are generally based solely on mtDNA without corroboration, from an independent segregating unit (i.e., nuclear genes), that the mtDNA gene tree represents the organismal phylogeny. This paper attempts to evaluate the utility of microsatellites for this process by use of the Western Canary Island lacertid (Gallotia galloti) as a model. The geological times of island eruptions are known, and well-supported mtDNA phylogenies exist (corroborated as the organismal phylogeny rather than just a gene tree by nuclear random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs)). The allelic variation in 12 populations from four islands (representing five haplotype lineages) was investigated in five unlinked microsatellite loci. Analysis of molecular variance showed this data to be highly structured. A series of genetic distances among populations was computed based on both the variance in allele frequency (i.e., F(st) related) and the variance in repeat numbers (i.e., R(st) related). The genetic distances based on the former were more highly correlated with the mtDNA genetic distances than those based on the latter. All trees based on both models supported the primary division shown by mtDNA and RAPDs, which is dated at ca. 2.8 to 5.6 mybp (depending on calibration of the mtDNA clock) and which could, under the evolutionary species concept, be regarded separate species. This was achieved despite theoretical problems posed by the use of few loci, suspected bottlenecks, and large population sizes. The finer details were less consistently represented. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that even a small number of microsatellites can be useful in corroborating the deeper divisions of a population phylogeny.

Alleles↗

Intraspecific phylogeography of Lasmigona subviridis (Bivalvia: Unionidae): conservation implications of range discontinuity.

A nucleotide sequence analysis of the first internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1) between the 5.8S and 18S ribosomal DNA genes (640 bp) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (576 bp) was conducted for the freshwater bivalve Lasmigona subviridis and three congeners to determine the utility of these regions in identifying phylogeographic and phylogenetic structure. Sequence analysis of the ITS-1 region indicated a zone of discontinuity in the genetic population structure between a group of L. subviridis populations inhabiting the Susquehanna and Potomac Rivers and more southern populations. Moreover, haplotype patterns resulting from variation in the COI region suggested an absence of gene exchange between tributaries within two different river drainages, as well as between adjacent rivers systems. The authors recommend that the northern and southern populations, which are reproductively isolated and constitute evolutionarily significant lineages, be managed as separate conservation units. Results from the COI region suggest that, in some cases, unionid relocations should be avoided between tributaries of the same drainage because these populations may have been reproductively isolated for thousands of generations. Therefore, unionid bivalves distributed among discontinuous habitats (e.g. Atlantic slope drainages) potentially should be considered evolutionarily distinct. The DNA sequence divergences observed in the nuclear and mtDNA regions among the Lasmigona species were congruent, although the level of divergence in the COI region was up to three times greater. The genus Lasmigona, as represented by the four species surveyed in this study, may not be monophyletic.

Animals↗

Oligonucleotide probes for alpha satellite DNA variants can distinguish homologous chromosomes by FISH.

Chromosomal heteromorphisms have been used extensively to mark individual chromosomes. However, classical banding techniques used to identify these structural variants are imprecise and difficult to quantify. Different chromosomes 17 from the human population are characterized by distinct haplotypes of alpha satellite DNA. We have used these sequence variants to construct oligonuoleotide probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These oligomers are the first reported FISH probes that can discriminate between cytogenetically indistinguishable chromosome homologues. They have been used to follow the transmission of a single chromosome 17 through a pedigree, similar to a typical polymorphic marker. Furthermore, extended chromatin fiber techniques reveal the presence of discrete domains of different sequence variants within individual centromeres. Extension of this strategy to create a battery of other variant-specific oligoprobes should provide a powerful diagnostic tool for parent of origin effects in the study of aneuploidy, imprinting and cancer cytogenetics.

Child↗

Mating patterns of a subdivided population of the andean oak (Quercus humboldtii Bonpl., Fagaceae).

