Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0019045 (hemoglobinopathies)
 2,704 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Restriction site polymorphisms are normal inherited variations in DNA that can be readily detected by restriction endonuclease analysis. Currently, 17 such polymorphisms are recognized within a 60 kb (kilobase) stretch of DNA which includes the beta-globin gene complex. Because of their proximity to the beta-globin gene, often these restriction site polymorphisms can be used to predict inheritance of beta-globin variants that produce disease. For example, restriction site polymorphisms can be used for prenatal diagnosis for the large majority of couples at risk of having a child with beta-thalassemia. When each member of such a couple is heterozygous at one or more of these 17 sites, family studies are usually successful in determining which forms of the polymorphism are co-inherited with the beta-thalassemia genes in that particular family. Subsequently, study of fetal DNA isolated from amniocytes obtained by midtrimester amniocentesis or from chorionic villi obtained by first trimester chorion biopsy will reveal which DNA polymorphisms that fetus has inherited. By deductive reasoning one can then predict which beta-globin genes it has co-inherited. Because of the general nature of these polymorphisms, which are related to the beta-globin gene and its variants only because of their proximity on chromosome 11, they are potentially useful in the prenatal diagnosis of any beta-chain hemoglobinopathy. Some hemoglobinopathies (including alpha-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and some cases of beta-thalassemia) can be detected directly by DNA analysis. In these cases in utero diagnosis does not need to rely on restriction site polymorphisms, which require preliminary family studies and are not applicable in all at risk pregnancies. Recently, genetic probes, which are necessary for detecting restriction site polymorphisms, have been isolated for sequences of several genes whose protein products are important in blood coagulation. These include probes for all three genes whose polypeptide products combine to form the fibrinogen molecule as well as probes for the prothrombin, Factor IX, Factor VIII, and antithrombin III genes. Defects in these genes are expected to be the causes of afibrinogenemia, prothrombin deficiency, hemophilia B, hemophilia A, and antithrombin III deficiency, respectively. From experience with other genes, it is expected that restriction site polymorphisms within and/or flanking these genes will be found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:Prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies by DNA analysis. 299 37

Amniocentesis and fetoscopy are two of several modalities used to offer information during the prenatal period of the status of the fetus. Amniocentesis is most frequently used and with continuing research is becoming an invaluable aid to prenatal diagnosis. With the recent studies of DNA characteristics of globin chains of cells obtained at amniocentesis, the need to obtain blood directly from fetal vessels to diagnose major hemoglobinopathies prenatally is rapidly diminishing. Open neural tube defects are diagnosable with alpha feto protein analysis. All chromosomal defects are accurately quantitated and more than 100 inborn errors of metabolism are predictable. Fetoscopy is a technique which has a limited utility. It should be confined to major centers where adequate midtrimester abortions are done in order to provide training for those who aspire to pursue this method. With fetal blood sampling the following conditions are detected: beta thalassemia major, Hemophilia A, sickle cell anemia, chronic granulomatous disease, galactosemia and Tay Sachs disease, all of which may be diagnosed directly. Alpha and beta thalassemia, Hemophilia B and homozygous Von Willenbrand's disease may be excluded. With fetal biopsy one can diagnose congenital bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma ichthyosis. During the last ten years the amount of information brought to our attention has also brought the expectation that the next decade will be the most fruitful period in our history in this discipline.
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PMID:Amniocentesis and fetoscopy. 714 20

This review addresses the current status of gene therapy for immunodeficiencies, chronic granulomatous disease, suicide gene therapy for graft-versus-host disease, viral infections, malignant hematologic disorders, hemophilia, and the hemoglobin disorders. New developments in vector design have fostered improved expression as well as enhanced safety, particularly of integrating retroviral vectors. Several immunodeficiencies have been treated successfully by stem cell-targeted, retroviral-mediated gene transfer with reconstitution of the immune system following infusion of the transduced cells. In a trial for hemophilia B, long-term expression of human FIX has been observed following adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer into the liver. This approach should be successful in treating any disorder in which liver production of a specific protein is therapeutic.
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PMID:Development of gene therapy for blood disorders: an update. 2384 98

Gene therapy has become a reality, although still a fragile one. Clinical benefit has been achieved over the last 17years in a limited number of medical conditions for which pathophysiological studies determined that they were favorable settings. They include inherited disorders of the immune system, leukodystrophies, possibly hemoglobinopathies, hemophilia B, and retinal dystrophies. Advances in the treatment of B-cell leukemias and lymphomas have also been achieved. Advances in vector development and possible usage of gene editing may lead to significant advances over the next years.
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PMID:Gene therapy: Myth or reality? 2726 Apr 98