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J Overhauser

Publications and source records attributed to J Overhauser.

90 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Clinical phenotype and molecular analysis of a three-generation family with an interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5.

We report on a 3-generation family with an interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5. Varied manifestations were found among the affected individuals including microcephaly, hypertonia, and micrognathia; mental retardation was common to all affected individuals. High resolution chromosome analysis was interpreted as del(5) (pter- > p14.3::p13.3- > qter). Molecular comparison of the deletion in this family with individuals with other 5p deletions suggests that the clinical findings are due specifically to the chromosomal material deleted from 5p13.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Somatic cell hybrid deletion map of human chromosome 18.

The creation of a physical map of chromosome 18 will be useful for the eventual identification of specific chromosomal regions that are critical in the occurrence of Edwards syndrome, the 18q- syndrome, and the 18p- syndrome. To begin the investigation of these syndromes, a physical map has been constructed to order random DNA fragments to specific portions of chromosome 18. A set of somatic cell hybrids that retain deletions or translocations involving chromosome 18 has been isolated and characterized. Over 200 lambda phage from a chromosome 18-specific library have been localized to 11 distinct regions of chromosome 18 using the chromosomal breakpoints present in the somatic cell hybrids.

Base Sequence↗

Identification and localization of microsatellite markers covering human chromosome 18.

To generate microsatellite markers from chromosome 18, we have cytogenetically localized a large number of lambda phage using a deletion mapping panel of somatic cell hybrids. Here we describe the identification of 65 new CA-repeat-containing phage and the localization of five markers developed in other laboratories. This approach allows the selection of a subset of markers that are well spaced across the chromosome and can be developed as genetic markers. The use of PCR-based markers should allow for the rapid genomic screening of disease genes on chromosome 18.

Base Sequence↗

De novo direct tandem duplication of the short arm of chromosome 7(p21.1-p14.2).

We report on a 6-year-old boy with moderate developmental retardation and unusual dermatoglyphics. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated a duplication of chromosome sub-region 7p21.2-p14.2. Confirmation of the specific duplicated region was determined by quantitative Southern blotting by using a DNA fragment previously localized to the portion of chromosome 7 thought to be duplicated. This patient did not have the internal malformations seen with other dup(7p) patients.

Blotting, Southern↗

Parental origin of chromosome 5 deletions in the cri-du-chat syndrome.

The parental origin of de novo deletions leading to the cri-du-chat syndrome has been investigated. Since the cri-du-chat syndrome is correlated with deletions involving the short arm of chromosome 5 (5p), DNA fragments known to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) along 5p were used to establish whether the paternal or the maternal chromosome had suffered the deletion. In cases where only one parent was available, somatic cell hybrids were used in conjunction with RFLP analysis to determine the origin of the deleted chromosome. The deleted chromosome 5 was of paternal origin in 20/25 cases.

Chromosome Deletion↗

Confirmation of a balanced chromosomal translocation using molecular techniques.

Investigation of a couple, who had produced three babies with cri du chat syndrome, showed initially that the mother had an apparent deletion of chromosome 5. It seemed likely that she had a balanced chromosomal translocation but it proved impossible to detect the second chromosome involved using routine cytogenetic methods. Molecular techniques using quantitative hybridization dosage studies were performed and these showed that the mother had a double dose of DNA in the suspected deleted area of chromosome 5. Further studies, using in situ hybridization techniques, revealed that the missing segment of chromosome 5 had translocated onto the short arms of a C group chromosome and further analysis of prometaphase chromosomes showed the presence of a balanced translocation, 46,XY,t(5;9)(5qter----5p14.1::9p22----9pter;9 qter----9p22::5p14.1----5pter). As a result of these findings, it was possible to offer prenatal diagnosis to the patient in future pregnancies, by detecting the presence of a balanced or unbalanced translocation in the fetus using molecular and cytogenetic techniques.

Adolescent↗

Prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection of a cryptic translocation by using DNA markers from the short arm of chromosome 5.

DNA markers from the short arm of chromosome 5 were used to examine a large family in which a microscopically undetectable translocation was segregating. In addition to confirming that three retarded children were hemizygous for loci distal to 5p14, these analyses identified five individuals as being carriers of the balanced translocation. The use of molecular probes provided informed genetic counseling to the family for the first time. With the DNA markers from 5p, prenatal diagnosis was performed on two fetal chorionic villus samples, both of which were found to have unbalanced karyotypes. The identification of translocation carriers was complicated by recombination between the small translocated segment of 5p and the corresponding region on the normal homologue, which changed the haplotype of the translocated 5p segment.

