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Regulation of internal ribosomal entry site-mediated translation by phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2alpha.

Initiation of translation from most cellular mRNAs occurs via scanning; the 40 S ribosomal subunit binds to the m(7)G-cap and then moves along the mRNA until an initiation codon is encountered. Some cellular mRNAs contain internal ribosome entry sequences (IRESs) within their 5'-untranslated regions, which allow initiation independently of the 5'-cap. This study investigated the ability of cellular stress to regulate the activity of IRESs in cellular mRNAs. Three stresses were studied that cause the phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor, eIF2alpha, by activating specific kinases: (i) amino acid starvation, which activates GCN2; (ii) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which activates PKR-like ER kinase, PERK kinase; and (iii) double-stranded RNA, which activates double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) by mimicking viral infection. Amino acid starvation and ER stress caused transient phosphorylation of eIF2alpha during the first hour of treatment, whereas double-stranded RNA caused a sustained phosphorylation of eIF2alpha after 2 h. The effects of these treatments on IRES-mediated initiation were investigated using bicistronic mRNA expression vectors. No effect was seen for the IRESs from the mRNAs for the chaperone BiP and the protein kinase Pim-1. In contrast, translation mediated by the IRESs from the cationic amino acid transporter, cat-1, and of the cricket paralysis virus intergenic region, were stimulated 3- to 10-fold by all three treatments. eIF2alpha phosphorylation was required for the response because inactivation of phosphorylation prevented the stimulation. It is concluded that cellular stress can stimulate translation from some cellular IRESs via a mechanism that requires the phosphorylation of eIF2alpha. Moreover, there are distinct regulatory patterns for different cellular mRNAs that contain IRESs within their 5'-untranslated regions.

Animals↗

Antisense inhibition of beta-glucuronidase expression in preimplantation mouse embryos: a comparison of transgenes and oligodeoxynucleotides.

Using as a model the inhibition of beta-glucuronidase expression in preimplantation embryos, we have compared injections of transgenes directing the synthesis of antisense RNA and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to our previous results with cytoplasmic injections of antisense RNAs. Pronuclear injection of an antisense DNA construct containing 1.4 kb of coding region of beta-glucuronidase fused to the mouse metallothionein I promoter results in transient inhibition of gene expression in preimplantation mouse embryos. Pronuclear injection of a smaller antisense DNA construct, overlapping the start codon, failed to inhibit gene expression. Injection of two 20-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, one complementary to sequences including the initiation codon and the second complementary to exon 7 sequences of the beta-glucuronidase gene, failed to inhibit gene expression. In addition, cultures of embryos in the presence of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides had no effect on gene activity. Using radiolabeled oligomers added to the culture medium, we found poor uptake of oligodeoxynucleotides by embryos.

Animals↗

Cloning and characterization of the gene coding for cytoplasmic seryl-tRNA synthetase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have screened a Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression library with antibodies against seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) from baker's yeast. In this way we obtained clones which contain serS, the structural gene for seryl-tRNA synthetase. Genomic Southern blots show that the serS gene resides on a 5.0 kb SalI fragment. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the genes revealed a single open reading frame from which we deduced the amino acid sequence of the enzyme consistent with that of two peptides isolated from SerRS. The enzyme is comprised of 462 amino acids consistent with earlier determinations of its molecular weight. The codon usage of serS is typical of abundant yeast proteins. Nuclease S1 analysis of serS mRNA defined the RNA initiation site 20-40 bases downstream from an AT rich sequence containing the TATA box and 21-39 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation codon. Yeast strains transformed with the cloned gene overproduce seryl-tRNA synthetase in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Binding of ribosomes to the 5' leader sequence (N = 258) of RNA 3 from alfalfa mosaic virus.

