RIBEIRO, Sandra Mara Serafim. Transformação genética de plantas de fumo (Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi) com a seqüência CV1887 de Chromobacterium violaceum. 2009. 90 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Bioquímica) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 2009. / Submitted by Eric Santiago (erichhcl@gmail.com) on 2016-07-11T12:29:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2009_dis_smsribeiro.pdf: 1692746 bytes, checksum: 683e626eb9d261fd4a3e1f97ecdd84fe (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-08-02T20:19:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2009_dis_smsribeiro.pdf: 1692746 bytes, checksum: 683e626eb9d261fd4a3e1f97ecdd84fe (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-02T20:19:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009_dis_smsribeiro.pdf: 1692746 bytes, checksum: 683e626eb9d261fd4a3e1f97ecdd84fe (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / The genetic transformation of plants represents today an important tool to investigate the function of genes of diverse origins like plants, fungi, virus, nematodes and bacteria. Those that come from bacteria are the most representative ones. Within this context, sequences coding to domains containing YD (tyrosine - asparatate) repetitions, that have similarities with nematicide proteins, were detected in the Chromobacterium violaceum strain ATCC 12472 genome. Among these sequences, the ORF CV1887 (4.155 bp) was selected for cloning and expression in the heterologous system, in the attempt to validate its activity determined in silico in the C. violaceum genome's annotation. The experimental strategy consisted in cloning the complete (4.155 bp) and the partial sequence (2.642 bp) of the ORF in the binary vector pBI121. The recombinant vectors w ere introduced in Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 cells by electroporation. By utilizing agroinfection system, leaves segments of Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi were transformed and used as propagles for regeneration of the firsts transformants. Th e confirmation of the genetic transformation was achieved by PCR with the genomic DNA extracted from of the selected clones, followed of a PCR reaction. The visualization of bands in the agarose gel electrophoresis showed that from the 19 clones with the p artial sequence cv1887 that were selected, 84% showed bands with approximate size of 2.642 bp, and from the 13 clones with the complete sequence CV1887 that were selected, 78% showed bands with approximate size of 4.155 bp. For the expression analysis, the following were selected: three transformed clones with partial sequence CV1887, two transformed clones with complete sequence CV1887, three clones transformed with the reporter gene gus, which encodes for the enzyme b - glucoronidase, and two control clone s of non - transformed plants. The RNA from the selected clones was used in a RT - PCR reaction for cDNA synthesis and amplification of the corresponding sequences. The products of the amplification were analyzed in an agarose gel electrophoresis, showing the presence of bands with 2.642 bp for the three clones transformed with partial sequence CV1887 and 1.812 bp for the three clones transformed with gus and it is confirmed the presence of these sequences in the transformed cells. It was not confirmed the pres ence in transformed clones, the complete sequence CV1887. / A transformação genética de plantas atualmente representa uma importante ferramenta para investigação da função de genes de diversas origens como plantas, fungos, vírus, nematóides e bactérias, sendo os de origem bacteriana os mais representativos. Dentro desse contexto, seqüências codificando para domínios contendo repetições YD (tirosina- ácido aspártico), que possuem similaridades com proteínas nematicidas, foram previamente detectadas no genoma de Chromobacterium violaceum estirpe ATCC 12472. Dentre essas seqüências, a ORF CV1887 (4.155 pb) foi selecionada para clonagem e expressão no sistema heterólogo, objetivando validar a atividade determinada in silico na anotação do genoma de C. violaceum. A estratégia experimental consistiu em clonar as seqüências completa (4.155 pb) e parcial (2.642 pb) da ORF CV1887 no vetor binário pBI121. Os vetores recombinantes foram introduzidos em células de Agrobacterium tumefaciens estirpe LBA4404, por eletroporação. Empregando-se o sistema de agroinfecção, segmentos foliares de Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi foram transformados e