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At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Characterization of a small plasmid (pMBCP) from bovine Pseudomonas pickettii that confers cadmium resistance.

This is the first report of isolation of Pseudomonas pickettii from a normal adult bovine duodenum. This organism was one of several bacteria isolated as part of a study to examine cadmium resistance genes (cad(r)) for use in generating transgenic plants to reclaim cadmium-contaminated soils in Kansas. P. pickettii containing a plasmid of 2.2kb (designated pMBCP) grew in Luria-Bertani broth and agar containing up to 800 microM of cadmium chloride and was resistant to 16 antibiotics. Curing the organism of plasmid revealed that antibiotic resistances were not plasmid-mediated. Low-level cadmium resistance was conferred by the plasmid because uncured organism grew significantly better (P<0.05) at 55 microM compared to cured organism. Both plasmid and chromosomal DNA were probed by DNA-DNA hybridization for the presence of known cadmium resistance genes (cadA, cadC, and cadD from Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), but none were detected. The plasmid had one restriction site each for BamHI, PstI, SmaI, and XhoI; two sites each for HincII, SacI, and SphI; and multiple sites for AluI and XcmI. DNA sequence analyses of the cloned and original plasmids showed a GC content of greater than 60% and no homology to any published sequences in the GenBank, European Bioinformatics Institute, or Japanese Genome Net databases. The DNA sequence is contained in GenBank accession number AF144733. Thus, pMBCP offers low-level cadmium resistance to P. picketttii.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and characterisation of two genes encoding asparagine synthetase in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Two different cDNA clones encoding asperagine synthetase (AS: EC 6.3.5.4.) were cloned from barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Alexis). The corresponding genes were designated HvAS1 (GenBank no AF307145) and HvAS2 (GenBank no AY193714). Chromosomal mapping using wheat-barley addition lines revealed that the HvAS1 gene is located on the long arm of barley chromosome 5, while the HvAS2 gene maps to the short arm of chromosome 3. Both genes are expressed in barley leaves according to RT-PCR analysis but only the HvAS1 gene expression can be detected in roots. Northern blots show no expression of HvAS1 in plants grown under a normal 16 h light/8 h dark cycle but after 10 h of continuous darkness, transcript appears and mRNA accumulates over a 48-h period of dark treatment. In roots, low-level expression of HvAS1 could be detected and the expression level appears to be unaffected by light. A polyclonal antibody was raised against the HvAS1 protein and used in Western blot analysis. The AS protein accumulated during a 48-h period of dark treatment, following the increase in HvAS1 transcript.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence for alternative splicing of ecto-ATPase associated with termination of purinergic transmission.

Ectonucleotidases provide the signal termination mechanism for purinergic transmission, including fast excitatory neurotransmission by ATP in the CNS. This study provides evidence for ectonucleotidase expression in the rat cochlea, brain and other tissues. In addition to detection of rat ecto-ATPase and ecto-ATPDase in these tissues, we identify a novel ecto-ATPase splice variant arising from the loss of a putative exon (193 bp) in the C-terminal coding region. This is the first evidence of alternative splicing in the ecto-ATPase gene family. Splicing of the 193-bp putative exon containing a stop codon extends the open reading frame and provides translation of an additional 50 amino acids compared with the isoform isolated earlier from the rat brain (rEATPase(A); GenBank accession #Y11835). The splice variant (rEATPase(B); GenBank accession #AF129103) encodes 545 amino acids with a predicted protein molecular mass of 60 kDa. rEATPase(B) contains a long cytoplasmic tail (62 amino acids) with three potential protein kinase CK2 phosphorylation sites not present in rEATPase(A). Co-expression of two ecto-ATPase isoforms with different regulatory sites suggests that the extracellular ATP signal levels may be differently influenced by intracellular feedback pathways.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Molecular studies on Babesia, Theileria and Hepatozoon in southern Europe. Part II. Phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary history.

