Genetic Point Of View Research Articles

The purplish bifurcate mussel Mytilisepta virgata gene expression atlas reveals a remarkable tissue functional specialization

BackgroundMytilisepta virgata is a marine mussel commonly found along the coasts of Japan. Although this species has been the subject of occasional studies concerning its ecological role, growth and reproduction, it has been so far almost completely neglected from a genetic and molecular point of view. In the present study we present a high quality de novo assembled transcriptome of the Japanese purplish mussel, which represents the first publicly available collection of expressed sequences for this species.ResultsThe assembled transcriptome comprises almost 50,000 contigs, with a N50 statistics of ~1 kilobase and a high estimated completeness based on the rate of BUSCOs identified, standing as one of the most exhaustive sequence resources available for mytiloid bivalves to date. Overall this data, accompanied by gene expression profiles from gills, digestive gland, mantle rim, foot and posterior adductor muscle, presents an accurate snapshot of the great functional specialization of these five tissues in adult mussels.ConclusionsWe highlight that one of the most striking features of the M. virgata transcriptome is the high abundance and diversification of lectin-like transcripts, which pertain to different gene families and appear to be expressed in particular in the digestive gland and in the gills. Therefore, these two tissues might be selected as preferential targets for the isolation of molecules with interesting carbohydrate-binding properties.In addition, by molecular phylogenomics, we provide solid evidence in support of the classification of M. virgata within the Brachidontinae subfamily. This result is in agreement with the previously proposed hypothesis that the morphological features traditionally used to group Mytilisepta spp. and Septifer spp. within the same clade are inappropriate due to homoplasy.

Assessing patterns of genetic admixture between sheep breeds: Case study in Algeria.

In developing countries, cross‐breeding between local breeds and indigene or exotic breeds represents one of the main threats to the livestock diversity, leading to genetic dilution and loss of unique allelic combination underlying essential local adaptive traits. In this study, two Algerian sheep breeds, known to be highly admixed, were considered as a case study, to demonstrate how combination of different methodologies coupled with the use of specific softwares can be efficient to assess the spatial structuration of a hybrid zone, even in a case of extreme admixture. A fine sampling covering distribution areas of both breeds was implemented in order to study the admixture area and adjacent zones from a phenotypic (i.e., 19 quantitative traits were considered) and a genetic point of view (i.e., 21 microsatellites markers were used). Both approaches gave concordant patterns, highlighting areas with sheep most differentiated (or less admixed) for each breed. In detail, the region of Biskra appeared as the most preserved for the Ouled‐Djellal breed and the northwest of Laghouat was identified as the most preserved area for the Rembi breed. The approach proposed in the study offers a low‐cost solution to identify the most representative flocks of a breed, allowing the implementation of efficient conservation plans.

Abstract 2906: Characterization of genetic intratumor heterogeneity of colorectal cancer and matching organoids

Abstract Background: In the recent years it has become evident that intratumor heterogeneity of solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), complicates development of efficient therapy strategies. A minor clone of the tumor might have the ability for treatment resistance and hence the ability for re-establishing the tumor. Organoid cultures derived from the patients’ tumors can be used for ex vivo drug screening prior to treatment of the patient. However this approach is only efficient if the organoids represent the heterogeneity of the tumor. In this study we aim to characterize the genetic intratumor heterogeneity of CRC by performing whole exome sequencing (WES) on multiple biopsies per tumor, and to see how well the heterogeneity is reflected in matching organoid cultures. Methods: From five CRC patients, three biopsies were collected from separate areas of each tumor. Each biopsy was divided in two: one half was fresh frozen for DNA purification, and the other half was grown in vitro as organoid culture. When available, lymph node metastases (LNMs) were included. WES was performed using SeqCap EZ Exome v3.0, and Illumina NextSeq500. Matched germline DNA was used as reference to identify somatic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) using Mutect2 and FACETS, respectively. Results: Each tumor contained multiple mutations that were present in all biopsies and in the organoids as well, representing a common ancestral branch. However all tumor biopsies and organoids also contained private mutations. These constituted on average 10% of the mutations (range 3-18%) indicating spatial genetic heterogeneity in all tumors. Each organoid had private mutations not seen in the tumor area of origin and vice versa, indicating that each area contained multiple clones and only a subset was represented in the organoids. The extent of mutational differences between organoids and their area of origin was similar to the mutational differences between tumor areas. Implying that organoids do not reflect their local origin better than a single biopsy reflects the whole tumor. In one patient with LNMs it was observed that the mutational profile of the metastases resembled only one of the examined tumor areas. Surprisingly, not all the ancestral mutations found in the tumor biopsies were observed in the LNMs, suggesting that at least two clones co-existed in the area of origin and just one of these formed the metastases. Conclusion: In the five patients studied; spatial genetic heterogeneity was observed, meaning that multiple biopsies are needed to picture the whole tumor. Genetic heterogeneity was also observed between primary tumor and metastases and our data support that the metastases were formed from a single cancer clone that did not dominate the primary tumor. From a genetic point of view, organoids do not seem to fully reflect the tumor area of origin and less so the whole tumor, indicating that care should be taken when using organoids as models of the primary tumor. Citation Format: Sigrid S. Arnadottir, Maria Jeppesen, Philippe Lamy, Iver Nordentoft, Michael Knudsen, Søren Vang, Mogens R. Madsen, Jacob Thastrup, Ole Thastrup, Claus L. Andersen. Characterization of genetic intratumor heterogeneity of colorectal cancer and matching organoids [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2906. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2906

