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Isolation and characterization of genomic sequences involved in the regulation of the human reduced folate carrier gene (RFC1).

Decreased reduced folate carrier (RFC) activity has been associated with MTX resistance in experimental models of transport-mediated MTX resistance, and has been attributed to changes in the expression of RFC1, the gene that encodes a protein with this activity. RNA transcripts of RFC1 may contain any one of four distinct 5' untranslated regions (UTRs). We cloned a human genomic DNA fragment upstream from the RFC1 translation start site and determined the nucleotide sequence of a 4.8kb region that contained the exons corresponding to each of the reported UTRs. To identify regulatory elements that may be involved in RFC1 transcription, we first developed a semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay using primers specific for each of the 5' UTRs to amplify RNA transcripts containing each of the RFC1 5' exons, and found evidence for differential transcription of RFC1 non-coding exons in tissues, during development, and in MTX-resistant, transport-deficient cells. We also found that RFC1 RNA levels are cell cycle regulated and peak at the G1 to S transition. Then, using a series of RFC1 promoter-reporter fusion constructs, we identified genomic sequences that may be involved in the regulation of expression of exons 1b and 1c of the RFC1 gene. These studies therefore identify regulatory regions of RFC1 promoters and potential models of regulation in which these regions may exert control.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and characterization of genomes of BVDV from Brazil.

An ELISA for the detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was developed based on antigens derived from a genotype I BVDV strain isolated in Switzerland. Using monoclonal antibodies we showed that this antigen contained the conserved non-structural protein NS3 whereas it essentially lacked the more strain-specific E2 surface glycoprotein. This ELISA has a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 99.2% as compared to the serum neutralization test (SNT). Preliminary experiments showed that this ELISA reliably detects antibodies to BVDV strains circulating in Brazil. Serum samples obtained from 430 adult cattle on 19 farms of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and one farm from Corrientes (Argentina) were tested for antibodies by means of this ELISA. We found antibodies in 56% +/- 15.1% of the cattle sera tested, which indicates that, in Brazil, the prevalence of infection with BVDV is similar to that found in Europe and the USA. Our sequence analysis of two BVDV isolates showed that BVDV of both genotypes I and II circulate in Brazil.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning, functional characterization and genomic organization of four alternatively spliced isoforms of the human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1/SLC22A1).

In this study we report the cloning of four human OCT1 (hOCT1/SLC22A1) isoforms: a long form, hOCT1G/L554, and three shorter forms (hOCT1G/L506, hOCT1G483 and hOCT1G353). All four variants could be identified in the human glioma cell line SK-MG-1, whereas only two isoforms (hOCT1G/L554 and hOCT1G/L506) were found in human liver cDNA. The hOCT1G/L554 represents the full length hOCT1 since the sequence of this clone is more than 99% identical to previously cloned hOCT1 cDNAs. Elucidation of the gene structure of human OCT1 demonstrated that the other isolated isoforms are alternatively spliced variants. The hOCT1 gene consists of 7 exons and 6 introns. When stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, only the full length hOCT1 cDNA mediated decynium-22 (D22)-sensitive uptake of tritiated 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([3H]-MPP+).

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Isolation and partial characterization of genomic clones coding for a human pro-alpha 1 (II) collagen chain and demonstration of restriction fragment length polymorphism at the 3' end of the gene.

We have isolated two clones containing 19 kilobases (kb) of the human gene coding for a pro-alpha 1 (II) collagen chain from human lambda genomic DNA libraries. A 3' clone, HC2A, was selected by cross-hybridization with a cDNA clone containing sequences coding for the carboxy propeptide of chick type II procollagen. A second clone, HC2B, was obtained by screening the library with the 5' part of HC2A. The sequence analysis of exon 3 corresponding to the C propeptide reveals the presence of stretches of conserved nucleotides between the human and the chick type II procollagen genes. On Northern blots, the human collagen clone hybridizes strongly to a 5.5-kb RNA for the rat type II procollagen chain. Finally, studies of genomic DNAs from normal individuals reveal the presence of a HindIII and a BamHI polymorphic site at the 3' end of the gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and characterization of genomic and cDNA clones of human erythropoietin.

The glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin regulates the level of oxygen in the blood by modulating the number of circulating erythrocytes, and is produced in the kidney or liver of adult and the liver of fetal or neonatal mammals. Neither the precise cell types that produce erythropoietin nor the mechanisms by which the same or different cells measure the circulating oxygen concentration and consequently regulate erythropoietin production are known. Cells responsive to erythropoietin have been identified in the adult bone marrow, fetal liver or adult spleen. In cultures of erythropoietic progenitors, erythropoietin stimulates proliferation and differentiation to more mature red blood cells. Detailed molecular studies have been hampered, however, by the impurity and heterogeneity of target cell populations and the difficulty of obtaining significant quantities of the purified hormone. Highly purified erythropoietin may be useful in the treatment of various forms of anaemia, particularly in chronic renal failure. Here we describe the cloning of the human erythropoietin gene and the expression of an erythropoietin cDNA clone in a transient mammalian expression system to yield a secreted product with biological activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular characterization of genomic AML1-ETO fusions in childhood leukemia.

T(8;21) AML1(CBFA2)-ETO(MTG8) is the most common chromosomal translocation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in both children and adults. We sought to understand the structure and gain insight into the fusion process between AML1 and ETO by sequencing genomic fusions in 17 primary childhood AMLs and two cell lines with t(8;21). Reciprocal translocations were sequenced for seven of the 19 samples. We assumed a null hypothesis that the translocation breakpoints would be evenly distributed along the intronic breakpoint cluster regions. Testing for multimodality via smoothed bootstrap statistical methods suggested, however, the presence of two separate cluster regions within both the AML1 and ETO breakpoint cluster regions. ETObreakpoints were predominantly located in intron 1B in a defined cluster 5' of exon 1A (scan statistic P value = 0.00001). All patients with available RNA expressed an AML1-ETO mRNA fusion between exon 5 of AML1 and exon 2 of ETO. Since the structural restraints for the fusion protein of AML1-ETO exclude exon 1A, we reason that ETO intron 1B harbors a structural feature with propensity for breakage and/or recombination. Chromosomal breakpoints displayed evidence of fusion by a non-homologous end joining process, with microhomologies and nontemplate nucleotides at some fusion junctions. Breakpoints in general displayed similar complexity of duplications, deletions, and insertions to other common pediatric leukemia translocations (TEL-AML1, MLL-AF4, PML-RARA, CBFB-MYH11) that we and others have analyzed.

Acute Disease↗

Characterization of genomic DNA encoding cecropins from an Aedes albopictus mosquito cell line.

We used cDNA probes from Aedes albopictus mosquito cecropins AalCecA, B, and C to obtain genomic DNA copies and flanking DNA. Two gene copies (AalCecA1 and A2, AalCecB1 and B2, AalCecC1 and C2) encoding each of the three mature cecropin peptides were recovered. All these genes had a similar organization, into two exons interrupted by a single short intron. AalCecA1 and AalCecA2 encode mature protein products that differ by one amino acid residue, while AalCecB1 and AalCecB2, AalCecC1 and AalCecC2 encode identical mature cecropin peptides, respectively. The AalCecB and C gene pairs each share a common intergenic region of approximately 1 kb, with the two coding regions transcribed in opposite directions. With the exception of small insertions/deletions, the intergenic spacer region was highly conserved between the B1/C1 and B2/C2 clones. In transfected cells, 0.8 kb of upstream sequence was sufficient for inducible expression of AalCecA1. Within this region, a 28 bp sequence at positions -192 to -165 upstream of the transcription initiation site was found to contain a potential regulatory element. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, synthetic double-stranded DNA containing this 28 bp sequence retarded protein in cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts from C7-10 cells.

Aedes↗

The isolation and characterization of genomic and cDNA clones coding for a cdc2-related kinase (ThCRK2) from the bovine protozoan parasite Theileria.

