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Isolation and characterization of the lantibiotic salivaricin A and its structural gene salA from Streptococcus salivarius 20P3.

A bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance, salivaricin A, was purified from cultures of Streptococcus salivarius 20P3 and was shown by ion spray mass spectrometry to have a molecular mass of 2,315 +/- 1.1 Da. Amino acid composition analysis demonstrated the presence of lanthionine, indicating that salivaricin A may be a member of the lantibiotic class of antibiotic substances. The sequence of eight amino acids at the N terminus of the molecule was determined by Edman degradation, and mixed oligonucleotide probes based on part of this sequence (GSGWIA) were used to detect the salivaricin A structural gene. A 6.2-kb EcoRI fragment of chromosomal DNA from strain 20P3 that hybridized with the probes was cloned, and the hybridizing region was further localized to a 379-bp DraI-AluI fragment. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of this fragment indicated that salivaricin A is synthesized as a 51-amino-acid prepeptide that is posttranslationally modified and cleaved to give a biologically active 22-residue peptide containing one lanthionine and two beta-methyllanthionine residues. The secondary structure of presalivaricin A was predicted to be similar to that of type A lantibiotics, with a hydrophilic alpha-helical leader sequence and a propeptide region with potential for beta-turn formation and a lack of alpha-helicity. The sequence around the cleavage site of presalivaricin A differed from that of other type A lantibiotics but was similar to that of several bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances produced by lactic acid bacteria.

Alanine↗

Molecular and biochemical characterization of a Coccidioides immitis-specific antigen.

Results of earlier investigations have indicated that the saprobic phase of Coccidioides immitis produces a heat-stable, 19-kDa antigen with serine proteinase activity which has been suggested to be specific for this pathogenic fungus. In the present study we have determined the N-terminal and partial internal amino acid sequences of the purified, 19-kDa antigen, cloned the gene which encodes this polypeptide, and confirmed that the secreted proteinase is a Coccidioides-specific antigen (CS-Ag). Both the genomic and cDNA sequences are reported and reveal that the csa gene which encodes this antigen has no introns. A 543-bp open reading frame encodes a 181-amino-acid-containing protein with a predicted molecular mass of 19.8 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.3. The csa gene was localized on chromosome I of three representative C. immitis clinical isolates on the basis of Southern hybridizations. Expression of the csa gene in Escherichia coli using the pET21a plasmid vector yielded a recombinant protein that was recognized in immunoblot assays by antibody raised to the purified 19-kDa CS-Ag. Secretion of the native antigen is suggested to occur by cleavage of a putative 23-residue signal peptide. The native CS-Ag showed a low degree of glycosylation. Analysis of the carbohydrate composition of the CS-Ag revealed xylose, mannose, galactose, and glucose. However, the purified antigen showed no affinity for concanavalin A. A PCR method with specificity and high sensitivity for detection of C. immitis genomic DNA, using a pair of synthetic oligonucleotide primers whose sequences were based on that of the csa gene, was developed. A 520-bp product was amplified only when C. immitis genomic DNA was used as the template. The lower limits of DNA detection using this PCR method were 1 pg of C. immitis genomic DNA by ethidium bromide staining and 100 fg after Southern hybridization. The csa gene-based PCR method for detection of C. immitis DNA is useful for culture identification and may have clinical applications for the diagnosis of coccidioidal infections.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Low level of Hox1.3 gene expression does not preclude the use of promoterless vectors to generate a targeted gene disruption. off.

A variety of experimental approaches have been devised recently to mutate mammalian genes by homologous recombination. In this report, we describe the disruption of the Hox1.3 locus by using two of these approaches, namely, positive-negative selection and activation of a promoterless gene. Interestingly, we observe similarly high frequencies of targeted disruption with both procedures. The high frequency of targeted disruption with a promoterless vector was unexpected given the extremely low level of Hox1.3 expression in the embryonic stem cell line used for these studies. These data indicate that minimal expression of the target gene is required to enrich for homologous recombination events with promoterless vectors and thus enhance the promoterless gene approach as a general strategy to mutate mammalian genes by homologous recombination.

