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Forces and pressures in DNA packaging and release from viral capsids.

In a previous communication (Kindt et al., 2001) we reported preliminary results of Brownian dynamics simulation and analytical theory which address the packaging and ejection forces involving DNA in bacteriophage capsids. In the present work we provide a systematic formulation of the underlying theory, featuring the energetic and structural aspects of the strongly confined DNA. The free energy of the DNA chain is expressed as a sum of contributions from its encapsidated and released portions, each expressed as a sum of bending and interstrand energies but subjected to different boundary conditions. The equilibrium structure and energy of the capsid-confined and free chain portions are determined, for each ejected length, by variational minimization of the free energy with respect to their shape profiles and interaxial spacings. Numerical results are derived for a model system mimicking the lambda-phage. We find that the fully encapsidated genome is highly compressed and strongly bent, forming a spool-like condensate, storing enormous elastic energy. The elastic stress is rapidly released during the first stage of DNA injection, indicating the large force (tens of pico Newtons) needed to complete the (inverse) loading process. The second injection stage sets in when approximately 1/3 of the genome has been released, and the interaxial distance has nearly reached its equilibrium value (corresponding to that of a relaxed torus in solution); concomitantly the encapsidated genome begins a gradual morphological transformation from a spool to a torus. We also calculate the loading force, the average pressure on the capsid's walls, and the anisotropic pressure profile within the capsid. The results are interpreted in terms of the (competing) bending and interaction components of the packing energy, and are shown to be in good agreement with available experimental data.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Detecting the signature of selection on immune genes in highly structured populations of wild sheep (Ovis dalli).

The confounding effects of population structure complicate efforts to identify regions of the genome under the influence of selection in natural populations. Here we test for evidence of selection in three genes involved in vertebrate immune function - the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), interferon gamma (IFNG) and natural resistance associated macrophage polymorphism (NRAMP) - in highly structured populations of wild thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). We examined patterns of variation at microsatellite loci linked to these gene regions and at the DNA sequence level. Simple Watterson's tests indicated balancing selection at all three gene regions. However, evidence for selection was confounded by population structure, as the Watterson's test statistics from linked markers were not outside of the range of values from unlinked and presumably neutral microsatellites. The translated coding sequences of thinhorn IFNG and NRAMP are fixed and identical to those of domestic sheep (Ovis aries). In contrast, the thinhorn MHC DRB locus shows significant evidence of overdominance through both an excess of nonsynonymous substitution and trans-species polymorphism. The failure to detect balancing selection at microsatellite loci linked to the MHC is likely the result of recombination between the markers and expressed gene regions.

Animals↗

Comprehensive genetic analyses reveal evolutionary distinction of a mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) proposed for delisting from the US Endangered Species Act.

Zapus hudsonius preblei, listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), is one of 12 recognized subspecies of meadow jumping mice found in North America. Recent morphometric and phylogenetic comparisons among Z. h. preblei and neighbouring conspecifics questioned the taxonomic status of selected subspecies, resulting in a proposal to delist the Z. h. preblei from the ESA. We present additional analyses of the phylogeographic structure within Z. hudsonius that calls into question previously published data (and conclusions) and confirms the original taxonomic designations. A survey of 21 microsatellite DNA loci and 1380 base pairs from two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions (control region and cytochrome b) revealed that each Z. hudsonius subspecies is genetically distinct. These data do not support the null hypothesis of a homogeneous gene pool among the five subspecies found within the southwestern portion of the species' range. The magnitude of the observed differentiation was considerable and supported by significant findings for nearly every statistical comparison made, regardless of the genome or the taxa under consideration. Structuring of nuclear multilocus genotypes and subspecies-specific mtDNA haplotypes corresponded directly with the disjunct distributions of the subspecies investigated. Given the level of correspondence between the observed genetic population structure and previously proposed taxonomic classification of subspecies (based on the geographic separation and surveys of morphological variation), we conclude that the nominal subspecies surveyed in this study do not warrant synonymy, as has been proposed for Z. h. preblei, Z. h. campestris, and Z. h. intermedius.

Animals↗

Talking about human genetics within religious frameworks.

Information generated by the Human Genome Project is intended to result in better understanding of genetic variation and disease, affording opportunities to intervene in human health both prior to and after birth. The lay public's construction of meaning associated with these aims, however, has been given little systematic consideration. As God and religion are often invoked as structures to give meaning to technical and scientific discoveries, this project sought to examine public discussions associated with religious frameworks used to talk about human genetics. The results of 17 focus group discussions revealed a range of lay epistemologies that suggest how religious faith may impact individual perceptions, with some consistent differences in discourse for African Americans as compared to European Americans observed. The ethical and practical applications of this information are extended to suggestions for health promotion, care, and counseling.