usados como propágulos para regeneração dos transformantes primários. A confirmação da transformação genética foi feita por reação da polimerase em cadeia (PCR), sendo usado como molde, o DNA genômico extraído de clones selecionados em meio de cultura contendo canamicina. Pela visualização das bandas no gel de agarose, dos 19 clones selecionados de CV1887 parcial, 84% apresentaram bandas no tamanho aproximado de 2.642 pb e dos 13 clones selecionados de CV1887 completo, 78% apresentaram bandas no tamanho aproximado de 4.155 pb. Para a análise da expressão, foram selecionados três clones transformados com a seqüência CV1887 parcial, dois clones transformados com a seqüência CV1887 completa, três clones transformados com o gene repórter gus, que codifica para a enzima β-glucoronidase, e dois clones de plantas controle não transformadas. O RNA extraído dos clones selecionados foi utilizado em uma reação de RT-PCR para a síntese do cDNA e amplificação das seqüências correspondentes. Os produtos da amplificação foram analisados por meio de eletroforese em gel de agarose, constatando-se a presença de bandas no tamanho aproximado de 2.642 pb para os três clones transformados com a seqüência CV1887 parcial e no tamanho de 1.812 pb para os três clones transformados com gus, confirmando-se a presença dessas seqüências nas células transformadas. Não foi confirmada a presença, nos clones transformados, da seqüência CV1887 completa.

xiv, 78 p. : ill. (some col.) A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) is a genetic disorder with multisystemic symptoms that is caused by expression (as RNA) of expanded repeats of CTG or CCTG in the genome. It is hypothesized that the protein MBNL1 (M[barbelow]uscleb[barbelow]lin[barbelow]d-l[barbelow]ike-1) is sequestered to the expanded CUG or CCUG RNAs. MBNL1 regulates the alternative splicing of a variety of pre-mRNAs and its mis-localization results in mis-splicing of a subset of pre-mRNAs that are linked to the symptoms found in DM patients. I initially demonstrated that MBNL1 can bind short structured CUG and CCUG repeats with high affinity and specificity in vitro . Next, I was able to determine and articulate the first structure of a binding site of MBNL1 in an endogenous pre-mRNA that it regulates. I found that MBNL1 binds a stem-loop in the cardiac troponin T (cTNT) pre-mRNA. The stem-loop contains two mismatches and resembles both CUG and CCUG repeats. I determined that MBNL1 regulated exon 5 by directly competing with the essential splicing factor U2AF65 for binding upstream of exon 5. When U2AF65 is prevented from binding, factors in the spliceosome can no longer be recruited and the following exon is skipped. Furthermore, I found that MBNL1 and U2AF65 compete by binding mutually exclusive RNA structures. I also characterized a potential therapeutic approach for DM. Current data suggest that if MBNL1 is released from sequestration, disease symptoms may be alleviated. Using a targeted screen of small molecules known to bind structured nucleic acids, I identified the small molecule pentamidine as a compound that disrupted MBNL1 binding to CUG repeats in vitro . I showed in cell culture that pentamidine was able to reverse the mis-splicing of two pre-mRNAs affected in DM. Pentamidine also significantly reduced the formation of RNA foci in tissue culture cells, which are characteristic of DM. MBNL1 was released from the foci in the treated cells. Furthermore, pentamidine partially rescued splicing defects of two pre-mRNAs in mice expressing expanded CUG repeats. This dissertation includes three previously published co-authored publications. / Committee in charge: Kenneth Prehoda, Chairperson, Chemistry; J. Andrew Berglund, Advisor, Chemistry; Victoria DeRose, Member, Chemistry; Peter von Hippel, Member, Chemistry; Alice Barkan, Outside Member, Biology

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-01T14:16:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1809210 bytes, checksum: e118d10e8ea156df56a7871608a59d7b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Human identification is based on analyzing DNA through present throughout the genome molecular markers. These markers are transmitted from parents to offspring by heredity. STR markers are currently the most commonly used genetic markers in Forensic Genetics due to their high polymorphism, high reproducibility, possibility of being amplified by PCR in multiple copies in a single reaction, and minute quantities of DNA (1ng). The DNA test that allows individualization of the people is essential