PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Boxing”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources

Functional characterization of OsMADS18, a member of the AP1/SQUA subfamily of MADS box genes.

MADS box transcription factors controlling flower development have been isolated and studied in a wide variety of organisms. These studies have shown that homologous MADS box genes from different species often have similar functions. OsMADS18 from rice (Oryza sativa) belongs to the phylogenetically defined AP1/SQUA group. The MADS box genes of this group have functions in plant development, like controlling the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, determination of floral organ identity, and regulation of fruit maturation. In this paper we report the functional analysis of OsMADS18. This rice MADS box gene is widely expressed in rice with its transcripts accumulated to higher levels in meristems. Overexpression of OsMADS18 in rice induced early flowering, and detailed histological analysis revealed that the formation of axillary shoot meristems was accelerated. Silencing of OsMADS18 using an RNA interference approach did not result in any visible phenotypic alteration, indicating that OsMADS18 is probably redundant with other MADS box transcription factors. Surprisingly, overexpression of OsMADS18 in Arabidopsis caused a phenotype closely resembling the ap1 mutant. We show that the ap1 phenotype is not caused by down-regulation of AP1 expression. Yeast two-hybrid experiments showed that some of the natural partners of AP1 interact with OsMADS18, suggesting that the OsMADS18 overexpression phenotype in Arabidopsis is likely to be due to the subtraction of AP1 partners from active transcription complexes. Thus, when compared to AP1, OsMADS18 during evolution seems to have conserved the mechanistic properties of protein-protein interactions, although it cannot complement the AP1 function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of the complete MADS-box transcription factor family in Arabidopsis: new openings to the MADS world.

MADS-box transcription factors are key regulators of several plant development processes. Analysis of the complete Arabidopsis genome sequence revealed 107 genes encoding MADS-box proteins, of which 84% are of unknown function. Here, we provide a complete overview of this family, describing the gene structure, gene expression, genome localization, protein motif organization, and phylogenetic relationship of each member. We have divided this transcription factor family into five groups (named MIKC, Malpha, Mbeta, Mgamma, and Mdelta) based on the phylogenetic relationships of the conserved MADS-box domain. This study provides a solid base for functional genomics studies into this important family of plant regulatory genes, including the poorly characterized group of M-type MADS-box proteins. MADS-box genes also constitute an excellent system with which to study the evolution of complex gene families in higher plants.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Characterization of the Arabidopsis Adh G-box binding factor.

Protein-DNA interaction at an inverted repeat of the sequence 5'-GTGG-3' (G-box) has been associated with the transcription of several plant genes [Giuliano, G., et al. (1988). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 7089-7093; Ferl, R.J., and Laughner, B.H. (1989). Plant Mol. Biol. 12, 357-366; Schulze-Lefert, P., et al. (1989). EMBO J. 8, 651-656]. We characterized the binding of the Arabidopsis G-box binding factor (GBF) from whole-cell extracts and fractionated extracts to the G-box of alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) using gel mobility shift assays. DNase I footprinting localized the region of GBF/G-box interaction to two sites, one apparent high-affinity binding site (-227 to -201) and a possible low-affinity binding site (-193 to -182). DNA-protein cross-linking demonstrated that the G-box is bound by proteins of two sizes, 31 kilodaltons and 18 kilodaltons. In addition, we found that in vitro the interaction of GBF from Arabidopsis suspension cultures or leaves with the Adh G-box is indistinguishable, and that there is evidence of multiple protein-protein interactions.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Comparison of MADS box gene expression in developing male and female flowers of the dioecious plant white campion.

