scholarly journals Gene Polymorphisms Among Plasmodium vivax Geographical Isolates and the Potential as New Biomarkers for Gametocyte Detection

Author(s):  
Anthony Ford ◽  
Daniel Kepple ◽  
Jonathan Williams ◽  
Gabrielle Kolesar ◽  
Colby T. Ford ◽  
...  

The unique biological features of Plasmodium vivax not only make it difficult to control but also to eliminate. For the transmission of the malaria parasite from infected human to the vector, gametocytes play a major role. The transmission potential of a malarial infection is inferred based on microscopic detection of gametocytes and molecular screening of genes in the female gametocytes. Microscopy-based detection methods could grossly underestimate the reservoirs of infection as gametocytes may occur as submicroscopic or as micro- or macro-gametocytes. The identification of genes that are highly expressed and polymorphic in male and female gametocytes is critical for monitoring changes not only in their relative proportions but also the composition of gametocyte clones contributing to transmission over time. Recent transcriptomic study revealed two distinct clusters of highly correlated genes expressed in the P. vivax gametocytes, indicating that the male and female terminal gametocytogeneses are independently regulated. However, the detective power of these genes is unclear. In this study, we compared genetic variations of 15 and 11 genes expressed, respectively, in the female and male gametocytes among P. vivax isolates from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Further, we constructed phylogenetic trees to determine the resolution power and clustering patterns of gametocyte clones. As expected, Pvs25 (PVP01_0616100) and Pvs16 (PVP01_0305600) expressed in the female gametocytes were highly conserved in all geographical isolates. In contrast, genes including 6-cysteine protein Pvs230 (PVP01_0415800) and upregulated in late gametocytes ULG8 (PVP01_1452800) expressed in the female gametocytes, as well as two CPW-WPC family proteins (PVP01_1215900 and PVP01_1320100) expressed in the male gametocytes indicated considerably high nucleotide and haplotype diversity among isolates. Parasite samples expressed in male and female gametocyte genes were observed in separate phylogenetic clusters and likely represented distinct gametocyte clones. Compared to Pvs25, Pvs230 (PVP01_0415800) and a CPW-WPC family protein (PVP01_0904300) showed higher expression in a subset of Ethiopian P. vivax samples. Thus, Pvs230, ULG8, and CPW-WPC family proteins including PVP01_0904300, PVP01_1215900, and PVP01_1320100 could potentially be used as novel biomarkers for detecting both sexes of P. vivax gametocytes in low-density infections and estimating transmission reservoirs.

Genetics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 162 (2) ◽  
pp. 931-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiichi Sato ◽  
Takeshi Nishio ◽  
Ryo Kimura ◽  
Makoto Kusaba ◽  
Tohru Suzuki ◽  
...  

AbstractBrassica self-incompatibility (SI) is controlled by SLG and SRK expressed in the stigma and by SP11/SCR expressed in the anther. We determined the sequences of the S domains of 36 SRK alleles, 13 SLG alleles, and 14 SP11 alleles from Brassica oleracea and B. rapa. We found three S haplotypes lacking SLG genes in B. rapa, confirming that SLG is not essential for the SI recognition system. Together with reported sequences, the nucleotide diversities per synonymous and nonsynonymous site (πS and πN) at the SRK, SLG, and SP11 loci within B. oleracea were computed. The ratios of πN:πS for SP11 and the hypervariable region of SRK were significantly >1, suggesting operation of diversifying selection to maintain the diversity of these regions. In the phylogenetic trees of 12 SP11 sequences and their linked SRK alleles, the tree topology was not significantly different between SP11 and SRK, suggesting a tight linkage of male and female SI determinants during the evolutionary course of these haplotypes. Genetic exchanges between SLG and SRK seem to be frequent; three such recent exchanges were detected. The evolution of S haplotypes and the effect of gene conversion on self-incompatibility are discussed.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1429
Author(s):  
Yang Teng ◽  
Jing Yang ◽  
Guofen Zhu ◽  
Fuli Gao ◽  
Yingying Han ◽  
...  

Detailed molecular genetic research on amphibian populations has a significant role in understanding the genetic adaptability to local environments. The oriental fire-bellied toads (Bombina orientalis) were artificially introduced to Beijing from Shandong Province in 1927, and since then, this separated population went through an independent evolution. To explore the differentiation of the introduced population with its original population, this study analyzed the genetic structure of the oriental fire-bellied toad, based on the mitochondrial genome control region and six microsatellite sites. The results showed that the haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of the mitochondrial D-loop region partial sequences of the Beijing Botanical Garden population and the Baiwangshan population were lower than those of the Shangdong Kunyushan population. Microsatellite marker analysis also showed that the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the Beijing populations were lower than those of the Kunyushan population. The phylogenetic trees and network diagrams of haplotypes indicated that the three populations were not genetically separated. However, the structure analysis showed a genetic differentiation and categorized the sampling individuals into Beijing and Shandong genetic clusters, which indicated a tendency for isolated evolution in the Beijing population. Although the Beijing populations showed a decline in genetic diversity, it was still at a moderate level, which could maintain the survival of the population. Thus, there is no need to reintroduce new individuals from the Kunyushan source population.


