A genetic map of mouse chromosome 12 composed of polymorphic DNA fragments

Establishment of left-right asymmetry in vertebrates: genetically distinct steps are involved

Vertebrates exhibit a characteristic pattern of asymmetrical positioning of the visceral organs along the left-right axis. A remarkable developmental step establishes this pattern--primitive organs migrate from symmetrical midline positions of origin into lateral positions. The first organ to pursue such movement is the cardiac tube, which forms a rightward 'D' loop; other organs follow concordantly. The signals and mechanisms directing such organ migration can be studied by analysis of heritable defects of humans and mice. In general, these defects behave as loss-of-function mutations that lead to random determination of visceral situs: for an affected embryo there is an equal chance of correct situs or situs inversus. Distinct phenotypes and patterns of inheritance of these defects suggest that at least three genes are involved in left-right determination, apparently members of a developmental pathway. These genes should be amenable to molecular analysis. We are studying a recessive allele of the mouse called inversus viscerum (iv). Using linkage analysis with cloned restriction fragment length polymorphism markers, we have genetically mapped the iv gene to the distal portion of mouse chromosome 12. We are now pursuing isolation of the gene using methods of positional cloning. Analysis of the iv gene product and of its site and timing of expression may offer clues to how left-right lateralization occurs.

Identification and genetic mapping of 151 dispersed members of 16 ribosomal protein multigene families in the mouse

More than 150 individual members of 16 ribosomal protein multigene families were identified as DNA restriction fragments and genetically mapped. The ribosomal protein gene-related sequences are widely dispersed throughout the mouse genome. Map positions were determined by analysis of 144 progeny mice from both an interspecific (C57BL/6J x SPRET/Ei)F1 x SPRET/Ei and an intersubspecific (C57BL/6J x CAST/Ei)F1 x C57BL/6J backcross. In addition, 30 members of the multigene families encoding PGK1 ODC, and TPI, including five new loci for ODC and one new locus for TPI, were characterized and mapped. Interspecific backcross linkage data for 29 nonecotropic murine leukemia retroviruses endogenous to C57BL/6J mice are also reported. Transmission ratio distortions and recombination frequencies are compared between the two backcrosses.

Genetic basis for diabetes resistance in NOD/Wehi mice

The basis for diabetes resistance in low diabetes incidence NOD/Wehi mice was examined in a breeding study. NOD/Wehi mice were crossed with high diabetes incidence NOD/Lt mice producing F1 hybrid mice which expressed a low incidence of diabetes. To distinguish between genetic and environmental causes for diabetes resistance, these F1 mice were backcrossed to NOD/Lt mice resulting in BC1 hybrid mice which expressed an intermediate incidence of diabetes. Similar results were obtained by examining the severity of insulitis in the hybrid mice. As both the incidence of diabetes and severity of insulitis in the hybrid mice were consistent with a single dominant gene mediating diabetes resistance, an attempt to localize this gene was made. Although over 140 loci which display polymorphism amongst inbred strains were typed in both parental lines, only a single locus, D8Mit9, was found to differ. As heterozygotes at D8Mit9 were not over represented amongst 45 diabetic BC1 hybrid mice examined, it was concluded that a resistance gene was not linked to this locus.

Murine chromosomal location of four hepatocyte-enriched transcription factors: HNF-3 alpha, HNF-3 beta, HNF-3 gamma, and HNF-4

The genes for rat hepatocyte nuclear factors 3 and 4 (HNF-3 alpha, HNF-3 beta, HNF-3 gamma, and HNF-4) have been mapped in mouse by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms in interspecific backcross mice. These hepatocyte-enriched transcription factors are positive-acting transcription factors with binding sites in regulatory regions of many genes expressed in hepatocytes. Both HNF-3 alpha, beta, and gamma and HNF-4 are also expressed in intestine. They have recently been implicated as potential participants in endodermal development from early gut cells because of their close homology to Drosophila genes, which themselves are expressed in the developing gut. Despite having similar functional roles and highly conserved DNA binding domains, the three loci from the Hnf-3 family of genes mapped to three different mouse chromosomes, suggesting that the Hnf-3 family has become widely dispersed during evolution and implying the necessity for independent activation of each member of the HNF-3 family.

