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Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) is a heterogeneous disease usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Therefore, early detection is crucial for better survival. Despite the advances in ovarian research, mechanisms underlying EOC carcinogenesis are not elucidated. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing to identify genes regulated by E2F5, a transcription factor involved in ovarian carcinogenesis. Results revealed several putative candidate genes (115 protein-coding genes, 20 lncRNAs, 6 pseudogenes, and 4 miRNAs). A literature review and bioinformatics analysis of these genes revealed a novel lncRNA candidate (LINC01465) in EOC. We validated LINC01465 by quantifying its expression in EOC cell lines and selected OVSAHO and SKOV3 as a model with high LINC01465 levels. We silenced LINC01465 and performed proliferation, wound healing, invasion, and drug resistance assays. Knocking-down LINC01465 resulted in reduced migration, suggesting potential involvement in EOC. Furthermore, to identify the significance of LINC01465 in chemoresistance, we assessed the LINC01465 levels in A2780 S cells treated with malformin, which revealed higher LINC01465 expression as compared to untreated A2780S cells implying the involvement of LINC01465 in cell death. Thus, this study unraveled the repertoire of E2F5 regulated candidate genes and suggested a putative role of LINC01465 in malformin-induced cell death in EOC.

Mucolipidosis Type IV (MLIV) is caused by a deficiency of the mucolipin cation channel encoded by Mucolipin TRP Cation Channel 1 gene (

Malaria control program in the Arabian Peninsula, backed by adequate logistical support, has interrupted transmission with exception of limited sites in Saudi Arabia and sporadic outbreaks in Oman. However, sustained influx of imported malaria represents a direct threat to the above success. Here we examined the extent of genetic diversity among imported P. vivax in Qatar, and its ability to produce gametocytes, compared to parasites in main sites of imported cases, the Indian subcontinent (india) and East Africa (Sudan and Ethiopia). High diversity was seen among imported P. vivax in Qatar, comparable to parasites in the Indian subcontinent and East Africa. Limited genetic differentiation was seen among imported P. vivax, which overlapped with parasites in India, but differentiated from that in Sudan and Ethiopia. Parasite density among imported cases, ranged widely between 26.25–7985934.1 Pv18S rRNA copies/µl blood, with a high prevalence of infections carried gametocytes detectable by qRT-PCR. Parasitaemia was a stronger predictor for P. vivax gametocytes density (r = 0.211, P = 0.04). The extensive diversity of imported P. vivax and its ability to produce gametocytes represent a major threat for re-introduction of malaria in Qatar. The genetic relatedness between P. vivax reported in Qatar and those in India suggest that elimination strategy should target flow and dispersal of imported malaria into the region.

Background In the Arabian Peninsula malaria control is progressing steadily, backed by adequate logistic and political support. As a result, transmission has been interrupted throughout the region, with exception of limited sites in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Here we examined Plasmodium falciparum parasites in these sites to assess if the above success has limited diversity and gene flow. Methods We examined 108 P. falciparum isolates in three sites in Yemen (Taiz, Dhamar and Hodeidah) and 91 isolates from Saudi Arabia (Jazan). Nine microsatellites were analyzed for allelic diversity, multi-locus haplotype and inter-population differentiation. Results Diversity at each locus (unbiased heterozygosity [H]) was relatively lower in Yemen; (Hodeidah, H = 0.615, Taiz, H = 0.66, Dhamar, H = 0.481), compared to Saudi Arabia (Jazan, H = 0.76). Microsatellites were distributed widely and private alleles, detected in a single population, were rare. Pairwise comparisons revealed that parasites population in Dhamar was relatively distanced (FST = 0.19). However, Taiz (Yemen) (FST = 0.065) and Hodeidah (FST = 0.107) populations were closer to that in Jazan (Saudi Arabia). Nonetheless, parasites in the four sites can be considered as one population. Conclusion Although malaria risk in Saudi Arabia has been cut considerably, the extent of diversity and parasite genetic structure are indicative of a large population size. Elimination strategy should target demographic factors that favor parasite dispersal and flow of imported malaria.

Over the past decade, Sudan has stepped up malaria control backed by WHO, and this has resulted in significant reduction in parasite rate, malaria morbidity and mortality. The present study analyzed Plasmodium falciparum parasites in four geographical separated areas, to examine whether the success in malaria control following the use of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has disrupted the population structure and evolution of the parasite. We examined 319 P. falciparum isolates collected between October 2009 and October 2012 in four different areas in Sudan (Jazira [central Sudan], Southern Darfur [western Sudan], Upper Nile [southern Sudan] and Kasala [eastern Sudan]). Twelve microsatellites were analyzed for allelic diversity, multi-locus haplotype and inter-population differentiation. Level of diversity was compared to that detected for three of the above microsatellites among P. falciparum parasites in central and eastern Sudan in 1999, prior to introduction of ACT. Diversity at each locus (unbiased heterozygosity [ H ]) was high in all areas (Jazira, H = 0.67), (Southern Darfur, H = 0.71), (Upper Nile, H = 0.71), and (Kasala, H = 0.63). Microsatellites were distributed widely and private alleles, detected in a single population, were rare. The extent of diversity in the above sites was similar to that seen, in 1999, in central (Khartoum, H = 0.73) and eastern Sudan (Gedaref, H = 0.75). Significant Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed between the microsatellites in all populations. Pairwise F ST analysis revealed that parasites in the four areas could be considered as one population. However, the parasites in Sudan clustered away from parasites in West Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite marked reduction in malaria risk in Sudan, the extent of diversity and parasite genetic structure are indicative of a large population size. Further considerable reduction in transmission would be needed before fragmented sub-population can be seen. In addition, the large divergence of P. falciparum in Sudan from West Africa and Arabian Peninsula populations may result from differential evolutionary pressures acting at the population level, which shall be considered in eradication plans.

