The proopiocortin (adrenocorticotropin/β-lipotropin) gene is located on chromosome 2 in humans

The proopiocortin gene is located on chromosome 2 in humans. A 13-kb DNA fragment containing proopiocortin gene sequences was identified in human cells while proopiocortin-related gene sequences of 9.8 and 6.2 kb were present in mouse cells. In human-mouse cell hybrids which contained reduced numbers of human chromosomes and a complete set of mouse chromosomes, the 9.8- and 6.2-kb fragments were always present while the 13-kb fragment segregated with human chromosome 2 and the chromosome 2 enzyme markers acid phosphatase-1 (ACP1), malate dehydrogenase-1 (MDH1), and isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1). Analysis of a single cell hybrid with a broken chromosome 2 indicates that the proopiocortin andACP1 genes are closely linked and in the distal region of the short arm of chromosome 2.     

A new gene (DYX3) for dyslexia is located on chromosome 2

Developmental dyslexia is a specific reading disability affecting children and adults who otherwise possess normal intelligence, cognitive skills, and adequate schooling. Difficulties in spelling and reading may persist through adult life. Possible localisations of genes for dyslexia have been reported on chromosomes 15 (DYX1), 6p21.3-23 (DYX2), and 1p over the last 15 years. Only the localisation to 6p21.3-23 has been clearly confirmed and a genome search has not previously been carried out. We have investigated a large Norwegian family in which dyslexia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. A genome wide search for linkage with an average 20 cM marker density was initiated in 36 of the 80 family members. The linkage analysis was performed under three different diagnostic models. Linkage analysis in the family identified a region in 2p15-p16 which cosegregated with dyslexia. Maximum lod scores of 3.54, 2.92, and 4.32 for the three different diagnostic models were obtained. These results were confirmed by a non-parametric multipoint GENEHUNTER analysis in which the most likely placement of the gene was in a 4 cM interval between markers D2S2352 and D2S1337. Localisation of a gene for dyslexia to 2p15-16, together with the confirmed linkage to 6p21.3-23, constitute strong evidence for genetic heterogeneity in dyslexia. Since no gene for dyslexia has been isolated, little is known about the molecular processes involved. The isolation and molecular characterisation of this newly reported gene on chromosome 2 (DYX3) and DYX1 will thus provide new and exciting insights into the processes involved in reading and spelling.     

The gene for human lymphocyte homing receptor is located on chromosome 11

The mouse monoclonal antibody Hermes-3 recognizes the human lymphocyte homing receptor. A panel of mouse-human T lymphocyte hybrids, carrying all mouse chromosomes and a limited number of human chromosomes, was analyzed for expression of human homing receptor by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled cell lysates with Hermes-3 antibody. Karyotypic analysis of the tested clones showed that the expression of human homing receptor correlated to the presence of human chromosome 11 in all but one clone. However, concanavalin A induced a weak to moderate expression of the homing receptor in this clone, but not in a chromosome 11- clone. Another clone, heterogeneous for the expression of homing receptor, was separated into a Hermes-3+ and a Hermes-3- fraction with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Karyotypic analysis performed after sorting showed human chromosome 11 to segregate with the Hermes-3 antigen. To confirm these data we correlated the expression of two chromosome 11-coded antigens, Trop-4 and Leu-7, with the expression of the homing receptor. In our hybrid clones these three antigens were expressed concordantly. The gene coding for the human lymphocyte homing receptor recognized by Hermes-3 is thus assigned to chromosome 11.     

Humanα 2-macroglobulin gene is located on chromosome 12

A cDNA clone encoding amino acids 809–1451 of the protease inhibitor ₂-macroglobulin has been isolated from an adult human liver cDNA library. This cDNA was used to examine DNA samples prepared from a panel of human-mouse somatic cell hybrids with different numbers and combinations of human chromosomes for the presence of the human ₂-macroglobulin gene. The cosegregation of this gene and chromosome 12 in the cell hybrid panel indicated that the ₂-macroglobulin structural gene (designated A2M) is on human chromosome 12.     

