rCDI Research Articles

Presentation of two new mutations in the 3'untranslated region of the β-globin gene and evaluating the molecular spectrum of thalassemia mutations in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Thalassemia is a common genetic disorder. We aimed to present thalassemia mutation data that covers a period of 7 years from the Mediterranean region of Turkey by comparing with hemoglobin indices and to contribute to prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling studies which should be decided very quickly. In this study, in which a retrospective archive was scanned, the cases were first grouped as α and β thalassemia, and then β thalassemia mutations were examined in a total of 5 groups as UTR-Pro, Codon, IVS, β0, and β+. We have reached the family of the proband that analyzed their Hb indices and genetic mutation. All mutations were statistically compared with Hb indices, HbF, and HbA2. We have identified two new β thalassemia mutations that have the feature of not being defined previously [HBB:C*62 A>G. (3'UTR+1536 A>G) and HBB:C*1 G>A (3'UTR+1475 G>A)]. The most commonly encountered 23 mutations account for 74.7% of all mutations which is unlike the literature. In the β thalassemia group, 73 different mutations were detected. The most common β thalassemia mutation was HBB: c.93-21 G>A (IVS I-110 G>A) with a frequency of 19.72%. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the mutation groups with Hb indices. We think that it may be useful to evaluate the mutations we have newly identified too together with the Hb indices especially in evaluating the carriers of thalassemia and it will contribute to prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling studies which should be decided very quickly.

Evaluation of Beta Globin Gene Mutations in Beta Thalassemia Carrier Children in Aydın Province and its Environment

Objective: Beta thalassemia carriers (BTC) in Turkey is observed with a frequency of 2.1%, and it is the most common cause of anemia after iron deficiency. There are few studies showing the effect of genotype on phenotype in beta thalassemia carrying children. The aim of this study is to determine the mutation diversity of these children in and around Aydın and evaluate the effects of these mutations on complete blood count parameters and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Methods: This study included mutation analysis of 65 patients who were diagnosed as BTC in Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Pediatric Hematology Outpatient Clinic between 01.01.2014 and 01.08.2019. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis and mutation analysis results were obtained from the computer data system and patient files. Research data were evaluated by using SPSS 21.0 statistics program. Results: 39 (60.0%) of the sixty-five patients were male, 26 (40.0%) were female, and the mean age was 8.34±4.94 years. When full blood count parameters were analyzed, 87.7% had anemia, 100% microcytosis and high red cell distribution width (RDW) level, 49.2% hypochromia and 87.7% high red blood cell (RBC) count. RDW level was ≥16 in 66.2% of the cases. Seventeen different mutations were detected. The mutations most frequently occurred in “intron 1” gene region (66.1%). The most common ones were IVS I-110 (44.11%), IVS I-1 G>A Heterozygotes (8.8%,) IVS I-6 T>C Heterozygotes (7.5%) and IVS II-745 (7.5%). RDW level was ≥16 in 66.2% of the cases. Seventeen different mutations were detected. The mutations most frequently occurred in “intron 1” (66.1%) gene region. IVS I-110 (44.11%), IVS I-1 G>A Heterozygotes (8.8%,) IVS I-6 T>C Heterozygotes (7.5%) and IVS II-745 (7.5%) were observed most commonly. In patients with IVS I-110 mutation, mean Hb level was 10.55 gr/dL, MCV level was 58.44 fL, RDW level was 16.51, RBC level was 5680x10⁹/L, HbA2 level was 4.77%, HbF level was 2.34%. Mutations detected in 12 patients with HbF level above 5% were as IVS I-110 (5 people), IVS I-6 T>C Heterozygotes, Codon 39 C>T Heterozygotes, IVS I-116, c.25-26 del AA (plys9Valfs) Heterozygotes, c.27dupG (pSer10valfs*14), c316-373 (IVSII-478 C>A Heterozygotes), -87 C>T Heterozygotes. Mentzer index was calculated as >13 in six patients (9.2%). The mutations seen in these patients were IVS-I 110, c.27dupG (p.Ser10valfs*14), c316-373 (IVS II-478 C>A Heterozygotes), -87 C>T Heterozygotes. There were four patients (6.1%) with a RDW index >220. Two of these patients had c.27dupG (p.Ser10valfs*14) and others had c316-373 (IVS II-478 C>A Heterozygotes) and -87 C>T Heterozygotes mutations. Mutations detected in four patients with HbF levels in the range of 9.48-15.67 were IVS I-116 T>G Heterozygotes, IVS I-110 G>A Heterozygotes, c.25-26 del AA (p.lys59valfs) Heterozygotes, c27 dupG (pSer10 valfs*14) and three of these mutations carrying β° mutation type were located in exon 1 and one of them carrying β⁺ mutation type (IVS I-110) was in intron 1. Conclusion: The same mutations detected in patients with beta thalassemia carriers have different effects on complete blood count parameters. HbA2 and HbF levels suggest that these mutations are not effective on the phenotype alone and there may be additional factors which should be clarified. We think that there may be BTC in cases with low RBC, Mentzer index ≥13 and RDW index ≥220, HbA2 <3.5 and studying the mutation analysis of these patients will contribute significantly to the literature.

