Magister Scientiae - MSc / The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the SLC22A1 gene and to deduce its possible pharmacogenetic implications within the Cape Coloured population of South Africa; a uniquely admixed population of immigrant Europeans, Asians and the indigenous populations. Recent studies have reported an abundance of polymorphic variants within this solute carrier transporter gene encoding for the organic cation transporter 1, as well as evidence linking these variants to an effect on metformin uptake. This study included establishing baseline frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot® and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and also exploring the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a costeffective alternative for SNP genotyping. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Biological samples in the form of buccal (oral) swabs were collected from 132 unrelated voluntary donors from the Cape Coloured population residing in the Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot® Multiplex Systems were specifically designed for the study,successfully optimized and used for genotyping. Hundred genetic profiles were then generated for a total of 20 SNP variants on SLC22A1 gene, using this primer extension-based genotyping method that enables multiplexing up 10 SNPs. Population genetics data obtained for the investigated SNPs were analysed using various statistical analysis software. Important population genetic parameters were calculated, and possible pharmacogenetics implications were then discussed. Among others, allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium were determined and compared with world populations. Minor deviation from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was observed in the Cape Coloured population. No significantLinkage Disequilibrium between the investigated SNPs was observed in this population. A Multiplex allele specific – PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping system was successfully designed and optimized for the genotyping of 10 SNPs from the SLC22A1. This system, also developed specifically for this study, was made of 2 multiplexes each covering 5 SNPs. It is an inexpensive genotyping assay that allows for efficient discrimination of SNP polymorphisms in one reaction tube with standard PCR conditions. A pilot study was conducted to explore the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a cost-effective alternative for SNP genotyping. In addition to genotyping, HRM analysis can be used to scan large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations. / South Africa

Isolation of plant DNA is complicated due to the presence of polyphenols, polysaccharides and other metabolites, that are isolated together with DNA. These compounds can affect the yield and quality of DNA and can inhibit a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A modern, simple, and fast method of DNA isolation in molecular biology laboratories is magnetic separation based on reversible DNA immobilization on magnetic particles. These methods allow to obtain DNA of high quality and purity. In the experimental part, magnetic microparticles PGMA 2 mg/ml and magnetic nanoparticles functionalized by polylysine (PLL) 0,2 mg/ml were used for isolation of plant DNA from vegetables (carrots), fruits (pear, apple, lemon, mango) and heat treated food products for children (Hami first carrot, Nestlé fruit pocket, dmBIO pear carrot apple, Hello fruit snack with apples and Hello fruity snack with mango). The efficiency of separation of magnetic particles with bound DNA using a magnetic needle and a magnetic separator were compared. The quality and quantity of isolated DNA were verified by spectrophotometric analysis. The amplificability of isolated DNA was tested in a conventional PCR using primers specific for plant ribosomal DNA (rDNA). PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Major fluorescent bands were of 700, 350 and 220 bp corresponding to three different rDNA amplicons. DNA was isolated from heat treated food products for children in a PCR-ready quality. Only 220 bp long PCR products were detected, that indicated DNA degradation. The identity of PCR products was determined by restriction fragment lenght analysis (RFLP) using NlaIII enzyme cutting the rDNA subregion (ITS1) of Daucus carota (carrot). The digestion profiles were in a good agreement with those predicted from bioinformatic analysis confirming, thus, the specificity of the developed PCR method.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is molecular diagnostic method which allows the identification of lactic acid bacteria used in food industry. In this work species-specific PCR primers (targeted on highly conserved 16S rDNA region) were used for identification of bacteria of species Streptoccocus thermophilus in 10 randomly commercially accessible fermented milk products and for identification of species Streptococcus thermophilus in 25 lyophilisates collected in Culture Collection of Dairy Microorganisms Laktoflora (CCDM, Tábor, Czech Republic). The PCR products (968 bp) were detected using electrophoresis in 1,2 % agarose gel. Bacterial DNA was isolated from crude cell lysates by magnetic carriers P(HEMA co GMA) containing carboxyl groups. DNA was reversibly bind on their surface in the presence of high concentrations of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 6000) and sodium chloride. Phenol extraction of DNA was used as control. Streptococcus thermophilus strains were identificated using PCR in all analysed samples.

