An efficient method for constructing a random insertional mutant library for forward genetics in Nannochloropsis oceanica

Insertional mutation,phenotypic evaluation,and mutated gene cloning are widely used to clone genes from scratch.Exogenous genes can be integrated into the genome during non-homologous end joining(NHEJ)of the double-strand breaks of DNA,causing insertional mutation.The random insertional mutant library constructed using this method has become a method of forward genetics for gene cloning.However,the establishment of a random insertional mutant library requires a high transformation efficiency of exogenous genes.Many microalgal species show a low transformation efficiency,making constructing random insertional mutant libraries difficult.In this study,we established a highly efficient transformation method for constructing a random insertional mutant library of Nannochloropsis oceanica,and tentatively tried to isolate its genes to prove the feasibility of the method.A gene that may control the growth rate and cell size was identified.This method will facilitate the genetic studies of N.oceanica,which should also be a reference for other microalgal species.

Relationship between the rs2241766 ADIPOQ Polymorphism in a Black African Population and the Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. This pathology is linked to various genes whose interaction with the environment promotes its development. The aim of this work was to determine the relationship between the rs2241766 (T/G) polymorphism of the ADIPOQ gene with type 2 diabetes in the black population. Material and Methods: This work was a case-control study, involving type 2 diabetics subjects (n = 94) and controls (n = 82). The study took place from September 2022 to September 2023. Patients were recruited in the Endocrinology Department of the Libreville University Hospital Center. Analysis was performed in the Biochemistry laboratory of the University of Health Sciences in Libreville and at the Research Institute of Health Sciences of Bobodioulasso. Genomic DNA was extracted using the protocol Qiagen kit and the PCR-RFLP method was used to determine the rs2241766 (T/G) polymorphism of the ADIPOQ gene. Results: Only 2 genotypes were found in this population, the TT genotype and the GT genotype. The proportions were not different between the two groups (p = 0.1095) neither the distribution of G and T alleles (p = 0.1095). On the other hand, the HDL hypocholesterolemia was frequent in subjects with the GT genotype compared to TT heterozygous (51.1% vs 48.9%, p = 0.0280;OR = 0.55 [0.30 - 1.01]). Conclusion: There was no association between the rs2241766 (T/G) variant of the ADIPOQ gene and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in this population. On the other hand, a relationship between HDL hypocholesterolemia and the GT genotype has been established.

Single nucleotide polymorphism within chromosome 8q24 is associated with prostate cancer development in Saudi Arabia

Objective: Genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important risk factors for the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Preliminary studies have suggested that the incidence of PCa in Saudi males is low but is probably familial or genetically related.Methods: To identify any possible association of SNP with PCa development in Saudi patients, we investigated a group of SNPs in Saudi PCa patients (n=85) and compared the outcomes to healthy normal controls (n=115) and nodular hyperplasia patients (n=120). DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded formalin fixed tissue or whole blood from both patients’ groups and healthy control group. A total of thirteen SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan® minor groove binder polymerase chain reaction assay.Results: The rs16901979A, s629242T and rs1447295A alleles were found at significantly higher frequency in PCa patients than controls (p< 0.05). The rs16901979 CA genotype was found at significantly greater frequency in PCa patients than in healthy controls (43% vs. 14%, odds ratio=4.6, p=0.0001) and benign hyperplasia group (43% vs. 25%, odds ratio=2.2, p=0.009).Conclusion: Our study has highlighted the association of rs16901979 SNP with PCa in Saudi males. Such findings have important implications in the PCa diagnosis and in screening unaffected family members of Saudi patients.

Toll-like receptors 2 polymorphism is associated with psoriasis: A case-control study in the northern Chinese population

Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling adaptive immunity.The role of TLR2 in the progression of psoriasis is not well understood.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on a northern Chinese Han population,consisting of psoriasis patients and healthy control subjects.Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction(ARMS-PCR),and allele and genotype frequencies of four SNPs in TLR2 were analyzed in 270 psoriasis patients and 246 healthy controls.Results:Four TLR2 SNPs(rs11938228,rs4696480,rs3804099,rs5743699)were genotyped and found to be in linkage disequilibrium.The genotype distributions of rs11938228 and rs4696480 in two groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and statistically significant except for the overdominance model.The haplotypes ATTC and ATCC were found to be protective against psoriasis.Conclusion:Our study found a correlation between TLR2 genetic variations and the likelihood of psoriasis in northern China.

