Evidence for the localization of a malignant hyperthermia susceptibility locus (MHS2) to human chromosome 17q.

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is a lethal autosomal dominant disorder of skeletal muscle metabolism that is triggered by all potent inhalation anesthetic gases. Recent linkage studies suggest a genetic locus for this disorder on 19q13.1. We have previously reported three unrelated families diagnosed with MHS that are unlinked to markers surrounding this locus on 19q13.1. In this report we extend these observations and present linkage studies on 16 MHS families. Four families (25%) were found linked to the region 19q12-q13.2 (Zmax = 2.96 with the ryanodine receptor at theta = 0.0). Five families (31%) were found closely linked to the anonymous marker NME1 (previously designated NM23) on chromosome 17q11.2-q24 (Zmax = 3.26 at theta = 0.0). Two families (13%) were clearly unlinked to either of these chromosomal regions. In five additional families, data were insufficient to determine their linkage status (they were potentially linked to two or more sites). The results of our heterogeneity analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that MHS can be caused in humans by any one of at least three distinct genetic loci. Furthermore, we provide preliminary linkage data suggesting the localization of a gene in human MHS to 17q11.2-q24 (MHS2), with a gene frequency of this putative locus approximately equal to that of the MHS1 locus on 19q.     

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.     

Significant evidence for linkage of mite-sensitive childhood asthma to chromosome 5q31-q33 near the interleukin 12 B locus by a genome-wide search in Japanese families

Childhood-onset asthma is frequently found in association with atopy. Although asthmatic children may develop IgE antibodies against variety of allergens, asthma is associated primarily with allergy to house-dust mites, molds, or other allergens. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide linkage search in 47 Japanese families (197 members) with more than two mite-sensitive atopic asthmatics (65 affected sib-pairs) using 398 markers. Multipoint linkage analysis was carried out for atopic asthma as a qualitative trait using the MAPMAKER/SIB program. We observed significant evidence for linkage with maximum lod scores (MLS) of 4.8 near the interleukin 12 B gene locus on chromosome 5q31-q33. In addition, suggestive evidence on 4q35 with MLS = 2.7 and on 13q11 with MLS = 2.4 was obtained. The other possible linkage regions included 6p22-p21.3 (MLS = 2.1), 12q21-q23 (MLS = 1.9), and 13q14.1-q14.3 (MLS = 2.0). Many of the linkage loci suggested in this study were at or close to those suggested by genome-wide studies for asthma in Caucasian populations. The present study suggests the contribution of the interleukin 12 B gene or nearby gene(s) to mite-sensitive atopic asthma and a considerable number of genetic variants common across Caucasians and Japanese populations contributing to asthma, although the relative importance of various variants may differ between the groups.     

Assignment of 128 genes localized on human chromosome 14q to the IMpRH map

To provide a gene-based comparative map and to examine a porcine genome assembly using bacterial artificial chromosome-based sequence, we have attempted to assign 128 genes localized on human chromosome 14q (HSA14q) to a porcine 7000-rad radiation hybrid (IMpRH) map. This study, together with earlier studies, has demonstrated the following. (i) 126 genes were incorporated into two SSC7 RH linkage groups by C artha G ene analysis. (ii) In the remaining two genes, TOX4 linked to TCRA located in SSC7 by two-point analysis, whereas SIP1 showed no significant linkage with any gene/marker registered in the IMpRH Web Server. (iii) In the two groups, the gene clusters located from 19.9 to 36.5 Mb on HSA14q11.2-q13.3 and from 64.0 to 104.3 Mb on HSA14q23-q32.33 respectively were assigned to SSC7q21-q26. (iv) Comparison of the gene order between the present RH map and the latest porcine sequence assembly revealed some inconsistencies, and a redundant arrangement of 16 genes in the sequence assembly.     

