Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J S Waye

Publications and source records attributed to J S Waye.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Human beta satellite DNA: genomic organization and sequence definition of a class of highly repetitive tandem DNA.

We describe a class of human repetitive DNA, called beta satellite, that, at a most fundamental level, exists as tandem arrays of diverged approximately equal to 68-base-pair monomer repeat units. The monomer units are organized as distinct subsets, each characterized by a multimeric higher-order repeat unit that is tandemly reiterated and represents a recent unit of amplification. We have cloned, characterized, and determined the sequence of two beta satellite higher-order repeat units: one located on chromosome 9, the other on the acrocentric chromosomes (13, 14, 15, 21, and 22) and perhaps other sites in the genome. Analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis reveals that these tandem arrays are localized in large domains (50-300 kilobase pairs) that are marked by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. In total, beta satellite sequences comprise several million base pairs of DNA in the human genome. Analysis of this DNA family should permit insights into the nature of chromosome-specific and nonspecific modes of satellite DNA evolution and provide useful tools for probing the molecular organization and concerted evolution of the acrocentric chromosomes.

Base Sequence↗

A simple and sensitive method for quantifying human genomic DNA in forensic specimen extracts.

The analysis of DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms by Southern blot hybridization requires that sufficient quantities of high molecular weight genomic DNA be extracted from biological specimens. Prior to analysis, it is necessary to determine the quantity and quality of the extracted DNA. For many applications, it is also desirable to determine the amount of DNA which is of human origin. In this report, we describe a simple and highly sensitive procedure for the specific quantification of human genomic DNA in forensic extracts or any biological sample. A small fraction of the extract is immobilized onto a nylon membrane and subsequently hybridized to p17H8 (D17Z1), a cloned probe which detects highly repetitive, primate-specific alpha satellite DNA. The procedure requires less than four hours to complete and can be used to quantify subnanogram amounts of hybridizable human genomic DNA.

Blotting, Southern↗

Organization and genomic distribution of "82H" alpha satellite DNA. Evidence for a low-copy or single-copy alphoid domain located on human chromosome 14.

We have investigated the organization and genomic distribution of sequences homologous to p82H, a cloned human alpha satellite sequence purported, based on previous in situ hybridization experiments, to exist at the centromere of each human chromosome. We report here that, using Southern blotting analysis under conditions of high stringency, p82H hybridizes solely to a low-copy or single-copy alphoid domain located at or near the centromeric region of human chromosome 14. In contrast, conditions of reduced hybridization stringency permit extensive cross-hybridization with non-identical, chromosome-specific alpha satellite subsets found elsewhere in the human genome. Thus, the previously described ubiquity of "82H" human centromeric sequences reflects the existence of diverse alpha satellite subsets located at the centromeric region of each human chromosome.

Animals↗

Chromosome-specific alpha satellite DNA: isolation and mapping of a polymorphic alphoid repeat from human chromosome 10.

Distinct subsets of the human alpha satellite repetitive DNA family can be found in the centromeric region of each chromosome. Here we described the isolation and mapping of an alpha satellite repeat unit specific for human chromosome 10, using a somatic cell hybrid in which the only human centromere derives from chromosome 10. A hierarchical higher-order repeat unit, consisting of eight tandem approximately 171-bp alphoid monomer units, is defined by six restriction endonucleases. Under high-stringency conditions, a cloned representative of this 8-mer repeat family hybridizes to chromosome 10 only, both by Southern blot analysis of a somatic cell hybrid panel and by in situ hybridization. The probe furthermore detects a polymorphic restriction pattern of the alpha satellite array on chromosome 10. These features will make this probe a valuable genetic marker for studies of the centromeric region of chromosome 10.

Animals↗

Nucleotide sequence heterogeneity of alpha satellite repetitive DNA: a survey of alphoid sequences from different human chromosomes.

The human alpha satellite DNA family is composed of diverse, tandemly reiterated monomer units of approximately 171 basepairs localized to the centromeric region of each chromosome. These sequences are organized in a highly chromosome-specific manner with many, if not all human chromosomes being characterized by individually distinct alphoid subsets. Here, we compare the nucleotide sequences of 153 monomer units, representing alphoid components of at least 12 different human chromosomes. Based on the analysis of sequence variation at each position within the 171 basepair monomer, we have derived a consensus sequence for the monomer unit of human alpha satellite DNA which we suggest may reflect the monomer sequence from which different chromosomal subsets have evolved. Sequence heterogeneity is evident at each position within the consensus monomer unit and there are no positions of strict nucleotide sequence conservation, although some regions are more variable than others. A substantial proportion of the overall sequence variation may be accounted for by nucleotide changes which are characteristic of monomer components of individual chromosomal subsets or groups of subsets which have a common evolutionary history.

