Large scale purification and immunolocalization of bovine uroplakins I, II, and III. Molecular markers of urothelial differentiation

The differentiation of mammalian urothelium culminates in the formation of asymmetrical unit membrane (AUM). Using gradient centrifugation and detergent wash, we purified milligram quantities of AUMs which, interestingly, contained three major proteins (15, 27, and 47 kDa) that appeared to be identical to the three immunoaffinity purified, putatively AUM-associated proteins that we described earlier (Yu, J., Manabe, M., Wu, X.-R., Xu, C., Surya, B., and Sun, T.-T. (1990) J. Cell Biol., 111, 1207-1216). Peptide mapping and immunoblotting established that these three proteins were distinct molecules. Using monospecific antibodies to these three proteins, we showed that they were all restricted to the superficial urothelial cells and were AUM-associated. The 27- and 15-kDa proteins were detected exclusively on the luminal side of mature, apical AUMs. In contrast, epitopes of the 47-kDa protein were detected on both sides of apical AUMs suggesting a transmembranous configuration. These results (i) provide the strongest evidence thus far that AUM contains three major proteins (the 27-kDa uroplakin I, 15-kDa uroplakin II, and 47-kDa uroplakin III) which form an extremely insoluble complex, (ii) suggest that uroplakin II, like uroplakin I (Yu, J., Manabe, M., Wu, X.-R., Xu, C., Surya, B., and Sun, T.-T. (1990) J. Cell. Biol. 111, 1207-1216), translocates from one side of the membrane to another during AUM maturation, (iii) indicate that uroplakin III may play a different structural role than uroplakins I and II in AUM formation, and (iv) establish the three uroplakins as markers for an advanced stage of urothelial differentiation.     

Assembly of urothelial plaques: tetraspanin function in membrane protein trafficking

The apical surface of mammalian urothelium is covered by 16-nm protein particles packed hexagonally to form 2D crystals of asymmetric unit membranes (AUM) that contribute to the remarkable permeability barrier function of the urinary bladder. We have shown previously that bovine AUMs contain four major integral membrane proteins, i.e., uroplakins Ia, Ib, II, and IIIa, and that UPIa and Ib (both tetraspanins) form heterodimers with UPII and IIIa, respectively. Using a panel of antibodies recognizing different conformational states of uroplakins, we demonstrate that the UPIa-dependent, furin-mediated cleavage of the prosequence of UPII leads to global conformational changes in mature UPII and that UPIb also induces conformational changes in its partner UPIIIa. We further demonstrate that tetraspanins CD9, CD81, and CD82 can stabilize their partner protein CD4. These results indicate that tetraspanin uroplakins, and some other tetraspanin proteins, can induce conformational changes leading to the ER-exit, stabilization, and cell surface expression of their associated, single-transmembrane-domained partner proteins and thus can function as "maturation-facilitators." We propose a model of AUM assembly in which conformational changes in integral membrane proteins induced by uroplakin interactions, differentiation-dependent glycosylation, and the removal of the prosequence of UPII play roles in regulating the assembly of uroplakins to form AUM.     

Formation of asymmetric unit membrane during urothelial differentiation

Mammalian urothelium undergoes unique membrane specialization during terminal differentiation making numerous rigid-looking membrane plaques (0.3–0.5 m diameter) that cover the apical cell surface. The outer leaflet of these membrane plaques is almost twice as thick as the inner leaflet hence the name asymmetric unit membrane (AUM). Ultrastructural studies established that the outer leaflet of AUM is composed of 16 nm particles forming two dimensional crystals, and that each particle forms a twisted ribbon structure. We showed recently that highly purified bovine AUMs contain four major integral membrane proteins: uroplakins Ia (27 kD), Ib (28 kD), II (15 kD) and III (47 kD). Studies of the protease sensitivity of the different subdomains of uroplakins and other considerations suggest that UPIa and UPIb have 4 transmembrane domains, while UPII and UPIII have only one transmembrane domain. Chemical Crosslinking studies showed that UPIa and UPIb, which share 39% amino acid sequence, are topologically adjacent to UPII and UPIII, respectively, thus raising the possibility that there exist two biochemically distinct AUM particles, i.e., those containing UPIa/UPII vs. UPIb/UPIII. Bovine urothelial cells grown in the presence of 3T3 feeder cells undergo clonal growth forming stratified colonies capable of synthesizing and processing all known uroplakins. Transgenic mouse studies showed that a 3.6 kb 5-flanking sequence of mouse uroplakin II gene can drive the expression of bacterial LacZ gene to express in the urothelium. Further studies on the biosynthesis, assembly and targeting of uroplakins will offer unique opportunities for better understanding the structure and function of AUM as well as the biology of mammalian urothelium.     

