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A Janulaitis

Publications and source records attributed to A Janulaitis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Sequence similarity among type-II restriction endonucleases, related by their recognized 6-bp target and tetranucleotide-overhang cleavage.

The type-II restriction endonucleases (ENases) EcoRI (recognition sequence G decreases AATTC), RsrI (G decreases AATTC), XcyI (C decreases CCGGG), Cfr9I (C decreases CCGGG) and MunI (C decreases AATTG), all cleave hexanucleotide palindromic sequences, leaving tetranucleotide 5'-overhangs. Two regions of similarity that appear in the same order and relative position were identified among the amino-acid sequences of ENases. These regions map to the structural elements of EcoRI involved in the building of the catalytic site and in interactions with the central nucleotides of the recognized sequence. We propose that these ENases might all share a similar structural organization of the active site and structural motifs involved in interactions with specific DNA recognition sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence motifs characteristic for DNA [cytosine-N4] and DNA [adenine-N6] methyltransferases. Classification of all DNA methyltransferases.

Two additional conserved motifs (CM), CM Is and CM III, have been found in addition to well-known CM I and CM II within the primary amino acid sequences of almost all m6A- and m4C-methyltransferases (MTases). The boundaries of all four CM were defined and their consensus sequences characteristic both for different classes, as well as for all N-MTases, were derived. Some regular deviations at fixed positions of the consensus sequences CM Is, CM I and CM II, typical for separate classes of N-MTases, were presumed to correlate. A possible structural basis for the supposed interregional correlations is discussed and experiments for verification of the assumed interactions between CM are suggested. A classification scheme for all N-MTases is provided.

Algorithms↗

Cloning of the ppu21IM gene using a in vivo selection method.

A genetic system enabling the in vivo selection of genes encoding the DNA-modifying enzymes was developed. A gene library is transformed into a strain harboring the restriction-modification (R-M) system which a recognition sequence is a subset of the target sequence of the DNA methyltransferase (MTase) to be cloned. If the residing MTase is temperature sensitive, the inability of transformants to grow at 42 degrees C provides a simple and convenient procedure for the isolation of new MTase-encoding genes. The feasibility of this procedure has been demonstrated by the isolation of the ppu21IM gene from a Pseudomonas putida RFL21 gene library.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Identification of a gene encoding a DNA invertase-like enzyme adjacent to the PaeR7I restriction-modification system.

A gene encoding a DNA invertase-like enzyme was identified adjacent to the PaeR7I restriction-modification system (R-M), and was named paeR7IN (N for iNvertase). Sequence analysis revealed that this gene has the same polarity as the PaeR7IRM operon, and would encode a polypeptide of 21,506 Da. An amino-acid sequence similarity of 45-49% was found between the deduced protein product and various DNA invertases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The eco72IC gene specifies a trans-acting factor which influences expression of both DNA methyltransferase and endonuclease from the Eco72I restriction-modification system.

Eco72I from Escherichia coli RFL72 is a type-II restriction-modification (R-M) system recognizing and cleaving the sequence 5'-CAC decreases GTG-3'. The R-M genes are transcribed divergently and between the two genes is a small open reading frame codirectional to the R gene. This small ORF acts both to stimulate ENase expression and to depress DNA methyltransferase synthesis. The activity of beta Gal produced from the eco72IM::lacZ translational fusion increased tenfold, and eco72IR::lacZ translational fusion beta Gal activity decreased 130-fold when eco72IC was inactivated by a frameshift mutation. Analysis of nucleotide sequences of R-M systems, containing C genes, revealed a 5'-ACCTTATAGTC-3' consensus sequence upstream from the regulatory genes in all six analysed R-M systems. This sequence, named C-box, may play the role of an operator sequence.

Base Sequence↗

Cloning and analysis of the plasmid-borne genes encoding the Bsp6I restriction and modification enzymes.

The Bsp6I restriction and modification (R-M) system has been localized on the plasmid pXH13, naturally occurring in the Bacillus sp. strain RFL6. The genes coding for the Bsp6I R-M system, a Fnu4HI isoschizomer recognizing the sequence GCNGC, have been cloned in Escherichia coli by two steps. The nucleotide sequence of a 2126-bp region containing the genes for restriction endonuclease (ENase; bsp6IR) and DNA methyltransferase (MTase; bsp6IM) has been determined. The genes are separated by 99 bp and are arranged tandemly with bsp6IR preceding bsp6IM. The DNA sequence predicts an ENase of 174 amino acids (aa) (19.9 kDa) and a MTase of 315 aa (36.3 kDa). M.Bsp6I contains all the conserved aa sequence motifs characteristic for m5C-MTases. In addition, its variable region exhibits a slight similarity to the 5'-GCNGC-3'-specific target-recognition domain (TRD) from M.phi 3T. No aa sequence similarity was found between R.Bsp6I and M.Bsp6I, nor among R.Bsp6I and other known ENases. We have tested recombinant plasmids carrying the complete R-M system for their ability to transform native and pre-methylated Escherichia coli hosts. The results indicate that pre-methylation increases the efficiency of establishment of the complete R-M system. In addition, we have obtained orientation-dependent differences in transformation efficiency.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and characterization of the unusual restriction-modification system comprising two restriction endonucleases and one methyltransferase.

