Influence of radiation exposure to delayed fetal growth in wild Japanese monkeys after the Fukushima accident

Wild Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) were exposed to radiation after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011. To clarify the biological effects of radiation exposure on their fetal growth, pregnant monkeys and their fetuses were analyzed. These animals were collected between 2008 and 2020 (before and after the accident in 2011) living in Fukushima City, approximately 70 km from the nuclear power plant. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with fetal body weight (FBW) and fetal head circumference (FHS) as objective variables, and maternal and fetal factors as explanatory variables. The maternal factors were relative exposure dose rate (REDR), age, body weight, body length, fat index, and parity. The fetal factors were crown ramp length (CRL) and sex. Multiple regression analyses showed that FBR and FHS growth were positively associated with CRL, maternal body length, and negatively associated with REDR. Since the relative growth of FBR and FHS to CRL decreased with increasing REDR, radiation exposure due to the nuclear accident may have contributed to the delayed fetal growth observed in Japanese monkeys.

Time dependence of 137Cs contamination in wild Japanese monkeys after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident

Over the 10 years immediately after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, we measured the changes in the muscle ¹³⁷Cs concentration (Bq/kg) of wild Japanese monkeys living in Fukushima City, which is located approximately 70 km from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The muscle¹³⁷Csconcentration, which was observed at a maximum of 13,500 Bq/kg immediately after the accident, had decreased to several hundred Bq/kg 10 years later. The muscle ¹³⁷Cs concentration was significantly related to the soil contamination levels (10,000-30,000, 30,000-60,000, 60,000-100,000, and 100,000-300,000 Bq/m²), sex, age class (immature, mature), body weight (> 5000 g, 5000-10,000 g, < 10,000 g), and seasons (the cold period from December to April, the warm period from May to November).The value of muscle ¹³⁷Cs concentration and the aggregated transfer factor (T_ag: calculated by dividing muscle ¹³⁷Cs concentration [Bq/kg] by soil ¹³⁷Cs deposition density at the capture site [Bq/m²]) apparently decreased with time for several years. However, post hoc pairwise comparisons showed no difference from 2017 to 2020, and the accumulation of ¹³⁷Cs in muscle may continue for some time.

Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization for Incompatible Cross-Match Cases in the Feline AB Blood Group System

The feline AB blood group system (blood types A, B, and AB) encoding the cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene is the most significant in transfusion medicine and hemolysis of the newborn for cats. Blood typing and cross-matching in pre-transfusion testing are crucial to determining blood compatibility and thus prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. We here performed serological and genetic investigations to characterize blood samples from cats with discordant results for card agglutination (CARD) and the alloantibody agglutination test for blood typing in two cats (subjects K and R). Subject K showed incompatible cross-matching in pre-transfusion testing. Red blood cells from subjects K and R determined blood type B from the CARD method showed blood type AB by alloanti-A and alloanti-B antibodies in agglutination testing. Genomic DNA sequencing of the coding region (exons 1a to 14) for the cat CMAH gene showed that subject K had four mutations with heterozygosity at c.139C>T, c.179G>T, c.327A>C, and c.364C>T. Similarly, the CMAH gene of subject R carried six mutations with heterozygosity at c.142G>A, c.187A>G, c.268T>A, c.327A>C, c.773G>A and c.1603G>A, representing a new diplotype including a novel synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 7 (c.773 G>A: Arg258Gln). The CMAH diplotype in subjects K and R was different from major diplotype in blood type B cats. This study is the first to report CMAH variants in cats with discordant blood types between CARD and TUBE methods. These results could assist in the classification of feline AB blood types for transfusion medicine to avoid blood incompatibilities.

The number of glutamines in the N-terminal of the canine androgen receptor affects signalling intensities

Most male dogs are castrated at young ages, making them easy to rear following androgen deprivation. Although the incidence of canine prostate cancer is low, several patients have resistance to androgen therapy and poor clinical prognosis. These outcomes are similar to those of end-stage human androgen-independent prostate cancer. The androgen receptor (AR) of canines has two polyglutamine (polyQ) sequences (Q × 10 and Q × 23) at its N-terminal. The length of polyQ may be a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer in dogs; however, there is no evidence to support this. Hence, we artificially created polyQ deletion mutants of canine AR and evaluated their effects on AR signalling. The deletions of Q × 10 and Q × 23 were associated with significant reductions in AR signalling intensities. The Q × 10 mutants, which increase or decrease Q sequentially, also altered AR signalling. Furthermore, the Q × 10 deletion mutant, compared with the Q × 10 control, altered the intensities of the binding of polyQ to the C-terminal of AR, which contains a ligand-binding domain; this was not observed with the Q × 9, 11, and 12 variants. The number of glutamines in the N-terminals of canine ARs may influence AR signalling intensities and contribute to the risk of prostate cancer in dogs.

Novel canine isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation Y208C attenuates dimerization ability

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations are common in gliomas, acute myeloid leukemia, and chondrosarcoma. The mutation ‘hotspot’ is a single arginine residue, R132. The R132H mutant of IDH1 produces the 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) carcinogen from α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). The reduction of α-KG induces the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α subunit (HIF-1α) in the cytosol, which is a predisposing factor for carcinogenesis. R132H is the most common IDH1 mutation in humans, but mutations at the R132 residue can also occur in tumor tissues of dogs. The current study reported the discovery of a novel Tyr208Cys (Y208C) mutation in canine IDH1 (cIDH1), which was isolated from 2 of 45 canine chondrosarcoma cases. As the genomic DNA isolated from chondrosarcoma tissue was mutated, but that isolated from blood was not, Y208C mutations were considered to be spontaneous somatic mutations. The isocitrate dehydrogenase activity of the Y208C mutant was attenuated compared with that of wild-type (WT) cIDH1, but the attenuation of Y208C was less intense than that of the R132H mutation. The induction of HIF-1α response element activity and cell retention of HIF-1α were not increased by Y208C overexpression. In silico and cell biological analysis of IDH1 dimerization revealed that the Y208C mutation, but not the R132H mutation, attenuated binding activity with WT cIDH1. These data suggested that the attenuation of dimerization by the Y208C mutation may cause tumorigenesis through different mechanisms other than via 2-HG production by the IDH1 R132 mutation.

