BrdU-33258 Hoechst analysis of DNA replication in human lymphocytes with supernumerary or structurally abnormal X chromosomes

Characterization of chromatin at structurally abnormal inactive X chromosomes reveals potential evidence of a rare hybrid active and inactive isodicentric X chromosome

X chromosome structural abnormalities are relatively common in Turner syndrome patients, in particular X isochromosomes. Reports over the last five decades examining asynchronous DNA replication between the normal X and isochromosome have clearly established that the structurally abnormal chromosome is the inactive X chromosome (Xi). Here the organization of chromatin at a deleted X chromosome, an Xq isochromosome, and two isodicentric chromosomes were examined. Consistent with previous differential staining methods, at interphase, the X isochromosome and isodicentric X chromosomes frequently formed bipartite Barr bodies, observed by fluorescence microscopy using numerous independent bona fide markers of Xi heterochromatin. At metaphase, with the exception of the pseudoautosomal region and the duplicated locus of the macrosatellite DXZ4 (if present on the abnormal X chromosome based on break points), euchromatin markers were absent from the Xi, whereas histone variant macroH2A formed reproducible banded mirror-image chromosomes. Unexpectedly, the isodicentric chromosome in 46,X,idic(X)(q28) cells, which carry a near full-length q-arm-to-q-arm fused chromosome, showed at interphase very rare instances of Xi chromatin bodies that were separated by large distances in the nucleus. Further examination using immunofluorescence and FISH support the possibility that these rare cells may represent ones in which one half of the isodicentric chromosome is active and the other half is inactive.

Occurrence of 47,X,i(X)(q10),Y Klinefelter variant with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

OBJECTIVE

To report a rare occurrence of 47,X,i(Xq),Y karyotype with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a man.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Infertility institute.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-three-year-old man with primary infertility.

INTERVENTION(S)

Clinical evaluation, hormone assays, and assessment of X inactivation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Physical examination, semen analysis, and cytogenetic analysis.

RESULT(S)

The patient showed the classic phenotype of Klinefelter syndrome but with low levels of FSH and LH. The bromodeoxyuridine-33258 Hoechst technique showed faint staining of the long arm of the isochromosome.

CONCLUSION(S)

This is the first report of co-occurrence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with the 47,X,i(X)(q10),Y Klinefelter karyotype variant in a man.

Standard karyotype of the domestic horse (Equus caballus). Committee for standardized karyotype of Equus caballus. The Second International Conference for Standardization of Domestic Animal Karyotypes, INRA, Jouy-en Josas, France, 22nd-26th May 1989

The following decisions concerning the banded karyotype of the horse (Equus caballus) were made at the second International conference for Standardization of Domestic Animal Karyotypes, held at Jouy-en Josas, France, 22nd-26th May 1989: (1) numbering of the chromosomes was modified to correspond to an arrangement into only two groups (the non-acrocentrics and the acrocentrics) within which the autosomes are placed according to length alone; (2) a more compact karyotype arrangement was adopted: chromosomes 1 to 5 on the first row, 6 to 10 on the second, 11 to 13, and, at the far right, X and Y on the third row, 14 to 19 on the fourth row, chromosomes 20 to 25 on the fifth, and 26 to 31 on the sixth row; (3) the NOR-bearing horse chromosomes were identified as numbers 1, 28 and 31.

De novo isodicentric X chromosome: 46,X,idic(X)(q24), and summary of literature

We describe a 12-year-old patient, the second live born prenatally ascertained patient in the literature, with a de novo isodicentric X chromosome, karyotype 46,X,idic(X)(q24), with normal growth and development and lack of dysmorphic features. Molecular and cytogenetic studies were performed to further characterize the isodicentric chromosome X behavior. Literature on isodicentric X chromosomes with various breakpoints on Xq is reviewed and summarized.

Detection of deletions in de novo "balanced" chromosome rearrangements: further evidence for their role in phenotypic abnormalities

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that deletions of varying sizes in de novo apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements are a significant cause of phenotypic abnormalities.

METHODS

A total of fifteen patients, with seemingly balanced de novo rearrangements by routine cytogenetic analysis but with phenotypic anomalies, were systematically analyzed. We characterized the breakpoints in these fifteen cases (two of which were ascertained prenatally), using a combination of high-resolution GTG-banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), and data from the Human Genome Project.

