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The tubulin gene cluster of Trypanosoma brucei starts with an intact beta-gene and ends with a truncated beta-gene interrupted by a retrotransposon-like sequence.

In Trypanosoma brucei the genes coding for alpha- and beta-tubulin are arranged in a single cluster comprising about ten alternating alpha and beta genes. The cluster starts at its 5' end with an intact beta gene. In this area, a 1.1-kb segment upstream of the mini-exon addition site has been sequenced. Several potential transcription signals were seen. The 3' end of the cluster terminates in the middle of a beta gene, making it an inactive truncated pseudogene. The adjoining 1.7-kb sequence shows a high degree of similarity with a retrotransposon-like (RTnL) element previously characterized elsewhere in the trypanosome genome. This is the first report of an RTnL element interrupting a protein-coding gene of T. brucei.

Animals↗

Mouse lipocortin I gene structure and chromosomal assignment: gene duplication and the origins of a gene family.

Using cDNA probes obtained from library screening and anchored polymerase chain reaction, we have isolated and characterized three overlapping mouse genomic clones that contain the mouse lipocortin I (Lipo I) structural gene. Restriction enzyme mapping, Southern blotting, and DNA sequencing were carried out on the cloned genomic DNA. Lipo I spans about 17 kb and is divided into 13 exons encoding a protein of 346 amino acid residues. The promoter region of the gene has a TATA box and a CCAAT box located upstream of the transcription initiation site at -31 and -76 bp, respectively. Analysis of the strain distribution pattern of Lipo 1 in BXD and AKXD collections of recombinant inbred strains establishes that Lipo I is located on chromosome 19 in close proximity to Ea-4. While no striking relationship exists between the exon/intron structure of the gene and the four repeated 70-amino-acid domains of the protein, three of the four 17-amino-acid repeats believed to be responsible for Ca2+/phospholipid binding are encoded by the last codon of one exon and the first 16 codons of the following exon. This pattern supports the gene duplication theory, and the similarity in gene structure between mouse Lipo I and Lipo II suggests they have a recent evolutionary ancestor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic polymorphisms and possible gene-gene interactions in metabolic and DNA repair genes: effects on DNA damage.

We investigated in a central European population, the association between genetic polymorphisms in several genes coding for xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP2E1, EPHX1, GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1) and in DNA repair genes (XPD, XPG, XPC and XRCC1) and the levels of single-strand breaks (SSBs) and SSB endonuclease III sensitive sites (endoIII sites) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. No significant differences in the mean levels of SSBs and endoIII sites after stratification for main confounders and occupational exposure were observed in the studied population. Significantly higher levels of SSBs were observed in individuals bearing the wild-type alleles (AA) (0.75+/-0.51SSB/10(9)Da) and heterozygous (AC) genotypes (0.67+/-0.49SSB/10(9)Da) compared to those with homozygous XPD (CC) genotype (0.43+/-0.28SSB/10(9)Da, P=0.033). A moderate increase in the levels of SSBs was also found in individuals with the homozygous XPG exon 15 wild type (GG) and heterozygous (GC) genotypes in comparison to those with the homozygous (CC) genotype (P=0.066) and in individuals with low activity EPHX1 genotype in comparison to those with high activity genotype. Nevertheless, these differences were not statistically significant. No other significant association was found. When gene-gene interactions were evaluated, a combination of EPHX1 activity genotypes with that of either XPD or XPG significantly (P=0.003 and 0.016, respectively) modulated SSB levels resulting in a three-fold difference between the "protective" and the "adverse" genotype-combinations. Almost three-fold differences in SSB levels were found between the "protective" and the "adverse" genotype-combinations of EPHX1 activity genotype and GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotypes, respectively. In conclusion, our results suggest a relation between markers of genotoxicity and polymorphisms in genes coding for xenobiotic metabolizing and DNA repair enzymes as well as a modulating effect of combinations of these polymorphisms.

Adult↗

The C. elegans nuclear receptor gene fax-1 and homeobox gene unc-42 coordinate interneuron identity by regulating the expression of glutamate receptor subunits and other neuron-specific genes.