Mapping of the mouse ornithine decarboxylase-related sequence family

A family of DNA sequences homologous to the mRNA encoding ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and comprising approximately 12 members in the mouse genome has been analyzed genetically. The inheritance of variant DNA restriction fragments detected by ODC cDNA probes on Southern blots of DNA from inbred strain mice was determined in six sets of recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains. The distributions of these variations among the RI strains were then compared with the RI strain distribution patterns (SDPs) of previously mapped loci. This allowed the identification of nine independent ODC-related loci, of which eight could be localized to specific regions of the mouse genome: Odc-rs1 near Lamb2 on Chromosome (Chr) 1; Odc-rs2 near Psp on Chr 2; Odc-rs5, a complex locus comprising at least 5-7 copies of the ODC sequence, associated with Igk on Chr 6; Odc-rs6 between Abpa and Tam-1 on proximal Chr 7; Odc-rs7 near Hbb on distal Chr 7; Odc-rs12 near Agt and Emv-2 on distal Chr 8; Odc-rs8 associated with the Igh complex on Chr 12; and Odc-rs9 near Otf-3f on Chr 14. The ODC-related sequence family thus comprises a set of genomically dispersed "marker" loci, and alleles for several of these loci can be analyzed simultaneously in DNA from mice or cell lines. DNA from mice of 70 inbred strains has been characterized for alleles at all nine Odc-rs loci.

Structure and mapping of the fosB gene. FosB downregulates the activity of the fosB promoter

We have determined the genomic structure of the fosB gene and shown that it consists of 4 exons and 3 introns at positions also found in the c-fos gene. By deletion analysis we have characterized a region upstream of the TATA box which is the promoter region of the gene. Several consensus sequences have been identified, including an SRE and AP-1 binding site whose relative positions are identical to those in the 5' upstream region of the c-fos gene. We have also shown that FosB and c-Fos can downregulate the activity of the fosB promoter to a similar extent. The fosB gene is located in the [A1-B1] region of mouse chromosome 7.

Genetic mapping of the murine gene and 14 related sequences encoding chromosomal protein HMG-14

The high-mobility-group chromosomal protein HMG-14 preferentially binds to nucleosomal core particles of mammalian chromatin and may modulate the chromatin configuration of transcriptionally active genes. The human gene for HMG-14 has been localized to the Down syndrome region of Chromosome (Chr) 21 and may be involved in the etiology of this syndrome. Here we show, by means of genetic linkage analysis of interspecific and intersubspecific backcross mice, that the murine functional gene, Hmg14, is located on the distal end of mouse Chr 16, a region known to have conserved synteny with human Chr 21. In addition to the functional gene for HMG-14, both human and mouse genomes contain many related sequences that are probably processed pseudogenes. Here we map the locations of 14 Hmg14-related sequences in two mouse genomes. The 14 mapped loci are widely dispersed on ten chromosomes (Chrs 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19, and X) and can be detected efficiently with a single cDNA probe. Thus, the Hmg14 multigene family is well suited to serve as genetic markers for other linkage studies in mice.

Comparative mapping of IGHG1, IGHM, FES, and FOS in domestic cattle

The immunoglobulin genes have not been genetically characterized as thoroughly in cattle as in other mammals, particularly humans and mice. Comparative gene mapping in mammals suggests that the bovine immunoglobulin heavy chain genes, IGHG4 and IGHM might be syntenic with the FOS oncogene. Interestingly, however, when these genes were assigned to bovine syntenic groups utilizing a panel of bovine: hamster hybrid somatic cells, IGH genes were shown to be syntenic with the FES oncogene rather than FOS. In this study IGH and FES were assigned to Bos taurus chromosome 21 while FOS was assigned to chromosome 10. In addition, bovine-specific immunoglobulin-like sequences were observed in the hybrid somatic cells, and one, IGHML1, was mapped to bovine syntenic group U16. The probes used for somatic-cell mapping were also used to screen a small number of cattle of several different breeds for restriction fragment length polymorphisms. IGHG4 and IGHM were shown to be highly polymorphic, while FOS and FES were not.

