"Of Mice and Measures": A Project to Improve How We Advance Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Therapies to the Clinic

A new line of dystrophic mdx mice on the DBA/2J (D2) background has emerged as a candidate to study the efficacy of therapeutic approaches for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). These mice harbor genetic polymorphisms that appear to increase the severity of the dystropathology, with disease modifiers that also occur in DMD patients, making them attractive for efficacy studies and drug development. This workshop aimed at collecting and consolidating available data on the pathological features and the natural history of these new D2/mdx mice, for comparison with classic mdx mice and controls, and to identify gaps in information and their potential value. The overall aim is to establish guidance on how to best use the D2/mdx mouse model in preclinical studies

The Relationship between GABRA 2 and Illicit Substance Use

Spit for Science: the VCU Student Survey aims to understand how genetic and environmental factors come together to influence substance use and emotional health. Previous studies in the literature have shown a relationship between variation in GABRA2 and substance use. It is of great interest to find out whether or not variations in the GABRA2 gene are associated with illicit drug use in this sample. It is hypothesized that polymorphisms in GABRA2 will have an association with increased use of illicit substances. In the fall of 2011, incoming VCU freshman had a chance to take the Spit for Science survey and provide a saliva sample. Survey responses regarding substance used were combined into a sum score based on how many categories of illicit drugs the student reported trying at least once. We will specifically look at nine single nucleotide polymorphisms in GABRA2. Linear regression will be used to determine an outcome. Other environment conditions such as peer deviance may also be potential moderation variables and will also be examined Results from this study can greatly help people in rehabilitation facilities and help them overcome addiction.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1078/thumbnail.jp

The genomes and history of domestic animals

This paper reviews how mammalian genomes are utilized in modern genetics for the detection of genes and polymorphisms (mutations) within domesticated animal (mostly livestock) genomes that are related to traits of economic importance to humans. Examples are given of how genetic analysis allows to determine key genes associated with the quality and quantity of milk in cattle and key genes for meat production. Various questions are reviewed, such as how contemporary methods of genome sequencing allow to maximise the effective detection of coding and regulatory DNA polymorphisms within the genomes of major domesticated mammals (cattle, sheep and pigs) and the history of their formation from the standpoint of genetics

<i>Trypanosoma evansi</i>: Genetic variability detected using amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of Kenyan isolates

We compared two methods to generate polymorphic markers to investigate the population genetics of Trypanosoma evansi; random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses. AFLP accessed many more polymorphisms than RAPD. Cluster analysis of the AFLP data showed that 12 T.evansi isolates were very similar (‘type A’) whereas 2 isolates differed substantially (‘type B’). Type A isolates have been generally regarded as genetically identical but AFLP analysis was able to identify multiple differences between them and split the type A T. evansi isolates into two distinct clades

Examination of the Monoamine Oxidase a Gene Promoter on Motivation to Exercise and Levels of Voluntary Physical Activity

Purpose: Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that causes inactivation of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MAO-A gene can change transcriptional activity and the amount of MAO-A produced, leading to alterations in available dopamine levels. MAO-A polymorphisms have been associated with physical activity level. This study examined whether motivation to exercise, and levels of voluntary physical activity are associated with MAO-A gene polymorphisms. Methods: Seventy-one participants (18-24 years, 13 males & 58 females) completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionaire-2 (BREQ-2) to assess their motivation to exercise and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess their level of physical activity. DNA was isolated from a cheek cell sample. MAO-A 3/3 and 4/4 genotype individuals were used for analysis. Results: External motivation to exercise was significantly higher (p \u3c 0.01) in the high transcription 4/4 genotype (ave 1.17 ± 0.7) compared to the low transcription 3/3 genotype (ave 0.42 ± 0.5). Internal motivation to exercise, body mass index, and weekly MET minutes were comparable between genotypes. Conclusion: The results suggest a polymorphism in this monoamine pathway may play a role in increasing sensitivity to external factors that motivate individuals to exercise