Loss of heterozygosity for chromosomes 16q in Wilms tumors predicts outcomes:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The research findings suggest that the prognosis of children with Wilms tumor(WT)is affected by various factors.Some scholars have indicated that loss of heterozygosity(LOH)on chromosome 16q is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with WT.AIM To further elucidate this relationship,we conducted a meta-analysis.METHODS This meta-analysis was registered in INPLASY(INPLASY2023100060).We systematically searched databases including Embase,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane,and Google Scholar up to May 31,2020,for randomized trials reporting any intrapartum fetal surveillance approach.The meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework,and the quality and network inconsistency of trials were assessed.Odds ratios and 95%CIs were calculated to report the relationship between event-free survival and 16q LOH in patients with WT.RESULTS Eleven cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis to estimate the relationship between event-free survival and 16q LOH in patients with WT(I^(2)=25%,P<0.001).As expected,16q LOH can serve as an effective predictor of eventfree survival in patients with WT(risk ratio=1.95,95%CI:1.52–2.49,P<0.001).CONCLUSION In pediatric patients with WT,there exists a partial correlation between 16q LOH and an unfavorable treatment prognosis.Clinical detection of 16q chromosome LOH warrants increased attention to the patient’s prognosis.

Characterization of meiotic chromosome behavior in the autopolyploid Saccharum spontaneum reveals preferential chromosome pairing without distinct DNA sequence variation

Autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy may represent an evolutionary advantage and are more common in plants than assumed. However, less attention has been paid to autopolyploidy than to allopolyploidy,and its evolutionary consequences are largely unclear, especially for plants with high ploidy levels. In this study, we developed oligonucleotide(oligo)-based chromosome painting probes to identify individual chromosomes in S. spontaneum. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH), we investigated chromosome behavior during pachytene, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase of meiosis I(MI) in autotetraploid,autooctoploid, and autodecaploid S. spontaneum clones. All autopolyploid clones showed stable diploidized chromosome behavior;so that homologous chromosomes formed almost exclusively bivalents during MI. Two copies of homologous chromosome 8 with similar sizes in the autotetraploid clone showed preferential pairing with each other with respect to the other copies. However, sequence variation analysis showed no apparent differences among homologs of chromosome 8 and all other chromosomes. We suggest that either the stable diploidized pairing or the preferential pairing between homologous copies of chromosome 8 in the studied autopolyploid sugarcane are accounted for by unknown mechanisms other than DNA sequence similarity. Our results reveal evolutionary consequences of stable meiotic behavior in autopolyploid plants.

Chromosome 5P of Agropyron cristatum induces chromosomal translocation by disturbing homologous chromosome pairing in a common wheat background

Wide hybridization is a strategy for broadening the genetic basis of wheat. Because an efficient method for inducing wheat–alien chromosome translocations will allow producing useful germplasm, it is desirable to discover new genes that induce chromosomal variation. In this study, chromosome 5P from A.cristatum was shown to induce many types of chromosomal structural variation in a common wheat background, including nonhomoeologous chromosome translocations, as revealed by genomic in situ hybridization, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and DNA marker analysis. Aberrant meiosis was associated with chromosomal structural variation, and aberrant meiotic behavior was observed in wheat–A.cristatum 5P monosomic and disomic addition lines, suggesting that the effect of chromosome 5P was independent of the number of chromosome 5P copies. Chromosome 5P disturbed homologous chromosome pairing at pachytene stage in a common wheat background, resulting in a high frequency of univalent formation and reduced crossing over. Thirteen genes involved in DNA repair or chromatin remodeling, including RAD52-like and MSH6 genes, were differentially expressed(upregulated) in wheat–A. cristatum 5P addition lines according to transcriptome analysis, implicating chromosome 5P in the process of meiotic double-strand break repair. These findings provide a new, efficient tool for inducing wheat–alien chromosome translocations and producing new germplasm.

