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Methylated DNA sequences in genomic imprinting.

Genomic imprinting is a special form of epigenetic system that determines the parent-of-origin-specific, or monoallelic, expression of a small number of genes, termed "imprinted" genes. Considerable sequence and methylation analysis of imprinted genes has revealed a common theme: Regions of allele-specific methylation inherited from the gametes, or primary differentially methylated regions (DMRs), are associated with CpG islands and repeat elements, and this overall structure suggests functional significance. For at least three imprinted genes the sequence of the primary DMR constitutes an element able to regulate gene activity in cis--a chromatin insulator and a promoter of an antisense transcript. In these cases the unique feature of imprinting appears to be in the ability to switch the regulatory capacity of these elements on or off by the absence or presence of inherited methylation. Increasing evidence therefore suggests that genomic imprinting for at least some genes constitutes the regulation of gene regulatory elements by methylation. An important challenge now is to determine how the differential methylation of primary DMR sequences is established in the germ line. If methylation is the primary imprint, then the processes establishing it are the primary imprinting mechanisms. Trans-acting factors that are expressed in one sex of germ line and not the other are likely to be involved, and their ability to methylate may be mediated through repeat elements associated with the sequence of primary DMRs.

Alleles↗

A central pseudoknotted three-way junction imposes tRNA-like mimicry and the orientation of three 5' upstream pseudoknots in the 3' terminus of tobacco mosaic virus RNA.

A three-dimensional model of the histidylable 3'-terminal tRNA-like domain of tobacco mosaic virus RNA is proposed on the basis of a comparative structural analysis, chemical and enzymatic probing, combined with graphical modeling of three RNA constructs of increasing size (38, 108, and 182 nt) derived from the 3'-terminal viral RNA sequence. The comparison between the probing patterns of the three RNAs allowed the determination of the relative orientation of these structural domains in the full-length viral tRNA-like structure. Modeling data indicate that only one of the two possible isomers of the three-way junction located at a central position of the tRNA-like domain is in agreement with structural data. Interestingly, this isomer gives rise to a molecule bearing a structural mimicry with the L-shape of canonical tRNAs. A pseudoknotted acceptor branch containing a T-like loop is located perpendicularly to an anticodon-like branch. Moreover, a single-stranded RNA stretch belonging to the pseudoknotted central core mimics a D-like loop and it is proposed that it interacts via two conserved guanosines with nucleotides of the T-like loop as found in canonical tRNAs. This model is valid for the 3' noncoding regions of tobamoviral RNAs as well as for the tRNA-like domain of the satellite tobacco mosaic virus RNA. All three molecules are substrates for yeast HisRS; however, whereas the complete viral genome is required for optimal histidylation capacities, both charging levels and affinity constants are decreased for the three RNA transcripts, suggesting that additional contacts located outside the tRNA-like domain are needed for an optimal aminoacylation process.

Base Sequence↗

Phylogenetic analysis of GBV-C/hepatitis G virus.

Comparison of 33 epidemiologically distinct GBV-C/hepatitis G virus complete genome sequences suggests the existence of four major phylogenetic groupings that are equally divergent from the chimpanzee isolate GBV-C(tro) and have distinct geographical distributions. These four groupings are not consistently reproduced by analysis of the virus 5'-noncoding region (5'-NCR), or of individual genes or subgenomic fragments with the exception of the E2 gene as a whole or of 200-600 nucleotide fragments from its 3' half. This region is upstream of a proposed anti-sense reading frame and contains conserved potential RNA secondary structures that may be capable of directing the internal initiation of translation. Phylogenetic analysis of this region from certain South African isolates is consistent with previous analysis of the 5'-NCR suggesting that these belong to a fifth group. The geographical distribution of virus variants is consistent with a long evolutionary history that may parallel that of pre-historic human migrations, implying that the long-term evolution of this RNA virus is extremely slow.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

gamma 2-Thymidine kinase chimeras are identically transcribed but regulated a gamma 2 genes in herpes simplex virus genomes and as beta genes in cell genomes.

