Aims: The p53 regulatory network is crucial in directing the suppression of cancer formation and mediating the response to commonly used cancer therapies. Functional genetic variants in the genes comprising this network could help identify individuals at greater risk for cancer and patients with poorer responses to therapies, but few such variants have been identified as yet. Methods: We first develop and apply three different screens that utilize known characteristics of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the p53 network to search for variants that associate with allelic differences in (i) recent natural selection, (ii) chemosensitivity profiles, and (iii) the gender- and age- dependent incidence of soft-tissue sarcoma. Secondly, we study and explore the functional mechanisms associated with the identified variants. Results: We identify SNPs in the PPP2R5E, CD44, YWHAQ and ESR1 genes that associate with allelic differences in the age of tumour diagnosis (up to 32.5 years, p=0.031), cancer risk (up to 8.1 odds ratio, p=0.004) and overall survival (up to 2.85 relative risk, p=0.011) in sarcomas, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, and exhibit allelic differences in the cellular responses to cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents (up to 5.4-fold, p=5.6x10^-47). Lastly, we identify candidate causal SNPs in those genes and describe the regulatory mechanisms by which they might affect human cancer. Conclusions: Together, our work suggests that the inherited genetics of the p53 pathway have a great potential to further define populations in their abilities to react to stress, suppress tumor formation and respond to therapies.

Holistic and growth stage-specific screening is needed for identifying tolerant genotypes and for formulating strategies to mitigate the negative effects of abiotic stresses on crops. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic variability of 100 rice lines for early-season vigor, growth and physiological plasticity, and drought and temperature tolerance. Five studies were conducted to accomplish these objectives. In study 1 and 2, 100 rice genotypes consisting of several cultivars and experimental breeding lines were characterized for early-season vigor using several shoot and root morphological, physiological, and yield related traits. In study 3, low- and high-temperature tolerance assessed on select rice cultivars/hybrids during early-season. In study 4, genotypic variability in response to drought stress tolerance using morpo-physiological traits including roots was assessed under pot-culture conditions in a mini-greenhouse conditions. In study 5, the 100 rice genotypes were used to identify and validate SNP markers, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) to generate genotypic and phenotypic data with the objective of identifying new genetic loci controlling drought stress traits. Significant variability was recorded among rice genotypes and treatments for many traits measured. Early-season cumulative vigor response indices (CVRI) developed by summing individual responses indices for each trait varied among the rice genotypes, 21.36 (RU1404196) to 36.17 (N-22). Based on means and standard deviation of the CVRI, rice genotypes were classified as low- (43) and moderately low- (33), high- (16), and very high-vigor (5) groups. Total low-temperature response index values ranged from 18.48 to 23.15 whereas total high-temperature responses index values ranged from 42.01 to 48.82. Antonio, CLXL 745, and Mermentau were identified as sensitive to cold- and heat, and XL 753 was highly cold and heat tolerant genotypes tested. A cumulative drought stress response index (CDSRI) values varied between 14.7 (CHENIERE) and 27.9 (RU1402174) among the genotypes tested. This preliminary analysis of GWA indicated that substantial phenotypic and genotypic diversity exists in the 100 rice genotypes, despite their narrow genetic pool. The stress tolerant and high vigor rice genotypes will be valuable for rice breeders for developing new genotypes best suited under growing environments prone to early-season drought and temperature.

No description available.

