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Protein quantification from complex protein mixtures using a proteomics methodology with single-cell resolution.

We have developed an extremely sensitive technique, termed immuno-detection amplified by T7 RNA polymerase (IDAT) that is capable of monitoring proteins, lipids, and metabolites and their modifications at the single-cell level. A double-stranded oligonucleotide containing the T7 promoter is conjugated to an antibody (Ab), and then T7 RNA polymerase is used to amplify RNA from the double-stranded oligonucleotides coupled to the Ab in the Ab-antigen complex. By using this technique, we are able to detect the p185(her2/neu) receptor from the crude lysate of T6-17 cells at 10(-13) dilution, which is 10(9)-fold more sensitive than the conventional ELISA method. Single-chain Fv fragments or complementarity determining region peptides of the Ab also can be substituted for the Ab in IDAT. In a modified protocol, the oligonucleotide has been coupled to an Ab against a common epitope to create a universal detector species. With the linear amplification ability of T7 RNA polymerase, IDAT represents a significant improvement over immuno-PCR in terms of sensitivity and has the potential to provide a robotic platform for proteomics.

3T3 Cells↗

Brome mosaic virus RNA replication: revealing the role of the host in RNA virus replication.

The replication of positive-strand RNA viruses is a complex multi-step process involving interactions between the viral genome, virus-encoded replication factors, and host factors. The plant virus brome mosaic virus (BMV) has served as a model for positive-strand RNA virus replication, recombination, and virion assembly. This review addresses recent findings on the identification and characterization of host factors in BMV RNA replication. To date, all characterized host factors facilitate steps that lead to assembly of a functional BMV RNA replication complex. Some of these host factors are required for regulation of viral gene expression. Others are needed to co-regulate BMV RNA translation and recruitment of BMV RNAs from translation to viral RNA replication complexes on the endoplasmic reticulum. Other host factors provide essential lipid modifications in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane or function as molecular chaperones to activate the replication complex. Characterizing the functions of these host factors is revealing basic aspects of virus RNA replication and helping to define the normal functions of these factors in the host.

Base Sequence↗

Binding of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S8 to 16 S rRNA. A model for the interaction and the tertiary structure of the RNA binding site.

We have investigated in detail the secondary and tertiary structures of the 16 S rRNA binding site of protein S8 using a variety of chemical and enzymatic probes. Bases were probed with dimethylsulfate (at A(N-1), C(N-3) and G(N-7)), with N-cyclohexyl-N'-(2-(N-methylmorpholino)-ethyl)-carbodiimide-p- toluenesulfonate (at G(N-1) and U(N-3)) and with diethylpyrocarbonate (at A(N-7)). The involvement of phosphates in hydrogen bonds or ion co-ordination was monitored with ethylnitrosourea. RNases T1, U2 and nuclease S1 were used to probe unpaired nucleotides and RNase V1 to monitor base-paired or stacked nucleotides. The RNA region, encompassing nucleotides 582 to 656 was probed within: (1) the complete 16 S rRNA molecule; (2) a 16 S rRNA fragment corresponding to nucleotides 578 to 756 obtained by transcription in vitro; (3) the S8-16 S rRNA complex; (4) the S8-RNA fragment complex; (5) the 30 S subunit. Cleavage or modification sites were detected by primer extension with reverse transcriptase. We present a three-dimensional model derived from mapping experiments and graphic modeling. Nucleotides in area 594-599/639-645 display unusual features: a non-canonical base-pair is formed between U598 and U641; and A595, A640 and A642 are bulging out of the major groove. The resulting helix is slightly unwound. Comparative analysis of probing experiments leads to several conclusions. (1) The synthesized fragment adopts the same conformation as the corresponding region in the complete RNA molecule, thus confirming the existence of independent folding domains in RNAs. (2) A long-range interaction involving cytosine 618 and its 5' phosphate occurs in 16 S rRNA but not in the fragment. (3) The fragment contains the complete information required for S8 binding. (4) The RNA binding site of S8 is centered in the major groove of the slightly unwound helix (594-599/639-645), with the three bulged adenines appearing as specific recognition sites. (5) This same region of the 16 S RNA is not exposed at the surface of the 30 S subunit.

Base Sequence↗

H3 lysine 9 methylation is maintained on a transcribed inverted repeat by combined action of SUVH6 and SUVH4 methyltransferases.

