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R Hütter

Publications and source records attributed to R Hütter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Chromosomal deletion and rearrangement in Streptomyces glaucescens.

The Streptomyces glaucescens genome frequently undergoes gross genomic rearrangement events which result in the deletion of extremely large segments of chromosomal DNA. The structure and origin of the DNA forming the novel junctions arising from five of these deletion events are described. Only one junction proved to be the result of a relatively simple event; the remainder were more complex, with one involving DNA which originated from at least five distinct loci. In three of the investigated cases, DNA sequences present in the junctions appeared to have resulted from the duplication of previously unique sequences, suggesting that duplication of chromosomal segments may be an important factor in genetic instability. The nucleotide sequences surrounding these junctions and their respective wild-type termini were determined.

Base Sequence↗

Transformation system for Amycolatopsis (Nocardia) mediterranei: direct transformation of mycelium with plasmid DNA.

A new procedure for transformation of Amycolatopsis (Nocardia) mediterranei LBG A3136 was developed. The method makes use of polyethylene glycol and alkaline cations and enables direct transformation of the A. mediterranei mycelium with high efficiency: more than 10(6) transformants per microgram of DNA were obtained. Transformation of A. mediterranei is stimulated by the ionophore antibiotic valinomycin and abolished by arsenate and p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate. pMEA123, a vector based on the indigenous plasmid pMEA100 and containing the erythromycin resistance gene, was constructed.

4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate↗

Amplification on the Amycolatopsis (Nocardia) mediterranei plasmid pMEA100: sequence similarities to actinomycete att sites.

An amplification of a 2.0-kb fragment was found on the plasmid pMEA100 isolated from a subculture of the wild-type strain LBG A3136 of Amycolatopsis (Nocardia) mediterranei. Plasmid preparations contained a mixture of molecules with copy numbers of the amplified unit in the range of 2 to 10. The amplification on pMEA100 was stable; propagation of cells for many generations did not change the pattern of the amplified DNA. Fragments of the plasmids containing the amplifiable unit of DNA (AUD) and the amplified DNA sequence (ADS) were subcloned and characterized. Sequencing of the AUD terminal regions and the junction between ADS units showed that the amplifiable unit of DNA was flanked by 12-bp direct repeats. The DNA segments adjacent to the 12-bp sequence common to the left and right AUD terminal regions also showed significant similarities. In addition, the left AUD terminal region flanking the 12-bp repeat exhibited considerable sequence similarity to actinomycete plasmid attachment sites, particularly to the pMEA 100 att site.

Actinomycetales↗

Interpathway regulation of the TRP4 gene of yeast.

Two regulatory proteins, PHO2 and the general control regulator GCN4, bind in vitro to the promoter of the tryptophan biosynthetic TRP4 gene; the TRP4 gene product catalyses the phosphoribosylation of anthranilate. PHO2 binds specifically to the TRP4 promoter, but does not bind to any other TRP promoter. PHO2 and GCN4 proteins bind in a mutually exclusive manner to the same sequence, UAS1, one of two GCN4 binding sites in the TRP4 promoter. UAS1 is the major site for GCN4-dependent TRP4 activation. The second GCN4 binding site, UAS2, interacts with GCN4 alone. PHO2 binding interferes with the general control response of TRP4 under low phosphate conditions and simultaneous amino acid starvation and thus the PHO2 regulatory protein connects phosphate metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis in yeast. The GCN4 protein mediates the response of the transcriptional apparatus to the environmental signal 'amino acid limitation', while PHO2 seems to be the phosphate sensor that adjusts the response to the availability of phosphate precursors.

Base Sequence↗

Excision of pIJ408 from the chromosome of Streptomyces glaucescens and its transfer into Streptomyces lividans.

Streptomyces glaucescens GLA000 contains the integrated 15 kb DNA element pIJ408 which, during mating of the parent strain with S. lividans, can be transferred into recipient cells. In S. lividans cells, pIJ408 was found in an autonomously replicating form and in a chromosomally integrated state. In the majority of the S. lividans transconjugants studied, a deletion derivative pIJ408.1 (12.4 kb) occurred. The deletion form was found in some strains only as a free plasmid, in others it was also chromosomally integrated. The integration region of pIJ408 was subcloned and precisely mapped by hybridization, restriction and sequencing analyses. The DNA junction fragments of the integrated plasmid in S. glaucescens, as well as the DNA fragment containing the attachment site of the S. lividans chromosome, were also cloned, submitted to detailed restriction analysis and sequenced. The attachment site of pIJ408 (attP) and the junctions of its integrated form with the chromosomal DNA in S. glaucescens (attL and attR) contain an identical 43 bp sequence. The chromosomal attachment site in S. lividans (attB) differs from the S. glaucescens att sequence by a single base substitution. The similarities between attachment sites of SLP1, pMEA100, pSAM2 and pIJ408 are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Cloning of the LEU2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by in vivo recombination.

