Η πιο απλή μορφή γενετικής διαφοροποίησης στον άνθρωπο είναι οι μονονουκλεοτιδικοί πολυμορφισμοί (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms - SNPs). Ο αριθμός αυτού του είδους πολυμορφισμών που έχουν βρεθεί στο ανθρώπινο γονιδίωμα και επηρεάζουν την παραγόμενη πρωτεΐνη αυξάνεται συνεχώς, αλλά η αντιστοίχηση τους σε πιθανές ασθένειες με πειραματικές μεθόδους είναι ασύμφορη από θέμα χρόνου και κόστους. Για αυτό τον λόγο έχουν αναπτυχθεί διάφορες υπολογιστικές μέθοδοι με σκοπό να ταξινομήσουν τους μονονουκλεοτιδικούς πολυμορφισμούς σε παθογόνους και μη. Οι περισσότερες από αυτές τις μεθόδους χρησιμοποιούν ταξινομητές, οι οποίοι παίρνοντας σαν είσοδο ένα σύνολο δομικών, λειτουργικών, ακολουθιακών και εξελικτικών χαρακτηριστικών, επιχειρούν να προβλέψουν αν ένας μονονουκλεοτιδικός πολυμορφισμός είναι παθογόνος ή μη. Για την εκπαίδευση αυτών των ταξινομητών, χρησιμοποιούνται δύο σύνολα μονονουκλεοτιδικών πολυμορφισμών. Το πρώτο αποτελείται από μονονουκλεοτιδικούς πολυμορφισμούς που έχει βρεθεί πειραματικά ότι οδηγούν σε παθογένεια και το δεύτερο από μονονουκλεοτιδικούς πολυμορφισμούς που έχει αποδειχθεί πειραματικά ότι είναι αδρανείς. Οι μέθοδοι αυτές διαφέρουν στα χαρακτηριστικά των μεταλλάξεων που λαμβάνουν υπόψη στην πρόβλεψη τους, καθώς επίσης και στην εκπαίδευση και τη φύση των τεχνικών ταξινόμησης, που χρησιμοποιούν για τη λήψη των αποφάσεων. Το βασικότερο προβλήματα τους ωστόσο έγκειται στο γεγονός ότι καθορίζουν τα χαρακτηριστικά, που θα χρησιμοποιήσουν σαν είσοδο στους ταξινομητές τους με τρόπο εμπειρικό και μάλιστα διαφορετικές μέθοδοι προτείνουν και χρησιμοποιούν διαφορετικά χαρακτηριστικά, χωρίς να τεκμηριώνουν επαρκώς τις αιτίες αυτής της διαφοροποίησης. Δύο ακόμα προβλήματα που δεν έχουν καταφέρει να αντιμετωπίσουν οι υπάρχουσες μεθοδολογίες είναι το πρόβλημα της ανισορροπίας των δύο κλάσεων ταξινόμησης και των ελλιπών τιμών σε πολλά από τα χαρακτηριστικά εισόδου των ταξινομητών, ώστε να επιτυγχάνουν πιο ακριβή και αξιόπιστα αποτελέσματα. Από τα παραπάνω είναι ξεκάθαρο πως υπάρχει μεγάλο περιθώριο βελτίωσης των υπάρχουσων μεθοδολογιών για το συγκεκριμένο πρόβλημα ταξινόμησης. Στην παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία προτείνουμε μια νέα υβριδική μεθοδολογία υπολογιστικής νοημοσύνης, που ξεπερνά πολλά από τα προβλήματα των υπάρχοντων μεθοδολογιών και βελτιώνει με τον τρόπο αυτό την απόδοσή τους. Δύο είναι τα βασικά βήματα που ακολουθήσαμε για την επίτευξη του στόχου αυτού. Πρώτον, συγκεντρώσαμε από τις διαθέσιμες δημόσιες βάσεις δεδομένων, τους μονονουκλεοτιδικούς πολυμορφισμούς που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την εκπαίδευση και τον έλεγχο των μοντέλων μηχανικής μάθησης. Συγκεκριμένα, συλλέχθησαν και φιλτραρίστηκαν τα θετικά και αρνητικά σύνολα εκπαίδευσης και ελέγχου, που αποτελούνται από μονονουκλεοτιδικούς πολυμορφισμούς που είτε οδηγούν σε παθογένεια, είτε είναι ουδέτεροι. Για κάθε πολυμορφισμό των δύο συνόλων υπολογίσαμε χρησιμοποιώντας υπάρχοντα διαθέσιμα εργαλεία όσο το δυνατό περισσότερα δομικά, λειτουργικά, ακολουθιακά και εξελικτικά χαρακτηριστικά. Για εκείνα τα χαρακτηριστικά, για τα οποία δεν υπήρχε κάποιο διαθέσιμο εργαλείο υπολογισμού τους, υλοποιήσαμε τον κατάλληλο κώδικα για τον υπολογισμό τους. Το δεύτερο βήμα της διπλωματικής αφορούσε το σχεδιασμό και την υλοποίηση της κατάλληλης υβριδικής μεθόδου για την επίλυση του προβλήματος που μελετάμε. Χρησιμοποιήσαμε μια νέα μέθοδο ταξινόμησης την EnsembleGASVR. Πρόκειται για μια ensemble μεθοδολογία, που συνδυάζει σε ένα ενιαίο πλαίσιο ταξινόμησης οκτώ διαφορετικούς ταξινομητές. Κάθε ένας από αυτούς τους ταξινομητές βασίζεται στον υβριδικό συνδυασμό των Γενετικών Αλγορίθμων και των μοντέλων Παλινδρόμησης Διανυσμάτων Υποστήριξης (nu-Support Vector Regression). Συγκεκριμένα ένας Προσαρμοζόμενος Γενετικός Αλγόριθμος χρησιμοποιείται για να καθοριστεί το βέλτιστο υποσύνολο χαρακτηριστικών, καθώς και οι βέλτιστες τιμές των παραμέτρων των ταξινομητών. Σαν μέθοδο ταξινόμησης των μεταλλάξεων σε ουδέτερες και παθογενείς, προτείνουμε τον nu-SVR ταξινομητή, καθώς παρουσιάζει υψηλή απόδοση, καλή γενίκευση, δεν παγιδεύεται σε