Heat-inducible SlWRKY3 confers thermotolerance by activating the SlGRXS1 gene cluster in tomato

High temperature stress is one of the major environmental factors that affect the growth and development of plants. Although WRKY transcription factors play a critical role in stress responses, there are few studies on the regulation of heat stress by WRKY transcription factors,especially in tomato. Here, we identified a group I WRKY transcription factor, SlWRKY3, involved in thermotolerance in tomato. First, SlWRKY3 was induced and upregulated under heat stress. Accordingly, overexpression of SlWRKY3 led to an increase, whereas knock-out of SlWRKY3 resulted in decreased tolerance to heat stress. Overexpression of SlWRKY3 accumulated less reactive oxygen species(ROS), whereas knock-out of SlWRKY3 accumulated more ROS under heat stress. This indicated that SlWRKY3 positively regulates heat stress in tomato. In addition,SlWRKY3 activated the expression of a range of abiotic stress-responsive genes involved in ROS scavenging, such as a SlGRXS1 gene cluster.Further analysis showed that SlWRKY3 can bind to the promoters of the SlGRXS1 gene cluster and activate their expression. Collectively, these results imply that SlWRKY3 is a positive regulator of thermotolerance through direct binding to the promoters of the SlGRXS1 gene cluster and activating their expression and ROS scavenging.

Changes of chlorogenic acid content and its synthesis-associated genes expression in Xuehua pear fruit during development

According to synthetic pathway of plant chlorogenic acid （CGA）, the expression patterns of genes encoding enzymes that are associated with CGA synthesis were studied in normally developed Xuehua pear fruit. The study demonstrated that CGA content in peel and flesh of Xuehua pear decreased as fruit development progressed, with a higher level in peel. The expression levels of PbPAL 1, PbPAL2, PbC3H, PbC4H, Pb4CL 1, Pb4CL2, Pb4CL6, PbHC T1 and PbHC T3 genes decreased in fruit, which was consistent with the pattern of variation in CGA content. That indicated that these genes might be key genes for influencing fruit CGA synthesis in Xuehua pear. However, Pb4CL7 gene expression profile is not consistent with variation of CGA content, hence, it may not be a key gene involved in CGA synthesis.

Impact of Pitx3 gene knockdown on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor transcriptional activity in dopaminergic neurons

Pitx3 is strongly associated with the phenotype, differentiation, and survival of dopaminergic neurons. The relationship between Pitx3 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor（GDNF） in dopaminergic neurons remains poorly understood. The present investigation sought to construct and screen a lentivirus expression plasmid carrying a rat Pitx3 short hairpin（sh）RNA and to assess the impact of Pitx3 gene knockdown on GDNF transcriptional activity in MES23.5 dopaminergic neurons. Three pairs of interference sequences were designed and separately ligated into GV102 expression vectors. These recombinant plasmids were transfected into MES23.5 cells and western blot assays were performed to detect Pitx3 protein expression. Finally, the most effective Pitx3 sh RNA and a dual-luciferase reporter gene plasmid carrying the GDNF promoter region（GDNF-luciferase） were cotransfected into MES23.5 cells. Sequencing showed that the synthesized sequences were identical to the three Pitx3 interference sequences. Inverted fluorescence microscopy revealed that the lentivirus expression plasmids carrying Pitx3-sh RNA had 40-50% transfection efficiency. Western blot assay confirmed that the corresponding Pitx3 of the third knockdown sequence had the lowest expression level. Dual-luciferase reporter gene results showed that the GDNF transcriptional activity in dopaminergic cells cotransfected with both plasmids was decreased compared with those transfected with GDNF-luciferase alone. Together, the results showed that the designed Pitx3-sh RNA interference sequence decreased Pitx3 protein expression, which decreased GDNF transcriptional activity.

