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Construction of a linkage map and QTL analysis of horticultural traits for watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (THUNB.) MATSUM & NAKAI] using RAPD, RFLP and ISSR markers.

We have been constructing linkage maps for watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) on the basis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and isozymes using an F(2) population derived from a crossing between a cultivated inbred line (H-7; C. lanatus) and an African wild form (SA-1; C. lanatus). A total of 120 F(2) plants was used for construction of a linkage map using 477 RAPDs, 53 RFLPs, 23 ISSRs and one isozyme markers. Linkage analysis revealed that 554 loci could be mapped to 11 linkage groups that extended for 2,384 centimorgans (cM). While a BC(1) population [(H-7 x SA-1) x H-7] consisting of 60 individuals was grown and scored for quantitative traits. Another linkage map with a total length of 1,729 cM was constructed in the BC(1) using genetic markers found to segregate in the F(2) population. A QTL analysis was applied by means of interval mapping for locating such agronomic traits as hardness of rind, Brix of flesh juice, flesh color (red and yellow) and rind color. The relative order of markers in the BC(1) map was essentially the same as that on the linkage map in the F(2). A total of five QTLs for four agronomic traits was detected. The QTL for hardness of rind was mapped on group 4. The linkage group 8 contained the QTL for sugar content of the flesh as expressed in Brix of the juice. The QTL for red flesh color was detected on groups 2 and 8. The QTL for rind color mapped on the group 3. The present map and QTL analysis may provide a useful tool for breeders by introducing valuable wild watermelon genes to cultivars.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Efficient construction of high-density linkage map and its application to QTL analysis in barley.

Using a High Efficiency Genome Scanning (HEGS) system and recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from the cross of Russia 6 and H.E.S. 4, a high-density genetic map was constructed in barley. The resulting 1,595.7-cM map encompassed 1,172 loci distributed on the seven linkage groups comprising 1,134 AFLP, 34 SSR, three STS and vrs1 (kernel row type) loci. Including PCR reactions, gel electrophoresis and data processing, 6 months of work by a single person was sufficient for the whole mapping procedure under a reasonable cost. To make an appraisal of the resolution of genetic analysis for the 95 RI lines based on the constructed linkage map, we measured three agronomic traits: plant height, spike exsertion length and 1,000-kernel weight, and the analyzed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these traits. The results were compared on the number of detected QTLs and their effects between a high-density map and a skeleton map constructed by selected AFLP and anchor markers. The composite interval mapping on the high-density map detected more QTLs than the other analyses. Closely linked markers with QTLs on the high-density map could be powerful tools for marker-assisted selection in barley breeding programs and further genetic analyses including an advanced backcross analysis or a map-based cloning of QTL.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A full saturated linkage map of Picea abies including AFLP, SSR, ESTP, 5S rDNA and morphological markers.

Based on an F(1) progeny of 73 individuals, two parental maps were constructed according to the double pseudo-test cross strategy. The paternal map contained 16 linkage groups for a total genetic length of 1,792 cM. The maternal map covered 1,920 cM, and consisted of 12 linkage groups. These parental maps were then integrated using 66 intercross markers. The resulting consensus map covered 2,035 cM and included 755 markers (661 AFLPs, 74 SSRs, 18 ESTPs, the 5S rDNA and the early cone formation trait) on 12 linkage groups, reflecting the haploid number of chromosomes of Picea abies. The average spacing between two adjacent markers was 2.6 cM. The presence of 39 of the SSR and/or ESTP markers from this consensus map on other published maps of different Picea and Pinus species allowed us to establish partial linkage group homologies across three P. abies maps (up to five common markers per linkage group). This first saturated linkage map of P. abies could be therefore used as a support for developing comparative genome mapping in conifers.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Microsatellite genetic linkage maps of myrobalan plum and an almond-peach hybrid--location of root-knot nematode resistance genes.