True gamma or gamma 2 genes, unlike alpha, beta, and gamma 1 (beta gamma) genes of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), stringently require viral DNA synthesis for their expression. We report that gamma 2 genes resident in cells were induced in trans by infection with HSV-1 but that the induction did not require amplification of either the resident gene or the infecting viral genome. Specifically, to test the hypothesis that expression of these genes is amplification dependent, we constructed two sets of gamma 2-thymidine kinase (TK) chimeric genes. The first (pRB3038) consisted of the promoter-regulatory region and a portion of 5'-transcribed noncoding region of the domain of a gamma 2 gene identified by Hall et al. (J. Virol. 43:594-607) in the HSV-1(F) BamHI fragment D' to the 5'-transcribed noncoding and coding regions of the TK gene. The second (pRB3048) contained, in addition, an origin of HSV-1 DNA replication. Cells transfected with either the first or second construct and selected for the TK+ phenotype were then tested for TK induction after superinfection with HSV-1(F) delta 305, containing a deletion in the coding sequences of the TK gene, and viruses containing, in addition, a ts lesion in the alpha 4 regulatory protein (ts502 delta 305) or in the beta 8 major DNA-binding protein (tsHA1 delta 305). The results were as follows: induction by infection with TK- virus of chimeric TK genes with or without an origin of DNA replication was dependent on functional alpha 4 protein but not on viral DNA synthesis; the resident chimeric gene in cells selected for G418 (neomycin) resistance was regulated in the same fashion; the chimeric gene recombined into the viral DNA was regulated as a gamma 2 gene in that its expression in infected cells was dependent on viral DNA synthesis; the gamma 2-chimeric genes resident in the host and in viral genomes were transcribed from the donor BamHI fragment D' containing the promoter-regulatory domain of the gamma 2 gene. The significance of the differential regulation of gamma 2 genes in the environments of host and viral genomes by viral trans-acting factors is discussed.

Animals↗

Genomic sequence and spatiotemporal expression comparison of zebrafish mbx1 and its paralog, mbx2.

The expression of midbrain homeobox-1 (mbx1) defines a discrete region in the vertebrate neural plate that will give rise to the mesencephalon, as well as subregions of the diencephalon and retinal field. Here, we report on the identification and cloning of a second Mbx gene in zebrafish, termed mbx2. Genomic sequence comparison suggests that mbx1 and mbx2 are derived from the duplication of a single putative ancestral gene that is conserved in other vertebrates as a single copy gene. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses indicate that the mbx genes belong to a novel subgroup of paired-like homeobox genes. Finally, quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and whole mount in situ hybridization experiments revealed a pattern of partial spatiotemporal expression divergence between the mbx paralogs that correlates with sequence divergence in noncoding regulatory domains. Our data support a subfunctionalization model that may explain the retention of duplicate mbx genes in teleosts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning, sequencing and expression of an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor complementary DNA from rat brain.

We have isolated a cDNA clone from rat brain using a human platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor genomic clone as a probe. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence (450 residues) corresponding to the rat brain cDNA with that of the human platelet and human kidney alpha 2-adrenergic receptors showed 84% and 44% sequence similarity, respectively. The major sequence difference between the rat brain and human platelet proteins, was a stretch of 48 amino acids within the third cytosolic loop in which the similarity was only 42%. Analysis of the 48 amino acid-region indicated that the two receptors significantly differ in terms of their primary amino acid sequence and the predicted secondary and tertiary structural features. There was no sequence similarity between the human platelet and rat brain clone over the 177 bases of 3'-noncoding sequence and a less than 50% similarity over a stretch of 210 nucleotides in the 5'-untranslated region. Southern-blot analysis with a human platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor probe revealed the existence of a single 5.2 kb restriction fragment (KpnI/SacI) in both human and rat genomic DNA; the rat brain alpha 2-receptor probe, however, hybridized to a single 1.9 kb band in rat DNA. Northern-blot analysis of rat brain poly(A+) RNA with the rat brain cDNA probe under stringent hybridization conditions revealed a single 4.5 kb mRNA; none was detected by the human platelet receptor probe. The rat brain 4.5 kb mRNA was not detected in any (other than brain) tested rat tissues utilizing either rat brain or human platelet DNA probes. The rat brain cDNA was expressed in a mammalian cell line (COS-2A) and found to bind the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist [3H]yohimbine; based on the binding-affinity for prazosin, the presently cloned receptor was pharmacologically closer to the alpha 2A subclass. We conclude that the rat brain cDNA encodes a new alpha 2-adrenergic receptor subtype that may be brain-specific.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The human gene encoding tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase: interferon-response elements and exon-intron organization.

