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C M Disteche

Publications and source records attributed to C M Disteche.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

The mouse Mid1 gene: implications for the pathogenesis of Opitz syndrome and the evolution of the mammalian pseudoautosomal region.

We have recently reported isolation of the gene responsible for X-linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome, a defect of midline development. MID1 is located on the distal short arm of the human X chromosome (Xp22. 3) and encodes a novel member of the B box family of zinc finger proteins. We have now cloned the murine homolog of MID1 and performed preliminary expression studies during development. Mid1 expression in undifferentiated cells in the central nervous, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems suggests that abnormal cell proliferation may underlie the defect in midline development characteristic of Opitz syndrome. We have also found that Mid1 is located within the mouse pseudoautosomal region (PAR) in Mus musculus , while it seems to be X-specific in Mus spretus. Therefore, Mid1 is likely to be a recent acquisition of the M. musculus PAR. Genetic and FISH analyses also demonstrated a high frequency of unequal crossovers in the murine PAR, creating spontaneous deletion/duplication events involving Mid1. These data provide evidence for the first time that genetic instability of the PAR may affect functionally important genes. In addition, we show that MID1 is the first example of a gene subject to X-inactivation in man while escaping it in mouse. These data contribute to a better understanding of the molecular content and evolution of the rodent PAR.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1998

Gene dosage in the evolution and function of mammalian sex chromosomes.

Ohno's early suggestions about the origin of sex chromosomes and the consequences of alterations of dosage of X and Y genes have provided an important framework for understanding sex chromosome organization, function and evolution. Here we review evidence that heteromorphic sex chromosomes evolved from an autosomal pair, and that one of the consequences of X-Y differentiation is the evolution of dosage compensation by X inactivation and upregulation of the active X, which in turn, has selected for a highly conserved X chromosome.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Evidence of evolutionary up-regulation of the single active X chromosome in mammals based on Clc4 expression levels in Mus spretus and Mus musculus.

Previous studies have shown that the chloride channel gene Clc4 is X-linked and subject to X inactivation in Mus spretus, but that the same gene is autosomal in laboratory strains of mice. This exception to the conservation of linkage of the X chromosome in one of two interfertile mouse species was exploited to compare expression of Clc4 from the X chromosome to that from the autosome. Clc4 was found to be highly expressed in brain tissues of both mouse species. Quantitative analyses of species-specific expression of Clc4 in brain tissues from mice resulting from M. spretus x laboratory strain crosses, demonstrate that each autosomal locus has half the level of Clc4 expression as compared with the single active X-linked locus. In contrast expression of another chloride channel gene, Clc3, which is autosomal in both mouse species is equal between alleles in F1 animals. There is no evidence of imprinting of the Clc4 autosomal locus. These results are consistent with Ohno's hypothesis of an evolutionary requirement for a higher expression of genes on the single active X chromosome to maintain balance with autosomal gene expression [Ohno, S. (1967) Sex Chromosomes and Sex-Linked Genes (Springer, Berlin)].

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Structure and chromosomal localization of the beta2 subunit of the human brain sodium channel.

The beta2 subunit of rat brain voltage-gated sodium channels modulates their cell-surface expression and gating. It is a 33 kDa glycoprotein with a single transmembrane segment and an immunoglobulin-like fold resembling those of cell adhesion molecules in the extracellular domain. Here we report the cDNA sequence and genomic localization of the gene encoding the human beta2 subunit. The mature human beta2 protein has 89% amino acid sequence identity to rat beta2 and has four conserved consensus sites for N-linked glycosylation. The extracellular cysteine residues which are predicted to form the disulfide linkage in the immunoglobulin-like fold are also conserved, indicating that the overall structure is preserved between these two species. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), we localized the beta2 gene to human chromosome 11q3. Mutations in this region of chromosome 11 in Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome type 4B and in other neurological diseases cause abnormal myelination and neurological deficits. The similarity of beta2 to cell adhesion molecules, including myelin protein p0, and its chromosomal location at 11q23 suggest a potential role in these demyelinating diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Trisomy eight in ES cells is a common potential problem in gene targeting and interferes with germ line transmission.

