Linkage of two enzyme loci in the fish genus Poecilia (Teleostei:Poeciliidae).

The linkage of loci coding for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) is described in fish of the genus Poecilia (Teleostei:Poeciliidae) and designated Poecilia linkage group I. These two loci were shown to assort independently from six other informative markers (peptidase S, malate dehydrogenase 2 [soluble], mannose phosphate isomerase, parvalbumin 2, phosphoglucomutase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2) within the limits of the data obtained. Data for the linkage analyses were generated by scoring starch-gel electrophoretic phenotypes of the eight loci in reciprocal backcross hybrids obtained from matings between Poecilia perugiae and P. vittata. The linkage chi 2 for G6PD-PGD locus pairs was significant (P less than 0.001) in all reciprocal backcross hybrid broods (22.7% recombinants in the combined data), indicating linkage in both parental species. The linkage of G6PD and PGD in gene maps of the poeciliid genera Xiphophorus and Poeciliopsis documents homology of this linkage within the family. Linkages in salmonid and centrarchid fishes suggest conservation of this linkage group in most or all teleosts. The six additional indpendently assorting loci have been assigned to independent linkage groups in Xiphophorus; thus, no example of poeciliid linkage group divergence has yet been identified.     

Primate red cell enzymes: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (E. C.: 1.1.1.49) phenotypes and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (E. C.: 1.1.1.44) phenotypes were determined by starch-gel electrophoresis of red cell hemolysates of Galago crassicaudatus subspp., Propithecus verreauxi, Lemur spp., Hapalemur griseus, and Macaca mulatta. A single glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) phenotype was found in each species. A single 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) phenotype was found in Lemur spp., Hapalemur griseus, and Galago crassicaudatus argentatus. In a group of six Propithecus verreauxi, three 6PGD phenotypes, PGD A, PGD AB, and PGD B, were found. Three phenotypes, PGD A, PGD AB, and PGD B, were found in 38 G. c. crassicaudatus. The three phenotypes in each species are apparently the products of two codominant autosomal alleles, PGD^A and PGD^B. The frequency of PGD^A in G. c. crassicaudatus is 0.263. A population of 260 free-ranging macaques displays a polymorphism at the 6PGD locus. Three phenotypes, PGD A, PGD AB, and PGD B, were found. These also appear to be controlled by two codominant autosomal alleles, PGD^A and PGD^B the frequency of PGD^A = 0.913. Additional analysis of three well-defined troops within the macaque population indicated that there are no significant differences between the troops or within the population at the 6PGD locus.     

Linkage of two enzyme loci in fishes of the genus Xiphophorus (Poeciliidae). Guanylate kinase-2 (GUK2) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-1 (GAPD1) designated as linkage group III

Electrophoretic variation ascribable to two enzyme loci, coding for a guanylate kinase (GUK2) and a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD1), was observed in three species of fishes of the genus Xiphophorus. Electrophoretic patterns in F1 hybrid heterozygotes suggested a monomeric subunit structure for GUK2 and confirmed a tetrameric structure for GAPD1. Variant alleles at the two loci exhibited normal Mendelian segregation in backcross hybrids. Linkage analyses indicate estimated recombination of GUK2-7.6 percent-GAPD 1. This group (designated linkage group III) was shown to assort independently from the 7 loci comprising linkage groups I and II and from 26 other informative markers, within the limits of the data. Difficulties inherent in establishing homology with linkage groups in other species in cases involving presumed gene duplication are discussed.     

Polymorphisms, Linkage and Mapping of Four Enzyme Loci in the Fish Genus Xiphophorus (Poeciliidae)

Electrophoretic variants at four additional enzyme loci--two esterases (Est-2, Est-3), retinal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-1) and mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI)--among three species and four subspecies of fish of the genus Xiphophorus were observed. Electrophoretic patterns in F1 hybrid heterozygotes confirmed the monomeric structures of MPI and the esterase and the tetrametric structure of LDH in these fishes. Variant alleles of all four loci displayed normal Mendelian segregation in backcross and F2 hybrids. Recombination data from backcross hybrids mapped with Haldane's mapping function indicate the four loci to be linked as Est-2--0.43--Est3--0.26--LDH-1--0.19--MPI. Significant interference was detected and apparently concentrated in the Est-3 to MPI region. No significant sex-specific differences in recombination were observed. This group (designated linkage group II) was shown to assort independently from the three loci of linkage group I (adenosine deaminase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) and from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and two isocitrate dehydrogenase loci. Evidence for conservation of the linkage group, at least in part, in other vertebrate species is presented.     

