Le neuroblastome (NB) est la tumeur solide extracranienne la plus fréquente et mortelle chez les jeunes enfants. Il se caractérise par une résistance à la chimiothérapie possiblement en partie dû à la présence de cellules initiatrices de tumeurs (TICs). Des études ont mis en évidence le rôle de CD133 comme un marqueur des TICs dans divers types de cancers. Les buts de notre travail étaient d’abord de démontrer les vertus de TICs des cellules exprimant CD133 et ensuite, en utilisant une analyse globale du génome avec des polymorphismes nucléotidiques simples (SNPs), d’effectuer une analyse différentielle entre les TICs et les autres cellules du NB afin d’en identifier les anomalies génétiques spécifiques. Des lignées cellulaires de NB ont été triées par cytométrie de flux afin d’obtenir deux populations: une enrichie en CD133 (CD133high), l’autre faible en CD133 (CD133low). Afin de déterminer si ces populations cellulaires présentent des propriétés de TICs, des essais sur les neurosphères, les colonies en agar mou et les injections orthotopiques de 500 cellules sélectionnées dans 11 souris ont été réalisées. Après une isolation de l’ADN des populations sélectionnées, nous avons effectué une analyse génotypique par SNP utilisant les puces « Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 ». Pour vérifier l’expression des gènes identifiés, des Western Blots ont été réalisés. Nos résultats ont démontré que la population CD133 avait des propriétés de TICs in vitro et in vivo. L’analyse génotypique différentielle a permis d’identifier deux régions communes (16p13.3 and 19p13.3) dans la population CD133high ayant des gains et deux autres régions (16q12.1 and 21q21.3) dans la population CD133low possédant des pertes d’hétérozygoties (LOH). Aucune perte n’a été observée. Parmi les gènes étudiés, l’expression protéique d’éphrine-A2 était corrélée à celle de CD133 dans 6 tumeurs et 2 lignées cellulaires de NB. De plus, l’augmentation de la concentration d’anticorps anti-éphrine-A2 dans le milieu diminue la taille des neurosphères. Ainsi, la population CD133high, qui a des vertus de TICs, possède des caractéristiques génotypiques différentes par rapport à celle CD133low. La présence d’éphrine-A2 dans les cellules exprimant CD133 souligne son importance dans le développement des TICs. Ces résultats suggèrent la présence de potentielle cible pour de nouvelles thérapeutiques ciblant les TICs mise en évidence par l’étude génomique. / Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common and deadly extracranial solid tumor of childhood characterized by a resistance to chemotherapy possibly due to the presence of tumor initiating cells (TICs). Studies showed the role of CD133 as a marker of TICs in various types of cancers. Our goals were first to demonstrate the stemness of TICs expressing CD133 and then, using a global genomic analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), to perform a differential analysis between TICs and other cells of NB to identify the specific genetic abnormalities. NB cell lines were sorted by flow cytometry to obtain two populations: one enriched in CD133 (CD133high), the other low in CD133 (CD133low). To determine whether these cell populations have TICs properties, we test the ability of cells to form either neurosphères or, colonies in soft agar and we also test their carcinogenic properties by orthotopic injections of 500 selected cells in 11 mice. After a DNA extraction on selected populations, a differential genotyping analysis has been made with Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0. To verify the expression of the genes identified, Western blots had been made. Our results have demonstrated that CD133high population presented TICs properties in vitro and in vivo. The differential genotyping analysis allowed identifying two gains common regions (16p13.3 and 19p13.3) in CD133high population and two others loss of heterozygosity (LOH) (16q12.1 and 21q21.3) in CD133low population . No losses were observed. Among the genes studied, ephrin-A2 protein expression was correlated to CD133 expression in 6 NB tumors and 2 NB cell lines. Also, ephrin-A2’s increased concentration influenced the neurospheres by decreasing their size. Thereby, CD133high population, which had TICs properties, possess different genotyping characteristics compared to CD133low population. The presence of ephrine-A2 in cells expressing CD133 emphasizes its importance in the development of TICs. These results suggest the presence of potential target for new therapies targeting the TICs demonstrated by the genomic study.