The aim of this study was focused on the study of conditions of growth of strains Lbc. paracasei subsp. paracasei CCDM 211, Lbc. paracasei CCDM 212, Lbc. paracasei subsp. paracasei CCDM 213 and Lbc. salivarius CCDM 216 in media with different amount of carbon-source (glucose, lactose and whey). Next part of the experiment was dealed with study of conditions of bacteria growth at stress conditions (lower pH). The purity od bacterial culture was verified with help of streaking. Purity DNA isolated from bacteria was tested using agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA concentration was estimated spectrophotometricaly. The presence of bacteria of genus Lactobacillus was proved using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with genus specific primers.

Extraction of nucleic acids is an important step for all molecular biological studies. The process of isolation of plant DNA is complicated due to the presence of polyphenols, polysaccharides and other metabolites. They can be co-isolated with DNA and act as PCR inhibitors. The aim of this study was to compare CTAB extraction procedure, Qiagen DNA easy kit, direct homogenization, carboxyl-functionalised magnetic non-porous HEMA based microspheres and combination of the above mentioned methods for DNA isolation from different plants. The DNA was evaluated regarding concentration, purity and amplification in PCR. All methods provided DNA that could be used in downstream PCR applications. However, there were differences regarding yield, purity, labour intensiveness and cost. Combination of direct homogenization and magnetic microspheres coated by carboxyl groups was isolated DNA from various plants and plant foods in a quality suitable for convectional PCR, real time PCR and restriction analysis. This method is fast, simple and does not require work with harmful substances.

This thesis is interested in isolation and identification of probiotic bacteria in three different probiotic products using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA in quality suitable for PCR was isolated from crude lysates using three different types of magnetic microparticles and phenol extraction. Identification genera and species of probiotic bacteria was proven using genus and species specific PCRs. Results were in accordance with data presented by manufacturers.

Magnetically driven separation techniques using magnetic solid carriers are one of modern methods to speed up and facilitate the previously used separation and purification procedures. The use of magnetic particles in biology imposes strict requirements on physical, and chemical properties of the particles, including low toxicity, biocompatibility and non-interference with the chemical environment in diagnostics. The aim of this study was to evaluate carboxyl-functionalised magnetic non-porous P(HEMA-co-GMA), P(HEMA-co-EDMA), PGMA, silica-coated lanthanum manganese peroskvite La0.75Sr0.25MnO3 and thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microspheres – P(NIPAAm) for DNA isolation from different types of complex food and environmental samples containing PCR inhibitors. The solid-phase reversible immobilisation (SPRI) of nucleid acids on microsphere surface and the release of adsorbed DNA were optimised. DNA from real samples (milk products and probiotic food suplements, mouse faeces) was apparently adsorbed on solid particles from the aqueous phase system composed of 16% PEG 6000 and 2M NaCl. The conditions of the subsequent release absorbed DNA to the elution buffer (pH of elution buffer, temperature and time of elution) were optimized. The quality of eluted DNA and the presence of target DNA were examined by PCR and q-PCR using domain-specific Bacteria and genus-specific Lactobacillus primer set. Real-time PCR was used for an estimation of the PCR interference by comparing the amplification efficiencies of purified DNA containing solid nanoparticles with the DNA standards free of any nanoparticles

This work was focused on the detection of probiotic bacteria in four different probiotic products (probiotic cream, probiotic tampons, oral probiotics and soy beverages with probiotics). The viability of the bacteria contained in the products was verified. Complex matrices of the products were used to isolate DNA in a quality suitable for the PCR method, followed by identification of the declared bacterial genus and species. Amplification was achieved with conventional PCR and real-time PCR, genus- and species-specific primers were used. Bacteria, of the genus Lactobacillus and Bacillus and bacterial species Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus gasseri, were proven to be within the products. Subsequently, the DNA from mixed bacterial species in the probiotic tampon were distinguished using PCR-HRM. Five sets of primers were used to test this. Two sets of primers (primers P1V1, P2V1 and V1F-HRM, V1R-HRM) were evaluated as the most suitable for resolution.