RNA 3 of alfalfa mosaic virus (AlMV) contains information for two genes: near the 5' end an active gene coding for a 35 Kd protein and, near the 3' end, a silent gene coding for viral coat protein. We have determined a sequence of 318 nucleotides which contains the potential initiation codon for the 35 Kd protein at 258 nucleotides from the 5' end. This long leader sequence can form initiation complexes containing three 80 S ribosomes. A shorter species of RNA, corresponding to a molecule of RNA 3 lacking the cap and the first 154 nucleotides (RNA 3') has been isolated. The remaining leader sequence of 104 nucleotides in RNA 3' forms a single 80 S initiation complex with wheat germ ribosomes. The location of the regions of the leader sequence of RNA 3 involved in initiation complex formation with 80 S ribosomes is reported.

Base Sequence↗

Translation of stable hepadnaviral mRNA cleavage fragments induced by the action of phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

Phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASOs) are used to suppress gene expression by inducing RNase H-mediated cleavage with subsequent degradation of the target mRNA. However, previous observations suggest that ASO/RNase H can also result in the generation of stable mRNA cleavage fragments and expression of truncated proteins. Here, we addressed the underlying translational mechanisms in more detail using hepadnavirus-transfected hepatoma cells as a model system of antisense therapy. Generation of stable mRNA cleavage fragments was restricted to the ASO/RNase H pathway and not observed upon cotransfection of isosequential small interfering RNA or RNase H-incompetent oligonucleotides. Furthermore, direct evidence for translation of mRNA fragments was established by polysome analysis. Polysome-associated RNA contained cleavage fragments devoid of a 5' cap structure indicating that translation was, at least in part, cap-independent. Further analysis of the uncapped cleavage fragments revealed that their 5' terminus and initiation codon were only separated by a few nucleotides suggesting a 5' end-dependent mode of translation, whereas internal initiation could be ruled out. However, the efficiency of translation was moderate compared to uncleaved mRNA and amounted to 13-24% depending on the ASO used. These findings provide a rationale for understanding the translation of mRNA fragments generated by ASO/RNase H mechanistically.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PTEN/MMAC1 mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas: somatic inactivation of both alleles in tumors.

Allelic loss of loci on chromosome 10q occurs frequently in hepatocellular carcinomas. Somatic mutations of the PTEN/MMAC1 gene on this chromosome at 10q23 were recently identified in sporadic cancers of the uterus, brain, prostate and breast. To investigate the potential role of PTEN/MMAC1 gene in the genesis of hepatocellular carcinomas, we examined 96 tumors for allelic loss on 10q and also for subtle mutations anywhere within the coding region of PTEN/MMAC1 gene. Allelic loss was identified in 25 of the 89 (27%) tumors that were informative for polymorphic markers in the region. Somatic mutations were identified in five of those tumors: three frameshift mutations, a 1-bp insertion at codon 83-84 in exon 4 and two 4-bp deletions, both at codon 318-319 in exon 8; two C-to-G transversion mutation, both at -9 bp from the initiation codon in the 5' non-coding region of exon 1. No missense mutation was observed in this panel of tumors. In most of the informative tumors carrying intragenic mutations of one allele, we were able to detect loss of heterozygosity as well. These findings suggest that two alleles of the PTEN/MMAC1 gene may be inactivated by a combination of intragenic point mutation on one allele and loss of chromosomal material on the other allele in some of these tumors.

