Papers by Dmitri Proudnikov

Increased Attributable Risk Related to a Functional m-Opioid Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Association with Alcohol Dependence in Central Sweden
Neuropsychopharmacology, 2005
The mu-opioid receptor (MOR), through its effects on reward and stress-responsivity, modulates al... more The mu-opioid receptor (MOR), through its effects on reward and stress-responsivity, modulates alcohol intake in both animal and human laboratory studies. We have previously demonstrated that the frequently occurring A118G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 of the MORgene (OPRM1), which encodes an amino-acid substitution, is functional and receptors encoded by the variant 118G allele bind the endogenous opioid peptide beta-endorphin with three-fold greater affinity than prototype receptors. Other groups subsequently reported that this variant alters stress-responsivity in normal volunteers and also increases the therapeutic response to naltrexone (a mu-preferring opioid antagonist) in the treatment of alcohol dependence. We compared frequencies of genotypes containing an 118G allele in 389 alcohol-dependent individuals and 170 population-based controls without drug or alcohol abuse or dependence. The A118G SNP was present in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with an overall frequency of the 118G allele of 10.9%. There was a significant overall association between genotypes with an 118G allele and alcohol dependence (p=0.0074). The attributable risk for alcohol dependence in subjects with an 118G allele was 11.1%. There was no difference in A118G genotype between type 1 and type 2 alcoholics. In central Sweden, the functional variant 118G allele in exon 1 of OPRM1 is associated with an increased attributable risk for alcohol dependence.
Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the human mu opioid receptor gene by hybridization or single nucleotide extension on custom oligonucleotide gelpad microchips: Potential in studies of addiction
American Journal of Medical Genetics, Sep 10, 2000
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the human preproenkephalin gene in association with opiate addiction

Nucleic Acids Research, Nov 1, 1996
Several procedures have been described for fluorescent labeling of DNA and RNA. They are based on... more Several procedures have been described for fluorescent labeling of DNA and RNA. They are based on the introduction of aldehyde groups by partial depurination of DNA or oxidation of the 3′-terminal ribonucleoside in RNA by sodium periodate. Fluorescent labels with an attached hydrazine group are efficiently coupled with the aldehyde groups and the hydrazone bonds are stabilized by reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride. Alternatively, DNA can be quantitatively split at the depurinated sites with ethylenediamine. The aldimine bond between the aldehyde group in depurinated DNA or oxidized RNA and ethylenediamine is stabilized by reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride and the primary amine group introduced at these sites is used for attachment of isothiocyanate or succinimide derivatives of fluorescent dyes. The fluorescent DNA labeling can be carried out either in solution or on a reverse phase column. These procedures provide simple, inexpensive methods of multiple DNA labeling and of introducing one fluorescent dye molecule per RNA, as well as quantitative DNA fragmentation and incorporation of one label per fragment. These methods of fluorophore attachment were shown to be efficient for use in the hybridization of labeled RNA, DNA and DNA fragments with oligonucleotide microchips.
Detecting Polymorphisms in G Protein-Coupled Receptor Genes
Neuromethods, 2011
Genetics of Opioid Addiction
Biological Research on Addiction, 2013
Applied and environmental microbiology, 1997
The utility of parallel hybridization of environmental nucleic acids to many oligonucleotides imm... more The utility of parallel hybridization of environmental nucleic acids to many oligonucleotides immobilized in a matrix of polyacrylamide gel pads on a glass slide (oligonucleotide microchip) was evaluated. Oligonucleotides complementary to small-subunit rRNA sequences of selected microbial groups, encompassing key genera of nitrifying bacteria, were shown to selectively retain labeled target nucleic acid derived from either DNA or RNA forms of the target sequences. The utility of varying the probe concentration to normalize hybridization signals and the use of multicolor detection for simultaneous quantitation of multiple probe-target populations were demonstrated.
Human molecular genetics of opioid addiction
Principles of Psychiatric Genetics, 2012

