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Messenger RNA surveillance and the evolutionary proliferation of introns.

The mechanisms responsible for the proliferation and subsequent stabilization of introns within the eukaryotic lineage have remained elusive. In the early stages of eukaryotic evolution, most introns may have been mildly deleterious at the time of insertion, but enough of them eventually acquired integral roles in transcript processing that few eukaryotic species can any longer survive without them. We suggest that the proliferation of spliceosomal introns was facilitated by the evolution of nonsense-mediated decay, an ancient and (in many cases) intron-dependent mechanism for eliminating aberrant mRNA molecules resulting from errors in transcription and splicing and from mutations at the DNA level. The spatial distribution of introns, as revealed by whole-genome analysis, is consistent with expectations for a model in which maximum protective coverage of a gene stochastically evolves over time.

Alternative Splicing↗

Novel HOX, POU and FKH genes expressed during bFGF-induced mesodermal differentiation in Xenopus.

Cells from the cap of the animal hemisphere of the early Xenopus embryo are determined to form ectodermal lineages. When these cells are explanted and cultured in the presence of various growth factors a change in fate to cells of mesodermal lineage can be observed. Proteins of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family belong to this class of fate altering compounds. The ability of FGFs to change animal cap cell fate is in part due to an alteration in the program of genes expressed in these explanted cells. Several genes that are known to be pattern regulating in other systems have been shown to be induced by FGFs in the animal cap assay. We have utilized a PCR-based sib-selection and cloning protocol to identify a large number of cDNAs of the HOX, POU and FKH families that are present in animal caps very early during bFGF-induced mesodermal differentiation. A total of 11 different HOX, 7 POU and 4 FKH cDNAs were identified in an induced animal cap cDNA library. In several cases, pairs of highly related sequence variants were identified that presumably represent expression from the duplicated alleles of the ancestrally tetraploid Xenopus genome. In this report we characterize the temporal and spatial expression of three novel Xenopus genes during early development as well as during bFGF-induced mesodermal differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sweeps in space: leveraging geographic data to identify beneficial alleles in Anopheles gambiae.

As organisms adapt to environmental changes, natural selection modifies the frequency of non-neutral alleles. For beneficial mutations, the outcome of this process may be a selective sweep, in which an allele rapidly increases in frequency and perhaps reaches fixation within a population. Selective sweeps have well-studied effects on patterns of local genetic variation in panmictic populations, but much less is known about the dynamics of sweeps in continuous space. In particular, because limited movement across a landscape leads to unique patterns of population structure, spatial dynamics may influence the trajectory of selected mutations. Here, we use forward-in-time, individual-based simulations in continuous space to study the impact of space on beneficial mutations as they sweep through a population. In particular, we show that selection changes the joint distribution of allele frequency and geographic range occupied by a focal allele and demonstrate that this signal can be used to identify selective sweeps. We then leverage this signal to identify in-progress selective sweeps within the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae , a species under strong selection pressure from vector control measures. By considering space, we identify multiple previously undescribed variants with potential phenotypic consequences, including mutations impacting known IR-associated genes and altering protein structure and properties. Our results demonstrate a novel signal for detecting selection in spatial population genetic data that may have implications for genomic surveillance and understanding geographic patterns of genetic variation.

Journal Article↗

Mitochondrial DNA diversity, population structure, and gender association in the gynodioecious plant Silene vulgaris.

A highly variable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) locus is used to assess the population structure of mitochondrial genomes in the gynodioecious plant Silene vulgaris at two spatial scales. Thirteen mtDNA haplotypes were identified within 250 individuals from 18 populations in a 20-km diameter region of western Virginia. The population structure of these mtDNA haplotypes was estimated as thetaST = 0.574 (+/- 0.066 SE) and, surprisingly, genetic differentiation among populations was negatively correlated with geographic distance (Mantel r = -0.246, P < 0.002). Additionally, mtDNA haplotypes were spatially clumped at the scale of meters within one population. Gender in S. vulgaris is determined by an interaction between autosomal male fertility restorers and cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) factors, and seed fitness is affected by an interaction between gender and population sex ratio; thus, selection acting on gender could influence the distribution of mtDNA RFLP haplotypes. The sex ratio (females:hermaphrodites) varied among mtDNA haplotypes across the entire metapopulation, possibly because the haplotypes were in linkage disequilibrium with different CMS factors. The gender associated with some of the most common haplotypes varied among populations, suggesting that there is also population structure in male fertility restorer genes. In comparison with reports of mtDNA variation from other published studies, we found that S. vulgaris exhibits a large number of mtDNA haplotypes relative to that observed in other species.

