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Insertion of leader peptidase into the thylakoid membrane during synthesis in a chloroplast translation system

The mechanisms of targeting and insertion of chloroplast-encoded thylakoid membrane proteins are poorly understood. In this study, we have used a translation system isolated from chloroplasts to begin to investigate these mechanisms. The bacterial membrane protein leader peptidase (Lep) was used as a model protein because its targeting and insertion mechanisms are well understood for Escherichia coli and for the endoplasmic reticulum. Lep could thus provide insight into the functional homologies between the different membrane systems. Lep was efficiently expressed in the chloroplast translation system, and the protein could be inserted into thylakoid membranes with the same topology as in E. coli cytoplasmic membranes, following the positive-inside rule. Insertion of Lep into the thylakoid membrane was stimulated by the trans-thylakoid proton gradient and was strongly inhibited by azide, suggesting a requirement for SecA activity. Insertion most likely occurred in a cotranslational manner, because insertion could only be observed if thylakoid membranes were present during translation reactions but not when thylakoid membranes were added after translation reactions were terminated. To halt the elongation process at different stages, we translated truncated Lep mRNAs without a stop codon, resulting in the formation of stable ribosome nascent chain complexes. These complexes showed a strong, salt-resistant affinity for the thylakoid membrane, implying a functional interaction of the ribosome with the membrane and supporting a cotranslational insertion mechanism for Lep. Our study supports a functional homology for the insertion of Lep into the thylakoid membrane and the E. coli cytoplasmic membrane.

Journal Article↗

Active TEM-1 beta-lactamase mutants with random peptides inserted in three contiguous surface loops.

Engineering of alternative binding sites on the surface of an enzyme while preserving the enzymatic activity would offer new opportunities for controlling the activity by binding of non-natural ligands. Loops and turns are the natural substructures in which binding sites might be engineered with this purpose. We have genetically inserted random peptide sequences into three relatively rigid and contiguous loops of the TEM-1 beta-lactamase and assessed the tolerance to insertion by the percentage of active mutants. Our results indicate that tolerance to insertion could not be correlated to tolerance to mutagenesis. A turn between two beta-strands bordering the active site was observed to be tolerant to random mutagenesis but not to insertions. Two rigid loops comprising rather well-conserved amino acid residues tolerated insertions, although with some constraints. Insertions between the N-terminal helix and the first beta-strand generated active libraries if cysteine residues were included at both ends of the insert, suggesting the requirement for a stabilizing disulfide bridge. Random sequences were relatively well accommodated within the loop connecting the final beta-strand to the C-terminal helix, particularly if the wild-type residue was retained at one of the loops' end. This suggests two strategies for increasing the percentage of active mutants in insertion libraries. The amino acid distribution in the engineered loops was analyzed and found to be less biased against hydrophobic residues than in natural medium-sized loops. The combination of these activity-selected libraries generated a huge library containing active hybrid enzymes with all three loops modified.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Selection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants with an insertion mutation in the p6(gag) and p6(pol) genes under highly active antiretroviral therapy.

