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Rosado-Franco JJ, Ellison AL, White CJ, Price AS, Moore CF, Williams RE, Fridman LB, Weerts EM, Williams DW. Roadmap For The Expression Of Canonical and Extended Endocannabinoid System Receptors and Proteins in Peripheral Organs of Preclinical Animal Models. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.10.544455. [PMID: 37333264 PMCID: PMC10274867 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.10.544455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is widely expressed throughout the body and is comprised of receptors, ligands, and enzymes that maintain metabolic, immune, and reproductive homeostasis. Increasing interest in the endocannabinoid system has arisen due to these physiologic roles, policy changes leading to more widespread recreational use, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis and phytocannabinoids. Rodents have been the primary preclinical model of focus due to their relative low cost, short gestational period, genetic manipulation strategies, and gold-standard behavioral tests. However, the potential for lack of clinical translation to non-human primates and humans is high as cross-species comparisons of the endocannabinoid system has not been evaluated. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we evaluate the relative gene expression of 14 canonical and extended endocannabinoid receptors in seven peripheral organs of C57/BL6 mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and non-human primate rhesus macaques. Notably, we identify species- and organ-specific heterogeneity in endocannabinoid receptor distribution where there is surprisingly limited overlap among the preclinical models. Importantly, we determined there were only five receptors (CB2, GPR18, GPR55, TRPV2, and FAAH) that had identical expression patterns in mice, rats, and rhesus macaques. Our findings demonstrate a critical, yet previously unappreciated, contributor to challenges of rigor and reproducibility in the cannabinoid field, which has profound implications in hampering progress in understanding the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and development of cannabinoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Rosado-Franco
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A L Ellison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C J White
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - A S Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bayview Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L B Fridman
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - E M Weerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Immunology, Johns Hopkins University-Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University-School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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2
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Simonati A, Williams RE. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Multifaceted Approach to the Clinical Issues, an Overview. Front Neurol 2022; 13:811686. [PMID: 35359645 PMCID: PMC8961688 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.811686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art in the field of childhood Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders. These are genetic diseases associated with the formation of toxic endo-lysosomal storage. Following a brief historical review of the evolution of NCL definition, a clinically-oriented approach is used describing how the early symptoms and signs affecting motor, visual, cognitive domains, and including seizures, may lead clinicians to a rapid molecular diagnosis, avoiding the long diagnostic odyssey commonly observed. We go on to focus on recent advances in NCL research and summarize contributions to knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NCL. We describe the large variety of experimental models which have aided this research, as well as the most recent technological developments which have shed light on the main mechanisms involved in the cellular pathology, such as apoptosis and autophagy. The search for innovative therapies is described. Translation of experimental data into therapeutic approaches is being established for several of the NCLs, and one drug is now commercially available. Lastly, we show the importance of palliative care and symptomatic treatments which are still the main therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Simonati
- Departments of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, AOUI-VR, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Simonati
| | - Ruth E. Williams
- Department of Children's Neuroscience, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Ruth E. Williams
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Mole SE, Schulz A, Badoe E, Berkovic SF, de Los Reyes EC, Dulz S, Gissen P, Guelbert N, Lourenco CM, Mason HL, Mink JW, Murphy N, Nickel M, Olaya JE, Scarpa M, Scheffer IE, Simonati A, Specchio N, Von Löbbecke I, Wang RY, Williams RE. Guidelines on the diagnosis, clinical assessments, treatment and management for CLN2 disease patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:185. [PMID: 33882967 PMCID: PMC8059011 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01813-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CLN2 disease (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2) is an ultra-rare, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease, caused by an enzyme deficiency of tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1). Lack of disease awareness and the non-specificity of presenting symptoms often leads to delayed diagnosis. These guidelines provide robust evidence-based, expert-agreed recommendations on the risks/benefits of disease-modifying treatments and the medical interventions used to manage this condition. Methods An expert mapping tool process was developed ranking multidisciplinary professionals, with knowledge of CLN2 disease, diagnostic or management experience of CLN2 disease, or family support professionals. Individuals were sequentially approached to identify two chairs, ensuring that the process was transparent and unbiased. A systematic literature review of published evidence using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance was independently and simultaneously conducted to develop key statements based upon the strength of the publications. Clinical care statements formed the basis of an international modified Delphi consensus determination process using the virtual meeting (Within3) online platform which requested experts to agree or disagree with any changes. Statements reaching the consensus mark became the guiding statements within this manuscript, which were subsequently assessed against the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREEII) criteria. Results Twenty-one international experts from 7 different specialities, including a patient advocate, were identified. Fifty-three guideline statements were developed covering 13 domains: General Description and Statements, Diagnostics, Clinical Recommendations and Management, Assessments, Interventions and Treatment, Additional Care Considerations, Social Care Considerations, Pain Management, Epilepsy / Seizures, Nutritional Care Interventions, Respiratory Health, Sleep and Rest, and End of Life Care. Consensus was reached after a single round of voting, with one exception which was revised, and agreed by 100% of the SC and achieved 80% consensus in the second voting round. The overall AGREE II assessment score obtained for the development of the guidelines was 5.7 (where 1 represents the lowest quality, and 7 represents the highest quality). Conclusion This program provides robust evidence- and consensus-driven guidelines that can be used by all healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with CLN2 disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. This addresses the clinical need to complement other information available. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-01813-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Schulz
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eben Badoe
- Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Austin Health Victoria, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Simon Dulz
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Gissen
- University College London, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Charles M Lourenco
- Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Riberirao Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Jonathan W Mink
- Golisano Childrens' Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Noreen Murphy
- Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA), Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joffre E Olaya
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange County, CA, USA
| | - Maurizio Scarpa
- Regional Coordinating Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health Victoria, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.,Royal Children's Hospital, Florey and Murdoch Children's Research Institutes, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alessandro Simonati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Raymond Y Wang
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange County, CA, USA
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Tang S, Addis L, Smith A, Topp SD, Pendziwiat M, Mei D, Parker A, Agrawal S, Hughes E, Lascelles K, Williams RE, Fallon P, Robinson R, Cross HJ, Hedderly T, Eltze C, Kerr T, Desurkar A, Hussain N, Kinali M, Bagnasco I, Vassallo G, Whitehouse W, Goyal S, Absoud M, Møller RS, Helbig I, Weber YG, Marini C, Guerrini R, Simpson MA, Pal DK. Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures. Epilepsia 2020; 61:995-1007. [PMID: 32469098 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the extent of neurodevelopmental impairments and identify the genetic etiologies in a large cohort of patients with epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures (MAE). METHODS We deeply phenotyped MAE patients for epilepsy features, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using standardized neuropsychological instruments. We performed exome analysis (whole exome sequencing) filtered on epilepsy and neuropsychiatric gene sets to identify genetic etiologies. RESULTS We analyzed 101 patients with MAE (70% male). The median age of seizure onset was 34 months (range = 6-72 months). The main seizure types were myoclonic atonic or atonic in 100%, generalized tonic-clonic in 72%, myoclonic in 69%, absence in 60%, and tonic seizures in 19% of patients. We observed intellectual disability in 62% of patients, with extremely low adaptive behavioral scores in 69%. In addition, 24% exhibited symptoms of autism and 37% exhibited attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. We discovered pathogenic variants in 12 (14%) of 85 patients, including five previously published patients. These were pathogenic genetic variants in SYNGAP1 (n = 3), KIAA2022 (n = 2), and SLC6A1 (n = 2), as well as KCNA2, SCN2A, STX1B, KCNB1, and MECP2 (n = 1 each). We also identified three new candidate genes, ASH1L, CHD4, and SMARCA2 in one patient each. SIGNIFICANCE MAE is associated with significant neurodevelopmental impairment. MAE is genetically heterogeneous, and we identified a pathogenic genetic etiology in 14% of this cohort by exome analysis. These findings suggest that MAE is a manifestation of several etiologies rather than a discrete syndromic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Tang
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Addis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Eli Lilly and Company, Erl Wood, Surrey, UK
| | - Anna Smith
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon D Topp
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Manuela Pendziwiat
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics, Schleswig-Holstein University Clinics, Kiel, Germany
| | - Davide Mei
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Shakti Agrawal
- Birmingham Children's Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Elaine Hughes
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Penny Fallon
- St George's National Health Service Health Care Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Robinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen J Cross
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
- Clinical Neurosciences, UCL - Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Christin Eltze
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Tim Kerr
- St George's National Health Service Health Care Trust, London, UK
| | - Archana Desurkar
- Sheffield Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nahin Hussain
- University Hospital of Leicester National Health Service Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Maria Kinali
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Irene Bagnasco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Martini Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Sushma Goyal
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ingo Helbig
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics, Schleswig-Holstein University Clinics, Kiel, Germany
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yvonne G Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carla Marini
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michael A Simpson
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deb K Pal
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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5
