Pathway analysis supports association of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism with genetic loci linked to cytoskeleton-dependent functions.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Barthold JS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4573451 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:PurposeBased on a genome-wide association study of testicular dysgenesis syndrome showing a possible association with TGFBR3, we analyzed data from a larger, phenotypically restricted cryptorchidism population for potential replication of this signal.Materials and methodsWe excluded samples based on strict quality control criteria, leaving 844 cases and 2,718 controls of European ancestry that were analyzed in 2 separate groups based on genotyping platform (ie Illumina® HumanHap550, version 1 or 3, or Human610-Quad, version 1 BeadChip in group 1 and Human OmniExpress 12, version 1 BeadChip platform in group 2). Analyses included genotype imputation at the TGFBR3 locus, association analysis of imputed data with correction for population substructure, subsequent meta-analysis of data for groups 1 and 2, and selective genotyping of independent cases (330) and controls (324) for replication. We also measured Tgfbr3 mRNA levels and performed TGFBR3/betaglycan immunostaining in rat fetal gubernaculum.ResultsWe identified suggestive (p ≤ 1× 10(-4)) association of markers in/near TGFBR3, including rs9661103 (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.20, 1.64; p = 2.71 × 10(-5)) and rs10782968 (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.26, 1.98; p = 9.36 × 10(-5)) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In subgroup analyses we observed strongest association of rs17576372 (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.24, 1.60; p = 1.67 × 10(-4)) with proximal and rs11165059 (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.15, 1.38; p = 9.42 × 10(-4)) with distal testis position, signals in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs9661103 and rs10782968, respectively. Association of the prior genome-wide association study signal (rs12082710) was marginal (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.99, 1.28; p = 0.09 for group 1), and we were unable to replicate signals in our independent cohort. Tgfbr3/betaglycan was differentially expressed in wild-type and cryptorchid rat fetal gubernaculum.ConclusionsThese data suggest complex or phenotype specific association of cryptorchidism with TGFBR3 and the gubernaculum as a potential target of TGFβ signaling.
| S-EPMC4406821 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundGenetic and environmental factors likely influence susceptibility to nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, a common disease presenting at birth or in later childhood. We compared cases and controls to define differential risk factors for congenital versus acquired cryptorchidism.MethodsWe compared questionnaire and clinical data from cases of congenital cryptorchidism (n = 230), acquired cryptorchidism (n = 182) and hernia/hydrocele (n = 104) with a group of healthy male controls (n = 358). Potential predictor variables (p < 0.2 in univariable analysis) were included in stepwise multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsTemporary (odds ratio [OR], 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-0.8) or exclusive (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9) breastfeeding was reduced and soy formula feeding increased (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9) in acquired but not congenital or hernia/hydrocele groups. The highest risk estimates were observed for primary soy formula feeding with limited or no breastfeeding (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.3; adjusted OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.4) in the acquired group. Primary feeding risk estimates were equivalent or strengthened when multivariable models were limited to age greater than 2 years, full-term or not small for gestational age, or Caucasian subjects. Pregnancy complications and increased maternal exposure to cosmetic or household chemicals were not consistently associated with either form of cryptorchidism in these models.ConclusionsOur data support reduced breastfeeding and soy formula feeding as potential risk factors for acquired cryptorchidism. Although additional studies are needed, hormonally active components of breast milk and soy formula could influence the establishment of normal testis position in the first months of life, leading to apparent ascent of testes in childhood. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012.
| S-EPMC3501569 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundCopy number variation (CNV) is a potential contributing factor to many genetic diseases. Here we investigated the potential association of CNV with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism, the most common male congenital genitourinary defect, in a Caucasian population.MethodsGenome wide genotyping were performed in 559 cases and 1772 controls (Group 1) using Illumina HumanHap550 v1, HumanHap550 v3 or Human610-Quad platforms and in 353 cases and 1149 controls (Group 2) using the Illumina Human OmniExpress 12v1 or Human OmniExpress 12v1-1. Signal intensity data including log R ratio (LRR) and B allele frequency (BAF) for each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were used for CNV detection using PennCNV software. After sample quality control, gene- and CNV-based association tests were performed using cleaned data from Group 1 (493 cases and 1586 controls) and Group 2 (307 cases and 1102 controls) using ParseCNV software. Meta-analysis was performed using gene-based test results as input to identify significant genes, and CNVs in or around significant genes were identified in CNV-based association test results. Called CNVs passing quality control and signal intensity visualization examination were considered for validation using TaqMan CNV assays and QuantStudio® 3D Digital PCR System.ResultsThe meta-analysis identified 373 genome wide significant (p < 5X10-4) genes/loci including 49 genes/loci with deletions and 324 with duplications. Among them, 17 genes with deletion and 1 gene with duplication were identified in CNV-based association results in both Group 1 and Group 2. Only 2 genes (NUCB2 and UPF2) containing deletions passed CNV quality control in both groups and signal intensity visualization examination, but laboratory validation failed to verify these deletions.ConclusionsOur data do not support that structural variation is a major cause of nonsyndromic cryptorchidism.
