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RNAProfile: an algorithm for finding conserved secondary structure motifs in unaligned RNA sequences.

The recent interest sparked due to the discovery of a variety of functions for non-coding RNA molecules has highlighted the need for suitable tools for the analysis and the comparison of RNA sequences. Many trans-acting non-coding RNA genes and cis-acting RNA regulatory elements present motifs, conserved both in structure and sequence, that can be hardly detected by primary sequence analysis alone. We present an algorithm that takes as input a set of unaligned RNA sequences expected to share a common motif, and outputs the regions that are most conserved throughout the sequences, according to a similarity measure that takes into account both the sequence of the regions and the secondary structure they can form according to base-pairing and thermodynamic rules. Only a single parameter is needed as input, which denotes the number of distinct hairpins the motif has to contain. No further constraints on the size, number and position of the single elements comprising the motif are required. The algorithm can be split into two parts: first, it extracts from each input sequence a set of candidate regions whose predicted optimal secondary structure contains the number of hairpins given as input. Then, the regions selected are compared with each other to find the groups of most similar ones, formed by a region taken from each sequence. To avoid exhaustive enumeration of the search space and to reduce the execution time, a greedy heuristic is introduced for this task. We present different experiments, which show that the algorithm is capable of characterizing and discovering known regulatory motifs in mRNA like the iron responsive element (IRE) and selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) stem-loop structures. We also show how it can be applied to corrupted datasets in which a motif does not appear in all the input sequences, as well as to the discovery of more complex motifs in the non-coding RNA.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Sequence analysis of insecticidal genes from Xenorhabdus nematophilus PMFI296.

Three strains of Xenorhabdus nematophilus showed insecticidal activity when fed to Pieris brassicae (cabbage white butterfly) larvae. From one of these strains (X. nematophilus PMFI296) a cosmid genome library was prepared in Escherichia coli and screened for oral insecticidal activity. Two overlapping cosmid clones were shown to encode insecticidal proteins, which had activity when expressed in E. coli (50% lethal concentration [LC(50)] of 2 to 6 microg of total protein/g of diet). The complete sequence of one cosmid (cHRIM1) was obtained. On cHRIM1, five genes (xptA1, -A2, -B1, -C1, and -D1) showed homology with up to 49% identity to insecticidal toxins identified in Photorhabdus luminescens, and also a smaller gene (chi) showed homology to a putative chitinase gene (38% identity). Transposon mutagenesis of the cosmid insert indicated that the genes xptA2, xptD1, and chi were not important for the expression of insecticidal activity toward P. brassicae. One gene (xptA1) was found to be central for the expression of activity, and the genes xptB1 and xptC1 were needed for full activity. The location of these genes together on the chromosome and therefore present on a single cosmid insert probably accounted for the detection of insecticidal activity in this E. coli clone. Although multiple genes may be needed for full activity, E. coli cells expressing the xptA1 gene from the bacteriophage lambda P(L) promoter were shown to have insecticidal activity (LC(50) of 112 microg of total protein/g of diet). This is contrary to the toxin genes identified in P. luminescens, which were not insecticidal when expressed individually in E. coli. High-level gene expression and the use of a sensitive insect may have aided in the detection of insecticidal activity in the E. coli clone expressing xptA1. The location of these toxin genes and the chitinase gene and the presence of mobile elements (insertion sequence) and tRNA genes on cHRIM1 indicates that this region of DNA represents a pathogenicity island on the genome of X. nematophilus PMFI296.

Animals↗

The SPI-3 pathogenicity island of Salmonella enterica.

