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sigma E changed to sigma B specificity by amino acid substitutions in its -10 binding region.

The association of a sigma factor (sigma) with RNA polymerase in bacteria determines its specificity of promoter utilization. To identify amino acid residues in sigma E from Bacillus subtilis that determine the specificity of its interaction with the nucleotides at the -10 region of its cognate promoters, we tested whether base pair substitutions in the -10 region of a sigma B-dependent promoter could signal its utilization by sigma E-RNA polymerase. We found that a combination of base pair substitutions at positions -15 and -14 of the sigma B-dependent ctc promoter resulted in its utilization by sigma E-RNA polymerase in vivo. We also found that the combination of two amino acid substitutions at positions 119 and 120 in sigma E changed its specificity for promoter utilization, resulting in a sigma factor that directed transcription from the sigma B-dependent ctc promoter, but not from sigma E-dependent promoters. These results suggest that amino acid residues at positions 119 and 120 determine, at least in part, the specificity of interactions between sigma E and the nucleotides in the -10 region of its cognate promoters.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An RNA polymerase II promoter containing sequences upstream and downstream from the RNA startpoint that direct initiation of transcription from the same site.

The gfa gene encodes glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate-filament protein expressed primarily in glial cells. We have used in vitro transcription studies to show that the basal level of transcription of the human gene encoding GFAP is controlled by two distinct initiators--i.e., promoter elements that direct transcription from a specific start site. One initiator is located about 25 base pairs upstream from the transcription start site, contains a TATA box, and apparently acts together with a sequence found around the transcription start site. The other initiator is located between +11 and +50 bp downstream from the transcription start site. Most of this second region overlaps with the protein-encoding sequence, which starts at bp +17. The sensitivity of transcription to alpha-amanitin indicates that both initiators are used by RNA polymerase II.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of the domains required for direct interaction of the helicase-like and polymerase-like RNA replication proteins of brome mosaic virus.

Brome mosaic virus is a positive-strand RNA virus whose RNA replication requires viral protein 1a, which has putative helicase and capping functions, and 2a, which has putative polymerase function. Since domains of related sequence are conserved in a wide range of plus-strand RNA viruses, analysis of 1a and 2a function should have applicability to many other viruses. We have recently demonstrated that 1a and 2a form a complex in vivo and in vitro. Using immune coprecipitation and mutant polypeptides made in reticulocyte lysates, we have now mapped both the 1a and 2a domains necessary for complex formation. The sequences needed to bind 2a map to the carboxy-terminal helicase-like domain of 1a. Truncated polypeptides containing this domain were able to bind to 2a, while several small insertions in the helicase-like domain disrupted binding. The sequence required for binding 1a lies within a 115-residue subset of the 2a N-terminal segment preceding the polymerase-like domain. Truncations or fusion polypeptides containing this segment can bind 1a. We also determined that highly purified 2a protein made in insect cells can form a complex with highly purified 1a helicase-like domain made in Escherichia coli, suggesting that no other factor is required to mediate 1a-2a interaction. Previous genetic analyses of 1a and 2a are consistent with this mapping and show that the newly defined 1a and 2a binding regions are required for RNA synthesis. The locations of these interacting regions are discussed with regard to models of viral replication and the evolution of positive-strand RNA virus genomes.

Base Sequence↗

rRNA promoter activity in the fast-growing bacterium Vibrio natriegens.

The bacterium Vibrio natriegens can double with a generation time of less than 10 min (R. G. Eagon, J. Bacteriol. 83:736-737, 1962), a growth rate that requires an extremely high rate of protein synthesis. We show here that V. natriegens' high potential for protein synthesis results from an increase in ribosome numbers with increasing growth rate, as has been found for other bacteria. We show that V. natriegens contains a large number of rRNA operons, and its rRNA promoters are extremely strong. The V. natriegens rRNA core promoters are at least as active in vitro as Escherichia coli rRNA core promoters with either E. coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) or V. natriegens RNAP, and they are activated by UP elements, as in E. coli. In addition, the E. coli transcription factor Fis activated V. natriegens rrn P1 promoters in vitro. We conclude that the high capacity for ribosome synthesis in V. natriegens results from a high capacity for rRNA transcription, and the high capacity for rRNA transcription results, at least in part, from the same factors that contribute most to high rates of rRNA transcription in E. coli, i.e., high gene dose and strong activation by UP elements and Fis.

