Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Genome Components”

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 919 records · Page 51Linked to original sources

Abrogation of the requirement for feeder cell interaction and T cell receptor stimulation of lymphocytes infected with retroviral vectors.

Infection of sensitive adult mice with myeloproliferative sarcoma virus (MPSV) results in a myeloproliferative syndrome. Two components of the viral genome are required to induce this unique pathology: the mos oncogene and sequences within the U3 region of the long terminal repeat (LTR). In studies designed to identify the target cell of MPSV and thus better understand the mechanism by which a myeloproliferative syndrome is induced, we have infected a series of T cell lines with MPSV-based vectors. The results presented here show that infection with neoR MPSV abrogates the requirement for an antigen-specific or feeder cell-dependent stimulation, without altering the requirement for interleukin 2. Significantly, this response is not dependent on the mos oncogene, but requires sequences within the U3 region of the MPSV LTR. No alteration in the constitutive or induced levels of lymphokines released by these cells was observed. These results suggest a model in which T cells acquire a proliferative advantage by uncoupling the proliferative response from the lymphokine synthesis that is induced by activation of the T cell receptor. These cells are thus poised for antigen stimulation and secretion of cytokines that stimulate myelopoiesis.

Cell Line↗

Propagation of SIV vectors by genetic complementation with a heterologous env gene.

In order to study SIV replication over a single round of replication virus particles were generated that contain a replication-defective vector containing a selectable marker. Genetic complementation between an env-deficient SIV variant and plasmid that expresses the env gene of an amphotropic murine retrovirus resulted in infectious SIV particles containing the vector. These pseudotyped particles exhibited an expanded host range through the use of an alternative receptor. This system should be useful in the genetic analysis of SIV nucleic acid replication. To determine whether the terminal cis acting components of the SIV genome might be sufficient for viral nucleic acid propagation a vector was generated which lack the internally located rev-responsive element. Propagation of this vector was reduced by at least 100-fold.

Animals↗

A 5'-3' long-range interaction in Ty1 RNA controls its reverse transcription and retrotransposition.

LTR-retrotransposons are abundant components of all eukaryotic genomes and appear to be key players in their evolution. They share with retroviruses a reverse transcription step during their replication cycle. To better understand the replication of retrotransposons as well as their similarities to and differences from retroviruses, we set up an in vitro model system to examine minus-strand cDNA synthesis of the yeast Ty1 LTR-retrotransposon. Results show that the 5' and 3' ends of Ty1 genomic RNA interact through 14 nucleotide 5'-3' complementary sequences (CYC sequences). This 5'-3' base pairing results in an efficient initiation of reverse transcription in vitro. Transposition of a marked Ty1 element and Ty1 cDNA synthesis in yeast rely on the ability of the CYC sequences to base pair. This 5'-3' interaction is also supported by phylogenic analysis of all full-length Ty1 and Ty2 elements present in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. These novel findings lead us to propose that circularization of the Ty1 genomic RNA controls initiation of reverse transcription and may limit reverse transcription of defective retroelements.

DNA, Complementary↗

Islands of complex DNA are widespread in Drosophila centric heterochromatin.

Heterochromatin is a ubiquitous yet poorly understood component of multicellular eukaryotic genomes. Major gaps exist in our knowledge of the nature and overall organization of DNA sequences present in heterochromatin. We have investigated the molecular structure of the 1 Mb of centric heterochromatin in the Drosophila minichromosome Dp1187. A genetic screen of irradiated minichromosomes yielded rearranged derivatives of Dp1187 whose structures were determined by pulsed-field Southern analysis and PCR. Three Dp1187 deletion derivatives and an inversion had one breakpoint in the euchromatin and one in the heterochromatin, providing direct molecular access to previously inaccessible parts of the heterochromatin. End-probed pulsed-field restriction mapping revealed the presence of at least three "islands" of complex DNA, Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, constituting approximately one half of the Dp1187 heterochromatin. Pulsed-field Southern analysis demonstrated that Drosophila heterochromatin in general is composed of alternating blocks of complex DNA and simple satellite DNA. Cloning and sequencing of a small part of one island, Tahiti, demonstrated the presence of a retroposon. The implications of these findings to heterochromatin structure and function are discussed.

Animals↗

Genetics of P-element transposition into Drosophila melanogaster centric heterochromatin.

