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MECP2 gene analysis in classical Rett syndrome and in patients with Rett-like features.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the diagnostic criteria for Rett syndrome based on mutational screening of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene ( MECP2 ) in patients with classic Rett syndrome and patients with Rett-like features. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with classical Rett syndrome, one with preserved speech variant (PSV), and 12 patients with developmental delay and some features of Rett syndrome were recruited for sequence analysis of the MECP2 gene coding region. The phenotype of the patients was correlated with the presence and type of the mutation as well as the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern. RESULTS: found in 100% of the patients with classical Rett syndrome originating from Finland. One novel mutation, P127L, was detected in a patient with PSV. No mutations were found in other cases. The XCI status was found to be random in 72% of the patients with classical Rett syndrome, including the patient with PSV and all patients with developmental delay informative for the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: An MECP2 mutation can be found in almost every patient with classical Rett syndrome. More patients need to be analyzed in order to clarify the mutation prevalence in patients with atypical Rett syndrome and in patients with mental retardation.

Adolescent↗

A case of Rett syndrome from Ukraine--clinical diagnosis confirmed by mutation analysis of the MECP2 gene.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). The incidence is 1:10,000-1:15,000 females worldwide. To date, the mutational spectrum of MECP2 in the Ukrainian population is not known. Here we present first Ukrainian girl with classic clinical signs of RTT, in whom mutation of MECP2 gene was detected. Total genomic DNA was extracted from a dry blood spot using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer's protocol. Genomic DNA was used to amplify coding sequence and exon/intron borders of MECP2 gene. Products were examined by restriction analysis and automatic direct sequencing. The sequencing analysis of our patient revealed a small deletion of 4 bases AAAG at position 856-859 in exon 4 of MECP2 gene (856-859del4). This mutation leads to a frameshift (K286fs) and a premature stop codon. The creation of premature stop codon results in synthesis of truncated MeCP2 protein. Localization of the mutation into the transcription repression domain (TRD) probably affects the function of MECP2 protein in the process of transcriptional repression. To our knowledge this is the first case from Ukraine, in whom clinical diagnosis of RTT was confirmed by mutation analysis of MECP2 gene. Mutation analyses of further patients are needed to establish the spectrum of MECP2 mutations in the Ukrainian population. (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 22.)

Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone↗

The mouse transition protein 1 gene contains a B1 repetitive element and is located on chromosome 1.

The gene for mouse transition protein 1 (mTP1) was isolated, sequenced, and chromosomally mapped. The nucleotide sequence of 1895 bp of a 6.4-kb mTP1 genomic subclone was determined to include 788 bp of 5' flanking region, 564 bp of coding region including a 396-bp intron and a TAA stop codon, and 543 bp of 3' flanking region. The mTP1 gene contains a B1 repeat sequence within the only intron of the gene. The transcriptional start site of the mTP1 mRNA was determined to be located 31 bases upstream of the ATG translational start codon. Southern blot analysis demonstrated the presence of sequences homologous to the mTP1 cDNA in the genomes of the rat, hamster, bull, boar, dog, horse, ram, human, and two marsupials (the American opossum and Monodelphis), suggesting that the mTP1 gene sequence is widely conserved. The TP1 gene has been mapped by analysis of restriction fragment length variants (RFLV) in an interspecific backcross to a position 0.7 +/- 0.4 cM telomeric of Mylf and 1.2 +/- 0.5 cM centromeric of Vil on mouse chromosome 1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

MLE functions as a transcriptional regulator of the roX2 gene.

