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M Zannis-Hadjopoulos

Publications and source records attributed to M Zannis-Hadjopoulos.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

cDNA clones contain autonomous replication activity.

We have undertaken to investigate transcription as a regulatory event in mammalian DNA replication. Subpopulations of transcripts represented in a cDNA library of human embryo lung fibroblasts (IMR90) were examined for their ability to support autonomous replication after transfection into human cells (HeLa). Two of three cDNA clones (343, 363) containing 'O'-family repetitive sequences, after subcloning into pBR322 and transfection into HeLa cells, were capable of autonomous replication. One of these cDNA clones, 343, is enriched by selection for poly(A)+ RNA. In contrast, none of five Alu-containing transcripts was capable of autonomous replication in human cells. However, six out of ten cDNA clones contained neither 'O'-family or Alu homologous sequences and were as efficient as the cDNA clones containing 'O'-family sequences in replicating autonomously in human cells. cDNA clones, from an oligo-d(T)-primed library of human poly(A)+ enriched RNA, contain a significant proportion of independent clones that can also support autonomous replication of bacterial plasmids in human cells. cDNA clone 343 was observed to contain in a 448 bp EcoRI-HincII fragment, yeast ARS consensus, SAR consensus, IRs, bent DNA and a DUE, all sequence and structural characteristics often associated with many prokaryotic, viral and eukaryotic origins. Sequence analysis of seven other cDNA clones (from non-'O'-family, non-Alu homologous sequences, NOA) showed that five contained some of the same consensus sequences. Two NOA clones (NOA4 and -5) did not contain any representations of ARS and SAR consensus sequences, suggesting that these two features may not be essential for autonomous replication activity in mammalian cells.

Animals↗

In vivo activity for initiation of DNA replication resides in a transcribed region of the human genome.

The potential for autonomous replicating activity has been demonstrated, in the preceding paper, to exist in abundance in those sequences which are transcribed from the genome of human embryonic lung fibroblasts (IMR90). In this paper we demonstrate for one sequence present in an 'O'-family homologous cDNA clone (clone 343), the likelihood of its in vivo activity by analysis of nascent replicated strands. Analysis of seven independent sources of human DNA with three different restriction enzyme digests failed to reveal any significant polymorphisms of the cDNA 343 homologous sequence. Homologous sequences were found in human, cow, mouse and monkey DNA, but not in rat, dog, rabbit, chicken or yeast DNA. An approx. 18 kbp fragment obtained as a clone from a genomic library of human embryonic lung fibroblasts was found to contain the sequence present in cDNA 343 in a 2.2 kbp EcoRI fragment. Sequence analysis of the clone provided three regions suitable for use as oligonucleotide primers in a PCR method of mapping the in vivo site of initiation of DNA replication. The initiation zone and a chromosomal origin for DNA replication are mapped to a region of approximately 1.6 kpb and were inclusive of the sequence detected in cDNA 343.

Base Sequence↗

Chromosomal localization of a sequence with in vivo activity for initiation of DNA replication.

The genomic fragment containing the sequence of human cDNA clone 343, previously characterized as capable of autonomous replication upon transfection into mammalians cells and occupying a genomic region inclusive of an initiation zone for DNA replication, was mapped on human chromosome 6q22-qter by a combination of in situ hybridization and G-banding. Southern blot hybridization with a panel of human-hamster somatic cells confirmed the location of the 343 gene on chromosome 6. Fragile sites have been mapped to the region at 6q21 and 6q26. Several neoplastic disorders, including melanoma, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and malignant lymphoma, have also exhibited translocations and deletions involving the region 6q21-6q27.

Animals↗

ors12, a mammalian autonomously replicating DNA sequence, associates with the nuclear matrix in a cell cycle-dependent manner.

Origin enriched sequence ors8 and ors12, have been isolated previously by extrusion of nascent CV-1 cell DNA from replication bubbles at the onset of S-phase. Both have been shown to direct autonomous DNA replication in vivo and in vitro. Here, we have examined the association of genomic ors8 and ors12 with the nuclear matrix in asynchronous and synchronized CV-1 cells. In asynchronously growing cells, ors8 was found to be randomly distributed, while ors12 was found to be enriched on the nuclear matrix. Using an in vitro binding assay, we determined that ors12 contains two attachment sites, each located in AT-rich domains. Surprisingly, in early and mid-S-phase cells, ors12 homologous sequences were recovered mainly from the DNA loops, while in late-S the majority had shifted to positions on the nuclear matrix. In contrast, the distribution of ors8 over the matrix and loop DNA fractions did not change during the cell cycle. By bromodeoxyuridine substitution of replicating DNA, followed by immunoprecipitation with anti-bromodeoxyuridine antibodies and PCR amplification, we demonstrated that ors12 replicates almost exclusively on the matrix in early and mid-S-phase; replicating ors8 was also found to be enriched on the matrix in early S-phase. Chase experiments showed that the ors12 sequences labelled with bromodeoxyuridine in the first 2 hours of S-phase remain attached to the nuclear matrix, resulting in an accumulation of ors12 on the nuclear matrix at the end of the S period.

