The G1691A mutation of the coagulation factor V gene (factor V Leiden) is rare in Chinese: an analysis of 618 individuals

To understand the allele frequency of the G1691A mutation of the coagulation factor V gene (factor V Leiden) in Chinese, 618 Chinese individuals, including 54 cases with venous thrombosis, were analyzed. Only one case in the control group was heterozygous for the 1691G allele and the 1691A allele. Our data suggest that the factor V Leiden is rare in Chinese. Received: 5 February 1996 / Revised: 20 March 1996     

A de novo recombination in the ABO blood group gene and evidence for the occurrence of recombination products

We have encountered a paternity case where exclusion of the putative father was only observed in the ABO blood group (mother, B; child, A1; putative father, O), among the many polymorphic markers tested, including DNA fingerprints and microsatellite markers. Cloning a part of the ABO gene, PCR-amplified from the trio’s genomes, followed by sequencing the cloned fragments, showed that one allele of the child had a hybrid nature, comprising exon 6 of the B allele and exon 7 of the O1 allele. Based on the evidence that exon 7 is crucial for the sugar-nucleotide specificity of A1 and B transferases and that the O1 allele is only specified by the 261G deletion in exon 6 of the consensus sequence of the A1 allele, we concluded that the hybrid allele encodes a transferase with A1 specificity, resulting, presumably, from de novo recombination between the B and O1 alleles of the mother during meiosis. Screening of random populations demonstrated the occurrence of four other hybrid alleles. Sequencing of intron VI from the five hybrid alleles showed that the junctions of the hybrid alleles were located within intron VI, the intron VI-exon 7 boundaries, or exon 7. Recombinational events seem to be partly involved in the genesis of sequence diversities of the ABO gene. Received: 25 October 1996     

ABO genotyping in leukemia patients reveals new ABO variant alleles

The ABO blood group is the most important blood group system in transfusion medicine and organ transplantation. To date, more than 160 ABO alleles have been identified by molecular investigation. Almost all ABO genotyping studies have been performed in blood donors and families and for investigation of ABO subgroups detected serologically. The aim of the present study was to perform ABO genotyping in patients with leukemia. Blood samples were collected from 108 Brazilian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (N = 69), chronic lymphoid leukemia (N = 13), acute myeloid leukemia (N = 15), and acute lymphoid leukemia (N = 11). ABO genotyping was carried out using allele specific primer polymerase chain reaction followed by DNA sequencing. ABO*O01 was the most common allele found, followed by ABO*O22 and by ABO*A103. We identified 22 new ABO*variants in the coding region of the ABO gene in 25 individuals with leukemia (23.2%). The majority of ABO variants was detected in O alleles (15/60.0%). In 5 of 51 samples typed as blood group O (9.8%), we found non-deletional ABO*O alleles. Elucidation of the diversity of this gene in leukemia and in other diseases is important for the determination of the effect of changes in an amino acid residue on the specificity and activity of ABO glycosyltransferases and their function. In conclusion, this is the first report of a large number of patients with leukemia genotyped for ABO. The findings of this study indicate that there is a high level of recombinant activity in the ABO gene in leukemia patients, revealing new ABO variants.     

Serological and gene sequencing analysis of a case of para-Bombay phenotype Amh

The paper aims to study the serological and genetic characteristics of a case of para-Bombay Am^h . The serological method was applied to identify the proband''s ABO phenotype and PCR-SSP assay was used to analyze the genotype of the para-Bombay blood. DNA sequencing of the PCR products of the first exon of FUT1 gene was used to analyze the genotype and nucleic acid sequence mutation. The serological results showed that the ABO phenotype of the proband was O-type. However, while after absorption-elution test, the ABO phenotype showed weak A-type. The serological test also showed that the irregular antibody anti-H was positive. PCR-SSP assay showed that the proband was h4 para-Bombay type and sequence analysis showed a point mutation c.35C>T of FUT1 gene. The study suggests that genetic analysis is necessary for blood typing in those who have elusive immunological typing results.     

