Comparative genomics reveals functional transcriptional control sequences in the Prop1 gene

Mutations in PROP1 are a common genetic cause of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD). We used a comparative genomics approach to predict the transcriptional regulatory domains of Prop1 and tested them in cell culture and mice. A BAC transgene containing Prop1 completely rescues the Prop1 mutant phenotype, demonstrating that the regulatory elements necessary for proper PROP1 transcription are contained within the BAC. We generated DNA sequences from the PROP1 genes in lemur, pig, and five different primate species. Comparison of these with available human and mouse PROP1 sequences identified three putative regulatory sequences that are highly conserved. These are located in the PROP1 promoter proximal region, within the first intron of PROP1, and downstream of PROP1. Each of the conserved elements elicited orientation-specific enhancer activity in the context of the Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter in both heterologous and pituitary-derived cells lines. The intronic element is sufficient to confer dorsal expansion of the pituitary expression domain of a transgene, suggesting that this element is important for the normal spatial expression of endogenous Prop1 during pituitary development. This study illustrates the usefulness of a comparative genomics approach in the identification of regulatory elements that may be the site of mutations responsible for some cases of MPHD

Congenital hypothyroidism

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) occurs in approximately 1:2,000 to 1:4,000 newborns. The clinical manifestations are often subtle or not present at birth. This likely is due to trans-placental passage of some maternal thyroid hormone, while many infants have some thyroid production of their own. Common symptoms include decreased activity and increased sleep, feeding difficulty, constipation, and prolonged jaundice. On examination, common signs include myxedematous facies, large fontanels, macroglossia, a distended abdomen with umbilical hernia, and hypotonia. CH is classified into permanent and transient forms, which in turn can be divided into primary, secondary, or peripheral etiologies. Thyroid dysgenesis accounts for 85% of permanent, primary CH, while inborn errors of thyroid hormone biosynthesis (dyshormonogeneses) account for 10-15% of cases. Secondary or central CH may occur with isolated TSH deficiency, but more commonly it is associated with congenital hypopitiutarism. Transient CH most commonly occurs in preterm infants born in areas of endemic iodine deficiency. In countries with newborn screening programs in place, infants with CH are diagnosed after detection by screening tests. The diagnosis should be confirmed by finding an elevated serum TSH and low T4 or free T4 level. Other diagnostic tests, such as thyroid radionuclide uptake and scan, thyroid sonography, or serum thyroglobulin determination may help pinpoint the underlying etiology, although treatment may be started without these tests. Levothyroxine is the treatment of choice; the recommended starting dose is 10 to 15 mcg/kg/day. The immediate goals of treatment are to rapidly raise the serum T4 above 130 nmol/L (10 ug/dL) and normalize serum TSH levels. Frequent laboratory monitoring in infancy is essential to ensure optimal neurocognitive outcome. Serum TSH and free T4 should be measured every 1-2 months in the first 6 months of life and every 3-4 months thereafter. In general, the prognosis of infants detected by screening and started on treatment early is excellent, with IQs similar to sibling or classmate controls. Studies show that a lower neurocognitive outcome may occur in those infants started at a later age (> 30 days of age), on lower l-thyroxine doses than currently recommended, and in those infants with more severe hypothyroidism

The use of ultrafiltration for the separation and fractionation of organic ligands in fresh waters

The effects of various experimental conditions on the results obtained by using membrane filtration for the separation and fractionation of organic matter in fresh waters (mainly fulvic and humic substances) are described. The technique used (washing or concentration) and the initial concentration of the organic matter to be filtered are the most critical factors. The technique is used for the fractionation of eight water samples, one sample of peat interstitial water, five water extracts of soil and four water samples obtained by decomposition of leaves. The results are compared. A comparison is also made with results cited in the literature.</p

Analysis and characterization of natural organic matters in freshwaters. I, Study of analytical techniques

