Molecular and clinical characterization of two unrelated families with factor V deficiency, including a novel nonsense variant (p.Gln1532*).

BACKGROUND: Factor V (FV) is an essential cofactor in the coagulation cascade. The characterization of novel mutations is advantageous for the clinical management of FV-deficient patients. METHODS: Coagulation screening and thrombin generation assay were performed with the plate-poor plasma. All 25 exons of the F5 gene were amplified and sequenced. The ClustalX-2.1 software was applied to the multiple sequence alignment. The possible adverse effects of mutations were investigated with online bioinformatics software and protein modeling. RESULTS: Two unrelated families with FV deficiency were under investigation. Proband A was an 18-year-old youth with recurrent epistaxis. Proband B was a 29-year-old woman who did not present with any bleeding symptoms. Three heterozygous mutations (p.Gln1532*, p.Phe218Ser, and p.Asp2222Gly) were detected. Interestingly, they were compound heterozygotes and both contained the p.Asp2222Gly, a polymorphism. The thrombin generation assay showed that both patients had impaired ability of thrombin generation, and in particular, proband A was more severe. Conservation, pathogenicity and protein modeling studies all indicated that these three mutations could cause deleterious effects on the function and structure of FV. CONCLUSION: These three mutations are responsible for the FV-deficient in two pedigrees. Moreover, the nonsense variant p.Gln1532* is first reported in the world.

[Analysis of the molecular pathogenesis of hereditary protein C deficiency due to a p.Gly86Asp variant of the PROC gene].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular pathogenesis of hereditary protein C (PC) deficiency due to a p.Gly86Asp variant of the PROC gene through in vitro expression experiment. METHODS: Wild type and Gly86Asp mutant expression plasmids of PC were constructed and respectively transfected into HEK 293FT cells. Total RNA was extracted from the transfected cells, and the expression of PROC gene was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). PC antigen (PC:Ag) in the supernatant of cell culture and cell lysate was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the level of PC protein was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: qRT-PCR has detected no significant difference in the transcription level of wild-type and mutant-type PC. Compared with the wild type, the level of mutant PC:Ag in the supernatant and cell lysate were 81.3%±2.6% and 110.0%±2.8%, respectively. No difference was detected in the molecular weight between the wild-type and mutant-type PC by Western blotting. The PC content of mutant type was higher than wild-type in cell lysate, while the opposite was found with the cell culture supernatant. CONCLUSION: The impaired secretion by mutant PC may be the molecular mechanism of PC deficiency caused by the p.Gly86Asp variant.

[Analysis of genetic variant in a Chinese pedigree with hereditary factor VIII deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a patient with factor VIII deficiency. METHODS: All exons of the F13A1 and F13B genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced directly. The sequencing was performed with a reverse primer if a variant was found. Conservation of variant site was analyzed by the ClustalX software. Four online bioinformatic software including Mutation Taster, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN and SIFT were used to predict the function of the mutation site. The Swiss-PdbViewer software was applied to analyze the changes in the protein model and intermolecular force. RESULTS: The proband was found to harbor a novel c.515G>C (p.Arg171Pro) variant of the F13A1 gene. The corresponding amino acid Arg171 is conserved among homologous species. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that Arg171Pro variant may affect the protein function. Protein model analysis showed that in the wild-type, there is one hydrogen bond between Arg171 and Pro27; one hydrogen bond between Arg171 and Thr28; two hydrogen bonds between Arg171 and Glu102. When Arg171 was mutated to Pro171, the three hydrogen bonds between Arg171 and Pro27, Glu102 are all disappeared and formed a new benzene ring which might affect the stability of the protein structure. No variant was found in the F13B gene. CONCLUSION: The Arg171Pro variant may account for the decreased FVIII level. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of F13A1 gene variants.

Two Novel Mutations Cause Hereditary Antithrombin Deficiency in a Chinese Family.

