The membron: a functional hypothesis for the translational regulation of genetic expression.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
SEARCH · PubMed Health
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.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Using a cDNA array-based functional genomics approach in barley, several candidate genes for malting quality including serine carboxypeptidase I (Cxp1) were previously identified (Potokina et al. in Mol Breed 14:153, 2004). The gene was mapped as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker on chromosome 3H using the Steptoe (feeding grade)xMorex (malting grade) mapping population. Subsequently, the relative level of Cxp1 expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR for each of the 134 progeny lines and mapped as a quantitative trait. Only one quantitative trait locus (QTL) could be identified that significantly influenced the level of the Cxp1 expression. The expressed QTL maps to the same region on chromosome 3H as does the structural gene and corresponds to a QTL for "diastatic power," one among several traits measured to assess malting quality. An analysis of 90 barley cultivars sampled from a worldwide collection revealed six SNPs at the Cxp1 locus, three of which display complete linkage disequilibrium and define two haplotypes. The Cxp1 expression level in a set of barley accessions showing haplotype I was significantly higher than that of accessions displaying haplotype II. The data provide evidence that (1) the expression of Cxp1 is regulated in cis and that (2) the level of diastatic power in the barley seed is influenced by the level of Cxp1 expression.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In mouse and human preimplantation development, pyruvate is consumed preferentially during early embryogenesis; however, during the morula and blastocyst stages, glucose is the preferred energy substrate. Studies have suggested that the glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase and glucose phosphate isomerase, are important enzymes in glucose metabolism during these later stages of human and mouse preimplantation development. In order to investigate the genetic activities of these enzymes in late-stage mouse embryos developing in vitro, we analysed hexokinase and glucose phosphate isomerase transcription activities by qualitative RNA assays using reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction amplification of individual mouse morulae and early blastocysts incubated in glucose/phosphate-free preimplantation stage one (P1) medium and glucose/phosphate-containing human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. We observed an increased incidence of hexokinase transcripts in the population of blastocysts compared with morulae, and differences in transcript incidence between early blastocysts developing in HTF medium and in P1 medium. In contrast, glucose phosphate isomerase transcripts were consistantly present in all embryos analysed, and appear to be constitutively expressed during late-stage mouse embryogenesis. The different activity patterns of the two glycolytic genes may reflect different mechanisms of gene regulation or differential transcript stability during the later stages of mouse preimplantation development.
Tetracycline-resistant bacteria were first isolated in 1953 from Shigella dysenteriae, a bacterium which causes bacterial dysentery. Since then tetracycline-resistant bacterial have been found in increasing numbers of species and genera. This has resulted in reduced effectiveness of tetracycline therapy over time. Tetracycline resistance is normally due to the acquisition of new genes often associated with either a mobile plasmid or a transposon. These tetracycline resistance determinants are distinguishable both genetically and biochemically. Resistance is primarily due to either energy-dependent efflux of tetracycline or protection of the ribosomes from the action of tetracycline. Gram-negative tetracycline efflux proteins are linked to repressor proteins which in the absence of tetracycline block transcription of the repressor and structural efflux genes. In contrast, expression of the Gram-positive tetracycline efflux genes and some of the ribosomal protection genes appears to be regulated by attenuation of mRNA transcription. Specific tetracycline resistance genes have been identified in 32 Gram-negative and 22 Gram-positive genera. Tetracycline-resistant bacteria are found in pathogens, opportunistic and normal flora species. Tetracycline-resistant bacteria can be isolated from man, animals, food, and the environment. The nonpathogens in each of these ecosystems may play an important role as reservoirs for the antibiotic resistance genes. It is clear that if we are to reverse the trend toward increasingly antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria we will need to change how antibiotics are used in both human and animal health and food production.
The primary transcripts of the rpsO-pnp, rnc-era-recO and metY-nusA-infB operons of E coli are each processed by RNase III, upstream of the first translated gene, in hair-pin structures formed by the 5' non-coding leader. The mRNAs of the 3 operons, of which the 5' terminal motifs have been removed by RNase III, decay significantly more rapidly than the uncut transcripts which accumulate in the RNase III deficient strain. The rapid decay of a primary transcript of the metY-nusA-infB operon, initiated at a secondary promoter in the vicinity of the RNase III sites, suggests that the 5' features upstream of the RNase III cutting sites are responsible for the stability of the uncut RNAs. RNase III autocontrols its own expression by removing the 5' motif which stabilizes its mRNA. Similarly, the synthesis of polynucleotide phosphorylase and of protein Era are also controlled by RNase III cleavages which trigger the degradation of their messengers. The role of RNase III in the regulation of gene expression and the possible mechanisms of mRNA stabilization and of 5' to 3' decay initiated by RNase III processing are discussed.
