Sequence analysis and mapping of the Sry gene in species of the subfamily Arvicolinae (rodentia).

The rodent subfamily Arvicolinae, which contains about 125 species, presents some interesting exceptions concerning Sry, the sex determining gene in mammals. In some species multiple Sry copies have been described on the Y chromosome and in the Iberian vole, Microtus cabrerae, several Sry sequences have been cloned and mapped not only on the Y but also on the X chromosome. Here we present a comparative analysis of Sry sequences from a total of 22 species. Our study demonstrates for the first time that for most North American species, as previously reported for the European species, multiple copies of the Sry gene exist on the Y chromosome. Furthermore, we have sequenced and analyzed the full sequence of Sry from several European species, showing that the sequence and structure of the gene in this group of species present the main features described for Sry in other mammals. Finally, FISH analyses on some of these species demonstrated that all Sry sequences, despite their functional status, mapped on the euchromatic short arm of the Y chromosome.

Molecular cytogenetics of the california condor: evolutionary and conservation implications.

Evolutionary cytogenetic comparisons involved 5 species of birds (California condor, chicken, zebra finch, collared flycatcher and black stork) belonging to divergent taxonomic orders. Seventy-four clones from a condor BAC library containing 80 genes were mapped to condor chromosomes using FISH, and 15 clones containing 16 genes were mapped to the stork Z chromosome. Maps for chicken and finch were derived from genome sequence databases, and that for flycatcher from the published literature. Gene content and gene order were highly conserved when individual condor, chicken, and zebra finch autosomes were compared, confirming that these species largely retain karyotypes close to the ancestral condition for neognathous birds. However, several differences were noted: zebra finch chromosomes 1 and 1A are homologous to condor and chicken chromosomes 1, the CHUNK1 gene appears to have transposed on condor chromosome 1, condor chromosomes 4 and 9 and zebra finch chromosomes 4 and 4A are homologous to chicken chromosome arms 4q and 4p, and novel inversions on chromosomes 4, 12 and 13 were found. Condor and stork Z chromosome gene orders are collinear and differentiated by a series of inversions/transpositions when compared to chicken, zebra finch, or flycatcher; phylogenetic analyses suggest independent rearrangement along the chicken, finch, and flycatcher lineages.

Haplotype analysis of the SDF-1 (CXCL12) gene in a longitudinal HIV-1/AIDS cohort study.

The stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) chemokine gene encodes the only natural ligand for CXCR4, the coreceptor for the pathogenic X4 HIV-1 strains. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3' untranslated region (SDF1-3'A=rs1801157) of SDF-1 was reported to be protective against infection and progression in some, but not other, epidemiological studies. To identify additional alleles that may influence HIV-1 infection and progression to AIDS, nine SNPs (including rs1801157) spanning 20.2 kb in and around the SDF-1 gene were genotyped in over 3000 African American (AA) and European American (EA) participants enrolled in five longitudinal HIV-1/AIDS natural cohort studies. Six or five haplotypes were present at frequencies greater than 5% in AA or EA, respectively. Six of the nine SNPs occur on only one common haplotype (>5%), while the remaining three SNPs were found on multiple haplotypes, suggesting a complex history of recombination. Among EA, rs754618 was associated with an increased risk of infection (OR=1.50, P=0.03), while rs1801157 (=SDF1-3'A) was associated with protection against infection (OR=0.63, P=0.01). In the MACS cohort, rs1801157 was associated with AIDS-87 (RH=0.31, P=0.02) and with death (RH=0.18, P=0.02). Significant associations to a single disease outcome were found for two SNPs and one haplotype in AA.

Morphological, chromosomal, and molecular evolution are uncoupled in pocket mice.

C-, and G-banded chromosomes are presented for Perognathus amplus and Perognathus longimembris from Arizona, USA and Chaetodipus nelsoni from Coahuila, Mexico. The two species of Perognathus reveal similar C-band patterns, and extensive autosomal and X chromosome G-band identity with only pericentric inversions distinguishing pairs 4 and 6 and a difference in the morphology of pair 20. Three pairs of autosomal secondary constrictions were found in P. amplus and only one in P. longimembris. Only 50% of the amplus/longimembris G-banded karyotype could be aligned with that of C. nelsoni indicating extensive chromosomal restructuring has taken place since these genera last shared a common ancestor. A review of the literature suggests variable rates of morphological, chromosomal and molecular evolution in these animals.

The human MIP-1beta chemokine is encoded by two paralogous genes, ACT-2 and LAG-1.

