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Physiologic inactivation of fluid phase C3b: isolation and structural analysis of C3c, C3d,g (alpha 2D), and C3g.

The fragments that result from the inactivation of C3b have not been completely characterized. Initial inactivation is catalyzed by the protease factor I, which, in the presence of its cofactor (factor H), cleaves two peptide bonds in the alpha'-chain of C3b. This results in the release of a small peptide (C3f, Mr 3000) from iC3b, which consists of the C3 beta chain covalently bonded to two alpha'-chain-derived peptides (Mr 68,000 and Mr 43,000). Surface-bound iC3b is cleaved at a third site by factor I to produce C3c and C3d,g (or alpha 2D). The factor I cofactor for this cleavage is the C3b receptor that is present on erythrocyte and leukocyte membranes. This report describes the isolation and initial structural characterization of C3c and C3d,g generated in whole blood after complement activation with cobra venom factor. These fragments were compared with the C3 fragments isolated from the serum and plasma of a patient with complement activation in vivo. The fragments were isolated with two solid phase monoclonal antibodies, one of which recognizes a determinant on C3g (clone 9) and one of which recognizes a determinant on C3c (clone 4). C3c isolated from normal blood showed three polypeptides that had apparent m.w. of 75,000, 43,000, and 27,000. The C3d,g consisted of a single polypeptide chain with a m.w. of 40,000. Amino terminal sequence analysis showed that the Mr 27,000 peptide from C3c is derived from the amino terminal portion of the alpha'-chain of C3b, whereas the Mr 43,000 peptide is derived from the carboxy terminus of the same chain. Amino terminal sequence analysis showed also that C3g is derived from the amino terminus of C3d,g. The C3 fragments isolated from a patient with partial lipodystrophy, nephritic factor activity, low serum C3 levels, and circulating C3 cleavage products showed a more complicated pattern on SDS-PAGE. The fragment isolated with clone 9 had an apparent m.w. of 40,000, identical to C3d,g generated in vitro, and it had the same amino terminal sequence as C3d,g generated in vitro. The eluate from insolubilized clone 4, however, showed prominent bands with Mr of 75,000, 56,000, 43,000, and 27,000, together with a triple-banded pattern at 68,000 and a minor band at 80,000. This eluate thus appears to contain C3c, and iC3b or an iC3b-like product. The origin of the Mr 56,000 and Mr 80,000 peptides have not yet been determined. These studies, with previous data, definitively order the C3c and C3d,g peptides in the alpha-chain of C3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Acidic residues in the DR beta chain third hypervariable region are required for stimulation of a DR(alpha, beta 1*0402)-restricted T-cell clone.

We investigated the minimal requirements for stimulation of an antigen-specific HLA-DR(alpha, beta 1*0402)-restricted T-cell clone (Een217) by using transfectants expressing mutant DR beta chains as APCs. Antigen-specific stimulation of Een217 was induced with transfectants expressing DR(alpha, beta 1*0402) and DR(alpha, beta 1*0403) but not other DR4 subtypes that also bind the peptide recognized by this clone. Analysis of the effects of single amino acid substitutions in the beta chains of each of the DR4 subtypes revealed a requirement for acidic residues in the third HVR, particularly amino acid 71, in stimulation of clone Een217. Functional class II mutants were generated from nonstimulatory DR4 subtype beta chains by acidic residue substitutions within the third HVR. These data define the requirement for negatively charged residues in this region for peptide-induced stimulation of this T-cell clone. The required acidic residues can be located at either position 70, 71, or 74 in the DR beta chain. The negative charge in this segment of the DR beta chain alpha-helix may be required for direct interactions with the T-cell receptor of Een217 or may affect peptide conformation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence of three cDNAs encoding an alkaline midgut trypsin from Manduca sexta.

We have purified trypsin from the midgut of Manduca sexta and shown it has an alkaline pH optimum of 10.5. In order to clone the midgut trypsin, a DNA probe was generated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with template isolated from a midgut cDNA library phage stock, a mixture of degenerate primers synthesized to code for the highly conserved region around the active site serine found in trypsins, and the T7 sequencing primer. Three different trypsin cDNAs were isolated each of which encodes a preproenzyme of 256 amino acids with a putative signal sequence of 17 amino acids, an activation peptide of seven amino acids and a mature trypsin of 232 amino acids. The encoded midgut trypsins contain the highly conserved residues, Asp, His, Ser, involved in catalysis in serine proteases, along with the residues which define the trypsin specificity pocket. Sequence comparisons show that all sequences are similar to other invertebrate and vertebrate serine proteases, but they differ in that two of the three encoded trypsins have an odd number of cysteines. Northern analysis localizes the trypsin mRNA to the middle third of the midgut. A large number of arginines (19, 20 and 21) are encoded by the three cDNAs which may stabilize the trypsin, by remaining protonated, in the alkaline midgut of M. sexta.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A Drosophila gene that encodes a member of the protein disulfide isomerase/phospholipase C-alpha family.

