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A F Markham

Publications and source records attributed to A F Markham.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Direct haplotype determination by double ARMS: specificity, sensitivity and genetic applications.

We have developed a novel double Amplification Refractory Mutation System (double ARMS) using a highly polymorphic region 5' to the human delta-globin gene as a model system. The double ARMS approach involves using two allele-specific ARMS primers simultaneously during DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The resulting system is highly sensitive and more specific than single ARMS. In addition, this approach enables the elucidation of the relationship of polymorphic sites on the same chromosome and thus allows the direct determination of haplotypes. We have also demonstrated that this system can be used in conjunction with inverse PCR, the resulting double ARMS inverse PCR (DARMSI-PCR) may allow haplotype determination on polymorphic sites which are separated further apart than the length limit imposed by PCR. The double ARMS approach has numerous other applications in molecular biology including HLA typing, virology, forensic pathology and the investigation of the phenomenon of chimerism following bone marrow transplantation.

Alleles↗

Structure of the human aldose reductase gene.

The structure and sequence of the human gene for aldose reductase (AR) was determined by analysis of cDNA and genomic clones. The AR gene was independently isolated from two different cosmid libraries and the clones were characterized by restriction mapping, Southern blotting, and DNA sequencing. The gene extends over approximately 18 kilobases and consists of 10 exons giving rise to a 1,384 nucleotide mRNA (excluding the poly(A) tail). The human aldose reductase gene codes for a 316-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 35,858 daltons. The size range for the exons is 82-168 base pairs (bp), whereas that for the introns is 325 to about 7,160 bp. A major site of transcription initiation in liver was mapped to an A residue 31 nucleotides upstream from the A of the ATG initiation codon. The promotor region of the gene contains a TATA (TATTTA) box and a CCAAT box which are located 37 and 104 nucleotides upstream, respectively, from the transcription initiation site. We have found four Alu elements in the AR gene; two are found in intron 1 and one each in intron 4 and intron 9.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

The human aldose reductase gene maps to chromosome region 7q35.

The human aldose reductase (AR) gene has been mapped to chromosome 7 using the polymerase chain reaction to specifically amplify the human AR sequence in hamster/human hybrid DNA and also in mouse/human monochromosome hybrids. The assignment to chromosome 7 was confirmed by in situ hybridisation to human metaphase chromosomes using a novel, rapid hybridisation, method giving a regional localisation at 7q35.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

A yeast artificial chromosome contig encompassing the cystic fibrosis locus.

The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF) has recently been identified. Coding sequence for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) spans at least 230 kb of the human genome. Although all 27 exons of the gene are represented in cosmid or bacteriophage clones, there are still several gaps in the physical map of this region. It should be possible to complete the map and to clone the entire CFTR gene in a single fragment of DNA using a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) vector. Herein we describe the construction and physical mapping of a 1.5-Mb YAC contig which encompasses D7S8 (J3.11) and D7S23 (KM19), two genetic loci flanking the CF locus. One of the clones in the contig, 37AB12, contains a 310-kb YAC which includes the entire CFTR gene and flanking sequence in both the 5' and 3' directions.

Base Sequence↗

Genetic analysis in cystic fibrosis using the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS): the J3.11 MspI polymorphism.

A new method of genetic analysis has been devised. The method, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), has been used to genotype the J3.11 MspI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) closely linked to cystic fibrosis (CF). The DNA sequence for both alleles of this dimorphism has been used to design ARMS primers. These allow genotyping of DNA isolated from blood, Guthrie cards, and buccal cells.

Alleles↗

A plasmid cassette system that allows optimization of primers for use in the amplification refractory mutation system.

A plasmid "cassette" system is presented that allows the development of amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) primers. Primer development may be accomplished even in the absence of appropriate clinical material from patients demonstrating mutated alleles. The use of such cassettes is demonstrated here in the assessment of primers prepared for ARMS analysis of the gene coding for the normal and Z variant alleles of the human serine protease inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin.

Adult↗

Isolation of cDNA clones using yeast artificial chromosome probes.

The cloning of large DNA fragments of hundreds of kilobases in Yeast artificial chromosomes, has simplified the analysis of regions of the genome previously cloned by cosmid walking. The mapping of expressed sequences within cosmid contigs has relied on the association of genes with sequence motifs defined by rare-cutting endonucleases, and the identification of sequence conservation between species. We reasoned that if the contribution of repetitive sequences to filter hybridizations could be minimised, then the use of large cloned DNAs as hybridisation probes to screen cDNA libraries would greatly simplify the characterisation of hitherto unidentified genes. In this paper we demonstrate the use of this approach by using a YAC, containing 180 kb of human genomic DNA including the aldose reductase gene, as a probe to isolate an aldose reductase cDNA from a lambda gt11 human foetal liver cDNA library.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

A novel, rapid method for the isolation of terminal sequences from yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones.

