HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 genes in Japanese multiple sclerosis patients

Japanese MS patients and controls were examined for the distribution of HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 alleles using in vitro amplification of genomic DNA and probing with sequence-specific oligonucleotides. No significant difference in frequency of the examined alleles was observed among the two groups. This is in contrast to Norwegian MS patients, where an association to a combination of certain DQA1 and DQB1 alleles has previously been demonstrated.     

韩国人CYP450 1A1、CYP450 2E1和GSTM1、GSTT1、GSTP1基因座遗传多态性分析

目的 调查代谢相关的CYP4501A1、CYP4502E1和GSTM1、GSIT1、GSTP1基因座在韩国人群中的遗传多态性分布状况。方法 采用多重聚合酶链式反应、聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性技术，分析300名韩国健康大学生的CYP1A1基因3′端限制性内切酶Msp Ⅰ位点、CYP2E1基因5′端转录调节区Pst Ⅰ位点和GSTM1、GSTT1缺失与存在、GSTP1基因第5外显子BsmA Ⅰ位点的基因型，计算基因型和基因频率。结果 CYP1A1基因型频率为ml／ml型39．7％、ml／m2型49．7％、m2／m2型10．7％，基因频率为ml 0．645、m2 0．355。CYP2E1基因型频率为cl／cl型66．7％、cl／c2型30％、c2／c2型3．3％，基因频率为C1 0．818、C2 0．182。GSTM1基因缺失型频率为53．3％。GSTT1基因缺失型频率为54．7％。GSTP1基因型频率为Ile／Ile型62％、Ile／Val型34．3％、VaL／Val型3．7％，基因频率为Ile 0．792、Val 0．208。基因分布符合Hardy-Weirtberg平衡定律。结论 韩国人CYP1A1、CYP2E1、GSTM1、GSTT1基因分布与我国人群较为相近，半数以上人缺乏GSTM1和GSTT1基因，纯合缺失型频率超过印度人的3倍。     

Correlations between genotype and pharmacological, histological, functional, and clinical phenotypes in malignant hyperthermia susceptibility

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) is a subclinical pharmacogenetic disorder caused by an impairment of skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis in response to triggering agents. While in vitro contracture testing (IVCT) is the gold standard for defining MHS, molecular analysis is increasingly used to diagnosis MHS. Mutations associated with MHS have been reported in two genes: RYR1 and CACNA1S. Mutations in RYR1 are also responsible for central core disease (CCD), a myopathy that can be associated with a positive IVCT response. We report here the results of correlation studies performed with molecular, pharmacological, histological, and functional data obtained in 175 families (referred to as confirmed (129) or potential (46) MHS families). Extensive molecular analysis allowed us to identify a variant in 60% of the confirmed MHS families, and resulted in the characterization of 11 new variants in the RYR1 gene. Most mutations clustered to MH1 and MH2 domains of RYR1. Functional analysis allowed us to assign a causative role for seven MHS mutations that we propose to add to the panel of MHS mutations used for genetic testing. The use of genetic data to determine MHS status led to a 99.5% sensitivity for IVCT. IVCT-positive/mutation-negative diagnoses were analyzed not only in terms of specificity for IVCT, but also to assess the presence of a second MHS trait in families, and the genetic heterogeneity of the disease. Histological analyses revealed the presence of cores in more than 20% of muscle biopsies originating from 242 genotyped and tested MHS patients who did not present with clinical symptoms. This indicates that these patients must be considered as MHS patients with cores, and are clearly differentiated from CCD patients who have been tested positive for MHS.     

HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 DNA polymorphism in the Bulgarian population

We describe for the first time the use of PCR based techniques to analyze the MHC class II polymorphism of the Bulgarian population. The present study provides the HLA-DRB, DQB1 allele frequencies in 116 Bulgarian individuals and DQA1 alleles frequencies in 100 subjects. DNA from these individuals was typed for DRB and DQB1 typed by the PCR- Allele Specific Amplification (PCR-ASA) method and DQA1 by PCR followed by hybridization using Sequence Specific Oligonucleotides (PCR-SSO). Allele and haplo-type frequencies and linkage disequilibria are computed by the standard methods used for the XIth International Histocompatibility Workshop. The highest frequencies are 0.159, 0.109 and 0.085 for DRB1*1101, DRB1*1601 and DRB1*1301 respectively. Among the eight DQA1 alleles detected, DQA1*0501 (0.344) is found to be much more frequent than the two most frequent alleles DQA1*0102 (0.225) and DQA1*0101 (0.151). Twelve DQB1 alleles are found and three of them, DQB1*0301 (0.280), DQB1*0502 (0.153) and DQB1*0201 (0.133) showed the highest frequencies. The haplo-type DRB1*1101-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0301 (0.079) predominate clearly, followed by DRB1*1601-DQA1*0102-DDQB1*0502 (0.055) and DRB1*0101-DQA1*0101-DQB1*0501. These results indicate that the Bulgarian population is characterized by features representative of the European anthropological type with a substantial contribution from the Southern Belt of Europe.     

Prox-1与淋巴管新生和肿瘤转移的关系

侵袭和转移是恶性肿瘤的重要生物学行为之一,淋巴道转移是恶性肿瘤难以根治以及高病死率的主要原因,也是判断患者预后的主要指标。果蝇prospero同源异形盒蛋白1（prospero homeobox protein 1,Prox-1）在胚胎时期淋巴管形成过程中具有重要作用,可以作为淋巴管内皮细胞标志物,显示肿瘤新生淋巴管,并与肿瘤淋巴道转移密切相关。尽管Prox-1促进胚胎淋巴管形成机制的研究较为深入,但是在肿瘤淋巴管新生和淋巴道转移的作用机制方面仍有待于进一步探讨,Prox-1可能作为抑制肿瘤淋巴管新生和治疗肿瘤的新靶点,用于阻断肿瘤转移和改善患者预后。现就Prox-1与胚胎淋巴管形成、肿瘤淋巴管新生以及与肿瘤淋巴道转移关系的相关研究现状综述如下。     

The expression of ERCC1, RRM1, and BRCA1 in breast cancer according to the immunohistochemical phenotypes

We studied the expression of BRCA1, ERCC1, and RRM1 which play an important role in DNA repair systems in breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining for EGFR, BRCA1, ERCC1, and RRM1 were performed by using a tissue microarray made from 230 breast cancer patients. Patients were classified into luminal A, luminal B, HER-2, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) types according to ER, PR, and HER-2 expression. The expression of ERCC1, RRM1, and BRCA1 were correlated (P < 0.05). The expression level of ERCC1 was the lowest in TNBC type (P = 0.031), ERCC1 negativity was more prominent in TNBC and luminal B groups than luminal A and HER-2 groups (P = 0.013). Cases with EGFR overexpression showed high expression of RRM1 and BRCA1 (P = 0.046, and 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, the expression of ERCC1 is particularly lower in TNBCs than other types of breast cancers.     

GM-CSF, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression and cytokine production in human duodenal fibroblasts stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha.

The role of mucosal fibroblasts in intestinal inflammatory reactions is not known. In this study, we demonstrate that fibroblasts grown from histologically normal human duodenal biopsy tissues expressed mRNA genes for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-1 alpha. The increased mRNA expression of GM-CSF, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 in response to IL-1 alpha and LPS stimulation was time- and dose-dependent. In contrast, IL-10 was weakly expressed when fibroblasts were stimulated with LPS, IL-1 alpha or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but the expression was enhanced in the presence of cycloheximide combined with optimal concentrations of LPS, IL-1 alpha or TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha was a more potent stimulator than LPS for GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 expression, but not for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. Increased GM-CSF, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression was associated with the production of cytokine proteins in culture supernatant, but IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta remained undetectable. Dexamethasone suppressed both gene expression and protein production of GM-CSF, IL-6 and IL-8 when fibroblasts were exposed to IL-1 alpha. TNF-alpha stimulated the release of GM-CSF, IL-6 and IL-8 and, combined with IL-1 alpha, cytokine production was enhanced synergistically. Finally, both LPS and IL-1 alpha up-regulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression. These findings implicate duodenal fibroblasts in the initiation and/or regulation of intestinal inflammation.     

