PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Scherthan

Publications and source records attributed to H Scherthan.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Physical association between nonhomologous chromosomes precedes distributive disjunction in yeast.

During meiosis homologous chromosomes normally pair, undergo reciprocal recombination, and then segregate from each other. Distributive disjunction is the meiotic segregation that is observed in the absence of homologous recombination and can occur for both nonrecombinant homologous chromosomes and completely nonhomologous chromosomes. While the mechanism of distributive disjunction is not known, several models have been presented that either involve or are completely independent of interactions between the segregating chromosomes. In this report, we demonstrate that distributive disjunction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is preceded by an interaction between nonhomologous chromosomes.

Chromosomes, Fungal↗
PubMed1994

Telomere length variation in normal and malignant human tissues.

Tissue and tumor specific length variation of telomere (TTAGGG)n repeats was studied in DNAs from various normal and malignant tissues. DNA was isolated from bone marrow and blood cells, malignant tissues, and established tumor cell lines. Nonisotopic Southern hybridization revealed a reduction of telomere repeat arrays in 14 of the 35 tumors analyzed. However, other cases (60%) showed no reduction, or even an increase, in telomeric length. Our finding of elongated telomere stretches in several tumors of different origin compared with normal tissue is in contrast to previous reports describing a general shortening of terminal repeat length in colorectal cancer and neuroblastoma. We tentatively conclude that there is no general tendency to telomere reduction in malignant tissues.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking the homologous pairing protein p175SEP1 arrest at pachytene during meiotic prophase.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells containing null mutations in the SEP1 gene, which encodes the homologous pairing and strand exchange protein p175SEP1, enter pachytene with a delay. They arrest uniformly at this stage of meiotic prophase, probably revealing a checkpoint in the transition from pachytene to meiosis I. At the arrest point, the cells remain largely viable and are cytologically characterized by the duplicated but unseparated spindle pole bodies of equal size and by the persistence of the synaptonemal complex, a cytological marker for pachytene. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that in arrested mutant cells maximal chromatin condensation and normal homolog pairing is achieved, typical for pachytene in wild type. A hallmark of meiosis is the high level of homologous recombination, which was analyzed both genetically and physically. Formation and processing of the double-strand break intermediate in meiotic recombination is achieved prior to arrest. Physical intragenic (conversion) and intergenic (crossover) products are formed just prior to, or directly at, the arrest point. Structural deficits in synaptonemal complex morphology, failure to separate spindle pole bodies, and/or defects in prophase DNA metabolism might be responsible for triggering the observed arrest. The pachytene arrest in sep1 cells is likely to be regulatory, but is clearly different from the RAD9 checkpoint in meiotic prophase, which occurs prior to the pachytene stage.

Chromosomes, Fungal↗
PubMed1994

Comparative chromosome painting discloses homologous segments in distantly related mammals.

Comparative chromosome painting, termed ZOO-FISH, using DNA libraries from flow sorted human chromosomes 1, 16, 17 and X, and mouse chromosome 11 discloses the presence of syntenic groups in distantly related mammalian orders ranging from primates (Homo sapiens), rodents (Mus musculus), even-toed ungulates (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis and Muntiacus reevesi) and whales (Balaenoptera physalus). These mammalian orders have evolved separately for 55-80 million years (Myr). We conclude that ZOO-FISH can be used to generate comparative chromosome maps of a large number of mammalian species.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Homologous pairing is reduced but not abolished in asynaptic mutants of yeast.

In situ hybridization was used to examine chromosome behavior at meiotic prophase in the rad50S, hop1, rad50, and spo11 mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which are defective in chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination. Painting of chromosomes I and III revealed that chromosome condensation and pairing are reduced in these mutants. However, there is some residual pairing in meiosis, suggesting that homologue recognition is independent of synaptonemal complex formation and recombination. Association of homologues was observed in the rad50, rad50S, and spo11 mutants, which are defective in the formation or processing of meiotic double-strand breaks. This indicates that double-strand breaks are not an essential component of the meiotic homology searching mechanism or that there exist additional or alternative mechanisms for locating homologues.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1994

Dynamics of chromosome organization and pairing during meiotic prophase in fission yeast.

