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G Levan

Publications and source records attributed to G Levan.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Characterization of the aldose reductase-encoding gene family in rat.

Although the enzyme aldose reductase (AR) is implicated in the development of tissue pathology in diabetes, the exact mechanism of this involvement remains unclear. To better understand the role that expression of the aldose reductase-encoding gene (ALR) may play in diabetic complications, we have begun to analyze the gene and its regulatory regions, and we present here the sequence of four ALR genes in the rat. The putative functional gene is 14.1 kb long, has ten exons which show perfect sequence identity to the rat lens AR RNA sequence, and nine introns with classical splice-site consensus sequences. Potential regulatory elements in the 5'-flanking region of this gene include a TATA box and two CCAAT boxes. Probing rat genomic Southern blots with a fragment from the first intron indicates that there is probably only one copy of this gene in the rat genome. The other three genes are processed pseudogenes which show approx. 90% identity to the rat lens AR RNA sequence, contain no introns, and have poly(A) regions at their 3' ends. Chromosomal localization studies show the presence of ALR genes on chromosomes 3, 4 and 6 in the rat with the putative functional gene mapped on chromosome 4.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed1991

Primary structure of the rat gene encoding an inhibitor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.

The gene (PP63) encoding the inhibitor (PP63) of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase was isolated from a rat genomic library. The intron/exon organization was deduced from Southern-blot analysis and sequence data (i.e., the exons + the boundaries). The PP63 gene, which maps to chromosome 11, spans approx. 8 kb and contains seven exons separated by six introns of different sizes. All of the boundaries match the consensus GT/AG sequence for donor and acceptor splice sites. Primer extension and S1 mapping experiments were used to locate the transcription start point (tsp) 73 nt upstream from the translational initiator. Both in vitro transcription assays and transcription of a chimeric gene in intact hepatoma cells indicated that the sequence located immediately upstream from the tsp contained a promoter. Several putative cis-regulatory elements, including a TATA box and a C/EBP-binding site were found within the 250 bp preceding the tsp.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Chromosome assignments of the genes for glucocorticoid receptor, myelin basic protein, leukocyte common antigen, and TRPM2 in the rat.

We have utilized rat-mouse somatic cell hybrids to make chromosomal assignments for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), myelin basic protein (MBP), leukocyte common antigen (LCA), and testosterone-repressed prostate message-2 (TRPM2) genes in the rat. The genes for GR and MBP both map on chromosome 18 of the rat, which corresponds to the mapping of both genes on chromosome 18 of the mouse. The gene for LCA maps on chromosome 13, which is where C4b-binding protein beta-chain (C4BPB), coagulation factor V (F5), and renin have previously been assigned. This linkage group appears to be homologous to a substantial portion of mouse chromosome 1 and human chromosome 1q. Finally, the TRPM2 gene has been assigned to rat chromosome 15.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The Sp1 transcription factor gene (SP1) and the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor gene (VDR) are colocalized on human chromosome arm 12q and rat chromosome 7.

By means of somatic cell hybrids segregating either human or rat chromosomes, the genes encoding the transcription factor Sp1 (SP1) and the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR) were both assigned to human chromosome arm 12q and to rat chromosome 7. This result implies that the locus for the clinical disorder vitamin D dependency rickets type II maps on 12q. The phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and the retinoic acid receptor-gamma (RARG) genes also map on human chromosome arm 12q and rat chromosome 7, indicating that a synteny group is conserved on these chromosomes.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Chromosomal assignment of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) genes in the human, mouse, and rat genomes.