Base Sequence↗

Detection of novel centromeric polymorphisms associated with alpha satellite DNA from human chromosome 11.

The pericentromeric region of human chromosomes is composed of diverse classes of repetitive DNAs, which provide a rich source of genetic variability. Here, we describe two novel centromeric polymorphisms associated with a subset of alpha satellite repetitive DNA, D11Z1, which is specific for human chromosome 11. Segregation and inheritance of the polymorphisms are demonstrated and their relative frequencies are determined. These polymorphisms may be useful genetic tools for distinguishing between individual chromosome 11 centromeres. In addition, these polymorphisms may be applied to the development of a centromere-based genetic linkage map of chromosome 11. Molecular models for the generation of these polymorphisms are discussed.

Centromere↗

Organization and evolution of alpha satellite DNA from human chromosome 11.

The human alpha satellite repetitive DNA family is organized as distinct chromosomal subsets located at the centromeric regions of each human chromosome. Here, we describe a subset of the alpha satellite which is localized to human chromosome 11. The principal unit of repetition of this alpha satellite subset is an 850 bp XbaI fragment composed of five tandem diverged alphoid monomers, each approximately 171 bp in length. The pentamer repeat units are themselves tandemly reiterated, present in approximately 500 copies per chromosome 11. In filter hybridization experiments, the Alpha11 probes are specific for the centromeric alpha satellite sequences of human chromosome 11. The complete nucleotide sequences of two independent copies of the XbaI pentamer reveal a pentameric configuration shared with the alphoid repeats of chromosomes 17 and X, consistent with the existence of an ancestral pentameric repeat common to the centromeric arrays of at least these three human chromosomes.

Base Sequence↗

Chromosome-specific subsets of human alpha satellite DNA: analysis of sequence divergence within and between chromosomal subsets and evidence for an ancestral pentameric repeat.

The centromeric regions of human chromosomes are characterized by diverged chromosome-specific subsets of a tandemly repeated DNA family, alpha satellite, which is based on a fundamental monomer repeat unit approximately 171 bp in length. We have compared the nucleotide sequences of 44 alphoid monomers derived from cloned representatives of the multimeric higher-order repeat units of human chromosomes 1, 11, 17, and X. The 44 monomers exhibit an average 16% divergence from a consensus alphoid sequence, and can be assigned to five distinct homology groups based on patterns of sequence substitutions and gaps relative to the consensus. Approximately half of the overall sequence divergence can be accounted for by sequence changes specific to a particular homology group; the remaining divergence appears to be independent of the five groups and is randomly distributed, both within and between chromosomal subsets. The data are consistent with the proposal that the contemporary tandem arrays on chromosomes 1, 11, 17, and X derive from a common multimeric repeat, consisting of one monomer each from the five homology groups. The sequence comparisons suggest that this pentameric repeat must have spread to these four chromosomal locations many millions of years ago, since which time evolution of the four, now chromosome-specific, alpha satellite subsets has been essentially independent.

Biological Evolution↗

Molecular organization and haplotype analysis of centromeric DNA from human chromosome 17: implications for linkage in neurofibromatosis.

The alpha satellite DNA subset located at the centromere of human chromosome 17 has been shown to be tightly linked genetically to the gene for von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1). The centromeric DNA polymorphisms used for linkage analyses in NF1 are complex and involve a "locus" (D17Z1) that spans over one million base pairs of satellite DNA. To understand more completely the basis for these polymorphisms and how they might be best scored and used in the analysis of NF1, we have examined the molecular composition of the alpha satellite array on individual copies of chromosome 17 by two complementary approaches. First, we have analyzed segregation of chromosome 17 alpha satellite haplotypes in large, three-generation families that provide information on the different types of alpha satellite segregating in a block fashion. Second, we have analyzed directly the extent of variation in different D17Z1 arrays by genomic blotting analysis of haploid copies of chromosome 17 isolated in rodent/human somatic cell hybrids. The data indicate the existence of a wide range of different alpha satellite variants on individual copies of chromosome 17, each haplotype differing in the size, restriction map, and relative proportion of particular polymorphic repeat forms. Despite this complexity, the D17Z1 markers provide a potentially useful and genetically close starting point for the molecular and clinical analysis of NF1.

