The goal of this subproject of the proposal is to use yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) vector and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) technology to clone and analyze two large domains of the human genome that are frequently rearranged in human neuroblastoma. We have identified a specific deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 (at of distal to 1p32) that is characteristic of human neuroblastomas. We are using molecular probes to localize the region that is consistently deleted in neuroblastomas to a band or subband of chromosome 1. Then we will use these probes to screen the YAc library of human DNA to obtain clones from the region of interest. We will develop a restriction map of this region and search for expressed in neuroblastomas. Candidate genes will be cloned and sequenced; and the function and patterns of expression of these genes will be analyzed. Recently, we have demonstrated that the oncogene N-myc is amplified in about one third of primary neuroblastomas. N-myc amplification is associated with advance stages of disease, rapid tumor progression and a poor prognosis in these patients. We plan to make a YAC vector library from a neuroblastoma cell line containing N-myc amplification. We will clone and analyze the structure of the amplified domain in neuroblastomas containing DMs and HSRs. Given the large size of the domain that is consistently amplified in these tumors, it is possible that there are other expressed genes from the domain that confer a selective advantage. We will may the domain and determine if other conserved genes are expressed from this region. Finally, we will identify the ends of the amplified domain, which may represent sites of recombination and provide insights into the mechanism of gene amplification.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
8P01HG000306-03
Application #
3878845
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Type
DUNS #
062761671
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130