Association of sarcoptic mange with kinship and habitat use in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Although kinship (parent-offspring or siblings) contact has been suggested as a driving factor for sarcoptic mange epizootic in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), no effect has been reported. In contrast, habitat fragmentation caused by urbanization may result in a high occurrence of sarcoptic mange, because habitat fragmentation may promote contact infection by increasing the population density of raccoon dogs. The habitat distribution of raccoon dogs may therefore influence epizootic sarcoptic mange. The genetic relationship between raccoon dogs was analyzed to examine Sarcoptes scabiei transmission between kin. The relationship between S. scabiei infection and the habitat of raccoon dogs was also investigated. Seventy-five raccoon dogs from Takasaki, Gunma prefecture, were examined from 2012 to 2018; 23 were infested with S. scabiei. The genotypes were determined using 17 microsatellite loci, and the relationships were categorized into four patterns by the ML-Relate software. There was no significant difference between infested pairs and other two pairs (Chi-squared test: χ²=0.034, df=1, P=0.85). Although it was difficult to predicate because the mortality rate was unclear in this study, kinship contact does not seem to be an important factor for sarcoptic mange epizootic. S. scabiei infection rates were significantly associated with the location of village sections (OR=1.55, 95% CI=1.11–2.17, P=0.011). It is suggested that direct/indirect contact between individuals living closely together is an important factor for the transmission of S. scabiei.

Concentrations of 137Cs radiocaesium in the organs and tissues of low-dose-exposed wild Japanese monkeys

Objectives

Following the massive earthquake that struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011, a large amount of radioactive material was released into the environment from the damaged reactor of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP). After the FDNPP accident, radiocaesium was first detected in muscle samples from wild Japanese monkeys exposed to radioactive materials, and haematologic effects, changes in head size, and delayed body weight gain were also reported, but little is known about the distribution of ¹³⁷Cs in the organs and tissues of wild Japanese monkeys.

Results

We detected the ¹³⁷Cs in various organ and tissue samples of 10 wild Japanese monkeys inhabiting the forested areas of Fukushima City that were captured between July and August 2012. Among muscle, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and spleen, muscle exhibited the highest and the brain the lowest ¹³⁷Cs concentration. The concentration (mean ± SD) of ¹³⁷Cs in muscle, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and spleen was 77 ± 66, 26 ± 22, 41 ± 35, 49 ± 41, 41 ± 38, 53 ± 41, and 53 ± 51 Bq/kg, respectively. These results can help us understand the biological effects of long-term internal radiation exposure in non-human primates.

Examining multiple paternity in the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Japan using microsatellite analysis

We analyzed the genotypes of three pregnant females and their litters to investigate the phenomenon of multiple paternity in wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) using 17 microsatellite markers. If a female has mated with only one male during estrus, then the maximum number of paternal alleles will not exceed two among littermates with the same father. The results revealed two out of three litters had three or four paternal alleles at one or five microsatellite loci. Therefore, the female had mated with more than one male during estrus. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report the possibility of multiple paternity in wild raccoon dogs.

Molecular characterization of cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) associated with the erythrocyte antigens in dogs

Background

N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is synthesized from its precursor N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) by cytidine-5′-monophospho-N acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH), which is encoded by the CMAH gene. Most mammals have both Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac, but humans and ferrets have only Neu5Ac because of loss-of-function mutations. Dogs and cats are polymorphic for Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac expression like cats, in which the CMAH gene is responsible for the AB Blood group system. Although the CMAH gene has been characterized in many species, not much is known about it in dogs. In this study, we cloned the dog CMAH cDNA, and performed mRNA expression analysis of this gene in several organs. We also identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CMAH gene.

Results

We cloned the 1737-bp open reading frame of the dog CMAH gene. This gene consists of at least 14 coding exons and codes for a polypeptide of 578 amino acids and is located on chromosome 35. The amino acid identities of dog CMAH with the corresponding sequences from cat, pig, chimpanzee, mouse, and rat were high (89 to 93%). RT-PCR analysis showed that the dog CMAH cDNA was expressed in various tissues. We identified four exonic SNPs (three synonymous and one non-synonymous), 11 intronic SNPs, and an indel in 11 dog breeds by analyzing the nucleotide sequences of the 14 exons, including the coding region of CMAH. In the genotype of the non-synonymous SNP, c.554 A > G (p.Lys185Arg), in a total of 285 dogs of seven different breeds, the allele G was widely distributed, and the allele A was the most frequent in the Shiba dogs. The dogs expressing Neu5Ac did not carry the loss-of-function deletion of CMAH found in humans and ferrets, and it remains unclear whether the point mutations influence the expression of Neu5Ac.

Conclusions

We characterized the canine CMAH gene at the molecular level for the first time. The results obtained in this study provide essential information that will help in understanding the molecular roles of the CMAH gene in canine erythrocyte antigens.

The canine RAD51 mutation leads to the attenuation of interaction with PALB2

RAD51 forms a complex with BRCA2 and plays a central role in the DNA damage response pathway that is associated with homologous recombination. The structures of RAD51 and its homologues are highly conserved from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes. Although a large number of BRCA2 mutations have been reported, there are only a few reports on the mutations of RAD51, which have been shown in humans and dogs. However, several mutations of canine RAD51 were identified from mammary gland tumour tissues in a recent study. Some of these mutations seem to have an influence on the homo-oligomerization or interaction with "Partner and localizer of BRCA2" (PALB2). In this study, we cloned the canine PALB2 homologue and investigated the effect on its interaction with the RAD51 mutants to evaluate the alteration in the function of RAD51 mutants. The A209S and T225S mutants of RAD51 show an attenuation of the interaction between RAD51 and PALB2. These results indicate that the canine RAD51 mutations can potentially alter the homologous recombination pathways in response to DNA damage in dogs.

Element Selectivity in Second-Harmonic Generation of GaFeO_{3} by a Soft-X-Ray Free-Electron Laser

Nonlinear optical frequency conversion has been challenged to move down to the extreme ultraviolet and x-ray region. However, the extremely low signals have allowed researchers to only perform transmission experiments of the gas phase or ultrathin films. Here, we report second harmonic generation (SHG) of the reflected beam of a soft x-ray free-electron laser from a solid, which is enhanced by the resonant effect. The observation revealed that the double resonance condition can be met by absorption edges for transition metal oxides in the soft x-ray range, and this suggests that the resonant SHG technique can be applicable to a wide range of materials. We discuss the possibility of element-selective SHG spectroscopy measurements in the soft x-ray range.