Following a study on molecular epizootiology of Hepatozoon canis and piroplasmids (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) in southern Europe, newly obtained sequences of 18s rRNA gene were used for phylogenetic analysis. Partial sequences were analysed in isolates showing high degree of homology (>99%) with previous GenBank entries: H. canis, B. canis vogeli, B. equi (two isolates, Spain1 and Spain2), T. annulata and Theileria sp. The complete gene sequences were used for B. ovis and B. bovis, that showed lower homology (<95%) with rapport to previously reported species or isolates. A first set of phylogenetic trees constructed with partial 18s rRNA sequences showed that most European isolates clustered unambiguously with previously described species, so that minor sequence dissimilarities found are due probably to strain variations. The second set of phylogenetic trees was made using the complete 18s rRNA sequences of 44 species from GenBank and the newly sequenced B. ovis and B. bovis. The analysis revealed for the first time a division of piroplasmids in five clades: (1) B. microti group, with B. rodhaini, B. felis, B. leo, B. microti and T. annae (proposed name for the group, without taxonomic value: Archaeopiroplasmids), (2) Western USA Theilerid-like group (proposed name: Prototheilerids), (3) Theileria group, containing all Theileria species from Bovinae (proposed name: Theilerids), (4) A first group of Babesia species including B. canis and B. gibsoni from canids together with B. divergens and B. odocoilei (proposed name: Babesids), (5) A second group composed mainly by Babesia species from ungulates: B. caballi, B. bigemina, B. ovis, B. bovis and Babesia sp. from cow (proposed name: Ungulibabesids). The bootstrap support obtained with several analytical procedures for this new dicotomy of Babesiidae was always very high. Taking into account the present phylogenetic analysis and additional paleogeographic, parasitological and zoological evidences, two hypothesis on the origin and evolution of piroplasmids groups are presented.

Animals↗

Sequence analysis of a 1296-nucleotide plasmid from Xylella fastidiosa.

A cryptic plasmid from Xylella fastidiosa strain ATCC 35868 was cloned, sequenced, and the sequence entered into GenBank (U71220). The plasmid is 1296 nucleotides in length with 55% GC content and three open reading frames. A plasmid with sequence homology was found in only one other strain of X. fastidiosa, ATCC 35878. Searches of the GenBank reveal nucleotide sequence homology with plasmid pNKH43 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and amino acid sequence homology with phage Pf3 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, plasmid pAP12875 from Acetobacter pasteurianus, and plasmid pVT736-1 from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomic organization and chromosome localization of the newly identified human heparanase gene.

Heparanase (HPSE), which we have recently isolated, is an endo-beta-D-glucuronidase capable of cleaving heparan sulfate and has been implicated in inflammation and tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. In this report, the genomic organization and chromosome localization of the human heparanase gene is described. Polymerase chain reaction, subcloning and DNA sequencing analysis of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone revealed that the 3.7 kb human heparanase cDNA is spread over about 50 kb and contains 14 exons and 13 introns. The heparanase gene is expressed as two mRNA species containing the same open reading frame, HPSE 1a (5 kb) (GenBank Data Library under accession number: AF155510); and HPSE 1b (1.7 kb) (GenBank Data Library under accession number: AF144325), generated by alternative splicing. The HPSE 1a-form contains all 14 exons, whereas in the HPSE 1b-form the first and fourteenth exons (5'- and 3'-untranslated region) have been spliced out. All splice sites conform to the GT-AG rule, except for the splice donor site of intron 13 (which is GA instead of GT), and the splice acceptor of intron 13 (which is GG instead of AG). Fluorescence in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid mapping suggest that the heparanase gene is located on human chromosome 4q22. This report regarding the structure of the human heparanase gene will aid in understanding the genetic contribution of this gene to normal physiology as well as to disease states. A possible involvement of heparanase in neuronal degeneration is discussed.

Alternative Splicing↗

Molecular cloning and expression during development of the Drosophila gene for the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase epsilon.

We have cloned the genomic DNA and cDNA of Drosophila DNA polymerase epsilon (pol-epsilon) catalytic subunit (GenBank No. AB035512). The gene is separated into four exons by three short introns, and the open reading frame consists of 6660 base pairs (bp) capable of encoding a polypeptide of 2220 amino acid residues. The calculated molecular mass is 255018, similar to that of mammalian and yeast homologues. The deduced amino acid sequence of the pol-epsilon catalytic subunit shares approximately 41% identity with human and mouse homologues as well as significant homology those of C. elegans, S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. Similar to the pol-epsilon catalytic subunits from other species, the pol-epsilon catalytic subunit contains domains for DNA polymerization and 3'-5' exonuclease in the N-terminal region, and two potential zinc-finger domains in the C-terminal regions. Interestingly, a 38 amino acid sequence in the C-terminal region from amino acid positions 1823 to 1861 is similar to the site for Mycoplasma ATP binding and/or ATPase domain (GenBank No. P47365). Northern hybridization analysis indicated that the gene is expressed at the highest levels in unfertilized eggs, followed by zero to 4h embryos and adult females, and then embryos at other embryonic stages, instar larva stages and adult males. Low levels of the mRNA were also detected at the pupa stage. This pattern of expression is similar to those of DNA replication-related enzymes such as DNA polymerase alpha and delta except for the high level of expression in adult males.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of cDNA encoding the human tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT) catalytic subunit.