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Oates S, Tang S, Rosch R, Lear R, Hughes EF, Williams RE, Larsen LHG, Hao Q, Dahl HA, Møller RS, Pal DK. Incorporating epilepsy genetics into clinical practice: a 360°evaluation. NPJ Genom Med 2018; 3:13. [PMID: 29760947 PMCID: PMC5945675 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-018-0052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated a new epilepsy genetic diagnostic and counseling service covering a UK population of 3.5 million. We calculated diagnostic yield, estimated clinical impact, and surveyed referring clinicians and families. We costed alternative investigational pathways for neonatal onset epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy of unknown aetiology onset < 2 years; treatment resistant epilepsy; or familial epilepsy were referred for counseling and testing. We developed NGS panels, performing clinical interpretation with a multidisciplinary team. We held an educational workshop for paediatricians and nurses. We sent questionnaires to referring paediatricians and families. We analysed investigation costs for 16 neonatal epilepsy patients. Of 96 patients, a genetic diagnosis was made in 34% of patients with seizure onset < 2 years, and 4% > 2 years, with turnaround time of 21 days. Pathogenic variants were seen in SCN8A, SCN2A, SCN1A, KCNQ2, HNRNPU, GRIN2A, SYNGAP1, STXBP1, STX1B, CDKL5, CHRNA4, PCDH19 and PIGT. Clinician prediction was poor. Clinicians and families rated the service highly. In neonates, the cost of investigations could be reduced from £9362 to £2838 by performing gene panel earlier and the median diagnostic delay of 3.43 years reduced to 21 days. Panel testing for epilepsy has a high yield among children with onset < 2 years, and an appreciable clinical and financial impact. Parallel gene testing supersedes single gene testing in most early onset cases that do not show a clear genotype-phenotype correlation. Clinical interpretation of laboratory results, and in-depth discussion of implications for patients and their families, necessitate multidisciplinary input and skilled genetic counseling. Screening for epilepsy-related gene variants can lead to effective, personalized treatment plans while reducing costs. UK and Danish scientists, led by Deb Pal, King’s College London, evaluated a new service within the UK that searches for genetic variants in patients that cause epilepsy. The authors assessed the impact of next-generation gene panel tests, as well as the necessary resources to make such a service effective. Genetic testing was most effective in patients with seizure onset under 2 years old (21% diagnosed) and yield even higher in neonatal-onset epilepsy (63% diagnosed). For many patients with pathogenic variants, the diagnoses allowed for recommendations on treatment or enrolment in clinical trials. The researchers found that diagnostic delay and financial burden in neonatal epilepsy could be drastically reduced with gene panel testing. The scheme was highly rated by users and patients alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Oates
- 1King's College Hospital, London, UK.,2Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Elaine F Hughes
- 1King's College Hospital, London, UK.,2Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Qin Hao
- Amplexa Genetics, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Rikke S Møller
- Danish National Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark.,6Institute for Regional Health research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Deb K Pal
- 1King's College Hospital, London, UK.,2Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK.,3Kings College London, London, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE The Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a well-established treatment for epilepsy in children and adults. We describe our 10-year KD experience in children less than two years of age diagnosed with medically refractory epilepsy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-note review of infants managed with KD at our centre between 2006 and 2016. RESULTS Twenty-nine children between 2½ weeks and 23 months of age were identified, with mixed epilepsy aetiologies. Ninety-three percent had daily seizures and 82% were on two or more anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) at the time of KD commencement. KD was continued for more than four weeks in 86%. Based on a combination of parental reports, hospital observations and seizure diaries, two of 29 became seizure free, seven demonstrated >50% seizure reduction, and eight showed a decrease in seizure intensity/frequency. No adverse effects were observed in 45% patients, and dietary therapy was stopped in only two because of poor tolerability. CONCLUSION We conclude that KD can be utilised and is generally well tolerated in infants with severe epilepsies. In addition, our experience suggests efficacy with improved seizure frequency/severity in around 50% without adverse effects on developmental outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Ismayilova
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Mary-Anne Leung
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Ravi Kumar
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Smith
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth E Williams
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
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7
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Simonati A, Williams RE, Nardocci N, Laine M, Battini R, Schulz A, Garavaglia B, Moro F, Pezzini F, Santorelli FM. Phenotype and natural history of variant late infantile ceroid-lipofuscinosis 5. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:815-821. [PMID: 28542837 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To characterize the phenotypic profile of a cohort of children affected with CLN5, a rare form of neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis (NCL), and to trace the features of the natural history of the disease. METHOD Records of 15 children (nine males, six females) were obtained from the data sets of the DEM-CHILD International NCL Registry. Disease progression was measured by rating six functional domains at different time points along the disease course. All patients underwent mutation analysis of the CLN5 gene and ultrastructural investigations of peripheral tissues. Expression of the gene product, pCLN5, was characterized in vitro in six patients. RESULTS Disease onset was at 2 to 7 years 6 months of age: impaired learning and cognition were the most common early symptoms. Seizures occurred relatively late (median age 8y) and were the presenting symptoms in two children. Nine mutations were detected in 30 alleles, including six mutations predicting a truncated protein. Mixed cytosomes were observed by electron microscopy. Differences of disease progression were observed in two groups of patients and could be related to their genetic profile. INTERPRETATION Clinical features in a multicentre cohort of patients with CLN5 confirm that cognitive difficulties are early clinical markers of this condition. Severe mutations were associated with a more rapid decline of neurological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Simonati
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, Movement - Neurology (Child Neurology and Psychiatry, and Neuropathology), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ruth E Williams
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nardo Nardocci
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience and Molecular Neurogenetics, IRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute C Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Minna Laine
- Department of Child Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Peijas Hospital, HUCH, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Roberta Battini
- Molecular Medicine Unit and Child Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Garavaglia
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesca Moro
- Molecular Medicine Unit and Child Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Pezzini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, Movement - Neurology (Child Neurology and Psychiatry, and Neuropathology), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Filippo M Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine Unit and Child Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
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8
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Williams RE, Adams HR, Blohm M, Cohen-Pfeffer JL, de Los Reyes E, Denecke J, Drago K, Fairhurst C, Frazier M, Guelbert N, Kiss S, Kofler A, Lawson JA, Lehwald L, Leung MA, Mikhaylova S, Mink JW, Nickel M, Shediac R, Sims K, Specchio N, Topcu M, von Löbbecke I, West A, Zernikow B, Schulz A. Management Strategies for CLN2 Disease. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 69:102-112. [PMID: 28335910 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CLN2 disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2) is a rare, autosomal recessive, pediatric-onset, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) enzyme deficiency, and is characterized by language delay, seizures, rapid cognitive and motor decline, blindness, and early death. No management guidelines exist and there is a paucity of published disease-specific evidence to inform clinical practice, which currently draws upon experience from the field of childhood neurodisability. Twenty-four disease experts were surveyed on CLN2 disease management and a subset met to discuss current practice. Management goals and strategies are consistent among experts globally and are guided by the principles of pediatric palliative care. Goals and interventions evolve as the disease progresses, with a shift in focus from maintenance of function early in the disease to maintenance of quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is critical for optimal patient care. This work represents an initial step toward the development of consensus-based management guidelines for CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Williams
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Heather R Adams
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
| | - Martin Blohm
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Emily de Los Reyes
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonas Denecke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Charlie Fairhurst
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margie Frazier
- Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA), Columbus, Ohio
| | - Norberto Guelbert
- Metabolic Diseases Section, Children's Hospital of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Szilárd Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Annamaria Kofler
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - John A Lawson
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Lenora Lehwald
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mary-Anne Leung
- Children's Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Svetlana Mikhaylova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Russian Children's Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular and Cell Genetics, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jonathan W Mink
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Katherine Sims
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Meral Topcu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Andrea West
- Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA), Farnborough, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Zernikow
- Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Datteln, Germany; Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health-School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Beesley C, Guerreiro RJ, Bras JT, Williams RE, Taratuto AL, Eltze C, Mole SE. CLN8 disease caused by large genomic deletions. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2016; 5:85-91. [PMID: 28116333 PMCID: PMC5241206 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of deletions can complicate genetic diagnosis of autosomal recessive disease. Method The DNA of patients was analyzed in a diagnostic setting. Results We present three unrelated patients each carrying deletions that encompass the 37 kb CLN8 gene and discuss their phenotype. Two of the cases were hemizygous for a mutant allele – their deletions unmasked a mutation in CLN8 on the other chromosome. Conclusion Microarray analysis is recommended in any patient suspected of NCL who is apparently homozygous for a mutation that is not present in one of the parents or when the family has no known consanguinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Beesley
- Regional Genetics Laboratory Great Ormond Street Hospital London WC1N 3BH UK
| | - Rita J Guerreiro
- Department of Molecular NeuroscienceInstitute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonQueen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUK; Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMEDUniversity of AveiroAveiro3810-193Portugal
| | - Jose T Bras
- Department of Molecular NeuroscienceInstitute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonQueen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUK; Department of Medical Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMEDUniversity of AveiroAveiro3810-193Portugal
| | - Ruth E Williams
- Children's Neurosciences Evelina London Children's Hospital Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7EH UK
| | - Ana Lia Taratuto
- Institute for Neurological Research Montañeses 2325 Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Christin Eltze
- Neurology Department Great Ormond Street Hospital Great Ormond Street London WC1N 3JH UK
| | - Sara E Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology Genetics and Genomics Medicine Unit Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment Institute of Child Health University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BT UK
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Cooper
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds
| | - P E Levi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Leeds
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Abstract
The ketogenic diet is a therapeutic dietary treatment for epilepsy in children which is resistant to medication. Until recently, evidence for use and resources available has been sparse. This review aims to provide a summary of the evidence supporting its use in children, some guidance towards its implementation and the services currently available in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Cross
- UCL Institute of Child Health, The Wolfson Centre, London WC1N 2AP, UK.