Endogenous Leu332Gln mutation in p53 disrupts the tetramerization ability in a canine mammary gland tumor cell line

Mutations in the p53 gene are associated with more than half of all human cancers. These mutations often cause a disruption of the tumor-suppressor function of p53 and induce genomic instabilities. Wild‑type p53 requires tetramerization to function as an initiator of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Although alterations in p53 tetramerization caused by mutation have been well studied, there are few cell lines containing an endogenous mutation in the tetramerization domain of p53. Here, we report the discovery of a canine mammary gland tumor cell line CTB‑m2, which contains the Leu332Gln (L332Q) mutation corresponding to Leu344 in the tetramerization domain of human p53. Although CTB‑m2 cells are genetically heterozygous for the Leu332Gln mutation, the mutant mRNA was almost exclusively expressed. CTB‑m2 cells showed enhanced cell proliferation compared to wild‑type p53-expressing CTB‑m cells of the same lineage. A p53 tetramerization reporter assay showed that the ability of the p53 mutant to form tetramers was significantly lower than that of wild‑type p53. An immunoblot analysis of cross-linked p53 oligomerized forms demonstrated that the L332Q mutant lacked the ability to form tetramers but retained the ability to form dimers. These data suggest that the p53 mutant cell line CTB‑m2 could be a useful tool for analyzing the precise tetramerization mechanisms of p53 and verifying the effects of therapeutic agents against tumors expressing p53 mutants that lack the ability to tetramerize.

Electroencephalography in the monitoring of lithium toxicity: A case report

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

If lithium toxicity occurs during treatment by lithium, treatment is performed while monitoring serum lithium levels.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of lithium toxicity in a patient with bipolar affective disorder who developed neurotoxic symptoms associated with elevated serum lithium level and abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) changes. The elevated serum lithium level decreased before EEG normalization, which was associated with disappearance of all neurotoxic symptoms.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Monitoring EEG changes is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of lithium toxicity accompanied by abnormal EEG changes.

R132 mutations in canine isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) lead to functional changes

Glioma is the second most common intracranial neoplasia in dogs, but the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. In humans, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is frequently mutated in gliomas. Although almost all human IDH1 mutations have been identified as involving the Arg132 codon, few studies have reported structural, functional, and mutational information for canine IDH1. Therefore, in this study, we cloned the canine IDH1 homologue and used PCR mutagenesis to substitute the wildtype (WT) Arg132 with His (R132H) or Ser (R132S). WT and mutated IDH1 were overexpressed in HeLa cells, and their presence was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry using mutation-specific antibodies. The IDH1 activity between WT, R132H, and R132S transfectants was compared by measuring the production of NADH and NADPH. NADPH production in R132H and R132S transfectants was lower than that in WT, but NADH levels were not significantly different. Finally, we detected increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the R132H and R132S transfectants. These results indicated that the canine IDH1 Arg132 mutation has the potential to induce carcinogenesis in canine somatic cells.

Functional alteration of canine isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) via an R174K mutation

Gliomas are common intracranial neoplasias in dogs. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. In humans, isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) is often mutated in gliomas. Although almost human IDH2 mutations have been identified at the Arg172 codon, few studies have reported structural, functional or mutational information for canine IDH2. In this study, we cloned the full-length canine IDH2 (cIDH2) cDNA and substituted wild type Arg174 (cIDH2 WT: corresponding to R172 of human IDH2) with Lys (cIDH2 R174K). The cIDH2 WT and R174K proteins were overexpressed in HeLa cells, and their presence was confirmed using an anti-human IDH2-WT mAb (clone: KrMab-3) and an anti-IDH2-R172K mAb (clone: KMab-1). The IDH2 activity between cIDH2 WT and cIDH2 R174K transfectants was compared by measuring the production of NADH and NADPH. NADPH production was lower for cIDH2 R174K than that for cIDH2 WT transfectants. Finally, we detected increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in cIDH2 R174K transfectants. This indicates that mutations at R174 can potentially induce carcinogenesis in canine somatic cells.

Canine REIC/Dkk-3 interacts with SGTA and restores androgen receptor signalling in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines

Background

The pathological condition of canine prostate cancer resembles that of human androgen-independent prostate cancer. Both canine and human androgen receptor (AR) signalling are inhibited by overexpression of the dimerized co-chaperone small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein α (SGTA), which is considered to cause the development of androgen-independency. Reduced expression in immortalised cells (REIC/Dkk-3) interferes with SGTA dimerization and rescues AR signalling. This study aimed to assess the effects of REIC/Dkk-3 and SGTA interactions on AR signalling in the canine androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line CHP-1.

Results

Mammalian two-hybrid and Halo-tagged pull-down assays showed that canine REIC/Dkk-3 interacted with SGTA and interfered with SGTA dimerization. Additionally, reporter assays revealed that canine REIC/Dkk-3 restored AR signalling in both human and canine androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Therefore, we confirmed the interaction between canine SGTA and REIC/Dkk-3, as well as their role in AR signalling.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that this interaction might contribute to the development of a novel strategy for androgen-independent prostate cancer treatment. Moreover, we established the canine androgen-independent prostate cancer model as a suitable animal model for the study of this type of treatment-refractory human cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1094-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tumor suppressor REIC/DKK-3 and co-chaperone SGTA: Their interaction and roles in the androgen sensitivity

REIC/DKK-3 is a tumor suppressor, however, its intracellular physiological functions and interacting molecules have not been fully clarified. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we found that small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein α (SGTA), known as a negative modulator of cytoplasmic androgen receptor (AR) signaling, is a novel interacting partner of REIC/DKK-3. Mammalian two-hybrid and pull-down assay results indicated that the SGTA-REIC/DKK-3 interaction involved the N-terminal regions of both REIC/DKK-3 and SGTA and that REIC/DKK-3 interfered with the dimerization of SGTA, which is a component of the AR complex and a suppressor of dynein motor-dependent AR transport and signaling. A reporter assay in human prostate cancer cells that displayed suppressed AR signaling by SGTA showed recovery of AR signaling by REIC/DKK-3 expression. Considering these results and our previous data that REIC/DKK-3 interacts with the dynein light chain TCTEX-1, we propose that the REIC/DKK-3 protein interferes with SGTA dimerization, promotes dynein-dependent AR transport and then upregulates AR signaling.

