Detection of two allotype-(Ig-1)-linked minor histocompatibility loci by the use ofH-2-restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes in congenic mice

Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) were generated betweenIg-1-congenic strains BALB/c(H-2^d,Ig-1^a) andC.B-17(H-2^d,Ig-1^b) by cross-immunization in both directions and rechallenge in vitro. The effector cell populations specifically lysed target cells sharing both theH-2 haplotype and theIg-1 allele of the sensitizing strain. B- and T-cell blasts were equally good targets, suggesting thatH-2-restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes are not directed against serologically defined conventional allotypic determinants, but probably against minor histocompatibility antigens controlled by genes linked to theIg-1 complex. Competition experiments using cold target cells from a series ofIg-1^b-congenic strains of the BALB/c background (BAB-14, C.B-17, C.B-26) revealed two not yet described minor histocompatibility loci linked to theIg-1 complex: We could demonstrate that BALB/c anti-C.B-17 effector cells recognize at least two distinct antigenic determinants on C.B-17 target cells, but only one on target cells from BAB-14, which carries a recombinantIg-1 complex. From these results we conclude that one of the minor histocompatibility antigens, designated as H(C_H), is encoded by a gene linked to the heavy-chain constant-region (C_H) genes, whereas the second minor histocompatibility antigen, designated as H(V_H), is coded for by a gene linked to the heavy-chain variable-region (V_H) genes. These two new genetic markers may be useful for further analysis of the mouseIg-1 complex because the analysis of the H(C_H) and H(V_H) genes may facilitate the search for recombinants in that chromosomal region.     

Integration of the feline radiation hybrid and linkage maps

The recent development of genome mapping resources for the domestic cat provides a unique opportunity to study comparative medicine in this companion animal which can inform and benefit both veterinary and human biomedical concerns. We describe here the integration and order comparison of the feline radiation hybrid (RH) map with the feline interspecies backcross (ISB) genetic linkage map, constructed by a backcross of F₁ hybrids between domestic cat (Felis catus) and the Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). Of 253 microsatellite loci mapped in the ISB, 176 equivalently spaced markers were ordered among a framework of 424 Type I coding markers in the RH map. The integration of the RH and ISB maps resolves the orientation of multiple linkage groups and singleton loci from the ISB genetic map. This integrated map provides the foundation for gene mapping assessments in the domestic cat and in related species of the Felidae family. Received: 10 July 2000 / Accepted: 01 February 2001     

RAG-dependent recombination at cryptic RSSs within TEL-AML1 t(12;21)(p13;q22) chromosomal translocation region

The recombination activating gene (RAG) is a lymphoid-specific endonuclease involved in the V(D)J recombination. It has long been proposed that mis-targeting of RAG proteins is one of the factors contributing to lymphoid chromosomal translocation bearing authentic recombination signal sequences (RSSs) in immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) gene loci or cryptic RSSs (cRSSs). However, it is unclear whether primary sequence-dependent targeting mistake involved in the chromosomal translocation bearing no Ig/TCR gene loci is mediated by RAG proteins. Using an extrachromosomal recombination assay, we found RAG-dependent recombination in the regions dense in breakpoints within TEL and AML1 gene loci related to acute lymphoid leukemia-associated t(12;21)(p13;q22) chromosomal translocation. Sequence analyses revealed several heptamer-like sequences located in the vicinity of RAG-dependent recombination sites. By chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ligation-mediated PCR (LM-PCR) assays, we have shown that RAG proteins bind to and cleave the TEL translocation region dense in breakpoints. These results suggest that mis-targeting of RAG proteins to cRSSs within TEL and AML1 translocation regions might be responsible for the t(12;21)(p13;q22) chromosomal translocation not bearing Ig/TCR regions.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)