Nannochloropsis artificial chromosomes(Nanno ACs)loom on the horizon

Species in genus Nannochloropsis,especially N.oceanica and N.gaditana,have been evolving as the model microalgae for both application and theory studies.The position effect of genome integration,the carrying capability limitation of integrative vectors and the instability of non-integrative vectors have hindered Nannochloropsis genetic modification with concatenate genes and extremely long DNA fragments.The molecular tools including genetic transformation,homologous recombination,gene edition,gene stacking and episome vectors for transient gene expression and diverse reporters and selection markers have been rapidly developing in Nannochloropsis species.The construction of animal and plant artificial chromosomes with“top down”strategy has set fine examples for the construction of Nannochloropsis artificial chromosomes(NannoACs).It seems that the methods and materials to set the foundation for constructing NannoACs are at hands.In this review,we outlined the current status of transgenes in Nannochloropsis species,summarized the limitations of both integrative and non-integrative vectors,and proposed a tentative approach to construct NannoACs by doubling and stabilizing the genome first,and then truncating the natural chromosomes.NannoACs once constructed will facilitate transferring the desired traits and concatenate genes into Nannochloropsis genetic backgrounds,thus contributing towards its genetic improvement and synthetic biological studies.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Cylas formicarius provides insights into its adaptation and invasion mechanisms

Cylasformicarius is one of the most important pests of sweet potato worldwide, causing considerable ecological and economic damage.This study improved the effect of comprehensive management and understanding of genetic mechanisms by examining the functional genomics of C. formicarius.Using Illumina and PacBio sequencing, this study obtained a chromosome-level genome assembly of adult weevils from lines inbred for 15 generations.The high-quality assembly obtained was 338.84 Mb, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 14.97 and 34.23 Mb, respectively.In total, 157.51 Mb of repeat sequences and 11 907 protein-coding genes were predicted.A total of 337.06 Mb of genomic sequences was located on the 11 chromosomes, accounting for 99.03%of the total length of the associated chromosome.Comparative genomic analysis showed that C. formicarius was sister to Dendroctonus ponderosae, and C. formicarius diverged from D. ponderosae approximately 138.89 million years ago (Mya).Many important gene families expanded in the C. formicarius genome were involved in the detoxification of pesticides, tolerance to cold stress and chemosensory system.To further study the role of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in olfactory recognition of C. formicarius, the binding assay results indicated that Cfor OBP4–6 had strong binding affinities for sex pheromones and other ligands.The high-quality C. formicarius genome provides a valuable resource to reveal the molecular ecological basis, genetic mechanism, and evolutionary process of major agricultural pests;it also offers new ideas and new technologies for ecologically sustainable pest control.

Rapid identification of Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng chromosomes in wheat background based on ND-FISH and SNP array methods

Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng(2n=2x=14,NsNs)is regarded as a valuable wild relative species for common wheat cultivar improvement because of its abundant beneficial agronomic traits.However,although the development of many wheat–P.huashanica-derived lines provides a germplasm base for the transfer of excellent traits,the lag in the identification of P.huashanica chromosomes in the wheat background has limited the study of these lines.In this study,three novel nondenaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization(ND-FISH)-positive oligo probes were developed.Among them,HS-TZ3 and HS-TZ4 could specifically hybridize with P.huashanica chromosomes,mainly in the telomere area,and HS-CHTZ5 could hybridize with the chromosomal centromere area.We sequentially constructed a P.huashanica FISH karyotype and idiogram that helped identify the homologous groups of introduced P.huashanica chromosomes.In detail,1Ns and 2Ns had opposite signals on the short and long arms,3Ns,4Ns,and 7Ns had superposed two-color signals,5Ns and 6Ns had fluorescent signals only on their short arms,and 7Ns had signals on the intercalary of the long arm.In addition,we evaluated different ways to identify alien introgression lines by using low-density single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)arrays and recommended the SNP homozygosity rate in each chromosome as a statistical pattern.The 15K SNP array is widely applicable for addition,substitution,and translocation lines,and the 40K SNP array is the most accurate for recognizing transposed intervals between wheat and alien chromosomes.Our research provided convenient methods to distinguish the homologous group of P.huashanica chromosomes in a common wheat background based on ND-FISH and SNP arrays,which is of great significance for efficiently identifying wheat–P.huashanica-derived lines and the further application of Ns chromosomes.

