PMP22 overexpression causes dysmyelination in mice.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most frequent hereditary peripheral neuropathy in humans. Its prevalence is about one in 2500. A subform, CMT1A, is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. An estimated 75% of patients are affected. This disorder has been shown to be associated with the duplication of a 1.5 Mb region of the short arm of chromosome 17, in which the PMP22 gene has been mapped. We have constructed a murine model of CMT1A by inserting into the murine genome a human YAC containing peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) and its flanking controlling elements. We describe the behaviour of the C22 line (seven copies of YAC, 2.1 times PMP22 overexpression) during the myelination process. Electron microscopy, morphometry, electrophysiology, nerve conduction and expression of specific markers (e.g. Krox20) in normal and pathological Schwann cells demonstrated that PMP22 overexpression leads to a defect in the myelination of axons. The largest axons are the most affected. Only a few demyelination/remyelination processes were observed. Moreover, PMP22 overexpression probably enhances collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, before myelination, demonstrating that structures other than Schwann cells are affected by PMP22 overexpression. Classically, CMT1A was thought to be induced by a demyelination process following a phase of normal myelination, yet our data suggest that dysmyelination should be considered as a major factor for the disease.

Behavioural profiling of a murine Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A model.

Different features of motor behaviour were studied on a transgenic mouse model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth's disease (CMT). Mutants with 4 or 7 copies of the human PMP22 gene leading to a phenotype significantly close to CMT's disease type 1A were compared with control animals. The aim of the study was to validate this transgenic model and to characterise the impairments occurring in the various lines. Three main types of analysis were performed in 2-month-old mice without any peculiar visible deficit: (i) a study of standardised clinical tests (SHIRPA protocol) demonstrated that only a few motor deficits were expressed; (ii) a measurement of general spontaneous activity by means of a commercial video-tracking system was performed and revealed that the main spontaneous activities were identical in the three lines with, however, some slight localised modifications; and, (iii) by contrast, the three lines respond very differently to the footprints, grip strength, splay test and rotarod test. Even in lines with a significantly limited copy number of the transgene, we observed and quantified impairments. In conclusion, mutants of CMT1A seem to be a very pertinent model of this human pathology and will certainly be useful for therapeutic procedures and for theoretical studies on this disease.

Mapping of X chromosome inversion breakpoints [inv(X)(q11q28)] associated with FG syndrome: a second FG locus [FGS2]?

FG syndrome is an X-linked condition comprising mental retardation, congenital hypotonia, macrocephaly, distinctive facial changes, and constipation or anal malformations. In a linkage analysis, we mapped a major FG syndrome locus [FGS1] to Xq13, between loci DXS135 and DXS1066. The same data, however, clearly demonstrated genetic heterogeneity. Recently, we studied a French family in which an inversion [inv(X)(q12q28)] segregates with clinical symptoms of FG syndrome. This suggests that one of the breakpoints corresponds to a second FG syndrome locus [FGS2]. We report the results of fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis performed in this family using YACs and cosmids encompassing the Xq11q12 and Xq28 regions. Two YACs, one positive for the DXS1 locus at Xq11.2 and one positive for the color vision pigment genes and G6PD loci at Xq28, were found to cross the breakpoints, respectively. We postulate that a gene might be disrupted by one of the breakpoints.

Molecular dissection of the Schwann cell specific promoter of the PMP22 gene.

PMP22, one of the major components of myelin, is overexpressed in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) patients. In an attempt to determine the mechanisms by which the expression of this gene is regulated (with a view to lowering its expression in CMT1A patients), we subcloned genomic fragments covering 6kb of the promoter region in an expression vector containing the beta-galactosidase gene as reporter, and used these in transfection assays. We show that the 300bp upstream of the transcription start contain the elements required for Schwann cell specific expression of the reporter gene. This minimal promoter activity appears to be under the control of a silencer element sensitive to cAMP, located between -0.3kb and -3. 5kb from the start of transcription. Computer analysis of 2kb of the promoter predicted the presence of transcription factor binding sites, including CREB (which may be involved in the response of PMP22 expression to cAMP stimulation) and steroid receptors. Using constructs with or without the CREB sites, we were able to demonstrate that these sites are involved in silencing the PMP22 promoter activity. Lastly, we identified a region containing blocks of polymorphic CA repeats, located close to the CREB binding site, which may further influence the transcriptional activity of PMP22.