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Abstract
The anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans was grown on medium supplemented with either Kraft lignin or lignosulfonate. Only lignosulfonate contributed to the growth of D. desulfuricans cells, by replacing sulfate, a natural electron acceptor for this microorganism. Kraft lignin added to the culture medium could not substitute for lactate or sulfate, both necessary culture medium components. However, it was found to enhance the viability of D. desulfuricans cells. When changes occurring in lignin during growth of Desulfovibrio cultures were monitored, it was found that both lignin preparations could be partially depolymerized. Spectrophotometric and elemental analysis of biologically treated lignins suggested that both the polyphenolic backbone and lignin functional groups were affected by D. desulfuricans. After treatment, a twofold increase in the sulfur content of Kraft lignin and a minor decrease (14%) in the sulfur content of lignosulfonate were observed. After biological treatment, Kraft lignin and lignosulfonate both bound larger quantities of heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ziomek
- Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4P 2R2, and Division of Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6
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Abstract
1. After a consideration of the existing data and of the sources of error involved, an arrangement of apparatus, free from these errors, is described for measuring the relative energy necessary in different portions of the spectrum in order to produce a colorless sensation in the eye. 2. Following certain reasoning, it is shown that the reciprocal of this relative energy at any wave-length is proportional to the absorption coefficient of a sensitive substance in the eye. The absorption spectrum of this substance is then mapped out. 3. The curve representing the visibility of the spectrum at very low intensities has exactly the same shape as that for the visibility at high intensities involving color vision. The only difference between them is their position in the spectrum, that at high intensities being 48 µµ farther toward the red. 4. The possibility is considered that the sensitive substances responsible for the two visibility curves are identical, and reasons are developed for the failure to demonstrate optically the presence of a colored substance in the cones. The shift of the high intensity visibility curve toward the red is explained in terms of Kundt's rule for the progressive shift of the absorption maximum of a substance in solvents of increasing refractive index and density. 5. Assuming Kundt's rule, it is deduced that the absorption spectrum of visual purple as measured directly in water solution should not coincide with its position in the rods, because of the greater density and refractive index of the rods. It is then shown that, measured by the position of the visibility curve at low intensities, this shift toward the red actually occurs, and is about 7 or 8 µµ in extent. Examination of the older data consistently confirms this difference of position between the curves representing visibility at low intensities and those representing the absorption spectrum of visual purple in water solution. 6. It is therefore held as a possible hypothesis, capable of direct, experimental verification, that the same substance—visual purple—whose absorption maximum in water solution is at 503 µµ, is dissolved in the rods where its absorption maximum is at 511 µµ, and in the cones where its maximum is at 554 µµ (or at 540 µµ, if macular absorption is taken into account, as indeed it must be).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hecht
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, and the George Holt Physics Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
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15
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Aiello C, Terracciano A, Simonati A, Discepoli G, Cannelli N, Claps D, Crow YJ, Bianchi M, Kitzmuller C, Longo D, Tavoni A, Franzoni E, Tessa A, Veneselli E, Boldrini R, Filocamo M, Williams RE, Bertini ES, Biancheri R, Carrozzo R, Mole SE, Santorelli FM. Mutations in MFSD8/CLN7 are a frequent cause of variant-late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Hum Mutat 2009; 30:E530-40. [PMID: 19177532 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders. The recent identification of the MFSD8/CLN7 gene in a variant-late infantile form of NCL (v-LINCL) in affected children from Turkey prompted us to examine the relative frequency of variants in this gene in Italian patients with v-LINCL. We identified nine children harboring 11 different mutations in MFSD8/CLN7. Ten mutations were novel and included three nonsense (p.Arg35Stop, p.Glu381Stop, p.Arg482Stop), four missense (p.Met1Thr, p.Gly52Arg, p.Thr294Lys, p.Pro447Leu), two splice site mutations (c.863+3_4insT, c.863+1G>C), and a 17-bp deletion predicting a frameshift and premature protein truncation (c.627_643del17/p.Met209IlefsX3). The clinical phenotype, which was similar to that of the Turkish v-LINCL cases, was not influenced by type and location of the mutation nor the length of the predicted residual gene product. As well as identifying novel variants in MFSD8/CLN7, this study contributes to a better molecular characterization of Italian NCL cases, and will facilitate medical genetic counseling in such families. The existence of a subset of v-LINCL cases without mutations in any of the known NCL genes suggests further genetic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Aiello
- Molecular Medicine, Neurology, Radiology, and Pathology, IRCCS-Bambino Gesù Hospital, Rome, Italy
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16
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Abstract
In the 1930s, Otto Warburg reported that anaerobic metabolism of glucose is a fundamental property of all tumours, even in the presence of an adequate oxygen supply. He also demonstrated a relationship between the degree of anaerobic metabolism and tumour growth rate. Today, this phenomenon forms the basis of tumour imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). More recently, Folkman has demonstrated that malignant growth and survival are also dependent on tumour vascularity which is increasingly evaluated in vivo using techniques such as contrast enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although it is reasonable to hypothesise that the metabolic requirements of tumours are mirrored by alterations in tumour haemodynamics, the relationship between tumour blood flow and metabolism is in fact complex. A well-developed tumour vascular supply is required to ensure a sufficient delivery of glucose and oxygen to support the metabolism essential for tumour growth. However, an inadequate vascularisation of tumour will result in hypoxia, a factor that is known to stimulate anaerobic metabolism of glucose. Thus, the balance between tumour blood flow and metabolism will be an important indicator of the biological status of a tumour and hence the tumour's likely progression and response to treatment. This article reviews the molecular biology of tumour vascularisation and metabolism, relating these processes to currently available imaging techniques while summarising the imaging studies that have compared tumour blood flow and metabolism. The potential for vascular metabolic imaging to assess tumour aggression and sub-classify treatment response is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Miles
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
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Lenz EM, Williams RE, Sidaway J, Smith BW, Plumb RS, Johnson KA, Rainville P, Shockcor J, Stumpf CL, Granger JH, Wilson ID. The application of microbore UPLC/oa-TOF-MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy to the metabonomic analysis of rat urine following the intravenous administration of pravastatin. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2007; 44:845-52. [PMID: 17561363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2007.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The metabonomic effects of hepatotoxic doses of pravastatin on the urinary metabolic profiles of female rats have been investigated using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-oa-TOF-MS and, independently, by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. UPLC was performed using a 1 mm microbore column packed with 1.7 microm particles. Examination of the data obtained from the individual animals, aided by statistical interpretation of the data, made it possible to identify potential markers for toxicological effects, with both NMR and UPLC-MS analysis highlighting distinct changes in the urinary metabolite profiles. These markers, which included elevated taurine and creatine, as well as bile acids, were consistent with hepatotoxicity in some animals, and this hypothesis was supported by histopathological and clinical chemistry findings. The analytical data from both techniques could be used to define a metabolic "trajectory" as toxicity developed and to provide an explanation for the lack of hepatotoxicity for one of the animals. The two analytical approaches (UPLC-MS and NMR) were found to be complementary whilst the use of a 1mm i.d. x 100 mm column reduced the amount of sample required for analysis to 2 microL, compared with 10 microL for a 2.1mm i.d. x 100 mm column. The 1mm i.d. column also provided increased signal-to-noise without loss of chromatographic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Lenz
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
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Fika Z, Karkos PD, Badran K, Williams RE. Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8 positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma of the ear. J Laryngol Otol 2006; 121:503-5. [PMID: 17166330 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215106005457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of an epidermotropic CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma which initially presented as an ulcerated lesion of the pinna. Although T-cell lymphomas may present as cutaneous lesions, the ear is rarely involved. This uncommon presentation and the need for multiple biopsies means that the diagnosis of these lesions may be delayed or missed. A high index of suspicion is required when evaluating cutaneous lesions in the head and neck area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Fika
- Department of Dermatology, Glan Clwyd Hospital, North Wales
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Williams RE, Aberg L, Autti T, Goebel HH, Kohlschütter A, Lönnqvist T. Diagnosis of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: An update. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1762:865-72. [PMID: 16930952 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2006] [Revised: 07/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
For the majority of families affected by one of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a biochemical and/or genetic diagnosis can be achieved. In an individual case this information not only increases understanding of the condition but also may influence treatment choices and options. The presenting clinical features prompt initial investigation and also guide clinical care. The clinical labels "infantile NCL", "late infantile NCL" and "juvenile NCL", therefore remain useful in practice. In unusual or atypical cases ultra-structural analysis of white blood cells or other tissue samples enables planning and prioritisation of biochemical and genetic tests. This review describes current methods available to achieve clinical, pathological, biochemical and genetic diagnosis in children presenting with symptoms suggestive of one of the NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Williams
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, SKY, Level 6, Evelina Children's Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London, UK.