Heterochromatin is a major component of higher eukaryotic genomes, but progress in understanding the molecular structure and composition of heterochromatin has lagged behind the production of relatively complete euchromatic genome sequences. The introduction of single-copy molecular-genetic entry points can greatly facilitate structure and sequence analysis of heterochromatic regions that are rich in repeated DNA. In this study, we report the isolation of 502 new P-element insertions into Drosophila melanogaster centric heterochromatin, generated in nine different genetic screens that relied on mosaic silencing (position-effect variegation, or PEV) of the yellow gene present in the transposon. The highest frequencies of recovery of variegating insertions were observed when centric insertions were used as the source for mobilization. We propose that the increased recovery of variegating insertions from heterochromatic starting sites may result from the physical proximity of different heterochromatic regions in germline nuclei or from the association of mobilizing elements with heterochromatin proteins. High frequencies of variegating insertions were also recovered when a potent suppressor of PEV (an extra Y chromosome) was present in both the mobilization and selection generations, presumably due to the effects of chromatin structure on P-element mobilization, insertion, and phenotypic selection. Finally, fewer variegating insertions were recovered after mobilization in females, in comparison to males, which may reflect differences in heterochromatin structure in the female and male germlines. FISH localization of a subset of the insertions confirmed that 98% of the variegating lines contain heterochromatic insertions and that these schemes produce a broader distribution of insertion sites. The results of these schemes have identified the most efficient methods for generating centric heterochromatin P insertions. In addition, the large collection of insertions produced by these screens provides molecular-genetic entry points for mapping, sequencing, and functional analysis of Drosophila heterochromatin.

Animals↗

Unique mammalian tRNA-derived repetitive elements in dermopterans: the t-SINE family and its retrotransposition through multiple sources.

Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are dispersed repetitive DNA sequences that are major components of all mammalian genomes. They have been described in almost all lineages of Euarchontoglires (rodents, rabbits, primates, flying lemurs, and tree shrews), except in flying lemurs. Most SINE family members are composed of three distinct regions: a 5' tRNA-related region, a tRNA-unrelated region, and a short tandem repeat at the 3' end that is AT-rich. The newly discovered SINE family in Cynocephalus deviates from this common structure. All 30 SINE loci analyzed in this family lack a tRNA-unrelated region and are composed exclusively of tRNA-related elements. Therefore, this novel SINE structure, described for the first time in mammalian genomes, was designated as t-SINE. The t-SINE family exhibits a high copy number and is specific to flying lemurs. Three major t-SINE subfamilies could be distinguished on the basis of characteristic nucleotides, deletions, insertions, and duplications. These sequence-specific characteristics within subfamilies and sub-subfamilies reveal that they are derived copies of distinct progenitors. We present evolutionary relationships between subfamilies and compare relationships between the subfamilies and the isoleucine tRNA gene. t-SINE amplification occurred through multiple sources and is supposedly mobilized via the L1-encoded reverse transcriptase-dependent retrotranspositional mechanism in trans.

Animals↗

Structural organization of the maxicircle variable region of Trypanosoma brucei: identification of potential replication origins and topoisomerase II binding sites.

The maxicircle of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, one component of the mitochondrial genome, has size differences among isolates that localize to the variable region (VR) between the ND5 and 12S rRNA genes. We present here the nucleotide sequence of this entire region, thus completing the sequence of the maxicircle genome. We also find heterogeneously sized transcripts from throughout most of the VR. The VR has three distinct sections, each with characteristic repeated sequences. The repeated sequences in two sections are short and highly reiterated; the intraspecies size variation occurs within this region. The third section contains non-repetitive sequences and a large duplication immediately upstream of the 12S rRNA gene. Two repeat units within section I contain a sequence that has homology to the DNA replication origin of minicircles. This region also contains sequences with homology to topoisomerase II binding and cleavage sites. These findings suggest a role for the VR in DNA replication of the maxicircle.

Animals↗

Detection and determination of oligonucleotide triplex formation-mediated transcription-coupled DNA repair in HeLa nuclear extracts.

Transcription-coupled repair (TCR) plays an important role in removing DNA damage from actively transcribed genes. It has been speculated that TCR is the most important mechanism for repairing DNA damage in non-dividing cells such as neurons. Therefore, abnormal TCR may contribute to the development of many age-related and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of TCR is not well understood. Oligonucleotide DNA triplex formation provides an ideal system to dissect the molecular mechanism of TCR since triplexes can be formed in a sequence-specific manner to inhibit transcription of target genes. We have recently studied the molecular mechanism of triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO)-mediated TCR in HeLa nuclear extracts. Using plasmid constructs we demonstrate that the level of TFO-mediated DNA repair activity is directly correlated with the level of transcription of the plasmid in HeLa nuclear extracts. TFO-mediated DNA repair activity was further linked with transcription since the presence of rNTPs in the reaction was essential for AG30-mediated DNA repair activity in HeLa nuclear extracts. The involvement of individual components, including TFIID, TFIIH, RNA polymerase II and xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA), in the triplex-mediated TCR process was demonstrated in HeLa nuclear extracts using immunodepletion assays. Importantly, our studies also demonstrated that XPC, a component involved in global genome DNA repair, is involved in the AG30-mediated DNA repair process. The results obtained in this study provide an important new understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the TCR process in mammalian cells.