Distribution of gene polymorphisms associated with aspirin antiplatelet in the Han NSTEMI population

Objective:To analyze the genotype and allele distribution characteristics of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918),PEAR1(rs12041331),and PTGS1(rs10306114)genes related to the antiplatelet pharmacological effects of aspirin,providing reference for individualized treatment of Chinese Han NSTEMI patients.Methods:A total of 107 Han patients with NSTEMI in Beijing Luhe Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The genotypes of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918),PEAR1(rs12041331)and PTGS1(rs10306114)were detected by fluorescence staining in situ hybridization.The frequency distribution and allele distribution of genotype were analyzed.The results were analyzed whether there were statistical differences in the distribution of related alleles between the Han NSTEMI population and some populations in the 1000 Genomes database.Results:In the Han NSTEMI population,the genotype frequencies of GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918)locus were TT 97.20%,TC 2.80%and CC 0%,the allele frequencies were T 98.60%and C 1.40%.The genotype frequencies of PEAR1(rs12041331)locus were GG 42.06%,GA 44.86%and AA 13.08%,the allele frequencies were G 64.49%and A 35.51%.The genotypes at the PTGS1(rs10306114)locus were all AA(100%),no AG or GG genotype was found.Conclusion:In the NSTEMI population of Han nationality,the mutation at GPⅢa PLA2(rs5918)site related to aspirin antiplatelet pharmacology is rare,and there is no mutation at PTGS1(rs10306114)site.Wild homozygotes are dominant in these two gene loci,while mutations in PEAR1(rs12041331)are more common.Some of the findings in this study are similar to those in previous reports or other populations included in the relevant database;however,some results differ from previous reports or other populations。

Interaction between diet and genetics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Marangoni et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;29:5618-5629,about“Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease”.The authors emphasized the role of diet,especially the interaction with genetics,in promoting the inflam-matory process in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients,focusing on DNA methylation,histone modifications,and the influence of microRNAs.In this editorial,we explore the interaction between genetics,gut microbiota,and diet,in an only way.Furthermore,we provided dietary recommendations for patients with IBD.The Western diet,characterized by a low fiber content and deficiency the micronutrients,impacts short-chain fatty acids production and may be related to the pathogenesis of IBD.On the other hand,the consumption of the Mediter-ranean diet and dietary fibers are associated with reduced risk of IBD flares,particularly in Crohn’s disease(CD)patients.According to the dietary guidance from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IOIBD),the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing the consumption of saturated,trans,dairy fat,additives,processed foods rich in maltodextrins,and artificial sweeteners containing sucralose or saccharine is recommended to CD patients.For patients with ulcerative colitis,the IOIBD recommends the increased intake of natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids and follows the same restrictive recommendations aimed at CD patients,with the possible inclusion of red meats.In conclusion,IBD is a complex and hetero-geneous disease,and future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of epigenetics on diet and microbiota in IBD patients.

KCNQ1 rs2237895 gene polymorphism increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian populations

BACKGROUND The association of single nucleotide polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is currently controversial.It is unknown whether this association can be gene realized across different populations.AIM To determine the association of KCNQ1 rs2237895 with T2DM and provide reliable evidence for genetic susceptibility to T2DM.METHODS We searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Medline,Baidu Academic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,China Biomedical Literature Database,and Wanfang to investigate the association between KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 and the risk of T2DM up to January 12,2022.Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the association of the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism with T2DM and to evaluate the publication bias of the selected literature.RESULTS Twelve case–control studies(including 11273 cases and 11654 controls)met our inclusion criteria.In the full population,allelic model[odds ratio(OR):1.19;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.09–1.29;P<0.0001],recessive model(OR:1.20;95%CI:1.11–1.29;P<0.0001),dominant model(OR:1.27.95%CI:1.14–1.42;P<0.0001),and codominant model(OR:1.36;95%CI:1.15–1.60;P=0.0003)(OR:1.22;95%CI:1.10–1.36;P=0.0002)indicated that the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism was significantly correlated with susceptibility to T2DM.In stratified analysis,this association was confirmed in Asian populations:allelic model(OR:1.25;95%CI:1.13–1.37;P<0.0001),recessive model(OR:1.29;95%CI:1.11–1.49;P=0.0007),dominant model(OR:1.35;95%CI:1.20–1.52;P<0.0001),codominant model(OR:1.49;95%CI:1.22–1.81;P<0.0001)(OR:1.26;95%CI:1.16–1.36;P<0.0001).In non-Asian populations,this association was not significant:Allelic model(OR:1.06,95%CI:0.98–1.14;P=0.12),recessive model(OR:1.04;95%CI:0.75–1.42;P=0.83),dominant model(OR:1.06;95%CI:0.98–1.15;P=0.15),codominant model(OR:1.08;95%CI:0.82–1.42;P=0.60.OR:1.15;95%CI:0.95–1.39;P=0.14).CONCLUSION KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 was significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM in an Asian population.Carriers of the C allele had a higher risk of T2DM.This association was not significant in non-Asian populations.

