Ichthyosis, psoriasiform dermatitis, and recurrent fungal infections in patients with biallelic mutations in PERP.

BACKGROUND: Germline autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive mutations in PERP, encoding p53 effector related to PMP-22 (PERP), a component of epidermal desmosomes, have been associated with a spectrum of keratodermas. Monoallelic nonsense mutations cause Olmsted syndrome with severe periorificial keratoderma and palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK). Biallelic recessive frameshift and missense mutations are associated with milder forms of the disease, including generalised erythrokeratoderma and PPK. OBJECTIVES: To add new insights into the genotype-phenotype correlations as a consequence of PERP mutations and to provide a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS: Among 26 previously unresolved families within a cohort of 180 extended Iranian families with syndromic or non-syndromic ichthyosis, two families with shared clinical features were examined by whole-exome sequencing and genome-wide homozygosity mapping. Mycological and dermatopathological studies were performed to further characterise their atypical phenotypic presentations. RESULTS: In two unrelated multiplex consanguineous families affected by ichthyosis, two novel biallelic PERP variants, NM_022121.5, c.89T > C, p.Leu30Pro and c.466G > C, p.Gly156Arg, located inside of genomic homozygosity regions of the probands were detected. Interestingly, some patients had areas of scaly psoriasiform plaques on the background of generalised ichthyosis that appeared during active cutaneous fungal infections. Mycological examinations of these lesions revealed infections caused by Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, or Trichophyton rubrum. Histopathology of the psoriasiform lesions shared some features with psoriasis, which when combined with clinical presentation, led to incorrect diagnosis of guttate psoriasis or pustular psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: PERP variants in ichthyosis patients can confer susceptibility to recalcitrant cutaneous fungal infections. Additionally, patients with episodic psoriasiform dermatitis in the setting of keratoderma should be considered for PERP genotyping and cutaneous fungal examinations.

Mapping autosomal recessive intellectual disability: combined microarray and exome sequencing identifies 26 novel candidate genes in 192 consanguineous families.

Approximately 1% of the global population is affected by intellectual disability (ID), and the majority receive no molecular diagnosis. Previous studies have indicated high levels of genetic heterogeneity, with estimates of more than 2500 autosomal ID genes, the majority of which are autosomal recessive (AR). Here, we combined microarray genotyping, homozygosity-by-descent (HBD) mapping, copy number variation (CNV) analysis, and whole exome sequencing (WES) to identify disease genes/mutations in 192 multiplex Pakistani and Iranian consanguineous families with non-syndromic ID. We identified definite or candidate mutations (or CNVs) in 51% of families in 72 different genes, including 26 not previously reported for ARID. The new ARID genes include nine with loss-of-function mutations (ABI2, MAPK8, MPDZ, PIDD1, SLAIN1, TBC1D23, TRAPPC6B, UBA7 and USP44), and missense mutations include the first reports of variants in BDNF or TET1 associated with ID. The genes identified also showed overlap with de novo gene sets for other neuropsychiatric disorders. Transcriptional studies showed prominent expression in the prenatal brain. The high yield of AR mutations for ID indicated that this approach has excellent clinical potential and should inform clinical diagnostics, including clinical whole exome and genome sequencing, for populations in which consanguinity is common. As with other AR disorders, the relevance will also apply to outbred populations.

Development and implementation of a novel panel consisting 20 markers for the detection of genetic causes of male infertility.

Azoospermia factor (AZF) genes are involved in spermatogenesis. Deletions in the region of these genes have been recognised as a major genetic cause of infertility due to defects in spermatogenesis. Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the other main cause of male infertility. This study was performed to establish a novel method for the detection of genetic causes of infertility in males and also to investigate the prevalence, extent and position of Y chromosome microdeletions in Iranian infertile men. We developed a newly designed panel of fluorescent multiplex-PCR method to amplify 20 markers (15 sequence-tagged sites (STSs) markers which are placed in the Y chromosome AZF region, 2 short tandem repeats (STRs) and 3 segmental duplications (SDs)). This multifunctional method is for the simultaneous detection of Y chromosome microdeletions and KS. Among 149 studied infertile men, one was detected to suffer from KS and seven (4.7%) were detected with the presence of one or more deleted STS loci. The main cause of infertility for the remaining patients would be nongenetic factors. This strategy is represented as a fast and accurate method to determine the frequencies of different AZF microdeletions which are suitable for use in clinical purposes.

