Coding Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Research Articles

Association of Common Polymorphisms in the Fractalkine Receptor (CX3CR1) With Obesity

The inflammatory component in obesity is now well established. The CX3CR1 gene encodes the fractalkine (CX3CL1) receptor and has two coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms, V249I and T280M, linked to a lower risk of other inflammatory diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and asthma. To determine whether CX3CR1 is associated with obesity, we genotyped the V249I and T280M polymorphisms of the CX3CR1 gene in subjects with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² and nonobese controls with a BMI <30 kg/m². Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that the 280MM genotype was associated with obesity (P = 0.022). A gender-specific one-way ANOVA was also conducted to investigate mean BMI and waist circumference differences between genotypes of each polymorphism. For both polymorphisms independently, women carrying two copies of the minor allele had significant higher mean waist circumference than those carrying only one copy of the minor allele (MM > TM, P = 0.031; II > VI, P = 0.013) or those who were homozygous for the major allele (MM > TT, P = 0.005; II > VV, P = 0.006). We also observed significant higher mean waist circumference in men carrying one copy of the minor allele when compared to those who were homozygous for the major allele for the T280M polymorphism (TM > TT, P = 0.029). This study suggests that CX3CR1, a biomarker of obesity in this sample, constitutes a potential target for further investigation of the role of inflammation in the expression of obesity-related phenotypes.

Innovative technology for cancer risk analysis

After completion of the Human Genome Project, analysis of genetic and genomic variations in different pathological states became possible. The capillary system based on Sanger methods is still very expensive in terms of time, cost and professionalism required. For this reason, the National Human Genome Institute proposed an 'advanced sequencing technology development' project with the aim of sequencing a genome in 1 day for $1000. Three validated platforms are commercially available and single molecule sequencing methods have been recently introduced, which are not only competitive in time and costs, but display greater accuracy than 'past generation' sequencing. Next generation technology allows, in a single experiment, the identification of copy number variation and large rearrangements, or detection of fusion transcripts analysis thus permitting the evaluation of cancer risk at multiple levels (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic).

Evidence for epistatic interactions in antiepileptic drug resistance

To investigate the epistatic interactions involved in antiepileptic drug (AED) resistance, 26 coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from 16 candidate genes. A total of 200 patients with drug-resistant localization-related epilepsy and 200 patients with drug-responsive localization-related epilepsy were genotyped individually for the SNPs. Rather than using the traditional parametric statistical method, a new statistical method, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR), was used to determine whether gene-gene interactions increase the risk of AED resistance. The MDR method indicated that a combination of four SNPs (rs12658835 and rs35166395 from GABRA1, rs2228622 from EAAT3 and rs2304725 from GAT3) was the best model for predicting susceptibility to AED resistance with a statistically significant testing accuracy of 0.625 (P < 0.001) and cross-validation consistency of 10/10. This best model had an odds ratio of 3.68 with a significant 95% confidence interval of 2.32-5.85 (P < 0.0001). Our results may provide meaningful information on the mechanism underlying AED resistance and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of evidence for gene-gene interactions underlying AED resistance.

Polymorphisms and Haplotypes in the XRCC1 Gene and the Risk of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the x-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) gene, which is one of the base excision repair genes, are thought to be associated with the risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We genotyped three coding (Arg280His, Arg399Gln, and Gln632Gln) SNPs and six haplotype-tagging SNPs (htSNPs) for 140 advanced NSCLC cases and 217 healthy controls (all Koreans) using unconditional logistic regression analysis, and this was adjusted for age, gender, and the smoking status. The haplotypes were reconstructed according to the genotyping data and the linkage disequilibrium status of these nine SNPs. The minor allele heterozygotes of the rs1001581 htSNP showed an increased risk of NSCLC (adjusted odds ratio = 2.118, p = 0.013), and the minor allele homozygotes of the rs2293036 htSNP showed a decreased risk of NSCLC (adjusted odds ratio = 0.363, p = 0.020). Seven possible haplotypes were demonstrated in this study (haplotype frequency >1%). The GGGGGGGGG haplotype, which is composed of nine major alleles, showed a protective effect for developing NSCLC (odds ratio = 0.433, p = 0.002); however, the GGGGGGAGG haplotype that contained the minor allele of the rs1001581 demonstrated an increased risk of NSCLC (odds ratio = 1.597, p = 0.044). The above associations were similarly noted for the never smokers, and so the smoking status might modify the associations between the x-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) genetic variants and the risk of developing NSCLC. On 10-million permutation testing, only the GGGGGGGGG haplotype was significantly associated with a decreased risk of NSCLC in the total group (p = 0.001). This study presents several novel aspects of the genetic susceptibility to develop NSCLC. Larger studies that will focus on the role of the rs1001581 and rs2293036 htSNPs and haplotypes for developing NSCLC are needed in the future.

