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Biomedical subjects

A Baldini

Publications and source records attributed to A Baldini.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

The gene for a human microfibril-associated glycoprotein is commonly deleted in Smith-Magenis syndrome patients.

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a clinically recognizable multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome associated with deletion of chromosome 17p11.2. Here we report the identification of a novel gene encoding a human microfibril-associated glycoprotein (MFAP4), which has been mapped to the SMS region. A full-length cDNA corresponding to this gene has been sequenced, and reveals a coding region of 255 amino acids. MFAP4 has a fibrinogen-like domain and shares a high level of sequence homology to a fragment of a bovine 36 kDa microfibril-associated glycoprotein. The N-terminus of the protein bears an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence that serves as the ligand motif for cell surface receptor integrin. These structural features of MFAP4 suggest that it is an extracellular matrix protein involved in cell adhesion or intercellular interactions. Deletion analysis has been conducted on 31 SMS patients by polymerase chain reaction and Southern analysis of somatic cell hybrids retaining the del(17)(p11.2) chromosome or by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The MFAP4 locus is deleted in 30 of 31 SMS patients. Thus, the function of this gene must be considered in the pathogenesis of SMS. Given our previous hypothesis that SMS is a contiguous gene syndrome, complete and exhaustive definition of the critical deletion interval and a thorough phenotype-genotype correlation is required to demonstrate the role and importance of the MFAP4 gene in SMS.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1995

Eigenanalysis of DAPI-stained chromosomes: tools and strategies toward computer-assisted analysis of FISH experiments.

The fluorescent dye 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) is widely used as a chromosome counterstain in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies. It produces a Q-banding pattern that allows for both chromosome identification and the assignment of molecular probes to specific chromosome bands. Using a statistical procedure based on eigenanalysis, we have extracted features from digital images of DAPI-stained chromosomes and constructed prototypes of each of the 24 human chromosomes. The features of these prototypes are directly proportional, in intensity profile and band location, to those of real chromosomes. The prototype's intensity profile can be translated into cytogenetic bands to provide a computer-based strategy for chromosome mapping and analysis amenable to automation. Data presented here were obtained using images from the 24 human chromosomes and mouse X chromosome. Moreover, the same procedure is general and can be used for the analysis of chromosomes from other species, as well as with banding techniques other than those using DAPI.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Three members of the human cystatin gene superfamily, AHSG, HRG, and KNG, map within one megabase of genomic DNA at 3q27.

While constructing a contig in the human chromosome region 3q27, we identified two YAC clones that were positive for the polymorphic marker D3S1602. One of these clones was also positive for a sequence-tagged site derived from the kininogen (KNG) gene. Because of the known evolutionary and structural relationship of KNG to other members of the cystatin gene superfamily, we tested the physical linkage of the genes encoding alpha-2HS-glycoprotein (AHSG), KNG, and histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), all of which were previously mapped to the long arm of chromosome 3. Our results show the colocalization of the three genes in two independent, partially overlapping YAC clones. The genomic inserts of the two clones were 1 Mb and 1.3 Mb in size, indicating that the three genes map within 1 Mb of DNA. The largest YAC was also positive for the polymorphic marker D3S1262, substantiating previously reported data of genetic linkage between this marker and HRG. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the two YAC clones to chromosome band 3q27.

Blood Proteins↗
PubMed1995

Mapping segmental imbalances using comparative genomic hybridization and eigenanalysis.

We have tested a new approach to comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis using digital ratio images and eigenanalysis, which allows the recognition of consistent patterns along the chromosomes and discards random (background noise) patterns. We have performed test experiments using genomic DNAs from a patient with a duplication, another with a deletion of a chromosome segment, and a prostate cancer biopsy. Image ratio analysis was performed, and ratio images of the relevant chromosome were subjected to eigenanalysis. The results showed a high-contrast enhancement of the regions corresponding to the unbalanced genomic segment, with clearly defined limits between normal and abnormal fluorescence ratios. The combination of digital ratio images and eigenanalysis allowed the precise mapping of unbalanced regions consistent with other methods of analysis. Because there is no limit to the number of chromosomes that can be analyzed at any one time, the method has the potential of increasing the sensitivity of CGH by reducing the noise component.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1995

Haploinsufficiency of cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase in the Smith-Magenis syndrome.

Folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism is critical for the synthesis of numerous cellular constituents required for cell growth, and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is central to this process. Our studies reveal that the gene for cytosolic SHMT (cSHMT) maps to the critical interval for Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) on chromosome 17p11.2. The basic organization of the cSHMT locus on chromosome 17 was determined and was found to be deleted in all 26 SMS patients examined by PCR, FISH, and/or Southern analysis. Furthermore, with respect to haploinsufficiency, cSHMT enzyme activity in patient lymphoblasts was determined to be approximately 50% that of unaffected parent lymphoblasts. Serine, glycine, and folate levels were also assessed in three SMS patients and were found to be within normal ranges. The possible effects of cSHMT hemizygosity on the SMS phenotype are discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1994

Isolation and chromosomal mapping of genomic clones encoding the human fatty acid synthase gene.