Apparent allelism of the hurler,scheie, and hurler/scheie syndromes

The Hurler, Scheie, and Hurler/Scheie syndromes are clinically distinct disorders due to inherited deficiencies of lysosomal α-iduronidase activity. The genetic relationship of these disorders was investigated by complementation analysis using a heterokaryon enrichment procedure. Fusions between fibroblasts derived from Hurler, Scheie, or Hurler/Scheie subjects in any combination resulted in no detectable correction of α-iduronidase activity, indicating that they form a single complementation group. Control fusions between these fibroblasts and mucolipidosis II or III cells, which are also α-iduronidase deficient due to an enzyme processing defect, resulted in restoration of up to 57% of normal α-iduronidase activity. These results also suggest allelism of the Hurler, Scheie, and Hurler/Scheie syndromes. However, the genetic make-up of the Hurler/Scheie syndrome was not resolved.     

非小细胞肺癌中Notch1、HIF-1、VEGF蛋白及Notch1 mRNA的表达及意义

目的 探讨Notch1、HIF-1、VEGF蛋白及Notch1 mRNA在非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)组织的表达及其临床病理学意义.方法 采用免疫组化SP法和原位杂交法分别检测65例NSCLC组织、15例正常支气管上皮组织中Notch1、HIF-1、VEGF蛋白及Notch1 mRNA的表达.结果 Notch1、HIF-1、VEGF蛋白及Notch1 mRNA在非小细胞肺癌中阳性表达率分别为81.5%(53/65)、96.9%(63/65)、93.8%(61/65)、73.8%(48/65),均明显高于正常支气管上皮组织阳性表达率(P<0.05);NSCLC中Notch1、HIF-1、VEGF蛋白及Notch1 mRNA的表达均与临床分期、淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05);Notch1、HIF-1与VEGF蛋白间均正相关;Notch1蛋白与Notch1 mRNA的表达呈正相关.结论Notch1、HIF-1、VEGF蛋白及Notch1 mRNA在NSCLC中均表达上调,提示在肺癌的发生、发展中可能起重要作用;检测NSCLC组织Notch1蛋白及mRNA可作为判断肿瘤侵袭与转移的重要指标.     

Identification of a novel DRB1 allele, DRB1*1112, by sequence-based DRB typing

We report here a novel DRB1 allele (DRB1*1112) identified during sequence-based HLA-DRB typing. Polymerase chain reaction with generic DRB primers and group-specific primers and subsequent sequencing yielded identical results. Molecular cloning and sequencing confirmed that the new DRB1 allele is identical to DRB1*11011 and 1129 at exon 2 except for a single nucleotide substitution at codon 37, changing the codon from Tyr (DRB1*11011) or Ser (DRB1*1129) to Phe.     

Monosomy, trisomy, fragile sites, and rearrangements of chromosome no. 1 in a mentally retarded male with multiple congenital anomalies

A 17-year-old male was referred for evaluation because of short stature and severe mental retardation. Major clinical findings included microphthalmia, micrognathia, low-set ears, a prominent beaked nose, clubbing of digits, and premature graying of hair. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a 45,XY,-1/46,XY/47,XY,+1 mosaicism in lymphocytic culture, a 45,XY,-1/46,XY mosaicism in skin fibroblasts, and fra(1p) sites in 2% of the metaphases from lymphocyte, fibroblast and bone marrow cultures. Post-zygotic non-disjunction causing this mosaicism is believed to be responsible for the patient's phenotype.     

