Es-6, a further polymorphic esterase in the rat

A further polymorphic rat esterase with broad tissue expression and restricted substrate specificity is described and tentatively called Es-6. Inbred rat strains have either fixed allele Es-6^F or fixed allele Es-6^S. Es-6 is not linked to the established esterase cluster consisting of the eight esterase loci Es-1, Es-2, Es-3M, Es-4M, Es-4W, Es-5 (=Es-3W), Es-7, and Es-8 in LG V of the rat or to RT1, Gc, c, a, and h. Esterases with apparently identical biochemical and genetical characteristics are Es-17 of the mouse and Es-A4 of humans.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Be 352/13 and Gu 105).     

Kidney esterases of Mus musculus: Further polymorphism of esterase-6, esterase-9, and a new esterase,esterase-20

The comparison of results obtained by different separation and staining techniques permits the definition of esterase-6 in comparison with esterase-9 and a new esterase, esterase-20. Alleles of Es-6 affect the product's ability to aggregate. Esterase-20 may be an aggregated product of Es-9. The close linkage of Es-6 and Es-9 is confirmed. Homology of esterase-6 with esterases from other mammalian species is also suggested.HRN was supported by the Medical Research Council. This is communication No. 32 of a research program devoted to the cellular distribution, genetics, and regulation of nonspecific esterases.     

Biochemical genetics of Es-14 (formerly Es-Si) and a new esterase variation,Es-15, of the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus): Biochemistry,tissue expression,and linkage to Es-1 in linkage group V

The segregation of rat esterases controlled by loci residing in linkage group V (LGV) has been studied in two backcross series, (LEW/Han × BN/Han)F₁ × LEW/Han and (LEW/Han × LE/Han)F₁ × LEW/Han. Es-14 (formerly Es-Si) was shown to be closely linked to Es-1. A new esterase locus, Es-15, was described which codes for a liver isozyme. The distribution pattern of three alleles at the Es-15 locus is presented for 52 independent inbred strains. Close linkage of Es-15 to Es-14 and to Es-1 was established, proposing the following gene order: [Es-2, Es-10]—[ES-1, ES-14, ES-15]. The esterase loci on LGV are thus separated into two gene clusters, cluster 1 and cluster 2. These conclusions are supported by the strain distribution patterns of the two RI strain series, LXB and DXE.Otto von Deimling was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (De 315/2-1, communication No. 56).     

Esterase-30 (ES-30) of the house mouse: Biochemical characterization and genetics of a new carboxylesterase isozyme linked to cluster-2 loci on chromosome 8

A new carboxylesterase isozyme (EC 3.1.1.1), designated ES-30, is described in mouse liver. Two phenotypes were distinguished, ES-30A, a possible null type, was found in SPE/Pas and in other lines derived fromMus spretus, and ES-30B was found in BALB/cJ and other laboratory inbred strains. ES-30B is characterized by a distinct electrophoretic band when stained using 5-bromoindoxyl acetate as the substrate. After isolation and purification from other esterases by ion-exchange chromatography and molecular sieving, the molecular mass was estimated by two independent methods to be 62 and 64 kDa, respectively. The activity of ES-30B is higher in adult males than in females and can be stimulatedin vivo by testosterone. The distribution of phenotypes on the progeny of a backcross series suggests a separate locus,Es-30, with the allele a for absence andb for presence of the isozyme. LocusEs-30 is shown to be closely linked toEs-2 and toEs-7 of cluster-2 on chromosome 8. The gene orderEs-9—Got-2—(Es-2, Es-7, Es-30) is suggested. This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. This is communication No. 72 of a research program devoted to the cellular distribution, genetics, and regulation of nonspecific esterases.     

Linkage analyses among five esterase loci in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus)

A cluster of esterase loci has been identified on a segment of a rat linkage group V; however, the linear order of all the loci has not been established. We estimated the recombination frequencies of two locus combinations among five esterase loci (Es-1, Es-2, Es-3, Es-4, and Es-Si) and the linear order of the loci by using three sets of backcross matings: (1) (K:W × IS) × IS, (2) (K:W × IS) × IS, and (3) (SHR × W) × W). The linear order was determined to be Es-1-Es-4-Es-2-Es-3-Es-Si, although the order of Es-2 and Es-4 remains tentative. The sexinfluenced esterase (Es-Si) was demonstrated to be distinct from Es-1 and was proposed to be Es-Si locus with two alleles of Es-Si ^a (positive) and Es-Si ^b (null).This work was partly supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, No. 339020 (1978), from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan.     

