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M Crist

Publications and source records attributed to M Crist.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Probing the structure of the PI-SceI-DNA complex by affinity cleavage and affinity photocross-linking.

The PI-SceI protein is an intein-encoded homing endonuclease that initiates the mobility of its gene by making a double strand break at a single site in the yeast genome. The PI-SceI protein splicing and endonucleolytic active sites are separately located in each of two domains in the PI-SceI structure. To determine the spatial relationship between bases in the PI-SceI recognition sequence and selected PI-SceI amino acids, the PI-SceI-DNA complex was probed by photocross-linking and affinity cleavage methods. Unique solvent-accessible cysteine residues were introduced into the two PI-SceI domains at positions 91, 97, 170, 230, 376, and 378, and the mutant proteins were modified with either 4-azidophenacyl bromide or iron (S)-1-(p-bromoacetamidobenzyl)-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (FeBABE). The phenyl azide-coupled proteins cross-linked to the PI-SceI target sequence, and the FeBABE-modified proteins cleaved the DNA proximal to the derivatized amino acid. The results suggest that an extended beta-hairpin loop in the endonuclease domain that contains residues 376 and 378 contacts the major groove near the PI-SceI cleavage site. Conversely, residues 91, 97, and 170 in the protein splicing domain are in close proximity to a distant region of the substrate. To interpret our results, we used a new PI-SceI structure that is ordered in regions of the protein that bind DNA. The data strongly support a model of the PI-SceI-DNA complex derived from this structure.

Base Sequence↗

Mapping of a DNA binding region of the PI-sceI homing endonuclease by affinity cleavage and alanine-scanning mutagenesis.

The PI-SceI protein is a member of the LAGLIDADG family of homing endonucleases that is generated by a protein splicing reaction. PI-SceI has a bipartite domain structure, and the protein splicing and endonucleolytic reactions are catalyzed by residues in domains I and II, respectively. Structural and mutational evidence indicates that both domains mediate DNA binding. Treatment of the protein with trypsin breaks a peptide bond within a disordered region of the endonuclease domain situated between residues Val-270 and Leu-280 and interferes with the ability of this domain to bind DNA. To identify specific residues in this region that are involved in DNA binding and/or catalysis, alanine-scanning mutagenesis was used to create a set of PI-SceI mutant proteins that were assayed for activity. One of these mutants, N281A, was >300-fold less active than wild-type PI-SceI, and two other proteins, R277A and N284A, were completely inactive. These decreases in cleavage activity parallel similar decreases in substrate binding by the endonuclease domains of these mutant proteins. We mapped the approximate position of the disordered region to one of the ends of the 31 base pair PI-SceI recognition sequence using mutant proteins that were substituted with cysteine at residues Asn-274 and Glu-283 and tethered to the chemical nuclease FeBABE. These mutational and affinity cleavage data strongly support a model of PI-SceI docked to its DNA substrate that suggests that one or more residues identified here are responsible for contacting base pair A/T(-)(9), which is essential for substrate binding.

Alanine↗

Amino acid residues in both the protein splicing and endonuclease domains of the PI-SceI intein mediate DNA binding.

A structure-based model describing the interaction of the two-domain PI-SceI endonuclease with its 31-base pair DNA substrate suggests that the endonuclease domain (domain II) contacts the cleavage site region of the substrate, while the protein splicing domain (domain I) interacts with a distal region that is sufficient for high affinity binding. To support this model, alanine-scanning mutagenesis was used to assemble a set of 49 PI-SceI mutant proteins that were purified and assayed for their DNA binding and cleavage properties. Fourteen mutant proteins were 4- to >500-fold less active than wild-type PI-SceI in cleavage assays, and one mutant (T225A) was 3-fold more active. Alanine substitution at two positions in domain I reduces overall binding >60-fold by perturbing the interaction of PI-SceI with the minimal binding region. Conversely, mutations in domain II have little effect on binding, reduce binding to the cleavage site region only, or affect binding to both regions. Interestingly, substitutions at Lys301, which is part of the endonucleolytic active site, eliminate binding to the cleavage site region but permit contact with the minimal binding region. This experimental evidence demonstrates that the protein splicing domain as well as the endonuclease domain is involved in binding of a DNA substrate with the requisite length.

