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Isolation of a large cholecystokinin precursor from canine brain.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)-like immunoreactivity (CCK-LI) in a pool of 12 dog brains was extracted sequentially into boiling water and cold 2% trifluoroacetic acid. Gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 revealed three main molecular forms detected by a carboxyl-terminal antibody; one was eluted in the position of CCK-58 (58 amino acid residues long); a second, in the position of CCK-8; and a third, near the radioactive iodide marker. When the CCK-LI was purified by affinity chromatography using carboxyl-terminal CCK antibody followed by three steps of reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, three components were isolated and characterized by sequence microanalysis. The smallest component was the pentapeptide common to gastrin and CCK. The second peak was eluted in the same region as synthetic CCK octapeptide, and sequence analysis showed that the chemical structure of this biologically active region of canine CCK is identical to that found in sheep and pig brains. The 22-residue amino-terminal sequence of brain CCK-58 was: Ala-Val-Gln-Lys-Val-Asp-Gly-Glu-Pro-Arg-Ala-His-Leu-Gly -Ala-Leu-leu-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Ile-Gln-, the same as the sequence found for canine intestinal CCK-58 from this pool of dogs. This is the same sequence others have reported for porcine brain CCK-58 lacking nine amino acid residues (CCK-58 desnonapeptide) except that the porcine peptide had a serine in position 9. The canine CCK amino-terminal sequence differed from the sequence Ala-Gln-Lys-Val-Asn-Ser previously reported for intestinal CCK-58 purified from another pool of dog tissue, but the rest of the residues identified were identical in the two peptides. CCK-58 may be a molecular precursor of the smaller forms of CCK in brain as well as in gut.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Growth hormone heterogeneity in American plaice pituitaries: isolation, characterization, and partial amino acid sequence.

Growth hormones (GHs) have been isolated from pituitary glands of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides), a marine flatfish, using affinity and gel filtration chromatography, followed by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). A bioassay based on serum triiodothyronine elevation in immature rainbow trout was used to monitor biological activity. These GHs originate from two molecular mass regions, 42K and less than 33K relative molecular mass (Mr), in their native state. The 42K Mr region yielded two forms of GH, which differ in terms of quantity and net charge as evidenced by native PAGE, a major variant with a relative mobility of (Rf) 0.22 and a lesser variant with Rf 0.28. The less than 33 Mr region has a single GH species with Rf 0.22. Upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE, without reduction, both GH variants from the 42K Mr region gave Mrs of 21K, while the GH from the less than 33K Mr region was 20K Mr, typical of monomeric vertebrate GHs. The proteins composing the 42K Mr region are proposed as GH dimers since they yield 21K Mr peptides. The less than 33K Mr region contains a GH monomer (20K Mr) in its native state. An amino-terminal amino acid sequence, identical for both the 42K and the 20K Mr Rf 0.22 forms, has good homology with other complete fish GH sequences near their carboxyl-terminal regions (between amino acids 130 and 196). The GH dimers (42K Mr) predominate in the plaice pituitary, contributing 93% of the total, of which 86% gives rise to the Rf 0.22 variant.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A probabilistic measure for alignment-free sequence comparison.

MOTIVATION: Alignment-free sequence comparison methods are still in the early stages of development compared to those of alignment-based sequence analysis. In this paper, we introduce a probabilistic measure of similarity between two biological sequences without alignment. The method is based on the concept of comparing the similarity/dissimilarity between two constructed Markov models. RESULTS: The method was tested against six DNA sequences, which are the thrA, thrB and thrC genes of the threonine operons from Escherichia coli K-12 and from Shigella flexneri; and one random sequence having the same base composition as thrA from E.coli. These results were compared with those obtained from CLUSTAL W algorithm (alignment-based) and the chaos game representation (alignment-free). The method was further tested against a more complex set of 40 DNA sequences and compared with other existing sequence similarity measures (alignment-free). AVAILABILITY: All datasets and computer codes written in MATLAB are available upon request from the first author.

Algorithms↗

Optimal cDNA microarray design using expressed sequence tags for organisms with limited genomic information.