The Alzheimer's disease-associated gene TREML2 modulates inflammation by regulating microglia polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like 2(TREML2)is a newly identified susceptibility gene for Alzheimer's disease(AD).It encodes a microglial inflammation-associated receptor.To date,the potential role of mic roglial TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD remains unclear.In this study,APP/PS1 mice were used to investigate the dynamic changes of TREML2 levels in brain during AD progression.In addition,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)stimulation of primary microglia as well as a lentivirus-mediated TREML2 overexpression and knockdown were employed to explore the role of TREML2 in neuroinflammation in the context of AD.Our res ults show that TREML2 levels gradually increased in the brains of AP P/PS1 mice during disease progression.LPS stimulation of primary microglia led to the release of inflammato ry cytokines including interleukin-1β,inte rleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-a in the culture medium.The LPS-induced mic roglial release of inflammatory cytokines was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and was attenuated by TREML2 knoc kdown.LPS increased the levels of mic roglial M1-type polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase.This effect was enhanced by TREML2 overexpression and ameliorated by TREML2 knockdown.Furthermore,the levels of microglial M2-type polarization markers CD206 and ARG1 in the primary microglia were reduced by TREML2 overexpression and elevated by TREML2 knockdown.LPS stimulation increased the levels of NLRP3 in primary microglia.The LPS-induced increase in NLRP3 was further elevated by TREML2 overexpression and alleviated by TREML2 knockdown.In summary,this study provides the first evidence that TREML2 modulates inflammation by regulating microglial polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.These findings reveal the mechanisms by which TREML2 regulates microglial inflammation and suggest that TREML2 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.

Identification of KASP markers and putative genes for pre-harvest sprouting resistance in common wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Common wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)is the most important crop in the world and a typical allopolyploid with a large and complex genome.Pre-harvest sprouting(PHS)leads to a significant reduction in grain quality worldwide.PHS is a complex trait with related QTL located on different chromosomes.However,the study of markers and genes related to PHS resistance is limited especially for whitegrained wheat.Four pairs of near isogenic lines(NILs)from a white-grained wheat cross of Chara
DM5637B*8 targeting a major QTL for PHS resistance(Qphs.ccsu-3A.1)on wheat chromosme 3AL were genotyped using the 90K SNP Illumina iSelect array.Ten SNPs were identified,with a 75%-100%consistency between genotype and phenotype in the resistant or susceptible isolines.The 10 SNPs were converted to cost-effective kompetitive allele-specific PCR(KASP)markers.Screening of 48 wheat cultivars with different phenotypes of PHS identified four KASP markers with 81.3%-85.4%conformity between genotype and phenotype.Further investigation revealed that the four SNPs(BS00022245_51,Kukri_c49927_151,BS00022884_51 and BS00110550_51)corresponding to the four validated KASP markers are residing in three independent genes(TraesCS3A03G1072800,TraesCS3A03G1072400,TraesCS3A03G1071800)close to each other with a distance of 4.28-4.48 Mb to the targeted QTL.These three annotated genes have potential functions related to PHS resistance.Our study revealed that combined use of NILs and the 90K SNP chip is a powerful approach for developing KASP markers and mining functional genes in wheat.The KASP markers for PHS resistance on chromosome 3AL are useful for high-throughput evaluation and marker-assisted selection,and the three identified genes could lead to a better understanding of the genetic pathways controlling PHS.

Transcriptional regulatory network during axonal regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neurons:laser-capture microdissection and deep sequencing

