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Laan M, Kasak L, Timinskas K, Grigorova M, Venclovas Č, Renaux A, Lenaerts T, Punab M. NR5A1 c.991-1G > C splice-site variant causes familial 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis with incomplete penetrance. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 94:656-666. [PMID: 33296094 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to identify the genetic basis of partial gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) in a non-consanguineous family from Estonia. PATIENTS Cousins P (proband) 1 (12 years; 46,XY) and P2 (18 years; 46,XY) presented bilateral cryptorchidism, severe penoscrotal hypospadias, low bitesticular volume and azoospermia in P2. Their distant relative, P3 (30 years; 46,XY), presented bilateral cryptorchidism and cryptozoospermia. DESIGN Exome sequencing was targeted to P1-P3 and five unaffected family members. RESULTS P1-P2 were identified as heterozygous carriers of NR5A1 c.991-1G > C. NR5A1 encodes the steroidogenic factor-1 essential in gonadal development and specifically expressed in adrenal, spleen, pituitary and testes. Together with a previous PGD case from Belgium (Robevska et al 2018), c.991-1G > C represents the first recurrent NR5A1 splice-site mutation identified in patients. The majority of previous reports on NR5A1 mutation carriers have not included phenotype-genotype data of the family members. Segregation analysis across three generations showed incomplete penetrance (<50%) and phenotypic variability among the carriers of NR5A1 c.991-1G > C. The variant pathogenicity was possibly modulated by rare heterozygous variants inherited from the other parent, OTX2 p.P134R (P1) or PROP1 c.301_302delAG (P2). For P3, the pedigree structure supported a distinct genetic cause. He carries a previously undescribed likely pathogenic variant SOS1 p.Y136H. SOS1, critical in Ras/MAPK signalling and foetal development, is a strong novel candidate gene for cryptorchidism. CONCLUSIONS Detailed genetic profiling facilitates counselling and clinical management of the probands, and supports unaffected mutation carriers in the family for their reproductive decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maris Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Laura Kasak
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kęstutis Timinskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Česlovas Venclovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexandre Renaux
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Machine Learning Group, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Artificial Intelligence lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tom Lenaerts
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Machine Learning Group, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Artificial Intelligence lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Center, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Hallast P, Kibena L, Punab M, Arciero E, Rootsi S, Grigorova M, Flores R, Jobling MA, Poolamets O, Pomm K, Korrovits P, Rull K, Xue Y, Tyler-Smith C, Laan M. A common 1.6 mb Y-chromosomal inversion predisposes to subsequent deletions and severe spermatogenic failure in humans. eLife 2021; 10:65420. [PMID: 33781384 PMCID: PMC8009663 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a prevalent condition, affecting 5–10% of men. So far, few genetic factors have been described as contributors to spermatogenic failure. Here, we report the first re-sequencing study of the Y-chromosomal Azoospermia Factor c (AZFc) region, combined with gene dosage analysis of the multicopy DAZ, BPY2, and CDYgenes and Y-haplogroup determination. In analysing 2324 Estonian men, we uncovered a novel structural variant as a high-penetrance risk factor for male infertility. The Y lineage R1a1-M458, reported at >20% frequency in several European populations, carries a fixed ~1.6 Mb r2/r3 inversion, destabilizing the AZFc region and predisposing to large recurrent microdeletions. Such complex rearrangements were significantly enriched among severe oligozoospermia cases. The carrier vs non-carrier risk for spermatogenic failure was increased 8.6-fold (p=6.0×10−4). This finding contributes to improved molecular diagnostics and clinical management of infertility. Carrier identification at young age will facilitate timely counselling and reproductive decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pille Hallast
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Kibena
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Elena Arciero
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Siiri Rootsi
- Institute of Genomics, Estonian Biocentre, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rodrigo Flores
- Institute of Genomics, Estonian Biocentre, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mark A Jobling
- Department of Genetics & Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Olev Poolamets
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristjan Pomm
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paul Korrovits
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Rull
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Women's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Yali Xue
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Tyler-Smith
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Shi W, Louzada S, Grigorova M, Massaia A, Arciero E, Kibena L, Ge XJ, Chen Y, Ayub Q, Poolamets O, Tyler-Smith C, Punab M, Laan M, Yang F, Hallast P, Xue Y. Evolutionary and functional analysis of RBMY1 gene copy number variation on the human Y chromosome. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:2785-2798. [PMID: 31108506 PMCID: PMC6687947 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human RBMY1 genes are located in four variable-sized clusters on the Y chromosome, expressed in male germ cells and possibly associated with sperm motility. We have re-investigated the mutational background and evolutionary history of the RBMY1 copy number distribution in worldwide samples and its relevance to sperm parameters in an Estonian cohort of idiopathic male factor infertility subjects. We estimated approximate RBMY1 copy numbers in 1218 1000 Genomes Project phase 3 males from sequencing read-depth, then chose 14 for valid ation by multicolour fibre-FISH. These fibre-FISH samples provided accurate calibration standards for the entire panel and led to detailed insights into population variation and mutational mechanisms. RBMY1 copy number worldwide ranged from 3 to 13 with a mode of 8. The two larger proximal clusters were the most variable, and additional duplications, deletions and inversions were detected. Placing the copy number estimates onto the published Y-SNP-based phylogeny of the same samples suggested a minimum of 562 mutational changes, translating to a mutation rate of 2.20 × 10-3 (95% CI 1.94 × 10-3 to 2.48 × 10-3) per father-to-son Y-transmission, higher than many short tandem repeat (Y-STRs), and showed no evidence for selection for increased or decreased copy number, but possible copy number stabilizing selection. An analysis of RBMY1 copy numbers among 376 infertility subjects failed to replicate a previously reported association with sperm motility and showed no significant effect on sperm count and concentration, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels or testicular and semen volume. These results provide the first in-depth insights into the structural rearrangements underlying RBMY1 copy number variation across diverse human lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Shi
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Sandra Louzada
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Andrea Massaia
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Elena Arciero
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Laura Kibena
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Xiangyu Jack Ge
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Science, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Science, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Yuan Chen
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Qasim Ayub
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Monash University Malaysia Genomics Facility, Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Olev Poolamets
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Chris Tyler-Smith
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Fengtang Yang
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Pille Hallast
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Yali Xue
- Wellcome Genome Campus, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