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND SOCIO-CULTURAL DIMENSIONS OF SACRED GROVES OF KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA

Sacred groves are small patches of forests, protected by local communities on religious grounds, rituals and culture. It represent a tradition of nature worship by dedicating patches of forests to deities and providing protection to such forest patches. They have immense value from genetic and ecological point ofview. Results of studies conducted in eleven sacred groves in Kannur district of Kerala are compiled in this paper. Two hundred and three plant species including 10 true mangroves give an insight into the bioecological and socio cultural dimensions of sacred groves in helping and conserving the biological diversity.Kaliyattam a performing art with different forms of ‘theyyam’ is conducted every year offering to propitiate the deity by different communities in the villages. ‘Devakooth’ a theyyam performed by women in Thekkumpad kavu. is noteworthy among the performative rituals. These ritualistic practices centred aroundthe sacred groves substantially contribute to the conservation and day- to-day management of ecological balance by sacred groves. The different types of roles played by sacred groves in maintaining the ecosystem integrity and biodiversity conservation are also presented in this paper.

Neuronal Migration and AUTS2 Syndrome.

Neuronal migration is one of the pivotal steps to form a functional brain, and disorganization of this process is believed to underlie the pathology of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy. However, it is not clear how abnormal neuronal migration causes mental dysfunction. Recently, a key gene for various psychiatric diseases, the Autism susceptibility candidate 2 (AUTS2), has been shown to regulate neuronal migration, which gives new insight into understanding this question. Interestingly, the AUTS2 protein has dual functions: Cytoplasmic AUTS2 regulates actin cytoskeleton to control neuronal migration and neurite extension, while nuclear AUTS2 controls transcription of various genes as a component of the polycomb complex 1 (PRC1). In this review, we discuss AUTS2 from the viewpoint of human genetics, molecular function, brain development, and behavior in animal models, focusing on its role in neuronal migration.

Morphometric variations at an ecological scale: Seasonal and local variations in feral and commensal house mice

The time scales of evolutionary and ecological studies tend to converge, as shown by evidences that contemporary evolution can occur as fast as ecological processes. This opens new questions regarding variation of characters usually considered to change mostly along an evolutionary time scale, such as morphometric traits, including osteological and dental features such as mandibles and teeth of mammals. Using two-dimensional geometric morphometric approach, we questioned whether such features can change on a seasonal and local basis, in relation to the ecological dynamics of the populations. Our model comprised populations of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) in two contrasted situations in mainland Western Europe: a feral population vs. two close commensal populations. Mitochondrial DNA (D-loop) provided insight into the diversity and dynamics of the populations.The feral population appeared as genetically highly diversified, suggesting a possible functioning as a sink in relation to the surrounding commensal populations. In contrast, commensal populations were highly homogeneous from a genetic point of view, suggesting each population to be isolated. This triggered morphological differentiation between neighboring farms. Seasonal differences in morphometric traits (mandible size and shape and molar size and shape) were significant in both settings, although seasonal variations were greater in the feral than in the commensal population. Seasonal variations in molar size and shape could be attributed to differential wear in young or overwintered populations. Differences in mandible shape could be related to aging in overwintered animals, but also possibly to differing growth conditions depending on the season. The impact of these ecological processes on morphometric traits is moderate compared to divergence over a large biogeographic scale, but their significance nevertheless underlines that even morphological characters may trace populations dynamics at small scale in time and space.