Transcribed inverted repeats are potent triggers for RNA interference and RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants through the production of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). For example, a transcribed inverted repeat of endogenous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, PAI1-PAI4, guides methylation of itself as well as two unlinked duplicated PAI genes, PAI2 and PAI3. In previous work, we found that mutations in the SUVH4/KYP histone H3 lysine 9 (H3 K9) methyltransferase cause a loss of DNA methylation on PAI2 and PAI3, but not on the inverted repeat. Here we use chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis to show that the transcribed inverted repeat carries H3 K9 methylation, which is maintained even in an suvh4 mutant. PAI1-PAI4 H3 K9 methylation and DNA methylation are also maintained in an suvh6 mutant, which is defective for a gene closely related to SUVH4. However, both epigenetic modifications are reduced at this locus in an suvh4 suvh6 double mutant. In contrast, SUVH6 does not play a significant role in maintenance of H3 K9 or DNA methylation on PAI2, transposon sequences, or centromere repeat sequences. Thus, SUVH6 is preferentially active at a dsRNA source locus versus targets for RNA-directed chromatin modifications.

Arabidopsis↗

Bending of DNA by transcription factors.

An increasing number of transcription factors both from prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources are found to bend the DNA upon binding to their recognition site. Bending can easily be detected by the anomalous electrophoretic behaviour of the DNA-protein complex or by increased cyclization of DNA fragments containing the protein-induced bend. Induction of DNA bending by transcription factors could regulate transcription in various ways. Bending may bring distantly bound transcription factors closer together by facilitating DNA-looping or it could mediate the interaction between transcription factors and the general transcription machinery by formation of large nucleoprotein structures in which the DNA is wrapped around the protein complex. Alternatively, the energy stored in a protein-induced bend could be used to favour formation of an open transcription complex or to dissociate the RNA polymerase in the transition from initiation to elongation. Modification of the bend angles and bending centers, caused by homodimerization or heterodimerization of transcription factors, may well turn out to be an important way to enlarge the range of interactions required for regulation of gene expression.

Animals↗

Developmental changes in chromatin of skeletal muscle of rats: acetylation of chromosomal proteins and transcription.

In vivo acetylation of chromosomal proteins and RNA synthesis were studied in the skeletal muscle of 3-30 day old developing rats. The levels of acetylated histones and nonhistone chromosomal (NHC) proteins are high at day 3 and decrease as development progresses. Spermine has no significant effect on acetylation. Incorporation of 3H-Uridine into RNA of both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions is also maximum at day 3 and plateaus by day 14. Nuclear RNA synthesis following acetylation of chromosomal proteins is greatly stimulated in all the ages studied, whereas that in cytoplasmic RNA occurs only in 3 day old rats. Such modifications during early development may bring about conformational and functional changes in the chromatin and contribute significantly to the process of terminal differentiation of skeletal muscle cells.

Acetylation↗

Integrative multi-omics and machine learning identify the SPI1-METTL16-PLIN4 axis as a candidate driver of steatosis in HepG2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to identify potential regulators and explore their functional roles in a cellular model of NAFLD. METHODS: WGCNA was performed on the hepatic transcriptomic dataset GSE126848 (31 NAFLD vs. 26 controls), followed by integration with serum proteomic data from 12 NAFLD patients and 12 healthy controls. Hub genes were prioritized using three machine learning algorithms. Functional validation was conducted in a HepG2 cellular steatosis model induced by high fructose (3.2&#x202f;g/L) and oleic acid (400&#x202f;&#x3bc;M) for 48&#x202f;h. Lipid accumulation was assessed by Oil Red O staining and triglyceride/total cholesterol measurement. Inflammation was evaluated by TNF-&#x3b1; and IL-6 secretion (ELISA), and oxidative stress by ROS levels (flow cytometry). The binding interaction between METTL16 and PLIN4 mRNA was validated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-quantitative PCR. METTL16-mediated m6A modification of PLIN4 was assessed by Methylated RIP (MeRIP)-quantitative PCR. Transcriptional regulation of METTL16 by SPI1 was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: Integrative analysis identified PLIN4 as a core hub gene. PLIN4 was upregulated in the HepG2 steatosis model (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). PLIN4 knockdown alleviated lipid droplet accumulation (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001), reduced TNF-&#x3b1; and IL-6 secretion (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.01), and decreased ROS levels (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001) in fructose/oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Mechanistically, METTL16 mediated its m6A modification to enhance PLIN4 mRNA stability. Furthermore, SPI1 was found to transcriptionally activate METTL16 by binding to its promoter (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). PLIN4 re-expression partially reversed the protective effects of SPI1 knockdown on lipid accumulation (P&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.01), inflammation (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), and oxidative stress (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.001). CONCLUSION: This study identifies the SPI1/METTL16/PLIN4 axis as a potential regulatory mechanism contributing to in vitro steatosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in steatotic HepG2 cells.

Humans↗

The nucleation and maintenance of heterochromatin by a histone deacetylase in fission yeast.

Posttranslational modifications of histones play an essential role in heterochromatin assembly. Whereas the role of Clr4/Suv39h-mediated methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9) in heterochromatin assembly is well studied, the exact function of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in this process is unclear. We show that Clr3, a fission yeast homolog of mammalian class II HDACs, acts in a distinct pathway parallel to RNAi-directed heterochromatin nucleation to recruit Clr4 and mediate H3K9 methylation at the silent mating-type region and centromeres. At the mat locus, Clr3 is recruited at a specific site through a mechanism involving ATF/CREB family proteins. Once recruited, Clr3 spreads across the 20 kb silenced domain that requires its own HDAC activity and heterochromatin proteins including Swi6/HP1. We also demonstrate that Clr3 contributes to heterochromatin maintenance by stabilizing H3K9 trimethylation and by preventing histone modifications associated with active transcription, and that it limits RNA polymerase II accessibility to naturally silenced repeats at heterochromatin domains.

Activating Transcription Factor 1↗

Changes in expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits in the rat neostriatum after a single dose of antisense oligonucleotide specific for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 subunit.

In order to investigate the process of gene expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) subunits in the rat neostriatum and how this relates to motor behaviors, a single dose of antisense phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotide specific for NMDAR1 was unilaterally applied in the neostriatum in a stereotaxic apparatus. After one day of antisense treatment, ipsilateral rotation behaviors that were induced by apomorphine were found in the treated animals. Reductions in the levels of expression of NMDAR1 and NMDAR2A messenger RNAs (NMDAR1: 20.6%; NMDAR2A: 19.7%) were found in the antisense-treated striatal tissues by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. There was no change in the levels of NMDAR2B, NMDAR2C and NMDAR2D messenger RNAs. After two days, western blotting experiments showed that there were decreases in the levels of expression of NMDAR1 (decreased 27.6%) and NMDAR2A (decreased 19.2%) proteins in the NMDAR1 antisense-treated striatal tissues. In addition, NMDAR1 immunoreactivity was found to decrease in intensity in the NMDAR1 antisense-treated neostriatum. At the cellular level, the intensity of NMDAR1 immunoreactivity in perikarya of presumed medium spiny neurons was found to decrease. These results indicate that a single dose of NMDAR1 antisense modifies the expression of NMDAR1 messenger RNA and protein in neurons in the neostriatum. The modification in the expression of NMDAR1 has differential effects in the expression of NMDAR2 subunits. Gene expression of the native NMDAR subunits is likely to be a dynamic process. The change in gene expression of the NMDAR subunits in the neostriatum may have a profound effect on the motor behaviors of rats.

Animals↗

Evaluation of non-isotopic in situ hybridization for mRNA in reactive and neoplastic lymphoid cells.

An evaluation of nonisotopic in situ hybridization (NISH) for mRNA in archival lymphoid tissue was carried out and an analysis of factors affecting the final outcome was performed. A modification of the in situ reverse transcription method for RNA preservation assessment has been used and described. We have shown that, for frozen samples mRNA detection is optimal within 3 months of the biopsy being taken, while preservation declines after 1 year of storage.

Biopsy↗

Functional consequences of histone modifications.

Covalent modifications of the histone proteins have well-known roles in gene expression. Experiments reported during the past year have extended this paradigm to include roles for histone acetylation and phosphorylation in DNA double-strand break repair. In addition, new results now provide a definitive example of an acetylation histone code, whereas others reveal the workings of a charge patch mechanism. Finally, exciting research has identified new modifications, complex modification cascades, and functional links to DNA methylation and RNA interference pathways.

Acetylation↗

Induction of UV-damage recognition protein by cisplatin treatment.

