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High-resolution comparative mapping among man, cattle and mouse suggests a role for repeat sequences in mammalian genome evolution.

BACKGROUND: Comparative mapping provides new insights into the evolutionary history of genomes. In particular, recent studies in mammals have suggested a role for segmental duplication in genome evolution. In some species such as Drosophila or maize, transposable elements (TEs) have been shown to be involved in chromosomal rearrangements. In this work, we have explored the presence of interspersed repeats in regions of chromosomal rearrangements, using an updated high-resolution integrated comparative map among cattle, man and mouse. RESULTS: The bovine, human and mouse comparative autosomal map has been constructed using data from bovine genetic and physical maps and from FISH-mapping studies. We confirm most previous results but also reveal some discrepancies. A total of 211 conserved segments have been identified between cattle and man, of which 33 are new segments and 72 correspond to extended, previously known segments. The resulting map covers 91% and 90% of the human and bovine genomes, respectively. Analysis of breakpoint regions revealed a high density of species-specific interspersed repeats in the human and mouse genomes. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the breakpoint regions has revealed specific repeat density patterns, suggesting that TEs may have played a significant role in chromosome evolution and genome plasticity. However, we cannot rule out that repeats and breakpoints accumulate independently in the few same regions where modifications are better tolerated. Likewise, we cannot ascertain whether increased TE density is the cause or the consequence of chromosome rearrangements. Nevertheless, the identification of high density repeat clusters combined with a well-documented repeat phylogeny should highlight probable breakpoints, and permit their precise dating. Combining new statistical models taking the present information into account should help reconstruct ancestral karyotypes.

Animals↗

P-element-mediated enhancer detection allows rapid identification of developmentally regulated genes and cell specific markers in Drosophila.

We have employed a new technique in Drosophila that allows in vivo detection of genomic regulatory elements using a beta-galactosidase reporter gene. A translational fusion of the reporter gene to the P-transposase gene, which is encoded by the P-transposon of Drosophila, places the expression of beta-galactosidase under the control of the weak P-transposase promoter. Flies carrying single insertions of this P-element construct at different locations in the Drosophila genome frequently stain for beta-galactosidase activity in a temporally and spatially restricted fashion in embryos, larvae and adult ovaries, reflecting the influence of nearby genomic regulatory elements on the P-transposase promoter. This technique is a powerful tool as it can be used to produce very many different cell markers and to isolate developmentally regulated genes in Drosophila. We discuss the implications of our results and the applications of the technique to further the study of Drosophila development.

Animals↗

IS4 transposition in the attenuator region of the Escherichia coli pheS,T operon.

A cis-acting mutation which lowers phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase operon (pheS,T) transcription about tenfold was previously isolated on a multicopy plasmid [Plumbridge and Springer, J. Bacteriol. 152 (1982) 650-668]. This mutation has now been characterized as an IS4 element inserted in orientation II in the terminator stem of the pheS,T attenuator. The identification of the insertion as IS4 is based on (i) the nature and location of restriction sites internal to the insertion element, and (ii) the DNA sequence of both the left and right Escherichia coli::IS4 junctions. The effect of the IS4 transposition on the expression of pheS,T was studied using pheS,T::lac fusions cloned in lambda phages. IS4 integration into the leader region of the pheS,T operon was shown to abolish the miaA (trpX) allele dependence which characterizes the attenuation mechanism regulating pheS,T expression [Fayat et al., J. Mol. Biol. 171 (1983) 239-261; Springer et al., J. Mol. Biol. 171 (1983) 263-279]. The IS4 insertion site described here is compared to the other known sites and the effect of IS4 transposition on the expression of neighbouring genes is discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Clonal diversity and resistance mechanisms in tetracycline-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in Poland.

