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J D Engel

Publications and source records attributed to J D Engel.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Structure and expression of the chicken ferritin H-subunit gene.

Although the genomes of many species contain multiple copies of ferritin heavy (H)- and light (L)-chain sequences, the chicken genome contains only a single copy of the H-subunit gene. The primary transcription unit of this gene is 4.6 kilobase pairs and contains four exons which are posttranscriptionally spliced to generate a mature transcript of 869 nucleotides. Chicken and human ferritin H-subunit genomic loci are organized with similar exon-intron boundaries. They exhibit approximately 85% nucleotide identity in coding regions, which yield proteins 93% identical in amino acid sequence. We have identified a sequence of 22 highly conserved nucleotides in the 5' untranslated sequences of chicken, human, and tadpole ferritin H-subunit genes and propose that this conserved sequence may regulate iron-modulated translation of ferritin H-subunit mRNAs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Malignant mesothelioma with occupational and environmental asbestos exposure in an Illinois community hospital.

Clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and epidemiologic data on 32 patients with diffuse malignant mesothelioma (DMM) diagnosed between 1968 and 1984 at a 427-bed community hospital in Berwyn, Ill, were reviewed. Independent pathologists' review of light microscopy, supported by electron microscopy, immunoperoxidase staining, or autopsy, confirmed 29 pleural and three peritoneal DMMs. Clinical and radiologic characteristics were similar to those in published case series. Median age at diagnosis was 67 years, and median survival after diagnosis, seven months. Fourteen patients were women. Exposure histories were obtained through 22 interviews supplemented by hospital charts and death certificates. Thirty patients (94%) had a history of asbestos exposure through work (15 [47%]) and/or residence near an asbestos facility (27 [84%]). Medical records and death certificates underreported asbestos exposure and DMM.

Adult↗

A single amino acid substitution in v-erbB confers a thermolabile phenotype to ts167 avian erythroblastosis virus-transformed erythroid cells.

A library of recombinant bacteriophage was prepared from ts167 avian erythroblastosis virus-transformed erythroid precursor cells (HD6), and integrated proviruses from three distinct genomic loci were isolated. A subclone of one of these proviruses (pAEV1) was shown to confer temperature-sensitive release from transformation of erythroid precursor cells in vitro. The predicted amino acid sequence of the v-erbB polypeptide from the mutant had a single amino acid change when compared with the wild-type parental virus. When the wild-type amino acid was introduced into the temperature-sensitive avian erythroblastosis virus provirus in pAEV1, all erythroid clones produced in vitro were phenotypically wild type. The mutation is a change from a histidine to an aspartic acid in the temperature-sensitive v-erbB polypeptide. It is located in the center of the tyrosine-specific protein kinase domain and corresponds to amino acid position 826 of the human epidermal growth factor receptor sequence.

Alpharetrovirus↗

Isolation of recombinant cDNAs encoding chicken erythroid delta-aminolevulinate synthase.

We report the isolation of cDNA clones encoding delta-aminolevulinate synthase (ALA synthase; EC 2.3.1.37), the first enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway in animal cells. The gene was isolated from a chicken erythroid cDNA library prepared in the bacteriophage lambda fusion/expression vector gt11, using rabbit antibody raised against the relatively abundant chicken liver enzyme. The chicken liver and red cell ALA synthase isozymes share substantial crossreactivity to the antibody, thereby allowing isolation of the erythroid-specific gene by using the heterologous antibody in immune screening of the red cell cDNA library. Preliminary analysis documenting the tissue specificity of transcription indicates that the enzyme is encoded by a highly homologous set of messages, which appear to differ in size in various avian tissues. From analysis using strand-specific RNA probes, it appears that the different ALA synthase mRNAs detected may be transcribed from a family of genes that are closely related in nucleotide sequence and are each regulated in a developmentally specific manner.

5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase↗

Replacement variant histone genes contain intervening sequences.

The nucleotide sequences of two chicken histone genes encoding replacement variant H3.3 polypeptides are described. Unlike the replication variant genes of chickens (and almost all other organisms), these genes contain intervening sequences; introns are present in both genes in the 5' noncoding and coding sequences. Furthermore, the replacement variant histone mRNAs are post-transcriptionally polyadenylated. The locations, but not the sizes, of the two introns within the coding segments of the two genes have been exactly conserved, whereas the intron positions in their respective 5' flanking regions differ. Although both H3.3 genes predict the identical histone polypeptide sequence, they are as different from one another as each of them is from a more common replication variant H3.2 gene in silent base substitutions within the coding sequences. Thus, the H3.3 polypeptide sequence has been precisely maintained over a great evolutionary period, suggesting that this class of histones performs a strongly selected biological function. Although replacement variant histones can account for more than 50% of the total H3 protein in the nuclei of specific chicken tissues, the steady-state level of H3.3 mRNA is nearly the same (and is quite low) in all tissues and ages of animals examined. These properties suggest novel mechanisms for the control of the basal histone biosynthesis which takes place outside of the S phase of the cell cycle.

