D Genes (d + gene)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Terms modified by D Genes

  • d gene polymorphism

  • Selected Abstracts


    Enhancement of protective humoral immune responses against Herpes simplex virus-2 in DNA-immunized guinea-pigs using protein boosting

    FEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    Fatemeh Fotouhi
    Abstract Genital Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that is caused mostly by Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Its prevalence has increased in developing countries in spite of the availability of valuable antiviral drug therapy. Considering the importance of HSV-2 infections, effective vaccines remain the most likely hope for controlling the spread of HSV diseases. In the present study, the complete HSV-2 glycoprotein D gene was isolated and cloned into different plasmid vectors to construct a DNA vaccine and prepare recombinant subunit vaccines using a baculovirus expression system. The vaccines were tested alone or in combination to evaluate their ability to induce protective immunity in guinea-pigs against genital HSV infections. Immunization elicited humoral responses as measured by neutralization tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunized animals had less severe genital skin disease as well as reduced replication of the challenging virus in the genital tract during experimental infection. Our results further demonstrate that DNA priming-protein boosting induced a neutralizing antibody titer higher than that obtained with DNA,DNA vaccination. The massive increase of antibody titer following DNA priming-protein boosting might be attributed to a recall of B cell memory. [source]


    Prenatal RHD gene determination and dosage analysis by PCR: clinical evaluation

    PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 4 2001
    F.-Y. Chan
    Abstract Background , Use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of the RHD gene can measure the RHD gene status for unborn babies at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The occurrence of D gene variants has led to errors in prenatal typing. Previous reports have highlighted the danger of assigning a positive fetus as negative, resulting in intrauterine fetal deaths. Objective , To evaluate the effectiveness of a testing strategy whereby PCR was not only performed to determine the presence/absence of the RHD gene, but also used to assess the D gene copy number (zero, one or two RHD genes) in family studies for at risk pregnancies. Methods , Samples comprising maternal (57) and paternal (42) peripheral blood samples, amniotic fluid (64), and matching cord blood (64) were collected. Rhesus (Rh) serotyping was performed on all blood samples. For RHD genotyping, DNA was extracted from all samples except for 28 cord samples, where only serotyping was performed (total 199 DNA genotyping). RHD gene PCR amplified exon 4 and exon 7 regions of the RHD gene. The dosage of RHD gene was determined by comparing the intensity of the RHD gene to that of the RHCE gene. Results , A total of 197/199 samples showed concordance between exon 4 and exon 7 PCR results. Two discrepant results occurred in one family: the father carried one normal D gene and one D gene variant where PCR was tested to be positive using exon 4 but negative using exon 7. One of a pair of dizygotic twins inherited this abnormal D gene and was mildly affected by HDN. This was correctly identified antenatally and the pregnancy successfully managed. The concordance rate between serotypes and genotypes for 135 blood samples was 100%. Amongst the family groups, 8/14 heterozygous fathers transmitted the D gene and 26/26 homozygous fathers transmitted the D gene to the babies. The concordance rate between RHD genotypes from amniotic fluid and Rh D serotypes from cord blood was also 100%. Conclusion , The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of using PCR in a clinical setting. It verifies the importance of testing more than one region of the gene, and also the need for a testing strategy where both maternal and paternal testing for RHD gene dosages are performed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Genes involved in the determination of the rate of inversions at short inverted repeats

    GENES TO CELLS, Issue 6 2000
    Malgorzata M. Slupska
    Background Not all of the enzymatic pathways involved in genetic rearrangements have been elucidated. While some rearrangements occur by recombination at areas of high homology, others are mediated by short, often interrupted homologies. We have previously constructed an Escherichia coli strain that allows us to examine inversions at microhomologies, and have shown that inversions can occur at short inverted repeats in a recB,C -dependent fashion. Results Here, we report on the use of this strain to define genetic loci involved in limiting rearrangements on an F, plasmid carrying the lac genes. Employing mini-Tn10 derivatives to generate insertions near or into genes of interest, we detected three loci (rmuA,B,C) that, when mutated, increase inversions. We have mapped, cloned and sequenced these mutator loci. In one case, inactivation of the sbcC gene leads to an increase in rearrangements, and in another, insertions near the recE gene lead to an even larger increase. The third gene involved in limiting inversions, rmuC, has been mapped at 86 min on the E. coli chromosome and encodes a protein of unknown function with a limited homology to myosins, and some of the SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) proteins. Conclusions This work presents the first example of an anti-mutator role of the sbcC,D genes, and defines a new gene (rmuC) involved in DNA recombination. [source]