The human genes encoding the alpha and beta forms of the retinoic acid receptor are known to be located on chromosomes 17 (band q21.1:RARA) and 3 (band p24:RARB). By in situ hybridization, we have now localized the gene for retinoic acid receptor gamma, RARG, on chromosome 12, band q13. We also mapped the three retinoic acid receptor genes in the mouse, by in situ hybridization, on chromosomes 11, band D (Rar-a); 14, band A (Rar-b); and 15, band F (Rar-g), respectively, and in the rat, using a panel of somatic cell hybrids that segregate rat chromosomes, on chromosomes 10 (RARA), 15 (RARB), and 7 (RARG), respectively. These assignments reveal a retention of tight linkage between RAR and HOX gene clusters. They also establish or confirm and extend the following homologies: (i) between human chromosome 17, mouse chromosome 11, and rat chromosome 10 (RARA); (ii) between human chromosome 3, mouse chromosome 14, and rat chromosome 15 (RARB); and (iii) between human chromosome 12, mouse chromosome 15, and rat chromosome 7 (RARG).

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Human thymosin-beta 4/6-26 gene is part of a multigene family composed of seven members located on seven different chromosomes.

We have isolated a cDNA encoding the human interferon-inducible gene 6-26, by screening a cDNA library with an oligodeoxynucleotide probe. Its sequence was found to be identical to that of the human thymosin-beta 4 cDNA, which encodes a protein present in most cell types, but whose function is not clear at present. By hybridization of the thymosin-beta 4/6-26 cDNA to the DNA of a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids, we found that at least seven genes homologous to this cDNA are present in the human genome. We localized these genes, some of which might be pseudogenes, to seven distinct chromosomes, namely, chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 9, 11, 20, and X.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The rat renin gene: assignment to chromosome 13 and linkage to the regulation of blood pressure.

It has recently been suggested that in the rat, sequence variation in the renin gene or closely linked genes may have the capacity to affect blood pressure and contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. To map the chromosomal location of the rat renin gene and to investigate its relationship to the inheritance of increased blood pressure, we studied a panel of rat x mouse somatic cell hybrids and a large set of recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Brown-Norway (BN) rats. We have found that in the rat, the renin gene is located on chromosome 13 and that it belongs to a conserved synteny group located on chromosome 1 in man and mouse. We have also found the median blood pressure of the RI strains that inherited the renin allele of the SHR to be greater than that of the RI strains that inherited the renin allele of the normotensive BN rat. These findings, together with the results of previous studies, suggest that in the rat, sequence variation in the renin gene, or in genes linked to the renin locus on chromosome 13, may have the capacity to affect blood pressure.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The Interleukin-6-dependent DNA-binding protein gene (transcription factor 5: TCF5) maps to human chromosome 20 and rat chromosome 3, the IL6 receptor locus (IL6R) to human chromosome 1 and rat chromosome 2, and the rat IL6 gene to rat chromosome 4.

Using two panels of somatic cell hybrids segregating either human or rat chromosomes, the gene encoding the interleukin-6-dependent DNA-binding protein, also called liver activator protein (designated transcription factor 5: TCF5), was assigned to human chromosome 20 and to rat chromosome 3. The TCF5 gene might be identical with the NF-IL6 gene. The locus encoding the IL6 receptor gene (IL6R) was localized to human chromosome 1 and rat chromosome 2. An IL6R-like (IL6RL) locus was also assigned to human chromosome 9. In addition, the rat interleukin-6 (IL6) gene was assigned to rat chromosome 4. These mapping data allow one to extend comparison between the rat, mouse, and human gene maps.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The gene map of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and comparative mapping with mouse and man.

