Isolation of the human chromosomal band Xq28 within somatic cell hybrids by fragile X site breakage.

The chromosomal fragile-site mapping to Xq27.3 is associated with a frequent form of mental retardation and is prone to breakage after induced deoxyribonucleotide pool perturbation. The human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) genes flank the fragile X chromosome site and can be used to monitor integrity of the site in human-hamster somatic cell hybrids deficient in the rodent forms of these activities. After induction of the fragile X site, negative selection for HPRT and positive enrichment for G6PD resulted in 31 independent colonies of HPRT-,G6PD+ phenotype. Southern blot analysis demonstrated the loss of all tested markers proximal to the fragile X site with retention of all tested human Xq28 loci in a majority of the hybrids. In situ hybridization with a human-specific probe demonstrated the translocation of a small amount of human DNA to rodent chromosomes in these hybrids, suggesting chromosome breakage at the fragile X site and the subsequent translocation of Xq28. Southern blot hybridization of hybrid-cell DNA, resolved by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, for human-specific repetitive sequences revealed abundant CpG-islands within Xq28, consistent with its known gene density. The electrophoretic banding patterns of human DNA among the hybrids were remarkably consistent, suggesting that fragile X site breakage is limited to a relatively small region in Xq27-28. These somatic cell hybrids, containing Xq27.3-qter as the sole human DNA, will aid the search for DNA associated with the fragile X site and will augment the high resolution genomic analysis of Xq28, including the identification of candidate genes for genetic-disease loci mapping to this region.     

The telomeric region of the human X chromosome long arm: presence of a highly polymorphic DNA marker and analysis of recombination frequency.

A DNA fragment (named St14) derived from the human X chromosome reveals a small family of related sequences that have been mapped to the Xq26-Xq28 region by using a panel of rodent-human somatic cell hybrids. The probe detects in human DNA digested by Taq I a polymorphic system defined by a series of at least eight allelic fragments with a calculated heterozygosity in females of 80%. With Msp I, we found three additional restriction fragment length polymorphisms, each of them being defined by two alleles. These polymorphisms are also common in Caucasian populations. The genetic locus defined by probe St14 has been localized more precisely to the distal end of the X chromosome (in band q28) by linkage analysis to other polymorphic DNA markers. The results obtained suggest that the frequency of recombination is distributed very unevenly in the q27-qter region of the X chromosome, with a cluster of seven tightly linked loci in q28 showing about 30% recombination with the gene for coagulation factor IX located in the neighboring q27 band. Probe St14 reveals one of the most polymorphic loci known to date in the human genome, and 17 different genotypes have already been observed. It constitutes the best marker on the X chromosome and should be of great use for the genetic study of three important diseases: hemophilia A, mental retardation with a fragile X chromosome, and adrenoleukodystrophy.     

Localization of loci for hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and biochemical evidence of nonrandom X chromosome expression from studies of a human X-autosome translocation.

We report a unique and complex karyotypic rearrangement involving chromosomes X, 3, 7, and 21. Blood cells and fibroblasts from the proband do not express the maternal allele for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), providing biochemical evidence for nonrandom expression of X-linked genes in balanced X-autosome translocations. The break point on the X chromosome, at the junction of Xq27-Xq28, separates the loci for hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) and G6PD. Studies of mouse-human hybrids derived from the proband's cells indicate that G6PD, at q28, is clearly distal to all other X loci now assigned. From these and previous studies, we can localize HPRT to that segment between Xq26 and Xq27. The studies also provide further evidence for the stability of the inactive X phenotype in hybrid cells.     