τοπικά βέλτιστα, ενώ ταυτόχρονα επιτυγχάνει την ισορροπία μεταξύ της ακρίβειας και της πολυπλοκότητας του μοντέλου. Μάλιστα για να ξεπεράσουμε τα πρόβληματα των ελλιπών τιμών και της ανισορροπίας των δύο κλάσεων ταξινόμησης, αλλά και για να βελτιώσουμε τη συνολική απόδοση της μεθοδολογίας μας, επεκτείναμε τον υβριδικό αλγόριθμο, ώστε να λειτουργεί σαν μία ensemble-συλλογική τεχνική, συνδυάζοντας οκτώ επί μέρους μοντέλα ταξινόμησης. Τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα της προτεινόμενης μεθοδολογίας ήταν εξαιρετικά ελπιδοφόρα, καθώς η EnsembleGASVR μεθοδολογία υπερτερεί σημαντικά έναντι άλλων ευρέως γνωστών μεθόδων ταξινόμησης παθογενών μεταλλάξεων. / Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common form of genetic variations in humans. The number of SNPs that have been found in human genome and affect protein functionality is constantly increasing. Finding matches between SNPs and diseases using experimental techniques, is excessive disadvantageous in terms of time and cost. For this reason, several computational methods have been developed. These methods classify polymorphisms as pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Most of them use classifiers, which take as input a set of structural, functional, sequential and evolutionary features and predict whether a single nucleotide polymorphism is pathogenic or neutral. For training these classifiers use two sets of SNPs. The first one consists of SNPs that have been experimentally proven as pathogenic, whereas the second set consists of SNPs that have been experimentally characterized as benign. These methods differ in the classification methods they deploy and in the features they use as inputs. However, the main problem is the determination of an empirically verified set of features for training. Specifically, different methods suggest different feature sets, without adequately documenting the causes of this differentiation. In addition, the existing methodologies do not tackle efficiently the class imbalance problem between positive and negative training sets and the problem of missing values in the datasets. In this thesis a new hybrid computational intelligence methodology is proposed, that overcomes many of the problems of existing methodologies. The proposed method achieves high classification performance and systematizes the selection of relevant features. In the first phase of this study the polymorphisms were gathered from the available public databases and they were used for training and testing of the machine learning models. Specifically, the positive and negative training and test sets were collected and filtered. They consist of single nucleotide polymorphisms that lead to either pathogenesis or are neutral. For each polymorphism of the two sets, using existing available tools, a wide range of structural, functional, sequential and evolutionary features were calculated. For those features for which there was no available tool, the suitable program (code) was developed in order to compute them. In the second step a new embedded hybrid classification method called EnsembleGASVR is designed and implemented. The method uses an ensemble methodology, based on hybrid combination of Genetic Algorithms and nu-Support Vector Regression (nu-SVR) models. An Adaptive Genetic Algorithm is used to determine the optimal subset of features and the optimal values of the parameters of classifiers. We propose the nu-SVR classifier, since it exhibits high performance, good generalization ability, it is not trapped in local optima and achieves a balance between accuracy and complexity of the model. In order to overcome the problem of missing values and class imbalance, we extended the above algorithm to function as a collective ensemble-technique, combining eight individual classification models. In overall, the method achieves 87.45% accuracy, 71.78% sensitivity and 93.16% specificity. These priliminary results are very promising and shows that EnsembleGASVR methodology significantly outperforms other well-known classification methods for pathogenic mutations.