Age Factors↗

An unusual 5' splice sequence is efficiently utilized in vivo.

The minor adult chicken alpha-globin gene (alpha D) has an intron splicing sequence at the 5' end of the second intron that begins with the dinucleotide G-C rather than the usual G-T. To understand what role this splice sequence plays in the processing and maturation of nuclear RNA to cytoplasmic RNA, we have analyzed the intron processing of the alpha D-globin transcript in both heterologous (monkey) and homologous (chicken) cells using simian virus 40 and retrovirus vectors, respectively. In both cell types, both introns of the alpha D-globin gene are efficiently and precisely removed.

Animals↗

The nucleotide sequence of the embryonic chicken beta-type globin genes.

The complete nucleotide sequence is reported for both of the embryonic chicken beta-type globin genes, rho and epsilon. These two genes lie at the 5' end and 3' end, respectively, of the four closely linked chicken beta-type globin genes relative to the direction of transcription. Both genes have structures that are typical of functional beta-type globin genes in that they contain two intervening sequences with the 5'-most intron being relatively small (108 base pairs in both) and the 3' intron being large (541 base pairs in rho and 973 base pairs in epsilon). Both embryonic genes contain consensus flanking sequences which are similar to those previously found in the adult chicken beta-globin gene and in a variety of other genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II. The rho- and epsilon-globin gene sequences are very similar from approximately nucleotide -130 (with the mRNA initiation site as +1) to the end of exon II. Noncoding sequences outside this region (e.g. intron II and DNA 5' to -130) are highly divergent. This may indicate that the DNA sequence elements which specifically activate embryonic beta-type globin gene expression in primitive red cells are contained within the -130 to +468 region. Comparison of the overall sequences of rho and epsilon to that of beta strongly supports the hypothesis that the embryonic avian beta-type globin genes diverged from the adult beta-gene by a process separate from that which was responsible for the generation of nonadult mammalian beta-type globin genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomic organization, DNA sequence, and expression of chicken embryonic histone genes.

We have isolated and characterized in detail 15 lambda Charon 4A recombinant bacteriophage containing histone genes from a chicken genomic library. Restriction enzyme-mapping analysis and Southern hybridization to sequenced, homologous histone probes indicate that these genes are not tandemly reiterated within the chicken genome; they usually reside in clusters even though there is no unique array of genes that appears to constitute a typical cluster. Chicken H4 and H1 genes were identified within the genomic recombinants and subsequently sequenced. Extensive regions of homology exist in the 5'- and 3'-flanking regions of the chicken H4 gene when compared to H4 genes from other organisms. In addition to the well documented histone-specific domains, two previously unreported regions of homology lie 5' to this gene: an octanucleotide and a pentanucleotide sequence lying 59 and 116 nucleotides upstream from the H4 gene CAP site, respectively. The H1 gene sequence predicts that the H1 polypeptide is 217 amino acids in length. The 5'-flanking domain of this gene contains, in addition to the transcriptional initiation site and the ATA box, two unusual sequences: one is a nonamer which resides 29 nucleotides upstream from the "ATA" box and is conserved in both the chicken and sea urchin H1 genes, while the other is a GC-rich repetitive sequence element. The majority of the chicken histone genes among the 15 unique lambda recombinant clones are expressed almost exclusively during in ovo development (i.e. from at least 4 days postfertilization up to hatching, about 20-21 days postfertilization) and appear not to be associated with any particular tissue type.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The nucleotide sequence of the adult chicken alpha-globin genes.

The complete nucleotide sequence is reported of the two adult chicken alpha-globin genes, alpha A and alpha D. These two genes, expressed in a 3:1 ratio, respectively, in adult red cells, are widely divergent, suggesting that they have evolved separately for several hundred million years. Although the genes are closely linked in the chicken chromosome, the nucleotide sequences determined clearly rule out any recent gene conversion events. As expected, both genes contain two relatively short intervening sequences. The 3' intron of the alpha D gene begins with the dinucleotide GC rather than the typical GT. Extensive flanking sequences are reported for both genes. The chromosomal sequences of the two genes are compared to each other and to sequenced mammalian alpha-globin genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of the adult chicken beta-globin gene. Nucleotide sequence of the locus, microheterogeneity at the 5'-end of beta-globin mRNA, and aberrant nuclear RNA species.