The tick-transmitted protozoan parasites Theileria annulata and Theileria parva are important intracellular pathogens of domestic cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. Proliferative phases take place within both lymphocytes and erythrocytes. The lymphocyte is stimulated to enter the cell cycle by the parasite and the multinucleate parasite can establish a state in which karyokinesis and cytokinesis occur in phase with the host cell. The link between parasite nuclear division and cytokinesis is altered during the formation of merozoites (a non-dividing, invasive, extracellular stage). These features imply a high degree of control over parasite nuclear division and cytokinesis. Two different approaches have been used to identify clones from both species which are extremely highly conserved homologues. These encode a cdc2-related kinase which is > 60% identical to eukaryotic cyclin-dependent kinases of the p34cdc2/p32CDK2 subfamily. There is typical conservation of kinase domains, implying an in vivo protein kinase activity for the polypeptide. The PSTAIRE region, implicated in cyclin binding, is well conserved suggesting that ThCRK2 will bind cyclin molecules closely related to the eukaryotic A/B-type cyclins. However, there is divergence in certain key motifs potentially associated with binding of molecules that regulate the activity of the kinase. Expression patterns of RNA and protein indicate that ThCRK2 is likely to function in all dividing stages of the parasite and, taken together, the results point to a central role in the regulation of nuclear division.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDR). Family characterizations including genome comparisons and active site modeling.

Completed eukaryotic genomes were screened for medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDR). In the human genome, 23 MDR forms were found, a number that probably will increase, because the genome is not yet fully interpreted. Partial sequences already indicate that at least three further members exist. Within the MDR superfamily, at least eight families were distinguished. Three families are formed by dimeric alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH; originally detected in animals/plants), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenases (originally detected in plants) and tetrameric alcohol dehydrogenases (originally detected in yeast). Three further families are centred around forms initially detected as mitochondrial respiratory function proteins, acetyl-CoA reductases of fatty acid synthases, and leukotriene B4 dehydrogenases. The two remaining families with polyol dehydrogenases (originally detected as sorbitol dehydrogenase) and quinone reductases (originally detected as zeta-crystallin) are also distinct but with variable sequences. The most abundant families in the human genome are the dimeric ADH forms and the quinone oxidoreductases. The eukaryotic patterns are different from those of Escherichia coli. The different families were further evaluated by molecular modelling of their active sites as to geometry, hydrophobicity and volume of substrate-binding pockets. Finally, sequence patterns were derived that are diagnostic for the different families and can be used in genome annotations.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Characterization of genomic sequence coding for bromelain inhibitors in pineapple and expression of its recombinant isoform.

Bromelain inhibitor (BI) is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor isolated from pineapple stem (Reddy, M. N., Keim, P. S., Heinrikson, R. L., and Kézdy, F. J. (1975) J. Biol. Chem. 250, 1741-1750). It consists of eight isoinhibitors, and each isoinhibitor has a two-chain structure. In this study, the genomic DNA has been cloned and found to encode a precursor protein with 246 amino acids (M(r) = approximately 27,500) containing three isoinhibitor domains (BI-III, -VI, and -VII) that are 93% identical to one another in amino acid sequences. The gene structure indicated that these isoinhibitors are produced by removal of the N-terminal pre-peptide (19 residues), 3 interchain peptides (each 5 residues), 2 interdomain peptides (each 19 residues), and the C-terminal pro-peptide (18 residues). Moreover, all the amino acid sequences of bromelain isoinhibitors could be explained by removal of one or two amino acids from BI-III, -VI, and -VII with exopeptidases. A recombinant single-chain BI-VI with and without the interchain peptide showed the same and no bromelain inhibitory activity as compared with the native BI-VI, respectively. These results indicate that the interchain peptide plays an important role of the folding process of the mature isoinhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of genomic variants in CSH1 and GH2, two candidate genes for Silver-Russell syndrome in 17q24-q25.