Base Sequence↗

Expression of C-type viral particles at implantation in the marmoset monkey.

Type C RNA retroviral particles have been observed budding from the plasma membrane of syncytiotrophoblast during a study of embryo implantation in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). These viral particles appear in profusion at the interface of syncytiotrophoblast with cytotrophoblast. They appear to be a non-infective, endogenous viral component of the host genome, although the precise role of the C-type virus in this context is unclear at present. Such viral particles have been reported previously from studies of human term placenta; however, this is the first report indicating that expression of viral particles occurs at the earliest stages of embryo implantation.

Animals↗

Genetic aspects of stroke: human and experimental studies.

As one of the leading causes of death within both the developed and developing world, stroke is a worldwide problem. Risk factors can be identified and controlled at the level of lifestyle changes; however, genetic components of stroke have yet to be identified. The identification of such genetic components is critical in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke in the future. This review focuses on the genetic determinants of stroke in both human and experimental systems. Mendelian disorders, candidate genes, and twin studies provide evidence for a strong genetic component of stroke. Genome-wide scanning in both human and animal models has led to the identification of regions of the genome that contain genes for stroke susceptibility and sensitivity. Animal models of stroke allow for environmental control and genetic homogeneity, not possible within a human population, and therefore are essential for the dissection of this complex, multifactorial disorder. Future genetic and genomic strategies and their role in ultimate causative gene identification are discussed.

Animals↗

Re-analysis of collaborative study on the genetics of alcoholism pedigrees suggests the presence of loci influencing novelty-seeking near D12S391 and D17S1299.

A previous genome scan using variance components analysis of 758 sib pairs from families of alcoholics found evidence for linkage of harm avoidance (HA) to markers on 8p21-23, and this finding was supported in a subsequent linkage study of 384 sib pairs. Here the original dataset is analysed using a new method of linkage analysis for quantitative traits that deals with extended pedigrees. As well as supporting linkage of HA to D8S549, this method also produces an MALOD of 2.4 (P=0.002) near DBH and several positive lod scores for novelty-seeking, the largest being MALODs of 3.1 (P=0.0004) near D12S391 and 3.4 (P=0.0003) near D17S1299. There is no support for linkage of novelty-seeking or HA to the regions around DRD4 and 5HTT, respectively. Additional samples will need to be studied in order to discover which regions truly harbour genetic polymorphisms influencing personality traits.

Alcoholism↗

Human cytomegalovirus ICP22, the product of the HWLF1 reading frame, is an early nuclear protein that is released from cells.

We employed a murine monoclonal antibody (CH41) and a lambda gt11 library of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA fragments to map the gene for a viral protein, denoted infected cell protein (ICP) 22, to the HWLF1 open reading frame in the S component of the CMV genome (0.92 to 0.93 map units). By using antibody CH41 in immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses, ICP22 was readily detected as a beta (delayed early) gene product during viral growth. The cellular localization of this protein was found to be nuclear by immunofluorescence analysis; however, it partitioned with the cytoplasm when cells were fractionated with non-ionic detergents. Analysis of cell-free medium showed that a proportion of ICP22 was released from cells as a soluble protein at both early (24 h) and late (72 to 120h) times in infection. The function of this protein which has such diverse characteristics remains unknown.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Viral interactions with the cytoskeleton: a hitchhiker's guide to the cell.

The actin and microtubule cytoskeleton play important roles in the life cycle of every virus. During attachment, internalization, endocytosis, nuclear targeting, transcription, replication, transport of progeny subviral particles, assembly, exocytosis, or cell-to-cell spread, viruses make use of different cellular cues and signals to enlist the cytoskeleton for their mission. Viruses induce rearrangements of cytoskeletal filaments so that they can utilize them as tracks or shove them aside when they represent barriers. Viral particles recruit molecular motors in order to hitchhike rides to different subcellular sites which provide the proper molecular environment for uncoating, replicating and packaging viral genomes. Interactions between subviral components and cytoskeletal tracks also help to orchestrate virus assembly, release and efficient cell-to-cell spread. There is probably not a single virus that does not use cytoskeletal and motor functions in its life cycle. Being well informed intracellular passengers, viruses provide us with unique tools to decipher how a particular cargo recruits one or several motors, how these are activated or tuned down depending on transport needs, and how cargoes switch from actin tracks to microtubules to nuclear pores and back.

