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M Dean

Publications and source records attributed to M Dean.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Mapping of a gene causing familial Mediterranean fever to the short arm of chromosome 16.

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever is an autosomal-recessive disease characterized by acute attacks of fever with sterile peritonitis, pleurisy, or synovitis. The biochemical basis of the disease is unknown, but determining the chromosomal location of the gene for the disorder should be a first step toward defining the biochemical events. METHODS AND RESULTS: As part of a systematic genome-wide search, we sought evidence of linkage between familial Mediterranean fever and chromosome 16 DNA markers in 27 affected non-Ashkenazi Jewish families from Israel. Two loci from the subtelomeric region of the short arm of chromosome 16 (16p) had lod scores sufficient to establish linkage (a score greater than or equal to 3). One DNA marker (D16S84) gave a maximal lod score of 9.17 (odds of 10(9.17) to 1 in favor of linkage) at a recombination frequency (theta) of 0.04. A probe associated with the hemoglobin alpha complex (5'HVR) gave a maximal lod score of 14.47 at a theta of 0.06. Multipoint linkage analysis indicated that the following was the most likely gene order: the centromere, the gene for familial Mediterranean fever, D16S84, hemoglobin alpha, and the telomere. The maximal multipoint lod score was 19.86. There was a striking degree of homozygosity at chromosome 16p loci in the affected offspring of eight consanguineous couples. CONCLUSIONS: The gene that causes familial Mediterranean fever in non-Ashkenazi Jews maps to the short arm of chromosome 16.

Centromere↗

Organization of the human T cell receptor zeta/eta gene and its genetic linkage to the Fc gamma RII-Fc gamma RIII gene cluster.

The zeta-subunit is the most recently characterized stoichiometric human TCR component. In this study we describe the molecular organization of the human zeta-gene. The zeta transcript is generated as the spliced product of eight exons that are separated by distances of 0.7 kb to more than 8 kb. Ribonuclease protection studies revealed multiple transcription initiation sites distributed over a range of approximately 115 bases. A variable number tandem repeat restriction fragment polymorphism contained within the structural gene has allowed for the localization of zeta within the human genome. Additionally, a restriction fragment polymorphism within the Fc gamma RII-Fc gamma RIII gene cluster has allowed for its localization on the map of human chromosome 1q and for the establishment of its linkage to the zeta-gene locus. A region that is highly homologous on a nucleotide level with the eta-exon of the murine zeta-gene is localized to the 3' region of the human zeta-gene. Surprisingly, translation of this region into protein results in a structure that is markedly divergent from its murine counterpart. This finding has important implications regarding the potential role of eta in T cell function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. A primarily genital form of cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Almost all males with cystic fibrosis (CF) have absent vasa deferentia. It has been suggested that otherwise healthy males with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), previously considered a distinct genetic entity, have an increased frequency of CF gene mutations. This study examined the genetic commonality of these two disorders. DESIGN: We typed six common CF gene mutations in 25 patients with CBAVD. Additional rare mutations were sought using single-stranded conformation polymorphisms and direct DNA sequencing. When rare mutations were found, they were sought in a large sample of both CF patients and obligate CF carriers to exclude them as polymorphisms. SETTING: All the patients presented to a male infertility clinic of a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five unselected, unrelated azoospermic men with CBAVD, most of them of Northern European ancestry. RESULTS: Sixteen (64%) of the 25 men with CBAVD had at least one detectable CF mutation, 16 times the expected frequency (P less than .001). Moreover, we have thus far determined that three of these 16 men are compound heterozygotes, one of whom has a mutation not previously described. Analyses continue on patients who have yet to yield a detectable mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Some, if not all, otherwise healthy men with CBAVD reflect a newly recognized, primarily genital, phenotype of CF. Prior to sperm aspiration to remedy infertility, CF mutation analysis should be recommended for them and their partners, as well as for their relatives.

Adult↗

Screening for cystic fibrosis mutations in southern France: identification of a frameshift mutation and two missense variations.

