Reversal of MYB-dependent suppression of MAFB expression overrides leukaemia phenotype in MLL-rearranged AML

The transcription factor MYB plays a pivotal role in haematopoietic homoeostasis and its aberrant expression is involved in the genesis and maintenance of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We have previously demonstrated that not all AML subtypes display the same dependency on MYB expression and that such variability is dictated by the nature of the driver mutation. However, whether this difference in MYB dependency is a general trend in AML remains to be further elucidated. Here, we investigate the role of MYB in human leukaemia by performing siRNA-mediated knock-down in cell line models of AML with different driver lesions. We show that the characteristic reduction in proliferation and the concomitant induction of myeloid differentiation that is observed in MLL-rearranged and t(8;21) leukaemias upon MYB suppression is not seen in AML cells with a complex karyotype. Transcriptome analyses revealed that MYB ablation produces consensual increase of MAFB expression in MYB-dependent cells and, interestingly, the ectopic expression of MAFB could phenocopy the effect of MYB suppression. Accordingly, in silico stratification analyses of molecular data from AML patients revealed a reciprocal relationship between MYB and MAFB expression, highlighting a novel biological interconnection between these two factors in AML and supporting new rationales of MAFB targeting in MLL-rearranged leukaemias.

Positive selection of a gene family during the emergence of humans and African apes

Gene duplication followed by adaptive evolution is one of the primary forces for the emergence of new gene function. Here we describe the recent proliferation, transposition and selection of a 20-kilobase (kb) duplicated segment throughout 15 Mb of the short arm of human chromosome 16. The dispersal of this segment was accompanied by considerable variation in chromosomal-map location and copy number among hominoid species. In humans, we identified a gene family (morpheus) within the duplicated segment. Comparison of putative protein-encoding exons revealed the most extreme case of positive selection among hominoids. The major episode of enhanced amino-acid replacement occurred after the separation of human and great-ape lineages from the orangutan. Positive selection continued to alter amino-acid composition after the divergence of human and chimpanzee lineages. The rapidity and bias for amino-acid-altering nucleotide changes suggest adaptive evolution of the morpheus gene family during the emergence of humans and African apes. Moreover, some genes emerge and evolve very rapidly, generating copies that bear little similarity to their ancestral precursors. Consequently, a small fraction of human genes may not possess discernible orthologues within the genomes of model organisms.

Genomic sequence and transcriptional profile of the boundary between pericentromeric satellites and genes on human chromosome arm 10q

The organization of centromeric heterochromatin has been established in a number of eucaryotes but remains poorly defined in human. Here we present 1025 kb of contiguous human genomic sequence which links pericentromeric satellites to the RET proto-oncogene in 10q11.2 and is presumed to span the transition from centric heterochromatin to euchromatin on this chromosome arm. Two distinct domains can be defined within the sequence. The proximal approximately 240 kb consists of arrays of satellites and other tandem repeats separated by tracts of complex sequence which have evolved by pericentromeric-directed duplication. Analysis of 32 human paralogues of these sequences indicates that most terminate at or within repeat arrays, implicating these repeats in the interchromosomal duplication process. Corroborative PCR-based analyses establish a genome-wide correlation between the distribution of these paralogues and the distribution of satellite families present in 10q11. In contrast, the distal approximately 780 kb contains few tandem repeats and is largely chromosome specific. However, a minimum of three independent intrachromosomal duplication events have resulted in >370 kb of this sequence sharing >90% identity with sequences on 10p. Using computer-based analyses and RT-PCR we confirm the presence of three genes within the sequence, ZNF11/33B, KIAA0187 and RET, in addition to five transcripts of unknown structure. All of these transcribed sequences map distal to the satellite arrays. The boundary between satellite-rich interchromosomally duplicated DNA and chromosome-specific DNA therefore appears to define a transition from pericentromeric heterochromatin to euchromatin on the long arm of this chromosome.