Unusual β-Globin Haplotype Distribution in Newborns from Bengo, Angola

Mutations on the HBB gene are a common cause of hemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell anemia, a severe genetic condition that constitutes a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sickle cell anemia and β-globin haplotype distribution in newborns from the Bengo region. The first two exons of β-globin gene were sequenced, and the variability at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) defining the Hb S (HBB: c.20A>T) haplotypes, was analyzed by a SNaPshot® Multiplex system. About 3.3% of the children were homozygous for Hb S, and 82.2% had as background the Bantu/Central African Republic (BAN/CAR) haplotype, 11.2% the Benin (BEN) and 6.6% the Senegal (SEN). The estimate of Hb S reached the very high value of 0.1476 ± 0.0133, with the aggravating factor of 82.2% of the sickle alleles being anchored in the BAN/CAR haplotype, associated with the more severe sickle cell anemia phenotypes. Also, the high prevalence of the SEN haplotype was not expected, having therapeutic consequences since is associated with more severe outcomes. In addition, two β-thalassemia (β-thal) variants were also detected, IVS I-110 (G>A) (HBB: c.93-21G>A) and codon 39 (C>T) (HBB: c.118C>T), together totaling a frequency of 1.3%. Some of the newborns with these mutations were compound heterozygotes for Hb S, likely carrying genotypes consistent with sickle cell disease. As a whole, infants molecularly diagnosed with sickle cell disease accounted for 4.5% of newborns from Bengo, Angola, a figure that per se, highlights the urgent need of implementing policies warranting surveillance of these children, in parallel with community education in the region.

Investigation of Distribution of Beta -Thalassemia Hereditary Mutations in Gaziantep and the Surrounding Areas

Introduction: Beta-thalassemia is the most common autosomal recessive disease. More than 200 different mutations determined in beta-globin gene. Beta thalassemia disease has a severe clinical picture. Treatment of the diseases should be maintained properly otherwise quality of life and life period can be affected. In this study, we tried to reveal inherited beta-thalassemia mutations in surrounding areas of Gaziantep. Material and Methods: In this study, we included 208 patients who applied with beta -thalassemia suspicion to the pediatric hematology clinic (age range 4-14). In that study, 138 patients with homozygous mutations and 70 patients’ heterozygous mutations were identified. HBB gene was sequenced by Sanger DNA Sequencing method. Results: Most common homozygote mutations are IVS I-110 G>A, IVS I-1 G>A, IVS II-1 G>A, the heterozygote mutations are IVS I-110 G>A, IVS II-1 G>A, codon 8 (AA) del. The incidence of IVS 1.110 (G>A) mutation is 24%, 28 in homozygote patients, 29.7% in heterozygote patients. The 8% homozygote patients and 19.7% heterozygote patients were effected with IVS 1.110 (G>A) mutation. Conclusion: The consanguinity marriages are very abundant particularly in our region due to fact that we are able to see many autosomal recessive diseased in our region. Reducing incidence of autosomal recessive disease by given genetic counseling could help the solution but it is still a major problem. J Clin Exp Invest 2016; 7(4): 265-268

