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K Palme

Publications and source records attributed to K Palme.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

The yptV1 gene encodes a small G-protein in the green alga Volvox carteri: gene structure and properties of the gene product.

Small G-proteins encoded by ras-like genes are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells. These G-proteins are believed to play a role in central processes, such as signal transduction, cell differentiation and membrane vesicle transport. By screening genomic and cDNA libraries of the colonial alga, Volvox carteri f. nagariensis, with ypt DNA probes from Zea mays, we have identified the first member of a ypt gene family, yptV1, within a green alga. The 1538-bp yptV1 gene of V. carteri consists of nine exons and eight introns and has three potential polyadenylation sites 210, 420 and 500 bp downstream from the UGA stop codon. The derived 203-amino-acid polypeptide, YptV1, exhibits 81% similarity with Ypt1 from mouse, with the corresponding genes sharing four identical intron positions. Recombinant YptV1 (reYptV1) produced in Escherichia coli retains the ability to bind GTP after SDS-PAGE and immobilization on nitrocellulose. Immunological studies using polyclonal antibodies against reYptV1 indicate that the protein is present in the membrane fraction of a V. carteri extract and is expressed throughout the whole life-cycle of the alga. Similar to other Ras-like proteins, YptV1 contains two conserved C-terminal cysteine residues suggesting post-translational modification(s), such as isoprenylation or palmitoylation, required for membrane anchoring. The presumptive role of YptV1 in cytoplasmic vesicle transport is briefly discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An auxin-binding protein is localized to the plasma membrane of maize coleoptile cells: identification by photoaffinity labeling and purification of a 23-kda polypeptide.

Plasma membrane vesicles were isolated from maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptile tissue by aqueous two-phase partitioning and assayed for homogeneity by the use of membrane-specific enzymatic assays. Using 5-azido-[7-3H]indole-3-acetic acid ([3H]N3IAA), we identified several IAA-binding proteins with molecular masses of 60 kDa (pm60), 58 kDa (pm58), and 23 kDa (pm23). Using Triton X-114, we were able to selectively extract pm23 from the plasma membrane. We show that auxins and functional analogues compete with [3H]N3IAA for binding to pm23. We found that PAB130, a polyclonal antibody raised against auxin-binding protein 1 (ABP-1), recognized ABP-1 as well as pm23. This suggests that pm23 shares common epitopes with ABP-1. In addition, we identified an auxin-binding protein with a molecular mass of 24 kDa (pm24), which was detected in microsomal but not in plasma membrane vesicle preparations. Like pm23 this protein was extracted from membrane vesicles with Triton X-114. We designed a purification scheme allowing simultaneous purification of pm23 and pm24. Homogeneous pm23 and pm24 were obtained from coleoptile extracts after 7000-fold purification.

Journal Article↗

5'-Azido-[3,6-3H2]-1-napthylphthalamic acid, a photoactivatable probe for naphthylphthalamic acid receptor proteins from higher plants: identification of a 23-kDa protein from maize coleoptile plasma membranes.

1-Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) is a specific inhibitor of polar auxin transport that blocks carrier-mediated auxin efflux from plant cells. To allow identification of the NPA receptor thought to be part of the auxin efflux carrier, we have synthesized a tritiated, photolabile NPA analogue, 5'-azido-[3,6-3H2]NPA ([3H2]N3NPA). This analogue was used to identify NPA-binding proteins in fractions highly enriched for plasma membrane vesicles isolated from maize coleoptiles (Zea mays L.). Competition studies showed that binding of [3H2]N3NPA to maize plasma membrane vesicles was blocked by nonradioactive NPA but not by benzoic acid. After incubation of plasma membrane vesicles with [3H2]N3NPA and exposure to UV light, we observed specific photoaffinity labeling of a protein with an apparent molecular mass of 23 kDa. Pretreatment of the plasma membrane vesicles with indole-3-acetic acid or with the auxin-transport inhibitors NPA and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid strongly reduced specific labeling of this protein. This 23-kDa protein was also labeled by addition of 5-azido-[7-3H]indole-3-acetic acid to plasma membranes prior to exposure to UV light. The 23-kDa protein was solubilized from plasma membranes by 1% Triton X-100. The possibility that this 23-kDa polypeptide is part of the auxin efflux carrier system is discussed.

Journal Article↗

Molecular cloning and structural analysis of genes from Zea mays (L.) coding for members of the ras-related ypt gene family.

