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Biomedical subjects

D L Nelson

Publications and source records attributed to D L Nelson.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

Biochemical studies of bacterial sporulation and germination. XII. A sulfonic acid as a major sulfur compound of Bacillus subtilis spores.

A sulfonic acid found to be a major constituent of spores of Bacillus subtilis was provisionally identified as 3-l-sulfolactic acid. This compound was completely absent from vegetative cells during growth, but large amounts accumulated in sporulating cells just before the development of refractile spores. Essentially all of the accumulated sulfolactic acid was eventually incorporated into the nature spore, where it may represent more than 5% of the dry weight of the spore. Germination resulted in the rapid and complete release into the medium of unaltered sulfolactic acid. This compound was not found in spores of Bacillus megaterium, B. cereus, or B. thuringiensis.

Bacillus↗

Intragenic probe used for diagnostics in fragile X families.

The intragenic (FMR-1) probe pE5.1 was used for DNA analysis in fragile X families. With this probe fragments of altered size can be detected in female carriers, affected individuals and transmitting males. The length of the altered fragments was found to vary from one generation to another as well as between sibs. This instability of the DNA detected by pE5.1 was also seen in peripheral blood within single individuals. These phenomena are illustrated by 4 exemplary families segregating the fragile X syndrome. We demonstrate the diagnostic contribution of intragenic analysis to carrier detection as well as the identification of normal transmitting males carrying premutations. One of the families illustrates the passage of a premutation to a male through 2 generations.

DNA↗

Characterization of a highly polymorphic dinucleotide repeat 150 KB proximal to the fragile X site.

Fragile X [fra (X)] syndrome is a frequently encountered form of mental retardation and is inherited as an X-linked semi-dominant trait with reduced penetrance. We report here the characterization of a highly polymorphic dinucleotide repeat, DXS 548, which is approximately 150 kb proximal to the fra(X) site and the associated FMR-1 gene. DXS 548 is tightly linked to the fra (X) syndrome locus (FRAXA) without recombination (LOD = 9.07 with q of 0) in selected families with crossovers between FRAXA and very closely linked flanking markers. This dinucleotide repeat could be useful in determining the parental origin of a new fra (X) mutations and evaluating the role of FMR-1 in X-linked non-specific mental retardation.

Base Sequence↗

Expression and regulation of human low-density lipoprotein receptors in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the major cholesterol transport component of human plasma, delivers cholesterol to mammalian cells via the LDL pathway of receptor-mediated endocytosis. LDL receptor activity and cholesterol biosynthesis are coordinately regulated by cholesterol-mediated feedback suppression. We have developed methods for the isolation of mutant and revertant (M.K., unpublished data) Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells having alterations in cholesterol biosynthesis and in the receptor-mediated endocytosis of LDL. The defective locus of one LDL receptor-negative CHO mutant (clone 7a-1) is apparently the structural gene for the LDL receptor (D. Kingsley, M. Segal and M.K., unpublished data). Here we have transfected 7a-1 cells with human DNA and selected colonies which synthesize functional human LDL receptors whose expression is regulated normally. This selection may prove useful for cloning genes required for the receptor-mediated endocytosis of LDL and other ligands and thus for elucidating the molecular defects responsible for familial hypercholesterolaemia, one of the most common genetic diseases in humans.

Animals↗

Fragile X syndrome in a normal IQ male with learning and emotional problems.

The present case study features an adult male who was diagnosed with fragile X syndrome after the identification of this syndrome in his more affected brother. The patient presented with a Full Scale IQ within the broad range of normal and has been diagnosed with a schizotypal personality disorder. He shows significant deficits in the social and emotional aspects of daily life, but has striking cognitive strengths relating to reading and vocabulary as compared to most males affected with fragile X syndrome. DNA testing of blood leukocytes revealed that he has a fully expanded FMR1 CGG repeat mutation associated with almost complete lack of methylation. Protein studies demonstrate a limited production of FMRP, the protein produced by the FMR1 gene. It is believed that the near absence of methylation of the fully expanded mutation and the resultant expression of the FMR1 protein is responsible for the strong cognitive abilities of this fragile X patient.

Adult↗