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M A Batzer

Publications and source records attributed to M A Batzer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Interethnic polymorphism of EWS intron 6: genome plasticity mediated by Alu retroposition and recombination.

The EWS gene has been identified as being systematically translocated in Ewing's sarcoma. In order to ascertain the basis of a marked interethnic difference in the incidence of Ewing's sarcoma, intron 6 of EWS, which is located near the translocation breakpoint region (EWSR1), was characterized. Sequence analysis of the entire intron 6 region revealed a very high density of Alu elements. Most of these Alu sequences could be classified in previously described subfamilies, facilitating delineation of an evolutionary model that involves successive retroposition events. According to this model, the EWS intron 6 region progressively expanded until about 5 million years ago. More recently (10(5) years ago), in part of the human population, the size of this region decreased by over 50% as the result of a homeologous recombination between two Alu sequences, which removed 2480 bp. This rare allele has only been observed in individuals of African origin, a population that is characterized by the lowest incidence of Ewing's sarcoma.

Alleles↗
PubMed1996

DNA sequences of Alu elements indicate a recent replacement of the human autosomal genetic complement.

DNA sequences of neutral nuclear autosomal loci, compared across diverse human populations, provide a previously untapped perspective into the mode and tempo of the emergence of modern humans and a critical comparison with published clonally inherited mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome measurements of human diversity. We obtained over 55 kilobases of sequence from three autosomal loci encompassing Alu repeats for representatives of diverse human populations as well as orthologous sequences for other hominoid species at one of these loci. Nucleotide diversity was exceedingly low. Most individuals and populations were identical. Only a single nucleotide difference distinguished presumed ancestral alleles from descendants. These results differ from those expected if alleles from divergent archaic populations were maintained through multiregional continuity. The observed virtual lack of sequence polymorphism is the signature of a recent single origin for modern humans, with general replacement of archaic populations.

Alleles↗
PubMed1996

Genetic variation of recent Alu insertions in human populations.

The Alu family of interspersed repeats is comprised of over 500,000 members which may be divided into discrete subfamilies based upon mutations held in common between members. Distinct subfamilies of Alu sequences have amplified within the human genome in recent evolutionary history. Several individual Alu family members have amplified so recently in human evolution that they are variable as to presence and absence at specific loci within different human populations. Here, we report on the distribution of six polymorphic Alu insertions in a survey of 563 individuals from 14 human population groups across several continents. Our results indicate that these polymorphic Alu insertions probably have an African origin and that there is a much smaller amount of genetic variation between European populations than that found between other population groups.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Alu fossil relics--distribution and insertion polymorphism.

Screening of a human genomic library with an oligonucleotide probe specific for one of the young subfamilies of Alu repeats (Ya5/8) resulted in the identification of several hundred positive clones. Thirty-three of these clones were analyzed in detail by DNA sequencing. Oligonucleotide primers complementary to the unique sequence regions flanking each Alu repeat were used in PCR-based assays to perform phylogenetic analyses, chromosomal localization, and insertion polymorphism analyses within different human population groups. All 33 Alu repeats were present only in humans and absent from orthologous positions in several nonhuman primate genomes. Seven Alu repeats were polymorphic for their presence/absence in three different human population groups, making them novel identical-by-descent markers for the analysis of human genetic diversity and evolution. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the polymorphic Alu repeats showed an extremely low nucleotide diversity compared with the subfamily consensus sequence with an average age of 1.63 million years old. The young Alu insertions do not appear to accumulate preferentially on any individual human chromosome.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Sequence diversity and chromosomal distribution of "young" Alu repeats.

Members of the recently inserted human-specific (HS)/predicted variant (PV) subfamily of Alu elements were sequenced. A number of these Alu elements share greater than 98% sequence identity with the subfamily consensus sequence, and they are flanked by perfect 5' and 3' direct repeats ranging in size from 6 to 15 nucleotides (nt). Based on the low number of random mutations, the estimated average age of these elements was calculated to be 1.5 million years (Myr). All the young Alu subfamily members were restricted to the human genome, as judged by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of human and non-human primate DNA samples using the unique flanking sequences specific for each Alu element. The chromosomal locations of several Alu elements belonging to the young subfamilies, designated as HS/PV and Sb2, were determined by PCR amplification of DNA samples from human/rodent somatic cell hybrid panels. A statistical analysis of the chromosomal distribution pattern showed that the recently inserted Alu elements appear to integrate randomly in the human genome.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Alu repeats: a source for the genesis of primate microsatellites.

