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Affiliation(s)
- E Salvidio
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
| | - C Venzano
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
| | - P Boccaccio
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
| | - E Intra
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
| | - R Ravazzolo
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
| | - G F Gaetani
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
| | - F Ajmar
- Department of Hæmatology, Istituto Scientifico di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Italy
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Covone A, Fiorillo C, Acquaviva M, Trucco F, Morana G, Ravazzolo R, Minetti C. WES in a family trio suggests involvement of TECPR2 in a complex form of progressive motor neuron disease. Clin Genet 2016; 90:182-5. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. Acquaviva
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
- DINOGMI; Università degli Studi di Genova; Genova Italy
| | - F. Trucco
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - G. Morana
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - R. Ravazzolo
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
- DINOGMI; Università degli Studi di Genova; Genova Italy
| | - C. Minetti
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
- DINOGMI; Università degli Studi di Genova; Genova Italy
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Rusmini M, Federici S, Caroli F, Grossi A, Baldi M, Obici L, Insalaco A, Tommasini A, Caorsi R, Gallo E, Olivieri AN, Marzano AV, Coviello D, Ravazzolo R, Martini A, Gattorno M, Ceccherini I. A Next Generation Sequencing approach to the mutational screening of patients affected with systemic autoinflammatory disorders: diagnosis improvement and interpretation of complex clinical phenotypes. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2015. [PMCID: PMC4596991 DOI: 10.1186/1546-0096-13-s1-o24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Bachetti T, Chiesa S, Castagnola P, Bani D, Di Zanni E, Omenetti A, D'Osualdo A, Fraldi A, Ballabio A, Ravazzolo R, Martini A, Gattorno M, Ceccherini I. OR7-006 – Autophagy as a player in inflammation in TRAPS. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2013. [PMCID: PMC3952350 DOI: 10.1186/1546-0096-11-s1-a107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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D'Amato E, Giacopelli F, Giannattasio A, D'Annunzio G, Bocciardi R, Musso M, Lorini R, Ravazzolo R. Genetic investigation in an Italian child with an unusual association of atrial septal defect, attributable to a new familial GATA4 gene mutation, and neonatal diabetes due to pancreatic agenesis. Diabet Med 2010; 27:1195-200. [PMID: 20854389 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2010.03046.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Permanent neonatal diabetes is a rare condition affecting 1 in 300,000-400,000 live births; only in 60% of cases it is possible to identify the genetic defect. The condition of pancreatic agenesis is rarer still. Only two genes are known to determine this phenotype: PDX-1 and PTF1A. Congenital heart defects are among the most common developmental anomalies, affecting 1% of newborns, and the GATA4 gene is less frequently involved in these disorders. An Italian child with pancreatic agenesis and an atrial septal defect was genetically investigated to elucidate whether the association of the two pathologies was casual, or represented a new pancreatic/cardiac syndrome. METHODS A panel of pancreas development genes, including GCK, Kir6.2, PTF1A, PDX-1, HNF-1A, NgN3, SOX17, SOX7, SOX9, INS, HNF1-B and SUR1 plus the GATA4 gene, were screened for characterization of pancreatic agenesis and cardiac defect. RESULTS Screening for genes causing permanent neonatal diabetes was negative. A novel mutation in GATA4 (c1512C>T) was detected and functional characterization confirmed a reduced activity of the protein. In the family members, the GATA4 mutation co-segregates with a cardiac phenotype, but not with pancreatic agenesis. CONCLUSIONS We describe the first report of pancretic agenesis with an associated cardiac defect and a mutation in the GATA4 gene. We could not establish that the GATA4 mutation was causative for pancreatic agenesis and further genetic investigation to detect the genetic cause of the pancreas agenesis was unsuccessful. We conclude that, the two pathologies are attributable to two independent events.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D'Amato
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Genoa, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Italy.
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6
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Borghini S, Duca MD, Pini Prato A, Lerone M, Martucciello G, Jasonni V, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. Search for pathogenetic variants of the SPRY2 gene in intestinal innervation defects. Intern Med J 2010; 39:335-7. [PMID: 19545245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.01907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SPRY2 is an inducible inhibitor of signalling mediated by tyrosine kinases receptors, whose targeting causes intestinal hyperganglionosis in mice. In this light, we have undertaken a mutational analysis of the SPRY2 gene in patients affected with intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND), without detecting nucleotide changes in any of the 26 DNA samples analysed, with the exception of two already known polymorphic variants. A role of the SPRY2 gene in IND pathogenesis can be thus excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Borghini
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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7
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Chiocchetti A, Orilieri E, Cappellano G, Barizzone N, D'Alfonso S, D'Annunzio G, Lorini R, Ravazzolo R, Cadario F, Martinetti M, Calcaterra V, Cerutti F, Bruno G, Larizza D, Dianzani U. The Osteopontin Gene +1239A/C Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the Italian Population. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2010; 23:263-9. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phosphoprotein 1, also known as Osteopontin (Opn), is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the TH1 response and is highly expressed in the islets and pancreatic lymph nodes of non-obese diabetic mice before the onset of diabetes. In humans, typing of the +1239A/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3'UTR of the Opn gene (SPP1) showed that +1239C carriers displayed higher Opn serum levels than +1239A homozygotes and a higher risk of developing autoimmune/lymphoproliferative syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this work is to evaluate whether +1239A/C is also associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We typed +1239A/C in an initial cohort of 184 T1DM patients and 361 controls, and confirmed our data in a second cohort of 513 patients and 857 controls. In both cohorts, +1239C carriers displayed a significantly higher risk of T1DM than +1239A homozygotes (combined cohorts: OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.34–1.97). Clinical analysis did not detect any differences between patients carrying or not +1239C in terms of gender distribution and age at T1DM diagnosis. These data suggest that SPP1 variants marked by +1239C are associated with T1DM development in the Italian population. The predisposing effect may depend on its effect on Opn levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - G. D'Annunzio
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Gaslini Institute-IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa
| | - R. Lorini
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Gaslini Institute-IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa
| | - R. Ravazzolo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Gaslini Institute-IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa
| | | | - M. Martinetti
- Immunohaematology and Transfusion Center Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia
| | - V. Calcaterra
- Department of Pediatric Sciences University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia
| | - F. Cerutti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G. Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - D. Larizza
- Department of Pediatric Sciences University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia
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Baban A, Torre M, Bianca S, Buluggiu A, Rossello M, Calevo M, Valle M, Ravazzolo R, Jasonni V, Lerone M. Response to Klinger and Merlob re: Case description with review of the literature. Am J Med Genet Part A 149A:1597â1602, 2009. Am J Med Genet A 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33120] [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: 11/07/2022]
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9
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Panza E, Pippucci T, Cusano R, Lo Nigro C, Pradella L, Contardi S, Rouleau GA, Stevanin G, Ravazzolo R, Liguori R, Montagna P, Romeo G, Seri M. Refinement of the SPG9 locus on chromosome 10q23.3-24.2 and exclusion of candidate genes. Eur J Neurol 2008; 15:520-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02117.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Kaplan FS, Xu M, Feldman G, Brown M, Cho TJ, Choi IH, Connor JM, Delai PLR, Economides AN, Glaser DL, Groppe J, Katagiri T, Le Merrer M, Morhart R, Ravazzolo R, Rogers JG, Smith R, Triffitt JT, Urtizberea JA, Zasloff M, Shore EM. Response to "Mutations of the NOGGIN and of the activin A type I receptor genes in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)" by Lucotte et al. Genet Couns 2008; 19:357-363. [PMID: 18990993] [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: 05/27/2023]
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11
