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Posttranslational modifications of meningococcal pili. Identification of a common trisaccharide substitution on variant pilins of strain C311.

Neisseria meningitidis pili are filamentous protein structures that are essential adhesins in capsulate bacteria. Pili of adhesion variants of meningococcal strain C311 contain glycosyl residues on pilin (PilE), their major structural subunit. Recent studies have shown that a novel O-linked trisaccharide substituent, not previously found as a constituent of glycoproteins, is present within a peptide spanning amino acid residues 50 to 73 of the PilE molecule. The structure was shown to be Gal beta 1-4 Gal alpha 1-3 diacetamidotrideoxyhexose which is directly attached to pilin. Pilins derived from galactose epimerase (galE) mutants lack the digalactosyl moiety, but retain the diacetamidotrideoxyhexose substitution. These studies confirm our previous observations that meningococcal pili are glycosylated and provide the first structural evidence for the presence of covalently linked carbohydrate on pili. We have identified a completely novel protein/carbohydrate linkage on a multimeric protein that is an essential virulence determinant in N. meningitidis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of four novel exon 5 splice variants of the mouse mu-opioid receptor gene: functional consequences of C-terminal splicing.

The rat mu-opioid receptor clone in which novel exon 5 was found in the place of exon 4 (MOR-1B) was one of the first MOR-1 variants described. We now have identified the mouse homolog of the rat MOR-1B as well as four additional variants derived from splicing from exon 3 into different sites within exon 5. The sequences of all of the variants were identical except for the intracellular tip of the C terminus encoded by exon 5, where each variant predicted a unique amino acid sequence ranging from 2 to 39 amino acids. All of the mMOR-1B variants were selective for mu-opioids in receptor-binding assays, as anticipated, because they all have identical binding pockets defined by the transmembrane domains. However, the relative potency and efficacy of mu-agonists to each other varied from variant to variant in guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate-binding studies, as shown by morphine-6beta-glucuronide, which was the most efficacious agent against mouse MOR-1B1 (mMOR-1B1) and the least efficacious agent against mMOR-1B2. mMOR-1B4 was quite unusual. Although mMOR-1B4 was mu-selective in receptor-binding studies and antagonists labeled mMOR-1B4 well, the binding affinities of most of the mu-agonists were far lower than those seen with mMOR-1, suggesting that the 39 amino acids at the C terminus of mMOR-1B4 influences the conformation of the receptor and its ligand recognition site itself either directly or through its interactions with other proteins. In conclusion, alterations in the amino acid sequence of the C terminus do not alter the mu-specificity of the receptor but they can influence the binding characteristics, efficacy, and potency of mu-opioids.

Animals↗

Use of extracts versus whole-cell bacterial suspensions in the identification of Staphylococcus aureus beta-lactamase variants.

We previously have shown that extracts of S. aureus isolates which produce the recognized serotypes of staphylococcal beta-lactamase (A, B, C, D) differ in the rates at which they hydrolyze selected cephalosporins, exhibiting substrate profiles which are distinctive for each serotype. In an effort to simplify the methods employed in identifying the different staphylococcal beta-lactamases, we evaluated whether distinctive substrate profiles could be obtained by using whole-cell suspensions of 115 beta-lactamase-producing isolates of S. aureus. Compared with extracts from the same strains, the whole-cell bacterial suspensions not only were simpler to prepare but enabled beta-lactamase typing of a higher proportion of the evaluated strains (86 versus 97%, respectively). Furthermore, the use of whole-cell bacterial suspensions enabled the simultaneous quantitation of the beta-lactamase activity exhibited by each strain. Additionally, by comparing the quantitative activity of beta-lactamase-induced and -uninduced preparations of the same strain, induction ratios (i.e., induced/uninduced activity) could be derived, yielding information regarding the regulation of beta-lactamase production by each strain. We believe that the utilization of whole-cell methods, such as those employed in this study, will facilitate the investigation of qualitative and quantitative differences in beta-lactamase production among clinical and reference isolates of S. aureus.

Cell-Free System↗

Identification of Anaplasma phagocytophila (formerly Ehrlichia phagocytophila) variants in blood from sheep in Norway.

