Association of rs7688285 allelic variation coding for GLRB with fear reactivity and exposure-based therapy in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia

Association analysis of polymorphisms at GLRB, GRIA2, and GASK1B genes with reproductive traits in Dazu Black Goats

Reproductive traits are essential economic traits in goats. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genes of GLRB, GRIA2, and GASK1B, and reproductive traits (kidding traits and placental traits) in goats. We used the resequencing data of 150 Dazu Black Goats to perform correlation analysis with the average litter size. We screened thirteen SNPs loci in introns and then used the Sanger method to genotype the remaining 150 Dazu Black Goats. The results showed that a total of six SNPs were screened. Three SNPs related to litter size and live litter size (g.28985790T > G, g.28986352A > G, and g.28987976A > G); one SNP related to total cotyledon area (g.29203243G > A); two SNPs related to placental efficiency (g.30189055G > A and g.30193974C > T); one SNP associated with cotyledon support efficiency (g.30193974C > T). The qPCR results showed that GLRB, GRIA2, and GASK1B were all highly expressed in the udder, kidney, uterus, and ovary. It indicated that these three candidate genes might affect the reproductive traits, which could be used as candidate markers for reproductive traits in Dazu Black Goats. Moreover, association studies on a large scale are still needed to figure out what effect these SNPs have on reproductive traits.

Targeted Transcriptomic Analysis of C57BL/6 and BALB/c Mice During Progressive Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection Reveals Changes in Host and Parasite Gene Expression Relating to Neuropathology and Resolution

Toxoplasma gondii is a resilient parasite that infects a multitude of warm-blooded hosts and results in a lifelong chronic infection requiring continuous responses by the host. Chronic infection is characterized by a balanced immune response and neuropathology that are driven by changes in gene expression. Previous research pertaining to these processes has been conducted in various mouse models, and much knowledge of infection-induced gene expression changes has been acquired through the use of high throughput sequencing techniques in different mouse strains and post-mortem human studies. However, lack of infection time course data poses a prominent missing link in the understanding of chronic infection, and there is still much that is unknown regarding changes in genes specifically relating to neuropathology and resulting repair mechanisms as infection progresses throughout the different stages of chronicity. In this paper, we present a targeted approach to gene expression analysis during T. gondii infection through the use of NanoString nCounter gene expression assays. Wild type C57BL/6 and BALB/c background mice were infected, and transcriptional changes in the brain were evaluated at 14, 28, and 56 days post infection. Results demonstrate a dramatic shift in both previously demonstrated and novel gene expression relating to neuropathology and resolution in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, comparison between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice demonstrate initial differences in gene expression that evolve over the course of infection and indicate decreased neuropathology and enhanced repair in BALB/c mice. In conclusion, these studies provide a targeted approach to gene expression analysis in the brain during infection and provide elaboration on previously identified transcriptional changes and also offer insights into further understanding the complexities of chronic T. gondii infection.

CREB1 and BDNF gene polymorphisms are associated with early treatment response to escitalopram in panic disorder

OBJECTIVES

Increasing evidence shows that the alternations under escitalopram treatment for Panic disorder (PD) patients are related to the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We aimed to explore the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes BDNF and CREB1 in the treatment response to escitalopram on PD.

METHODS

There were 80 PD patients with DSM-5 diagnosis and 78 healthy controls. All PD patients have received escitalopram treatment for consecutive 8 weeks. The Chinese version of Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS-CV) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA-14) were used to evaluate the severity of panic and anxious symptoms for PD patients at baseline, week-2, week-4, and week-8, respectively. Four SNPs (rs11904814, rs6740584, rs2253206, and rs2551941) in CREB1 gene and rs6265 in BDNF gene were genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Quantitative and binary genetic associations between SNPs and escitalopram treatment response were performed.

RESULTS

The comparisons of three genotypes in CREB1 SNPs rs11904814 and rs2551941 among the PDSS-CV responders showed significant differences at the end of week-2 (both p<0.05). The results remained significant after Bonferroni corrections. For candidate genes in our present study, the gene CREB1 SNP rs11904814 (p=0.007) was significantly associated with changes of PDSS-CV scores under escitalopram treatment for 12 weeks in PD patients. And the result was still significant after adjusting age and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential role of BDNF and CREB1 on a rapid response after escitalopram intervention in PD patients.