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Isolation of CYP3A5P cDNA from human liver: a reflection of a novel cytochrome P-450 pseudogene.

We have isolated, from a human liver cDNA library, a 1627 bp CYP3A5 cDNA variant (CYP3A5P) that contains several large insertions, deletions, and in-frame termination codons. By comparison with the genomic structure of other CYP3A genes, the major insertions in CYP3A5P cDNA demarcate the inferred sites of several CYP3A5 exons. The segments inserted in CYP3A5P have no homology with splice donor acceptor sites. It is unlikely that CYP3A5P cDNA represents an artifact of the cloning procedures since Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNA disclosed that CYP3A5P cDNA hybridized with a DNA fragment distinct from fragments that hybridized with either CYP3A5, CYP3A3 or CYP3A4. Moreover, analysis of adult human liver RNA on Northern blots hybridized with a CYP3A5P cDNA fragment revealed the presence of an mRNA with the predicted size of CYP3A5P. We conclude that CYP3A5P cDNA was derived from a separate gene, CYP3A5P, most likely a pseudogene evolved from CYP3A5.

Base Sequence↗

Extensive editing of both processed and preprocessed maxicircle CR6 transcripts in Trypanosoma brucei.

Transcripts from several genes encoded in the Trypanosoma brucei maxicircle genome are altered by posttranscriptional uridine insertion and deletion through a process called RNA editing. We find that transcripts from the CR6 gene are extensively edited by addition of 132 uridines and deletion of 28 uridines to produce a fully edited mRNA 47% larger than unedited mRNA. Two open reading frames (ORFs) and their initiation and termination codons are created by editing of CR6 mRNA. Both ORFs specify small, hydrophobic proteins with no homology to proteins in three databases. Both unedited and edited CR6 transcripts are more abundant in bloodstream form than in procyclic form parasites. cDNA clones spanning both CR6 and the downstream NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene were isolated, indicating that mature CR6 and ND5 transcripts arise from a common precursor. Sequencing of these cDNAs revealed 37 nucleotides of overlap between the 3' end of CR6 and the 5' end of ND5. In addition, the CR6 portion of many of these molecules was extensively edited, indicating that RNA editing can precede precursor processing. These results provide the first clear demonstration of polycistronic transcription of maxicircle genes, and suggest new mechanisms by which both RNA editing and precursor processing may regulate maxicircle gene expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hereditary antithrombin deficiency: heterogeneity of the molecular basis and mortality in Dutch families.

We studied the molecular basis and genetic heterogeneity of hereditary antithrombin (III) deficiency in nine Dutch families. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing of all antithrombin gene exons and flanking intronic regions identified mutations in eight families. Given the opportunity to correlate the molecular basis with survival, we addressed the relevance of molecular defects to mortality in inherited antithrombin deficiency. The defects included single nucleotide deletions (7671 del G, 7768-69 del G) and insertions (5501 ins A, 2463 G-->TC) that lead to frameshifts, a single base substitution [5381 C-->T (129Arg-->stop)] leading to a premature termination codon, and single base substitutions resulting in amino acid substitutions [2652 A-->C (63Tyr-->Ser), 13380 T-->C (421Ile-->Thr), and 13407 G-->T (430Cys-->Phe)]. All affected individuals were heterozygous for the defects. Previously we found in Dutch families that antithrombin deficiency did not lead to higher mortality compared with the general population. In accordance with these findings, we observed no excess mortality in the nine families [Observed:Expected, 52:52.6; standardised mortality ratio (SMR) 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7-1.3]. Our findings confirmed a considerable genetic heterogeneity underlying antithrombin deficiency. We therefore concluded that the lack of excess mortality in these families is not caused by a Dutch mild defect. We suggest that the longevity is not affected by molecular defects in the antithrombin gene and hypothesize that differences in mortality or natural history between families most likely result from other (genetic) risk factors.

