Identification of modifying copy number variations in healthy carriers of pathogenetically significant CNVs

Присутствие дополнительных хромосомных вариантов в геноме пациента или бессимптомное носительство аберрации может приводить к фенотипической вариабельности проявлений патогенетически значимой CNV. Высказана гипотеза, что сочетанное действие CNV оказывает модифицирующий эффект, который может быть кумулятивным или компенсаторным, и, соответственно, изменять риск, связанный с определённой CNV, что имеет принципиальное значение для медико-генетического консультирования. The presence of concomitant chromosomal variants in the genome of a patient or an asymptomatic carrier of aberrations may lead to phenotypic variability of pathogenetically significant CNV. It is supposed, that multiple CNVs has a modifying effect, which can be cumulative or compensatory. The risk associated with a particular CNV changes accordingly. This is of fundamental importance for genetic counseling.

Distribution and Molecular Analysis of Subtilase Cytotoxin Gene (subAB) Variants in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) Isolated From Different Sources in Iran

Background Subtilase is a potent cytotoxin that was first described in O113:H21 strain in Australia as a plasmid- encoded cytotoxin (subAB1). Subsequently, chromosomal variants including subAB2-1, subAB2-2, and subAB2-3 were described. Results In the present study a collection of 101 archived STEC strains isolated from various sources in Iran (2009–2016) were analyzed for the detection of different genes encoding the subtilase variants, plasmidic and chromosomal virulence genes, together with the phylogroup and serogroups. Overall, 57 isolates (56.4%) carried at least one variant of subAB. Most strains from small ruminants including 93% of sheep and 96% of caprine isolates carried at least one chromosomally encoded variant (subAB-2-1 and/or subAb2-2). In contrast, 12 cattle isolates (24%) only harbored the plasmid encoded variant (subAB1). STEC strains from other sources including deer, pony and humans were positive for subAB-2-1 and/or subAb2-2. Concerning the virulence markers, some strains showed an association with hosts the bacteria were isolated from. In particular, tia was associated with sheep, goats and pony isolates and astA gene was present in deer, pony and goats and terD was only found in deer and pony isolates. Only cattle STEC carried espP and epeA, the important markers of pO113 plasmid. Some genes were widespread among strain of various sources like ehly, iha and lpfO113 and some genes were not detected such as efa1, toxB and katP. Most strains belonged to phylogenetic group B1 (89.47%), but five strains from cattle, deer, pony and a goat were assigned to A phylogroup. Most cattle strains belonged to O113, while O5 was just detected in ovine isolates, and O128 and O113 were present in caprine strains. Conclusions the present study reveals the presence of potentially pathogenic genotypes among LEE-negative isolates and some host specificity related to subtilase variants and other virulence markers that may aid in source tracking of STEC during outbreak investigations.

Abdominal ectopia cordis in an aborted calf without chromosomal aberrations

Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by partial or complete displacement of the heart out of the thoracic cavity. Apart from cattle, the condition has also been described in humans and is frequently associated with Cantrell’s pentalogy. It is classified into five types: cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracic, abdominal and thoracoabdominal. The prognosis is poor and ectopia cordis may be linked to the presence of unbalanced chromosome alterations. In this report, a case of abdominal ectopia cordis is described in an aborted calf, in which no unbalanced structural chromosomal variants could be identified.

Physical mapping of repetitive oligonucleotides facilitates the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype to identify chromosomal variations in peanut

Background Chromosomal variants play important roles in crop breeding and genetic research. The development of single-stranded oligonucleotide (oligo) probes simplifies the process of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and facilitates chromosomal identification in many species. Genome sequencing provides rich resources for the development of oligo probes. However, little progress has been made in peanut due to the lack of efficient chromosomal markers. Until now, the identification of chromosomal variants in peanut has remained a challenge. Results A total of 114 new oligo probes were developed based on the genome-wide tandem repeats (TRs) identified from the reference sequences of the peanut variety Tifrunner (AABB, 2n = 4x = 40) and the diploid species Arachis ipaensis (BB, 2n = 2x = 20). These oligo probes were classified into 28 types based on their positions and overlapping signals in chromosomes. For each type, a representative oligo was selected and modified with green fluorescein 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) or red fluorescein 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA). Two cocktails, Multiplex #3 and Multiplex #4, were developed by pooling the fluorophore conjugated probes. Multiplex #3 included FAM-modified oligo TIF-439, oligo TIF-185-1, oligo TIF-134-3 and oligo TIF-165. Multiplex #4 included TAMRA-modified oligo Ipa-1162, oligo Ipa-1137, oligo DP-1 and oligo DP-5. Each cocktail enabled the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype after sequential FISH/genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and in silico mapping. Furthermore, we identified 14 chromosomal variants of the peanut induced by radiation exposure. A total of 28 representative probes were further chromosomally mapped onto the new karyotype. Among the probes, eight were mapped in the secondary constrictions, intercalary and terminal regions; four were B genome-specific; one was chromosome-specific; and the remaining 15 were extensively mapped in the pericentric regions of the chromosomes. Conclusions The development of new oligo probes provides an effective set of tools which can be used to distinguish the various chromosomes of the peanut. Physical mapping by FISH reveals the genomic organization of repetitive oligos in peanut chromosomes. A genome map-based karyotype was established and used for the identification of chromosome variations in peanut following comparisons with their reference sequence positions.