The biological functions of DNA damage recognition proteins are not well understood. Using the band shift assay, we detected in nuclear extracts from human carcinoma cell lines damage recognition protein which bound selectively to UV-damaged double-stranded DNA. No consistent correlation was found between steady-state levels of the UV-damage recognition protein and either cisplatin cytotoxicity or DNA repair activity. However, cisplatin treatment caused accumulation of the UV-damage recognition protein. The cisplatin-responsive induction of UV-damage recognition protein in the nucleus was higher in cisplatin-resistant cell lines than in their parental counterparts. These results imply that the level of inducibility in response to treatment, but not the constitutive binding activity, of UV-damage recognition protein correlates with cisplatin resistance. Inhibition of UV-damage recognition protein expression by actinomycin and cycloheximide suggests that induction of UV-damage recognition protein requires de novo RNA and protein synthesis, rather than post-translational modification of pre-existing protein. The increased level of UV-damage recognition protein after cisplatin treatment could be a direct response to adduct formation, since it correlated with the number of Pt-DNA adducts. However, it could also be a secondary effect of DNA replication inhibition following DNA damage, since inhibition of DNA synthesis by aphidicolin and hydroxyurea caused the same induction of UV-damage recognition protein. Inducibility of UV-damage recognition protein binding activity by Pt drug treatment suggests involvement of this protein in drug resistance, although a direct link between its function and DNA repair or damage tolerance has not been demonstrated.

Cell Cycle↗

Alternative splicing of the mRNA encoding the human cholesteryl ester transfer protein.

The plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is known to facilitate the transfer of lipids between plasma lipoproteins. The human CETP gene is a complex locus encompassing 16 exons. The CETP mRNA is found in liver and small intestine as well as in a variety of peripheral tissues. While the CETP cDNA from human adipose tissue was being cloned, a variant CETP cDNA was discovered which excluded the complete sequence encoded by exon 9, but which was otherwise identical to the full-length CETP cDNA, suggesting modification of the CETP gene transcript by an alternative RNA splicing mechanism. RNase protection analysis of tissue RNA confirmed the presence of exon 9 deleted transcripts and showed that they represented a variable proportion of the total CETP mRNA in various human tissues including adipose tissue (25%), liver (33%), and spleen (46%). Transient expression of the exon 9 deleted cDNA in COS cells or stable expression in CHO cells showed that the protein encoded by the alternatively spliced transcript was inactive in neutral lipid transfer, smaller, and poorly secreted compared to the protein derived from the full-length cDNA. Endo H digestion suggested that the inactive, cell-associated protein was present within the endoplasmic reticulum. The experiments show that the expression of the human CETP gene is modified by alternative splicing of the ninth exon, in a tissue-specific fashion. The function of alternative splicing is unknown but could serve to produce a protein with a function other than plasma neutral lipid transfer, or as an on-off switch to regulate the local concentration of biologically active protein.

Adipose Tissue↗

Isolation and characterization of Dcp1p, the yeast mRNA decapping enzyme.

A major mechanism of mRNA decay occurs by the process of deadenylation, decapping and 5' --> 3' exonucleolytic degradation. Recently, the product of the DCP1 gene has been shown to be required for decapping mRNAs in vivo and co-purifies with decapping activity in vitro. We have purified Dcp1p to homogeneity and shown that it is sufficient for decapping, thereby indicating that Dcp1p is the decapping enzyme. Characterization of Dcp1p activity in vitro indicated that the 7-methyl group of the cap structure contributes to the enzyme's substrate specificity. In addition, Dcp1p was effectively inhibited by uncapped mRNAs, and the enzyme efficiently cleaved substrates that were >/=25 nucleotides in length, with a preference for longer mRNA substrates. These properties suggest that Dcp1p recognizes the mRNA substrate by interactions with both the cap and the RNA moiety. The Dcp1p is also a phosphoprotein, suggesting its activity may be regulated by post-transcriptional modification.

