cDNA sequences of human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase cloned in pBR322

A Journey from Blood Cells to Genes and Back

I was attracted to hematology because by combining clinical findings with the use of a microscope and simple laboratory tests, one could often make a diagnosis. I was attracted to genetics when I learned about inherited blood disorders, at a time when we had only hints that somatic mutations were also important. It seemed clear that if we understood not only what genetic changes caused what diseases but also the mechanisms through which those genetic changes contribute to cause disease, we could improve management. Thus, I investigated many aspects of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase system, including cloning of the gene, and in the study of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I found that it is a clonal disorder; subsequently, we were able to explain how a nonmalignant clone can expand, and I was involved in the first trial of PNH treatment by complement inhibition. I was fortunate to do clinical and research hematology in five countries; in all of them, I learned from mentors, from colleagues, and from patients.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is 1 of the commonest human enzymopathies, caused by inherited mutations of the X-linked gene G6PD. G6PD deficiency makes red cells highly vulnerable to oxidative damage, and therefore susceptible to hemolysis. Over 200 G6PD mutations are known: approximately one-half are polymorphic and therefore common in various populations. Some 500 million persons with any of these mutations are mostly asymptomatic throughout their lifetime; however, any of them may develop acute and sometimes very severe hemolytic anemia when triggered by ingestion of fava beans, by any of a number of drugs (for example, primaquine, rasburicase), or, more rarely, by infection. Approximately one-half of the G6PD mutations are instead sporadic: rare patients with these mutations present with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. Almost all G6PD mutations are missense mutations, causing amino acid replacements that entail deficiency of G6PD enzyme activity: they compromise the stability of the protein, the catalytic activity is decreased, or a combination of both mechanisms occurs. Thus, genotype-phenotype correlations have been reasonably well clarified in many cases. G6PD deficiency correlates remarkably, in its geographic distribution, with past/present malaria endemicity: indeed, it is a unique example of an X-linked human polymorphism balanced through protection of heterozygotes from malaria mortality. Acute hemolytic anemia can be managed effectively provided it is promptly diagnosed. Reliable diagnostic procedures are available, with point-of-care tests becoming increasingly important where primaquine and its recently introduced analog tafenoquine are required for the elimination of malaria.

Frequent reduction or loss of DCC gene expression in human osteosarcoma

The 'deleted in colon carcinoma' (DCC) gene has been considered a candidate tumour-suppressor gene that encodes for a transmembrane protein with strong structural similarity to members of the superfamily of neural cell adhesion molecules. It has been mapped to the chromosomal region 18q21.1 and it is implicated in cellular differentiation and developmental processes. In human osteosarcoma allelic loss frequently occurs on the long arm of chromosome 18, suggesting a possible involvement of the DCC gene in the pathogenesis of this tumour entity. In the present study the mRNA and protein expression and rearrangements at the DNA level of the DCC gene were addressed in 25 osteosarcomas and several tumour cell lines, including osteosarcoma- and colon carcinoma-derived cell lines. Using an reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reach in (RT-PCR)-based approach DCC expression was found to be lost or substantially reduced in 14 of 19 high-grade osteosarcomas, in three of six lower grade osteosarcomas and most of the tumour cell lines, in contrast to normally differentiated osteoblasts. Immunohistochemical studies on DCC protein expression of 14 selected tumours correlated well with the RT-PCR-based results. In view of the putative tumour-suppressor characteristics of the DCC gene its loss or reduction of expression could be a specific event in the development or progression of many high-grade osteosarcomas.

