[Molecular and biological properties of the African swine fever virus (Asfarviridae: Asfivirus) isolate ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276]

INTRODUCTION

Up-to-date data and full characterization of circulating ASFV isolates play a crucial role in virus eradication and control in endemic regions and countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate and characterize the molecular and biological properties of the ASFV isolate ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276, conduct phylogenetic analysis, and compare the results with isolates circulating in Europe and Asia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For bioassay, eight heads of the Large White pigs weighing 15-20 kg/head were used. Detection of specific anti-ASFV antibodies by ELISA and immunoperoxidase method. Detection of ASFV genome was performed by qPCR. Isolation of ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276 and determination of titer were performed in pig spleen cell culture. Sequencing was carried out by the Sanger method.

RESULTS

The virus was characterized as highly virulent and capable of causing acute to subacute forms of ASF. Phylogenetic analysis revealed substitutions in the genome of the ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276 isolate (IGR/I73R-I329L and I267L markers) that supported the clustering of the studied variant with isolates prevalent in most of Europe and Asia.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, the molecular and biological properties of the ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276 virus isolate taken from a wild boar shot on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan were studied and analyzed.

Molecular Genetic Analysis of Russian Patients with Coagulation Factor FVII Deficiency

Coagulation factor VII (proconvertin) is one of the proteins starting the blood coagulation cascade. Plasma FVII concentration is regulated by different factors. A low level of FVII could also be a result of FVII deficiency (MIM# 227500), the rare autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by pathogenic variants in the F7 gene. The aim of this study was to describe a mutation spectrum of the F7 gene and genotype-phenotype relationship in patients with FVII deficiency in Russia for the first time. We studied the primary structure of the F7 gene of 54 unrelated patients with FVII deficiency by direct Sanger sequencing. Pathogenic variants in the F7 gene were detected in 37 (68.5%) of them. We identified 24 different mutations located mostly in the serine protease domain. Five pathogenic variants had never been reported before. A major mutation in the Russian population was c.1391delC (p. Pro464Hisfs*32), linked with rs36209567 and rs6046 functional polymorphisms, that is widely distributed in East Europe. As in other countries, the F7 genotypes poorly correlated with the severity of clinical manifestations but were quite well associated with FVII levels. Minor alleles of functional polymorphisms rs510335, rs5742910, rs561241, rs36209567, and rs6046 could also participate in the F7 genotype and influence FVII levels.

The Influence of the Synthetic Organoselenium Preparation 974zh on the Immunogenic Activity of Yersinia pestis EV Vaccine Strain NIIEG

In the present study, a stimulating effect of a new synthetic organoselenium compound 2,6-dipyridinium-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonandibromide (974zh) on the immunogenic activity of the vaccine strain Yersinia pestis EV NIIEG was revealed. After infection with the virulent plague strain, the survival rate of laboratory mice immunized with the vaccine strain grown on Hottinger's agar in the presence of 974zh (300 μg/ml) increased in comparison with control animals immunized with the Y. pestis EV NIIEG culture grown on agar without the studied compound. Plasmid screening of cultures grown on medium with and without 974zh showed that plasmid DNA of Y. pestis EV culture grown in the presence of 974zh had broader bands in the control grown without 974zh. This phenomenon can indicate activation of replication of plasmid DNA of Y. pestis EV under the influence of the experimental compound.

Inherited Metabolic Diseases from Past to Present: A Bibliometric Analysis (1968-2023)