The MADS box motif is common to genes that regulate the pattern of flower development. To determine whether MADS box genes also play a role in differentiation of the sexes in dioecious plants, we isolated cDNAs (SLM1 to SLM5, for Silene latifolia MADS) with MADS box homology from transcripts of male flower buds of the model dioecious species white campion and compared their expression in developing female and male flowers. SLM1 had extensive sequence similarity to the snapdragon MADS box gene PLENA, SLM2 to GLOBOSA, SLM3 to DEFICIENS, and both SLM4 and SLM5 were similar to SQUAMOSA. Each of the white campion MADS box genes was expressed in the same floral whorls as their respective most homologous snapdragon genes. The sex of the plant affected the pattern of SLM2 and SLM3 expression in the petal and stamen whorls, resulting in a smaller fourth whorl in male flowers than in female flowers. This was correlated with repressed gynoecium development in male flowers. The expression of SLM4 and SLM5 in both sexes differed from that of SQUAMOSA in one important aspect. Unlike SQUAMOSA, they were expressed in inflorescence meristems. This may reflect differences in growth pattern between white campion and snapdragon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Diverse roles for MADS box genes in Arabidopsis development.

Members of the MADS box gene family play important roles in flower development from the early step of determining the identity of floral meristems to specifying the identity of floral organ primordia later in flower development. We describe here the isolation and characterization of six additional members of this family, increasing the number of reported Arabidopsis MADS box genes to 17. All 11 members reported prior to this study are expressed in flowers, and the majority of them are floral specific. RNA expression analyses of the six genes reported here indicate that two genes, AGL11 and AGL13 (AGL for AGAMOUS-like), are preferentially expressed in ovules, but each has a distinct expression pattern. AGL15 is preferentially expressed in embryos, with its onset at or before the octant stage early in embryo development. AGL12, AGL14, and AGL17 are all preferentially expressed in root tissues and therefore represent the only characterized MADS box genes expressed in roots. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the two genes expressed in ovules are closely related to previously isolated MADS box genes, whereas the four genes showing nonfloral expression are more distantly related. Data from this and previous studies indicate that in addition to their proven role in flower development, MADS box genes are likely to play roles in many other aspects of plant development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A new SBP-box gene BpSPL1 in silver birch (Betula pendula).

The SBP-box gene family represents a group of plant-specific genes encoding putative transcription factors. Thus far, SBP-domain protein binding sites have been found in the promoters of Arabidopsis APETALA1 and Antirrhinum SQUAMOSA. A putative SBP-domain binding element has been observed in the promoter of BpMADS5, a close homologue of Arabidopsis FRUITFULL in silver birch (Betula pendula). A novel SBP-box gene from birch named BpSPL1 has been cloned and characterized. The nucleotide sequence of BpSPL1 is similar to Antirrhinum SBP2 and Arabidopsis SPL3, apart from the unique finding that BpSPL1 does not contain an intron typical to all other known SBP-box genes studied thus far. According to Northern blot analysis, BpSPL1 is expressed in birch inflorescences as well as in shoots and leaves. Studies using electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrate that there are nuclear proteins in birch inflorescences which specifically bind to the SBP binding element of the promoter of BpMADS5. BpSPL1 expressed in Escherichia coli also specifically binds to this element. According to Southern blot analysis, there are at least two SBP-box genes in birch. The results suggest that SBP-box genes are involved in the regulation of flower development in birch.

Journal Article↗

Transcriptional regulation of the human ABO histo-blood group genes is dependent on the N box upstream of the proximal promoter.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies of the transcriptional regulation of the human ABO gene indicated that negative regulatory elements are present in the sequence just upstream from the proximal promoter. The role of the -275 to -118 region in regulation of ABO gene transcription is further characterized. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Transient transfection experiments into various cells were performed with luciferase reporter plasmids carrying ABO upstream sequences, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay was carried out with a nuclear extract prepared from the human gastric cancer KATOIII cells. RESULTS: It is shown that the -202 to -118 region is involved in the negative regulation of ABO gene transcription in all cell lines examined. Transient transfection experiments in KATOIII cells with a reporter plasmid carrying mutated N box at -196 to -191 demonstrate that the N box is a negative regulatory element in the -202 to -118 sequence. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicate that the N box binds with a nuclear factor from KATOIII cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that repression of transcription from the ABO proximal promoter is partially dependent upon the N box. Therefore, reduced binding of the protein with the N box might play a direct role in ABO gene expression.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Interaction of U-box-type ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s) with molecular chaperones.