Interactions between homologous chromosomes (pairing, recombination) are of central importance for meiosis. We studied entire chromosomes and defined chromosomal subregions in synchronous meiotic cultures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Probes of different complexity were applied to spread nuclei, to delineate whole chromosomes, to visualize repeated sequences of centromeres, telomeres, and ribosomal DNA, and to study unique sequences of different chromosomal regions. In diploid nuclei, homologous chromosomes share a joint territory even before entry into meiosis. The centromeres of all chromosomes are clustered in vegetative and meiotic prophase cells, whereas the telomeres cluster near the nucleolus early in meiosis and maintain this configuration throughout meiotic prophase. Telomeres and centromeres appear to play crucial roles for chromosome organization and pairing, both in vegetative cells and during meiosis. Homologous pairing of unique sequences shows regional differences and is most frequent near centromeres and telomeres. Multiple homologous interactions are formed independently of each other. Pairing increases during meiosis, but not all chromosomal regions become closely paired in every meiosis. There is no detectable axial compaction of chromosomes in meiotic prophase. S. pombe does not form mature synaptonemal complexes, but axial element-like structures (linear elements), which were analyzed in parallel. Their appearance coincides with pairing of interstitial chromosomal regions. Axial elements may define minimal structures required for efficient pairing and recombination of meiotic chromosomes.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1994

[Detection of amplified DNA sequences by comparative genomic in situ hybridization with human glioma tumor DNA as probe].

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) provides a new possibility for the investigation of genetic alterations in tumour genomes. In our experiments CGH was carried out using genomic DNA from human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as a probe for chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization. Amplified DNA sequences contained in the tumour DNA showed specific signals, revealing the chromosomal positions of these sequences. Using this approach we detected amplifications of different chromosomal segments in individual GBM specimens. In accordance with the results from Southern analysis demonstrating amplification of the EGFR gene in 45% of human GBM, CGH signals in different GBM mapped to the region of this gene on chromosome 7p. Other signals detected by CGH involved chromosome 12q and 8q. Our data demonstrate CGH as a novel comprehensive and rapid approach for the analysis of complex genomic alterations in glial tumours.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Detection of amplified DNA sequences by reverse chromosome painting using genomic tumor DNA as probe.

A modification of "reverse chromosome painting" was carried out using genomic DNA from tumor cells as a complex probe for chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization to normal metaphase chromosome spreads. Amplified DNA sequences contained in such probes showed specific signals, revealing the normal chromosome positions from which these sequences were derived. As a model system, genomic DNAs were analyzed from three tumor cell lines with amplification units including the proto-oncogene c-myc. The smallest amplification unit was about 90 kb and was present in 16-24 copies; the largest unit was bigger than 600 kb and was present in 16-32 copies. Specific signals that co-localized with a differently labeled c-myc probe on chromosome band 8q24 were obtained with genomic DNA from each cell line. In further experiments, genomic DNA derived from primary tumor material was used in the case of a male patient with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Southern blot analysis using an epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) probe that maps to 7p13 indicated the amplification of sequences from this gene. Using reverse chromosome painting, signals were found both on band 7p13 and bands 12q13-q15. Notably, the signal on 12q13-q15 was consistently stronger. The weaker 7p13 signal showed co-localization with the major signal of the differently labeled EGFR probe. A minor signal of this probe was seen on 12q13, suggesting cross-hybridization to ERB3 sequences homologous to EGFR. The results indicate co-amplification of sequences from bands 12q13-q15, in addition to sequences from band 7p13. Several oncogenes map to 12q13-q15 providing candidate genes for a tumor-associated proto-oncogene amplification. Although the nature of the amplified sequences needs to be clarified, this experiment demonstrates the potential of reverse chromosome painting with genomic tumor DNA for rapidly mapping the normal chromosomal localization of the DNA from which the amplified sequences were derived. In addition, a weaker staining of chromosomes 10 and X was consistently observed indicating that these chromosomes were present in only one copy in the GBM genome. This rapid approach can be used to analyze cases where no metaphase spreads from the tumor material are available. It does not require any preknowledge of amplified sequences and can be applied to screen large numbers of tumors.

Chromosome Aberrations↗
PubMed1993

Localisation of the human nuclear factor I/X (NFI/X) gene to chromosome 19p13 and detection of five other related loci at 1p21-22, 1q42-43, 5q15, 11p13 and 20q13 by FISH.

Nuclear factor I (NFI) is a member of a family of dimeric DNA-binding proteins that are involved both in the initiation of adenovirus DNA replication and in the stimulation of transcriptional activation. We have used fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) to map one of four known genes encoding an NFI protein, the human NFI/X gene, to chromosome 19p1.3. Secondary sites of hybridisation observed at 5p1.5, 1q4.2-4.4, 1p2.1-2.2, and 20p1.3 most likely are attributable to partial sequence homologies with related NFI genes.

CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins↗
PubMed1993

Direct detection of repetitive, whole chromosome paint and telomere DNA probes by immunogold electron microscopy.