Interaction between catechol-O-methyltransferase Val/Met polymorphism and cognitive reserve for negative symptoms in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve(CR)and the catechol-O-methyltransferase(COMT)Val/Met polymorphism are reportedly linked to negative symptoms in schizophrenia.However,the regulatory effect of the COMT genotype on the relationship between CR and negative symptoms is still unexamined.AIM To investigate whether the relationship between CR and negative symptoms could be regulated by the COMT Val/Met polymorphism.METHODS In a cross-sectional study,54 clinically stable patients with schizophrenia underwent assessments for the COMT genotype,CR,and negative symptoms.CR was estimated using scores in the information and similarities subtests of a short form of the Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.RESULTS COMT Met-carriers exhibited fewer negative symptoms than Val homozygotes.In the total sample,significant negative correlations were found between negative symptoms and information,similarities.Associations between information,similarities and negative symptoms were observed in Val homozygotes only,with information and similarities showing interaction effects with the COMT genotype in relation to negative symptoms(information,β=-0.282,95%CI:-0.552 to-0.011,P=0.042;similarities,β=-0.250,95%CI:-0.495 to-0.004,P=0.046).CONCLUSION This study provides initial evidence that the association between negative symptoms and CR is under the regulation of the COMT genotype in schizophrenia.

A Theory of Bio-Quantum Genetics

The physical mechanism of heredity or inheritance of genes is a quantum mechanical and/or quantum computational process. A theory of bio-quantum genetics is established in this paper. Principle of Bio-quantum Genetics is suggested. I propose and define the soft-genes of genetics controlling the processes of heredity or inheritance of genes. This research deals with the quantum mechanisms of Mendel plant heredity and family inheritance as examples of bio-quantum genetics, deepening our understanding of heredity or inheritance. I believe that more contributions will be made to promote researches of bio-quantum genetics or quantum biology at large.

The Practice and Exploration of Applying EBM to Bilingual Teaching of Medical Genetics at OSBCM

In the process of teaching medical genetics of undergraduate clinical medicine, the practice and exploration of applying EBM to the bilingual teaching of OSBCM medical genetics are carried out. Using CBL and PBL as the carrier can make up for the shortcomings of a single teaching mode, synthesize the advantages of multiple teaching modes. It starts from integrating the basic theoretical knowledge of medicine and clinical practice knowledge, improving students’ bilingual level of medical genetics, cultivating students’ literature retrieval ability, and promoting early clinical, multi-clinical and repeated clinical consciousness for medical students. Therefore, it is more conducive to cultivate students’ ability to learn independently, accurately analyze and solve problems, improve medical students’ clinical thinking ability and scientific research awareness, improve medical students’ ability of international communication, and lay a solid foundation for improving medical students’ future post competence, innovative spirit and lifelong learning ability.