Mating patterns play a critical role in the maintenance of genetic variation. We analyzed the mating system in a recently fragmented population of the Andean oak (Quercus humboldtii) using four microsatellite loci. Five fragments in northeastern Colombia, South America, were selected consisting of 30.4 trees on average. We sampled about 30 seeds from three target trees in each fragment and genotyped them with four microsatellite loci with a total of 40 alleles across loci. Progenies were analyzed under the mixed mating system model (MLTR program) and the TwoGener pollen pool structure analyses. The number of unshared pollen donors per family (Nu) was estimated using gametotypic counts with the program HAPLOTYPES. Low selfing (3%) is occurring at the population and fragment level. Biparental inbreeding is present (4.9%), but reduced, in the largest fragment. The average pollen neighborhood size (Nep = 5.1 to 6.1) appears comparable to other oak species in sparse landscapes. In contrast, Nu consists of 2 to 4 main donors, although up to 12 are possible, with the mode positively correlated with fragment size. The Andean oak appears to be a resilient species capable of tolerating population subdivision, provided landscapes include large fragments.

Colombia↗

Microsatellite genetic distances between oceanic populations of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of humpback whales show strong segregation between oceanic populations and between feeding grounds within oceans, but this highly structured pattern does not exclude the possibility of extensive nuclear gene flow. Here we present allele frequency data for four microsatellite loci typed across samples from four major oceanic regions: the North Atlantic (two mitochondrially distinct populations), the North Pacific, and two widely separated Antarctic regions, East Australia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Allelic diversity is a little greater in the two Antarctic samples, probably indicating historically greater population sizes. Population subdivision was examined using a wide range of measures, including Fst, various alternative forms of Slatkin's Rst, Goldstein and colleagues' delta mu, and a Monte Carlo approximation to Fisher's exact test. The exact test revealed significant heterogeneity in all but one of the pairwise comparisons between geographically adjacent populations, including the comparison between the two North Atlantic populations, suggesting that gene flow between oceans is minimal and that dispersal patterns may sometimes be restricted even in the absence of obvious barriers, such as land masses, warm water belts, and antitropical migration behavior. The only comparison where heterogeneity was not detected was the one between the two Antarctic population samples. It is unclear whether failure to find a difference here reflects gene flow between the regions or merely lack of statistical power arising from the small size of the Antarctic Peninsula sample. Our comparison between measures of population subdivision revealed major discrepancies between methods, with little agreement about which populations were most and least separated. We suggest that unbiased Rst (URst, see Goodman 1995) is currently the most reliable statistic, probably because, unlike the other methods, it allows for unequal sample sizes. However, in view of the fact that these alternative measures often contradict one another, we urge caution in the use of microsatellite data to quantify genetic distance.

Alleles↗

Differentiation of the mRNA transcripts originating from the alpha 1- and alpha 2-globin loci in normals and alpha-thalassemics.

The alpha-globin polypeptide is encoded by two adjacent genes, alpha 1 and alpha 2. In the normal diploid state (alpha alpha/alpha alpha) all four alpha-globin genes are expressed. Loss or dysfunction of one or more of these genes leads to deficient alpha-globin production and results in alpha-thalassemia. We present a technique to differentially assess the steady-state levels of the alpha 1- and alpha-2-globin messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts and thus delineate the relative level of expression of the two alpha-globin loci in a variety of alpha-thalassemia states. Only alpha 1 mRNA was produced in the alpha-thalassemia-2 haplotype (-alpha) (one of the two alpha-globin genes deleted from chromosome 16). This confirms previous gene mapping data which demonstrate deletion of the alpha 2 gene. The triple alpha-globin gene haplotype (alpha alpha alpha) is the reciprocal of the alpha-thalassemia-2 haplotype and thus contains an extra alpha 2-globin gene. RNA from this haplotype contained a greater than normal level of alpha 2-relative to alpha 1-globin mRNA. This data implies that the extra alpha 2 gene in the triple alpha-globin haplotype is functional. We detected a relative instability of the alpha 2-globin mRNA encoding the alpha-globin structural mutant Constant Spring. This instability may contribute to the low level of expression of the alpha-Constant Spring protein. In a Chinese patient with nondeletion hemoglobin-H disease (- -/alpha alpha T) (both alpha-globin genes are present but not fully functional) a normal ratio was maintained between the levels of alpha 1- and alpha 2-globin mRNA, implying that mRNA production from both alpha-globin genes is suppressed in a balanced manner. These observations extended previous findings concerning the structural rearrangements in the deletion types of alpha-thalassemia and the pathophysiology of two nondeletion variants.