Correlation between varying levels of PMP22 expression and the degree of demyelination and reduction in nerve conduction velocity in transgenic mice.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A is most commonly caused by a duplication of a 1.5 Mb region of chromosome 17 which includes the peripheral myelin protein 22 gene (PMP22). Over-expression of this gene leads to a hypomyelinating/demyelinating neuropathy and to severely reduced nerve conduction velocity. Previous mouse and rat models have had relatively high levels of expression of the mouse or human PMP22 gene leading to severe demyelination. Here we describe five lines of transgenic mice carrying increasing copies of the human PMP22 gene (one to seven) and expressing increasing levels of the transgene. From histological and electrophysiological observations there appears to be a threshold below which expression of PMP22 has virtually no effect; below a ratio of human/mouse mRNA expression of approximately 0.8, little effect is observed. Between a ratio of 0.8 and 1.5, histological and nerve conduction velocity abnormalities are observed, but there are no behavioural signs of neuropathy. An expression ratio >1.5 leads to a severe neuropathy. A second observation concerns the histology of the different lines; the level of expression does not affect the type of demyelination, but influences the severity of involvement.

The human inward rectifying K+ channel Kir 2.2 (KCNJ12) gene: gene structure, assignment to chromosome 17p11.1, and identification of a simple tandem repeat polymorphism.

K+ channels are essential for a variety of cellular functions in both excitable and nonexcitable cells, and K+ channel gene alteration has been recently described in cardiac and neurological disorders. To explore further the relations between hereditary human diseases and K+ channels, we isolated from a human cosmid library the gene encoding the inwardly rectifying K+ channel alpha-subunit Kir 2.2 (KCNJ12). PCR analysis performed on this clone indicates that the entire open reading frame is contained in one unique exon. A polymorphic (CA)16 sequence was localized 2.2 kb upstream of the ATG start codon. Fluorescence in situ hybridization on human metaphases assigns the gene to band 17p11.1. The implication of a deletion of the Kir 2.2 gene in the Smith-Magenis syndrome, which is also localized at 17p11, is unlikely since a Kir 2.2-linked microsatellite sequence could be amplified from the DNA of a Smith-Magenis syndrome affected patient bearing a 17p interstitial deletion.

Construction of a mouse model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A by pronuclear injection of human YAC DNA.

Construction of animal models of human inherited diseases is particularly important for testing gene therapy approaches. Towards this end, we constructed a mouse model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A by pronuclear injection of a YAC containing the human PMP22 gene. In one transgenic line, the YAC DNA is integrated in about eight copies and the PMP22 gene is strongly expressed to give a peripheral neuropathy closely resembling the human pathology. The disorder is dominant, causes progressive weakness of the hind legs, and there is severe demyelination in the peripheral nervous system including the presence of onion bulb formations. This approach will be valuable for pathologies produced by over-expression of a gene including trisomy and amplification in cancer. Such models will be particularly useful for testing gene therapy approaches if the transgene is human.

Use of interspersed repetitive sequences-PCR products for cDNA selection.

In order to increase the efficiency of cDNA selection approaches, we describe the use of interspersed repetitive sequences-PCR (IRS-PCR) products to isolate genes from large-insert genomic clones. IRS-PCR is conducted on total yeast DNA containing a YAC of interest so that there is no need to purify the starting genomic clone. This enables the production of large amounts of genomic substrate for cDNA selection and allows the use of unstable YAC clones. Moreover, the hybridization of the IRS-PCR product to the cDNA clones after selection introduces a positive selection step. We tested these PCR products from YACs for the presence of exons, using cDNAs originating from seven different genes. In each case, at least one exon was present in the IRS-PCR product. We have applied this strategy to four YAC clones originating from the human X Chromosome (Chr). All the selected cDNAs, strongly positive with the IRS-PCR product, did indeed originate from a gene in the region covered by the YAC. In all cases, the previously known genes contained in the genomic clones have been isolated. In addition, we have isolated human genes that have already been described but not assigned to any chromosomal region.