Antithrombin III↗

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H: high level expression in Escherichia coli from a plasmid constructed using the polymerase chain reaction.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT)/ribonuclease H has been expressed to high levels in Escherichia coli from a recombinant plasmid constructed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for in vitro mutagenesis. Translational initiation and termination codons were introduced by the PCR at points corresponding to sites of cleavage of the RT from the gag-pol precursor polyprotein by the HIV-1 protease; the HIV-1 protease is not expressed from this construct. Most of the RT coding sequences derived from PCR were exchanged for a DNA fragment cloned by standard methods to minimize the possibility that an unwanted mutation was introduced during the in vitro amplification. The RT is expressed in bacteria from this plasmid as 66 and 51 kDa proteins, has both RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and ribonuclease H (RNase H) activities, and is indistinguishable from native HIV-1 RT in electrophoretic mobility and immunoreactivity. Peptide sequencing of the amino terminus of the HIV-1 RT purified from bacterial lysates is also presented. A novel activity gel assay was used to confirm that only the 66 kd protein catalyzes the RNase H reaction; this assay will simplify analysis of this catalytic activity. This HIV-1 RT expression plasmid is of interest because of the high level of expression in bacteria and the demonstrated RNase H activity of the enzyme. This plasmid will be distributed for research purposes through the NIH AIDS Repository and will facilitate enzymologic, structural, and immunologic evaluation of reverse transcription and its chemotherapeutic inhibition.

Endoribonucleases↗

Polypeptide chain termination and stop codon readthrough on eukaryotic ribosomes.

During protein translation, a variety of quality control checks ensure that the resulting polypeptides deviate minimally from their genetic encoding template. Translational fidelity is central in order to preserve the function and integrity of each cell. Correct termination is an important aspect of translational fidelity, and a multitude of mechanisms and players participate in this exquisitely regulated process. This review explores our current understanding of eukaryotic termination by highlighting the roles of the different ribosomal components as well as termination factors and ribosome-associated proteins, such as chaperones.

Animals↗

Prenatal monitoring in a family at high risk for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency: a new mutation of an A-to-C transversion in position +4 of intron 1 of the OTC gene that is likely to abolish enzyme activity.

DNA analysis of a male propositus with ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency documented an A-to-C substitution in position +4 of intron 1. No other abnormalities were observed in the OTC gene, or at 563 bp upstream of the 5' site, which included a promoter region, or at 383 bp downstream of the termination codon, which included a polyadenylation signal sequence. This mutation produces an RsaI site in the sequence, which was used for prenatal monitoring in the fourth and fifth pregnancies. DNA from amniotic cells in the former case were positive for RsaI digestion and the SRY gene (sex determinant region Y), indicating hemizygosity for the mutant allele. OTC activity was not measurable, and mRNA of the OTC gene was not detected by Northern blotting in the affected fetal liver. RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR) demonstrated only the wild-type allele. Thus, the mutation interferes with RNA processing, and an extremely low amount of normally spliced mRNA for the OTC gene seems to have caused the disease in our patient. The fetus of the fifth pregnancy was a normal male, as confirmed postnatally.

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome due to RECQ4 helicase mutations: report and clinical and molecular comparisons with Bloom syndrome and Werner syndrome.

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), an autosomal recessive disorder, comprises poikiloderma, growth deficiency, some aspects of premature aging, and a predisposition to malignancy, especially osteogenic sarcomas. Two kindreds with RTS were recently shown to segregate for mutations in the human RECQL4 helicase gene. We report identification of a new RTS kindred in which both brothers developed osteosarcomas. Mutation analysis of the RECQL4 gene was performed on both brothers and both parents. The brothers were shown to be compound heterozygotes for mutations in the RECQL4 gene, including a single basepair deletion in exon 9 resulting in a frameshift and early termination codon and a base substitution in the 3-prime splice site in the intron-exon boundary of exon 8, which would be predicted to cause a deletion of at least part of a consensus helicase domain. Each parent was shown to be a heterozygote carrier for one mutation. This report strengthens the association between mutations in RECQL4 helicase gene and RTS. Two other recessive disorders, Bloom syndrome and Werner syndrome, are known to be due to other human RECQ helicase gene mutations. These three disorders all manifest abnormal growth, premature aging, and predisposition to site-specific malignancies. The clinical and molecular aspects of RTS, Bloom syndrome, and Werner syndrome are compared and contrasted.

Adult↗

Multiple types of aberrations in the p16 (INK4a) and the p15(INK4b) genes in 30 esophageal squamous-cell-carcinoma cell lines.

