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Functional characterization of five eIF4E isoforms in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Recognition of the 5'-cap structure of mRNA by eIF4E is a critical step in the recruitment of most mRNAs to the ribosome. In Caenorhabditis elegans, approximately 70% of mRNAs contain an unusual 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine cap structure as a result of trans-splicing onto the 5' end of the pre-mRNA. The characterization of three eIF4E isoforms in C. elegans (IFE-1, IFE-2, and IFE-3) was reported previously. The present study describes two more eIF4E isoforms expressed in C. elegans, IFE-4 and IFE-5. We analyzed the requirement of each isoform for viability by RNA interference. IFE-3, the most closely related to mammalian eIF4E-1, binds only 7-methylguanosine caps and is essential for viability. In contrast, three closely related isoforms (IFE-1, IFE-2, and IFE-5) bind 2,2, 7-trimethylguanosine caps and are partially redundant, but at least one functional isoform is required for viability. IFE-4, which binds only 7-methylguanosine caps, is most closely related to an unusual eIF4E isoform found in plants (nCBP) and mammals (4E-HP) and is not essential for viability in any combination of IFE knockout. ife-2, ife-3, ife-4, and ife-5 mRNAs are themselves trans-spliced to SL1 spliced leaders. ife-1 mRNA is trans-spliced to an SL2 leader, indicating that its gene resides in a downstream position of an operon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Relief of ornithine decarboxylase messenger RNA translational repression induced by alternative splicing of its 5' untranslated region.

The ornithine decarboxylase enzyme (ODC) is the key regulator of polyamine synthesis and is a member of the cellular proto-oncogene family. Its expression becomes constitutively activated by carcinogens, viruses, and oncogenes. ODC mRNA has a long 5' untranslated region that could be important in the regulation of enzyme levels by affecting translation. To test this hypothesis, we have determined the role of this region on the constitutive ODC hyperexpression measured in AR4-2J cells, an azaserine-induced, tumor-derived pancreatic acinar cell line. Construction of expression vectors in which ODC 5' leader sequence was placed flanking the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene allowed us to identify three AR4-2J specific, different alternatively spliced ODC 5' leaders. The 5' ends of exons 2 and 3 were lengthened by 17 and 13 bases, respectively. Translation performed in a cell-free system as well as in COS7 transient transfection experiments demonstrated that AR4-2J isoforms induce a strong increase in the rate of translation. These results provide evidence that alternative splicing observed in tumoral cells, coupled with translation regulation, relieves the translation repression mediated by the long and structured 5' untranslated region of the ODC proto-oncogene.

Alternative Splicing↗

Sequences homologous to the variant antigen mRNA spliced leader are located in tandem repeats and variable orphons in trypanosoma brucei.

We have examined the organization of genomic sequences homologous to the spliced leader of Trypanosoma brucei variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) mRNA, using a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide probe. These sequences are highly reiterated in the trypanosome genome and most are located in 1.4 kb units arranged in a direct tandem repeat. However, some of the 1.4 kb sequences are dispersed from the cluster(s) of tandem repeats and are flanked by non-repeat DNA. The number and arrangement of these leader sequence orphons varies among different T. brucei stocks. Within the IsTat serodeme, the arrangement of three of four spliced leader orphons observed with Eco RV digestion was stable during a chronic infection and cyclic transmission through the insect vector. The fourth Eco RV orphon, however, undergoes rearrangement during antigenic variation and life-cycle differentiation.

Animals↗

Molecular characterisation of the human apo(a)-plasminogen gene family clustered on the telomeric region of chromosome 6 (6q26-27).

The genes coding for apo(a) and plasminogen belong to a family of related genes sharing several structural sequences like leader, kringle, and protease domains. YAC cloning has allowed to understand that all these genes are clustered within 400 Kb of genomic DNA on the telomeric region of chromosome 6 (6q26-27). We have now characterized the two remaining members of the apo(a) and plasminogen gene cluster. One of them was found to contain a leader highly homologous to that of apo(a) and plasminogen, followed by several kringle IV-like units, kringle V and protease domains although no tail sequences could be detected. This apo(a)-like gene was found to be expressed at the RNA level in liver although an in-frame stop codon was detected in one of its kringle units. The other member of the cluster besides the leader shows a plasminogen tail-like domain whose sequences contain a frameshift resulting in a stop codon; another mutation, destroying a consensus splicing site, has been found in a large intron separating the exon coding for the leader from the one encoding the tail-like sequences. The structural organisation of this cluster suggests that new arrangements of these four genes will be a likely finding.