The key regulators and regeneration-associated genes involved in axonal regeneration of neurons after injury have not been clarified.In high-throughput sequencing,various factors influence the final sequencing results,including the number and size of cells,the depth of sequencing,and the method of cell separation.There is still a lack of research on the detailed molecular expression profile during the regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neuron axon.In this study,we performed lase r-capture microdissection coupled with RNA sequencing on dorsal root ganglion neurons at 0,3,6,and 12 hours and 1,3,and 7 days after sciatic nerve crush in rats.We identified three stages after dorsal root ganglion injury:early(3-12 hours),pre-regeneration(1 day),and regeneration(3-7 days).Gene expression patterns and related function enrichment res ults showed that one module of genes was highly related to axonal regeneration.We verified the up-regulation of activating transcription factor 3(Atf3),Kruppel like factor 6(Klf6),AT-rich inte raction domain 5A(Arid5α),CAMP responsive element modulator(Crem),and FOS like 1,AP-1 transcription factor Subunit(Fosl1) in dorsal root ganglion neurons after injury.Suppressing these transcription factors(Crem,Arid5o,Fosl1 and Klf6) reduced axonal regrowth in vitro.As the hub transcription factor,Atf3 showed higher expression and activity at the preregeneration and regeneration stages.G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(Gper1),inte rleukin 12a(Il12α),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),and interleukin 6(IL6) may be upstream factors that trigger the activation of Atf3 during the repair of axon injury in the early stage.Our study presents the detailed molecular expression profile during axonal regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neurons after peripheral nerve injury.These findings may provide reference for the clinical screening of molecular targets for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

Hippocampal gene expression in a rat model of depression after electroacupuncture at the Baihui and Yintang acupoints

Preliminary basic research and clinical findings have demonstrated that electroacupuncture ther- apy exhibits positive effects in ameliorating depression. However, most studies of the underlying mechanism are at the single gene level; there are few reports regarding the mechanism at the whole-genome level. Using a rat genomic gene-chip, we profiled hippocampal gene expression changes in rats after electroacupuncture therapy. Electroacupuncture therapy alleviated depres- sion-related manifestations in the model rats. Using gene-chip analysis, we demonstrated that electroacupuncture at Baihui （DU20） and Yintang （EX-HN3） regulates the expression of 21 genes. Real-time PCR showed that the genes Vgf, lgf2, Trnp32, Loc500373, Hifla, Folrl, Nrnb, and Rtn were upregulated or downregulated in depression and that their expression tended to nor- malize after electroacupuncture therapy. These results indicate that electroacupuncture at Baihui and Yintang modulates depression by regulating the expression of particular genes.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the F3′5′H Gene Family in Blueberry(Vaccinium corymbosum L.)Provides Insights into the Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis

The F3′5′H gene family plays an important role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis,abiotic stress,and hormone signaling.In this study,14 F3′5′H genes were identified from the blueberry genome.The chromosomal distribution,physicochemical properties,F3′5′H domain,conserved motifs,cis-acting elements,and intron/exon compositions were analyzed.The functional prediction analysis of these VcF3′5′Hs indicated that their biological functions included light response and other secondary metabolites.The results of qRT-PCR showed that VcF3′5′Hs(especially VcF3′5′H4)were highly expressed at the ripening stage.Subcellular localization revealed that VcF3′5′H4 may be located in the endoplasmic reticulum.Co-expression analysis showed that the VcF3′5′H gene family was related to anthocyanin.This research provides an overview of the blueberry F3′5′H family and helps verify the role of these genes in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presenting as Korsakoff syndrome caused by E196A mutation in PRNP gene:A case report

BACKGROUND Prion diseases are a group of degenerative nerve diseases that are caused by infectious prion proteins or gene mutations.In humans,prion diseases result from mutations in the prion protein gene(PRNP).Only a limited number of cases involving a specific PRNP mutation at codon 196(E196A)have been reported.The coexistence of Korsakoff syndrome in patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)caused by E196A mutation has not been documented in the existing literature.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old Chinese man initially presented with Korsakoff syndrome,followed by rapid-onset dementia,visual hallucinations,akinetic mutism,myoclonus,and hyperthermia.The patient had no significant personal or familial medical history.Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed extensive hyperintense signals in the cortex,while positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed a diffuse reduction in cerebral cortex metabolism.Routine biochemical and microorganism testing of the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)yielded normal results.Tests for thyroid function,human immunodeficiency virus,syphilis,vitamin B1 and B12 levels,and autoimmune rheumatic disorders were normal.Blood and CSF tests for autoimmune encephalitis and autoantibody-associated paraneoplastic syndrome yielded negative results.A test for 14-3-3 protein in the CSF yielded negative results.Whole-genome sequencing revealed a diseasecausing mutation in PRNP.The patient succumbed to the illness 11 months after the initial symptom onset.CONCLUSION Korsakoff syndrome,typically associated with alcohol intoxication,also manifests in CJD patients.Individuals with CJD along with PRNP E196A mutation may present with Korsakoff syndrome.