RESULTS

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of the 15 patients revealed nine with deletions, ranging in size from 0.8 to 15.3 Mb, with the number of genes lost ranging from 15 to 70. In five of the other six cases, a known or putative gene(s) was potentially disrupted as a result of the chromosomal rearrangement. In the remaining case, no deletions were detected, and no known genes were apparently disrupted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the use of molecular cytogenetic techniques is a highly effective way of systematically delineating chromosomal breakpoints, and that the presence of deletions of varying size is an important cause of phenotypic abnormalities in patients with "balanced" de novo rearrangements.

X chromosomal abnormalities in Indian adolescent girls

In girls of adolescent age, primary amenorrhea is a major problem and it is often suspected as Turner syndrome (TS), with complete or partial absence of one of the two X chromosomes. The girls who are unable to menstruate are primarily investigated by the gynecologists with the help of a physical examination, sonogram of the pelvis, endocrinologic tests, and ultimately cytogenetic analysis. Chromosomal analyses have been carried out in 280 such cases that were referred from different parts of the country. The standard protocol for peripheral blood lymphocyte culture was followed for metaphase chromosome preparation and conventional analysis of G-banded chromosomes. A total of 29% cases were found to have some chromosomal abnormality, including TS and testicular feminization syndrome involving sex chromosomes. Amongst those with sex chromosomal anomaly, 34% had evidence of a 46,XY karyotype in phenotypic females and 51% had pure line 45,X or mosaic with normal XX or other aberrations in X. The classification of the TS group further showed the spectrum of variant TS in Indian adolescent girls who suffered from absence or delayed menarche to correspond well with the Belgian, Danish, or Russian population. However, it has been reported that only 1% of the pure line 45,X conception is viable, indicating the necessity of mosaicism with X or Y chromosome. It has been understood that conventional banding analysis is absolutely necessary for segregating the variant nature of TS. In addition, molecular genetic or molecular cytogenetic investigations can determine the nature of mosaicism. The present study further indicated the involvement of autosomes in causing improper sexual development in girls of adolescent age.

Chromosome banding techniques

Chromosome banding techniques produce a series of consistent landmarks along the length of metaphase chromosomes that allow for both recognition of individual chromosomes within a genome and identification of specific segments of individual chromosomes. These landmarks facilitate assessment of chromosome normalcy, identification of sites of chromosome breaks and alterations, and location of specific genes. This unit covers these basic banding techniques (Q-banding, G-banding, and R-banding), which produce virtually identical patterns of bands along the length of human chromosomes, although the bands and polymorphic regions highlighted may differ with each technique. These techniques highlight reproducible landmarks along the length of the chromosome and specialized staining techniques can be used to highlight particular regions of chromosomes, such as heterochromatic and repeated-sequence segments. These specialized techniques, nucleolar organizer region (NOR) staining, centromeric heterochromatin staining (C-banding), methylated satellite DNA staining (distamycin-DAPI banding), and replication banding are also presented in this unit.

Molecular cytogenetic identification of four X chromosome duplications

Four cases with previously unidentified X-chromosome abnormalities were studied by standard cytogenetic techniques and FISH in order to demonstrate the origin of the extra segment on the abnormal X chromosomes. All cases were identified as X-chromosome duplications by using a chromosome-specific painting probe. Application of appropriate locus-specific DNA probes as an adjunct to GTG- and RBG-banding proved useful in defining the breakpoints and the extent of the duplications. Although the duplicated X chromosome in female cases was selectively inactivated, as demonstrated by its late-replicating pattern, abnormal clinical findings were manifested in 3 female patients.

A translocation interrupts the COL5A1 gene in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypomelanosis of Ito

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetically and pathogenetically heterogeneous group of disorders of which at least 11 types have been described. All are connective tissue disorders characterized by defects of the skin, ligaments and blood vessels with the clinical spectrum ranging from innocuous findings to lethality. Mutations in the genes encoding the major fibrillar collagen types I and III have been demonstrated in EDS types VII and IV, respectively, while mutations in the lysyl hydroxylase and ATP7A genes, with roles in collagen cross-linking, are responsible for EDS types VI and IX. The biochemical and molecular bases for the most common forms of EDS (types I, II and III) are unknown. Here, we describe a balanced translocation between chromosome 9 and an X chromosome that disrupts the minor fibrillar collagen type V gene COL5A1 in a patient with both EDS type I and hypomelanosis of Ito. The breakpoint occurs at 9q34 within COL5A1 intron 24 and interestingly, within a LINE-1 (L1) element at Xp21.1. A fusion mRNA between COL5A1 and an Alu sequence is produced, but no aberrant protein is detectable. Rather, the amount of type V collagen is reduced in the patient's fibroblasts, suggesting haploinsufficiency as a cuase of the phenotype. This demonstrates that a mutation in a type V collagen gene, COL5A1, results in EDS type I, and shows the involvement of L1 sequences in a constitutional chromosomal translocation. Because collagen type V is a heteromorphic protein in which molecules may be composed of polypeptides encoded by three COL5A genes, this suggests all three genes as candidates for mutations in EDS.