Afin d’adresser la variabilité interindividuelle observée dans la réponse pharmacocinétique à de nombreux médicaments, nous avons créé un panel de génotypage personnalisée en utilisant des méthodes de conception et d’élaboration d’essais uniques. Celles-ci ont pour but premier de capturer les variations génétiques présentent dans les gènes clés impliqués dans les processus d'absorption, de distribution, de métabolisme et d’excrétion (ADME) de nombreux agents thérapeutiques. Bien que ces gènes et voies de signalement sont impliqués dans plusieurs mécanismes pharmacocinétiques qui sont bien connues, il y a eu jusqu’à présent peu d'efforts envers l’évaluation simultanée d’un grand nombre de ces gènes moyennant un seul outil expérimental. La recherche pharmacogénomique peut être réalisée en utilisant deux approches: 1) les marqueurs fonctionnels peuvent être utilisés pour présélectionner ou stratifier les populations de patients en se basant sur des états métaboliques connus; 2) les marqueurs Tag peuvent être utilisés pour découvrir de nouvelles corrélations génotype-phénotype. Présentement, il existe un besoin pour un outil de recherche qui englobe un grand nombre de gènes ADME et variantes et dont le contenu est applicable à ces deux modèles d'étude. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, nous avons développé un panel d’essais de génotypage de 3,000 marqueurs génétiques ADME qui peuvent satisfaire ce besoin. Dans le cadre de ce projet, les gènes et marqueurs associés avec la famille ADME ont été sélectionnés en collaboration avec plusieurs groupes du milieu universitaire et de l'industrie pharmaceutique. Pendant trois phases de développement de cet essai de génotypage, le taux de conversion pour 3,000 marqueurs a été amélioré de 83% à 97,4% grâce à l'incorporation de nouvelles stratégies ayant pour but de surmonter les zones d'interférence génomiques comprenant entre autres les régions homologues et les polymorphismes sous-jacent les régions d’intérêt. La précision du panel de génotypage a été validée par l’évaluation de plus de 200 échantillons pour lesquelles les génotypes sont connus pour lesquels nous avons obtenu une concordance > 98%. De plus, une comparaison croisée entre nos données provenant de cet essai et des données obtenues par différentes plateformes technologiques déjà disponibles sur le marché a révélé une concordance globale de > 99,5%. L'efficacité de notre stratégie de conception ont été démontrées par l'utilisation réussie de cet essai dans le cadre de plusieurs projets de recherche où plus de 1,000 échantillons ont été testés. Nous avons entre autre évalué avec succès 150 échantillons hépatiques qui ont été largement caractérisés pour plusieurs phénotypes. Dans ces échantillons, nous avons pu valider 13 gènes ADME avec cis-eQTL précédemment rapportés et de découvrir et de 13 autres gènes ADME avec cis eQTLs qui n'avaient pas été observés en utilisant des méthodes standard. Enfin, à l'appui de ce travail, un outil logiciel a été développé, Opitimus Primer, pour aider pour aider au développement du test. Le logiciel a également été utilisé pour aider à l'enrichissement de cibles génomiques pour d'expériences séquençage. Le contenu ainsi que la conception, l’optimisation et la validation de notre panel le distingue largement de l’ensemble des essais commerciaux couramment disponibles sur le marché qui comprennent soit des marqueurs fonctionnels pour seulement un petit nombre de gènes, ou alors n’offre pas une couverture adéquate pour les gènes connus d’ADME. Nous pouvons ainsi conclure que l’essai que nous avons développé est et continuera certainement d’être un outil d’une grande utilité pour les futures études et essais cliniques dans le domaine de la pharmacocinétique, qui bénéficieraient de l'évaluation d'une longue liste complète de gènes d’ADME. / In order to better assess the inter-individual variability observed in a patient’s pharmacokinetic response to many medications, we have created a custom genotyping panel that uses unique assay designs to analyze variation present in key genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of many therapeutic agents. These genes and pathways involved in most pharmacokinetic mechanisms are well known. However, as yet, there has been little effort to develop tools that can interrogate a large number of variations in most known drug metabolizing genes simultaneously within a single experimental tool. Pharmacogenomic research has historically been conducted using two approaches: targeted studies that screen a small number of specific functional markers to identify known metabolic status phenotypes, and genome-wide studies that identify novel genetic correlations with drug response phenotypes. Thus, a gap currently exists for a targeted ADME research tool that can evaluate a large number of key ADME genes and variants in a format that can be applicable to both types of study designs. As part of this thesis, we have developed a 3000 SNP broad based ADME genotyping panel that can address this need. Genes and markers for the genotyping panel were selected in collaboration with many groups from