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Rull K, Grigorova M, Ehrenberg A, Vaas P, Sekavin A, Nõmmemees D, Adler M, Hanson E, Juhanson P, Laan M. FSHB -211 G>T is a major genetic modulator of reproductive physiology and health in childbearing age women. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:954-966. [PMID: 29617818 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the genetic variants FSHB -211 G>T (rs10835638), FSHR c.2039 A>G (Asn680Ser, rs6166) and FSHR -29 G>A (rs1394205) associated with serum FSH, LH and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in reproductive age women, their menstrual cycle parameters and risk of infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Only the FSHB -211 G>T variant was a major genetic determinant of serum gonadotropin levels in both, eumenorrheic healthy women and female infertility patients, and the T-allele carrier status was enriched among idiopathic infertility cases. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There are accumulating data on common genetic variants modulating reproductive parameters and fertility potential. FSHB -211 G>T represents the strongest acknowledged genetic factor contributing to male circulating gonadotropins levels. Respective data in women are limited and the two previously published studies have reached conflicting results. In addition, previous studies have consistently associated FSHR c.2039 A>G (but not FSHR -29 G>A) with female serum FSH level. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study aimed to test robust and clinically meaningful genetic effects (if present) of the FSHB -211 G>T, FSHR c.2039 A>G and FSHR -29 G>A variants on female basal FSH, LH and AMH levels, and linked reproductive parameters. Genetic association testing was performed in two independent and clinically different study groups (i) eumenorrheic healthy women without known fertility problems (n = 169; 27.6 ± 6.1 years) and (ii) female partners of infertile couples (n = 186; 32.4 ± 4.7 years). The study groups were compared for allelic and genotypic distributions of the analysed variants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All participants were recruited during the HAPPY PREGNANCY study (2013-2015) at the Women's Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. Serum FSH, LH and AMH were measured in the follicular phase (Days 2-6) of the menstrual cycle. All three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by PCR and Taqman allelic discrimination assay. The effect of the analysed variants on hormonal measurements and menstrual cycle data was assessed using linear regression under additive and recessive models adjusted by age, BMI and smoking status. Results of the two subgroups were combined in a meta-analysis applying the fixed effects model. Restricted maximum likelihood analysis was applied to estimate the proportion of total phenotypic variance of analysed reproductive parameters, explainable by the tested genetic variants. In case-control analysis, genetic association with infertility status was tested using Fisher's exact test and logistic regression adjusted by age, BMI and smoking status. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In both study groups, T-allele of the FSHB -211 G>T was associated with significantly higher serum levels of FSH and LH. Results of the meta-analysis (additive genetic model) remained significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing: FSH, T-allele effect 0.80 IU/L, P = 1.2 × 10-3; LH, 1.58 IU/L, P = 1.8×10-8. A more pronounced effect of T-allele of the FSHB -211 G>T on circulating LH was identified as a driving factor to increased LH/FSH ratio (meta-analysis, P = 4.7 × 10-3). In healthy women, the FSHB -211 G>T variant was estimated to explain 3.5 and 7.1% of the total variance of the measured serum FSH and LH levels, respectively. The corresponding numbers for the infertility patients were 1.6 and 10.5%. Women with idiopathic infertility compared to controls exhibited a doubled T-allele frequency (23.6 versus 12.4%; P = 8.9 × 10-3) and a >3-fold excess of TT homozygotes (5.6 versus 1.8%; P = 3.5 × 10-2). The only association of the FSHR c.2039 A>G was detected with serum FSH levels in eumenorrheic healthy women, explaining 3.9% of the total parameter variance (G-allele effect 0.56 IU/L, P = 4.6 × 10-3). In the study group of healthy reproductive age women, the highest serum FSH levels were detected among the FSHB -211 T-allele carriers with the FSHR c.2039 GG-genotype (median 7.7 IU/L). In contrast, the lowest hormone concentrations were measured for the women carrying the combination of the FSHB -211 GG- and the FSHR c.2039 AA-homozygosity (median 5.8 IU/L, P = 9.6 × 10-3). None of the analysed reproductive parameters was associated with the FSHR -29 G>A variant. In our study groups, the tested polymorphisms did not reach significant associations with serum AMH measurements, menstrual cycle length or age at menarche. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Small sample size and the design involving two clinical groups with different reproductive histories may have limited the capacity to replicate the associations with the age at menarche and length of menstrual cycle, initially reported in large genome-wide association studies. Small sample size may have also affected the accuracy in estimating the contribution of the tested variants to the total phenotypic variance of measured gonadotropin concentrations. The group of eumenorrheic healthy women had its limitations as a control to estimate the true effect of analysed genetic variants on individual's fertility potential as the recruitment strategy had been targeted mostly towards younger women, who may not yet have planned to conceive a child by this age. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We propose that like in men, also in women the FSHB -211 G>T represents a key genetic modulator of circulating gonadotropin, leading to various possible downstream effects on reproductive physiology. This claim is strongly supported by the reports of genome-wide association studies on various female reproductive traits and diseases. In perspective, FSHB -211 G>T may have a diagnostic value in fertility clinics to detect female patients with genetically inherited elevated basal FSH and LH levels. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was supported by Estonian Science Foundation Grant (ETF9030 for M.L.); Institutional Research Grant (IUT34-12 for M.L.) and European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (project HAPPY PREGNANCY, 3.2.0701.12-0047; for M.L. and K.R.). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the article. We have no competing interests to declare. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Rull
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia.,Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Aivar Ehrenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia.,Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Pille Vaas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia.,Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Aire Sekavin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Diana Nõmmemees
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Mart Adler
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Ele Hanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia.,Women's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, L. Puusepa St. 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Peeter Juhanson
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
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Kasak L, Punab M, Nagirnaja L, Grigorova M, Minajeva A, Lopes AM, Punab AM, Aston KI, Carvalho F, Laasik E, Smith LB, Conrad DF, Laan M, Laan M. Bi-allelic Recessive Loss-of-Function Variants in FANCM Cause Non-obstructive Azoospermia. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:200-212. [PMID: 30075111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects around 7% of men worldwide. Idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is defined as the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate due to failed spermatogenesis. There is a high probability that NOA is caused by rare genetic defects. In this study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was applied to two Estonian brothers diagnosed with NOA and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). Compound heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) variants in FANCM (Fanconi anemia complementation group M) were detected as the most likely cause for their condition. A rare maternally inherited frameshift variant p.Gln498Thrfs∗7 (rs761250416) and a previously undescribed splicing variant (c.4387-10A>G) derived from the father introduce a premature STOP codon leading to a truncated protein. FANCM exhibits enhanced testicular expression. In control subjects, immunohistochemical staining localized FANCM to the Sertoli and spermatogenic cells of seminiferous tubules with increasing intensity through germ cell development. This is consistent with its role in maintaining genomic stability in meiosis and mitosis. In the individual with SCOS carrying bi-allelic FANCM LoF variants, none or only faint expression was detected in the Sertoli cells. As further evidence, we detected two additional NOA-affected case subjects with independent FANCM homozygous nonsense variants, one from Estonia (p.Gln1701∗; rs147021911) and another from Portugal (p.Arg1931∗; rs144567652). The study convincingly demonstrates that bi-allelic recessive LoF variants in FANCM cause azoospermia. FANCM pathogenic variants have also been linked with doubled risk of familial breast and ovarian cancer, providing an example mechanism for the association between infertility and cancer risk, supported by published data on Fancm mutant mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia.
