Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury,with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis.While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury,few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy.This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy(51.3±7.3 years old,12 women and 18 men),seven healthy controls(25.7±1.7 years old,one woman and six men),and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(51.9±8.6 years old,three women and six men).Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics.Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities.Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis,we constructed a five-gene model(TBCD,TPM2,PNKD,EIF4G2,and AP5Z1)to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%.One-gene models(TCAP and SDHA)identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3%and 76.7%,respectively.Signatures of two immune cell types(memory B cells and memory-activated CD4^(+)T cells)predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80%accuracy.Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

The autophagy-lysosome pathway:a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such asα-synuclein in neurons.As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways,the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins.Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance ofα-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.Moreover,multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway.Thus,this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy.Then,we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson’s disease–related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway.Finally,we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy–lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson’s disease.

Recovery of the injured neural system through gene delivery to surviving neurons in Parkinson’s disease

A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson’s disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration.While medications effectively manage symptoms,they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to address the underlying neuronal loss.This highlights that the elusive goals of halting progression and restoring damaged neurons limit the long-term impact of current approaches.Recent clinical trials using gene therapy have demonstrated the safety of various vector delivery systems,dosages,and transgenes expressed in the central nervous system,signifying tangible and substantial progress in applying gene therapy as a promising Parkinson’s disease treatment.Intriguingly,at diagnosis,many dopamine neurons remain in the substantia nigra,offering a potential window for recovery and survival.We propose that modulating these surviving dopamine neurons and axons in the substantia nigra and striatum using gene therapy offers a potentially more impactful therapeutic approach for future research.Moreover,innovative gene therapies that focus on preserving the remaining elements may have significant potential for enhancing long-term outcomes and the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we provide a perspective on how gene therapy can protect vulnerable elements in the substantia nigra and striatum,offering a novel approach to addressing Parkinson’s disease at its core.

AAV2-PDE6B restores retinal structure and function in the retinal degeneration 10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by promoting phototransduction and inhibiting apoptosis

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases that lead to retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell death.However,there is no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by PDE6B mutation.Adeno-associated virus(AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating retinitis pigmentosa.The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms by which AAV2-PDE6B rescues retinal function.To do this,we injected retinal degeneration 10(rd10)mice subretinally with AAV2-PDE6B and assessed the therapeutic effects on retinal function and structure using dark-and light-adapted electroretinogram,optical coherence tomography,and immunofluorescence.Data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate protein expression levels and pathway enrichment,and the results from this analysis were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.AAV2-PDE6B injection significantly upregulated PDE6βexpression,preserved electroretinogram responses,and preserved outer nuclear layer thickness in rd10 mice.Differentially expressed proteins between wild-type and rd10 mice were closely related to visual perception,and treating rd10 mice with AAV2-PDE6B restored differentially expressed protein expression to levels similar to those seen in wild-type mice.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins whose expression was most significantly altered by AAV2-PDE6B injection were enriched in phototransduction pathways.Furthermore,the phototransductionrelated proteins Pde6α,Rom1,Rho,Aldh1a1,and Rbp1 exhibited opposite expression patterns in rd10 mice with or without AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Finally,Bax/Bcl-2,p-ERK/ERK,and p-c-Fos/c-Fos expression levels decreased in rd10 mice following AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Our data suggest that AAV2-PDE6B-mediated gene therapy promotes phototransduction and inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway and upregulating Bcl-2/Bax expression in retinitis pigmentosa.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system.Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons.Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function,a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking.We delve into early 20th-century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes.Indeed,recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences.Furthermore,modern molecular investigations,employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing,consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region.Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease,and psychiatric disorders.Nevertheless,caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations.Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity.Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species,sex,central nervous system region,age,and disease,hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Pan-TRK positive uterine sarcoma in immunohistochemistry without neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase gene fusions:A case report

