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Jiang L, Liu J, Li S, Wen Y, Zheng X, Qin L, Hou Y, Wang Z. CmVCall: An automated and adjustable nanopore analysis pipeline for heteroplasmy detection of the control region in human mitochondrial genome. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 67:102930. [PMID: 37595417 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Genetic associations between human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy and mitochondrial diseases, aging, and cancer have been elaborated, contributing a lot to the further understanding of mtDNA polymorphic spectrum in anthropology, population, and forensic genetics. In the past decade, heteroplasmy detection using Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) was hampered by the former's inefficiency and the latter's inherent bias due to amplification and mapping of short reads, respectively. Nanopore sequencing stands out for its ability to yield long contiguous segments of DNA, providing a new insight into heterogeneity authentication. In addition to MinION from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, an alternative nanopore sequencer QNome (Qitan Technology) has also been applied to various biological research and the forensic applicability of this platform has been proved recently. In this study, we evaluated the performance of four commonly used variant callers in the heterogeneity authentication of the control region of human mtDNA based on simulations of different ratios generated by mixing QNome nanopore sequencing reads of two synthetic sequences. Then, an open-source and python-based nanopore analytics pipeline, CmVCall was developed and incorporated multiple programs including reads filtering, removal of nuclear mitochondrial sequences (NUMTs), alignment, optional 'Correction' mode, and heterogeneity identification. CmVCall can achieve high precision, accuracy, and recall of 100%, 99.9%, and 92.3% with a 5% heteroplasmy level in 'Correction' mode. Moreover, blood, saliva, and hair shaft samples from monozygotic (MZ) twins were used for heterogeneity evaluation and comparison with the NGS data. Results of MZ twin samples showed that CmVCall could identify more point heteroplasmy sites, revealing significant levels of inter- and intra-individual mtDNA polymorphism. In conclusion, we believe that this analysis pipeline will lay a solid foundation for the development of a comprehensive nanopore analysis pipeline targeting the whole mitochondrial genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Jiang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Suyu Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yufeng Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xinyue Zheng
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liu Qin
- Qitan Technology Ltd., Chengdu, Chengdu 610044, China.
| | - Yiping Hou
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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2
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Liu J, Zhang S, Wen Y, Su Y, Jiang L, Li S, Shen J, Zheng X, Li X, Chen X, Wang Z. Exploring rare differences in mitochondrial genome between MZ twins using Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111708. [PMID: 37119662 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Monozygotic (MZ) twins are considered to be genetically identical in that they have the same genomic DNA sequences in theory, and thus cannot be differentiated using forensic standard STR-based DNA profiling. However, a recent study employed deep sequencing to explore extremely rare mutations in the nuclear genome and reported that the mutation analysis could be applied to differentiate between MZ twins. Compared with the nuclear genome, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exhibits higher mutation rates due to fewer DNA repair mechanisms in the mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) and the lack of proofreading capability of the mtDNA polymerase. In a previous study, we used Illumina ultra-deep sequencing to describe point heteroplasmy (PHP) and nucleotide variant of the mtGenomes in venous blood samples of MZ twins. In the present study, we characterized minor differences of the mtGenomes in three tissue samples from seven sets of MZ twins using Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing (Thermo Fisher Ion S5 XL system) and commercialized mtGenome sequencing kit (Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel). PHP was observed in blood samples from one set of MZ twins and in saliva samples from two sets of twins, but it presented in hair shaft samples from all seven sets of MZ twins. Overall, the coding region of the mtGenome exhibits more PHPs than the control region. The results of this study have further attested the competence of mtGenome sequencing in differentiating between MZ twins, and that among the three kinds of samples tested, hair shaft is more likely to accumulate minor differences in the mtGenomes of MZ twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuyuan Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yufeng Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yonglin Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lirong Jiang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Suyu Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Anhui Hopegenerich Biotechnology, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xinyue Zheng
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xingrui Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiacan Chen
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Keraite I, Becker P, Canevazzi D, Frias-López C, Dabad M, Tonda-Hernandez R, Paramonov I, Ingham MJ, Brun-Heath I, Leno J, Abulí A, Garcia-Arumí E, Heath SC, Gut M, Gut IG. A method for multiplexed full-length single-molecule sequencing of the human mitochondrial genome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5902. [PMID: 36202811 PMCID: PMC9537161 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33530-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods to reconstruct the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence using short-read sequencing come with an inherent bias due to amplification and mapping. They can fail to determine the phase of variants, to capture multiple deletions and to cover the mitochondrial genome evenly. Here we describe a method to target, multiplex and sequence at high coverage full-length human mitochondrial genomes as native single-molecules, utilizing the RNA-guided DNA endonuclease Cas9. Combining Cas9 induced breaks, that define the mtDNA beginning and end of the sequencing reads, as barcodes, we achieve high demultiplexing specificity and delineation of the full-length of the mtDNA, regardless of the structural variant pattern. The long-read sequencing data is analysed with a pipeline where our custom-developed software, baldur, efficiently detects single nucleotide heteroplasmy to below 1%, physically determines phase and can accurately disentangle complex deletions. Our workflow is a tool for studying mtDNA variation and will accelerate mitochondrial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Keraite
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philipp Becker
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Qiagen, Hilden, Germany
| | - Davide Canevazzi
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Frias-López
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Dabad
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Tonda-Hernandez
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ida Paramonov
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matthew John Ingham
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Brun-Heath
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) - The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Joint IRB-BSC Program in Computational Biology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Leno
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Disease, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Genetics Group, VHIR, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Abulí
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Disease, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medicine Genetics Group, VHIR, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Arumí
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Disease, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Neuromuscular and Mitochondrial Disorders, VHIR, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simon Charles Heath
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Gut
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ivo Glynne Gut
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Gutierrez R, Roman MG, Harrel M, Hughes S, LaRue B, Houston R. Assessment of the ForenSeq mtDNA control region kit and comparison of orthogonal technologies. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 59:102721. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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McElhoe JA, Wilton PR, Parson W, Holland MM. Exploring statistical weight estimates for mitochondrial DNA matches involving heteroplasmy. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:671-685. [PMID: 35243529 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02774-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of mitochondrial (mt) DNA allows forensic laboratories to report heteroplasmy on a routine basis. Statistical approaches will be needed to determine the relative frequency of observing an mtDNA haplotype when including the presence of a heteroplasmic site. Here, we examined 1301 control region (CR) sequences, collected from individuals in four major population groups (European, African, Asian, and Latino), and covering 24 geographically distributed haplogroups, to assess the rates of point heteroplasmy (PHP) on an individual and nucleotide position (np) basis. With a minor allele frequency (MAF) threshold of 2%, the data was similar across population groups, with an overall PHP rate of 37.7%, and the majority of heteroplasmic individuals (77.3%) having only one site of heteroplasmy. The majority (75.2%) of identified PHPs had an MAF of 2-10%, and were observed at 12.6% of the nps across the CR. Both the broad and phylogenetic testing suggested that in many cases the low number of observations of heteroplasmy at any one np results in a lack of statistical association. The posterior frequency estimates, which skew conservative to a degree depending on the sample size in a given haplogroup, had a mean of 0.152 (SD 0.134) and ranged from 0.031 to 0.83. As expected, posterior frequency estimates decreased in accordance with 1/n as the sample size (n) increased. This provides a proposed conservative statistical framework for assessing haplotype/heteroplasmy matches when applying an MPS technique in forensic cases and will allow for continual refinement as more data is generated, both within the CR and across the mitochondrial genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A McElhoe
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 014 Thomas Building, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Peter R Wilton
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- 23andMe Inc, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086, USA
| | - Walther Parson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 014 Thomas Building, State College, PA, 16802, USA
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstraße 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mitchell M Holland
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 014 Thomas Building, State College, PA, 16802, USA
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mtDNA Heteroplasmy: Origin, Detection, Significance, and Evolutionary Consequences. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070633. [PMID: 34209862 PMCID: PMC8307225 DOI: 10.3390/life11070633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is predominately uniparentally transmitted. This results in organisms with a single type of mtDNA (homoplasmy), but two or more mtDNA haplotypes have been observed in low frequency in several species (heteroplasmy). In this review, we aim to highlight several aspects of heteroplasmy regarding its origin and its significance on mtDNA function and evolution, which has been progressively recognized in the last several years. Heteroplasmic organisms commonly occur through somatic mutations during an individual’s lifetime. They also occur due to leakage of paternal mtDNA, which rarely happens during fertilization. Alternatively, heteroplasmy can be potentially inherited maternally if an egg is already heteroplasmic. Recent advances in sequencing techniques have increased the ability to detect and quantify heteroplasmy and have revealed that mitochondrial DNA copies in the nucleus (NUMTs) can imitate true heteroplasmy. Heteroplasmy can have significant evolutionary consequences on the survival of mtDNA from the accumulation of deleterious mutations and for its coevolution with the nuclear genome. Particularly in humans, heteroplasmy plays an important role in the emergence of mitochondrial diseases and determines the success of the mitochondrial replacement therapy, a recent method that has been developed to cure mitochondrial diseases.