The fax-1 gene of the nematode C. elegans encodes a conserved nuclear receptor that is the ortholog of the human PNR gene and functions in the specification of neuron identities. Mutations in fax-1 result in locomotion defects. FAX-1 protein accumulates in the nuclei of 18 neurons, among them the AVA, AVB, and AVE interneuron pairs that coordinate body movements. The identities of AVA and AVE interneurons are defective in fax-1 mutants; neither neuron expresses the NMDA receptor subunits nmr-1 and nmr-2. Other ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits are expressed normally in the AVA and AVE neurons. The unc-42 homeobox gene also regulates AVA and AVE identity; however, unc-42 mutants display the complementary phenotype: NMDA receptor subunit expression is normal, but some non-NMDA glutamate receptor subunits are not expressed. These observations support a combinatorial role for fax-1 and unc-42 in specifying AVA and AVE identity. However, in four other neuron types, fax-1 is regulated by unc-42, and both transcriptional regulators function in the regulation of the opt-3 gene in the AVE neurons and the flp-1 and ncs-1 genes in the AVK neurons. Therefore, while fax-1 and unc-42 act in complementary parallel pathways in some cells, they function in overlapping or linear pathways in other cellular contexts, suggesting that combinatorial relationships among transcriptional regulators are complex and cannot be generalized from one neuron type to another.

Animals↗

Generation and characterization of six single VP4 gene substitution reassortant rotavirus vaccine candidates: each bears a single human rotavirus VP4 gene encoding P serotype 1A[8] or 1B[4] and the remaining 10 genes of rhesus monkey rotavirus MMU18006 or bovine rotavirus UK.

The global disease burden of rotavirus diarrhea in infants and young children has stimulated interest in the biological and clinical characteristics of these agents, leading to intensive efforts to develop a vaccine. A rhesus rotavirus (RRV)-based quadrivalent vaccine ("RotaShield") was licensed and administered to about 1 million infants and found to be highly effective. However, it was withdrawn because of a link with intussusception. This vaccine was developed according to a modified "Jennerian" approach in which one of the two major outer capsid proteins (VP7) shares neutralization specificity with one of the four epidemiologically important human rotavirus serotypes. The other outer capsid protein (VP4) is derived solely from RRV and is distinct from the VP4 of the four human rotavirus serotypes of epidemiologic importance. In an effort to further increase the immunogenicity of the existing VP7-based RRV quadrivalent vaccine, we generated three single VP4 gene substitution reassortant rotavirus candidate vaccines, each of which bears a single human rotavirus VP4 gene encoding P serotype 1A[8] or 1B[4] specificity while the remaining 10 genes are derived from the rhesus rotavirus. By incorporating one or two of these strains into the quadrivalent vaccine, a pentavalent or hexavalent RRV-based vaccine could be formulated thus providing antigenic coverage not only for VP7 serotype 1, 2, 3 and 4 but also for VP4 serotype 1A[8] or 1B[4], thus possibly augmenting its immunogenicity. Similarly, three single VP4 gene (P1A[8] or P1B[4]) substitution reassortants have also been generated in a background of 10 bovine (UK) rotavirus genes for addition to a second generation UK-based quadrivalent vaccine.

Animals↗

Mutation analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, the cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene, and the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene in patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis.

Susceptibility to alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) could be genetically determined. Mutations in cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) genes have been variably associated with both the hereditary and the idiopathic form of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Our aim was to analyze the three genes in ACP patients. Mutational screening was performed in 45 unrelated ACP patients and 34 patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). No mutation of PRSS1 was found in ACP and ALD patients. Three mutations of CFTR were detected in four ACP patients with a prevalence (8.9%) not significantly different from that observed (3.0%) in ALD patients and from that expected (3.2%) in our geographical area. Neither compound heterozygotes for CFTR nor trans-heterozygotes for CFTR/SPINK1 were found. One ACP patient (2.2%) was found to carry the most common mutation (N34S) of SPINK1 compared to none of the ALD patients (P=NS). In five other patients (two with ACP and three with ALD) other rare variants, including P55S, were found. In contrast with the hereditary and the idiopathic forms of CP, in which mutations of PRSS1, CFTR, and SPINK1 genes may occur, ACP is still a "gene(s)-orphan" disease. The supposed genetic susceptibility to ACP relies on other yet unknown gene(s) which could affect the alcohol metabolism or modulate the pancreatic inflammatory response to alcohol abuse.

Adult↗

Genomic organization of the 3'-region of the human MUC5AC mucin gene: additional evidence for a common ancestral gene for the 11p15.5 mucin gene family.

