Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “mutant identification”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Guanidine-dependent mutants of poliovirus: identification of three classes with different growth requirements.

Four mutants resistant to high (2.0 mM) guanidine were derived from a mutant resistant to intermediate (0.53 mM) levels of this drug. One of these mutants was found to be resistant to high guanidine and was shown to contain a mutation within 2C seen previously in this class of mutants, while lacking the mutation seen in the intermediate parent. The other three mutants were dependent on guanidine for growth and contained the mutation in 2C seen in the parental virus as well as a mutation seen previously in another dependent mutant. Comparison of the newly isolated dependent mutants to two previously described dependent mutants revealed that three classes of dependent mutants which vary in their requirements for optimal growth can be observed. We present a model for the interaction of guanidine with 2C that explains the occurrence of the three classes of dependent mutants.

Drug Resistance, Microbial↗

Identification of heterochronic mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans. Temporal misexpression of a collagen::green fluorescent protein fusion gene.

The heterochronic genes lin-4, lin-14, lin-28, and lin-29 specify the timing of lateral hypodermal seam cell terminal differentiation in Caenorhabditis elegans. We devised a screen to identify additional genes involved in this developmental timing mechanism based on identification of mutants that exhibit temporal misexpression from the col-19 promoter, a downstream target of the heterochronic gene pathway. We fused the col-19 promoter to the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) and demonstrated that hypodermal expression of the fusion gene is adult-specific in wild-type animals and temporally regulated by the heterochronic gene pathway. We generated a transgenic strain in which the col-19::gfp fusion construct is not expressed because of mutation of lin-4, which prevents seam cell terminal differentiation. We have identified and characterized 26 mutations that restore col-19::gfp expression in the lin-4 mutant background. Most of the mutations also restore other aspects of the seam cell terminal differentiation program that are defective in lin-4 mutant animals. Twelve mutations are alleles of three previously identified genes known to be required for proper timing of hypodermal terminal differentiation. Among these are four new alleles of lin-42, a heterochronic gene for which a single allele had been described previously. Two mutations define a new gene, lin-58. When separated from lin-4, the lin-58 mutations cause precocious seam cell terminal differentiation and thus define a new member of the heterochronic gene pathway.

Animals↗

The Tennessee Mouse Genome Consortium: identification of ocular mutants.

The Tennessee Mouse Genome Consortium (TMGC) is in its fifth year of a ethylnitrosourea (ENU)-based mutagenesis screen to detect recessive mutations that affect the eye and brain. Each pedigree is tested by various phenotyping domains including the eye, neurohistology, behavior, aging, ethanol, drug, social behavior, auditory, and epilepsy domains. The utilization of a highly efficient breeding protocol and coordination of various universities across Tennessee makes it possible for mice with ENU-induced mutations to be evaluated by nine distinct phenotyping domains within this large-scale project known as the TMGC. Our goal is to create mutant lines that model human diseases and disease syndromes and to make the mutant mice available to the scientific research community. Within the eye domain, mice are screened for anterior and posterior segment abnormalities using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, eye weight, histology, and immunohistochemistry. As of January 2005, we have screened 958 pedigrees and 4800 mice, excluding those used in mapping studies. We have thus far identified seven pedigrees with primary ocular abnormalities. Six of the mutant pedigrees have retinal or subretinal aberrations, while the remaining pedigree presents with an abnormal eye size. Continued characterization of these mutant mice should in most cases lead to the identification of the mutated gene, as well as provide insight into the function of each gene. Mice from each of these pedigrees of mutant mice are available for distribution to researchers for independent study.

Animals↗

Isolation of single-site Escherichia coli mutants deficient in thiamine and 4-thiouridine syntheses: identification of a nuvC mutant.