Conserved physical linkage of GnRH-R and RBM8 in the medaka and human genomes

Candidate genes for human type II gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-RII) reside on two separate loci, 1q12-q21 and 14q21-23, yet neither locus generates functional GnRH-RII. Instead, their opposite DNA strands encode functional RNA-binding motif protein 8 (RBM8s), which is also encoded by another locus, 5q13-q14. To elucidate the mechanism through which such multiple human GnRH-RII/RBM8 loci arose, here we have defined an RBM8 locus in a comparative model species, the medaka Oryzias latipes. The medaka RBM8, which exists as a single copy gene, is linked to, but does not overlap with, GnRH-R2 on linkage group (LG) 16, demonstrating the ancient origin of the physical linkage between GnRH-R and RBM8. The medaka LG 16 contains orthologous segments to the human chromosome 1 and therefore the 1q12-q21 locus would be an originating human GnRH-RII/RBM8 segment. Furthermore, like the human RBM8s on 1q12-q21 and 5q13-q14 but not that on 14q21-q23, the medaka RBM8 is a multiexon gene, indicating that the 14q21-q23 and 5q13-q14 loci were generated by retrotransposition and segmental genomic duplication, respectively, of the originating 1q12-q21 locus.     

Localization of a gene for autosomal recessive distal renal tubular acidosis with normal hearing (rdRTA2) to 7q33-34

Failure of distal nephrons to excrete excess acid results in the "distal renal tubular acidoses" (dRTA). Early childhood features of autosomal recessive dRTA include severe metabolic acidosis with inappropriately alkaline urine, poor growth, rickets, and renal calcification. Progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is evident in approximately one-third of patients. We have recently identified mutations in ATP6B1, encoding the B-subunit of the collecting-duct apical proton pump, as a cause of recessive dRTA with SNHL. We now report the results of genetic analysis of 13 kindreds with recessive dRTA and normal hearing. Analysis of linkage and molecular examination of ATP6B1 indicated that mutation in ATP6B1 rarely, if ever, accounts for this phenotype, prompting a genomewide linkage search for loci underlying this trait. The results strongly supported linkage with locus heterogeneity to a segment of 7q33-34, yielding a maximum multipoint LOD score of 8.84 with 68% of kindreds linked. The LOD-3 support interval defines a 14-cM region flanked by D7S500 and D7S688. That 4 of these 13 kindreds do not support linkage to rdRTA2 and ATP6B1 implies the existence of at least one additional dRTA locus. These findings establish that genes causing recessive dRTA with normal and impaired hearing are different, and they identify, at 7q33-34, a new locus, rdRTA2, for recessive dRTA with normal hearing.     

A second locus for an axonal form of autosomal recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease maps to chromosome 19q13.3

Autosomal recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. The axonal form of the disease is designated as "CMT type 2" (CMT2), and one locus (1q21.2-q21.3) has been reported for the autosomal recessive form. Here we report the results of a genomewide search in an inbred Costa Rican family (CR-1) affected with autosomal recessive CMT2. By analyzing three branches of the family we detected linkage to the 19q13.3 region, and subsequent homozygosity mapping defined shared haplotypes between markers D19S902 and D19S907 in a 5.5-cM range. A maximum two-point LOD score of 9.08 was obtained for marker D19S867, at a recombination fraction of.00, which strongly supports linkage to this locus. The epithelial membrane protein 3 gene, encoding a PMP22 homologous protein and located on 19q13.3, was ruled out as being responsible for this form of CMT. The age at onset of chronic symmetric sensory-motor polyneuropathy was 28-42 years (mean 33.8 years); the electrophysiological data clearly reflect an axonal degenerative process. The phenotype and locus are different from those of demyelinating CMT4F, recently mapped to 19q13.1-13.3; hence, the disease affecting the Costa Rican family constitutes an axonal, autosomal recessive CMT subtype (ARCMT2B).     