Molecular cytogenetic resources for chromosome 4 and comparative analysis of phylogenetic chromosome IV in great apes

We have generated a panel of 55 somatic cell hybrids retaining fragments of human chromosome 4. Each hybrid has been characterized cytogenetically by FISH and molecularly by 37 STSs, evenly spaced along the chromosome. The panel can be exploited to map subregionally DNA sequences on chromosome 4 and to generate partial chromosome paints useful in the characterization of chromosomal rearrangements involving this chromosome. Furthermore, a panel of 84 YACs mapping on chromosome 4 has been characterized by FISH. A subset of this panel is recognized by STSs used in the somatic cell hybrid characterization. In this way a correlation between the genetic and the physical maps can be established. These resources have been used to investigate the conservation of the phylogenetic chromosome IV in great apes. The results indicate that all the pericentric inversions that differentiate chromosome IV in these species are distinct and that one of the breakpoints frequently lies very close to the centromere. In 4 instances, the YAC containing the breakpoint was identified. The breakpoint in IVq of PTR and MMU lies in the same YAC, suggesting that this breakpoint has been utilized twice in the evolutionary history of this chromosome.

Molecular structure and evolution of an alpha satellite/non-alpha satellite junction at 16p11

We have determined the detailed molecular structure and evolution of an alpha satellite junction from human chromosome 16p11. The analysis reveals that the alpha satellite sequence bordering the transition lacks higher-order structure and that the non-alpha satellite portion consists of a mosaic of duplicated segments of complex evolutionary origin. The 16p11 junction was formed recently (5-10 million years ago) by the duplication and transposition of genomic segments from Xq28 and 4q24. Once this mosaic structure was formed, a larger complex was spread among multiple pericentromeric regions. This resulted in the formation of large (>62 kb) paralogous segments that share a high degree ( approximately 97%) of sequence similarity. Both phylogenetic and comparative analyses indicate that these pericentromeric-directed duplications occurred around the time of the divergence of the human, gorilla and chimpanzee lineages, resulting in the subtle restructuring of the primate genome among these species. The available data suggest that such chimeric structures are a general property of several different human chromosomes near their alpha satellite junctions.

Two murine and human homologs of mab-21, a cell fate determination gene involved in Caenorhabditis elegans neural development

We report the cloning and genetic characterization of one human and two murine homologs of the mab-21 cell fate specification gene. mab-21 participates in the formation of sensory organs in the male nematode tail, and is essential for other developmental functions elsewhere in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. The expanding mab-21 gene family, which is strikingly conserved in evolution, includes two putative Drosophila members. The two mammalian genes, encoding 41 kDa nuclear basic proteins, are expressed in partially overlapping territories in the embryonic brain, eye and limbs, as well as in neural crest derivatives. Recent genetic data implicating mab-21 as a downstream target of TGF-beta signaling, together with the distribution of mab-21 transcripts in the mouse embryo, propose these novel genes as relevant factors in various aspects of vertebrate neural development.

Identification of two paralogous regions mapping to the short and long arms of human chromosome 2 comprising LIS1 pseudogenes

Reiner et al. (1995b) reported on the existence of a gene with a coding region virtually identical to LIS1, the gene responsible for Miller-Dieker lissencephaly. This gene, LIS2, was mapped to chromosome 2p11.2, and a related pseudogene, LIS2P, was mapped to 2q13-->q14. By sequencing genomic clones that were mapped by means of 2p and 2q-only hybrids, we now demonstrate the existence of two LIS1 processed pseudogenes mapping to 2p11.2 and 2q13 (PAFAH1P1 and PAFAH1P2, respectively). The two sequences appear to lie within larger paralogous regions and share a 98.6% degree of identity. Comparative mapping data by cytogenetic analysis on great apes indicate that the duplication of the genomic region comprising the LIS1 pseudogenes occurred in humans. We also demonstrate that the cDNA sequence shown as part of the LIS2 gene and marking its chromosome 2 specificity belongs to the 3' untranslated region of a different gene (C1orf6) that we mapped to 1q21 by FISH analysis.

