Complete nucleotide sequence of the chromosomal gene for human IL-4 and its expression

We have isolated a chromosomal DNA segment of the human IL-4 gene based on homology with a human IL-4 cDNA sequence and determined its complete nucleotide sequence. The human IL-4 gene, which occurs as a single copy in the haploid genome, is mapped on chromosome 5. It is composed of four exons and three introns and is approximately 10 kilobase pairs in size. 5'-Flanking regions of human and mouse IL-4 genes share about 85% homology extending more than 500 base pairs upstream of a "TATA" like sequence. Several patches of sequences are found in the 5'-flanking region of the human IL-4 gene which are homologous to sequence in the 5'-flanking regions of the IL-2, IL-3, IL-5, and granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF genes. The IL-4 gene is inducible after treatment of human T cell clone by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA) and calcium ionophore A23187. The 2.3-kb 5'-flanking region of the human IL-4 gene transiently transfected into Jurkat human T cell leukemia cells is activated efficiently in response to TPA and A23187 stimulation and, although less efficiently, by human T cell leukemia virus type I-encoded p40x or BPV-encoded E2 protein. Combination of TPA/A23187 and p40x or E2 protein further augmented the level of expression.     

Coordinate regulation of the IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 cytokine cluster in Th2 clones revealed by allelic expression patterns

The cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 are markers for the Th2 subset of effector T cells and are often expressed together. These cytokine genes are organized within 140 kb of orthologous DNA in both mouse and human. Using IL-4-expressing CD4+ T cell clones derived from F1 mice, we identified allelic polymorphisms for each of these cytokines and assessed the parental identity of the cytokine mRNAs. Both monoallelic and biallelic expression occurred for each gene and for an additional gene, IL-3, that lies with GM-CSF over 450 kb telomeric on the same chromosome. When coexpressed in T cell clones, IL-4 was expressed from the same allele as IL-13 or IL-5 in 81% of instances. In contrast, there was only 52% concordance of these three cytokines at the allelic level among clones that expressed IL-3. Independent expression of the cytokine alleles occurs commonly in T cells, but the clustered locus encompassing IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 is subject to coordinate regulation.     

Chromosomal location of murine and human IL-1 receptor genes.

The gene for the type I interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor has been mapped in both mouse and human. In the human genome, a combination of segregation analysis of rodent-human hybrid cells and chromosomal in situ hybridization has placed the gene on the long arm of chromosome 2, at band 2q12. This is near the reported map position of the loci for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta (2q13----2q21). The murine gene has been mapped by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms in interspecific backcrosses to the centromeric end of chromosome 1, in a region that is syntenic to a portion of human chromosome 2. The murine Il-1r1 gene has thus been separated from the IL-1 genes, which lie on murine chromosome 2.     

The genes for interleukins 3 and 5 map to the same locus on mouse chromosome 11

The cytokines, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, and GM-CSF (encoded by murine genes Il-3, Il-4, Il-5, and Csfgm) belong to a family of secreted glycoprotein hormones that regulate the haemopoietic and immune systems. We demonstrate here using in situ hybridization that Il-3 and Il-5 are both probably located in the segment comprising band A5 and the proximal half of band B1 on mouse chromosome 11 with a possible location point in band B1 near its proximal interface with band A5. In studies reported elsewhere we have shown close physical linkage between Il-3 and Csfgm and also between Il-4 and Il-5. The in situ hybridization results therefore indicate that all four cytokine genes are clustered on chromosome 11 raising the possibility that they arose by ancient gene duplication.     

A Comprehensive Genetic Map of Murine Chromosome 11 Reveals Extensive Linkage Conservation between Mouse and Human

Interspecific backcross animals from a cross between C57BL/6J and Mus spretus mice were used to generate a comprehensive linkage map of mouse chromosome 11. The relative map positions of genes previously assigned to mouse chromosome 11 by somatic cell hybrid or genetic backcross analysis were determined (Erbb, Rel, 11-3, Csfgm, Trp53-1, Evi-2, Erba, Erbb-2, Csfg, Myhs, Cola-1, Myla, Hox-2 and Pkca). We also analyzed genes that we suspected would map to chromosome 11 by virtue of their location in human chromosomes and the known linkage homologies that exist between murine chromosome 11 and human chromosomes (Mpo, Ngfr, Pdgfr and Fms). Two of the latter genes, Mpo and Ngfr, mapped to mouse chromosome 11. Both genes also mapped to human chromosome 17, extending the degree of linkage conservation observed between human chromosome 17 and mouse chromosome 11. Pdgfr and Fms, which are closely linked to II-3 and Csfgm in humans on chromosome 5, mapped to mouse chromosome 18 rather than mouse chromosome 11, thereby defining yet another conserved linkage group between human and mouse chromosomes. The mouse chromosome 11 linkage map generated in these studies substantially extends the framework for identifying homologous genes in the mouse that are involved in human disease, for elucidating the genes responsible for several mouse mutations, and for gaining insights into chromosome evolution and genome organization.     

