Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “RNA modifications”

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 1,225 records · Page 68Linked to original sources

Hybridization and dissociation rates of phosphodiester or modified oligodeoxynucleotides with RNA at near-physiological conditions.

We have used RNase H to study both the rates of oligonucleotide hybridization and dissociation at near-physiological conditions. We have studied the Effects of oligonucleotide length, mismatch, and chemical modifications on oligonucleotide association and dissociation with RNA. Dissociation results were compared with standard thermal melting curves to compare relative stabilities evaluated by the two techniques. Although generally the two techniques correlate for the compounds evaluated, we found several instances where the thermal melting curves failed to reflect the relative stability of different oligonucleotides at 37 degrees C using near-physiological conditions. This study suggests that direct measurement of hybridization and dissociation of an oligomer with RNA more accurately assesses the complicated kinetic scheme at 37 degrees C using near-physiological conditions than thermal melting curves would predict.

Base Sequence↗

Modification of a viral envelope glycoprotein cell-cell fusion assay by utilizing plasmid encoded bacteriophage RNA polymerase.

Many viruses enter cells via an interaction of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) with receptor inducing fusion of viral and cellular membranes. These interactions are often evaluated in cell-cell fusion, gene-reporting systems with effector cells expressing Env and target cells expressing receptors. A common system utilizes vaccinia virus encoding T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) in effector cells and a T7 promoted reporter plasmid in target cells. Fusion is quantified with expression of the reporter plasmid. However, direct activation of reporter plasmid from vaccinia virus can occur increasing background activity. We report here a modification of this assay in which T7 RNAP is expressed from a plasmid rather than vaccinia. This modification increased sensitivity with a ten-fold reduction in background. A novel dual T7/SP6 RNAP fusion assay was also developed to allow rapid screening for functional Env clones. Using these assays, we show that Envs from two CD4-independent HIV-2 isolates (VCP and ROD/B), which are able to fuse with chemokine receptor CXCR4 in a CD4-independent manner, are also able to fuse with alternative coreceptors GPR1 and GPR15 in the absence of CD4. The assay could also detect fusion of murine leukemia virus on target cells expressing the ecotropic MCAT-1 receptor showing its broad utility in other viral systems.

Animals↗

Temporal appearance of bacteriophage T4-modified valyl tRNA synthetase in Escherichia coli.

Bacteriophage T4-induced modification of Escherichia coli vlayl-tRNA synthetase (EC 6.1.1.9) requires: synthesis of a phage-gene specified tau factor, addition of the factor to host valyl-tRNA synthetase to produce a urea-stable enzyme, and interaction of the modified enzyme with tRNA to produce a more rapidly sedimenting valyl-tRNA synthetase activity on sucrose density gradients. This report demonstrates that the coincident, chloramphenicol-sensitive appearance of urea-stable and rapidly sedimenting valyl-tRNA synthetase activity are immediate early phage functions. It implies that once the tau factor is synthesized, further interactions are stoichiometric rather than catalytic. The potential for valyl-tRNA synthetase modification accumylates when E. coli is infected with T4 PHAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF CHLORAMPHINICOL AND IS EXPRESSED DURING THE RESUMPTION OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS WHEREAS FURTHER RNA synthesis is inhibited by rifampicin. The modification phenomenon occurs similarly in several strains of E. coli and represents a novel virus-host interaction.

Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases↗

Determination of secondary structure in the initiation region of ovalbumin mRNA.

We have analyzed the secondary structure in the region surrounding the initiation codons of both cellular and synthetic versions of ovalbumin mRNA. RNase V1 cleavage sites and structure-dependent, chemically modified bases in cellular ovalbumin mRNA were determined by reverse transcription of hen poly A(+) RNA using ovalbumin-specific, synthetic DNA primers. These results indicate an extensive region of unpaired nucleotides preceding the initiation codon and a region of base-paired nucleotides including and following the initiation codon. A synthetic ovalbumin mRNA (SP65.OV) was prepared by run-off transcription of a cloned ovalbumin cDNA (pSP65.OV). Identical regions of hen ovalbumin and SP65.OV mRNAs gave identical patterns of structure-dependent base modifications. A computer program for determining RNA secondary structure was used to find a 5'-region structure for ovalbumin mRNA that is consistent with our data.

