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Acid phosphatase detection using fast blue or fast black reagent is routinely performed at the RCMP National Forensic Laboratory Services as a presumptive test for semen. In training exercises, sam...

Significant efforts are being devoted to the development of methods enabling rapid generation of short tandem repeat (STR) profiles in order to reduce turnaround times for the delivery of human identification results from biological evidence. Some of the proposed solutions are still costly and low throughput. This study describes the optimization of an analytical process enabling the generation of complete STR profiles (single-source or mixed profiles) for human identification in approximately 5 h. This accelerated process uses currently available reagents and standard laboratory equipment. It includes a 30-min lysis step, a 27-min DNA extraction using the Promega Maxwell(®) 16 System, DNA quantification in

Direct amplification of STR loci from biological samples collected on FTA cards without prior DNA purification was evaluated using Identifiler Direct and PowerPlex 16 HS in conjunction with the use of a high throughput Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer. In order to reduce the overall sample processing cost, reduced PCR volumes combined with various FTA disk sizes were tested. Optimized STR profiles were obtained using a 0.53 mm disk size in 10 μL PCR volume for both STR systems. These protocols proved effective in generating high quality profiles on the 3730 DNA Analyzer from both blood and buccal FTA samples. Reproducibility, concordance, robustness, sample stability and profile quality were assessed using a collection of blood and buccal samples on FTA cards from volunteer donors as well as from convicted offenders. The new developed protocols offer enhanced throughput capability and cost effectiveness without compromising the robustness and quality of the STR profiles obtained. These results support the use of these protocols for processing convicted offender samples submitted to the National DNA Data Bank of Canada. Similar protocols could be applied to the processing of casework reference samples or in paternity or family relationship testing.

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by both motor and vocal tics. In our previous genome scan for TS we identified evidence for linkage to the centromeric region of chromosome 5 in a single large family of 32 individuals with 10 family members with TS or chronic multiple tics (CMT). In this paper we report further analyses of the 5p-centromeric region in this pedigree. An additional 11 family members were identified and screened for TS. Using a set of 14 microsatellite markers we refined the linked region to a ∼28 Mb interval between the markers D5S1506 and D5S76. A set of six candidate genes located in this region were selected to be tested for genetic association with TS. These genes were GDNF, ITGA1, ISL1, FGF10, HCN1 and SLC1A3. The TDT statistic was used for the association tests in a sample of 171 independent nuclear families with 241 affected children with TS. We found no evidence for an association between TS and markers in these genes in this sample of families. This study represents the first efforts to narrow the linkage region in the extended pedigree and the first tests of candidate genes in the chromosome 5 region linked to TS. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Linkage of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to the short arm-centromeric region of chromosome 5 has been reported in multiple studies. The overlapping region (5p13-q11) contains a number of strong candidate genes for ADHD, based on their role in brain function or neurodevelopment. The aim of this study was to investigate some of the top candidates among these genes in relation to ADHD in a sample of 245 nuclear families from the Toronto area. We investigated the genes for the glial cell-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF), the fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10), islet-1 (ISL1), the hyperpolarized potassium channel (HCN1) and the integrin alpha 1 (ITGA1). In addition to these genes, we assessed the 3'region of the SLC1A3 gene, a glutamate transporter implicated in ADHD by a previous association study. A total of 36 polymorphisms were selected across the six genes. We performed family-based association and haplotype analyses. ADHD is a dimensional disorder, with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity therefore, we also conducted quantitative analysis in relation to symptom scores for both dimensions. Single marker and haplotype analyses yielded little evidence of association for any of the genes tested in this study. Moreover, we were unable to replicate the positive association findings reported for SLC1A3. Our results suggest that these six genes are unlikely to be susceptibility genes in the chromosome 5p13-q11 region and other genes should now be considered for priority study.

