Integration of cytogenetic landmarks into the draft sequence of the human genome

We have placed 7,600 cytogenetically defined landmarks on the draft sequence of the human genome to help with the characterization of genes altered by gross chromosomal aberrations that cause human disease. The landmarks are large-insert clones mapped to chromosome bands by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Each clone contains a sequence tag that is positioned on the genomic sequence. This genome-wide set of sequence-anchored clones allows structural and functional analyses of the genome. This resource represents the first comprehensive integration of cytogenetic, radiation hybrid, linkage and sequence maps of the human genome; provides an independent validation of the sequence map and framework for contig order and orientation; surveys the genome for large-scale duplications, which are likely to require special attention during sequence assembly; and allows a stringent assessment of sequence differences between the dark and light bands of chromosomes. It also provides insight into large-scale chromatin structure and the evolution of chromosomes and gene families and will accelerate our understanding of the molecular bases of human disease and cancer.     

逆转录转座子LINE-1的活性调控及其在癌症中的作用

逆转座子长散布核元件-1(LINE-1)是一种跳跃基因,约占人类基因组的17%。LINE-1采用"复制-粘贴"的方式,以RNA为媒介,在基因组中进行转座易位。一般地,细胞中LINE-1的转座活性受到严格调控。而在肿瘤细胞中,LINE-1异常活化,以逆转座依赖或非依赖的方式,影响基因组的稳定性:前者可以改变靶基因表达、引起染色质重排或协助其他转座子(如SINEs等)进行转座;后者为表观遗传的方式,通过产生内源的调节性RNAs、形成LINE-1嵌合性转录、形成新的剪切位点或启动位点来改变临近基因的表达等。本文主要介绍LINE-1的组成及其转座活性调控,并讨论LINE-1转座在肿瘤中的功能,以期为LINE-1的深入研究、肿瘤的形成机制及治疗探索提供一些参考。     

人MiTERF3基因启动子的克隆及其荧光素酶报告基因载体的构建

人MiTERF3基因编码线粒体基因转录和能量代谢的负调控因子。采用PCR技术对人MiTERF3基因5''侧翼上游1251 bp启动子序列进行扩增,并将其克隆至荧光素酶表达载体pGL6-TA,构建人MiTERF3基因启动子荧光素酶报告基因质粒。经酶切、测序鉴定后,将其用脂质体转染体外培养的HEK293细胞株,利用双荧光素酶测定系统检测其表达活性。研究结果表明,克隆获得的1251 bp DNA序列与GenBank报道的一致,且插入方向正确。含人MiTERF3基因启动子的报告基因荧光素酶的表达活性显著提高（P<0.05）,约为对照组（空载体pGL6-TA）的9.8倍。本研究通过对人MiTERF3基因启动子的克隆及其荧光素酶表达载体构建与表达活性的测定,为进一步阐明人MiTERF3基因表达的调控机制奠定实验基础。     

Genome-wide phenotype analysis in ES cells by regulated disruption of Bloom's syndrome gene

The chief limitation of phenotype-based genetic screening in mammalian systems is the diploid nature of the genome. Cells deficient in the Bloom's syndrome gene (Blm) show an increased rate of loss of heterozygosity. Here we have used a tetracycline-regulated Blm allele (Blm(tet)) to introduce bi-allelic mutations across the genome in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Transient loss of Blm expression induces homologous recombination not only between sister chromatids but also between homologous chromosomes. We considered that the phenotype of ES cells bearing bi-allelic mutations would be maintained after withdrawal of the tetracycline analogue doxycycline. Indeed, a combination of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis and transient loss of Blm expression enabled us to generate an ES cell library with genome-wide bi-allelic mutations. The library was evaluated by screening for mutants of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor biosynthesis, which involves at least 23 genes distributed throughout the genome. Mutants derived from 12 different genes were obtained and two unknown mutants were simultaneously isolated. Our results indicate that phenotype-based genetic screening with Blm(tet) is very efficient and raises possibilities for identifying gene functions in ES cells.     

Transgenes as probes for active chromosomal domains in mouse development

Embryonic development entails a well defined temporal and spatial programme of gene expression, which may be influenced by active chromosomal domains. These chromosomal domains can be detected using transgenes which integrate randomly throughout the genome, as their expression can be affected by chromosomal position. Position effects are probably exerted most strongly on transgenes that do not contain strong promoters, enhancers or other modulating sequences. Here we have systematically explored position effects using a transgene with the weak herpes-simplex-virus thymidine-kinase promoter, linked to the readily visualized lacZ indicator gene (HSV-TK-lacZ). Each transgenic fetus with detectable expression displayed a unique lacZ staining pattern. Thus expression of this construct is apparently dictated entirely by its chromosomal position, without any construct specificity. Furthermore the transgene is faithfully transmitted to subsequent generations, allowing for systematic mapping of changes in expression during development and in adult life. These results demonstrate that transgenes can indeed be powerful tools to probe the genome for active chromosomal regions, with the potential for identifying endogenous genes involved in organogenesis and pattern formation.