Genomewide scan and fine-mapping linkage studies in four European samples with bipolar affective disorder suggest a new susceptibility locus on chromosome 1p35-p36 and provides further evidence of loci on chromosome 4q31 and 6q24

We present the findings of a large linkage study of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) that involved genomewide analysis of 52 families (448 genotyped individuals) of Spanish, Romany, and Bulgarian descent and further fine mapping of the 1p34-p36, 4q28-q31, and 6q15-q24 regions. An additional sample of 56 German families (280 individuals) was included for this fine-mapping step. The highest nonparametric linkage scores obtained in the fine mapping were 5.49 for 4q31 and 4.87 for 6q24 in the Romany families and 3.97 for 1p35-p36 in the Spanish sample. MOD-score (LOD scores maximized over genetic model parameters) analysis provided significant evidence of linkage to 4q31 and at least borderline significance for the 1p and 6q regions. On the basis of these results and previous positive research findings, 4q31 and 6q24 should now be considered confirmed BPAD susceptibility loci, and 1p35-p36 is proposed as a new putative locus that requires confirmation in replication studies.     

Characterization of three novel human cadherin genes (CDH7, CDH19, and CDH20) clustered on chromosome 18q22-q23 and with high homology to chicken cadherin-7

Full-length coding sequences of two novel human cadherin cDNAs were obtained by sequence analysis of several EST clones and 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) products. Exons for a third cDNA sequence were identified in a public-domain human genomic sequence, and the coding sequence was completed by 3' RACE. One of the sequences (CDH7L1, HGMW-approved gene symbol CDH7) is so similar to chicken cadherin-7 gene that we consider it to be the human orthologue. In contrast, the published partial sequence of human cadherin-7 is identical to our second cadherin sequence (CDH7L2), for which we propose CDH19 as the new name. The third sequence (CDH7L3, HGMW-approved gene symbol CDH20) is almost identical to the mouse "cadherin-7" cDNA. According to phylogenetic analysis, this mouse cadherin-7 and its here presented human homologue are most likely the orthologues of Xenopus F-cadherin. These novel human genes, CDH7, CDH19, and CDH20, are localized on chromosome 18q22-q23, distal of both the gene CDH2 (18q11) encoding N-cadherin and the locus of the six desmosomal cadherin genes (18q12). Based on genetic linkage maps, this genomic region is close to the region to which Paget's disease was linked. Interestingly, the expression patterns of these three closely related cadherins are strikingly different.     

Chromosomal localization of human Na+, K+-ATPase alpha- and beta-subunit genes

Na+, K+-ATPase is a heterodimeric enzyme responsible for the active maintenance of sodium and potassium gradients across the plasma membrane. Recently, cDNAs for several tissue-specific isoforms of the larger catalytic alpha-subunit and the smaller beta-subunit have been cloned. We have hybridized rat brain and human kidney cDNA probes, as well as human genomic isoform-specific DNA fragments, to Southern filters containing panels of rodent X human somatic cell hybrid lines. The results obtained have allowed us to assign the loci for the ubiquitously expressed alpha-chain (ATP1A1) to human chromosome 1, region 1p21----cen, and for the alpha 2 isoform that predominates in neural and muscle tissues (ATP1A2) to chromosome 1, region cen----q32. A common PstI RFLP was detected with the ATP1A2 probe. The alpha 3 gene, which is expressed primarily in neural tissues (ATP1A3), was assigned to human chromosome 19. A fourth alpha gene of unknown function (alpha D) that was isolated by molecular cloning (ATP1AL1) was mapped to chromosome 13. Although evidence to date had suggested a single gene for the beta-subunit, we found hybridizing restriction fragments derived from two different human chromosomes. On the basis of knowledge of conserved linkage groups on human and murine chromosomes, we propose that the coding gene ATP 1B is located on the long arm of human chromosome 1 and that the sequence on human chromosome 4 (ATP 1BL1) is either a related gene or a pseudogene.     

Association of the widespread A149P hereditary fructose intolerance mutation with newly identified sequence polymorphisms in the aldolase B gene.