Genetic changes: relevance for diagnosis and detection of minimal residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Cure can now be achieved in a proportion of patients with ALL. However, relapse and eventual treatment failure occur in many cases receiving identical treatment, presumably as a result of failure to eradicate MRD. While for many years marrow morphology has been the standard by which leukaemic remission has been assessed, more sensitive techniques have been developed for detection of MRD including immunophenotypic analysis, and as discussed in this chapter, methods which detect leukemia-associated clonal genetic changes at the karyotypic and genomic levels. Table 10 lists the applicability and sensitivity of various markers used in MRD analysis in ALL. It is apparent that of the karyotypic and molecular approaches described, only PCR-based strategies for detection of either leukaemia-specific translocations or clonal Ag receptor rearrangements are reliably applicable to a high proportion of both B- and T-ALL at sufficiently high sensitivity. Initial clinical studies of patients undergoing therapy for ALL using a variety of PCR-based methods suggest that in some cases a persistent or increasing level of residual disease may be predictive for clinical relapse, although a number of technical factors and the phenomena of oligo-clonality and clonal evolution may limit the usefulness of this analysis in a few instances. From current available data it appears that in order to define the potential predictive value of PCR detection of MRD a large number of patients will need to be prospectively assessed over several years at multiple time points during and after therapy, preferably using more than one semi-quantitative PCR approach. In addition to reliable prediction of clinical relapse allowing appropriate individual treatment modification, progress in the molecular detection of MRD in ALL is also likely to be of benefit in the assessment of the efficacy of autograft purging and the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies such as the use of biological response modifiers to eliminate a low tumour burden.

Further studies of gene deletions that cause Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies

Fetal muscle cDNA clones covering at least 11.4 kb of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene sequence were used to identify a deletion-prone region in DNA from DMD and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) patients. Of 36 BMD cases, 17 (47%) had deletions and all of the deletions began in the same intron of the gene. Of 107 DMD patients, 27 (25%) were deleted for this region, and 19 deletions originate in the same intron. Using a cDNA probe for an adjacent region of the gene, 32 new deletions were detected in DMD patients (total 44%). No new BMD deletions were detected. The DMD deletions were very heterogeneous. Thus two cDNA probes covering 2.4 kb could detect 53% of these deletions. Considering the whole locus, DMD and BMD are caused by a deletion of the gene sequence in at least 67% of cases.

A "housekeeping" gene on the X chromosome encodes a protein similar to ubiquitin

An X chromosome gene located 40 kilobases downstream from the G6PD gene, at Xq28, was isolated and sequenced. This gene, which we named GdX, spans about 3.5 kilobases of genomic DNA. GdX is a single-copy gene, is conserved in evolution, and has the features of a "housekeeping" gene. At its 5' end, a cluster of CpG dinucleotides is methylated on the inactive X chromosome and unmethylated on the active X chromosome. The GdX gene can code for a 157 amino acid protein, GdX. Residues 1-74 of GdX show 43% identity to ubiquitin, a highly conserved 76 amino acid protein. The COOH-terminal moiety of GdX is characterized in its central part (residues 110-128) by a sequence homologous to the COOH-terminal hormonogenic site of thyroglobulin. The structural organization of the GdX protein suggests the existence of a family of genes, in addition to the ubiquitin gene, that could play specific roles in key cellular processes, possibly through protein-protein recognition.

Two new variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase associated with hereditary non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia: G6PD Wayne and G6PD Huron

Two new deficient variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) causing hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (HNSHA) are described. Both of these are unique and they have been named G6PD Wayne and G6PD Huron. Patients with G6PD Wayne underwent splenectomy and no objective improvement was noted. The patients with G6PD Huron were under medical observation for a considerable period of time without the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency being entertained because the family was of Northern European origin. Since sporadic variants of G6PD causing HNSHA show no special racial predilection, the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency should always be considered in patients with this syndrome.

G-6-PD Walter Reed: possible insight into "structural" NADP in G-6-PD

A new G-6-PD variant, G-6-PD Walter Reed, causing hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia is characterized. This variant is unusual in that its stability requires the presence of high concentrations of NADP, while its Km for NADP is normal. This finding is consistent with the suggestion that G-6-PD has two separate binding sites, a high affinity "structural" site and a lower affinity catalytic site. The mutation in G-6-PD Walter Reed, like that of the previously described variant, G-6-PD Torrance, may be due to a mutation of the "structural" site for NADP.

