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Characterization of the Fad12 mutant of Synechocystis that is defective in delta 12 acyl-lipid desaturase activity.

The Fad12 mutant of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has a defect in the desA gene for delta 12 acyl-lipid desaturase. We identified a change in the nucleotide sequence of the structural gene for the desaturase, in which a leucine codon has been converted to a stop codon. Western blot analysis revealed that the delta 12 acyl-lipid desaturase was localized in both plasma membranes and thylakoid membranes of wild-type cells but was absent from both types of membrane in Fad12 cells. These findings suggest that the desaturation of fatty acids takes place in both types of membrane in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The mutation in the delta 12 desaturase did not affect the lipid composition of thylakoid and plasma membranes, but it changed the fatty acid composition of lipids in similar ways in both types of membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular basis of spontaneous mutation at the aprt locus of hamster cells.

Mutations occurring spontaneously at the hamster aprt locus were examined at the base-pair level by amplifying target sequences using the polymerase chain reaction and then directly sequencing the double-stranded products. In a collection of 89 sequenced genes, all types of mutations were found, with transitions (mostly G.C to A.T) constituting the largest class (35%), transversions accounting for 27%, and small deletions/duplications for 25%. Simple base substitutions were distributed throughout the aprt structural gene with few sites having recurring mutations and G.C base-pairs being the predominant substitution target. Small deletions, on the other hand, were not distributed so evenly, being concentrated in a region of aprt rich in short direct and inverted repeat sequences. The base substitutions were predominantly missense, while about 10% produced nonsense codons. Splice junctions, and start and stop codons were also significant targets for mutation. No alterations were detected in three aprt-deficient strains after sequencing all exons and substantial upstream and downstream regions.

Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase↗

Two consecutive nucleotide substitutions resulting in the T3 receptor beta gene resulting in an 11-amino acid truncation in a patient with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone.

We identified unusual mutations in the T3 receptor (TR) beta gene in a 6-year-old Japanese girl with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone. Two consecutive base substitutions, T to A and C to A at nucleotide positions 1637 and 1638, respectively, changed the 451st codon coding for Phe(TTC) to stop codon (TAA), resulting in an 11-amino acid carboxyl(C)-terminus truncation. The patient was a heterozygote. Western blotting using an anti-TR antibody demonstrated the truncated receptor protein. The patient showed severe mental retardation (IQ41), disturbance in speech development, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Thyroid functional status by clinical evaluation was considered within the normal range in spite of high serum thyroid hormone levels (T4 725.9 nmol/l, T3 12.7 nmol/l, FT4 166.0 pmol/l). TSH increased from 0.6 to 24 mU/L after TRH (150 micrograms) injection. TSH secretion as well as 123I-uptake was suppressed only partially by T3 (75 micrograms/day for a week). Close examination of thyroid functions and TR beta gene analysis were not possible in the family, except for paternal grandmother and one of her two sisters who showed no abnormality. The patient's truncated TR beta showed very low T3 binding activity (Ka = 0.1 x 10-10 M), transcriptional activity, and a very strong dominant negative effect. When co-expressed with wild-type TR beta at the molar ratio 1:1 in CV-1 cells, the mutant receptor inhibited the wild-type TR beta transcriptional activity by 74% at 10 nM T3. Even 1 microM T3 could not normalize these impaired functions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and complete nucleotide sequence of the Bacillus stearothermophilus tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase gene.

