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Biomedical subjects

S Povey

Publications and source records attributed to S Povey.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

European Gene Mapping Project (EUROGEM): breakpoint panels for human chromosomes based on the CEPH reference families. Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain.

Meiotic breakpoint panels for human chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20 and X were constructed from genotypes from the CEPH reference families. Each recombinant chromosome included has a breakpoint well-supported with reference to defined quantitative criteria. The panels were constructed at both a low-resolution, useful for a first-pass localization, and high-resolution, for a more precise placement. The availability of such panels will reduce the number of genotyping experiments necessary to order new polymorphisms with respect to existing genetic markers. This paper shows only a representative sample of the breakpoints detected. The complete data are available on the World Wide Web (URL http:/(/)www.icnet.uk/axp/hgr/eurogem++ +/HTML/data.html) or by anonymous ftp (ftp.gene.ucl.ac.uk in/pub/eurogem/maps/breakpoints).

Chromosome Mapping↗

CROSSFIND: software for detecting and displaying well-characterised meiotic breakpoints in human family data.

An algorithm for detecting well-characterised breakpoints in human family data has been developed and implemented as a computer program. The well-established program CRI-Map is used to perform the necessary likelihood analysis and generate the individual chromosomes, and then a set of user-defined parameters is used to detect the breakpoints, sort them by their position and classify them according to their support. A further program produces PostScript figures giving a visual representation of the breakpoints. The programs can be applied to data from human chromosomes, and the resulting breakpoint panels used to place new markers rapidly on to the map by typing only a few key individuals and their ancestors. A service has been established on the World Wide Web for chromosome 9, allowing workers to fill in an on-line form requesting a suitable panel of breakpoints to facilitate the mapping of new markers. A key feature of this approach is that all of the computing is done whilst detecting the breakpoints, after which new markers can be positioned without any need for a computer. CROSSFIND has been used to generate all the meiotic breakpoint panels shown in the preceding paper by members of the Eurogem Collaboration (Cox et al 1996).

Algorithms↗

Regional localization of 64 cosmid contigs, including 18 genes and 14 markers, to intervals on human chromosome 9q34.

A fluorescence in situ hybridization map of distal human chromosome 9q has been produced by mapping cosmid clones to metaphase chromosomes with balanced reciprocal translocations. This is a very accurate method of mapping, as clones are localized by their position with respect to the breakpoint in addition to cytogenetic banding. By using three lymphoblastoid cell lines with translocation breakpoints within 9q34, we have localized 18 genes and 14 DNA markers to one of four intervals on the chromosome. Cosmid contigs exist around 16 of these genes and 12 of these markers. A further 43 contigs have also been mapped, but they are as yet anonymous.

Animals↗

Comparative mapping of 50 human chromosome 9 loci in the laboratory mouse.

We have set out to produce a comprehensive comparative map between human chromosome 9 (HSA9) and the laboratory mouse. The mouse homologues of 50 loci that were known to map to HSA9 were mapped by interspecific backcross linkage analysis. Ten loci from the short arm of HSA9 were mapped, and 40 from HSA9q, with 24 markers coming from the HSA9q33-q34 region--a part of the chromosome known to be very gene rich. Fifteen new assignments have been made--Ak3, Ctsl, Cntfr, C8g, D2H9S46E, Eng, Gcnt1, Irebp, Pappa, Ptgds, Snf212, Tal2, Tmod, Vav2, and Vldlr, the human homologues of which all map to HSA9. In addition, the assignment of Snf212 and Vldlr to MMU19 has defined a new region of synteny between the proximal portion of the short arm of HSA9 and the mouse.

Animals↗

Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome arms 5q, 11p, 11q, 13q, and 16p in human testicular germ cell tumors.