Effectiveness of β-thalassemia prenatal diagnosis in Southern Iran: a cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis (PND) for the prevention of thalassemia in Southern Iran. From 2004 to 2012 1346 couples with β-thalassemia minor were referred to our center. Mutation analyses utilized different methods including polymerase chain reaction-based technique of amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of PCR-Amplified Fragments (PCR-RFLP) and Gel Electrophoresis and direct sequencing. Haplotype analysis of the β-globin gene cluster was done routinely using the PCR-RFLP technique. Of the 1346 couples, 884 (66%) requested PND. They had a total of 985 pregnancies (954 singleton and 31 twin pregnancies): the 1016 fetuses underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Thalassemia major was diagnosed in 266 cases (26.2%), and termination of pregnancy was requested by the parents in 264 of them (99%). Thalassemia trait was detected in 499 (49.1%) and 251 cases (24.7%) showed no β-thalassemia mutations. There were three misdiagnoses (0.4%) (affected children diagnosed as carriers at PND). A unique pattern of thalassemia mutations was present in the study population, with IVS II-I (G→A), C36-37(-T), IVS I-5(G>C), -25bpdel (252-276), IVS I-110(G>A) and C44 (-C) being present in 62% of cases. The pattern of distribution of thalassemia mutations differs among ethnic groups within the same country.

Spectrum of Beta Globin Gene Mutations in Egyptian Children with β-Thalassemia.

BackgroundThe molecular defects resulting in a β-thalassemia phenotype, in the Egyptian population, show a clear heterogenic mutations pattern. PCR-based techniques, including direct DNA sequencing are effective on the molecular detection and characterization of these mutations. The molecular characterization of β-thalassemia is necessary for carrier screening, genetic counseling, and to offer prenatal diagnosis.The aim of the workwas to evaluate the different β-globin gene mutations in two hundred β-thalassemic Egyptian children.Subjects and MethodsThis study was carried out on two hundred β-thalassemic Egyptian children covering most Egyptian Governorates including 158 (79%) children with thalassemia major (TM) and 42 (21%) children with thalassemia intermedia(TI). All patients were subjected to meticulous history taking, clinical examination, complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, serum ferritin and direct fluorescent DNA sequencing of the β-globin gene to detect the frequency of different mutations.ResultsThe most common mutations among patients were IVS I-110(G>A) 48%, IVS I-6(T>C) 40%, IVS I-1(G>A) 24%, IVS I-5(G>C)10%, IVS II-848 (C>A) 9%, IVS II-745(C>G) 8%, IVS II-1(G>A) 7%, codon “Cd”39(C> T) 4%, −87(C>G) 3% and the rare mutations were: Cd37 (G>A), Cd8 (−AA), Cd29(−G), Cd5 (−CT), Cd6(−A), Cd8/9(+G), Cd 106/107(+G), Cd27(C>T), IVS II-16(G> C), Cd 28 (−C), Cap+1(A>C), −88(C>A), all of these rare mutations were present in 1%. There was a considerable variation in phenotypic severity among patients resulting from the interaction of different β∘ and β+mutations. Furthermore, no genotype-phenotype association was found both among the cases with thalassemia major and the cases with thalassemia intermedia.ConclusionDirect DNA sequencing provides insights for the frequency of different mutations in patients with β-thalassemia including rare and/or unknown ones. The most common mutations in Egyptian children with beta thalassemia were IVS I-110(G>A) 48%, IVS I-6(T>C) 40%, IVS I-1(G>A)24%, IVS I-5(G>C)10%, IVS II-848 (C>A) 9%, IVS II-745(C>G) 8%, IVS II-1(G>A) 7%.

