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Relationship between gene function and gene location in Escherichia coli.

Genes of Escherichia coli were grouped according to the "biochemical relatedness" of the enzymes they specifiy, using two schemes to determine relatedness: similarity of reaction or similarity of reactants. The tendency of biochemically related genes as so defined to lie approximately 90 degrees or 180 degrees from one another on the circular genetic map was analyzed statistically. Of the classes analyzed, only the genes for the enzymes of glucose catabolism showed a significant departure from random distribution in this respect. The glucose catabolism genes showed a pronounced tendency to lie either 90 degrees of 180 degrees from one another (P = ca. 10(-9)), and, furthermore, most of these genes were found to lie in only four gene clusters on the E. coli genome. The significance of this observation is discussed in relation to evolutionary mechanisms and to mechanisms of gene expression.

Amino Acids

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as probes of T-lymphocyte gene function.

Conventional and thiophosphonate-derivatized oligonucleotides were employed to specifically regulate functional gene expression in murine T-cell hybridomas. For example, induction of apoptotic cell death following activation of T-cell hybridomas was examined using antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to several protooncogenes. We found that antisense oligodeoxynucleotides corresponding to c-myc inhibited both the characteristic DNA fragmentation and the loss of cell viability following activation without affecting production of lymphokines. Functional antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to c-fos had no effect in this system. These results demonstrate the use of antisense oligonucleotides to regulate function in T-cell hybridomas and provide valuable insights into the molecular bases of this biological phenomenon. Antisense oligonucleotides were also used to study another problem, the relation of T-cell-derived antigen-specific immunoregulatory factors to the T-cell receptor (TCR). Because the translation start of each TCR gene usually varies from one T cell to another, antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to the TCR V alpha or V beta of different cells were shown to act in a cell-specific manner. Furthermore, this method was used to demonstrate that a soluble antigen-specific regulatory activity produced by one of the T-cell lines depends on expression of the specific TCRa, an observation that has since been confirmed by gene transfer experiments. Expression of the CD3-TCR complex on the cell surface was also blocked by antisense oligonucleotides corresponding to CD3 gamma and CD3 zeta; however, neither these nor TCR V beta antisense oligonucleotides had any effect on production of the soluble regulatory activity.

Animals

An adenovirus type 5 early gene function regulates expression of other early viral genes.

We have identified an adenovirus type 5(Ad5) early gene function located in early region 1 which is required for the production of early cytoplasmic mRNAs corresponding to early regions 2, 3, and 4. Mutant dl312 (lacks the segment between 1.5 and 4.5 map units) grows as well as wild-type virus in 293 cells (Ad5-transformed human embryonic kidney cells), but its growth is severely restricted in HeLa cells. We detect no viral RNAs in the cytoplasm of dl312-infected HeLa cells. Viral RNA sequences are present, however, in dl312-infected HeLa cell nuclei.

Adenoviruses, Human

The ocr gene function of bacterial viruses T3 and T7 prevents host-controlled modification.

On pre-infection of the host Escherichia coli B with u.v.-inactivated T3 or T7 phage able to express their early genes (like 0.3), B-specific modification of superinfecting, successfully multiplying viruses does not take place. The ocr gene function (gene 0.3) of T3 and T7 not only prevents host-specific DNA restriction but also modification, probably by inhibiting the same late step in the interaction between the restriction enzyme and DNA.

Coliphages

Viral gene functions expressed and detected by temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus.