Assignment of microsatellite sequences to the region duplicated in CMT1A (17p12): a useful tool for diagnosis.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), the most prevalent form of the peripheral hereditary neuropathies, has been associated with a duplication of a genomic segment of 1.5 Mb, located in 17p11.2. Recently, the same segment has been found to be deleted in patients with another peripheral neuropathy, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). Highly polymorphic markers are rare in this area, rendering the diagnosis highly dependent either on invasive examinations (like nerve biopsy) or not totally reliable (like gene dosage). Thus, we used a contig of YACs, including the whole region duplicated in CMT1A, to map highly polymorphic microsatellite loci, designed in Genethon. We showed that four of these loci are located in the duplicated region, allowing us to propose them as diagnostic markers for CMT1A and HNPP.

Assignment of a Polycomb-like chromobox gene (CBX2) to human chromosome 17q25.

A human clone corresponding to the homologue of the murine Polycomb-like gene M33 has been used to map this gene (CBX2) to human chromosomes. Both somatic cell hybrid panels and FISH on metaphase chromosomes have been used. These techniques gave a consistent localization, at the tip of the long arm of chromosome 17 (17q25). This localization, as well as the potential role of a mammalian Polycomb-like protein, suggests a potential involvement in two different pathologies: the campomelic syndrome, an inherited disorder, and neoplastic disorders linked to allele loss already described in this region.

Relationship between Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A and Smith-Magenis regions. snU3 may be a candidate gene for the Smith-Magenis syndrome.

The juxtacentromeric region of the human chromosome 17 short arm (17p11.2-p12) contains genes involved in the Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A disease (CMT1A) and the Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). CMT1A is associated with a duplication of a short segment whereas SMS is linked to microdeletions, extending toward the centromere. We describe the construction and analysis of a 5 Mb YAC contig spanning the CMT1A duplicated segment and the distal part of four SMS microdeletions. We concluded that the YAC contig contains about 1Mb of genomic DNA which is deleted in the four SMS patients analysed. Moreover two YACs contain both STS deleted in SMS (U3) and STS duplicated in CMT1A (5H5), but the proximal breakpoint associated with the CMT1A duplication is not the same as the distal SMS breakpoint we studied. Finally we located five new STS in SMS deletion. Two of them, a microsatellite (D17S805(23)) and the gene coding for small nuclear RNA U3, have been localized in the contig we described. We may also note that snU3 is the first expressed sequence localized in an SMS deletion so far. The possible participation of this gene in the SMS phenotype is discussed.

A new human hypervariable locus (K29) maps to the q37.3 region of chromosome 2 and reveals a fingerprint.

A human genomic library was screened with a 30-base oligomer corresponding to the 5' end of the human calretinin cDNA. A clone that contains a minisatellite composed of 21 imperfect repeats of a 37-bp sequence was isolated. The consensus (GAGGGAGGAACTGGGACGCGTGCATGTTTGCATTCTC) incidentally shares 14 consecutive matches with the oligomer used as a probe, and it was shown that the clone did not belong to the calretinin locus. The minisatellite, named K29, was used as a probe on Southern blots at high stringency. After HaeIII, MboI, or HinfI digestion, it detected a single hypervariable locus, with 65% heterozygosity among Caucasian individuals. The probe used at low stringency revealed a fingerprint, with an average of four bands in addition to the locus-specific pattern. Mendelian inheritance was assessed on pedigrees. The K29 minisatellite was mapped by in situ hybridization to the very end of the long arm of chromosome 2 (2q37.3 band), at close proximity of the Fra2J locus, and is referred to as the D2S88 locus in the genome database.

Chromosomal mapping of A1 and A2 adenosine receptors, VIP receptor, and a new subtype of serotonin receptor.

cDNA clones encoding four new receptors of the G-protein-coupled receptor family were obtained by selective amplification and cloning from thyroid cDNA and termed RDC1, RDC4, RDC7, and RDC8. RDC7 and RDC8 have recently been identified as A1 and A2 adenosine receptors, respectively. These cDNAs were utilized for chromosomal in situ hybridization to establish the genomic location of the corresponding genes in man. The results indicate that human RDC1, RDC4, RDC7, and RDC8 are in regions 2q37, 1p34.3-1p36.3, 22q11.2-22q13.1, and 11q11-11q13, respectively.

