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Alternative splicing of the human VEGFGR-3/FLT4 gene as a consequence of an integrated human endogenous retrovirus.

The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3/FLT4) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in response to the binding of the ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Mutations in VEGFR-3 have been identified in patients with primary lymphoedema. It has been noted previously that whilst in the mouse there is only a single Vegfr-3 transcript, in humans there are two transcripts of 5.8 and 4.5 kb, of which the shorter encodes a protein that lacks the C-terminal 65 amino acids. These two isoforms also differ in their biological activity. Analysis of the human VEGFR-3 cDNA and genomic sequence reveals that these two isoforms arise by alternative splicing of the terminal exons. The shorter transcript is generated by splicing into the long terminal repeat of a human endogenous retrovirus located between the last two exons, thus explaining the lack of the shorter transcript in the mouse. The retention of the retroviral sequences in the FLT4 locus suggests that this retrotransposition event has contributed significant additional function to this gene. This provides support for a role for integrated retroviruses in modulating gene activity and participating in evolutionary processes.

Alternative Splicing↗

Mycobacteriophage L5 integrase-mediated site-specific integration in vitro.

Mycobacteriophage L5, a temperate phage of the mycobacteria, forms stable lysogens in Mycobacterium smegmatis via site-specific integration of the phage genome. Recombination occurs within specific phage and bacterial attachment sites and is catalyzed by the phage-encoded integrase protein in vivo. We describe here the overexpression and purification of L5 integrase and its ability to mediate integrative recombination in vitro. We find that L5 integrase-mediated recombination is greatly stimulated by extracts of M. smegmatis but not by Escherichia coli extracts, purified E. coli integration host factor, or purified HU, indicating the presence of a novel mycobacterial integration host factor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Coexistence of episomal and integrated HPV16 DNA in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

AIMS: To investigate the integration of human papillomavirus (HPV)16 in 13 HPV16 positive cervical squamous carcinomas. METHODS: Samples were investigated by Southern blot analysis of the Pst I digestion pattern, two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, and in situ hybridisation. RESULTS: Integration of HPV16 was found in all cases. In 12 biopsy specimens episomal HPV16 DNA and integrated HPV16 DNA were seen. The episomal DNA occurred as dimers and multimers. In situ hybridisation showed that both integrated and episomal HPV16 DNA were present in the same cell in most tumour cell nuclei. CONCLUSIONS: An intact episomal E2 gene is present in most cases of these cervical cancers, and could therefore replace the regulatory function of an integrated defective E2 gene.

Blotting, Southern↗

Infection of preimplantation mouse embryos and of newborn mice with leukemia virus: tissue distribution of viral DNA and RNA and leukemogenesis in the adult animal.

Explanted mouse embryos derived from low leukemia incidence strains were infected with Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) at the 4-8 cell stage of development. After cultivation in vitro to the blastocyst stage, the embryos were surgically transferred to the uteri of pseudo-pregnant surrogate mothers. Of 15 animals born, one developed a leukemia at 8 weeks of age. When autopsied, this leukemia was found to be of the lymphatic type, as is typical for the M-MuLV-induced disease. In addition, infectious M-MuLV virus was isolated from the serum. Molecular hybridization tests for the presence of M-MuLV-specific sequences were conducted on DNA and RNA extracted from eight different organs. The DNA-DNA reannealing experiments revealed the presence of two classes of M-MuLV-specific sequences in equal concentrations in all tissues tested. The less abundant class of M-MuLV-specific sequences was not detected in tissues from uninfected animals or in non-target tissues of leukemic animals infected at birth. The results are consistent with the working hypothesis that the virus was integrated in all cells of the animal, possibly including the germ line. Fifty to 100 times more M-MuLV-specific RNA was detected in tumor tissues than was found in non-target organs such as liver, brain, and testes. Since all organs contained the same amount of virus-specific DNA, these results indicate that the M-MuLV-specific DNA can be differentially expressed in different tissues.

Animals↗

Detection of integration during active replication of hepatitis B virus in the liver.