Recently, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA encoding human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (hWRS) [Frolova et al., Gene 109 (1991) 291-296]. Independently, it has been shown that this protein is induced by interferons (IFN) gamma and alpha [Fleckner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88 (1991) 11520-11524; Rubin et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266 (1991) 24245-24248]. This unusual feature of a housekeeping enzyme raises the problem of how the gene is regulated. Since at present the genomic structure of hWRS is unknown, this issue remains unsolved. Here, the exon-intron organization of hWRS has been deciphered. This gene consists of at least 12 exons that span more than 35 kb of DNA. At least two alternative noncoding exons precede ten coding exons. Upstream from the first exon, two GGAAAN(N/-)GAAA sequences, which are considered to be IFN-stimulating response elements (ISRE), have been revealed. The same consensus was also found in the intron region in close vicinity to the 5' end of the second exon. Thus, the IFN-stimulated synthesis of hWRS is presumably due to gene activation at the transcriptional level. Alignment of hWRS amino acid sequences has shown that exons V to XI of hWRS encode regions of structural similarity with bacterial WRS, whereas the N-terminal portion of the protein encoded by exons II to IV exhibits no homology with bacterial WRS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and sequence analysis of carp gonadotropin beta-subunit gene.

Using the cDNA encoding the beta subunit of carp gonadotropin (cGTH-beta) as a probe, 14 clones containing cGTH-beta gene have been isolated from a carp genomic library. Nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the transcriptional unit of the cGTH-beta gene is 1.2 Kb. Similar to mammalian GTH-beta genes, cGTH-beta gene contains three exons and two introns. The locations of the exon/intron junctions also correspond to those of mammalian GTH-beta gene. Using the primer extension assay, the start site of transcription was determined to be 35 or 37 bp upstream from the translation initiation codon. The TATAA box is present in the 5' flanking region of the gene, 21 bp upstream from the start site of transcription. Three polyadenylation signals, AATAAA, are located in the 3' noncoding region, 111, 430, and 442 bp downstream from the stop codon of translation, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation and characterization of the alkaline protease gene of Aspergillus oryzae.

The genomic DNA for the alkaline protease (Alp) of the fungus Aspergillus oryzae was isolated using synthetic oligonucleotides as hydridization probes, and the complete nucleotide sequence was identified. The Alp gene is 1374 nucleotides long and contains three introns, one of which is in the pro region and two in the mature coding region. Sequences related to the TATA box (TATAAAT) and the CAAT box (CCAAAT) were found in the 5'-noncoding region. Primer extension analysis showed that three transcriptional start points are present.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence analysis of Mus dunni endogenous virus reveals a hybrid VL30/gibbon ape leukemia virus-like structure and a distinct envelope.

Mus dunni endogenous virus (MDEV) can be activated from M. dunni cells by exposing the cells to hydrocortisone or 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine. Interference analysis has revealed that MDEV uses a receptor for cell entry that is different from those used by other murine retroviruses. The entire genome has now been sequenced, revealing a long terminal repeat (LTR)-gag-pol-env-LTR structure typical of simple retroviruses of the murine leukemia virus genus, with no additional open reading frames between env and the 3' LTR. The LTRs and other noncoding regions of MDEV are most closely related to those of VL30 elements, while the majority of the coding sequences are most closely related to those of gibbon ape leukemia virus. MDEV represents the first example of a naturally occurring, replication-competent virus with sequences closely related to VL30 elements. The U3 region of MDEV contains six nearly perfect 80-bp repeats and the beginning of a seventh, and the region expected to contain the packaging sequence contains approximately four imperfect 33-bp repeats. The receptor specificity domains of the envelope are unique among retroviruses and show no apparent similarity to regions of known proteins.

Animals↗

Structural characterization of a rice actin gene.

We have isolated and sequenced a full-length cDNA clone containing information for the rice actin gene RAc1. Transcript terminus mapping and sequence alignment between the RAc1 cDNA clone and a previously isolated RAc1 genomic clone were used to determine the structure of the RAc1 gene. This allowed us to make the first complete structural characterization of a plant actin gene. The analysis revealed the presence of a 5'-noncoding exon, separated by an intron, from the first translated exon of the RAc1 gene. This is one of the few reported cases of a plant gene containing such a 5'-noncoding exon. Sequence comparison between the previously isolated plant actin genes suggests that such an exon may be a common feature of plant actin gene structure. The present study also confirms that the rice actin gene family is composed of at least eight unique members.

Actins↗

Evolution of IESs and scrambling in the actin I gene in hypotrichous ciliates.

Germ-line (micronuclear) genes in hypotrichous ciliates are interrupted by numerous, short, noncoding, AT-rich segments called internal eliminated segments, or IESs. IESs divide a gene into macronuclear destined segments, or MDSs. IESs are excised from micronuclear genes, and the MDSs are spliced when a micronuclear genome is processed into a macronuclear genome after cell mating. In the micronuclear version of the actin I gene intramolecular recombination between IESs during evolution has put MDSs into a scrambled disorder in some but not all hypotrichs. Studies using rDNA sequences to define phylogenetic relationships among eight hypotrichs suggests that evolution of the micronuclear actin I gene proceeds by successive addition of IESs in earlier diverging species, without MDS scrambling. Continued addition of IESs and recombination among IESs in later diverging species produced actin I genes with scrambled MDSs. Subsequent to MDS scrambling, additional IESs were inserted into the more recently evolved species. Thus, IES insertions and gene scrambling occur in a progressive manner during species evolution to produce micronuclear actin I genes of increasing structural complexity.

