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Biomedical subjects

N Elango

Publications and source records attributed to N Elango.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Translational regulation is a control point in RUNX2/Cbfa1 gene expression.

Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2)/core binding factor a1 (Cbfa1) is implicated in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation and osteoblast-specific gene expression. Mutations in RUNX2 cause the bone disease cleidocranial dysplasia, which is characterized by multiple skeletal defects. RUNX2 is expressed as two isoforms (type-I and type-II) encoded by two different mRNAs. We report here the detection of both mRNAs in osteoblastic cells and osteoblast precursors as well as nonosteoblastic cells. Surprisingly, however, osteoblast precursors and nonosteoblastic cells express no RUNX2 protein; mature osteoblasts express both isoforms, while less mature osteoblastic cells express only type-I protein. Northern blot analysis of RNA isolated from polysomes and ribonucleoprotein particles demonstrated that RUNX2 mRNA is polysome-associated in osteoblastic cells but polysome-free in osteoblast precursors. These results suggest that (a) RUNX2 mRNAs are expressed but dormant in osteoblast precursors and nonosteoblastic cells, (b) RUNX2 gene expression is controlled at the translational level, and (c) the expression of individual protein isoforms of RUNX2 is differentiation stage specific. Thus, differentiation of cells along the osteoblast lineage appears to be regulated at the level of RUNX2 mRNA translation.

3T3 Cells↗

Analysis of type-I and type-II RUNX2 protein expression in osteoblasts.

Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) is expressed as two isoforms (type-I and type-II) differing only in their amino terminal sequences. The amino terminus of type-I contains MRIPV instead of MASNSLFSAVTPCQQSFFW in type-II. Although type-II mRNA has been considered osteoblast specific, the RUNX2 protein isoforms expressed in osteoblasts have not yet been identified. Using antisera generated against the two different amino terminal sequences of type-I and type-II RUNX2, we show the expression of both isoforms in cells with the mature osteoblast phenotype (fetal rat calvarial cells, and ROS 17/2.8, SaOS-2 and U2OS osteosarcoma cell lines), but only type-I in partially differentiated osteoblast-like cells (the UMR-106 osteosarcoma cell line). Since UMR-106 cells express both type-I and type-II mRNAs, our results suggest that the translation of type-II mRNA is repressed in these cells. No RUNX1 and RUNX3 proteins are detected in any of the osteoblastic cells tested. The antisera we have generated will be useful for studies relating expression of RUNX2 isoforms to control of osteoblast differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a glucocorticoid-responsive element in the promoter region of the mouse tyrosine hydroxylase gene.

It has been known for nearly 30 years that glucocorticoid receptor stimulation induces increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression. However, the mechanism mediating this effect has remained elusive. Sequences with homology to known glucocorticoid-responsive elements (GRE) have been identified in the 5' flanking region of the TH gene of several vertebrate species, but none has been shown to be functional. To identify the GRE element(s) in the TH promoter, we generated chimeric constructs in which different lengths of the 5' flanking sequences of the mouse TH gene (3.6, 1.1 and 0.8 kb) were ligated to a luciferase reporter gene. Dexamethasone treatment increased luciferase expression only in cells transiently transfected with the construct containing 3.6 kb of the TH 5' flanking DNA. Co-administration of mifepristone (RU486), a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, blocked this effect. We identified a TH-GRE sequence (5'-GGCACAGTGTGGTCT) in the mouse 5' flanking DNA between -2435 and -2421 from the transcription start. Responsiveness to dexamethasone was lost following deletion of this sequence. To determine the ability of this element to function in a heterologous promoter, we prepared a chimeric construct in which the TH-GRE sequence was cloned just upstream of a minimal thymidine kinase (TK) promoter. Promoter activity was increased 2-fold in dexamethasone-treated PC12 cells transfected with the TH-GRE-TK construct. These results provide strong evidence that the 15 base-pair sequence in the 5' flanking DNA of the mouse TH gene functions as a glucocorticoid response element. This is the first report identifying a functional glucocorticoid response element in the promoter region of the TH gene of any species.

Animals↗

Structures of competitive inhibitor complexes of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase: multiple exogenous ligand binding orientations within the active site.

Protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (3,4-PCD) catalyzes the oxidative ring cleavage of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate to produce beta-carboxy-cis, cis-muconate. Crystal structures of Pseudomonas putida3,4-PCD [quaternary structure of (alphabetaFe3+)12] complexed with seven competitive inhibitors [3-hydroxyphenylacetate (MHP), 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (PHP), 3-hydroxybenzoate (MHB), 4-hydroxybenzoate (PHB), 3-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzoate (FHB), 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoate (CHB), and 3-iodo-4-hydroxybenzoate (IHB)] are reported at 2.0-2.2 A resolution with R-factors of 0. 0.159-0.179. The inhibitors bind in a narrow active site crevasse lined with residues that provide a microenvironment that closely matches the chemical characteristics of the inhibitors. This results in as little as 20% solvent-exposed surface area for the higher-affinity inhibitors (PHB, CHB, and FHB). In uncomplexed 3,4-PCD, the active site Fe3+ is bound at the bottom of the active site crevasse by four endogenous ligands and a solvent molecule (Wat827). The orientations of the endogenous ligands are relatively unperturbed in each inhibitor complex, but the inhibitors themselves bind to or near the iron in a range of positions, all of which perturb the position of Wat827. The three lowest-affinity inhibitors (MHP, PHP, and IHB) yield distorted trigonal bipyramidal iron coordination geometry in which the inhibitor C4-phenolate group displaces the solvent ligand. MHB binds within the active site, but neither its C3-OH group nor the solvent molecule binds to the iron. The C4-phenolate group of the three highest-affinity inhibitors (PHB, CHB, and FHB) coordinates the Fe3+ adjacent to Wat827, resulting in a shift in its position to yield a six-coordinate distorted octahedral geometry. The range of inhibitor orientations may mimic the mechanistically significant stages of substrate binding to 3, 4-PCD. The structure of the final substrate complex is reported in the following paper [Orville, A. M., Lipscomb, J. D., & Ohlendorf, D. H. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 10052-10066].

Binding Sites↗

Crystal structure of the hydroxylase component of methane monooxygenase from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b.

Methane monooxygenase (MMO), found in aerobic methanotrophic bacteria, catalyzes the O2-dependent conversion of methane to methanol. The soluble form of the enzyme (sMMO) consists of three components: a reductase, a regulatory "B" component (MMOB), and a hydroxylase component (MMOH), which contains a hydroxo-bridged dinuclear iron cluster. Two genera of methanotrophs, termed Type X and Type II, which differ markedly in cellular and metabolic characteristics, are known to produce the sMMO. The structure of MMOH from the Type X methanotroph Methylococcus capsulatus Bath (MMO Bath) has been reported recently. Two different structures were found for the essential diiron cluster, depending upon the temperature at which the diffraction data were collected. In order to extend the structural studies to the Type II methanotrophs and to determine whether one of the two known MMOH structures is generally applicable to the MMOH family, we have determined the crystal structure of the MMOH from Type II Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b (MMO OB3b) in two crystal forms to 2.0 A resolution, respectively, both determined at 18 degrees C. The crystal forms differ in that MMOB was present during crystallization of the second form. Both crystal forms, however, yielded very similar results for the structure of the MMOH. Most of the major structural features of the MMOH Bath were also maintained with high fidelity. The two irons of the active site cluster of MMOH OB3b are bridged by two OH (or one OH and one H2O), as well as both carboxylate oxygens of Glu alpha 144. This bis-mu-hydroxo-bridged "diamond core" structure, with a short Fe-Fe distance of 2.99 A, is unique for the resting state of proteins containing analogous diiron clusters, and is very similar to the structure reported for the cluster from flash frozen (-160 degrees C) crystals of MMOH Bath, suggesting a common active site structure for the soluble MMOHs. The high-resolution structure of MMOH OB3b indicates 26 consecutive amino acid sequence differences in the beta chain when compared to the previously reported sequence inferred from the cloned gene. Fifteen additional sequence differences distributed randomly over the three chains were also observed, including D alpha 209E, a ligand of one of the irons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence analysis of the mumps virus mRNA encoding the P protein.

The nucleotide sequence of the mumps virus phospho- or polymerase-associated (P) protein mRNA has been determined by sequencing a full-length cDNA clone and confirmed by partially sequencing the mRNA and the genome. The mRNA contains 1311 nucleotides excluding the poly(A) and encodes a protein of 390 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 41,574. Three small polypeptides were seen in in vitro translation of viral mRNA and hybrid-selected P mRNA, possibly representing internal initiation in the same reading frame of the P protein. A second overlapping reading frame is predicted from the sequence which has a capacity to code for two polypeptides of 56 and 34 amino acids, respectively. Whether these two polypeptides are expressed in infected cells is not known. Comparison of the P protein sequence with that of Sendai virus, measles virus, parainfluenza virus type 3, and canine distemper virus (CDV) showed no distinct homology but comparison with the P protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) showed 25.6% homology.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of the matrix protein mRNA of mumps virus.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mumps virus membrane protein or matrix protein (M) has been determined by sequencing cDNA clones and confirmed by partially sequencing the M mRNA and the genome. The mRNA is 1248 nucleotides long excluding the poly(A) and encodes a protein of 375 amino acids. The molecular weight (38,670), deduced from the amino acid sequence, is in agreement with the molecular weight of the viral M protein estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (39-40 kDa). The mumps virus M protein shows 23-27% homology with M proteins of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), measles virus, canine distemper virus (CDV), parainfluenza virus type 3, and Sendai virus, respectively. A comparison of the M protein sequences of the above six paramyxoviruses did not reveal any conserved area of homology common among all paramyxovirus M proteins.

