Analysis Of Metaphase Chromosomes Research Articles

Development and characterization of Triticum aestivum– Aegilops kotschyi amphiploids with high grain iron and zinc contents

Synthetic amphiploids betweenTriticum aestivum(AABBDD) landrace Chinese Spring (PhI) and cultivar WL711 with different accessions ofAegilops kotschyi(UUSlSl) were developed through colchicine treatment of sterile hybrids. TheF1hybrids and amphiploid plants were intermediate between the parents for plant morphology and spike characteristics. Meiotic metaphase chromosome analysis of theF1hybrids (ABDUSl) showed the expected chromosome number (35) and very little but variable homoeologous chromosome pairing. The amphiploids (AABBDDUUSlSl), however, had variable frequency of univalents at meiotic metaphase-I. The SDS–PAGE of high molecular weight glutenin subunits of amphiploids along with the parents showed the presence and expression of all the parental genomes in the amphiploids. The amphiploids with seeds as large as that of wheat cultivars had higher grain, flag leaf and grain ash iron and zinc concentrations than the wheat parents and comparable with those of theirAe. kotschyiparents suggest thatAe. kotschyipossesses a distinctive genetic system for the micronutrient uptake, translocation and sequestration than the wheat cultivars. This could, however, be demonstrated unequivocally only with comprehensive data on biomass, grain yield and harvest index of theAegilopsdonors and the synthetic amphiploids, which is not feasible due to their shattering and hard threshing. The use of amphiploids for the transfer of high iron and zinc concentrations and development of alien addition and substitution lines in wheat is in progress.

Stably expressed d-genome-derived HMW glutenin subunit genes transformed into different durum wheat genotypes change dough mixing properties

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) is traditionally used for the production of numerous types of pasta, and significant amounts are also used for bread-making, particularly in southern Italy. The research reported here centres on the glutenin subunits 1Dx5 and 1Dy10 encoded by chromosome 1D, and whose presence in hexaploid wheats is positively correlated with higher dough strength. In order to study the effects of stable expression of the 1Dx5 and 1Dy10 glutenin subunits in different durum wheat genotypes, four cultivars commonly grown in the Mediterranean area (‘Svevo’, ‘Creso’, ‘Varano’ and ‘Latino’) were co-transformed, via particle bombardment of cultured immature embryos, with the two wheat genes Glu-D1-1d and Glu-D1-2b encoding the glutenin subunits, and a third plasmid containing the bar gene as a selectable marker. Protein gel analyses of T1 generation seed extracts showed expression of one or both glutenin genes in four different transformed durum wheat plants. One of these transgenic lines, DC2-65, showed co-suppression of all HMW-GS, including the endogenous ones. Transgene stability in the transgenic lines has been studied over four generations (T1–T4). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of metaphase chromosomes from T4 plants showed that the integration of transgenes occurred in both telomeric and centromeric regions. The three plasmids were found inserted at a single locus in two lines and in two loci on the same chromosome arm in one line. The fourth line had two transgenic loci on different chromosomes: one with both glutenin plasmids and a different one containing only the construct with the gene encoding the 1Dy10 glutenin subunit. Segregation of these two loci in subsequent generations allowed establishment of two sublines, one containing both 1Dx5 and 1Dy10 and the other containing only 1Dy10. Small-scale quality tests showed that accumulation of Dx5, Dy10 or both in transgenic durum wheat seeds resulted in doughs with stronger mixing characteristics.

Anti-Peptide Antibodies for Examining the Conformation, Molecular Assembly and Localization of an Intracellular Protein, Ribosomal Protein S6, In vivo

Ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) is known to relate to cell proliferation. Our recent proteome analysis of human metaphase chromosomes revealed the enrichment of rpS6 during mitosis. Here, structure, localization and molecular assembly in vitro and in vivo of a human rpS6, were examined using antibodies (Abs) prepared by immunizing rabbits with synthetic peptides. Five peptides, Ser6-Asp20 (S6-1), Ile52-Gly66 (S6-2), Asp103-Gly117 (S6-3), Asn146-Lys160 (S6-4) and Arg178-Ile192 (S6-5) were chosen as epitopes of human rpS6. These peptides except for S6-3 induced strong Ab production, and with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, anti-S6-2, anti-S6-4 and anti-S6-5, showed high reactivity to recombinant rpS6 (r-rpS6), while anti-S6-1 did not, suggesting that S6-2, S6-4 and S6-5 were exposed on the r-rpS6 surface, while S6-1 was less exposed or possessed a different conformation. The immunostaining of HeLa cells as well as isolated chromosomes suggested that rpS6 occurs in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but less possible on chromosomes since no Abs showed localization of rpS6 to chromosomes. In addition, the immunostaining suggested that only S6-4 is exposed on the protein surface, while S6-2 and S6-5 are buried by the interaction with other macromolecules in HeLa cells. Present our result shows new possibility of antibodies as tools for structure-oriented cell biology.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on maize metaphase chromosomes with quantum dot-labeled DNA conjugates

Semiconductor nanocrystals, also called quantum dots (QDs), are novel inorganic fluorophores which are brighter and more photostable than organic fluorophores. In the present study, highly dispersive QD-labeled oligonucleotide (TAG)(8) (QD-deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA]) conjugates were constructed via the metal-thiol bond, which can be used as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes. FISH analysis of maize metaphase chromosomes using the QD-DNA probes showed that the probes could penetrate maize chromosomes and nuclei and solely hybridized to complementary target DNAs. Compared with the conventional organic dyes such as Cy3 and fluorescein isothiocyanate, this class of luminescent labels bound with oligonucleotides is brighter and more stable against photobleaching on the chromosomes after FISH. These results suggest that QD fluorophores may be a more stable and useful fluorescent label for FISH applications in plant chromosome mapping considering their size-tunable luminescence spectra.

Muskuläre Hypotonie, Entwicklungsretardierung, Sprachentwicklungsstörung und geringgradige Dysmorphiezeichen: 22q13-Deletions-Syndrom (Phelan-McDermid-Syndrom) als wichtige Differenzialdiagnose

Clarifying the cause of global developmental and speech delay is of considerable significance in pediatrics. We present the clinical phenotype of the 22q13 deletion syndrome - also known as Phelan-McDermid syndrome - and show the diagnostic options. We report on a female patient with muscular hypotonia, tall stature, minor facial dysmorphism, retarded motor and mental development, and severe speech delay. Chromosomal analysis was performed first on peripheral lymphocytes on GTG-banded chromosomes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was carried out using the dual-color LSI DiGeorge/VCFS Region Probe (TUPLE1, N25) (Vysis/Abbott) and the subtelomeric probe tel 22q13.3 (Tel Vysion 22q). The analysis of metaphase chromosomes at 450 band resolution showed a normal female karyotype 46,XX. FISH analysis revealed a 22q13 deletion. Muscular hypotonia and developmental delay are non-specific findings observed in many genetic syndromes. In association with severe speech delay and normal or advanced growth pediatricians should consider 22q13 deletion syndrome as a potential cause and initiate a genetic examination.

A Transgenic Mouse Model of Plasma Cell Malignancy Shows Phenotypic, Cytogenetic, and Gene Expression Heterogeneity Similar to Human Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy for which existing animal models are limited. We have previously shown that the targeted expression of the transgenes c-Myc and Bcl-X(L) in murine plasma cells produces malignancy that displays features of human myeloma, such as localization of tumor cells to the bone marrow and lytic bone lesions. We have isolated and characterized in vitro cultures and adoptive transfers of tumors from Bcl-xl/Myc transgenic mice. Tumors have a plasmablastic morphology and variable expression of CD138, CD45, CD38, and CD19. Spectral karyotyping analysis of metaphase chromosomes from primary tumor cell cultures shows that the Bcl-xl/Myc tumors contain a variety of chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomies, translocations, and deletions. The most frequently aberrant chromosomes are 12 and 16. Three sites for recurring translocations were also identified on chromosomes 4D, 12F, and 16C. Gene expression profiling was used to identify differences in gene expression between tumor cells and normal plasma cells (NPC) and to cluster the tumors into two groups (tumor groups C and D), with distinct gene expression profiles. Four hundred and ninety-five genes were significantly different between both tumor groups and NPCs, whereas 124 genes were uniquely different from NPCs in tumor group C and 204 genes were uniquely different from NPCs in tumor group D. Similar to human myeloma, the cyclin D genes are differentially dysregulated in the mouse tumor groups. These data suggest the Bcl-xl/Myc tumors are similar to a subset of plasmablastic human myelomas and provide insight into the specific genes and pathways underlying the human disease.

