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Genetic characterization of simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from an African mandrill.

We constructed an infectious molecular clone of simian immunodeficiency virus from an African mandrill (SIVMND). Upon transfection, this clone directed the production of progeny virus particles infectious to and cytopathic for CD4+ human leukemia cells. Thirteen frameshift proviral mutants with an alteration in the eight open reading frames of SIVMND were generated by recombinant DNA techniques, and were analyzed biologically and biochemically. While mutations in the structural genes gag, pol, and env abolished viral growth and induction of cytopathology, mutants of the vif, vpr, and nef genes were fully biologically active. Of the tat and rev mutants, only one rev mutant grew in CD4+ cells with delayed kinetics. In reporter-based transient expression systems, transactivation potentials of the tat and rev mutants were evaluated. A mutant lacking 2nd coding exon of tat gene exhibited tat activity similar to that of the wild type clone. The infectious rev mutant was partially defective for rev gene activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biochemical and genetic characterization of respiration-deficient mutants of Chinese hamster cells with a Gal- phenotype.

Four Chinese hamster somatic cell mutants A13G9, 34A13G32, 2A13G14, and V6IG15 with a Gal- phenotype have the following characteristics: (1) a low respiration rate; (2) a reduced Krebs cycle activity; (3) a low level of stimulation of oxygen consumption of mutant mitochondria by malate; (4) an absolute dependence on an ample supply of glucose to sustain a high rate of glycolysis; (5) a defect in the electron transport chain from NADH to coenzyme Q; and (6) no appreciable activity of rotenone-sensitive NADH oxidase in mutant mitochondria. These four mutants and another mutant, P12GX1, were analyzed by complementation analysis using seven other respiratory mutants of Dr. Scheffler which define seven complementation groups (I-VII). P12GX1 fails to complement mutant CCL16-B9 (group IV). A13G9 and 34A13G32 do not complement each other. Mutants V6IG15, A13G9, and 34A13G32 define two new groups of complementation (VIII and IX), while 2A13G14 does not complement mutants of groups II and VI.

Animals↗

Molecular and genetic characterization of human cell lines resistant to L-asparaginase and albizziin.

Human cell lines resistant to L-asparaginase or albizziin were isolated by multistep selection of HT1080 fibrosarcoma and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic carcinoma cells. Mutants were cross-resistant to both drugs, but more resistant to the drug used for selection. The drug-resistant cell lines expressed elevated levels of asparagine synthetase activity and protein, up to 17-fold over that of the parental cells. Enzyme overproduction was due to gene amplification in the albizziin-resistant cells, whereas increased expression without amplification was observed in L-asparaginase-resistant cells.

Amino Acids, Diamino↗

Antigenic and genetic characterization of current influenza strains.

Annually the influenza centre receives more than 1000 virus isolates from around the world to monitor the changing pattern of viruses causing influenza throughout the year. These are characterized antigenically using both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and selected viruses are subjected to closer scrutiny by nucleotide sequence analyses of their HA genes. This information is used in making the annual recommendation of vaccine composition. As in the last 15 years, influenza A viruses of both H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes and influenza B viruses have been isolated during the recent influenza season. Outbreaks in the northern hemisphere were largely caused by influenza B viruses which are similar to the B/Panama/45/90 reference strain. The proportion of influenza A increased later in the season and was predominantly of the H3N2 subtype, viruses similar to the recent A/Beijing/32/92 variant being most prevalent. The observed changes taking place will be discussed in the context of recent trends.

Animals↗

Molecular genetic characterization and comparative mapping of the human PCP4 gene.

The mouse Pcp4 gene is highly expressed in brain, primarily in cerebellar Purkinje cells. It maps to chromosome 16 (Chr 16), in a region of conserved synteny with human chromosome 21 (Chr 21). To further characterize PCP4 and its possible contribution to cerebellar hypoplasia in trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome (DS), we cloned and sequenced the full length human cDNA, isolated a YAC which carries the entire gene, determined the gene structure, and characterized its expression. The gene spans at least 55 kb and contains two introns, the placement of which is the same in mouse. Expression in the mouse brain during development was detected at embryonic day 10, and thereafter through development. The PCP4 YAC was placed on the human Chr 21 YAC contig by a link to a YAC carrying the markers D21S15 and D21S349. This placement distal to ETS2 was confirmed by mapping on a somatic cell hybrid panel of Chr 21 translocations. This position caused an apparent break in gene order with mouse Chr 16. However, mapping in the mouse was reassessed, and Pcp4 and a linked marker, D16Mit71, were both moved distal to Ets2, corresponding to the position of PCP4 on Chr 21.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic characterization of an oligopeptide transport system from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus.

