Biallelic ZBTB11 Variants: A Neurodevelopmental Condition with Progressive Complex Movement Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Biallelic ZBTB11 variants have previously been associated with an ultrarare subtype of autosomal recessive intellectual developmental disorder (MRT69). OBJECTIVE: The aim was to provide insights into the clinical and genetic characteristics of ZBTB11-related disorders (ZBTB11-RD), with a particular emphasis on progressive complex movement abnormalities. METHODS: Thirteen new and 16 previously reported affected individuals, ranging in age from 2 to 50 years, with biallelic ZBTB11 variants underwent clinical and genetic characterization. RESULTS: All patients exhibited a range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes with varying severity, encompassing ocular and neurological features. Eleven new patients presented with complex abnormal movements, including ataxia, dystonia, myoclonus, stereotypies, and tremor, and 7 new patients exhibited cataracts. Deep brain stimulation was successful in treating 1 patient with generalized progressive dystonia. Our analysis revealed 13 novel variants. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides additional insights into the clinical features and spectrum of ZBTB11-RD, highlighting the progressive nature of movement abnormalities in the background of neurodevelopmental phenotype. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Biallelic MED27 variants lead to variable ponto-cerebello-lental degeneration with movement disorders.

MED27 is a subunit of the Mediator multiprotein complex, which is involved in transcriptional regulation. Biallelic MED27 variants have recently been suggested to be responsible for an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder with spasticity, cataracts and cerebellar hypoplasia. We further delineate the clinical phenotype of MED27-related disease by characterizing the clinical and radiological features of 57 affected individuals from 30 unrelated families with biallelic MED27 variants. Using exome sequencing and extensive international genetic data sharing, 39 unpublished affected individuals from 18 independent families with biallelic missense variants in MED27 have been identified (29 females, mean age at last follow-up 17 ± 12.4 years, range 0.1-45). Follow-up and hitherto unreported clinical features were obtained from the published 12 families. Brain MRI scans from 34 cases were reviewed. MED27-related disease manifests as a broad phenotypic continuum ranging from developmental and epileptic-dyskinetic encephalopathy to variable neurodevelopmental disorder with movement abnormalities. It is characterized by mild to profound global developmental delay/intellectual disability (100%), bilateral cataracts (89%), infantile hypotonia (74%), microcephaly (62%), gait ataxia (63%), dystonia (61%), variably combined with epilepsy (50%), limb spasticity (51%), facial dysmorphism (38%) and death before reaching adulthood (16%). Brain MRI revealed cerebellar atrophy (100%), white matter volume loss (76.4%), pontine hypoplasia (47.2%) and basal ganglia atrophy with signal alterations (44.4%). Previously unreported 39 affected individuals had seven homozygous pathogenic missense MED27 variants, five of which were recurrent. An emerging genotype-phenotype correlation was observed. This study provides a comprehensive clinical-radiological description of MED27-related disease, establishes genotype-phenotype and clinical-radiological correlations and suggests a differential diagnosis with syndromes of cerebello-lental neurodegeneration and other subtypes of 'neuro-MEDopathies'.

Breast cancer prediction with transcriptome profiling using feature selection and machine learning methods.

BACKGROUND: We used a hybrid machine learning systems (HMLS) strategy that includes the extensive search for the discovery of the most optimal HMLSs, including feature selection algorithms, a feature extraction algorithm, and classifiers for diagnosing breast cancer. Hence, this study aims to obtain a high-importance transcriptome profile linked with classification procedures that can facilitate the early detection of breast cancer. METHODS: In the present study, 762 breast cancer patients and 138 solid tissue normal subjects were included. Three groups of machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed: (i) four feature selection procedures are employed and compared to select the most valuable feature: (1) ANOVA; (2) Mutual Information; (3) Extra Trees Classifier; and (4) Logistic Regression (LGR), (ii) a feature extraction algorithm (Principal Component Analysis), iii) we utilized 13 classification algorithms accompanied with automated ML hyperparameter tuning, including (1) LGR; (2) Support Vector Machine; (3) Bagging; (4) Gaussian Naive Bayes; (5) Decision Tree; (6) Gradient Boosting Decision Tree; (7) K Nearest Neighborhood; (8) Bernoulli Naive Bayes; (9) Random Forest; (10) AdaBoost, (11) ExtraTrees; (12) Linear Discriminant Analysis; and (13) Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). For evaluating the proposed models' performance, balance accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) were used. RESULTS: Feature selection procedure LGR + MLP classifier achieved the highest prediction accuracy and AUC (balanced accuracy: 0.86, AUC = 0.94), followed by an LGR + LGR classifier (balanced accuracy: 0.84, AUC = 0.94). The results showed that achieved AUC for the LGR + LGR classifier belonged to the 20 biomarkers as follows: TMEM212, SNORD115-13, ATP1A4, FRG2, CFHR4, ZCCHC13, FLJ46361, LY6G6E, ZNF323, KRT28, KRT25, LPPR5, C10orf99, PRKACG, SULT2A1, GRIN2C, EN2, GBA2, CUX2, and SNORA66. CONCLUSIONS: The best performance was achieved using the LGR feature selection procedure and MLP classifier. Results show that the 20 biomarkers had the highest score or ranking in breast cancer detection.