Adult↗

Sequence variations in the envelope protein of the hepatitis C virus: comparison with partial cDNA sequence of a new variant virus obtained by the polymerase chain reaction.

It has been reported that the envelope region located at the 3' portion of the structural protein coding region is one of the most variable regions at both nucleotide and amino acid sequence levels in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. We cloned HCV cDNA fragments of an envelope protein coding region (HCVNK), which were derived from serum of a Japanese patient with hepatocellular carcinoma and were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. After determining the nucleotide sequence, deduced amino acid sequence of the envelope protein region was compared with those of six HCV strains already published (HCJ1, HCVUS, HCJ4, HCVJH, HCVJ and HCVBK). Homology analysis among the strains revealed that the seven strains were classified into two subtypes; a US subtype (HCJ1 and HCVUS) and a Japanese subtype (HCJ4, HCVJH, HCVJ, HCVBK and HCVNK), since percentage homologies between two subtypes (70.3-77.3%) were significantly lower than those within each subtype (83.9-93.5%). Detailed analysis of the amino acid sequences also indicates that the region at aa246-aa258, tentatively named intersubtype variable region-1, may distinguish the US subtype from the Japanese subtype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Features of primary structure of genes and proteins from passaged variations of measles virus].

Primary structure and proteins of measles virus variants passaged in tissue culture were studied. The findings suggest that genetic determinants responsible for measles virus attenuation are not linked with the genes coding for envelope proteins and nucleoprotein of this virus. However the detected nucleotide substitutions can be considered as the main prerequisites for the appearance of mutations in other regions of viral genome, leading to decrease of virulence for humans.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterizing the impact of plasma protein levels on human brain structure and disorders leveraging integrative multi-omics analysis.

With recent advances in high-throughput proteomic technologies, population-scale plasma proteomics datasets, often linked to extensive genetic and phenotypic information, have become increasingly accessible. Yet the relationships between circulating protein levels, brain imaging phenotypes, and risk for neurological and psychiatric disorders remain largely unexplored. Proteome-wide association studies offer a promising approach for elucidating biological mechanisms that connect genetic variation to complex brain-related traits and diseases. In this study, we integrated protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) from the two largest plasma proteomic resources (the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project [UKB-PPP] and Ferkingstad et al. [deCODE]) with genome-wide association studies of brain imaging-derived phenotypes in UK Biobank using Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses. We identified 120 cis and 20 trans associations between plasma proteins and imaging phenotypes and validated these findings using brain tissue-derived proteomic and transcriptomic datasets. Multivariable Mendelian randomization revealed eleven plasma proteins (coding genes APOE, ARL3, MICB, NSF, RHOC, RSPO3, ENPP2, BTN2A1, EIF2AK3, MRVI1, and OPLAH) with significant direct effects on the risk of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Single-cell expression and pathway enrichment analyses further revealed cell-type-specific effects and distinct biological processes underlying these protein-disease associations. Together, these findings demonstrate robust links between plasma protein variation and brain structure, delineate protein-disease pathways, and highlight the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to neurobiological diversity and pathology.

Journal Article↗

Genetic diversity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation of Arachis duranensis L.: New insights from landscape genomics.

The genetic diversity that exists in natural populations of Arachis duranensis, the wild diploid donor of the A subgenome of cultivated tetraploid peanut, has the potential to improve crop adaptability, resilience to major pests and diseases, and drought tolerance. Despite its potential value for peanut improvement, limited research has been focused on the association between allelic variation, environmental factors, and response to early (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS) diseases. The present study implemented a landscape genomics approach to gain a better understanding of the genetic variability of A. duranensis represented in the ex-situ peanut germplasm collection maintained at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which spans the entire geographic range of the species in its center of origin in South America. A set of 2810 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers allowed a high-resolution genome-wide characterization of natural populations. The analysis of population structure showed a complex pattern of genetic diversity with five putative groups. The incorporation of bioclimatic variables for genotype-environment associations, using the latent factor mixed model (LFMM2) method, provided insights into the genomic signatures of environmental adaptation, and led to the identification of SNP loci whose allele frequencies were correlated with elevation, temperature, and precipitation-related variables (q < 0.05). The LFMM2 analysis for ELS and LLS detected candidate SNPs and genomic regions on chromosomes A02, A03, A04, A06, and A08. These findings highlight the importance of the application of landscape genomics in ex situ collections of peanut and other crop wild relatives to effectively identify favorable alleles and germplasm for incorporation into breeding programs. We report new sources of A. duranensis germplasm harboring adaptive allelic variation, which have the potential to be utilized in introgression breeding for a single or multiple environmental factors, as well as for resistance to leaf spot diseases.

