Assignment of the gene coding for the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor to mouse chromosome 15 and to human chromosome 12q13-q14 by isotopic and nonisotopic in situ hybridization.

The assignment of the gene encoding the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (A2MR), which was first described as the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, was confirmed by nonisotopic and isotopic in situ hybridizations on normal human metaphases to the region 12q13-q14. The same human cDNA, which has 95% sequence identity with the mouse A2mr, was hybridized to metaphases containing the Robertsonian translocation Rb(6;15)1Ald. The mouse A2mr gene was assigned to chromosome 15 in the region B2-D1. This locus and other loci on mouse chromosome 15 have been shown to be homologous with loci on human chromosome 12q.     

Localization of histidase to human chromosome region 12q22----q24.1 and mouse chromosome region 10C2----D1

The human gene for histidase (histidine ammonia-lyase; HAL), the enzyme deficient in histidinemia, was assigned to human chromosome 12 by Southern blot analysis of human X mouse somatic cell hybrid DNA. The gene was sublocalized to region 12q22----q24.1 by in situ hybridization, using a human histidase cDNA. The homologous locus in the mouse (Hal) was mapped to region 10C2----D1 by in situ hybridization, using a cell line from a mouse homozygous for a 1.10 Robertsonian translocation. These assignments extend the conserved syntenic region between human chromosome 12 and mouse chromosome 10 that includes the genes for phenylalanine hydroxylase, gamma interferon, peptidase, and citrate synthase. The localization of histidase to mouse chromosome 10 suggests that the histidase regulatory locus (Hsd) and the histidinemia mutation (his), which are both known to be on chromosome 10, may be alleles of the histidase structural gene locus.     

Assignment of the gene for neuroendocrine protein 7B2 (SGNE1 locus) to mouse chromosome region 2[E3-F3] and to human chromosome region 15q11-q15

The gene for 7B2, a protein found in the secretory granules of neural and endocrine cells (gene symbol SGNE1) was localized to the E3-F3 region of mouse chromosome 2 and to the q11-q15 region of human chromosome 15. This was determined by in situ hybridization, using a mouse 7B2 cDNA and an intronic fragment of the corresponding human gene as probes. The respective locations of SGNE1 in the two species correlate with the conservation of loci between these subregions of mouse chromosome 2 and human chromosome 15. Clinically, the human SGNE1 DNA fragment may serve as a molecular probe of this locus in both the Prader-Willi and the Angelman syndromes, which are often accompanied by submicroscopic chromosomal deletions in the 15q11-15q13 region.     

Localization of mouse parathyroid hormone-like peptide gene (Pthlh) to distal chromosome 6 using interspecific backcross mice and in situ hybridization.

The single copy parathyroid hormone-like peptide gene (Pthlh) was mapped to distal mouse chromosome 6 using genetic linkage analysis with a panel of DNA samples from interspecific backcross mice. In all 114 meiotic events examined, the Pthlh locus cosegregated with the locus for the Kirsten ras-2 gene (Kras-2) which was previously localized to distal mouse chromosome 6. In addition, Pthlh was localized to chromosome 6 band F-G and the mouse parathyroid hormone Pth was localized to chromosome 7 band F, by in situ hybridization. These studies confirm the previous localization of Pthlh to mouse chromosome 6 using somatic cell hybrids and show that the Pthlh/PTHLH locus is a part of a conserved linkage group between distal mouse chromosome 6 and the proximal segment of the short arm of human chromosome 12.     

Establishment of the mouse chromosome 7 region with homology to the myotonic dystrophy region of human chromosome 19q

A number of genetic markers, including ATP1A3, TGFB, CKMM, and PRKCG, define the genetic region on human chromosome 19 containing the myotonic dystrophy locus. These and a number of other DNA probes have been mapped to mouse chromosome 7 utilizing a mouse Mus domesticus/Mus spretus interspecific backcross segregating for the genetic markers pink-eye dilution (p) and chinchilla (cch). The establishment of a highly syntenic group conserved between mouse chromosome 7 and human chromosome 19q indicates the likely position of the homologous gene locus to the human myotonic dystrophy gene on proximal mouse chromosome 7. In addition, we have mapped the muscle ryanodine receptor gene (Ryr) to mouse chromosome 7 and demonstrated its close linkage to the Atpa-2, Tgfb-1, and Ckmm cluster of genes. In humans, the malignant hyperthermia susceptibility locus (MHS) also maps close to this gene cluster. The comparative mapping data support Ryr as a candidate gene for MHS.     

