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Screening and identification of the ncRNA-mRNA regulatory network associated with DNA methylation in goose embryonic myoblasts.

BACKGROUND: Local goose breeds Shitou and Wuzong exhibit distinct growth rates, implying divergent embryonic muscle development. This study used embryonic myoblasts from the Magang goose, an established model with superior growth traits, to explore the underlying common regulatory mechanisms. Extending our previous findings that 5-AZA (DNA methylation inhibitor) and BC339 (DNA hydroxylation inhibitor) oppositely affect myoblast proliferation and differentiation, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing on inhibitor-treated goose embryonic myoblasts. This aimed to identify DNA methylation-mediated ncRNA-mRNA networks governing myoblast fate, with key interactions being functionally validated. RESULT: 5-AZA significantly promotes cell proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase activity and reducing DNA methylation levels, whereas BC339 significantly suppresses cell proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting demethylation and increasing DNA methylation levels. Specifically, we identified 6,309 mRNAs, 579 lncRNAs, 194 miRNAs, and 825 circRNAs that were differentially expressed in response to 5-AZA and BC339 treatment. Based on GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, differentially expressed genes related to muscle development were selected to construct a ceRNA network. This network comprises 5 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs: MSTRG.17572.1, XR_001211738.1, MSTRG.1886.1, XR_001212555.1, MSTRG.8995.2), 2 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs: novel_circ_029953, novel_circ_017636), 11 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs: miR-383-x, miR-10174-y, miR-191-x, miR-24-x, miR-9619-y, novel-m0303-5p, novel-m0105-3p, miR-204-x, miR-211-z, novel-m0075, miR-26-y), 5 differentially expressed genes (DEGs: KIF3A, CCND1, PPM1A, Table 2, TGFBR1), forming a total of 24 interactions. This study identified miR-9619-y as a critical negative regulator of goose embryonic myoblast development through targeted inhibition of CCND1. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the direct binding of miR-9619-y to the 3'-untranslated region of CCND1. Functional experiments demonstrated that overexpression of miR-9619-y significantly reduced the EdU-positive cell ratio and myotube area percentage, accompanied by cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Conversely, inhibition of miR-9619-y promoted myoblast proliferation and differentiation while decreasing the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase. During the proliferation stage, miR-9619-y overexpression significantly suppressed CCND1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, down-regulated MyoD expression, and reduced Myf5 mRNA abundance; whereas miR-9619-y inhibition up-regulated these genes and their corresponding proteins. During the differentiation stage, overexpression of miR-9619-y similarly decreased the mRNA levels of CCND1, Myh1, and MyoG, as well as the protein levels of MyHC and CCND1, with inhibition producing the opposite effects. CONCLUSION: In this study, we predicted a ceRNA network based on bioinformatics analysis governing goose embryonic myoblast development, identifying key molecular components including mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, along with 24 regulatory axes. Functional experiments further demonstrated that miR-9619-y arrests cell cycle progression and negatively regulates the proliferation and differentiation of goose embryonic myoblasts, as evidenced by its impact on both the mRNA and protein expression of key myogenic factors through targeted inhibition of CCND1. These findings, together with the bioinformatically predicted ceRNA network, suggest potential complex post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlying myogenesis in geese and offer candidate molecular targets for genetic improvement of meat production performance in waterfowl breeding programs.

Animals↗

The Trypanosoma brucei signal recognition particle lacks the Alu-domain-binding proteins: purification and functional analysis of its binding proteins by RNAi.

Trypanosomes are protozoan parasites that have a major impact on human health and that of livestock. These parasites represent a very early branch in the eukaryotic lineage, and possess unique RNA processing mechanisms. The trypanosome signal recognition particle (SRP) is also unusual in being the first signal recognition particle described in nature to be comprised of two RNA molecules, the 7SL RNA and a tRNA-like molecule. In this study, we further elucidated the unique properties of this particle. The genes encoding three SRP proteins (SRP19, SRP72 and SRP68) were identified by bioinformatics analysis. Silencing of these genes by RNAi suggests that the SRP-mediated protein translocation pathway is essential for growth. The depletion of SRP72 and SRP68 induced sudden death, most probably as a result of toxicity due to the accumulation of the pre-SRP in the nucleolus. Purification of the trypanosome particle to homogeneity, by TAP-tagging, identified four SRP proteins (SRP72, SRP68, SRP54 and SRP19), but no Alu-domain-binding protein homologs. This study highlights the unique features of the trypanosome SRP complex and further supports the hypothesis that the tRNA-like molecule present in this particle may replace the function of the Alu-domain-binding proteins present in many eukaryotic SRP complexes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Study on the gene mutation of TIGR in primary open angle glaucoma, their relatives and normal controls in Chongqing].