Molecular Characterization of the Cytidine Monophosphate-N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Hydroxylase (CMAH) Gene Associated with the Feline AB Blood Group System

Cat’s AB blood group system (blood types A, B, and AB) is of major importance in feline transfusion medicine. Type A and type B antigens are Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac, respectively, and the enzyme CMAH participating in the synthesis of Neu5Gc from Neu5Ac is associated with this cat blood group system. Rare type AB erythrocytes express both Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac. Cat serum contains naturally occurring antibodies against antigens occurring in the other blood types. To understand the molecular genetic basis of this blood group system, we investigated the distribution of AB blood group antigens, CMAH gene structure, mutation, diplotypes, and haplotypes of the cat CMAH genes. Blood-typing revealed that 734 of the cats analyzed type A (95.1%), 38 cats were type B (4.9%), and none were type AB. A family of three Ragdoll cats including two type AB cats and one type A was also used in this study. CMAH sequence analyses showed that the CMAH protein was generated from two mRNA isoforms differing in exon 1. Analyses of the nucleotide sequences of the 16 exons including the coding region of CMAH examined in the 34 type B cats and in the family of type AB cats carried the CMAH variants, and revealed multiple novel diplotypes comprising several polymorphisms. Haplotype inference, which was focused on non-synonymous SNPs revealed that eight haplotypes carried one to four mutations in CMAH, and all cats with type B (n = 34) and AB (n = 2) blood carried two alleles derived from the mutated CMAH gene. These results suggested that double haploids selected from multiple recessive alleles in the cat CMAH loci were highly associated with the expression of the Neu5Ac on erythrocyte membrane in types B and AB of the feline AB blood group system.

Properties of the feline tumour suppressor reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk-3)

Reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk-3), a member of the human Dickkopf (Dkk) family, is a growth suppressor in human and canine mammary tumours. Mammary gland tumours are common neoplasms with high malignancy in female cats. The purpose of this study was to clone the feline REIC/Dkk-3 homolog, investigate its expression in cell lines established from feline mammary gland tumours, and test its tumour suppressor function. Western blot analysis revealed that expression of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein was reduced in feline mammary carcinoma cell lines. Forced expression of REIC/Dkk-3 induced apoptosis in feline mammary tumour cell lines. These results demonstrate that REIC/Dkk-3 expression, which is downregulated in feline mammary tumour cell lines, results in the induction of apoptosis in these cells. Our findings suggest that feline REIC/Dkk-3 represents a potential molecular target for the development of therapies against feline mammary cancers.

The canine prostate cancer cell line CHP-1 shows over-expression of the co-chaperone small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein α

Although androgen therapy resistance and poor clinical outcomes are seen in most canine prostate cancer cases, there are only a few tools for analysing canine prostate cancer by using a cell biological approach. Therefore, to evaluate androgen-independent neoplastic cell growth, a new canine prostate cancer cell line (CHP-1) was established in this study. CHP-1 over-expressed the co-chaperone small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein α (SGTA), which is over-expressed in human androgen-independent prostate cancer. The CHP-1 xenograft also showed SGTA over-expression. Although CHP-1 shows poor androgen receptor (AR) signalling upon dihydrotestosterone stimulation, forced expression of AR enabled evaluation of AR signalling. Taken together, these results suggest that CHP-1 will be a useful model for investigating the pathogenesis of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent canine prostate cancer.

Polymorphisms of canine BRCA2 BRC repeats affecting interaction with RAD51

Mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA2 leading to the failure of interactions with the recombinase RAD51 are associated with an increased risk of cancer in humans. This interaction depends on the eight BRC repeat (BRC1-8) sequences in BRCA2. We previously reported that canine BRC3 has two polymorphisms (T1425P and K1435R) influencing the interaction with RAD51, and 1435R was identified in mammary tumor dog samples. In this study, we investigated the sequence variations of BRC3 and 4 in 236 dogs of five breeds. Allele frequencies of 1425P and 1435R were 0.063 and 0.314, respectively, and there was no other polymorphism in the sequenced region. A mammalian two-hybrid assay using BRC3-4 sequences demonstrated that 1425P allele reduced the binding strength with RAD51 but 1435R had no effect. These results may provide an insight into the functions of not only individual but also multiple BRC repeats of BRCA2 in dogs.

The genetic association study between polymorphisms in uncoupling protein 2 and uncoupling protein 3 and metabolic data in dogs

Background

The uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in the mitochondrial inner membrane are members of the mitochondrial anion carrier protein family that play an important role in energy homeostasis. Genetic association studies have shown that human UCP2 and UCP3 variants (SNPs and indels) are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the genetic association between polymorphisms in UCP2 and UCP3 and metabolic data in dogs.

Results

We identified 10 SNPs (9 intronic and 1 exonic) and 4 indels (intronic) in UCP2, and 13 SNPs (11 intronic and 2 exonic) and one indel (exonic) in UCP3, by DNA sequence analysis of 11 different dog breeds (n = 119). An association study between these UCP2 and UCP3 variants and the biochemical parameters of glucose, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase and triglyceride in Labrador Retrievers (n = 50) showed that none of the UCP2 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the levels of these parameters. However, four UCP3 SNPs (intron 1) were significantly associated with total cholesterol levels. In addition, the allele frequencies of two of the four SNPs associated with higher total cholesterol levels in a breed that is susceptible to hypercholesterolemia (Shetland Sheepdogs, n = 30), compared with the control breed (Shiba, n = 30).

Conclusion

The results obtained from a limited number of individuals suggest that the UCP3 gene in dogs may be associated with total cholesterol levels. The examination of larger sample sizes and further analysis will lead to increased precision of these results.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-0500-7-904) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fluvoxamine alleviates ER stress via induction of Sigma-1 receptor

We recently demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) expression through the PERK pathway, which is one of the cell's responses to ER stress. In addition, it has been demonstrated that induction of Sig-1R can repress cell death signaling. Fluvoxamine (Flv) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a high affinity for Sig-1R. In the present study, we show that treatment of neuroblastoma cells with Flv induces Sig-1R expression by increasing ATF4 translation directly, through its own activation, without involvement of the PERK pathway. The Flv-mediated induction of Sig-1R prevents neuronal cell death resulting from ER stress. Moreover, Flv-induced ER stress resistance reduces the infarct area in mice after focal cerebral ischemia. Thus, Flv, which is used frequently in clinical practice, can alleviate ER stress. This suggests that Flv could be a feasible therapy for cerebral diseases caused by ER stress.

