OBJECTIVETo detect the difference between the Chinese Achang and Han ethnic groups in Yunnan province in the distribution of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene start codon polymorphism.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, gene sequencing and genetic analysis methods were used. A restriction fragment length polymorphism in the start codon of VDR (Fok I) gene was tested in the Achangs (n=68) and the Hans (n=92).

RESULTSThe frequencies of FF, Ff and ff genotypes were found to be 18%, 35% and 47% in the Achangs, and 22%, 52% and 26% in the Hans, respectively. A significant difference was seen in the frequency distribution of VDR genotype between the Achangs and the Hans(Chi2=7.716, P=0.021).

CONCLUSIONThe Achang and Han ethnic groups differ in the frequency distribution of VDR gene start codon polymorphism.

China ; Codon, Initiator ; genetics ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a consanguineous Chinese pedigree affected with Congenital coagulation factor XII (XII) deficiency. METHODS: Members of the pedigree who had visited Ruian People's Hospital on July 12, 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the pedigree were reviewed. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from the subjects. Blood coagulation index and genetic testing were carried out. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: This pedigree has comprised 6 individuals from 3 generations, including the proband, his father, mother, wife, sister and son. The proband was a 51-year-old male with kidney stones. Blood coagulation test showed that his activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly prolonged, whilst the FXII activity (FXII:C) and FXII antigen (FXII:Ag) were extremely reduced. The FXII:C and FXII:Ag of proband's father, mother, sister and son have all reduced to about half of the lower limit of reference range. Genetic testing revealed that the proband has harbored homozygous missense variant of c.1A>G (p.Arg2Tyr) of the start codon in exon 1 of the F12 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that his father, mother, sister and son were all heterozygous for the variant, whilst his wife was of the wild type. By bioinformatic analysis, the variant has not been included in the HGMD database. Prediction with SIFT online software suggested the variant is harmful. Simulation with Swiss-Pbd Viewer v4.0.1 software suggested that the variant has a great impact on the structure of FXII protein. Based on the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants: A Joint Consensus Recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was rated as likely pathogenic. CONCLUSION The c.1A>G (p.Arg2Tyr) variant of the F12 gene probably underlay the Congenital FXII deficiency in this pedigree. Above finding has further expanded the spectrum of F12 gene variants and provided a reference for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for this pedigree.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Factor XII/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Codon, Initiator ; East Asian People ; Mothers ; Factor XII Deficiency/genetics* ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene start codon (Fok I) and bone mass accrual, and assessing if such an association could be modified by physical activity in Chinese adolescent girls.

METHODSA total of 228 premenrche Chinese girls (9-11.5-years-old) were recruited for 2-year study. Bone mineral densities (BMD) at the total body, total left hip (including femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanteric and Ward's triangle area) and lumbar spine (L1-L4) were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The Fok I polymorphism of VDR gene was detected with PCR-RFLP.

RESULTSThere remained 176 available subjects in our cohort when 2-year study was completed. No significant association was observed between Fok I polymorphism of VDR gene and percentage change in BMD at all sites. Girls with FF genotype had lower percentage change in total left hip BMD (THBMD) and femoral neck BMD (FNBMD) than girls with Ff + ff genotype only in low physical activity(< 1197 kJ/d), and physical activity was associated with percentage change in THBMD and FNBMD only in FF genotype group.

CONCLUSIONThe Fok I polymorphism of VDR gene should have significant interaction effect with physical activity on bone mass accrual in Chinese adolescent girls. Girls with FF genotype in low physical activity would be the potential risk population for low bone mass accrual, and high physical activity would be of benefit to gain higher bone mass accrual for girls with FF genotype.

Adolescent ; Alleles ; Bone Density ; China ; Codon, Initiator ; Exercise ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; genetics

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of start codon of nosM on the biosynthesis of nosiheptide. Target genes were amplified by overlap PCR. After homologous recombination to construct engineered strains, nosiheptide production was analyzed by HPLC. Three mutants with different start codon of nosM were constructed, and nosiheptide production of each mutant was analyzed and compared. Replacement of the start codon of nosM significantly decreased the production of nosiheptide. In conclusion, start codon usage could greatly affect the biosynthetic efficiency in the biosynthetic gene cluster of nosiheptide.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; biosynthesis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Codon, Initiator ; Escherichia coli ; Genes, Bacterial ; Mutation ; Streptomyces ; genetics ; metabolism ; Thiazoles ; metabolism

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene located at chromosome 3p14.2, is a candidate tumor suppressor gene often involved in various tumors. Homozygous deletions, lack or reduced expression of FHIT protein, and alteration of its transcription were frequently observed in several types of primary human cancers and cell lines. In the present study, we examined the expression profiles of aberrant FHIT transcripts to explore the role of FHIT gene in gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS: In 6 gastric cancer cell lines, nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cDNA sequence analyses were performed to detect and characterize the aberrant FHIT transcripts. RESULTS: In addition to the wild-type FHIT transcript, small-sized transcripts with various numbers and lengths were observed in all of the cell lines examined. cDNA sequence analysis confirmed that different types of truncated transcripts included exonic deletions, insertions of intron 5 sequences between exons, and combinations of both. Most of these transcripts lacked exon 5 in which translation initiation codon is located. Aberrant transcripts with partial exonic deletions due to activation of cryptic splice sites were also observed in 5 cell lines. Additionally, multi-step splice patterns indicative of additional downstream processing, were observed in several cancer lines. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the aberrant FHIT transcripts in gastric cancer cell lines results from faulty splicing, including exon skipping, selection of cryptic splice site, and additional downstream splice processing.
*Acid Anhydride Hydrolases ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Codon, Initiator/genetics ; DNA, Complementary/genetics ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Neoplasm Proteins/*genetics ; *Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Stomach Neoplasms/*genetics ; *Transcription, Genetic