Protein Polymorphisms, Segregation in Genetic Crosses and Genetic Distances among Fishes of the Genus Xiphophorus (Poeciliidae)

The products of 49 protein-coding loci were examined by starch gel electrophoresis for populational variation in six species of Xiphophorus fishes and/or segregation in intra- and interspecific backcross and intercross hybrids. Electrophoretic variation was observed for 29 of the 35 locus products in a survey of 42 population samples. The highest frequency of polymorphic loci observed in noninbred populations was 0.143. After ten or more generations of inbreeding, all loci studied were monomorphic. Inbred strains generally exhibited the commonest electrophoretic alleles of the population from which they were derived. An assessment of genetic distances among Xiphophorus populations reflected classical systematic relationships and suggested incipient subspeciation between X. maculatus from different drainages as well as several species groups. Thirty-three loci were analyzed with respect to segregation in hybrids. The goodness of fit of segregations to Mendelian expectations at all loci analyzed (except loci in linkage group I) is interpreted as evidence for high genetic compatibility of the genomes of Xiphophorus species. It is anticipated that these data will result in a rapid expansion of the assignment of protein-coding loci to linkage groups in these lower vertebrate species.     

Autosomal Factors with Correlated Effects on the Activities of the Glucose 6-Phosphate and 6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenases in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Isogenic lines, in which chromosomes sampled from natural populations of D. melanogaster are substituted into a common genetic background, were used to detect and partially characterize autosomal factors that affect the activities of the two pentose phosphate pathway enzymes, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD). The chromosome 3 effects on G6PD and 6PGD are clearly correlated; the chromosome 2 effects, which are not so great, also appear to be correlated, but the evidence in this case is not so strong. Examination of activity variation of ten other enzymes revealed that G6PD and 6PGD are not the only pair of enzymes showing a high positive correlation, but it is among the highest in both sets of lines. In addition, there was some evidence that the factor(s) affecting G6PD and 6PGD may also affect two other metabolically related enzymes, transaldolase and phosphoglucose isomerase.—Rocket immunoelectrophoresis was used to estimate specific CRM levels for three of the enzymes studied: G6PD, 6PGD and ME. This experiment shows that a large part of the activity variation is accounted for by variation in CRM level (especially for chromosome 3 lines), but there remains a significant fraction of the genetic component of activity variation that is not explained by CRM level.—These results suggest that the autosomal factors are modifiers involved in regulation of the expression of the X-linked structural genes for G6PD and 6PGD, but a role in determining part of the enzymes' primary structure cannot be excluded with the present evidence.     

Genetic control of malate dehydrogenase isozymes in maize

At least six nuclear loci are responsible for the genetic control of malate dehydrogenase (L-malate: NAD oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.37; MDH) in coleoptiles of maize. Three independently segregating loci (Mdh1, Mdh2, Mdh3) govern the production of MDH isozymes resistant to inactivation by ascorbic acid and found largely or solely in the mitochondria. A rare recessive allele found at a fourth nuclear locus (mmm) causes increased electrophoretic mobility of the MDH isozymes governed by the Mdh1, Mdh2 and Mdh3 loci.—Two loci (Mdh4, Mdh5) govern MDH isozymes that are selectively inactivated by homogenization in an ascorbic acid solution and that appear to be nonmitochondrial (soluble). Mdh4 and Mdh5 segregate independently of each other and independently of Mdh1, Mdh2 and Mdh3. However, there is close linkage between the migration modifier and Mdh4.——Multiple alleles have been found for all of the Mdh loci except the migration modifier, and electrophoretically "null" or near "null" alleles (as expressed in standardized sections of maize coleoptile) have been found for all loci except Mdh4. Duplicate inheritance commonly occurs for Mdh1 and Mdh2 and also for Mdh4 and Mdh5.——Inter- and intragenic heterodimers are formed between sub-units specified by the three loci governing the mitochondrial MDH isozymes. The same is true of the alleles and nonalleles at the two loci governing the soluble variants. No such heterodimers are formed by interactions between mitochondrial and soluble MDH isozymes.     