The human leukocyte antigen TAP2 gene defines the centromeric limit of melanoma susceptibility on chromosome 6p

Abstract: A single human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II allele, DQB1 * 0301 , is strongly associated with melanoma, and the HLA-DR locus provides the telomeric boundary for melanoma susceptibility in the HLA class II region of chromosome 6. However, the centromeric boundary is unknown. This study was designed to determine whether the adjacent upstream transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) locus, TAP2 , constitutes the centromeric boundary of disease susceptibility in melanoma. Molecular oligotyping of TAP2 genes was performed for 36 Caucasian patients with melanoma and for 32 Caucasian control individuals by both amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing. TAP2 allele frequencies in the melanoma patients were compared to those in non-melanoma Caucasian control populations, and to HLA-DQ allele frequencies determined by molecular oligotyping. While HLA-DQB1 * 0301 was more common in this group of 36 melanoma patients compared to a group of 200 controls (56 percent vs. 27 percent, Bonferoni-corrected chi-square p=0.01), no significant differences were observed in TAP2 allele frequencies between melanoma patients and controls. The TAP2 locus represents the centromeric boundary of disease susceptibility for melanoma in the class II region of chromosome 6p. These results support an etiologic role for HLA-DQB1 * 0301 in melanoma susceptibility.     

Human liver fatty acid binding protein gene is located on chromosome 2

The human gene for liver fatty acid binding protein was assigned to chromosome 2 using human-rodent somatic cell hybrids and Southern filter hybridization of cell hybrid DNA. The filters were hybridized to a radiolabeled cloned cDNA which covers 485 bases. Hybridization of the DNA to a human-specific 7.5-kb DNA fragment in HindIII-digested DNA was used to identify the human liver fatty acid binding protein gene. Results from two cell hybrids with chromosomal rearrangements suggest that the gene is on the short arm of chromosome 2.     

Human gastrin-releasing peptide gene is located on chromosome 18

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a bombesin-like peptide, increases plasma levels of gastrin, pancreatic polypeptide, glucagon, gastric inhibitory peptide, and insulin. GRP is produced in large quantities by small-cell lung cancer and acts as a growth factor for these cells. To determine if chromosomal changes in small-cell lung cancer are related to the expression of GRP, we chromosomally mapped the gene using human-mouse somatic cell hybrids. Twenty hybrids, characterized for human chromosomes, were analyzed by Southern filter hybridization of DNA digested with EcoRI. Human DNA cut with EcoRI yields a major band of 6.8 kb and a minor band of 11.3 kb. The 6.8 kb band segregated concordantly with chromosome 18 and the marker peptidase A. The chromosome 3 abnormalities seen in small-cell lung cancer do not correlate with the chromosomal location of GRP, suggesting that the elevated expression of this gene may be due to mechanisms other than chromosomal rearrangement. A preliminary report of this research was presented at Human Gene Mapping Workshop 8. Naylor, S.L., Spindel, E.R., Chin, W.W., and Sakaguchi A.Y. (1985).Cytogenet. Cell Genet. 40:711.     

Structural gene encoding human factor XII is located at 5q33-qter

The gene encoding human factor XII (F12 ) or Hageman factor has been mapped to 5q33-qter. This has been achieved by analyzing the results obtained from hybridizing a cloned fragment from the factor XII gene to a panel of human-hamster somatic cell hybrid DNAs and also by in situ hybridization to normal human metaphase cells. The previously reported results localizingF12 to 6p23 are discussed.     

Processed pseudogene from the von Hippel-Lindau disease gene is located on human chromosome 1.

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease gene is a tumor suppressor located at 3p25-26. While amplifying intron 1 of this gene, a smaller-than-expected product was found. This fragment was sequenced and was approximately 78% similar in sequence to the VHL gene and completely lacked sequence from the intron. No stop codons were found in the sequenced region. Using this DNA fragment as a probe for Northern blot hybridization analysis, no evidence was found for expression of a unique RNA. Because of the lack of intron 1 sequence and the likely lack of expression, the new sequence is most probably a part of a VHL processed pseudogene. The putative pseudogene was mapped to human chromosome band 1q12 using the polymerase chain reaction with template DNA from human/rodent somatic cell hybrids, a radiation hybrid panel, and a set of primers that were chosen to be maximally divergent from the genuine VHL gene. The human/rodent somatic cell hybrid DNAs were then used on Southern blots to determine which human bands are from the pseudogene and which are from the functional gene. This knowledge is valuable in interpreting Southern blot evidence of VHL gene abnormalities.     

