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W Keller

Publications and source records attributed to W Keller.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

The FIP1 gene encodes a component of a yeast pre-mRNA polyadenylation factor that directly interacts with poly(A) polymerase.

We have identified an essential gene, called FIP1, encoding a 327 amino acid protein interacting with yeast poly(A) polymerase (PAP1) in the two-hybrid assay. Recombinant FIP1 protein forms a 1:1 complex with PAP1 in vitro. At 37 degrees C, a thermosensitive allele of FIP1 shows a shortening of poly(A) tails and a decrease in the steady-state level of actin transcripts. When assayed for 3'-end processing in vitro, fip1 mutant extracts exhibit normal cleavage activity, but fail to polyadenylate the upstream cleavage product. Polyadenylation activity is restored by adding polyadenylation factor I (PF I). Antibodies directed against FIP1 specifically recognize a polypeptide in these fractions. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments reveal that RNA14, a subunit of cleavage factor I (CF I), directly interacts with FIP1, but not with PAP1. We propose a model in which PF I tethers PAP1 to CF I, thereby conferring specificity to poly(A) polymerase for pre-mRNA substrates.

Actins↗

Editing of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor GluR-B pre-mRNA in vitro reveals site-selective adenosine to inosine conversion.

In neurons of the mammalian brain primary transcripts of genes encoding subunits of glutamate receptor channels can undergo RNA editing, leading to altered properties of the transmitter-activated channel. Editing of these transcripts is a nuclear process that targets specific adenosines and requires a double-stranded RNA structure configured from complementary exonic and intronic sequences. We show here that the two independent editing sites in alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor GluR-B pre-mRNA are edited with positional accuracy by nuclear extract from HeLa cells. Nucleotide analysis by thin layer chromatography of the edited RNA sequences revealed selective adenosine to inosine conversion, most likely reflecting the participation of double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase. Our results predict the presence of inosine-containing codons in other mammalian mRNAs.

Adenosine↗

Cloning of cDNAs encoding mammalian double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase.

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-specific adenosine deaminase converts adenosine to inosine in dsRNA. The protein has been purified from calf thymus, and here we describe the cloning of cDNAs encoding both the human and rat proteins as well as a partial bovine clone. The human and rat clones are very similar at the amino acid level except at their N termini and contain three dsRNA binding motifs, a putative nuclear targeting signal, and a possible deaminase motif. Antibodies raised against the protein encoded by the partial bovine clone specifically recognize the calf thymus dsRNA adenosine deaminase. Furthermore, the antibodies can immunodeplete a calf thymus extract of dsRNA adenosine deaminase activity, and the activity can be restored by addition of pure bovine deaminase. Staining of HeLa cells confirms the nuclear localization of the dsRNA-specific adenosine deaminase. In situ hybridization in rat brain slices indicates a widespread distribution of the enzyme in the brain.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

RNA14 and RNA15 proteins as components of a yeast pre-mRNA 3'-end processing factor.

Most eukaryotic pre-messenger RNAs are processed at their 3' ends by endonucleolytic cleavage and polyadenylation. In yeast, this processing requires polyadenylate [poly(A)] polymerase (PAP) and other proteins that have not yet been characterized. Here, mutations in the PAP1 gene were shown to be synergistically lethal with previously identified mutations in the RNA14 and RNA15 genes, which suggests that their encoded proteins participate in 3'-end processing. Indeed, extracts from ma14 and rna15 mutants were shown to be deficient in both steps of processing. Biochemical complementation experiments and reconstitution of both activities with partially purified cleavage factor I (CF I) validated the genetic prediction.

Cytochrome c Group↗

Purification and properties of double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase from calf thymus.

A double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase, which converts adenosine to inosine, has been purified to homogeneity from calf thymus. The enzyme was purified approximately 340,000-fold by a series of column chromatography steps. The enzyme consists of a single polypeptide with a molecular mass of 116 kDa as determined by electrophoresis on a SDS/polyacrylamide gel. The native protein sediments at 4.2 s in glycerol gradients and has a Stokes radius of 42 A upon gel-filtration chromatography. This leads to an estimate of approximately 74,100 for the native molecular weight, suggesting that the enzyme exists as a monomer in solution. Enzyme activity is optimal at 0.1 M KCl and 37 degrees C. Divalent metal ions or ATP is not required for activity. The Km for double-stranded RNA substrate is approximately 7 x 10(-11) M. The Vmax is approximately 10(-9) mol of inosine produced per min per mg and the Kcat is 0.13 min-1.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

The human U1A snRNP protein regulates polyadenylation via a direct interaction with poly(A) polymerase.

