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Targeted RNA fingerprinting: the cloning of differentially-expressed cDNA fragments enriched for members of the zinc finger gene family.

We have developed and applied a modification of an 'RNA Fingerprinting' protocol previously published by Welsh and McClelland (Nucleic Acids Research 19: 5275-5279 1991) such that cDNA fragments which are both differentially-expressed and enriched for members of a specific gene family can readily be identified. cDNA fragments were amplified with an arbitrary primer initially used in the reverse transcription reaction in combination with a member of a primer set which corresponded to a conserved region within a specific gene family. This technique was used to isolate cDNAs encoding a recently described protein kinase as well as an unknown gene that contained a zinc finger. Several other known genes that contained a zinc finger domain and that were differentially-expressed were also isolated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nonviral genetic modification mediates effective transgene expression and functional RNA interference in human mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are increasingly the focus of both basic and clinical research due to their ability to strike a balance between self-renewal and commitment to mesodermal differentiation. However, the promising therapeutic utility of hMSC in regenerative medical approaches requires detailed knowledge about their molecular characteristics. Therefore, genetic modification of hMSC provides a powerful tool to understand their complex molecular regulation mechanisms. METHODS: Here we describe a proof of concept approach of separate and combined gene transfer and gene silencing by nonviral DNA transfection of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and EGFP-targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in hMSC. For optimization of nonviral DNA and siRNA transfer different liposomal-based transfection strategies were validated. RESULTS: The highest fraction of EGFP-expressing hMSC was obtained using Lipofectamine 2000 (50%) which also mediated the highest transfection rates of siRNAs into hMSC (>or=92%). Stably EGFP-expressing hMSC maintained their proliferation capacity paired with the ability to differentiate into different mesodermal lineages (bone, cartilage, and fat) without loss of transgene expression. Based on our nonviral nucleic acid delivery technique we showed efficient, functional, and long-term RNA interference (RNAi) in hMSC by gene specific knock-down of transiently and stably expressed EGFP (88-98%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first demonstration of efficient nonviral transfer of both nucleic acids (DNA and siRNA) into hMSC, exhibiting the potential of targeted modification of hMSC. In particular, the combination of these techniques represents a powerful gene transfer/silencing strategy, thus facilitating detailed genetic approaches to study regulatory networks in stem cell differentiation processes.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

GB virus C RNA in serum, liver, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with chronic hepatitis B, C, and D.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: No conclusive data about GB virus C (GBV-C) tropism are available. We have studied the presence of genomic and antigenomic GBV-C RNA in serum, liver, and peripheral blood cells of 56 patients with chronic hepatitis B, C, or D virus infection. METHODS: Genomic and antigenomic GBV-C RNA were detected by reverse-transcription nested polymerase chain reaction. Specificity was confirmed by sequencing, by chemical modification of the RNA, and by using tagged primers. RESULTS: Genomic GBV-C RNA was found in 10 of 56 (18%) of the sera. In contrast, antigenomic strand was not detected. The sequence of the amplified GBV-C RNA from 3 patients showed a 96% homology among them and from 83% to 88% with previously described isolates. Genomic GBV-C RNA was found in 7 of 7 liver samples of the patients with serum GBV-C RNA. In 6 of these 7 patients (85%), antigenomic strand was found. Genomic RNA was found in 7 of 7 of the peripheral blood cell samples of the same 7 patients. Antigenomic GBV-C RNA was not found in these cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that GBV-C is a hepatotropic virus that replicates in the human liver. The data do not support a role for GBV-C in chronic liver disease.

Adult↗

Detection of DNA targets with biotinylated and fluoresceinated RNA probes. Effects of the extent of derivitization on detection sensitivity.