Pathogenicity islands are chromosomal clusters of pathogen-specific virulence genes often found at tRNA loci. We have determined the molecular genetic structure of SPI-3, a 17-kb pathogenicity island located at the selC tRNA locus of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The G+C content of SPI-3 (47.5%) differs from that of the Salmonella genome (52%), consistent with the notion that these sequences have been horizontally acquired. SPI-3 harbors 10 open reading frames organized in six transcriptional units, which include the previously described mgtCB operon encoding the macrophage survival protein MgtC and the Mg2+ transporter MgtB. Among the newly identified open reading frames, one exhibits sequence similarity to the ToxR regulatory protein of Vibrio cholerae and one is similar to the AIDA-I adhesin of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. The distribution of SPI-3 sequences varies among the salmonellae: the right end of the island, which harbors the virulence gene mgtC, is present in all eight subspecies of Salmonella; however, a four-gene cluster at the center of SPI-3 is found in only some of the subspecies and is bracketed by remnants of insertion sequences, suggesting a multistep process in the evolution of SPI-3 sequences.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Genomic characteristics of multi-drug resistant of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae ST1565 from sepsis cases].

To analyze the genomic characteristics of multi-drug resistant of non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae ST1565 from sepsis cases. An 88 years old male patient admitted to Huashan Hospital in Shanghai on July 2, 2025, who was retrospectively analyzed. The clinical diagnosis was severe bacterial enteritis and secondary NOVC sepsis. Blood culture confirmed the presence of non-O1/non-O139 group Vibrio cholerae. The strain was a multidrug-resistant isolated of ST1565 as determined by whole-genome sequencing. The ResFinder database predicted 11 resistance genes for 6 classes of antibiotics: qnrVC5, sul2, floR, tet(59), aph(6)-Id, aph(3'')-Ib, dfrA15, dfrA31, almE, almF, and almG. Except for the quinolone qnrVC5, which was not expressed, the other resistance genes were consistent matched the phenotypic results. Additionally, 8 insertion sequences were identified: ISVch1, ISVvu4, ISVch6, ISVvu8, ISVpa3, ISVpa4, ISVsa3, and ISShfr9. Important virulence factors included 3 secreted protein toxin genes: Vibrio cholerae hemolysin, repeat toxin, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus thermostable direct hemolysin. The patient was cured after sequential treatment with meropenem, levofloxacin, and doxycycline. NOVC/ST1565 is a newly identified sequence type in China, which exhibits multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent phenotypes.

Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial↗

Two distinct human endothelin B receptors generated by alternative splicing from a single gene.

A novel variant of endothelin B receptor (ETB) has been found in human brain, placenta, lung, and heart by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. This variant ETB1 has an additional 30 nucleotide sequence with splice sites at both ends. This results in a 10 amino acid increase in the length of the second cytoplasmic domain of ETB. Polymerase chain reaction on genomic DNA indicates that this sequence is part of the 134 bp intron which separates the second and third exons and is contiguous with the third exon of the ETB gene. Southern blot analysis of chromosomal DNA and genomic PCR results indicate that ETB1 arises by alternative RNA splicing of the single copy ETB gene. The insert sequence in ETB1 gene is absent in bovine, rat, and porcine DNA, and is unique to human DNA. Both ETB and ETB1 have been expressed in heterologous systems to examine their ligand binding and functional properties. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of RNA from ETB1 expressing cells indicates that the additional sequence is stably expressed.

Alternative Splicing↗

High-efficiency bypass of DNA damage by human DNA polymerase Q.

Endogenous DNA damage arises frequently, particularly apurinic (AP) sites. These must be dealt with by cells in order to avoid genotoxic effects. DNA polymerase theta; is a newly identified enzyme encoded by the human POLQ gene. We find that POLQ has an exceptional ability to bypass an AP site, inserting A with 22% of the efficiency of a normal template, and continuing extension as avidly as with a normally paired base. POLQ preferentially incorporates A opposite an AP site and strongly disfavors C. On nondamaged templates, POLQ makes frequent errors, incorporating G or T opposite T about 1% of the time. This very low fidelity distinguishes POLQ from other A-family polymerases. POLQ has three sequence insertions between conserved motifs in its catalytic site. One insert of approximately 22 residues into the tip of the polymerase thumb subdomain is predicted to confer considerable flexibility and additional DNA contacts to affect enzyme fidelity. POLQ is the only known enzyme that efficiently carries out both the insertion and extension steps for bypass of AP sites, commonly formed as endogenous genomic lesions.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Efficient infection from cDNA clones of cucumber mosaic cucumovirus RNAs in a new plasmid vector.