 We have identified, isolated, and characterized microsatellite/simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) by screening partial genomic libraries. We have also examined the compatibility and use of the P. tremuloides SSR primers to resolve microsatellites in other Populus species. Fourteen microsatellites were identified from 1600 clones screened. The TC/AG microsatellites were the most abundant. A total of 29 alleles were detected in 36 P. tremuloides individuals at the four SSR loci (two each of di- and tri-nucleotide repeats) characterized. The number of alleles at the SSR loci ranged from 5 to 11, with an average of 7.25 alleles per locus, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.19 to 0.82, with a mean of 0.46 per locus. Although the highest polymorphism was observed for a dinucleotide SSR locus, the trinucleotide SSR loci showed substantial polymorphism. There were 34 unique multilocus genotypes among the 36 P. tremuloides individuals examined, and 89% of the individuals had unique multilocus genotypes. Two pairs of SSR primers were successful in PCR, amplifying genomic DNA and resolving microsatellites of comparable size from Populus deltoides, P. nigra, P.×canadensis, and P. maximowiczii. The microsatellite DNA markers developed could be used for clonal fingerprinting, certification of controlled crosses, genome mapping, marker-assisted early selection, genetic diversity assessments, and conservation and sustainable management of poplar genetic resources. Received: 14 November 1997 / Accepted: 17 November 1997     

Molecular mapping around the centromere of tomato chromosome 6 using irradiation-induced deletions

 Irradiation-induced deletion mapping was exploited to construct a detailed locus-order map around the centromere of tomato chromosome 6 (CEN  6). An F₁ hybrid heterozygous for the marker loci thiamineless (tl), yellow virescent (yv) and potato leaf (c), and homozygous recessive for the nematode resistance gene mi, was pollinated with γ-irradiated pollen from cultivar VFNT Cherry carrying the wild-type alleles at the corresponding loci. A dose of 100 Gy was found optimal for inducing mutants. By screening for pseudo-dominant plants showing the marker phenotypes and/or nematode susceptibility, 30 deletions encompassing one or more of the four loci were detected in the M₁ generation. Molecular-marker analysis revealed that 29 of these mutants included the tl and mi loci on the short arm and originated from terminal deletions of different sizes. Remarkably, the breakpoints of these deletions were not randomly distributed along the short arm but located within the centromeric heterochromatin. Only one yv interstitial deletion and no c mutations on the long arm of the chromosome were detected. Mapping of the various chromosomal breakpoints in the isolated mutants permitted the resolution of a cluster of molecular markers from the centromeric heterochromatin that was hitherto unresolvable by genetic linkage analysis. The usefulness of such a deletion-mapping approach for whole-genome mapping is discussed. Received: 4 March 1997 / Accepted: 2 June 1997     

Immunoglobulin light chain class multiplicity and alternative organizational forms in early vertebrate phylogeny

The prototypic chondrichthyan immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain type (type I) isolated from Heterodontus francisci (horned shark) has a clustered organization in which variable (V), joining (J), and constant (C) elements are in relatively close linkage (V-J-C). Using a polymerase chain reaction-based approach on a light chain peptide sequence from the holocephalan, Hydrolagus colliei (spotted ratfish), it was possible to isolate members of a second light chain gene family. A probe to this light chain (type II) detects homologs in two orders of elasmobranchs, Heterodontus, a galeomorph and Raja erinacea (little skate), a batoid, suggesting that this light chain type may be present throughout the cartilaginous fishes. In all cases, V, J, and C regions of the type II gene are arranged in closely linked clusters typical of all known Ig genes in cartilaginous fishes. All representatives of this type II gene family are joined in the germline. A third (kappa-like) light chain type from Heterodontus is described. These findings establish that a degree of light chain class complexity comparable to that of the mammals is present in the most phylogenetically distant extant jawed vertebrates and that the phenomenon of germline-joined (pre-rearranged) genes, described originally in the heavy chain genes of cartilaginous fishes, extends to light chain genes.     