Actins↗

Evolution of nucleic acids coding for ribonucleases: the mRNA sequence of mouse pancreatic ribonuclease.

The cDNA of mouse pancreatic mRNA has been cloned. After the library was screened with a rat ribonuclease cDNA probe, the positive clones were isolated and sequenced. There were no differences from the previously determined protein sequence. The mRNA codes for a preribonuclease of 149 amino acid residues including a signal peptide of 25 amino acids. The 3' noncoding region has a length of 260 bp, and the total mRNA length is approximately 940 bp. Comparison with the rat pancreatic ribonuclease sequence showed a high rate of nucleotide substitution. Within the coding region, nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution rates are 4.3 X 10(-9) and 15 X 10(-9) nucleotide substitutions/site/year, respectively. The latter value is one of the highest rates observed in the molecular evolution of mammalian nuclear genes. In the signal sequences the synonymous substitution rate is much lower and about the same as the nonsynonymous rate. Signal sequences of other mouse and rat proteins also exhibit little difference between synonymous and nonsynonymous rates. The sequences of rat and mouse pancreatic ribonuclease messengers were compared with those of bovine pancreatic, seminal, and brain ribonuclease. While the 3' noncoding regions of rat and mouse are very similar, as are those of the three bovine messengers, there is no significant similarity between both rodent and the three bovine messengers for the greater part of these regions. There is a duplication of approximately 50 nucleotides in the 3' noncoding region of the bovine messengers, with a region rich in A and C in between. The presence of this structural feature may be correlated with recent gene duplications that have occurred in the bovine genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genomic structure and promoter analysis of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in a C3 plant, Nicotiana sylvestris.

Three genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase were isolated from Nicotiana sylvestris and designated Nsppc1-3. Sequencing of nucleotides showed that the coding sequence and deduced amino acid sequences were highly conserved among the genes, but sequences for noncoding regions including introns and 5'-flanking regions were not conserved. Analysis of the transcript level of the genes by a combination of reverse transcriptase-PCR and restriction fragment polymorphism showed mostNsppc1 in the leaves, stems, roots, and cultured cells of N. sylvestris. beta-Glucuronidase activity was detected histochemically in mesophyll cells in leaves, lateral buds, and vascular bundles in roots of transgenic tobacco harboring a chimeric construct of the Nsppc1 promoter and the gene for beta-glucuronidase. Deletion analysis indicated the presence of a silencer-like element for basal expression in the promoter region of Nsppc1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic and phenotypic variation of West Nile virus in New York, 2000-2003.

West Nile virus (WNV) strains circulating during the first five years of WNV transmission in New York were collected, partial nucleotide sequences were determined, and in vitro and in vivo phenotypic analyses of selected strains were undertaken to determine whether observed increases in the intensity of enzootic and epidemic transmission in New York State during 2002 and 2003 were associated with viral genetic changes. Functionally diverse regions of the WNV genome were also compared to determine whether some regions may be more or less variable than others. The complete envelope coding regions of 67 strains and fragments of the nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) and 3' noncoding regions of 39 strains collected during 2002 and 2003 were examined. West Nile virus in New York remains relatively genetically homogeneous. Viral genetic diversity was greater in 2002 and 2003 at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels than in previous years due to the emergence of a new WNV genotype in 2002. This genotype persisted and became dominant in 2003. Envelope and NS5 coding regions were approximately two-fold more likely than the 3' untranslated region to contain nucleotide substitutions, and the envelope region was approximately three-fold more likely to contain amino acid substitutions than the NS5 region. Variation was noted in in vivo mosquito transmission assays, but not in in vitro growth studies. Strains belonging to the epizootiologically dominant clade were transmitted after approximately two fewer days of extrinsic incubation, providing a possible mechanism for the dominance of this clade. The observed increase in the intensity of WNV transmission beginning in 2002 was associated with an increase in viral genetic diversity that was the result of the emergence of an additional phylogenetic clade. This genotype seems to possess an advantage over previously recognized WNV strains in mosquito transmission phenotype.

Aedes↗

Multiple messenger RNA species give rise to the structural diversity in acetylcholinesterase.