both academia and the pharmaceutical industry in an effort to capture all pertinent genes and metabolic pathways that have been implicated in drug metabolism. The final assay design was composed of over 3000 markers in 181 genes. Over three phases of iterative development, the assay conversion rate for the 3000 markers was improved from 83.0% to 97.4% through the incorporation of novel design strategies to overcome areas of genomic interference such as regions of homology and underlying polymorphisms. Accuracy of the assay was validated by screening more than 200 samples of known genotype with a concordance of 99%. Additionally, data from the assay has also been compared to data from different technological platforms and has an overall concordance of 99.5%. The effectiveness of the design strategy was demonstrated in the successful utilization of the assay in the screening of over 1000 samples which identified several novel pharmacogenetic associations between ADME variations and adverse drug reactions in children. Another goal of this thesis was to demonstrate what added benefit/utility the 3000 SNP ADME panel would have when compared to currently available genotyping assays. Using 150 extensively investigated liver samples, the broad based assay was not only able to detect and validate 13 previously reported cis eQTLs in ADME genes but further identified an additional 13 novel ADME cis eQTLs that had never been observed before, doubling the number previously identified using standard methods on the same samples. Finally, in support of this work, a number of bioinformatic tools had to be developed to help expedite this research. These tools have been further refined and are currently being used to assist with enrichment of genomic targets for next generation sequencing experiments. In conclusion, this work has led to a better understanding of ADME genetics and the nuances of assaying ADME genes. The content and designs of the developed assay sets it apart from currently available commercial assays that contain only functional markers in a small number of genes or do not have adequate coverage across ADME genes. The assay has the ability to play a significant role in pharmacogenomic studies to identify known and novel pharmacogenomic biomarkers. These will lead to improved biomarkers that will help better stratify pharmaceutical clinical trial populations or assist physicians to select better, more personalized, efficacious and safer therapies for their patients.

In this thesis techniques are presented that aim to determine individual DNA signatures by controlled synthesis of nucleic acid multimers. Allele-specific extension reactions with an improved specificity were applied for several genomic purposes. Since DNA polymerases extend some mismatched 3’-end primers, an improved specificity is a concern. This has been possible by exploiting the faster extension of matched primers and applying the enzymes apyrase or Proteinase K. The findings were applied to methods for resequencing and viral and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. P53 mutation is the most frequent event in human cancers. Here, a model system for resequencing of 15 bps in p53 based on apyrase-mediated allele-specific extension (AMASE) is described, investigated and evaluated (Paper I). A microarray format with fluorescence detection was used. On each array, four oligonucleotides were printed for each base to resequence. Target PCR products were hybridized and an AMASE-reaction performed in situ to distinguish which of the printed oligonucleotides matched the target. The results showed that without the inclusion of apyrase, the resulting sequence was unreadable. The results open the possibilities for developing large-scale resequencing tools. The presence of certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) transforms normal cells into cervical cancer cells. Thus, HPV type determination is clinically important. Also, multiple HPV infections are common but difficult to distinguish. Therefore, a genotyping platform based on competitive hybridization and AMASE is described, used on clinical sample material and evaluated by comparison to Sanger DNA sequencing (Papers II and III). A flexible tag-microarray was used for detection and the two levels of discrimination gave a high level of specificity. Easy identification of multiple infections was possible which provides new opportunities to investigate the importance of multiply infected samples. To achieve highly multiplexed allele-specific extension reactions, large numbers of primers will be employed and lead to spurious hybridizations. Papers IV to VI focus on an alternative approach to control oligomerization by using protease mediated allele-specific extension (PrASE). In order to maintain stringency at higher temperatures, Proteinase K, was used instead of apyrase, leading to DNA polymerase degradation and preventing unspecific extensions. An automated assay with tag-array detection for SNP genotyping was established. First PrASE was introduced and characterized (Paper IV), then used for genotyping of 10 SNPs in 442 samples (Paper