Les événements fondateurs et les expansions territoriales peuvent promouvoir une cascade de changements génétiques et ont ainsi pu jouer un rôle important au cours de l’histoire évolutive de l’Homme moderne. Or, chez les populations humaines, les conséquences évolutives et la dynamique démographique des processus de colonisation demeurent largement méconnues et difficiles à étudier. Dans cette thèse, nous avons utilisé les généalogies de la population fondatrice canadienne-française ainsi que des données génomiques pour étudier ces questions. Les analyses génomiques et généalogiques, remarquablement concordantes, ont dévoilé un nouveau portrait détaillé de la structure de la population du Québec, incluant un continuum de diversité génétique dans l’axe ouest/est et des sous-populations significativement différenciées. L’analyse de l’immigration fondatrice a montré que virtuellement tous les Canadiens français sont métissés. Allant à l’encontre d’une prétendue homogénéité génétique de la population, nos résultats démontrent que le peuplement des régions a engendré une rapide différentiation génétique et expliquent certaines signatures régionales de l’effet fondateur. De plus, en suivant les changements évolutifs dans les généalogies, nous avons montré que les caractéristiques des peuplements fondateurs peuvent affecter les traits liés à la fécondité et au succès reproducteur. Cette thèse offre une meilleure compréhension du patrimoine génétique du Québec et apporte des éléments de réponse sur les conséquences évolutives des événements fondateurs. / Founding events and range expansions can promote a cascade of genetic changes and may have played an important role in the evolutionary history of modern humans. Yet the evolutionary consequences and demographic dynamics of these colonization processes remain poorly documented and challenging to study in human populations. In this thesis, we used deep-rooted genealogies from the French Canadian founder population in addition to genomic data to address these questions. Genomic and genealogical analyses were remarkably concordant and revealed a new portrait of Quebec fine-scale population structure, including a continuum of genetic diversity in the west/east axis and sub-populations significantly differentiated. The analysis of the founding immigration showed that virtually all French Canadians are admixed. Contrary to the idea of homogeneity of the population, our results demonstrate that the regional settlement histories led to a rapid genetic differentiation and explain some regional signatures of the founder effect. By monitoring evolutionary changes in real genealogies, we show that founding events impact fertility traits and reproductive success. This thesis leads to a better understanding of the genetic heritage of Quebec and provides insights on how peopling of new territories shaped human evolution.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:38:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LUCIANA MOREIRA BORGES.pdf: 1848721 bytes, checksum: 3b9777e8d534e26ba687aa1328ac6555 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-04-07 / Introduction: the R337H mutation of the TP53 gene was originated in the Brazilian population through a founder effect and is considered a molecular defect of low penetrance. In combination with some polymorphisms, the R337H mutation can increase the susceptibility to tumor. The frequency of the R337H mutation in Brazilian families is considered high when compared to the observed frequencies in other countries. The unambiguous association between the mutation, the emergence of different tumor types and the high number of individual that carry the mutation makes the R337H a relevant factor in public health, particularly in the prediction of cancer. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the R337H mutation of the TP53 gene as a clinical marker in cancer patients. Method: a systematic literature review (SLR) was carefully performed, by searching electronic scientific literature in LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Pubmed and SciELO. Twelve articles, published in English between the years 2006 to 2013, were selected by performed the relevance tests I and II. Extraction of detailed data was independently performed by two investigators, following on extraction data protocol. Results: the R337H mutation was found in 287 of 1,548 patients with cancer, two of 750 women considered healthy, 200 of 887 family members of patients with adrenocortical tumor (ACT) carrying the R337H mutation, 12 of 647 health controls and in 442 of 171 630 newborns. Eight of the twelve selected references associated the R337H mutation with family history of 411 patients with the mutation. Four studies associated the R337H mutation prognosis. Conclusion: the frequency of the R337H mutation of the TP53 gene is considerably higher in the south and southeast regions of Brazil compared to other countries. The mutation was associated with family history of cancer, the increase of the positive predictive value and the decreased of negative predictive value at diagnosis, and poor prognosis in ACT and CPC patients with with the mutation. / Introdução: a mutação R337H do gene TP53 foi originada na população brasileira por efeito fundador e é considerada um defeito molecular de baixa penetrância. Em combinação com alguns polimorfismos, a mutação R337H, pode aumentar a susceptibilidade ao desenvolvimento do tumor. A frequência da mutação R337H em famílias brasileiras é considerada elevada, quando comparada com as frequências observadas em outros países. A inequívoca associação entre a mutação, o surgimento de diferentes tipos tumorais e o alto número de indivíduos portadores da mutação fazem da R337H um relevante fator de saúde pública, em especial na predição do câncer. Objetivos: este estudo objetiva de investiga o valor preditivo da mutação R337H do gene TP53 como um marcador clínico em pacientes com câncer. Método: revisão bibliográfica sistemática (RBS) criteriosa foi realizada, através de busca eletrônica de artigos científicos nas bases de dados LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Scielo e Pubmed. Doze artigos selecionados foram publicados em língua inglesa entre os anos de 2006 à 2013, foram selecionados para aplicação dos testes de relevância I e II. Extração de dados detalhada foi realizada de forma independente por dois investigadores seguindo o protocolo para extração de dados. Resultados: a mutação R337H foi encontrada em 287 dos 1.548 portadores de câncer, duas das 750 mulheres consideradas saudáveis, 200 dos 887 familiares de pacientes portadores de tumor do córtex adrenal (TCA) com a mutação R337H, doze dos 647 controles e 442 dos 171.630 recém-nascidos. Oito das doze referências selecionadas associaram a mutação R337H com histórico familiar de 411 pacientes com a mutação. Quatro estudos associaram a mutação R337H com o prognóstico. Conclusão: a frequência da mutação R337H do gene TP53 é consideravelmente mais elevada no sul e sudeste do Brasil quando comparada com os demais países do mundo. A mutação foi associada com: histórico familiar de câncer, aumento do valor preditivo positivo e diminuição do valor preditivo negativo no diagnóstico e mal prognóstico em pacientes com ACT e CPC com a mutação.

