Association of a haplotype (196Phe/532Ser) in the interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase (IRAK1) gene with low radial bone mineral density in two independent populations

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN BIOLOGICAL SEX AND THE X-LINKED VARIANT IRAK1 HAPLOTYPE IN MODULATING CLINICAL OUTCOME AND CELLULAR PHENOTYPES AFTER TRAUMA

Sex-related outcome differences in trauma remain controversial. The mechanisms causing sex-biased outcomes are likely to have hormonal and genetic components, in which X-linked genetic polymorphisms may play distinct roles because of X-linked inheritance, hemizygosity in males, and X chromosome mosaicism in females. The study aimed to elucidate the contribution of biological sex and the common X-linked IRAK1 haplotype to posttrauma clinical complications, inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, and polymorphonuclear cell and monocyte activation. Postinjury clinical outcome was tested in 1507 trauma patients (1,110 males, 397 females) after stratification by sex or the variant IRAK1 haplotype. Males showed a three- to fivefold greater frequency of posttrauma sepsis, but similar mortality compared to females. Stratification by the variant IRAK1 haplotype revealed increased pneumonia and urinary tract infection in Wild type (WT) versus variant IRAK1 males, whereas increased respiratory failures in variant versus WT females. Cytokine/chemokine profiles were tested in whole blood from a subset of patients (n = 81) and healthy controls (n = 51), which indicated sex-related differences in ex vivo lipopolysaccharide responsiveness manifesting in a 1.5- to 2-fold increased production rate of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 Alpha, and MIP1β in WT male compared to WT female trauma patients. Variant IRAK1 decreased IL-6, IL-8, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 production in male trauma subjects compared to WT, whereas cytokine/chemokine responses were similar in variant IRAK1 and WT female trauma subjects. Trauma-induced and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated polymorphonuclear cell and monocyte activation determined by using a set of cluster of differentiation markers and flow cytometry were not influenced by sex or variant IRAK1. These findings suggest that variant IRAK1 is a potential contributor to sex-based outcome differences, but its immunomodulatory impacts are modulated by biological sex.

A CD40 variant is associated with systemic bone loss among patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

Little is known about genes predisposing to systemic bone loss (SBL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we examined the association between SBL and variants of genes playing a critical role in both immune response and bone homeostasis among patients with RA.

METHODS

IRAK-1 rs3027898, IRAK-2 rs3844283, IRAK-2 rs708035, IFIH1 rs1990760, CD40 rs48104850, TNFAIP3 rs2230926, and miR146-a rs2910164 were genotyped in 176 adult RA patients. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

Low BMD was observed in 116 (65.9%) patients. Among them, 60 (34.1%) had low femoral neck (FN) Z score, 72 (40.9%) had low total femur (TF) Z score, and 105 (59.6%) had low lumbar spine (LS) Z score. Among all the SNPs assessed, only CD40 rs4810485 was found to be associated with reduced TF Z score with the CD40 rs4810485 T allele protecting against reduced TF Z score (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.23-0.68, p = 0.0005). This association was confirmed in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16-0.59, p = 3.84 × 10^-4). Moreover, median FN BMD was reduced among RA patients with CD40 rs4810485 GG genotype compared to RA patients harbouring CD40 rs4810485 TT and GT genotypes (0.788 ± 0.136 versus 0.826 ± 0.146 g/cm², p = 0.001). IRAK-1 rs3027898, IRAK-2 rs3844283, rs708035, IFIH rs1990760, TNFAIP3 rs2230926, and miR146-a rs2910164 were not found to be associated with SBL.

CONCLUSION

This study for the first time ever demonstrated an association between a CD40 genetic variant and SBL among patients with RA.

KEY POINTS

• CD40 rs4810485 GG genotype is associated with decreased BMD among patients with RA. • CD40 rs4810485 might serve as a genetic marker for SBL in RA. • CD40 genetic variations might be integrated in future development of more effective therapeutic interventions for prevention of SBL in RA.