Dosage compensation is a process that equalizes transcription activity between the sexes. In Drosophila, two non-coding RNA, roX1 and roX2, and at least six protein regulators, MSL-1, MSL-2, MSL-3, MLE, MOF, and JIL-1, have been identified as essential for dosage compensation. Although there is accumulating evidence of the intricate functional and physical interactions between protein and RNA regulators, little is known about how roX RNA expression and function are modulated in coordination with protein regulators. In this report, we have found that a relatively short (about 350 bp) upstream genomic region of the roX2 gene, Prox2, harbors an activity that drives transcription of the downstream gene. Our study has shown that MLE can stimulate the transcription activity of Prox2 and that MLE associates with Prox2 through direct interaction with a newly identified 54-bp repeat, Prox. Our observations suggest a novel mechanism by which roX2 RNA is regulated at the transcriptional level.

Animals↗

Indications for a tumor suppressor gene at 22q11 involved in the pathogenesis of ependymal tumors and distinct from hSNF5/INI1.

Ependymomas account for approximately 9% of all neuroepithelial tumors and represent the most frequent neuroepithelial tumors of the spinal cord. In adults, allelic loss of chromosome arm 22q occurs in up to 60% of the cases studied. Some of these tumors show an altered neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene; in others, NF2 appears to be unaffected, indicating the involvement of another tumor suppressor gene. Recently, the tumor suppressor gene hSNF5/INI1, located on 22q11.23, has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of renal and extrarenal rhabdoid tumors. In addition, this gene may be responsible for a new hereditary syndrome predisposing to a variety of tumors designated "rhabdoid predisposition syndrome." In the present study, we analyzed a series of 53 ependymal tumors of 48 patients [4 myxopapillary ependymomas (WHO grade I), 3 subependymomas (WHO grade I), 18 ependymomas (WHO grade II), 21 anaplastic ependymomas (WHO grade III) and 2 ependymoblastomas (WHO grade IV)] for mutations and homozygous deletions in the coding region of the hSNF5/INI1 gene and for allelic loss of its flanking chromosomal regions in 39 ependymal tumors of 35 patients. Allelic loss was detected in 11 of 35 informative primary ependymal tumors (31%) with a common region of overlap covered by the markers D22S257 and D22S310 on 22q11 including the marker D22S301. However, a detailed molecular analysis of 53 ependymal tumors for mutations and homozygous deletion of the hSNF5/INI1 gene revealed no alterations. We conclude that the hSNF5/INI1 gene is not involved in the pathogenesis of human ependymal tumors with allelic loss on chromosome arm 22q and an intact NF2 locus. In addition, our study localizes a putative ependymoma tumor suppressor gene(s) to a domain of chromosome arm 22q flanked by the microsatellite markers D22S257 and D22S310.

Adolescent↗

[Researching a novel NPC-related candidate suppressor gene BRD7 by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-MS].

BRD7 was isolated through cDNA representational difference analysis (RDA) (GenBank accession No. AF152604). Previous studies showed that BRD7 gene was down-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and tissues, and three cSNPs (coding-region single nucleotide polymorphisms) were found on BRD7. In addition, six BRD7-interacting proteins were identified by yeast two-hybrid system. To study the function of this gene on carcinogenesis in NPC, BRD7 gene was transfected into HNE1 cells low-expressed BRD7 by using liposomes and a stable cell line over-expressing BRD7 was established. After two-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2-DE), twenty differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS including argininosuccinate lyase, metalloproteinase inhibitor-2 precursor, proteaseome activator28 beta subunit, thyroid transcriptional factor-1, cyclinH (MO15-associated protein), and so on. These differentially expressed proteins are related to cell cycling, transcription regulation, signaling pathway etc. Therefore, BRD7 may exert its functions by mediating differential expression of these proteins.

