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Biomedical subjects

G Jay

Publications and source records attributed to G Jay.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Gene expression: chemical synthesis of E. coli ribosome binding sites and their use in directing the expression of mammalian proteins in bacteria.

Mammalian genes, when inserted into bacterial plasmid or phage DNAs, will not be expressed into the corresponding specific proteins in E. coli unless proper initiations signals required for recognition by E. coli ribosomes are provided. We have studied these signals and chemically synthesized two DNA duplexes each containing different initiation signals. These have been inserted in front of the Simian virus 40 (SV40) small tumor antigen gene (SV40 t gene) at varying distances from the ATG initiation codon prior to its cloning into pBR322 plasmid DNA. Plasmid containing clones carrying either of these two synthetic ribosome binding sites (RBS) at varying distances from the SV40 t gene all produced a 17K protein identical to authentic t antigen by immunologic, electrophoretic and proteolytic digestion analyses. This provides a novel method to ensure the specific expression of any contiguous mammalian gene to be cloned to bacteria, and also a unique in vivo method for studying the structure-function (efficiency) relationship of RBS with specific base changes.

Animals↗

Tissue-specific expression of an unusual H-2 (class I)-related gene.

Sequence analysis of mouse H-2 cDNA clones has suggested the existence of an unusual class of H-2 (class I)-related antigens that, unlike the classical membrane-associated molecules, retains only the extracellular portion and is likely to be secreted. The expression of this class of H-2-related mRNA is tissue restricted; it is detectable in liver but not in brain, kidney, testis, thymus, or spleen. In the liver, its accumulation represents about one-fourth of all the H-2 (class I)-specific transcripts. This class of transcripts is present in mice of different inbred strains, but the level of expression differs markedly among them. A model is presented in which such a soluble form of the H-2 antigen would play the role of a blocking factor in maintaining peripheral inhibition of H-2 recognition. This would ensure tolerance of the H-2 molecule as a self antigen while permitting it to act as a guidance molecule for the associative recognition of viral and tumor antigens by cytotoxic T cells.

Animals↗

Mouse Lyt-2 antigen: evidence for two heterodimers with a common subunit.

Immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labeled extracts of BALB/c thymocytes with mouse Lyt-2.2 monoclonal antibody yielded three components with subunit Mrs of 37,000, 32,000, and 28,000 on NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel in the presence of a reducing agent. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analysis revealed that, in the absence of a reducing agent, the three polypeptide chains exist in the form of two heterodimers, each consisting of one molecule of a Mr 28,000 subunit covalently associated through disulfide bonds with either one Mr 37,000 subunit or one Mr 32,000 subunit. These two molecular structures are present in about equimolar ratios in the immunoprecipitate. Immunoautoradiographic analysis after electrophoretic transfer of proteins from a NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel to a nitrocellulose membrane indicated that the Lyt-2.2 determinant detected by the monoclonal antibody resides on the Mr 28,000 component, the common subunit of both heterodimeric structures. Lyt-2 precipitated from extracts of different T-cell growth factor-dependent cloned T-cell lines also showed similar structures, although the exact apparent Mrs of the respective components varied somewhat. The structure of the Lyt-2 antigen is of importance, particularly in the light of recent suggestions that it may be involved in the construction of one class of T-cell receptors.

Animals↗

Discrete regions of simian virus 40 large T antigen are required for nonspecific and viral origin-specific DNA binding.

The nondefective adenovirus type 2 (Ad2)-simian virus 40 (SV40) hybrid viruses, Ad2+ND2 and Ad2+ND4, have been used to determine which regions of the SV40 genome coding for the large tumor (T) antigen are involved in specific and nonspecific DNA binding. Ad2+ND2 encodes 45,000 M4 (45K) and 56,000 Mr (56K) T antigen-related polypeptides. The 45K polypeptide did not bind to DNA, but the 56K polypeptide bound nonspecifically to calf thymus DNA, Ad2+ND4 encodes 50,000 Mr (60K), 66,000 Mr (66K), 70,000 Mr (70K), 74,000 Mr (74K), and 90,000 Mr (90K) T antigen-related polypeptides, all of which bound nonspecifically to calf thymus DNA. However, in more stringent assays, where tight binding to viral origin sequences was tested, only the 90K protein specified by Ad2A+ND4 showed specific high affinity for sequences at the viral origin of replication. From these results and previously published experiments describing the SV40 DNA integrated into these hybrid viruses, it was concluded that SV40 early gene sequences located between 0.39 and 0.44 SV40 map units contribute to nonspecific DNA binding, whereas sequences located between 0.50 and 0.63 SV40 map units are necessary for specific binding to the viral origin of replication.

Antigens, Viral↗

p53 transformation-related protein: detection by monoclonal antibody in mouse and human cells.