Who's behind that mask and cape? The Asian leopard cat's Agouti (ASIP) allele likely affects coat colour phenotype in the Bengal cat breed

Coat colours and patterns are highly variable in cats and are determined mainly by several genes with Mendelian inheritance. A 2‐bp deletion in agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is associated with melanism in domestic cats. Bengal cats are hybrids between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), and the charcoal coat colouration/pattern in Bengals presents as a possible incomplete melanism. The complete coding region of ASIP was directly sequenced in Asian leopard, domestic and Bengal cats. Twenty‐seven variants were identified between domestic and leopard cats and were investigated in Bengals and Savannahs, a hybrid with servals (Leptailurus serval). The leopard cat ASIP haplotype was distinguished from domestic cat by four synonymous and four non‐synonymous exonic SNPs, as well as 19 intronic variants, including a 42‐bp deletion in intron 4. Fifty‐six of 64 reported charcoal cats were compound heterozygotes at ASIP, with leopard cat agouti (A^Pbe) and domestic cat non‐agouti (a) haplotypes. Twenty‐four Bengals had an additional unique haplotype (A2) for exon 2 that was not identified in leopard cats, servals or jungle cats (Felis chaus). The compound heterozygote state suggests the leopard cat allele, in combination with the recessive non‐agouti allele, influences Bengal markings, producing a darker, yet not completely melanistic coat. This is the first validation of a leopard cat allele segregating in the Bengal breed and likely affecting their overall pelage phenotype. Genetic testing services need to be aware of the possible segregation of wild felid alleles in all assays performed on hybrid cats.     

Use of intercross outbred mice and single nucleotide polymorphisms to map skin cancer modifier loci

Car-R and Car-S outbred mouse lines, phenotypically selected for resistance and susceptibility to skin carcinogenesis respectively, show significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) at genetic markers mapping on chromosomal regions where skin cancer modifier loci (Skts3, Skts1, and Psl1 on Chrs 5, 7, and 9 respectively) have been mapped in standard crosses. Analysis of these regions for genetic linkage with skin cancer phenotypes in 245 (Car-R × Car-S)F₂ intercross mice, by using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), revealed significant linkage at a possible allelic form of the Skts1 locus, whose mapping region was shortened to a <5.5-cM interval near the Tyr locus. The Car-derived Skts1 locus was linked with papilloma multiplicity and latency by a recessive inheritance of the susceptibility allele. Putative loci on Chr 5 (Skts3) and 9 (Psl1) showed no significant linkage. These results point to the important role of the Stks1 locus in mouse skin tumorigenesis in independent crosses. The shortened Skts1 mapping region should facilitate the identification of candidate genes. Received: 23 June 2000 / Accepted: 22 November 2000     

Insertional polymorphisms of endogenous feline leukemia viruses

The number, chromosomal distribution, and insertional polymorphisms of endogenous feline leukemia viruses (enFeLVs) were determined in four domestic cats (Burmese, Egyptian Mau, Persian, and nonbreed) using fluorescent in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid mapping. Twenty-nine distinct enFeLV loci were detected across 12 of the 18 autosomes. Each cat carried enFeLV at only 9 to 16 of the loci, and many loci were heterozygous for presence of the provirus. Thus, an average of 19 autosomal copies of enFeLV were present per cat diploid genome. Only five of the autosomal enFeLV sites were present in all four cats, and at only one autosomal locus, B4q15, was enFeLV present in both homologues of all four cats. A single enFeLV occurred in the X chromosome of the Burmese cat, while three to five enFeLV proviruses occurred in each Y chromosome. The X chromosome and nine autosomal enFeLV loci were telomeric, suggesting that ectopic recombination between nonhomologous subtelomeres may contribute to enFeLV distribution. Since endogenous FeLVs may affect the infectiousness or pathogenicity of exogenous FeLVs, genomic variation in enFeLVs represents a candidate for genetic influences on FeLV leukemogenesis in cats.     