Bacterial Proteins↗

A primer vector system that allows temperature dependent gene amplification and expression in mammalian cells: regulation of the influenza virus NS1 gene expression.

Influenza virus RNA segment 8 has been cloned into primer-vector pSLts1. This vector was designed to replicate in simian cells in a temperature dependent fashion by use of the SV40 tsA209 T-antigen gene. The oriented synthesis of cDNA on dT-tailed pSLts1 was performed on in vitro synthesized mRNA, and the second DNA strand was primed with an influenza-specific terminal oligodeoxynucleotide. Recombinant pSLVa232 contained the RNA segment 8 sequence directly fused to the SV40 late promoter contained in pSLts1, and followed by the SV40 polyadenylation signal. Expression of NS1 gene in transfected COS cells took place at a level comparable to that found in infected cells. When VERO cell cultures were transfected with recombinant pSLVa232, expression of the NS1 gene was temperature dependent. Close to one hundred fold increase in the amplification and expression of the cloned gene was observed after shift down of the transfected cells to permissive temperature. Vector pSLts1 and the cloning strategy described may be useful for the specific cloning and regulated expression of mRNAs of known 5'-terminal sequence.

Animals↗

Mapping of promoters for the nucleus-encoded plastid RNA polymerase (NEP) in the iojap maize mutant.

Plastid genes of higher plants may be transcribed by the plastid-encoded or the nucleus-encoded plastid RNA polymerases (PEP or NEP). The objective of this study was to identify NEP promoters in maize. To separate the NEP and PEP transcription activity, NEP promoter mapping was carried out in the iojap maize mutant which lacks the PEP. We report here that atpB, an ATPase subunit gene has promoters for both NEP and PEP, while clpP, a protease subunit gene, and the rpoB operon, encoding three PEP subunit genes, are exclusively transcribed from NEP promoters. The maize NEP promoters share sequence homology around the transcription initiation site, including the ATAGAATA/GAA loose consensus identified for tobacco, suggesting conservation of the NEP transcription machinery between monocots and dicots.

Base Sequence↗

Two novel nuclear genes, OsSIG5 and OsSIG6, encoding potential plastid sigma factors of RNA polymerase in rice: tissue-specific and light-responsive gene expression.

Two novel nuclear genes, OsSIG5 and OsSIG6, encoding potential plastid sigma factors of RNA polymerase (RNAP) were identified in Oryza sativa. The deduced amino acid sequences contain conserved regions, regions 1.2-4.2, and a novel region A/B at the N-terminus. Tissue-specific and light-responsive transcripts of OsSIG5 and OsSIG6 were observed. The N-terminal region of OsSig5 conferred import of green fluorescent protein into the chloroplast. Specific transcripts of rice psbA were synthesized in vitro by reconstituted OsSig5-RNAP holoenzymes. These results indicated that OsSig5 is a plastid sigma factor. This is the first report of the Sig5-type sigma factor in crops.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

T7 RNA polymerase-directed transcripts are processed in yeast and link 3' end formation to mRNA nuclear export.

We have characterized transcripts synthesized in vivo by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase to investigate yeast mRNA processing. T7 transcripts are not capped, consistent with capping being tightly coupled to RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription. In contrast to higher eukaryotic non-pol II transcripts, yeast T7 transcripts are spliced as well as cleaved and polyadenylated. However, T7 and pol II transcripts are affected differently in cleavage and polyadenylation mutant strains, indicating that pol II may have a role in yeast 3' end formation. T7 transcripts with 3' ends directed by a polyadenylation signal are exported from the nucleus, and this export is dependent on the canonical cleavage and polyadenylation machinery. Importantly, transcripts with T7 terminator-directed 3' ends are unadenylated and predominantly nuclear in wild-type cells. Our results suggest that transcription by pol II is required for neither the nuclear export of an in vivo-transcribed mRNA nor for the retention of transcripts with aberrant 3' ends. Moreover, proper 3' end formation may be necessary and sufficient to promote mRNA export in yeast.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Pneumocystis jirovecii in general population.