2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kavussanu ◽  
Ian D. Boardley ◽  
Sam S. Sagar ◽  
Christopher Ring

The concept of bracketed morality has received empirical support in several sport studies (e.g., Bredemeier & Shields, 1986a, 1986b). However, these studies have focused on moral reasoning. In this research, we examined bracketed morality with respect to moral behavior in sport and university contexts, in two studies. Male and female participants (Study 1: N = 331; Study 2: N = 372) completed questionnaires assessing prosocial and antisocial behavior toward teammates and opponents in sport and toward other students at university. Study 2 participants also completed measures of moral disengagement and goal orientation in both contexts. In most cases, behavior in sport was highly correlated with behavior at university. In addition, participants reported higher prosocial behavior toward teammates and higher antisocial behavior toward opponents in sport than toward other students at university. The effects of context on antisocial behavior were partially mediated by moral disengagement and ego orientation. Our findings extend the bracketed morality concept to prosocial and antisocial behavior.


1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 627-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. BATE ◽  
R. R. HACKER ◽  
M. B. KREUKNIET

Blood samples were collected from five pregnant sows from day 111 postbreeding to farrowing and from their piglets at regular intervals between birth and 48 h. The time between birth and first suckling (BTS) was recorded for each piglet. Maternal serum testosterone (T) levels were detectable only at the beginning of parturition and were highly correlated (r = 0.83) with litter BTS. Serum T levels of male and female piglets were similar at birth. In male piglets the T levels increased to a peak 2 h after birth and decreased gradually thereafter. In contrast, the T levels of female piglets declined rapidly after birth to baseline levels. The BTS of female piglets was shorter than that of male piglets. Body weight of males was higher than that of females and was influenced by litter size. These results suggest that the higher serum T levels of male piglets may have a detrimental effect on their teat-seeking ability. Key words: Serum testosterone, sex, piglets, teat-seeking ability, sow


2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
Alejandro Flores-Alanis ◽  
Lilia González-Cerón ◽  
Frida Santillán-Valenzuela ◽  
Cecilia Ximenez ◽  
Marco A. Sandoval-Bautista ◽  
...  

For 20 years, Plasmodium vivax has been the only prevalent malaria species in Mexico, and cases have declined significantly and continuously. Spatiotemporal genetic studies can be helpful for understanding parasite dynamics and developing strategies to weaken malaria transmission, thus facilitating the elimination of the parasite. The aim of the current contribution was to analyze P. vivax-infected blood samples from patients in southern Mexico during the control (1993–2007) and pre-elimination phases (2008–2011). Nucleotide and haplotype changes in the pvmsp142 fragment were evaluated over time. The majority of multiple genotype infections occurred in the 1990s, when the 198 single nucleotide sequences exhibited 57 segregating sites, 64 mutations, and 17 haplotypes. Nucleotide and genetic diversity parameters showed subtle fluctuations from across time, in contrast to the reduced haplotype diversity and the increase in the R2 index and Tajima’s D value from 2008 to 2011. The haplotype network consisted of four haplogroups, the geographical distribution of which varied slightly over time. Haplogroup-specific B-cell epitopes were predicted. Since only high-frequency and divergent haplotypes persisted, there was a contraction of the parasite population. Given that 84% of haplotypes were exclusive to Mesoamerica, P. vivax flow is likely circumscribed to this region, representing important information for parasite surveillance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijia Su ◽  
Jinying Zhao ◽  
Huahua Su ◽  
Yanhua Wang ◽  
Wenfeng Huang ◽  
...  

: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the common histological subtype of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a new class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in the development of cancer. Accumulating evidence indicated that a large number of circular RNAs were found to be involved in many biological processes, including tumor initiation, proliferation and progression. These circRNAs present great potentials as new biomarkers and vital targets for disease diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we mainly focus on the differentially expressed circRNAs and their functions in the pathogenesis of LUAD, which makes it possible for the utility of circRNAs as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy. Especially, it is helpful to develop circRNAs as crucial therapeutic targets, thus providing a promising biomedical application in the field of cancer gene therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 6009
Author(s):  
Malgorzata Anna Krawczyk ◽  
Agata Pospieszynska ◽  
Małgorzata Styczewska ◽  
Ewa Bien ◽  
Sambor Sawicki ◽  
...  

