A 230kb cosmid walk in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene: detection of a conserved sequence and of a possible deletion prone region

A 230 kb genomic region from the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene has been cloned in a cosmid walk, using an improved vector and by screening the same unamplified library for all steps. The region cloned surrounds the translocation breakpoint characterized by Worton et al and Ray et al, and overlaps by 70 kb the Pert region cloned by Monaco et al. We have identified a region of strong sequence conservation in mammals and chicken, and comparison of the homologous sequences in chicken and man has indicated the presence of two putative protein coding exons. Comparison with the sequence recently published by Koenig et al shows that only one is present in the Duchenne cDNA, and this raises the question of the functional significance of the other conserved sequence. Single copy probes and whole cosmids generated during this work have been used to analyse the corresponding region in Duchenne patients. Of five independant patients shown to be deleted for a probe 30 kb in 3' of the translocation breakpoint, three have the 5' endpoint of the deletion within a region of less than 20 kb, 100 kb away from the probe used to ascertain the deletion. This might suggest the presence of a region where deletions occur preferentially.

Close linkage of random DNA fragments from Xq 21.3-22 to X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA)

Linkage analysis of 15 families affected by X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) showed close linkage with three probes located towards the centre of the long arm of the X chromosome. No cross-overs were found using pXG12 (DXS94) lod 6.6 or S21 (DXS17) lod 4.4. One cross-over was found with 19.2 (DXS3). This confirms and extends a previous linkage study (Kwan et al. 1986) which demonstrated linkage with S21 and 19.2. Of the families 14 were informative for either pXG12 or S21 and these probes should thus be of great diagnostic value. No evidence of heterogeneity was found in the XLA families but several cross-overs within this region were detected in a family with the X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome confirming this disease as a separate clinical entity.

Multipoint genetic mapping of the Xq26-q28 region in families with fragile X mental retardation and in normal families reveals tight linkage of markers in q26-q27

The q26-q28 region of the human X chromosome contains several important disease loci, including the locus for the fragile X mental retardation syndrome. We have characterized new polymorphic DNA markers useful for the genetic mapping of this region. They include a new Bell restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected by the probe St14-1 (DXS52) and which may therefore be of diagnostic use in hemophilia A families. A linkage analysis was performed in fragile X families and in large normal families from the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) by using seven polymorphic loci located in Xq26-q28. This multipoint linkage study allowed us to establish the order centromere-DXS100-DXS86-DXS144-DXS51-F9-FRAX+ ++-(DXS52-DXS15). Together with other studies, our results define a cluster of nine loci that are located in Xq26-q27 and map within a 10 to 15 centimorgan region. This contrasts with the paucity of markers (other than the fragile X locus) between the F9 gene in q27 and the G6PD cluster in q28, which are separated by about 30% recombination.

Genetic mapping of nine DNA markers in the q11----q22 region of the human X chromosome

We have ordered nine polymorphic DNA markers within detailed map of the proximal part of the human X chromosome long arm, extending from band q11 to q22, by use of both physical mapping with a panel of rodent-human somatic hybrids and multipoint linkage analysis. Analysis of 44 families (including 17 families from the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain) provided highly significant linkage data for both order and estimation of map distances between loci. We have obtained the following order: DXS1-DXS159-DXYS1-DXYS12-DXS3-(DXS94 , DXS178)-DXYS17. The most probable location of DXYS2 is between DXS159 and DXS3, close to DXYS1 and DXYS12. The high density of markers (nine loci within 30 recombination units) and the improvement in the estimation of recombination frequencies should be very useful for multipoint mapping of disease loci in this region and for diagnostic applications.

Localization of the region homologous to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy locus on the mouse X chromosome

Recent progress has resulted in part of the gene mutated in Duchenne and the milder Becker muscular dystrophies being cloned and has suggested that the gene itself extends over 1,000 to 2,000 kilobases (kb). To study how mutations in this gene affect muscle development and integrity, it would be of interest to have available a mouse model of the human disease. The mouse mdx mutation affects muscle and confers a mild dystrophic syndrome, but it is not clear whether this mutation is equivalent to Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy in man. Here we describe the use of two sequences from the human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene that cross-hybridize to mouse X-linked sequences to localize the gene homologous to DMD in the mouse. Both sequences map to the region of 10 centimorgan lying between the Tabby (Ta) and St14-1 (DxPas8) loci, close to the phosphorylase b kinase locus (Phk). By analogy with the human X-chromosome, we conclude that the region in the mouse around the G6pd and St14-1 loci may contain two genes corresponding to distinct human myopathies: Emery Dreifuss muscular dystrophy which is known to be closely linked to St14-1 in man and the DMD homologue described here.