Genetic effects of Agropyron cristatum 2P chromosome translocation fragments in a wheat background

Agropyron cristatum(2n=4x=28,PPPP)is a wild relative of common wheat which contains a large number of desirable genes that can be exploited for wheat improvement.Wheat–A.cristatum 2P alien translocation lines exhibit many desirable traits,such as small flag leaves,a high spikelet number and density,and a compact plant type.An agronomic trait evaluation and a genetic analysis were carried out on translocation lines and backcross populations of these lines carrying different translocation fragments.The results showed that a translocation fragment from 2PT-3(2PL)reduced the length of the flag leaves,while translocation fragments from 2PT-3(2PL)and 2PT-5(2PL(0.60–1.00))reduced the width of the flag leaves.A translocation fragment from 2PT-13(2PS(0.18–0.36))increased the length and area of the flag leaves.Translocation fragments from 2PT-3(2PL)and 2PT-8(2PL(0.86–1.00))increased the density of spikelets.Translocation fragments from 2PT-7(2PL(0.00–0.09)),2PT-8(2PL(0.86–1.00)),2PT-10(2PS),and 2PT-13(2PS(0.18–0.36))reduced plant height.This study provides a scientific basis for the effective utilization of wheat–A.cristatum translocation lines.

六倍体小黑麦×六倍体小麦杂交后代中染色体遗传与结构变异鉴定

六倍体小黑麦是普通小麦品种遗传改良的重要基因资源,可以拓宽小麦的遗传基础。本研究以六倍体小黑麦为供体向普通小麦转移黑麦染色质,以探明六倍体小黑麦×六倍体小麦杂交、回交后代的染色体遗传特性,为小黑麦种质材料的后续研究和利用奠定基础。以六倍体小黑麦16引171为母本,六倍体小麦川麦62为父本配制杂交及回交组合,利用非变性荧光原位杂交技术(non-denaturing florescence in situ hybridization,ND-FISH)对F1、BC1F1和BC1F2植株进行细胞学跟踪鉴定。结果表明,杂种F1回交结实率为2.61%;BC1F1植株2R染色体传递频率最高;BC1F2植株中黑麦染色体在后代的传递率为6R>4R>2R,小麦背景中5B-7B相互易位染色体在BC1F2植株中表现出严重偏分离。在BC1F1和BC1F2植株中观察到24种结构变异染色体,包括染色体片段、等臂易位染色体、易位染色体以及双着丝粒染色体,且部分BC1F2植株的种子表现粒长和千粒重均优于六倍体小麦亲本川麦62。因此,在利用六倍体小黑麦作为桥梁向普通小麦导入黑麦遗传物质时,应尽量采取多次回交的方式,使D组染色体迅速恢复,保证后代育性的恢复,同时关注染色体结构变异材料的潜在应用价值。

45,X/47,XYY性发育异常一例并文献复习

45,X/47,XYY性发育异常是一种由于罕见的染色体异常导致的性发育异常疾病。报告1例收治的45,X/47,XYY嵌合型性发育异常患者,该患者主因原发性闭经并出现男性化表现就诊,具有特纳综合征(Turner syndrome,Turner综合征)的表现,腹腔镜探查显示一侧性腺为条索状,另一侧外观睾丸样,病理为卵睾型性腺,手术切除双侧附件并予人工周期治疗,有月经来潮。结合本例及检索到的文献报道的女性表型中因原发性闭经就诊的病例共11例,对该病的临床表现、诊断及治疗方式进行总结。女性表型45,X/47,XYY性发育异常患者临床表现多样,以Turner综合征表现合并男性化表现多见,应尽早发现并切除发育不良的性腺,防止性腺肿瘤的发生和男性化表现出现。术后进行长期激素替代治疗,同时注重患者精神心理的疏导。

