Genetic and Physical Mapping of a Gene Encoding a Methyl CpG Binding Protein, Mecp2, to the Mouse X Chromosome

The methyl CpG binding proteins (MeCP1 and MeCP2) are a class of proteins that bind to templates containing symmetrically methylated CpGs. Using an interspecific backcross segregating a number of X-linked markers, we have localized the Mecp2 gene in mouse to the X chromosome close to the microsatellite marker DXMit1. Detailed physical mapping utilizing an available YAC contig encompassing the DXMit1 locus has localized the Mecp2 gene to a 40-kb region between the L1cam and the Rsvp loci, indicating the probable position of a homologue on the human X chromosome.     

DNA Sequence, Chromosomal Localization, and Tissue Expression of the Mouse Proteasome SubunitLmp10(Psmb10) Gene

Proteasomes are nonlysosomal multicatalytic proteases involved in antigen processing. Three of the 10 mammalian proteasome β subunits (LMP2, LMP7, and LMP10) are induced by IFN-γ. Two of these (LMP2 and LMP7) are encoded in the major histocompatibility complex of both human (chromosome 6) and mouse (chromosome 17). However, the human homologue ofLmp10, MECL1,is found on chromosome 16. Here we show that in mice,Lmp10is a single-copy gene localized to chromosome 8, in a region of conserved synteny with human chromosome 16. Sequencing of a 129/SvJ strain genomic clone revealed that the gene has eight exons spanning 2.3 kb. Characterization of a full-length mouse cDNA clone indicates thatLmp10encodes a protein of 273 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 29 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.86. Northern analysis ofLmp2, Lmp7,andLmp10showed expression in heart, liver, thymus, lung, and spleen, but not in brain, kidney, skeletal muscle, or testis.     

Apoptosis Susceptibility Genes on Mouse Chromosome 9 (Rapop2) and Chromosome 3 (Rapop3)

The strain distribution pattern of susceptibility to thymocyte apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation in 20 CcS/Dem recombinant congenic (RC) strains derived from the strains BALB/cHeA (susceptible) and STS/A (resistant) indicates that this trait is controlled by several genes. Recently, we mapped a novel apoptosis susceptibility gene Rapop1 (radiation-induced apoptosis 1) to chromosome 16 (N. Mori et al., 1995, Genomics 25: 604-614). In the present study, the analysis of F2 crosses between the resistant RC strain CcS-8 and the susceptible strain BALB/cHeA or the highly susceptible RC strain CcS-10 demonstrated two additional apoptosis susceptibility genes, Rapop2 and Rapop3, located in the proximal region of chromosome 9 and the telomeric region of chromosome 3, respectively. The possible candidate genes for these loci are discussed.     

The Gene Encoding Protein Kinase SEK1 Maps to Mouse Chromosome 11 and Human Chromosome 17

We report the mapping of the human and mouse genes encoding SEK1 (SAPK/ERK kinase-1), a newly identified protein kinase that is a potent physiological activator of the stress-activated protein kinases. The human SERK1 gene was assigned to human chromosome 17 using genomic DNAs from human–rodent somatic cell hybrid lines. A specific human PCR product was observed solely in the somatic cell line containing human chromosome 17. The mouseSerk1gene was mapped to chromosome 11, closely linked toD11Mit4,using genomic DNAs from a (C57BL/6J ×Mus spretus)F₁×M. spretusbackcross.     

Cloning of cDNA Encoding Rat Spermatidal Protein TP2 and Expression inEscherichia coli

Rat spermatidal protein TP2 is a basic nuclear protein containing two atoms of zinc bound per molecule. We report here cloning of complementary DNA encoding rat TP2 by the RT-PCR method. The nucleotide sequence of cloned TP2 cDNA differs at a few positions from the sequence already reported in the literature. We have cloned rat TP2 cDNA into the expression vector pTrc 99A. Upon induction with 1 mMIPTG, there was a low level of expression of TP2 which could be recovered in the soluble form. Recombinant TP2 was purified from the soluble extract ofE. coliusing nickel–agarose and heparin–agarose chromatography and was shown to be identical to native rat TP2 as revealed by immunoblotting with anti-rat TP2 antibodies and radioactive⁶⁵Zn-blotting.     