Uroplakins Ia and Ib, two major differentiation products of bladder epithelium, belong to a family of four transmembrane domain (4TM) proteins

The mammalian bladder epithelium elaborates, as a terminal differentiation product, a specialized plasma membrane called asymmetric unit membrane (AUM) which is believed to play a role in strengthening and stabilizing the urothelial apical surface through its interactions with an underlying cytoskeleton. Previous studies indicate that the outer leaflet of AUM is composed of crystalline patches of 12- nm protein particles, and that bovine AUMs contain three major proteins: the 27- to 28-kD uroplakin I, the 15-kD uroplakin II and the 47-kD uroplakin III. As a step towards elucidating the AUM structure and function, we have cloned the cDNAs of bovine uroplakin I (UPI). Our results established the existence of two isoforms of bovine uroplakin I: a 27-kD uroplakin Ia and a 28-kD uroplakin Ib. These two glycoproteins are closely related with 39% identity in their amino acid sequences. Hydropathy plot revealed that both have four potential transmembrane domains (TMDs) with connecting loops of similar length. Proteolytic digestion of UPIa inserted in vitro into microsomal vesicles suggested that its two main hydrophilic loops are exposed to the luminal space, possibly involved in interacting with the luminal domains of other uroplakins to form the 12-nm protein particles. The larger loop connecting TMD3 and TMD4 of both UPIa and UPIb contains six highly conserved cysteine residues; at least one centrally located cysteine doublet in UPIa is involved in forming intramolecular disulfide bridges. The sequences of UPIa and UPIb (the latter is almost identical to a hypothetical, TGF beta-inducible, TI-1 protein of mink lung epithelial cells) are homologous to members of a recently described family all possessing four transmembrane domains (the "4TM family"); members of this family include many important leukocyte differentiation markers such as CD9, CD37, CD53, and CD63. The tissue- specific and differentiation-dependent expression as well as the naturally occurring crystalline state of uroplakin I molecules make them uniquely suitable, as prototype members of the 4TM family, for studying the structure and function of these integral membrane proteins.     

Syntenic assignment of human serotonin receptor subtype 2 (HTR2), esterase D (ESD), and fms-related tyrosine kinase (FLT) homologs to bovine Chromosome 12

Bovine × rodent somatic hybrid cells have been used to syntenically map three bovine genes homologous to loci on human Chromosome (Chr) 13. These three loci, fms-related tyrosine kinase gene (FLT), esterase D (ESD), and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2 (HTR2; serotonin receptor subtype 2), were assigned to bovine Chr 12 (BTA12) with 91–95% concordance to the coagulation factor 10 (F10) locus. Along with a previously mapped BTA12 gene, retinoblastoma-1 (RB1), this conserved synteny group spans 178 cM on human Chr 13 (HSA13). Previous reports suggested homology between HSA13 and both BTA2 and BTA12. Results reported here extend the boundary of the HSA13-BTA12 comparative map, contradict the previous preliminary assignment of ESD to BTA2, and suggest instead that the q arm of HSA13 may be entirely conserved in BTA12. Received: 15 January 1996 / Accepted: 21 March 1996     

Uroplakin IIIb,a urothelial differentiation marker,dimerizes with uroplakin Ib as an early step of urothelial plaque assembly

Urothelial plaques consist of four major uroplakins (Ia, Ib, II, and III) that form two-dimensional crystals covering the apical surface of urothelium, and provide unique opportunities for studying membrane protein assembly. Here, we describe a novel 35-kD urothelial plaque-associated glycoprotein that is closely related to uroplakin III: they have a similar overall type 1 transmembrane topology; their amino acid sequences are 34% identical; they share an extracellular juxtamembrane stretch of 19 amino acids; their exit from the ER requires their forming a heterodimer with uroplakin Ib, but not with any other uroplakins; and UPIII-knockout leads to p35 up-regulation, possibly as a compensatory mechanism. Interestingly, p35 contains a stretch of 80 amino acid residues homologous to a hypothetical human DNA mismatch repair enzyme-related protein. Human p35 gene is mapped to chromosome 7q11.23 near the telomeric duplicated region of Williams-Beuren syndrome, a developmental disorder affecting multiple organs including the urinary tract. These results indicate that p35 (uroplakin IIIb) is a urothelial differentiation product structurally and functionally related to uroplakin III, and that p35-UPIb interaction in the ER is an important early step in urothelial plaque assembly.     