Animals↗

Genetic data indicate that proteins containing the GGDEF domain possess diguanylate cyclase activity.

A conserved domain, called GGDEF (referring to a conserved central sequence pattern), is detected in many procaryotic proteins, often in various combinations with putative sensory-regulatory components. Most sequenced bacterial genomes contain several different GGDEF proteins. The function of this domain has so far not been experimentally shown. Through genetic complementation using genes from three different bacteria encoding proteins with GGDEF domains as the only element in common, we present genetic data indicating (a) that the GGDEF domain is responsible for the diguanylate cyclase activity of these proteins, and (b) that the activity of cellulose synthase in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii and Agrobacterium tumefaciens is regulated by cyclic di-GMP as in Acetobacter xylinum.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

On the pBuM189 satellite DNA variability among South American populations of Drosophila buzzatii.

The pBuM189 satellite DNA was analysed in Drosophila buzzatii populations that cover most of the species distribution in South America. This satDNA consists of A + T-rich monomers of 189 bp and previous studies showed a fast rate of evolutionary change of this component of D. buzzatii genome. A total of 63 pBuM189 repetition units from 14 D. buzzatii populations (9 from Brazil and 5 from Argentina) were studied. The average nucleotide variability among the 63 repeats is 4.2 %. At least one repeat (Juan/4) seems to be part of another pBuM189 satDNA subfamily. The nucleotide alignment of all 63 repeats revealed no specific nucleotide substitutions, or indels, that could discriminate each population or groups of geographically close populations. Such lack of satDNA interpopulational differentiation is congruent with previous mtDNA data that indicate a high gene flow and very little population differentiation throughout most of the D. buzzatii distribution in South America. Gene flow might have been possible during glaciation events in the Pleistocene, such as the one occurred between 13,000 and 18,000 years ago, when D. buzzatii probably had a more continuous distribution than what is observed today.

Animals↗

Cross-resistance to death ligand-induced apoptosis in cisplatin-selected HeLa cells associated with overexpression of DDB2 and subsequent induction of cFLIP.

This work reports the involvement of damaged DNA-binding protein 2 (DDB2), a component involved in the genomic repair of UV damage, in the cross-resistance of cisplatin-selected cell lines to death ligand-mediated apoptosis. The cisplatin-resistant cell line (HR3) exhibits enhanced expression of DDB2 and cross-resistance to UV-induced activation of apoptosis and caspases. This investigation further demonstrates that HR3 cells also exhibited cross-resistance to death ligands [Fas-inducing antibody and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha]. Depletion of the elevated DDB2 in HR3 cells sensitizes Fas-inducing antibody-induced and TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis. In contrast, the overexpression of DDB2 induces cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIP) expression and further attenuates death ligand-induced apoptosis. Moreover, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and reporter assay indicated that DDB2 could increase both endogenous and exogenous cFLIP mRNA levels. Accordingly, the elimination of cFLIP by antisense oligonucleotides suppresses DDB2 protection. These findings reveal that DDB2 regulates TNF signaling-mediated apoptosis via cFLIP and contributes to acquired cross-resistance. DDB2, while participating in DNA repair, functions as a negative regulator of apoptosis and may therefore have a pivotal role in regulating immune response and cancer-therapeutic efficacy.

Apoptosis↗

Directing cell division during development.

Several evolutionarily conserved proteins constitute a universal mitotic trigger that is precisely controlled during the orderly cell divisions of embryogenesis. As development progresses, the mechanisms controlling this trigger change. Early divisions are executed by maternally synthesized gene products, and in Xenopus they are timed by the accumulation and periodic degradation of cyclin, a trigger component. Later, the zygotic genome assumes control, and in Drosophila, zygotic transcription is required for production of another trigger protein, the product of string. After this transition to zygotic control, pulses of string transcription define the timing of highly patterned embryonic cell divisions and cyclin accumulation is not rate limiting.

Animals↗

Form and function of retroviral proviruses.

Retroviruses have proved to be useful reagents for studying genetic and epigenetic (such as regulatory) changes in eukaryotic cells, for assessing functional and structural relationships between transposable genetic elements, for inducing insertional mutations, including some important in oncogenesis, and for transporting genes into eukaryotic cells, either after natural transduction of putative cellular oncogenes or after experimental construction of recombinant viruses. Many of these properties of retroviruses depend on their capacity to establish a DNA (proviral) form of their RNA genomes as a stable component of host chromosomes, in either somatic or germinal cells.

Base Sequence↗