人类新基因UHRF1生物学功能的研究进展

【摘要】hUHRF1是最近发现的一个新基因，与鼠mUHRF1基因同属UHRF家族，目前，有关鼠mUHRF1基因的功能研究较多，且多以胚胎干细胞为研究对象；hUHRF1基因编码的蛋白序列与鼠mUHRF1之间有73.7％的同源性，那么，hUHRF1基因是否也具有类似鼠mUHRF1基因的功能？该基因在体细胞中的功能又如何？因此，有关hUHRF1基因功能的研究成为必然，现就相关的内容综述如下。     

HLA-DQB1, -DQA1, -DRB1 linkage disequilibrium and haplotype diversity in a Mestizo population from Guadalajara, Mexico

HLA-DQB1, -DQA1, and -DRB1 genes were typed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) in 159 healthy volunteers from 32 families living in Guadalajara, Mexico. Three-locus genotype data from all family members were used to infer haplotypes in 54 unrelated individuals of the sample, from which estimate of segregating haplotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium (LD) between loci were computed. Genotype distributions were concordant with Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE) for all three loci, and allele distributions were similar to the ones observed in other Latin-American populations. Of the 56 distinct three-site (DQB1-DQA1-DRB1) haplotypes observed in the sample, the five most common (i.e., with frequencies of five counts or more) were: *0302-*0301-*04, *0201-*0201-*07, *0301-*0501-*14, *0402-*0401-*08, and *0501-*0101-*01. These common three-locus haplotypes also contributed to the majority of the significant two-locus linkage disequilibria of these three sites.     

Identification of a novel allele, DRB1*1340, in two Brazilian individuals

We identified a novel HLA-DRB1 allele, named DRB1*1340 by the WHO HLA Nomenclature Committee, in two Brazilian individuals. Typing by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP) showed a DRB1*13 allele with an unusual hybridization pattern. DNA sequencing of both strands and comparison of the sequence with previously described DRB1 alleles revealed that the most similar allele is DRB1*1301, from which DRB1*1340 differs by a single nucleotide (T-->A) in exon 2, at position 127, codon 47 (Phe-->Tyr). The sequence received accession number AJ237964 from the EMBL database.     

Mutations in the BH4-metabolizing genes GTP cyclohydrolase I, 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase, sepiapterin reductase, carbinolamine-4a-dehydratase, and dihydropteridine reductase

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) deficiencies are a highly heterogeneous group of disorders with several hundred patients, and so far a total of 193 different mutant alleles or molecular lesions identified in the GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS), sepiapterin reductase (SR), carbinolamine-4a-dehydratase (PCD), or dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) genes. The spectrum of mutations causing a reduction in one of the three biosynthetic (GTPCH, PTPS, and SR) or the two regenerating enzymes (PCD and DHPR) is tabulated and reviewed. Furthermore, current genomic variations or SNPs are also compiled. Mutations in GCH1 are scattered over the entire gene, and only 5 out of 104 mutant alleles, present in a homozygous state, are reported to cause the autosomal recessive form of inheritable hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) associated with monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency. Almost all other 99 different mutant alleles in GCH1 are observed together with a wild-type allele and cause Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD, Segawa disease) in a dominant fashion with reduced penetrance. Compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations are spread over the entire genes for PTS with 44 mutant alleles, for PCBD with nine mutant alleles, and for QDPR with 29 mutant alleles. These mutations cause an autosomal recessive inherited form of HPA, mostly accompanied by a deficiency of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Lack of sepiapterin reductase activity, an autosomal recessive variant of BH(4) deficiency presenting without HPA, was diagnosed in patients with seven different mutant alleles in the SPR gene in exons 2 or 3 or in intron 2. Details on all mutations presented here are constantly updated in the BIOMDB database (www.bh4.org).     

Identification of a novel DPA1 allele, DPA1*010602, in an East African population

We report here a novel DPA1 allele, DPA1*010602, which was identified from an East African population during sequence-based human leukocyte antigen DPA1 typing. Through cloning and sequencing of multiple clones we confirmed that the new allele is identical to DPA1*010301 at exon 2 with the exception of two nucleotide substitutions (ATG to CAG) at codon 31. The substitutions changed the amino acid at codon 31 from methionine to glutamine. The World Health Organization nomenclature committee named the new allele DPA1*010602.