Animals↗

Alterations in nuclear anatomy by chemical modification of proteins in isolated rat liver nuclei.

Whole rat liver nuclei were treated with citraconic anhydride, a reagent specific for primary amines. Dramatic changes were observed in nuclear morphology and light scattering properties. An analysis for DNA and RNA content suggested that DNA was released from the nuclei with a short half-time, approximately 2-4s demonstrating a biphasic release profile. RNA was similarly released but with a monophasic profile. Analysis of SDS-PAGE gels of modified nuclei demonstrated a progressive enrichment of nuclear matrix (lamins) polypeptides with extent of modification. H1 histone was quantitatively lost as a function of modification reagent concentration, while approx. 50% of the nucleosomal histones cosedimented with DNA- and RNA-free nuclei. Modification in the presence of 2 mM EGTA released all the DNA and RNA [less than or equal to 1% remaining) while retaining structures characteristic of nuclear matrix, nucleoli, and ribonucleoprotein (predominantly hnRNA group A and B). These nucleic acid-deficient structures have been termed nuclear fossils to differentiate them from high salt detergent-prepared empty nuclear sacks, nuclear remnants, or nuclear scaffolds. Modification in the presence of 2% Triton X-100 results in structures similar to the nuclear fossils (EGTA treatment), but missing the double bilayer and a 51K polypeptide that is a major component of the other structures. The use of chemical modification on the nucleus provides an experimental approach for examining the role of ionic interactions in controlling nuclear structure. Citraconylation may thus serve two functions: (a) as a protein-specific perturbant of nuclei capable of simply and rapidly preparing a range of structural variants for the analysis of nuclear interactions; (b) offer a paradigm for control of nucleic acid-polypeptide interactions based on post-translational alterations in protein charge.

Animals↗

Antisense oligonuclotides with oxetane-constrained cytidine enhance heteroduplex stability, and elicit satisfactory RNase H response as well as showing improved resistance to both exo and endonucleases.

Antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) with single and double oxetane C modifications [1',2'-oxetane constrained cytidine, 1-(1',3'-O-anhydro-beta-D-psicofuranosyl)cytosine] have been evaluated, in comparison with the corresponding T-modified AONs, for their antisense potentials by targeting to a 15mer complementary RNA. Although the C modified mixmer AONs show approximately 3 degrees C drop per modification in melting temperature (Tm) of their hybrid AON-RNA duplexes, they are found to be good substrates for RNase H, in comparison with the native AON-RNA duplex. An AON with double C modifications along with 3'-DPPZ (dipyridophenazine) conjugation shows the Tm of the hybrid duplexes as high as that of the native, and the RNase H activity as good as its unconjugated counterpart. A detailed Michaelis-Menten kinetic analysis of RNase H cleavage showed that the single and double C modified AON-RNA duplexes as well as double C modifications along with 3'-DPPZ have catalytic activities (kcat) close to the native. However, the R Nase H binding affinity (1/Km) showed a slight decrease with increase in the number of modifications, which results in less effective enzyme activity (kcat/Km) for C modified AON-RNA duplexes. All oxetane modified AON-RNA hybrids showed a correlation of Tm with the 1/Km, Vmax, or Vmax/Km. The C modified AONs (with 3'-DPPZ), as in the T counterpart, showed an enhanced tolerance towards the endonuclease and exonuclease degradation compared to the native (the oxetane-sugar and the DPPZ based AONs are non-toxic to K562 cell growth, ref. 18). Thus a balance has been found between exo and endonuclease stability vis-a-vis thermostability of the heteroduplex and the R Nase H recruitment capability and cleavage with the oxetane-constrained cytidine incorporated AONs as potential antisense candidates with a fully phosphate backbone for further biological assessment.