Base Sequence↗

The mumps virus nucleocapsid mRNA sequence and homology among the Paramyxoviridae proteins.

The nucleotide sequence of mumps virus nucleocapsid protein (NP) mRNA has been determined from two overlapping cDNA clones and confirmed by partial sequencing of the mRNA and the genome. The mRNA contains 1844 nucleotides excluding poly(A) and encodes a protein of 553 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 61,792. A comparison of the mumps virus nucleocapsid protein sequence with that of other paramyxoviruses revealed a moderate degree of homology (33.1%) with the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) only. The nucleocapsid proteins of all paramyxoviruses studied to date, excluding that of the genus pneumovirus, have a conserved sequence of six amino acids (Ser-Tyr-Ala-Met-Gly-Val) except that of NDV which has a mismatch of two amino acids (Ser-Phe-Ala-Met-Gly-Met) in that sequence. In addition, there is another conserved region of seven amino acids (Phe-Ala-Pro-Gly-X-Tyr-Pro) in the nucleocapsid proteins of mumps virus, Sendai virus and parainfluenza virus type 3. The nucleocapsid proteins of measles virus and canine distemper virus (CDV) also have this conserved region but with three conservative amino acid changes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) mRNA of mumps virus and comparison of paramyxovirus HN proteins.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN) mRNA of the virulent SBL-1 strain of mumps virus has been determined. The mRNA contains 1887 nucleotides excluding the poly(A). The protein encoded by the mRNA has 582 amino acids and a membrane anchorage domain near the amino terminus. The calculated molecular mass (64 kDa) of the protein is in good agreement with that of the unglycosylated HN protein (63 kDa) identified in tunicamycin treated mumps virus infected cells (Herrler and Compans, 1983). The predicted sequence has nine potential N-glycosylation sites out of which two contain a cysteine residue and one has a proline residue as the variable amino acid X in the glycosylation site (Asn-X-Ser or Asn-X-Thr) and therefore, may not be utilized. One potential glycosylation site is in the cytoplasmic region which may not also be glycosylated. Comparison of the mumps HN protein sequence with the HN protein sequences of Sendai virus, simian-virus 5 (SV5), parainfluenza virus type 3 and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) shows two major homology regions, one region near the middle of the protein and the other in the second half of the molecule. In terms of percentage amino acid homology, the HN proteins of mumps virus, SV5 and NDV are closely related to each other but distinct from Sendai virus and parainfluenza virus type 3 HN proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The mumps virus fusion protein mRNA sequence and homology among the paramyxoviridae proteins.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the fusion protein (F) mRNA of the virulent SBL-1 strain of mumps virus has been determined by sequencing cDNA clones and mRNA and confirmed by partially sequencing the genomic RNA. The mRNA was 1721 nucleotides long excluding the poly(A) sequence and had one long open reading frame which encoded a protein of 538 amino acids with a calculated Mr of 58,791. The predicted amino acid sequence had a proteolytic cleavage/activation site, Arg Arg His Lys Arg, cleavage at which yields proteins F2 and F1. The uncleaved protein contained three highly hydrophobic regions: (i) the amino-terminal signal peptide, (ii) the amino-terminal region of F1 and (iii) the carboxy-terminal membrane anchorage domain. There were seven potential N-glycosylation sites, two in F2 and five in F1. Comparison of the virulent strain F protein sequence with that of an avirulent strain of mumps virus showed a difference of 14 amino acids. Among paramyxoviruses, mumps virus fusion protein shows the highest degree of homology with the fusion proteins of simian virus 5 and Newcastle disease virus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Processing, surface expression, and immunogenicity of carboxy-terminally truncated mutants of G protein of human respiratory syncytial virus.