Concentration of radiocesium in the wild Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) over the first 15 months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster

Following the massive earthquake that struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011, a nuclear reactor core meltdown occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company, and was followed by the release of large amounts of radioactive materials. The objective of this study was to measure the concentration of radiocesium ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in the muscle of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) inhabiting the forest area of Fukushima City and to determine the change in concentration over time as well as the relationship with the level of soil contamination. Cesium concentrations in the muscle of monkeys captured at locations with 100,000–300,000 Bq/m² were 6,000–25,000 Bq/kg in April 2011 and decreased over 3 months to around 1,000 Bq/kg. However, the concentration increased again to 2,000–3,000 Bq/kg in some animals during and after December 2011 before returning to 1,000 Bq/kg in April 2012, after which it remained relatively constant. This pattern of change in muscle radiocesium concentration was similar to that of the change in radiocesium concentration in atmospheric fallout. Moreover, the monkeys feed on winter buds and the cambium layer of tree bark potentially containing higher concentrations of radiocesium than that in the diet during the rest of the year. The muscle radiocesium concentration in the monkeys related significantly with the level of soil contamination at the capture locations.

Molecular cloning and tumour suppressor function analysis of canine REIC/Dkk-3 in mammary gland tumours

REIC/Dkk-3, a member of the human Dickkopf (Dkk) family, plays a role as a suppressor of growth in several human cancers. In this study, the tumour suppression function of canine REIC/Dkk-3 was investigated. The full-length open reading frame of the canine REIC/Dkk-3 homologue was cloned and the tissue distribution of REIC/Dkk-3 mRNA was determined, along with the subcellular localisation of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein in canine cancer cell lines. Expression of REIC/Dkk-3 was lower in mammary gland tumours and in canine mammary carcinoma cell lines than in normal mammary gland tissue. Overexpression of REIC/Dkk-3 induced apoptosis in canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. These results show that expression of REIC/Dkk-3 is downregulated in canine mammary tumours and that one of the functions of this gene is induction of apoptosis.

Investigation of cadmium contamination using hair of the Japanese macaque, Macaca fuscata, from Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori Prefecture in Japan

The cadmium (Cd) contents in hair of macaques (n = 45, Macaca fuscata) living on the Shimokita Peninsula were investigated. The mean Cd contents in the hair of Japanese (n = 34, 5.01 μg/g) and macaques (3.05 μg/g) tendency to be higher than those of animals living other areas. The Cd contents of hair of wild macaques were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of humans, although three were no significant difference between Cd contents of humans and that of the macaque in captivity. The hair of the macaque was suggested as a useful sample for measurement of Cd contamination in the environment.

Establishment of a PCR analysis method for canine BRCA2

BACKGROUND

Mammary tumors are the most common tumor type in both human and canine females. In women, carriers of mutations in BRCA2, a tumor suppressor gene product, have a higher risk of breast cancer. Canine BRCA2 has also been suggested to have a relationship with mammary tumors. However, clearly deleterious BRCA2 mutations have not been identified in any canine mammary tumors, as appropriate methods to detect mutations or a consensus BRCA2 sequence have not been reported.

FINDINGS

For amplification and sequencing of BRCA2, we designed 14 and 20 PCR primer sets corresponding to the BRCA2 open reading frame (ORF) and all 27 exons, respectively, including exon-intron boundaries of the canine BRCA2 regions, respectively. To define the consensus canine BRCA2 ORF sequence, we used established methods to sequence the full-length canine BRCA2 ORF sequence from two ovaries and a testis obtained from individual healthy mongrel dogs and partially sequence BRCA2 genomic sequences in 20-56 tumor-free dogs, each aged over 6 years. Subsequently, we compared these sequences and seven previously reported sequences, and defined the most common base sequences as the consensus canine BRCA2 ORF sequence. Moreover, we established a detection method for identifying splicing variants. Unexpectedly, we also identified novel splicing variants in normal testes during establishment of these methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis methods for determining the BRCA2 base sequence and for detecting BRCA2 splicing variants and the BRCA2 ORF consensus sequence are useful for better understanding the relationship between canine BRCA2 mutation status and cancer risk.

Valine 1532 of human BRC repeat 4 plays an important role in the interaction between BRCA2 and RAD51

The breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA2 is essential for recombinational DNA repair. BRCA2 specifically binds to RAD51 via eight BRC repeat motifs and delivers RAD51 to double-stranded DNA breaks. In this study, a mammalian two-hybrid assay and competitive ELISA showed that the interaction between BRC repeat 4 (BRC4) and RAD51 was strengthened by the substitution of a single BRC4 amino acid from valine to isoleucine (V1532I). However, the cancer-associated V1532F mutant exhibited very weak interaction with RAD51. This study used a comparative analysis of BRC4 between animal species to identify V1532 as an important residue that interacts with RAD51.

Efficacy of a 5-HT1a receptor agonist in atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can be aggravated by mental stress. We recently showed that pretreatment with tandospirone citrate (TC), a serotonin (5-HT) agonist for the 5-HT(1A) receptor subtype, significantly inhibits stress-induced degranulation of mouse dermal mast cells.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of TC in treatment of AD.

METHODS

Changes in anxiety levels, depression symptoms and the clinical severity of AD after administration of TC were examined. Data were collected for 20 patients with AD who received TC 30 mg/day for 4 weeks and 17 patients with AD who did not receive the drug. Profile of Mood States (POMS) scores were used to measure several types of mental stress. Severity of AD was evaluated using the SCORAD Index, and the patients' level of stress and sleeping status were evaluated using visual analogue scales.

RESULTS

Before TC administration, all scores were markedly different in the 37 patients compared with 37 normal healthy controls matched for age and gender. POMS scores for tension-anxiety (T-A) and the SCORAD Index decreased significantly in patients who received TC, but did not change significantly in the untreated patients. The two groups had significantly different treatment responses based on changes in T-A scores. There was a significant correlation between changes in the T-A score and SCORAD Index.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that anxiolytic drugs such as 5-HT(1A) agonists are useful in the clinical management of stress-associated aggravation of AD. Inhibition of stress-induced mast cell degranulation may be one of the mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy.

Distribution of 42-bp variable tandem repeat polymorphism of the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene in eight human populations

We recently identified a 42bp Variable Number of Tandem Repeats polymorphism in intron 4 of Cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 gene (CIAS1 42bp-VNTR), which are associated with CIAS1 gene expression and some inflammatory disease. The aim of our study is to investigate whether variability of CIAS1 42bp-VNTR allele is difference among races. A total of 1291 subjects from 7 populations (178 Chinese, 95 Korean, 614 Mongolian, 49 Bangladesh, 72 Sri Lanka, 192 African and 91 European) was genotyped on CIAS1 42bp-VNTR polymorphism, which was also compared to previous genotyping data from 508 Japanese subjects. A total of 11 genotypes and 5 alleles were found in 8 populations. The range of allele frequencies of CIAS1∗6, CIAS1∗7, CIAS1∗9, CIAS1∗12, and CIAS1∗13 were 0.000-0.167, 0.056-0.248, 0.008-0.203, 0.570-0.923, and 0.000-0.104 in eight populations. The CIAS1∗12 was the most common allele among all populations. The longest allele CIAS1∗13 in African population was extremely high frequent at 0.104 compared to other population. While shortest allele CIAS1∗6 was not observed Sri Lankan and African. Frequency (0.924) in the Sri Lankan population. These results showed that the CIAS1 42bp-VNTR polymorphism could represent genetic diversity among different human populations.

Distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CXCR1 gene and association with calf diseases in Japanese Black cattle

The chemokine (C-X-C) receptor 1 (CXCR1) expressed on the neutrophil surfaces interacts primarily with interleukin-8 (IL-8) and has an important role in immune response. Two interesting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP CXCR1+777G>C and SNP CXCR1-1768T>A, that exhibit an association with subclinical mastitis and milk quality in dairy cattle, respectively, have been reported in the bovine CXCR1 gene. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of the two SNPs in the CXCR1 gene of Japanese Black cattle and examine the association between the SNPs and clinical diseases including intestinal and respiratory diseases in calves. Genotyping of the SNPs in healthy Japanese Black cattle showed that the SNPs were also present in Japanese Black cattle with gene frequencies of 0.37 and 0.15 for the C-type allele in SNP CXCR1+777 and for the A-type allele in SNP CXCR1-1768, respectively. Statistical analysis of the genotype distribution of the SNPs in the bovine CXCR1 gene in healthy and clinical intestinal or respiratory diseased Japanese Black cattle indicated no significant association of the SNPs with clinical diseases in the calves. However, a significant correlation of the number of A alleles in SNP CXCR1-1768 with white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts was found in the disease group. It is possible that the SNP in the bovine CXCR1 gene plays a role in modulating the hematological profile of WBC and platelet counts.

Regulatory SNP in the RBP4 gene modified the expression in adipocytes and associated with BMI

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a recently identified adipokine that was involved in insulin resistance. RBP4 is predominantly expressed from the liver in normal metabolic state to transport retinoids throughout the body, but the exact physiological function and the regulatory mechanisms of adipocyte-derived RBP4 have not been revealed. We conducted the genetic analysis about metabolic parameters in Japanese and Mongolian; the minor allele carriers of regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP -803G>A) showed significantly higher BMI in Japanese men (P = 0.009) and women (P = 0.017), and in Mongolian women (P = 0.009). Relative quantification of RBP4 transcripts in -803GA heterozygotes showed that the minor allele-linked haplotype-derived mRNA was significantly more abundant than the transcript from major allele. RBP4 promoter assay in 3T3L1 adipocytes revealed that the minor allele increased the promoter activity double to triple and the administration of 9-cis-retinoic acid (RA) and 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) enhanced the activity. Multiple alignment analysis of human, mouse, rat, and cattle RBP4 promoter suggested conserved seven transcription factor binding motifs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed the -803G>A SNP modulate the affinity against unidentified DNA-binding factor, which was assumed to be a suppressive factor. These results collectively suggested that the minor allele of RBP4 regulatory SNP enhanced the expression in adipocytes, which may be associated with the adipogenesis.

Genetic variants of glucose phosphate isomerase (E.C. 5.3.1.9) in canine erythrocytes

Genetic polymorphism of glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) was found in the erythrocytes of dogs of six Japanese breeds by using starch gel electrophoresis. Analysis of parentage records of dogs revealed that the phenotypic variation of erythrocyte glucose phosphate isomerase was controlled by one autosomal locus with two codominant alleles, GPIA and GPIB. The allele GPIB was observed in the following breeds: San'in-Shiba, Shinshu-Shiba, Shikoku, Kai and Kishu, but not in Hokkaidoes and Akitas. All the dogs belonging to 25 European breeds, 5 oriental or China-origin (except Japan) breeds examined in this experiments had the genotype constitution GPIA/GPIA, whereas one Dalmation dog was heterozygous GPIA/GPIB.

Genetic variants of hemoglobin in canine erythrocytes

Genetic polymorphism of hemoglobin was found in the erythrocytes of dogs of seven Japanese native breeds by using starch gel electrophoresis. Analysis of parentage records of the dogs revealed that the phenotypic variation of hemoglobin is controlled by one autosomal locus with two codominant alleles, HbA and HbB. the allele HbA occurred only in Japanese native breeds except Shikoku. The frequency of HbA in the Japanese breeds was low and 0.08. All the dogs belonging to 25 European breeds and 5 oriental origin (except Japan) breeds examined in this experimnets had the homozygous genotype constitution HbB/HbB.

Genetic heterogeneity in a susceptible region for essential hypertension among demographically different local populations in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate genetic heterogeneity among local Japanese populations.

METHODS

We performed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) study of four demographically distinct local populations (population 1: a large city; population 2: isolated islands; populations 3 and 4: rural areas). Seventy SNPs in a region spanning 5 Mb of chromosome 17 known to be a candidate region for essential hypertension were genotyped and linkage disequilibrium analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses of SNP allele frequencies and haplotype distribution showed significant divergence among the populations, mostly between population 2 and the other populations. Pairwise D' declined with increasing population size, and smaller populations retained a high linkage disequilibrium.

CONCLUSION

Population 2 is likely to have a different ancestry from the majority of the Japanese population, whereas the heterogeneity among the other populations may result from differences in population size or geographic background.

Identification of a regulatory SNP in the retinol binding protein 4 gene associated with type 2 diabetes in Mongolia

Increased levels of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) in serum is associated with insulin resistance. To examine this further, the genomic region of RBP4 was genetically surveyed in Mongolian people, who as a group are suffering from a recent rapid increase in diabetes. The RBP4 gene was screened by DHPLC system, and the PCR fragments which showed heteroduplex peaks in multiple samples were followed by direct sequencing to identify common polymorphisms in 48 Mongolian diabetic samples. Identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 511 control and 281 type 2 diabetes samples. The functions of SNPs in the regulatory region were assessed by reporter gene assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Possible association between functional SNPs and serum RBP4 levels or metabolic parameters was statistically assessed. Nine SNPs were identified in the RBP4 gene. A case-control study revealed that the rare alleles of four SNPs were associated with increased risk of diabetes, even after Bonferroni correction (-803, G > A, P = 0.0054; +5169, C > T, P = 0.0025; +6969, G > C, P = 0.0015; +7542, T > del, P = 0.0015). The -803 G > A SNP influenced the transcription efficiency in a hepatocarcinoma cell line as well as the binding efficiency of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha to the motif. In addition, the -803 A allele was associated with increased serum RBP4 levels in diabetic patients. We have identified a functional SNP in the RBP4 gene associated with type 2 diabetes in Mongolian people.