The human U1 snRNP-specific U1A protein autoregulates its production by binding its own pre-mRNA and inhibiting polyadenylation. The mechanism of this regulation has been elucidated by in vitro studies. U1A protein is shown not to prevent either binding of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) to its recognition sequence (AUUAAA) or to prevent cleavage of U1A pre-mRNA. Instead, U1A protein bound to U1A pre-mRNA inhibits both specific and nonspecific polyadenylation by mammalian, but not by yeast, poly(A) polymerase (PAP). Domains are identified in both proteins whose removal uncouples the polyadenylation activity of mammalian PAP from its inhibition via RNA-bound U1A protein. Finally, U1A protein is shown to specifically interact with mammalian PAP in vitro. The possibility that this interaction may reflect a broader role of the U1A protein in polyadenylation is discussed.

Animals↗

Characterization of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor and cloning of its 100-kilodalton subunit.

During the formation of the 3' ends of mRNA, the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) is required for 3' cleavage of the transcript as well as for subsequent polyadenylation. Using peptide sequences from a tryptic digest, we have cloned the 100-kDa subunit of CPSF. This subunit is a novel protein showing no homology to any known polypeptide in databases. Polyclonal antibodies against the C terminus of the protein inhibit the polyadenylation reaction. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize the composition of CPSF. Immunoprecipitations of CPSF from HeLa cell extracts and from labeled chromatographic fractions show the coprecipitation of all four subunits of 160, 100, 73, and 30 kDa. Proteins of 160 and 30 kDa that are specifically cross-linked to precursor RNA by UV irradiation were identified as CPSF subunits by immunoprecipitation. Immunofluorescent detection of CPSF in HeLa cells localized it in the nucleoplasm, excluding cytoplasm and nucleolar structures.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Determination and refinement of the canine parvovirus empty-capsid structure.

The canine parvovirus (CPV) empty-capsid structure has been determined and refined to 3.0 A resolution in the tetragonal space group P4(3)2(1)2 with cell dimensions a = b = 254.5 and c = 795.0 A. The successful structure determination shows that reasonably good diffraction data were obtained in spite of the very long c axis. The structure was solved by molecular replacement using the electron density of CPV full particles in a monoclinic space group. The phases were refined by non-crystallographic symmetry averaging. The structure refinement was carried out by using the programs PROLSQ and X-PLOR. The final R factor for the structure that included 85 water molecules per icosahedral asymmetric unit was 21.1% for reflections between 6.0 and 3.0 A resolution with an r.m.s. deviation of bond lengths of 0.020 A from ideal values. The structure of CPV empty capsids showed conformational differences with respect to full capsids at a region where icosahedrally ordered DNA in full particles interacts with the capsid protein. It also confirmed the absence of density along the fivefold axis in the CPV empty-particle structure in contrast to the situation in CPV full particles.

Journal Article↗

3'-end labeling of RNA with recombinant yeast poly(A) polymerase.

Two commonly used methods to end-label RNA-molecules are 5'-end labeling by polynucleotide kinase and 3'-end labeling with pCp and T4 RNA ligase. We show here that RNA 3'-ends can also be labeled with the chain-terminating analogue cordycepin 5'-triphosphate (3'-deoxy-ATP) which is added by poly(A) polymerase. For a synthetic RNA it is shown that 40% of cordycepin becomes incorporated when the nucleotide is used at limiting concentrations and that with an excess of cordycepin 5'-triphosphate essentially all the RNA becomes modified at its 3'-end. The reaction is complete within minutes and the RNA product is uniform and suitable for sequence analysis. The efficiency of labeling varies with different RNA-molecules and is different from RNA ligase. Poly(A) polymerase preferentially labels longer RNA-molecules whereas short RNA-molecules are labeled more efficiently by T4 RNA ligase.

Base Sequence↗

Assembly of a processive messenger RNA polyadenylation complex.