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a potentially fatal autosomal recessive disease resulting from the catalytic deficiency of fructose 1-phosphate aldolase (aldolase B) in fructose-metabolizing tissues. The A149P mutation in exon 5 of the aldolase B gene, located on chromosome 9q21.3-q22.2, is widespread and the most common HFI mutation, accounting for 57% of HFI chromosomes. The possible origin of this mutation was studied by linkage to polymorphisms within the aldolase B gene. DNA fragments of the aldolase B gene containing the polymorphic marker loci from HFI patients homozygous for the A149P allele were amplified by PCR. Absolute linkage to a common PvuII RFLP allele was observed in 10 A149P homozygotes. In a more informative study, highly heterozygous polymorphisms were detected by direct sequence determination of a PCR-amplified aldolase B gene fragment. Two two-allele, single-base-pair polymorphisms, themselves in absolute linkage disequilibrium, in intron 8 (C at nucleotide 84 and A at nucleotide 105, or T at 84 and G at 105) of the aldolase B gene were identified. Mendelian segregation of these polymorphisms was confirmed in three families. Allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridizations with probes for both sequence polymorphisms showed that 47% of 32 unrelated individuals were heterozygous at these loci; the calculated PIC value was .37. Finally, ASO hybridizations of PCR-amplified DNA from 15 HFI patients homozygous for the A149P allele with probes for these sequence polymorphisms revealed absolute linkage disequilibrium between the A149P mutation and the 84T/105G allele. These results are consistent with a single origin of the A149P allele and subsequent spread by genetic drift.     

Genetic and physical mapping of the human cannabinoid receptor gene to chromosome 6q14-q15

A cDNA encoding a G protein-coupled receptor that appears to mediate the behavioral effects of cannabinoids, the psychoactive ingredients of marijuana, has recently been cloned from rat cerebral cortex and expressed. We have now determined the genomic location of the human cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR) by a combination of genetic linkage mapping and chromosomal in situ hybridization. The segregation pattern of a CNR DNA polymorphism was analyzed in 508 individuals from two or three generations of 40 families. Linkage of CNR to chromosome 6 centromeric loci and to DNA markers on the long and short arms was detected. CNR was tightly linked to D6S27, which is known to be located at 6q (log10 odds ratio [lod score, Zmax] of 10.54 at a recombination fraction [theta] of 0.02). Close linkage was suggested between CNR and CGA, the locus for the alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (Zmax = 2.71 at theta = 0). Moreover, CNR was linked to the two markers 308/BamHI (theta = 0.14) and 308/TaqI (theta = 0.20) defining locus D6Z1, an extended, highly repetitive, and highly conserved sequence localized exclusively to centromeres of all chromosomes and enriched on chromosome 6. In situ hybridization using a biotinylated cosmid probe localizes the gene to 6q14-q15, thereby confirming the linkage analysis and defining a precise alignment of the genetic and cytogenetic maps.     

Evidence for locus heterogeneity in human autosomal dominant split hand/split foot malformation.

Split hand/split foot (SHSF; also known as ectrodactyly) is a human developmental disorder characterized by missing central digits and other distal limb malformations. An association between SHSF and cytogenetically visible rearrangements of chromosome 7 at bands q21-q22 provides compelling evidence for the location of a causative gene at this location, and the locus has been designated SHFD1. In the present study, marker loci were localized to the SHFD1 critical region through the analysis of somatic cell hybrids derived from individuals with SHSF and cytogenetic abnormalities involving the 7q21-q22 region. Combined genetic and physical data suggest that the order of markers in the SHFD1 critical region is cen-D7S492-D7S527-(D7S479-D7S491)-SHFD1-++ +D7S554-D7S518-qter. Dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms at three of these loci were used to test for linkage of SHSF to this region in a large pedigree that demonstrates autosomal dominant SHSF. Evidence against linkage of the SHSF gene to 7q21-q22 was obtained in this pedigree. Therefore, combined molecular and genetic data provide evidence for locus heterogeneity in autosomal dominant SHSF. We propose the name SHSF2 for this second locus.     