Research on the Correlation Between rs2110385 Polymorphisms of the Visfatin Gene and Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective:To investigate the association between rs2110385 polymorphisms of the visfatin gene and the risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy(DR).Methods:172 Han subjects were selected from Xi’an Shaanxi Province;140 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and 32 normal controls(NC)were selected from our hospital.Patients with diabetes were divided into a non-DR group(T2DM)(n=69)and a nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy Group(DR)(n=71)after dilated fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography.rs2110385/AluⅠgenotypes were detected by standardized polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP),and the differences in the detection rates of different genotypes in the above populations were compared.Results:1)The visfatin level in the DR Group was significantly higher than that in the NC and T2DM groups(P<0.05).2)The frequency of GG genotype and G allele of rs2110385 in the DR Group were higher than those in the T2DM and NC groups(80.3,69.6,50.0,86.6,79,65.6,P<0.05).3)There were significant differences in allele frequency and genotype frequency distribution of rs2110385 between the DR Group and the NC group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Visfatin increased in the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy group and could be a potential indicator for the clinical prediction of DR.The G allele of the rs2110385 polymorphic site may be related to the risk of DR.

Association between Gene Polymorphisms and SNP-SNP Interactions of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Signaling Pathway and the Risk of Vascular Senescence

Objective This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)in the matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)signaling pathway and the risk of vascular senescence(VS).Methods In this cross-sectional study,between May and November 2022,peripheral venous blood of151 VS patients(case group)and 233 volunteers(control group)were collected.Fourteen SNPs were identified in five genes encoding the components of the MMP-2 signaling pathway,assessed through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cf PWV),and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The multigene influence on the risk of VS was assessed using multifactor dimensionality reduction(MDR)and generalized multifactor dimensionality regression(GMDR)modeling.Results Within the multivariate logistic regression models,four SNPs were screened to have significant associations with VS:chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)rs4586,MMP2 rs14070,MMP2rs7201,and MMP2 rs1053605.Carriers of the T/C genotype of MMP2 rs14070 had a 2.17-fold increased risk of developing VS compared with those of the C/C genotype,and those of the T/T genotype had a19.375-fold increased risk.CCL2 rs4586 and MMP-2 rs14070 exhibited the most significant interactions.Conclusion CCL2 rs4586,MMP-2 rs14070,MMP-2 rs7201,and MMP-2 rs1053605 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of VS.

Phylogenetic Relationship and Molecular Divergence Dating Using SRY Gene Polymorphism about Four Ladoum Sheep Lineages in Senegal

Animal genetic resources are playing a vital role in livestock production and are essential to food security. The present study aims to contribute to a better understanding genetic local sheep breeds and to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships through the evolution of the SRY gene in four different lineages of Ladoum sheep raised in Senegal. After a brief analysis of genetic diversity, the phylogenetic relationships and molecular dating were inferred through haplotype networks and four phylogenetic reconstruction methods. The different haplotype networks are constructed with NETWORK ver. 5.0.0.0 using the Median-Joining method. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The robustness of the nodes in phylogenetic trees of the three first methods was assessed by 1000 bootstraps. For Bayesian inference, the posterior probability distribution of the trees was estimated by 4 MCMC chains. 5,000,000 generations were performed for each of the chains by sampling the different parameters every 1000 generations. Results show a low polymorphism. Haplotypic diversity is much higher than the average nucleotide divergence between all pairs of haplotypes. The majority and central haplotype indicates a close relationship between “Batling” and “Tyson” individuals. “Birahim” lineage is very distinct from the rest. Phylogenetic trees confirm two genetically separate clades between “Birahim” and the other lineages. The period of divergence between “Birahim” lineage versus the common ancestor of the other three lineages was 2504 years ago. The polyphyly revealed in “Birahim” lindicates that this lineage does not contain the common ancestor of all individuals who compose it. It could therefore be derived from two or more sheep breeds with a common ancestor, Ovis aries. The monophyletic clade appears to be a group including a common ancestor and all of its genetic descendants. This group, bringing together the other three lineages, is in the process of being structured into sub-lineages. This study is the first to show that there are only two genetic lines within ladoum sheep in Senegal.

