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Genomic organization and mutation analysis of the gene encoding lecithin retinol acyltransferase in human retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: To determine the structure of the human lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) gene, map its chromosomal localization, and screen for mutations in humans with various hereditary retinal degenerations. METHODS: Using DNA probes specific for LRAT, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone containing the LRAT gene was isolated, subcloned into DNA fragments and relevant subclones characterized by sequencing. Exon-intron junctions were determined by comparison with the cDNA sequence previously published. Southern blot analysis was performed on human genomic DNA samples digested with several restriction enzymes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of normal metaphase chromosomes derived from phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes and radiation hybrid mapping were used for localization of the LRAT gene. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) was used to screen for potential mutations in patients with age-related macular degeneration, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa, and cone-rod dystrophy. RESULTS: The human LRAT gene is organized into three exons of 219, 541, and 2058 bp and two introns of 103 and 4117 bp. Southern blot analysis of digested genomic DNA revealed a single band, suggesting a single copy of the LRAT gene. The human LRAT gene was localized to chromosome 4q31.2, a locus having no previous association with human eye disease. Additionally, the bovine LRAT homologue sequence was deduced and a general LRAT protein topology is suggested. No polymorphisms that segregated with retinal disease phenotypes were identified in 374 unrelated probands. CONCLUSIONS: The organization of the LRAT gene, based on cDNA clones derived from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been determined. Its structure is less complex than other acyltransferases such as lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and acyl CoA acyltransferase (ACAT). The absence of polymorphisms in the probands examined suggests a very low mutation level in the LRAT gene from the diseases analyzed.

Acyltransferases↗

Comparative genomic hybridization and mutation analyses of sporadic schwannomas.

Schwannomas of the vestibular nerve are the striking characteristics of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), an autosomal dominant hereditary disease. The NF2 gene on 22q12 has been isolated as the gene responsible for NF2. Previous studies have reported that 60% of sporadic schwannomas showed inactivation of the NF2 gene, but genetic alterations of remaining 40% tumors remain elusive. Moreover, detailed genetic alterations of this tumor remain an open question. In this study, we analyzed genomic alterations in 17 sporadic schwannomas using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Loss of chromosome 22q, including the NF2 locus, was the only notable abnormality (5/17, 29%). Further, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis with a genomic BAC clone harboring the NF2 gene and found that the 5 tumors with loss detected by CGH as well as three cases without such a detectable loss by CGH, or a total, 8/17 (47%), showed loss of the NF2 locus. Mutation search by PCR-SSCP followed by direct sequencing revealed that 71% (12/17) of the tumors had one or two mutations in the NF2 gene. Our analyses disclosed that 14 (82%) of 17 tumors had structural alteration of NF2; among these 14 cases, 9 (64%) had two inactivating mutations in the NF2 gene, either a somatic mutation in one allele coupled with loss of the other allele or two independent somatic mutations. Our present results suggested that (i) most of the sporadic schwannomas have two-hit mutations in the NF2 gene, and (ii) NF2 is the only major causative gene in the genesis of schwannomas that is activated or inactivated by copy number alterations.

Adult↗

Homologous RNA recombination allows efficient introduction of site-specific mutations into the genome of coronavirus MHV-A59 via synthetic co-replicating RNAs.

We describe a novel strategy to site-specifically mutagenize the genome of an RNA virus by exploiting homologous RNA recombination between synthetic defective interfering (DI) RNA and the viral RNA. The construction of a full-length cDNA clone, pMIDI, of a DI RNA of coronavirus MHV strain A59 was reported previously (R.G. Van der Most, P.J. Bredenbeek, and W.J.M. Spaan (1991). J. Virol. 65, 3219-3226). RNA transcribed from this construct, is replicated efficiently in MHV-infected cells. Marker mutations introduced in MIDI RNA were replaced by the wild-type residues during replication. More importantly, however, these genetic markers were introduced into viral genome: even in the absence of positive selection MHV recombinants could be isolated. This finding provides new prospects for the study of coronavirus replication using recombinant DNA techniques. As a first application, we describe the rescue of the temperature sensitive mutant MHV Albany-4 using DI-directed mutagenesis. Possibilities and limitations of this strategy are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Genomic organization and mutation analysis of Hel-N1 in lung cancers with chromosome 9p21 deletions.