A transformation-related protein of M(r) 53,000, designated p53, has been detected in a range of neoplastic cell types of the mouse by using immunoprecipitation of [(35)S]-methionine-labeled cell extracts with mouse antiserum [DeLeo, A. B., Jay, G., Appella, E., DuBois, G. C., Law, L. W. & Old, L. J. (1979) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76, 2420-2424]. We have now prepared a monoclonal antibody to p53 and have used it to study the occurrence and intracellular location of p53 by indirect immunofluorescence assays. In accordance with the results of immunoprecipitation, these tests showed p53 in all 13 transformed mouse cell lines studied. In each case, p53 was found in the nucleus. No p53 was detected in normal mouse fibroblasts, 3T3 cells, bone marrow cells, thymus cells, or embryo cells. A serologically related protein was detected in the nucleus of human cells by monoclonal antibody and was found in both normal and neoplastic cultured cells. Expression of p53 in human cells correlates with the growth characteristics of the culture, high p53 levels being associated with rapid cell proliferation and low p53 levels, with cessation of cell division. Normal and malignant human cells differ, however, with regard to the effect of confluency on p53 expression. Normal kidney epithelium and fetal brain cells, which express high p53 levels during exponential growth, show a prompt decrease in p53 associated with contact inhibition of cell division. Malignant cells, on the other hand, continue to express p53 after confluency and subsequent overgrowth of the monolayers. These results suggest that p53 may be involved in the normal regulation of cell division and that malignant transformation leads to abnormalities in the control of p53 expression.

Animals↗

p53 transformation-related protein: detection of an associated phosphotransferase activity.

Malignant cells of the mouse transformed by a variety of different agents have been found to express high levels of a 53,000 Mr phosphoprotein (designated p53). Little or no p53 can be detected in normal mouse cells. The nucleus appears to be the predominant site of p53 localization in transformed cells. p53-related antigens are also found in transformed cells of rat, hamster, rabbit, and human. In cells transformed by simian virus 40 (SV40), p53 forms a complex with SV40 tumor (t) antigen, resulting in the coprecipitation of T antigen by monoclonal p53 antibodies. Immune complexes of p53 precipitated from extracts of SV40- or methylcholanthrene-transformed cells by monoclonal p53 antibodies have protein kinase activity. This enzymatic activity is dependent upon divalent cations, utilizing Mn2+ more effectively than Mg2+. The phosphorylation of p53 in this kinase reaction has been found to involve serine and threonine, but not tyrosine residues. In view of the finding that the transforming proteins of several different oncogenic viruses have kinase activity, the association of this activity with p53 is important with regard to the possibility of a common pathway of transformation by diverse agents.

Animals↗

Construction of a general vector for efficient expression of mammalian proteins in bacteria: use of a synthetic ribosome binding site.

With the premise that mRNAs transcribed in Escherichia coli from cloned eukaryotic DNA inserts do not possess the necessary regulatory signals for recognition by prokaryotic ribosomes, we have constructed a general plasmid vector carrying a chemically synthesized prokaryotic ribosome binding site that will ensure the efficient expression of eukaryotic proteins in E. coli. In addition to the regulatory signals necessary for ribosome recognition, the synthetic segment contains, at one end, a Pst I cleavage site which will direct its insertion to pBR322 DNA and, at the other end, a HindIII site to facilitate attachment of the passenger eukaryotic gene. Using simian virus 40 (SV40) tumor (t) antigen as a model system, we have ligated the SV40 DNA fragment containing the entire t antigen gene in tandem with the synthetic ribosome binding site to pBR322 DNA at the Pst I site, which lies within the coding sequence of the beta-lactamase gene. Initiation of transcription at the beta-lactamase promoter would produce a chimeric mRNA with the synthetic ribosome binding signals and the SV40 sequence flanked by beta-lactamase coding sequences. Utilization of the synthetic regulatory signals for initiation of translation is demonstrated by the efficient synthesis, in bacterial transformants, of authentic SV40 t antigen. Excision of the entire SV40 insert by HindIII from those clones that have retained intact HindIII sites at the junction between the ribosome binding site and the SV40 sequence would allow insertion of other heterologous DNAs by using HindIII linkers. The efficient expression of any DNA insert would require that the entire coding sequence be contiguous and that its termini be randomized by treatment with exonuclease III and nuclease S1 to vary the distance between the translational initiation codon and the synthetic ribosome binding site.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Characterization of the Epstein-Barr virus isolated from a cell line derived from a patient with American Burkitt's lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA is nearly always detectable in African Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) but is infrequently found in the histologically indistinguishable American BL. We have derived a tumor cell line from a patient with American BL which produces EBV, and we have compared this virus isolate [JLP(c)] with African BL EBV. The American JLP(c) virus immortalizes human umbilical cord lymphocytes in vitro, and its DNA is indistinguishable from African BL EBV DNA by nucleic acid hybridization and preliminary restriction endonuclease cleavage analysis.

Burkitt Lymphoma↗

Specific binding of a chemically synthesized prokaryotic ribosome recognition site. Prospect for molecular cloning and expression of eukaryotic genes.