DNA, Mitochondrial↗

Paradoxical effects of iodine-125 decays in parent and daughter DNA: a new target model for radiation damage.

Chinese hamster ovary cells were synchronized at the G(1)/S-phase boundary of the cell cycle and were pulse-labeled with (125)I-iododeoxyuridine 30 min after they entered the S phase. Cell samples were harvested and frozen for accumulation of (125)I decays during the first and second G(2) phase after labeling. Cell aliquots that had accumulated the desired number of decays were thawed and plated for evaluation micronucleus formation and cell death. Cells subjected to (125)I decays during the first G(2) phase after labeling exhibited single-hit kinetics of cell killing (n = 1, D(0) 41 decays/cell). In contrast, decays accumulated during the second G(2) phase killed cells with dual-hit kinetics (n = 1.9, D(0) 81 decays/cell). A similar divergence in the action of (125)I was noted for micronucleus formation. These findings indicate that the effects of (125)I varied depending on whether the decays occurred in daughter DNA (first G(2) phase) or parent DNA (second G(2) phase). Control studies with external X rays showed no such divergence of the action of radiation. To account for this paradox, a model is proposed that invokes higher-order chromatin structures as radiation targets. This model implies differential spatial arrangements for parent and daughter DNA in the genome, with DNA strands organized such that a single (125)I decay originating in daughter DNA damages two targets during the first G(2) phase, but identical decays occurring during the second G(2) phase damage only one of the targets.

Animals↗

Misrepair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks and its relevance for tumorigenesis and cancer treatment (review).

The faithful repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is probably one of the most critical tasks for a cell in order to maintain its genomic integrity since these lesions may lead to chromosome breaks or rearrangements, mutations, cell death or cancer. DSBs can arise spontaneously during normal cellular DNA metabolism or may be induced by exogenous agents such as ionizing radiation. To overcome the danger that emanates from these lesions, eukaryotic cells have evolved specific pathways for processing DSBs by either homology-dependent or non-homologous repair mechanisms. This review focuses on the formation of genomic rearrangements that arise by joining incorrect break ends and on the factors that influence repair fidelity. Recent studies indicate that the probability for a break to be incorrectly rejoined is fairly low when DSBs are spatially separated but increases drastically when multiple breaks coincide. The formation of genomic rearrangements in situations of multiple breaks is mediated by non-homologous end-joining, the predominant DSB repair pathway in mammalian cells. Interestingly, the same pathway is required for efficiently preserving chromosomal integrity in situations of separated breaks. Furthermore, the probability for a DSB to be faithfully repaired depends on its genomic location and on the cell cycle position. Methods for assaying DSB repair are discussed, again with emphasis on experimental systems that allow to determine whether a DSB is correctly or incorrectly rejoined.

Animals↗

Nucleolar segregation lags behind the rest of the genome and requires Cdc14p activation by the FEAR network.