Association of Gene-Environment Interactions with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): A Pathway-Directed Candidate-Gene Case-Control Study

AbstractAbstract 480 Background:While interaction between Factor V Leiden and other VTE risk exposures (i.e., oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, pregnancy, cancer, minor trauma) compound VTE risk, whether other gene-environment interactions are associated with VTE is largely unknown. Objective:To test gene-environment interactions for an association with VTE. Methods:Cases (n=1488) were Mayo Clinic European-American patients of non-Hispanic ancestry with objectively-diagnosed VTE in the absence of active cancer, venous catheter or antiphospholipid antibodies. Controls (n=1439) were Mayo Clinic outpatients without VTE who were frequency-matched on case age, gender, race, MI/stroke status and state of residence. We selected candidate genes relevant to the anticoagulant, procoagulant, fibrinolytic and innate immunity pathways, focusing on platelet, monocyte, neutrophil and endothelial cell agonists, receptors, ligands, signal transduction and adhesion molecules, granule contents and effectors; plasma proteases and inhibitors; matrix metalloproteases; inflammatory cytokines and receptors; estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors; co-regulators and enzymes related to estrogen metabolism; important enzymes for catechol, homocysteine, thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin biosynthesis and metabolism; and HMG CoA reductase. For these genes (n=750), we selected all non-synonymous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with minor allele frequency ≥0.5%; the remaining SNPs were selected using an LD tagging algorithm (Carlson et al. AJHG 2004); 479 ancestry-informative markers were also included (total n=13,241 SNPs). Leukocyte genomic DNA was genotyped using a custom Illumina Infinium iSelect platform, including appropriate controls. We tested all pairwise interactions between 12,483 SNPs (12296 autosomal, 187 chromosome X) that passed quality control and each of seven exposures (ever “stress”[defined as ever hospitalized, ever surgery, ever trauma, ever transfemoral procedure or ever leg paresis], ever surgery, ever neurosurgery, ever orthopedic surgery; and among women, ever pregnant, ≥3 pregnancies and ever oral contraceptives/hormone therapy), adjusted for age, gender, MI/stroke status and state of residence, using logistic regression. False discovery rates (q-value) were calculated to estimate the expected fraction of false positive associations due to multiple statistical tests. Results:The mean ± SD case and control ages were 55.3 ± 16.4 and 56.5 ± 15.9 years, respectively, and 51% were female. Analysis of ancestry-informative markers revealed no evidence of population stratification. Among the seven models, a significant interaction (q≤0.05) was found between ever surgery and two genes located on chromosome 1: USF1 (rs2516840, OR=2.1, p=2.0E-06; q=0.02), and F11R (rs790055 &rs790056; OR∼2.29, p∼4E-06; q=0.02); the two F11R SNPs are in complete linkage dysequilibrium (LD), and the USF1 SNP is in moderate LD with the F11R SNPs (r2∼0.6). USF1 encodes for upstream transcription factor 1 which regulates many genes involved in lipid and glucose homeostasis. F11R encodes for the platelet F11 receptor (JAM [junctional adhesion molecule], a cell adhesion molecule important for platelet adhesion to cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells. Conclusion:Interaction between surgery and SNPs within USF1 and F11R are associated with significantly increased risks for VTE. These potential associations require confirmation in future replication studies. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The recent breakthroughs in the understanding of host genomics in hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is spontaneously resolved in about 30% of acutely infected individuals. In those who progress to chronic hepatitis C, HCV therapy permanently eradicates infection in about 40% of cases. It has long been suspected that host genetic factors are key determinants for the control of HCV infection. We will review in this study four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and two large candidate gene studies that assessed the role of host genetic variation for the natural and treatment-induced control of HCV infection. The studies consistently identified genetic variation in interleukin 28B (IL28B) as the strongest predictor for the control of HCV infection. Importantly, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL28B strongly predicted both spontaneous and treatment-induced HCV recovery. IL28B is located on chromosome 19 and encodes interferon-λ, a type III interferon with antiviral activity, which is mediated through the JAK-STAT pathway by inducing interferon-stimulated genes. The SNPs identified in the GWAS are in high linkage disequilibrium with coding or functional non-coding SNPs that might modulate function and/or expression of IL28B. The role of the different IL28B alleles on gene expression and cytokine function has not yet been established. These findings provide strong genetic evidence for the influence of interferon-λ for both the natural and treatment-induced control of HCV infection, and support the further investigation of interferon-λ for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore, genetic testing before HCV therapy could provide important information towards an individualized HCV treatment.

