A molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 13 anchored by the beige (bg) and satin (sa) loci

Inhibin at 90: from discovery to clinical application, a historical review

When it was initially discovered in 1923, inhibin was characterized as a hypophysiotropic hormone that acts on pituitary cells to regulate pituitary hormone secretion. Ninety years later, what we know about inhibin stretches far beyond its well-established capacity to inhibit activin signaling and suppress pituitary FSH production. Inhibin is one of the major reproductive hormones involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although the physiological role of inhibin as an activin antagonist in other organ systems is not as well defined as it is in the pituitary-gonadal axis, inhibin also modulates biological processes in other organs through paracrine, autocrine, and/or endocrine mechanisms. Inhibin and components of its signaling pathway are expressed in many organs. Diagnostically, inhibin is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome as part of the quadruple test and as a biochemical marker in the assessment of ovarian reserve. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the biological role of inhibin, its relationship with activin, its signaling mechanisms, and its potential value as a diagnostic marker for reproductive function and pregnancy-associated conditions.

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome: a rare disorder of lysosomes and lysosome related organelles

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe immunologic defects including recurrent bacterial infections, impaired chemotaxis and abnormal natural killer (NK) cell function. Patients with this syndrome exhibit other symptoms such as an associated lymphoproliferative syndrome, bleeding tendencies, partial albinism and peripheral neuropathies. The classic diagnostic feature of CHS is the presence of huge lysosomes and cytoplasmic granules within cells. Similar defects are found in other mammals, the most well studied being the beige mouse and Aleutian mink. A positional cloning approach resulted in the identification of the Beige gene on chromosome 13 in mice and the CHS1/LYST gene on chromosome 1 in humans. The protein encoded by this gene is 3801 amino acids and is highly conserved throughout evolution. The identification of CHS1/Beige has defined a family of genes containing a common BEACH motif. The function of these proteins in vesicular trafficking remains unknown.

Dmbx1, a novel evolutionarily conserved paired-like homeobox gene expressed in the brain of mouse embryos

To identify novel homeobox genes expressed during mouse embryogenesis, we searched the databases and found a novel mouse paired-like homeobox gene, Dmbx1(diencephalon/mesencephalon-expressed brain homeobox gene 1), that is also conserved in zebrafish and human. Linkage analysis mapped mouse Dmbx1 to the mid-portion of chromosome 4 that is the homologous gene cluster region of human chromosome 1, where human DMBX1 is located. Both mouse and human Dmbx1/DMBX1 have four coding exons and their gene structures are conserved. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that Dmbx1 expression is detected in 7.5-9.5 dpc mouse embryos. At 7.5 and 8.5 dpc, Dmbx1 is expressed in a sub-region of the anterior head folds. At 9.5 dpc, expression is observed in the caudal diencephalon as well as in the mesencephalon and is restricted to the neuroepithelium. Expression in adult tissues was detected in brain, stomach, and testis. Dmbx1 provides a unique marker of the developing anterior nervous system and should provide a useful molecular resource to elucidate the mechanisms that pattern the vertebrate brain.

Isolation and characterization of Vsx1, a novel mouse CVC paired-like homeobox gene expressed during embryogenesis and in the retina

Gastrula stage mouse embryo RNA was screened by degenerate RT-PCR to yield a novel paired-like homeobox gene. The open reading frame encoded by the cDNA was most similar to human VSX1. Mouse Vsx1 encodes a protein of 363 amino acid residues that contains a CVC domain that was originally identified as a conserved motif among mouse CHX10, goldfish VSX-1 and C. elegans CEH-10. Linkage analysis showed that mouse Vsx1 mapped to the distal region of chromosome 2. RT-PCR analysis detected mouse Vsx1 transcripts from gastrulation and post-gastrulation stage mouse embryos, suggesting a role for Vsx1 during mouse embryogenesis. Analysis of the eyes of mouse chimeras generated with embryonic stem cells in which a lacZ reporter was targeted to the Vsx1 locus suggested that Vsx1 is expressed in the inner nuclear layer of the retina.