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Reducing the Number of Mismatches between Hairs and Buccal References When Analysing mtDNA Heteroplasmic Variation by Massively Parallel Sequencing. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111355. [PMID: 33207560 PMCID: PMC7696041 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In forensics, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is foremost applied to rootless hairs often lacking detectable nuclear DNA. Sanger sequencing is the routine mtDNA method in most forensic laboratories, even though interpretation of mixed samples and heteroplasmic sites can be challenging. Individuals may hold cells with low-level heteroplasmy variants below the detection threshold and other cells where this minor variant is the major one. This difference may be interpreted as a mismatch between reference and evidentiary trace samples, such as buccal specimens and rootless hairs. Such mismatches may be solved by Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS), allowing more sensitive quantitative analysis for mixed positions than Sanger. The mtDNA control region was analysed in buccal reference samples from 26 individuals and 475 corresponding hairs by MPS and compared to Sanger sequencing data generated on the same samples. With MPS, mixed contributions down to 3% were regarded, leading to a substantial increase in the frequency of heteroplasmy. Our results demonstrate that previously reported mismatches between buccal reference and hair shaft samples by Sanger are detected as low-level heteroplasmy by MPS. A detailed overview of buccal and hair heteroplasmy is provided and implications for MPS-based mtDNA analysis in the context of forensic cases are discussed.
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TaqMan-MGB probe quantitative PCR assays to genotype and quantify three mtDNA mutations of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12264. [PMID: 32704028 PMCID: PMC7378831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with one of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A and m.14484T>C mutations. Although several procedures are available to genotype these mutations, quantitative approaches with rapid, low-cost and easy to handle advantages for three LHON mtDNA mutations are rarely reported. Here, we firstly developed a “one-step” tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system (T-ARMS) PCR for qualitative genotyping of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Subsequently, we established single, duplex and triplex TaqMan MGB probe-based fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of three LHON mtDNA mutations. Standard curves based on tenfold diluted plasmid standard exhibited high specificity and sensitivity, stable repeatability and reliable detectable ability of TaqMan probe qPCR assays without cross-reactivity upon probes combination. Moreover, by comparing with SYBR Green qPCR, we further validated the feasibility of the triplex-probe qPCR assay for the quantitative detection of mtDNA copy number in blood samples. In conclusion, our study describes a rapid, low-cost, easy to-handle, and high-throughput TaqMan-MGB probe qPCR assay to perform both qualitative and quantitative analysis of three primary LHON mtDNA mutations, offering a promising approach for genetic screening and testing of LHON mutations.
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Desmyter S, Dognaux S, Noel F, Prieto L. Base specific variation rates at mtDNA positions 16093 and 16183 in human hairs. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 43:102142. [PMID: 31437782 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Small variations between haplotypes detected in different tissues from the same individual have been previously described. These differences complicate the interpretation of mtDNA results in real forensic casework. mtDNA haplotypes detected in hair strands collected at the crime scene have to be frequently compared with haplotypes of reference samples (buccal swabs) from victims or suspects. Nucleotide position 16093 is a well-known hot spot where differences can accumulate between different tissues of the same individual. Intra individual variation was also detected at positions 16182 and 16183 in haplotypes showing an uninterrupted HV1 poly-C stretch (with 16189C). In order to better characterize the type of variation in these positions between buccal cells and hair strands from the same individual, we have performed Sanger sequencing in 25-28 hair strands (411 in total) from 15 individuals showing either an uninterrupted HV1 polyC-stretch (16189C) or 16093C/Y in their buccal cells. The results have been evaluated by also taking into account our previous results published in [19]. We have found that no variation among hair strands was detected in individuals showing T16093 in buccal cells, while variation in hair strands (T16093, 16093C and 16093Y) were detected in individuals showing 16093C or 16093Y in buccal cells. Regarding nucleotide positions 16182 and 16183 in combination with an uninterrupted polyC-stretch, no variation was detected in hairs from individuals showing A16182 16183C in their buccal cells. In contrast, individuals A16182 A16183 showed hair strands with A16182 16183 M and A16182 16183C. And finally, individuals with 16182C 16183C showed some variation in a small amount of their hair strands (some hairs with 16182 M 16183C). These results can be relevant for forensic practitioners when comparing reference samples with hair strands, which is the type of sample most tested by using mtDNA analysis in forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Desmyter
- NICC - Belgian Institute for Forensic Science and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sophie Dognaux
- NICC - Belgian Institute for Forensic Science and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Noel
- NICC - Belgian Institute for Forensic Science and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lourdes Prieto
- Instituto de Ciencias Forenses. Grupo de Medicina Xenómica. Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Laboratorio ADN. Comisaría General de Policía Científica, Madrid, Spain
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Mitochondrial DNA, a Powerful Tool to Decipher Ancient Human Civilization from Domestication to Music, and to Uncover Historical Murder Cases. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050433. [PMID: 31075917 PMCID: PMC6562384 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are unique organelles carrying their own genetic material, independent from that in the nucleus. This review will discuss the nature of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and its levels in the cell, which are the key elements to consider when trying to achieve molecular identification in ancient and degraded samples. mtDNA sequence analysis has been appropriately validated and is a consistent molecular target for the examination of biological evidence encountered in forensic cases—and profiling, in certain conditions—especially for burnt bodies and degraded samples of all types. Exceptional cases and samples will be discussed in this review, such as mtDNA from leather in Beethoven’s grand piano, mtDNA in mummies, and solving famous historical criminal cases. In addition, this review will be discussing the use of ancient mtDNA to understand past human diet, to trace historical civilizations and ancient trade routes, and to uncover geographical domestication origins and lineage relationships. In each topic, we will present the power of mtDNA and how, in many cases, no nuclear DNA was left, leaving mitochondrial DNA analysis as a powerful alternative. Exploring this powerful tool further will be extremely useful to modern science and researchers, due to its capabilities in providing us with previously unattainable knowledge.
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Huszar TI, Wetton JH, Jobling MA. Mitigating the effects of reference sequence bias in single-multiplex massively parallel sequencing of the mitochondrial DNA control region. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 40:9-17. [PMID: 30682697 PMCID: PMC6461131 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
mtDNA control region of 101 diverse samples amplified in a single reaction as 10 overlapping amplicons and sequenced via MPS. Primers create reference bias, compromising ability to call variants or heteroplasmy in primer-binding regions. Bioinformatic selection of overarching reads bypasses effects of proprietary primers and mitigates bias. Data processing permits accurate calling of variants, and heteroplasmies down to 5% level.
Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region can provide forensically useful information, particularly in challenging samples where autosomal DNA profiling fails. Sub-division of the 1122-bp region into shorter PCR fragments improves data recovery, and such fragments can be analysed together via massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Here, we generate mtDNA data using the prototype PowerSeq™ Auto/Mito/Y System (Promega) MPS assay, in which a single PCR reaction amplifies ten overlapping amplicons of the control region, in a set of 101 highly diverse samples representing most major clades of the mtDNA phylogeny. The overlapping multiplex design leads to non-uniform coverage in the regions of overlap, where it is further increased by short amplicons generated alongside the intended products. Primer sequences in targeted amplification libraries are a potential source of reference sequence bias and thus should be removed, but the proprietary nature of the primers in commercial kits necessitates an alternative approach that minimises data loss: here, we introduce the bioinformatic selection of sequencing reads spanning putative primer sites (Overarching Read Enrichment Option, OREO). While OREO performs well in mitigating the effects of primer sequences at the ends of sequence reads, we still find evidence of the internalisation of primer-derived sequences by overlap extension, which may compromise the ability to call variants or to measure heteroplasmy in primer-binding regions. The commercially available PowerSeq™ CRM Nested System design prevents primer internalisation, as shown in a reanalysis of a subset of 57 samples that contain possible heteroplasmies. In combination with OREO, the CRM Nested kit mitigates reference sequence bias, allowing heteroplasmic variants to be estimated down to a 5% threshold. Provided appropriate steps are taken in data processing, single-reaction multiplex assays represent robust tools to analyse mtDNA control region variation. The OREO approach will allow users to bypass the effects of unknown primer sequences in any single-reaction tiled multiplex and eliminate primer-derived bias in overlapping amplicon sequencing studies, in both forensic and non-forensic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tunde I Huszar
- Department of Genetics & Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH UK
| | - Jon H Wetton
- Department of Genetics & Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH UK.
| | - Mark A Jobling
- Department of Genetics & Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH UK.
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12
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Gallimore JM, McElhoe JA, Holland MM. Assessing heteroplasmic variant drift in the mtDNA control region of human hairs using an MPS approach. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2017; 32:7-17. [PMID: 29024924 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Resolution of mitochondrial (mt) DNA heteroplasmy is possible when applying a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) approach. However, interpretation criteria for matching heteroplasmic sequences will need to be established that address a number of important topics, including the drift of variants in sample types such as human hair shafts. Prior to MPS analysis, we compared three different DNA extraction methods for hair using a custom mtDNA quantitative PCR (mtqPCR) assay, and found that a method involving bead capture significantly outperformed methods currently in place in forensic laboratories. The findings were similar for both fine (head) and coarse (pubic) hairs. Using the favored DNA extraction approach, hair shaft extracts were subjected to MPS analysis to assess heteroplasmic drift and the potential impact of the observations on interpretation of mtDNA MPS data. Hairs from different regions of the head were evaluated in individuals with varying percentages of heteroplasmy (low-level, high-level, and no detectable heteroplasmy), as measured in buccal and blood cells. The range of variant ratios was broad and was not significantly different between individuals in the low and high-level groups. While the range was also broad for the group of individuals with no heteroplasmy, the vast majority of hairs from these donors still exhibited a lack of heteroplasmy. A model was developed to predict the amount of heteroplasmy expected in hair samples when knowledge of the percentage of heteroplasmy in buccal cells is available. While significant, the model was best applied when levels of heteroplasmy in buccal cells was high. No correlation was observed between rates of heteroplasmy in blood cells and the predicted amount of heteroplasmy in hairs. Of particular interest, unexpected sites of mixed mtDNA sequence that could be interpreted as heteroplasmy were observed for 13% of the 75 hairs tested. These sites can be explained as heteroplasmy not observed in buccal or blood cells, or sites of DNA damage, with inherent heteroplasmy a likely cause, possibly due to de novo mutation events. Overall, when applying an MPS approach to hair analysis, heteroplasmic variant ratios may be quite different than those observed in blood cells, may be correlated to rates in buccal cells, and may include unexpected mixed sites. The results of this study directly impact MPS analysis of minor sequence variants from hair samples, and are particularly relevant to clinical and forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Gallimore
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 014 Thomas Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Jennifer A McElhoe
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 014 Thomas Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Mitchell M Holland
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 014 Thomas Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
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Hairy matters: MtDNA quantity and sequence variation along and among human head hairs. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 25:1-9. [PMID: 27484846 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hairs from the same donor have been found to differ in mtDNA sequence within and among themselves and from other tissues, which impacts interpretation of results obtained in a forensic setting. However, little is known on the magnitude of this phenomenon and published data on systematic studies are scarce. We addressed this issue by generating mtDNA control region (CR) profiles of >450 hair fragments from 21 donors by Sanger-type sequencing (STS). To mirror forensic scenarios, we compared hair haplotypes from the same donors to each other, to the corresponding buccal swab reference haplotypes and analyzed several fragments of individual hairs. We also investigated the effects of hair color, donor sex and age, mtDNA haplogroup and chemical treatment on mtDNA quantity, amplification success and variation. We observed a wide range of individual CR sequence variation. The reference haplotype was the only or most common (≥75%) hair haplotype for most donors. However, in two individuals, the reference haplotype was only found in about a third of the investigated hairs, mainly due to differences at highly variable positions. Similarly, most hairs revealed the reference haplotype along their entire length, however, about a fifth of the hairs contained up to 71% of segments with deviant haplotypes, independent of the longitudinal position. Variation affected numerous positions, typically restricted to the individual hair and in most cases heteroplasmic, but also fixed (i.e. homoplasmic) substitutions were observed. While existing forensic mtDNA interpretation guidelines were found still sufficient for all comparisons to reference haplotypes, some comparisons between hairs from the same donor could yield false exclusions when those guidelines are strictly followed. This study pinpoints the special care required when interpreting mtDNA results from hair in forensic casework.
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Just RS, Irwin JA, Parson W. Mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in the emerging field of massively parallel sequencing. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 18:131-9. [PMID: 26009256 PMCID: PMC4550493 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long an important and useful tool in forensic genetic investigations, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing continues to mature. Research in the last few years has demonstrated both that data from the entire molecule will have practical benefits in forensic DNA casework, and that massively parallel sequencing (MPS) methods will make full mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) sequencing of forensic specimens feasible and cost-effective. A spate of recent studies has employed these new technologies to assess intraindividual mtDNA variation. However, in several instances, contamination and other sources of mixed mtDNA data have been erroneously identified as heteroplasmy. Well vetted mtGenome datasets based on both Sanger and MPS sequences have found authentic point heteroplasmy in approximately 25% of individuals when minor component detection thresholds are in the range of 10-20%, along with positional distribution patterns in the coding region that differ from patterns of point heteroplasmy in the well-studied control region. A few recent studies that examined very low-level heteroplasmy are concordant with these observations when the data are examined at a common level of resolution. In this review we provide an overview of considerations related to the use of MPS technologies to detect mtDNA heteroplasmy. In addition, we examine published reports on point heteroplasmy to characterize features of the data that will assist in the evaluation of future mtGenome data developed by any typing method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Just
- Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Dover, DE, USA; American Registry of Pathology, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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15
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Skonieczna K, Malyarchuk B, Jawień A, Marszałek A, Banaszkiewicz Z, Jarmocik P, Borcz M, Bała P, Grzybowski T. Heteroplasmic substitutions in the entire mitochondrial genomes of human colon cells detected by ultra-deep 454 sequencing. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 15:16-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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16
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Just RS, Scheible MK, Fast SA, Sturk-Andreaggi K, Röck AW, Bush JM, Higginbotham JL, Peck MA, Ring JD, Huber GE, Xavier C, Strobl C, Lyons EA, Diegoli TM, Bodner M, Fendt L, Kralj P, Nagl S, Niederwieser D, Zimmermann B, Parson W, Irwin JA. Full mtGenome reference data: Development and characterization of 588 forensic-quality haplotypes representing three U.S. populations. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 14:141-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Naue J, Hörer S, Sänger T, Strobl C, Hatzer-Grubwieser P, Parson W, Lutz-Bonengel S. Evidence for frequent and tissue-specific sequence heteroplasmy in human mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrion 2014; 20:82-94. [PMID: 25526677 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial point heteroplasmy is a common event observed not only in patients with mitochondrial diseases but also in healthy individuals. We here report a comprehensive investigation of heteroplasmy occurrence in human including the whole mitochondrial control region from nine different tissue types of 100 individuals. Sanger sequencing was used as a standard method and results were supported by cloning, minisequencing, and massively parallel sequencing. Only 12% of all individuals showed no heteroplasmy, whereas 88% showed at least one heteroplasmic position within the investigated tissues. In 66% of individuals up to 8 positions were affected. The highest relative number of heteroplasmies was detected in muscle and liver (79%, 69%), followed by brain, hair, and heart (36.7%-30.2%). Lower percentages were observed in bone, blood, lung, and buccal cells (19.8%-16.2%). Accumulation of position-specific heteroplasmies was found in muscle (positions 64, 72, 73, 189, and 408), liver (position 72) and brain (partial deletion at position 71). Deeper analysis of these specific positions in muscle revealed a non-random appearance and position-specific dependency on age. MtDNA heteroplasmy frequency and its potential functional importance have been underestimated in the past and its occurrence is ubiquitous and dependent at least on age, tissue, and position-specific mutation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Naue
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Steffen Hörer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Timo Sänger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Christina Strobl
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Muellerstrasse 44, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Petra Hatzer-Grubwieser
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Muellerstrasse 44, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Muellerstrasse 44, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Penn State Eberly College of Science, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Sabine Lutz-Bonengel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Freiburg University Medical Center, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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Adil E. Corrective Measures of Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Limitations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.3923/jest.2015.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Aspects of ancient mitochondrial DNA analysis in different populations for understanding human evolution. Balkan J Med Genet 2014; 17:5-14. [PMID: 25741209 PMCID: PMC4347471 DOI: 10.2478/bjmg-2014-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of modern humans is a long and difficult process which started from their first appearance and continues to the present day. The study of the genetic origin of populations can help to determine population kinship and to better understand the gradual changes of the gene pool in space and time. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a proper tool for the determination of the origin of populations due to its high evolutionary importance. Ancient mitochondrial DNA retrieved from museum specimens, archaeological finds and fossil remains can provide direct evidence for population origins and migration processes. Despite the problems with contaminations and authenticity of ancient mitochondrial DNA, there is a developed set of criteria and platforms for obtaining authentic ancient DNA. During the last two decades, the application of different methods and techniques for analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA gave promising results. Still, the literature is relatively poor with information for the origin of human populations. Using comprehensive phylogeographic and population analyses we can observe the development and formation of the contemporary populations. The aim of this study was to shed light on human migratory processes and the formation of populations based on available ancient mtDNA data.