Genetic variation involved in the risk to external apical root resorption in orthodontic patients: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review/meta-analysis to elucidate the scientific basis for the association between genetic variations and risk of external apical root resorption (EARR) in orthodontic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS) were electronically searched until November 22, 2020, followed by manual and gray literature search. Case-control or cross-sectional studies that evaluated genes involved in the susceptibility of orthodontic patients to EARR were eligible. Two reviewers applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted qualitative data, as well as assessed methodological quality using instrument proposed for genetic studies. For synthesis results, narrative and quantitative data (meta-analysis) were performed. The certainty of the evidence was tested using the GRADE Working Group approach.

RESULTS

Of 201 articles in total, 16 studies were included in the review. Of these, 11 presented moderate and 5 of high methodological quality. In the narrative analysis, from 16 studies, 15 studies (10 genes) showed a significant association with EARR and 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Only the polymorphism rs208294 in P2RX7 (dominant model) was associated with EARR (OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.29-0.95, p = 0.03) and presented a very low certainty of the evidence.

CONCLUSION

Narrative analyses of individual studies demonstrated an association of many genes. The number of studies for each genetic variation was very low, and methodological heterogeneity between the studies was observed. Quantitative analyses (meta-analysis) could only show an involvement for P2RX7 (rs208294) in the risk of orthodontic patients to EARR at a very low certainty of evidence. (CRD42018085411).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The knowledge regarding the molecular aspects involved in the etiology of EARR will allow orthodontists to use a personalized treatment and early diagnosis of risk patients. This systematic review demonstrates that more studies are necessary to unravel the role of genetic variation for patients' risk to EARR during orthodontic tooth movement.

Directional X Chromosome Skewing of White Blood Cells from Subjects with Heterozygous Mosaicism for the Variant IRAK1 Haplotype

Random X chromosome (ChrX) inactivation and consequent cellular mosaicism for the active ChrXs in white blood cells (WBCs) is unique to females and may contribute to sex-biased modulation of the innate immune response. Polymorphic differences between the two parental ChrXs may result in ChrX skewing of circulating WBCs (ChrX inactivation-ratio (XCI) > 3) driven by differences in stem cell selection and activity in the bone marrow or WBC trafficking at the periphery. Independent of the mechanism, ChrX skewing may result in genotype-phenotype discrepancies. This study aimed to develop an allele-specific assay and test its applicability in clinical samples to determine the "direction" of ChrX skewing in the variant IRAK1 haplotype, a common X-linked polymorphism with major clinical impacts. Because alternative splice variants of IRAK1 are also produced in the region surrounding the critical single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs1059703), we also tested the abundance of alternative splice variant IRAK1 transcripts. The expression of splice variants IRAK1-B and IRAK1-C was about 30 and 50% of the full-length (IRAK1-A) in WBCs from healthy subjects (n = 53). IRAK1-A, B, and C showed about 30% lower expression level in males (n = 25) than females (n = 28). By contrast, the expression levels of IRAK1-A, B, and C were not affected by the variant IRAK1 haplotype in either sex. Allele-specific primers generated WT and variant-IRAK1 amplicons with high selectivity, and on average produced about half the expression levels of each transcript in heterozygous IRAK1-mosaic females. Because injury was shown to induce de novo ChrX skewing of WBCs, we tested the directional XCI ratio changes in WBC in a sample of trauma patients heterozygous for the variant IRAK1 haplotype (n = 18). Using the allele-specific assay in combination with the DNA methylation status at the polymorphic HUMARA locus, we found that at admission, about 60% the patients presented XCI ratios skewed toward WBCs with active ChrXs carrying the variant-IRAK1 similar to healthy controls. De novo, trauma-induced XCI ratio changes showed increased extravasation of the more abundant mosaic WBC subset without reversal in the direction of ChrX skewing during the injury course.