Novel Βeta (β)-Thalassemia Mutation in Turkish Children.

Beta (β)-thalassemia is the most frequently observed hereditary blood disorder in the world. It is characterized by deficiency of hemoglobin β-globin gene and is also a profoundly heterogeneous both at the molecular and clinical level. In the case of β-thalassemia, there is reduced (β(+) type) or absent (β(o) type) synthesis of thebeta chains ofhemoglobin. β-Thalassemia clinically occurs in three main forms: major, intermedia and minor according to requirement of transfusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate β-thalassemia mutations in 89 patients ranging from 2monthsto 16years of age, who enrolled to Medical School Research and Training Hospital, Gaziantep University. The direct DNA sequence analysis was performed for mutation scanning of β-globin gene. 89 children with β-Thalassemia including all types were analyzed, 16 different β-thalassemia mutations were detected. We have also identified a novel mutation (HBB.c.-80delT, rs397509430) in the promoter region (-30 TATA box) of β-globin gene, and clinical data of patient having novel mutation was given. The β-Thalassemia mutations were determined as β-Thalassemia major type in 42 patients (47.19%), β-Thalassemia intermedia in 4 (4.49%), β-Thalassemia minor in 43, (48.31%) patients. The most frequent mutation was IVS I-110 G>A, followed by IVS I-1 G>A, IVS I-6 T>C, IVS II-1 G>A, respectively.

A comprehensive molecular characterization of beta thalassemia in a highly heterogeneous population

In Iran, the prevalence of beta-thalassemia trait is approximately 4–8% in most areas, and in Mazandaran province 10% of the population are carriers. Twenty four beta-globin gene mutations were identified in 1635 persons with beta-thalassemia trait using reverse dot blot and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The predominant mutations included IVSII-1 (G-A) (61%), codon 30 (G-C) (7.5%), codon 22 (− 7 bp) (6.2%), codon 8 (− AA) (5.4%) and IVSI-5 (G-C) (3.6%). These mutations were in different haplotypes, with IVSII-1 being the most heterogeneous. Other less frequent mutations included IVS-II-745 (C-G), codon 44 (− C), codon 39 (C-T), codon 5 (− CT), IVS I-110 (G-A), IVSI-130 (G-C), Fr8/9 (+ G), IVSI-1 (G-A), and IVSI (− 25 bp). All rare mutations except IVSI-130 were encountered in a unique haplotype. The diversity of these mutations reflects the historical admixture of genes in the region. The high prevalence of IVSII-1 (G-A) compared to other parts of the country and the world suggests a founder effect. Our data provide a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

The Leaking Microbarograph Used as a Variograph

The Leaking Microbarograph Used as a Variograph

Forsterite, wadsleyite, and ringwoodite (Mg2SiO4): 29Si NMR constraints on structural disorder and effects of paramagnetic impurity ions

We present here high-resolution 29 Si MAS NMR data for synthetic samples of forsterite (α-Mg 2 SiO 4 ), wadsleyite (β), and ringwoodite (γ). Enrichment to >99% 29 Si provides greatly enhanced signal-tonoise ratios and thus great sensitivity to small features in the spectra. At a detection limit of 0.1 to 0.5%, no six-coordinated Si ( VI Si) is observed in any of the polymorphs, although these results could be consistent with theoretical predications of 1 to 2% Mg-Si site disorder in ringwoodite if re-ordering occurs rapidly during cooling. Several small IV Si peaks in ringwoodite samples may be related to residual defects from this process. In forsterite and wadsleyite, several very small “extra” peaks are observed, many of which are at positions far outside the known range of chemical shifts for 29 Si in silicates. These may be caused by “pseudo-contact” shifts from dipolar interactions with unpaired electron spins on trace impurities of paramagnetic transition metal cations.

