Wenli Gu

Copy number variation (CNV) is a source of genetic diversity in humans. Numerous CNVs are being identified with various genome analysis platforms, including array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping platforms, and next-generation sequencing. CNV formation occurs by both recombination-based and replication-based mechanisms and de novo locus-specific mutation rates appear much higher for CNVs than for SNPs. By various molecular mechanisms, including gene dosage, gene disruption, gene fusion, position effects, etc., CNVs can cause Mendelian or sporadic traits, or be associated with complex diseases. However, CNV can also represent benign polymorphic variants. CNVs, especially gene duplication and exon shuffling, can be a predominant mechanism driving gene and genome evolution.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus is a newly discovered bunyavirus with high pathogenicity to human. The transmission model has been largely uncharacterized. Investigation on a cluster of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases provided evidence of person-to-person transmission through blood contact to the index patient with high serum virus load.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are major components of extracellular matrix in the central nervous system (CNS) , and play important roles in the development and maintenance of CNS, as welt in pathogenesis or repair processes of neuronal damages. They mainly exert barrier function for neuronal migration and axonogenesis during development and inhibitory effects on plasticity and axon re-growth in the adult nerve system. Digestion of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains or suppression of their synthesis could promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after CNS injuries. However, many questions about the mechanisms regulating their expression pattern and signal transductions mediating their effects on neurons remain to be investigated.

Autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy previously has been linked to chromosome 10q22-q24, and recently mutations in the LGI1 gene (Leucine-rich gene, Glioma Inactivated) have been found in some autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy families. We have now identified a missense mutation affecting a conserved cysteine residue in the extracellular region of the LGI1 protein. The C46R mutation is associated with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy in a large Norwegian family showing unusual clinical features like short-lasting sensory aphasia and auditory symptoms.