Molecular genetic diagnosis of Glanzmann syndrome in Iranian population; reporting novel and recurrent mutations.

BACKGROUND: Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare autosomal recessive abnormality of platelet aggregation with quantitative and/or qualitative abnormality of αIIbß3 integrin. The αIIbß3 is a platelet fibrinogen receptor, which is required for platelet aggregation, firm adhesion, and also spreading. The disease is more prevalent in the populations with a higher rate of consanguineous marriages as in some Middle Eastern populations including Iraq, Jordan, and Iran. Different types of mutations in ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes have been previously reported to cause the disease. RESULT: In this study, 16 patients with the clinical diagnosis of GT were studied. Direct sequencing of the exons and exon-intron boundaries of the above genes revealed mutations in 14 patients (detection rate: 87.5%). Briefly, out of fifteen types of identified mutations, 14 were novel. Seven mutations in the ITGB3 gene included 4 missense [c.2T > C, c.155 G > T, c. 538 G > A, c.1990 G > T], one nonsense mutation [c.1303 G > T], a small deletion [c.1656_1658delCTC] and a deletion of one nucleotide [c.401delA]. Mutations in the ITGA2B were 8 different mutations consisting 2 missense [c.286 T > A, c.842 C > T], 2 deletions [c.1899 del T, c.189-319_236del], an insertion [c.1071_1072insG] and one splice site mutations [c.409-3 C > G], one synonymous mutation that might alter the normal splicing process [c.1392 A > G] and a nonsense mutation [c.1555 C > T]. The causative mutation in 2 patients remained unknown. Using long-range PCR and sequencing, we found a rather large deletion. The break point of this deletion covers 319 nt from the last part of the first intron and 48 nt from the beginning of the second exon of ITGA2B gene. The deletion was also detected in two unrelated patients with the same ethnicity. In addition, in silico analyses of novel mutations were performed. CONCLUSION: There was no recurrent mutation in the studied population. This may be due to either small sample size or the heterogeneity of the studied population.

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells: optimization and comparison of five cationic polymer-based gene delivery methods.

BACKGROUND: Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are promising candidates in the field of regenerative medicine and in several studies have been genetically modified to bring a new property to or enhance an existing one in these cells. Furthermore, MSC have been used as gene delivery vehicles. The success of these experiments depends on selecting an appropriate method for gene delivery to the cells. METHODS: MSC were isolated from rat bone marrow; their authenticity was checked by differentiation experiments as well as staining for cell-surface markers. A systematic approach was used to optimize five cationic polymer-based gene delivery methods (Lipofectamin2000, Effecten, Superfect, Polyfect and FuGENE HD). The transfection yield and cell viability of each method was measured after 48 h in three to six separate experiments with nine to 12 different ratios and amounts of DNA/transfection reagent. RESULTS: The isolated MSC were successfully differentiated to osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondroblasts. They were positive for rat CD90 and CD73 and negative for CD31, CD45, CD11b and VEGFR2 markers. The average transfection rates with optimum conditions were 5.18+/-2.72 (FuGENE HD), 8.72+/-4.52 (Effecten), 9.59+/-3.12 (Superfect), 16.29+/-7.44 (Polyfect) and 19.60+/-3.12 (Lipofectamine 2000). The toxicity was below 20% for all reagents. DISCUSSION: Moderate levels of transfection and acceptable cell viability could be achieved using Lipofectamine 2000 and Polyfect in optimized conditions. The results could be improved by gating and sorting live cells using a simple FSC-SSC gating.

Interaction of anionic dyes and cationic surfactants with ionic liquid character.

The interactions of an imidazolium based ionic liquid (IL), namely 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C12 mim][Cl] with two sulfonated anionic dyes, azocarmine G and methyl orange, are studied spectrophotometrically in both acidic and basic media. ILs (with some surface active character) can interact with the above dyes and cause considerable shifts in their spectra. These interactions are then compared with some surfactant-dye interactions. Evolving factor analysis (EFA) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) are used for complete resolution of the measured spectrophotometric data. The concentration and spectral profiles of all species were calculated without any assumption of the chemical models. The spectral variation of dye solutions as a function of IL concentrations below and above the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) is analyzed using MCR-ALS as a soft-modeling technique. The ion pair formation constants between ILs and dyes were calculated using the obtained concentration profiles.

