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A Poustka

Publications and source records attributed to A Poustka.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Highly conserved 3' UTR and expression pattern of FXR1 points to a divergent gene regulation of FXR1 and FMR1.

A search for genes with sequence homologies to the FMR1 gene resulted in the isolation of mouse and human homologues of the recently described FXR1 gene. The mouse FXR1 gene shares amino acid identity and similarity of 99.1% and 99.6%, respectively, with the human FXR1 gene and amino acid identify and similarity of 67.3% and 79.5% respectively, with the mouse FMR1 gene. The 3' untranslated region of the FXR1 gene is extremely conserved between human and mouse. The gene structure of FXR1 is very similar to that of FMR1 and both genes probably originate from a common ancestral gene. In contrast to the previously published localization, we mapped the transcribed gene to chromosome region 3q28. An intronless form of the FXR1 gene, either processed functional homologue or pseudogene was localized to 12q12. Northern blot analysis of the human FXR1 gene revealed an expression pattern of a housekeeping gene with stronger expression in muscle. RNA in situ hybridization to sections of mouse embryo and adult tissues has shown that during embryonic development the mouse FXR1 mRNA is expressed in different tissues, most prominent in skeletal muscle, the gonads and distinct regions of the central nervous system, and that the expression is restricted to proliferating cells. While FMR1 is highly expressed in proliferating spermatogonia, FXR1 is highly expressed in postmeiotic spermatids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression patterns of two human genes coding for different rab GDP-dissociation inhibitors (GDIs), extremely conserved proteins involved in cellular transport.

We have analysed the expression patterns of two human genes coding for two different rab GDIs, rab GDI alpha/XAP-4 and rab GDI beta, proteins involved in the regulation of vesicle-mediated cellular transport. The gene sequences are extremely conserved in evolution, with substantial homology preserved across three eukaryotic kingdoms. Although the sequence homology between the two human rab GDIs studied is very high, their expression patterns are completely different. The Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization to sections of mouse embryos and postnatal tissues have revealed that the rab GDI alpha/XAP-4 is expressed predominantly in neural and sensory tissues and may thus serve a specific function in neural signal transmission. In contrast to rab GDI alpha/XAP-4, the human rab GDI beta is expressed ubiquitously.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Male with typical fragile X phenotype is deleted for part of the FMR1 gene and for about 100 kb of upstream region.

We report on a patient with moderate mental retardation and a typical fragile X phenotype, with no family history and no fragile X site on cytogenetic analysis. The patient was found to have a deletion encompassing part of the FMR1 gene and a 70-100 kb region upstream of the FMR1 promotor region. This deletion is smaller than those previously reported and confirms that FMR1 is the major and probably the only gene implicated in the phenotype of the fragile X syndrome.

Adult↗

Genomic organization of the adrenoleukodystrophy gene.

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), the most frequent peroxisomal disorder, is a severe neurodegenerative disease associated with an impairment of very long chain fatty acids beta-oxidation. We have recently identified by positional cloning the gene responsible for ALD, located in Xq28. It encodes a new member of the "ABC" superfamily of membrane-associated transporters that shows, in particular, significant homology to the 70-kDa peroxisomal membrane protein (PMP70). We report here a detailed characterization of the ALD gene structure. It extends over 21 kb and consists of 10 exons. To facilitate the detection of mutations in ALD patients, we have determined the intronic sequences flanking the exons as well as the sequence of the 3' untranslated region and of the immediate 5' promoter region. Sequences present in distal exons cross-hybridize strongly to additional sequences in the human genome. The ALD gene has been positioned on a pulsed-field map between DXS15 and the L1CAM gene, about 650 kb upstream from the color pigment genes. The frequent occurrence of color vision anomalies observed in patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (the adult onset form of ALD) thus does not represent a contiguous gene syndrome but a secondary manifestation of ALD.

Adrenoleukodystrophy↗

A 2.3-Mb yeast artificial chromosome contig spanning from Gabra3 to G6pd on the mouse X chromosome.

A yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig of approximately 2.3 Mb has been constructed for the region of the mouse X chromosome between Gabra3 and G6pd. YACs were isolated from four genomic libraries by PCR or hybridization screening for the loci Gabra3, DXHX1104, F8a, DXHX52, DXBay2, L1cam, and Rsvp. Orientation of YACs was performed by isolation of ends using several PCR-based methods, including an adaptation for mouse YAC analysis of interspersed repetitive sequence (IRS)-vector PCR. YAC ends were mapped on a panel of somatic cell hybrids, in an interspecific backcross, using pulsed-field gel (PFG) electrophoresis or by hybridization to other YACs in the contig. Overlapping YACs were further aligned by restriction mapping using rare-cutter restriction endonucleases, as well as by comparison of IRS-PCR fingerprints. This contig represents the largest one assembled to date in the mouse. It should facilitate the isolation of genes in the region and may aid in the completion of a physical contig for the homologous human region, Xq28.