Multiple Molecular Forms of Acetylcholinesterase in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract: Extracts of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contain five molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity that can be separated by a combination of selective solubilization, velocity sedimentation, and ion-exchange chromatography. These are called form IA (5.2s), form IB (4.9.s), form II (6.7s), form III (11.3s), and form IV (13.0s). All except form III are present in significant amounts in rapidly prepared extracts and are probably native; form III is probably derived autolytically from form IV. Most of forms IA and IB can be solubilized by repeated extractions without detergent, whereas forms II, III, and IV require detergent for effective solubilization and may therefore be membrane-bound. High salt concentrations are not required for, and do not aid in, the solubilization of these forms. For all forms, molecular weights and frictional ratios have been estimated by a combination of gel permeation chromatography and velocity sedimentations in both H₂O and D₂O. The molecular weight estimates range from 83,000 to 357,000 and only form II shows extensive asymmetry. The separated forms have been characterized with respect to substrate affinity, substrate specificity, inhibitor sensitivity, thermal inactivation, and detergent sensitivity. Judging by these properties, C. elegans is like other invertebrates in that none of its cholinesterase forms resembles either the “true” or the “pseudo” cholinesterase of vertebrates. However, internal comparison of the C. elegans forms clearly distinguishes forms IA, III, and IV as a group from forms IB and II; the former are therefore designated “class A” forms, the latter “class B” forms. Genetic evidence indicates that separate genes control class A and class B forms, and that these two classes overlap functionally. Several factors, including kinetic properties, molecular asymmetry, molecular size, and solubility, all suggest that a molecular model of the multiple cholinesterase forms observed in vertebrate electric organs probably does not apply in C. elegans. Potential functional roles and subunit structures of the multiple AChE forms within each C. elegans class are discussed.     

Differentiation-induced uroplakin III expression promotes urothelial cell death in response to uropathogenic E. coli

Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) expressing type 1 pili underlie most urinary tract infections (UTIs). UPEC adherence to the bladder urothelium induces a rapid apoptosis and exfoliation of terminally differentiated urothelial cells, a critical event in pathogenesis. Of the four major uroplakin proteins that are densely expressed on superficial urothelial cells, UPIa serves as the receptor for type 1-piliated UPEC, but the contributions of uroplakins to cell death are not known. We examined the role of differentiation and uroplakin expression on UPEC-induced cell death. Utilizing in vitro models of urothelial differentiation, we demonstrated induction of tissue-specific differentiation markers including uroplakins. UPEC-induced urothelial cell death was shown to increase with enhanced differentiation but required expression of uroplakin III: infection with an adenovirus encoding uroplakin III significantly increased cell death, while siRNA directed against uroplakin III abolished UPEC-induced cell death. In a murine model of UTI where superficial urothelial cells were selectively eroded to expose less differentiated cells, urothelial apoptosis was reduced, indicating a requirement for differentiation in UPEC-induced apoptosis in vivo. These data suggest that induction of uroplakin III during urothelial differentiation sensitizes cells to UPEC-induced death. Thus, uroplakin III plays a pivotal role in UTI pathogenesis.     

Syntenic Assignment of Human Chromosome 1 Homologous Loci in the Bovine

Three mouse chromosomes (MMU 1, 3, and 4) carry homologs of human chromosome 1 (HSA 1) genes. A similar situation is found in the bovine, where five bovine chromosomes (BTA 2, 3, 5, 16, and unassigued syntenic group U25) contain homologs of HSA 1 loci. To evaluate further the syntenic relationship of HSA 1 homologs in cattle, 10 loci have been physically mapped through segregation analysis in bovine-rodent hybrid somatic cells. These loci, chosen for their location on HSA 1, are antithrombin 3 (AT3), renin (REN), complement component receptor 2 (CR2), phosphofructokinase muscle type (PFKM), Gardner-Rasheed feline sarcoma viral (v-fgr) oncogene homolog (FGR), α fucosidase (FUCA1), G-protein β1 subunit (GNB1), α 1A amylase, (AMY1), the neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog (NRAS), and α skeletal actin (ACTA1). AT3, REN, CR2, and GNB1 mapped to BTA 16, PFKM to BTA 5, AMY1A and NRAS to BTA 3, FGR and FUCA1 to BTA 2, and ACTA1 to BTA 28.     

