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Identification and characterization of two alternative splice variants of human interleukin-2.

Our previous work showed that alternative splicing is used to make an inhibitory variant of human interleukin (IL)-4. Because of homology between IL-4 and IL-2 proteins and receptors, we tested whether alternative splicing is used to generate similar inhibitory variants of human IL-2. Messenger RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using IL-2 exon 1- and exon 4-specific primers. Two amplification products, named IL-2delta2 and IL-2delta3, were found in addition to the native IL-2 product. The IL-2delta2 cDNA sequence was identical to IL-2 cDNA throughout the entire coding region, except exon 2 was omitted by alternative splicing. In IL-2delta3 cDNA, the third exon of IL-2 was omitted by alternative splicing. Unlike IL-2, IL-2delta2 and IL-2delta3 did not stimulate T cell proliferation. However, both inhibited IL-2 costimulation of T cell proliferation, and both inhibited cellular binding of rhIL-2 to high affinity IL-2 receptors. Thus, IL-2 is the second cytokine that uses alternative splicing to generate variants that are competitive inhibitors.

Alternative Splicing↗

Characterization of four mammalian numb protein isoforms. Identification of cytoplasmic and membrane-associated variants of the phosphotyrosine binding domain.

Numb is a membrane-associated, phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain-containing protein that functions as an intrinsic determinant of cell fate during Drosophila development. We have identified four isoforms of mammalian Numb with predicted molecular masses of 65, 66, 71, and 72 kDa that are generated by alternative splicing of the Numb mRNA. The different isoforms result from the presence of two sequence inserts within the PTB domain and the central region of the protein. The endogenous expression pattern of these isoforms, examined using specific antisera, varied in different tissues and cell lines. In addition, differentiation of P19 cells with retinoic acid leads to the specific loss of expression of the 71- and 72-kDa Numb proteins, suggesting that the expression of certain forms of Numb protein is regulated in a cell type-specific manner. Expression of Numb proteins fused to green fluorescent protein revealed that the form of the PTB domain with the alternatively spliced insert constitutively associated with the plasma membrane in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. In contrast, the isoform without the insert was cytoplasmic, suggesting that different PTB domain isoforms may regulate the subcellular localization of Numb proteins. The membrane localization may be due, in part, to differential affinity for acidic phospholipids. The distinct expression and localization patterns of the different mammalian Numb isoforms suggest that they have distinct functional properties.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A genetic factor for age-related cataract: identification and characterization of a novel galactokinase variant, "Osaka," in Asians.

Galactokinase (GALK) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypergalactosemia and cataract formation. Through mass screening of newborn infants, we identified a novel and prevalent GALK variant (designated here as the "Osaka" variant) associated with an A198V mutation in three infants with mild GALK deficiency. GALK activity and the amount of immunoreactive protein in the mutant were both 20% of normal construct in expression analysis. The K(m) values for galactose and ATP-Mg(2+) in erythrocytes with homozygous A198V were similar to those of the healthy adult control subjects. A population study for A198V revealed prevalences of 4.1% in Japanese and 2.8% in Koreans, lower incidence in Taiwanese and Chinese, no incidence in blacks and whites from the United States, and a significantly high frequency (7.8%; P < .023) in Japanese individuals with bilateral cataract. This variant probably originated in Japanese and Korean ancestors and is one of the genetic factors that causes cataract in elderly individuals.

Adult↗

Identification of env CRF-10 among HIV variants circulating in rural western Kenya.

As part of a program to determine the genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus in rural Kenya, we carried out a molecular analysis of the C2-V3 region of HIV-infected blood samples obtained from 30 antenatal clinic attendees of seven health centers in western Kenya. Direct sequencing was carried out on the envelope C2-V3 region of proviral DNA. On phylogenetic analysis with reference strains, 20 were subtype Al, 2 were subtype D, 1 was subtype C, 1 was subtype G, 1 was CRF-10, 2A/D, 2A/C, and 2 were unclassified. The presence of CRF-10 and the great variety of subtypes and recombinants in such a limited sample size suggest that western Kenya may be a potential hotspot for HIV recombination in the country.