Bibliometric studies on inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) do not exist in the literature. Therefore, our research aims to conduct a bibliometric study to determine the current status, trending topics, and missing points of publications on IMDs. Between 1968 and 2023, we conducted a literature search with the keyword "inherited metabolic disease" in the SCOPUS database. We included research articles in medicine written in English and published in the final section. We created our data pool using VOSviewer, SciMAT, and Rstudio software programs for the bibliometric parameters of the articles that met the inclusion criteria. We performed a bibliometric analysis of the data with the R package "bibliometrix" and BibExcel programs. We included 2702 research articles published on IMDs. The top three countries that have written the most articles in this field are the USA (n = 501), the United Kingdom (n = 182), and China (n = 172). The most preferred keywords by the authors were: newborn screening (n = 54), mutation (n = 43), phenylketonuria (n = 42), children (n = 35), genetics (n = 34), and maple syrup urine disease (n = 32). Trending topics were osteoporosis, computed tomography, bone marrow transplantation in the early years of the study, chronic kidney disease, urea cycle disorders, next-generation sequencing, newborn screening, and familial hypercholesterolemia in the final years of the study. This study provides clinicians with a new perspective, showing that molecular and genetic studies of inherited metabolic diseases will play an essential role in diagnosis and treatment in the future.

High-Resolution Multiparameter DNA Flow Cytometry for Accurate Ploidy Assessment and the Detection and Sorting of Tumor and Stromal Subpopulations from Paraffin-Embedded Tissues

This article contains detailed protocols for the simultaneous flow cytometric identification of tumor cells and stromal cells and measurement of DNA content of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. The vimentin-positive stromal cell fraction can be used as an internal reference for accurate DNA content assessments of FFPE carcinoma tissues. This allows clear detection of keratin-positive tumor cells with a DNA index lower than 1.0 (near-haploidy) and of keratin-positive tumor cells with a DNA index close to 1.0 in overall DNA aneuploid samples, thus improving DNA ploidy assessment in FFPE carcinomas. Furthermore, the protocol is useful for studying molecular genetic alterations and intratumor heterogeneity in archival FFPE samples. Keratin-positive tumor cell fractions can be sorted for further molecular genetic analysis, while DNA from the sorted vimentin-positive stromal cells can serve as a reference when normal tissue of the patient is not available. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Multiparameter DNA content analysis of FFPE carcinomas Alternate Protocol 1: Immunocytochemistry for keratin and vimentin, and DNA labeling for blue and red excitation Alternate Protocol 2: Immunocytochemistry for keratin and vimentin, and DNA labeling for blue excitation Support Protocol: Sorting cell population from FFPE carcinomas.

Individual Risk Assessment for Population Living on the Territories Long-Term Polluted by Organochlorine Pesticides

The long-term storage of unutilized pesticides raised new problems of long-term environmental contamination. The study presents the results of surveying 151 individuals in 7 villages living close to pesticide-contaminated localities. All individuals have been surveyed concerning their consumption habits and lifestyle characteristics. An assessment of the general exposure risks of the local population was carried out using the analysis of pollutants in food products and the average levels of their consumption in the region. The cohort risk evaluation revealed that the greatest risk was associated with the regular consumption of cucumbers, pears, bell peppers, meat, and milk. The new model to estimate individual risks of long-term pesticide pollution was proposed as a calculation of the combined action of 9 risk factors, including individual genotypes, age, lifestyle, and personal pesticide consumption rates. The analysis of the predictive ability of this model showed that the final score for individual health risks corresponded to the development of chronic diseases. A high level of chromosomal aberrations was evidenced for individual genetic risk manifestations. The combined influence of all risk factors revealed contributions of 24.7% for health status and 14.2% for genetic status, while other impacts go to all unaccounted factors.

Molecular diagnosis of complete and partial hydatidiform moles

Complete and partial hydatidiform moles are abnormal products of conception that can be identified by clinical, ultrasonographic, morphologic, histologic, and genetic methods. The diagnosis is usually confirmed only by histological examination. However, accurate diagnosis based on morphological criteria is difficult and some studies have shown that misclassifications are common, even when analysed by highly experienced pathologists. Misdiagnosis may mean that women are either not included in adequate β-hCG follow-up with the risk that the hydatidiform mole progresses to choriocarcinoma or, conversely, are included in follow-up unnecessarily. A reliable complementary method to pathological interpretation may be genetic analysis of the conceptus to eliminate the diagnostic dilemma by distinguishing non-molar spontaneous abortions from hydatidiform moles and defining the type of hydatidiform mole. The aim of our short paper is to introduce the routine molecular analysis used in our laboratory to a wider range of clinical pathologists.