Comparative mapping of the ovine clpg locus

We used a comparative mapping approach to identify segments of conserved synteny between human Chromosome 14 (HSA14), bovine Chromosome 21 (BTA21), and the portion of ovine Chromosome 18 (OAR18) that contains the clpg locus. A bovine radiation hybrid map of the region was constructed with available Type II genetic markers and seven candidate genes to establish the comparative interval between BTA21 and HSA14. We developed polymorphic microsatellite and SNP markers associated with five candidate genes and placed them on the ovine and/or bovine genetic maps by multipoint linkage analysis. Three additional genes were mapped by virtue of their physical linkage to genetically mapped makers. Development of integrated linkage and physical maps facilitates the selection of positional candidate genes from the gene rich human map. The physically linked candidate genes PREF-1 and MEG3 map to the interval containing the clpg locus. Comparative biology suggests imprinting of MEG3 and/or the influences of PREF-1 on cellular differentiation, should be examined for their role in the parent-of-origin dependent influence of mutant clpg alleles on sheep muscle characteristics. Received: 3 February 2000 / Accepted: 19 April 2000     

Refinement of bovine chromosome 2 linkage map near the mh locus reveals rearrangements between the bovine and human genomes

The locus responsible for the appearance of muscular hypertrophy (mh) in double muscled cattle breeds has recently been shown to encode a secreted growth factor designated myostatin (MSTN). This conclusion was based in part on the placement of MSTN in the interval to which mh had been mapped on bovine chromosome 2 (BTA2). During the mapping phase of the study, numerous yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones were isolated that contained genetic markers closely linked to mh. Other YACs and cosmids were identified that contained genes selected from human chromosome 2q (HSA2q), with the goal of defining the position of breakpoints in conserved synteny between the bovine and human comparative maps, thereby permitting accurate selection of positional candidate genes. An efficient subcloning procedure was developed to obtain microsatellites (ms) from YAC clones, to increase the number of informative meioses in herds segregating for mh. The same procedure was used to place the human orthologues of engrailed-1 (EN1), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), and paired-box-containing 8 (PAX8) genes on the cattle map to further define the positions of breakpoints in conserved synteny and gene order. Twenty-three of 28 ms identified from YAC subclone libraries were informative in the mapping families. Seven mapped to the centromeric end of BTA2, which contains the mh locus, improving marker density and informativeness. The two MSTN and four EN1 gene-associated ms markers developed from YACs, map to positions 1·5 and 61·6 cm in the BTA2 linkage group, respectively. In addition, ms markers developed from cosmids containing either IL1B or PAX8, map to positions 56·6 and 56·9 cm in the BTA11 linkage group, respectively. These linkage data confirm the location and orientation of orthologous segments of HSA2q that were previously indistinguishable on the bovine map, and demonstrates the presence of microrearrangements of gene order (segments <10 cm ) and conserved synteny between the human and bovine genomes.     

Linkage mapping of the locus responsible for congenital multiple ocular defects in cattle on bovine Chromosome 18

Congenital multiple ocular defects (MOD) in Japanese black cattle is a hereditary ocular disorder with an autosomal recessive manner of inheritance, showing developmental defects of the lens, retina, and iris, persistent embryonic eye vascularization, and microphthalmia. In the present study, we mapped the locus responsible for the disorder by linkage analysis using 240 microsatellite markers covering the entire bovine genome and an inbred pedigree obtained from commercial herds. The linkage analysis demonstrated a significant linkage between the disorder locus and markers on the proximal region of bovine Chromosome (BTA) 18 with the maximum LOD score of 5.1. Homozygosity mapping using the haplotype of the linked markers further refined the critical region. The results revealed the localization of the locus responsible for MOD in an approximately 6.6-cM region of BTA18. Comparison of published linkage and radiation hybrid (RH) maps of BTA18 with its evolutionary ortholog, human Chromosome (HSA) 16, revealed several potential candidate genes for the disorder including the MAF and FOXC2 genes.     