To determine the role and mode of inactivation of the p16 and p15 genes in human esophageal tumors, we examined alterations and expression of the alpha and beta forms of the p16 gene, 5' CpG island methylation of p16 exon 1 alpha, and alterations of the p15 gene in 30 esophageal squamous-cell-carcinoma cell lines. Of 30 such cell lines examined, 28 (93%) showed aberrations of the alpha form of the p16 gene: 18 homozygous deletions, 6 point mutations and 4 hypermethylation. Methylation was exclusively observed in cell lines with the wild-type alpha form. Of the 6 point mutations, one was observed in exon 1 alpha, one in the splice acceptor site of intron 1 and the remaining 4 were in exon 2. In the beta form, 18 homozygous deletions and 3 point mutations in exon 2 were detected, but no point mutation was found in exon 1 beta. All mutations in exon 2 gave rise to premature termination codons in the reading frame of the alpha transcript, while no non-sense mutations were observed in the reading frame of the beta transcript. Among 12 cell lines without homozygous deletions of the alpha and beta forms of the p16 gene, the expected wild-type beta transcript was observed in 8 cell lines, whereas only one cell line expressed the expected wild-type alpha transcript. Homozygous deletions of the p15 gene were observed in 16 cell lines (53%), and no point mutations were detected. Twelve cell lines had alterations only in the alpha form of the p16 gene, while none showed aberrations exclusively in the p15 gene. Taken together, these results indicate that inactivation of the beta form of the p16 gene and the p15 gene are not so frequent as that of the alpha form of the p16 gene in ESC cell lines, suggesting that aberration of the alpha form of p16 gene is the primary target of 9p loss in ESC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Identification of a novel cytokeratin 19 pseudogene that may interfere with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays used to detect micrometastatic tumor cells.

In many recent publications, it has been claimed that reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays involving genes with tissue-restricted expression can be used for specific and sensitive detection of cancer cells in blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Many different target mRNAs have been evaluated for such purposes. One of the most extensively studied genes, CK19, is predominantly expressed in cells of epithelial origin and normally not at detectable levels in hematopoietic or lymphatic tissues. Based on previous reports on CK19 we wanted to establish a useful assay for detection of micrometastatic cells. RNA and DNA specimens extracted from peripheral blood nucleated cells of healthy volunteers, as well as cell lines positive and negative for CK19 expression, were used in nested RT-PCR assays. Using previously published primers, we found a novel pseudogene that shows a high degree of identity with the CK19 gene sequence, except for differences caused by 3 small deletions and a number of point mutations, resulting in termination codons and frameshifts. The gene has therefore no coding potential. Importantly, published primer sequences and reaction conditions used by several other groups to detect CK19 mRNA may have led to the amplification of this pseudogene. The data illustrate one of the problems that must be addressed in validating RT-PCR assays for micrometastasis detection, and it is suggested that previous work using CK19 as a marker should be reassessed in view of the present finding.

Artifacts↗

Detection of mutations in the DNA polymerase delta gene of human sporadic colorectal cancers and colon cancer cell lines.

To test the hypothesis whether DNA polymerases acquire mutator properties during tumor development (mutator hypothesis), we examined DNA polymerase delta mRNA in 6 colon cancer cell lines (DLD-1, HCT116, SW48, HT29, SW480 and SW620) and 7 sporadic human colorectal cancers. For analysis we used amplification of cDNA by polymerase chain reaction, single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing techniques. In 5 of the cell lines, 9 mutations leading to changes of the amino acid sequence of DNA polymerase delta were detected. Most mutations were found in the cell lines DLD-1, HCT116 and SW48 for which defects in mismatch repair genes had been identified previously. In the majority of cases, wild type and mutated sequences were present. In 2 cell lines (HCT116 and SW48), a single-nucleotide deletion occurred at the same position. This resulted in a premature termination codon by which the DNA interaction domain of the enzyme was eliminated. Furthermore, sequence deviations were found in the tumor tissues of 4 colon cancer patients. Wild-type and altered sequences were present simultaneously. The deviations included missense mutations (2 cases) and silent mutations (2 cases). The missense mutations and one of the silent mutations were found in normal mucosa as well. In addition, the mutation clustered region of a tumor suppressor gene, often found to be defective in colon cancer, the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, was investigated in surgical specimens and cell lines. One carcinoma and 2 cell lines exhibited amino acid changes in both the DNA polymerase delta gene and in the mutation clustered region of the APC gene. Since most of the mutations detected in the DNA polymerase delta mRNA are likely to alter the structure of the protein, the enzyme is expected to be functionally impaired. In particular, copying fidelity might be decreased, thus contributing to the high mutation rate observed in colorectal cancer.

Aged↗

Prenatal diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy by means of mutation analysis.

Prenatal diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) was performed by means of genetic and biochemical analysis using chorionic villi and amniocytes. The mother was a carrier of an exonic point mutation in the ALD protein gene (2154 C to T) which resulted in the premature formation of a termination codon (Q590STOP) and deletes the Pst I site. Two patients in this family were hemizygotes for this mutation. Pst I digestion of cDNA from chorionic villi revealed that the fetus was a heterozygote for this mutation, and sex determination using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicated female. Lignocerate oxidation in cultured amniocytes was slightly decreased. These findings suggest that the fetus is a female carrier of ALD, and the resultant baby was female.