Screening of a Drosophila genomic DNA library at reduced stringency hybridization conditions using a rat PLC alpha cDNA probe yielded a gene which encodes a member of the protein disulfide isomerase/PLC alpha family. The gene has been localized to band 74C on the left arm of the third chromosome and has been designated dpdi. Northern analysis shows that the dpdi gene encodes a transcript that is 2.3 kb in length and is present throughout development as well as in both heads and bodies of adults. The deduced dpdi protein is 496 amino acids in length and contains two domains exhibiting high similarity to thioredoxin, two regions that are similar to the hormone binding domain of human estrogen receptor, and a sequence of four amino acids (KDEL) at the C-terminus which has been described by others as being responsible for retention of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Overall, dpdi contains a higher similarity to rat protein disulfide isomerase (53% identical) than to rat PLC alpha (30% identical). However, it is unclear whether dpdi functions in vivo as a PDI or as a PLC, or both. Drosophila, with its well characterized genetics and the ability to generate mutants in a gene that has been cloned, provides an excellent system in which to resolve this issue.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence for the widespread coupling of alternative splicing and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay in humans.

To better understand the role of alternative splicing, we conducted a large-scale analysis of reliable alternative isoforms of known human genes. Each isoform was classified according to its splice pattern and supporting evidence. We found that one-third of the alternative transcripts examined contain premature termination codons, and most persist even after rigorous filtering by multiple methods. These transcripts are apparent targets of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a surveillance mechanism that selectively degrades nonsense mRNAs. Several of these transcripts are from genes for which alternative splicing is known to regulate protein expression by generating alternate isoforms that are differentially subjected to NMD. We propose that regulated unproductive splicing and translation (RUST), through the coupling of alternative splicing and NMD, may be a pervasive, underappreciated means of regulating protein expression.

Alternative Splicing↗

Emerging role of aromatase inhibitors in the adjuvant setting.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been approved as second-line treatment for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) metastatic breast cancer after first-line treatment with the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen. Anastrozole and letrozole have also recently been widely approved as first-line endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The three third-generation selective oral AIs approved for use in the United States include two nonsteroidal agents, anastrozole (Arimidex) and letrozole (Femara), and the irreversible steroidal inhibitor exemestane (Aromasin). Several major ongoing clinical trials with a variety of treatment regimens are comparing the relative efficacy of tamoxifen with the steroidal and nonsteroidal AIs in the adjuvant setting. The first strategy compares an AI against tamoxifen directly. Among these are the ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen Alone or in Combination) trial (anastrozole), the BIG FEMTA (Femara-Tamoxifen Breast International Group) trial (letrozole), and the EXEM and TEAM (exemestane) trials. A second strategy is examining the use of an AI as an extension after the initial 5 years of tamoxifen. Examples of this trial design are the MA-17 (letrozole) and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP B-33, exemestane) trials. A third approach is the use of these agents in sequence with tamoxifen as therapy within the initial 5 postoperative years. Examples of this approach are the International Collaboration Cancer Group trial (tamoxifen for 2-3 years followed by either tamoxifen or exemestane for the remainder of the 5-year period), the BIG FEMTA trial (patients are crossed over from tamoxifen to Ietrozole or letrozole to tamoxifen), and the Arimidex-Nolvadex (ARNO) trial (patients receiving tamoxifen are randomized either to continue with tamoxifen or to switch to anastrozole). A single trial is comparing tamoxifen and anastrozole as initial 5-year therapy, or a combination of the two. The study addressing this design is the ATAC trial. Finally, a small trial in Norway is comparing 2 years of an AI versus a placebo in very low-risk patients with receptor-positive breast tumors. Most adjuvant trials have companion studies associated with the main protocol. These are to determine the end-organ effects of the inhibitors and include measurements of quality of life, bone and lipid metabolism, and endometrial effects. This review addresses the clinical implications of these studies of AIs.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Molecular basis of complement C3 deficiency in guinea pigs.

