Serum esterase genetics in rats: two new alleles at Es-2, a new esterase regulated by hormonal factors, and linkage of these loci to the Ag-C blood group locus

The gene map of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and comparative mapping with mouse and man

The current status of the rat gene map is presented. Mapping information is now available for a total of 214 loci and the number of mapped genes is increasing steadily. The corresponding number of loci quoted at HGM10 was 128. Genes have been assigned to 20 of the 22 chromosomes in the rat. Some aspects of comparative mapping with mouse and man are also discussed. It was found that there is a good correlation between the morphological homologies detectable in rat and mouse chromosomes, on the one hand, and homology at the gene level on the other. For 10 rat synteny groups all the genes so far mapped are syntenic also in the mouse. For the remaining rat synteny groups it appears that the majority of the genes will be syntenic on specific (homologous) mouse chromosomes, with only a few genes dispersed to other members of the mouse karyotype. Furthermore, the data indicate that mouse chromosome 1 genetically corresponds to two rat chromosomes, viz., 9 and 13, equalizing the difference in chromosome number between the two species. Further mappings will show whether the genetic homology will prove to be as extensive as these preliminary results indicate. As might be expected from evolutionary considerations, rat synteny groups are much more dispersed in the human genome. It is clear, however, that many groups of genes have remained syntenic during the period since man and rat shared a common ancestor. One further point was noted. In two cases groups of genes were syntenic in the mouse but dispersed to two chromosomes in rat and man, whereas in a third case a group of genes was syntenic in the rat but dispersed to two chromosomes in mouse and man. This finding argues in favor of the notion that the original gene groups were on separate ancestral chromosomes, which have fused in one rodent species but remained separate in the other and in man.

Chromosome assignments of the genes for glucocorticoid receptor, myelin basic protein, leukocyte common antigen, and TRPM2 in the rat

We have utilized rat-mouse somatic cell hybrids to make chromosomal assignments for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), myelin basic protein (MBP), leukocyte common antigen (LCA), and testosterone-repressed prostate message-2 (TRPM2) genes in the rat. The genes for GR and MBP both map on chromosome 18 of the rat, which corresponds to the mapping of both genes on chromosome 18 of the mouse. The gene for LCA maps on chromosome 13, which is where C4b-binding protein beta-chain (C4BPB), coagulation factor V (F5), and renin have previously been assigned. This linkage group appears to be homologous to a substantial portion of mouse chromosome 1 and human chromosome 1q. Finally, the TRPM2 gene has been assigned to rat chromosome 15.

Genetic variability in SHR (SHRSR), SHRSP and WKY strains

Genetic background for SHR (SHRSR) and SHRSP and WKY lines were screened by using biochemical genetic markers and class I major histocompatibility complex (RT1) typing. There were many kinds of SHR (SHRSR), SHRSP and WKY inbred lines. The genetic variabilities within SHR (SHRSR) or SHRSP strains were small, but those within WKY strains were not so small. When SHR lines were compared with WKY lines, the allele distribution in SHR lines was different from that in WKY lines at 3-13 loci. Three genetic markers, the Es-3b, Es-4a and PT1k, were identified as specific markers of SHR (SHRSR) and SHRSP. WKY/Izm, WKY/Hos, and WKY/Jim also carried the PT1k as well as SHR lines, but WKY/N and WKY/NCrj had the RT1l haplotype.

Selective purification of sex-influenced esterase from rat serum by immunoaffinity chromatographies