The human mucin gene MUC5AC is mapped clustered with MUC2, MUC5B and MUC6 on chromosome 11p15.5. We report here the isolation and characterization of a genomic cosmid clone, designated ELO9, spanning the 3'-region of MUC5AC and the 5'-region of MUC5B, allowing us to conclude that MUC5AC and MUC5B have the same transcriptional orientation. We determined the genomic organization and the entire sequence of the 3'-region of MUC5AC. The comparative molecular analysis of MUC5AC and MUC5B points to a remarkable similarity in the size and the distribution of exons, and in the type of splice sites, supporting the notion that MUC5AC and MUC5B have evolved from a single common ancestral gene. The derivation of the four genes of the 11p15.5 mucin gene family from a single ancestral gene is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular Medicine and Molecular Pathology for Haematologists: I. Gene Speak made Easy: An Overview of Genes and Gene Expression.

Molecular Medicine and Molecular Pathology are integral parts of Haematology as we enter the new millennium. Their origins can be linked to fundamental developments in the basic sciences, particularly genetics, chemistry and biochemistry. The structure of DNA and the genetic code that it encrypts are the critical starting points to our understanding of these new disciplines. The genetic alphabet is a simple one, consisting of just 4 letters, buts its influence is crucial to human development and differentiation. The concept of a gene is not a new one but the Human Genome Project (a joint world-wide effort to characterise our entire genetic make-up) is providing an invaluable understanding of how genes function in normal cellular processes and pinpointing how disruption of these processes can lead to disease. Transcription and translation are the key events by which our genotype is converted to our phenotype (via a messenger RNA intermediate), producing the myriad proteins and enzymes which populate the cellular factory of our body. Unlike the bacterial or prokaryotic genome, the human genome contains a large amount of non coding DNA (less than 1% of our genome codes for proteins), and our genes are interrupted, with the coding regions or exons separated by non coding introns. Precise removal of the intronic material after transcription (though a process called splicing) is critical for efficient translation to occur. Incorrect splicing can lead to the generation of mutant proteins, which can have a dilaterious effect on the phenotype of the individual. Thus the 100,000-200,000 genes which are present in each cell in our body have a defined control mechanism permitting efficient and appropriate expression of proteins and enzymes and yet a single base change in just one of those genes can lead to diseases such as haemophilia or fanconis anaemia.

Journal Article↗

Patterns of expression of sperm flagellar genes: early expression of genes encoding axonemal proteins during the spermatogenic cycle and shared features of promoters of genes encoding central apparatus proteins.

Sperm are motile cells. Thus, a significant component of the spermatogenic cycle is devoted to the formation of flagellum, a process that must be coordinated to insure proper construction. To document the temporal pattern of flagellar gene expression, we employed real-time PCR to assess changes in accumulation of a cohort of genes encoding axoneme, outer dense fibre (ODF) and fibrous sheath (FS) proteins during the first wave of spermatogenesis in the mouse. Axoneme genes were expressed first at the pachytene spermatocyte stage, followed by expression of transcripts encoding ODF and FS components. However, there were differences among these families with respect to the time of initial expression and the rate of mRNA accumulation. To gain understanding of factors that determine these patterns of expression, we cloned the promoters of three axoneme central apparatus genes (Pf6, Spag6 and Pf20). These promoters shared common features including the absence of a TATA box, and putative binding sites for several factors implicated in spermatogenesis (CREB/CREM, SOX17 and SPZ1) as well as ciliogenesis (FOXJ1). Collectively, our findings demonstrate a sequential pattern of expression of flagellar component genes, differential times of expression or rates of transcript accumulation within each class and shared promoter features within a class.

Animals↗

Comparative study of the expression of DNA mismatch repair genes, the adenomatous polyposis coli gene and growth arrest DNA damage genes in melanoma recurrences and metastases.

The main goal of this study was to examine the expression of DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, PMS1 and PMS2), the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and growth arrest DNA damage inducible (GADD) genes (GADD34, GADD45 and GADD153) in the different stages of melanoma recurrences and metastases, and to identify any mutual consistencies in their expression pattern. All the cases of primary melanoma examined showed a reduced expression of DNA repair genes. These results demonstrate that disturbances of DNA repair begin in the early stages of melanoma. No significant differences were found in the expression of these markers between cutaneous melanomas and their recurrences and metastases (P> 0.05). Eighteen significant correlations between markers were found in the primary melanomas, and 10 significant correlations were observed in the first recurrences of melanoma. In contrast, 27 statistically significant relationships were demonstrated in metastatic lymph nodes. The different correlations found in primary and metastatic tumours confirmed the hypothetical difference in marker interaction in the diagnostic groups investigated. Our results suggest that DNA repair genes may play an important role in the recurrence and metastasis of melanomas.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Pigmentation genes: the tyrosinase gene family and the pmel 17 gene family.