BACKGROUND The classification of uterine sarcomas is based on distinctive morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics,increasingly supported by molecular genetic diagnostics.Data on neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase(NTRK)gene fusionpositive uterine sarcoma,potentially aggressive and morphologically similar to fibrosarcoma,are limited due to its recent recognition.Pan-TRK immunohistochemistry(IHC)analysis serves as an effective screening tool with high sensitivity and specificity for NTRK-fusion malignancies.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a malignant mesenchymal tumor originating from the uterine cervix,which was pan-TRK IHC-positive but lacked NTRK gene fusions,accompanied by a brief literature review.A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distension,exhibiting significant ascites and multiple solid pelvic masses.Pelvic examination revealed a tumor encompassing the uterine cervix,extending to the vagina and uterine corpus.A punch biopsy of the cervix indicated NTRK sarcoma with positive immunochemical pan-TRK stain.However,subsequent next generation sequencing revealed no NTRK gene fusion,leading to a diagnosis of poorly differentiated,advanced-stage sarcoma.CONCLUSION The clinical significance of NTRK gene fusion lies in potential treatment with TRK inhibitors for positive sarcomas.Identifying such rare tumors is crucial due to the potential applicability of tropomyosin receptor kinase inhibitor treatment.

Autophagy-targeting modulation to promote peripheral nerve regeneration

Nerve regeneration following traumatic peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies is a complex process modulated by diverse factors and intricate molecular mechanisms.Past studies have focused on factors that stimulate axonal outgrowth and myelin regeneration.However,recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of autophagy in peripheral nerve regeneration,particularly in the context of traumatic injuries.Consequently,autophagy-targeting modulation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.Our current understanding suggests that activating autophagy facilitates the rapid clearance of damaged axons and myelin sheaths,thereby enhancing neuronal survival and mitigating injury-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.These actions collectively contribute to creating a favorable microenvironment for structural and functional nerve regeneration.A range of autophagyinducing drugs and interventions have demonstrated beneficial effects in alleviating peripheral neuropathy and promoting nerve regeneration in preclinical models of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.This review delves into the regulation of autophagy in cell types involved in peripheral nerve regeneration,summarizing the potential drugs and interventions that can be harnessed to promote this process.We hope that our review will offer novel insights and perspectives on the exploitation of autophagy pathways in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

Transformation of Pea Lectin Gene and Parasponia Haemoglobin Gene into Rice and Their Expressions

Lectin and leghemoglobin in legumes play the important roles, respectively, in recognition of host plants to their rhizobial bacteria, and lowering the oxygen partial pressure around bacteroids and protecting nitrogenase from oxygen in symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodules. In order to extend the host range of the rhizobial bacteria and to make them fix nitrogen in non-legumes, pea lectin gene (pl) and Parasponia hemoglobin gene ( phl,) have been constructed into a plant expression vector (pCBHUL) and the vector pCBHUL was introduced into rice calli from immature young embryos by particle bombardment. After the calli were regenerated into plantlets on the resistant-selecting media containing hygromycin, they were identified by PCR and Southern blot hybridization. It was indicated that the pi and phb genes were integrated into nucleic genome of the transformed rice plants. GUS activity and the product of the pi gene were determined by GUS staining, Western blot and in situ hybridization at translational level. Eighteen out of 40 plants resistant to hygromycin were positively identified by PCR analysis with the rate of 45%. The pi gene was expressed in 3 out of 18 plants with 17% and 7.5% in 40 plants. The results may provide a clue for exploring whether Rhizobium leguminosarum by. viceae could extend its host range and make the transgenic rice plants have the possibility of being symbiotic, or associative to nitrogen fixation.

Identification and characterization of adult alpha-and beta-globin genes and their genomic arrangement in Pseudosciaena crocea

The α- and β-globin genes from Pseudosciaena crocea were cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA 3 ＇-end （ 3 ＇-RACE）. The cDNA of the α-globin is 595 bp with the ATG start codon located at Position 37, the TAA stop codon at Position 469 and the AATAAA polyadenylation signal at Position 560, which codifies 145 amino acids. The entire open reading frame of the β-globin gene is 447 bp long, which encodes 148 amino acids. Amino acid identity of the α- globin or β-globin gene compared with those reported in other fish species, ranged from 31.9% to 76.4%. When comparing with human α- and β-globins, three important alterations in the structural regions can be noted： ct39 Thr→Gln, α113 His→Tyr and β117 His→Lys. The α-globin has a unique inserted amino acid residue in the 47th position. To understand the process of globin gene duplication and identify the regulatory elements present in the intergenic and intragenic regions of globin genes, the genomic arrangement of α- and β-globin genes was investigated. The results showed that the orientation of the two genes was head-to-head relative to each other. The intergenic region between the translation initiation codons of the linked α- and β-globin genes contains classical promoter elements and the length of it is much shorter than that reported in other fish.