Genetic polymorphisms in genes regulating cell death and prognosis of patients with rectal cancer receiving postoperative chemoradiotherapy

Objective:The identification of biomarkers for predicting chemoradiotherapy efficacy is essential to optimize personalized treatment.This study determined the effects of genetic variations in genes involved in apoptosis,pyroptosis,and ferroptosis on the prognosis of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receiving postoperative chemoradiotherapy(CRT).Methods:The Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect 217 genetic variations in 40 genes from 300 patients with rectal cancer who received postoperative CRT.The associations between genetic variations and overall survival(OS)were evaluated using hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)computed using a Cox proportional regression model.Functional experiments were performed to determine the functions of the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase(ALOX5)gene and the ALOX5 rs702365 variant.Results:We detected 16 genetic polymorphisms in CASP3,CASP7,TRAILR2,GSDME,CASP4,HO-1,ALOX5,GPX4,and NRF2 that were significantly associated with OS in the additive model(P<0.05).There was a substantial cumulative effect of three genetic polymorphisms(CASP4 rs571407,ALOX5 rs2242332,and HO-1 rs17883419)on OS.Genetic variations in the CASP4 and ALOX5 gene haplotypes were associated with a higher OS.We demonstrated,for the first time,that rs702365[G]>[C]represses ALOX5 transcription and corollary experiments suggested that ALOX5 may promote colon cancer cell growth by mediating an inflammatory response.Conclusions:Polymorphisms in genes regulating cell death may play essential roles in the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer who are treated with postoperative CRT and may serve as potential genetic biomarkers for individualized treatment.

Beta-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms: A basis for pharmacogenetics

Aims: Polymorphisms of the β-adrenergic receptor, the frequency of which may differ in ethnic groups, alters β-receptor function. The aim of this study was to elucidate the frequency of β1 and β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms in healthy Greeks and to compare with those of Caucasian European (Euro) and African American (AA) origin. Methods: Ninety-nine individuals with a median age of 63 without clinical evidence of any disease were studied. Blood samples were obtained and common β1 and β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms that change the en-coded amino acid were determined by pyrosequencing. Results: The most common β1-adrenergic receptor polymorphism in Greeks is nucleotide substitution cytosine for guanine at position 1165 (1165 C/G) resulting in amino acid substitution arginine for glycine at position 389 (389 Arg/Gly) with a minor allele frequency of 28% (Euro 27%, AA 42%);this polymorphism increases the sensitivity of the β1-receptor. The most common β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphism in Greeks is the nucleotide substitution guanine for adenine at position 46 (46 G/A) resulting in amino acid substitution glycine for arginine at position 16 (16 Gly/Arg) with a minor allele frequency of 38% (Euro 41%, AA 50%);this polymerphism facilitates receptor down-regulation during chronic adrenergic stimulation. Conclusion: The most common β1 and β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms in the Greek population are similar to those of other European ancestry, and less common than in those of African origin indicating variability in ethnic groups. This information provides insight into common polymorphisms that may assist in optimizing β-antagonist and agonist therapy.

Updating Genetics Polymorphisms of Non-Syndromic Clefts Lip-Palates

Introduction: Non-Syndromic Clefts Lip-Palates (NSCLP/CP) are most common congenital malformation in the world, with very important psychic and social impact. Formation of NSCLP/CP arises from the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. This paper provides a review of recent progress in defining the genetic causes of NSCLP. Methods: A literature review was conducted on the Medline data by searching for the following keywords: genes, non-syndromic cleft lip-palate, and genetics of clefts lip-palates, until January 2018. Results: Various genes are identified in different population and country, with the study using case parent’s trio. The aim of this study contributes to review relative gene which has been identify in non-syndromic cleft lip and palate, and to help to have a better understanding of the inheritance pattern of this pathology and the prevention of genetic disease. Conclusion: Although three major genes have been confirmed, the genetic research is necessary to provide an understanding of the pathophysiology of the clefts lip-palates.

Promoting genetics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Combined risk score through polymorphisms and clinical variables

