Biomedical subjects

M C Hu

Publications and source records attributed to M C Hu.

59 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1987

The inducible lac operator-repressor system is functional in mammalian cells.

We have investigated the use of the Escherichia coli lac operator-repressor system to regulate expression of transfected genes in mammalian cells. We show that lac repressor produced in mouse L cells by transfection of a lacl expression vector blocks transcription of an MSV-CAT fusion gene when the lac operator is inserted at any one of the following sites within the promoter region: between the initiation codon (ATG) and the transcription start site; between the transcription start and TATA box regions; or upstream of the TATA box region. This last result suggests that the repressor may prevent protein-protein interactions involved in transcription activation. The inducer IPTG causes a marked derepression of CAT expression. The lac repressor-operator complex may be useful as an on/off "switch" in the regulation of gene expression for gene transfer experiments.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Mapping transcription start points on cloned genomic DNA with T4 DNA polymerase: a precise and convenient technique.

We have developed a precise and convenient mapping technique for determining transcription start points (tsp) on cloned genomic DNA using T4 DNA polymerase. This method uses single-stranded (ss) M13 DNA and therefore is, unlike S1 and Exo VII nuclease mapping methods, independent of the restriction endonuclease sites present in the insert. Essentially the protocol involves the following steps: hybridizing an mRNA to an ss M13 vector containing an antisense genomic DNA sequence spanning the presumptive tsp (cap site); annealing a DNA primer (M13 sequencing primer) to the M13 DNA at a site on this DNA upstream from the 5' end of the mRNA on the template DNA; extending the DNA primer with T4 DNA polymerase towards the 5' end of the mRNA. Since T4 DNA polymerase will not displace the mRNA: DNA hybrid, synthesis is blocked at the first nucleotide of the mRNA molecule. The length of the extended DNA products can then be determined with single nucleotide resolution on denaturing sequencing gels in parallel with a sequencing ladder. We have used this approach to map the tsp of the mouse skeletal alpha-actin gene. The sensitivity of the method allows precise mapping of transcripts present as 0.02-0.05% of the total RNA. This method is particularly valuable for mapping the tsp of genes which are known to contain a large intron between the first and second exons. It can also be applied to map the 5' border of any given exon of a gene in an M13 vector or in other vectors that give ss DNAs.

Actins↗

PubMed1986

The complete sequence of the mouse skeletal alpha-actin gene reveals several conserved and inverted repeat sequences outside of the protein-coding region.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a genomic clone encoding the mouse skeletal alpha-actin gene has been determined. This single-copy gene codes for a protein identical in primary sequence to the rabbit skeletal alpha-actin. It has a large intron in the 5'-untranslated region 12 nucleotides upstream from the initiator ATG and five small introns in the coding region at codons specifying amino acids 41/42, 150, 204, 267, and 327/328. These intron positions are identical to those for the corresponding genes of chickens and rats. Similar to other skeletal alpha-actin genes, the nucleotide sequence codes for two amino acids, Met-Cys, preceding the known N-terminal Asp of the mature protein. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of rat, mouse, chicken, and human skeletal muscle alpha-actin genes reveals conserved sequences (some not previously noted) outside of the protein-coding region. Furthermore, several inverted repeat sequences, partially within these conserved regions, have been identified. These sequences are not present in the vertebrate cytoskeletal beta-actin genes. The strong conservation of the inverted repeat sequences suggests that they may have a role in the tissue-specific expression of skeletal alpha-actin genes.

Actins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

mRNA expression of renal urea transporters in normal and Brattleboro rats: effect of dietary protein intake.

Differences in dietary protein level induce differences in fractional excretion of urea, in arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma level, and in urine concentrating activity (in which intervene the renal urea transporters (UT)). The abundance of mRNA for UT-A1 (of the inner medullary collecting duct, IMCD) UT-A2 (of the descending thin limb) and UT-B1 (of descending vasa recta) was determined by Northern analysis of total RNA extracted from medullary subregions of Sprague-Dawley rats fed for 1 week, a low, normal, or high protein diet. The implication of AVP was then examined by studying AVP-deprived (Brattleboro) rats. Our results show that none of these transporters is affected by the level of protein intake, except UT-A1 that is reduced in terminal IMCD by low protein diet in the absence of AVP (Brattleboro rats). These data suggest that (1) the previously reported effect of kidney medulla hypertonicity on UT-A2 and UT-B1 mRNA expression is somehow obliterated by protein intake deficiency or excess, and (2) AVP influences the mRNA abundance of the UT-A1 of the terminal IMCD during protein deficiency.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Structure and expression of the CYP21 (P450c21, steroid 21-hydroxylase) gene with respect to its deficiency.

Steroid 21-hydroxylase (P450c21) deficiency is the major cause of a common genetic disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, with the symptoms of virilization due to steroid imbalance. We have devised a fast diagnostic method to detect common mutations in the c21B gene by a two-step gene amplification procedure coupled to restriction digestion. This procedure does not require isotopes and is suitable for routine use in a hospital setting. In addition, we have developed a procedure for the production of active P450c21 in E. coli. We tested many different vector and bacterial strain combinations to find out the best condition for P450c21 expression. The bacteria harboring the P450c21 expression plasmid were grown in a rich media supplemented with trace metals, heme biosynthesis precursor delta-levulinic acid, and induced with IPTG at 20 degrees C for 48 h. We found that low growth temperature and long induction time were important for abundant synthesis of P450c21 in E. coli.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