Project description:Intraindividual copy number variations (CNVs) happen post-zygotically, however their origin is largely unknown. They might appear either through aging or may resist following the common chromosome instability at the preimplantation stage. To uncover a part of this question we investigated fetal mosaicism and its origin. According to distribution pattern of frequent CNVs in derivatives of different germ layers, their origin is early development including preimplantation, whereas CNVs with low frequency occur in later stages. Both fetuses share CNVs, some in the same tissues and some other in different tissues. Functional analysis showed that altered genes were involved in embryonic development pathways. Each organ inherits CNVs with an unpredictable pattern due to extensive cell mixing/migration in embryonic development. Since we have found frequent intraindividual reciprocal CNVs as events with preimplantation origin in both fetuses, mosaic embryo transfer should be performed with caution because it may increase susceptibility to develop early/late onset diseases with genetic component even though recent reports seems to encourage IVF clinics for mosaic embryo transfer.
Project description:Although pulmonary stenosis (PS) is relatively common, the genetic etiology of congenital PS in fetuses is poorly studied. We used karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) to investigate the genetic aberrations associated with PS in fetuses.
Project description:Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis detects copy number variations (CNVs) in many fetuses; however, the low penetrance and phenotypic diversity of CNVs complicate genetic counseling, resulting in limited understanding of intrauterine ultrasound phenotypes linked to CNVs. In a retrospective analysis of 25,000 cases at Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, 18,000 pregnant women underwent SNP array testing (December 2015 to June 2023).
Project description:Genetic variation governs protein expression through both transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. To investigate this relationship, we combined a multiplexed, mass spectrometry-based method for protein quantification with an emerging mouse model harboring extensive genetic variation from 8 founder strains. We collected genome-wide mRNA and protein profiling measurements to link genetic variation to protein expression differences in livers from 192 diversity outcross mice. We observed nearly 3,700 protein-level quantitative trait loci (pQTL) with an equal proportion of proteins regulated directly by their cognate mRNA as uncoupled from their transcript. Our analysis reveals an extensive array of at least five models for genetic variant control of protein abundance including direct protein-to-protein associations that act to achieve stoichiometric balance of functionally related enzymes and subunits of multimeric complexes.
Project description:Routine karyotyping combined with CMA testing should be provided for fetuses with omphalocele. WES is an option if karyotype and CMA tests are normal. In addition, if conventional karyotype, CMA detection and WES detection are normal, then further molecular biology methods can be used to rule out disease phenotypes like BWS syndrome. We analyzed the ultrasonographic features, genetic characteristics, and maternal and fetal outcomes of fetuses with omphalocele and provide a reference for perinatal management of such cases.