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Biomedical subjects

A S Olsen

Publications and source records attributed to A S Olsen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

High-resolution genetic and physical mapping of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and pseudoachondroplasia mutations at chromosome 19p13.1-p12.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) and pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) are autosomal dominant chondrodysplasias that have similar phenotypes at both clinical and cytological levels. With the recent mapping of PSACH and one form of MED (EDM1) to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 19, it is likely that the disease mutations are allelic. D19S212 and D19S215, genetic markers flanking the EDM1/PSACH locus, have been localized in a chromosome 19 physical map consisting of cosmid contigs ordered by high-resolution FISH. These two markers define an interval of approximately 3.1 Mb at the 19p13.1-p12 boundary. With as many as five informative crossovers within the D19S212-D19S215 interval in one family with EDM1 and one family with a mild form of PSACH, recombination mapping at greater resolution was undertaken. From cosmid contigs physically mapped within the D19S212-D19S215 interval, four new dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms have been identified. Analysis of recombinant haplotypes in the two families has narrowed the possible location of the EDM1/PSACH gene to an interval of approximately 600 kb.

Base Sequence↗

Interstitial duplication 19p.

We report on a 9-month-old girl with an interstitial duplication of 19p, developmental delay, and multiple anomalies including bifrontal prominence, obtuse frontonasal angle, short columella, additional midline philtral pillar, midline ridge on the tongue, vertical midline ridge at the mental symphysis, and a complex congenital heart defect including severe branch pulmonary artery stenosis, secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), and several ventricular septal defects (VSDs). Use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome 19-specific probes showed a direct duplication of bands 19p13.13 and 19p13.2.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Physical maps of human alpha (1,3)fucosyltransferase genes FUT3-FUT6 on chromosomes 19p13.3 and 11q21.

Sialyl Lewis x and related fucosylated glycans are differentially expressed in human cells and form ligands for selectin adhesion receptors. alpha(1,3)Fucosyltransferases (FUTs) that complete their biosynthesis also show tissue specificity. We have established physical maps of the FUT3-6 loci to study regulation of this gene family. FUT4 has previously been localized to chromosome 11q21; FUT3, FUT6, and now FUT5 are localized to chromosome 19p13.3. Conventional and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis mapping of total genomic DNA and large genomic clones were used to generate a fine map of both loci, defining the order, orientation, and distances between FUTs. A P1 clone with all three 19p FUT genes in tandem orientation was isolated and used to study regions flanking FUT3, -5, and -6. Our studies provide preliminary information to study regulation of human FUT genes.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia due to mutations in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein gene.

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) are dominantly inherited chondrodysplasias characterized by short stature and early-onset osteoarthrosis. The disease genes in families with PSACH and MED have been localized to an 800 kilobase interval on the short arm of chromosome 19. Recently the gene for cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was localized to chromosome 19p13.1. In three patients with these diseases, we identified COMP mutations in a region of the gene that encodes a Ca++ binding motif. Our data demonstrate that PSACH and some forms of MED are allelic and suggest an essential role for Ca++ binding in COMP structure and function.

Achondroplasia↗

An integrated metric physical map of human chromosome 19.

A metric physical map of human chromosome 19 has been generated. The foundation of the map is sets of overlapping cosmids (contigs) generated by automated fingerprinting spanning over 95% of the euchromatin, about 50 megabases (Mb). Distances between selected cosmid clones were estimated using fluorescence in situ hybridization in sperm pronuclei, providing both order and distance between contigs. An average inter-marker separation of 230 kb has been obtained across the non-centromeric portion of the chromosome. Various types of larger insert clones were used to span gaps between contigs. Currently, the map consists of 51 'islands' containing multiple clone types, whose size, order and relative distance are known. Over 450 genes, genetic markers, sequence tagged sites (STSs), anonymous cDNAs, and other markers have been localized. In addition, EcoRI restriction maps have been generated for > 41 Mb (approximately 83%) of the chromosome.