Human macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1beta) is an Mr 8,000 acidic protein that is upregulated upon stimulation in monocytes, T cells, and other lymphocytes. This protein belongs to the CC chemokine subfamily and directs the migration of specific subsets of leukocytes. The first molecular clone was isolated in 1988, and ever since there has been confusion regarding the exact number of genes encoding this and closely related proteins. PCR primers were designed from two genomic GenBank entries to conduct single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis, sequence analysis, and PCR-RFLP, and we conclude that previously isolated clones referred to as MIP-1beta are derived from two genes, originally called ACT-2 and LAG-1. The two proteins share a common length and are identical at 89 of 92 amino acids. The first two amino acid differences, V12M and L20P, occur in the signal peptide, while the third, G70S, is in the mature protein. Within the transcribed region, the genes differ at 25 of 662 nucleotides. A survey of the NCBI expressed sequence tag database reveals that both genes are expressed in a variety of tissues, and five clones representing LAG-1 transcripts are alternatively spliced, with the 115-bp exon 2 omitted. Database searches for putative orthologues in other species revealed that the rabbit protein is about 80% similar to the two human proteins, while those of rat and mouse are 70-75% similar. Comparative sequence analysis of the human and animal proteins indicates substantially higher rates of protein evolution in the two rodents compared to human and rabbit.

Stable methylation patterns in interspecific antelope hybrids and the characterization and localization of a satellite fraction in the Alcelaphini and Hippotragini.

Conflicting data has recently appeared concerning altered methylation patterns in interspecific mammalian hybrids and the potential this may hold for driving karyotypic evolution. We report no detectable methylation difference in the genomic DNA of different interspecific F1 antelope hybrids (family Bovidae) and their parent species using the methylation-sensitive enzyme HpaII and its methylation insensitive isoschizomer MspI. However, both enzymes released a tandemly repeated satellite array. Characterization of the repeat using Southern blotting and a combination of sequencing, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and C-banding, shows some similarity in the family of repeats between the hybridizing antelope species groups, and that the satellite is localized in the centromeric C-band positive regions of the chromosomes. Moreover, although there is little meaningful sequence homology with the well characterized bovine 1.715 satellite DNA, there is 86% sequence similarity with the sheep/goat satellite I, suggesting that they are related and are likely to have originated and evolved separately from the bovine unit.

DRM/GREMLIN (CKTSF1B1) maps to human chromosome 15 and is highly expressed in adult and fetal brain.

We have mapped and characterized the human homolog of Drm/Gremlin (CKTFS1B1), a member of a family of BMP antagonists that have been linked to both developmental and transformation-related functions. By screening a human cDNA library, we isolated a 3.3-kb cDNA containing the 552-bp region encoding the human DRM protein. CKTFS1B1 was localized on human chromosome 15q13--> q15 by somatic cell hybrid analysis and, more precisely, using radiation hybrids, to a region of markers linked to SGNE1, secretory granule neuroendocrine protein 1 and RYR3, the ryanodyne receptor 3. Northern blot analysis showed the presence of a single DRM-specific mRNA expressed in different human tissues, including brain, ovary, intestine and colon. In the brain, DRM expression is associated with the region localized around the internal capsule in the large subcortical nuclei. DRM appears to be predominantly expressed in normal cells and tissues, including normal neurons, astrocytes and fibroblasts. Interestingly, we detected DRM expression in normal cells obtained from several patients, but not in tumor cell lines established from the same patients. The data suggest that down-regulation of DRM is associated with tumor progression, and support the hypothesis that human DRM may play an important role during both neuroembryological development and carcinogenesis.

Molecular cloning of the guinea pig GRO gene and its rapid expression in the tissues of lipopolysaccharide-injected guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: CXC chemokines, IL-8 and GRO, play a role in the recruitment of neutrophils in the human. The functional orthologues in the rat and mouse are CINC/KC and MIP-2. The lack of IL-8 made these animals less useful to study the role of IL-8 and GRO. METHODS: Guinea pig (gp) cDNA libraries were screened for GRO and IL-1beta. A gp genomic library was screened with a gpGRO cDNA probe. Expression of gpIL-8, gpGRO, gpTNFalpha, and gpIL-1beta was investigated by Northern analysis and/or by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Two gpGRO cDNAs, a 3.0-kb gpGRO genomic DNA, and a gpIL-1beta cDNA were cloned. gpGRO and gpIL-8 mRNA were detected in different tissues including lungs 1 h after intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into guinea pigs. gpGRO, gpIL-8, gpTNFalpha, and gpIL-1beta expression peaked at 3 h in the lungs. Both gpGRO and gpIL-8 mRNA were detected in the cells in alveolar spaces and bronchial epithelial cells. However, gpGRO mRNA, but not gpIL-8, was also expressed in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS: gpGRO and gpIL-8 mRNA rapidly accumulated in the lungs of guinea pigs after LPS injection. Expression of gpIL-8 and gpGRO mRNA appeared to be independent from TNFalpha- or IL-1beta-stimulation in this model. A high level expression of gpGRO in vascular cells suggest an important role of GRO in the sequestration of neutrophils and multi-organ injuries induced by LPS. The guinea pig will provide an excellent model to study the roles of IL-8 and GRO, important inflammatory mediators in the human.

