Increased prevalence of the founder BRCA1 c.5309G>T and recurrent BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA mutations in breast cancer families from Northerstern region of Morocco: evidence of geographical specificity and high relevance for genetic counseling

BACKGROUND

Inherited mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) confer high risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Because the contribution of BRCA1/2 germline mutations to BC in the Northeastern population of Morocco remains largely unknown, we conducted this first study to evaluate the prevalence and the phenotypic spectrum of two BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations (the founder BRCA1 c.5309G>T and BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA). This choice was also argued by the presence of an apparent specific geographical connection of these mutations and the Northeastern region of Morocco.

METHODS

Screening for the germline mutations c.5309G>T and BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA was performed by sequencing on a total of 184 breast cancer (BC) patients originated from the Northeastern region of Morocco. The likelihood of identifying a BRCA mutation is calculated using the Eisinger scoring model. The clinical and pathologic features were compared between the BRCA-positive and BRCA-negative groups of patients. Difference in survival outcomes was compared between mutation carriers and non-carriers.

RESULTS

BRCA1 c.5309G>T and BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA are responsible for a significant proportion of all BC cases (12.5%) and at least 20% of familial BC. The screening of BRCA1/2 genes by NGS sequencing confirmed that there are no additional mutations detected among positive patients. The clinicopathological features in positive patients were in accordance with typical characteristics of BRCA pathogenic mutations. The mean features in the carriers were the early onset of the disease, familial history, triple negative status (for BRCA1 c.5309G>T) and worse prognosis in terms of overall surviving. Our study indicates that the Eisinger scoring model could be recommended to identify patients for referral to BRCA1/2 oncogenetic counseling.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that BRCA1 c.5309G>T and BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA mutations may have a strong founder and/or recurrent effect on breast cancer among the Northeastern Moroccan population. There contribution to breast cancer incidence is certainly substantial in this subgroup. Therefore, we believe that BRCA1 c.5309G>T and BRCA2 c.1310_1313delAAGA mutations have to be included in the array of tests aimed at revealing cancer syndrome carriers among subjects of Moroccan origin.

New Anti-Leukemic Effect of Carvacrol and Thymol Combination through Synergistic Induction of Different Cell Death Pathways

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid lineage of blood cells, and treatment for AML is lengthy and can be very expensive. Medicinal plants and their bioactive molecules are potential candidates for improving human health. In this work, we studied the effect of Ptychotis verticillata (PV) essential oil and its derivatives, carvacrol and thymol, in AML cell lines. We demonstrated that a combination of carvacrol and thymol induced tumor cell death with low toxicity on normal cells. Mechanistically, we highlighted that different molecular pathways, including apoptosis, oxidative, reticular stress, autophagy, and necrosis, are implicated in this potential synergistic effect. Using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and apoptosis inhibitors, we showed that cell death induced by the carvacrol and thymol combination is caspase-dependent in the HL60 cell line and caspase-independent in the other cell lines tested. Further investigations should focus on improving the manufacturing of these compounds and understanding their anti-tumoral mechanisms of action. These efforts will lead to an increase in the efficiency of the oncotherapy strategy regarding AML.

Empowering the immune fate of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells: gene and protein changes

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are referred as a promising immunotherapeutic cell product. New approaches using empowered MSCs should be developed as for the treatment or prevention of different immunological diseases. Such preconditioning by new licensing stimuli will empower the immune fate of BM-MSCs and, therefore, promote a better and more efficient biological. Here, our main goal was to establish the immunological profile of BM-MSCs following inflammatory priming and in particular their capacity to adjust their immune-related proteome and transcriptome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To run this study, we have used BM-MSC cell cultures, a pro-inflammatory cytokine cocktail priming, flow cytometry analysis, qPCR and ELISA techniques.

