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Biomedical subjects

F S Collins

Publications and source records attributed to F S Collins.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Mutation analysis for heterozygote detection and the prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

The cystic fibrosis gene was recently cloned, and a three-base deletion removing phenylalanine 508 from the coding region was identified as the mutation on the majority of cystic fibrosis chromosomes. We used the polymerase chain reaction and hybridization with allele-specific oligonucleotides to analyze the presence or absence of this mutation on 439 cystic fibrosis chromosomes and 433 normal chromosomes from non-Ashkenazic white families. This mutation was present on 75.8 percent of the cystic fibrosis chromosomes. Using the DNA markers XV-2c and KM-19, we found that 96 percent of cystic fibrosis chromosomes with the mutation had a single DNA haplotype that occurs frequently with cystic fibrosis chromosomes. This haplotype was also found on 54 percent of the cystic fibrosis chromosomes without the three-base deletion. The three-base deletion was found on only 30.3 percent of cystic fibrosis chromosomes from Ashkenazic families, although the common cystic fibrosis haplotype was present on 97 percent of cystic fibrosis chromosomes from Ashkenazic families. The ability to detect the common mutation causing cystic fibrosis represents a major improvement in prenatal diagnosis and heterozygote detection, particularly in families in which no DNA sample is available from the affected child, and provides an improved method of testing for spouses of carriers of cystic fibrosis. Mutation analysis introduces the possibility of population-based screening programs for carriers, which on the basis of the sample in this study, would currently identify about 57 percent of the non-Ashkenazic white couples at risk.

Base Sequence↗

The -175T----C mutation increases promoter strength in erythroid cells: correlation with evolutionary conservation of binding sites for two trans-acting factors.

A point mutation at position -175 has been detected in Agamma as well as Ggamma globin genes in individuals with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). To prove that this single point mutation results in increased promoter strength, we transfected erythroid and nonerythroid cell lines with constructs containing normal and mutant promoters linked to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene. Differences in transfection efficiency were controlled by cotransfection of pRSVgpt. In K562 erythroleukemia cells, the -175 HPFH promoter directed three- to fourfold more CAT activity than its wild type counterpart. However, in HeLa cells the two promoters were similar in strength. The -195 to -165 region of the gamma-globin promoter contains binding sites for two proteins: a ubiquitously distributed octamer binding protein, OBP, and the erythroid-specific protein, GF-1. We find that while the GF-1 binding site is highly conserved among related primate gamma-globin genes, the octamer binding site is not. The evolutionary conservation of GF-1 as well as its erythroid-specific distribution suggest that this protein is important in gamma-globin gene expression. A role for OBP in the regulation of gamma-globin, if any, must have arisen recently in primate evolution.

Animals↗

Approaches to localizing disease genes as applied to cystic fibrosis.

Using chromosome jumping and walking and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, we have defined the region which must contain the cystic fibrosis gene. DNA segments spanning approximately 250 kb in the direction of the gene were isolated and used to identify several new polymorphisms informative in cystic fibrosis families. These RFLPs include a highly polymorphic, CA/GT repeat, and a 10 bp insertion uncovered using the polymerase chain reaction. By analyzing a family with a recombination near the gene, we can exclude this region as containing the mutation. Data on the extent of linkage disequilibrium of these markers provides additional information on where the gene is located.

Base Sequence↗

A chromosome jump crosses a translocation breakpoint in the von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis region.

The von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NFI) gene has been previously localized to the region 17q11.2 by genetic analysis. Consistent with this, two NFI patients have been described with autosomal translocations with breakpoints in 17q11.2, and these represent presumed markers for the location of the NFI gene. Recent work has defined the two breakpoints on a physical map, and they lie less than 100 kb apart. To characterize further the distance between these breakpoints and clone additional DNA, a chromosome jump was made from a DNA fragment that maps between the breakpoints. The end of the jump crosses one of the NFI translocation breakpoints and detects that breakpoint on Southern analysis, placing the probe less than 15 kb telomeric to this breakpoint. Pulsed field analysis with the jump clone allows revision of the previous NFI region map and indicates that the two breakpoints lie no more than 60 kb apart. This jump clone will be useful for further mapping, breakpoint cloning, analysis of patient DNA, and the search for transcripts in the NFI region.

Cell Line↗

Localization of a human T-cell-specific gene, RANTES (D17S136E), to chromosome 17q11.2-q12.

We report here the localization of the gene for a human T-cell-specific molecule, designated RANTES, to human chromosome region 17q11.2-q12 by in situ hybridization and analysis of somatic cell hybrids using a cDNA probe to the gene. We have recently shown that this gene, which encodes a small, secreted, putative lymphokine, is a member of a larger gene family some of whose members reside on chromosome 4 but most of whose members have not to date been mapped. A secondary hybridization peak was noted on the region of human chromosome 5q31-q34, which may represent the location of other members of the gene family. Interestingly, this latter region overlaps with the location of an extended linked cluster of growth factor and receptor genes, some of which may be coregulated with members of the RANTES gene family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human chromosome 17 NotI linking clones and their use in long-range restriction mapping of the Miller-Dieker chromosome region (MDCR) in 17p13.3.