Identification and applications of repetitive probes for gene mapping in the mouse

Interspecific mouse hybrids that are viable and fertile provide a wealth of genetic variation that is useful for gene mapping. We are using this genetic variation to develop multilocus linkage maps of the mouse genome. As an outgrowth of this work, we have identified three repetitive probes that collectively identify 28 loci dispersed on 16 of the 19 mouse autosomes and the X chromosome. These loci establish a skeleton linkage map that can be used to detect linkage over much of the mouse genome. The molecular probes are derived from the mouse mammary tumor virus envelope gene, the ornithine decarboxylase gene, and the triose phosphate isomerase gene. The ability to scan the mouse genome quickly and efficiently in an interspecific cross using these three repetitive probes makes this system a powerful tool for identifying the chromosomal location of mutations that have yet to be cloned, mapping multigenic traits, and identifying recessive protooncogene loci associated with murine neoplastic disease. Ultimately, interspecific hybrids in conjunction with repetitive and single-copy probes will provide a rapid means to access virtually any gene of interest in the mouse genome at the molecular level.

Detection of DNA polymorphisms between two inbred mouse strains--limitations of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs)

Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes in humans is characterized by a T cell mediated destruction of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells. This autoimmune response is very similar to that seen in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse strain. Originally bred from the ICR cataract-prone strain, NOD mice spontaneously develop T cell mediated insulitis and type I diabetes by the age of 6 months. Backcross studies with the NOD mouse strain indicate segregation of at least three recessive genes. One of these, Iddm-1, has been shown to be tightly linked to the mouse MHC, H-2 on chromosome 17. Comparative studies with diabetic patients has also shown linkage to human HLA with protective and predisposing haplotypes being present within the population. In this study we have attempted to identify restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) between the genomes of the NOD mouse strain and the diabetes-resistant strain C57BL/10. Such polymorphic loci will be used to screen DNAs from backcross animals that are diagnosed diabetic in an attempt to identify probes linked to the non-H2 disease susceptibility genes.

Mapping of two genes that influence susceptibility to audiogenic seizures in crosses of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice

The difference in susceptibility to audiogenic seizures (AGS) between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J inbred strains of mice is due to multiple genetic factors. AGS susceptibility was tested in 21-day-old mice from classical crosses, BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains, a congenic DBA/2N.B6N-Ahb inbred strain and crosses between the BXD RI strains and DBA/2J. Analysis of these data reveals that the variation in AGS susceptibility between these two strains results from allelic differences at three or more loci. Most of the variation is due to allelic differences at two loci. The first, Asp-1 (formerly Ias), is a major gene located on chromosome 12, between Ah and D12 Nyul. The second, Asp-2 (formerly asp), is a minor gene located on chromosome 4, tightly linked to b. The negative correlation of brain stem Ca2(+)-ATPase activity and AGS susceptibility in the BXD RI strains suggests that the strain difference in Ca2(+)-ATPase activity is inherited as a polygenic trait and that Asp-1 and Asp-2 are linked to, or identical to, factors that influence Ca2(+)-ATPase activity.

Chromosomal localization of seven members of the murine TGF-beta superfamily suggests close linkage to several morphogenetic mutant loci

Chromosomal locations have been assigned to seven members of the TGF-beta superfamily using an interspecific mouse backcross. Probes for the Tgfb-1, -2, and -3, Bmp-2a and -3, and Vgr-1 genes recognized only single loci, whereas the Bmp-2b probe recognized two independently segregating loci (designated Bmp-2b1 and Bmp-2b2). The results show that the seven members of the TGF-beta superfamily map to eight different chromosomes, indicating that the TGF-beta family has become widely dispersed during evolution. Five of the eight loci (Tgfb-1, Bmp-2a, Bmp-2b1, Bmp-2b2, Vgr-1) mapped near mutant loci associated with connective tissue and skeletal disorders, raising the possibility that at least some of these mutations result from defects in TGF-beta-related genes.