An XmnI RFLP at the subtelomeric Xp locus DXS31 [HGM7, LA, 1985]

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A case of female hemophilia with a 46,XXr karyotype studied with X-chromosome DNA probes

A case of female hemophilia with a 46,XXr/45,X karyotype and signs of Turner syndrome, has been followed for the past 10 years. One of her brothers also has hemophilia A. A study with polymorphic DNA probes located in the Xq27-qter region has enabled us to demonstrate that the ring chromosome is of paternal origin and that the factor VIII gene region is deleted. The hemizygous state allowed expression of the hemophilia A mutation, present on the morphologically normal X chromosome, inherited from her carrier mother.

Characterization of a set of X-linked sequences and of a panel of somatic cell hybrids useful for the regional mapping of the human X chromosome

We have characterized 19 DNA fragments originating from the human X chromosome. Most of them have been isolated from an X chromosome genomic library (Davies et al. 1981) using a systematic screening procedure. These DNA probes have been used to search for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). The frequency of restriction polymorphisms (1 per 350 bp analysed) was lower than expected from data obtained with autosomal fragments. The various probes have been mapped within 12 subchromosomal regions using a panel of human-rodent hybrid cell lines. The validity of the panel was established by hybridization experiments performed with 27 X-specific DNA probes, which yielded information on the relative position of translocation breakpoints on the X chromosome. The DNAs from the various hybrid lines are blotted onto a reusable support which allows one to quickly map any new X-specific DNA fragment. The probes already isolated should be of use to map unbalanced X chromosome aberrations or to characterize new somatic cell hybrid lines. The probes which detect RFLPs define new genetic markers which will help to construct a detailed linkage map of the human X chromosome, and might also serve for the diagnosis of carriers or prenatal diagnosis.

Segregation analysis of a marker localised Xp21.2-Xp21.3 in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy families

A DNA marker C7, localised Xp21.1-Xp21.3, has been studied in kindreds segregating for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). In DMD families four crossovers were observed in 38 informative meioses between C7 and the DMD locus (theta = 0.12, z max = +2.72). In BMD families no recombinants were observed in the 16 informative meioses studied. These data are consistent with the localisation of the mutations in these disorders being in the same region of Xp21. Studies in families also segregating for the DNA marker 754 support the previously reported physical order of these loci as X centromere-754-DMD-BMD-C7-X telomere. A recombination fraction of 0.11 (z max = +5.58) was found between DMD-754 by combining our previously published data with the data presented here. C7 and 754 thus provide good bridging markers for the diagnosis of DMD and BMD.

A new MspI restriction fragment length polymorphism in the hemophilia B locus

Using a partial cDNA probe for human coagulation factor IX, we have detected a new restriction fragment length polymorphism in human DNA digested with MspI. The frequency of the minor allele is 0.20 +/- 0.05 and average heterozygosity is about 0.32. The MspI RFLP is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the TaqI RFLP previously described, but should nevertheless be useful in segregation analysis in case of homozygosity for the TaqI minor allele.

Homologies between X and Y chromosomes detected by DNA probes: localisation and evolution

We have isolated and characterized DNA probes that detect homologies between the X and Y chromosomes. Clone St25 is derived from the q13-q22 region of the X chromosome and recognizes a 98% homologous sequence on the Y chromosome. Y specific fragments were present in DNAs from 5 Yq-individuals and from 4 out of 7 XX males analysed. An X linked TaqI RFLP is detected with the St25 probe (33% heterozygosity) which should allow one to establish a linkage map including other polymorphic X-Y homologous sequences in this region and to compare it to a Y chromosome deletion map. Probe DXS31 located in Xp223-pter detects a 80% homologous sequence in the Y chromosome. The latter can be assigned to Yq11-qter outside the region which contains the Y specific satellite sequences. ACT1 and ACT2, the actin sequences present on the X and Y chromosomes respectively, have been cloned. No homology was detected between the X and Y derived fragments outside from the actin sequence. ACT2 and the Y specific sequence corresponding to DXS31 segregate together in a panel of Y chromosomes aberrations, and might be useful markers for the region important for spermatogenesis in Yq. Various primate species were analysed for the presence of sequences homologous to the three probes. Sequences detected by St25 and DXS31 are found only on the X chromosome in cercopithecoidae. The sequences which flank ACT2 detect in the same species autosomal fragments but no male specific fragments. It is suggested that the Y chromosome acquired genetic material from the X chromosome and from autosomes at various times during primate evolution.