Base Sequence↗

Human chromosome 19p: a fluorescence in situ hybridization map with genomic distance estimates for 79 intervals spanning 20 Mb.

A physical map of human chromosome 19p has been constructed by fluorescence in situ hybridization of cosmids to metaphase chromosomes and sperm pronuclear interphases. The map spans approximately 20 Mb and was generated with 141 multiple, partially overlapping estimates of genomic distances for 79 intervals separating 80 sequentially ordered cosmid reference points. The average distance separating pairs of cosmids was 250 kb, with a range from 50 to 700 kb; 75% of the intervals were estimated to be less than or equal to 300 kb and only 8 intervals were between 500 and 700 kb. Cosmids positive for 33 genes or gene families and 5 polymorphic markers were included among the mapped elements. The fluorescence in situ hybridization map will be useful for furthering the integration of the physical and genetic maps of 19p and for placing newly identified markers within a few hundred kb of their neighbors.

Analysis of Variance↗

Automated production of high density cosmid and YAC colony filters using a robotic workstation.

We report here on a system for automated preparation of high-density colony filters of arrayed libraries using the high density replicating system (HDR) for the Beckman Biomek 1000 robotic workstation. This system, consisting of a 96-pin tool, a sterilization station and controlling software, transfers samples from microplates onto target membranes in arrays up to 36 times the density of a 96-well microplate. The transfer operation can be completely automated with the addition of the Biomek Side Loader System, which consists of a robotic arm capable of transferring plates and filters between the Biomek working tablet and a storage area. Using the complete system, we are able to plate 32 replica filters (8 x 12 cm), each containing the clones from 16 different microplates (i.e., 1536 clones per filter), in a 16-h overnight run without any operator intervention. We describe conditions used for transfer of bacterial yeast colonies and fixation of DNA to the membranes, and we illustrate hybridization results obtained with cosmid and YAC filters.

Biotechnology↗

Order and genomic distances among members of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) gene family determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to establish the order of, and to estimate genomic distances among, members of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) subgroups on chromosome 19. Fluorescence in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes localized the PSG subgroup telomeric to the CEA subgroup. Cosmid clones containing sequences for individual genes in the CEA and PSG subgroups were also hybridized to human sperm pronuclear and somatic interphase nuclear chromatin targets. The mapping results lead to the gene order cen-CGM7-CEA-NCA-CGM1-BGP-CGM9-CGM8-PSG-te l. The genomic distances between selected pairs of gene family members were estimated from the physical distances between hybridization sites measured in pronuclei. The CEA-PSG gene family region is estimated to span 1.1 to 1.2 Mb.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

Evolution of the mammalian G protein alpha subunit multigene family.

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) transduce extracellular signals received by transmembrane receptors to effector proteins. The multigene family of G protein alpha subunits, which interact with receptors and effectors, exhibit a high level of sequence diversity. In mammals, 15 G alpha subunit genes can be grouped by sequence and functional similarities into four classes. We have determined the murine chromosomal locations of all 15 G alpha subunit genes using an interspecific backcross derived from crosses of C57BL/6J and Mus spretus mice. These data, in combination with mapping studies in humans, have provided insight into the events responsible for generating the genetic diversity found in the mammalian alpha subunit genes and a framework for elucidating the role of the G alpha subunits in disease.

Animals↗

Transgenic mice that express a mini-gene version of the human gene for type I procollagen (COL1A1) develop a phenotype resembling a lethal form of osteogenesis imperfecta.