We detected several types of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants with an insertion mutation in the p6(gag)and p6(pol) genes in eight of twenty-two (36.4%) patients who possessed drug-resistant viruses under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). It was characteristic that a conserved proline-rich motif "PTAPP" in the N-terminus of p6(gag) protein was completely or partially duplicated in all cases. Five among the eight cases were retrospectively investigated in terms of the occurrence of dynamic change in the gag gene between the inserted and wild-type HIV-1 in the course of HAART. The longitudinal analysis revealed the following: 1) The inserted-type viruses were selected over the wild-type during HAART in three cases in which the both types coexisted in the beginning of the therapy. 2) In two cases in which the inserted-type HIV-1 alone was detected before the beginning of HAART, the inserted-type HIV-1 alone was continuously detected during the therapy. The inserted-type HIV-1 was also detected in four of thirty-nine (10.3%) therapy-naive patients. However, the frequency of inserted-type HIV-1 detection in the HAART-receiving patients is significantly higher than that in the therapy-naive patients (P = 0.02). These results suggest that this type of insertion mutation is a polymorphism of the p6(gag) and p6(pol) genes, however, it consequently gave an advantage on proliferation and/or survival of the HIV-1 variant under the presence of antiretroviral drugs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rectal suppository insertion: the reliability of the evidence as a basis for nursing practice.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper considers the correct method for inserting a rectal suppository, both as a medication and also to achieve bowel evacuation. The aim is to find out whether the correct method is blunt end or pointed end foremost. BACKGROUND: It follows from a question raised by a third year student nurse. In the classroom, she had been taught that the correct method for the administration of a suppository for systemic absorption was to insert it blunt end foremost into the rectum. However, if the suppository was to be used for evacuant purposes, it should be given pointed end foremost. In clinical practice, however, she was told the suppository should always be inserted pointed end foremost in all cases, whatever the purpose. DESIGN: This article seeks to clarify the dilemma by examining the sources of evidence underpinning different methods for inserting a rectal suppository. Hence, the literature on the insertion of rectal suppositories was gathered as systematically as possible from medical journals and textbooks, nursing journals and textbooks and manufacturers' information to patients. METHOD: Having gathered the literature, this was examined, appraised and critically analysed for rigour, coherence and reliability. RESULTS: The review of the literature appears to show that evidence adduced for inserting the suppository blunt end foremost derives from one study published in the Lancet in 1991, which challenged 'commonsense'. There did not appear to be other, more recent research. On the other hand, manufacturers' information to patients states generally that the suppository should be inserted pointed end foremost. This has direct relevance for the administration of suppositories and also raises questions as to how research may become integrated into healthcare practice without adequate justification. CONCLUSIONS: An article published in the Lancet in 1991 has had a fundamental effect on nursing practice, but has not been subject to scrutiny. The advice given in this Lancet article differs from that currently given by most manufacturers of suppositories, which involves the terms of their product licence. Hence, there is a potential for problems with legal liability should an untoward event arise. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Inserting rectal suppositories, whether as a medication or to achieve bowel evacuation, is a very common healthcare practice. Currently, there is inconsistency and discrepancy in the correct method for this procedure in both nursing education and practice. This paper examines the reliability of existing evidence and shows the need for further work in order to provide a reliable evidence base for this commonplace clinical procedure.

Drug Labeling↗

A comparison between insertion torque and resonance frequency in the assessment of torque capacity and primary stability of Brånemark system implants.

The aim of this study was to determine primary stability and insertion torque of Brånemark System implants placed in the anterior mandible, and to evaluate a possible correlation between primary stability and insertion torque. Thirty edentulous patients were treated with 60 Brånemark System implants using a one-stage technique. The insertion torque values of all implants were recorded with the Osseocare equipment. Immediately after implant placement, each implant was connected to the transducer of an Osstell machine to measure the primary implant stability. The average insertion torque and resonance frequency values were 41.5 +/- 5.8 and 74.1 +/- 3.8 for 30 implants. The correlation between insertion torque and resonance frequency values indicated a statistical significance (P < 0.001). The difference between mean insertion torque values for female and male patients was statistically significant (P < 0.001). No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between younger and older patients with mean insertion torque values of 43.1 +/- 4.7 and 40.1 +/- 6.5 respectively. The results of this study showed a strong correlation between the primary stability and insertion torque values of Brånemark System TiUnite MKIII implants at the time of implant placement.

Age Factors↗

Relationship among catheter insertions, vascular access infections, and anemia management in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulas are the recommended permanent vascular access (VA) for chronic hemodialysis. However, in the United States most patients begin chronic hemodialysis with a catheter. Recent data suggest that VA type contributes to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) resistance. We examined catheter insertions, VA infections, and anemia management in Medicare, rHuEPO-treated, chronic hemodialysis patients. METHODS: We compared hemoglobin values and rHuEPO and intravenous iron dosing with concurrent catheter insertions and VA infections in 186,348 period-prevalent patients in 2000. We studied anemia management after catheter insertions and VA infections in 67,410 incident patients from 1997 to 1999. Multiple linear regression models examined follow-up hemoglobin and rHuEPO dose per week (rHuEPO/wk) by numbers of catheter insertions and hospitalizations for VA infection. RESULTS: In the prevalent cohort, increasing temporary and permanent catheter insertions and VA infections were associated with slightly lower hemoglobin, higher rHuEPO doses, and higher intravenous iron doses. In the incident cohort, compared to patients with no VA infections or no catheter insertions (temporary or permanent), respectively, patients with 2+ VA infections or 2+ catheter insertions had 0.12 g/dL and 0.06 g/dL lower mean hemoglobin (P = 0.0028 and P < 0.0001), and 25.7% and 12.2% higher mean rHuEPO/wk (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Higher rHuEPO doses may be required to maintain similar or slightly lower mean hemoglobin values among chronic hemodialysis patients with higher numbers of catheter insertions and VA infections, compared to patients without any.