Molecular characterisation and three-dimensional structural analysis of mutations in 21 unrelated families with inherited factor VII deficiency.

Factor VII (FVII) is a four-domain glycoprotein that plays a critical role in the initiation of blood coagulation. Hereditary deficiencies of this plasma protein results in a bleeding diathesis that varies in severity amongst affected patients. We have analysed the FVII gene in 27 patients with FVII deficiency from 21 unrelated families predominantly of Middle-Eastern extraction. A total of 19 different mutations were identified, of which 12 were novel and 7 had been previously reported. Nine of the 12 novel mutations were missense mutations located in the Gla domain (Ser23Pro), the second epidermal growth factor domain (Cys135Arg) and the catalytic serine protease domain (Arg247Cys, Arg277Cys, Ser282Arg, Pro303Thr, Ser363Ile, Trp364Cys, Trp364Phe), of which five are homozygous. Three novel splice mutations were identified in intron 1a (IVS1a+5), intron 2 (IVS2+1) and intron 6 (IVS6+1). Of the seven previously reported mutations, five were missense mutations of which three are homozygous (Gln100Arg, Arg152Gln, Arg304Gln, Cys310Phe and Thr359Met), one was a 17 bp deletion (10585del117bp) and one was a splice site mutation within intron 7 (IVS7+7). This study has significantly extended the current database of FVII mutations, including the number of known homozygous mutations. Conformational analyses of crystal structures for FVIIa and the FVIIa-tissue factor complex provided likely explanations for the effect of the missense mutations on FVIIa secretion or function. In particular, since 23 missense mutations were located to the serine protease domain, mostly to the region between the catalytic triad and the contact surface with tissue factor, this showed that the orientation of the serine protease domain relative to bound tissue factor in the complex is crucial for functional activity.

Analysis of 49 autosomal SNPs in three ethnic groups from Iran: Persians, Lurs and Kurds.

A total number of 149 individuals from Iran (Persians, Lurs and Kurds) were analyzed for 49 autosomal SNPs using PCR, SBE and capillary electrophoresis. No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations was observed. One SNP pair (rs1015250-rs251934) showed significant linkage disequilibrium in Kurds. However, this was most likely due to chance. High intrapopulation variability and no significant population structure were observed among the three ethnic groups from Iran. Pairwise FST values obtained from the mean numbers of pairwise differences between SNP profiles were calculated for Persians, Lurs, Kurds and eighteen other worldwide populations. For each of the three Iranian ethnic groups, the lowest FST values calculated between an Iranian and non-Iranian populations were observed between Iranians and populations in Iraq and Turkey. The three Iranian ethnic groups grouped together with other West Asian populations in the MDS plot drawn from the FST values. Statistical parameters of forensic interest calculated for the Iranian ethnic groups showed values of the same order of magnitudes as those obtained for Asians. The mean match probability calculated for the 49 SNPs ranged from 1.7x10(-18) for Kurds to 1.3x10(-19) for Persians. Despite the low level of genetic structure observed among Persians, Lurs and Kurds, a single autosomal SNP database should be used with care when extending its forensic application to other Iranian ethnic groups.

Sequence Variants of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes in Four Iranian Families with Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND: BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been recognized to be responsible for 20-30% of hereditary breast cancers and approximately 50% of familial breast and ovarian cancers. Therefore, the demand for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation screening is rapidly increasing as their identification will affect medical management of people at increased risk. Because of high costs involved in analysis of BRCA1 and 2 genes, contribution of different mutation types in BRCA1 and 2 and not knowing who should be tested has hampered wide spread use of molecular testing of high -risk families. There is a need to identify the genes and types of mutations involved in breast or ovarian cancers at different age of onsets and polymorphism and polymorphic variations in our population. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with either early onset breast cancer (at age≤ 35 years) or a personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer and 50 control subjects participated in this study. After collecting blood samples and extracting DNA, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were fully sequenced. RESULTS: Thirteen missense substitutions in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (9 and 4, respectively) were revealed. Two nucleotide substitutions were novel (Gly1140Ser in BRCA1 and Glu1391Gly in BRCA2). The Glu1038Pro and Gly1140Ser were found in large series of breast and ovarian cancer and matched controls. CONCLUSION: Some nucleotide substitutions were seen only in single families and other in several. In other cases, mutations were seen in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Clinical significance of these mutations was evaluated comparing with normal controls.