The expression of HSV-specific gene functions by 22 ts mutants of HSV-1 in 15 complementation groups and 8 ts mutants of HSV-2 in 7 complementation groups has been studied at the nonpermissive temperature. Four cistrons of HSV-1 and three cistrons of HSV-2 with defects in viral DNA and DAN polymerase synthesis were identified. DNA-mutants of HSV-1 revealed a greater alteration in HSV polypeptide synthesis and viral assembly than DNA- mutants of HSV-2. Mutants with apparent defects in structural proteins have been identified for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 as demonstrated by their increased themolability. The general organization of the provisional HSV-1 and HSV-2 linkage maps revealed a similarity in the arrangement of functionally related cistrons, with DNA- mutants being located on the left-hand side of each map and mutants with phenotypic properties similar to those of the wild-type virus, on the right-hand side. An early polypeptide of HSV (VP175, MW 175,000) was found to accumulate in cells infected at the nonpermissive temperature withts mutants of HSV-1 in complementation group B. The VP175 polypeptide was isolated from such cells by a combination of SDS-preparative and analytical disc gel electrophoresis. Antiserum prepared to this polypeptide was found to descriminate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 by immunofluorescence. On the other hand, type-specific gene functions of HSV-1 and HSV-2 were not demonstrated through intertypic complementation and recombination tests with heterologous mutant pairs, whereas mutually exchangeable or common gene functions were readily identified. Eight ts mutants of HSV-2 were used to detect functional HSV genes in hamster embryo cells transformed by HSV-2. Normal hamster cells and SV40-transformed hamster cells failed to support the replication of the mutants at the nonpermissive temperature. However, the replication of two mutants, defective in late functions, was significantly enhanced in two independently derived HSV-2-transformed cell lines. Thus functional HSV genetic information was detected in HSV-2-transformed cells through the use of ts mutants. Moreover, it appears that the information present in both cell lines is not only specific but involves late HSV functions.

Antigens, Viral

Analysis of expression of the rII gene function of bacteriophage T4.

Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of the T4 phage rII gene were islated and used in temperature shift experiments that revelaed two different expressions for the normal rII (rII+) gene function in vivo: (i) an early expression (0 to 12 min postinfection at 30 C) that prevents restriction of T4 growth in Escherichia coli hosts lysogenic for gamma phage, and (ii) a later expression (12 to 18 min postinfection at 30 C) that results in restriction of T4 growth when the phage DNA ligase (gene 30) is missing. The earlier expression appeared to coincide with the period of synthesis of the protein product of the T4 rIIA cistron, whereas the later expression occurred after rIIA protein synthesis had stopped. The synthesis of the protein product of the rIIB cistron continues for several minutes after rIIA protein synthesis ceases (O'Farrell and Gold, 1973). The two rII+ gene expressions might require different molar ratios of the rIIA and rIIB proteins. It is possible that the separate expressions of rII+ gene function are manifestations of different associations between the two rII proteins and other T4-induced proteins that are synthesized or activated at different times after phage infection.

Coliphages

XsiAMT1.1a was identified as a novel ammonium uptake functional gene and its overexpression combined with GA4 application significantly increased yield in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Nitrogen (N) is a key limiting factor for plant yield. Ammonium is one of the main N forms absorbed by plants. Overexpression of ammonium uptake functional genes, such as ammonium transporter (AMT), can increase yield. However, the AMTs reported to enhance yield significantly is still limited. No researches have focused on the effect of overexpressing AMT combined with hormone application on yield improvement. In this study, we first investigated the role of XsiAMT1.1a, a potential ammonium uptake functional gene in an ammonium preference plant Xanthium sibiricum, in ammonium uptake by the analysis of bioinformatics, gene expression and subcellular localization, and the determination of ammonium uptake rate in endogenous silencing and heterologous overexpression plants. Subsequently, the effect of XsiAMT1.1a overexpression combined with hormone application on yield increase was further investigated in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results showed that XsiAMT1.1a shared the same conserved domains with AtAMT1 subfamily members and localized on the plasma membrane. XsiAMT1.1a was induced by N deficiency and highly expressed during the reproductive period. XsiAMT1.1a endogenous silencing and heterologous overexpression significantly decreased and increased ammonium uptake rates in X. sibiricum and A. thaliana, respectively. Overexpression of XsiAMT1.1a significantly improved total N accumulation, biomass and yield in A. thaliana, while XsiAMT1.1a overexpression combined with GA4 application had a stronger promoting effect on the above indicators. Our research identified a novel ammonium uptake functional gene, XsiAMT1.1a, and provided a new yield-increasing strategy which was verified in A. thaliana.

Arabidopsis

Evidence for variation in the number of functional gene copies at the AmaR locus in Chinese hamster cell lines.