Adolescent↗

Does catheter insertion by nephrologists improve peritoneal dialysis utilization? A multicenter analysis.

In contrast to hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains an underutilized form of renal replacement therapy in the United States. Although a variety of factors have been deemed responsible, timely insertion of a PD catheter may also be a contributory factor. We conducted a multicenter analysis to examine whether the establishment of a program for PD catheter insertion by nephrologists has a positive impact on the growth in the number of patients using PD. Data for catheter insertion performed by nephrologists were collected from three centers. Any change in the prevalent PD population at each respective center was compared to the number of PD patients during the period having the traditional surgical approach. Nephrologists at the three centers used the peritoneoscopic technique and performed catheter insertion under local anesthesia. In center 1, the PD population remained stable at between 38 and 45 patients (approximately 16% of the total end-stage renal disease [ESRD] population) from 1993 to 2001. Nephrologists initiated a program for PD catheter insertion in 2001. The number of PD patients has increased to 101 (32% of the ESRD population). In center 2, the PD population remained stable at between 70 and 78 patients (approximately 17%) between 1988 and 1990. Catheter insertion by interventional nephrologists began in 1991. The number of PD patients has increased to 125 (22%). In center 3, the PD population remained at 20-30 patients (approximately 18%) between 1988 and 1991. Catheter placement by nephrologists was initiated in 1991. The number of PD patients increased to 97 (27%). Catheter insertion by interventional nephrologists was suspended in 2001. The number of PD patients has gradually declined to 25 (6%). This study suggests that catheter insertion by the nephrologist can have a positive impact on the utilization of PD.

Catheters, Indwelling↗

Motility events of trichocyst insertion in Paramecium tetraurelia.

Following electroshock-induced extrusion of its inserted trichocysts, Paramecium tetraurelia rapidly begins replacement of the population of lost organelles. Light microscopy of the cortical insertion of new trichocysts reveals a series of characteristic motility activities. An uninserted trichocyst in the cyclotic flow of the cell appears to be "captured" and removed to the noncyclotic, subcortical regions. The trichocyst then makes a series of saltatory motions which apparently serve to transport it to the cortex, with proper orientation (tip first) for insertion. Trichocyst saltations end with either cortical insertion of the organelle, or return to cyclosis. If the trichocyst is inserted, it makes a series of unique pivoting movements around the motionless tip. This form of motility, termed "wobble," continues for a short period of time. After cessation of wobble, the insertion of the trichocyst is apparently complete, since no further motility is observed. With the aid of these observations it was possible to identify saltatory motility as the means for transporting trichocysts to the cortex for insertion, and also to observe a motility of unknown significance (wobble) apparently associated with the process of cortical insertion.

Animals↗

Microleakage around glass-ceramic insert restorations luted with a high-viscous or flowable composite.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate microleakage around Class V resin restorations restored with glass-ceramic inserts luted with a high-viscous composite resin or a flowable composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted human premolars (patient age range 12-18 yr) were randomly assigned to four groups. Class V preparations in two groups were filled using a glass-ceramic insert (Megafiller Standardformen, Hager Werken GmbH, Duisburg, Germany) luted with either a hybrid, high-viscous composite (Tetric, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and a bonding agent (Excite, Ivoclar Vivadent) or a flowable composite (Crystal-Essence, Confi-Dental, Louisville, CO, USA) and a bonding agent (Confi-Quick, Confi-Dental). Two groups without inserts served as controls and were bulk filled with either a hybrid, high-viscous composite (Tetric) or a flowable composite (Crystal-Essence). The preparations were made with a no. 330 tungsten carbide fissure bur (Komet, Lemgo, Germany) in a water-cooled, high-speed handpiece with a mesiodistal width of 3 mm, an occlusogingival height of 3 mm, and a depth of 2 mm. All margins had butt joints. The teeth were thermocycled for 24 hours in water baths held at 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, and the specimens were prepared and examined for microleakage using basic fuchsin as a marker. Relative leakage was recorded according to the extent of dye penetration on a scale of 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no dye penetration and 4 indicating that dye penetration had progressed as far as the cavity floor. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (nonparametric analysis of variance) and Dunn's multiple comparisons test (p < .05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in microleakage around inserts luted with a high-viscous composite occlusally (p = .7563) or gingivally (p = .6187) and around cavities bulk filled with the high-viscous composite. There was a significant difference in microleakage around inserts luted with a flowable composite both occlusally (p = .0345) and gingivally (p = .0285) and around cavities bulk filled with the flowable composite. Inserts luted with the flowable composite showed significantly less microleakage than those cemented with the high-viscous material only at the gingival margins (p = .0345). Comparisons of microleakage around the high-viscous and flowable composites showed no significant difference in microleakage at either the occlusal or gingival margins (Dunn's multiple comparisons test p > .5 in all cases). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In Class V preparations of the size cut in the present study, ceramic inserts are shown to be of value in reducing microleakage when compared with bulk filling with flowable composites. Microleakage was not significantly improved by using a ceramic insert with a viscous composite compared with the viscous composite alone.

