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Biomedical subjects

M G Mattéi

Publications and source records attributed to M G Mattéi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

SOX7 transcription factor: sequence, chromosomal localisation, expression, transactivation and interference with Wnt signalling.

The Sox gene family consists of several genes related by encoding a 79 amino acid DNA-binding domain known as the HMG box. This box shares strong sequence similarity to that of the testis determining protein SRY. SOX proteins are transcription factors having critical roles in the regulation of diverse developmental processes in the animal kingdom. We have characterised the human SOX7 gene and compared it to its mouse orthologue. Chromosomal mapping analyses localised mouse Sox7 on band D of mouse chromosome 14, and assigned human SOX7 in a region of shared synteny on human chromosome 8 (8p22). A detailed expression analysis was performed in both species. Sox7 mRNA was detected during embryonic development in many tissues, most abundantly in brain, heart, lung, kidney, prostate, colon and spleen, suggesting a role in their respective differentiation and development. In addition, mouse Sox7 expression was shown to parallel mouse Sox18 mRNA localisation in diverse situations. Our studies also demonstrate the presence of a functional transactivation domain in SOX7 protein C-terminus, as well as the ability of SOX7 protein to significantly reduce Wnt/beta-catenin-stimulated transcription. In view of these and other findings, we suggest different modes of action for SOX7 inside the cell including repression of Wnt signalling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

hH-Rev107, a class II tumor suppressor gene, is expressed by post-meiotic testicular germ cells and CIS cells but not by human testicular germ cell tumors.

By systematic analysis of a human testis library, we have isolated the hH-Rev107-3 cDNA, identical to hH-Rev107-1 cDNA, which was previously described as a class II tumor suppressor gene. In this study, two transcripts (1 and 0.8 kb) were detected by Northern blot in all human tissues, excepted in thymus. The strongest expression was found in testis, skeletal muscle and heart. These two mRNA are probably transcribed from only one gene that we mapped to the q12-q13 region of the chromosome 11. In human testis, hH-Rev107 gene expression was localized, by in situ hybridization, within the round spermatids. To investigate a possible role for hH-Rev107 protein in testicular malignant growth, we examined the expression of this gene in germ cell tumors. A strong hH-Rev107 gene expression was observed in normal testis as well as in samples with preinvasive carcinoma in situ but was completely absent in overt tumors, both seminomas and non-seminomas. By in situ hybridization, CIS was found hH-Rev107 positive and tumor negative. A semi-quantitative assessment of hH-Rev107 mRNA level in testicular germ cell tumors, by RT-PCR, exhibited a ninefold decrease in the gene expression. No gross structural aberrations of hH-Rev107 gene were detected in these human primary tumors. The results suggest that down-regulation of hH-Rev107 may be associated with invasive progression of testicular germ cell tumors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of human and mouse HIRA-interacting protein-5 (HIRIP5), two mammalian representatives in a family of phylogenetically conserved proteins with a role in the biogenesis of Fe/S proteins.

The human HIRA protein is encoded from a region of chromosome 22q that is critical for the DiGeorge syndrome and the velocardiofacial syndrome. We have previously reported that it directly interacts with core histones, with a novel histone-binding protein, HIRIP3, and during mouse embryogenesis, with the developmentally regulated homeodomain protein Pax3, suggesting a promoter-targeted function at the chromatin level. We here report on HIRA-interacting protein 5 (HIRIP5), a small acidic protein that interacted with HIRA in a double-hybrid screen performed in yeast and in in vitro protein interaction experiments. HIRIP5 has highly conserved homologs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including the NFU1 gene product which has been implicated in iron metabolism in mitochondria of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By radioactive in situ hybridization, the HIRIP5 gene was mapped to the 2p13-p15 chromosomal region, separate from any region previously associated with DiGeorge syndrome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The myosin light chain kinase gene is not duplicated in mouse: partial structure and chromosomal localization of Mylk.

The gene encoding myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) is duplicated on human chromosome 3 (HSA3; 3p13;3q21) and on a chromosome with conserved synteny to HSA3 in most non-human primate species. In human, the functional copy resides on 3q21, whereas the 3p13 site contains a pseudogene. To trace the origin of the duplication, we characterized the mouse gene Mylk. A single sequence corresponding to the functional Mylk was detected. We sequenced a 180-kb bacterial artificial chromosome clone containing the 24 first exons of Mylk; the complete mouse gene is expected to span >200 kb. Comparisons with the draft of the human genome revealed that the sequence and structure of MYLK are conserved in mammals. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicated that the mouse gene localizes to a single site on chromosome 16B4-B5, a region with conserved synteny with HSA3q. Our study provides information on both the structure and the evolution of MYLK in mammals and suggests that it was duplicated after the divergence of rodents and primates.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification, tissue specific expression, and chromosomal localisation of several human dynein heavy chain genes.