X-Linked IRAK1 Polymorphism is Associated with Sex-Related Differences in Polymorphonuclear Granulocyte and Monocyte Activation and Response Variabilities

Common X-linked genetic polymorphisms are expected to alter cellular responses affecting males and females differently through sex-linked inheritance pattern as well as X chromosome (ChrX) mosaicism and associated ChrX skewing, which is unique to females. We tested this hypothesis in ex vivo lipopolysaccharide and phorbol ester-stimulated polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) and monocytes from healthy volunteers (n = 51). Observations were analyzed after stratification by sex alone or the presence of variant IRAK1 haplotype a common X-linked polymorphism with previously demonstrated major clinical impacts. Upon cell activation, CD11b, CD45, CD66b, CD63, and CD14 expression was markedly and similarly elevated in healthy males and females. By contrast, PMN and monocyte activation measured by CD11b, CD66b, and CD63 was increased in variant-IRAK1 subjects as compared with WT. Stratification by IRAK1 genotype and sex showed similar cell activation effect on variant-IRAK1 subjects and an intermediate degree of cell activation in heterozygous mosaic females. The increased membrane expression of these proteins in variant-IRAK1 subjects was associated with similar or increased intersubject but uniformly decreased intrasubject cell response variabilities as compared with WT. We also tested white blood cell ChrX skewing in the healthy cohort as well as in a sample of female trauma patients (n = 201). ChrX inactivation ratios were similar in IRAK1 WT, variant, and heterozygous healthy subjects. Trauma patients showed a trend of blunted ChrX skewing at admission in homozygous variant-IRAK1 and heterozygous mosaic-IRAK1 female subjects as compared with WT. Trauma-induced de novo ChrX skewing was also depressed in variant-IRAK1 and mosaic-IRAK1 female trauma patients as compared with WT. Our study indicates that augmented PMN and monocyte activation in variant-IRAK1 subjects is accompanied by decreased intrasubject cellular variability and blunted de novo ChrX skewing in response to trauma. A more pronounced cell activation of PMNs and monocytes accompanied by decreased response variabilities in variant-IRAK1 subjects may be a contributing mechanism affecting the course of sepsis and trauma and may also impact sex-based outcome differences due to its X-linked inheritance pattern and high prevalence.

Inherent X-Linked Genetic Variability and Cellular Mosaicism Unique to Females Contribute to Sex-Related Differences in the Innate Immune Response

Females have a longer lifespan and better general health than males. Considerable number of studies also demonstrated that, after trauma and sepsis, females present better outcomes as compared to males indicating sex-related differences in the innate immune response. The current notion is that differences in the immuno-modulatory effects of sex hormones are the underlying causative mechanism. However, the field remains controversial and the exclusive role of sex hormones has been challenged. Here, we propose that polymorphic X-linked immune competent genes, which are abundant in the population are important players in sex-based immuno-modulation and play a key role in causing sex-related outcome differences following trauma or sepsis. We describe the differences in X chromosome (ChrX) regulation between males and females and its consequences in the context of common X-linked polymorphisms at the individual as well as population level. We also discuss the potential pathophysiological and immune-modulatory aspects of ChrX cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females and how this may contribute to sex-biased immune-modulation. The potential confounding effects of ChrX skewing of cell progenitors at the bone marrow is also presented together with aspects of acute trauma-induced de novo ChrX skewing at the periphery. In support of the hypothesis, novel observations indicating ChrX skewing in a female trauma cohort as well as case studies depicting the temporal relationship between trauma-induced cellular skewing and the clinical course are also described. Finally, we list and discuss a selected set of polymorphic X-linked genes, which are frequent in the population and have key regulatory or metabolic functions in the innate immune response and, therefore, are primary candidates for mediating sex-biased immune responses. We conclude that sex-related differences in a variety of disease processes including the innate inflammatory response to injury and infection may be related to the abundance of X-linked polymorphic immune-competent genes, differences in ChrX regulation, and inheritance patterns between the sexes and the presence of X-linked cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females.

IRAK1 variant is protective for orthodontic-induced external apical root resorption

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) pathway is a key player in orthodontic-induced external apical root resorption (EARR). The aim of this work was to identify the genes related to the IL1 pathway as possible candidate genes for EARR, which might be included in an integrative predictive model of this complex phenotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a stepwise multiple linear regression model, 195 patients who had undergone orthodontic treatment were assessed for clinical and genetic factors associated with %EARRmax (maximum %EARR value obtained for each patient). The four maxillary incisors and the two maxillary canines were assessed. Three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped: rs1143634 in IL1B gene, rs315952 in IL1RN gene, and rs1059703 in X-linked IRAK1 gene.