X-linked creatine transporter defect: an overview

Summary: In 2001 we identified a new inborn error of metabolism caused by a defect in the X-linked creatine transporter SLC6A8 gene mapped at Xq28 (SLC6A8 deficiency, McKusick 300352). An X-linked creatine transporter defect was presumed because of (1) the absence of creatine in the brain as indicated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); (2) the elevated creatine levels in urine and normal guanidinoacetate levels in plasma, ruling out a creatine biosynthesis defect; (3) the absence of an improvement on creatine supplementation; and (4) the fact that the pedigree suggested an X-linked disease. Our hypothesis was proved by the presence of a hemizygous nonsense mutation in the male index patient and by the impaired creatine uptake by cultured fibroblasts. Currently, at least 7 unrelated families (13 male patients and 13 carriers) with a SLC6A8 deficiency have been identified. Four families come fromone metropolitan area. This suggests that SLC6A8 deficiency may have a relatively high incidence. The hallmarks of the disorder are X-linked mental retardation, expressive speech and language delay, epilepsy, developmental delay and autistic behaviour. In approximately 50% of the female carriers, learning disabilities of varying degrees have been noted. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic analysis of the fragile-X mental retardation syndrome with two flanking polymorphic DNA markers.

The fragile-X mental retardation syndrome, one of the most prevalent chromosome X-linked diseases (approximately equal to 1 of 2000 newborn males), is characterized by the presence in affected males and in a portion of carrier females of a fragile site at chromosomes band Xq27. We have performed a linkage analysis in 16 families between the locus for the fragile-X syndrome, FRAXQ27, and two polymorphic DNA markers that correspond to the anonymous probe St14 and to the coagulation factor IX gene F9. Our results indicate that the order of loci is centromere-F9-FRAXQ27-St14-Xqter. The estimate of the recombination fraction for the linkage F9-FRAXQ27 is 0.12 (90% confidence limits: 0.044-0.225) and 0.10 for FRAXQ27-St14 (90% confidence limits: 0.040-0.185). Recombination between St14 and F9 does not appear to be significantly different in normal and fragile-X families. The two flanking probes were used for diagnosis of the carrier state and for detection of transmission of the disease through phenotypically normal males. They should also allow first-trimester diagnosis with a reliability of about 98% in 40% of the families. Used in conjunction with the cytogenetic analysis, the segregation studies with both probes should improve the genetic counseling for the fragile-X syndrome and should be useful for the formal genetic analysis of this unique disease.     

Haemophilias: advances towards genetic engineering replacement therapy

Both haemophilia A and B are X-linked recessive disorders and therefore occur almost exclusively in males. The genes for both factors VIII and IX have been mapped to the distal end of the long arm of the X chromosome, bands Xq28 and Xq27.1, respectively. The Factor VIII gene comprises 186 kb DNA with 9 kb of exon of DNA which encodes an mRNA of nearly 9 kb. The Factor IX gene is 34 kb in length and the essential genetic information is present in eight exons which encode 1.6 kb mRNA. In gene therapy, genetic modification of the target cells can be either ex vivo or in vivo. The advantage of the ex vivo approach is that the genetic modification is strictly limited to the isolated cells. In the in vivo approach, the integrity of the target tissue is maintained but the major challenge is to deliver the gene to the target tissue. The use of improved retroviral and adenovirus-based vectors for gene therapy has produced clinically relevant levels of human factor VIII in mice and haemophilic dogs. If further improvements can increase the persistence of expression and decrease the immunological responses, phase I clinical trials in patients can be considered.     

Regional localization on the human X chromosome and polymorphism of the coagulation factor IX gene (hemophilia B locus).

Hemophilia B is an X-linked disease caused by a functional deficiency in coagulation factor IX. A cDNA clone corresponding to factor IX has been used to detect homologous sequences in the human genome. All DNA fragments hybridizing to the probe, under medium- or high-stringency conditions, are X-linked, and the patterns obtained suggest that a single large (greater than or equal to 20 kilobases) gene is detected. The gene has been mapped to the q26-q27 region of the long arm of the X chromosome by hybridization to DNA from a panel of human-mouse hybrid cell lines. A search for restriction fragment length polymorphisms using seven restriction enzymes has led to the detection of a Taq I polymorphism, with allelic frequencies of about 0.71 and 0.29. This genetic marker should be useful for the detection of carriers of the hemophilia B trait and for prenatal diagnosis in informative families and, more generally, for the establishment of a linkage map of the human X chromosome.     