The operon of the putative lactobacillar oligopeptide transport system (Opp) from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus B14 was cloned and characterized. The opp operon was found to consist of five genes, oppD, oppF, oppB, oppC and oppA (1). In addition, an oppA (1) homolog, oppA (2), was found downstream of the operon. Sequence comparisons of the L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Opp system with other bacterial transport systems revealed the highest similarity to the oligopeptide transport system of Lactococcus lactis. Northern analyses of oppmRNAs revealed 6.1-kb and 2.1-kb transcripts, confirming that, in addition to the operon structure oppDFBCA (1), the oppA (1) gene was also expressed as a monocistronic transcript. The oppA (2) gene was expressed as a separate 2.1-kb monocistronic transcript with a low expression level. Primer-extension mapping of the 5'end of oppDFBCA (1) mRNA revealed two adjacent transcriptional start sites, and primer extension analyses of oppA (1) and oppA (2) mRNAs confirmed the location of the predicted promoters of these genes. For complementation analysis, oppA (1) alone and the operon constructs oppDFBCA (1) and oppDFBCA (2) were fused with the nisA promoter and expressed in Lactococcus lactisNZ9000Delta oppA strain. Only the L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus oppDFBCA (1)genes were able to complement the L. lactis oppA mutation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Physiological, biochemical, and genetic characterization of an alicyclic amine-degrading Mycobacterium sp. strain THO100 isolated from a morpholine-containing culture of activated sewage sludge.

Mycobacterium sp. strain THO100 was isolated from a morpholine-containing culture of activated sewage sludge. This strain was able to utilize pyrrolidine, morpholine, piperidine, piperazine, and 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine as the sole sources of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. The degradation pathway of pyrrolidine as the best substrate for cellular growth was proposed based on the assays of substrate-induced cytochrome P450 and constitutive enzyme activities toward 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and succinic semialdehyde (SSA). Its 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence (16S rDNA) was identical to that of Mycobacterium tokaiense ATCC 27282(T). The morABC genes responsible for alicyclic amine degradation were nearly identical among different species of Mycobacteria. Remarkably, repetitive sequences at the intergenic spacer (IGS) region between morC and orf1' were detected by comparison of the nearly identical mor gene cluster regions. Considering the strain activity for alicyclic amine degradation, the deleted 65-bp DNA segment did not significantly alter the open reading frames, and the expression and functions of the P450(mor) system remained unaltered. In addition, we found a spontaneous deletion of P450(mor) from another strain HE5 containing the archetypal mor gene cluster, which indicated a possible occurrence of DNA recombination to rearrange the DNA.

Amines↗

Genetic characterization of the nitrate reducing community based on narG nucleotide sequence analysis.

The ability of facultative anerobes to respire nitrate has been ascribed mainly to the activity of a membrane-bound nitrate reductase encoded by the narGHJI operon. Respiratory nitrate reduction is the first step of the denitrification pathway, which is considered as an important soil process since it contributes to the global cycling of nitrogen. In this study, we employed direct PCR, cloning, and sequencing of narG gene fragments to determine the diversity of nitrate-reducing bacteria occurring in soil and in the maize rhizosphere. Libraries containing 727 clones in total were screened by restriction fragment analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of 128 narG sequences separated the clone families into two main groups that represent the Gram-positive and Gram-negative nitrate-reducing bacteria. Novel narG lineages that branch distinctly from all currently known membrane bound nitrate-reductase encoding genes were detected within the Gram-negative branch. All together, our results revealed a more complex nitrate-reducing community than did previous culture-based studies. A significant and consistent shift in the relative abundance of the nitrate-reducing groups within this functional community was detected in the maize rhizosphere. Thus a substantially higher abundance of the dominant clone family and a lower diversity index were observed in the rhizosphere compared to the unplanted soil, suggesting that a bacterial group has been specifically selected within the nitrate-reducing community. Furthermore, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of cloned narG gene fragments proved to be a powerful tool in evaluating the structure and the diversity of the nitrate-reducing community and community shifts therein.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

A thermostable alpha-galactosidase from Lactobacillus fermentum CRL722: genetic characterization and main properties.

