脆性X综合征FMR1基因CpG岛的甲基化程度分析

目的 建立用甲基化敏感性限制性内切酶定量聚合酶链反应(methylation-sensitiverestriction enzymes-based quantitative PCR,MSRE-qPCR)分析FMR1基因CpG岛甲基化程度的方法,并探讨其对脆性X综合征的诊断价值.方法 以常规PCR初筛存在FMR1基因5′(CGG)n异常扩增的30例智力低下男童和20名母亲作为研究对象,用Eag Ⅰ酶消化DNA样品,针对FMR1基因CpG岛设计引物,定量PCR扩增Eag Ⅰ酶切前、后DNA,用2-△△Ct法计算CpG岛甲基化程度;以Southern印迹杂交确诊的3例患儿和正常体检男、女各30例DNA样品为质控样本,从而建立优化的MSRE-qPCR方法.结果 确立了正常甲基化、部分异常甲基化、全甲基化的区间值,并明确30例常规PCR初筛异常患儿中3例存在部分甲基化,27例为全甲基化,其中3例经Southern印迹杂交验证;13例母亲处于正常甲基化,7例存在异常甲基化.结论 MSRE-qPCR可以对FMR1基因CpG岛的甲基化程度进行快速可靠分析,为脆性X综合征的分子诊断提供新的策略.     

CGG repeat in the FMR1 gene: size matters

The FMR1 gene contains a CGG repeat present in the 5'-untranslated region which can be unstable upon transmission to the next generation. The repeat is up to 55 CGGs long in the normal population. In patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a repeat length exceeding 200 CGGs (full mutation: FM) generally leads to methylation of the repeat and the promoter region, which is accompanied by silencing of the FMR1 gene. The absence of FMR1 protein, FMRP, seen in FM is the cause of the mental retardation in patients with FXS. The premutation (PM) is defined as 55-200 CGGs. Female PM carriers are at risk of developing primary ovarian insufficiency. Elderly PM carriers might develop a progressive neurodegenerative disorder called fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Although arising from the mutations in the same gene, distinct mechanisms lead to FXS (absence of FMRP), FXTAS (toxic RNA gain-of-function) and FXPOI. The pathogenic mechanisms thought to underlie these disorders are discussed. This review gives insight on the implications of all possible repeat length categories seen in fragile X families.     

Trinucleotide CGG repeat in the FMR1 gene in Chinese mentally retarded patients.

The fragile X syndrome of mental retardation is related to the number of trinucleotide CGG repeats at the 5'-untranslated region of the FMR1 gene located on the X-chromosome. We have studied X-chromosomes from 649 unaffected Chinese subjects and 324 patients with mild mental retardation. All study subjects were unrelated. The CGG repeat number was analysed by electrophoresis of a polymerase chain reaction followed by gel transfer and hybridisation with a 32P-labeled (CCG)5 probe. The DNA samples having detectable CGG expansion were further analysed by Southern blot analysis with probe StB12.3 after restriction digestion by EcoR I and Eag I. For the unaffected Chinese subjects, a different distribution pattern of CGG allele size from Caucasians was observed. It was a bimodal pattern and the CGG repeat number ranged from 19 to 54. The most common CGG repeat allele was 29 compared with 30 in Caucasians. The second mode appeared at 36 repeats. There was mild statistical difference in the repeat patterns between the mentally retarded patients and unaffected subjects, although the essential features were similar. Among the mentally retarded patients, one male had an unmethylated full mutation and one female had a full mutation. The fragile X prevalence was 0.6%, which is lower than two previous studies in Chinese mentally retarded patients utilising cytogenetic analysis. Our results indicate that a large-scale screening program would be worthwhile to determine the prevalence of the fragile X syndrome in the Chinese population.     