We have isolated, cloned, and characterized two cDNAs from Zea mays (L.), denoted yptm1 and yptm2, encoding proteins related to the ypt protein family. Amino acid similarity scores with YPT1 from yeast and ypt from mouse are in the range of 70% for yptm1 and 74% for yptm2, respectively, whereas similarities with p21 ras and other ras-related proteins are less than 40%. Most amino acid residues showing identity are clustered in the GTP/GDP binding domain. In addition, two cysteine residues close to the C-terminal ends, known to be palmitoylated and necessary for membrane binding in all eukaryotic ras-related proteins that have been characterized so far, are conserved in the maize genes as well. Northern blot hybridization analysis of poly(A)+ mRNA from etiolated maize coleoptiles revealed single mRNA species of approximately the same size as the isolated cDNAs. The gene for yptm1 is expressed at very low levels in maize coleoptiles and tissue culture cells. The gene for yptm2 is expressed at higher levels and is differentially represented in RNAs isolated from various organs of maize plants, with its highest level in leaves and flowers. The structural similarity of the genes identified suggests that they could be involved in the control of secretory processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complementation of the cs dis2-11 cell cycle mutant of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by a protein phosphatase from Arabidopsis thaliana.

The activities of type I protein phosphatases play a central role in eukaryotic cell cycle control. Here, we report the cloning and characterization from the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana of a cDNA clone named PP1-At which is highly homologous to protein phosphatase 1. The deduced amino acid sequence of PP1-At shows that the PP1-At protein is 318 amino acid residues long and has a molecular weight of 35,298 Da. The PP1-At protein has strong similarity to all other known protein phosphatase type 1 catalytic subunits. Approximately 62% of the amino acids are identical to type 1 protein phosphatases of rabbit, mouse, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. RNA blot analysis revealed a single mRNA species of approximately the same size as the cDNA isolated. The PP1-At-encoded mRNA of 1.3 kb is abundant in most vegetative Arabidopsis tissues, with the lowest level of expression in leaves. When transferred to the fission yeast S.pombe, the PP1-At-encoded protein can rescue a semidominant mutant, cold sensitive (cs) dis2-11, which under nonpermissive conditions is unable to complete chromosome disjunction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The Ncypt1 gene from Neurospora crassa is located on chromosome 2: molecular cloning and structural analysis.

Small GTP-binding proteins are encoded by ras-like genes and play a central role in cell differentiation and membrane vesicle transport. By screening genomic and cDNA libraries of the Ascomycete fungus Neurospora crassa with Zmypt genes from Zea mays we have isolated a member of the ypt gene family, Ncypt1. The gene resides on a 4 kb fragment of genomic DNA and contains four introns, which interrupt the coding sequence of a protein of 203 amino acid residues. The Ncytp1 gene was assigned to a single-copy gene encoding a transcript of 1.5 kb and a protein of 26,000 daltons. The gene maps on linkage group IIR between DB0001 and ccg-2 close to the Fsr-3 locus. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence and the deduced protein sequence revealed a striking homology to yeast, mouse and human genes encoding small GTP-binding proteins that are related to the ras supergene family. Homology was most significant to ypt1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Mus musculus and Homo sapiens sharing 84.8%, 82.3%, and 82.3% identity, respectively. Common domains present in other small GTP-binding proteins were identified in the predicted sequence of the NCYPT1 protein, and the arrangement of peptide motifs sharing similarity with well characterized, small GTP-binding proteins suggests that the NCYPT1 protein is a GTPase. The C-terminal region extending from amino acid residues 175 to 199 shares only weak amino acid sequence similarity with other eukaryotic GTPases. Like other RAS proteins the NCYPT1 protein contains two conserved C-terminal cysteine residues, suggesting post-translational modification(s) by fatty acylation required for membrane anchoring. The high degree of homology between the NCYPT1 protein and eukaryotic YPT proteins suggests that NCYPT1 could be involved in the control of secretory processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular analysis of an auxin binding protein gene located on chromosome 4 of Arabidopsis.

We have isolated a cDNA clone from Arabidopsis, At-ERabp1, for the Arabidopsis auxin binding protein located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This cDNA clone codes for a protein related to the major auxin binding protein from maize, Zm-ERabp1. A single open reading frame, 594 bases in length, predicts a protein of 198 amino acid residues and a molecular mass of 22,044 D. The primary amino acid sequence contains an N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence of 33 amino acids. We demonstrated by in vitro studies that the At-ERabp1 protein is translocated into ER-derived microsomes. The protein was processed, and the cleavage site for the N-terminal signal peptide was determined by radiosequencing. The mature protein is composed of 165 amino acid residues, with a molecular mass of 18,641 D. The At-ERabp1 protein contains potential N-glycosylation sites (Asn46-Ile-Ser and Asn130-Ser-Thr). In vitro transport studies demonstrated cotranslational glycosylation. Retention within the lumen of the ER correlates with an additional signal located at the C terminus and represented by the amino acids Lys196-Asp-Glu-Leu, well known to be essential for active retrieval of proteins into the lumen of the ER. DNA gel blot analysis of genomic DNA revealed single hybridizing bands, suggesting that only a single At-ERabp1 gene is present in the Arabidopsis genome. Restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping indeed revealed a single locus mapping to chromosome 4.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification of tobacco nuclear proteins binding to a CACGTG motif of the chalcone synthase promoter by DNA affinity chromatography.