We propose that at least two families of genes regulate the melanin biosynthesis. The first is the tyrosinase gene family, which is comprised of tyrosinase (c locus), gp75 (b locus) and DOPAchrome tautomerase (slt locus). The second is the pmel 17 gene family, which is composed of pmel 17 (putative si locus) and chicken melanosomal matrix protein (MMP) 115. It appears that the tyrosinase gene family regulates melanin synthesis in the proximal steps of the melanin biosynthetic pathway and the pmel 17 gene family might be important at distal steps of the pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gene expression per gene dose, a specific measure of gene expression in aquatic microorganisms.

A method for the measurement of specific levels of gene expression that combines target mRNA and target DNA quantitation has been developed. The use of target gene dose as a normalizing factor for mRNA provides an alternative to 16S or 23S rRNA, which are unsuitable for use in the environment because of their presence in nontarget organisms. Both target mRNA and DNA are recovered from replicate samples and detected by using antisense and sense single-stranded RNA gene probes. For efficient mRNA recovery, the use of Millipore Durapore filters and multiple extractions was necessary. Quantitation was performed by radiometric detection by using a beta-scanner and comparison of the sample signal against target mRNA and DNA standard curves. This method enabled the measurement of expression of the catechol-2,3-dioxygenase gene (xylE) contained on the thermoregulated plasmid pLV1013 in a marine Vibrio strain in culture and in the environment. In studies of the relationship between mRNA levels and enzyme activities, the appearance of enzyme activity lagged behind xylE mRNA synthesis by an hour after temperature induction. This suggests that mRNA analysis is well suited for determining rapid regulation of microbial gene expression at the transcriptional level in water column microbial populations.

Journal Article↗

A new bacterial steroid degradation gene cluster in Comamonas testosteroni TA441 which consists of aromatic-compound degradation genes for seco-steroids and 3-ketosteroid dehydrogenase genes.

In Comamonas testosteroni TA441, testosterone is degraded via aromatization of the A ring, which is cleaved by the meta-cleavage enzyme TesB, and further degraded by TesD, the hydrolase for the product of TesB. TesEFG, encoded downstream of TesD, are probably hydratase, aldolase, and dehydrogenase for degradation of 2-oxohex-4-enoicacid, one of the products of TesD. Here we present a new and unique steroid degradation gene cluster in TA441, which consists of ORF18, ORF17, tesI, tesH, ORF11, ORF12, and tesDEFG. TesH and TesI are 3-ketosteroid-Delta(1)-dehydrogenase and 3-ketosteroid-Delta(4)(5alpha)-dehydrogenase, respectively, which work in the early steps of steroid degradation. ORF17 probably encodes the reductase component of 9alpha-hydroxylase for 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione, which is the product of TesH in testosterone degradation. Gene disruption experiments showed that these genes are necessary for steroid degradation and do not have any isozymes in TA441. By Northern blot analysis, these genes were shown to be induced when TA441 was incubated with steroids (testosterone and cholic acid) but not with aromatic compounds [phenol, biphenyl, and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid], indicating that these genes function exclusively in steroid degradation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The genes coding for the antigen 85 complexes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG are members of a gene family: cloning, sequence determination, and genomic organization of the gene coding for antigen 85-C of M. tuberculosis.

A gene encoding the 33-kDa secreted protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (antigen 85-C) was isolated and sequenced. The corresponding DNA sequence contains a 1,020-bp coding region. The deduced amino acid sequence corresponds to a 340-residue protein consisting of a 46-amino-acid signal peptide and a 294-amino-acid mature protein. Comparison with previously described genes for the 30-kDa antigen (the alpha antigen of M. bovis BCG, also called antigen 85-B) and the 32-kDa antigens from M. bovis BCG and M. tuberculosis (antigens 85-A) indicates that the three genes share considerable sequence homology (70.8 to 77.5%) but may also code for distinctive epitopes. Strong differences among the three sequences are clearly visible upstream and downstream from the region coding for the mature proteins. The three genes have been detected in the genome of M. bovis BCG by Southern blot hybridization with three type-specific probes. Furthermore, hybridization of large DNA fragments (100 to 1,000 kbp) from M. tuberculosis separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that the three genes coding for the antigen 85 complex are not clustered within the bacterial genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rapid and specific detection of toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus: use of two multiplex PCR enzyme immunoassays for amplification and hybridization of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes, exfoliative toxin genes, and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 gene.