Les syndromes myélodysplasiques (SMD) sont des hémopathies myéloïdes clonales évoluant vers une leucémie aiguë (LA). Les SMD et LA secondaires, survenant après traitement par chimiothérapie et/ou radiothérapie, ont un pronostic très péjoratif. Cependant seule une partie des sujets exposés aux traitements cytotoxiques développent un SMD secondaire, ce qui suggère une composante génétique dans la susceptibilité individuelle au risque de développer un SMD secondaire. Les objectifs de ce travail ont été d’identifier des polymorphismes génétiques de type SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) significativement associés à des caractères cliniques et biologiques des SMD tel leur caractère secondaire. Une « puce » à façon a sélectionné 384 SNP de fréquence allélique supérieure à 10 % impliqués dans la réparation de l’ADN, le métabolisme, le transport et la détoxication des xénobiotiques. L’ADN constitutionnel de 65 patients atteints de SMD primaire et secondaire a été recueilli et génotypé pour ces 384 SNP. La seule association significative par test exact de Fisher (p = 0,009 après correction de Benjamini-Hochberg) a été observée pour le caractère secondaire des SMD et la présence de l’allèle variant de MGMT (MéthylGuanine MéthylTransférase) sur deux SNP en déséquilibre de liaison, rs2308321 (Ile143Val) et rs2308327 (Lys178Arg). Nous avons recherché le caractère prédictif de la présence de l’allèle variant de MGMT pour le risque de SMD/LA secondaire chez des patientes ayant reçu un traitement cytotoxique pour un cancer du sein, et ayant développé une LA secondaire. Enfin, nous avons construit des lignées cellulaires stables, isogéniques, exprimant soit la forme sauvage soit la forme variante de MGMT. Les études fonctionnelles par tests de cytotoxicité, co-cultures à long terme et étude des demi-vies des protéines, sous traitement alkylant, montrent respectivement des différences de sensibilité, de prolifération ou de dégradation entre les formes variante et sauvage de MGMT. / Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic disorders evolving toward acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Therapy-related MDS and AML occur after chemo- and/or radiotherapy for previous cancer and have a very poor outcome. However, only a minimal proportion of patients exposed to anticancer drugs develop secondary MDS, suggesting a genetic component in individual susceptibility. The aim of our study was to identify gene polymorphisms significantly associated with MDS in patients. We have selected 384 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) with allele frequency >10% in genes involved in DNA repair and drug metabolism and transport. DNA extracts were obtained from blood and cheek samples from a population of 65 MDS patients, and the 384 SNPs were genotyped. We analysed the associations existing between each genotype and several pathological features, especially the treatment-related character of MDS. The Fisher exact test with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple testing was applied for statistical analysis. The only significant association (p = 0.009 after correction) was observed for the treatment-related character of MDS and the presence of a variant allele in MGMT (methylguanine methyltransferase, a gene involved in DNA repair), characterised by two SNPs in complete linkage disequilibrium: rs2308321 (Ile143Val) and rs2308327 (Lys178Arg). An epidemiological study was performed to assess the predictive value of the variant allele in MGMT for the development of secondary acute leukaemia among patients treated for breast cancer. We have constructed isogenic stable cell lines expressing either the wild-type or the variant allele of MGMT. Functional studies (analysis of response to alkylating agents, allele quantification of mixed cultures of wild-type and variant cells and half-lives study of the proteins) show differences in sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, proliferative capacity and MGMT rate of degradation between the wild-type and the variant MGMT.

Introdução: Fatores genéticos estão entre os determinantes de obesidade, podendo influenciar a resposta a intervenções em estilo de vida. O impacto de polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs) na resposta de biomarcadores a intervenções não é claro. Objetivo: Este estudo examinou as associações de seis SNPs FTO T/A, PPAR Pro12Ala, Apo A1 -75G/A, TNF- -308G/A, IL-6 - 174G/C e AdipoQ 45T/G com mudanças induzidas por uma intervenção em amostra de brasileiros de risco cardiometabólico. Métodos: Em um programa de nove meses de orientações em hábitos alimentares e atividade física, 180 indivíduos com prediabetes ou síndrome metabólica foram genotipados e agrupados segundo a presença do alelo variante de cada SNP e comparados quanto a variáveis antropométricas, metabólicas e inflamatórias. Resultados: A intervenção resultou em redução do consumo calórico, aumento da atividade física, melhora na antropometria e outros biomarcadores. Estratificando pelos SNPs, os principais achados estão contidos em dois artigos. Artigo 1: Houve melhor resposta do perfil glicêmico após a intervenção nos portadores do alelo variante do SNP TNF -308 G/A. Observou-se melhora das variáveis lipídicas nos portadores do alelo variante do SNP IL-6 -174 G/C, enquanto que aqueles com o genótipo referência obtiveram melhora