No preferential transmission of paternal alleles at risk genes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental childhood psychiatric disorder. Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD and two family-based association studies demonstrated an association of BDNF polymorphisms with ADHD. The aim of the current study was to investigate the BDNF gene for association with ADHD in a large sample of families from Toronto. The transmission of three polymorphisms of the BDNF gene (rs6265, rs11030104, and rs2049046) was examined in 266 nuclear families ascertained through a proband with ADHD (315 affected children) using the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT). In addition, we conducted quantitative analysis to assess the relationship between these marker alleles and the symptom dimensions of ADHD (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and cognitive measures of working memory. None of the individual marker alleles showed significant evidence of association with ADHD, dimensional symptom scores, or working memory ability in our sample of ADHD families. There was no significant evidence for biased transmission of individual haplotypes with frequency10% (global chi2 for these three haplotypes: chi2 = 6.349, df = 3, P = 0.096). One uncommon haplotype (A-G-G; frequency 2.2%) showed a significant association with ADHD in the categorical (chi2 = 5.293, df = 1, P = 0.021) and quantitative analyses (parents' rated inattention: Z = -2.504, P = 0.012; and hyperactivity/impulsivity: Z = -2.651, P = 0.008). These results should be interpreted cautiously, however, because of the low haplotype frequency. In light of the evidence for an involvement of BDNF in ADHD, further analysis of the BDNF gene in ADHD is warranted.

Mutations of the SQSTM1/p62 gene are commonly observed in PDB. Screening an updated sample from Quebec and using previously published data from other populations, we compared frequency estimates for SQSTM1/p62 mutations and haplotype distribution. The P392L mutation was the most prevalent, embedded in two different haplotypes, possibly shared by other populations. We also examined the phenotype and penetrance of P392L. Introduction: There is accumulating evidence that supports a contribution of genetic factors in the etiology of Paget's disease of bone (PDB), and several genetic loci have been suggested for the disorder. The sequestosome1/p62 (SQSTM1/p62) gene was the first gene identified to have a role in PDB, with 14 mutations reported to date. Material and Methods: To evaluate the importance of the SQSTM1/p62 mutations in PDB, we recruited, sequenced, and genotyped a total of 123 carriers from 20 families in addition to 214 unrelated PDB patients. We compared the frequency of SQSTM1/p62 mutations in familial and unrelated cases among different populations. Finally, we examined the phenotypic expression and penetrance of the P392L mutation in the Quebecois families. Results and Conclusions: The 14 mutations reported in SQSTM1/p62 all affect the ubiquitin-associated domain of the protein. The P392L mutation is the most commonly observed mutation in PDB patients and was consistently found in unrelated and familial PDB cases in the populations tested. Analysis of adjacent polymorphisms suggests that P392L is associated with two different haplotypes in the Quebecois patients, similar to what has been observed in European populations. In Quebec, both haplotypes had similar frequencies in unrelated P392L carriers, whereas one haplotype was predominant in the other populations studied. These data suggest that these two haplotypes, possibly introduced by European founders in the Quebecois population, were equally distributed in the succeeding generations. Finally, the P392L mutation is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait in the Quebecois families, with a high but incomplete penetrance peaking after age 60. The large phenotypic variability and similarity between unrelated and familial cases, respectively, remain unexplained and require further research.

Over the years, the Promega DNA IQ™ System was proven an effective technology for the production of clean DNA from a wide variety of casework specimens. The capture of DNA using the DNA IQ™ paramagnetic beads, however, was shown to be affected by a few specific chemicals that could be present on exhibits submitted to the laboratory. In this study, various blood and latent fingerprint enhancement reagents/methods, marker pens and adhesive tapes, applied at the crime scene or in the forensic laboratory on casework exhibits or used to collect biological material, were tested for their compatibility with the DNA IQ™ technology. Although no impact on DNA recovery was observed for most reagents, the MAGNA™ Jet Black fingerprint powder and three 3M Scotch(®) adhesive tapes were shown to severely or completely inhibit DNA binding onto the DNA IQ™ beads. The effect of MAGNA™ Jet Black on DNA recovery could be counteracted by separating the magnetic powder from the lysates by centrifugation or filtration, prior to DNA extraction. High quality STR profiles were obtained from samples subjected to MAGNA™ Jet Black suggesting it does not impact DNA integrity.