A method is described to rapidly select and classify many independent near-UV irradiation-resistant Escherichia coli mutants, which include tRNA modification and RNA synthesis control mutants. One class of these mutants was found to be simultaneously deficient in thiamine biosynthesis and in the ability to modify uridine in tRNA to 4-thiouridine, known to be the target for near-UV irradiation. These mutants were found to be unable to make thiazole, a thiamine precursor. The addition of thiazole restores the thiamine deficiency but does not render the cells near-UV irradiation sensitive. In vitro studies on one of these mutants indicated a deficiency in protein factor C (nuvC), required for the 4-thiouridine modification of tRNA. In P1 transduction, the thiazole marker cotransduced with the histidine marker, which places the thiazole marker between 42 and 46 min on the E. coli chromosome map. Both thiamine production and 4-thiouridine production were resumed by 87% of the spontaneous reversions, suggesting a single-point mutation. Our results indicate that we have isolated nuvC mutants and that the nuvC polypeptide is involved in two functions, tRNA modification and thiazole biosynthesis.

Chromosome Mapping↗

The role of mouse mutants in the identification of human hereditary hearing loss genes.

The mouse is the model organism for the study of hearing loss in mammals. In recent years, the identification of five different mutated genes in the mouse (Pax3, Mitf; Myo7a, Pou4f3, and Myo15) has led directly to the identification of mutations in families with either congenital sensorineural deafness or progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Each of these cases is reviewed here. In addition to providing a powerful gateway to the identification of human hearing loss genes, the study of mouse deafness mutants can lead to the discovery of critical components of the auditory system. Given the availability of several mouse mutants that affect possible homologues of other human deafness genes, it is likely that the mouse will play a key role in identifying other human hearing loss genes in the years to come.

Animals↗

Simian virus 5 is a poor inducer of chemokine secretion from human lung epithelial cells: identification of viral mutants that activate interleukin-8 secretion by distinct mechanisms.

We have compared chemokine secretion from human lung A549 cells infected with simian virus 5 (SV5) with other members of the Rubulavirus genus of paramyxoviruses. High levels of the chemokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were secreted from A549 cells infected with Human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV-2) but not from cells infected with wild-type (WT) SV5. The lack of IL-8 secretion from SV5-infected cells was not due to a global block in all signal transduction pathways leading to IL-8 secretion, since SV5-infected A549 cells secreted IL-8 after stimulation with exogenously added tumor necrosis factor alpha or by coinfection with HPIV-2. A previously described, recombinant SV5 containing substitutions in the shared region of the P/V gene (rSV5-P/V-CPI-) induced IL-8 secretion by a mechanism that was dependent on viral gene expression. By contrast, an SV5 variant isolated from persistently infected cells (Wake Forest strain of Canine parainfluenza virus) induced IL-8 secretion by a mechanism that was largely not affected by inhibitors of viral gene expression. Together, these data demonstrate that SV5 is unusual compared to other closely related paramyxoviruses, since SV5 is a very poor inducer of the cytokines IL-8 and MCP-1. The isolation of two recombinant SV5 mutants that are defective in preventing chemokine induction will allow an identification of mechanisms utilized by WT SV5 to avoid activation of host cell innate immune responses to infection.

Animals↗

Histidine to alanine mutants of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Identification of a brequinar-resistant mutant enzyme.

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODase) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the mammalian de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, and is the molecular target of the antiproliferative, immunosuppressive compound brequinar sodium (BQR). We have shown previously that the activity of the recombinant human enzyme displays pH and diethylpyrocarbonate sensitivities that implicate a critical role for one or more histidine residues in catalysis [Copeland et al., Arch Biochem Biophys 323: 79-86, 1995.]. Here we report the results of alanine scanning mutagenesis for each of the 8 histidine residues of the recombinant human enzyme. In most cases, the replacement of histidine by alanine had little effect on the Km values of the two substrates, dihydroorotate and ubiquinone, or on the overall kcat of the enzymatic reaction. Replacement of H71, H129, and H364 by alanine, however, completely abolished enzymatic activity. The loss of activity for the H71A mutant was unexpected, since this residue is not conserved in the homologous rat enzyme; in the rodent enzyme this residue is an asparagine. Replacement of H71 by asparagine in the human enzyme led to a full recovery of enzymatic activity, indicating that a histidine is not required at this position. Replacement of H26 by alanine led to about a 10-fold reduction in catalytic activity relative to the wild-type enzyme, with no significant perturbation of the substrate Km values. This mutant was, however, at least 167-fold less sensitive to inhibition by the noncompetitive inhibitor BQR. While the wild-type and other mutant enzymes displayed IC50 values for BQR inhibition between 6 and 10 nM, the H26A mutant was inhibited less than 25% at concentrations of BQR as high as 150 nM. These data suggest that H26 plays an important role in BQR binding to the enzyme.