LncRNAs as putative biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is known as one of the most common degenerative disorders related to the damage of the central nervous system (CNS). This brain disorder is also characterized by the formation of Lewy bodies in the cytoplasm of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), which consequently leads to motor and non-motor symptoms. With regard to the growing trend in the number of cases with PD and its effects on individuals, families, and communities, immediate treatments together with diagnostic methods are required. In this respect, long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) represent a large class of ncRNAs with more than 200 nucleotides in length, playing key roles in some important processes including gene expression, cell differentiation, genomic imprinting, apoptosis, and cell cycle. They are highly expressed in the CNS and previous studies have further reported that the expression profile of lncRNAs is disrupted in human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders. Since the levels of some lncRNAs change over time in the brains of patients with PD, a number of previous studies have examined their potentials as biomarkers for this brain disorder. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to review the advances in the related literature on lncRNAs as diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic biomarkers for PD.

Identification of Cytochrome b-245, beta-chain gene mutations, and clinical presentations in Iranian patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease.

BACKGROUND: X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) is an immunodeficiency disorder caused by defects in the gp91phox subunit that leads to life-threatening infections. We aimed to identify CYBB gene mutations and study clinical phenotypes in Iranian patients with probable X-CGD. METHODS: We studied four unrelated Iranian patients with probable X-CGD and their families recruited in several years. We isolated genomic DNA from whole blood and performed Sanger sequencing in the CYBB gene's coding and flanking regions. We also performed pathogenicity predictions using in silico tools. RESULTS: We detected four different mutations, including a novel insertion mutation in exon 5 (p.Ile117AsnfsX6), in the patient. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed the pathogenic effect of this mutation. We predicted protein modeling and demonstrated lost functional domains. The patient with the insertion mutation presented pneumonia and acute sinusitis during his life. We also detected three other known nonsense mutations (p.Arg157Ter, p.Arg226Ter, and p.Trp424Ter) in the CYBB gene. The patient with p.Arg157Ter developed lymphadenitis and pneumonia. Moreover, the patient with inflammatory bowel disease showed p.Arg226Ter and the patient with tuberculosis presented p.Trp424Ter. We detected different clinical features in the patients compared to other Iranian patients with the same mutations. CONCLUSION: Our results expand the genetic database of patients with X-CGD from Iran and make it much easier and faster to identify patients with X-CGD. Our results also help to detect carriers and enable prenatal diagnosis in high-risk families as a cost-effective strategy.

Association of vascular endothelial growth factor A polymorphisms and aberrant expression of connexin 43 and VEGFA with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous miscarriage.

AIM: Idiopathic recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (IRSM) is one of the pregnancy outcomes that affects 1-2% of women trying to conceive. Specific genotype or aberrant expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and connexin 43 (Cx43) as two important genes for embryonic development are deemed to increase the risk of IRSM. METHODS: To investigate any possible association of VEGFA polymorphisms and aberrant expression of Cx43 and VEGFA with IRSM, we carried out a case-control study including embryo chorionic villus tissues of 100 pregnant women with IRSM and 100 embryo chorionic villus tissues of healthy pregnant women without history of miscarriage. Restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for genotyping of rs699947 (-2578C/A) and rs2010963 (-634G/C) polymorphisms in VEGFA. Besides, quantitative real-time PCR was performed for VEGFA and Cx43 expression analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the frequency of -634G/C and C/C genotypes was significantly higher in aborted fetuses (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) compared to the control group's. However, the frequency of -2578C/A genotypes was not significantly different between the cases and controls. Moreover, a significant higher expression of VEGF (P = 0.0005) and Cx43 (P = 0.0011) was observed in chorionic villus tissues of women with IRSM. CONCLUSION: The finding demonstrated that IRSM frequency may depend on GC and CC genotypes of rs2010963 VEGF polymorphism and expression level of VEGF and Cx43 in IRSM patients was increased.