As a result of their abundance, relatively uniform distribution, and high degree of polymorphism, microsatellites and minisatellites have become valuable tools in genetic mapping, forensic identity testing, and population studies. In recent years, a number of microsatellite repeats have been found to be associated with Alu interspersed repeated DNA elements. The association of an Alu element with a microsatellite repeat could result from the integration of an Alu element within a preexisting microsatellite repeat. Alternatively, Alu elements could have a direct role in the origin of microsatellite repeats. Errors introduced during reverse transcription of the primary transcript derived from an Alu "master" gene or the accumulation of random mutations in the middle A-rich regions and oligo(dA)-rich tails of Alu elements after insertion and subsequent expansion and contraction of these sequences could result in the genesis of a microsatellite repeat. We have tested these hypotheses by a direct evolutionary comparison of the sequences of some recent Alu elements that are found only in humans and are absent from nonhuman primates, as well as some older Alu elements that are present at orthologous positions in a number of nonhuman primates. The origin of "young" Alu insertions, absence of sequences that resemble microsatellite repeats at the orthologous loci in chimpanzees, and the gradual expansion of microsatellite repeats in some old Alu repeats at orthologous positions within the genomes of a number of nonhuman primates suggest that Alu elements are a source for the genesis of primate microsatellite repeats.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Identification and analysis of a 'young' polymorphic Alu element.

A polymorphic Alu element belonging to a young subfamily of Alu repeats has been identified. Sequence analysis showed that this Alu element is flanked by perfect direct repeats and a 3' oligo(dA)-rich tail. The Alu element, designated A25, is deleted by 34 nucleotides at the 5' end and has a single CpG mutation compared to the human-specific consensus sequence. Using a PCR-based assay, we demonstrated that the A25 Alu repeat is localized to human chromosome 8 and is polymorphic in humans.

Bacteriophages↗
PubMed1995

Dispersion and insertion polymorphism in two small subfamilies of recently amplified human Alu repeats.

Newly isolated members of two recently propagated (young) Alu subfamilies were examined for sequence diversity and insertion polymorphism in primate genomes. The smaller subfamily (termed HS-2) is comprised of approximately 5 to 25 members, while the larger (termed Sb2) includes approximately 125 to 600 members. Individual members of these Alu subfamilies share distinguishing sets of diagnostic mutations, are well-conserved relative to each other, and have expanded in the human lineage. At least one member from each subfamily is known to be polymorphic in humans. Three newly characterized HS-2 Alu family members as well as three Sb2 Alu repeats are monomorphic (fixed) in humans. The existence of a number of Alu subfamilies that have amplified in parallel within the human genome provides compelling evidence for the simultaneous activity of multiple dispersed Alu source genes.

Alleles↗
PubMed1995

Assembly of high-resolution bacterial artificial chromosome, P1-derived artificial chromosome, and cosmid contigs.

The generation of contiguous physical maps is often complicated by a variety of factors including the type of cloning system used. Here we describe procedures for the isolation, rapid characterization, and physical mapping of large-insert recombinant bacterial clones from total human genomic BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) and PAC (P1-derived artificial chromosome) libraries containing clones with an average insert size of 150 kbp. After initial isolation, the clones were subjected to a variety of fingerprinting procedures including inter-Alu PCR, semiautomated fluorescent finger-printing, and EcoRI restriction fragment mapping. Individual BAC and PAC clones were also used as probes to interrogate arrayed chromosome 19-specific cosmid libraries. The combination of analyses facilitated the identification of chromosome-specific large-insert clones as well as the construction of a large (1.2 Mb) high-resolution BAC, PAC, and cosmid contig in 19q13.2, spanning the region from the carcinoembryonic antigen gene family to the X-ray repair cross complementing 1 DNA repair gene. This type of approach directly demonstrates the utility of large-insert recombinant bacterial clones for the construction of contiguous physical maps of entire chromosomes.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Polymorphic human specific Alu insertions as markers for human identification.

Alu sequences represent the largest family of short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs) in humans with 500 000 copies per genome. Recently, one Alu subfamily was found to be human specific (HS). We originally described the use of polymorphis HS Alu insertions as a tool in population studies and recently as tools in DNA fingerprinting and forensic analysis. In this report, we will use this simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) base technique for the detection of HS Alu insertion polymorphisms. We will test the resolving power of this DNA profiling approach in both population genetics and paternity assessment. At the population level, we will describe the genotypic distribution of five polymorphic Alu insertions among 3 populations from the American continent, one of African origin, the other two Amerindians. Insight into their relationships will be provided. At the family level, we will examine one European American family of seven individuals and the same pedigree will also be characterized by way of the two systems currently and widely used to ascertain paternity: PCR-sequence specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization (PCR-SSO) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules, and a standard RFLP protocol used in forensic casework and paternity studies. The importance and strengths of the methods as well as its perspectives for future use in filiation studies will be evaluated.

Forensic Medicine↗
PubMed1995

An integrated metric physical map of human chromosome 19.