A method is described that enables the unequivocal detection of the integration of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) into the genomic DNA of the host cell, while at the same time the virus exhibits active replication. This detection was achieved by separating the low molecular weight replicating HBV-DNA from the high molecular weight genomic DNA of the host by electrophoresis of the total undigested cellular DNA through low melting agarose. The high molecular weight DNA was isolated from this gel and electrophoresed after digestion with restriction enzyme(s) on a second agarose gel. Transfer of the DNA content of both gels and hybridization of these blots with 32P-labelled HBV-DNA will reveal whether any integrated and/or actively replicating DNA is present. By using this method the presence of a single copy of HBV-DNA integrated in host DNA was demonstrated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue of a patient with active HBV replication.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Mobilization and aggregation of integral membrane proteins in erythrocytes induced by interaction with influenza virus at acidic pH.

Effect of influenza virus on erythrocyte membranes was investigated by electron microscopy and fluorescence photobleaching recovery measurements. The virus induced mobilization of integral proteins in erythrocyte membrane at acidic pH, where it fused with the cell membrane to cause hemolysis and also cell fusions but not at neutral pH. At lower temperatures (e.g., 4 degrees C), the proteins aggregated in the membrane and, consequently, large protein-free lipid bilayer area was produced. At higher temperatures (e.g., 37 degrees C) the protein distribution became randomized. Spectrin meshwork underneath the erythrocyte membrane was also markedly modified by the virus at acidic pH. Diffuse fibril structure was converted into dense spots and the membrane area lacking the fibril structure was produced. Isolated hemagglutinin rosettes also caused mobilization and aggregation of the integral proteins at acidic pH but to smaller extent than that induced by virus. The membrane perturbation detected as the protein mobilization by the action of hemagglutinin was assigned to be the cause for envelope fusion.

Blood Proteins↗

Organization and integration sites in the human genome of endogenous retroviral sequences belonging to HERV-E family.

The present paper reports the characterization of HERV-E endogenous retroviral sequences in the human genome by using three complementary approaches. Firstly, we identified genomic clones containing HERV-E by BLAST screening of human DNA databases by using the entire sequence of a characterized HERV-E clone (M10976) as a query. The genomic structure and integration sites of the HERV-E elements were characterized. Secondly, new integration sites of HERV-E elements were revealed by a retroviral LTR-arbitrary primer-PCR (RELAP-PCR) technique. BLAST analysis of the PCR products identified a subgroup that shows low identity (75%) to the original clone M10976 and slightly higher identity (80%) to a closely related HERV-E (Ac. n. K02166). Finally, we performed FISH mapping, which revealed sites of integration of HERV-E not previously identified at the cytogenetic level. A preliminary analysis of genes mapping in the same bands as HERV-E integration sites was performed: several loci relevant to physiological and/or pathological processes were detected. Our findings may provide clues to identify HERV-E integration sites adjacent to genes with important biological roles.

Chromosome Mapping↗

A highly efficient and stable system for site-specific integration of genes and plasmids into the phage phiLC3 attachment site (attB) of the Lactococcus lactis chromosome.

An integration vector system based on the site-specific integration apparatus of the temperate lactococcal bacteriophage phiLC3 was developed. A 1.6-kb recombinogenic DNA cassette, containing the phiLC3 integrase gene (int) and the phage attachment site (attP), mediated site-specific integration of a single marker-gene, as well as of a replication-thermosensitive (-ts) plasmid (pINT2), into the phiLC3 attB site of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LM0230 chromosome after introduction of the DNA into the cells by electroporation. Both the marker gene and the pINT2 plasmid were stably inserted as single copies in an orientation-specific and integrase-dependent manner, the pINT2-ts replicon being stably maintained at temperatures both permissive and non-permissive for plasmid-directed replication. Essentially all transformants obtained with the pINT2 plasmid appeared to be integrants, demonstrating the remarkably high efficiency of the system. This high efficiency rendered possible the detection of transformation-plus-integration events using DNA directly obtained from ligase reaction mixtures, thus avoiding initial subcloning in a non-lactococcal strain and subsequent cointegration of foreign replication functions into the chromosome of L. lactis. The above results, the observation that the phiLC3 attB site appear to be conserved in L. lactis, and the fact that the int-attP cassette functions efficiently in a non-phiLC3-host strain, show that the phiLC3 site-specific integration apparatus provides an efficient and 'food grade' tool for stable integration of genetic elements into the chromosome of L. lactis.

Bacteriophages↗

Bacteriophage P22 transduction of integrated plasmids: single-step cloning of Salmonella typhimurium gene fusions.