Animals↗

Binding of a macrocyclic bisacridine and ametantrone to CGTACG involves similar unusual intercalation platforms.

The binding of a macrocyclic bisacridine and an antitumor intercalator ametantrone to DNA has been studied. We carried out X-ray diffraction analyses of the complexes between both intercalators and CGTACG. We have determined the crystal structure, by the multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD) method, of bisacridine complexed with CGTA[br(5)C]G at 1.8 A resolution. The refined native crystal structure at 1.1 A resolution (space group C222, a = 29.58 A, b = 54.04 A, c = 40.22 A, and R-factor = 0.163) revealed that only one acridine of the bisacridine drug binds at the C5pG6 step of the DNA, with the other acridine plus both linkers completely disordered. Surprisingly, both terminal G.C base pairs are unraveled. The C1 nucleotide is disordered, and the G2 base is bridged to its own phosphate P2 through a hydrated Co(2+) ion. G12 is swung toward the minor groove with its base stacked over the backbone. The C7 nucleotide is flipped away from the duplex part and base paired to a 2-fold symmetry-related G6. The central four base pairs adopt the B-DNA conformation. An unusual intercalator platform is formed by bringing four complexes together (involving the 222 symmetry) such that the intercalator cavity is flanked by two sets of G x C base pairs (i.e., C5 x G8 and G6 x C7) on each side, joined together by G6 x G8 tertiary base pairing interactions. In the bisacridine-CGTACG complex, the intercalation platform is intercalated with two acridines, whereas in the ametantrone-CGTACG complex, only one ametantrone is bound. NMR titration of the bisacridine to AACGATCGTT suggests that the bisacridine prefers to bridge more than one DNA duplex by intercalating each acridine to different duplexes. The results may be relevant in understanding binding of certain intercalators to DNA structure associated with the quadruplet helix and Holliday junction.

Acridines↗

Secondary structure of the RNA component of a nuclear/mitochondrial ribonucleoprotein.

RNase mitochondrial RNA processing (MRP) is a site-specific endoribonuclease located in both the nucleus and mitochondria of vertebrate cells. The enzyme is a ribonucleoprotein whose RNA component has been shown to be encoded by a nuclear gene. Because RNase MRP is particular in its substrate requirement, RNA-RNA interaction has been proposed as important for the cleavage reaction. A secondary structure of this RNA from mouse cells has been derived by chemical modification of in vivo MRP RNA in ribonucleoprotein form, as isolated free RNA, and as RNA synthesized in vitro. Full-length MRP RNA appears to adopt a conformation containing a significant number of single-stranded residues and may form a pseudoknot. The data are consistent with both the RNA within the ribonucleoprotein and the free RNA possessing comparable secondary structures and suggest a possible site of interaction between enzyme and substrate. The human MRP RNA can be folded into a conformation very similar to that predicted for the mouse MRP RNA. A more limited analysis of human MRP RNA is consistent with the structure proposed for the mouse species.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and expression of RPE65, a novel retinal pigment epithelium-specific microsomal protein that is post-transcriptionally regulated in vitro.