Adrenoleukodystrophy: evidence for X linkage, inactivation, and selection favoring the mutant allele in heterozygous cells

Skin fibroblasts of human males affected with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) have previously been shown to be abnormal with respect to C26 fatty acid content. Skin fibroblast clones from heterozygotes in three families segregating this mutation have been analyzed and are of two types: clones with normal ratios of C26 to C22 fatty acids and clones with an excess of C26 fatty acids similar to that found in cells of affected males. This indicates not only that the locus is X linked but also that it is subject to inactivation. In most of the heterozygotes there were significantly more clones of abnormal type than those expressing the normal allele, indicating a proliferative advantage in vitro for skin fibroblasts of mutant type. The increased levels of fatty acids in plasma in most heterozygotes and the phenotype of blood cells of women heterozygous for both ALD and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in one family are evidence that selection favoring the mutant allele may occur in vivo as well as in vitro and may explain why many heterozygotes manifest clinical symptoms of the disease. These studies have also revealed the close linkage between ALD and G6PD loci, because there are no recombinants among 18 informative offspring of doubly heterozygous mothers. Therefore, the ALD locus can be mapped on the human X chromosome near the G6PD locus at Xq28.     

Isolation of anonymous DNA sequences from within a submicroscopic X chromosomal deletion in a patient with choroideremia, deafness, and mental retardation.

Choroideremia, an X-chromosome linked retinal dystrophy of unknown pathogenesis, causes progressive nightblindness and eventual central blindness in affected males by the third to fourth decade of life. Choroideremia has been mapped to Xq13-21 by tight linkage to restriction fragment length polymorphism loci. We have recently identified two families in which choroideremia is inherited with mental retardation and deafness. In family XL-62, an interstitial deletion in Xq21 is visible by cytogenetic analysis and two linked anonymous DNA markers, DXYS1 and DXS72, are deleted. In the second family, XL-45, an interstitial deletion was suspected on phenotypic grounds but could not be confirmed by high-resolution cytogenetic analysis. We used phenol-enhanced reassociation of 48,XXXX DNA in competition with excess XL-45 DNA to generate a library of cloned DNA enriched for sequences that might be deleted in XL-45. Two of the first 83 sequences characterized from the library were found to be deleted in probands from family XL-45 as well as from family XL-62. Isolation of these sequences proves that XL-45 does contain a submicroscopic deletion and provides a starting point for identifying overlapping genomic sequences that span the XL-45 deletion. Each overlapping sequence will be studied to identify exons from the choroideremia locus.     

Mapping the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome.

The X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is triggered by Epstein-Barr virus infection and results in fatal mononucleosis, immunodeficiency, and lymphoproliferative disorders. This study shows that the mutation responsible for X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is genetically linked to a restriction fragment length polymorphism detected with the DXS42 probe (from Xq24-q27). The most likely recombination frequency between the loci is 4%, and the associated logarithm of the odds is 5.26. Haplotype analysis using flanking restriction fragment length polymorphism markers indicates that the locus for X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is distal to probe DXS42 but proximal to probe DXS99 (from Xq26-q27). It is now possible to predict which members of a family with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome are carrier females and to diagnose the syndrome prenatally.     

碘缺乏病区7～16岁人群血TSH含量动态观察

用滤纸干血片法，对青海省碘缺乏病区７～１６岁人群进行连续三年甲状腺功能的动态研究，同时进行尿碘水平的观察。结果表明地甲病区ＴＳＨ对数均值逐年下降（Ｐ＜０．０１）．提示地甲病区人群机体内缺碘状况逐渐好转，提高碘盐浓度有利于控制一系列碘缺乏病的发生和发展。     

Physical map of human Xq27-qter: localizing the region of the fragile X mutation.

We describe a physical map of the end of the long arm of the human X chromosome encompassing the region from Xq27.2 to the q telomere, inclusive of the chromosomal band Xq28. This region is of particular interest, since it contains the highest density of genes associated with genetic diseases. The map covers a total of 12 megabases (Mb) of DNA and extends from the telomere to 3 Mb beyond the most likely position of the fragile X mutation, defined by a cluster of translocation breakpoints in somatic cell hybrids. The map determines order and position of loci throughout the Xq28 region and localizes cell line breakpoints marking the fragile X region to an interval of 300-700 kilobases between 8 and 8.7 Mb proximal of the Xq telomere.     