Inheritance and linkage studies were carried out with microsatellite [or simple sequence repeat (SSR)] markers in a F(1) progeny including 101 individuals of a cross between Myrobalan plum ( Prunus cerasifera Ehrh) clone P.2175 and the almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.)-peach ( Prunus persica L. Batsch) hybrid clone GN22 ["Garfi" (G) almond x "Nemared" (N) peach]. This three-way interspecific Prunus progeny was produced in order to associate high root-knot nematode (RKN) resistances from Myrobalan and peach with other favorable traits for Prunus rootstocks from plum, peach and almond. The RKN resistance genes, Ma from the Myrobalan plum clone P.2175 and R(MiaNem) from the 'N' peach, are each heterozygous in the parents P.2175 and GN22, respectively. Two hundred and seventy seven Prunus SSRs were tested for their polymorphism. One genetic map was constructed for each parent according to the "double pseudo-testcross" analysis model. The Ma gene and 93 markers [two sequence characterized amplified regions (SCARs), 91 SSRs] were placed on the P.2175 Myrobalan map covering 524.8 cM. The R(MiaNem) gene, the Gr gene controlling the color of peach leaves, and 166 markers (one SCAR, 165 SSRs) were mapped to seven linkage groups instead of the expected eight in Prunus. Markers belonging to groups 6 and 8 in previous maps formed a single group in the GN22 map. A reciprocal translocation, already reported in a G x N F(2), was detected near the Gr gene. By separating markers from linkage groups 6 and 8 from the GN22 map, it was possible to compare the eight homologous linkage groups between the two maps using the 68 SSR markers heterozygous in both parents (anchor loci). All but one of these 68 anchor markers are in the same order in the Myrobalan plum map and in the almond-peach map, as expected from the high level of synteny within Prunus. The Ma and R(MiaNem)genes confirmed their previous location in the Myrobalan linkage group 7 and in the GN22 linkage group 2, respectively. Using a GN22 F(2) progeny of 78 individuals, a microsatellite map of linkage group 2 was also constructed and provided additional evidence for the telomeric position of R(MiaNem) in group 2 of the Prunus genome.

Animals↗

A genetic linkage map of quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa) based on AFLP, RAPD, and SSR markers.

Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an important seed crop for human consumption in the Andean region of South America. It is the primary staple in areas too arid or saline for the major cereal crops. The objective of this project was to build the first genetic linkage map of quinoa. Selection of the mapping population was based on a preliminary genetic similarity analysis of four potential mapping parents. Breeding lines 'Ku-2' and '0654', a Chilean lowland type and a Peruvian Altiplano type, respectively, showed a low similarity coefficient of 0.31 and were selected to form an F(2) mapping population. The genetic map is based on 80 F(2) individuals from this population and consists of 230 amplified length polymorphism (AFLP), 19 simple-sequence repeat (SSR), and six randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers. The map spans 1,020 cM and contains 35 linkage groups with an average marker density of 4.0 cM per marker. Clustering of AFLP markers was not observed. Additionally, we report the primer sequences and map locations for 19 SSR markers that will be valuable tools for future quinoa genome analysis. This map provides a key starting point for genetic dissection of agronomically important characteristics of quinoa, including seed saponin content, grain yield, maturity, and resistance to disease, frost, and drought. Current efforts are geared towards the generation of more than 200 mapped SSR markers and the development of several recombinant-inbred mapping populations.

Base Sequence↗

A first linkage map of pecan cultivars based on RAPD and AFLP markers.

We report here the first genetic linkage maps of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch], using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Independent maps were constructed for the cultivars 'Pawnee' and 'Elliot' using the double pseudo-testcross mapping strategy and 120 F1 seedlings from a full-sib family. A total of 477 markers, including 217 RAPD, 258 AFLP, and two morphological markers were used in linkage analysis. The 'Pawnee' linkage map has 218 markers, comprising 176 testcross and 42 intercross markers placed in 16 major and 13 minor (doublets and triplets) linkage groups. The 'Pawnee' linkage map covered 2,227 cM with an average map distance of 12.7 cM between adjacent markers. The 'Elliot' linkage map has 174 markers comprising 150 testcross and 22 intercross markers placed in 17 major and nine minor linkage groups. The 'Elliot' map covered 1,698 cM with an average map distance of 11.2 cM between adjacent markers. Segregation ratios for dichogamy type and stigma color were not significantly different from 1:1, suggesting that both traits are controlled by single loci with protogyny and green stigmas dominant to protandry and red stigmas. These loci were tightly linked (1.9 cM) and were placed in 'Elliot' linkage group 16. These linkage maps are an important first step towards the detection of genes controlling horticulturally important traits such as nut size, nut maturity date, kernel quality, and disease resistance.

Carya↗

Role of prefrontal cortex in a network for arbitrary visuomotor mapping.