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Caroli F, Biancheri R, Seri M, Rossi A, Pessagno A, Bugiani M, Corsolini F, Savasta S, Romano S, Antonelli C, Romano A, Pareyson D, Gambero P, Uziel G, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I, Filocamo M. GFAP mutations and polymorphisms in 13 unrelated Italian patients affected by Alexander disease. Clin Genet 2007; 72:427-33. [PMID: 17894839 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00869.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (AD), a rare neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system, is characterized by the accumulation of cytoplasmic protein aggregates (Rosenthal fibers) composed of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and small heat-shock proteins within astrocytes. To date, more than 40 different GFAP mutations have been reported in AD. The present study is aimed at the molecular diagnosis of Italian patients suspected to be affected by AD. By analyzing the GFAP gene of 13 unrelated patients (eight with infantile form, two with juvenile form and three with adult form), we found 11 different alleles, including four new ones. Among the novel mutations, three (p.R70Q, p.R73K, and p.R79P) were identified in exon 1 and p.L359P in exon 6. The sequence analysis also detected six different single nucleotide polymorphic variants, including two previously unreported ones, spread throughout non-coding regions (introns 2, 3, 5, 6, and 3'UTR) of the gene. All patients were heterozygous for the mutations, thus confirming their dominant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Caroli
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
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Ferrera F, Rizzi M, Sprecacenere B, Balestra P, Sessarego M, Di Carlo A, Filaci G, Gabrielli A, Ravazzolo R, Indiveri F. AIRE gene polymorphisms in systemic sclerosis associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. Clin Immunol 2007; 122:13-7. [PMID: 17101293 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2006.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2006] [Revised: 09/27/2006] [Accepted: 09/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene are responsible for autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a non-organ-specific autoimmune disease mainly characterized by cutaneous involvement, that is frequently associated with other autoimmune manifestations common to APECED. Nineteen SSc patients, 22 patients affected by SSc associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, and 100 healthy controls were analyzed. We identified 11 AIRE gene variants, one of which has never previously been described. Intronic polymorphism G11107A was significantly correlated to SSc/thyroiditis. Data show that variants of the AIRE gene might be correlated to different clinical manifestations in SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrera
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 7 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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Lantieri F, Griseri P, Puppo F, Campus R, Martucciello G, Ravazzolo R, Devoto M, Ceccherini I. Haplotypes of the human RET proto-oncogene associated with Hirschsprung disease in the Italian population derive from a single ancestral combination of alleles. Ann Hum Genet 2006; 70:12-26. [PMID: 16441254 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2005.00196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The RET proto-oncogene is the major gene involved in the complex genetics of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or aganglionic megacolon, showing causative loss-of-function mutations in 15-30% of the sporadic cases. Several RET polymorphisms and haplotypes have been described in association with the disease, suggesting a role for this gene in HSCR predisposition, also in the absence of mutations in the coding region. Finally, the presence of a functional variant in intron 1 has repeatedly been proposed to explain such findings. Here we report a case-control study conducted on 97 Italian HSCR sporadic patients and 85 population matched controls, using 13 RET polymorphisms distributed throughout the gene, from the basal promoter to the 3'UTR. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses have shown increased recombination between the 5' and 3' portions of the gene and an over-representation, in the cases studied, of two haplotypes sharing a common allelic combination that extends from the promoter up to intron 5. We propose that these two disease-associated haplotypes derive from a single founding locus, extending up to intron 19 and successively rearranged in correspondence with a high recombination rate region located between the proximal and distal portions of the gene. Our results suggests the possibility that a common HSCR predisposing variant, in linkage disequilibrium with such haplotypes, is located further downstream than the previously suggested interval encompassing intron 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Lantieri
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy, 16148
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Marciano R, Giacopelli F, Divizia MT, Gattorno M, Felici E, Pistorio A, Martini A, Ravazzolo R, Picco P. A polymorphic variant inside the osteopontin gene shows association with disease course in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 65:662-5. [PMID: 16150788 PMCID: PMC1798121 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2005.040626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoarticular onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has a variable disease course. In some patients the disease remains confined to a few joints (persistent oligoarticular) while in others it extends to affect more joints (oligoarticular extended). Osteopontin is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether a polymorphic variant in the human osteopontin gene, which is in linkage disequilibrium with recently characterised promoter variants, is associated with the disease course in oligoarticular JIA. METHODS Genotyping of the two base pair insertion/deletion variant at +245 in the first intron was undertaken by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA fragments, using a fluorescently labelled primer, followed by allele detection after rapid separation of PCR products on an automated DNA sequencer. RESULTS Allele 2 of the polymorphic variant in the osteopontin first intron was significantly associated with the persistent oligoarticular form rather than the extended form of JIA. This was verified at the level of genotype and allele frequencies. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that osteopontin gene polymorphism is associated with the disease course in oligoarticular JIA and might therefore represent a useful genetic marker to characterise patients with oligoarticular JIA who are at risk of a worse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marciano
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, G Gaslini Institute, Largo G Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
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D'Alfonso S, Barizzone N, Giordano M, Chiocchetti A, Magnani C, Castelli L, Indelicato M, Giacopelli F, Marchini M, Scorza R, Danieli MG, Cappelli M, Migliaresi S, Bigliardo B, Sabbadini MG, Baldissera E, Galeazzi M, Sebastiani GD, Minisola G, Ravazzolo R, Dianzani U, Momigliano-Richiardi P. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5? and 3? ends of the osteopontin gene contribute to susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 52:539-47. [DOI: 10.1002/art.20808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Cinti R, Schena F, Passalacqua M, Ceccherini I, Ravazzolo R. Replication pattern of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10q and expression of the RET protooncogene. Exp Cell Res 2004; 298:602-10. [PMID: 15265706 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2004.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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] [Received: 02/13/2004] [Revised: 04/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of the RET gene is highly specific during embryo development and is strictly tissue-specific. Control of transcription depends on mechanisms influenced by epigenetic processes, in particular, histone acetylation at regions flanking the 5' end of the gene. Since the RET gene is mapped in the pericentromeric region of the human chromosome 10, the implication of epigenetic processes is even more striking and worth to be investigated in an extended chromosomal tract. One experimental approach to study the chromatin status in relationship with gene transcription is to assess the replication timing, which we did by using fluorescent in situ hybridization in cells expressing or not expressing the RET gene. By using probes spanning a 700-kb genomic region from the RET locus toward the centromere, we found a relationship between RET expression and early replication. Different patterns were observed between cells naturally expressing RET and cells induced to expression of RET by treatment with sodium butyrate, an inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Three-dimensional analysis of the nuclear localization of fluorescent signals by confocal microscopy showed difference of localization between the RET probe and a probe for a housekeeping gene, G3PDH, located at 12p13.3, in cells that do not express RET, in accordance with previous data for other genes and chromosomal regions. However, RET-expressing cells showed a localization of signals which was not consistent with that expected for expressed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cinti
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, G. Gaslini Institute, 16147 Genova, Italy
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17