Application of Optical Genome Mapping For Comprehensive Assessment of Chromosomal Structural Variants for Clinical Evaluation of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

ABSTRACTStructural chromosomal variants [copy number variants (CNVs): losses/ gains and structural variants (SVs): inversions, balanced and unbalanced fusions/translocations] are important for diagnosis and risk-stratification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a novel single-platform cytogenomic technique that enables high-throughput, accurate and genome-wide detection of all types of clinically important chromosomal variants (CNVs and SVs) at a high resolution, hence superior to current standard-of-care cytogenetic techniques that include conventional karyotyping, FISH and chromosomal microarrays. In this proof-of-principle study, we evaluated the performance of OGM in a series of 12 previously well-characterized MDS cases using clinical BM samples. OGM successfully facilitated detection and detailed characterization of twenty-six of the 28 clonal chromosomal variants (concordance rate: 93% with conventional karyotyping; 100% with chromosomal microarray). These included copy number gains/losses, inversions, inter and intra-chromosomal translocations, dicentric and complex derivative chromosomes; the degree of complexity in latter aberrations was not apparent using standard technologies. The 2 missed aberrations were from a single patient within a composite karyotype, below the limit of detection. Further, OGM uncovered 6 additional clinically relevant sub-microscopic aberrations in 4 (33%) patients that were cryptic by standard-of-care technologies, all of which were subsequently confirmed by alternate platforms. OGM permitted precise gene-level mapping of clinically informative genes such as TP53, TET2 and KMT2A, voiding the need for multiple confirmatory assays. OGM is a potent single-platform assay for high-throughput and accurate identification of clinically important chromosomal variants.

Physical mapping of repetitive oligonucleotides facilitates the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype to identify chromosomal variations in peanut

Background: Chromosomal variants play important roles in crop breeding and genetic research. The development of single-stranded oligonucleotide (oligo) probes simplifies the process of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and facilitates chromosomal identification in many species. Genome sequencing provides rich resources for the development of oligo probes. However, little progress has been made in peanut due to the lack of efficient chromosomal markers. Until now, the identification of chromosomal variants in peanut has remained a challenge.Results: A total of 114 new oligo probes were developed based on the genome-wide tandem repeats (TRs) identified from the reference sequences of the peanut variety Tifrunner (AABB, 2n = 4x = 40) and the diploid species Arachis ipaensis (BB, 2n = 2x = 20). These oligos were classified into 28 types based on their positions and overlapping signals in chromosomes. For each type, a representative oligo was selected and modified with green fluorescein 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) or red fluorescein 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA). Two cocktails, Multiplex #3 and Multiplex #4, were developed by pooling the fluorophore conjugated probes. Multiplex #3 included FAM-modified oligo TIF-439, oligo TIF-185-1, oligo TIF-134-3, and oligo TIF-165. Multiplex #4 included TAMRA-modified oligo Ipa-1162, oligo Ipa-1137, oligo DP-1, and oligo DP-5. Each cocktail enabled the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype after sequential FISH/genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and in silico mapping. Furthermore, we identified 14 chromosomal variants of peanut induced by radiation exposure. A total of 28 representative probes were further chromosomally mapped onto the new karyotype. Among the probes, eight were mapped in the secondary constrictions, intercalary, and terminal regions; four were B genome-specific; one was chromosome-specific; and the remaining 15 were extensively mapped in the pericentric regions of chromosomes.Conclusions: The development of new oligo probes provides an effective set of tools which can be used to distinguish the various chromosomes of the peanut. Physical mapping by FISH reveals the genomic organization of repetitive oligos in peanut chromosomes. A genome map-based karyotype was established and used for the identification of chromosome variations in peanut following comparisons with their reference sequence positions.

Prenatal Detection of Uniparental Disomies (UPD): Intended and Incidental Finding in the Era of Next Generation Genomics

Prenatal detection of uniparental disomy (UPD) is a methodological challenge, and a positive testing result requires comprehensive considerations on the clinical consequences as well as ethical issues. Whereas prenatal testing for UPD in families which are prone to UPD formation (e.g., in case of chromosomal variants, imprinting disorders) is often embedded in genetic counselling, the incidental identification of UPD is often more difficult to manage. With the increasing application of high-resolution test systems enabling the identification of UPD, an increase in pregnancies with incidental detection of UPD can be expected. This paper will cover the current knowledge on uniparental disomies, their clinical consequences with focus on prenatal testing, genetic aspects and predispositions, genetic counselling, as well as methods (conventional tests and high-throughput assays).