Analysis of the lysosomal storage disease Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of human, mouse (beige) and other mammalian species. The same genetic defect was found to result in the disease in all species identified, permitting a positional cloning approach using the mouse model beige to identify the responsible gene. The CHS gene was cloned and mutations identified in affected species. This review discusses the clinical features of CHS contrasting features seen in similar syndromes. The possible functions of the protein encoded by the CHS/beige gene are discussed, along with the alterations in cellular physiology seen in mutant cells.

Genetic profile of insertion mutations in mouse leukemias and lymphomas

Murine leukemia retroviruses (MuLVs) cause leukemia and lymphoma in susceptible strains of mice as a result of insertional mutation of cellular proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Using a novel approach to amplify and sequence viral insertion sites, we have sequenced >200 viral insertion sites from which we identify >35 genes altered by viral insertion in four AKXD mouse strains. The class of genes most frequently altered are transcription factors, however, insertions are found near genes involved in signal transduction, cell cycle control, DNA repair, cell division, hematopoietic differentiation, and near many ESTs and novel loci. Many of these mutations identify genes that have not been implicated in cancer. By isolating nearly all the somatic viral insertion mutations contributing to disease in these strains we show that each AKXD strain displays a unique mutation profile, suggesting strain-specific susceptibility to mutations in particular genetic pathways.

A mouse chromosome 19 genetic map including the Lvis1 viral insertion site

Somatic insertion mutations, such as those caused by the insertion of a proviral element, can contribute to abnormal cell growth by activating cellular proto-oncogenes or inactivating tumor suppressor genes. Lvis1 is a genomic locus frequently disrupted by viral insertion in AKXD B-cell lymphomas (manuscript submitted for publication). To determine whether insertion mutations at Lvis1 affect a known proto-oncogene or tumor suppressor gene, we mapped Lvis1 to distal mouse chromosome 19. A detailed molecular genetic map of this region was constructed, localizing Lvis1 relative to 20 gene and microsatellite markers, 3 of which have not been mapped in the mouse (Nfkb2, Nlz, and Wnt8b). This analysis revealed that Lvis1 maps between two previously identified viral insertion sites, His2 and Frat1, and does not cosegregate with known gene markers. In addition, our study refines the gene order for distal mouse chromosome 19 and expands the comparative map between mouse chromosome 19 and the human chromosome 10q23-q26 homology region.

Location of the 9257 and ataxia mutations on mouse chromosome 18

The location of three mutations on proximal Chromosome (Chr) 18 was determined by analysis of the offspring of several backcrosses. The results demonstrate that ataxia and the insertional mutation TgN9257Mm are separated by less than 1 cM and are located approximately 3 cM from the centromere, while the balding locus is 7 cM more distal. Previous data demonstrated that the twirler locus also maps within 1 cM of ataxia. The corrected locations will contribute to identification of appropriate candidate genes for these mutations. Two polymorphic microsatellite markers for proximal Chr 18 are described, D18Umi1 and D18Umi2. The Lama3 locus encoding the alpha 3 subunit of nicein was mapped distal to ataxia and did not recombine with Tg9257.

Mapping the mouse genome: current status and future prospects

The mouse is the best model system for the study of mammalian genetics and physiology. Because of the feasibility and importance of studying genetic crosses, the mouse genetic map has received tremendous attention in recent years. It currently contains over 14,000 genetically mapped markers, including 700 mutant loci, 3500 genes, and 6500 simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs). The mutant loci and genes allow insights and correlations concerning physiology and development. The SSLPs provide highly polymorphic anchor points that allow inheritance to be traced in any cross and provide a scaffold for assembling physical maps. Adequate physical mapping resources--notably large-insert yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) libraries--are available to support positional cloning projects based on the genetic map, but a comprehensive physical map is still a few years away. Large-scale sequencing efforts have not yet begun in mouse, but comparative sequence analysis between mouse and human is likely to provide tremendous information about gene structure and regulation.