OBJECTIVE: To study trabecular meshwork induced glucocorticoid response protein (TIGR) gene mutation in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), their relatives and normal controls in Chongqing. METHODS: (1) The coding sequence of TIGR was screened for sequence alterations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). (2) Samples corresponding to bands of altered mobility were sequenced. (3) The sequence alterations were analyzed by bioinformatics. RESULTS: (1) In 15 POAG, TIGR gene mutation was found in 5 cases. In 10 POAG relatives, 2 TIGR gene mutations were found. No TIGR gene mutation was found in 20 normal persons in Chongqing. (2) The mutation sites Ser55Thr, Asp247Stop and in 49021 c-t alteration discovered in the present study have not been reported previously. The 63155 c-t alternation has been reported as a polymorphism site previously. (3) Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the mutations in structural domain could lead to the changes in the amino acid sequence coded, second structure of protein, isoelectric point and antigen binding site. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the TIGR gene mutations is closely related to the occurrence of JOAG in Chongqing. The relatives of POAG patients may have a higher incidence of TIGR gene mutation as compared with the controls. Furthermore, after analyzed by bioinformatics, we found that the alteration of structure and biological activity of TIGR protein resulted from gene mutation may be one of the important changes that leading to the occurrence of POAG.

Adolescent↗

[DNA microarray reveals changes in gene expression of endothelial cells under shear stress].

cDNA microarray technology is used as a powerful tool for rapid, comprehensive, and quantitative analysis of gene profiles of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) in the normal static group and the shear stressed (4.20 dyne/cm2, 2 h) group. The total RNA from normal static cultured HUVECs was labeled by Cy3-dCTP, and total RNA of HUVECs from the paired shear stressed experiment was labeled by Cy5-dCTP. The expression ratios reported are the average from the two separate experiments. After bioinformatics analysis, we identified a total of 108 genes (approximately 0.026%) revealing differential expression. Of these 53 genes expressions were up-regulated, the most enhanced ones being human homolog of yeast IPP isomerase, human low density lipoprotein receptor gene, Squalene epoxidase gene, 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, and 55 were down-regulated, the most decreased ones being heat shock 70 kD protein 1, TCB gene encoding cytosolic thyroid hormone-binding protein in HUVECs exposed to low shear stress. These results indicate that the cDNA microarray technique is effective in screening the differentially expressed genes in endothelial cells induced by various experimental conditions and the data may serve as stimuli to further researches.

Cell Division↗

A survey of genes in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as identified by expressed sequence tags.

We describe the construction and quality analysis of six cDNA libraries from the liver, ovary, testis, brain, spleen and muscle tissues of adult Atlantic salmon. The cDNA libraries were then screened with total cDNA probes to catalogue clones representing the abundant and rare mRNA populations in each tissue. Subsequently, the 5'-terminal DNA sequences of 1152 cDNA clones, composed of 96 clones from each of the abundant and rare mRNA populations in the six tissues, were determined. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that 510 (50%) of the salmon expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of sufficient length showed significant homology to previously identified genes from salmonid and other species, while 517 (50%) of salmon ESTs were unidentified or novel. After accounting for multi-EST redundancy, the 510 identified ESTs provided DNA sequence markers for 178 salmon genes which are listed in terms of tissue of origin and mRNA abundance class.

Animals↗

Molecular dissection of the S-adenosylmethionine-binding site of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase.

Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) is a quatrotopic membrane protein that catalyzes the conversion of phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine through three sequential methylation reactions. Analysis of mice lacking a functional PEMT gene revealed a severe reduction in plasma homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is generated by the hydrolysis of S-adenosylhomocysteine, which is also a product of the PEMT reaction. To gain insight into the PEMT transmethylation reaction and the mechanism by which PEMT regulates homocysteine levels, we sought to define residues that are required for binding of the methyl group donor, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet). Bioinformatic analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of human PEMT identified two putative AdoMet-binding motifs (98GXG100 and 180EE181). Site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrated the requirement for the conserved motifs in PEMT specific activity. Analysis of the AdoMet binding ability of mutant recombinant PEMT derivatives established that residues Gly100 and Glu180 are essential for binding of the AdoMet moiety. A significantly elevated KD with respect to AdoMet is observed following conservative mutagenesis of residues Gly98 (400 pmol) and Glu181 (666.7 pmol), relative to the unmodified enzyme (303.1 pmol), suggesting that these residues also participate in AdoMet binding. A model positions two separate AdoMet-binding motifs of PEMT in close proximity at the external leaflet of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Isolation, sequencing analysis and characterization of the promoter of banana lectin gene].

Banana (Musa spp) is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. Banana fruit is an ideal organ for producing foreign pharmaceutical proteins and chemicals by genetic engineering. A perfect promoter driving foreign gene to express strongly and specifically in banana fruit is necessary for that. In order to isolate a banana fruit-specific expressed promoter, a fragment of 702 nt nucleotide sequence upstream 5' of banana lectin (BanLec) gene, which was demonstrated to express specifically in banana fruit previously, was isolated by using chromosomal walking in this study. Bioinformatical analysis of this sequence shows that the sequence contains some typical elements of a promoter. To identify the fruit-specific expression of this promoter, a construct was derived from pBI121, which originally CaMV 35S promoter was replaced by the 702 nt nucleotide sequence, and named as pBIL2. Transformations of pBIL2 to roots, leaves and fruit pieces of banana were carried out by using particle bombardment. The transient expression of gus showed that the gus expressed specifically in banana fruit with a little higher level compared with CaMV 35S. It is the first report that BanLec promoter is a potential fruit-specific expressed promoter which can further be used in transgenes into banana.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Delayed biosynthesis of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein C: upregulation by hexamethylene bisacetamide and retinoic acid treatment of infected cells.

In the course of examining the trafficking pathways of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoproteins gE, gI, gH, and gB, we discovered that all four are synthesized within 4 to 6 h postinfection (hpi) in cultured cells. Thereafter, they travel via the trans-Golgi network to the outer cell membrane. When we carried out a similar analysis on VZV gC, we observed little gC biosynthesis in the first 72 hpi. Further examination disclosed that gC was present in the inocula of infected cells, but no new gC biosynthesis occurred during the first 24 to 48 h thereafter, during which time new synthesis of gE, gH, and major capsid protein was easily detectable. Similarly, delayed gC biosynthesis was confirmed with three different VZV strains and two different cell lines. Bioinformatics analyses disclosed the presence of PBX/HOX consensus binding domains in the promoter/enhancer regions of the genes for VZV gC and ORF4 protein (whose orthologs transactivate gC in other herpesviruses). Bioinformatics analysis also identified two HOXA9 activation regions on ORF4 protein. Treatment of infected cultures with chemicals known to induce the production of PBX/HOX transcription proteins, namely, hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) and retinoic acid, led to more rapid gC biosynthesis. Immunoblotting demonstrated a fivefold increase in the HOXA9 protein after HMBA treatment. In summary, these results documented that gC was not produced during early VZV replication cycles, presumably related to a deficiency in the PBX/HOX transcription factors. Furthermore, these results explain the apparent spontaneous loss of VZV gC in some passaged viruses, as well as other anomalous gC results.

Acetamides↗

[Novel full-length cDNA cloning from normal adrenal gland and pheochromocytoma and functional prediction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate methodology of cloning full-length cDNA from tissues of normal adrenal gland and pheochromocytoma and predict their function. METHODS: 104 samples from normal adrenal gland and 22 samples from pheochromocytoma were examined by expressed sequence tags (EST) sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, in silico cloning, rapid amplification of cDNA ends and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Among the 126 samples of novel full-length cDNA cloning 104 were from normal adrenal gland, and 22 from pheochromocytoma (PC). Among the novel genes 50 were cloned by direct sequencing of clones, 74 by in silico cloning, and 2 by rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and the localization of chromosomes was made with UniGene searching and radiation hybrid (RH) procedure. Comparison of homology and analysis of motif or domain showed that some genes may be important functional genes, such as those coding signaling proteins, proteins associated with ion channel, enzymes involved in hormone production, important transcription factors, translation initiation factors, etc. 7 of the novel full-length cDNAs are new isoforms produced by alternative splicing. CONCLUSION: 126 novel full-length cDNAs have been cloned from adrenal tissues by large-scale EST sequencing and bioinformatic tools in a rather short time, some of which may play an important role in regulating adrenal functions and tumorigenesis of adrenal gland.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

Structural, genetic and functional characterization of the flagellin glycosylation process in Helicobacter pylori.