Animals↗

Molecular analysis of a case of meiotic recombination leading to cri-du-chat syndrome.

This paper describes a molecular investigation of a woman with an apparent large pericentric inversion of chromosome 5, inv(5)(p14;q35), and one normal chromosome 5 and her child, who was born with cri-du-chat syndrome. The four chromosome 5 homologs from the proband and his mother were isolated in somatic cell hybrids, and their haplotypes were determined at nine loci polymorphic for restriction enzyme sites. The deleted chromosome in the proband was shown to carry alleles from both maternal homologs, verifying molecularly that a meiotic recombination event in the mother gave rise to her son's deleted chromosome 5. The single crossover was presumably near the centromere.

Chromosome Deletion↗

Identification of 28 DNA fragments that detect RFLPs in 13 distinct physical regions of the short arm of chromosome 5.

A series of 175 lambda phage carrying human inserts isolated from a library that is specific for the short arm of human chromosome 5 (5p) have been regionally mapped on 5p using a deletion mapping panel of 16 human-hamster cell hybrids, each of which contains a chromosome 5 with a different deletion in the short arm. Seventy-five single copy DNA fragments were screened with 12 restriction enzymes for their ability to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Twenty-eight of these DNA fragments, which are located in 13 distinct physical regions of 5p, were found to detect RFLPs. These DNA markers make it possible to construct a linkage map that will span the entire length of 5p and will allow the relationship between genetic and physical distance for this region of the genome to be examined at a high level of resolution.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A fine structure physical map of the short arm of chromosome 5.

A series of somatic cell hybrids that retain abnormal chromosomes 5 from 11 different persons with deletions or translocations involving 5p have been isolated. One hundred twenty DNA fragments isolated from a genomic library enriched for sequences from 5p were regionally localized by Southern blot analysis of the hybrid cell deletion mapping panel, including five DNA fragments that reveal restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The fine structure physical map of 5p together with the identification of additional polymorphic loci will facilitate the construction of a complete linkage map of this region. In addition, DNA fragments localized to a region near the 5p15.2-5p15.3 border, which appears to be the segment of 5p that is critical in producing the phenotype associated with the cri du chat syndrome when it is rendered hemizygous by deletion, will be useful in a molecular and DNA level analysis of this deletion syndrome.

Animals↗

Molecular analysis of an unbalanced deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5 that produces no phenotype.

A family has been identified in which an interstitial, apparently unbalanced deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5 could be traced through six individuals in 3 generations. Remarkably, all of the individuals with the deletion are completely asymptomatic and show no physical or mental abnormalities. The deletion was confirmed at the molecular level by identifying DNA probes that mapped within the deleted portion of chromosome 5. Through the use of somatic cell hybrids and quantitative Southern blots, we demonstrated that these individuals do indeed have an unbalanced deletion and are haploid for several million base pairs of DNA in 5p14 without showing any discernable phenotype.

Animals↗

Generation of glucocorticoid-responsive Moloney murine leukemia virus by insertion of regulatory sequences from murine mammary tumor virus into the long terminal repeat.

The glucocorticoid-regulatory sequences from the murine mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat (MMTV LTR) were introduced into the LTR of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) by recombinant DNA techniques. The site of insertion was in the M-MuLV LTR U3 region at -150 base pairs with respect to the RNA cap site. Infectious M-MuLVs carrying the altered LTRs (Mo + MMTV M-MuLVs) were recovered by transfection of proviral clones into NIH-3T3 cells. The Mo + MMTV M-MuLVs were hormonally responsive in that infection was 3 logs more efficient when performed in the presence of dexamethasone, irrespective of the orientation of the inserted MMTV sequences. However, even in the presence of hormone, the Mo + MMTV M-MuLVs were less infectious than wild-type M-MuLV. In contrast to the large effect on infectivity, dexamethasone induced virus-specific RNA levels in chronically Mo + MMTV M-MuLV-infected cells only two- to fourfold. Fusion plasmids between the altered LTRs and the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene allowed the investigation of LTR promoter strength by the transient chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression assay. The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays indicated that the insertion of MMTV sequences into the M-MuLV LTR reduced promoter activity in the absence of glucocorticoids but that promoter activity could be induced two- to fivefold by dexamethasone. The Mo + MMTV M-MuLVs were also tested for the possibility that viral DNA synthesis or integration during initial infection was enhanced by dexamethasone. However, no significant difference was detected between cultures infected in the presence or absence of hormone. The insertion of MMTV sequences into an M-MuLV LTR deleted of its enhancer sequences did not yield infectious virus or active promoters, even in the presence of dexamethasone.