The Investigator® Quantiplex HYres kit was evaluated as a potential replacement for dual DNA quantification of casework samples. This kit was determined to be highly sensitive with a limit of quantification and limit of detection of 0.0049ng/μL and 0.0003ng/μL, respectively, for both human and male DNA, using full or half reaction volumes. It was also accurate in assessing the amount of male DNA present in 96 mock and actual casework male:female mixtures (various ratios) processed in this exercise. The close correlation between the male/human DNA ratios expressed in percentages derived from the Investigator® Quantiplex HYres quantification results and the male DNA proportion calculated in mixed AmpFlSTR® Profiler® Plus or AmpFlSTR® Identifiler® Plus profiles, using the Amelogenin Y peak and STR loci, allowed guidelines to be developed to facilitate decisions regarding when to submit samples to Y-STR rather than autosomal STR profiling. The internal control (IC) target was shown to be more sensitive to inhibitors compared to the human and male DNA targets included in the Investigator® Quantiplex HYres kit serving as a good quality assessor of DNA extracts. The new kit met our criteria of enhanced sensitivity, accuracy, consistency, reliability and robustness for casework DNA quantification.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a strong genetic basis, and evidence from human and animal studies suggests that a dopamine system dysfunction plays a role in the disorder pathophysiology. Several genes involved in dopamine neurotransmission have shown replicated genetic association with ADHD. These include the dopamine receptors D4 (DRD4), D5 (DRD5), and the dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes. Recently, evidence has also accumulated in favor of the dopamine receptor D1 gene (DRD1). The dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of relative molecular mass of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) is a key component of dopamine signaling, acting as a converging point for several neurotransmitter systems influencing dopaminergic neurons and regulating a wide variety of downstream effectors. Here, we tested the DARPP-32 gene, PPP1R1B, for association with ADHD using four polymorphic markers selected across the gene in a sample of 255 ADHD families. We did not detect evidence of association of individual marker alleles and haplotype analysis did not reveal significant association in this sample of families. Moreover, we found no relationship between the same alleles or haplotypes and symptom scores of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity in these families using a quantitative approach. In conclusion, albeit a key regulatory role in dopamine signaling, our data do not support a major contribution of the DARPP-32 gene in ADHD.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood-onset psychiatric condition with a strong genetic component. Evidence from pharmacological, clinical and animal studies has suggested that the nicotinic system could be involved in the disorder. Previous studies have implicated the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha4 subunit gene, CHRNA4, in ADHD. Particularly, a polymorphism in the exon 2-intron 2 junction of CHRNA4 has been associated with severe inattention defined by latent class analysis. In the current study, we used the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) to investigate four polymorphisms encompassing this region of CHRNA4 for association with ADHD in a sample of 264 nuclear families from Toronto. No significant evidence of biased transmission was observed for any of the marker alleles for ADHD defined as a categorical trait (all subtypes included), although one haplotype showed marginal evidence of under-transmission. No association was found with the ADHD predominantly inattentive subtype or with symptom dimension scores of inattention. On the contrary, nominally significant evidence of association of individual markers was obtained for the ADHD combined subtype and with teacher-rated hyperactivity-impulsivity scores, with the same haplotype being under-transmitted. Based on our results and others, CHRNA4 may be involved in ADHD; however, its role in ADHD symptomatology remains to be clarified.

Twin studies have provided evidence for shared genetic influences between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific reading disabilities (RD), with this overlap being highest for the inattentive symptom dimension of ADHD. Previously, we found evidence for association of the dopamine receptor D1 gene (DRD1) with ADHD, and with the inattentive symptom dimension in particular. This, combined with evidence for working memory (WM) deficits in individuals with RD or ADHD, and the importance of D1 receptors in attentional processes and WM function, suggests that DRD1 may be a common genetic influence underlying both disorders. Here, in a study of 232 families ascertained through probands with reading problems, we tested for association of the DRD1 gene with RD, as a categorical trait, and with quantitative measures of key reading component skills, WM ability, and inattentive symptoms. Although no associations were found with RD, or with reading component skills or verbal WM, we found evidence for association with inattentive behaviour. Specifically, DRD1 Haplotype 3, the haplotype previously found to be associated with inattentive symptoms in ADHD, is also associated with parent- and teacher-reported symptoms of inattention in this sample selected for reading problems (P=0.023 and 0.004, respectively). Together, the replicated finding of Haplotype 3 association with inattentive symptoms in two independent study samples strongly supports a role for DRD1 in attentional ability. Furthermore, the association of DRD1 with inattention, but not with RD, or the other reading and reading-related phenotypes analysed, suggests that DRD1 contributes uniquely to inattention, without overlap for reading ability.