An icosadeoxyribonucleotide containing the several features found in prokaryotic mRNA ribosome binding sites has been synthesized. This sequence can stimulate the binding of initiator fMet-tRNAf to the ribosome to form a stable 71 S initiation complex identical with those induced by natural messengers. The binding of this synthetic ribosome binding site is absolutely dependent upon initiation factor IF3, and the bound fMet-tRNAf is sensitive to puromycin indicating the formation of a functional initiation complex. A heptadecadeoxyribonucleotide, identical with the icosanucleotide but lacking the terminal A-T-G codon, can also stimulate the stable binding of fMet-tRNAf to the ribosome, suggesting that the selection of the proper A-U-G initiation codon by fMet-tRNAf is subsequent to and a result of the recognition and binding of the fMet-tRNAf . 30 S ribosome complex to the initiation site. The prospect of ligating a similar synthetic ribosome binding site in front of a eukaryotic gene for cloning in an appropriate prokaryotic vector to assure the expresion of the protein is discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Unusual features in the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone derived from the common region of avian sarcoma virus messenger RNA.

We have constructed a recombinant plasmid containing a 700-base pair (bp) cDNA copy of the common region present at the 3' end of Schmidt-Ruppin avian sarcoma virus (ASV) 21S mRNA. The cDNA was inserted into plasmid pBR322 at the Pst I site by the G-C tailing method. A restriction map of the cloned insert from a recombinant plasmid pSRI indicates that it corresponds to the 3' end of the ASV genome. R-loop analysis with ASV genomic RNA indicates that the insert is colinear with the ASV genome over most of its length. The sequence of 331 bp at the 3' end of the DNA insert was determined and shows that the insert contains extra sequences not found at the 3' end of ASV genomic RNA. Following the terminally redundant sequence of 20 bp that has been found at the extreme 3' end of genomic RNA is a sequence of 79 bp that is almost identical to that located immediately next to the 20-bp repeat at the 5' end of ASV genomic RNA. This is followed by 18 bp of unique sequence, possibly of host origin. The structure of the clone suggests that ASV mRNA may differ from genomic RNA at its 3' end and that 21S mRNA is transcribed from integrated ASV DNA and contains at its 3' end sequences derived both from the 5' end of the ASV genome and from host DNA adjacent to the site of integration. The presence of termination codons in all three reading frames suggests that the common region probably does not contain coding sequences. However, the presence of sequences that resemble probable promoter sites supports the possibility that this region may be involved in the regulation of transcription.

Alpharetrovirus↗

Molecular mechanism for the capture and excision of the transforming gene of avian sarcoma virus as suggested by analysis of recombinant clones.

Structural analysis of two cDNA clones, derived from reverse transcripts of avian sarcoma virus 21S mRNA's, reveals unusual features in the organization and expression of the integrated avian sarcoma virus (ASV) proviral DNA and predicts a mechanism for recombination events that will lead to either the capture or the excision of the transforming gene of this virus. The latter is supported by our observation that there is an extensive homologous region on either side of the transforming gene that will allow site-specific deletion or integration to occur. Comparison of the clone derived from the src-specific 21S mRNA coding for the transforming gene product to that derived from the env-specific 21S mRNA coding for the envelope glycoprotein show that the common c region present at the 3' terminus of the ASV genome is 326 bases long. Within this c region are nucleotide sequences that may play key roles in the life cycle of this virus. These regulatory sequences include (i) probable promoter sites for the initiation of transcription, (ii) a polyadenylation signal, and (iii) a sequence that is complementary to the 3' termini of both the env and the src regions, which will allow the generation of transformation-defective deletions.

Avian Sarcoma Viruses↗

New chimeric splice junction in adenovirus type 2-simian virus 40 hybrid viral mRNA.

We have examined hybrid viral RNAs synthesized in both human and monkey cells infected by three nondefective adenovirus type 2 (Ad2)-simian virus 40 (SV40) hybrid viruses; Ad2+ND1, Ad2+ND2, and Ad2+ND4. Most of the hybrid viral RNA molecules appeared to be initiated within adenoviral sequences, but were polyadenylated on their 3' end at the early SV40 mRNA polyadenylation site. The Ad2+ND4 stock of virus was not homogeneous, but consisted of two principle populations of viral DNA. Both populations contained a segment of SV40 DNA extending from the SV40 map positions 0.63 to 0.11 in a left-to-right orientation at adenovirus map position 0.82. One population contained an intact SV40 segment, whereas the other (representing 80 to 85% of the population) has a 500-base pair deletion mapping from approximately 0.60 to 0.50 SV40 map units. This deletion encompassed the SV40 DNA segment which encodes the early SV40 splice sites. Cells infected by the mixed Ad2+ND4 population induced the synthesis of at least three major SV40 RNA species among the hybrid viral transcripts. The most abundant of these hybrid mRNA's appeared only late in the lytic cycle, after the onset of viral DNA replication. It contained an RNA splice junction which extended from a donor (5') nucleotide within the adenoviral RNA sequences to an acceptor (3') splice site within the early region of SV40 at 0.46 SV40 map units. This SV40 acceptor splice site was remarkable in that its use has not been detected in the spliced viral mRNA's of SV40-infected or -transformed cells.

Adenoviridae↗