V). A 99.8 % concordance to pyrosequencing was found. PrASE is a flexible tool for association studies and the results indicate an improved assay conversion rate as compared to plain allele-specific extension. The highly polymorphic melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R) is involved in melanogenesis. Twenty-one MC1R variants were genotyped with PrASE since variants in the gene have been associated to an increased risk of developing melanoma. A pilot study was performed to establish the assay (Paper VI) and subsequently a larger study was executed to investigate allele frequencies in the Swedish population (Paper VII). The case and control groups consisted of 1001 and 721 samples respectively. A two to sevenfold increased risk of developing melanoma was observed for carriers of variants. / QC 20101028

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Endometrial cancer is one of the most common female cancers in industrialized countries. Traditional risk factors associated with endometrial cancer are well understood and include excessive exposure to estrogen or estrogen unopposed by progesterone. However, variations in the genes that influence these hormones and their association with endometrial cancer have not been well investigated. By studying genetic variation in endometrial cancer, novel markers of risk may be discovered that can be used to identify women at high risk and for the implementation of specialised treatments. Polymorphisms in the genes involved in the following pathways; hormone biosynthesis, hormone receptors, estrogen metabolism, DNA repair and cell cycle control, have been suggested to be involved in the initiation and development of endometrial cancer. The focus of this study was to examine genetic variants in these pathways to assess the existence of an association with the risk of endometrial cancer. In the first part of this study, the COMT V158M polymorphism was examined in a hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) cohort to determine its association with disease expression. The heterozygous genotype was over-represented in women with endometrial/ovarian cancer that did not harbour mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutations. This result suggested that the COMT V158M polymorphism may alter the risk of developing HNPCC related endometrial/ovarian cancer in MMR mutation negative women. Since COMT is involved in the metabolism of estrogen and that estrogen is the main risk factor for endometrial cancer development, closer examination was warranted to determine the association of genetic variation involved in hormone-related pathways and endometrial cancer risk, outside of the context of an inherited predisposition to disease. In the second part of this study, a cohort of 191 women with endometrial cancer and 291 healthy control women were genotyped for polymorphisms in genes involved in hormone biosynthesis, hormone receptors, estrogen metabolism, DNA repair and cell cycle control. The results revealed that variations in estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and beta (ESR2), and the androgen receptor (AR), were associated with an increase and decrease in endometrial cancer risk, respectively. Additionally, polymorphisms in CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTM1 and GSTP1 were related to a decrease in endometrial cancer risk. A trend was observed for the cyclin D1 870 G>A polymorphism and an increase in endometrial cancer risk, however, this result did not reach significance. Taken together, these results revealed that perturbations in the hormone receptors and estrogen metabolism genes, may aid in the identification of women at high risk of developing endometrial cancer. Interestingly, stratification of the women with endometrial cancer revealed that combinations of polymorphisms in TP53 and MDM2 were associated with higher grades of cancer. This finding may possibly have significant implications as women with reduced apoptotic ability, due to combinations of polymorphisms in these genes, have an increased risk of presenting with higher grades of endometrial cancer, that are associated with lower survival rates. In summary, the results of this thesis showed that variation in the estrogen and androgen receptors, and estrogen metabolism genes, may alter the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Moreover, polymorphisms in the cell cycle control genes, TP53 and MDM2, appear to be associated with higher grades of endometrial cancer. This study of polymorphisms may help explain genetic differences in individual susceptibility to endometrial cancer and are markers of risk that aid in the development of effective and personalised strategies to prevent disease development. This study has improved the understanding of genetic variation associated with endometrial cancer risk. It has the potential to enhance our ability to treat women with endometrial cancer through improved identification and treatment strategies, by virtue of the genetic variation identified, that appears to predispose to disease.

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.

