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E W Nester

Publications and source records attributed to E W Nester.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Plasmid DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens detected in a presumed habituated tobacco cell line.

'Tabac anergié' tissue has been used by many investigators as a habituated tobacco cell line. In this study, we have found sequences which are homologous to approximately 9 megadaltons of an Agrobacterium octopine-type plasmid in DNA isolated from 'Tabac anergié' tissue. These T-DNA sequences were shown to be the same 'core DNA' sequences found to be present in several other unorganized tumor lines which have been studied in our laboratory. The T-DNA was also shown to be integrated into plant DNA. Thus, the 'Tabac anergié' tissue is a crown gall tumor induced by a strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing an octopine-type plasmid. These results indicate that the plants regenerated from 40 clones of the 'Tabac anergié' line by Sacristán and Melchers (1977) were actually reverted plants obtained from an unorganized crown gall tumor, kept in culture for more than 25 years. It is necessary to re-evaluate observations and conclusions which have been based upon 'Tabac anergié' being a habituated tissue.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1980

The boundaries and copy numbers of Ti plasmid T-DNA vary in crown gall tumors.

The Ti plasmid DNA maintained in octopine-type crown gall tumor lines is variable, but always includes at least part of the Ti plasmid that maps over the region of Hind III fragment 1 of pTiB6-806. The right-hand boundary of transferred DNA (T-DNA) varies considerably among the three independent tumor lines examined; the left boundary was not located definitively. The T-DNA of two sibling clones of the same tumor line, E1 and E9, appears identical. The copy number of T-DNA in E9 tumor DNA appears higher for the right end (about 30 copies) than for the left end (approximately 1 copy).

Cell Line↗
PubMed1980

Plant tumor reversal associated with the loss of foreign DNA.

Transformation of plant tissues into crown gall tumors has been associated with the transfer of a portion of a tumor-inducing plasmid (Ti-plasmid) into plant DNA. Various laboratories have regenerated normal-appearing plants from a number of crown gall tumors. This study investigates the fate of the foreign DNA in a series of tissues derived from various parts of a plant regenerated from the tumor BT-37 by Braum and his coworkers. It was found that all the foreign DNA sequences were lost from tissues that had lost all their tumorous traits; whereas the plasmid DNA sequences were still present in tissues that appeared normal but still exhibited tumorous traits when returned to tissue culture media. From these studies it would appear that the presence of the Ti-plasmid sequences in the plant DNA is required for the maintenance of the transformed state.

DNA↗
PubMed1980

Integration and organization of Ti plasmid sequences in crown gall tumors.

The Ti plasmid sequences (T DNA) maintained in four unorganized crown gall tumor lines were defined by using restriction endonucleases and molecular hybridization techniques. Each tumor line contains a "core" T DNA which is apparently responsible for maintaining the transformed state; the core T DNA is colinear with the Ti plasmid and contains the Ti plasmid sequences referred to as the "common DNA"--sequences found in all Ti plasmids studied to date. A given Ti plasmid does not always give rise to the same T DNA complement. The data suggest that the majority if not all of the T DNA is integrated into plant DNA, that preferred regions of the Ti plasmid serve as the points of attachment to plant DNA and that the T DNA can be linked to more than one site in the plant genome.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1980

Recombination between higher plant DNA and the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

The Ti plasmid sequences (T-DNA) from the octopine-producing crown gall tumor A6S/2 were isolated by molecular cloning, using the bacteriophage lambda vector Charon 4A. Analysis of the cloned DNA segments indicates that the Ti plasmid sequences are covalently joined to plant nuclear DNA. These data demonstrate that genetic recombination between a eukaryote and a prokaryote can occur as a natural phenomenon.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1980

Proteins encoded by Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti plasmid DNA (T-DNA) in crown gall tumors.

In order to detect proteins that may be produced in crown gall tumors as a result of expression of incorporated Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti plasmid DNA (T-DNA), we have isolated mRNA complementary to T-DNA and translated this in a protein-synthesizing system derived from wheat germ. mRNA prepared from cultured E1 tumor from Nicotiana tabacum hybridized with HindIII fragment 1 sequences of T-DNA immobilized on cellulose nitrate filters. Two proteins of 30,000 and 16,500 M(r) were produced when this selected RNA was released and translated. Other tumor lines from N. tabacum were investigated, and a protein of slightly less than 30,000 M(r) was encoded by HindIII fragment 1 sequences of 15955/01 tumor. No products were observed for 15955/1 tumor line, which differs from E1/B6-806 and 15955/01 in that it does not produce octopine. mRNA species of each of the tumor lines hybridized to Bst I fragment 8 sequences of T-DNA and produced a common protein of 15,000 M(r). Because this protein is derived from the region of the T-DNA that is conserved in octopine- and nopaline-type crown gall tumors, it may play a role in oncogenicity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1980

