Members of the olfactory receptor gene family are contained in large blocks of DNA duplicated polymorphically near the ends of human chromosomes.

We have identified three new members of the olfactory receptor (OR) gene family within a large segment of DNA that is duplicated with high similarity near many human telomeres. This segment is present at 3q, 15q, and 19p in each of 45 unrelated humans sampled from various populations. Additional copies are present polymorphically at 11 other subtelomeric locations. The frequency with which the block is present at some locations varies among populations. While humans carry seven to 11 copies of the OR-containing block, it is located in chimpanzee and gorilla predominantly at a single site, which is not orthologous to any of the locations in the human genome. The observation that sequences flanking the OR-containing segment are duplicated on larger and different sets of chromosomes than the OR block itself demonstrates that the segment is part of a much larger, complex patchwork of subtelomeric duplications. The population analyses and structural results suggest the types of processes that have shaped these regions during evolution. From its sequence, one of the OR genes in this duplicated block appears to be potentially functional. Our findings raise the possibility that functional diversity in the OR family is generated in part through duplications and inter-chromosomal rearrangements of the DNA near human telomeres.

A random DNA sequencing, computer-based approach for the generation of a gene map of molluscum contagiosum virus.

The genome of Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) has a high G + C content, which largely differs from those of vaccinia virus (VAC) and other characterized poxviruses. This has precluded the use of DNA hybridization for the identification of MCV genes and the further establishment of the virus genetic map. To circumvent this problem, we have partially sequenced clones containing virus restriction endonuclease fragments, which were derived by either single or double-digestion of genomic DNA from the subtype I of MCV. The DNA sequences were translated and used to search protein data bases. This analysis resulted in the finding of high-scoring matches to data base entries, including forty-five VAC genes. In addition, MCV-specific sequences that encoded protein domains of known function (i.e. DNA J domain) were found. The locations of MCV clones were inferred from the presumed colinearity of both MCV and VAC genomes, and further confirmed by PCR technology. The data presented here led to the construction of a partial genetic map of MCVI, which revealed that the order and orientation of a large number of MCV genes were equivalent to those of their VAC homologues. The conserved gene arrangement was apparently disrupted in the terminal regions, where MCV sequences showing homologies with the VAC counterparts were not found.

Detection and typing of molluscum contagiosum virus in skin lesions by using a simple lysis method and polymerase chain reaction.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the rapid detection and typing of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) was developed. The target DNA was a 393 base pair (bp) segment, which is present in the coding region of the MCV p43K gene product. Release of MCV DNA from skin lesions was performed by using a simple procedure that provided suitable template DNA for amplification, and allowed detection of MCV directly in clinical material. The PCR yielded a unique 393 bp product when MCV DNA was used as template. This product was not shown with DNA from other viruses and bacterial pathogens causing skin diseases. The specific PCR product was obtained with individual lesions from all patients clinically diagnosed with MCV infection, whereas no products were detected with skin samples from healthy individuals. Sequencing of this PCR product allowed determination of the virus subtype on the basis of previously described nucleotide differences between subtypes MCVI and MCVII. To avoid the sequencing process, a second PCR assay was developed, in which the target DNA sequence included a MCVI-specific recognition site for the restriction endonuclease BamHI. This PCR assay yielded a unique 575 bp product with lesions from either MCVI- or MCVII-infected patients. However, only the MCVI-derived product was susceptible to BamHI digestion, which generated two fragments of 291 and 284 bp, respectively. Amplification of specific MCV DNA sequences from single, individual lesions provides a sensitive and reliable method for laboratory diagnosis and molecular epidemiology studies of molluscum contagiosum.

Sequence analysis of a Molluscum contagiosum virus DNA region which includes the gene encoding protein kinase 2 and other genes with unique organization.