Localization of new genes and markers to the distal part of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region and comparison with the mouse: new insights into the evolution of mammalian genomes

We have refined and extended the map of the distal half of the human major histocompatibility complex. The map is continuous from HLA-E to 1000 kb telomeric of HLA-F and includes six new markers and genes. In addition, the corresponding sequences that were not previously mapped in the mouse genome have been located. The human and the mouse organizations have therefore been compared. This comparison allows us to demonstrate that the structure of the distal part of the MHC is similar in the two species. In addition, this comparison shows the presence of a breakpoint of synteny telomeric of the distal part of the H-2 region. Indeed, the region telomeric of HLA in human is found on a chromosome different from that carrying H-2 in mouse. The mapping analysis of paralogous genes (structurally related genes) around the breakpoint shows that the human organization probably represents the putative human/mouse ancestral one. This evolutionary breakpoint was precisely mapped in human, and the surrounding region was cloned into yeast artificial chromosomes. Finally, we show that the region found around the breakpoint was involved several times in chromosome recombinations in the mouse lineage, as it seems to correspond also to the t-complex distal inversion point.

Murine chromosomal location of eight members of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 3/fork head winged helix family of transcription factors

A 100-amino-acid DNA-binding motif, known as the winged helix, was first identified in the mammalian hepatocyte nuclear factor-3 (HNF-3) and Drosophila fork head family of transcription factors. Subsequently, more than 40 different genes that contain the winged helix motif have been identified. In the studies described here, we have determined the murine chromosomal location of eight members of this gene family, HFH-1, HFH-3, HFH-4, HFH-5, HFH-6, HFH-8, BF-1, and BF-2, by interspecific backcross analysis. These genes, designated HNF-3 fork head homolog 1 (Hfh1), Hfh3, Hfh4, Hfh5, Hfh6, Hfh8, Hfh9, and Hfh10, respectively, mapped to 6 different mouse autosomes and are thus well dispersed throughout the mouse genome. Based on this mapping information, we predict the chromosomal location of these genes in humans and discuss the potential of these genes as candidates for uncloned mouse mutations.

Evolution of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is the prototype of an increasingly complex superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. To date, a total of 74 TGF-beta-like sequences have been published, probably representing 23 distinct genes. These sequences were obtained from mammalian, avian, amphibian and insect species, thus emphasising the ancient nature of the TGF-beta superfamily peptides. This article summarises current hypotheses concerning the evolutionary history of this protein superfamily, based on the molecular phylogeny of the published sequences. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences leads to the definition of five main groups within the superfamily (TGF-beta, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins [BMP], Anti-Müllerian Hormone [AMH], Inhibin alpha [INH alpha] and GDF-9) and six subgroups within the BMPs (60A, Decapentaplegic [dpp], Vg1, BMP-3, Inhibin beta [INH beta A/B] and nodal). This classification predicts possible phylogenetic and functional relationships among these proteins.

Anchored reference loci for comparative genome mapping in mammals

Recent advances in gene mapping technologies have led to increased emphasis in developing representative genetic maps for several species, particularly domestic plants and animals. These maps are being compiled with two distinct goals: to provide a resource for genetic analysis, and to help dissect the evolution of genome organization by comparing linkage relationships of homologous genes. We propose here a list of 321 reference anchor loci suitable for comparative gene mapping in mammals and other vertebrate classes. We selected cloned mouse and human functional genes spaced an average of 5-10 centiMorgans throughout their respective genomes. We also attempted to include loci that are evolutionarily conserved and represented in comparative gene maps in other mammalian orders, particularly cattle and the domestic cat. We believe that the map may provide the basis for a unified approach to comparative analysis of mammalian species genomes.