BACKGROUND: Expression microarrays are increasingly used to characterize environmental responses and host-parasite interactions for many different organisms. Probe selection for cDNA microarrays using expressed sequence tags (ESTs) is challenging due to high sequence redundancy and potential cross-hybridization between paralogous genes. In organisms with limited genomic information, like marine organisms, this challenge is even greater due to annotation uncertainty. No general tool is available for cDNA microarray probe selection for these organisms. Therefore, the goal of the design procedure described here is to select a subset of ESTs that will minimize sequence redundancy and characterize potential cross-hybridization while providing functionally representative probes. RESULTS: Sequence similarity between ESTs, quantified by the E-value of pair-wise alignment, was used as a surrogate for expected hybridization between corresponding sequences. Using this value as a measure of dissimilarity, sequence redundancy reduction was performed by hierarchical cluster analyses. The choice of how many microarray probes to retain was made based on an index developed for this research: a sequence diversity index (SDI) within a sequence diversity plot (SDP). This index tracked the decreasing within-cluster sequence diversity as the number of clusters increased. For a given stage in the agglomeration procedure, the EST having the highest similarity to all the other sequences within each cluster, the centroid EST, was selected as a microarray probe. A small dataset of ESTs from Atlantic white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) was used to test this algorithm so that the detailed results could be examined. The functional representative level of the selected probes was quantified using Gene Ontology (GO) annotations. CONCLUSIONS: For organisms with limited genomic information, combining hierarchical clustering methods to analyze ESTs can yield an optimal cDNA microarray design. If biomarker discovery is the goal of the microarray experiments, the average linkage method is more effective, while single linkage is more suitable if identification of physiological mechanisms is more of interest. This general design procedure is not limited to designing single-species cDNA microarrays for marine organisms, and it can equally be applied to multiple-species microarrays of any organisms with limited genomic information.

Animals↗

[Analysis of specific nucleotide sequences. DNA biosensors].

Information about common molecular-biological approaches for the determination of the specific nucleotide sequences in genetic materials was given in the review. Main attention was paid to consideration of the ways for DNA biosensor creation. The information about the types of such biosensors was presented in detail and characteristics of the developed devices were cited. Separately the question about the use of the instrumental analytical approaches for the identification of genetic materials of individual pathogenic microorganisms was viewed.

Animals↗

Mass distributed clustering: a new algorithm for repeated measurements in gene expression data.

The availability of whole-genome sequence data and high-throughput techniques such as DNA microarray enable researchers to monitor the alteration of gene expression by a certain organ or tissue in a comprehensive manner. The quantity of gene expression data can be greater than 30,000 genes per one measurement, making data clustering methods for analysis essential. Biologists usually design experimental protocols so that statistical significance can be evaluated; often, they conduct experiments in triplicate to generate a mean and standard deviation. Existing clustering methods usually use these mean or median values, rather than the original data, and take significance into account by omitting data showing large standard deviations, which eliminates potentially useful information. We propose a clustering method that uses each of the triplicate data sets as a probability distribution function instead of pooling data points into a median or mean. This method permits truly unsupervised clustering of the data from DNA microarrays.

Algorithms↗

Expression profiling reveals COI1 to be a key regulator of genes involved in wound- and methyl jasmonate-induced secondary metabolism, defence, and hormone interactions.

The Arabidopsis gene COI1 is required for jasmonic acid (JA)-induced growth inhibition, resistance to insect herbivory, and resistance to pathogens. In addition, COI1 is also required for transcription of several genes induced by wounding or by JA. Here, we use microarray gene transcription profiling of wild type and coi1 mutant plants to examine the extent of the requirement of COI1 for JA-induced and wound-induced gene transcription. We show that COI1 is required for expression of approximately 84% of 212 genes induced by JA, and for expression of approximately 44% of 153 genes induced by wounding. Surprisingly, COI1 was also required for repression of 53% of 104 genes whose expression was suppressed by JA, and for repression of approximately 46% of 83 genes whose expression was suppressed by wounding. These results indicate that COI1 plays a pivotal role in wound- and JA signalling.

Acetates↗

A new strategy to identify novel genes and gene isoforms: Analysis of human chromosomes 15, 21 and 22.