Allelic loss of chromosome 9p21 is common in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), but inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2a is rare, implying the existence of another target gene at 9p21. A recent deletion mapping study of chromosome 9p has also identified a site of deletion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) centered around D9S126. The Hel-N1 (human elav-like neuronal protein 1) gene encodes a neural-specific RNA binding protein that is expressed in SCLC. We have mapped this potentially important gene in lung tumorigenesis to within 100 kb of the D9S126 marker at chromosome band 9p21 by using homozygously deleted tumor cell lines and fluorescence in situ hybridization to normal metaphase spreads. Hel-N1 is, therefore, a candidate target suppressor gene in both SCLC and NSCLC. We have determined the genomic organization and intron/exon boundaries of Hel-N1 and have screened the entire coding region for mutations by sequencing 14 primary SCLCs and cell lines and 21 primary NSCLCs preselected for localized 9p21 deletion or monosomy of chromosome 9. A homozygous deletion including Hel-N1 and CDKN2a was found in a SCLC cell line, and a single-base polymorphism in exon 2 of Hel-N1 was observed in eight tumors. No somatic mutations of Hel-N1 were found in this panel of lung tumors. Hel-N1 does not appear to be a primary inactivation target of 9p21 deletion in lung cancer.

Base Sequence↗

The mutation landscape of Daphnia obtusa reveals evolutionary forces shaping genome stability.

Spontaneous mutations are the primary source of genetic variation and play a central role in shaping evolutionary processes. To investigate mutational dynamics in Daphnia obtusa, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly spanning 129.4 Mb across 12 chromosomes, encompassing 15,321 predicted protein-coding genes. Leveraging whole-genome sequencing of eight mutation accumulation (MA) lines propagated for an average of 482 generations (spanning over 20 years), we estimated a spontaneous single nucleotide mutation (SNM) rate of 2.23 × 10-9 and an indel mutation rate of 2.75 × 10-10 per site per generation. The SNM spectrum was strongly biased toward C:G > T:A transitions. Comparative analyses with natural population data revealed that exonic mutations observed in the MA lines were significantly less likely to be present in standing variation than intronic or intergenic mutations, suggesting that purifying selection in natural populations acts to remove deleterious alleles. We also identified 48 de novo loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) events, comprising 8 heterozygous deletions and 40 gene conversion events. The genome-wide gene conversion rate was estimated at 2.62 × 10-5 per heterozygous site per generation. These findings provide a comprehensive view of the mutation spectrum, selective pressures, and mechanisms underlying genome stability in D. obtusa.

Daphnia obtusa↗

The quasispecies (extremely heterogeneous) nature of viral RNA genome populations: biological relevance--a review.

We review evidence that cloned (or uncloned) populations of most RNA viruses do not consist of a single genome species of defined sequence, but rather of heterogeneous mixtures of related genomes (quasispecies). Due to very high mutation rates, genomes of a quasispecies virus population share a consensus sequence but differ from each other and from the consensus sequence by one, several, or many mutations. Viral genome analyses by sequencing, fingerprinting, cDNA cloning etc. indicate that most viral RNA populations (quasispecies) contain all possible single and double genomic site mutations and varying proportions of triple, quadruple, etc. site mutations. This quasispecies structure of RNA virus populations has many important theoretical and practical implications because mutations at only one or a few sites may alter the phenotype of an RNA virus.

Base Sequence↗

Determination of the genomic structure and mutation screening in schizophrenic individuals for five subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor.