Studies reported previously from this laboratory have shown that microsomal membranes of the vertebrate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) contain an RPE-specific 65-kDa protein, RPE65, which bears the determinant recognized by the strictly tissue-specific monoclonal antibody RPE9, and which is developmentally regulated (Hamel, C. P., Tsilou, E., Harris, E., Pfeffer, B. A., Hooks, J. J., Detrick, B., and Redmond, T. M. (1993) J. Neurosci. Res. 34, 414-425). Microsequencing of 17 tryptic and chymotryptic peptides obtained from the in situ digestion of the RPE65 blotted on nitrocellulose yielded primary sequences that were used to generate oligonucleotide probes. An 84-nucleotide guessmer was used to isolate two clones from a bovine RPE lambda Zap II cDNA library. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to complete the 5' and 3' ends, resulting in a 3,115-base pair composite cDNA. The open reading frame encodes a novel protein of 533 amino acid residues with a computed molecular weight of 60,940. This protein does not match any other sequence in the data bases. The 231 amino acids obtained from peptide sequencing match 43% of the amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA. The protein has a calculated pI of 6.41 and is not predicted to have any transmembrane segments. The open reading frame expressed in Escherichia coli has an apparent molecular weight identical to that of the native protein and is recognized by the monoclonal antibody RPE9, further corroborating its validity. Northern blot analysis detected a major mRNA species of 3.15 kilobases for RPE65, as well as shorter species, only in RPE and not in other tissues (including other ocular tissues). Cultured RPE cells (7 weeks in primary culture) contained RPE65 mRNA in amounts equivalent to fresh RPE. Such cells, however, contained no immunodetectable RPE65. The possible structure of this RPE-specific protein and hypotheses for the absence of translation in vitro are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides by capillary gel electrophoresis and anion-exchange HPLC.

Polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis has been traditionally used for the analysis of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides. As the demand for oligonucleotides of high purity has increased, a need for additional high resolution analytical techniques has arisen. This report describes the principles and application of capillary gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of synthetic DNA varying in base composition and length. From the results of a series of comparative experiments, the relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Isolation and expression of a gene specifying a cdc2-like protein kinase from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

A partially redundant oligonucleotide based on conserved protein sequences of cdk and cdc2-like proteins was used to isolate from genomic libraries of Plasmodium falciparum fragments of chromosome XIII carrying a 288-residue open-reading frame encoding a protein kinase sharing 57-58% identity with yeast p34cdc2. Based on sequence data, base composition and the striking similarity with other cdk and related proteins, four intervening sequences were identified. Their removal in vitro allowed expression of the gene, designated PfPK5, in Escherichia coli, the resulting product having kinase activity against casein and histone H1. Western blotting using a polyclonal antibody raised against the expressed protein showed that the kinase was located in the parasite's cytosol and was present in approximately constant amounts throughout the intra-erythrocytic asexual reproductive stage of the life cycle. The PSTAIRE region of the PfPK5 protein differs at three sites from that of p34cdc2, and the gene failed to complement cdc2/28 yeast mutants. However, Western blotting showed that the gene was not expressed in yeast, so this does not eliminate the possibility that it is the malarial version of cdc2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Negative regulation of the androgen receptor gene promoter by NFI and an adjacently located multiprotein-binding site.

The upstream promoter of the rat androgen receptor (AR) gene contains a strong negative regulatory region located at the -388 to -340 nucleotide position. The distal part (-388/-373) of this regulatory region binds NFI, a ubiquitous transcription factor, while the proximal portion (-372/-340) contains an overlapping binding site for two nuclear proteins. This composite regulatory region (-388/-340) was initially defined by deoxyribonuclease I footprinting as the continuous stretch of a nuclease-protected site. NFI specificity of the distal portion (-388/-373) of the footprint was established through cross-competition in electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using the well characterized NFI element of the adenovirus major late promoter and by immunoreactivity to the NFI antibody. EMSA with oligonucleotide duplexes corresponding to the proximal domain (-372/-340) indicated multiple retarded bands with at least two major DNA-protein complexes. Further analysis with truncated oligonucleotide duplexes showed that these two major proteins bind to this domain in an overlapping manner. Within this overlapping area, the position spanning -359 to -347 is essential for the formation of either of these two complexes. Substitution of four G with T residues in the overlapping area totally abolished all protein binding at the downstream -372/-340 site. Point mutations that abolish specific binding at either the NFI or immediately downstream multiprotein-binding site caused about a 10-fold increase in AR promoter activity in transfected HepG2 cells. Double mutation involving both the NFI and proximal overlapping protein-binding sites failed to cause any additional increase in promoter function. From these results we conclude that the AR promoter contains a composite negative regulatory region at -388/-340, and the repressor function may involve a coordinate interaction between NFI and at least two other nuclear factors.