In experiments to ascertain the biochemical basis of a genetically determined deficiency of the third component of complement (C3) in guinea pigs, we found that C3-deficient liver and peritoneal macrophages contain C3 messenger RNA of normal size (approximately 5 kb) and amounts, that this mRNA programs synthesis of pro-C3 in oocytes primed with liver RNA and in primary macrophage cultures. In each instance, heterodimeric native C3 protein was secreted with normal kinetics but the C3 protein product of the deficient cells failed to undergo autolytic cleavage and was unusually susceptible to proteolysis. These data and a selective failure of C3 in plasma of deficient animals to incorporate [14C]methylamine suggested either a mutation in primary structure of the C3 protein or a selective defect in co- or postsynthetic processing affecting the thiolester bridge, a structure important for C3 function. A mutation in the primary structure of C3 was ruled out by comparison of direct sequence analysis of C3 cDNA generated from two C3 deficient and two C3 sufficient guinea pig liver libraries. Three base pair differences, none resulting in derived amino acid sequence differences were identified. Finally, restriction fragment length polymorphisms were identified in the C3 gene that are independent of the deficiency phenotype. This marker of the C3 gene permits testing of these hypotheses using molecular biological and classical genetic methods.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Subunit principles in midface fractures: the importance of sagittal buttresses, soft-tissue reductions, and sequencing treatment of segmental fractures.

The patterns of midface fractures were related to postoperative computed tomography scans and clinical results to assess the value of ordering fracture assembly in success of treatment methods. A total of 550 midface fractures were studied for their midface components and the presence of fractures in the adjacent frontal bone or mandible. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were analyzed to generate recommendations regarding exposure and postoperative stability related to fracture pattern and treatment sequence, both within the midface alone and when combined with frontal bone and mandibular fractures. Large segment (Le Fort I, II, and III) fractures were seen in 68 patients (12 percent); more comminuted midface fracture combinations were seen in 93 patients (17 percent). Midface and mandibular fractures were seen in 166 patients (30 percent). Midface, mandible, and nasoethmoid fractures were seen in 38 patients (7 percent). Frontal bone and midface fractures were seen in 131 patients (24 percent). Split-palate fractures accompanied 8 percent of midface fractures. Frontal bone, midface, and mandibular fractures were seen in 54 patients (10 percent). The midface, because of weak bone structure and comminuted fracture pattern, must therefore be considered a dependent, less stable structure. Its injuries more commonly occur with fractures of the frontal bone or mandible (two-thirds of cases) and, more often than not (>60 percent), are comminuted. Comminuted and pan-facial (multiple area) fractures deserve individualized consideration regarding the length of intermaxillary immobilization. Examples of common errors are described from this patient experience.

Facial Asymmetry↗

The hippocampus: organizational patterns in health and senescence.

The human hippocampal-dentate complex and the adjacent entorhinal cortex undergo a sequence of histological changes during the process of aging and senescence. Such alterations show a loose correlation with the age of the individual, and a more precise fit with the degree of clinical and psychosocial deterioration demonstrated prior to the individual's death. The structural changes are more or less idiosyncratic to the specific area involved but, in general, include loss of dendrite spines. distortion and swelling of the cell-body dendrite complex, and progressive destruction of the dendrite domain. Since one-third to two-thirds of the complement of archicortical neurons may be involved, a very significant fraction of synaptic connections are lost, and with them, much of the computational power of these areas. Psychophysiological studies strongly suggest a relationship between the human hippocampus-entorhinal complex with memory formation and/or retrieval. Animal studies indicate a possible role for the hippocampus as a cognitive mapping system which generates working models of the environment. The utility of such models might lie in part in facilitating selection of context-dependent behavior in a changing spatio-temporal setting. Progressive alteration of hippocampal function with aging and senescence could thus contribute significantly to patterns of increasing confusion and disorientation so common in the senile individual.

Aged↗

Genetic influence on the structural variations of the abnormal prion protein.

