New gene assignments in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Comparison with other species

Nineteen cell hybrids were obtained by fusing rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, OCU) fibroblasts and a Chinese hamster cell line HGPRT-. Eleven enzymatic markers were previously investigated (Soulié and Grouchy 1982); seven of these could be assigned (LDHA, LDHB, TPI, PEPB, NP, ITP, and G6PD). Two assignments were uncertain (MDH2 and GUK). Two markers could not be assigned (MDH1 and PGD). Seven further markers were investigated and are the subject of this report. Six could be assigned: GALT to chromosome OCU1, GAPD to OCU4, GPX and ACY to OCU9, PGM1 to OCU13, and GSR to OCU19. One could not be assigned (GPI). MDH2 and GUK were previously considered uncertain. Now MDH2 was found impossible to assign and GUK was mapped on OCU15. These assignments were compared with those known in man, Cebus capucinus, Microcebus murinus, cat, and mouse. It was impossible to assign any enzymatic marker belonging to the ten linkage groups known in the rabbit. The esterase locus could not be investigated since the rabbit enzyme migrates in the same position as the hamster enzyme.     

New gene assignments and syntenic groups in the baboon (Papio papio)

MDH2, SOD2, PEPS, and ITPA were assigned to Papio papio chromosomes 3, 4, 5, and 10, respectively, by their concordant segregation with previously assigned gene markers in a set of baboon X mouse somatic cell hybrids. The linkage of NP, IDH2, SORD, MPI, and PKM2 was confirmed, and three other independently segregating markers (MDH1, ACY1, and PEPB) were identified. Syntenic groups described in the baboon are compared to those found in man and in the rhesus monkey.     

Genomic regions influencing intramuscular fat in divergently selected rabbit lines

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the main meat quality traits for breeding programmes in livestock species. The main objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with IMF content comparing two rabbit populations divergently selected for this trait, and to generate a list of putative candidate genes. Animals were genotyped using the Affymetrix Axiom OrcunSNP Array (200k). After quality control, the data involved 477 animals and 93 540 SNPs. Two methods were used in this research: single marker regressions with the data adjusted by genomic relatedness, and a Bayesian multiple marker regression. Associated genomic regions were located on the rabbit chromosomes (OCU) OCU1, OCU8 and OCU13. The highest value for the percentage of the genomic variance explained by a genomic region was found in two consecutive genomic windows on OCU8 (7.34%). Genes in the associated regions of OCU1 and OCU8 presented biological functions related to the control of adipose cell function, lipid binding, transportation and localisation (APOLD1, PLBD1, PDE6H, GPRC5D and GPRC5A) and lipid metabolic processes (MTMR2). The EWSR1 gene, underlying the OCU13 region, is linked to the development of brown adipocytes. The findings suggest that there is a large component of polygenic effect behind the differences in IMF content in these two lines, as the variance explained by most of the windows was low. The genomic regions of OCU1, OCU8 and OCU13 revealed novel candidate genes. Further studies would be needed to validate the associations and explore their possible application in selection programmes.     

Further data on chromosomal assignments of pig enzyme loci LDHA, LDHB, MPI, PEPB and PGM1, using somatic cell hybrids

Summary. Clear interspecies differentiation between the chromosomes in pig-mouse somatic cell hybrids was achieved by using the THA-technique for the cytogenetic analysis. The assignments of LDHB and MPI to pig chromosomes nos 5 and 7 respectively, reported previously, were confirmed by analysis of 34 hybrid clones. The LDHA, PEPB and PGM1 genes were assigned to pig chromosomes nos 2, 5 and 6 respectively. Both LDHB and PEPB were indicated to be located on the long arm, except the most proximal part, of pig chromosome no. 5. The proposed synteny between LDHB and PEPB in pigs is in accordance with the synteny observed between these two loci in several other mammalian species.     