Alpha-galactosidase (alpha-Gal) enzyme, which is encoded by the melA gene hydrolyzes alpha-1,6 galactoside linkages found in sugars, such as raffinose and stachyose. These alpha-galacto-oligosaccharides (alpha-GOS), which are found in large quantities in vegetables, such as soy, can cause gastrointestinal disorders in sensitive individuals because monogastric animals (including humans) do not posses alpha-Gal in the gut. The use of microbial alpha-Gal is a promising alternative to eliminate alpha-GOS in soy-derived products. Using degenerate primers, the melA gene from Lactobacillus (L.) fermentum CRL722 was identified. The complete genomic sequence of melA (2223 bp), and of the genes flanking melA, were obtained using a combination of polymerase chain reaction-based techniques, and showed strong similarities with the alpha-Gal gene of thermophilic microorganisms. The alpha-Gal gene from L. fermentum CRL722 was cloned and the protein purified from cell-free extracts of the native and recombinant strains using various techniques (ion exchange chromatography, salt precipitation, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and ultra-filtration); Its main biochemical properties were determined. The enzyme was active at moderately high temperatures (55 degrees C) and stable at wide ranges of temperatures and pH. The thermostable alpha-Gal from L. fermentum CRL722 could thus be used for technological applications, such as the removal of alpha-GOS found in soy products. The complete melA gene could also be inserted in other micro-organisms, that can survive in the harsh conditions of the gut to degrade alpha-GOS in situ. Both strategies would improve the overall acceptability of soy-derived products by improving their nutritional value.

Enzyme Stability↗

Genetic characterization of the poly(hydroxyalkanoate) synthases of various Pseudomonas oleovorans strains.

We identified the poly(hydroxyalkanoate) synthase (PHAS) genes of three strains of Pseudomonas oleovorans by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods. P. oleovorans NRRL B-14682 contains Class I PHA synthase gene (phaC), NRRL B-14683 harbors Class II phaC1 and phaC2 genes, and NRRL B-778 contain both the Class I and II PHA synthase genes. Inverse-PCR and chromosomal walking techniques were employed to obtain the complete sequences of the Class I phaCs of NRRL B-778 (phbC778; 1698 bps) and B-14682 (phbC14682; 1899 bps). BLAST search indicated that these genes are new and had not been previously cloned. The gene product of phbC778 (i.e., PhbC778; 566 amino acid residues) is homologous to the Class I PHA synthases of Pseudomonas sp. HJ-2 and Pseudomonas sp. strain 61-3, and that of phbC14682 (PhbC14682; 632 amino acids) is homologous to PHAS of Delftia acidovorans. The PhbC14682 contains an extra sequence of 33 amino acids in its conserved alpha/beta-hydrolase domain, making it only the second Class I PHA synthase found to contain this cellular proteolytic sequence. Consistent with their Pseudomonas origin, the codon-usage profiles of PhbC778 and PhbC14682 are similar to those of Pseudomonas Class II PHASs. These new Pseudomonas Class I phbC genes provide valuable addition to the gene pool for the construction of novel PHASs through gene shuffling.

Acyltransferases↗

Genetic characterization of a putative Densovirus from the mealybug Planococcus citri.

Total genomic DNA preparations from the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri, contained a DNA band corresponding to 5.5 kilobases. This DNA was a linear molecule and was cloned into pUC18. Nucleotide sequence determination indicated that it was the replicative form of a densovirus, most closely related to the virus from Periplaneta fuliginosa (smokybrown cockroach).

Animals↗

Molecular and genetic characterization of two anti-DNA antibodies derived from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Anti-double stranded(ds) DNA antibody is one of markers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Two human monoclonal anti-DNA antibody-producing cell lines were established from two SLE patients. One cell line secreted IgG isotype antibody (KSUG) and the other secreted IgM isotype antibody (KSUN). The light chains of the two immunoglobulins were lambda chains. The nucleotide sequences for the immunoglobulin variable region genes of the two antibodies were determined and compared to germline sequences. The heavy and lambda light chains of KSUG were VH3 family and V lambda IIIb, respectively. The heavy and lambda light chains of KSUN were VH4 family and V lambda IX, respectively. Antibody KSUG, IgG isotype, showed somatic mutations, whereas KSUN, IgM isotype, used the germline gene without mutation. These findings reconfirm the current paradigms that IgM anti-DNA antibodies are produced by utilizing germline genes whereas IgG anti-DNA antibodies are produced by somatic mutations.

Adult↗

A morphological and genetic characterization of metamorphosis in the ascidian Boltenia villosa.