The frequency of tetracycline resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in Poland is one of the highest in Europe. The aim of this study was to analyze the clonal diversity and resistance determinants of tetracycline-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae isolates identified in Poland and to investigate the effect of tetracycline resistance on their susceptibilities to tigecycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. We have analyzed 866 pneumococcal isolates collected from 1998 to 2003 from patients with respiratory tract diseases, and 242 of these (27.9%) were found to be resistant to tetracycline. All of the resistant isolates were characterized by testing of their susceptibilities to other antimicrobials, serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and identification of tetracycline resistance genes and transposons. Selected isolates representing the main PFGE types were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing. Among the isolates investigated, 27 serotypes and 146 various PFGE patterns, grouped into 90 types, were discerned. The most common PFGE type, corresponding to serotype 19F and sequence type 423, was represented by 22.3% of all of the tetracycline-resistant isolates. The tet(M) gene was the sole resistance gene in the group of isolates studied, and in over 96% of the isolates, the Tn916 family of tet(M)-containing conjugative transposons was detected. Several isolates contained specific variants of the transposons, the Tn1545-like, Tn3872-like, or Tn2009-like element. The correlation between the MICs of tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline was revealed, whereas no cross-resistance to tetracycline and tigecycline was observed.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Evolution of the IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern during the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Interpretation of the molecular epidemiological data of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is dependent on the validity of the assumptions that have been made. It is assumed that the IS6110 banding pattern is sufficiently stable to define epidemiological events representing ongoing transmission. However, molecular epidemiological data also support the observation that the IS6110 banding pattern may change over time. Factors affecting this rate may include the nature and duration of disease in a host and the opportunity to experience different host environments during the transmission cycle. To estimate the rate of IS6110 change occurring during the process of transmission, M. tuberculosis isolates from epidemiologically linked patients were genotypically characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The identification of IS6110 banding pattern changes during ongoing transmission suggested that a rate could be estimated. IS6110 change was significantly associated with strains with >5 IS6110 elements (P = 0.013) and was not observed in low-copy-number isolates. The minimum rate of appearance of variant strains was calculated to be 0.14 variant cases per source-case per year. This data suggest that clustering of isolates based on identical RFLP patterns is expected to underestimate transmission in patients infected with high-copy-number isolates. A model based on the rate of appearance of both variant and invariant strains demonstrates that the genotypically defined population structure may change by 18.6% during the study period of approximately 6.5 years. The implications for the use of RFLP data for epidemiologic study are discussed.

Adult↗

Identification and characterization of IS1411, a new insertion sequence which causes transcriptional activation of the phenol degradation genes in Pseudomonas putida.

A new insertion sequence (IS element), IS1411, was identified downstream of the phenol degradation genes pheBA that originated from plasmid DNA of Pseudomonas sp. strain EST1001. According to sequence analysis, IS1411 belongs to a new family of IS elements that has recently been named the ISL3 family (J. Mahillon and M. Chandler, Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev. 62:725-774, 1998). IS1411 generates 8-bp duplication of the target DNA and carries 24-bp inverted repeats (IRs), highly homologous to the IRs of other IS elements belonging to this family. IS1411 was discovered as a result of insertional activation of promoterless pheBA genes in Pseudomonas putida due to the presence of outward-directed promoters at the left end of IS1411. Both promoters located on the IS element have sequences that are similar to the consensus sequence of Escherichia coli sigma70. IS1411 can produce IS circles, and the circle formation is enhanced when two copies of the element are present in the same plasmid.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Spoligotyping and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of spoligotyping, a polymerase chain reaction-based method for simultaneous detection and typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, with acid-fast bacilli-positive slides from clinical specimens or mycobacterial cultures. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 95% for the detection of M. tuberculosis and 98% and 96% when used with clinical specimens. Laboratory turnaround time of spoligotyping was less than that for culture identification by a median of 20 days. In comparison with IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism typing, spoligotyping overestimated the number of isolates with identical DNA fingerprints by approximately 50%, but showed a 100% negative predictive value. Spoligotyping resulted in the modification of ongoing antimycobacterial treatment in 40 cases and appropriate therapy in the absence of cultures in 11 cases. The rapidity of this method in detection and typing could make it useful in the management of tuberculosis in a clinical setting.

Adolescent↗

Glycopeptide susceptibility among Danish Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolates of animal and human origin and PCR identification of genes within the VanA cluster.

The MICs of vancomycin and avoparcin were determined for isolates of Enterococcus faecium and isolates of Enterococcus faecalis recovered from the feces of humans and animals in Denmark. Two hundred twenty-one of 376 (59%) isolates of E. faecium and 2 of 133 (1.5%) isolates of E. faecalis were resistant to vancomycin (MICs, 128 to > or = 256 micrograms/ml), and all vancomycin-resistant isolates were resistant to avoparcin (MICs, 64 to > or = 256 micrograms/ml). All vancomycin-resistant isolates examined carried the vanA, vanX, and vanR genes, suggesting that a gene cluster similar to that of the transposon Tn1546 was responsible for the resistance.

Animals↗

Identification of the merR gene of R100 by using mer-lac gene and operon fusions.

Transcriptional (operon) and translational (gene) fusions between the R100 merR gene and lacZ were constructed in vitro in a pBR322 plasmid carrying the mer genes derived from plasmid R100. The translational fusions were oriented in the opposite direction to and divergently from the merTCAD genes. This shows that the reading frame previously thought to be merR was incorrect. Expression of the gene fusion was repressed in trans by a compatible plasmid carrying the R100 merR+ gene, as was a similarly oriented transcriptional fusion. In contrast, expression of beta-galactosidase by the lac fragment located at the same site but in the opposite orientation was at a lower level and was not repressed by merR+.