Bexarotene (LGD1069, Targretin), a Selective Retinoid X Receptor Agonist, Prevents and Reverses Gemcitabine Resistance in NSCLC Cells by Modulating Gene Amplification

Acquired drug resistance is a major obstacle in cancer therapy. As for many other drugs, this is also the case for gemcitabine, a nucleoside analogue with activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we evaluate the ability of bexarotene to modulate the acquisition and maintenance of gemcitabine resistance in Calu3 NSCLC models. In the prevention model, Calu3 cells treated repeatedly with gemcitabine alone gradually developed resistance. However, with inclusion of bexarotene, the cells remained chemosensitive. RNA analysis showed a strong increase of rrm1 (ribonucleotide reductase M1) expression in the resistant cells (Calu3-GemR), a gene known to be involved in gemcitabine resistance. In addition, the expression of genes surrounding the chromosomal location of rrm1 was increased, suggesting that resistance was due to gene amplification at the chr11 p15.5 locus. Analysis of genomic DNA confirmed that the rrm1 gene copy number was increased over 10-fold. Correspondingly, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of metaphase chromosomes showed an intrachromosomal amplification of the rrm1 locus. In the therapeutic model, bexarotene gradually resensitized Calu3-GemR cells to gemcitabine, reaching parental drug sensitivity after 10 treatment cycles. This was associated with a loss in rrm1 amplification. Corresponding with the in vitro data, xenograft tumors generated from the resistant cells did not respond to gemcitabine but were growth inhibited when bexarotene was added to the cytotoxic agent. The data indicate that bexarotene can resensitize gemcitabine-resistant tumor cells by reversing gene amplification. This suggests that bexarotene may have clinical utility in cancers where drug resistance by gene amplification is a major obstacle to successful therapy.

A comparative proteome analysis of human metaphase chromosomes isolated from two different cell lines reveals a set of conserved chromosome‐associated proteins

A comparative proteome analysis of human metaphase chromosomes between a typical epithelial-like cell, HeLa S3, and a lymphoma-type cell, BALL-1, was performed. One-dimensional (1-D) SDS-PAGE and radical-free and highly reducing two-dimensional electrophoresis (RFHR 2-DE) detected more than 200 proteins from chromosomes isolated from HeLa S3 cells, among which 189 proteins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Consistent with our recent four-layer structural model of a metaphase chromosome, all the identified proteins were grouped into four distinct levels of abundance. Both HeLa S3 and BALL-1 chromosomes contained specific sets of abundant chromosome structural and peripheral proteins in addition to less abundant chromosome coating proteins (CCPs). Furthermore, titin array analysis and a proteome analysis of the ultra-high molecular mass region indicated an absence of titin with their molecular weight (MW) more than 1000 kDa. Consequently, the present proteome analyses together with previous information on chromosome proteins provide the comprehensive list of proteins essential for the metaphase chromosome architecture.

Alzheimer's presenilin 1 causes chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy

Mutations in the presenilin 1 gene cause most early onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Here, we report that a defect in the cell cycle – improper chromosome segregation – can be caused by abnormal presenilin function and therefore may contribute to AD pathogenesis. Specifically we find that either over-expression or FAD mutation in presenilin 1 (M146L and M146V) leads to chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy in vivo and in vitro: (1) Up to 20% of lymphocytes and neurons of FAD-PS-1 transgenic and knockin mice are aneuploid by metaphase chromosome analysis and in situ hybridization. (2) Transiently transfected human cells over-expressing normal or mutant PS-1 develop similar aneuploidy within 48 h, including trisomy 21. (3) Mitotic spindles in the PS-1 transfected cells contain abnormal microtubule arrays and lagging chromosomes. Several mechanisms by which chromosome missegregation induced by presenilin may contribute to Alzheimer's disease are discussed.