A incidência dos tumores adrenocorticais na região sul do Brasil é 10-15 vezes maior que a incidência mundial. Mutações no gene supressor tumoral p53, localizado na região 17p13.1 têm sido identificadas em diversos tumores humanos. Uma distinta mutação germinativa, Arg337His, localizada no domínio de tetramerização da proteína supressora tumoral P53 foi identificada em 35 de 36 crianças da região sul do Brasil. No presente trabalho, investigamos a presença da mutação Arg337His em 71 pacientes não relacionados, 41 adultos e 30 crianças, portadores de tumores adrenocorticais benignos e malignos. Adicionalmente, análise de perda de heterozigose do locus p53, mapa de deleção do cromossomo 17 e instabilidade cromossômica foram estudados em DNA genômico destes pacientes. Nenhum dos pacientes estudados apresentava histórico familial compatível com a síndrome de Li-Fraumeni. Sequenciamento automático permitiu a identificação da mutação Arg337His, em DNA extraído a partir de sangue periférico e/ou tecido tumoral, em 29 (24 crianças e 5 adultos) dos 71 pacientes. Nas 10 famílias em que foi possível analisar o DNA genômico de ambos os pais verificamos que a mutação Arg337His tem caráter hereditário. Por outro lado, esta mutação não foi encontrada em DNA de 160 indivíduos do grupo controle, não relacionados, analisados por sequenciamento automático e/ou digestão enzimática. A análise pareada de DNA gênomico de sangue periférico e de tecido tumoral revelou perda de heterozigose para o locus p53 em 18 de 21 (86%) pacientes portadores da mutação Arg337His. Não observamos correlação entre a presença desta mutação e o comportamento maligno dos tumores. O estudo de dois marcadores polimórficos intragênicos do p53, pelo programa de análise de tamanho de fragmento GeneScan, evidenciou um mesmo haplótipo associado à mutação Arg337His em 91% dos pacientes com tumores adrenocorticais, configurando uma origem comum para esta mutação. O estudo de 6 marcadores polimórficos ao longo do cromossomo 17 (D17S926, VNTRP53, D17S1856, D17S942, D17S1351 e D17S928) em DNA genômico pareado de 29 pacientes demonstrou uma freqüência elevada (81%) de perda do cromossomo 17 em associação à mutação Arg337His. Não observamos correlação entre a perda do cromossomo 17 e a agressividade tumoral nestes pacientes. Instabilidade cromossômica envolvendo os cromossomos 2, 9 e 11 nos 17 pacientes que perderam o cromossomo 17 foi identificada em 47%, 47% e 71%, respectivamente. Perda dos cromossomos 2 e 11 foi evidenciada em tumores benignos e malignos. A perda do cromossomo 9 foi evidenciada exclusivamente nos tumores malignos, assim como a perda concomitante de 3 ou mais cromossomos. Em conclusão, confirmamos uma freqüência elevada da mutação Arg337His em crianças brasileiras com tumores adrenocorticais benignos e malignos. Esta mutação também foi encontrada no grupo de adultos, embora em menor freqüência. Não houve correlação entre sua presença e o comportamento maligno dos tumores adrenocorticais. Efeito fundador para a mutação Arg337His e inativação bialélica do p53, caracterizada pela presença da mutação Arg337His e a perda do cromossomo 17 foram demonstradas na maioria dos casos analisados. Finalmente, a instabilidade cromossômica envolvendo três ou mais cromossomos contribuiu para o diagnóstico de carcinoma adrenocortical / The incidence of adrenocortical tumors in the South region of Brazil is 10 to 15 times higher than the worldwide one. Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53 gene, located in chromosome 17p13.1, have been described in different human tumors. A germline mutation, Arg337His, in the tetramerization domain of the tumor suppressor P53 was identified in 35 of 36 children from the South region of Brazil. In the present study we have searched for Arg337His mutation in genomic DNA of 71 non-related patients, 41 adults and 30 children, with benign or malignant adrenocortical tumors. Additionally, we also analyzed the loss of heterozigosity of p53 locus, deletion mapping of chromosome 17 and chromosome instability, in genomic DNA of these patients. None of the patients had a familial history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Automatic sequencing identified the Arg337His mutation in