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A genetic marker for systemic amyloidosis in juvenile arthritis.

A genetic marker of susceptibility to systemic amyloidosis has been identified. A DNA polymorphic site, 5' to the serum amyloid P component gene, has been found to be significantly associated with amyloidosis in juvenile arthritic patients. When genomic DNA was cut with the restriction enzyme MspI and probed with the cDNA for serum amyloid P component, homozygosity for the 5.6 kb restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) band was absent in all 28 amyloid patients. Furthermore, the proportion who were homozygous for the 8.8 kb RFLP band was greater (p = 0.008) than that among 89 normal subjects. The distribution of this polymorphic site among 19 juvenile arthritic patients without amyloidosis was the same as that in the normal group. Thus the 8.8 kb RFLP band represents a genetic predisposition to reactive amyloidosis in juvenile arthritis and may apply to amyloidosis associated with more common inflammatory conditions.

Adult↗

Cloning and characterization of the genes for ribosomal proteins L10 and L12 from Synechocystis Sp. PCC 6803: comparison of gene clustering pattern and protein sequence homology between cyanobacteria and chloroplasts.

The endosymbiont theory proposes that chloroplasts have originated from ancestral cyanobacteria through a process of engulfment and subsequent symbiotic adaptation. The molecular data for testing this theory have mainly been the nucleotide sequence of rRNAs and of photosystem component genes. In order to provide additional data in this area, we have isolated genomic clones of Synechocystis DNA containing the ribosomal protein gene cluster rplJL. The nucleotide sequence of this cluster and flanking regions was determined and the derived amino acid sequences were compared to the available homologous sequences from other eubacteria and chloroplasts. In Escherichia coli these two genes are part of a larger cluster, i.e., rplKAJL-rpoBC. In Synechocystis, the genes for the RNA polymerase subunit (rpoBC) are shown to be widely separated from the r-protein genes. The Synechocystis gene arrangement is similar to that in the chloroplast system, where the rpoBC1C2 and rplKAJL clusters are separated and located in two cell compartments, the chloroplast and the nucleus, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thematic review series: systems biology approaches to metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Multi-organ whole-genome measurements and reverse engineering to uncover gene networks underlying complex traits.

Together with computational analysis and modeling, the development of whole-genome measurement technologies holds the potential to fundamentally change research on complex disorders such as coronary artery disease. With these tools, the stage has been set to reveal the full repertoire of biological components (genes, proteins, and metabolites) in complex diseases and their interplay in modules and networks. Here we review how network identification based on reverse engineering, as applied to whole-genome datasets from simpler organisms, is now being adapted to more complex settings such as datasets from human cell lines and organs in relation to physiological and pathological states. Our focus is on the use of a systems biological approach to identify gene networks in coronary atherosclerosis. We also address how gene networks will probably play a key role in the development of early diagnostics and treatments for complex disorders in the coming era of individualized medicine.

Animals↗

Alterations in selenium status influences reproductive potential of male mice by modulation of transcription factor NFkappaB.

Selenium (Se), an essential dietary trace element, is required for the maintenance of male fertility. In order to study its role in spermatogenesis, Balb/c mice with different Se status (Se deficient, group I; adequate, group II and excess, group III) were generated by feeding yeast based Se deficient diet for group I and deficient diet supplemented with Se as sodium selenite at adequate (0.2 ppm) and excess (1 ppm) for group II and III, respectively, for a period of 4 and 8 weeks. Percentage fertility was reduced in group I and III as compared to group II. A significant decrease in Se levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were observed in group I animals, whereas increase in GSH-Px activity was seen in group III. Further, significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in both Se deficient and excess groups. This indicated that dietary manipulation of Se levels either deficiency or excess leads to increased oxidative stress. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB), a well-known redox regulated transcription factor has also been suggested to play a crucial role in spermatogenesis. The expression of both p65 and p50 genes (components of NFkappaB) increased in Se deficient group I mice while the expression of the inhibitory IkappaBalpha declined significantly. This indicated activation of NFkappaB in Se deficiency. We also studied iNOS expression, which is a known target gene of NFkappaB, by RT-PCR. Significant elevation in the iNOS levels as well as NO levels was recorded. Both enhanced NO levels and NFkappaB are harmful in the progression of normal spermatogenic cycle. Therefore, present result clearly demonstrates the effect of reduced supply of Se on up-regulation and activation of NFkappaB in testis and its influence on spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

Epistasis, complex traits, and mapping genes.