Human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: primary structure and cDNA cloning

The X-chromosome-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49) of humans and other mammals consists of a subunit with a molecular weight of about 58,000. The enzyme plays a key role in the generation of NADPH, particularly in matured erythrocytes, and the genetic deficiency of the enzyme is associated with chronic and drug- or food-induced hemolytic anemia in humans. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from human erythrocytes. The complete amino acid sequence of the subunit, consisting of 531 amino acid residues, was determined by automated and manual Edman degradation of tryptic, chymotryptic, thermolytic, and cyanogen bromide peptides obtained from the enzyme. Based on the amino acid sequence data thus obtained, a 41-mer oligonucleotide with unique sequence was prepared. Two cDNA libraries constructed in phage lambda gt11--i.e., a human liver cDNA library and a human hepatoma Li-7 cDNA library--were screened with the synthetic nucleotide probe. Two positive clones, lambda G6PD-19 and lambda G6PD-25, were obtained from the hepatoma library. lambda G6PD-19 contained an insertion of 2.0 kilobase pairs (kbp), and encoded 204 amino acid residues that were completely compatible with the COOH-terminal portion of the enzyme. The insertion of the clone had a 3' noncoding region of 1.36 kbp. The other clone, lambda G6PD-25, had an insertion of 1.8 kbp and encoded 362 amino acid residues of G6PD. Southern blot analysis of DNA samples obtained from cells with and without the human X chromosome indicated that the cDNA hybridizes with a sequence in the X chromosome.

Isolation of human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) cDNA clones: primary structure of the protein and unusual 5' non-coding region

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an ubiquitous enzyme which by determining the NADPH level has a crucial role in NADPH-mediated reductive processes in all cells (1). The structural gene for G6PD, Gd, is X-linked in mammals and on the basis of its expression in many tissues, it can be regarded as a typical "housekeeping" gene (2). Over 300 variants of the protein are known, many of which have deficient enzyme activity. Nearly 100 of these variants are polymorphic in various populations (3). The mammalian enzyme is a homodimer or a homotetramer with a subunit molecular weight of approximately 56000 daltons (4). Here we report the isolation of cDNA clones from HeLa cells, SV40-transformed human fibroblasts, human placenta and human teratocarcinoma cell lines. These clones have enabled us to sequence the entire coding region of Gd. Thus, the entire amino acid sequence of human G6PD is provided for the first time. This work is the first step for structural analysis of G6PD variants and for an understanding of the biological features of this enzyme at the molecular level.

Molecular genetics of the human X chromosome

The human X chromosome will soon be mapped at 10 cM intervals. This will permit the localisation of any X linked disorder provided that informative families are available for linkage analysis. The location of RFLPs currently in use for clinical diagnosis is summarised. The next decade should witness the elucidation of the molecular basis of some of the more common defects, such as the muscular dystrophies and X linked mental retardation.

Molecular aspects of erythroenzymopathies associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia

Since the discovery of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and of pyruvate kinase deficiencies, erythroenzymopathies associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia have been extensively investigated. Kinetic and electrophoretic studies have shown that most, if not all, erythroenzymopathies are caused by the production of a mutant enzyme. Except for a few enzymes that are abundant in blood and tissues, it is difficult to obtain enough sample to study the functional and structural abnormalities of mutant enzymes associated with genetic disorders in man. The primary structures of only two normal red cell enzymes which can cause hereditary hemolytic anemia, phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and adenylate kinase, have been determined. Single amino acid substitutions of PGK variants have been found, and the identification of the exact molecular abnormalities of such variants has helped us to understand the accompanying functional abnormality. Gene cloning makes possible the identification of the DNA sequence that codes for enzyme proteins. Recently, human complementary DNA (cDNA) for aldolase, PGK, G6PD, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) have been isolated, and the nucleotide sequences for PGK and ADA determined. In the near future, human cDNA sequencing should permit identification of the gene alteration that gives rise to the mutant enzymes.