Further data on chromosomal assignments of pig enzyme loci LDHA, LDHB, MPI, PEPB and PGM1, using somatic cell hybrids

Clear interspecies differentiation between the chromosomes in pig-mouse somatic cell hybrids was achieved by using the THA-technique for the cytogenetic analysis. The assignments of LDHB and MPI to pig chromosomes nos 5 and 7 respectively, reported previously, were confirmed by analysis of 34 hybrid clones. The LDHA, PEPB and PGM1 genes were assigned to pig chromosomes nos 2, 5 and 6 respectively. Both LDHB and PEPB were indicated to be located on the long arm, except the most proximal part, of pig chromosome no. 5. The proposed synteny between LDHB and PEPB in pigs is in accordance with the synteny observed between these two loci in several other mammalian species.     

Gene mapping in the Chinese hamster and conservation of syntenic groups and Q-band homologies between Chinese hamster and mouse chromosomes

Using Chinese hamster/mouse somatic cell hybrids segregating hamster chromosomes, we assigned 15 enzyme genes to six different Chinese hamster autosomes. Of the 15 loci, three genes, HK1, PEPC, and SORD, were newly assigned to chromosomes 1, 5, and 6, respectively, while ENO1, PGD, and PGM1 were assigned to the long arm of chromosome 2, in the segment 2q113----qter. The locations of the following loci were confirmed: ESD, NP, and PEPB on chromosome 1, ME1 and MPI on chromosome 4, AK1 on chromosome 6, and GPI and PEPD on chromosome 9. Comparative mapping of Chinese hamster and laboratory mouse chromosomes revealed conservation of syntenic groups and extensive banding homology between the Chinese hamster and mouse chromosomes on which homologous enzyme markers have been mapped.     

The effect of divergent selection for intramuscular fat on the domestic rabbit genome

An experiment of divergent selection for intramuscular fat was carried out at Universitat Politècnica de València. The high response of selection in intramuscular fat content, after nine generations of selection, and a multidimensional scaling analysis showed a high degree of genomic differentiation between the two divergent populations. Therefore, local genomic differences could link genomic regions, encompassing selective sweeps, to the trait used as selection criterion. In this sense, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions related to intramuscular fat through three methods for detection of selection signatures and to generate a list of candidate genes. The methods implemented in this study were Wright’s fixation index, cross population composite likelihood ratio and cross population – extended haplotype homozygosity. Genomic data came from the 9th generation of the two populations divergently selected, 237 from Low line and 240 from High line. A high single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density array, Affymetrix Axiom OrcunSNP Array (around 200k SNPs), was used for genotyping samples. Several genomic regions distributed along rabbit chromosomes (OCU) were identified as signatures of selection (SNPs having a value above cut-off of 1%) within each method. In contrast, 8 genomic regions, harbouring 80 SNPs (OCU1, OCU3, OCU6, OCU7, OCU16 and OCU17), were identified by at least 2 methods and none by the 3 methods. In general, our results suggest that intramuscular fat selection influenced multiple genomic regions which can be a consequence of either only selection effect or the combined effect of selection and genetic drift. In addition, 73 genes were retrieved from the 8 selection signatures. After functional and enrichment analyses, the main genes into the selection signatures linked to energy, fatty acids, carbohydrates and lipid metabolic processes were ACER2, PLIN2, DENND4C, RPS6, RRAGA (OCU1), ST8SIA6, VIM (OCU16), RORA, GANC and PLA2G4B (OCU17). This genomic scan is the first study using rabbits from a divergent selection experiment. Our results pointed out a large polygenic component of the intramuscular fat content. Besides, promising positional candidate genes would be analysed in further studies in order to bear out their contributions to this trait and their feasible implications for rabbit breeding programmes.     