Isolation of novel GRO genes and a phylogenetic analysis of the CXC chemokine subfamily in mammals.

Approximately 15 different alpha, or CXC, chemokines have thus far been isolated from 11 species of mammals. Among the best studied chemokines are the 12 human proteins that are encoded by 11 paralogous genes. In order to better understand the evolution and function of this group of genes, we isolated and characterized six novel GRO and GRO-related cDNA sequences from the cow (Bos taurus), the sheep (Ovis aries), the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). The amino acid sequence of the diverged guinea pig GRO or KC gene is only 50%-60% similar to presumed orthologs from other species, while the sheep and cow GRO proteins are 90%-99% similar to each other. The presence of multiple GRO genes in the cow, the rabbit, and the sheep is consistent with what has been observed for humans. Phylogenetic analyses of amino acid sequences from 44 proteins indicate that genes orthologous to many of the 11 known from humans exist in other species. One such gene, interleukin 8, or IL8, has been isolated from nine species, including the rodent guinea pig; however, this gene is absent in the rat and the mouse, indicating a unique gene loss event in the rat/mouse (muroid rodent) lineage. The KC (or MIP2) gene of rodents appears to be orthologous to the GRO gene found in other taxonomic orders. Combined evidence from different sources suggests that IP10 and MIG share sister taxon relationships on the evolutionary tree, while the remaining paralogous genes represent independent lineages, with limited evidence for kinship between them. This observation indicates that these genes originated nearly contemporaneously via a series of gene duplication events. Relative-rate tests for synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions in the KC and IL8 genes did not detect rate heterogeneity; however, there are several notable features regarding the IL8 genes. For example, the IL8 proteins from two Old World monkeys are as similar to one another as they are to the IL8 protein from humans, and all observed nucleotide differences between the IL8 genes of the two monkeys cause amino acid changes; in other words, there are no synonymous differences between them.

Assignment of the mouse and cow CXC chemokine genes.

Gene specific PCR primers were constructed for five mouse and three bovine CXC chemokine genes. The mouse genes were assigned using SSCP analyses of the Jackson BSS backcross panel to two groups on chromosome 5. One group containing Gro1 and Mip2 cosegregated with reference markers Alb1 and Btc, and was positioned 2.2 cM proximal to a group comprising Ifi10, Mig, and Scyb5. The bovine genes IL8, GRO1, and GRO3, mapped using bovine x hamster somatic cell hybrids, were all found to be located on chromosome 6. The locations of these genes in these two animal species are consistent with the positions in humans (4q13-->q21), and previous syntenic relationships among these three mammals.

Localization of the human CXC chemokine subfamily on the long arm of chromosome 4 using radiation hybrids.

All 12 of the human CXC chemokine genes were physically mapped using gene-specific PCR primers and the GenBridge 4 radiation hybrid panel. Nine genes, PF4, PF4V1, GRO1, GCP2, PPBP, IL8, GRO2, GRO3, and SCYB5, were assigned within a 1.8-cR interval of one another on 4q. Two additional genes, MIG and INP10, map within 0.5 cR of each another and 6 cR distal to the above-mentioned group. The final gene, SDF1, is localized on 10q. Phylogenetic analyses of amino acid sequences revealed that SDF1 is the most divergent member and that the physically separated MIG-INP10 pair constitutes a distinct evolutionary lineage.

cDNA cloning and characterization of the human interleukin 13 receptor alpha chain.

We have cloned cDNAs corresponding to the human interleukin 13 receptor alpha chain (IL-13Ralpha). The protein has 76% homology to murine IL-13Ralpha, with 95% amino acid identity in the cytoplasmic domain. Only weak IL-13 binding activity was found in cells transfected with only IL-13Ralpha; however, the combination of both IL-13Ralpha and IL-4Ralpha resulted in substantial binding activity, with a Kd of approximately 400 pM, indicating that both chains are essential components of the IL-13 receptor. Whereas IL-13Ralpha serves as an alternative accessory protein to the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gammac) for IL-4 signaling, it could not replace the function of gammac in allowing enhanced IL-2 binding activity. Nevertheless, the overall size and length of the cytoplasmic domain of IL-13Ralpha and gammac are similar, and like gammac, IL-13Ralpha is located on chromosome X.

