TL;DR: A low but significant level of linkage disequilibrium was found for unlinked markers and only for very tigthly linked (<3 cM) markers was this level substantially higher, implying that little is gained in utilising the map position of the markers in fingerprinting applications.
Abstract: It has been suggested that map information for molecular markers can be used to strengthen finterprinting analyses. The success of this strategy depends on the distribution of linkage disequilibrium over the genome. Using 451 mapped AFLP markers, we investigated the occurrence of linkage disequilibrium in nine sugar beet breeding lines. A low but significant level of linkage disequilibrium was found for unlinked markers. Only for very tigthly linked (<3 cM) markers was this level substantially higher. This implies that little is gained in utilising the map position of the markers in fingerprinting applications.
TL;DR: It is suggested that Hd1 functions in the promotion of heading under short- day conditions and in inhibition under long-day conditions and is a homolog of CONSTANS in Arabidopsis.
Abstract: A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling response to photoperiod, Hd1, was identified by means of a map-based cloning strategy. High-resolution mapping using 1505 segregants enabled us to define a genomic region of ∼12 kb as a candidate for Hd1. Further analysis revealed that the Hd1 QTL corresponds to a gene that is a homolog of CONSTANS in Arabidopsis. Sequencing analysis revealed a 43-bp deletion in the first exon of the photoperiod sensitivity 1 (se1) mutant HS66 and a 433-bp insertion in the intron in mutant HS110. Se1 is allelic to the Hd1 QTL, as determined by analysis of two se1 mutants, HS66 and HS110. Genetic complementation analysis proved the function of the candidate gene. The amount of Hd1 mRNA was not greatly affected by a change in length of the photoperiod. We suggest that Hd1 functions in the promotion of heading under short-day conditions and in inhibition under long-day conditions.
TL;DR: The positional cloning of a gene located in the NIDDM1 region that shows association with type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans and a Northern European population from the Botnia region of Finland is described, suggesting a novel pathway that may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes.
Abstract: Type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is the most common form of diabetes worldwide, affecting approximately 4% of the world's adult population. It is multifactorial in origin with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. A genome-wide screen for type 2 diabetes genes carried out in Mexican Americans localized a susceptibility gene, designated NIDDM1, to chromosome 2. Here we describe the positional cloning of a gene located in the NIDDM1 region that shows association with type 2 diabetes in Mexican Americans and a Northern European population from the Botnia region of Finland. This putative diabetes-susceptibility gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed member of the calpain-like cysteine protease family, calpain-10 (CAPN10). This finding suggests a novel pathway that may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
TL;DR: The presence of consensus signal peptide sequences suggests that the product of the gene OPA1 is targeted to mitochondria and may exert its function in mitochondrial biogenesis and stabilization of mitochondrial membrane integrity.
Abstract: Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is the most prevalent hereditary optic neuropathy resulting in progressive loss of visual acuity, centrocoecal scotoma and bilateral temporal atrophy of the optic nerve with an onset within the first two decades of life. The predominant locus for this disorder (OPA1; MIM 165500) has been mapped to a 1.4-cM interval on chromosome 3q28-q29 flanked by markers D3S3669 and D3S3562 (ref. 3). We established a PAC contig covering the entire OPA1 candidate region of approximately 1 Mb and a sequence skimming approach allowed us to identify a gene encoding a polypeptide of 960 amino acids with homology to dynamin-related GTPases. The gene comprises 28 coding exons and spans more than 40 kb of genomic sequence. Upon sequence analysis, we identified mutations in seven independent families with ADOA. The mutations include missense and nonsense alterations, deletions and insertions, which all segregate with the disease in these families. Because most mutations probably represent null alleles, dominant inheritance of the disease may result from haploinsufficiency of OPA1. OPA1 is widely expressed and is most abundant in the retina. The presence of consensus signal peptide sequences suggests that the product of the gene OPA1 is targeted to mitochondria and may exert its function in mitochondrial biogenesis and stabilization of mitochondrial membrane integrity.
TL;DR: The 312 microsatellite markers reported here provide whole-genome coverage with an average density of one SSLP per 6 cM, and the distribution of polymorphism detected by these markers varies between different regions of the genome.