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Spicer AM, Kun TJ, Sacks BN, Wictum EJ. Mitochondrial DNA sequence heteroplasmy levels in domestic dog hair. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2014; 11:7-12. [PMID: 24631692 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To assess the level of mtDNA sequence heteroplasmy in dog hair, we sequenced a 612 base pair fragment of the hypervariable region 1 (HVI) in 576 hairs from six dogs representing a range of age, sex, breed, and hair color. Blood and buccal samples were collected from each dog for reference. Three instances of sequence heteroplasmy were observed at nucleotide positions 15627 (G/A), 15628 (T/C) and 15639 (G/A) in two hairs from different dogs. An HVI sequence heteroplasmy frequency of 0.0034 was obtained. The Probability of Identity (PI) value, or probability that two random, unrelated dog hairs share an HVI sequence, and the Power of Discrimination (PD), or probability that two random unrelated dog hairs have different HVI sequences, were determined from the 88 HVI haplotypes represented in the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory database (n=1006) and found to be 0.086 and 0.914, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Spicer
- Forensic Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Teri J Kun
- Forensic Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Benjamin N Sacks
- Canid Diversity and Conservation Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth J Wictum
- Forensic Unit, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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21
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Aitullina A, Baumane K, Zalite S, Ranka R, Zole E, Pole I, Sepetiene S, Laganovska G, Baumanis V, Pliss L. Point mutations associated with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy in a Latvian population. Mol Vis 2013; 19:2343-51. [PMID: 24319328 PMCID: PMC3850976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study mutations associated with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in patients suspected of having this mitochondrial disorder in a Latvian population. Additional aims were to determine the heteroplasmy status of all non-synonymous polymorphisms identified in the current study and to identify the mitochondrial haplogroups of the studied participants because these factors may contribute to the manifestation of LHON. METHODS Twelve patients, including patients in two families, were enrolled in the current study. LHON was suspected based on the findings of ophthalmologic examinations. In clinically affected individuals, the presence of all previously reported LHON-associated mutations was assessed with sequencing analysis. Additionally, the SURVEYOR endonuclease assay was used to detect heteroplasmy. The mitochondrial haplogroups were identified with restriction analysis and the sequencing of hypervariable segment 1. RESULTS In one family (mother and son), there was one primary LHON-associated mutation, G11778A. In addition, one rare previously reported LHON-associated polymorphism, A13637G, was detected in two unrelated patients. A non-synonymous polymorphism at T6253C was found in one individual. This mutation was reported in the background of the 3460 mutation among LHON patients in a Chinese population. No non-synonymous point mutations in mitochondrial DNA were found in five of the study participants. CONCLUSIONS Molecular analysis of 12 patients with suspected LHON confirmed the diagnosis in four patients and allowed the use of appropriate prophylactic measures and treatment. Further investigations and additional studies of different populations are necessary to confirm the role of the non-synonymous polymorphisms A13637G and T6253C in the manifestation of LHON and the associations of these polymorphisms with mitochondrial haplogroups and heteroplasmy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Aitullina
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia,Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | | | - Renate Ranka
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia,Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Egija Zole
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia,Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilva Pole
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Guna Laganovska
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia,Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Viesturs Baumanis
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia,Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Liana Pliss
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
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Samuels DC, Li C, Li B, Song Z, Torstenson E, Boyd Clay H, Rokas A, Thornton-Wells TA, Moore JH, Hughes TM, Hoffman RD, Haines JL, Murdock DG, Mortlock DP, Williams SM. Recurrent tissue-specific mtDNA mutations are common in humans. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003929. [PMID: 24244193 PMCID: PMC3820769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation can affect phenotypic variation; therefore, knowing its distribution within and among individuals is of importance to understanding many human diseases. Intra-individual mtDNA variation (heteroplasmy) has been generally assumed to be random. We used massively parallel sequencing to assess heteroplasmy across ten tissues and demonstrate that in unrelated individuals there are tissue-specific, recurrent mutations. Certain tissues, notably kidney, liver and skeletal muscle, displayed the identical recurrent mutations that were undetectable in other tissues in the same individuals. Using RFLP analyses we validated one of the tissue-specific mutations in the two sequenced individuals and replicated the patterns in two additional individuals. These recurrent mutations all occur within or in very close proximity to sites that regulate mtDNA replication, strongly implying that these variations alter the replication dynamics of the mutated mtDNA genome. These recurrent variants are all independent of each other and do not occur in the mtDNA coding regions. The most parsimonious explanation of the data is that these frequently repeated mutations experience tissue-specific positive selection, probably through replication advantage. DNA mutations are expected to be formed randomly, thus any reproducible pattern of DNA somatic mutations across multiple individuals or even across organs within each individual is highly unexpected. Using next generation sequencing of multiple tissues from the same individuals we found several somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA that appear in a heteroplasmic state in all individuals examined, but only in particular tissues. These mutations were only found in known regions of replication control for the mitochondrial DNA. These data imply the presence of tissue-specific positive selection for these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Samuels
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Kiesler KM, Coble MD, Hall TA, Vallone PM. Comparison of base composition analysis and Sanger sequencing of mitochondrial DNA for four U.S. population groups. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2013; 8:226-32. [PMID: 24315613 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A set of 711 samples from four U.S. population groups was analyzed using a novel mass spectrometry based method for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) base composition profiling. Comparison of the mass spectrometry results with Sanger sequencing derived data yielded a concordance rate of 99.97%. Length heteroplasmy was identified in 46% of samples and point heteroplasmy was observed in 6.6% of samples in the combined mass spectral and Sanger data set. Using discrimination capacity as a metric, Sanger sequencing of the full control region had the highest discriminatory power, followed by the mass spectrometry base composition method, which was more discriminating than Sanger sequencing of just the hypervariable regions. This trend is in agreement with the number of nucleotides covered by each of the three assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Kiesler
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
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Calatayud M, Ramos A, Santos C, Aluja MP. Primer effect in the detection of mitochondrial DNA point heteroplasmy by automated sequencing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 24:303-11. [PMID: 23350969 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2012.760072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The correct detection of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy by automated sequencing presents methodological constraints. The main goals of this study are to investigate the effect of sense and distance of primers in heteroplasmy detection and to test if there are differences in the accurate determination of heteroplasmy involving transitions or transversions. A gradient of the heteroplasmy levels was generated for mtDNA positions 9477 (transition G/A) and 15,452 (transversion C/A). Amplification and subsequent sequencing with forward and reverse primers, situated at 550 and 150 bp from the heteroplasmic positions, were performed. Our data provide evidence that there is a significant difference between the use of forward and reverse primers. The forward primer is the primer that seems to give a better approximation to the real proportion of the variants. No significant differences were found concerning the distance at which the sequencing primers were placed neither between the analysis of transitions and transversions. The data collected in this study are a starting point that allows to glimpse the importance of the sequencing primers in the accurate detection of point heteroplasmy, providing additional insight into the overall automated sequencing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Calatayud
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament BABVE, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
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Comparative analysis of human mitochondrial DNA from World War I bone samples by DNA sequencing and ESI-TOF mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2013; 7:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bekaert B, Massoli C, Anandarajah A, Van de Voorde W, Decorte R. Multiplex DNA amplification and barcoding in a single reaction for 454 Roche sequencing: A comprehensive study on the control region of the mitochondrial genome. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2013.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Holland MM. Molecular analysis of the human mitochondrial DNA control region for forensic identity testing. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN HUMAN GENETICS 2012; Chapter 14:Unit14.7. [PMID: 22786611 DOI: 10.1002/0471142905.hg1407s74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This unit highlights methods used to perform PCR amplification and sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on pristine and highly degraded biological material. The focus is on applications to forensic casework, and a number of case examples are provided. Any laboratory working with DNA from old or "ancient" samples will benefit from this information.