DNA, Recombinant↗

Transformation properties of type 5 adenovirus mutants that differentially express the E1A gene products.

Type 5 adenovirus mutants that differentially express E1A 13S, 12S, or 9S mRNAs were constructed to study the role of their gene products in transformation. H5dl520 expresses the 243-amino-acid (AA) protein encoded in the 12S mRNA but not the 13S mRNA-encoded 289-AA protein. This mutant transformed both cloned rat embryo fibroblast (CREF) cells and baby rat kidney (BRK) cells at a frequency 40-100 times greater than did wild-type viruses. In addition, all of the foci produced were fibroblastic and grew very slowly at 32 degrees C. In contrast, H5dl21, which was mutated so that only the 54-AA protein encoded by the 9S mRNA was synthesized, did not transform either cell type. DNA transfection studies with plasmids from which these mutants were constructed demonstrated that the differences in transformation frequencies were not as marked. The plasmid pD1/D2, which directs the synthesis of the 54-AA protein only, was found to transform baby rat kidney cells at low frequency, provided the gene was linked to a fragment from the simian virus 40 genome containing the transcriptional enhancer element.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Non-function of a Moloney murine leukaemia virus regulatory sequence in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells.

Moloney murine leukaemia virus (M-MuLV) infection of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells results in the integration of proviral DNA into the host cell genome, but not in virus production. One suggested explanation for the lack of viral gene expression in EC cells has been methylation of the integrated viral DNA. However, subsequent reports indicated that integration of the M-MuLV DNA occurs soon after infection, but that viral DNA methylation occurs considerably later. Nevertheless, viral gene expression is not observed even at early times. One possible explanation is that certain M-MuLV regulatory sequences do not function in EC cells. We now present evidence which supports this hypothesis.

Acetyltransferases↗

An integrated physical map of 18p11.2: a susceptibility region for bipolar disorder.

The reported linkage between bipolar disorder and a large pericentric portion of chromosome 18 has been replicated in an independent study. Further examination of this region showed that 18p11.2 had the greatest allele sharing in our pedigrees and increased sharing in other independently ascertained pedigree series permitting refinement of the region of significance. To facilitate positional cloning of a susceptibility gene, we used a combination of mapping reagents, including a subchromosomal somatic cell hybrid panel, a contig of clones in yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC), and a radiation hybrid (RH) panel, to construct a high resolution physical map of the region including sequence tag sites (STSs) and expressed sequence tags (ESTs). This approach generated the interlocus distance and order of 15 STSs and 16 ESTs including four novel transcripts, with an average of approximately 200 kb between loci, over a approximately 6-Mb region. This high resolution integrated map will be an important tool in providing loci for contig construction, and positional candidates for mutation screening.

Bipolar Disorder↗

White matter changes associated with deletions of the long arm of chromosome 18 (18q- syndrome): a dysmyelinating disorder?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the MR findings in the central nervous systems of patients with deletions of the long arm of chromosome 18 (18q- syndrome). METHODS: Sixteen patients with 18q- syndrome ranging in age from 3 to 46 years (mean, 17 years) were studied with high-field-strength MR imaging. Images were analyzed for abnormal T2 hyperintensity in the white matter, abnormal T2 hypointensity in the deep gray matter, and atrophy. RESULTS: Ten of 16 patients had abnormal white matter. Diffuse, bilaterally symmetric deep white matter T2 hyperintensity, most pronounced in the periventricular regions, was most common, noted in eight cases. Focal deep white matter lesions and/or abnormalities involving the subcortical white matter were also noted in four cases. The cerebellum, brain stem, and corpus callosum were spared. Ventriculomegally associated with volume loss, and abnormal T2 hypointensity in the basal ganglia and/or thalami were each present in 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The 18q- syndrome is associated with white matter disease and abnormal T2 hypointensity in the deep gray matter. The basis for the white matter abnormalities is unknown, but may be related to one of the two genes for myelin basic protein included in the deleted segment of chromosome 18.

Adolescent↗