Extensive DNA sequence homologies between the human Y and the long arm of the X chromosome

It has been proposed that sequence homology should exist between the short arms of the human sex chromosomes, in the regions pairing at meiosis. Out of 40 clones picked at random from a collection of non-repetitive DNA sequences derived from the human Y chromosome, we have found nine sequences which show very high homology with sequences located on the X chromosome. All nine probes originate from the euchromatic part of the Y chromosome. All the homologous sequences are located within the Xq12-Xq22-24 region. None of them map to the short arm of the X chromosome. We conclude that an important part of the euchromatic region of the Y chromosome is homologous to the middle of the X chromosome long arm, possibly as a result of recent translation event(s).

Localization by in situ hybridization of the coagulation factor IX gene and of two polymorphic DNA probes with respect to the fragile X site

The coagulation factor IX gene and two other polymorphic loci corresponding to DNA probes 52 A and St 14 have been previously localized in the q27 to qter region of the human X chromosome. In order to study their localization with respect to the fragile site at Xq27-28, we have hybridized the three DNA probes to metaphase chromosomes of a boy with fragile X mental retardation. We show that probe 52 A is located in the proximal part of the Xq27 band, while the coagulation factor IX gene is on the distal part of this band, but proximal to the fragile site. The very polymorphic St 14 probe is located in the distal part of the Xq28 band, on the other side of the fragile site.

Prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection of Duchenne muscular dystrophy with closely linked RFLPs

By the use of a series of closely linked DNA probes detecting restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) distributed over the short arm of the X chromosome, a double crossover was detected in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy carrier and an affected male fetus was diagnosed at 12 weeks of gestation, with a probable accuracy of more than 99.0%. A new mutation was identified in another family with the same degree of reliability; three females in this family were thus deemed not to be DMD carriers. The eleven RFLP-markers presently available on the short arm of the X chromosome are useful in the diagnosis of DMD since they bridge the Duchenne locus at genetic distances varying between 3 and 20 cmo. Moreover, recombination within the set of markers provides an independent way of regionally mapping these probes relative to each other along the short arm of the X chromosome.

Genetic screening for hemophilia A (classic hemophilia) with a polymorphic DNA probe

We have developed a new method of screening for hemophilia A in families at risk for the disease. A DNA probe (St14) that detects a very polymorphic region on the human X chromosome has been shown to be closely linked to hemophilia A. We observed no recombination between the St14 locus and hemophilia A in 12 families studied. The odds in favor of linkage are 4.4 X 10(9) to 1 (lod score, 9.65). The 95 per cent confidence interval for the probability of a recombination between St14 and hemophilia A is 0 to 6.5 per cent. This DNA probe, which is informative in more than 90 per cent of families at risk of hemophilia A, can be used in conjunction with classic biologic assays to identify carriers with an accuracy of 96 per cent or more. If a small risk of misclassification due to crossover between the test and the disease loci is accepted, this DNA marker should allow first-trimester prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia A. Segregation analysis with St14 may thus represent a major improvement in genetic counseling for hemophilia A.

First trimester prenatal diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy by determination of very long chain fatty acid levels and by linkage analysis to a DNA probe

A first trimester prenatal diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy has been done on chorionic villi biopsy in the pregnancy of a carrier woman. Two different approaches allowed one to determine that the male fetus was affected: the linkage analysis of DNA from chorionic villi using the highly polymorphic probe St 14 and the determination of very long chain fatty acid levels in cultured chorionic villi.

DNA probe localization at 18p113 band by in situ hybridization and identification of a small supernumerary chromosome

Recombinant plasmid clone B74 (also named D18 S3) containing a human single-copy DNA segment of 6 kilobases (kb) was localized by in situ hybridization on band p113 of chromosome 18. This probe was then used in cytogenetic diagnosis to identify precisely a small supernumerary chromosome as an isochromosome i(18p).

The glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase gene family: structure of a human cDNA and of an X chromosome linked pseudogene; amazing complexity of the gene family in mouse

In an experiment designed to find sequences common to a skeletal muscle cDNA library and an X chromosome specific library, we have isolated cDNA clones corresponding to glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD), (whose gene is assigned to chromosome 12), and a DNA fragment from the X chromosome short arm which contains an intron-less GAPD pseudogene. A 1210-bp cDNA sequence has been established which covers all of the protein-coding region, most of the 5' non-coding region and part of the 3' non-coding region. It corresponds to the major (and possibly unique) GAPD mRNA present in skeletal muscle. Unexpectedly, the amino acid sequence derived from the cDNA clones differs at 10% of the residues from that established for the human protein purified from skeletal muscle. The X-linked pseudogene has been localised in the p22-p11 region of the human X chromosome. It has the structure of a complete retrotranscript of a processed mRNA, including the poly(A) tail and is 96% homologous to the cDNA sequence. The pseudogene is flanked by a 15-bp direct repeat, and an Alu-like sequence is found in the 3'-flanking region. About 25 GAPD sequences are found in the human genome, 12 of which have high homology to the cDNA probe. A similar complexity is found in hamster. In contrast, the mouse genome contains an amazing number of GAPD related fragments (at least 200). The hybridization pattern suggests that this multiplicity has been generated by two different mechanisms: first the generation of approximately 40 different sequences, which were subsequently amplified (probably by tandem duplication).

Actin-like sequences are present on human X and Y chromosomes

The human genome contains greater than 20 actin-related sequences, six of which at least are expressed as protein. We have shown by blot hybridization the presence of actin-like sequences on both the X and the Y chromosomes. These sequences can be detected in HindIII digests of genomic DNA, using as probe cDNA clones corresponding to human alpha skeletal actin or to a hamster (beta or gamma) cytoskeletal actin; they show more homology to the latter probe. The actin probes also detect a polymorphic DNA fragment showing autosomal inheritance with a frequency for the major allele of 0.55 in the population studied. The X-linked actin sequence has been assigned to a centromeric region between Xp11 and Xq11 by hybridization to DNAs from a panel of human-mouse hybrid cell lines, and thus lies outside the postulated region of homology between the X and Y chromosomes. The Y-linked actin sequence can serve as a marker to analyse anomalies of sex determination or of gametogenesis in man. It was found in all XY males studied but was absent from the genomic DNA of four unrelated 'XX male' subjects and two XX hermaphrodites. This shows that the region of chromosome Y which contains the actin sequence is not translocated onto the X chromosome (or onto autosomes) in these patients.

A DNA fragment from the human X chromosome short arm which detects a partially homologous sequence on the Y chromosomes long arm

An X linked human DNA fragment (named DXS31 ) which detects partially homologous sequences on the Y chromosome has been isolated. Regional localisation of the two sex linked sequences was determined using a panel of rodent-human somatic cell hybrids. The X specific sequence is located at the tip of the short arm ( Xp22 .3-pter), i.e. within or close to the region which pairs with the Y chromosome short arm at meiosis. However the Y specific sequence is located in the heterochromatic region of the long arm ( Yq11 -qter) and lies outside from the pairing region. DNAs from several XX male subjects were probed with DXS31 and in all cases a double dose of the X linked fragment was found, and the Y specific fragment was absent. DXS31 detects in chimpanzee a male-female differential pattern identical to that found in man. However results obtained in a more distantly related species, the brown lemur, suggest that the sequences detected by DXS31 in this species might be autosomally coded. The features observed with these X-Y related sequences do not fit with that expected from current hypotheses of homology between the pairing regions of the two sex chromosomes, nor with the pattern observed with other X-Y homologous sequences recently characterized. Our results suggest also that the rule of conservation of X linkage in mammals might not apply to sequences present on the tip of the X chromosome short arm, in bearing with the controversial issue of steroid sulfatase localisation in mouse.

Genetic mapping of the human X chromosome by using restriction fragment length polymorphisms

Using a human X chromosome-specific DNA library, we have found arbitrary single-copy DNA sequences that reveal useful restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The inheritance of these and other available polymorphic DNA markers has been studied in a series of unrelated three-generation families with large sibships. These families reveal parental phase and allow determination of recombination frequencies by counting recombinant and nonrecombinant chromosomes. The resulting genetic map indicates that the minimal distance from Xp22 to Xqter is 215 recombination units. The spacing of the marker loci is such that the majority of the loci on the X chromosome, including disease loci, will lie within 20 centimorgans of at least one of these loci.