Mapping of the Glycoprotein 330 (Gp330) Gene to Mouse Chromosome 2

Glycoprotein 330 (Gp330) is a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene family that is expressed in the kidney. We have mapped the Gp330 gene to mouse chromosome 2, 4.5 cM proximal to Acra, in an interspecific backcross of (C57BL/6J × Mus spretus) F1 × C57BL/6J.     

Influence of exogenous gangliosides (GM1, GD1a, GMix) on a Ca-activated Mg-dependent ATPase in cellular and subcellular brain fractions of the djungarian dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

The influence of 150 nM exogenously-added gangliosides (G_M1, G_D1a, G_Mix) on a Ca²⁺-activated, Mg²⁺-dependent ATPase was investigated in cellular and subcellular fractions (P1-fraction, synaptosomal fraction, synaptic membranes) from whole brain, cortex, cerebellum and brain stem of the djungarian dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus). Gangliosides are effective at this concentration in stimulating the enzyme activity in all fractions from whole brain. Inhomogenous results (stimulation, inhibition and no effects), however, were obtained in the different individual brain regions.     

重组腺病毒介导VEGF121 cDNA体外转移与表达

构建携带VEGF₁₂₁ cDNA重组复制缺陷型腺病毒表达载体,制备重组腺病毒,该腺病毒能介导VEGF₁₂₁ cDNA基因促进人脐静脉血管内皮细胞增殖,促进毛细血管管腔样结构形成.ELISA检测表明VEGF₁₂₁ cDNA基因表达产物分泌至培液上清,并显示强烈血管通透作用.为进一步利用重组腺病毒介导VEGF₁₂₁ cDNA进行缺血性疾病的基因治疗奠定良好的基础.     

Isolation, Mapping, and Functional Expression of the Mouse X Chromosome Glycerol Kinase Gene

Glycerol kinase (Gyk) participates in the metabolism of endogenously derived and dietary glycerol. Deficiency of the human enzyme activity is an X-linked recessive disorder with a clinical picture varying from childhood metabolic crisis to asymptomatic adults incidentally identified by hyperlipidemia screening (pseudohypertriglyceridemia). Gyk is a member of a small group of kinases termed ambiquitous enzymes that are found in the cytosol or as membrane-bound enzymes associated with the voltage-dependent anion channel of the mitochondrial outer membrane. It was recently reported that in humans there are X-linked and autosomal copies of Gyk sequences, both apparently functional genes and processed pseudogenes. To understand the role of Gyk in normal metabolism and the variable clinical features seen with Gyk deficiency, we have characterized the mouse Gyk gene. We present the sequence of a full-length mouse Gyk cDNA that is alternatively spliced in brain. The Gyk gene was mapped to the mouse X chromosome by both fluorescencein situhybridization and an interspecies backcross panel, demonstrating conservation of synteny withdmd.To confirm the functional identity of the cDNA, transient transfection of the cDNA into COS7 cells was shown to cause a marked elevation in glycerol kinase activity.     

The effects of prostaglandins PGE1, PGE2, PGF1a, and PGF2a on canine synovial perfusion

In these experiments we have examined the effects of PGE₁, PGE₂, PGF_1α and PGF_2α on synovial perfusion in the normal canine synovial microcirculation. The effects of the drugs on synovial perfusion were determined indirectly from the changes produced in the rate of clearance of ¹³³Xenon from the joint by their intra-articular injection. Prostaglandins PGE₁ and PGE₂ were found to be strongly vasodilator with PGE₁ being the more active. PGF_1α appeared to have little or no vasoactive properties in doses up to 1 ugm. (2.8 × 10^−5M) in our I preparation while PGF_2α was vasodilator at this high dosage only. Neither SC19920 nor diphloretin phosphate antagonised the effects of PGE₁ in these experiments.