Physical map of the region surrounding the ataxia-telangiectasia gene on human chromosome 11q22-23.

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disease affecting multiple systems, including the development of the cerebellum and thymus. This results in a progressive cerebellar ataxia with onset between 1-3 years, telangiectasia occurs within the subsequent 3-5 years. We localized the A-T gene by linkage analysis to chromosome 11q22-23, between the markers D11S384, and D11S535, and constructed a series of contigs using three BACs and twelve cosmids, spanning a region of approximately 400 kb. We developed a set of sequence-tagged site (STS) markers from the ends of the BACs and cosmids. The A-T gene was isolated from within this region. It is now possible to precisely orient specific BACs, cosmids, and STSs with respect to the exons of the A-T gene (ATM). We anticipate that this information will be useful for further studies of functional domains and regulatory elements within the ATM gene, as well as for other genes in this region. In addition, these clones can be used for FISH studies of deletions, translocations and for loss of heterozygosity in various tumors.

CAND3: a ubiquitously expressed gene immediately adjacent and in opposite transcriptional orientation to the ATM gene at 11q23.1.

Using a magnetic beads-mediated cDNA selection procedure and a fetal brain expression library, we identified a transcriptional unit within a cosmid positive for the marker D11S384. Pursuit of its full-length cDNA led to the cloning of the third candidate gene (CAND3) we studied in our quest for the ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) gene, ATM. CAND3 spans approximately 140 kb of genomic DNA and is located immediately centrimeric to ATM, with 544 bp of DNA separating the two genes. CAND3 encodes two ubiquitously expressed transcripts of approximately 5.8 kb and approximately 4.6 kb that are divergently transcribed from a promoter region common to ATM. Nucleotide sequence was determined for one of its alternately spliced transcripts. The predicted protein has 1175 amino acids and is novel in sequence, with only weak homologies to transcriptional factors, nucleoporin protein, and protein kinases, including members of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase) family. Although neither homology to ATM nor any mutation of CAND3 in A-T patients has been found, the head-to-head arrangement of CAND3 and ATM, with expression of both housekeeping genes from a common stretch of 544 bp intergenic DNA, suggests a bi-directional promoter possibly for co-regulation of biologically related functions. YACs, BACs, cosmids, and STSs are defined to aid in further study of this gene.

Regional mapping of the human MP70 (Cx50; connexin 50) gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization to 1q21.1.

PURPOSE: Gap junctions play a critical role in the metabolic homeostasis and maintenance of transparency of fibers within the ocular lens. As part of a long-term effort to establish the relationship between lens gap junction proteins, normal lens development, and cataractogenesis, we report here the regional localization of the human MP70 (Connexin 50) gene. METHODS: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to regionally map the human MP70 gene. The DNA probe contained the entire MP70 coding region within a clone isolated from a human genomic DNA library. RESULTS: The human gene encoding the lens intrinsic membrane protein MP70 was regionally mapped to q21.1 on the long arm of chromosome 1. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the previous provisional assignment of MP70 to human chromosome 1 and regionally localizes the gene to 1q21.1. When combined with previous mapping information, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that a genetic lesion in the gene encoding the lens intrinsic membrane protein MP70 may be the underlying molecular defect for zonular pulverulent (Coppock) cataract. Furthermore, these combined data support the hypothesis that other forms of human hereditary cataract may be the result of a mutation in one or more of the genes encoding gap junction proteins found in the ocular lens.

CAND3: A ubiquitously expressed gene immediately adjacent and in opposite transcriptional orientation to the ATM gene at 1lq23.1.