Die Bedeutung von Mikrosatellitenalterationen in malignen Tumoren ist trotz intensiver Forschungstätigkeit bisher nicht ausreichend geklärt. Bei Patienten mit einem hereditären nichtpolypösen kolorektalen Karzinom-Syndrom (HNPCC) konnte aber ein möglicherweise kausaler Zusammenhang zwischen einer Keimbahnmutation der Gene, die an dem DNA-"mismatch"-Reparaturmechanismus beteiligt sind, und der Ätiologie dieser Erkrankung nachgewiesen werden. Der Nachweis von Mikrosatelliteninstabilitäten wird zur Identifizierung des HNPCC-Syndroms genutzt. Der Anteil nachgewiesener Mikrosatelliteninstabilitäten bei sporadischen Tumorerkrankungen ist deutlich niedriger als beim HNPCC-Syndrom. Die Mechanismen zur Entstehung von Mikrosatelliteninstabilitäten bei sporadischen Tumor-erkrankungen sind bisher ungeklärt. Der gelungene Nachweis von Mikrosatellitenalterationen im Serum, Fäzes, Urin und Sputum von Tumorpatienten könnte das diagnostische Repertoire erweitern und möglicherweise die frühzeitige Erkennung von Tumorerkrankungen verbessern. Eine auf eine PCR basierende Methode zur Analyse von Mikrosatellitenalterationen in Tumor- und Serumproben wurde in dieser Arbeit etabliert. Drei Mikrosatellitenmarker (AR, ACTBP2, UT762) wurden bei der Untersuchung eingesetzt. Es wurden Tumor- und Serum-DNA mit der DNA von Lymphozyten verglichen und analysiert. Es wurden 43 Patienten mit Bronchialkarzinom untersucht, darunter 16 Patienten mit kleinzelligem und 27 Patienten mit nichtkleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom. Es wurden bei 5 von 16 (31 %) Patienten mit SCLC und bei 9 von 27 (33 %) Patienten mit NSCLC in mindestens einem Mikrosatellitenlocus eine Mikrosatelliteninstabilität oder ein LOH nachgewiesen. In der Kontrollgruppe mit gesunden Probanden waren keine Mikrosatellitenalterationen nachweisbar. Die unverändert sehr schlechte Prognose von Patienten mit Bronchialkarzinom unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit der Entwicklung einer zuverlässigen und sensitiven Methode zur verbesserten Frühdiagnostik. Dazu wird es notwendig sein, weitere Mikrosatellitenmarker hinsichtlich ihrer Tumorsensitivität und -spezifität an einer ausreichenden Anzahl von Patienten zu testen und die prognostische Bedeutung von Mikrosatellitenalterationen bei Patienten mit einem Bronchialkarzinom zu klären. / Background: Despite intensive research efforts, the significance of microsatellite alterations in malignant tumors is not sufficiently understood. Since a possible causal connection between disease etiology and a germination mutation of the genes, involved in the mismatch repair mechanism, could be demostrated in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), the detection of microsatellite instabilities may be used to identify the so-called HNPCC syndrome. While the amount of proven microsatellite instabilities in sporadic tumor diseases is significantly lower than in the HNPCC syndrome, the mechanisms generating these instabilities have not been clarified yet. Their succesful measurement in serum, feces, urine, and sputum would extend the diagnostic repertory for tumor patients and possibly improve the early detection of neoplastic disease or its recurrence. Results: In this thesis, a PCR-based method was established for the analysis of microsatellite alterations in tumor specimens and serum samples. Three microsatellite markers were employed, including AR, ACTBP2, and UT762. The DNA of tumors and serum was analyzed and compared with the DNA of lymphocytes. Specimens of 43 patients with bronchial carcinoma (16 small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), 27 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)) were examined. In 5 of the patients with SCLC (31%) and in 9 of those with NSCLC (33%) a microsatellite instability or a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was demonstrated in at least one microsatellite locus. The controls, which included samples of serum and lymphocytes of 10 healthy volunteers, did not show any microsatellite alterations. Outlook: The still poor prognosis of patients with bronchial carcinoma warrants further development of sensitive and reliable methods to improve early detection. Beyond this study, further microsatellite markers need to be tested in a sufficient number of patients with respect to sensitivity and specificity of tumor diagnosis. In addition, the prognostic significance of microsatellite alterations in tumor patients requires further investigation.