Amino Acids↗

Efficiency of insertion versus replacement vector targeting varies at different chromosomal loci.

We have analyzed the targeting frequencies and recombination products generated with isogenic vectors at the fah and fgr loci in embryonic stem cells. A single vector which could be linearized at different sites to generate either a replacement or an insertion vector was constructed for each locus. A replacement event predominated when the vectors were linearized at the edge of the homologous sequences, while an insertion event predominated when the vectors were linearized within the homologous sequences. However, the ratio of the targeting frequencies exhibited by the different vector configurations differed for the two loci. When the fgr vector was linearized as an insertion vector, the ratio of targeted to random integrations was four- to eightfold greater than when the vector was linearized as a replacement vector. By contrast, the ratio of targeted to random integrations at the fah locus did not vary with the linearization site of the vector. The different relationships between the targeting frequency and the vector configuration at the fgr and fah loci may indicate a DNA sequence or chromatin structure preference for different targeting pathways.

Animals↗

Mapping studies of the serum cholinesterase-2 locus (CHE2).

Serum cholinesterase (butyrylcholinesterase, EC 3.1.1.8, BChE) is controlled by two genetic loci, CHE1 and CHE2. The CHE1 locus has been mapped to 3q, but the map location of CHE2 is uncertain. In an effort to clarify the location of CHE2, we combined all the published linkage analysis data for CHE2 (as summarized in the Keats Linkage Database) with the data from the UCLA Linkage Database. Exclusions with substantial portions of the genome could be made (notably with portions of chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, and LG1). Although not quite statistically significant (zeta = 2.51), loose linkage (theta = 0.32) of CHE2 with the haptoglobin locus on 16q22 was the most likely conclusion from the family data. In addition, calculating the lod score between CHE2 and the available linkage map of chromosome 16 (markers HBA, PGP, FRA16A, and HP) resulted in an overall lod score of 3.2. This result is particularly intriguing given the hybridization of a BChE cDNA (designated CHEL3) to the same region. Resolution of the issue will require more detailed linkage studies of CHE2 on chromosome 16 and a better understanding of the relationship between the CHE1 and CHE2 loci with respect to production of serum cholinesterases.

Cholinesterases↗

Linkage analyses of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN-2) with 23 classical genetic polymorphisms.

Linkage analyses were performed in a single large family with multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN-2) between 23 classical genetic polymorphisms and MEN-2. We exclude close linkage of the locus for MEN-2 with ABO, ACP1, BF, ESD, Fy, GALT, GLO1, Jk, MNSs, P, PGM1, Rh and TF, as well as absolute linkage with GPT. These results raise to about 6% the proportion of the genome that has been excluded in this one family. Somewhat positive lod scores were obtained for GC (0.92 at theta = 0), GPT (0.73 at theta = 0.1) and HP (1.49 at theta = 0.05); although not statistically significant, these findings suggest regions of the genome that warrant additional study.

Alleles↗

Glutamate pyruvate transaminase null allele (GPT0) in the Navajo.

During genetic linkage studies of retinitis pigmentosa in a Navajo Amerindian family, an apparent null allele of erythrocyte GPT (GPT0) was observed in a man and 2 of his daughters. This is the fourth description of a (GPT0) allele, the first outside of Europe and the first in the Navajo.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Genetic linkage analysis of the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Two generations of a family with autosomal dominant carpal tunnel syndrome were studied for genetic linkage to 20 informative polymorphic blood markers. No linkage was demonstrated between the syndrome and the markers tested; exclusion of close linkage (lod score less than -2.0) was found for MNSs, ACP, GALT, GPT, GLO, Hp, Gc, and Pi.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗

Genetic linkage studies in ataxia-telangiectasia: Gm markers.

Gm marker studies were performed on seven families with ataxia-telangiectasia in order to determine genetic linkage. For statistical analysis, the disorder was assumed to be monogenic. Using LOD scores computed by the program LIPED, tight linkage was excluded at a recombination fraction of less than or equal to 2 cM. This distance (equivalent to approximately two million nucleotides) includes most or all of the 14q32 chromosomal region.

