A síndrome de Marfan (MFS) é uma doença autossômica dominante do tecido conjuntivo que afeta o coração, vasos sanguíneos, pulmões, olhos, ossos e os ligamentos. Mutações no gene codificante da fibrilina 1 (FBN1) causam a síndrome de Marfan e doenças relacionadas do tecido conjuntivo. Fibrilina 1 é o componente principal das microfibrilas de 10-12nm encontradas na matriz extracelular (ECM). A ECM tem um papel estrutural na organização específica do tecido e participa na regulação de várias citocinas e fatores de crescimento. Uma quantidade crescente de evidências demonstra um relacionamento entre fibrilina 1 e o receptor do fator de transformação do crescimento (TGF-). A Homologia entre fibrilina 1 e TGF- latente (LTGF) permite que os microfibrilas sirvam de reservatório para esta citocina. Recentemente foram descritos nos pacientes com MFS, mutações nos genes receptores I e II do TGF- (TGFBRI/II). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a heterogeneidade genética da síndrome de Marfan. Nós realizamos análises de ligação para 6 marcadores dos gene FBN1 e TGFBRII em 34 famílias e sequenciamos o TGFBRI e TGFBRII. A análise de ligação dos haplótipos em relação aos marcadores do gene FBN1 indicou co-segregação em 70,58%, exclusão em 17,64% e homozigozidade em 11,76%; em relação aos marcadores do gene TGFBRII indicou co-segregação em uma família. Conseguimos demonstrar a heterogeneidade de lócus e a utilidade do teste diagnóstico na assistência das famílias pré-sintomáticas com manifestações atípicas ou ambíguas da MFS. / Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue that can affect the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, bones, and ligaments. Mutations in the gene encoding fibrillin 1 (FBN1) cause Marfan syndrome (MFS), and related connective tissue disorders. Fibrillin-1 is the main component of the 10-12 nm microfibrils found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM displays a structural role in the tissue-specific organization and takes part in the regulation of various cytokines and growth factors. A growing body of evidence supports a narrow relationship between fibrillin 1 and TGF-beta. Homology between fibrillin 1 and latent TGF-beta (LTGF) allows microfibrils to be a reservoir for this cytokine. Recently, mutations in the gene for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-) receptor type I and II (TGFBRI/II) have been described in patients with MFS. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic heterogeneity of Marfan syndrome. We have performed linkage analysis for 6 FBN1 and TGFBRII gene markers in 34 families and sequenced both TGFBRI and TGFBRII. The haplotype linkage analysis concerning the FBN1 gene markers indicated co-segregation at 70.58%, exclusion at 17.64% and homozygosity at 11.76%; in relation to the TGFBRII gene markers, it indicated co-segregation in one family. We were able to demonstrate the heterogeneity of locus and the utility of the diagnostic test in the assistance of the daily pre-symptomatic families with atypical or ambiguous manifestations of MFS.