A NotI linking library constructed from flow-sorted human chromosome 17 material was screened to aid in construction of a long-range restriction map of the Miller-Dieker chromosome region (MDCR) in 17p13.3. A total of 66 clones were mapped to one of eight regions of chromosome 17 using a somatic cell hybrid panel, and 44/66 (67%) of these clones cross-hybridized to rodent DNA on Southern blots. Of these, 24 clones were tested and all mapped to mouse chromosome 11, the homolog of human chromosome 17. Four linking clones mapped to 17p13.3 and were used for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis studies along with six other anonymous probes previously mapped to this region. Clone L132 was found to be deleted in all Miller-Dieker patients tested (n = 15) and therefore lies within the critical region for this disorder. It detects two NotI fragments (180 and 320 kb), one of which (320 kb) was shared by YNZ22 and YNH37, two probes previously shown to be co-deleted in all patients with the Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS). These results indicate that all MDS patients share a minimum deletion region of greater than 370 kb. Two other NotI clones, L53 and L125, mapped telomeric to the MDS critical region and share a 600-kb MluI fragment with each other and with YNZ22/YNH37. This provides a 930-kb MluI map that encompasses the distal boundary of the MDS critical region but does not include the proximal boundary. A total of over 2 Mbp is represented in the MluI fragments by probes in subband p13.3, a cytogenetic region estimated to be 3-4 Mbp.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Identification of mutations in regions corresponding to the two putative nucleotide (ATP)-binding folds of the cystic fibrosis gene.

Additional mutations in the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene were identified in the regions corresponding to the two putative nucleotide (ATP)-binding folds (NBFs) of the predicted polypeptide. The patient cohort included 46 Canadian CF families with well-characterized DNA marker haplotypes spanning the disease locus and several other families from Israel. Eleven mutations were found in the first NBF, 2 were found in the second NBF, but none was found in the R-domain. Seven of the mutations were of the missense type affecting some of the highly conserved amino acid residues in the first NBF; 3 were nonsense mutations; 2 would probably affect mRNA splicing; 2 corresponded to small deletions, including another 3-base-pair deletion different from the major mutation (delta F508), which could account for 70% of the CF chromosomes in the population. Nine of these mutations accounted for 12 of the 31 non-delta F508 CF chromosomes in the Canadian families. The highly heterogeneous nature of the remaining CF mutations provides important insights into the structure and function of the protein, but it also suggests that DNA-based genetic screening for CF carrier status will not be straightforward.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Expression of human globin genes in transgenic mice carrying the beta-globin gene cluster with a mutation causing G gamma beta + hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin.

We have introduced into the mouse germ line the 40-kilobase (kb) Kpn I fragment containing the beta-globin gene cluster from an individual with a non-deletion form of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) believed to be due to a point mutation at position -202 of the G gamma-globin gene. The G gamma-globin gene, as well as the beta-globin gene, was expressed in adult erythroid tissues of the resulting transgenic mice. The level of expression of the G gamma-globin gene was about 20% of that of the beta-globin gene. Others have previously shown that cloned individual normal human beta- and gamma-globin genes containing a limited amount of 5'- and 3'-flanking DNA are expressed in a manner similar to that of their corresponding murine homologs during development in transgenic mice. In contrast, we have observed that the pattern of expression of the normal (non-mutated) A gamma- and beta-globin genes in the 40-kb insert was different from that of their corresponding murine homologs. The beta-globin gene remained inactive at the fetal stage, whereas the normal A gamma-globin gene was expressed beyond the embryonic (yolk sac) stage into the fetal stage of development and then became inactive in adult erythroid cells. The pattern of expression of the human globin transgenes during mouse development resembles that observed during human development. These results suggest that the gross organization of the human beta-like globin gene cluster is important for stage-specific expression of each human globin gene during development.

Animals↗

Reverse genetics and cystic fibrosis.

The protein responsible for cystic fibrosis has been identified using an approach called "reverse" genetics. This approach relies on the chromosomal map position to direct the search for a disease gene, several novel cloning strategies to isolate the gene, and the gene's sequence to define the abnormal protein. Reverse genetics, because it does not require prior knowledge of the protein's biochemical function, has wide utility and is being used to define the defects in many single-gene disorders. This update presents the reverse genetics approach and uses cystic fibrosis to illustrate the principles involved.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Physical mapping of a translocation breakpoint in neurofibromatosis.

The gene for von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1), one of the most common autosomal-dominant disorders of humans, was recently mapped to chromosome 17 by linkage analysis. The identification of two NF1 patients with balanced translocations that involved chromosome 17q11.2 suggests that the disease can arise by gross rearrangement of the NF1 locus, and that the NF1 gene might be identified by cloning the region around these translocation breakpoints. To further define the region of these translocations, a series of chromosome 17 Not I-linking clones has been mapped to proximal 17q and studied by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. One clone, 17L1 (D17S133), clearly identifies the breakpoint in an NF1 patient with a t(1;17) translocation. A 2.3-megabase pulsed-field map of this region was constructed and indicates that the NF1 breakpoint is only 10 to 240 kilobases away from 17L1. This finding prepares the way for the cloning of NF1.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Direct construction of a chromosome-specific NotI linking library from flow-sorted chromosomes.