Two distinct functional high affinity receptors for mouse interleukin-3 (IL-3).

The human interleukin-3 receptor (IL-3R) is composed of an IL-3 specific alpha subunit (IL-3R alpha) and a common beta subunit (beta c) that is shared by IL-3, granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-5 receptors. In contrast to the human, the mouse has two distinct but related genes, AIC2A and AIC2B, both of which are homologous to the human beta c gene. AIC2B has proved to encode a common beta subunit between mouse GM-CSF and IL-5 receptors. AIC2A is unique to the mouse and encodes a low affinity IL-3 binding protein. Based on the observation that the AIC2A protein is a component of a high affinity IL-3R, we searched for a cDNA encoding a protein which conferred high affinity IL-3 binding when coexpressed with the AIC2A protein in COS7 cells. We obtained such a cDNA (SUT-1) encoding a mature protein of 70 kDa that has weak homology to the human IL-3R alpha. The SUT-1 protein bound IL-3 with low affinity and formed high affinity receptors not only with the AIC2A protein but also with the AIC2B protein. Both high affinity IL-3Rs expressed on a mouse T cell line, CTLL-2, showed similar IL-3 binding properties and transmitted a growth signal in response to IL-3. Thus, the mouse has two distinct functional high affinity IL-3Rs, providing a molecular explanation for the differences observed between mouse and human IL-3Rs.     

The IL-4 gene maps to chromosome 11, near the gene encoding IL-3

IL-4/B cell stimulatory factor 1 (IL-4) is a potent mediator of the growth and differentiation of cells of most hemopoietic lineages. IL-4 is one of a number of lymphokines produced by T cells after activation with Ag or mitogen. In order to map the chromosomal location of the IL-4 gene, Chinese hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrids were used in Southern blot analyses with an IL-4 cDNA probe. These results suggested that the IL-4 gene was located on chromosome 11. In contrast, the gene encoding IL-2 was localized to either chromosome 1 or 3. The identification of a strain-specific Bgl II restriction enzyme polymorphism in the IL-4 gene was used to map the IL-4 gene to a position on mouse chromosome 11 within 1 centimorgan of the gene encoding IL-3.     

The gene for T11 (CD2) maps to chromosome 1 in humans and to chromosome 3 in mice

The chromosomal locations of the human and murine T11 (CD2) gene have been determined. Using recently cloned cDNA to probe Southern blots of mouse X human and Chinese hamster X mouse somatic cell hybrids, we have localized the human T11 gene to chromosome 1 and the murine T11 gene to chromosome 3. Based on previously determined blocks of homology between human chromosome 1 and mouse chromosome 3, it is suggested that the human T11 gene may lie on the short arm of chromosome 1 proximal to p221. Thus, the T11 gene is not linked to any other genes for T cell markers that have been mapped to date.     

Nonobese diabetic mouse congenic analysis reveals chromosome 11 locus contributing to diabetes susceptibility, macrophage STAT5 dysfunction, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor overproduction

Unstimulated monocytes of at-risk/type 1 diabetic humans and macrophages of the NOD mouse have markedly elevated autocrine GM-CSF production and persistent STAT5 phosphorylation. We analyzed the relationship between GM-CSF production and persistent STAT5 phosphorylation in NOD macrophages using reciprocal congenic mouse strains containing either diabetes-susceptible NOD (B6.NODC11), or diabetes-resistant C57L (NOD.LC11) loci on chromosome 11. These intervals contain the gene for GM-CSF (Csf2; 53.8 Mb) and those for STAT3, STAT5A, and STAT5B (Stat3, Stat5a, and Stat5b; 100.4-100.6 Mb). High GM-CSF production and persistent STAT5 phosphorylation in unactivated NOD macrophages can be linked to a region (44.9-55.7 Mb) containing the Csf2 gene, but not the Stat3/5a/5b genes. This locus, provisionally called Idd4.3, is upstream of the previously described Idd4.1 and Idd4.2 loci. Idd4.3 encodes an abundance of cytokine genes that use STAT5 in their macrophage activation signaling and contributes approximately 50% of the NOD.LC11 resistance to diabetes.     