genomic DNA from peripheral leukocytes and/or tumor tissues in 29 (24 children and 5 adults) of these 71 patients. In 10 families in which the study of both parent\'s DNA was possible, the Arg337His mutation was inherited from one of the parents. Sequencing analysis and/or enzymatic restriction showed that this mutation was not present in DNA of 160 non-related control subjects. Paired analysis of genomic DNA of peripheral leukocytes and tumor tissue revealed loss of heterozigosity of p53 locus in 18/21 (86%) patients with Arg337His mutation. There was no correlation between the presence of this mutation and the malignant behavior of these tumors. The study of two intragenic polymorphic markers of p53 through GeneScan software showed the association of the same haplotype with the Arg337His mutation in 91% of patients with adrenocortical tumors, indicating a common origin of this mutation. The study of 6 polymorphic markers along chromosome 17 (D17S926, VNTRP53, D17S1856, D17S942, D17S1351, D17S928) in paired genomic DNA of 29 patients showed an increased frequency (81%) of chromosome 17 loss in association with the presence of the Arg337His mutation. We did not observe any correlation between the loss of chromosome 17 and aggressive tumor behavior in these patients. In the 17 patients who lost chromosome 17, chromosome instability of chromosomes 2, 9 and 11 was identified in 47%, 47% e 71%, respectively. Loss of chromosomes 2 and 11 was observed in benign and malignant tumors, whereas the loss of chromosome 9 was observed exclusively on malignant tumors. Similarly, the concomitant loss of 3 or more chromosomes was only observed in malignant tumors. In conclusion we confirmed an increased frequency of Arg337His mutation in Brazilian children with benign or malignant adrenocortical tumors. This mutation was also found in the adult group, although at a lower frequency. There was no correlation between the presence of the mutation and the malignant behavior of adrenocortical tumor. We demonstrated a founder effect for this mutation and also a biallelic inactivation of p53 characterized by the presence of the Arg337His mutation and the loss of chromosome 17 in most of the cases studied. Finally, chromosome instability involving 3 or more chromosomes contributed for the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma in these

Les ataxies spastiques héréditaires forment une famille hétérogène de désordres qui ont des points communs avec les ataxies héréditaires et les paraplégies spastiques héréditaires. Un de ces éléments est une ataxie, soit une difficulté de coordination des membres souvent due à un dommage au cervelet. L’autre est une spasticité des membres inférieurs, souvent due à des dommages à la voie cortico-spinale. Une seule ataxie spastique à hérédité autosomique dominante a été rapportée dans la littérature, et il s’agit de SPAX1. À l’aide de trois familles de Terre-Neuve présentant ce phénotype, le locus a été identifié en 2002. Dans ce mémoire, c’est de la découverte du gène causal dont il est question. La mutation a été trouvée dans le gène VAMP1, qui encode la protéine synaptobrévine 1, une protéine synaptique impliquée dans l’exocytose des neurotransmetteurs. Il est aussi question de la caractérisation fonctionnelle de la mutation sur l’ARN et des conséquences possibles sur la protéine, concordant avec les symptômes de la maladie. / Hereditary spastic ataxias comprise a family of heterogeneous disorders resembling both hereditary ataxias and hereditary spastic paraplegias. The similar symptoms are ataxia, which is a problem with limb coordination due to cerebellar damage, and lower-limb spasticity due to corticospinal tract degeneration. Only one spastic ataxia inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion has been reported in the literature: SPAX1. The locus was identified in 2002 using three families from Newfoundland with the specific phenotype. This thesis reports the discovery of the causative mutation in the VAMP1 gene, which encodes VAMP1/synaptobrevin 1, a synaptic protein involved in neurotransmitter exocytosis. Experiments characterizing the effect of the mutation on RNA were conducted, leading to a possible molecular explanation of the symptoms.