RESULTS

Different expression levels of several immunological mediators such as COX-1, COX-2, LIF, HGF, Gal-1, HO-1, IL-11, IL-8, IL-6 and TGF-β were constitutively observed in BM-MSCs. Inflammation priming substantially but differentially modulated the gene and protein expression profiles of these mediators. Thus, expressions of COX-2, LIF, HGF, IL-11, IL-8 and IL-6 were highly increased/induced and those of COX-1, Gal-1, and TGF-β were reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we demonstrated that BM-MSCs are endowed with a specific and modular regulatory machinery which is potentially involved in immunomodulation. Moreover, BM-MSCs are highly sensitive to inflammation and respond to such signal by properly adjusting their gene and protein expression of regulatory factors. Using such preconditioning may empower the immune fate of MSCs and, therefore, enhance their value for cell-based immunotherapy.

First draft genome assembly of the Argane tree ( Argania spinosa)

Background: The Argane tree ( Argania spinosa L. Skeels) is an endemic tree of mid-western Morocco that plays an important socioeconomic and ecologic role for a dense human population in an arid zone. Several studies confirmed the importance of this species as a food and feed source and as a resource for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds. Unfortunately, the argane tree ecosystem is facing significant threats from environmental changes (global warming, over-population) and over-exploitation. Limited research has been conducted, however, on argane tree genetics and genomics, which hinders its conservation and genetic improvement. Methods: Here, we present a draft genome assembly of A. spinosa. A reliable reference genome of  A. spinosa was created using a hybrid  de novo assembly approach combining short and long sequencing reads. Results: In total, 144 Gb Illumina HiSeq reads and 7.6 Gb PacBio reads were produced and assembled. The final draft genome comprises 75 327 scaffolds totaling 671 Mb with an N50 of 49 916 kb. The draft assembly is close to the genome size estimated by k-mers distribution and covers 89% of complete and 4.3 % of partial Arabidopsis orthologous groups in BUSCO. Conclusion: The A. spinosa genome will be useful for assessing biodiversity leading to efficient conservation of this endangered endemic tree. Furthermore, the genome may enable genome-assisted cultivar breeding, and provide a better understanding of important metabolic pathways and their underlying genes for both cosmetic and pharmacological.

First draft genome assembly of the Argane tree ( Argania spinosa)

Background: The Argane tree ( Argania spinosa L. Skeels) is an endemic tree of mid-western Morocco that plays an important socioeconomic and ecologic role for a dense human population in an arid zone. Several studies confirmed the importance of this species as a food and feed source and as a resource for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds. Unfortunately, the argane tree ecosystem is facing significant threats from environmental changes (global warming, over-population) and over-exploitation. Limited research has been conducted, however, on argane tree genetics and genomics, which hinders its conservation and genetic improvement. Methods: Here, we present a draft genome assembly of A. spinosa. A reliable reference genome of  A. spinosa was created using a hybrid  de novo assembly approach combining short and long sequencing reads. Results: In total, 144 Gb Illumina HiSeq reads and 7.6 Gb PacBio reads were produced and assembled. The final draft genome comprises 75 327 scaffolds totaling 671 Mb with an N50 of 49 916 kb. The draft assembly is close to the genome size estimated by k-mers distribution and covers 89% of complete and 4.3 % of partial Arabidopsis orthologous groups in BUSCO. Conclusion: The A. spinosa genome will be useful for assessing biodiversity leading to efficient conservation of this endangered endemic tree. Furthermore, the genome may enable genome-assisted cultivar breeding, and provide a better understanding of important metabolic pathways and their underlying genes for both cosmetic and pharmacological.

Significant association between ERCC2 and MTHR polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility in Moroccan population: genotype and haplotype analysis in a case-control study

Background

Genetic determinants of breast cancer (BC) remained largely unknown in the majority of Moroccan patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of ERCC2 and MTHFR polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in Moroccan population.

Methods

We genotyped ERCC2 polymorphisms (rs1799793 (G934A) and rs13181 (A2251C)) and MTHFR polymorphisms (rs1801133 (C677T) and rs1801131 (A1298C)) using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Genotypes were compared in 151 BC cases and 156 population-matched controls. Allelic, genotypic and haplotype associations with the risk and clinicopathological features of BC were assessed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

ERCC2-rs1799793-AA genotype was associated with high risk of BC compared to wild type genotype (recessive model: OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.34–6.26, p = 0.0069) even after Bonferroni correction (p < 0,0125). MTHFR rs1801133-TT genotype was associated with increased risk of BC (recessive model, OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.17–5.29, p = 0.017) but the association turned insignificant after Bonferroni correction. For the rest of SNPs, no statistical associations to BC risk were detected.

