Restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the growth hormone gene in pigs

Pigs from four Danish and two Swedish populations were examined for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the growth hormone (GH) gene. Polymorphism was detected with the restriction enzymes DraI and TaqI. A comparison of the Danish populations showed significant differences among their allelic frequencies.     

BglII restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human p53 gene locus

Summary A new restriction fragment length polymorphism detected with the restriction endonuclease BglII (AGATCT) is presented.     

Characterization of two novel polymorphisms at the human parathyroid hormone gene locus

Summary Two new polymorphisms within the human parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene are described. One corresponds to a CA transversion that destroys DraII and NlaIV restriction sites. The other is revealed by the enzyme XmnI, and its position has been mapped with respect to the PTH gene. We have also identified a sequence change that results in the TaqI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) described previously at this locus and have found that this sequence change also results in disruption of a BstBI site. Finally, we describe a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method that permits a rapid evaluation of the DraII and BstBI (TaqI) polymorphisms. The introduction of these two additional RFLPs and this PCR-based assay should considerably extend the power of genetic analyses of the human PTH gene.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphism at the HLA-C locus

We have used the HLA-C-specific DNA probe pC250 to investigate restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the HLA-C locus. Genomic Southern blot hybridization included DNA prepared from a panel of homozygous typing cells representing serological specificities Cw1 to Cw8 and also from samples representing Cw blanks. Although many restriction nucleases failed to reveal any polymorphism, RFLPs were evident with Taq I, Pvu II, Bst XI, Nde 1, and Nci I in addition to the previously reported Eco RI. In the case of Bst XI, a unique RFLP defined a subset of serologically defined Cw blanks. Comparison of RFLP sizes with restriction fragment lengths obtained from the known HLA-Cw3 gene sequence permitted the localization of intragenic C locus RFLLs and the identification of a variable Taq I site in the second intron, a variable Nci I site near the end of the fourth exon, and a variable Pvu lI site in the fifth intron.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the mouse T-cell receptor gene families

We have studied the restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) found in the germline T-cell receptor genes of 25 inbred Mus musculus strains and 8 wild Mus species. Included in the inbred mice tested were several strains which spontaneously develop systemic autoimmune disease. Extensive polymorphism was evident for the variable (V) gene segments of the gene family for both the inbred strains and wild mouse species. Changes in the total number of bands hybridizing with probes for V gene segments suggest that members of a V gene segment subfamily are not closely linked, but are interspersed with members of other subfamilies; that expansion and contraction of the multimembered subfamilies may be an important diversifying factor. Our data obtained with gene probes revealed genomic diversity that is much more limited than that seen for the locus. Analysis of inbred mice with probes for the gene locus revealed some RFLPs, but little evidence of expansion or contraction in the numbers of gene segments. Among the autoimmune mice, NZW, NZB, and BXSB/MpJ all display distinctive differences with gene probes. NZW mice have a large deletion of the gene family, which has been reported previously. We found no differences to distinguish the MRL/MpJ lpr/lpr mice from non-autoimmune strains.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in dairy and beef cattle at the growth hormone and prolactin loci

Two bovine populations, a Holstein-Friesian dairy stock and a synthetic (Baladi X Hereford X Simmental X Charolais) beef stock, were screened for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at the growth hormone and prolactin genes. Most RFLPs at the growth hormone gene are apparently the consequence of an insertion/deletion event which was localized to a region downstream of the structural gene. The restriction map for the genomic region including the growth hormone gene was extended. Two HindIII RFLPs at the growth hormone locus, as well as several RFLPs at the prolactin gene, seemed to be the consequence of a series of point mutations. The results are discussed in terms of the possibility that minor genomic variability underlies quantitative genetic variation.     

A study of restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human alpha-1-antitrypsin locus

Summary A cloned cDNA for -1-antitrypsin (-1-AT) was selected from a human liver cDNA library. The identity of the clone was established by hybrid-selected translation and partial DNA sequencing. The cDNA was used as a probe to search for restriction site polymorphisms (RSPs) near the -1-AT gene. Only two RSPs were found using 29 different restriction enzymes. Each of these polymorphisms resulted from the loss of a restriction site, one for EcoRI and the other for Taq I. The frequency of polymorphic restriction was calculated to be 1.1% to 2.6% of all sites tested, a figure lower than the 9.3% value observed for 12 RSPs in the human -globin gene cluster. Since the corresponding figure for detectable polymorphisms at the -1-AT locus at the protein level is 12%, restriction enzymes are comparatively inefficient in detecting genetic variability. The basis of this inefficiency was studied by computing the nucleotide diversity from the RSP data. On the average, one in 500 to 1000 bases is polymorphic around the -1-At locus. This value is comparable to that which we have calculated for the human -globin gene cluster and the human growth hormone gene cluster (both one in 500). These data demonstrate the limited usefulness of linked RSPs for genetic linkage studies at the -1-AT locus.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of Anisakinae larvae

The analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) was applied to distinguish several kinds of Anisakinae larvae, Anisakis larvae (type I) collected from two different paratenic hosts, Anisakis larvae (type II) and Contracaecum larvae. The patterns of the two different paratenic host-derived DNA of Anisakis larva (I) were exactly the same in hybridized fragments generated by six endonucleases. The quite different patterns in RFLPs of genomic DNA were observed among the Anisakis larva (I), Anisakis larva (II) and Contracaecum larvae. The results suggest that the RFLPs analysis may be useful for distinguishing Anisakinae larvae and clarifying the relationships between Anisakis larvae and their adult worms.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms distinguish ectomycorrhizal fungi

Basidiomycetous fungi, two saprophytes and three mycorrhizal, were used to assess the specificity of DNA hybridization for distinguishing genera from one another. Interspecific comparisons were done with several isolates of mycorrhizal fungi,Laccaria bicolor andL. laccata, collected from diverse geographical sites. The DNAs were digested with four restriction nucleases and separated by gel electrophoresis into patterns of DNA fragments called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). The RFLPs were hybridized with a radioactively-labeled DNA probe encoding Basidiomycetous ribosomal RNA genes. The five genera were discernable using both unprobed and probed RFLPs. Hybridization of probe DNA with RFLPs was isolate-specific for all nine Laccaria isolates examined. The reclassification of aL. bicolor isolate is supported, demonstrating that hybridization of RFLPs offers an additional tool for taxonomy of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The method may have field application for distinguishing known isolates if their DNA fingerprints are previously ascertained and are distinct from RFLPs of indigenous organisms.     

An NcoI restriction fragment length polymorphism at the human steroid sulphatase gene locus

Summary The DNA diagnosis of X-linked recessive ichthyosis vulgaris (incidence: approx. 1 in 5000 males) can be complicated by the absence of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the STS (steroid sulphatase) gene. An RFLP sequence in NcoI-digested genomic DNA is reported, which it is hoped may prove helpful in diagnosis.     

NsiI andScaI restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) gene locus

Summary The authors report on two new restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human atrial natriuretic peptide gene locus, detected in three families with restriction endonucleasesScaI andNsiI.     

Restriction maps and restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the human 21-hydroxylase genes

Restriction maps were constructed for the two human 21-hydroxylase genes (21-OHA and 21-OHB) by using DNA from subjects homozygous for a deletion of each gene. Comparing the patterns of these two genes, a KpnI restriction site occurred in the 21-OHA gene in place of a TaqI site in the 21-OHB gene about 1-kb from the 5' end of the gene, and an extra EcoRI site was located 500 bp 5' to the common EcoRI site. The DNA of fourteen unrelated normal subjects was digested with nine restriction endonucleases (AccI, BamHI, BgIII, EcoRI, HindIII, KpnI, MspI, SacI and TaqI). Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were found with EcoRI, HindIII and AccI that resulted from polymorphic endonuclease sites outside the genes.     

Identification and application of additional restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human ornithine transcarbamylase locus.

Two additional restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) have been identified at the human ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) locus. Approximately 11% of women are heterozygous for an RFLP characterized by polymorphic bands at 3.7 and 3.6 kilobasepairs (kbp) observed after DNA digestion with TaqI. Twenty-nine percent of women are heterozygous for an RFLP characterized by polymorphic bands at 18.0 and 5.2 kbp observed after digestion with BamHI. Thus, in combination with the previously reported RFLPs identified using MspI, the X chromosomes in approximately 80% of women at risk for having a son with OTC deficiency are distinguishable by RFLPs at the OTC locus. Furthermore, we show that these RFLPs will be useful in families for prenatal diagnosis of OTC deficiency, carrier detection, and carrier exclusion.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms associated with factor VIII: C gene in Chinese

Summary Twenty-six unrelated hemophilia A and 70 unrelated normal chromosomes in 184 subjects were studied to determine the frequencies of intragenic and intergenic restriction fragment length polymorphisms associated with the factor VIII:C gene. The incidences for positive BclI and BglI polymorphic sites in the Chinese were 82% and 100%, respectively. Both were higher than in other ethnic groups, while the incidence for XbaI polymorphism was 57%, which is similar to that reported in Caucasians. Using the St 14.1 probe, two polymorphic TaqI allelic systems in the DXS52 region were detectable, with heterozygous rates of 0.712 (for system I, alleles 1 to 8) and 0.495 (for system II, and alleles), respectively. Thus, using a combination of four polymorphisms, it would be possible to offer carrier detection or prenatal diagnosis in 96% of Chinese females at risk.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the genusActinidia (Actinidiaceae)

A series of chloroplast and nuclear probes were used to examine restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) and three of its closest relatives. The four species fell into two pairs, withA. chinensis andA. deliciosa closely related but some distance away from the other two species,A. latifolia andA. eriantha. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the diploid species,A. chinensis, is a precursor ofA. deliciosa, which is hexaploid.     

MspI andHindIII restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human Na,K-ATPase β-subunit (ATP1B) gene locus

The authors report on four restriction fragment length polymorphisms detected at the ATP1B gene locus with the restriction endonucleasesHindIII andMspI.