The glutamatergic system is the major excitatory neurotransmitter system in the CNS. Glutamate receptors, and in particular N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, have been proposed as mediators of many common neuropsychiatric phenotypes including cognition, psychosis, and degeneration. We have reconstructed the genomic structure of all five genes encoding NMDA receptors in silico. We screened each for sequence variation and estimated the allele frequencies of all detected SNPs in pooled samples of 184 UK Caucasian schizophrenics and 184 UK Caucasian blood donor controls. Only a single non-synonymous polymorphism was found indicating extreme selection pressure. The rarity of non-synonymous changes suggests that such variants are unlikely to make a common contribution to common phenotypes. We found a further 26 polymorphisms within exonic or adjacent intronic sequences. The minor alleles of most of these have a relatively high frequency (63% above 0.2). These SNPs will therefore be suitable for studying neuropsychiatric phenotypes that are putatively related to NMDA dysfunction. Pooled analysis provided no support for association between any of the GRIN genes and schizophrenia.

Base Sequence↗

Human ameloblastin gene: genomic organization and mutation analysis in amelogenesis imperfecta patients.

A gene encoding the enamel protein ameloblastin (AMBN) was recently localized to a region on chromosome 4q21 containing a gene for the inherited enamel defect local hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AIH2). Ameloblastin protein is located at the Tomes processes of secretory ameloblasts and in the sheath space between rod-interrod enamel, and the AMBN gene therefore represents a viable candidate gene for local hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). In this study, the genomic organization of human AMBN was characterized. The gene was shown to consist of 13 exons and 12 introns. An alternatively spliced 45 bp sequence was shown not to represent a separate exon and is most likely spliced by the use of a cryptic splice site. The finding that there were no recombinations between an intragenic microsatellite and AIH2 encouraged us to evaluate this gene's potential role as a candidate gene for local hypoplastic AI. Mutation screening was performed on all 13 exons in 20 families and 8 sporadic cases with 6 different forms of AI. DNA variants were found but none that was associated exclusively with local hypoplastic AI or any of the other variants of AI in the identified Swedish families. This study excludes the coding regions and the splice sites of AMBN from a causative role in the pathogenesis of AIH2.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta↗

Mutation detection 2001: Sixth International Symposium on Mutations in the Human Genome, May 3-7, 2001, Bled, Slovenia.

Mutation Detection 2001, an international symposium on human mutations and mutation detection methodologies, was held in Bled, Republic of Slovenia, on May 3-7, 2001. The event was sponsored by the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) and several other co-sponsors. It provided an important forum for not only defining the state-of-the-art in mutation detection methodologies but also a valuable chance for international collaboration. A special issue of Human Mutation with articles derived from the symposium is scheduled for publication in early 2002. Meeting highlights are described at http://www.mutations2001.bled.si.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Evolution of RNA genomes: does the high mutation rate necessitate high rate of evolution of viral proteins?

RNA genomes have been shown to mutate much more frequently than DNA genomes. It is generally assumed that this results in rapid evolution of RNA viral proteins. Here, an alternative hypothesis is proposed that close cooperation between positive-strand RNA viral proteins and those of the host cells required their coevolution, resulting in similar amino acid substitution rates. Constraints on compatibility with cellular proteins should determine, at any time, the covarion sets in RNA viral proteins. These ideas may be helpful in rationalizing the accumulating data on significant sequence similarities between proteins of positive-strand RNA viruses infecting evolutionarily distant hosts as well as between viral and cellular proteins.