Co-selection of the rare T cell receptor-gamma B haplotype in mouse lines selected for low responsiveness to red blood cell antigens

T cell receptor (TcR)-gamma haplotype was investigated in seven pairs of murine Biozzi lines selected for low and high antibody (Ab) response to different antigens (Ag). High-responder lines (H) express gamma A or gamma C haplotypes irrespective of the selecting Ag. In contrast, the gamma B haplotype, which is rare in laboratory mouse strains, is found in all low-responder lines (L) to sheep erythrocyte Ag (SE). However, the TcR-gamma B locus might only have a low penetrance in the control of the SE response. Moreover, investigations using LIVA mice, which were selected for low SE response from homozygous gamma A founder parents, indicate that the gamma B haplotype is neither necessary nor sufficient to achieve a low-responder phenotype. The gamma B haplotype might, thus, be co-selected to confer to L mice an improved resistance to bacterial infections mediated by gamma delta T cells compensating the profound and nonspecific immune perturbation associated with the low Ab response.

Regional localization of three convertases, PC1 (Nec-1), PC2 (Nec-2), and furin (Fur), on mouse chromosomes

The genes for three convertases, PC1 (Nec-1), PC2 (Nec-2), and furin (Fur), have been regionally localized on chromosomes 13, 2, and 7, respectively, by interspecific backcross analysis. These results refine previous localizations by in situ hybridization as well as confirm and extend known regions of homology between mouse and human chromosomes.

A single cyclin A gene and multiple cyclin B1-related sequences are dispersed in the mouse genome

Cyclin activation of protein serine/threonine kinases plays a pivotal role in regulating the cell cycle. Multiple cyclins that fall into at least five classes, A, B, C, D, and E, have been identified. In some organisms, more than one member of a single cyclin class has been observed. To gain insight into the function of cyclin multiplicity, we determined the number of cyclin A- and B1-related sequences present in the mouse genome, the relationship between these cyclin-related sequences and previously described mutations in the mouse, and cyclin A and B1 mRNA expression in mouse embryos. By genetic mapping using human cyclin A and B1 probes, we identified 1 cyclin A gene located on chromosome 3 and 10 cyclin B1-related sequences located on chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, and 17. Cyclin B1-related sequences map in the vicinity of the metaphase-arrest mutation oligosyndactyly (Os) and embryonic lethal mutations associated with the albino (c) locus and the t-complex. In Northern analysis, two cyclin A-related transcripts of 2.1 and 3.4 kb and three cyclin B1-related transcripts of 1.7, 2.1, and 2.7 kb were detected in embryonic stem cells and postimplantation embryos from Day 9.5 to 15.5 of development. Identification of multiple cyclin B1-related sequences in the mouse genome and multiple cyclin B1 mRNAs raises the possibility that seemingly redundant cyclin B genes might have developmental- and/or cell-type-specific functions.

The murine leukemia inhibition factor gene (Lif) is located on proximal chromosome 11, not chromosome 13

Lif, the murine gene encoding leukemia inhibition factor (LIF), has been previously localized to proximal Chromosome (Chr) 11. Hilda, the murine gene encoding "human interleukin in DA cells" (HILDA) has been localized to Chr 13. Since these two growth factors are identical, the proposal for two different structural loci is intriguing. To address this issue, blot hybridization methods have been used to establish the position of the structural gene sequence unambiguously. DNAs from somatic cell hybrids, recombinant inbred mice, and backcross mice have been probed with a sequence that encodes LIF/HILDA. The results support the assignment of this sequence to proximal Chr 11. These studies also establish a synteny group, including Lif and Tcn-2, the structural gene for transcobalamin 2, that is conserved between man and mouse.

Id proteins Id1 and Id2 selectively inhibit DNA binding by one class of helix-loop-helix proteins

The DNA binding activities of some basic region and putative helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-containing transcriptional factors can be inhibited by the Id protein. Because Id contains the HLH motif for dimerization but not the basic amino acid region for DNA binding, heterodimers of Id with bHLH transcriptional factors may not bind to DNA. We have isolated and characterized the gene and cDNA clones for a new Id protein, designated Id2. The Id2 protein contains a helix-loop-helix motif similar to that of the previously described Id protein (referred to here as Id1), but the two proteins are different elsewhere. Id1 and Id2 are encoded by two unlinked genes, as shown by chromosome mapping. The two Id proteins have similar inhibitory activities. They selectively bind to and inhibit the function of one set of bHLH proteins, typified by E2A.E47 and E2B.m3, but not that of the other set, including TFE3, USF, and AP4. The Id proteins also homodimerize poorly. Expression of both Id genes is down-regulated during differentiation in a variety of cell types.