Animals↗

Chromosome-specific alpha satellite DNA from human chromosome 1: hierarchical structure and genomic organization of a polymorphic domain spanning several hundred kilobase pairs of centromeric DNA.

The human alpha satellite repetitive DNA family is organized as distinct chromosome-specific subsets localized to the centromeric region of each chromosome. Here, we report he isolation and characterization of cloned repeat units which define a hierarchical subset of alpha satellite on human chromosome 1. This subset is characterized by a 1.9-kb higher-order repeat unit which consists of 11 tandem approximately 171-bp alpha satellite monomer repeat units. The higher-order repeat unit is itself tandemly repeated, present in at least 100 copies at the centromeric region of chromosome 1. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis we estimate the total array length of these tandem sequences at the centromere of chromosome 1 to be several hundred kilobase pairs. Under conditions of high stringency, the higher-order repeat probe hybridizes specifically to chromosome 1 and can be used to detect several associated restriction fragment length DNA polymorphisms. As such, this probe may be useful for molecular and genetic analyses of the centromeric region of human chromosome 1.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Genomic organization of alpha satellite DNA on human chromosome 7: evidence for two distinct alphoid domains on a single chromosome.

A complete understanding of chromosomal disjunction during mitosis and meiosis in complex genomes such as the human genome awaits detailed characterization of both the molecular structure and genetic behavior of the centromeric regions of chromosomes. Such analyses in turn require knowledge of the organization and nature of DNA sequences associated with centromeres. The most prominent class of centromeric DNA sequences in the human genome is the alpha satellite family of tandemly repeated DNA, which is organized as distinct chromosomal subsets. Each subset is characterized by a particular multimeric higher-order repeat unit consisting of tandemly reiterated, diverged alpha satellite monomers of approximately 171 base pairs. The higher-order repeat units are themselves tandemly reiterated and represent the most recently amplified or fixed alphoid sequences. We present evidence that there are at least two independent domains of alpha satellite DNA on chromosome 7, each characterized by their own distinct higher-order repeat structure. We determined the complete nucleotide sequences of a 6-monomer higher-order repeat unit, which is present in approximately 500 copies per chromosome 7, as well as those of a less-abundant (approximately 10 copies) 16-monomer higher-order repeat unit. Sequence analysis indicated that these repeats are evolutionarily distinct. Genomic hybridization experiments established that each is maintained in relatively homogeneous tandem arrays with no detectable interspersion. We propose mechanisms by which multiple unrelated higher-order repeat domains may be formed and maintained within a single chromosomal subset.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular analysis of a deletion polymorphism in alpha satellite of human chromosome 17: evidence for homologous unequal crossing-over and subsequent fixation.

The human alpha satellite DNA family is organized into chromosome-specific subsets characterized by distinct higher-order repeats based on a approximately 171 basepair monomer unit. On human chromosome 17, the predominant form of alpha satellite is a 16-monomer (16-mer) higher-order repeat present in 500-1000 copies per chromosome 17. In addition, less abundant 15-monomer and 14-monomer repeats are also found constitutively on chromosome 17. Polymorphisms in the form of different higher-order repeat lengths have been described for this subset, the most prominent polymorphism being a 13-monomer (13-mer) higher-order repeat present on approximately 35% of all chromosomes 17. To investigate the nature of this polymorphism, we have cloned, sequenced and compared the relevant regions of the 13-mer to the previously characterized 16-mer repeat. The results show that the repeats are virtually identical, with the principal difference being the exclusion of three monomers from the 13-mer repeat. We propose that the 13-mer is the product of an isolated homologous recombination event between two monomers of the 16-mer repeat. Sequence comparisons reveal the approximate site of recombination and flanking regions of homology. This recombination site corresponds to a position within the alphoid monomer which has been previously implicated in an independent homologous recombination event, suggesting that there may exist a preferred register for recombination in alphoid DNA. We suggest that these events are representative of an ongoing process capable of reorganizing the satellite subset of a given chromosome, thereby contributing to the establishment of chromosome-specific alpha satellite subsets.

Base Sequence↗

Detection of restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the centromeres of human chromosomes by using chromosome-specific alpha satellite DNA probes: implications for development of centromere-based genetic linkage maps.