Full-length cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) cDNAs were cloned into a new plasmid vector containing a modified plant virus promoter designed to transcribe the inserted sequence from its first nucleotide. cDNA copies of CMV strain Q (Q-CMV) genomic RNAs 1, 2 and 3 cloned into this vector were infectious when inoculated together, producing symptoms indistinguishable from those caused by wildtype Q-CMV infection. The infectivity of the clones could be substantially increased by excision of the viral insert together with the transcriptional promoter and terminator prior to inoculation. A diagnostic but silent mutation was introduced into the RNA 2 cDNA and found to be stably maintained in viral infection, allowing distinction of the recombinant virus from native contaminants. The infectious cDNA clones supported the replication of CMV satellite RNA when co-inoculated with biologically active Q-CMV satellite RNA transcripts. Using the infectious cDNAs described, it was found that a newly-identified overlapping gene (2b) encoded by Q-CMV RNA 2 was not essential for either systemic viral infection of Nicotiana glutinosa or replication of the satellite RNAs.

Base Sequence↗

Gene Cloning, Expression, and Purification of Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor from Glycine max Using Halo Tag.

Soybean Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor (SKTI) is one of the most extensively studied protease inhibitors, with applications in pest management, medicine, the food processing industry, and the leather industry. In this study, SKTI was cloned into the pFN29A Flexi vector containing a barnase gene. Genomic DNA was isolated from tender soybean leaves, and SKTI was amplified by PCR to obtain a 671 bp product. After cloning, an internal 380 bp sequence was amplified using specific primers to confirm that the cloned sequence was a functional SKTI, as non-functional SKTI genes also exist in Glycine max. The amplified PCR product, containing an AsiSI site at the 5' end and a PmeI site at the 3' end, was cloned into the pFN29A vector. The resulting colonies were screened by colony PCR, and the insert sequence was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The recombinant protein, containing a His-tag, Halo-tag, and a TEV protease cleavage site, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. Maximum expression was achieved 5 h after induction with 0.5 mM IPTG at 37 °C. The expressed SKTI was purified using affinity chromatography on HaloLink resin, and the bound SKTI was cleaved with HaloTEV protease to obtain pure SKTI. The purified inhibitor effectively inhibited bovine trypsin, with an IC₅₀ of 0.6 ± 0.003 µg/µl, yielding 1.6 mg per gram of bacterial pellet. The 24 kDa inhibitor remained stable up to a temperature of 50 °C. Kinetic analysis revealed that recombinant SKTI competitively inhibits trypsin, with a Kᵢ value of 14 µM.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Mutagenesis via IS transposition in Deinococcus radiodurans.

Analysis of the complete genome indicates that insertion sequences (ISs) are abundant in the radio-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans. By developing a forward mutagenesis assay to detect any inactivation events in D. radiodurans, we found that in the presence of an active mismatch repair system 75% of the mutations to trimethoprim-resistance (Tmp(R)) resulted from an IS insertion into the thyA coding region. Analysis of their distribution among the spontaneous Tmp(R) mutants indicated that five different ISs were transpositionally active. A type II Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Element (MITE), related to one of the deinococcal ISs, was also discovered as an insertion into thyA. Seven additional genomic copies of this MITE element were identified by BLASTN. Gamma-ray irradiation of D. radiodurans led to an increase of up to 10-fold in the frequency of Tmp(R) mutants. Analysis of the induced mutations in cells exposed to 10 kGy indicated that gamma-irradiation induced transposition of ISDra2 approximately 100-fold. A 50-fold induction of ISDra2 transposition was also observed in cells exposed to 600 J m(-2) UV-irradiation. Point mutations to rifampicin resistance (Rif(R)) were also induced by gamma-irradiation to reach a plateau at 2 kGy. The plateau value represented a 16-fold increase in the mutant frequency over the background. Although error-free repair strategies predominate in D. radiodurans, an upregulation of transposition, as well as induction of point mutations in cells recovering from DNA damage, provide a genetic variability that may have long-term evolutionary consequences on the fitness of this organism in its habitat.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Evolutionary relationships among strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with few copies of IS6110.