Novel SNP of EPAS1 gene associated with higher hemoglobin concentration revealed the hypoxia adaptation of yak(Bos grunniens)

Endothelial PAS domain protein 1 gene （EPAS1） is a key transcription factor that activates the expression of oxygen-regu- lated genes. In this study, in order to better understand the effects of EPAS1 gene on hematologic parameters in yak, we firstly quantified the tissue expression patterns for EPASl mRNA of yak, identified polymorphism in this gene and evaluated its association with hematologic parameters. Expression of EPAS1 mRNA was detected in all eight tissues （heart, liver, lung, spleen, pancreas, kidney, muscles and ovary）. The expressions of EPAS1 in lung and pancreas were extremely higher than other tissues examined. Three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） （g.83052 C〉T, g.83065 G〉A and g.83067 C〉A） within the EPAS1 were identified and genotyped in Pali （PL）, Gannan （GN） and Tianzhu White （TZW） yak breeds. Significant higher frequencies of the AA and GA genotypes and A allele of the g.83065 G〉A were observed in the PL and GN breeds than that in the TZW breed （P〈0.01）. Association analysis of the PL breed indicated that the g.83065 G〉A polymorphism was significantly associated with hemoglobin （HGB） concentration in yaks （P〈0.05）. Individuals with genotype AA had significantly higher HGB concentration （P〈0.05） than those with genotype GA and GG. All these results will help our further understanding of biological functional of yak EPAS1 gene in responding to hypoxia and also indicate EPAS1 might contribute to the hypoxia adaptation of the yak.

Intragenic and intergenic sequences regulating the expression of the 5'-to-5' linked adult α-and β-globin genes from large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea

One adult α-globin gene and one β-globin gene have been cloned from the large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea. Linkage analysis indicated that the α- and β-globin genes were oriented head-to-head relative to each other. To identify the regulatory elements present in the intergenic and intragenic regions of the globin complex, the intergenic region alone or together with the β-globin gene first intron was cloned into the luciferase-reporter vector pGL3-Basic respectively, and the chimeric constructs were tran- siently transfected into Vero cells and primary fish erythrocytes. The intergenic region cannot support the high-level expression of luciferase. However, the promoter activity of the intergenic region was strongly stimulated by the positive regulatory elements （PRE） located in the β-globin gene intron 1. Thus, it is proposed that the intergenic promoters and intragenic PRE were necessary for the effective expression of the linked α- and β-globin genes.

PREDOMINANT EXPRESSION OF HUMAN Aγ-IN CONTRAST WITH β-GLOBIN GENE IN MEL CELLS TRANSFECTED WITH THE CONSTRUCT μLCRAγψβδ

A cosmid construct μLCRAγψβδβ were induced into mouse erythroleukemia cell lines 585 that expresses murine adult globin only and MEL GM 979 that expresses both murine embryonic and adult globins.Similar patterns of human globin gene expression were displayed in the two MEL cell lines transfected with the construct.Inducible expression of the Aγ and β gene was observed during induced cell differentiation.However,the expression level of the Aγ globin gene is much higher than that of the β globin gene in either uninduced or induced MEL transformants.No γ to β switching happened in the stable MEL transformants following a continuous culture.The much more effective enhance of the μLCR on the Aγ globin gene than that on the β globin gene is resulted probably from the fact that the distance between the LCR and the β globin gene is much longer than that between the LCR and the Aγ globin gene in the construct,in comparison with other constructs containing HS2 or μLCR linked to both of γ and β globin genes in different order.Two suggestions can be derived from these results:1) A competition between the γ and β globin gene for interaction with the LCR may indeed present,but only an enough long distance difference between the LCR to the γ and to the β gene can effectively influence the competition;2) Unlike transgenic mice,MEL cells are incapable of reconstructing the regulatory information involved in developmental control when it is provided by a fragment of the β globin gene cluster with limited length.