Genetics of formamidase-5 (brain formamidase) in the mouse: Localization of the structural gene on chromosome 14

A single formamidase, which is different from the formamidases found in other tissues, occurs in the brains of mice. This enzyme is here called formamidase-5 and the gene symbol is designated For-5. Two alleles are recognized on the basis of their differential heat sensitivity: For-5 ^b is relatively heat stable and is present in strain C57BL/6J, while For-5 ^d is relatively heat sensitive and is present in strain DBA/2J. The heat sensitivity of formamidase-5 in 44 other inbred strains and substrains was tested and found to resemble that of C57BL/6J or DBA/2J. Thirty-six recombinant inbred strains derived from progenitors that differed at For-5 were studied to test for single-gene inheritance and linkage with other loci. Complete concordance was found with the esterase-10 locus (Es-10), indicating close linkage. The 99% upper confidence limit of the distance between For-5 and Es-10 is 3.7 centimorgans (cM). Es-10 is located on chromosome 14 about 19 cM from the centromere. An independent demonstration of linkage of For-5 with Es-10 and another chromosome 14 marker, hairless (hr), is provided by the finding that the HRS/J strain, which has been sibmated for 60 generations with forced heterozygosity at the hr locus, is cosegregating at For-5 and Es-10. A survey of 32 inbred strains and substrains revealed that the For-5 ^d allele is associated with the Es-10 ^b allele, and that the For-5 ^b allele is associated with Es-10 ^a and Es-10 ^c. Formamidase-5 segregates as expected in the F₂ generation of crosses between strains bearing For-5 ^b and For-5 ^d alleles. It is possible that this unique formamidase of the brain is involved in the metabolism of a neurotransmitter substance.This research was sponsored in part by the Department of Energy under contract with the Union Carbide Corporation and in part by NIH Research Grant GM-18684 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. J. C. F. is a predoctoral Fellow supported by Grant CA 09104 from the National Cancer Institute. The Biology Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Jackson Laboratory are fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.     

Genetic polymorphism of the sixth component of complement (C6) in mice

Immunofixation after isoelectric focusing revealed two forms of mouse C6, C6A and C6M, both of which consist of two major protein bands and one or more acidic minor bands. They were distinguishable by their different isoelectric point (pI) ranges: C6M has more acidic pI ranges (pH < 6.2) than C6A (pH < 6.3). C6A was found in common inbred mice of Mus musculus domesticus, while C6M was found in inbred and wild mice of M. m. molossinus (Japanese wild mice, an Asian subspecies). Breeding experiments showed that these two forms of C6 were controlled by a single codominant autosomal locus. We propose the designation C-6 for this locus with two alleles, C-6 ^a and C-6 ^m , which encode for C6A and C6M, respectively. Linkage analysis indicated that the locus is not closely linked to the following loci: Idh-1, agouti, Amy-1, brown, Gpd-1, Mup-1, Pgm-2, Pgm-1, albino, Hbb, Es-1, Mod-1, Sep-1, Es-3, Igh-1, beige, Es-10, Sod-1, and C-3.     

Biochemical genetics of rat esterases: Polymorphism,tissue expression,and linkage of four loci

Two alleles at each of four esterase loci in Rattus norvegicus are described with regard to tissue expression, electrophoretic characterization, and genetic linkage. A previously described dominant gene for prealbumin serum esterase is demonstrated to exist as two codominant alleles in the genetically determined absence of the characteristic albumin esterase. The allelic composition of 16 inbred strains for four esterase genes is provided, and the heretofore ambiguous nomenclature of rat esterase genetics is standardized. Linkage of Es-1, Es-2, and Es-3 is demonstrated. Es-2 and Es-3 are tightly linked in that no recombination has been observed in 55 offspring. The same offspring demonstrated 9% recombination between Es-1 and the other two loci.This work was supported by a grant from the Brown-Hazen Fund of Research Corporation.     