RESULTS

The model showed that four of the nine clinical variables and one SNP explained 30% of the %EARRmax variability. The most significant unique contributions to the model were gender (P = 0.001), treatment duration (P < 0.001), premolar extractions (P = 0.003), Hyrax appliance (P < 0.001), and homozygosity/hemizygosity for variant C from IRAK1 gene (P = 0.018), which proved to be a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

IRAK1 polymorphism is proposed as a protective variant for EARR.

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-2 genetic variant rs708035 increases NF-κB activity through promoting TRAF6 ubiquitination

The IL-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are key regulators of Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1 signaling, which are critical regulators of mammalian inflammation and innate immune response. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IRAK genes have been discovered recently. However, the functions of these IRAK SNPs remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the non-synonymous IRAK2 variant rs708035 (coding D431E) increases NF-κB activity and leads to more expression of NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines compared with IRAK2 wild type. Moreover, when IRAK2 knockdown cells reconstituted with siRNA-resistant WT-IRAK2 or D431E-IRAK2 were infected with influenza virus, a more obvious induction of IL-6 and a stronger anti-apoptosis effect were observed in D431E-IRAK2 expressing cells. Notably, we also found that the levels of proinflammatory cytokine-IL-6 were indeed higher in people carrying D431E-IRAK2 than those carrying WT-IRAK2. Further study demonstrated that elevated NF-κB activation mediated by the IRAK2 variant was due to increased TRAF6 ubiquitination and faster IκBα degradation. Our study provides important insight of IRAK2 SNP in the regulation of NF-κB activation and indicates that IRAK2 rs708035 might be associated with human diseases caused by hyper-activation of NF-κB.

Racial disparities and sex-based outcomes differences after severe injury

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists about the mechanisms responsible for sex-based outcomes differences post-injury. X-chromosome-linked immune response pathway polymorphisms represent a potential mechanism resulting in sex-based outcomes differences post-injury. The prevalence of these variants is known to differ across race. We sought to characterize racial differences and the strength of any sex-based dimorphism post-injury.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis was performed using data derived from the National Trauma Data Bank 7.1 (2002-2006). Blunt-injured adult (older than 15 years) patients, surviving >24 hours and with an Injury Severity Score >16 were analyzed (n = 244,371). Patients were stratified by race (Caucasian, black, Hispanic, Asian) and multivariable regression analysis was used to characterize the risk of mortality and the strength of protection associated with sex (female vs male).

RESULTS

When stratified by race, multivariable models demonstrated Caucasian females had an 8.5% lower adjusted risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88-0.95; p < 0.001) relative to Caucasian males, with no significant association found for Hispanics or blacks. An exaggerated survival benefit was afforded to Asian females relative to Asian males, having a >40% lower adjusted risk of mortality (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-78; p < 0.001). Asian males had a >75% higher adjusted risk of mortality relative to non-Asian males (OR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.5-2.0; p < 0.001), and no significant difference in the mortality risk was found for Asian females relative to non-Asian females.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Asian race is associated with sex-based outcomes differences that are exaggerated, resulting from worse outcomes for Asian males. These racial disparities suggest a negative male X-chromosome-linked effect as the mechanism responsible for these sex-based outcomes differences.

Evidence of the contribution of the X chromosome to systemic sclerosis susceptibility: association with the functional IRAK1 196Phe/532Ser haplotype

OBJECTIVE

Several autoimmune disorders, including systemic sclerosis (SSc), are characterized by a strong sex bias. To date, it is not known whether genes on the sex chromosomes influence SSc susceptibility. Recently, an IRAK1 haplotype that contains the 196Phe functional variant (rs1059702), located on Xq28, was found to confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to test for an association between SSc and the IRAK1 SLE risk haplotype.