Queuosine (Q) is a 7-deazaguanosine found in the first position of the anticodon of tRNAs that recognize NAU and NAC codons (Tyr, Asn, Asp and His). Eukaryotes synthesize Q by the base-for-base exchange of queuine (Q base) for guanine in the unmodified tRNA, a reaction catalyzed by TGT. A search of the human EST database for sequences with significant homology to the well studied TGT from Escherichia coli identified several candidates for full-length (1.3-1.4 kb) cDNA clones. Three candidate cDNA clones, available from IMAGE Consortium, LLNL, (Lennon et al., 1996, Genomics 33, 151-152) were obtained: IMAGE Clone Id Nos. 611146, 1422928, and 72154. Here we report the complete sequences of these clones. IMAGE:72154 contains an ORF encoding a 44 kDa polypeptide with high homology to bacterial TGTs and was subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pMAMneo-Cat. When this construct was transfected into the TGT-negative cell line, GC(3)/c1 (Gündüz et al., 1992, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1139, 229-238), it restored the ability of the cells to form Q-containing tRNA. This TGT cDNA sequence is encoded in human chromosome 19 clone CTC-539A10 (GenBank accession no. AC011475), enabling determination of the exon-intron boundaries for the TGT gene. The sequence of IMAGE:611146 is 5'-truncated by 76 bp compared to that from IMAGE:72154 and, except for two differences in the 3'-non-coding region, the remainder of the sequence is identical to that of IMAGE:72154. IMAGE:1422928 is a 1390 bp chimera: the 5'-portion, bp 1-708, is identical to a genomic DNA sequence from chromosome 15 (GenBank accession no. AC067805, bp 148976-149683); the 3'-end, bp 726-1390, is identical to the 3'-end of the TGT cDNA sequence from IMAGE:611146.

Base Sequence↗

Discovery and mapping of ten novel G protein-coupled receptor genes.

We report the identification, cloning and tissue distributions of ten novel human genes encoding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) GPR78, GPR80, GPR81, GPR82, GPR93, GPR94, GPR95, GPR101, GPR102, GPR103 and a pseudogene, psi GPR79. Each novel orphan GPCR (oGPCR) gene was discovered using customized searches of the GenBank high-throughput genomic sequences database with previously known GPCR-encoding sequences. The expressed genes can now be used in assays to determine endogenous and pharmacological ligands. GPR78 shared highest identity with the oGPCR gene GPR26 (56% identity in the transmembrane (TM) regions). psi GPR79 shared highest sequence identity with the P2Y(2) gene and contained a frame-shift truncating the encoded receptor in TM5, demonstrating a pseudogene. GPR80 shared highest identity with the P2Y(1) gene (45% in the TM regions), while GPR81, GPR82 and GPR93 shared TM identities with the oGPCR genes HM74 (70%), GPR17 (30%) and P2Y(5) (40%), respectively. Two other novel GPCR genes, GPR94 and GPR95, encoded a subfamily with the genes encoding the UDP-glucose and P2Y(12) receptors (sharing >50% identities in the TM regions). GPR101 demonstrated only distant identities with other GPCR genes and GPR102 shared identities with GPR57, GPR58 and PNR (35-42% in the TM regions). GPR103 shared identities with the neuropeptide FF 2, neuropeptide Y2 and galanin GalR1 receptors (34-38% in the TM regions). Northern analyses revealed GPR78 mRNA expression in the pituitary and placenta and GPR81 expression in the pituitary. A search of the GenBank databases with the GPR82 sequence retrieved an identical sequence in an expressed sequence tag (EST) partially encoding GPR82 from human colonic tissue. The GPR93 sequence retrieved an identical, human EST sequence from human primary tonsil B-cells and an EST partially encoding mouse GPR93 from small intestinal tissue. GPR94 was expressed in the frontal cortex, caudate putamen and thalamus of brain while GPR95 was expressed in the human prostate and rat stomach and fetal tissues. GPR101 revealed mRNA transcripts in caudate putamen and hypothalamus. GPR103 mRNA signals were detected in the cortex, pituitary, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal forebrain, midbrain and pons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Using PAC nested deletions to order contigs and microsatellite markers at the high repetitive sequence containing Npr3 gene locus.