CD28/CTLA-4 ligands: the gene encoding CD86 (B70/B7.2) maps to the same region as CD80 (B7/B7.1) gene in human chromosome 3q13-q23

CD86 (B70/B7.2) is an antigen of the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on monocytes, dendritic cells and activated B,T, and natural killer cells. CD86 was recently identified as a second ligand for the T cell antigens CD28 and CTLA-4, and plays an important role in the co-stimulation of T cells in a primary immune response. We report here the assignment of the CD86 gene to human chromosome 3 using Southern blot analysis on a panel of hamster × human somatic cell hybrid genomic DNA. Fluorescence hybridization in situ on metaphase chromosomes coupled with GTG banding (G-bands by trypsin using Giemsa staining) confirmed this assignment and localized the CD86 gene to 3q13-q23 region. The CD86 gene is, therefore, located in the proximity of the CD80 (B7/B7.1) gene, the first identified ligand for CD28 and CTLA-4, previously mapped to chromosome 3q13.3-q21. Deletions, inversions and insertions of chromosome 3q21-q26, as well as translocations of 3q21 with other chromosomes have been described in many cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and myelodisplastic syndromes (MDS), suggesting that this region contains several genes involved in the leukemic process.     

Expression of leukocyte common antigen (CD45) on various human leukemia/lymphoma cell lines

CD45 antigen (leukocyte common antigen), a unique and ubiquitous membrane glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 200 kDa, is expressed on almost all hematopoietic cells except for mature erythrocytes. However, the biological function of this glycoprotein still remains to be resolved. In order to clarify the role of CD45 antigen in hematopoietic cell differentiation and function, its expression on human leukemia/lymphoma cell lines was studied by membrane immunofluorescence. Thirty-eight established cell lines were analyzed using T29/33, a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that recognizes the common epitopes of this glycoprotein molecule. Conventional cell marker studies were also carried out on these cell lines to compare their CD45 expression. It was shown that CD45 expression varies among B-lineage cells depending on cell differentiation, in contrast to its stable expression on leukemic T cell (6/6, positive) and myeloid (5/5, positive) lineage cell lines. On the other hand, only two out of six histiomonocytoid lineage cell lines were positive. Human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated T cell lines derived from peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ALT/L) in Japan did not express CD45 on their cell surface. Taken together, these observations suggest that CD45 has a functional role in hematopoietic cell activation and differentiation.     

Expression,regulation and function of human FcεRII (CD23) antigen

CD23, also known as the low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII), belongs to a novel superfamily of type-II integral membrane proteins. Fc epsilon RII expression was originally described on B cells but subsequent studies showed that CD23 is expressed on a variety of hematopoietic cells and is regulated by several cytokines (i.e., interleukin-4, interferons) in a tissue-specific manner. In some pathological conditions such as B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the CD23 gene is abnormally regulated resulting in CD23 overexpression. CD23 is not only an IgE receptor but also a membrane-bound precursor of soluble molecules that still bind IgE (sCD23 or IgE-binding factors). The functions of membrane CD23 are IgE-dependent and vary according to the cell types on which it is expressed. In contrast, sCD23, in addition to being an IgE regulatory molecule, displays multiple cytokine activities that are IgE-independent.     

A new gene involved in DNA double-strand break repair and V(D)J recombination is located on human chromosome 10p

V(D)J recombination, accountable for the diversity of T cell receptor- and immunoglobulin-encoding genes, is initiated by a lymphoid-specific DNA double-strand break. The general DNA repair machinery is responsible for the resolution of this break. Any defect in one of the known components of the DNA repair/V(D)J recombination machinery (Ku70, Ku80, DNA-PKcs, XRCC4 and DNA ligase IV) leads to abortion of the V(D)J rearrangement process, early block in both T and B cell maturation, and ultimately to severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) in several animal models. A human SCID condition is also characterized by an absence of mature T and B lymphocytes, and is associated with an increase in sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents (RS-SCID). None of the above-mentioned genes are defective in these patients, arguing for the likelihood of the existence of yet another unknown component of the V(D)J recombination/DNA repair apparatus. Athabascan-speaking (SCIDA) Navajo and Apache Native Americans have a very high incidence of T(-)B(-)SCID. The SCIDA locus is highly linked with markers on chromosome 10p, although the exact molecular defect has not been recognized in these patients. We show here that cells with the SCIDA defect are impaired in the DNA repair phase of V(D)J recombination similarly to RS-SCID, precisely an absence of V(D)J coding joint formation. Moreover, genotyping analysis in several RS-SCID families corroborates a linkage of the RS-SCID locus to the SCIDA region on chromosome 10p. These results demonstrate the presence of a new essential DNA repair/V(D)J recombination gene in this region, the mutation of which causes RS-SCID in humans.     