Abstract: In order to enhance the resolution of an existing genetic map of rice, and to obtain a comprehensive picture of marker utility and genomic distribution of microsatellites in this important grain species, rice DNA sequences containing simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were extracted from several small-insert genomic libraries and from the database. One hundred and eighty eight new microsatellite markers were developed and evaluated for allelic diversity. The new simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs) were incorporated into the existing map previously containing 124 SSR loci. The 312 microsatellite markers reported here provide whole-genome coverage with an average density of one SSLP per 6 cM. In this study, 26 SSLP markers were identified in published sequences of known genes, 65 were developed based on partial cDNA sequences available in GenBank, and 97 were isolated from genomic libraries. Microsatellite markers with different SSR motifs are relatively uniformly distributed along rice chromosomes regardless of whether they were derived from genomic clones or cDNA sequences. However, the distribution of polymorphism detected by these markers varies between different regions of the genome.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a method to encode portions of the genome of a plant, and polypeptides encoded thereby, which are useful for expressing a gene product, either as a promoter or as a structural gene or as an UTR or as 3' termination sequence.
Abstract: The present invention provides DNA molecules that constitute portions of the genome of a plant, and polypeptides encoded thereby. The DNA molecules are useful for expressing a gene product, either as a promoter or as a structural gene or as an UTR or as a 3' termination sequence and are also useful in controlling expression of the target gene or as tools for genetic mapping or identification of a particular individual plant or for clustering of a group of plants with a common trait.
TL;DR: The highest overall degree of genetic diversity was seen in GA-containing microsatellites of genomic library origin, while the most conserved markers contained CCG- or CAG-trinucleotide motifs and were developed from GenBank sequences.
Abstract: The growing number of rice microsatellite markers warrants a comprehensive comparison of allelic variability between the markers developed using different methods, with various sequence repeat motifs, and from coding and non-coding portions of the genome. We have performed such a comparison over a set of 323 microsatellite markers; 194 were derived from genomic library screening and 129 were derived from the analysis of rice-expressed sequence tags (ESTs) available in public DNA databases. We have evaluated the frequency of polymorphism between parental pairs of six inter- subspecific crosses and one inter-specific cross widely used for mapping in rice. Microsatellites derived from genomic libraries detected a higher level of polymorphism than those derived from ESTs contained in the GenBank database (83.8% versus 54.0%). Similarly, the other measures of genetic variability [the number of alleles per locus, polymorphism information content (PIC), and allele size ranges] were all higher in genomic library-derived microsatellites than in their EST-database counterparts. The highest overall degree of genetic diversity was seen in GA-containing microsatellites of genomic library origin, while the most conserved markers contained CCG- or CAG-trinucleotide motifs and were developed from GenBank sequences. Preferential location of specific motifs in coding versus non-coding regions of known genes was related to observed levels of microsatellite diversity. A strong positive correlation was observed between the maximum length of a microsatellite motif and the standard deviation of the molecular-weight of amplified fragments. The reliability of molecular weight standard deviation (SDmw) as an indicator of genetic variability of microsatellite loci is discussed.
TL;DR: A approximately 630-kb lung cancer homozygous deletion region harboring one or more tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) on chromosome 3p21 is defined and several of the genes in the region are excluded as classical tumor suppressors for sporadic lung cancer.