Adolescent↗

Wave transmission through structural inserts.

The transmission of waves through two discontinuities in a one-dimensional waveguide system is considered. Attention is focused on transmission through a structural insert, which is defined here to be a waveguide segment which is inserted into an otherwise continuous structural member with different properties. A general expression for the net transmission through the insert is found. It has bandpass/stop characteristics and its frequency average is somewhat greater than that normally assumed due to the coherent interaction of the waves in the insert. The particular case is then considered where the insert comprises a three-layer composite beam inserted in a thin beam which vibrates in bending. The composite beam comprises two elastic faceplates and a core filled with a tunable electro- or magneto-rheological fluid. The net transmission and the stop bands depend on the properties of the insert. Since these properties are tunable by adjusting the field to which the tunable fluid is exposed, then so too are the transmission characteristics of the insert.

Journal Article↗

Simulating the effect of cochlear-implant electrode insertion depth on speech understanding.

Normally hearing listeners were presented with vowels, consonants, and sentences for identification through an acoustic simulation of a five-channel cochlear implant with electrodes separated by 4 mm (as in the Ineraid implant). The aim of the experiment was to simulate the effect of depth of electrode insertion on identification accuracy. Insertion depth was simulated by outputting sine waves from each channel of the processor at a frequency determined by the cochlear place of electrodes inserted 22-25 mm into the cochlea. The results indicate that simulated insertion depth had a significant effect on performance. Performance at 22- and 23-mm simulated insertion depths was always poorer than normal, and performance at 25 mm simulated insertion depth was, most generally, the same as normal. It is inferred from these results that, if insertion depth could be unconfounded from other coexisting factors in implant patients, then insertion depth would be found to affect speech identification performance significantly.

Cochlear Implantation↗

Differential behavior of plasmids containing chromosomal DNA insertions of various sizes during transformation and conjugation in Haemophilus influenzae.

Plasmids with chromosomal insertions were constructed by removal of a 1.1-kilobase-pair piece from the 9.8-kilobase-pair vector plasmid pDM2 by EcoRI digestion and inserting in its place various lengths of chromosomal DNA (1.7, 3.4, and 9.0 kilobase pairs) coding for resistance to novobiocin. A fourth plasmid was constructed by insertion of the largest piece of chromosomal DNA into the SmaI site of pDM2. The plasmids without inserts were taken up poorly by competent cells and thus were considered not to contain specific DNA uptake sites. The presence of even the smallest insert of chromosomal DNA caused a large increase in transformation of Rec+ and Rec- strains. The frequency of plasmid establishment in Rec+ cells by transformation increased exponentially with increasing insert size, but in Rec- cells there was less transformation by the larger plasmids. Conjugal transfer of these plasmids was carried out with the 35-kilobase-pair mobilizing plasmid pHD147. The frequency of establishment of plasmids by this method not only was not markedly affected by the presence of the insertions, but also decreased somewhat with increase in insert size and was independent of rec-1 and rec-2 genes. Recombination between plasmid and chromosome was readily detected after transformation, but could not be detected after transconjugation even when the recipient cells were Rec+ and made competent. These data suggested that there is a special processing of plasmid DNA that enters the competent cells in transformation that makes possible recombination of homologous regions of the plasmid with the chromosome and pairing with the chromosome that aids plasmid establishment.

Ampicillin↗

Genetic analysis in Salmonella typhimurium with a small collection of randomly spaced insertions of transposon Tn10 delta 16 delta 17.