The nucleotide sequence of a near left-terminal region from the genome of Molluscum contagiosum virus subtype I (MCVI) was determined. This region was contained within three adjacent BamHI fragments, designated L (2.4 kilobases (kb)), M (1.8 kb), and N (1.6 kb). BamHI cleavage of MCVI DNA produced another 1.6-kb fragment (N'), which had been mapped 30-50 kb from the L,M region. The MCVI restriction fragments were cloned and end-sequenced. The N fragment that maps at the L,M region was identified by the polymerase chain reaction, using primers devised from the sequence of each fragment. The results from this analysis led to establish the relative position of these fragments within the MCVI genome. The analysis of 3.6 kb of DNA sequence revealed the presence of ten open reading frames (ORFs). Comparison of the amino acid sequence of these ORFs to the amino acid sequence of vaccinia virus (VAC) proteins revealed that two complete MCVI ORFs, termed N1L and L1L, showed high degree of homology with VAC F9 and F10 genes, respectively. The F10 gene encodes a 52-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase (protein kinase 2), an essential protein involved in virus morphogenesis. The MCVI homologue (L1L) encoded a putative polypeptide of 443 aa, with a calculated molecular mass of 53 kDa, and 60.5/30.2% sequence identity/similarity to VAC F10. The MCV N1L (213 aa, 24 kDa) showed 42.6/40.6% amino acid sequence identity/similarity to VAC F9, a gene of unknown function encoding a 24-kDa protein with a hydrophobic C-terminal domain, which was conserved in MCVI. The genomic arrangement of MCVI N1L and L1L was equivalent to that of the vaccinia and variola virus homologues. However, the ORFs contained within MCVI fragment M (leftward) showed no homology, neither similarity in genetic organization, to the genes encoded by the corresponding regions of vaccinia and variola viruses.

Molecular analysis of a novel subtelomeric repeat with polymorphic chromosomal distribution.

DNA from a 50-kb yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) containing one human telomere was characterized. Cloned sequences from the centromeric end of this YAC (designated yRM2001) localized to several human chromosomes by somatic hybrid panel mapping. The telomeric end of the YAC contained both (TTAGGG)n sequences and the previously characterized TelBam3.4 subterminal repeat element. A novel low-copy repeat element (designated HC1103) mapped 19 kb from the telomeric end of the YAC. This repeat was shown by fluorescence in situ hybridization to be present in several subtelomeric regions (3q, 12p, 15q, 19p, and 20p) and at an interstitial site (2q13-->q14) in all individuals studied, but to be polymorphically distributed at several other telomeres. The YAC vector-insert EcoRI cloning site was positioned 50 kb to 70 kb from chromosome termini in human genomic DNA using RecA-assisted restriction endonuclease (RARE) cleavage analysis. Our results suggest that the DNA segment cloned in yRM2001 contains a novel block of low-copy DNA consistently present at some human telomeres, but polymorphically distributed at others.

DNA sequences in the promoter region of the NF1 gene are highly conserved between human and mouse.

The gene for type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) is most highly expressed in brain and spinal cord, although low levels of mRNA can be found in nearly all tissues. As a first step in investigating the regulation of NF1 gene expression, we have cloned and sequenced the promoter regions of the human and mouse NF1 genes and mapped the transcriptional start sites in both species. We report here that the 5' ends of the human and murine NF1 genes are highly conserved. While no discernable TATA or CCAAT box sequences are seen, transcription initiates at identical sites in both species, 484 nucleotides upstream of the ATG initiation codon in the human gene. The human and mouse NF1 genes share particularly high sequence homology (95%) between nucleotides -33 and +261 and contain several perfectly conserved transcription factor binding site motifs, including a cAMP response element, several AP2 consensus binding sites, and a serum response element. The high conservation of these sequences indicates that they are likely to be significant in the regulation of NF1 gene expression.

Expression of the G glycoprotein gene of human respiratory syncytial virus in Salmonella typhimurium.

The attachment protein, G, of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an M(r) 84K to 90K species which has a high content of N-linked and O-linked carbohydrates. The unglycosylated form of this protein was expressed by inserting a full-length cDNA copy of the mRNA from the A2 strain of RSV into a prokaryotic expression vector under the control of the lambda PL promoter. Salmonella typhimurium cells transformed with the G-containing plasmid synthesized a protein of M(r) 40,000 that specifically reacted with polyclonal and two neutralizing monoclonal antibodies raised against the native RSV G glycoprotein. Recombinant G protein was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using a neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Cotton rats immunized with the recombinant G protein produced serum antibodies to the G glycoprotein that neutralized RSV in vitro. The study demonstrates that the G protein of RSV can be expressed in bacteria and that at least one neutralizing epitope is not structurally dependent on carbohydrates.

Expressed genes, Alu repeats and polymorphisms in cosmids sequenced from chromosome 4p16.3.

The sequences of three cosmids (90 kilobases) from the Huntington's disease region in chromosome 4p16.3 have been determined. A 30,837 base overlap of DNA sequenced from two individuals was found to contain 72 DNA sequence polymorphisms, an average of 2.3 polymorphisms per kilobase (kb). The assembled 58 kb contig contains 62 Alu repeats, and eleven predicted exons representing at least three expressed genes that encode previously unidentified proteins. Each of these genes is associated with a CpG island. The structure of one of the new genes, hda1-1, has been determined by characterizing cDNAs from a placental library. This gene is expressed in a variety of tissues and may encode a novel housekeeping gene.