Using a magnetic beads-mediated cDNA selection procedure and a fetal brain expression library, we identified a transcriptional unit within a cosmid positive for the marker D11S384. Pursuit of its full-length cDNA led to the cloning of the third candidate gene (CAND3) we studied in our quest for the ataxiatelangiectasia (A-T) gene, ATM. CAND3 spans ~140 kb of genomic DNA and is located immediately centrimeric to ATM, with 544 bp of DNA separating the two genes. CAND3 encodes two ubiquitously expressed transcripts of ~5.8 kb and ~4.6 kb that are divergently transcribed from a promoter region common to ATM. Nucleotide sequence was determined for one of its alternately spliced transcripts. The predicted protein has 1175 amino acids and is novel in sequence, with only weak homologies to transcriptional factors, nucleoporin protein, and protein kinases, including members of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase) family. Although neither homology to ATM nor any mutation of CAND3 in A-T patients has been found, the head-to-head arrangement of CAND3 and ATM, with expression of both housekeeping genes from a common stretch of 544 bp intergenic DNA, suggests a bi-directional promoter possibly for co-regulation of biologically related functions. YACs, BACs, cosmids, and STSs are defined to aid in the further study of this gene.

Low-molecular-weight, calcium-dependent phospholipase A2 genes are linked and map to homologous chromosome regions in mouse and human.

The Group IIA phospholipase gene (PLA2G2A) protein coding regions exhibit significant homology with recently described Group IIC (PLA2G2C) and Group V (PLA2GV) genes. All three genes are present in many mammalian species and are expressed in a tissue-specific pattern. Here, we demonstrate in human that they are tightly linked and map to chromosome 1p34-p36.1. We also show that the homologous mouse loci are tightly linked (no observed recombination) on the distal part of chromosome 4, a region exhibiting synteny with human 1p34-p36. Unlike its rodent counterpart, human PLA2G2C appears to be a nonfunctional pseudogene.

Chromosomal assignment of the human gene for the cancer-associated retinopathy protein (recoverin) to chromosome 17p13.1.

The gene for the mouse recoverin protein (23 kDa photoreceptor-specific protein, S-modulin, or the Cancer-Associated Retinopathy protein) was recently assigned to mouse chromosome 11, closely linked to trp53. In this paper, the human gene for recoverin was localized to human chromosome 17 by Southern analysis of restriction digests of the DNA from mouse/human somatic cell hybrids. Using a 7 kb subclone of the human recoverin gene, a positive fluorescence in situ hybridization signal was demonstrated near the terminus of the short arm of chromosome 17 at position p13.1. The mapping of recoverin to this region of human chromosome 17, which contains a number of cancer-related loci, suggests a possible mechanism by which cancer-associated retinopathy occurs in humans.

Localization of multiple human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (DDH1 and DDH2) and chlordecone reductase (CHDR) genes in chromosome 10 by the polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Multiple human dihydrodiol dehydrogenases and human chlordecone reductase belong to the aldoketo reductase superfamily. These two enzymes are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. Recently we have isolated three closely related genes encoding two dihydrodiol dehydrogenases (DDH1 and DDH2) and the chlordecone reductase (CHDR). Mapping of the location of the genes was performed using the polymerase chain reaction using gene-specific primers to amplify gene sequences in human/hamster hybrid DNA. All three genes were found to be located on chromosome 10. In situ hybridization using a lambda clone as the probe further confirmed regional localization at 10p14-p15.

Assignment of the zeta-crystallin gene (CRYZ) to human chromosome 1p22-p31 and identification of restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

zeta-Crystallin is a lens protein that has been associated with autosomal dominant congenital cataracts in guinea pigs and thus is a candidate for human congenital cataracts. We have assigned the zeta-crystallin gene (CRYZ) to human chromosome 1 using a Southern panel of 17 human-mouse somatic cell hybrids and regionally localized it to 1p22-p31 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Five restriction fragment length polymorphisms were identified by analyzing the DNA from 10 unrelated, unaffected individuals. Our results will permit evaluation of its role in human cataractogenesis.

Molecular cloning of the human homeobox gene goosecoid (GSC) and mapping of the gene to human chromosome 14q32.1.