Development of a PCR assay for the detection of human herpes virus type 7

A PCR assay has been developed to identify the DNA of the human herpes virus type 7. The search and selection of conserved regions was carried out by comparing the whole genome nucleotide sequences of HHV-7. A fragment duplicated in the HHV-7 genomes was chosen as a target for amplification. The performance of the assay was tested on a synthetic matrix and clinical samples. The developed assay has high sensitivity and specificity and showed good efficiency in detecting HHV-7 DNA in clinical samples.

Diffuse midline glioma with H3-K27M mutation: A rare case with GFAP-positive anucleate whorled patterns

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse midline glioma with H3-K27M mutation is an infiltrative high-grade glioma, with predominantly astrocytic differentiation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 54-year-old Chinese woman presented with memory loss for a month and walking instability for 15 days.

DIAGNOSIS

Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass shadow of isometric T1 and slightly longer T2 with mild mixed signals in the third ventricle of the suprasellar region. Histologically, the tumor was primarily sheet-like, with many "anucleate areas" composed of long and thin fibrillary processes of the bipolar cells, which formed "whorls." The neoplastic nuclei were ovoid and moderate in size. The tumor showed brisk mitotic activity and vascular proliferation, with no necrosis. In addition to histone H3K27M mutation, immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X, S-100 and Vimentin. The "anucleate areas" were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein and negative for synaptophysin. The Ki-67 proliferation index was about 10%. Molecular genetic analyses detected H3F3A K27M mutation, but no mutations in IDH1 or IDH2, TERT promoter mutations, MGMT promoter methylation, KIAA1549-BRAF fusion or deletion of 1p/19q were found. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed as diffuse midline glioma with H3-K27M mutation in the third ventricle, corresponding to WHO grade 4.

INTERVENTIONS

A craniotomy with total excision of the tumor was performed.

OUTCOMES

After surgery, she was routinely treated with temozolomide for chemotherapy and synchronous radiotherapy. It has been 11 months now, and the patient is living well.

CONCLUSION

This case report provides information on the microscopic morphological features of diffuse midline glioma with H3K27M mutation, which can help pathologists to make a definitive diagnosis of this tumor.

Pseudo-pheochromocytoma due to obstructive sleep apnea: a case report

SUMMARY

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition of intermittent nocturnal upper airway obstruction. OSA increases sympathetic drive which may result in clinical and biochemical features suggestive of pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a 2.9-cm left adrenal incidentaloma on CT, hypertension, symptoms of headache, anxiety and diaphoresis, and persistently elevated 24-h urine norepinephrine (initially 818 nmol/day (89-470)) and normetanephrine (initially 11.2 µmol/day (0.6-2.7)). He was started on prazosin and underwent left adrenalectomy. Pathology revealed an adrenal corticoadenoma with no evidence of pheochromocytoma. Over the next 2 years, urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine remained significantly elevated with no MIBG avid disease. Years later, he was diagnosed with severe OSA and treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Urine testing done once OSA was well controlled revealed complete normalization of urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine with substantial symptom improvement. It was concluded that the patient never had a pheochromocytoma but rather an adrenal adenoma with biochemistry and symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma due to untreated severe OSA. Pseudo-pheochromocytoma is a rare presentation of OSA and should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines in the right clinical setting.

LEARNING POINTS

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition among adults. OSA may rarely present as pseudo-pheochromocytoma with symptoms of pallor, palpitations, perspiration, headache, or anxiety. OSA should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines, especially in patients with negative metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan results.