In order to transmit a full genetic complement cells must ensure that all chromosomes are accurately split and distributed during anaphase. Chromosome XII in S. cerevisiae contains the site of nucleolar assembly, a 1-2Mb array of rDNA genes named RDN1. Cdc14p is a conserved phosphatase, essential for anaphase progression and mitotic exit, which is kept inactive at the nucleolus until mitosis. In early anaphase, the FEAR network (Cdc Fourteen Early Anaphase Release) promotes the transient and partial release of Cdc14p from the nucleolus. The putative role of Cdc14p released by the FEAR network is thought to be the stimulation of full Cdc14p release by activation of the GTPase-driven signaling cascade (the Mitotic Exit Network or MEN) that ensures mitotic exit. Here, we show that nucleolar segregation is spatially separated and temporally delayed from the rest of the genome. Nucleolar segregation occurs during mid-anaphase and coincides with the FEAR release of Cdc14p. Inactivation of FEAR delays nucleolar segregation until late anaphase, demonstrating that one function of the FEAR network is to promote segregation of repetitive nucleolar chromatin during mid-anaphase.

Anaphase↗

Strain-specific genes of Helicobacter pylori: distribution, function and dynamics.

Whole-genome clustering of the two available genome sequences of Helicobacter pylori strains 26695 and J99 allows the detection of 110 and 52 strain-specific genes, respectively. This set of strain-specific genes was compared with the sets obtained with other computational approaches of direct genome comparison as well as experimental data from microarray analysis. A considerable number of novel function assignments is possible using database-driven sequence annotation, although the function of the majority of the identified genes remains unknown. Using whole-genome clustering, it is also possible to detect species-specific genes by comparing the two H.pylori strains against the genome sequence of Campylobacter jejuni. It is interesting that the majority of strain-specific genes appear to be species specific. Finally, we introduce a novel approach to gene position analysis by employing measures from directional statistics. We show that although the two strains exhibit differences with respect to strain-specific gene distributions, this is due to the extensive genome rearrangements. If these are taken into account, a common pattern for the genome dynamics of the two Helicobacter strains emerges, suggestive of certain spatial constraints that may act as control mechanisms of gene flux.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence that brain capillary endothelial cells can be infected with murine leukaemia retrovirus, LP-BM5.

Some mice infected with murine leukaemia retrovirus, LP-BM5 including ecotropic, mink cell focus-inducing murine leukaemia virus, and a replication-defective genome, have been reported to show weakness, ataxia, or selective deficits in spatial learning after developing an immunodeficiency syndrome similar to human AIDS. In the central nervous system, astrocytes and microglial cells have been shown to be infected by this virus. We present here findings that the ecotropic virus and defective genome can infect murine brain capillary endothelial cells, and infected endothelial cells show an impaired function as target cells against myelin basic protein (MBP) specific T cell clone.

Animals↗

Structural and functional analysis of rice genome.

Rice is an excellent system for plant genomics as it represents a modest size genome of 430 Mb. It feeds more than half the population of the world. Draft sequences of the rice genome, derived by whole-genome shotgun approach at relatively low coverage (4-6 X), were published and the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project (IRGSP) declared high quality (>10 X), genetically anchored, phase 2 level sequence in 2002. In addition, phase 3 level finished sequence of chromosomes 1, 4 and 10 (out of 12 chromosomes of rice) has already been reported by scientists from IRGSP consortium. Various estimates of genes in rice place the number at >50,000. Already, over 28,000 full-length cDNAs have been sequenced, most of which map to genetically anchored genome sequence. Such information is very useful in revealing novel features of macro- and micro-level synteny of rice genome with other cereals. Microarray analysis is unraveling the identity of rice genes expressing in temporal and spatial manner and should help target candidate genes useful for improving traits of agronomic importance. Simultaneously, functional analysis of rice genome has been initiated by marker-based characterization of useful genes and employing functional knock-outs created by mutation or gene tagging. Integration of this enormous information is expected to catalyze tremendous activity on basic and applied aspects of rice genomics.

Chromosomes, Plant↗

Information of genome sequences and molecular basis of cancer.

This survey paper presents in a widely accessible form a thermodynamical approach to cancerogenesis and its relevance and utility for molecular biologists; it also suggests a possible definition of information contained in genome and of entropy leaps during cell transformation. A scenario concerning the amplification of an initial alteration in the genomic information during cancerogenesis is proposed, and its implication in our knowledge about spatial and temporal pattern of oncogenes and suppressor genes cooperation during cancerogenesis is discussed.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

[Noncoding sequences of the eukaryotic genome as an additional protection of genes from chemical mutagens].