Using a three-locus model wherein two loci regulate a third, candidate locus, I examine physiological epistasis from the 'gene's eye view' of the regulated locus. I show that, depending upon genetic background at the regulatory loci, an allele at the candidate locus can be dominant, additive, recessive, neutral, over-dominant, or under-dominant in its effects on fitness. This kind of variation in allelic effect caused by variation in genetic background from population to population, from time to time in the same population, or sample to sample makes finding and mapping the genes underlying a complex phenotype difficult. The rate of evolution of such genes can also be slowed, especially in genetically subdivided metapopulations with migration. Nevertheless, understanding how variation in genetic background causes variation in allelic effects permits the genetic architecture of such complex traits to be dissected into the interacting component genes. While some backgrounds diminish allelic effects and make finding and mapping genes difficult, other backgrounds enhance allelic effects and facilitate gene mapping.

Alleles↗

[Chromosomal localization of rpb9+ and tfa1+ genes, coding for components of the mRNA synthesis apparatus of Schizosaccharomyces pombe].

Using DNA hybridization on cosmid filters of high density, we established chromosomal localization of the rpb9+ gene encoding one of the specific subunits of RNA polymerase II of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and thus filled in the last gap in the mapping of the genes encoding components of RNA polymerase II of the fission yeast. The primary structure of three extended regions of the Sz. pombe chromosome I was elucidated and, as a result, genes neighboring on rpb9+ were identified. One of them proved to be the tfa1+ gene, encoding the large (alpha) subunit of the general factor of transcription initiation TFIIE.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Targeted activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in vivo induces restrictive cardiomyopathy and conduction defects.

The stress-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), has been implicated in the process of cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis, yet the specific roles of JNK in heart failure are unclear. To determine the effects of JNK activation in intact heart, we established transgenic animals using a Cre/loxP-mediated gene switch approach to achieve targeted expression of an upstream activator, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (D) (MKK7D), in ventricular myocytes. MKK7D expression led to significant JNK activation, robust induction of the fetal gene program, and contractile dysfunction. The animals died approximately 7 weeks after birth with signs of congestive heart failure. Doppler mode echocardiography revealed a marked stiffening of JNK-activated hearts that was associated with the remodeling of specific extracellular matrix components. Gene expression analysis of MKK7D hearts revealed up-regulation of transforming growth factor beta signaling, offering a potential molecular mechanism underlying changes in extracellular matrix composition. In addition, we demonstrated that JNK activation led to specific loss of connexin 43 protein and gap junctions without affecting the expression or localization of other key intercalated disc proteins. This specific and localized gap junction remodeling resulted in significant slowing of ventricular electrical conduction in JNK-activated hearts. These results represent the first characterization of JNK-mediated cardiac pathology in vivo and support an important role for JNK signaling in specific aspects of cardiac remodeling in the pathogenesis of cardiac disease.

Animals↗

Mutation screening of the dopamine D2 receptor gene in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder subtypes: preliminary report of a research strategy.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable syndrome with onset in childhood that is associated with clinical response to drugs, which increase the release of monoamines, especially dopamine. A variety of studies have reported on genetic associations of ADHD with polymorphisms for various component genes of the dopamine pathway. The promise of preliminary associations found with several genes is mitigated by the significant controversy that exists over what are the appropriate clinical characteristics of ADHD associated with its familial transmission. In the current report, we describe a strategy for mutation screening in common, complex disorders and its application to the systematic screening for coding region variation in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene. We used groups of individuals who met diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV-defined ADHD subtypes, as well as recently defined latent class criteria for pure familial forms of ADHD. No coding region sequence variations were identified in the DRD2 gene that met our requirements for prevalence to be considered a candidate variant contributing to susceptibility for ADHD.