Molecular cytogenetic resources specific for chromosome 12

We have generated a panel of 20 somatic cell hybrids retaining fragments of human chromosome 12. Each hybrid was characterized cytogenetically by reverse fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecularly by 24 sequence tagged sites (STSs) spaced evenly along the chromosome. The panel can be exploited to map subregionally DNA sequences on chromosome 12 and to generate partial chromosome paints useful in the characterization of chromosomal rearrangements involving this chromosome. Furthermore, a panel of 58 yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) mapping to chromosome 12 was characterized by FISH experiments on normal human metaphases. A subset of this panel is recognized by the STSs used in the somatic cell hybrid characterization. In this way a correlation between the genetic and the physical maps of this chromosome can be established.

cDNA cloning, characterization and chromosome mapping of Crtap encoding the mouse cartilage associated protein

Recently we have isolated and characterized a cDNA coding for a novel developmentally regulated chick embryo protein, cartilage associated protein (CASP). Here we describe the isolation and characterization of the cDNAs coding for the mouse CASP. Comparison of the mammalian putative protein sequence with the chick sequence shows a very high identity overall (51%); in particular the chick protein is homologous to the half amino terminus of the mouse protein. Furthermore, the comparison of the CASP cDNA sequence with sequences of the genebank database confirms our hypothesis that the CASP genes belong to a novel family that also includes genes encoding for some nuclear antigens. In all mouse tissues examined three CASP mRNAs species are detected, whereas in chick tissues a single mRNA is present. Immunohistochemistry studies show that the protein is expressed in all mouse embryonic cartilages. The mouse cartilage associated protein gene (Crtap) was assigned to chromosome 9F3-F4 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Molecular analysis of 11q13 breakpoints in multiple myeloma

The t(11;14)(q13;q32) chromosomal translocation, which is the hallmark of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), is found in approximately 30% of multiple myeloma (MM) tumors with a 14q32 translocation. Although the overexpression of cyclin D1 has been found to be correlated with MM cell lines carrying the t(11;14), rearrangements of the BCL-1/cyclin D1 regions frequently involved in MCL rarely occur in MM cell lines or primary tumors. To test whether specific 11q13 breakpoint clusters may occur in MM, we investigated a representative panel of primary tumors by means of Southern blot analysis using probes derived from MM-associated 11q13 breakpoints. To this end, we first cloned the breakpoints and respective germ-line regions from a primary tumor and the U266 cell line, as well as the germ-line region from the KMS-12 cell line. DNA from 50 primary tumors was tested using a large panel of probes, but a rearrangement was detected in only one case using the KMS-12 breakpoint probe. Our results confirm previous findings that the 11q13 breakpoints in MM are scattered throughout the 11q13 region encompassing the cyclin D1 gene, thus suggesting the absence of 11q13 breakpoint clusters in MM.

Sequences flanking the centromere of human chromosome 10 are a complex patchwork of arm-specific sequences, stable duplications and unstable sequences with homologies to telomeric and other centromeric locations

Little is known about sequence organization close to human centromeres, despite empirical and theoretical data which suggest that it may be unusual. Here we present maps which physically define large sequence duplications flanking the centromeric satellites of human chromosome 10, together with a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of pericentromeric sequence stability. Our results indicate that the duplications on each chromosome arm are organized into two blocks of approximately 250 and 150 kb separated by approximately 300 kb of non-duplicated DNA. The larger proximal blocks, containing ZNF11A, ZNF33A and ZNF37A (10p11) and ZNF11B, ZNF33B and ZNF37B (10q11), are inverted. However, the smaller distal blocks, containing D10S141A (10p11) and D10S141B (10q11), are not. A primate FISH analysis indicates that these loci were duplicated before the divergence of orang-utans from other Great Apes, that a cytogenetically cryptic pericentric inversion may have been involved in the formation of the flanking duplications and that they have undergone further rearrangement in other primate species. More surprising is the fact that sequences across the entire pericentromeric region appear to have undergone unprecedented levels of duplication, transposition, inversion and either deletion or sequence divergence in all primate species analysed. Extrapolating our data to the whole genome suggests that a minimum of 50 Mb of DNA in centromere-proximal regions is subject to an elevated level of mechanistically diverse sequence rearrangements compared with the bulk of genomic DNA.