Polymorphic variants of genes encoding interleukin-6 and fibrinogen, the risk of ischemic stroke and fibrinogen levels

Carriage frequencies of alleles and genotypes of polymorphous locus of -174G>C IL6 (rs1800795) were analyzed in the patients with ischemic stroke (IS) of Russian ethnic descent (200 cases) and in the control group of the same ethnic descent with similar sex and age (140 controls). Significant differences were identified in frequencies of carriage (in homo- or heterozygous form) of allele IL6*-174G (p = 0.0029, OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4-5.8), which can be considered as risk factor for IS and in frequencies of IL6*-174C/C genotype carriage, correspondingly (p = 0.0029, OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.69). After sex stratification of patients and controls similar significant differences were observed only between female patients and controls, after age stratification the difference was observed only for the age group older 60 years. Complex analysis of association of SNP -174G>C IL6 alleles and genotypes carriage in combination with SNP 4266A>G (Thr312Ala) FGA (rs6050) (see symbol) -249C>T FGB (rs1800788) with IS revealed protective combinations IL6*-174C/C + FGA* 4266A (see symbol) IL6*-174C/C + FGB*-249C, which were slightly more significant than single protective genotype IL6*-174C/C associated with IS and their ORs didn't differ substantially from the single genotypes's OR value. At the same time the combinations of alternative allele IL6*-174G with the same FGB*-249C or FGA* 4266A alleles were revealed and their association significance levels as well as OR values were lower than the values for the single risk allele IL6*-174G. In case of the mutual carriage of IL6*-174G allele with FGA*4266A/A, FGB*-249C/C genotypes or with combinations of these alleles/genotypes the "neutralized" effect became stronger. In other words, we observed association of IS with allele/genotype combinations of genes IL6, FGA and FGB, in which IL6 plays key role and FGA and FGB have modulating function. In analysis of association of fibrinogen plasma levels with three analyzed polymorphous loci significant differences were not revealed.     

A novel type heterozygous mutation in the glucose-6-phosphatase gene in a Chinese patient with glycogen storage disease Ia

Mutations in the glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) gene are responsible for glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia). By genotype analysis of the affected pedigree, we identified a novel type mutation in a Chinese patient with GSD Ia. Mutation analysis was performed for the coding region of G6Pase gene using DNA sequencing and TaqMan gene expression assay was used to further confirm the novel mutation. The proband was compound heterozygous for c.311A > T/c.648G > T. Our report expands the spectrum of G6Pase gene mutation in China.     

Brief communication: Molecular characterization of O alleles at the ABO locus in Chilean Aymara and Huilliche Indians

A molecular characterization of alleles O1, O1variant (O1v), and the mutation G542A of the ABO blood group was performed in two Amerindian populations of Chile, the Aymara (n = 84) and the Huilliche (n = 75). In addition, a sample of 82 individuals of Santiago belonging to the mixed Chilean population was typed for comparative purposes. The polymorphisms which allow for molecular differentiation of different alleles of the O blood group were studied in genomic DNA. The mutations G188, G261-, G542A, T646A, and C771T, described for alleles O1, O1v, and G542A, were determined using the PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique. All individuals studied were group O homozygotes for the deletion G261-, which defines the O1 alleles. Results obtained indicate that allele O1v exhibits frequencies of 0.65, 0.81, and 0.60 in Aymara, Huilliche, and Santiago populations, respectively. The frequencies of allele O1(G542A) were 0.119, 0.113, and 0.079 in the same populations. Frequencies for alleles O1 and O1v obtained in the Chilean populations studied concur with the results obtained by other authors, respecting the greater frequency of allele O1v as well as with its heterogeneous distribution in aboriginal South American populations. In Chilean populations, Allele G542A exhibits lower frequencies than those described for indigenous populations from Brazil and may be used as an Amerind admixture marker.     