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Matera I, Bachetti T, Puppo F, Di Duca M, Morandi F, Casiraghi GM, Cilio MR, Hennekam R, Hofstra R, Schöber JG, Ravazzolo R, Ottonello G, Ceccherini I. PHOX2B mutations and polyalanine expansions correlate with the severity of the respiratory phenotype and associated symptoms in both congenital and late onset Central Hypoventilation syndrome. J Med Genet 2004; 41:373-80. [PMID: 15121777 PMCID: PMC1735781 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2003.015412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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18
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Sancandi M, Griseri P, Pesce B, Patrone G, Puppo F, Lerone M, Martucciello G, Romeo G, Ravazzolo R, Devoto M, Ceccherini I. Single nucleotide polymorphic alleles in the 5' region of the RET proto-oncogene define a risk haplotype in Hirschsprung's disease. J Med Genet 2003; 40:714-8. [PMID: 12960220 PMCID: PMC1735579 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.40.9.714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Griseri P, Patrone G, Puppo F, Romeo G, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. Rescue of human RET gene expression by sodium butyrate: a novel powerful tool for molecular studies in Hirschsprung disease. Gut 2003; 52:1154-8. [PMID: 12865274 PMCID: PMC1773746 DOI: 10.1136/gut.52.8.1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RET gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in different human neurocristopathies, such as specific neuroendocrine tumours and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Gene expression is developmentally regulated and the RET transcript is undetectable in most adult cells, including lymphocytes. The impossibility of performing functional studies on RET mRNA has to date limited the detection and characterisation of an indefinite proportion of gene anomalies that cannot be identified by conventional DNA genomic screening in HSCR cases. AIMS Development of a protocol suitable to activate RET expression in RET negative cell lines and therefore to investigate directly RET mRNA, extending the conventional gene mutation analysis to detection of splicing anomalies and impaired expression of the RET gene. METHODS The effect of sodium butyrate (NaB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, on rescuing RET expression was tested by one round of reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction from total RNA of treated lymphoblasts from both HSCR patients and control individuals. RESULTS Analysis of RET expression was possible by NaB treatment of RET negative cells, such as lymphoblasts. This treatment allowed us to detect impaired RET expression as well as a splicing defect in two HSCR patients previously believed to be devoid of any gene abnormality. CONCLUSIONS The full application of the proposed protocol in most of the unexplained HSCR cases will allow us to establish the precise role of RET not only in causing but also in predisposing to HSCR pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Griseri
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Azzedine H, Bolino A, Taïeb T, Birouk N, Di Duca M, Bouhouche A, Benamou S, Mrabet A, Hammadouche T, Chkili T, Gouider R, Ravazzolo R, Brice A, Laporte J, LeGuern E. Mutations in MTMR13, a new pseudophosphatase homologue of MTMR2 and Sbf1, in two families with an autosomal recessive demyelinating form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with early-onset glaucoma. Am J Hum Genet 2003; 72:1141-53. [PMID: 12687498 PMCID: PMC1180267 DOI: 10.1086/375034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2003] [Accepted: 02/04/2003] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) with autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance is a heterogeneous group of inherited motor and sensory neuropathies. In some families from Japan and Brazil, a demyelinating CMT, mainly characterized by the presence of myelin outfoldings on nerve biopsies, cosegregated as an autosomal recessive trait with early-onset glaucoma. We identified two such large consanguineous families from Tunisia and Morocco with ages at onset ranging from 2 to 15 years. We mapped this syndrome to chromosome 11p15, in a 4.6-cM region overlapping the locus for an isolated demyelinating ARCMT (CMT4B2). In these two families, we identified two different nonsense mutations in the myotubularin-related 13 gene, MTMR13. The MTMR protein family includes proteins with a phosphoinositide phosphatase activity, as well as proteins in which key catalytic residues are missing and that are thus called "pseudophosphatases." MTM1, the first identified member of this family, and MTMR2 are responsible for X-linked myotubular myopathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4B1, an isolated peripheral neuropathy with myelin outfoldings, respectively. Both encode active phosphatases. It is striking to note that mutations in MTMR13 also cause peripheral neuropathy with myelin outfoldings, although it belongs to a pseudophosphatase subgroup, since its closest homologue is MTMR5/Sbf1. This is the first human disease caused by mutation in a pseudophosphatase, emphasizing the important function of these putatively inactive enzymes. MTMR13 may be important for the development of both the peripheral nerves and the trabeculum meshwork, which permits the outflow of the aqueous humor. Both of these tissues have the same embryonic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Azzedine
- U289 INSERM, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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21
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Azzedine H, Bolino A, Taïeb T, Birouk N, Di Duca M, Bouhouche A, Benamou S, Mrabet A, Hammadouche T, Chkili T, Gouider R, Ravazzolo R, Brice A, Laporte J, LeGuern E. Mutations in MTMR13, a new pseudophosphatase homologue of MTMR2 and Sbf1, in two families with an autosomal recessive demyelinating form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with early-onset glaucoma. Am J Hum Genet 2003. [PMID: 12687498 DOI: 10.1086/375034/s0002-9297(07)60642-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) with autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance is a heterogeneous group of inherited motor and sensory neuropathies. In some families from Japan and Brazil, a demyelinating CMT, mainly characterized by the presence of myelin outfoldings on nerve biopsies, cosegregated as an autosomal recessive trait with early-onset glaucoma. We identified two such large consanguineous families from Tunisia and Morocco with ages at onset ranging from 2 to 15 years. We mapped this syndrome to chromosome 11p15, in a 4.6-cM region overlapping the locus for an isolated demyelinating ARCMT (CMT4B2). In these two families, we identified two different nonsense mutations in the myotubularin-related 13 gene, MTMR13. The MTMR protein family includes proteins with a phosphoinositide phosphatase activity, as well as proteins in which key catalytic residues are missing and that are thus called "pseudophosphatases." MTM1, the first identified member of this family, and MTMR2 are responsible for X-linked myotubular myopathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4B1, an isolated peripheral neuropathy with myelin outfoldings, respectively. Both encode active phosphatases. It is striking to note that mutations in MTMR13 also cause peripheral neuropathy with myelin outfoldings, although it belongs to a pseudophosphatase subgroup, since its closest homologue is MTMR5/Sbf1. This is the first human disease caused by mutation in a pseudophosphatase, emphasizing the important function of these putatively inactive enzymes. MTMR13 may be important for the development of both the peripheral nerves and the trabeculum meshwork, which permits the outflow of the aqueous humor. Both of these tissues have the same embryonic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Azzedine
- U289 INSERM, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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22
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Picco P, Porfirio B, Gattorno M, Buoncompagni A, Falcini F, Cusano R, Bordo D, Pistoia V, Ravazzolo R, Seri M. MICA gene polymorphisms in an Italian paediatric series of juvenile Behçet disease. Int J Mol Med 2002; 10:575-8. [PMID: 12373294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate MICA (major histocompatibility complex MHC class I chain-related genes) polymorphisms in an Italian series of patients with juvenile Behcet disease (jBD) and to compare these genetic findings with the high prevalence of inflammatory mucosal disease, which occurs in Western populations. Ten families which included at least 1 affected patient were studied. We genotyped 18 patients (13 children and 5 adults) affected with the complete or incomplete form of jBD comparing the results to those found in a population of 20 apparently healthy individuals. The MICA transmembrane polymorphism was analysed by PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. HLA typing was assessed by SSP-PCR technique. Statistical analysis was performed using chi2 based methods. In our series the prevalence of gastrointestinal disease was high (41%). Seven of 10 patients were HLA-B51 positive. MICA A6 allele was present in 70% of probands as compared to 25% of an ethnically matched control population. On the other hand, MICA A5.1 was present in 20% of probands as compared to 60% in controls. Out of 5 A6 homozygotes, 2 probands and 2 affected relatives developed a severe gut inflammatory disease. The study of MICA gene polymorphisms disclosed an independent association with genetic risk for jBD. The combination of MICA A6 and HLA-B51 is the strongest genetic marker for this disease. Homozygous A6 patients seem to develop more severe mucosal gut involvement. This finding sheds light on the role of a receptor for MICA, named NKG2D, presented by natural killer cells, and CD8+, alphabetaT cells and gammadeltaT cells, usually localised in gut mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Picco
- Department of Paediatrics, G Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.