The possible presence of Pneumocystis among healthy adults was examined by detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii-specific DNA in prospectively obtained oropharyngeal wash samples from 50 persons without underlying lung disease or immunosuppression. Pneumocystis carriage, defined by detecting Pneumocystis DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction in 2 independent analyses plus successful mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA typing by direct sequencing, was found in 20% of cases. All carriers were asymptomatic, anti-HIV negative, and had normal total lymphocyte and CD4+ cell counts. A second sample obtained in the 6-month follow-up was positive in 2 of 9 available carriers. Genotype analysis showed different polymorphisms; 85A/248C (40%) and 85C/248C (30%) were most frequently observed. This study provides the first evidence that P. jirovecii DNA can be frequently detected in the respiratory tract of immunocompetent adults, which agrees with the hypothesis that the general population could be a reservoir and source of this infection.

Adult↗

Usefulness of 23S rRNA amplification by PCR in the detection of bacteria in CAPD peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is the most common complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and the spectrum of organisms causing CAPD peritonitis is broad. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has recently broadened its diagnostic capabilities in infectious diseases. PCR can provide a sensitive method for identifying causative infectious organisms. METHODS: To evaluate the usefulness of 23S bacterial ribosomal RNA amplification and direct sequencing for the detection of infectious organisms, we compared PCR with bacteriological culture for the analysis of dialysates from CAPD peritonitis patients. Thirty-two samples from CAPD peritonitis patients with current antibiotic use and control samples from 30 CAPD patients without peritonitis were examined by PCR with sequencing analysis and by conventional bacteriological culture. In addition, 95 culture-positive samples and 39 culture-negative samples from CAPD peritonitis patients before antibiotic treatment were analyzed by PCR assay. RESULTS: In the control samples from patients without CAPD peritonitis, false-positive rates were relatively rare: 3 of 30 in the PCR study and 2 of 30 in the culture study. Of the 134 CAPD peritonitis samples collected before antibiotic therapy, positive cultures were obtained in 70.9% (95/134) of them. In 75 of the culture-positive samples, the same microorganisms were confirmed by PCR assay, and the others showed discrepant results as compared with culture study. In 30 of the 39 culture-negative samples, microbial organisms were detected by PCR assay. Of the 32 samples from patients who developed CAPD peritonitis during antibiotic treatment, 17 (53.1%) were positive by PCR assay, and 5 (15.6%) were positive by culture. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that broad-spectrum PCR with RNA sequencing can complement culture methods in the diagnosis of CAPD peritonitis, especially in patients with previous or current antibiotic use.

Adult↗

Induction of apoptosis in HeLa cells with siRNA expression vector targeted against bcl-2.

RNA interference (RNAi) is the process by which double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) directs sequence-specific gene silencing in animal and plant cells. In mammalian cells, 21- or 22-nucleotide (nt) RNAs with 2-nt 3' overhangs small inhibitory RNAs (siRNAs) exhibit an RNAi effect. Very recently, we and others have developed a vector-based siRNA expression system that can induce RNAi in mammalian cells. In this report, to apply this system to oncogene therapy, we tried to suppress the expression of the bcl-2 gene, which is known as a key molecule in the regulation of apoptosis or programmed cell death, by using the siRNA expression system. Western blotting analysis revealed that this siRNA expression vector against bcl-2 suppressed the expression of the bcl-2 protein. Furthermore, HeLa cells which were transiently transfected with the siRNA expression vector against bcl-2 and were subsequently treated with doxorubicin efficiently underwent apoptosis, concomitant with the repression of the bcl-2 gene. These results demonstrate that the siRNA expression vector against bcl-2 has a potential as therapeutic agent for a variety of cancers by down-regulating bcl-2 gene expression.