Adolescent↗

Transcriptional regulation of ethylene receptor and CTR genes involved in ethylene-induced flower opening in cut rose (Rosa hybrida) cv. Samantha.

In this work, the effect of ethylene on flower opening of cut rose (Rosa hybrida) cv. Samantha was studied. However, although ethylene hastened the process of flower opening, 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene), an ethylene action inhibitor, impeded it. Ethylene promoted ethylene production in petals, but 1-MCP did not inhibit this process. Of the four ethylene biosynthetic genes tested, Rh-ACS1 and Rh-ACS2 were undetectable; Rh-ACS3 and Rh-ACO1 expression was enhanced by ethylene slightly and greatly, respectively. However, their mRNA amounts were not inhibited by 1-MCP compared with controls. Expression of seven signalling component genes was also studied, including three ethylene receptors (Rh-ETR1, Rh-ETR3, and Rh-ETR5), two CTRs (Rh-CTR1 and Rh-CTR2), and two transcription factors (Rh-EIN3-1 and Rh-EIN3-2). Transcripts of Rh-ETR5, Rh-EIN3-1, and Rh-EIN3-2 were accumulated in a constitutive manner and had no or little response to ethylene or 1-MCP, while transcript levels of Rh-ETR1 and Rh-CTR1 were substantially elevated by ethylene, and those of Rh-ETR3 and Rh-CTR2 were greatly enhanced by ethylene; 1-MCP reduced all the four genes to levels much less than those in control flowers. These results show that ethylene triggers physiological responses related to flower opening in cut rose cv. Samantha, and that continued ethylene perception results in flower opening. Ethylene may regulate flower opening mainly through expression of two ethylene receptor genes (Rh-ETR1 and Rh-ETR3) and two CTR (Rh-CTR1 and Rh-CTR2) genes.

Cyclopropanes↗

Genes concerned with synthesis of poly(glycerol phosphate), the essential teichoic acid in Bacillus subtilis strain 168, are organized in two divergent transcription units.

Insertional mutagenesis has revealed that a 22 kbp segment from the hisA region of the Bacillus subtilis 168 chromosome (310 degrees on the genetic map) contains at least six independent transcription units, all apparently devoted to production of cell envelope components. Genes concerned with synthesis of poly(glycerol phosphate), poly(groP), an essential cell wall polymer in B. subtilis 168, are organized in two divergently transcribed operons denoted tagABC and tagDEF. Nucleotide sequence analysis indicates that three of these six genes encode extremely basic polypeptides. The deduced products of the tagABC operon may be involved in poly(groP) assembly and export, whereas those of the tagDEF operon, which are very hydrophilic, are more likely to be implicated in poly(groP) precursor biosynthesis. The first gene of the tagDEF operon encodes glycerol-3-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (Pooley et al., 1991, Journal of General Microbiology 137, 921-928) and its deduced product has significant homology with cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase from yeast. There is also substantial homology between the deduced products of tagB in the tagABC operon and tagF in the tagDEF operon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Is small cell lung cancer the perfect target for anti-telomerase treatment?

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is common in men and women, has a very poor prognosis, and is therefore a major cause of premature mortality. As such, any prospects for improved therapy are of great significance. The promise of telomerase as a therapeutic target is now close to realization with extremely encouraging preclinical studies aimed at the RNA component (hTR) of telomerase. The rational integration of telomerase therapeutics into clinical trials will therefore require tumours to be well characterized for hTR expression. Despite the large number of cancer types now characterized for telomerase or telomerase component gene expression, only a handful of SCLC samples have been analysed. Given the major clinical problem with treating SCLC, we specifically set out to address the issue of hTR expression in neuroendocrine tumours. Our study covers 91 pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours (62 SCLC and 29 carcinoid tumours). We present data to show that upregulation of the RNA component of telomerase occurs in 98% of human SCLCs. Interestingly, the less aggressive carcinoid tumours of the lung had a significantly lower frequency of hTR expression (P < 0.01). Importantly, we compare hTR expression in this series to the well characterized biological targets p53 and BCL2, and show hTR to be expressed more frequently. Therapies directed at the RNA component of human telomerase are in active development and these data show SCLC to be a prime target for such therapies.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

Vaccinia virus gene encoding a component of the viral early transcription factor.