Biotinylated repetitive, whole chromosome paint and telomere DNA probes were investigated at the electron microscope level after non-isotopic in situ hybridization and direct immunogold detection. The protocol described allowed the visualization of a biotinylated chromosome 1 specific satellite DNA probe in the light microscope without silver intensification. This sensitive method was exploited to analyse factors contributing to signal strength in immunogold chromosome painting. Furthermore, it allowed us to investigate the distribution of (TTAGGG)n telomere repeats in human metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei. Telomeric and internal (TTAGGG)n repeats were detected at high spatial resolution in human metaphase chromosomes. In the periphery of lymphocyte interphase nuclei, two types of telomere hybridization signals were observed. They differed remarkably in compactness, indicating two types of chromatin conformation present at the interphase telomeres in situ.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Localization of the human CD59 gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

We have localized the human CD59 gene encoding a membrane protein that inhibits cell lysis by the membrane-attack complex of the homologous complement system. Using chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we mapped this gene to chromosome 11p13, distal to the breakpoint of acute T-cell leukemia and proximal to the locus of the Wilms' tumor gene on a 30-kb SacII fragment.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1993

Discrimination of distinct subpopulations within a tumor with combined double immunophenotyping and interphase cytogenetics.

We describe a method that enables detection and immunophenotypical characterization of distinct subpopulations within a cytogenetically defined tumor clone. Coexisting normal cells do not hinder microscopic evaluation because they can be distinguished from cytogenetically aberrant tumor cells. This is also true when normal and neoplastic cells cannot be clearly distinguished by cytology or immunohistochemistry, i.e., if both constituents have similar immunophenotypes and morphology. The method is based on fluorescence double staining for two different antigens combined with interphase cytogenetic analysis. It is referred to as "Fluorescence immunophenotyping and Interphase Cytogenetics as a Tool for Investigation of Neoplasms (FICTION)." In a case of follicular lymphoma we demonstrate that FICTION can differentiate bcl-2-positive malignant and non-malignant cells and can verify the presence of bcl-2-positive but cytogenetically inconspicuous T-lymphocytes.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1992

Meiotic chromosome condensation and pairing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae studied by chromosome painting.

Non-isotopic high resolution in situ hybridization was applied to cytological preparations of sporulating yeast cells. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and chromosome V-specific recombinant lambda clones were used to tag individual chromosomes and chromosome subregions. This allowed the study of chromosome behaviour during early meiotic prophase. It was found that chromatin becomes condensed and homologous DNA sequences then appear to become aligned prior to synaptonemal complex formation.

Chromosome Banding↗
PubMed1992

Chromosomal in situ hybridization with double-labeled DNA: signal amplification at the probe level.

A double-labeling approach was applied to nonisotopic in situ hybridization with individual cosmid and plasmid clones, using digoxigenin or biotin as label and a combination of two separate enzymatic labeling methods. Probe labeling was achieved by nick translation, followed by tailing of the probe by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. The double-labeling method, in conjunction with an improved detection protocol, provides for a higher signal intensity than that obtainable with single-labeled probes.

Biotin↗
PubMed1991

Characterization of marker chromosomes in Namalva cells by chromosomal in situ suppression (CISS) hybridization and R-banding.

Chromosomal in situ suppression (CISS) hybridization was used to investigate the distribution of material of chromosomes 1 and 5 present in marker chromosomes of Namalva cells. The Namalva cell line, established from a Burkitt's lymphoma, exhibits a highly variable female karyotype with a large number of marker chromosomes. Libraries from sorted human chromosomes 1 and 5 were used to delineate material of these chromosomes present in the Namalva karyotype. We used the DAB/peroxidase reaction and reflection contrast microscopy for detection of biotinylated hybrid molecules. Identification of chromosomes was achieved by fluorescent R-banding after CISS hybridization, which allowed the assignment of hybridized regions to the particular marker chromosomes. After CISS hybridization with a chromosome I library, the normal chromosome I was labelled as well as a large marker MI and the long arm of marker M3. Using a chromosome 5 library it could be shown that the distal part of the long arm of one chromosome 5 was translocated to marker M2. The normal chromosome 5 was completely labelled. The present investigation demonstrates the advantage of combining CISS hybridization and banding for the identification of complex, rearranged tumor karyotypes.

Burkitt Lymphoma↗
PubMed1991

Chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization after Giemsa banding.

We report the successive application of classical Giemsa banding and chromosomal in situ suppression hybridization in clinical cytogenetics. The use of both techniques within one protocol requires an additional fixation of the chromosome preparations and an improved suppression of the labelled repetitive sequences. The combination of these two cytological techniques allows the high resolution mapping of translocated Y-chromosomal sequences in the chromosome set of an XX-male.

Chromosome Banding↗