Absence of a Paternally Inherited FOXP2 Gene in Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia

Mutations in FOXP2 cause developmental verbal dyspraxia (DVD), but only a few cases have been described. We characterize 13 patients with DVD--5 with hemizygous paternal deletions spanning the FOXP2 gene, 1 with a translocation interrupting FOXP2, and the remaining 7 with maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (UPD7), who were also given a diagnosis of Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS). Of these individuals with DVD, all 12 for whom parental DNA was available showed absence of a paternal copy of FOXP2. Five other individuals with deletions of paternally inherited FOXP2 but with incomplete clinical information or phenotypes too complex to properly assess are also described. Four of the patients with DVD also meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Individuals with paternal UPD7 or with partial maternal UPD7 or deletion starting downstream of FOXP2 do not have DVD. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we show the maternally inherited FOXP2 to be comparatively underexpressed. Our results indicate that absence of paternal FOXP2 is the cause of DVD in patients with SRS with maternal UPD7. The data also point to a role for differential parent-of-origin expression of FOXP2 in human speech development.

The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Trichostatin A Has Genotoxic Effects in Human Lymphoblasts In Vitro

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a class of putative chemotherapeutic agents for which the mechanism of toxicity has not been fully identified. To explore the possibility that HDACi are genotoxic, human TK6 lymphoblastoid cells were exposed to trichostatin A (TSA) and genetic damage was measured. TSA caused a dose-dependent increase of G1-arrested cells at 24 h that correlated with increasing levels of p21 and apoptosis. Significantly elevated frequencies of structural chromosomal aberrations in cells exposed to TSA were observed using both the kinetochore-antibody micronucleus assay and nonbanding metaphase chromosome analysis. Increased tail intensities, indicative of elevated levels of DNA damage, were observed using the alkaline comet assay. Elevated levels of phosphorylated histone gammaH2AX protein were observed as early as 3 h following TSA exposure and peaked at 12 h for 200nM TSA. Significant levels of aneuploidy at the 200nM TSA dose were observed using metaphase analysis, but interestingly, kinetochore-positive micronuclei were not detected at any dose using the kinetochore micronucleus assay, suggesting that TSA induces aneuploidy via a nondisjunction event rather than chromosome lagging. Increases in chromosomal loss and breakage were observed using simultaneous FISH metaphase analysis of chromosomes 5, 7, 8, and 21, consistent with data obtained from the micronucleus and metaphase chromosome analyses. We conclude that TSA is both a clastogen and aneugen in the TK6 cell line and propose that the observed cytostatic and apoptotic properties of TSA may partially be due to this genotoxicity.

Deletion of chromosome 1p36 is associated with periventricular nodular heterotopia

Periventricular heterotopia (PH) is a malformation of cortical development characterized by the ectopic localization of neuronal nodules along the lateral ventricle. Mutations in X-linked filamin A gene are the most common cause of PH, although a rarer autosomal recessive form of PH with microcephaly due to ARFGEF2 mutations has been described [Sheen et al., 2001]. Affected individuals generally are of normal intelligence and most often present with adolescent onset seizures. The 1p36 deletion syndrome is associated with multiple congenital anomalies caused by haploinsufficiency of numerous contiguous genes. This deletion produces specific physical characteristics such as distinctive facial anomalies (pointed chin, flat nose, low set ears) and cardiovascular malformations (atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot). Central nervous system (CNS) defects include mental retardation, cranial nerve abnormalities (VI nerve palsies, optic disc anomalies, sensorineural hearing loss), neonatal hypotonia, cortical dysplasia, and seizures [Heilstedt et al., 2003; Kurosawa et al., 2005; Battaglia, 2005]. A reduction in the KCNAB2 potassium channel betasubunit has been hypothesized to be responsible for the seizures [Hirose et al., 2002]. Affected individuals can display outbursts, tendencies to strike people, and self-injurious behavior, as well as autistic-like behaviors [Slavotinek et al., 1999]. Previous neuroimaging and postmortem studies on individuals with 1p36 deletions have revealed mild CNS structural abnormalities. Deletions involving the most distal p-terminus (D1S508, 1p36.23-> 1pter) have only been associated with microcephaly, mild ventricular asymmetry, and ventricular enlargement [Kurosawa et al., 2005; Slavotinek et al., 1999]. An interstitial deletion (1p36.1->1p36.2) was suggested as causal for the development of neuroblastoma in a single case report [Keppler-Noreuil et al., 1995]. Finally, a series of three patients harboring 1p36.22->1pter deletions was reported to have hydrocephalus by cranial ultrasound but no mention of PH [Keppler-Noreuil et al., 1995]. To date, there have been no reported associations of PH with chromosome 1p36 deletions. Here, we describe the first case describing PH in an individual with a 1p36.22-> 1pter deletion. This study was approved by the IRB at the respective institutions in accordance with NIH. Informed consent was obtained from the participating subject’s parents. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral whole blood lymphocytes using standard blood DNA isolation techniques (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA). Metaphase chromosome analysis of lymphocytes was performed according to standard protocols. Initial routine karyotyping on the child was read as normal, although deletions on 1p36 are commonly missed due to the Giemsa-negative/poor staining in this region. Given the numerous clinical features seen in this subject, FISH analysis utilizing 41 subtelomere probes was performed (Genzyme laboratories (Hawthorne, NY), using Vysis probes (Downers Grove, IL). Results were confirmed with a chromosome 1p subtelomere probe (1pSUBTEL; Vysis) and the D1Z2 midi-satellite probe with repeats in band 1p36 (Oncor). The D1Z2 probe is used for confirmationof a commondeletion interval (1p36.3). A chromosome 1 centromere probe (D1Z5; Vysis)