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Shooter
- Department of Bacteriology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London
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Williams RE, Black CL, Kim HY, Andrews EB, Mangel AW, Buda JJ, Cook SF. Determinants of healthcare-seeking behaviour among subjects with irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 23:1667-75. [PMID: 16696818 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02928.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Doctor visits for irritable bowel syndrome are associated with high medical costs. Predictors of medical consultation for irritable bowel syndrome remain poorly understood. AIM To determine factors associated with healthcare seeking for irritable bowel syndrome. METHODS Subjects from previous US population-based survey were contacted 2 years later. Those who continued to have irritable bowel syndrome were included. RESULTS 49% of subjects sought medical care for abdominal symptoms in the past year. Healthcare seeking did not differ significantly between males and females, but more females received an irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis. Predictors of irritable bowel syndrome healthcare seeking differed by gender. In multivariate analysis, age > or = 55 years (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-5.4), fear abdominal symptoms relates to serious illness (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 0.95-3.1), decreased bowel movements (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 0.98-3.2), dyspepsia (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 0.94-3.2) and pelvic pain (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.4) were associated with seeking care in females. Among males, being disabled (OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 2.4-56.1) and abdominal cramping (OR =4.3, 95% CI: 1.2-15.4) were associated with seeking care. Healthcare seekers had lower irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life. Neither pain severity nor mental health status was associated with seeking care. CONCLUSION Healthcare-seeking behaviour among irritable bowel syndrome patients was determined by presence of comorbidities and extent that irritable bowel syndrome affected quality of life, not physical symptoms or mental health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Worldwide Epidemiology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3395, USA.
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22
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As there is no biological marker for irritable bowel syndrome, a diagnosis is made using symptom-based criteria. AIM To evaluate the stability of self-reported symptoms consistent with Rome II-based irritable bowel syndrome classification. METHODS Irritable bowel syndrome subjects identified in a 2001 population-based study by modified Rome II criteria were re-contacted 2 years later. Data were collected via a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 697 subjects, 30% remained in the same irritable bowel syndrome subtype in both surveys, 18.4% changed irritable bowel syndrome subtype and 52% no longer met the irritable bowel syndrome criteria at follow-up. Subjects continuing to meet the irritable bowel syndrome criteria were more likely to have been initially classified in the alternating irritable bowel syndrome subtype and had more psychological impairment and lower irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life than subjects not fulfilling the irritable bowel syndrome criteria at follow-up. Lack of pain caused more subjects to fall out of the irritable bowel syndrome criteria than the absence of non-painful bowel symptoms. However, the majority of subjects that did not fulfill the pain component of the irritable bowel syndrome criteria continued to report abdominal pain of at least moderate severity. CONCLUSION In a US population-based follow-up study using modified Rome II criteria, we found irritable bowel syndrome is episodic in nature and current classification is limited in capturing fluctuation of disease over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Worldwide Epidemiology, Glaxo SmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Williams RE, Lenz EM, Rantalainen M, Wilson ID. The comparative metabonomics of age-related changes in the urinary composition of male Wistar-derived and Zucker (fa/fa) obese rats. Mol BioSyst 2006; 2:193-202. [PMID: 16880937 DOI: 10.1039/b517195d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The global metabolite profiles of endogenous compounds excreted in urine by male Wistar-derived and Zucker (fa/fa) obese rats were investigated from 4 to 20 weeks of age using both 1H NMR spectroscopy and HPLC-TOF/MS with electrospray ionisation (ESI). Multivariate data analysis was then performed on the resulting data which showed that the composition of the samples changed with age, enabling age-related metabolic trajectories to be constructed. At 4 weeks it was possible to observe differences between the urinary metabolite profiles from the two strains, with the difference becoming more pronounced over time resulting in a marked divergence in their metabolic trajectories at 8-10 weeks. The changes in metabolite profiles detected using 1H NMR spectroscopy included increased protein and glucose combined with reduced taurine concentrations in the urine of the Zucker animals compared to the Wistar-derived strain. In the case of HPLC-MS a number of ions were found to be present at increased levels in the urine of 20 week old Zucker rats compared to Wistar-derived rats including m/z 71.0204, 111.0054, 115.0019, 133.0167 and 149.0454 (negative ion ESI) and m/z 97.0764 and 162.1147 (positive ion ESI). Conversely, ions m/z 101.026 and 173.085 (negative ion ESI) and m/z 187.144 and 215.103 (positive ion ESI) were present in decreased amounts in urine from Zucker compared to Wistar-derived rats. Metabolite identities proposed for these ions include fumarate, maleate, furoic acid, ribose, suberic acid, carnitine and pyrimidine nucleoside. The utility of applying metabonomics to understanding disease processes and the biological relevance of some of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UKSK10 4TG
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Williams RE. Handbuch der urologie/encyclopedia of urology. Volume 13, Part 3. Operative urology. Surgery of the ureter. R. Küss and C. Chatelain. Translated by A. Walsh. Pp. 337 + x. Illustrated. 1975. Berlin: Springer. DM. 240. Br J Surg 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.1800631119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Mole SE, Williams RE, Goebel HH. Correlations between genotype, ultrastructural morphology and clinical phenotype in the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Neurogenetics 2005; 6:107-26. [PMID: 15965709 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-005-0218-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2004] [Accepted: 02/03/2005] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of severe neurodegenerative diseases with onset usually in childhood and characterised by the intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent storage material. Within the last decade, mutations that cause NCL have been found in six human genes (CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, CLN5, CLN6 and CLN8). Mutations in two additional genes cause disease in animal models that share features with NCL-CTSD in sheep and mice and PPT2 in mice. Approximately 160 NCL disease-causing mutations have now been described (listed and fully cited in the NCL Mutation Database, http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ncl/ ). Most mutations result in a classic morphology and disease phenotype, but some mutations are associated with disease that is of later onset, less severe or protracted in its course, or with atypical morphology. Seven common mutations exist, some having a worldwide distribution and others associated with families originating from specific geographical regions. This review attempts to correlate the gene, disease-causing mutation, morphology and clinical phenotype for each type of NCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Williams RE, Major H, Lock EA, Lenz EM, Wilson ID. D-Serine-induced nephrotoxicity: a HPLC-TOF/MS-based metabonomics approach. Toxicology 2005; 207:179-90. [PMID: 15596249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2004.