First Results from the Prospective German Registry for Childhood Glaucoma: Phenotype-Genotype Association

Childhood glaucoma is a heterogeneous disease and can be associated with various genetic alterations. The aim of this study was to report first results of the phenotype–genotype relationship in a German childhood glaucoma cohort. Forty-nine eyes of 29 children diagnosed with childhood glaucoma were prospectively included in the registry. Besides medical history, non-genetic risk factor anamnesis and examination results, genetic examination report was obtained (23 cases). DNA from peripheral blood or buccal swab was used for molecular genetic analysis using a specific glaucoma gene panel. Primary endpoint was the distribution of causative genetic mutations and associated disorders. Median age was 1.8 (IQR 0.6; 3.8) years, 64% participants were female. Secondary childhood glaucoma (55%) was more common than primary childhood glaucoma (41%). In 14%, parental consanguinity was indicated. A mutation was found in all these cases, which makes consanguinity an important risk factor for genetic causes in childhood glaucoma. CYP1B1 (30%) and TEK (10%) mutations were found in primary childhood glaucoma patients. In secondary childhood glaucoma cases, alterations in CYP1B1 (25%), SOX11 (13%), FOXC1 (13%), GJA8 (13%) and LTBP2 (13%) were detected. Congenital cataract was associated with variants in FYCO1 and CRYBB3 (25% each), and one case of primary megalocornea with a CHRDL1 aberration. Novel variants of causative genetic mutations were found. Distribution of childhood glaucoma types and causative genes was comparable to previous investigated cohorts. This is the first prospective study using standardized forms to determine phenotypes and non-genetic factors in childhood glaucoma with the aim to evaluate their association with genotypes in childhood glaucoma.

Severe early onset obesity and hypopituitarism in a child with a novel SIM1 gene mutation

SUMMARY

Single-minded homolog 1 (SIM1) is a transcription factor that plays a role in the development of both the hypothalamus and pituitary. SIM1 gene mutations are known to cause obesity in humans, and chromosomal deletions encompassing SIM1 and other genes necessary for pituitary development can cause a Prader-Willi-like syndrome with obesity and hypopituitarism. There have been no reported cases of hypopituitarism linked to a single SIM1 mutation. A 21-month-old male presented to endocrinology clinic with excessive weight gain and severe obesity. History was also notable for excessive drinking and urination. Endocrine workup revealed central hypothyroidism, partial diabetes insipidus, and central adrenal insufficiency. Genetic evaluation revealed a novel mutation in the SIM1 gene. No other genetic abnormalities to account for his obesity and hypopituitarism were identified. While we cannot definitively state this mutation is pathogenic, it is notable that SIM1 plays a role in the development of all three of the patient's affected hormone axes. He is now 6 years old and remains on treatment for his pituitary hormone deficiencies and continues to exhibit excessive weight gain despite lifestyle interventions.

LEARNING POINTS

Mutations in SIM1 are a well-recognized cause of monogenic human obesity, and there have been case reports of Prader-Willi-like syndrome and hypopituitarism in patients with chromosomal deletions that contain the SIM1 gene. SIM1 is expressed during the development of the hypothalamus, specifically in neuroendocrine lineages that give rise to the hormones oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and somatostatin. Pituitary testing should be considered in patients with severe obesity and a known genetic abnormality affecting the SIM1 gene, particularly in the pediatric population.

[Glioblastomas in patients with medulloblastomas after combined treatment]

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common brain malignancy in children occurring in the posterior cranial fossa. This tumor is characterized by high risk of metastasis along the CSF pathways. Significant progress in research of this tumor and appropriate treatment is associated with determining the various molecular categories of primary medulloblastomas. This analysis includes certain factors of cytogenetic and transcriptional proliferation. Modern treatment approaches for patients older than 3 years include advanced resection, craniospinal irradiation with a boost on the postoperative bed followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Conventional radiotherapy including craniospinal irradiation results a significant number of complications. Morbidity rate is increased throughout long-term follow-up. Secondary tumors including glioblastomas are under special attention since their occurrence is associated with a fatal outcome. This may partially explaine the fact that chemotherapy without repeated morphological verification doesn't always ensure tumor growth control in patients with recurrent medulloblastomas. The authors consider irradiation-induced glioblastomas secondary to primarily verified medulloblastomas in patients who had previously undergone craniospinal irradiation as a component of combined treatment after tumor resection. It was found that the incidence of this phenomenon is significant and made up about 10% among patients with recurrent medulloblastomas. This value is significantly higher compared to previous data. The authors analyzed patterns of occurrence of irradiation-induced glioblastomas depending on the molecular genetic group and clinical characteristics of patients after primary surgery. Treatment outcomes were estimated too. It was concluded that morphological verification is necessary if long-term recurrence is diagnosed after combined treatment of medulloblastoma.