Base Sequence↗

RNA isolation from cartilage using density gradient centrifugation in cesium trifluoroacetate: an RNA preparation technique effective in the presence of high proteoglycan content.

An efficient method for the isolation of RNA from cartilage is described. The difficulties in obtaining RNA from cartilage, a tissue of low cell density and high proteoglycan content, were overcome by making several modifications to the guanidine thiocyanate/cesium chloride method of RNA extraction. Cartilage tissue is frozen, crushed, and homogenized in a 4 M guanidine thiocyanate lysis buffer. The RNA is then pelleted by ultracentrifugation through a cesium trifluoroacetate density gradient. The use of cesium trifluoroacetate, rather than cesium chloride, for density gradient centrifugation improves both the yield and purity of total RNA isolated from cartilage. The ultracentrifugation has been adapted to the Beckman TL100 tabletop centrifuge and is complete in 3 h. This fast, simple method produces high quality RNA, suitable for use in RNase protection assays, polymerase chain reaction analysis, and Northern analysis. This purification procedure may be applicable to other sources, from which RNA isolation is complicated by the presence of abundant cell wall or matrix components.

Animals↗

A rapid microprocedure for isolating RNA from multiple samples of human and rat brain.

In order to establish a routine procedure for isolating undegraded RNA from small amounts of rat and human brain tissue, several techniques were investigated. Initial studies demonstrated that undegraded RNA could not be reproducibly isolated from milligram amounts of brain tissue homogenized in an aqueous medium. Several isolation techniques utilizing tissue homogenization in the denaturing agent guanidinium chloride were compared. This method of homogenization, followed by sedimentation of RNA through cesium chloride, resulted in good yields of undegraded translationally active RNA. A maximum of 6 RNA samples could be processed simultaneously. In contrast, when homogenization in guanidinium chloride was followed by repeated guanidinium chloride-ethanol precipitations many samples could be processed simultaneously. The resulting RNA yields were low. The introduction of several modifications in the guanidinium chloride-ethanol precipitation technique resulted in a high yield of undegraded translationally active RNA. DNA was removed by two guanidinium-ethanol precipitations. Residual protein was digested with proteinase K. RNA was precipitated after extraction with phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol. This refined procedure allows the recovery, in high yields, of translationally active undegraded RNA which is both DNA and protein free. Thirty-six samples can be processed in one day.

Animals↗

Cucumber mosaic virus satellite RNA (Y strain): analysis of sequences which affect yellow mosaic symptoms on tobacco.

Plants infected with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) (KIN strain) produce a mild mosaic disease on tobacco whereas infections of CMV with satellite RNA (strain Y) cause a severe yellow mosaic. Analysis of recombinant and mutant forms of satellite RNA identified a site (nucleotides 185/186) in the Y satellite RNA that affects the ability to induce the yellow mosaic in combination with CMV but not with tomato aspermy virus. The location of this site with respect to other mutations in the satellite RNA indicated that polypeptides, which may be encoded by the satellite RNA, have no role in induction of yellow mosaic symptoms. The symptom induction is therefore an effect of the satellite RNA on the host plant with the intervention of the helper virus. In the course of the mutation analysis of satellite RNA we detected several secondary mutations which arose in planta. Two of these were deletions of more than 80 nucleotides. Other forms of mutant satellite RNA were non-functional even though the modifications involved nucleotides completely within the large secondary deletions. These data imply complex intramolecular interactions in the satellite RNA.

Base Sequence↗

RNA binding by the herpes simplex virus type 1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein UL47 is mediated by an N-terminal arginine-rich domain that also functions as its nuclear localization signal.