The bovine 5′ AMPK gene family: mapping and single nucleotide polymorphism detection

The 5-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family is an ancient stress response system whose primary function is regulation of cellular ATP. Activation of AMPK, which is instigated by environmental and nutritional stresses, initiates energy-conserving measures that protect the cell by inhibition and phosphorylation of key enzymes in energy-consuming biochemical pathways. The seven genes that comprise the bovine AMPK family were mapped in cattle by using a radiation hybrid panel. The seven genes mapped to six different cattle chromosomes, each with a LOD score greater than 10.0. PRKAA1 mapped to BTA 20, PRKAA2 and PRKAB2 to BTA 3, PRKAB1 to BTA 17, PRKAG1 to BTA 5, PRKAG2 to BTA 4, and PRKAG3 to BTA 2. Five of the seven genes mapped to regions expected from human/cattle comparative maps. PRKAB2 and PRKAG3, however, have not been mapped in humans. We predict these genes to be located on HSA 1 and 2, respectively. Additionally, one synonymous and one non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were detected in PRKAG3 in Bos taurus cattle. In an effort to determine ancestral origins, various herds of mixed breed cattle as well as other ruminant species were characterized for sequence variation in this region of PRKAG3. Owing to the physiological importance of this gene family, we believe that its individual genes are candidate genes for conferring resistance to diseases in cattle.     

Localization of uroplakin Ia, the urothelial receptor for bacterial adhesin FimH, on the six inner domains of the 16 nm urothelial plaque particle

The binding of uropathogenic Escherichia coli to the urothelial surface is a critical initial event for establishing urinary tract infection, because it prevents the bacteria from being removed by micturition and it triggers bacterial invasion as well as host cell defense. This binding is mediated by the FimH adhesin located at the tip of the bacterial type 1-fimbrium and its urothelial receptor, uroplakin Ia (UPIa). To localize the UPIa receptor on the 16 nm particles that form two-dimensional crystals of asymmetric unit membrane (AUM) covering >90 % of the apical urothelial surface, we constructed a 15 A resolution 3-D model of the mouse 16 nm AUM particle by negative staining and electron crystallography. Similar to previous lower-resolution models of bovine and pig AUM particles, the mouse 16 nm AUM particle consists of six inner and six outer domains that are interconnected to form a twisted ribbon-like structure. Treatment of urothelial plaques with 0.02-0.1 % (v/v) Triton X-100 allowed the stain to penetrate into the membrane, revealing parts of the uroplakin transmembrane moiety with an overall diameter of 14 nm, which was much bigger than the 11 nm value determined earlier by quick-freeze deep-etch. Atomic force microscopy of native, unfixed mouse and bovine urothelial plaques confirmed the overall structure of the luminal 16 nm AUM particle that was raised by 6.5 nm above the luminal membrane surface and, in addition, revealed a circular, 0.5 nm high, cytoplasmic protrusion of approximately 14 nm diameter. Finally, a difference map calculated from the mouse urothelial plaque images collected in the presence and absence of recombinant bacterial FimH/FimC complex revealed the selective binding of FimH to the six inner domains of the 16 nm AUM particle. These results indicate that the 16 nm AUM particle is anchored by a approximately 14 nm diameter transmembrane stalk, and suggest that bacterial binding to UPIa that resides within the six inner domains of the 16 nm AUM particle may preferentially trigger transmembrane signaling involved in bacterial invasion and host cell defense.     

Identification of seven new humanMHC class I region genes around theHLA-F locus

Using cDNA hybridization selection techniques, we identified seven new genes in a 280 kilobase YAC coveting theHLA-F locus. The new genes were mapped back to the YAC by a combination of optical restriction mapping and pulse field gel electrophoresis. Northern analysis of individual clones demonstrated the presence of either different mRNA sizes or different expression patterns. Two of the cDNA clones were expressed only in lymphoid cell lines: one in Jurkat cells (T cell) and another in JY cells (B cell). All the genes lacked sequence similarity to any known classical and non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes, indicating that theMHC class I region has more functions than anticipated. Of the seven new genes, one is highly similar (97%) to mouse 60S ribosomal protein, and another is homologous to diubiquitin proteins. Of the two G-coupled receptor-like cDNAs, one was fully sequenced and found to be an olfactory receptor-like gene. The study strengthens evidence that theMHC complex not only plays a key role in the immune system, but also contributes to non-immunological functions. The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to the Genbank nucleotide sequence database and have been assigned the accession numbers U37229 (IB2), U37230 (IC4), U37231 (IF12), U37232 (IH9), U37233 (2D8), U37234 (2H6), and L35475 (IA8)     