Adolescent↗

Identification and characterization of a novel spliced variant that encodes human soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in a broad spectrum of inflammatory and immune responses including proliferation, differentiation and cell death induction in several cell types. The biological effects of TNF-alpha are mediated via the cell-surface TNF receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2. Soluble forms of these two receptors, which contain the extracellular ectodomains, are proteolytically cleaved from the membrane. High levels of soluble (s) TNFR2 in serum have been documented in multiple inflammatory pathologies. We describe here a new differential spliced isoform of human TNFR2 missing exons 7 and 8, DS-TNFR2(Delta7,8). This novel isoform lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. Expression studies with DS-TNFR2(Delta7,8) cDNA transiently transfected COS cells showed that it encodes a sTNFR2 receptor of approximately 42 kDa. Soluble DS-TNFR2(Delta7,8) blocked TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis, which suggests that it regulates TNF-alpha function by antagonizing its biological activity. An ELISA was developed that quantifies sTNFR2 generated by alternative splicing. Our data show that sTNFR2 generated by alternative splicing can be found in sera of healthy individuals, at increased levels in patients with sepsis and at high concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Adult↗

Identification of differentially expressed 5'-end mRNA variants by an improved RACE technique (PEETA).

A rapid and efficient procedure is described for mapping and cloning the 5'-ends of mRNAs, including those generated from a unique gene by alternative splicing and promoter usage. This method involves reverse transcription of the targeted mRNAs from a long, highly labeled specific primer, resolution of the extension products on a DNA sequencing gel, elution and poly(dC) tailing of the single-stranded cDNAs of interest, amplification of these cDNAs by PCR using an oligo(dG) adapter-primer and a gene-specific primer and finally DNA sequencing of the subcloned PCR fragments. The overall method is called PEETA (primer extension, electrophoresis, elution, tailing and amplification).

Adolescent↗

The human pregnane X receptor: genomic structure and identification and functional characterization of natural allelic variants.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR)/steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) transcriptionally activates cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4) when ligand activated by endobiotics and xenobiotics. We cloned the human PXR gene and analysed the sequence in DNAs of individuals whose CYP3A phenotype was known. The PXR gene spans 35 kb, contains nine exons, and mapped to chromosome 13q11-13. Thirty-eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified including six SNPs in the coding region. Three of the coding SNPs are non-synonymous creating new PXR alleles [PXR*2, P27S (79C to T); PXR*3, G36R (106G to A); and PXR*4, R122Q (4321G to A)]. The frequency of PXR*2 was 0.20 in African Americans and was never found in Caucasians. Hepatic expression of CYP3A4 protein was not significantly different between African Americans homozygous for PXR*1 compared to those with one PXR*2 allele. PXR*4 was a rare variant found in only one Caucasian person. Homology modelling suggested that R122Q, (PXR*4) is a direct DNA contact site variation in the third alpha-helix in the DNA binding domain. Compared with PXR*1, and variants PXR*2 and PXR*3, only the variant PXR*4 protein had significantly decreased affinity for the PXR binding sequence in electromobility shift assays and attenuated ligand activation of the CYP3A4 reporter plasmids in transient transfection assays. However, the person heterozygous for PXR*4 is normal for CYP3A4 metabolism phenotype. The relevance of each of the 38 PXR SNPs identified in DNA of individuals whose CYP3A basal and rifampin-inducible CYP3A4 expression was determined in vivo and/or in vitro was demonstrated by univariate statistical analysis. Because ligand activation of PXR and upregulation of a system of drug detoxification genes are major determinants of drug interactions, it will now be useful to extend this work to determine the association of these common PXR SNPs to human variation in induction of other drug detoxification gene targets.

Alleles↗

Identification and functional characterization of the natural variant MRP3-Arg1297His of human multidrug resistance protein 3 (MRP3/ABCC3).