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Holland MM, McQuillan MR, O'Hanlon KA. Second generation sequencing allows for mtDNA mixture deconvolution and high resolution detection of heteroplasmy. Croat Med J 2012; 52:299-313. [PMID: 21674826 PMCID: PMC3118725 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2011.52.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To use parallel array pyrosequencing to deconvolute mixtures of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence and provide high resolution analysis of mtDNA heteroplasmy. Methods The hypervariable segment 1 (HV1) of the mtDNA control region was analyzed from 30 individuals using the 454 GS Junior instrument. Mock mixtures were used to evaluate the system’s ability to deconvolute mixtures and to reliably detect heteroplasmy, including heteroplasmic differences between 5 family members of the same maternal lineage. Amplicon sequencing was performed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products generated with primers that included multiplex identifiers (MID) and adaptors for pyrosequencing. Data analysis was performed using NextGENe® software. The analysis of an autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) locus (D18S51) and a Y-STR locus (DYS389 I/II) was performed simultaneously with a portion of HV1 to illustrate that multiplexing can encompass different markers of forensic interest. Results Mixtures, including heteroplasmic variants, can be detected routinely down to a component ratio of 1:250 (20 minor variant copies with a coverage rate of 5000 sequences) and can be readily detected down to 1:1000 (0.1%) with expanded coverage. Amplicon sequences from D18S51, DYS389 I/II, and the second half of HV1 were successfully partitioned and analyzed. Conclusions The ability to routinely deconvolute mtDNA mixtures down to a level of 1:250 allows for high resolution analysis of mtDNA heteroplasmy, and for differentiation of individuals from the same maternal lineage. The pyrosequencing approach results in poor resolution of homopolymeric sequences, and PCR/sequencing artifacts require a filtering mechanism similar to that for STR stutter and spectral bleed through. In addition, chimeric sequences from jumping PCR must be addressed to make the method operational.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell M Holland
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16870, USA.
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Marquez MC. Interpretation guidelines of mtDNA control region sequence electropherograms in forensic genetics. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 830:301-319. [PMID: 22139669 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-461-2_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Forensic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is a complementary technique to forensic nuclear DNA (nDNA) and trace evidence analysis. Its use has been accepted by the vast majority of courts of law around the world. However for the forensic community it is crucial to employ standardized methods and procedures to guaranty the quality of the results obtained in court. In this chapter, we describe the most important aspects regarding the interpretation and assessment of mtDNA analysis, and offer a simple guide which places particular emphasis on those aspects that can impact the final interpretation of the results. These include the criteria for authenticating a sequence excluding the contaminant origin, defining the quality of a sequence, editing procedure, alignment criteria for searching the databases, and the statistical evaluation of matches. It is not easy to establish a single guide to interpretation for mtDNA analysis; however, it is important to understand all variables that may in some way affect the final conclusion in the context of a forensic case. As a general rule, laboratories should be cautious before issuing the final conclusion of an mtDNA analysis, and consider any significant limitations regarding current understanding of specific aspects of the mtDNA molecule.
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Skonieczna K, Malyarchuk BA, Grzybowski T. The landscape of mitochondrial DNA variation in human colorectal cancer on the background of phylogenetic knowledge. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1825:153-9. [PMID: 22178219 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, an increasing number of studies indicate that mutations in mitochondrial genome may contribute to cancer development or metastasis. Hence, it is important to determine whether the mitochondrial DNA might be a good, clinically applicable marker of cancer. This review describes hereditary as well as somatic mutations reported in mitochondrial DNA of colorectal cancer cells. We showed here that the entire mitochondrial genome mutational spectra are different in colorectal cancer and non-tumor cells. We also placed the described mutations on the phylogenetic context, which highlighted the recurrent problem of data quality. Therefore, the most important rules for adequately assessing the quality of mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis in cancer have been summarized. As follows from this review, neither the reliable spectrum of mtDNA somatic mutations nor the association between hereditary mutations and colorectal cancer risk have been resolved. This indicates that only high resolution studies on mtDNA variability, followed by a proper data interpretation employing phylogenetic knowledge may finally verify the utility of mtDNA sequence (if any) in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Skonieczna
- Department of Molecular and Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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A twin study of mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms shows that heteroplasmy at multiple sites is associated with mtDNA variant 16093 but not with zygosity. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22332. [PMID: 21857921 PMCID: PMC3153933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial theory of ageing proposes that damage to mitochondria and diminished mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) repair are major contributors to cellular dysfunction and age-related diseases. We investigate the prevalence of heteroplasmy in the mtDNA control region in buccal swab and blood derived samples for 178 women from the TwinsUK cohort (41 DZ pair 39 MZ pairs, 18 singletons, mean age 57.5 range 28–82) and its relationship to age, BMI and fasting insulin and glucose serum levels. The overall estimated prevalence of heteroplasmy for both tissues in the control region measured for 37 sites was 17%. The prevalence of heteroplasmy was higher among the older half of the study subjects than in the younger half (23% vs 10% p<0.03), primarily reflecting the increase in the prevalence of a heteroplasmic dinucleotide CA repeat in variable region II (VRII) with age. The VRII 523–524 heteroplasmic site (heteroplasmic in 25 subjects) was also associated with a decrease in BMI. In addition, concordance rates for common heteroplasmy were observed to be near complete for both dizygotic (DZ = 94%) and monozygotic twin pairs (MZ = 100%), consistent with previous reports that suggest variation in heteroplasmy rates between generations are determined by bottlenecks in maternal transmission of mitochondria. Differences in the prevalence of heteroplasmy were observed overall between samples derived from buccal swabs (19%) and blood (15%, p<0.04). These were particularly marked at position 16093 of hypervariable region I (HVI, 7% vs 0%, respectively, p<4×10−11). The presence of the C allele at position 16093 in blood was associated with the presence of heteroplasmy in buccal swabs at this position (p = 3.5×10−14) and also at VRII (p = 2×10−4) suggesting a possible predisposing role for this site in the accumulation of heteroplasmy. Our data indicate that BMI is potentially associated with control region heteroplasmy.