To reveal the genetic diversity and genetic structure in Artemisia annua varieties (strains) populations, we detected the genetic polymorphism within and among eight varieties (strains) populations (192 individuals) by the approach of Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT). The associated genetic parameters were calculated by POPGENE1.31 and the relationship was constructed based on UPGMA method. The results showed that, using 20 screened primers, a total of 145 bands were produced, of which 122 were polymorphic loci. At species level, there was a high level of genetic diversity among eight varieties (strains) populations (PPB = 84.1% ,H = 0.217 3 and H(sp) = 0.341 9). However, at the variety (strains) population level, genetic diversity was lower, the average of genetic parameters was PPB = 41.9%, H = 0.121 5, H(pop) = 0.186 8. The Nei's genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.441 0, indicate that most of the genetic variation in this species existed within the variety populations. The gene flow (N(m) = 0.633 9) was less among populations, indicating that the degree of genetic differentiation was higher. Genetic similarity coefficient were changed from 0.755 1 to 0.985 7. By clustering analysis, eight varieties (strains) were clustered into two major categories and it was also showed the same or similar genetic background varieties (strains) have a tendency to gather in the same group. Results suggest that, in variety breeding, breeders should strengthen the exchange of bred germplasm and increase mutual penetration of excellent genes, which would broaden the genetic base of A. annua.
Artemisia annua ; classification ; genetics ; Codon, Initiator ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; genetics ; Genetic Structures ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; methods ; Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVE: The explore the genetic basis for a patient with microcytic hypochromic anemia and iron deficiency anemia. METHODS: Common deletions and variants of the globin genes were detected by Gap-PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Gap-PCR and NGS showed that the proband has carried a αα/-α CONCLUSION Patients with α HBA2 c.2T>A(p.Met1Lys) α/-α
Anemia, Hypochromic/genetics* ; Codon, Initiator/genetics* ; Female ; Genetic Counseling ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; alpha-Globins/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics*

Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by childhood-onset dystonia and a dramatic response to relatively low doses of levodopa. However, patients with DRD can be misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or spastic diplegia due to phenotypic variation. Here we report a young woman with DRD who were severely disabled and misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy for over 10 yr. A small dose of levodopa restored wheelchair-bound state to normality. However, thoracolumbar scoliosis has remained as a sequel due to late detection of DRD. Genetic analysis by using PCR-direct sequencing revealed a novel initiation codon mutation (c.1A>T; p.Met1Leu) in GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) gene. Although it is known that DRD can be misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy, this case reinforces the importance of differential diagnosis of DRD from cerebral palsy.
Adult ; Cerebral Palsy/diagnosis ; Codon, Initiator ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Dystonic Disorders/*diagnosis/drug therapy/*genetics ; Female ; GTP Cyclohydrolase/*genetics ; Humans ; Levodopa/therapeutic use ; Mutation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate single nucleotide polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene start codon in the Han nationality in Hubei area and its relationship to the susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa), and to study the possible mechanism for PCa.

METHODSThe VDR genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 80 patients with PCa and 96 normal male controls from the Han nationality in Hubei area, using endonuclease Fok I. Direct sequencing was done in part of the PCR products.

RESULTSThe frequency distribution of Fok I alleles in this cohort all followed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The distribution of genotypes and alleles had no significant difference between PCa patients and normal male controls( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe results indicated no significant relationship between Fok I polymorphism of VDR gene start codon and PCa in the Han nationality in Hubei area.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; ethnology ; Codon, Initiator ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; genetics

Mitochondrial genomes have been extensively studied for phylogenetic purposes and to investigate intra- and interspecific genetic variations. In recent years, numerous groups have undertaken sequencing of platyhelminth mitochondrial genomes. Haplorchis taichui (family Heterophyidae) is a trematode that infects humans and animals mainly in Asia, including the Mekong River basin. We sequenced and determined the organization of the complete mitochondrial genome of H. taichui. The mitochondrial genome is 15,130 bp long, containing 12 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs, a small and a large subunit), and 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Like other trematodes, it does not encode the atp8 gene. All genes are transcribed from the same strand. The ATG initiation codon is used for 9 protein-coding genes, and GTG for the remaining 3 (nad1, nad4, and nad5). The mitochondrial genome of H. taichui has a single long non-coding region between trnE and trnG. H. taichui has evolved as being more closely related to Opisthorchiidae than other trematode groups with maximal support in the phylogenetic analysis. Our results could provide a resource for the comparative mitochondrial genome analysis of trematodes, and may yield genetic markers for molecular epidemiological investigations into intestinal flukes.
Animals ; Asia ; Codon, Initiator ; DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry/genetics ; Gene Order ; Genes, Helminth ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Heterophyidae/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Sequence Analysis, DNA