Alanine↗

Identification of neurofibromin mutants that exhibit allele specificity or increased Ras affinity resulting in suppression of activated ras alleles.

Neurofibromin plays a critical role in the downregulation of Ras proteins in neurons and Schwann cells. Thus, the ability of neurofibromin to interact with Ras is crucial for its function, as mutations in NF1 that abolish this interaction fail to maintain function. To investigate the neurofibromin-Ras interaction in a systematic manner, we have carried out a yeast two-hybrid screen using a mutant of H-ras, H-rasD92K, defective for interaction with the GTPase-activated protein-related domain (GRD) of NF1. Two screens of a randomly mutagenized NF1-GRD library led to the identification of seven novel NF1 mutants. Characterization of the NF1-GRD mutants revealed that one class of mutants are allele specific for H-raSD92K. These mutants exhibit increased affinity for H-raSD92K and significantly reduced affinity for wild-type H-ras protein. Furthermore, they do not interact with another H-ras mutant defective for interaction with GTPase-activating proteins. Another class of mutants are high-affinity mutants which exhibit dramatically increased affinity for both wild-type and mutant forms of Ras. They also exhibit a striking ability to suppress the heat shock sensitive traits of activated RAS2G19v in yeast cells. Five mutations cluster within a region encompassing residues 1391 to 1436 (region II). Three NF1 patient mutations have previously been identified in this region. Two mutations that we identified occur in a region encompassing residues 1262 to 1276 (region I). Combining high-affinity mutations from both regions results in even greater affinity for Ras. These results demonstrate that two distinct regions of NF1-GRD are involved in the Ras interaction and that single amino acid changes can affect NF1's affinity for Ras.

Alleles↗

Identification of polymorphic mutant alleles of CaMDR1, a major facilitator of Candida albicans which confers multidrug resistance, and its in vitro transcriptional activation.

CaMDR1 (Candida albicans Multi Drug Resistance) encodes a major facilitator whose expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confers resistance to several unrelated drugs. We describe here the identification and molecular characterization of seven mutant alleles of CaMDR1 (CaMDR1-1 to 1-7). The complete sequencing of CaMDR1 alleles revealed several in-frame point mutations leading to a change in amino-acid residues where insertion/replacement of an aspartate residue in a serine-asparagine-aspartate-rich domain was most noteworthy. Interestingly, these alleles showed a distinct drug resistance profile. The expression of CaMDR1, or of its alleles, in C. albicans cells was enhanced by benomyl, methotrexate and several other unrelated drugs, and was more pronounced in at least one of the azole-resistant clinical isolates.

Alleles↗

Dihydroorotate (dhout) and orotate (orout) utilizer mutants in yeast: identification of the dhout mutation and allelism of the DHO and URE2 genes.

We induced by UV mutagenesis a series of yeast mutants that were able to utilize dihydroorotic (dhout) and orotic acid (orout) as precursors for pyrimidine biosynthesis. These recessive mutations defined three complementation groups named dhout, orout1 and orout2. The wild-type allele of the gene responsible for dihydroorotate utilization was cloned using the sensitivity of the dhout mutant to 5-fluoroorotate. The DHO gene was sequenced and found to be identical to the URE2 gene. The dhout mutation resulted from the introduction of a stop codon instead of a glutamine at position 59, which led to the production of a truncated Ure2p. Therefore, the URE2 and DHO genes are alleles in yeast.

Alleles↗

Isolation and complementation analysis of 10 methanol oxidation mutant classes and identification of the methanol dehydrogenase structural gene of Methylobacterium sp. strain AM1.

A method has been developed for the direct selection of methanol oxidation mutants of the facultative methylotroph Methylobacterium sp. strain AM1 (formerly Pseudomonas sp. strain AM1). Using this direct selection technique, we have isolated mutants of Methylobacterium sp. strain AM1 that are no longer capable of growth on methanol but retain the ability to grow on methylamine. These methanol oxidation (Mox) mutants were complemented with a genomic clone bank of this organism constructed in the broad-host-range cosmid pVK100, and subcloning and Tn5 mutagenesis experiments have assigned the Mox mutants to 10 distinct complementation groups. Using an open reading frame beta-galactosidase fusion vector and antibodies specific for Methylobacterium sp. strain AM1 methanol dehydrogenase, we have identified the methanol dehydrogenase structural gene and determined the direction of transcription. The results suggest that the synthesis and utilization of an active methanol dehydrogenase in this organism requires at least 10 different gene functions.