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A síndrome de Marfan (MFS) é uma doença autossômica dominante do tecido conjuntivo que afeta o coração, vasos sanguíneos, pulmões, olhos, ossos e os ligamentos. Mutações no gene codificante da fibrilina 1 (FBN1) causam a síndrome de Marfan e doenças relacionadas do tecido conjuntivo. Fibrilina 1 é o componente principal das microfibrilas de 10-12nm encontradas na matriz extracelular (ECM). A ECM tem um papel estrutural na organização específica do tecido e participa na regulação de várias citocinas e fatores de crescimento. Uma quantidade crescente de evidências demonstra um relacionamento entre fibrilina 1 e o receptor do fator de transformação do crescimento (TGF-). A Homologia entre fibrilina 1 e TGF- latente (LTGF) permite que os microfibrilas sirvam de reservatório para esta citocina. Recentemente foram descritos nos pacientes com MFS, mutações nos genes receptores I e II do TGF- (TGFBRI/II). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a heterogeneidade genética da síndrome de Marfan. Nós realizamos análises de ligação para 6 marcadores dos gene FBN1 e TGFBRII em 34 famílias e sequenciamos o TGFBRI e TGFBRII. A análise de ligação dos haplótipos em relação aos marcadores do gene FBN1 indicou co-segregação em 70,58%, exclusão em 17,64% e homozigozidade em 11,76%; em relação aos marcadores do gene TGFBRII indicou co-segregação em uma família. Conseguimos demonstrar a heterogeneidade de lócus e a utilidade do teste diagnóstico na assistência das famílias pré-sintomáticas com manifestações atípicas ou ambíguas da MFS. / Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue that can affect the heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, bones, and ligaments. Mutations in the gene encoding fibrillin 1 (FBN1) cause Marfan syndrome (MFS), and related connective tissue disorders. Fibrillin-1 is the main component of the 10-12 nm microfibrils found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM displays a structural role in the tissue-specific organization and takes part in the regulation of various cytokines and growth factors. A growing body of evidence supports a narrow relationship between fibrillin 1 and TGF-beta. Homology between fibrillin 1 and latent TGF-beta (LTGF) allows microfibrils to be a reservoir for this cytokine. Recently, mutations in the gene for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-) receptor type I and II (TGFBRI/II) have been described in patients with MFS. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic heterogeneity of Marfan syndrome. We have performed linkage analysis for 6 FBN1 and TGFBRII gene markers in 34 families and sequenced both TGFBRI and TGFBRII. The haplotype linkage analysis concerning the FBN1 gene markers indicated co-segregation at 70.58%, exclusion at 17.64% and homozygosity at 11.76%; in relation to the TGFBRII gene markers, it indicated co-segregation in one family. We were able to demonstrate the heterogeneity of locus and the utility of the diagnostic test in the assistance of the daily pre-symptomatic families with atypical or ambiguous manifestations of MFS.

Abstract Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental retardation syndrome, is caused by an expansion of the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the 5' UTR of the FMR1 gene, with concurrent hypermethylation of the region, which represses FMR1 expression. The syndrome is associated with the folate-sensitive chromosomal fragile site at Xq27.3 (FRAXA), where the gene responsible for the syndrome was first localized by linkage analysis using RFLP markers. In this study the linkage relationships of the RFLP markersat Xq27-28 and the characteristics of the CGG repeat expansion were investigated in northern Finnish fragile X families and molecular diagnostic methods were applied in order to improve diagnosis of the syndrome. Furthermore, the origin of fragile X mutations in the northern part of Finland was studied by haplotype analysis. Linkage studies were performed in 34 northern Finnish fragile X families/pedigrees using a total of 15 RFLPs (defining 11 loci). A refined genetic map around FRAXA including five RFLP markers having recombination fractions of 0.04 or less with FRAXA was obtained in an international study of 112 affected families, containing linkage data on twelve northern Finnish families. Linkage analysis significantly improved carrier detection in fragile X families compared with previous cytogenetic methods used in diagnosis. The most efficient RFLP-based protocol for carrier detection was proposed, which is based on use of the most adjacent markers and a minimum number of restriction enzymes. CGG repeat expansion of the FMR1 gene was investigated in original families collected for linkage studies and additional new ones. Large CGG repeat expansions (Δ > 500 bp) with concomitant methylation of the adjacent CpG island, i.e. full mutations, were found to be associated with mental retardation completely in males, but only 50% of the females having a full mutation were mentally impaired. Premutations (Δ < 700 bp) were found in healthy carriers. There was a size range of Δ = 500 to 700 bp, where the expansions could be either abnormally methylated or non-methylated, and it appeared that methylation is more important in determining the phenotype than the exact size of an expansion. Instability of the enlarged CGG repeats was detected, leading preferentially to size increases in successive generations. The instability of premutations was found to be stronger and the size increases larger in maternal than in paternal transmissions, and transition to a full mutation occurred only in female transmissions. In addition, the size of a maternal premutation was shown to have an important influence on the risk of its transition to a full mutation when transmitted. The critical premutation size leading invariably to full mutation in the offspring was found to be between Δ = 175 to 200 bp. In one of the studied families a rare contraction of a paternal premutation to a normal CGG repeat number in one of the daughters and further in her son was detected. Direct mutation analysis including measurement of the CGG repeat size and hypermethylation allowed unambiguous diagnosis of carriers and affected individuals in most cases. Haplotype analysis using two tightly linked microsatellite markers flanking the CGG repeat mutation was performed in 60 unrelated northern and eastern Finnish fragile X families. A significant difference was found in allelic and haplotypic distributions between normal X and fragile X chromosomes. A single haplotype, which was present only in 8% of the normal X chromosomes, accounted for 80% of the fragile X chromosomes. This enrichment of one fra(X) mutation in the Finnish population suggests founder effect.