The gene product of the vaccinia virus open reading frame D6R was synthesized in bacteria and used to raise antiserum against the protein. Using the antiserum as a probe, we demonstrated that the D6R protein is a component of the virion particle, localized to the virus core structure. The D6R protein, purified from virions, has been shown to copurify with the vaccinia virus early transcription factor (VETF). The apparent molecular weight of the D6R polypeptide is identical to that of the smaller of the two VETF-associated polypeptides. Antibodies directed against D6R block both the early promoter-binding and DNA-dependent ATPase activities of VETF, supporting the identity of D6R as a VETF-associated polypeptide. An ATP-binding site was inferred near the amino terminus of the derived D6R amino acid sequence. Thus, the D6R polypeptide could be the source of the ATPase activity associated with VETF. The D6R gene was shown previously to belong to the late class of vaccinia virus genes. Synthesis of the VETF at late times after infection suggests a cascade model for vaccinia virus gene regulation in which class-specific transcription factors are synthesized at the previous phase of the infectious cycle.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Nitric oxide synthase and renin-angiotensin system gene expression in salt-sensitive and salt-resistant Sabra rats.

The molecular mechanisms of salt sensitivity and the contribution of the kidney to salt-induced hypertension in Sabra rats are imperfectly defined. We investigated the expression of the nitric oxide (NO) system (endothelial, inducible, and neural NO synthases) and renin-angiotensin system (renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin II type 1A receptor) gene components in the kidneys of SBN/y (salt-resistant) and SBH/y (salt-sensitive) Sabra rat substrains, with and without deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt treatment. We also looked for immunocytochemical evidence of angiotensin II, the effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system. Inducible and neural NO synthase gene expression values were lower in SBH/y than in SBN/y before and after DOCA-salt treatment. The gene expression level of endothelial NO synthase was not different in SBH/y and SBN/y, either with or without DOCA salt. Renin gene expression was significantly higher in kidneys of SBN/y than in kidneys of SBH/y rats, whereas angiotensinogen gene expression was significantly lower in SBN/y. After DOCA-salt treatment, renin gene expression was strongly suppressed in both strains but more so in SBH/y. Angiotensinogen gene expression, on the other hand, was increased by DOCA salt in SBN/y rats so that the two strains were no longer different. Angiotensin II immunoreactivity was significantly higher in SBN/y than in SBH/y; however, after DOCA salt, immunoreactivity in both strains was no longer detectable. Angiotensin II type 1A receptor gene expression was not different between the two strains, either before or after DOCA-salt administration. We conclude that DOCA salt induced a decrease in the activity of the renin-angiotensin system but did not change NO synthase gene expression in SBH/y and SBN/y. Inducible and neural NO synthase gene expression values were less in SBH/y than in SBN/y, independent of DOCA-salt administration. Thus, the NO system could explain, at least in part, the salt resistance of SBN/y.

Angiotensin II↗

VH and VL gene usage by murine IgG antibodies that bind autologous insulin.

To assess the recognition structures of antibodies that bind a self-Ag, we used mRNA analysis to identify the V region genes of IgG antibodies that bind autologous insulin. Four anti-insulin mAb from primary immunization of BALB/c mice use different combinations of H and L chain V region genes. Two VH genes are from the V-gam 3-2 and V-gam 3-8 families that are infrequently expressed in adult BALB/c mice, and two VH genes are members of the J558 family. Each anti-insulin antibody uses a different Vk gene family. Two antibodies express common Vk genes (Ox1 and Vk21C), whereas two other Vk genes are unusual in BALB/c mice. One Vk gene may represent a BALB/c equivalent of the VkOx2 subfamily and another is identical to a Vk used by anti-idiotypic antibodies from C57Bl/6 mice. When compared with known germ-line counterparts, all of the Vk sequences are close to germ-line configuration. In contrast, the germ-line counterparts for the anti-insulin VH genes are not known, however, they differ only in five to seven predicted amino acids from VH of other expressed antibodies. One antibody (mAb 123) differs in one amino acid in complementarity-determining regions 1 and 2 from the VH of the murine tumor BCL1, and another (mAb 126) employs an unmutated DFL16.1 germ-line D segment. These data suggest that antibodies binding autologous insulin use V gene components that are not extensively mutated, even when derived by immunization with heterologous insulin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chromatin relaxation by overexpression of mutant p53, HPV16-E6, or cyclin G transgenes.