A incidência dos tumores adrenocorticais na região sul do Brasil é 10-15 vezes maior que a incidência mundial. Mutações no gene supressor tumoral p53, localizado na região 17p13.1 têm sido identificadas em diversos tumores humanos. Uma distinta mutação germinativa, Arg337His, localizada no domínio de tetramerização da proteína supressora tumoral P53 foi identificada em 35 de 36 crianças da região sul do Brasil. No presente trabalho, investigamos a presença da mutação Arg337His em 71 pacientes não relacionados, 41 adultos e 30 crianças, portadores de tumores adrenocorticais benignos e malignos. Adicionalmente, análise de perda de heterozigose do locus p53, mapa de deleção do cromossomo 17 e instabilidade cromossômica foram estudados em DNA genômico destes pacientes. Nenhum dos pacientes estudados apresentava histórico familial compatível com a síndrome de Li-Fraumeni. Sequenciamento automático permitiu a identificação da mutação Arg337His, em DNA extraído a partir de sangue periférico e/ou tecido tumoral, em 29 (24 crianças e 5 adultos) dos 71 pacientes. Nas 10 famílias em que foi possível analisar o DNA genômico de ambos os pais verificamos que a mutação Arg337His tem caráter hereditário. Por outro lado, esta mutação não foi encontrada em DNA de 160 indivíduos do grupo controle, não relacionados, analisados por sequenciamento automático e/ou digestão enzimática. A análise pareada de DNA gênomico de sangue periférico e de tecido tumoral revelou perda de heterozigose para o locus p53 em 18 de 21 (86%) pacientes portadores da mutação Arg337His. Não observamos correlação entre a presença desta mutação e o comportamento maligno dos tumores. O estudo de dois marcadores polimórficos intragênicos do p53, pelo programa de análise de tamanho de fragmento GeneScan, evidenciou um mesmo haplótipo associado à mutação Arg337His em 91% dos pacientes com tumores adrenocorticais, configurando uma origem comum para esta mutação. O estudo de 6 marcadores polimórficos ao longo do cromossomo 17 (D17S926, VNTRP53, D17S1856, D17S942, D17S1351 e D17S928) em DNA genômico pareado de 29 pacientes demonstrou uma freqüência elevada (81%) de perda do cromossomo 17 em associação à mutação Arg337His. Não observamos correlação entre a perda do cromossomo 17 e a agressividade tumoral nestes pacientes. Instabilidade cromossômica envolvendo os cromossomos 2, 9 e 11 nos 17 pacientes que perderam o cromossomo 17 foi identificada em 47%, 47% e 71%, respectivamente. Perda dos cromossomos 2 e 11 foi evidenciada em tumores benignos e malignos. A perda do cromossomo 9 foi evidenciada exclusivamente nos tumores malignos, assim como a perda concomitante de 3 ou mais cromossomos. Em conclusão, confirmamos uma freqüência elevada da mutação Arg337His em crianças brasileiras com tumores adrenocorticais benignos e malignos. Esta mutação também foi encontrada no grupo de adultos, embora em menor freqüência. Não houve correlação entre sua presença e o comportamento maligno dos tumores adrenocorticais. Efeito fundador para a mutação Arg337His e inativação bialélica do p53, caracterizada pela presença da mutação Arg337His e a perda do cromossomo 17 foram demonstradas na maioria dos casos analisados. Finalmente, a instabilidade cromossômica envolvendo três ou mais cromossomos contribuiu para o diagnóstico de carcinoma adrenocortical / The incidence of adrenocortical tumors in the South region of Brazil is 10 to 15 times higher than the worldwide one. Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53 gene, located in chromosome 17p13.1, have been described in different human tumors. A germline mutation, Arg337His, in the tetramerization domain of the tumor suppressor P53 was identified in 35 of 36 children from the South region of Brazil. In the present study we have searched for Arg337His mutation in genomic DNA of 71 non-related patients, 41 adults and 30 children, with benign or malignant adrenocortical tumors. Additionally, we also analyzed the loss of heterozigosity of p53 locus, deletion mapping of chromosome 17 and chromosome instability, in genomic DNA of these patients. None of the patients had a familial history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Automatic sequencing identified the Arg337His mutation in genomic DNA from peripheral leukocytes and/or tumor tissues in 29 (24 children and 5 adults) of these 71 patients. In 10 families in which the study of both parent\'s DNA was possible, the Arg337His mutation was inherited from one of the parents. Sequencing analysis and/or enzymatic restriction showed that this mutation was not present in DNA of 160 non-related control subjects. Paired analysis of genomic DNA of peripheral leukocytes and tumor tissue revealed loss of heterozigosity of p53 locus in 18/21 (86%) patients with Arg337His mutation. There was no correlation between the presence of this mutation and the malignant behavior of these tumors. The study of two intragenic polymorphic markers of p53 through GeneScan software showed the association of the same haplotype with the Arg337His mutation in 91% of patients with adrenocortical tumors, indicating a common origin of this mutation. The study of 6 polymorphic markers along chromosome 17 (D17S926, VNTRP53, D17S1856, D17S942, D17S1351, D17S928) in paired genomic DNA of 29 patients showed an increased frequency (81%) of chromosome 17 loss in association with the presence of the Arg337His mutation. We did not observe any correlation between the loss of chromosome 17 and aggressive tumor behavior in these patients. In the 17 patients who lost chromosome 17, chromosome instability of chromosomes 2, 9 and 11 was identified in 47%, 47% e 71%, respectively. Loss of chromosomes 2 and 11 was observed in benign and malignant tumors, whereas the loss of chromosome 9 was observed exclusively on malignant tumors. Similarly, the concomitant loss of 3 or more chromosomes was only observed in malignant tumors. In conclusion we confirmed an increased frequency of Arg337His mutation in Brazilian children with benign or malignant adrenocortical tumors. This mutation was also found in the adult group, although at a lower frequency. There was no correlation between the presence of the mutation and the malignant behavior of adrenocortical tumor. We demonstrated a founder effect for this mutation and also a biallelic inactivation of p53 characterized by the presence of the Arg337His mutation and the loss of chromosome 17 in most of the cases studied. Finally, chromosome instability involving 3 or more chromosomes contributed for the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma in these