Identification of the PRM1 gene mutations in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men.

Mutations or altered expression of PRM1 gene have been associated with male infertility. This study aimed to analyse pathogenic variations of PRM1 gene in Iranian Arab infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia that was carried out for the first time in this population. Genomic DNA was used to perform PCR sequencing in PRM1 untranslated regions, exons and intron. Also, bioinformatics analysis was recruited to discover the possible effect of detected variations. Two pathogenic variations were seen in two men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, which were not found in the control group. The cDNA.384G>C variation is novel and was located in the 3' untranslated region, and cDNA.42G>A variation is reported for the first time related to male infertility and was found in 5' untranslated regions. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the minimum free energy was increased from -19.9kcal/mol to -13.1kcal/mol due to the cDNA.384G>C variation at hsa-miR-4326's seed site. More analysis revealed cDNA.42G>A located in transcription factors binding site, E1 and MYOD, which was detected as a promoter-associated region, and generally have regulatory features for acetylation and methylation. In conclusion, two pathogenic variations were recognised in regulatory areas of PRM1 gene, which might interfere with some critical factors related to PRM1 gene expression, hence cause male infertility.

Two Novel and Five Rare Mutations in the Non Coding Regions of the ß-Globin Gene in the Iranian Population.

ß-Thalassemia (ß-thal) is one of the most frequent genetic disorder in Iran with great mutational diversity. In this study, we describe two novel and five rare mutations in the non coding regions of the ß-globin gene; these mutations were identified in the non coding regions of the ß-globin gene (HBB) in the heterozygous state. Three alterations were detected in the promoter region, including -9 (C>G) [HBB: c.59C>G (novel mutation)], -54 (G>A) (HBB: c.-104G>A) and -57 (A>T) (HBB: c.-107A>T), three changes in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) including +11 (C>G) [HBB: c.-40C>G (novel mutation)], +41 (A>T) (HBB: c.-10A>T) and +43 (C>G) (HBB: c.-8C>G) and one mutation in the 3'UTR 62 (A>G) (HBB: c.*62A>G). Five mutations including -54, -57, +41, +11 and +43 were predicted to be deleterious in all except one in silico prediction tool, and the remaining two mutations were found to be most likely polymorphisms. In conclusion, two novel mutations were reported for the first time worldwide and five rare changes have not been reported previously in any other part of Iran. In the absence of further data, it is not possible to consider them as mutations that determine an ascertained healthy carrier state.

Genotype-phenotype correlation and the size of microdeletion or microduplication of 7q11.23 region in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome.

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a chromosomal microdeletion syndrome with variable phenotypic features such as supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), facial appearance characteristics, growth retardation, and infantile hypercalcemia. This study aimed to detect the 7q11.23 microdeletion in 10 patients with early clinical diagnosis of WBS using fluorescent in situ hybridization or array comparative genomic hybridization. As an alternative method, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to confirm this microdeletion. Clinical features were also compared with detected genotypes. To reveal the parental origin of deletion, four polymorphic markers (D7S1870, D7S489, D7S613, and D7S2476) were used. The deletion had maternal origin in 80% and paternal origin in 20% of the cases. From 10 patients with early clinical diagnosis of the WBS, 3 patients presented with atypical phenotypes such as infantile hypocalcemia, normal IQ, and normal facial characterization, but the sizes of their deletions seemed to be almost similar to other cases. Regarding such observation, we suggest that the phenotypic variations of WBS are influenced not only by the deletion size and involving genes but also by the breakpoint regions and probably epigenetic effects. However, further research is required to explore the effect of such parameters on phenotypic features.