The Bacillus stearothermophilus NCA 1503 tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase (WTS; EC 6.1.1.2) gene has been cloned in Escherichia coli and the amino acid (aa) sequence of the enzyme deduced unequivocally from the DNA sequence of the cloned gene. The predicted aa sequence of the WTS enzyme agrees with the previously determined aa sequence except that the DNA sequence indicates a third Arg residue at the C terminus of the enzyme over the two Arg residues indicated by sequencing the protein itself. The trpS gene consists of a 984-bp open reading frame commencing with an ATG start codon and ending with a TAA stop codon. Putative transcriptional promoters, a Shine-Dalgarno sequence and a transcription terminator have been identified. Thus the trpS gene probably constitutes a single transcriptional unit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conserved reiterated domains in Clostridium thermocellum endoglucanases are not essential for catalytic activity.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the Clostridium thermocellum celE gene, coding for an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (endoglucanase E; EGE) with xylan-hydrolysing activity has been determined. The structural gene consists of an open reading frame (ORF) of 2442 bp commencing with a GTG start codon and followed by a TAA stop codon. The nucleotide sequence obtained has been confirmed by comparing the predicted amino acid sequence with that derived by N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the purified protein. The EGE sequence contains a region homologous to the reiterated domain found at the C terminus of other endoglucanases from the same organism. BAL 31 deletions of the structural gene have revealed the extent to which this conserved sequence is necessary for endoglucanase and xylanase activity. A region of DNA, upstream from the structural gene has also been sequenced and a ribosome-binding site and putative promoter sequences have been identified. A second ORF which ends 349 bp 5' to the GTG start codon of the celE gene has also been identified. The encoded product contains a C terminus homologous to other C. thermocellum endoglucanases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An alternative sigma factor controls transcription of flagellar class-III operons in Escherichia coli: gene sequence, overproduction, purification and characterization.

Based on the studies of the FliA protein in Bacillus subtilis (Bs) and Salmonella typhimurium (St), the Escherichia coli (Ec) fliA gene has been proposed to encode a flagellar-specific sigma factor, sigma 28. In this study, the complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of Ec fliA was determined. The fliA coding region consists of 717 nt starting with a GTG start codon and ending with a TAA stop codon. The gene product is predicted to be 239 amino acids (26,435 Da). Sequence comparison between Ec FliA and the sigma 28 of St revealed 93.7% identity. Gene fliA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, subcloned into expression vector pT7-7, and overexpressed. The overproduced 28-kDa FliA protein, recognized by the St anti-sigma 28 antibody, was purified to homogeneity. The purified protein was able to initiate transcription from the tar promoter in the presence of RNP core enzyme. We conclude that FliA functions as an alternative sigma factor sigma 28 which is specific for flagellar operons in Ec.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tools for the genetic analysis of Mycoplasma.

The mycoplasmas have attracted much scientific attention since they contain the smallest known genomes of any independently viable bacterial species. However, the detailed genetic analysis of these bacteria has lagged behind the well-analyzed bacterial model organisms for a long time. This is due to the use of the UGA codon for tryptophan rather than as stop codon, which had often prevented the expression of full-length Mycoplasma proteins in heterologous hosts. Additionally, insufficient efficiency of homologous recombination prevented the targeted disruption of genes in some species such as M. pneumoniae whereas homologous recombination is operative in other mycoplasmas. Only recently, efficient screening systems for the use of transposon-based mutagenesis have been developed to circumvent this problem and to allow the targeted isolation of desired transposon insertion mutants. With the availability of several Mycoplasma genome sequences, artificial plasmids based on the chromosomal origin of replication were constructed that can now be used for complementation studies and for the stable introduction of foreign genetic material. In this review, we give an overview on recent developments in Mycoplasma genetics that facilitate the genetic manipulation of these interesting organisms.

Codon↗

Cloning and characterization of the glycogen branching enzyme gene existing in tandem with the glycogen debranching enzyme from Pectobacterium chrysanthemi PY35.

The glycogen branching enzyme gene (glgB) from Pectobacterium chrysanthemi PY35 was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The glgB gene consisted of an open reading frame of 2196bp encoding a protein of 731 amino acids (calculated molecular weight of 83,859Da). The glgB gene is upstream of glgX and the ORF starts the ATG initiation codon and ends with the TGA stop codon at 2bp upstream of glgX. The enzyme was 43-69% sequence identical with other glycogen branching enzymes. The enzyme is the most similar to GlgB of E. coli and contained the four regions conserved among the alpha-amylase family. The glycogen branching enzyme (GlgB) was purified and the molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 84kDa by SDS-PAGE. The glycogen branching enzyme was optimally active at pH 7 and 30 degrees C.