We report the isolation of a group of 279 Salmonella typhimurium strains carrying randomly spaced insertions of the minitransposon Tn10 delta 16 delta 17 and describe the use of these strains to facilitate genetic analysis. The insertions were isolated initially in individual recombinant lambda clones from a genomic library. Individual insertions were then moved into the S. typhimurium chromosome, where the distribution of insertion sites relative to standard genetic markers was analyzed in a series of transductional crosses. Since a different, randomly chosen clone was used to generate each insertion, the distribution of insertion positions should have been as random as the cloning events leading to the formation of the library. In agreement with this expectation, most S. typhimurium markers tested were cotransducible with one or more of these Tn10 delta 16 delta 17 insertions. We expect that most new mutations will be quickly classified and mapped by determination of the pattern of cotransduction with this set of insertions. This use is illustrated by the analysis of a group of lac operon fusions regulated by anaerobiosis. We also describe several other applications that should make this collection a useful new tool in S. typhimurium genetics.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Target choice and orientation preference of the insertion sequence IS903.

We have examined the targeting preference of the bacterial insertion element IS903 by determining the sites of insertion of a large number of transposition events into the 55-kb conjugative plasmid pOX38. Despite the large target size, all the insertions were clustered in four small distinct regions associated with conjugal DNA transfer. Within these regions, many different sites were used for insertion; however, there were a few sites that IS903 inserted into more than once. Alignment of the insertion sites showed that there was no consensus sequence within the 9-bp target duplication but that there were preferred sequences located symmetrically on either side of the target. This is consistent with target recognition by a dimer or multimer of transposase, with either sequence-specific or structure-specific interactions on both sides of the target. We show further that when one of these preferred regions was cloned into a second conjugative plasmid, pUB307, it was still a preferred target, implying that all the sequences necessary for target selection are contained within this DNA segment. Also, we observed a very strong preference for insertion in a single orientation in pUB307. We examined the possibility that either DNA replication from the origin of vegetative replication, oriV, or the origin of transfer, oriT, might determine this orientation effect. We find that reversing the direction of vegetative replication had no effect on the orientation of transposon insertions; however, reversing the direction of DNA transfer abolished the orientation effect. This supports the idea that conjugal DNA transfer imparts a polarity on the target that is sensed by the transposon.

Base Sequence↗

Linker insertion-deletion mutagenesis of the v-src gene: isolation of host- and temperature-dependent mutants.

The host cell regulators and substrates of the Rous sarcoma virus transforming protein pp60v-src remain largely unknown. Viral mutants which induce a host-dependent phenotype may result from mutations which affect the interaction of pp60v-src with host cell components. To isolate such mutants and to examine the role of different regions of src in regulating pp60v-src function, we generated 46 linker insertion and 5 deletion mutations within src. The mutant src genes were expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts and in rat-2 cells by using retrovirus expression vectors. Most linker insertions within the kinase domain (residues 260 to 512) inactivated kinase activity and transforming capacity, while most insertions in the N-terminal domain and at the extreme C terminus were tolerated. A number of mutations generated a host-dependent phenotype. Insertions after residues 225 and 227, within the N-terminal regulatory domain (SH2), produced a fusiform transformation in chicken embryo fibroblasts and abolished transformation in rat-2 cells; a similar phenotype also resulted from two deletions affecting SH2 (residues 149 to 174 and residues 77 to 225). Insertions immediately C terminal to Lys-295, which is involved in ATP binding, also produced a conditional phenotype. Insertions after residues 299 and 300 produced a temperature-sensitive phenotype, while insertions after residues 304 and 306 produced a host cell-dependent phenotype. An insertion which removed the major tyrosine autophosphorylation site (Tyr-416) greatly reduced transformation of rat-2 cells, a property not previously observed with other mutations at this site. We conclude that mutations at certain sites within src result in conditional phenotypes. These sites may represent regions important in interactions with host cell components.

Animals↗

An insertion of insect cell DNA in the 81-map-unit segment of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus DNA.