Mutation Screening of the Krüppel-like Factor 1 Gene in Individuals With Increased Fetal Hemoglobin Referred for Hemoglobinopathy Investigation in South of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Any mutation in the Krüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) gene may interfere with its proper related function in the erythropoiesis process and lead to alterations in proper activation of its downstream protein through globin switching, which results in an increase in fetal hemoglobin (HbF). This study aimed to investigate whether KLF1 mutation can associate with high level of HbF in individuals with increased fetal hemoglobin referred for screening of hemoglobinopathies in south of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human KLF1 gene was amplified via the polymerase chain reaction procedure, and sequencing was used to determine any mutation in these patients. Moreover, XmnI polymorphisms in the position of -158 of γ-globin gene promoter were analyzed in all patients by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULT: Analysis of sequencing revealed a missense mutation in the KLF1 gene, p.Ser102Pro (c.304T>C), which was detectable in 10 of 23 cases with elevated HbF level. This mutation was only detected in individuals who had a HbF level between 3.1% and 25.6%. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of C allele is significantly correlated with a high level of HbF (P<0.05). The allele frequency of positive result of XmnI polymorphism in individuals with increased HbF level was also significant, which showed an association with increased HbF level (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of p.Ser102Pro (c.304T>C) in the KLF1 gene in ß-thalassemia patients with increased level of fetal hemoglobin. According to statistical results of p.Ser102Pro mutation and XmnI polymorphism, it has been strongly suggested that both polymorphisms have an association with increased HbF samples. These nucleotide changes alone may not be the only elements raising the level of HbF, and other regulatory and modifying factors also play a role in HbF production.

Identification of a new mutation in the ACTL9 gene in men with unexplained infertility.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse within a marital relationship. Approximately 10%-15% of couples worldwide experience infertility issues, with nearly half of these cases attributed to male factors. Among men with unexplained infertility, genetic mutations have been identified as a potential cause. Studies have indicated that mutations affecting the function of the protein encoded by the ACTL9 gene may play a role in male infertility. METHODS: The purpose of this research was to identify mutations in the ACTL9 gene associated with male infertility in a sample of 40 infertile men with unknown causes. Genomic DNA extraction and PCR amplification were carried out on samples from each individual. The genetic material was then analyzed using Sanger sequencing, followed by bioinformatics and segregation analysis to determine the potential effects of the observed variations. RESULT: A novel genetic variant, c.376G>A (p.Glu126Lys), was identified in an infertile male individual, representing a previously unreported finding that was validated through segregation analyses. This specific variant induces a change from glutamate to lysine at the amino acid level by replacing the nucleotide G with A in the genomic DNA sequence, consequently impacting the secondary structure and function of the protein. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusive analysis of the procedure indicated that this alteration has the potential to interfere with the process of fertilization, ultimately resulting in the complete failure of fertilization (TFF) and causing male infertility.

Quantitative Investigation of MicroRNA-32 in the Urine of Prostate Cancer Patients and Its Relationship With Clinicopathological Characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. PCa diagnosis is mostly based on solid biopsy and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which have the disadvantages of being invasive and insensitive, respectively. Recently, the detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) has been a promising approach for PCa diagnosis. The aim of this study is to quantify transcriptional levels of miRNA-32 in the urine of prostate cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the expression of miRNA-32 in the urine of 27 PCa patients, 48 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 20 healthy controls, using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The expression levels were then compared with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients. RESULTS: The expression level of miRNA-32 in PCa patients was significantly higher than the control group (P < .01) and BPH cases (P < .01), and was associated with advanced tumor stage (P < .05). In addition, the expression of miRNA-32 had significant correlation with patients' age (r = 0.39, P = .043). Area under ROC curve (AUC) for the discrimination of PCa samples from control and BPH samples were 0.93 (P < .0001) and 0.78 (P < .0001), respectively. We also used logistic regression analysis to integrate the results of PSA, prostate volume and miRNA-32, and presented a predictive model for distinguishing PCa from BPH, highlighting the clinical utility of miRNA-32 in cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of miRNA-32 expression in urine may have significance for the detection of PCa. Inclusion of miRNA-32 in logistic regression along with PSA and prostate volume increases the accuracy of cancer diagnosis.

Genetic features of patients with MPS type IIIB: Description of five pathogenic gene variations.

BACKGROUND: There are four distinct forms of Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS type III), each of which is an autosomal lysosomal storage disorder. These forms are caused by abnormalities in one of four lysosomal enzymes. This study aimed to identify possible genetic variants that contribute to Sanfilippo IIIB in 14 independent families in Southwest Iran. METHODS: Patients were included if their clinical features and enzyme assay results were suggestive. The patients were subsequently subjected to Sanger Sequencing to screen for Sanfilippo-related genes. Additional investigations have been conducted using various computational analyses to determine the probable functional effects of diagnosed variants. RESULTS: Five distinct variations were identified in the NAGLU gene. This included two novel variants in two distinct families and three previously reported variants in 12 distinct families. All of these variations were recognized as pathogenic using the MutationTaster web server. In silico analysis showed that all detected variants affected protein structural stability; four destabilized protein structures, and the fifth variation had the opposite effect. CONCLUSION: In this study, two novel variations in the NAGLU gene were identified. The results of this study positively contribute to the mutation diversity of the NAGLU gene. To identify new disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets, precision medicine must precisely characterize and account for genetic variations. New harmful gene variants are valuable for updating gene databases concerning Sanfilippo disease variations and NGS gene panels. This may also improve genetic counselling for rapid risk examinations and disease surveillance.