A biochemical and ecological study of plasma esterase polymorphism in natural populations of the field vole,Microtus agrestis L.

Starch gel electrophoresis of plasma from wild individuals of Microtus agrestis L., the field vole, has revealed widespread polymorphism for the presence or absence of a particular esterase, referred to as E₁. The active forms of the enzyme hydrolyze a wide range of substrates and are resistant to inhibition by eserine, the organophosphate Diazinon, and to appropriate heat treatment. Breeding tests suggest four alleles: Es-1 ^o which, when homozygous, results in complete absence of enzyme activity; Es-1 ^a andEs-1 ^b which control equal activity but differences in electrophoretic mobility; and Es-1 ^c which has double the activity of either Es-1 ^a or Es-1 ^b ,but the same mobility as Es-1 ^a .A sensitive method has been developed of measuring E₁ activity in free solution, with interfering effects of other esterases being eliminated by differential inhibition. Quantitative estimates of activity in laboratory-reared voles of known ages and genotype showed that homozygotes and heterozygotes can be separated with a fair degree of confidence. There is a small but significant negative regression of activity on age. No sex differences have been detected. There is evidence of residual variation in activity of uncertain origin. Comparison of phenotype frequency in widely separated Scottish populations suggests that the polymorphism is balanced. Phenotypic frequencies have been systematically studied in natural populations in relation to ecology, season of the year, and the cycle of population density. There is strong evidence of a population-density-dependent selection in favor of animals without E₁ enzyme activity, judged by the difference in frequency before and after the peak density. There is also evidence of selection in the opposite direction due to differences in survival during the winter. These opposing selective pressures are believed to contribute to the polymorphism, although other factors are not excluded.     

Genetic control of two esterases of rat plasma (Rattus norvegicus)

Three electrophoretic variants of plasma esterase in the albumin zone, presumably carboxylesterase, have been demonstrated in 250 rats representing a laboratory population of Wistar rats. Electrophoretic variants of the enzyme are believed to be controlled by two codominant alleles at the autosomal locus referred to as Es-2. The variant of carboxylesterase represented by a fast-migrating single band on starch gel electrophoresis is determined by the gene named Es-2 ^a, whereas the slow-migrating variant, represented by two bands, is under control of the allelic gene Es-2 ^b. Animals with Es-2 ^a/Es-2 ^b genotype have three bands of carboxylesterase in the albumin zone. Genetically determined polymorphism of plasma esterase, presumably carboxylesterase, in the prealbumin zone was shown in both laboratory and wild populations of rats. Breeding tests suggest that the gene referred to as Es-1 ^a, responsible for the presence of carboxylesterase in the prealbumin zone, is inherited dominantly, whereas animals homozygous for the allele Es-1 ^b locked this esterase fraction.     

Genetic variation and biochemical properties of esterase-18 (ES-18) in the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus): A new locus of esterase cluster 2 in linkage group V

A new liver-specific rat carboxylesterase isozyme (EC 3.1.1.1) designated esterase-18 (ES-18) is described. Genetic variation of ES-18 was examined in 93 inbred strains and substrains and a structural locusEs-18 was suggested, coding for either the presence (Es-18 ^a) or the absence (Es-18 ^b) of the isozyme. Linkage studies involving two backcross series revealed thatEs-18 resides in cluster 2 of LGV. No recombination betweenEs-18 and other cluster 2 loci was found in 19 lines of two RI strain sets or in the backcross series.R. K. was supported by the Sonderforschungsbereich 146 (Versuchstierforschung). O.D. was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (De 315/2). This is communication No. 65 of a research program devoted to the cellular distribution, regulation, and genetics of nonspecific esterases.     