Prion diseases are characterized by the presence of the abnormal prion protein PrP(Sc), which is believed to be generated by the conversion of the alpha-helical structure that predominates in the normal PrP isoform into a beta-sheet structure resistant to proteinase K (PK). In human prion diseases, two major types of PrP(Sc), type 1 and 2, can be distinguished based on the difference in electrophoretic migration of the PK-resistant core fragment. In this study, protein sequencing was used to identify the PK cleavage sites of PrP(Sc) in 36 cases of prion diseases. We demonstrated two primary cleavage sites at residue 82 and residue 97 for type 1 and type 2 PrP(Sc), respectively, and numerous secondary cleavages distributed along the region spanning residues 74-102. Accordingly, we identify three regions in PrP(Sc): one N-terminal (residues 23-73) that is invariably PK-sensitive, one C-terminal (residues 103-231) that is invariably PK-resistant, and a third variable region (residues 74-102) where the site of the PK cleavage, likely reflecting the extent of the beta-sheet structure, varies mostly as a function of the PrP genotype at codon 129.

Brain Chemistry↗

Use of antibodies directed against synthetic peptides for identifying cDNA clones, establishing reading frames, and deducing the gene order of measles virus.

A number of cDNA clones complementary to measles virus mRNA and 50S genome RNA have been generated. These clones have been mapped by restriction enzyme analysis and were subsequently sequenced by the method of Maxam and Gilbert (A. M. Maxam and W. Gilbert, Methods Enzymol. 65:499-560, 1980). Computer analysis of these DNA sequences revealed open reading frames which potentially could code for a number of gene products. Portions of these putative polypeptides were synthesized, and rabbit antibodies directed against peptide-hemocyanin conjugates were produced. These antibodies were used to immunoprecipitate virus-specific polypeptides which were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. For each of the antisera tested, a unique protein was precipitated whose migration on polyacrylamide gels corresponded to standard gene products identified by monoclonal antibodies and antisera against measles virus. By using this method, we were able to assign the coding regions of cDNA clones to specific protein products and, subsequently, to order the genes of the 3'-terminal third of measles genome RNA.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Temperature-modulated high-performance liquid chromatography for detecting variation in human genome.

Recently, temperature modulated heteroduplex analysis (TMHA) based upon ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography has been developed as a tool for polymorphisms and novel mutation detection in human genome. This new approach, with increased accuracy and throughput over traditional methods. This new approach is also known as denaturing high performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC). However, the terms of both TMHA and DHPLC should be considered carefully. Firstly, it is DNA molecular that is denatured in high performance liquid chromatography but not the method or the instrument. Secondly, the temperature in the liquid chromatograph is modulated according to Tm (melting temperature) of the DNA fragments. As it is known, Tm is the temperature at which a population of double-stranded nucleic acid molecules becomes half-dissociated into single strands, and under this temperature, half of the DNA molecules is still not denaturing. Thirdly, the targets for detection are both the homoduplexes and the mismatched heteroduplexes, which are double-stranded nucleic acid molecules and are annealing. The term of DHPLC may lead to confusion in annealing and denaturing. In addition, since TMHA can be carried out using gel electrophoresis and HPLC, there is a need to distinguish HPLC from gel electrophoresis. Therefore, we suggest a new term for this technology, which is TmHPLC (temperature-modulated high- performance liquid chromatography). This term not only provides a clear definition for this new method, but also includes both TMHA and HPLC. More importantly, TmHPLC implies that the temperature in HPLC is modulated according to Tm of the DNA fragments. We also review advances in detecting variation through TmHPLC. This new approach leads to significant reduction of sequencing efforts for searching novel mutations and polymorphisms, and because of its high sample throughput, to faster data generation. This implies that TmHPLC is a sensitive, accurate, and cost effective approach to screening sequence variation in human genome.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Phosphorylation of beta-crystallin B2 (beta Bp) in the bovine lens.

Three major 32P-labeled polypeptides were found in the soluble fraction of bovine lenses cultured in a medium containing [32P]orthophosphate. Two of the polypeptides corresponded to the phosphorylated A and B chains of alpha-crystallin. In this communication, the third polypeptide is now identified. This polypeptide is characterized by a molecular weight of 27,000 and a pI of 6.6, eluted exclusively in the beta Low fraction of a CL-6B gel filtration separation of lens soluble material, and could be further purified by DE52 anion exchange chromatography. The only 32P-labeled amino acid detected was phosphoserine. A single 32P-labeled peptide was observed after tryptic digestion and two-dimensional mapping. The amino acid sequence of the purified peptide is Gly-Ala-Phe-His-Pro-Ser-Ser. This sequence exactly matches the expected C-terminal tryptic fragment, residues 198-204, of the bovine beta-crystallin B2. The results of carboxypeptidase A digestion of the 32P-labeled peptide suggest that only Ser203 is phosphorylated. By using the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, purified beta B2 was phosphorylated in vitro, generating a single 32P-labeled polypeptide with the identical pI as the phosphorylated polypeptide obtained from lens culture. On the basis of these data, the Mr 27,000 32P-labeled polypeptide is identified as the phosphorylated form of the beta-crystallin B2.