We describe a convenient method for the in vivo construction of large plasmids that possess a multitude of restriction sites. A large (23 kbases) circular self-replicating plasmid carrying a partial LEU2-d gene was cotransformed with a circular non-replicating plasmid carrying the entire LEU2 gene. In vivo recombination results preferentially in a plasmid that carries both the LEU2-d and the entire LEU2 gene. In addition we also found one plasmid with a tandem LEU2 insertion and one plasmid where the LEU2-d gene was replaced by the entire LEU2 gene.

Base Sequence↗

Heterogeneous genomic amplification in Streptomyces glaucescens: structure, location and junction sequence analysis.

Certain chromosomal markers in Streptomyces glaucescens behave unstably, being lost at high frequency as a result of extensive genomic deletion. Additionally, mutant strains possessing such deletions frequently display intense DNA amplification. With the help of a wild-type cosmid library we investigated the structure of the amplified DNA sequences (ADS) and the corresponding wild-type amplifiable units of DNA (AUD). The reiterations were heterogeneous in location, copy number and sequences involved and originated predominantly from a single 100 kb region of the chromosome called the AUD locus. All strains bearing reiterations possessed associated deletions which terminated either close to or at the ADS. The termini of four AUDs were sequenced in order to gain more knowledge about these heterogeneous amplifications. In three of the four cases investigated small, interrupted homologies were found bordering the AUDs. With the help of orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis (OFAGE) we were able to visualize a tandem reiteration of more than 1,500 kb in length.

Base Sequence↗

Extremely large chromosomal deletions are intimately involved in genetic instability and genomic rearrangements in Streptomyces glaucescens.

Genetic instability in Streptomyces glaucescens characteristically involves the occurrence of gross genomic rearrangements including high-level sequence amplification and extensive deletion. We investigated the relationship of the unstable melC and strS loci and a 100 kb region of the chromosome which frequently gives rise to intense heterogeneous DNA amplification. Standard chromosome walking using a cosmid bank in conjunction with a "reverse-blot" procedure enabled us to construct a contiguous genomic BamHI map of the unstable region exceeding 900 kb. The unstable genes and the amplifiable region (AUD locus) are physically linked within a 600 kb segment of the chromosome. The previously characterized deletions which affect these loci are merely components of much larger deletions ranging from 270 to over 800 kb which are polar in nature, effecting the sequential loss of the strS and melC loci. The more extensive deletions terminate either adjacent to, or in the vicinity of DNA reiterations at the AUD locus. Additionally, a deletion junction fragment and the corresponding deletion ends were cloned and analysed at the sequence level.

Base Sequence↗

Localization and functional analysis of the regulated promoter from the Streptomyces glaucescens mel operon.

The transcription initiation site of the mel operon from Streptomyces glaucescens, determined by S1 mapping and primer elongation experiments, lies 32 to 34 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon of the first open reading frame. A total of 172 to 219 bp upstream of the transcription start point are necessary for a fully active and regulated mel promoter. Deletion analysis, gel retardation assays and DNAse I footprint experiments facilitated division of the promoter into three functional domains, which include the RNA polymerase recognition site up to nucleotides -33 to -42, the binding region of a protein of assumed regulatory function between nucleotides -65 and -93, and an upstream activator site, located between positions -158 and -219.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

A single point mutation results in a constitutively activated and feedback-resistant chorismate mutase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae ARO7 gene product chorismate mutase, a single-branch-point enzyme in the aromatic amino acid biosynthetic pathway, is activated by tryptophan and subject to feedback inhibition by tyrosine. The ARO7 gene was cloned on a 2.05-kilobase EcoRI fragment. Northern (RNA) analysis revealed a 0.95-kilobase poly(A)+ RNA, and DNA sequencing determined a 771-base-pair open reading frame capable of encoding a protein 256 amino acids. In addition, three mutant alleles of ARO7 were cloned and sequenced. These encoded chorismate mutases which were unresponsive to tyrosine and tryptophan and were locked in the on state, exhibiting a 10-fold-increased basal enzyme activity. A single base pair exchange resulting in a threonine-to-isoleucine amino acid substitution in the C-terminal part of the chorismate mutase was found in all mutant strains. In contrast to other enzymes in this pathway, no significant homology between the monofunctional yeast chorismate mutase and the corresponding domains of the two bifunctional Escherichia coli enzymes was found.

Alleles↗

[Hypoglycemic and hyperinsulinemic clamp technic to determine the secretory behavior of insulinoma].

In two female patients of 62 and 76 years of age, respectively, who had insulinomas subsequently confirmed by histology, the secretion pattern of insulin-producing tumours was studied. In the 62-year old patient complete reproducible suppression of insulinoma secretion was achieved by means of large exogenous doses of insulin, whereas this was not possible in the 76-year old patient. A modified hypoglycaemic clamping technique was used in the study. It is concluded that, depending on plasma insulin levels, relative suppression of insulinoma is possible, and it is recommended to use the described differentiated clamping procedure to investigate the secretion pattern of autonomous insulin-producing tumours.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

The role of the TRP1 gene in yeast tryptophan biosynthesis.