New Insights on Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Population Genetics of Leishmania (Viannia) Parasites Based on Multilocus Sequence Analysis

The Leishmania genus comprises up to 35 species, some with status still under discussion. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST)—extensively used for bacteria—has been proposed for pathogenic trypanosomatids. For Leishmania, however, a detailed analysis and revision on the taxonomy is still required. We have partially sequenced four housekeeping genes—glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD)—from 96 Leishmania (Viannia) strains and assessed their discriminatory typing capacity. The fragments had different degrees of diversity, and are thus suitable to be used in combination for intra- and inter-specific inferences. Species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected, but not for all species; ambiguous sites indicating heterozygosis were observed, as well as the putative homozygous donor. A large number of haplotypes were detected for each marker; for 6PGD a possible ancestral allele for L. (Viannia) was found. Maximum parsimony-based haplotype networks were built. Strains of different species, as identified by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), formed separated clusters in each network, with exceptions. NeighborNet of concatenated sequences confirmed species-specific clusters, suggesting recombination occurring in L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis. Phylogenetic analysis indicates L. lainsoni and L. naiffi as the most divergent species and does not support L. shawi as a distinct species, placing it in the L. guyanensis cluster. BURST analysis resulted in six clonal complexes (CC), corresponding to distinct species. The L. braziliensis strains evaluated correspond to one widely geographically distributed CC and another restricted to one endemic area. This study demonstrates the value of systematic multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) for determining intra- and inter-species relationships and presents an approach to validate the species status of some entities. Furthermore, it contributes to the phylogeny of L. (Viannia) and might be helpful for epidemiological and population genetics analysis based on haplotype/diplotype determinations and inferences.     

Genetic Control and Linkage Relationships among Aminopeptidases in Maize

Maize aminopeptidase is coded by four genes. Amp1 and Amp2 have been localized to chromosome 1. A three-point cross shows the gene order to be Amp2—15%—Amp1—33%—Adh2 (alcohol dehydrogenase). Amp3 and Amp4 assort independently of each other and of chromosome 1 aminopeptidases. Another linkage relationship among the maize genes Amy2 (amylase), Cat1 (catalase), and Amp3 exists, but the chromosome location has yet to be established unequivocally.     

Evidence for linkage between glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyl transferase loci in Chinese hamster cells

G6PD and 6PGD activities were determined in diploid, hyperdiploid, tetraploid, and hybrid cells all originating from the same Chinese hamster cell line (the DON line). A relationship between gene multiplicity and enzyme activity has been observed. The same enzymes were studied in hybrid cells cultivated in selective media. Selection was carried out against and for the HGPRT⁺ locus. The differences in G6PD and 6PGD activities between the cell lines found under these conditions indicate a positive linkage of the G6PD and HGPRT loci and negative linkage of the 6PGD and HGPRT loci in these Chinese hamster cells.     

The Inheritance of Enzyme Variants for Tyrosine Aminotransferase, Nadp-Dependent Malate Dehydrogenase, Nadp-Dependent Isocitrate Dehydrogenase, and Tetrazolium Oxidase in TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS, Syngen 1

The isozymic patterns of tyrosine aminotransferase, NADP malate dehydrogenase, NADP isocitrate dehydrogenase, and tetrazolium oxidase were examined by starch-gel electrophoresis in Tetrahymena pyriformis, syngen 1. The genetics of the alleles controlling these enzymes was studied through a breeding program. Each enzyme locus was shown to assort vegetatively, as do other loci in this organism. A detailed analysis of the assortment process for the tyrosine aminotransferase locus indicated that the rate of stabilization of heterozygotes into pure types was essentially identical to previously-reported rates for other loci.     