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2004] [Revised: 08/16/2004] [Accepted: 08/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HPLC-MS-based metabonomic analysis was used to investigate urinary metabolic perturbations associated with D-serine-induced nephrotoxicity. D-Serine causes selective necrosis of the proximal straight tubules in the rat kidney accompanied by aminoaciduria, proteinuria and glucosuria. Alderely Park (Wistar-derived) rats were dosed with either D-serine (250 mg/kg ip) or vehicle (deionised water) and urine was collected at 0-12, 12-24, 24-36 and 36-48 h post-dosing. Samples were analysed using a Waters Alliance HT 2795 HPLC system coupled to a Waters Micromass Q-ToF-micro equipped with an electrospray source operating in either positive or negative ion mode. Changes to the urinary profile were detected at all time points compared to control. In negative ion mode, increases were observed in serine (m/z=103.0077), m/z=104.0376 (proposed to be hydroxypyruvate) and glycerate (m/z=105.0215), the latter being metabolites of D-serine. Furthermore, an increase in tryptophan, phenylalanine and lactate and decreases in methylsuccinic acid and sebacic acid were observed. Positive ion analysis revealed a decrease in xanthurenic acid, which has previously been assigned and reported using HPLC-MS following exposure to mercuric chloride and cyclosporine A. A general aminoaciduria, including proline, methionine, leucine, tyrosine and valine was also observed as well as an increase in acetyl carnitine. Investigation of additional metabolites altered as a result of exposure to D-serine is on-going. Thus, HPLC-MS-based metabonomic analysis has provided information concerning the mechanism of D-serine-induced renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
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Williams RE, Lock EA. Sodium benzoate attenuates D-serine induced nephrotoxicity in the rat. Toxicology 2005; 207:35-48. [PMID: 15590120 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2004.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2004] [Revised: 08/11/2004] [Accepted: 08/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
D-Serine causes selective necrosis to the straight portion of the rat renal proximal tubules. The onset is rapid, occurring within 3-4 h and accompanied by proteinuria, glucosuria and aminoaciduria. The metabolism of D-serine by D-amino acid oxidase (D-AAO) may be involved in the mechanism of toxicity. D-AAO is localized within the peroxisomes of renal tubular epithelial cells, which is also the location of D-serine reabsorption. To address the role of D-AAO in D-serine-induced nephrotoxicity, we have examined the effect of sodium benzoate (SB) on the renal injury. SB has been shown to be a potent, competitive inhibitor of kidney D-AAO in vitro. Male Alderley Park rats were exposed to D-serine (500 mg/kg i.p.) 1 h after exposure to SB (125, 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg i.p.). Urine was collected for 0-6 h, then terminal plasma samples and kidneys were taken at 6.5 h. A second group of animals was given SB (500 mg/kg) followed by D-serine (500 mg/kg i.p.; 1 h later) and urine was collected after 0-6, 6-24 and 24-48 h. Terminal plasma samples and kidneys were taken at 48 h. 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis of urine, combined with principal component analysis, demonstrated that SB was able to prevent D-serine-induced perturbations to the urinary profile in a dose dependent manner. This was confirmed by measurement of plasma creatinine and urinary glucose and protein and histopathological examination of the kidneys. Assessment 48 h after D-serine administration revealed that nephrotoxicity was observed in animals pre-treated with SB (500 mg/kg) although the extent of injury was less pronounced than following D-serine alone. These results demonstrate that whilst prior exposure to SB prevents the initial onset of D-serine-induced nephrotoxicity, renal injury is still apparent at later time points. D-AAO activity in the kidney was decreased by 50% 1 h after dosing with SB suggesting that inhibition of this enzyme may be responsible for the observed protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Syngenta Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TJ, UK
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Williams RE, Lenz EM, Lowden JS, Rantalainen M, Wilson ID. The metabonomics of aging and development in the rat: an investigation into the effect of age on the profile of endogenous metabolites in the urine of male rats using 1H NMR and HPLC-TOF MS. Mol BioSyst 2005; 1:166-75. [PMID: 16880980 DOI: 10.1039/b500852b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of aging and development in male Wistar-derived rats on the profile of endogenous metabolites excreted in the urine was investigated using both (1)H NMR spectroscopy and HPLC-TOF MS using electrospray ionisation (ESI). The endogenous metabolites were profiled in samples collected from male rats every two weeks from just after weaning at 4 weeks up to 20 weeks of age. Multivariate data analysis enabled clusters to be visualised within the data according to age, with urine collected at 4 and 6 weeks showing the greatest differences by both analytical techniques. Markers detected by (1)H NMR spectroscopy included creatinine, taurine, hippurate and resonances associated with amino acids/fatty acids, which increased with age, whilst citrate and resonances resulting from glucose/myoinositol declined. A number of ions were detected by HPLC-MS that were only present in urine samples at 4 weeks of age in both positive and negative ESI, with a range of ions, including e.g. carnitine, increasing with age. Age predictions by PLS-regression modelling demonstrated an age-related trend within these data, between 4 and 12 weeks for HPLC-MS and 4-16 weeks for NMR. The possible utility of these techniques for metabonomic investigations of age-related changes in the rat is discussed and the importance of employing suitable control animals in pharmacological and toxicological studies is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UKSK10 4TG
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Williams RE, Lock EA. D-serine-induced nephrotoxicity: possible interaction with tyrosine metabolism. Toxicology 2004; 201:231-8. [PMID: 15297036 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2004.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 05/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
D-serine selectively damages renal proximal tubule cells in rats by a mechanism that is not fully understood. Recent proteomic analysis identified that D-serine elevated plasma fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH). FAH is involved in tyrosine catabolism; hence, this pathway may be involved in mediating the toxicity. This work examines whether 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-cyclohexane-1,3-dione (NTBC), a potent inhibitor of the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) located upstream of FAH, modulates D-serine-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were pretreated with NTBC (0.5 mg/kg p.o.) or corn oil and then 30 min later given either D-serine (250 mg/kg i.p.) or water. Urine was collected every 12 h until termination (48 h) and analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA). Markers of proximal tubule injury were evident in urine following treatment with D-serine and NTBC + D-serine. PCA could not distinguish between these urine samples suggesting that NTBC does not effect the development of nephrotoxicity. Clinical chemistry analysis of urine and terminal plasma samples and histopathological examination of the kidneys confirmed this. NTBC alone caused a marked increase in the excretion of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPPA) and 4-hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA); however, HPPA and HPLA excretion was minimal following NTBC + D-serine. Instead marked tyrosinuria was observed suggesting that D-serine-induced renal damage markedly affects the handling of increased levels of HPPA and HPLA resulting from the inhibition of HPPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Syngenta Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TJ, UK.