In this study, using a cell line that carries endogenous wild-type p53 genes, we show that transfection of cells with mutant p53, HPV16-E6, or cyclin G transgenes results in the disruption of higher-order chromatin structure, as evidenced by enhanced sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease. Multiple mechanisms may contribute to this phenotype, including histone H1 phosphorylation, direct binding of oncoproteins to nuclear matrix attachment sites, and altered expression of component genes of the p53 pathway, whose products may function in maintenance of chromatin structure.

Carcinoma↗

Robustness of the BMP morphogen gradient in Drosophila embryonic patterning.

Developmental patterning relies on morphogen gradients, which generally involve feedback loops to buffer against perturbations caused by fluctuations in gene dosage and expression. Although many gene components involved in such feedback loops have been identified, how they work together to generate a robust pattern remains unclear. Here we study the network of extracellular proteins that patterns the dorsal region of the Drosophila embryo by establishing a graded activation of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) pathway. We find that the BMP activation gradient itself is robust to changes in gene dosage. Computational search for networks that support robustness shows that transport of the BMP class ligands (Scw and Dpp) into the dorsal midline by the BMP inhibitor Sog is the key event in this patterning process. The mechanism underlying robustness relies on the ability to store an excess of signalling molecules in a restricted spatial domain where Sog is largely absent. It requires extensive diffusion of the BMP-Sog complexes, coupled with restricted diffusion of the free ligands. We show experimentally that Dpp is widely diffusible in the presence of Sog but tightly localized in its absence, thus validating a central prediction of our theoretical study.

Animals↗

Biotransformation of various alkanes using the Escherichia coli expressing an alkane hydroxylase system from Gordonia sp. TF6.

Biotransformation using alkane-oxidizing bacteria or their alkane hydroxylase (AH) systems have been little studied at the molecular level. We have cloned and sequenced genes from Gordonia sp. TF6 encoding an AH system, alkB2 (alkane 1-monooxygenase), rubA3 (rubredoxin), rubA4 (rubredoxin), and rubB (rubredoxin reductase). When expressed in Escherichia coli, these genes allowed the construction of biotransformation systems for various alkanes. Normal alkanes with 5 to 13 carbons were good substrates for this biotransformation, and oxidized to their corresponding 1-alkanols. Surprisingly, cycloalkanes with 5 to 8 carbons were oxidized to their corresponding cycloalkanols as well. This is the first study to achieve biotransformation of alkanes using the E. coli expressing the minimum component genes of the AH system. Our biotransformation system has facilitated assays and analysis leading to improvement of AH systems, and has indicated a cycloalkane oxidation pathway in microorganisms for the first time.

Alkanes↗

Molecular cloning of coat protein gene of an Indian cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV-HS2) isolate and its phylogenetic relationship with others members of Geminiviridae.

Cotton leaf curl geminivirus is a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) transmitted Begomovirus (Family Geminiviridae) causing a serious disease of cotton in northern India. The very typical symptoms of present isolate (CLCuV-HS2) showed thickened veins, dark green discoloration of the leaves with upward curling and leaf like structure known as enation (one in number), which develops into cup-shaped on the reverse side of leaves. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique can detect the viral DNA in samples stored upto 3 days after the collection and have wide application for the field diagnosis. The complete nucleotide sequence of the Indian isolate of cotton leaf curl geminivirus (CLCuV-HS2) coat protein (CP) gene component was determined using CP specific primers through PCR amplification from field infected cotton plants growing in Haryana, India. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of the putative CP with some other mono and bipartite geminiviruses revealed a maximum of 97.3% identity with Pakistan cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV-62). A nuclear localization signal located close to the N-terminal of CP gene was determined.

Amino Acid Sequence↗