Goosecoid is a homeobox gene first isolated from a Xenopus dorsal lip cDNA library. Homologous genes have been isolated from mouse, zebrafish, and chick. In all species examined, the gene is expressed and plays an important role during the process of gastrulation in early embryonic development. We report here the cloning of the human goosecoid gene (GSC) from a genomic library and the sequence of its encoded protein. The genomic organization and protein sequence of the human gene are highly conserved with respect to those of its Xenopus and mouse counterparts: all three genes consist of three exons, with conserved exon-intron boundaries; the sequence of the homeodomain is 100% conserved in most vertebrates. Using somatic cell hybrid and chromosomal in situ hybridization, the gene was mapped to chromosome 14q32.1.

Chromosomal localization of the human vesicular amine transporter genes.

The physiologic and behavioral effects of pharmacologic agents that interfere with the transport of monoamine neurotransmitters into vesicles suggest that vesicular amine transport may contribute to human neuropsychiatric disease. To determine whether an alteration in the genes that encode vesicular amine transport contributes to the inherited component of these disorders, we have isolated a human cDNA for the brain transporter and localized the human vesicular amine transporter genes. The human brain synaptic vesicle amine transporter (SVAT) shows unexpected conservation with rat SVAT in the regions that diverge extensively between rat SVAT and the rat adrenal chromaffin granule amine transporter (CGAT). Using the cloned sequences with a panel of mouse-human hybrids and in situ hybridization for regional localization, the adrenal CGAT gene (or VAT1) maps to human chromosome 8p21.3 and the brain SVAT gene (or VAT2) maps to chromosome 10q25. Both of these sites occur very close to if not within previously described deletions that produce severe but viable phenotypes.

Assignment of the phosducin (PDC) gene to human chromosome 1q25-1q32.1 by somatic cell hybridization and in situ hybridization.

Phosducin is a soluble photoreceptor phosphoprotein that probably modulates phototransduction in the retina and thus qualifies as a potential candidate gene for retinitis pigmentosa. Using both human/mouse somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes, we have mapped this gene to chromosome 1q25-1q32.1.

A mutation in the homeodomain of the human MSX2 gene in a family affected with autosomal dominant craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of calvarial sutures, is a common developmental anomaly that causes abnormal skull shape. The locus for one autosomal dominant form of craniosynostosis has been mapped to chromosome 5qter. The human MSX2 gene localizes to chromosome 5, and a polymorphic marker in the MSX2 intron segregates in a kindred with the disorder with no recombination. Moreover, a histidine substitutes for a highly conserved proline at position 7 of the MSX2 homeodomain exclusively in affected members. In the mouse, transcripts of the Msx2 gene are localized to calvarial sutures. These results provide compelling evidence that the mutation causes this craniosynostosis syndrome.

Mapping of aldose reductase gene sequences to human chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, and 13.

Aldose reductase (alditol:NAD(P)+ 1-oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.21) (AR) catalyzes the reduction of several aldehydes, including that of glucose, to the corresponding sugar alcohol. Using a complementary DNA clone encoding human AR, we mapped the gene sequences to human chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 18 by somatic cell hybridization. By in situ hybridization analysis, sequences were localized to human chromosomes 1q32-q42, 3p12, 7q31-q35, 9q22, 11p14-p15, and 13q14-q21. As a putative functional AR gene has been mapped to chromosome 7 and a putative pseudogene to chromosome 3, the sequences on the other seven chromosomes may represent other active genes, non-aldose reductase homologous sequences, or pseudogenes.

Assignment of the human Na+/glucose cotransporter gene SGLT1 to chromosome 22q13.1.

