Biomedical subjects

W H Mager

Publications and source records attributed to W H Mager.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1988

Genomic structure and evolution of the human pepsinogen A multigene family.

A human cosmid library was screened with a pepsinogen A (PGA) cDNA probe, yielding 18 clones with (parts of) one, two or three PGA genes. By aligning these cosmids a restriction map of a PGA gene quadruplet was obtained in which the four genes are arranged in a highly ordered fashion in a head-to-tail orientation. Using the length in kilobases of the large polymorphic EcoRI fragment of the PGA genes, this quadruplet can be described as 15.0-12.0-12.0-16.6. An AvaII polymorphism allowed us to identify the two PGA haplotypes of the individual whose DNA had been cloned in the cosmid library to be a gene triplet and a gene quadruplet. By comparing the restriction maps of the central 12.0 genes in these multiplets to those of the flanking 15.0 and 16.6 genes, we postulate that these central genes arose from unequal but homologous crossing over between two 15.0-16.6 gene pairs. This hypothesis provides for the creation of a variety of haplotypes by additional cross overs and mutations. Southern blots of family and population material supports the existance of at least five common PGA haplotypes, including a single-gene haplotype, giving rise to a large number of different EcoRI patterns. The single PGA gene is probably the reciprocal crossing over product. Comparison between the DNA and protein polymorphisms suggests further micro-heterogeneity in the different PGA haplotypes.

Biological Evolution↗

PubMed1987

Transcriptional control of yeast ribosomal protein synthesis during carbon-source upshift.

Shifting a yeast culture from an ethanol-based medium to a glucose-based medium causes a coordinate increase of the cellular levels of ribosomal protein mRNAs by about a factor 4 within 30 min. Making use of hybrid genes encompassing different portions of the 5'-flanking region of the L25-gene, we could show that the increase in mRNAs is a transcriptional event, mediated through DNA sequences upstream of the ribosomal protein (rp) genes. Further analysis revealed that sequence elements are involved that many rp-genes have in common and that previously were identified as transcription activation sites (RPG-boxes or UASrpg). Using appropriate deletion mutants of the fusion genes we could demonstrate that a single RPG-box is sufficient for the transcriptional upshift. In addition, both copy genes encoding rp28 which differ considerably in their extent of transcriptional activity, show the upshift effect in a proportional manner. Definite proof for the role of the UASrpg in nutritional regulation was obtained by examining the effect of a synthetic RPG-box on transcription.

Ethanol↗

PubMed1987

Analysis of upstream activation sites of yeast ribosomal protein genes.

Transcription of the gene encoding yeast ribosomal protein L25 was previously shown to be activated through tandemly arranged upstream sequence elements that most rp-genes in yeast have in common. A single copy of such a conserved element is now demonstrated to restore transcription of an inactivated heterologous gene, which confirms its role as a genuine UAS: UASrpg. Though a single box is sufficient to activate transcription, most rp-genes harbor two neighbouring elements. Northern analysis of mutants of the L25 upstream region lacking either the gene-distal (RPG1) or the gene-proximal (RPG2) box provided evidence that RPG2 is significantly more effective than RPG1 in vivo. Moreover the sum of the effects of the individual boxes as measured separately is significantly lower than their joint effect, supporting cooperative interaction between the two boxes in vivo. Making use of oligomer-insertion experiments several additional features of the UASrpg were elucidated. First of all we confirmed that the extent of transcription activation by the UASrpg depends upon the orientation of the element. Secondly we show that a certain minimal distance (greater than 100 n) between UASrpg and the transcription initiation site is required for transcription activation. Finally, internal deletion of the L25-upstream region as well as oligomer-insertion shed some light on the nucleotide requirements of the UASrpg.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1987

Specific binding of TUF factor to upstream activation sites of yeast ribosomal protein genes.

