OBJECTIVE: To prepare decellularized nerve grafts from alpha-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-edited pigs and explore their biocompatibility for xenotransplantation. METHODS: The sciatic nerves from wild-type pigs and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs were obtained and underwent decellularization. The alpha-galactosidase (α-gal) content in the sciatic nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was detected by using IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA method to verify the knockout status of the GGTA1 gene, and using human sciatic nerve as a control. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy observation were used to observe the structure of the nerve samples. Immunofluorescence staining and DNA content determination were used to evaluate the degree of decellularization of the nerve samples. Fourteen nude mice were taken, and subcutaneous capsules were prepared on both sides of the spine. Decellularized nerve samples of wild-type pigs ( n=7) and GGTA1 gene-edited pigs ( n=7) were randomly implanted in the subcutaneous capsules. Blood was drawn at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after implantation to detect neutrophil counting. RESULTS: IB4 fluorescence staining and ELISA detection showed that GGTA1 gene was successfully knocked out in the nerves of GGTA1 gene-edited pigs. HE staining showed that the structure of the decellularized nerve from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs was well preserved; the nerve basement membrane tube structure was visible under scanning electron microscopy; no cell nuclei was observed, and the extracellular matrix components was retained in the nerve grafts by immunofluorescence staining; and the DNA content was significantly reduced when compared with the normal nerves ( P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that the number of neutrophils in the two groups were similar at 1, 3, and 7 days after implantation, with no significant difference ( P>0.05); only at 5 days, the number of neutrophils was significantly lower in the GGTA1 gene-edited pigs than in the wild-type pigs ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The decellularized nerve grafts from GGTA1 gene-edited pigs have well-preserved nerve structure, complete decellularization, retain the natural nerve basement membrane tube structure and components, and low immune response after xenotransplantation through in vitro experiments.
Animals ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; Galactosyltransferases/genetics* ; Sciatic Nerve/immunology* ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Humans ; Graft Rejection/prevention & control* ; Gene Editing ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Heterografts/immunology* ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Decellularized Extracellular Matrix

Ossifying fibroma (OF) and fibrous dysplasia (FD) are two fibro-osseous lesions with overlapping clinicopathological features, making diagnosis challenging. In this study, we applied a whole-genome shallow sequencing approach to facilitate differential diagnosis via precise profiling of copy number alterations (CNAs) using minute amounts of DNA extracted from morphologically correlated microdissected tissue samples. Freshly frozen tissue specimens from OF (n = 29) and FD (n = 28) patients were obtained for analysis. Lesion fibrous tissues and surrounding normal tissues were obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM), with ~30-50 cells (5 000-10 000 µm
DNA Copy Number Variations ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fibroma, Ossifying/genetics* ; Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone/genetics* ; Galactosyltransferases ; Humans ; Jaw ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Nuclear Proteins

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for an individual with Ax28 phenotype of the ABO subtype. METHODS: The ABO group antigens on red blood cells of the proband were identified by monoclonal antibodies. The ABO antibody in serum was detected by standard A, B, O cells. Exons 1 to 7 of the ABO gene were respectively amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. Amplicons for exons 5 to 7 were also sequenced after cloning. RESULTS: Weakened A antigen was detected on red blood cells from the proband. Both anti-A and anti-B antibodies were detected in the serum. Heterozygous 261G/del was detected in exon 6, while heterozygous 467C/T and 830T/C were detected in exon 7 by direct DNA sequencing. After cloning and sequencing, two alleles (O01 and Ax28) were obtained. Compared with A102, the sequence of Ax28 contained one nucleotide changes (T to C) at position 830, which resulted in amino acid change (Val to Ala) at position 277. CONCLUSION The novel mutation c.830T>C of the galactosaminyltransferase gene may give rise to the Ax28 phenotype.
ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Exons ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sequence Deletion

OBJECTIVETo analyze a sample with ABO subgroup using serological and molecular methods.

METHODSThe ABO phenotype of the sample was determined with a tube method, and the activity of glycosyltransferases was determined with an uridine diphosphate galactose transferring method. The ABO gene of the propositus was identified by PCR with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). In addition, exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were cloned and sequenced.

RESULTSNeither A nor B antigen was identified in the propositus, despite that its anti-B antibody was found to be attenuated. No activity of α -1, 3-D-galactosyltransferase was detected in the serum. The presence of B and O alleles were confirmed by PCR-SSP, and a novel mutation (562C to T) of the exon 7 was confirmed by sequencing, which has led to an amino acid substitution (Arg to Cys) at position 188. The genotype of the propositus was determined as Bnew/O.

CONCLUSIONA novel B allele has been identified, which was named as Bw39 by the Blood Group Antigen Gene Mutation Database (BGMUT).