1,4-alpha-Glucan Branching Enzyme↗

A novel sex-determining region on Y (SRY) nonsense mutation identified in a 45,X/47,XYY female.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an SRY mutation participated in the phenotypic outcome in the case of a 45,X/47,XYY female. DESIGN: Analysis of genomic DNA for mutations in SRY. SETTING: An academic teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): A family that included one phenotypic female with 45,X/47,XYY mosaicism. INTERVENTION(S): Extraction of DNA, polymerase chain reaction analysis, nucleotide sequencing, and restriction enzyme analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Comparison of control and subject DNA sequences. RESULT(S): The patient demonstrated one nucleotide (thymine, T) deletion at position 422, leading to a frame-shift mutation. This mutation changes the codon for Tyr (TAT) to a stop codon (TAG) within the open reading frame just upstream of a conserved DNA-binding motif. Neither other mutations nor nucleotide mosaicisms were found in the remaining regions of the gene. This mutation was not present in the patient's normal father. CONCLUSION(S): The mutant SRY may be assumed to induce a nonfunctional SRY-coded protein that lacks a DNA-binding motif. These results explain the phenotypic female and the gonadal dysgenesis in the 45,X/ 47,XYY sex-reversed offspring.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Contribution of germline MLH1 and MSH2 mutations to lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is an unusual histological pattern of non-invasive neoplastic disease of the breast occurring predominantly in women aged between 40 and 50 years. LCIS is frequently multicentric and bilateral suggesting a genetic basis to the disease. The high frequency of microsatellite instability in lobular breast cancers, coupled with increased risk of breast cancer associated with germline mismatch repair gene mutations raises the possibility that mutations MSH2 or MLH1 might confer susceptibility to LCIS. To explore this possibility we have examined a series of 71 LCIS patients for germline MSH2 and MLH1 mutations. No mutations were detected in MSH2. Two sequence variants were identified in MLH1. The first was a CTT-->CAT substitution, codon 607 (exon 16) changing leucine to histidine. The other mutation detected in MLH1 was a TAC-->TAA substitution codon 750 (exon 19) creating a stop codon, predicted to generate a truncated protein. These findings suggest that mutations in MLH1 may underlie a subset of LCIS cases.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Novel mutation in the TSC2 gene associated with prenatally diagnosed cardiac rhabdomyomas and cerebral tuberous sclerosis.

Cardiac rhabdomyomas are prenatal echocardiographic markers for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is caused by mutations in the genes TSC1 and TSC2. We report a 28-year-old, gravida 5, para 2, woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy until prenatal ultrasound at 34 weeks' gestation revealed fetal cardiac tumors. Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 36 weeks' gestation showed cardiac rhabdomyomas and small subependymal tubers. At 39 weeks' gestation, a 2,262 g female infant was delivered uneventfully. Postnatal echocardiography confirmed cardiac rhabdomyomas and MRI verified small cerebral subependymal tubers. Mutational analysis of TSC1 and TSC2 genes using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing of the genes was performed and revealed that the parents had wildtype DNA, while the proband was heterozygous for a novel de novo nonsense mutation, c.4830G >A, in exon 36 of the TSC2 gene, resulting in a change of codon 1610 TGG (tryptophan) to TGA (stop codon). The mutation predicted a W1610X premature termination of the tuberin protein. These findings support an association between a TSC2 de novo nonsense mutation and prenatally detected cardiac rhabdomyomas and cerebral tuberous sclerosis. Familial molecular analysis of TSC1 and TSC2 in cases with prenatally diagnosed cardiac rhabdomyomas and cerebral tuberous sclerosis lesions is helpful in prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Adult↗

A novel nonsense mutation in the ligand binding domain of the vitamin D receptor causes hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets.

Hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a genetic disorder most often caused by mutations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR). In this report, we present our findings on a young girl who exhibited the typical clinical features of HVDRR with early onset rickets, hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and elevated serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)]. The patient also had total body alopecia. Fibroblasts from the patient were cultured for analysis of the VDR structure and function. In [3H]1,25(OH)(2)D(3) binding assays, no significant specific binding to the VDR was observed in cytosols from the patient's fibroblasts. The patient's fibroblast were also totally resistant to high doses of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) as demonstrated by their failure to induce expression of the 24-hydroxylase gene, a marker of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) activity. DNA sequence analysis of the VDR gene uncovered a unique C to T mutation in exon 8. The mutation changed the codon for glutamine to a premature stop codon at amino acid 317 (Q317X). Restriction enzyme analysis showed that the patient was homozygous for the mutation. Both parents were heterozygous for the mutant allele. In conclusion, we have identified a novel mutation in the VDR, Q317X, as the molecular defect in a patient with HVDRR. The Q317X mutation deletes 110 amino acids of the ligand-binding domain of the VDR and results in the loss of [3H]1,25(OH)(2)D(3) binding and target gene transactivation.