tool to the solution of forensic human identification cases, sex crimes, crime scenes (including or excluding suspects), mass disasters, and its result is presented in statistical calculations that consider allele frequency of markers used. So it is important to know the allele frequencies presented in the regional population so that the results are the most reliable possible. In this study , 15 autossomal markers (loci) STR or microsatellite (CSF1PO, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11, D2S1338, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, FGA, TH01, and VWA TPOX) were studied in 766 unrelated individuals paraibanos, demonstrating a tri population - hybrid formed Africans (25.86 %), Amerindian (6.81 %) and Europeans (67.33 %). The most informative were D21S11 and FGA, and were less informative TPOX, D7S820 and D13S317. The results are important for a database with allele frequencies found in Paraiba population can serve as a useful basis for calculating forensic practice in the State of Paraíba. / A identificação humana está baseada na análise do DNA através de marcadores moleculares presente em todo o genoma. Estes marcadores são transmitidos de pais para filhos por hereditariedade. Atualmente os marcadores STR são os marcadores genéticos mais utilizados em Genética Forense devido ao seu elevado polimorfismo, alta reprodutibilidade, possibilidade de serem amplificados por PCR em inúmeras cópias numa só reação e em mínimas quantidades de DNA (1ng). O exame de DNA que permite a individualização das pessoas é ferramenta indispensável à solução de casos forenses de identificação humana, crimes sexuais, locais de crime (incluindo ou excluindo suspeitos), desastres em massa, e tem seu resultado apresentado em cálculos estatísticos que consideram a frequência alélica dos marcadores usados. Por isso é importante o conhecimento das frequências alélicas apresentadas na população regional de forma que os resultados sejam os mais fidedignos possíveis. Neste trabalho, 15 marcadores autossômicos (loci) STR ou microssatélites (CSF1PO, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11, D2S1338, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, FGA, TH01, TPOX e vWA) foram estudados em 766 indivíduos paraibanos não aparentados, demonstrando uma população tri - hibrida, formada de africanos (25,86%), ameríndios (6,81%) e europeus (67,33%). Os mais informativos foram D21S11 e FGA, e os menos informativos foram TPOX, D7S820 e D13S317. Os resultados são importantes para que um banco de dados com as frequências alélicas encontradas na população paraibana possa servir de base de cálculo útil para prática forense no Estado da Paraíba.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-07-19T13:40:55Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) tese final.pdf: 4052323 bytes, checksum: 74297c119131b87a26908be1d213027a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-19T13:40:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) tese final.pdf: 4052323 bytes, checksum: 74297c119131b87a26908be1d213027a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-01 / CAPEs / O uso de insetos visando responder aos quesitos levantados em investigações criminais ganhou espaço nas últimas décadas entre os pesquisadores e profissionais desta área, assim como a combinação de técnicas de genética forense para a obtenção de DNA humano a partir destes organismos, em especial dos dípteros necrófagos. Desse modo, neste estudo objetivou-se obter e testar um protocolo de identificação de DNA humano extraído a partir de larvas de dípteros coletadas em cadáveres no Instituto de Medicina Legal de Pernambuco Antonio Persivo Cunha (IMLAPC/PE). Inicialmente, espécimes imaturos foram coletados no IMLAPC/PE e criados em dieta a base de carne moída bovina para possibilitar a identificação da espécie mais abundante e frequente que se cria neste substrato. A espécie Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) foi selecionada como modelo experimental. Grupos de larvas dessa espécie foram submetidos a uma dieta baseada em carne moída e sangue humano por 48 horas, dissecadas e submetidas a extração de DNA, utilizandose duas metodologias comumente adotadas pelos laboratórios de genética forense: Kit DNA IQ™ e Método Fenol-Clorofórmio. O DNA extraído foi quantificado através de Nanodrop® e Real-Time PCR 7500 com uso do Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification. Para amplificação do DNA foram usados os kits para STR (short tandem repeats): AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR Kit, Argus X-12® Kit e PowerPlex® Fusion System kit. As amostras amplificadas foram analisadas por eletroforese capilar em ABI PRISM 3500, permitindo observar que, para os kits utilizados houve perfis íntegros e compatíveis com a amostra referência, a partir da extração com kit DNA IQ™ e/ou método Fenol- Clorofórmio. Além disso, foram testados quatro meios de armazenagem comumente utilizados em zoologia: etanol 70%, etanol 95%, formol 4% e via seca. Após 24 horas de armazenagem, as amostras foram submetidas aos processos de análise de DNA e o formol 4% apresentou os melhores perfis de DNA. O fato de haver perfis passíveis de comparação confirma a utilidade das larvas de dípteros usadas para este fim, as quais podem futuramente ser usadas para correlacionar perfis genéticos com uma cena criminal. O aprimoramento destas técnicas é necessário para que o uso das larvas de dípteros muscóides com emprego para a entomogenética tenha mais difusão entre os meios acadêmico e forense. / The use of insects for investigations has gained ground in recent decades among researchers and criminal professionals. Recently, the use of these animals has been combined with forensic genetics techniques for obtaining human DNA from these. Among the main focus groups for this technique are the carrion flies that have the host DNA extracted from intestinal contents. Because the visibility of this branch of forensic biology, this study aimed to obtain and test a protocol for identifying human DNA extracted from larvae of Diptera at the Instituto de Medicina Legal de Pernambuco Antonio Persivo Cunha (IMLAPC/PE). The species Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was selected as an experimental model. Groups of larvae of this species were subjected to diet ground meat and human blood for 48 hours, dissected and subjected to DNA extraction using two methods commonly used by forensic genetics laboratories: DNA IQ™ Kit and Method phenol-chloroform. The extracted DNA was quantified by Nanodrop® and Real-Time PCR 7500 with use of Quantifiler® Duo DNA Quantification. For DNA amplification kits for STR (short tandem repeats) were used: AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus PCR Kit, Argus X-12® Kit and PowerPlex® Fusion System kit. The amplified samples were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis in ABI PRISM 3500, allowing to observe for kits used there have upright profiles and compatible with the reference sample, from the IQ™ DNA extraction kit and/or phenol-chloroform method. In addition, four storage means commonly used in zoology were tested: 70% ethanol, 95% ethanol, 4% formaldehyde and dry. After 24 hours of storage, the samples were submitted to DNA analysis processes and the 4% formaldehyde DNA showed the best profile. The fact that there be comparable profiles confirms the usefulness of dipteran larvae used for this purpose, which can further be used to correlate genetic profiles and a criminal scene. The improvement of these techniques is required for the use of larvae dipterae with employment for the entomogenetics have more diffusion among academic and forensic means.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / A transformaÃÃo genÃtica de plantas atualmente representa uma importante ferramenta para investigaÃÃo da funÃÃo de genes de diversas origens como plantas, fungos, vÃrus, nematÃides e bactÃrias, sendo os de origem bacteriana os mais representativos. Dentro desse contexto, seqÃÃncias codificando para domÃnios contendo repetiÃÃes YD (tirosina- Ãcido aspÃrtico), que possuem similaridades com proteÃnas nematicidas, foram previamente detectadas no genoma de Chromobacterium violaceum estirpe ATCC 12472. Dentre essas seqÃÃncias, a ORF CV1887 (4.155 pb) foi selecionada para clonagem e expressÃo no sistema heterÃlogo, objetivando validar a atividade determinada in silico na anotaÃÃo do genoma de C. violaceum. A estratÃgia experimental consistiu em clonar as seqÃÃncias completa (4.155 pb) e parcial (2.642 pb) da ORF CV1887 no vetor binÃrio pBI121. Os vetores recombinantes foram introduzidos em cÃlulas de Agrobacterium tumefaciens estirpe LBA4404, por eletroporaÃÃo. Empregando-se o sistema de agroinfecÃÃo, segmentos foliares de Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi foram transformados e usados como propÃgulos para regeneraÃÃo dos transformantes primÃrios. A confirmaÃÃo da transformaÃÃo genÃtica foi feita por reaÃÃo da polimerase em cadeia (PCR), sendo usado como molde, o DNA genÃmico extraÃdo de clones selecionados em meio de cultura contendo