Genetic polymorphism of the human cytochrome CYP2A13 in a French population: implication in lung cancer susceptibility

The human cytochrome CYP2A13, which is mainly expressed in the respiratory tract, has been shown to be highly efficient in vitro in the metabolism of tobacco-smoke carcinogens and procarcinogens such as 4-methylnitroso-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). In order to investigate the extent of CYP2A13 genetic polymorphism in a French Caucasian population of 102 individuals, a screening for sequence variations in the 5'-untranslated and protein encoding regions of its gene was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) strategy. Six polymorphisms in the coding region were identified, including two rare missense mutations (C474G or Asp158Glu, G967T or Val323Leu) and one nonsense mutation (Arg101Stop). This deleterious mutation, the most frequent (5%) in our population, presumably encodes a severely truncated protein. The influence of the nonsense mutation in lung cancer susceptibility was examined by PCR-SSCP using peripheral blood DNA from 204 cases of lung cancer and 201 controls. The CYP2A13*7 allele, which harbours the C301T mutation, was present in 2.0% of controls and 3.4% of cases. However, multivariate analysis showed an elevated risk for small cell lung cancer in subjects heterozygous for the null allele (odds ratio OR=9.9; 95% confidence interval CI=1.9-52.2). This increased risk was not linked to other histological types of lung cancer.     

A large deletion/insertion-induced frameshift mutation of the androgen receptor gene in a family with a familial complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder with a normal 46, XY karyotype caused by abnormality of the androgen receptor (AR) gene. One Chinese family consisting of the proband and 5 other members with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) was investigated. Mutation analysis by DNA sequencing on all 8 exons and flanking intron regions of the AR gene revealed a unique large deletion/insertion mutation in the family. A 287 bp deletion and 77 bp insertion (c.933_1219delins77) mutation at codon 312 resulted in a frameshift which caused a premature stop (p.Phe312Aspfs*7) of polypeptide formation. The proband's mother and grandmother were heterozygous for the mutant allele. The proband's father, uncle and grandfather have the normal allele. From the pedigree constructed from mutational analysis of the family, it is revealed that the probably pathogenic mutation comes from the maternal side.     

De novo mutation within the intron-exon junction in the PiZ allele of the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene

Summary A proband homozygous for the PiZ allele of the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene was found to be a heterozygous carrier of the additional nucleotide substitution (C-T) within the intron IV-exon V junction (position 9955 in intron IV, 3bp upstream of its 3-splice site). This mutation was not found in DNA from either the PiZ heterozygous parents or the PiZ homozygous brother of proband.     

A frequent tyrosinase gene mutation associated with type I-A (tyrosinase-negative) oculocutaneous albinism in Puerto Rico.

We have determined the mutations in the tyrosinase gene from 12 unrelated Puerto Rican individuals who have type I-A (tyrosinase-negative) oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). All but one individual are of Hispanic descent. Nine individuals were homozygous for a missense mutation (G47D) in exon I at codon 47. Two individuals were heterozygous for the G47D mutation, with one having a missense mutation at codon 373 (T373K) in the homologous allele and the other having an undetermined mutation in the homologous allele. One individual with negroid features was homozygous for a nonsense mutation (W236X). The population migration between Puerto Rico and the Canary Islands is well recognized. Analysis of three individuals with OCA from the Canary Islands showed that one was a compound heterozygote for the G47D mutation and for a novel missense mutation (L216M), one was homozygous for a missense mutation (P81L), and one was heterozygous for the missense mutation P81L. The G47D and P81L missense mutations have been previously described in extended families in the United States. Haplotypes were determined using four polymorphisms linked to the tyrosinase locus. Haplotype analysis showed that the G47D mutation occurred on a single haplotype, consistent with a common founder for all individuals having this mutation. Two different haplotypes were found associated with the P81L mutation, suggesting that this may be either a recurring mutation for the tyrosinase gene or a recombination between haplotypes.     

Mutations in LRRC50 Predispose Zebrafish and Humans to Seminomas

Seminoma is a subclass of human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), the most frequently observed cancer in young men with a rising incidence. Here we describe the identification of a novel gene predisposing specifically to seminoma formation in a vertebrate model organism. Zebrafish carrying a heterozygous nonsense mutation in Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing protein 50 (lrrc50 also called dnaaf1), associated previously with ciliary function, are found to be highly susceptible to the formation of seminomas. Genotyping of these zebrafish tumors shows loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the wild-type lrrc50 allele in 44.4% of tumor samples, correlating with tumor progression. In humans we identified heterozygous germline LRRC50 mutations in two different pedigrees with a family history of seminomas, resulting in a nonsense Arg488* change and a missense Thr590Met change, which show reduced expression of the wild-type allele in seminomas. Zebrafish in vivo complementation studies indicate the Thr590Met to be a loss-of-function mutation. Moreover, we show that a pathogenic Gln307Glu change is significantly enriched in individuals with seminoma tumors (13% of our cohort). Together, our study introduces an animal model for seminoma and suggests LRRC50 to be a novel tumor suppressor implicated in human seminoma pathogenesis.     