Characterization of the Substrate Specificity of Human Carboxypeptidase A4 and Implications for a Role in Extracellular Peptide Processing

CPA4 (carboxypeptidase A4) is a member of the metallocarboxypeptidase family. CPA4 was originally found in a screen of mRNAs up-regulated by sodium butyrate-induced differentiation of cancer cells. Further studies suggested a relation between CPA4 and prostate cancer aggressiveness. In the present study, we determined that CPA4 is secreted from cells as a soluble proenzyme (pro-CPA4) that can be activated by endoproteases, such as trypsin. Three complementary approaches were used to study the substrate specificity of CPA4; kinetic analysis was performed using a new series of chromogenic substrates and some biologically relevant peptides, the cleavage of synthetic peptides was tested individually, and the cleavage of a mixture of >100 mouse brain peptides was examined using a quantitative peptidomics mass spectrometry-based approach. CPA4 was able to cleave hydrophobic C-terminal residues with a preference for Phe, Leu, Ile, Met, Tyr, and Val. However, not all peptides with C-terminal hydrophobic residues were cleaved, indicating the importance of additional residues within the peptide. Aliphatic, aromatic, and basic residues in the P1 position have a positive influence on the cleavage specificity. In contrast, acidic residues, Pro, and Gly have a negative influence in the P1 position. Some of the peptides identified as CPA4 substrates (such as neurotensin, granins, and opioid peptides) have been previously shown to function in cell proliferation and differentiation, potentially explaining the link between CPA4 and cancer aggressiveness. Taken together, these studies suggest that CPA4 functions in neuropeptide processing and regulation in the extracellular environment.

Analysis of vkorc1 polymorphisms in Norway rats using the roof rat as outgroup

BackgroundCertain mutations in the vitamin K epoxide reductase subcomponent 1 gene (vkorc1) mediate rodent resistance to warfarin and other anticoagulants. Testing for resistance often involves analysis of the vkorc1. However, a genetic test for the roof rat (Rattus rattus) has yet to be developed. Moreover, an available roof rat vkorc1 sequence would enable species identification based on vkorc1 sequence and the evaluation of natural selection on particular vkorc1 polymorphisms in the Norway rat (R. norvegicus).ResultsWe report the coding sequence, introns and 5' and 3' termini for the vkorc1 gene of roof rats (R. r. alexandrinus and R. r. frugivorus) from Uganda, Africa. Newly designed PCR primers now enable genetic testing of the roof rat and Norway rat. Only synonymous and noncoding polymorphisms were found in roof rats from Uganda. Both nominal subspecies of roof rats were indistinguishable from each other but were distinct from R. losea and R. flavipectus; however, the roof rat also shares at least three coding sequence polymorphisms with R. losea and R. flavipectus. Many of recently published vkorc1 synonymous and non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Norway rats are likely SNPs from roof rats and/or other Rattus species. Tests applied to presumably genuine Norway rat vkorc1 SNPs are consistent with a role for selection in two populations carrying the derived Phe63Cys and Tyr139Cys mutations.ConclusionGeographic mapping of vkorc1 SNPs in roof rats should be facilitated by our report. Our assay should be applicable to most species of Rattus, which are intermediate in genetic distance from roof and Norway rats. Vkorc1-mediated resistance due to non-synonymous coding SNPs is not segregating in roof rats from Uganda. By using the roof rat sequence as a reference vkorc1, SNPs now can be assigned to the correct rat species with more confidence. Sampling designs and genotyping strategies employed so far have helped detect candidate mutations underlying vkorc1-mediated resistance, but generally provided unsuitable data to test for selection. We propose that our understanding of vkorc1-mediated evolution of resistance in rodents would benefit from the adoption of sampling and genotyping designs that enable tests for selection on vkorc1.