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a syndrome of severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation and typical dysmorphic features. Rare chromosomal aberrations have been reported in SRS; among these are two balanced translocations involving 17q24-q25. Recently, we described a patient with a paternally inherited heterozygous deletion of the chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 1 (CSH1) gene. The CSH1 gene is member of the growth hormone (GH) gene cluster on 17q, which consists of two growth hormone genes and three CSH genes. Genomic alterations in the GH cluster are well known, causing different phenotypes depending on the size of the deletion and the genes involved. By screening 63 SRS cases with marker D17S254, we have detected 2 further patients with a heterozygous deletion in the GH cluster. Quantitative analysis using restriction assays confirmed these findings. Additionally, in a cohort of 17 patients with isolated intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, we detected a further patient to be carrier of a CSH1 deletion. Screening of 141 unrelated controls revealed hemizygosity in one person for which data on growth were not available. We additionally analyzed our cohort of SRS patients for mutations in CSH1 and its 3' neighbour GH2. However, analyses failed to reveal any pathogenic mutation. While the central role of GH1 in human growth is well established, the physiological roles of CSH1 and other components of the cluster are unclear. The increased prevalence of hemizygosity of CSH1 in our population in comparison to controls indicates a role for CSH1 haploinsufficiency in the etiology of growth retardation. Investigation of CSH1 deletions in further SRS and growth retarded patients will enable us to establish under which circumstances haploinsufficiency of CSH1 is likely to result in clinical changes.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Comparative genomics in the grass family: molecular characterization of grass genome structure and evolution.

The genomes of grasses are very different in terms of size, ploidy level and chromosome number. Despite these significant differences, it was found by comparative mapping that the linear order (colinearity) of genetic markers and genes is very well conserved between different grass genomes. The potential of such conservation has been exploited in several directions, e.g. in defining rice as a model genome for grasses and in designing better strategies for positional cloning in large genomes. Recently, the development of large insert libraries in species such as maize, rice, barley and diploid wheat has allowed the study of large stretches of DNA sequence and has provided insight into gene organization in grasses. It was found that genes are not distributed randomly along the chromosomes and that there are clusters of high gene density in species with large genomes. Comparative analysis performed at the DNA sequence level has demonstrated that colinearity between the grass genomes is retained at the molecular level (microcolinearity) in most cases. However, detailed analysis has also revealed a number of exceptions to microcolinearity, which have given insight into mechanisms that are involved in grass-genome evolution. In some cases, the use of rice as a model to support gene isolation from other grass genomes will be complicated by local rearrangements. In this Botanical Briefing, we present recent progress and future prospects of comparative genomics in grasses.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Unequally Abundant Chromosomes and Unusual Collections of Transferred Sequences Characterize Mitochondrial Genomes of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae), One of the Largest Mycoheterotrophic Plant Genera.

The mystery of genomic alternations in heterotrophic plants is among the most intriguing in evolutionary biology. Compared to plastid genomes (plastomes) with parallel size reduction and gene loss, mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) variation in heterotrophic plants remains underexplored in many aspects. To further unravel the evolutionary outcomes of heterotrophy, we present a comparative mitogenomic study with 13 de novo assemblies of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae), one of the largest fully mycoheterotrophic plant genera, and its relatives. Analyzed Gastrodia mitogenomes range from 0.56 to 2.1 Mb, each consisting of numerous, unequally abundant chromosomes or contigs. Size variation might have evolved through chromosome rearrangements followed by stochastic loss of "dispensable" chromosomes, with deletion-biased mutations. The discovery of a hyper-abundant (∼15 times intragenomic average) chromosome in two assemblies represents the hitherto most extreme copy number variation in any mitogenomes, with similar architectures discovered in two metazoan lineages. Transferred sequence contents highlight asymmetric evolutionary consequences of heterotrophy: despite drastically reduced intracellular plastome transfers convergent across heterotrophic plants, their rarity of horizontally acquired sequences sharply contrasts parasitic plants, where massive transfers from their hosts prevail. Rates of sequence evolution are markedly elevated but not explained by copy number variation, extending prior findings of accelerated molecular evolution from parasitic to heterotrophic plants. Putative evolutionary scenarios for these mitogenomic convergence and divergence fit well with the common (e.g. plastome contraction) and specific (e.g. host identity) aspects of the two heterotrophic types. These idiosyncratic mycoheterotrophs expand known architectural variability of plant mitogenomes and provide mechanistic insights into their content and size variation.

Genome, Mitochondrial↗

Isolation and characterization of genomic clones corresponding to the human type II procollagen gene.