We present here a novel methodology for the identification of genome regions potentially spanning one or more protein coding genes. It is based on the detection of clusters of conserved sequence tags whose evolutionary dynamics, based on the observation of an excess bias of synonymous substitutions at nucleotide level and of conservative replacements at protein level, suggests a likely protein coding role. A benchmark test carried out on a 236 Mbp of human-mouse syntenic regions from human chromosomes 15, 21 and 22 identified 25 CST clusters potentially containing unannotated genes. A further annotation update of the human genome assembly revealed that 11/25 clusters actually contained a total of 20 validated genes and 10 of the remaining 14 clusters had several experimental evidence in support of the presence of protein coding genes. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness and high prediction reliability of the proposed methodology which could specifically be applied to the annotation of novel genome sequences.

Animals↗

An integrated approach to fast and informative morphological vouchering of nematodes for applications in molecular barcoding.

Molecular surveys of meiofaunal diversity face some interesting methodological challenges when it comes to interstitial nematodes from soils and sediments. Morphology-based surveys are greatly limited in processing speed, while barcoding approaches for nematodes are hampered by difficulties of matching sequence data with traditional taxonomy. Intermediate technology is needed to bridge the gap between both approaches. An example of such technology is video capture and editing microscopy, which consists of the recording of taxonomically informative multifocal series of microscopy images as digital video clips. The integration of multifocal imaging with sequence analysis of the D2D3 region of large subunit (LSU) rDNA is illustrated here in the context of a combined morphological and barcode sequencing survey of marine nematodes from Baja California and California. The resulting video clips and sequence data are made available online in the database NemATOL (http://nematol.unh.edu/). Analyses of 37 barcoded nematodes suggest that these represent at least 32 species, none of which matches available D2D3 sequences in public databases. The recorded multifocal vouchers allowed us to identify most specimens to genus, and will be used to match specimens with subsequent species identifications and descriptions of preserved specimens. Like molecular barcodes, multifocal voucher archives are part of a wider effort at structuring and changing the process of biodiversity discovery. We argue that data-rich surveys and phylogenetic tools for analysis of barcode sequences are an essential component of the exploration of phyla with a high fraction of undiscovered species. Our methods are also directly applicable to other meiofauna such as for example gastrotrichs and tardigrades.

Animals↗

Human interleukin-9: a new cytokine in hematopoiesis.

IL-9 was first identified in the mouse system as a T cell growth factor while human IL-9 was isolated based on its activity on a human myeloid leukemic cell line. The high sequence homology between mouse and human IL-9 plus the preliminary biological analysis have predicted a wide spectrum of in vitro biological activities for this cytokine. Despite the high sequence homology between mouse and human IL-9, many biological activities, however, have not been demonstrated in both species. In vivo studies therefore become essential to understand the physiological role of IL-9. Increasing evidence have also suggested the possible role of IL-9 in the pathogenesis of HD and LCAL. Detailed analysis of IL-9 expression, autocrine growth and clinical outcome of HD patients will be required to make any speculation on the role of this cytokine in the disease states.

Animals↗

Community genomics among stratified microbial assemblages in the ocean's interior.

Microbial life predominates in the ocean, yet little is known about its genomic variability, especially along the depth continuum. We report here genomic analyses of planktonic microbial communities in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, from the ocean's surface to near-sea floor depths. Sequence variation in microbial community genes reflected vertical zonation of taxonomic groups, functional gene repertoires, and metabolic potential. The distributional patterns of microbial genes suggested depth-variable community trends in carbon and energy metabolism, attachment and motility, gene mobility, and host-viral interactions. Comparative genomic analyses of stratified microbial communities have the potential to provide significant insight into higher-order community organization and dynamics.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Improved preparation and crystallization of 25 kDa human fibroblast growth factor-9.

We prepared 25 kDa human fibroblast growth factor-9 (hFGF-9 N33) on a large scale after overproduction in Escherichia coli MM294 (DE3)/pTG931. The purification was performed by a combination of hydrophobic chromatography and HPLC with an ion exchange column, a heparin affinity column and a gel filtration column. This improved procedure was rapid and simple, and the purified hFGF-9 N33 was found to be homogeneous as judged by various criteria, such as amino acid analysis, N-terminal amino acid sequence, C-terminal amino acid analysis and biological activity. Furthermore, as determined by low endotoxin and DNA content, the protein was of high purity. In addition, the hFGF-9 N33 prepared in the present study was easily crystallized by the vapour diffusion method.