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has a prevalence of approximately 30% in western countries, and is emerging as the first cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Therefore, risk stratification emerges as fundamental in order to optimize human and economic resources, and genetics displays intrinsic characteristics suitable to fulfill this task. According to the available data, heritability estimates for hepatic fat content range from 20% to 70%, and an almost 80% of shared heritability has been found between hepatic fat content and fibrosis. The rs738409 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 gene and the rs58542926 SNP in transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 gene have been robustly associated with NAFLD and with its progression, but promising results have been obtained with many other SNPs. Moreover, there has been proof of the additive role of the different SNPs in determining liver damage, and there have been preliminary experiences in which risk scores created through a few genetic variants, alone or in combination with clinical variables, were associated with a strongly potentiated risk of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH), NASH fibrosis or NAFLD-HCC. However, to date, clinical translation of genetics in the field of NAFLD has been poor or absent. Fortunately, the research we have done seems to have placed us on the right path: We should rely on longitudinal rather than on cross-sectional studies; we should focus on relevant outcomes rather than on simple liver fat accumulation; and we should put together the genetic and clinical information. The hope is that combined genetic/clinical scores, derived from longitudinal studies and built on a few strong genetic variants and relevant clinical variables, will reach a significant predictive power, such as to have clinical utility for risk stratification at the single patient level and even to esteem the impact of intervention on the risk of disease-related outcomes. Well-structured future studies would demonstrate if this vision can become a reality.

Research Progress on MTHFR C677T and A1298C Gene Polymorphisms and Gastrointestinal Tumors

Tumours of the digestive system include a number of malignant tumours such as oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers, which have the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world. Their occurrence is related to a variety of factors, such as diet, environment and genetics. As a key enzyme in the process of folate metabolism, MTHFR gene polymorphism plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of gastrointestinal tumours. This paper provides a brief review of the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and digestive tumours, with a view to identifying the genetic effects of MTHFR, exploring the pathogenesis of digestive tract tumours and developing more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Population genetics of marmosets in Asian primate research centers and loci associated with epileptic risk revealed by whole-genome sequencing

The common marmoset(Callithrix jacchus)has emerged as a valuable nonhuman primate model in biomedical research with the recent release of high-quality reference genome assemblies.Epileptic marmosets have been independently reported in two Asian primate research centers.Nevertheless,the population genetics within these primate centers and the specific genetic variants associated with epilepsy in marmosets have not yet been elucidated.Here,we characterized the genetic relationships and risk variants for epilepsy in 41 samples from two epileptic marmoset pedigrees using whole-genome sequencing.We identified 14558184 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)from the 41 samples and found higher chimerism levels in blood samples than in fingernail samples.Genetic analysis showed fourth-degree of relatedness among marmosets at the primate centers.In addition,SNP and copy number variation(CNV)analyses suggested that the WW domain-containing oxidoreductase(WWOX)and Tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 21(PTPN21)genes may be associated with epilepsy in marmosets.Notably,KCTD18-like gene deletion was more common in epileptic marmosets than control marmosets.This study provides valuable population genomic resources for marmosets in two Asian primate centers.Genetic analyses identified a reasonable breeding strategy for genetic diversity maintenance in the two centers,while the case-control study revealed potential risk genes/variants associated with epilepsy in marmosets.

Genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase T1 affect the surgical outcome of varicocelectomies in infertile patients

Glutathione S-transferases （GSTs）, superoxide dismutase 2 （SOD2） and NAD（P）H：quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） are anti-oxidant enzyme genes. Polymorphisms of GSTs, SOD2 and NQO1 have been reported to influence individual susceptibility to various diseases. In an earlier study, we obtained preliminary findings that a subset of glutathione S-transferase 7：1 （GSTT1）-wt patients with varicocele may exhibit good response to varicocelectomy. In this study, we extended the earlier study to determine the distribution of genotype of each gene in the infertile population and to evaluate whether polymorphism of these genes affects the results of surgical treatment of varicocele. We analyzed 72 infertile varicocele patients, 202 infertile patients without varicocele and 101 male controls. Genotypes of GSTs were determined by polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Genotyping of SOD2 and NQO1 was performed using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） method. A significantly better response to varicocelectomy was found in patients with the GSTTI-wt genotype （63.2%） and NQO1-Ser/Ser genotype （80.0%） than in those with GSTTI-null genotype （35.3%） and NQO1-Pro/Pro or NQO1- Pro/Ser genotype （45.2%）, respectively. The frequencies of glutathione S-transferase M1/T1, SOD2 and NQO1 genotypes did not differ significantly among the varicocele patients, idiopathic infertile patients and male controls. GSTT1 genotype is associated with improvement of semen parameters after varicocelectomy. As the number of patients with NQO1-Ser/Ser genotype was not sufficient to reach definite conclusions, the association of NQO1 genotype with varicocelectomy requires further investigation.