Phylogenetic history of LINE-1 among arvicolid rodents.

The extent of restriction fragment sharing among arvicolid rodents was examined following Southern blotting with a reverse transcriptase region probe from long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1 or L1). DNAs from 30 species belonging to nine genera were digested with 11 restriction endonucleases. Following hybridization discrete bands were scored with respect to their presence or absence and intensity, and both within- and between-species comparisons were conducted. Intraspecific analyses revealed low but detectable levels of variation. Interspecific comparisons revealed three groups of bands: those present in all 30 species (6 out of a total of 248 bands), those phylogenetically informative in two or more species (130 out of 248), and those unique to a single species (114 out of 248). A multistate data matrix consisting of species by codes representing the intensities of informative bands was analyzed by maximum parsimony. Further, distance values between species were converted to rates using estimated fossil divergence times. Both the parsimony and rate analyses revealed differences between species in the extent of band sharing and in the intensities of common bands, indicating that the amplification and movement of LINE elements has occurred in episodic bursts during the history of this group. Systematic interpretations of the evolutionary trees were concordant with those previously obtained using other data sets, suggesting that although the amplification of repetitive sequences may occur episodically in this taxonomic group, there do appear to be some constraints.

Cloning of human Stat5B. Reconstitution of interleukin-2-induced Stat5A and Stat5B DNA binding activity in COS-7 cells.

We have isolated a second human Stat5 cDNA, Stat5B, and demonstrated that the genes encoding both Stat5A and Stat5B are located at chromosome 17q11.2. Both genes were constitutively transcribed in peripheral blood lymphocytes. By using specific antisera, we demonstrated that both Stat5A and Stat5B are activated by interleukin-2 (IL-2) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, natural killer-like YT leukemia cells, and human T cell lymphotropic virus type I-transformed MT-2 T cells. In COS-7 cells, which constitutively express the Janus family tyrosine kinase Jak1, reconstitution of IL-2-induced Stat5A and Stat5B DNA binding activities was dependent on the coexpression of Jak3 along with the IL-2 receptor beta chain and the common cytokine receptor gamma-chain. This IL-2-induced Stat5 activation was dependent on the presence of either of two tyrosines (Tyr-392 or Tyr-510) in the IL-2 receptor beta chain, indicating that either of these two tyrosines can serve as a docking site. Moreover, we demonstrated that human Stat5 activation is also dependent on Tyr-694 in Stat5A and Tyr-699 in Stat5B, indicating that these tyrosines are required for dimerization. The COS-7 reconstitution system described herein provides a valuable assay for further elucidation of the IL-2-activated JAK-STAT pathway.

Dispersion of chromogranin/secretogranin secretory protein family loci in mammalian genomes.

Chromogranin A, chromogranin B, and secretogranin II, members of the chromogranin/secretogranin secretory protein family, are overexpressed in some human hereditary maladies and may have arisen, in part, from common ancestor genes. To understand better the mammalian chromosomal dispersion of this gene family and to facilitate studies of these genes in human illnesses and their animal models, we positioned the locus of each member in the rat, mouse, and human genomes. Our results indicate that each locus lies in a region of locally syntenic chromosomal homology across the three species.

Evolutionary histories of highly repeated DNA families among the Artiodactyla (Mammalia).

Six highly repeated DNA families were analyzed using Southern blotting and fluorescence in situ hybridization in a comparative study of 46 species of artiodactyls belonging to seven of the eight extant taxonomic families. Two of the repeats, the dispersed bovine-Pst family and the localized 1.715 component, were found to have the broadest taxonomic distributions, being present in all pecoran ruminants (Giraffidae, Cervidae, Antilocapridae, and Bovidae), indicating that these repeats may be 25-40 million years old. Different 1.715 restriction patterns were observed in different taxonomic families, indicating that independent concerted evolution events have homogenized different motifs in different lineages. The other four satellite arrays were restricted to the Bovini and sometimes to the related Boselaphini and Tragelaphini. Results reveal that among the two compound satellites studied, the two components of the 1.711a originated simultaneously, whereas the two components of the 1.711b originated at two different historical times, perhaps as many as 15 million years apart. Systematic conclusions support the monophyly of the infraorder Pecora, the monophyly of the subfamily Bovinae (containing the Boselaphini, Bovini, and Tragelaphini), an inability to resolve any interrelationships among the other tribes of bovids, paraphyly of the genus Bos with respect to Bison, and a lack of molecular variation among two morphologically and ecologically distinct subspecies of African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer cafer and S. c. nanus). Cytogenetically, a reduction in diploid chromosome numbers through centric fusion in derived karyotypes is accompanied by a loss of centromeric satellite DNA. The nilgai karyotype contains an apparent dicentric chromosome as evidenced by the sites of 1.715 hybridization. Telomeric sequences have been translocated to the centromeres without concomitant chromosomal rearrangement in Thompson's gazelle.