To identify common regions of deletion in human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), we have screened tumors from 33 patients for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) using Southern blot analysis with 39 polymorphic markers covering 21 chromosome arms. Losses in more than 2 tumors and occurring at a frequency of > 10% were found on chromosome arms 5q, 11p, 11q, 13q, and 16p, the highest being on chromosome arm 5q (19%). It is suggested that tumor suppressor genes on 5q among others may be involved in testicular tumorigenesis and that LOH in this region requires further investigation. No losses were found on 12q and 17p despite the fact that the most common cytogenetic abnormality in TGCTs is an i(12p) and that the TP53 gene on 17p is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers. The level of allelic imbalance varied considerably from one chromosome region to another (0-80%) and did not generally reflect the pattern of LOH. It tended to be high in overrepresented regions of the genome, 1q, 7p, and 12p. The tumor from one patient had a seminomatous component and a less differentiated component. We provide evidence for a common origin of both components and show that it is likely that this tumor has progressed from the seminoma to the less differentiated histology.

Adult↗

Development of a panel of monochromosomal somatic cell hybrids for rapid gene mapping.

We have assembled a panel of monochromosomal somatic cell hybrids for use in gene mapping. DNA from each individual hybrid was used as a probe on normal human metaphases to identify the human chromosome and any fragments by reverse painting. To test the efficiency of the panel PCR amplification of DNA from the monochromosomal somatic cell hybrid panel was used in combination with human specific oligonucleotide primers to assign alpha-catenin (CTNNA1) and p21/WAF1 to chromosomes 5 and 6 respectively. These genes were localized further using hybrids containing specific translocations to 5q11-qter and 6p21 respectively. We also developed primers to enable us to assign 17 ESTs sequenced by the HGMP Resource Centre. The hybrid panel was developed with support of the UK HGMP and the DNA is available to all registered users.

Base Sequence↗

Mutations of the microsomal triglyceride-transfer-protein gene in abetalipoproteinemia.

Elevated plasma levels of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins constitute a major risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. In the rare recessively inherited disorder abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) the production of apoB-containing lipoproteins is abolished, despite no abnormality of the apoB gene. In the current study we have characterized the gene encoding a microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein (MTP), localized to chromosome 4q22-24, and have identified a mutation of the MTP gene in both alleles of all individuals in a cohort of eight patients with classical ABL. Each mutant allele is predicted to encode a truncated form of MTP with a variable number of aberrant amino acids at its C-terminal end. Expression of genetically engineered forms of MTP in Cos-1 cells indicates that the C-terminal portion of MTP is necessary for triglyceride-transfer activity. Deletion of 20 amino acids from the carboxyl terminus of the 894-amino-acid protein and a missense mutation of cysteine 878 to serine both abolished activity. These results establish that defects of the MTP gene are the predominant, if not sole, cause of hereditary ABL and that an intact carboxyl terminus is necessary for activity.

Abetalipoproteinemia↗

Isolation of a human YAC contig encompassing a cluster of UGT2 genes and its regional localization to chromosome 4q13.

Previously we mapped the gene encoding a human bile acid UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT2B4) to chromosome 4. Here we report the mapping of two additional human UGT2B genes to chromosome 4 utilizing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a panel of human/rodent somatic cell hybrid cell lines. A yeast artificial chromosome contig containing the UGT2B4, UGT2B9, and UGT2B15 genes was isolated, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and PCR revealed that several members of the human UGT2B gene subfamily are clustered within a 195-kb region of the YAC contig. These data permitted a provisional ordering of the genes as UGT2B9-UGT2B4-UGT2B15. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, using the YAC DNA, permitted the regional localization of this gene cluster to chromosome 4q13.

Animals↗

Evaluation of a transgenic mouse model for alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) related liver disease.

We have attempted to produce a transgenic mouse model of the neonatal liver disease associated with the human PIZ allele. Analysis of a number of transgenic mouse lines carrying either a normal human PIM gene construct or the mutant Z is reported. Using isoelectric focusing analysis of plasma from transgenic mice, we have shown that the human AAT proteins produced in mice are processed in a similar way to their counterparts in humans. By comparing the level of M and Z mRNA in liver with the levels of M and Z proteins in plasma we have inferred that, as in humans, the mutant protein tends to accumulate within the hepatocyte. Accumulation of Z protein has also been demonstrated by immunocytochemistry. Two of the M transgenic lines produce such high levels of the human protein that it, like the Z protein, accumulates as globules. Histological features of livers from 116 mice of different ages and genotypes were examined: 37 non-transgenic, 62 Z transgenic (23 low expressing and 39 high expressing) and 17 M transgenic mice, all high expressing. Cirrhosis or fibrosis was not seen in any animal and we were unable to find any evidence for neonatal liver disease. Some necrosis was seen in all genotypes and this increased significantly with age with one Z line showing significantly more frequent necrosis than any other group. This line, the highest expressing Z line, was back crossed onto 7 different genetic backgrounds but no major differences between the back crosses with respect to liver disease were observed. The mouse model we have developed is compared with other transgenic Z mouse models; none of these is representative of human neonatal liver disease. Our view is that the transgenic animals generated in these experiments may be most useful for investigating the liver manifestations that almost invariably occur in ZZ adults. Alteration of additional factors other than accumulation of Z protein, for example inactivation of the endogenous mouse genes or some environmental challenge, might produce a mouse model with more relevance to neonatal liver disease.