The substituted nucleotide aminohexyl-ATP (AH-ATP) was used for synthesis of RNA probes from a plasmid template using the T7 phage promoter. Following synthesis, RNA probes were modified by reaction with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters of biotin or fluorescein. Nearest-neighbor analysis was used to quantitate both the incorporation of the substituted nucleotide into RNA and the subsequent modification of the incorporated nucleotide by the NHS esters. The results indicate that AH-ATP is efficiently incorporated into RNA and that modification of the amine group is also efficient. The T7 polymerase shows a bias for ATP over AH-ATP and truncated transcripts are produced if 100% AH-ATP is used for synthesis. However, the use of 50% AH-ATP in the synthesis reaction yields full-length RNA probes that contain on average one amine-labeled nucleotide every 12 bases. This RNA is readily modified by the respective NHS esters to obtain one biotin group per 15-18 total RNA bases or one fluorescein group per 25-35 bases. Probes modified with biotin or fluorescein were used to detect picogram levels of target DNA in a dot blot hybridization format.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Late disappearance of hepatitis C virus RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C in sustained response after alpha-interferon therapy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the modifications of HCV RNA (genomic and antigenomic strands) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of long-term responder patients to alpha-interferon therapy, and their usefulness as criteria of definitive HCV eradication. METHODS: We studied 10 patients with chronic hepatitis C with > 1 yr of sustained response after alpha-interferon therapy (normal alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and negative serum HCV RNA). Serum HCV RNA and genotyping were determined. Approximately 2 and 4 yr after completion of treatment we investigated the presence of HCV RNA (genomic and antigenomic strands) in PBMCs. Eight of 10 patients were rebiopsed 2 yr after discontinuation of treatment. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 46.6 +/- 4.6 months (range, 39-51 months). In this period, all patients remained in sustained response. In the first determination, all patients had HCV RNA genomic strands and two patients had antigenomic strands detectable in PBMCs. Two years later only two patients had genomic and none had antigenomic strands detectable. After 4 yr of sustained response, eight of 10 patients lost HCV RNA from PBMCs. CONCLUSIONS: In the long-term follow-up, the majority of patients with chronic hepatitis C with sustained response after alpha-interferon therapy progressively lost HCV RNA from PBMCs. This determination in PBMCs is not a predictor of response.

Adolescent↗

The ups and downs of nucleic acid duplex stability: structure-stability studies on chemically-modified DNA:RNA duplexes.

In an effort to discover novel oligonucleotide modifications for antisense therapeutics, we have prepared oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing more than 200 different modifications and measured their affinities for complementary RNA. These include modifications to the heterocyclic bases, the deoxy-ribose sugar and the phosphodiester linkage. From these results, we have been able to determine structure-activity relationships that correlate hybridization affinity with changes in oligonucleotide structure. Data for oligonucleotides containing modified pyrimidine nucleotides are presented. In general, modifications that resulted in the most stable duplexes contained a heteroatom at the 2'-position of the sugar. Other sugar modifications usually led to diminished hybrid stability. Most backbone modifications that led to improved hybridization restricted backbone mobility and resulted in an A-type sugar pucker for the residue 5'to the modified internucleotide linkage. Among the heterocycles, C-5-substituted pyrimidines stood out as substantially increasing duplex stability.

DNA↗

The isolation and characterization of bacteriophage T7 messenger RNA fragments containing an RNase III cleavage site.

We have isolated overlapping RNA fragments which contain the region surrounding the ribonuclease III cleavage site between bacteriophage T7 genes 0.3 and 0.7. Although all of these fragments contain the site of cleavage, only certain fragments are correctly recognized and cleaved by RNase III. Analysis of the cleavage products of the fragments indicates that the enzyme produces a single endonucleolytic break at this site in the T7 early RNA precursor molecule. In addition, the 3'-terminal adenylic acid residues observed previously on the in vivo T7 early RNA species were not found in these fragments and, therefore, must represent a post-transcriptional, post-processing modification of the RNA.

Base Sequence↗

siRNA function in RNAi: a chemical modification analysis.