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Poolamets O, Adler M, Vihljajev V, Laan M. Genetics of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Testosterone Levels in Fertile and Infertile Men of Reproductive Age. J Endocr Soc 2017; 1:560-576. [PMID: 29264510 PMCID: PMC5686641 DOI: 10.1210/js.2017-00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Testosterone (T) is a central androgenic hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is the major determinant of its bioactivity. There are no acknowledged genetic variants with clear-cut clinical implications, modulating T levels in men. Objective To confirm genetic associations of top loci (SHBG, GCKR, SLCO1B1, and JMJD1C) from genome-wide association (GWA) studies for serum SHBG and T. Design Patients Groups differing in general and reproductive parameters: young men (n = 540; 19.3 ± 1.8 years), severe idiopathic male infertility patients (n = 641; 31.6 ± 6.0 years), and male partners of pregnant women (n = 324; 31.9 ± 6.6 years). All patients were recruited at the Andrology Centre, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. Main Outcome Measures Genetic associations with reproductive hormones, testicular and sperm parameters (linear regression, additive model); intergroup allele/genotype distribution comparisons. Results Associations with serum SHBG levels were robust for SHBG -68 G>A [rs1799941; meta-analysis: P = 3.7 × 10-14; allelic effect (standard error) = 4.67 (0.62) nmol/L], SHBG +1091 C>T [rs727428; P = 7.3 × 10-11; -3.74 (0.57)], SHBG Pro185Leu [rs6258; P = 1.2 × 10-4, -12.2 (3.17)], and GCKR Pro446Leu [rs1260326; P = 1.5 × 10-4; -2.2 (0.59)]. Measured T concentrations correlated with genetically modulated levels of SHBG (r = 0.48 to 0.74, P < 0.0001), guaranteeing stable availability of free T. Among infertile men, SHBG Pro185Leu substitution showed additional downstream effect on luteinizing hormone [P = 5.1 × 10-5; -1.66 (0.57) IU/L] and follicle-stimulating hormone [P = 3.4 × 10-3; -2.48 (1.23) IU/L]. No associations with male reproductive parameters were detected for SHBG Asp327Asn (rs6259), SLCO1B1 Val174Ala (rs4149056), and JMJD1C intronic variant rs7910927. Conclusions Claims were replicated and additional associations were detected for four of seven tested GWAS top loci. Perspective clinical investigations of these variants are hypotestosteronemia among aging men and pharmacogenetics of hormone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olev Poolamets
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Adler
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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7
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Kahre T, Ivandi M, Tõnisson N, Poolamets O, Vihljajev V, Žilaitienė B, Erenpreiss J, Matulevičius V, Laan M. The number of CAG and GGN triplet repeats in the Androgen Receptor
gene exert combinatorial effect on hormonal and sperm parameters in young men. Andrology 2017; 5:495-504. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Grigorova
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; University of Tartu; Tartu Estonia
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology; University of Tartu; Tartu Estonia
| | - M. Punab
- Andrology Unit; Tartu University Hospital; Tartu Estonia
| | - T. Kahre
- Department of Genetics; United Laboratories; Tartu University Hospital; Tartu Estonia
| | - M. Ivandi
- Department of Genetics; United Laboratories; Tartu University Hospital; Tartu Estonia
| | - N. Tõnisson
- Department of Genetics; United Laboratories; Tartu University Hospital; Tartu Estonia
| | - O. Poolamets
- Andrology Unit; Tartu University Hospital; Tartu Estonia
| | - V. Vihljajev
- Andrology Unit; Tartu University Hospital; Tartu Estonia
| | - B. Žilaitienė
- Medical Academy; Institute of Endocrinology; Lithuanian University of Health Sciences; Kaunas Lithuania
| | - J. Erenpreiss
- Latvian Biomedicine Research and Study center; Rīga Latvia
| | - V. Matulevičius
- Medical Academy; Institute of Endocrinology; Lithuanian University of Health Sciences; Kaunas Lithuania
| | - M. Laan
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine; University of Tartu; Tartu Estonia
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology; University of Tartu; Tartu Estonia
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Punab AM, Grigorova M, Punab M, Adler M, Kuura T, Poolamets O, Vihljajev V, Žilaitienė B, Erenpreiss J, Matulevičius V, Laan M. 'Carriers of variant luteinizing hormone (V-LH) among 1593 Baltic men have significantly higher serum LH'. Andrology 2015; 3:512-9. [PMID: 25820123 PMCID: PMC4832392 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a pituitary heterodimeric glycoprotein essential in male and female reproduction. Its functional polymorphic variant (V‐LH) is determined by two missense mutations (rs1800447, A/G, Trp8Arg; rs34349826, A/G, Ile15Thr) in the LH β‐subunit encoding gene (LHB; 19q13.3; 1111 bp; 3 exons). Among women, V‐LH has been associated with higher circulating LH and reduced fertility, but the knowledge of its effect on male reproductive parameters has been inconclusive. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of V‐LH on hormonal, seminal and testicular parameters in the Baltic young men cohort (n = 986; age: 20.1 ± 2.1 years) and Estonian idiopathic infertility patients (n = 607; 35.1 ± 5.9 years). V‐LH was detected by genotyping of the underlying DNA polymorphisms using PCR‐RFLP combined with resequencing of a random subset of subjects. Genetic associations were tested using linear regression under additive model and results were combined in meta‐analysis. No significant difference was detected between young men and infertility patients for the V‐LH allele frequency (11.0 vs. 9.3%, respectively). V‐LH was associated with higher serum LH in both, the young men cohort (p = 0.022, allelic effect = 0.26 IU/L) and the idiopathic infertility group (p = 0.008, effect = 0.59 IU/L). In meta‐analysis, the statistical significance was enhanced (p = 0.0007, resistant to Bonferroni correction for multiple testing; effect = 0.33 IU/L). The detected significant association of V‐LH with increased serum LH remained unchanged after additional adjustment for the SNPs previously demonstrated to affect LH levels (FSHB ‐211G/T, FSHR Asn680Ser, FSHR ‐29A/G). Additionally, a suggestive trend for association with reduced testicular volume was observed among young men, and with lower serum FSH among infertility patients. The V‐LH carrier status did not affect sperm parameters and other circulating reproductive hormones. For the first time, we show a conclusive contribution of V‐LH to the natural variance in male serum LH levels. Its downstream clinical consequences are still to be learned.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Punab
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - M Grigorova
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - M Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - M Adler
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - T Kuura
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - O Poolamets
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - V Vihljajev
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia
| | - B Žilaitienė
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Institute of Endocrinology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - J Erenpreiss
- Andrology Laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - V Matulevičius
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Institute of Endocrinology, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - M Laan
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Punab AM, Poolamets O, Vihljajev V, Žilaitienė B, Erenpreiss J, Matulevičius V, Laan M. Reproductive physiology in young men is cumulatively affected by FSH-action modulating genetic variants: FSHR -29G/A and c.2039 A/G, FSHB -211G/T. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94244. [PMID: 24718625 PMCID: PMC3981791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) -29G/A polymorphism (rs1394205) was reported to modulate gene expression and reproductive parameters in women, but data in men is limited. We aimed to bring evidence to the effect of FSHR -29G/A variants in men. In Baltic young male cohort (n = 982; Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians; aged 20.2±2.0 years), the FSHR -29 A-allele was significantly associated with higher serum FSH (linear regression: effect 0.27 IU/L; P = 0.0019, resistant to Bonferroni correction for multiple testing) and showed a non-significant trend for association with higher LH (0.19 IU/L) and total testosterone (0.93 nmol/L), but reduced Inhibin B (−7.84 pg/mL) and total testes volume (effect −1.00 mL). Next, we extended the study and tested the effect of FSHR gene haplotypes determined by the allelic combination of FSHR -29G/A and a well-studied variant c.2039 A/G (Asn680Ser, exon 10). Among the FSHR -29A/2039G haplotype carriers (A-Ser; haplotype-based linear regression), this genetic effect was enhanced for FSH (effect 0.40 IU/L), Inhibin B (−16.57 pg/mL) and total testes volume (−2.34 mL). Finally, we estimated the total contribution of three known FSH-action modulating SNPs (FSHB -211G/T; FSHR -29G/A, c.2039 A/G) to phenotypic variance in reproductive parameters among young men. The major FSH-action modulating SNPs explained together 2.3%, 1.4%, 1.0 and 1.1% of the measured variance in serum FSH, Inhibin B, testosterone and total testes volume, respectively. In contrast to the young male cohort, neither FSHR -29G/A nor FSHR haplotypes appeared to systematically modulate the reproductive physiology of oligozoospermic idiopathic infertile patients (n = 641, Estonians; aged 31.5±6.0 years). In summary, this is the first study showing the significant effect of FSHR -29G/A on male serum FSH level. To account for the genetic effect of known common polymorphisms modulating FSH-action, we suggest haplotype-based analysis of FSHR SNPs (FSHR -29G/A, c.2039 A/G) in combination with FSHB -211G/T testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anna Maria Punab
