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J Brosius

Publications and source records attributed to J Brosius.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Identification of a site on 23S ribosomal RNA located at the peptidyl transferase center.

3-(4'-Benzoylphenyl)propionyl[3H] Phe-tRNA bound to the peptidyl site of the ribosome is photo-crosslinked exclusively to 23S RNA on irradiation at 320 nm. The site of reaction has been identified both by hybridization and primer-extension experiments as uridine-2584 and uridine-2585, located within the central loop of domain V according to the secondary structure model of 23S RNA. The fact that the covalently crosslinked tRNA retains its ability to form a peptide bond, together with the proximity of this site to the position of several mutations leading to chloramphenicol or erythromycin resistance strongly argue that this region of the 23S-like rRNAs is an integral component of the peptidyl transferase site. On the basis of these results, and from comparative analysis of the 16 available large subunit rRNA sequences, we propose a model for the functional organization of the peptidyl transferase site involving interaction of domains II and V of 23S rRNA.

Acyltransferases↗

Regulation of ribosomal RNA promoters with a synthetic lac operator.

A synthetic 21-base-pair long DNA fragment containing the central lac operator sequence has been inserted near the initiation point of the cloned Escherichia coli rrnB rRNA promoter P2 in the natural and reverse orientation. RNA synthesis is efficiently repressed in both orientations in lac Iq strains and is induced with isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside. When the rrnB promoter P1 is also present, upstream from P2 and the synthetic lac operator, repression of transcription is incomplete. The levels of transcription were measured in vivo, indirectly by the expression of a protein (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase), or directly by the expression of a stable RNA (E. coli 4.5S RNA) in a simple assay involving gel electrophoresis of unlabeled total RNA from E. coli. The rrnB promoter constructions can produce high levels of protein expression as well as high levels of expression of stable RNA.

Acetyltransferases↗

Vectors bearing a hybrid trp-lac promoter useful for regulated expression of cloned genes in Escherichia coli.

A strong promoter has been cloned on a series of plasmid vectors that facilitate the expression of cloned genes. This promoter, named tac [first described by DeBoer et al. (in Rodriguez, R.L. and Chamberlin, M.J. (Eds.),Promoters, Structure and Function. Praeger, New York, 1982, pp. pp. 462-481)] contains the -10 region of the lacUV5 promoter and the -35 region of the trp promoter. Our vectors contain various cloning sites followed by transcription termination signals. In addition, we describe plasmids that facilitate the conversion of the lac promoter to the stronger tac promoter. Thus, preexisting gene fusions using the lac or the lacUV5 promoter can be readily converted to tac promoter gene fusions without changing the ribosome-binding site (RBS). The tac promoter is repressed in lacIQ strains and can be induced by isopropylthio-beta-D-galactoside (IPTG). Studies of expression of the cI repressor of bacteriophage lambda show that the tac promoter is at least five times more efficient than the lacUV5 promoter. Under optimal conditions lambda repressor constitutes up to 30% of the total cellular protein.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Precise location of two promoters for the beta-lactamase gene of pBR322. S1 mapping of ribonucleic acid isolated from Escherichia coli or synthesized in vitro.

We identified two promoters for the beta-lactamase gene of plasmid pBR322. RNA isolated from bacteria containing pBR322 or RNA transcribed in vitro on pBR322 templates was hybridized to 5' end-labeled single-stranded plasmid probes (Berk, A. J., and Sharp, P. A. (1977) Cell 12, 721-732). Electrophoretic analysis of the nuclease S1 digestion products next to Maxam-Gilbert sequencing ladders closely defines the transcriptional initiation points. The natural promoter lies near the coding sequence of the beta-lactamase gene, initiating transcription at -35 bases before the ATG initiation codon, while a second promoter initiates at positions -244 and/or -245 (on the opposite side of the Eco RI site). This promoter overlaps the promoter transcribing in the opposite direction toward the tetracycline gene(s) and starts in the -10 region of that promoter. S1 mapping of procaryotic mRNA, transcribed in vivo, allows both an accurate identification of promoters and the analysis of their transcriptional regulation.

Base Sequence↗

DNA sequences flanking an E. coli insertion element IS2 in a cloned yeast TRP5 gene.

The insertion of an Escherichia coli IS2 element upstream from a cloned yeast TRP5 gene results in an increased level of active tryptophan synthase in trpAB E. coli host cells. This insertion occurs about 60 bp upstream from the first AUG of the TRP5 gene and is associated with a duplication of the sequence TTACA at the target site. The nucleotide sequence corresponding to the first 173 amino acids of the yeast TRP5 gene has also been determined. The N-terminal region of the yeast tryptophan synthase includes areas of strong homology with the alpha-subunit of the corresponding E. coli enzyme. Sequences from the 5' untranslated region upstream from the TRP5 gene are compared to homologous areas of other yeast genes.

Base Sequence↗

Secondary structure model for 23S ribosomal RNA.

A secondary structure model for 23S ribosomal RNA has been constructed on the basis of comparative sequence data, including the complete sequences from E. coli. Bacillus stearothermophilis, human and mouse mitochondria and several partial sequences. The model has been tested extensively with single strand-specific chemical and enzymatic probes. Long range base-paired interactions organize the molecule into six major structural domains containing over 100 individual helices in all. Regions containing the sites of interaction with several ribosomal proteins and 5S RNA have been located. Segments of the 23S RNA structure corresponding to eucaryotic 5.8S and 25 RNA have been identified, and base paired interactions in the model suggest how they are attached to 28S RNA. Functionally important regions, including possible sites of contact with 30S ribosomal subunits, the peptidyl transferase center and locations of intervening sequences in various organisms are discussed. Models for molecular 'switching' of RNA molecules based on coaxial stacking of helices are presented, including a scheme for tRNA-23S RNA interaction.

