Assignment of the human parathyroid hormone gene to chromosome 11

Sanjad-Sakati and autosomal recessive Kenny-Caffey syndromes are allelic: evidence for an ancestral founder mutation and locus refinement

The Sanjad-Sakati syndrome (SSS; MIM241410), an autosomal recessive trait characterized by congenital hypoparathyroidism, growth and mental retardation, seizures, and a characteristic physiognomy, was recently linked to chromosome area 1q42-q43. SSS resembles the autosomal recessive form of Kenny-Caffey syndrome (KCS; MIM244460), with similar manifestations but lacking osteosclerosis. Since KCS was recently linked to the region 1q42-q43, the possibility that this disorder is allelic with SSS was considered. Eight Sanjad-Sakati families from Saudi Arabia were genotyped with polymorphic short tandem repeat markers from the SSS/KCS critical region. A maximum multipoint LOD score of 14.32 was obtained at marker D1S2649, confirming linkage of SSS to the same region as autosomal recessive KCS. Haplotype analysis refined the critical region to 2.6 cM and identified a rare haplotype present in all the SSS disease alleles, indicative of a common founder. In addition to the assignment of the Saudi SSS and Kuwaiti KCS syndromes to overlapping genetic intervals, comparison of the haplotypes unexpectedly demonstrated that the diseases shared an identical haplotype. This finding, combined with the clinical similarity between the two syndromes, suggests that the two conditions are not only allelic but are also caused by the same ancestral mutation.

The autosomal recessive Kenny-Caffey syndrome locus maps to chromosome 1q42-q43

Kenny-Caffey syndrome (KCS) is an osteosclerotic bone dysplasia with associated hypocalcemia and ocular abnormalities. Both autosomal dominant (MIM127000) and autosomal recessive (MIM244460) inheritance patterns have been described. Using eight consanguineous Kuwaiti kindreds, a genome-wide search for linkage to the gene causing the autosomal recessive form of KCS was performed with polymorphic short tandem repeat markers. Significant linkage to a locus situated at chromosome 1q42 --> q43 with a maximal two-point lod score of 13.30 with marker D1S2649 was obtained. Haplotype analysis of flanking markers identified recombination events defining the KCS locus to a region between markers D1S2800 on the centromeric boundary and D1S2850 on the telomeric boundary, an approximately 4-cM interval. All affected individuals in these unrelated kindreds were homozygous for identical alleles at markers D1S2649 and D1S235, suggesting a single ancestral mutation underlying the disease in these families. Haploinsufficiency at 22q11, reported in another consanguineous KCS kindred, was not documented in these families.

Localisation of X linked recessive idiopathic hypoparathyroidism to a 1.5 Mb region on Xq26-q27

X linked recessive idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (HPT) has been observed in two kindreds from Missouri, USA. Affected subjects, who are males, suffer from infantile onset of epilepsy and hypocalcaemia, which appears to be the result of an isolated congenital defect of parathyroid gland development; females are not affected and are normocalcaemic. The gene causing HPT has been previously mapped to a 7 cM interval, flanked centromerically by F9 and telomerically by DXS98, in Xq26-q27, and an analysis of mitochondrial DNA has established a common ancestry for these two kindreds. In order to define further the map location of HPT and thereby facilitate its isolation, we have undertaken linkage studies using polymorphic loci whose order has been established as Xcen - DXS1001 - DXS294 - DXS102 - F9 - DXS1232 - DXS984 - CDR1 - DXS105 - DXS1205 - DXS1227 - DXS98 - DXS52 - Xqter, within this region. Our results established linkage (lod score > 3) between HPT and eight of these 12 loci and indicated that the most likely location of HPT was within a 1.5 Mb interval flanked centromerically by F9 and telomerically by DXS984. Thus, the results of this study have helped to refine the map location of HPT, and this will facilitate the identification of this putative developmental gene and its role in the embryological formation of the parathyroids.