Apolipoproteins A↗

The major human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) packaging signal is present on all HIV-2 RNA species: cotranslational RNA encapsidation and limitation of Gag protein confer specificity.

Deletion of a region of the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) 5' leader RNA reduces genomic RNA encapsidation to about 5% that of wild-type virus with no defect in viral protein production but severely limits virus spread in Jurkat T cells, indicating that this region contains a major cis-acting encapsidation signal, or psi (Psi). Being upstream of the major splice donor, it is present on all viral transcripts. We have shown that HIV-2 selects its genomic RNA for encapsidation cotranslationally, rendering wild-type HIV-2 unable to encapsidate vector RNAs in trans. Virus with Psi deleted, however, encapsidates an HIV-2 vector, demonstrating competition for Gag protein. HIV-2 overcomes the lack of packaging signal location specificity by two novel mechanisms, cotranslational packaging and competition for limiting Gag polyprotein.

Animals↗

Alternate trans splicing in Trypanosoma equiperdum: implications for splice site selection.

We examined the structures of the 5' ends of mRNAs encoding variant surface glycoprotein 78 (VSG-78) and VSG-1(78) in Trypanosoma equiperdum. Several mRNA species were found for each gene, and all contained the 35-base miniexon (or spliced leader) sequence attached at different positions on their 5' ends. Thus, the generation of multiple messages for each VSG occurred by attachment of the miniexon at one of several 3' splice acceptor sites. The frequency with which individual splice sites were used varied from less than 1 to 95% of the RNA produced from a particular gene. We propose that the miniexon RNA and RNA from the VSG genes may interact via base pairing and that this in part specifies the use of particular acceptor sites. Sequences complementary to the miniexon primary transcript, termed the "med-comp site," were found in both genes and in several published sequences. Splice sites were most often used if they were the first site 3' of the med-comp site and contained a high pyrimidine content in the bases preceding the AG acceptor signal.

Animals↗

The P-glycoprotein gene family of Caenorhabditis elegans. Cloning and characterization of genomic and complementary DNA sequences.

P-glycoproteins, encoded by families of evolutionarily conserved genes, can confer a multidrug-resistant phenotype to mammalian tumor cells. To obtain more information on their functions in normal cells we have cloned genomic and complementary DNA sequences of four P-glycoprotein gene homologs of the genetically well-characterized nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, termed pgp-1, pgp-2, pgp-3 and pgp-4, respectively. The genes were physically mapped on chromosome IV (pgp-1), I (pgp-2) and X (pgp-3 and pgp-4). Phenotypic mutants corresponding to these loci have not yet been described. Two of the genes, pgp-1 and pgp-3, were analyzed in detail. They are predicted to encode ATP-binding membrane-spanning proteins of 1321 and 1254 amino acid residues, respectively, with the characteristic features shared by most P-glycoproteins described thus far. Intra-species divergence of P-glycoprotein genes is more pronounced in C. elegans than in mammals. Only 40% of the amino acids of pgp-1 and pgp-3 are identical, in contrast to 77% identity between human MDR1 and MDR3. pgp-1 consists of 14 exons, pgp-3 of 13. The two genes share only one intron position, whereas they share four (pgp-1) and five (pgp-3) intron positions with mammalian P-glycoprotein genes. pgp-1, pgp-2, and pgp-3 are transcribed into low abundance mRNAs in wild-type nematodes. pgp-1 and pgp-3 mRNAs have the trans-spliced leader SL1 at their 5' ends. Arsenite, emetine and actinomycin D drugs did not increase the steady state levels of pgp mRNA, unlike in some mammalian cell types. Heat shock disturbed trans as well as cis-splicing of pgp-1 and led to the accumulation of partially processed pgp-1 RNA. Thus, in C. elegans these genes are not induced in the context of a general stress response, as has been proposed for mammalian P-glycoprotein genes in certain tissues.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