Abstract: We used overlapping and nested homozygous deletions, contig building, genomic sequencing, and physical and transcript mapping to further define a approximately 630-kb lung cancer homozygous deletion region harboring one or more tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) on chromosome 3p21.3. This location was identified through somatic genetic mapping in tumors, cancer cell lines, and premalignant lesions of the lung and breast, including the discovery of several homozygous deletions. The combination of molecular manual methods and computational predictions permitted us to detect, isolate, characterize, and annotate a set of 25 genes that likely constitute the complete set of protein-coding genes residing in this approximately 630-kb sequence. A subset of 19 of these genes was found within the deleted overlap region of approximately 370-kb. This region was further subdivided by a nesting 200-kb breast cancer homozygous deletion into two gene sets: 8 genes lying in the proximal approximately 120-kb segment and 11 genes lying in the distal approximately 250-kb segment. These 19 genes were analyzed extensively by computational methods and were tested by manual methods for loss of expression and mutations in lung cancers to identify candidate TSGs from within this group. Four genes showed loss-of-expression or reduced mRNA levels in non-small cell lung cancer (CACNA2D2/alpha2delta-2, SEMA3B [formerly SEMA(V), BLU, and HYAL1] or small cell lung cancer (SEMA3B, BLU, and HYAL1) cell lines. We found six of the genes to have two or more amino acid sequence-altering mutations including BLU, NPRL2/Gene21, FUS1, HYAL1, FUS2, and SEMA3B. However, none of the 19 genes tested for mutation showed a frequent (>10%) mutation rate in lung cancer samples. This led us to exclude several of the genes in the region as classical tumor suppressors for sporadic lung cancer. On the other hand, the putative lung cancer TSG in this location may either be inactivated by tumor-acquired promoter hypermethylation or belong to the novel class of haploinsufficient genes that predispose to cancer in a hemizygous (+/-) state but do not show a second mutation in the remaining wild-type allele in the tumor. We discuss the data in the context of novel and classic cancer gene models as applied to lung carcinogenesis. Further functional testing of the critical genes by gene transfer and gene disruption strategies should permit the identification of the putative lung cancer TSG(s), LUCA, Analysis of the approximately 630-kb sequence also provides an opportunity to probe and understand the genomic structure, evolution, and functional organization of this relatively gene-rich region.
TL;DR: Diverse mutations in AVR-Pita, including point mutations, insertions, and deletions, permit the fungus to avoid triggering resistance responses mediated by Pi-ta, and abolishes the AVR -Pita avirulence function.
Abstract: Genetic mapping showed that the rice blast avirulence gene AVR-Pita is tightly linked to a telomere on chromosome 3 in the plant pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe grisea . AVR-Pita corresponds in gene-for-gene fashion to the disease resistance ( R ) gene Pi-ta . Analysis of spontaneous avr-pita – mutants indicated that the gene is located in a telomeric 6.5-kb BglII restriction fragment. Cloning and DNA sequencing led to the identification of a candidate gene with features typical of metalloproteases. This gene is located entirely within the most distal 1.5 kb of the chromosome. When introduced into virulent rice pathogens, the cloned gene specifically confers avirulence toward rice cultivars that contain Pi-ta . Frequent spontaneous loss of AVR-Pita appears to be the result of its telomeric location. Diverse mutations in AVR-Pita , including point mutations, insertions, and deletions, permit the fungus to avoid triggering resistance responses mediated by Pi-ta . A point mutation in the protease consensus sequence abolishes the AVR-Pita avirulence function.
TL;DR: In Arabidopsis the information generated by the Genome Initiative is giving this approach a decisive boost and a wealth of sequence polymorphisms and molecular markers is now available and can be exploited for fine mapping with technically simple and robust polymerase chain reaction-based methods.
Abstract: Positional (or map-based) cloning techniques are widely used to identify the protein products of genes defined by mutation. In Arabidopsis the information generated by the Genome Initiative is giving this approach a decisive boost. A wealth of sequence polymorphisms and molecular markers is now available and can be exploited for fine mapping with technically simple and robust polymerase chain reaction-based methods. As a result it has become possible to complete positional cloning projects in a short time and with relatively little effort.
TL;DR: Three major genes (Pi1, Piz-5 and Pita) for blast resistance on chromosomes 11, 6 and 12, respectively, were fine-mapped and closely linked RFLP markers identified and are being deployed into agronomically superior ricevarieties by marker-aided selection (MAS).
Abstract: Three major genes (Pi1, Piz-5 and Pita) for blast resistance on chromosomes 11, 6 and 12, respectively, were fine-mapped and closely linked RFLP markers identified. New markers for Pi1 and Pita were found that were flanking the genes. The three genes were pyramided using RFLP markers. A PCR-based SAP (sequence amplified polymorphism) marker was used to identify Piz-5 in the segregating population. The plants carrying the two- and three-gene combinations that were tested for resistance to leaf blast in the Philippines and India indicated that combinations including Piz-5 have enhanced resistance than when it is present alone. The genes from the pyramided lines are at present being deployed into agronomically superior ricevarieties by marker-aided selection (MAS).