Karyotypic Variations in Three Indian Species of the Genus Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from the Western Ghats, India

The karyotype and C-banding analysis of somatic metaphase chromosomes were attempted on 3 species of Indian frogs (Rana curtipes, R. temporalis, R. malabarica) which are distributed in the Western Ghats, Southwest India. All had 2n=26 chromosomes with invariably 5 pairs of large and 8 pairs of small chromosomes. Metacentric and submetcentric chromosomes were found in the complement, the former more common than the latter. A secondary constriction with a prominent satellite in the short arm of nos. 10 and 12 chromosomes are unique only in R. curtipes. The C-positive telomeric bands were localized in the short arms of nos. 9 and 10 chromosomes of R. temporalis. Non-centric C-positive bands were observed in the distal half of the long arm of no. 10 chromosome of R. malabarica. None of the 3 species had an identifiable sex chromosome. There were variations in the centromeric position and secondary constriction of chromosome pair nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 12. These variations might have arisen due to pericentric inversions. It seems likely from the inversion studies that R. curtipes and R. temporalis are chromosomally more closely related than R. malabarica. Comparative account of karyotypes are discussed.

A Trangenic Mouse Model of Plasma Cell Malignancy Shows Cytogenetic and Gene Expression Profiles Similar to Human Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy for which existing animal models are limited. Human plasma cell tumors are genetically diverse, with no single chromosomal abnormality defining the disease, however, dysregulation of the genes c-myc and bcl-xl are both commonly observed. We have previously shown that targeted expression of c-myc and bcl-xl transgenes in mouse plasma cells produces malignancy which displays features of human myeloma such as localization of tumor cells to the bone marrow and lytic bone lesions. Tumors are also present at extramedullary sites (Cheung et al., J. Clin. Invest. 113: 1763, 2004). Tumors rapidly develop (median 16 weeks) in 100% of mice, and can be adoptively transferred to syngeneic controls using as few as 1 million tumor cells to produce tumors in as few as 10 days. Adoptive transfer of similar cell numbers from younger double transgenic mice, without evidence of malignancy, results in increased tumor latency (>8 weeks) or the absence of tumor formation, suggesting that an accumulation of genetic changes is required for tumor development. In order to understand the specific genetic alterations required for tumor progression and for localization of tumors to the bone marrow vs extramedullary sites, we have undertaken a detailed analysis of plasma cell tumors in myc/bcl-xl mice and have begun to compare them with human multiple myeloma. Analysis of cell surface markers shows the majority of tumors have a plasmablast phenotype, expressing CD138+, B220+, CD38+, and CD19+. This result is confirmed by RT-PCR for B cell and plasma cell specific markers Pax5, Xbp1 and Blimp1, which can be detected in tumor samples. In addition, transcripts for Mip1α, EZH2, and Dusp6, genes shown to be upregulated in human myeloma, can also be detected in the mouse myc/bcl-xl tumors. Spectral karyotype analysis of metaphase chromosomes from primary tumor cell cultures demonstrates that a variety of chromosomal abnormalities are present in mouse tumors, including trisomies and translocations, similar to what is observed in human myeloma. The most frequently aberrant chromosomes are 12 and 16, followed by chromosomes 1 and 4. Interestingly, two common sites for translocations were identified; 12F which corresponds to the mouse immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, and 4D, which corresponds to a genomic region containing genes for plasma cell tumor susceptibility (Bliskovsky et al., PNAS 100:14982, 2003). Further characterization of these translocations are being done to identify the precise breakpoints involved, and analysis of gene expression by RT-PCR and microarray analysis will be correlated to specific chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, global gene expression profiles from myc/bcl-xl tumor cell cultures have been compared to existing profiles of human myeloma (Zhan et al., Blood 99: 1745, 2002). Our preliminary comparison of gene expression profiles from myc/bcl-xl tumors to human myeloma tumors with high myc expression show the mouse tumors are more similar to human tumors than to normal plasma cells. These data suggest the myc/bcl-xl mouse tumors are similar to a subset of human myelomas, and will provide insight into the specific genes and pathways underlying human disease.