Sex-influenced esterase (ES-SI) is a female-specific serum esterase of rats. There are two alleles at the Es-Si locus, Es-Sia coding for ES-SI and Es-Sib, a silent allele. ES-SI was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the serum of adult female SI3 rats by a four-step purification. First, albumin was removed from the serum by Blue-Sepharose CL-6B affinity chromatography. Sera of rats carrying Es-Sia and Es-Sib were utilized to make two novel immunoaffinity columns. Rat anti-(ES-SI) alloantibody was obtained after the immunization of rats carrying Es-Sib with rat ES-SI-positive serum. ES-SI bound to the gel in this antibody-conjugated affinity chromatography. Simultaneously, rabbit anti-(rat serum protein lacking ES-SI) antibody was raised against ES-SI-negative rat serum and used to exclude other serum proteins. ES-SI was recovered in the flow-through fractions in this antibody-conjugated immunoaffinity chromatography, whereas the other serum proteins bound to the gel. ES-SI was selectively purified about 240-fold by combining these immunoaffinity chromatographies. This combination is a very powerful technique for purification of the protein. Finally, ES-SI was purified by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after which it appeared as a single protein band (using silver staining) on SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular mass of 72 kDa. In the ordinary estimation of enzyme purification, the purification of ES-SI was 30-fold at most, because the specific activity of the enzyme was calculated from the bulky esterase activity. However, ES-SI was selectively purified 2280-fold comparing its recovery to that of total protein. ES-SI exhibited a pI of 4.6 and optimum pH of 6.7. The activity of ES-SI was completely inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate at 10 nM but not at all by eserine.

Genetic variation and biochemical properties of esterase-18 (ES-18) in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus): a new locus of esterase cluster 2 in linkage group V

A new liver-specific rat carboxylesterase isozyme (EC 3.1.1.1) designated esterase-18 (ES-18) is described. Genetic variation of ES-18 was examined in 93 inbred strains and substrains and a structural locus Es-18 was suggested, coding for either the presence (Es-18a) or the absence (Es-18b) of the isozyme. Linkage studies involving two backcross series revealed that Es-18 resides in cluster 2 of LGV. No recombination between Es-18 and other cluster 2 loci was found in 19 lines of two RI strain sets or in the backcross series.

Genetic linkage in the Norway rat

The present status of research on genetic linkage is reviewed. Where possible, the data are statistically combined to give consolidated estimates of the recombination value. Ten groups of linked genes have been determined. The first assignments of linkage groups to specific chromosomes have been facilitated by inter-species cell hybridisation.

Biochemical genetics of Es-14 (formerly Es-Si) and a new esterase variation, Es-15, of the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus): biochemistry, tissue expression, and linkage to Es-1 in linkage group V

The segregation of rat esterases controlled by loci residing in linkage group V (LGV) has been studied in two backcross series, (LEW/Han X BN/Han)F1 X LEW/Han and (LEW/Han X LE/Han)F1 X LEW/Han. Es-14 (formerly Es-Si) was shown to be closely linked to Es-1. A new esterase locus, Es-15, was described which codes for a liver isozyme. The distribution pattern of three alleles at the Es-15 locus is presented for 52 independent inbred strains. Close linkage of Es-15 to Es-14 and to Es-1 was established, proposing the following gene order: [Es-2, Es-10]-[ES-1, ES-14, ES-15]. The esterase loci on LGV are thus separated into two gene clusters, cluster 1 and cluster 2. These conclusions are supported by the strain distribution patterns of the two RI strain series, LXB and DXE.

Pregnancy-associated esterase in sera of baboons

Baboon serum samples were resolved by starch gel electrophoresis and polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis and stained with naphthol substrates for esterase activity. An esterase that hydrolyzed alpha-naphthyl butyrate in preference to alpha-naphthyl acetate was found in very high activities in some individuals but not others. It migrated just cathodal of the albumin band in starch gels. In polyacrylamide gradient gels, it co-migrated with albumin and had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 65,000 daltons. Electrophoretic analysis by gel electrophoresis of random serum samples from male and female baboons indicated that this esterase was present only in the sera of pregnant baboons. Further investigation of serial samples collected from carefully monitored baboons confirmed that the amount of activity of this esterase was correlated with stage of pregnancy. Therefore, it was named pregnancy esterase (PE). PE was detectable by gel electrophoresis and chromogenic staining techniques as early as day 30 of pregnancy; its activity gradually increased with progressive pregnancy and reached maximum activity near full term (182 days). Soon after parturition, the activity of PE decreased rapidly and was not detected in maternal sera by day 14 postpartum. No evidence of PE was detected in sera of pregnant humans.