Various chemical modifications were created in short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to determine the biochemical properties required for RNA interference (RNAi). Remarkably, modifications at the 2'-position of pentose sugars in siRNAs showed the 2'-OHs were not required for RNAi, indicating that RNAi machinery does not require the 2'-OH for recognition of siRNAs and catalytic ribonuclease activity of RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) does not involve the 2'-OH of guide antisense RNA. In addition, 2' modifications predicted to stabilize siRNA increased the persistence of RNAi as compared with wild-type siRNAs. RNAi was also induced with chemical modifications that stabilized interactions between A-U base pairs, demonstrating that these types of modifications may enhance mRNA targeting efficiency in allele-specific RNAi. Modifications altering the structure of the A-form major groove of antisense siRNA-mRNA duplexes abolished RNAi, suggesting that the major groove of these duplexes was required for recognition by activated RISC*. Comparative analysis of the stability and RNAi activities of chemically modified single-stranded antisense RNA and duplex siRNA suggested that some catalytic mechanism(s) other than siRNA stability were linked to RNAi efficiency. Modified or mismatched ribonucleotides incorporated at internal positions in the 5' or 3' half of the siRNA duplex, as defined by the antisense strand, indicated that the integrity of the 5' and not the 3' half of the siRNA structure was important for RNAi, highlighting the asymmetric nature of siRNA recognition for initiation of unwinding. Collectively, this study defines the mechanisms of RNAi in human cells and provides new rules for designing effective and stable siRNAs for RNAi-mediated gene-silencing applications.

HeLa Cells↗

2'-O-[2-(methylthio)ethyl]-modified oligonucleotide: an analogue of 2'-O-[2-(methoxy)-ethyl]-modified oligonucleotide with improved protein binding properties and high binding affinity to target RNA.

A novel 2'-modification, 2'-O-[2-(methylthio)ethyl] or 2'-O-MTE, has been incorporated into oligonucleotides and evaluated for properties relevant to antisense activity. The results were compared with the previously characterized 2'-O-[2-(methoxy)ethyl] 2'-O-MOE modification. As expected, the 2'-O-MTE modified oligonucleotides exhibited improved binding to human serum albumin compared to the 2'-O-MOE modified oligonucleotides. The 2'-O-MTE oligonucleotides maintained high binding affinity to target RNA. Nuclease digestion of 2'-O-MTE oligonucleotides showed that they have limited resistance to exonuclease degradation. We analyzed the crystal structure of a decamer DNA duplex containing the 2'-O-MTE modifcation. Analysis of the crystal structure provides insight into the improved RNA binding affinity, protein binding affinity and limited resistance of 2'-O-MTE modified oligonucleotides to exonuclease degradation.

Binding Sites↗

Interaction of the Neurospora crassa mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (CYT-18 protein) with the group I intron P4-P6 domain. Thermodynamic analysis and the role of metal ions.