Follow-up of potential novel Graves' disease susceptibility loci, identified in the UK WTCCC genome-wide nonsynonymous SNP study.

A recent association scan using a genome-wide set of nonsynonymous coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) conducted in four diseases including Graves' disease (GD), identified nine novel possible regions of association with GD. We used a case-control approach in an attempt to replicate association of these nine regions in an independent collection of 1578 British GD patients and 1946 matched Caucasian controls. Although none of these loci showed evidence of association with GD in the independent data set, when combined with the original Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium study group, minor differences in allele frequencies (P>or=10(-3)) remained in the combined collection of 5924 subjects for four of the nsSNPs, present within HDLBP, TEKT1, JSRP1 and UTX. An additional 29 Tag SNPs were screened within these four gene regions to determine if further associations could be detected. Similarly, minor differences only (P=0.042-0.002) were detected in two HDLBP and two TEKT1 Tag SNPs in the combined UK GD collection. In conclusion, it is unlikely that the SNPs selected in this replication study have a significant effect on the risk of GD in the United Kingdom. Our study confirms the need for large data sets and stringent analysis criteria when searching for susceptibility loci in common diseases.

PWE-004 AK155: a candidate gene for inflammatory bowel disease

<h3>Introduction</h3> AK155 (interleukin-26) is a member of the “IL-10 superfamily”. It maps to the IBD2 locus (chromosome 12q15). AK155 is expressed by Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes. The receptor is expressed on epithelial cells, including colon carcinoma and keratinocyte-derived cell lines.1 Activation of the receptor complex results in secretion of IL-10 and IL-18 with surface expression of CD54.1 AK155 mRNA expression is elevated in Crohn9s colitis. This expression correlates with IL-8 and IL-22.2 <h3>Methods</h3> We sequenced AK155 from genomic DNA (gDNA) of patients with IBD to identify novel disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These were then used for allele association studies. gDNA was obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 30 IBD patients (15 UC and 15 CD). Combinations of primers were used which amplified the open reading frame, introns 1, 2 and 4, 35 base pairs of the 59UTR immediately proximal to the start codon, 115 bp of intron 3 and 124 bp of the 39UTR beyond the stop codon. PCR products were sequenced using the ABI 377 automated sequencer. <h3>Results</h3> Four novel SNPs were identified. Each SNP was found in a single individual from the 30 patients studied. The first coding SNP (C87T) in exon one was silent. The second coding SNP (C316T) in exon three lead to a substitution in the amino acid sequence of AK155 of an arginine residue to a cysteine. The other two SNPs were identified within introns two and three. The C316T SNP polymorphism was used for an allelic association study in IBD. gDNA samples were obtained from 130 IBD patients and 50 controls. The C316T SNP was identified in one of the 130 patients and no control. This patient was a 38-year-old woman with Crohn9s colitis. C316T is in proximity to the intron two SNP but again the intronic SNP was identified in a single individual from the 180 samples. Each SNP was checked on five separate occasions using different oligonucleotide primer combinations and DNA polymerase enzymes. It was identified with each of these sequencing primers and polymerase combinations. <h3>Conclusion</h3> AK155 is both a positional and functional candidate gene for IBD. We were unable to identify a disease-associated polymorphism. There are limitations to the techniques used to perform our association studies. We are limited by the numbers of patients and genetically heterogeneous nature of our IBD population. We believe these SNPs should be studied in large numbers of multiply affected families.

An upstream insulator regulates DLK1 imprinting in AML

AbstractDLK1 is an imprinted gene on chromosome 14. Using informative coding single nucleotide polymorphisms, we found DLK1 expression to be monoallelic in normal bone marrow, whereas it was biallelic in 76% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) overexpressing DLK1 (61% of all AML). Quantitative methylation analysis of 7 cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-rich areas (3 upstream of or within DLK1, the putative intergenic-differentially methylated region and 3 upstream of or within MEG3) revealed a strong association between biallelic DLK1 expression and hypermethylation of a cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-rich region 18 kb upstream of DLK1. Allele-specific methylation analysis of this region revealed the alleles to be differentially methylated in normal bone marrow and monoallelic DLK1 AML, whereas there was increased methylation of both alleles in AML with biallelic expression. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that CCTC-binding factor binds to this region in monoallelic but not biallelic expression samples. Taken together, our data indicate that an insulator located 18 kb upstream of DLK1 plays an important role in regulating DLK1 imprinting.