The Na+/glucose cotransporter gene SGLT1 encodes the primary carrier protein responsible for the uptake of the dietary sugars glucose and galactose from the intestinal lumen. SGLT1 transport activity is currently exploited in oral rehydration therapy. The 75-kDa glycoprotein is localized in the brush border of the intestinal epithelium and is predicted to comprise 12 membrane spans. In two patients with the autosomal recessive disease glucose/galactose malabsorption, the underlying cause was found to be a missense mutation in SGLT1, and the Asp28-->Asn change was demonstrated in vitro to eliminate SGLT1 transport activity. The SGLT1 gene was previously shown to reside on the distal q arm of chromosome 22 (11.2-->qter). We have used a cosmid probe for fluorescence in situ hybridization, which refines the localization to 22q13.1, and provide an example of the utility of the SGLT1 probe as a diagnostic for genetic diseases associated with translocations of chromosome 22.

Localization of the gene for high-density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP) to human chromosome 2q37.

The high-density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLbp) is a 110-kDa protein that specifically binds HDL molecules and may function in the removal of excess cellular cholesterol. As part of an effort to study the function of the protein and its possible role in cholesterol transport, we report the localization of the gene for HDLbp, designated HDLBP, to human chromosome 2q37 using analysis of somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization.

Deficient expression of a B cell cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase in human X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

We describe a novel cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, termed BPK (B cell progenitor kinase), which is expressed in all stages of the B lineage and in myeloid cells. BPK has classic SH1, SH2, and SH3 domains, but lacks myristylation signals and a regulatory phosphorylation site corresponding to tyrosine 527 of c-src. BPK has a long, basic amino-terminal region upstream of the SH3 domain. BPK was evaluated as a candidate for human X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), an inherited immunodeficiency characterized by a severe deficit of B and plasma cells and profound hypogammaglobulinemia. BPK mapped to within 100 kb of a probe defining the polymorphism most closely linked to XLA at DXS178. Reduction in or the absence of BPK mRNA, protein expression, and kinase activity was observed in XLA pre-B and B cell lines. BPK is likely the XLA gene and functions in pathways critical to B cell expansion.

Localization of the transcription factor SP1 gene to human chromosome 12q12-->q13.2.

The cellular transcription factor SP1 binds to critical regulatory elements in a variety of cellular and viral promoters. The gene encoding the approximately 100-kDa SP1 protein contains zinc finger DNA-binding domains and glutamine-activation domains. Since SP1 is involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular genes, we wished to determine its chromosomal localization. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from a panel of mouse x human somatic cell hybrids indicated that SP1 was localized to chromosome 12. In situ hybridization allowed the localization of the gene encoding SP1 to human chromosome 12q12-->q13.2, with 12q13.1 being the most probable location.

The L-isoaspartyl/D-aspartyl protein methyltransferase gene (PCMT1) maps to human chromosome 6q22.3-6q24 and the syntenic region of mouse chromosome 10.

We have mapped the genes for the human and mouse L-isoaspartyl/D-aspartyl protein carboxyl methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.77) using cDNA probes. We determined that the human gene is present in chromosome 6 by Southern blot analysis of DNA from a panel of mouse-human somatic cell hybrids. In situ hybridization studies allowed us to confirm this identification and further localize the human gene (PCMT1) to the 6q22.3-6q24 region. By analyzing the presence of an EcoRI polymorphism in DNA from backcrosses of C57BL/6J and Mus spretus strains of mice, we localized the mouse gene (Pcmt-1) to chromosome 10, at a position 8.2 +/- 3.5 cM proximal to the Myb locus. This region of the mouse chromosome is homologous to the human 6q24 region.

Mapping of the gene for the cardiac sarcolemmal Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger to human chromosome 2p21-p23.

The cardiac sarcolemmal Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger is the primary mechanism for extrusion of calcium from the cardiac myocyte and therefore is important in regulating cardiac contractility. As part of an effort to determine whether the exchanger is associated with any genetic disorders of the heart or blood pressure, we have assigned the exchanger gene (designated NCX1) to human chromosome 2p21-p23 by analysis of a panel of mouse-human somatic cell hybrids and by in situ hybridization.