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular basis of hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency in a Chinese family. It will help us understand the pathogenesis of this type of disease. METHOD: AT activity (AT:A) and the AT antigen (AT:Ag) level were tested by chromogenic substrate and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. To identify the novel mutations, SERPINC1 gene sequencing was carried out. The possible impact of the mutations was analyzed by model and bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS: AT:A and the AT:Ag level of the proband were 43% and 113 mg/L (normal range: 98-119% and 250-360 mg/L), respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed compound heterozygous mutations, including a frameshift mutation (c.318_319insT) resulting in Asn75stop and a missense mutation (c.922G>T) resulting in Gly276Cys. The bioinformatic and model analyses indicated that these mutations may disrupt the function and structure of the AT protein. CONCLUSION: We detected 2 novel heterozygous mutations (c.318_319insT and c.922G>T) in the proband, and these were associated with decreased AT:A.

[Identification of compound heterozygous variants of F12 gene in a pedigree affected with inherited coagulation factor XII deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular pathogenesis for a pedigree affected with hereditary coagulation factor XII (FXII) deficiency. METHODS: Potential variant of the F12 gene was analyzed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Expression plasmids were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis based on the wild-type and transiently transfected into 293T cells. FXII:C and FXII:Ag of the expression products were determined in the supernatant and cell lysate. Western blotting was used to verify the identify of the protein. RESULTS: Gene sequencing revealed that the proband has carried 46TT genetype and heterozygous p.Glu502Lys variants in exon 13, and a heterozygous p.Gly542Ser variant in exon 14 of the F12 gene. Transfection experiment suggested that the FXII:C and FXII:Ag of p.Glu502Lys variant in the supernatant were 28% and 24%, compared with the wild-type (100%) and FXII:Ag of cell lysates was 39% compared to the wild-type (100%). The FXII:C and FXII:Ag of p. Gly542Ser variant in the supernatant were 32% and 17% and the FXII:Ag of cell lysates was 59%. CONCLUSION: The 46TT genetype, p.Glu502Lys and p.Gly542Ser variants of the F12 gene probably underlie the low FXII level in the proband. As shown by in vitro experiment, the p.Glu502Lys and p.Gly542Ser variants can both inhibit the synthesis and secrection of the FXII protein.

[Analysis of a Chinese pedigree affected with hereditary factor VII deficiency caused by compound heterozygous variants of F7 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with hereditary coagulation factor VII (FVII) deficiency. METHODS: The coding regions of F7 gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Suspected variants were confirmed by reverse sequencing and validated in other members from the pedigree. Pathogenicity of the variants was analyzed with multiple bioinformatic tools. RESULTS: Genetic analysis revealed that the proband has carried compound heterozygous c.985T>C (p.Ser329Pro) and c.1091G>A (p.Arg364Gln) variants in exon 8 of the F7 gene. Her mother, brother and son were heterozygous for c.985T>C (p.Ser329Pro), while her father was heterozygous for c.1091G>A (p.Arg364Gln). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that both p.Ser329 and p.Arg364 are highly conserved among homologous species. Online bioinformatic software predicted both variants to be deleterious. Protein model analysis suggested that the Pro329 side chain may form a new hydrogen bond with Leu333. The Pro benzene ring may clash with Glu325 in the p.Ser329Pro variant model. The p.Arg364Gln variant have two additional hydrogen bonds compared with wild type Arg364. Both variants may lead to alteration of the protein structure. CONCLUSION: The p.Ser329Pro and p.Arg364Gln variants in exon 8 of the F7 gene probably account for the reduced FVII in this pedigree.

Identification of Genetic Defects Underlying FXII Deficiency in Four Unrelated Chinese Patients.

Congenital factor XII (FXII) dexFB01;ciency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by a great variability in its clinical manifestations. In this study, we screened for mutations in the F12 gene of 4 unrelated patients with FXII coagulant activity <10% of that of normal human plasma. To investigate the molecular defects in these FXII-deficient patients, we performed FXII mutation screening. By sequencing all coding exons as well as xFB02;anking intronic regions of the F12 gene, 6 different mutations, including 3 missense mutations (Gly341Arg, Glu502Lys and Gly542 Ser), 1 insertion (7142insertC) and 2 deletions (5741-5742 delCA and 6753-6755delACA), were identixFB01;ed on the F12 gene. Three of them (Gly341Arg, 5741-5742delCA and 6753-6755delACA) are reported here for the first time. Computer-based algorithms predicted these missense mutations to be deleterious. This study has increased our knowledge of the mutational spectrum underlying FXII deficiency.