Esterase polymorphisms in Microtus ochrogaster: interaction and linkage

Three polymorphic loci have been identified in the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster. Together they control a group of plasma esterases which can be separated using starch gel electrophoresis. A structural locus, Es-1, produces an enzyme which from genetic evidence appears to be a dimer. The allele Es-1 ^a produces a wholly active subunit, and homozygotes give a single enzyme band. The product of the second allele, Es-1 ^o, cannot form active enzyme on its own but will dimerize with the Es-1 ^a subunit, giving a hybrid enzyme with a slower electrophoretic mobility than the pure Es-1 ^a enzyme. The third allele, Es-1 ^–, has no detectable product. A second structural locus, Es-2, is linked to Es-1. The allele Es-2 ^a produces a single enzyme band, but the second allele Es-2 ^– has no detectable product. A modifier locus, Me, changes the mobility of the Es-1 enzymes. Me ^f is dominant over me ^s, and in homozygotes for me ^s the mobility is reduced.This work was supported by National Science Foundation Grant GB6273.This is contribution No. 869 from that Department.     

Genetic characterization of esterase 28 (ES-28) of the house mouse

The genetics of esterase-28, the major esterase of cauda epididymidis of the house mouse, has been studied after separation by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. Four phenotypes are distinguished. Segregation ofEs-28 in two backcross series indicated linkage to Es-1, Es-9, and Es-22. The Es-28 locus was placed into esterase cluster 1 on chromosome 8.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.This is communication No. 69 of a research program devoted to the cellular distribution, genetics, and regulation of nonspecific esterases.     

Mapping of nucleoside phosphorylase (Np-1) and esterase 10 (Es-10) on mouse chromosome 14

A method for detecting two alleles at Np-1 (nucleoside phosphorylase) and three alleles at Es-10 (esterase 10) from mouse blood by cellulose acetate electrophoresis is described. The allelic constitution at these loci for 44 inbred strains and stocks was determined. The location of Np-1 on chromosome 14 was established by backcross experiments in which alleles at Np-1 and Robertsonian translocations were segregating. Es-10 was shown to be linked to Np-1, and the following genetic map of Chr 14 was constructed: centromere-(8.9±4.0 cM)-[Np-1, Wc]-(10.2±1.9 cM)-Es-10-(15.5±3.7 cM)-s. The homologous human loci, NP and ES-D, are not linked.This work was supported by Contract E(11-1)-3267 with the Energy Research and Development Administration, by Contracts NO1-ES4-2156 and NO1-ES4-2159 with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and by Grants GM 19656 and GM 20919 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. D. A. K. was a participant in the 1975 Summer Program for College, Graduate, and Medical Students, which was supported, in part, by the Clark Foundation. The Jackson Laboratory is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.     

Esterase-29 (ES-29): Biochemical characterization and control by two independent gene loci of a testosterone-dependent mouse serum esterase

Biochemistry and genetics of a testosterone-dependent murine serum esterase designated esterase-29 (ES-29) are described. The enzyme was identified after disc electrophoresis and subsequent staining for esterase using -naphthyl acetate as the substrate. It was inhibited by bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate and was resistant top-chlorophenylsulphonate and hence was classified as carboxylesterase EC 3.1.1.1. The molecular mass was estimated to be about 130 kDa. It was shown that ES-29 is under the control of two independent genes. The first, termed Es-29, is suggested to be a structural locus, linked to the cluster-2 esterase loci on chromosome 8. Three alleles atEs-29, Es-29 ^a, Es-29^b, andEs-29 ^care distinguished, which determine absence (SEG/1), strong activity (BALB/cJ), and low activity (MOLH/Fre), respectively. The second locus, termedMse-1 (serum esterase modifying factor), was found to be closely linked toPre-2 on chromosome 12 and is suggested to be a modifying or regulatory gene. Two alleles were distinguished,Mse-1 ^a(BALB/cJ) andMse-1 ^m(MOL3/JA, CasBgr), which determine whether ES-29 appears as a single band or a double band, respectively.Mse-1 ^mis dominant toMse-1 ^a.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. This is communication No. 70 of a research program devoted to the cellular distribution, genetics, and regulation of nonspecific esterases.     