Overexpression of the neuroglobin gene delivered by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction protects SH-SY5Y cells against cobalt chloride induced hypoxia

In this study, we examined the effects of neuroglobin gene （Ngb） transfection into SH-SY5Y cells, using ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction （UTMD）, on cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia. With an ultrasound intensity of 0.8 W/cm2, a 60-second exposure duration, 50% duty cycle, and 20% microbubble concentration, pAcGFP1-C1-Ngb-transfected cells exhibited the highest cell viability and transfection efficiency. The efficiency of plasmid delivery was significantly higher with UTMD than transfection with plasmid alone, transfection with plasmid using microbubbles, or transfection of plasmid by ultrasound. In addition, during cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia, caspase-3 activity in pAcGFP1-C1-Ngb-transfected cells was significantly lower than in untransfected cells. Ngb protein and mRNA expression were significantly higher in cells transfected by UTMD than in cells transfected with the other methods. These results demonstrate that UTMD can very efficiently mediate exogenous gene delivery, and that Ngb overexpression protects cells against cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia.

Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene(vgb)improves lutein production in Chlorella vulgaris

Vitreoscilla hemoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein that promotes oxygen delivery and reduces oxygen consumption under low oxygen conditions to increase the effi ciency of cell respiration and metabolism.In this study,we introduced a Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene(vgb)into Chlorella vulgaris by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation(ATMT).PCR analysis confi rmed that the vgb gene was successfully integrated into the Chlorella vulgaris genome.Analysis of biomass obtained in shake fl asks revealed transformant biomass concentrations as high as 3.28 g/L,which was 38.81% higher than that of the wild-type strain.Lutein content of transformants also increased slightly.Further experiments recovered a maximum lutein yield of 2.91 mg/L from the transformants,which was 36.77% higher than that of the wild-type strain.The above results suggest that integrated expression of the vgb gene may improve cell growth and lutein yield in Chlorella vulgaris,with applications to lutein production from Chlorella during fermentation.

Trans-acting factors from the human fetal liver bindingto the human ε-globin gene silencer

The developmental stage-specific silencing of the human ε-globin gene during embryonic life is controlled, inpart, by the silencer (-392bp～-177bp) upstream of thisgene. In order to elucidate its role, the nuclear extractfrom the human fetal liver has been prepared and the interactions between trans-acting factors and this silencerelement have been examined. By using DNasel footprinting assay, a major protected region from -278bp to -235bpwithin this silencer element was identified. Furthermore,we found in gel mobility shift assay and Southwestern blotting assay that there were at least four trans-acting factors (MW ≈ 32, 28, 26 and 22kD) in the nuclear extractisolated from the human fetal liver, which could specifically bind to this region. Our results suggested that thesetrans-acting factors might play an important role in silencing the human embryonic ε-globin gene expression at thefetal stage through the interactions with this silencer.

Application of α-globin 3′hypervariable region to gene diagnosis of adult polycystic kidney disease

Seventy-four members from 9 adult polycystic kidney disease(APKD)familieswere analysed with Southern blot and 3′hypervariable region/Pvu Ⅱ,3′HVR/Bgl ⅡRFLPs.The results showed that 3′ HVR fragments were highly polymorphic.Theheterozygote frequencies of Pvu Ⅱ,Bgl Ⅱ and PvuⅡ+Bg1Ⅱ fragments were 92%,84.7%and 98.6%,respectively.The maximum lod score for linkage between 3′HVR and APKDwas 9.71 at a recombination fraction 0.045.We successfully applied 3′HVR probe to thegene diagnosis of 17 symptomatic patients and 7 patients in the presymptomatic stage.