Parathyroid hormone gene analysis in autosomal hypoparathyroidism using an intragenic tetranucleotide (AAAT)n polymorphism

We have identified a polymorphic tetranucleotide consisting of (AAAT)n within the first intron of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene, and have used this to investigate the segregation of the PTH gene and idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in 7 affected and 21 unaffected members from three families. An association between the PTH locus and autosomal dominant idiopathic hypoparathyroidism in one family was excluded by observing recombination between the two loci. In the remaining two families with autosomal recessive idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, the PTH locus was not similarly excluded. We had previously demonstrated a donor splice site mutation of the PTH gene in one of these families, and PTH gene abnormalities were therefore sought in the second of these families. DNA sequence analysis of the three exons, together with 4 exon-intron boundaries and the promoter region of the PTH gene revealed no abnormalities, thereby indicating molecular pathology at another locus. Thus, our analysis of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism reveals genetic heterogeneity for this disorder. In addition, our identification of a microsatellite polymorphism of the PTH gene should help further segregation studies of this locus in families with parathyroid disorders.

Molecular analysis of patients with Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome. I. Gene dosage on the short arm of chromosome 11

Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome (WBS) is characterised by a specific group of congenital malformations associated with an increased concurrent risk for development of a defined group of childhood neoplasms. The mode of inheritance is complex, but recently compiled family data suggest that it is an autosomal dominant trait of varying expression. It has previously been suggested that major rearrangements on the short arm of chromosome 11 may be involved in the aetiology of the disease, particularly in the region of the insulin like growth factor II (IGF-II) gene (11p15.5). This gene is thought to be parentally imprinted in the mouse and it has been suggested that in the human, duplication of the non-imprinted locus in WBS patient might lead to diploid expression of the gene and consequent general hyperplasia. This model predicts that there should be both frequent and parental origin specific duplication of the IGF-II gene in the patients. It was the aim of this study to examine the IGF-II locus and its surrounding chromosomal environment for such lesions in a large number of WBS patients. Using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for four linked markers on 11p and genomic clones internal to the IGF-II locus we could find no evidence of alteration or amplification of this area in any of the 11 patients investigated. In one patient who developed a Wilms tumour we could find no evidence for loss of any material on the short arm of chromosome 11 as reported previously.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The molecular biology of parathyroid disease

Advances in molecular genetics have shed important new light on the understanding of the basis for human tumors. The application of these methods has allowed for characterization of endocrine neoplasms at a level of resolution that was not previously possible. A variety of molecular techniques have been applied to the study of parathyroid tumors at the DNA level. Studies of the clonal derivation of adenomas and hyperplasia suggest that these entities arise through fundamentally different mechanisms. The gene for parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been cloned and mapped within the human genome. In a small subset of parathyroid tumors, a rearrangement of the PTH gene has been described which may have contributed to their pathogenesis. A separate gene has been identified which appears to be responsible for the humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. Chromosomal deletions which appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 have also been found in sporadic parathyroid adenomas. Characterization of tumors at the DNA level may make it possible to correlate specific genetic abnormalities with the biologic behavior of different parathyroid neoplasms and may be useful in distinguishing between adenoma, hyperplasia, and carcinoma.

Genetic and synteny mapping of parathyroid hormone and beta hemoglobin in cattle

Parathyroid hormone and the beta hemoglobin gene cluster, which are closely linked on human chromosome 11p15, were localized to bovine syntenic group (U7) with the gene for catalase by the use of bovine x hamster hybrid somatic cells. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were followed through informative pedigrees to determine a linkage map distance of 15.6 +/- 5.4 cM between the parathyroid hormone and hemoglobin genes. Allelic frequencies of the DNA fragment were compared in a small sampling of cattle from five different breeds.

Analysis of gene dosage on chromosome 11 in children suffering from Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

The Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is composed of multiple congenital malformations coupled with a high concurrent risk for the development of specific rare childhood tumours. The syndrome is characterised by a complex mode of inheritance, but recent evidence indicates that it is an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance. It has been previously suggested that major rearrangements of the short arm of chromosome 11 are involved in the aetiology of the disease. We undertook to search for rearrangements in 11p in four patients with BWS and their parents and siblings. By using cloned DNA fragments homologous to four genes located on 11p, namely catalase, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor II and the proto-oncogene c-Ha-Ras, we subjected DNA from the patients to a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis after digestion with restriction enzymes. We found no evidence for any large scale deletions or amplifications in this chromosomal region. We therefore conclude that altered gene dosage is not, as has been suggested, a requirement for the development of BWS. This raises the question of whether some other molecular mechanism is responsible for the malformations observed.