Ataxia Telangiectasia↗

Evidence of autonomous red cell expression of Xga antigen in human bone marrow transplantation.

Human bone marrow transplant chimeras afford the opportunity to determine whether a red blood cell antigen is autonomously controlled. Evaluation of an Xg(a-) recipient and an Xg(a+) recipient, each transplanted with bone marrow of donors of opposite Xga types, shows that the Xga antigen is of the donor type following transplantation. This indicates that the Xga antigen is controlled by the red blood cell, and confirms earlier studies in natural chimeras.

Adolescent↗

Genetic linkage studies of transferrin, pseudocholinesterase, and chromosome 1 loci.

Genetic linkage analysis of a pedigree with four different alleles for pseudocholinesterase (CHE1) gives a positive lod score of 0.37 at theta = 0.16 for linkage with transferrin (TF), a finding which supports previous reports of linkage between CHE1 and TF. Evaluation of linkage relations of CHE1 and TF using unreported families from our data bank fails to establish linkage with chromosome 1 loci (6-PGD, Rh, PGM1, AMY2 and FY). These results are consistent with recent studies which suggest that TF is on human chromosome 3.

Alleles↗

Estimating the recombination frequency for the MN and the Ss loci.

Linkage analysis of 146 informative families for MN and Ss resulted in an estimate of the recombination frequency greater than previously reported. Our total is 7 recombinant children out of 467 individuals, including 1 confirmed recombinant (retested and HLA-compatible) and 6 not verified. The 95% confidence interval of our estimate of recombination is 0.0033-0.0167. Our results are compared with two earlier studies.

Female↗

Association studies between Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes and 27 genetic markers: lack of association between Type 1 diabetes and Kidd blood group.

One hundred and three unrelated patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes were typed for HLA, properdin factor B (BF), glyoxalase 1 (GLO), Kidd blood group, and 24 other genetic markers. Observed distributions of marker phenotypes among these patients were compared with those expected according to population frequencies, in an attempt to detect associations between Type 1 diabetes and the markers. Strong associations between Type 1 diabetes and both HLA and properdin factor B were confirmed, as was a lack of association between Type 1 diabetes and glyoxalase (GLO). There was an apparent deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at the GLO locus, and statistically significant distortions in the distributions of pancreatic amylase (AMY2), galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), and group-specific component (GC) among Type 1 diabetes patients, but these results are not significant when corrected for performance of multiple tests. An increase in the Lewis-negative phenotype reported elsewhere was observed here but was not statistically significant. A distortion in the distribution of Kidd types reported elsewhere was not confirmed.

Blood Group Antigens↗

Linkage analysis of five pedigrees affected with typical autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

Five pedigrees (including an expanded version of a previously reported pedigree) exhibited typical autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa were analysed for linkage of RP to 29 genetic markers. No significant lod scores resulted. The largest lod score is +1.51 and suggests linkage between RP and Rh blood group at an estimated recombination fraction of 20% in males and 40% in females. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute this suggested linkage.

Adolescent↗

Possible assignment of a dominant retinitis pigmentosa gene to chromosome 1.

A genetic linkage study, performed on a large family with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP), demonstrated that the RP gene may be linked to the Rh locus, known to be on the short arm of human chromosome 1. Linkage studies on RP along with other studies, can help to more accurately classify these disease entities. Localizing the RP gene locus has the potential for allowing the early diagnosis of individuals at risk.

Chromosomes, Human, 1-3↗

Close genetic linkage between diabetes mellitus and kidd blood group.

27 polymorphic genetic markers were analysed for possible linkage with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The data set contained 71 families with at least one affected member each. Under three different genetic models for IDDM, evidence was found for linkage between the disease and two distinct sets of marker loci: three markers on chromosome 6 (HLA, properdin factor B, and glyoxalase-1), and the Kidd blood group locus. The families apparently do not fall into two groups, one exhibiting linkage to the HLA complex and the other to the Kidd locus. Thus, two distinct disease-susceptibility loci may be involved in the inheritance of IDDM.

Blood Group Antigens↗