Molecular typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using IS6110 shows low discrimination when there are fewer than five copies of the insertion sequence. Using a collection of such isolates from a study of the epidemiology of tuberculosis in London, we have shown a substantial degree of congruence between IS6110 patterns and both spoligotype and PGRS type. This indicates that the IS6110 types mainly represent distinct families of strains rather than arising through the convergent insertion of IS6110 into favored positions. This is supported by identification of the genomic sites of the insertion of IS6110 in these strains. The combined data enable identification of the putative evolutionary relationships of these strains, comprising three lineages broadly associated with patients born in South Asia (India and Pakistan), Africa, and Europe, respectively. These lineages appear to be quite distinct from M. tuberculosis isolates with multiple copies of IS6110.

Africa↗

Mutations and rearrangements in the genome of Sulfolobus solfataricus P2.

The genome of Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 carries a larger number of transposable elements than any other sequenced genome from an archaeon or bacterium and, as a consequence, may be particularly susceptible to rearrangement and change. In order to gain more insight into the natures and frequencies of different types of mutation and possible rearrangements that can occur in the genome, the pyrEF locus was examined for mutations that were isolated after selection with 5-fluoroorotic acid. About two-thirds of the 130 mutations resulted from insertions of mobile elements, including insertion sequence (IS) elements and a single nonautonomous mobile element, SM2. For each of these, the element was identified and shown to be present at its original genomic position, consistent with a progressive increase in the copy numbers of the mobile elements. In addition, several base pair substitutions, as well as small deletions, insertions, and a duplication, were observed, and about one-fifth of the mutations occurred elsewhere in the genome, possibly in an orotate transporter gene. One mutant exhibited a 5-kb genomic rearrangement at the pyrEF locus involving a two-step IS element-dependent reaction, and its boundaries were defined using a specially developed "in vitro library" strategy. Moreover, while searching for the donor mobile elements, evidence was found for two major changes that had occurred in the genome of strain P2, one constituting a single deletion of about 4% of the total genome (124 kb), while the other involved the inversion of a 25-kb region. Both were bordered by IS elements and were inferred to have arisen through recombination events. The results underline the caution required in working experimentally with an organism such as S. solfataricus with a continually changing genome.

Archaeal Proteins↗

Chromosomal integration of phage lambda by means of a DNA insertion element.

Phage lambdacam112, which contains the chloramphenicol resistance transposon Tn9 and has a deletion of attP and the int gene, will lysogenize Escherichia coli K-12. Prophage integration occurs at different chromosomal sites, including lacY and malB, but not at attB. All lambdacam112 prophages are excised from the chromosome after induction but with various efficiencies for different locations. Heteroduplex analysis of lambdaplacZ transducing phages isolated from a lacY::lambdacam112 prophage reveals an insertion sequence 1 (IS1) element at the joint of viral and chromosomal DNA. Two lines of evidence indicate that lambdacam112 encodes an excision activity that recognizes the IS1 element: (i) prophage derepression increases the frequency of excision from lacY to yield lac+ revertants, and (ii) lambdacam112 infection increases reversion of a galT::IS1 mutation about 50-fold. Our results indicate that the IS1 termini of TN9 can replace attP as a site for lambda insertion in the bacterial chromosome and that excision events are catalyzed by an IS1-encoded protein under lambda repressor and N gene control.

Base Sequence↗

Genetic analyses of the interactions of the IS1-encoded proteins with the left end of IS1 and its insertion hotspot.