The dopamine system plays an important role in the regulation of attention and motor behavior, subsequently, several dopamine-related genes have been associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Among them are the dopamine receptors D1 and D5 that mediate adenylyl cyclase activation through coupling with G(s)-like proteins. We thus hypothesized that the G(s)-like subunit Galpha(olf), expressed in D1-rich areas of the brain, contributes to the genetic susceptibility of ADHD. To evaluate the involvement of the Galpha(olf) gene, GNAL, in ADHD, we examined the inheritance pattern of 12 GNAL polymorphisms in 258 nuclear families ascertained through a proband with ADHD (311 affected children) using the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT). Categorical analysis of individual marker alleles demonstrated biased transmission of one polymorphism in GNAL intron 3 (rs2161961; P=0.011). We also observed significant relationships between rs2161961 and dimensional symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity (P=0.003 and P=0.008). In addition, because of recent evidence of imprinting at the GNAL locus, secondary analyses were split into maternal and paternal transmissions to assess a contribution of parental effects. We found evidence of strong maternal effect, with preferential transmission of maternal alleles for rs2161961A (P=0.005) and rs8098539A (P=0.035). These preliminary findings suggest a possible contribution of GNAL in the susceptibility to ADHD, with possible involvement of parent-of-origin effects.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset disorder characterized by marked inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The dopaminergic system has been hypothesized to be involved in the development of ADHD. Positive associations have been found for the dopamine receptors D1 and D5 genes, suggesting that other genes involved in D1/D5 signalling may also contribute to ADHD. In this study, we tested the calcyon gene (DRD1IP), which encodes a brain-specific D1-interacting protein involved in D1/D5 receptors calcium signalling, for association with ADHD. The inheritance of nine polymorphisms in the calcyon gene was examined in a sample of 215 nuclear families, with 260 affected children, using the transmission/disequilibrium test. The most common haplotype, designated C1, demonstrated significant evidence for excess transmission. Quantitative trait analyses of this haplotype showed significant relationships with both the inattentive (parent's rating, P=0.006; teacher's rating, P=0.003) and hyperactive/impulsive (parent's rating, P=0.004) dimensions of the disorder. Two of the nine marker alleles included in haplotype C1, rs4838721A located approximately 10 kb 5' of the gene and rs2275723C located 10 bp upstream of the exon 5 acceptor splice site, also showed significant evidence for association when analysed individually. As these two variants are not predicted to alter calcyon function, we screened the gene exons by sequencing. No variation in the coding region was identified, suggesting that a causal variant allele resides elsewhere in a regulatory sequence of the gene. These findings support the proposed involvement of the calcyon gene in ADHD and implicate haplotype C1 as containing a risk allele.

Allele frequencies and forensically relevant population statistics were estimated for the short tandem repeat (STR) loci of the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Plus and PowerPlex® 16 HS amplification kits, including D2S1338, D19S433, Penta D, and Penta E, for three First Nations Aboriginal populations and for Caucasians in Canada. The cumulative power of discrimination was ≥ 0.999999999999984 and the cumulative power of exclusion was ≥ 0.999929363 for both amplification systems in all populations. No significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected for D2S1338, D19S433, Penta D, and Penta E or the 13 Combined DNA Index System core STR loci after correction for multiple testing. Significant genetic diversity was observed between these four populations. Comparison with published frequency data for other populations is also presented.