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23
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Picco P, Gattorno M, Sormani MP, Vignola S, Buoncompagni A, Battilana N, Pistoia V, Ravazzolo R. Involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children with oligoarticular-onset idiopathic arthritis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 966:369-72. [PMID: 12114294 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04237.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Adult patients with rheumatic arthritis and other rheumatic disorders show inappropriate cortisol secretion and peculiar CRH promoter gene polymorphisms. So far, no data are available about this topic in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We have studied a series of 13 prepubertal patients (10 female, 3 male) affected with oligoarticular JIA (o-JIA) without clinical and biological signs of disease activity (ESR and IL-6). ACTH plasma concentrations were significantly increased at 8 a.m. in o-JIA patients, whereas no differences were found in cortisol plasma concentrations. The ACTH/cortisol ratio was significantly increased in o-JIA patients with respect to the normal population both at 8 a.m. and at noon. DHEAS and testosterone plasma concentration did not statistically differ in the two populations. The genetic study was aimed at defining the prevalence of polymorphisms A1 and A2 in o-JIA patients, but we failed to find allelic or genotypic differences. Our study suggests the presence of a partial resistance to ACTH with a dysregulated pattern of secretion also in inactive o-JIA patients. These preliminary data need further confirmation in larger pediatric studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Picco
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy.
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24
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Abstract
We describe a girl with peculiar auricular dysmorphism, renal agenesis and supernumerary rib. Some different diagnostic hypotheses are discussed.
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25
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Abstract
The RET proto-oncogene is involved in the development of both kidney and neural crests derived tissues. RET deleterious mutations cause hereditary neuroendocrine tumours and congenital intestinal aganglionosis. Ongoing efforts aimed at elucidating the function of this gene include expression studies in different species and in transgenic mice. As first step in the study of Ret expression in mouse, we obtained the mouse Ret genomic structure. Intron-exon boundaries were determined and sequenced, all introns but the first one were amplified and cloned, and exons positioned in a restriction map. Mouse and human genes comparison indicates a highly conserved genomic organisation, except for exon 21 which is not conserved in mouse. A region extending 386 bp 5' to the first exon was sequenced and compared with its human counterpart. Some features, reported for the human promoter, like the absence of TATA or CAAT boxes and a high GC content, are conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Panetta
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G. Gaslini, 16148 Genoa, Italy
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26
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Matera I, De Miguel-Rodríguez M, Fernández-Santos JM, Santamaria G, Puliti A, Ravazzolo R, Romeo G, Galera-Davidson H, Ceccherini I. cDNA sequence and genomic structure of the rat RET proto-oncogene. DNA Seq 2001; 11:405-17. [PMID: 11328649 DOI: 10.3109/10425170009033991] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The RET proto-oncogene, a member of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase family, plays a crucial role during the development of the excretory system and the enteric nervous system, as demonstrated by in vivo animal studies and by its involvement in the pathogenesis of several human neurocristopathies like Hirschsprung disease and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2. Using a multistep RT-PCR approach we have isolated and sequenced the cDNA of the whole rat RET proto-oncogene, reporting the deduced amino acid sequence in comparison with the human and mouse counterparts. Moreover, two different isoforms (RET9 and RET51) have been confirmed in the rat, while a third RET isoform demonstrated in human (RET43) has not resulted to be conserved in this species. Finally, we have determined the genomic structure of the rat RET proto-oncogene comparing the exon-intron boundaries and intron sizes with the known structure of the human homologous gene. Our findings will facilitate the molecular study of appropriate rat models of RET related human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Matera
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148 Genova, Italy
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27
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Cinti R, Fava M, Sancandi M, Matera I, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I. Assignment of the HOX11L2 gene to human chromosome band 5q35.1 and of its murine homolog to mouse chromosome bands 11A4-A5 by in situ hybridization. Cytogenet Cell Genet 2001; 92:354-5. [PMID: 11435716 DOI: 10.1159/000056931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Cinti
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy.