An Escherichia coli RFL47 DNA fragment containing the Eco47IR and Eco47II restriction-modification (R-M) system has been cloned and sequenced. A clone carrying this system has been selected by its ability to restrict phage lambda in vivo. The sequence of 5360 bp was determined, and its analysis revealed three major open reading frames (ORF) corresponding to two restriction endonucleases (ENases) and one DNA methyltransferase (MTase): R.Eco47II (239 amino acid (aa)), R.Eco47I (230 aa) and M.Eco47II (417 aa). The M.Eco47II aa sequence possesses all conserved domains typical for m5C MTases and its variable region has a high homology with M.Sau96I and M.SinI. The ORF harboring a predicted helix-turn-helix motif upstream from the eco47IR gene has been found. No sequence resembling the eco47IM gene has been detected in the complete fragment sequenced, although disrupted ORF, possibly corresponding to the transposase-encoding gene, has been found in the intergenic area between eco47IIM and eco47IR. No homology was found between the ENases; however, both revealed homology with their isoschizomers, R.SinI and R.Sau96I.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CAATTG-specific restriction-modification munI genes from Mycoplasma: sequence similarities between R.MunI and R.EcoRI.

The genes coding for the MunI restriction-modification (R-M) system, which recognize the sequence 5'-CAATTG, have been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and their nucleotide sequences have been determined. The restriction endonuclease (ENase; R.MunI) is encoded by an open reading frame (ORF) of 606 bp, and a 699-bp ORF codes for the methyltransferase (MTase). The two genes are transcribed divergently from a 355-bp region. The gene encoding the ENase is preceded by a short co-linear ORF of 222 bp. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of this short ORF (SORF) closely resembles the sequences of a family of regulatory proteins that are associated with other type-II R-M systems. Comparative analysis of the deduced aa sequence of R.MunI revealed several regions of similarity to the EcoRI and RsrI ENases that recognize the GAATTC sequence. The similar mode of interaction of MunI, EcoRI and RsrI with the tetranucleotide AATT, common to the recognition sequences of these ENases, was suggested.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and analysis of translational control for genes encoding the Cfr9I restriction-modification system.

The complete type-II Cfr9I restriction-modification (R-M) system of Citrobacter freundii strain RFL9, recognizing the DNA sequence CCCGGG, has been cloned and expressed, and functionally active enzymes have been produced in Escherichia coli. Both the methyltransferase (MTase; M.Cfr9I) and restriction endonuclease (ENase; R.Cfr9I) were found to be encoded on a 2.3-kb cloned fragment in the same transcriptional orientation, but differing in translational phases. The last codon (underlined) (ATGA) of the MTase-encoding gene (Cfr9IM) overlaps with the start codon for the ENase-encoding gene (overlined) (cfr9IR). A nucleotide sequence complementary to a predicted Shine-Dalgarno sequence preceding cfr9IR is within this gene. Predicted free energy (delta G) for formation of the mRNA secondary structure involving these complementary sequences was found to be -16.1 kcal/mol. Amino-acid sequence homology of 80% was found between R.Cfr9I and R.XcyI.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and analysis of a Candida maltosa gene which confers resistance to formaldehyde in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

A gene (FDH1) of Candida maltosa which confers resistance to formaldehyde in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned and its nucleotide sequence determined. The gene has a single intron which possesses the highly conserved splicing signals found in S. cerevisiae introns. We demonstrated that processing of the pre-mRNA of the cloned gene occurred identically in both S. cerevisiae and C. maltosa. The predicted amino acid sequence from the cloned gene showed 65.5% identity to human alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) class III and 23.9% identity to S. cerevisiae ADH1. The most probable mechanism of resistance to formaldehyde is thought to be the glutathione-dependent oxidation of formaldehyde which is characteristic for ADH class III. The cloned FDH1 gene was successfully employed as a dominant selectable marker in the transformation of S. cerevisiae.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Purification and properties of the Eco57I restriction endonuclease and methylase--prototypes of a new class (type IV).