Objective: To directly ascertain the physiological roles in adipocytes of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL; E.C. 3.1.1.3), a multifunctional hydrolase that can mediate triacylglycerol cleavage in adipocytes. Research Methods and Procedures: We performed constitutive gene targeting of the mouse HSL gene (Lipe), subsequently studied the adipose tissue phenotype clinically and histologically, and measured lipolysis in isolated adipocytes. Results: Homozygous HSL−/− mice have no detectable HSL peptide or cholesteryl esterase activity in adipose tissue, and heterozygous mice have intermediate levels with respect to wild-type and deficient littermates. HSL-deficient mice have normal body weight but reduced abdominal fat mass compared with normal littermates. Histologically, both white and brown adipose tissues in HSL−/− mice show marked heterogeneity in cell size, with markedly enlarged adipocytes juxtaposed to cells of normal morphology. In isolated HSL−/− adipocytes, lipolysis is not significantly increased by β3-adrenergic stimulation, but under basal conditions in the absence of added catecholamines, the lipolytic rate of isolated HSL−/− adipocytes is at least as high as that of cells from normal controls. Cold tolerance during a 48-hour period at 4 °C was similar in HSL−/− mice and controls. Overnight fasting was well-tolerated clinically by HSL−/− mice, but after fasting, liver triglyceride content was significantly lower in HSL−/− mice compared with wild-type controls. Conclusions: In isolated fat cells, the lipolytic rate after β-adrenergic stimulation is mainly dependent on HSL. However, the observation of a normal rate of lipolysis in unstimulated HSL−/− adipocytes suggests that HSL-independent lipolytic pathway(s) exist in fat. Physiologically, HSL deficiency in mice has a modest effect under normal fed conditions and is compatible with normal maintenance of core body temperature during cold stress. However, the lipolytic response to overnight fasting is subnormal.

Background Traditional PCR methods for forensic STR genotyping require approximately 2.5 to 4 hours to complete, contributing a significant portion of the time required to process forensic DNA samples. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a fast PCR protocol that enabled amplification of the 16 loci targeted by the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® primer set, allowing decreased cycling times. Methods Fast PCR conditions were achieved by substituting the traditional Taq polymerase for SpeedSTAR™ HS DNA polymerase which is designed for fast PCR, by upgrading to a thermal cycler with faster temperature ramping rates and by modifying cycling parameters (less time at each temperature) and adopting a two-step PCR approach. Results The total time required for the optimized protocol is 26 min. A total of 147 forensically relevant DNA samples were amplified using the fast PCR protocol for Identifiler. Heterozygote peak height ratios were not affected by fast PCR conditions, and full profiles were generated for single-source DNA amounts between 0.125 ng and 2.0 ng. Individual loci in profiles produced with the fast PCR protocol exhibited average n-4 stutter percentages ranging from 2.5 ± 0.9% (THO1) to 9.9 ± 2.7% (D2S1338). No increase in non-adenylation or other amplification artefacts was observed. Minor contributor alleles in two-person DNA mixtures were reliably discerned. Low level cross-reactivity (monomorphic peaks) was observed with some domestic animal DNA. Conclusions The fast PCR protocol presented offers a feasible alternative to current amplification methods and could aid in reducing the overall time in STR profile production or could be incorporated into a fast STR genotyping procedure for time-sensitive situations.

Large-scale quantitative analysis of transcriptional co-expression has been used to dissect regulatory networks and to predict the functions of new genes discovered by genome sequencing in model organisms such as yeast. Although the idea that tissue-specific expression is indicative of gene function in mammals is widely accepted, it has not been objectively tested nor compared with the related but distinct strategy of correlating gene co-expression as a means to predict gene function. We generated microarray expression data for nearly 40,000 known and predicted mRNAs in 55 mouse tissues, using custom-built oligonucleotide arrays. We show that quantitative transcriptional co-expression is a powerful predictor of gene function. Hundreds of functional categories, as defined by Gene Ontology 'Biological Processes', are associated with characteristic expression patterns across all tissues, including categories that bear no overt relationship to the tissue of origin. In contrast, simple tissue-specific restriction of expression is a poor predictor of which genes are in which functional categories. As an example, the highly conserved mouse gene PWP1 is widely expressed across different tissues but is co-expressed with many RNA-processing genes; we show that the uncharacterized yeast homolog of PWP1 is required for rRNA biogenesis. We conclude that 'functional genomics' strategies based on quantitative transcriptional co-expression will be as fruitful in mammals as they have been in simpler organisms, and that transcriptional control of mammalian physiology is more modular than is generally appreciated. Our data and analyses provide a public resource for mammalian functional genomics.