Methylation profiles of CpG island loci in major types of human cancers

Several reports have described aberrant methylation in various types of human cancers. However, the interpretation of methylation frequency in various human cancers has some limitations because of the different materials and methods used for methylation analysis. To gain an insight into the role of DNA hypermethylation in human cancers and allow direct comparison of tissue specific methylation, we generated methylation profiles in 328 human cancers, including 24 breast, 48 colon, 61 stomach, 48 liver, 37 larynx, 24 lung, 40 prostate, and 46 uterine cervical cancer samples by analyzing CpG island hypermethylation of 13 genes using methylation-specific PCR. The mean numbers of methylated genes were 6.5, 4.4, 3.6, 3.4, 3.1, 3.1, 3.1, and 2.1 in gastric, liver, prostate, larynx, colon, lung, uterine cervix, and in breast cancer samples, respectively. The number of genes that were methylated at a frequency of more than 40% in each tumor type ranged from nine (stomach) to one (breast). Generally genes frequently methylated in a specific cancer type differed from those methylated in other cancer types. The findings indicate that aberrant CpG island hypermethylation is a frequent finding in human cancers of various tissue types, and each tissue type has its own distinct methylation pattern.     

Prevalence of CGG expansions of the FMR1 gene in a US population-based sample

The primary goal of this study was to calculate the prevalence of the premutation of the FMR1 gene and of the "gray zone" using a population-based sample of older adults in Wisconsin (n = 6,747 samples screened). Compared with past research, prevalence was relatively high (1 in 151 females and 1 in 468 males for the premutation and 1 in 35 females and 1 in 42 males for the gray zone as defined by 45-54 CGG repeats). A secondary study goal was to describe characteristics of individuals found to have the premutation (n = 30, 7 males and 23 females). We found that premutation carriers had a significantly higher rate of divorce than controls, as well as higher rates of symptoms that might be indicative of fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS; numbness, dizziness/faintness) and fragile X primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI; age at last menstrual period). Although not statistically significant, premutation carriers were twice as likely to have a child with disability.     

Small CGG repeat expansion alleles of FMR1 gene are associated with parkinsonism

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) affects older males carrying premutation, that is, expansions of the CGG repeat (in the 55–200 range), in the FMR1 gene. The neurological changes are linked to the excessive FMR1 messenger RNA (mRNA), becoming toxic through a 'gain-of-function'. Because elevated levels of this mRNA are also found in carriers of the smaller expansion (grey zone) alleles, ranging from 40 to 54 CGGs, we tested for a possible role of these alleles in the origin of movement disorders associated with tremor.
We screened 228 Australian males affected with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and other causes of parkinsonism recruited from Victoria and Tasmania for premutation and grey zone alleles. The frequencies of either of these alleles were compared with the frequencies in a population-based sample of 578 Guthrie spots from consecutive Tasmanian male newborns (controls). There was a significant excess of premutation carriers (Fisher's exact test p = 0.006). There was also a more than twofold increase in grey zone carriers in the combined sample of the Victorian and Tasmanian cases, with odds ratio (OR ) = 2.36, and 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.20–4.63, as well as in Tasmanian cases only (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.06–5.13), compared with controls. The results suggest that the FMR1 grey zone alleles, as well as premutation alleles, might contribute to the aetiology of disorders associated with parkinsonism.     

卵巢储备功能不全患者 FMR1基因CGG重复数的研究

目的:探讨 FMR1基因(CGG)n重复数与卵巢储备功能不全(diminished ovarian reserve,DOR)发病的相关性,为患者提供遗传咨询和生育指导。 方法:采集214例DOR患者的外周血样,提取DNA。用PCR扩增结合毛细管电泳测定患者及部分家系成员 FMR1基因的...     