We have isolated and sequenced 0.5- and 3.6-kb cDNA clones that cover the N-terminal and carboxy-terminal regions, respectively, of the human fatty acid synthase. To localize the fatty acid synthase gene and to define its genomic structure, we have also isolated overlapping genomic clones by screening two human YAC libraries with PCR primers derived from the fatty acid synthase cDNA sequences. The DNA inserts in these human fatty acid synthase YACs hybridized with human synthase-specific cDNA probes. Using biotin-labeled Alu-PCR products of the human synthase YACs as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization, we mapped the fatty acid synthase gene to chromosome 17q25. We also screened a chromosome 17-specific cosmid library with human synthase cDNA probes and isolated 12 cosmids, all of which had EcoRI fragments in common. DNA sequencing of an amplified PCR product from the fatty acid synthase cosmids confirmed that these genomic clones contained expressed fatty acid synthase sequences. Furthermore, the results of Southern analyses suggested that a single 40-kb cosmid clone encompasses the entire coding region of the fatty acid synthase gene. The synthase gene is located on chromosome 17 near the q25 band, which is close to the telomere and could serve as an important marker in analysis of this chromosome.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Dimeric structure of a human apolipoprotein B mRNA editing protein and cloning and chromosomal localization of its gene.

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA editing consists of a posttranscriptional C-->U conversion involving the first base of the codon CAA encoding glutamine-2153 to UAA, a stop codon, in apoB mRNA. Using a cloned rat cDNA as a probe, we cloned the cDNA and genomic sequences of the gene for a human apoB mRNA editing protein. Expression of the cDNA in HepG2 cells results in editing of the intracellular apoB mRNA. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, we localized the gene for the editing protein to chromosome band 12p13.1-p13.2. By Northern blot analysis, it was shown that the human editing protein mRNA is expressed exclusively in the small intestine. The cDNA sequence predicts a translation product of 236-aa residues. By attaching an epitope tag sequence to the C terminus of the editing protein, we examined the polymerization state of the editing protein synthesized in vitro. We found that the editing protein undergoes spontaneous polymerization. The migration of the human apoB mRNA editing protein on an HPLC column and the stoichiometry of polymeric epitope-tagged to untagged protein indicate that the protein exists as a dimer. Dimerization does not require glycosylation of a consensus N-linked glycosylation sequence present in the protein and is not mediated by disulfide bridge formation. The human apoB mRNA editing protein is a cytidine deaminase showing structural homology to some known mammalian and bacteriophage deoxycytidylate deaminases. The latter enzymes exist as homopolymers. The fact that the apoB mRNA editing protein also exists as a homodimer has important implications for the mechanism of apoB mRNA editing in humans.

APOBEC-1 Deaminase↗
PubMed1994

The human tissue transglutaminase gene maps on chromosome 20q12 by in situ fluorescence hybridization.

A cDNA encoding for the human tissue transglutaminase gene has been used to identify the chromosomal localization of the corresponding structural gene. The precise chromosomal and subregional localizations have been established by using in situ fluorescence mapping with a recombinant lambda-Zap phage containing the full cDNA coding sequence. The study showed that the human tissue transglutaminase gene is localized on chromosome 20 and, more precisely, within the band 20q12. To date, this is the third member of the transglutaminase gene family to be mapped. Human factor XIIIa (plasma transglutaminase), human keratinocyte transglutaminase (type I), and human tissue transglutaminase (type II) genes, although codifying for homologous enzymes, are localized on three different chromosomes.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 20↗
PubMed1994

Human very-low-density lipoprotein receptor complementary DNA and deduced amino acid sequence and localization of its gene (VLDLR) to chromosome band 9p24 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

A complementary DNA for the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) that codes for a protein of 873 amino acids was cloned from a human heart cDNA library. The mature protein of 846 amino acids, preceded by a 27-residue signal peptide, shares 97% amino acid sequence identity with the rabbit VLDLR. Like the low-density lipoprotein receptor, the VLDLR contains five different domains, all of which are highly conserved between human and rabbit. A tetrapeptide NPVY that potentially serves as a signal for clustering of the VLDLR on coated pits is present in the cytoplasmic domain, which is 100% conserved between human and rabbit. We localized the VLDLR gene to chromosome 9p24 by fluorescence in situ hybridization using the cloned cDNA as hybridization probe. The high amino acid sequence homology of the VLDLR between two mammalian species suggests that the receptor plays a fundamental role in lipoprotein metabolism and that energy metabolism mediated by triglyceride utilization may be an evolutionarily highly conserved mechanism.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Human genes encoding the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) of the outer mitochondrial membrane: mapping and identification of two new isoforms.

