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A chromosomal gene required for killer plasmid expression, mating, and spore maturation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

"Killer" strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are those that harbor a double-stranded RNA plasmid and secrete a toxin that kills only strains not carrying this plasmid (sensitives). Two chromosomal genes (kex1 and kex2) are required for the secretion of toxin by plasmid-carrying strains. The kex2 gene, which maps at a site distinct from the mating-type locus, is also required for normal mating by alpha strains and meiotic sporulation in all strains. Strains that are alpha mating-type and kex2 fail to secrete the pheromone alpha-factor or to respond to the alpha-factor II pheromone which causes a morphological change, but they do respond to alpha-factor I which causes G1 arrest in alpha cells. Strains that are alpha mating-type and kex2 show no defect in mating; pheromone secretion, or response to alpha-factor. Diploids that are homozygous for the kex2 mutation, unlike wildtype or heterozygous diploids, fail to undergo sporulation, with the defect occurring in the final spore maturation stage. These same defects in the sexual cycle are present in all kex2 mutants independent of the presence of the "killer" plasmid.

Animals↗

Characterization of 2-mum DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by restriction fragment analysis and integration in an Escherichia coli plasmid.

Electrophoretic analysis of EcoRI and HindIII restriction fragments of 2-mum supercoiled DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that this class of DNA is heterogeneous and probably consists of two types of molecules. Integration of the 2-mum yeast DNA in E. coli plasmid pCR1 directly showed that existence of two types of molecules as each of these could be individually inserted into separate bacterial plasmids. The difference between the two types of 2-mum circles is due to an inversion of about 1.6 X 10(6) daltons. The inversion is flanked by a reversed duplicated sequence of 0.45 X 10(6) daltons. Possible implications of this structure are dicussed.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Isolation of inverted repeat sequences, including IS1, IS2, and IS3, in Escherichia coli plasmids.

A method is described for isolation of inverted repeat DNA sequences that occur in E. coli plasmids. The procedures of the isolation involved: (a) denaturation of intact plasmid DNA, (b) a rapid, 30 sec, renaturation of inverted-repeat sequences in the genome, (c) digestion of the single-stranded portion by S1 nuclease to recover duplex DNA, and (d) detection and purification of the duplexes using 1.4% agarose gel electrophoresis. If a plasmid DNA carried inverted repeats of either one type or two different types of special DNA sequences, these procedures enabled us to observe either one or two characteristic DNA bands, respectively, in the agarose gels. If a plasmid DNA did not carry any inverted repeats, or if the plasmid DNA only carried direct repeat sequences, no characteristic DNA bands were recovered. Cleavage of the spacer DNA between inverted repeat sequences generated no gel bands. This indicated that the inverted repeat sequences must be in the same strand. Using this method, we isolated and purified several repeated sequences, including IS1, IS2, and IS3, from derivatives of F and R plasmids.

Base Sequence↗

Electron microscopy of DNA crosslinked with trimethylpsoralen: test of the secondary structure of eukaryotic inverted repeat sequences.

It has been suggested that inverted repeat (palindrome) sequences, which are widespread in eukaryotic genomes, exist in two alternate configurations, a linear form and a cruciform. To investigate the relative frequency of these forms, the DNA of intact mouse tissue culture cells was covalently crosslinked with 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (me3-psoralen) in order to prevent rearrangement of the DNA secondary structure during DNA isolation. The distribution of me3-psoralen crosslinks was determined by electron microscopy after denaturation of the DNA in the presence of glyoxal. Because of the high frequency and the relatively uniform distribution of the me3-psoralen crosslinks, it could be concluded that almost all of the inverted repeat sequences had been crosslinked. In spite of this, no significant number of cruciforms was detected by electron microscopy. To determine whether the me3-psoralen might itself be disrupting cruciform structures, cruciforms were first produced in isolated Tetrahymena rDNA by heat treatment and then crosslinked in vitro. The crosslinking was found to stabilize rather than disrupt these cruciforms. We conclude that the inverted repeat sequences of the mouse tissue culture cells we tested are predominantly in linear forms rather than in cruciform structures inside the cell.

Base Sequence↗

On the mechanism of genetic recombination: electron microscopic observation of recombination intermediates.

This paper deals with the nature of recombination intermediates. Using the electron microscope to study the DNA of the plasmid colicin E1, we have observed more than 800 molecules that appear to represent intermediates in the process of recombination. Specifically, after isolating colicin DNA and linearizing it with the restriction enzyme EcoRI, we find crossed molecules with twice the normal colicin DNA content. These forms consist of two genome-length elements held together at a region of DNA homology. The molecules can be recovered from wild type and Rec B-C host cells but are not present among the colicin DNA forms isolated from recombination-deficient Rec A cells. We have termed the experimentally observed molecules "chi forms" and believe that they represent the recombination intermediate of the Holliday model.

Colicins↗

Circular DNA of a yeast episome with two inverted repeats: structural analysis by a restriction enzyme and electron microscopy.

Small circular DNA molecules from genetically characterized clones of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been studied by restriction endonuclease analysis and electron microscopy. The circular monomers (6000 bases) are shown to contain two inverted repeats of the same sequence (600 bases) situated opposite each other along the perimeter. Four endonuclease EcoRI fragments are obtained in 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry, and their sum gives a length of about 12,000 bases. The two large fragments and the two small ones differ from each other by 200 bases. We propose a model for the structure of the monomer molecule. Two classes of monomers can be generated by intramolecular recombinations within inverted repeats; they differ by the relative orientation of nonrepeated segments. The structure of dimers as predicted by the model is verified by self-renaturation of single-stranded circles. Inverted repeats in circular molecules may be related to the insertion release faculty of II episome in the chromosomes.

Base Sequence↗

A general method for cloning eukaryotic structural gene sequences.

Complementary DNA, transcribed in vitro from purified rabbit globin messenger RNA and made double-stranded, has been inserted into Escherichia coli plasmids pSC101 and pMB9 by the poly(dT)/poly(dA) "tailing" and annealing technique. E. coli transformants given by this DNA preparation have been shown to contain globin sequences by the hybridization of globin RNA to DNA from clones grown and lysed in situ on nitrocellulose filters. An estimate of the amount of inserted globin sequences has been provided by fingerprint analysis of globin mRNA sequences hybridized to the purified plasmid chimeras. Inserted sequences so far subjected to detailed analysis have been ascribed to the rabbit beta globin chain. The susceptibility of inserted beta globin, sequences to the restriction endonuclease EcoRI confirms the existence of a site already found through previous nucleotide sequence analysis.

Base Sequence↗

Specialized transduction of colicin E1 DNA in Escherichia coli K-12.

Genetic studies were made on E. coli K-12 TM96, which carries recombinant molecules constructed by in vitro combination of colicin E1 DNA and a DNA fragment of E. coli for guanine synthesis derived from transducing phage. The recombinant molecules existed as stable plasmids within the cell and contained genes for colicin E1 immunity and the guaA enzyme (xanthosine 5'-monophosphate aminase) together with a part of the lambda genome, R through J: (R-A-F-J)+. A block of the lambda genome, int through Q, was not detected in the recombinant molecule. Thus, this recombinant molecule was named ColEl-coslambda-guaA, and the specialized tranduction of the ColEl-coslambda-guA DNA into various E. coli K-12 cells by lambda phage was described. Lysates prepared by lytic infection of lambda phage onto TM96 or by induction of TM96(lambda) lysogens contained transducing particles which could transduce gua-deleted E. coli to stable guaA+ cells. These transductants were proved to have similar genetic properties as those of TM96. The frequency of transduction was not affected by the presence of an attachement site for lambda, prophage lambda, colicin E1 plasmids, or the recA property within gua-deleted recipient cells. Transducing particles were resistant to EDTA treatment and most of them had an average density of about 1.472. This value corresponds to that of lambda phage particles, which contain about 72% of the lenght of lambda DNA.

Colicins↗

Functional expression of cloned yeast DNA in Escherichia coli.

A collection of hybrid circular DNAs was constructed in vitro using the poly(dA-dT) "connector" method: each hybrid circle contained one molecule of poly(dT)-tailed DNA of plasmid ColE1 (made linear by digestion with EcoRI endonuclease) annealed to a poly(dA)-tailed fragment of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) DNA, produced originally by shearing total yeast DNA to an average size of 8 X 10(6) daltons. This DNA preparation was used to transform E. coli cells, selecting colicin-E1-resistant clones that contain hybrid ColE1-yeast DNA plasmids. Sufficient numbers of transformant clones were obtained to ensure that the hybrid plasmid population was representative of the entire yeast genome. Various hybrid ColE1-yeast DNA plasmids capable of complementing E. coli auxotrophic mutations were selected from this population. Plasmid pYeleu 10 complements several different point or deletion mutations in the E. coli or S. typhimurium leuB gene (beta-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase); plasmids pYeleu11, pYeleu12, and pYeleu17 are specific suppressors of the leuB6 mutation in E. coli C600. Plasmid pYehis2 complements a deletion in the E. coli hisB gene (imidazole glycerol phosphate dehydratase). Complementation of bacterial mutations by yeast DNA segments does not appear to be a rare phenomenon.

Alleles↗

Deletions affecting the transposition of an antibiotic resistance gene.

The structural gene for plasmid-mediated ampicillin resistance resides upon a 3.2 X 10(6) dalton transposable sequence (TnA) flanked by short inverted repeated sequences that accompany its insertion. TnA was transposed to pMB8, a 1.8 X 10(6) dalton derivative of the colicingenic plasmid ColE1. Random deletions were introduced in the resultant 5 X 10(6) dalton recombinant plasmid by a combination of nuclease treatments in vitro. From this set of deletions a subset was isolated that contained deletions affecting the transposition of TnA. The deletions were mapped by digestion with restriction nucleases and electron microscopic analysis of DNA hetero-duplexes and were found to include one of the inverted repeated sequences or lie in the central portion of TnA. Complementation experiments were attempted between these plasmids and another compatible plasmid carrying a deletion in TnA that abolished its ampicillin resistance. The results of the deletion data indicate that approximately 2 X 10(6) daltons of TnA is required for transposition; the complementation experiments suggest that the terminal inverted repetition and the central region of TnA play different essential roles in TnA transposition.

Crosses, Genetic↗

Bidirection replication from a unique origin in a mini-F plasmid.

Replicating molecules of the mini F-kanamycin resistance plasmid, pML31, derived from F'lac, have been isolated from Escherichia coli as covalently-closed circular DNA molecules. These molecules were examined in the electron microscope after digestion with either EcoRI or BamHI restriction endonuclease. The structure of the majority of the molecules replicating was consistent with a bidirectional mode of replication starting at a unique origin on the F-fragment. This origin is located approximately 2.3 kilobases from one of the EcoRI sites. Orientation of the F-fragment relative to the physical map of F showed the position of the origin to be at 42.6 kilobases. A small proportion of molecules appeared to be replicating unidirectionally in either direction from this origin. Termination of replication of pML31 apparently occurs in the fragment containing the locus for kanamycin resistance in a unique region opposite the origin in the circular DNA molecule.

DNA Replication↗

Physical mapping of a DNA sequence common to plasmids of incompatibility group F I.

We have mapped a region of homology within a 2.2 kilobase segment of plasmids of incompatibility group F I, WHICH IS CONTAINED IN AN EcoRI restriction enzyme fragment bearing genes for autonomous replication; The coordinates of the 2.2 kilobase segment are 46.4F-48.6F on the physical map of the F plasmid. The orgin of vegetative replication has been mapped at 42.5F, at which site F has no sequence homology with other group F I plasmids. Plasmids belonging to other incompatibility groups have no homology with the 46.4-48.6 F segment. Possible mechanisms underlying incompatibility are discussed. We think that incompatibility is due to either a limitation in a common equipartitioning mechanism or a limitation in a common replication control. In either case, the common mechanism is specific for plasmids belonging to a given incompatibility group.

Base Sequence↗

Aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme of an antibiotic-producing bacterium acts as a determinant of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli.

Bacillus circulans NRRL B-3312, a nonpathogenic bacterium that produces the aminoglycoside antibiotic butirosin, is known to contain an aminoglycoside phosphotransferase that is similar to the neomycin phosphotransferases of clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Purified DNAs from B. circulans and the plasmid ColE1-ApR were digested with EcoRI endonuclease and the resulting fragments covalently joined with polynucleotide ligase. The recombined DNA was used to transform E. coli and ampicillin-neomycin resistant colonies were selected. Analysis of several clones indicated that neomycin resistance in the E. coli transformants was due to the presence of the B. circulans phosphotransferase gene. This observation is consistent with the notion that anitbiotic-modifying enzymes from antibiotic-producing organisms may be the sources of antibiotic resistance in plasmid-containing bacteria.

Bacillus↗

Gene cloning for the isolation of enzymes of membrane lipid synthesis: phosphatidylserine synthase overproduction in Escherichia coli.

We have screened a bank of 2000 E. coli strains carrying hybrid ColE1 plasmids [Clarke, L. & Carbon, J. (1976) Cell 9, 91-99] for those that correct the temperature sensitivity of a mutant in CDP-1,2-diacyl sn-glycerol:L-serine O-phosphatidyltransferase (EC 2.7.8.8, phosphatidylserine synthase). Two hybrid plasmids of this kind (pLC34-44 and pLC34-46) were identified and characterized. Strains carrying these plasmids overproduce the synthase by 6- to 15-fold, as demonstrated by assays of extracts and purification to homogeneity of the overproduced enzyme. The overproduced synthase, like the wild-type enzyme, is found associated predominately with the ribosomal fraction of crude cell extracts. Because the membrane phospholipid composition of these overproducers is not greatly altered, we suggest that the synthase is normally present in excess.

CDPdiacylglycerol-Serine O-Phosphatidyltransferase↗

Replication and expression of plasmids from Staphylococcus aureus in Bacillus subtilis.

One S. aureus plasmid coding for tetracycline resistance, pT127, and four plasmids (pC194, pC221, pC223, and pUB112) coding for chloramphenicol resistance have been introduced by transformation into B, subtilis. The plasmids replicate in--and confer antibiotic resistance upon--their new host. These experiments show that the potential for genetic exchange between diverse bacterial species is greater than has been commonly assumed.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Origin of replication of colicin E1 plasmid DNA.

Cleavage maps of colicin E1 plasmid DNA and its smaller derivative, pNT1 DNA, were constructed by using restriction endonucleases. The nucleotide sequence of a region that contains the orgin of replication was determined. The site of the nucleotide from which DNA replication is initiated was determined with 6S L-fragments, the DNA fragment first made on colicin E1 plasmid DNA. The fragments were labeled with [gamma-32P]ATP and polynucleotide 5'-hydroxyl-kinase (ATP:5'-dephosphopolynucleotide 5'-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.78) at the 5'-OH groups which were uncovered by alkali treatment. The site is one of three consecutive nucleotides, dA, dA, and dC, located at a unique position. One or a few rA residues were found to be attached to some of the DNA molecules. The transition from the primer RNA to DNA occurs in a region consisting of a segment of five A residues. Both sides of this segment are rich in G and C.

Base Sequence↗

Selective amplification of genes on the R plasmid, NR1, in Proteus mirabilis: an example of the induction of selective gene amplification.

The drug-resistance plasmid, NR1, is a 37-micron circular DNA molecule that contains two components: the resistance transfer factor (29 micron) carrying the transfer genes and the genes for tetracycline resistance, and the r-determinant (8 micron) carrying the genes for resistance to several other antibiotics including chloramphenicol (Cm). In Proteus mirabilis, these two components are capable of independent replication, or they may replicate as a composite molecule. When cells of P. mirabilis containing NR1 are cultured in medium containing Cm at 250 microgram/ml a growth lag of 20-35 hr ensues. During this lag, Cm induces the selective amplification of the r-determinant, including the gene for resistance to Cm. The amplification results from the excision of the r-determinant from the R plasmid, the independent replication of the r-determinant to give polymeric as well as monomeric r-determinants, and the eventual reintegration of multiple tandem copies of the r-determinant with the resistance transfer factor to form a new R plasmid with multiple copies of the r-determinant. This mechanism represents a new level of control of gene expression in bacterial systems--namely, the induction of selective gene amplification.

Cell Division↗

Macronuclear DNA of the hypotrichous ciliate Oxytricha fallax.

DNA in the macronuclei of Oxytricha fallax, as in other hypotrichous ciliate protozoa, exists as small, achromosomal molecules rather than in chromosomes. We report studies on O. fallax DNA using physicochemical procedures and nucleic acid hybridization. Macronuclear DNA molecules range in size from 22 kilobase pairs (kb) to about 0.5 kb. The DNA has a buoyant density in CsCl of 1.694 g.cm(-3) and a melting temperature in 15 mM NaCl/1.5 mM sodium citrate, pH 7, at 65.4 degrees . These values correspond to 34.7% Gua + Cyt and 28.1% Gua + Cyt, respectively, and base composition determined by thin-layer chromatography of nucleotides is 32.4% Gua + Cyt. The only modified nucleotide that is detectable is N(6)-methyldeoxyadenylate (0.2%), and the amount and kind of modification cannot account for the discrepancies in nucleotide composition determination by the three methods. The genes for 25S and 19S rRNA are contained in DNA molecules 6.67 kb in length, of which at least 6.15 kb is transcribed. These rDNA molecules show no intrastrand complementarity as does rDNA in some other lower eukaryotes, and they have two asymmetric sites recognized by endonuclease EcoRI. The genes for 5S RNA are in DNA molecules 0.69 kb in length. Digestion of this DNA with restriction enzymes BamHI, BsuI, HhaI, and TaqI gives no evidence for a tandemly repeated sequence. It is likely that both 19S + 25S rRNA genes and 5S RNA genes in the Oxytricha macronucleus exist as single transcription units, and both may have "spacer" regions approximately 0.5 kb long.

Ciliophora↗