1-Propanol↗

A gene-driven approach to the identification of ENU mutants in the mouse.

The construction of parallel archives of DNA and sperm from mice mutagenized with ethylnitrosurea (ENU) represents a potentially powerful and rapid approach for identifying point mutations in any gene in the mouse genome. We provide support for this approach and report the identification of mutations in the gene (Gjb2) encoding connexin 26, using archives established from the UK ENU mutagenesis program.

Alleles↗

Molecular modelling of trimethoprim complexes of human wild-type and mutant dihydrofolate reductases: identification of two subsets of binding residues in the antifolate binding site.

Computer-assisted molecular modelling was used to generate structures for the trimethoprim (TMP):NADPH:dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) ternary complexes for human wild-type DHFR and for five DHFR mutants (L22R, L22F, F31S, F31W and Q35P). The mutants correspond to DHFR proteins that have been isolated from tissues exposed to chronic or high dose methotrexate (MTX) and show decreased sensitivity to antifolate inhibition. Analysis of the TMP:DHFR interactions suggest the presence of two subsets of TMP binding residues in the DHFR antifolate binding site. One subset of these residues (GLU30, PHE34, ILE60 and VAL115) are common to each DHFR complex studied and are referred to as core residues. The other TMP binding residues vary among the DHFR complexes studied and are referred to as noncore residues. The core residues exhibit a greater number of TMP contacts/residue and form more stable TMP interactions than noncore residues. Additionally, the core and noncore residues make contact with different regions of the TMP structure. Information presented here provides additional insight into the design of new agents for the improved inhibition of wild-type DHFR and the simultaneous inhibition of both wild-type and mutant DHFR molecules.

Binding Sites↗

Ferrioxamine transport mutants and the identification of the ferrioxamine receptor protein (FoxA) in Erwinia herbicola (Enterobacter agglomerans).

Iron deprivation of Erwinia herbicola (Enterobacter agglomerans) induces the biosynthesis of six high-Mr outer-membrane proteins and large amounts of ferrioxamine E. Mutagenesis with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and selection with ferrimycin A yielded mutants of E. herbicola K4 (wild type), defective in the expression of a 76-kDa outer-membrane protein, as determined by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. While in bioassays wild-type cells showed growth promotion in the presence of ferrioxamines (B, D1, D2, E, G), enterobactin, citrate, ferrichrome and coprogen, these mutants failed to respond to ferrioxamines. Moreover, experiments with 55Fe-labelled siderophores confirmed that iron transport mediated by ferrioxamine E and B in the mutants was completely inhibited, whereas iron transport by other hydroxamate siderophores, such as ferrichrome and coprogen was unaffected. The results are evidence that the 76-kDa protein in the outer membrane represents the receptor protein (FoxA) for ferrioxamines in E. herbicola.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

L-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria: identification of a mutant gene C14orf160, localized on chromosome 14q22.1.

l-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria (l-2-HGA) is characterized by progressive deterioration of central nervous system function including epilepsy and macrocephaly in 50% of cases, and elevated levels of l-2-hydroxyglutaric acid in urine, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging shows distinct abnormalities. We report the identification of a gene for l-2-HGA aciduria (MIM 236792) using homozygosity mapping. Nine homozygous mutations including three missense mutations, two nonsense mutations, two splice site mutations and two deletions were identified in the gene C14orf160, localized on chromosome 14q22.1, in 21 patients from one non-consanguineous and 14 consanguineous Turkish families. We propose to name the gene duranin. Duranin encodes a putative mitochondrial protein with homology to FAD-dependent oxidoreductases. The functional role of this enzyme in intermediary metabolism in humans remains to be established.

