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N J Royle

Publications and source records attributed to N J Royle.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Sequences flanking the repeat arrays of human minisatellites: association with tandem and dispersed repeat elements.

We present DNA sequences flanking cloned hypervariable human minisatellites. In addition to providing confirmatory evidence that minisatellites cluster with other tandem repeats, these flanking sequences contain a high frequency of interspersed repetitive elements. These elements include a retroviral LTR-like sequence, from which one of the minisatellites appears to have expanded, and a recently described short interspersed repeat. We present our own findings concerning this element, in particular that those examples studied do not show significant evolutionary conservation, despite suggestions that the element may have a cis-acting function.

Base Sequence↗

Spontaneous mutation rates to new length alleles at tandem-repetitive hypervariable loci in human DNA.

Tandem-repetitive minisatellite regions in vertebrate DNA frequently show substantial allelic variation in the number of repeat units. This variation is thought to arise through processes such as unequal crossover or replication slippage. We show here that the spontaneous mutation rate to new length alleles at extremely variable human minisatellites is sufficiently high to be directly measurable in human pedigrees. The mutation rate at different loci increases with variability in accord with the neutral mutation/random drift hypothesis, and rises to 5% per gamete for the most unstable human minisatellite isolated. Mutations are sporadic, occur with similar frequencies in sperm and oocytes, and can involve the gain or loss of substantial numbers of repeat units, consistent with length changes arising primarily by unequal exchange at meiosis. Germline instability must therefore be taken into account when using hypervariable loci as genetic markers, particularly in pedigree analysis and parenthood testing.

Alleles↗

Structural gene encoding human factor XII is located at 5q33-qter.

The gene encoding human factor XII (F12) or Hageman factor has been mapped to 5q33-qter. This has been achieved by analyzing the results obtained from hybridizing a cloned fragment from the factor XII gene to a panel of human-hamster somatic cell hybrid DNAs and also by in situ hybridization to normal human metaphase cells. The previously reported results localizing F12 to 6p23 are discussed.

Animals↗

Clustering of hypervariable minisatellites in the proterminal regions of human autosomes.

Six of the human minisatellites detected by DNA fingerprint probes have been localized by in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes. These hypervariable loci are not dispersed at random in the human genome, but show preferential, though not exclusive, localization to terminal G-bands of human autosomes. Two of the proterminal minisatellites are very closely linked to other variable loci. Sequence analysis of one of these additional minisatellites suggests that the two linked minisatellites arose by independent amplification of different repeat units. The proterminal regions of human autosomes may therefore be rich in minisatellites, analogous to the pseudoautosomal terminal pairing region of human sex chromosomes that is similarly abundant in hypervariable minisatellites.

Base Sequence↗

Human genes encoding prothrombin and ceruloplasmin map to 11p11-q12 and 3q21-24, respectively.

The gene for human prothrombin, or factor II (F2) has been assigned to 11p11-q12 by the combined use of a panel of somatic cell hybrid DNAs and in situ hybridization, using both cDNA and genomic probes. In addition, the cDNA probe for F2 recognizes a homologous sequence which has been tentatively mapped to the X chromosome. Similar approaches have been used to confirm the assignment of the ceruloplasmin gene, but to regionally localize it more proximally than previously reported (3q21-q24). These results provide further evidence that genes encoding the coagulation factors and related proteins are dispersed throughout the human genome.

Ceruloplasmin↗

The gene for clotting factor 10 is mapped to 13q32----qter.

The structural gene for the human clotting factor 10 (F10) has been mapped to chromosome 13 with a cDNA probe hybridized to DNAs from a panel of human X hamster hybrids. In situ hybridization was used to assign F10 to region 13q32----qter of chromosomes from normal human lymphocytes.

Animals↗

Deletion of genes on chromosome 1 in endocrine neoplasia.

Recent studies have identified normal cellular DNA sequences which are lost in the development of embryonal and adult tumours. These tumours are thought to arise after a primary mutation in one allele of such a sequence is followed by loss of its normal homologue. In familial cases, the primary mutation is transmitted in the germ line. The secondary mutation may involve a substantial loss of chromosomal material and thus lead to identification of the site of the inherited mutation. We have examined constitutional and tumour genotypes of medullary thyroid carcinomas and phaeochromocytomas which develop in the dominantly inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) to locate the predisposing gene in this syndrome. We observed deletion of a hypervariable region of DNA on the short arm of chromosome 1 in seven out of fourteen tumours. Analysis of the parental origin of the deleted allele in two families showed that it was derived from the affected parent in one case, which suggests that the deletion does not reflect the site of the inherited mutation in MEN2. The deleted region is distal to the breakpoint commonly detected in neuroblastomas, which share with the tumours of MEN2 embryological origin from neuroectoderm.

Carcinoma↗

New C-band polymorphism in the White Park cattle of Great Britain.

A chromosome analysis, using G- and sequential Q- and C-banding, of 133 cattle distributed among seven rare breeds of cattle in Great Britain, showed a new C-band polymorphism of chromosome 27. The polymorphism was demonstrated by the absence of a centromeric block of heterochromatin and was only seen in the White Park breed. The polymorphic chromosome had a frequency of 0.446 and was present in either a heterozygous or homozygous state in 75 percent of the White Park cattle studied. The animals carrying the polymorphic chromosome have been traced back to three bulls, two of which have been widely used throughout the breed. It seems likely that the polymorphism arose in one common ancestor before 1949.

Animals↗