A metric physical map of human chromosome 19 has been generated. The foundation of the map is sets of overlapping cosmids (contigs) generated by automated fingerprinting spanning over 95% of the euchromatin, about 50 megabases (Mb). Distances between selected cosmid clones were estimated using fluorescence in situ hybridization in sperm pronuclei, providing both order and distance between contigs. An average inter-marker separation of 230 kb has been obtained across the non-centromeric portion of the chromosome. Various types of larger insert clones were used to span gaps between contigs. Currently, the map consists of 51 'islands' containing multiple clone types, whose size, order and relative distance are known. Over 450 genes, genetic markers, sequence tagged sites (STSs), anonymous cDNAs, and other markers have been localized. In addition, EcoRI restriction maps have been generated for > 41 Mb (approximately 83%) of the chromosome.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Gene conversion as a secondary mechanism of short interspersed element (SINE) evolution.

The Alu repetitive family of short interspersed elements (SINEs) in primates can be subdivided into distinct subfamilies by specific diagnostic nucleotide changes. The older subfamilies are generally very abundant, while the younger subfamilies have fewer copies. Some of the youngest Alu elements are absent in the orthologous loci of nonhuman primates, indicative of recent retroposition events, the primary mode of SINE evolution. PCR analysis of one young Alu subfamily (Sb2) member found in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene apparently revealed the presence of this element in the green monkey, orangutan, gorilla, and chimpanzee genomes, as well as the human genome. However, sequence analysis of these genomes revealed a highly mutated, older, primate-specific Alu element was present at this position in the nonhuman primates. Comparison of the flanking DNA sequences upstream of this Alu insertion corresponded to evolution expected for standard primate phylogeny, but comparison of the Alu repeat sequences revealed that the human element departed from this phylogeny. The change in the human sequence apparently occurred by a gene conversion event only within the Alu element itself, converting it from one of the oldest to one of the youngest Alu subfamilies. Although gene conversions of Alu elements are clearly very rare, this finding shows that such events can occur and contribute to specific cases of SINE subfamily evolution.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Generation and characterization of a human chromosome 6-specific hncDNA library from a somatic cell hybrid.

Chromosome specific cDNA libraries are a useful source of candidate genes for disorders which have been linked to particular chromosomes. Here, we report the generation of a cDNA library made from a somatic cell hybrid retaining chromosome 6 as its only human component. In order to ascertain the chromosomal location of cDNAs the library was amplified by inter-Alu-PCR and used as probe for competitive in situ suppression (CISS). To identify human specific cDNA clones the library was screened with PD39, a highly human specific Alu consensus probe. Out of 350,000 clones 360 were found to hybridize with PD39. Nucleotide sequences were determined for 40 clones with inserts larger than 500 basepairs (bp) and a sequence comparison was performed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information using BLASTN. One clone was shown to be identical to Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD/SOD2) which has previously been assigned to chromosome 6q25. Localization of 11 clones was determined using PCR and clone-specific primer pairs on a hybrid mapping panel DNA set. Two PCR-localized clones and five additional clones were localized by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Transcripts for five clones were identified by RT-PCR. The generation of chromosome 6-specific hncDNAs from a somatic cell hybrid should aid in the identification of disease-associated genes localized on this chromosome.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

African origin of human-specific polymorphic Alu insertions.

Alu elements are a family of interspersed repeats that have mobilized throughout primate genomes by retroposition from a few "master" genes. Among the 500,000 Alu elements in the human genome are members of the human-specific subfamily that are not fixed in the human species; that is, not all chromosomes carry an Alu element at a particular locus. Four such polymorphic human-specific Alu insertions were analyzed by a rapid, PCR-based assay that uses primers that flank the insertion point to determine genotypes based on the presence or absence of the Alu element. These four polymorphic Alu insertions were shown to be absent from the genomes of a number of nonhuman primates, consistent with their arising as human genetic polymorphisms sometime after the human/African ape divergence. Analysis of 664 unrelated individuals from 16 population groups from around the world revealed substantial levels of variation within population groups and significant genetic differentiation among groups. No significant associations were found among the four loci, consistent with their location on different chromosomes. A maximum-likelihood tree of population relationships showed four major groupings consisting of Africa, Europe, Asia/Americas, and Australia/New Guinea, which is concordant with similar trees based on other loci. A particularly useful feature of the polymorphic Alu insertions is that the ancestral state is known to be the absence of the Alu element, and the presence of the Alu element at a particular chromosomal site reflects a single, unique event in human evolution. A hypothetical ancestral group can then be included in the tree analysis, with the frequency of each insertion set to zero. The ancestral group connected to the maximum-likelihood tree within the African branch, which suggests an African origin of these polymorphic Alu insertions. These data are concordant with other diverse data sets, which lends further support to the recent African origin hypothesis for modern humans. Polymorphic Alu insertions represent a source of genetic variation for studying human population structure and evolution.

Africa↗