Masters of Science / Genetic analysis for resistance to Woolly Apple Aphid in apple rootstock breeding populations MC Selala MSc Thesis, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of the WesternCape. The Woolly Apple Aphid (WAA) Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausm.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is economically one of the most important pests in apple commercial production in the Western Cape province, South Africa. The apple cultivar Northern Spy possesses a single major gene (Er1) responsible for E. lanigerum resistance. This cultivar has been used as a commercial rootstock in apple breeding programmes. There are other genes also implicated in resistance to E. lanigerum from other cultivars. Manipulation and pyramiding of the E. lanigerum resistance genes (Er1, Er2 and Er3) might provide a necessary control for commercial apple production. The aim of this study was to construct a genetic linkage map for apple using microsatellite markers. The use of marker-assisted selection would greatly benefit local apple breeding programmes. Ninety six seedlings from a Northern Spy × Cox Orange Pippin mapping population were used for genetic linkage construction. Phenotypic data collection and analysis were performed to determine the E. lanigerum infestation patterns and the levels of resistance conferred by the Er1 gene from Northern Spy using 52 in vitro propagated seedlings in the greenhouse. Classification and quantification analysis showed association patterns between first assessments (30 days) to second assessment (60 days) in all replicate blocks. Roots and shoots data showed that it could be useful in quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, but may be used in different QTLs beingidentified due to the variations between roots and shoots data. A preliminary linkage map was constructed using a mapping population from Northern Spy × Cox Orange Pippin (96 seedlings).Fluorescently labelled published and predicted microsatellite markers were used in map construction. Primers were optimised using single apple cultivar and the detection of polymorphisms using nine apple cultivars. Optimised markers were multiplexed for high throughput data generation using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Multiplexed PCR products were pooled and analysed on an ABI 310 PRISM™ Genetic Analyser to determine allele fragment sizes, and the inherited segregation types in the seedlings. Computer software GenoTyper® 2.5.2 and JoinMap® 3.0 was used in data analysis from ABI 310 PRISM™Genetic Analyser and linkage map construction. Seventy two markers were used in linkage map construction, which produced nine linkage groups with some segments from the same linkage group. Twenty-one markers were aligned on the map 20 published and one predicted. Only one linkage group consisted of five markers while other linkage groups had two markers each. This study has proved that th preliminary linkage map could be used as the basis of a complete linkage map of Northern Spy × Cox Orange Pippin.

No description available.

No description available.

<p>Linkage in the 2q37 region was evaluated using microsatellite markers in multi-case families from Sweden, Iceland and Norway. Both the two-point and the multipoint linkage analysis show highly significant LOD scores (Z=4.51 and 6.03, respectively). Linkage disequilibrium mapping indicates that some association exists in this region. The <i>PDCD1</i> gene was suggested as a candidate gene within the 2q37 locus due to its importance in immune regulation. Indeed, one haplotype, described by the presence of allele A of the PD1.3 SNP located within intron 4 of this gene, shows linkage to SLE in the Nordic families. The PD1.3A allele is also found to be strongly associated in familiar and sporadic cases of SLE in Europeans and Mexicans. Functional studies further support PD1.3A to be a susceptibility allele for SLE.</p><p>The 1q23 region, containing the genes for the low affinity Fcγ receptors, was fine mapped using single- and multi- case families of various origins. Genetic variants of those genes were analysed and association is found to both the risk alleles of <i>Fc</i>γ<i>RIIA</i> and <i>Fc</i>γ<i>RIIIA</i> in all families. In these families, a single haplotype carrying both risk alleles is predominantly transmitted to patients with SLE, suggesting a presence of linkage disequilibrium between those two genes. <i>Fc</i>γ<i>RIIA</i> and <i>Fc</i>γ<i>RIIIA</i> are also found to be associated to SLE and lupus nephritis in a case-control cohort from Sweden. In the same cohort, the PD1.3A allele shows strong association to lupus nephritis. We suggest that there may be an additive effect between <i>Fc</i>γ<i>RIIA</i> and <i>PDCD1</i>, since having the disease-associated genotypes at both loci gives an increased risk for developing lupus nephritis.</p><p>Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder with a complex multifactorial aetiology. Genetic studies suggest that several genes are involved in disease pathogenesis and that extended genetic heterogeneity is present.</p>