The activity of various light-regulated and developmentally regulated plant gene promoters critically depends upon the presence of a conserved sequence with a central CACGTG motif. Using band-shift assays, we have identified nuclear factor(s) from Nicotiana tabacum, termed CG-1, that specifically recognize(s) this transcriptional element in the ultraviolet-light-regulated Antirrhinum majus chalcone synthase promoter. CG-1 activity is constitutively expressed in tobacco seedlings grown in the absence of ultraviolet light as well as in seedlings induced for chalcone synthase gene expression by ultraviolet light irradiation. CG-1 activity has also been detected in flower tissue. DNA-protein cross-linking studies identified three polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 20, 32 and 42 kDa binding to the CACGTG motif. Proteins interacting with the CACGTG motif were purified from N. tabacum seedlings using differential sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography employing wild-type and mutated CG-1-binding sites. Denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed major polypeptides of approximately 20, 30 and 40 kDa which are highly enriched in the affinity-purified fractions binding specifically to the CACGTG motif.

Acyltransferases↗

The electrical response of maize to auxins.

The electrical response of Zea mays coleoptiles and suspension cultured cells to several growth-promoting auxins (IAA, IBA, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, 1-NAA) and some of their structural analogues (2,3-D, 2-NAA) has been tested. In coleoptile two typical electrical responses to IAA are observed: an immediated rapid depolarization, and a hyperpolarization following 7-10 minutes after the first external addition of IAA. Of the other tested compounds only 1-NAA significantly depolarized the cells, whereas all auxins as well as the analogues evoked delayed hyperpolarizations. In contrast, the suspension cells were not hyperpolarized by any of the tested compounds, but were strongly depolarized by IAA, 1-NAA, and to a lesser extent by 2-NAA. In these cells IAA and 1-NAA induced inwardly directed currents of positive charge which both saturated around 12 mA/m2. The strong pH-dependence together with the half-maximal currents 0.49 microM IAA and 0.76 microM 1-NAA point to a symport of the anions with at least 2H+. The delayed plasma membrane hyperpolarization is a different response, and seems to be initiated by the protonated auxin species. In accordance with the current literature, it is interpreted as consequence of a stimulated proton extrusion. The finding that all tested compounds evoked a hyperpolarization, makes this response unspecific. It is concluded that a stimulation of proton extrusion is a necessary, but not sufficient step to induce elongation growth.

Biological Transport↗

T-DNA gene 5 of Agrobacterium modulates auxin response by autoregulated synthesis of a growth hormone antagonist in plants.

Oncogenes carried by the transferred DNA (T-DNA) of Agrobacterium Ti plasmids encode the synthesis of plant growth factors, auxin and cytokinin, and induce tumour development in plants. Other T-DNA genes regulate the tumorous growth in ways that are not yet understood. To determine the function of T-DNA gene 5, its coding region was expressed in Escherichia coli. Synthesis of the gene 5 encoded protein (26 kDa) correlated with a 28-fold increase in conversion of tryptophan to indole-3-lactate (ILA), an auxin analogue. Expression of chimeric gene 5 constructs in transgenic tobacco resulted in overproduction of ILA that enhanced shoot formation in undifferentiated tissues and increased the tolerance of germinating seedlings to the inhibitory effect of externally supplied auxin. Promoter analysis of gene 5 in plants revealed that its expression was inducible by auxin and confined to the vascular phloem cells. cis-regulatory elements required for auxin regulation and phloem specific expression of gene 5 were mapped to a 90 bp promoter region that carried DNA sequence motifs common to several auxin induced plant promoters, as well as a binding site for a nuclear factor, Ax-1. ILA was found to inhibit the auxin induction of the gene 5 promoter and to compete with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) for in vitro binding to purified cellular auxin binding proteins. It is suggested therefore that ILA autoregulates its own synthesis and thereby modulates a number of auxin responses in plants.

Base Sequence↗

Hormonal modulation of plant growth: the role of auxin perception.