Animals↗

ORS12, a mammalian autonomously replicating DNA sequence, is present at the centromere of CV-1 cell chromosomes.

ors12, an 812-bp-long sequence, previously isolated by extrusion of nascent DNA from replication bubbles active at the onset of S phase (G. Kaufmann, M. Zannis-Hadzopoulus, and R. G. Martin Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 721-727, 1985), has been shown to function as an origin of DNA replication in autonomously replicating plasmids (L. Frappier and M. Zannis-Hadjopoulos Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 6668-6672, 1987) and in a cell-free system (C. E. Pearson, L. Frappier, and M. Zannis-Hadzopoulos Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1090, 156-166, 1991). A portion of ors12 (nucleotides 1-168) consists of the highly reiterated alpha-satellite sequence (B. S. Rao et al. Gene 87, 233-242, 1990). We have estimated the copy number of the non-alpha-satellite portion of ors12 in CV-1 cells to be < 9 copies per haploid genome and have used it as a probe to generate a genomic map of ors12 on CV-1 DNA. In situ hybridization of CV-1 metaphase chromosomes, using a biotinylated probe of the entire ors12 sequence, positively identified the centromeres of all chromosomes. However, when the non-alpha-satellite portion of ors12 was used as a probe, it positively identified the centromeric region of only six chromosomes, namely, B4, C11, D14, D24, E25, and E27, as well as that of a marker chromosome. The results suggest that ors12 represents a centromeric putative replication origin that is present on a subset of CV-1 chromosomes and is activated at the onset of S phase.

Animals↗

Plasmids bearing mammalian DNA-replication origin-enriched (ors) fragments initiate semiconservative replication in a cell-free system.

Four plasmids containing monkey (CV-1) origin-enriched sequences (ors), which we have previously shown to replicate autonomously in CV-1, COS-7 and HeLa cells (Frappier and Zannis-Hadjopoulos (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 6668-6672), were found to replicate in an in vitro replication system using HeLa cell extracts. De novo site-specific initiation of replication on plasmids required the presence of an ors sequence, soluble low-salt cytosolic extract, poly(ethylene glycol), a solution containing the four standard deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates and an ATP regenerating system. The major reaction products migrated as relaxed circular and linear plasmid DNAs, both in the presence and absence of high-salt nuclear extracts. Inclusion of high-salt nuclear extract was required to obtain closed circular supercoiled molecules. Replicative intermediates migrating slower than form II and topoisomers migrating between forms II and I were also included among the replication products. Replication of the ors plasmids was not inhibited by ddTTP, an inhibitor of DNA polymerase beta and gamma, and was sensitive to aphidicolin indicating that DNA polymerase alpha and/or delta was responsible for DNA synthesis. Origin mapping experiments showed that early in the in vitro replication reaction, incorporation of nucleotides occurs preferentially at ors-containing fragments, indicating ors specific initiation of replication. In contrast, the limited incorporation of nucleotides into pBR322, was not site specific. The observed synthesis was semiconservative and appeared to be bidirectional.

Animals↗

Anti-cruciform DNA affinity purification of active mammalian origins of replication.

A novel approach that employs anti-cruciform DNA monoclonal antibodies was used to isolate segments of cruciform-containing DNA from genomic DNA, in an effort to obtain fragments containing active origins of replication. High molecular weight DNA (greater than 50 kb) was extracted from log phase CV-1 cells and 6 micrograms incubated with approximately 2.5 micrograms of a monoclonal antibody, 2D3, specific for cruciform-containing DNA. The 2D3-bound DNA was digested with EcoRI and antibody-bound fragments were recovered using rabbit anti-mouse immunobeads. The beads were washed free of nonspecifically bound DNA and the 2D3-bound DNA was eluted with 2% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The yield of DNA recovered by 2D3 was 2000-fold less than the initial amount and was 17-20-fold more than that recovered nonspecifically using the control mAb, P3. The 2D3-bound DNA ranged from 0.15- greater than 23 kb with a major peak at approximately 12 kb. Specific enrichment of origin-containing DNA by 2D3 over P3 was suggested by a 10-100-fold greater recovery of a 9 kb fragment hybridizable to a low-copy monkey autonomously replicating sequence, ors 8. 20 ng of affinity-purified DNA was cloned into lambda Zap II and excised into Bluescript phagemids in vivo. Of nine randomly-selected clones between 0.15 and 3.2 kb, four were able to replicate autonomously when transfected into HeLa cells. Two of the nine clones contained sequences hybridizable to both monkey alpha-satellite and human Alu DNA, and two others to Alu alone. The present work provides further evidence for the involvement of cruciforms at active mammalian origins of DNA replication.