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the adult chicken beta-globin gene locus. The structure of the adult chicken beta-globin gene is, for the most part, analogous to that of mammalian beta-globin genes thus far examined. The gene occupies 1525 nucleotides (nt) from the major cap site to the poly(A) addition site. Introns of 92 and 810 nt interrupt the coding sequence at positions corresponding to amino acid codons 30/31 and 104/105. The regions of most significant homology outside of the transcribed sequence occur within the 5'-untranslated region where the CCAAT and ATA boxes are found -74 and -30 nucleotides from the major chicken beta-globin mRNA CAP site. Using both primer-extension and mung bean nuclease mapping to localize the 5' terminus of the adult beta-globin mRNA within the transcription unit of this gene it was found that 5'-untranslated region is heterogeneous in length with termini 80 and 83 nucleotides from the translational initiation codon. In examining the transcription unit of this gene and the processing of its RNA species during maturation to mRNA, three distinct classes of beta-globin complementary nuclear RNAs are observed. One class of RNA consists of species whose size ranges from 1750 to 900 nt. These RNAs contain all or portions of the introns and are polyadenylated. Although the introns appear to be removed in a multistep fashion, a single kinetic processing pathway is not obvious. An additional processing pathway which leads to the accumulation of stable aberrant RNAs is also observed. This second class of RNA species contains first intron sequences, but lacks portions of the beta-globin coding sequence and thus is too small to become processed to functional mRNA. The third class of beta-globin complementary RNAs appear to migrate during gel electrophoresis at positions equivalent in size to RNAs of greater than gene length (2400-4500 nt), but are probably also never processed into mature mRNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Unusual structure of the chicken embryonic alpha-globin gene, pi'.

We report the DNA sequence of the globin locus encoding the chicken embryonic alpha-globin, pi'. The structure differs significantly from that of the two chicken adult alpha-globin genes, alpha A and alpha D, as well as from that of previously studied adult alpha-globin genes in that the introns of the pi' gene are substantially larger than those in adult alpha-globin loci. In contrast, the pi' introns are structurally similar to the only other expressed embryonic alpha-globin gene reported to date, the human zeta gene. While completing the sequence of the pi' gene, we determined that only one chromosomal locus within the chicken genome hybridizes to a pi' central exon probe. These data lead to the conclusion that if the equimolar chicken embryonic alpha-globin polypeptides, called pi and pi', are indeed independently transcribed, then that transcription occurs from alleles of the same gene; however, we favor the possibility that the pi gene does not actually exist. This conclusion is drawn from the observation that the two chromosomal alleles of embryonic alpha-globins (represented by recombinant bacteriophage lambda CaG5 and lambda CaG7) both encode pi'.

Alleles↗

Multiple strategies for studying medical clerkship experiences: a case study.

As part of a study reported here, the authors explored the utility of combining information generated by using various methodological approaches to study medical clerkship education. The clerkship consisted of two six-week rotations on two separate medical services. Three trained observers followed three third-year medical students for six consecutive days during the first and last week of each rotation. Observers went everywhere with students during each observational period, including 24-hour on-call days. The medical students also kept diaries of their daily experience during the study period. Diary data were combined with data from field observations and interviews to illustrate the enhanced understanding gained from a multiple-strategy approach.

Clinical Clerkship↗

Complete nucleotide sequence of a chicken H2b histone gene.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a chicken H2b histone gene has been determined along with extensive flanking sequence both 5' and 3' from the gene. This H2b gene was isolated on a lambda Charon 4A-chicken DNA recombinant in which it is closely linked to two H3 histone genes. The H2b histone gene predicts a chicken H2b histone protein sequence differing in 5 of 125 amino acids from the sequence of a calf thymus H2b histone. The gene is uninterrupted and is flanked by several consensus sequences seen in many other eucaryotic genes. In particular, unlike many other histone genes it contains a 3'-AATAAA sequence usually associated with genes coding for polyadenylated mRNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chromosomal arrangement of the chicken beta-type globin genes.

We have isolated the chicken beta-type globin genes from a library of chicken DNA--lambda Charon 4A recombinant bacteriophage. There are four beta-type genes within this segment of the genome; we believe this represents all of the beta-type genes of the chicken. The recombinant lambda C beta G1 contains the embryonic epsilon- and adult beta-globin genes. The hatching beta H- and embryonic rho-globin genes are found in the recombinant lambda C beta G2. Although lambda C beta G1 and lambda C beta G2 do not physically overlap, we present evidence that all four genes are closely linked and transcribed from the same DNA strand. These experiments demonstrate that the chromosomal regions represented by lambda C beta G1 and lambda C beta G2 lie approximately 1.6 kb apart in the chicken genome. A third recombinant lambda C beta G3 extends the genomic locus studied in the vicinity of the beta-type globin genes to approximately 39 kb. The physical order of the chicken beta-type globin genes within this segment of the chromosome is 5' ... rho--beta H--beta--epsilon ... 3'. This arrangement is unique among the vertebrate beta-type globin gene clusters thus far examined, in that embryonic genes are located at the 5' and 3' ends of the cluster while the hatching and adult genes occupy central positions.

Animals↗