Highly polymorphic di- and tetranucleotide repeats in and around Npr3, a potential candidate gene for hypertension, have been identified using a novel approach. Because this chromosomal site is rich in repetitive DNA and difficult to sequence, P1 artificial chromosomes were retrofitted with a loxP transposon to map the gene sequence within a clone using a series of nested deletions. Sequences from ends of deletions 1-3 kb apart identified a (CA)(20) and a (TA)(18)-(CA)(8) repeat 8 kb upstream and within an intron of Npr3, respectively. DNA from 17 individuals was analyzed for length polymorphisms in these and eight additional repeats identified in 200 kb of working draft sequence from this region in GenBank. The sequence contigs and microsatellite repeats from GenBank were ordered using the P1-derived artificial chromosome deletion series. Several of these repeats were found to vary considerably in length in the set of genomic DNA tested. Since this site in chromosome 5p has recently been implicated in disease in studies with genetically hypertensive rats, the microsatellite markers reported here will be useful for genetic analysis and may even be implicated in the disease process in humans. We discuss how these types of data are useful for interpreting draft DNA sequence coming out of the genome projects, and the utility of deletion clones as a resource for ordering contigs and gap filling.

Alleles↗

The human RIL gene: mapping to human chromosome 5q31.1, genomic organization and alternative transcripts.

The ril gene encoding a LIM domain protein of an unknown function was previously identified by differential expression cloning as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in rat fibroblasts (Kiess, M., Scharm, B., Aguzzi, A., Hajnal, A., Klemenz, R., Schwarte-Waldhoff, I., Schafer, R., 1995. Expression of ril, a novel LIM domain gene, is down-regulated in HRAS-transformed cells and restored in phenotypic revertants. Oncogene 10, 61-68). Searching for novel genes on human chromosome 5q31.1 by the cDNA selection technique, we isolated a cDNA clone identical with the cDNA of the human RIL gene (GenBank Accession No. X93510). The human 5q31.1 region is of interest because it contains the cytokine gene cluster and is frequently deleted in the malignant cells of patients with myelodysplasia and myeloid leukemia. Using Southern blot analysis and restriction mapping of genomic YAC (yeast artificial chromosome) and cosmid clones, we located the human RIL gene 240-260 kb telomeric to the IRF1 gene and characterized its genomic structure. PCR analysis indicated the presence of two alternative RIL transcripts in human fetal brain mRNA. The major transcript is identical with the RIL cDNA previously deposited in GenBank and contains seven exons distributed over 14.5 kb of genomic DNA with the two last 3'-exons coding a LIM domain. The minor transcript lacks the sixth exon compared with the major transcript, which leads to the loss of the LIM domain. We also identified two putative transcription start points (tsp) and sequenced the 5'-flanking region of RIL to reveal potential binding sites for transcriptional factors.

Alternative Splicing↗

Type 1 vanilloid receptor expression by mammalian inner ear ganglion cells.

The type 1 vanilloid receptor (VR1) is a non-specific cation channel activated by capsaicin, lipoxygenase (LOX) products, heat and acid. This study demonstrates VR1 and 5-LOX expression by inner ear ganglion cells. A PCR product (210 bp) was amplified from both oligo(dT)- and random primer-generated cDNAs of rat spiral ganglion cells using VR1 gene-specific primers constructed from the 3' non-homologous region. This PCR product shared 100% sequence homology to a rat VR1 cDNA (GenBank accession no. AF029310) and a rat vanilloid receptor splice variant mRNA (GenBank accession no. AF158248). Frozen sections of PLP-fixed, decalcified Long-Evans rat temporal bones were stained immunohistochemically for VR1. Neurons and satellite cells in both the vestibular and spiral ganglia were VR1-immunopositive. Neurons and supporting cells in adjacent sections of these ganglia were immunopositive for 5-LOX. These findings raise the hypothesis that activation of VR1 by endogenous ligands may contribute to hypersensitivity of the eighth nerve to hair cell inputs in a variety of pathologic conditions, such as tinnitus, Meniere's disease and migraine. In particular, these data suggest that LOX activation during inflammatory processes or during cyclo-oxygenase inhibition (e.g. by aspirin) is a potential intrinsic source of VR1 activation in inner ear ganglia.

Animals↗

Species identification of rhinoceros horns using the cytochrome b gene.