canamicina. Pela visualizaÃÃo das bandas no gel de agarose, dos 19 clones selecionados de CV1887 parcial, 84% apresentaram bandas no tamanho aproximado de 2.642 pb e dos 13 clones selecionados de CV1887 completo, 78% apresentaram bandas no tamanho aproximado de 4.155 pb. Para a anÃlise da expressÃo, foram selecionados trÃs clones transformados com a seqÃÃncia CV1887 parcial, dois clones transformados com a seqÃÃncia CV1887 completa, trÃs clones transformados com o gene repÃrter gus, que codifica para a enzima β-glucoronidase, e dois clones de plantas controle nÃo transformadas. O RNA extraÃdo dos clones selecionados foi utilizado em uma reaÃÃo de RT-PCR para a sÃntese do cDNA e amplificaÃÃo das seqÃÃncias correspondentes. Os produtos da amplificaÃÃo foram analisados por meio de eletroforese em gel de agarose, constatando-se a presenÃa de bandas no tamanho aproximado de 2.642 pb para os trÃs clones transformados com a seqÃÃncia CV1887 parcial e no tamanho de 1.812 pb para os trÃs clones transformados com gus, confirmando-se a presenÃa dessas seqÃÃncias nas cÃlulas transformadas. NÃo foi confirmada a presenÃa, nos clones transformados, da seqÃÃncia CV1887 completa. / The genetic transformation of plants represents today an important tool to investigate the function of genes of diverse origins like plants, fungi, virus, nematodes and bacteria. Those that come from bacteria are the most representative ones. Within this context, sequences coding to domains containing YD (tyrosine - asparatate) repetitions, that have similarities with nematicide proteins, were detected in the Chromobacterium violaceum strain ATCC 12472 genome. Among these sequences, the ORF CV1887 (4.155 bp) was selected for cloning and expression in the heterologous system, in the attempt to validate its activity determined in silico in the C. violaceum genome's annotation. The experimental strategy consisted in cloning the complete (4.155 bp) and the partial sequence (2.642 bp) of the ORF in the binary vector pBI121. The recombinant vectors w ere introduced in Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 cells by electroporation. By utilizing agroinfection system, leaves segments of Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi were transformed and used as propagles for regeneration of the firsts transformants. Th e confirmation of the genetic transformation was achieved by PCR with the genomic DNA extracted from of the selected clones, followed of a PCR reaction. The visualization of bands in the agarose gel electrophoresis showed that from the 19 clones with the p artial sequence cv1887 that were selected, 84% showed bands with approximate size of 2.642 bp, and from the 13 clones with the complete sequence CV1887 that were selected, 78% showed bands with approximate size of 4.155 bp. For the expression analysis, the following were selected: three transformed clones with partial sequence CV1887, two transformed clones with complete sequence CV1887, three clones transformed with the reporter gene gus, which encodes for the enzyme b - glucoronidase, and two control clone s of non - transformed plants. The RNA from the selected clones was used in a RT - PCR reaction for cDNA synthesis and amplification of the corresponding sequences. The products of the amplification were analyzed in an agarose gel electrophoresis, showing the presence of bands with 2.642 bp for the three clones transformed with partial sequence CV1887 and 1.812 bp for the three clones transformed with gus and it is confirmed the presence of these sequences in the transformed cells. It was not confirmed the pres ence in transformed clones, the complete sequence CV1887.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / In this study the 10 Y-specific loci of the University of the Western Cape (DYS710, DYS518 385a/b, DYS644, DYS612, DYS626, DYS504, DYS447, DYS447, and DYS481) were analysed in 492 individuals from South African population groups. Four different populations namely; Zulu, Coloured, Afrikaner and Asian Indian were sampled. A total of 488 haplotypes were observed, 412 of which were unique. Haplotype diversity was 0.9981. Gene Diversity values ranged from 0.8075 for DYS447 to 0.9209 for DYS710. The discriminatory capacity was 0.9106 which is high. The study showed that the University of the Western Cape 10 locus is a powerful discrimination tool for routine forensic applications and could be used in genealogical investigations as compared to other commercial kits when used on the South African populations (Zulu, Coloured, Afrikaner and Asian