Two multiplex PCR enzyme immunoassays (PCR-EIAs) were developed for Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin gene screening as an alternative to the conventional biological assays, which depend on detectable amounts of toxins produced. One set of oligonucleotide primers and probes was designed to search for enterotoxin A to E genes (entA, entB, entC, entD, and entE), and the other one was designed to detect the staphylococcal exfoliative toxin genes (eta and etb) and the toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 gene (tst). Oligonucleotide primers were used as published previously, modified or newly developed to meet the requirements of both good size-distinguishable amplification bands of multiplex PCR and the temperature limit of the uracil DNA glycosylase system for carryover protection. Amplification products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis, and specificity was controlled with the aid of a DNA EIA system using oligonucleotide probes derived from the sequences of the S. aureus toxin genes. PCR procedures were performed by using template nucleic acids extracted from a panel of S. aureus reference strains and from a collection of 50 clinical strains. The PCR results were compared with those of immunological toxin production assays. This multiplex PCR-EIA system offers an alternative method for the rapid, sensitive, specific, and simultaneous detection of the clinically important exotoxin potency of isolated S. aureus strains for diagnostic purposes as well as research studies.

Bacterial Toxins↗

Fatty acid binding protein-2 gene variants and insulin resistance: gene and gene-environment interaction effects.

The intestinal fatty acid binding protein (FABP2) gene is proposed as a candidate gene for diabetes because the protein it codes is involved in fatty acid (FA) absorption and metabolism and may, therefore, affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Numerous studies have assessed FABP2 gene variants and their association with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Some weak evidence indicates that the silent variants and those in the noncoding regions of the gene (codon 118, 3' noncoding region, intron 2 trinucleotide repeat) might be associated with insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes. The most extensively studied variant is the missense Ala54Thr variation, which is common in diverse populations and results in increased FA absorption in vivo. Some evidence indicates that this variant may be associated with insulin sensitivity/type 2 diabetes. However, the large majority of studies assessing the potential association between the Ala54Thr FABP2 variant and insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes did not account for the independent and substantial effects of body composition, habitual physical activity (PA) levels, and diet on insulin resistance. We recently reported that there was an association between Ala54Thr FABP2 genotypes and insulin sensitivity after accounting for the independent effects of body composition and habitual PA levels on insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, others have demonstrated that Ala54Thr FABP2 may associate with insulin sensitivity, but only if individuals are consuming a high-fat diet. These results highlight the importance of including behavioral and environmental factors in the design of studies seeking to assess the impact of genes on physiological and clinical outcome phenotypes.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Genetic basis of congenital hypothyroidism: abnormalities in the TSHbeta gene, the PIT1 gene, and the NIS gene.

We have elucidated the molecular pathology of three types of congenital hypothyroidism. Thyrotropin (TSH) is the major regulator of thyroid function. In cases of isolated congenital TSH deficiency, we found that they are caused by a missense mutation in the conserved CAGYC region of the TSHbeta gene. Pit-1/GHF-1 is a pituitary specific POU-domain DNA binding factor, which transactivates the growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), TSHbeta genes, and the PIT1 gene itself. In cases of combined deficiency of GH, PRL, and TSH, we found that they are caused by abnormalities in the PIT1 gene, either recessively or dominantly. Sodium dependent iodide symporter (NIS) actively transports iodide into the thyroid cells to produce thyroid hormones. In cases of iodide transport defect, we elucidated that a missense mutation in the transmembrane region of the NIS gene caused them.

Carrier Proteins↗

Multifactor dimensionality reduction for detecting gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in pharmacogenomics studies.

In the quest for discovering disease susceptibility genes, the reality of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions creates difficult challenges for many current statistical approaches. In an attempt to overcome limitations with current disease gene detection methods, the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approach was previously developed. In brief, MDR is a method that reduces the dimensionality of multilocus information to identify polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of disease. This approach takes multilocus genotypes and develops a model for defining disease risk by pooling high-risk genotype combinations into one group and low-risk combinations into another. Cross-validation and permutation testing are used to identify optimal models. While this approach was initially developed for studies of complex disease, it is also directly applicable to pharmacogenomic studies where the outcome variable is drug treatment response/nonresponse or toxicity/no toxicity. MDR is a nonparametric and model-free approach that has been shown to have reasonable power to detect epistasis in both theoretical and empirical studies. This computational technology is described in detail in this review, and its application in pharmacogenomic studies is demonstrated.

Algorithms↗