Localization of the muscle, liver, and brain glycogen phosphorylase genes on linkage maps of mouse chromosomes 19, 12, and 2, respectively

Mammalian glycogen phosphorylases comprise a family of three isozymes, muscle, liver, and brain, which are expressed selectively and to varying extents in a wide variety of cell types. To better understand the regulation of phosphorylase gene expression, we isolated partial cDNAs for all three isozymes from the rat and used these to map the corresponding genes in the mouse. Chromosome mapping was accomplished by comparing the segregation of phosphorylase restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) with 16 reference loci in a multipoint interspecies backcross between Mus musculus domesticus and Mus spretus. The genes encoding muscle, liver, and brain phosphorylases (Pygm, Pygl, and Pygb) are assigned to mouse chromosomes 19, 12, and 2, respectively. Their location on separate chromosomes indicates that distinct cis-acting elements govern the differential expression of phosphorylase isozymes in various tissues. Our findings significantly extend the genetic maps of mouse chromosomes 2, 12, and 19 and can be used to define the location of phosphorylase genes in man more precisely. Finally, this analysis suggests that the previously mapped "muscle-deficient" mutation in mouse, mdf, is closely linked to the muscle phosphorylase gene. However, muscle phosphorylase gene structure and expression appear to be unaltered in mdf/mdf mice, indicating that this mutation is not an animal model for the human genetic disorder McArdle's disease.

Linkage mapping of a mouse gene, iv, that controls left-right asymmetry of the heart and viscera

Inherited single gene defects have been identified in both humans and mice that lead to loss of developmental control over the left-right asymmetry of the heart and viscera. In mice the recessively inherited mutation iv leads to such apparent loss of control over situs: 50% of iv/iv mice exhibit situs inversus and 50% exhibit normal situs. The affected gene product has not been identified in these animals. To study the normal function of iv, we have taken an approach directed to the gene itself. As a first step, we have mapped iv genetically, by examining its segregation in backcrosses with respect to markers defined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The iv locus lies 3 centimorgans (cM) from the immunoglobulin heavy-chain constant-region gene complex (Igh-C) on chromosome 12. A multilocus map of the region suggests the gene order centromere-Aat (alpha 1-antitrypsin gene complex)-(11 cM)-iv-(3 cM)-Igh-C-(1 cM)-Igh-V (immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable-region gene complex).

Comparison of linkage maps of mouse chromosome 12 derived from laboratory strain intraspecific and Mus spretus interspecific backcrosses

Progeny from an interspecific backcross between laboratory mice and Mus spretus were typed for inheritance of eight genetic markers on chromosome 12. Marker order determined by segregation analyses of 115 meiotic events was in good agreement with that determined previously using intraspecific laboratory strain backcrosses. Two additional markers, D12Nyu5 and Lamb-1, previously not ordered, were located in the middle of the interval between D12Nyu12 and D12Nyu1. Marker spacing was reduced in the interspecific cross relative to that observed in intraspecific crosses. Furthermore, the interspecific cross was characterized by marked deviation from 1:1 segregation in the recombinant chromosomes and very strong positive interference. These data suggest that comparisons of different mouse crosses may facilitate the understanding of underlying mechanisms that govern recombination events in complex genomes.

Mitotic recombination is responsible for the loss of heterozygosity in cultured murine cell lines

Heterozygous mammalian cell lines normally express both parental alleles at most autosomal loci. However, mutants can be isolated that fail to express one of the alleles. Using a murine pre-B cell line that is heterozygous for several loci on chromosome 12, including one encoding the cell surface antigen Ly-18, we found that one of the two Ly-18 antigenic forms was lost at a rate of 1.5 x 10(-5) per cell per generation. Molecular analysis revealed that a genetic marker distal to Ly-18 became homozygous. Analysis of the genotype of the mutants at the rDNA cluster, located close to the centromere, strongly suggests that the mutants arose by mitotic recombination within this multicopy locus.