Preaxial acrofacial dysostosis (Nager syndrome) associated with an inherited and apparently balanced X;9 translocation: prenatal and postnatal late replication studies

We report on an infant with preaxial acrofacial dysostosis (Nager syndrome) who was diagnosed prenatally as having an apparently balanced X/autosome translocation [46,X,t(X;9)(p22.1;q32)mat] inherited from a previously diagnosed mosaic translocation carrier mother [46,XX/46,X,t(X;9)(p22.1;q32)]. Replication studies on amniocytes showed the normal X chromosome to be late replicating while the same studies repeated on the infant's lymphocytes showed the translocated X chromosome to be late replicating in most cells. Late replication studies of the mother's lymphocytes demonstrated that the normal X chromosome was late replicating in most cells. The presence of Nager syndrome in this infant may be the result of critical breakpoints and/or position effects on chromosome 9, inducing expression of a gene responsible for the syndrome.

Mapping of the Menkes locus to Xq13.3 distal to the X-inactivation center by an intrachromosomal insertion of the segment Xq13.3-q21.2

During a systematic chromosomal survey of 167 unrelated boys with the X-linked recessive Menkes disease (MIM 309400), a unique rearrangement of the X chromosome was detected, involving an insertion of the long arm segment Xq13.3-q21.2 into the short arm at band Xp11.4, giving the karyotype 46,XY,ins(X) (p11.4q13.3q21.2). The same rearranged X chromosome was present de novo in the subject's phenotypically normal mother, where it was preferentially inactivated. The restriction fragment length polymorphism and methylation patterns at DXS255 indicated that the rearrangement originated from the maternal grandfather. Together with a previously described X;autosomal translocation in a female Menkes patient, the present finding supports the localization of the Menkes locus (MNK) to Xq13, with a suggested fine mapping to sub-band Xq13.3. This localization is compatible with linkage data in both man and mouse. The chromosomal bend associated with the X-inactivation center (XIC) was present on the proximal long arm of the rearranged X chromosome, in line with a location of XIC proximal to MNK. Combined data suggest the following order: Xcen-XIST(XIC), DXS128-DXS171, DXS56-MNK-PGK1-Xqter.

45,X/46,X,+r(X) can have a distinct phenotype different from Ullrich-Turner syndrome

We present a patient with 45,X/46,X,+r(X) mosaicism and lack of inactivation of either the normal or the ring X in the 46,X,+r(X) cells. The patient has mental retardation, syndactyly, minor facial anomalies, and a congenital heart defect. Although most patients with 45,X/46,X,+r(X) have the Ullrich-Turner syndrome, 2 previously described patients with this karyotype also had a distinct phenotype consisting of severe mental retardation, syndactyly, and abnormal face. The unusually severe phenotype in these patients was thought to be due to lack of X-inactivation of the ring X chromosome. The findings in our patient support this hypothesis.

Genetic analysis of patients with retinitis pigmentosa using a cloned cDNA probe for the human gamma subunit of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase

We have cloned cDNAs corresponding to the human gamma subunit of retinal cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (gamma-cGMP-PDE). The coding region of these cDNAs was identical to that reported previously by Tuteja et al. (Gene 1990, 88, 227-32). We also confirmed their assignment of gamma-cGMP-PDE to human chromosome 17. The fragment was used to search for mutations of the corresponding gamma-cGMP-PDE gene in patients with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or isolate case retinitis pigmentosa, and Usher's syndrome type I. No gene deletions or rearrangements could be detected in any patient by Southern blotting. We discovered restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) with the enzymes BstE II and EcoR I defining sets of alleles at the gamma-cGMP-PDE locus in the normal population. We used these RFLPs to analyse the genomic DNA of large sets of unrelated patients with the autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or isolate form of retinitis pigmentosa. Within each of these three groups, BstE II and EcoR I RFLP alleles at the gamma-cGMP-PDE locus showed no linkage disequilibrium (departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium). In addition, one autosomal dominant, three autosomal recessive, and two Usher's syndrome type I pedigrees each showed no cosegregation of the gamma-cGMP-PDE locus and the disease locus. Thus, we find no evidence that mutations of the gene for the gamma subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase are associated with the common forms of retinitis pigmentosa and Usher's syndrome type I.