Cytogenetic analysis of metaphase chromosomes from pupal testes of four mosquito species using fluorescence in situ hybridization technique (FISH)

The DNA probes, P1887, P2405, P2056 (being specific tags for Aedes aegypti genes coding for ribosomal RNA) and a centric heterochromatin probe, K20-1A5, were chosen to hybridize the metaphase chromosomes from the testes of four mosquito species, Culex pipiens, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus. In addition, a single plasmid, P2392, which contained the three probes, P1887, P2405 and P2056, was also used as chromosome landmark in aedine species. Only the Aedes aegypti metaphase chromosome 1-specific tag, P1887, was conserved in Aedes albopictus, Aedes triseriatus, and Culex pipiens metaphase chromosomes. Aedes triseriatus exhibited two gene loci, on chromosomes 1 and 3, coding for ribosomal RNA per haploid genome. When the specific probes for chromosomes 2 and 3, 2405 and 2056, were used in the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique against the metaphase chromosomes the fluorescent signals were not seen in Aedes albopictus, Aedes triseriatus or Culex pipiens. Also the centric heterochromatin probe, K20-1A5, exhibited strong fluorescent signals on chromosomes 1, 2 and 3 of Aedes aegypti. These fluorescent signals were not observed in metaphase chromosomes derived from the other aedine species, indicating that the centromere sequence can vary within the species.

Y chromosome heterochromatin of differing lengths in two cell populations of the same individual

To present a prenatal diagnosis report on a case where G-banding analysis of fetal metaphase chromosomes showed populations of cells with two different Y chromosomes; one with a short block of heterochromatin (Yqh-) and one with a longer block of heterochromatin (Yqh+). These two populations of the Y chromosome were studied using fluorescent quinacrine banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). A chromosome paint corresponding to the euchromatic region of the Y chromosome, and probes corresponding to the SRY, DYZ1, and DYZ3 regions were used for this study. Both Y chromosomes appeared to be structurally normal by these analyses. Subsequent ultrasound examination at 20 weeks' gestation revealed normal male genitalia. Follow-up with a neonatal blood sample analysis confirmed the above findings. This study reports a direct prenatal diagnosis case of two populations of the Y chromosome in the same individual. This apparent mosaicism may be explained by a postzygotic simple deletion or unequal crossover event between sister chromatids in the DYZ region.

Overview of Cytogenetic Chromosome Analysis

This unit provides a brief overview of cytogenetic analysis of interphase ansd metaphase chromosomes. It includes a description of the methods provided in the units that follow.