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28
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Mazzocco M, Arrigo P, Egeo A, Maffei M, Vergano A, Di Lisi R, Ghiotto F, Ciccone E, Cinti R, Ravazzolo R, Scartezzini P. A novel human homologue of the SH3BGR gene encodes a small protein similar to Glutaredoxin 1 of Escherichia coli. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 285:540-5. [PMID: 11444877 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are ubiquitous GSH-dependent oxidoreductases, which catalyze the reduction of protein-glutathionyl-mixed disulfides and are considered to play an important role in the enzymatic regulation of redox-sensitive proteins. In this paper, we describe the identification and characterization of a new human homologue of the SH3BGR gene, named SH3BGRL3 (SH3 domain binding glutamic acid-rich protein like 3). SH3BGRL3 is widely expressed and codes for a highly conserved small protein, which shows a significant similarity to Glutaredoxin 1 (GRX1) of Escherichia coli and is predicted to belong to the Thioredoxin Superfamily. However, the SH3BGRL3 protein lacks both the conserved cysteine residues, which characterize the enzymatic active site of GRX. This structural feature raises the possibility that SH3BGRL3 could function as an endogenous modulator of GRX biological activity. EGFP-SH3BGRL3 fusion protein expressed in COS-7 cells localizes both to the nucleus and to the cytoplasm. The SH3BGRL3 gene was mapped to chromosome 1p34.3-35.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mazzocco
- Divisione di Neonatologia, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Mura delle Cappuccine 14, I-16128 Genoa, Italy
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29
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Priolo M, De Toni T, Baffico M, Cama A, Seri M, Cusano R, Costabello L, Fondelli P, Capra V, Silengo M, Ravazzolo R, Lerone M. Fontaine-Farriaux craniosynostosis: second report in the literature. Am J Med Genet 2001; 100:214-8. [PMID: 11343306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Craniosynostosis is determined by the precocious fusion of one or more calvarial sutures leading to an abnormal skull shape. Additionally, nodular heterotopia is a disorder of neuronal migration and/or proliferation. We describe a very rare multiple congenital anomalies (MCA) syndrome in which craniosynostosis is associated with bilateral periventricular nodular heterotopia (BPNH) of the gray matter and other malformations involving hands, feet, and the gut. Clinical findings and further investigations suggest the diagnosis of craniosynostosis Fontaine-Farriaux type. To the best of our knowledge, this case is only the second report of this MCA syndrome. Based on the clinical and radiological data of the two cases reported, we hypothesize that this malformative complex may be considered a new BPNH/MCA syndrome and propose to classify it as BPNH/craniosynostosis. Previous studies demonstrated that at least two BPNH/MCA syndromes have been mapped to the Xq28 chromosomal region in which a causative gene for isolated BPNH is located. The same authors hypothesized that other BPNH syndromes could be due to microrearrangements at the same Xq28 region. Our case presents several overlapping features with some BPNH/MCA syndromes and it is possible that this new complex disorder may be caused by rearrangements at the same chromosomal region that could alter expression of different genes in Xq28.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Priolo
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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30
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Ravera M, Viazzi F, Berruti V, Leoncini G, Zagami P, Bezante GP, Rosatto N, Ravazzolo R, Pontremoli R, Deferrari G. 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism and early organ damage in primary hypertension. Am J Hypertens 2001; 14:371-6. [PMID: 11336184 DOI: 10.1016/s0895-7061(00)01296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is a known risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic vascular damage. Plasma homocyst(e)ine levels are influenced by nutritional and hereditary factors. A point mutation (cytosine to thymidine substitution; C677T) in the gene encoding 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) makes the enzyme thermolabile and has been associated with elevated homocyst(e)ine levels in homozygous carriers (TT genotypes). We evaluated the relationship between the T allele encoding for the thermolabile variant of MTHFR and several biochemical risk factors and early signs of hypertensive and atherosclerotic organ damage in 206 untreated patients with primary hypertension. The MTHFR genotype was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Albuminuria was measured as albumin-to-creatinine ratio in three nonconsecutive first morning urine samples (negative urine culture). Persistent Mi (Alb+) was defined as an average albumin-to-creatinine ratio between 2.38 and 19 (men) and 2.96 and 20 (women). Left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI) was assessed by M-B mode echocardiography (LV hypertrophy, LVH = LVMI > or = 125 g/m2), carotid geometry by high-resolution ultrasound scan, and retinal vascular changes by direct ophthalmoscopy (Keith-Wagener classification). The prevalence of Mi, LVH, and retinopathy was 14%, 45%, and 42%, respectively. The prevalence of carotid plaque was 25%. Allele frequencies for C (wild-type allele) and T allele (mutant allele) were 56% and 44%, respectively. Genotype frequencies were CC 29%, CT 54%, TT 17% according to Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. There were no differences as for age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure levels, lipid profile, smoking habits, and alcohol intake, and LVMI and urinary albumin excretion on the basis of MTHFR genotype. Patients with TT polymorphism showed a higher prevalence of retinal vascular changes (TT, 61% v CT + CC, 38%; P < .02) and carotid plaque (TT, 42% v CT + CC, 21%; P < .05) compared to patients with CC and CT polymorphism. Moreover, patients with T allele showed increased carotid artery size as demonstrated by intima plus media thickness (IT, 0.79 +/- 0.05 mm v CT + CC, 0.67 +/- 0.02 mm; P < .02), relative wall thickness (TT, 0.23 +/- 0.01 mm v CT + CC, 0.20 +/- 0.005 mm; P < .02), and surface area (TT, 19 +/- 1.9 mm2 v CT + CC, 15 +/- 0.55 mm2; P < .05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that MTHFR genotype and systolic blood pressure independently influence intima-media thickness and together account for about 11% of its variations (r2 = 0.11, F = 9.7, dF = 1-205, P < .0001). Homozygosity for the T allele of the MTHFR gene is an independent risk factor for the development of early atherosclerotic organ damage in hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ravera
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy
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31
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Bertolini S, Pisciotta L, Seri M, Cusano R, Cantafora A, Calabresi L, Franceschini G, Ravazzolo R, Calandra S. A point mutation in ABC1 gene in a patient with severe premature coronary heart disease and mild clinical phenotype of Tangier disease. Atherosclerosis 2001; 154:599-605. [PMID: 11257260 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(00)00587-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The proband is a 50 year-old woman born from a consanguineous marriage. She has been suffering from angina pectoris since the age of 38 and underwent coronary bypass surgery for three-vessel disease at 48. The presence of low plasma levels of total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (2.4 and 0.1 mmol/l) and apo AI (<15 mg/dl), associated with corneal lesions and a mild splenomegaly suggested the diagnosis of Tangier disease. However, none of the other features of Tangier disease, including hepatomegaly, anemia and peripheral neuropathy, were present. The analysis of the dinucleotide microsatellites located in chromosome 9q31 region demonstrated that the proband was homozygous for the alleles of D9S53, D9S1784 and D9S1832. The mother and son of the proband, both with low levels of HDL cholesterol, shared one of the proband's haplotypes, whereas neither of these haplotypes was present in the normolipidemic proband's sister. The sequence of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABC1-1) cDNA obtained by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) of total RNA isolated from cultured fibroblasts showed that the proband was homozygous for a C>T transition in exon 13, which caused a tryptophane for arginine substitution (R527W). This mutation was confirmed by direct sequencing of exon 13 amplified from genomic DNA. It can be easily screened, as the nucleotide change introduces a restriction site for the enzyme Afl III. R527W substitution occurs in a highly conserved region of the NH2 cytoplasmic domain of ABC1 protein. R527W co-segregates with the low HDL phenotype in the family and was not found in 200 chromosomes from normolipidemic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bertolini
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV no. 6, I-16132 Genoa, Italy
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32
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Cinti R, Priolo M, Lerone M, Gimelli G, Seri M, Silengo M, Ravazzolo R. Molecular characterisation of a supernumerary ring chromosome in a patient with VATER association. J Med Genet 2001; 38:E6. [PMID: 11158176 PMCID: PMC1734799 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.38.2.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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33
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De Giorgio R, Seri M, Cogliandro R, Cusano R, Fava M, Caroli F, Panetta D, Forabosco P, Barbara G, Ravazzolo R, Ceccherini I, Corinaldesi R, Stanghellini V. Analysis of candidate genes for intrinsic neuropathy in a family with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Clin Genet 2001; 59:131-3. [PMID: 11260216 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2001.590212.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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34
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Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), after activation by its ligands, stimulates a cascade of intracellular events leading to cellular proliferation. Its expression is increased in various forms of cancer as a consequence of altered regulation. Our objective was to study potential negative regulators of EGF-R expression; we investigated the effect of adenovirus E1A proteins. E1A proteins can exert both positive and negative effects on cell growth, depending on the cell type and cellular context, and have anti-tumorigenic features on human cancer cells. We show that human cell lines stably transformed with the adenovirus E1 region show significantly reduced expression of EGF-R protein and mRNA compared to their control, non-E1A-expressing counterparts. Furthermore, the promoter activity of EGF-R can be specifically repressed by E1A in transient co-transfection analysis in multiple cell types. Transfections with deleted promoter fragments and constructs containing short fragments of the putative E1A-responsive region fused to a heterologous promoter indicate that E1A-responsive elements are contained in a promoter region (from -150 to -76). Analysis of E1A mutants showed that both E1A gene products, 12S and 13S, repress EGF-R promoter activity and that full repression requires the presence of an intact CR1 domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Prudenziati
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
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35
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Abstract
The ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a large and complex nosologic group of diseases; more than 170 different pathologic clinical conditions have been identified. Despite the great number of EDs described so far, few causative genes have been identified. We review EDs in the light of the most recent molecular findings and propose a new classification of EDs integrating both molecular-genetic data and corresponding clinical findings of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Priolo
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy.