Cribriform-Morular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Poorly Differentiated Features: A Case Report With Immunohistochemical and Molecular Genetic Analysis

Cribriform-morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CMVPTC) is usually an inherited malignancy and may be a presenting indicator of familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome although it may occasionally be sporadic. Known CMVPTC mutations include adenomatous polyposis coli ( APC) and β-catenin ( CTNNB1) genes. Despite its malignant classification, CMVPTC is considered to be a well-differentiated thyroid tumor with a generally good behavior. In contrast, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma is an aggressive tumor. We report a case of CMVPTC with poorly differentiated features in a young female without phenotypic features of familial adenomatous polyposis but with known germline alterations of the APC gene. High throughput sequencing showed germline chromosome 5q deletion encompassing the APC gene in all components with additional unique genetic alterations in the somatic components. A single nucleotide substitution (c.1548+1G>A, NM_000038.5) located one base pair downstream of exon 12 of the APC gene was identified in the CMVPTC component, and a pathogenic frameshift deletion in exon 14 of APC (c.3642del, p.Ser1214Argfs*51, NM_000038.5) was identified in the poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma component. No other cancer-associated genes were identified by our techniques. Our case represents a rare phenomenon of poorly differentiated features in association with CMVPTC. To our knowledge, ours is the only such report of poorly differentiated features arising in association with an inherited CMVPTC.

Genetic diversity and sex ratio of naked mole rat, Heterocephalus glaber, zoo populations

The naked mole rat, Heterocephalus glaber, is a highly unusual mammal that displays a complex social system similar to that found in eusocial insects. Colonies of H. glaber are commonly maintained in zoo collections because they represent fascinating educational exhibits for the public. However, little is known about the genetic structure or sex ratio of captive populations of H. glaber. In this study, we developed a set of microsatellite markers to examine genetic variation in three captive zoo populations of H. glaber. We also studied sex ratio of these captive populations. Our goal was to determine levels of genetic variation within, and genetic differences between, captive populations of H. glaber. Overall, we found modest levels of genetic variation in zoo populations. We also uncovered little evidence for inbreeding within the captive populations. However, zoo populations did differ genetically, which may reflect the isolation of captive naked mole rat colonies. Finally, we found no evidence of biased sex ratios within colonies. Overall, our study documents levels of genetic variation and sex ratios in a captive eusocial mammalian population. Our results may provide insight into how to manage captive populations of H. glaber.

Clinical, Pathologic, and Genetic Features of Neonatal Dubin-Johnson Syndrome: A Multicenter Study in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the clinical, pathologic, and genetic features of neonatal Dubin-Johnson syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Ten patients with neonatal Dubin-Johnson syndrome were recruited from 6 pediatric centers in Japan between September 2013 and October 2016. Clinical and laboratory course, macroscopic and microscopic liver findings, and molecular genetic findings concerning ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 2 (ABCC2) were retrospectively and prospectively examined.

RESULTS

All neonates exhibited cholestasis, evident as prolonged jaundice with or without acholic stools and elevations of serum direct bilirubin as well as γ-glutamyltransferase or total bile acids. Only 38% (3 of 8) of patients who underwent liver biopsy showed a grossly black liver or melanin-like pigment deposits in hepatocytes; their biopsies were performed in early infancy. Immunohistochemically, all liver specimens showed no expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 but increased expression of the bile salt export pump protein. Homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ABCC2 were identified in all patients, representing 11 distinct pathogenic variants including 2 not previously reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical staining of the liver for multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and molecular genetic analysis of ABCC2 are crucial for accurate diagnosis of neonatal Dubin-Johnson syndrome.