Animals↗

Classes of autonomously replicating sequences are found among early-replicating monkey DNA.

Thirteen new independent clones of origin-enriched sequences (ors) that are capable of autonomous replication have been identified from a library of 100 ors i clones that had been previously isolated from early replicating monkey (CV-1) DNA. Autonomous replication was assayed by transient episomal replication in transfected HeLa cells; ors-plasmid DNA was isolated at various times after transfection and screened by the DpnI resistance assay and the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) substitution assay to differentiate between input and newly replicated DNA. Four of the autonomously replicating clones were identified by screening the ors-library with probes of ors 3, 8, 9 and 12, previously shown to be capable of autonomous replication (Frappier and Zannis-Hadjopoulos, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1987) 84, 6668-6672). The other nine functional ors clones were identified among 18 randomly chosen ones, which were similarly screened for autonomous replication. Nucleotide sequence analyses of 11 of the newly identified functional ors plasmids revealed, in most of them, features similar to those present in other viral or eukaryotic replication origins, notably the presence of AT-rich regions and inverted repeats. Pairwise comparisons between the newly identified ors showed no extensive sequence homologies, other than the presence of the alpha-satellite repetitive sequence family in three ors and of the repetitive Alu sequence family in one ors. The results suggest that there exist different classes of mammalian replication origin, highly or moderately repetitive and unique, and that their activation is most probably dependent on the presence of structural determinants rather than on a particular sequence.

Animals↗

DNA cruciforms and the nuclear supporting structure.

Cruciforms have been suggested as potential recognition structures at or near origins of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. Monoclonal antibodies with structural specificity for DNA cruciforms have been produced (Frappier et al. J. Mol. Biol. 193, 751, 1987). The effect of these antibodies, when introduced into permeabilized cells, was to increase overall DNA synthesis and relative copy number of genes (Zannis-Hadjopoulos et al. EMBO J. 7, 1837, 1988); this was interpreted to be a consequence of antibody stabilization of the cruciforms located at or near replication origins resulting in multiple initiations of DNA replication at a single site. Fluorescent labeling of nuclei with anti-cruciform antibodies produces a nonuniform pattern of fluorescence in cells arrested at the G1/S boundary which then changes with progression through S-phase (Ward et al. Exp. Cell Res. 188, 235, 1990). In order to determine the relationship of cruciform distribution in DNA with the nuclear matrix/chromosomal scaffold, we assessed the susceptibility of DNA containing cruciforms to digestion with DNase I. The majority of the cruciforms detectable at G1/S and throughout the nucleus are readily digested by DNase, suggesting that cruciform structures may not be intimately associated with matrix proteins. The fraction that is resistant to DNase I appears associated with nuclear membrane and the nucleolus. No cruciforms could be detected in metaphase chromosomes; cruciforms either are not present or are inaccessible--buried in the scaffold. The absence of cruciforms from metaphase chromosomes would be consistent with the viewpoint that the cruciform in vivo is a transient structure dependent upon and interacting with proteins essential for replication or transcription.

Animals↗

Sequence similarities among monkey ori-enriched (ors) fragments.

Nucleotide sequences have been determined for eight ors (ori-enriched sequence) fragments isolated from monkey DNA by a method that was designed to enrich for origins of DNA replication [Kaufmann et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 5 (1985) 721-727]. Evidence has been presented that some or possibly all of these sequences can serve, albeit inefficiently, as oris in vivo [Frappier and Zannis-Hadjopoulos, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84 (1987) 6668-6672]. Two of the fragments were found to contain the long terminal repeat-like elements of the 'O-family' of moderately repetitive sequences that are present in human DNA as a transposon-like element [Paulson et al., Nature 315 (1985) 359-361]. Extensive pair-wise comparisons of the sequences failed to detect any statistically significant common sequences, except for long asymmetrically distributed A + T-rich stretches. Nonetheless, when the ors fragments were examined for the presence of published consensus sequences, seven of eight were found to contain the control sequence described by Dierks et al. [Cell 32 (1983) 695-706], and the same seven of eight were found to contain both the scaffold attachment region T consensus [Gasser and Laemmli, Cell 46 (1986) 521-530] and the minimal Saccharomyces cerevisiae autonomously replicating sequence consensus [e.g., Palzkill and Newlon, Cell 53 (1988) 441-450].