Animals↗

Integration of human papillomavirus type 6a DNA in a tonsillar carcinoma: chromosomal localization and nucleotide sequence of the genomic target region.

Human papillomavirus type 6a (HPV 6a) DNA was detected in a tonsillar carcinoma both as integrated and episomal molecules, and one viral-cellular junction was molecularly cloned (Bercovich et al., J. Gen Virol., 72: 2569-2572, 1991). The cellular sequence was used as a probe for the isolation of a cosmid from a normal human genomic DNA library. A 2.7-kilobase subclone including the integration site was sequenced. It was shown to contain sequences with similarities to the E2 and L2 regions of human papillomaviruses, a 5' truncated long interspersed repeated DNA element type 1 retrotransposon, and a fragment of an O-repeat element. The chromosomal localization of the integration site was determined to be at region 24 of the long arm of chromosome 10 (10q24). This is the region where the fragile site is located in which HPV 18 DNA is integrated in the cell line FEP18-5. In addition it contains the site of breakpoints affecting protooncogenes Hox11 and Lyt10. Other genes related to cell division and DNA repair have also been mapped to this chromosomal band. Analysis of genomic DNA of cell lines and patients using 10q24-derived probes is presented. The integration of human papillomavirus type 6 DNA into chromosome 10q24 may have disrupted a cellular gene critical for normal cell growth, which further analysis should help to identify.

Base Sequence↗

Identification of tissue-specific expressed sequences in human band Xq28 with complex pig cDNA probes.

As a part of the functional analysis of the region from the position of the fragile X mutation to the telomere of the long arm of the human X Chromosome (Chr), we have developed a number of different approaches to identify genes located in this area. We describe here a procedure allowing the rapid identification of expressed sequences based on the hybridization of radioactively labeled complex cDNA probes derived from different pig and human tissues to cosmid clones gridded onto nylon filters and to restriction fragments of these clones. This technique has allowed the identification of a number of differentially expressed sequences in cosmid clones covering most of the Xq27.3 to Xqter region. Using these sequences as hybridization probes, cDNA clones for new genes expressed in a tissue-specific manner were isolated. Applied to genomic regions defined by overlapping cosmid clones, this method will serve as a major component in our strategy to establish integrated physical and transcription maps.

Animals↗

Evolutionary conservation and genomic organization of XAP-4, an Xq28 located gene coding for a human rab GDP-dissociation inhibitor (GDI).

After the development of efficient methods for the construction of transcription maps of defined genomic regions, the rate-limiting step in the analysis of the coding potentials of these regions is the elucidation of function of the novel genes and the examination of their possible involvement in hereditary diseases localized to the region. This can be greatly facilitated by the detection of sequence homology to a gene of known function. XAP-4 is one of the genes identified in the G6PD region of the human Xq28 by direct cDNA selection. The rapid assembly of this gene and the determination of its function was possible because of its sequence homology with the bovine smg p25A/rab3A GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI). Sequence comparison with other GDIs in the databases has revealed that XAP-4 belongs to one of at least two distinct classes of mammalian rab GDIs. The rab GDIs, which play an important role in the regulation of cellular transport, are highly evolutionarily conserved, as are several other genes identified in the neighborhood of XAP-4. This genomic region is very gene dense, and all the cDNA clones from the approximately 2.5-kb-long transcript of XAP-4 map to a single 7.5-kb genomic EcoRI fragment. The genomic organization of XAP-4 has been examined to determine the distribution of the exonic sequences within this short segment of genomic DNA. It was found that, similar to several other genes from the region, XAP-4 is split into exons of average size, which are interrupted by very short introns.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

MASA syndrome is due to mutations in the neural cell adhesion gene L1CAM.

MASA syndrome is a recessive X-linked disorder characterized by mental retardation, adducted thumbs, shuffling gait, aphasia and, in some cases, hydrocephalus. Since it has been shown that X-linked hydrocephalus can be caused by mutations in L1CAM, a neuronal cell adhesion molecule, we performed an L1CAM mutation analysis in eight unrelated patients with MASA syndrome. Three different L1CAM mutations were identified: a deletion removing part of the open reading frame and two point mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions. L1CAM, therefore, harbours mutations leading to either MASA syndrome or HSAS, and might be frequently implicated in X-linked mental retardation with or without hydrocephalus.

Aphasia↗

Highly homologous loci on the X and Y chromosomes are hot-spots for ectopic recombinations leading to XX maleness.