Carrier Proteins↗

Cloning and molecular analysis of the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoic acid) gene locus of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

From genomic libraries, the polyhydroxyalkanoate gene locus of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was cloned and characterised at the molecular level. Two genes coding for polyhydroxyalkanoate synthases, phaC1Pa and phaC2Pa, a polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerase gene, phaDPa, and four adjacent open reading frames (ORF1, ORF2, ORF3 and ORF4) were identified from the nucleotide sequence. Two transcriptional start sites, which were preceded by sequences resembling the Escherichia coli consensus sequences for sigma 54 and sigma 70 promoters, were identified experimentally upstream of phaC1Pa, which was shown by Northern blot analysis to constitute an operon together with phaDPa. A third putative promoter resembling the E. coli consensus sequence for sigma 70-dependent promoters was proposed upstream of phaC2Pa, which is in a bicistronic operon with ORF3. Investigations of rpoN-negative mutants of related strains revealed that polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulation from gluconate required an intact rpoN locus in P. aeruginosa. Complementation experiments revealed multiple evidence that either polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase is involved in polyhydroylkanoate accumulation from gluconate as well as from octanoate. The P. aeruginosa PAO1 polyhydroxyalkanoate gene locus was expressed in the polyhydroxyalkanoate-negative mutant Alcaligenes eutrophus PHB-4 and in the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-accumulating strain P. oleovorans DSM1045. It conferred on the latter the ability to synthesize and accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates consisting of medium-chain-length 3-hydroxyalkanoic acids from unrelated substrates in addition to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). The sequence of the putative translational product of ORF1 was similar to those of the leukotoxin repressor of Pasteurella haemolytica and to the ORF9 product of Azotobacter vinelandii, and that of ORF4 was similar to the algP product of P. aeruginosa and to eukaryotic histone H1 proteins. The proteins of ORF2 and ORF3 appear to be previously unidentified.

Acyltransferases↗

MECP2 mutations or polymorphisms in mentally retarded boys: diagnostic implications.

BACKGROUND: Among the well characterized X-linked conditions causing mental retardation, mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) in Xq28 have been found in up to 85% of patients with Rett syndrome, a neurologic disorder which, in addition to other symptoms, severely affects higher cognitive functions in females. Mutations in the MECP2 gene are involved in a broad spectrum of phenotypes from classical Rett syndrome to mild intellectual difficulties in females and neonatal encephalopathy in males. Recently, mutations in the MECP2 gene were reported in males with non-specific mental retardation suggesting that defects in MECP2 could be responsible for up to 2% of X-linked mental retardation. METHODS: We screened by denaturing high-pressure liquid chromatography the entire coding region and flanking intronic sequences of the MECP2 gene in a cohort of 354 mentally retarded males found negative for an expansion across the FRAXA CGG repeat and in a family in which a boy and his sister were mentally retarded. RESULTS: We identified mainly silent polymorphisms within the MECP2 gene, together with four sequence alterations of unknown significance, i.e. three missense mutations (T197M, T228S, and P376S) and one substitution at position -19 in intron 3 (378-19delT). Further familial investigations allowed us to ruled out a pathogenic effect for the intronic variant, the T228S and the P376S missense mutations. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that MECP2 mutations in males are far more rare than initially thought and call for a careful evaluation of the pathogenicity of the MECP2 missense mutations identified in mentally retarded males before genetic counseling is proposed to the relatives.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Association of the RENT complex with nontranscribed and coding regions of rDNA and a regional requirement for the replication fork block protein Fob1 in rDNA silencing.

Silencing within the yeast rDNA repeats inhibits hyperrecombination, represses transcription from foreign promoters, and extends replicative life span. rDNA silencing is mediated by a Sir2-containing complex called RENT (regulator of nucleolar silencing and telophase exit). We show that the Net1 (also called Cfi1) and Sir2 subunits of RENT localize primarily to two distinct regions within rDNA: in one of the nontranscribed spacers (NTS1) and around the Pol I promoter, extending into the 35S rRNA coding region. Binding to NTS1 overlaps the recombination hotspot and replication fork barrier elements, which have been shown previously to require the Fob1 protein for their activities. In cells lacking Fob1, silencing and the association of RENT subunits are abolished specifically at NTS1, while silencing and association at the Pol I promoter region are unaffected or increased. We find that Net1 and Sir2 are physically associated with Fob1 and subunits of RNA polymerase I. Together with the localization data, these results suggest the existence of two distinct modes for the recruitment of the RENT complex to rDNA and reveal a role for Fob1 in rDNA silencing and in the recruitment of the RENT complex. Furthermore, the Fob1-dependent associations of Net1 and Sir2 with the recombination hotspot region strongly suggest that Sir2 acts directly at this region to carry out its inhibitory effect on rDNA recombination and accelerated aging.