A mini-gene version of the human gene for a pro-alpha 1(I) chain of type I procollagen (COL1A1) was prepared that contained -2.5 kilobases of the promoter region and the 5'- and 3'-ends of the gene but lacked a large central region containing 41 exons. The construct was modeled after a sporadic in-frame deletion of the human gene that produced a lethal variant of osteogenesis imperfecta, because it caused synthesis of shortened pro-alpha 1(I) chains that associated with normal pro-alpha 1(I) and pro-alpha 2(I) chains and caused degradation of both the shortened and normal pro-alpha chains through a process called procollagen suicide. The mini-gene was used to prepare transgenic mice. Eight of 15 transgenic mice expressed varying levels of the gene. All except one of the Fo founders were phenotypically normal, but several of the founders were apparently mosaic since they produced F1 progeny that died shortly after birth with a distinctive phenotype. The phenotype included extensive fractures of ribs and long bones similar to the fractures seen in lethal variants of osteogenesis imperfecta. Mice with the lethal phenotype expressed much higher levels of the mini-gene than transgenic mice without the lethal phenotype. Experiments with cultured skin fibroblasts from the transgenic mice demonstrated that shortened pro-alpha 1(I) chains synthesized from the mini-gene became disulfide-linked to pro-alpha 1(I) chains synthesized from the endogenous mouse gene. The results demonstrate that a mutated type I procollagen gene based on the model of procollagen suicide can be used to produce a severe phenotype of osteogenesis imperfecta that is genetically transmitted.

Animals↗

High levels of expression of a minigene version of the human pro alpha 1 (I) collagen gene in stably transfected mouse fibroblasts. Effects of deleting putative regulatory sequences in the first intron.

A minigene version of the human gene for the pro alpha(I) chain of type I procollagen (COL1A1) was prepared that contained -2.3 kilobases of the 5'-flanking sequence, the first 5 exons and introns, the last 6 exons and introns, and about 2 kilobases of the 3'-flanking sequence. The gene was then used for stable transfection experiments with mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Because the products of the minigene were shorter, it was possible to compare expression of the minigene with expression of the endogenous pro alpha 1 (I) gene by Northern and Western blot analyses. The results demonstrated that the construct contained enough of the gene to obtain high levels of expression in many of the stably transfected cells. Since previous observations suggested that the first intron of the pro alpha 1 (I) gene contained important cis-regulatory elements, two versions of the minigene were prepared in which most of the first intron was deleted. Comparison of expression of the minigene with expression of two deleted versions of the same gene established that 85% of the total sequences in the first intron are not essential for high levels of expression of the gene in stably transfected mouse fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Completion of the last half of the structure of the human gene for the Pro alpha 1 (I) chain of type I procollagen (COL1A1).

The nucleotide sequences of the 3'-half of the human gene for the pro alpha(I) chain of type I procollagen (COL1A1) is presented. The results provide the nucleotide sequences for 26 introns not previously analyzed. The sequences that are presented, together with those previously published, make it possible to design primers for the polymerase chain reaction for amplifying and sequencing the gene. The availability of such primers will greatly facilitate the current search for mutations that can cause common and rare diseases of connective tissue.

Base Sequence↗

Transcription of human type I collagen genes. Variation in the relative rates of transcription of the pro alpha 1 and pro alpha 2 genes.

The relative rates of transcription of the two genes for type I collagen have been measured in a runoff transcription assay using nuclei isolated from cultured human fibroblasts. Control experiments indicated that the ratio of pro alpha 1(I)/pro alpha 2(I) transcripts detected with a given nuclear preparation did not vary over a range of transcription times, nuclei concentrations, and amounts of filter-bound cDNA used in the assay. However, a significant difference in the ratio was observed when nuclei isolated from cells grown under different conditions were used. Nuclei from sub-confluent cultures generally transcribed the two genes in a ratio of 2:1 or lower, while nuclei from post-confluent cultures transcribed the genes in a much higher ratio of about 4:1. Analysis of the amount of pro alpha 1(I) and pro alpha 2(I) RNA transcribed suggests that it is the transcription of the pro alpha 1(I) gene, and not the pro alpha 2(I) gene, that varies with culture conditions. The steady state ratios of pro alpha 1(I)/pro alpha 2(I) RNA remained near 2:1 under all conditions. Thus, some post-transcriptional mechanism apparently results in maintenance of the steady-state pro alpha 1(I)/pro alpha 2(I) RNA ratios at approximately 2:1.

Cell Line↗

Regulation of protein synthesis in heat-shocked Drosophila cells. Soluble factors control translation in vitro.