The frequency and distribution of thiopurine S-methyltransferase alleles in south Iranian population

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) catalyzes the S-methylation of thiopurine drugs such as 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, and azathiopurine. Variability in TPMT activity is mainly due to genetic polymorphism. The frequency of the four allelic variants of the TPMT gene, TPMT*2 (G238C), TPMT*3A (G460A and A719G), TPMT*3B (G460A) and TPMT*3C (A719G) were determined in an Iranian population from south of Iran (n = 500), using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP and allele-specific PCR-based assays. Four hundred seventy four persons (94.8%) were homozygous for the wild type allele (TPMT*1/*1) and twenty five people were TPMT*1/*3C (5%). One patient was found to be heterozygous in terms TPMT*1 and *2 alleles with genotype of TPMT*1/*2 (0.2%). None of the participants had both defective alleles. The TPMT*3C and *2 were the only variant alleles observed in this population. The total frequency of variant alleles was 2.6% and the wild type allele frequency was 97.4%. The TPMT*3B and *3A alleles were not detected. Distributions of TPMT genotype and allele frequency in Iranian populations are different from the genetic profile found among Caucasian or Asian populations. Our findings also revealed inter-ethnic differences in TPMT frequencies between different parts of Iran. This view may help clinicians to choose an appropriate strategy for thiopurine drugs and reduce adverse drug reactions such as bone marrow suppression.     

Structural basis for the inactivity of human blood group O2 glycosyltransferase

The human ABO(H) blood group antigens are carbohydrate structures generated by glycosyltransferase enzymes. Glycosyltransferase A (GTA) uses UDP-GalNAc as a donor to transfer a monosaccharide residue to Fuc alpha1-2Gal beta-R (H)-terminating acceptors. Similarly, glycosyltransferase B (GTB) catalyzes the transfer of a monosaccharide residue from UDP-Gal to the same acceptors. These are highly homologous enzymes differing in only four of 354 amino acids, Arg/Gly-176, Gly/Ser-235, Leu/Met-266, and Gly/Ala-268. Blood group O usually stems from the expression of truncated inactive forms of GTA or GTB. Recently, an O(2) enzyme was discovered that was a full-length form of GTA with three mutations, P74S, R176G, and G268R. We showed previously that the R176G mutation increased catalytic activity with minor effects on substrate binding. Enzyme kinetics and high resolution structural studies of mutant enzymes based on the O(2) blood group transferase reveal that whereas the P74S mutation in the stem region of the protein does not appear to play a role in enzyme inactivation, the G268R mutation completely blocks the donor GalNAc-binding site leaving the acceptor binding site unaffected.     

Detection of truncated dystrophin lacking the C-terminal domain in a Chinese pedigree by next-generation sequencing

Dystrophin (DMD) gene is the largest gene containing 79 exons involving various mutation types and regions, and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed in detecting DMD gene mutation in the present study. A literature-annotated disease nonsense mutation (c.10141C>T, NM_004006.1) in exon 70 that has been reported as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)-causing mutation was found in our two patients, the proband and his cousin. In the present study two main methods were used, the next-generation sequencing and the classic Sanger sequencing. The exon capture followed by HiSeq2000 sequencing was specifically used in this study. Combined applications of the next-generation sequencing platform and bioinformatics are proved to be effective methods for DMD diagnosis.     