BackgroundDespite evident success of malaria control in many sites in the Arabian Peninsula, malaria remains endemic in a few spots, in Yemen and south-west of Saudi Arabia. In addition to local transmission, imported malaria sustains an extra source of parasites that can challenge the strengths of local control strategies. This study examined the genetic diversity ofPlasmodium falciparumin Yemen and mutations of drug resistant genes, to elucidate parasite structure and distribution of drug resistance genotypes in the region.MethodsFive polymorphic loci (MSP-2,Pfg377and three microsatellites on chromosome 8) not involved in anti-malarial drug resistance, and four drug resistant genes (pfcrt,pfmdr1,dhfranddhps) were genotyped in 108P.falciparumisolates collected in three sites in Yemen: Dhamar, Hodeidah and Taiz.ResultsHigh diversity was seen in non-drug genes,pfg377(He = 0.66),msp-2(He = 0.80) and three microsatellites on chr 8, 7.7 kb (He = 0.88), 4.3 kb (He = 0.77) and 0.8 kb (He = 0.71). There was a high level of mixed-genotype infections (57%), with an average 1.8 genotypes per patient. No linkage disequilibrium was seen between drug resistant genes and the non-drug markers (p FSTvalues There was a high prevalence of mutations inpfmdr1,pfcrtanddhfr; with four mutantpfmdr1genotypes (NFCDD[57%], NFSND[21%], YFCDD[13%] and YFSND[8% ]), two mutantpfcrtgenotypes (CVIET[89%] and SVMNT[4%]) and one mutantdhfrgenotype (ICNI[53.7%]). However, nodhpsmutations were detected.ConclusionThe high diversity ofP.falciparumin Yemen is indicative of a large parasite reservoir, which represents a challenge to control efforts. The presence of two distinctpfcrtgenotype, CVIET and SVMNT, suggests that chloroquine resistance can possibly be related to a migratory path from Africa and Asia. The absence of the triple mutantdhfrgenotype (IRN) anddhpsmutations supports the use of artesunate + sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as first-line therapy. However, the prevalentpfmdr1genotype NFSND [21%] has previously been associated with tolerance/resistance response to artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). Regular surveys are, therefore, important to monitor spread of pfmdr1 and dhfr mutations and response to ACT.

Two hundred and three Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan area, southwest Saudi Arabia, were typed for Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, dhps, and dhfr mutations associated with resistance to chloroquine, mefloquine, halofantrine, artemisinin, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and the neutral polymorphic gene Pfg377. A large proportion (33%) of isolates harbored double mutant dhfr genotype (51I,59C,108N). However, only one isolate contained mutation dhps-437G. For Pfcrt, almost all examined isolates (163; 99%) harbored the mutant genotype (72C,73V,74I,75E,76T), whereas only 49 (31%) contained the mutant Pfmdr1 genotype (86Y,184F,1034S,1042N), 109 (66%) harbored the single mutant genotype (86N,184F,1034S,1042N), and no mutations were seen in codons 1034, 1042, and 1246. Nonetheless, three new single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected at codons 182, 192, and 102. No differences were seen in distribution of drug resistance genes among Saudis and expatriates. There was a limited multiplicity (5%), mean number of clones (1.05), and two dominant multilocus genotypes among infected individuals in Jazan. A pattern consistent with limited cross-mating and recombination among local parasite was apparent.

A major challenge to the success of malaria control program in Saudi Arabia is the high influx of expatriates and holy visitors from malaria endemic countries. In the present study we examined whether drug resistant parasite genotypes reported in Jazan region, southwest of Saudi Arabia are imported or developed locally. We examined 178 Plasmodium falciparum isolates for alleles of dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) and dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr), associated with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) resistance, and three microsatellites flanking each gene. In addition, we examined a neutral polymorphic gene (Pfg377). We compared the dhfr and dhps haplotypes in Jazan, using network analysis, to an existing similar data set of 94 P. falciparum isolates from eastern Sudan. In Jazan, double mutant dhfr allele (51I, 108N) occurred with a prevalence of 33%. The vast majority (99%) of dhps were wild-type alleles. The mean expected heterozygosity (H(e)) of microsatellites around mutant dhfr alleles (H(e)=0.312; n=60) was lower (P ≤ 0.05) than that around the wild-type allele (H(e)=0.834; n=116). Also, the mutant dhfr isolates showed high H(e) for dhps (H(e)=0.80) and the non-drug resistance locus Pfg377 (H(e)=0.63) indicative of selection for mutant dhfr only. The predominant double mutant dhfr haplotype in Jazan (73%), was prevalent among P. falciparum in east Africa. Network analysis suggests the mutant haplotype of dhfr gene was possibly introduced into Jazan from East Africa. The absence of mutations in dhps as well as triple mutant dhfr haplotype associated with SP failure support the current use of SP as a partner with artesunate as a first line therapy in Saudi Arabia. However, the close relationship between the major mutant dhfr haplotype in Sudan and Saudi Arabia, favour the hypothesis of recent migration as a source of the major resistant dhfr lineage. Thus, regular monitoring of the dhfr and dhps haplotypes is of high priority to guard possible importation of high level SP resistant lineages.