The Eco57I restriction endonuclease and methylase were purified to homogeneity from the E.coli RR1 strain carrying the eco57IRM genes on a recombinant plasmid. The molecular weight of the denaturated methylase is 63 kDa. The restriction endonuclease exists in a monomeric form with an apparent molecular weight of 104-108 kDa. R.Eco57I also possesses methylase activity. The methylation activities of both enzymes modify the outer A residue in the target sequence 5'CTGAAG yielding N6-methyladenine. M.Eco57I modifies both strands of the substrate while R.Eco57I modifies only one. Only the methylase enzyme is stimulated by Ca2+. The restriction endonuclease shows an absolute requirement for Mg2+ and is stimulated by AdoMet. ATP has no influence on either activity of the enzymes. The subunit structure and enzymatic properties of the Eco57I enzymes distinguish them from all other restriction-modification enzymes that have been described previously. Therefore, RM.Eco57I may be regarded as a representative of a novel class of restriction-modification systems, and we propose to classify it as type IV.

Base Sequence↗

Cloning and sequence analysis of the genes coding for Eco57I type IV restriction-modification enzymes.

A 6.3 kb fragment of E.coli RFL57 DNA coding for the type IV restriction-modification system Eco57I was cloned and expressed in E.coli RR1. A 5775 bp region of the cloned fragment was sequenced which contains three open reading frames (ORF). The methylase gene is 1623 bp long, corresponding to a protein of 543 amino acids (62 kDa); the endonuclease gene is 2991 bp in length (997 amino acids, 117 kDa). The two genes are transcribed convergently from different strands with their 3'-ends separated by 69 bp. The third short open reading frame (186 bp, 62 amino acids) has been identified, that precedes and overlaps by 7 nucleotides the ORF encoding the methylase. Comparison of the deduced Eco57I endonuclease and methylase amino acid sequences revealed three regions of significant similarity. Two of them resemble the conserved sequence motifs characteristic of the DNA[adenine-N6] methylases. The third one shares similarity with corresponding regions of the PaeR7I, TaqI, CviBIII, PstI, BamHI and HincII methylases. Homologs of this sequence are also found within the sequences of the PaeR7I, PstI and BamHI restriction endonucleases. This is the first example of a family of cognate restriction endonucleases and methylases sharing homologous regions. Analysis of the structural relationship suggests that the type IV enzymes represent an intermediate in the evolutionary pathway between the type III and type II enzymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alw26I, Eco31I and Esp3I--type IIs methyltransferases modifying cytosine and adenine in complementary strands of the target DNA.

The specificity of three DNA methyltransferases M.Alw26I, M.Eco31I and M.Esp3I, isolated from Acinetobacter Iwoffi RFL26, Escherichia coli RFL31 and Hafnia alvei RFL3+, respectively, was determined. All the enzymes methylate both strands of asymmetric recognition sites yielding m5C in the top-strand and m6A in the bottom-strand, as below: 5'-GTm5CTC 5'-GGTm5CTC 5'-CGTm5CTC 3'-Cm6AGAG 3'-CCm6AGAG 3'-GCm6AGAG (M.Alw26I) (M.Eco31I) (M.Esp3I) They are the first members of type IIs methyltransferases that modify different types of nucleotides in the recognition sequence.

Acinetobacter↗

Cloning and sequence analysis of a Candida maltosa gene which confers resistance to cycloheximide.

A CYHR gene from Candida maltosa, which confers resistance to cycloheximide, was cloned in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A 2.3-kb DNA fragment carrying this gene was sequenced, and an open reading frame able to encode 553 amino acids (aa) was found in the sequence. Computer searches of the GenBank, EMBL, SWIS-PROT and Gen-Pept databases using the FASTA program failed to detect any proteins with extensive similarities to the deduced aa sequence for CYHR. The cloned gene transforms S. cerevisiae at a frequency similar to auxotrophic markers and can be used as a dominant selectable marker for introducing recombinant plasmids into wild-type strains of S. cerevisiae, as well as for gene disruption experiments.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and analysis of autonomous replicating sequence of Candida maltosa.

A Candida maltosa chromosomal DNA fragment which confers high frequency transformation of C. maltosa and autonomous replication of recombinant plasmids was cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the cloned DNA revealed a sequence homologous for C. maltosa autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) elements. Vector pRJ1 for C. maltosa was constructed, which contained a 1.3 kb ARS sequence, pICEM-19H and the ADE1 gene of C. maltosa. Southern blot analysis suggested that the copy number of pRJ1 in C. maltosa was approximately 20 per genome. The sequence analysis also revealed an open reading frame, encoding a polypeptide with high homology (70%) to the RS15 protein of Brugia pagangi. This open reading frame has an intron with canonical sites for correct splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Animals↗

M.Smal is an N4-methylcytosine specific DNA-methylase.

An enzymatic activity rendering DNA immune to the action of the Smal restriction endonuclease in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-methionine has been detected in Serratia marcescens Sb. This methylase, M.Smal, modifies the second cytosine residue of the substrate sequence CCCGGG yielding N4-methylcytosine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