The genetic toxicology of 5-bromodeoxyuridine in mammalian cells

The thymidine analog, BrdUrd, induces many biological responses which are of importance to the field of genetic toxicology and related disciplines. These include the induction of SCE, specific-locus mutations, and toxicity, inhibition of cell proliferation, and the expression of fragile sites in the human genome. In early models which addressed the mechanisms of the biological effects of BrdUrd exposure, two pathways were proposed to account for the induction of the biological responses. Incorporation of the enol form of BrdUrd into the nascent DNA strand after pairing with deoxyguanosine was proposed as one pathway, whereas the incorporation of BrdUrd opposite adenosine in place of thymidine was proposed as the second pathway. Many novel and sophisticated techniques have been applied to the study of the mechanism of the induction of biological effects by BrdUrd leading to a substantial increase in our understanding of these mechanisms. However, the experimental evidence clearly supports the contention that BrdUrd exerts its effects on eukaryotic cells through mechanisms similar to those originally proposed to explain the genotoxicity of BrdUrd.

The placental ribonuclease inhibitor (RNH) gene is located on chromosome subband 11p15.5

The ribonuclease inhibitor from human placenta is a tight-binding inhibitor of alkaline and neutral ribonucleases, including the blood vessel-inducing protein, angiogenin. The location of the inhibitor gene within the human genome has now been determined. Utilizing human-rodent hybrid cell lines, it was found on chromosome 11. The localization was refined to chromosome band 11p15 by in situ hybridization of the ribonuclease inhibitor cDNA to normal metaphase chromosomes. A further refinement was obtained by in situ hybridization of the probe to metaphase chromosomes from RPMI 8402 cells, a line containing a well-characterized translocation t(11;14)(p15;q11) with a chromosome 11 breakpoint between the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog genes. This analysis has localized the ribonuclease inhibitor gene to chromosome subband 11p15.5, distal to the IGF2 gene.

The human mannose-binding protein gene. Exon structure reveals its evolutionary relationship to a human pulmonary surfactant gene and localization to chromosome 10

The human mannose-binding protein (MBP) plays a role in first line host defense against certain pathogens. It is an acute phase protein that exists in serum as a multimer of a 32-kD subunit. The NH2 terminus is rich in cysteines that mediate interchain disulphide bonds and stabilize the second collagen-like region. This is followed by a short intervening region, and the carbohydrate recognition domain is found in the COOH-terminal region. Analysis of the human MBP gene reveals that the coding region is interrupted by three introns, and all four exons appear to encode a distinct domain of the protein. It appears that the human MBP gene has evolved by recombination of an ancestral nonfibrillar collagen gene with a gene that encodes carbohydrate recognition, and is therefore similar to the human surfactant SP-A gene and the rat MBP gene. The gene for MBP is located on the long arm of chromosome 10 at 10q11.2-q21, a region that is included in the assignment for the gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A.

Molecular characterization of sialophorin (CD43), the lymphocyte surface sialoglycoprotein defective in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Sialophorin (CD43) of leukocytes and platelets is a surface sialoglycoprotein that is phenotypically defective on lymphocytes of patients with the X chromosome-linked immunodeficiency Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. Previous studies with monoclonal antibodies indicate that sialophorin is a component of a T-lymphocyte activation pathway. Here we describe the cDNA cloning and derived amino acid sequence of human sialophorin. The sequence predicts an integral membrane polypeptide with an N-terminal hydrophobic signal region followed by a mucin-like 235-residue extracellular region with a uniform distribution of 46 serine, 47 threonine, and 24 proline residues. This is followed by a 23-residue transmembrane region and a 123-residue C-terminal intracellular region. These latter regions have been highly conserved during evolution; the intracellular region contains a number of potential phosphorylation sites that might mediate transduction of activation signals. The chromosomal location of the sialophorin gene was determined and the implications of this assignment for the pathogenesis of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome are discussed.

Cytological evidence of defective template in the fragile X chromosome

In cells of fragile X patients, the changed X segment may appear as a poorly staining region or a gap, or as a deletion, involving one or both chromatids. To find out whether the fragile site represents an incompletely replicated DNA sequence, as has been suggested recently, we analyzed the four chromatids of methotrexate-induced endoreduplicated fragile X chromosomes. Our main observations were: (1) a deleted chromatid was never internal to a poorly staining one; (2) an endoreduplicated X chromosome with a fragile site never included a normal chromatid. These results can be explained by assuming that DNA at the fragile site, when replicated in the presence of methotrexate, may undergo defective replication and give rise to improperly packaged chromatin, appearing as a chromatid with a poorly staining region or a gap in the following metaphase. The same DNA may fail to function as a template in the following S-phase and give rise to a chromatid with a single-stranded segment, appearing as a deleted chromatid in the following metaphase.