We have developed an in vitro translation system from heat-shocked and normal Drosophila cultured cells. The lysates retain regulation of translation typical of the whole cells from which they were prepared, both when programmed by endogenous mRNA and when RNA-dependent. These systems have been used to investigate the mechanism of shutdown of normal protein synthesis and selection of heat shock mRNAs for translation in heat shock in Drosophila. Supplementation of intact RNA-dependent lysates with separated ribosome or supernatant fractions from normal or heat-shocked translation systems showed the normal supernatant fraction could "rescue" normal protein synthesis in a heat shock lysate. Normal ribosomes had no rescuing activity and neither heat shock fraction affected translation in normal lysates. Reconstitution of the system from separated ribosomes and supernatant in normal and mixed combinations showed heat shock and normal ribosomes were both competent to support normal protein synthesis with normal supernatant. Heat shock supernatant did not support normal protein synthesis with ribosomes from either source. We conclude that the factors regulating translation in heat-shocked Drosophila cells are soluble factors in the lysate and that the soluble factors present in the normal lysate are dominant.

Animals↗

Dephosphorylation of S6 and expression of the heat shock response in Drosophila melanogaster.

A basic ribosomal phosphoprotein of 30,000 molecular weight was rapidly dephosphorylated in cultured Drosophila melanogaster cells heat shocked at 37 degrees C. The protein was associated with the 40S ribosomal subunit and had an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of purified rat liver protein S6 on basic two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels as well as a similar partial proteolysis peptide map. In logarithmically growing cultures, this D. melanogaster S6 protein appeared to have a single phosphorylated species consisting of 30 to 40% of the total cellular S6. Thus, the nearly complete dephosphorylation of this protein observed in heat shock involves a large fraction of the cellular S6. The significance of this dephosphorylation in the expression of the heat shock response was investigated by examining the phosphorylation status of S6 in recovery from heat shock and in response to chemical inducers of the heat shock response. During recovery from a 30-min heat shock, the recovery of normal protein synthesis was almost complete in 2 to 4 hr, whereas there was no significant rephosphorylation of S6 for 8 h. Two chemical inducers of the heat shock response, canavanine and sodium arsenite, induced the synthesis of heat shock proteins in D. melanogaster cells. Sodium arsenite also caused an inhibition of normal protein synthesis similar to that observed in heat shock. Neither agent, however, caused significant dephosphorylation of S6. These results suggest that the dephosphorylation of S6, although invariably observed in heat-shocked cells, may in some cases be dissociated from both the induction of heat shock protein synthesis and the turnoff of normal protein synthesis which occur in a heat shock response.

Animals↗

Measurement of transcribed human X-chromosomal DNA sequences transferred to rodent cells by chromosome-mediated gene transfer.

Transfer of genetic information can be effected by incubation of cultured eucaryotic cells with isolated metaphase chromosomes. In most cases, a resulting transformed cell contains only a fragment of a donor chromosome. The amount of transferred donor DNA has been quantified in 11 independent mouse A9 transformants by nucleic acid hybridization analysis. Each transformant had been selected for hprt (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase; EC 2.4.2.8) transfer and contained part of the human X chromosome. A labeled probe of transcribed human X-chromosomal DNA was prepared by hybridization of nick-translated unique-sequence human DNA with whole cellular RNA from a human-mouse hybrid cell line, A9/HRBC2-A, containing a single human chromosome., X. The amount of human X-chromosomal DNA in the transformants was quantitated by comparing the hybridization of this probe with transformant and A9/HRBC2-A DNAs. Two unstable transformants which had a microscopically detectable donor chromosome fragment contained 15% of the human X-chromosomal single-copy DNA. Four other unstable transformants contained 4 to 7% of human X-chromosomal DNA sequences. The transferred DNA was below the level of detection in three other unstable and in all three stable transformants. We conclude that the initial transfer event can introduce a substantial amount of genetic information but only smaller amounts of DNA are stably incorporated by integration.

Animals↗