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36
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Giampuzzi M, Botti G, Di Duca M, Arata L, Ghiggeri G, Gusmano R, Ravazzolo R, Di Donato A. Lysyl oxidase activates the transcription activity of human collagene III promoter. Possible involvement of Ku antigen. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:36341-9. [PMID: 10942761 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m003362200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase is an extracellular enzyme that controls the maturation of collagen and elastin. Lysyl oxidase and collagen III often show similar expression patterns in fibrotic tissues. Therefore, we investigated the influence of lysyl oxidase overexpression on the promoter activity of human COL3A1 gene. Our results showed that when COS-7 cells overexpressed the mature form of lysyl oxidase, the activity of the human COL3A1 promoter was increased up to an average of 12 times when tested by luciferase reporter assay. The effect was specific, because other promoters were not affected. Moreover, lysyl oxidase effect was abolished by beta-aminopropionitrile, a specific inhibitor of its catalytic activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed a binding activity in the region from -101 to -77 that was significantly increased by lysyl oxidase overexpression. The binding was specifically competed by the cold probe, and the mutagenesis of this region abolished both the binding activity in gel retardation and lysyl oxidase stimulation of COL3A1 promoter in transfection experiments. We identified the binding activity as Ku antigen in its two components: Ku80 and Ku70. This study suggests a new coordinated mechanism by which lysyl oxidase might control the development of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giampuzzi
- Department of Nephrology, Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy
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37
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Patrone G, Puppo F, Cusano R, Scaranari M, Ceccherini I, Puliti A, Ravazzolo R. Nuclear run-on assay using biotin labeling, magnetic bead capture and analysis by fluorescence-based RT-PCR. Biotechniques 2000; 29:1012-4, 1016-7. [PMID: 11084863 DOI: 10.2144/00295st02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, we present a fluorescence-based approach to the assessment of cellular gene expression and transcription rates. Nuclear run-on was performed by supplying biotin-16-UTP to nuclei, and labeled transcripts were bound to streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Total cDNA was then synthesized by means of random hexamer primed reverse transcription of captured molecules. To monitor transcript abundance in cDNA, both from nuclear run-on and total RNA, we propose a semiquantitative PCR approach based on the use of fluorescent primers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Patrone
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G. Gaslini, Università di Genova, Italy.
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38
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Cusano R, Gangarossa S, Forabosco P, Caridi G, Ghiggeri GM, Russo G, Iolascon A, Ravazzolo R, Seri M. Localisation of the gene responsible for fechtner syndrome in a region <600 Kb on 22q11-q13. Eur J Hum Genet 2000; 8:895-9. [PMID: 11093280 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fechtner syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder which has been thought to be a variant of Alport syndrome. It is characterised by nephritis, sensorineural hearing loss and eye abnormalities, as well as by macrothrombocytopenia and polymorphonuclear inclusion bodies. Recently, the Fechtner syndrome has been mapped in a 5.5 Mb region on the long arm of chromosome 22 by linkage analysis in an extended Israeli family. We describe here the genetic refinement of the Fechtner critical interval to a region less than 600 Kb by linkage analysis performed in a large Italian pedigree. The presence of several recombination events allowed the disease gene to be localised between markers D22S278 and D22S426, in a region containing only two non-recombinant markers, D22S1173 and D22S283. This interval, spanning <600 Kb on genomic DNA, has been entirely sequenced and contains six known and three putative genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cusano
- Laboratorio Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G Gaslini, Genova, Biologia e Genetica, Università di Genova, Italy
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39
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Priolo M, Lerone M, Rosaia L, Calcagno EP, Sadeghi AK, Ghezzi F, Ravazzolo R, Silengo M. Question mark ears, temporo-mandibular joint malformation and hypotonia: auriculo-condylar syndrome or a distinct entity? Clin Dysmorphol 2000; 9:277-80. [PMID: 11045585 DOI: 10.1097/00019605-200009040-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We report a boy with prominent, peculiarly malformed ears, abnormality of the ramus of the mandible and hypotonia. An isolated peculiar bilateral ear deformity named 'question mark ear' has been delineated in plastic reconstruction surgery reviews [Cosman et al., 1970 Plast Reconstr Surg 46:454-457; Cosman (1984) Plast Reconstr Surg 73:572-576; Takato et al. (1989) Ann Plast Surg 22:69-73; Brodovsky (1997) Plast Reconstr Surg 100:1254-1257; Park (1998) Plast Reconstr Surg 101:1620-1623; Al-Quattan (1998) Plast Reconstr Surg 102:439-441] and a similar deformity of the ear and changes in the temporo-mandibular joint and condyle has been described by Jampol et al. [(1998) Am J Med Genet 75:449-452] and by Guion-Almeida et al. [(1999) Am J Med Genet 86:130-133]. The present case may be the third description of this malformation complex with additional clinical features characterized by hypotonia and mild developmental delay, or possibly a new distinct entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Priolo
- Services of Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Medical Genetics, G Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy
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40
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Lo Nigro C, Cusano R, Scaranari M, Cinti R, Forabosco P, Morra VB, De Michele G, Santoro L, Davies S, Hurst J, Devoto M, Ravazzolo R, Seri M. A refined physical and transcriptional map of the SPG9 locus on 10q23.3-q24.2. Eur J Hum Genet 2000; 8:777-82. [PMID: 11039578 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterised by progressive spasticity of the lower limbs. Beside 'pure' forms of HSP, 'complicated' forms are reported, where spasticity occurs associated with additional symptoms. We recently described an Italian family with a complicated dominant form of HSP (SPG9) and we mapped the gene responsible to 10q23.3-q24.2, in a 12cM interval between markers D10S564 and D10S603. The phenotypic manifestations in our family are reminiscent of those already described in a smaller British pedigree. We typed individuals from this British family using markers located in the SPG9 critical interval and haplotype reconstruction showed the disorder co-segregating with SPG9. To characterise the SPG9 region better, we constructed a contig of 22 YACs, assigned it to 18 polymorphic markers and positioned 54 ESTs. Furthermore, we searched for ESTs containing a trinucleotide repeat sequence, since anticipation of symptoms was reported in both families. Finally, analysis of a muscle biopsy specimen from one patient was normal, suggesting that, contrary to SPG7, mitochondrial disturbance could not be a primary feature of SPG9.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lo Nigro
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.