Mapping of the genes for tubular basement membrane antigen and a submaxillary gland protease in the rat

The gene for tubular basement membrane (Tbm) antigen in the rat has been mapped relative to other markers in the first linkage group, and a polymorphic locus for a submaxillary gland protease, Tamase-1, has been identified. The hair-loss mutation fuzzy has also been mapped and occupies a position which is similar to that of the frizzy gene in the mouse. There are now at least five, and possibly six, genetic loci distributed over more than 30 centimorgans in the first linkage group of the rat which map in positions of approximate homology on the seventh chromosome of the mouse.

A new genetic variation of the malate dehydrogenase-like enzyme (MDL-1) in inbred rats and its possible linkage

A new polymorphism in the mitochondrial fraction of kidney homogenates was found by using discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The polymorphism is tentatively designated MDL-1, since the enzyme was visualized with the staining solution for NADP-malate dehydrogenase (MOD) but differs from MOD. MDL-1 expresses three phenotypes: MDL-1A (fast), MDL-1AB (intermediate), and MDL-1B (slow). Progeny testing from genetic crosses indicates that its expression is determined by two codominant alleles, Mdl-1a and Mdl-1b, which segregate in a simple Mendelian fashion. Preliminary linkage data suggest that the locus for MDL-1 is probably linked to the nonagouti-agouti locus in rat linkage group IV.

Biochemical genetics of rat esterases: another genetically determined variant, Es-7, is linked to five other esterase loci

A new esterase variant has been isolated by electrophoresis of homogenized testis, heart, and lung tissues. This esterase variant is genetically determined. The carrier strain was crossed with another in which the enzyme was not originally present; the presence of the enzyme was investigated in successive generations and in backcrosses to the carrier strain. Linkage was found with other esterases linkage group V, while there was independent segregation from the immunogenetic markers Ly-1, Ly-2, LH-1 and Rt-la.

Purification and characterization of esterase 1F, the albumin esterase of the house mouse (Mus musculus)

Esterase 1F was isolated from mouse serum and purified by ion-exchange chromatography, isoelectrofocusing, and molecular sieve chromatography. It is considered to be a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 75 000. The equivalent weight (approximately equal to 77 000 X g/mol) was estimated by titration of the catalytic site with diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The Michaelis constant Km and the catalytic constant kcat of the enzyme for 4-nitrophenyl hexanoate were determined. Esterase 1F is characterized by its ability to split a wide spectrum of substrates and its relatively low turnover rates towards the substrates tested. It belongs to the isozyme system of carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) coded for by chromosome 8. Esterase 1F was compared with three other genetically related isozymes, esterase 2, esterase 7 and esterase 9, with respect to some physical and catalytic properties.

Characterization of the RT2 antigens of the rat erythrocyte membrane

Haemagglutination inhibition studies using isolated membrane components from rat red blood cells showed that the activity of the major antigenic system RT2 was contained exclusively in the glycoprotein fraction and confirmed immunochemically the existence of two alleles, RT2 a and RT2 b. The SDS-PAGE analysis of the membrane showed two interconvertible glycoproteins of apparent molecular weight 72,000 and 36,000, and the higher molecular weight component appeared to be a dimer of the lower molecular weight one. Analysis of the various membrane preparations after 125I-labelling showed that the glycoproteins existed in at least two molecular species on the surface of the red cells and that one species was more readily radio-iodinated and dimerized than the other. The RT2 antigenic specificities were preferentially associated with this component.

New polymorphisms of esterase 7 and esterase 8 in inbred strains of rats: tissue expression and linkage studies

Two new esterase polymorphisms (Es-7 and Es-8) were identified in the testis homogenate of laboratory rats, Rattus norvegicus, by using discontinuous gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Es-7 expressed two phenotypes: ES-7A (fast) and ES-7B (slow). Es-8, which migrated in the cathodal region rather than the ES-7 region, also expressed two phenotypes: ES-8A (fast) and ES-8B (slow). Linkage tests among Es-2, Es-7, and Es-8 were made from backcross progeny of the mating (LEJ/Hkm x T/Hok)F1 x LEJ/Hkm. One recombinant in 51 progeny tested was observed between Es-2 and Es-7; however, recombination between Es-2 and Es-8 was not observed in the same progeny. In addition, we show that the esterase polymorphisms of Es-5 in liver homogenate and Es-3 in small intestine homogenate are identical.