A recombinant human DNA library was screened using probes corresponding to the chick alpha 1 (II) procollagen gene. This resulted in the isolation of 2 different genomic clones, LgHCol(II)a and LgHCol(II)b. LgHCol(II)a was identified as corresponding to the alpha 1(II) gene by comparative hybridization and DNA sequence analysis. DNA sequence established that LgHCol(II)a extends at least from amino acid 694 of the triple helix through 54 amino acids of the COOH-propeptide. Hybridization with a probe containing only the exon at the 3' end of the chicken gene suggests that the clone contains the 3' end of the human gene. Thus LgHCol(II)a contains approximately 40% of the coding sequences of the human type II collagen gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and characterization of genomic clones covering the chicken vitellogenin gene.

A series of overlapping recombinant clones, which cover the vitellogenin gene, has been isolated from a phage-lambda linked chicken gene library. The DNA of the overlapping clones spans 28 kb of contiguous DNA sequences in the chicken genome. Electron microscopic analysis of hybrids between vitellogenin mRNA and the genomic clones indicates that the chicken vitellogenin gene has a length of approximately 22 kb, about 3.8 times the size of the mRNA. The mRNA sequence is interrupted by at least 33 intervening sequences (introns). Comparison with the vitellogenin gene A2 from Xenopus laevis (Wahli et al., 1980, Cell 20: 107-117) indicates conservation of the number and length of the exons during evolution. Heteroduplex analysis reveals a short stretch of sequence homology between the genes from chicken and frog.

Animals↗

Characterization and genomic analysis of tobacco vein clearing virus, a plant pararetrovirus that is transmitted vertically and related to sequences integrated in the host genome.

A previously undescribed caulimo-like virus was identified in the hybrid tobacco species Nicotiana edwardsonii, and was named tobacco vein clearing virus (TVCV) after the symptoms associated with its occurrence in this plant. The virions of TVCV are 50 nm in diameter and are composed of a 45 kDa capsid protein and a 7767 bp dsDNA genome. Each strand of the genome is interrupted by a site-specific discontinuity. In genome sequence and arrangement of ORFs TVCV was most similar to cassava vein mosaic virus, indicating that TVCV is a pararetrovirus. No serological relationship was detected between TVCV and any other caulimoviruses, including petunia vein clearing virus, which has similar biological properties. In N. edwardsonii TVCV was seed-transmitted to 100% of progeny plants, but was not transmitted by mechanical inoculation, grafting or Myzus persicae to any of seven other Nicotiana spp. Genomic DNA of TVCV hybridized to genomic DNA of N. edwardsonii and of N. glutinosa, its male parent, but not to genomic DNA of N. clevelandii, the female parent. TVCV has 78% sequence identity with pararetrovirus-like sequences that are present in high copy number in the N. tabacum genome, and TVCV genomic DNA hybridized to genomic DNA of N. tabacum and N. rustica. These observations suggest that the episomal form of TVCV may arise from integrated pararetroviral elements present in N. edwardsonii, that these integrants were inherited from the male parent N. glutinosa, and that these elements are related but not identical to pararetroviral elements occurring in other Nicotiana spp.

Base Sequence↗

A reliable amplification technique for the characterization of genomic DNA sequences flanking insertion sequences.

A simple and efficient ligation-mediated PCR (LMPCR) is described for amplifying DNA adjacent to known sequences. The method uses one primer specific for the known sequence and a second specific for a synthetic linker ligated to restricted genomic DNA. Perkin-Elmer AmpliTaq Gold polymerase is used to minimize non-specific primer annealing and amplification. This LMPCR method was successfully applied to isolate DNA sequences flanking mobile elements present in mycobacterial mutants generated by transposon mutagenesis.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Cloning, sequencing, and characterization of genomic subtracted sequences from Listeria monocytogenes.

Individual sequences of a genomic subtracted, PCR-amplified, mixed-sequence probe (GS probe) were cloned and sequenced. The GS probe differentiated restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns for Listeria monocytogenes but did not hybridize with members of other bacterial genera. Sequence analysis identified several L. monocytogenes sequences already present in the GenBank database; the putative identities of other sequences were inferred from homology data, and still other sequences did not exhibit significant levels of homology with any GenBank sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