Material suspected of originating from species of Rhinoceros is frequently seized by forensic organizations investigating trade in endangered species. At present identification of the species is possible by DNA sequencing of the material, such as powdered rhinoceros horns. The unambiguous identification of rhino products using a 402 bp fragment of cytochrome b gene was investigated. This DNA sequence may not only assist in the identification of the unknown sample, but can be used to determine the phylogenetic relationships of rhinoceros species. Sequences of suspect rhinoceros horns were compared with the sequences registered in GenBank. The maximum value of genetic distance among white rhinoceros was 0.0176, and 0.0333 among black rhinoceros. In the comparison among rhinoceros species, the greatest genetic distance was between black and Indian rhinoceros (0.1564). The rhinoceros sequences extracted from GenBank and 13 samples in this study were clustered and separated from other mammals. Holstein cow was used as an out-group and was clustered with cattle in the phylogenetic tree. The results of this phylogenetic study also showed that there were four major branches among rhinoceros species from a common origin. The amplification of the 402 bp fragment of the cytochrome b gene was found to be able to detect rhinoceros DNA even in the ratio of 1:19 with Holstein cow DNA. In the initial identification of species from unknown powdered material, all the unknown samples were found to be from rhinoceroses. In phylogenetic analysis, the results supported the morphological hypothesis. The method used in this study can be applied in the identification of processed products of rhinoceros horns, such as sculptures, daggers, powders or even mixture powdered prescriptions.

Animals↗

Cloning of TBX5, a key gene during heart formation and its expression in rat embryonic heart.

To study the expression of TBX5, a key gene during heart formation, full-length TBX5 cDNA was cloned from Wistar rat embryonic heart (GenBank Accession No. AY859491). The cDNA and predicted amino acid sequences were different from those previously reported in GenBank. The expression profile of TBX5 in rat tissues was studied by RT-PCR and Northern blot. TBX5 was expressed in many rat tissues as a single transcript, and the highest level of expression was found in the heart. For subcellular localization, TBX5 was expressed as an EGFP fusion protein in rat hepatocarcinoma cells. Results showed that TBX5 was nuclear. In addition, TBX5-GST fusion protein was obtained by prokaryotic expression. These findings provide a good basis for further identification of TBX5-related transcription factors and protein-protein interaction studies among each other.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and preliminary function study of a novel human gene, TSARG7, related to spermatogenesis.

A novel human gene TSARG7 (GenBank accession No. AY513610) was identified from a human testis cDNA library by using the mTSARG7 gene (GenBank accession No. AY489184) as an electronic probe. The gene whose full cDNA length is 2,463 bp containing 12 exons and 11 introns is located in the human chromosome 8p11.21. The predicted protein encoded by this gene contains 456 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight of 56,295 dalton and isoelectric point of 9.13. It is a new member of the acyltransferase family since its sequence possesses the highly conserved PlsC domain existing in all acyltransferase-like proteins. Two groups, the TSARG7 and mTSARG7, the TSARG7 and Au041707, share 97% identity in the 456 amino acids. Expression of the TSARG7 gene is restricted to the testis. Subcellular localization studies show that the EGFP-tagged TSARG7 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of GC-1 cells. The TSARG7 mRNA expression was initiated in the testis of a 13-year-old boy, and its level increased steadily along with spermatogenesis and sexual maturation of the human. The results of heat stress experiment demonstrate that TSARG7 expression has a relation with temperature. In conclusion, our study suggests that we have cloned a novel human gene and this gene may play an important role in human spermatogenesis and sexual maturation.

Adolescent↗

Cloning, expression, and mapping of GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase cDNA from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum).

GDP-D-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP, EC 2.7.7.22) catalyzes the synthesis of GDP-D-mannose and represents the first committed step in plant ascorbic acid biosynthesis. Using potato GMP cDNA sequence as a querying probe, 65 highly homologous tomato ESTs were obtained from dbEST of GenBank and the putative cDNA sequence of tomato GMP was assembled. The full-length GMP cDNA of tomato was cloned by RACE-PCR with primers designed according to the assembled cDNA sequence. The full-length cDNA sequence contained a complete open reading frame (ORF) of 1,086 bp, which encoded 361 amino acid residues. This gene was designated as LeGMP (GenBank accession No. AY605668). Homology analysis of LeGMP showed a 96% identity with potato GMP and the deduced amino acid showed 99%, 97%, 91% and 89% homology with GMP from potato, tobacco, alfalfa and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. Northern blot analysis showed that LeGMP was constitutively expressed in roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits of tomato; but the expression levels varied. LeGMP was mapped to 3-D using 75 tomato introgression lines (ILs), each containing a single homozygous RFLP-defined chromosome segment from the green-fruited species Lycopersicon pennellii.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complete exon-intron organization and chromosomal location of the gene for mouse type XIII collagen (col13a1) and comparison with its human homologue.

