1
|
Maniego J, Pesko B, Hincks P, Taylor P, Stewart G, Proudman C, Scarth J, Ryder E. Direct sequence confirmation of qPCR products for gene doping assay validation in horses. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1017-1025. [PMID: 34994083 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The misuse of gene therapy by the introduction of transgenes via plasmid or viral vectors as a doping agent is an increasing concern in human and animal sports, not only in consideration to fair competition but also potential detrimental effects to welfare. Doping events can be detected by PCR amplification of a transgene-specific region of DNA. The quantitative nature of real time qPCR makes it particularly suited to confirmatory investigations where precise limits of detection can be calculated. To fully validate a qPCR experiment, it is highly desirable to confirm the identity of the amplicon. Although post-PCR techniques such as melt curve and fragment size analysis can provide strong evidence that the amplicon is as expected, sequence identity confirmation may be beneficial as part of regulatory proceedings. We present here our investigation into two alternative processes for the direct assessment of qPCR products for five genes using next-generation sequencing: ligation of sequence-ready adapters to qPCR products, and qPCR assays performed with primers tailed with Illumina flow cell binding sites. To fully test the robustness of the techniques at concentrations required for gene doping detection, we also calculated a putative limit of detection for the assays. Both ligated adapters and tailed primers were successful in producing sequence data for the qPCR products without further amplification. Ligated adapters are preferred, however, as they do not require re-optimisation of existing qPCR assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Maniego
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Bogusia Pesko
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Pamela Hincks
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Polly Taylor
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Graham Stewart
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey
| | | | - James Scarth
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Edward Ryder
- Sport and Specialised Analytical Services, LGC, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen W, Liang X. PHYSICAL EXERCISE IN THE PROMOTION OF GENE THERAPY AUXILIARY EFFECT. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202127082021_0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: In recent years, genetic engineering has made outstanding contributions to sports, and it has played a huge role in promoting the development of sports-related fields. Objective: We analyze the tissue source of bone growth and healing by studying the role of bone morphogenetic protein and transforming growth factors in fracture injuries caused by sports. Methods: We established a human fracture model to express the shape and content of bone morphogenetic protein and transforming growth factor during fracture healing. Results: In the fracture healing stage caused by different sports, the expression levels of the two genes are different. Bone morphogenetic protein has a high content in the osteogenesis stage of the membrane, while transforming growth factor is high in the cartilage ossification stage. Conclusion: Gene therapy for fractures caused by physical exercise has certain advantages. Osteoblasts and chondrocytes are involved in the synthesis of transforming growth factors. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Zhaoqing Medical College, China; University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campbell MLH. An Ethical Framework for the Use of Horses in Competitive Sport: Theory and Function. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1725. [PMID: 34207809 PMCID: PMC8230307 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing ethical concern about equestrian sport is reflected in publications by regulatory authorities, animal charities, and the lay press; and in government debate and social media. However, attempts by regulators and stakeholders to address ethical issues in equine sport have been discipline specific and ad hoc. Ethical frameworks can help stakeholders to make contextual decisions about what should or should not be done in a particular situation. However, when existing animal welfare frameworks and existing sports ethics frameworks are reviewed in this paper, it becomes clear that none provide us with a suitable or sufficient tool for considering ethical issues which can arise in situations where the athlete is a non-human, non-consenting participant. This paper presents the theoretical development of a novel ethical framework, with the aim of providing stakeholders with a tool which they might apply to the consideration of the ethical questions which inevitably arise in relation to (equestrian) sport. The derivation and limitations of the ethical framework are explained. The use of the framework will serve both to underwrite the continuation of the social license to use horses in sport and also to enable those within equestrian sport to critically assess existing and proposed practices and to make welfare-improving adjustments to practice if/where necessary. The theoretical framework as presented here is currently being practically tested and refined in consultation with industry stakeholders, and that research will be submitted for publication in due course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine L H Campbell
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tozaki T, Hamilton NA. Control of gene doping in human and horse sports. Gene Ther 2021; 29:107-112. [PMID: 34099895 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Teruaki Tozaki
- Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry, Tochigi, 320-0851, Japan.
| | - Natasha A Hamilton
- Equine Genetics Research Centre, Racing Australia, Flemington, NSW, 2337, Australia
| |
Collapse
|