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Biomedical subjects

B D Hall

Publications and source records attributed to B D Hall.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Characterization of the yeast tRNA Ser genomic organization and DNA sequence.

Purified, isolated yeast tRNA Ser2 was used as a hybridization probe to estimate the number of tRNA Ser2 genes in the yeast genome. Molecular clones of several of the genes were obtained. Three examples were studied in detail with respect to their genomic organization, and DNA sequences were determined for them. There appear to be eleven tRNA Ser2 genes in the yeast genome. They are neither tandemly repeated, nor clustered with other tRNA genes. They contain no intervening sequences.

Base Sequence↗

A position effect in the control of transcription at yeast mating type loci.

The two mating type loci MATa and MAT alpha each produce two mRNAs that are transcribed in opposite and diverging directions from central promoters. Silent copies of MATa (HMRa) and MAT alpha (HML alpha) contain identical DNA sequences throughout the transcribed region, yet are not transcribed. It is concluded that sequences to the left of HMRa (and probably HML alpha) must somehow affect transcription initiated at the centre of each locus 700 to 1,400 base pairs away. A possible mechanism for this position effect is discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Isolation of a gene from Drosophila by complementation in yeast.

Transformation of mutant yeast cells by cloned genomic DNA from a higher eukaryote has made it possible to isolate a Drosophila DNA sequence that complements a yeast adenine-8-mutation. A 0.8-kilobase poly(A)-containing RNA is transcribed from the cloned Drosophila segment in transformed yeast cells and can account for functional expression of the gene.

Adenine↗

Biocompatibility of echinoderm skeleton with mammalian cells in vitro: preliminary evidence.

The physical and chemical properties of echinoderm skeleton are reviewed. A method is described for preparing cell-free, sterile echinoderm skeletal plates (ossicles) which were used as porous substrates for cell cultures. Ossicles of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus were evaluated as substrates for the culture of three mammalian cell lines. Each line grew vigorously on ossicles, and fibroblasts quickly infiltrated their porous microstructure. Echinoderm skeletal plates provide a simple, convenient alternative to coverslips and porous membranes for SEM or correlated SEM/TEM studies of cell behavior. More importantly, the preliminary evidence for biocompatibility presented suggests that native echinoderm skeleton has potential use as a biomaterial and, because of its microstructure and relative solubility; deserves evaluation as a kind of biodegradable ceramic.

Animals↗

The sequence of the DNAs coding for the mating-type loci of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The complete sequences of the yeast a mating-type locus, MATa, and of the silent alpha cassette, HML alpha, have been determined. A segment of 642 nucleotides is unique to MATa, and a corresponding segment of 747 nucleotides is unique to MAT alpha. The major mRNAs (a1, a2, alpha 1 and alpha 2) encoded by MATa and MAT alpha have been aligned with the DNA sequence. The a1 mRNA is encoded entirely within the a-specific DNA sequence. The a2 mRNA, which is transcribed divergently from a1 mRNA, is encoded in a region common to both Mata and Mat alpha. The alpha 1 and alpha 2 mRNAs are also transcribed divergently and have their 5' starts about 240 nucleotides apart within the alpha-specific sequence. The amino acid sequences of the MAT proteins have been predicted from the DNA sequences. An unanticipated conclusion is that the a1 protein, containing 148 amino acids, results from readthrough of a UGA at codon 45. Polymorphic forms of the homologous outer segments of the HML alpha, MAT alpha, MATa and HMRa sequences suggest that the boundaries of the segments involved in mating-type switching are immediately adjacent to the a-specific and alpha-specific sequences.

Base Sequence↗

In vitro mutation analysis of the mating-type locus in yeast.