A total of 41 blood samples were collected from 40 Anaplasma phagocytophila-infected sheep in 11 sheep flocks from four different counties of southern Norway. The presence and nature of the Anaplasma species were identified by microscopic detection of morulae, PCR, reverse line blot hybridization, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A. phagocytophila was identified in all of the samples, and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the presence of four variants of A. phagocytophila. Two of these variants have been described before, but two were newly identified 16S rRNA variants of this species. A. phagocytophila variant 1 was found in nine flocks, A. phagocytophila variant 2 was found in four flocks, the A. phagocytophila prototype was found in two flocks, and A. phagocytophila variant 5 was found in one flock. In two flocks, some sheep were infected with A. phagocytophila variant 1, whereas others were infected with A. phagocytophila variant 2, and in three animals a double infection with two variants was registered. Analyses of the blood samples revealed that blood from sheep infected with A. phagocytophila variant 2 contained nearly twice as many neutrophils and eight times as many Anaplasma-infected neutrophils as blood from sheep infected with the A. phagocytophila variant 1. Furthermore, only 43% of the A. phagocytophila variant 2-infected sheep displayed antibody responses in an immune fluorescence assay, whereas 93% of the sheep with the A. phagocytophila variant 1-infected sheep were seropositive.

Anaplasma↗

Identification of Epstein-Barr virus strain variants in hairy leukoplakia and peripheral blood by use of a heteroduplex tracking assay.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) strains can be distinguished by specific sequence variations in the LMP1 gene. In this study, a heteroduplex tracking assay (HTA) specific for LMP1 was developed to precisely identify the prototypic undeleted strain B958, other undeleted strains (Ch2, AL, NC, and Med-), and strains with the 30-bp deletion (Med+ and Ch1). This technique also provides an estimate of the relative abundance of strains in patient samples. In this study, EBV strains were identified in 25 hairy leukoplakia (HLP) biopsies and six matched peripheral blood samples and throat washes with the LMP1-HTA. To investigate the relationship of the virus found in the peripheral blood to that in the HLP lesion, the strain variants in the peripheral blood B lymphocytes and those present within the epithelial cells in the HLP lesion and in throat washes were identified. In many of the subjects, compartmental differences in the EBV strain profiles in the oral cavity and peripheral blood were readily apparent. The throat wash specimens usually had a strain profile similar to that within the corresponding HLP sample, which was distinct from the strain profile detected in the peripheral blood. These analyses reveal that the nature of EBV infection can be very dynamic, with changes in relative strain abundance over time as well as the appearance of new strains. The patterns of abundance in the blood and oral cavity provide evidence for compartmentalization and for the transmission of strains between the blood and oropharynx.

Herpesvirus 4, Human↗

Melanoma-associated antigens in esophageal adenocarcinoma: identification of novel MAGE-A10 splice variants.

PURPOSE: The melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs) are tumor-specific antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In this study, expression of MAGE family A members was evaluated during the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) as potential targets for immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: MAGE-A mRNA expression was evaluated in 46 samples including Barrett's metaplasia (BM), dysplasia, and EA using oligonucleotide microarrays. Expression of MAGE-A proteins was confirmed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing 59 EA, 11 dysplasia, and 9 BM samples and by Western blot. To further evaluate MAGE-A10 expression, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products were sequenced, and protein expression was determined using a specific antibody. RESULTS: Overexpression of MAGE-A1, MAGE-A2b, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A4, MAGE-A6, MAGE-A9, MAGE-A10, and MAGE-A12 was found in EAs relative to BM on oligonucleotide microarrays. MAGE-A3 overexpression was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR in 21.4% (6 of 28) of esophageal tumors. Immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray revealed MAGE-A proteins in 20.3% (12 of 59) of EAs and MAGE-A10 staining in 16.9% (10 of 59) of EAs. MAGE-A expression was confirmed by Western blot in several esophageal tumors and in two EA cell lines, Flo-1 and Seg-1, whereas Flo-1 also expressed MAGE-A10. Tumors produced from these cell lines in nude mice retained MAGE-A expression. Interestingly, RT-PCR in primary tumors expressing MAGE-A10 protein revealed additional PCR products that were identified as novel MAGE-A10 alternative splice variants using DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of these MAGE-A10 alternative splice sequences, and characterization of MAGE-A expression may provide potential targets for immunotherapy in patients with EA.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Identification of a new hereditary amyloidosis prealbumin variant, Tyr-77, and detection of the gene by DNA analysis.

In the last several years, five human plasma prealbumin (transthyretin) variants have been discovered in association with hereditary amyloidosis, a late-onset fatal disorder. We recently studied a patient of German descent with peripheral neuropathy and bowel dysfunction. Biopsied rectal tissue contained amyloid that stained with anti-human prealbumin. Amino acid sequence analysis of the patient's plasma prealbumin revealed both normal and variant prealbumin molecules, with the variant containing a tyrosine at position 77 instead of serine. We predicted a single nucleotide change in codon 77 of the variant prealbumin gene, which we then detected in the patient's DNA using the restriction enzyme SspI and a specifically tailored genomic prealbumin probe. DNA tests of other family members identified several gene carriers. This is the sixth prealbumin variant implicated in amyloidosis, and adds to the accumulating evidence that the prealbumin amyloidoses are more varied and prevalent than previously thought.