The ability to contribute to the germ line is the most important experimental feature of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Using ES cells, it is possible to introduce targeted mutations into any gene and to derive the corresponding mutant mice. A common problem with this technology is that the ES cells often lack or have only a low efficiency of germ line transmission. To address this issue, we examined the relationship between the growth rate and karyotype of ES cells, and their ability to contribute to the germ line. We found that chromosomal abnormalities occurred rather frequently in ES cells. Cells having an abnormal number of chromosomes, in particular trisomy 8, were found in three independently derived ES cell lines, and this abnormality conferred a selective growth advantage on these cells. Selection of abnormal cells led to depletion and eventual loss of normal ES cells during consecutive passages. In comparison with parental ES cells, ES cells with trisomy 8 contributed rarely to the germ line. This realization allowed us to select, based upon ES cell clone morphology, those clones with the highest probability of contributing to the germ line. This insight is of practical value for any given gene targeting experiment as it permits optimization of the rate of success without having to rely on more elaborate tests such as karyotyping individual clones prior to blastocyst injection.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Rare trisomy mosaicism diagnosed in amniocytes, involving an autosome other than chromosomes 13, 18, 20, and 21: karyotype/phenotype correlations.

In order to determine the significance of trisomy mosaicism of an autosome other than chromosomes 13, 18, 20, and 21, 151 such cases diagnosed prenatally through amniocentesis were reviewed. These rare trisomy mosaicism cases include 54 from 17 cytogenetic laboratories, 34 from a previous North American mosaicism survey, and 63 from published reports. All were cases of true mosaicism with information available on pregnancy outcome, and with no evidence of biased ascertainment. There were 11 cases of 46/47, +2; 2 of 46/47, +3; 2 of 46/47, +4; 5 of 46/47, +5; 3 of 46/47, +6; 8 of 46/47, +7; 14 of 46/47, +8; 25 of 46/47, +9; 2 of 46/47, +11; 23 of 46/47, +12; 5 of 46/47, +14; 11 of 46/47, +15; 21 of 46/47, +16; 7 of 46/47, +17; 1 of 46/47, +19; and 11 of 46/47, +22. As to the risk of an abnormal outcome, the data showed a very high risk (> 60 per cent) for 46/47, +2, 46/47, +16, and 46/47, +22; a high risk (40-59 per cent) for 46/47, +5, 46/47, +9, 46/47, +14, and 46/47, +15; a moderately high risk (20-39 per cent) for 46/47, +12; a moderate risk (up to 19 per cent) for 46/47, +7 and 46/47, +7 and 46/47, +8; a low risk for 46/47, +17; and an undetermined risk, due to lack of cases, for the remaining autosomal trisomy mosaics. Most cases were evaluated at birth or at termination, so subtle abnormalities may have escaped detection and developmental retardation was not evaluated at all. Comparison of the phenotypes of prenatally diagnosed abnormal cases and postnatally diagnosed cases with the same diagnosis showed considerable concordance. Since the majority of anomalies noted are prenatally detectable with ultrasound, an ultrasound examination should be performed in all prenatally diagnosed cases. In cytogenetic confirmation studies, the data showed much higher confirmation rates in cases with abnormal outcomes than in cases with normal outcomes [81 per cent vs. 55 per cent for fibroblasts (from skin, fetal tissue, and/or cord); 88 per cent vs. 46 per cent for placental cells; 22 per cent vs. 10 per cent for blood cells]. The confirmation rate reached 85 per cent when both fibroblasts and placental tissues were studied in the same case (with trisomic cells found in one or the other, or both). Therefore, one must emphasize that both fibroblasts and placental tissues should be studied. Except for 46/47, +8 and 46/47, +9, PUBS is of limited value for prenatal diagnosis of rate trisomy mosaicism. DNA studies for UPD are suggested for certain chromosomes with established imprinting effects, such as chromosomes 7, 11, 14, and 15, and perhaps for chromosomes 2 and 16, where imprinting effects are likely.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Paraoxonase (PON1) gene in mice: sequencing, chromosomal localization and developmental expression.