Transcription activation of yeast ribosomal protein genes is mediated through homologous, 12-nucleotide-long and, in general, duplicated upstream promoter elements (HOMOL1 and RPG, referred to as UASrpg). As shown previously, a yeast protein factor, TUF, interacts specifically with these conserved boxes in the 5'-flanking sequences of the elongation factor genes TEF1 and TEF2 and the ribosomal protein gene RP51A. We have now extended our studies of TUF-UASrpg binding by analysing--using footprinting and gel electrophoretic retardation techniques--the genes encoding the ribosomal proteins L25, rp28 (both copy genes), S24 + L46 and S33. Most, but not all, conserved sequence elements occurring in front of these genes, turned out to represent binding sites for the same factor, TUF. The two functionally important boxes that are found in a tandem arrangement (a characteristic of many rp genes) upstream of the L25 gene are indistinguishable in their factor binding specificity. Large differences were shown to exist in the affinity of the TUF factor for the various individual boxes and in the half-life of the protein-DNA complexes. No binding cooperativity could be demonstrated on adjacent sites on L25 or RP51A promoters. Based on binding data, the UASrpg sequence ACACCCATACAT appears to be the one recognized most efficiently by the TUF factor. Previously, no conserved box was found in front of the gene encoding S33. Nevertheless, complex formation with the protein fraction used was observed in the upstream region of the S33 gene. Competition experiments disclosed the existence of an additional binding component, distinct from TUF. This component may possibly regulate a subset of genes for the translational apparatus.

Fungal Proteins↗

PubMed1987

Molecular cloning of a pair of human pepsinogen A genes which differ by a Glu----Lys mutation in the activation peptide.

Three human cosmid clones containing pepsinogen A (PGA) encoding sequences were isolated from a genomic bank derived from a single individual. One cosmid contains two PGA genes in tandem in a head-to-tail orientation, while the other two cosmids each contain a single PGA gene. The three cosmids were characterized by restriction mapping and sequence analysis (exons 1 and 2 and flanking regions). As judged from these data, three of the four PGA genes isolated appear to be nearly identical, but one of the tandem genes is clearly different from the other genes. The first exon of all four genes codes for the same amino acid sequence. However, in the second exon of one of the tandem genes we found a nucleotide substitution giving rise to a Glu----Lys substitution of the 43rd amino acid residue of the activation peptide, leading to a charge difference of the corresponding isozymogens. The presence of two distinct PGA genes in the isolated gene pair conclusively proves the multigene structure of the PGA system. These genes might be responsible for at least part of the electrophoretic polymorphism at the protein level.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1987

Structural and putative regulatory sequences of the gene encoding ribosomal protein L25 in Candida utilis.

Using a heterologous probe containing a fragment of the L25-gene from Saccharomyces carlsbergensis we have isolated a DNA-fragment of Candida utilis carrying the gene encoding ribosomal protein L25. This gene is present in a single copy on the C. utilis genome, though as two distinguishable alleles. Both alleles have been isolated and sequenced including their flanking regions. The nucleotide sequence of the amino acid coding region of the C. utilis gene turned out to be highly homologous (83%) to the L25-gene of S. carlsbergensis. At the protein level the degree of homology is about 87%. Codon usage in both organisms appears to be somewhat different. Just like the Saccharomyces gene, the L25 gene in C. utilis appears to be split in its 5th codon, though the identity of this codon has changed. Intron as well as 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences have almost completely diverged, with some notable exceptions. Of the intervening sequences the 5'- and 3'-splice sites as well as the putative lariat branch site are conserved. In the 5'-flanking region, at a distance of about 330 n from the initiation codon, a conserved nucleotide element is present that is very similar to the upstream transcription activation site previously found in front of the ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1986

Conserved sequence elements upstream of the gene encoding yeast ribosomal protein L25 are involved in transcription activation.

Previous studies have revealed the occurrence of two closely linked conserved sequence elements, designated as HOMOL 1 and RPG box, in front of most yeast ribosomal protein genes examined. To investigate whether these conserved nucleotide elements play a role in the regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression, we performed deletion analysis of the DNA region upstream of the gene encoding ribosomal protein L25. To that end we constructed a hybrid gene consisting of the pertinent 5'-flanking sequence and the Escherichia coli galK marker gene. The effects on the transcription of this fusion gene of Bal31-generated deletions were measured by Northern analysis of RNA isolated from the respective transformed yeast cells. The results demonstrate that removal of one box has a detrimental effect on the level of transcription, whereas after the deletion of both boxes hardly any transcription can be observed. Subsequently we inserted synthetic oligonucleotides in the upstream region of an L25 gene from which the original boxes had been removed. Expression of the inactivated hybrid gene turned out to be restored even by insertion of one RPG element. Moreover, the RPG box functions in both orientations, though not with equal efficiency.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1986

The cellular level of yeast ribosomal protein L25 is controlled principally by rapid degradation of excess protein.