双重复合糖基转移酶的ABO基因启动子CpG岛甲基化

背景：在ABO血型抗原的研究中,绝大多数样本是相同的ABO基因表达出正常的相同的ABH抗原。但有一定数量的样本表现出具有相同分子遗传背景但表达出来的抗原强度却随着家系\个体不同而有所差异,说明了ABO血型中复杂的表达调控机制。分析一类罕见的双重复合型标本的ABO血型血清学与基因背景情况,深入表观遗传学的研究,有利于部分揭示ABO基因表达机制。 目的：探讨双重复合型ABO糖基转移酶表达相关的ABO基因启动子CpG岛甲基化水平与ABH抗原表达的关系。 方法：6例经血型血清学定为CisAB或B(A)型的标本,进行ABO基因编码区全长序列和启动子序列的测定,采用重亚硫酸盐处理法检测ABO基因启动子CpG岛甲基化程度。 结果与结论：6例双重复合AB型的标本中,在B101等位基因基础上存在nt803C > G突变的2个CisAB05/B(A)06等位基因,在ABO启动子CpG岛区域两者在nt-33(30%)、nt+27(50%)、nt+49(50%)具有甲基化差异;在A101等位基因序列的基础上存在nt803C > G突变的2个CisAB01等位基因,在ABO启动子CpG岛区域两者在nt-26(10%)位置有甲基化差异;在B101等位基因基础上存在nt640A > G突变的2个B(A)04等位基因ABO启动子CpG岛,在nt-33(10%)、nt+16(50%)、nt+57(60%)、nt+59(60%)、nt+68(60%)和nt+74(60%)位有甲基化差异。全部的6例标本ABO基因启动子区域DNA序列无任何突变异常。结果提示在相同的ABO遗传基因背景下,ABO基因启动子CpG岛区域某些位点甲基化可能影响ABH抗原在红细胞膜表面的表达。     

Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis in the FMR1 gene.

The fragile X syndrome is due to an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the FMR1 gene and hypermethylation of its 5' upstream CpG island in about 95% of the cases. The remaining 5% of cases correspond to other molecular alterations in FMR1 gene such as partial or complete deletions, or point mutations within the coding sequence. We selected 31 patients with clinical manifestations of fragile X syndrome, scoring 16 or more in Hagerman's checklist, but without the CGG expansion. We performed single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis using a nonradioactive technique (silver staining) and we detected six anomalous migrations that, by sequence analysis, corresponded to six nucleotide changes. We screened two different populations (control and fragile X) for these changes, and concluded that they correspond to five new polymorphisms within the FMR1 gene and to one possible synonymous mutation.     

Genetic variation and evolutionary stability of the FMR1 CGG repeat in six closed human populations

In an attempt to understand the allelic diversity and mutability of the human FMR1 CGG repeat, we have analyzed the AGG substructure of this locus within six genetically-closed populations (Mbuti pygmy, Baka pygmy, R. surui, Karitiana, Mayan, and Hutterite). Most alleles (61/92 or 66%) possessed two AGG interspersions occurring with a periodicity of one AGG every nine or ten CGG repeats, indicating that this pattern is highly conserved in all human populations. Significant differences in allele distribution were observed among the populations for rare variants possessing fewer or more AGG interruptions than the canonical FMR1 CGG repeat sequence. Comparisons of expected heterozygosity of the FMR1 CGG repeat locus with 30 other microsatellite loci, demonstrated remarkably similar levels of polymorphism within each population, suggesting that most FMR1 CGG repeat alleles mutate at rates indistinguishable from other microsatellite loci. A single allele (1 out of 92) was identified with a large uninterrupted tract of pure repeats (42 pure CGG triplets). Retrospective pedigree analysis indicated that this allele had been transmitted unstably. Although such alleles mutate rapidly and likely represent evolving premutations, our analysis suggests that in spite of the estimated frequency of their occurrence, these unstable alleles do not significantly alter the expected heterozygosity of the FMR1 CGG repeat in the human population. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Fine structure of the human FMR1 gene