Anemia, Sickle Cell↗

Identification of antigenic epitopes on human allergens: studies with HLA transgenic mice.

Environmental factors play an important role in the rise and manifestation of allergic conditions in genetically predisposed subjects. Increased exposure to indoor/outdoor allergens is a significant factor in the development of allergic sensitization and asthma. Recently, strong relationships between the immune response to several highly purified allergens and specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ and -DR haplotypes have been reported. The major antigens from clinically important allergens have been cloned and sequenced. However, whether innate structural features of major allergens or peculiar immune recognition of these molecules contribute to the overly robust immune responses is not known. We generated and used transgenic (tg) mice expressing single HLA class II transgene(s) to characterize the allergen epitopes presented by particular HLA class II molecules. Next, we generated in vivo models for asthma in the HLA tg mice by intranasal challenge with allergenic extracts. Furthermore, we used a single epitope to induce an allergic lung inflammation. Our system offers a sophisticated technique for systematically identifying the genetic (individual human class II) and antigenic (individual allergenic epitopes) basis of asthma sensitivity and has important implications for new treatment strategies.

Allergens↗

An autosomal dominant progressive congenital zonular nuclear cataract linked to chromosome 20p12.2-p11.23.

PURPOSE: To map and to identify the causal gene for autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) in a Chinese family. METHODS: A four-generation family with a history of progressive congenital cataracts was investigated. Twenty-three members of the family were examined ophthalmologically. Blood samples were collected from twenty-nine family members for genetic linkage analysis. Two-point LOD scores were calculated. Multi-point linkage analysis and haplotype construction were performed to define the optimal cosegregating interval. Direct sequence analysis of the candidate gene, beaded filament structural protein 1, filensin (BFSP1) in the critical region was carried out. RESULTS: Fifteen family members were affected with autosomal dominant progressive congenital zonular nuclear cataract (ADPCZNC). The maximum two-point LOD Score of 6.02 was obtained for marker D20S904 (theta=0). The cataract locus in this family was mapped to chromosome 20p12.2-p11.23, a 9.34 Mb (16.37 cM) interval between markers D20S186 and D20S912. Although BFSP1 was in this critical region, we found no evidence that the condition in the family was caused by a BFSP1 mutation. CONCLUSIONS: We have mapped the genetic locus of ADPCZNC to chromosome 20p12.2-p11.23 in an ADCC family. This is the first time ADPCZNC was linked to this region.

Asian People↗

HLA-DQ molecular heterogeneity in HLA-DR4-Dw4 consanguineous cell lines.

Two-dimensional gel analysis (NEPHGE) of the molecules precipitated by the HLA-DR monomorphic antibody L243 showed a single and identical alpha chain spot from two consanguineous cell lines, BM14 and MCF. The latter was derived from a rheumatoid arthritis patient. No apparent structural polymorphism of the HLA-DR beta chains was detected. The data suggests that the HLA-DR4 haplotype expresses one alpha chain and up to four beta chains. The electrophoretic pattern of the HLA-DQ molecules precipitated with the monomorphic antibody TU22 revealed clear differences between BM14 and MCF. These differences were mainly in the beta chain profiles. Four acidic beta chains were found with the MCF cell line wheras only three beta chains at different isoelectric points were found with the BM14 cell line. The data obtained in this study argue for a considerable heterogeneity of the HLA-DQ antigens detected at the molecular level.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Presence of hemoglobinopathies in Sicily: a historic perspective.