An intronic variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms of the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene modifies gene expression and is associated with essential hypertension

Cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1 (CIAS1) gene is a member of the NALP subfamily of the CATERPILLER protein family that is expressed predominantly in peripheral blood leukocytes, which is to regulate apoptosis or inflammation through the activation of NF-kappaB and caspase. Recent genetic analyses suggested an association between inflammation and oxidative stress-related genes in the development of hypertension. This is the first genetic study indicating an association between the CIAS1 gene and susceptibility to essential hypertension (EH). The frequency of subject with the homozygote of 12 repeat allele was significantly higher in patients with hypertension compared with control subjects (987 cases, 924 controls) (P=0.030; odds ratio=1.24) at a novel VNTR polymorphism of CIAS1 intron 4 loci. We also found that the mean of systolic blood pressure of homozygotes of 12 repeat allele was 6.4 mmHg higher than those of homozygotes of non-12 repeat allele in male random population (P=0.009). The frequency of six SNPs spanning of the CIAS1 gene was not significantly between patients and controls. The real-time PCR analysis showed that among healthy young adults, 12-12 subjects expressed CIAS1 mRNA in peripheral leukocytes significantly more abundantly than homozygote of non-12 repeat alleles subjects (P<0.05). Reporter gene assay of the CIAS1-VNTR in HL60 stimulated by lipopolysaccharides showed that the intronic sequence involving 12 repeat increased the expression of luciferase compared with 9, 7, and 6 repeats. Thus, we propose here the CIAS1 is associated with EH through the dominant expression of transcripts, which may depend on the CIAS1-VNTR genotype.

Cutaneous immunological activation elicited by a low-fluence pulsed dye laser

BACKGROUND

Three years ago, the nonablative wrinkle reduction laser (a 585-nm laser, Chromogenex V3; Chromogenex Light Technologies, Llanelli, U.K.) was developed, and there have already been several reports about its clinical effectiveness. The Chromogenex V3 laser has also been reported to be effective in treating acne and atopic dermatitis. These results suggest that the Chromogenex V3 laser has some immunological role. In this study, we investigated immunological changes elicited by laser irradiation at the ultrastructural level and by analysis of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 mRNA in skin homing T lymphocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight healthy adult volunteers (mean age 56.3 years, range 25-66 years) were recruited for this study. Ultrastructural analysis was done 3 h after the laser irradiation, as well as 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 5 weeks later. IL-2 and IL-4 mRNAs in skin homing T cells cultured for 6 weeks were semiquantitatively measured using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Ultrastructural observations revealed that at 3 h after laser therapy, neutrophils, monocytes and mast cells could already be seen in the extravascular dermis. These dermal acute inflammatory changes were observed also at 1 week after laser treatment. Two weeks after laser treatment, the capillaries showed an almost normal structure. Four weeks after laser treatment, many lymphocytes and fibroblasts were observed. The numbers of these lymphocytes increased further at 5 weeks after the laser treatment. One week after the laser irradiation, all subjects were positive for IL-2 mRNA and for IL-4 mRNA. The level of IL-4 mRNA was larger compared with that of IL-2 mRNA in all subjects.

CONCLUSION

The Chromogenex V3 is a 585-nm visible light laser, and it may affect the skin not only by selective photothermolysis but also by direct cutaneous immunological activation.

Identification and characterization of novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) transcriptional variants in pig and human

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) is a member of the steroid/thyroid/retinoid receptor superfamily, and is primarily expressed in fat tissue. To date, two major PPAR-gamma isoforms have been identified in pig, PPAR-gamma1 and PPAR-gamma2. Porcine PPAR-gamma1a consists of two leader exons, designated A1 and A2, followed by six exons containing the open reading frame. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of three novel PPAR-gamma1 transcripts. PPAR-gamma1b is derived from exon A1, with exon A2 spliced out. PPAR-gamma1c and PPAR-gamma1d are derived from the new exon, A', containing exon A2 (gamma1c) or without exon A2 (gamma1d). Based on PCR analysis of PAC clones that included sequences from the 5'-untranslated region of the PPAR-gamma gene, the new A' exon is located between the known exons A1 and A2. We also isolated the human homologue to exon A', as well as the two new PPAR-gamma1c and -gamma1d splice variants, from human adipose tissue. Studies of the expression of porcine PPAR-gamma by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis show that transcripts derived from exon A1 were not expressed at significantly different levels in visceral fat (lamina subserosa) or subcutaneous fat (back fat, inner and outer layer). In contrast, exon A'-derived transcripts were expressed at progressively higher levels in the inner and outer layers of subcutaneous fat than in visceral fat. The same expression pattern was also observed for PPAR-gamma2. We hypothesize that there are three promoters, which differentially regulate PPAR-gamma1 and PPAR-gamma2 gene expression, depending on the specific localization of the fat tissue.

Aly/ REF, a factor for mRNA transport, activates RH gene promoter function

The rhesus (Rh) blood group antigens are of considerable importance in transfusion medicine as well as in newborn or autoimmune hemolytic diseases due to their high antigenicity. We identified a major DNaseI hypersensitive site at the 5' flanking regions of both RHD and RHCE exon 1. A 34 bp fragment located at -191 to -158 from a translation start position, and containing the TCCCCTCCC sequence, was involved in enhancing promoter activity, which was assessed by luciferase reporter gene assay. A biotin-labelled 34 bp probe isolated an mRNA transporter protein, Aly/REF. The specific binding of Aly/REF to RH promoter in erythroid was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The silencing of Aly/REF by siRNA reduced not only the RH promoter activity of the reporter gene but also transcription from the native genome. These facts provide second proof of Aly/REF as a transcription coactivator, initially identified as a coactivator for the TCRalpha enhancer function. Aly/REF might be a novel transcription cofactor for erythroid-specific genes.