Serum paraoxonase hydrolyses the toxic metabolites of several organophosphorus insecticides, as well as the nerve agents soman and sarin. We have previously shown that elevated serum paraoxonase levels protect mice against organophosphate toxicity. In the present study, we determined the cDNA sequence and chromosomal location of the mouse paraoxonase gene, as well as its developmental expression in mice and rats. The mouse cDNA encodes a protein of 355 amino acids and shows 81% identity with the human sequence. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the mouse paraoxonase gene maps to chromosome 6, a region conserved with the paraoxonase region of chromosome 7q21-22 in humans. Serum paraoxonase activities toward three substrates, paraoxon, chlorpyrifos-oxon and diazoxon, were very low at birth and increased with age reaching adult levels at 20 days in mice and 25 days in rats. The increase of serum paraoxonase activity in developing animals correlates well with the increased resistance to organophosphate poisoning that has been reported in previous studies.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

Isolation, mapping, and functional expression of the mouse X chromosome glycerol kinase gene.

Glycerol kinase (Gyk) participates in the metabolism of endogenously derived and dietary glycerol. Deficiency of the human enzyme activity is an X-linked recessive disorder with a clinical picture varying from childhood metabolic crisis to asymptomatic adults incidentally identified by hyperlipidemia screening (pseudohypertriglyceridemia). Gyk is a member of a small group of kinases termed ambiquitous enzymes that are found in the cytosol or as membrane-bound enzymes associated with the voltage-dependent anion channel of the mitochondrial outer membrane. It was recently reported that in humans there are X-linked and autosomal copies of Gyk sequences, both apparently functional genes and processed pseudogenes. To understand the role of Gyk in normal metabolism and the variable clinical features seen with Gyk deficiency, we have characterized the mouse Gyk gene. We present the sequence of a full-length mouse Gyk cDNA that is alternatively spliced in brain. The Gyk gene was mapped to the mouse X chromosome by both fluorescence in situ hybridization and an interspecies backcross panel, demonstrating conservation of synteny with dmd. To confirm the functional identity of the cDNA, transient transfection of the cDNA into COS7 cells was shown to cause a marked elevation in glycerol kinase activity.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1996

Mouse autosomal homolog of DAZ, a candidate male sterility gene in humans, is expressed in male germ cells before and after puberty.

Deletion of the Azoospermia Factor (AZF) region of the human Y chromosome results in spermatogenic failure. While the identity of the critical missing gene has yet to be established, a strong candidate is the putative RNA-binding protein DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia). Here we describe the mouse homolog of DAZ. Unlike human DAZ, which is Y-linked, in mouse the Dazh (DAZ homolog) gene maps to chromosome 17. Nonetheless, the predicted amino acid sequences of the gene products are quite similar, especially in their RNP/RRM (putative RNA-binding) domains, and both genes are transcribed predominantly in testes; the mouse gene is transcribed at a lower level in ovaries. Dazh transcripts were not detected in testes of mice that lack germ cells. In testes of wildtype mice, Dazh transcription is detectable 1 day after birth (when the only germ cells are prospermatogonia), increases steadily as spermatogonial stem cells appear, plateaus as the first wave of spermatogenic cells enters meiosis (10 days after birth), and is sustained at this level thereafter. This unique pattern of expression suggests that Dazh participates in differentiation, proliferation, or maintenance of germ cell founder populations before, during, and after the pubertal onset of spermatogenesis. Such functions could readily account for the diverse spermatogenic defects observed in human males with AZF deletions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

A candidate gene for the amnionless gastrulation stage mouse mutation encodes a TRAF-related protein.