In arbitrary visuomotor mapping, an object instructs a particular action or target of action, but does so in a particular way. In other forms of visuomotor control, the object is either the target of action (termed standard mapping) or its location provides the information needed for targeting (termed transformational mapping). By contrast, in arbitrary mapping, the object's location bears no systematic spatial relationship with the action. Neuropsychological and neurophysiological investigation has, in large part, identified the neural network that underlies the rapid acquisition and performance of arbitrary visuomotor mappings. This network consists of parts of the premotor (PM) and prefrontal (PF) cortex, the hippocampal system (HS), and the basal ganglia (BG). Here, we propose specialized contributions of the network's different components to its overall function. To do so, we invoke the concept of distributed information-processing architectures, or modules, which may involve a variety of neural structures. According to this view, recurrent neural networks involving cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus operate largely in parallel. Each of these interacting networks can be termed a cortical-BG module. A large number of these modules include PM neurons, and they can be termed PM cortical-BG modules. A comparable number include PF neurons, termed PF cortical-BG modules. We propose that PM and PF cortical-BG modules compute specific object-to-action mappings, in which the network learns the action associated with a given input. These mappings serve as specific solutions to arbitrary visuomotor mapping problems. However, they are also exemplars of more abstract rules, such as the knowledge that nonspatial visual information (e.g., color) can guide the choice of action. We propose that PF cortical-BG modules subserve abstract rules of this kind, along with other problem-solving strategies. This view should not be taken to imply that the PF network lacks the capacity to compute specific mappings, but rather that it has higher-order mapping functions in addition to its lower-order ones. Furthermore, it seems likely that PF provides PM with pertinent sensory information. The hippocampal system appears to play a role parallel to that of both neocortical-BG networks discussed here. However, in accord with several models, it operates mainly in the intermediate term, pending the consolidation of the relevant information in those neocortical-BG networks.

Animals↗

Quantitative architectural analysis: a new approach to cortical mapping.

Recent progress in anatomical and functional MRI has revived the demand for a reliable, topographic map of the human cerebral cortex. Till date, interpretations of specific activations found in functional imaging studies and their topographical analysis in a spatial reference system are, often, still based on classical architectonic maps. The most commonly used reference atlas is that of Brodmann and his successors, despite its severe inherent drawbacks. One obvious weakness in traditional, architectural mapping is the subjective nature of localising borders between cortical areas, by means of a purely visual, microscopical examination of histological specimens. To overcome this limitation, more objective, quantitative mapping procedures have been established in the past years. The quantification of the neocortical, laminar pattern by defining intensity line profiles across the cortical layers, has a long tradition. During the last years, this method has been extended to enable a reliable, reproducible mapping of the cortex based on image analysis and multivariate statistics. Methodological approaches to such algorithm-based, cortical mapping were published for various architectural modalities. In our contribution, principles of algorithm-based mapping are described for cyto- and receptorarchitecture. In a cytoarchitectural parcellation of the human auditory cortex, using a sliding window procedure, the classical areal pattern of the human superior temporal gyrus was modified by a replacing of Brodmann's areas 41, 42, 22 and parts of area 21, with a novel, more detailed map. An extension and optimisation of the sliding window procedure to the specific requirements of receptorarchitectonic mapping, is also described using the macaque central sulcus and adjacent superior parietal lobule as a second, biologically independent example. Algorithm-based mapping procedures, however, are not limited to these two architectural modalities, but can be applied to all images in which a laminar cortical pattern can be detected and quantified, e.g. myeloarchitectonic and in vivo high resolution MR imaging. Defining cortical borders, based on changes in cortical lamination in high resolution, in vivo structural MR images will result in a rapid increase of our knowledge on the structural parcellation of the human cerebral cortex.

Algorithms↗

Mapping QTLs for submergence tolerance in rice by AFLP analysis and selective genotyping.

By combining the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique with selective genotyping, we constructed a linkage map for rice and assigned each linkage group to a corresponding chromosome. The AFLP map, consisting of 202 AFLP markers, was generated from 74 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) which were selected from both extremes of the population (250 lines) with respect to the response to complete submergence. Map length was 1756 cM, with an average interval size of 8.5 cM. To assign linkage groups to chromosomes, we used 50 previously mapped AFLP markers as anchor markers distributed over the 12 chromosomes. Other AFLP markers were then assigned to specific chromosomes based on their linkage to anchor markers. This AFLP map is equivalent to the RFLP/AFLP map constructed previously as the anchors were in the same order in both maps. Furthermore, tests with two restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers and two sequence-tagged site (STS) markers showed that they mapped in the expected positions. Using this AFLP map, a major gene for submergence tolerance was localized on chromosome 9. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with submergence tolerance were detected on chromosomes 6, 7, 11, and 12. We conclude that the combination of AFLP mapping and selective genotyping provides a much faster and easier approach to QTL identification than the use of RFLP markers.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A genetic linkage map of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): sex-linked microsatellite markers and high recombination rates.

Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is the leading species farmed in the Western Hemisphere and an economically important aquaculture species in China. In this project, a genetic linkage map was constructed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite markers. One hundred and eight select AFLP primer combinations and 30 polymorphic microsatellite markers produced 2071 markers that were polymorphic in either of the parents and segregated in the progeny. Of these segregating markers, 319 were mapped to 45 linkage groups of the female framework map, covering a total of 4134.4 cM; and 267 markers were assigned to 45 linkage groups of the male map, covering a total of 3220.9 cM. High recombination rates were found in both parental maps. A sex-linked microsatellite marker was mapped on the female map with 6.6 cM to sex and a LOD of 17.8, two other microsatellite markers were also linked with both 8.6 cM to sex and LOD score of 14.3 and 16.4. The genetic maps presented here will serve as a basis for the construction of a high-resolution genetic map, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detection, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and comparative genome mapping.

Animals↗

Transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping of the motor cortex in normal subjects. The representation of two intrinsic hand muscles.

The TMS-mapped representations of two intrinsic hand muscles, abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM), were quantified using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping technique in 10 right handed and 6 left handed subjects. A 50 mm diameter figure eight coil was used. Stimulus sites were located using a latitude/longitude based coordinate system, stimulus intensity was threshold-adjusted and stimuli were applied during controlled low-level (10%) voluntary contraction of the target muscles. Maps of the corticomotor representation were generated by fitting a continuously defined three dimensional function to the data obtained from stimulation at specific scalp sites, and projecting this function onto a two dimensional surface using a radial projection. It was found that the mapped representations of APB and ADM were large and overlapping but that there was a statistically significant separation of the two areas, the APB area being more laterally placed than the ADM area. The TMS-mapped representations of the two muscles showed no significant interhemispheric differences and were similar in left and right handed subjects. Rotation of the magnetic coil through 90 degrees resulted in medial shift and elongation of the TMS-mapped representations but there was no change in the relative positions of the two areas. The TMS-mapped representations were found to be very reproducible when mapping was repeated after intervals of up to 181 days. The present technique of TMS mapping allows the representation of individual hand muscles in the primary motor cortex to be reliably and reproducibly mapped and should prove useful for further studies of the physiology and pathophysiology of the motor cortex in man.

Adult↗

The chimeric mapping problem: algorithmic strategies and performance evaluation on synthetic genomic data.

The Human Genome Project requires better software for the creation of physical maps of chromosomes. Current mapping techniques involve breaking large segments of DNA into smaller, more-manageable pieces, gathering information on all the small pieces, and then constructing a map of the original large piece from the information about the small pieces. Unfortunately, in the process of breaking up the DNA some information is lost and noise of various types is introduced; in particular, the order of the pieces is not preserved. Thus, the map maker must solve a combinatorial problem in order to reconstruct the map. Good software is indispensable for quick, accurate reconstruction. The reconstruction is complicated by various experimental errors. A major source of difficulty--which seems to be inherent to the recombination technology--is the presence of chimeric DNA clones. It is fairly common for two disjoint DNA pieces to form a chimera, i.e., a fusion of two pieces which appears as a single piece. Attempts to order chimera will fail unless they are algorithmically divided into their constituent pieces. Despite consensus within the genomic mapping community of the critical importance of correcting chimerism, algorithms for solving the chimeric clone problem have received only passing attention in the literature. Based on a model proposed by Lander (1992a, b) this paper presents the first algorithms for analyzing chimerism. We construct physical maps in the presence of chimerism by creating optimization functions which have minimizations which correlate with map quality. Despite the fact that these optimization functions are invariably NP-complete our algorithms are guaranteed to produce solutions which are close to the optimum. The practical import of using these algorithms depends on the strength of the correlation of the function to the map quality as well as on the accuracy of the approximations. We employ two fundamentally different optimization functions as a means of avoiding biases likely to decorrelate the solutions from the desired map. Experiments on simulated data show that both our algorithm which minimizes the number of chimeric fragments in a solution and our algorithm which minimizes the maximum number of fragments per clone in a solution do, in fact, correlate to high quality solutions. Furthermore, tests on simulated data using parameters set to mimic real experiments show that that the algorithms have the potential to find high quality solutions with real data. We plan to test our software against real data from the Whitehead Institute and from Los Alamos Genomic Research Center in the near future.

