Saturated linkage map construction in Rubus idaeus using genotyping by sequencing and genome-independent imputation.

BACKGROUND: Rapid development of highly saturated genetic maps aids molecular breeding, which can accelerate gain per breeding cycle in woody perennial plants such as Rubus idaeus (red raspberry). Recently, robust genotyping methods based on high-throughput sequencing were developed, which provide high marker density, but result in some genotype errors and a large number of missing genotype values. Imputation can reduce the number of missing values and can correct genotyping errors, but current methods of imputation require a reference genome and thus are not an option for most species. RESULTS: Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) was used to produce highly saturated maps for a R. idaeus pseudo-testcross progeny. While low coverage and high variance in sequencing resulted in a large number of missing values for some individuals, a novel method of imputation based on maximum likelihood marker ordering from initial marker segregation overcame the challenge of missing values, and made map construction computationally tractable. The two resulting parental maps contained 4521 and 2391 molecular markers spanning 462.7 and 376.6 cM respectively over seven linkage groups. Detection of precise genomic regions with segregation distortion was possible because of map saturation. Microsatellites (SSRs) linked these results to published maps for cross-validation and map comparison. CONCLUSIONS: GBS together with genome-independent imputation provides a rapid method for genetic map construction in any pseudo-testcross progeny. Our method of imputation estimates the correct genotype call of missing values and corrects genotyping errors that lead to inflated map size and reduced precision in marker placement. Comparison of SSRs to published R. idaeus maps showed that the linkage maps constructed with GBS and our method of imputation were robust, and marker positioning reliable. The high marker density allowed identification of genomic regions with segregation distortion in R. idaeus, which may help to identify deleterious alleles that are the basis of inbreeding depression in the species.

Modulation of glutathione and glutathione dependent antioxidant enzymes in mouse heart following doxorubicin therapy.

The toxicity of the antineoplastic agent doxorubicin (DOX) has been shown to be moderated by the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It has been reported that acute doses of DOX can cause an inhibition of glutathione peroxidase in cardiac tissue, that may render this tissue especially susceptible to further prooxidant damage. In this study, multiple DOX treatments at a therapeutic dose were assessed for their effect on the antioxidant enzyme status of cardiac and kidney tissue. DOX was administered i.p. (5 mg/kg) once a week for two weeks to male balb/c mice. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPOX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured 1, 2 and 7 days following the second DOX treatment in both heart and kidney. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were also measured in cardiac tissue at these same times. Cardiac levels of GPOX and GR showed a time-dependent decrease in activity, with 10% and 12% inhibition for GPOX and GR, respectively, at 7 days post second treatment. Cardiac levels of GSH also showed a significant decrease, approximately 15%, at 7 days post second treatment. Cardiac levels of SOD and CAT as well as kidney levels of all four antioxidant enzymes were not affected by DOX treatment. These data suggest that DOX given in a therapeutic regimen, at a therapeutic dose, can cause decreases in cardiac levels of GPOX, GR and GSH that could render the heart especially susceptible to further oxidative challenge.

Role of xanthine oxidase in the potentiation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by mitomycin C.

Clinical evidence has suggested that mitomycin C (MMC) potentiates doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity. In this study a mouse model was used to examine the effect of DOX on the ability of cardiac tissue to bioactivate MMC to generate oxygen radicals. Cardiac damage was assessed by measuring serum CPK-MB isoenzyme levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the cardiac tissue. The exposure of animals to DOX or DOX and MMC over a three week period led to an increase in serum CPK-MB isoenzyme levels as well as TBARS. Treatment with DOX led to an increase in MMC-dependent, NADH-dependent, cyanide insensitive oxygen consumption, compared to control animals, thereby suggesting increased MMC-dependent oxygen radical generation. Levels of xanthine oxidase (XO; EC 1.1.3.22) and NADPH:cytochrome C reductase, two enzymes known to bioactivate MMC with subsequent oxygen radical generation, were measured in cardiac tissue with a 4.5 x increase in XO activity seen in DOX treated animals vs controls and no change in NADPH:cytochrome C reductase activity. Cardiac levels of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH; EC 1.1.1.204) activity in DOX treated animals decreased while the XO/XDH ratio increased, suggesting a conversion of XDH to XO following DOX treatment.

Metastatic sweat gland carcinoma: response to 5-fluorouracil infusion.

A 78-year-old white male presented with metastatic sweat gland carcinoma involving regional lymph nodes, pleura, pericardium, and chest wall. A complete response of three months duration was achieved by using a 96-hour infusion of 5-fluorouracil. This is the first report of a complete response to systemic chemotherapy in metastatic sweat gland carcinoma.

Metastasis of an optic glioma through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Metastatic spread of an optic glioma through a ventriculoperitoneal shunt resulted in the accumulation of malignant ascites in a young boy. Chemotherapy with vincristine, CCNU, and prednisone resulted in regression of the ascites and no further tumor progression. Extracranial metastasis of such a slow growing tumor is a rare occurrence; however, in this case, the spread through the shunt further emphasizes the need for protective filters in the shunts.