Flagellar region 3b supports strong expression of integrated DNA and the highest chromosomal integration efficiency of the Escherichia coli flagellar regions

The Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli is routinely used as the chassis for a variety of biotechnology and synthetic biology applications. Identification and analysis of reliable chromosomal integration and expression target loci is crucial for E. coli engineering. Chromosomal loci differ significantly in their ability to support integration and expression of the integrated genetic circuits. In this study, we investigate E. coli K12 MG1655 flagellar regions 2 and 3b. Integration of the genetic circuit into seven and nine highly conserved genes of the flagellar regions 2 (motA, motB, flhD, flhE, cheW, cheY and cheZ) and 3b (fliE, F, G, J, K, L, M, P, R), respectively, showed significant variation in their ability to support chromosomal integration and expression of the integrated genetic circuit. While not reducing the growth of the engineered strains, the integrations into all 16 target sites led to the loss of motility. In addition to high expression, the flagellar region 3b supports the highest efficiency of integration of all E. coli K12 MG1655 flagellar regions and is therefore potentially the most suitable for the integration of synthetic genetic circuits.     

The development and mapping of functional markers in Fragaria and their transferability and potential for mapping in other genera

We have developed 46 primer pairs from exon sequences flanking polymorphic introns of 23 Fragaria gene sequences and one Malus sequence deposited in the EMBL database. Sequencing of a set of the PCR products amplified with the novel primer pairs in diploid Fragaria showed the products to be homologous to the sequences from which the primers were originally designed. By scoring the segregation of the 24 genes in two diploid Fragaria progenies FV × FN (F. vesca × F. nubicola F₂) and 815 × 903BC (F. vesca × F. viridis BC₁) 29 genetic loci at discrete positions on the seven linkage groups previously characterised could be mapped, bringing to 35 the total number of known function genes mapped in Fragaria. Twenty primer pairs, representing 14 genes, amplified a product of the expected size in both Malus and Prunus. To demonstrate the applicability of these gene-specific loci to comparative mapping in Rosaceae, five markers that displayed clear polymorphism between the parents of a Malus and a Prunus mapping population were selected. The markers were then scored and mapped in at least one of the two additional progenies.     

Rapid cloning of any rearranged mouse immunoglobulin variable genes

Immunoglobulins (Ig) have been the focus of extensive study for several decades and have become an important research area for immunologists and molecular biologist. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology has accelerated the cloning, sequencing, and characterization of genes of the immune system. However, cloning and sequencing the Ig variable (V) genes using the PCR technology has been a challenging task, primarily due to the very diverse nature of Ig V region genes. We have developed a simple, rapid, and reproducible PCR-based technique to clone any rearranged mouse Ig heavy or light chain genes. A close examination of all Ig heavy and light chain V gene families has resulted in the design of 5 and 3 universal primers from regions that are highly conserved across all heavy or light chain V gene families, and the joining or constant regions, respectively. We present our strategy for designing universal primers for Ig V gene families. These primers were able to rapidly amplify the rearranged Ig V genes, belonging to diverse Ig V gene families from very different cell lines, i.e., J558, MOPC-21, 36–60, and a chicken ovalbumin specific B-cell hybridoma. In addition, the present study provides the complete alignment of nucleotide sequences of all heavy and light chain variable gene families. This powerful method of cloning Ig V genes, therefore, allows rapid and precise analysis of B-cell hybridomas, B-cell repertoire, and B-cell ontogeny.The nucloetide sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to the EMBL/GenBank nucleotide sequence database and have been assigned the accession number U32111     

Marker-assisted congenic screening (MACS): A database tool for the efficient production and characterization of congenic lines

Over the past decades, genetic studies in rodent models of human multifactorial disorders have led to the detection of numerous chromosomal regions associated with disease phenotypes. Owing to the complex control of these phenotypes and the size of the disease loci, identifying the underlying genes requires further analyses in new original models, including chromosome substitution (consomic) and congenic lines, derived to evaluate the phenotypic effects of disease susceptibility loci and fine-map the disease genes. We have developed a relational database (MACS) specifically designed for the genetic marker-assisted production of large series of rodent consomic and congenic lines (speed congenics), the organization of their genetic and phenotypic characterizations, and the acquisition and archiving of both genetic and phenotypic data. This database, originally optimized for the production of rat congenics, can also be applied to mouse mapping projects. MACS represents an essential system for significantly improving efficiency and accuracy in investigations of multiple consomic and congenic lines simultaneously derived for different disease loci, and ultimately cloning genes underlying complex phenotypes.     