Acetylcholinesterase exists predominantly as a secreted enzyme which remains cell-associated at specific extracellular locations. Its extensive structural diversity appears responsible for the unique cellular disposition of the enzyme. To examine the molecular basis of the structural divergence of acetylcholinesterase species, we hybridized total RNA from Torpedo californica electric organ with restriction fragments from a cDNA encoding the catalytic subunits of asymmetric species of acetylcholinesterase. Multiple RNA species up to 14 kilobases in length can be detected on Northern blots using a full-length cDNA for hybridization. Each of these RNA species also hybridizes with smaller restriction fragments within the open reading frame and 3'-untranslated region of the cDNA. This indicates that the entire open reading frame plus the 3'-untranslated region is contained in the large RNA species. RNase protection experiments revealed at least three points of divergence for the message species. One occurs within the COOH-terminal portion of the open reading frame at a position just 5' to the TGA stop codon. This divergence accounts for the two classes of acetylcholinesterase found in abundance in Torpedo. The site of splicing has been further defined by isolating a genomic clone containing the exon serving as the potential splice donor. We find a divergence between the cDNA and genomic DNA at the position estimated by the protection experiments. A less abundant divergence in mRNA can also be detected in the 3'-untranslated region. Another divergence occurs as a deleted sequence within the 5'-noncoding region and may be important for controlling translation efficiency. Since it is hypothesized that a single gene encodes acetylcholinesterase, the divergences in the very 3' region of the open reading frame and the 5'-noncoding region correspond to presumed splice junction boundaries where alternative RNA splicing occurs.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Utilization of a mammalian cell-based RNA binding assay to characterize the RNA binding properties of picornavirus 3C proteinases.

Using an assay capable of detecting sequence-specific RNA/protein interactions in mammalian cells, we demonstrate that the poliovirus and rhinovirus 3C proteinases are able to bind structured target RNA sequences derived from their respective 5' noncoding regions in vivo. Specific RNA binding by poliovirus 3C was found to be dependent on the integrity of stem-loop d of the RNA cloverleaf structure located at the 5' end of poliovirus genomic RNA. In contrast, mutation of stem-loop b did not prevent this in vivo interaction. However, mutation of stem-loop b, which serves as the RNA binding site for a cellular co-factor important for efficient poliovirus replication, did significantly attenuate the efficiency of 3C RNA binding in vivo and 3CD RNA binding in vitro. This in vivo protein:RNA binding assay was also used to identify several residues in 3C that are critical for RNA binding, but dispensable for 3C proteinase activity. The mammalian cell-based RNA binding assay described in this study may have considerable potential utility in the future detection or analysis of in vivo RNA/protein interactions unrelated to the 3C/RNA interaction described here.

Base Sequence↗

The human CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) gene. Multiple transcripts with 5'-end heterogeneity, dual promoter usage, and evidence for polymorphisms within the regulatory regions and noncoding exons.

Human CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), mediates the activation of cells by the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta, and RANTES, and serves as a fusion cofactor for macrophage-tropic strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate human CCR5 gene expression, we initiated studies to determine its genomic and mRNA organization. Previous studies have identified a single CCR5 mRNA isoform whose open reading frame is intronless. We now report the following novel findings. 1) Complex alternative splicing and multiple transcription start sites give rise to several distinct CCR5 transcripts that differ in their 5'-untranslated regions (UTR). 2) The gene is organized into four exons and two introns. Exons 2 and 3 are not interrupted by an intron. Exon 4 and portions of exon 3 are shared by all isoforms. Exon 4 contains the open reading frame, 11 nucleotides of the 5'-UTR and the complete 3'-UTR. 3) The transcripts appear to be initiated from two distinct promoters: an upstream promoter (PU), upstream of exon 1, and a downstream promoter (PD), that includes the "intronic" region between exons 1 and 3. 4) PU and PD lacked the canonical TATA or CAAT motifs, and are AT-rich. 5) PD demonstrated strong constitutive promoter activity, whereas PU was a weak promoter in all three leukocyte cell environments tested (THP-1, Jurkat, and K562). 6) We provide evidence for polymorphisms in the noncoding sequences, including the regulatory regions and 5'-UTRs. The structure of CCR5 was strikingly reminiscent of the overall structure of other chemokine/chemoattractant receptors, underscoring an important evolutionarily conserved function for a prototypical gene structure. This is the first description of functional promoters for any CC chemokine receptor gene, and we speculate that the complex pattern of splicing events and dual promoter usage may function as a versatile mechanism to create diversity and flexibility in the regulation of CCR5 expression.

Adult↗