Isolation of 115 human chromosome 8-specific expressed-sequence tags by exon amplification

Exon-amplification experiments were undertaken to isolate potentially transcribable sequences from cosmid clones that previously had been mapped to subchromosomal bands of human chromosome 8 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. From 253 cosmids subjected to this procedure so far, we isolated 169 fragments and confirmed that they had been derived from the original cosmid clones. Among them, 38 revealed homology to repetitive DNA sequences such as Alu and L1 elements. The other 131 were unique sequences, but of these only 115 contained discernible open reading frames. Among these 115 sequences, 15 were identical to parts of six known genes listed in the public database. On the basis of information derived from mapping the original cosmid clones, we were able to localize two of these known genes, zinc finger protein 7 and heat shock transcription factor 1, to 8q24.3. Furthermore, we have proven that some of these clones are parts of the transcribed products by an exon connection method or by isolation of a novel cDNA that is homologous to murine clathrin-associated protein. The expressed-sequence tags isolated here will be useful resources for a transcriptional map of chromosome 8 and for isolation of new genes.

Genetic basis of the silent phenotype of serum butyrylcholinesterase in three compound heterozygotes

Three Japanese patients showed very low butyrylcholinesterase activity in their sera and appeared to be homozygous for silent genes for butyrylcholinesterase. From DNA analysis, all three patients were compound heterozygotes: GGA(Gly) to CGA(Arg) at codon 365 (G365R) and TTC(Phe) to TCC(Ser) at codon 418 (F418S) in patient 1, G365R and CGT(Arg) to TGT(Cys) at codon 515 (R515C) in patient 2 and ACT(Thr) to CCT(Pro) at codon 250 (T250P) and AGA(Arg) to TGA(Stop) at codon 465 (R465X) in patient 3. The K-variant, GCA(Ala) to ACA(Thr) at codon 539, was also found in patients 1 and 2. Simple identification methods for all the mutations were developed and applied to family analysis and control individuals. The mutant alleles (with silent gene and K-variant) were segregated as predicted by theory in pedigrees of patients 1 and 2. Four of the mutations, F418S, R515C, T250P and R465X, were initially discovered in Japan and genetic heterogeneity among the human population for the butyrylcholinesterase gene was suggested.

Use of lactate dehydrogenase to evaluate the anti-viral activity against influenza A virus

The detection of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can be used to evaluate efficiently anti-influenza A virus agents. LDH levels in the virus-infected Madin-Darby canine kidney cell cultures were significantly higher than in controls, were in proportion to the degree of virus infection, and corresponded to a decrease in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity as assayed using a tetrazolium colorimetric assay (MTT method). The EC50 value and cytotoxicity of ribavirin, 3-deazaguanine, pyrazofurin, and carbodine against influenza A virus as measured by the LDH detection method was equivalent to that derived by the MTT method.

Effect of donor age on the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma gene product in cultured human keratinocytes

The retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) is a tumor suppressor protein. Recently, it has been shown that the phosphorylation of pRB is necessary for progression from G1 to S phase in a variety of cells. In a word, the phosphorylation of pRB accelerates cell growth. In this study, we examined the phosphorylation status of pRB in normal human keratinocytes obtained from donors aged from 1 year to 71 years. The cells of old donors (61-71 years old) presented the more dense hypophosphorylated pRB band than cells of young donors (1-19 years old). Densitometric measurement showed that 42.3% +/- 4.8% of the total pRB was hypophosphorylated in cells of young donors, while 58.1% +/- 6.9% was hypophosphorylated in those of old donors. Results indicate that more pRB is hypophosphorylated in cells of old donors. The phosphorylated status of pRB might be related to the loss of growth fraction in human keratinocytes of old donors.

Isolation, characterization and chromosomal assignment of human colligin-2 gene (CBP2)

Colligin, a collagen-binding glycoprotein localized to endoplasmic reticulum, belongs to the serpin superfamily. Colligin has been identified and cloned in a number of species including mouse, rat, chicken, and human. We have isolated and characterized a full-length human cDNA clone that encodes a 418-amino-acid peptide that is highly homologous (97% identity) to the previously reported human colligin gene, and have named this new member of the colligin family human colligin-2. The expression of the colligin-2 gene (CBP2) is ubiquitous among all normal human tissues except for brain and peripheral leukocytes. We have mapped this novel gene to chromosomes 11q13.5 by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a cosmid clone containing the entire coding sequence and the 3' non-coding sequence.