When the gene dosage for the primary rRNA-binding ribosomal protein L25 in yeast cells was raised about 50-fold, the level of mature L25 transcripts was found to increase almost proportionally. The plasmid-derived L25 transcripts were structurally indistinguishable from their genomic counterparts, freely entered polysomes in vivo and were fully translatable in a heterologous in vitro system. Nevertheless, pulse-labelling for periods varying from 3-20 min did not reveal a significant elevation of the intracellular level of L25-protein. When pulse-times were decreased to 10-45 s, however, we did detect a substantial overproduction of L25. We conclude that, despite the strong RNA-binding capacity of the protein, accumulation of L25 is not controlled by an autogenous (pre-)mRNA-targeted mechanism similar to that operating in bacteria, but rather by extremely rapid degradation of excess protein produced.

Fungal Proteins↗

PubMed1985

Correct removal by splicing of a Neurospora intron in yeast.

Processing of intron-containing nuclear messenger RNAs in yeast require an internal conserved sequence (ICS) element, UACUAAC. Similar elements (ugCUAGAC) have been identified in sequences interrupting nuclear genes of the related ascomycete Neurospora crassa. To examine the structural splicing requirements in yeast, we constructed hybrid genes containing the intron of the Neurospora histone H3 gene and cloned them into high copy number yeast vectors. Subsequently we analyzed the RNAs transcribed in yeast from the fusion genes by Northern analysis and primer extended sequencing. It turned out that the Neurospora intron, which contains the sequence element UGCUAAC, can be removed, though very inefficiently, provided that it is located near the 5'-end of the primary transcript. This proves that an A at the second position of the ICS is no absolute requirement for splicing in yeast. In addition, the results indicate that the yeast splicing machinery is intron-position dependent.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1985

Yeast contains two functional genes coding for ribosomal protein S10.

The DNA sequence of the second copy of the gene coding for yeast ribosomal protein S10 was determined and compared with the sequence of the first gene-copy. In addition, the sites at which the transcription of these genes start and terminate are identified. The amino acid coding regions of the two gene copies are virtually identical. The leader and in particular the trailer sequences, however, are significantly different, while the intervening sequences have hardly any homology. Taking advantage of the sequence differences we could establish that both genes are expressed in the vegetatively growing yeast cell; the respective transcripts, however, differ in their relative amounts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1985

The genes for yeast ribosomal proteins S24 and L46 are adjacent and divergently transcribed.

Unlike most yeast ribosomal protein genes studied so far the genes coding for S24 and L46 are adjacent on the genome. Sequence analysis showed that the two genes are transcribed divergently, their initiation codons being 630 bp apart. Taking the respective ATG translation start sites as reference points, the 5'- end of L46 mRNA was mapped at position -26, while the S24 mRNA showed two major 5'-ends mapping at positions -13 and -16 respectively. Unlike most other yeast ribosomal protein genes, the gene for S24 does not contain an intron. Its coding region encompasses 390 nucleotides encoding a protein of 14762 D. The gene for L46 on the other hand is split by an intron of 386 nucleotides starting after its second codon. This gene encodes a small, very basic protein having a molecular weight of 6334 D. Yeast ribosomal proteins S24 and L46 show striking homologies with ribosomal proteins from other organisms. In particular, yeast L46 is clearly the evolutionary counterpart of rat liver L39. A search of the intergenic region for sequence elements previously identified as common to most yeast ribosomal protein genes, revealed the presence of a single conserved box (RPG-box) roughly equidistant from the transcription initiation sites of both genes. We suggest that this box acts as a regulatory signal in either orientation and thus influences the expression of both genes simultaneously.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1985

Assignment of human pepsinogen A locus to the q12-pter region of chromosome 11.

A 0.9kb cDNA fragment, corresponding to a large part of Rhesus monkey pepsinogen A mRNA, was used as probe for the chromosomal localization of the human pepsinogen A gene(s) using human-rodent somatic cell hybrids. Southern blot analysis of 14 human-Chinese hamster and three human-mouse cell hybrids, strongly indicates that the human PGA locus is on chromosome 11. The human-mouse hybrids, containing a translocation involving chromosome 11, allow sublocalization to the region q12-pter.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

The gene for yeast ribosomal protein S31 contains an intron in the leader sequence.