Adolescent↗

[Identification of new mutant sites and 894C deletion variant genotyping of HIV-1 coreceptor CCR5 in indigenous Chinese populations].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites of HIV-1 coreceptor CCR5 gene and conduct genotyping of CCR5-894C deletion allele in Chinese populations. METHODS: The full length fragment of CCR5 gene coding region was amplified by PCR amplification and sequenced in 45 healthy subjects from Han ethnic group. The sequencing data was analyzed by using DNAstar software for identification of new SNP sites. Furthermore, the genotyping of CCR5-894C deletion variant was performed by PCR-RFLP assay in 627 indigenous Chinese individuals including HIV-1 carriers, HIV-1 high risk population of STDs or IDUs as well as normal contrast. RESULTS: Totally six SNPs and one cytosine base deletion at the 894 nucleotide of CCR5 gene coding region were found in forty five Chinese Han subjects. Four SNPs, i.e. 184A-->G, 503G-->T, 668G-->A, 999G-->T, cause alteration of corresponding amino acids in CCR5 protein and two SNPs are nonsense mutations. The 894C deletion mutation results in a frame shift mutation of CCR5 gene. Among the six SNPs identified, the three sites 184A-->G, 503G-->T, 999G-->T were firstly reported only in Chinese people. The allelic frequencies of mutant 184G, 503T and 999T alleles were 1.1%, 21.1% and 10.0% in Han healthy subjects, respectively. PCR-RFLP assay showed the frequencies of CCR5-894C deletion alleles are 1.11%, 0.53% and 0% for Chinese Han, Tibetan and Mongolian healthy individuals, respectively. There was not significant different of the frequencies of CCR5-894C deletion allele among HIV-1 high risk populations, HIV-1 carries and healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: The subjects from Chinese Han group has its own distinctive SNP sites in the HIV-1 coreceptor CCR5 gene, three new SNPs (184A-->G, 503G-->T, 999G-->T) were firstly identified. Taking together, the significance and implication of these distinctive SNP sites and the 894C deletion mutation in the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS disease need to be further studied.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genome-wide transposon mutagenesis of Borrelia burgdorferi for identification of phenotypic mutants.

The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the leading vector-borne illness in the United States. Many of the genetic factors affecting spirochete morphology and physiology are unknown due to the limited genetic tools available and the large number of open reading frames with unknown functions. By adapting a mariner transposon to function in B. burgdorferi, we have developed a random mutagenesis system that tags the mutated locus for rapid identification. Transposition occurs at saturating levels in B. burgdorferi and appears to be random, targeting both linear and circular replicons. By combining the transposon system with a screen for factors affecting growth rate, mutations were readily identified in genes putatively involved in cell division and chemotaxis and a hypothetical open reading frame involved in outer membrane integrity. The successful adaptation of a mariner transposon to function in B. burgdorferi should aid in identifying virulence factors and novel gene products related to spirochete physiology.

Animals↗

Abnormal T cell development in CD3-zeta-/- mutant mice and identification of a novel T cell population in the intestine.

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-associated invariable membrane proteins (CD3-gamma, -delta, -epsilon and -zeta) are critical to the assembly and cell surface expression of the TCR/CD3 complex and to signal transduction upon engagement of TCR with antigen. Disruption of the CD3-zeta gene by homologous recombination resulted in a structurally abnormal thymus which primarily contained CD4- CD8- and TCR/CD3very lowCD4+CD8+ cells. Spleen and lymph nodes of CD3-zeta-/- mutant mice contained a normal number and ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ single positive cells that were TCR/CD3very low. These splenocytes did not respond to antibody cross-linking or mitogenic triggering. The V beta genes of CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes and splenic T cells were productively rearranged. These data demonstrated that (i) in the absence of the CD3-zeta chain, the CD4- CD8- thymocytes could differentiate to CD4+CD8+ TCR/CD3very low thymocytes, (ii) that thymic selection might have occurred, (iii) but that the transition to CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ cells took place at a very low rate. Most strikingly, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) isolated from the small intestine or the colon expressed normal levels of TCR/CD3 complexes on their surface which contained Fc epsilon RI gamma homodimers. In contrast to CD3-zeta containing IELs, these cells failed to proliferate after triggering with antibody cross-linking or mitogen. In comparison to thymus-derived peripheral T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes, the preferential expression of normal levels of TCR/CD3 in intestinal IELs suggested they mature via an independent extrathymic pathway.

Animals↗