[Homozygous missense mutation p.Val298Met of F10 gene causing hereditary coagulation factor X deficiency in a Chinese pedigree].

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutation underlying coagulation factor X (FX) deficiency in a consanguineous Chinese pedigree. METHODS: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FX activity (FX:C) and other coagulant parameters were determined with a one-stage clotting assay. The FX antigen (FX:Ag) was determined with an ELISA assay. All coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of the F10 gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Suspected mutation was confirmed by reverse sequencing and analyzed with CLC Genomics Workbench 7.5 software. RESULTS: The PT and APTT in the proband were prolonged to 67.2 s and 102.9 s, respectively. Further study showed that her FX:C and FX:Ag were reduced by 1% and 8%, respectively. The PT of her father, mother, and little brother were slightly prolonged to 14.5 s, 14.4 s and 14.4 s, respectively. The FX:C and FX:Ag in her father, mother and little brother were all slightly reduced. Genetic analysis of the proband has revealed a homozygous G>A change at nucleotide 27881 in exon 8 of the F10 gene, which predicted a p.Val298Met substitution. The proband's father, mother, and little brother were all heterozygous for the p.Val298Met mutation. The proband has inherited the homozygous mutation from her parents by consanguineous marriage. Other family members were all normal. Bioinformatics analysis has indicated that this mutation may result in changes in the secondary structure of the FX protein. CONCLUSION: A homozygous mutation g.27881G>A(p.Val298Met) of the F10 gene has been identified, which probably accounts for the low FX concentrations in this pedigree.

Molecular Characterization of a Novel Missense Mutation (Asp538Asn) in a Chinese Patient with Factor XII Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Congenital factor XII (FXH) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder whose genetic basis has been described in a relatively small number of cases. METHODS: Recently, we studied a Chinese family in which the proband had obviously prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) associated with low functional and antigen FXII levels, 5% and 6.8%, respectively. To investigate the molecular defects in this FXII-deficient patient, we performed FXII mutation screening and invitro expression studies. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of the FXII gene revealed a heterozygous G>A transition at nucleotide 8597 in exon 13, causing a novel Asp538Asn mutation in the catalytic domain. CONCLUSIONS: From the results above, we reasoned that this mutation must confer a cross-reacting material (CRM) negative phenotype. Additional expression studies in COS-7 cells showed that the antigen level of mutant FXII (FXII-Asp538Asn) was lower compared to the wild type in culture media, whereas the corresponding level of FXII antigen in cell lysates was equivalent roughly to that of the wild type. These findings indicated that the Asp538Asn mutation results in intracellular degradation of the mutant FXII and causes FXII deficiency.

[Association of polymorphism in the promoter region of PCA3 gene with risk of prosate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polymorphism in the promoter region of PCA3 gene and its relationship with risk of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: The promoter region of PCA3 gene of the DNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was detected by sequence analysis in the 186 PCa and 141 BPH patients and 135 healthy control individuals. If the samples were detected with polymorphism of insection/deletion, clone sequence analysis was used with pBS-T carrier to verify it. RESULTS: There were 5 polymorphisms. TAAA repeat times: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 8 genotypes (TAAA 4/5, TAAA 4/6, TAAA 5/5, TAAA 5/6, TAAA 5/7, TAAA 5/8, TAAA 6/6, and TAAA 6/7) were detected in the promoter region of PCA3 gene. The eight genotypes were divided into three groups: ≤10TAAA, 11TAAA, ≥12TAAA. Unconditional logistic regression analysis models were used to analyze the relationship between different genotypes and cancer risks adjusted by sex and age. The type 11TAAA and ≥12TAAA was associated with higher relative risk for prostate cancer than the group ≤10TAAA [OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.06-2.87 (for type 11TAAA); OR=5.63, 95% CI=1.85-17.19 (for type ≥12TAAA)]. In the 186 PCa patients, there was 62.4% allele of PCA3 gene with AG/CA mutation found in the promoter 18-19 bp region of PCA3 gene and it had a close relation with the development of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Short tandem repeats are found in the promoter region of the PCA3 gene in PCa patients, and the increase of TAAA repeat sequences highly enhance the relative risk of prostate cancer development. The occurrence of such STR might be related to the mutations in their upstream loci.