Automated DNA sequencing and analysis of 106 kilobases from human chromosome 19q13.3.

A total of 116,118 basepairs (bp) derived from three cosmids spanning the ERCC1 locus of human chromosome 19q13.3 have been sequenced with automated fluorescence-based sequencers and analysed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and computer methods. The assembled sequence forms two contigs totalling 105,831 bp, which contain a human fosB proto-oncogene, a gene encoding a protein phosphatase, two genes of unknown function and the previously-characterized ERCC1 DNA repair gene. This light band region has a high average density of 1.4 Alu repeats per kilobase. Human chromosome light bands could therefore contain up to 75,000 genes and 1.5 million Alu repeats.

Examination of X chromosome markers in Rett syndrome: exclusion mapping with a novel variation on multilocus linkage analysis.

Rett syndrome is a neurologic disorder characterized by early normal development followed by regression, acquired deceleration of head growth, autism, ataxia, and stereotypic hand movements. The exclusive occurrence of the syndrome in females and the occurrence of a few familial cases with inheritance through maternal lines suggest that this disorder is most likely secondary to a mutation on the X chromosome. To address this hypothesis and to identify candidate regions for the Rett syndrome gene locus, genotypic analysis was performed in two families with maternally related affected half-sisters by using 63 DNA markers from the X chromosome. Maternal and paternal X chromosomes from the affected sisters were separated in somatic cell hybrids and were examined for concordance/discordance of maternal alleles at the tested loci. Thirty-six markers were informative in at least one of the two families, and 25 markers were informative in both families. Twenty loci were excluded as candidates for the Rett syndrome gene, on the basis of discordance for maternal alleles in the half-sisters. Nineteen of the loci studied were chosen for multipoint linkage analysis because they have been previously genetically mapped using a large number of meioses from reference families. Using the exclusion criterion of a lod score less than -2, we were able to exclude the region between the Duchenne muscular dystrophy locus and the DXS456 locus. This region extends from Xp21.2 to Xq21-q23. The use of the multipoint linkage analysis approach outlined in this study should allow the exclusion of additional regions of the X chromosome as new markers are analyzed. This in turn will result in a defined region of the X chromosome that should be searched for candidate sequences for the Rett syndrome gene in both familial and sporadic cases.

Sequencing and analysis of genomic fragments from the NF1 locus.

The sequence of five non-contiguous genomic fragments encompassing 14.4 kilobases from the NF1 locus have been determined by fluorescence-based automated DNA sequence analysis. These fragments included one kilobase of the NF1 coding region, which resulted in the identification of the intron/exon boundaries of five exons. Based on these sequences, five new NF1 exon-PCR assays have been developed, that could be useful for detecting new NF1 mutations. The genomic sequences were analyzed for the presence of Alu repetitive elements and their classification is described. This analysis may provide some insight into the characterization of genetic rearrangements resulting in disruption of the NF1 gene.

Expression of the F glycoprotein gene from human respiratory syncytial virus in Escherichia coli: mapping of a fusion inhibiting epitope.

A cDNA copy of the gene encoding the entire amino acid sequence of the fusion (F) protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (strain A2) was inserted into a bacterial expression vector containing the lambda PR promoter. Upon heat induction, Escherichia coli cells harboring the vector produced a 45-kDa peptide which reacted with rabbit polyclonal antiserum to the native F protein. Expression of the F gene resulted in severe inhibition of bacterial growth, which was overcome by deletion of the DNA sequences encoding the F signal peptide. The region of the F protein which reacted with a virus-neutralizing and fusion-inhibiting monoclonal antibody was probed by expressing cDNA fragments encoding different protein domains in E. coli and testing antibody reactivity by Western blot analysis. Analysis of six fragments yielded an overlapping antibody-reactive region between amino acids 253 and 298. Analysis of reactivity with a cassette of synthetic peptides confirmed that the virus-neutralizing epitope mapped between residues 289 and 298 defined by the amino acid sequence M-S-I-I-K-E-E-V-L-A.

Localization of the gene encoding the GABAA receptor beta 3 subunit to the Angelman/Prader-Willi region of human chromosome 15.