Como posso ajudar? Sentimentos e experiências do familiar cuidador de pacientes oncológicos

Introdução: O câncer é reconhecido como uma doença familiar, não apenas sob o ponto de vista genético, mas pelo impacto que gera. É uma doença que exige mudanças e reorganização na vida cotidiana, incorporando os familiares nos cuidados que o tratamento exige. Objetivo: Compreender os sentimentos de familiares cuidadores ao enfrentarem o diagnóstico, o tratamento e a evolução do câncer em um ente querido. Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com sete familiares cuidadores de parentes com câncer e em tratamento; no segundo semestre de 2011, em uma unidade de oncologia na cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas, que foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas pela técnica de análise do conteúdo. Resultados: Os familiares demonstraram sentimentos relacionados à mudança de vida, angústias e privações que o tratamento do câncer impõe. Declararam-se cansados, estressados, amedrontados e chorosos, vivendo uma grande oscilação emocional. Porém, na tentativa de superar o sofrimento, os mesmos se atem à religiosidade. Conclusão: O cuidado ao paciente oncológico não deve ser centrado apenas no doente ou na doença, mas na família que o rodeia, requerendo um cuidado humanizado, com apoio físico e psicossocial, proporcionando à família qualidade de vida durante o tratamento.

La constitución de lo sensible en la fenomenología de Edmund Husserl: Acerca de la relación entre la síntesis temporal y la asociación

RESUMENLa fenomenología genética procura poner de manifiesto las condiciones según las cuales se constituye el material sensible en la inmanencia de la conciencia. Se determina así un ámbito de la vida yoica que ocurre en la antesala del yo. La síntesis temporal se resignifica, en los estudios sobre la génesis, en tanto primera dimensión pasiva de la conciencia. Nuestro objetivo es, aquí, establecer de qué modo se relaciona esta síntesis con los procesos pasivos de asociación.PALABRAS CLAVE: FENOMENOLOGÍA-HUSSERL-PASIVIDAD-ASOCIACIÓNCONCIENCIA TEMPORALABSTRACTGenetic phenomenology aims to expose the conditions for the constitution of the sensible material in the inmanence of the consciousness. Thus, a field of the ego-life is determined as the «front room of the ego». From a genetic point of view, temporal synthesis is resignified as the first passive dimension of the consciousness. Our goal here is to establish how this synthesis is related to the passive association process.KEYWORDS: PHENOMENOLOGY-HUSSSERL-PASSIVITY-ASSOCIATIONTEMPORAL CONSCIOUSNESS

When is cytoreductive nephrectomy not beneficial for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma?

Primary tumor resection in patients with synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma and agood performance status corresponds to aguideline recommendation which, however, is based on weak data from the era of cytokine therapy. This article presents arguments that weigh heavily against cytoreductive nephrectomy. From amolecular genetic viewpoint, the intervention eliminates only the easiest adversary but cannot prevent cancer-related death. Therefore, benefits and risks must be carefully and critically considered. Cytoreductive nephrectomy is not beneficial if treatment-induced morbidity will substantially affect the patient's quality of life and/or life expectancy or if the size and topography of the primary tumor renders it less dangerous than the metastases.

PAPA, PASH and PAPASH Syndromes: Pathophysiology, Presentation and Treatment.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis usually manifesting as skin ulcers with undermined erythematous-violaceous borders. It may be isolated, associated with systemic conditions or occurring in the context of autoinflammatory syndromes such as PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, PG and acne), PASH (PG, acne and suppurative hidradenitis) or PAPASH (pyogenic arthritis, acne, PG and suppurative hidradenitis). From a physiopathological point of view, all these conditions share common mechanisms consisting of over-activation of the innate immune system leading to increased production of the interleukin (IL)-1 family and 'sterile' neutrophil-rich cutaneous inflammation. From a genetic point of view, a number of mutations affecting the proteins of the inflammasome complex (the molecular platform responsible for triggering autoinflammation) or the proteins that regulate inflammasome function have been described in these disorders. As these debilitating entities are all associated with the over-expression of IL-1 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, biological drugs specifically targeting these cytokines are currently the most effective treatments but, given the emerging role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of these syndromes, IL-17 antagonists may represent the future management of these conditions.