Ascidian metamorphosis is a critical life history stage for exploring chordate evolution and conserved chordate developmental signaling pathways. The vast majority of research on ascidian development has been focused on embryogenesis. Thus there is still little known about the development of ascidian post-larval structures, including differentiation of the chordate pharyngeal gill slits and endostyle along with the heart, blood cells and gut. In this paper, we present our research on metamorphosis in the solitary ascidian Boltenia villosa. Through careful analysis of phalloidin staining in young juveniles, we have discerned a highly coordinated series of developmental events underlying the differentiation of the gut and body wall musculature. Additionally, we have employed subtractive hybridizations to isolate genes that are differentially transcribed during Boltenia metamorphosis. Some of these genes are expressed throughout ascidian development and some appear to be uniquely expressed during metamorphosis. Here we characterize several transcripts with potential developmental functions and discuss their possible roles in the differentiation of adult structures during solitary ascidian metamorphosis.

Animals↗

Molecular genetic characterization and subcellular localization of a putative Theileria annulata membrane protein.

A Theileria annulata protein (TaD) exhibiting an N-terminal signal sequence for endoplasmic reticulum membrane translocation and a conserved cysteine-rich region was isolated by screening the mRNA of a T. annulata-infected bovine lymphoblastoid cell line with degenerated primers directed against T. annulata-targeting sequences. The TaD-coding sequence was found to be most closely related to the genomic DNA sequence of T. parva (TIGR database, 72%) and the amino acid sequence of Plasmodium falciparum (41%), P. yoelii yoelii (38%) and Cryptosporidium parvum (36%). The TaD mRNA is expressed within the sporozoite, schizont and merozoite stages of the parasite, implying that it is constitutively transcribed throughout the parasite's life cycle. Allelic variants were found between isolates originating from different geographical regions, however not affecting conserved cysteines. The open reading frame encoded a protein of 19.5 kDa and non-reducing SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated a homodimeric protein. Using confocal microscopy, the protein was found to be both located in the parasite cytoplasm and to colocalize with a transmembrane protein of the schizonts within infected cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular genetic characterization and subcellular localization of Theileria annulata mitochondrial heat-shock protein 70.

A Theileria annulata mitochondrial heat-shock protein of the 70-kDa family (Tamthsp70) was isolated by screening of the cDNA library of a T. annulata-infected bovine lymphoblastoid cell line with an antibody raised against T. annulata schizonts. The Tamthsp70 coding sequence was found to be most closely related to a previously reported mitochondrial hsp70 gene of Eimeria tenella exhibiting a similarity of 67% with mitochondrial hsp70 genes of eukaryotic plants (Pisum sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris) and with dnaK proteins of prokaryotes (Rhizobium meliloti, Agrobacterium tumefaciens). The Tamthsp70 mRNA is expressed within the sporozoite, schizont, and merozoite stages of the parasite, which suggests that it is constitutively transcribed throughout the life cycle. The gene encodes a polypeptide of 681 amino acids and exhibits a mitochondrial targeting sequence and several sequence motifs common to mitochondrial hsp70 and prokaryotic dnaK proteins. The protein level of the Tamthsp70 protein after heat shock decreased slightly during the exposure of infected cells to a temperature of 42 degrees C in comparison with cells cultured at 37 degrees C. By immunofluorescence the protein was located in the area in which the schizonts reside within infected cells. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the hsp70 protein was predominantly localized in the mitochondria of the parasites. However, it was also found in small amounts in the cytoplasm of the parasite and host cell. This indicates (1) that Tamthsp70 is very probably translated in the parasite cytoplasm and then transported across the mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial matrix and (2) that it is transported across the parasite membrane into the host-cell cytoplasm.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular genetic characterization of two metachromatic leukodystrophy patients who carry the T799G mutation and show different phenotypes; description of a novel null-type mutation.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive storage disease caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, arylsulfatase A. Two common mutations causing MLD have been characterized and correlations between phenotype and genotype have been established. A third common mutation, T799G, has also been identified in European MLD patients, and is associated with the late-onset forms of the disease. We report the molecular analysis of two Italian MLD patients, with juvenile and adult onset of the disease, respectively, who carried the T799G mutation in compound heterozygosity with different null mutations. A novel rapid mutation detection method is demonstrated for patient screening. One patient has a novel mutation, a T553C [corrected] transition that results in the substitution of Pro for Leu at codon 135, and produces no enzymatic activity in transfection experiments.

Adult↗