Increased synthesis of human parathyroid hormone in Escherichia coli through alterations of the 5' untranslated region

The expression of human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) in Escherichia coli was optimized by variations of the spacing sequence between the ribosome-binding site (RBS) and the beginning of the gene (ATG) and by increasing the complementarity of the RBS to the 16 S rRNA. The expression level of 3 micrograms/liter increased more than 100-fold to 475 micrograms/liter as a direct consequence of modifications in the region 5' of the gene.

Analysis of WAGR deletions and related translocations with gene-specific DNA probes, using FACS-selected cell hybrids

We used the fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) to select a series of somatic cell hybrids with deleted or translocated chromosome 11 segregated from its normal homolog. Analysis of these cell hybrids with gene-specific probes and for cell-surface marker expression has allowed us to order the markers and define a smallest region of overlap (SRO) for deletions associated with the WAGR (Wilms' tumor, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation) region of chromosome 11. Two translocation breakpoints in 11p13 (one associated with familial aniridia and one with a sporadic case of congenital renal dysfunction resulting from urethral and ureteral atresia) map within this SRO.

Molecular and physical arrangements of human DNA in HRAS1-selected, chromosome-mediated transfectants

We used mitotic chromosomes isolated from a human EJ bladder carcinoma cell line for morphological transformation of mouse C127 cells. These chromosome-mediated transformants were analyzed for cotransfer of markers syntenic with c-Ha-ras-1 on human chromosome 11. We also used cloned, dispersed human DNA repeats, in a general mapping strategy, to quantitate the amounts and molecular state of human DNA transferred along with the activated c-Ha-ras-1 gene. In situ hybridization was used to visualize the physical state of the transfected human chromatin. The combined use of these various techniques revealed the occurrence of both chromosomal and DNA rearrangements. However, our analysis also demonstrated that, in general, very substantial lengths of DNA are transferred intact. Closely linked markers are likely to cosegregate. Therefore, these transformants should be invaluable sources for the complete molecular cloning of isolated fragments of the short arm of human chromosome 11.

Molecular and physical arrangements of human DNA in HRAS1-selected, chromosome-mediated transfectants

We used mitotic chromosomes isolated from a human EJ bladder carcinoma cell line for morphological transformation of mouse C127 cells. These chromosome-mediated transformants were analyzed for cotransfer of markers syntenic with c-Ha-ras-1 on human chromosome 11. We also used cloned, dispersed human DNA repeats, in a general mapping strategy, to quantitate the amounts and molecular state of human DNA transferred along with the activated c-Ha-ras-1 gene. In situ hybridization was used to visualize the physical state of the transfected human chromatin. The combined use of these various techniques revealed the occurrence of both chromosomal and DNA rearrangements. However, our analysis also demonstrated that, in general, very substantial lengths of DNA are transferred intact. Closely linked markers are likely to cosegregate. Therefore, these transformants should be invaluable sources for the complete molecular cloning of isolated fragments of the short arm of human chromosome 11.

Exclusion of close linkage between the parathyroid hormone gene and a mutant gene locus causing idiopathic hypoparathyroidism

A family is presented in which the mother has transmitted primary hypoparathyroidism with early onset and serum PTH (44-68) and C terminal deficiency to her two sons. Restriction enzyme analysis of allelic variation at the PTH gene locus revealed that the disease and the PTH alleles segregate independently. It is therefore concluded that the primary molecular defect leading to this form of hypoparathyroidism is not located within the PTH gene itself.