METHODS

We tested for an association with the IRAK1 SLE risk haplotype in a discovery set of 849 SSc patients and 625 controls. IRAK1 rs1059702 was further genotyped in a replication set, which included Caucasian women from Italy (493 SSc patients and 509 controls) and Germany (466 SSc patients and 1,083 controls).

RESULTS

An association between the IRAK1 haplotype and SSc was detected in the discovery set. In both the discovery and replication sets, the rs1059702 TT genotype was found to be associated with specific SSc subsets, highlighting a potential contribution to disease severity. A meta-analysis provided evidence of an association of both the T allele and TT genotype with the overall disease, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.20 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.06-1.35 for the T allele (P = 0.003) and an OR of 1.49 and 95% CI of 1.06-2.10 for the TT genotype (P = 0.023). However, the most notable associations were observed with the diffuse cutaneous, anti-topoisomerase I antibody positive, and SSc-related fibrosing alveolitis subsets (OR 2.35 [95% CI 1.51-3.66], P = 1.56 × 10(-4), OR 2.84 [95% CI 1.87-4.32], P = 1.07 × 10(-6), and OR 2.09 [95% CI 1.35-3.24], P = 9.05 × 10(-4), respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides the first evidence of an association between IRAK1 and SSc, demonstrating that a sex chromosome gene directly influences SSc susceptibility and its phenotypic heterogeneity.

Quantitative trait locus on chromosome X affects bone loss after maturation in mice

Genetic programming is known to affect the peak bone mass and bone loss after maturation. However, little is known about how polymorphic genes on chromosome X (Chr X) modulate bone loss after maturation. We previously reported a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on Chr X, designated Pbd3, which had a suggestive linkage to bone mass, in male SAMP2 and SAMP6 mice. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effects of Pbd3 on the skeletal phenotype. We generated a congenic strain, P2.P6-X, carrying a 45.6-cM SAMP6-derived Chr X interval on a SAMP2 genetic background. The effects of Pbd3 on the bone phenotype were determined by microcomputed tomography (microCT), whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), serum bone turnover markers, and histomorphometric parameters. Both the bone area fraction (BA/TA) on microCT and whole-body DXA revealed reduced bone loss in P2.P6-X compared with that in SAMP2. The serum concentrations of bone turnover markers at 4 months of age were significantly lower in P2.P6-X than in SAMP2, but did not differ at 8 months of age. These results were observed in female mice, but not in male mice. In conclusion, a QTL within a segregated 45.6-cM interval on Chr X is sex-specifically related to the rate of bone loss after maturation.

Quantitative trait loci, genes, and polymorphisms that regulate bone mineral density in mouse

This is an in silico analysis of data available from genome-wide scans. Through analysis of QTL, genes and polymorphisms that regulate BMD, we identified 82 BMD QTL, 191 BMD-associated (BMDA) genes, and 83 genes containing known BMD-associated polymorphisms (BMDAP). The catalogue of all BMDA/BMDAP genes and relevant literatures are provided. In total, there are substantially more BMDA/BMDAP genes in regions of the genome where QTL have been identified than in non-QTL regions. Among 191 BMDA genes and 83 BMDAP genes, 133 and 58 are localized in QTL regions, respectively. The difference was still noticeable for the chromosome distribution of these genes between QTL and non-QTL regions. These results have allowed us to generate an integrative profile of QTL, genes, polymorphisms that determine BMD. These data could facilitate more rapid and comprehensive identification of causal genes underlying the determination of BMD in mouse and provide new insights into how BMD is regulated in humans.

A bivariate whole genome linkage study identified genomic regions influencing both BMD and bone structure