Human GAP-43: its deduced amino acid sequence and chromosomal localization in mouse and human

The growth-associated protein (GAP-43) is considered a crucial component of an effective regenerative response in the nervous system. Its phosphorylation by protein kinase C correlates with long-term potentiation. Sequence analysis of human cDNAs coding for this protein shows that the human GAP-43 gene is highly homologous to the rat gene; this homology extends into the 3'-untranslated region. However, the human protein contains a 10 amino acid insert. Somatic cell hybrids demonstrate localization of the GAP-43 gene to human chromosome 3 and to mouse chromosome 16.

Inactivation and reactivation of sex-linked steroid sulfatase gene in murine cell culture

The murine X-linked steroid sulfatase gene (Sts) normally escapes X inactivation. However, we have observed that most long-term murine cell cultures are deficient in STS activity even though only the L cells are known to be derived from an STS- mouse strain. To investigate this phenomenon, we developed a selective system whereby STS+ cells could be selected from STS- populations. The system is based on making cells dependent on cholesterol-sulfate as the sole source of cholesterol, allowing only STS+ cells to grow. Two STS- cell lines, after treatment with either 5-azacytidine (5AC) or ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), yielded STS+ revertants, suggesting that their STS- phenotype was due to hypermethylation. To study the evolution of STS- cell lines, we established XO and XX primary lines from STS+ strains; the XX cell line remained STS+ after more than 200 cell doublings whereas the XO became STS- after about 100 doublings. Treatment of this STS- XO cell line with 5AC produced clones with restored STS activity. All the revertants showed a growth disadvantage compared to their STS- counterparts. It would appear that aberrant methylation is the basis for much of the STS deficiency observed in established murine lines and that its propagation is due to the growth advantage of STS- over STS+ cells.

Nature of recombination involved in excision and rearrangement of human repetitive DNA

An alphoid-like human repetitive DNA of the Sau3A family is present extrachromosomally and in the chromosomes. In the chromosomes, the DNA is located on chromosome 11 but related sequences are present in chromosome 17. We characterized the nature of the recombination involved in the excision of the extrachromosomal DNA from chromosome 11. The results show that the recombination occurs both between the homologous subunits and between the heterologous subunits with only a 70 to 80% sequence homology among them, suggesting that a DNA structure other than a sequence homology mediates the recombination process. The same type of recombination is responsible for the rearrangement of the related sequences in chromosome 17.

Construction of a chromosome 16-enriched phage library and characterization of several DNA segments from 16p

A flow sorted chromosome 16-enriched recombinant library was produced to isolate DNA probes useful for constructing a linkage map of 16p, primarily for the study of adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD). The APKD locus has been mapped to chromosome 16 by linkage with the probe 3'HVR, which is located in the region 16p12----pter. Of the 48 single-copy fragments isolated from this new phage library, 39 (81%) were found to be chromosome 16 specific. Probes mapping to chromosome 16 were regionally localized by hybridizing to flow-sorted spot blots of translocation products from lymphoblastoid cell lines containing the rearrangements t(1;16) or t(11;16). Translocation breakpoints at 16p13.11 and 16p11.1 were utilized to subdivide chromosome 16 into three regions: Twenty-six probes were mapped to 16p11.1----16qter, two to 16p11.1----16p13.11, and eleven to 16p13.11----16pter. Probes from 16p were examined for their recognition of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Seven polymorphic probes were found which recognized eleven RFLPs. Six of the seven probes have RFLPs which are reasonably informative (polymorphism information contents (PIC) of over 0.25). Two of these identify polymorphisms with three different alleles, one of which has a PIC value of over 0.4. These probes may aid in the diagnosis of APKD and contribute towards a linkage map of chromosome 16.

Familial premature ovarian failure due to an interstitial deletion of the long arm of the X chromosome

We describe a family in which four women had menstrual irregularities and a partial deletion of the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq). Three of the four women had premature ovarian failure (at the ages of 24 to 37 years). Chromosome-banding studies initially suggested that a terminal portion of Xq was deleted. However, DNA-hybridization studies showed that an interstitial portion of Xq was deleted and that the affected women had a 46,XX,del(X)(pter-q21.3::q27-qter) karyotype. These findings help clarify the role of Xq in ovarian function and indicate that the accurate description of such abnormalities requires a combination of cytogenetic and DNA-hybridization analysis.