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Abstract
BMS-378806 is a prototype of a new class of small molecule HIV-1 inhibitors that blocks viral attachment to cells. This compound exhibits potent inhibitory activity against a panel of HIV-1 laboratory and clinical isolates (M- and T-tropic), selective for HIV-1 and inactive against HIV-2, SIV and a panel of other viruses. BMS-378806 exhibits no significant cytotoxicity and displays many attractive pharmacological properties such as low protein binding, minimal serum effect on anti-HIV-1 potency, good oral bioavailability in animal species and a clean safety profile in initial animal toxicology studies. The compound binds to gp120 and blocks the attachment of the HIV-1 envelope protein to cellular CD4 receptors via a specific and competitive mechanism. BMS-378806 binds directly to gp120 at an approximately 1:1 stoichiometry, with a binding affinity similar to that of soluble CD4. Further confirmation that this class of compounds targets the envelope in infected cells was obtained through the isolation of resistant variants and the mapping of resistance substitutions to the HIV-1 envelope. In particular, two substitutions, M426L and M475I, are situated at or near the CD4 binding pocket of gp120. Recombinant HIV-1 carrying these two substitutions demonstrated significantly reduced susceptibility to inhibition. Using these HIV-1 gp120 resistant variants and gp120/CD4 contact site mutants, the potential BMS-378806 target site was localized to a specific region within the CD4 binding pocket of gp120. Together, the data show that BMS-378806 is the first of a new class of HIV inhibitors with the potential to become a valued addition to our current repertoire of antiretroviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-G H Wang
- Department of Virology, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA
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Sharp JD, Wheeler RB, Parker KA, Gardiner RM, Williams RE, Mole SE. Spectrum of CLN6 mutations in variant late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Hum Mutat 2003; 22:35-42. [PMID: 12815591 DOI: 10.1002/humu.10227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of autosomal recessive neurodegenerative diseases of childhood. CLN6, the gene mutated in variant late infantile NCL (vLINCL), was recently cloned. We report the identification of eight further mutations in CLN6 making a total of 18 reported mutations. These mutations include missense, nonsense, small deletions or insertions, and two splice-site mutations. Ten mutations affect single amino acids, all of which are conserved across vertebrate species. Minor differences in the pattern of disease symptom evolution can be identified. One patient with a more protracted disease progression was a compound heterozygote for a missense mutation and an unidentified mutation. Fifteen CLN6 mutations occur in one or two families only, and families from the same country do not all share the same mutation. Unlike NCLs caused by mutations in CLN1, CLN3, CLN5, and CLN8, there is no major founder mutation in CLN6. However, one mutation (E72X) is significantly more common in patients from Costa Rica than two other mutations present in that same population. In addition, a 1-bp insertion (c.316insC) is associated with families from Pakistan and I154del may be common in Portugal. A group of Roma Gypsy families from the Czech Republic share two disease-associated haplotypes, one of which is also present in a Pakistani family, consistent with the proposed migration of the Roma from the Indian subcontinent 1,000 years ago. All mutations are recorded in the NCL Mutation Database together with their country of origin for use in the development of rapid screening assays to confirm diagnosis and to facilitate carrier testing appropriate to a population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie D Sharp
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, UK
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Galvez EJ, Crawford PR, Sztul HI, Pysher MJ, Haglin PJ, Williams RE. Geometric phase associated with mode transformations of optical beams bearing orbital angular momentum. Phys Rev Lett 2003; 90:203901. [PMID: 12785894 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.90.203901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2002] [Revised: 01/21/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We present direct measurements of a new geometric phase acquired by optical beams carrying orbital angular momentum. This phase arises when the transverse mode of a beam is transformed following a closed path in the space of modes. The measurements were done via the interference of two copropagating optical beams that pass through the same interferometer parts but acquire different geometric phases. The method is insensitive to dynamical phases. The magnitude and sign of the measured phases are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Galvez
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York 13346, USA
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Williams RE, Eyton-Jones HW, Farnworth MJ, Gallagher R, Provan WM. Effect of intestinal microflora on the urinary metabolic profile of rats: a (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Xenobiotica 2002; 32:783-94. [PMID: 12396275 DOI: 10.1080/00498250210143047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
1. Analysis of urine by (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to detect biochemical disturbances predictive of toxicological changes. Recent studies, using (1)H-NMR spectroscopy have suggested that Alderley Park rats can be classified as hippuric acid (HA) or m-(hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (m-HPPA) excretors. Evidence exists for the role of intestinal microflora in the excretion of aromatic phenolic compounds including HA and m-HPPA. 2. We sought to investigate whether intestinal microflora contribute to the difference in excretion. Urinary HA and m-HPPA levels were monitored to characterize excretion over time. The effect of intestinal microflora on the (1)H-NMR spectrum was also investigated using antibiotics to sterilize the intestine. Finally, the levels of m-HPPA and phenylpropionic acid (a precursor for HA) were analysed in the caecum and colon (entire tissue, including contents). 3. Characterization confirmed the presence of HA and m-HPPA excretors; enquiries revealed that the rats were obtained from two floors within a barriered breeding unit. Housing the rats from the two floors together for 21 days resulted in comparable levels of HA and m-HPPA excretion demonstrating that the profiles are not stable. 4. Following antibiotic treatment, HA and m-HPPA excretion decreased, indicating that intestinal microflora contribute to the excretion of these compounds. Finally, m-HPPA levels were higher in the colon of rats that excreted m-HPPA whilst PPA was increased in the caecum and colon of rats that excreted HA. 5. These results demonstrate that the observed difference in HA/m-HPPA excretion is due to differences in the intestinal microflora.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Syngenta Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TJ, UK.
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Hill RE, Williams RE. A quantitative analysis of perineurial cell basement membrane collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin in diabetic and non-diabetic human sural nerve. J Anat 2002; 201:185-92. [PMID: 12220126 PMCID: PMC1570905 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.2002.00083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The thickness of the perineurial cell basement membrane was examined in diabetic and non-diabetic human sural nerve. A significant increase in thickness was found in the diabetic group. The nature of this thickening was investigated using immunohistochemistry and image analysis in order to semi-quantify three of the major intrinsic components of the perineurial cell basement membrane: collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin. Amounts of all three components were shown to be increased in the diabetic group, but not significantly so. However, significant linear correlations between fascicle size and perineurial collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin were identified in both diabetic and non-diabetic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Hull, UK.
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Abstract
Explosive-contaminated land poses a hazard both to the environment and to human health. Microbial enzymes, either in their native or heterologous hosts, are a powerful and low-cost tool for eliminating this environmental hazard. As many explosives have only been present in the environment for 10 years, and with similar molecules not known in Nature, the origin of enzymes specialized for the breakdown of explosives is of particular interest. Screening of environmental isolates resulted in the discovery of flavoproteins capable of denitrating the explosives pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and glycerol trinitrate. These nitrate ester reductases are related in sequence and structure to Old Yellow Enzyme from Saccharomyces carlsbergenisis. All the members of this family have alpha/beta barrel structures and FMN as a prosthetic group, and reduce various electrophilic substrates. The nitrate ester reductases are, however, unusual in that they display activity towards the highly recalcitrant, aromatic explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, via a reductive pathway resulting in nitrogen liberation. We have embarked on a detailed study of the structure and mechanism of PETN reductase from a strain of Enterobacter cloacae. Work is focused currently on relating structure and function within this growing family of enzymes, with a view to engineering novel enzymes exhibiting useful characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QT, U.K
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Wheeler RB, Sharp JD, Schultz RA, Joslin JM, Williams RE, Mole SE. The gene mutated in variant late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN6) and in nclf mutant mice encodes a novel predicted transmembrane protein. Am J Hum Genet 2002; 70:537-42. [PMID: 11727201 PMCID: PMC384927 DOI: 10.1086/338708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2001] [Accepted: 11/15/2001] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of autosomal recessive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigment in various tissues and by progressive cell death in the brain and retina. The gene for variant late-infantile NCL (vLINCL), CLN6, was previously mapped to chromosome 15q21-23 and is predicted to be orthologous to the genes underlying NCL in nclf mice and in South Hampshire and Merino sheep. The gene underlying this disease has been identified with six different mutations found in affected patients and with a 1-bp insertion in the orthologous Cln6 gene in the nclf mouse. CLN6 encodes a novel 311-amino acid protein with seven predicted transmembrane domains, is conserved across vertebrates and has no homologies with proteins of known function. One vLINCL mutation, affecting a conserved amino acid residue within the predicted third hydrophilic loop of the protein, has been identified, suggesting that this domain may play an important functional role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth B. Wheeler
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, and Department of Pathology and McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Julie D. Sharp
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, and Department of Pathology and McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Roger A. Schultz
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, and Department of Pathology and McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - John M. Joslin