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olev Poolamets
- Andrology Unit, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Birutė Žilaitienė
- Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Valentinas Matulevičius
- Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Maris Laan
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Poolamets O, Sõber S, Vihljajev V, Žilaitienė B, Erenpreiss J, Matulevičius V, Tsarev I, Laan M. Study in 1790 Baltic men: FSHR Asn680Ser polymorphism affects total testes volume. Andrology 2012; 1:293-300. [PMID: 23413141 PMCID: PMC3674532 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2012.00028.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) contains two common linked polymorphisms, Thr307Ala (rs6165) and Asn680Ser (rs6166), shown to modulate ovarian function in women. The effect on male fertility and reproductive parameters has been inconclusive. We studied FSHR Asn680Ser polymorphism in a large study group (n = 1790) from the Baltic countries. The population-based Baltic male cohort (Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians; n = 1052) and Estonian oligo-/azoospermic (sperm concentration <20 × 106/mL) idiopathic infertile patients (n = 738) were genotyped for the FSHR Asn680Ser using PCR-RFLP. Genetic associations were tested using linear regression under additive model and results were combined in meta-analysis. No statistical difference was detected in allelic distribution of the FSHR Asn680Ser between the Baltic cohort and Estonian male infertility group. A consistent significant association was detected between the FSHR Ser680 allele and lower total testes volume in both, the Baltic cohort (p = 0.010, effect = −1.16 mL) and Estonian idiopathic infertility group (p = 0.007, effect = −1.77 mL). In meta-analysis, the statistical significance was enhanced (p = 0.000066, effect = −1.40 mL). Meta-analysis supported further associations with moderate effect between the FSHR Ser680 variant and higher serum FSH (p = 0.072), lower Inhibin B (p = 0.037) and total testosterone (p = 0.034). No statistically significant associations were identified with serum LH and estradiol, and sperm parameters. In conclusion, the study in 1790 Baltic men shows statistically highly significant association of the FSHR Asn680Ser with total testes volume and supportive association with serum reproductive hormone levels indicative to the functional effect of the alternative FSHR variants on male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Tüttelmann F, Laan M, Grigorova M, Punab M, Sõber S, Gromoll J. Combined effects of the variants FSHB -211G>T and FSHR 2039A>G on male reproductive parameters. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012; 97:3639-47. [PMID: 22791757 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-1761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT A polymorphism in the FSHB promoter (-211G>T, rs10835638) was shown to influence male serum FSH levels, whereas a polymorphism in the FSH receptor gene (FSHR; 2039A>G, rs6166) was previously shown to be associated with FSH levels in women only. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze the effects of both FSHB -211G>T and FSHR 2039A>G on male reproductive parameters. DESIGN AND SETTING A total of 1213 German men attending an infertility clinic were genotyped by TaqMan assay. PATIENTS Patients included male partners in infertile couples without known causes for male infertility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES An association analysis of single and combined single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes with clinical parameters was performed. RESULTS The FSHB -211G>T T-allele showed significant dosage effects for FSH (-0.51 U/liter per T-allele), LH (0.28 U/liter), and bitesticular volume (-3.2 ml). Statistical significance was enhanced severalfold after a meta-analysis comprising 3017 men. TT carriers were significantly more prevalent among men with lower sperm counts. The FSHR 2039A>G G-allele exhibited nonsignificant trends for associations with higher FSH and reduced testicular volumes. However, in the combined model, FSHR 2039A>G significantly modulated the more dominant effect of FSHB -211G>T on serum FSH and testicular volume among the T-allele carriers. CONCLUSIONS By analyzing both single-nucleotide polymorphisms for the first time, we convincingly show that indeed FSHR 2039A>G has an effect also in males. In the proposed model of the combined effects, FSHB -211G>T acts strongly on male reproductive parameters, whereas the FSHR 2039A>G effects were approximately 2-3 times smaller. Clinically this is of importance because oligozoospermic patients carrying unfavorable variants affecting FSH action may benefit from FSH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current knowledge of genetic variants in the two genes affecting the individual responsiveness to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) action-the FSH beta-subunit (FSHB) and the FSH receptor (FSHR), as well as the pharmacogenetic ramifications of the findings. RECENT FINDINGS Four common variants in the FSHB and the FSHR genes were shown to exhibit significant effect on FSH action: linked FSHR variants Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser determining common receptor isoforms, and gene expression affecting polymorphisms FSHR -29G/A and FSHB -211G/T. In women, the FSHR Thr307Ala/Asn680Ser polymorphisms show consistent predictive value for estimating the most optimal recombinant FSH dosage in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). The same variants exhibit a potential for the pharmacogenetic assessment of the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The FSHR -29G/A variant was also shown to contribute to ovarian response to COH. Pilot studies have suggested the FSHB -211 TT homozygous oligozoospermic men with genetically determined low concentration of FSH, as potentially the best responders to FSH treatment; furthermore, modulation of this response by FSHR polymorphisms is possible. SUMMARY Genetic variants in FSHB and FSHR exhibit a potential for pharmacogenetic applications in selecting appropriate treatment options (timing and dosage) in male and female conditions requiring or benefiting from FSH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maris Laan
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Zilaitienė B, Erenpreiss J, Ausmees K, Matuleviĉius V, Tsarev I, Jørgensen N, Laan M. Genetically determined dosage of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) affects male reproductive parameters. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:E1534-41. [PMID: 21733993 PMCID: PMC3298437 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-0632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The detailed role of FSH in contributing to male testicular function and fertility has been debated. We have previously identified the association between the T-allele of the FSHB promoter polymorphism (rs10835638; G/T, -211 bp from the mRNA start) and significantly reduced male serum FSH. OBJECTIVE In the current study, the T-allele carriers of the FSHB -211 G/T single nucleotide polymorphism represented a natural model for documenting downstream phenotypic consequences of insufficient FSH action. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS We genotyped rs10835638 in the population-based Baltic cohort of young men (n = 1054; GG carriers, n = 796; GT carriers, n = 244; TT carriers, n = 14) recruited by Andrology Centres in Tartu, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; and Kaunas, Lithuania. Marker-trait association testing was performed using linear regression (additive, recessive models) adjusted by age, body mass index, smoking, and recruitment center. RESULTS Serum hormones directly correlated with the T-allele dosage of rs10835638 included FSH (additive model, P = 1.11 × 10(-6); T-allele effect, -0.41 IU/liter), inhibin-B (P = 2.16 × 10(-3); T-allele effect, -14.67 pg/ml), and total testosterone (P = 9.30 × 10(-3); T-allele effect, -1.46 nmol/liter). Parameters altered only among TT homozygotes were reduced testicular volume (recessive model, P = 1.19 × 10(-4); TT genotype effect, -9.47 ml) and increased serum LH (P = 2.25 × 10(-2); TT genotype effect, 1.07 IU/liter). The carrier status of rs10835638 alternative genotypes did not affect sperm motility and morphology, calculated free testosterone, serum SHBG, and estradiol concentrations. CONCLUSION We showed for the first time that genetically determined low FSH may have wider downstream effects on the male reproductive system, including impaired testes development, altered testicular hormone levels (inhibin-B, total testosterone, LH), and affected male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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Kohlman R, Klimov V, Shi X, Grigorova M, Mattes BR, McBranch D, Wang H, Wudl F, Nogués JL, Moreshead W. Optical Limiting Processes in Derivatized Fullerenes and Porphyrins/Phthalocyanines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1557/proc-488-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe review our results from spectral studies of the ultrafast excited-state absorption in fullerenes and derivatized fullerenes. These results allow determination of both the spectral response of reverse saturable absorption (RSA) nonlinearities such as optical limiting (OL) in fullerenes, and the dynamical response for different morphologies. We have investigated the effects of thin film and various sol-gel glass environments on the nanosecond OL and femtosecond dynamics of derivatized fullerenes. These data provide evidence of decay pathways which compete with the intersystem crossing to a triplet from the initial singlet states. With appropriate processing, however, the OL response of derivatized-fullerene sol-gel glasses can be enhanced to approach that of the same molecule in solution, while significantly enhancing the optical damage threshold. The optical limiting of these derivatized fullerenes is compared with that of various porphyrin and phthalocyanine molecules.
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Nagirnaja L, Rull K, Uusküla L, Hallast P, Grigorova M, Laan M. Genomics and genetics of gonadotropin beta-subunit genes: Unique FSHB and duplicated LHB/CGB loci. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 329:4-16. [PMID: 20488225 PMCID: PMC2954307 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) play a critical role in human reproduction. Despite the common evolutionary ancestry and functional relatedness of the gonadotropin hormone beta (GtHB) genes, the single-copy FSHB (at 11p13) and the multi-copy LHB/CGB genes (at 19q13.32) exhibit locus-specific differences regarding their genomic context, evolution, genetic variation and expressional profile. FSHB represents a conservative vertebrate gene with a unique function and it is located in a structurally stable gene-poor region. In contrast, the primate-specific LHB/CGB gene cluster is located in a gene-rich genomic context and demonstrates an example of evolutionary young and unstable genomic region. The gene cluster is shaped by a constant balance between selection that acts on specific functions of the loci and frequent gene conversion events among duplicons. As the transcription of the GtHB genes is rate-limiting in the assembly of respective hormones, the genomic and genetic context of the FSHB and the LHB/CGB genes largely affects the profile of the hormone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Nagirnaja
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Rull
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tartu, Puusepa 8 G2, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
- Estonian Biocentre, Riia St. 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Liis Uusküla
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pille Hallast
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Estonian Biocentre, Riia St. 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maris Laan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +372 7375008; fax: +372 7420286.
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Thornhill A, Gordon A, Taylor J, Bennett K, Emmerson C, Grigorova M, Gabriel A, Atalla N, Menabawey M, Griffin D, Handyside A. O16 Comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) to identify unbalanced products associated with specific chromosomal rearrangements. Reprod Biomed Online 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Poolamets O, Kelgo P, Ausmees K, Korrovits P, Vihljajev V, Laan M. Increased Prevalance of the -211 T allele of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) beta subunit promoter polymorphism and lower serum FSH in infertile men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:100-8. [PMID: 19897680 PMCID: PMC2823301 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The human FSHB promoter polymorphism (rs10835638; -211 G/T) has been associated with serum FSH in a cohort of young Estonian men. The minor allele carriers had reduced serum FSH (15.7% in GT heterozygotes; 40% in TT homozygotes) compared with GG homozygotes. OBJECTIVE Because FSH is essential for normal spermatogenesis and fertility, we speculated that abnormalities in FSH action could contribute to male infertility. We sought to study whether genetically inherited constitutively reduced FSH levels may affect male reproduction and replicate the association between rs10835638 and serum FSH among infertile male patients. DESIGN Genotyping of rs10835638 in a cohort of infertile men (n = 1029; Andrology Center of the Tartu University Clinics, Estonia), including idiopathic infertility cases (IIFC; n = 750). PATIENTS Patients included male partners (sperm concentration <20 x 10(6)/ml) of infertile couples failing to conceive a child for 12 months or longer. RESULTS A significant excess of TT homozygotes (1.1 vs. 2.4%) as well as GT heterozygotes (22.4 vs. 25.1%) was detected among infertile men compared with the young male cohort (chi(2) test, P < 0.05). The T allele of rs10835638 was associated with reduced serum FSH (analysis of covariance; full cohort: P = 1.20 x 10(-6), F = 13.8; IIFC: P = 7.70 x 10(-7), F = 14.3) as well as with low FSH to LH ratio (full cohort: P = 1.52 x 10(-11), F = 25.6; IIFC: P = 3.25 x 10(-9), F = 20.4). The median serum FSH levels differed between the GG and TT carriers by 48.5%. All IIFC with TT genotype exhibited low (<1.8) FSH to LH ratio. CONCLUSIONS In perspective, this genetic marker may have clinical significance in molecular diagnostics of male reproductive success and a potential to identify positive responders to FSH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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Tempest H, Gillott D, Grigorova M, Handyside A, Thornhill A. Sperm aneuploidy: when to stop counting? Fertil Steril 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.07.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Grigorova M, Punab M, Ausmees K, Laan M. FSHB promoter polymorphism within evolutionary conserved element is associated with serum FSH level in men. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2160-6. [PMID: 18567894 PMCID: PMC2517155 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No polymorphisms affecting serum FSH levels have been described in the human FSHB gene. We have identified a potential regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs10835638; G/T) 211 bp upstream from the FSHB mRNA transcription start-site, located within a highly conserved region among placental mammals. We aimed to determine the correlation of carrier status of rs10835638 alternative alleles with serum FSH level in men, and testicular and hormonal parameters. METHODS A quantitative genetic association study using a cohort of healthy men (n = 554; age 19.2 ± 1.7 years) visiting the Centre of Andrology, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. RESULTS Rs10835638 (allele frequencies: G 87.6%, T 12.4%) was significantly associated with serum FSH level (analysis of variance: F = 13.0, P = 0.0016, df = 1; regression testing for a linear trend: P = 0.0003). Subjects with the GG genotype exhibited higher FSH levels (3.37 ± 1.79 IU/l, n = 423) compared with heterozygotes (2.84 ± 1.54 IU/l, n = 125) (P = 0.0005), the group of T-allele carriers (GT+TT, 2.78 ± 1.51 IU/l, n = 131) (P = 0.0005) and TT-homozygotes (2.02 ± 0.81 IU/L, n = 6) (P = 0.031). Rs10835638 was also associated with significant (P < 0.05) reduction in free testosterone index and testes volume, but increased semen volume, sex hormone-binding globulin, serum testosterone and estradiol. LH and inhibin-B levels did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a regulatory SNP in FSHB promoter paves the way to study the effect of constitutively low FSH on male health and fertility. As FSH contributes to follicular development and sex steroid production in women, the role of this FSHB variant in female reproductive success is still to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Grigorova
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia Street 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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Grigorova M, Sherwin BB. No differences in performance on test of working memory and executive functioning between healthy elderly postmenopausal women using or not using hormone therapy. Climacteric 2007; 9:181-94. [PMID: 16766432 DOI: 10.1080/13697130600727107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On average, ovarian function ceases at the age of 52 years so that estrogen (E) levels are chronically low following the menopause. Numerous studies have found that hormone therapy (HT) helps to protect verbal memory, a hippocampal function. Estrogen receptors are also found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), suggesting that estrogen may modulate executive and working memory functions, both mediated by the PFC. The possible role of progesterone (P) on executive functions and working memory is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between neuropsychological performance, age of initiation of HT, and duration of HT use. METHOD In this cross-sectional study, the neuropsychological performance of 37 postmenopausal women (mean age, 65 years) who used either estrogen-only or sequential E + P (E-alone group)(n = 22) or E + P continuously (n = 15) was compared to that of 28 healthy postmenopausal women matched for age and education who had never used HT. It was hypothesized that the E-only users would perform better then the E + P and the never-users on neuropsychological tests of verbal memory, executive function and working memory. RESULTS Results showed only minor between-group differences on working memory scores such that the E + P users were slowest to generate a response on the N-Back test of working memory. No group differences on tests of executive functions were found. CONCLUSION There was no relationship between neuropsychological performance, age of initiation of HT, or duration of HT use.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Grigorova M, Rull K, Laan M. Haplotype structure of FSHB, the beta-subunit gene for fertility-associated follicle-stimulating hormone: possible influence of balancing selection. Ann Hum Genet 2007; 71:18-28. [PMID: 17227474 PMCID: PMC1859982 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2006.00299.