Posttranslational processing and cell surface expression were examined for three C-terminally truncated mutants of the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus expressed from engineered cDNAs. The truncated mutants, encoded by cDNAs designated G71, G180, and G230, contained the N-terminal 71, 180, and 230 amino acids, respectively, of the 298-amino-acid G protein. To facilitate detection of G71, which reacted inefficiently with G-specific antisera, we constructed a parallel set of cDNAs, designated G71/13, G180/13, and G230/13, to encode the same truncated species with the addition of a C-terminal 13-amino-acid reporter peptide which could be detected efficiently with an antipeptide serum. G71, G180, and G230 were expressed as species of Mr 7,500, 48,000, and 51,000, respectively, compared with 84,000 for parental G protein. The proteins encoded by G180 and G230, like parental G protein, contained both N-linked and O-linked carbohydrate. Also, the protein encoded by G71/13 appeared to be O glycosylated, showing that even this highly truncated form contained the structural information required to target the protein for O glycosylation. As for parental G protein, the estimated Mrs of the proteins encoded by G180 and G230 were approximately twice the calculated molecular weight of the polypeptide chain. Experiments with monensin showed that most of this difference between the calculated and observed Mr was due to posttranslational processing in or beyond the trans-Golgi compartment, presumably owing to the addition of carbohydrate or aggregation into dimers or both. Like parental G protein, all three truncated forms accumulated abundantly at the cell surface, and in each case the C terminus was extracellular. Thus, the N-terminal 71 amino acids of the G protein contained all the structural information required for efficient membrane insertion and cell surface expression, whereas the extracellular domain was dispensable for these activities. Cotton rats were immunized with recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the G71, G180, G230, or parental G protein to compare their abilities to induce serum antibodies and resistance to challenge virus replication. The G71 and G180 recombinants failed to induce significant levels of G-specific antibodies or resistance to challenge, whereas the immunogenicity of G230 equaled or exceeded that of parental G protein. This suggested that the C-terminal 68 amino acids of the 236-amino-acid ectodomain do not contribute to the major epitope(s) of the G protein that is involved in inducing protective immunity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

mRNA sequence and deduced amino acid sequence of the mumps virus small hydrophobic protein gene.

The mRNA of a putative small hydrophobic protein (SH) of mumps virus was identified in mumps virus-infected Vero cells, and its complete nucleotide sequence was determined by sequencing the genomic RNA and cDNA clones and partial sequencing of mRNA. The SH mRNA is 310 nucleotides long excluding the poly(A) and contains a single open reading frame encoding a protein of 57 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 6,719. The predicted protein is highly hydrophobic and contains a stretch of 25 hydrophobic amino acids near the amino terminus which could act as a membrane anchor region. There is no homology between the putative SH protein of mumps virus and the SH protein of simian virus 5, even though the SH genes are located in the same locus in the corresponding genome. One interesting observation is that the hydrophobic domain of simian virus 5 SH protein is at the carboxyl terminus, whereas that of mumps virus putative SH protein is near the amino terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of six genes, determination of gene order and intergenic sequences and leader sequence of mumps virus.

mRNA isolated from mumps virus-infected Vero cells was converted into cDNA and cloned into the PstI site of the plasmid pBR322. After screening with 32P-labelled cDNA synthesized from poly(A)+ RNA of uninfected or mumps virus-infected Vero cells, five different groups of virus-specific clones were obtained. The virus specificity of the clones was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, in which the cDNA inserts from the five different groups hybridized to mRNAs of about 2100, 1500, 1450, 2000 and 2200 nucleotides. By the use of oligonucleotides synthesized on the basis of sequences obtained from the five cDNA clones and mRNAs, the sequence of the intergenic and surrounding areas was determined. During genome sequencing, a separate gene was identified between the fusion protein (F) gene and the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN) gene. Using oligonucleotides synthesized on the basis of the new gene sequence, cDNA clones with poly(A) were isolated from the cDNA library. The gene order was determined to be 3' NC-P-M-F-SH-HN-L 5' (where NC, P, M, SH, and L represent the genes for the nucleocapsid, phosphoprotein or polymerase-associated, matrix or membrane, small hydrophobic and large proteins respectively). There is one nucleotide between the P and M (A), M and F (A), and HN and L genes (G), two between the NC and P (AA) and SH and HN (3'-CG) genes, and seven between the F and SH genes (3' GAUUUUA) as intergenic sequence. The leader sequence at the 3' end of the genome has been determined by sequencing the dicistronic leader-NC mRNA using oligonucleotide primers. The sequence from the 3' terminus to the NC gene start of the mumps virus genome is similar in length (55 nucleotides) to that present in Sendai virus, Newcastle disease virus and parainfluenza virus type 3, and the first five nucleotides are conserved in all negative-stranded RNA virus genomes sequenced to date.