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: no contexto das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), vários estudos associam a presença de determinados polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) ao risco de desfechos metabólicos, como a obesidade e a dislipidemia. Objetivo: avaliar a presença de SNP associados à adiposidade corporal e ao metabolismo lipídico sobre o índice de massa corporal (IMC), o consumo alimentar, o perfil lipídico e a concentração plasmática de biomarcadores inflamatórios em indivíduos adultos participantes do estudo de base populacional (ISA-Capital). Métodos: 244 indivíduos adultos de ambos os gêneros (idade entre 20-59 anos) participaram do estudo, no qual foram realizadas as avaliações antropométricas e do consumo alimentar por meio do questionário de 24 horas (R24h) e a coleta de sangue para avaliação da concentração de biomarcadores inflamatórios. O índice de qualidade da dieta revisado (IQDR) foi utilizado no estudo. Foi realizada a genotipagem de oito genes e 13 SNP (FTO rs9939609, rs8050136, rs9930506; LDLR rs688, rs5925; APOB rs693, rs1367117, APOA5 rs662799; LIPC rs2070895, rs1800588; FADS1 rs174546; MYRF rs174537 e ELOVL2 rs953413) pelo sistema TaqMan Open Array. A partir dos resultados da genotipagem, foi elaborado um escore de risco genético (ERG). Resultados: foi verificada associação negativa entre o consumo de vegetais totais (P=0,004) e vegetais verdes-escuros e alaranjados e leguminosas (P=0,002) e leite e derivados (P=0,009) com o IMC. O consumo de cereais totais (P=0,029) e de carboidratos totais (P=0,011) mostrou interação negativa para o ERG, enquanto o consumo de carnes, ovos e leguminosas teve interação positiva (P=0,028) ao influenciar o IMC. As concentrações plasmáticas de HDL-c tiveram associação negativa (P=0,026) com o IQDR e associação positiva (P=0,007) com o componente Gord_AA (valor energético proveniente da gordura sólida, álcool e açúcar de adição). Foi encontrada interação significativa entre o consumo de óleos (lipídios insaturados) (P=0,019) e de Gord_AA (P<0,001). Concentrações plasmáticas de HDL-c e de LDL-c são significativamente menores nos carreadores do alelo variante T para os SNP que correspondem às atividades das enzimas dessaturases (FADS1 e MYRF). As concentrações do ácido oleico foram maiores nos indivíduos com genótipo CT/TT no gene da FADS1 e AG/GG no gene da ELOVL2 em relação aos genótipos selvagens. Apenas os carreadores do alelo T tanto em FADS1 quanto em MYRF tiveram concentrações de ácido linoleico e linolênico superiores em relação aos genótipos selvagens. Por outro lado, as concentrações de ácido araquidônico, de ácido docosapentaenoico (DPA), de ácidos graxos saturados e de poli-insaturados totais foram menores nos indivíduos carreadores dos alelos variantes para os três polimorfismos avaliados. O conteúdo de ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) foi menor nos carreadores do alelo T dos genes FADS1 e MYRF, enquanto o conteúdo de ácido esteárico foi menor apenas nos carreadores do alelo G do gene ELOVL2, sendo que nestes indivíduos as concentrações plasmáticas do conteúdo total de ácidos monoinsaturados foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao genótipo selvagem (AA). Observou-se também que a atividade estimada da enzima estearoil CoA dessaturase (SDC_18) é maior nos genótipos CT/TT da FADS1 e da ELOVL2. Contudo, a estimativa da atividade da enzima delta-5 dessaturase (D5D) foi estatisticamente menor na presença do alelo polimórfico para os três SNP estudados (FADS1 CT/TT; MYRF GT/TT; ELOVL2 AG/GG). Apenas para os carreadores do alelo T da FADS1 (CT/TT), a estimativa da atividade da enzima delta-6 dessaturase (D6D) foi estatisticamente menor em relação ao genótipo selvagem CC. Conclusões: a presença dos SNP estudados na população de São Paulo mostraram associações em relação ao aumento do risco para adiposidade corporal e dislipidemias, podendo também apresentar associações com a qualidade da dieta dos participantes. Nesse sentido, a aplicação do IQDR junto com o ERG pode ser uma ferramenta útil na identificação de associações entre gene-nutriente e o impacto nas doenças metabólicas. / Introduction: excess weight and changes in lipid profile may be associated with environmental factors, such as diet quality, and non-modifiable factors, such as genetic inheritance. In the context of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), several studies associate the presence of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to the risk of metabolic outcomes, such as obesity and dyslipidemia. Objective: to evaluate the presence of SNP associated with body fat and lipid metabolism on body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, lipid profile and plasma concentration of inflammatory biomarkers in adult individuals participating in the population-based study (ISA-Capital). Methods: 244 adult subjects of both genders (ages 20-59 years) participated in the study, in which the anthropometric traits were evaluated, and food consumption evaluations were performed using the 24- hour questionnaire (R24h) and blood collection for evaluation of concentration of inflammatory biomarkers. The Brazilian healthy eating index revised (BHEIR) was used in the study. Genotyping of eight genes and 13 SNP (FTO rs9939609, rs8050136, rs9930506; LDLR rs688, rs5925; APOB rs693, rs1367117, APOA5 rs662799; LIPC rs2070895, rs1800588; FADS1 rs174546; MYRF rs174537 and ELOVL2 rs953413) were performed by the TaqMan Open Array system. From the results of the genotyping, a genetic risk score (GRS) was elaborated. Results: there was a negative association between the consumption of total vegetables (p = 0.004) and dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (p = 0.002), milk and dairy (p=0.009) with BMI. Total cereal consumption (p = 0.029) and total carbohydrates (p = 0.011) showed negative interaction for GRS (categories 3 to 5), while meat, egg and legume consumption had a positive interaction (p = 0.028) influence BMI. Of the BHEIR components, plasma HDL-c concentrations were negatively associated (p = 0.026) with the BHEIR and positive association (p = 0.007) with the SoFAAS component (energy value from solid fat, alcohol and addition sugar). Significant interaction was observed between the consumption of oils (unsaturated lipids) (p = 0.019) and SoFAAS (p <0.001). About the enzymes associated with biosynthesis of omega 3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids 6, plasma HDL-c and LDL-c plasma concentrations are significantly lower in carriers of the T variant allele for SNP that correspond to the activities of desaturases (FADS1 and MYRF). Oleic acid concentrations were statistically higher in individuals with CT / TT genotypes in the FADS1 and AG / GG gene in the ELOVL2 gene in relation to wild genotypes. In addition, only the T allele carriers in both FADS1 and MYRF had higher concentrations of linoleic and linolenic acid than wild genotypes. The concentrations of arachidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), saturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids were lower in the carriers of the variant alleles for the three evaluated polymorphisms. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content was lower in the T allele carriers of the FADS1 and MYRF genes, while the stearic acid content was lower only in the G allele carriers of the ELOVL2 gene, where in these individuals the plasma concentrations of the total content of monounsaturated acids were significantly higher when compared to the wild-type (AA) genotype. It was also observed that the estimated activity of the stearoyl CoA desaturase enzyme (SDC_18) is higher in the CT / TT genotypes of FADS1 and ELOVL2. However, the estimate of the activity of the enzyme delta-5 desaturase (D5D) was statistically lower in the presence of the polymorphic allele for the three SNP studied (FADS1 CT/ TT; MYRF GT / TT; ELOVL2 AG / GG). Only for the FADS1 (CT / TT) allele carriers, the estimate of the activity of the enzyme delta-6 desaturase (D6D) was statistically lower than the wild-type CC genotype. Conclusions: the presence of SNP studied in the population of São Paulo showed associations in relation to the increased risk for body fatness and dyslipidemia and may also present associations with the quality of the participants\' diet. In this sense, the application of BHEIR together with GRS may be a useful tool in the identification of genenutrient associations and the impact on metabolic diseases.