| S-EPMC5073740 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Prevailing models place spectrin downstream of ankyrin in a pathway of assembly and function in polarized cells. We used a transgene rescue strategy in Drosophila melanogaster to test contributions of four specific functional sites in beta spectrin to its assembly and function. (1) Removal of the pleckstrin homology domain blocked polarized spectrin assembly in midgut epithelial cells and was usually lethal. (2) A point mutation in the tetramer formation site, modeled after a hereditary elliptocytosis mutation in human erythrocyte spectrin, had no detectable effect on function. (3) Replacement of repetitive segments 4-11 of beta spectrin with repeats 2-9 of alpha spectrin abolished function but did not prevent polarized assembly. (4) Removal of the putative ankyrin-binding site had an unexpectedly mild phenotype with no detectable effect on spectrin targeting to the plasma membrane. The results suggest an alternate pathway in which spectrin directs ankyrin assembly and in which some important functions of spectrin are independent of ankyrin.
| S-EPMC2064573 | biostudies-literature
Project description:X-linked deafness is a rare cause of hereditary hearing impairment. We have identified a family with X-linked dominant sensorineural hearing impairment, characterized by incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in carrier females, that is linked to the Xp21.2, which contains the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) locus. The auditory impairment in affected males was congenital, bilateral, profound, sensorineural, affecting all frequencies, and without evidence of radiographic abnormality of the temporal bone. Adult carrier females manifested bilateral, mild-to-moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing impairment of delayed onset during adulthood. Eighteen commercially available, polymorphic markers from the X chromosome, generating a 10-15-cM map, were initially used for identification of a candidate region. DXS997, located within the DMD gene, generated a two-point LOD score of 2.91 at theta = 0, with every carrier mother heterozygous at this locus. Recombination events at DXS992 (located within the DMD locus, 3' to exon 50 of the dystrophin gene) and at DXS1068 (5' to the brain promoter of the dystrophin gene) were observed. No recombination events were noted with the following markers within the DMD locus: 5'DYS II, intron 44, DXS997, and intron 50. There was no clinical evidence of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy in any family member. It is likely that this family represents a new locus on the X chromosome, which when mutated results in nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss and is distinct from the heterogeneous group of X-linked hearing losses that have been previously described.
| S-EPMC1918282 | biostudies-other
Project description:Obesity is a chronic condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is a risk factor for a number of other diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity confers an enormous, costly burden on both individuals and public health more broadly. Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes. Body fat distribution is distinct from overall obesity in measurement, but studies of body fat distribution can yield insights into the risk factors for and causes of overall obesity. Sexual dimorphism in body fat distribution is present throughout life. Though sexual dimorphism is subtle in early stages of life, it is attenuated in puberty and during menopause. This phenomenon could be, at least in part, due to the influence of sex hormones on the trait. Findings from recent large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for various measures of body fat distribution (including waist-to-hip ratio, hip or waist circumference, trunk fat percentage and the ratio of android and gynoid fat percentage) emphasize the strong sexual dimorphism in the genetic regulation of fat distribution traits. Importantly, sexual dimorphism is not observed for overall obesity (as assessed by body mass index or total fat percentage). Notably, the genetic loci associated with body fat distribution, which show sexual dimorphism, are located near genes that are expressed in adipose tissues and/or adipose cells. Considering the epidemiological and genetic evidence, sexual dimorphism is a prominent feature of body fat distribution. Research that specifically focuses on sexual dimorphism in fat distribution can provide novel insights into human physiology and into the development of obesity and its comorbidities, as well as yield biological clues that will aid in the improvement of disease prevention and treatment.