The human multidrug resistance protein 3 (MRP3, symbol ABCC3) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that mediates the efflux of organic anions, including lipophilic substances conjugated with glucuronate, sulphate or glutathione, across the basolateral membrane of polarized cells (e.g. hepatocytes) into blood. Genetic variants of MRP3 may affect the transport of these substances out of cells. The aims of this study were: (i) to identify MRP3 polymorphisms; (ii) to functionally characterize one relatively frequent MRP3 polymorphism; and (iii) to establish whether MRP3 transports bilirubin glucuronosides. Exonic nucleotide variants in the ABCC3 gene were identified by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. The 3890G>A mutation, resulting in MRP3-ArgHis, was introduced into the ABCC3 cDNA which was stably transfected into MDCKII cells. For the functional characterization of MRP3-ArgHis in comparison with MRP3, ATP-dependent transport was analysed in isolated membrane vesicles. Two non-synonymous MRP3 variants were identified with an allele frequency of 0.003 for 1643T>A (MRP3-LeuGln) and 0.08 for 3890G>A (MRP3-ArgHis). Because of the high frequency of the 3890G>A mutation, and because of the close proximity of Arg to the second nucleotide-binding domain, we pursued the functional characterization of the MRP3-ArgHis polymorphic variant. MRP3-ArgHis was correctly localized to the basolateral membrane of polarized MDCKII cells. We identified monoglucuronosyl bilirubin, bisglucuronosyl bilirubin and leukotriene C4 as substrates for both MRP3 and MRP3-ArgHis. Dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulphate and 17beta-glucuronosyl oestradiol were transported with similar kinetics by MRP3 and MRP3-ArgHis. This experimental setup provides a useful tool to analyse the functional consequences of polymorphic variants of MRP3.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Identification and functional characterization of novel CYP2J2 variants: G312R variant causes loss of enzyme catalytic activity.

CYP2J2 plays important roles in the metabolism of therapeutic drugs, such as astemizole and ebastine, as well as endogenous fatty acids. This study aimed to identify CYP2J2 genetic variants in Koreans and to characterize their functional consequences. From direct sequencing of the CYP2J2 gene, 12 genetic variations, including the two novel nonsynonymous mutations G312R and P351L, were identified from 93 Korean subjects. The two novel CYP2J2 variants were co-expressed with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in Sf9 cells and their catalytic activities were quantified. The recombinant CYP2J2 G312R variant showed almost complete loss of enzymatic activity, as determined by CYP2J2-catalysed astemizole O-demethylation and ebastine hydroxylation. The CYP2J2 P351L variant showed enzymatic activities that were comparable with the wild-type CYP2J2. The reduced CO spectra of the recombinant CYP2J2 proteins suggested no CO binding to the heme in CYP2J2 G312R. In addition, molecular modelling of the three-dimensional structure consistently predicted that there might be spatial hindrance between heme and the bulky side chain of the R312 residue in CYP2J2 G312R variant. The CYP2J2 G312R variant was not found in 192 Chinese, 99 African-Americans, 100 Caucasians and 159 Vietnamese subjects. Two of the 192 Chinese subjects (0.52%) were heterozygous for CYP2J2 P351L. Twelve CYP2J2 variants, including two novel nonsynonymous variants, were identified in a Korean population. The G312R variant is the first nonfunctional CYP2J2 allele to be identified, and is expected to influence the disposition of its substrate therapeutics, as well as endogenous compounds.

Alleles↗

Identification of naturally occurring monoclonal antibody escape variants of louping ill virus.

Louping ill virus isolates from Great Britain, Ireland and Norway were compared antigenically by indirect immunofluorescence, haemagglutination-inhibition and neutralization tests using a panel of five envelope-specific and five non-structural protein NS1-specific monoclonal antibodies raised against louping ill virus. The viruses were grouped according to their reactivities with the antibodies. Group 1, members of which were isolated between 1931 and 1987, consisted of 13 viruses that reacted with all antibodies, whereas group 2, members of which were isolated after 1980, consisted of five viruses that were positive with only eight of the 10 monoclonal antibodies. The two monoclonal antibodies that did not react with the group 2 viruses are known to be neutralizing antibodies and the amino acids that they recognize in the viral envelope protein have been identified. We therefore refer to the group 2 viruses as naturally occurring monoclonal antibody escape variants. When compared with group 1 viruses, the escape variants showed reduced virulence for mice in terms of the time taken to kill and/or the proportion that died, following intraperitoneal inoculation. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the envelope gene of one escape variant were compared with those of several group 1 viruses. A single amino acid substitution at residue 308 was detected in the envelope protein of the escape variant which corresponds precisely to the position in experimentally selected attenuated monoclonal antibody escape mutants. The importance and potential implications of these naturally occurring variants in louping ill epizootiology and vaccine-based control are discussed.

Animals↗

Intratype sequence variation among clinical isolates of the human papillomavirus type 6 L1 ORF: clustering of mutations and identification of a frequent amino acid sequence variant.