[Analysis of molecular pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes in 10 probands with inherited fibrinogen deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes in 10 probands with inherited fibrinogen (Fg) deficiency. METHODS: The diagnosis of hereditary Fg deficiency was validated by prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), Fg activity (Fg:C) and Fg antigen (Fg:Ag) in plasma. All of the exons and their flanking sequences of the Fg gene were analyzed by direct sequencing. Detected mutations were confirmed by reverse sequencing. RESULTS: The ranges of Fg:C and Fg:Ag in the 10 probands were 0.52-0.91 g/L and 0.62-2.98 g/L, respectively. Five of the probands had type I disorders, and 5 had type II disorders. Seven point mutations were identified, among which 6 have located in the D region. γThr277Arg, γAsp316His, γTrp208Leu and Lys232Thr were novel mutations, and αArg19Ser was first reported in Chinese. Four probands had the same mutation site (γArg275). As to the clinical manifestation, probands with type I disorders were asymptomatic or with mild or medium symptoms, while those belonged to type II disorders had moderate or serious symptoms. Two probands have carried an Arg275Cys mutation but had different clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION: Mutations of the Fg gene seem to aggregate to the D region of FGG in our region, and Arg275 is a common mutation. However, no correlation has been found between the mutation site and clinical manifestations.

[Genetic analysis of a pedigree with hereditary coagulation factor â ¦ deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutations in a family affected with inherited factor Ⅶ (FⅦ) deficiency. METHODS: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FⅦ activity (FⅦ:C) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 15 family members were measured. Potential mutations were screened in the pedigree by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The PT of the proband and his younger brother was significantly prolonged to 39.0 s and 30.1 s, respectively. FⅦ:C of the proband and his younger brother was obviously reduced to 2% and 3%, respectively. FⅦ:C of his grandmother, maternal grandmother, aunt, father, mother, maternal uncle and maternal aunt was all below the normal range (80%-108%), which measured 68%, 54%, 71%, 73%, 62%, 72% and 59%, respectively. The other coagulant parameters were in the normal range. Two heterozygous mutations, g.11349G>A and g.11482T>G, both reside in exon 8 of the F7 gene, have resulted in p.Arg304Gln and p.His348Gln substitutions, were identified in the proband. The same mutations were also found in the proband's younger brother. Four maternal members in this family (grandmother, mother, maternal uncle and maternal aunt of the proband) were heterozygous for the p.Arg304Gln mutation, while three paternal members (grandmother, aunt and father of the proband) were heterozygous for the p.His348Gln mutation. CONCLUSION: The proband had inherited two independent mutations of the F7 gene including g.11349G>A and g.11482T>G from his mother and father, respectively. The compound heterozygous mutation probably explains the low FⅦ concentrations in this pedigree.

[Identification of a novel heterozygous mutation in a pedigree with hereditary coagulation factor XII deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutation underlying hereditary coagulation factor XII (FXII) deficiency in a pedigree and explore its molecular pathogenesis. METHODS: Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FXII activity (FXII:C) and FXII antigen(FXII:Ag) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 5 family members were measured. Potential mutations in the 14 exons and intron-exon boundaries of the FXII gene were screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed with reverse sequencing. Corresponding PCR fragments from other family members were also sequenced. RESULTS: APPT of the proband and his son were significantly prolonged to 121.5 s and 98.5 s, respectively. FXII:C and FXII:Ag of the proband and his son have reduced to 5%, 6.8% and 9%, 12.2%, respectively. Plasma plasminogen activity (PLG:A) in both individuals was slightly higher than the normal reference range. FXII:C of his second daughter and grandson were slightly reduced to 64% and 60%. FXII:C of the other family members were all in the normal range (72%-113%). A heterozygous missense mutation, g.8597G>A, was identified in exon 13 of the FXII gene in the proband, which resulted in an p.Asp538Asn substitution. For the promoter regions of the FXII gene, the genotype of the proband was 46TT. The same mutations and 46T/T were also found in the proband's son but not in other members of the family. The genotypes of the proband's spouse, eldest daughter and grandson were 46CT, and his second daughter was 46TT. CONCLUSION: The heterozygous mutation of g.8597G>A identified in exon 13 of FXII gene is a novel mutation. Heterozygous p.Asp538Asn mutation and 46TT in the FXII gene can cause hereditary FXII deficiency, which was probably responsible for the low FXII concentrations in this pedigree.