The fragile X syndrome is due to a CGG triplet expansion inthe first exon of FMR1, resulting in hypermethylation and extinctionof gene expression. To further our understanding of the gene'sinvolvement in the syndrome, we report the physical structureof this locus. A high resolution restriction map of the FRAX(A)locus has been prepared encompassing approximately 50 kb. Usingexon-exon PCR and restriction analysis, the FMR1 gene has beendetermined to consist of 17 exons spanning 38 kb of Xq27.3.Each intron-exon boundary has been sequenced. In general, thesplice donors and acceptors located in the 5' portion of thegene demonstrate greater adherence to consensus than those inthe 3' end, providing a possible explanation for the findingof alternative splicing in FMR1. The elucidation of the exoncomposition of the FMR1 gene and Its flanking region will enhancedetection of coding sequence mutations possible in fragile Xphenocopy individuals.     

脆性X综合征FMR1基因CGG重复序列与甲基化的检测

目的建立一种快速、可靠的脆性X综合征的群体筛查方法。方法应用热启动PCR和甲基化特异性PCR（MS-PCR）方法对62例智力低下儿童、12例父母外周血液以及5例高危胎儿的脐带血中FMR1基因CGG重复序列与甲基化状态进行检测。结果采用热启动PCR方法检测79例标本,77例标本的CGG重复数在21～40之间,与正常对照组无明显差异;2例标本未扩增出明显条带。采用MS-PCR方法检测出2例FMR1基因甲基化但CGG重复数在正常范围的患者。结论应用热启动PCR结合MS-PCR方法检测FMR1基因CGG重复数和甲基化,能提高诊断效率,可作为筛查脆性X综合征的首选方法。     

The association of FMR1 gene (CGG)n variation with idiopathic female infertility

IntroductionThe FMR1 gene plays an important role in brain development and in the regulation of ovarian function. The FMR1 gene contains CGG repeat variation and the expansion of the repeats is associated with various phenotypes e.g. fragile X syndrome, premature ovarian failure, etc. Repeats ranging < 55 CGG are considered normal, however recent studies suggest that high-normal (35–54 CGG) and low-normal (< 26 CGG) alleles may also have an impact on female reproductive function.Material and methodsWe have performed a case-control study to assess the impact of FMR1 gene CGG repeats on female infertility. The study comprised 161 women with primary and secondary idiopathic infertility and 12 females with diminished ovarian reserve. The control group consisted of 129 healthy women with children. The FMR1 gene trinucleotide CGG repeat variation was detected using a triplet repeat primed polymerase chain reaction with capillary electrophoresis.ResultsThe analysis of CGG repeats revealed that high-normal alleles are statistically significantly more common in the secondary infertility group than in controls (12% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.03, OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1–8.3). The distribution of high-normal alleles and genotypes did not differ between patients with primary infertility and controls (p > 0.05). In addition, the analysis of low-normal allele and genotype frequencies did not present a difference between primary, secondary infertility and the control group (p > 0.05).ConclusionsIn our study, the FMR1 gene high-normal alleles were associated with secondary infertility. However, to address the controversies related to the role of FMR1 genes in the development of diminished ovarian reserve, further studies on the subject are required.     

Molecular-intelligence correlations in young fragile X males with a mild CGG repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene

Several mechanisms can explain the occurrence of full-mutation fragile X males with an IQ level above −2 SD below mean, also called “high-functioning fragile X males.” Incomplete methylation of the CpG island at the 5′ end of the FMR1 gene is one of these mechanisms. The present study describes the physical and behavior phenotypes in 7 fragile X boys with CGG repeat insertions in the FMR1 gene between 600–2,400 base pairs. The degree of methylation at the FMR1-associated CpG island ranges in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 0–95%. Subjects with a low degree of methylation at this site have mild or absent physical characteristics of the fragile X syndrome, while subjects with a high degree of methylation at this site have more severe physical characteristics. In this range of CGG repeat insertion (600–2,400 base pairs), the degree of methylation at the FMR1-associated CpG island is a good predictor of intelligence, while CGG repeat insertion length is not. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.