Genomic organization of adrenergic and serotonin receptors in the mouse: linkage mapping of sequence-related genes provides a method for examining mammalian chromosome evolution.

Five sequence-related genes encoding four adrenergic receptors and a serotonin receptor were localized to specific regions of four mouse chromosomes with respect to 11 other genetic markers. Linkage was established by the analysis of the haplotypes of 114 interspecific backcross mice. Adra2r (alpha 2-C10) and Adrb1r (beta 1) receptors mapped to the distal region of mouse chromosome 19. These genes were separated by 2.6 +/- 1.5 cM in a segment of mouse chromosome 19 that has a similar organization of these genes on the long arm of human chromosome 10. The Adra1r (alpha 1B), Adrb2r (beta 2), and Htra1 (5HT1A) genes mapped to proximal mouse chromosome 11, proximal mouse chromosome 18, and distal mouse chromosome 13, respectively. The organization of genes linked to these loci on regions of the three mouse chromosomes is consistent with the organization of homologous human genes on human chromosome 5. These findings further define the relationship of linkage groups conserved during the evolution of the mouse and human genomes. We have identified a region that may have been translocated during evolution and suggest that the human genomic organization of adrenergic receptors more closely resembles that of a putative primordial ancestor.     

Improvement of the comparative map of chicken chromosome 13

A comparative map was made of chicken chromosome 13 (GGA13) with a part of human chromosome 5 (HSA5). Microsatellite markers specific for GGA13 were used to screen the Wageningen chicken bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. Selected BAC clones were end sequenced and 57 sequence tag site (STS) markers were designed for contig building. In total, 204 BAC clones were identified which resulted in a coverage of about 20% of GGA13. Identification of genes was performed by a bi-directional approach. The first approach starting with sequencing mapped chicken BAC subclones, where sequences were used to identify orthologous genes in human and mouse by a basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) database search. The second approach started with the identification of chicken orthologues of human genes in the HSA5q23-35 region. The chicken orthologous genes were subsequently mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and/or single neucleotide polymorphism typing. The total number of genes mapped on GGA13 is increased from 14 to a total of 20 genes. Genes mapped on GGA13 have their orthologues on HSA5q23-5q35 in human and on Mmu11, Mmu13 and Mmu18 in mouse.     

Genomic Structure and Chromosomal Localization of Mouse Cyclin G1 Gene

Mouse genomic DNA harboring the full coding sequence of cyclin G1 was cloned and analyzed. The locations of five coding exons and the intron–exon boundary sequences were found to be conserved between the mouse and the human genes. Two putative binding sites for thep53tumor suppressor gene product were found around the first exon: one was located in the 5′ regulatory region, and the other was in the first intron. The mouse cyclin G1 gene was mapped to bands A5 to B1 of chromosomes 11 (11A5–B1) by FISH using genomic DNA clone as a biotinylated probe. The location of mouse cyclin G1 is syntenic to that of its human homologue, which we previously mapped to 5q32–q34 of chromosome 5. An additional faint signal was detected on chromosome 4 (4B1–C2), probably indicating the presence of a cyclin G1-related gene or pseudogene in the mouse genome.     

The BCL1 B lymphoma responds to IL-4, IL-5, and GM-CSF

Proliferation in vitro of the in vivo passaged murine B cell tumor line BCL1 has been used as a standard assay for mouse interleukin-5 (IL-5) for a number of years. We demonstrate that this line will also respond to human IL-5. The response to murine IL-5 is abrogated by transforming growth factor-beta and to a lesser extent by interferon-gamma. This suggests a possible regulatory role for these lymphokines in the proliferation of B cells induced by IL-5. Other purified recombinant lymphokines were also tested for their ability to induce BCL1 proliferation. The lymphokines IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, and IL-6 had no effect on the growth of BCL1. In contrast, IL-4 and more surprisingly granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) also induced proliferation of this cell. These effects could be inhibited by specific antibodies directed against the respective lymphokines. These data suggest that GM-CSF, as well as IL-4 and IL-5, may be yet another regulator of neoplastic and possibly even normal B-cell growth and differentiation.     

The GABAA receptor beta 3 subunit gene: characterization of a human cDNA from chromosome 15q11q13 and mapping to a region of conserved synteny on mouse chromosome 7.