Arachis↗

Investigating genetic, antigenic, and structural diversity in the Neisseria gonorrhoeae outer membrane protein, PorB: implications for vaccine design.

UNLABELLED: Vaccines targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae are needed to reduce disease burden and help address the problem of antimicrobial resistance, with an understanding of relationships between gonococcal genetics and molecules influencing diversity, infection, and the immune response essential for developing effective vaccine formulations. Whole-genome sequence data can be used to investigate these relationships among thousands of gonococcal isolates, allowing the study of antigenic diversity on a population scale. Such analyses typically examine antigenic diversity occurring in complete protein sequences, generating mean diversity indices and phylogenetic analyses that can inform on vaccine potential; however, to detect and measure the immune responses elicited, epitope characterization within an antigen helps guide vaccine formulations, with epitopes commonly located in surface-exposed regions of a protein. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of the major gonococcal antigen, PorB, in WGS from 22,227 N. gonorrhoeae isolates. We characterized the diversity of all eight surface-exposed outer membrane loops, or variable regions (VRs), and generated a PorB VR subtyping scheme to facilitate the global and temporal detection of circulating PorB subtypes. These analyses identified the presence of dominant VR combinations that persisted over time, indicative of (i) epistatic interactions between VRs and (ii) positive selection. Strain-specific, anti-PorB IgG responses directed toward distinct VR subtypes were detected in sera obtained from participants vaccinated with 4CMenB. The deconstruction of PorB into each surface-exposed loop provides a powerful approach for evaluating vaccine candidates: the methods used here allow immunodominant regions to be detected, which is invaluable for further vaccine investigations. IMPORTANCE: In the context of rising global gonorrhea cases, the development of vaccines becomes a priority; however, N. gonorrhoeae antigenic diversity and its ability to evade the immune system complicate vaccine development. This study characterizes the genetic diversity of the outer membrane protein, PorB, a key component of the outer membrane and a major gonococcal antigen. Using genomics and machine-learning techniques, this research identified dominant PorB variants that drive the immune response, proposing potential vaccine candidates and improving our understanding of the evolutionary forces maintaining genome structure and biological fitness. Understanding these processes is crucial for designing vaccines that effectively target N. gonorrhoeae and combat the spread of multidrug-resistant gonococci.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae↗

Analyzing genomes: current realities and future possibilities.

The rapidly developing databases of genomic sequences of human and model organisms herald the beginning of a new era in genetic analysis. New, genome-based technologies are revealing important details in the structure and diversification of mammalian genomes and are fundamentally changing the field of genetics. In the future, genomic analysis will become a standard tool of geneticists and has the potential to revolutionize the field of immunogenetics.

Animals↗

Genomic choice of codons in 16 microbial species.

We study the codon usage over whole set of ORFs of 16 unicellular microbial species: eight archaebacteria, seven eubacteria, and one eukarya. We first try to define, for each species, the neutral expected codon usage to better approach subsequently the influence of selection. Overlapping triplets counted from the complete DNA genomic sequence and mean amino acid composition of ORFs allow us to build satisfying expected codon usage for each species. Within species deviation from this neutral model is then studied through Correspondence Analysis and characterization with bias index, N(C)' (effective number of codons reported to neutral model). Our results are compared to previously published ones for three species and let appear good agreement in spite of very different methods. We thus propose set of codons probably preferred by selection for nine other species. In the four last species, no clear preference can be evidenced. Finally, we characterize variation of codon usage over functional categories. We propose that the high degree of bias of proteins involved in translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis has a positive influence on overexpression of the corresponding genes under optimum growth conditions and is a negative regulator of the same genes when amino acids become limited resources.

Base Composition↗

The genome sequence of Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987 reveals metabolic adaptations and a large plasmid related to Bacillus anthracis pXO1.

We sequenced the complete genome of Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987, a non-lethal dairy isolate in the same genetic subgroup as Bacillus anthracis. Comparison of the chromosomes demonstrated that B.cereus ATCC 10987 was more similar to B.anthracis Ames than B.cereus ATCC 14579, while containing a number of unique metabolic capabilities such as urease and xylose utilization and lacking the ability to utilize nitrate and nitrite. Additionally, genetic mechanisms for variation of capsule carbohydrate and flagella surface structures were identified. Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987 contains a single large plasmid (pBc10987), of approximately 208 kb, that is similar in gene content and organization to B.anthracis pXO1 but is lacking the pathogenicity-associated island containing the anthrax lethal and edema toxin complex genes. The chromosomal similarity of B.cereus ATCC 10987 to B.anthracis Ames, as well as the fact that it contains a large pXO1-like plasmid, may make it a possible model for studying B.anthracis plasmid biology and regulatory cross-talk.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Two highly polymorphic minisatellites from the pseudoautosomal region of the human sex chromosomes.