Human elastin gene: new evidence for localization to the long arm of chromosome 7.

In this study we have utilized human elastin cDNAs in molecular hybridizations to establish the chromosomal location of the human elastin gene. First, in situ hybridizations were performed with metaphase chromosomes from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes. In three separate experiments using two different regions of human elastin cDNAs, the distribution of grains was found to be concentrated on the long arm of chromosome 7 within the [q11.1-21.1] region, and the peak number of grains coincided with the locus 7q11.2. Second, hybridizations with a panel of human-rodent cell hybrids showed concordance with human chromosome 7. Third, PCR analyses with elastin-specific primers of DNA from a hybrid cell line containing chromosome 7 as the only human chromosome yielded a product of the expected size, while DNA containing human chromosome 2, but not chromosome 7, did not result in a product. The results indicate that the human elastin gene is located in the proximal region of the long arm of chromosome 7. The precise localization of the elastin gene in the human genome is useful in establishing genetic linkage between inheritance of an allele with a mutated elastin gene and a heritable disorder.

The human calbindin D28k (CALB1) and calretinin (CALB2) genes are located at 8q21.3----q22.1 and 16q22----q23, respectively, suggesting a common duplication with the carbonic anhydrase isozyme loci.

The genes encoding calbindin D28k (CALB1) and calretinin (CALB2), two closely related calcium-binding proteins, were mapped by in situ hybridization to the 8q21.3----q22.1 and 16q22----q23 regions of the human genome, respectively. These localizations match the chromosomal regions where the carbonic anhydrase isozyme gene cluster (CA1, CA2, CA3) and the related gene CA7 have been described, respectively. This suggests a common duplication o the calbindin/calretinin and the carbonic anhydrase ancestral genes.

Composition and chromosomal localization of the small multigene family encoding mouse U3B nucleolar RNA.

U3 small nucleolar RNA, which is believed to play a role in eukaryotic rRNA processing, is encoded by a small family of genes (5-10 copies/haploid genome) in mammals. In mouse, functional genes encoding the major U3B RNA form have been isolated, with all copies identified so far having evolved in a tightly concerted fashion. However, knowledge of the precise number and relative localization of all gene-family members has been hampered by the presence of multiple copies of U3B-processed pseudogenes in the mouse genome. In this study, we took advantage of a probe that is specific for functional U3B genes to address this question, using both Southern hybridization of genomic DNA and in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes. We show that the mouse haploid genome contains four functional U3B genes, all of which are clustered in a single chromosomal locus. They map to the C-D bands of mouse chromosome 11, within one of the most extended segments of gene-linkage conservation known between the mouse and human genomes, corresponding to a major portion of human chromosome 17. By contrast, the multiple (nonfunctional) U3 retrogenes are dispersed over several mouse chromosomes.

In situ mapping of the muscle-specific form of phosphoglycerate mutase gene to human chromosome 7p12-7p13.

A 2.3-kb-long probe derived from the 5' flanking region, the first exon and part of the first intron of the human muscle-specific phosphoglycerate mutase gene (PGAM-M) (EC 5.4.2.1) was used to map the gene by "in situ" chromosomal hybridization. The structural gene for PGAM-M was assigned to chromosome 7p12-7p13; a single hybridization peak indicated that there is a single gene for this isozyme of PGAM, and confirmed results obtained by Southern blot hybridization.

Fine mapping of the long arm of human chromosome 11 by in situ hybridization using different translocations, including the t(11;22) of Ewing sarcoma.

The progesterone receptor gene (PGR), the gene coding for porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), the gene coding for a neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the oncogene ETS1, and the anonymous genomic sequence D11S29 have been previously located on the long arm of chromosome 11. However, gene localizations obtained with different gene-mapping procedures have led to occasional discrepancies. To localize these genes more precisely, we hybridized five human DNA sequences with different chromosomal rearrangements, including four balanced and one unbalanced translocations. We show here that the order of these five sequences is cen-PGR-PBGD-DIIS29/NCAM/ETS1-tel.