The function of the alphaherpesvirus UL47 tegument protein has not yet been defined. Nonetheless, previous studies with transfected cells have shown that both the herpes simplex virus type 1 homologue (hUL47, or VP13/14) and the bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) homologue (bUL47, or VP8) have the capacity to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Furthermore, hUL47 packaged into the virion has also been shown to bind several individual virus-specific RNA transcripts. Here, we extend these observations and show that hUL47 binds a wide range of RNA species in vitro. It has a high affinity for polyadenylated transcripts but has no apparent selectivity for virus-encoded RNA over cellular RNA. We also show that the virion population of bUL47 binds RNA in vitro. However, while purified recombinant hUL47 retains its RNA binding activity, recombinant bUL47 does not, suggesting that the BHV-1 homologue may require virus-induced modification for its activity. We identify the minimal RNA binding domain in hUL47 as a 26-residue N-terminal peptide containing an arginine-rich motif that is essential but not sufficient for optimal RNA binding, and we demonstrate that this RNA binding domain incorporates the hUL47 minimal nuclear localization signal. In addition, we show that soon after hUL47 is expressed during infection, it colocalizes in the infected cell nucleus with ICP4, the major virus transcriptional activator. Using RNA immunoprecipitations, we demonstrate that hUL47 is also bound in vivo to at least one viral transcript, the ICP0 mRNA. Taken together, these results suggest that hUL47 may play a role in RNA biogenesis in the infected cell.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

2'-O-[2-[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl] modified oligonucleotides: symbiosis of charge interaction factors and stereoelectronic effects.

[structure: see text] Oligonucleotides with a novel, 2'-O-[2-[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxy]ethyl] (2'-O-DMAEOE) modification have been synthesized. This modification, a cationic analogue of the 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2'-O-MOE) modification, exhibits high binding affinity to target RNA (but not to DNA) and exceptional resistance to nuclease degradation. Analysis of the crystal structure of a self-complementary oligonucleotide containing a single 2'-O-DMAEOE modification explains the importance of charge factors and gauche effects on the observed antisense properties. 2'-O-DMAEOE modified oligonucleotides are ideal candidates for antisense drugs.

Animals↗

In vitro transcription of transfer RNAs with 3'-end modifications.

It is difficult to modify the 3'-end of RNA transcribed in vitro from recombinant plasmid or phagemid DNA because of the need to retain a restriction endonuclease recognition site at the downstream end of the template in order to linearize the DNA before transcription. To avoid limitations on the 3'-sequence of RNA transcripts, we have modified a template-containing phagemid by inserting a FokI site outside the RNA gene sequence, positioned to cleave the template DNA to yield the desired 3' terminus. We demonstrate that this phagemid is an efficient template for tRNA transcription and use it to prepare mutants of Escherichia coli tRNA(Val) with modifications at the 3'-CCA end. Phagemids containing a FokI site should be suitable for in vitro transcription of large quantities of RNA of any length and with an unlimited variety of 3'-terminal sequences.

Base Sequence↗

Ultrasound-accelerated formalin fixation of tissue improves morphology, antigen and mRNA preservation.

Formalin fixation and paraffin embedding are conventional tissue preservation and processing methods used for histologic diagnosis in over 90% of cases. However, formalin fixation has three disadvantages: (1) slow fixation (16-24 h) hinders intraoperative decision making, (2) slow quenching of enzymatic activity causes RNA degradation, and (3) extensive molecule modification affects protein antigenicity. Applying high-frequency, high-intensity ultrasound to the formalin fixative cuts fixation time to 5-15 min. Fixation of various tissues such as lymph node, brain, breast, and prostate suggests that, compared to the conventional method, implementation of ultrasound retains superior and more uniform tissue morphology preservation. Less protein antigenicity is altered so that rapid immunohistochemical reactions occur with higher sensitivity and intensity, reducing the need for antigen retrieval pretreatment. Better RNA preservation results in stronger signals in in situ hybridization and longer RNA fragments extracted from fixed tissues, probably due to rapid inhibition of endogenous RNase activity. Molecules extracted from ultrasound-fixed tissues are of greater integrity and quantity compared to conventionally fixed tissues, and thus better support downstream molecular analyses. Overall, ultrasound-facilitated tissue preservation can provide rapid and improved morphological and molecular preservation to better accommodate both traditional and molecular diagnoses.