Several analytical techniques have been studied for the analysis and characterization of humic and fulvic compounds of freshwaters. DOC analysis, thermogravimetry, UV absorbance, fluorescence, cascade ultrafiltration, freezing concentration techniques are particularly discussed. The effects of several important factors, e.g. nature and concentration of organic matters, pH, and concentrations of several important factors, e.g. nature and concentration of organic matters, pH, and concentrations of inorganic constituents (particularly Fe(III), Si(IV), Ca(II), HCO −3 ) on the analytical results, were studied. Determination of A/DOC, F/DOC and fractionation by cascade ultrafiltration were found to be useful means to characterize the nature of organic matter. But it must be noted that the results of these techniques can be strongly affected by the concentration of fulvic compounds. Adsorption on freshly precipitated CaCO3 could be one of the important processes of elimination of organic matter.</p

Study of the complex formation of copper(II) by humic and fulvic substances

A study of the complexation of copper(II) by fulvic substances, based on ion-selective electrode measurements, is reported. The influences of the copper concentration (10-6 –1O-4 M), fulvic acid concentration (2–100 mg 1-1), pH (3–8) and calcium concentration (10-4–5 × 1O-3 M) are given particular attention. The effects of statistical errors on the measurement of the values of the complex-formation parameters are considered. These parameters are measured for various surface-water samples, aqueous soil extracts, peat water and solutions of organic matter formed by in vitro decomposition of leaves. In general, these parameters vary little with actual source for a particular type of water.</p

New autosomal recessive mutation of the TSH-beta subunit gene causing central isolated hypothyroidism

We identified a new nonsense mutation of the TSH-beta subunit gene responsible for a severe isolated TSH deficiency in two children from the same consanguineous kindred. These affected children are homozygous for a C-to-T transition at nucleotide 654 of the TSH-beta subunit gene, leading to the conversion of a glutamine (CAG) to a premature stop codon (TAG) in the codon 49 (Q49X). The resulting nascent peptide does not contain the seat belt region (amino acid residues 88-105), a TSH-beta subunit region crucial for the dimerization with the alpha -subunit, and, hence, the correct secretion of the mature TSH heterodimer is hampered. Free T(3), free T(4) as well as basal TSH levels were extremely low in both affected individuals and, importantly, TRH stimulations failed to increase serum TSH, but not PRL, confirming isolated TSH deficiency. Using the new StyI endonuclease restriction site generated by the mutation, we confirmed that the affected children were homozygous for the Q49X TSH-beta mutation whereas their unaffected parents as well as their unaffected brother were heterozygous. Consequently, this isolated TSH deficiency follows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance

Phenotypic variability in familial combined pituitary hormone deficiency caused by a PROP1 gene mutation resulting in the substitution of Arg-->Cys at codon 120 (R120C).

As pituitary function depends on the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, any defect in the development and organogenesis of this gland may account for a form of combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). A mutation in a novel, tissue-specific, paired-like homeodomain transcription factor, termed Prophet of Pit-1 (PROP1), has been identified as causing the Ames dwarf (df) mouse phenotype, and thereafter, different PROP1 gene alterations have been found in humans with CPHD. We report on the follow-up of two consanguineous families (n = 12), with five subjects affected with CPHD (three males and two females) caused by the same nucleotide C to T transition, resulting in the substitution of Arg-->Cys in PROP1 at codon 120. Importantly, there is a variability of phenotype, even among patients with the same mutation. The age at diagnosis was dependent on the severity of symptoms, ranging from 9 months to 8 yr. Although in one patient TSH deficiency was the first symptom of the disorder, all patients became symptomatic by exhibiting severe growth retardation and failure to thrive, which was mainly caused by GH deficiency (n = 4). The secretion of the pituitary-derived hormones (GH, PRL, TSH, LH, and FSH) declined gradually with age, following a different pattern in each individual; therefore, the deficiencies developed over a variable period of time. All of the subjects entered puberty spontaneously, and the two females also experienced menarche and periods before a replacement therapy was necessary