A quantitative model was developed that detects a new function of noncoding sequences in the eukaryotic genome, namely, the protection of coding sequences from chemical (mainly endogenous) mutagens. It was shown that, under common ecological conditions, the number of nucleotides damaged by mutagens in coding sequences of the genome is inversely proportional to the size of their noncoding counterparts. Noncoding sequences can differently protect single genetic loci from chemical mutagens by the formation of specific spatial structures of the protected loci in the interphase nuclei. The significant differences in genome sizes between species (paradox C) can be explained by different contributions of noncoding sequences to the total effect of genome protection from endogenous chemical mutagens.

Animals↗

Putting the genome on the map.

The first complete genomic sequence of a eukaryote (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has already been accomplished. It is estimated that the sequence of the human genome will be known early in the next millennium. Yet it is already apparent that, despite their immense length, these linear primary sequence maps will be inadequate descriptions of the eukaryotic genome, be it of a budding yeast or a human. To reflect our growing awareness of the importance of spatial context in chromosome function and in gene expression we argue that a more complete map of the genome should seek to embody the richness of information that we expect of the maps we use to navigate our way around the outside world.

Animals↗

Genetic Deletion of Cis-Regulatory Elements to Dissect the Function of the Non-coding Genome in human Preimplantation Models.

Cis-regulatory elements coordinate gene expression in a spatially and temporally controlled manner and contribute to the establishment of distinct cellular states during development. A substantial proportion of transcriptionally active cis-regulatory elements in primate embryos originated from ancient retroviral integrations into the germline. These endogenous retroviruses, also known as long terminal repeat retrotransposons, retain intrinsic regulatory activity and are often species-specific, making them strong candidates for regulating species-divergent aspects of embryonic development. Ethical and legal restrictions on human embryo research have historically limited direct investigation of gene regulation during human embryogenesis. Human naive pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional stem cell-based blastocyst models provide alternative systems for studying early developmental processes. This protocol describes the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of endogenous retrovirus-derived cis-regulatory elements in human naive pluripotent stem cells. Preassembled Cas9 and single-guide RNA ribonucleoprotein complexes are delivered by nucleofection, followed by single-cell cloning, PCR-based genotyping, Sanger sequencing, expansion, cryopreservation, and genomic stability assessment of the edited lines. The resulting wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous or hemizygous deletion clones provide a platform for investigating the contribution of individual endogenous retrovirus-derived elements to gene regulation in human preimplantation models. This method enables direct functional interrogation of species-specific non-coding regulatory sequences and supports the study of transcriptional mechanisms involved in early human development.

Humans↗

Multiomics analysis reveals that senescent CXCL16+ macrophages promote lung adenocarcinoma progression through TGF-&#x3b2; signalling.

BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological subtype of lung cancer and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although, immunotherapy has become a cornerstone of first-line treatment, only 20-30% of patients achieve a durable clinical benefit, largely because of the complexity and heterogeneity of the tumour immune microenvironment. Emerging evidence indicates that cellular senescence, particularly within immune cells, contributes to tumour progression by impairing antitumour immunity; however, its mechanistic role in LUAD remains incompletely understood. METHODS: We performed an integrative multiomics analysis incorporating genome-wide association studies (GWASs), bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics to characterize immune heterogeneity in LUAD. Cellular senescence was validated by performing staining for senescence-associated &#x3b2;-galactosidase and the canonical markers p16 and p21. SHAP analysis was applied to evaluate the contribution of CXCL16+ macrophages. Functional roles were assessed using coculture assays, in vitro and in vivo tumour models, orthotopic tumour implantation, and multiplex immunofluorescence staining of clinical specimens. RESULTS: A summary data-based on Mendelian randomization analysis integrating GWAS and TCGA data identified CXCL16 as a senescence-associated gene that is causally linked to the LUAD risk. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that CXCL16 is predominantly expressed in macrophages, and the pseudotime analysis together with &#x3b2;-galactosidase staining confirmed its association with macrophage senescence. Spatial transcriptomics and immunofluorescence staining showed the marked enrichment of CXCL16+ macrophages in LUAD tissues. The cell-cell communication analysis further revealed a strong association between the number of CXCL16+ macrophages and the activation of the TGF-&#x3b2; signalling pathway within the tumour microenvironment. Functionally, CXCL16+ macrophages promoted LUAD progression via TGF-&#x3b2; signalling, as validated in vitro and in subcutaneous and orthotopic tumour models. Molecular dynamics simulations additionally suggested that LUAD patients with high levels of CXCL16+ macrophage infiltration may exhibit increased sensitivity to bosutinib. CONCLUSIONS: CXCL16 promotes macrophage senescence, and senescent CXCL16+ macrophages drive LUAD progression through TGF-&#x3b2; signalling. These findings identify CXCL16+ macrophages as a biologically and therapeutically relevant immune cell population, highlighting a potential target for precision intervention in LUAD.