Amyloidosis↗

Apolipoprotein C-III(Lys58----Glu). Identification of an apolipoprotein C-III variant in a family with hyperalphalipoproteinemia.

Apolipoprotein C-III is a major protein constituent of triglyceride rich lipoproteins and HDL. It occurs in plasma in three isoforms differing by their sialic acid content. Apo C-III putatively inhibits lipolysis and the apo E mediated hepatic uptake of remnants from triglyceride rich particles. We identified a heterozygous carrier of an apolipoprotein C-III variant by the presence of additional bands after isoelectric focusing (IEF) of VLDL. Structural analysis of the variant protein by HPLC, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and automated gas phase sequencing revealed a lysine to glutamic acid replacement in position 58. The underlying A to G exchange was verified by direct sequencing subsequent to amplification by polymerase chain reaction of exon 4 of the apo C-III gene. Family studies revealed vertical transmission of this defect. The two variant carriers exhibited plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol and apo A-I above the 95th percentiles of sex matched controls whereas the unaffected father and sister showed normal values. The plasma concentrations of apo C-III in the two variant carriers were decreased by 30-40% compared with those of the two unaffected family members and to random controls. Using two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis as well as IEF and subsequent scanning densitometry, we found that the low serum concentration of apo C-III was a consequence of diminished concentrations of the variant apo C-III isoproteins in both VLDL (15% of normal) and HDL (25% of normal). Apo C-III(Lys58----Glu) heterozygotes possessed unusual HDL as demonstrated by nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. They consisted mainly of HDL2b and contained a proportion of atypically large particles, enriched in apo E, with a Stokes diameter of 13-18 nm and resembling HDLc. In conclusion, heterozygosity for a structural apo C-III variant--apo C-III(Lys58----Glu)--was identified in two hyperalphalipoproteinemic subjects characterized by the presence of low plasma apo C-III concentrations and atypically large HDL.

Adult↗

Identification of a novel EYA4 likely pathogenic variant in a Chinese family with postlingual non-syndromic hearing loss and analysis of molecular epidemiology of EYA4 variants.

BACKGROUND: EYA4 variants are responsible for DFNA10 deafness. Due to its insidious onset and slow progression, hearing loss in autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL) is usually challenging to detect early in clinical settings, with limited intervention options. Genetic testing can aid in early detection of hearing loss, enabling timely intervention to reduce disability rates and improve the quality of life. METHODS: In this study, we report the case of a Chinese family with postlingual and progressive hearing loss that was passed down for four generations. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on DNA samples from the proband. Candidate variants identified in the proband and family members were confirmed via Sanger sequencing. In silico prediction tools and co-segregation analyses were used to assess the pathogenicity of identified variants. A literature review of known EYA4 variants was performed, analysing variant frequency, distribution characteristics across different populations, and genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS: We identified a novel EYA4 variant, c.1745_1748del (p.Glu582ValfsTer6), in a Chinese family with ADNSHL, and co-segregation with the family's phenotype was confirmed. The audiometry showed mid-to-high frequency downsloping hearing loss. To date, 52 pathogenic variants of EYA4 have been reported, with majority identified in Asian populations. Most observed are the missense and frameshift variants. CONCLUSIONS: A novel variant of EYA4 was identified in a Chinese family with postlingual hearing loss, contributing to the expanding spectrum of EYA4 variants. The audiological features of EYA4 variants are highly heterogeneous and often challenging to detect early in clinical settings. Our findings highlight the significance of genetic testing in patients presenting with postlingual hearing loss.

Humans↗

Identification of a novel heterozygous GPD1 missense variant in a Chinese adult patient with recurrent HTG-AP consuming a high-fat diet and heavy smoking.