Algorithms↗

Value of body surface mapping in localizing the site of origin of ventricular tachycardia in patients with previous myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the performance of the 62-lead body surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in identifying the site of origin of ventricular tachycardia in patients with a previous myocardial infarction. BACKGROUND: Because the accuracy of ECG localization of ventricular tachycardia using standard 12-lead recordings is restricted to the identification of rather large ventricular areas, application of multiple torso lead recordings may augment the resolving power of the surface ECG and result in more discrete localization of arrhythmogenic foci. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were selected for electrophysiologically guided ablative therapy for drug-resistant postinfarction ventricular tachycardia. In these patients, QRS integral maps of distinct monomorphic ventricular tachycardia configurations were correlated with a previously generated infarct-specific reference data base of paced QRS integral maps. Each paced pattern in the data base corresponded with ectopic endocardial impulse formation at 1 of 18 or 22 discrete segments of the left ventricle with a previous anterior or inferior myocardial infarction, respectively. Electrocardiographic localization was compared with the results obtained during intraoperative or catheter endocardial activation sequence mapping. RESULTS: Body surface mapping was performed during 101 distinct ventricular tachycardia configurations. Compared with the activation mapping data that were acquired in 64 of 101 ventricular tachycardias, body surface mapping identified the correct segment of origin in 40 (62%) of 64 tachycardias, a segment adjacent to the segment where the arrhythmia actually originated in 19 (30%) of 64 tachycardias and a segment disparate from the actual segment of origin in 5 (8%) of 64 tachycardias. With respect to infarct location, the segment of origin was correctly identified in 28 (60%) of 47 ventricular tachycardias in patients with anterior, 7 (70%) of 10 tachycardias in patients with inferior and 5 (71%) of 7 tachycardias in patients with combined anterior and inferior myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that body surface mapping enables precise localization of the origin of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia in 62% and regional approximation in 30% of tachycardias. The multiple-lead ECG may be used to guide and shorten catheter-based mapping procedures during ventricular tachycardia and to provide relevant information on the origin of tachycardias that cannot be mapped with conventional single-site mapping techniques because of unfavorable characteristics.

Body Surface Potential Mapping↗

The CEPH consortium primary linkage map of human chromosome 10.

The first CEPH consortium map, that of chromosome 10, is presented. This primary linkage map contains 28 continuously linked loci defined by genotypes generated from CEPH family DNAs with 37 probe and enzyme combinations. Cytogenetic localization of some of the genetic markers indicates that the consortium map extends, at least, from 10p13 to 10q26. The order of loci on the consortium map agrees with the physical localization data. The female map spans 309 cM (206 cM if an approximation of interference is included in the mapping function used to construct the map), and the mean genetic distance of intervals is 11 cM (7 cM). Also presented are maps of chromosome 10 from each of five CEPH collaborating laboratories, based on genotypes for all relevant markers in the CEPH database. The CEPH consortium map of chromosome 10 should be useful for localization of any gene of interest falling within the span covered. The genotypes in the chromosome 10 consortium map database are now available to the scientific community.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Construction, analysis, and application of a radiation hybrid mapping panel surrounding the mouse agouti locus.

The region surrounding the agouti coat color locus on mouse Chromosome 2 contains several genes required for peri-implantation development, limb morphogenesis, and segmentation of the nervous system. We have applied radiation hybrid mapping, a somatic cell genetic technique for constructing long-range maps of mammalian chromosomes, to eight molecular markers in this region. Using a mathematical model to estimate the frequency of radiation-induced breakage, we have constructed a map that spans approximately 20 recombination units and 475 centirays8000. The predicted order of markers, Prn-p-Pygb-Emv-13-Psp-Xmv-10-Emv-15-Src-Ada, is consistent with a previously derived multipoint meiotic map for six of the eight markers and suggests that Xmv-10 may lie relatively close to one or more of the agouti recessive lethal mutations. The resolution of our map is approximately 40-fold higher than the meiotic map, but the median retention frequency of mouse DNA in hybrid cells, 0.12, is 4-fold lower than similar experiments with human chromosomes. From one of the radiation hybrid lines that contained a minimum amount of mouse DNA, 25 independent cosmids were isolated with a mouse-specific hybridization probe. Single-copy fragments from two of these cosmids were shown to originate from mouse Chromosome 2, and the meiotic map position of one was found to be within 10 recombination units of the region of interest. Our results indicate more precise map positions for Pygb and Xmv-10, demonstrate that radiation hybrid mapping can provide high-resolution map information for the mouse genome, and establish a new method for isolating large fragments of DNA from a specific subchromosomal region.