388例骨骼发育异常胎儿遗传学分析

目的分析骨骼发育异常胎儿的遗传学因素,探讨其在骨骼发育异常胎儿中的作用。方法选择2016年1月至2022年12月于广西壮族自治区妇幼保健院进行产前检查的388例超声检查提示骨骼发育异常或合并其他结构异常的胎儿为研究对象。回顾性分析388例胎儿的临床资料,比较其染色体核型分析与单核苷酸多态性微阵列(SNP-array)的检测结果。结果388例胎儿骨骼发育异常产前样本中,染色体核型分析结果发现异常20例,异常检出率为5.2%(20/388);SNP-array检出异常56例,异常检出率为14.4%(56/388)。在SNP-array检出的56例异常胎儿中,有19例胎儿的染色体核型分析结果为异常,其余37例胎儿核型正常。这37例正常核型胎儿中有12例为致病性拷贝数变异(CNVs),检出率为3.1%(12/388);另外25例为临床意义不明性CNVs。结论当超声检查提示胎儿骨骼发育异常时,胎儿可能存在染色体异常,建议行介入性产前诊断,以明确胎儿是否存在致病性基因缺陷,为临床遗传咨询提供更多参考依据。

等臂双着丝粒Y染色体胎儿的产前诊断、遗传咨询与随访

目的分析5例等臂双着丝粒Y染色体[idic(Y)]胎儿的产前诊断、遗传咨询与随访结果,为idic(Y)胎儿的临床处理提供参考依据。方法选择2018年1月至2022年8月7347例有产前诊断指征的孕妇,采用常规G显带核型及染色体微阵列分析(CMA)技术检测胎儿羊水,并用荧光原位杂交(FISH)技术验证,亲代染色体核型溯源检测。遗传咨询后跟踪随访妊娠结局。结果共诊断新发的idic(Y)胎儿5例,其中例1胎儿为单纯的idic(Yq),例2~5均为idic(Yq)与X单体的嵌合体。产前超声提示5例胎儿均为男性,除例1胎儿伴双侧马蹄内翻足可能外,其余4例均未见明显结构畸形。结合超声结果并予以个性化咨询后,例1~2选择继续妊娠,例3~5均终止妊娠。随访例1患儿至4周岁,足内翻手术效果良好,轻度发育迟缓经康复训练后好转;随访例2患儿至2周岁,暂未见异常表型;例3已再次受孕并分娩1名健康女婴;例4~5仍在备孕中。结论细胞与分子遗传学技术的联合应用有助于产前诊断idic(Y)胎儿,合理的遗传咨询及长期随访可为其后续的临床诊疗提供重要依据。

884例性染色体异常胎儿产前诊断结果分析

目的 对884例无创产前筛查(NIPS)提示性染色体异常的羊水样本进行核型分析、荧光原位杂交技术(FISH)和拷贝数变异测序(CNV-seq)检测,探讨不同方法在产前诊断中的价值。方法 选取2015年1月—2022年12月天津市中心妇产科医院孕早期NIPS提示胎儿为性染色体异常的孕妇884例,于孕中期采集羊水样本,进行羊水细胞核型分析和FISH检测,对结果不一致或培养失败的样本进一步行CNV-seq检测。结果 884例孕妇中,有341例(38.6%)检出异常核型,11例(1.2%)羊水细胞培养失败。NIPS性染色体阳性预测值为39.2%(341/873)。341例核型分析异常样本中,最常见的核型异常类型是47,XXY(108例),其次为47,XXX(80例)、47,XYY(68例)、45,X(18例),共检出51例嵌合体。884例孕妇中,有862例FISH检测结果与核型分析或CNV-seq结果一致,FISH的阳性预测值为97.5%;24例与核型分析结果不一致,进一步行CNV-seq检测,有22例CNV-seq结果与核型分析结果一致,并能相互补充分析;2例不一致样本中,1例核型分析结果为46,~+mar,FISH和CNV-seq结果均为45,X;1例核型分析结果为嵌合Y染色体异染色质区缺失,FISH和CNV-seq结果均为嵌合体,结构未见异常。结论 NIPS提示性染色体异常时,建议首选FISH和核型分析联合检测,可快速、准确地诊断染色体异常。对于疑似染色体特殊结构异常,建议进行FISH、核型分析和CNV-seq联合检测,可明确遗传学病因。