BACKGROUND: Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GPD1) gene defect can cause hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), which usually occurs in infants. The gene defect has rarely been reported in adult HTG patients. In the present study, we described the clinical and functional analyses of a novel GPD1 missense variant in a Chinese adult patient with recurrent hypertriglyceridemia‑related acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP), consuming a high-fat diet and smoking heavily. METHODS: Exome sequencing was used to analyze the DNA of the adult patient's blood sample. It was found that there was a new variant of GPD1 gene-p.K327N, which was verified by gold standard-sanger sequencing method. In vitro, the corresponding plasmid was constructed and transfected into human renal HEK-293T cells, and GPD1 protein levels were detected. A biogenic analysis was performed to study the population frequency, conservation, and electric potential diagram of the new variant p.K327N. Finally, the previously reported GPD1 variants were sorted and their phenotypic relationships were compared. RESULTS: A novel heterozygous variant of GPD1, p.K327N (c.981G > C), was found in the proband. Furthermore, the patient's daughter carried this variant, whereas his wife did not carry the variant. The proband with obesity suffered eight episodes of HTG-AP from the age of 36 years, and each onset of AP was correlated to high-fat diet consumption and heavy smoking. In vitro, this variant exerted a relatively mild effect on GPD1 functions, which were associated with its effect upon secretion (~ 25% of secretion decreased compared with that of the wild-type); thus, eventually impairing protein synthesis. Additionally, 36 patients with GPD1 variants found in previous studies showed significant transient HTG in infancy. The proband carrying the GDP1 variant was the first reported adult with recurrent HTG-AP. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel GPD1 variant, p.K327N, in a Chinese adult male patient with recurrent HTG-AP. The variant probably exerted a mild effect on GPD1 functions. The heterozygosity of this GPD1 variant, in addition to high-fat diet consumption and heavy smoking, probably triggered HTG-AP in the patient.

Adult↗

Identification of novel Prominin-1/CD133 splice variants with alternative C-termini and their expression in epididymis and testis.

Prominin-1/CD133 is a five-membrane-span glycoprotein that is thought to act as an organizer of plasma-membrane protrusions. Here, we report the molecular and cell-biological characterization of four novel prominin-1 splice variants isolated from a mouse testis cDNA library and referred to as prominin-1.s3 to prominin-1.s6. Compared with kidney-derived prominin-1.s1, the s3, s4 and s5 variants contain a distinct cytoplasmic C-terminal domain. The s4 and s5 variants bear, in addition, two and one inframe deletion(s), respectively, in the extracellular domains. The s6 variant displays a truncated C-terminal domain caused by a premature termination resulting from intron retention. Upon their ectopic expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the s3 and s6 variants were found to be concentrated in plasma-membrane protrusions, whereas the s4 and s5 variants did not reach the cell surface. Biochemical analyses suggest that most of the prominin-1 in the adult male reproductive system is expressed as the s6 variant. Immunohistological and electron microscopic analyses show that prominin-1 is: (1) confined to the apical surface of the epithelium all along the epididymal duct, with the exception of the initial segment; (2) concentrated in stereocilia of the epididymal duct epithelium; and (3) found on the tail of developing spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules. Our data suggest that prominin-1 is involved in the formation and/or stabilization of epididymal stereocilia and the tail of spermatozoa, and hence might play a dual role in the biogenesis of spermatozoa.

AC133 Antigen↗

Identification of a novel C-terminal variant of beta II spectrin: two isoforms of beta II spectrin have distinct intracellular locations and activities.

It is established that variations in the structure and activities of betaI spectrin are mediated by differential mRNA splicing. The two betaI spectrin splice forms so far identified have either long or short C-terminal regions. Are analogous mechanisms likely to mediate regulation of betaII spectrins? Thus far, only a long form of betaII spectrin is reported in the literature. Five human expressed sequence tags indicated the existence of a short splice variant of betaII spectrin. The occurrence and DNA sequence of the short C-terminal variant was confirmed by analysis of human and rat cDNA. The novel variant lacks a pleckstrin homology domain, and has 28 C-terminal residues not present in the previously recognized longer form. Transcripts of the short C-terminal variant (7.5 and 7. 0 kb) were most abundant in tissues originating from muscle and nervous system. Antibodies raised to a unique sequence of short C-terminal variant recognized 240 kDa polypeptides in cardiac and skeletal muscle and in nervous tissue; in cerebellum and forebrain, additional 270 kDa polypeptides were detected. In rat heart and skeletal muscle, both long and short C-terminal forms of betaII spectrin localized in the region of the Z line. The central region of the sarcomere, coincident with the M line, was selectively labeled with antibodies to the short C-terminal form. In cerebellum, the short form was not detectable in parallel fibers, structures in which the long form was readily detected. In cultured cerebellar granule neurons, the long form was dominant in neurites, with the short form being most abundant in cell bodies. In vitro, the short form was found to lack the binding activity for the axonal protein fodaxin, which characterizes the C-terminal region of the long form. Subcellular fractionation of brain revealed that the short form was scarcely detectable in post-synaptic density preparations, in which the long form was readily detected. We conclude that variation in the structure of the C-terminal regions of betaII spectrin isoforms correlates with their differential intracellular targeting.