Mass spectrometry analyses of the complex polar flagella from Helicobacter pylori demonstrated that both FlaA and FlaB proteins are post-translationally modified with pseudaminic acid (Pse5Ac7Ac, 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-l-glycero-l-manno -n o n-ulosonic acid). Unlike Campylobacter, flagellar glycosylation in Helicobacter displays little heterogeneity in isoform or glycoform distribution, although all glycosylation sites are located in the central core region of the protein monomer in a manner similar to that found in Campylobacter. Bioinformatic analysis revealed five genes (HP0840, HP0178, HP0326A, HP0326B, HP0114) homologous to other prokaryote genes previously reported to be involved in motility, flagellar glycosylation or polysaccharide biosynthesis. Insertional mutagenesis of four of these homologues in Helicobacter (HP0178, HP0326A, HP0326B, HP0114) resulted in a non-motile phenotype, no structural flagella filament and only minor amounts of flagellin protein detectable by Western immunoblot. However, mRNA levels for the flagellin structural genes remained unaffected by each mutation. In view of the combined bioinformatic and structural evidence indicating a role for these gene products in glycan biosynthesis, subsequent investigations focused on the functional characterization of the respective gene products. A novel approach was devised to identify biosynthetic sugar nucleotide precursors from intracellular metabolic pools of parent and isogenic mutants using capillary electrophoresis-electrospray mass spectrometry (CE-ESMS) and precursor ion scanning. HP0326A, HP0326B and the HP0178 gene products are directly involved in the biosynthesis of the nucleotide-activated form of Pse, CMP-Pse. Mass spectral analyses of the cytosolic extract from the HP0326A and HP0326B isogenic mutants revealed the accumulation of a mono- and a diacetamido trideoxyhexose UDP sugar nucleotide precursor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

DNA microarrays and likelihood ratio bioinformatic methods: discovery of human melanocyte biomarkers.

In this article, some of the advantages and limitations of DNA microarray technologies for gene expression profiling are summarized. As a model experiment, DermArray DNA microarrays were utilized to identify potential biomarkers of cultured normal human melanocytes in two different experimental comparisons. In the first case, melanocyte RNA was compared with vastly dissimilar non-melanocytic RNA samples of normal skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In the second case, melanocyte RNA was compared with a primary cutaneous melanoma line (MS7) and a metastatic melanoma cell line (SKMel-28). The alternative approaches provide dramatically different lists of 'normal melanocyte' biomarkers. The most robust biomarkers were identified using principal component analysis bioinformatic methods related to likelihood ratios. Only three of 25 robust biomarkers in the melanocyte-proximal study (i.e. melanocytes vs. melanoma cells) were coincidentally identified in the melanocyte-distal study (i.e. melanocytes vs. non-melanocytic cells). Selected up-regulated biomarkers of melanocytes (i.e. TRP-1, melan-A/MART-1, silver/Pmel17, and nidogen-2) were validated by qRT-PCR. Some of the melanocytic biomarkers identified here may be useful in molecular diagnostics, as potential molecular targets for drug discovery, and for understanding the biochemistry of melanocytic cells.

Aged↗

Genomic sequence of C1, the first streptococcal phage.