Animals↗

Genomic cloning and localization by FISH and linkage analysis of the human gene encoding the primary subunit NMDAR1 (GRIN1) of the NMDA receptor channel.

A cDNA clone of the NMDAR1 (isoform E) has been used to screen both lambda and cosmid genomic libraries. A genomic phage clone was identified and sequenced and was found to contain some of the 3' coding regions of the GRIN1 gene. This clone was used to localize the gene using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to normal chromosomes, and also to a lymphoblastoid cell line containing a translocation involving chromosomes 9 and 15. FISH localized the gene to chromosome 9q34.3. The clone was used to screen a panel of genomic DNAs cut with 20 restriction enzymes. A VNTR sequence 5' to the gene, which was polymorphic for a number of restriction enzymes, was detected. A PvuII fragment of the genomic clone was found to detect the VNTR on Southern hybridization. The polymorphic VNTR marker was mapped against chromosome 9q34 markers using linkage analysis in the CEPH families. The GRIN1 gene was linked to D9S7 with a maximum lod score of 20.09 at zero recombination fraction in males and 0.03% recombination in females.

Alleles↗

Two loci for tuberous sclerosis: one on 9q34 and one on 16p13.

32 families informative for the segregation of Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) have been examined for genetic markers on chromosomes 9, 11, 12 and 16. In one large family there was clear evidence of linkage to markers on chromosome 16p13.3 (lodscore with D16S291 of 4.7 at theta = 0) but other families were too small to give individually convincing lodscores. Combined results for all families gave positive results with ABO/DBH on chromosome 9 (max lod 2.63) and with D16S291 on chromosome 16 (max lod 3.98) at values of theta of 0.2 in each case. Further analysis showed strong evidence for heterogeneity with approximately half the families linked to a locus TSC1 on chromosome 9 between ASS and D9S298 and half to TSC2 on chromosome 16 close to D16S291. There was no definite support for a third locus although in many families this could not be excluded. In three families the segregation pattern of TSC remains unexplained. In two of these the family apparently segregates for TSC1 but in each case a single affected individual appeared to exclude the whole of the candidate region. Preliminary analysis of clinical features did not reveal any definite differences in incidence of mental handicap between individuals in different linkage groups or with different sex of the parent of origin. The frequencies of periungual fibromas and facial angiofibromas were also similar in both linkage groups. The difficulties of detecting linkage in small families where there is locus heterogeneity are discussed. The program ZZ was found to be helpful in this respect.

Adolescent↗

Primary structure of the human muscle acetylcholine receptor. cDNA cloning of the gamma and epsilon subunits.

cDNA sequences encompassing the full coding region for the human muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) epsilon and gamma subunits have been isolated. The deduced amino-acid sequences indicate that the mature epsilon subunit contains 473 amino acids and is preceded by a 20-amino-acid signal peptide. As predicted from genomic clones, the gamma subunit contains 495 amino acids preceded by a 22-amino-acid signal peptide. In common with the human alpha, beta, gamma and delta subunits the epsilon subunit is highly conserved between mammalian species. The epsilon subunit gene is not closely linked to the gamma and delta subunits on chromosome 2 but rather is located with the beta subunit on chromosome 17. Expression of the alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta- and epsilon-subunit cRNAs in rabbit-reticulocyte lysates followed by analysis on SDS/PAGE show glycosylated proteins with apparent molecular masses of 44-60 kDa.

Amino Acid Sequence↗