Cell Cycle Proteins↗

Targeted down-regulation of MLL-AF9 with antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide reduces the expression of the HOXA7 and -A10 genes and induces apoptosis in a human leukemia cell line, THP-1.

The MLL gene is frequently rearranged in leukemias, and MLL chimeric proteins generated by chromosomal translocations play crucial roles in leukemogenesis. Targets of murine Mll include HOX proteins that regulate body pattern formation and hematopoiesis. However, it is not known whether or not the MLL chimeric proteins regulate the HOX gene expression in human leukemia. To address this issue, THP-1 cells, a human leukemia cell line expressing MLL-AF9, were treated with antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) complementary to the coding sequence of the MLL-AF9 junction. Down-regulation of the MLL-AF9 transcript was accompanied by the reduced expression of the HOXA7 and -A10 genes, but not of the HOXA2, -A4, -A5, and -A9 genes. The number of viable cells cultured with 20 microM antisense ODN for 5 days was 10-fold lower than that of the sense ODN-treated control. And the number of the annexin V-/propidium iodide- apoptotic cells in the antisense ODN-treated cells after 3 days of culture was two-fold higher than that in the control. Staining of the antisense ODN-treated cells with Hoechst 33258 showed the morphology characteristic to apoptosis. These results indicate that MLL-AF9 regulates the expression of the selected HOX genes as well as prevents the leukemic cells from apoptosis.

Apoptosis↗

Protein tightly bound near the termini of the Physarum extrachromosomal rDNA palindrome.

The genes coding for ribosomal RNa in plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum are arranged palindromically on extrachromosomal rDNA molecules of 61 kb (kilobasepairs). Incubation of mildly extracted rDNA with the 125I Bolton-Hunter reagent results in incorporation of label not removed by SDS, CsCl, or various organic solvents. Labeled protein is preferentially associated with terminal rDNA restriction fragments, as detected after gel electrophoresis of the DNA. Antibody reaction with dinitrophenylated protein-rDNA complexes allows visualization of protein located from 1 to 2 kb from the termini, in a region containing multiple inverted repeat sequences and single-strand gaps. DNase I treatment of either rDNA or rDNA termini releases primarily two labeled protein bands of 5,000 and 13,000 daltons as well as less prominent bands of higher molecular weight. We discuss mechanisms for involvement of terminal protein in replication of 3' ends and chromosomal integration of the rDNA.

Base Sequence↗

Mutants defective in chromosome partitioning in E. coli.

Recent experimental results suggest that replicated daughter chromosomes (nucleoids) in Escherichia coli move non-progressively and abruptly at an early stage of the D (division) period from midcell toward the cell quarter positions, which will become the centres of the daughter cells. The chromosome positioning at the quarter positions was found to be controlled by the muk gene products. In muk mutants, normal size anucleate cells are spontaneously produced during cell division. The mukA gene is identical to the tolC gene encoding an outer membrane protein. The mukB gene codes for a 177-kDa protein. The amino acid sequence of the MukB protein deduced for the nucleotide sequence suggests that the MukB protein has five characteristic secondary structure domains: an amino-terminal globular domain containing a consensus sequence binding with ATP or another nucleotide. The central region of the protein consists of two alpha-helical coiled-coil domains and one globular domain. A carboxyl-terminal globular domain is rich in cysteine and positively charged residues arginine and lysine. Two MukB protein molecules might form a homodimer in the coiled-coil regions. The predicted secondary structure of the MukB protein suggests that the protein provides the force required for the positioning of nucleoids from midcell toward the cell quarters. The mukC and mukD genes are located at 88 and 41 min of the chromosome map, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Low frequency of MECP2 mutations in mentally retarded males.