Sliding between adjacent microtubules within the axonema gives rise to the motility of cilia and flagella. The driving force is produced by dynein complexes which are mainly composed of the axonemal dynein heavy chains. We used cells of human respiratory epithelium after in vitro ciliogenesis to clone cDNA fragments of nine dynein heavy chain genes, one of which had never been identified before. Dynein heavy chains are highly conserved from protozoa to human and the evolutionary ancestry of these dynein heavy chain cDNA fragments was deduced by phylogenetic analysis. These dynein heavy chain cDNAs are highly transcribed in human tissues containing axonema such as trachea, testis and brain, but not in adult heart or placenta. PAC clones containing dynein heavy chains were obtained and used to determine by FISH their chromosomal position in the human genome. They were mapped to 2p12-p11, 2q33, 3p21.2-p21.1, 13q14, 16p12 and 17p12. The chromosomal assignment of these dynein heavy chain genes which was confirmed by GeneBridge 4 radiation hybrid screening, will be extremely useful for linkage analysis efforts in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomic structure and chromosomal localization of the mouse Hsf2 gene and promoter sequences.

The mouse heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) cDNA was previously cloned by homology to HSF1, the heat shock factor involved in the cellular response to stress [Sarge, K.D., Zimarino, V., Holm, K., Wu, C., Morimoto, R.I., Cloning and characterization of two mouse heat shock factors with distinct inducible and constitutive DNA-binding ability. Genes Dev. 5 (1991) 1902-1911]. HSF2 is active in restricted cell types during pre- and post-implantation stages of development, and only in male germ cells of adult mice. However, the function of this factor remains elusive. We report here the cloning of the mouse Hsf2 gene and its genomic structure. We show that the gene is composed of 13 exons of variable sizes spanning at least 43kb in the genome. The transcription start site has been determined, and upstream sequences with promoter activity have been identified by their ability to direct the expression of a luciferase reporter gene in transfected cells. A preliminary analysis of the proximal promoter sequence determined that the TATA box is absent, but that a GC-rich region with several potential binding sites for transcription factors is present. The gene has been mapped to mouse chromosome 10 by in-situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes.

Animals↗

Evaluation of the genotoxic activity of paclitaxel by the in vitro micronucleus test in combination with fluorescent in situ hybridization of a DNA centromeric probe and the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis technique (comet assay) in human T-lymphocytes.

Paclitaxel is a recent chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits tubulin depolymerization in tumoral cells. Despite its increasing use against various human cancers, the genotoxicity of paclitaxel has never been studied on normal human cells. The in vitro genotoxic effects of the drug were evaluated with two complementary mutagenesis tests on human T-lymphocytes: (1) the cytokinesis-blocked micronuclei assay (CBMN) in combination with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of nonspecific centromeric probes and (2) the comet assay performed in three ways: on stimulated lymphocytes as in the CBMN, and on freshly isolated lymphocytes at both 4 and 37 degrees C. A slight cytotoxicity of 2.5 to 10 nM paclitaxel was found in the CBMN and a significant increase in the binucleated micronucleated cell rates was observed, with a concentration-dependent manner. In the FISH analysis, more than 85% of the micronuclei (MN) were centromere positive, and a ratio of 72. 2 to 78.6% of these MN contained more than one centromere. Moreover, at 10 nM of paclitaxel, 35.6% of the cells are multimicronucleated lymphocytes. Unexpectedly, paclitaxel induced single-strand breaks on proliferating lymphocytes at 5 and 7.5 nM but not in resting cells, even at 5 to 15 microM. These in vitro results showed that (1) paclitaxel does not present any direct DNA action in resting cells, (2) DNA damage detected in stimulated lymphocytes may be linked either to a high frequency of cells in the S-phase cell cycle or to a direct DNA damaging effect on replicating cells, and (3) paclitaxel is a strong in vitro aneugenic drug on human normal cells, at clinically relevant concentrations.

Adult↗

Chromosomal localization of three human poly(A)-binding protein genes and four related pseudogenes.