Orientador: Paulo Câmara Marques Pereira / Resumo: A doença de Chagas (DC), causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), ainda é considerada como um problema de saúde pública em muitos países da América Latina. De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, estima-se que entre seis a sete milhões de pessoas no mundo estejam infectadas. Indivíduos na fase crônica da doença podem ser classificados como assintomáticos ou sintomáticos (estes, desenvolvendo as formas clínicas cardíaca, digestiva ou mista). Os assintomáticos correspondem a 70% dos indivíduos nessa fase e, embora apresentem sorologia positiva para anticorpos anti T-cruzi, não desenvolvem manifestações clínicas da doença. O motivo pelo qual alguns pacientes permanecem assintomáticos, e outros desenvolvem sintomas severos, ainda é desconhecido. Fatores genéticos do hospedeiro são bastante relevantes e podem explicar a heterogeneidade encontrada em pacientes que vivem com a doença em áreas endêmicas. Diante disso, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) no gene TNF-α (rs1800629) e ACAT-1 (rs1044925) em indivíduos com DC crônica e verificar se os mesmos estão relacionados com a susceptibilidade para manifestação de formas clínicas sintomáticas com uso da técnica PCR-RFLP. Foram genotipadas 124 amostras para o gene TNF-α e 135 para o gene ACAT-1. Foi observada associação significativa da presença do alelo A do gene TNF- α em indivíduos sintomáticos em relação aos assintomáticos (p = 0,045). Também houve associação si... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is still considered a public health problem in many Latin America countries. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that between six and seven million people worldwide are infected. Disease’s chronic phase individuals may be classified as asymptomatic or symptomatic (these, developing as clinical cardiac, digestive or mixed forms). Asymptomatic individuals account for 70% of the patients at this stage and, although they have positive serology for anti-T-cruzi antibodies, they do not develop it’s clinical manifestations. The reason why some patients remain asymptomatic, and others develop severe symptoms, is still unknown. Host’s genetic factors are quite relevant and may explain the heterogeneity found in patients living with the disease in endemic areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate SNPs in the TNF-α (rs1800629) and ACAT-1 (rs1044925) genes in individuals with chronic CD and to verify if the polymorphisms are related to the susceptibility to manifestation of symptomatic clinical forms using the PCR-RFLP technique. Were genotyped 124 samples for the TNF-α gene and 135 for the ACAT-1 gene. Significant association for the presence of the A allele of the TNF-α gene was observed for symptomatic individuals in relation to the asymptomatic ones (p = 0.045). There was also a significant association between the G allele (p = 0.008) and the GG genotype (p = 0.001) of the TNF-... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Serological discrepancies in matching blood group antigens between donors and patients for blood transfusion may lead to alloimmunisation, especially in multiply transfused patients. Blood group genotyping (BGG) has contributed in reducing this issue. ABO, Fy and Jk antigens are among those to be causative for alloimmunisation through transfusion or pregnancy. The number of alleles of these clinically significant blood groups is ever increasing. Currently, all commercially available high-throughput BGG platforms are only based on pre-defined polymorphisms. Consequently, novel or rare alleles that might have clinical significance are not identified. Next generation sequencing (NGS) circumvents this issue by providing high-throughput comprehensive genotyping of blood group genes in discovery mode to find all existing and novel mutations. Accordingly, a large number of individuals can be genotyped in a single run. Here, we describe an NGS-based method coupled with long-range polymerase chain reaction (LR-PCR) for high-throughput, rapid and extensive genotyping of FY, JK and ABO blood group genes. The Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGMTM) was used for sequencing the entire FY, JK and ABO blood group genes including flanking regions. Accordingly, high resolution genotyping was obtained. 53 genomic DNA samples were sequenced and genotyped for FY, 67 for JK and 47 for ABO. Sequencing data were aligned to the gene reference sequence derived from the human genome (hg19) to analyse variants. Analysis was accomplished by software packages, such as Ion Torrent SuiteTM plugins. Sanger sequencing of cDNA and cDNA clones was used to confirm findings in the JK gene. The sequencing data had a coverage depth of more than 5000x for FY, 700x for JK and 600x for ABO. NGS data matched with the serological phenotypes of FY alleles FY*A, FY*B and FY*02 Null main polymorphisms, such as FY*A/FY*B (125G > A) in exon 2 and (-67 T > C) in the promotor region. JK variant analysis revealed that the JK*01W.01 allele (130G > A) is common (10/67 samples) with normal antigenicity. The previously described silencing polymorphism (810G > A), leading to a purported JK*B null allele, restores a splice site and does not correlate with loss of Jkb antigenicity (10/67 samples). JK intron analysis revealed several new JK alleles described in this thesis. All 7 exons, introns and the flanking regions of the ABO gene were covered by only four amplicons. Several rare O alleles were found, such as O73 and O75, while one suggested novel O allele was characterised by a missense SNP 482G > A (Arg161His) in exon 7. The ABO reference sequence from hg19 appeared to resemble (O01 and O02) alleles. The intronic SNPs might be used to distinguish between alleles more accurately as a correlation of the intronic SNPs with the alleles was noted for the homozygous O alleles. It is predicted that NGS-based genotyping will replace not only microarray-based genotyping but also serology in the blood group typing of individuals, with great advancements in technology and molecular knowledge being expected in the near future.