    Relevance of Ras gene mutations in the context of the molecular heterogeneity of multiple myeloma

    HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
    Daniela Intini
    Abstract Ras gene mutations are a recurrent genetic lesion in multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we report a mutation analysis of N- and K- Ras genes in purified plasma cell populations from a panel of 81 newly diagnosed MM patients stratified according to the most frequent genetic and molecular features associated with the neoplasia. Ras gene mutations, mostly involving the N- Ras gene, were detected in 20% of the patients. Ras mutations did not correlate with the presence of chromosome 13q deletion, trisomy of chromosome 11, 1q amplification or hyperdiploidy. In addition, despite an appreciable association with tumours overexpressing Cyclin D1, Ras mutations did not correlate at significant levels with any of the proposed groups in the TC classification, based on the presence of the major IgH chromosomal translocations and expression of Cyclin D genes. Finally, transcription analyses revealed the presence of differentially expressed transcripts in human multiple myeloma cell lines carrying the Ras gene mutations but not in primary tumours. Overall, these data suggest that Ras gene mutations are not likely to represent a master lesion in MM but its relevance needs to be considered in the context of other genetic abnormalities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Assessment of resistance to colicinogenic Escherichia coli by E. coli O157:H7 strains

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
    G. P. Schamberger
    Abstract Aims:, To assess a collection of 96 Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains for their resistance potential against a set of colicinogenic E. coli developed as a probiotic for use in cattle. Methods and Results:,Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains were screened for colicin production, types of colicins produced, presence of colicin resistance and potential for resistance development. Thirteen of 14 previously characterized colicinogenic E. coli strains were able to inhibit 74 serotype O157:H7 strains. Thirteen E. coli O157:H7 strains were found to be colicinogenic and 11 had colicin D genes. PCR products for colicins B, E-type, Ia/Ib and M were also detected. During in vitro experiments, the ability to develop colicin resistance against single-colicin producing E. coli strains was observed, but rarely against multiple-colicinogenic strains. The ability of serotype O157:H7 strains to acquire colicin plasmids or resistance was not observed during a cattle experiment. Conclusions:,Escherichia coli O157:H7 has the potential to develop single-colicin resistance, but simultaneous resistance against multiple colicins appears to be unlikely. Colicin D is the predominant colicin produced by colicinogenic E. coli O157:H7 strains. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The potential for resistance development against colicin-based strategies for E. coli O157:H7 control may be very limited if more than one colicin type is used. [source]


    Detection by PCR of adhesins genes and slime production in clinical Staphylococcus aureus

    JOURNAL OF BASIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
    Tarek Zmantar
    Abstract The presence of the ica loci and adhesins genes in clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains were considered important factors of virulence. In this study, 46 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from auricular infection, and were investigated for slime production using Congo Red Agar method (CRA). In order to detect the adhesins genes (ica A, ica D, fnb A, cna, Clf A) Polymerase Chain Reaction was used. Qualitative biofilm production of S. aureus using CRA plates revealed that 56.5% of strains were slime producers. In addition 78.26% of strains were ica A and ica D positive. While the fnbA gene was present in 76.1% of isolated strains. Furthermore, 56.5% of strains have the cna gene and 30.4% were clfA positives. Overall this study confirms the presence of fnb A and ica A/ica D genes in the majority of studies S. aureus strains isolated from Staphylococcal sepsis. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]