Indian) considering its high discriminatory capacity. This data will be used for the establishment of a Y-STR DNA databases for South African population which would aid law enforcement authorities in the investigation and resolution of crimes AMOVA computed using haplotype frequencies showed that when male haplotypes from the four different populations were compared, 0.22 % of the total genetic variation was due to the variability among populations and 99.78 % of the total variation is found within populations. However AMOVA computed using distance matrix showed that 5.97 % of the total variation was due to variability among populations and 94.07 % of the total variation is found within populations. Genetic substructure was found among the four studied South African population groups. All the six population pairwise comparisons using AMOVA were significant .Therefore Y-STRs are very useful in comparing closely related populations. It should be noted that their utility for evolutionary purposes, they need to be combined more stable Y-DNA markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA) showed that the Coloured population has large genetic contribution from Afrikaner population and lesser contribution from the Zulu and Asian Indian population groups. / National Research Foundation (NFR)

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The primary objective of this Masters project was to investigate the maternal ancient substructure of the Griqua population in South Africa. Genetic ancestry was determined by investigating ancestry informative single nucleotide polymorphisms. These are located in the control region of the mitochondrial genome. The auxiliary aim was to test the validity of the UWC 10plex system in relation to a sample group of Griqua males. This short tandem repeat multiplex targets specific mutations confined to paternal lineages. The Khoi Khoi or Hottentots were the first inhabitants in the Cape. Indigenous Khoi Khoi female slaves had offspring with the European settlers in the 1800s which resulted in the Griqua population group. The incorporated European paternal ancestry is what set the Griqua apart from the native population groups at that time. Colonisation events from the mid-17th to 19th Century and the apartheid regime resulted in land dispossession of the native population and an extensively mixed gene pool in South Africa. One hundred and seventy six (N=176) male and female Griqua people were collectively sampled in Kokstad (2012), Vredendal (2012 and 2013) and at the Griqua National Conference in Ratelgat (2013). All 176 samples were analysed using mtDNA control region Sanger sequencing. The sample group (N=176) was separated based on birthplace (Origin sample group and post-colonial sample group). The origin sample group consists of individuals whose ancestors were not part of the Griqua Trek to Northern regions of South Africa and were less likely to be exposed to colonial influences. Mutations within the hypervariable segments of the mtDNA control region were used to infer haplogroups with geographic-specific population data. In this way one can plot the extent of ancient Khoisan (L0d) and Bantu influences (L1-L5) as well as the influence of East (M, A, B, E) and West (N, R, J, H) Eurasian haplogroups in the maternal ancestry of the Griqua population group. The origin sample group showed 91% African ancestry (76.8% L0d) while the post-colonial group had 78% African ancestry (60% L0d). The origin sample group had 2% East Eurasian and 7% West Eurasian ancestry, while the post-colonial group contained 20% Eurasian ancestry. There is greater admixture in the post-colonial group which can be attributed to the integration of surrounding populations during settlement periods in parts of the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The UWC 10plex STR kit was tested to see if it could discriminate between male individuals of this admixed sample group (N=91 males). The markers for this multiplex were selected according to their ability to differentiate between individuals of African descent. It proved to be a viable Y chromosome short tandem repeat testing tool, displaying a statistically significant discrimination capacity value of 0.966 and only having 3 shared haplotypes in the sample group of 91 Griqua males. / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansions are the cause of over 40 human neurodegenerative diseases, and are linked to DNA damage and base excision repair (BER). We explored the role of DNA damage and BER in modulating TNR instability