Substantial hybridisation between wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa) and East Balkan pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica) in natural environment as a result of semi-wild rearing in Bulgaria

The East Balkan pig (EBP) is a traditional domestic pig breed in Bulgaria managed in semi-wild conditions and well-adapted to the continental climate and rearing on pastures. From the genetical and historical point of view it is important to preserve this ancient breed. However, over the last several years, a dramatic decline of EBP herds has been observed. Moreover, introgression between EBP and wild boar in Bulgaria (WBB) is very likely to have occurred. In this study we used a set of 10 microsatellites and the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method on melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) polymorphisms to study the degree of hybridisation between WBB, EBP, and a commercial pig breed (CPB). MC1R results identified WBB-EBP hybrids and the analysis of the microsatellite data with a Bayesian assignment approach and the Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components revealed a low genetic differentiation between WBB and EBP and a high amount of introgression of WBB into EBP. A mentionable introgression of CPB into EBP was also revealed. It is apparent that the traditional rearing system of EBP, which is hundreds of years old, has led to a permanent hybridisation between WBB and EBP. In our opinion, the preservation of the semi-wild rearing system is a prerequisite for the conservation of this old, indigenous pig breed and its genetic composition, as the semi-wild rearing system allows the continuous introgression with WBB. Moreover, the introgression of commercial breeds into EBP or WBB should be prevented. Due to the bidirectional gene flow these hybridisation events would have negative consequences (i.e. loss of viability and adaptation) for the wild boars as well as for the indigenous pig breed.

アワの起源と作物進化

アワの起源と作物進化

Genetics of Parkinson's Disease: Genotype-Phenotype Correlations.

Since the first discovery of a specific genetic defect in the SNCA gene, encoding for α-synuclein, as a causative factor for Parkinson's disease 20 years ago, a multitude of other genes have been linked to this disease in rare cases with Mendelian inheritance. Furthermore, the genetic contribution to the much more common sporadic disease has been demonstrated through case control association studies and, more recently, genome-wide association studies. Interestingly, some of the genes with Mendelian inheritance, such as SNCA, are also relevant to the sporadic disease, suggesting common pathogenetic mechanisms. In this review, we place an emphasis on Mendelian forms, and in particular genetic defects which present predominantly with Parkinsonism. We provide details into the particular phenotypes associated with each genetic defect, with a particular emphasis on nonmotor symptoms. For genetic defects for whom a sufficient number of patients has been assessed, there are evident genotype-phenotype correlations. However, it should be noted that patients with the same causative mutation may present with distinctly divergent phenotypes. This phenotypic variability may be due to genetic, epigenetic or environmental factors. From a clinical and genetic point of view, it will be especially interesting in the future to identify genetic factors that modify disease penetrance, the age of onset or other specific phenotypic features.

Molecular Tumor Marker from the viewpoint of Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Genetics

Molecular Tumor Marker from the viewpoint of Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Genetics

Inflammatory bowel disease with a very early onset

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) has a tendency to manifest at earlier age. In childhood (< 6 years of age) it has an especially severe course and is characterized by high grade inflammation, predominantly in the colon, by complication and extra-intestinal autoimmune injury. At younger age, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis require more aggressive treatment with frequently poor results. From genetic point of view, monogenic mutations controlling the immune response are characteristic for these diseases with an early onset; therefore, they are frequently associated with primary immunodeficiency. This implies various immunologic deficits, such as breakdown of the epithelial barrier, phagocytic dysfunction and dysfunction of Т and В lymphocytes and regulatory Т cells. Depending on this, a number of primary immunodeficiencies are identified associated with monogenic mutations of more than 50 genes. There some age-related specific features at manifestation. Thus, defects in interleukin 10 and FOXP3 manifest in the first months of life, whereas severe combined immunodeficiencies and phagocytosis defects become evident somewhat later. Virtually all 24 children with very early onset of inflammatory bowel disease, whom we examined, had immunologic defects and one child had a XIAP gene mutation. After identification of a specific immunologic defect, one can understand the mechanism of the disease and suspect one or another genetic defect with subsequent reasonable assessment of mutations in candidate genes. Detection of immunologic and genetic defects in children with a very early onset of inflammatory bowel disease allows for choosing an adequate strategy of non-conventional treatment that may differ depending on the mechanism of the disease.

