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J B Whitney

Publications and source records attributed to J B Whitney.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Molecularly cloned SHIV-1157ipd3N4: a highly replication- competent, mucosally transmissible R5 simian-human immunodeficiency virus encoding HIV clade C Env.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) clade C causes >50% of all HIV infections worldwide, and an estimated 90% of all transmissions occur mucosally with R5 strains. A pathogenic R5 simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) encoding HIV clade C env is highly desirable to evaluate candidate AIDS vaccines in nonhuman primates. To this end, we generated SHIV-1157i, a molecular clone from a Zambian infant isolate that carries HIV clade C env. SHIV-1157i was adapted by serial passage in five monkeys, three of which developed peripheral CD4(+) T-cell depletion. After the first inoculated monkey developed AIDS at week 137 postinoculation, transfer of its infected blood to a naïve animal induced memory T-cell depletion and thrombocytopenia within 3 months in the recipient. In parallel, genomic DNA from the blood donor was amplified to generate the late proviral clone SHIV-1157ipd3. To increase the replicative capacity of SHIV-1157ipd3, an extra NF-kappaB binding site was engineered into its 3' long terminal repeat, giving rise to SHIV-1157ipd3N4. This virus was exclusively R5 tropic and replicated more potently in rhesus peripheral blood mononuclear cells than SHIV-1157ipd3 in the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Rhesus macaques of Indian and Chinese origin were next inoculated intrarectally with SHIV-1157ipd3N4; this virus replicated vigorously in both sets of monkeys. We conclude that SHIV-1157ipd3N4 is a highly replication-competent, mucosally transmissible R5 SHIV that represents a valuable tool to test candidate AIDS vaccines targeting HIV-1 clade C Env.

Administration, Rectal↗
PubMed2001

Partial restoration of replication of simian immunodeficiency virus by point mutations in either the dimerization initiation site (DIS) or Gag region after deletion mutagenesis within the DIS.

We used the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) molecular clone SIVmac239 to generate a deletion construct, termed SD2, in which we eliminated 22 nucleotides at positions +398 to +418 within the putative dimerization initiation site (DIS) stem. This SD2 deletion severely impaired viral replication, due to adverse effects on the packaging of viral genomic RNA, the processing of Gag proteins, and viral protein patterns. However, long-term culture of SD2 in either C8166 or CEMx174 cells resulted in restoration of replication capacity, due to two different sets of three compensatory point mutations, located within both the DIS and Gag regions. In the case of C8166 cells, both a K197R and a E49K mutation were identified within the capsid (CA) protein and the p6 protein of Gag, respectively, while the other point mutation (A423G) was found within the putative DIS loop. In the case of CEMx174 cells, two compensatory mutations were present within the viral nucleocapsid (NC) protein, E18G and Q31K, in addition to the same A423G substitution as observed with C8166 cells. A set of all three mutations was required in each case for restoration of replication capacity, and either set of mutations could be substituted for the other in both the C8166 and CEMx174 cell lines.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2001

An intact U5-leader stem is important for efficient replication of simian immunodeficiency virus.

Previous work has shown that four deletions in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), termed SD1a, SD1b, SD1c, and SD6, which eliminated sequences at nucleotide positions 322 to 362, 322 to 370, 322 to 379, and 371 to 379, respectively, located downstream of the primer binding site, impaired viral replication capacity to different extents. Long-term culturing of viruses containing the SD1a, SD1b, and SD6 deletions led to revertants that possessed wild-type replication kinetics. We now show that these revertants retained the original deletions in each case but that novel additional mutations were also present. These included a large deletion termed D1 (nt +216 to +237) within the U5 region that was shown to be biologically relevant to reversion of both the SD1a and SD1b constructs. In the case of SD6, two compensatory point mutations, i.e., A+369G, termed M1, located immediately upstream of the SD6 deletion, and C+201T, termed M2, within U5, were identified and could act either singly or in combination to restore viral replication. Secondary structure suggests that an intact U5-leader stem is important in SIV for infectiousness and that the additional mutants described played important roles in restoration of this motif.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Novel, live attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus constructs containing major deletions in leader RNA sequences.