ADAMTS3 and FLT4 gene mutations result in congenital lymphangiectasia in newborns:A case report

BACKGROUND Congenital lymphangiectasia is a rare disease characterized by dilated interstitial lymphatic vessels and cystic expansion of the lymphatic vessels.Congenital lymphangiectasia can affect various organ systems;however,it frequently occurs in the lungs accompanied with unexplained pleural effusion.Further,it might not be diagnosed during prenatal examination owing to the absence of pronounced abnormalities.However,after birth the newborn rapidly develops respiratory distress that quickly deteriorates.Genetic variations in proteins controlling the development of lymphatic vessels contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease.We report a rare case of heterozygous mutation of ADAMTS3 and FLT4 genes,which have not been reported previously.CASE SUMMARY We analysed the case of a neonate who had presented with only pleural effusion at a late gestational age and eventually died due to its inability to establish spontaneous breathing after birth.An autopsy revealed lymphangiectasia of the organ systems.Further,whole exome sequencing revealed heterozygous mutations of the lymphangiogenesis-controlling genes,ADAMTS3 and FLT4,and Sanger verification revealed similar lesions in the mother with no symptoms.CONCLUSION Considering the presented case,obstetricians should observe unexplained foetal pleural effusion,and perform pathology analysis and whole exome sequencing for a conclusive diagnosis and prompt treatment.

ABCB4 gene mutation-associated cirrhosis with systemic amyloidosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Gene mutations in ATP-binding cassette,subfamily B(ABCB4)lead to autosomal recessive disorders.Primary light amyloidosis is a rare and incurable disease.Here,we report a rare case of liver cirrhosis caused by ABCB4 gene mutation combined with primary light amyloidosis.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 25-year-old female who was hospitalized due to recurrent abdominal pain caused by calculous cholecystitis and underwent cholecystectomy.Pathological examination of the liver tissue suggested liver cirrhosis with bile duct injury.Exon analyses of the whole genome from the patient’s peripheral blood revealed the presence of a heterozygous mutation in the ABCB4 gene.Bone marrow biopsy tissues,renal puncture examination,and liver mass spectrometry confirmed the diagnosis of a rare progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 with systemic light chain type κ amyloidosis,which resulted in cirrhosis.Ursodeoxycholic acid and the cluster of differentiation 38 monoclonal antibody daretozumab were administered for treatment.Following treatment,the patient demonstrated significant improvement.Urinary protein became negative,peripheral blood-free light chain and urine-free light chain levels returned to normal,and the electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities.Additionally,the patient’s lower limb numbness resolved,and her condition remained stable.CONCLUSION This report presents the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis,a rare disease that is easily misdiagnosed or missed.

Identification of the Rice Vacuolar ATPase B Subunit Gene and Its Expression Pattern Analysis Under Phosphorus Deficiency

A vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase.) B subunit gene has been cloned and characterized front a phosphorus starvation induced rice root subtractive cDNA library by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method and RT-PCR amplification. This gene encodes a polypeptide of 487 amino acid residues, containing a conservative ATP binding site and with a molecular weight of 54.06 kD and an isoelectric point of 4.99, southern analysis of the. genomic DNA indicates that V-ATPase B subunit is encoded by a single gene in rice genome. The amino acid homologies of V-ATPase B subunits among different organisms range from 76% to 97% and reveals that the evolution of V-ATPase B subunit is accompanied with the biological evolution. Expression pattern analysis indicated that the maximal expression of V-ATPase B subunit gene occurred at an early stage (6 - 12 h) after phosphorus starvation in roots, and lately stage (24 - 48 It) in leaves. Under phosphorus deficiency, the up-regulated expression of V-ATPase gene was presumed to strengthen the proton transport and provide the required energy to maintain an electrochemical gradient across the tonoplast to facilitate Phosphorus transport.