TL;DR: The current tools available for the forward genetic analysis of naturally occurring variation in Arabidopsis, and the recent progress in the detection and mapping of loci and the cloning of large-effect genes are described.
TL;DR: The findings for barley support the conclusions drawn from deletion mapping in wheat that for all plant genomes, notwithstanding their size, the marker-rich regions are all of similar gene density and recombination activity and, therefore, should be equally accessible to map-based cloning.
Abstract: We have developed a new technique for the physical mapping of barley chromosomes using microdissected translocation chromosomes for PCR with sequence-tagged site primers derived from >300 genetically mapped RFLP probes. The positions of 240 translocation breakpoints were integrated as physical landmarks into linkage maps of the seven barley chromosomes. This strategy proved to be highly efficient in relating physical to genetic distances. A very heterogeneous distribution of recombination rates was found along individual chromosomes. Recombination is mainly confined to a few relatively small areas spaced by large segments in which recombination is severely suppressed. The regions of highest recombination frequency (=1 Mb/cM) correspond to only 4.9% of the total barley genome and harbor 47.3% of the 429 markers of the studied RFLP map. The results for barley correspond well with those obtained by deletion mapping in wheat. This indicates that chromosomal regions characterized by similar recombination frequencies and marker densities are highly conserved between the genomes of barley and wheat. The findings for barley support the conclusions drawn from deletion mapping in wheat that for all plant genomes, notwithstanding their size, the marker-rich regions are all of similar gene density and recombination activity and, therefore, should be equally accessible to map-based cloning.
TL;DR: Using a positional-cloning strategy, mutations occurring in the gene MTMR2, encoding myotubularin-related protein-2, a dual specificity phosphatase (DSP) are identified in unrelated CMT4B patients.
Abstract: A gene mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4B (CMT4B), an autosomal recessive demyelinating neuropathy with myelin outfoldings, has been mapped on chromosome 11q22. Using a positional-cloning strategy, we identified in unrelated CMT4B patients mutations occurring in the gene MTMR2, encoding myotubularin-related protein-2, a dual specificity phosphatase (DSP).
TL;DR: A large-scale analysis of SNPs in the mouse genome and identifies a collection of 2,848 SNPs located in 1,755 sequence-tagged sites (STSs) using high-density oligonucleotide arrays, providing a first-generation SNP map of the mouse.
Abstract: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been the focus of much attention in human genetics because they are extremely abundant and well-suited for automated large-scale genotyping. Human SNPs, however, are less informative than other types of genetic markers (such as simple-sequence length polymorphisms or microsatellites) and thus more loci are required for mapping traits. SNPs offer similar advantages for experimental genetic organisms such as the mouse, but they entail no loss of informativeness because bi-allelic markers are fully informative in analysing crosses between inbred strains. Here we report a large-scale analysis of SNPs in the mouse genome. We characterized the rate of nucleotide polymorphism in eight mouse strains and identified a collection of 2,848 SNPs located in 1,755 sequence-tagged sites (STSs) using high-density oligonucleotide arrays. Three-quarters of these SNPs have been mapped on the mouse genome, providing a first-generation SNP map of the mouse. We have also developed a multiplex genotyping procedure by which a genome scan can be performed with only six genotyping reactions per animal.
TL;DR: Interestingly, the presence of WW domains in the structure of WWOX indicate the likelihood that this protein physically interacts with other proteins, and it is speculated that WWOX may span the yet uncharacterized common fragile site FRA16D region.