DNA-based identification resolved suspected misdiagnosis due to contaminated cytological specimens

We report a clinical mishap based on sample contamination of cytological specimens. Bronchial lavage fluid collected from three male patients was submitted to a pathological institute for cytological diagnosis and to the clinical laboratory in the hospital for tuberculosis screening. Cytological slides of two patients were diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma and lobectomy was carried out on one patient. However, diagnosis of the surgical specimen was tuberculoma. To resolve the discrepancy, genome DNA was isolated from patients' blood, cytological slide glasses and the mycobacterial culture tubes. Analysis of mitochondrial hyper-variable sequence and microsatellite revealed sample contamination in the cytological slide of the tuberculoma patient. DNA from the mycobacterial culture tubes showed identical results with the cytological slides, suggesting that the contamination occurred at the bed-side. Preservation of part of cytological specimen will be a help to avoid dispute between pathological laboratory and hospital over responsibility of incident.

cDNA cloning, mapping and polymorphism of the porcine Rhesus (RH) gene

The Rhesus (Rh) gene superfamily in humans and mice contains four independent genes, RH, RHAG, RHBG, and RHCG/GK. Heretofore, only the RHBG cDNA has been cloned in pig. We have isolated the porcine RH cDNA; its complete open reading frame of 1269 nucleotides encoded 423 amino acids. Porcine RH protein shared 67.6% amino acid identity with bovine RH, 61.0% with human RhCE and 60.8% with human RhD. The RT-PCR revealed RH transcripts in the spleen and bone marrow, but not in the heart, kidney, or lung. In RH intron 4, a deletion of 17 nucleotides distinguished the shorter allele (allele 1) from the longer. As determined in 115 unrelated pigs from five breeds - Landrace (L, n = 23), Large White (LW, n = 28), Duroc (D, n = 24), Hampshire (H, n = 20) and Piétrain (n = 20) - allele 1 frequencies were 1.0 (L, H), 0.77 (LW), 0.70 (P) and 0.25 (D). Somatic cell hybrid mapping localized the porcine RH and RHBG genes to pig chromosomes 6q22-q23 and 4q21-q22, respectively. Genetic mapping suggested RH-(FUT1, S, GPI, EAH, A1BG)-PGD as the most probable locus order. Sequence homology, mapping data, and haematopoietic tissue expression suggest that this cDNA may indeed encode the porcine RH homologue.

Isolation, characterization, and family study of DTI, a novel partial D phenotype affecting the fourth external loop of D polypeptides

BACKGROUND

The Rh system is the most polymorphic of the blood group systems and is of major importance in transfusion medicine. The partial D phenotypes lack one or more of the D epitopes. These variants appear to have arisen through hybrid RhD-CE-D or by spontaneous point mutations in RhD. The serologic findings and the molecular characterization of a novel partial D phenotype, termed DTI, are presented here.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBCs from the DTI proband and RBCs from individuals with other partial D phenotypes were tested with MoAbs against 16 D epi- topes, according to the recommendations of the 4th ISBT Workshop on MoAbs (Rh Section 1A). A full-length cDNA encoding DTI and introns 4 and 5 of RhD were isolated and analyzed by DNA sequencing. A family study of the DTI allele was carried out using PCR-RFLP and long-range PCR methods.

RESULTS

Analysis of RBCs from the proband revealed that the DTI phenotype lacks epitopes D1, D2.1 (partial), D2.2, D5, D6 (partial), and D8. The DTI polypeptide exhibits seven amino acid substitutions in the D polypeptide: F223V, A226P, E233Q, V238M, V245L, G263R, and K267M. The genomic organization of DTI showed that the replacement of RhD with RhCE was located in intron 4, and the replacement of RhCE with RhD was located in intron 5. Family studies revealed that the DTI allele was inherited maternally, whereas the RhD- allele was inherited paternally in the proband.

CONCLUSION

The serologic data provide the first molecular characterization of DTI, a previously unknown partial D phenotype. This phenotype affected the D polypeptide within the fourth external loop, resulting in a new RhD-CE (entire exon 5)-D hybrid gene. It is worth noting that P226, encoded by exon 5, is derived from E of RhCE in the DTI polypeptide. Family studies demonstrated that DTI was associated with a cDTIE haplotype.

Molecular characterization of weak D phenotypes by site-directed mutagenesis and expression of mutant Rh-green fluorescence protein fusions in K562 cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Mutations detected in 161 weak D samples from Caucasians have been classified into 16 types. Because flow cytometry using monoclonal anti-D antibodies (mAbs) has shown that weak D red cells display type-specific antigen density, these mutations in transmembranous regions have been assigned weak D phenotypes. The present study attempts to confirm or refute this assignment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We amplified DNA from four Japanese weak D samples using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and directly sequenced the amplified DNA. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we constructed three vectors expressing mutant RHDs-- G212C, V270G (weak D type 1) and G358A (type 2)--in K562 cells. The expression of RhD antigens was examined by flow cytometry using mAbs.

RESULTS

A new mutation resulting in a conversion at amino acid residue 212 (Gly to Cys) was detected in a Japanese weak D sample. K562 cells transduced with mutant RhD cDNA reacted weakly in a type-specific manner with mAbs.

CONCLUSIONS

The mutations--G212C (new weak D type), V270G (weak D type 1) and G358A (type 2)-- in transmembranous regions had obvious effects on the D epitopes recognized by mAbs. The results of this study provide direct evidence that these mutations can account for weak D phenotypes.

Reactivity of autoantibodies of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with recombinant rhesus blood group antigens or anion transporter band3

The specificity of autoantibodies in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been studied using the serological procedure and immunoprecipitation technique with rare phenotype red cells. We attempted to analyze specificity using recombinant rhesus (Rh) blood group and band3 antigens expressed on erythroleukemic cell lines, KU812E. The autoantibody eluates were isolated by the acid elution procedure from the red cells of 20 AIHA patients. The recombinant Rh antigens, RhD, cE, ce, CE, and chimera antigens CE-D and D-CE, were obtained by retroviral cDNA transduction into KU812E cells, and the cell line expressing the antigens was cloned. Band3 cDNA was also obtained and introduced into KU812E and cloned KU812 expressing RhcE. The reactivities of AIHA eluates with recombinant Rh and band3 antigens were studied by flow cytometry. Fifteen eluates reacted with at least one of the RhcE, ce, or CE antigens, and four eluates reacted with RhD. Seven eluates with strong Rh specificity were studied further using chimera antigen. Five eluates showed reduced or lost reactivity, although two eluates reacted identically with the chimera antigens as wild type. These results indicated that conformational epitopes constituted by RhD or CE specific exofacial peptide loops are important for autoantibodies in most cases. Seven eluates reacted with band3, five exclusively. The coexpression study of RhcE and band3 did not enhance the expression of either antigen nor the reactivity with patient eluates, indicating that association of Rh and band3 was not involved in the appearance of autoantigen.