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Pliss L, Brakmanis A, Ranka R, Elferts D, Krumina A, Baumanis V. The link between mitochondrial DNA hypervariable segment I heteroplasmy and ageing among genetically unrelated Latvians. Exp Gerontol 2011; 46:560-8. [PMID: 21377516 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Various studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy tends to increase with age and that the observed frequency of heteroplasmy among populations mostly depends on the way it is measured. Therefore, we investigated age-related association on the presence of mtDNA heteroplasmy within the hypervariable segment 1 (HVS-I) in a selected study group. The study group consisted of 300 maternally unrelated Latvians ranging in age from 18 to over 90 years. To determine the optimal method for mtDNA heteroplasmy detection, three approaches were used: (i) SURVEYOR Mutation Detection Kit, (ii) sequencing and (iii) denaturing gradient-gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Among the studied individuals, 30.3% were found to be heteroplasmic. The distribution of heteroplasmy statistically significantly increased with individuals' age (17%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.095-0.244 in the 18-40 year age group vs. 39%; [CI] 0.294-0.487 in the >90 year age group). Heteroplasmy occurred in a total of 21 different positions within HVS-I, and was the most frequent at fast-mutated positions 16189, 16304 and 16311. The results indicate that heteroplasmy in HVS-I is relatively common and occurs in a broad spectrum of sites. The above is supported by evidence to eventual increase of the probability of heteroplasmy with age due to specific mitochondrial haplogroup background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Pliss
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga, LV-1067, Latvia.
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Rinner BP, Matson CW, Islamzadeh A, McDonald TJ, Donnelly KC, Bickham JW. Evolutionary toxicology: contaminant-induced genetic mutations in mosquitofish from Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2011; 20:365-376. [PMID: 21312027 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-010-0587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study builds on a long-term program that has shown Sumgayit, Azerbaijan to contain wetlands with high levels of a diversity of chemical contaminants. Previous contaminant and biomarker studies of turtles and frogs showed a correlation between somatic chromosomal damage and chemical contaminants at Sumgayit. The objective of this study was to determine if a recently arrived species (mosquitofish) has genetic impacts similar to native species (marsh frogs) thus confirming the pattern is not the result of historical events such as glacial cycles, but is associated with recent chemical contamination. Nucleotide sequences of the mtDNA control region of invasive mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) from Sumgayit were compared to mosquitofish from pristine sites in Europe and Azerbaijan and to native North American populations. Persistent heteroplasmy for a hyper-mutable simple sequence repeat and low haplotype and nucleotide diversities were observed in all invasive populations. However, Sumgayit possessed four de novo haplotypes and heteroplasmic conditions. All of the observed variable nucleotide positions were within or adjacent to a cytosine mononucleotide repeat. This repeat was within a conserved secondary structure; the region likely undergoes expansion and contraction at a rate sufficient to prevent fixation of the common 1/3 heteroplasmy. Whereas the 1/3 heteroplasmy appeared coincident with the establishment of mosquitofish in Europe, other forms of heteroplasmy resulted from contaminant-induced de novo mutations in Sumgayit. We conclude that Sumgayit is a mutational hotspot caused by legacy contaminants from chemical factories from the era of the Soviet Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Rinner
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Factors affecting the detection and quantification of mitochondrial point heteroplasmy using Sanger sequencing and SNaPshot minisequencing. Int J Legal Med 2011; 125:427-36. [PMID: 21249378 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-011-0549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA analysis plays an important role in forensic science as well as in the diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases. The occurrence of two different nucleotides at the same sequence position can be caused either by heteroplasmy or by a mix of samples. The detection of superimposed positions in forensic samples and their quantification can provide additional information and might also be useful to identify a mixed sample. Therefore, the detection and visualization of heteroplasmy has to be robust and sensitive at the same time to allow for reliable interpretation of results and to avoid a loss of information. In this study, different factors influencing the analysis of mitochondrial heteroplasmy (DNA polymerases, PCR and sequencing primers, nucleotide incorporation, and sequence context) were examined. BigDye Sanger sequencing and the SNaPshot minisequencing were compared as to the accuracy of detection using artificially created mitochondrial DNA mixtures. Both sequencing strategies showed to be robust, and the parameters tested showed to have a variable impact on the display of nucleotide ratios. However, experiments revealed a high correlation between the expected and the measured nucleotide ratios in cell mixtures. Compared to the SNaPshot minisequencing, Sanger sequencing proved to be the more robust and reliable method for quantification of nucleotide ratios but showed a lower detection sensitivity of minor cytosine components.
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Malter H. Fixing oocytes? A bovine model provides new hope. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 22:229-31. [PMID: 21273129 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In a previous issue of Reproductive BioMedicine Online, Chiaratti and co-workers presented a bovine model for ooplasmic transfer, which demonstrated a positive effect on early development. Developmental deficits resulting from artificial treatment of recipient eggs with a toxic compound were ameliorated by the addition of small volumes of healthy donor cytoplasm. This model provides an important advance in the understanding of ooplasmic effects in early development and addresses issues about the prior human trials in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Malter
- Genesis Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Brooklyn, NY 11228, USA.
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Berger C, Hatzer-Grubwieser P, Hohoff C, Parson W. Evaluating sequence-derived mtDNA length heteroplasmy by amplicon size analysis. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2010; 5:142-5. [PMID: 21067985 PMCID: PMC3064993 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Length heteroplasmy (LH) in mitochondrial (mt)DNA is usually observed in homopolymeric tracts and manifest as mixture of various length variants. The generally used difference-coded annotation to report mtDNA haplotypes does not express the degree of LH variation present in a sample, even more so, it is sometimes difficult to establish which length variants are present and clearly distinguishable from background noise. It has therefore become routine practice for some researchers to call the dominant type, the "major molecule", which represents the LH variant that is most abundant in a DNA extract. In the majority of cases a clear single dominant variant can be identified. However, in some samples this interpretation is difficult, i.e. when (almost) equally quantitative LH variants are present or when multiple sequencing primers result in the presentation of different dominant types. To better understand those cases we designed amplicon sizing assays for the five most relevant LH regions in the mtDNA control region (around ntps 16,189, 310, 460, 573, and the AC-repeat between 514 and 524) to determine the ratio of the LH variants by fluorescence based amplicon sizing assays. For difficult LH constellations derived by Sanger sequencing (with Big Dye terminators) these assays mostly gave clear and unambiguous results. In the vast majority of cases we found agreement between the results of the sequence and amplicon analyses and propose this alternative method in difficult cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Müllerstrasse 44, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Roberts KA, Calloway C. Characterization of mitochondrial DNA sequence heteroplasmy in blood tissue and hair as a function of hair morphology. J Forensic Sci 2010; 56:46-60. [PMID: 20840293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01540.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study characterizes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence heteroplasmy in blood tissue and hair as a function of hair morphology. Bloodstains (127 individuals) and head hairs (128 individuals) were typed using the mtDNA LINEAR ARRAY™ assay. A total of 1589 hairs were interpreted: 1478 (93%) were homoplasmic and 111 (7%) exhibited heteroplasmy at one or more positions. Seventy-one percent (82/116) of individuals were homoplasmic, whereas 29% (34/116) exhibited heteroplasmy in at least one hair. The results demonstrate intra- and inter-tissue differences in heteroplasmy within individuals. Sequence heteroplasmy among hairs from each individual varied from 0 to 90%; the frequency does not differ significantly with population group, cosmetic treatment, age, gender, medulla morphology, region of the scalp, hair growth phase, or, when comparing living and deceased donors. However, the results support a correlation between heteroplasmy and hair pigmentation; typically, lighter-pigmented hairs exhibit a higher incidence of sequence heteroplasmy compared to darker hairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Roberts
- School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, 1800 Paseo Rancho Castilla, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA.