The Neurospora crassa mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (CYT-18 protein) functions in splicing group I introns by promoting the formation of the catalytically active structure of the intron's catalytic core. Previous studies suggested a model in which the protein binds first to the intron's P4-P6 domain, and then makes additional contacts with the P3-P9 domain to stabilize the two domains in the correct relative orientation to form the intron's active site. Here, we analyzed the interaction of CYT-18 with a small RNA (P4-P6 RNA) corresponding to the isolated P4-P6 domain of the N. crassa mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA intron. RNA footprinting and modification-interference experiments showed that CYT-18 binds to this small RNA around the junction of the P4-P6 stacked helices on the side opposite the active-site cleft, as it does to the P4-P6 domain in the intact intron. The binding is inhibited by chemical modifications that disrupt base-pairing in P4, P6, and P6a, indicating that a partially folded structure of the P4-P6 domain is required. The temperature-dependence of binding indicates that the interaction is driven by a favorable enthalpy change, but is accompanied by an unfavorable entropy change. The latter may reflect entropically unfavorable conformational changes or decreased conformational flexibility in the complex. CYT-18 binding is inhibited at > or =125 mM KCl, indicating a strong dependence on phosphodiester-backbone interactions. On the other hand, Mg(2+) is absolutely required for CYT-18 binding, with titration experiments showing approximately 1.5 magnesium ions bound per complex. Metal ion-cleavage experiments identified a divalent cation-binding site near the boundary of P6 and J6/6a, and chemical modification showed that Mg(2+) binding induces RNA conformational changes in this region, as well as elsewhere, particularly in J4/5. Together, these findings suggest a model in which the binding of Mg(2+) near J6/6a and possibly at one additional location in the P4-P6 RNA induces formation of a specific phosphodiester-backbone geometry that is required for CYT-18 binding. The binding of CYT-18 may then establish the correct structure at the junction of the P4/P6 stacked helices for assembly of the P3-P9 domain. The interaction of CYT-18 with the P4-P6 domain appears similar to the TyrRS interaction with the D-/anticodon arm stacked helices of tRNA(Tyr).

Base Sequence↗

Identification of regions affecting virulence, RNA processing and infectivity in the virulent satellite of turnip crinkle virus.

Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) supports a small family of satellite RNAs (RNAs C, D and F). RNA C is a virulent satellite, producing severe symptoms in host plants, while RNAs D and F are avirulent satellites. The virulent satellite (RNA C) has two major domains--a 5'-domain similar to the avirulent satellites and a 3'-domain similar to the 3'-end of the TCV genome. To demonstrate that the 3'-domain of RNA C determines virulence, a chimeric satellite was constructed composed mostly of the 5'-domain of the avirulent satellite (RNA F) and the 3'-domain of the virulent satellite (RNA C). To locate other functional regions, small DNA fragments were inserted or deleted at various sites in the cDNA of virulent satellite (RNA C). Most small internal deletions and insertions in the midsection of the molecule had no detectable effects while those near the 3'-end of RNA C destroyed infectivity. Modifications in a small region centering on an AGCAGC repeat in the domain of satellite homology blocked the accumulation of monomers and presumably the processing of RNA C. Other modifications in this region produced more intense symptoms. Hence, these experiments reveal regions of the satellite which determine virulence, are essential for infectivity, affect monomer accumulation (RNA processing) and modulate symptom expression.

Base Sequence↗

The ends of the affair: capping and polyadenylation.

Nearly all mRNAs are post-transcriptionally modified at their 5' and 3' ends, by capping and polyadenylation, respectively. These essential modifications are of course chemically quite distinct, as are the enzymatic complexes responsible for their synthesis. But recent studies have uncovered some similarities as well. For example, both involve entirely protein machinery, which is now the exception rather than the rule in RNA processing and modification reactions, and the two reactions share one important factor, namely RNA polymerase II. In this brief review, we describe progress in understanding the enzymes and factors that participate in these two processes, highlighting the evolutionary conservation, from yeast to humans, that has become apparent.

Animals↗

Structural features required for the binding of tRNATrp to avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase.

The basis of the specific binding of tRNATrp by avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase was studied by chemical and enzymatic modification of the RNA. Binding does not depend on recognition of the tryptophan anticodon since molecules cleaved in the anticodon are stably bound by the enzyme. Modification of pseudouridine residues in the tRNA destroys binding to reverse transcriptase. These results are consistent with a model in which reverse transcriptase-tRNATrp interaction occurs not at the anticodon, but at regions in the tRNA which contain or are stabilized by pseudouridine residues.

Animals↗

A new method for 3'-labelling of polyribonucleotides by phosphorylation with RNA ligase and its application to the 3'-modification for joining reactions.