Id proteins Id1 and Id2 selectively inhibit DNA binding by one class of helix-loop-helix proteins

The DNA binding activities of some basic region and putative helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-containing transcriptional factors can be inhibited by the Id protein. Because Id contains the HLH motif for dimerization but not the basic amino acid region for DNA binding, heterodimers of Id with bHLH transcriptional factors may not bind to DNA. We have isolated and characterized the gene and cDNA clones for a new Id protein, designated Id2. The Id2 protein contains a helix-loop-helix motif similar to that of the previously described Id protein (referred to here as Id1), but the two proteins are different elsewhere. Id1 and Id2 are encoded by two unlinked genes, as shown by chromosome mapping. The two Id proteins have similar inhibitory activities. They selectively bind to and inhibit the function of one set of bHLH proteins, typified by E2A.E47 and E2B.m3, but not that of the other set, including TFE3, USF, and AP4. The Id proteins also homodimerize poorly. Expression of both Id genes is down-regulated during differentiation in a variety of cell types.

Linkage of loci associated with two pigment mutations on mouse chromosome 13

Progeny from one intra- and two inter-specific backcrosses between divergent strains of mice were typed to map multiple markers in relation to two pigment mutations on mouse chromosome 13, beige (bg) and pearl (pe). Both recessive mutants on a C57BL/6J background were crossed separately with laboratory strain PAC (M. domesticus) and the partially inbred M. musculus stock PWK. The intra- and inter-specific F1 hybrids were backcrossed to the C57BL/6J parental strain and DNA was prepared from progeny. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to follow the segregation of alleles in the backcross offspring at loci identified with molecular probes. The linkage analysis defines the association between the bg and pe loci and the loci for the T-cell receptor gamma-chain gene (Tcrg), the spermatocyte specific histone gene (Hist1), the prolactin gene (Prl), the Friend murine leukaemia virus integration site 1 (Fim-1), the murine Hanukuh Factor gene (Muhf/Ctla-3) and the dihydrofolate reductase gene (Dhfr). This data confirms results of prior chromosomal mapping studies utilizing bg as an anchor locus, and provides previously unreported information defining the localization of the prolactin gene on mouse chromosome 13. The relationship of multiple loci in relation to pe is similarly defined. These results may help facilitate localization of the genes responsible for two human syndromes homologous with bg and pe, Chediak-Higashi syndrome and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.

Ras-like genes and gene families in the mouse

Four human RAS-like cDNAs and a mouse genomic DNA fragment were used to define novel mouse Ras-like genes and gene families. Inheritance of DNA restriction fragment length variants associated with these genes in recombinant inbred and backcross mice allowed definition of 12 genetic loci, nine of which were mapped, to chromosomes (Chr) 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 17. Two possible clusters of Ras-like and/or G protein genes were identified, on Chrs 9 and 17.

Genomic organization of adrenergic and serotonin receptors in the mouse: linkage mapping of sequence-related genes provides a method for examining mammalian chromosome evolution