KIF3C, a novel member of the kinesin superfamily: sequence, expression, and mapping to human chromosome 2 at 2p23

Kinesins are microtubule-dependent molecular motors involved in intracellular transport and mitosis. Here, we report the cloning, sequencing, mapping, and expression of a novel member of the kinesin superfamily. The sequence of this newly identified human cDNA reveals an open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 792 residues. Based on its high sequence similarity to the kinesin-like molecule KIF3B, we named this protein KIF3C. KIF3C is encoded by transcripts that are distinct from the KIF3B mRNA in human, rat, and mouse and is preferentially expressed in the brain. Fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals that, in the human genome, the KIF3C gene maps to chromosome 2 at 2p23. The sequence of KIF3C predicts an unusually long insertion in the proximity of L11, a region thought to mediate microtubule binding. Taken together, these findings suggest that KIF3C is a novel kinesin-like protein that might be specifically involved in microtubule-based transport in neuronal cells.

A panel of partial chromosome paints and YAC probes specific for human chromosome 2

Twenty nine hybrids retaining fragments of human chromosome 2 were characterized by reverse-FISH and by a panel of 106 STSs. Most of the hybrids are radiation hybrids retaining fragments of chromosome 2 as the only human contribution. The hybrid panel dissected chromosome 2 in 69 distinct physical regions, allowing a fine mapping of the sequences. These hybrids are particularly useful as starting points for generation, via Alu-PCR, of specific partial chromosome paints (PCP). We also report the mapping by FISH of 60 YACs located on chromosome 2. These resources can be advantageously used in cytogenetic investigations, with particular reference to cancer cytogenetics, as illustrated with the renal carcinoma cell line KRC/Y.

A novel chromosomal translocation t(4; 14)(p16.3; q32) in multiple myeloma involves the fibroblast growth-factor receptor 3 gene

Chromosomal translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus at chromosome 14q32 represent a common mechanism of oncogene activation in lymphoid malignancies. In multiple myeloma (MM), the most consistent chromosomal abnormality is the 14q+ marker, which originates in one third of cases through a t(11; 14)(q13; q32) chromosomal translocation; in the remaining cases, the identity of the partner chromosomes has not been well established. We used a Southern blot approach based on the linkage analysis of the joining (J) and the constant (C) mu, alpha, and gamma regions to detect cases bearing IGH switch-mediated chromosomal translocations. We evaluated DNA of 88 nonkaryotyped patients with MM (78 cases) or plasma cell leukemia (PCL) (10 cases) and found the presence of "illegitimate" rearranged IGH fragments (no comigration between the J and C regions) in 21 cases. To confirm this analysis, we cloned the illegitimate rearranged fragments from three samples, and the molecular and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses indicated the presence of chromosomal translocations juxtaposing a switch IGH region to sequences from chromosomes 11q13 (one PCL case) or 4p16.3 (two MM cases). Interestingly, the breakpoints on 4p16.3 occurred about 14 kb apart in a genomic region located approximately 50 kb centromeric to the fibroblast growth-factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. Moreover, Southern blot analysis using 4p16.3 genomic probes detected a rearrangement in an additional MM tumor. FISH analysis of the MM-derived KMS-11 cell line, reported to be associated with a t(4; 14)(p16.3; q32), showed that the FGFR3 gene was translocated on 14q32. High levels of FGFR3 mRNA expression were observed in the cloned MM tumors and KMS-11 cell line, but not in the cases that were apparently negative for this lesion. Furthermore, a point mutation at codon 373 in the transmembrane domain of the FGFR3 gene resulting in an amino acid substitution (Tyr --> Cys) was detected in the KMS-11 cell line. These findings indicate that the t(4; 14)(p16.3; q32) represents a novel, recurrent chromosomal translocation in MM, and suggest that the FGFR3 gene may be the target of this abnormality and thus contribute to tumorigenesis in MM.