Les ataxies héréditaires sont des désordres neuro-dégénératifs qui causent une ataxie comme symptôme primaire; soit une perte de coordination des mouvements volontaires, un sens de l’équilibre déficient et un trouble à la motricité. Elles forment un groupe cliniquement et génétiquement hétérogène. De ce fait, de nombreuses classifications existent basées sur différents critères. Cependant, le consensus actuel veut que le mode de transmission soit le critère premier de classement. On estime la prévalence mondiale des ataxies héréditaires à 6/100 000 bien que ce nombre diffère entre régions. C’est le cas du Québec où la structuration historique du bassin génétique canadien-français a menée à des effets fondateurs régionaux, ce qui a eu comme conséquence de hausser la prévalence régionale de certaines maladies. L’Acadie est également une région canadienne-française avec des effets fondateurs où le taux de prévalence de certaines ataxies héréditaires est plus élevé. Nous avons recruté huit familles canadiennes-françaises provenant de diverses régions du Québec, ayant un lien génétique plus ou moins rapproché avec l’Acadie, dans lesquelles nous avons observé dix cas d’une forme d’ataxie spastique autosomique récessive relativement légère qui a résistée à l’analyse des gènes d’ataxies connues. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse d’être en présence d’une nouvelle forme d’ataxie à effet fondateur pour la population canadienne-française. Afin d’identifier le gène muté responsable de cette ataxie, un criblage génomique des marqueurs SNP pour les individus recrutés fut effectué. Puis, par cartographie de l’homozygotie, une région de 2,5 Mb fut identifiée sur le chromosome 17p13 dans une famille. Une revue de la littérature nous a permis de constater, qu’en 2007, quatre familles nord-africaines atteintes d’une ataxie dénommée SPAX2 qui présentaient des manifestations cliniques semblables avaient déjà été liées au même locus sur le chromosome 17. Afin de supporter notre hypothèse que les malades étaient porteurs de deux copies de la même mutation fondatrice et de cartographier plus finement notre région d’intérêt, les haplotypes de tous les atteints de nos huit familles furent étudiés. Nous avons établie qu’un intervalle de 200 kb (70 SNP), soit du marqueur rs9900036 à rs7222052, était partagé par tous nos participants. Les deux gènes les plus prometteurs des 18 se trouvant dans la région furent séquencés. Aucune mutation ne fut trouvée dans les gènes SLC25A11 et KIF1C. Par la suite, une analyse de liaison génétique stricte avec calcul de LOD score nous a permis d’exclure ce locus de 200 kb comme étant celui porteur du gène muté causant l’ataxie dans la majorité de nos familles. Nous avons donc conclus que malgré qu’une famille soit homozygote pour une grande région du chromosome 17, l’absence d’Informativité des marqueurs SNP dans la région de 200 kb fut responsable de l’apparent partage d’haplotype homozygote. Le travail reste donc entier afin d’identifier les mutations géniques responsables de la présentation ataxique chez nos participants de souche acadienne. / Hereditary ataxias are neurodegenerative disorders which share ataxia as common feature is manifested by a decrease in limb coordination, imbalance and an unsteady gait. They consist in a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group. Many ataxia classifications have been proposed, however, the current consensus is to first characterize them according to their mode of transmission. Hereditary ataxias as a whole have a prevalence of 6/100 000, with variable estimation between country and region. In the Province of Quebec where the French Canadian genetic pool can be seen has a mosaic of regional gene pools there is clear differences in local variation in the prevalence of different ataxias. Acadia is also a French Canadian region with a history of many founder effects and a higher prevalence for certain hereditary ataxias. We recruit 8 French Canadian families from Quebec and with genealogical links with Acadia in which 10 cases manifest a presumably relatively mild autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of unknown etiology. The shared phenotype and Acadian background raised the possibility that they suffered from a new form of ataxia with a founder effect. To identify the mutated gene causing this ataxia, the individuals recruited were genotyped. By homozygosity mapping, a region of 2,5 Mb was identified in one family on chromosome 17p13. A literature review established that in 2007 four North Africans families segregating also a mild spastic ataxia were linked to the same locus on chromosome 17. To support our hypothesis that our patients were carrier of the same founder mutation we look closer at their haplotype in the region. We defined an interval of 200kb (70 SNP) between markers rs9900036 and rs7222052 shared by all affected cases. The two most promising gene in the interval were sequenced. No mutation was found in SLC25A11 and KIF1C. Thereafter a linkage analysis by LOD score excluded the candidate interval of 200 kb in the majority of our families. We conclude that even if in one family exists a large homozygous region on chromosome 17, the lack of informative SNP in the 200 kb region was responsible for the apparent sharing rather than they shared a common mutation. Further work will be necessary to identify the mutate gene causing the ataxia presentation in these cases of mild spastic ataxia.