Proportion of males sons-of-the-queen and sons-of-workers in Plebeia droryana (Hymenoptera,Apidae) estimated from data of an MDH isozymic polymorphic system

Stingless bees from 14 hives of Plebeia droryana were analysed for the MDH isozymic polymorphic system, which is controlled by four alleles, MDH1-1, MDH1-2, MDH1-3 and MDH1-4. The hives came from four different localities in Brazil and at least 15 drones were tested from each one, to estimate the proportion of them that are sons of the queen or of workers; the obtained values were 83.8% (range 100% to 43%) and 16.2% (range 0% to 57%), respectively. It is suggested that male-producing workers evolved from the need to preserve xo-heteroalleles.     

Characterization of a new continuous cell line from the flood water mosquito,Aedes vexans

A new cell line, UM-AVE1, was established from embryos of the mosquito Aedes vexans. Banding patterns for the isozymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), and esterases were compared with those of larval Aedes vexans tissues as well as those of four other mosquito cell lines and one moth cell line. Karyotype analyses confirmed that the dipteran cell lines were not contaminated with lepidopteran cells, because in all mosquito lines the modal number of chromosomes was 6 (=2n) or 7. Isozyme electrophoresis established a specific profile for each cell line. Two isozymes present in UM-AVE1 (LDH, IDH) were not detected in larvae; this could be a reflection of the different stages used for cell line isolation and enzyme analysis, or lability of sample preparations. It is significant that extracts from UM-AVE1 cells and Aedes vexans larvae had an identical double band for XDH, while all other cell lines examined exhibited only a single band.     

Environmental regulation of alcohol metabolism in thermotolerant methylotrophic Bacillus strains

The thermotolerant methylotroph Bacillus sp. C1 possesses a novel NAD-dependent methanol dehydrogenase (MDH), with distinct structural and mechanistic properties. During growth on methanol and ethanol, MDH was responsible for the oxidation of both these substrates. MDH activity in cells grown on methanol or glucose was inversely related to the growth rate. Highest activity levels were observed in cells grown on the C₁-substrates methanol and formaldehyde. The affinity of MDH for alcohol substrates and NAD, as well as V _max, are strongly increased in the presence of a M _r 50,000 activator protein plus Mg²⁺-ions [Arfman et al. (1991) J Biol Chem 266: 3955–3960]. Under all growth conditions tested the cells contained an approximately 18-fold molar excess of (decameric) MDH over (dimeric) activator protein. Expression of hexulose-6-phosphate synthase (HPS), the key enzyme of the RuMP cycle, was probably induced by the substrate formaldehyde. Cells with high MDH and low HPS activity levels immediately accumulated (toxic) formaldehyde when exposed to a transient increase in methanol concentration. Similarly, cells with high MDH and low CoA-linked NAD-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity levels produced acetaldehyde when subjected to a rise in ethanol concentration. Problems frequently observed in establishing cultures of methylotrophic bacilli on methanol- or ethanol-containing media are (in part) assigned to these phenomena.Abbreviations MDH NAD-dependent methanol dehydrogenase - ADH NAD-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase - A1DH CoA-linked NAD-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase - HPS hexulose-6-phosphate synthase - G6Pdh glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase     

Regional assignment of human genes TPI1, GAPDH, LDHB, SHMT, and PEPB on chromosome 12.

Karyological analysis was performed on a series of human-Chinese hamster cell hybrids containing deletions of human chromosome 12. Chromosome breakage was produced by treatment of the cells with either X-rays or 5-bromodeoxyuridine and near-visible light. The hybrid clones were analyzed for the presence or absence of the following five human gene markers known to be located on chromosome 12: triosephosphate isomerase-1 (TPI1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), lactate dehydrogenase-B (LDHB), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), and peptidase-B (PEPB). Based on the correlation between the isozyme markers and karyological analysis of these clones, a regional map of the five human genes on chromosome 12 was established. The linear order for these genes is: pter-TPI1-GAPDH-LDHB-centromere-SHMT-PEPB-qter. The locations of these genes are: TPI1, GAPDH, LDHB: pter leads to p12; SHMT: q12 leads to q14; PEPB: q14 leads to qter. Statistical analysis similar to that of Goss and Harris (1975, 1977a, b) has been performed on the segregation data in the hybrid clones. The statistical map, in general, agrees with the cytogenetic map and further localizes PEPB to 12q21.     