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for human reproduction. The unique functions of this hormone are provided by the FSH receptor-binding beta-subunit encoded by the FSHB gene. Resequencing and genotyping of FSHB in three European, two Asian and one African population, as well as in the great apes (chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan), revealed low diversity and significant excess of polymorphisms with intermediate frequency alleles. Statistical tests for FSHB showed deviations from neutrality in all populations suggesting a possible effect of balancing selection. Two core haplotypes were identified (carried by 76-96.6% of each population's sample), the sequences of which are clearly separated from each other. As fertility most directly affects an organism's fitness, the carriers of these haplotypes have apparently had more success in human history to contribute to the next generation. There is a preliminary observation suggesting that the second most frequent FSHB haplotype may be associated with rapid conception success in females. Interestingly, the same haplotype is related to an ancestral FSHB variant shared with the ancestor of the great apes. The determination of the functional consequence of the two core FSHB variants may have implications for understanding and regulating human fertility, as well as in assisting infertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of TartuRiia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - K Rull
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of TartuRiia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of TartuLossi 36, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
| | - M Laan
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of TartuRiia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
- * Corresponding author: Dr. Maris Laan, Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu; Riia St. 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia. Fax: +372-7-420286. E-mail:
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Haller K, Salumets A, Grigorova M, Talja I, Salur L, Béné MC, Laan M, Uibo R. Putative Predictors of Antibodies Against Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Female Infertility: A Study Based on In Vitro Fertilization Patients. Am J Reprod Immunol 2007; 57:193-200. [PMID: 17295898 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00462.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We have previously demonstrated the presence of naturally occurring antibodies against follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we investigated the parameters associated with anti-FSH antibodies in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. METHODS OF STUDY The following parameters were studied in 135 patients: peripheral FSH levels, FSH beta-subunit gene (FSHB) haplotypes, history of previous IVF, and susceptibility to autoimmune reactions in general [seven common autoantibodies (against nuclear antigens on human and rodent substrates, smooth muscle, gastric parietal cells, beta2-glycoprotein I, cardiolipin, and thyroid peroxidase) and HLA-DQB1 alleles]. RESULTS Although the anti-FSH levels were higher in patients when compared with controls, those higher levels were not associated with FSHB haplotypes. The anti-FSH IgM associated with (i) the levels of FSH in women with male and tubal factor infertility; (ii) the history of IVF in patients with PCOS, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility; and (iii) the production of common autoantibodies among all IVF patients. The anti-FSH IgA associated with HLA-DQB1*03. The anti-FSH IgG correlated with the values of anti-FSH IgA and IgM. CONCLUSION Anti-FSH may be naturally occurring antibodies associated with peripheral FSH concentrations, but increased in infertile women with dysregulation of immune reactions and repeatedly performed IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadri Haller
- Department of Immunology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, Centre of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Biomedicum, Ravila Str. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
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Grigorova M, Staines JM, Ozdag H, Caldas C, Edwards PAW. Possible causes of chromosome instability: comparison of chromosomal abnormalities in cancer cell lines with mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHK2 and BUB1. Cytogenet Genome Res 2004; 104:333-40. [PMID: 15162061 DOI: 10.1159/000077512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2004] [Accepted: 02/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of epithelial cancers show the chromosome-instability phenotype, in which they have many chromosome abnormalities. This is thought to be the result of mutations that disrupt chromosome maintenance, but the causative mutations are not known. We identified cell lines known to have mutations that might cause chromosome instability, and examined their karyotypes. Two cell lines, the breast cancer line HCC1937 and the pancreatic cancer line CAPAN-1, that have mutations respectively in BRCA1 and BRCA2, had very abnormal karyotypes, with many structural and numerical chromosome changes and substantial variation between metaphases. However, two colorectal cancer lines with mutations in BUB1, a spindle checkpoint protein involved in chromosome segregation, had rather simple near-tetraploid karyotypes, with minimal loss or gain of chromosomes other than the endoreduplication event, and minimal structural change. Apart from tetraploidy, these karyotypes were typical of colorectal lines considered to be chromosomally stable. Two lines derived from the same tumour, DLD-1 and HCT-15, with bi-allelic mutation of CHK2, had karyotypes that were typical of near-diploid colorectal lines considered chromosomally stable. The karyotypes observed supported the proposed role for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in chromosomal instability, but showed that the tested mutations in BUB1 and CHK2 did not result in karyotypes that would have been predicted if they were sufficient for chromosomal instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- Cancer Genomics Program, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
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Grigorova M, Balajee AS, Natarajan AT. Spontaneous and X-ray-induced chromosomal aberrations in Werner syndrome cells detected by FISH using chromosome-specific painting probes. Mutagenesis 2000; 15:303-10. [PMID: 10887208 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/15.4.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal disorder characterized by premature aging exhibiting chromosome instability and predisposition to cancer. Cells derived from WS patients show a variety of constitutionally stable chromosomal aberrations as detected by conventional chromosome banding techniques. We have employed the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique using painting probes for 12 different chromosomes to detect stable chromosome exchanges in three WS cell lines and three control cell lines. WS cell lines showed increased frequencies of both stable and unstable chromosome aberrations detected by FISH and Giemsa staining, respectively. One WS lymphoblastoid cell line (KO375) had a 5/12 translocation in all the cells and approximately 60% of the cells had an additional translocated chromosome 12. A high frequency of aneuploid cells was found in all the WS cell lines studied. Though WS cells are known to be chromosomally unstable, unlike other chromosome instability syndromes they are not sensitive to mutagenic agents. We studied the frequencies of X-ray-induced chromosomal aberrations in two WS cell lines and found an approximately 60% increase in the frequencies of fragments and no consistent increase in the frequencies of exchanges.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Chromosome Aberrations
- Chromosome Painting
- Chromosomes/radiation effects
- Chromosomes/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1/radiation effects
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12/radiation effects
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4/radiation effects
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5/radiation effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
- Humans
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence/methods
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Translocation, Genetic
- Werner Syndrome/genetics
- X-Rays