We report the identification of a new recessive prenatal lethal insertional mutation, amnionless (amn). amn mutant embryos first appear abnormal during the Early Streak stage, between E6.5 and E7.0, when they initiate mesoderm production. Subsequently, the amn mutants become developmentally arrested between the Mid and Late Streak stages of gastrulation and they die and are resorbed between E9.5 and E10.5. While extraembryonic structures, including the chorion, yolk sac blood islands, and allantois appear to develop normally, the small embryonic ectoderm remains undifferentiated and generates no amnion. In addition, the embryonic mesoderm that is produced does not become organized into node, notochord, and somites and there is no morphological evidence of neural induction. Interspecific backcross and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses map the transgene insertion, and thus the amn mutation, to the distal region of mouse chromosome 12, which has synteny with human chromosome 14q32. A gene encoding a 7.5-kb transcript has been identified at a junction between the integrated transgene and host chromosome 12 sequences that meets three criteria expected of a candidate amn gene. This gene maps to the site of transgene insertion; it is transcribed during gastrulation, and its expression is disrupted in amn mutant embryos. Nucleotide sequencing studies show that the 567 amino acid protein encoded by the 7.5-kb transcript is a member of the newly defined family of putative signal transducing proteins, TRAFs, that associate with the cytoplasmic domains of members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Thus, we have named the gene encoding the 7. 5-kb transcript TRAFamn. TRAFamn is identical to a recently reported protein (CD40bp, CAP-1, CRAF1, LAP1) that can bind the cytoplasmic domains of CD40 and the lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR), both of which are known members of the TNF receptor superfamily. The implications of these findings regarding a possible role for the TNF receptor superfamily during gastrulation are discussed.

Amnion↗
PubMed1996

A new region of conservation is defined between human and mouse X chromosomes.

Comparative mapping of the X chromosome in eutherian mammals has revealed distinct regions of conservation as well as evolutionary rearrangements between human and mouse. Recently, we and others mapped the murine homologue of CLCN4 (Chloride channel 4) to band F4 of the X chromosome in Mus spretus but to chromosome 7 in laboratory strains. We now report the mapping of the murine homologues of APXL (Apical protein Xenopus laevis-like) and OA1 (Ocular albinism type I), two genes that are located on the human X chromosome at band p22. 3 and in close proximity to CLCN4. Interestingly, Oa1 and Apxl map to bands F2-F3 in both M. spretus and the laboratory strain C57BL/6J, defining a new rearrangement between human and mouse X chromosomes.

Albinism, Ocular↗
PubMed1996

Chromosomal assignment of the gene encoding the human 58-kDa inhibitor (PRKRI) of the interferon-induced dsRNA-activated protein kinase to chromosome 13q32.

The 58-kDa inhibitor (p58) of the interferon-induced dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) is a cellular protein recruited by the influenza virus to down-regulate the activity of PKR during virus infection. The inhibitor also appears to play a role in the regulation of cellular gene expression in the absence of viral infection and has oncogenic properties when overexpressed. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we have mapped the p58 gene (PRKRI) to human chromosome 13 band q32. Aberrations in the structure or number of chromosome 13 have been identified in a variety of human cancers, particularly in acute leukemia.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed1996

The entire genomic sequence and cDNA expression of mouse alpha-galactosidase A.

The full-length cDNA and genomic sequences encoding mouse alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A; EC 3.2.1.22), a lysosomal galactohydrolase, were isolated and characterized. The cDNA's open reading frame encoded 419 amino acids and had 82% nucleotide (nt) and 78% amino acid identity with the human sequence, although the carboxy terminus of the mouse alpha-Gal A polypeptide was 10 amino acids shorter. The functional integrity of the mouse cDNA was demonstrated by transient expression in COS-1 cells. Northern analysis revealed two mRNA species of about 1.6 and 3.4 kb due to alternative polyadenylation signals. The entire 14.4-kb mouse genomic sequence was determined; each of its seven exons was interrupted by intronic sequence at the identical positions as the exons in the human gene. The mouse 5' flanking region (250 nt) had one Sp1, site, five CAAT boxes, and no TATA box and had 67% identity with the human promoter region. The gene contained 18 complete or partial Alu-repetitive elements (13 type 1 and 5 type 2 repeats), and three putative functional AATAAA consensus polyadenylation signals were identified 72, 1668, and 1682 nt after the TAA termination codon. Use of the 72-nt site and the 1866 and/or 1682 sites were consistent with the shorter and longer transcripts. The availability of the full-length cDNA and genomic sequence encoding mouse alpha-Gal A should facilitate structure/function studies of this lysosomal glycosidase and the construction of alpha-Gal A-deficient mice by targeted gene disruption.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

The DAZ gene cluster on the human Y chromosome arose from an autosomal gene that was transposed, repeatedly amplified and pruned.