Transcription of the gene for phosphoribosyl-anthranilate isomerase (TRP1) from the TRP1 promoter is initiated only approximately half as frequently as, for example, from the TRP3 promoter, but TRP1 mRNA is approximately twice as stable as TRP3 mRNA. Therefore, the steady state amount of TRP1 mRNA in yeast cells, grown without amino acid limitation, is similar to the steady-state amount of TRP3 mRNA. The protein concentration of both enzymes in yeast cells is about the same, but the basal specific enzyme activity in permeabilized cells of the TRP1 gene product N-(5'-phosphoribosyl-1)-anthranilate isomerase is about 2-3 times higher than that of any of the other TRP enzymes. According to the kinetic parameters of the purified isomerase protein, the enzyme is more active than, for example, the purified TRP3 enzyme indoleglycerol-phosphate synthase. It is suggested that the TRP1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae might be the result of a rearrangement event, separating the N-(5'-phosphoribosyl-1)-anthranilate isomerase domain from the indoleglycerol-phosphate synthase domain and putting the catalytically more active isomerase domain behind a weak and nonregulated constitutive promoter.

Aldose-Ketose Isomerases↗

Binding of the delta endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis to brush-border membrane vesicles of the cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae).

The insecticidal delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis was labeled with iodine-125. Brush-border membrane vesicles, prepared from the midgut epithelium of Pieris brassicae larvae, known to be highly susceptible to the toxin, and from a non-target tissue: the small intestine of rat, were examined for binding of 125I-toxin. The toxin was bound specifically only to insect vesicles. Its binding to the insect membrane system was competitively inhibited by 127I-toxin and non-iodinated toxin, whereas the binding of the 125I-toxin to the mammalian membrane system was not affected by unlabeled toxin. Vesicles of P. brassicae possess two individual binding-site populations for iodinated toxin with dissociation constants of 46 nM and 490 nM. The Hill coefficients of both sites were approximately 1 and the binding capacities were 0.2 pmol and 30 pmol/mg vesicle protein for the high and the low-affinity sites respectively. The estimation of the dissociation constant for non-iodinated toxin, using a competition experiment, revealed only one binding-site population which possessed a dissociation constant of 235 nM. It is concluded that this is the binding site for the native toxin. This site was sensitive towards treatment with proteases or mixed glycosidases. It is suggested that it is a protein or a glycoprotein.

Animals↗

A consensus transcription termination sequence in the promoter region is necessary for efficient gene expression of the TRP1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The TRP1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the only TRP gene which is not derepressible by the general control regulatory system. In the TRP1 promoter transcription starts at five initiation sites, organized in two clusters. The two transcripts of the first, more upstream cluster include a long leader sequence of approximately 200 bp. A transcriptional terminator element located in the 5' region of the TRP1 gene is essential for accurate gene expression. In partial TRP1 promoters lacking the terminator, like the original EcoRI TRP1 fragment used in numerous vectors, plasmid-encoded transcription is initiated predominantly in adjacent vector regions, resulting mainly in large, poorly translated transcripts. This poor translation is not due to mRNA instability. The effect can be suppressed by introducing artificial transcription barriers between vector sequences and the truncated EcoRI TRP1 fragment.

Aldose-Ketose Isomerases↗

Regulation of the TRP4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the transcriptional level and functional analysis of its promotor.

The TRP4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which encodes anthranilate phosphoribosyl transferase (E.C. 2.4.2.18), is subject to the general control of amino acid biosynthesis. The regulation takes place at the transcriptional level by increasing the amount of initiation and not by changing the stability of mRNA. We have observed a change in the utilization of TRP4 mRNA start sites, depending on whether cells were grown under repressing or derepressing conditions. The function of promoter elements has been tested by deletion analysis with a plasmid-encoded TRP4 gene. A routinely practicable method was used for copy-number calibration of plasmids based on 2 micron DNA. Promoter structures and spacing problems in the TRP4 promoter region are discussed.

Anthranilate Phosphoribosyltransferase↗

Structure of the ARO3 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the genes ARO3 and ARO4 encode isoenzymes of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase. Both genes are derepressed seven-fold under the general control of amino acid biosynthesis. A previously isolated 1.7 kb fragment containing the ARO3 gene and the 5'- and 3'-flanking regions was sequenced. The endpoints of the ARO3 transcript coding for a 370 amino acid protein were mapped by primer extension experiments and S1 nuclease digestion. Promoter elements involved in transcription initiation and responsible for the strong general control derepression response are discussed.

3-Deoxy-7-Phosphoheptulonate Synthase↗