5.9
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5.9
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2015 Vol. 42, No. 3

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Review
Genetic Study of Complex Diseases in the Post-GWAS Era
Qingyang Huang
2015, 42(3): 87-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.02.001
Abstract (50) HTML PDF (0)
Abstract:
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified thousands of genes and genetic variants (mainly SNPs) that contribute to complex diseases in humans. Functional characterization and mechanistic elucidation of these SNPs and genes action are the next major challenge. It has been well established that SNPs altering the amino acids of protein-coding genes can drastically impact protein function, and play an important role in molecular pathogenesis. Functions of regulatory SNPs can be complex and elusive, and involve gene expression regulation through the effect on RNA splicing, transcription factor binding, DNA methylation and miRNA recruitment. In the present review, we summarize the recent progress in our understanding of functional consequences of GWAS-associated non-coding regulatory SNPs, and discuss the application of systems genetics and network biology in the interpretation of GWAS findings.
Large Noncoding RNAs Are Promising Regulators in Embryonic Stem Cells
Ya-Pu Li, Yangming Wang
2015, 42(3): 99-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.02.002
Abstract (60) HTML PDF (0)
Abstract:
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great promises for treating and studying numerous devastating diseases. The molecular basis of their potential is not completely understood. Large noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of gene regulators that play essential roles in a variety of physiologic and pathologic processes. Dozens of lncRNAs are now identified to control ESC self-renewal and differentiation. Research on lncRNAs may provide novel insights into manipulating the cell fate or reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this review, we summarize the recent research efforts in identifying functional lncRNAs and understanding how they act in ESCs, and discuss various future directions of this field.
Original research
Genome-Wide Linkage and Positional Association Analyses Identify Associations of Novel AFF3 and NTM Genes with Triglycerides: The GenSalt Study
Changwei Li, Lydia A.L. Bazzano, Dabeeru C. Rao, James E. Hixson, Jiang He, Dongfeng Gu, Charles C. Gu, Lawrence C. Shimmin, Cashell E. Jaquish, Karen Schwander, De-Pei Liu, Jianfeng Huang, Fanghong Lu, Jie Cao, Shen Chong, Xiangfeng Lu, Tanika N. Kelly
2015, 42(3): 107-117. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.02.003
Abstract (31) HTML PDF (0)
Abstract:
We conducted a genome-wide linkage scan and positional association study to identify genes and variants influencing blood lipid levels among participants of the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt-Sensitivity (GenSalt) study. The GenSalt study was conducted among 1906 participants from 633 Han Chinese families. Lipids were measured from overnight fasting blood samples using standard methods. Multipoint quantitative trait genome-wide linkage scans were performed on the high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and log-transformed triglyceride phenotypes. Using dense panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), single-marker and gene-based association analyses were conducted to follow-up on promising linkage signals. Additive associations between each SNP and lipid phenotypes were tested using mixed linear regression models. Gene-based analyses were performed by combining P-values from single-marker analyses within each gene using the truncated product method (TPM). Significant associations were assessed for replication among 777 Asian participants of the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple testing. In the GenSalt study, suggestive linkage signals were identified at 2p11.2‒2q12.1 [maximum multipoint LOD score (MML) = 2.18 at 2q11.2] and 11q24.3‒11q25 (MML = 2.29 at 11q25) for the log-transformed triglyceride phenotype. Follow-up analyses of these two regions revealed gene-based associations of charged multivesicular body protein 3 (CHMP3), ring finger protein 103 (RNF103), AF4/FMR2 family, member 3 (AFF3), and neurotrimin (NTM) with triglycerides (P = 4 × 10−4, 1.00 × 10−5, 2.00 × 10−5, and 1.00 × 10−7, respectively). Both the AFF3 and NTM triglyceride associations were replicated among MESA study participants (P = 1.00 × 10−7 and 8.00 × 10−5, respectively). Furthermore, NTM explained the linkage signal on chromosome 11. In conclusion, we identified novel genes associated with lipid phenotypes in linkage regions on chromosomes 2 and 11.
Downregulation of Rice DWARF 14 LIKE Suppress Mesocotyl Elongation via a Strigolactone Independent Pathway in the Dark
Hiromu Kameoka, Junko Kyozuka
2015, 42(3): 119-124. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2014.12.003
Abstract (45) HTML PDF (0)
Abstract:
Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of plant hormones that control plant development in response to environmental conditions. In rice, mesocotyl elongation is regulated by SLs in the dark, while mesocotyls are longer in SL deficient or insensitive mutants. SLs are perceived by DWARF14 (D14), which is a member of a small gene family. In this study, we examined the function of another D14 family gene in rice, D14 LIKE (D14L), focusing on mesocotyl growth. The mesocotyls of D14L RNAi lines are longer than those of WT in the dark. This phenotype is enhanced when the D14L RNAi lines are combined with the d14 mutation, suggesting that D14 and D14L work independently to inhibit mesocotyl elongation. This phenotype is alleviated by the exogenous supply of GR24, a synthetic SL, suggesting that D14L is not necessary for SL signaling. D14L mRNA is predominantly expressed in vascular bundles and crown root primordia. Our results suggest that D14L and D14 confer their effects via an SL independent pathway and an SL signaling pathway respectively.
Letter to the Editor
Generation of an LncRNA Gtl2-GFP Reporter for Rapid Assessment of Pluripotency in Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Zhikun Li, Libin Wang, Yukai Wang, Lei Liu, Liu Wang, Wei Li, Qi Zhou
2015, 42(3): 125-128. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2015.02.004
Abstract (49) HTML PDF (0)
Abstract:
Development of Triticum aestivum–Leymus mollis Translocation Lines and Identification of Resistance to Stripe Rust
Haoxun Li, Renchun Fan, Shulan Fu, Bo Wei, Shichang Xu, Jing Feng, Qi Zheng, Xianping Wang, Fangpu Han, Xiangqi Zhang
2015, 42(3): 129-132. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2014.11.008
Abstract (48) HTML PDF (0)
Abstract: