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H Lehrach

Publications and source records attributed to H Lehrach.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Isolation and regional localization of cosmid linking clones from human chromosome 12.

We have developed a new method for constructing cosmid linking libraries. The method is based on the insertion of a selection gene, beta-lactamase, in genomic cosmid clones containing recognition sites for rare-cutting enzymes. The selection gene is maintained as a gene cassette in a plasmid and may be excised by the enzymes NotI, SacII, SplI, MluI, BssHII, and NarI or combinations of these enzymes. Using this gene cassette and a genomic cosmid library made from a human-hamster cell line containing the human chromosome 12 as its only human component, a chromosome 12-specific NotI linking library was constructed. The NotI linking clones contained recognition sites for other rate-cutting enzymes, SacII and BssHII, at high frequency, indicating the presence of CpG islands. Thirty cosmid linking clones were regionally localized by FISH and were found to be clustered to chromosome bands 12p13, 12q13, and 12q24.

Animals↗

Refining the genetic map for the region flanking the X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets locus (Xp22.1-22.2).

We have screened fourteen kindreds with X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets with four microsatellite markers, viz AFM163yh2, DXS999 (AFM234yf12), DXS443 and DXS365, in order to refine the genetic map flanking the gene, and to define a close flanking interval for the construction of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) and cosmid contig. The genetic data were enhanced after the isolation of a large 1.2-megabase YAC derived from AFM163yh2, in which marker DXS274 was present but not DXS365 or DXS443. Against HYP, DXS365, AFM163yh2 and DXS443 showed no recombinants (Zmax = 18.1, Zmax = 9.9, and Zmax = 16.0 respectively). DXS999 gave Zmax = 9.6 at 4% recombination and lies distal to HYP but proximal to DXS197 and DXS43. The disease gene and markers AFM163yh2 and DXS365 are flanked by DXS443 and DXS274. Combining the genetic and physical data, we are able to propose the following gene marker order: Xptel-DXS43-DXS197-DXS999-DXS443-[(DXS3 65-AFM163yh2), HYP]-DXS274-DXS41-Xcen.

Base Sequence↗

Efficient identification and regional positioning of YAC and cosmid clones to human chromosome 21 by radiation fusion hybrids.

The use of integrated mapping strategies involving bacterial, yeast, and rodent cells as hosts simplifies the construction of maps, which combine long-range order, high resolution, and easy access to the cloned DNA. Radiation-fusion hybrids offer a specially powerful long-range mapping system for human chromosomes. We describe here techniques for establishing a radiation-fusion hybrid map of Chromosome (Chr) 21q and its integration with local information on YAC and cosmid positions.

Animals↗

Identification of human chromosome region 3p14.2-21.3-specific YAC clones using Alu-PCR products from a radiation hybrid.

Deletion of DNA sequences from at least three different regions on the short arm of human chromosome 3 (3p13-14, 3p21 and 3p25) are frequently observed during the development of many solid tumors, including lung cancers and renal cell carcinomas. In order to physically characterize the 3p21 region, we previously identified a radiation fusion hybrid that contained about 20 megabases of DNA from chromosome region 3p14.2-p21.3. In this study total Alu-PCR products from this hybrid were used as a probe to isolate 86 yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC) clones from a 620-kb average insert YAC library (ICRF). Sixty-nine Alu-PCR markers, generated from the YACs, and seven PCR primers were used to screen for overlaps between individual clones. Seven contigs were identified encompassing 32 YAC clones. Based on previous information about localization of the PCR primers, the three largest contigs could be assigned to smaller subregions between 3p14.2 and 3p21.3. By this work a large proportion of the 3p14.2-21.3 region is covered with large-insert YAC clones.

Base Sequence↗

Large-scale isolation of human 1p36-specific P1 clones and their use for fluorescence in situ hybridization.

A series of 80 microclone probes derived from the chromosomal region 1p36 was used to isolate corresponding clones from the ICRF human P1 library (see Francis et al., this issue). Hybridization screenings were performed using probe pools on high-density filter grids. A total of 87 P1 clones specific for 1p36 were isolated. This large-scale approach allowed a detailed evaluation of the complexity, quality, and utility of this library. The isolated P1 clones were used both for size determination by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. FISH of P1 clones is shown to be both easy and efficient to perform on metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei. This observation is expected to reveal new avenues for diagnosis of disease-related chromosomal changes. The use of P1 clones as a tool in clinical and tumor interphase cytogenetics is discussed and compared with FISH data of other long insert clones such as cosmids and YAC clones.

Bacteriophage P1↗

Construction and preliminary analysis of the ICRF human P1 library.

P1 clone libraries have now been established as effective complements to cosmid and yeast artificial chromosome libraries in long-range mapping projects. To allow general access to P1 clones, we have constructed human and mouse P1 libraries. Clones have been picked into microtiter plates and used to prepare high-density filter grids, providing an efficient and easy screening system. Filters are being made available to other laboratories through the Reference Library System. In this work, we have developed a reliable protocol for generating P1 clones, based on the use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for size selection of DNA. A 1.2x genome coverage human library has been produced using this method. A preliminary analysis of this library is described.

Bacteriophage P1↗

Distribution of trinucleotide repeat sequences across a 2 Mbp region containing the Huntington's disease gene.

The recent observation that the mutation underlying a number of genetic diseases including fragile sites, FRAXA and FRAXE (associated with mental retardation), myotonic dystrophy, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease), Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 are caused by the expansion of a trinucleotide repeat sequence will lead to interest in the identification of such sequences in regions related to other diseases. We report here the identification of all ten classes of trinucleotide repeats within a 2 Mbp region of 4p16.3 containing the Huntington's disease (HD) gene. Fifty one triplet repeats were identified and localised on a high resolution restriction map of a cosmid contig covering this region. This included the triplet repeat (CAG)n, which has subsequently been shown to be expanded in Huntington's disease patients.

Base Sequence↗

Olfactory receptor gene cluster on human chromosome 17: possible duplication of an ancestral receptor repertoire.

A gene superfamily of olfactory receptors (ORs) has recently been identified in a number of species. These receptors share a seven transmembrane domain structure with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors, and are likely to underlie the recognition and G-protein-mediated transduction of odorant signals. Previously, OR genes cloned in different species were from random locations in the respective genomes. We report here the cloning of 16 human OR genes, all from chromosome 17 (17p13.3). The intronless coding regions are physically mapped (on 35 cosmids) in one 0.35Mb long contiguous cluster, with an average intergenic separation of 15kb. The human OR genes in the cluster belong to four different gene subfamilies, displaying as much sequence variability as any randomly selected group of ORs. This suggests that the cluster identified may be one of several copies of an ancestral OR gene repertoire whose existence may predate the divergence of mammals. The latter may have duplicated in some species to form the present mammalian OR gene repertoire, with several hundred genes. The human chromosome 17 OR gene cluster may thus be a good model for understanding human olfaction, as well as the ontogeny and phylogeny of the OR gene superfamily.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of conserved sequences from yeast artificial chromosomes by exon amplification.

Exon amplification is a technique designed to solve a central problem in mammalian molecular genetics--specifically, the isolation of genes from large regions of genomic DNA. This technique allows exons to be isolated from genomic DNA following the selective removal of introns by the eukaryotic splicing mechanism. It is a relatively rapid procedure and can theoretically be applied to test the coding potential of very long stretches of genomic DNA. In this paper we describe the application of exon amplification to a mouse yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) 175 kb in length. A number of potential coding sequences were amplified, and two sequences were shown to be conserved across a wide variety of species representing potential genes.

Animals↗

A method for the generation of YAC transgenic mice by pronuclear microinjection.

Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) represent the latest generation of vectors which have the great advantage of large insert size. The introduction of YACs into mammalian cells and organisms has become an important goal, since it offers the potential to study the control of large and complex transcription units and identify genes by complementation. Microinjection into the nucleus is the most direct and efficient way of delivering YAC DNA into cells, but requires the purification of the YAC from the remaining yeast chromosomes. Here we describe a detailed method for the isolation of pure, intact and highly concentrated YAC DNA. As a model system the murine tyrosinase gene was chosen and four YACs covering this locus were isolated. Introduction by homologous recombination in yeast of sequences permitting YAC amplification greatly facilitated the isolation of YAC DNA at high concentrations. YAC DNA stabilized in a salt and polyamine containing buffer did not compromise the survival of microinjected oocytes and was suitable for the generation of transgenic mice. Applications and benefits of this technique will be discussed.

Animals↗

Use of reference libraries and hybridisation fingerprinting for relational genome analysis.

The concept of relational genome analysis by hybridisation has been developed into a working system. Various genomic and cDNA libraries have been generated and are distributed via a reference system. Analysis procedures have been tested successfully in the mapping of the entire Schizosaccharomyces pombe genome. In another test-case for their refinement, analyses on the Drosophila genome are well under way. Human and mouse libraries are being studied on all levels, from generating YAC maps to partially sequencing representative cDNA libraries. The automation of the involved processes and the development of improved image detection and analysis are well advanced.

Animals↗

Algorithms and software tools for ordering clone libraries: application to the mapping of the genome of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

A complete set of software tools to aid the physical mapping of a genome has been developed and successfully applied to the genomic mapping of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Two approaches were used for ordering single-copy hybridisation probes: one was based on the simulated annealing algorithm to order all probes, and another on inferring the minimum-spanning subset of the probes using a heuristic filtering procedure. Both algorithms produced almost identical maps, with minor differences in the order of repetitive probes and those having identical hybridisation patterns. A separate algorithm fitted the clones to the established probe order. Approaches for handling experimental noise and repetitive elements are discussed. In addition to these programs and the database management software, tools for visualizing and editing the data are described. The issues of combining the information from different libraries are addressed. Also, ways of handling multiple-copy probes and non-hybridisation data are discussed.

Algorithms↗

High resolution cosmid and P1 maps spanning the 14 Mb genome of the fission yeast S. pombe.

Gridded on high density filters, a P1 genomic library of 17-fold coverage and a cosmid library of 8 genome equivalents, both made from S. pombe strain 972h-, were ordered by hybridizing genetic markers and individual clones from the two libraries. Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones covering the entire genome were used to subdivide the libraries, and hybridization of short oligonucleotides and DNA pools made from randomly selected cosmids provided further mapping information. Restriction digests were generated as an independent confirmation of the clone order. The high resolution clone map was aligned to the genetic map and the physical Notl and YAC maps. The usefulness of the various mapping techniques and cloning procedures could be assessed upon the different data sets.

Bacteriophage P1↗