Members of the U-box family of proteins constitute a class of ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s) distinct from the HECT-type and RING finger-containing E3 families. Two representative mammalian U-box proteins, UFD2a and CHIP, interact with the molecular chaperones VCP and either Hsp90 or Hsc70, respectively, and are implicated in the degradation of damaged proteins. We have now investigated the roles of mammalian U-box proteins by performing a comprehensive screen for molecules that interact with these proteins in the yeast two-hybrid system. All mammalian U-box proteins tested were found to interact with molecular chaperones or cochaperones, including Hsp90, Hsp70, DnaJc7, EKN1, CRN, and VCP. These observations suggest that the function of U box-type E3s is to mediate the degradation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in conjunction with molecular chaperones as receptors that recognize such abnormal proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure and function of DnaA and the DnaA-box in eubacteria: evolutionary relationships of bacterial replication origins.

DnaA protein (a trans-acting element) and its binding sequence, DnaA-box: (a cis-acting element) are two elements essential for the initiation of chromosomal replication in Escherichia coli and other enteric bacteria. Recently these two elements have been found to be conserved in three Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus and Mycoplasma capricolum) as well as in Gram-negative pseudomonads. DnaA protein was also found to be essential in the initiation of the replication of the B. subtilis chromosome, and regions containing multiple repeats of DnaA-box (DnaA-box region) are found to be active as autonomously replicating elements both in B. subtilis and pseudomonads. In this MicroReview we compare first the structures of these DnaA-box regions and their locations on the chromosome and then functional aspects of DnaA protein and DnaA-box regions in the initiation and regulation of chromosomal replication. From these observations we propose evolutionary relationships between replication origins of eubacteria.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PchR-box recognition by the AraC-type regulator PchR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires the siderophore pyochelin as an effector.

Under iron limitation, the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces the siderophore pyochelin. When secreted into the extracellular environment, pyochelin complexes ferric ions and delivers them, via the outer membrane receptor FptA, to the bacterial cytoplasm. Extracellular pyochelin also acts as a signalling molecule, inducing the expression of pyochelin biosynthesis and uptake genes by a mechanism involving the AraC-type regulator PchR. We have identified a 32 bp conserved sequence element (PchR-box) in promoter regions of pyochelin-controlled genes and we show that the PchR-box in the pchR-pchDCBA intergenic region is essential for the induction of the pyochelin biosynthetic operon pchDCBA and the repression of the divergently transcribed pchR gene. PchR was purified as a fusion with maltose-binding protein (MBP). Mobility shift assays demonstrated specific binding of MBP-PchR to the PchR-box in the presence, but not in the absence of pyochelin and iron. PchR-box mutations that interfered with pyochelin-dependent regulation in vivo, also affected pyochelin-dependent PchR-box recognition in vitro. We conclude that pyochelin, probably in its iron-loaded state, is the intracellular effector required for PchR-mediated regulation. The fact that extracellular pyochelin triggers this regulation suggests that the siderophore can enter the cytoplasm.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Isolation and characterization of goldfish Y box protein, a germ-cell-specific RNA-binding protein.

Cyclin B is a regulatory subunit of maturation-promoting factor. In goldfish (Carassius auratus) oocytes, cyclin B is synthesized de novo after stimulation by 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (maturation-inducing hormone). In this study, we examined goldfish oocyte proteins bound to cyclin B mRNA. Using oligo(dT)-cellulose affinity chromatography and northwestern blotting analysis, we identified a 54-kDa cyclin B mRNA-binding protein (p54). Southwestern blotting analysis showed the binding of p54 to the Y box DNA element (CTGATTGGCCAA), suggesting that p54 is a Y box protein in goldfish. We isolated two cDNA clones, GFYP1 and GFYP2, the latter of which encodes a germ-cell-specific Y box protein. An antibody against a GFYP2 protein recognized p54, suggesting that p54 is identical or highly similar to GFYP2 protein. This is also supported by the finding that a recombinant GFYP2 expressed in bacteria bound to both the Y box DNA element and the goldfish cyclin B mRNA synthesized in vitro. These results suggest that p54 is a germ-cell-specific Y box protein and is a potential masking protein of cyclin B mRNA in goldfish oocytes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Box diagram to express tumour extent: basis of a new staging system in carcinoma of the cervix?