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, and Department of Pathology and McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Ruth E. Williams
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, and Department of Pathology and McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Sara E. Mole
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London, and Department of Pathology and McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
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Fray AE, Dempster S, Williams RE, Cookson MR, Shaw PJ. Glutamine synthetase activity and expression are not affected by the development of motor neuronopathy in the G93A SOD-1/ALS mouse. Brain Res Mol Brain Res 2001; 94:131-6. [PMID: 11597773 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(01)00228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The expression and activity of the enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS) were examined in the G93A/SOD-1 transgenic mouse model of progressive motor neuronopathy to investigate the mechanisms underlying degeneration of the motor neurones. Clinical signs appeared in G93A/SOD-1 mice at around 90 days, with severe spasticity and loss of self-righting reflex from 120 to 150 days of age. GS expression was examined using western blotting in primary astrocyte cultures derived from newborn (P1-2) G93A/SOD-1 mice and their non-transgenic littermates and in lower spinal cord from animals at 30, 60 and 90 days of age and disease end-stage (120-150 days). There were no differences in the levels of GS expression in the transgenic mice compared to the unaffected littermates at any of the disease stages examined. GS activity was measured spectrophotometrically in spinal cord extracts at these disease stages. There was a decrease in V(max) at 60 days compared to 30 days in both groups of mice (3.48+/-0.58 cf. 6.43+/-1.83 mmol/h/mg protein; non-transgenic littermates), with GS activity highest at end-stage (9.38+/-0.71 mmol/h/mg protein cf. 7.64+/-0.42 mmol/h/mg protein in littermates). Conversely, K(m) was transiently increased at 60 days (2.53+/-0.26 mM cf. 1.32+/-0.20 in littermates), remaining within the range of 30 day measurements from 90 days onwards. There were no differences in V(max) or K(m) values between the G93A/SOD-1 mice and their unaffected non-transgenic littermates at any of the disease stages examined. We conclude that there is no evidence that a change in glutamine synthetase activity or expression contributes to the progressive neurodegeneration observed in the G93A/SOD-1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Fray
- Department of Neurology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Eicher SD, Morrow-Tesch JL, Albright JL, Williams RE. Tail-docking alters fly numbers, fly-avoidance behaviors, and cleanliness, but not physiological measures. J Dairy Sci 2001; 84:1822-8. [PMID: 11518306 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(01)74621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tail docking is an animal well-being issue not only regarding the docking procedures but also because of concerns during fly season. To address the latter question, we selected eight cows that had been tail-docked in a previous experiment and eight nondocked cows matched by stage of lactation. Physiological, immunological, and behavioral measures were used to evaluate the well being of those cows housed in a tie-stall barn during fly season for 5 consecutive days. Behavior was observed for 5-min interval instantaneous scan samples for 1 h each at 0800, 1200, and 1600 h. Flies were counted before behavior observations. Blood samples were taken daily for plasma and leukocyte separation. Cows were scored on d 5 for cleanliness on a five-point scale. Docked cows were cleaner, but fly counts of docked cows were greater for total fly counts and rear leg counts. However, counts were not different on front legs. Time of day was significant, so each time of day was analyzed separately. Docked cows were observed to exhibit fewer tail swings at 0800 h, but docked cows tended to ruminate more at that time. Docked cows tended to stand less at the 1200 h observation. Total fly-avoidance behaviors were greater for all cows at the 1600-h observation. Only tail swings tended to be more frequent with docked cows, but foot stomps occurred only in the docked cows. Lymphocyte phenotypes, acute-phase proteins, and immunoglobulin concentrations did not differ. In conclusion, although docked cows were cleaner, as the fly numbers increase throughout the day, fly-avoidance behaviors also increased and foot stomping appeared as an alternative method for fly avoidance by docked cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Eicher
- USDA-ARS, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Realini CE, Williams RE, Pringle TD, Bertrand JK. Gluteus medius and rump fat depths as additional live animal ultrasound measurements for predicting retail product and trimmable fat in beef carcasses. J Anim Sci 2001; 79:1378-85. [PMID: 11424672 DOI: 10.2527/2001.7961378x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the ability of additional ultrasound measures to enhance the prediction accuracy of retail product and trimmable fat yields based on weight and percentage. Thirty-two Hereford-sired steers were ultrasonically measured for 12th-rib fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, rump fat thickness, and gluteus medius depth immediately before slaughter. Chilled carcasses were evaluated for USDA yield grade factors and then fabricated into closely trimmed, boneless subprimals with 0.32 cm s.c. fat. The kilogram weight of end-point product included the weight of trimmed, boneless subprimals plus lean trim weights, chemically adjusted to 20% fat, whereas the fat included the weight of trimmed fat plus the weight of fat in the lean trim. Prediction equations for carcass yield end points were developed using live animal or carcass measurements, and live animal equations were developed including ultrasound ribeye area or using only linear measurements. Multiple regression equations, with and without ultrasound rump fat thickness and gluteus medius depth, had similar R2 values when predicting kilograms of product and percentages of product, suggesting that these alternative variables explained little additional variation. Final unshrunk weight and ultrasound 12th-rib fat thickness explained most of the variation when predicting kilograms of fat. Rump fat and gluteus medius depth accounted for an additional 10% of the variation in kilograms of fat, compared with the equation containing final weight, ultrasound ribeye area, and ultrasound 12th-rib fat thickness; however, the two equations were not significantly different. Prediction equations for the cutability end points had similar R2 values whether live animal ultrasound measurements or actual carcass measurements were used. However, when ultrasound ribeye area was excluded from live animal predictions, lower R2 values were obtained for kilograms of product (0.81 vs 0.67) and percentages of product (0.41 vs 0.17). Conversely, the exclusion of ultrasound ribeye area had little effect on the prediction accuracy for kilograms of fat (0.75 vs 0.74) and percentage fat (0.50 vs 0.40). These data substantiate the ability of live animal ultrasound measures to accurately assess beef carcass composition and suggest that the alternative ultrasound measures, rump fat and gluteus medius depth, improve the accuracy of predicting fat-based carcass yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Realini
- Animal and Dairy Science Department, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-2771, USA
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Williams RE, Cookson MR, Fray AE, Manning PM, Menzies FM, Figlewicz DA, Shaw PJ. Cultured glial cells are resistant to the effects of motor neurone disease-associated SOD1 mutations. Neurosci Lett 2001; 302:146-50. [PMID: 11290408 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(01)01686-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Free radical damage has been implicated in the pathophysiology of motor neurone disease (MND); mutations have been identified in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). There is evidence that glial cell dysfunction may contribute to motor neurone injury, but the exact role of glial cells in MND has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of mutant SOD1 affects the response of glia to oxidative stress. Stable C6 glioma cells expressing mutant SOD1 and cortical astrocyte cultures from G93A-SOD1 transgenic mice were exposed to: xanthine/xanthine oxidase; hydrogen peroxide; A23187 and 3-morpholinosydonimine. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Neither C6 glioma cells nor cortical astrocytes expressing mutant SOD1 were more susceptible to any of the free radical generating systems compared to control cells. These results suggest that astrocytes are resistant to the toxic effects of mutant SOD1 widely reported for neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Department of Neurology, The Medical School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Hofmann M, Fox MA, Greatrex R, Schleyer PR, Williams RE. Empirical and ab initio energy/architectural patterns for 73 nido-6<V>-carborane isomers, from B(6)H(9)(-) to C(4)B(2)H(6). Inorg Chem 2001; 40:1790-801. [PMID: 11312733 DOI: 10.1021/ic000844j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Qualitative rules governing carbon and bridge-hydrogen placement permit the prediction of the most stable isomeric structures for the various carboranes. Seventy-three isomeric boron hydride and carborane structures, from B(6)H(9)(-) to C(4)B(2)H(6), were computed at the ab initio MP2(fc)/6-31G level to determine their relative stabilities quantitatively. Specific architectural features, recognized to be unfavorable, were assigned "energy penalty" values that allow the projection of comprehensive thermodynamic stability values via a simple additivity procedure. These values match the ab initio results with surprising precision. Our study includes Siebert's nido-2,3,5-C(3)B(3)H(7) and Wrackmeyer's nido-2,4-C(2)B(4)H(8) nido-6<V> carboranes, which contain "unusual" CH-B-bridge hydrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hofmann
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089-1661, USA
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Abstract
L-2-Chloropropionic acid is selectively toxic to the cerebellum in rats; the granule cell necrosis observed within 48 h can be prevented by prior administration of MK-801. Short-term treatment (2 h) with L-2-chloropropionic acid has also been shown to activate the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in fasted adult rats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prior exposure to MK-801 on the biochemical and neurotoxicological effects of L-2-chloropropionic acid. Extracts were prepared from the forebrain and cerebellum of animals that had been treated with L-2-chloropropionic acid, with and without prior treatment with MK-801, and were analysed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and amino acid analysis. Glucose metabolism was studied by monitoring the metabolism of [1-(13)C]-glucose using GC/MS. L-2-Chloropropionic acid caused increased glucose metabolism in both brain regions 6 h after administration, confirming activation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which was not prevented by MK-801. After 48 h an increase in lactate and a decrease in N-acetylaspartate was observed only in the cerebellum, whereas phosphocreatine and ATP decreased in both tissues. MK-801 prevented the changes in lactate and N:-acetylaspartate, but not those on the energy state. These studies suggest that L-2-chloropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity is only partly mediated by the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Zeneca Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK.