Trisomy Xq in a male: the isochromosome X Klinefelter syndrome

We report on a male with trisomy Xq resulting from an isochromosome Xq which is preferentially inactivated: 47,XY,+i(Xq). Six previous cases have been reported. These patients are similar to patients with classical Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) in that they have infertility, decreased masculinization, gynecomastia, and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) and follide stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. They may differ in having average intelligence and normal to short stature. These findings indicate that extra copies of the long arm of X have phenotypic expression, even though activated only in early development.

The 35 kd pulmonary surfactant-associated protein is encoded on chromosome 10

The genomic components identified by each of two closely related cDNA clones for the major 35 kilodalton non-serum surfactant-associated proteins (PSP-A) were shown to derive from human chromosome 10 by Southern blot analysis of DNAs from human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. By in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes, the cDNA probes were localized to the region 10q21-q24.

The gene encoding the epsilon subunit of the T3/T-cell receptor complex maps to chromosome 11 in humans and to chromosome 9 in mice

The T3 complex is composed of three polypeptide chains that are both structurally and functionally associated with the receptor for antigen on the surface of human T lymphocytes. In a series of experiments utilizing both somatic cell hybrids and chromosomal hybridization in situ, the genes encoding two members of the human T3 complex, T3-delta and T3-epsilon, were found to reside on the long arm of chromosome 11 in band q23. The murine T3-epsilon gene was localized to chromosome 9. The location of the T3-delta and T3-epsilon genes with respect to the Hu-ets-1 gene, which is also located in 11q23, is discussed. Recent assignments of several genes, preferentially expressed in human cells of hematopoietic and neuroectodermal origins, to band q23 of human chromosome 11 and the murine equivalents to murine chromosome 9 may define a conserved gene cluster important in cell proliferation and differentiation.

Amyloid beta protein gene: cDNA, mRNA distribution, and genetic linkage near the Alzheimer locus

The amyloid beta protein has been identified as an important component of both cerebrovascular amyloid and amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. A complementary DNA for the beta protein suggests that it derives from a larger protein expressed in a variety of tissues. Overexpression of the gene in brain tissue from fetuses with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) can be explained by dosage since the locus encoding the beta protein maps to chromosome 21. Regional localization of this gene by both physical and genetic mapping places it in the vicinity of the genetic defect causing the inherited form of Alzheimer's disease.

A highly polymorphic locus on chromosome 16q revealed by a probe from a chromosome-specific cosmid library

A cosmid library was constructed from genomic DNA of a human-mouse somatic cell hybrid containing an 11q-16q translocation chromosome as the only human DNA. Cosmids with human inserts were prehybridized with total human DNA and were screened to find probes that revealed highly polymorphic loci. From one such cosmid, CF33-79, a single-copy subclone was isolated which revealed an insertion/deletion polymorphism with at least 11 alleles and a PIC of 0.77. Using a somatic cell hybrid mapping panel, the subclone was mapped to chromosome 16. By in situ hybridization with the entire cosmid used as a probe, chromosomal localization was shown at 16q22----24.

Derepression of HPRT locus on inactive X chromosome of human lymphoblastoid cell line

Human XX lymphoblastoid cells with a deletion in the HPRT locus on the active X were exposed to HPRT clone pHPT32. HPRT+ isolates GPT3 and GPT5 lacked pHPT32 DNA, suggesting that their HPRT+ phenotype resulted from expression of a cellular gene. GPT3 mutated to thioguanine resistance at least 100 times more frequently than cells in which the expressed HPRT locus was on the active X. Most GPT3-derived HPRT- had lost one entire X chromosome, indicating that the HPRT+ phenotype of GPT3 resulted from derepression of the HPRT locus on its inactive X. Virtually unchanged G6PD and PGK activities and the presence of a late-replicating X in GPT3 suggest that derepression of the inactive X was not general. Eleven of the GPT3-derived mutants had a tiny centric remnant that may result from a frequently operative mechanism of X chromosome loss. The detection of partial or complete loss of an X by direct selection presents unusual opportunities for genotoxicity detection with human cells.

Human inhibitor of the first component of complement, C1: characterization of cDNA clones and localization of the gene to chromosome 11

C1 inhibitor is a heavily glycosylated plasma protein that regulates the activity of the first component of complement (C1) by inactivation of the serine protease subcomponents, C1r and C1s. C1 inhibitor cDNA clones have been isolated, and one of these (pC1INH1, 950 base pairs) has been partially sequenced. Sequence analysis demonstrates that the C1 inhibitor is a member of the serpin "superfamily" of protease inhibitors. In the region sequenced, C1 inhibitor has 22% identity with antithrombin III, 26% with alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, and 18% with human angiotensinogen. C1 inhibitor has a larger amino-terminal extension than do the other plasma protease inhibitors. In addition, inspection of residues that are invariant among the other protease inhibitors shows that C1 inhibitor differs at 14 of 41 of these positions. Thus, it appears that C1 inhibitor diverged from the group relatively early in evolution, although probably after the divergence of angiotensinogen. Southern blot analysis of BamHI-digested DNA from normal individuals and from rodent-human somatic cell hybrid cell lines (that contain a limited but varied human chromosome complement) was used to localize the human C1 inhibitor gene to chromosome 11.