Comparative gene assignment in Ateles paniscus chamek (Platyrrhini, Primates) and man: association of three separate human syntenic groups and evolutionary considerations

Regional assignment of eight markers to chromosome 2 of Ateles paniscus chamek (APC) confirmed a syntenic association similar to human (HSA) 12q + 14q + 15q. Three HSA 12q markers (RAP1B, PAH and ALDH2) were allocated to a shortest region of overlap (SRO) in APC 2p and found to be syntenic to other HSA 12q markers (PEPB and TCF1). Five HSA 14q markers (CTLA, PAX9, NSP, FOS and CHGA) were allocated to APC 2q and found to be syntenic to other HSA 14q markers (NP, TGM1, and CALM1) and to four HSA 15q markers (THBS1, B2M, HEXA and MPI) but dissociated from markers close to HSA 14qter (CKB) and HSA 15qter (FES-IDH2). Karyotypic comparisons showed an evident homoeology between APC 2p and HSA 12q while APC 2q was similar to an HSA 14qter::HSA 15qter fusion product. Comparative gene mapping data show that the HSA 14q + HSA 15q syntenic association is an ancestral mammalian gene cluster that has been maintained in several primate taxa. Conversely, in Ateles, it has been further associated with HSA 12q while, in Hominoids and Cebus, it has been independently dissociated into two separate syntenic groups, similar to HSA 14q and HSA 15q. Received: 24 October 1997; in revised form: 10 December 1997 / Accepted: 20 December 1997     

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH; EC 1.1.1.37) isozymes in tissues and callus cultures ofCereus peruvianus (cactaceae)

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH; EC 1.1.1.37) isozymes were investigated in seeds and in seedlings and calli cultures ofC. peruvianus to determine if the changes in MDH isozyme banding patterns could be used as biochemical markers to identify the origin of regenerated plants from callus tissues. Four cytoplasmic MDH isozymes (sMDH), five mitochondrial MDH isozymes (mMDH), and one glyoxysomal MDH isozyme (gMDH) were detected and showed tissue- and stage-specific expression. A relationship of mMDH and gMDH isozyme patterns with callus tissues subcultured in three hormonal combinations and with the plants regenerated from these callus tissues was demonstrated. Furthermore, temperature and mechanical stress were found to be closely related to mMDH-1 activity in callus culture. Therefore, the different patterns of MDH isozymes in the various tissues ofC. peruvianus can be used as biochemical markers for the study of gene expression during development and as powerful tools in monitoring studies on callus cultures. This research was supported by the CNPq.     

Synthesis and antifungal activities of hydrophilic cationic polymers against Rhizoctonia solani

A series of linear hydrophilic cationic polymers with different charge density and molecular weights were synthesized by one-step polymerization process. The effect of the hydrophobicity and molecular weights on the antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (Foc4) was assessed. The biotoxicity of the cationic polymers were evaluated based on their median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for zebrafish and silkworm and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) for Kunming mice. The results indicated that the balance between antifungal activity and biotoxicity could be well tuned by controlling the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PEPB10 and PEPB25 against R. solani were 160 μg/mL and 80 μg/mL, respectively. And the LD₅₀ for Kunming mice of PEPB10 and PEPB25 were more than 5000 mg/kg, which mean that PEPB10 and PEPB25 with high hydrophilicity show low toxicity and better selectivity for R. solani. The cationic polymers can kill the R. solani by damaging their membranes and exchanging the Ca²⁺ or/and Mg²⁺ cations of their membranes or cell wall. These results help to understand the antifungal mechanism of low-toxic polymeric quaternary ammonium salts and highlight their potential application as highly selective fungicidal agents for controlling plant diseases.     