Analysing two dinucleotide repeats of FVIII gene in Iranian population.

Using dinucleotide repeats for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia A patients, led us to find different alleles and their frequencies in Iranian population. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of two short tandem repeat (STR) loci of factor VIII (FVIII) gene was performed, and the PCR products were resolved on 10% native polyacrylamide gel, and samples were analysed with sequenced DNA markers made of PCR cloning of the dinucleotide FVIII gene fragments. Seven different alleles were observed for intron 13 STR, having 18-24 (CA) repeating units and five alleles for intron 22 STR having 24-28 repeating units of (CACT). Bands produced during dinucleotide study were defined in detail so this could improve the genotyping of heterozygotes and homozygotes. Conformational band produced were characterized to specify the dinucleotide pattern. Our results confirm the Hardy-Weinberg proportions of the heterozygosity rate of the 85 analysed individuals. The observed heterozygosity rate for intron 13 and 22 was 52% and 59% respectively. Our data also indicate that our population is closer to caucasians than to any other populations. Finding different dinucleotide repeat alleles and their frequencies has made it possible to identify carriers and provide prenatal diagnosis with more confidence. This allows antenatal diagnosis to be performed in the vast majority of carriers.

A novel single step double positive double negative selection strategy for beta-globin gene replacement.

beta-Thalassemias are a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders, characterized by reduced or absence of the beta-globin chain production by the affected alleles. Transplantation of genetically corrected autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is an attractive approach for treatment of these disorders. Gene targeting (homologous recombination) has many desirable features for gene therapy due to its ability to target the mutant genes and restore their normal expression. In the present study, a specific gene construct for beta-globin gene replacement was constructed consisting of: two homologous stems including, upstream and downstream regions of beta-globin gene, beta-globin gene lying between hygromycin and neomycin resistant genes as positive selection markers and thymidine kinase expression cassettes at both termini as negative selection marker. All segments were subcloned into pBGGT vector. The final plasmid was checked by sequencing and named as pFBGGT. Mammalian cell line COS-7 was transfected with linear plasmid by lipofection followed by positive and negative selection. DNA of the selected cells was analyzed by PCR and sequencing to confirm the occurrence of homologous recombination. In this novel strategy gene replacement was achieved in one step and by a single construct.

Spectrophotometric study of complexation equilibria with H-point standard addition and H-point curve isolation methods.

The use of H-point curve isolation (HPCIM) and H-point standard addition methods (HPSAM) for spectrophotometric studies of complex formation equilibria are proposed. One step complex formation, two successive stepwise and mononuclear complex formation systems, and competitive complexation systems are studied successfully by the proposed methods. HPCIM is used for extracting the spectrum of complex or sum of complex species and HPSAM is used for calculation of equilibrium concentrations of ligand for each sample. The outputs of these procedures are complete concentration profiles of equilibrium system, spectral profile of intermediate components, and good estimation of conditional formation constants. The reliability of the method is evaluated using model data. Spectrophotometric studies of murexide-calcium, dithizone-nickel, methyl thymol blue (MTB)-copper, and competition of murexide and sulfate ions for complexation with zinc, are used as experimental model systems with different complexation stoichiometries and spectral overlapping of involved components.

Carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia B by SSCP in an Iranian family.

Haemophilia B is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by multiple molecular defects in factor IX gene. During our genotyping programme of haemophilia B patients, a family from the west of Iran was referred to us. We first detected the mutation in the index case of the family by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique. This technique was then applied in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis for females of this family. Sequencing later revealed the mutation as being G to A at 20519.

Gly319 --> arg substitution in the dysfunctional prothrombin Segovia.

The molecular defect of a congenitally dysfunctional form of prothrombin, prothrombin Segovia, was identified in a patient with a severe bleeding tendency, reduced prothrombin coagulant activity, and normal antigen level. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified DNA revealed a G --> A change at nucleotide 7539 of exon 9 of the prothrombin gene. This resulted in the substitution of Gly319 by Arg. The proband was homozygous for this mutation, his father and brother were heterozygous. We surmised that the substitution, which occurs near the site of cleavage of prothrombin by factor Xa (Arg320-Ile321), altered the conformation of the protein making the cleavage site inaccessible.