Child, Preschool↗

Site-specific insertion of spin-labeled L-amino acids in Xenopus oocytes.

Site-specific insertion of modified amino acids in proteins expressed in living cells is an emerging field holding great promise for elucidating protein structure-function relationships, expression levels, localization, and activation states in a complex milieu. To evaluate the efficiency of amino acids modified to carry either a nitroxide spin probe or a fluorescence probe, we have developed a screen using the levels of functional luciferase protein expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Natural and modified amino acids were targeted to position 14 in firefly luciferase using an amber mutation or introducing the four-codon nucleotide GGGU. Using the amber stop codon, the incorporation efficiencies of injected tRNA charged with the native phenylalanine residue, a fluorescent NBD-alanine, or nitroxide-labeled cysteine and tyrosine amino acids ranged from 1% to 18%. While the NBD-amino acid derivative gave higher incorporation levels, the EPR signals from the spin-labeled amino acids allow for the direct assessment of aminoacylation extent and stability. Applying the four-base codon for the first time in Xenopus oocytes, we found the incorporation efficiencies were significantly lowered compared to results using the three-base amber codon. The studies presented here provide quantitative assessment of protein expression levels when using nonsense suppression to site-specifically label proteins with spectroscopic probes in oocytes. Finally, the effect of a 77-base RNA aptamer known to inhibit the eucaryotic release factor of protein synthesis was tested for its influence on nonsense incorporation in Xenopus oocytes. The combination of A34 and charged suppressor tRNA produced a 3-fold increase in the expressed TAG(14)-luciferase level, compared to the use of charged suppressor tRNA alone.

Alanine↗

Identification of a novel translation factor necessary for the incorporation of selenocysteine into protein.

During the biosynthesis of selenoproteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, selenocysteine is cotranslationally incorporated into the nascent polypeptide chain through a process directed by a UGA codon that normally functions as a stop codon. Recently, four genes have been identified whose products are required for selenocysteine incorporation in Escherichia coli. One of these genes, selC, codes for a novel transfer RNA species (tRNAUCA) that accepts serine and cotranslationally inserts selenocysteine by recognizing the specific UGA codon. The serine residue attached to this tRNA is converted to selenocysteine in a reaction dependent on functional selA and selD gene products. By contrast, the selB gene product (SELB) is not required until after selenocysteyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Here we present evidence indicating that SELB is a novel translation factor. The deduced amino-acid sequence of SELB exhibits extensive homology with the sequences of the translation initiation factor-2 (IF-2) and elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). Furthermore, purified SELB protein binds guanine nucleotides in a 1:1 molar ratio and specifically complexes selenocysteyl-tRNAUCA, but does not interact with seryl-tRNAUCA. Thus, SELB could be an amino acid-specific elongation factor, replacing EF-Tu in a special translational step.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mutations in the codon for a conserved arginine-1563 in the COL4A5 collagen gene in Alport syndrome.

We have screened 110 unrelated Alport syndrome kindreds for mutations in the exon 48 region of the COL4A5 collagen gene. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the PCR-amplified region of exon 48 revealed sequence variants in DNA from affected males and carriers of three unrelated kindreds. All three kindreds have classical Alport syndrome of the juvenile type. DNA-sequencing analyses demonstrated two different single base changes in the codon for arginine-1563 located in exon 48. In Utah kindred 2103, there was a substitution of C by T resulting in the change of the CGA codon for arginine to the translation stop codon TGA. In Utah kindred 2123 and in the Danish kindred A13, there was a C-->T mutation in the noncoding strand changing the same codon to CAA for glutamine. Both mutations were confirmed by allele-specific hybridization on PCR-amplified DNA from other family members.