The hypothesis of functional hemizygosity has been examined for the alpha-amanitin resistant (AmaR, a codominant marker) locus in a series of Chinese hamster cell lines. AmaR mutants were obtained from different cell lines, e.g., CHO, DHW, M3- 1 and CHO-Kl, at similar frequencies. After fractionation of different RNA polymerase activities in the extracts by chromatographic procedures, the sensitivity of the mutant RNA polymerase II towards alpha-amanitin was determined. While all of the RNA polymerase II activity in mutant CHO and CHO-Kl lines became resistant to alpha-amanitin inhibition, only about 50% of the activity is highly resistant in AmaR mutants of CHW and M3- 1 cell lines. The remaining activity in the latter cell lines shows alpha-amanitin sensitivity similar to that seen with the wild-type enzyme. This behaviour is similar to that observed with a 1:1 mixture of resistant and sensitive enzymes from CHO cells. These results, therefore, strongly indicate that while only one functional copy of the gene affected by alpha-amanitin is present in CHO and CHO-Kl cells, two copies of this gene are functional in the CHW and M3-1 cell lines.

Amanitins

Simian virus 40 A gene function: DNA content analysis of Chinese hamster cells transformed by an early temperature-sensitive virus mutant.

Replication of two Chinese hamster embryo cell lines transformed by an early temperature-sensitive mutant of simian virus 40, tsA58, was examined by flow microfluorometry and autoradiography of [3H]thymidine-labeled cells in order to determine whether transformed cell DNA synthesis is initiated by the virus A gene. At the permissive temperature (37 degrees), cells transformed by the mutant were like the wild-type virus transformants in appearance, colony-forming ability, high saturation density, and rapid replication. At the nonpermissive temperature (40.5 degrees), the tsA58 transformed cells resembled normal embryo fibroblasts and seem to return to normal growth patterns. Although both mutant transformed cell lines at 40.5 degrees appeared to cease growth at low saturation density, the cells did not enter a resting state, but continued to replicate. The cultures were maintained at low densities by a balance among cell replication, cell death, and sloughing of dead cells into the supernatant. These results suggest that the simian virus 40 A gene function effected by the tsA58 mutation does not prevent Chinese hamster embryo transformed cells from entering a resting state, although the gene may control other phenotypic characteristics of transformation.

Autoradiography

Adenovirus gene function required for induction of nuclear acidic protein synthesis: binding of these proteins to adenovirus DNA.

Two different viral DNA-defective temperature-sensitive mutants of adenovirus 12 (H 12) were defective in their ability to induce the synthesis of various molecular weight classes of nuclear acidic proteins, both virion and nonvirion components, after lytic infection of human embryo kidney (HEK) cells at the restrictive temperature. This finding indicates that the induction of nuclear acidic protein synthesis is an adenovirus gene function(s). Treatment of infected cells with actinomycin D at an early stage of virus maturation suppressed the synthesis of an acidic virion protein (hexon), but allowed the synthesis of other classes of nuclear nonvirion acidic proteins during the subsequent late maturation period, suggesting that different mechanisms control virion and nonvirion polypeptide synthesis. The interaction of the nuclear acidic proteins isolated from H 12-infected cells with native-labeled H 12 DNA was studied using the membrane filter technique. Measurements of the ability of different DNA preparations to inhibit the H 12 DNA-acidic protein complex formation suggest that the nuclear acidic proteins bound to native H 12 or HEK cell DNA with much higher affinity than to native calf thymus DNA. Moreover, native H 12 DNA was able to bind the acidic proteins more efficiently than did denatured H 12 DNA. The acidic proteins isolated from the cytoplasm of H 12-infected cells bound approximately 100-fold less to native H 12 DNA than did the nuclear proteins. Furthermore, the H 12 DNA binding affinity of the nuclear acidic proteins from uninfected cells, or from H 12-infected and 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine-treated cells, was somewhat lower than that of the nuclear proteins from infected (untreated) cells.

Adenoviridae

Adherent cell function in murine T lymphocyte antigen recognition. III. A macrophage-mediated immune response gene function in the mouse.