DNA Restriction Enzymes↗

Identification of a second retrotransposon-related element in the genome of Physarum polycephalum.

The repetitive fraction of the genome of the eukaryotic slime mould Physarum polycephalum is dominated by Tp1, a family of retrotransposon-like sequences. Tp1 elements are arranged in scrambled clusters probably arising from integration of the element into copies of its own sequence. The present report describes a second sequence family, Tp2, which has been identified within cloned DNA segments of scrambled Tp1 sequences. Like Tp1, the Tp2 element is structurally related to retrotransposons, having long terminal direct repeats and being flanked by an apparent target site duplication, but its relatively short length (1.68 kb) indicates that it is probably incapable of encoding all the functions necessary for its own mobilisation. Analysis of the coding potential of the Tp2 element supports this view, although a striking homology to a nucleic acid binding domain common to many retrotransposons was identified. As with Tp1, putative regulatory signals can be identified in the LTRs of Tp2. Identical arrangements of Tp2 with respect to Tp1 in more than one independently derived clone indicate that non-functional copies of Tp2 may be mobilised as part of a Tp1 transcriptional unit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

High resolution banding analysis of the involvement of strain BALB/c- and AKR-derived chromosomes No. 15 in plasmacytoma-specific translocations.

Plasmacytomas were induced in (BALB/c X AKR 6;15) X BALB/c backcross mice where one of the BALB/c-derived chromosomes No. 15 was replaced by the AKR(6;15)-derived Robertsonian 6;15 chromosome. (BALB/c X AKR 6;15)F2 mice that were homozygous for Rb 6;15 were mated to BALB/c mice. Plasmacytomas were induced in the progeny by intraperitoneal injection of pristane. The cytogenetic marker permitted the distinctive identification of the two chromosome 15 homologues, including the distal segment involved in the plasmacytoma-specific translocations. 7 of the 10 plasmacytomas contained the typical t(12;15) translocation. The BALB/c-derived 15 chromosome served as the donor of the translocated segment in six of them. In the seventh, the Rb 6;15 chromosome of the AKR strain was the donor. The remaining three tumors contained the same type of intrachromosomal rearrangement. It arose by the pericentric inversion of the Rb 6;15 chromosome, leading to a variant plasmacytoma-associated rcpt (6;15) translocation. Unlike the usual 6;15 variant that arises by a reciprocal exchange between two separate chromosomes, it was generated by an exchange of the distal segments of a single chromosomal element. High resolution banding analysis of the tumors showed that all translocated breakpoints on chromosomes 15, 12, and 6 were identical with the previously described breakpoints characteristic for the typical 12;15 and the variant 6;15 translocation in murine plasmacytomas. It is known that the distal segment of chromosome 15 carries the c-myc oncogene (23). The PC-associated translocations cut across the 5'-exon of c-myc in the majority of the cases (24,26). The severed oncogene is transposed to the Ig-region on the recipient chromosome. Since the BALB/c strain is highly sensitive to PC-induction, we were interested to examine the question whether its chromosome 15 is preferred as the oncogene donor in AKR X BALB/c backcross mice that carry cytogenetically distinguishable 15 chromosomes. Our results show that this is not the case, since the same segment of the AKR-derived chromosome 15 could also serve in the same capacity. This is in contrast with T cell leukemogenesis where we have previously found that the trisomization-associated duplication of chromosome 15 occurred in a highly asymmetrical fashion, depending on the donor strain of No. 15 (9-11).

Animals↗

Tn7 transposition: a multigene process. Identification of a regulatory gene product.

Tn7 transposition is abolished by the deletion of a 2.2kb HindIII fragment from the central region of the transposon. Transposition is restored when the fragment is present in trans. When this fragment is present in trans with wild-type Tn7, transposition frequencies are stimulated 10-100-fold. The DNA sequence of this fragment has been determined and found to contain one long open reading frame coding for a protein of molecular weight 61 187. We have visualised this protein using a DNA-directed prokaryotic transcription-translation system. This gene may fill a regulatory role in the mechanism of Tn7 transposition. When present in trans the 2.2kb HindIII fragment alleviates a transcriptional block of promoter activity detected in Tn7.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and isolation of genes essential for H2 oxidation in Rhodobacter capsulatus.