Adult↗

Congenital deficiency of alpha feto-protein.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the main fetus serum glycoprotein with a very low concentration in the adult. AFP deficiency is a rare phenomenon. We studied two families with congenital AFP deficiency and searched for mutations in the AFP gene. We identified one mutation of 2 base deletion in exon 8, in both families, that leads to the congenital deficiency of AFP. The mutation nt930-931delCT (T294fs25X) creates a frameshift after codon 294 that leads to a stop codon after 24 amino acids, thus truncating the normal length of AFP of 609 amino acids. All the affected children were found to be homozygous for the mutation as was one of the fathers. The affected individuals were asymptomatic and presented normal development. This first identification of a mutation in the AFP gene demonstrates for the first time that deficiency of AFP is compatible with human normal fetal development and further reproduction in males.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and analysis of the dog keratin 9 (KRT9) gene.

We have identified the gene coding for the canine ortholog of the human keratin 9 protein using the inverse-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy. Sequence comparison and structure analysis of the gene show marked similarity with the human gene. This gene spans about 7 kb and spreads over eight exons. In the dog gene, the reading frame is extended by 20 codons, the first in-frame stop codon being in exon 8 in the dog rather than in exon 7 as in humans. Alignment of human and dog predicted amino acid sequences confirms the high analogy, reaching 75% identity and 95% similarity in the rod domain. Interestingly, the glycine-loop motif number in the C-terminal V2 variable subdomain of the protein increases from 19 in human to 43 in dog, generating a size difference of 12 kDa between the two proteins. Due to its restricted expression pattern in mammalian epidermis, dog keratin 9 gene was a good candidate gene for the genetic palmoplantar hyperkeratosis observed in the Dogue de Bordeaux. However, no polymorphism associated with the pathology was detected within an affected Dogue de Bordeaux pedigree ruling out this hypothesis.

Animals↗

The nrfI gene is essential for the attachment of the active site haem group of Wolinella succinogenes cytochrome c nitrite reductase.

The cytochrome c nitrite reductase complex (NrfHA) is the terminal enzyme in the electron transport chain catalysing nitrite respiration of Wolinella succinogenes. The catalytic subunit NrfA is a pentahaem cytochrome c containing an active site haem group which is covalently bound via the cysteine residues of a unique CWTCK motif. The lysine residue serves as the axial ligand of the haem iron. The other four haem groups of NrfA are bound by conventional haem-binding motifs (CXXCH). The nrfHAIJ locus was restored on the genome of the W. succinogenes DeltanrfAIJ deletion mutant by integration of a plasmid, thus enabling the expression of modified alleles of nrfA and nrfI. A mutant (K134H) was constructed which contained a nrfA gene encoding a CWTCH motif instead of CWTCK. NrfA of strain K134H was found to be synthesized with five bound haem groups, as judged by matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Its nitrite reduction activity with reduced benzyl viologen was 40% of the wild-type activity. Ammonia was formed as the only product of nitrite reduction. The mutant did not grow by nitrite respiration and its electron transport activity from formate to nitrite was 5% of that of the wild-type strain. The predicted nrfI gene product is similar to proteins involved in system II cytochrome c biogenesis. A mutant of W. succinogenes (stopI) was constructed that contained a nrfHAIJ gene cluster with the nrfI codons 47 and 48 altered to stop codons. The NrfA protein of this mutant did not catalyse nitrite reduction and lacked the active site haem group, whereas the other four haem groups were present. Mutant (K134H/stopI) which contained the K134H modification in NrfA in addition to the inactivated nrfI gene had essentially the same properties as strain K134H. NrfA from strain K134H/stopI contained five haem groups. It is concluded that NrfI is involved in haem attachment to the CWTCK motif in NrfA but not to any of the CXXCH motifs. The nrfI gene is obviously dispensable for maturation of a modified NrfA protein containing a CWTCH motif instead of CWTCK. Therefore, NrfI might function as a specific haem lyase that recognizes the active site lysine residue of NrfA. A similar role has been proposed for NrfE, F and G of Escherichia coli, although these proteins share no overall sequence similarity to NrfI and belong to system I cytochrome c biogenesis, which differs fundamentally from system II.

Amino Acid Substitution↗