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from the Human Pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi Evolved Unique Structural Features to Support Efficient Product Formation

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is the key enzyme supplying reducing power (NADPH) to the cells, by oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), and in the process providing a precursor of ribose-5-phosphate. G6PDH is also a virulence factor of pathogenic trypanosomatid parasites. To uncover the biochemical and structural features that distinguish TcG6PDH from its human homolog, we have solved and analyzed the crystal structures of the G6PDH from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcG6PDH), alone and in complex with G6P. TcG6PDH crystallized as a tetramer and enzymatic assays further indicated that the tetramer is the active form in the parasite, in contrast to human G6PDH, which displays higher activity as a dimer. This quaternary structure was shown to be particularly stable. The molecular reasons behind this disparity were unveiled by structural analyses: a TcG6PDH-specific residue, R323, is located at the dimer–dimer interface, critically contributing with two salt bridges per subunit that are absent in the human enzyme. This explains why TcG6PDH dimerization impaired enzyme activity. The parasite protein is also distinct in displaying a 37-amino-acid extension at the N-terminus, which comprises the non-conserved C8 and C34 involved in the covalent linkage of two neighboring protomers. In addition, a cysteine triad (C53, C94 and C135) specific of Kinetoplastid G6PDHs proved critical for stabilization of TcG6PDH active site. Based on the structural and biochemical data, we posit that the N-terminal region and the catalytic site are highly dynamic. The unique structural features of TcG6PDH pave the way toward the design of efficacious and highly specific anti-trypanosomal drugs.     

Genetic studies on free-ranging macaques of Cay Santiago. II. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and NADH-methemoglobin reductase (NADH-diaphorase).

For the population of 395 semi-free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that inhabited Cayo Santiago in 1976, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase phenotypes of 378 animals were determined. Three phenotypes, controlled by two autosomal codominant alleles,PGD^A andPGD^B, were found by electrophoretic methods. The frequencies of the alleles are 0.898 and 0.102, respectively. The population, composed of five troops and peripheral males, is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at this locus. The allele frequencies at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus in the population in 1976 were compared with frequencies in 1973; a statistically significant difference was found in one troop. The phenotypes of NADH-methemoglobin reductase (NADH-diaphorase) were determined electrophoretically for 372 animals. These phenotypes are probably the products of two autosomal codominant alleles,Dia¹ andDia², with frequencies of 0.786 and 0.214, respectively. The population is in equilibrium at this locus also. Tests of homogeneity at the dehydrogenase and reductase loci indicate that the allele frequencies are significantly different among the five troops in the population. Observed and expected phenotypic ratios in progeny were compared at the dehydrogenase and the reductase loci. The only significant deviation from expectation occurs among offspring of mothers heterozygous at the reductase locus. The observed distributions of alleles at the 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus and the NADH-methemoglobin reductase locus are probably the results of stochastic processes.     

Maternal effect and embryonic gene expression for lactate dehydrogenase B (LDH-B), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and peptidase (PEP-1) during the development of Pleurodeles waltl (urodele amphibian)

The polymorphism of three enzymes [lactate dehydrogenase B (LDH-B), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, (G6PDH), and peptidase-1 (PEP-1)] in Pleurodeles waltl has allowed the expression of the corresponding loci to be followed during the development of spawnings arising from various crosses. A maternal effect lasting up to the late tail-bud stage (approx. stage 28) was shown for PEP-1. A similar situation was observed for LDH-B and G6PDH. The embryonic alleles present retarded expression: from about stage 28 for PEP-1 and G6PDH and from about stages 22 to 24 (the young tail-bud stage) for LDH-B.     