In vivo pre-tRNA processing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have surveyed intron-containing RNAs of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by filter hybridization with pre-tRNA intron-specific oligonucleotide probes. We have classified various RNAs as pre-tRNAs, splicing intermediates, or excised intron products according to apparent size and structure. Linear, excised intron products were detected, and one example was isolated and sequenced directly. Additional probes designed to detect other precursor sequences were used to verify the identification of several intermediates. Pre-tRNA species with both 5' leader and 3' extension, with 3' extension only, and with mature ends were distinguished. From these results, we conclude that the processing reactions used to remove the 5' leader and 3' extension from the transcript are ordered 5' end trimming before 3' end trimming. Splicing intermediates containing the 5' exon plus the intron were detected. The splice site cleavage reactions are probably ordered 3' splice site cleavage before 5' splice site cleavage. Surprisingly, we also detected a splicing intermediate with the 5' leader and a spliced product with both 5' leader and 3' extension. Evidently, splicing and end trimming are not ordered relative to each other, splicing occurring either before or after end trimming.

Base Sequence↗

Mutant Caenorhabditis elegans RNA polymerase II with a 20,000-fold reduced sensitivity to alpha-amanitin.

A doubly mutant ama-1(m118m526) gene results in an RNA polymerase (Rpo) II that is unusually resistant to alpha-amanitin. Rpo II activity in isolated Caenorhabditis elegans cell nuclei is inhibited 50% by alpha-amanitin at a concentration of 150 micrograms/ml, making this enzyme 150 times more resistant to the toxin than Rpo II from the singly mutant allele, ama-1(m118), 20,000 times more resistant than the wild-type Rpo II, and about six times more resistant to amanitin than is Rpo III. It was determined that the SL1 spliced leader precursor is transcribed by Rpo II, and this transcript was used to measure Rpo II activity. The Rpo II activity is unstable in vitro, and the mutant strain has a temperature-sensitive sterile phenotype. The highly resistant double mutant was selected among four million progeny of the mutagenized ama-1(m118) parent by its ability to grow and reproduce in 200 micrograms/ml amanitin in the presence of a permeabilizing agent, Triton X-100.

Amanitins↗

DNA replication and the early to late transition in adenovirus infection.

Expression of the late genes of adenovirus is only detectable after virus DNA synthesis has occurred. Using a superinfection protocol, we show that replication of the template per se is required for expression of late regions L2--L5 (mapping to the right of position 39) and that the accumulation of early gene products does not suffice. This regulation is probably exerted at the level of transcription rather than by control of processing or selective stabilization of late mRNA or its precursors. The promoter-proximal late gene block L1, however, appears to be subject to processing control. At early times a single member of this gene family (tripartite leader plus coordinates 29--39, encoding the 52,55K polypeptide pair) is expressed, whereas at late times an additional, differently spliced mRNA species is generated from this region (tripartite leader plus coordinates 34--39, encoding polypeptide IIIa).

Adenoviruses, Human↗

The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase gene of Dictyostelium discoideum utilizes alternate promoters and splicing for the synthesis of multiple mRNAs.

The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (phosphodiesterase) gene plays essential roles in the development of Dictyostelium discoideum during cellular aggregation and postaggregation morphogenesis. Genomic clones spanning the gene were isolated and used to determine the sequence and structure of the phosphodiesterase gene. We found an unusually complex organization for a gene of D. discoideum. Two transcripts of 2.4 and 1.9 kilobases (kb) were synthesized from start sites separated by 1.1 kb. A developmentally regulated promoter was utilized for the 2.4-kb mRNA, and a constitutive promoter regulated synthesis of the 1.9-kb transcript. The gene was found to be divided into four exons that are alternately spliced to give rise to the two mRNAs. The precursor of the 2.4-kb mRNA contained a 2.3-kb intron, whereas the precursor of the constitutive transcript was synthesized with a 1.7-kb intron. The two transcripts contained identical protein-coding regions and 400-nucleotide 3' untranslated sequences. The 2.4-kb developmentally regulated mRNA was distinguished by a long 5' untranslated leader of 666 nucleotides. The complex structure of the gene may allow multiple levels of control of the expression of the phosphodiesterase during development.