Leischmaniasis ist ein ernstzunehmende bedrohliche Erkrankung in vielen Ländern. Epidemien sind nicht unter Kontrolle, Neusbrüche werden in endemischen Ländern registriert. Darüber hinaus gibt es eine zunehmende Anzahl von Krankheitsfällen bei Reiserückkehrern in nicht endemischen Ländern . Für den individuellen Patienten sowie auch allgemein für die epidemiologische Kontrolle ist eine frühe und angemessene Therapie sehr wichtig. Als Voraussetzung ist eine präzise Diagnostik unabdingbar. Die Polymerase Ketten Reaktion (PCR) besitzt das größte Potential für die sensitive und spezies-spezifische Diagnostik der Leischmaniasis. Diese Studie ist in Israel und in der West Bank durchgeführt worden mit dem Ziel, eine sensitive und spezies-spezifische Diagnostik für Leischmaniasis im Land zu etablieren. Drei Arten von Leischmanien sind endemisch, Leishmania major,L.tropica, L.d.infantum, mit neuausbrechenden endemischen Foci in einigen Gegenden des Landes. Israelische Reiserückkehrer aus Zentral- und Südamerika kehren gelegentlich mit Infektionen aus der Neuen Welt zurück (L.braziliensis, L.mexicana Komplex). In dieser Studie wurden vor allem Proben direkt von denHautläsionen entnommen und auf Filter Papiekonserviert. Verschiedene DNA Extraktions- und PCR-Methoden wurden getestet. PCR wurde eingeführt für die Diagnostik von Patienten und auch zur Untersuchung von Infektionsraten bei Reservoirtieren. Ein Hauptziel der Studie war, die Methoden nach Praktikabilität, Zeit- und Kosteneffizienz testen, im Hinblick auf die Einführung der Methoden in klinischen Labors. / Leishmaniasis is a serious health threat in many countries around the world.Epidemics are hardly controlled, new foci are emerging in endemic countries. In addition,through tourism increasing numbers of infections are seen in non endemic countries. Early and adequate treatment is essential for the individual as well as for the control of the disease in general. As a prerequisite precise diagnosis is necessary. Diagnosis by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has the greatest potential for sensitive and species-specific diagnosis of leishmaniasis. This study has been carried out in Israel and the West Bank with the purpose to establish sensitive and species-specific diagnosis of leishmaniasis in the country. Three species of Leishmania are endemic, Leishmania major, L.tropica and L.d.infantumwith emerging foci in many parts of the country. Other species of the New World are occasionally imported by Israeli travelers returning from Central or South America (L.braziliensis and L.mexicana complex). The study focused on dermal lesion scrapings collected from suspected lesions and preserved on filter paper. Different DNA extraction and PCR methods have been tested. PCR was introduced forthe diagnosis of individual patients as well as for epidemiological studies in reservoir animals. It has been a major goal to select time and cost saving methods with regard to the introduction of PCR diagnosis of leishmaniasis to clinical laboratories.