no metabolismo da glicose. Carreadores do SNP AdipoQ 45T/G não obtiveram melhora no perfil lipídico nem no glicêmico.Artigo 2: O alelo variante do FTO T/A associou-se a melhores perfis 9 inflamatório e glicêmico em resposta à intervenção. Portadores do alelo variante do SNP PPAR Pro12Ala obtiveram melhora na pressão arterial, enquanto que indivíduos com o genótipo referência melhoraram o metabolismo lipídico. Carreadores do alelo variante do SNP Apo A1 -75G/A apresentaram melhora no perfil lipídico que, após ajuste para medicação, não se manteve significante. Conclusões: SNPs relacionados à obesidade e comorbidades podem influenciar a resposta de marcadores metabólicos e inflamatórios a intervenções em hábitos de vida em brasileiros. O SNP TNF -308G/A parece favorecer um melhor perfil glicêmico. O SNP IL-6 -174G/C pode conferir efeito benéfico no perfil lipídico, mas não na glicemia. O SNP AdipoQ 45T/G compromete a resposta à intervenção em indivíduos de risco cardiometabólico no nosso meio. O SNP FTO T/A pode favorecer a resposta do metabolismo da glicose e a atenuação da inflamação. O SNP PPAR Pro12Ala pode ter impacto benéfico na pressão arterial, mas não no metabolismo lipídico. Em contraste com a literatura, o SNP Apo A1 -75G/A não parece influenciar resposta dos lípides à intervenção. Mais estudos envolvendo estes SNPs são necessários para possível direcionamento de intervenções a subgrupos específicos de indivíduos de risco. / Introduction: Genetic factors are one of the determinants of obesity and may influence the response to interventions. The impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in weight loss and inflammatory response to interventions is not clear. Objective: This study examined associations of six polymorphisms FTO T/A, PPAR Pro12Ala, Apo A1 -75G/A, TNF- -308G/A, IL-6 -174G/C and AdipoQ 45T/G with changes induced by lifestyle intervention in Brazilians at cardiometabolic risk. Methods: In a 9-month intervention on diet and physical activity, 180 individuals with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome were genotyped and compared according the presence of variant allele of the SNPs and antrophometric, metabolic and inflammatory variables. Results: The intervention resulted in lower energy intake and greater total physical activity as well as improvement in anthropometry and several biomarkers. Stratified by SNPs, the main findings are covered in two articles. Article 1: Variant allele carriers of TNF -308 G/A SNP decreased plasma glucose after intervention. Lipid profile improved after intervention in variant allele carriers of IL-6 -174 G/C, while individuals with reference genotype had better plasma glucose response. Variant allele carriers of AdipoQ 45T/G did not improve lipid and glycemic profile. Article 2: Only variant allele carriers of FTO T/A decreased fasting plasma glucose and C-reactive protein concentration after intervention. Blood pressure reduced after intervention in variant allele carriers of the PPAR Pro12Ala, while the reference genotype increased Apo A1. Apparent favorable response of lipid profile to intervention in variant allele carriers of Apo A1 -75G/A was not maintained after adjustments for lipid-lowering medication. Conclusions: SNPs associated with obesity and comorbidities may influence the response of metabolic and inflammatory markers after lifestyle intervention. The TNF -308G/A may predispose a better response of glucose metabolism. The IL-6 -174 G/C SNP may confer a beneficial effect on lipid profile but not in glucose metabolism. Our findings reinforce unfavorable effects of the AdipoQ 45T/G SNP in lipid and glucose metabolism after lifestyle intervention in Brazilians at cardiometabolic risk. FTO T/A SNP induces a favorable impact on inflammatory status and glucose metabolism. The reference genotype of PPAR Pro12Ala seems to favor a better lipid profile, while the variant allele to decrease blood pressure. In contrast to literature, our data did not support benefits on lipid profile of the variant allele of Apo A1 -75G/A SNP. Further studies of these SNPs are needed to direct interventions to specific subgroups of at-risk individuals.

Introdução: Fatores genéticos estão entre os determinantes de obesidade, podendo influenciar a resposta a intervenções em estilo de vida. O impacto de polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs) na resposta de biomarcadores a intervenções não é claro. Objetivo: Este estudo examinou as associações de seis SNPs FTO T/A, PPAR Pro12Ala, Apo A1 -75G/A, TNF- -308G/A, IL-6 - 174G/C e AdipoQ 45T/G com mudanças induzidas por uma intervenção em amostra de brasileiros de risco cardiometabólico. Métodos: Em um programa de nove meses de orientações em hábitos alimentares e atividade física, 180 indivíduos com prediabetes ou síndrome metabólica foram genotipados e agrupados segundo a presença do alelo variante de cada SNP e comparados quanto a variáveis antropométricas, metabólicas e inflamatórias. Resultados: A intervenção resultou em redução do consumo calórico, aumento da atividade física, melhora na antropometria e outros biomarcadores. Estratificando pelos SNPs, os principais achados estão contidos em dois artigos. Artigo 1: Houve melhor resposta do perfil glicêmico após a intervenção nos portadores do alelo variante do SNP TNF -308 G/A. Observou-se melhora das variáveis lipídicas nos portadores