Animals↗

Multilocus consensus genetic maps (MCGM): formulation, algorithms, and results.

In process of creating genetic maps different labs/research groups obtain overlapping parts of the map. Merging these parts into one integrative map is based on looking for maximum shared marker orders among the maps. Really, not all shared markers of such maps have consensus order that obstructs building of the integrative maps. In this paper we propose a new approach to build verified multilocus consensus genetic maps in which shared markers always are integrated in stable consensus order. The approach is based on combined analysis of initial mapping data rather than manipulating with previously constructed maps. We show that more effective and reliable solutions may be obtained based on "synchronized ordering" facilitated by cycles of "re-sampling-->ordering-->removing unstable markers". The proposed formulation of consensus genetic mapping can be considered as a version of traveling salesperson problem (TSP) that we refer to as synchronized-TSP. From the viewpoint of optimization, synchronized-TSP belongs to discrete constrained optimization problems. Earlier we developed new powerful and fast guided evolution strategy algorithms for some types of discrete constrained optimization. These algorithms were used here as a basis for solving more challenging problems of consensual marker ordering.

Algorithms↗

Shotgun optical mapping of the entire Leishmania major Friedlin genome.

Leishmania is a group of protozoan parasites which causes a broad spectrum of diseases resulting in widespread human suffering and death, as well as economic loss from the infection of some domestic animals and wildlife. To further understand the fundamental genomic architecture of this parasite, and to accelerate the on-going sequencing project, a whole-genome XbaI restriction map was constructed using the optical mapping system. This map supplemented traditional physical maps that were generated by fingerprinting and hybridization of cosmid and P1 clone libraries. Thirty-six optical map contigs were constructed for the corresponding known 36 chromosomes of the Leishmania major Friedlin genome. The chromosome sizes ranged from 326.9 to 2821.3 kb, with a total genome size of 34.7 Mb; the average XbaI restriction fragment was 25.3 kb, and ranged from 15.7 to 77.8 kb on a per chromosomes basis. Comparison between the optical maps and the in silico maps of sequence drawn from completed, nearly finished, or large sequence contigs showed that optical maps served several useful functions within the path to create finished sequence by: guiding aspects of the sequence assembly, identifying misassemblies, detection of cosmid or PAC clones misplacements to chromosomes, and validation of sequence stemming from varying degrees of finishing. Our results also showed the potential use of optical maps as a means to detect and characterize map segmental duplication within genomes.

Animals↗

Caveolin-mediated regulation of signaling along the p42/44 MAP kinase cascade in vivo. A role for the caveolin-scaffolding domain.

The p42/44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP)-kinase cascade is a well-established signal transduction pathway that is initiated at the cell surface and terminates within the nucleus. More specifically, receptor tyrosine kinases can indirectly activate Raf, which in turn leads to activation of MEK and ERK and ultimately phosphorylation of Elk, a nuclear transcription factor. Recent reports have suggested that some members of p42/44 MAP kinase cascade can be sequestered within plasmalemmal caveolae in vivo. For example, morphological studies have directly shown that ERK-1/2 is concentrated in plasma membrane caveolae in vivo using immunoelectron microscopy. In addition, constitutive activation of the p42/44 MAP kinase cascade is sufficient to reversibly down-regulate caveolin-1 mRNA and protein expression. However, the functional relationship between the p42/44 MAP kinase cascade and caveolins remains unknown. Here, we examine the in vivo role of caveolins in regulating signaling along the MAP kinase cascade. We find that co-expression with caveolin 1 dramatically inhibits signaling from EGF-R, Raf, MEK-1 and ERK-2 to the nucleus. Using a variety of caveolin-1 deletion mutants, we mapped this in vivo inhibitory activity to caveolin-1 residues 32-95. Peptides derived from this region of caveolin 1 also inhibit the in vitro kinase activity of purified MEK-1 and ERK-2. Thus, we show here that caveolin-1 expression can inhibit signal transduction from the p42/44 MAP kinase cascade both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together with previous data, our results also suggest that a novel form of reciprocal negative regulation exists between p42/44 MAP kinase activation and caveolin-1 protein expression, i.e. up-regulation of caveolin-1 protein expression down-modulates p42/44 MAP kinase activity (this report) and up-regulation of p42/44 MAP kinase activity down-regulates caveolin-1 mRNA and protein expression.

Animals↗