Carrier detection of Hemophilia B by using a restriction site polymorphism associated with the coagulation Factor IX gene

The cloned complementary DNA for coagulation Factor IX (FIX) detects a frequent restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in human genomic DNAs digested with the restriction endonuclease Taq I. This genetic marker was used, in parallel with coagulation and immunological assays, to follow the segregation of an abnormal FIX gene in a large Hemophilia B family. Among the six potential female carriers, functional assays showed that four had a high probability, and two a low probability of being carriers. Analysis at the DNA level with the cDNA probe was informative in five of the six cases, and in all these five the diagnosis of carrier state was definitively confirmed. This demonstrates the feasibility of using linkage analysis at the DNA level for the genetic screening of Hemophilia B. This method has the advantages over conventional assays of giving a diagnosis of certainty, and of being applicable to early prenatal diagnosis using biopsies of trophoblast villi. At present, the single known polymorphism associated with the FIX gene restricts the application of linkage analysis to informative cases (40%), but findings of additional RFLPs in this region should improve this figure.

Regional localization on the human X chromosome and polymorphism of the coagulation factor IX gene (hemophilia B locus)

Hemophilia B is an X-linked disease caused by a functional deficiency in coagulation factor IX. A cDNA clone corresponding to factor IX has been used to detect homologous sequences in the human genome. All DNA fragments hybridizing to the probe, under medium- or high-stringency conditions, are X-linked, and the patterns obtained suggest that a single large (greater than or equal to 20 kilobases) gene is detected. The gene has been mapped to the q26-q27 region of the long arm of the X chromosome by hybridization to DNA from a panel of human-mouse hybrid cell lines. A search for restriction fragment length polymorphisms using seven restriction enzymes has led to the detection of a Taq I polymorphism, with allelic frequencies of about 0.71 and 0.29. This genetic marker should be useful for the detection of carriers of the hemophilia B trait and for prenatal diagnosis in informative families and, more generally, for the establishment of a linkage map of the human X chromosome.

Close linkage of fragile X-mental retardation syndrome to haemophilia B and transmission through a normal male

The fragile X-mental retardation syndrome is defined by a moderate to severe mental retardation associated with a cytogenetic marker, a fragile site localized on the long arm of the X chromosome at band Xq 27. This syndrome has recently been recognized as one of the major causes of genetically determined mental retardation, and as one of the most important X-linked diseases with respect to its frequency (analogous to that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy or of haemophilia A) and severity. In the absence of treatment, genetic screening for this disease would seem particularly important. Prenatal diagnosis is now feasible although difficult and detection of heterozygous carriers is only possible in approximately 50% of cases. The recent demonstration of genetic linkage between the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-colour blindness cluster (at Xq28) and the fragile X locus has suggested that the fragile site is indeed the site of the mutation. We show here that the fragile X and haemophilia B loci are closely linked, using as genetic marker a polymorphism of the coagulation factor IX gene. Our study of a large family has demonstrated transmission through a phenotypically normal male, a feature previously described in retrospective analysis of a few other fragile X pedigrees. Restriction polymorphisms associated with the factor IX gene should be useful for analysing this peculiar aspect of the genetics of the fragile X syndrome, and for genetic screening of the disease.

Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for human skeletal muscle alpha actin

Two cDNA libraries corresponding to polyA+ RNA from human adult skeletal muscle have been constructed by cloning in the PstI site of pBR322. Skeletal alpha actin cDNA clones have been isolated and characterized. Three of these plasmids have overlapping inserts which together contain the complete 5' non-coding and protein-coding region and part of the 3' untranslated region. Determination of the sequence of the cloned cDNA confirms the complete conservation in human of the amino-acid sequence of skeletal alpha actin compared to the rabbit or rat proteins. The 5' untranslated region, but not the 3' untranslated region, shows good homology with the corresponding one in the rat gene. Analysis of changes at silent sites within the protein-coding region suggests that the divergence of skeletal and cardiac alpha actin took place much earlier than the mammalian radiation. The plasmids described here have been used as probes to detect the homologous gene among the about thirty actin sequences present in the human genome.

