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Biomedical subjects

D Malo

Publications and source records attributed to D Malo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Identification and mapping of six microdissected genomic DNA probes to the proximal region of mouse chromosome 1.

Six independent DNA probes, lambda Mm1C-150, lambda Mm1C-153, lambda Mm1C-156, lambda Mm1C-162, lambda Mm1C-163, and lambda Mm1C-165, have been isolated from a library of microdissected fragments from mouse chromosome 1, spanning cytogenetic bands C2 to C5. These DNA probes have been mapped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with respect to 12 marker loci previously assigned to this portion of mouse chromosome 1, in a panel of 251 segregating Mus spretus x C57BL/6J interspecific backcross mice. The gene order and intergene distances were determined by segregation analysis to be centromere- lambda Mm1C-162-11.1 cM-Col3a1-8.8 cM-Len-2-2.6 cM-lambda Mm1C-163-1.6 cM-Fn-1-1.6 cM-Tp-1-0.8 cM-lambda Mm1C-165/Vil-0.4 cM-Inha-2.8 cM-lambda Mm1C-153-2.4 cM-lambda Mm1C-156-1.2 cM-Pax-3-5.6 cM-Akp-3-0.8 cM-Acrg-2.0 cM-Sag-0.5 cM-Col6a3-1.8 cM-lambda Mm1C-150-15.4 cM-Ren1,2. Four of these probes map within a chromosome 1 segment that is homologous to human chromosome 2q. Southern blotting analyses indicate that one of these anonymous probes, lambda Mm1C-165, detects DNA fragments highly conserved across species. These novel polymorphic probes should prove useful for linkage and physical mapping of this chromosomal region.

Animals

Isolation of a yeast gene encoding a protein homologous to the human Tat-binding protein TBP-1.

We have cloned a putative yeast homolog of the gene encoding the human Tat-binding protein, TBP-1. The gene termed TBPY encodes a 45,243-dalton protein displaying a heptad repeat of hydrophobic amino acids reminiscent of a leucine zipper. Secondary structure predictions suggest the possibility of formation of an amphipathic helix that could further be organized into a coiled-coil. Additionally, the protein product of TBPY shows amino acid signatures characteristic of a large family of RNA and DNA helicases. We propose that the hydrophobic region of yTBP-1 participates in self-dimerization or heterodimerization.

ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activitie

The host resistance locus Bcg is tightly linked to a group of cytoskeleton-associated protein genes that include villin and desmin.

In the mouse, innate resistance or susceptibility to infection with a group of unrelated intracellular parasites which includes, Mycobacteria, Salmonella, and Leishmania is determined by the expression of a single dominant autosomal gene designated Bcg located on the proximal portion of chromosome 1. The gene is expressed at the level of the mature tissue macrophage and influences its capacity to restrict intracellular proliferation of the parasites. We have used restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in segregating populations of inter- and intraspecific backcross mice and in recombinant inbred strains to position four new marker genes, transition protein 1 (Tp-1), desmin (Des), the alpha subunit of inhibin (Inha), and retinal S-antigen (Sag), in the vicinity of the host resistance locus, Bcg. The gene order for Tp-1, Des, Inha, and Sag was established in an eight-point testcross with respect to anchor loci previously assigned to that portion of mouse chromosome 1 and was found to be centromere-Fn-1-Tp-1-(Vil,Bcg)-Des-Inha-Akp-3-Acrg+ ++-Sag. Two of these new marker genes were found very tightly linked to Bcg: Des was located 0.3 +/- 0.3 cM distal from (Vil,Bcg) and 0.3 +/- 0.3 cM proximal to Inha. Tp-1 mapped 0.8 +/- 0.8 cM proximal and Sag 12.8 +/- 1.7 cM distal to (Vil,Bcg). Tp-1, Des, Inha, and Sag all fall within a large mouse chromosome 1 segment homologous with the telomeric region of the long arm of human chromosome 2 (2q). Our findings indicate that the two closest markers to the host resistance locus, Bcg, encode cytoskeleton-associated proteins which are capable of interaction with actin filaments.

Animals

Three brain sodium channel alpha-subunit genes are clustered on the proximal segment of mouse chromosome 2.

We have used long-range physical mapping and restriction fragment length polymorphisms between two mouse species to determine the chromosomal organization and location of the genes encoding three distinct isoforms of the alpha-subunit of the brain sodium channel. Physical mapping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis has established that Scn2a and Scn3a (genes encoding type II and type III sodium channel alpha-subunit isoforms) are physically linked and are separated by a maximum distance of 600 kb. The segregation of restriction fragment length variations in backcross progeny of a Mus musculus and Mus spretus mating indicates that Scn 1 a (gene encoding the type I sodium channel alpha subunit) and Scn2a are tightly linked and are separated by a distance of 0.7 cM. Linkage analysis in backcross and recombinant inbred (BXD and AKXD) strains of mice localized the three sodium channel genes to the proximal segment of mouse chromosome 2 and suggested the probable gene order centromere-Hc-Neb-Pmv7-Scn2a/Scn3a-Scn1a-Mpmv 14. These results indicate that the three isoforms of the brain sodium channel alpha-subunit are encoded by three distinct genes that share a common ancestral origin.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Molecular characterization of a deletion encompassing the splotch mutation on mouse chromosome 1.