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: no contexto das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), vários estudos associam a presença de determinados polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNP) ao risco de desfechos metabólicos, como a obesidade e a dislipidemia. Objetivo: avaliar a presença de SNP associados à adiposidade corporal e ao metabolismo lipídico sobre o índice de massa corporal (IMC), o consumo alimentar, o perfil lipídico e a concentração plasmática de biomarcadores inflamatórios em indivíduos adultos participantes do estudo de base populacional (ISA-Capital). Métodos: 244 indivíduos adultos de ambos os gêneros (idade entre 20-59 anos) participaram do estudo, no qual foram realizadas as avaliações antropométricas e do consumo alimentar por meio do questionário de 24 horas (R24h) e a coleta de sangue para avaliação da concentração de biomarcadores inflamatórios. O índice de qualidade da dieta revisado (IQDR) foi utilizado no estudo. Foi realizada a genotipagem de oito genes e 13 SNP (FTO rs9939609, rs8050136, rs9930506; LDLR rs688, rs5925; APOB rs693, rs1367117, APOA5 rs662799; LIPC rs2070895, rs1800588; FADS1 rs174546; MYRF rs174537 e ELOVL2 rs953413) pelo sistema TaqMan Open Array. A partir dos resultados da genotipagem, foi elaborado um escore de risco genético (ERG). Resultados: foi verificada associação negativa entre o consumo de vegetais totais (P=0,004) e vegetais verdes-escuros e alaranjados e leguminosas (P=0,002) e leite e derivados (P=0,009) com o IMC. O consumo de cereais totais (P=0,029) e de carboidratos totais (P=0,011) mostrou interação negativa para o ERG, enquanto o consumo de carnes, ovos e leguminosas teve interação positiva (P=0,028) ao influenciar o IMC. As concentrações plasmáticas de HDL-c tiveram associação negativa (P=0,026) com o IQDR e associação positiva (P=0,007) com o componente Gord_AA (valor energético proveniente da gordura sólida, álcool e açúcar de adição). Foi encontrada interação significativa entre o consumo de óleos (lipídios insaturados) (P=0,019) e de Gord_AA (P<0,001). Concentrações plasmáticas de HDL-c e de LDL-c são significativamente menores nos carreadores do alelo variante T para os SNP que correspondem às atividades das enzimas dessaturases (FADS1 e MYRF). As concentrações do ácido oleico foram maiores nos indivíduos com genótipo CT/TT no gene da FADS1 e AG/GG no gene da ELOVL2 em relação aos genótipos selvagens. Apenas os carreadores do alelo T tanto em FADS1 quanto em MYRF tiveram concentrações de ácido linoleico e linolênico superiores em relação aos genótipos selvagens. Por outro lado, as concentrações de ácido araquidônico, de ácido docosapentaenoico (DPA), de ácidos graxos saturados e de poli-insaturados totais foram menores nos indivíduos carreadores dos alelos variantes para os três polimorfismos avaliados. O conteúdo de ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) foi menor nos carreadores do alelo T dos genes FADS1 e MYRF, enquanto o conteúdo de ácido esteárico foi menor apenas nos carreadores do alelo G do gene ELOVL2, sendo que nestes indivíduos as concentrações plasmáticas do conteúdo total de ácidos monoinsaturados foram significativamente maiores quando comparados ao genótipo selvagem (AA). Observou-se também que a atividade estimada da enzima estearoil CoA dessaturase (SDC_18) é maior nos genótipos CT/TT da FADS1 e da ELOVL2. Contudo, a estimativa da atividade da enzima delta-5 dessaturase (D5D) foi estatisticamente menor na presença do alelo polimórfico para os três SNP estudados (FADS1 CT/TT; MYRF GT/TT; ELOVL2 AG/GG). Apenas para os carreadores do alelo T da FADS1 (CT/TT), a estimativa da atividade da enzima delta-6 dessaturase (D6D) foi estatisticamente menor em relação ao genótipo selvagem CC. Conclusões: a presença dos SNP estudados na população de São Paulo mostraram associações em relação ao aumento do risco para adiposidade corporal e dislipidemias, podendo também apresentar associações com a qualidade da dieta dos participantes. Nesse sentido, a aplicação do IQDR junto com o ERG pode ser uma ferramenta útil na identificação de associações entre gene-nutriente e o impacto nas doenças metabólicas. / Introduction: excess weight and changes in lipid profile may be associated with