Five sequence-related genes encoding four adrenergic receptors and a serotonin receptor were localized to specific regions of four mouse chromosomes with respect to 11 other genetic markers. Linkage was established by the analysis of the haplotypes of 114 interspecific backcross mice. Adra2r (alpha 2-C10) and Adrb1r (beta 1) receptors mapped to the distal region of mouse chromosome 19. These genes were separated by 2.6 +/- 1.5 cM in a segment of mouse chromosome 19 that has a similar organization of these genes on the long arm of human chromosome 10. The Adra1r (alpha 1B), Adrb2r (beta 2), and Htra1 (5HT1A) genes mapped to proximal mouse chromosome 11, proximal mouse chromosome 18, and distal mouse chromosome 13, respectively. The organization of genes linked to these loci on regions of the three mouse chromosomes is consistent with the organization of homologous human genes on human chromosome 5. These findings further define the relationship of linkage groups conserved during the evolution of the mouse and human genomes. We have identified a region that may have been translocated during evolution and suggest that the human genomic organization of adrenergic receptors more closely resembles that of a putative primordial ancestor.

Meiotic mapping of murine chromosome 17: the string of loci around l(17)-2Pas

We describe a genetic analysis of l(17)-2Pas, an embryonic lethal mutation on murine chromosome 17. Males transmitted the l(17)-2 allele to only 38% of their offspring, whereas females transmitted this allele at 50%. Two-point crosses revealed tight linkage between l(17)-2 and brachyury (T), and deletion mapping placed l(17)-2 outside of the hairpin-tail deletion (Thp). To map this mutation more precisely, we intercrossed hybrid mice that carry distinct alleles at many classical and DNA loci on chromosome 17 and obtained 172 animals recombinant in the T to H-2 region. Strong positive interference was observed over the 14 cM interval from T to H-2K. Thus, a single recombinant can be informative; one such recombinant places l(17)-2 distal of the molecular marker D17Leh66D. Robust genetic maps can be constructed with multilocus crosses that share anchor loci. DNA markers can be interpolated onto these maps retrospectively.

Mast cell growth factor maps near the steel locus on mouse chromosome 10 and is deleted in a number of steel alleles

Many spontaneous, chemical-induced, and radiation-induced dominant white spotting (W) and steel (Sl) mutations have been identified in the mouse. W and Sl mutations have similar phenotypic effects including deficiencies in pigment cells, germ cells, and blood cells, Numerous studies have suggested that W acts within the affected cell while Sl instead exerts its effects in the extracellular environment. Recent findings demonstrating that W encodes the c-kit proto-oncogene, a tyrosine kinase membrane receptor, have suggested that Sl encodes a ligand for c-kit. In the accompanying article we report the identification and purification of mast cell growth factor (MGF), a c-kit ligand. Here we describe the cloning of sequences encoding MGF. Furthermore, we show that Mgf maps near Sl in the distal region of mouse chromosome 10 and is deleted in a number of Sl alleles. These findings strongly support the notion that Sl encodes the mast cell growth factor.

An interspecific backcross linkage map of the proximal half of mouse chromosome 14

We have generated a 30-cM molecular genetic linkage map of the proximal half of mouse chromosome 14 by interspecific backcross analysis. Loci that were mapped in this study include Bmp-1, Ctla-1, Hap, hr, Plau, Psp-2, Rib-1, and Tcra. A region of homology between mouse chromosome 14 and human chromosome 10 was identified by the localization of Plau to chromosome 14. This interspecific backcross map will be valuable for establishing linkage relationships of additional loci to mouse chromosome 14.

Chromosomal localization of seven members of the murine TGF-beta superfamily suggests close linkage to several morphogenetic mutant loci

Chromosomal locations have been assigned to seven members of the TGF-beta superfamily using an interspecific mouse backcross. Probes for the Tgfb-1, -2, and -3, Bmp-2a and -3, and Vgr-1 genes recognized only single loci, whereas the Bmp-2b probe recognized two independently segregating loci (designated Bmp-2b1 and Bmp-2b2). The results show that the seven members of the TGF-beta superfamily map to eight different chromosomes, indicating that the TGF-beta family has become widely dispersed during evolution. Five of the eight loci (Tgfb-1, Bmp-2a, Bmp-2b1, Bmp-2b2, Vgr-1) mapped near mutant loci associated with connective tissue and skeletal disorders, raising the possibility that at least some of these mutations result from defects in TGF-beta-related genes.