Recent findings indicate that type XIII collagen is a transmembrane protein with a short N-terminal sytocsolic domain, a single transmembrane domain and a large, mainly collagenous ectodomain. The complete exon-intron structure of the gene coding for the mouse alpha1(XIII) collagen chain, col13a1, has now been characterized from genomic clones spanning over 180 kilobases (kb) and shown to be approximately 135 kb in size and to contain 42 exons varying between 8 base pairs (bp), the shortest exon in the genes encoding the various collagens, and 836 bp. Nuclease S1 mapping and 5'RACE resulted in identification of multiple transcription initiation points in the mouse gene, ranging between 470 and 548 bp upstream from the initiation methionine. This is in good agreement with a recently identified human EST clone extending 537 bp upstream from the initiation methionine. The 836-bp first exon of the mouse gene covers both the long 5' untranslated region and also a 36-residue cytosolic portion, a 23-residue transmembrane domain, and 37 residues of the 60-residue non-collagenous ectodomain immediately adjacent to the plasma membrane. One striking feature of the exons encoding solely collagenous sequences is the abundance of 27-bp exons, half the ancestral 54-bp size characteristic of fibrillar collagen genes, while the others vary between 8 and 144 bp, including instances of 36-, 45- and 54-bp exons. Determination of approximately 2.6 kb of sequences upstream of the initiation methionine of both the mouse and human genes and the identification of a clone containing four exons and spanning a gap in the previously characterized human clones allowed detailed comparison of the two genes. The exon-intron structures were found to be completely conserved between the species, and both genes have their 5' untranslated region preceded by a highly homologous apparent promoter region of approximately 350 bp containing a modified TATAA motif and several GC boxes. The chromosomal location of the mouse gene was determined by SSCP and fluorescence in situ hybridization and found to be at chromosome 10, band 4, between markers D1OMit5 -2.3 +/- 1.6 cM -col13a1 - 3.4+/-1.9 cM - D1OMit15. This result indicates that the mouse type XIII collagen gene and its human counterpart are located in chromosomal segments with conserved syntenies (The GenBank accession numbers for the mouse gene are AF063666-AF063693. The new GenBank accession number for the 5' end of the human type XIII collagen gene is AF071009).

Animals↗

Phylogeny of Tunicata inferred from molecular and morphological characters.

The phylogeny of the Tunicata was reconstructed using molecular and morphological characters. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (cox1) and 18S rDNA sequences were obtained for 14 and 4 tunicate species, respectively. 18S rDNA sequences were aligned with gene sequences obtained from GenBank of 57 tunicates, a cephalochordate, and a selachian craniate. Cox1 sequences were aligned with the sequence of two ascidians and a cephalochordate obtained from GenBank. Traditional, morphological, life history, and biochemical characters of larval and adult stages were compiled from the literature and analyzed cladistically. Separate and simultaneous parsimony analyses of molecular and morphological data were carried out. Aplousobranch ascidians from three different families were included in a molecular phylogenetic analysis for the first time. Analysis of the morphological, life history, and biochemical characters results in a highly unresolved tree. Aplousobranchiata form a strongly supported monophylum in the analysis of the 18S rDNA data, the morphological data, and the combined data set. Cionidae is not included in the Aplousobranchiata but nests within the Phlebobranchiata. Appendicularia (=Larvacea) nest within the 'Ascidiacea' as the sister taxon of Aplousobranchiata in the parsimony analysis of the 18S rDNA data and the combined analysis. A potential morphological synapomorphy of Aplousobranchiata plus Appendicularia is the horizontal orientation of the larval tail. In the 18S rDNA and the combined analysis, Thaliacea is included in the 'Ascidiacea' as the sister group to Phlebobranchiata. Pyrosomatida is found to be the sister taxon to the Salpidae in analyses of 18S rDNA and combined data, whereas the analysis of the morphological data recovers a sister group relationship between Doliolidae and Salpidae. Results of cox1 analyses are incongruent with both the 18S rDNA and the morphological phylogenies. Cox1 sequences may evolve too rapidly to resolve relationships of higher tunicate taxa. However, the cox1 data may be useful at lower taxonomic levels.

Animals↗