Insertion sequence IS1 specifies the InsA, delta InsA-B'-InsB and InsA-B'-InsB protein species. These three proteins have the identical alpha-helix-turn-alpha-helix motif that is likely to be responsible for DNA binding. In fact, InsA binds to the ends of IS1, and regulates gene expression and transposition of IS1. delta InsA-B'-InsB and/or InsA-B'-InsB has been thought to possess a transposase-like activity. Here, I examined the actions of these proteins in vivo on the promoter (pinsL) in the left end of IS1. InsA repressed pinsL-driven gene expression, both in cis and in trans. delta InsA-B'-InsB inhibited it efficiently only when pinsL was located near the construct where delta InsA-B'-InsB is expressed. Furthermore, it has been shown that the possible -10 sequence of pinsL is required for delta InsA-B'-InsB to act on, but the -35 sequence where InsA binds specifically, is not. InsA-B'-InsB appeared not to work on a nearby pinsL. The cis-action of delta InsA-B'-InsB is consistent with the previous observation that the IS1 transposase acts preferentially in cis. Interestingly, delta InsA-B'-InsB acted on a nearby P3 promoter in the IS1 insertion hotspot, and on another promoter outside the hotspot. delta InsA-B'-InsB may generally interact with the regions in or around promoters owing to their low DNA helix stability. Note that IS1 transposes preferentially into A + T-rich DNA segments, and that DNA is unwound from the -10 region of a promoter in transcription. The cis-preference of delta InsA-B'-InsB would result in an overall reduction of transposition of IS1 and its defective copy in a cell, allowing stable existence of the element in its bacterial host.

Base Sequence↗

Poliovirus vaccine strains as mucosal vaccine vectors and their potential use to develop an AIDS vaccine.

Sexual transmission is the major route for the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the AIDS pandemic progression. Most attempts to develop a protective HIV vaccine have failed despite eliciting strong systemic immune responses. The basic hypothesis of our poliovirus vaccine vector strategy is that essential requirements for protective immunization against HIV and other related lentiviruses may involve (1) induction of mucosal immunity and (2) immunological responses against multiple viral antigens. To test this hypothesis, we have developed replication-competent poliovirus recombinants, based on the Sabin poliovirus vaccine strain viruses, that carry and express antigens derived from the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Because there are no good immunological correlates for complete protection against SIV infection, we have elected to express the entire SIV genome in defined, discrete overlapping fragments. With this approach all the potentially important antigenic sequences can be effectively expressed at local mucosal sites by the inoculation of a cocktail of recombinant polioviruses that carries a complete set of SIV antigens. Infection of susceptible mice and cynomolgus monkeys with poliovirus-SIV cocktails elicits serum and secretory humoral responses, as well as a strong cellular immunity to the inserted sequences. Most importantly, we have demonstrated that vaccination of cynomolgus monkeys with poliovirus-SIV cocktails protects against infection and AIDS after intravaginal challenge with highly pathogenic SIV(mac)251.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Cloning and characterization of Vine-1, a LTR-retrotransposon-like element in Vitis vinifera L., and other Vitis species.

We report the organization of a grapevine chimeric gene Adhr-Vine-1, composed by an Adhr gene, into which a retroelement, Vine-1, was inserted. Sequence analysis revealed that Adhr is a member of the Adh multigene family, but does not correspond to any other grapevine Adh described to date. Vine-1, albeit defective, is the most complete LTR (long terminal repeat)-retrotransposon-like element described in Vitis vinifera L. It is 2392 bp long, with two almost identical LTRs (287 bp) in the same orientation, and flanked by direct repeats of a 5 bp host DNA. This element presents other features, characteristic of retroviruses and retrotransposons including inverted repeats, a primer binding site, and a polypurine tract. It has a single open reading frame (ORF) of 581 amino acids, potentially encoding for a gag protein and parts of the protease and integrase proteins. Vine-1 is most likely related to the copia-like type family, but with no significant similarity to any previously described plant retrotransposon or inserted element, nor to any eukaryotic element described to date. Vine-1 element has been found in Adhr at the same location in different V. vinifera cultivars, but not in some other analyzed Vitis species. These data suggest that Vine-1 insertion in Adhr is specific to V. vinifera, and has occurred after the Adh isogene separation, but prior to cultivar development. Sequences related to Vine-1 were revealed in multiple copies in the V. vinifera genome and, to a lesser extent, in other analyzed Vitis species. The polymorphism observed prompts us to question the role played by transposition in the evolution of the Vitis genus.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Lambda ZAP: a bacteriophage lambda expression vector with in vivo excision properties.