In the search for mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene in patients from the Mediterranean area, we have analysed exons 4, 9, 10, 19, and 21 by the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique in 50 patients with at least one non-delta F508 chromosome. Ten samples demonstrated a shifted band, four in exon 19 and six in exon 21. Sequencing of the PCR fragments has led to the identification of three new sequence alterations, two in exon 19 (3737 delA and I1234V), and one in exon 21 (N1303H). We also analysed the frequency of two known intronic polymorphisms in front of exon 19 (C to A change at nucleotide 3601-65) and exon 21 (G to A change at position 4006-200).

Base Sequence↗

The use of DNA heteroduplex patterns to map recombination within the HLA class II region.

Differential DNA heteroduplex patterns were used to investigate inheritance of HLA class II region genes in a family where a living related kidney transplant was under consideration. Serologic typing of the family members for HLA class I (HLA-A, B, and C) and class II (HLA-DR and DQ) alleles indicated that the patient (109) and one sibling (126) had inherited the same maternal and paternal HLA alleles. However, a strong reciprocal mixed lymphocyte response implied that these two individuals were not completely HLA identical. Serologic typing for HLA-DQ was confirmed by allele-specific oligonucleotide typing family members for HLA-DQ alpha and beta genes. To assess a possible nonidentical gene(s), DNA was amplified from all family members at the second exon of the DR beta, DQ alpha, DP alpha, and DP beta genes and the products were analyzed by DNA heteroduplex formation. This method showed that individuals 109 and 126 were identical at DR and DQ but differed at DP. This difference was confirmed by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization and indicated that 126 had inherited a recombinant maternal chromosome with a cross-over occurring in the region between the DQ beta and DP alpha genes. These data demonstrate the applicability of DNA heteroduplex patterns in establishing identity-nonidentity of alleles in the major histocompatibility complex.

Base Sequence↗

Typing of HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 using DNA single-strand conformation polymorphism.

The technique of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), which is capable of distinguishing DNA sequence variability, was adapted to the identification of the HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles. Eight DQA1 alleles and 12 DQB1 alleles were distinguished by amplifying the second exon of the genes in the presence of radioactive deoxynucleotide, denaturing the products with heat, and separating the single strands by electrophoresis in nondenaturing gels. For DQA1, it was possible to distinguish the eight alleles with standard bis-acrylamide or with a Hydrolink gel matrix. Twelve DQB1 alleles were identified by a protocol employing a combination of oligohybridization and SSCP using products amplified by specific DQB1 primers.

Alleles↗

Detecting single base substitutions as heteroduplex polymorphisms.

We have developed a sensitive technique for detecting single base substitutions in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from individuals heterozygous for polymorphisms or new mutations. This technique takes advantage of the formation of heteroduplexes in the PCR between different alleles from heterozygous individuals. These heteroduplexes can be detected on polyacrylamide gels because they migrate slower than their corresponding homoduplexes. Using PCR, we have generated a series of point mutations in a defined region of DNA in the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). Each mutation is the result of a single base substitution. By mixing the PCR products amplified from these mutations with one another, as well as with wildtype PCR products, we can generate heteroduplexes in which the identity of the mismatched bases is known. We detected eight of nine point mutations using this technique. We have also modified the electrophoretic conditions to optimize the detection of these heteroduplexes. In addition, the usefulness of this technique is demonstrated by its ability to detect a mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene that is the result of a single base substitution. This technique should prove useful for rapidly screening large numbers of individuals for new mutations or polymorphisms.

Base Sequence↗

D2 dopamine receptor genotype and cerebrospinal fluid homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol in alcoholics in Finland and the United States.

If a genetic association between the D2 dopamine receptor genotype and alcoholism is mediated by altered dopamine function, then a stronger association might be found in alcoholics who are deviant in indices of dopamine function and by comparing alcoholics to nonalcoholics matched for ethnic origin. Therefore, we evaluated the D2/TaqI polymorphism in 29 impulsive violent alcoholic Finns, 17 nonimpulsive violent alcoholic Finns and 36 Finnish controls free of mental disorders, alcoholism and substance abuse. In 37 of the alcoholics, we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol. There was no relationship between D2/Taq 1 genotype and concentrations of these monoamine metabolites in this group, which exhibits lower CSF HVA and 5-HIAA as compared to controls. There was also no genotypic difference between Finnish alcoholics and nonalcoholic controls. The lack of relationship between D2/Taq1 genotype and HVA concentration was replicated in 24 Caucasian alcoholics in the United States.

Adult↗