Biological Evolution↗

Human retinoic X receptor beta: complete genomic sequence and mutation search for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL) is characterized by ectopic bone formation in the ligament. OPLL is a very common disorder, in fact it constitutes the leading cause of myelopathy among Japanese. In the previous report, we provided the genetic linkage evidence that the genetic susceptibility of OPLL mapped to HLA complex of chromosome 6. As a candidate gene approach, retinoic X receptor beta (RXR beta), assigned to chromosome 6p21.3 adjacent to HLA class II, was analyzed for a possible causality. To start screening for the molecular variants of RXR beta in OPLL subjects, we first obtained P1 phage genomic clones containing the entire human RXR beta and elucidated the genomic organization of the gene. The human RXR beta is composed of 10 exons spanning over 6.2 kb of genomic DNA. Sequence analysis of the promoter region revealed a GC-rich sequence without TATA motif. We have identified three distinct molecular variants, one was in exon 10 and two were in the intergenic region between RXR beta and collagen 11A2 (COL11A2). Two variants in the intergenic region, 3' end + 140 and 3' end + 561, exhibit statistically significant associations with OPLL in case-control study (p = 0.0028 for 3' end + 140 and p = 0.034 for 3' end + 561). These results indicate that the genetic causality of OPLL lies within or close to the RXR beta/COL11A2 locus.

Adult↗

Neutral substitutions occur at a faster rate in exons than in noncoding DNA in primate genomes.

Point mutation rates in exons (synonymous sites) and noncoding (introns and intergenic) regions are generally assumed to be the same. However, comparative sequence analyses of synonymous substitutions in exons (81 genes) and that of long intergenic fragments (141.3 kbp) of human and chimpanzee genomes reveal a 30%-60% higher mutation rate in exons than in noncoding DNA. We propose a differential CpG content hypothesis to explain this fundamental, and seemingly unintuitive, pattern. We find that the increased exonic rate is the result of the relative overabundance of synonymous sites involved in CpG dinucleotides, as the evolutionary divergence in non-CpG sites is similar in noncoding DNA and synonymous sites of exons. Expectations and predictions of our hypothesis are confirmed in comparisons involving more distantly related species, including human-orangutan, human-baboon, and human-macaque. Our results suggest an underlying mechanism for higher mutation rate in GC-rich genomic regions, predict nonlinear accumulation of mutations in pseudogenes over time, and provide a possible explanation for the observed higher diversity of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the synonymous sites of exons compared to the noncoding regions.

Animals↗

Genomic organization and mutational analysis of the human UCP2 gene, a prime candidate gene for human obesity.

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial membrane transporters which are involved in dissipating the proton electrochemical gradient thereby releasing stored energy as heat. This implies a major role of UCPs in energy metabolism and thermogenesis which when deregulated are key risk factors for the development of obesity and other eating disorders. Recent studies have shown that the sympathetic nervous system, via norepinephrine (beta-adrenoceptors) and cAMP, as well as thyroid hormones and PPAR gamma ligands seem to be major regulators of UCP expression. From the three different UCPs identified so far by gene cloning UCP1 is expressed exclusively in brown adipocytes while UCP2 is widely expressed. The third analogue, UCP3, is expressed predominantly in human skeletal muscle and was found to exist in a long and a short form. At the amino acid level UCP2 has about 59% homology to UCP1 while UCP3 is 73% identical to UCP2. Both UCP2 and UCP3 were mapped in close proximity (75-150 kb) to regions of human chromosome 11 (11q13) that have been linked to obesity and hyper-insulinaemia. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that UCP2, by virtue of its ubiquitous expression, may be important for determining basal metabolic rate. Based on the published full-length cDNA sequence we have deduced the genomic structure of the human UCP2 (hUCP2) gene by PCR and direct sequence analysis. The hUCP2 gene spans over 8.4 kb distributed on 8 exons. The localization of the exon/intron boundaries within the coding region matches precisely the one found in the human UCP1 gene and is almost conserved in the recently discovered UCP3 gene as well. However, the size of each of the introns in the hUCP2 gene differs from its UCP1 and UCP3 counterparts. It varies from 81 bp (intron 5) to about 3 kb (intron 2). The high degree of homology at the nucleotide level and the conservation of the exon/intron boundaries among the three UCP genes suggests that they may have evolved from a common ancestor or are the result from gene duplication events. Mutational analysis of the hUCP2 gene in a cohort of 25 children of caucasian origin (aged 7-13) characterized by low BMR values revealed a point mutation in exon 4 (C to T transition at position 164 of the corresponding cDNA resulting in the substitution of an alanine residue by a valine at codon 55) and an insertion polymorphism in exon 8. The insertion polymorphism consists of a 45 bp repeat located 150 bp downstream of the stop codon in the 3'-UTR. The allele frequencies were 0.61 and 0.39 for the alanine and valine encoded alleles, respectively, and 0.71 versus 0.29 for the insertion polymorphism. Expression studies of the wildtype and mutant forms of UCP2 should clarify the functional consequences these mutations may have on energy metabolism and body weight regulation. In addition, mapping of the promoter region and the identification of putative promoter regulatory sequences should give insight into the transcriptional regulation of UCP2 expression--in particular by anyone of the above mentioned factors--in vitro and in vivo.