The Genetics of Impulsivity
Oxford Handbooks Online, 2011
Impulsivity is a complex trait that varies across healthy individuals, although when excessive, i... more Impulsivity is a complex trait that varies across healthy individuals, although when excessive, it is generally regarded as dysfunctional. Impulsive behavior may lead to initiation of drug addiction that interferes with inhibitory controls, which may in turn result in facilitation of the individual’s impulsive acts. Although environmental factors play a considerable role in impulsive behavior, a body of evidence collected in twin studies suggests that about 45% of the variance in impulsivity is accounted for by genetic factors. Genetic variants studied in association with impulsivity include those fortryptophan hydroxylase 1 and 2 (TPH1 and TPH2), the serotonintransporter (SERT), serotonin receptors, and genes of the monoamine metabolism pathway (e.g., monoamine oxidase A, MAOA). Other systems may also play a role in these behaviors, such as the dopaminergic system (the dopamine receptors DRD2, DRD3, and DRD4, and the dopamine transporter, DAT), the catecholaminergic system (catecho...

Rapid method to detect duplex formation in sequencing by hybridization methods, a method for constructing containment structures for reagent interaction
A method for determining the existence of duplexes of oligonucleotide complementary molecules is ... more A method for determining the existence of duplexes of oligonucleotide complementary molecules is provided whereby a plurality of immobilized oligonucleotide molecules, each of a specific length and each having a specific base sequence, is contacted with complementary, single stranded oligonucleotide molecules to form a duplex so as to facilitate intercalation of a fluorescent dye between the base planes of the duplex. The invention also provides for a method for constructing oligonucleotide matrices comprising confining light sensitive fluid to a surface, exposing said light-sensitive fluid to a light pattern so as to cause the fluid exposed to the light to polymerize into discrete units and adhere to the surface; and contacting each of the units with a set of different oligonucleotide molecules so as to allow the molecules to disperse into the units.

The Pharmacogenomics Journal, 2010
Alterations in expression of a cannabinoid receptor (CNR1, CB1), and of fatty acid amide hydrolas... more Alterations in expression of a cannabinoid receptor (CNR1, CB1), and of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) that degrades endogenous ligands of CB1, may contribute to the development of addiction. The 385C4A in the FAAH gene and six polymorphisms of CNR1 were genotyped in former heroin addicts and control subjects (247 Caucasians, 161 Hispanics, 179 African Americans and 19 Asians). In Caucasians, long repeats (X14) of 18087-18131(TAA) 8À17 were associated with heroin addiction (P ¼ 0.0102). Across three ethnicities combined, a highly significant association of long repeats with heroin addiction was found (z ¼ 3.322, P ¼ 0.0009). Point-wise significant associations of allele 1359A (P ¼ 0.006) and genotype 1359AA (P ¼ 0.034) with protection from heroin addiction were found in Caucasians. Also in Caucasians, the genotype pattern, 1359G4A and À6274A4T, was significantly associated with heroin addiction experiment wise (P ¼ 0.0244). No association of FAAH 385C4A with heroin addiction was found in any group studied.

Association analysis of polymorphisms in serotonin 1B receptor (HTR1B) gene with heroin addiction: a comparison of molecular and statistically estimated haplotypes
Pharmacogenetics and Genomics, 2006
5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)-1B receptors (HTR1B) may play an important role in psychiatric di... more 5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)-1B receptors (HTR1B) may play an important role in psychiatric disorders and drug and alcohol dependence. In this study we report on genotype, molecular haplotype and statistically estimated haplotype analyses of previously identified polymorphisms in positions -261T>G, -161A>T, 129C>T, 861G>C and 1180A>G of the HTR1B gene in ethnically diverse populations (African-Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics and Asians) including 235 former heroin addicts and 161 control subjects from New York City. The objectives were to test for an association of molecular and statistically estimated haplotypes and genotypes in HTR1B gene with heroin addiction and to compare results provided by molecular and statistically estimated haplotyping methods. Genotype analysis was performed using a standard TaqMan protocol. Molecular haplotype analysis of the subset of polymorphisms consisting of -261T>G, -161A>T and 129C>T was performed using a protocol specially designed by our group, using fluorescent PCR. This is based on use of allele-specific primers complementary to flanking polymorphisms and a fluorescently labeled sequence-specific TaqMan probe set complementary to an internal polymorphism of the haplotype region. Every individual's statistically inferred haplotype pair agreed with the individual's haplotype pair determined by molecular haplotyping. A point-wise significant association of haplotype pairs containing allele G at position 1180 with protective effect from heroin addiction in Caucasians was found. A point-wise nominally significant association of allele 1180G with a protective effect from heroin addiction was found in Caucasians. Statistically significant differences across four ethnic groups in control subjects for allelic frequencies of -261T>G and -161A>T were found.

