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C Fernández-Tomás

Publications and source records attributed to C Fernández-Tomás.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Dengue virus. Detection and pathogeny.

Sequences front a cDNA of dengue virus type 4 were cloned into transcription vectors. These sequences included the E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3 genes. RNA transcripts produced in vitro from these plasmids were used in hybridization assays to detect dengue viral sequences. With these RNA-probes we have been able to detect molecules of serotype-specific dengue 4 viral RNA. Moreover, the riboprobes detected viral sequences of other serotypes in the following order of sensitivity 4 > 2 > 3 > 1, and might be useful to differentiate serotypes.

Animals↗

Cell proteins bind to multiple sites within the 5' untranslated region of poliovirus RNA.

The 5' noncoding region of poliovirus RNA contains sequences necessary for translation and replication. These functions are probably carried out by recognition of poliovirus RNA by cellular and/or viral proteins. Using a mobility-shift electrophoresis assay and 1,10-phenanthroline/Cu+ footprinting, we demonstrate specific binding of cytoplasmic factors with a sequence from nucleotides 510-629 within the 5' untranslated region (UTR). Complex formation was also observed with a second sequence (nucleotides 97-182) within the 5' UTR. These two regions of the 5' UTR appear to be recognized by distinct cell factors as determined by competition analysis and the effects of ionic strength on complex formation. However, both complexes contain eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha, as revealed by their reaction with specific antibody.

HeLa Cells↗

Modification of an adenovirus major late promoter-binding factor during poliovirus infection.

To further characterize the mechanism involved in poliovirus-induced inhibition of HeLa cells mRNA synthesis, in vitro formation of DNA-protein complexes between nuclear upstream stimulatory transcription factor (USF) and the adenovirus type 2 major late promoter upstream promoter element (UPE; located between -45 and -65 base pairs) was studied. Using the gel shift assay, we found differences between the UPE-protein complex formed with partially purified nuclear extracts from poliovirus-infected HeLa cells and that obtained in the presence of mock-infected extracts. Formation of the modified UPE-USF complex coincided with virus-induced inhibition of host cell RNA synthesis in vivo and with a less efficient in vitro transcriptional activity of the nuclear extracts from infected cells. Furthermore, using a cross-linking protocol, we found that the host 46-kilodalton UPE-binding USF factor was severely diminished and that a virus-induced or -modified 50-kilodalton polypeptide appeared to be specifically bound to the UPE template.

DNA↗

[Riboprobes: an alternative in the detection of viral sequences].

The use of riboprobes for the detection of RNA viral sequences is analyzed. Subgenomic fragments of cDNA from poliovirus type 2, dengue virus type 4 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1, were inserted downstream SP6 and/or T7 promoters in the transcription vectors pGEM-4z or pSP64. RNAs obtained by in vitro transcription in the presence of UTP infinity (32P) were used as probes for the detection of RNA viral sequences from infected cell lines in slot and Northern blot assays. The poliovirus riboprobe (P2-221) was able to detect specific viral sequences; thus, it could be used for the detection of the virus in serum, as well as in residual waters. The human immunodeficiency virus riboprobe (HIV-378), detected viral sequences poly A+RNA from infected cells; thus it can be used as a confirmatory test or as a tool in basic research. Finally, the dengue virus riboprobes (D4-2819 and D4-1134) detected specifically dengue 4 virus; however the sensitivity of the detection could be significantly improved amplifying viral sequences by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) prior to probe hybridization.

Blotting, Northern↗