A high frequency of mutations in the methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene has recently been reported in males with nonspecific X-linked mental retardation. The results of this previous study suggested that the frequency of MECP2 mutations in the mentally retarded population was comparable to that of CGG expansions in FMR1. In view of these data, we performed MECP2 mutation analysis in a cohort of 475 mentally retarded males who were negative for FMR1 CGG repeat expansion. Five novel changes, detected in seven patients, were predicted to change the MECP2 coding sequence. Except for one, these changes were not found in a control population. While this result appeared to suggest a high mutation rate, this conclusion was not supported by segregation studies. Indeed, three of the five changes could be traced in unaffected male family members. For another change, segregation analysis in the family was not possible. Only one mutation, a frameshift created by a deletion of two bases, was found to be de novo. This study clearly shows the importance of segregation analysis for low frequency mutations, in order to distinguish them from rare polymorphisms. The true frequency of MECP2 mutations in the mentally retarded has probably been overestimated. Based on our data, the frequency of MECP2 mutations in mentally retarded males is 0.2% (1/475).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Long-read sequence analysis of the MECP2 gene in Rett syndrome patients: correlation of disease severity with mutation type and location.

Mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein gene MECP2 at Xq28 cause Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a period of stagnation followed by regression in the development of young girls. Mutations were sought in MECP2 in 48 females with classical sporadic RTT, seven families with possible familial RTT and five sporadic females with features suggestive, but not diagnostic of RTT. Long distance PCR coupled with long-read direct sequencing was employed to sequence the entire MECP2 gene coding region in all cases. Mutations were identified in 44/55 (80%) unrelated classical sporadic and familial RTT patients, but only 1/5 (20%) sporadic cases with suggestive but non-diagnostic features of RTT. Twenty-one different mutations were identified (12 missense, four nonsense and five frame-shift mutations); 14 of these were novel. All missense mutations were located either in the methyl-CpG-binding domain or in the transcription repression domain. Nine recurrent mutations were characterized in a total of 33 unrelated cases (73% of all cases with MECP2 mutations). Significantly milder disease was noted in patients carrying missense mutations as compared with those with truncating mutations ( P = 0. 0023), and milder disease was associated with late as compared with early truncating mutations ( P = 0.0190).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Influence of MECP2 gene mutation and X-chromosome inactivation on the Rett syndrome phenotype.

To date, approximately 200 different mutations in the MECP2 gene have been identified. We analyzed the entire coding sequence of the MECP2 gene and the X-chromosome inactivation pattern in 42 sporadic cases of Rett syndrome. Of the 42 patients, 30 had pathogenic mutations, including 14 different mutations: 9 missense mutations, 4 nonsense mutations, and 1 frameshift mutation. One was a novel mutation (S134P). There was a tendency for patients who had a nonsense mutation in the transcriptional repression domain region to show earlier onset of regression and more severe language retardation than patients with a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding domain region. However, the parameters of clinical severity were variable among patients with the same type of mutation, depending on the pattern of X-chromosome inactivation. This study suggests that the X-chromosome inactivation pattern can modify the phenotype of Rett syndrome, which is primarily determined by the type and site of MECP2 gene mutation.

Age of Onset↗

The new gene mukB codes for a 177 kd protein with coiled-coil domains involved in chromosome partitioning of E. coli.