Abstract: Studies were conducted with the final goal of identifying genes of interest mapping to the chromosome region 16q23.3-24.1, an area commonly affected by allelic losses in breast cancer. To this end we generated a detailed physical map of the genomic region spanning between sequence-tagged site markers D16S518 and D16S516. To identify candidate genes, we used shotgun genomic sequencing as well as isolation and analysis of transcripts mapping to the area of interest. We identified and cloned a novel gene, the genomic structure of which spans the whole region of interest. We named this gene WWOX because it contains two WW domains coupled to a region with high homology to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes. The ORF of WWOX is 1245 bp long, encoding a 414-amino acid protein. This gene is composed of nine exons. We performed a mutation screening of WWOX exons in a panel of breast cancer lines, most of which are hemizygous for the 16q genomic region indicated. We found no evidence of mutations, thus indicating that WWOX is probably not a tumor suppressor gene. However, we observed that one case of homozygous deletion as well as two previously described translocation breakpoints map to intronic regions of this gene. We speculate that WWOX may span the yet uncharacterized common fragile site FRA16D region. In expression studies we found overexpression of WWOX in breast cancer cell lines when compared with normal breast cells and tissues. The highest normal expression of WWOX was observed in hormonally regulated tissues such as testis, ovary, and prostate. This expression pattern and the presence of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase domain and specific amino acid features suggest a role for WWOX in steroid metabolism. Interestingly, the presence of WW domains in the structure of WWOX indicate the likelihood that this protein physically interacts with other proteins. The unique features of WWOX and its possible association with cancer processes make it an interesting target for further investigation.
TL;DR: The integrated molecular marker map of the chickpea genome was established using 130 recombinant inbred lines from a wide cross between a cultivar resistant to fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht to serve as a basis for marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of fusaria wilt resistance genes and other agronomically important genes in future.
Abstract: An integrated molecular marker map of the chickpea genome was established using 130 recombinant inbred lines from a wide cross between a cultivar resistant to fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. emend. Snyd. &. Hans f. sp. ciceri (Padwick) Snyd & Hans, and an accession of Cicer reticulatum (PI 489777), the wild progenitor of chickpea. A total of 354 markers were mapped on the RILs including 118 STMSs, 96 DAFs, 70 AFLPs, 37 ISSRs, 17 RAPDs, eight isozymes, three cDNAs, two SCARs and three loci that confer resistance against different races of fusarium wilt. At a LOD-score of 4.0, 303 markers cover 2077.9 cM in eight large and eight small linkage groups at an average distance of 6.8 cM between markers. Fifty one markers (14.4%) were unlinked. A clustering of markers in central regions of linkage groups was observed. Markers of the same class, except for ISSR and RAPD markers, tended to generate subclusters. Also, genes for resistance to races 4 and 5 of fusarium wilt map to the same linkage group that includes an STMS and a SCAR marker previously shown to be linked to fusarium wilt race 1, indicating a clustering of several fusarium-wilt resistance genes around this locus. Significant deviation from the expected 1 : 1 segregation ratio was observed for 136 markers (38.4%, P<0.05). Segregation was biased towards the wild progenitor in 68% of the cases. Segregation distortion was similar for all marker types except for ISSRs that showed only 28.5% aberrant segregation. The map is the most extended genetic map of chickpea currently available. It may serve as a basis for marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of fusarium wilt resistance genes and other agronomically important genes in future.
TL;DR: The size of the genomic clones has been expanded to a target size of 100-200 kb, which is optimal for use in genome-scanning methodologies, and additional probes for the remaining seven telomeres have been identified.
Abstract: Telomere-specific clones are a valuable resource for the characterization of chromosomal rearrangements. We previously reported a first-generation set of human telomere probes consisting of 34 genomic clones, which were a known distance from the end of the chromosome (∼300 kb), and 7 clones corresponding to the most distal markers on the integrated genetic/physical map (1p, 5p, 6p, 9p, 12p, 15q, and 20q). Subsequently, this resource has been optimized and completed: the size of the genomic clones has been expanded to a target size of 100–200 kb, which is optimal for use in genome-scanning methodologies, and additional probes for the remaining seven telomeres have been identified. For each clone we give an associated mapped sequence-tagged site and provide distances from the telomere estimated using a combination of fiberFISH, interphase FISH, sequence analysis, and radiation-hybrid mapping. This updated set of telomeric clones is an invaluable resource for clinical diagnosis and represents an important contribution to genetic and physical mapping efforts aimed at telomeric regions.
TL;DR: Comparison of CesA cDNAs with homologs from Arabidopsis and other plant species indicates that identification of close orthologs across species may prove useful for prediction of patterns of gene expression and may also aid in prediction of mutant combinations that may be necessary to generate severe phenotypes.