P1-Adenosine 5'-P2-o-nitrobenzyl pyrophosphate (nbzlppA) has been synthesized as a substrate for T4 RNA ligase catalyzed 3'-phosphorylation. Incubation of oligoribonucleotides and nbzlppA with RNA ligase yielded oligoribonucleotides having a 3'-o-(o-nitrobenzyl) phosphate. Photochemical removal of the o-nitrobenzyl group provided the free 3'-phosphate. Using [P2-32P] nbzlppA, 3'-termini of oligoribonucleotides could be labelled with 32P. This reaction was applied to modify the 3'-end of donor molecules in joining reaction with RNA ligase. A trinucleotide U-A-G was converted to U-A-Gpnbzl and phosphorylated with polynucleotide kinase. pU-A-Gpnbzl was then joined to an acceptor trinucleotide A-U-G to yield A-U-G-U-A-Gp.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Widespread A-to-I RNA editing of Alu-containing mRNAs in the human transcriptome.

RNA editing by adenosine deamination generates RNA and protein diversity through the posttranscriptional modification of single nucleotides in RNA sequences. Few mammalian A-to-I edited genes have been identified despite evidence that many more should exist. Here we identify intramolecular pairs of Alu elements as a major target for editing in the human transcriptome. An experimental demonstration in 43 genes was extended by a broader computational analysis of more than 100,000 human mRNAs. We find that 1,445 human mRNAs (1.4%) are subject to RNA editing at more than 14,500 sites, and our data further suggest that the vast majority of pre-mRNAs (greater than 85%) are targeted in introns by the editing machinery. The editing levels of Alu-containing mRNAs correlate with distance and homology between inverted repeats and vary in different tissues. Alu-mediated RNA duplexes targeted by RNA editing are formed intramolecularly, whereas editing due to intermolecular base-pairing appears to be negligible. We present evidence that these editing events can lead to the posttranscriptional creation or elimination of splice signals affecting alternatively spliced Alu-derived exons. The analysis suggests that modification of repetitive elements is a predominant activity for RNA editing with significant implications for cellular gene expression.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Specific 3'-terminal modification of DNA with a novel nucleoside analogue that allows a covalent linkage of a nuclear localization signal and enhancement of DNA stability.

We report a straightforward method for the site-specific modification of long double-stranded DNA by using a maleimide adduct of deoxycytidine. This novel nucleoside analogue was efficiently incorporated at the 3'-termini of DNA by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). Thiol-containing compounds can be covalently linked to the maleimide moieties. We added a nuclear localization signal peptide to the 3'-terminal of a 350 bp-long DNA that encoded short-hairpin RNA, and these modifications resulted in the enhancement of silencing activity by RNA interference. This enhancement is mainly attributed to increased stability of the template DNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Dengue Virus Replicative-Form dsRNA Is Recognized by Both RIG-I and MDA5 to Activate Innate Immunity.

RIG-I like receptors (RLRs) are a family of cytosolic RNA sensors that sense RNA virus infection to activate innate immune response. It is generally believed that different RNA viruses are recognized by either RIG-I or MDA5, two important RLR members, depending on the nature of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are generated by RNA virus replication. Dengue virus (DENV) is an important RNA virus causing serious human diseases. Despite extensive investigations, the molecular basis of the DENV PAMP recognized by the host RLR has been poorly defined. Here, we demonstrated that the DENV infection-induced interferon response is dependent upon both RIG-I and MDA5, with RIG-I playing a predominant role. Next we purified the DENV PAMP RNA from the DENV-infected cells, and demonstrated that the purified DENV PAMP is viral full-length double-stranded RNA bearing 5'ppp modifications, likely representing the viral replicative-form RNA. Finally, we confirmed the nature of the DENV PAMP by reconstituting the viral replicative-form RNA from in vitro synthesized DENV genomic RNA. In conclusion, our work not only defined the molecular basis of the RLR-PAMP interaction during DENV infection, but also revealed the previously underappreciated recognition of a distinct moiety of the same PAMP by different RLRs in innate immunity against RNA viruses.

Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1↗