Alleles↗

GTP hydrolysis controls stringent selection of the AUG start codon during translation initiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have isolated and characterized two suppressor genes, SUI4 and SUI5, that can initiate translation in the absence of an AUG start codon at the HIS4 locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both suppressor genes are dominant in diploid cells and lethal in haploid cells. The SUI4 suppressor gene is identical to the GCD11 gene, which encodes the gamma subunit of the eIF-2 complex and contains a mutation in the G2 motif, one of the four signature motifs that characterizes this subunit to be a G-protein. The SUI5 suppressor gene is identical to the TIF5 gene that encodes eIF-5, a translation initiation factor known to stimulate the hydrolysis of GTP bound to eIF-2 as part of the 43S preinitiation complex. Purified mutant eIF-5 is more active in stimulating GTP hydrolysis in vitro than wild-type eIF-5, suggesting that an alteration of the hydrolysis rate of GTP bound to the 43S preinitiation complex during ribosomal scanning allows translation initiation at a non-AUG codon. Purified mutant eIF-2gamma complex is defective in ternary complex formation and this defect correlates with a higher rate of dissociation from charged initiator-tRNA in the absence of GTP hydrolysis. Biochemical characterization of SUI3 suppressor alleles that encode mutant forms of the beta subunit of eIF-2 revealed that these mutant eIF-2 complexes have a higher intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis, which is eIF-5 independent. All of these biochemical defects result in initiation at a UUG codon at the his4 gene in yeast. These studies in light of other analyses indicate that GTP hydrolysis that leads to dissociation of eIF-2 x GDP from the initiator-tRNA in the 43S preinitiation complex serves as a checkpoint for a 3-bp codon/anticodon interaction between the AUG start codon and the initiator-tRNA during the ribosomal scanning process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and partial characterization of the gene for goose fatty acid synthase.

Fatty acid synthase is regulated by diet and hormones, with regulation being primarily transcriptional. In chick embryo hepatocytes in culture, triiodothyronine stimulates accumulation of enzyme and transcription of the gene. Since the 5'-flanking region of this gene is likely involved in hormonal regulation of its expression, we have isolated and partially characterized an avian fatty acid synthase gene. A genomic DNA library was constructed in a cosmid vector and screened with cDNA clones that contained sequence complementary to the 3' end of goose fatty acid synthase mRNA. A genomic clone (approximately 35 kilobase pairs (kb] was isolated, and a 6.5-kb EcoRI fragment thereof contained DNA complementary to the 3' noncoding region of fatty acid synthase mRNA. Additional cosmid libraries were screened with 5' fragments of previously isolated genomic clones, resulting in the isolation of five overlapping cosmid DNAs. The entire region of cloned DNA spans approximately 105 kb. Exon-containing fragments were identified by hybridization with end-labeled poly(A)+ RNA and by hybridization of labeled exon-containing genomic DNA fragments to fatty acid synthase mRNA. A new set of cDNA clones spanning approximately 3.2 kb was isolated from a lambda-ZAP goose liver cDNA library using the 5'-most exon-containing fragment of the 5'-most genomic DNA clone. This region of mRNA contains a 5'-untranslated sequence and a continuous open reading frame which includes a region that codes for the essential cysteine of the beta-ketoacyl synthase domain. The entire fatty acid synthase gene spans about 50 kb. The 5' 15 kb of the gene contain 7 exons. S1 nuclease and primer extension analyses were used to identify a single site for initiation of transcription, 174 nucleotides upstream from the putative translation initiation codon. Putative "TATA" and "CCAAT" boxes are located 28 and 60 base pairs (bp), respectively, upstream of the site of initiation of transcription. The 5'-flanking 597 bp of DNA contains G/C-rich sequences including several "GC" boxes corresponding to binding sites for the nuclear transcription factor Sp1. Putative sites for AP-2, C/EBP, and the triiodothyronine and glucocorticoid receptors also were found in this region. A chimeric DNA, containing approximately 1.6 kb of 5'-flanking sequence and 139 bp of untranslated sequence of the goose fatty acid synthase gene ligated to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase (CAT) gene, was transfected into chick embryo hepatocytes in culture. Cells treated with triiodothyronine contained increased chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and fatty acid synthase activities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

At least one intron is required for the nonsense-mediated decay of triosephosphate isomerase mRNA: a possible link between nuclear splicing and cytoplasmic translation.