Conservation priorities for the different lines of Dutch Red and White Friesian cattle change when relationships with other breeds are taken into account

From a genetic point of view, the selection of breeds and animals within breeds for conservation in a national gene pool can be based on a maximum diversity strategy. This implies that priority is given to conservation of breeds and animals that diverge most and overlap of conserved diversity is minimized. This study investigated the genetic diversity in the Dutch Red and White Friesian (DFR) cattle breed and its contribution to the total genetic diversity in the pool of the Dutch dairy breeds. All Dutch cattle breeds are clearly distinct, except for Dutch Friesian breed (DF) and DFR and have their own specific genetic identity. DFR has a small but unique contribution to the total genetic diversity of Dutch cattle breeds and is closely related to the Dutch Friesian breed. Seven different lines are distinguished within the DFR breed and all contribute to the diversity of the DFR breed. Two lines show the largest contributions to the genetic diversity in DFR. One of these lines comprises unique diversity both within the breed and across all cattle breeds. The other line comprises unique diversity for the DFR but overlaps with the Holstein Friesian breed. There seems to be no necessity to conserve the other five lines separately, because their level of differentiation is very low. This study illustrates that, when taking conservation decisions for a breed, it is worthwhile to take into account the population structure of the breed itself and the relationships with other breeds.

Abstract 4636: Dual targeting of PI3K/mTOR leads to MEK/ERK over-activation in leiomyosarcoma through suppression of mTORC2 inhibition

Abstract Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) are an uncommon group of malignant tumors composed of cells showing smooth muscle differentiation that represent 10-15% of all soft-tissue sarcomas and is therefore one of the most frequent sarcoma subtype. From a genetic point of view, LMS are characterized by numerous genomic alterations whose a large region of deletion on chromosome 10 including the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. It is one of the most frequent aberration (40-50% of cases) and is associated with increased activation of the mTOR pathway. Moreover, in vitro and vivo studies have demonstrated that the mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in LMS tumorigenesis. There are no data about the role of PI3K/mTOR targeting in LMS. The LMS cell lines have been derived from human surgical STS specimens in our laboratory. Cells were treated for 72hrs with a range of increasing concentrations of Everolimus (mTORC1 inhibitor), BKM120 (PI3KCA inhibitor) and BEZ235 (dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor) to assess anti-proliferative activity by MTT-assay and apoptosis by AnnexinV/PI staining. Effects on mTOR and MAPK pathway signaling were studied by western blot analysis. The LMS cell lines were exposed to increasing doses of BEZ235 in combination with GDC-0994 (ERK inhibitor) and synergy was assessed by Chou-Talalay combination index (CI). Effects of all inhibitors were observed in mice with subcutaneous LMS cell line-derived xenograft tumors for 3 weeks. Dose-dependent growth suppression was more clearly induced by BEZ235 (range, 0.001 to 0.1 μM) than by Everolimus and BKM120 (range 0.01 to 1.6 μM). Apoptosis was also much more effectively induced by BEZ235. We examined in vivo antitumor activity of the three drugs in mice inoculated with LMS cells. In vivo, the effects of BEZ235 (70% tumor volume [TV] inhibition versus untreated tumors) was also higher than that of BKM120 and Everolimus (30% and 55% TV inhibition). We assessed the effects of BEZ235 on signaling pathways in all cell lines. Strikingly, mTOR pathway was consistently repressed and BEZ235 markedly induced ERK overactivation. This effect was not observed with BKM120 or Everolimus suggesting a role of mTORC2. Knockdown of RICTOR via transfection of siRNA significantly reduced the enhancing effect of BEZ235 on ERK phosphorylation. Combined treatment with BEZ235 and GDC-0994, a potent ERK inhibitor, resulted in synergistic growth inhibition, apoptosis induction and decrease levels of both phosphorylated proteins of mTOR and ERK pathways in vitro and in vivo. Targeting PI3K and mTOR simultaneously using BEZ235 effectively inhibits LMS cell growth and prolongs survival of mice in comparison of those treated with BKM120 or Everolimus. However, BEZ235 suppress a negative feedback loop mediated by mTORC2, thereby leading to enhanced MEK/ERK pathway activity in LMSs cells. Combining BEZ235 with MEK/ERK inhibitors may be a relevant approach to increase anti-tumor activity and avoid drug resistance. Citation Format: Benjamin Fourneaux, Vanessa Chaire, Marie Karanian, Audrey Laroche, Antoine Italiano. Dual targeting of PI3K/mTOR leads to MEK/ERK over-activation in leiomyosarcoma through suppression of mTORC2 inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4636.