The mating-type locus (MAT) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a complex locus that codes for the regulators of cell type. Two unique messages are transcribed from each MAT allele. Using the in vitro mutagenesis technique whereby synthetic oligonucleotides containing restriction sites (linkers) were inserted into plasmids, we have constructed a series of mutations in cloned DNA containing either the MATa or MAT alpha locus. The new restriction site associated with each "linker" mutation has allowed the mutation to be mapped and sequenced. We have complemented genetically defined mutations (mata1, mat alpha 1 and mat alpha 2) with plasmids containing these in vitro mutations by yeast transformation, thereby mapping the genes onto the DNA sequence. MATa1 has been localized to the MATa unique region (Ya) from which the a1 message is transcribed. We find no function for the other MATa message by using our complementation assay. MAT alpha 1 maps to the MAT alpha unique (Y alpha) and adjacent (Z) region from which the alpha 1 message is transcribed. MAT alpha 2 maps to the other major message found in the common (X) region of the MAT alpha loci. Although most linker mutations that have a mutant phenotype appear to disrupt the translated portion of each gene, two mutations may disrupt transcription.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Deletion mapping of sequences essential for in vivo transcription of the iso-1-cytochrome c gene.

The 5' termini of yeast CYC1 RNA molecules have been mapped, by nuclease S1 digestion of mRNA . DNA duplexes, to seven locations from 29 to 93 base pairs upstream from the initiating ATG codon. When the CYC1 gene is introduced into yeast in plasmid YEp13, substantially the same transcripts are made. Using this system to study in vivo gene expression, we measured the capacity of enzymatically produced DNA deletions to form the normal set of RNAs. Four regions of 5'-flanking DNA were identified as functional. Sequences within the region -242 to -139 are required for maximal CYC1 transcript formation; their deletion reduces transcription by a factor of 15 but does not change the pattern of 5' ends observed. Deletion of the sequence between -242 and -99 does not further change the overall transcript level but does affect the specificity of CYC1 mRNA starting. A deletion that extends from -242 to -75 causes both an additional shift in the pattern of 5' ends observed and a further large decrease (factor of 10--20) in CYC1 RNA level. Deletions that extend from -242 to -43, and particularly two deletions that extend still closer to the initiating ATG, cause the appearance of an abundant transcript which starts upstream of position -1078 and of minor transcripts starting in the region -325 to -245.

Base Sequence↗

Physical analysis of the CYC1-sup4 interval in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

CYC1 and sup4 are part of a tightly linked cluster of genes on chromosome X in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using as probes previously cloned fragments containing the CYC1 and sup4 genes, we have identified and cloned the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) present between these genes in one strain of yeast. We find that the CYC1 and sup4 genes are approximately 21 kilobases apart. In the same strain, the meiotic map distance is approximately 3.7 centimorgans, for a ratio of 5.6 kilobases per centimorgan in this interval. The physical mapping has allowed unambiguous determination of the orientation of CYC1 and sup4 relative to each other, the centromere, and a nearby transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA(2Ser)) gene. The spontaneous mutation cyc1-1 inactivates the CYC1 gene as well as the neighboring loci OSM1 and RAD7. We have determined that a cyc1-1-bearing strain lacks approximately 13 kilobases of single-copy DNA from the CYC1-sup4 region, including all of the CYC1 coding information. There is a sequence homologous to the middle-repetitive element Ty1 at or near the breakpoint of the cyc1-1 deletion. We discuss the possibility that Ty elements play a role in the formation of such large, spontaneous deletions, which occur frequently in this region of chromosome X in certain yeast strains.

Chromosome Deletion↗

Campomelic dysplasia. Further elucidation of a distinct entity.

Campomelic dysplasia is a distinct entity that should not be confused with other conditions associated with congenital bowing of the long bones. Evidence suggests that some affected males have female external genitalia, and vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Examination of a newly reported sibling pair has increased support for autosomal recessive inheritance in campomelic dysplasia.

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗

Congenital bowing of the long bones. A review and phenotype analysis of 13 undiagnosed cases.