Independent Contribution of Common CFTR Variants to Chronic Pancreatitis

We have assessed whether CFTR gene has a major impact on chronic pancreatitis (CP) pathogenesis than that provided by the CFTR mutations. For this aim, we have evaluated clinical parameters, CFTR mutations, and 3 potential regulatory CFTR variants (coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms): c.1540A>G, c.2694T>G, and c.4521G>A. CFTR gene analysis was performed in a cohort of 136 CP patients and 93 controls from Spanish population using current scanning techniques (single-strand conformation polymorphism/heteroduplex, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography) and direct sequencing. A higher frequency of CFTR mutations were observed in patients (39%) than in controls (15%; P < or = 0.001), differences being mostly attributable to the prevalence of the cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing mutations (P = 0.009). The analysis of variants has shown statistically significant differences between patients and controls for c.4521G>A (Pcorrected = 0.036). Furthermore, the multi-marker analysis revealed that the 1540A;2694G;4521A (AGA) haplotype was more prevalent in CP than controls (Pcorrected = 0.042). Remarkably, this association was unrelated to CF-causing mutations (P = 0.006). Our results corroborate the higher susceptibility of CF carriers to CP and, furthermore, suggest that the AGA haplotype could contribute to an increased risk in the development of CP irrespective of other CF-causing mutations.

Mining single nucleotide polymorphisms from EST data of hard clam Meretrix meretrix

In this study, we describe the first set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays for hard clam (Meretrix meretrix) that were discovered through expressed sequence tag (EST) database mining. A total of 3,129 ESTs were assembled and 228 putative SNPs were identified from 51 SNP-containing contigs, with an average of 0.64 SNPs per 100 bp. A/G (T/C) and A/C (T/G) types had a high frequency and accounted for 46.2% and 35.6%, respectively. Thirty-two SNP genotyping assays were designed for validation based on allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and melting temperature (Tm)-shift analysis, and 15 (46.9%) of them showed polymorphisms with the minor allele frequency ranging from 0.075 to 0.475. Twelve (37.5%) assays failed due to amplification failure of one or both allele specific primers, and five (15.6%) assays lacked sufficient temperature discrimination for accurate genotype scoring. BLASTX gave significant hits for all 15 genotyped SNP-containing contigs but all were synonymous coding SNPs. These results indicate that EST data constitutes a valuable resource for SNP discovery and further maker development.

ESR1/SYNE1 Polymorphism and Invasive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Risk: An Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium Study

We genotyped 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) region in three population-based case-control studies of epithelial ovarian cancer conducted in the United States, comprising a total of 1,128 and 1,866 non-Hispanic white invasive cases and controls, respectively. A SNP 19 kb downstream of ESR1 (rs2295190, G-to-T change) was associated with invasive ovarian cancer risk, with a per-T-allele odds ratio (OR) of 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.44, P = 0.006]. rs2295190 is a nonsynonymous coding SNP in a neighboring gene called spectrin repeat containing, nuclear envelope 1 (SYNE1), which is involved in nuclear organization and structural integrity, function of the Golgi apparatus, and cytokinesis. An isoform encoded by SYNE1 has been reported to be downregulated in ovarian and other cancers. rs2295190 was genotyped in an additional 12 studies through the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, with 5,279 invasive epithelial cases and 7,450 controls. The per-T-allele OR for this 12-study set was 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02-1.17; P = 0.017). Results for the serous subtype in the 15 combined studies were similar to those overall (n = 3,545; OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.18; P = 0.025), and our findings were strongest for the mucinous subtype (n = 447; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.11-1.58; P = 0.002). No association was observed for the endometrioid subtype. In an additional analysis of 1,459 borderline ovarian cancer cases and 7,370 controls, rs2295190 was not associated with risk. These data provide suggestive evidence that the rs2295190 T allele, or another allele in linkage disequilibrium with it, may be associated with increased risk of invasive ovarian cancer.

Association of Gene-Gene Interactions with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): A Pathway-Directed Candidate-Gene Case-Control Study.