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Afonso Costa H, Carvalho M, Lopes V, Balsa F, Bento A, Serra A, Andrade L, Anjos M, Vide M, Pantoja S, Vieira D, Corte-Real F. Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis of a native Bolivian population. J Forensic Leg Med 2010; 17:247-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2010.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2009] [Revised: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Niederstätter H, Parson W. Fluorescent duplex allele-specific PCR and amplicon melting for rapid homogeneous mtDNA haplogroup H screening and sensitive mixture detection. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8374. [PMID: 20020064 PMCID: PMC2793010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For large scale studies aiming at a better understanding of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), sequence variation in particular mt haplogroups (hgs) and population structure, reliable low-cost high-throughput genotyping assays are needed. Furthermore, methods facilitating sensitive mixture detection and relative quantification of allele proportions are indispensable for the study of heteroplasmy, mitochondrial sequence evolution, and mitochondrial disorders. Here the properties of a homogeneous competitive duplex allele specific PCR (ARMS) assay were scrutinized in the light of these requirements. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A duplex ARMS assay amplifying either the ancestral mtDNA 2706G allele (non-hg H samples) or the derived 7028C allele (hg H samples) in the presence of SYBR Green fluorescent reporter dye was developed and characterized. Product detection, allele calling, and hg inference were based on the amplicon-characteristic melting-point temperatures obtained with on-line post-PCR fluorescent dissociation curve analysis (DCA). The analytical window of the assay covered at least 5 orders of magnitude of template DNA input with a detection limit in the low picogram range of genomic DNA. A set of forensically relevant test specimens was analyzed successfully. The presence of mtDNA mixtures was detected over a broad range of input DNA amounts and mixture ratios, and the estimation of allele proportions in samples with known total mtDNA content was feasible with limitations. A qualified DNA analyst successfully analyzed approximately 2,200 DNA extracts within three regular working days, without using robotic lab-equipment. By performing the amplification on-line, the assay also facilitated absolute mtDNA quantification. CONCLUSIONS Although this assay was developed just for a particular purpose, the approach is general in that it is potentially suitable in a broad variety of assay-layouts for many other applications, including the analysis of mixtures. Homogeneous ARMS-DCA is a valuable tool for large-volume studies targeting small numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
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Barker PE, Murthy M. Biomarker Validation for Aging: Lessons from mtDNA Heteroplasmy Analyses in Early Cancer Detection. Biomark Insights 2009; 4:165-79. [PMID: 20029650 PMCID: PMC2796862 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s2253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The anticipated biological and clinical utility of biomarkers has attracted significant interest recently. Aging and early cancer detection represent areas active in the search for predictive and prognostic biomarkers. While applications differ, overlapping biological features, analytical technologies and specific biomarker analytes bear comparison. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as a biomarker in both biological models has been evaluated. However, it remains unclear whether mtDNA changes in aging and cancer represent biological relationships that are causal, incidental, or a combination of both. This article focuses on evaluation of mtDNA-based biomarkers, emerging strategies for quantitating mtDNA admixtures, and how current understanding of mtDNA in aging and cancer evolves with introduction of new technologies. Whether for cancer or aging, lessons from mtDNA based biomarker evaluations are several. Biological systems are inherently dynamic and heterogeneous. Detection limits for mtDNA sequencing technologies differ among methods for low-level DNA sequence admixtures in healthy and diseased states. Performance metrics of analytical mtDNA technology should be validated prior to application in heterogeneous biologically-based systems. Critical in evaluating biomarker performance is the ability to distinguish measurement system variance from inherent biological variance, because it is within the latter that background healthy variability as well as high-value, disease-specific information reside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E. Barker
- Bioassay Methods Group, Biochemical Sciences Division, Bldg 227/B248, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - Mahadev Murthy
- Division of Aging Biology (DAB), National Institute on Aging, 7201 Wisconsin Ave., GW 2C231, Bethesda, MD 20892.
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Pietrangeli I, Caruso V, Veneziano L, Spinella A, Arcudi G, Giardina E, Novelli G. Forensic DNA Challenges: Replacing Numbers with Names of Fosse Ardeatine’s Victims. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:905-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Investigation of heteroplasmy in the human mitochondrial DNA control region: a synthesis of observations from more than 5000 global population samples. J Mol Evol 2009; 68:516-27. [PMID: 19407924 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-009-9227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Instances of point and length heteroplasmy in the mitochondrial DNA control region were compiled and analyzed from over 5,000 global human population samples. These data represent observations from a large and broad population sample, representing nearly 20 global populations. As expected, length heteroplasmy was frequently observed in the HVI, HVII and HVIII C-stretches. Length heteroplasmy was also observed in the AC dinucleotide repeat region, as well as other locations. Point heteroplasmy was detected in approximately 6% of all samples, and while the vast majority of heteroplasmic samples comprised two molecules differing at a single position, samples exhibiting two and three mixed positions were also observed in this data set. In general, the sites at which heteroplasmy was most commonly observed correlated with reported control region mutational hotspots. However, for some sites, observations of heteroplasmy did not mirror established mutation rate data, suggesting the action of other mechanisms, both selective and neutral. Interestingly, these data indicate that the frequency of heteroplasmy differs between particular populations, perhaps reflecting variable mutation rates among different mtDNA lineages and/or artifacts of particular population groups. The results presented here contribute to our general understanding of mitochondrial DNA control region heteroplasmy and provide additional empirical information on the mechanisms contributing to mtDNA control region mutation and evolution.
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Temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Methods Mol Biol 2009; 578:153-65. [PMID: 19768592 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-411-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be detected using a range of electrophoretic techniques, of which temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis (TTGE) is often the most user-friendly and reproducible. The technique operates on the same principle as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, but does not require a chemical gradient in the gel. Instead, TTGE relies on a steady and gradual increase in temperature during electrophoresis to denature and separate DNA sequences that differ by as little as one base pair. TTGE can be easily accomplished using DNA of high quality and it is a rapid-throughput method for SNP screening once conditions have been optimized. Detection of SNPs is, for example, important for the diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders such as heteroplasmy, the presence of more than one type of mitochondria within a cell or tissue. Here we describe the basic steps for TTGE and illustrate its utility for the detection of heteroplasmy in mtDNA control region sequences.
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Concerted action of two novel tRNA mtDNA point mutations in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Biosci Rep 2008; 28:89-96. [PMID: 18384291 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20080004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CPEO (chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia) is a common mitochondrial disease phenotype in adults which is due to mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) point mutations in a subset of patients. Attributing pathogenicity to novel tRNA mtDNA mutations still poses a challenge, particularly when several mtDNA sequence variants are present. In the present study we report a CPEO patient for whom sequencing of the mitochondrial genome revealed three novel tRNA mtDNA mutations: G5835A, del4315A, T1658C in tRNATyr, tRNAIle and tRNAVal genes. In skeletal muscle, the tRNAVal and tRNAIle mutations were homoplasmic, whereas the tRNATyr mutation was heteroplasmic. To address the pathogenic relevance, we performed two types of functional tests: (i) single skeletal muscle fibre analysis comparing G5835A mutation loads and biochemical phenotypes of corresponding fibres, and (ii) Northern-blot analyses of mitochondrial tRNATyr, tRNAIle and tRNAVal. We demonstrated that both the G5835A tRNATyr and del4315A tRNAIle mutation have serious functional consequences. Single-fibre analyses displayed a high threshold of the tRNATyr mutation load for biochemical phenotypic expression at the single-cell level, indicating a rather mild pathogenic effect. In contrast, skeletal muscle tissue showed a severe decrease in respiratory-chain activities, a reduced overall COX (cytochrome c oxidase) staining intensity and abundant COX-negative fibres. Northern-blot analyses showed a dramatic reduction of tRNATyr and tRNAIle levels in muscle, with impaired charging of tRNAIle, whereas tRNAVal levels were only slightly decreased, with amino-acylation unaffected. Our findings suggest that the heteroplasmic tRNATyr and homoplasmic tRNAIle mutation act together, resulting in a concerted effect on the biochemical and histological phenotype. Thus homoplasmic mutations may influence the functional consequences of pathogenic heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations.