A linking library consists of genomic DNA fragments which contain a specific rare restriction enzyme site; such clones are very useful as probes in pulsed field gel electrophoresis and in mapping and cloning large regions of DNA. However, identifying those linking clones which map to a certain chromosomal region can be laborious. Therefore, we have developed a straightforward procedure for constructing a linking library directly from flow-sorted chromosomes. As a test of the approach, a NotI linking library was constructed from the chromosome 17 fraction of a flow-sort of human chromosomes, using only 70 ng of DNA. Thirteen of sixteen linking clones were mapped to chromosome 17, suggesting that the library is highly enriched for this chromosome. This method should be generally applicable to other chromosomes and enzymes as well.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Progress towards identifying the neurofibromatosis (NF1) gene.

Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder of humans. Linkage analysis has recently mapped the NF1 gene to the proximal long arm of chromosome 17. The identification of two NF1 patients with balanced translocations has now allowed the location of the gene to be narrowed to a few hundred kilobases of chromosome band 17q11.2, using a combination of somatic cell hybrid technology, linking clones and pulsed field gel electrophoresis.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Chromosomal jumping from the DXS165 locus allows molecular characterization of four microdeletions and a de novo chromosome X/13 translocation associated with choroideremia.

Choroideremia (tapeto-choroidal dystrophy, TCD), an X chromosome-linked disorder of retina and choroid, causes progressive nightblindness and central blindness in affected males by the third to fourth decade of life. Recently, we have been able to map the TCD gene to a small region of overlap between five different, male-viable Xq21 deletions that were found in patients with TCD and other clinical features. Two families were identified in which classical, nonsyndromic TCD is associated with small interstitial deletions that are only detectable with probe p1bD5 (DXS165). To characterize these and two other deletions that were identified more recently, we have used the chromosome walking and jumping techniques to generate a set of five chromosomal-jumping clones flanking the DXS165 locus at various distances. With these clones, we could localize four of the eight deletion endpoints and the breakpoint on the X chromosome of a female with a de novo X/13 translocation and choroideremia. These studies assign the TCD gene, or part of it, to a DNA segment of only 15-20 kilobases.

Blotting, Southern↗

Choroideremia and deafness with stapes fixation: a contiguous gene deletion syndrome in Xq21.

The study of contiguous gene deletion syndromes by using reverse genetic techniques provides a powerful tool for precisely defining the map location of the genes involved. We have made use of individuals with overlapping deletions producing choroideremia as part of a complex phenotype, to define the boundaries on the X chromosome for this gene, as well as for X-linked mixed deafness with perilymphatic gusher (DFN3). Two patients with deletions and choroideremia are affected by an X-linked mixed conductive/sensorineural deafness; one patient, XL-62, was confirmed at surgery to have DFN3, while the other patient, XL-45, is suspected clinically to have the same disorder. A third choroideremia deletion patient, MBU, has normal hearing. Patient XL-62 has a cytogenetically detectable deletion that was measured to be 7.7% of the X chromosome by dual laser flow cytometry; the other patient, XL-45, has a cytogenetically undetectable deletion that measures only 3.3% of the X chromosome. We have produced a physical map of the X-chromosome region containing choroideremia and DFN3 by using routine Southern blotting, chromosome walking and jumping techniques, and long-range restriction mapping to generate and link anonymous DNA sequences in this region. DXS232 and DXS233 are located within 450 kb of each other on the same SfiI and MluI fragments and share partial SalI fragments of 750 and greater than 1,000 kb but are separated by at least one SalI site. In addition, DXS232, which lies outside the MBU deletion, detects the proximal breakpoint of this deletion. We have isolated two new anonymous DNA sequences by chromosome jumping from DXS233; one of these detects a new SfiI fragment distal to DXS233 in the direction of the choroideremia gene, while the other jump clone is proximal to DXS233 and detects a new polymorphism. These data refine the map around the loci for choroideremia and for mixed deafness with stapes fixation and will provide points from which to isolate candidate gene sequences for these disorders.

Adolescent↗

Genetic analysis of eight loci tightly linked to neurofibromatosis 1.

The genetic locus for neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) has recently been mapped to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 17. We have genotyped eight previously identified RFLP probes on 50 NF1 families to determine the placement of the NF1 locus relative to the RFLP loci. Thirty-eight recombination events in the pericentromeric region were identified, eight involving crossovers between NF1 and loci on either chromosomal arm. Multipoint linkage analysis resulted in the unique placement of six loci at odds greater than 100:1 in the order of pter-A10-41-EW301-NF1-EW207-CRI-L581-CRI-L946 -qter. Owing to insufficient crossovers, three loci--D17Z1, EW206, and EW203--could not be uniquely localized. In this region female recombination rates were significantly higher than those of males. These data were part of a joint study aimed at the localization of both NF1 and tightly linked pericentromeric markers for chromosome 17.

Chromosome Mapping↗