Hairy root: plasmid encodes virulence traits in Agrobacterium rhizogenes.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain 15834, which incites hairy root disease in plants, harbors three large plasmids: pAr15834a (107 x 10(6) daltons), pAr15834b (154 x 10(6) daltons), and pAr15834c (258 x 10(6) daltons). Kanamycin-resistant transconjugants were selected in a cross of kanamycin-resistant derivate of strain 15834 and an avirulent recipient. The transconjugants belonging to one class were virulent and contained all three donor plasmids. These transconjugants also acquired sensitivity to the bacteriocin agrocin 84. The loss of plasmids from virulent transconjugants during growth at 37 degrees C indicated that virulence genes reside on pAr15834b, whereas agrocin 84 sensitivity genes reside on pAr15834a. The pathology induced by the virulent transconjugants containing only pAr15834b was identical to that produced by the wild-type strain of A. rhizogenes. Restriction endonuclease fragment analysis of plasmids from the transconjugants and the donor revealed that pAr15834c is a cointegrate of pAr15834a and pAr15834b. Kanamycin-resistant transconjugants belonging to a second class were avirulent and contained an altered form of pAr15834b. Strain 15834 can utilize octopine. However, this trait was not detected in any of the transconjugants. Octopine is not synthesized by infected plant tissue.

Arginine↗
PubMed1980

Relationship of plasmids responsible for hairy root and crown gall tumorigenicity.

Three strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes were examined for plasmids. Strains 15834 and A4 contained essentially identical large plasmids, pAr15834c and pArA4c, respectively (approximately 260 x 10(6) daltons). These plasmids can dissociate to two smaller plasmid species. Strain TR105 contained only a single plasmid, which was homologous with the dissociation product of pAr15834c, pAr15834b. Plasmid pAr15834c shared little overall sequence homology with other Ti plasmids. One region of conserved homology between pAr15834c and a region of the octopine type plasmid pTiB6806 which contains oncogenicity functions was detected. Lower levels of homology were detected with sequences which are distributed throughout 65% of pTiB6806. Homology with the so-called common deoxyribonucleic acid in the integrated plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid region was detected only after lowering the stringency of hybridization (Tm, -41 degrees C). Furthermore, the A. rhizogenes plasmid is compatible with other Ti plasmids. Therefore, the results suggest that the virulence plasmids of A. rhizogenes are functionally similar to other Ti plasmids, yet have diverged sufficiently from an ancestral Ti plasmid that they now represent a distinct plasmid type based on homology, compatibility, and virulence.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1980

Agrobacterium tumefaciens mutants affected in crown gall tumorigenesis and octopine catabolism.

Mutants of Agrobacterium tumefaciens which affect virulence or the ability to catabolize octopine were isolated after Tn5-induced mutagenesis. Of 8,900 colonies tested, 7 mutants with Tn5 insertions in a specific region of other Ti plasmid unable to catabolize octopine were isolated. Thirty-seven mutants affected in tumorigenesis resulted from insertions in the Ti plasmid and the Agrobacterium chromosome. Of these mutations, 12 were chromosomal and 25 mapped on the plasmid. Twenty-three mapped within a 20-megadalton region, which is distinct from the Ti plasmid sequences found stably integrated into the plant cell genome T-deoxyribonucleic acid). Included in these were mutants that were either a virulent or produced tumors with unusual morphologies. Three mutants contained insertions in the T-deoxyribonucleic acid. These three mutants incited tumors which synthesized octopine but had an altered morphology due to either extensive proliferation of shoots or roots from the tumor callus. Three additional mutants not caused by Tn5 contained mutations in the Ti plasmid.

Arginine↗
PubMed1978

Purification and characterization of NADPH-dependent flavin reductase. An enzyme required for the activation of chorismate synthase in Bacillus subtilis.

NADPH-dependent flavin reductase (required for the activation of chorismate synthase) was purified to homogeneity from cell-free extracts of Bacillus subtilis. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 13,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis, is specific for NADPH, and requires a divalent metal ion and either FMN or FAD for maximal rates of NADPH oxidation. The enzyme is able to reduce 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) in the presence of NADPH and a divalent metal ion. Both catalytic activities were completely inhibited by EDTA. The Km for FMN is 1.25 X 10(-5) M and for NADPH 7.8 X 10(-5) M with oxygen as the final electron acceptor, and 3.85 X 10(-4) M with DCIP as the final electron acceptor. The enzyme was also isolated in association with chorismate synthase and dehydroquinate synthase. The enzyme associated with the complex has the same catalytic properties as the dissociated enzyme except that it requires both a divalent metal ion and FMN for DCIP reduction. Maximal enzyme activity was observed when the enzyme was preincubated with FMN and the divalent metal ion. The enzyme complex is easily dissociable and the dissociation of the enzyme complex resulted in the failure of NADPH-dependent flavin reductase to adsorb to phosphocellulose.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1978

Purification and properties of chorismate synthase from Bacillus subtilis.