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Santos C, Sierra B, Alvarez L, Ramos A, Fernández E, Nogués R, Aluja MP. Frequency and pattern of heteroplasmy in the control region of human mitochondrial DNA. J Mol Evol 2008; 67:191-200. [PMID: 18618067 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-008-9138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we present the results of the screening of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy in the control region of mtDNA from 210 unrelated Spanish individuals. Both hypervariable regions of mtDNA were amplified and sequenced in order to identify and quantify point and length heteroplasmy. Of the 210 individuals analyzed, 30% were fully homoplasmic and the remaining presented point and/or length heteroplasmy. The prevalent form of heteroplasmy was length heteroplasmy in the poly(C) tract of the hypervariable region II (HVRII), followed by length heteroplasmy in the poly(C) tract of hypervariable region I (HVRI) and, finally, point heteroplasmy, which was found in 3.81% of the individuals analyzed. Moreover, no significant differences were found in the proportions of the different kinds of heteroplasmy in the population when blood and buccal cell samples were compared. The pattern of heteroplasmy in HVRI and HVRII presents important differences. Moreover, the mutational profile in heteroplasmy seems to be different from the mutational pattern detected in population. The results suggest that a considerable number of mutations and, particularly, transitions that appear in heteroplasmy are probably eliminated by drift and/or by selection acting at different mtDNA levels of organization. Taking as a whole the results reported in this work, it is mandatory to perform a broad-scale screening of heteroplasmy to better establish the heteroplasmy profile which would be important for medical, evolutionary, and forensic proposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Santos
- Biological Anthropology Unit, Department BABVE, Faculty of Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
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Rigoli L, Di Bella C, Verginelli F, Falchetti M, Bersiga A, Rocco A, Nardone G, Mariani-Costantini R, Caruso RA. Histological heterogeneity and somatic mtDNA mutations in gastric intraepithelial neoplasia. Mod Pathol 2008; 21:733-41. [PMID: 18425082 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2008.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Somatic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with various types of human cancer. To elucidate their role in gastric carcinogenesis, we analyzed mutations in the displacement loop region of mtDNA in 24 paraffin-embedded gastric intraepithelial neoplasias (formerly dysplasia) from a high gastric cancer risk area in northern Italy. Helicobacter pylori infection was assessed by histological examination (Giemsa staining). Gastritis was classified according to the guidelines of the Updated Sydney System. The mtDNA displacement loop region was amplified and sequenced from gastric intraepithelial neoplasia samples and adjacent non-neoplastic gastric mucosa. The gastric intraepithelial neoplasias were divided into two groups by their association with H. pylori gastritis. Group A with lesions arising on a background of H. pylori-positive gastritis contained 7 patients, and group B with lesions associated with H. pylori-negative gastritis contained 17 patients. Group A had a larger proportion of high-grade lesions than group B and showed a foveolar phenotype (type II dysplasia). Group B had a larger proportion of cases with mtDNA displacement loop region mutations than group A (P=0.004, Fisher's exact test) and exhibited an intestinal phenotype. No evidence of heteroplasmic variants in the mtDNA displacement loop, suggestive of mutations, was detected in gastric biopsies from 25 H. pylori-negative subjects and 60 cancer-unaffected H. pylori-positive patients. These results provide further evidence for the morphologic and mtDNA biomolecular differences of gastric intraepithelial neoplasias, and suggest the existence of two distinct pathways to gastric cancer--corpus-dominant H. pylori gastritis and the atrophy-metaplasia pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Rigoli
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Messina, Italy
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Nakahara H, Sekiguchi K, Imaizumi K, Mizuno N, Kasai K. Heteroplasmies detected in an amplified mitochondrial DNA control region from a small amount of template. J Forensic Sci 2008; 53:306-11. [PMID: 18298490 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00655.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
When mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmies are detected, they often confound forensic identification, especially if they are the result of poor biological sampling. In this study, we determined the ratio of heteroplasmy in samples that were amplified from a very small amount of template mtDNA or a few cells using a highly sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure and a direct sequencing analysis. As a result, more than half of the detected sequences (i.e., 17/20, 15/20, and 14/20) showed homoplasmy derived from a variation in the heteroplasmy proportion when only 10 copies of template mtDNA samples were amplified and analyzed. Additionally, with products amplified from one or several white blood cells (WBCs), several previously undetected heteroplasmies were detected. These results indicate the risks associated with using highly sensitive mtDNA techniques in forensic investigations because of the variable proportions of heteroplasmy or nucleotide substitutions that can possibly be detected from a very small biological sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Nakahara
- Biology Section, National Research Institute of Police Science, Kashiwashi, Chiba, Japan.
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48
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Hiendleder S. Mitochondrial DNA inheritance after SCNT. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 591:103-16. [PMID: 17176558 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-37754-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial biogenesis and function is under dual genetic control and requires extensive interaction between biparentally inherited nuclear genes and maternally inherited mitochondrial genes. Standard SCNT procedures deprive an oocytes' mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the corresponding maternal nuclear DNA and require it to interact with an entirely foreign nucleus that is again interacting with foreign somatic mitochondria. As a result, most SCNT embryos, -fetuses, and -offspring carry somatic cell mtDNA in addition to recipient oocyte mtDNA, a condition termed heteroplasmy. It is thus evident that somatic cell mtDNA can escape the selective mechanism that targets and eliminates intraspecific sperm mitochondria in the fertilized oocyte to maintain homoplasmy. However, the factors responsible for the large intra- and interindividual differences in heteroplasmy level remain elusive. Furthermore, heteroplasmy is probably confounded with mtDNA recombination. Considering the essential roles of mitochondria in cellular metabolism, cell signalling, and programmed cell death, future experiments will need to assess the true extent and impact of unorthodox mtDNA transmission on various aspects of SCNT success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hiendleder
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia.
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Lutz-Bonengel S, Sänger T, Parson W, Müller H, Ellwart JW, Follo M, Bonengel B, Niederstätter H, Heinrich M, Schmidt U. Single lymphocytes from two healthy individuals with mitochondrial point heteroplasmy are mainly homoplasmic. Int J Legal Med 2007; 122:189-97. [PMID: 17922134 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-007-0190-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The nature of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy is still unclear. It could either be caused by two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes coexisting within a single cell or by an admixture of homoplasmic cells, each of which contains only one type of mtDNA molecule. To address this question, single lymphocytes were separated by flow cytometry assisted cell sorting and analyzed by cycle sequencing or minisequencing. To attain the required PCR sensitivity, the reactions were carried out on the surface of chemically structured glass slides in a reaction volume of 1-2 microl. In this study, blood samples from two healthy donors showing mitochondrial point heteroplasmy in direct sequencing (195Y and 234R, respectively) were analyzed. Nearly 96% of single lymphocytes tested were found to be in a homoplasmic state, but heteroplasmic cells were also detected. These results suggest that mitochondrial point heteroplasmy in blood may well be mainly due to the mixture of homoplasmic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Lutz-Bonengel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Albert Ludwig University Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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50
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Abstract
Between February 1999 and May 2005, 116 DNA extractions were completed on skeletal remains from routine casework. Overall, at least a partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profile was obtained on 83.6% of samples. Skeletal remains fell into two general categories: (1) samples for body identifications submitted by law enforcement and (2) samples submitted to answer historical or family identity questions. Body identification cases were more likely to yield full mtDNA profiles, whereas historical cases were more likely to result in partial profiles. Overall, the ability to obtain a full or partial profile primarily reflects the difference in the average age and condition of the samples in these two categories and thus, difference in the quantity and quality of the DNA. Cremated remains were uniformly unsuccessful, whereas infant/fetal remains were uniformly successful. Heteroplasmy in skeletal remains was observed at a rate similar to that in hair ( approximately 10%). For body identification cases, skeletal remains had the same mtDNA profile as the accompanying reference sample in 50% of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberlyn Nelson
- Mitotyping Technologies, 2565 Park Center Boulevard, Suite 200, State College, PA 16801, USA
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