Isolation and mapping of the human beta-signal sequence receptor gene (SSR2)

We have isolated a human cDNA clone homologous to the canine beta-signal sequence receptor gene, which codes for an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein associated with protein translocation across the ER membrane. Northern blot analysis revealed its ubiquitous expression in all organs examined. We also localized the human beta-signal sequence receptor gene (SSR2) to chromosome bands 1q21-->q23 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Isolation and mapping of a human gene (MCM2) encoding a product homologous to yeast proteins involved in DNA replication

From a human fetal-lung cDNA library, we isolated a gene, human MCM2, whose nucleotide sequence predicts a protein product homologous to the yeast nuclear proteins MCM2, MCM3, CDC21, and CDC46. Determination of cDNA sequences covering the entire coding region demonstrated an open reading frame of 1,629 nucleotides encoding 543 amino acids. Sequence comparison revealed 30-40% amino acid identity with these four yeast proteins, all of which are considered to play important roles in DNA replication. Analysis by Northern blotting revealed that the human MCM2 gene is expressed ubiquitously in normal tissues. Furthermore, we localized this gene to chromosomal bands 7q21.3-->q22.1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Isolation and mapping of the human EIF4A2 gene homologous to the murine protein synthesis initiation factor 4A-II gene Eif4a2

We report isolation of human cDNA highly homologous to murine Eif4a2, a gene for one of the protein-synthesis initiation factors involved in the binding of mRNA to the ribosome. This cDNA, which encodes a 407-amino-acid protein, belongs to a highly-conserved gene family, the DEAD-box gene family. The human homologue of Eif4a2 was expressed in all normal tissues examined, but in variable amounts, being highly expressed in skeletal muscle and ovary, and less abundantly in liver, kidney, and pancreas. Furthermore, we have localized the human EIF4A2 to chromosome 18p11.2 by fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Isolation and mapping of a human gene (PDCD2) that is highly homologous to Rp8, a rat gene associated with programmed cell death

From a human fetal lung cDNA library we isolated and characterized a human cDNA highly homologous to Rp8, a rat gene associated with programmed cell death. This cDNA, termed PDCD2 (programmed cell death-2), contained an open reading frame of 1032 nucleotides encoding 344 amino acids; it revealed 81% identity in DNA sequence and 83% identity in amino acid sequence with rat Rp8. The gene represented by PDCD2 was expressed in all human tissues examined. We assigned the PDCD2 locus to chromosomal band 6q27 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Ganglioside GD1 alpha in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Its specific absence in mouse mutants with Purkinje cell abnormality and altered immunoreactivity in response to conjunctive stimuli causing long-term desensitization

The alpha-series ganglioside, IV3NeuAc,III6NeuAcGgOse4-Cer(GD1 alpha), was previously identified as a minor constituent in bovine brain gangliosides (Hirabayashi, Y., Hyogo, A., Nakao, T., Tsuchiya, K., Suzuki, Y., Matsumoto, M., Kon, K, and Ando, S. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 8144-8151). In the present study, we have generated a specific mouse monoclonal antibody against GD1 alpha and explored the distribution of GD1 alpha in murine central nervous system. In adult rat brain, GD1 alpha occurred as a minor constituent, and its expression was exclusively detected in the forebrain, the midbrain and the cerebellum. In the mouse cerebellum, the content of GD1 alpha was reduced significantly in the Purkinje cell-deficient mutants, lurcher (Lc/+), staggerer (sg/sg), and Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd/pcd), but were not reduced in the weaver (wv/wv) mutant, which loses mostly granule cells. The GD1 alpha synthase, assayed in cerebellar microsomes, was also reduced in Purkinje cell-deficient mutants. Immunohistochemistry showed that the staining for GD1 alpha in rat and mouse cerebella was mostly found in the proximal dendrites and cell bodies of Purkinje cells. Also, it appeared slightly in the processes of Bergmann glial cells. The immunoreactivity of GD1 alpha disappeared specifically from the Purkinje cell dendrites and the Bergmann glial processes after co-application of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and 8-bromo-guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate, which induced long-term desensitization of the AMPA-selective glutamate receptors in Purkinje cells. The present data provide suggestive evidence that GD1 alpha ganglioside is enriched in Purkinje cells and may have a role in Purkinje cell functions in the cerebellum.