Endoribonucleases↗

The multi-dimensional regulation of gene expression by fatty acids: polyunsaturated fats as nutrient sensors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A diet that provides 2-5% of energy as highly unsaturated 20- and 22-carbon omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids is associated with an inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis, a stimulation of hepatic fatty acid oxidation, and consequently a lowering of blood triglyceride levels. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate that highly unsaturated fatty acids regulate lipid metabolism by modulating protein expression at many levels including gene transcription, messenger RNA processing, mRNA decay, and post-translational protein modifications. Although the intracellular signaling mechanisms employed by highly unsaturated fatty acids are unknown, this review presents a summary of the emerging knowledge regarding highly unsaturated fatty acids as kinase cascade activators. RECENT FINDINGS: Highly unsaturated fatty acids suppress lipogenic gene transcription by reducing the DNA binding activity of several transcription factors, notably sterol regulatory-element binding protein 1 and nuclear factor Y. Highly unsaturated fatty acids inhibit the proteolytic release of sterol regulatory-element binding protein 1 from its membrane-anchored precursor through a ceramide-dependent signal, and impart a post-translational modification to nuclear factor Y. Highly unsaturated fatty acids accelerate sterol regulatory-element binding protein 1 mRNA decay and may function as antagonistic ligands for liver receptor X, thereby interfering with the liver receptor X stimulation of sterol regulatory-element binding protein 1 gene transcription. Highly unsaturated fatty acid activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha combined with their displacement of the oxysterol from liver receptor X may 'trap' liver receptor X as transcriptionally inactive peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/liver receptor X heterodimer. The gene expression consequences of liver receptor X 'trapping' may explain how dietary highly unsaturated fatty acids lead to a repartitioning of fatty acids away from storage and towards oxidation. SUMMARY: The liver appears to use the highly unsaturated fatty acid status as a nutrient sensor to determine whether fatty acids are to be stored or oxidized. In this way highly unsaturated fatty acids may function as nutritional factors that reduce the risk of developing hepatic lipotoxicity and insulin resistance.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗

Analysis of the secondary structure of the poly(C) tract in foot-and-mouth disease virus RNAs.

Sodium bisulphite modification of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) RNA in solution indicates that the majority of the poly(C) tract in the RNA is single-stranded in concordance with previous results with encephalomyocarditis virus RNA. The reaction kinetics are biphasic; 60% of the cytidylic acid in the poly(C) tract reacts like synthetic poly(C), and the remainder with the kinetics of the cytidylic acid in the rest of the RNA. The reactivity of the poly(C) tract with poly(I) indicates that it is looped out and exposed in the RNA. The deamination reaction has also been used to investigate the structure of the replicative form (RF) and replicative intermediate (RI) isolated from infected cells. Analysis by gel electrophoresis of the long RNase A- and T1-resistant oligonucleotides of RI suggests that it has five single-stranded poly(C) tracts to every one which is base-paired. Bisulphite reactivity of the poly(C) tract and gel electrophoresis of the ribonuclease-resistant oligonucleotides of RF indicate that the poly(C) is base-paired to a poly(G) tract in this molecule. The presence of a poly(G) tract in RF and RI provides unequivocal evidence that the poly(C) is replicated via poly(G) in the negative strand.

Animals↗

Reconstitution of recombinant chromatin establishes a requirement for histone-tail modifications during chromatin assembly and transcription.

The human ISWI-containing factor RSF (remodeling and spacing factor) was found to mediate nucleosome deposition and, in the presence of ATP, generate regularly spaced nucleosome arrays. Using this system, recombinant chromatin was reconstituted with bacterially produced histones. Acetylation of the histone tails was found to play an important role in establishing regularly spaced nucleosome arrays. Recombinant chromatin lacking histone acetylation was impaired in directing transcription. Histone-tail modifications were found to regulate transcription from the recombinant chromatin. Acetylation of the histone tails by p300 was found to increase transcription. Methylation of the histone H3 tail by Suv39H1 was found to repress transcription in an HP1-dependent manner. The effects of histone-tail modifications were observed in nuclear extracts. A highly reconstituted RNA polymerase II transcription system was refractory to the effect imposed by acetylation and methylation.

Blotting, Southern↗

The mouse genome: experimental examination of gene predictions and transcriptional start sites.

The completion of the mouse and other mammalian genome sequences will provide necessary, but not sufficient, knowledge for an understanding of much of mouse biology at the molecular level. As a requisite next step in this process, the genes in mouse and their structure must be elucidated. In particular, knowledge of the transcriptional start site of these genes will be necessary for further study of their regulatory regions. To assess the current state of mouse genome annotation to support this activity, we identified several hundred gene predictions in mouse with varying levels of supporting evidence and tested them using RACE-PCR. Modifications were made to the procedure allowing pooling of RNA samples, resulting in a scaleable procedure. The results illustrate potential errors or omissions in the current 5' end annotations in 58% of the genes detected. In testing experimentally unsupported gene predictions, we were able to identify 58 that are not usually annotated as genes but produced spliced transcripts (approximately 25% success rate). In addition, in many genes we were able to detect novel exons not predicted by any gene prediction algorithms. In 19.8% of the genes detected in this study, multiple transcript species were observed. These data show an urgent need to provide direct experimental validation of gene annotations. Moreover, these results show that direct validation using RACE-PCR can be an important component of genome-wide validation. This approach can be a useful tool in the ongoing efforts to increase the quality of gene annotations, especially transcriptional start sites, in complex genomes.

Animals↗