environmental factors, such as diet quality, and non-modifiable factors, such as genetic inheritance. In the context of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), several studies associate the presence of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) to the risk of metabolic outcomes, such as obesity and dyslipidemia. Objective: to evaluate the presence of SNP associated with body fat and lipid metabolism on body mass index (BMI), dietary intake, lipid profile and plasma concentration of inflammatory biomarkers in adult individuals participating in the population-based study (ISA-Capital). Methods: 244 adult subjects of both genders (ages 20-59 years) participated in the study, in which the anthropometric traits were evaluated, and food consumption evaluations were performed using the 24- hour questionnaire (R24h) and blood collection for evaluation of concentration of inflammatory biomarkers. The Brazilian healthy eating index revised (BHEIR) was used in the study. Genotyping of eight genes and 13 SNP (FTO rs9939609, rs8050136, rs9930506; LDLR rs688, rs5925; APOB rs693, rs1367117, APOA5 rs662799; LIPC rs2070895, rs1800588; FADS1 rs174546; MYRF rs174537 and ELOVL2 rs953413) were performed by the TaqMan Open Array system. From the results of the genotyping, a genetic risk score (GRS) was elaborated. Results: there was a negative association between the consumption of total vegetables (p = 0.004) and dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (p = 0.002), milk and dairy (p=0.009) with BMI. Total cereal consumption (p = 0.029) and total carbohydrates (p = 0.011) showed negative interaction for GRS (categories 3 to 5), while meat, egg and legume consumption had a positive interaction (p = 0.028) influence BMI. Of the BHEIR components, plasma HDL-c concentrations were negatively associated (p = 0.026) with the BHEIR and positive association (p = 0.007) with the SoFAAS component (energy value from solid fat, alcohol and addition sugar). Significant interaction was observed between the consumption of oils (unsaturated lipids) (p = 0.019) and SoFAAS (p <0.001). About the enzymes associated with biosynthesis of omega 3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids 6, plasma HDL-c and LDL-c plasma concentrations are significantly lower in carriers of the T variant allele for SNP that correspond to the activities of desaturases (FADS1 and MYRF). Oleic acid concentrations were statistically higher in individuals with CT / TT genotypes in the FADS1 and AG / GG gene in the ELOVL2 gene in relation to wild genotypes. In addition, only the T allele carriers in both FADS1 and MYRF had higher concentrations of linoleic and linolenic acid than wild genotypes. The concentrations of arachidonic acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), saturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids were lower in the carriers of the variant alleles for the three evaluated polymorphisms. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content was lower in the T allele carriers of the FADS1 and MYRF genes, while the stearic acid content was lower only in the G allele carriers of the ELOVL2 gene, where in these individuals the plasma concentrations of the total content of monounsaturated acids were significantly higher when compared to the wild-type (AA) genotype. It was also observed that the estimated activity of the stearoyl CoA desaturase enzyme (SDC_18) is higher in the CT / TT genotypes of FADS1 and ELOVL2. However, the estimate of the activity of the enzyme delta-5 desaturase (D5D) was statistically lower in the presence of the polymorphic allele for the three SNP studied (FADS1 CT/ TT; MYRF GT / TT; ELOVL2 AG / GG). Only for the FADS1 (CT / TT) allele carriers, the estimate of the activity of the enzyme delta-6 desaturase (D6D) was statistically lower than the wild-type CC genotype. Conclusions: the presence of SNP studied in the population of São Paulo showed associations in relation to the increased risk for body fatness and dyslipidemia and may also present associations with the quality of the participants\' diet. In this sense, the application of BHEIR together with GRS may be a useful tool in the identification of genenutrient associations and the impact on metabolic diseases.