[Phenotype and genotype analysis for a consanguineous pedigree with combined coagulation factor VII and X deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential mutations and explore the molecular mechanism underlying combined inherited coagulation factors VII(FVII) and X(FX) deficiency for a family featuring consanguineous marriage between maternal cousins. METHODS: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FVII activity (FVII:C), FX activity (FX:C), FVII antigen (FVII:Ag), FX antigen (FX:Ag) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 5 family members were measured. Potential mutations in exons, exon-intron boundaries and 5', 3' untranslated sequences of F7 and F10 genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed by sequencing the opposite strand. RESULTS: PT and APTT of the proband were obviously prolonged to become 76.4 s and 60.2 s, respectively. FVII:C, FVII:Ag,FX:C and FX:Ag of the proband were obviously reduced to become 4%, 6%, 6% and 33%, respectively. Both PT and APTT of her grandmother, father, mother and daughter were slightly prolonged, which have measured 16.4 s, 15.8 s,16.9 s, 16.5 s, and 44.0 s, 42.1 s, 41.1 s, 43.5 s, respectively. And their FVII:C (34%, 39%, 31%, 40%, respectively), FX:C (50%, 58%, 47%, 42%, respectively) and FX:Ag (51%, 54%, 58%, 47%, respectively) were slightly reduced, while FVII:Ag was in the normal range. The coagulant parameters of her younger brother were within normal range. Two homozygous mutations, g.11267C to T in exon 8 of F7 gene, which resulted in an Arg277Cys substitution, and g.28139G to T in exon 8 of F10 gene which led to a Val384Phe substitution, were identified in the proband. The proband's grandmother, parents and daughter were heterozygous for both Arg277Cys and Val384Phe mutationss. Wild-type alleles of both F7 and F10 genes were also found in the younger brother. CONCLUSION: A homozygous Arg277Cys mutation and a Val384Phe mutation have been respectively identified in the F7 and F10 genes, which can explain the low levels of FVII and FX in this family. The former has been inherited from the consanguineous parents.

Clinical and functional characterization of rare compound heterozygous mutations in the SERPINC1 gene causing severe thrombophilia.

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with significant clinical heterogeneity. In the study, we identified a patient with AT deficiency caused by compound heterozygous mutations in the SERPINC1 gene. METHODS: A total of 9 individuals from three generations were investigated. The mutations were identified by direct sequencing of SERPINC1. Multiple in silico tools were programmed to predict the conservation of mutations and the effect on the AT structure. The coagulation state was evaluated by the thrombin generation assay. Recombinant AT was overexpressed in HEK293T cells; the mRNA level was determined using RT-qPCR. Western blotting, ELISA, and immunocytofluorescence were applied to characterize the recombinant AT protein. RESULTS: The proband was a 26-year-old male who experienced recurrent venous thrombosis. He presented the type I deficiency with 33 % AT activity and a synchronized decrease in AT antigen. Genetic screening revealed that he carried a heterozygous c.318_319insT (p.Asn107*) in exon 2 and a heterozygous c.922G > T (p.Gly308Cys) in exon 5, both of which were completely conserved in homologous species and resulted in enhanced thrombin generation capability. Hydrophobicity analysis suggested that the p.Gly308Cys mutation may interfere with the hydrophobic state of residues 307-313. In vitro expression studies indicated that the levels of the recombinant protein AT-G308C decreased to 46.98 % ± 2.94 % and 41.35 % ± 1.48 % in transfected cell lysates and media, respectively. After treatment with a proteasome inhibitor (MG132), the quantity of AT-G308C protein in the cytoplasm was replenished to a level comparable to that of the wild type. The mRNA level of AT-N107* was significantly reduced and the recombinant protein AT-N107* was not detected in either the lysate or the culture media. CONCLUSION: These two mutations were responsible for the AT defects and clinical phenotypes of the proband. The p.Gly308Cys mutation could lead to proteasome-dependent degradation of the AT protein in the cytoplasm by altering local residue hydrophobicity. The c.318_319insT could eliminate aberrant transcripts by triggering nonsense-mediated mRNA degradation. Both mutations resulted in type I AT deficiency.