The organisation of growth and development in vascular plants appears to be highly adapted to meet the specific demands of a sessile, autotrophic habit. Many of the characteristic features of plant development are associated with the activities of five groups of phytohormones. Each of the phytohormones has the ability to influence fundamentally a remarkable variety of developmental and physiological processes. This ability has been widely documented but remains to be explained. Here we describe how recent breakthroughs in the analysis and understanding of eucaryotic signal transduction are being applied, in conjunction with technical advances in molecular genetics, to elucidate the molecular basis of the phytohormonal properties of auxin. Both auxin concentration, and the sensitivity of plant cells to this phytohormone have been implicated as important parameters in auxin action. We describe recent molecular biological approaches to assess the contribution made by each of these parameters. Emphasis is given to a description of recent genetic and biochemical progress towards identification of the molecular targets of the auxin signal and the molecular components involved in its subsequent transduction.

Endoplasmic Reticulum↗

Auxin binding proteins from maize coleoptiles: purification and molecular characterization.

To understand precisely the mechanisms by which hormones like auxins regulate plant differentiation and development, it is essential to isolate putative hormone receptors. We have purified the major auxin binding protein from maize coleoptiles to homogeneity. The protein has an apparent molecular weight of 22,000 Da and binds 1-naphthylacetic acid with a KD of 2.4 x 10(-7) M. Protein sequence analysis allowed the construction of oligonucleotide probes to isolate a corresponding cDNA coding for this protein. The open reading frame of this cDNA predicts a protein of 201 amino acids and 21,990 Da in size. The amino acid sequence includes a cleavable N-terminal signal sequence and a C-terminal signal element consisting of the amino acids Lys Asp Glu Leu known to be responsible for preventing secretion of proteins from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and structural analysis of a gene from Zea mays (L.) coding for a putative receptor for the plant hormone auxin.

The major auxin-binding protein from maize coleoptiles was purified to homogeneity. The protein has an apparent mol. wt of 22 kd and binds 1-naphthylacetic acid with a KD of 2.40 x 10(-7) M. Additional antigenically related proteins, present in very low amounts, could be demonstrated in maize coleoptiles using immunodetection. Extensive protein sequence analysis of the major auxin-binding protein allowed the construction of several synthetic oligonucleotide probes which were used to isolate a cDNA coding for this protein. The cDNA corresponds to a mRNA with a 3'-poly(A)+ sequence and a single, long open reading frame of 603 bases. The open reading frame, starting 34 residues from the 5' end of the cDNA, predicts a 21,990 Dalton protein of 201 amino acids. Comparison of this deduced amino acid sequence with the partial amino acid sequences of purified auxin-binding protein, revealed a perfect match, involving a total of 53 amino acid residues. The primary amino acid sequence includes a 38-amino-acid-long N-terminal hydrophobic leader sequence which could represent a signal for translocation of this protein to the endoplasmic reticulum. An additional signal is located at the C-terminal end, consisting of the amino acids KDEL known to be responsible for preventing secretion of proteins from the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum in eucaryotic cells. The primary sequence contains a N-glycosylation site (-asp133-thr-thr-). This site was found to be glycosylated by a high-mannose-type oligosaccharide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

cDNA clones of the auxin-binding protein from corn coleoptiles (Zea mays L.): isolation and characterization by immunological methods.

An auxin-binding protein (ABP) cDNA clone was selected from a lambda gt11 cDNA library from corn coleoptiles with highly purified IgGanti ABP. The sequence of 794 bp contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 603 bp, coding for a 22 kd protein. There are indications of a signal peptide of 38 amino acids (von Heijne, G. 1983, Eur. J. Biochem., 133, 17-21). A N-glycosylation site can be deduced and a C-terminal KDEL amino acid sequence is detected. An EcoRI fragment containing the beginning portion of the cDNA with about three quarters of the ORF was used to select cDNA clones from an independently produced lambda gt11 cDNA library of corn coleoptiles. Northern blot analysis with in vitro transcribed biotinylated RNA showed a single band of not more than 850 bases. The full-length in vitro transcript directed the in vitro synthesis of a protein which is precipitated by IgGanti ABP. Rabbit antibodies raised against a fusion protein detect the ABP as a double band on Western blots. Only the smaller of the two ABP bands is labeled by two different KDEL-specific IgG preparations.

Base Sequence↗

Expression of the polyoma middle-size T antigen in Escherichia coli.

We constructed a plasmid encoding a hybrid protein, consisting of the N-terminal signal sequence of the major outer membrane lipoprotein (lpp) of Serratia marcescens joined to the polyoma middle-size T antigen (mT antigen). The hybrid protein expressed under the control of a lpp-lac hybrid promoter was synthesized at levels up to 5% of newly synthesized protein and could be accumulated in Escherichia coli strains carrying the Cap R mutation. The mT antigen produced in E. coli was precipitated by polyoma antitumor serum, and by serum directed against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C terminus of the authentic mT antigen. The protein was secreted into the periplasmic space, from which it could be released by osmotic shock. The bacterial mT antigen had no detectable associated protein kinase activity.

Antigens, Viral, Tumor↗