The I region of the MHC appears to control antigen-specific macrophage-T lymphocyte interaction. The immune response to antigens such as Gl phi 9 are under control of two distinct I subregions, I-A and I-E/I-C. We have asked in a macrophage-dependent, antigen-specific murine T cell proliferation assay whether either or both gene products need be expressed in the antigen-presenting cells. We find that both Ir-Gl phi 9 alpha and beta genes must be expressed and function in the antigen-presenting cell.

Animals

Generation of spCAS9 expressing human mesenchymal stem cell line to study gene function during osteoblast differentiation.

Human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (hMSCs) are a great resource for studying how genes influence cell fate and differentiation into various cell types like osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes, among other cell types. However, genetic manipulation of primary hMSCs has been challenging due to their short lifespan and cellular senescence after limited passaging. Their low and unstable transfection efficiency also complicates gene delivery or inactivation, hindering long-term functional studies. The limited lifespan has been effectively solved by immortalizing hMSCs with telomerase reverse transcriptase (hMSCs-TERT). The use of these cells is ideal for functional studies of osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation through genetic manipulation, providing a stable and reliable model. Here, we have engineered a stable CAS9 expressing hMSC-TERT cell line (hMSC-TERTCAS9) via lentiviral transduction. The constitutive expression of spCas9 enables efficient and reproducible gene editing. We demonstrate the potential of these hMSC-TERTCAS9 cells for generating gene disruptions using plasmid delivery of guide RNAs as a fast and efficient strategy for targeted genome editing. The edited cells can be sorted and expanded as single cells to obtain homogenous clonal cell lines with mono- as well as bi-allelic gene deletions, a crucial step for producing reliable experimental results. We further validate this cell line as a powerful tool for studying gene function during hMSC proliferation and differentiation, providing 3 distinct examples of its utility. Through the generation of indels, single-cell sorting, and clonal selection, we have efficiently inactivated the vitamin D receptor and created both larger (256 nucleotides) gene disruptions in Forkhead box protein O1 and precise removals of a small genomic sequence (73 nucleotides) coding for microRNA MIR675. This novel hMSC-TERTCAS9 cell line represents a significant advancement, offering a stable, efficient, and versatile platform for advanced genetic studies, high-throughput screening, and the creation of reliable cellular disease models.

CRISPR-Cas9

CRISPR as a Tool to Uncover Gene Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review of Experimental Models Targeting Ovarian and Metabolic Genes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by reproductive abnormalities such as hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, and is frequently accompanied by metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified several susceptibility loci, yet little is known about their functional implications. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has emerged as a powerful gene editing tool in bridging this gap by allowing researchers to directly target candidate genes in ovarian and metabolic pathways. For instance, experimental models have highlighted the role of CYP17A1 and DENND1A.V2 in androgen excess, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in follicular arrest, and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and PPARγ in insulin signaling and adipogenesis. To highlight the multifactorial nature of PCOS, animal models, including zebrafish and rodents, have been used to reveal interactions between reproductive and metabolic phenotypes. Nevertheless, most studies remain restricted to single-gene models, and dual-gene models or combined gene editing and hormonal induction models remain underexplored. Future research integrating precision editing, multi-omic platforms, and patient-derived organoids may provide more accurate disease models and novel therapeutic strategies.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Large-scale pleiotropic analysis across cancers reveals shared genetic mechanisms and identifies novel functional genes.

Pleiotropic genetic loci have been increasingly reported in cancer, and identifying genetic variants with pleiotropic associations can reveal shared biological pathways influencing multiple cancers. Using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies for 37 cancer types (N = 433 836), we identified extensive genome-wide and local genetic correlations among cancers. Through pairwise pleiotropic analysis, we identified 75 243 significant pleiotropic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 372 cancer pairs, among which 3472 were lead SNPs with potential regulatory functions. Using FUMA and MAGMA, we identified 2527 pleiotropic risk loci and 4272 candidate pleiotropic genes. Notably, genes such as TERT (5p15.33), POU5F1B (8q24.21), and FANCA (16q24.3) exhibited widespread pleiotropy across multiple cancer types. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the critical roles of pigment synthesis, metabolism, and apoptosis in skin-related cancers, while cross-cancer enrichment analysis emphasized pathways related to apoptosis, chromatin structure, and intermediate filaments. We also identified 33 novel functional genes harboring previously unreported cancer risk variants. Drug-gene interaction analysis revealed several repositionable FDA-approved drugs. Importantly, drug sensitivity assays demonstrated that bosutinib and cobimetinib exhibited promising therapeutic potential in breast cancer cell lines. Finally, we developed the PleioCancer database (https://gonglab.hzau.edu.cn/PleioCancer/), providing a comprehensive resource for cancer pleiotropy research. These findings have important implications for carcinogenesis cancer, prevention and treatment.