Mutants of Rhodobacter capsulatus unable to grow photoautotrophically with H2 and CO2 were isolated. Those lacking uptake hydrogenase activity as measured by H2-dependent methylene blue reduction were analyzed genetically and used in complementation studies for the isolation of the wild-type genes. Results of further subcloning and transposon Tn5 mutagenesis suggest the involvement of a minimum of five genes. Hybridization to the 2.2-kilobase-pair SstI fragment that lies within the coding region for the large and small subunits of Bradyrhizobium japonicum uptake hydrogenase showed one region of strong homology among the R. capsulatus fragments isolated, which we interpret to mean that one or both structural genes were among the genes isolated.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Pharmacogenetics: defining the genetic basis of drug action and inositol trisphosphate analysis.

Medicinal drugs do not always have clearly understood mechanisms of action, especially as regards psychiatric treatment. Identification of genes involved in drug resistance is an important step toward elucidating the genetic basis of disease and the molecular mechanism of drug action. However, this approach is impractical in higher animals, as ablation and screening of every gene in an animal is not currently possible. Dictyostelium has proven a good model system for molecular pharmacological research as a result of its genetic tractability, ease of gene knockout, and creation of isogenic lines. In this system, we have identified genes that confer resistance to bipolar disorder drugs. This work has implicated inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (InsP3) signaling as a common mechanism of action for these drugs in patients.

Animals↗

Identification and sequence of a gene required for a developmentally regulated DNA excision in Anabaena.

Vegetative cells of the cyanobacterium Anabaena contain an 11 kb DNA element within the coding region of the nifD gene. This element is excised by site-specific recombination between directly repeated 11 bp sequences at each of its ends during differentiation of nitrogen-fixing cells called heterocysts. Site-specific recombination, leading to the same rejoined nifD gene, was observed during propagation in E. coli of a fragment containing the 11 kb element and flanking sequences. An assay for excision of the element in E. coli was developed, based on mini-Mu-lac transposition into the element. Since the 11 kb element lacks an origin of replication, its excision results in loss of lac and conversion of blue colony-forming cells to white on X-gal plates. Insertion and deletion mutagenesis identified a region of the element needed for excision. Mutations in this region could be complemented by a 6 kb fragment containing an open reading frame that runs counter to those of the nif genes, beginning 240 bp from the recombination site.

Base Sequence↗

Familial adenomatous polyposis: identification of a new frameshift mutation of the APC gene in an Italian family.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a premalignant disease of the gastrointestinal tract inherited as an autosomal dominant trait assigned to chromosome 5q21. The 15 exons of the APC gene responsible for the defect were amplified from the DNA of one FAP patient. SSCP analysis of the amplified DNA revealed a variant conformer of exon 10. The sequencing of the cloned PCR product showed a 1 base insertion at position 1370, creating a stop codon four nucleotides downstream. SSCP analysis of 20 family members and nucleotide sequencing of exon 10 in three affected members confirmed the Mendelian inheritance of the mutant allele.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Characterization of Pseudomonas putida genes responsive to nutrient limitation.

The low bioavailability of nutrients and oxygen in the soil environment has hampered successful expression of biodegradation and biocontrol genes that are driven by promoters highly active during routine laboratory conditions of high availability of nutrients and oxygen. Hence, in the present study, expression of the gus-tagged genes in 12 Tn5-gus mutants of the soil microbe Pseudomonas putida PNL-MK25 were examined under various conditions chosen to mimic the soil environment: low carbon, phosphate, nitrate or oxygen, and in the rhizosphere. Based on their expression profiles, three nutrient-responsive mutant (NRM) strains, NRM5, NRM7 and NRM17, were selected for identification of the tagged genes. In strain NRM5, expression of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdhA) gene was increased 4.9-26.4-fold under various low-nutrient conditions. In NRM7, expression of the novel NADPH : quinone oxidoreductase-like (nql) gene was consistently amongst the highest and was synergistically upregulated by low-nutrient and anoxic conditions. The cyoD gene in NRM17, which encodes the fourth subunit of the cytochrome o ubiquinol oxidase complex, had decreased expression in low-nutrient conditions but its absolute expression level was still amongst the highest. Additionally, it was independent of oxygen availability, in contrast to that in Escherichia coli.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli possessing insertionally inactivated Shiga toxin gene.

We have investigated the Shiga toxin genes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying the full lengths of these genes. As a result, we found the Shiga toxin 2 gene which was insertionally inactivated by an insertion sequence (IS). This IS element was identical to IS1203v which has been also found in inactivated Shiga toxin 2 genes, and was inserted at the same site as in the previous paper. On the other hand, both Shiga toxin 2 genes were different (98.3% identity). These suggested that IS1203v independently inserted into each Shiga toxin 2 genes, and STEC strains possessing the insertionally inactivated Shiga toxin genes are most likely to have a wide distribution. Amplification of the full length of the Shiga toxin gene is one of the effective methods to detect the gene no matter where the IS element is included, i.e., the insertion can be reflected in the size of amplicon.

Animals↗