A genetic map of nine loci on bovine Chromosome 2

A male-specific genetic linkage map of nine loci on bovine Chromosome (Chr) 2 (BTA2) was constructed from 306 offspring belonging to six paternal halfsib families. Loci studied were the structural genes for liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), Gardner-Rasheed feline sarcoma (v-fgr) oncogene homolog (FGR), alpha-L-fucosidase 1 (FUCA1), and fibronectin 1 (FN1), and the microsatellite loci ARO28, DU17S2, DU17S3, DU17S4, and DU17S5. Genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for structural genes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the microsatellites. Two genetically independent linkage groups were identified. The order of genes in the first linkage group, L31, is (ARO28-FN1)-FGR-FUCA1-ALPL, covering a map distance of 34.1 cM between terminal markers. The second linkage group, L32, consists of DU17S2-DU17S5-DU17S4-DU17S3 and is 41.3 cM in length. Genetic linkage between FN1 and FGR confirms previous physical assignment of these genes to the same synteny group. Currently, the genetic linkage of FN1 and FGR is unique to cattle and thus localizes a site of chromosomal evolution to a 22-cM interval between the two loci.     

Ifg,Gli, Mdm1, Mdm2, and Mdm3: candidate genes for the mouse pg locus

Various genes that mapped to the distal end of Chromosome (Chr) 10 were considered as possible candidates for the mouse pygmy (pg) locus. Probes derived from Ifg, Gli, Mdm1, Mdm2 and Mdm3 (Mdm2 and Mdm3 are genes that are coamplified with Mdm1 on the same double minute chromosomes in 3T3DM cells) were used for Southern analysis of DNA from wild-type mice and various pg mutants. In addition, the chromosomal locations of Ifg, Gli, Mdm1, Mdm2, and Mdm3 were determined by interspecific backcross analysis with progeny derived from matings of [(C57BL/6J x Mus spretus)F₁ x C57BL/6J] mice. The mapping data indicate that the Mdm loci are linked to each other and to Ifg, pg, and Gli in the distal region of mouse Chr 10. Both the mapping data and the Southern analysis confirm that mdm1, Mdm2, Mdm3, Ifg, and Gli are distinct from pg.     

The thioester and isotypic sites of complement component C4 in sheep and cattle

The region inclusive of the thioester and the isotype-determining sites of the sheep C4 genes from a single animal was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two bands, at 880 base pairs (bp) and 1000 bp, were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis. Four different clones were obtained for the 880 bp (type 1) product and two from the 1000 bp (type 2) product. Two of the type 1 clones (type 1H) and both type 2 clones (type 2H) code for the PCPVIH sequence at the isotypic site whereas the other two type 1 clones (type 1D) code for the PFPVMD sequence. By restriction mapping and Southern blot analysis, there appears to be four C4 gene loci for the sheep: two type 1H, one type 1D, and one type 2H. The type 1H and type 2H genes are likely to code for proteins with C4B-like properties whereas the type 1D genes for proteins with C4A-like properties. The same region of the sheep C4 genes of nine other breeds of sheep are also amplified by PCR and analyzed by restriction mapping and Southern hybridization. Each of the sheep has type 1H, type 2H, and type 1D genes and appears to have four C4 gene loci except for the Orkney, which may have five. A single band of 880 bp was obtained from the PCR product from the genomic DNA of a single cow. Five different clones were identified, two of which code for the PFPVMD sequence and three for the PCPVIH sequence at the isotypic site, which is consistent with previous finding that C4 proteins with A- and B-like activities could be purified from the plasma of the same animal. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the isotype-determining region of the sheep and cattle C4 genes with those of the primates and mouse suggests that the C4A-like genes evolved independently in the primates and the ungulates. Correspondence to: S. K. A. Law.