Convergence of Heat Shock Protein 90 with Ubiquitin in Filamentous α-Synuclein Inclusions of α-Synucleinopathies

Convergence of Heat Shock Protein 90 with Ubiquitin in Filamentous α-Synuclein Inclusions of α-Synucleinopathies

Molecular detection of Spanish δβ-thalassemia associated with β-thalassemia identified during prenatal diagnosis

Background β-Thalassemia is one of the most common single gene disorders and is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. The δβ-thalassemias are a rare group of disorders, however in Spain the Spanish δβ 0 thalassemia that removes 114 kb of β-globin cluster is quite frequent. Methods To establish a molecular diagnosis of β-thalassemia in a second-trimester fetus from a couple who are β-thalassemia carriers, a rapid real-time PCR method was performed to detect major mutations prevalent in people of the Mediterranean basin (IVS I-1, IVS I-6, IVS I-110, CD-6, CD-37, and CD-39). The Spanish δβ 0 deletion was detected using PCR with deletion-specific primers. Results The father was diagnosed as a carrier for the IVSI-6 (T > C) mutation and the mother as carrier for the Spanish δβ 0 deletion. The fetus was a compound heterozygote for both those mutations. The phenotype of compound heterozygosity for δβ/β-thalassemia can range from mild thalassemia intermedia to thalassemia major. After confirming these results in the DNA from amniocentesis obtained at the 20th week of gestation, the couple decided to terminate the pregnancy. Conclusions This paper reports the first molecular characterization of Spanishδβ 0-thalassemia associated with β-thalassemia IVSI-6, and confirms the importance of prenatal genetic testing for single gene disorder such as β-thalassemia.

Scanning of beta-globin gene for identification of beta-thalassemia mutation in Romanian population.

Beta-thalassemia is uncommon (0.5%) in the Romanian population, but it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypochromic anemia. The molecular characterization of beta-thalassemia is absolutely necessary for molecular diagnosis, as well as any genetic epidemiological study in this region. Molecular analyses consist of mutation detection by molecular scanning of beta-globin gene. This gene has 3 exons and 2 introns, involved in beta-thalassemic pathogenesis. Clinical application of DNA analysis on beta-thalassemic chromosomes allowed characterization of 29 persons with different beta-thalassemia mutations among 58 patients with anemia. The experimental strategy was based on sequential PCR amplification of most of the beta-globin gene and running on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of amplification products. Definitive characterization of mutations in samples identified with shifted DGGE patterns was performed ARMS-PCR and/or PCR-restriction enzyme analysis methods. Eight different beta-thalassemia alleles were identified, the most common being IVS I-110 (G-A) and cd 39 (C-T). Comparison of overall frequency of mutations in the neighboring countries, shows that these results are in the frame of overall distribution of these mutations in Mediterranean area, especially in Greece and in Bulgaria. Molecular diagnosis is useful for differentiating mild from severe alleles, for genetic counseling, as well as for mutation definition in carriers, identified by hematological analysis necessary for prenatal testing and genetic counseling.

Rapid detection of the major Mediterranean beta-thalassaemia mutations by real-time polymerase chain reaction using fluorophore-labelled hybridization probes.

We present a new method to detect the major beta-thalassaemia mutations of the Mediterranean countries (IVS I-1, IVS I-6, IVS I-110, CD-37 and CD-39). The procedure is based upon real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using specific fluorescently labelled hybridization probes. The melting curves for each of the specific probes obtained after PCR enabled the identification of different alleles. Genotyping of 71 patients with thalassaemia and 20 controls without thalassaemia by the established method and conventional allele-specific restriction enzyme analysis produced identical results. The established method is a robust, fast and straightforward assay that allows detection of the major Mediterranean beta-thalassaemia mutations simultaneously in less than 60 min.