Humans↗

Complexities in ETS-domain transcription factor function and regulation: lessons from the TCF (ternary complex factor) subfamily. The Colworth Medal Lecture.

The ETS-domain transcription factor family can be divided into a series of subfamilies. Elk-1 represents the founding member of the ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily. By focusing on the TCF subfamily, we can demonstrate the complexities that exist in the function and regulation of ETS-domain transcription factors. This article focuses on Elk-1 in detail and summarizes the functions of other TCFs. The key themes covered include the domain structure of the TCFs, the mechanisms of complex formation with serum response factor, regulation of TCFs by mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, and transcriptional regulatory properties of the TCFs. Finally, the emerging role of the TCFs in vivo is discussed. A picture is developing indicating that, while these proteins exhibit significant sequence and functional conservation, key differences in their structure and regulation are being identified which may relate to unique functions of these proteins in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Close proximity of the MPMV CTE to the polyadenylation sequences is important for efficient function in the subgenomic context.

The constitutive transport element (CTE) of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) is a short cis-acting sequence element critical for virus gene expression. Analogous to the Rev/Rev Responsive Element (RRE) of primate lentiviruses, CTE allows the nucleocytoplasmic transport of unspliced viral mRNAs. In fact, CTE can functionally replace Rev/RRE in the genomic context and has been used successfully in the expression of viral and cellular genes from expression vectors as well. However, unlike RRE, CTE accomplishes this by interacting with cellular factors, making CTE function independent of co-expressed trans factors. Thus, CTE has proven to be a valuable tool in the expression of heterologous genes. Our previous studies have shown that close proximity of CTE to the polyadenylation sequences is important for CTE function in the genomic context. However, it is controversial whether CTE needs to be located spatially close to the polyadenylation sequences in the subgenomic context. Since CTE is being frequently used in expression vectors, we investigated the position dependency of CTE in the heterologous, subgenomic background using both genetic and structural analyses. Our results reveal that similar to the genomic situation, close proximity of CTE to the polyadenylation sequences is important for its function in the heterologous subgenomic context.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Analysis of distal flanking regions of maize 19-kDa zein genes.

Two genomic fragments from maize, each containing a 19-kDa zein gene with extensive flanking regions, have been sequenced and examined by computer-aided analysis and Southern blotting techniques. Sequence analysis of the distal flanking sequences has revealed interesting sequence motifs, some not seen before. In particular, four nearly identical, G + C-rich, 17 to 21-bp perfect palindromes were found clustered in a 133-bp stretch lying 2 kb upstream from the zein-coding region in the genomic clone pMS2. These palindromic sequences exhibit other interesting features, including a precise spatial organization with respect to each other, and their proximity to several other repeated motifs in the same region. Southern blot analysis indicates that these palindromes, or closely related sequences, are found frequently in the maize genome. Possible secondary structures for the palindrome units are presented, which resemble functionally important sequences found upstream from other eukaryotic genes.

Base Sequence↗