Animals↗

Genetic variation in the human insulin gene.

Four recombinant lambda phages containing nucleotide sequences complementary to a cloned human preproinsulin DNA probe have been isolated from human DNA. Restriction analyses in conjunction with Southern hybridizations reveal two types of gene sequences. One isolate of each type was subjected to complete nucleotide sequence determination. The sequences contain the entire preproinsulin messenger RNA region, two intervening sequence. 260 nucleotides upstream from the messenger RNA capping site, and 35 nucleotides beyond the polyadenylate attachment site. Our results strongly suggest that these two gene types are allelic variants of a single insulin gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Secondary structure model for bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA: phylogenetic, enzymatic and chemical evidence.

We have derived a secondary structure model for 16S ribosomal RNA on the basis of comparative sequence analysis, chemical modification studies and nuclease susceptibility data. Nucleotide sequences of the E. coli and B. brevis 16S rRNA chains, and of RNAse T1 oligomer catalogs from 16S rRNAs of over 100 species of eubacteria were used for phylogenetic comparison. Chemical modification of G by glyoxal, A by m-chloroperbenzoic acid and C by bisulfite in naked 16S rRNA, and G by kethoxal in active and inactive 30S ribosomal subunits was taken as an indication of single stranded structure. Further support for the structure was obtained from susceptibility to RNases A and T1. These three approaches are in excellent agreement. The structure contains fifty helical elements organized into four major domains, in which 46 percent of the nucleotides of 16S rRNA are involved in base pairing. Phylogenetic comparison shows that highly conserved sequences are found principally in unpaired regions of the molecule. No knots are created by the structure.

Bacillus↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of a 23S ribosomal RNA gene from Escherichia coli.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 23S RNA gene from the rrnB operon of Escherichia coli has been determined. The sequences of both strands of the entire gene were determined, most of the sequence was independently confirmed by use of alternate restriction fragments, and all restriction cuts overlapped. The DNA region corresponding to mature 23S rRNA contains 2904 nucleotides. Kethoxal-reactive sites protected by 30S subunits are found between positions 2300 and 28000, placing the subunit interface in this region of the molecule. The functional importance of this region is further supported by studies by other investigators, including homology with chloroplast and mitochondrial rRNA.

Base Sequence↗

Primary structure of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L31.

Protein L31 from the 50S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli was manually sequenced by the dansyl-Edman method. Owing to the availability of only small quantities of purified L31, sequencing methods were scaled down such that the entire primary structure could be determined with 700 microgram of protein. The techniques employed are described in detail. The protein consists of a single chain of 62 amino acids, with a calculated molecular weight of 6967. Four half-cystine residues were identified at positions 16, 18, 37, and 40. Evidence is presented that suggests that these residues form two disulfide bridges in the protein, as isolated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Primary structure of protein L19 from the large subunit of Escherichia coli ribosomes.

Protein L19, a component of the Escherichia coli 50S ribosomal subunit implicated in 30S-50S subunit interaction was sequenced by the dansyl-Edman method. L19 consists of a single polypeptide chain of 114 amino acids giving a calculated molecular weight of 13 002. Peptides obtained from various enzymatic cleavages were isolated on thin-layer peptide maps or gel filtration. Automated Edman degradation using a liquid phase sequenator was carried out on the whole protein as well as on a large 58-residue fragment arising from digestion with Staphylococcus aureus protease. Every position in protein L19 was confirmed at least twice. Results of secondary structure estimation and homologies with other E. coli ribosomal protein sequences are presented.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of a 16S ribosomal RNA gene from Escherichia coli.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the 16S RNA gene from the rrnB cistron of Escherichia coli has been determined by using three rapid DNA sequencing methods. Nearly all of the structure has been confirmed by two to six independent sequence determinations on both DNA strands. The length of the 16S rRNA chain inferred from the DNA sequence is 1541 nucleotides, in close agreement with previous estimates. We note discrepancies between this sequence and the most recent version of it reported from direct RNA sequencing [Ehresmann, C., Stiegler, P., Carbon, P. & Ebel, J.P. (1977) FEBS Lett. 84, 337-341]. A few of these may be explained by heterogeneity among 16S rRNA sequences from different cistrons. No nucleotide sequences were found in the 16S rRNA gene that cannot be reconciled with RNase digestion products of mature 16S rRNA.

Base Sequence↗

Fragment of protein L18 from the Escherichia coli ribosome that contains the 5S RNA binding site.

A fragment of ribosomal protein L18 was prepared by limited trypsin digestion of a specific complex of L18 and 5S RNA. It was characterised for sequence and the very basic N-terminal region of the protein was found to be absent. No smaller resistant fragments were produced. 5S RNA binding experiments indicated that the basic N-terminal region, from amino acid residues 1 to 17, was not important for the L18-5S RNA association. Under milder trypsin digestion conditions three resistant fragments were produced from the free protein. The largest corresponded to that isolated from the complex. The smaller ones were trimmed slightly further at both N- and C-terminal ends. These smaller fragments did not reassociate with 5S RNA. It was concluded on the basis of the trypsin protection observations and the 5S RNA binding results that the region extending from residues 18 to 117 approximates to the minimum amount of protein required for a specific and stable protein-RNA interaction. The accessibility of the very basic N-terminal region of L18, in the L18-5S RNA complex, suggests that it may be involved, in some way, in the interaction of 5S RNA with 23S RNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