C(1), a lytic bacteriophage infecting group C streptococci, is one of the earliest-isolated phages, and the method of bacterial classification known as phage typing was defined by using this bacteriophage. We present for the first time a detailed analysis of this phage by use of electron microscopy, protein profiling, and complete nucleotide sequencing. This virus belongs to the Podoviridae family of phages, all of which are characterized by short, noncontractile tails. The C(1) genome consists of a linear double-stranded DNA molecule of 16,687 nucleotides with 143-bp inverted terminal repeats. We have assigned functions to 9 of 20 putative open reading frames based on experimental substantiation or bioinformatic analysis. Their products include DNA polymerase, holin, lysin, major capsid, head-tail connector, neck appendage, and major tail proteins. Additionally, we found one intron belonging to the HNH endonuclease family interrupting the apparent lysin gene, suggesting a potential splicing event yielding a functional lytic enzyme. Examination of the C(1) DNA polymerase suggests that this phage utilizes a protein-primed mechanism of replication, which is prominent in the phi29-like members of Podoviridae. Consistent with this evidence, we experimentally determined that terminal proteins are covalently attached to both 5' termini, despite the fact that no homology to known terminal proteins could be elucidated in any of our open reading frames. Likewise, comparative genomics revealed no close evolutionary matches, suggesting that the C(1) bacteriophage is a unique member of the Podoviridae.

Animals↗

Genomic analysis of host-pathogen interaction between Fusarium graminearum and wheat during early stages of disease development.

Fusarium graminearum strains responsible for causing the plant disease Fusarium head blight vary greatly in their ability to cause disease and produce mycotoxins on wheat. With the goal of understanding fungal gene expression related to pathogenicity, three cDNA libraries were created by suppression subtractive hybridization using wheat heads inoculated with a highly aggressive strain and either water or a less aggressive strain of this pathogen. Eighty-four fungal genes expressed during initial disease development were identified. The probable functions of 49 of these genes could be inferred by bioinformatic analysis. Thirty-five ESTs had no known homologues in current databases and were not identified by ab initio gene prediction methods. These ESTs from infected wheat heads probably represent F. graminearum genes that previously were not annotated. Four genes represented in one of these libraries were selected for targeted gene replacement, leading to the characterization of a two-component response regulator homologue involved in pathogenicity of the fungus. The mutants for this gene showed reduced sporulation and delayed spread of Fusarium head blight on wheat.

Computational Biology↗

A TNF-induced gene expression program under oscillatory NF-kappaB control.

BACKGROUND: The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) initiates tissue inflammation, a process mediated by the NF-kappaB transcription factor. In response to TNF, latent cytoplasmic NF-kappaB is activated, enters the nucleus, and induces expression of inflammatory and anti-apoptotic gene expression programs. Recently it has been shown that NF-kappaB displays two distinct activation modes, monophasic and oscillatory, depending on stimulus duration. Characterization of temporal expression patterns for the NF-kappaB network and determination of those genes under monophasic- or oscillatory control has not been experimentally addressed. RESULTS: To identify the kinetics of NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression and determine whether these two types of NF-kappaB translocation modes control distinct gene programs, a detailed kinetic analysis of a validated microarray data set was performed on 74 unique NF-kappaB-dependent genes in response to TNF. Hierarchical clustering identified distinct expression profiles termed the "Early", "Middle", "Late" response groups, peaking 1, 3, and 6 h after stimulation, respectively. These expression patterns were validated by Quantitative Real Time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and NF-kappaB binding was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Each response group was mapped to its molecular function; this analysis indicated that the Early group encodes cytokines or negative regulators of the IKK-NF-kappaB pathway, and the Late group encodes cell surface receptors, adhesion molecules and signal adapters. That similar coordinated sequential cascades of gene expression were also seen in response to stimulation by the cytokine IL-1, and expression patterns observed in MRC-5 fibroblasts indicated that the epithelial NF-kappaB program is relatively stimulus- and cell type-independent. Bioinformatic analysis of the Early and Late gene promoters indicates that although both groups contain similar patterns of NF-kappaB-binding sites, only the Early gene promoters contain NF-kappaB-binding sites located in phylogenetically conserved domains. Stimulation protocols designed to produce either monophasic or oscillatory NF-kappaB activation modes showed that the oscillatory mode is required only for expression of the Late genes. CONCLUSION: This analysis provides important insights into the TNF-regulated genetic response program in epithelial cells, where NF-kappaB controls sequential expression patterns of functionally distinct genes that depend on its oscillatory activation mode.

Cell Adhesion↗

Mutation analysis of SCNN1B in a family with Liddle's syndrome.