Abstract: CesA genes are believed to encode the catalytic subunit of cellulose synthase Identification of nine distinct CesA cDNAs from maize (Zea mays) has allowed us to initiate comparative studies with homologs from Arabidopsis and other plant species Mapping studies show that closely related CesA genes are not clustered but are found at different chromosomal locations in both Arabidopsis and maize Furthermore, sequence comparisons among the CesA-deduced proteins show that these cluster in groups wherein orthologs are often more similar than paralogs, indicating that different subclasses evolved prior to the divergence of the monocot and dicot lineages Studies using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with gene-specific primers for six of the nine maize genes indicate that all genes are expressed to at least some level in all of the organs examined However, when expression patterns for a few selected genes from maize and Arabidopsis were analyzed in more detail, they were found to be expressed in unique cell types engaged in either primary or secondary wall synthesis These studies also indicate that amino acid sequence comparisons, at least in some cases, may have value for prediction of such patterns of gene expression Such analyses begin to provide insights useful for future genetic engineering of cellulose deposition, in that identification of close orthologs across species may prove useful for prediction of patterns of gene expression and may also aid in prediction of mutant combinations that may be necessary to generate severe phenotypes
TL;DR: The data indicate remarkably rapid evolution of R-gene homologues during diversification of plant families and the existence of a null allele within Lycopersicon.
Abstract: The presence of a single resistance (R) gene allele can determine plant disease resistance. The protein products of such genes may act as receptors that specifically interact with pathogen-derived factors. Most functionally defined R-genes are of the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) supergene family and are present as large multigene families. The specificity of R-gene interactions together with the robustness of plant-pathogen interactions raises the question of their gene number and diversity in the genome. Genomic sequences from tomato showing significant homology to genes conferring race-specific resistance to pathogens were identified by systematically "scanning" the genome using a variety of primer pairs based on ubiquitous NBS motifs. Over 70 sequences were isolated and 10% are putative pseudogenes. Mapping of the amplified sequences on the tomato genetic map revealed their organization as mixed clusters of R-gene homologues that showed in many cases linkage to genetically characterized tomato resistance loci. Interspecific examination within Lycopersicon showed the existence of a null allele. Consideration of the tomato and potato comparative genetic maps unveiled conserved syntenic positions of R-gene homologues. Phylogenetic clustering of R-gene homologues within tomato and other Solanaceae family members was observed but not with R-gene homologues from Arabidopsis thaliana. Our data indicate remarkably rapid evolution of R-gene homologues during diversification of plant families.
TL;DR: The combination of fingerprinting and AFLP-based contig assembly and mapping provides a reliable, high-throughput method for building an integrated genetic and physical map of the sorghum genome.
Abstract: Sorghum is an important target for plant genomic mapping because of its adaptation to harsh environments, diverse germplasm collection, and value for comparing the genomes of grass species such as corn and rice. The construction of an integrated genetic and physical map of the sorghum genome (750 Mbp) is a primary goal of our sorghum genome project. To help accomplish this task, we have developed a new high-throughput PCR-based method for building BAC contigs and locating BAC clones on the sorghum genetic map. This task involved pooling 24,576 sorghum BAC clones ( approximately 4x genome equivalents) in six different matrices to create 184 pools of BAC DNA. DNA fragments from each pool were amplified using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technology, resolved on a LI-COR dual-dye DNA sequencing system, and analyzed using Bionumerics software. On average, each set of AFLP primers amplified 28 single-copy DNA markers that were useful for identifying overlapping BAC clones. Data from 32 different AFLP primer combinations identified approximately 2400 BACs and ordered approximately 700 BAC contigs. Analysis of a sorghum RIL mapping population using the same primer pairs located approximately 200 of the BAC contigs on the sorghum genetic map. Restriction endonuclease fingerprinting of the entire collection of sorghum BAC clones was applied to test and extend the contigs constructed using this PCR-based methodology. Analysis of the fingerprint data allowed for the identification of 3366 contigs each containing an average of 5 BACs. BACs in approximately 65% of the contigs aligned by AFLP analysis had sufficient overlap to be confirmed by DNA fingerprint analysis. In addition, 30% of the overlapping BACs aligned by AFLP analysis provided information for merging contigs and singletons that could not be joined using fingerprint data alone. Thus, the combination of fingerprinting and AFLP-based contig assembly and mapping provides a reliable, high-throughput method for building an integrated genetic and physical map of the sorghum genome.