Antigens↗

Fluorescent modification of the cysteine 202 residue of Escherichia coli transcription termination factor rho.

The lone cysteine residue (Cys-202) of transcription termination factor rho has been modified with the sulfhydryl-specific dyes 5-iodoacetamidofluorescein and 5-(2-[iodoacetyl)amino)ethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid. Labeling with both dyes is specific for the Cys-202 residue and is at least 90% complete. Rho protein is an RNA-dependent ATPase and exists as a hexamer of identical subunits in its activated (RNA-liganded) form. We find that chemical modification of rho at Cys-202 does not significantly change the properties of the protein; subunit assembly, RNA binding, and poly(rC)-activated ATP hydrolysis are all relatively unperturbed by the covalent attachment of these fluorescent moieties. On the other hand, the spectral, quenching, and anisotropy properties of the fluorescent groups are all significantly modified by attachment to the protein. No energy transfer is seen between fluorescein-labeled subunits within rho hexamers, indicating that the Cys-202 residues on these subunits are located at least 40 A apart. These fluorescently labeled rho molecules should represent useful probes to study the conformations and inter- and intrasubunit geometries of this termination factor at various stages of its interaction with nascent RNA transcripts.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Estimating the contributions of selection and self-organization in RNA secondary structure.

In addition to characteristic structural properties imposed by evolutionary modification, evolved, single-stranded RNAs also display characteristic structural properties imposed by intrinsic physical constraints on RNA polymer folding. The balance of intrinsic and functionally selected characters in the folded conformation of evolved secondary structures was determined by comparing the predicted secondary structures of evolved and unevolved (random) RNA sequences. Though evolved conformations are significantly more ordered than conformations of random-sequence RNA, this analysis demonstrates that the majority of conformational order within evolved structures results not from evolutionary optimization but from constraints imposed by rules intrinsic to RNA polymer folding.

Algorithms↗

Polynucleotides compensate for impaired T-dependent antibody production induced in C57B1/6 mice by a nucleotide-free diet both in vivo and in vitro, but a mononucleotide-nucleoside mixture is effective only in vivo.

Actions of nucleotides on in vitro humoral immune responses were studied in mice fed a nucleotide-free diet, a nucleotide-free diet plus a mononucleotide-nucleoside mixture or a nucleotide-free diet plus yeast RNA (polynucleotides). Cultured spleen cells from mice fed a nucleotide-free diet produced fewer numbers of antibody-secreting cells in response to a T-dependent antigen, compared with those from controls fed nucleotide-supplemented diets. Immunoglobulin M concentrations in these supernatants were significantly lower in cultured cells from mice fed the nucleotide-free diet or the nucleotide-free diet plus the mononucleotide/nucleoside mixture compared with concentrations in cells from mice fed the nucleotide-free diet plus RNA. Concanavalin A-potentiated cytokine (interleukin-4 and interleukin-5) production by purified T helper cells was also lower in cultured cells from mice fed a nucleotide-free diet than in those from mice fed nucleotide-supplemented diets. In vivo supplementation with the mononucleotide/nucleoside mixture restored impaired in vitro antibody and concanavalin A-potentiated cytokine production in mice fed a nucleotide-free diet. However, addition of RNA to the culture enhanced antibody production in spleen cells from mice of all diet groups. Supplementing the culture with RNA did not enhance mitogen-potentiated cytokine production. This in vitro action of RNA was retained after the removal of oligonucleotides (molecular weight < 1000), but was reduced by modification of bases and cleavage of phosphodiester bonds of RNA. Thus the in vitro action of RNA is mainly attributed to polynucleotides, indicating their potential role in modulation of local humoral immune responses in the body.

Animals↗