do alelo variante do SNP IL-6 -174 G/C, enquanto que aqueles com o genótipo referência obtiveram melhora no metabolismo da glicose. Carreadores do SNP AdipoQ 45T/G não obtiveram melhora no perfil lipídico nem no glicêmico.Artigo 2: O alelo variante do FTO T/A associou-se a melhores perfis 9 inflamatório e glicêmico em resposta à intervenção. Portadores do alelo variante do SNP PPAR Pro12Ala obtiveram melhora na pressão arterial, enquanto que indivíduos com o genótipo referência melhoraram o metabolismo lipídico. Carreadores do alelo variante do SNP Apo A1 -75G/A apresentaram melhora no perfil lipídico que, após ajuste para medicação, não se manteve significante. Conclusões: SNPs relacionados à obesidade e comorbidades podem influenciar a resposta de marcadores metabólicos e inflamatórios a intervenções em hábitos de vida em brasileiros. O SNP TNF -308G/A parece favorecer um melhor perfil glicêmico. O SNP IL-6 -174G/C pode conferir efeito benéfico no perfil lipídico, mas não na glicemia. O SNP AdipoQ 45T/G compromete a resposta à intervenção em indivíduos de risco cardiometabólico no nosso meio. O SNP FTO T/A pode favorecer a resposta do metabolismo da glicose e a atenuação da inflamação. O SNP PPAR Pro12Ala pode ter impacto benéfico na pressão arterial, mas não no metabolismo lipídico. Em contraste com a literatura, o SNP Apo A1 -75G/A não parece influenciar resposta dos lípides à intervenção. Mais estudos envolvendo estes SNPs são necessários para possível direcionamento de intervenções a subgrupos específicos de indivíduos de risco. / Introduction: Genetic factors are one of the determinants of obesity and may influence the response to interventions. The impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in weight loss and inflammatory response to interventions is not clear. Objective: This study examined associations of six polymorphisms FTO T/A, PPAR Pro12Ala, Apo A1 -75G/A, TNF- -308G/A, IL-6 -174G/C and AdipoQ 45T/G with changes induced by lifestyle intervention in Brazilians at cardiometabolic risk. Methods: In a 9-month intervention on diet and physical activity, 180 individuals with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome were genotyped and compared according the presence of variant allele of the SNPs and antrophometric, metabolic and inflammatory variables. Results: The intervention resulted in lower energy intake and greater total physical activity as well as improvement in anthropometry and several biomarkers. Stratified by SNPs, the main findings are covered in two articles. Article 1: Variant allele carriers of TNF -308 G/A SNP decreased plasma glucose after intervention. Lipid profile improved after intervention in variant allele carriers of IL-6 -174 G/C, while individuals with reference genotype had better plasma glucose response. Variant allele carriers of AdipoQ 45T/G did not improve lipid and glycemic profile. Article 2: Only variant allele carriers of FTO T/A decreased fasting plasma glucose and C-reactive protein concentration after intervention. Blood pressure reduced after intervention in variant allele carriers of the PPAR Pro12Ala, while the reference genotype increased Apo A1. Apparent favorable response of lipid profile to intervention in variant allele carriers of Apo A1 -75G/A was not maintained after adjustments for lipid-lowering medication. Conclusions: SNPs associated with obesity and comorbidities may influence the response of metabolic and inflammatory markers after lifestyle intervention. The TNF -308G/A may predispose a better response of glucose metabolism. The IL-6 -174 G/C SNP may confer a beneficial effect on lipid profile but not in glucose metabolism. Our findings reinforce unfavorable effects of the AdipoQ 45T/G SNP in lipid and glucose metabolism after lifestyle intervention in Brazilians at cardiometabolic risk. FTO T/A SNP induces a favorable impact on inflammatory status and glucose metabolism. The reference genotype of PPAR Pro12Ala seems to favor a better lipid profile, while the variant allele to decrease blood pressure. In contrast to literature, our data did not support benefits on lipid profile of the variant allele of Apo A1 -75G/A SNP. Further studies of these SNPs are needed to direct interventions to specific subgroups of at-risk individuals.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Initially, a pilot study was carried out in order to reconstruct the major paternal and maternal lineages of the Muslim population living in the Cape metropolitan area. The Study has shown the ability of molecular genetic tools to give insight into the origins and history of local communities. The study was also used as a point of reference for the Strand Muslim Community project. Genetic variations of the Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA for the pilot study were analyzed using the RFLP technique. The SNaPshot mini-sequencing technique was used to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on the Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA in 115 males from the Strand Muslim community. / South Africa