TL;DR: It is proposed that a high level of XI AP to XAF1 expression in cancer cells may provide a survival advantage through the relative increase of XIAP anti-apoptotic function.
TL;DR: Not all genes, not all phenotypes, are based on disruption of a gene leading to a recognizable phenotype.
Abstract: Classical genetic approaches to gene identification rely on disruption of a gene leading to a recognizable phenotype. This approach continues to be an extremely successful one, yielding mutations that result in overt phenotypes reflecting the function of the corresponding gene. Not all genes,
TL;DR: This is the first identified locus for FH-II; its molecular elucidation may provide further insight into the aetiology of primary aldosteronism.
Abstract: Familial hyperaldosteronism type II (FH-II) is caused by adrenocortical hyperplasia or aldosteronoma or both and is frequently transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. Unlike FH type I (FH-I), which results from fusion of the CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes, hyperaldosteronism in FH-II is not glucocorticoid remediable. A large family with FH-II was used for a genome wide search and its members were evaluated by measuring the aldosterone:renin ratio. In those with an increased ratio, FH-II was confirmed by fludrocortisone suppression testing. After excluding most of the genome, genetic linkage was identified with a maximum two point lod score of 3.26 at θ=0, between FH-II in this family and the polymorphic markers D7S511, D7S517, and GATA24F03 on chromosome 7, a region that corresponds to cytogenetic band 7p22. This is the first identified locus for FH-II; its molecular elucidation may provide further insight into the aetiology of primary aldosteronism.
Keywords: chromosome 7; aldosterone; familial hyperaldosteronism type II; hypertension
TL;DR: Rice remains the model plant for grasses as there is limited useful colinearity between Arabidopsis and grasses, but studies in rice have to be complemented by more intensive genetic work on grass species with large genomes (maize, Triticeae).
TL;DR: Genetic mapping of the oc mutation was used as a backbone in a positional cloning approach in the pericentromeric region of mouse chromosome 19, and perfect cosegregation of the osteopetrotic phenotype with polymorphic markers enabled the construction of a sequence-ready bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig of this region.
TL;DR: A molecular map of wild emmer wheat was constructed to characterize the marker-related anatomy of the genome, and to evaluate segregation and recombination patterns upon crossing T. dicoccoides with its domesticated descendant Triticum durum.
Abstract: The main objectives of the study reported here were to construct a molecular map of wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, to characterize the marker-related anatomy of the genome, and to evaluate segregation and recombination patterns upon crossing T. dicoccoides with its domesticated descendant Triticum durum (cultivar Langdon). The total map length exceeded 3000 cM and possibly covered the entire tetraploid genome (AABB). Clusters of molecular markers were observed on most of the 14 chromosomes. AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers manifested a random distribution among homologous groups, but not among genomes and chromosomes. Genetic differentiation between T. dicoccoides and T. durum was attributed mainly to the B genome as revealed by AFLP markers. The segregation-distorted markers were mainly clustered on 4A, 5A, and 5B chromosomes. Homeoalleles, differentially conferring the vigor of gametes, might be responsible for the distortion on 5A and 5B chromosomes. Quasilinkage, deviation from free recombination between markers of nonhomologous chromosomes, was discovered. Massive negative interference was observed in most of the chromosomes (an excess of double crossovers in adjacent intervals relative to the expected rates on the assumption of no interference). The general pattern of distribution of islands of negative interference included near-centromeric location, spanning the centromere, and median/subterminal location.
[An appendix describing the molecular marker loci is available as an online supplement at http://www.genome.org.]