Sicily, at the center of the Mediterranean, has been the meeting place of Eastern and Western civilizations, and in the Sicilian population the presence of many different alterations in the globin gene clusters can surely be considered testimony of past colonizations. From 1975 to 1994, 100,000 Sicilian subjects were screened by us to monitor the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) structural variants. In this paper we present the data gathered, emphasizing the high incidence (2.5%) of carriers of at least one abnormal Hb, and the great heterogeneity of globin molecular defects on the island. Twenty-six different mutations were identified: the most common occur in the beta-globin gene (beta(S), beta(C), deltabeta(Lepore), beta(G-San José), beta(O-Arab), but also quite frequent is the mutated allele alpha(J-Oxford). The chromosome haplotypes associated with some of them were characterized. Two uncommon Hbs, Copenhagen and D Punjab, and some 18 rare variants complete the wide spectrum of structural alterations of globin genes in Sicily. We think they are de novo mutations prevalently. It is not possible to exclude that the presence of a few of them is related to migratory phenomena, particularly from North Africa and East Asia. Numerous thalassemic alleles complete the picture of globin gene mutations in Silicy.

Adolescent↗

Association of structural polymorphisms in the human period3 gene with delayed sleep phase syndrome.

Recent progress in biological clock research has facilitated genetic analysis of circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and non-24-h sleep-wake syndrome (N-24). We analyzed the human period3 (hPer3) gene, one of the human homologs of the Drosophila clock-gene period (Per), as a possible candidate for rhythm disorder susceptibility. All of the coding exons in the hPer3 gene were screened for polymorphisms by a PCR-based strategy using genomic DNA samples from sleep disorder patients and control subjects. We identified six sequence variations with amino acid changes, of which five were common and predicted four haplotypes of the hPer3 gene. One of the haplotypes was significantly associated with DSPS (Bonferroni's corrected P = 0.037; odds ratio = 7.79; 95% CI 1.59-38.3) in our study population. Our results suggest that structural polymorphisms in the hPer3 gene may be implicated in the pathogenesis of DSPS.

Adolescent↗

Increased frequency of the mannose-binding lectin LX haplotype in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important complement-activating protein of the human immune system. As a result of one of three structural gene mutations in exon 1 (variants B, C and D) and/or the presence of a low-efficiency promoter polymorphism, MBL deficiency may be associated with increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and to autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Using a combined approach of heteroduplex generator and polymerase chain reaction, a systematic search for mutations in exon 1 and the promoter region of the MBL gene was performed in a Chinese study population comprising 41 SLE patients and 111 healthy controls. Two alleles, a wild-type allele A and a variant allele B (a previously reported mutation of GGC to GAC at codon 54), were identified in MBL exon 1. The frequency of the B allele (0.15) was higher in the SLE patients than in the healthy controls (0.09), but the difference did not attain statistical significance (P > 0.05). However, for two polymorphisms at positions -550 and -221 in the promoter region, the frequency of the low-MBL-producing haplotype (LX) in the patients (0.2073) was significantly higher than that in the controls (0.0855) (P = 0.003, relative risk = 2.79). Our results suggest that the LX haplotype represents a strong risk factor among Chinese SLE patients. Although of lesser importance, the MBL B allele also may be a risk component in the developing process of SLE in Chinese patients.

Adolescent↗

Genomic screening and replication using the same data set in family-based association testing.

The Human Genome Project and its spin-offs are making it increasingly feasible to determine the genetic basis of complex traits using genome-wide association studies. The statistical challenge of analyzing such studies stems from the severe multiple-comparison problem resulting from the analysis of thousands of SNPs. Our methodology for genome-wide family-based association studies, using single SNPs or haplotypes, can identify associations that achieve genome-wide significance. In relation to developing guidelines for our screening tools, we determined lower bounds for the estimated power to detect the gene underlying the disease-susceptibility locus, which hold regardless of the linkage disequilibrium structure present in the data. We also assessed the power of our approach in the presence of multiple disease-susceptibility loci. Our screening tools accommodate genomic control and use the concept of haplotype-tagging SNPs. Our methods use the entire sample and do not require separate screening and validation samples to establish genome-wide significance, as population-based designs do.

Asthma↗