Linkage group VI of fish of the genus Xiphophorus (Poeciliidae): Assignment of genes coding for glutamine synthetase,uridine monophosphate kinase,and transferrin

Electrophoretic variation ascribable to three protein-coding loci, coding for glutamine synthetase (GS), uridine monophosphate kinase (UMPK), and transferrin (Tf), was observed in three species of fish of the genus Xiphophorus. Electrophoretic patterns in interspecific F1 hybrid heterozygotes suggested monomeric subunit structures of UMPK and Tf and a multimeric structure of undetermined subunit number of GS. Linkage analyses in backcross hybrids indicated a recombination map of GS-0%-Tf-10.8%-UMPK. This group (designated Xiphophorus linkage group VI) was shown to assort independently from the 14 enzyme loci assigned to linkage groups I-V and from 19 other informative markers within the limits of the data.     

Genetic Analyses of "Paranoiac" Mutants of PARAMECIUM TETRAURELIA

Six mutants of Paramecium tetraurelia with curious "Paranoiac" phenotypes have been isolated and examined. Instead of the normal transient avoiding reactions in Na⁺ solutions, these mutants show "violent avoidances"—backing continuously for 10 to over 60 sec. This behavior corresponds to prolonged membrane excitation.—Genetic analyses establish five genic loci at which mutations give the "Paranoiac" phenotype. Close linkage between two of these genes occurs. Allelic variants are found for two of the genes. In one case, the two alleles determine very different behavioral phenotypes ("Paranoiac" and "fast-2"). These results show that the mechanism(s) which shuts off excitation in the wild-type membrane is (are) complex, but in the future may be fruitfully pursued in mutants which are defective.     

The P2X7 receptor is a key modulator of aerobic glycolysis

Ability to adapt to conditions of limited nutrient supply requires a reorganization of the metabolic pathways to balance energy generation and production of biosynthetic intermediates. Several fast-growing cells overexpress the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) for extracellular ATP. A feature of this receptor is to allow growth in the absence of serum. We show here that transfection of P2X7R allows proliferation of P2X7R-transfected HEK293 (HEK293-P2X7) cells not only in the absence of serum but also in low (4 mM) glucose, and increases lactate output compared with mock-transfected HEK293 (HEK293-mock) cells. In HEK293-P2X7, lactate output is further stimulated upon addition of exogenous ATP or the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). In the human neuroblastoma cell line ACN, lactate output is also dependent on P2X7R function. P2X7R-expressing cells upregulate (a) the glucose transporter Glut1, (b) the glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), (c) phosphofructokinase (PFK), (d) pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and (e) pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDHK1); furthermore, P2X7R expression (a) inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, (b) increases phosphorylated Akt/PKB and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression and (c) enhances intracellular glycogen stores. In HEK293-P2X7 cells, glucose deprivation increases lactate production, expression of glycolytic enzymes and ph-Akt/PKB level. These data show that the P2X7R has an intrinsic ability to reprogram cell metabolism to meet the needs imposed by adverse environmental conditions.     

Partial deficiency of red cell 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase: A family study

Summary A family with partial deficiency of erythrocytic 6PGD is described. Biochemical and electrophoretic analysis suggest that the partial deficiency is due to a silent PGD ⁰ allele.Chromosomal analysis and assay of closely linked markers do not reveal a grossly detectable deletion.Abbreviations used in this paper G6PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase - GSSGR glutathione reductase - PK pyruvate kinase - GSH glutathione - PGM phosphoglucomutase     

Holozygosity for sex-linked genes in males of the termiteIncisitermes schwarzi

The termite Incisitermes schwarzi has multiple sex chromosomes that have arisen by repeated translocations between autosomes and previously existing sex chromosomes. Two sex-linked allozyme loci--Acp-1 and Est-3--are holozygous, not hemizygous, in males (the heterogametic sex). Both loci show less than 1% crossing-over between X and Y chromosomes, and alleles of both are in marked disequilibrium with respect to X vs Y linkage. The two loci assort independently in female meiosis, indicating that they lie on different sex chromosomes. But they are tightly linked in male meiosis because of nonrandom assortment of the multiple X and Y chromosomes in males of this species. The findings of holozygosity and strong linkage disequilibrium suggest that differential selection in the two sexes at or near these loci may be responsible for the establishment of the translocations in this species. The existence of active Y-linked alleles also suggests that the translocations may have occurred recently.