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

Migraine is a common, debilitating neurovascular disease charactensed by severe recurrent headache, nausea and vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. It is clinically diagnosed based on criteria specified by the International Headache Society (IHS), defining two major classes of migraine: migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) MA sufferers experience neurovascular disturbances that precede the headache phase of an attack. Although migraine is partly influenced by environmental determinants, there is a significant genetic component, with disease heritability estimated to be up to 60% and mode of transmission multifactorial. The disorder is common with a large Dutch study reporting lifetime prevalence estimates of 33% in women and 13.3% in men, with an earlier study estimating 24% of women and 12% of men in the overall population. Mutations in various ion channel genes are responsible for neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. Inherited ion channel mutations or 'channelopathies' are increasingly found to be the cause of various neurological disorders in humans. In familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), a rare subtype of migraine with aura, mutations in the CACNA1A gene (localised at C19p13) have been fbund (FHM1). This gene codes for the alphalA subunit of the neuronal voltage-dependent P/Q-type calcium channel. Recently a second gene, ATP1A2 (FHM2) (localised at C1q23), was implicated in some EHM families. The ATP1A2 ion channel gene, codes for the alpha2 subunit of the Na+, K+ ion ATPase pump. These findings of mutations in these genes have focused attention on central nervous system ionic channels and helped to better understand EHM pathophysiology, where the best genetic evidence providing molecular insight into migraine still comes flom the mutations detected in the rare form of migraine with aura; FHM. Migraine family studies, at the Genomic Research Centre (GRC), have utilised linkage analysis methods in providing results that have indicated suggestive linkage to the FHM1-CACNA1A region on l9p13, in a large multigenerational family (Migraine Family 1; MEl) affected with typical migraine. Also linkage studies conducted within the GRC have implicated an additional susceptibility region on chromosome 1q31, but still not ruling out a second susceptibility region on C1q23, with the possibility of there being two distinct loci, on the chromosome lq region. The focus of research in this thesis is on two main chromosomal regions, which were tested for migraine susceptibility on chromosome 1 and chromosome 19. The research involved a cross-disciplinary approach utilising association, linkage and mutation screening approaches. Allelic candidate gene studies can provide a suitable method for locating genes of small effect that contribute to complex genetic disorders, such as migraine. Family linkage studies are useful for detection of chromosomal susceptibility regions and association studies are powerful when a plausible candidate gene and a sequence variant with potential functional relevance is examined. Mutation screening studies can indicate a direct cause of disorders such as migraine, where possible sequence variants may alter the translation of proteins in genes, causing the disease. The first gene exanted on chromosome 19 was that of the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) gene. The LDLR gene is a cell surface receptor that plays an important role in cholesterol homeostasis. We investigated the (TA)n polymorphism in exon 18 of the LDLR gene on chromosome l9pl3.2 performing an association analysis in 244 typical migraine affected patients, 151 suffering from migraine with aura, 96 with migraine without aura and 244 unaffected controls. The populations consisted of Caucasians only and controls were age and sex matched. The results showed no significant difference between groups for allele frequency distributions of the (TA)n polymorphism even after separation of the migraine affected individuals into subgroups of MA and MO affected patients. This is in contradiction to Mochi et al, 2003 who found a positive association of this variant with MO. Our study discusses possible differences between the two studies and extends this research by investigating circulating cholesterol levels in a migraine affected genetically-isolated population. Another gene examined on chromosome l9pl3 was the insulin receptor gene (1NSR). The aim of this study was to investigate through direct sequencing the INSR gene in DNA samples from a migraine affected family previously showing linkage to chromosome l9pl3 in an attempt to detect disease associated mutations. The insulin receptor gene (INSR) on chromosome 19pl3.3-13.2 is a gene of interest since a number of SNPs located within the gene have been implicated in migraine with (MA) and without aura (MO). Six DNA samples obtained from non-founding migraine affected members of migraine family one (MF 1) were used in this study. Genomic DNA was sequenced for the 1NSR gene in exons 1-22 and the promoter region. In the six migraine family member samples, previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP5) were detected within two exonic DNA coding regions of the INSR gene. These SNPs, in exon 13 and 17, do not alter the normal INSR polypeptide sequence. In addition, intron 7 also revealed a DNA base sequence variation. For the 5' untranslated promoter region of the gene, no mutations were detected. In conclusion, this study detected no INSR mutations in affected members of a chromosome 19 linked migraine pedigree. Hence, migraine linkage to this chromosomal region may involve other candidate genes. The NOTCH3 gene on C19p13.2-p13.l has previously been shown to be a gene involved in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and may also be implicated in migraine as there are some symptom similarities between the two disorders. The TNFSF7 gene localised on Cl9pl3 is homologous to the ligands of the TNF receptor family, including TNF-alpha and TNF-beta, genes that have both been previously associated with migraine. This study investigated the migraine susceptibility locus at Cl9p13 studying two genes that may be involved in the disorder. The NOTCH3 gene was analysed by sequencing all exons with known CADASIL mutations in a family (MF1) that has previously been shown to be linked to Cl9pl3. The sequencing results for affected members of this pedigree proved to be negative for all known sequence variants giving rise to mutation causing amino acid changes for CADASIL. The direct sequencing results displayed that of a normal coding sequence for the NOTCH3 gene F or the TNFSF7 gene, this was investigated through SNP association analysis using a matched case-control migraine diagnosed population. Chi-square results showed non-significant P values across all populations tested against controls except for the MO subgroup which displayed a weak association with the TNFSF7 SNP (genotype, allele analysis P = 0.036, P = 0 017 respectively). Our results suggest that common migraine is not caused by any known CADASIL mutations in the NOTCH3 gene of interest