Ex vivo non-viral vector-mediated neurotrophin-3 gene transfer to olfactory ensheathing glia: effects on axonal regeneration and functional recovery after implantation in rats with spinal cord injury

Objective Combine olfactory ensheathing glia （OEG） implantation with ex vivo non-viral vector-based neurotrophin- 3 （NT-3） gene therapy in attempting to enhance regeneration after thoracic spinal cord injury （SCI）. Methods Primary OEG were transfected with cationic liposome-mediated recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 and subsequently implanted into adult Wistar rats directly after the thoracic spinal cord （T9） contusion by the New York University impactor. The animals in 3 different groups received 4x 1050EG transfected with pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 or pcDNA3.1 （＋） plasmids, or the OEGs without any plasmid transfection, respectively; the fourth group was untreated group, in which no OEG was implanted. Results NT-3 production was seen increased both ex vivo and in vivo in pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 transfected OEGs. Three months after implantation of NT-3-transfected OEGs, behavioral analysis revealed that the hindlimb function of SCI rats was improved. All spinal cords were filled with regenerated neurofilament-positive axons. Retrograde tracing revealed enhanced regenerative axonal sprouting. Conclusion Non-viral vector-mediated genetic engineering of OEG was safe and more effective in producing NT- 3 and promoting axonal outgrowth followed by enhancing SCI recovery in rats.

^(103)Pd-induced apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in bile ducts of dogs:significance and effects on related genes

BACKGROUND:With the objective of developing a locally- produced radioactive stent,the present study used in vivo animal experiments to explore apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells resulting from facilitation of the expression of genes caused byγ-radiation in order to prevent bile duct restenosis.We therefore explored the effects and significance ofγ-radiation on the activity of caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 genes in apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile duct walls of dogs. METHODS:Twelve dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups(6 in each group).A postinjury bile duct stenosis model was established and radioactive 103 Pd( 103 palladium) or ordinary bile duct stents were implanted into the bile ducts.HE staining,RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of bile duct smooth muscle cells in proliferative endomembrane and the expression of related caspase-3,Bcl-2 and Fas genes. RESULTS:The expression of caspase-3 and Fas genes in the bile duct tissues of dogs with radioactive stents was higher than that of dogs with ordinary stents.There was significant apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile ducts.The expression of the Bcl-2 gene in the bile duct tissues of dogs with radioactive stents was lower than that in those with ordinary stents.There was significant apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the dogs with low Bcl-2 gene expression. CONCLUSIONS:Radiation increases the activity of caspase-3 and Fas genes and is associated with apoptosis. The radioactive 103 Pd stent may facilitate apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile ducts of dogs by activating these genes.The Bcl-2 gene expression level is correlated with the occurrence of apoptosis and the radiosusceptibility of cells.

Clinical manifestations and gene mutation in a case of Machado-Joseph disease

This study reports a case of a 75-year-old female Machado-Joseph disease patient exhibiting unstable walking and inaccurate hand holding for 8 months, which progressively worsened. Physical examination on admission showed cerebellar ataxia and a history of hypertension. Crania MRI demonstrated cerebellar and brain stem atrophy. Gene analysis showed abnormal amplification of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in exon 10 of the ataxin-3 （ATXN3） gene, resulting in 70-81 CAG repeats in the patient, with a significant positive family history.

Genetic Variation Analysis of 3D Gene and Molecular Detection of Porcine Kobuvirus in 2013-2014

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and variation of porcine kobuvirus （PKV） in suckling piglets in China. [Method] In 2013-2014, 224 feces samples from suckling piglets with diarrhea in 27 pig farms of five provinces in China were collected to detect 3D genes of PKV with RT-PCR method; the sequences and genetic variation of 29 PKV 3D genes were analyzed. [Result] Total positive rate of PKV in feces samples from suckling piglets with diarrhea was 65.18% （146/224）; total positive rate of PKV in pig farms was 85,2% （23/27）; nucleotide sequences and the deduced amino acid sequences of 29 PKV 3D genes shared 87.0%-100% and 92.7%-100% homologies with six PKV-related 3D sequences, respectively. [Conclusion] PKV infection is prevalent in suckling piglets in China; PKV 3D genes exhibit high diversity.