Base Sequence↗

Clusters of multiple different small nucleolar RNA genes in plants are expressed as and processed from polycistronic pre-snoRNAs.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are involved in many aspects of rRNA processing and maturation. In animals and yeast, a large number of snoRNAs are encoded within introns of protein-coding genes. These introns contain only single snoRNA genes and their processing involves exonucleolytic release of the snoRNA from debranched intron lariats. In contrast, some U14 genes in plants are found in small clusters and are expressed polycistronically. An examination of U14 flanking sequences in maize has identified four additional snoRNA genes which are closely linked to the U14 genes. The presence of seven and five snoRNA genes respectively on 2.05 and 0.97 kb maize genomic fragments further emphasizes the novel organization of plant snoRNA genes as clusters of multiple different genes encoding both box C/D and box H/ACA snoRNAs. The plant snoRNA gene clusters are transcribed as a polycistronic pre-snoRNA transcript from an upstream promoter. The lack of exon sequences between the genes suggests that processing of polycistronic pre-snoRNAs involves endonucleolytic activity. Consistent with this, U14 snoRNAs can be processed from both non-intronic and intronic transcripts in tobacco protoplasts such that processing is splicing independent.

Base Sequence↗

Simian virus 40-rabbit beta-globin recombinants lacking late mRNA splice sites express cytoplasmic RNAs with altered structures.

Deletions were introduced at exon-intron boundaries in the late region of a simian virus 40-beta-globin cDNA recombinant to study the role of splicing in the formation of simian virus 40 late cytoplasmic RNAs. The recombinant was used as a wild type because it allowed characterization of mutant RNAs expressed from defective genomes in the presence of comparable RNAs contributed by the coinfecting helper virus. Removal of a 17-base pair segment at map position 0.76, which included a portion of the leader sequence implicated in the splicing of the major 16S mRNA, prevented expression of 16S-type mRNA. The same mutant accumulated cytoplasmic 19S-type mRNA, but the assortment of the 5' ends of these mRNAs differed from the assortment of the wild-type counterparts. Another mutant that lacks nucleotide sequences implicated in the splicing of the major 16S mRNA and one of the principal 19S-type RNAs accumulated a 16S-type mRNA with a previously undetected leader splice, and assortment of 19S mRNAs with new or normally underrepresented splices, and even a species of unspliced cytoplasmic 19S mRNA.

Animals↗

Production of polyomavirus late mRNAs requires sequences near the 5' end of the leader but does not require leader-to-leader splicing.

Polyomavirus late mRNAs contain multiple copies of a 57-nucleotide leader sequence derived by splicing from multigenome-length late transcripts. Inefficient termination of transcription and inefficient polyadenylation allow accumulation of these giant transcripts. In this report, we show that a viable mutant virus, ins5, which contains an efficient rabbit beta-globin polyadenylation signal, produced late mRNAs whose vast majority contains only one leader. ins5 virus nevertheless produced as much late mRNA as did wild-type virus and grew as well as did wild-type virus in mouse cells. These results demonstrate that leader-to-leader splicing per se is not required for efficient production of late mRNAs or for efficient virus replication. However, we also found that RNAs lacking critical sequences near the 5' end of the leader did not accumulate as mRNAs and that most late transcripts made during the early part of the late phase, when few late mRNAs are produced, initiated downstream of the 5' end of the leader. These results indicate that a sequence element near the 5' end of the leader is required for proper processing, transport, or stability of late mRNAs and that the control of late mRNA production depends in part on the choice of transcription initiation sites at the late promoter.

Gene Expression Regulation, Viral↗

Regulation of HTLV-II gene expression by Rex involves positive and negative cis-acting elements in the 5'long terminal repeat.

Regulation of human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) gene expression by the trans-acting viral protein, Rex, is mediated through specific cis-acting sequences in the HTLV-II long terminal repeat (LTR). Augmentation of 5' LTR-linked gene expression by Rex requires two distinct cis-acting elements: one termed the "Rex-responsive element" (RxRE), which allows Rex to overcome the inhibitory effect of a second, termed the "cis-acting repressive sequences" (CRS). The HTLV-II RxRE is located between nt +91 and +317 relative to the cap site in the R/U5 region of the 5'LTR, and the HTLV-II CRS is contained within the RxRE from nt +208 to +317, which is downstream of the splice donor site, in the R/U5 region of the 5' LTR. Deletion of the CRS results in significantly increased cytoplasmic levels of LTR-linked mRNA independent of the presence of Rex. Our results show that Rex acts post-transcriptionally and induces a shift from nucleus to cytoplasm of gag/pol mRNA, the only HTLV-II mRNA that contains both the RxRE and the CRS in the 5' LTR-derived leader sequence.

Base Sequence↗