Mitotic recombination is responsible for the loss of heterozygosity in cultured murine cell lines

Heterozygous mammalian cell lines normally express both parental alleles at most autosomal loci. However, mutants can be isolated that fail to express one of the alleles. Using a murine pre-B cell line that is heterozygous for several loci on chromosome 12, including one encoding the cell surface antigen Ly-18, we found that one of the two Ly-18 antigenic forms was lost at a rate of 1.5 x 10(-5) per cell per generation. Molecular analysis revealed that a genetic marker distal to Ly-18 became homozygous. Analysis of the genotype of the mutants at the rDNA cluster, located close to the centromere, strongly suggests that the mutants arose by mitotic recombination within this multicopy locus.

Chromosomal location of three spectrin genes: relationship to the inherited hemolytic anemias of mouse and man

Three genetic loci in the mouse affect the synthesis and assembly of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton. The spherocytosis and jaundiced loci affect the membrane skeletal protein known as spectrin. The normoblastosis locus affects the spectrin binding protein called ankyrin. We have obtained genetic data that define the linkage relationships among three spectrin genes and the spherocytosis and jaundiced loci. The erythroid alpha-spectrin gene is tightly linked to the spherocytosis locus on chromosome 1 and the jaundiced locus is on chromosome 12, tightly linked to the erythroid beta-spectrin gene. The brain alpha-spectrin (alpha-fodrin) gene is located on the centromeric end of chromosome 2 and is not closely linked to any previously mapped erythroid or neurological mutation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that defects in the alpha- and beta-spectrin genes cause the spherocytosis and jaundiced hemolytic anemias in mice. All five loci studied are located within chromosomal segments that are conserved between mouse and man. Analysis of the data from the chromosome 12 study defines a new order for the genes on that chromosome and delineates the largest mouse/human conserved chromosomal segment yet known.

Mapping and gene order of U1 small nuclear RNA, endogenous viral env sequence, amylase, and alcohol dehydrogenase-3 on mouse chromosome 3

Linkage was established between a number of genes that map on chromosome 3 by studying the distribution patterns of DNA polymorphisms and protein electrophoretic mobility polymorphisms in recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice. This analysis resulted in the following suggested gene order between the newly assigned genes and previously mapped genes: gamma-fibrinogen (Fgg), Xmmv-22 of mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) virus, U1b small nuclear RNA gene cluster (Rnu-1b), amylase (Amy-1,2), cadmium resistance (cdm), alcohol dehydrogenase-3 (Adh-3), alcohol dehydrogenase-1 (Adh-1). In situ hybridization to chromosome spreads confirmed the assignment of the Ulb small nuclear RNA (snRNA) gene cluster and the gamma-fibrinogen gene to the center of chromosome 3.

The embryonic and adult mouse U1 snRNA genes map to different chromosomal loci

The linkage relationships of mouse adult (mU1a) and embryonic (mU1b) U1 snRNA genes were determined by analysis of the strain distribution patterns of two polymorphic variant RNAs, mU1a2 and mU1b3, in several recombinant inbred strain systems. The locus for mU1b3 RNA maps to the U1 gene cluster, Rnu1b, located near the center of chromosome 3, whereas the locus for mU1a2 RNA, Rnu1a2, is located in the proximal region of chromosome 12, tightly linked to D12-1. Moreover, the lack of linkage between Rnu1a2 and the locus for mU1a1 genes on chromosome 11 demonstrates that the mouse genome contains at least three clusters of U1 snRNA genes.

Influence of kappa and IgH genes on the T helper cell response to p-azobenzenearsonate tyrosine

Immunization of mice with the p-azobenzenearsonate-L-tyrosine conjugate (ABA-Tyr) leads to the activation of ABA-specific T helper cells capable of proliferating in vitro in the presence of the corresponding antigen. This response is under a dual genetic regulation by H-2 and non-H-2 linked genes, and H-2d mice are high-responder. We demonstrate here, using strains congenic to BALB/c for chromosomes (Chr.) 6 or 12 that this T cell response is also influenced by kappa and IgH linked genes. Double congenic mice indicate that Chr.6 and Chr.12 genes have a complementary effect on the response which cannot be predicted solely by the alleles expressed on either of the two chromosomes. In addition, responses in Bailey's inbred recombinant mice allow a possible mapping of the Chr.12 gene at the 5' end of the IgH complex and of the VH-dextran gene family. The mechanisms which may account for the influence of immunoglobulin gene products on the ABA-specific T cell repertoire are discussed.