Mammalian cells have established mechanisms to reduce the abundance of mRNAs that harbor a nonsense codon and prematurely terminate translation. In the case of the human triosephosphate isomerase (TPI gene), nonsense codons located less than 50 to 55 bp upstream of intron 6, the 3'-most intron, fail to mediate mRNA decay. With the aim of understanding the feature(s) of TPI intron 6 that confer function in positioning the boundary between nonsense codons that do and do not mediate decay, the effects of deleting or duplicating introns have been assessed. The results demonstrate that TPI intron 6 functions to position the boundary because it is the 3'-most intron. Since decay takes place after pre-mRNA splicing, it is conceivable that removal of the 3'-most intron from pre-mRNA "marks" the 3'-most exon-exon junction of product mRNA so that only nonsense codons located more than 50 to 55 nucleotides upstream of the "mark" mediate mRNA decay. Decay may be elicited by the failure of translating ribosomes to translate sufficiently close to the mark or, more likely, the scanning or looping out of some component(s) of the translation termination complex to the mark. In support of scanning, a nonsense codon does not elicit decay if some of the introns that normally reside downstream of the nonsense codon are deleted so the nonsense codon is located (i) too far away from a downstream intron, suggesting that all exon-exon junctions may be marked, and (ii) too far away from a downstream failsafe sequence that appears to function on behalf of intron 6, i.e., when intron 6 fails to leave a mark. Notably, the proposed scanning complex may have a greater unwinding capability than the complex that scans for a translation initiation codon since a hairpin structure strong enough to block translation initiation when inserted into the 5' untranslated region does not block nonsense-mediated decay when inserted into exon 6 between a nonsense codon residing in exon 6 and intron 6.

Base Sequence↗

[The Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the effectiveness of translation initiation].

On the basis of theoretical analysis of different mRNAs secondary structure it is suggested that the efficiency of procaryotic translation initiation depends to a great extent on the possibility to generate a single-stranded region around the initiation codon. The local disruption of the mRNA secondary structure is mostly determined by interaction according to Shine--Dalgarno of 16S rRNA with the complementary mRNA region. Other mechanisms of single-stranded region generation in the initiation zone of mRNA are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Nucleotide sequence of turnip yellow mosaic virus coat protein mRNA.

The primary structure of the coat protein messenger RNA of turnip yellow mosaic virus is presented. This sequence is the first complete nucleotide sequence of the coat protein messenger of a plant virus to be reported. The coding region, consisting of 567 nucleotides, is flanked by a 5' noncoding region of 19 nucleotides (not including the initiation codon and the cap structure) and by a 3' noncoding region of 109 nucleotides (including the termination signal). The coat protein mRNA has a base composition identical to that of the genome RNA with, in particular, the same high content in cytosine (38%). The codons that govern the incorporation of amino acids into the coat protein are nonrandomly utilized: is greater than 50% of the time the third base of the codons used is a cytosine. This pattern of codon preference is particularly marked for Leu, lle Val, Thr and Cys.

Base Sequence↗

Exon-intron organization and chromosomal localization of the mouse monoglyceride lipase gene.

Monoglyceride lipase (MGL) functions together with hormone-sensitive lipase to hydrolyze intracellular triglyceride stores of adipocytes and other cells to fatty acids and glycerol. In addition, MGL presumably complements lipoprotein lipase in completing the hydrolysis of monoglycerides resulting from degradation of lipoprotein triglycerides. Cosmid clones containing the mouse MGL gene were isolated from a genomic library using the coding region of the mouse MGL cDNA as probe. Characterization of the clones obtained revealed that the mouse gene contains the coding sequence for MGL on seven exons, including a large terminal exon of approximately 2.6 kb containing the stop codon and the complete 3' untranslated region. Two different 5' leader sequences, diverging 21 bp upstream of the predicted translation initiation codon, were isolated from a mouse adipocyte cDNA library. Western blot analysis of different mouse tissues revealed protein size heterogeneities. The amino acid sequence derived from human MGL cDNA clones showed 84% identity with mouse MGL. The mouse MGL gene was mapped to chromosome 6 in a region with known homology to human chromosome 3q21.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

TATA-driven transcriptional initiation and regulation of the rat serotonin 5-HT1A receptor gene.

The transcriptional initiation and regulation of the rat serotonin 5-HT1A receptor gene were characterized. By three types of analyses, a single brain-specific site of transcriptional initiation was localized to -967 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon that is utilized both in hippocampus and in the rat raphe RN46A cell line. This major site of transcriptional initiation was located 58 bp downstream from a consensus TATA element, suggesting TATA-driven transcription of the rat 5-HT1A receptor. To identify the promoter activity of the receptor gene, progressive 5' deletions of the -2,719/-117-bp fragment of the 5-HT1A promoter linked to luciferase gene were transfected into 5-HT1A-negative (pituitary GH4C1, L6 myoblast, and C6 glioma) and 5-HT1A-positive (septal SN-48 and raphe RN46A) cell lines. Enhancer regions were identified within a fragment between nucleotides -426 and -117 that selectively enhanced transcription in 5-HT1A-positive cells. A nonselective enhancer/promoter that mediated expression in all cell lines was located upstream between -1,519 and -426 bp in a DNA segment containing consensus TATA, CCAAT, SP-1, and AP-1 elements as well as a poly-GT26 dinucleotide repeat. Strong repression of transcription in all cell lines was conferred by the region upstream of -1,519 bp that contains a 152-bp DNA segment with >80% identity to RANTES, tumor necrosis factor-beta, and other immune system genes. Our results indicate that TATA-driven expression of the 5-HT1A receptor is regulated by a novel proximal tissue-specific enhancer region, a nonselective promoter, and an upstream repressor region that is distinct from previously identified neuron-specific repressors.

Animals↗

Structure and expression of the human immunoglobulin lambda genes.

We determined the DNA sequence of two large regions of chromosome 22: 33.7 kb containing the C lambda complex; and 5.2 kb 5' of the functionally rearranged lambda gene from the human myeloma, U266. Analysis of these sequences reveals the complete structure of the human C lambda complex and a previously undescribed seventh C lambda region that may encode the Ke+Oz- lambda protein. The seven constant regions are organized in a tandem array, and each is preceded by a single J lambda region. lambda 1, lambda 2, lambda 3, and lambda 7 are apparently active genes, while lambda 4, lambda 5, and lambda 6 are pseudogenes. There are no other J lambda or C lambda regions within a 60-kb region surrounding the C lambda complex; however, there are at least four other lambda-like genes and lambda pseudogenes in the human genome. The lambda genes appear to have evolved via a series of gene duplication events resulting from unequal crossing over or gene conversion between the highly conserved C lambda regions on mispaired chromosomes. The lack of Alu sequences in this large segment of DNA suggests that the C lambda complex resulted from a recent amplification of a smaller Alu-free segment of DNA. Illegitimate recombination between repeated sequences containing lambda 2 and lambda 3 may be responsible for variable amplification of the lambda genes. We also found a 1,377-bp open reading frame (ORF) located on the opposite strand in the region containing lambda 7. While this ORF is flanked by potential RNA splicing signals, we have no evidence that it is part of a functional gene. We also discovered a V lambda pseudogene, called psi V lambda 1, 3 kb upstream of the U266 lambda gene. Using primer extension analysis to map the transcription start in the human lambda gene, we have identified its initiation point 41 bp upstream of the initiation codon. Analysis of the lambda promoter reveals that it contains a TATAA box at position -29 relative to the transcription initiation site and an octamer sequence at -67. Computer analysis of 40 kb of DNA sequences surrounding the human lambda locus has revealed no sequences resembling the kappa or IgH transcriptional enhancers, nor have in vitro analyses for function revealed enhancer activity. A comparison of these results with those obtained in separate studies with transgenic mice point to a complex, developmentally linked mechanism of transcriptional activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complete structure of the gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from maize.

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase is a key enzyme in photosynthesis in some plants that exploit the C4 photosynthetic pathway for the fixation of CO2. We cloned the gene for this enzyme from maize genomic libraries and analyzed its complete primary structure. The sequence of the cloned gene spans 6781 bp and consists of 10 exons and 9 introns. The site of initiation of transcription is located 84 nucleotides upstream from the first nucleotide of the initiation codon (position -84), as determined by the method of primer-extension analysis. The analysis suggests that there is another initiation site located at position -81. The 5'-flanking region of the gene lacks typical TATA and CCAAT elements in the anticipated regions, but there is a TATA-similar sequence (TATTT) around the -30 regions as well as sequence homologous to the Sp-1 protein-binding site (CCGCCC). Six long, direct repeated sequences and a light-responsive element are also present in the 5'-flanking region. The results of Southern blot analysis indicated that the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene exists as a small multi-gene family, but the enzyme that is expressed at high levels in green leaves and is involved in C4 photosynthesis is encoded by a single-copy gene in the maize genome.

Base Sequence↗

Sequence of a cellulase gene of the thermophilic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum.

The nucleotide sequence of the celA gene, encoding the extracellular endoglucanase A of Clostridium thermocellum, was determined and compared with the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme. The mature protein appeared to be extended by a signal sequence of 32 amino acids. A segment of 23 amino acids was duplicated at the COOH-terminal end of the protein. The putative GUG initiation codon was preceded by an AGGAGG sequence, typical of procaryotic ribosomal binding sites. The segment of DNA presumably specifying transcriptional initiation contained a high percentage of adenine and thymine residues, including an adenine-thymine tract extending over 54 base pairs.

Base Sequence↗

Nucleotide sequence analysis of RepFIC, a basic replicon present in IncFI plasmids P307 and F, and its relation to the RepA replicon of IncFII plasmids.

RepFIC is a basic replicon of IncFI plasmid P307 which is located within a 3.09-kilobase SmaI fragment. The nucleotide sequence of this region has been determined and shown to be homologous with the RepFIIA replicon of IncFII plasmids. The two replicons share three homologous regions, HRI, HRII, and HRIII, which are flanked by two nonhomologous regions, NHRI and NHRII. A comparison of coding regions reveals that the two replicons have several features in common. RepFIC, like RepFIIA, codes for a repA2 protein with its amino-terminal codons in HRI and its carboxy-terminal codons in NHRI. Although the codons for the repA1 proteins are located in NHRII, the DNA region containing a putative promoter, ribosomal binding site, and initiation codons is located in HRII. This region also codes for an inc RNA. There are nine base-pair differences between the inc RNA of RepFIIA and that of RepFIC, and as a result, RepFIC and RepFIIA replicons are compatible. An EcoRI fragment from the F plasmid which shows homology with RepFIC of P307 has also been sequenced. This fragment contains only a portion of RepFIC, including the genes for the putative repA2 protein and inc RNA. The region coding for a putative repA1 protein is interrupted by the transposon Tn1000 and shows no homology with the repA1 region of RepFIIA and RepFIC of P307. Our comparative and structural analyses suggest that RepFIC and RepFIIA, although different, have a similar replication mechanism and thus can be assigned to the same replicon family, which we designate the RepFIIA family.

Base Sequence↗

Studies on the mutator gene, mutT of Escherichia coli. Molecular cloning of the gene, purification of the gene product, and identification of a novel nucleoside triphosphatase.

The mutator gene, mutT, has been cloned into an expression vector and overproduced in Escherichia coli. The gene product has been purified to over 90% homogeneity as judged by gel electrophoresis and amino acid analysis. The amino acid composition of the protein and the sequence of the 20 amino acids of the N-terminal region agree well with the nucleotide sequence of the gene reported by Akiyama et al. (Akiyama, M., Horiuchi, T., and Sekiguchi, M. (1987) Mol. Gen. Genet. 206, 9-16) and indicate that the first of the potential initiation codons (position 164) of the open reading frame in the PvuII fragment carrying the mutT gene is the site of initiation of translation of the 15,000-Da polypeptide. A novel nucleoside triphosphatase activity which has a preference for dGTP is associated with the purified protein, and preliminary experiments are consistent with the notion that the mutT gene product is the enzyme responsible for this activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