Transcriptional fusions to Salmonella typhimurium chromosomal genes were constructed by integration of a suicide fusion vector into the chromosome by homologous recombination with random cloned chromosomal fragments. We describe here a transductional method using the generalized transducing phage of S. typhimurium, P22, to clone these fusions directly from the bacterial chromosome, in a single step, without the use of restriction enzymes. In this transduction, the phage packages the chromosomal fragment containing the integrated plasmid. Once introduced into the recipient, the plasmid circularizes by homologous recombination between the duplicated region determined by the cloned fragment. Although RecA mediates the majority of these events, the plasmid can circularize in a recA recipient. However, in this case, the event occurs at a much lower frequency and only when the transduction is done at a high multiplicity of infection. In addition to integrated fusion constructs, we also show that autonomously replicating low-copy-number plasmids can be transduced. In this case, transduction is dependent on homologous recombination between the plasmid and the donor chromosome via cloned sequences, in which the transducing particle effectively traps the integrated plasmid.

Bacteriophage P22↗

A recurrent human papillomavirus integration site at chromosome region 12q14-q15 in SW756 and SK-v cell lines derived from genital tumors.

The SW756 cell line, derived from an invasive cancer of the uterine cervix, harbours integrated human papillomavirus (HPV) 18 DNA sequences which have been located in chromosome band 12q13. By in situ hybridization experiments with tritiated and digoxigenin-labelled HPV18 probes on R-banded chromosomes, we now localize the integrated viral sequences in 12q14-q15. Interestingly, we have previously localized integrated HPV16 sequences in the same chromosomal region in SK-v cells, derived from a pre-invasive vulvar neoplasia. The chromosomal region 12q14-q15 could thus correspond to a preferential site for the integration of HPV DNA in genital tumors.

Cell Line↗

Avian leukosis virus-induced tumors have common proviral integration sites and synthesize discrete new RNAs: oncogenesis by promoter insertion.

Unlike other RNA tumor viruses, avian leukosis viruses (which cause lymphomas and occasionally other neoplasms) lack discrete "transforming genes". We have analyzed the virus-related DNA and RNA of avian leukosis virus (ALV)-induced tumors in an attempt to gain insight into the mechanism of ALV oncogenesis. Our results show that viral gene products are not required for maintenance of neoplastic transformation. Primary and metastatic tumors are clonal and thus presumably derived from a single infected cell. Most importantly, tumors from different birds have integration sites in common. Tumor cells synthesize discrete new poly(A) RNAs consisting of viral sequences covalently linked to cellular sequences. These RNA species are expressed at high levels in tumor cells. Our results suggest that in lymphoid tumors, an ALV provirus is integrated adjacent to a specific cellular gene, and the insertion of the viral promoter adjacent to this gene results in its enhanced expression, leading to neoplasia. These results have potentially important implications for the mechanism of non-viral carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

An aberrant avian leukosis virus provirus inserted downstream from the chicken c-myc coding sequence in a bursal lymphoma results from intrachromosomal recombination between two proviruses and deletion of cellular DNA.

A chicken bursal lymphoma, LL6, contains avian leukosis virus DNA integrated 3' of the c-myc coding sequences, unlike all other examined bursal lymphomas, which have integrations 5' to c-myc. To better understand this unusual mutation, we examined a molecular clone containing the LL6 c-myc gene and determined the structure of the proviral insertion by DNA sequencing. Viral DNA begins 575 base pairs downstream of the c-myc coding sequences within the untranslated region, disrupting the use of the normal polyadenylation signal. An internal deletion of the provirus extends from within U3 in the 5' long terminal repeat to within the gp37-coding region of the env gene, disabling virus replication and protein synthesis. Both host-virus boundaries appear normal with respect to the site in viral DNA which is joined to host DNA; both long terminal repeats lack the terminal dinucleotide found in unintegrated DNA. However, in contrast to normal integrations, the six bases of cellular sequence at the 5' junction are not repeated at the 3' junction. The DNA sequences immediately downstream of the LL6 recombinant provirus are not part of the c-myc gene; they originate from the same chromosome as c-myc, but at least 15 kilobases (kb) away. In addition, DNA sequences normally residing 3' of c-myc are deleted in LL6. In summary, these results imply that the LL6 provirus is the result of recombination between two proviruses; that both proviruses were originally downstream of c-myc in the same orientation and separated by at least 15 kb; and that the recombination event was preceded, accompanied, or followed by an internal proviral deletion. No transcript could be detected within a 20-kb region downstream of the LL6 provirus, leaving unresolved the question of whether the additional chromosomal alterations make a specific contribution to LL6 tumorigenesis.