A novel locus for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis maps to chromosome 16q24.1-24.3

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is an uncommon autosomal dominant keratinization disorder with genetic heterogeneity characterized by multiple superficial keratotic lesions surrounded by a slightly raised keratotic border. Thus far, there have been three susceptible loci determined for DSAP and one locus for disseminated superficial porokeratosis (DSP), i.e. 12q23.2-24.1, 15q25.1-26.1, 1p31.3-p31.1 and 18p11.3. Moreover, the locus for porokeratosis palmaris plantaris et disseminata (PPPD) was mapped to 12q24.1-24.2, which overlapped with the first DSAP locus. Following the exclusion of these known loci in a four-generation Chinese DSAP family, we performed a genome-wide linkage analysis and identified a new locus on chromosome 16q24.1-24.3. The maximum two-point LOD score of 3.73 was obtained with the marker D16S3074 at a recombination fraction θ of 0.00. Haplotype analysis defined the critical 17.4-cM region for DSAP between D16S3091 and D16S413. This is regarded to be the forth locus for DSAP (DSAP4). ATP2C1 was sequenced as a candidate gene, however, no mutation was found. Further investigation for the genetic basis of DSAP is under way.     

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 the nucleotide excision repair gene ERCC6 to human chromosome 10q11-q21.

We have cloned the human DNA excision repair gene ERCC6 by virtue of its ability to correct the uv sensitivity of Chinese hamster overy cell mutant UV61. This mutant is a member of complementation group 6 of the nucleotide excision repair-deficient rodent mutants. By means of in situ hybridization and Southern blot analysis of mouse x human somatic cell hybrids, the gene was localized to human chromosome 10q11-q21. An RFLP detected within the ERCC6 locus can be helpful in linkage analysis.     

Localization of DNA probes with tight linkage to the cystic fibrosis locus by in situ hybridization using fibroblasts with a 7q22 deletion

Summary Five DNA probes known to originate from the region 7q22-q31 were sublocalized by in situ hybridization to metaphase preparations of fibroblasts having besides a normal chromosome 7, a homologue 7 with an apparent interstitial deletion of a large part of band q22. A flow cytometric chromosome analysis confirmed a loss of material from one of the homologues of chromosome 7. Four of the probes, B79a, 7C22,metH, and pJ3.11, have been shown to be closely linked to the cystic fibrosis (CF) locus. We localized probes B79a and 7C22 to the part of 7q22 involved in the deletion, whereasmetH and pJ3.11 could be assigned to band 7q31. Probe pJu28, for which polymorphisms have not yet been described, also appeared to derive from the latter band. Since pJ3.11 andmetH are most tightly linked to the CF locus, this disease locus is indirectly assigned to 7q31. A comparison of our findings with linkage data suggests a discrepancy between genetic and physical distances in the region 7q22-q31.     

Assignment of a gene (NEM1) for autosomal dominant nemaline myopathy to chromosome 1

Nemaline myopathy (NEM) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by the presence, in skeletal muscle, of nemaline rods composed at least in part of alpha-actinin. A candidate gene and linkage approach was used to localize the gene (NEM1) for an autosomal dominant form (MIM 161800) in one large kindred with 10 living affected family members. Markers on chromosome 19 that were linked to the central core disease gene, a marker at the complement 3 locus, and a marker on chromosome 1 at the alpha-actinin locus exclude these three candidate genes. The family was fully informative for APOA2, which is localized to 1q21-q23. NEM1 was assigned to chromosome 1 by close linkage for APOA2, which is localized to 1q21-q23. NEM1 was assigned to chromosome 1 by close linkage to APOA2, with a lod score of 3.8 at a recombination fraction of 0. Recombinants with NGFB (1p13) and AT3 (1q23-25.1) indicate that NEM1 lies between 1p13 and 1q25.1. In total, 47 loci were investigated on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7-11, 14, 16, 17, and 19, with no indications of significant linkage other than to markers on chromosome 1.