Two pseudoautosomal loci DXYS15 and DXYS17 from the pairing region of the human sex chromosomes display a high variability with at least eight alleles each. The structural elements responsible for the polymorphisms have been isolated and sequenced. In both cases the variations result from DNA rearrangements occurring in tandemly repeated sequences (minisatellites) of 21-29 nucleotides for DXYS15 and 28-33 nucleotides for DXYS17. At reduced stringency, the DXYS15 minisatellite detects other hypervariable sequences located in other parts of the genome and hence represents a new family of minisatellites. In contrast to most other known hypervariable families, the DXYS15 hypervariable sequence displays a very high AT content.

Alleles↗

A genomic model for differential hypoxic ventilatory responses.

Inbred mice are routinely used as genetic models in lung biology. Among many phenotypic differences in lung function and structure, C3H/HeJ (C3) and C57BL/6J (B6) inbred mice also demonstrate a significantly different ventilatory pattern during acute hypoxic challenge. The present study rejects the hypothesis that a genomic basis for differential hypoxic ventilatory responses (HVR) is linked to loci which determine differential breathing pattern at baseline, while proposing an alternative genetic model for HVR variation. Twelve BXH recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from C3 and B6 progenitors were examined to enumerate the genes regulating differential HVR. In each of 134 mice, HVR was assessed using whole-body plethysmography to measure tidal volume (VT) and breathing frequency (f). With respect to f during hypoxia, three distinct and reproducible phenotypes are evident in the BXH RI strain distribution pattern (SDP). The SDP for hypoxic f is consistent with the hypothesis that parental strain differences are regulated by two genes. Cosegregation analysis suggest that the genetic control of f during hypoxia differs from the genes which control differential baseline f. Although the genetic control of VT appears more complex, differences in the minute ventilation (VE) during hypoxia is determined by VT. Therefore, this study suggests that the phenotypic variation in HVR between C3 and B6 parental strains, especially related to f during hypoxia, is regulated by as few as two major genetic determinants.

Animals↗

Molecular structure of a complete turn of A-DNA.

We have determined the crystal structure of the dodecamer d(CCCCCGCGGGGG), showing for the first time a complete turn of A-DNA. It has average structural parameters similar to those determined in fibres. Nevertheless it shows a considerable local variation in structure which is in part associated with the presence of a bound spermine molecule. We conclude that the local DNA conformation does not only depend on the base sequence, but may be strongly modified upon interaction with other molecules. In particular, the CpG sequence, which is found in hypersensitive regions of the genome, appears to be able to easily change its conformation under external influences.

Base Sequence↗

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins as a tool in wheat genetics.

In this minireview are reported several genetic investigations undertaken on wheat with the use of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of total proteins extracted mainly from etiolated seedlings or from green leaves. Differences between developmental stages or organs of one genotype and nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic variations between genotypes are revealed by this method. We have also localized on the chromosomes structural genes coding for the proteins revealed and assigned their subcellular location to many polypeptides. We obtained new information concerning the regulation of protein amounts as well as the phylogenetic and homeology relationships between the A, B and D genomes.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

The core domain of retrotransposon integrase in Hordeum: predicted structure and evolution.

Propagation of long terminal repeat (LTR)-bearing retrotransposons and retroviruses requires integrase (IN, EC 2.7.7.-), encoded by the retroelements themselves, which mediates the insertion of cDNA copies back into the genome. An active retrotransposon family, BARE-1, comprises approximately 7% of the barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare) genome. We have generated models for the secondary and tertiary structure of BARE-1 IN and demonstrate their similarity to structures for human immunodeficiency virus 1 and avian sarcoma virus INs. The IN core domains were compared for 80 clones from 28 Hordeum accessions representative of the diversity of the genus. Based on the structural model, variations in the predicted, aligned translations from these clones would have minimal structural and functional effects on the encoded enzymes. This indicates that Hordeum retrotransposon IN has been under purifying selection to maintain a structure typical of retroviral INs. These represent the first such analyses for plant INs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Genomics of pathogenic bacteria].

The general principles of structural and functional organization of genomes in pathogenic bacteria are considered. Main data on the specific features of genomes of Chlamydia trachomatis, Rickettsia prowazekii, Treponema pallidum, Helicobacter pylori, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Vibro cholerae and pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli are summarized. Particular attention is paid to the problems of genetic control of pathogenicity, intraspecies variations in bacterial genomes, to the environmental and evolutionary meaning of horizontal gene transfer. Whether methods for genotyping bacterial strains can be used is discussed.

Bacteria↗