Areal BMD (aBMD) and areal bone size (ABS) are biologically correlated traits and are each important determinants of bone strength and risk of fractures. Studies showed that aBMD and ABS are genetically correlated, indicating that they may share some common genetic factors, which, however, are largely unknown. To study the genetic factors influencing both aBMD and ABS, bivariate whole genome linkage analyses were conducted for aBMD-ABS at the femoral neck (FN), lumbar spine (LS), and ultradistal (UD)-forearm in a large sample of 451 white pedigrees made up of 4498 individuals. We detected significant linkage on chromosome Xq27 (LOD = 4.89) for LS aBMD-ABS. In addition, we detected suggestive linkages at 20q11 (LOD = 3.65) and Xp11 (LOD = 2.96) for FN aBMD-ABS; at 12p11 (LOD = 3.39) and 17q21 (LOD = 2.94) for LS aBMD-ABS; and at 5q23 (LOD = 3.54), 7p15 (LOD = 3.45), Xq27 (LOD = 2.93), and 12p11 (LOD = 2.92) for UD-forearm aBMD-ABS. Subsequent discrimination analyses indicated that quantitative trait loci (QTLs) at 12p11 and 17q21 may have pleiotropic effects on aBMD and ABS. This study identified several genomic regions that may contain QTLs important for both aBMD and ABS. Further endeavors are necessary to follow these regions to eventually pinpoint the genetic variants affecting bone strength and risk of fractures.

MECP2 deletions and genotype-phenotype correlation in Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that represents one of the most common genetic causes of mental retardation in girls. MECP2 point mutations in exons 2-4 account for about 80% of classic Rett cases and for a lower percentage of variant patients. We investigated the genetic cause in 77 mutation-negative Rett patients (33 classic, 31 variant, and 13 Rett-like cases) by searching missed MECP2 defects. DHPLC analysis of exon 1 and MLPA analysis allowed us to identify the defect in 17 Rett patients: one exon 1 point mutation (c.47_57del) in a classic case and 16 MECP2 large deletions (15/33 classic and 1/31 variant cases). One identical intragenic MECP2 deletion, probably due to gonadal mosaicism, was found in two sisters with discordant phenotype: one classic and one "highly functioning" preserved speech variant. This result indicates that other epigenetic or genetic factors, beside MECP2, may contribute to phenotype modulation. Three out of 16 MECP2 deletions extend to the adjacent centromeric IRAK1 gene. A putative involvement of the hemizygosity of this gene in the ossification process is discussed. Finally, results reported here clearly indicate that MECP2 large deletions are a common cause of classic Rett, and MLPA analysis is mandatory in MECP2-negative patients, especially in those more severely affected (P = 0.044).

Variant IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 mediates increased NF-kappa B activity

IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK)-1 is a critical mediator of TLR/IL-1R-induced activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. We previously described that a commonly occurring IRAK-1 variant haplotype, containing amino acid changes from serine to phenylalanine at position 196 and from leucine to serine at position 532, is associated with increased activation of NF-kappaB in LPS-stimulated neutrophils from patients with sepsis-induced acute lung injury and also higher mortality and more severe clinical outcomes in such patients. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we examined the ability of wild-type and variant IRAK-1 to modulate NF-kappaB activation. We found increased NF-kappaB transcriptional activity and expression of NF-kappaB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines in IL-1beta-stimulated IRAK-1-deficient cells transfected with variant IRAK-1 as compared with IRAK-1 wild type. IkappaB-alpha degradation was faster and p65 phosphorylation more prolonged after IL-1beta stimulation in cells expressing the IRAK-1 variant. However, IL-1-induced activation of MAPKs and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB are comparable in both IRAK-1 variant- and IRAK-1 wild-type-expressing cells. Autophosphorylation of the IRAK-1 variant is greater than that found with wild-type IRAK-1. Additionally, variant IRAK-1 has greater interaction with TNFR-associated factor 6 than does wild-type IRAK-1. The enhanced activity of variant IRAK-1 appeared to be due to the alteration at aa 532, with only minimal effects being associated with change at aa 196. These results demonstrate that variant IRAK-1 is associated with alterations in multiple intracellular events that are likely to contribute to increased NF-kappaB activation and inflammatory responses in individuals with this IRAK-1 haplotype.