The slave trade across the Atlantic brought an estimated four million Africans to Brazil since the beginning of the XVI century until mid-XIX century, thus contributing to the significant miscegenation of Brazil s population. The current genetic condition is a result of the interbreeding process between the Native American (Amerindian), European populations and the African population. Presently, despite this population s elevated heterogeneity, small isolated groups can still be found, as is the case of the Quilombolas, who are the product of the resistant movement against slavery imposed by Portuguese colonization. With the objective of conducting research of the genetic composition and the origin of paternal lineages in nine Afro-descendent communities of Alagoas, Brazil, 15 Y-SNP markers were analyzed by applying the SNaPshot (Applied Biosystems) method. Utilizing the updated nomenclature of the Y-Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree, it was possible to identify nine haplogroups of the Y-Chromosome in a total of 209 individuals. The calculated genetic diversity ranged from 0.2000 to 0.7190, thus evidencing against a standardized composition of this population. As a result of patriarchal domination of the Portuguese economic model of colonization in Brazil, haplogroup R1b1b2*-M269, of European origin, was observed in all populations at a frequency of 5.26 - 79.17%. Haplogroup F*(xK)-M213 was found at a rate of 4.17% and 36.84%, suggesting an origin of European male ancestry in these individuals. Seven populations corresponded to haplogroup E1b1a1*-M2, of Sub-Saharan African descent, which presented a frequency above Alagoas population diversity, varying from 13.3% to 90.0%. However, Q1a3a*-M3, of the Amerindian group was observed in only 2 chromosomes. Sub-clades of Haplogroup E, of African descent, including E1b1b1b1*M81, E1b1b1a1*-M78 and E1b1b1c*-M123 were considerably frequent among the Portuguese. Applying AMOVA test, occurrences of heterogeneity among Alagoas Quilombola population (FST=0.23964, P=0,00000±0,00000) were verified, had a genetic intrapopulation variation of 23.96%. The study revealed no significant genetic variances between populations from Alagoas, Rio de Janeiro, Portugal and the Quilombola populations of Jacu, Palmeira dos Negros, Paus Pretos, Poços do Lunga and Carrasco. However, Cajá dos Negros, Muquém, Filus and Povoado Cruz presented distinct genetic constituents, thereby highlighting the hypothesis that the aforementioned communities were originally places of refuge for slaves. An analysis of hierarchies pertaining to Y-SNP markers improved the basis of knowledge of Afro-descendant populations in Alagoas, and in union with historical and anthropological facts and demographics, establishes itself as an important instrument in the field of population genetics. / O tráfico de escravos no Atlântico trouxe cerca de quatro milhões de africanos para o Brasil desde o início do século XVI até meados do século XIX, contribuindo para demasiada miscigenação da população brasileira. O cenário genético atual é resultante do processo de mistura entre a população nativa americana (ameríndios), as populações européias e de origem africana. Atualmente, apesar da elevada heterogeneidade desta população, pequenos grupos humanos isolados ainda podem ainda ser encontrados, como é o caso das populações remanescentes de quilombos, fruto da resistência ao regime escravista imposto na então colônia pelos portugueses. Objetivando estudar a composição genética e a origem das linhagens paternas em 9 comunidades afro descendentes de Alagoas, Brasil, foram analisados 15 marcadores Y-SNPs pelo método SNaPshot (Applied Biosystems), possibilitando a identificação de 9 haplogrupos do cromossomos Y em um total de 209 indivíduos, de acordo com a nomenclatura atualizada da Árvore Filogenética do Cromossomo Y. A estimativa de diversidade genética variou de 0,2000 a 0,7190, atestando não haver uniformidade na composição genética destas populações. De origem européia, o haplogrupo R1b1b2*-M269 foi observado em todas as populações, com frequências entre 5,26 - 79,17%, resultado da dominação patriarcal resultante do modelo econômico português de colonização do Brasil. O haplogrupo F*(xK)- M213 foi encontrado com frequências entre 4,17 e 36,84%, sugerindo origem européia aos ancestrais masculinos destes indivíduos. Sete populações apresentaram para o haplogrupo E1b1a1*-M2, de origem subsaariana, frequências acima das observadas na população miscigenada de Alagoas, variando entre 13,3% e 90,0%. Já Q1a3a*-M3, característico de ameríndios, foi observado apenas em 2 cromossomos. Foram observados ainda E1b1b1b1*-M81, E1b1b1a1*-M78 e E1b1b1c*-M123, ramos do haplogrupo E, de origem africana, porém apresentando frequências consideráveis entre os portugueses. Usando o teste de AMOVA, verificou-se a ocorrência de heterogeneidade entre as populações quilombolas de Alagoas (FST=0,23964, P=0,00000±0,00000), com variação genética interpopulacional de 23,96%. O estudo revelou não haver distâncias genéticas significativas entre as populações de Alagoas, Rio de Janeiro, Portugal e as populações quilombolas de Jacu, Palmeira dos Negros, Paus Pretos, Poços do Lunga e Carrasco, enquanto que Cajá dos Negros, Muquém, Filus e Povoado Cruz apresentam-se com distintas constituições genéticas, reforçando a hipótese de que estas comunidades foram originadas de locais de refúgio de escravos. As análises hierárquicas com marcadores Y-SNPs aprimoraram o conhecimento sobre as populações afro descendentes de Alagoas e, em conjunto com dados históricos, demográficos e antropológicos, constituem uma importante ferramenta na área da genética de populações.