2058 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a human fetal lung cDNA library

ESTs (expressed sequence tags) provide complementary resources for structural and functional analyses of the human genome. We have performed single-pass sequencing of 2058 randomly selected, directionally cloned cDNAs isolated from a fetal-lung cDNA library constructed with oligo(dT) primers. Computer analyses of the 5'-end sequences revealed that 60.4% of the clones were considered to be identical to previously reported human genes or ESTs; 9.0% of them showed significant homology to known genes in human, other mammals, or lower organisms; 30.6% showed no homology to any genes or DNA sequences in the public database. These data and reagents will be useful for future investigations of gene expression during prenatal development of human lung.

Suppression of cyclin D1 mRNA expression by the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 (AGM-1470) in vascular endothelial cells

The effects of TNP-470 on DNA synthesis and the expression of c-myc and cyclin D1 mRNAs were investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells synchronized by serum depletion and stimulated with bFGF and serum. DNA synthesis occurring 16 h after stimulation was inhibited when TNP-470 was present from 2 to 6 h after stimulation. C-myc mRNA expression occurring 2 h after stimulation was not inhibited by the addition of TNP-470. Cyclin D1 mRNA expression occurring 6 h after stimulation was suppressed in the presence of TNP-470 from 2 to 6 h after stimulation. On the other hand, cyclin D1 expression was not suppressed in the TNP-470-insensitive human tumor cell line WiDr. These results suggest that the inhibition of HUVE cells by TNP-470 is due to the suppression of cyclin D1 expression in mid G1 phase.

A sensitive assay system screening antiviral compounds against herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2

A highly sensitive and accurate assay system was developed for in vitro evaluation of anti-herpes simplex virus (anti-HSV) agents using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and human embryonic lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. This assay system was found to be highly sensitive for both HSV-1 and -2. Confluent MRC-5 cells were infected with either HSV-1 KOS strain or HSV-2 G strain of 25 TCID50 in the presence of various concentrations of test compounds. The optical density of formazan was used to determine cell viability. The EC50 values of acyclovir and several other anti-HSV agents were found to be similar to those obtained by the plaque reduction method. These results indicate that this MTT assay is useful for screening anti-HSV-1 and -2 agents.

[Surgical management of coronary artery fistula with tricuspid stenosis in a three-month-old infant]

This is a case report of a 3-month-old infant who had been suffering from progression of cardiac failure. Two dimensional echo-cardiography revealed a fistula between the right coronary artery to the right heart. He was operated upon using extracorporeal circulation. Symbas procedure was carried out to close the fistula. Upon opening the right atrium, there noted tricuspid stenosis (TS). Then, ASD was created to reduce the right atrial pressure to prevent right heart failure secondary to TS. He is doing well postoperatively.

Angiogenic activity of the recombinant hst-1 protein

The hst-1 transforming gene encodes a protein which belongs to the FGF family of growth factors. We showed previously that a human hst-1 protein produced in silkworm cells has in vitro mitogenic activity to vascular endothelial cells. Here we report effective synthesis of an unfused human hst-1 protein in E. coli and a potent in vivo angiogenic activity of this hst-1 protein by two in vivo assays for angiogenesis, chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and rat cornea assay. The NIH3T3 transformant transfected with the hst-1 gene appeared to develop a highly-vascularized tumor on nude mice. These data showed that the hst-1 protein has an angiogenic activity in vivo as well as in vitro.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor is an autocrine growth factor for human keratinocytes