Molecular genetic studies of gene identification for osteoporosis: a 2004 update

This review summarizes comprehensively the most important and representative molecular genetics studies of gene identification for osteoporosis published up to the end of December 2004. It is intended to constitute a sequential update of our previously published review covering the available data up to the end of 2002. Evidence from candidate gene association studies and genome-wide linkage studies in humans, as well as quantitative trait locus mapping animal models are reviewed separately. Studies of transgenic and knockout mice models relevant to osteoporosis are summarized. An important extension of this update is incorporation of functional genomic studies (including DNA microarrays and proteomics) on osteogenesis and osteoporosis, in light of the rapid advances and the promising prospects of the field. Comments are made on the most notable findings and representative studies for their potential influence and implications on our present understanding of genetics of osteoporosis. The format adopted by this review should be ideal for accommodating future new advances and studies.

Variant IRAK-1 haplotype is associated with increased nuclear factor-kappaB activation and worse outcomes in sepsis

RATIONALE

The IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK-1) plays a central role in TLR2- and TLR4-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, a critical event in the transcriptional regulation of many sepsis-associated proinflammatory mediators. There are two haplotypes for the IRAK-1 gene in Caucasians, with the variant haplotype consisting of five intron single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and three exon SNPs.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the functional significance of the IRAK-1 variant haplotype in modifying nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and affecting outcomes from sepsis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

One hundred fifty-five Caucasian patients with sepsis were included. Twenty-one (14%) were homozygous for the IRAK-1 variant haplotype as determined by a SNP in which T is replaced with C at nucleotide 1,595 within exon 12 of the IRAK-1 gene. The IRAK-1 variant haplotype was associated with increased nuclear levels of NF-kappaB in LPS-stimulated peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with sepsis compared with that found in patients with wild-type IRAK-1 haplotype (p=0.0009). There was an increased incidence of shock (p=0.047) (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-7.7), greater requirement for more prolonged mechanical ventilator support (p=0.04) (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.05-6.9), and higher 60-d mortality (p=0.05) (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-6.8) in patients with the IRAK-1 variant haplotype compared with wild type.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the IRAK-1 variant haplotype is functionally significant in patients with sepsis, being associated with increased nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, more severe organ dysfunction, and higher mortality.

Functional analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphism (787T>C) in the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase gene associated with BMD

Polymorphisms of the TNSALP gene have not previously been studied as a possible determinant for variations in BMD or as a predisposing genetic factor for osteoporosis. This study showed a significantly higher association between the 787T>C (Tyr246His) TNSALP gene and BMD among 501 postmenopausal women. Furthermore, the effects of amino acid substitution on the catalytic property of the protein translated from the 787T>C gene were examined.

INTRODUCTION

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is present mainly on the cell membrane in various tissues and hydrolyzes a variety of monophosphate esters into inorganic phosphoric acid and alcohol. Human ALPs are classified into four types: tissue-nonspecific, intestinal, placental, and germ cell types. Based on studies of hypophosphatasia, which is a systemic skeletal disorder resulting from a tissue-nonspecific ALP (TNSALP) deficiency, TNSALP was suggested to be indispensable for bone mineralization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We explored the possibility that the TNSALP gene may contribute to age-related bone loss in humans by examining the association between TNSALP gene polymorphisms and BMD in 501 Japanese postmenopausal women. To analyze the protein translated from the TNSALP gene associated with BMD, we constructed a TNSALP cDNA expression plasmid.

RESULTS

We genotyped two single nucleotide polymorphisms (787T>C[Tyr246His] and 876A>G[Pro275Pro]), which proved to be in complete linkage disequilibrium. There was a significant difference in BMD and the BMD score adjusted for age and body weight (Z score) among haplotypes (p = 0.041), which was lowest among 787T/876A homozygotes, highest among 787T>C/876A>G homozygotes, and intermediate among heterozygotes. In subgroups divided by age, haplotypes were significantly associated with BMD in older postmenopausal women (>74 years; p = 0.001), but not in younger postmenopausal women (<74 years; p = 0.964). Expression of the 787T>C TNSALP gene using COS-1 cells showed that the protein translated from 787T>C had ALP-specific activity similar to that of 787T. Interestingly, the K(m) value for TNSALP in cells transfected with the 787T>C TNSALP gene was decreased significantly compared with that of cells bearing the 787T gene, reflecting the higher affinity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that variation in TNSALP may be an important determinant of age-related bone loss in humans and that the phosphate metabolism pathway may provide a novel target for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.