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Seri M, Cusano R, Gangarossa S, Caridi G, Bordo D, Lo Nigro C, Ghiggeri GM, Ravazzolo R, Savino M, Del Vecchio M, d'Apolito M, Iolascon A, Zelante LL, Savoia A, Balduini CL, Noris P, Magrini U, Belletti S, Heath KE, Babcock M, Glucksman MJ, Aliprandis E, Bizzaro N, Desnick RJ, Martignetti JA. Mutations in MYH9 result in the May-Hegglin anomaly, and Fechtner and Sebastian syndromes. The May-Heggllin/Fechtner Syndrome Consortium. Nat Genet 2000; 26:103-5. [PMID: 10973259 DOI: 10.1038/79063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The autosomal dominant, giant-platelet disorders, May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA; MIM 155100), Fechtner syndrome (FTNS; MIM 153640) and Sebastian syndrome (SBS), share the triad of thrombocytopenia, large platelets and characteristic leukocyte inclusions ('Döhle-like' bodies). MHA and SBS can be differentiated by subtle ultrastructural leukocyte inclusion features, whereas FTNS is distinguished by the additional Alport-like clinical features of sensorineural deafness, cataracts and nephritis. The similarities between these platelet disorders and our recent refinement of the MHA (ref. 6) and FTNS (ref. 7) disease loci to an overlapping region of 480 kb on chromosome 22 suggested that all three disorders are allelic. Among the identified candidate genes is the gene encoding nonmuscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9; refs 8-10), which is expressed in platelets and upregulated during granulocyte differentiation. We identified six MYH9 mutations (one nonsense and five missense) in seven unrelated probands from MHA, SBS and FTNS families. On the basis of molecular modelling, the two mutations affecting the myosin head were predicted to impose electrostatic and conformational changes, whereas the truncating mutation deleted the unique carboxy-terminal tailpiece. The remaining missense mutations, all affecting highly conserved coiled-coil domain positions, imparted destabilizing electrostatic and polar changes. Thus, our results suggest that mutations in MYH9 result in three megakaryocyte/platelet/leukocyte syndromes and are important in the pathogenesis of sensorineural deafness, cataracts and nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seri
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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Griseri P, Sancandi M, Patrone G, Bocciardi R, Hofstra R, Ravazzolo R, Devoto M, Romeo G, Ceccherini I. A single-nucleotide polymorphic variant of the RET proto-oncogene is underrepresented in sporadic Hirschsprung disease. Eur J Hum Genet 2000; 8:721-4. [PMID: 10980580 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is an inherited disorder characterised by absence of intrinsic ganglion cells in the distal gastrointestinal tract. Different susceptibility genes, involved in either the Ret-tyrosine kinase or the endothelin signalling pathways, contribute to HSCR phenotype. Interestingly, alterations of these genes are detected in only 30-50% of all HSCR patients, suggesting the involvement of modifier genes and/or additional genetic or environmental risk factors. In complex disorders common polymorphic variants can be associated with the disease phenotype, thus modifying the risk of recurrence. To investigate whether sequence variants of the RET proto-oncogene may be associated with the development of the HSCR phenotype, we analysed 92 Italian patients for the 2508C > T synonymous substitution in exon 14 (S836S) finding that the T allele is clearly less frequent than in control individuals (Fisher exact test P = 0.0002). On the other hand, this RET variant allele is overrepresented in patients affected with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Assuming a direct effect of this single-nucleotide polymorphism in predisposing to RET associated pathologies, we have performed functional tests which excluded any possible involvement of the C and T alleles in DNA-protein binding, transcript stability and RNA splicing and editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Griseri
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Ghiggeri GM, Oleggini R, Musante L, Caridi G, Gusmano R, Ravazzolo R. A DNA element in the alpha1 type III collagen promoter mediates a stimulatory response by angiotensin II. Kidney Int 2000; 58:537-48. [PMID: 10916077 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2000.00200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in extracellular matrix deposition and tissue scarring in the kidney and the heart. The mechanism for extracellular matrix stimulation by Ang II is currently hypothetical, with one possibility pointing to a direct effect on cell synthesis of specific collagens. METHODS We studied the molecular mechanism for activation of type III collagen synthesis by Ang II in an in vitro cell model of myofibroblasts by evaluating (1) alpha1(III) collagen mRNA expression; (2) alpha1(III) collagen promoter activity; (3) DNA/protein binding with characterization of binding sites; (4) expression of transcription factors; and (5) the role of a short DNA segment as Ang II responsive element. RESULTS We found a specific dose-dependent stimulation of alpha1(III) collagen mRNA expression and a parallel effect on alpha1(III) collagen promoter activity. Transfection of constructs containing alpha1(III) collagen promoter fragments of different lengths localized the site of activation within the shortest 178 bp construct. By gel-retardation experiments, we observed the formation of a DNA-protein complex with crude extracts from Ang II-stimulated cells and an oligonucleotide spanning the 3 to 20 sequence. This complex was due to a sequence-specific interaction and was abolished by a 3 bp substitution mutation. The introduction of this mutation into the 178 bp construct abolished the stimulatory effect of Ang II. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that Ang II stimulates the expression of alpha1(III) collagen mRNA in myofibroblasts in vitro by activating the alpha1(III) collagen promoter at the level of a factor recognition site localized immediately downstream of the transcription start site. This mechanism could be involved in Ang II-induced renal and heart fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ghiggeri
- Department of Nephrology, and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, G. Gaslini Institute, University of Genova, Italy.