Analysis of spreading of inactivation in eight X autosome translocations utilizing the high resolution RBG technique

Eight X autosome translocations were studied with replication banding to localize spreading of late replication into the autosomal segments. Partial spreading into the autosomal segment was seen in four translocations and no spreading of late replication was seen in four translocations. In those translocations with partial spreading of late replication into the autosomal segment, late replication did not always spread continuously from the X chromosome breakpoint throughout the autosome. Instead, it appeared to skip some bands and affect others. The data on the pattern of replication, taken to indicate also a spread of inactivation into these autosomal segments, correlated well with the clinical data in most cases and suggest that spreading of late replication is often incomplete and may be discontinuous.

Mapping of the human APOB gene to chromosome 2p and demonstration of a two-allele restriction fragment length polymorphism

ApoB is a large glycoprotein with an apparent molecular mass of 550 kDa on NaDodSO4/PAGE. It is a major constituent of most lipoproteins and plays an important role in their metabolism. Recently, apoB cDNA clones have been isolated from an expression library made with mRNA from a human hepatoma cell line. These clones, which were all 1.5-1.6 kilobases (kb) long and corresponded to the 3' end of apoB mRNA, were used to demonstrate that hepatic apoB mRNA is approximately 22 kb long. In the current report, a probe derived from one of these cDNA clones, pB8, was used for in situ hybridization experiments to map the human gene for apoB, APOB, to the distal half of the short arm of chromosome 2. This probe was also used to analyze somatic cell hybrids and, in agreement with the in situ hybridization studies, concordancy was demonstrated with chromosome 2. In addition, two hybrids with chromosome 2 translocations that contain only the short arm reacted with the pB8 probe. A third hybrid with a complex rearrangement of chromosome 2, which deleted an interstitial region and the tip of the short arm of chromosome 2, did not react. These data indicate that APOB maps to either 2p21-p23 or 2p24-pter. In further studies, DNA from normal individuals, digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI and subjected to Southern blot analysis with the pB8 probe, revealed a two-allele restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The major allele was 11 kb, and the minor allele was 13 kb. The minor allele was present with a frequency of 20-25%. The inheritance of the two alleles was studied in an informative family, and they segregated in a typical autosomal Mendelian fashion. The mapping studies provide the means for understanding the relationship of the APOB locus to others in the human genome, whereas the demonstration of an APOB RFLP increases our ability to assess the role of this locus in determining plasma lipoprotein levels.

Four restriction fragment length polymorphisms revealed by probes from a single cosmid map to human chromosome 12q

Human gene mapping would be greatly facilitated if marker loci with sufficient polymorphism information content were generally available. As a source of such markers, we have used cosmids from a human genomic library. We have used a rapid method for screening random cosmids to identify those homologous to genomic regions especially rich in restriction fragment length polymorphisms (Litt and White 1985). This method allows whole cosmids to be used as probes against Southern transfers of genomic DNA; regions of cosmid probes homologous to repeated genomic sequences are rendered unable to anneal with Southern transfers by prehybridization of the probes with a vast excess of non-radioactive genomic DNA. From one cosmid (C1-11) identified by this procedure, we have isolated four single-copy probes, each of which identifies a polymorphic locus. Despite the existence of some linkage disequilibrium in this system, the polymorphism information content was computed as 0.73. Using a somatic cell hybrid mapping panel, we have mapped probes from cosmid 1-11 to human chromosome 12q. Additionally, in situ hybridization of the whole cosmid to metaphase spreads allowed more precise assignment of the locus to the region 12cen----q13. The locus revealed by probes from cosmid 1-11 has been designated D12S6.

Three related centromere proteins are absent from the inactive centromere of a stable isodicentric chromosome

We developed an aqueous spreading procedure that permits simultaneous analysis of human chromosomes by Q-banding and indirect immunofluorescence. Using this methodology and anticentromere antibodies from an autoimmune patient we compared the active and inactive centromeres of an isodicentric X chromosome. We show that a family of structurally related human centromere proteins (CENP-A, CENP-B, and CENP-C) is detectable only at the active centromere. These antigens therefore may be regarded both as morphological and functional markers for active centromeres.