Novel ABCA1 compound variant associated with HDL cholesterol deficiency

The recent discovery of an ATP-binding cassette transporter, ABCA1, as an important regulator of high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport has facilitated the identification of novel variants associated with HDL cholesterol deficiency states. We identified a subject with HDL cholesterol deficiency (4 mg/dl) who developed and died of complications related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The proband had a compound heterozygous mutation. One mutation was a G3295T substitution with conversion of asparagine to tyrosine (D1099Y) in ABCA1. The single-base substitution at codon 1099 resulted in the abolition of an RsaI cleavage site. The proband and affected individuals having another mutation were heterozygotes for T5966C with phenylalanine converted to serine (F2009S). The presence of the T5966C mutation was detected by restriction digestion with HinfI. These variants were not identified in over 400 chromosomes of healthy subjects. In the kindred, family members heterozygous for the ABCA1 variant exhibited low levels of HDL cholesterol. Direct sequencing of all coding regions and splice site junctions of other HDL candidate genes revealed no additional mutations, indicating that combined defective ABCA1 alleles may result in familial HDL deficiency.     

Reduced mRNA and a nonsense mutation in the insulin-receptor gene produce heritable severe insulin resistance.

Leprechaunism is an autosomal recessive syndrome of severe insulin resistance and is characterized by intrauterine growth restriction, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism, and loss of glucose homeostasis. Here we report a new female patient of Hispanic and Afro-American descent whose fibroblasts and lymphoblasts had markedly impaired insulin binding (less than 10% of that in controls). Insulin binding to lymphoblasts established from both unrelated parents was partially impaired. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding to the patient's fibroblasts were within the normal range. Insulin stimulation of receptor autophosphorylation and kinase activity was markedly reduced in the patient's fibroblasts. The patient's fibroblasts had both a reduced number of immunoreactive insulin receptor (6% of those in controls) and concomitantly reduced amounts of insulin-receptor mRNA, suggesting that both mutations inherited by the patient reduced insulin-receptor mRNA. Sequencing of the insulin-receptor gene and cDNA indicated that the patient was heterozygous for a paternally derived mutation at bp 1333, converting Arg372 to a STOP codon. This nonsense mutation was observed in the insulin-receptor gene, but not in cDNA, indicating reduced amounts of mRNA for the allele containing this mutation. The coding sequence of the maternally inherited insulin-receptor allele was normal. Both the marked reduction in insulin-receptor mRNA in the compound heterozygous fibroblasts of the proband and the partially reduced insulin binding in maternal cells suggest that the maternally derived mutation is located in an insulin-receptor gene sequence that controls cellular mRNA content.     

Molecular analysis to FUT-1, 2, 3 and ABO genotyping may instead of serological typing to diagnose para-Bombay in Chinese

The aim of this study was to evaluate the consistency between serotyping and molecular analysis in Chinese with para-Bombay. The molecular analysis of gene fragments in FUT-1, FUT-2, FUT-3 and ABO genotyping and serotyping were used including a saliva test to examine the A, B, H substance and an absorption elution test to examine the A, B, H; and further routine tests including ABO, H and Lewis phenotype. From eleven samples with anti-H negative, 10 samples were confirmed with para-Bombay by sequencing to FUT-1, from which six samples were 547-548delAG, three samples were 880TT deletion, one sample was 35C>T and one sample was 649G>T heterozygous (h7, China) as carrier. The sequencing to FUT-2 confirmed 357C>T in 11 samples, meaning H, A and B substance was secreted in saliva except for one sample which occurred 385A>T (I129F) heterozygous, which is a weak secretor. The FUT-3 sequence result demonstrated four samples with heterozygous mutations to 59T>G (L20R) combined with 508G>A (G170S) and seven samples without mutations in FUT-3 gene fragment same as reference. The consistency between sequencing with FUT-1/FUT-2 and serotyping by anti-H reported an identical result, except for one sample, which interestingly showed the H/h7 carrier with serotyping negative to anti-H. The result of sequencing with FUT-2/FUT-3 and Lewis phenotyping also reported a complete consistency. The saliva test to A, B, H substance and absorption elution test examining the A, B, H antigens on the surface of red blood cells completely matched the ABO exon 6, 7 sequence results. The sequencing of FUT-1, FUT-2, FUT-3 and ABO exon 6, 7 may become a useful tool to confirm the para-Bombay blood type.