Abstract 150 Background:While bivariate interactions between Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20201A and hereditary deficiency of antithrombin, protein C and protein S compound VTE risk, whether other gene-gene interactions are associated with VTE is largely unknown. Objective:To test gene-gene interactions for an association with VTE. Methods:Cases (n=1004) were Mayo Clinic European-American patients of non-Hispanic ancestry with objectively-diagnosed VTE in the absence of active cancer, venous catheter or antiphospholipid antibodies. Controls (n=1066) were Mayo Clinic outpatients without VTE who were frequency-matched on case age, gender, race, MI/stroke status and state of residence. We selected candidate genes relevant to the anticoagulant, procoagulant, fibrinolytic and innate immunity pathways, focusing on platelet, monocyte, neutrophil and endothelial cell agonists, receptors, ligands, signal transduction and adhesion molecules, granule contents and effectors; plasma proteases and inhibitors; matrix metalloproteases; inflammatory cytokines and receptors; estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors; co-regulators and enzymes related to estrogen metabolism; important enzymes for catechol, homocysteine, thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin biosynthesis and metabolism; and HMG CoA reductase. For these genes (n=780), we selected all non-synonymous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with minor allele frequency ≥0.5%; the remaining SNPs were selected using an LD tagging algorithm (Carlson et al. AJHG 2004); 558 ancestry-informative markers were also included (total n=13,237 SNPs). Leukocyte genomic DNA was genotyped using a custom Illumina Infinium iSelect chemistry and platform, including appropriate controls. For these analyses, all pairwise SNP-SNP interactions for 12,313 SNPs were tested using logistic regression. In addition, we tested all Factor V Leiden -, prothrombin G20210A - and ABO non-O blood group - SNP interactions. Results:The mean ± SD case and control ages were 55.3 ± 16.4 and 56.5 ± 15.9 years, respectively, and 51% were female. Analysis of ancestry-informative markers gave no evidence of population stratification. Among almost 76 million pairwise interactions tested, 504, 44 and 8 SNP-SNP interactions reached p-values ≤ 1E-5, 1E-6, and 1E-7 respectively; none reached the Bonferroni statistical significance threshold (≤ 6.6E-10). The gene-gene pairwise interactions with p-values ≤ 1E-7 included: Leptin receptor - Estrogen receptor 1, α1 Antichymotrypsin - β2 glycoprotein 1, CRADD(caspace) - B1 Bradykinin receptor, ILF10 - Prolactin receptor and GFRA2(TGFβ neurotrophic factor receptor) - Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein. Gene-gene pairwise interactions with the lowest p-value for Factor V Leiden -, prothrombin G20210A - and ABO non-group O - were Protein kinase C beta (2.1E-5), von Willebrand Factor (7.6E-4) and Phospholipase C gamma-2 (6.7E-4), respectively. Conclusion:Pairwise gene-gene interaction analyses suggest potential associations between VTE and novel genes and gene pathways. These potential associations require confirmation in future replication studies. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A non-synonymous coding SNP Lys45Glu of mmp3 associated with ESCC genetic susceptibility in population of Henan, China

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the association of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) genetic susceptibility with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs679620 (-Lys45Glu-) in exon 2 of the mmp3 gene, and the population in high incidence region of Henan (China) was selected for exploring the mechanism by case-control study.

Studies on the mutation and polymorphism of the TPMT gene in Chinese children with acute leukemia

To investigate the allelic frequencies and distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the coding region (cSNPs) of thiopurine S-methyltransferase gene (TPMT) in Chinese children with acute leukemia (AL) and healthy controls, in order to provide genetic references for individual chemotherapy for AL patients by studying the relationship between the cSNP in human TPMT and chemotherapeutic effect of thiopurine drugs. The bone marrow samples from 53 children with AL and peripheral blood samples from 115 healthy children were obtained to prepare complementary DNAs (cDNAs). The cDNAs were analyzed for the polymorphisms in the TPMT gene by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA sequencing. The distribution of each genotype was evaluated. Two novel heterozygote mutations, 210C>T (C70C, silent) and 622T>C (F208L), were identified in the coding region of the TPMT in a single sample, respectively. The mother of the child with mutation 622T>C was confirmed as the same genotype by DGGE and sequencing (NCBI_ss accession numbers 107796292 and 107795933). Two known polymorphisms, 474T>C (silent) and 719A>G (T240C), were identified. The allelic frequencies were 14.2%, 2.83% and 17.0%, 3.04% in the AL children and control children respectively, with the total allelic frequencies of 16.2% (first reported in the Chinese Han population) and 2.99% respectively. No association with susceptibility to disease was observed. Two novel mutations and two known polymorphisms were identified in Chinese children by RT-PCR-DGGE combined with DNA sequencing, which provides the first step to identify genetic markers for predicting variability in response to and toxicity of thiopurine drugs.