Liddle's syndrome has been known as a disorder associated with abnormal sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule and transmitted as a rare autosomal dominant trait. It is caused by mutations in the SCNN1B or SCNN1C gene, which truncate the cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus of the beta and gamma subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Genetic analysis of ENaC in a Chinese family with Liddle's syndrome revealed P616H of SCNN1B coaggregated with the phenotype, while this variant was not detected in 100 unrelated subjects. No mutation at gamma ENaC could be detected in all members of the family. P616H is located in the conserved proline-rich PY motif of the betaENaC. The PY motif can interact with the WW domain in Nedd4 and affect the activity of ENaC. Structural bioinformatics analysis confirmed that the functional interaction between Nedd4 and ENaC reduces in Liddle-ENaC (P616H) when compared with wild-type ENaC. In summary, P616H may be an underlying mechanism for the signs and symptoms of this family.

Adult↗

A genomic perspective on protein tyrosine phosphatases: gene structure, pseudogenes, and genetic disease linkage.

The protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are now recognized as critical regulators of signal transduction under normal and pathophysiological conditions. In this analysis we have explored the sequence of the human genome to define the composition of the PTP family. Using public and proprietary sequence databases, we discovered one novel human PTP gene and defined chromosomal loci and exon structure of the additional 37 genes encoding known PTP transcripts. Direct orthologs were present in the mouse genome for all 38 human PTP genes. In addition, we identified 12 PTP pseudogenes unique to humans that have probably contaminated previous bioinformatics analysis of this gene family. PCR amplification and transcript sequencing indicate that some PTP pseudogenes are expressed, but their function (if any) is unknown. Furthermore, we analyzed the enhanced diversity generated by alternative splicing and provide predicted amino acid sequences for four human PTPs that are currently defined by fragments only. Finally, we correlated each PTP locus with genetic disease markers and identified 4 PTPs that map to known susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes and 19 PTPs that map to regions frequently deleted in human cancers. We have made our analysis available at http://ptp.cshl.edu or http://science.novonordisk.com/ptp and we hope this resource will facilitate the functional characterization of these key enzymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of Drosophila yellow-B cDNA reveals a new family of proteins related to the royal jelly proteins in the honeybee and to an orphan protein in an unusual bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans.

The yellow locus in Drosophila is involved in both cuticle development and behaviour. However, the function of the encoded protein is unknown. Here we have characterised the sequence and expression pattern of a new Drosophila gene, designated yellow-B, encoding a 453-amino-acid protein that is 57% identical to Yellow. High levels of yellow-B mRNA are present in the larval-pupal stages, but the gene is also expressed in the head. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that the Drosophila genome encodes at least 7 members of the Yellow family distributed among chromosomes 2, 3, and X. The Yellow proteins are related to the Royal Jelly proteins and have no relatives in other non-insect metazoan species. Interestingly, a Yellow-like protein is encoded by the genome of a radiation tolerant bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic analysis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma1 splice variants in human colorectal cell lines.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family. In colon, this transcription factor is involved in differentiation of absorptive cells. PPARgamma participates also in colon carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Two isoforms, namely PPARgamma1 and PPARgamma2, have been described. Recently, new PPARgamma1 transcripts whose translation raises PPARgamma1 protein have been characterised. They differ from each other by combination of untranslated exons localised in the 5' UTR of the PPARG gene. Here, we studied whether such a diversity of PPARgamma transcripts occurs in human colon cell models. Based on bioinformatic analysis, putative untranslated exons were identified in the human PPARG gene. By RT-PCR analysis, we have demonstrated that several of these untranslated exons are included in PPARgamma transcripts from colon-derived cell lines or in those derived from other tissue. Using HT-29 cells, changes in PPARgamma1 mRNA levels were observed after treatment with PPARgamma agonists such as pioglitazone and troglitazone. These modifications correlated with particular PPARgamma transcripts excluding the untranslated exon A2. HT-29 cells treatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide showed that the presence of PPARgamma mRNA including exon A2 was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. We concluded that diverse PPARgamma1 mRNA exist in colorectal cells. Levels of PPARgamma1 transcript varied according to the phenotype of colon cell model used. We suggest that regulation of PPARgamma1 mRNA levels could be dependent in part on the composition of untranslated exon(s) in the 5' UTR of PPARgamma1 mRNA.

Base Sequence↗