MOLECULAR-GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF FIELD ISOLATES OF RABIES VIRUS IDENTIFIED IN THE TERRITORY OF VLADIMIR, MOSCOW, TVER, NIZHNY NOVGOROD AND RYAZAN REGIONS

The article presents a molecular genetic study of genomes of field isolates of rabies virus isolated in the Vladimir, Moscow, Tver, Nizhny Novgorod and Ryazan regions, with the aim of carrying out phylogenetic analysis. We studied 20 samples of purified PCR products containing the rabies virus nucleoprotein. The samples were provided by the Vladimir veterinary service. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the gene showed that 12 fragments of isolates under study were close to the Central phylogenetic group of the rabies virus; namely - 5 isolates from the Vladimir region, 2 from the Nizhny Novgorod region, 2 from the Moscow region, and 3 from the Tver region. Eight studied isolates from the Nizhny Novgorod and Ryazan regions were attributed to the Eurasian phylogenetic group.

Contrasting results from molecular and pedigree-based population diversity measures in captive zebra highlight challenges facing genetic management of zoo populations

Zoo conservation breeding programs manage the retention of population genetic diversity through analysis of pedigree records. The range of demographic and genetic indices determined through pedigree analysis programs allows the conservation of diversity to be monitored relative to the particular founder population for a species. Such approaches are based on a number of well-documented founder assumptions, however without knowledge of actual molecular genetic diversity there is a risk that pedigree-based measures will be misinterpreted and population genetic diversity misunderstood. We examined the genetic diversity of the captive populations of Grevy's zebra, Hartmann's mountain zebra and plains zebra in Japan and the United Kingdom through analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences. Very low nucleotide variability was observed in Grevy's zebra. The results were evaluated with respect to current and historic diversity in the wild, and indicate that low genetic diversity in the captive population is likely a result of low founder diversity, which in turn suggests relatively low wild genetic diversity prior to recent population declines. Comparison of molecular genetic diversity measures with analogous diversity indices generated from the studbook data for Grevy's zebra and Hartmann's mountain zebra show contrasting patterns, with Grevy's zebra displaying markedly less molecular diversity than mountain zebra, despite studbook analysis indicating that the Grevy's zebra population has substantially more founders, greater effective population size, lower mean kinship, and has suffered less loss of gene diversity. These findings emphasize the need to validate theoretical estimates of genetic diversity in captive breeding programs with empirical molecular genetic data. Zoo Biol. 36:87-94, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mutational spectrum of Korean patients with corneal dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy typically refers to a group of rare hereditary disorders with a heterogeneous genetic background. A comprehensive molecular genetic analysis was performed to characterize the genetic spectrum of corneal dystrophies in Korean patients. Patients with various corneal dystrophies underwent thorough ophthalmic examination, histopathologic examination, and Sanger sequencing. A total of 120 probands were included, with a mean age of 50 years (SD = 18 years) and 70% were female. A total of 26 mutations in five genes (14 clearly pathogenic and 12 likely pathogenic) were identified in 49 probands (41%). Epithelial-stromal TGFBI dystrophies, macular corneal dystrophy and Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) showed 100% mutation detection rates, while endothelial corneal dystrophies showed lower detection rates of 3%. Twenty six non-duplicate mutations including eight novel mutations were identified and mutations associated with SCD were identified genetically for the first time in this population. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the genetic aberrations in Korean patients and also highlights the diagnostic value of molecular genetic analysis in corneal dystrophies.