The recent development of yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) vectors has provided a system for cloning fragments that are over ten times larger than those that can be cloned in more established systems. We have developed a method for the rapid isolation of terminal sequences from YAC clones. The YAC clone is digested with a range of restriction enzymes, a common linker is ligated to the DNA fragments and terminal sequences are amplified using a vector specific primer and a linker specific primer. Sequence data derived from these terminal specific products can be used to design primers for a further round of screening to isolate overlapping clones. The method also provides a convenient method of generating Sequence Tagged Sites for the mapping of complex genomes.

Base Sequence↗

A 3.5 genome equivalent multi access YAC library: construction, characterisation, screening and storage.

The construction of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) primary gridded library of 35,000 clones from human lymphoblastoid (48,XXXX) cell line DNA is described. The average YAC size is approximately 350kb representing a greater than 3.5 times coverage of the genome. The library is stored at -70 degrees C as gridded clones on nylon filters impregnated with 20% glycerol and as glycerol suspensions of individual clones in microtitre plates providing a prolonged multi-user potential. To date we have used 14 single copy probes to screen this library by colony hybridisation as well as PCR and have isolated between 1 and 5 YAC clones for every probe.

Cell Line↗

Molecular characterisation of two alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency variants: proteinase inhibitor (Pi) Null(Newport) (Gly115----Ser) and (Pi) Z Wrexham (Ser-19----Leu).

Two single point mutations in the alpha-1-antitrypsin gene, resulting in AAT deficiency, have been characterised in heterozygotes by DNA amplification and direct sequencing. The mutations result in amino acid substitutions, Gly115----Ser and Ser-19----Leu, in the leader sequence, respectively, and have been designated Pi Null(Newport) and Pi Z Wrexham. In the two families studied the mutations occur on chromosomes which also carry the common mutation causing Z deficiency. Individuals with such a deficiency are, therefore, compound heterozygotes. It is not known if these particular mutations would only cause a mild form of AAT deficiency in the absence of the Z mutation as they do not appear to cause predictable folding abnormalities. They do, however, result in severe deficiency when the Z mutation occurs in the same gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

DNA sequence analysis of the KM19 locus linked to cystic fibrosis. Design of new oligonucleotides to remove non-specific PCR products.

The PstI polymorphism detected by probe KM19 is a highly informative marker in linkage disequilibrium with the cystic fibrosis locus and has been used extensively for prenatal diagnosis. The currently available primers used for polymerase chain reaction- (PCR-) based analysis of this locus have been shown to produce spurious amplification products. In this report, we describe the sequence of the KM19 locus and the major contaminating PCR product. We have used this information to design a more specific amplification procedure for analysis of the KM19 locus.

Base Sequence↗

Characterisation of the alpha-1-antitrypsin M3 gene, a normal variant.

By sequence analysis of the complete protein-coding region of the human alpha-1-antitrypsin gene using polymerase chain reaction techniques, we have characterised one of the normal variants, M3. We have identified a single point mutation between M1 Val213 and M3 at codon position 376 which is a GAA(Glu) to GAC(Asp) transversion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of any point mutation in DNA. The amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS).

We have improved the "polymerase chain reaction" (PCR) to permit rapid analysis of any known mutation in genomic DNA. We demonstrate a system, ARMS (Amplification Refractory Mutation System), that allows genotyping solely by inspection of reaction mixtures after agarose gel electrophoresis. The system is simple, reliable and non-isotopic. It will clearly distinguish heterozygotes at a locus from homozygotes for either allele. The system requires neither restriction enzyme digestion, allele-specific oligonucleotides as conventionally applied, nor the sequence analysis of PCR products. The basis of the invention is that unexpectedly, oligonucleotides with a mismatched 3'-residue will not function as primers in the PCR under appropriate conditions. We have analysed DNA from patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, from carriers of the disease and from normal individuals. Our findings are in complete agreement with allele assignments derived by direct sequencing of PCR products.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular characterisation of three alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency variants: proteinase inhibitor (Pi) nullcardiff (Asp256----Val); PiMmalton (Phe51----deletion) and PiI (Arg39----Cys).

Three mutations causing alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency have been identified by gene amplification and direct DNA sequencing. In the Pi (proteinase-inhibitor) nullcardiff gene, the codon for aspartate at position 256 has mutated to encode valine. In PiMmalton and Pi I, the respective mutations are the deletion of the codon for a phenylalanine residue at position 51 or 52, and a single base substitution resulting in arginine being replaced by cysteine at position 39. Examination of the protein tertiary structure suggests that all of these mutations are likely to result in folding abnormalities that may explain the deficiency states.

Amino Acid Sequence↗