Nucleic Acids Research, 1998
A microchip method has been developed for massive and parallel thermodynamic analyses of DNA dupl... more A microchip method has been developed for massive and parallel thermodynamic analyses of DNA duplexes. Fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides were hybridized with oligonucleotides immobilized in the 100 × 100 × 20 µm gel pads of the microchips. The equilibrium melting curves for all microchip duplexes were measured in real time in parallel for all microchip duplexes. Thermodynamic data for perfect and mismatched duplexes that were obtained using the microchip method directly correlated with data obtained in solution. Fluorescent labels or longer linkers between the gel and the oligonucleotides appeared to have no significant effect on duplex stability. Extending the immobilized oligonucleotides with a four-base mixture from the 3′-end or one or two universal bases (5-nitroindole) from the 3′-and/or 5′-end increased the stabilities of their duplexes. These extensions were applied to increase the stabilities of the duplexes formed with short oligonucleotides in microchips, to significantly lessen the differences in melting curves of the AT-and GC-rich duplexes, and to improve discrimination of perfect duplexes from those containing poorly recognized terminal mismatches. This study explored a way to increase the efficiency of sequencing by hybridization on oligonucleotide microchips.

Nucleic Acids Research, 1996
Several procedures have been described for fluorescent labeling of DNA and RNA. They are based on... more Several procedures have been described for fluorescent labeling of DNA and RNA. They are based on the introduction of aldehyde groups by partial depurination of DNA or oxidation of the 3′-terminal ribonucleoside in RNA by sodium periodate. Fluorescent labels with an attached hydrazine group are efficiently coupled with the aldehyde groups and the hydrazone bonds are stabilized by reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride. Alternatively, DNA can be quantitatively split at the depurinated sites with ethylenediamine. The aldimine bond between the aldehyde group in depurinated DNA or oxidized RNA and ethylenediamine is stabilized by reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride and the primary amine group introduced at these sites is used for attachment of isothiocyanate or succinimide derivatives of fluorescent dyes. The fluorescent DNA labeling can be carried out either in solution or on a reverse phase column. These procedures provide simple, inexpensive methods of multiple DNA labeling and of introducing one fluorescent dye molecule per RNA, as well as quantitative DNA fragmentation and incorporation of one label per fragment. These methods of fluorophore attachment were shown to be efficient for use in the hybridization of labeled RNA, DNA and DNA fragments with oligonucleotide microchips.

Neuroscience Letters, 2008
The melanocortin receptor type 2 (MC2R or adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH receptor) gene (MC2R)... more The melanocortin receptor type 2 (MC2R or adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH receptor) gene (MC2R) encodes a protein involved in regulation of adrenal cortisol secretion, important in the physiological response to stressors. A variant of MC2R, −179A>G, results in reduction of promoter activity and less adrenal action. We hypothesize that altered stress responsivity plays a key role in the initiation of substance abuse. By direct resequencing of the promoter region and exons 1 and 2 of the MC2R gene in 272 subjects including Caucasians, Hispanics and African Americans with approximately equal numbers of former heroin addicts and normal volunteers, we identified five novel variants each with allele frequency < 2%. Previously reported polymorphisms −184G>A (rs2186944), −179A>G, 833A>C (rs28926182), 952T>C (rs4797825), 1005C>T (rs4797824) and 1579T>C (rs4308014) were each in allelic frequency ≥2% in one or more ethnic groups. These polymorphisms were genotyped in 632 subjects (260 Caucasians, 168 Hispanics, 183 African Americans and 21 Asians) using TaqMan assays. Significant differences in genotype frequency among ethnic groups studied were found for each of the six variants analyzed. We found a significant association (p=0.0004, experiment-wise p=0.0072) of the allele −184A with a protective effect from heroin addiction in Hispanics. Also, in Hispanics only we found the haplotype GACT consisting of four variants (−184G>A, −179A>G, 833A>C and 1005C>T) to be significantly associated with heroin addiction (p=0.0014, experiment-wise p=0.0168), whereas another haplotype, AACT, consisting of the same variants, was associated with a protective effect from heroin addiction (p=0.0039, experiment-wise p=0.0468).

