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S Valla

Publications and source records attributed to S Valla.

47 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The complete nucleotide sequence of the growth-hormone gene from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

We report here the complete genomic nucleotide sequence for the Atlantic salmon growth-hormone gene (asGH), including 600 bp of 5' flanking sequences. The primary transcription (3651 nt) is significantly longer than that of the mammalian genes, mainly because of larger intron sizes, but also because the asGH gene contains an additional intron (intron 5). The coding regions of the asGH gene have been compared to the corresponding regions from rainbow trout (cDNA and genomic), coho salmon (cDNA) and chum salmon (cDNA). With the exception of the rainbow trout cDNA sequence, all results were in agreement with current classification of the four species. The results of a similar comparison with the mRNA leader and trailer regions were also consistent with current classification. Sequences upstream from the transcription start point have been compared to the corresponding regions from rainbow trout and mammalian GH gene (maGH) upstream sequences. The results showed that the upstream sequences in the two fish species were very similar, while short stretches similar to conserved upstream sequences in the maGH genes were also found. Some of these conserved sequences are known to be involved in the specificity of expression of the mammalian genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning of a gene involved in cellulose biosynthesis in Acetobacter xylinum: complementation of cellulose-negative mutants by the UDPG pyrophosphorylase structural gene.

Three cellulose-negative (Cel-) mutants of Acetobacter xylinum strain ATCC 23768 were complemented by a cloned 2.8 kb DNA fragment from the wild type. Biochemical analysis of the mutants showed that they were deficient in the enzyme uridine 5'-diphosphoglucose (UDPG) pyrophosphorylase. The analysis also showed that the mutants could synthesize beta(1-4)-glucan in vitro from UDPG, but not in vivo from glucose. This result was expected, since UDPG is known to be the precursor for cellulose synthesis in A. xylinum. In order to analyze the function of the cloned gene in more detail, its biological activity in Escherichia coli was studied. These experiments showed that the cloned fragment could be used to complement an E. coli mutant deficient in the structural gene for UDPG pyrophosphorylase. It is therefore clear that the cloned fragment must contain this gene from A. xylinum. This is to our knowledge the first example of the cloning of a gene with a known function in cellulose biosynthesis from any organism, and we suggest the gene be designated celA.

Cellulose↗

The plasmids of Acetobacter xylinum and their interaction with the host chromosome.

Acetobacter xylinum contains a complex system of plasmid DNA molecules. Plasmids of molecular weights or copy numbers different from the original wild-type, are found in different types of mutants. Restriction endonuclease digestion and DNA/DNA hybridization analysis, showed that the plasmids often contained partly, but not completely the same DNA sequences. Two of these plasmid classes were analysed in more detail, and could be shown to differ in size by about 5 kb. Hybridization analysis using cloned DNA fragments as probes, showed that sequences lacking in the smallest plasmid were still present in a DNA fraction co-migrating with linearized chromosomal DNA. In addition, at least part of the DNA in the smallest plasmid was present both in the plasmid and chromosomal DNA fraction. Analysis of a particular strain containing an insertion of transposon Tn1, also indicated the existence of complex interactions between plasmids and chromosomal DNA. Together with experiments on conjugative transfer and curing of the plasmids, the results indicate that at least part of the genetic system of A. xylinum is unusual when compared to that of other genetically characterized bacteria.

Cellulose↗

Conjugative transfer of the naturally occurring plasmids of Acetobacter xylinum by IncP-plasmid-mediated mobilization.

Broad-host-range plasmids and cloning vectors were conjugatively transferred to Acetobacter xylinum. One of the plasmids, RP4::Mu cts61, was used for the insertion of Tn1 into the 16-, 44-, and 64-kilobase-pair plasmids of A. xylinum. The Tn1-labeled plasmids could be mobilized by a helper plasmid. Many of the Tn1 insertions affected the copy number of the plasmids.

Cellulose↗

In vitro transcription in E. coli crude lysates prepared on cellophane discs.

An in vitro RNA-synthesizing system consisting of gently lysed E. coli cells on cellophane discs is described. The system has been optimalized with respect to total RNA synthesis. Under certain standard conditions DNA dependent RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) is responsible for the majority of the RNA synthesis. The extensive rifampicin sensitivity of the synthesis indicates that most of the transcripts are initiated in vitro. The RNA synthesizing system described here has been developed with the aim of studying phage transcription in vitro. We show here that lysates of a P4 infected P2 lysogen support initiation and propagation of transcription from the P2 prophage.

Cellophane↗

An experimental study on carbon flow in Escherichia coli as a function of kinetic properties and expression levels of the enzyme phosphoglucomutase.

Mutants of Escherichia coli deficient in phosphoglucomutase accumulate amylose when the cells are grown on maltose or galactose as carbon source. In the presence of physiological levels of phosphoglucomutase, most of the sugar is catabolized, leading to strongly reduced levels of amylose accumulation. By varying the expression level of heterologous phosphoglucomutase, we show that the minimum level needed to block amylose accumulation corresponds to a phosphoglucomutase activity of 150-600 nmole substrate transformed per min per mg of total soluble protein. Mutant phosphoglucomutases with strongly reduced Vmax values and increased Km values for the substrate glucose-1-phosphate or the co-substrate glucose-1,6-diphosphate, could also reduce amylose accumulation, but much higher enzyme expression levels were required.

Carbon↗