The genetics of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in mice: A single gene difference between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J

Twenty-one inbred strains of mice were surveyed for inducibility of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity by the carcinogen 3-methylcholanthrene (MC). In 11 strains given MC, AHH activity increased 1.3- to 5-fold (inducible), whereas ten strains responded with a less than 0.5-fold increase (noninducible). Neither the inducible nor the noninducible class was homogeneous, and in each considerable variation was found in both the basal activity of AHH and the response to MC. Strains DBA/2J and C57BL/6J were chosen to represent the noninducible and inducible classes, respectively. In the crosses (C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F₁ × DBA/2 and (C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F₂, inducibility segregated as a single autosomal dominant gene. The gene symbols Ahh ⁱ and Ahh ⁿ are proposed for the alleles present in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J, respectively. No genetic linkage was found between the Ahh locus and the following loci: b, d, Es-1, Es-3, Gpd-1, Hbb, Id-1, Pgm-1, and sex. Some implications of this work in the study of mammalian enzyme induction and chemically induced carcinogenesis are discussed. There is a positive correlation between AHH inducibility and the development of an inflammatory response to the topical application of the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene.     

New polymorphisms of esterase 7 and esterase 8 in inbred strains of rats: Tissue expression and linkage studies

Two new esterase polymorphisms (Es-7 and Es-8) were identified in the testis homogenate of laboratory rats, Rattus norvegicus, by using discontinuous gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Es-7 expressed two phenotypes: ES-7A (fast) and ES-7B (slow). Es-8, which migrated in the cathodal region rather than the ES-7 region, also expressed two phenotypes: ES-8A (fast) and ES-8B (slow). Linkage tests among Es-2, Es-7, and Es-8 were made from backcross progeny of the mating (LEJ/Hkm × T/Hok)F₁ × LEJ/Hkm. One recombinant in 51 progeny tested was observed between Es-2 and Es-7; however, recombination between Es-2 and Es-8 was not observed in the same progeny. In addition, we show that the esterase polymorphisms of Es-5 in liver homogenate and Es-3 in small intestine homogenate are identical.     

Biochemical polymorphism in the rat: Genetics of three electrophoretic variants and characterization of inbred strains

Nine inbred strains of the rat (Rattus norvegicus) were screened for differences in electrophoretically detectable proteins. Interstrain variation was observed for 7 of 26 proteins. Three of these variants have not been described previously: leucine aminopeptidase (Lap-1), major urinary protein (Mup-1), and seminal vesicle protein (Svp-2). Genetic analysis revealed two autosomal alleles for each of these polymorphisms. The loci Lap-1, Mup-1, and Svp-2 are linked neither to one another nor to the previously described Svp-1 and Es-4 loci. Each of the nine strains can be identified now by a specific set of monogenic markers.     

Serum esterase genetics in rats: Two new alleles at Es-2, a new esterase regulated by hormonal factors,and linkage of these loci to the Ag-C blood group locus

Two new alleles at the Es-2 locus are described which determine electrophoretic variants of serum esterases of rats. A new esterase protein is described which is detectable in sera of sexually mature females of the appropriate genotype. Evidence is presented for genetic linkage between the Ag-C blood group locus and Es-1, Es-2, and the locus controlling the sex-influenced protein. Since the Ea-1 blood group locus of mice is linked to four esterase loci, it is suggested that Ag-C is the rat homologue of the mouse Ea-1 locus.This work was supported by U.S.P.H.S. Grants AI-09275, CA-15146, and CA-10097.     

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (Np) in the mouse: Linkage relationship of Np-2 to esterase-10 (Es-10) and Np-1 on chromosome 14

An improved method for detecting four Np-1 (purine nucleoside phosphorylase) alleles in mouse erythrocytes by cellulose acetate electrophoresis is described. The previous linkage of Np-1 and Es-10 (esterase-10) was confirmed, with a map distance of 13.0±2.6 cM. Np-2 was detected by either specific activity assay or starch gel electrophoresis and shown to be linked to Es-10, 15.9 ± 3.1 cM, on chromosome 14. No recombinants between Np-1 and Np-2 were observed in 52 offspring, indicating either that these loci are either closely associated or that Np-2 represents simply a property of existing allelic products of the Np-1 locus.This research was supported by Medical Research Council of Canada grants to F.G.B. and F.F.S.