An appraisal of the application of recombinant DNA techniques to chromosome defects

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Complete concordance between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and hypomethylation of 3' CpG clusters: implications for X chromosome dosage compensation

To explore the molecular basis of X chromosome inactivation, we have examined the human locus for glucose-6-phosphate dehydro-genase (G6PD) in various human tissues. Studies of DNA from males and females and from somatic cell hybrids with active or inactive X chromosomes, show that two remarkably dense clusters of CpG dinucleotides in the 3' coding sequences are hypomethylated in active G6PD genes but extensively methylated in inactive ones. Reacquisition of G6PD activity, either spontaneous or induced by 5-azacytidine, is accompanied by demethylation of both clusters; however, the clusters remain methylated in reactivants that express HPRT but not G6PD. Our observations implicate these 3' CpG clusters in the transcription of G6PD and in maintenance of dosage compensation for X linked housekeeping genes.

Cytological mapping of the human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene distal to the fragile-X site suggests a high rate of meiotic recombination across this site

The human gene for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) has been subregionally mapped to band Xq28 by segregation analysis in rodent-human somatic cell hybrids [Pai, G. S., Sprinkel, J. A., Do, T. T., Mareni, C. E. & Migeon, B. R. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77, 2810-2813]. We have previously reported a common type of X-linked mental retardation associated with an inducible fragile site at Xq27-Xq28 segregates in a close linkage relationship with a G6PD variant, but the relative position of G6PD with respect to the fragile site has not yet been established. This fragile-X syndrome has been shown to be closely linked also to a Taq I restriction fragment length polymorphism detected by a cDNA probe for factor IX, and the latter locus has been mapped to the subtelomeric region Xq26-Xq28 [Camerino, G., Mattei, M. G., Mattei, G. F., Jaye, B. & Mandel, J. L. (1983) Nature (London) 306, 701-704]. The in situ hybridization studies reported here provide strong evidence that G6PD is located on the Xq telomeric fragment distal to the fragile site. These observations and the well-established knowledge that the genes for Deutan and Protan colorblindness are closely linked to G6PD, but segregate independently of factor IX deficiency, suggest that the fragile site associated with this type of X-linked mental retardation occurs in a region prone to high frequency of meiotic recombination.

Sequence of the promoter region of the gene for human X-linked 3-phosphoglycerate kinase

We have determined the sequence of an 812-bp BamHI-EcoRI restriction fragment containing the 5' region of the human gene for PGK (3-phosphoglycerate kinase or ATP:3-phospho-D-glycerate 1-phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.2.3). The fragment contains 450 bp 5' to three start points for transcription (located by primer extension and S1 nuclease mapping), a leader sequence 85-94 bp long, the first exon of gene (65 bp), and part of the first intron. The promoter region is extremely G + C-rich, lacks a TATA box, and has an 8-bp direct repeat. A comparison of the promoter region for PGK with other promoters on the X-chromosome reveals homology with the promoter for HPRT, but not with the operator for factor IX.

Specific methylation pattern at the 3' end of the human housekeeping gene for glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase

During detailed restriction enzyme mapping of the human X-linked gene Gd, specifying the enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), we have observed the presence, over a 14-kb DNA region spanning across the 3' end of the G6PD transcript, of a large number of methylatable sites. These include 60 HpaII sites, 13 SmaI sites, 22 AvaI sites and 46 HhaI sites. In male leukocyte DNA the majority of HpaII sites are resistant to digestion, indicating that they are in the Cm5CGG form. However, a few sites are found reproducibly unmethylated in 24 samples analyzed. By double and triple digestions we have mapped five unmethylated sites, four of which are within the gene transcript and one distal to the end of transcription. We have also identified a number of sites which are fully methylated, whereas for others the methylation status could not be positively assessed. Thus, in a housekeeping gene expressed in leukocytes, the 3' end is extensively methylated, but some specific sites are unmethylated. In female leukocyte DNA, we found that all sites methylated in males were also methylated. However, of the five sites that are unmethylated in males two are partly methylated in females. This additional site-specific methylation involves approximately 50% of the female leukocyte DNA, and we show evidence that it is associated with the inactive X-chromosome.

Recombinant DNA approach to X-linked mental retardation

Currently, approximately 115 X-linked diseases have been documented. Many of these defects are neurological in nature and about 25% result in a broad spectrum of mental impairments which can be distinguished by biochemical or clinical means. It is not known how many of the retarded population carry an X-linked defect due to lack of a distinct marker. By constructing a molecular linkage map of the X chromosome using DNA polymorphisms, it will be possible to identify these individuals, classify their disorder by the chromosomal region in which their polymorphism is detected, offer genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis to their family members and try to determine which gene the polymorphism is linked to in order to identify the defect and devise therapy.