Apoptosis↗

In vivo and in vitro activities of point mutants of the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase promoter.

Two compatible plasmids were recently reported [Ikeda et al. (1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20, 2517-2524] that together can be used to determine whether a mutant T7 RNA polymerase promoter is active or inactive in vivo. The first plasmid, pKGP1-1, carries T7 gene 1 (the gene encoding T7 RNA polymerase) ligated to a tac promoter, while the second plasmid, pCM-X#, carries the gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) ligated to potential T7 promoters. If the pCM-X# plasmid carries a potential T7 promoter that can be utilized by T7 RNA polymerase, then CAT is produced from transcripts generated by T7 RNA polymerase from the potential promoter on the pCM-X# plasmid. To determine whether Escherichia coli growth characteristics and chloramphenicol (cam) resistance produced by the plasmids pKGP1-1 and pCM-X# reflect the T7 promoter activity of the possible promoters carried by the pCM-X# plasmids, the in vivo and in vitro strengths of the potential T7 promoters were compared and correlated. In vivo promoter strength was determined by measuring the relative amounts of CAT present in E. coli extracts, while relative in vitro promoter strength was measured in transcription assays. The in vivo and in vitro strengths of 22 point mutants of the consensus T7 promoter were shown to correlate with the growth characteristics and cam resistance conferred to E. coli harboring the plasmid pKGP1-1 and the respective pCM-X# plasmid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Base Sequence↗

Low prevalence of primary antiretroviral resistance mutations and predominance of HIV-1 clade C at polymerase gene in newly diagnosed individuals from south Brazil.

We describe preliminary molecular characterization of HIV-1 pol from 108 consecutive HIV seropositive users of a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) site of Porto Alegre city, the major metropolitan area in the south of Brazil. Protease and partial reverse transcriptase regions were retrotranscribed from plasma HIV-1 RNA and sequenced after direct nested PCR. Principal antiretroviral resistance mutations (ARM) were observed in 3% of the samples, two cases with K103N and one with M41L, L210W and T215Y, all in HIV-1 clade B infected men. At protease region, no principal mutations were observed, but polymorphisms at secondary codons were frequent. Contrary to other areas in the country where clade B dominates, HIV-1 clade C genomes predominated in this study (58%), clade B (32%) and clade F1 (3%). Of the genomes clustering in clade C, almost half (43%) had a small clade B segment at reverse transcriptase, forming a sub-cluster within clade C with a similar recombinant structure and carrying new amino acid signatures. Other mosaic genomes were also observed (7%). The low prevalence of resistance mutations is consistent with previous observations at this geographical location but the high frequency of HIV-1 clade C and CB mosaics seems pre-eminent and warns close monitoring.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Recovery of upstream cDNA sequences by a PCR-based biotin-capture method.

The world-wide, large-scale sequencing efforts have generated an abundance of partial cDNA sequences, i.e., expressed sequence tags (ESTs), accessible in the public databases. To enable functional characterization of these partial cDNA sequences, general and robust methods for recovery of upstream full-coding cDNA sequences are needed. Here, a novel biotin- and PCR-assisted capture method was used directly on poly(A)+ RNA for the purpose of generating a full-coding sequence of a gene with only partially known sequence and for which a full-length clone of the gene was not found in existing cDNA libraries. The presented method involves linear extension by reverse transciptase from a biotinylated primer annealing in a region with known sequence. After capture of the generated single-stranded cDNA onto paramagnetic beads, unspecifically annealing primers, i.e., arbitrary primers, were used to generate cDNA fragments that could be amplified by PCR and thereafter directly sequenced without subcloning. By using the presented strategy, which is to be seen as a complement to rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-related methods, we were able to recover full-coding sequence versions of two potential splice variants of the target gene. The general applicability of the novel method for recovery and sequencing of cDNA sequences is discussed.

Animals↗

Two base pairs at -9 and -8 distinguish between the bacteriophage T7 and SP6 promoters.