Chromosomal assignments of 23 biochemical loci of the rat by using rat x mouse somatic cell hybrids

A panel of 18 rat x mouse somatic cell hybrid clones segregating individual rat chromosomes in different combinations was used to assign 23 biochemical loci to rat chromosomes. The chromosomal locations for these 23 loci were determined as follows: GOT1 on rat chromosome 1; HAGH on 2; ACP2, ADA, GANC, ITPA, and SORD on 3; LDHB on 4; PEPB on 7; GLB1 and HEXA on 8; IDH1 on 9; UMPH2 on 10; GUSB on 12; FH and PEPC on 13; PEPS on 14; ESD and NP on 15; DIA4 on 19; and PP on 20. In addition, ACP1 and GLO1 were reassigned to rat chromosomes 6 and 20, respectively. The chromosomal assignments of these loci extends the known syntenic homologies among rats, mice, and humans.     

Gene assignments and syntenic groups in the sacred baboon (Papio hamadryas)

Eighteen genes were assigned to chromosomes in the sacred baboon, Papio hamadryas, by their concordant segregation with the chromosomes in a set of baboon X Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids. ACY1 was assigned to P. hamadryas chromosome 2 (PHA 2); SOD1 and MDH2 to PHA 3; ME1 and SOD2 to PHA 4; NP, MPI, PKM2, and HEXA to PHA 7; PP to PHA 9; ADA and ITPA to PHA 10; LDHB and TPI1 to PHA 11; MDH1 to PHA 13; ESD to PHA 17; and GPI and PEPD to PHA 20. Regional assignments were possible for ACY1 (PHA 2pter----q1) and MDH2 and SOD1 (PHA 3p). Five other independently segregating markers or syntenic groups (PGD, PGM1; and PEPC; PGM2 and PEPS; IDH1; LDHA and ACP2; and GSR) were also identified. Gene assignments and syntenic groups described in P. hamadryas are compared to those found in P. papio, the rhesus monkey, and man. A possible primate model for human lymphoid disease is discussed.     

Malic Dehydrogenase Heterogeneity in Malaria (Plasmodium lophurae and P. berghei)*

SYNOPSIS. Molecular heterogeneity of malic dehydrogenase (MDH) in malaria was shown by zone electrophoresis in potato starch, starch gel, and by enzymatic activity with analogs of the coenzyme diphosphopyridine nucletide. A single anodal peak of MDH characterized the normal duck red blood cell whereas P. lophurae free of the host cell had a cathodal form of the enzyme. Infected duck erythrocytes had a combination of these electrophoretic forms. The isolated enzymes had different pH optima with oxaloacetate as substrate: pH 7.4 for the duck red cell and 6.4 for the plasmodial enzyme. The Km of each enzyme for oxaloacetate varied with the pH. The Km at pH 7.4 was 4.1 and 4.4 × 10⁵ M for parasite and host, respectively, whereas at 6.4 it was 2.0 × 10⁵ M for P. lophurae and 6.3 × 10⁵M for the duck erythrocyte. At pH 7.4 both enzymes were inhibited by oxaloacetate concentrations greater than 10^?4 M. P. berghei MDH also had a different electrophoretic character from that of the mouse red blood cell. Quantitatively, MDH activity increased with parasitization, and erythrocyte-free P. lophurae contained approximately twice the activity found in the uninfected duck erythrocyte. The quantity of MDH activity of the infected cell was ca. 50% less than the sum of the activities of the parasite and the uninfected cell. It is suggested that these properties of the parasite MDH may give it a physiologic advantage over the red cell under the conditions which prevail intraerythrocytically.     