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The dynamic distribution and quantification of DNA cruciforms in eukaryotic nuclei.

Cruciforms have been suggested as potential recognition structures at or near origins of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. Monoclonal antibodies specific for cruciforms have been produced. The antibody binds to structural determinants at the base of the cruciform stem, the "elbow." Labeling of nuclei with anti-cruciform antibodies produces a nonuniform pattern of fluorescence in cells arrested at the G1/S boundary. This pattern of fluorescence changes when these cells are released from synchrony. Using fluorescence flow cytometry to quantify the number of DNA cruciform structures in cells throughout the cell cycle, we observed two major populations of nuclei with different numbers of cruciforms; the modal number of cruciforms in these populations was 0.6 x 10(5) and 3 x 10(5) cruciforms per nucleus. Synchronized cells (doubly arrested by serum starvation and aphidicolin) displayed a biphasic distribution of the number of cruciforms over the first 6 h after release from synchrony with maxima at 0 and 4 h after release.

Animals↗

Characterization of the binding specificity of two anticruciform DNA monoclonal antibodies.

Two monoclonal antibodies (2D3 and 4B4) have been raised against a stable cruciform DNA structure containing the 27-base pair palindrome of the SV40 origin of replication on one strand and an unrelated 26-base pair palindrome on the complementary strand (pRGM 21 x pRGM 29) and have been shown to recognize conformational determinants specific to cruciform DNA structures (Frappier, L., Price, G.B., Martin, R. G., and Zannis-Hadjopoulos, M. (1987) J. Mol. Biol. 193, 751-758). To define the region(s) of the cruciform that is recognized by these antibodies, we examined the ability of 2D3 and 4B4 to protect the single-stranded tips of the loops or the four-way junctions at the base of the stem of stable cruciform molecules against cleavage by mung bean nuclease or T7 endonuclease 3, respectively. Both antibodies were found to protect two of the four elbow-like structures at the base of the cruciform from T7 endonuclease 3 cleavage, but not the tips of the cruciform arms from mung bean nuclease cleavage. Also, predigestion of the cruciform with mung bean nuclease did not affect the binding of either antibody. In addition, 2D3 bound to a cruciform and a T-shaped structure involving the palindromic sequence at the cloning site of pUC7, which is completely unrelated in sequence to the palindrome of pRGM 21 x pRGM 29, and protected the base of these stem-loop structures against cleavage by T4 endonuclease VII. These results indicate that 2D3 and 4B4 bind at or near the base of the cruciform molecules and that, at least for 2D3, binding is independent of DNA sequence.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effect of anti-cruciform DNA monoclonal antibodies on DNA replication.

To study the possible involvement of DNA cruciforms in the initiation of DNA replication, we used two monoclonal antibodies, 2D3 and 4B4, with anti-cruciform DNA specificity. Synchronized CV-1 cells were released into S phase for hourly intervals up to 6 h and permeabilized in the presence of monoclonal antibodies, under conditions that allow limited DNA replication. Exposure of the permeabilized cells to 2D3 or 4B4 resulted in a 2- to 6-fold enhancement of incorporation of labeled precursor nucleotide over the 6 h period. Approximately 50% of the enhanced synthesis was sensitive to aphidicolin, and the enhancing effect of 2D3 was abolished by absorption with immunobead anti-mouse immunoglobulin. Dot-blot hybridization analyses of DNA isolated from anti-cruciform antibody treatment groups showed a similar 2- to 11-fold increase in the relative copy number of low copy probes. In contrast, exposure of the permeabilized cells to a monoclonal antibody directed against Z-DNA and B-DNA had no significant effect on DNA synthesis. The results suggest that cruciforms are present in replicating DNA and that they are recognized and stabilized by the monoclonal antibodies.

Animals↗

Monoclonal antibodies to cruciform DNA structures.