Un effet fondateur survient lorsqu’un petit nombre d’immigrants forment une nouvelle population et qu’ainsi les descendants ont une majorité de gènes provenant de ces quelques ancêtres. L’effet fondateur québécois, qui résulte de l’établissement de quelques milliers d’immigrants français aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles, est bien documenté. Mais des effets fondateurs régionaux ont aussi été identifiés. Ce mémoire de maîtrise vise à déterminer si un effet fondateur régional est à l’oeuvre dans la région de Lotbinière (Chaudière-Appalaches), dont le peuplement initial remonte à la fin du XVIIe siècle. Le fichier BALSAC et le Registre de la population du Québec ancien ont permis de constituer deux groupes de descendants, 715 individus mariés à la fin du XVIIIe siècle, et 60 autres mariés à la fin du XXe siècle. Par généalogies ascendantes et descendantes, les fondateurs immigrants et régionaux de la région ont par la suite été identifiés. Les résultats indiquent que l’effet fondateur régional avait encore une forte empreinte chez le groupe de descendants du XVIIIe siècle, mais que l’impact s’atténue en ce qui concerne les descendants contemporains. L’homogénéité démontrée par les coefficients d’apparentement et l’indice de contribution génétique uniforme, le petit nombre de fondateurs régionaux et le fait que 65 % des gènes contemporains étaient déjà introduits en 1800 sont des signes qui pointent vers un effet fondateur régional. Par contre, le nonisolement de la région, la proportion modérée de gènes contemporains introduits par les premiers fondateurs régionaux et les niveaux de consanguinité semblables aux autres régions du centre du Québec, incitent à nuancer cette conclusion. En fait, il y a possiblement deux Lotbinière : le Lotbinière ancien, sur la rive et le Lotbinière nouveau, dans les terres; chacun ayant son pool génique et son historique de peuplement propre. / A founder effect occurs when a small number of immigrants form a new population and thus the descendants carry a majority of genes from these few ancestors. Québec’s founder effect, which resulted from the settlement of a few thousand French immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries, is well documented. But regional founder effects have also been identified. This master’s thesis aims to determine whether a regional founder effect is at work in the Lotbinière region (Chaudière-Appalaches), where the initial settlement goes back to the 17th century. With the BALSAC database and the Registre de la population du Québec ancien, two groups of descendants have been set up: 715 individuals married during the late eighteenth century, and 60 others married during the late twentieth century. By reconstituting ascending and descending genealogies, immigrant founders and regional founders of the area have been identified. The results indicate that the regional founder effect still had a strong footprint among the group of eighteenth century descendants, but that this impact diminishes for the contemporary descendants. The homogeneity demonstrated by kinship coefficients and the founder’s uniform number, the small number of regional founders and the fact that 65 % of contemporary genes were already introduced in 1800 are signs that point to a regional founder effect. However, the nonisolation of the region, the moderate proportion of contemporary genes introduced by the first regional founders and inbreeding levels which are similar to other regions of central Quebec, suggest a less straightforward conclusion. In fact, there are possibly two Lotbinière: the old Lotbinière, on the river bank, and the new Lotbinière, inland, each one having its own gene pool and settlement history.

La complexité de l’étude des neuropathies héréditaires provient de leur hétérogénéité clinique et génétique et de la diversité des fibres composant les nerfs périphériques. Cette complexité se reflète dans les nombreuses classifications différentes. Les neuropathies héréditaires se classifient entre autres selon leur mode de transmission et leur atteinte sensitive, autonomique et motrice. Les neuropathies héréditaires sensitives et autonomiques (NHSA) se présentent avec une perte de la sensation distale aux membres, accompagnée d’autres manifestations selon le type de NHSA. L’étude des NHSA est facilitée lorsqu’il existe des grappes de familles originaires de régions du Québec où des effets fondateurs pour des maladies récessives ont déjà été identifiés. Nous avons recruté une grande famille canadienne-française originaire de Paspébiac dans la Baie-des-Chaleurs dans laquelle nous avons identifié quatre cas atteints d’une neuropathie héréditaire sensitive avec rétinite pigmentaire et ataxie (NHSRPA). Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que nous étions en présence d’une nouvelle forme de neuropathie héréditaire sensitive récessive à effet fondateur. Afin d’identifier la position chromosomique du gène muté responsable de la NHSRPA, nous avons tout d’abord complété un criblage du génome en génotypant des marqueurs microsatellites «single tandem repeat» (STR) sur des individus clés et nous avons ensuite procédé à une analyse de liaison génétique paramétrique. Ces études nous ont permis de lier cette famille au chromosome 1 et de définir un premier intervalle candidat de 6,7 Mb. Grâce à un génotypage de marqueurs «single nucleotide polymorphism» (SNP), nous avons réduit l’intervalle candidat à 5,3 Mb au locus 1q32,2-q32,3. Cette région contient 44 gènes candidats. Une revue plus fine de la littérature a fait ressortir qu’une famille espagnole et une américaine de souche hollandaise souffrant de la même maladie avaient déjà été liées au même locus. L’origine possiblement basque de notre famille gaspésienne nous a poussé à comparer l’haplotype porteur avec celui de la famille espagnole qui, quoi que gitane, provient du pays basque espagnol. Ces travaux ont démontré le partage d’une région de 203 kb. Afin de rétrécir davantage notre intervalle candidat, nous avons comparé les haplotypes des cas entre les deux familles et nous avons identifié un dernier intervalle candidat de 60 SNP au locus 1q32,3. Cette région ne contient que quatre gènes candidats dont le plus intéressant est le gène «activating transcription factor» (ATF3). À ce jour, aucune mutation n’a été trouvée dans le gène ATF3 et les gènes FAM71A, BATF3 et NSL1. Des expériences supplémentaires sont nécessaires afin d’identifier le gène muté responsable de la NHSRPA. / Hereditary neuropathies study’s complexity comes from their clinical and genetic heterogeneity and the peripheral nerves fibers’ diversity. This complexity leads to numerous different classifications. Hereditary neuropathies are classified based on the transmission mode and the sensitive, autonomic and motor affection. Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) present themselves with members’ distal loss and other manifestations depending on the HSAN type. HSAN study can be facilitated when there are existing family grapes originating from Quebec regions where recessive diseases founder effects have been identified. We have recruited a large French-Canadian family originating from Paspébiac in the Baie-des-Chaleurs in which we have identified four cases affected by a hereditary sensory neuropathy with retinitis pigmentosa and ataxia (HSNRPA). We have hypothesized that we were in presence of a new form of recessive hereditary sensitive neuropathy with founder effect. In order to identify the HSNRPA causing mutated gene chromosomal position, we first completed a genome wide scan by genotyping microsatellite single tandem repeat (STR) markers on informative individuals and we have then proceeded to a parametric genetic linkage analysis. These studies allowed us to link this family to chromosome 1 and define a first candidate interval of 6.7 Mb. Second to the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers genotyping, we have reduced the candidate interval at 5.3 Mb on locus 1q32.2-q32.3. This region contains 44 genes. A finer literature review made us realize that a Spanish family and an American from Dutch origin suffering from the same disease had already been linked to the same locus. The possible Gaspesian family’s Basque origins brought us to compare their carrier haplotype with the Spanish family’s, although Gypsy but coming from the Spanish Basque country. This work has demonstrated a shared region of 203 kb. In order to further refine our candidate interval, we have compared the haplotypes of the cases between the two families and we have identified a last candidate interval of 60 SNP at locus 1q32.3. This region contains only four candidate genes, the activating transcription factor (ATF3) gene being the most interesting one. Until today, no mutation has been found in the ATF3 gene and in the FAM71A, BATF3 and NSL1 genes. Further experiments will be necessary in order to identify the HSNRPA causing mutated gene.

Un effet fondateur survient lorsqu’un petit nombre d’immigrants forment une nouvelle population et qu’ainsi les descendants ont une majorité de gènes provenant de ces quelques ancêtres. L’effet fondateur québécois, qui résulte de l’établissement de quelques milliers d’immigrants français aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles, est bien documenté. Mais des effets fondateurs régionaux ont aussi été identifiés. Ce mémoire de maîtrise vise à déterminer si un effet fondateur régional est à l’oeuvre dans la région de Lotbinière (Chaudière-Appalaches), dont le peuplement initial remonte à la fin du XVIIe siècle. Le fichier BALSAC et le Registre de la population du Québec ancien ont permis de constituer deux groupes de descendants, 715 individus mariés à la fin du XVIIIe siècle, et 60 autres mariés à la fin du XXe siècle. Par généalogies ascendantes et descendantes, les fondateurs immigrants et régionaux de la région ont par la suite été identifiés. Les résultats indiquent que l’effet fondateur régional avait encore une forte empreinte chez le groupe de descendants du XVIIIe siècle, mais que l’impact s’atténue en ce qui concerne les descendants contemporains. L’homogénéité démontrée par les coefficients d’apparentement et l’indice de contribution génétique uniforme, le petit nombre de fondateurs régionaux et le fait que 65 % des gènes contemporains étaient déjà introduits en 1800 sont des signes qui pointent vers un effet fondateur régional. Par contre, le nonisolement de la région, la proportion modérée de gènes contemporains introduits par les premiers fondateurs régionaux et les niveaux de consanguinité semblables aux autres régions du centre du Québec, incitent à nuancer cette conclusion. En fait, il y a possiblement deux Lotbinière : le Lotbinière ancien, sur la rive et le Lotbinière nouveau, dans les terres; chacun ayant son pool génique et son historique de peuplement propre. / A founder effect occurs when a small number of immigrants form a new population and thus the descendants carry a majority of genes from these few ancestors. Québec’s founder effect, which resulted from the settlement of a few thousand French immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries, is well documented. But regional founder effects have also been identified. This master’s thesis aims to determine whether a regional founder effect is at work in the Lotbinière region (Chaudière-Appalaches), where the initial settlement goes back to the 17th century. With the BALSAC database and the Registre de la population du Québec ancien, two groups of descendants have been set up: 715 individuals married during the late eighteenth century, and 60 others married during the late twentieth century. By reconstituting ascending and descending genealogies, immigrant founders and regional founders of the area have been identified. The results indicate that the regional founder effect still had a strong footprint among the group of eighteenth century descendants, but that this impact diminishes for the contemporary descendants. The homogeneity demonstrated by kinship coefficients and the founder’s uniform number, the small number of regional founders and the fact that 65 % of contemporary genes were already introduced in 1800 are signs that point to a regional founder effect. However, the nonisolation of the region, the moderate proportion of contemporary genes introduced by the first regional founders and inbreeding levels which are similar to other regions of central Quebec, suggest a less straightforward conclusion. In fact, there are possibly two Lotbinière: the old Lotbinière, on the river bank, and the new Lotbinière, inland, each one having its own gene pool and settlement history.

