Chromosomal localization of four human zinc finger cDNAs

cDNA clones encoding zinc finger motifs were isolated by screening human placenta and T-cell (Peer) cDNA libraries with zinc finger (ZNF) consensus sequences. Unique cDNA clones were mapped in the human genome by rodent-human somatic cell hybrid analysis and in some cases in situ chromosomal hybridization. ZNF 80 mapped to 3p12-3qter, ZNF 7 was previously mapped to 8q24 and is here shown by in situ hybridization and use of appropriate hybrids to map telomeric to the MYC locus. ZNF 79 mapped to 9q34 centromeric to the ABL gene and between a constitutional chromosomal translocation on the centromeric side and the CML specific ABL translocation on the telomeric side. ZNF77 mapped to 19p while ZNF 78L1 (pT3) mapped to 19q. Chromosome 19 carries many ZNF loci and other genes with zinc finger encoding motifs; the pT3 clone additionally detected a locus designated ZNF 78L2, which mapped to chromosome region 1p, most likely in the region 1p32 where the MYCL and JUN loci map.     

Variability in host plant resistance of Sorghum to Striga Hermonthica infestation in West Africa

Fourteen elite sorghum lines were evaluated for their resistance to Striga hermonthica at three locations in Nigeria and Mali. Results showed that many of the lines especially MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64 (Keninkédié) and the check SRN 39 remained resistant to Striga in all locations with low emerged Striga counts, while SAMSORG 14 had the highest Striga infestation in all locations. Considerable variation in reaction to Striga infestation was observed on Séguètana, 97-SB-F5DT-63 (Wasa), 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 38, CMDT 39 and CMDT 45 which were susceptible to Striga at Samaru, Nigeria but were resistant to Striga at both locations in Mali. Based on low Striga resistance and high grain yield, lines MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64, 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 39 and SAMSORT 14 have been nominated for wider evaluation across more West African countries.     

Genetics of pituitary tumors: Focus on G-protein mutations

In recent years the demonstration that human pituitary adenomas are monoclonal in origin has provided further evidence that pituitary neoplasia arise from the replication of a single mutated cell in which growth advantage results from either activation of proto-oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. While common oncogenes, such as Ras, are only exceptionally involved, the only mutations identified in a significant proportion of pituitary tumors, and particular in GH-secreting adenomas, occur in the Gsalpha gene (GNAS1) and cause constitutive activation of the cAMP pathway (gsp oncogene). Moreover, pituitary tumors overexpress hypothalamic releasing hormones, growth factors, and their receptors as well as cyclins involved in cell cycle progression. As far as the role of tumor suppressor genes in pituitary tumorigenesis is concerned, reduced expression of these genes seems to frequently occur in pituitary tumors as a consequence of abnormal methylation processes. Although the only mutational change so far identified in pituitary tumors is the gsp oncogene, this oncogene is not associated with a clear phenotype in patients bearing positive tumors. Mechanisms able to counteract the cAMP pathway, such as high sensitivity to somatostatin, and induction of genes with opposite actions, such as phosphodiesterases, CREB end ICER, or instability of mutant Gsalpha, have been proposed to account for the lack of genotype/phenotype relationships.     

Membrane-anchorage of Cripto protein by glycosylphosphatidylinositol and its distribution during early mouse development

cripto is the original member of the family of EGF-CFC genes, recently recognized as novel extracellular factors essential for vertebrate development. During the early stages of mouse gastrulation, cripto mRNA is detected in mesodermal cells; later, cripto mRNA is detected only in the truncus arteriosus of the developing heart. Here we describe the in vivo distribution of Cripto protein throughout mouse embryo development and show that cripto mRNA and protein colocalize. By means of immunofluorescence analysis and biochemical characterization, we show that Cripto is a membrane-bound protein anchored to the lipid bilayer by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety. We suggest that presentation of Cripto on the cell surface via a GPI-linkage is important in determining the spatial specificity of cell–cell interactions that play a critical role in the early patterning of the embryo.     

Bartonella spp. Bacteremia in Blood Donors from Campinas,Brazil

Bartonella species are blood-borne, re-emerging organisms, capable of causing prolonged infection with diverse disease manifestations, from asymptomatic bacteremia to chronic debilitating disease and death. This pathogen can survive for over a month in stored blood. However, its prevalence among blood donors is unknown, and screening of blood supplies for this pathogen is not routinely performed. We investigated Bartonella spp. prevalence in 500 blood donors from Campinas, Brazil, based on a cross-sectional design. Blood samples were inoculated into an enrichment liquid growth medium and sub-inoculated onto blood agar. Liquid culture samples and Gram-negative isolates were tested using a genus specific ITS PCR with amplicons sequenced for species identification. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence. B. henselae was isolated from six donors (1.2%). Sixteen donors (3.2%) were Bartonella-PCR positive after culture in liquid or on solid media, with 15 donors infected with B. henselae and one donor infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae. Antibodies against B. henselae or B. quintana were found in 16% and 32% of 500 blood donors, respectively. Serology was not associated with infection, with only three of 16 Bartonella-infected subjects seropositive for B. henselae or B. quintana. Bartonella DNA was present in the bloodstream of approximately one out of 30 donors from a major blood bank in South America. Negative serology does not rule out Bartonella spp. infection in healthy subjects. Using a combination of liquid and solid cultures, PCR, and DNA sequencing, this study documents for the first time that Bartonella spp. bacteremia occurs in asymptomatic blood donors. Our findings support further evaluation of Bartonella spp. transmission which can occur through blood transfusions.