In humans, the poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) comprise a small nuclear isoform and a conserved gene family that displays at least three functional proteins: PABP1, inducible PABP (iPABP), and PABP3, plus four pseudogenes (1, 2, 3, and PABP4). In situ hybridization of PABP3 cDNA as the probe on metaphasic chromosomes have revealed five possible loci for this gene family at 2q21-q22, 13q11-q12, 12q13.3-q15, 8q22, and 3q24-q25. Amplifications of specific DNA fragments from a human-rodent somatic cell hybrid panel have allowed us to associate PABP1 and PABP3 with 8q22 and 13q11-q12, respectively. The iPABP gene has been assigned to chromosome 1. This result, compared with radiation hybrid database information, strengthens the location of this gene to 1p32-p36. The pseudogenes PABP4, 1, and 2 have been assigned to chromosomes 15, 4, and 14, respectively. Three loci detected on chromosome spreads are not associated with any amplified fragment. They might represent other related PABP genes not yet identified.

Animals↗

VPREB3: cDNA characterization and expression in human and chromosome mapping in human and mouse.

The pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) regulates pre-B cell expansion and allelic exclusion at the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain locus and mediates the selection of Ig heavy chain variable gene segments. During the early phase of pre-BCR assembly in the mouse, the membrane Ig mu heavy chain transiently associates with the VPREB3 protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we present the human VPREB3 cDNA sequence and its B cell-specific expression in hematopoietic cell lines. We have localized this gene to chromosome 22q11 close to IGLL genes in human and to chromosome 10C in mouse.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a human 17p-located cDNA encoding a protein of the Snf2-like helicase family.

Following immunoscreening, we have cloned and sequenced a human cDNA encoding a novel member of the expanding helicase family. The deduced protein, designated hZFH (human zinc-finger helicase), contains the seven domains conserved among the helicase superfamily II and four potential zinc-fingers motifs. In particular, hZFH shows significant similarity to some proteins of the Snf2-like family, known to act as transcriptional regulators for multiples genes. Furthermore, hZFH has 68.5% identity to a human Mi-2 autoantigen to which autoantibodies are produced by a subgroup of patients affected by dermatomyositis. Northern-blot analyses have revealed several hZFH mRNAs with quantitative differences in various human tissues. One alternative splice site of hZFH mRNA was demonstrated and others were predicted. We also report the chromosomal localization of gene hZFH to locus 17p13-17p12 by in situ hybridization. Thus, this novel gene appears as a candidate for several malignant and genetic diseases associated with this region of the genome. The combination of these features suggests that hZFH plays an important role in gene regulation.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Genomic organization and chromosomal localization of the murine epididymal retinoic acid-binding protein (mE-RABP) gene.

The murine epididymal retinoic acid-binding protein (mE-RABP) is specifically synthesized in the mouse mid/distal caput epididymidis and secreted in the lumen. In this report, we have demonstrated by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA that mE-RABP is encoded by a single-copy gene. A mouse 129/SvJ genomic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was screened using a cDNA encoding the minor form of mE-RABP. One positive BAC clone was characterized and sequenced to determine the nucleotide sequence of the entire mE-RABP gene. The molecular cloning of the mE-RABP gene completes the characterization of the 20.5-kDa-predicted preprotein leading to the minor and major forms of mE-RABP. Comparison of the DNA sequence of the promoter and coding regions with that of the rat epididymal secretory protein I (ESP I) gene showed that the mE-RABP gene is the orthologue of the ESP I gene that encodes a rat epididymal retinoic acid-binding protein. Several regulatory elements, including a putative androgen receptor binding site, "CACCC-boxes," NF-1, Oct-1, and SP-1 recognition sites, are conserved in the proximal promoter. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the mE-RABP gene revealed the presence of seven exons and showed that the genomic organization is highly related to other genes encoding lipocalins. The mE-RABP gene was mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridization to the [A3-B] region of the murine chromosome 2. Our data, combined with that of others, suggest that the proximal segment of the mouse chromosome 2 may be a rich region for genes encoding lipocalins with a genomic organization highly related to the mE-RABP gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure and putative function of a murine epididymal retinoic acid-binding protein (mE-RABP).