Replication timing of genes and middle repetitive sequences

DNA replication in mammals is temporally bimodal. "Housekeeping" genes, which are active in all cells, replicate during the first half of the S phase of cell growth. Tissue-specific genes replicate early in those cells in which they are potentially expressed, and they usually replicate late in tissues in which they are not expressed. Replication during the first half of the S phase is, therefore, a necessary but not sufficient condition for gene transcription. A change in the replication timing of a tissue-specific gene appears to reflect the commitment of that gene to transcriptional competence or to quiescence during ontogeny. Most families of middle repetitive sequences replicate either early or late. These data are consistent with a model in which two functionally distinct genomes coexist in the nucleus.

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.

Identification and isolation of transcribed human X chromosome DNA sequences

A human X chromosome specific phage library has been used as a source of X-specific genomic DNA clones which hybridize with cellular RNA. Random cDNA clones were mapped for X chromosome sequence localization and 8 were identified as hybridizing to X chromosome Hind III fragments. All eight also hybridized with autosomal Hind III fragments. The X chromosome genomic sequences corresponding to two of these cDNA clones were isolated from a phage library constructed with the Hind III endonuclease digest products of X enriched DNA. One genomic DNA segment, localized to the short area of the X, shared sequence homology with at least one region of the human Y chromosome. The methodology developed represents a rapid means to obtain a specific genomic DNA clone from a single chromosome when multiple different genomic loci homologous to an expressed DNA sequence exist.

Regulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression in CHO-human fibroblast somatic cell hybrids

Human--hamster somatic cell hybrids have been obtained by fusion of a CHO line (NA31) doubly deficient in hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) with normal G6PD(+) human fibroblasts. Analysis of NA31 extracts has revealed that, although G6PD activity is nearly absent, significant activity can be detected with 2-deoxyglucose 6-phosphate as substrate, so that the mutant and normal forms of the enzyme can both be easily detected. The cell hybrids obtained express human G6PD. The human G6PD subunits are distributed in homodimeric molecules as well as in human--hamster heterodimeric molecules. However, whereas the amount of hamster G6PD subunits present in the hybrid is similar to that in the hamster parental cells, the amount of human G6PD subunits is decreased by 3- to 10-fold when compared to the human parental cell. These results indicate that either the expression of the G6PD gene or the stability of the gene product is altered in the hybrid. By mutagenesis and selection in diamide (a substance that oxidizes intracellular glutathione), we have isolated a clone with a 3- to 5-fold increase in human G6PD activity. This derivative may have an increased rate of expression of the human G6PD structural gene.

Isolation and characterization of a major tandem repeat family from the human X chromosome

We report the identification and characterization of a family of repeated restriction fragments whose molecular organization is apparently specific to the human X chromosome. This fragment, identified as an ethidium bromide-staining 2.0 kilobase (kb) band in BamHI-digested DNA from a Chinese hamster-human somatic cell hybrid containing a human X chromosome, has been cloned into pBR325 and characterized. The 2.0 kb repeated family has been assigned to the Xp11 leads to Xq12 region on the X by Southern blot analysis of somatic cell hybrids and is predominantly arranged in tandem clusters of up to seven 2.0 kb monomers. Homologous DNA sequences, not organized as 2.0 kb BamHI fragments, are found elsewhere on the X chromosome and on at least some autosomes, but are not found on the Y chromosome. From a dosing experiment using various amounts of the cloned repeat, we estimate that there are 5,000-7,500 copies of the 2.0 kb BamHI repeat per haploid genome. Since the vast majority, if not all, of these are confined to the X chromosome, this repeated DNA family must account for 5-10% of all X chromosome DNA and must constitute the major sequence component of the pericentromeric region of the X.