Complex external stimuli such as odorants are believed to be internally represented in the brain by spatiotemporal activity patterns of extensive neuronal ensembles. These activity patterns can be recorded by optical imaging techniques. However, optical imaging with conventional fluorescence dyes usually does not allow for resolving the activity of biologically defined groups of neurons. Therefore, specifically targeting reporter molecules to neuron populations of common genetic identity is an important goal. We report the use of the genetically encoded calcium-sensitive fluorescence protein cameleon 2.1 in the Drosophila brain. We visualized odorant-evoked intracellular calcium concentration changes in selectively labeled olfactory projection neurons both postsynaptically in the antennal lobe, the primary olfactory neuropil, and presynaptically in the mushroom body calyx, a structure involved in olfactory learning and memory. As a technical achievement, we show that calcium imaging with a genetically encoded fluorescence probe is feasible in a brain in vivo. This will allow one to combine Drosophila's advanced genetic tools with the physiological analysis of brain function. Moreover, we report for the first time optical imaging recordings in synaptic regions of the Drosophila mushroom body calyx and antennal lobe. This provides an important step for the use of Drosophila as a model system in olfaction.
The identification of several sources of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) outside the brain, including the gonads, has suggested the intriguing possibility that CRF of systemic origin can influence gonadal function under both normal and stressful conditions. However, the exact sites of action and the type of cells targeted by this stress-related neuropeptide in the ovaries remain unknown. The present study therefore investigated the effect of acute immobilization stress on the distribution of the recently cloned CRF receptor (CRF1, CRF2 alpha, and CRF2 beta) genes in the ovaries of adult cycling female rats (200-250 g; 14 h light, lights-on at 0600 h). Reproductive stages were verified by daily vaginal smears taken each morning for a minimum of 3-4 cycles prior to the experiment. Three hours after the start of a 90-min immobilization session, rats were deeply anesthetized and transcardially perfused with a solution of 4% paraformaldehyde on the morning (1100 h) and on the afternoon (1700 h) of proestrus and diestrus-2. Frozen ovaries were mounted on a microtome, cut into 30-microns slices, and then processed for the detection of mRNAs encoding CRF1, CRF2 alpha, or CRF2 beta receptors by in situ hybridization histochemistry using 35S-labeled riboprobes. Whereas the ovaries displayed barely detectable levels of CRF1 receptor mRNA in control and in stressed animals on the morning of proestrus and the day of diestrus-2, a positive signal for this transcript was detected in stroma cells and in the theca surrounding the ovulatory follicles during the afternoon of proestrus. Excluding the cumulus oophorus, which showed a light expression of the mRNA encoding the type 1 CRF receptor, granulosa cells were completely devoid of transcript in Graafian follicles as well as in CL, regardless of the stage of maturation. Interestingly, immobilization stress induced a marked expression of CRF1 receptor mRNA in the stroma cells in the afternoon of proestrus, suggesting that the ovaries may be sensitive to acute neurogenic challenge during the preovulatory stage. On the other hand, CRF2 alpha and CRF2 beta receptor mRNAs were undetectable both in control and stressed animals throughout the estrous cycle. These results provide clear evidence that the gene encoding the CRF1 receptor but not the type 2 receptors can be finely induced in selective ovarian compartments in both control and stressful conditions during the gonadal life cycle. The temporal and anatomic selectivity of the ovarian periovulatory CRF1 receptor gene expression may suggest a critical biological action of CRF during the ovulatory process and suggests that the intraovarian environment may influence the stress-induced transcription of a selective CRF receptor subtype within the ovary.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
BACKGROUND: Allergy is an immunological disorder affecting about 25% of the population living in the industrialized countries. Specific immunotherapy is the only treatment with a long-lasting relief of allergic symptoms and able to reduce the risk of developing new allergic sensitizations and inhibiting the development of clinical asthma in children treated for allergic rhinitis. METHODS: By means of DNA recombinant technology, we were able to design a head to tail dimer expressing disulphide bond variants of the major allergen of the Parietaria pollen. IgE binding activity was studied by Western blot, ELISA inhibition assays and the skin prick test. T cell recognition was studied by peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation. The immunogenicity of the hybrid was studied in a mouse model of sensitization. RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo analysis showed that the disruption of specific cysteine residues in both allergens caused a strong reduction in IgE binding activity of the PjEDcys hybrid. In addition,we were able to show that a reduction in the IgE epitope content profoundly reduced the anaphylactic activity of the hybrid (from 100 to 1,000 times less than wild-type allergens) without interfering with the T cell recognition. Sera from BALB/c mice immunized with the hybrid were able to bind the natural Parietaria allergens and to inhibit the binding of human IgE to wild-type Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens up to 90%. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that hybrid-expressing disulphide bond variants of the major allergens of the Parietaria pollen displayed reduced allergenicity and maintained T cell reactivity for induction of protective antibodies.