A cDNA encoding the human GABAA receptor beta 3 subunit has been isolated from a brain cDNA library and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. This gene, GABRB3, has recently been mapped to human chromosome 15q11q13, the region deleted in Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes. The association of distinct phenotypes with maternal versus paternal deletions of this region suggests that one or more genes in this region show parental-origin-dependent expression (genetic imprinting). Comparison of the inferred human beta 3 subunit amino acid sequence with beta 3 subunit sequences from rat, cow, and chicken shows a very high degree of evolutionary conservation. We have used this cDNA to map the mouse beta 3 subunit gene, Gabrb-3, in recombinant inbred strains. The gene is located on mouse chromosome 7, very closely linked to Xmv-33 between Tam-1 and Mtv-1, where two other genes from human 15q11q13 have also been mapped. This provides further evidence for a region of conserved synteny between human chromosome 15q11q13 and mouse chromosome 7. Proximal and distal regions of mouse chromosome 7 show genetic imprinting effects; however, the region of homology with human chromosome 15q11q13 has not yet been associated with these effects.     

Faithful expression of the human 5q31 cytokine cluster in transgenic mice

Interleukins -4, -5, and -13, cardinal cytokines produced by Th2 cells, are coordinately expressed and clustered in 150-kb syntenic regions on mouse chromosome 11 and human chromosome 5q31. We analyzed two sets of human yeast artificial chromosome transgenic mice that contained the 5q31 cytokines to assess whether conserved sequences required for their coordinate and cell-specific regulation are contained within the cytokine cluster itself. Human IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 were expressed under Th2, but not Th1, conditions in vitro. Each of these cytokines was produced during infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a Th2-inducing stimulus, and human IL-4 was generated after activation of NK T cells in vivo. Consistently fewer cells produced the endogenous mouse cytokines in transgenic than in control mice, suggesting competition for stable expression between the mouse and human genes. These data imply the existence of both conserved trans-activating factors and cis-regulatory elements that underlie the coordinate expression and lineage specificity of the type 2 cytokine genes in lymphocytes.     

Fine mapping of the muscular dystrophy (AM) gene on chicken chromosome 2q

Our previous studies revealed that the genetic locus for chicken muscular dystrophy of abnormal muscle (AM) mapped to chromosome 2q, and that the region showed conserved synteny with human chromosome 8q11-24.3. In the current study, we mapped the chicken orthologues of genes from human chromosome 8q11-24 in order to identify the responsible gene. Polymorphisms in the chicken orthologues were identified in the parents of the resource family. Twenty-three genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were mapped to chicken chromosome 2 by linkage analysis. The detailed comparative map shows a high conservation of synteny between chicken chromosome 2q and human chromosome 8q. The AM locus was mapped between [inositol(myo)-1(or4)-monophosphatase 1] (IMPA1) gene and [core-binding factor, runt domain, alpha-subunit 2; translocated to 1; cyclin D-related] (CBFA2T1) gene. The genes located between IMPA1 and CBFA2T1 are the most likely candidates for chicken muscular dystrophy.     

Chromosomal localization of homeobox genes and associated markers on porcine Chromosomes 3, 5, 12, 15, 16 and 18: comparative mapping study with human and mouse

Four homeobox genes that belong to the four homeobox gene clusters known in mammals have been regionally assigned to four distinct porcine chromosomes in conserved regions between human and pig. HOXA11, HOXB6, HOXC8, and HOXD4 genes were mapped by radioactive in situ hybridization to porcine Chromosomes (Chrs) 18q21-24 (with a secondary signal in 16q14-21), 12p11-12, 5p11-12, and 15q22-23 respectively. Besides, we have also revealed the presence of a porcine homeobox (pig Hbx24) which, although showing DNA sequence homology with a mouse gene of HOXB cluster, was located on porcine Chr 3 (3p14-13) outside the Hox clusters. To support the identity of the homeobox gene clusters analyzed and in the light of the high sequence similarity among homeobox genes, we also localized markers known to be mapped near each Hox cluster in human. In this way, four genes were also mapped in pig: GAPD (5q12-21), GAD1 (15q21-22), INHBA (18q24), and IGFBP3 (18q24). Mapping of HOXA11, INHBA, and IGFBP3 on pig Chr 18 constitutes the first assignments of genes on this small chromosome. These new localizations extend the information on the conservation of four human chromosomal regions in the pig genome. Received: 7 August 1995 / Accepted: 16 October 1995