Les ataxies héréditaires sont des désordres neuro-dégénératifs qui causent une ataxie comme symptôme primaire; soit une perte de coordination des mouvements volontaires, un sens de l’équilibre déficient et un trouble à la motricité. Elles forment un groupe cliniquement et génétiquement hétérogène. De ce fait, de nombreuses classifications existent basées sur différents critères. Cependant, le consensus actuel veut que le mode de transmission soit le critère premier de classement. On estime la prévalence mondiale des ataxies héréditaires à 6/100 000 bien que ce nombre diffère entre régions. C’est le cas du Québec où la structuration historique du bassin génétique canadien-français a menée à des effets fondateurs régionaux, ce qui a eu comme conséquence de hausser la prévalence régionale de certaines maladies. L’Acadie est également une région canadienne-française avec des effets fondateurs où le taux de prévalence de certaines ataxies héréditaires est plus élevé. Nous avons recruté huit familles canadiennes-françaises provenant de diverses régions du Québec, ayant un lien génétique plus ou moins rapproché avec l’Acadie, dans lesquelles nous avons observé dix cas d’une forme d’ataxie spastique autosomique récessive relativement légère qui a résistée à l’analyse des gènes d’ataxies connues. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse d’être en présence d’une nouvelle forme d’ataxie à effet fondateur pour la population canadienne-française. Afin d’identifier le gène muté responsable de cette ataxie, un criblage génomique des marqueurs SNP pour les individus recrutés fut effectué. Puis, par cartographie de l’homozygotie, une région de 2,5 Mb fut identifiée sur le chromosome 17p13 dans une famille. Une revue de la littérature nous a permis de constater, qu’en 2007, quatre familles nord-africaines atteintes d’une ataxie dénommée SPAX2 qui présentaient des manifestations cliniques semblables avaient déjà été liées au même locus sur le chromosome 17. Afin de supporter notre hypothèse que les malades étaient porteurs de deux copies de la même mutation fondatrice et de cartographier plus finement notre région d’intérêt, les haplotypes de tous les atteints de nos huit familles furent étudiés. Nous avons établie qu’un intervalle de 200 kb (70 SNP), soit du marqueur rs9900036 à rs7222052, était partagé par tous nos participants. Les deux gènes les plus prometteurs des 18 se trouvant dans la région furent séquencés. Aucune mutation ne fut trouvée dans les gènes SLC25A11 et KIF1C. Par la suite, une analyse de liaison génétique stricte avec calcul de LOD score nous a permis d’exclure ce locus de 200 kb comme étant celui porteur du gène muté causant l’ataxie dans la majorité de nos familles. Nous avons donc conclus que malgré qu’une famille soit homozygote pour une grande région du chromosome 17, l’absence d’Informativité des marqueurs SNP dans la région de 200 kb fut responsable de l’apparent partage d’haplotype homozygote. Le travail reste donc entier afin d’identifier les mutations géniques responsables de la présentation ataxique chez nos participants de souche acadienne. / Hereditary ataxias are neurodegenerative disorders which share ataxia as common feature is manifested by a decrease in limb coordination, imbalance and an unsteady gait. They consist in a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group. Many ataxia classifications have been proposed, however, the current consensus is to first characterize them according to their mode of transmission. Hereditary ataxias as a whole have a prevalence of 6/100 000, with variable estimation between country and region. In the Province of Quebec where the French Canadian genetic pool can be seen has a mosaic of regional gene pools there is clear differences in local variation in the prevalence of different ataxias. Acadia is also a French Canadian region with a history of many founder effects and a higher prevalence for certain hereditary ataxias. We recruit 8 French Canadian families from Quebec and with genealogical links with Acadia in which 10 cases manifest a presumably relatively mild autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of unknown etiology. The shared phenotype and Acadian background raised the possibility that they suffered from a new form of ataxia with a founder effect. To identify the mutated gene causing this ataxia, the individuals recruited were genotyped. By homozygosity mapping, a region of 2,5 Mb was identified in one family on chromosome 17p13. A literature review established that in 2007 four North Africans families segregating also a mild spastic ataxia were linked to the same locus on chromosome 17. To support our hypothesis that our patients were carrier of the same founder mutation we look closer at their haplotype in the region. We defined an interval of 200kb (70 SNP) between markers rs9900036 and rs7222052 shared by all affected cases. The two most promising gene in the interval were sequenced. No mutation was found in SLC25A11 and KIF1C. Thereafter a linkage analysis by LOD score excluded the candidate interval of 200 kb in the majority of our families. We conclude that even if in one family exists a large homozygous region on chromosome 17, the lack of informative SNP in the 200 kb region was responsible for the apparent sharing rather than they shared a common mutation. Further work will be necessary to identify the mutate gene causing the ataxia presentation in these cases of mild spastic ataxia.