Esterase-25 (Es-25): identification and characterization of a new kidney arylesterase of the house mouse, genetically linked to Ly-18 on chromosome 12

Genetic variation of a codominantly inherited kidney esterase, designated ES-25, has been discovered in the house mouse using disc electrophoresis. The ES-25A phenotype was found in A strains, AKR, and BALB/c. ES-25B was found in C57BL strains and several other laboratory strains. The enzyme was shown to be controlled by a presumed structural locus, Es-25. The high concordance in 48 RI strains of Es-25 with Ly-18 indicated the location of Es-25 on chromosome 12. The gene order Es-25-Ly-18-D12Nyul-Pre-1 was proposed.

Chromosome maps of man and mouse, III

Data on loci whose positions are known in both man and mouse are presented in the form of chromosomal displays, a table, and autosomal and X-chromosomal grids. At least 40 conserved autosomal segments with two or more loci, as well as 17 homologous X-linked loci, are now known in the two species, in which mitochondrial DNA is also highly conserved. Apart from the Y, the only chromosome now lacking a conserved group is human 13. Human 17 has a single conserved group which includes both short and long arms, and so may have remained largely intact in mammalian evolution. Human and mouse chromosomal maps show the approximate locations of homologous genes while the mouse map also shows the positions of translocations used in gene location.

The aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (Ah) locus and a novel restriction-fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) are located on mouse chromosome 12

The aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (Ah) locus that controls the induction of chemical carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes in mice has been found to be linked to a new restriction-fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Only C57BL/6 and closely related inbred strains displayed a 7.6-kb HindIII restriction fragment, while all other inbred strains tested displayed an 11.2-kb HindIII restriction fragment when using plasmid pRC2.3 as the hybridization probe. Polymorphisms in this region can also be detected with two other restriction enzymes: SacI and EcoRV. Linkage of Ah and the restriction-fragment length polymorphism was first detected using the BXD (C57BL/6 x DBA/2) recombinant inbred strains and was confirmed by a backcross. Both the restriction-fragment length polymorphism and Ah were not linked to the standard genetic markers Hba, Hbb, b, d, C-3, and W. However, comparison of the RFLP strain distribution pattern in the BXD recombinant inbred set with the strain distribution pattern of another RFLP, known to be located on chromosome 12, shows complete concordance in 24 of 24 strains, thereby locating Ah on chromosome 12.

Suppression of tumorigenicity in somatic cell hybrids does not involve quantitative changes in transcription of cellular Ha-ras, Ki-ras, myc, and fos oncogenes

The transcriptional activity of ten cellular oncogenes was analyzed in somatic cell hybrids that had been obtained after fusion of tumorigenic Chinese hamster cells and normal mouse fibroblasts. The hybrids showed either the tumorigenic or the nontumorigenic phenotype (suppression of tumorigenicity). Out of ten c-onc genes analyzed, four (c-Ha-ras, c-Ki-ras, c-myc, and c-fos) were found to be transcriptionally active at similar levels in tumorigenic as well as in nontumorigenic (suppressed) hybrids. Thus we conclude that suppression of tumorigenicity in Chinese hamster X mouse somatic cell hybrids does not correlate with quantitative changes in expression of these cellular oncogenes. The remaining six cellular oncogenes (c-abl, c-erb A and B, c-fes, c-myb, and c-sis) were not transcriptionally active in these hybrids.