Genotypic variants of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis genes in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia from different regions of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is a metabolic disorder classified into phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase (PAH) and non-PAH deficiency. The latter is produced by mutations in genes involved in the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis pathway and DNAJC12 pathogenetic variants. The BH4 metabolism, including de novo biosynthesis involved genes (i.e., guanosine 5'-triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH/GCH1), sepiapterin reductase (SR/SPR), 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS/PTS)), and two genes that play roles in cofactor regeneration pathway (i.e., dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR/QDPR) and pterin-4α-carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD/PCBD1)). The subsequent systemic hyperphenylalaninemia and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency lead to neurological consequences. The high rate of consanguineous marriages in Iran substantially increases the incidence of BH4 deficiency. METHODS: We utilized the Sanger sequencing technique in this study to investigate 14 Iranian patients with non-PAH deficiency. All affected subjects in this study had HPA and no mutation was detected in their PAH gene. RESULTS: We successfully identified six mutant alleles in BH4-deficiency-associated genes, including three novel mutations: one in QDPR, one in PTS, and one in the PCBD1 gene, thus giving a definite diagnosis to these patients. CONCLUSION: In this light, appropriate patient management may follow. The clinical effect of reported variants is essential for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in the patients' families and significant for the improvement of precision medicine.

Identification of new variants in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis in consanguineous Iranian families.

Introduction: Mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of lysosomal storage disorders that include seven types that are classified based on the enzymes that are disrupted. Malfunction of these enzymes leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues. Due to genetic and clinical heterogeneity, diagnosing and distinguishing the different types is challenging. Genetic methods such as whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing are accurate methods for detecting pathogenic variants in patients. Methods: Thirty-two cases of mucopolysaccharidosis, predominantly from families with consanguineous marriages, were genetically examined. Out of these, fourteen cases underwent targeted sequencing, while the rest underwent WES. The results of WES were analyzed and the pathogenicity of the variants was examined using bioinformatics tools. In addition, a segregation analysis within families was carried out. Results: In most cases, a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was detected. Sixteen previously reported variants and six new variants were detected in the known IDS (c.458G>C, c.701del, c.920T>G), GNS (c.1430A>T), GALNS (c.1218_1221dup), and SGSH (c.149T>C) genes. Furthermore, we discovered a c.259G>C substitution in the NAGLU gene for the first time in three homozygous patients. This substitution was previously reported as heterozygous. Except for the variants related to the IDS gene, which were hemizygous, all the other variants were homozygous. Discussion: It appears that the high rate of consanguineous marriages in the families being studied has had a significant impact on the occurrence of this disease. Overall, these findings could expand the spectrum of pathogenic variants in mucopolysaccharidoses. Genetic methods, especially WES, are very accurate and can be used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic methods for a more precise and rapid diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses. Additionally, they could be beneficial for family screening and disease prevention.

Cytogenetic analysis in lymphocytes from radiation workers exposed to low level of ionizing radiation in radiotherapy, CT-scan and angiocardiography units.

Ionizing radiation is known as a classical mutagen capable of inducing various kinds of stable and unstable chromosomal aberrations. The percentage of cells with chromosomal aberrations was analyzed in peripheral blood lymphocytes of occupationally exposed workers in radiotherapy, CT-scan, angiography and healthy controls. The incidence of all types of aberrations (gap, acentric fragment, dicentric and ring) in exposed subjects were higher than those observed in healthy controls (P=0.0001). However, the frequency of aberrant cells with dicentric and ring chromosome in exposed subjects were not significantly different from those in controls. To see whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of chromosomal aberrations among three groups, they were compared for all types of observed aberrations. No significant difference was found between radiotherapy and CT-scan groups (P=0.838). The percentage of aberrant cells observed, for angiography groups were significantly higher than radiotherapy (P=0.0001) and CT-scan (P=0.0001) group. Taken together these data suggest that the cumulative effects of low level chronic exposure to ionizing radiation is higher for those who occupationally exposed in angiography.