We describe a general strategy for the detection of high-frequency restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the centromeric regions of human chromosomes by molecular analysis of alpha satellite DNA, a diverse family of tandemly repeated DNA located near the centromeres of all human chromosomes. To illustrate this strategy, cloned alpha satellite repeats isolated from two human chromosomes, 17 and X, have been used under high-stringency conditions that take advantage of the chromosome-specific organization of this divergent repeated DNA family. Multiple high-frequency restriction fragment length polymorphisms are described for the centromeric region of both chromosome 17 and X chromosome. Mendelian inheritance of the variants is demonstrated. The X-linked alpha satellite polymorphisms in particular are highly informative and constitute a virtually unique centromeric DNA marker for each X chromosome examined. Since the strategy we describe is a general one, the alpha satellite family of DNA should provide a rich source of molecular variation in the human genome and should contribute to the development of centromere-based genetic linkage maps of human chromosomes.

Centromere↗

Structure, organization, and sequence of alpha satellite DNA from human chromosome 17: evidence for evolution by unequal crossing-over and an ancestral pentamer repeat shared with the human X chromosome.

The centromeric regions of all human chromosomes are characterized by distinct subsets of a diverse tandemly repeated DNA family, alpha satellite. On human chromosome 17, the predominant form of alpha satellite is a 2.7-kilobase-pair higher-order repeat unit consisting of 16 alphoid monomers. We present the complete nucleotide sequence of the 16-monomer repeat, which is present in 500 to 1,000 copies per chromosome 17, as well as that of a less abundant 15-monomer repeat, also from chromosome 17. These repeat units were approximately 98% identical in sequence, differing by the exclusion of precisely 1 monomer from the 15-monomer repeat. Homologous unequal crossing-over is suggested as a probable mechanism by which the different repeat lengths on chromosome 17 were generated, and the putative site of such a recombination event is identified. The monomer organization of the chromosome 17 higher-order repeat unit is based, in part, on tandemly repeated pentamers. A similar pentameric suborganization has been previously demonstrated for alpha satellite of the human X chromosome. Despite the organizational similarities, substantial sequence divergence distinguishes these subsets. Hybridization experiments indicate that the chromosome 17 and X subsets are more similar to each other than to the subsets found on several other human chromosomes. We suggest that the chromosome 17 and X alpha satellite subsets may be related components of a larger alphoid subfamily which have evolved from a common ancestral repeat into the contemporary chromosome-specific subsets.

Base Sequence↗

Chromosome-specific alpha satellite DNA: nucleotide sequence analysis of the 2.0 kilobasepair repeat from the human X chromosome.

The pericentromeric region of the human X chromosome is characterized by a tandemly repeated family of 2.0 kilobasepair (kb) DNA fragments, initially revealed by cleavage of human DNA with the restriction enzyme BamHI. We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of a cloned member of the repeat family and establish that this X-linked DNA family consists entirely of alpha satellite DNA. Our data indicate that the 2.0 kb repeat consists of twelve alpha satellite monomers arranged in imperfect, direct repeats. Each of the alpha X monomers is approximately 171 basepairs (bp) in length and is 60-75% identical in sequence to previously described primate alpha satellite DNAs. The twelve alpha X monomers are 65-85% identical in sequence to each other and are organized as two adjacent, related blocks of five monomers, plus an additional two monomers also related to monomers within the pentamer blocks. Partial nucleotide sequence of a second, independent copy of the 2.0 kb BamHI fragment established that the 2.0 kb repeat is, in fact, the unit of amplification on the X. Comparison of the sequences of the twelve alpha X monomers allowed derivation of a 171 bp consensus sequence for alpha satellite DNA on the human X chromosome. These sequence data, combined with the results of filter hybridization experiments of total human DNA and X chromosome DNA, using subregions within the 2.0 kb repeat as probes, provide strong support for the hypothesis that individual human chromosomes are characterized by different alpha satellite families, defined both by restriction enzyme periodicity and by chromosome-specific primary sequence.

Base Sequence↗

Nonrandom insertion of Tn5 into cloned human adenovirus DNA.

The bacterial transposable element Tn5 displays regional selectivity in target sites for transposition. To examine this integration specificity of Tn5, we have mapped 57 insertion events in a plasmid pXC1 containing a eukaryotic viral DNA fragment as a target for Tn5 insertional mutagenesis. We found a nonrandom distribution of integration sites in pXC1, suggesting preferred targets for transposition. However, DNA sequence analysis of seven mutants revealed no target site sequence specificity for Tn5 insertion. We demonstrated that the majority of these insertions mapped downstream from a fortuitous promoter sequence which was present and active in this cloned insert in pXC1. Furthermore, when this promoter region was removed, Tn5 was able to transpose into previously unused upstream target sequences. Our data suggest that transcriptional activity may influence Tn5 transposition.

Adenoviruses, Human↗