NIPT-plus筛查染色体MMS的应用评价

目的探讨扩展性无创产前检测(NIPT-plus)在筛查染色体微缺失/重复综合征(MMS)上的应用。方法选取中山大学附属第一医院2018年1月至2020年12月3860例孕妇及2022年10例室间质评样本的NIPT和NIPT-plus检测结果,其中24例孕妇进行染色体微阵列分析(CMA)产前诊断。结果24例孕妇及10例质评样本NIPT-plus游离DNA浓度明显高于NIPT,总测序数据量提高了1.39~1.58倍,有效测序数据量提高了1.20~1.35倍;24例孕妇样本NIPT-plus提示1例18-三体,1例21-三体,2例MMS,NIPT提示1例18-三体,1例21-三体;10例质评样本NIPT-plus提示9例MMS且9号样本同时存在性染色体非整倍体(SCAs),NIPT仅提示1例SCAs。结论在本院系统检测范围内NIPT-plus能有效应用于MMS的筛查,减少出生缺陷。

失活X染色体基因逃逸与系统性红斑狼疮的性别二态性

X染色体失活可平衡女性中两条X染色体的基因剂量。越来越多的证据表明,失活X染色体上存在许多能够逃逸失活的基因。逃逸的机制涉及到DNA、RNA、组蛋白的表观修饰以及众多的调控蛋白和染色质的空间结构。失活X染色体基因逃逸的研究为人类疾病(特别是自身免疫性疾病)性别二态性的研究开辟了新的途径。目前已证实包括TLR7、CD40L、IRAK-1、CXCR3、CXorf21等失活X染色体基因逃逸是系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)女性好发的重要原因。本文主要综述了失活X染色体上基因逃逸以及与SLE性别二态性形成的分子机制。阐明SLE性别二态性形成的分子机制,不仅对疾病的诊断、治疗具有重要意义,而且对深入揭示人类免疫系统的发育及调控机理也有重要的理论意义。

奶牛小肠上皮细胞系细胞染色体核型与G-带分析

为了鉴定奶牛小肠上皮细胞系(BIECs-21)的生物学遗传稳定性,体外贴壁培养BIECs-21细胞,制备染色体标本和G-带标本,分析BIECs-21细胞的染色体核型和G-带。结果表明:BIECs-21细胞染色体数为2n=60,包括常染色体29对和性染色体(X和Y染色体)1对。其中,29对常染色体均为端部着丝点染色体;性染色体中,X染色体是较大的中着丝粒染色体,Y染色体是较小的中着丝粒染色体。除X、Y性染色体外,BIECs-21细胞常染色体的G-带带纹的数量和位置无显著差异。BIECs-21细胞与荷斯坦牛的正常染色体核型相比,染色体数目及形态结构均没有明显变化,证明该细胞系遗传特性稳定,可以用于牛肠道相关疾病分子机制的研究。

南酸枣染色体核型分析

为了给南酸枣育种提供细胞学依据,本文采用染色体常规压片法,结合显微摄影技术,对南酸枣的染色体进行检测分析。结果表明:南酸枣的染色体数目为2n=24,其核型公式为K(2n)=2x=24=22m+2sm,染色体相对长度组成为2L+10M2+8M1+4S,核不对称系数为55.77%,为二倍体,染色体主要由中部和近中部着丝点染色体组成,属于Stebbins核型分类中的“1B”型。

荧光定量PCR技术在产前诊断中的应用效果

目的探讨荧光定量PCR(QF-PCR)技术联合染色体核型分析在产前诊断中的应用效果。方法选取2022年9月至2023年5月于惠州市第二妇幼保健院产前诊断中心行羊水穿刺检查的388例孕中期孕妇为研究对象,所有入选者均进行染色体核型分析、QF-PCR技术检查。以染色体核型分析为标准,分析QF-PCR技术在产前诊断中的应用价值。结果388例受检羊水中,QF-PCR检测出其中1例母血污染。388例受检者中QF-PCR共检出17例染色体非整倍体异常,包括21三体异常10例,18三体异常2例,13三体异常1例,性染色体异常4例。与染色体核型分析结果相符,染色体核型分析结构异常13例,QF-PCR技术均未检出。结论QF-PCR技术能鉴别母血污染以及检查快速,可弥补染色体核型分析时间长的不足;而染色体核型分析可补充QF-PCR技术对其他染色体异常检测的不足,两种方法联合使用可起互补作用,利于减少出生缺陷。