Yeast artificial chromosomes with 200- to 800-kilobase inserts of human DNA containing HLA, V kappa, 5S, and Xq24-Xq28 sequences

Sequences hybridizing to several human gene probes have been recovered as cloned inserts in yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). Among 2300 YACs made from human leukocyte DNA (totaling about 0.1 genomic equivalent of human DNA) we have found two, 200 and 780 kilobases (kb), containing sequences of V kappa I immunoglobulin (V = variable); one, 240 kb, with class I HLA; and 11, 200-800 kb, with 5S rRNA-encoding DNA (rDNA). Fifty human YACs from a hamster-human cell hybrid with only the Xq24-Xq28 portion of the X chromosome include one that contains two anonymous probe sequences, DX13 and St14, previously inferred by indirect means to lie within about 70 kb of one another in Xq28. The YACs specific for human DNA arise at a frequency equivalent to the fraction of cellular DNA that is human-specific. Furthermore, the human YACs, formed in a 280-fold excess of hamster DNA, do not hybridize to a hamster DNA probe, indicating that individual YACs do not contain a combination of human and hamster DNA. To confirm that sequences are not scrambled, the YACs containing V kappa I or DX13 and St14 sequences were shown to produce restriction fragments identical in mobility to fragments detected by the same probes in total human DNA digested with the same enzymes. YACs may therefore provide large clones to bridge gene mapping at the chromosome level to molecular analyses of small fragments of genomic DNA.     

Sequence of terminal regions of cowpox virus DNA: arrangement of repeated and unique sequence elements.

One terminal EcoRI fragment of the genome of cowpox virus (CPV) strain Brighton red has been cloned in plasmid pBR325, and the nucleotide sequence of the 2,725-base-pair Sal I fragment corresponding to that at the end of the viral genome has been determined. The fragment consists of three unique sequence regions flanking two sets of repeated sequence. The repeated sequence sets are composed of four types of subunits, the majority of which are arranged in higher-order repeat units. The subunits are themselves closely related; two are subsets of a third, whereas the fourth is a recombinant of the first two. The fragment possesses no long open reading frames (maximal coding potential, 65 amino acids). The sequence of this CPV DNA Sal I fragment is compared with that of the corresponding fragment of vaccinia virus WR DNA [Baroudy, B. M., Venkatesan, S. & Moss, B. (1982) Cell 28, 315-324; Venkatesan, S., Baroudy, B. M. & Moss, B. (1981) Cell 25, 805-813]. Two of the unique sequence regions of the two viruses are related to the extent of 96%, and the third contains at least one sequence of 112 residues that is 98% homologous. As for the repeated sequence sets, those of vaccinia virus are composed of only two, rather than four, types of subunit, one of which is identical to one of the CPV subunits, whereas the other differs from another CPV subunit by only three mismatches and one deletion. However, the arrangement of subunits in the two viruses is different, that in vaccinia virus DNA being simpler. Both subunits as well as repeat units probably arose as a result of unequal crossover.     

G6PD Viangchan and G6PD Mediterranean are the main variants in G6PD deficiency in the Malay population of Malaysia

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked red blood cell enzymopathy common in malaria endemic areas. Individuals affected by this disease show a wide variety of clinical signs of acute hemolytic anemia. Mutations of the G6PD gene in the Malay population with G6PD deficiency in Kelantan, a state in North East Malaysia were studied. Ninety-three individuals with G6PD deficiency were subjected to mutation analysis of the G6PD gene using polymerase chain reaction based techniques of multiplex PCR. Of the ninety-three DNA samples studied, molecular defects were identified in 80 cases (86%). Variants were heterogeneous - 28.7% were found to have a G to A nucleotide change at nucleotide 871 of the G6PD gene (G871A), corresponding to G6PD Viangchan. The other major mutations were G6PD Mediterranean, G6PD Vanua Lava, G6PD Coimbra, G6PD Kaiping, G6PD Orissa, G6PD Mahidol, G6PD Canton and G6PD Chatham. These results showed that there are heterogeneous mutations of the G6PD gene associated with G6PD deficiency and that G6PD Viangchan and G6PD Mediterranean account for the main variants in G6PD deficiency among the Malay population in Malaysia.