Genetic control of circadian rhythms and aging

The review establishes a link between a group of genes which are conserved in evolution and form a molecular oscillator responsible for generation of circadian rhythms and genetic determinants of aging including associated pathways of intracellular signaling. An analysis of mechanisms of development of age-dependent pathologies is conducted from the viewpoint of circadian genetics. Systematic data of circadian gene expression studies in animals demonstrating different rates of aging from accelerated to negligible are presented.

Surgical treatment for scoliosis associated with rare disease.

This is a retrospective study of 11 patients, 7 females and 4 males, treated at Our Department for an early onset scoliosis (EOS) associated with rare syndromes with growing spinal implants (Growing Rod or VEPTR-like) from 2006 to 2011. Mean follow-up was 24 months (range, 12 to 36). The mean age at surgery was 7. Patients were affected by Escobar's syndrome (1), scoliosis associated to congenital heart disease (1), Arnold Chiari type 1 (1), syringomyelia (1), NF 1 (2), Prader-Willi syndrome (1), trisomy 8 (1), arthrogryposis (2) and spondylo-rib dysplasia (1). Each patient was studied from the genetic point of view, and were performed: brain-spine MRI, pulmonary function tests, Cardio-US and abdominal US, neuropsychiatric and neurological evaluation, C0-C2 CT scan. After first implant and lengthening procedures (11), the correction of the thoracic curve averaged 50%. Unfortunately, a little loss of correction of the lumbar curve occurred during the follow up. There were 8 post-operative complications, that required revision surgery in 2 cases. Our results confirmed the effectiveness and safety of growing spinal implants in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis in rare syndromes.

Quaternary alluvial deposits of Wadi Gaza in the middle of the Gaza Strip (Palestine): Facies, granulometric characteristics, and their paleoflow direction

The Quaternary rocks of the Gaza Strip mainly consist of clastic sedimentary rocks. In Wadi Gaza, the outcropping rocks consist of brownish fine-grained deposits, sandstones, and conglomerates. The deposits have been studied from a genetic point of view, and six facies have been described: (i) graded clast-supported conglomerates, (ii) cross-bedded clast-supported conglomerates, (iii) sandy matrix conglomerates, (iv) cross-laminated medium-grained sandstones, (v) graded coarse-grained sandstones, and (vi) massive sandstones. The field work observations and granulometric analysis show that the sphericity of the grains increase toward the west, where its value ranges from ∼0.64 in the east to ∼0.70 in the west. In addition, the grain forms tend to be disc shape in the east, whereas they tend to be disc-to spheroid shape in the west, and they become well rounded to well sorted toward the west. Moreover, the features, geometry, and spatial relationship among these facies suggest that the Wadi Gaza was meandering wadi fed from Beir Sheva and the Northern Negev in the southeast of Gaza Strip through Wadi Al Shallala and Wadi Sheneq and from Hebron mountains in the West Bank at the east through Wadi Al Shari'a alluvials. Within the Gaza Strip, paleocurrent data ranges from 210° to 310°, indicating a mean a paleoflow direction to the W (276°) and a median value about 275°. The sedimentary rocks in the Wadi Gaza are considered to be deposited in two periods of climate conditions: the coarse-grained rocks were deposited during the period of wet condition before 12.4 ka age, whereas the eolinite fine-grained rocks were deposited during semiarid climate conditions which are younger in age than 12.4 ka.