Adrenoleukodystrophy↗

Alternative dystrophin gene transcripts in golden retriever muscular dystrophy.

Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD), the canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is caused by a splice site mutation in the dystrophin gene. This mutation predicts a premature termination codon in exon 8 and a peptide that is 5% the size of normal dystrophin. Western blot analysis of skeletal muscle from GRMD dogs reveals a slightly truncated 390-kD protein that is approximately 91% the size of normal dystrophin. This 390-kD dystrophin suggests that GRMD dogs, like some DMD patients, employ a mechanism to overcome their predicted frameshift. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on GRMD muscle has revealed two in-frame dystrophin transcripts which lack either exons 3-9 or exons 5-12. Both transcripts could be translated into a dystrophin protein of approximately 390 kD. An understanding of how truncated dystrophin is produced in GRMD may allow this mechanism to be manipulated toward a potential therapy for DMD.

Alternative Splicing↗

Mutations and polymorphisms in the human peripherin-RDS gene and their involvement in inherited retinal degeneration.

The RDS gene codes for the protein peripherin-RDS, which is an integral membrane glycoprotein found in the outer segment of both rod and cone photoreceptor cells. It is thought to function as a structural protein involved in the maintenance of the flattened form of the disc lamellae. The RDS gene has been implicated in the mouse phenotype retinal degeneration slow, and mutations in the human homologue are now known to be associated with both central and peripheral retinal degenerations. In all, 43 sequence variants have been described in the human gene, including 30 missense mutations, two single base substitutions producing termination codons, 7 small in-frame deletions, and 4 insertion/ deletion events, which break the reading frame. Of these, 39 are associated with retinal phenotypes, which can be grouped into four broad categories: dominant retinitis pigmentosa, progressive macular degeneration, digenic RP, and pattern dystrophies. The mutations underlying dominant RP and severe macular degeneration are largely missense or small in-frame deletions in a large intradiscal loop between the third and fourth transmembrane domains. In contrast, those associated with the milder pattern phenotypes or with digenic RP are scattered more evenly through the gene and are often nonsense mutations. This observation correlates with the hypothesis that the large loop is an important site of interaction between RDS molecules and other protein components in the disc.

Animals↗

A novel deletion/inversion mutation in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene as a cause of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

A combined deletion/inversion rearrangement of the LDL receptor gene was discovered in a Finnish patient with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Sequence analysis of the mutated allele revealed an insertion of 4 nucleotides in exon 11, caused by a combined deletion and insertion event replacing a 13-bp segment of the normal exon 11 sequence of the LDL receptor gene by a 17-bp stretch of new sequence at the deletion breakpoint. The inserted sequence was identical to the normal exon 9 sequence of the LDL receptor gene from nt1225 to nt1241 inserted in an inverted orientation. This defect causes a translational frameshift after amino acid 525 (glycine) and leads to a premature termination codon at amino acid position 538. Analysis of reverse transcriptase-PCR products from total RNA extracted from cultured fibroblasts revealed only transcripts encoded by the normal allele. This finding was consistent with the reduced functional activity of the LDL receptor found in the fibroblasts of the patient to levels less than 50% of those in normal cells. In conclusion, we have identified a complex and hitherto unreported type of rearrangement of the human LDL receptor gene. The precise mechanism of this mutation (designated as FH-Jalasjärvi) remains obscure, although it may involve complex loop formation by interaction of complementary sequences present in the mutation breakpoints and their immediate flanking regions.

Aged↗

Molecular basis of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1).

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of heritable blistering diseases characterized by tissue separation within the cutaneous basement membrane zone, is inherited either in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive fashion. EB has been divided into four broad categories based on the precise level of tissue separation. In the dystrophic forms of EB (DEB), tissue separation occurs below the lamina densa within the upper papillary dermis at the level of anchoring fibrils, which are frequently altered in morphology, reduced in number, or entirely absent. Since type VII collagen is the major component of anchoring fibrils, the corresponding gene, COL7A1, was proposed as the candidate for DEB. Subsequent cloning of COL7A1 and elucidation of its genomic structure have led to identification of 53 distinct mutations in COL7A1 reported thus far. These mutations consist of nonsense mutations, small insertions or deletions resulting in frameshift and premature termination codons, splice site mutations, or missense mutations, particularly glycine substitutions within the collagenous domain of the protein. The types and combinations of these mutations and their positions along the type VII collagen molecule result in a spectrum of phenotypic severity and determine the mode of inheritance. Thus, examination of the mutation database has allowed genotype/phenotype predictions, with an impact on genetic counseling in this group of genodermatoses.