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Leiden University Medical Centre, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 AL, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Xiao Y, Darroudi F, Grigorova M, Natarajan AT. Induction and persistence of chromosomal exchanges in mouse bone marrow cells following whole-body exposure to X-rays. Int J Radiat Biol 1999; 75:1119-28. [PMID: 10528920 DOI: 10.1080/095530099139593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the induction and persistence of chromosome aberrations in mouse bone marrow cells after X-ray exposure and to detect differential involvement of individual chromosomes in translocations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male and female Swiss mice were exposed to 1 and 3 Gy of X-rays. Chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells were analysed at 1, 7, 21 and 100 days following irradiation by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with mouse chromosome-specific DNA libraries (#1,13; #2,8; #6,15 and X,Y). In total, 38% of mouse genome was painted and examined. RESULTS Pooled data indicate that the frequencies of dicentrics and fragments decreased with time and reached to the control level at day 21 after exposure. Following exposure to 1 Gy of X-rays, the frequencies of translocations were not significantly lower between days 7 and 100 than observed at day 1. However, the frequencies of translocations for the 3 Gy group were significantly (about 40%) lower at day 7, then remained constant up to day 100. After exposure to 3Gy of X-rays, the frequencies of non-reciprocal translocations decreased with time, whereas reciprocal translocations between days 7 and 100 were not significantly less frequent than at day 1. A comparison of observed and expected numbers of translocations involving individual chromosomes showed that at day 1 after irradiation, distribution of X-ray-induced translocations among the painted chromosomes was proportional to their DNA content. However, at day 100 after exposure, the observed translocations involving chromosome 2 were more frequent than expected, those involving chromosomes 8 and 15 were less frequent than expected, while chromosomes 1, 6, X and Y were involved as frequently as expected. CONCLUSION Among induced translocations, non-reciprocal translocations are relatively unstable, especially after exposure to high-dose X-rays. While the initial distribution of X-ray-induced translocations is proportional among the painted chromosomes, the persistence of these translocations is heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xiao
- Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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Chatterjee S, Martínez-López W, Grigorova M, Darroudi F, Obe G, Natarajan AT. Comparison of AluI-induced frequencies of dicentrics and translocations in human lymphocytes by chromosome painting. Mutagenesis 1999; 14:283-6. [PMID: 10374995 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/14.3.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown repeatedly that following irradiation of human lymphocytes in the G0 stage, more translocations are induced than dicentrics. To check the role of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) alone for the induction of symmetrical and asymmetrical chromosome aberrations, the frequencies of induced exchange aberrations by the restriction enzyme AluI were analyzed. The enzyme was introduced into cells using the pellet pipetting technique. Frequencies of induced translocations and dicentrics were determined using a chromosome painting assay with chromosome-specific DNA libraries for chromosomes 1, 4 and X (representing 16.8% of the human genome). The number of translocations detected was approximately 3-fold higher than the number of dicentrics, indicating that the increased frequency of translocations compared with dicentrics found in irradiated human lymphocytes does not result from DNA lesions other than DSB but from differential processing of DSB.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chatterjee
- MGC, Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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Grigorova M, Brand R, Xiao Y, Natarajan AT. Frequencies and types of exchange aberrations induced by X-rays and neutrons in Chinese hamster splenocytes detected by FISH using chromosome-specific DNA libraries. Int J Radiat Biol 1998; 74:297-314. [PMID: 9737533 DOI: 10.1080/095530098141447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the frequencies of radiation- (low and high LET) induced chromosome aberrations in Chinese hamster splenocytes by two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization using DNA painting probes specific for chromosomes 2, 3, 8, X and Y and to determine (1) the ratio of radiation-induced translocations and dicentrics; (2) the spectrum of exchange aberrations induced by X-rays and neutrons; and (3) the relative involvement of the different chromosomes in the formation of aberrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isolated splenocytes from the Chinese hamster were irradiated in vitro with different doses of 200 kV X-rays (0.75, 1.5, 3.0 Gy) and 1 MeV fast neutrons (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 Gy). Conventional analysis of chromosome aberrations was carried out in Giemsa-stained preparations. Chromosome aberrations involving chromosomes 2, 3, 8, X and Y were analysed in first division metaphases using two-colour FISH. RESULTS The results indicate that when all types of translocations are taken into account both X-rays and neutrons induce more translocations than dicentrics, the ratio between the two types of exchanges being 1.4 and 1.8 respectively. The ratio of 'apparently simple' reciprocal translocations and reciprocal complete dicentrics was close to 1 for both types of radiation. The RBE of neutrons for induction of exchanges was found to be between 5 and 8. Neutron irradiation was more efficient at inducing insertions. Among the chromosomes studied, an increased involvement was observed for chromosome 8 in dicentrics and translocations than that expected on the basis of its chromosome length. The high content of interstitial telomeric sequences in chromosome 8 may be responsible for the observed sensitivity of this chromosome. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in this study indicate that: (1) more translocations are found than dicentrics; (2) heterogeneity exists among Chinese hamster chromosomes for involvement in radiation-induced exchanges; (3) the spectrum and distribution of exchange aberrations are different between X-rays and neutrons; and (4) the relative frequencies of insertions could be used as a 'fingerprint' for exposure to high LET radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- MGC, Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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Abstract
It is not yet resolved as to what type of DNA double strand break repair operates in G0 lymphocytes. We have employed Down syndrome (DS) lymphocytes with three copies of chromosome #21 to answer the question whether the presence of three copies reduces the frequency of exchange aberrations involving this chromosome in comparison to normal cells with two copies of #21. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from three DS patients and two normal individuals were X-irradiated with 1 and 3 Gy. The frequencies of unstable aberrations were found to be higher in DS lymphocytes than normal lymphocytes after 3 Gy of X-rays. FISH studies employing chromosome specific DNA libraries for chromosomes #21 and #22 indicated that the frequencies of exchange aberrations per chromosome are similar in both disomic and trisomic condition. This indicates that the presence of an extra copy of chromosome #21 does not alter the yield, suggesting that homologous recombination does not play a major role in the repair of DNA strand breaks in human G0 lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 AL Leiden, Netherlands
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Natarajan AT, Santos SJ, Darroudi F, Hadjidikova V, Vermeulen S, Chatterjee S, Berg M, Grigorova M, Sakamoto-Hojo ET, Granath F, Ramalho AT, Curado MP. 137Cesium-induced chromosome aberrations analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization: eight years follow up of the Goiânia radiation accident victims. Mutat Res 1998; 400:299-312. [PMID: 9685685 DOI: 10.1016/s0027-5107(98)00021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The radiation accident in focus here occurred in a section of Goiânia (Brazil) where more than a hundred individuals were contaminated with 137Cesium on September 1987. In order to estimate the absorbed radiation doses, initial frequencies of dicentrics and rings were determined in 129 victims [A.T. Ramalho, PhD Thesis, Subsidios a tecnica de dosimetria citogenetica gerados a partir da analise de resultados obtidos com o acidente radiologico de Goiânia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992]. We have followed some of these victims cytogenetically over the years seeking for parameters that could be used as basis for retrospective radiation dosimetry. Our data on translocation frequencies obtained by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) could be directly compared to the baseline frequencies of dicentrics available for those same victims. Our results provided valuable information on how precise these estimates are. The frequencies of translocations observed years after the radiation exposure were two to three times lower than the initial dicentrics frequencies, the differences being larger at higher doses (>1 Gy). The accuracy of such dose estimates might be increased by scoring sufficient amount of cells. However, factors such as the persistence of translocation carrying lymphocytes, translocation levels not proportional to chromosome size, and inter-individual variation reduce the precision of these estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Natarajan
- LUMC, Leiden University Medical Centrum, Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Wassenaarseweg 72, 2333 AL Leiden, Netherlands.