We have constructed a series of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) mutants containing deletions within a 97-nucleotide (nt) region of the leader sequence. Deletions in this region markedly decreased the replication capacity in tissue culture, i.e., in both the C8166 and CEMx174 cell lines, as well as in rhesus macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, these deletions adversely affected the packaging of viral genomic RNA into virions, the processing of Gag precursor proteins, and patterns of viral proteins in virions, as assessed by biochemical labeling and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Different levels of attenuation were achieved by varying the size and position of deletions within this 97-nt region, and among a series of constructs that were generated, it was possible to rank in vitro virulence relative to that of wild-type virus. In all of these cases, the most severe impact on viral replication was observed when the deletions that were made were located at the 3' rather than 5' end of the leader region. The potential of viral reversion over protracted periods was investigated by repeated viral passage in CEMx174 cells. The results showed that several of these constructs showed no signs of reversion after more than 6 months in tissue culture. Thus, a series of novel, attenuated SIV constructs have been developed that are significantly impaired in replication capacity yet retain all viral genes. One of these viruses, termed SD4, may be appropriate for study with rhesus macaques, in order to determine whether reversions will occur in vivo and to further study this virus as a candidate for attenuated vaccination.

5' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2001

Construction and in vitro properties of a series of attenuated simian immunodeficiency viruses with all accessory genes deleted.

We have generated simplified simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) constructs lacking the nef, vpr, vpx, vif, tat, and rev genes (Delta6 viruses). To accomplish this, we began with an infectious molecular clone of SIV, i.e. SIVmac239, and replaced the deleted segments with three alternate elements: (i) a constitutive transport element (CTE) derived from simian retrovirus type 1 to replace the Rev/Rev-responsive element (RRE) posttranscriptional regulation system, (ii) a chimeric SIV long terminal repeat (LTR) containing a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter to augment transcription and virus production, and (iii) an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) upstream of the env gene to ensure expression of envelope proteins. This simplified construct (Delta6CCI) efficiently produced all viral structural proteins, and mature virions possessed morphology typical of wild-type virus. It was also observed that deletion of the six accessory genes dramatically affected both the specificity and efficiency of packaging of SIV genomic RNA into virions. However, the presence of both the CTE and the chimeric CMV promoter increased the specificity of viral genomic RNA packaging, while the presence of the IRES augmented packaging efficiency. The Delta6CCI virus was extremely attenuated in replication capacity yet retained infectiousness for CEMx174 and MT4 cells. We also generated constructs that retained either the rev gene or both the rev and vif genes and showed that these viruses, when complemented by the CMV promoter, i.e., Delta5-CMV and Delta4-CMV, were able to replicate in MT4 cells with moderate and high-level efficiency, respectively. Long-term culture of each of these constructs over 6 months revealed no potential for reversion. We hope to shortly evaluate these simplified constructs in rhesus macaques to determine their long-term safety as well as ability to induce protective immune responsiveness as proviral DNA vaccines.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A single genetic determinant that prevents sex reversal in C57BL-YPOS congenic mice.

Sex determination in the mammalian embryo begins with the activation of a gene on the Y chromosome which triggers a cascade of events that lead to male development. The mechanism by which this gene, designated SRY in humans and Sry in mice (sex determining region of the Y chromosome), is activated remains unknown. Likewise, the downstream target genes for Sry remain unidentified at present. C57BL mice carrying a Y chromosome from Mus musculus musculus or molossinus develop normally as males. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice with the Y chromosome from M. m. domesticus often show sex reversal, i.e., develop as XY females. It has been documented that C57BL mice with the Y chromosome from Poschiavinus (YPOS), a domesticus subtype, always develop as females or hermaphrodites. This suggests that a C57BL gene either up- or downstream of Sry is ineffective in interacting with Sry, which then compromises the processes that lead to normal male sex development. Nonetheless, by selective breeding, we have been able to generate a sex reversal-resistant C57BL/6-congenic strain of mice in which the XYPOS individuals consistently develop as normal males with bilateral testes. Because the resistance to sex reversal was transferred from strain 129S1/Sv (nonalbino) by simple selection over 13 backcross generations, it is inferred that a single autosomal gene or chromosomal region confers resistance to the sex reversal that would otherwise result. XYPOS normal males generated in these crosses were compared to XYPOS abnormal individuals and to C57BL/6 controls for sexual phenotype, gonadal weight, serum testosterone, and major urinary protein (MUP) level. A clear correlation was found among phenotypic sex, MUP level, and testis weight in the males and in the incompletely masculinized XYPOS mice. The fully masculinized males of the congenic strain resemble C57BL/6 males in the tested parameters. DNA analysis confirmed that these males, in fact, carry the YPOS Sry gene.