Bacteriophage T7 and SP6 RNA polymerases and their promoters share a high degree of their primary structure homology, but each polymerase exclusively recognizes its own promoter sequence. To reveal the molecular basis of this specificity, 4 base pairs at positions -12, -10, -9, and -8 of the T7 promoter were substituted individually and multiply by SP6 promoter-specific base pairs, and 3 base pairs at -10, -9, and -8 of the SP6 promoter were replaced by T7 promoter-specific base pairs. Promoter activities of 28 sequences were measured in vitro with T7 and SP6 polymerases separately under optimal conditions at 6 mM MgCl2. Single and double substitutions at -12 and -10 do not significantly affect the T7 promoter activity, although they are almost exclusively conserved among T7 genomic promoters. Changes at -10 of SP6 promoter hardly affect the activity. However, any T7 variants that contain either or both changes at -9 and -8 show greatly reduced activity. Interestingly, the double substitution at -9 and -8 yields significant SP6 promoter activities and virtually no T7 promoter activity. Furthermore, the SP6 promoter variants with both T7-specific -9C and -8T show good T7 promoter activities, although they still show some SP6 promoter activities. However, under high salt conditions (either 20 mM MgCl2 or 100 mM NaCl plus 6 mM MgCl2), they show only slight SP6 promoter activity. No other SP6 variants show any T7 promoter activity. All these results indicate that the 2 base pairs at -9 and -8 of both the T7 and SP6 promoters are the primary (if not the only) determinants of specificity and that the hierarchy of importance of positions for promoter activity is -8, -9 > > -10 > -12. Also, a phylogenic relationship among the T3, T7, K11, and SP6 promoters is suggested based on dissimilarities in their sequences from -12 to -8.

Bacteriophage T7↗

Mutagenesis of the P2 promoter of the major outer membrane protein gene of Chlamydia trachomatis.

On the basis of position from the transcription start site, the P2 promoter of the gene encoding the major outer membrane protein (ompA) of Chlamydia trachomatis consists of a -35 hexamer region of -42 aaaaaga TATACAaa -28 and an unusual, GC-rich -10 hexamer region of -13 tTATCGCt -6. The P2 promoter was analyzed by in vitro transcription of templates containing deletions and site-specific mutations. The 5' extent of P2 was located at bp -42. Replacement of wild-type sequence with two G's at positions -41 and 40, -35 and 34, and -29 and 28 resulted in severely decreased transcription. Additionally, the spacing between the -35 and -10 hexamers could not be shortened without adversely affecting in vitro activity. Substitution of G at position -13, -10, -7, or -6 had little or no effect on transcription, whereas substitution of G at -11 or -12 significantly decreased promoter strength. Triple point mutations which changed the -10 hexamer from TATCGC to TATTAT,TATATT, or TATAAT had little effect on promoter activity. Unlike the partially purified C. trachomatis sigma66-RNA polymerase used in this study, purified Escherichia coli sigma70-RNA polymerase did not recognize the wild-type P2 promoter. Mutant P2 templates with -10 hexamers that resembled the consensus recognition site were transcribed by E. coli holoenzyme in vitro, suggesting that C. trachomatis sigma66-RNA polymerase has special promoter recognition properties not found in E. coli sigma70-holoenzyme.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗

A small nuclear RNA, U5, can transform cells in vitro.

Low-molecular-weight RNA exhibiting transforming potential was identified in chemically induced lymphoma cells by the transformation of mink lung cells after transfection. The RNA was sequenced by the direct chemical method and was shown to be a small nuclear RNA, U5. The transforming potential of the RNA was further studied in quantitative transformation assays using 3Y1, a rat fibroblastic cell line. Transformed foci appeared with a latency of 3 to 4 weeks after transfection. U5-transformed 3Y1 cells frequently carried an amplified c-myc oncogene. In addition, U5 induced chromosome aberrations in transfected cells, indicating that the RNA acts as a clastogen. Transforming and clastogenic potentials were specifically inactivated when U5 was incubated with RNase H in the presence of a complementary oligonucleotide. We discuss a possible mechanism of U5-induced cell transformation.

Animals↗