Isolation of a cDNA clone for human X-linked 3-phosphoglycerate kinase by use of a mixture of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides as a detection probe

We have obtained a cDNA clone encoding most of human X-linked 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK; ATP:3-phospho-D-glycerate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.2.3). Total mRNA was prepared from human adenocarcinoma-derived cell line LS174T and used for cDNA preparation. Double-stranded cDNA was inserted, after tailing with oligo(dC), into the plasmid vector pBR327 and cloned in Escherichia coli K-12. Transformants were screened by colony hybridization with a mixture of 32P-labeled oligodeoxyribonucleotides. A pool of hexadecamers complementary to all 32 possible sequences encoding amino acids 291-296 of X-linked PGK was used for the initial screen. One clone among 2,500 gave a strong positive signal. Plasmid DNA from this clone was purified and characterized by hybridization first to the hexadecamer probe mixture and then to an undecamer probe consisting of a mixture of four sequences. The cloned fragment hybridizes preferentially to DNA from human cells with five X chromosomes. DNA sequence analysis has established that the 1.2-kilobase-pair fragment encodes PGK from amino acid 121 through the COOH terminus.

Isolation and DNA sequence of a full-length cDNA clone for human X chromosome-encoded phosphoglycerate kinase

Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a major enzyme in glycolysis, is encoded by the X chromosome in mammals. We have initiated molecular analysis of the PGK structural gene by isolating a full-length cDNA clone from a human fetal liver cDNA library. Synthetic oligonucleotide mixtures encoding two different portions of PGK were used as direct in situ hybridization probes for the cDNA library. Several classes of clones were obtained based on their hybridization at different stringencies to one or both of the PGK oligonucleotide mixtures. One clone, designated pHPGK-7e, which hybridized at high stringency to each of the synthetic probes, encoded the complete PGK protein sequence as well as 82 base pairs of 5' and 437 base pairs of 3' untranslated regions. Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNAs revealed a complex pattern of hybridizing fragments, two of which were non-X in origin. These results suggest that the human genome contains a small family of dispersed PGK or PGK-like genes.

Characterization of a cloned repetitive DNA sequence concentrated on the human X chromosome

A tandemly repeated DNA sequence organized predominantly, if not entirely, in a specific manner on the human X chromosome has been cloned in pBR322 and characterized. The sequence was detected as a 2-kilobase band in ethidium bromide-stained agarose gels of BamHI-digested total human nuclear DNA. Although in situ hybridization of the cloned sequence to human metaphase chromosomes showed a single major site of hybridization at the centromere region of the X chromosome and minor sites of hybridization at several autosomal centromeres, Southern blot analysis of restricted total human DNA indicated that the cloned probe is related to other repeated DNAs, particularly the human alphoid DNAs. Restriction enzyme analysis of the cloned fragment revealed an internal repeat structure based upon multiples of 170 base pairs, confirming this relatedness. All available data, however, suggest that the 2-kilobase spacing of BamHI sites within the repeat may be specific to the X chromosome.

Adrenoleukodystrophy: diagnosis and carrier detection by determination of long-chain fatty acids in cultured fibroblasts

In cultured fibroblasts of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) patients and most heterozygotes, concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (greater than C22) were significantly higher than in controls when cells were assayed 4-5 days after reaching confluence. Intermediate values were found in three independent cultures of a girl with manifest ALD, suggesting that a significant proportion of her fibroblasts does not express the defect. Though long-chain fatty acid concentrations in heterozygotes were somewhat higher than expected, suggesting a slight preponderance of defective cells, it may be too early to conclude that somatic selection is a consistent finding in cultured fibroblasts of ALD carriers.

Genetic diseases: diagnosis by restriction endonuclease analysis

We have summarized a number of different genetic disorders which can be diagnosed at the DNA level using restriction endonuclease fragment analysis. A whole spectrum of defects can be recognized: point mutations, deletions, additions, and crossing-over products or hybrid genes. These same restriction endonuclease techniques can enable different genes to be marked by polymorphism patterns. Thus, abnormal genes can be identified even if their exact DNA lesion is unknown or cannot be directly detected. The progress that has been made with the hemoglobinopathies and the experience from this group of single gene disorders should find application to other diseases as soon as specific probes become available.