Neuropsychopharmacology, 2005
The m-opioid receptor (MOR), through its effects on reward and stress-responsivity, modulates alc... more The m-opioid receptor (MOR), through its effects on reward and stress-responsivity, modulates alcohol intake in both animal and human laboratory studies. We have previously demonstrated that the frequently occurring A118G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 of the MORgene (OPRM1), which encodes an amino-acid substitution, is functional and receptors encoded by the variant 118G allele bind the endogenous opioid peptide b-endorphin with threefold greater affinity than prototype receptors. Other groups subsequently reported that this variant alters stress-responsivity in normal volunteers and also increases the therapeutic response to naltrexone (a m-preferring opioid antagonist) in the treatment of alcohol dependence. We compared frequencies of genotypes containing an 118G allele in 389 alcohol-dependent individuals and 170 population-based controls without drug or alcohol abuse or dependence. The A118G SNP was present in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with an overall frequency of the 118G allele of 10.9%. There was a significant overall association between genotypes with an 118G allele and alcohol dependence (p ¼ 0.0074). The attributable risk for alcohol dependence in subjects with an 118G allele was 11.1%. There was no difference in A118G genotype between type 1 and type 2 alcoholics. In central Sweden, the functional variant 118G allele in exon 1 of OPRM1 is associated with an increased attributable risk for alcohol dependence.

Optimizing primer–probe design for fluorescent PCR
Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2003
TaqMan, a variation of fluorescent PCR, is a powerful tool for gene expression and polymorphism s... more TaqMan, a variation of fluorescent PCR, is a powerful tool for gene expression and polymorphism studies. Here we describe the design and evaluation of 27 new TaqMan primer-probe sets for rat genes that play a key role in neural signaling. These newly designed and synthesized probes were tested and then used for quantification of RNA isolated from rat brain. The usual length of common TaqMan probes is 25 bases or less. In these studies we constructed probes with lengths of 25-39 bases to span exon-exon junctions of nucleic acids to avoid the influence of DNA contamination upon the RNA quantification. The specific sequences at these positions required probes of these lengths to optimize hybridization. We found that the relocation of the quencher from the traditional 3&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; position to an internal one increases the sensitivity of probe up to 30 fold. Substitution of 6-carboxyfluorescein with Alexa Fluor 488 as fluorophore and TAMRA with non-fluorescent quencher dabcyl was also investigated. We also describe the evaluation of part of a newly designed set of 27 TaqMan primer-probes for the measurement of differences in gene expression levels in samples from the caudate putamen region of rat brain after &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;binge&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; paradigm cocaine administration. Cocaine-induced alterations in expression of c-fos and preprodynorphin mRNAs measured by TaqMan were confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay.
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2012

Sequencing by Hybridization with the Generic 6-mer Oligonucleotide Microarray: An Advanced Scheme for Data Processing
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2000
DNA sequencing by hybridization was carried out with a microarray of all 4(6) = 4,096 hexadeoxyri... more DNA sequencing by hybridization was carried out with a microarray of all 4(6) = 4,096 hexadeoxyribonucleotides (the generic microchip). The oligonucleotides immobilized in 100 x 100 x 20-microm polyacrylamide gel pads of the generic microchip were hybridized with fluorescently labeled ssDNA, providing perfect and mismatched duplexes. Melting curves were measured in parallel for all microchip duplexes with a fluorescence microscope equipped with CCD camera. This allowed us to discriminate the perfect duplexes formed by the oligonucleotides, which are complementary to the target DNA. The DNA sequence was reconstructed by overlapping the complementary oligonucleotide probes. We developed a data processing scheme to heighten the discrimination of perfect duplexes from mismatched ones. The procedure was united with a reconstruction of the DNA sequence. The scheme includes the proper definition of a discriminant signal, preprocessing, and the variational principle for the sequence indicator function. The effectiveness of the procedure was confirmed by sequencing, proofreading, and nucleotide polymorphism (mutation) analysis of 13 DNA fragments from 31 to 70 nucleotides long.
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Papers by Dmitri Proudnikov