Dsi-1, a region with frequent proviral insertions in Moloney murine leukemia virus-induced rat thymomas

Dsi-1 is a region of chromosomal DNA that underwent proviral insertion in 3 of 24 Moloney murine leukemia virus-induced rat thymomas. In one of these tumors, a provirus is also integrated adjacent to the proto-oncogene c-myc. The proviruses in Dsi-1 have been characterized and appear to be complete. The proviruses were located within a 2-kilobase region that contained four prominent DNase I-hypersensitive sites. These hypersensitive sites were observed in Moloney murine leukemia virus-induced thymomas but not in NRK cells. The region of Dsi-1 immediately 3' to the insertions cross-hybridized with human and chicken DNA, indicating that it contains highly conserved sequences. No evidence could be found for the expression of this highly conserved region. Dsi-1 was mapped to mouse chromosome 4. This location demonstrates that Dsi-1 is different from 16 of the known proto-oncogenes (c-abl, c-erbA c-erbB, c-ets-1, c-ets-2, c-fes, c-fos, c-myb, c-myc, c-raf, A-raf, c-Ha-ras, c-Ki-ras, N-ras, c-sis, and c-src) and 12 cellular regions of tumor-associated integrations in retrovirus-induced tumors (c-erbB, Fis-1, int-1, int-2, Mis-1/pvt-1, Mlvi-1, Mlvi-2, c-mos, c-myb, c-myc, Pim-1, and c-Ha-ras). Hybridization experiments indicated that Dsi-1 is probably different from five additional proto-oncogenes (c-fgr, c-fms, c-mos, neu, and c-yes) and from two additional frequent integration regions (lck and Mlvi-3).

Three functional ribosomal protein genes are unlinked in mouse genome

The mouse chromosomes bearing three functional ribosomal protein (rp) genes were identified by Southern blot analysis of DNA from a panel of mouse-hamster hybrid cell lines. Unique sequence intron probes were used to distinguish the functional rp genes from their multiple processed pseudogene counterparts. The genes specifying ribosomal proteins S16, L30, and L32 were found to be on chromosomes 7, 15, and 6, respectively. Since these functional rp genes are widely dispersed in the mouse genome, coordinate regulation of their transcriptional activity cannot be accomplished by a structural alteration of a single chromosomal region. Rather, it would have to involve interactions with sequences or structural motifs that are common to all three genes.

Viral sequences are associated with many histocompatibility genes

A C57BL/6By 5.5 kb Pvu II polymorphic restriction fragment which hybridizes with a spleen focus-forming env probe and maps in the H-30 region has been cloned, and a 358 bp subfragment subcloned. Hybridization and sequencing studies show that the 358 bp fragment is encoded by the region of the pol gene of murine retrovirus which codes for an endonuclease critical for viral integration. Hybridizations of digested murine genomic DNAs with the 358 bp probe generate 31 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs); 16 of these can be placed near the following 15 minor histocompatability (H) loci: H-3, H-4, H-7, H-13, H-15, H-16, H-17, H-19, H-22, H-24, H-27, H-30, H-34, H-36, and H-38. We suggest that the proximity of viral sequences to H loci is probably evolutionarily and functionally significant and that the closeness of viral sequences and minor H loci can probably be utilized to facilitate the cloning of minor H genes. During the course of these studies, it has become possible to tentatively assign H-17, H-34, and H-38 to chromosome 12. In addition, it was observed that several H-2 congenic strains retain portions of chromosome 12 from the parental donor strains used in their derivation.

Regional location of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and alpha 1-antitrypsin genes on human chromosome 14

The human protease inhibitor genes alpha 1 antitrypsin (alpha 1-PI) and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (alpha 1-ACT) are acute-phase proteins which are induced in response to inflammation. These inhibitors function to limit the activity of serine proteases in vivo. alpha 1-PI acts as an inhibitor of neutrophil elastase to protect the elastin fibers of the lung. Genetic deficiencies of alpha 1-PI result in development of chronic pulmonary emphysema. The physiologic role of alpha 1-ACT has not been clearly defined, but it also appears to function in the maintenance of protease-protease inhibitor equilibrium in the lung. Nucleic acid and protein sequence homologies detected between alpha 1-PI and alpha 1-ACT suggested an evolutionary relationship. Gene mapping experiments were performed to determine if these protease inhibitor genes reside at the same chromosomal locus in man. In situ hybridization data demonstrate that both alpha 1-PI and alpha 1-ACT map to the same region, q31-q32.3, on chromosome 14.