Animals↗

[Preparative isolation of hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona- and decapyrimidine oligonucleotides from hydrolysates of depurinated herring sperm DNA].

The pyrimidine oligonucleotides (dT)5; (dT)6 and the mixtures of sequence isomers (dC, dT5); (dC2, dT5); (dC3, dT4); (dC4, dT3); (dC4, dT4); (dC3, dT5); (dC2, dT6); (dC4, dT5); (dC3, dT6); (dC2, dT7); (dC5, dT5); (dC4, dT6) and (dC3, dT7) with or without terminal phosphate groups have been isolated on a preparative scale from hydrolysates of depurinated herring sperm DNA by the following procedure. Herring sperm DNA (1 kg) is chemically depurinated and partially hydrolysed to a mixture of pyrimidine nucleotides. The partial hydrolysate is first separated into a low- and a high-molecular-weight pyrimidine nucleotide mixture by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The mixture of high-molecular-weight pyrimidine nucleotides is subsequently fractionated on QAE-Sephadex. Impurities which are not fully removed by column chromatography are separated by paper chromatography. The compositions of the mixtures of sequence isomers are determined from the data of column, paper and homochromatography; from absorption characteristics and by enzymatic degradation.

Animals↗

Defects in cardiac function precede morphological abnormalities in fish embryos exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Fish embryos exposed to complex mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from petrogenic sources show a characteristic suite of abnormalities, including cardiac dysfunction, edema, spinal curvature, and reduction in the size of the jaw and other craniofacial structures. To elucidate the toxic mechanisms underlying these different defects, we exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to seven non-alkylated PAHs, including five two- to four-ring compounds that are abundant in crude oil and two compounds less abundant in oil but informative for structure-activity relationships. We also analyzed two PAH mixtures that approximate the composition of crude oil at different stages of weathering. Exposure to the three-ring PAHs dibenzothiophene and phenanthrene alone was sufficient to induce the characteristic suite of defects, as was genetic ablation of cardiac function using a cardiac troponin T antisense morpholino oligonucleotide. The primary etiology of defects induced by dibenzothiophene or phenanthrene appears to be direct effects on cardiac conduction, which have secondary consequences for late stages of cardiac morphogenesis, kidney development, neural tube structure, and formation of the craniofacial skeleton. The relative toxicity of the different mixtures was directly proportional to the amount of phenanthrene, or the dibenzothiophene-phenanthrene total in the mixture. Pyrene, a four-ring PAH, induced a different syndrome of anemia, peripheral vascular defects, and neuronal cell death, similar to the effects previously described for potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands. Therefore, different PAH compounds have distinct and specific effects on fish at early life history stages.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

EPR characterization of genetically modified reaction centers of Rhodobacter capsulatus.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been used to investigate the cation and triplet states of Rhodobacter capsulatus reaction centers (RCs) containing amino acid substitutions affecting the primary donor, monomeric bacteriochlorophylls (Bchls), and the photoactive bacteriopheophytin (Bphe). The broadened line width of the cation radical in HisM200----Leu and HisM200----Phe reaction centers, whose primary donor consists of a Bchl-Bphe heterodimer, indicates a highly asymmetric distribution of the unpaired electron over the heterodimer. A T0 polarized triplet state with reduced yield is observed in heterodimer-containing RCs. The zero field splitting parameters indicate that this triplet essentially resides on the Bchl half of the heterodimer. The cation and triplet states of reaction centers containing HisM200----Gln, HisL173----Gln, GluL104----Gln, or GluL104----Leu substitutions are similar to those observed in wild type. Oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis has been used to change the histidine residues that are positioned near the central Mg2+ ions of the reaction center monomeric bacteriochlorophylls. Reaction centers containing serine substitutions at M180 and L153 or a threonine substitution at L153 have unaltered pigment compositions and are photochemically active. The cation and triplet states of HisL153----Leu reaction centers are similar to those observed in wild type. Triplet energy transfer to carotenoid is not observed at 100 K in HisM180----Arg chromatophores. These results have important implications for the structural requirements of tetrapyrrole binding and for our understanding of the mechanisms of primary electron transfer in the reaction center.