The spectrum of factor XI deficiency in Southeast China: four recurrent variants can explain most of the deficiencies.

BACKGROUND: Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is an autosomal hemorrhagic disorder characterized by reduced plasma FXI levels. Multiple ancestral variants in the F11 gene have been identified in Ashkenazi Jews and other selected European populations. However, there are few reports of predominant variants in Chinese and/or East Asian populations. The aim of this study is to characterize the genotypes and phenotypes of FXI deficiency and identify the predominant variants. RESULTS: Of the 41 FXI-deficient patients, 39 exhibited severe FXI defects, considerably more than those with partial defects. The APTT levels showed a negative correlation with FXI activity levels (coefficient=-0.584, P < .001). Only nine patients experienced mild bleeding, including one partially defective patient and eight severely defective patients. The majority of patients were referred for preoperative screenings (n = 22) and checkups (n = 14). Genetic analysis revealed that 90% of the patients had genetic defects, with 2, 16, and 19 cases of heterozygous, homozygous, and compound heterozygous patients, respectively. Seventeen variants were detected in the F11 gene (6 novel), including eleven missense variants, four nonsense variants, and two small deletions scattered throughout the F11. Of the 11 missense variants, six have not yet been studied for in vitro expression. Protein modeling analyses indicated that all of these variants disrupted local structural stability by altering side-chain orientation and hydrogen bonds. Nine variants, consisting of three missense and six null variants, were detected with a frequency of two or more. The highest allele frequency was observed in p.Q281* (21.25%), p.W246* (17.50%), p.Y369* (12.50%), and p.L442Cfs*8 (12.50%). The former two were variants specific to East Asia, while the remaining two were southeast China-specific variants. CONCLUSION: Our population-based cohort demonstrated that no correlation between the level of FXI activity and the bleeding severity in FXI deficiency. Additionally, the prevalence of FXI deficiency may have been underestimated. The nonsense p.Q281* was the most common variant in southeast China, suggesting a possible founder effect.

PAHs removal by soil washing with thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate.

Remediating soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) presents a significant environmental challenge due to their toxic and carcinogenic properties. Traditional PAHs remediation methods-chemical, thermal, and bioremediation-along with conventional soil-washing agents like surfactants and cyclodextrins face challenges of cost, ecological harm, and inefficiency. Here we show an effective and environmentally friendly calixarene derivative for PAHs removal through soil washing. Thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (TCAS) has a unique molecular structure of a sulfonate group and a sulfur atom, which enhances its solubility and facilitates selective binding with PAHs. It forms host-guest complexes with PAHs through π-π stacking, OH-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions. These interactions enable partial encapsulation of PAH molecules, aiding their desorption from the soil matrix. Our results show that a 0.7% solution of TCAS can extract approximately 50% of PAHs from contaminated soil while preserving soil nutrients and minimizing adverse environmental effects. This research unveils the pioneering application of TCAS in removing PAHs from contaminated soil, marking a transformative advancement in resource-efficient and sustainable soil remediation strategies.

[Identification of a novel mutation of factor XII gene in a family with coagulation FXII deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze genetic mutation and molecular pathogenesis in a family affected with inherited coagulation factor XII(FXII) deficiency. METHODS: Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FXII procoagulant activity (FXII:C), FXII antigen (FXII:Ag) and other coagulants were measured. For affected members of the family, exons 1-14 and flanking intronic regions of the FXII gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced thereafter. Expression plasmids containing mutant FXII cDNA was constructed and transfected into COS7 cells transiently. Expressions of FXII:Ag and FXII:C were analyzed. RESULTS: The proband has manifested a prolonged APTT of 108.1 s (reference range: 27.0-41.0 s). Her husband has a normal APTT. Other members of the family had slightly increased APTT. The FXII:C and FXII:Ag of the proband have both dropped to about 0.01 (reference range: 0.72-1.13). The FXII:C levels of her husband, son, daughter and grandchild were 0.57, 0.24, 0.14, 0.16, respectively. And the FXII:Ag levels in her husband, son, daughter and grandchild were 0.55, 0.27, 0.15, 0.21, respectively. The proband and her daughter have both carried a heterozygous deletional mutation 6800-6808delAGCTGGGAG (6800-6808del9bp) in exon 9. For the promoter region of the FXII gene, the genotypes of the proband, her son, daughter and grandchild was TT, whilst that of her husband was CT. Expression study has shown that, whilst the mutant FXII protein has accumulated in the cells similar to wild-type protein, its secretion has reduced approximately by half. CONCLUSION: A novel deletional mutation 6800-6808del9bp has been identified in the FXII gene. Although mutant FXII protein can still accumulate in cells, its secretion has become insufficient. The 6800-6808del9bp mutation and 46T/T have both contributed to the pathogenesis of FXII deficiency in the family, but may have not been the sole cause.