The current status of the rat gene map is presented. Mapping information is now available for a total of 214 loci and the number of mapped genes is increasing steadily. The corresponding number of loci quoted at HGM10 was 128. Genes have been assigned to 20 of the 22 chromosomes in the rat. Some aspects of comparative mapping with mouse and man are also discussed. It was found that there is a good correlation between the morphological homologies detectable in rat and mouse chromosomes, on the one hand, and homology at the gene level on the other. For 10 rat synteny groups all the genes so far mapped are syntenic also in the mouse. For the remaining rat synteny groups it appears that the majority of the genes will be syntenic on specific (homologous) mouse chromosomes, with only a few genes dispersed to other members of the mouse karyotype. Furthermore, the data indicate that mouse chromosome 1 genetically corresponds to two rat chromosomes, viz., 9 and 13, equalizing the difference in chromosome number between the two species. Further mappings will show whether the genetic homology will prove to be as extensive as these preliminary results indicate. As might be expected from evolutionary considerations, rat synteny groups are much more dispersed in the human genome. It is clear, however, that many groups of genes have remained syntenic during the period since man and rat shared a common ancestor. One further point was noted. In two cases groups of genes were syntenic in the mouse but dispersed to two chromosomes in rat and man, whereas in a third case a group of genes was syntenic in the rat but dispersed to two chromosomes in mouse and man. This finding argues in favor of the notion that the original gene groups were on separate ancestral chromosomes, which have fused in one rodent species but remained separate in the other and in man.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Assignment of the rat parathyroid hormone-like peptide gene (PTHLH) to chromosome 4: evidence for conserved synteny between human chromosome 12, mouse chromosome 6, and rat chromosome 4.

The gene coding for rat parathyroid hormone-like peptide (PTHLH) was previously assigned to rat chromosome 2 (Hendy et al., 1988). We reexamined this assignment. According to our results, the gene is on rat chromosome 4. Taking into account the known localizations of the KRAS2 (Kras-2) oncogene and the PTHLH gene, this assignment strongly suggests that a synteny group is conserved on rat chromosome 4, mouse chromosome 6, and human chromosome 12.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Chromosomal assignment of four rat genes coding for the spermatid-specific proteins proacrosin (ACR), transition proteins 1 (TNP1) and 2 (TNP2), and protamine 1 (PRM1).

The genes for proacrosin, protamines, and transition proteins are exclusively expressed in haploid spermatogenic cells. From the analysis of mouse x rat cell hybrids which segregate rat chromosomes, the rat gene for proacrosin (ACR) was assigned to chromosome 7, that for transition protein 1 (TNP1) to chromosome 9, and the genes for transition protein 2 (TNP2) and protamine 1 (PRM1) to chromosome 10.

Acrosin↗
PubMed1991

Chromosomal assignment of five cancer-associated rat genes: two thyroid hormone receptor (ERBA) genes, two ERBB genes and the retinoblastoma gene.

Using a panel of somatic cell hybrids that segregate rat chromosomes, the localization of five cancer-related rat genes was determined: (i) two thyroid receptor genes, THRA1/ERBA1 and THRB/ERBA2 on chromosomes 10 and 15 respectively, (ii) two ERBB genes, namely the epidermal growth factor gene (EGFR, also called ERBB1) and the ERBB2 gene (also designated neu) on chromosomes 14 and 10 respectively, and (iii) the retinoblastoma gene, RB1, on chromosome 15. The THRA1/ERBA1 and ERBB2/neu genes are thus included in a synteny group, conserved on rat chromosomes 10 and human chromosome arm 17q.

Alleles↗
PubMed1990

Primary structure and assignment to chromosome 6 of three related rat genes encoding liver serine protease inhibitors.

Three closely related SPI genes which encode highly homologous proteins of the serine protease inhibitor family secreted by rat liver (SPI-1, SPI-2 and SPI-3), were isolated from genomic libraries and sequenced, totally (SPI-2) or partially (SPI-1 and SPI-3). These genes all map on rat chromosome 6. Each of them spans about 10 kb and contains five exons separated by four introns, located at equivalent positions. S1 mapping analysis indicated that initiation of transcription occurs at the same position (tsp) in each of the three genes. In vitro transcription experiments demonstrated the presence of promoter elements upstream from the putative tsp. Detailed analysis of 5'-flanking sequences in the three SPI revealed major differences. A high degree of identity (70%) was found within a 350-bp region preceding the 'cap' site, with the exception of a 42-bp spacer, which was only found in SPI-3. Upstream from that point, SPI-1 and SPI-2 sequences remain largely homologous over at least 1 kb but completely diverge from the corresponding sequence in SPI-3. This may, at least partly, account for the differential regulation of the three SPI observed during acute inflammation and upon hypophysectomy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Genes for C4b-binding protein alpha- and beta-chains (C4BPA and C4BPB) are located on chromosome 1, band 1q32, in humans and on chromosome 13 in rats.