Bacteriochlorophylls↗

Purification and characterization of an endo-exonuclease from adult flies of Drosophila melanogaster.

An endo-exonuclease (designated nuclease III) has been purified to near homogeneity from adult flies of Drosophila melanogaster. The enzyme degrades single- and double-stranded DNA and RNA. It has a sedimentation co-efficient of 3.1S and a strokes radius of 27A The native form of the purified enzyme appears to be a monomer of 33,600 dalton. It has a pH optimum of 7-8.5 and requires Mg2+ or Mn2+ but not Ca2+ or Co2+ for its activity. The enzyme activity on double-stranded DNA was inhibited 50% by 30 mM NaCl, while its activity on single-stranded DNA required 100 mM NaCl for 50% inhibition. Under the latter conditions, its activity on double-stranded DNA was inhibited approximately 98%. The enzyme degrades DNA to complete acid soluble products which are a mixture of mono- and oligonucleotides with 5'-P and 3'-OH termini. Supercoiled DNA was converted by the enzyme to nicked and subsequently to linear forms in a stepwise fashion under the condition in which the enzyme works optimally on single-stranded DNA. The amino acid composition and amino acid sequencing of tryptic peptides from purified nuclease III is also reported.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Psoralen photo-crosslinked mRNA-puromycin conjugates: a novel template for the rapid and facile preparation of mRNA-protein fusions.

We describe the synthesis of a novel type of mRNA template and its use in the preparation of mRNA-protein fusions. A light-induced psoralen crosslinking reaction was used to attach a puromycin-containing oligonucleotide to the 3'-end of an mRNA template. The photo-crosslinked template was found to undergo efficient mRNA-protein fusion formation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Fusion formation was subsequently tested with templates carrying puromycin linkers of different length and chemical composition. Short linkers with multiple triethyleneglycol phosphate building blocks allowed the most efficient fusion formation under a wide range of salt conditions. The present method simplifies the preparation of mRNA-protein fusions and thus significantly accelerates the in vitro protein evolution procedure which involves repetitive cycles of fusion production and selection.

Cross-Linking Reagents↗

Influence of loop size on the stability of intramolecular DNA quadruplexes.

We have determined the stability of intramolecular DNA quadruplexes in which the four G(3)-tracts are connected by non-nucleosidic linkers containing propanediol, octanediol or hexaethylene glycol, replacing the TTA loops in the human telomeric repeat sequence. We find that these sequences all fold to form intramolecular complexes, which are stabilized by lithium < sodium < potassium. Quadruplex stability increases in the order propanediol < hexaethylene glycol < octanediol. The shallower shape of the melting profile with propanediol linkers and its lower dependency on potassium concentration suggests that this complex contains fewer stacks of G-quartets. The sequence with octanediol linkers displays a biphasic melting profile, suggesting that it can adopt more than one stable structure. All these complexes display melting temperatures above 310 K in the presence of 10 mM lithium, without added potassium, in contrast to the telomeric repeat sequence. These complexes also fold much faster than the telomeric repeat and there is little or no hysteresis between their melting and annealing profiles. In contrast, the human telomeric repeat sequence and a complex containing two hexaethylene glycol groups in each loop, are less stable and fold more slowly. The melting and annealing profiles for the latter sequence show significant differences, even when heated at 0.2 degrees C min(-1). CD spectra for the oligonucleotides containing non-nucleosidic linkers show positive maxima at 264 nm, with negative minima approximately 244 nm, which are characteristic of parallel quadruplex structures. These results show that the structure and stability of intramolecular quadruplexes is profoundly influenced by the length and composition of the loops.