Deletions of the proximal long arm of chromosome 15 (bands 15q11q13) are found in the majority of patients with two distinct genetic disorders, Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The deleted regions in the two syndromes, defined cytogenetically and by using cloned DNA probes, are similar. However, deletions in AS occur on the maternally inherited chromosome 15, and deletions in PWS occur on the paternally derived chromosome 15. This observation has led to the suggestion that one or more genes in this region show differential expression dependent on parental origin (genetic imprinting). No genes of known function have previously been mapped to this region. We show here that the gene encoding the GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor beta 3 subunit maps to the AS/PWS region. Deletion of this gene (GABRB3) was found in AS and PWS patients with interstitial cytogenetic deletions. Evidence of beta 3 gene deletion was also found in an AS patient with an unbalanced 13;15 translocation but not in a PWS patient with an unbalanced 9;15 translocation. The localization of this receptor gene to the AS/PWS region suggests a possible role of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the pathogenesis of one or both of these syndromes.

Alkaline phosphatase fusions to the respiratory syncytial virus F protein as an approach to analyze its membrane topology.

Manoil and Beckwith (1985) have constructed a transposon, TnphoA, that permits the generation of hybrid proteins composed of alkaline phosphatase (AP) lacking its signal peptide fused to amino-terminal sequences of other proteins. This transposon has been used to localize export signals and analyze membrane topology of bacterial proteins. We have applied this approach to the membrane fusion protein (F) of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The transposon TnphoA and a plasmid directing bacterial expression of the F gene were used to construct F-AP hybrids. These hybrids yielded AP activity, indicating the presence of viral sequences that promoted protein transport through the cytoplasmic membrane. Sequence analysis showed that TnphoA was inserted at four different positions within the F1 subunit. Deletion of the hydrophobic F1 amino-terminus (fusion-related domain) resulted in AP transport to the periplasm, suggesting that the hydrophobic amino-terminus of the F2 subunit is sufficient to promote protein export. Some hybrids were apparently cleaved at or near the F2/F1 junction. The periplasmic localization of an uncleaved hybrid strongly suggested that the fusion-related domain of the F protein, when in the uncleaved F0 precursor, can be moved across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Although these results apply to the recombinant F protein, they agree with the presumed signal sequence and membrane topology of the native F glycoprotein. Thus, this method may be useful in determining membrane topology and in localizing important domains of viral proteins.

A comparison of bovine growth-hormone gene expression in mouse L cells directed by the Moloney murine-leukemia virus long terminal repeat, simian virus-40 early promoter or cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter.

Three transcriptional regulatory regions including a human cytomegalovirus immediate-early region (CMVIE) promoter, the simian virus-40 early region (SV40E) promoter, and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) long terminal repeat (LTR) were ligated to the bovine growth hormone (bGH)-coding gene. Using a bGH transient expression system, the CMVIE and SV40E gene transcriptional regulatory regions were found to be approximately two-fold more efficient than the MoMLV LTR in directing expression of bGH in mouse L cells.

Effects of dipropylacetate on the glycine cleavage enzyme system and glycine levels. A possible experimental approach to non-ketotic hyperglycinemia.

The effect of chronic administration of the anticonvulsive drug di-n-propylacetate (DPA) on the glycine cleavage enzyme system was studied. Glycine concentrations were monitored in blood, liver, brain and spinal cord of 10-day-old rats. DPA treatment decreases glycine cleavage activity by approximately 50% in liver, and 35% in brain. The decreased cleavage activity correlates with an increase of glycine levels in blood, liver and brain. Failure to cleave glycine characterizes a metabolic disorder known as non-ketotic hyperglycinemia, which is associated with elevated concentrations of glycine in biological fluids. The inhibitory effect of DPA may provide an experimental approach to study the biochemical and pathogenic mechanisms of non-ketotic hyperglycemia.

Molecular cloning and partial sequencing of hepatitis A viral cDNA.

Hepatitis A virus was purified from infected monkey kidney cell cultures, and the viral RNA was used to synthesize double-stranded cDNA. This cDNA was cloned either after insertion into a plasmid-primed synthesis system or after insertion into the PstI site of pBR322. The resulting clones were mapped by restriction endonuclease analysis and by cross hybridization of the viral inserts to generate a composite map which represented at least 97% of the viral genome, lacking ca. 220 bases from the 5' end of the genome. The clones were verified to be hepatitis A virus specific based on their positive hybridization to viral RNA and to total hepatitis A virus-infected cellular RNA from a heterologous marmoset host system. The nucleotide sequence of 3,054 base pairs of cDNA homologous to the 5' half of the viral genome was determined, and an open reading frame of 854 consecutive coding triplets was identified. In addition, sequences which encode the VP-1 and VP-3 viral structural proteins were located in the nucleotide sequence.