[Analysis of a consanguineous pedigree featuring hereditary coagulation factor â ¤ deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To screen potential mutation and explore the underlying mechanism for a consanguineous pedigree featuring hereditary coagulation factor Ⅴ (FⅤ) deficiency. METHODS: Clinical diagnosis was validated by coagulant parameter assays of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), FⅤ procoagulant activity (FⅤ:C) and FⅤ antigen (FⅤ:Ag). Potential mutations of the F5 gene in the proband and his family members were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing of PCR products of all exons, exon-intron boundaries and 3', 5' untranslated regions. Suspected mutation was confirmed by reverse sequencing. RESULTS: The PT and APTT in the proband were significantly prolonged, which measured 23.5 s (reference range 11.8-14.8 s) and 50.5 s (reference range 27.0-41.0 s), respectively. FⅤ activity and FⅤ antigen of the proband were significantly reduced to 8% and <1%, respectively. PT and APTT in the younger sister of the proband were also significantly prolonged (24.1 s and 62.4 s, respectively). Her FⅤ activity and FⅤ antigen were also significantly decreased (7% and <1%, respectively). PT and APTT of other family members were within the normal range. The homozygous missence mutation causing T→C transition at position 29170 in exon 5 of F5 gene has resulted in a Phe190Ser substitution in the proband. His younger sister was also homozygous for Phe190Ser. Heterozygosity for Phe190Ser was confirmed in his elder brother, elder sister, two daughters and niece, and their FⅤ activity were slightly decreased (57%, 73%, 72%, 66% and 75%, respectively). A normal wild type was observed in two younger brothers of the proband, and their FⅤ activity and FⅤ antigen were in the normal range. CONCLUSION: Homozygous missence mutation of Phe190Ser has been found in above family featuring hereditary FⅤ deficiency. The homozygous missence mutation was inherited from the parents by consanguineous marriage. Phe190Ser probably underlies may underlie the pathogenesis of hereditary FⅤ deficiency in this pedigree.

A Novel Homozygous Missense Mutation (Ile583Asn) in a Consanguineous Marriage Family with Hereditary Factor XII Deficiency: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary coagulation factor XII (FXII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder. At present, the contribution of severe FXII deficiency to the development of thromboembolism is still undetermined. There are limited reports on the relationship between the FXII defect and thromboembolism. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old woman came to our hospital for the treatment of shoulder trauma and cervical disc herniation caused by a car accident. The shoulder trauma was treated with five stitches. After physical examination, imaging examination, and routine coagulation examination, cervical disc herniation was treated conservatively. Combined with the examination results, the patient was diagnosed with FXII deficiency. Unfortunately, the patient was readmitted 10 days after the trauma with edema in the lower limbs and secondary varicose veins. The D-dimer increased to 6.22 mg/L. Thrombus in the inferior vena cava and right common iliac was shown by lower limb venography. According to the patient's medical history, the F12 gene was analyzed by direct sequencing. The patient was also screened for other thrombotic risk factors. Genetic analysis showed that the patient had a c.1748T > A (p.Ile583Asn) homozygous missense mutation in exon 14 of the F12 gene. No other hereditary thrombophilia risk factors screened were positive in the patient. CONCLUSION: The p.Ile583Asn missense mutation in exon 14 of the F12 gene might be responsible for the reduction of the FXII level in the patient.