Circular Dichroism↗

The GermOnline cross-species systems browser provides comprehensive information on genes and gene products relevant for sexual reproduction.

We report a novel release of the GermOnline knowledgebase covering genes relevant for the cell cycle, gametogenesis and fertility. GermOnline was extended into a cross-species systems browser including information on DNA sequence annotation, gene expression and the function of gene products. The database covers eight model organisms and Homo sapiens, for which complete genome annotation data are available. The database is now built around a sophisticated genome browser (Ensembl), our own microarray information management and annotation system (MIMAS) used to extensively describe experimental data obtained with high-density oligonucleotide microarrays (GeneChips) and a comprehensive system for online editing of database entries (MediaWiki). The RNA data include results from classical microarrays as well as tiling arrays that yield information on RNA expression levels, transcript start sites and lengths as well as exon composition. Members of the research community are solicited to help GermOnline curators keep database entries on genes and gene products complete and accurate. The database is accessible at http://www.germonline.org/.

Animals↗

cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of the NADH-binding 51-kDa subunit of the bovine respiratory NADH dehydrogenase reveals striking similarities to a bacterial NAD(+)-reducing hydrogenase.

A lambda gt10 bovine brain and a lambda gt11 bovine heart cDNA library were screened with oligonucleotide probes corresponding to partial protein sequences directly determined from the isolated 51-kDa subunit of the bovine respiratory-chain NADH dehydrogenase. Clones were isolated that encode a protein of 464 amino acids containing all the 11 partial tryptic peptide sequences determined from the 51-kDa subunit. The size and amino acid composition of this protein agree with those determined for the purified 51-kDa subunit. Furthermore, this protein contains a putative NADH-binding domain, a possible FMN-binding site, and a putative binding site for an iron-sulfur cluster. The above evidence indicates that the cloned protein is the 51-kDa subunit or its precursor. A search for sequence similarity with proteins in the Protein Identification Resource data base has revealed that the 51-kDa subunit has 32% amino acid sequence identity with a major portion of the alpha subunit of the soluble NAD(+)-reducing hydrogenase from Alcaligenes eutrophus. In particular, there are three segments of high sequence similarity (70-88%) between the two proteins which correspond to the three ligand-binding sites.

Alcaligenes↗

Identification in situ and dynamics of bacteria on limnetic organic aggregates (lake snow).

Microbial assemblages on large organic aggregates (lake snow) of Lake Constance, Germany, were analyzed with rRNA-directed fluorescent oligonucleotide probes specific for the domain Bacteria and the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-subclasses of the class Proteobacteria. Lake snow aggregates were either collected in situ by SCUBA diving or in a sediment trap at 50 m or formed of natural lake water incubated in rolling cylinders under simulated in situ conditions. For the latter aggregates, the time course of the microbial colonization was also examined. The natural aggregates and those made in rolling cylinders were composed of the particulate organic material present in the lake and thus reflected the composition of the ambient plankton community. All types of lake snow aggregates examined were heavily colonized by microbial cells and harbored between 0.5 x 10(6) and > 2 x 10(6) cells aggregate -1. Between 55 and 100% of the microbial cells stained with 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) could be visualized with the domain Bacteria-specific probe. In most samples, beta-subclass proteobacteria dominated the microbial community, constituting 27 to 42% of total cells as counted by DAPI staining, irrespective of the composition of the aggregates. During the time course experiments with the laboratory-made aggregates, the fraction of beta-subclass proteobacteria usually increased over time. Except for a few samples, alpha- and gamma-subclass proteobacteria were far less abundant than beta-subclass proteobacteria, constituting 11 to 25 and 9 to 33% of total cells, respectively. Therefore, we assume that a specific aggregate-adapted microbial community was established on the aggregates. Because the compositions of the microbial assemblages on natural and laboratory-made aggregates were similar, we conclude that aggregates made in rolling cylinders are good model system with which to examine the formation and microbial colonization of macroscopic organic aggregates.

Bacteria↗