Biomedical subjects

Bahram Amini

Publications and source records attributed to Bahram Amini.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Multiple-primer DNA sequencing method.

A multiple-primer DNA sequencing approach suitable for genotyping, detection and identification of microorganisms and viruses has been developed. In this new method two or more sequencing primers, combined in a pool, are added to a DNA sample of interest. The oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the DNA sample will function as a primer during the subsequent DNA sequencing procedure. This strategy is suited for selective detection and genotyping of relevant microorganisms and samples harboring different DNA targets such as multiple variant/infected samples as well as unspecific amplification products. This method is used here in a model system for detection and typing of high-risk oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in samples containing multiple infections/variants or unspecific amplification products. Type-specific sequencing primers were designed for four of the most oncogenic (high-risk) HPV types (HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-33, and HPV-45). The primers were combined and added to a sample containing a mixture of one high-risk (16, 18, 33, or 45) and one or two low-risk types. The DNA samples were sequenced by the Pyrosequencing technology and the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method. Correct genotyping was achieved in all tested combinations. This multiple-sequencing primer approach also improved the sequence data quality for samples containing unspecific amplification products. The new strategy is highly suitable for diagnostic typing of relevant species/genotypes of microorganisms.

DNA Primers↗

PubMed2003

Multiple group-specific sequencing primers for reliable and rapid DNA sequencing.

Pyrosequencing technology is a bioluminometric DNA sequencing method that employs a cascade of four enzymes to deliver sequence signals. To date this technology has been limited to the sequencing of short stretches of DNA. As an improvement to this technique, we have introduced a bacterial group-specific, multiple sequencing primer approach that circumvents sequencing of less informative semi-conservative regions of the 16S rRNA gene. This new approach is suitable for challenging templates, improving sequence data quality, avoiding sequencing of non-specific amplification products, lessening sequencing time, and moreover, this strategy should open the way for many new applications in the future. The group-specific, multiple sequencing primers can be applied in the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method as well. In addition, we have improved the chemistry of the Pyrosequencing system enabling sequencing of longer stretches of DNA, which allows numerous new applications.

Bacteria↗

PubMed2002

Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding poplar UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, a key gene of hemicellulose/pectin formation.

Plant UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) is an important enzyme in the formation of hemicellulose and pectin, the components of newly formed cell walls. A cDNA clone (Ugdh) corresponding to UGDH was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from cambial zone of poplar (Populus tremula x tremuloides). Within the 1824-nucleotide (nt)-long clone, an open reading frame encoded a protein of 481 amino acids (aa), with a calculated molecular weight of 53.1 kDa. The derived aa sequence showed 90% and 63% identity with UGDHs from soybean and bovine liver, respectively, and had highly conserved aa motifs believed to be of importance for nt binding and catalytic efficiency. In poplar, the Ugdh corresponds to one or two genes, as found by genomic Southern analysis. The gene was expressed predominantly in differentiating xylem and young leaves, with little expression in the phloem zone of the stem. The expression pattern matched that of UGDH protein, as found by immunoblotting. In leaves, the Ugdh expression was upregulated by a short-term feeding with sucrose, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol, and this effect was to some extent mimicked by light exposure. The data suggest that Ugdh is regulated via an osmoticum-dependent pathway, possibly related to the availability of osmotically active carbohydrate precursors to UDP-glucose, a substrate of UGDH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