Genetics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: From susceptibility and nutrient interactions to management

Genetics plays an important role in determining the susceptibility of an individual to develop a disease. Complex, multi factorial diseases of modern day(diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity) are a result of disparity between the type of food consumed and genes, suggesting that food which does not match the host genes is probably one of the major reasons for developing life style diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is becoming a global epidemic leading to substantial morbidity. While various genotyping approaches such as whole exome sequencing using next generation sequencers and genome wide association studies have identified susceptibility loci for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) including variants in patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 genes apart from others; nutrient based studies emphasized on a combination of vitamin D, E and omega-3 fatty acids to manage fatty liver disease. However majority of the studies were conducted independent of each other and very few studies explored the interactions between the genetic susceptibility and nutrient interactions. Identifying such interactions will aid in optimizing the nutrition tailor made to an individual's genetic makeup, thereby aiding in delaying the onset of the disease and its progression. The present topic focuses on studies that identified the genetic susceptibility for NAFLD, nutritional recommendations, and their interactions for better management of NAFLD.

P53-inducible Gene 3(PIG-3)在弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及意义

本研究旨在探究P53-inducible gene 3(PIG-3)在弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)中的表达情况及其与淋巴瘤发病机制的相关性。应用免疫印迹(Western blot)和RT-PCR等方法,检测弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤患者和健康成年人PIG-3蛋白的表达情况,并判断其与淋巴瘤发病机制的相关性。结果表明,Western blot检测弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤细胞中PIG-3蛋白表达明显低于对照组,化疗后6个月PIG-3蛋白表达较化疗前升高。RT-PCR结果显示,扩增产物大小为1285 bp,与理论值吻合。结论:PIG-3表达下调可能与弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤发生密切相关,故PIG-3有可能作为弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤治疗及预后检测的一个重要指标。

Molecular Characterization of Cotton 14-3-3L Gene Preferentially Expressed During Fiber Elongation

The 14-3-3 protein, highly conserved in all eukaryotic cells, is an important regulatory protein. It plays an important role in the growth, amplification, apoptosis, signal transduction, and other crucial life activities of cells. A eDNA encoding a putative 14-3-3 protein was isolated from cotton fiber eDNA library. The eDNA, designated as Gh14-3-3L （Gossypium hirsutum 14-3-3-like）, is 1,029 bp in length （including a 762 bp long open reading frame and 5＇-/3＇-untranslated regions） and deduced a protein with 253 amino acids. The GhI4-3-3L shares higher homology with the known plant 14-3-3 proteins, and possesses the basic structure of 14-3-3 proteins： one dimeric domain, one phosphoralated-serine rich motif, four CC domains, and one EF Hand motif. Northern blotting analysis showed that Gh14-3-3L was predominantly expressed during early fiber development, and reached to the peak of expression in 10 days post anthers （DPA） fiber cells, suggesting that the gene may be involved in regulating fiber elongation. The gene is also expressed at higher level in both ovule and petal, but displays lower or undeteetable level of activity in other tissues of cotton.

A case of hereditary multi-infarct dementia Mutation in exon 11 of the Notch3 gene on chromosome 19

This study is a report on one 59-year-old male patient with hereditary multi-infarct dementia who came from a family with a positive family history of this disease. The patient primarily presented with dizziness accompanied by vertigo and a positive Romberg＇s sign. Skull magnetic resonance images showed lacunar infarction in bilateral temporal lobes, bilateral basal ganglias, periventricular white matter and semioval center, and ischemic focus accompanied by white matter degeneration, exhibiting senile morphological brain changes. No abnormalities were observed by skull magnetic resonance angiography. Gene detection further confirmed that there was Arg607Cys heterozygous mutation in exon 11 of the Notch3gene. No other mutations in exons were detected.