Humans

From Gene Function to Precision Intervention: CRISPR/Cas9 and Stem Cell-Based Strategies as Emerging Disease-Modifying Approaches in PMOS.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting up to 18% of women worldwide and remains the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Despite extensive research, current treatments primarily target symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction, without addressing the underlying molecular and tissue-level disturbances. Advances in multi‑omic profiling have identified disruptions across neuroendocrine, metabolic, inflammatory, and extracellular matrix pathways, alongside genetic susceptibility at loci such as DENND1A, CYP17A1, LHCGR, FSHR, IRS1, and PPARG. However, the functional roles of many variants remain unresolved. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing enables precise interrogation of these pathways, while stem cell-based platforms, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), exosomes, and gene-edited induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), may serve as complementary platforms for regeneration and disease modeling. Preclinical studies demonstrate that MSCs and their derivatives modulate inflammation, restore ovarian structure, and improve metabolic parameters, while iPSC-based models enable patient-specific investigation of steroidogenic and metabolic abnormalities. Translational challenges remain, including targeted delivery, off-target effects, phenotypic heterogeneity, and regulatory considerations. Integrating CRISPR‑based functional genomics with stem cell research may shift PMOS management from symptom‑focused care to targeted, mechanism‑driven interventions that could modify the course of PMOS (Graphical Abstract).

Humans

[Genetic study of bacteriophage phi81. II. Gene localization in the right arm of the phage chromosome and a comparison of phage phi81 with phages lambda and phi80 in regard to gene functions].

Data on genetic investigation on lambdoid bacteriophage phi81 made possible to localize the cos site on the prophage genetic map. Four essential genes and the gene c1 are located in the right arm of the phage genetic map. Regulatory genes of phage phi81 are found to be uncapable of functional substitution of lambda phages regulatory genes N and Q. It is discovered that some late genes of phage phi80 can be substituted with respective phage phi81 genes. No substitution possibility was observed for a number of early genes of phage phi80.

Chromosome Mapping

A User-Friendly Protocol for Microinjection into Teleost Embryos to Study Gene Function.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) are popular teleost models used in developmental biology and functional genomics. To achieve high-quality and reproducible microinjections, it is essential to have robust protocols for breeding, egg collection, and the precise delivery of genetic material. In this protocol, we present a comprehensive and optimized methodology for setting up breeding tanks under controlled photoperiod conditions to maximize egg yield while minimizing contamination. We provide detailed procedures for sex identification, pair selection, the use of grated breeding inserts, and methods to increase egg collection efficiency. We outline procedures for making injection gel beds, pulling needles, and calibration using one-microliter microcapillaries to achieve consistent nanoliter-scale injections. Our protocol outlines settings for the pico-liter injector that are optimized to deliver a precise amount per pulse with minimal variability. Finally, we demonstrate the application of these methods for gene knockdown using morpholino antisense oligonucleotides, gene knockout using CRISPR-Cas9, and gain-of-function mRNA overexpression experiments. Phenotypic assessments conducted at various developmental stages to evaluate gene-specific effects reveal consistent phenotypic outcomes between the morpholino and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches. This easy and comprehensive protocol enables efficient, precise, and scalable genetic manipulation of zebrafish and medaka embryos, thereby supporting advanced functional studies in developmental biology and disease modeling. To our knowledge, this is the first unified protocol for both zebrafish and medaka microinjection systems achieving 97.7% phenotype penetrance in CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts with precision together with a triple validation approach that confirms gene function across multiple techniques.

Animals