Since heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the EGF family and binds to EGF receptor, we tested recombinant HB-EGF for its ability to stimulate human keratinocyte proliferation. The effect of HB-EGF on human keratinocytes was dependent on the cell density. HB-EGF optimally increased the cell number by 1.8-fold at 1.0 ng/ml for a 4-day incubation period under subconfluent culture. In contrast, under confluent culture, 10 ng/ml HB-EGF optimally increased the DNA synthesis 2.1-fold. To examine the production of HB-EGF by human keratinocytes, the analysis of human keratinocyte-conditioned medium was undertaken by a combination of heparin affinity column chromatography, EGF receptor-stimulating assay, immunoblotting, and neutralization. Heparin column chromatography fractionated three activities, peaks 1, 2, and 3, which contained immunoreactive 30- and 27-, 19-, and 14.5-kDa bands, respectively. The anti-HB-EGF-blocking antibody neutralized the activities of peaks 2 and 3 by 38 and 22%, respectively, but did not neutralize the activity of peak 1 at all. The antibody reduced the cell growth by 37% for a 4-day incubation period. Northern blot analysis detected a 2.5-kilobase transcript of HB-EGF. The addition of 1 ng/ml HB-EGF optimally increased the levels of HB-EGF mRNA 5.4-fold at 1 h and TGF-alpha mRNA 3.1-fold at 3 h. Interestingly, the addition of TGF-alpha at 1 ng/ml to keratinocyte cultures enhanced the level of HB-EGF mRNA 10.2-fold at 6 h. 1 ng/ml EGF also increased HB-EGF mRNA levels 10.9-fold at 1 h. These results suggest that HB-EGF is an autocrine growth factor for human keratinocytes, and HB-EGF and TGF-alpha act not only by an autoinductive mechanism but also by mutual amplification.

Premature termination mutations in two patients with deficiency of lactate dehydrogenase H(B) subunit

Two patients with low lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity were discovered during healthcare examinations and were found to be homozygous for LD-H (heart) subunit deficiency by electrophoretic isoenzyme analysis of serum and erythrocyte hemolysate. The molecular nature of the genetic mutations was characterized by amplification by the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. In one case, a single-base substitution (T-->G transversion) at codon 147 of the LD-H(B) gene resulted in a nonsense mutation; in the other case, a deletion of 2 base pairs had occurred at codon 139, resulting in a frameshift translation and premature termination.

Premature termination mutations in two patients with deficiency of lactate dehydrogenase H(B) subunit

Two patients with low lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity were discovered during healthcare examinations and were found to be homozygous for LD-H (heart) subunit deficiency by electrophoretic isoenzyme analysis of serum and erythrocyte hemolysate. The molecular nature of the genetic mutations was characterized by amplification by the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. In one case, a single-base substitution (T-->G transversion) at codon 147 of the LD-H(B) gene resulted in a nonsense mutation; in the other case, a deletion of 2 base pairs had occurred at codon 139, resulting in a frameshift translation and premature termination.

Molecular cloning of a novel human cDNA homologous to CDC10 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We isolated a novel human cDNA, termed hCDC10, whose predicted product showed a high degree of homology to the CDC10 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1254 nucleotides encoding 418 amino acids, which included a GTP-binding motif, GX4GKS--DX2G--KXD. The predicted peptide sequence also revealed partial amino-acid identity (40-50%) with Diff 6 in Drosophila and with H5 in mouse. Each of these sequence homologues, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC10, contains the GTP-binding motif. Northern blot analyses indicated that the hCDC10 gene is expressed ubiquitously in normal tissues.

[A case of IgA nephropathy with numerous interstitial foam cells--analysis of infiltrating mononuclear leucocytes in renal tissue]

A 27-year-old female was admitted to our hospital in order to examine proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Light microscopic findings of her kidney showed proliferation of mesangial cells and numerous interstitial foam cells. Immunofluorescent and electron microscopic findings revealed IgA nephropathy. Immunoperoxidase studies using monoclonal antibodies disclosed that interstitial foam cells were positive for antibodies of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and also expressed adhesion molecules (CD11a, b, c, LFA-1) and MHC-class II antigens. Hereditary nephritis as Alport syndrome was negated by her familial history and electron microscopic study. We considered that it was a rare and interesting case with numerous interstitial foam cells, because the patient did not have hyperlipidemia as in nephrotic syndrome.