A lambda insertion type cDNA cloning vector, Lambda ZAP, has been constructed. In E. coli a phagemid, pBluescript SK(-), contained within the vector, can be excised by f1 or M13 helper phage. The excision process eliminates the need to subclone DNA inserts from the lambda phage into a plasmid by restriction digestion and ligation. This is possible because Lambda ZAP incorporates the signals for both initiation and termination of DNA synthesis from the f1 bacteriophage origin of replication (1). Six of 21 restriction sites in the excised pBluescript SK polylinker, contained within the NH2-portion of the lacZ gene, are unique in lambda ZAP. Coding sequences inserted into these restriction sites, in the appropriate reading frame, can be expressed from the lacZ promoter as fusion proteins. The features of this vector significantly increase the rate at which clones can be isolated and analyzed. The lambda ZAP vector was tested by the preparation of a chicken liver cDNA library and the isolation of actin clones by screening with oligonucleotide probes. Putative actin clones were excised from the lambda vector and identified by DNA sequencing. The ability of lambda ZAP to serve as a vector for the construction of cDNA expression libraries was determined by detecting fusion proteins from clones containing glucocerbrosidase cDNA's using rabbit IgG anti-glucocerbrosidase antibodies.

Actins↗

Manipulation of the Semliki Forest virus genome and its potential for vaccine construction.

The Semliki Forest virus (SFV) expression vector consists of a plasmid based on the SFV infectious clone. Foreign genes may be inserted into the structural coding region, transcribed as RNA, and expressed in cell culture after transfection. RNA containing inserted sequences may be packaged into virions using a helper systems. This allows efficient infection and expression without chemical transfection, but only one round of multiplication is possible. The biosafety of the system has been increased by the introduction of multiple mutations, specifying a maturation defect, into the helper. Potential vaccines can be constructed by insertion of genes coding for antigenic proteins into the vector. Following insertion of the influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) into the SFV vector, immunity was induced following injection of packaged or naked RNA into mice. The SFV vector is a "suicide" expression vector that has great potential for the construction of vaccines for both human and veterinary use.

Animals↗

Proteus mirabilis chromosome mobilization by plasmid D: a physical characterization.

Plasmid D, a hybrid of plasmids P-lac and R1 drd19, mediates polarized chromosome mobilization from one origin in Proteus mirabilis strain PM5006, while the parental plasmids neither individually nor combined mobilize this chromosome. To elucidate its acquired mobilizing ability plasmid D was characterized physically in relation to P-lac and R1 drd19. Restriction patterns of these plasmids were compared and it was shown that D consists of P-lac and only the r-determinant (r-det) of R1 drd19. A mechanism for the formation of plasmid D, via transduction of the r-det and subsequent transposon-like integration into P-lac, involving insertion sequence IS1, was suggested. Evidence for aberration in plasmid D DNA as a result of r-det integration into P-lac was attributed to IS1 elements which flank the r-det. Recombination regions of parental plasmid DNA were located on HindIII fragments alpha and beta of plasmid D and were subsequently inserted in vitro into IncP-1 plasmid RP4 that fails to mobilize the P. mirabilis chromosome. RP4::HindIII alpha plasmids did not mobilize the latter chromosome, but rendered the Proteus host lac+. RP4::HindIII beta plasmids pMC1 and pMC17, containing the fragment in opposite orientations, mobilized the P. mirabilis chromsome. For pMC17, mobilization was indistinguishable from that of plasmid D, i.e. having the same orientation and the same single origin. However, mobilization promoted by pMC1 was from two distinctly different origins, different from that of pMC17. This apparently deviates from known examples where inversion of homologous DNA inserted into plasmids leads to mobilization from the same origin but in reverse direction.

Chromosome Mapping↗