In 80% of XX males, maleness is due to the presence of Y-specific DNA including the SRY gene and results from an abnormal terminal X-Y interchange during paternal meiosis. Here we address the molecular basis of this ectopic recombination through the analysis of the X-Y junction in two class 3 XX males. We show that each of the rearrangements has involved X-Y highly homologous loci on the sex-specific part of these chromosomes (98.7% and 96% sequence identity over 1.2 and 1.1 kb respectively). Moreover in five out of six other XX males, the X-Y junctions are located in the same rearranged restriction fragment as in either of these patients. These fragments thus define two hot-spots of ectopic recombination which together could account for about one third of XX males. Evolution of these loci in primates is discussed.

Animals↗

Rapid identification of gene sequences for transcriptional map assembly by direct cDNA screening of genomic reference libraries.

We have used the direct cDNA screening protocol to identify sequences transcribed in cerebral cortex from a reference library of human Xq28. To derive coding sequences from these genomic clones, we first identified fragments containing transcribed sequences and subjected these to exon trapping or to partial sequencing and analysis by Grail. In a preliminary analysis of three clones, coding sequences from two novel genes expressed in brain were identified. This method allows the rapid identification of coding sequences of genes expressed in specific tissues without recourse to cDNA libraries. The approach is amenable to large scale applications and should be useful for isolating candidate disease genes and in particular for assembling integrated transcriptional maps from large genomic regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

X linked myotubular myopathy (MTM1) maps between DXS304 and DXS305, closely linked to the DXS455 VNTR and a new, highly informative microsatellite marker (DXS1684).

The locus for X linked recessive myotubular myopathy (MTM1) has previously been mapped to Xq28 by linkage analysis. We report two new families that show recombination between MTM1 and either DXS304 or DXS52. These families and a third previously described recombinant family were analysed with two highly polymorphic markers in the DXS304-DXS52 interval, the DXS455 VNTR and a newly characterised microsatellite, DXS1684 (82% heterozygosity). These markers did not recombine with MTM1 in the three families. Together with the recent mapping of an interstitial X chromosome deletion in a female patient with moderate signs of myotubular myopathy, our data suggest the following order of loci in Xq28: cen-DXS304-(DXS455, MTM1)-DXS1684-DXS305-DXS52-tel. This considerably refined localisation of the MTM1 locus should facilitate positional cloning of the gene. The availability of highly polymorphic and very closely linked markers will markedly improve carrier and prenatal diagnosis of MTM1.

Base Sequence↗

Transcriptional organization of a 450-kb region of the human X chromosome in Xq28.

In this paper, we report the transcriptional organization of a 450-kb gene cluster in Xq28, flanked by the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the color vision genes. CpG islands previously identified and mapped to distal Xq28 have helped in construction of a continuous contig of cosmids and in identification of cDNAs corresponding to eight transcripts. Thirteen to 16 small genes with CpG islands are clustered in a region of 250-300 kb. Many are highly expressed in muscle or brain and may be the genes responsible for muscle or neurological disorders mapped to distal Xq28. Our analysis indicates that, in this region of the genome, genes not related in sequence are organized in transcriptional domains of 100 kb and that this organization may be important for establishing and regulating gene expression in relation to tissue distribution and X chromosome inactivation.

Base Sequence↗

Direct selection of DNA sequences conserved between species.

An essential requirement in the analysis of genomes is the identification of functionally important sequence elements, which are often evolutionarily conserved. We describe here the development of a novel procedure for the selective isolation of conserved sequences which is based on hybridization of PCR-amplifiable DNA fragments from the whole genome of one species to biotinylated DNA from a genomic region of another species. The interspecies DNA hybrids are immobilized and the PCR-amplifiable DNA fragments are eluted, amplified and after further hybridization-amplification rounds cloned. This method was used for the generation of sublibraries of conserved sequences from mouse and pig DNA from regions corresponding to cosmids from the human Xq28 region. Mouse and pig homologs of sequences containing exons of known human genes, as well as exons from novel genes have been identified.

Animals↗

Isolation of NotI sites from chromosome 22q11.

Chromosome 22q11 contains a large number of interesting loci, including genes associated with cancer and developmental defects. The region is also the site of the lambda immunoglobulin variable and constant regions and the BCR, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and GGT-like activity multigene families. Because of the complexities associated with mapping highly related gene families, we have examined the utility of mapping large areas of DNA using a defined approach. A total of 21 complete NotI sites from band q11 were cloned and ordered into six noncontiguous clusters of sites using a combination of somatic cell hybrid panels, NotI jumping and linking libraries, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The largest cluster spanned an estimated 2 Mb of NotI fragments, the smallest 115 kb. Approximately 3.5 Mb of band q11 could be examined for rearrangements in NotI restriction enzyme fragments. A number of conserved sequences, two genes, and a minimum of two families of related sequences were identified adjacent to NotI sites.

Animals↗