Polyadenylation of mRNA precursors by poly(A) polymerase depends on two specificity factors and their recognition sequences. These are cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF), recognizing the polyadenylation signal AAUAAA, and poly(A) binding protein II (PAB II), interacting with the growing poly(A) tail. Their effects are independent of ATP and an RNA 5'-cap. Analysis of RNA-protein interactions by non-denaturing gel electrophoresis shows that CPSF, PAB II and poly(A) polymerase form a quaternary complex with the substrate RNA that transiently stabilizes the binding of poly(A) polymerase to the RNA 3'-end. Only the complex formed from all three proteins is competent for the processive synthesis of a full-length poly(A) tail.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Structure determination of monoclinic canine parvovirus.

The three-dimensional structure of the single-stranded DNA canine parvovirus has been determined to 3.25 A resolution. Monoclinic crystals belonging to space group P2(1) (a = 263.1, b = 348.9, c = 267.2 A, beta = 90.82 degrees) were selected for data collection using primarily the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source and oscillation photography. There was one icosahedral particle per crystallographic asymmetric unit, giving 60-fold redundancy. The particle orientations in the unit cell were determined with a rotation function. The rough positions of the particles in the unit cell were estimated by considering the packing of spheres into the P2(1) crystal cell. More accurate particle centers were determined from Harker peaks in a Patterson function. Hollow-shell models were used to compute phases to 20 A resolution. The radii of the models were based on packing considerations, the fit of spherical shells to the low-resolution X-ray data and low-angle solution scattering data. The phases were extended to 9 A resolution using molecular replacement real-space averaging. These were then used to determine the heavy-atom position of a K2PtBr6 derivative, for which only 5% of the theoretically observable reflections had been recorded. The center of gravity of the 60 independent heavy-atom sites gave an improved particle center position. Single isomorphous replacement phases to 8 A resolution were then calculated with the platinum derivative. These were used to initiate phase improvement and extension to 3.25 A resolution using density averaging and Fourier back-transformation in steps of one reciprocal lattice point at a time. The resulting electron density map was readily interpretable and an atomic model was built into the electron density map on a PS390 graphics system using the FRODO program. The R factor prior to structure refinement for data between 5.0 and 3.25 A was 36%.

Crystallization↗

Psychosomatic evaluation of patients with congenital penile deviation. A postoperative catamnestic follow-up.

Thirty-three patients with congenital penile deviation were examined by a semi-structured interview and psychodiagnostic tests (Giessen test, Giessen complaint sheet) prior to undergoing surgery according to the Nesbit-Kelâmi technique. A prognosis was then made to determine the extent to which the problems and disturbances reported by the patient or uncovered by the examiner could be improved by the operation. This prognostic assessment was then verified in a subsequent catamnestic examination (N = 20), at an average of 21.3 months after the intervention. An attempt is made to identify and define preoperative indicators that permit to predict the postoperative course.

Adolescent↗

Evidence of biological recovery in acid-stressed lakes near Sudbury, Canada.

Reductions in the emissions of SO2 and trace metals from the Sudbury smelters have resulted in substantial improvements in water quality in many surrounding lakes. Significant biological changes have accompanied the chemical improvements. Evidence of relatively rapid recovery was found for benthic filamentous algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, mobile species of benthic invertebrates, and some fish populations. Organisms with low dispersal ability (e.g. Hyalella azteca) have not yet recolonized these lakes. The partial recovery observed to date shows movement toward re-establishment of biological communities typical of natural Precambrian Shield lakes in this area. These findings offer strong support for further efforts to reduce industrial emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere.

Journal Article↗

Cloning and expression of the essential gene for poly(A) polymerase from S. cerevisiae.

Poly(A) polymerase is essential for the maturation of messenger RNA, adding tracts of adenosine residues to the 3' end of precursor RNA generated by endonucleolytic cleavage. This mechanism of mRNA 3' processing seems to be similar in yeast and in higher eucaryotes, although there are differences in the recognition signals in the pre-mRNA. Here we describe the cloning of the gene for yeast poly(A) polymerase. The enzyme is encoded by a single and essential gene located near the centromere on the left arm of chromosome 11. Poly(A) polymerase purified from recombinant Escherichia coli has the same physical and biochemical properties as the yeast enzyme. The yeast poly(A) polymerase shares features of sequence with its mammalian homologue.

Amino Acid Sequence↗