Τα αυξημένα επίπεδα εμβρυϊκής αιμοσφαιρίνης (HbF) μετριάζουν την βαρύτητα των διαταραχών που αφορούν στην β-σφαιρίνη, δηλαδή τη δρεπανοκυτταρική αναιμία (SCD) και την β-μεσογειακή αναιμία, που αποτελούν σημαντικές αιτίες παγκόσμιας νοσηρότητας και θνησιμότητας. Γι’ αυτό το λόγο είναι μακροχρόνιο το ενδιαφέρον για την ανάπτυξη θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων για την επαγωγή της παραγωγής HbF. Η αναζήτηση μορίων που ρυθμίζουν την μετάβαση από την έκφραση της εμβρυϊκής (HbF) στην έκφραση της αιμοσφαιρίνης των ενηλίκων (HbA) και που συντελούν στην διατήρηση της αποσιώπησης ή αντίθετα στην ενεργοποίηση της έκφρασης της HbF στους ανθρώπους αποτελεί πολυετές αντικείμενο έρευνας με σκοπό την στόχευση αυτών των παραγόντων για την επαγωγή της HbF (Sankaran et al. 2011). Έτσι, εκτός από τα cis-ρυθμιστικά στοιχεία, έχουν εντοπιστεί και trans-ρυθμιστικά στοιχεία, τα οποία αποτελούν κυρίως μεταγραφικούς παράγοντες. Όμως υπάρχουν και γονιδιακοί τόποι εκτός του β-συμπλέγματος που φαίνεται να επιδούν στην ρύθμιση της έκφρασης των γονιδίων του β-γονιδιακού τόπου. Τέτοιοι είναι οι τόποι που συνδέονται με «ποσοτικά γνωρίσματα» (Quantitative trait loci-QTL). Η χρωμοσωμική περιοχή 6q23 έχει σε διάφορες μελέτες προσδιοριστεί ως QTL, που συνδέεται με την μεταβολή των επιπέδων της HbF σε ασθενείς με SCD. (Close et al. 2004, Thein et al. 2007, Wyszynski et al. 2004). Ο σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι διττός: A. Ο εντοπισμός μονονουκλεοτιδικών πολυμορφισμών (SNP) εντός των γονιδίων MAP3K5 και PDE7B του QTL στην 6q23 χρωμοσωμική περιοχή, που να σχετίζονται με αυξημένα επίπεδα HbF. B. Η αξιολόγηση των SNP αυτών ως φαρμακογονιδιωματικών δεικτών, που να σχετίζονται με την μεταβλητότητα των επιπέδων της HbF ως απόκριση στη θεραπεία με HU. / Hemoglobinopathies, particularly β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD), are major health problems, in which quantitative or qualitative defects in hemoglobin production occur, respectively. Under normal circumstances, different types of hemoglobin (Hb) are produced during embryonic, fetal, and adult life. At birth, fetal hemoglobin (HbF), in particular, composes 80–90% of the total hemoglobin synthesized, but it gradually decreases to approximately 1% by 10 months in infancy as its synthesis is restricted to a small subset of erythrocytes termed ‘F cells’ [Patrinos&Grosveld, 2008]. The first studies searching for regulators of HbF expression were conducted on individuals with heterocellular hereditary persistence of HbF (HPFH) – i.e. increase of HbF levels unevenly distributed among ‘F cells’ – and suggested the absence of linkage between the determinant of the HbF levels and the β-globin gene cluster, back then named “non-α globin cluster” [Gianni et al., 1983]. Later, while seeking for genetic elements associated with elevated HbF levels in healthy adults, several cis-acting variants on the β-globin gene complex were unraveled, including the XmnI-Gγ (HBG2) gene promoter polymorphism [Gilman et al., 1985]. Ιn addition, variants unlinked to the β-locus (trans-acting), such as quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on Xp22 [Dover et al., 1992] and 6q23 [Craig et al., 1996] became known soon after. Initially, a study on an extensive, inbred kindred of Asian Indian origin with heterocellular HPFH revealed that a key locus controlling HPFH resides on chromosome 6q, which was fine-mapped to 6q22.3–23.1 [Craig et al., 1996]. Among the first positional candidate genes in the 6q23 region, assumed to possibly explain this QTL, were the MYB proto-oncogene and the eukaryotic release factor-similar HBS1L, as well as the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5 (MAP3K5) [Game et al., 2000]. In addition, genes within this region are associated with response to hydroxyurea (HU) treatment based on elevated HbF levels, in SCD patients; however, the mechanism by which this chromosome 6q22-23 QTL influences HbF levels in the context of HU treatment remains unknown [Ma et al., 2007] and very few, if any, studies have addressed this question. In continuing the global effort of scrutinizing the 6q23 region for variants accounting for the modulation of HbF production, we investigated a possible association of SNPs residing within the MAP3K5 and PDE7B genes with elevated HbF levels in β-thalassemia intermediate or major patients and normal (non-thalassemic) individuals. We also examined a cohort of 38 heterozygous SCD/β-thalassemia patients who had undergone HU therapy, in order to clarify whether there is a correlation of these SNPs with HU treatment response in patients of Hellenic origin.