The voltage-dependent anion channel of the mitochondrial outer membrane (VDAC) is a small, abundant pore-forming protein found in the outer membranes of all eukaryotic mitochondria. The VDAC protein is believed to form the major pathway for movement of adenine nucleotides through the outer membrane and to be the mitochondrial binding site for hexokinase and glycerol kinase. Previous studies have indicated that at least two human VDAC isoforms are expressed. Here, we report the mapping of VDAC1 to the X chromosome in the interval Xq13-q21 and VDAC2 to chromosome 21 by polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis of a human/rodent somatic cell mapping panel. In the process of mapping these genes, we identified and mapped two additional sequences highly homologous to VDAC1. VDAC3 maps to chromosome 12 and VDAC4 maps to chromosome 1. The locations of VDAC1 and VDAC4 have been confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Future studies will be aimed at defining the specific physiological role of each member of this family of channel proteins.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome: clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization.

The microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome (MIM 309801) is a severe developmental disorder observed in XX individuals with distal Xp segmental monosomy. The phenotype of this syndrome overlaps with that of both Aicardi (MIM 304050) and Goltz (MIM 305600) syndromes, two X-linked dominant, male-lethal disorders. Here we report the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization of 3 patients with this syndrome. Two of these patients are females with a terminal Xpter-p22.2 deletion. One of these 2 patients had an aborted fetus with anencephaly and the same chromosome abnormality. The third patient is an XX male with Xp/Yp exchange spanning the SRY gene which results in distal Xp monosomy. The extensive clinical variability observed in these patients and the results of the molecular analysis suggest that X-inactivation plays an important role in determining the phenotype of the MLS syndrome. We propose that the MLS, Aicardi, and Goltz syndromes are due to the involvement of the same gene(s), and that different patterns of X-inactivation are responsible for the phenotypic differences observed in these 3 disorders. However, we cannot rule out that each component of the MLS phenotype is caused by deletion of a different gene (a contiguous gene syndrome).

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1994

Subchromosomal band interval mapping and ordering of DNA markers in the region 3q26.3-q27 involved in the dup(3q) syndrome.

The duplication 3q syndrome is characterized by the partial trisomy of a segment of the long arm of chromosome 3. This segment, although variable in size, includes 3q26.3-q27 as the minimal region of overlap. We have previously used patient chromosome breakpoints to select cosmids within this region. In this report, we have used two- and three-color fluorescence in situ hybridization on metaphase and interphase chromosomes to perform high-resolution cytological mapping of the six cosmids identified. The results allowed us to determine the centromere-telomere orientation, the order, and the relative distances of the markers used. Because some of the markers used are part of the consensus chromosome 3 map, our data can be easily integrated with existing mapping information about this chromosome. Our data provide a framework for further physical mapping studies of this region.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1994

Cloning and comparative mapping of recently evolved human chromosome 22-specific alpha satellite DNA.

We have isolated and characterized a new alphoid probe, named p190.22. Its chromosomal location was investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Under high stringency conditions p190.22 recognizes specifically the centromere of chromosome 22. A chromosome 22-specific alphoid subset has been previously reported in the literature (p22/1:2.1). The partial sequence and the genomic organization comparison strongly suggests that they recognize distinct subsets both specific for chromosome 22. The comparative mapping of probes p190.22 and p22/1:2.1 on chimpanzee (PTR and PPA) and gorilla (GGO) chromosomes was investigated. The two probes showed different hybridization results. p190.22, in particular, did not show any hybridization signal in these three species, suggesting a recent evolution.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Localization of acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase gene to human chromosome 1q25.

Acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is an intracellular enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cholesterol esters from cholesterol and long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A. It is believed that ACAT plays a key role in lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis. Recently our laboratory succeeded in molecular cloning and functional expression of human macrophage ACAT cDNA. We have now mapped the ACAT gene to chromosome 1, band q25 by using fluorescence in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes, and by Southern blotting analysis of human--hamster somatic cell hybrid panels.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A new method for identification of Trichomonas vaginalis by fluorescent DNA in situ hybridization.

The protozoan flagellate Trichomonas vaginalis is responsible for human trichomoniasis, one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Several methods are currently used for laboratory diagnosis, including direct microscopic observation, cell culture, immunological techniques, and more recently, DNA probing and gene amplification. This report describes an in situ hybridization technique with specific DNA probes labeled with either biotin, rhodamine, or fluorescein for detection of T. vaginalis with fluorescence microscopy. Repetitive DNA sequences were evident in the nuclei of the protozoa as intensively fluorescent regions, giving a spotted pattern. No cross-reactivity between the probes and the DNAs of mammalian cells, yeasts, or bacteria was noted. This technique is potentially useful for the diagnosis of human trichomoniasis in clinical samples.

Animals↗