[Infrared fluorescent markers for microarray DNA analysis on biological microchip]

To expand the informational capabilities of molecular genetic research, on the biological microchips, new indotricarbocyanine dyes that fluoresce in the near infrared (IR) spectral region have been synthesized. The developed IR dyes were studied using a biochip-based test system for detection of mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 and CHECK2 genes associated with breast cancer. The fluorescent label was introduced to the analyzed DNA during PCR using primers labeled with the synthesized IR dyes. An analyzer that allows recording and processing of images of fluorescent microarrays in the IR spectral region was designed and manufactured. It has been shown that the use of the synthesized dyes enables to conduct analysis in the IR region and improve the reliability of medical diagnostic tests due to low fluorescence intensity of sample components as well as of a biochip substrate and the reagents used for analysis.

Novel Mutations in the GPIIb and GPIIIa Genes in Glanzmann Thrombasthenia

BACKGROUND: Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is an inherited autosomal recessive platelet disorder characterized by a complete or partial lack, or mutation, of the GPIIb/IIIa complex (integrin α(IIb)β(3)) on the thrombocytes' surface, leading to a severe bleeding syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Molecular genetic analysis was performed in patients with suspected GT. The aim of the present study was the identification of new natural variants, their impact on platelet function, and their relation to the risk of bleeding. RESULTS: Expression of the platelet integrin α(IIb)β(3) was determined by flow cytometry. Mutations were identified through sequencing of cDNA and genomic DNA. In addition, platelet function studies (PAC-binding, aggregations) were implemented. The study included 25 patients revealing 13 mutations (GPIIb: n = 9; GPIIIa: n = 4). Two of the 13 mutations were previously described (T207I; L214P). The remaining mutations have not been published yet, whereas 1 mutation in 2 unrelated families was identical (3062 T→C). CONCLUSION: All patients with less than 25% of present α(IIb)β(3) have a medical history of bleeding.

Assessing human germ-cell mutagenesis in the Postgenome Era: a celebration of the legacy of William Lawson (Bill) Russell

Birth defects, de novo genetic diseases, and chromosomal abnormality syndromes occur in approximately 5% of all live births, and affected children suffer from a broad range of lifelong health consequences. Despite the social and medical impact of these defects, and the 8 decades of research in animal systems that have identified numerous germ-cell mutagens, no human germ-cell mutagen has been confirmed to date. There is now a growing consensus that the inability to detect human germ-cell mutagens is due to technological limitations in the detection of random mutations rather than biological differences between animal and human susceptibility. A multidisciplinary workshop responding to this challenge convened at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. The purpose of the workshop was to assess the applicability of an emerging repertoire of genomic technologies to studies of human germ-cell mutagenesis. Workshop participants recommended large-scale human germ-cell mutation studies be conducted using samples from donors with high-dose exposures, such as cancer survivors. Within this high-risk cohort, parents and children could be evaluated for heritable changes in (a) DNA sequence and chromosomal structure, (b) repeat sequences and minisatellites, and (c) global gene expression profiles and pathways. Participants also advocated the establishment of a bio-bank of human tissue samples from donors with well-characterized exposure, including medical and reproductive histories. This mutational resource could support large-scale, multiple-endpoint studies. Additional studies could involve the examination of transgenerational effects associated with changes in imprinting and methylation patterns, nucleotide repeats, and mitochondrial DNA mutations. The further development of animal models and the integration of these with human studies are necessary to provide molecular insights into the mechanisms of germ-cell mutations and to identify prevention strategies. Furthermore, scientific specialty groups should be convened to review and prioritize the evidence for germ-cell mutagenicity from common environmental, occupational, medical, and lifestyle exposures. Workshop attendees agreed on the need for a full-scale assault to address key fundamental questions in human germ-cell environmental mutagenesis. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Do human germ-cell mutagens exist? What are the risks to future generations? Are some parents at higher risk than others for acquiring and transmitting germ-cell mutations? Obtaining answers to these, and other critical questions, will require strong support from relevant funding agencies, in addition to the engagement of scientists outside the fields of genomics and germ-cell mutagenesis.