however, the TNFSF7 gene displayed signs of involvement in a MO affected population, but, further studies are needed to confirm these results and to further explore a TNF receptor - migraine potential interaction. A final examination on chromosome 19 involved a case report of an extremely rare and severe form of migraine. As stated earlier Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) is a severe rare sub-type of migraine and gene mutations on chromosome 19 have been identified in the calcium channel gene CACNA1A (Cl9pl3) fOr FHM. Recently a gene mutation (S218L) for a dramatic syndrome originating from FHM, commonly named 'migraine coma', has implicated exon 5 of the CACNA1A gene. The occurrence of trivial head trauma, in FHM patients, may also be complicated by severe, sometimes even fatal, cerebral edema and coma occurring after a lucid interval. Hemiplegic migraine has also been found to be sporadic in which both forms share a similar spectrum of clinical presentations and genetic heterogeneity. The case report presented in this study enhances the involvement of the S218L CACNA1A mutation in the extremely rare disorder of minor head trauma induced migraine coma. It not only proves to be a powerful diagnostic tool in detecting cases of FHM head trauma induced coma but also for sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM) coma subjects. We conclude from this case study that the S218L mutation, in the CACNA1A calcium channel subunit gene, is involved in sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM), delayed cerebral edema and coma after minor head trauma. This thesis also involved analysis of chromosome 1 for migraine susceptibility, where FHM studies provided a foundation fOr common migraine research on chromosome 1. Studies have suggested that mutations in the CACNA1A gene on chromosome l9p cause FHM in only approximately 50% of affected pedigrees. The CACNAIA gene has previously been tested, within the Genomics Research Centre, in the common forms of migraine; however no new mutations or the FHM mutations were detected in these MA/MO affected samples. A second FHM susceptibility locus maps to chromosome 1q23 and mutations in the ATP1A2 gene have recently been implicated in two Cl-linked FHM pedigrees. As FHM is considered a rare and severe form of MA, it is possible that the chromosome 1q23 locus, and the ATP1A2 gene, may be involved in the common forms of migraine with (MA) and possibly without aura (MO). Also, we have previously reported evidence of linkage to microsatellite markers on chromosome 1q31 in a large pedigree affected predominately with MA, which suggests the possibility that there are two distinct loci for migraine susceptibility on chromosome 1. The objectives of this study were to extend our linkage analysis of chromosome lq microsatellite markers in predominantly migraine with aura pedigrees. Also, our aim was to test the novel FHM-2 ATP1A2 gene for involvement in these migraine affected pedigrees and a previous pedigree (Migraine Family 14; MF 14) showing evidence of linkage of markers to Clq31. This was performed by a chromosome 1 scan (31 markers) in 21 multiplex pedigrees affected mainly with MA. Also, the known FHM-2 ATP1A2 gene mutations were tested, by sequencing, fOr involvement in MA and MO in these pedigrees. Mutation screening by direct sequencing was also performed throughout the coding areas of the ATP1A2 gene in 3 MA individuals fiom MF14. The results of this study detected evidence for linkage in our migraine pedigrees at chromosome 1q23, to microsatellite markers spanning the ATP1A2 (FHM-2) gene. However testing of the known ATP1A2 gene mutations (for FHM) in migraine probands of pedigrees showing excess allele sharing was negative, with no mutations detected in these migraineurs. Sequencing of the entire coding areas of the gene through 3 MA affecteds from MF14, a pedigree showing significant linkage to this region, was also negative for mutations. In conclusion, this study reported that microsatellite markers on chromosome 1q23 show evidence of excess allele sharing in MA and some MO pedigrees, suggesting linkage to the common forms of migraine and the presence of a susceptibility gene in this region. The new FHM-2 (ATPIA2 gene) mutations reported by Fusco et al, 2003 do not cause migraine in probands of affected pedigrees showing excess allele sharing to markers in this genomic region. Also no mutations were detected in all exons of the ATP1A2 gene in 3 MA affected individuals from a large pedigree (MF14) showing linkage to this region. Investigation in this thesis continued on chromosome 1, with other genes being examined on C1q23, as well as the C1q31 region for a migraine susceptibility locus or gene. Previously in our laboratory, evidence for linkage was shown to migraine at C1q31 in one family predominantly affected with MA, with microsatellite markers in this region. The initial Cl study (above; ATP1A2 gene) has also provided evidence for linkage to the chromosome 1 locus 1q23, with evidence for excess allele sharing of markers in predominantly MA affected pedigrees. To further investigate both chromosome I loci, an investigation with six candidate genes that lie within the C1q23 and 1q31 regions through association analysis was undertaken. The results from this study reported non-significant chi-square results, showing P values greater than 0.05 across all SNPs (and a CA rpt) tested. An exception was the rs704326 SNP from exon 43 of the CACNA1E gene on C1q31. P values significantly less than 0.001 were obtained in the total migraine population and the MA subgroup, with similar frequency comparisons ascertained in both genotype and allele analysis. Examination through contingency table analysis of the CACNA1E flequency data indicated that the risk allele (A) was over-represented in the migraine group compared to the control group. Further comparison of the genotype data indicated a difference in frequency distributions (P less than 0 0001). Stratified analyses of migraine subtypes indicated that this association was specifically attributed to the MA subtype group. Odds ratios produced an OR of 4.14 with a 95% CI of 2.36 - 7.26 (P less than 0.0001). The positive association results obtained within the CACNA1E gene are interesting in the fact that FHM is considered to be a rare and severe form of migraine with aura (MA) and FHM-1 is caused by mutations contained within the calcium channel gene CACNA1A (localized at Cl9p13). The idea that FHM and specifically an FHM gene in the C1q31 genomic region may also contribute to susceptibility to the more common forms of migraine i e. migraine with aura, strongly supports and reinforces the idea that a common defective gene may be influencing both FHM and typical migraine. In conclusion, this thesis undertook a cross-disciplinary approach to genetic research of a complex disorder. The research involved linkage, association and mutation analysis strategies of migraine. This research implicated a specific variant on chromosome 1 and further supported the heterogeneic nature of migraine. Future directions into migraine research should involve further investigation of this specific variant and this genomic region. Such studies may aid in the development of more precise diagnosis and treatment methods for this complex disorder.