Cloning and characterization of a copy of Tirant transposable element in Drosophila melanogaster

A Tirant element, inserted at the 5' end of the mitochondrial glutamine synthetase (mt-gs) gene in a mutant allele giving rise to a recessive female sterility phenotype, was cloned and utilized to characterize this novel retrotransposable element of the Drosophila melanogaster genome. The 5.3 kb element present in the fs(2) PM11-19 mt-gs allele possesses a 417 bp long terminal repeat (LTR) at both ends. There is a serine tRNA binding site downstream of the 5' LTR sequence and a polypurine tract upstream of the 3' LTR end. The insertion leads to the duplication of a host-site CGCG sequence. In situ hybridization to salivary glands chromosomes showed evidence of the mobile nature of the element. The DNA sequencing of the cloned 5.3 kb element revealed that Tirant possesses an open reading frame (ORF) that shows similarity with the envelope protein encoded by the gypsy and 297 retrotransposons. In addition, the cloned element appears to be a subgenomic fragment of a not yet identified complete element, because only the integrase domain of the reverse transcriptase gene is found.

Characterization of a small family (CAIII) of microsatellite-containing sequences with X-Y homology

Four X-linked loci showing homology with a previously described Y-linked polymorphic locus (DYS413) were identified and characterized. By fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), somatic cell hybrids, and YAC screening, the X-linked members of this small family of sequences (CAIII) all map in Xp22, while the Y members map in Yq11. These loci contribute to the overall similarity of the two genomic regions. All of the CAIII loci contain an internal microsatellite of the (CA)n type. The microsatellites display extensive length polymorphism in two of the X-linked members as well as in the Y members. In addition, common sequence variants are found in the portions flanking the microsatellites in two of the X-linked members. Our results indicate that, during the evolution of this family, length variation on the Y chromosome was accumulated at a rate not slower than that on the X chromosome. Finally, these sequences represent a model system with which to analyze human populations for similar X- and Y-linked polymorphisms.

A panel of radiation hybrids and YAC clones specific for human chromosome 5

We report the characterization, by reverse fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), of 59 hybrids retaining fragments of human chromosome 5. Most of these hybrids are radiation hybrids generated by gamma irradiating, at low dosage, a monochromosomal hybrid retaining chromosome 5 as its only human contribution. The partial chromosome paints generated from these hybrids will make powerful tools for cytogenetic investigations, especially on the cytogenetic evolution of primates, and examples are reported. The molecular characterization of these hybrids was refined using 74 sequence-tagged sites (STSs), which allowed the physical dissection of chromosome 5 into 71 distinct regions with an average length of 2.7 Mb. The panel, therefore, is also suitable for high-precision subregional mapping of new genes or sequences located on chromosome 5. As an additional resource for cytogenetic studies involving chromosome 5, we report the characterization, by FISH, of 73 YACs from CEPH. The vast majority of these YACs are recognized by at least one of the STSs used for hybrid characterization, thus enabling the integrated use of YACs and partial chromosome paints derived from the hybrids.

Genetic, molecular and developmental analysis of the glutamine synthetase isozymes of Drosophila melanogaster

The glutamine synthetase isozymes of Drosophila melanogaster offer an attractive model for the study of the molecular genetics and evolution of a small gene family encoding enzymatic isoforms that evolved to assume a variety of specific and sometimes essential biological functions. In Drosophila melanogaster two GS isozymes have been described which exhibit different cellular localisation and are coded by a two-member gene family. The mitochondrial GS structural gene resides at the 21B region of the second chromosome, the structural gene for the cytosolic isoform at the 10B region of the X chromosome. cDNA clones corresponding to the two genes have been isolated and sequenced. Evolutionary analysis data are in accord with the hypothesis that the two Drosophila glutamine synthetase genes are derived from a duplication event that occurred near the time of divergence between Insecta and Vertebrata. Both isoforms catalyse all reactions catalysed by other glutamine synthetases, but the different kinetic parameters and the different cellular compartmentalisation suggest strong functional specialisation. In fact, mutations of the mitochondrial GS gene produce embryo-lethal female sterility, defining a function of the gene product essential for the early stages of embryonic development. Preliminary results show strikingly distinct spatial and temporal patterns of expression of the two isoforms at later stages of development.