In this report, a transposonlike insertion of Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell DNA was analyzed in single-plaque isolate E of the insect baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). The 634-base-pair insertion is characterized by an 18-base-pair terminal inverted repeat and carries an EcoRI site. This additional EcoRI site in the 81-map-unit segment of the DNA of plaque isolate E of AcNPV explains the difference between the EcoRI restriction map of the DNA from this isolate and those of the virus stocks used in other laboratories. Except for this insertion, the nucleotide sequence at the site of insertion in the DNA of plaque isolate E is identical to that of AcNPV E2 (G. E. Smith and M. D. Summers, Virology 89:517-527, 1978). The cellular DNA insertion in the AcNPV genome is represented many times in the S. frugiperda cell genome but has no detectable homology with DNAs from species other than lepidopteran insects. In S. frugiperda cells, the transposonlike insertion sequences are transcribed into cytoplasmic RNA. The transcription of these sequences is initiated within the cellular insertion element. As reported previously (C. Oellig, B. Happ, T. Müller, and W. Doerfler, J. Virol. 61:3048-3057, 1987), in S. frugiperda cells infected with plaque isolate E of AcNPV, at least nine different size classes of AcNPV-specific RNAs are synthesized; in AcNPV E2-infected cells, similar size classes have been detected. The cellular insertion of plaque isolate E provides the initiation site for the synthesis of an additional RNA size class which is transcribed off viral DNA.

Animals↗

Two nucleotides immediately upstream of the essential A6G3 slippery sequence modulate the pattern of G insertions during Sendai virus mRNA editing.

Editing of paramyxovirus P gene mRNAs occurs cotranscriptionally and functions to fuse an alternate downstream open reading frame to the N-terminal half of the P protein. G residues are inserted into a short G run contained within a larger purine run (AnGn) in this process, by a mechanism whereby the transcribing polymerase stutters (i.e., reads the same template cytosine more than once). Although Sendai virus (SeV) and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (bPIV3) are closely related, the G insertions in their P mRNAs are distributed differently. SeV predominantly inserts a single G residue within the G run of the sequence 5' AACAAAAAAGGG, whereas bPIV3 inserts one to six G's at roughly equal frequency within the sequence 5' AUUAAAAAAGGGG (differences are underlined). We have examined how the cis-acting editing sequence determines the number of G's inserted, both in a transfected cell system using minigenome analogues and by generating recombinant viruses. We found that the presence of four rather than three G's in the purine run did not affect the distribution of G insertions. However, when the underlined AC of the SeV sequence was replaced by the UU found in bPIV3, the editing phenotype from both the minigenome and the recombinant virus resembled that found in natural bPIV3 infections (i.e., a significant fraction of the mRNAs contained two to six G insertions). The two nucleotides located just upstream of the polypurine tract are thus key determinants of the editing phenotype of these viruses. Moreover, the minimum number of A residues that will promote SeV editing phenotype is six but can be reduced to five when the upstream AC is replaced by UU. A model for how the upstream dinucleotide controls the insertion phenotype is presented.

Base Sequence↗

Insertions in the gG gene of pseudorabies virus reduce expression of the upstream Us3 protein and inhibit cell-to-cell spread of virus infection.

The alphaherpesvirus Us4 gene encodes glycoprotein G (gG), which is conserved in most viruses of the alphaherpesvirus subfamily. In the swine pathogen pseudorabies virus (PRV), mutant viruses with internal deletions and insertions in the gG gene have shown no discernible phenotypes. We report that insertions in the gG locus of the attenuated PRV strain Bartha show reduced virulence in vivo and are defective in their ability to spread from cell to cell in a cell-type-specific manner. Similar insertions in the gG locus of the wild-type PRV strain Becker had no effect on the ability of virus infection to spread between cells. Insertions in the gG locus of the virulent NIA-3 strain gave results similar to those found with the Bartha strain. To examine the role of gG in cell-to-cell spread, a nonsense mutation in the gG signal sequence was constructed and crossed into the Bartha strain. This mutant, PRV157, failed to express gG yet had cell-to-cell spread properties indistinguishable from those of the parental Bartha strain. These data indicated that, while insertions in the gG locus result in decreased cell-to-cell spread, the phenotype was not due to loss of gG expression as first predicted. Analysis of gene expression upstream and downstream of gG revealed that expression of the upstream Us3 protein is reduced by insertion of lacZ or egfp at the gG locus. By contrast, expression of the gene immediately downstream of gG, Us6, which encodes glycoprotein gD, was not affected by insertions in gG. These data indicate that DNA insertions in gG have polar effects and suggest that the serine/threonine kinase encoded by the Us3 gene, and not gG, functions in the spread of viral infection between cells.

Animals↗