1695例不同程度少精子症、无精子症患者的染色体遗传学差异分析

目的分析不同程度少精子症、无精子症患者的染色体遗传学特征,探讨染色体核型分析及Y染色体微缺失检查与少精子症、无精子症严重程度及男性不育的关系。方法选取2018年1月至2023年12月首都医科大学附属北京妇产医院收治的1695例少精子症、无精子症男性患者作为研究对象,抽取外周血进行高分辨染色体核型分析,其中590例中度、重度、极度少精子症及无精子症患者同时筛查Y染色体微缺失。结果1695例筛查染色体核型异常355例,占22.36%;其中染色体结构异常44例,数目异常22例,多态性289例。590例中度、重度、极度少精子症及无精子症患者Y染色体微缺失17例(2.88%)。138例无精子症中克氏征11例(7.97%),Y染色体微缺失17例(12.32%)。结论少精子症、无精子症患者出现染色体异常比例高于一般人群。少精子症、无精子症的发生可能与某些常见的染色体核型多态性相关;随着测序技术的展开,基因病可能是少精子症、无精子症的第一遗传因素。

Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒行业标准的建立

目的建立Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒行业标准。方法选择9个厂家的Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒,统一发放Y染色体微缺失检测参考品,按照拟定的行业标准,对外观、检测限、阳性参考品符合率、阴性参考品符合率和重复性项目进行验证。结果8个试剂盒的全部项目的检测结果均满足要求。检测限和阳性参考品符合率项目中,仅试剂盒8未检出AZFa微缺失,不满足要求。结论大部分验证结果均能满足拟定行标中的要求,表明行业标准各指标具有一定的合理性,可操作性强。Y染色体微缺失检测试剂盒行业标准的建立将有助于规范这类试剂盒发展,提升质量,并为监管提供技术支持。

人工智能辅助染色体核型分析技术在产前诊断中的应用研究

背景染色体异常是导致出生缺陷的常见原因,核型分析仍是产前诊断染色体异常的重要方法,也是出生缺陷防控的有效手段,但目前核型分析尤其是染色体图像分割分类主要依靠人工,费时费力。人工智能(AI)是核型分析的一种新方式,研究其在产前染色体核型诊断中的价值具有重要意义。目的探讨AI在产前染色体核型诊断中的应用效果和临床价值。方法选取2020—2022年在无锡市妇幼保健院医学遗传与产前诊断科接受介入性产前诊断、行羊水染色体核型分析的1000例孕妇。采用双线模式:一线AI阅片后,由1名遗传医师审核,二线由另1名遗传医师应用Ikaros核型分析工作站阅片,记录各自的诊断结果及所需时间。样本的最终诊断结果以一线的人工审核和二线的人工阅片结果为准。结果1000例羊水样本中,AI诊断正常核型735例、非整倍体233例、结构异常0例、嵌合体32例。AI辅助遗传医师的诊断结果与遗传医师应用Ikaros系统的诊断结果完全一致,正常核型、非整倍体、结构异常、嵌合体分别是689、233、45、33例。与AI辅助遗传医师相比,AI诊断具有强一致性(Kappa值=0.895,95%CI=0.866~0.924,P<0.01)。AI诊断准确率为95.4%,灵敏度为95.4%,阳性预测值为100.0%。其中,诊断正常核型、非整倍体、结构异常、嵌合体的灵敏度分别为100.0%、100.0%、0、97.0%;阳性预测值分别为100.0%、100.0%、0、100.0%。AI平均诊断用时少于AI辅助遗传医师和Ikaros辅助遗传医师(P<0.001);AI辅助遗传医师平均诊断用时少于Ikaros辅助遗传医师组(P<0.001)。结论AI分析羊水核型的自动化程度高,但识别染色体结构异常的能力有待提高,建议采用AI联合遗传医师阅片的方式应用于临床,以保证产前诊断的质量并提高效率。