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Bertolini S, Pisciotta L, Seri M, Cusano R, Cantafora A, Calabresi L, Franceschini G, Ravazzolo R, Calandra S. A point mutation in ABC1 gene in a patient with a severe premature chd and a mild phenotype of tangier disease. Atherosclerosis 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(00)81416-1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Priolo M, Lerone M, Baffico M, Baldi M, Ravazzolo R, Cama A, Capra V, Silengo M. Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 associated with a single amino acid deletion in the FGFR2 gene. Clin Genet 2000; 58:81-3. [PMID: 10945669 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2000.580116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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46
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Oleggini R, Musante L, Menoni S, Botti G, Duca MD, Prudenziati M, Carrea A, Ravazzolo R, Ghiggeri GM. Characterization of a DNA binding site that mediates the stimulatory effect of cyclosporin-A on type III collagen expression in renal cells. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2000; 15:778-85. [PMID: 10831628 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/15.6.778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated upregulation of type III collagen by cyclosporin A (CsA) in a cellular model of renal fibroblasts 'in vitro', suggesting that a mechanism of gene transcriptional activation might be responsible for collagen accumulation in renal fibrosis resulting from chronic CsA treatment. METHODS We analysed in the same cellular model: (i) COL3A1 mRNA expression by RT-PCR; (ii) COL3A1 promoter activity by transfection of renal fibroblasts with constructs containing promoter fragments of different length fused to a reporter gene; (iii) expression of transcription factors by western blot analysis; (iv) DNA-protein binding by gel retardation assays with nuclear extracts from CsA-treated and untreated cells; and (v) site-directed mutagenesis of COL3A1 promoter to verify the role of a short DNA segment as CsA responsive element. RESULTS CsA induced a 3-5-fold increase in COL3A1 mRNA that was paralleled by a stimulation of the COL3A1 promoter. Degradation of COL3A1 mRNA was comparable in CsA-treated and -untreated cells. The target region was first limited to a 178 bp fragment from -117 to +61 (pFV1). By gel retardation, utilizing several oligonucleotides that covered the whole length of pFV1, we detected a factor able to bind the promoter DNA (oligo 31) in nuclear extracts after 3 h treatment with CsA. The binding was absent in untreated cells and it was not detected when a 10-base mutation was introduced in oligonucleotide 31. Finally, the same substitution mutation at the site of binding of this factor abolished the stimulatory effect of CsA on COL3A1 promoter. Some transcription factors, whose potential binding sites are included in the above promoter fragment, were induced by CsA treatment either soon (3 h) or late (24-72 h) after treatment and were detected by western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS CsA induces the synthesis of type III collagen by stimulating a pathway leading to activation of COL3A1 promoter and upregulation of COL3A1 mRNA. A short promoter fragment, proximal to the transcription start site, is the target of CsA stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Oleggini
- Nephrology Section, G. Gaslini Childrens Hospital, Department of Oncology Biology and Genetics, University of Genova, Italy
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Priolo M, Rosaia L, Seri M, Silengo MC, Ravazzolo R, Lerone M. Total anonychia congenita in a woman with normal intelligence: report of a further case. Dermatology 2000; 200:84-5. [PMID: 10681628 DOI: 10.1159/000018329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Pontremoli R, Ravera M, Viazzi F, Nicolella C, Berruti V, Leoncini G, Giacopelli F, Bezante GP, Sacchi G, Ravazzolo R, Deferrari G. Genetic polymorphism of the renin-angiotensin system and organ damage in essential hypertension. Kidney Int 2000; 57:561-9. [PMID: 10652033 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2000.00876.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a significant role in the development of hypertensive cardiac and vascular remodeling. Recently, several genetic variants of its key components, which may be clinically relevant and thus prove to be useful in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk, have been described. We therefore investigated the association between ACE I/D, AGT M235T, and AT1 A1266C gene polymorphisms and early signs of target organ damage in 215 untreated patients with essential hypertension (EH). METHODS Genotyping was based on the polymerase chain reaction technique, with further restriction analysis when required. Albuminuria was measured as the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was assessed by echocardiography (LVH = LVMI > or = 125 g/m2), carotid wall thickness (IMT) by an ultrasonographic (US) scan, and retinal vascular changes by direct ophthalmoscopy (Keith-Wagener classification). RESULTS The prevalence of microalbuminuria (Mi), LVH, and retinal vascular changes was 14, 46, and 74%, respectively. ACE, AGT, and AT1 genotype distribution was in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no difference in age, duration of disease, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and lipid profile when data were analyzed on the basis of genotype. Serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were related to the ACE genotype (10.2 +/- 0.5, DD; 8.2 +/- 0.3, ID; 6.5 +/- 0.4 IU/mL, II; P < 0. 0001 by analysis of variance). The ACE genotype independently influences serum ACE levels and accounts for approximately 14% of its variations (F = 26.7, r2 = 0.1393, df 1 to 214, P < 0.0001). Patients with DD and ID genotypes showed higher levels of ACR (1.59 +/- 0.2, DD + ID; 0.8 +/- 0.2 mg/mmol, II; P < 0.006 by ANOVA) and bigger LVMI (124.1 +/- 2.3, DD + ID vs. 117.8 +/- 3.6 g/m2, II; P < 0.01 by ANOVA). No differences in the prevalence and degree of target organ damage (TOD) were found when data were analyzed on the basis of the AGT and AT1 genotypes, respectively. Potentially unfavorable combinations of genotypes were also investigated by K-means cluster analysis. Two subgroups of patients were identified (cluster 1, N = 70; cluster 2, N = 57), and each differed significantly with regards to the presence and degree of TOD and patterns of RAAS gene polymorphisms (F, 15.97 for ACR; F, 7.19 for IMT; F, 217.03 for LVMI; F, 3.91 for ACE; F, 4.06 for AGT; and F, 5. 22 for AT1; df 1 to 214, P < 0.02, for each one of the variables examined). CONCLUSION The D allele of the ACE gene may be an independent risk factor for the development of target organ damage, and evaluating it could be useful for assessing cardiovascular risk in EH. Unfavorable patterns of RAAS genotypes seem to predispose patients to subclinical cardiovascular disease in EH.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pontremoli
- Department of Internal Medicine, G. Gaslini Hospital, University of Genoa, Italy
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Seri M, Melchionda S, Dreyer S, Marini M, Carella M, Cusano R, Piemontese MR, Caroli F, Silengo M, Zelante L, Romeo G, Ravazzolo R, Gasparini P, Lee B. Identification of LMX1B gene point mutations in italian patients affected with Nail-Patella syndrome. Int J Mol Med 1999; 4:285-90. [PMID: 10425280 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.4.3.285] [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: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nail-Patella syndrome, or osteo-onychodysplasia, is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by nail dysplasia, absent or hypoplastic patellae, iliac horns and nephropathy. Previous studies have demonstrated linkage of the Nail-Patella locus with polymorphic markers on human chromosome 9q34. Recently, point mutations in the LMX1B gene have been identified in Nail-Patella patients and in families with recurrence of Nail-Patella syndrome and open-angle glaucoma. We describe here the identification of additional point mutations in the LMX1B gene in a set of Italian patients affected with Nail-Patella syndrome: two deletions of 1 and 2 bp causing a frameshift in two sporadic patients and nonsense mutations in two familial and one sporadic cases have been identified. All the mutations affect the homeodomain of the LMX1B protein and could cause the Nail-Patella syndrome through a loss of function as well as a dominant negative effect. Haplotype analysis in the two familial cases carrying the same stop codon mutation suggests the presence of a founder effect. Finally, analysis of cDNA clones obtained from human fetal kidney has revealed the existence of two different transcripts of LMX1B gene likely due to an alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seri
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare, Istituto G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Bobola N, Briata P, Ilengo C, Rosatto N, Craft C, Corte G, Ravazzolo R. OTX2 homeodomain protein binds a DNA element necessary for interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein gene expression. Mech Dev 1999; 82:165-9. [PMID: 10354480 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4773(98)00162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Transcription of the human interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) gene is strictly tissue specific, being restricted to retinal photoreceptors and pinealocytes. We have previously demonstrated that a sequence named A element, in the IRBP promoter is essential for IRBP gene transcription in vivo. Here we demonstrate that the human homeodomain protein OTX2 is present in nuclear extracts of IRBP expressing cells and specifically interacts with the IRBP A promoter element in vitro. OTX2, as well as CRX, a homeodomain protein very similar to OTX2, activates the human IRBP promoter in co-transfection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bobola
- Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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