Alternative Splicing↗

Identification and characterization of a novel splicing variant of vesicular monoamine transporter 1.

Vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1) is an integral protein in the membrane of secretory vesicles of neuroendocrine and endocrine cells that allows the transport of biogenic monoamines, such as serotonin, from the cytoplasm into the secretory vesicles. The full-length VMAT1 transcript is produced from 16 exons. We have identified and characterized an alternatively spliced form of VMAT1 that lacks exon 15, the next to last exon of VMAT1. The new form was therefore denoted VMAT1Delta15. Exon 15 does not contain an even multiple of three nucleotides. As a consequence, there is a shift of reading frame, and exon 16 is translated in an alternative reading frame, yielding a novel protein with a shorter and unrelated C-terminus compared with the native VMAT1 protein. VMAT1 and VMAT1Delta15 mRNAs are simultaneously expressed in normal and neoplastic neuroendocrine cells of the GI tract. However, VMAT1 expression is always higher than VMAT1Delta15 expression. We prove that VMAT1Delta15 is not localized in large, dense core vesicles as the native form but in the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, while VMAT1 can take up serotonin, VMAT1Delta15 cannot, indicating different functions for the two forms of VMAT1.

Alternative Splicing↗

Cloning and identification of NS5ATP2 gene and its spliced variant transactivated by hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 5A.

AIM: To clone, identify and study new NS5ATP2 gene and its spliced variant transactivated by hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 5A. METHODS: On the basis of subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by NS5A protein of hepatitis C virus, the coding sequence of new gene and its spliced variant were obtained by bioinformatics method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to amplify NS5ATP2 gene. RESULTS: The coding sequence of a new gene and its spliced variant were cloned and identified successfully. CONCLUSION: A new gene has been recognized as the new target transactivated by HCV NS5A protein. These results brought some new clues for studying the biological functions of new genes and pathogenesis of the viral proteins.

Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming↗

Identification of a novel urokinase receptor splice variant and its prognostic relevance in breast cancer.

The cellular receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator, uPAR, plays a central role in both cell surface-associated proteolysis and cellular adhesion. In the present study, we systematically searched for splice variants of uPAR mRNA in human cells and tumor tissues by qualitative RT-PCR using specific primers for uPAR exons 1 and 6. Beside the wild-type (wt) uPAR mRNA and the previously described splice variant lacking exon 5 (uPAR-del5), a novel splice variant lacking both exons 4 and 5 (uPAR-del4/5) was found predominantly in various cancer cell lines. To elucidate whether alternatively spliced uPAR mRNA may be translated and post-translationally processed, we generated stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, which harbor expression plasmids of wt uPAR and various uPAR variants including uPAR-del5 and uPAR-del4/5. By ELISA, flow cytofluorometry, and Western blot analysis, we confirmed synthesis and secretion of wt uPAR and the uPAR variants by the use of domain-specific monoclonal antibodies against uPAR. For quantification of uPAR mRNA variants, we established two highly sensitive real-time RT-PCR assays based on LightCycler technology. Study of their expression in a representative set of breast cancer tissues indicated that the novel mRNA variant uPAR-del4/5 was expressed very frequently and independently of uPAR mRNA variants covering exon 4 (uPAR-wt and uPAR-del5). Higher uPAR-del4/5 expression was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (p = 0.0004) of breast cancer patients. These results suggest that uPAR-del4/5 mRNA may serve as a novel prognostic marker in breast cancer.

Adult↗

Identification and partial purification of a large, variant form of type XII collagen.

A large, alternate form of type XII collagen has been identified in cultures of the human epidermoid cell line WISH. This form, designated XIIA, is comprised of alpha chains that are approximately 90 kDa larger than the 220-kDa alpha chain previously characterized in extracts of fetal chicken and bovine tissues. Results from both collagenase digestion and rotary shadow analysis of partially purified material show that the increase is due to a larger NC3 domain. While both the large (XIIA) and the small (XIIB) forms of type XII collagen are identified in pulse-chase radiolabeling of fetal bovine skin explant culture, they are not related in a precursor-product fashion. Inhibition studies with alpha, alpha'-dipyridyl indicate that proper folding of the collagen helix is required for complete assembly and secretion of type XIIA in WISH cell culture. The 310-kDa alpha 1A chain is likely to represent the bovine equivalent of a second translation product, estimated to be 340 kDa, predicted from analysis of one complete chick cDNA sequence. Additionally, the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the 220-kDa bovine alpha 1B chain was determined. This sequence is very near a potential alternate splice site predicted from analysis of chicken type XII cDNA.

Alternative Splicing↗