It is widely believed that most or all Y-chromosomal genes were once shared with the X chromosome. The DAZ gene is a candidate for the human Y-chromosomal Azoospermia Factor (AZF). We report multiple copies of DAZ (> 99% identical in DNA sequence) clustered in the AZF region and a functional DAZ homologue (DAZH) on human chromosome 3. The entire gene family appears to be expressed in germ cells. Sequence analysis indicates that the Y-chromosomal DAZ cluster arose during primate evolution by (i) transposing the autosomal gene to the Y, (ii) amplifying and pruning exons within the transposed gene and (iii) amplifying the modified gene. These results challenge prevailing views of sex chromosome evolution, suggesting that acquisition of autosomal fertility genes is an important process in Y chromosome evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Chromosomal abnormalities in HPV-16-immortalized oral epithelial cells.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) type 16 has an established association with anogenital carcinoma, and to some extent with human oral squamous cell carcinoma. We hypothesize that HPV type 16 is capable of inducing chromosomal and cell cycle changes in cultured oral epithelial cells. Normal human oral epithelia] cells were immortalized with recombinant retrovirus containing the E6/E7 open reading frames of HPV type 16. These cells have been in culture for more than 350 passages and over 4 years. Flow cytometry demonstrated an average of 42% nuclear aneuploidy in HPV 16-immortalized cells; 16% in normal controls (probably tetrasomy). Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated significant progression of chromosomal abnormalities. Cells at early passage (p10) showed trisomy 20, with no other major changes. At passage 18, trisomy 1q and monosomy 13 were seen in addition to trisomy 20. At passage 61 there were two distinct cell populations ('a' and 'b'), with multiple chromosomal changes including trisomy 5q,14,20 in one line and 7p,9q,llq in the other. Both populations had monosomy 3p, with monosomy 8p in one population and monosomy 13 in the other. At passage 136, the cells were essentially identical to population 'b' of passage 61. At this passage, mutation of the p53 gene was detected at codon 273 of exon 8, with G to T conversion (Arg to Leu). This was absent in the normal cells from which this line was developed. Passage 262 contained the two major cell populations, each with a sub-group with additional chromosomal changes such as 10p monosomy. Cells from passages 217 and 305 were injected into nude mice a year apart. Both failed to produce tumors, as did normal cells. In conclusion, we present an HPV type 16-immortalized oral epithelial cell line (IHGK) with extensive and progressive chromosomal abnormalities, invasive growth in culture and yet no tumor formation in nude mice. We suggest that the question as to whether HPV alone can induce transformation is still open.

Aneuploidy↗
PubMed1996

cDNA cloning and chromosome mapping of the human Fe65 gene: interaction of the conserved cytoplasmic domains of the human beta-amyloid precursor protein and its homologues with the mouse Fe65 protein.

Using the yeast two hybrid system, a mouse embryo cDNA library was screened for proteins that interact with the C-terminus of the human beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta PP). A fusion protein was identified that interacts specifically with the cytoplasmic domain of beta PP and does not interact with the beta-amyloid region. The protein encoded by this partial mouse cDNA is identical to the C-terminus of the rat Fe65 protein. This mouse protein also interacts with the homologous C-terminal domains of the mouse amyloid precursor-like proteins, APLP1 and APLP2. These conserved cytoplasmic regions contain a common amino acid motif, Asn-Pro-Thr-Tyr, which has previously been shown to influence both the secretion and internalization of beta PP. Fe65 has been implicated in regulatory and cell signaling mechanisms because it contains two different motifs involved in protein binding, a WW domain (a variant of Src homology 3 domains) and a phosphotyrosine interaction domain (PID). Interestingly, the PID domain binds to the same motif present in the conserved cytoplasmic domains of the beta PP and beta PP-like proteins. RNA analyses reveal that Fe65 is predominantly expressed in brain and in the regions most affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated neuropathology. The human Fe65 mRNA was cloned from a fetal brain cDNA library. The message encodes a protein of 735 amino acids that is 95% identical to the rat Fe65 protein. The human Fe65 gene was mapped on human metaphase chromosomes to band 11p15 using fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