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Williams RE, Prior M, Bachelard HS, Waterton JC, Checkley D, Lock EA. MRI studies of the neurotoxic effects of l -2-chloropropionic acid on rat brain. Magn Reson Imaging 2001; 19:133-42. [PMID: 11358650 DOI: 10.1016/s0730-725x(01)00231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
L-2-Chloropropionic acid (L-CPA) is selectively toxic to rat cerebellar granule cells; necrosis is first observed about 36 hours after administration of L-CPA (750 mg/kg p.o.) becoming more marked by 48 h. Parallel to the onset of cell death an increase in cerebellar water content and sodium concentration has been reported suggesting an oedematous reaction. In this study T(2)-weighted (T(2)WI) and diffusion weighted (DWI) imaging were used to detect the development of neuronal damage in the cerebellum of rats as a result of exposure to L-CPA. T(2)WI and DWI were not able to detect cerebellar abnormalities at 37 h post-dosing except for a slight swelling of the cerebellum. However, at 48 h post-dosing when cerebellar swelling and granule cell necrosis were marked, T(2)WI and DWI hyperintensities were observed in the cerebellum. Therefore, under the conditions of this study, MRI was not able to detect abnormalities in the cerebellum prior to the onset of the clinical signs of neurotoxicity or at the time of early histological changes. T(2)WI also suggested a marked increase in the amount of fluid in the ventricular system of rats 37 and 48 h after dosing; fluid accumulation was observed in all animals studied whether or not necrosis was detected. The occurrence of T(2)WI hyperintensity in the forebrain lead us to discover a new lesion in the habenular nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Williams
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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Mitchell WA, Wheeler RB, Sharp JD, Bate SL, Gardiner RM, Ranta US, Lonka L, Williams RE, Lehesjoki AE, Mole SE. Turkish variant late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN7) may be allelic to CLN8. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2001; 5 Suppl A:21-7. [PMID: 11589000 DOI: 10.1053/ejpn.2000.0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
One variant form of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) is found predominantly within the Turkish population (CLN7). Exclusion mapping showed that CLN7 was not an allelic variant of known NCL loci (CLN1, CLN2, CLN3, CLN5 or CLN6). Using the method of homozygosity mapping, a genome-wide search was undertaken and a total of 358 microsatellite markers were typed at an average distance of about 10 cM. A region of shared homozygosity was identified on chromosome 8p23. This telomeric region contained the recently identified CLN8 gene. A missense mutation in CLN8 causes progressive epilepsy with mental retardation (EPMR) or Northern epilepsy, which has so far been reported only from Finland and is now classified as an NCL. The mouse model mnd has been shown to carry a 1 bp insertion in the orthologous Cln8 gene. Statistically significant evidence for linkage was obtained in this region, with LOD scores > 3, assuming either homogeneity or heterogeneity. Flanking recombinants defined a critical region of 14 cM between D8S504 and D8S1458 which encompasses CLN8. This suggests that Turkish variant LINCL, despite having an earlier onset and more severe phenotype, may be an allelic variant of Northern epilepsy. However mutation analysis has not so far identified a disease causing mutation within the coding or non-coding exons of CLN8 in the families. The Turkish variant LINCL disease-causing mutation remains to be delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Mitchell
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College London, UK
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Sharp JD, Wheeler RB, Schultz RA, Joslin JM, Mole SE, Williams RE, Gardiner RM. Analysis of candidate genes in the CLN6 critical region using in silico cloning. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2001; 5 Suppl A:29-31. [PMID: 11589002 DOI: 10.1053/ejpn.2000.0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
CLN6, the gene for variant late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, was mapped to a 4 cM region on chromosome 15q22-23. Subsequently the critical region was narrowed to less than 1 cM between microsatellite markers D15S988 and D15S1000 by additional marker typing in an expanded family resource. A physical map was constructed across this region using YAC and PAC clones and sequence was generated from two PAC clones. This sequence was analysed together with overlapping sequence generated by the Human Genome Project to identify genes within the region using an in silico cloning approach. In all, 29 genes have been identified and 18 have been analysed for mutations by direct sequencing. This powerful new approach will lead to the identification of CLN6.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Sharp
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rayne Institute, University Street, London WC1E 6JJ, UK. or
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Ingham RE, Hamm PB, Williams RE, Swanson WH. Control of Meloidogyne chitwoodi in Potato with Fumigant and Nonfumigant Nematicides. J Nematol 2000; 32:556-565. [PMID: 19271010 PMCID: PMC2620491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During 1993-94, several fumigant and nonfumigant nematicides were tested alone and in combination at various rates for control of Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi) in potato. Ethoprop, oxamyl, or metam sodium alone did not adequately reduce tuber infection. Metam sodium plus ethoprop reduced culled tubers to 3%, and metam sodium plus 2 or 3 foliar applications of oxamyl reduced culls to </=10% in all but one instance. Fosthiazate provided excellent control of tuber infection with or without metam sodium. Rates of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) below 234 liters/ha did not always adequately control tuber damage, but 140 liters/ha of 1,3-D plus ethoprop reduced the percentage of culled tubers to zero. 1,3-Dichloropropene plus chloropicrin did not provide better control than 1,3-D alone. Combinations of 1,3-D at 94 liters/ha or greater plus metam sodium at 374 liters/ha or greater consistently provided excellent control of tuber damage by M. chitwoodi and would be the treatment of choice where soilborne fungal pathogens are also present.
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Abstract
A prospective study of 7079 people aged 45-74 recruited through general practices in South Wales, Herefordshire and Edinburgh, Scotland was undertaken to test the hypothesis that faecal bile acids are implicated in the causation of large bowel cancer. The population was recruited between 1974 and 1980 and the response rate for stool collection was 67%. Bile acid analyses were performed on those cases that presented by 1990. It was decided in advance to examine the hypothesis separately for left- and right-sided bowel cancer because of known epidemiological differences between the two sites and to exclude the cases presenting within 2 years of the stool sample from the analyses because the cancer could have been present at recruitment and might have possibly affected faecal bile acid concentrations. Each case (n = 51 left-sided and 8 right-sided) was matched with three controls by age (within 5 years), sex, place of residence and time of providing the stool sample (within 3 months). Statistical analyses using conditional logistic regression showed no significant differences between the left-sided cases and controls for any of the concentrations of individual bile acids, total bile acid concentrations, faecal neutral steroids, percentage bacterial conversion and the ratio of lithocholic acid to deoxycholic acid concentrations. There was a statistically significant (P = 0.021) association of the presence of chenodeoxycholic acid (5/8 samples) in the right-sided cases compared with the controls (3/23), odds ratio 6.26 (95% confidence interval 1.19, 32.84). A high proportion of primary bile acids has also been found in other studies of patients with a genetic predisposition to proximal bowel cancer, however this pattern may also occur in low risk groups, such as Indian vegetarians, suggesting that they may predispose to right-sided bowel cancer only in the presence of other, as yet unknown factors. If bile acids are involved in the causation of large bowel cancer, they may be part of a complex set of interacting factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Haines
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK.
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Holt PJ, Williams RE, Jordan KN, Lowe CR, Bruce NC. Cloning, sequencing and expression in Escherichia coli of the primary alcohol dehydrogenase gene from Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus JW200. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2000; 190:57-62. [PMID: 10981690 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2000.tb09262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural gene, adhA, for a thermostable primary alcohol dehydrogenase was cloned from Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus JW200. Constitutive expression from its own promoter was observed in Escherichia coli. The nucleotide sequence of adhA corresponded to an open reading frame of 1197 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 399 amino acids with a calculated Mr of 43 192. Amino acid sequence analysis showed 67-69% identity with alcohol dehydrogenases from two archaeal species and 29-37% identity with bacterial type III alcohol dehydrogenases. This represents the first reported cloning of an alcohol dehydrogenase from a bacterial species that is both thermostable and active against primary long-chain alcohols.
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MESH Headings
- Alcohol Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Alcohol Dehydrogenase/isolation & purification
- Alcohol Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Bacteria, Anaerobic/enzymology
- Bacteria, Anaerobic/genetics
- Bacteria, Anaerobic/growth & development
- Base Sequence
- Cloning, Molecular
- Coculture Techniques
- Enzyme Stability
- Escherichia coli/enzymology
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Genes, Bacterial
- Gram-Positive Asporogenous Rods, Irregular/enzymology
- Gram-Positive Asporogenous Rods, Irregular/genetics
- Gram-Positive Asporogenous Rods, Irregular/growth & development
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Holt
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, UK
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