Collagen↗

Constant denaturant gel electrophoresis (CDGE) in BRCA1 mutation screening.

Screening for mutations in the breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1, is complicated by the wide spectrum of mutations found in this large gene. In the present study a constant denaturant gel electrophoresis (CDGE) mutation screening strategy was established for approximately 80% of the genomic coding sequence (exons 2, 11, 13-16, 20, 24). This strategy was applied to screen genomic DNA from 50 familial breast and/or ovarian cancer patients who had previously been examined for BRCA1 mutations by SSCP. A total of 14 carriers of 12 distinct disease-associated mutations and 7 carriers of 6 distinct rare substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions were identified. The SSCP failed to detect 40% of the different deletions/insertions (4/10) and 75% (6/8) of the different base substitutions leading to terminating codons or rare amino acid changes. SSCP did, however, identify one rare base substitution that could not be detected in the CDGE screening. To evaluate the CDGE mutation screening strategy further, 25 unrelated patients from Norwegian breast and/or ovarian cancer families were examined for BRCA1 mutations using a combined genomic DNA/cDNA approach covering the entire coding sequence of the gene. A total of six mutation carriers were detected, all of whom had cases of ovarian cancer in their families. Three patients from independent families carried an 1135insA mutation in exon 11, two others had a Gly484ter and an 1675delA mutation, respectively, and the sixth carried a splice mutation (5194-2 a-->c) causing deletion of exon 18. CDGE may become an efficient tool in diagnostic and population based screening for BRCA1 mutations.

BRCA1 Protein↗

Homozygous nonsense mutation in helix 2 of K14 causes severe recessive epidermolysis bullosa simplex.

We have studied a consanguineous family containing two children with severe, generalized epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). Electron microscopy of skin biopsies from the affected individuals showed that basal keratinocytes were devoid of tonofilament bundles, although some single intermediate filament were visible. Genetic linkage analysis with the microsatellite probe D12S96 excluded the type II keratin gene cluster in this family. However, homozygosity by descent was observed with the polymorphic probes KRT9, KRT10 Ava II, and D17S1787 in both affected children, consistent with a recessive defect in a type I keratin. Immunoreactivity to keratin K5 and K15 was normal, but monoclonal antibodies LL001 and RCK107 against K14 showed no staining, suggesting a deficiency of K14 in these individuals. mRNA extracted from biopsy material was amplified by RT-PCR to obtain full-length K14 cDNA. Direct automated sequencing identified a homozygous nonsense mutation, W305X. A Hinf I restriction enzyme site is created by this nucleotide transition, which was used to confirm the presence of the mutation in this kindred and exclude it from 100 normal chromosomes. This is the fourth kindred with severe recessive EBS for whom a mutation has been found in the K14 gene. In this instance, the premature termination codon is the farthest downstream of the reported cases, occurring in the helix 2 domain and so giving a much longer translation product. Nevertheless, the heterozygous carriers are unaffected by the disease and display no epidermal fragility. We postulate that translation of the potentially dominant-negative truncated K14 might be down-regulated due to instability of the mutant mRNA, as observed in previous cases with similar mutations.

Base Sequence↗

Novel splice site mutation at IVS8 nt 5 of HEXB responsible for a Greek-Cypriot case of Sandhoff disease.

Sandhoff disease is caused by abnormalities in HEXB gene encoding the beta-subunit of beta-hexosaminidase. In this study, we analyzed the HEXB gene of a Sandhoff carrier in the Greek-Cypriot community. A G to C transversion was identified in one allele of her HEXB gene at position 5 of the 5'-splice site of intron 8 (IVS8 nt5). One of 13 cDNA clones derived from her lymphocyte HEXB mRNA lacked the last four nucleotides "GTTG" of exon 8, which created a premature termination codon at 11 codons downstream. In vivo transcription of the mutant HEXB gene fragment in CHO cells resulted in deletion of the "GTTG." The mutation has not been found in 40 DNA samples from anonymous donors, indicating that this is not a polymorphism in the Cypriot population. These results clearly indicate that the splice site mutation at IVS8 nt5 is responsible for this case of Sandhoff disease.

Bacterial Proteins↗