Roles of uroplakins in plaque formation, umbrella cell enlargement, and urinary tract diseases

The apical surface of mouse urothelium is covered by two-dimensional crystals (plaques) of uroplakin (UP) particles. To study uroplakin function, we ablated the mouse UPII gene. A comparison of the phenotypes of UPII- and UPIII-deficient mice yielded new insights into the mechanism of plaque formation and some fundamental features of urothelial differentiation. Although UPIII knockout yielded small plaques, UPII knockout abolished plaque formation, indicating that both uroplakin heterodimers (UPIa/II and UPIb/III or IIIb) are required for plaque assembly. Both knockouts had elevated UPIb gene expression, suggesting that this is a general response to defective plaque assembly. Both knockouts also had small superficial cells, suggesting that continued fusion of uroplakin-delivering vesicles with the apical surface may contribute to umbrella cell enlargement. Both knockouts experienced vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, renal dysfunction, and, in the offspring of some breeding pairs, renal failure and neonatal death. These results highlight the functional importance of uroplakins and establish uroplakin defects as a possible cause of major urinary tract anomalies and death.     

Comparative mapping of human Chromosome 2 identifies segments of conserved synteny near the bovine mh locus

The ``double-muscling' (mh) locus has been localized to an interval between the centromere and the microsatellite marker TGLA44 on bovine Chromosome (Chr) 2 (BTA2). We identified segments of conserved synteny that correspond to this region of BTA2 by assigning large genomic clones containing bovine homologs of seven genes from the long arm of human Chr 2 (HSA2q). Polymorphic markers developed from these clones integrated the physical and linkage maps of BTA2 from 2q12 to 2q44 and extended genetic coverage towards the centromere. This comparative analysis suggests the mh locus resides on HSA2q near both the protein C and collagen type III alpha-1 genes. Overall, our data reveal a complex rearrangement of gene order between BTA2q12-44 and HSA2q14-37 that underscores the need to establish boundaries of conserved synteny when applying comparative mapping information to identify genes or traits of interest. Received: 3 March 1997 / Accepted: 12 May 1997     

Synteny mapping of five human chromosome 7 genes on bovine chromosomes 4 and 21.

Five genes on human chromosome 7 (HSA 7) were assigned to bovine chromosome 21 (BTA 21) and 4 (BTA 4) using a bovine-rodent somatic hybrid cell panel. These five genes were alpha-I subunit of adenylate cyclase-inhibiting G-protein (GNAI1), alpha/beta preprotachykinin (TAC1), reelin (RELN), c-AMP dependant protein kinase type II beta regulatory chain (PRKAR2B) and apolipoprotein A1 regulatory protein 1 (TFCOUP2). Four genes mapped to BTA 4 (GNAI1, TAC1, RELN, PRKAR2B) while one gene mapped to BTA 21 (TFCOUP2). This study confirms the synteny conservation between HSA 7 and BTA 4, finely maps the breakpoints of conserved synteny on HSA 7 and defines a new synteny conservation between HSA 7 and BTA 21.     

Chromosomal assignment of six muscle-specific genes in cattle

Six genes expressed in skeletal or smooth muscle were assigned to bovine chromosomes using rodent, human or bovine cDNA probes. Myogenic determination factor (MYOD1) was 100% concordant with Bos taurus chromosome (BTA) 15, and myogenin (MYOG) was 95% concordant with BTA 16. Smooth muscle caldesmon (CALD1) and the skeletal muscle chloride channel gene (CLCN1) were 100% concordant with BTA 4. Myogenic factor 5 (MYF5) was 90% concordant with BTA 5; this assignment was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization of a bovine genomic MYF5 probe to BTA 5 band 13 and the homologous band on river buffalo 4q. In some metaphases, specific hybridization signals were also observed on BTA 15 band 23, and the equivalent river buffalo homologue, with the MYF5 genomic probe. Because MYOD1 and MYF5 share both nucleotide and functional homology and because MYOD1 was mapped in somatic cell hybrids to BTA 15, we suggest that MYOD1 may be located at BTA 15 band 23. Herculin/myogenic factor 6 (MYF6) was assigned indirectly to BTA 5 by the hybridization of MYF5 and MYF6 probes to the same Hin dIII fragment in bovine genomic DNA. The assignment of MYF6 to BTA 5 is consistent with the tandem arrangement of MYF5 and MYF6 in human, mouse and chicken, where these tightly linked genes are separated by < 6·5 kb of DNA.