The human T cell antigen Leu-2 (T8) is encoded on chromosome 2

The locus encoding the human T lymphocyte cell surface antigen Leu-2 has been assigned to chromosome 2 with a DNA mapping panel derived from somatic cell hybrids. The two genomic components identified by a cDNA clone for Leu-2 segregated with human chromosome 2 in all 24 independent hybrid clones examined. The cosegregation of the Leu-2 and immunoglobulin kappa (IgK) loci in hybrids with spontaneous rearrangements of chromosome 2 is consistent with the possibility that the Leu-2 locus is on proximal human 2p near IgK. In the mouse, a locus for a T lymphocyte cell surface antigen with properties similar to Leu-2 is closely linked to the IgK locus on mouse chromosome 6. Hence the syntenic relationship of a gene implicated in T cell killing with the immunoglobulin kappa locus would then be conserved in the mouse and human genomes.

Photosensitizing dyes and fluorochromes as substitutes for 33258 Hoechst in the fluorescence-plus-Giemsa (FPG) chromosome technique

Using Allium cepa chromosomes after 5-bromo, 2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, we studied several acid and basic dyes and fluorochromes for their potential as substitutes for 33258 Hoechst in the fluorescence-plus-Giemsa (FPG) technique. All of the dyes and fluorochromes investigated showed a photosensitizing capacity which was slightly lower than 33258 Hoechst in the cases of daunomycin, phloxin, fluorescein, thioflavine T and nuclear fast red, and somewhat higher in the case of eosin Y. Observation and cytophotometric analysis of differentially Giemsa-stained sister chromatids when eosin Y was used as the photosensitizing agent revealed the unsubstituted chromatid to be reddish violet in colour (absorption maximum, 550 nm), while the BrdU-substituted chromatid was blue or pale violet blue (absorption maximum, 580 nm). These results indicate that eosin Y is a useful photosensitizing dye which could be used as a substitute for 33258 Hoechst in the FPG staining technique.

Assignment of the gene coding for the T3-delta subunit of the T3-T-cell receptor complex to the long arm of human chromosome 11 and to mouse chromosome 9

The gene encoding the 20-kDa glycoprotein of the T3-T-cell receptor complex (T3-delta chain) has been mapped to human chromosome 11 by hybridization of a T3-delta cDNA clone (pPGBC#9) to DNA from a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. In Southern blotting experiments with DNAs of somatic cell hybrids that contained segments of chromosome 11, we were able to assign the T3-delta gene to the distal portion of the long arm of human chromosome 11 (11q23-11qter). By use of a newly developed cDNA clone (pPEM-T3 delta) that codes for the murine T3-delta chain, the mouse T3-delta gene was mapped on chromosome 9. The importance of the T3-delta map position and its relationship to the other genes on the long arm of human chromosome 11 and to those on mouse chromosome 9 is discussed.

T cell receptor alpha chain genes are located on chromosome 14 at 14q11-14q12 in humans

A cDNA clone encoding the alpha chain of the human T cell receptor was used in connection with somatic cell human-rodent hybrids to determine that the genes coding for the alpha chain are located on chromosome 14 in humans. In situ hybridization confirms this result and further localizes these genes to 14q11-14q12 on this chromosome. Since this region of chromosome has been shown to be nonrandomly involved in a number of T cell neoplasias, this assignment raises a number of interesting questions as to the possible involvement of the T cell receptor alpha chain genes in tumorigenesis.

Isochromosome X in acute myeloblastic leukemia

An aberrant leukemic clone with a 46,X,i(Xq) karyotype appeared at the first relapse of the disease in a case of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). The DNA replication pattern displayed asynchronous late termination within the homologous arms of the isochromosome in all investigated metaphases. The origin of asynchrony in the isochromosome's DNA replication pattern is discussed.

Dosage compensation in mammals: why does a gene on the inactive X yield less product than one on the active X?

An expressed gene on the inactive mammalian X chromosome yields less product than the same gene on the active X. Characteristics of the inactive X which might be responsible for this are late replication, chromatin clumping, and altered patterns of DNA methylation. If an expressed gene on the inactive X is not replicated until late in S, it will be present in two copies for a shorter fraction of the cell cycle than its early replicating homologue and therefore yield less product. Alternatively, transcription may be slowed by a microenvironment of highly condensed chromatin or by an abnormal pattern of methylation of the DNA template. Experiments are proposed by which to test these and related hypotheses.