TL;DR: The authors propose that the PE/E-linked locus on chromosome 2p should be designated the "PREG1" (pre-eclampsia, eclampsian gene 1) locus, which may represent evidence of the same locus segregating in the population from Australia and New Zealand.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to the etiology of the common and serious pregnancy-specific disorder pre-eclampsia (PE)/eclampsia (E). Candidate-gene studies have provided evidence (albeit controversial) of linkage to several genes, including angiotensinogen on 1q42-43 and eNOS on 7q36. A recent medium-density genome scan in Icelandic families identified significant linkage to D2S286 (at 94.05 cM) on chromosome 2p12 and suggestive linkage to D2S321 (at 157.5 cM) on chromosome 2q23. In the present article, the authors report the results of a medium-density genome scan in 34 families, representing 121 affected women, from Australia and New Zealand. Multipoint nonparametric linkage analysis, using the GENEHUNTER-PLUS program, showed suggestive evidence of linkage to chromosome 2 (LOD=2.58), at 144.7 cM, between D2S112 and D2S151, and to chromosome 11q23-24, between D11S925 and D11S4151 (LOD=2.02 at 121.3 cM). Given the limited precision of estimates of the map location of disease-predisposing loci for complex traits, the present finding on chromosome 2 is consistent with the finding from the Icelandic study, and it may represent evidence of the same locus segregating in the population from Australia and New Zealand. The authors propose that the PE/E-linked locus on chromosome 2p should be designated the "PREG1" (pre-eclampsia, eclampsia gene 1) locus.
TL;DR: A reliable test was developed to score partial resistance in aerial organs of the plant (stem, leaf, petiole) under controlled growth chamber conditions and BAT93 was more resistant than JaloEEP558 regardless of the organ or strain tested.
Abstract: Anthracnose, one of the most important diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. A "candidate gene" approach was used to map anthracnose resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL). Candidate genes included genes for both pathogen recognition (resistance genes and resistance gene analogs [RGAs]) and general plant defense (defense response genes). Two strains of C. lindemuthianum, identified in a world collection of 177 strains, displayed a reproducible and differential aggressiveness toward BAT93 and JaloEEP558, two parental lines of P. vulgaris representing the two major gene pools of this crop. A reliable test was developed to score partial resistance in aerial organs of the plant (stem, leaf, petiole) under controlled growth chamber conditions. BAT93 was more resistant than JaloEEP558 regardless of the organ or strain tested. With a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between these two parental lines, 10 QTL were located on a genetic map harboring 143 markers, including known defense response genes, anthracnose-specific resistance genes, and RGAs. Eight of the QTL displayed isolate specificity. Two were co-localized with known defense genes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein) and three with anthracnose-specific resistance genes and/or RGAs. Interestingly, two QTL, with different allelic contribution, mapped on linkage group B4 in a 5.0 cM interval containing Andean and Mesoamerican specific resistance genes against C. lindemuthianum and 11 polymorphic fragments revealed with a RGA probe. The possible relationship between genes underlying specific and partial resistance is discussed.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that chromosome walking using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones is possible in the diploid wheat Triticum monococcum (A(m) genome) and subgenome chromosome walking in wheat can produce large physical contigs and saturate genomic regions to support positional cloning.
Abstract: For many agronomically important plant genes, only their position on a genetic map is known. In the absence of an efficient transposon tagging system, such genes have to be isolated by map-based cloning. In bread wheat Triticum aestivum, the genome is hexaploid, has a size of 1.6 x 10(10) bp, and contains more than 80% of repetitive sequences. So far, this genome complexity has not allowed chromosome walking and positional cloning. Here, we demonstrate that chromosome walking using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones is possible in the diploid wheat Triticum monococcum (A(m) genome). BAC end sequences were mostly repetitive and could not be used for the first walking step. New probes corresponding to rare low-copy sequences were efficiently identified by low-pass DNA sequencing of the BACs. Two walking steps resulted in a physical contig of 450 kb on chromosome 1A(m)S. Genetic mapping of the probes derived from the BAC contig demonstrated perfect colinearity between the physical map of T. monococcum and the genetic map of bread wheat on chromosome 1AS. The contig genetically spans the Lr10 leaf rust disease resistance locus in bread wheat, with 0.13 centimorgans corresponding to 300 kb between the closest flanking markers. Comparison of the genetic to physical distances has shown large variations within 350 kb of the contig. The physical contig can now be used for the isolation of the orthologous regions in bread wheat. Thus, subgenome chromosome walking in wheat can produce large physical contigs and saturate genomic regions to support positional cloning.