Significant association with clinical features was detected for MTHFR-rs1801133-TC genotype with early age at diagnosis and familial BC. Following Bonferroni correction, only association with familial BC remained significant. MTHFR-rs1801131-CC genotype was associated with sporadic BC. ERCC2-rs1799793-AA genotype correlated with ER+ and PR+ breast cancer. ERCC2-rs13181-CA genotype was significantly associated large tumors (T ≥ 3) in BC patients. None of these associations passed Bonferroni correction.

Haplotype analysis showed that ERCC2 A-C haplotype was significantly associated with increased BC risk (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.7–8.12, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0008 before and after Bonferroni correction, respectively) and positive expression of ER and PR in BC patients. ERCC2 G-C haplotype was correlated with PR negative and larger tumor (T4). We did not find any MTHFR haplotypes associated with BC susceptibility. However, the less common haplotype MTHFR T-C was more frequent in young patients and in familial breast cancer, while MTHFR C-C haplotype was associated with sporadic BC form.

Conclusions

Our findings are a first observation of association between ERCC2 SNPs and breast cancer in Moroccan population. The results suggested that ERCC2 and MTHFR polymorphisms may be reliable for assessing risk and prognosis of BC in Moroccan population.

The ocean sampling day consortium

Ocean Sampling Day was initiated by the EU-funded Micro B3 (Marine Microbial Biodiversity, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology) project to obtain a snapshot of the marine microbial biodiversity and function of the world’s oceans. It is a simultaneous global mega-sequencing campaign aiming to generate the largest standardized microbial data set in a single day. This will be achievable only through the coordinated efforts of an Ocean Sampling Day Consortium, supportive partnerships and networks between sites. This commentary outlines the establishment, function and aims of the Consortium and describes our vision for a sustainable study of marine microbial communities and their embedded functional traits.

Quantitative trait loci for resistance against Yellow rust in two wheat-derived recombinant inbred line populations

Yellow rust, which is a major disease in areas where cool temperatures prevail, can strongly influence grain yield. To control this disease, breeders have extensively used major specific resistance genes. Unfortunately this kind of resistance is rapidly lost due to pathogen adaptation. More-durable resistance against yellow rust can be achieved using quantitative resistance derived from cultivars with well-established durable resistance. The winter wheat Camp Remy has maintained a high level of resistance for over 20 years. In order to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for durable yellow rust resistance, we analysed a set of 98 F(8) recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from the cross Camp RemyxMichigan Amber. We also mapped QTLs for adult resistance to yellow rust using the International Triticae Mapping Initiative RI population (114 lines derived from the cross Opata85xsynthetic hexaploid). Two and five QTLs, respectively, were identified from these two populations. This work has highlighted the importance of the centromeric region of chromosome 2B and the telomeric regions of chromosomes 2AL and 7DS in durable yellow rust resistance. The same chromosomal regions are also implicated in resistance to other pathogens.

Genetic and molecular features of Su(P), a gene that interacts with ref(2)P in male fertility of Drosophila melanogaster

The ref(2)P gene is involved in the control of sigma rhabdovirus multiplication in Drosophila melanogaster. ref(2)P activity is also necessary for male fertility. However, in one-third of laboratory strains tested, males that lacked ref(2)P activity were fertile. In all such strains studied, the male sterility phenotype was abolished due to the presence of a particular allele at the Su(P) locus, at 73B1-2. These spontaneous suppressor alleles were dominant. We were able to induce dominant suppressor alleles at the Su(P) locus by X-ray mutagenesis and hybrid dysgenesis, suggesting that null alleles of Su(P) confer the dominant suppressor phenotype. The Su(P) gene was cloned by P element tagging. The P element-tagged alleles identified a Su(P) transcript as a 1.4-kb mRNA produced in the soma of both males and females, which is also abundant in ovaries.