Molecular biology of parathyroid hormone

The entire biosynthetic pathway of PTH has been elucidated from the determination of the chromosomal location to the eventual secretion of the hormone from the cell. The human gene is present on the short arm of chromosome 11, and restriction site polymorphisms near the gene have been detected. The PTH genes and cDNAs have been isolated and characterized in the bovine, human, and rat species. The gene contains two introns, which are in the same position in each species, and dissect the gene into 3 exons that code, respectively, for the 5' untranslated region, the signal peptide, and PTH plus the 3' untranslated region. The mRNAs are about twice as long as necessary to code for preProPTH and contain a 7-methylquanosine cap at the 5' terminus and polyadenylic acid at the 3' terminus. The 5' termini of the bovine and human mRNAs are heterogeneous at the 5' terminus, the basis of which is two TATA sequences in the 5' flanking regions of the gene. In contrast, the rat gene contains a single TATA sequence and the mRNA has a single 5' terminus. The initial translational product of the mRNA is preProPTH, and the pre-peptide of 25 amino acids is equivalent to signal peptides of other secreted and membrane proteins. The genes of the three species are very homologous in the region that codes for preProPTH. Substantial homology is also retained in the gene flanking regions, introns, and mRNA untranslated regions. Silent sites are also conserved more than would be expected, particularly between the human and bovine sequences. The bovine and human sequences are more closely related than the rat is to either the human or bovine. These studies of the basic molecular biology of PTH will provide the framework for future analysis of significant biological and medical questions. In vitro mutagenesis techniques should soon provide information about the elements of the gene involved in regulating transcription and about functional elements of the signal peptide. Eventually, signals involved in directing the ProPTH molecule to secretory granules as well as the biologically active regions of PTH, itself, will be examined by these methods. The molecular biological studies, combined with the development of dispersed cell cultures, provide the opportunity to study the effects of chronic changes in calcium on gene transcription and mRNA metabolism. The restriction site polymorphisms associated with the human PTH gene will allow a search for correlations between PTH gene structure and parathyroid disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Molecular analysis of chromosome 11 deletions in aniridia-Wilms tumor syndrome

We describe five individuals who have constitutional deletions of the short arm of one chromosome 11, including all or part of the band p13. All of these individuals suffer from aniridia; two have had a Wilms tumor removed. We have established lymphoblastoid cell lines from these and in three cases constructed somatic cell hybrids containing the deleted chromosome 11. Analysis of DNA from the cell lines and hybrids with a cloned cDNA probe has shown that the catalase gene is deleted in four of five patients. The catalase locus must be proximal to the Wilms and aniridia-related loci. We have not detected a deletion of the beta-globin or calcitonin genes in any of these individuals; we conclude these genes are likely to be outside the region 11p12-11p15.4. In addition, we have used monoclonal antibodies in fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis to measure expression in the hybrids of two cell surface markers encoded by genes that map to the short arm of chromosome 11. The genes for both of these are deleted in two individuals but are present in the individual with the smallest deletion.

Rapid and quantitative detection of unique sequence donor DNA in extracts of cultured mammalian cells: an aid to chromosome mapping

A rapid and highly sensitive method for screening the human DNA content of hybrid or transfected mammalian cells is described. Transfectants containing as little as 200 kb of otherwise undefined human DNA can be readily detected in a background of mouse chromatin. At the highest stringency, single-copy sequences can be detected. Large numbers of independent gene-transfer products are easily screened, making the method ideally suited to the identification of rare, but otherwise unselectable, events. The method does not rely upon the expression of the gene sequence of interest; the sole proviso is the availability of an appropriate DNA probe for the chromosomal region or locus of interest.

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human parathyroid hormone gene locus

Two common Pst I and Taq I restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were detected at the human parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene locus. The allele frequencies in a Northern German population were 0.578/0.422 (Pst I) and 0.628/0.372 (Taq I). The allele distributions follow Hardy-Weinberg expectations of equilibrium in the population. The Mendelian nature of the polymorphisms were confirmed in family studies.

Somatic deletion and duplication of genes on chromosome 11 in Wilms' tumours

One of the most provocative findings in tumour biology is the relationship between chromosomal changes and embryonal cancers in children. For example, children with the rare paediatric syndrome AGR triad (aniridia, genito-urinary abnormalities and mental retardation) often develop Wilms' tumours at a very early age and carry a germ-line deletion on the short arm of chromosome 11 (11p13). It has been suggested that the germ-line deletion 11p is the first of two or more steps to cancer in AGR children. If this were true, one might expect a similar deletion to arise somatically in the far more common isolated Wilms' tumours of children without AGR, as suggested by Knudson from epidemiological data. However, a chromosomal deletion on 11p was observed in only two of five such cases, while it was absent or seen inconsistently in others. We have now used a molecular genetic approach to determine whether Wilms' tumour cells possess somatic alterations at 11p loci. We have found somatic deletions of specific genes in four of six Wilms' tumours. Surprisingly, in all four cases, the deletions were associated with duplications leading to homozygosity of the non-deleted alleles in the tumour cells. As analogous observations were recently reported in retinoblastoma, the genetic events reported here may underlie the development of many such embryonal tumours in children.