C4b-binding protein is involved in the regulation of the complement system. It is a multimeric protein composed of seven identical alpha-chains and a single copy of a unique beta-chain. The latter was identified only recently and its structure determined by cDNA cloning. Both subunits in C4b-binding protein belong to the same superfamily of proteins composed predominantly of tandemly arranged short consensus repeats (SCR) approximately 60 amino acid residues in length. The gene for the human alpha-chain is known to be located in a gene cluster on chromosome 1, band 1q32, which is called the regulators of complement activation (RCA) gene cluster. We have used cDNA probes for both alpha- and beta-chains of human C4b-binding protein to localize their genes with an in situ hybridization technique. We find the genes for both chains to be located on chromosome 1, band 1q32, in the human. This suggests that the beta-chain gene is also a member of the RCA gene cluster and that the alpha- and beta-chain genes are located close to each other. The cDNA probes for the alpha- and beta-chains also were used to screen mouse-rat somatic cell hybrids using Southern blotting to localize their genes in the rat. Both the alpha- and beta-chain genes were shown to be located on chromosome 13 in the rat. These are the second and third genes to be located on rat chromosome 13, and the results suggest that the genes for the alpha- and beta-chains together with the gene for coagulation factor V represent a conserved chromosomal region in rat and man.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Assignment of 12 loci to rat chromosome 5: evidence that this chromosome is homologous to mouse chromosome 4 and to human chromosomes 9 and 1 (1p arm).

Twelve loci have been assigned to rat chromosome 5: aldolase B (ALDOB), atrial natriuretic factor (ANF = pronatriodilatin, PND), D4RP1, DSI1, galactosyltransferase (GGTB2), glucose transporter (GLUT1), interferon alpha 1 and related interferon alpha (INFA), interferon beta (INFB), lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (LCK), oncogene MOS, alpha 2U-globulin (major urinary protein, MUP), and orosomucoid (ORM, also called alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, AGP). Among these, the interferon alpha and beta genes map in the q22-23 region, which also contains a transformation suppressor gene (SAI1). The other loci reside outside this region. This study also indicated that the rat genome contains 2 LCK genes, unlike the human and murine genomes. These new assignments on rat chromosome 5 demonstrate that this chromosome is highly homologous to mouse chromosome 4 and carries synteny groups conserved on human chromosome 9 (interferon alpha and beta, galactosyltransferase, orosomucoid, and aldolase B genes) and on the short arm of human chromosome 1 (MYCL, glucose transporter, protein kinase LCK, and atrial natriuretic factor genes).

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Heterochromatin variants in 109 ovarian cancer patients and 192 healthy subjects.

Aberrations of the C-band region of chromosome no. 1 (1qh) were studied in 109 patients with ovarian cancer and 192 healthy subjects. The groups were compared for heterochromatin size variations, intrapair size asymmetry, and inversion. No significant correlation was found between the size of 1qh and ovarian cancer. Heterochromatin size asymmetry was estimated visually and determined by objective measurement of 1qh length or area; the methods show strong correlation. The measurements were normalised by comparison with the length or area of 16p or the entire chromosome no. 1. However, since good reliability was found by simply relating the 1qh size difference to the mean 1qh size, this was considered an appropriate and simpler method of normalisation. Asymmetry indices of length and area measurements correlated well, implying that the simpler method of length measurements can be readily used. 1qh asymmetry, measured objectively or estimated visually, was significantly increased in the cancer patient group. The incidence of C-band inversion was significantly increased in the patient group. Moreover, inversion increased significantly with increasing 1qh asymmetry.

Adolescent↗