Differential role of sodium channels SCN1A and SCN2A gene polymorphisms with epilepsy and multiple drug resistance in the north Indian population

To evaluate sodium channel genes as candidates for epilepsy susceptibility and their role in therapeutic efficacy, we screened coding single-nucleotide polymorphism of SCN1A p. Thr 1067 Ala or c.3184 A-->G (rs2298771) and SCN2A p.Arg19Lys or c.56 G-->A (rs17183814) in north Indian epilepsy patients. The genotyping was performed in 160 control subjects and 336 patients with epilepsy, of whom 117 were drug resistant and 219 were drug responsive. Therapeutic drug monitoring for phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital and valproate was also performed in 20% of the patients to confirm compliance. AG genotype of SCN1A 3184 A-->G polymorphism was significantly higher and associated in epilepsy patients [P= 0.005; odds ratio (OR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19, 2.61], whereas A variant of SCN2A c.56 G-->A was associated with multiple drug resistance in north Indian patients with epilepsy (P= 0.03; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.03, 2.56). Overall, results indicate a differential role of genetic polymorphisms of sodium channels SCN1A and SCN2A in epilepsy susceptibility and drug response.

Variation in IL7R predisposes to sarcoid inflammation

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disorder characterized by a massive influx of Th1 lymphocytes. Both naive and memory T cells express high levels of interleukin 7 receptor-alpha (IL7R alpha), encoded by the IL7R gene. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the IL7R gene region in susceptibility to sarcoidosis. Six common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning IL7R were genotyped and analyzed in 475 sarcoidosis patients and 465 healthy controls. Replication of one significant associated SNP was carried out in 206 independent sarcoidosis patients, 127 controls and 126 patients with Löfgren's disease. The rs10213865 SNP was associated with sarcoidosis (P=0.008), and in silico analysis showed a complete linkage (r(2)=1, D'=1) with a functional nonsynonymous coding SNP in exon 6 (rs6897932, T244I). Combined analysis of 663 individuals with sarcoidosis and 586 controls (homozygous carriers of risk allele, P=5 x 10(-4), odds ratio=1.49 (1.19-1.86)) provided strong statistical support for a genuine association of IL7R with the risk of sarcoidosis. In addition, we report the same trend between variation in the IL7R gene and patients with Löfgren's disease, suggesting that variation in IL7R may confer general risk for developing granulomatous lung disease.

Evidence of Association of Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Gene Polymorphisms with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common complex respiratory disease, with a potential genetic component to its development. The protein encoded by the Interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 (IL1RL1) gene is an important effector molecule of T-helper type 2 responses and may potentially be involved in the persistent inflammatory process observed in CRS. We investigated whether certain polymorphisms in the IL1RL1 gene are differentially present in patients with surgery-unresponsive CRS and in control subjects. DNA extracted from an existing population of 206 adult patients with surgery-unresponsive CRS and 196 postal-code-matched controls was used. A set of 15 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was selected from the HapMap data set and genotyped. DNA sequencing was performed in a subgroup of 15 CRS patients. Statistically significant allelic associations with CRS were noted for 5 SNPs (rs10204137, p = 0.04; rs10208293, p = 0.03; rs13431828, p = 0.008; rs2160203, p = 0.03, and rs4988957, p = 0.03). The analysis showed a consistent significant protective effect against CRS for all the SNPs, yielding an odds ratio (OR) ranging from 0.56 to 0.72. The loci rs13431828 showed the highest association with CRS (p = 0.008; OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.86). A subanalysis revealed that the observed associations were stronger among patients with more severe disease. Sequencing identified five additional known nonsynonymous coding SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with genotyped SNPs. Pending replication of these results, this study suggests that polymorphisms within the IL1RL1 gene may be associated with CRS, conferring a protective effect, particularly among those with severe disease.