<p>The aim with this thesis has been to identify genes involved in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). SLE is a systemic autoimmune disorder, most likely caused by both several genetic and environmental factors. </p><p>In order to identify susceptibility loci for the disease we performed linkage analyses on data from 70 families of various ethnic origins. Significant linkage was found in two regions. One region (chromosome 17p12-q11) was linked to SLE in a set of Argentine families. Since the same region had been previously identified in several linkage studies on Multiple Sclerosis patients, we propose that this locus may contain a genetic variant that affects not only SLE, but also autoimmunity in general. The second locus is located on chromosome 4p14-13 and has only been identified in a set of Icelandic families. We suggest that this locus contains a mutation that has been enriched in the Icelandic population due to its population history.</p><p>The <i>BCL2 </i>gene has been suggested as a candidate gene for SLE. Three markers in this gene were investigated for association with the disease in two different populations. However, no association could be found with any of the markers or when these markers were analysed together as a haplotype. We conclude that the <i>BCL2</i> gene is not associated with SLE in our material. This result contradicts previously published results of an association between <i>BCL2</i> and SLE. </p><p>We suggest that the PD-1 pathway (involved in inhibition of T- and B-cell responses) is an important component in SLE pathogenesis. A regulatory variant in the <i>PD-1</i> gene had previously been associated with SLE and here we show strong association (p<0.0001) to a haplotype containing SNPs in both <i>PD-L1</i> and <i>PD-L2</i>. </p><p>Our results indicate that SLE is a disease caused by several genetic variations that differ between families and populations.</p>

Linkage in the 2q37 region was evaluated using microsatellite markers in multi-case families from Sweden, Iceland and Norway. Both the two-point and the multipoint linkage analysis show highly significant LOD scores (Z=4.51 and 6.03, respectively). Linkage disequilibrium mapping indicates that some association exists in this region. The PDCD1 gene was suggested as a candidate gene within the 2q37 locus due to its importance in immune regulation. Indeed, one haplotype, described by the presence of allele A of the PD1.3 SNP located within intron 4 of this gene, shows linkage to SLE in the Nordic families. The PD1.3A allele is also found to be strongly associated in familiar and sporadic cases of SLE in Europeans and Mexicans. Functional studies further support PD1.3A to be a susceptibility allele for SLE. The 1q23 region, containing the genes for the low affinity Fcγ receptors, was fine mapped using single- and multi- case families of various origins. Genetic variants of those genes were analysed and association is found to both the risk alleles of FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIA in all families. In these families, a single haplotype carrying both risk alleles is predominantly transmitted to patients with SLE, suggesting a presence of linkage disequilibrium between those two genes. FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIA are also found to be associated to SLE and lupus nephritis in a case-control cohort from Sweden. In the same cohort, the PD1.3A allele shows strong association to lupus nephritis. We suggest that there may be an additive effect between FcγRIIA and PDCD1, since having the disease-associated genotypes at both loci gives an increased risk for developing lupus nephritis. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder with a complex multifactorial aetiology. Genetic studies suggest that several genes are involved in disease pathogenesis and that extended genetic heterogeneity is present.