This study focuses on the question of the epidemiology of resistance to antibiotics in Acinetobacter baumannii, which is nowadays one of the most problematic bacterial patho- gens associated with failing antimicrobial therapy. Its aim was to define population-genetic properties, epidemiology and the nature of multidrug resistance for a sample of the current population of A. baumannii from Czechia. A total of 55 isolates were collected in eight medi- cal facilities in central Bohemia from October 2016 to May 2018. The isolates were assessed for their identity at the species, clonal and strain levels as well as resistance phenotype and genotype; they were classified into five clonal groups, each of which encompassed isolates that were likely to be epidemiologically related. The 55 isolates studied belonged, nearly exclusively, to global clone ECII, with 53 % of them forming a genetically relatively homoge- neous group characterized by extensive resistance to antibiotics (susceptible only to col- istin), the presence of genes encoding ArmA a OXA-23 (resistance to all aminoglycosides and carbapenems) and spread in all locations. The in-depth epidemiological analysis of isolates from the city of Příbram and its vicinity indicated the regional spread of two strains, one of which belonged to the...

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:56:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao - Cynthia.pdf: 1641533 bytes, checksum: 56ac8be8ae2e1e0e55c011b99fe0d3aa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-20 / Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) can cause a wide spectrum of disseminated or localized diseases, especially pulmonary, skin, or soft tissue infections. In last years infections due to contaminated materials and invasive procedures have been also increasingly reported. Recent outbreaks of infections affecting more than 1000 patients submitted to different invasive procedures in Brazil underscores this issue. Of the RGM, members of the M. chelonae - M. abscessus group are the most pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant. Even with multiple drug combinations, multiresistant RGM infections may be difficult to cure. In this study we describe the molecular identification, typing and in vitro susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents of RGM involved in recent infections in Brazil. The study was carried out in two groups of RGM isolates: one group recovered from different outbreaks (75 isolates) and a second group recovered from sporadic infections (10 isolates). hsp65 and rpoB gene sequencing was used for discrimination between species of M. chelonae - M. abscessus group and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to evaluate possible clonal relatedness and diversity among the isolates. Broth microdilution MICs of 15 antimicrobial agents were determined for these clinical isolates. Three species were identified in RGM outbreaks: M. massiliense from video assisted surgeries; M. bolletii from mesotherapy and M. abscessus from liposuction and mammaplasty. Molecular typing by PFGE demonstrated the clonal relatedness within M. massiliense isolates and within M. abscessus isolates. Mesotherapy and pulmonary isolates presented different PFGE patterns. Our results showed that the isolates drug resistance does not differed markedly by PFGE pattern. The resistance rates of these isolates to the currently available agents were high. The majority of M. massiliense isolates was susceptible to clarithromycin, amikacin and tigecyclin, whereas M. bolletii and M. abscessus isolates were susceptible only to amikacin and tigecyclin and moderately susceptible to cefoxitin. In conclusion, despite in vitro drug sensitivity tests limitations, the results provided may be sufficient to guide clinicians in selecting appropriate therapy for RGM infections. / Micobactérias de crescimento rápido (MCR) podem causar um amplo espectro de doenças, desde infecções cutâneas superficiais até doenças disseminadas graves. Relatos de infecções adquiridas devido ao uso de materiais contaminados e a procedimentos cirúrgicos invasivos têm aumentado nos últimos anos. Os surtos ocorridos recentemente no Brasil e que afetaram mais de 1000 pacientes comprovam este fato. Entre as espécies de MCR, aquelas pertencentes ao grupo M. chelonae - M. abscessus são as mais patogênicas e