Alpha-Globulins↗
PubMed2000

Leader sequences downstream of the primer binding site are important for efficient replication of simian immunodeficiency virus.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of macaques is remarkably similar to that of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in humans, and the SIV-macaque system is a good model for AIDS research. We have constructed an SIV proviral DNA clone that is deleted of 97 nucleotides (nt), i.e., construct SD, at positions (+322 to +418) immediately downstream of the primer binding site (PBS) of SIVmac239. When this construct was transfected into COS-7 cells, the resultant viral progeny were severely impaired with regard to their ability to replicate in C8166 cells. Further deletion analysis showed that a virus termed SD1, containing a deletion of 23 nt (+322 to +344), was able to replicate with wild-type kinetics, while viruses containing deletions of 21 nt (+398 to +418) (construct SD2) or 53 nt (+345 to +397) (construct SD3) displayed diminished capacity in this regard. Both the SD2 and SD3 viruses were also impaired with regard to ability to package viral RNA, while SD1 viruses were not. The SD and SD3 constructs did not revert to increased replication ability in C8166 cells over 6 months in culture. In contrast, long-term passage of the SD2 mutated virus resulted in a restoration of replication capacity, due to the appearance of four separate point mutations. Two of these substitutions were located in leader sequences of viral RNA within the PBS and the dimerization initiation site (DIS), while the other two were located within two distinct Gag proteins, i.e., CA and p6. The biological relevance of three of these point mutations was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis studies that showed that SD2 viruses containing each of these substitutions had regained a significant degree of viral replication capacity. Thus, leader sequences downstream of the PBS, especially the U5-leader stem and the DIS stem-loop, are important for SIV replication and for packaging of the viral genome.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Rapid genotyping of mice with hemoglobinopathies and globin transgenes.

The hematology of the laboratory mouse has been well characterized. Normal genetic differences at the alpha- and beta-globin gene loci serve as useful markers for a wide variety of types of experimental studies. There are a number of naturally occurring or induced mutations that disrupt globin expression and produce thalassemic phenotypes. In addition, much has been learned of the workings of the globin locus control region from studies of transgenic mice, including those with mutations induced by targeted site-specific modifications. After a new mutation or transgene has been created, it must be maintained in living mice, and the genotypes of the offspring must be ascertained. While it is possible to determine genotypes by DNA analyses, such assays are time consuming and relatively expensive. An osmotic challenge test--originally developed for the genotyping of large-deletion alpha-thalassemia mutations in mice--has proven useful in detecting both severe and milder alpha- and beta-thalassemias, as well as some transgenic genotypes in mice carrying human globin genes. Reliable genotyping can, in some cases, be completed within a few minutes with minimal expense. Quantification of red cell fragility for a variety of thalassemic and transgenic mice is described here, along with a simplified test suitable for rapid, routine genotyping. The osmotic challenge test is perfectly reliable for distinguishing genotypes that cause significantly decreased release of hemoglobin from the red cells, but it is also useful for some of the conditions in which overall erythrocyte osmotic fragility is essentially normal.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Chromosomal mapping of the human CNP gene using a meiotic crossover DNA panel, PCR, and allele-specific probes.

The human 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP) gene is located on chromosome 17, as determined by PCR of somatic cell hybrid DNA panels and confirmed using a mouse-human hybrid containing only human chromosome 17. A polymorphic site (C, T) was previously described at nucleotide 1215 within the most 3' intron of the gene. Nested PCR primer pairs were designed to amplify across this site, and PCR products were hybridized to end-labeled allele-specific probes. To localize further the CNP gene within chromosome 17, a two-step strategy was used. First, dot blots containing DNA from the parents of 10 three-generation families were screened to identify the potentially informative families. Second, 53 members of four selected families were typed at this locus. Previous studies had shown that the 29 siblings present in these four families carry a total of 84 meiotic breakpoints on chromosome 17. Based on the genotypes observed in these 29 siblings, the human CNP gene was localized to a fragment on 17q bounded by THRA1 (thyroid receptor A1) and NGFR (nerve growth factor receptor), a genetic distance of approximately 6 cM.

2',3'-Cyclic Nucleotide 3'-Phosphodiesterase↗
PubMed1993

Recombination and genetic polymorphism at the mouse alpha-globin locus.

A recent recombination event within the mouse alpha-globin gene region was discovered in the recombinant inbred mouse strain AKXL-7. Polymorphisms (RFLPs) that distinguish the AKR and C57L strains were used to determine the parental origins of segments of the AKXL-7 Chromosome 11. Southern blot analysis revealed that the left and right AKXL-7 flanking regions originated from different parental chromosomes, indicating that a recombination event had occurred within the locus complex during the generation of this RI strain. Further analysis using an intergenic region probe narrowed the region of crossover to approximately 5.2 kb, located between the tandem adult alpha-globin genes. Additional mouse strains were studied concurrently to identify RFLPs that may be informative for defining evolutionary relationships and serve as markers to discriminate among different inbred strains as well as different mouse species.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Genomic rearrangement of the alpha-globin gene complex during mammalian evolution.