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)s provide an unbiased means of exploring the landscape of complex genetic disease. As such, these studies have identified genetic variants that are robustly associated with a multitude of conditions. I hypothesize that these genetic variants serve as excellent tools for evaluation of the genetic interface between epidemiologically related conditions. Herein, I test the association between SNPs associated with either (i) plasma lipids, (ii) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or (iii) diabetes mellitus (DM) and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to identify shared genetic variants. Regarding the most significantly AD-associated variants, I have also attempted to elucidate their molecular function. Only cholesterol-associated SNPs, as a group, are significantly associated with AD. This association remains after excluding APOE SNPs and suggests that peripheral and or central cholesterol metabolism contribute to AD risk. The general lack of association between RA-associated SNPs and AD is also significant in that these data challenge the hypothesis that genetic variants that increase risk of RA confer protection against AD. Functional studies of variants exhibiting novel associations with AD reveal that the lipid-associated SNP rs3846662 modulates HMGCR exon 13 splicing differentially in different cell types. Although less clear, trends were also observed between the RA-associated rs2837960 and the expression of several BACE2 isoforms, and between the DM-associated rs7804356 and expression of a rare SKAP2 isoform, respectively. In conclusion, the overlap of lipid-, RA- or DM-associated SNPs with AD is modest but in several instances significant. Continued analysis of the interface between GWAS of separate conditions will likely facilitate novel associations missed by conventional GWAS. Furthermore, the identification of functional variants associated with multiple conditions should provide insight into novel mechanisms of disease and may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets in an era of personalized genomic medicine.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Haliotis midae (commonly referred to as perlemoen) is the only one of five endemic species in South Africa that is commercially valued both locally and internationally. Unfortunately, natural perlemoen populations have become a dwindling resource due to commercial exploitation, poaching and the influx of natural threats, such as the West Coast rock lobster, Jasus lalandii. To preserve the natural diversity and sustainability of natural populations as well as commercial stocks, genetic management and improvement of perlemoen is critical. Genetic management requires the utilisation of molecular markers, which aid in the construction of linkage maps and the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with economically significant traits. This will allow improvement of commercial stock management in terms of broodstock selection as well as provide valuable insight into natural population dynamics. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as the marker of choice due to their successful employment as molecular markers and their wide distribution and abundance within the genomes of various marine species. This study focuses on the characterisation of novel SNPs from transcript sequences generated by Next Generation Sequencing technology. Approximately 40% of the transcripts facilitated the isolation of 105 putative markers, indicating a SNP frequency of ~1% within the H. midae genome. A subset of 24 markers, in addition to 24 previously developed markers, was characterised using the Illumina GoldenGate genotyping assay with the VeraCode technology, a medium to high-throughput genotyping technology. This is the first reported medium- to highthroughput characterisation of SNPs in H. midae. The selected markers were used to determine the efficiency and overall success rate of the GoldenGate platform. Marker characterisation was completed in both natural and commercial populations to determine the utility of these markers for genetic diversity and population structure inference. An 85% genotyping success rate was achieved with the platform. Statistical analysis indicated that the markers developed in this study are suitable for applications including population genetic structure inference, genetic diversity estimation and possibly other downstream applications such as linkage mapping. These markers are considered to be invaluable for future work regarding the genetic management and conservation of H. midae. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Haliotis midae (ook bekend as perlemoen) is die enigste van vyf inheemse spesies in Suid-Afrika wat noemenswaardige kommersiële waarde toon plaaslik sowel as internasionaal. Ongelukkig het kommersiële uitbuiting, wildstropery en natuurlike bedreiging (bv. die Weskus kreef Jasus lalandii), wilde perlemoen populasies noemenswaardig verminder. Dus, om natuurlike diversiteit en die voortbestaan van beide wilde en kommersiële populasies te beskerm, is genetiese bestuur en verbetering absoluut noodsaaklik. Genetiese bestuur vereis die gebruik van molekulêre merkers as ’n hulpmiddel in die opstellingvan koppelingskaarte, en die identifisering van die relevante kwantitatiewe eienskap loki (QTL) tipies geassosieer met ekonomies belangrike eienskappe. Die laasgenoemde beoog om kommersiële voorraad bestuur te verbeter, kragtens deur broeidier seleksie sowel as om insig te verskaf m.b.t. wilde bevolking dinamika. Enkel Nukleotied Polimorfismes (SNPs) is gekies as die toepaslike merker vanweë die omvattende toepaslikheid van hierdie merkers binne die genome van verskeie mariene spesies. Hierdie studie fokus op die karakterisering van nuwe SNPs vanuit transkript volgordes ontwikkel deur middel van Volgende Generasie Volgordebepaling (“Next Generation Sequencing”). ’n Beraamde 40% van transkripte het gelei tot die ontwikkeling van 105 potensiëlemerkers, aanduidend van ’n SNP frekwensie van ~1% binne die H. midae genoom. ’n Sub-versameling van 24 merkers, tesame met 24 bestaande merkers, is gekarakteriseer deur die Illumina GoldenGate genotiperings toets met die VeraCode tegnologie, ’n medium tot hoë deurvloei genotiperingstegnologie. Hierdie is die eerste berig van medium tot hoë deurvloei karakterisering van SNPs in H. midae. Die geselekteerde merkers is gebruik om die doeltreffendheid van die GoldenGate platform te bepaal. Merker karakterisering is uitgevoer in beide wilde en kommersiële bevolkings om die effektiewe bruikbaarheid van hierdie merkers m.b.t. genetiese diversiteit, en bevolking struktuur bepaling, te ondersoek. Die platform het ’n 85% genotiperingsukses syfer getoon. Statistiese analise dui daarop dat merkers ontwikkel tydens hierdie studie toepaslik is vir bevolking genetiese struktuur bepaling, genetiese diversiteitberaming en moontlik ook genetiese koppelingskartering. Hierdie merkers word bestempel as onmisbaar vir toekomstige navorsing in genetiese bestuur en bewaring van H. midae.