Repetitive satellite-like sequences are present within or upstream from 3 avian protein-coding genes

Peculiar DNA sequences made up by the tandem repetition of a 5 bp unit have been identified within or upstream from three avian protein-coding genes. One sequence is located within an intron of the chicken "ovalbumin-X" gene with 5'-TCTCC-3' as basic repeat unit (36 repeats). Another sequence made of 27 repeats of a 5'-GGAAG-3' basic unit is found 2500 base pairs upstream from the promoter of the chicken ovotransferrin (conalbumin) gene. A related but different sequence is present in the corresponding region of the ovotransferrin gene in the pheasant, with 5'-GGAAA-3' as the basic unit (55 repeats). These three satellite-like elements are thus characterized by a total assymetry in base distribution, with purines restricted to one strand, and pyrimidines to the other. Two of the basic repeat units can be derived from the third one (GGAAA) by a single base pair change. These related sequences are found repeated in three avian genomes, at degrees which vary both with the sequence type and the genome type. Evolution of tandemly repeated sequences (including satellites) is in general studied by analysing randomly picked elements. The presence of conserved protein-coding regions neighbouring satellite-like sequences allow to follow their evolution at a single locus, as exemplified by the striking comparison of the pheasant and chicken sequences upstream from the ovotransferrin gene.

The ovalbumin gene family: complete sequence and structure of the Y gene

The "ovalbumin Y" gene, one of three which constitute the ovalbumin gene family in chicken has been completely sequenced. The exact location of exons can be derived from the comparison with the ovalbumin gene sequence and from the map previously established by electron microscopy analysis. During evolution of the Y gene, selective pressure has operated to retain a sequence coding for an ovalbumin-like protein. The location of splice junctions, the length of protein coding exons and the reading phase are as in the ovalbumin gene. The overall homology between the Y and ovalbumin protein coding sequences is 72.6% (resulting in a 58% homology for the amino acid sequences). A significantly high number of base changes within coding sequences are present in clusters, which appear in several cases to be correlated with the occurrence of direct repeats. The 3' untranslated sequences of the Y and ovalbumin mRNAs have diverged much more, and the Y sequence contains a peculiar U(T) rich region. Corresponding introns of the ovalbumin and Y genes differ extensively both in sequence and in length. They share however characteristic biases in their base distribution.

The ovalbumin gene family: hormonal control of X and Y gene transcription and mRNA accumulation

The ovalbumin gene family is composed of three genes, X, Y and ovalbumin, which are expressed in laying hen oviduct. We have analyzed the in vivo transcription products of X and Y genes and the effect of steroid hormones on their synthesis and accumulation. As in the case of ovalbumin, the complete gene transcripts and processing intermediates are present in the poly(A)+ RNA fraction. The mature RNAs are found in polysomes and are translated into proteins. The expression of X and Y genes is controlled by steroid hormones: X and Y RNAs are not detectable in oviducts from chicks withdrawn from estrogen stimulation, whereas in chicks stimulated with estrogen for 7 days, X RNA represents 0.3% and Y RNA 0.8% of ovalbumin mRNA. In laying hen, however, the levels of X and Y RNAs are about 2% of ovalbumin mRNA. After stimulation with other steroid hormones, alone or in combination, the level of X and Y RNA does not achieve that detected in laying hen. Progesterone has a much weaker effect on X RNA accumulation than on that of Y and ovalbumin mRNAs. Studies with isolated nuclei show that X and Y gene expression is regulated by hormones at the level of transcription. However, the differences observed between the transcription rates and the accumulation of X and Y mRNAs suggest that the expression of X and Y genes could also be controlled at the levels of RNA processing and/or mRNA stability.

The ovalbumin gene family: structure of the X gene and evolution of duplicated split genes

The X, Y and ovalbumin genes, which are found within a 40 kb region of the chicken genome, are all expressed in oviduct under steroid hormone control, and share some sequence homologies. We have now cloned the complete X gene and have analyzed its structure. It codes for two RNA species, X and X'; both are coded by eight exons and appear to differ only by the size of their 3' untranslated region, X' RNA being 1400 nucleotides longer than X RNA. The striking similarity in the number and length of the exons which constitute the X, Y or ovalbumin genes establishes that they have evolved from a common ancestor gene by duplication events. Comparison of selected regions of the X and ovalbumin genes indicates that the exon sequences coding for protein and the location of the splice junctions have been well-conserved. The introns and the 3' untranslated exonic sequences have diverged much more rapidly. Four regions of apparently unrelated repetitive sequences are found both outside the X gene and within it (in two introns and in the sequence coding for the 3' untranslated part of X'RNA). The intragenic repetitive sequences have no counterpart in the ovalbumin and Y genes.