The FIGO classification for the clinical staging of carcinoma of the cervix does not adequately express primary tumour extent or volume, and contains anomalies which probably lead to a wide variation in therapeutic results between centres (particularly in Stages II and III). A box diagram method of recording primary tumour extent is proposed and was applied to a retrospective study of 191 women aged 35 years and under with invasive carcinoma of the cervix. Patients who scored one or two boxes (Stages IB, IIA and IIB with unilateral parametrial infiltration) have a similar actuarial 5 years survival rate: 70% and 69% respectively. Those with 3 boxes (Stage IIA and B, bilateral Stage IIB and unilateral IIIB) and 4 boxes or more (Stages IIA and B, bilateral IIIB) involved had a substantially worse survival: 44% and 22% respectively. No patient, with more than five boxes involved was cured. The further study of this system, its potential in clinical research, and as part of a possible revised staging system are discussed.

Adult↗

Identification of nodulation promoter (nod-box) regions of Rhizobium galegae.

A hybridisation analysis of a genomic clone library of Rhizobium galegae HAMBI 1174 located four EcoRI fragments homologous to the nod-box promoter sequence of Sinorhizobium meliloti in two separate gene regions. Two of the five nod-boxes detected in the R. galegae genome were carried on a single cosmid clone, pRg30, upstream from the nodABCIJ and nodF genes, whereas the other three nod-boxes were carried on a different cosmid clone, pRg10. Hybridisations with various nod gene probes from S. meliloti and Rhizobium leguminosarum species detected a nodD homolog in pRg10. The sequence data obtained from regions adjacent to each nod-box in pRg10 confirmed the presence of a second nodD in the R. galegae genome and, in addition, revealed the presence of nodN, nodU, dctA nifH and nifQ-like genes in pRg10. Thus, by using a promoter-specific nod-box probe we could identify a new region carrying genes involved in nitrogen fixation and host specificity functions.

Base Sequence↗

Roles of salicylic acid-responsive cis-acting elements and W-boxes in salicylic acid induction of VCH3 promoter in transgenic tobaccos.

A salicylic acid (SA)-inducible VCH3 promoter was recently identified from grapevine (Vitis amurensis) that contains two inverse SA-responsive cis-acting elements and four W-boxes. To further demonstrate the roles of these elements, four fragments with lengths from -1187, -892, -589, -276 to +7 bp were fused with the b-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and transferred to Nicotiana tobacum, together with another four VCH3 promoter fragments with mutation in the two inverse SA-responsive elements. The functions of each promoter fragment were examined by analysis of GUS activity in the transgenic tobacco root treated with SA. Enhanced GUS activity was shown in the roots of transgenic tobaccos with the VCH3 (-1187)-GUS construct containing two SA-responsive cis-acting elements and four W-boxes. However, GUS activity directed by the VCH3 (-892)-GUS construct, containing one SA cis-acting element and four W-boxes, was reduced by up to 35% compared with that in tobaccos transformed with the VCH3 (-1187)-GUS construct, indicating that the SA cis-acting element plays an important role in SA induction of the VCH3 promoter. Neither the m2VCH3 (-1187)-GUS nor the mVCH3 (-892)-GUS construct, with mutation on the SA-responsive elements, abolished the expression of GUS activity, demonstrating that the W-boxes in the VCH3 promoter are also involved in SA induction. Histochemical analysis of GUS activity directed by each of the eight VCH3 promoter fragments showed that GUS was expressed specifically in vascular tissue. It was concluded that both the SA-responsive cis-acting elements and the W-boxes are important for the SA induction of the VCH3 promoter. This promoter might have a potential use in plant genetic engineering.

Gene Deletion↗

Coupled modes of the resonance box of the guitar.

Vibrations of the resonance box of the guitar have been studied by means of the modal analysis technique and the finite-element method. An expert craftsman constructed the guitar box with all the structures, internal and external, characteristic of a real instrument for the experimental measurements. The boundary conditions were chosen in order to clarify the soundboard-back interaction only via the internal air coupling. The numerical model allows one to study the influence of each component on the whole box, and the contribution of the modes of the components (wooden box and its parts, and air), to the coupled modes by calculating their participation factors. The coupled modes of the guitar box are discussed taking into account both the finite-element and modal analysis results.

Humans↗

Isolation of anaerobic bacteria from human gingiva and mouse cecum by means of a simplified glove box procedure.

An anaerobic glove box constructed of clear flexible vinyl plastic is described. It is sufficiently inexpensive and simple in operation to be used not only in research but also in a clinical laboratory by technicians without special training. Conventional bacteriological techniques may be used inside the glove box for culturing and transferring anaerobic bacteria. The box may be heated to 37 C and thus serve as an anaerobic incubator as well, permitting inspection of cultures at any time. Media may be prepared and agar plates may be poured on the laboratory bench in the conventional manner. An overlay of trace amounts of palladium black catalyst over plated agar media reduces the medium to an oxidation-reduction (O-R) potential of - 300 mv within 2 days after introduction into the glove box. In spite of its greater simplicity, the system matched or excelled the roll tube method with respect to all parameters tested, including O-R potential obtainable in the media, O(2) concentration in the gas phase, and efficiency in isolating anaerobic bacteria from the mouse cecum. Comparative studies indicate that the conventional anaerobic jar method was inadequate for the isolation of strict anaerobes from human gingival specimens and from the mouse cecum. This was due to the exposure of specimens and media to air during plating on the open laboratory bench. Anaerobic jars were adequate for maintaining the proper conditions for growth of anaerobic bacteria once these had been established in the glove box.

Animals↗

Unusual Sp1-GC box interaction in a parvovirus promoter.

The P4 promoter of the parvovirus minute virus of mice contains a single degenerate GC box sequence which binds the transcription factor Sp1 with high affinity. The two promoters of murine Sp1 were affinity purified, and their interactions with the P4 promoter were examined. Several unusual features were observed. Methylation interference experiments demonstrated that Sp1 makes contacts with both DNA strands, including the central guanine as well as an adenine residue on the cytidine-rich strand of the GC box. UV photocross-linking revealed that the 95- and the 105-kDa promoters cross-link exclusively to opposite strands of the GC box. These results suggest that the phosphorylation of the 95-kDa Sp1 promoter results in a change in the way Sp1 is positioned on the P4 GC box and identifies a high-affinity GC box motif.

Animals↗

Cloning of GT box-binding proteins: a novel Sp1 multigene family regulating T-cell receptor gene expression.

Analysis of a T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) alpha promoter from a variable gene segment (V) revealed a critical GT box element which is also found in upstream regions of several V alpha genes, TCR enhancer, and regulatory elements of other genes. This element is necessary for TCR gene expression and binds several proteins. These GT box-binding proteins were identified as members of a novel Sp1 multigene family. Two of them, which we term Sp2 and Sp3, were cloned. Sp2 and Sp3 contain zinc fingers and transactivation domains similar to those of Sp1. Like Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3 are expressed ubiquitously, and their in vitro-translated products bind to the GT box in TCR V alpha promoters. Sp3, in particular, also binds to the Sp1 consensus sequence GC box and has binding activity similar to that of Sp1. As the GT box has also previously been shown to play a role in gene regulation of other genes, these newly isolated Sp2 and Sp3 proteins might regulate expression not only of the TCR gene but of other genes as well.

Amino Acid Sequence↗