Peptidase-3 (Pep-3), dipeptidase variant in the rat homologous to mouse pep-3 (Dip-1) and human PEP-c

Starch gel electrophoresis and histochemical staining with L-leucyl-L-tyrosine have revealed genetic variation for dipeptidase in Rattus norvegicus. The tissue distribution, substrate specificity, and heterozygous expression as a monmeric protein suggest homology of the variant peptidase to human PEP-C and mouse Pep-3 (Dip-1). We propose Peptidase-3 (Pep-3) as a name for this autosomal locus in the rat. The allele responsible for slower (less anodal) electrophoretic migration is designated Pep-3a and is characteristic of strain ACI/Pit. A faster (more anodal) electrophoretic mobility is the product of the Pep-3b allele in strain F344/Pit. Twenty-five additional inbred strains carry Pep-3a and 16 others carry Pep-3b. Wild rats trapped in Pittsburgh were polymorphic for this locus. Alleles at Pep-3 segregated independently of c (linkage group I), a (linkage group IV), RT2 and Es-1 (linkage group V), h (linkage group VI), and RTI (linkage group VIII).

Linkage analyses among five esterase loci in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus)

A cluster of esterase loci has been identified on a segment of a rat linkage group V; however, the linear order of all the loci has not been established. We estimated the recombination frequencies of two locus combinations among five esterase loci (Es-1, Es-2, Es-3, Es-4, and Es-Si) and the linear order of the loci by using three sets of backcross matings: (1) (K:W x IS) x IS, (2) (K:W x IS) x IS, and (3) (SHR x W) x W). The linear order was determined to be ES-1-ES-4-ES-2-ES-3-ES-Si, although the order of ES-2 and Es-4 remains tentative. The sex-influenced esterase (Es-Si) was demonstrated to be distinct from Es-1 and was proposed to be Es-Si locus with two alleles of Es-Si(a) (positive) and Es-Si(b) (null).

Serum esterase genetics: identification and hormone induction of the Es-1b esterase in inbred rats

A previously unrecognized esterase from the sera of the appropriate strains of the rat Rattus norvegicus was revealed by a discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic technique. This esterase migrated in the albumin region, whereas a previously known major albumin esterase controlled by the Es-2 locus migrated in the postalbumin region when the method was used. The new albumin esterase component which separated from the Es-2 esterase was identified as the product of the Es-1b gene. The new albumin esterase was not detectable in the sera of sexually mature males of the appropriate genotype, because the activity level of this esterase was influenced by sex hormones, especially androgen.

Screening of inbred rat strains for electrophoretic protein polymorphisms

Nineteen inbred strains of the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated for genetic differences by starch and agarose gel electrophoretic techniques. For six out of 21 loci, interstrain differences were observed: Tf, 6PGD, Es-1, Es-4, Es-5, and Svp. The variants are briefly described and the allelic distributions are tabulated. The 6GPD locus was found to be linked neither to the major histocompatibility gene region nor to the coat color genes c, a, h.

Esterase-6 (Es-6) in laboratory mice: hormone-influenced expression and linkage relationship to oligosyndactylism (Os), esterase-1 (Es-1), and esterase-2 (Es-2) in chromosome 8

Allelic differences at an esterase locus designated Es-6 exist between mouse strain C57 BL/6J and a laboratory stock of M.m. molossinus. Strain C57BL/6J has been assigned the allele Es-6a and M. m. molossinus the alternate allele Es-6b. Kidney expression of the electrophoretic esterase band controlled by the Es-6 locus is sex influenced, with increased activity apparently induced by testosterone. A four-point test cross established the gene order Os-Es-1-Es-6-Es-2 within a 10-cM segment on chromosome 8.