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Project description:Both host and parasite factors contribute to disease severity of malaria infection; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the disease and the host-parasite interactions involved remain largely unresolved. To investigate the effects of parasite factors on host immune responses and pathogenesis, we measured levels of plasma cytokines/chemokines (CCs) and growth rates in mice infected with two Plasmodium yoelii strains having different virulence phenotypes and in progeny from a genetic cross of the two parasites. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis linked levels of many CCs, particularly IL-1β, IP-10, IFN-γ, MCP-1 and MIG, and early parasite growth rate to loci on multiple parasite chromosomes, including chromosomes 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13. Comparison of the genome sequences spanning the mapped loci revealed various candidate genes. The loci on chromosomes 7 and 13 had significant (P<0.005) additive effects on IL-1β, IL-5 and IP-10 responses, and the chromosome 9 and 12 loci had significant (P=0.017) interaction. Infection of knockout mice showed critical roles of MCP-1 and IL-10 in parasitemia control and host mortality. These results provide important information for a better understanding of malaria pathogenesis and can be used to examine the role of these factors in human malaria infection.
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Project description:CHIP is an E3-ubiquitin ligase that contributes to healthy aging and has been characterized as neuroprotective. To elucidate dominant CHIP-dependent changes in protein steady-state levels in a patient-derived human neuronal model, CHIP function was ablated using gene-editing and an unbiased proteomic analysis conducted to compare knock-out and wild-type isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Rather than a broad effect on protein homeostasis, loss of CHIP function impacted on a focused cohort of proteins from actin cytoskeleton signaling and membrane integrity networks. In support of the proteomics, CHIP knockout cells had enhanced sensitivity to induced membrane damage. We conclude that the major readout of CHIP function in cortical neurons derived from iPSC of a patient with elevate α-synuclein, Parkinson's disease and dementia, is the modulation of substrates involved in maintaining cellular "health". Thus, regulation of the actin cytoskeletal and membrane integrity likely contributes to the neuroprotective function(s) of CHIP.
| S-EPMC8350547 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Sex determination mechanisms play a central role in life-history characteristics, affecting mating systems, sex ratios, inbreeding tolerance, etc. Downstream components of sex determination pathways are highly conserved, but upstream components evolve rapidly. Evolutionary dynamics of sex determination remain poorly understood, particularly because mechanisms appear so diverse. Here we investigate the origins and evolution of complementary sex determination (CSD) in ants and bees. The honey bee has a well-characterized CSD locus, containing tandemly arranged homologs of the transformer gene [complementary sex determiner (csd) and feminizer (fem)]. Such tandem paralogs appear frequently in aculeate hymenopteran genomes. However, only comparative genomic, but not functional, data support a broader role for csd/fem in sex determination, and whether species other than the honey bee use this pathway remains controversial. Here we used a backcross to test whether csd/fem acts as a CSD locus in an ant (Vollenhovia emeryi). After sequencing and assembling the genome, we computed a linkage map, and conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of diploid male production using 68 diploid males and 171 workers. We found two QTLs on separate linkage groups (CsdQTL1 and CsdQTL2) that jointly explained 98.0% of the phenotypic variance. CsdQTL1 included two tandem transformer homologs. These data support the prediction that the same CSD mechanism has indeed been conserved for over 100 million years. CsdQTL2 had no similarity to CsdQTL1 and included a 236-kb region with no obvious CSD gene candidates, making it impossible to conclusively characterize it using our data. The sequence of this locus was conserved in at least one other ant genome that diverged >75 million years ago. By applying QTL analysis to ants for the first time, we support the hypothesis that elements of hymenopteran CSD are ancient, but also show that more remains to be learned about the diversity of CSD mechanisms.
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Project description:We investigated the potential mechanisms driving habitat-linked genetic divergence within a bird species endemic to a single 250-km2 island. The island scrub-jay (Aphelocoma insularis) exhibits microgeographic divergence in bill morphology across pine-oak ecotones on Santa Cruz Island, California (USA), similar to adaptive differences described in mainland congeners over much larger geographic scales. To test whether individuals exhibit genetic differentiation related to habitat type and divergence in bill length, we genotyped over 3000 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 123 adult island scrub-jay males from across Santa Cruz Island using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. Neutral landscape genomic analyses revealed that genome-wide genetic differentiation was primarily related to geographic distance and differences in habitat composition. We also found 168 putatively adaptive loci associated with habitat type using multivariate redundancy analysis while controlling for spatial effects. Finally, two genome-wide association analyses revealed a polygenic basis to variation in bill length with multiple loci detected in or near genes known to affect bill morphology in other birds. Our findings support the hypothesis that divergent selection at microgeographic scales can cause adaptive divergence in the presence of ongoing gene flow.
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