through analysis of DNA structures, BER protein activities, and reconstitution of repair using human BER proteins and synthesized DNA containing various types of damage. We show that DNA damage and BER can modulate TNR expansions by promoting removal of a TNR hairpin through coordinated activities of BER proteins and cofactors. We found that during repair in a TNR hairpin, coordination between the 5’-flap endonuclease activity of flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), 3’-5’ exonuclease activity of AP endonuclease 1 (APE1), and activity of DNA ligase I (LIG I) can resolve the double-flap structure produced during BER in the hairpin loop. The resolution of the double-flap structure resulted in hairpin removal and prevention or attenuation of TNR expansions and provides the first evidence that coordination among BER proteins can remove a TNR hairpin. We further explored the role of BER cofactors in modulating TNR instability and found that the repair cofactor proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) facilitates genomic stability by promoting removal of a TNR hairpin. Hairpin removal was accomplished by altering dynamic TNR structures to allow more efficient FEN1 cleavage and DNA polymerase β (pol β) synthesis and stimulating the activity of LIG I. This study provides the first evidence that a DNA repair cofactor plays an important role in modulating TNR instability. Finally, we explored the effects of sugar modifications in abasic sites on activities of BER proteins and BER efficiency during repair in a TNR tract. We found that an oxidized sugar inhibits the activities of BER enzymes, interrupting their coordination and preventing efficient repair. Inefficient repair results in accumulation of repair intermediates with DNA breaks, contributing to genomic instability. Our results indicate that DNA base lesions and BER play a crucial role in modulating TNR instability. The research presented herein provides a molecular basis for further developing BER as a target for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases caused by TNR expansion.

Inverted repeats (IR) are common part of DNA of all living prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Inverted repeats plays an important role in the regulation of basics cells processes. They are responsible for formation of cruciform structures. Inverted repeats also cause genomic instability and can be a source of numerous mutations. Cruciform structures can be recognized by DNA-binding proteins and can also act as a transcriptional regulators. Using the Palindrome Analyser tool, the frequency of IR and localization of inverted repeats in bacterial genomes was analyzed. The frequency of IR across the bacterial genome is variable. The frequency of short inverted repeats shows an approximately quadratic dependence on the %GC content in the genome with a minimum of about 50% of GC content. The localization of inverted repeats with respect to “annotated features” show a non-random distribution. The frequency of IR for most features is higher “outside” than “inside”.

Identification of bacterial DNA consists from several steps: cell lysis, isolation and purification of DNA, precipitation by ethanol, identification of bacterial strain by PCR or other molecular biology methods. Each step must be optimised. Nucleic acids can be isolated from cells using magnetic particles. The molecules of DNA are bound to the surface of magnetic carriers by electrostatic interaction, and then they are eluted into buffer. The aim of the work will be to optimize individual steps of identification of bacterial DNA: cell lysis, DNA isolation, characterization of solid magnetic carriers functionalized by amino groups for nucleic acids isolation. The presence of DNA will be verified using agarose gel electrophoresis and the amount of eluted DNA will be determined spectrophotometrically. The quality of isolated DNA will be proved by their amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, the thesis focuses on the study of secondary structures of nucleic acids – cruciforms structures and quadruplexes. These structures are involved in the regulation of cellular processes and their appearance is associated with cancer development and neurodegenerative diseases. In silico genome analysis was performed on important food industry microorganisms. The microorganisms genomic sequences were obtained from the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology) database. The Palindrome Analyzer and G4 Hunter software were used for the analysis.