ADAM-TS8, a novel metalloprotease of the ADAM-TS family located on mouse chromosome 9 and human chromosome 11

A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease domain with thrombospondin type I modules (ADAM-TS) describes a novel family of zinc metalloendopeptidases. Its members have a common domain organization, which includes, typically, a pre-pro-metalloprotease domain, a disintegrin-like domain, and one or more thrombospondin-like (TS) modules. We describe here the complete primary structure of mouse ADAM-TS8, through cloning of Adamts8 cDNA. This novel member of the family contains two TS modules and is highly similar in sequence and domain organization to three other recently described gene products, ADAM-TS5, ADAM-TS6, and ADAM-TS7. Adamts8 is expressed at low levels throughout development and in adult mouse lung and heart. Through analysis of an interspecific backcross panel, we place the Adamts8 locus on mouse chromosome 9 at a consensus position of 11 cM and its human ortholog, recently reported as the METH2 gene, on human chromosome 11q25.     

Human homologs of two testes-expressed loci on mouse chromosome 17 map to opposite arms of chromosome 6

Our laboratory has recently cloned and characterized two testes-expressed loci--the Tcp-10 gene family cluster and the D17Si11 gene--that map to the proximal portion of mouse chromosome 17. Human homologs of both loci have been identified and cloned. Somatic cell hybrid lines have been used to map the human homolog of D17Si11 to the short arm of chromosome 6 (p11-p21.1) along with homologs of other genes from the (Pim-1)-(Pgk-2) region of the mouse chromosome. The human TCP 10 locus maps to the long arm of chromosome 6 (q21-qter) along with homologs of other genes from the mouse chromosome 17 region between the centromere and Pim-1. The mapping of large portions of the mouse t haplotype to unlinked regions on human chromosome 6 rules out the possibility that a t-haplotype-like chromosome could exist in humans.     

Assignment of the gene coding for hepatocyte growth factor-like protein to mouse chromosome 9

The gene coding for hepatocyte growth factor-like protein has been localized to mouse chromosome 9 at a locus (Hgfl) distal to the Trf locus. The likely gene order in this region is centromere-Trf-Gnai-2-Hgfl-Cck. The region surrounding the Hgfl locus shows homology of syntenty to band p21 on human chromosome 3.     

A gene(s) for all-trans-retinoic acid-induced forelimb defects mapped and confirmed to murine chromosome 11

All-trans-retinoic acid (RA) induces various anatomical limb dysmorphologies in mice dependent on the time of exposure. During early limb development, RA induces forelimb ectrodactyly (digital absence) with varying susceptibilities for different inbred mouse strains; C57BL/6N are highly susceptible while SWV are resistant. To isolate the genetic basis of this defect, a full-genome scan was performed in 406 backcross fetuses of F(1) males to C57BL/6N females. Fetuses were exposed via a maternal injection of 75 mg of RA per kilogram of body weight on gestational day 9.25. The genome-wide analysis revealed significant linkage to a chromosome 11 locus near D11Mit39 with a maximum LOD score of 9.0 and to a chromosome 4 locus near D4Mit170. An epistatic interaction was detected between loci on chromosome 11 (D11Mit39) and chromosome 18 (D18Mit64). Linkage to the chromosome 11 locus (D11Mit39) was confirmed in RA-treated backcross fetuses of F(1) females to C57BL/6N males. Loci associated with bone density/mass in both human and mouse were previously detected in the same region, suggesting a mechanistic linkage with bone homeostasis. The human syntenic region of this locus has been previously linked to Meckel syndrome; the phenotype includes postaxial polydactyly, an ectopic digital defect hypothesized to be induced by a common molecular pathway with ectrodactyly.     

Conserved autosomal syntenic group on mouse (MMU) chromosome 15 and human (HSA) chromosome 22: assignment of a gene for arylsulfatase A to MMU 15 and regional mapping of DIA1, ARSA, and ACO2 on HSA 22

We have utilized a panel of Chinese hamster x mouse somatic cell hybrids segregating mouse chromosomes to assign a gene for arylsulfatase A (ARSA) to mouse chromosome 15. Considering our previous assignment of a gene for diaphorase-1 (DIA1) to the same mouse chromosome, we have evidence for another syntenic relationship that has been conserved, since the homologous loci for human ARSA and DIA1 are both located on human chromosome 22. Because MMU 15 and HSA 22 are quite dissimilar in size and banding patterns, we have attempted to identify the conserved portion by regional mapping of human DIA1 and ARSA using somatic cell hybrids segregating a human chromosome translocation t(15;22)(q14;q13.31). The results assign human DIA1 and ARSA to the distal sub-band of 22q13 (region 22q13.31 leads to qter). The locus for mitochondrial aconitase (ACO2) has been separated by the breakpoint from DIA1 and ARSA and is located more proximally.     

A molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 7

The homology between mouse chromosome 7 and human chromosomes 11, 15, and 19 was examined using interspecific backcross animals derived from mating C3H/HeJ-gld/gld and Mus spretus mice. In an earlier study, we reported on the linkage relationships of 16 loci on mouse chromosome 7 and the homologous relationship between this chromosome and the myotonic dystrophy gene region on human chromosome 19. Segregation analyses were used to extend the gene linkage relationships on mouse chromosome 7 by an additional 21 loci. Seven of these genes (Cyp2a, D19F11S1h, Myod-1, Otf-2, Rnu1p70, Rnu2pa, and Xrcc-1) were previously unmapped in the mouse. Several potential mouse chromosome 7 genes (Mel, Hkr-1, Icam-1, Pvs) did not segregate with chromosome 7 markers, and provisional chromosomal assignments were made. This study establishes a detailed molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 7 that will be useful as a framework for determining linkage relationships of additional molecular markers and for identifying homologous disease genes in mice and humans.     

Assignment of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) gene to mouse chromosome 9 and human chromosome 19

Erythropoietin (EPO), the primary regulator of mammalian erythropoiesis, binds and activates a specific receptor on erythroid progenitors. The human and mouse cDNAs for this receptor (EPOR) have recently been isolated. These cDNAs were used to establish the genomic location of the EPOR gene. By somatic cell hybrid analysis, the locus for the EPOR maps to human chromosome (Chr) 19pter-q12. By interspecific backcross mapping the locus is tightly linked to the murine Ldlr locus near the centromere of mouse Chr9. This region of mouse Chr9 is homologous to a region of human Chr 19p13 carrying the human LDLR and MEL loci, strongly suggesting that the human EPOR gene is at 19p13 near the human LDLR locus.     

Human homeo box-containing genes located at chromosome regions 2q31----2q37 and 12q12----12q13

Four human homeo box-containing cDNAs isolated from mRNA of an SV40-transformed human fibroblast cell line have been regionally localized on the human gene map. One cDNA clone, c10, was found to be nearly identical to the previously mapped Hox-2.1 gene at 17q21. A second cDNA clone, c1, which is 87% homologous to Hox-2.2 at the nucleotide level but is distinct from Hox-2.1 and Hox-2.2, also maps to this region of human chromosome 17 and is probably another member of the Hox-2 cluster of homeo box-containing genes. The third cDNA clone, c8, in which the homeo box is approximately 84% homologous to the mouse Hox-1.1 homeo box region on mouse chromosome 6, maps to chromosome region 12q12----12q13, a region that is involved in chromosome abnormalities in human seminomas and teratomas. The fourth cDNA clone, c13, whose homeo box is approximately 73% homologous to the Hox-2.2 homeo box sequence, is located at chromosome region 2q31----q37. The human homeo box-containing cluster of genes at chromosome region 17q21 is the human cognate of the mouse homeo box-containing gene cluster on mouse chromosome 11. Other mouse homeo box-containing genes of the Antennapedia class (class I) map to mouse chromosomes 6 (Hox-1, proximal to the IgK locus) and 15 (Hox-3). A mouse gene, En-1, with an engrailed-like homeo box (class II) and flanking region maps to mouse chromosome 1 (near the dominant hemimelia gene). Neither of the class I homeo box-containing genes--c8 and c13--maps to a region of obvious homology to chromosomal positions of the presently known mouse homeo box-containing genes.     

The gene for the cell adhesion molecule M-cadherin maps to mouse chromosome 8 and human chromosome 16q24.1-qter and is near the E-cadherin (uvomorulin) locus in both species.

A mouse myotube-derived cDNA encoding the Ca(2+)-dependent cell adhesion molecule M-cadherin was used to study the segregation of the corresponding gene Cdh3 in a mouse interspecific backcross. Cdh3 was found to be unlinked to the N-cadherin gene but linked to the E-cadherin (uvomorulin) locus on chromosome 8 in a region of conserved synteny with human chromosome 16q. The gene order cen-Junb-Um-Tat-(Cdh3/Aprt) was determined. The human homologue CDH3 was mapped to chromosome 16q24.1-qter by analyzing human/mouse somatic cell hybrids.     

The tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism locus maps to chromosome 15q11.2-q12.

Tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism (ty-pos OCA), an autosomal recessive disorder of the melanin biosynthetic pathway, is the most common type of albinism occurring worldwide. In southern African Bantu-speaking negroids it has an overall prevalence of about 1/3,900. Since the basic biochemical defect is unknown, a linkage study with candidate loci, candidate chromosomal regions, and random loci was undertaken. The ty-pos OCA locus was found to be linked to two arbitrary loci, D15S10 and D15S13, in the Prader-Willi/Angelman chromosomal region on chromosome 15q11.2-q12. The pink-eyed dilute locus, p, on mouse chromosome 7, maps close to a region of homology on human chromosome 15q, and we postulate that the ty-pos OCA and p loci are homologous.     

Characterization of the cDNA coding for mouse prothrombin and localization of the gene on mouse chromosome 2

A series of overlapping cDNAs coding for mouse prothrombin (coagulation factor II) have been isolated and the composite DNA sequence has been determined. The complete prothrombin cDNA is 1,987 bp in length [excluding the poly(A) tail] and codes for 18 bp of 5' untranslated sequence, an open reading frame coding for 618 amino acids, a stop codon, and a 3' untranslated region of 112 bp followed by a poly(A) tail. The translated amino acid sequence predicts a molecular weight of 66,087, which includes 10 residues of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid. There are five potential N-linked glycosylation sites. Mouse prothrombin is 81.4% and 77.3% identical to the human and bovine proteins, respectively. Comparison of the cDNA coding for mouse prothrombin to the human and bovine cDNAs indicates 79.9% and 76.5% identity, respectively. Amino acid residues important for the structure and function of human prothrombin are conserved in the mouse and bovine proteins. In the adult mouse and rat, prothrombin is primarily synthesized in the liver, where is constitutes 0.07% of total mRNA as determined by solution hybridization analysis. The genetic locus for mouse prothrombin, Cf-2, has been mapped using an interspecies backcross and DNA fragment differences between the two species. The prothrombin locus lies on mouse chromosome 2, 1.8 +/- 1.3 map units proximal to the catalase locus. The gene order in this region is Cen-Acra-Cf-2-Cas-1-A-Tel. This localization extends the proximal boundary of the known region of homology between mouse chromosome 2 and human chromosome 11p from Cas-1 about 2 map units toward the centromere.     

The structural gene for the M1 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase maps to chromosome 11, band p15, in human and to chromosome 7 in mouse

The genes for the M1 subunit of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase have been mapped in the human and the murine species by use of two independently derived mouse cDNA clones. Southern blot analysis of rodent x human somatic cell hybrid DNAs confirmed the assignment of RRM1 to the short arm of human chromosome 11. In situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes revealed a peak of silver grains over the distal third of band 11p15, a region corresponding to subbands p15.4----p15.5. The mouse Rrml locus was assigned to chromosome 7, where it forms part of a conserved syntenic group of at least seven other genes assigned to human chromosome band 11p15.     

Mapping of aminoacylase-1 and beta-galactosidase-A to homologous regions of human chromosome 3 and mouse chromosome 9 suggests location of additional genes.

Conserved linkage groups have been found on the X and autosomal chromosomes in several mammalian species. The identification of conserved chromosomal regions has potential for predicting gene location in mammals, particularly in humans. The genes for human aminoacylase-1 (ACY1, N-acylamino acid aminohydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.14), an enzyme in amino acid metabolism, and beta-galactosidase-A (GLB1, E.C.3.2.1.23), deficient in GM1-gangliosidosis, have been assigned to human chromosome 3. Using human-mouse somatic cell hybrids segregating translocations of human chromosome 3, expression of both ACY1 and GLB1 correlated with the presence of the p21 leads to q21 region of chromosome 3. In a previous study, assignment of these genes to mouse chromosome 9 used mouse-Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids, eliminating mouse chromosomes. To approximate the size of the conserved region in the mouse, experiments were performed with recombinant inbred mouse strains. An electrophoretic variant of ACY-1 in mouse strains was used to map the Acy-1 gene 10.7 map U from the beta-galactosidase locus. These data suggest that there is a region of homology within the p21 leads to q21 region of human chromosome 3 and a segment of mouse chromosome 9. Since the mouse transferrin gene (Trf) is closely linked to the aminoacylase and beta-galactosidase loci, we predict that the human transferrin (TF) gene is on chromosome 3.