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Entwicklung einer SNP-Genotypisierungsmethode mit auf Mikroarrays immobilisierten PCR-Produkten. Für die Analyse wurde ein faseroptischer Affinitätssensor bzw. ein Durchfluss-Biochip-Scanner mit integrierter Fluoreszenzdetektion verwendet. An den immobilisierten Analyten (PCR-Produkten) wurde eine Fluoreszenzoligonukleotidsonde hybridisiert und anschließend die Dissoziation der Sonde im Fluss verfolgt. Die Diskriminierung von Wildtyp- und Mutanten-DNA erfolgte durch die kinetische Auswertung der Dissoziationskurven sowie durch die Analyse der Fluoreszenzintensität. <br> <br> Die Versuche am faseroptischen Affinitätssensor zeigten, dass DNA-DNA-Hybride sowohl von Oligonukleotiden als auch von PCR-Produkten ein typisches Dissoziationsverhalten aufweisen, wobei fehlgepaarte Hybride eine signifikant schnellere Dissoziation zeigen als perfekt passende Hybride. Dieser Geschwindigkeitsunterschied lässt sich durch den Vergleich der jeweiligen kinetischen Geschwindigkeitskonstanten kD quantitativ erfassen. </p> <p>Da die Kopplung des Analyten an der Chipoberfläche sowie die Hybridisierungs- und Dissoziationsparameter essentiell für die Methodenentwicklung war, wurden die Parameter für ein optimales Spotting und die Immobilisierung von PCR-Produkten ermittelt. Getestet wurden die affine Kopplung von biotinylierten PCR-Produkten an Streptavidin-, Avidin- und NeutrAvidin-Oberflächen sowie die kovalente Bindung von phosphorylierten Amplifikaten mit der EDC/Methylimidazol-Methode. Die besten Ergebnisse sowohl in Spotform und -homogenität als auch im Signal/Rausch-Verhältnis wurden an NeutrAvidin-Oberflächen erreicht. </p> <p>Für die Etablierung der Mikroarray-Genotypisierungsmethode durch kinetische Analyse nach einem Hybridisierungsexperiment wurden Sondenlänge, Puffersystem, Spotting-Konzentration des Analyten sowie Temperatur optimiert. Das Analysensystem erlaubte es, PCR-Produkte mit einer Konzentration von 250 ng/µl in einem HEPES-EDTA-NaCl-Puffer auf mit NeutrAvidin beschichtete Glasträger zu spotten. In den anschließenden Hybridisierungs- und Dissoziationsexperimenten bei 30 °C konnte die Diskriminierung von homocygoter Wildtyp- und homocygoter Mutanten- sowie heterocygoter DNA am Beispiel von Oligonukleotid-Hybriden erreicht werden. </p> <p>In einer Gruppe von 24 homocygoten Patienten wurde ein Polymorphismus im SULT1A1-Gen analysiert. Sowohl durch kinetische Auswertung als auch mit der Analyse der Fluoreszenzintensität wurde der Genotyp der Proben identifiziert. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit dem Referenzverfahren, der Restriktionschnittstellenanalyse (PCR-RFLP) validiert. Lediglich ein Genotyp wurde falsch bestimmt, die Genauigkeit lag bei 96%. </p> <p>In einer Gruppe von 44 Patienten wurde der Genotyp eines SNP in der Adiponectin-Promotor-Region untersucht. Nach Vergleich der Analysenergebnisse mit denen eines Referenzverfahrens konnten lediglich 14 der untersuchten Genotypen bestätigt werden. Ursache für die unzureichende Genauigkeit der Methode war vor allem das schlechte Signal/Rausch-Verhältnis.</p> <p> Zusammenfassend kann gesagt werden, dass das in dieser Arbeit entwickelte Analysesystem für die Genotypisierung von Einzelpunktmutationen geeignet ist, homocygote Patientenproben zuverlässig zu analysieren. Prinzipiell ist das auch bei heterocygoter DNA möglich. Da nach aktuellem Kenntnisstand eine SNP-Analysemethode an immobilisierten PCR-Produkten noch nicht veröffentlicht wurde, stellt das hier entwickelte Verfahren eine Alternative zu bisher bekannten Mikroarray-Verfahren dar. Als besonders vorteilhaft erweist sich der reverse Ansatz der Methode. </p> <p>Der hier vorgestellte Ansatz ist eine kostengünstigere und weniger hoch dimensionierte Lösung für Fragestellungen beispielsweise in