Analysis of premature centromere division (PCD) of the X chromosome in Alzheimer patients through the cell cycle

Cytogenetic analysis of the X chromosome in phytohaemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes was evaluated in 12 sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and in 11 healthy subjects. For chromosome analysis two methods were used: (1) standard analysis of G-banded metaphase chromosomes and; (2) fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for the detection of the X chromosome centromeric region in interphase nuclei. Cytogenetic analysis revealed that the X chromosome expresses premature centromere division (PCD) in AD females in 10.53% of metaphase cells and in 15.22% of interphase nuclei. In AD men the percentages were 3.98 and 6.06%, respectively. X chromosome PCD in the female control group showed a percentage of 7.46% in metaphase cells and 9.35% in interphase nuclei and in male controls the percentages were 2.84% in metaphases and 5.54% in interphase nuclei. The results of FISH analysis showed that PCD could occur much earlier than metaphase of mitosis, i.e. in interphase of the cell cycle, immediately after replication. The FISH method can be used for PCD verification in all phases of the cell cycle in various disorders including AD.

Analysis of fetal blood cells in the maternal circulation: challenges, ongoing efforts, and potential solutions.

The invasive procedures amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are routinely applied in pregnancies at risk for fetal abnormalities and the results obtained are the gold standard for prenatal diagnosis. Because these methods of fetal cell procurement involve a 0.5-2% risk for fetal loss, they are recommended mainly in cases at high risk for fetal genetic or cytogenetic abnormalities. The development of a reproducible, reliable, noninvasive method based on retrieval of rare fetal cells from the maternal circulation will render testing feasible for the general population. Despite intensive investigation, a satisfactory, clinically acceptable method has not yet emerged. Several cell types have been targeted to this end, mostly nucleated red blood cells (NRBC), CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors, and trophoblasts. Although these cell types have been unequivocally proven to be present in the maternal circulation, each bears a significant disadvantage, rendering their application in clinical testing currently impossible: NRBC cannot be expanded in culture, thereby ruling out metaphase chromosome analysis, an essential component of prenatal diagnosis. CD34+ cells do posses the potential for in vitro proliferation, however, they have been found to persist in the maternal circulation after delivery, thereby complicating diagnosis in consecutive pregnancies. Trophoblasts are not consistently detected in the maternal circulation. Moreover, due to the lack of a definitive fetal cell marker and a reliable sorting method, foolproof fetal cell identification of any of these cell types is not possible. This report outlines the obstacles that impede development of a method for noninvasive fetal cell sampling for prenatal genetic diagnosis, along with a description of our efforts to analyze simultaneously two fetal blood cell types, NRBC and CD34+ cells in maternal blood during pregnancy, and the problems encountered. This work and that of others lead us to suggest potential future directions to help develop this important technique.

A new cytogenetic approach for the evaluation of mutagenic potential of chemicals that induce cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase.

The aim of the present study was to develop and standardize a cytogenetic approach for evaluation of the mutagenic potential of chemicals that induce cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase. Even though cytogenetic end-points such as sister chromatid exchange (SCE) have been extensively used to indirectly assess the DNA-damaging potential of various chemicals, they are based on metaphase chromosome analysis. Cells delayed in G2 phase after chemical exposure are not included in conventional SCE analysis. The yield of SCEs obtained, therefore, can be biased, since predominantly undamaged cells proceed to metaphase without delay. To overcome this shortcoming of conventional SCE analysis, the use of a new cytogenetic approach for genotoxic studies is presented that enables the analysis of SCEs directly in G2 phase using drug-induced premature chromosome condensation in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes. By means of this method, firstly, the possibility that SCE analysis in metaphase chromosomes underestimates the mutagenic potential of various chemicals was tested. Secondly, whether the genotoxic potential of suspected carcinogens could be evaluated using SCE analysis in G2 phase, even at exposures that arrest cells in G2 phase, was examined. Thirdly, whether an important part of the background variation in SCE frequency among individuals is due to the delay of affected cells in G2 phase, rather than to a true biological variation in the cytogenetic end-point used, was tested. The results showed that a higher SCE frequency was scored in G2 phase than in metaphase. Subsequently, the mutagenic potential of chemicals that temporarily arrest cells in G2 phase could now be evaluated more accurately. In addition, it may be of interest to further examine the involvement of cell cycle kinetics in the baseline SCE variation among individuals since a lesser SCE variability was observed when the analysis was carried out in G2 phase rather than at metaphase.