3T3 Cells↗

Recent developments in the molecular biology of anaplasmosis.

Recent applications of DNA analysis, cloning, sequencing and expression technology have resulted in significant advances in our understanding of the hemoparasite Anaplasma marginale. Analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA has confirmed a phylogenetic position close to Ehrlichia sp. and Cowdria ruminantium. Intact genomic DNA of A. marginale digested with SfiI separates into bands from 14 to 170 kbp on pulse-field gels, with a total genome size of 1200-1260 kbp and G + C content of 56 mol%. Major surface proteins (MSP1-MSP5) have been identified and DNA coding sequences are available for most of these. These data have revealed that MSPs may be quite polymorphic between different geographic isolates, may be encoded by multi-gene families, and have some similar features to other prokaryotes including signal peptidase cleavage sites and gene regulatory sequences. Homologies have been detected between MSPs and immunodominant proteins of Cowdria ruminantium. Several MSPs have been expressed to high level and purified from recombinant Escherichia coli. MSP 1, 2 and 4 have potential for the development of vaccines and MSP3 and 5 for improved diagnostic assays.

Anaplasma↗

Combining microarrays and biological knowledge for estimating gene networks via Bayesian networks.

We propose a statistical method for estimating a gene network based on Bayesian networks from microarray gene expression data together with biological knowledge including protein-protein interactions, protein-DNA interactions, binding site information, existing literature and so on. Unfortunately, microarray data do not contain enough information for constructing gene networks accurately in many cases. Our method adds biological knowledge to the estimation method of gene networks under a Bayesian statistical framework, and also controls the trade-off between microarray information and biological knowledge automatically. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. We analyze Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene expression data as an application.

Bayes Theorem↗

Ribonomics: identifying mRNA subsets in mRNP complexes using antibodies to RNA-binding proteins and genomic arrays.

Although in vitro methods have been used to identify putative targets of mRNA-binding proteins, direct in vivo methods are needed to identify endogenously associated mRNAs and their cognate proteins. Therefore, we have developed high-throughput methods to identify structurally and/or functionally related mRNA transcripts through their endogenous association with RNA-binding proteins. We have termed the identification and analysis of mRNA subsets using RNA-associated proteins ribonomics, and have established four primary steps for the method: (1) isolation of endogenous mRNA-protein complexes (mRNPs) under optimized conditions, (2) the en masse characterization of the protein and mRNA components associated with the targeted mRNP complexes, (3) identification of sequences or structural similarities among members of the mRNA subset, and (4) determination of functional relationships among the protein products coded for by members of the mRNA subset. We have hypothesized that mRNAs are organized into structurally and functionally linked groups to better affect information transfer through coordinate gene expression. The functional consequences of such organization would be to facilitate the production of proteins that regulate processes necessary for growth and differentiation. This article describes a series of biochemical techniques that deal with the first two steps of ribonomic profiling: purifying endogenous mRNP complexes and identifying multiple mRNA targets using microarray analysis.

Animals↗

Phylogeny for the faint of heart: a tutorial.

Phylogenetic trees seem to be finding ever broader applications, and researchers from very different backgrounds are becoming interested in what they might have to say. This tutorial aims to introduce the basics of building and interpreting phylogenetic trees. It is intended for those wanting to understand better what they are looking at when they look at someone else's trees or to begin learning how to build their own. Topics covered include: how to read a tree, assembling a dataset, multiple sequence alignment (how it works and when it does not), phylogenetic methods, bootstrap analysis and long-branch artefacts, and software and resources.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomic variation in the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b (MT-CYB) and 16S rRNA (MT-RNR2) genes: characterization of eight endangered Pecoran species.

In an effort to develop species-specific identification markers, we examined genetic variants and molecular signatures within genes encoding mitochondrial cytochrome b and 16S rRNA in eight endangered Pecoran species endemic to the Indian peninsula. Our results revealed that the cytochrome b gene exhibited higher sequence diversity than the 16S rRNA gene, both between and within species. However, the 16S rRNA gene harboured a larger number of species-specific mutation sites compared with the cytochrome b gene, suggesting that it could be useful for species identification. Indeed, we successfully used 'forensically informative nucleotide sequencing' (FINS) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene to identify two previously unknown biological specimens.

Animals↗