Two monoclonal antibodies, 2D3 and 4B4, have been raised against a cruciform structure in a heteroduplex DNA molecule. Antibody binding to DNA fragments was determined by a radioimmunoassay in which DNA--antibody complexes were separated from unbound DNA by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. These antibodies seem to recognize conformational determinants specific to cruciform structures. 2D3 and 4B4 antibodies do not bind to linear double-stranded homoduplex DNA fragments, linear single-stranded DNA or single-stranded simian virus 40 DNA containing a stem--loop structure, but do bind to the original cruciform and to a different cruciform with one shortened arm. 2D3 also bound to a T-shaped double-stranded DNA molecule, while 4B4 binding to this structure was weak. The monoclonal antibodies 2D3 and 4B4 were found to be immunoglobulin G1 and immunoglobulin M, respectively.

Animals↗

Autonomous replication of plasmids bearing monkey DNA origin-enriched sequences.

Twelve clones of origin-enriched sequences (ORS) isolated from early replicating monkey (CV-1) DNA were examined for transient episomal replication in transfected CV-1, COS-7, and HeLa cells. Plasmid DNA was isolated at time intervals after transfection and screened by the Dpn I resistance assay or by the bromodeoxyuridine substitution assay to differentiate between input and replicated DNA. We have identified four monkey ORS (ORS3, -8, -9, and -12) that can support plasmid replication in mammalian cells. This replication is carried out in a controlled and semiconservative manner characteristic of mammalian replicons. ORS replication was most efficient in HeLa cells. Electron microscopy showed ORS8 and ORS12 plasmids of the correct size with replication bubbles. Using a unique restriction site in ORS12, we have mapped the replication bubble within the monkey DNA sequence.

Animals↗

Isolation of a human sequence which complements a mammalian G1-specific temperature-sensitive mutant of the cell cycle.

We have isolated a human genomic sequence which corrects the temperature-sensitive phenotype of the G1-specific cell cycle mutant ts13. Transfection of a thymidine kinase negative (TK-) derivative of ts13 with high molecular weight human DNA from placenta of HeLa cells resulted in the isolation of thermocompetent transformants. These transformants were found to possess discrete Hind III fragments containing human Alu family sequences which were conserved in several independent secondary transformants. A transforming sequence was recovered from a HindIII recombinant bacteriophage library prepared from the DNA of one such secondary transformant. The transforming sequence was isolated as a 12.5 kb Hind III fragment.

Cell Cycle↗

Defective DNA topoisomerase I activity in a DNAts mutant of Balb/3T3 cells.

Cell and polyomavirus DNA synthesis in ts20, a temperature-sensitive mutant derived from Balb/3T3 cells, is inhibited at an early step in chain elongation in vivo and in vitro. Virus DNA synthesized under restrictive conditions, when analyzed by gel electrophoresis and fluorography, contained a series of equally spaced bands migrating between form I and form II. If restrictive conditions were prolonged, the relative amount of these less-supercoiled topoisomers increased while the overall amount of virus DNA decreased. DNA topoisomerase I activity was lower and more heat-labile when prepared from mutant cells compared to wild-type and revertant cells. An assay in which extracts from wild-type cells corrected defective cell DNA synthesis in lysed mutant cells was applied to purification of the active factor from such extracts. Salt fractionation and three cycles of column chromatography resulted in the isolation of the activity in a fraction containing 10 major polypeptides. The specific activity in the final preparation was increased fivefold and was accompanied by the activity of DNA topoisomerase I. Our results provide evidence that DNA topoisomerase I functions at an early step in chain elongation of cell and polyomavirus DNA synthesis and that the enzyme activity may be decreased as a result of the mutation in ts20.

Animals↗

Cloning of nascent monkey DNA synthesized early in the cell cycle.

To study the structure and complexity of animal cell replication origins, we have isolated and cloned nascent DNA from the onset of S phase as follows: African green monkey kidney cells arrested in G1 phase were serum stimulated in the presence of the DNA replication inhibitor aphidicolin. After 18 h, the drug was removed, and DNA synthesis was allowed to proceed in vivo for 1 min. Nuclei were then prepared, and DNA synthesis was briefly continued in the presence of Hg-dCTP. The mercury-labeled nascent DNA was purified in double-stranded form by extrusion (M. Zannis-Hadjopoulos, M. Perisco, and R. G. Martin, Cell 27:155-163, 1981) followed by sulfhydryl-agarose affinity chromatography. Purified nascent DNA (ca. 500 to 2,000 base pairs) was treated with mung bean nuclease to remove single-stranded ends and inserted into the NruI site of plasmid pBR322. The cloned fragments were examined for their time of replication by hybridization to cellular DNA fractions synthesized at various intervals of the S phase. Among five clones examined, four hybridized preferentially with early replicating fractions.

Animals↗