resistentes aos antimicrobianos. Mesmo em vigência de poliquimioterapia, pacientes portadores de infecções causadas por MCR podem não obter cura clínica. Neste estudo, identificamos espécies de MCR envolvidas em surtos e infecções esporádicas no Brasil no período de 2004 a 2008 e analisamos seus perfis genotípicos e de sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. Para isso, realizamos o estudo em dois grupos de MCR: o primeiro constituído por isolados relacionados a surtos (75 isolados) e o segundo por isolados não relacionados a surtos (10 isolados). O seqüenciamento dos genes hsp65 e rpoB foi utilizado para diferenciar entre as espécies do grupo M. chelonae - M. abscessus e a eletroforese em campo pulsátil (PFGE) para avaliar possíveis semelhanças entre os perfis genotípicos. A determinação das concentrações inibitórias mínimas (MIC) de 15 antimicrobianos frente aos isolados de MCR foi determinado pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. A partir dos testes realizados, foram identificadas 3 espécies de MCR relacionadas a surtos: M. massiliense, relacionado a videocirurgias; M. bolletii relacionado a mesoterapia; e M. abscessus, relacionado a cirurgias estéticas. A análise genotípica por PFGE desses isolados permitiu demonstrar ou comprovar a relação clonal entre os isolados de M. massiliense e entre os isolados de M. abscessus. Porém, os isolados provenientes de mesoterapia e infecções esporádicas apresentaram diferentes perfis genotípicos. As espécies analisadas, independentemente de sua origem (surto ou infecção esporádica) apresentaram uma ampla resistência in vitro aos antimicrobianos. Isolados de M. massiliense só apresentaram sensibilidade in vitro à claritromicina, amicacina e tigeciclina, enquanto os isolados de M. bolletii e M. abscessus foram sensíveis somente à amicacina e tigeciclina e moderadamente sensíveis à cefoxitina. Em conclusão, a análise ampla dos perfis genotípicos e, sobretudo de resistência, como efetuado neste trabalho, mesmo com as limitações próprias de um critério fenotípico in vitro, pode auxiliar o médico na fundamentação do esquema terapêutico.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:56:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cynara Oliveira Possamai.pdf: 3245812 bytes, checksum: 7de0caeadb98d478a083db43020f22f8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-28 / O gênero Acanthamoeba compreende protozoários anfizóicos que estão presentes nos mais diversos ambientes, podendo causar no homem doenças graves, como a ceratite amebiana e a encefalite amebiana granulomatosa. Os fatores envolvidos na patogenicidade de Acanthamoeba não são inteiramente conhecidos, por isso, alguns marcadores vêm sendo investigados na tentativa de identificar linhagens capazes de causar infecção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de Acanthamoeba em amostras clínicas e ambientais, bem como caracterizar os isolados obtidos por parâmetros morfológicos, genotipagem e avaliação do potencial patogênico. Foram coletadas amostras de raspado de córnea de pacientes com suspeita de ceratite amebiana e amostras ambientais provenientes de poeira, solo, piscina, água potável, água de inundação e água do mar da região metropolitana de Vitória-ES. Todas as amostras foram cultivadas em meio ágar soja. Além da cultura, as amostras de raspado de córnea também foram coletadas em salina de Page e submetidas a uma reação de semi-nested PCR. Culturas positivas para Acanthamoeba, identificadas com base na morfologia dos cistos e trofozoítos, foram selecionadas, clonadas e classificadas nos grupos morfológicos I, II ou III. A genotipagem dos isolados foi realizada a partir do sequenciamento parcial do gene 18S rDNA e o potencial patogênico das culturas clonadas foi avaliado por meio de ensaios de termotolerância e osmotolerância. Foram cultivadas em ágar 90 amostras ambientais, 16 de raspado de córnea e nove de lentes de contato (LC). Dessas, 38 (33 ambientais, quatro clínicas e uma de LC) foram positivas para Acanthamoeba, sendo obtidos 28 clones (24 ambientais, três clínicos e um de LC). Dentre eles, 26 apresentaram características morfológicas do grupo II, um do grupo I (solo) e um clone (água potável) não foi classificado de acordo com os parâmetros morfológicos de classificação. Quatro casos de ceratite amebiana foram confirmados somente por diagnóstico molecular. Todos