Animals↗

In vitro assays for activities of retroviral integrase.

Integration of retroviral DNA, an essential step during the retroviral life cycle, is mediated by the viral protein integrase. Simple in vitro assays for measuring integrase activities are described, including catalysis (3'-end processing, 3'-end joining, disintegration), juxtaposition of viral DNA ends, DNA binding, and target site selection. The described assays will be useful in elucidating the molecular mechanism of retroviral integration and screening for integrase inhibitors as potential anti-retroviral drugs.

Catalysis↗

Identification of amino acid residues critical for endonuclease and integration activities of HIV-1 IN protein in vitro.

HIV-IN protein, tagged with a hexahistidine tail was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by a one-step nickel chelate affinity chromatography procedure. The purified IN protein was characterized in terms of its endonuclease and integrase properties in vitro. Specific cleavage and integration of HIV U5 LTR ends were observed in the presence of 2-5 mM Mg2+ or Ca2+. In the presence of 2 mM Mn2+, cleavage and integration occurred at additional sites indicating a decreased specificity. The properties of mutant IN proteins were examined in vitro. Deletion of 39 amino acids from the N-terminus and a minimum of 25 residues from the C-terminus impaired IN-mediated cleavage and integration activities. The results of site-directed mutagenesis experiments showed that residues critical for IN function are highly conserved. Mutations of conserved residues Asp64, Pro109, Asp116, and Glu152 adversely affected IN function in vitro. Mutations of nonconserved residues Gly189 and Thr112 had no effect. Mutation of a conserved Thr115 to Ala caused a near complete loss of Mg(2+)-dependent integration activity, but only partially effected endonucleolytic cleavage activity of IN. These results suggest that not all conserved residues are involved in both endonucleolytic cleavage and integration activities of HIV-IN.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Frequency and stability of chromosomal integration of adenovirus vectors.

One of the limitations of adenovirus vectors is the lack of machinery necessary for their integration into host chromosomes, resulting in short-term gene expression in dividing cells. We analyzed frequencies of integration and persistence of gene expression from integrated adenovirus vectors. Both E1-substituted and helper-dependent adenovirus vectors achieved similar integration efficiencies of approximately 10(-3) to 10(-5) per cell, with the helper-dependent vector showing slightly higher efficiencies. In stable cell pools, gene expression of the integrated vector persisted for at least 50 cell divisions without selection. However, some stable cell clones showed changes in gene expression, which were accompanied by structural changes in the integrated vector DNA.

3T3 Cells↗

Genomic neighborhoods for Arabidopsis retrotransposons: a role for targeted integration in the distribution of the Metaviridae.

BACKGROUND: Retrotransposons are an abundant component of eukaryotic genomes. The high quality of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequence makes it possible to comprehensively characterize retroelement populations and explore factors that contribute to their genomic distribution. RESULTS: We identified the full complement of A. thaliana long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements using RetroMap, a software tool that iteratively searches genome sequences for reverse transcriptases and then defines retroelement insertions. Relative ages of full-length elements were estimated by assessing sequence divergence between LTRs: the Pseudoviridae were significantly younger than the Metaviridae. All retroelement insertions were mapped onto the genome sequence and their distribution was distinctly non-uniform. Although both Pseudoviridae and Metaviridae tend to cluster within pericentromeric heterochromatin, this association is significantly more pronounced for all three Metaviridae sublineages (Metavirus, Tat and Athila). Among these, Tat and Athila are strictly associated with pericentromeric heterochromatin. CONCLUSIONS: The non-uniform genomic distribution of the Pseudoviridae and the Metaviridae can be explained by a variety of factors including target-site bias, selection against integration into euchromatin and pericentromeric accumulation of elements as a result of suppression of recombination. However, comparisons based on the age of elements and their chromosomal location indicate that integration-site specificity is likely to be the primary factor determining distribution of the Athila and Tat sublineages of the Metaviridae. We predict that, like retroelements in yeast, the Athila and Tat elements target integration to pericentromeric regions by recognizing a specific feature of pericentromeric heterochromatin.

Arabidopsis↗