Adolescent↗

Inducing mutations in the mouse genome with the chemical mutagen ethylnitrosourea.

When compared to other model organisms whose genome is sequenced, the number of mutations identified in the mouse appears extremely reduced and this situation seriously hampers our understanding of mammalian gene function(s). Another important consequence of this shortage is that a majority of human genetic diseases still await an animal model. To improve the situation, two strategies are currently used: the first makes use of embryonic stem cells, in which one can induce knockout mutations almost at will; the second consists of a genome-wide random chemical mutagenesis, followed by screening for mutant phenotypes and subsequent identification of the genetic alteration(s). Several projects are now in progress making use of one or the other of these strategies. Here, we report an original effort where we mutagenized BALB/c males, with the mutagen ethylnitrosourea. Offspring of these males were screened for dominant mutations and a three-generation breeding protocol was set to recover recessive mutations. Eleven mutations were identified (one dominant and ten recessives). Three of these mutations are new alleles (Otop1mlh, Foxn1sepe and probably rodador) at loci where mutations have already been reported, while 4 are new and original alleles (carc, eqlb, frqz, and Sacc). This result indicates that the mouse genome, as expected, is far from being saturated with mutations. More mutations would certainly be discovered using more sophisticated phenotyping protocols. Seven of the 11 new mutant alleles induced in our experiment have been localized on the genetic map as a first step towards positional cloning.

Alkylating Agents↗

Enhancement of hepatitis B virus replication by its X protein in transgenic mice.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X gene encodes a multifunctional protein that can regulate cellular signaling pathways, interact with cellular transcription factors, and induce hepatocellular oncogenesis. In spite of its diverse activities, the precise role of the X protein in the viral life cycle of HBV remains unclear. To investigate this question, we have produced transgenic mice that carry either the wild-type HBV genome or a mutated HBV genome incapable of expressing the 16.5-kDa X protein. Our results indicate that while the X protein is not absolutely essential for HBV replication or its maturation in transgenic mice, it can enhance viral replication, apparently by activating viral gene expression. These results demonstrate a transactivation role of the X protein in HBV replication in transgenic mice.

Animals↗

Single-nucleotide mutations for plant functional genomics.

In the present genomics era, powerful reverse-genetic strategies are needed to elucidate gene and protein function in the context of a whole organism. However, most current techniques lack the generality and high-throughput potential of descriptive genomic approaches, such as those that rely on microarray hybridization. For example, in plant research, effective insertional mutagenesis and transgenic methods are limited to relatively few species or are inefficient. Fortunately, single-nucleotide changes can be induced in any plant by using traditional chemical mutagens, and progress has been made in efficiently detecting changes. Because base substitutions in proteins provide allelic series, and not just knockouts, this strategy can yield refined insights into protein function. Here, we review recent progress that has been made in genome-wide screening for point mutations and natural variation in plants. Its general applicability leads to the expectation that traditional mutagenesis followed by high-throughput detection will become increasingly important for plant functional genomics.

Arabidopsis↗