We have used a set of markers newly assigned to the proximal portion of mouse chromosome 1 to characterize the chromosomal segment deleted in the splotch-retarded (Spr) mouse mutant. Among nine markers tested in the heterozygote Spr/+mouse, we have identified four genes, Vil, Des, Inha, and Akp-3, which map within the Spr deletion. The closest distal marker to the deletion is the Acrg gene, with the distal deletion breakpoint mapping within the 0.8-cM segment separating Akp-3 and Acrg. The most proximal gene to the Spr deletion is Tp1. The proximal deletion breakpoint maps within the 0.8-cM segment separating Tp1 and Vil. The minimum size of the Spr deletion would therefore be limited to 14 cM, the genetic distance between Vil and Akp-3. The maximum size of the Spr deletion is estimated to be 16 cM, the genetic distance between Tp1 and Acrg.

Animals

Genetic control of innate resistance to mycobacterial infections.

The Mendelian segregation of resistance to infection in different strains of mice infected with mycobacteria, Salmonella and Leishmania spp, all of which live in macrophages, is currently under close scrutiny. Here, Erwin Schurr and colleagues review the nature and function of the Bcg gene in controlling innate resistance to mycobacterial infection in mice and speculate on the occurrence of a possible human equivalent.

Animals

Molecular genetics of inherited susceptibility to intracellular parasites.

In the mouse, innate susceptibility to infection with mycobacteria is controlled by the Bcg host resistance locus. Phenotypically, the locus displays two alleles, a dominant resistance and a recessive susceptibility allele. The cell type expressing the resistance locus is the mature tissue macrophage. We have immortalized macrophages from Bcgr and Bcgs mice and found that macrophage cell lines of Bcgr origin, in comparison to those derived from Bcgs mice have an increased microbicidal activity and show increased expression of a number of molecules known to be associated with macrophage activation. This is in agreement with our earlier finding that Bcgr macrophages are at an advanced stage of macrophage priming for activation. The Bcg gene is located on the proximal region of mouse Chromosome 1. We have obtained a detailed genetic map in the vicinity of Bcg and identified three markers within 1 cM of the resistance locus. These three markers have been used for the generation of a physical map of this area of mouse Chromosome 1 and can be used as anchor points for the cloning of the Bcg host resistance gene. The chromosomal segment in the proximity of the Bcg locus in the mouse is precisely conserved on the telomeric region of the long arm of human Chromosome 2. Investigations of linkage of genetic markers present on human Chromosome 2q with susceptibility to tuberculosis have so far generated a LOD score of + 2.4. Linkage of Chromosome 2q markers with susceptibility to mycobacterial disease supports the existence of susceptibility genes in humans and suggests a human homologue of the mouse Bcg gene as a prime candidate for a human innate susceptibility locus.

Animals

Decrease of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive mice by heat treatment.

Although the increased sensitivity of hypertensive animals to heat stress has been reported, the effect of chronic heat exposure has not been examined. The specific goal of the present investigation was to study the impact of chronic heat treatment on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive mice. Chronic 40 degrees C heat exposure for 5 min daily progressively lowered basal blood pressure in hypertensive mice within 20 days, without any change in normal mice. In fact, after 35 days of chronic heat treatment, the basal blood pressure of hypertensive mice was indistinguishable from that of the normotensives. Repeated immobilization and prewarming as normal procedures for recording blood pressure contributed to the decrease in blood pressure by 10 to 12 mm Hg, but chronic heat by itself was significantly more potent in reducing it by an additional 20 mm Hg. After the discontinuation of chronic heat application, the basal blood pressure of hypertensive mice returned with time to the level registered in sham-handled hypertensive controls. These results demonstrate that, although acute heat is more detrimental to hypertensive mice, brief, chronic exposure to mild heat stress is beneficial in that it normalizes basal blood pressure.

Animals

Immunogenetics of mycobacterial infections: mouse-human homologies.