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Klimov V, Smilowitz L, Wang H, Grigorova M, Robinson JM, Koskelo A, Mattes BR, Wudl F, McBranch DW. Femtosecond to nanosecond dynamics in fullerenes: Implications for excitedstate optical nonlinearities. Res Chem Intermed 1997. [DOI: 10.1163/156856797x00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Smilowitz L, McBranch D, Klimov V, Robinson JM, Koskelo A, Grigorova M, Mattes BR, Wang H, Wudl F. Enhanced optical limiting in derivatized fullerenes. Opt Lett 1996; 21:922-924. [PMID: 19876205 DOI: 10.1364/ol.21.000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We have observed enhanced optical limiting behavior in solutions of a derivatized fullerene (phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid cholesteryl ester) from 532 to 700 nm. Transient absorption measurements determined the spectral and temporal regions of interest for optical limiting in C(60) and in C(60) derivatives that are due to a reverse saturable absorption mechanism and predicted enhanced limiting at longer wavelengths. Intensity-dependent transmission measurements made at several wavelengths confirmed these results. The increased solubility and the broadened ground-state absorption of the functionalized C(60) make it suitable for use as an optical limiter in the red and the near infrared.
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van Buul PP, Zandman IM, Grigorova M, Boei JJ, Natarajan AT. Mitotic and meiotic detection of radiation-induced translocations in mouse stem cell spermatogonia using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Chromosome Res 1995; 3:427-32. [PMID: 8528588 DOI: 10.1007/bf00713893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of two methods of detection of translocations induced in mouse stem cell spermatogonia by X-ray doses of 2, 5 and 7 Gy was compared: classical multivalent analysis at diakinesis-metaphase I of meiosis and observation via fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of mitotic or meiotic stages. Specific DNA libraries for chromosomes 1, 11 and 13 were used. The results obtained indicate that (a) chromosomes 1, 11 and 13 are more involved in multivalent formation than expected on the basis of DNA content and (b) if the mitotic FISH analysis data are corrected for the observed over-representation, the frequencies of induced translocations are similar to those recorded in the classical multivalent studies, suggesting equal scoring efficiencies in both systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P van Buul
- MGC-Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Leiden University, Sylvius Laboratory, The Netherlands
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Grigorova M, Boei JJ, van Duyn-Goedhart A, Natarajan AT, van Buul PP. X-ray induced translocations in bone marrow cells of scid and wild type mice detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization using mouse chromosome specific DNA libraries. Mutat Res 1995; 331:39-45. [PMID: 7666867 DOI: 10.1016/0027-5107(95)00048-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Radiation induced chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells of scid and normal mice were studied at different sampling times. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with DNA libraries specific for chromosomes 1, 11 and 13 was applied to identify the stable types of chromosomal aberrations in addition to the unstable ones. The results obtained confirm earlier observations on stem cell spermatogonia in that, contrary to the situation in normal mice, only very low levels of translocations could be recovered from scid mice at relatively long sampling times (3 weeks). However, studies at a 24 h sampling period demonstrated substantial induction of translocations in scid mice. This suggests enhanced elimination of translocation carrying cells in scid mice during successive cell proliferation, possibly via falling apart of the translocation at the original points of exchange or due to lethal damage at the translocation break points.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grigorova
- MGC-Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Sylvius Laboratory, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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Van Buul PP, De Rooij DG, Zandman IM, Grigorova M, Van Duyn-Goedhart A. X-ray-induced chromosomal aberrations and cell killing in somatic and germ cells of the scid mouse. Int J Radiat Biol 1995; 67:549-55. [PMID: 7775830 DOI: 10.1080/09553009514550661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
To characterize further the radiosensitivity of severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mice, the induction of micronuclei (MN) in polychromatic erythrocytes as well as cell killing and translocation induction in stem cell spermatogonia was studied. Scid mice turned out to be clearly hypersensitive for X-ray-induced cell killing of both bonemarrow cells and spermatogonial stem cells. The frequencies of recorded micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes were comparable with that reported for the normal mouse, whereas the recovery of translocations was extremely low in the scid mouse. The dose-response relationship for induced translocations was bell shaped with a maximum of about 0.5% around doses of 0.5-1.5 Gy X-rays.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Van Buul
- MGC-Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, Sylvius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Natarajan AT, Balajee AS, Boei JJ, Chatterjee S, Darroudi F, Grigorova M, Noditi M, Oh HJ, Slijepcevic P, Vermeulen S. Recent developments in the assessment of chromosomal damage. Int J Radiat Biol 1994; 66:615-23. [PMID: 7983455 DOI: 10.1080/09553009414551711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation and restriction endonucleases are very efficient in inducing chromosomal aberrations (CAs). These aberrations are mainly consequences of misrepair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The fast repairing component of DSBs induced by ionizing radiation seems to be responsible for exchange aberration. Use of premature chromosome condensation technique in combination with DNA repair inhibitors such as ara A has given valuable information on the assessment of the frequencies of initial chromosome breaks and the kinetics of their repair following low LET radiation. The recently developed 'chromosome painting' technique using chromosome-specific libraries has also increased considerably the resolution of identifying and scoring of CAs. After low LET radiation, stable chromosome exchanges (translocations) are induced more frequently than unstable chromosome exchanges (dicentrics). Fluorescence in situ hybridization employing telomeric probe has made it possible to score efficiently exchange aberrations involving the acrocentric chromosomes of mouse. Chinese hamster cells have several intercalary telomeric sequences present in most of the chromosomes. These telomeric blocks have been found to be associated with chromosomal aberrations induced by restriction endonucleases and short wave UV and evidence has been obtained for apparent amplification of telomeric sequences at the break points.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Natarajan
- Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, State University of Leiden, The Netherlands
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Grigorova M, Toshkova K, Baĭl'ozov D, Georgiev L, Korukov G. [Taxonomic characteristics of avian Staphylococci]. Vet Med Nauki 1982; 19:81-90. [PMID: 7182994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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Grigorova M, Karaivanova E. [Comparative study of anti-staphylocoagulases formed in spontaneous and experimental immunization]. Arch Roum Pathol Exp Microbiol 1973; 32:11-5. [PMID: 4755165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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