Exosomal heat shock proteins (Hsps) are involved in intercellular communication both in physiological and pathological conditions. They play a role in key processes of carcinogenesis including immune system regulation, cell differentiation, vascular homeostasis and metastasis formation. Thus, exosomal Hsps are emerging biomarkers of malignancies and possible therapeutic targets. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are patients aged 15–39 years. This age group, placed between pediatric and adult oncology, pose a particular challenge for cancer management. New biomarkers of cancer growth and progression as well as prognostic factors are desperately needed in AYAs. In this review, we attempted to summarize the current knowledge on the role of exosomal Hsps in selected solid tumors characteristic for the AYA population and/or associated with poor prognosis in this age group. These included malignant melanoma, brain tumors, and breast, colorectal, thyroid, hepatocellular, lung and gynecological tract carcinomas. The studies on exosomal Hsps in these tumors are limited; however; some have provided promising results. Although further research is needed, there is potential for future clinical applications of exosomal Hsps in AYA cancers, both as novel biomarkers of disease presence, progression or relapse, or as therapeutic targets or tools for drug delivery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (9) ◽  
pp. 1171-1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara L Lynch ◽  
Y Ruben Luo ◽  
Shirin Hooshfar ◽  
Cassandra Yun

Abstract BACKGROUND Cannabis use results in impaired driving and an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Cannabinoid concentrations in blood and other matrices can remain high long after use, prohibiting the differentiation between acute and chronic exposure. Exhaled breath has been proposed as an alternative matrix in which concentrations may more closely correspond to the window of impairment; however, efficient capture and analytically sensitive detection methods are required for measurement. METHODS Timed blood and breath samples were collected from 20 volunteers before and after controlled administration of smoked cannabis. Cannabinoid concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS to determine release kinetics and correlation between the 2 matrices. RESULTS Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was detected in exhaled breath for all individuals at baseline through 3 h after cannabis use. THC concentrations in breath were highest at the 15-min timepoint (median = 17.8 pg/L) and declined to <5% of this concentration in all participants 3 h after smoking. The decay curve kinetics observed for blood and breath were highly correlated within individuals and across the population. CONCLUSIONS THC can be reliably detected throughout the presumed 3-h impairment window following controlled administration of smoked cannabis. The findings support breath THC concentrations as representing a physiological process and are correlated to blood concentrations, albeit with a shorter window of detection.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Martini ◽  
Sylvia Timme-Bronsert ◽  
Stefan Fichtner-Feigl ◽  
Jens Hoeppner ◽  
Birte Kulemann

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the USA and Europe; early symptoms and screenings are lacking, and it is usually diagnosed late with a poor prognosis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been promising new biomarkers in solid tumors. In the last twenty years (1999–2019), 140 articles have contained the key words “Circulating tumor cells, pancreatic cancer, prognosis and diagnosis.” Articles were evaluated for the use of CTCs as prognostic markers and their correlation to survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In the final selected 17 articles, the CTC detection rate varied greatly between different enrichment methodologies and ranged from 11% to 92%; the majority of studies used the antigen-dependent CellSearch© system for CTC detection. Fifteen of the reviewed studies showed a correlation between CTC presence and a worse overall survival. The heterogeneity of CTC-detection methods and the lack of uniform results hinder a comparison of the evaluated studies. However, CTCs can be detected in pancreatic cancer and harbor a hope to serve as an early detection tool. Larger studies are needed to corroborate CTCs as valid biomarkers in pancreatic cancer.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Dankova ◽  
Z Minarikova ◽  
J Danko ◽  
J Gergel ◽  
P Pontuch ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent event in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and is associated with poor short and longterm outcome. Aim of the study was to decribe diagnostic yield of selected novel biomarkers in prediction of AKI in patients addmitted for AHF. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of 72 consecutive patients (46/26 M/F) aged 69±10,3 years admitted for AHF. Renal damage was defined according to KDIGO guidelines. Patients were divided into two groups: AKI- (without renal injury, n=52) and AKI+ (with renal injury, n=20). Urine samples for AKI biomarkers measurements (NGAL, TIMP2, IGFBP7) were collected at admission. The ROC and linear logistic regression of new biomarkers and selected clinical variables was performed for evaluation of the AKI prediction. Results Patients with AKI + were older (median age: 75 vs. 64 years, p=0,01), had lower BMI (median: 28 vs. 29,5 kg/m2, p=0,04), were with higher proportion of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (55% vs 23,1%, p=0,01) and higher level of serum NTproBNP. Urinary NGAL at admission was significantly higher in the AKI+ compared to AKI – group (152 vs. 19,5 ng/ml, p <.0001); also median of u-TIMP-2 and u-IGFBP-7 in the AKI+ patients were significantly higher: 194,1 versus 42,5 ng/ml (p<0.0001) and 379 versus 92,4 pg/ml (p<0.0001) resp. Age, u-NGAL, u-TIMP2, u-IGFBP7, s-hemoglobin, NTproBNP and LVEF were associated with the development of AKI. Urine concentration IGFBP-7 performs the best for the prediction AKI (AUC 0,94). Conclusion Urine concentrations of NGAL, TIMP2, IGFBP7 at the time of admission for AHF predict developement of AKI. Age, NTproBNP, LVEF and s-hemoglobin are also associated with AKI in AHF patients. Acknowledgement/Funding Project was supported by Slovak Society of Cardiology research grant 2015-2018.


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