Overproducton of mannitol dehydrogenase in Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Mannitol dehydrogenase (MDH) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides Si4 was overproduced by constructing a strain that overexpresses the MDH gene and by producing high cell concentrations via fed-batch cultivation in a bioreactor. With the gene of mannitol dehydrogenase (mtlK) cloned into the expression vector pKK223-3 expression of MDH in Escherichia coli was obtained, but the specific enzyme activity was lower than in R. sphaeroides Si4. In order to overexpress mtlK in R. sphaeroides, plasmid pAK82 was constructed by cloning a DNA fragment carrying mtlK into the broad-host-range expression vector pRK415. When pAK82 was introduced into R. sphaeroides Si4 the specific mannitol dehydrogenase activity in the strain obtained was 0.48 unit (U)mg^–1, 3.4-fold higher thain in the wild type. In this way the enzyme yield from cultivation in a bioreactor could be improved from 110 Ul^–1 to 350 Ul^–1. A further increase in productivity was obtained by fed-batch cultivation of R. sphaeroides Si4 [pAK82]. Using this cultivation method can optical density of 27.6 was reached in the bioreactor, corresponding to a dry mass of 16.6 g l^–1. Since MDH formation correlated with biomass production, the MDH yield could be raised to 918 Ul^–1, an 8.3-fold increase in comparison to batch cultivation of the wild-type strain.Dedicated to Prof. Fritz Wagner on the occasion of his 65th birthday.     

On the mechanism of action of tetracycline antibiotics

It was found that low oxytetracycline (OTC) concentrations inhibited malic dehydrogenase (MDH) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) inStaphylococcus aureus andEscherichia coli (1–5 μg/ml for MDH and 10 μg/ml for LDH). Inhibition of these enzymes occurred almost instantaneously and could be demonstrated after 3–4 minutes. No MDH activity was found in OTC-resistant variants of these microorganisms, but LDH activity was not lowered. The inhibitory effect of OTC is specific for bacterial MDH and LDH. The same enzymes of mammalian origin are not inhibitedin vitro even by high OTC concentrations (100 μg/ml).     

Sheep gene mapping: additional DNA markers included (CASB, CASK, LALBA, IGF-1 and AMH).

DNA extracted from 25 hamster-sheep hybrid cell lines was subjected, after Southern blotting, to hybridization with CASB, CASK, LALBA, IGF-1 and AMH cDNA probes. CASB and CASK segregated together and IGF-1 and LALBA were found syntenic with the LDHB-PEPB-TPI-GAPD-SHMT-KRTB group. No other synteny was observed with any of the previously described groups using the same hybrid cell panel. Gene nomenclature: ACO 1: aconitase 1 (soluble); ADA: adenosine deaminase; AMH: antiMüllerian hormone; ARA 1: murine sarcoma 3611 viral (v-raf) oncogene homologue 1; CASB: beta-casein; CASK: kappa-casein; ENO 1: enolase 1 (alpha); G6PD: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; GALA (or GLA): glactosidase (alpha); GAPD: glyceraldehyde -3- phosphate dehydrogenase; GPI: glucose phosphate isomerase; GSR: glutathione reductase; HBG: haemoglobin gamma; HPRT: hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase; IDH 1: isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (soluble); IGF-1: insulin growth factor 1; ITPA: inosine triphosphatase; KRTA: keratin (acid); KRTB: keratin (basic); LALBA: alpha-lactalbumin; LDHA: lactate dehydrogenase A; LDHB: lactate dehydrogenase B; MDH 2: malate dehydrogenase NAD (soluble); ME 1: malic enzyme (soluble); MPI: mannose phosphate isomerase; NP: nucleoside phosphorylase; OLA: ovine leucocyte antigen; OTC: ornitine carbamoyltransferase; PAIS: phosphoribosyl amino imidazole synthetase; PEPA, PEPB, PEPC: peptidase A, B, C; PGD: phospho gluconate dehydrogenase; PGK: phosphoglycerate kinase; PGM 3: phospho glucomutase 3; PKM 2: pyruvate kinase (muscle); PLP: proteolipid protein; PRGS: phosphoribosyl glycinamide synthetase; RCP: red cone pigment; SHMT: serine hydroxymethyl transferase; SOD 1: superoxide dismutase 1 (soluble); SYN 1: synapsin 1; TPI l: triose phosphate isomerase 1.