The human FXY gene is located within Xp22.3: implications for evolution of the mammalian X chromosome

It has been proposed that the pseudoautosomal region of mammals has evolved by sequential addition of autosomal material onto the X and Y chromosomes followed by movement of the pseudoautosomal boundary to create X-unique regions. We have previously described a gene, Fxy , that spans the pseudoautosomal boundary in mice such that the first three exons of the gene are located on the X chromosome, but the remainder of the gene is located on both X and Y chromosomes. Therefore, this gene might be in a state of transition between pseudoautosomal and X-unique locations. In support of this theory we show here that the human FXY gene is located in Xp22.3 in humans, proximal to the pseudoautosomal boundary.      

Interleukin 2 (IL2) is assigned to human chromosome 4

The human gene for interleukin 2 (IL2)was assigned to chromosome 4 using human-mouse somatic cell hybrids and Southern filter hybridization of cell hybrid DNA. To identify IL2,a recombinant DNA probe (pIL2-50A) was used which contained a human interleukin 2 cDNA insert which hybridized to a 3.5-kb fragment in human DNA when cleaved with the restriction enzyme EcoRL.     

Gene for apolipoprotein CII is on human chromosome 19

We have used a cloned cDNA probe for human apolipoprotein CII (apo CII) and Southern blotting techniques to identify the human apo CII gene in DNA from a series of rodent × human somatic cell hybrids. Our results provide evidence for the assignment of this gene to human chromosome 19.     

Regional chromosomal assignment of carcinoembryonic antigen gene (CEA) to chromosome 19 at band q13.2

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a glycoprotein, is one of the most widely used human tumor markers. It is a member of a gene family comprising about 10 closely related genes and might be found throughout mammalians. Recently, two parts of a genomic DNA for CEA were isolated and sequenced. Using these genomic DNA fragments as probes we assigned the human CEA gene to chromosome 19 at the band q13.2 by in situ hybridization.     

The human dendritic cell marker CD83 maps to chromosome 6p23

The chromosomal localization of the human CD83 gene was determined using somatic cell hybrids, a radiation hybrid mapping panel and FISH analysis on human metaphase chromosomes. PCR-based analysis of a single chromosome hybrid panel identified the presence of the CD83 gene on human chromosome 6 and subsequent analysis of the Genebridge4 radiation panel located the gene between AFMa192wg9 and AFMb322wd1 with a lod score of 9.2. Finally, using FISH analysis the CD83 gene was localized to chromosome 6 band p23.     

Assignment of the gene encoding cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) toMus musculus chromosome 2

The structural gene Pck-1, encoding cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) (PEPCK; EC 4.1.1.32), has been assigned to mouse chromosome 2. This assignment was made based on genomic Southern transfer of rat-mouse and hamster-mouse hybrid DNAs using a rat kidney cloned cDNA of the PEPCK gene as a probe. Conclusive evidence for the cosegregation of the PEPCK gene with mouse chromosome 2 was obtained using a monochromosomal microcell hybrid that selectively retained a Robertsonian translocation between mouse autosomes 2 and 8 and its back-selected hybrid clone.     

The stromal cell antigen CD248 (endosialin) is expressed on naive CD8+ human T cells and regulates proliferation

CD248 (endosialin) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is dynamically expressed on pericytes and fibroblasts during tissue development, tumour neovascularization and inflammation. Its role in tissue remodelling is associated with increased stromal cell proliferation and migration. We show that CD248 is also uniquely expressed by human, but not mouse (C57BL/6), CD8(+) naive T cells. CD248 is found only on CD8(+) CCR7(+) CD11a(low) naive T cells and on CD8 single-positive T cells in the thymus. Transfection of the CD248 negative T-cell line MOLT-4 with CD248 cDNA surprisingly reduced cell proliferation. Knock-down of CD248 on naive CD8 T cells increased cell proliferation. These data demonstrate opposing functions for CD248 on haematopoietic (CD8(+)) versus stromal cells and suggests that CD248 helps to maintain naive CD8(+) human T cells in a quiescent state.