os isolados clínicos, o de LC e a maioria dos isolados ambientais sequenciados foram classificados como pertencentes ao genótipo T4. Dentre os isolados ambientais, dois foram agrupados no genótipo T11 (piscina) e um no T1 (poeira). Todos os isolados clonados submetidos aos ensaios de termotolerância apresentaram crescimento a 28ºC e a 37ºC. Em contrapartida, nenhum isolado cresceu a 42ºC. Nos testes de osmotolerância, todos os isolados se desenvolveram a 0,1M e a 0,5M de manitol e a maioria deles cresceu à concentração de 1,0M. Os resultados deste estudo pioneiro no Espírito Santo confirmam a predominância do grupo morfológico II e do genótipo T4 em isolados clínicos e ambientais de Acanthamoeba e relata pela primeira vez no Brasil o isolamento de Acanthamoeba pertencente ao genótipo T1. Este trabalho demonstra também a presença de isolados potencialmente patogênicos no ambiente, inclusive em amostras de água de inundação e de água do mar, o que pode representar um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de infecções causadas por Acanthamoeba. Além disso, a metodologia desenvolvida neste estudo poderá ser utilizada para um diagnóstico mais rápido, sensível e específico de ceratite por Acanthamoeba / The genus Acanthamoeba comprises amphizoic protozoa with a wide environment distribution. They can cause serious diseases in humans, such as amoebic keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Thus, the factors involved in the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba are being investigated as major interests to identify strains able to cause infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Acanthamoeba both in clinical and environmental samples, characterize the isolates by morphological parameters, genotyping and also evaluate the pathogenic potential. Clinical samples were collected from patients with a suspicious diagnosis of amoebic keratitis throughout corneal scrapings. Environmental samples were collected from dust, soil, swimming pool, tap, sea, and flood waters in Vitoria metropolitan regions, Espirito Santo State, Brazil. All samples were cultured on soy agar. Samples from corneal scrapings were also collected in Page saline and subjected to a reaction of semi-nested PCR. Positive cultures for Acanthamoeba, previously identified based on the cysts and trophozoites morphology, were selected, cloned and classified into morphological groups I, II or III. Genotyping of isolates was performed by partially sequencing the 18S rDNA gene while the pathogenic potential of cloned cultures was assessed by thermo and osmotolerance assays. From all samples cultured on agar, 90 were from environmental sources, 16 from corneal scrapings and nine from contact lenses (CL). Of these, 38 (33 from environmental samples, four from clinical samples and one from CL sample) were positive for Acanthamoeba. Among the 38 positive isolates, 28 were successfully cloned (24 from environmental isolates, three from clinical isolates and one from CL isolate). Twenty six cloned samples showed morphological characteristics of group II, one of group I (soil) and one (tap water) could not be classified according to morphological parameters. Four cases of amoebic keratitis could only be confirmed by molecular diagnosis. All clinical, CL and most of the environmental isolates sequenced were classified as T4 genotype. Among the environmental isolates, two were grouped in genotype T11 (pool) and one in T1 (dust). All cloned isolates subjected to the thermotolerance assay grew at 28 ºC and 37 ºC. The same result was observed in osmotolerance tests at 0.1M and 0.5M mannitol. Neverthless, while most of the cloned isolates were able to grow at 1.0M mannitol, none of the isolates were able to grow at 42 ºC. The present study confirms the predominance of morphological group II and genotype T4 in clinical and environmental isolates of Acanthamoeba in Espirito Santo State and first time reports the T1 genotype isolation of Acanthamoeba in Brazil. This work also demonstrates the presence of potentially pathogenic isolates at the environment, including samples of flood and sea waters, which may represent a risk factor for the development of infections caused by Acanthamoeba. Furthermore, the methodology used in this study could be used for a fast, sensitive and specific diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis