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Use of a coupled transcriptional system for consistent overexpression and purification of UDG-Ugi complex and Ugi from Escherichia coli.

We have designed a novel coupled transcriptional construct wherein Escherichia coli uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) and Bacillus subtilis phage PBS-2 encoded uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor protein (Ugi) genes were cloned in tandem, downstream of an inducible promoter (Ptrc). Use of this bicistronic operon has allowed purification of large amounts of UDG-Ugi complex formed in vivo. The system has also been exploited for purification of large amounts of Ugi. While establishing the expression system, one of the constructs showed detectable suppression of UAG termination codon and resulted in accumulation of a minor population of a putative readthrough polypeptide corresponding to UDG. We discuss the likely occurrence of such a phenomenon in overproduction of other recombinant proteins. Finally, the usefulness of the operon construct in convenient mutational analysis to study the mechanism of UDG-Ugi interaction is also discussed.

Bacillus Phages↗

Presence of env genes in members of the RTVL-H family of human endogenous retrovirus-like elements.

We have found that the RTVL-H family of human endogenous retrovirus-like elements was highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma tissue and several human cell lines. We determined the nucleotide sequences of several cDNA clones and found a unique sequence that was not present in the published "prototypic" RTVL-H sequence. An open reading frame in this region encoded an amino acid sequence homologous to the conserved sequence in the transmembrane envelope protein of various retroviruses. Two genomic clones that encoded this sequence were obtained and sequenced. One RTVL-H element containing the env gene was 8.7 kilobase pairs in length. The putative env gene, consisting of about 1800 base pairs, had two open reading frames interrupted by a termination codon. The amino acid sequence of this region showed significant homology with those of other retroviral envelope proteins and contained eight potential glycosylation sites. There were estimated to be about 100 copies of RTVL-H elements containing the env gene per haploid human genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthesis of the putative red clover necrotic mosaic virus RNA polymerase by ribosomal frameshifting in vitro.

The red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) genome is split between two single-stranded RNA species termed RNA-1 and RNA-2. RNA-1 directs the synthesis of 88-kDa (p88), 57-kDa (p57), 37-kDa (p37), and 27-kDa (p27) polypeptides and RNA-2 a 35-kDa (p35) polypeptide in vitro. The coding order of the RNA-1 products was determined to be 5'-p27-p57-p37-3'. Antibodies to synthetic peptides representing the carboxyl terminal portions of p27 and p57 immunoprecipitated their respective polypeptides in addition to p88, suggesting that p88 is a fusion protein. A frameshift heptanucleotide sequence element has been identified in RCNMV RNA-1. In addition, a stable stem-loop secondary structure adjacent to the heptanucleotide sequence is predicted. Together, these sequence elements suggest that a ribosomal frameshifting event occurs which allows translational readthrough of the p27 open reading frame into the p57 open reading frame, generating the observed p88 product. An RNA-1 expression construct fusing the p57 and the CP open reading frame was engineered to investigate the ribosomal frameshifting event. CP antibodies immunoprecipitated a fusion protein of the predicted size containing the carboxyl portion of CP. Site-directed mutagenesis of the frameshift element indicates that in vitro, p88 can also be expressed alternatively by suppression of an amber termination codon. Based on these data, we propose that the putative RCNMV RNA polymerase is an 88-kDa polypeptide expressed by a ribosomal frameshifting mechanism similar to those utilized by retroviruses.

Base Sequence↗

The C-terminal third of UL42, a HSV-1 DNA replication protein, is dispensable for viral growth.

UL42 is the herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA polymerase (Pol) accessory protein and is required for viral DNA replication and growth. Previous results from this laboratory demonstrated that the N-terminal two thirds of the protein contains all of the biochemical activities of the protein which can be measured in vitro. These activities include dsDNA-binding, association with DNA polymerase, and stimulation of polymerase activity. To better understand the functions of UL42 in infected cells, we have isolated and characterized two viral recombinants, UL42lacZ and n338. In the mutant virus UL42lacZ, the UL42 gene was disrupted by insertion of the Escherichia coli lacZ gene, while in the mutant virus n338, a termination codon was introduced after amino acid position 338. Analysis of the mutant phenotypes suggest that (1) the first 338 residues of UL42 retain all the functions necessary for viral DNA replication and growth in lytic infection, (2) localization of UL42 to the cell nucleus is independent of Pol, and (3) localization of ICP8 (ssDNA-binding protein) to prereplication sites is independent of functional UL42.

Animals↗

Mutations in the protease gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 affect release and stability of virus particles.

The expression of the pol gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) occurs by a ribosomal frameshift between the gag and the pol genes. The Gag-Pol polyprotein is produced at levels of 5 to 10% of that of the Gag protein, and is incorporated into virions to provide the viral protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase which are essential for replication. The mechanism(s) by which the Gag-Pol polyprotein are targeted to the HIV virion is unknown, although it is believed to be via an interaction with the Gag protein. To further explore the mechanism by which the Gag-Pol polyprotein is incorporated into virions, we have constructed a mutation which changes an aspartic acid in the protease active site to asparagine (pHXB2pro-); a four-amino-acid insertion into the protease gene (pHXB2Smal); and insertion of translational termination codons in the protease gene following the gag gene (pHXB55). Transfection of these proviral genomes into COS-1 cells resulted in intracellular expression of only Pr55gag, demonstrating the inactivation of the viral protease. The expression of Pr55gag was evident in cells transfected with pHXB2pro- during a short pulse and first 3 hr of chase period, whereas at later times the intracellular levels of Pr55gag were greatly reduced. In contrast, the intracellular Pr55gag expressed from transfection of pHXB2Smal or pHXB55 were evident even after 6- or 12-hr chase times. To ascertain the effects of the mutations on the assembly and release of viruslike particles, the supernatants from the transfected cells were analyzed for the presence of Pr55gag. The release of Pr55gag from cells transfected with pHXB2pro- occurred as early as 1 hr following chase period, and increased for up to 3 hr. In contrast, reduced levels of Pr55gag were detected in the medium from cells transfected with pHXB2Smal or pHXB55. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrated that the Pr55gag expressed from transfection of pHXB2pro- was rapidly targeted to intracellular membranes, while the majority of the Pr55gag expressed from transfection of pHXB2Smal or pHXB55 was distributed evenly between the cytoplasm and membrane fractions. Finally, the released viruslike particles obtained from the transfection of proviral genome pHXB2pro- were stable to mild detergent treatment, whereas particles obtained from transfection of pHXB2Smal and pHXB55 were relatively unstable. These results demonstrate that subtle changes in the Gag-Pol polyprotein of HIV-1 can have significant effects on the assembly and physical stability of the released virus.

Animals↗

Nucleotide sequence and genetic organization of peanut clump virus RNA 2 and partial characterization of deleted forms.

The complete nucleotide sequence of peanut clump virus RNA 2 has been determined by characterization of cloned cDNA and by direct RNA sequencing. The sequence is 4503 residues in length and contains six long open reading frames (ORFs). The cistron for the coat protein (ORF 1) is located nearest the 5' end of the RNA and is separated from the 5' extremity by a noncoding region of 389 nucleotides. ORF 2 starts one nucleotide upstream of the first residue of the UGA termination codon of the coat protein cistron and encodes a polypeptide of 39300 M(r). Four additional ORFs with the potential to encode polypeptides with approximate M(r)'s of 51,000 (ORF 3), 13,800 (ORF 4), 9400 (ORF 5), and 6800 (ORF 6) are found on the 3' proximal half of the RNA. ORFs 3, 4, and 5 resemble the Triple Gene Block found in potexviruses, carlaviruses, a hordeivirus, and a furovirus. The 276 nucleotide 3' noncoding region of RNA 2 displays extensive sequence homology with the 3' noncoding region of RNA 1. Several peanut clump virus isolates propagated on Nicotiana benthamania contain RNA 2's significantly shorter than that of the type isolate. Partial characterization of two such isolates reveals that their RNA 2's have undergone deletions within ORF 2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulation of HIV-1 envelope protein synthesis by Tat and Rev in 293 cells.

A plasmid expression vector (B2) with the HIV-1 envelope sequence downstream of the adenovirus type 5 early region 3 promoter could direct the synthesis of envelope protein in the absence of Rev when transfected into 293 cells. We investigated this further using pNL4.3 delta TR, and HIV-1 mutant which lacks the first exon of Tat and Rev and pNL4.3 delta R, an HIV-1 mutant with a premature termination codon in the second coding exon of Rev. In cells transfected with pNL4.3 delta TR and a Tat-expressing vector or with pNL4.3 delta R alone, analysis of RNA revealed the accumulation of cytoplasmic Env mRNA in the absence of Rev. However, envelope protein synthesis was observed in the absence of Rev only in cells transfected with pNL4.3 delta TR and a Tat-expressing vector, not in cells transfected with pNL4.3 delta R. The Env mRNAs synthesized from pNL4.3 delta R can have 536 to 548 nucleotides of 5' non coding sequence, whereas the Env mRNA from pNL4.3 delta TR will have a shortened noncoding sequence of 321 nucleotides. These results indicate that the mRNA sequences 5' to the Env protein initiation codon have a role in Env expression.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus 3C protease expressed in Escherichia coli.

We have constructed a clone encoding the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3C protease gene (p3C) using the polymerase chain reaction. The construct was engineered to contain initiation and termination codons and cloned into a plasmid under the control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter. The p3C gene was expressed both in an in vitro transcription-translation system and in vivo in an Escherichia coli system containing an inducible T7 RNA polymerase gene. In both systems the expressed products were of the appropriate molecular weight and immunologically reactive with bovine convalescent serum. E. coli-expressed 3C protein was mainly found in the insoluble fraction of cell lysates. The E. coli-expressed protease was assayed in an in vitro system with radiolabeled P1 capsid precursor protein and P2 precursor protein as substrates. E. coli-expressed 3C completely processed the P1 and P2 precursors into mature capsid and nonstructural proteins, respectively. The kinetics of processing of P1 by E. coli-expressed 3C revealed the following order of cleavage: VP3-VP1, VP0-VP3, VP1-2A.

3C Viral Proteases↗

A comparison of the nucleotide sequences of eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis viruses with those of other alphaviruses and related RNA viruses.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a 1982 Florida strain of eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus, and partial sequence of the nonstructural protein genes of western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus, were determined. The EEE virus genome was 11,678 nucleotides in length, excluding the cap nucleotide and poly(A) tail, and the nucleotide composition was 28% A, 24% G, 25% C, and 23% U. The organization of both EEE and WEE virus genomes was like that of other alphaviruses and included a termination codon between the nsP3 and nsP4 genes. Codon usage for 10 of 20 amino acids was nonrandom in the EEE genome, and dinucleotide CpG-containing codons were underutilized in both genomes. The slight CpG deficiency was similar to that seen in other alphaviruses and plant viruses in the alphavirus-like group, but less than that of poliovirus and yellow fever virus. This slight deficiency may reflect adaptation for replication in both CpG-deficient vertebrates, as well as insects which do not have CpG-deficient genomes. Phylogenetic analyses using nonstructural protein amino acid sequences indicated that alphaviruses evolved from a common ancestor which existed a few thousand years ago. An intercontinental introduction of an ancestral virus from the Old to New World, or vice versa, probably resulted in two main extant groups: one includes New World (EEE and Venezuelan equine encephalitis) viruses, while the other includes Old World (Sindbis, Middelburg, O'nyong-nyong, Ross River, and Semliki Forest) viruses. The position of WEE virus in the phylogenetic trees indicated that, in addition to its capsid gene (C. S. Hahn et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 5997-6001), WEE virus acquired its nonstructural genes from an EEE-like ancestor during recombination.

Alphavirus↗

Comparative nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis of the sequence-specific RNA-binding rotavirus nonstructural protein NSP3.

NSP3, an acidic nonstructural protein, encoded by gene 7 has been implicated as the key player in the assembly of the 11 viral plus-strand RNAs into the early replication intermediates during rotavirus morphogenesis. To date, the sequence of NSP3 from only three animal rotaviruses (SA11, SA114F, and bovine UK) has been determined and that from a human strain has not been reported. To determine the genetic diversity among gene 7 alleles from group A rotaviruses, the nucleotide sequence of the NSP3 gene from 13 strains belonging to nine different G serotypes, from both humans and animals, has been determined. Based on the amino acid sequence identity as well as phylogenetic analysis, NSP3 from group A rotaviruses falls into three evolutionarily related groups, i.e., the SA11 group, the Wa group, and the S2 group. The SA11/SA114F gene appears to have a distant ancestral origin from that of the others and codes for a polypeptide of 315 amino acids (aa) in length. NSP3 from all other group A rotaviruses is only 313 aa in length because of a 2-amino-acid deletion near the carboxy-terminus. While the SA114F gene has the longest 3' untranslated region (UTR) of 132 nucleotides, that from other strains suffered deletions of varying lengths at two positions downstream of the translational termination codon. In spite of the divergence of the nucleotide (nt) sequence in the protein coding region, a stretch of about 80 nt in the 3' UTR is highly conserved in the NSP3 gene from all the strains. This conserved sequence in the 3' UTR might play an important role in the regulation of expression of the NSP3 gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutated forms of human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B are impaired in inducing syncytium formation.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) promotes virion entry into cells by fusing the virion envelope with the cellular membrane. We recently reported that UB cells (U373 glioblastoma cells constructed to produce HCMV gB constitutively) form multinucleate syncytia that are dependent on the density of gB in the plasma membrane. In this report, we describe the properties of a clonal cell line, UB31-B3, that expressed a spontaneously mutated form of gB which lacked the fusion-inducing function of the wild-type molecule, and three UB cell lines that were constructed to investigate the effect of specific mutations in gB on syncytium formation. Flow cytometry analysis with a pool of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed that the UB cells contained a high density of gB, which was associated with the cell surface. Immune precipitation experiments with UB31-B3 cells showed that the mutant gB reacted with all of the mAbs to the ectodomain of gB but with none of those to the cytoplasmic carboxy terminus, and that it was 35 kDa smaller than wild-type gB. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that a termination codon had been introduced after amino acid lysine at position 669 in the ectodomain of UB31-B3 gB, generating a truncated glycoprotein. UB31-B3 gB was not secreted into the medium and was stably anchored in the plasma membrane, which suggested that a hydrophobic stretch of amino acids from 629 to 652 in the ectodomain may serve as a membrane anchor for this truncated form. Analysis of the UB cell lines expressing deleted forms of gB showed that deletion of all or part of the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains reduced or abolished syncytium formation. In contrast, deletion of a major neutralizing region in the ectodomain of gB did not alter syncytium formation. Results of these studies indicate that different regions of the gB molecule participate in syncytium formation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Poly(A) addition site mapping and polyadenylation signal analysis in a plant circovirus replication-related gene.

The transcripts of a genomic component of coconut foliar decay virus (CFDV), a plant circovirus with a single-stranded DNA genome, were characterized by sequencing the 3' termini of the respective cDNA clones. It was shown that transcription of the putative replication-related gene terminated at one major site (six bases downstream of the termination codon) in electroporated barley mesophyll protoplasts and that the resulting transcripts were polyadenylated. A deletion downstream of the AATAAA sequence including the poly(A) addition site did not inhibit polyadenylation signal activity but altered the distance between the polyadenylation signal and the polyadenylation site. However, deletion of the sequences upstream of the AATAAA stretch resulted in inhibition of the polyadenylation in this region. These observations and the finding of a silent CFDV AATAAA sequence downstream of the active poly(A) signal confirm the role of the upstream elements in processing of RNA transcripts in plants.

Acid Anhydride Hydrolases↗

Recombinant genomic RNA of coronavirus MHV-A59 after coreplication with a DI RNA containing the MHV-RI spike gene.

A strategy for targeted RNA recombination between the spike gene on the genomic RNA of MHV-A59 and a synthetic DI RNA containing the MHV-RI spike gene is described. The MHV-RI spike gene contains several nucleotide differences from the MHV-A59 spike gene that could be used as genetic markers, including a stretch of 156 additional nucleotides starting at nucleotide 1497. The MHV-RI S gene cDNA (from nucleotide 277-termination codon) was inserted in frame into pMIDI, a full-length cDNA clone of an MHV-A59 DI, yielding pDPRIS. Using the vaccinia vTF7.3 system, RNA was transcribed from pDPRIS upon transfection into MHV-A59-infected L cells. DPRIS RNA was shown to be replicated and passaged efficiently. MHV-A59 and the DPRIS DI particle were copassaged several times. Using a highly specific and sensitive RT-PCR, recombinant genomic RNA was detected in intracellular RNA from total lysates of pDPRIS-transfected and MHV-A59-infected cells and among genomic RNA that was agarose gel-purified from these lysates. More significantly, specific PCR products were found in virion RNA from progeny virus. PCR products were absent in control mixes of intracellular RNA from MHV-A59-infected cells and in vitro-transcribed DPRIS RNA. PCR products from intracellular RNA and virion RNA were cloned and 11 independent clones were sequenced. Crossovers between A59 and RI RNA were found upstream of nucleotide 1497 and had occurred between 106 nucleotides from the 5'-border and 73 nucleotides from the 3'-border of sequence homologous between A59 and RI S genes. We conclude that homologous RNA recombination took place between the genomic RNA template and the synthetic DI RNA template at different locations, generating a series of MHV recombinant genomes with chimeric S genes.

Animals↗

The NS2 polypeptide of parvovirus MVM is required for capsid assembly in murine cells.

Mutants of minute virus of mice (MVM) which express truncated forms of the NS2 polypeptide are known to exhibit a host range defect, replicating productively in transformed human cells but not in cells from their normal murine host. To explore this deficiency we generated viruses with translation termination codons at various positions in the second exon of NS2. In human cells these mutants were viable, but showed a late defect in progeny virion release which put them at a selective disadvantage compared to the wildtype. In murine cells, however, duplex viral DNA amplification was reduced to 5% of wildtype levels and single-strand DNA synthesis was undetectable. These deficiencies could not be attributed to a failure to initiate infection or to a generalized defect in viral gene expression, since the viral replicator protein NS1 was expressed to normal or elevated levels early in infection. In contrast, truncated NS2 gene products failed to accumulate, so that each mutant exhibited a similar NS2-null phenotype. Expression of the capsid polypeptides VP1 and VP2 and their subsequent assembly into intact particles were examined in detail. Synchronized infected cell populations labeled under pulse-chase conditions were analyzed by differential immunoprecipitation of native or denatured extracts using antibodies which discriminated between intact particles and isolated polypeptide chains. These analyses showed that at early times in infection, capsid protein synthesis and stability were normal, but particle assembly was impaired. Unassembled VP proteins were retained in the cell for several hours, but as the unprocessed material accumulated, capsid protein synthesis progressively diminished, so that at later times relatively few VP molecules were synthesized. Thus in NS2-null infections of mouse cells there is a major primary defect in the folding or assembly processes required for effective capsid production.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Acetylation of HIV-1 Tat by CBP/P300 increases transcription of integrated HIV-1 genome and enhances binding to core histones.

The HIV-1 Tat protein is required for viral replication and is a potent stimulator of viral transcription. Although Tat has been extensively studied in various reductive paradigms, to date there is little information as to how this activator mediates transcription from natural nucleosomally packaged long terminal repeats. Here we show that CREB-binding protein (CBP)/p300 interacts with the HIV-1 Tat protein and serves as a coactivator of Tat-dependent HIV-1 gene expression on an integrated HIV-1 provirus. The site of acetylation of Tat was mapped to the double-lysine motif in a highly conserved region, (49)RKKRRQ(54), of the basic RNA-binding motif of Tat. Using HLM1 cells (HIV-1(+)/Tat(-)), which contain a single copy of full-length HIV-1 provirus with a triple termination codon at the first AUG of the Tat gene, we find that only wild type, and not K50A, K51A, or K50A/K51A alone or in combination of ectopic CBP/p300, is able to produce full-length infectious virions, as measured by p24 gag ELISAs. Tat binds CBP/p300 in the minimal histone acetyltransferase domain (1253-1710) and the binding is stable up to 0.85 M salt wash conditions. Interestingly, wild-type peptide 41-54, and not other Tat peptides, changes the conformation of the CBP/p300 such that it can acquire and bind better to basal factors such as TBP and TFIIB, indicating that Tat may influence the transcription machinery by helping CBP/p300 to recruit new partners into the transcription machinery. Finally, using biotinylated wild-type or acetylated peptides, we find that acetylation decreases Tat's ability to bind the TAR RNA element, as well as to bind basal factors such as TBP, CBP, Core-Pol II, or cyclin T. However, the acetylated Tat peptide is able to bind to core histones on a nucleosome assembled HIV-1 proviral DNA.

Acetylation↗

SelectRepair Knockout: Efficient PTC-Free Gene Knockout Through Selectable Homology-Directed DNA Repair.

Generating nonessential gene knockouts using CRISPR/Cas9 technology is becoming increasingly common in biological research. In a typical workflow, the Cas9 endonuclease is used to induce a DNA double-strand break that relies on nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) to introduce a premature termination codon (PTC) in the target gene. The goal is to isolate clones in which the gene produces PTC-containing mRNA transcripts that are degraded via nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) to cause loss of gene function. Unfortunately, this approach is laborious, and not all PTCs trigger NMD. More importantly, mounting evidence suggest that PTC mutations can also result in a transcriptional adaptation response that can mask the effects of a PTC-mediated gene knockout. In this chapter, we present a PTC-free gene knockout strategy that implements homology-directed DNA repair (HDR) with selectable markers to substantially reduce the complexity of the screening and validation of genome edits in cells containing more than one gene copy as in the case of the commonly used hypotriploid HEK293 cell line. We describe how to obtain a complete knockout of the Ligase IV protein (LIG4) and provide considerations for the application of this SelectRepair Knockout method to other genes.

Humans↗

A novel anther-expressed adh-homologous gene in Lycopersicon esculentum.

Two novel tandemly-oriented open reading frames (ORFs) with homology to alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) were isolated from tomato. The predicted amino acid composition for each of the two tandem adh genes indicates the presence of 22 and 21, respectively, of 22 amino acids conserved in ADH proteins from plants and animals. However, comparison to known plant adh genes reveals a significantly lower similarity indicating that they belong to a novel class of ADHs. According to mapping data, the adh-homologous ORFs do not represent either of the previously studied adh1 or adh2 genes of tomato. The tandem genes, termed adh3a and adh3b, mapped to a distal region of the long arm of chromosome 4, unlike adh1, which maps closer to the centromere. Adh3a and adh3b have over 90% similarity to each other at the nucleotide and putative peptide levels. The adh3a gene has ten exons and nine introns with the transcription initiation site 57 bp upstream of the translation start. A putative TATA box and polyadenylation site have been identified. Adh3a is transcribed and, according to cDNA sequence analysis, fully processed in the late stages of anther development. According to transformation analysis, tissue-specific regulatory elements reside within the -448 to +724 region. The termination codon of adh3a is separated from the putative adh3b translation start site by 789 bp of intervening sequence. The 5' untranscribed sequences of each gene contain a stretch of 68 bp with 78% similarity. Within this stretch are sequences which are homologous to sequences found in anaerobically-induced or pollen-expressed genes from various plant species.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

The small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase is plastid-encoded in the chlorophyll c-containing alga Cryptomonas phi.

The gene for the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) is located in the large single-copy region of the plastid genome of the chlorophyll c-containing alga Cryptomonas phi. The coding sequence is 417 base pairs long, encoding a protein of 139 amino acids, considerably longer than most other small subunit proteins. It is found 83 base pairs downstream from the gene for the large subunit and is cotranscribed with it. An 18 base pair perfect inverted repeat is located 8 base pairs beyond the termination codon. Sequence analysis shows the gene to be more closely related to cyanobacterial and cyanelle small-subunit genes than to those of green algae or land plants. This is the first reported sequence of a Rubisco small-subunit gene which is plastid-encoded and it exhibits a number of unique features. The derived amino acid sequence shows extensive similarity to a partial amino acid sequence from a brown alga, indicating that this gene will be of major interest as a probe for the small subunit genes in other algae and for determining possible evolutionary ancestors of algal plastids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