der Ernährungswissenschaft, bei denen meist eine mittlere Anzahl Patienten auf nur einige wenige SNPs zu untersuchen ist. Wenn es gelingt, durch die Weiterentwicklung der Hardware bzw. weiterer Optimierung, eine Verbesserung des Signal/Rausch-Verhältnisses und damit die Diskriminierung von heterocygoter DNA zu erreichen, kann diese Methode zukünftig bei der Analyse von mittelgroßen Patientengruppen alternativ zu anderen Genotypisierungsmethoden verwendet werden. / The aim of this thesis was the development of a SNP genotyping method involving PCR products immobilised on microarrays. For the analysis a fibre optic affinity biosensor and a flow-through biochip scanner were used. Fluorescent probes were hybridized with the immobilised PCR products. In order to start the dissociation process the surface was rinsed with buffer and the fluorescence intensity was measured. <br><br> Two different cases were studied: First, the full-matched DNA hybrid (wildtyp single strand with complementary wildtype single strand), second the mis-matched hybrid (wildtype single strand and mutant single strand). After determinating the reaction rates (kD) as kinetic parameter the kD values of both cases were compared. The experiments showed a significant difference in the kD value of the full- and the mis-match hybrids. Therefore, mutant and wildtype DNA were discriminated by kinetic analysis of the dissociation process and analysis of the fluorescence intensity. <br><br> To set up the complete analysis process the reaction parameters like coupling of the PCR products had to be optimised. Both affininty coupled (streptavidin, neutravidin, avidin - biotin) and covalent methods (EDC/methylimidazol) were carried out. Best results in spot homogeinity and spot appearance were obtained with coupling of biotinylated PCR products on neutravidin coated chip surfaces. Additionally, the length of the probe, the spotting concentration, the spotting buffer and the reaction temperature were optimised. In the optimised analysis PCR products (250 µg/µl) were spotted onto neutravidin coated surfaces. The hybridisation <br><br> and dissociation processes were carried out at 30°C. A HEPES-EDTA-NaCl buffer was used for spotting, diluting of the fluorescent probe and rinsing the microarray surface. A fluorescent probe was used with 13 nucleotides in length. The mis- or full-matching base indicating the polymorphism was located in the center position of the probe. <br><br> The analysis system was tested with the genomic DNA of a group of 24 homocygote individuals with a SNP in the SULT1A1 gene region. The hybridisation and dissociation processes were carried out and the reaction rates were determinated. Subsequently after the analysis in the flow-through biochip scanner the fluorescence intensity of the <br><br> spots were measured. The results showed very good comparability with results of a PCR-RFLP analysis (one false genotype). Additionally, a group of 44 heterocygote DNA samples with one SNP in the adiponectin promotor region were also genotyped. Compared to a reference method only 14 genotypes were correctly determined. This was mostly due to a low signal-noise-ratio and needs to be further investigated. <br><br> Besides the problem in analysing heterocygote DNA samples the developed analysis system is very useful for genotyping SNP in homocygote DNA samples. The successful analysis of heterocygote sample is principally possible and with further investigations/optimisation, a better analysis should be possible. <br><br> The most important advantage of the developed method is the reverse approach of binding PCR products at the surface instead of oligonucleotides. This allows the parallel genotyping of several individuals. Other advantages include low costs and medium sized dimensions in terms of throughput.