In man, the gene for hydroxyacyl glutathione hydrolase (HAGH; glyoxalase II) is closely linked to the alpha-globin locus (HB alpha) on Chromosome 16. HAGH polymorphism in the mouse has now enabled the mapping of the murine homologue. Deletion mapping, congenic strain studies, and characterization of 41 recombinant inbred strains establish that the mouse Hagh locus lies very close to the alpha-globin pseudogene (Hba-ps4) in the vicinity of the major histocompatibility locus (H-2) on chromosome 17. Several other loci have been identified previously that are also closely linked to the human alpha-globin locus but near the alpha-globin pseudogene Hba-ps4 in the mouse. These linkage relationships suggest that during the evolution of mice a translocation occurred that subdivided the alpha-globin locus, leaving one inactive alpha-globin gene still associated with the Hagh locus and linked sequences, while moving and inserting the active alpha-globin locus and all distal sequences into an internal location on another autosome, the predecessor to mouse chromosome 11.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Isolation, chromosomal mapping, and expression of the mouse tyrosinase gene.

Using a human tyrosinase cDNA probe, we have isolated mouse tyrosinase genomic clones and used them to map the mouse tyrosinase locus and to analyze the promoter sequence of the tyrosinase gene. Southern blot analyses of DNA from somatic cell hybrids, interspecies backcross mice, and albino deletion mice have revealed that the locus for mouse tyrosinase resides at or near the albino locus on mouse chromosome 7. There were three TATA-elements, but only one CAT-element, and the CAT-element appeared to be paired with the third TATA-element, located at the position farthest upstream. Mouse tyrosinase mRNA is approximately 2.4 Kb in size. The amount of tyrosinase mRNA reflects the levels of tyrosinase activity in normal melanocytes and Cloudman S-91 melanoma cell line.

Albinism↗
PubMed1988

A unique alpha chain in hemoglobin of "Skive" Danish Mus musculus.

The primary structures of the alpha chains in hemoglobins from three stocks of mice with the Hbaw2, Hbaw3, and Hbaw4 haplotypes were determined to establish whether the tentative alpha-chain assignments based on the results of isoelectric focusing patterns were correct. These Hba haplotypes were identified in laboratory descendants of feral mice captured in different parts of the world. Hemoglobin from "Centreville", Maryland, Mus musculus domesticus (Hbaw2) contains equal amounts of alpha chains 1 and 3. Hemoglobin from "Czech" Mus musculus musculus (Hbaw4) contains equal amounts of alpha chains 3 and 4. Amino acid analysis of the alpha-globins of "Skive" Danish Mus musculus musculus (Hbaw3) establishes that its hemoglobin is comprised of about one-third alpha chain 2 as expected plus a greater amount of a unique alpha chain that has not been described previously. This unique alpha chain has glycine at position 25, isoleucine at position 62, and serine at position 68; it is called chain 7. It may represent an intermediate in the evolution of genes that code for chain 2 (which has glycine, valine, and serine at positions 25, 62, and 68, respectively) and chain 4 (which has valine, isoleucine, and serine at positions 25, 62, and 62, respectively).

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1988

Prenatal diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency by the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probe for cytochrome P-450C-21OH.

The availability of the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probe for cytochrome P-450C-21OH and the identification of specific gene defects in some families with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have made prenatal diagnosis feasible. Deoxyribonucleic acid samples from amniocytes of a fetus at 16 weeks' gestation, one previously affected son, and their parents were digested with the restriction enzymes Tag1 [corrected] or EcoRI and hybridized to the cytochrome P-450C-21OH complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probe. The previously affected son and the fetus both lacked the Tag1 [corrected] 3.7 kb band. At the time of delivery, the second child had a cord blood 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone level of 8000 ng/dl. The absence of the 3.7 kb Tag1 [corrected] fragment in affected members of this family made possible the use of deoxyribonucleic acid analysis for prenatal diagnosis.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1987

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.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Chromosomal localization of the mouse homolog of the Huntington's disease linked G8 (D4S10) marker.

The human DNA probe G8 defines D4S10, a polymorphic locus tightly linked to the Huntington's disease gene on human chromosome 4. A subclone of G8, pSC33, showed significant cross-hybridization to discrete restriction fragments in total genomic mouse DNA. The probe detected restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) with the enzymes Taq I and Msp I, permitting chromosomal localization of the mouse G8 homolog by linkage analysis using three sets of recombinant inbred mouse strains: BXH, BXD, and AKXD. The mouse locus was mapped to the central region of chromosome 11 at 1 centiMorgan from the SPARC gene, a locus whose human counterpart is on human chromosome 5.

Animals↗