Chromosomal location of the gene encoding the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) in the mouse

The gene encoding the neural cell adhesion molecule, N-CAM, has been localized on mouse chromosome 9. A BALB/cJ mouse genomic library prepared in lambda bacteriophage EMBL4 was screened by using a cDNA probe, pEC204, that corresponds to the coding region of the chicken N-CAM gene. Four weakly reactive and one strongly reactive recombinant phage were isolated. A region of the latter that was strongly homologous to pEC204 was subcloned to yield a new probe, pEC501. RNA transfer blots and nucleotide sequencing indicated that pEC501 encoded part of the mouse N-CAM gene. This probe defined a unique genetic locus, Ncam, associated with a restriction fragment length polymorphism that allowed the definition of two alleles. The locus could be provisionally assigned either to chromosome 9 or to chromosome 10 by correlating the presence or absence of mouse-specific DNA fragments reactive with the probe in a panel of somatic hybrid cell lines with the presence or absence of the various mouse chromosomes. Analysis of the inheritance of the Ncam-associated DNA polymorphism in recombinant inbred strains of mice revealed close linkage between Ncam and the Lap-1, Sep-1, and Thy-1 loci on chromosome 9. This result suggests an additional linkage between Ncam and the locus for the cerebellar mutation staggerer (sg). The Ncam locus provides an important reference point for mapping the genes for additional cell adhesion molecules as well as genes for other molecules involved in neural development and function.

A new approach to gene mapping by in situ hybridization on isolated chromosomes

A new technique was developed for in situ hybridization on isolated murine chromosomes. The safety and relative rapidity of the method is due to the ready availability of large numbers of isolated "target" chromosomes with well preserved morphology. Its applicability was demonstrated by mapping c-myc to band 15D of Robertsonian (6;15) fusion chromosomes. This localization coincides with the cytogenetic mapping of the translocation breakpoints in mouse plasmacytomas that carry the typical rcpt (12;15) translocation.

Regional location of T cell receptor gene Ti alpha on human chromosome 14

The chromosomal location of Ti alpha was determined by hybridization of a radiolabeled cDNA for the alpha chain of human T cell receptor with 12 human X mouse cell hybrid DNAs cleaved with BamHI. Seven hybrids contained human Ti alpha, while the remaining five lacked it. Only human chromosome 14 matched the distribution of human Ti alpha signal across the mapping panel. Hybrids segregating a chromosome 14 translocation were used to demonstrate that Ti alpha is in the region 14pter greater than 14q21. Thus, the alpha and beta chain genes that contribute structural components to the Ti moiety of the human T cell receptor lie on different chromosomes. In humans, the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus and Ti alpha are in different regions of chromosome 14, with Ti alpha more proximal and the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus more distal.

The c-myc oncogene is translocated to the involved chromosome 12 in mouse plasmacytoma

Although it is known that the c-myc oncogene is rearranged in a head-to-head fashion with the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus in mouse plasmacytomas, it has not been clear whether the c-myc oncogene is translocated to the heavy chain locus on mouse chromosome 12 or whether the heavy chain locus is translocated to the c-myc locus on mouse chromosome 15. To determine which of these two possibilities is correct, we hybridized Chinese hamster fibroblasts with J558 mouse plasmacytoma cells that carry a reciprocal chromosome translocation between chromosomes 12 and 15, and we examined the segregating hybrids for the presence of the normal and rearranged mouse c-myc genes, for the presence of different regions of the mouse heavy chain locus, and for the presence of genes located on mouse chromosomes 12 and 15. The results of this analysis indicate that, as in human Burkitt lymphomas with the 8;14 chromosome translocation, the c-myc gene is translocated to the heavy chain locus in mouse plasmacytomas. Thus the orientation of the heavy chain locus on mouse chromosome 12 and of the c-myc gene on mouse chromosome 15 is the same as the orientation of the homologous loci in man.