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Adult ; Alleles ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Base Sequence ; Exons ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Point Mutation

Recent developments in genome editing technology using meganucleases demonstrate an efficient method of producing gene edited pigs. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of the transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) system in generating specific mutations on the pig genome. Specific TALEN was designed to induce a double-strand break on exon 9 of the porcine α1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene as it is the main cause of hyperacute rejection after xenotransplantation. Human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF) gene, which can produce a complement inhibitor to protect cells from complement attack after xenotransplantation, was also integrated into the genome simultaneously. Plasmids coding for the TALEN pair and hDAF gene were transfected into porcine cells by electroporation to disrupt the porcine GGTA1 gene and express hDAF. The transfected cells were then sorted using a biotin-labeled IB4 lectin attached to magnetic beads to obtain GGTA1 deficient cells. As a result, we established GGTA1 knockout (KO) cell lines with biallelic modification (35.0%) and GGTA1 KO cell lines expressing hDAF (13.0%). When these cells were used for somatic cell nuclear transfer, we successfully obtained live GGTA1 KO pigs expressing hDAF. Our results demonstrate that TALEN-mediated genome editing is efficient and can be successfully used to generate gene edited pigs.
Animals ; Antigens, CD55/genetics ; Cell Line ; DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded ; Exons/genetics ; Galactosyltransferases/*genetics ; Gene Editing/*veterinary ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Humans ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Swine ; Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases/*genetics/*metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular basis for an individual with rare p phenotype in the P1Pk blood group system.

METHODSErythrocyte blood group antigens and antibodies in serum were identified in the proband and five family members with a serological method. Coding regions and flanking untranslated regions of the α1,4-galactosyltransferase gene (A4GALT) encoding P1Pk antigens were amplified with polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. The haplotypes of A4GALT in the parents of the proband were also analyzed by cloning sequencing.

RESULTSThe proband was found with a rare p phenotype with anti-Tja antibody in his serum by serological method. The other family members all had a common P2 phenotype. The results of DNA sequencing showed that a cytosine was inserted at nucleotide position 1026 to 1029 (1026_1029insC) of both alleles of the A4GALT gene in the proband. The mutation has caused a reading frame shift and formed a mutant protein by extending 92 amino acid residues. The other family members were either heterozygous for the insertion or of the wild type at above position.

CONCLUSIONThe 1026_1029insC mutation of the A4GALT gene is probably responsible for the p phenotype identified for the first time in Chinese population. The individual with the p phenotype possesses anti-Tja antibody.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Adult ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Female ; Frameshift Mutation ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutagenesis, Insertional ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of 905A to G mutation of α -1,3 galactosyltransferase of ABO gene on B antigen expression.

METHODSThree samples were diagnosed as B subgroup by serological test. Genotyping and sequencing were performed with polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP), direct sequencing and gene dones of exons 6 and 7 of the ABO locus.

RESULTSThe sequence of B allele has differed from that of regular B101 allele with a 905A to G missense mutation in exon 7, which resulted in an amino acid substitution (D302G) in all of the three B subgroup samples.

CONCLUSION905A to G mutation can reduce the expression of B antigen.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Base Sequence ; Female ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation, Missense

OBJECTIVETo delineate serological features and genetic basis for a rare p phenotype of P1Pk blood group system found in a Chinese individual.

METHODSSerological assaying was carried out for a proband with unexpected antibody found in his serum using specific antibodies and panel cells. Coding regions and flanking introns of α 1,4-galactosyltransferase gene (A4GALT) associated with the p phenotype were screened with polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

RESULTSA rare p phenotype of the P1Pk blood group system has been identified with red blood cells from the proband, whose serum contained anti-Tja antibody which can agglutinate and hemolyze with other common red blood cells. Other members of the proband's family were all normal with P1 or P2 phenotype. DNA sequencing has identified in the proband a homozygous 26 bp deletion at position 972 to 997 of the A4GALT gene. The deletion has caused a shift of the reading frame, resulting in a variant polypeptide chain with additional 83 amino acid residues compared with the wild-type protein. Other family members were either heterozygous for above deletion or non-deleted.

CONCLUSIONA 26 bp deletion at position 972 to 997 of the A4GALT gene has been identified in a Chinese individual with p phenotype.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Base Sequence ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Sequence Deletion

Azacitidine ; pharmacology ; Base Sequence ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; drug effects ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Galactosyltransferases ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; etiology ; genetics ; metabolism ; Glycosylation ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Lymphocytes ; metabolism ; Molecular Chaperones ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mutation ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecule basis of a p blood group in a patient with gastric carcinoma.

METHODSThe p phenotype was determined with serological method. Inheritance of the p phenotype was investigated by pedigree analysis. Sequence of α-1,4- galactosyltransferase (A4GALT) gene was determined by Sanger method.

RESULTSThe proband and his younger brother were both determined to have a p phenotype. Two homozygous variations, c.343A>T (AAA>TAA) and c.903C>G (CCC>CCG), have been detected in exon 3 of the A4GALT gene. Among these, c.343 A>T (AAA>TAA) was a novel mutation, which has resulted in a termination codon, with which no normal product of the gene can be produced. c.903C>G was determined to be a polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONA novel c.343A>T mutation in the A4GALT gene probably underlies the p phenotype, to which a Genbank access number KC202808 has been assigned.

Blood Group Antigens ; genetics ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood ; genetics