An Escherichia coli temperature sensitive mutant which produces spontaneously normal size anucleate cells at low temperature was isolated. The mutant is defective in a previously undescribed gene, named mukB, located at 21 min on the chromosome. The mukB gene codes for a large protein (approximately 180 kd). A 1534 amino acid protein (176,826 daltons) was deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the mukB gene. Computer analysis revealed that the predicted MukB protein has distinct domains: an amino-terminal globular domain containing a nucleotide binding sequence, a central region containing two alpha-helical coiled-coil domains and one globular domain, and a carboxyl-terminal globular domain which is rich in Cys, Arg and Lys. A 180 kd protein detected in wild-type cell extracts by electrophoresis is absent in mukB null mutants. Although the null mutants are not lethal at low temperature, the absence of MukB leads to aberrant chromosome partitioning. At high temperature the mukB null mutants cannot form colonies and many nucleoids are distributed irregularly along elongated cells. We conclude that the MukB protein is required for chromosome partitioning in E. coli.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CENP-B is a highly conserved mammalian centromere protein with homology to the helix-loop-helix family of proteins.

CENP-B is a centromere associated protein originally identified in human cells as an 80 kDa autoantigen recognized by sera from patients with anti-centromere antibodies (ACA). Recent evidence indicates that CENP-B interacts with centromeric heterochromatin in human chromosomes and may bind to a specific subset of human alphoid satellite DNA. CENP-B has not been unambiguously identified in non-primates and could, in principal, be a primate-specific alphoid DNA binding protein. In this work, a human genomic DNA segment containing the CENP-B gene was isolated and subjected to DNA sequence analysis. In vitro expression identified the site for translation initiation of CENP-B, demonstrating that it is encoded by an intronless open reading frame (ORF) in human DNA. A homologous mouse gene was also isolated and characterized. It was found to possess a high degree of homology with the human gene, containing an intronless ORF coding for a 599 residue polypeptide with 96% sequence similarity to human CENP-B. 5' and 3' flanking and untranslated sequences were conserved at a level of 94.6% and 82.7%, respectively, suggesting that the regulatory properties of CENP-B may be conserved as well. CENP-B mRNA was detected in mouse cells and tissues and an immunoreactive nuclear protein identical in size to human CENP-B was detected in mouse 3T3 cells using human ACA. Analysis of the sequence of CENP-B revealed a segment of significant similarity to a DNA binding motif identified for the helix-loop-helix (HLH) family of DNA binding proteins. These data demonstrate that CENP-B is a highly conserved mammalian protein that may be a member of the HLH protein family and suggest that it plays a role in a conserved aspect of centromere structure or function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Spectrum of hSNF5/INI1 somatic mutations in human cancer and genotype-phenotype correlations.

The hSNF5/INI1 gene which encodes a member of the SWI/SNF chromatin ATP-dependent remodeling complex, is a new tumor suppressor gene localized on chromosome 22q11.2 and recently shown to be mutated in malignant rhabdoid tumors. We have searched for hSNF5/INI1 mutations in 229 tumors of various origins using a screening method based on denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. A total of 31 homozygous deletions and 36 point alterations were identified. Point mutations were scattered along the coding sequence and included 15 nonsense, 15 frameshift, three splice site, two missense and one editing mutations. Mutations were retrieved in most rhabdoid tumors, whatever their sites of occurrence, indicating the common pathogenetic origin of these tumors. Recurrent hSNF5/INI1 alterations were also observed in choroid plexus carcinomas and in a subset of central primitive neuroectodermal tumors (cPNETs) and medulloblastomas. In contrast, hSNF5/INI1 point mutations were not detected in breast cancers, Wilms' tumors, gliomas, ependymomas, sarcomas and other tumor types, even though most analyzed cases harbored loss of heterozygosity at 22q11.2 loci. These results suggest that rhabdoid tumors, choroid plexus carcinomas and a subset of medulloblastomas and cPNETs share common pathways of oncogenesis related to hSNF5/INI1 alteration and that hSNF5/INI1 mutations define a genetically homogeneous family of highly aggressive cancers mainly occurring in young children and frequently, but not always, exhibiting a rhabdoid phenotype.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