Phenotype analysis of 13 patients with congenital bowing of long bones and otherwise undiagnosable conditions allowed sorting into three major groups. Patients in group 1 had normal bone texture; bowing was confined to the femora, the long bones were relatively thin, there were no epiphyseal or metaphyseal abnormalities, and associated malformations or CNS abnormalities were common. Patients in group 2 had osteopenia; bowing was more generalized, the long bones were relatively thick, there were metaphyseal ossification abnormalities. Two brothers belonged to a third group with normal bone texture, relatively thick bones, bowing of the upper and lower limbs, and metaphyseal abnormalities. The subdivision of patients with congenital bowing of the long bones in these groups may be biologically significant. The occurrence of malformations only in group 1 is remarkable. Osteopenia, as found in patients of group 2, may be an important pathogenetic factor not present in patients of groups 1 and 3. Known causes of congenital bowing of long bones are tabulated.

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗

Mutations at the yeast SUP4 tRNATyr locus: DNA sequence changes in mutants lacking suppressor activity.

Yeast strains harboring indepjendent mutations within the SUP4 tyrosine tRNA gene have been selected by virtue of their inactivating effect upon the SUP4-o UAA suppressor. Three fourths of the mutations at SUP4 are point alterations; the rest resemble the deletions described by Rothstein (1979). A meiotic genetic fine structure map of the locus was made by crossing 69 of the mutants in all combinations and testing for the frequency of SUP4-o recombinants. The sequences of SUP4 genes cloned from 32 mutant strains were determined by the dideoxynucleotide terminator method, using as primer a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide corresponding to a sequence adjoining the SUP4 3' terminus. The positions of the DNA sequence alterations showed good colinearity with the positions of the mutations on the genetic map. One of the 26 mutant sites found by DNA sequencing lies within the intervening sequence. At this site three repeat mutations were found, each changing AT leads to TA. Whereas mutations were generally rather uniformly distributed throughout the tRNATyr coding sequence, none occurred in the DNA sequences flanking the mature tRNATyr sequence or in a 12 nucleotide sequence including the 10 bp which constitute the 3' side of the intervening sequence.

Base Sequence↗

Mutations of the yeast SUP4 tRNATyr locus: transcription of the mutant genes in vitro.

Twenty-nine different SUP4-o tRNATyr genes with second-site mutations were transcribed in X. laevis cell-free RNA polymerase III transcription reactions, and the in vitro transcripts were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Nineteen mutant genes yield normal amounts of RNA that co-electrophorese with SUP4-o gene transcripts. RNA synthesized from a mutant gene lacing a single base pair migrated slightly faster in gels, as expected. The still shorter transcripts made from seven other mutant genes suggest that several mutations alter transcription starting or stopping points. Fingerprint analyses of transcripts from the two most extreme cases showed that premature termination occurred at new tracts of T residues resulting from the mutations. Two mutations significantly enhance transcription, and two mutations which alter the invariant C within the T psi CG sequence dramatically reduce SUP4-o gene transcription. The regions of the SUP4-o gene that surround these mutations are partially homologous to intragenic sequences in many other eucaryotic tRNA and 5S RNA genes. We hypothesize that these homologous sequences are recognized as promoter regions during RNA polymerase III transcription initiation.

Animals↗

Isolation and sequence of the gene for iso-2-cytochrome c in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The two apocytochrome c proteins of yeast are coded for by separate genes. Iso-2-cytochrome c differs from the iso-1 protein at 17 positions within a homologous sequence of 108 amino acids. The previously cloned iso-1-cytochrome c coding sequence has been used to identify lambda-yeast recombinant phage containing the gene for iso-2-cytochrome c. The latter protein contains the dipeptide Ala-Ala which is coded for by the nucleic acid sequence G-C-N-G-C-N. The recognition specificity of restriction endonuclease Fnu4HI for G-C-N-G-C provided a rapid means of locating the region of the cloned fragment which codes for iso-2-cytochrome c. The DNA sequence of this gene has been determined and compared with that of the iso-1-cytochrome c locus. There is no intervening sequence within the gene for iso-2-cytochrome c. At 45 of the 91 positions for which iso-1- and iso-2-cytochrome c have the same amino acid, the codons differ. Such third position variation does not occur within the region coding for amino acids 70-80, the protein sequence that is also most conserved among all eukaryotic cytochromes c.

Apoproteins↗