Human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV-6) is the causative agent of condyloma acuminata, a common sexually transmitted disease. Virus-like particles (VLPs) assembled from the L1 major capsid protein represent promising candidates for prophylactic vaccines. However, any intratype sequence variation among HPV-6 L1 ORFs will influence which sequence is used for a vaccine according to its prevalence in the population and its propensity for VLP production. Therefore, we have analysed the entire L1 nucleotide sequence of 17 clinical isolates of HPV-6 from the London area. We found 28 positions where changes from the prototype HPV-6b L1 occurred, showing that HPV-6 L1 intratype variation is greater than previously reported. The most frequently observed substitutions are clustered into three discrete regions: R1 (nt 5920-6075), R2 (nt 6590-6670) and R3 (nt 7070-7230). Indeed, most of the nucleotide substitutions within the HPV-6 L1 reported worldwide also map to these regions. The R3 region contains predominantly non-silent substitutions, the most common of which is a G-to-C substitution at position 7079. This results in a Glu-to-Gln change at aa 431, although this change had no effect on VLP yield or stability. This substitution defines a new HPV-6 L1 amino acid sequence that is more abundant in the isolates examined than any other reported sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of the histone H3 gene family in Arabidopsis and identification of the male-gamete-specific variant AtMGH3.

Histones are major components of chromatin, the protein-DNA complex involved in DNA packaging and transcriptional regulation. Histone genes have been extensively investigated at the genome level in animal systems and have been classified as replication dependent, replication independent or tissue specific. However, no such study is available in a plant system. In this paper we report that there are 15 histone H3 genes in the Arabidopsis genome, including five H3.1 genes, three H3.3 genes and five H3.3-like genes. A gene structure analysis revealed that gene duplication causes redundancy of the histone H3 genes. The expression of one of the H3 genes, termed AtMGH3/At1g19890, is cell-specific, being restricted to the generative and sperm cells of Arabidopsis pollen as shown by in situ hybridisation and reporter gene analysis. Thus, we conclude that in Arabidopsis, AtMGH3 is a male-gamete-specific histone H3 gene. A T-DNA insertion line for AtMGH3 revealed decreased expression and ectopic RNA splicing. The T-DNA insertion lines for AtMGH3/At1g19890 and other H3 genes revealed a normal growth phenotype and reproductive fertility. These findings suggest that other H3 genes are likely to compensate for the T-DNA-insertion-induced loss of a single H3 gene because of the high redundancy of these genes in the Arabidopsis genome. These T-DNA mutant lines should be useful for accumulating different H3 gene mutations in a single plant and for studying replication-dependent and replication-independent H3 genes and the specific role of AtMGH3 in chromatin remodelling and transcriptional regulation during development of male gametes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of a new HLA-B variant, HLA-B*5615.

A new HLA-B allele, B*5615, has been identified in a Caucasian individual by sequence-based typing. This allele shows a sequence identical to that of HLA-B*5601 except for two nucleotide substitutions that cause a change from TTA to TAC at codon 116 and an amino acidic change from Leucine to Tyrosine in the mature protein.

Alleles↗

Serological identification of a new HLA-B7 variant antigen--HLA-B7QUI.

A new HLA-B antigen, HLA-B7Qui that appears to be a variant of HLA-B7 has been identified. This antigen, which is HLA-Bw6 associated, reacts with approximately two-thirds of cytotoxic antisera stimulated by HLA-B7 or B27 that lack a B27 or B7 component, respectively. All anti-B7 + 27 antisera (stimulated by either B7 or B27) react with B7Qui as do most B22-stimulated sera possessing a B7 component. However, sera stimulated by B60, with or without a B7 component, fail to react with B7Qui. Family studies show the B7Qui allele to be unique to the haplotype-HLA-A32 CW6 B7Qui Bf*S C4A*6 C4B*1 DR11 DQ7 (GLO2). Six Caucasoid subjects on the panel of 6861 HLA-typed potential bone marrow donors have this antigen (phenotype frequency, 0.08745%; gene frequency, 0.04473%). Work undertaken during the 11th International Histocompatibility Workshop (Reekers et al., 1992) showed that B7Qui has the same isoelectric point as HLA-B702 and HLA-B703 (Bpot) and that B7Qui is distinct from the HLA-B7 variants B703, B7SL, BDT, B7 x 40, BRI, and B41v.

Female↗