DNA methylation: correlation with DNase I sensitivity of chicken ovalbumin and conalbumin chromatin

To analyse the relationship between DNA undermethylation at some sites in the ovalbumin and conalbumin gene regions (1) and the expression of these genes in chick oviduct, digestions with HhaI, which differentiates between methylated and unmethylated HhaI restriction sites, was performed on DNA isolated from chicken erythrocyte or oviduct chromatin treated with DNase I which degrades preferentially "active" chromatin. This was followed by analysis with ovalbumin- and conalbumin-specific hybridization probes. We conclude that the residual DNA methylation found at some sites of the ovalbumin and conalbumin gene regions is derived from the fraction of cells in which the chromatin of these genes is not in an "active" form. On the other hand, the ovalbumin and conalbumin sites which are partially unmethylated in erythrocyte DNA correspond to chromatin regions which are not DNase I-senitive. We have also detected a site about 1 kb downstream from the 3' end of the conalbumin gene that is hypersensitive to DNase I in all tissues tested.

DNA methylation: organ specific variations in the methylation pattern within and around ovalbumin and other chicken genes

The restriction enzymes HhaI and HpaII, whose activity is inhibited by cytosine methylation within their recognition sites, have been utilised as probes to study methylation in the vicinity of the ovalbumin gene in DNA from various chicken tissues. This was complemented by a preliminary study of methylation in the regions of chicken ovotransferrin (conalbumin), ovomucoid and beta-globin genes. From our data we conclude that HaI or HpaII sites can be divided in 3 classes according to their pattern of methylation in different tissues. In the first class of sites (mV class) the extent of methylation varies in different tissues. The patterns obtained show that methylation at the sites located within and around the 3 genes which code for egg white proteins is in general lowest in oviduct of laying hen, where these genes are expressed. However some sites are not methylated (m- class) and others are 95 to 100% resistant (m+ class) to digestion by HhaI or HpaII in the DNAs of all the tissues which were tested. Our study has also revealed a remarkable number of allelic variants for the presence of HhaI or HpaII sites in the region of the ovalbumin gene.

The ovalbumin gene region: common features in the organisation of three genes expressed in chicken oviduct under hormonal control

Two large DNA fragments overlapping the chicken ovalbumin gene have been isolated by molecular cloning. Analysis of these fragments provided a map of a 46,000-base pair region of the chicken genome. This region contains the complete ovalbumin gene (including its mRNA leader-coding sequence) and at least two other genes of unknown function. All three genes are orientated in the same direction and their expression in chicken oviduct is under hormonal control. The three genes share some sequence homologies, suggesting that duplications have occurred in the ovalbumin gene region in the course of evolution.

Isolation of mutant mammalian cells altered in polyamine transport

Chinese hamster ovary and rat myoblast cells resistant to the toxic action of methylglyoxal bis guanylhydrazone (MGBG), an antimitotic agent and inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, have been isolated by single step selection. Mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate increases the recovery of the variants at least 30-fold. Intracellular accumulation of MGBG is greatly reduced in resistant cells. This property is accompanied by a 99% decrease in the uptake of all three naturally occurring polyamines. Both the resistant phenotype and the defect in polyamine transport behave recessively in somatic cell hybrids.

Organization of coding and intervening sequences in the chicken ovalbumin split gene

The interruptions in the chicken ovalbumin gene which were reported previously (Breathnach, Mandel and Chambon, 1977) are shown to be due to the presence of intervening sequences which separate the messenger-coding sequences. We present evidence for an additional interruption of the gene, which, together with those reported earlier and by Garapin et al. (1978b), make a total of six intervening sequences. All of these intervening sequences are located in the DNA region that corresponds to the part of the ov mRNA which codes for amino acids. The seven coding fragments of the split ovalbumin gene are arranged in the same order and relative orientation as in the ovalbumin double-stranded cDNA. All the sequences coding for ov mRNA are contained in a chromosomal DNA region of 6000 bp, which is more than 3 times longer than ov mRNA. The general organization of the ovalbumin split gene is discussed.

Ovalbumin gene is split in chicken DNA

The ovalbumin gene, is split in chicken DNA. Two interruptions in the sequences coding for ovalbumin mRNA have been detected, at least one of them lying in the protein coding sequence. The unexpected gene organisation is present both in oviduct cells highly specialised in ovalbumin synthesis and in erythrocytes.