In the mouse, innate resistance or susceptibility to infection with numerous mycobacteria is controlled by the Bcg host resistance locus located on the centromeric region of chromosome 1. The resistance/susceptibility phenotype is expressed by the mature tissue macrophage and Bcg has been identified as a locus that is involved in the regulation of macrophage activation and in the modulation of acquired immune responses to mycobacteria. Experiments aimed at the cloning of the Bcg gene via a "reverse genetics" approach have generated a detailed genetic map in the immediate vicinity of the locus, placing Bcg within the reach of long-range eukaryotic cloning techniques. The chromosomal segment around Bcg in the mouse is exactly conserved onto the long arm (q) of human chromosome 2. Linkage of genetic markers from human chromosome 2q with susceptibility to leprosy or tuberculosis would support both the existence of a susceptibility gene in humans and the contention that this susceptibility gene is a homologue of the mouse Bcg locus.

Animals

Increased transcription of a major stress gene in spontaneously hypertensive mice.

Environmental stress factors, including temperature, modify the severity of hypertension, a genetic disease. Hypertensive animals and humans respond abnormally to heat exposure, and this abnormality is reflected at the cellular level by an increment in a major stress (heat-shock) gene expression. The present studies demonstrate that increased hsp70 gene expression is due to its heightened transcription rate. The genetic basis of environmental susceptibility to hypertension may thus involve an abnormal control of heat shock genes.

Amanitins

Heat stress genes in hypertension.

Genetically hypertensive animals such as spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and mice are more sensitive to thermal stress than normotensive controls. Genetic breeding experiments have demonstrated that the gene responsible for thermosensitivity segregates with an increase in blood pressure in the F2 generation and represents a genetic locus of hypertension. Due to a higher transcription rate of the heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene, which is a major heat stress gene, the accumulation of hsp messenger (m)RNA is increased in hypertension. Higher thermosensitivity and increased hsp mRNA accumulation are also observed in neonatal cardiomyocytes and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR, suggesting that these abnormalities are primary in character. This higher hsp70 transcription rate in hypertension could be due to an abnormality in the promoter region, to an interaction between heat stress trans-acting factor and heat stress element within the promoter of hsp70 or to an abnormal activation of heat stress trans-acting factor. A study using recombinant inbred animals has indicated that RT1 complex gene(s), a major histocompatibility complex in the rat, may be involved in the development of hypertension. These findings, together with the fact that hsp70 is located in the major histocompatibility complex, suggest that hsp70 gene or associated genes within the RT1 complex are responsible for environmental control of the expression of hypertension.

Animals

Thermosensitivity, a possible new locus involved in genetic hypertension.

Spontaneously hypertensive mice have been characterized as more sensitive to environmental heat than normotensive mice. A breeding program was therefore initiated to examine the possible genetic link between thermosensitivity and hypertension. Crossbreeding of spontaneously hypertensive mice with randomly bred normotensive mice produced F1 hybrids, which were then intercrossed to create a F2 population. Thermosensitivity was measured with a noninvasive method. The rate of body temperature increase was significantly (p less than 0.001) higher in the hypertensive mice (1.74 +/- 0.04 degrees C/min) compared with normal controls (1.13 +/- 0.03 degrees C/min). The frequency distribution of the rate of body temperature increase among the progenies was consistent with the hypothesis that a single gene locus determines the observed difference in thermosensitivity between normal and hypertensive mice. The allele that determines the rate of body temperature increase in normal mice was dominant in relation to the allele contributed by hypertensive mice. In the F2 population, a bimodal distribution determined two phenotypes: less than 1.40 degrees C/min and greater than 1.40 degrees C/min. A significant difference (p less than 0.01) in blood pressure of 11 mm Hg was observed between these two phenotypes. In addition, a positive correlation (p less than 0.01) was noted between the rate of body temperature increase and blood pressure in the F2 progeny. We conclude that there is possibly a single locus controlling thermosensitivity, which exhibits additive-dominance inheritance. Alleles of this particular trait segregate in part with an increment in blood pressure. The results support the possibility that the increased thermosensitivity seen in hypertensive mice is associated with one of the genes that contributes to their high blood pressure.

Animals

Genetic and molecular characteristics of thermosensitivity in hypertension.

Acute heat exposure is more lethal to spontaneously hypertensive mice (SHM) than to normal mice, whereas chronic heat treatment appears to be more beneficial in SHM, in that it normalizes blood pressure. By genetic breeding experiments, we demonstrated that the gene responsible for thermosensitivity segregates with an increment of blood pressure in the F2-generation and represents a genetic locus of hypertension. The molecular response to heat characterized by the induction of heat stress genes is abnormal in hypertension. There is an earlier accumulation and decline of heat-stress proteins (HSP70) and their messenger (m) RNA following heat exposure in tissues obtained from hypertensive mice. Our results indicate that thermosensitivity is genetically linked with hypertension and characterized by an abnormality in the synthesis of stress proteins as well as in the expression of their mRNA following heat exposure, which implies that a genetic defect is present in response to environmental stress in spontaneous hypertension.

Animals