Base Sequence↗

Transport to the cell surface of a peptide sequence attached to the truncated C terminus of an N-terminally anchored integral membrane protein.

Attempts to construct hybrid proteins that are transported to the plasma membrane are frequently unsuccessful because of perturbations in polypeptide folding. In seeking to minimize this problem, we have used the less common type of integral membrane protein, which has an uncleaved signal-anchor domain and an extracellular carboxyl portion, to transport a peptide sequence of interest to the cell surface. A set of plasmids was constructed that contained the gene encoding respiratory syncytial virus glycoprotein G (RSVG) interrupted immediately after one of several proline codons by a synthetic sequence containing unique restriction endonuclease sites and a stop codon. The shortened RSVG gene was flanked by vaccinia virus DNA to permit cloning and expression in a vaccinia virus vector. An open reading frame encoding four copies of the immunodominant repeating epitope of the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum was inserted into the tails of the truncated RSVG genes. Recombinant vaccinia viruses were isolated and shown to express hybrid proteins that reacted with a monoclonal antibody directed to the repeating circumsporozoite epitope. Moreover, immunofluorescence studies indicated that the peptide was on the external cell surface and available to react with antibodies. Expression of the hybrid protein also occurred in rabbits inoculated with the live recombinant vaccinia virus, as demonstrated by the generation of antibodies that bound to P. falciparum sporozoites in vitro.

Animals↗

Expression of the F glycoprotein of respiratory syncytial virus by a recombinant vaccinia virus: comparison of the individual contributions of the F and G glycoproteins to host immunity.

A cDNA clone representing the mRNA coding sequence of the fusion glycoprotein (F) gene of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was constructed and inserted into the thymidine kinase gene of vaccinia virus (WR strain) under the control of a vaccinia virus promoter. The resulting recombinant vaccinia virus, vaccinia F, expressed the F1 and F2 cleavage products (48 and 20 kDa, respectively) of the F glycoprotein in cell culture. F1 and F2 were indistinguishable from their authentic RSV counterparts with respect to glycosylation, disulfide linkage, electrophoretic mobility, cell-surface expression, and antigenic specificity. Cotton rats infected intradermally with vaccinia F developed a high titer of serum F-specific antibodies, which neutralized infectivity of RSV. This neutralizing antibody response exceeded that induced by infection of the respiratory tract with RSV and was 6-fold higher than that induced by vaccinia G, a recombinant vaccinia virus that expressed the RSV G glycoprotein gene. Immunization with vaccinia F stimulated almost complete resistance to replication of RSV in the lower respiratory tract as well as significant resistance in the upper respiratory tract. The degree of resistance conferred by vaccinia F exceeded that induced by vaccinia G.

Animals↗

Resistance to human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection induced by immunization of cotton rats with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the RSV G glycoprotein.

A cDNA copy of the G glycoprotein gene of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was placed under control of a vaccinia virus promoter and inserted into the thymidine kinase locus of the vaccinia virus genome. The recombinant vaccinia virus retained infectivity and expressed a 93-kDa protein that migrated with the authentic RSV G glycoprotein upon polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Glycosylation of the expressed protein and transport to the cell surface were demonstrated in the absence of other RSV proteins. Cotton rats that were inoculated intradermally with the infectious recombinant virus produced serum antibody to the G glycoprotein that neutralized RSV in vitro. Furthermore, the vaccinated animals were resistant to lower respiratory tract infection upon intranasal inoculation with RSV and had reduced titers of RSV in the nose.

Animals↗

Complete sequence of the major nucleocapsid protein gene of human parainfluenza type 3 virus: comparison with other negative strand viruses.

The sequence of the major nucleocapsid protein (NP) mRNA and its encoded protein were deduced by sequencing a cDNA clone representing the complete mRNA. The cDNA sequence was confirmed by dideoxynucleotide sequencing of purified viral genomic RNA by primer extension using synthetic oligonucleotides. The NP mRNA contains 1,641 nucleotides exclusive of poly(A) and encodes an NP protein of 515 amino acids. Alignment of the human parainfluenza type 3 virus (PF3) NP protein sequence with that of Sendai virus showed that the two proteins shared considerable sequence identity (58.8%). Additional comparisons provided highly significant statistical evidence that the PF3 NP protein sequence is related to those of measles and canine distemper viruses, but there was no evidence of relatedness with the nucleocapsid proteins of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza B virus, or vesicular stomatitis virus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