Hb AHVAZ [α83(F4)Leu→Arg, CTG>CGG (α2); HBA2: c.251T>G],a new hemoglobin variant of the α2-globin gene.

We report a novel mutation on the α2-globin gene, codon 83 (T>G), which was detected in two members of two unrelated families from Khuzestan Province, South Iran, that we named Hb Ahvaz. This mutation was detected by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and characterized by molecular studies. Hb Ahvaz does not seem to be responsible for hematological abnormalities in the carriers, but with α(0)-thalassemia (α(0)-thal) defects, might induce severe clinical symptoms.

Association of rs1570360 and rs2010963 in VEGF and rs2279744 in the MDM2 gene with Recurrent Implantation Failure in Iranian Women.

OBJECTIVE: The embryo implantation includes a complex sequence of signaling events, comprising numerous molecular mediators, such as ovarian hormones, cytokines, adhesion molecules and, growth factors. One of the critical factors in angiogenesis is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The VEGF plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, decidua vascularization and placental angiogenesis. Furthermore, the P53 gene and its negative regulator, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), are major players in reproductive processes. This study aimed to assess the association of polymorphisms of the VEGF and the MDM2 genes with idiopathic recurrent implantation failure. METHODS: We genotyped 60 women with previous idiopathic recurrent implantation failures and 60 fertile women as controls. Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Sanger sequencing were used for genotyping the rs2010963 and the rs1570360 polymorphisms in VEGF; and the rs2279744 in MDM2 genes. RESULTS: Results indicated a higher frequency of the VEGF rs1570360 AA genotype and A allele in patients with a history of idiopathic implantation failure [OR=6.4 (1.22 - 33.64), p-value=0.02)]. However, the frequency of VEGF +405 G/C and MDM2 SNP309 T/G [(OR=3 (0.5 - 16) p-value=0.2, OR=1.18 (0.3 - 3.7) p-value=0.7, respectively)] genotypes were not significantly different between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The VEGF polymorphism may influence embryo implantation and the VEGF rs1570360 AA genotype may predispose to the risk of recurrent implantation failure after IVF.

Whole exome sequencing reveals several novel variants in congenital disorders of glycosylation and glycogen storage diseases in seven patients from Iran.

BACKGROUND: Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) and Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are inborn metabolic disorders caused by defects in some metabolic pathways. These disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by impaired O- as well as N-glycosylation pathways. CDG patients show a broad spectrum of clinical presentations; many GSD types (PGM1-CDG) have muscle involvement and hypoglycemia. METHODS: We applied WES for all seven patients presenting GSD and CDG symptoms. Then we analyzed the data using various tools to predict pathogenic variants in genes related to the patients' diseases. RESULTS: In the present study, we identified pathogenic variants in Iranian patients suffering from GSD and CDG, which can be helpful for patient management, and family counseling. We detected seven pathogenic variants using whole exome sequencing (WES) in known AGL (c.1998A>G, c.3635T>C, c.3682C>T), PGM1 (c.779G>A), DPM1 (c.742T>C), RFT1 (c.127A>G), and GAA (c.1314C>A) genes. CONCLUSION: The suspected clinical diagnosis of CDG and GSD patients was confirmed by identifying missense and or nonsense mutations in PGM1, DPM1, RFT1, GAA, and AGL genes by WES of all 7 cases. This study helps us understand the scenario of the disorder causes and consider the variants for quick disease diagnosis.

An essential role for Cdk1 in S phase control is revealed via chemical genetics in vertebrate cells.

In vertebrates Cdk1 is required to initiate mitosis; however, any functionality of this kinase during S phase remains unclear. To investigate this, we generated chicken DT40 mutants, in which an analog-sensitive mutant cdk1 as replaces the endogenous Cdk1, allowing us to specifically inactivate Cdk1 using bulky ATP analogs. In cells that also lack Cdk2, we find that Cdk1 activity is essential for DNA replication initiation and centrosome duplication. The presence of a single Cdk2 allele renders S phase progression independent of Cdk1, which suggests a complete overlap of these kinases in S phase control. Moreover, we find that Cdk1 inhibition did not induce re-licensing of replication origins in G2 phase. Conversely, inhibition during mitosis of Cdk1 causes rapid activation of endoreplication, depending on proteolysis of the licensing inhibitor Geminin. This study demonstrates essential functions of Cdk1 in the control of S phase, and exemplifies a chemical genetics approach to target cyclin-dependent kinases in vertebrate cells.