Vitamin A is required to maintain the epididymal epithelium. In this report, the characterization and putative functions of a murine epididymal retinoic acid-binding protein (mE-RABP) that is secreted into the lumen from the mid-/distal caput epididymidis are discussed. The amino acid sequence analysis of the mE-RABP preprotein shows that mE-RABP is the mouse orthologue of the rat epididymal secretory protein I (ESPI). These proteins belong to the lipocalin superfamily and bind to active retinoids but not to retinol. Therefore, we propose that mE-RABP may function as an extracellular retinoid carrier-protein involved in the paracrine regulation of epididymal function by retinoids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning, chromosomal mapping, and expression of a novel human secretory phospholipase A2.

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) represent a rapidly expanding family of structurally related enzymes found in mammals as well as in insect and snake venoms. In this report, a cDNA coding for a novel sPLA2 has been isolated from human fetal lung, and its gene has been mapped to chromosome 16p13.1-p12. The mature sPLA2 protein has a molecular mass of 13.6 kDa, is acidic (pI 5.3), and made up of 123 amino acids. Key structural features of the sPLA2 include: (i) a long prepropeptide ending with an arginine doublet, (ii) 16 cysteines located at positions that are characteristic of both group I and group II sPLA2s, (iii) a C-terminal extension typical of group II sPLA2s, (iv) and the absence of elapid and pancreatic loops that are characteristic of group I sPLA2s. Based on these structural properties, this sPLA2 appears as a first member of a new group of sPLA2s, called group X. A 1.5-kilobase transcript coding for the human group X (hGX) sPLA2 was found in spleen, thymus, and peripheral blood leukocytes, while a less abundant 0.8-kilobase transcript was detected in the pancreas, lung, and colon. When the hGX sPLA2 cDNA was expressed in COS cells, sPLA2 activity preferentially accumulated in the culture medium, indicating that hGX sPLA2 is an actively secreted enzyme. It is maximally active at physiological pH and with 10 mM Ca2+. hGX sPLA2 prefers phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine liposomes to those of phosphatidylserine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and regional mapping of cDNAs expressed during early human development.

A cDNA sequencing project was initiated with the aim of isolating and mapping new genes expressed during early human development. A human embryo cDNA library was constructed, and a prescreening procedure was used to select cDNAs corresponding to poorly transcribed genes. Partial sequences were generated from one or both ends of 231 cDNA clones, and sequence comparison with genetic databases revealed that 28% were already annotated genes, 42% matched with partial sequences expressed sequence tags that had already been detected, 3% contained no insert, 5% were highly similar to sequences from other species, and 23% of the cDNAs appeared to be unknown in genetic databases. All new sequences were deposited in public genetic databases, and most of the corresponding cDNAs were regionally mapped on human chromosome bands using both fluorescence and radioactive in situ hybridization. Several cDNAs colocalized with critical regions of the genome regarding mapped disorders, thus providing candidate genes for human genetic diseases.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Family of Ebf/Olf-1-related genes potentially involved in neuronal differentiation and regional specification in the central nervous system.

Two novel mouse genes, Ebf2 and Ebf3, have been identified which show high similarity to the rodent Ebf/Olf-1 and the Drosophila collier genes. The strong conservation of the protein regions corresponding to the DNA binding and dimerisation domains previously defined in Ebf strongly suggests that Ebf2 and Ebf3 also constitute DNA sequence-specific transcription factors. Determination of the chromosomal locations of the two genes indicated that the different members of this novel mouse multigene family are not clustered. A detailed analysis of the expression of each of the three Ebf genes in the developing central nervous system revealed partially overlapping patterns with two salient features: 1) In the region extending from the midbrain to the spinal cord, the expression of the three genes correlated with neuronal maturation, with a general activation in early post-mitotic cells, followed by specific patterns of extinction also consistent with the neurogenic gradient. 2) In the forebrain area, although the patterns of expression of the Ebf genes also reflected neuronal maturation, they appeared in addition to be region specific. These data suggest that Ebf genes may be involved in the control of neuronal differentiation in the CNS and in enforcing regional diversity in populations of post-mitotic forebrain neurons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of a mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase from human testis.

A human homologue of the rodent T cell mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase RT6 mRNA was identified by a systematic partial sequencing of human testis transcripts. This messenger encodes for a precursor protein of 367 aa (MW: 41.5 kDa) which exhibits a peptide signal, consensus domains for mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferase and a C terminal part which contains three repeated motives (GEKNQKLEDH) and a region characteristic of glycophosphatidyl inositol anchored proteins. This mRNA is transcribed from a gene localized in 4q13-q21. Surprisingly, it is not expressed in human white blood cells but it exhibits a very specific testis expression in which it is likely to correspond to a new ADP-ribosyl transferase.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