Molecular characterization of the complex sex-chromosome heterochromatin in the rodent Microtus chrotorrhinus.

The sex chromosomes of Microtus chrotorrhinus are unusually large compared to those of other mammals, comprising about 20% of the karyotype and containing substantial amounts of constitutive heterochromatin. Previous studies have described two highly repeated DNA families (MSAT-160 and MSAT-2570) that localize to this heterochromatin (Modi, 1992, 1993c). The present report describes a third satellite DNA family (termed MSAT-21) in M. chrotorrhinus that is also located in the sex heterochromatin. This repeat consists of diverged copies (average similarity = 75%) of a tandemly repeated 21-mer. Southern blotting of MSAT-21 revealed that although some higher order (5-20 kb) repeats do exist, none has spread throughout an appreciable portion of the genome. Pulsed field gel experiments indicated that most of the larger arrays (50-700 kb) of all three satellite families are distributed across numerous size classes, suggesting that the three repeats are interspersed with one another in this heterochromatin. Analysis of a boundary between MSAT-21 and MSAT-160 showed that the junction monomers of each satellite are intact and that a pentanucleotide has apparently been transferred from MSAT-21 to MSAT-160 via recombination. Sequence comparisons of MSAT-160 with another rodent satellite and with the U3 region of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) long terminal repeat identified inverted repeats and similarities with viral enhancer domains in the rodent sequences. Additionally, the MSAT-21 consensus was found to be similar to the R region of RSV, suggesting a retroviral ancestor for these rodent repeated DNA families.

Characterization and chromosomal localization of a new protein disulfide isomerase, PDIp, highly expressed in human pancreas.

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) catalyzes protein folding and thiol-disulfide interchange reactions. The enzyme is localized in the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is abundant in secretory cells of various tissues. In this study we describe the isolation and characterization from human pancreas of a new protein, PDIp, that is structurally and functionally related to PDIs. PDIp cDNA is 1,659 bp in length and predicts a protein with an open reading frame of 511 amino acids. PDIp amino acid sequence shows 46% identity and 66% similarity to that of human PDI. PDIp possesses two thioredoxin-like active sites (WCGHCQ and WCTHCK) and an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal sequence, KEEL, at the carboxyl terminus. Northern analysis of normal human tissues and various human tumor cell lines revealed PDIp mRNA (2.0 kb) expression only in the normal pancreas. Recombinant PDIp protein catalyzed reductive cleavage of insulin and renaturation of reduced RNaseA. Somatic cell genetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the PDIp gene to the short arm of human chromosome 16. It is concluded that PDIp is a new member of the PDI family and is highly expressed in human pancreas.

Molecular evolution of mitochondrial 12S RNA and cytochrome b sequences in the pantherine lineage of Felidae.

DNA sequence comparisons of two mitochondrial DNA genes were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among 17 Felidae species, notably 15 in the previously described pantherine lineage. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to generate sequences of 358 base pairs of the mitochondrial 12S RNA gene and 289 base pairs of the cytochrome b protein coding gene. DNA sequences were compared within and between 17 felid and five nonfelid carnivore species. Evolutionary trees were constructed using phenetic, cladistic, and maximum likelihood algorithms. The combined results suggested several phylogenetic relationships including (1) the recognition of a recently evolved monophyletic genus Panthera consisting of Panthera leo, P. pardus, P. onca, P. uncia, P. tigris, and Neofelis nebulosa; (2) the recent common ancestry of Acinonyx jubatus, the African cheetah, and Puma concolor, the American puma; and (3) two golden cat species, Profelis temmincki and Profelis aurata, are not sister species, and the latter is strongly associated with Caracal caracal. These data add to the growing database of vertebrate mtDNA sequences and, given the relatively recent divergence among the felids represented here (1-10 Myr), allow 12S and cytochrome b sequence evolution to be addressed over a time scale different from those addressed in most work on vertebrate mtDNA.