By three pedigree and statistical criteria van der Woude syndrome (VWS) appears to have been underreported and frequently not diagnosed. Eight percent of gene carriers are not diagnosed because they are nonpenetrant. But among penetrant gene carriers as many as 80% may not have been recognized in the past. A direct estimate of incidence of VWS is 3.6/100,000 births; indirect estimates are more than double that. The relative risk of inheriting a cleft from an affected parent is 22.43%; the risk of inheriting lip pits only, or being nonpenetrant is 27.57%. (This corrects a similar statement in the abstract of Burdick et al [J Craniofacial Genet Dev Biol 5:181-208, 1985], which was incorrectly calculated). The idea of unitary control of the action of the VWS gene in the three target tissues appears not to be supported. Rather, we tend to support the idea that the gene is controlled independently in the three tissues. Indications of a family at risk are listed and discussed.
DNA sequence studies of mutated and wild type alleles of an intron in the mosaic mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b have revealed the possible existence of a protein coded in the intron and involved in RNA splicing. This protein would be endowed with properties of intrinsic autotomy of its own messenger RNA.
The effects of pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) and beta-naphthoflavone (beta NF) on the hepatic microsome-mediated mutagenesis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and benzo[a]pyrene, and on the metabolism of aflatoxins B1 and B2, were investigated in inbred mouse strains. The inbred strains of mice studied included Ah nonresponsive strains (DBA/2Ha, AKR/Sn and RF/J), which were also nonresponsive to the induction of the metabolism of AFB1 to AFM1 (AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity), and Ah responsive strains (C57BL/6Ha, ICR/Ha, C3H/St, A/St, Balb/cCr, C57e/Ha and CBA/Pi), which were also responsive to the induction of AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity. The hepatic microsome-mediated enzyme activities studied included: mutagenic activation of AFB1 and benzo[a]pyrene in the Ames Salmonella typhimurium TA-98 system; metabolism of AFB1 and AFB2 to AFM1 and AFM2, respectively; and benzo[a]pyrene metabolism measured as the formation of fluorescent phenolic metabolites, i.e. aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity. Time-course and dose-response studies in C57BL/6Ha mice revealed that the metabolism of aflatoxin B1/B2 to aflatoxin M1/M2 (AFB1/B2-4-hydroxylase activity) was induced by both MC and beta NF. In the nonresponsive strains studied, pretreatment with MC or beta NF produced essentially little alteration of AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity or AHH activity or the mutagenic activation of AFB1 and benzo[a]pyrene. On the other hand, AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity in the responsive strains was induced 4- to 10-fold by MC (60 mg/kg) and 2.5- to 7-fold by beta NF (150 mg/kg). Also in the responsive strains, induction of AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity was strongly associated with (a) the depression of the mutagenic activation of AFB1, and (b) with the induction of both AHH and the mutagenic activation of benzo[a]pyrene. In summary, the results described in this report suggest that: (a) induction of AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity by MC (or beta NF) is associated with the depression of AFB1 mutagenesis and with the induction of benzo[a]pyrene mutagenesis; and (b) induction by MC (or beta NF) of AHH activity, AFB1-4-hydroxylase activity and AFB2-4-hydroxylase activity is controlled by either the same or closely linked genetic factors.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the correlation between the expression of genes from sires in purebred and crossbred progeny (rPC) and in Hereford and Angus F1 calves (rHA). Performance traits were weights at birth, 200 d, and 365 d. Progeny from Hereford, Polled Hereford, and Angus bulls mated to Hereford or Angus cows were used to estimate rPC. Progeny from Charolais, Shorthorn, Simmental, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Tarentaise, and Salers bulls mated to Hereford or Angus cows were used to estimate rHA. Performances in purebreds (P) and crosses (C) or in Hereford (H) and Angus (A) F1 calves were treated as separate traits. A multivariate animal model with birth year-cow age-sex subclasses, random correlated direct and maternal additive genetic effects, and maternal permanent environmental effects was used. Separate analyses were done by breed of sire. A derivative-free algorithm was used to obtain REML estimates of (co)variance components. Weighted averages across breeds of estimates of heritability for P, C, H, and A were, respectively, .61, .51, .47, and .40 for birth weight, .41, .46, .37, and .34 for weaning weight, and .50, .49, .42, and .46 for yearling weight. Estimates of rPC ranged from .88 to .97, .55 to .94, and .68 to .86 for weights at birth, 200 d, and 365 d, respectively. Estimates of rHA ranged from .43 to .99, .56 to .95, and .50 to .98 for weights at birth, 200 d, and 365 d, respectively. Weighted averages of estimates of rPC and rHA across sire breeds were, respectively, .93 and .85 for birth weight, .77 and .73 for weaning weight, and .76 and .86 for yearling weight. These results indicate that ranking of sires producing purebreds or crosses, or crossbred calves from different breeds of dams, is approximately the same for birth and yearling weights, but some reranking might occur for weaning weight.