Analysis of the primary structure of the gene for yeast ribosomal protein S31 revealed two unusual features. First, an intron of 312 nucleotides is located within the 5'-untranslated region. Second, the coding sequence for the known amino-terminal peptide of the protein starts 13 codons downstream of the ATG initiation codon, suggesting that S31 is synthesized as a precursor which undergoes post-translational processing to the mature protein. Primer extension analysis showed that transcription of the S31 gene starts at multiple sites. The 5'-flanking region of the gene contains several, previously described, conserved sequence elements that may play a role in the coordinate expression of yeast ribosomal protein genes.

DNA Restriction Enzymes↗

PubMed1985

Conserved sequences upstream of yeast ribosomal protein genes.

Computer analysis has previously revealed the presence of a 12-nucleotide common sequence element (AACATCTGCATGACA; HOMOL1) in the upstream regions of several yeast ribosomal protein genes. By extending the sequence analysis of the 5'-flanking regions of a number of other ribosomal protein genes (including those encoding S10-1, S10-2, S33 and L16-2) we could establish that HOMOL1 occurs upstream of most but not all yeast ribosomal protein genes. Apart from HOMOL1 an additional conserved sequence (ACCCATACATTTA; RPG-box) was detected in front of nearly all yeast ribosomal protein genes, although in some cases it is present in the opposite orientation in the other strand. There seems to be no correlation between the occurrence of one box and that of the other. However when both boxes are present the RPG-box is always located 3' to the HOMOL1-sequence mostly at a distance of only a few nucleotides. A further one-to-one comparison of the upstream regions of several yeast ribosomal protein genes revealed extensive additional sequence homologies that are suggested to be involved in the coordinate control of ribosomal protein gene expression in yeast.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1984

A comparison of yeast ribosomal protein gene DNA sequences.

The DNA sequences of eight yeast ribosomal protein genes have been compared for the purpose of identifying homologous regions which may be involved in the coordinate regulation of ribosomal protein synthesis. A 12 bp homology was identified in the 5' DNA sequence preceding the structural gene for 6 out of 8 yeast ribosomal protein genes. In each case the homologous sequence was found at a position approximately 300 bp preceding the transcription start of the ribosomal protein gene. This homology was not identified in any non-ribosomal protein gene examined. Additional homologies between ribosomal protein genes were identified in the transcribed regions, including the untranslated 5' and 3' DNA regions flanking the coding regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1984

Structure and organization of two linked ribosomal protein genes in yeast.

The genes encoding yeast ribosomal proteins rp28 and S16A are linked and occur duplicated in the yeast genome. In both gene pairs the genes are approximately 600 bp apart and are both transcribed in the same direction. Both ribosomal protein genes resemble other ribosomal protein genes studied so far in many structural aspects. The genes are interrupted by an intron near the 5'-end of their coding sequence. In addition the flanking regions contain several conserved sequence elements, which may function in transcription initiation and termination. In agreement with findings concerning other cloned yeast ribosomal protein genes, upstream homology blocks occur that may be involved in coordinate control of ribosomal protein gene transcription. The complete pattern of conserved and diverged sequences between the two duplicate gene pairs is presented.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1984

The primary structure of the gene encoding yeast ribosomal protein L16.

As part of our studies on the molecular basis for the coordinate expression of ribosomal protein genes in yeast we analyzed the primary structure of the gene encoding protein L16 of the large ribosomal subunit including the flanking sequences. L16 turned out to be a ribosomal protein with a molecular mass of 22662 Da and a net charge of +12. Both the 5'- and the 3'-end of the L16 mRNA were mapped by primer extension and S1 nuclease analysis. In the DNA regions flanking the coding sequence several conserved elements are present that may be involved in transcription initiation or termination.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1984

Structural comparison of yeast ribosomal protein genes.

The primary structure of the genes encoding the yeast ribosomal proteins L17a and L25 was determined, as well as the positions of the 5'- and 3'-termini of the corresponding mRNAs. Comparison of the gene sequences to those obtained for various other yeast ribosomal protein genes revealed several similarities. In all split genes the intron is located near the 5'-side of the amino acid coding region. Among the introns a clear pattern of sequence conservation can be observed. In particular the intron-exon boundaries and a region close to the 3'-splice site show sequence homology. Conserved sequences were also found in the leader and trailer regions of the ribosomal protein mRNAs. The 5'-flanking regions of the yeast ribosomal protein genes appeared to contain sequence elements that many but not all ribosomal protein genes have in common, and therefore may be implicated in the coordinate expression of these genes. The amino acid coding sequences of the ribosomal protein genes show a biased codon usage. Like most yeast ribosomal protein molecules, L17a and L25 are particularly basic at their N-terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