Distribution and molecular analysis of Subtilase cytotoxin gene (subAB) variants in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolated from different sources in Iran

Subtilase is a potent cytotoxin that was first described in O113:H21 strain in Australia as a plasmid- encoded cytotoxin (subAB1). Subsequently, chromosomal variants including subAB2-1, subAB2-2, and subAB2-3 were described. In the present study a collection of 101 STECs isolated from various sources in Iran (2009-2016) were analyzed for the detection of different genes encoding the subtilase variants, plasmidic and chromosomal virulence genes, together with the phylogroup and serogroups. Overall, 57 isolates (56.4%) carried at least one variant of subAB. Most strains from small ruminants including 93% of sheep and 96% of caprine isolates carried at least one chromosomally encoded variant (subAB-2). In contrast, 12 cattle isolates (24%) only harbored the plasmid encoded variant (subAB1). STEC strains from other sources including deer, pony and humans were positive for subAB-2-1 and/or subAb2-2. Concerning the virulence markers, some strains showed an association with hosts the bacteria were isolated from. In particular, tia was associated with sheep, goats and pony isolates and astA gene was present in deer, pony and goats and terD was only found in deer and pony isolates. Only cattle STEC carried espP and epeA, the important markers of pO113 plasmid. Some genes were widespread among strain of various sources like ehly, iha and lpfO113 and some genes were not detected such as efa1, toxB and katP. Most strains belonged to phylogenetic group B1 (89.47%), but five strains from cattle, deer, pony and a goat were assigned to A phylogroup. Most cattle strains belonged to O113, while O5 was just detected in ovine isolates, and O128 and O113 were present in caprine strains. In conclusion, the present study reveals the presence of potentially pathogenic genotypes among LEE-negative isolates and some host specificity related to subtilase variants and other virulence markers that may aid in source tracking of STEC during outbreaks.

A network algorithm for the X chromosomal exact test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with multiple alleles

Statistical methodology for testing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at X chromosomal variants has recently experienced considerable development. Up to a few years ago, testing X chromosomal variants for equilibrium was basically done by applying autosomal test procedures to females only. At present, male alleles can be taken into account in asymptotic and exact test procedures for both the bi- and multiallelic case. However, current X chromosomal exact procedures for multiple alleles rely on a classical full enumeration algorithm and are computationally expensive, and in practice not feasible for more than three alleles. In this article we extend the autosomal network algorithm for exact Hardy-Weinberg testing with multiple alleles to the X chromosome, achieving considerable reduction in computation times for multiallelic variants with up to five alleles. The performance of the X-chromosomal network algorithm is assessed in a simulation study. Beyond four alleles, a permutation test is, in general, the more feasible approach. A detailed description of the algorithm is given and examples of X chromosomal indels and microsatellites are discussed.

Physical mapping of repetitive oligonucleotides facilitates the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype to identify chromosomal variations in peanut

Background: Chromosomal variants play important roles in crop breeding and genetic research. The development of single-stranded oligonucleotide (oligo) probes simplifies the process of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and facilitates chromosomal identification in many species. Genome sequencing provides rich resources for the development of oligo probes. However, little progress has been made in peanut. Thus, the identification of chromosomal variants in peanut remains a challenge, owing to a lack of efficient chromosomal markers. Results: A total 114 new oligo probes were developed, based on the genome-wide tandem repeats (TRs) identified from the reference sequences of the peanut variety Tifrunner (AABB, 2n = 4x = 40) and the diploid species Arachis ipaensis (BB, 2n = 2x = 20). These oligos were classified into 28 types, based on their positions, and overlapping signals in chromosomes. For each oligo types, a single and representative oligos was selected and modified with 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and 6-carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA). Based on these 28 probes, a new multiplex #3 cocktail was developed with FAM-modified TIF-439, TIF-185-1, TIF-134-3, and TIF-165-3, and TAMRA-modified Ipa-1162, Ipa-1137, DP-1, and DP-5. This cocktail enabled the establishment of a genome map-based karyotype after sequential FISH/genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and in silico mapping. Furthermore, we identified 14 chromosomal variants of peanut induced by radiation. A total of 28 representative probes were further chromosomally mapped onto the new karyotype. Among the probes, eight were mapped in the secondary constrictions, and intercalary and terminal regions; four were B genome-specific; one was chromosome-specific; and the other 15 were extensively mapped in the pericentric regions of chromosomes. Conclusions: The development of new oligo probes provides effective tools, which can be used to distinguish various chromosomes of peanut. Physical mapping reveals the genomic organization of repetitive oligos in peanut chromosomes by FISH. Following comparisons with their positions in the reference sequences, a genome map-based karyotype was established and used for the identification of chromosome variations in peanut.