Chorismatic synthase was purified to apparent homogeneity from Bacillus subtilis. The enzyme required NADPH-dependent flavin reductase, Mg2+, NADPH, and flavin (FMN or FAD) for activity. The molecular weight of chorismate synthase was 24,000 as determined by sodium dedecyl sulfate (SDS)-gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was also isolated in a complex form associated with NADPH-dependent flavin reductase and another enzyme of the aromatic amino acid pathway, dehydroquinate synthase. On SDS-gel electrophoresis, this form was resolved into three bands with molecular weights of 13,000, 17,000, and 24,000. The enzyme complex was easily dissociated and the dissociation resulted in a change in the chromatographic properties of NADPH-dependent flavin reductase which was no longer retained on phosphocellulose whereas chorismate synthase was still adsorbed. Chorismate synthase activity was linear with time and protein concentration, whereas partially purified preparations showed a significant lag period before the reaction took place. Moreover, crude or partially purified enzyme preparations were completely inactivated by dilution and the activity could be recovered by addition of flavin reductase. A possible role of NADPH-dependent flavin reductase in the activation and regulation of chorismate synthase activity is discussed.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1978

Dehydroquinate synthase in Bacillus subtilis. An enzyme associated with chorismate synthase and flavin reductase.

Dehydroquinate synthase, the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonic acid 7-phosphate (DAHP) to 5-dehydroquinate, has been purified from Bacillus subtilis in association with chorismate synthase and NADPH-dependent flavin reductase. The enzyme was only active when associated with chorismate synthase, whereas the flavin reductase could be separated from the complex with retention of dehydroquinate synthase activity. The enzyme requires NAD and either Co2+ or Mn2+ for maximal activity. The activity was completely inhibited by EDTA. The Km of the enzyme for DAHP, NAD, and Co2+ were estimated to be 1.3 X 10(-4), 5.5 X 10(-5), and 5.5 X 10(-5) M, respectively. Enzyme activity was completely inhibited by NADH and the inhibition was not reversed by the addition of NAD, NADPH and NADP were not inhibitory. The enzyme was unstable to heat and lost all activity at 55 degrees C. A protein fraction which did not adsorb to phosphocellulose was found to inhibit the enzyme.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1978

Multiple genes coding for octopine-degrading enzymes in Agrobacterium.

Most biotype 2 strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and A. radiobacter which utilize nopaline also degrade octopine. In all such strains studied, the ability to degrade octopine did not appear to be transferred to plasmidless recipient cells under conditions of plasmid transfer in which the ability to utilize nopaline was transferred. An octopine-degrading mutant was isolated in a strain cured of its plasmid, suggesting that genes of octopine degradation may have a chromosomal location in some strains. In strains in which octopine utilization is coded by plasmid genes, octopine degradation was always inducible, whereas in strains which degrade both octopine and nopaline, octopine utilization was constitutive although nopaline degradation was inducible. When plasmids coding for octopine-utilizing ability were transformed into a strain containing either a nopaline- or null-type plasmid, transformants able to degrade octopine were either not observed or were unstable upon purification. All of these data suggest that plasmids associated with virulence are incompatible with one another, and therefore imply that the major groups of plasmids associated with virulence have a common origin.

Arginine↗
PubMed1977

Octopine and nopaline metabolism in Agrobacterium tumefaciens and crown gall tumor cells: role of plasmid genes.

Crown gall tumors produced octopine or nopaline or neither compound, depending on the bacterial strain that incited the tumor. The genes specifying production of octopine or nopaline by the tumor were transferred to recipient bacterial strains when the large plasmid associated with virulence was transferred by either conjugation or deoxyribonucleic acid-mediated transformation. Our results, which confirm the work of others (Bomhoff et al., 1976; Goldman et al., 1968; Petit et al., 1970), indicate that, in general, the strains that utilize octopine induce tumors that synthesize octopine, and those that utilize nopaline induce tumors that synthesize nopaline. However, there were several notable exceptions. One class utilized both octopine and nopaline, but the tumors induced by these strains produced only nopaline. Another class utilized nopaline, but their tumors synthesized neither nopaline nor octopine. Mutants were isolated from a number of either octopine- or nopaline-utilizing strains that no longer could utilize the relevant guanido amino acid. These strains, which were mutant in the gene specifying octopine or nopaline oxidase, still retained the permease for these amino acids as well as virulence. Tumors induced by these mutants still synthesized approximately the same levels of octopine and nopaline as tumors induced by their parents. These results suggest that the plasmid gene that determines production of octopine or nopaline by the tumor is distinct from the plasmid gene that determines their catabolism by the bacteria.

Arginine↗