Simultaneous Expression of Vitreoscilla Globin Gene and Lytic Genes of Phage A in a Novel Recombinant Escherichia Coli Used for Production of PHB

Exogenous Vitreoscilla globin gene (vgb), lytic genes of phage A with S amber mutation (S-RRz) and poly(B-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) biosynthetic genes (phbCAB) were cloned into a same Escherichia coli cell, simultaneously or respectively. Six novel strains containing phbCAB and vgb with or without lytic genes were constructed. Strain VG1 (pTU14), in which vgb, phbCAB and S-RRz could all be successfully expressed, has superior characteristics in cell growth and PHB accumulation, while the results of strains containing vgb and phbCAB without S- RRz were not better than that of strains harbored ph&CAB only. The simultaneous expression of vgb and S- RRz in the recombinant VG1 (pTU14) showed a great potential for low-cost production of PHB.

ISOBUTYRAMIDE ACTIVATES TRANSCRIPTION OF HUMAN FETAL γ-AND MURINE EMBRYONIC εy-GLOBIN GENES

Objective. To examine the effect of isobutyramide synthesized in our laboratory on human and murine globin gene expression and to test cell toxicity ofthe drug.Methods. MEL cells were transfected with the recombinant construct μLCRAγψβδβand the stable transformants were cultured in the medium with different concentrations of isobutyramide. The experimental mice and rabbit were injected with different doses of isobutyramide. The globin mRNAs were analyzed by RNase protection assay. The hematological toxicity and electrolyte toxicity ofthe drug were tested.Results. An inducible and dose dependent expression of the human γ , β and mouse α globin gene was observed in the transfected MEL cells. The induction of the human γ globin gene is significant stronger than that of the β globin gene. With 2.5～5 mmol/L isobutyramide, the induction of the human γ globin gene is even more effective than that of mouse α globin gene. After a 15 day injection under the doses of 500～900mg·kg-1·d-1, the level of the mouse embryonic εy globin mRNA could be significantly induced up to 3～4 fold of that of uninjected controls. The changes of hemoglobin(Hb), RBC, hematocrit(HCT), WBC, derived from mice injected with different doses of isobutyramide at the interval of 24 hours for 2～4 weeks, were generally within the normal range. In rabbits injected with isobutyramide in the same regiment for 2 weeks, the concentration of blood K+, Na+, Cl-and CO2 were all within normal range and serum ionic osmotic pressure remained stable as well. Conclusion. Our results suggested that isobutyramide is a weak inducer ofcell differentiation, but it can selectively activate transcription of human γ globin gene at a certain degree, and it can act on early stages of erythroid progenitor differentiation in adult mice and activate transcription of embryonic εy-globin gene and have no hematological toxicity. Our results have further proved the potential value of isobutyramide in treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

Co-Inheritance of Beta &Delta-Globin Gene (HbYialousa) Mutations in an Iranian <i>β</i>-Thalassemia Carrier

Introduction: Beta-thalassemia is characterized by absence or reduced synthesis of the β-globin. Carriers of β-thalas- semia, typically have microcytic hypochromic anemia and elevated hemoglobin HbA2 and normal HbF level. On the other hand carriers of severe alpha-thalassemia also have similar CBC parameters to that of β-thalassemia with normal HbA2 level. Co-presence of mutations in the β-globin and delta-globin genes (point mutations or deletions) usually give normal HbA2 and elevated HbF level. We report a β-thal carrier with normal level of HbA2 and increased level of HbF who had a point mutation in CD39 on the beta-globin gene and a point mutation in CD27 on the δ-globin gene named Hb-Yialousa. Materials & Methods: An individual with low hematological indices, normal HbA2 and elevated HbF was referred to our center as routine premarital screening program. Mutations in the β-globin and δ-globin genes were screened using ARMS and sequencing methods. Results: The mutation in β- and δ-globin genes were identified as CD39 and CD27 (HbYialousa) respectively. No point mutation or deletion in α-globin gene was identified. Discussion: We showed that normal HBA2 with elevated HbF level is due to co-inheritance of delta-globin gene mutation with mutation in the β-globin gene. When screening for β-thalassemia, one has to either rule out presence of α-globin gene mutation of mutation in the delta-globin gene.