Animals↗

Differentially expressed genes in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells by cholesterol-loading.

Differentially expressed genes generated by cholesterol-loading in the culture medium of aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) were screened using the DDRT-PCR technique in order to identify the genes that are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the artery. Twenty-eight genes were initially isolated and three differentially expressed cDNAs were finally selected by Northern blot analysis. All three cDNAs were up-regulated (designated CRGSM-1 through -3) by the cholesterol-loading. Upon nucleotide sequencing and homology search in the databases, the first cDNA (CRGSM-1) had a high homology (97%) with the corresponding segment of the acyl-CoA synthetase II gene from rat brain, which participates in fatty acid synthesis. The second one (CRGSM-2) had a high homology (91%) with a part of Mus musculus (mouse) LIM protein 1, and with human skeletal muscle LIM-protein 1 genes (80%) and the third gene (CRGSM-3) had no significant homology match in the database. A full size cDNA isolated from the cDNA library of rat aortic smooth muscle cell using the CRGSM-2 as a probe was identified to have a high homology with muscle LIM protein (MLP). The isolated cDNA contained a segment of DNA that encodes for a zinc-finger motif and two LIM domains. Proteins bearing the LIM domain, defined as a unique double zinc-finger structure associated with a subclass of proteins involved in the determination of cell identity, cell differentiation and control of cell growth, have previously been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by others.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Efficient generation and mapping of recessive developmental mutations using ENU mutagenesis.

Treatment with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) efficiently generates single-nucleotide mutations in mice. Along with the renewed interest in this approach, much attention has been given recently to large screens with broad aims; however, more finely focused studies have proven very productive as well. Here we show how mutagenesis together with genetic mapping can facilitate the rapid characterization of recessive loci required for normal embryonic development. We screened third-generation progeny of mutagenized mice at embryonic day (E) 18.5 for abnormalities of organogenesis. We ascertained 15 monogenic mutations in the 54 families that were comprehensively analyzed. We carried out the experiment as an outcross, which facilitated the genetic mapping of the mutations by haplotype analysis. We mapped seven of the mutations and identified the affected locus in two lines. Using a hierarchical approach, it is possible to maximize the efficiency of this analysis so that it can be carried out easily with modest infrastructure and resources.

Animals↗

Generation of synthetic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pseudoparticles: implications for assembly and vaccine production.

The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) contains four structural genes, two replicase-transcriptase open reading frames, and more than five potential genes of unknown function. Despite this relative simplicity, the molecular regulation of SARS-CoV replication and assembly is not understood. Here, we report that two viral genes, encoding the SARS-CoV membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, are necessary and sufficient for formation of virus-like particles. Expression vectors encoding these two proteins were synthesized by using preferred human codons. When M and N expression plasmids were cotransfected into human 293 renal epithelial cells, pseudoparticles formed readily. The addition of a third gene, encoding the spike (S) glycoprotein, facilitated budding of particles that contained a corona-like halo resembling SARS-CoV when examined by transmission electron microscopy, with a buoyant density characteristic of coronaviruses. Specific biochemical interactions of these proteins were also shown in vitro. The S, M, and N proteins of the SARS-CoV are, therefore, necessary and sufficient for pseudovirus assembly. These findings advance the understanding of the morphogenesis of SARS-CoV and enable the generation of safe, conformational mimetics of the SARS virus that may facilitate the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.

Base Sequence↗

The lipoprotein-associated coagulation inhibitor.

TF mediated initiation of coagulation appears to play a critical role in normal hemostasis and probably pathologic thrombosis as well. Although teleological considerations would seem to suggest that a specific regulator of this process should exist, and although the presence in plasma of such an inhibitor was documented many years ago, it was not until the past five years that the inhibitor was characterized and its mechanism of action defined. LACI produces factor Xa-dependent feedback initiation of the VIIa/TF catalytic complex. The mechanism of this feedback inhibition is novel. First, LACI, a multi-headed protease inhibitor, binds factor Xa, a product of VIIa/TF catalysis, at one of its inhibitory domains. The Xa-LACI complex, possibly acting as a pseudosubstrate, then is able to bind to VIIa/TF in an appropriate conformation such that a second inhibitory domain of LACI is positioned to interact with factor VIIa in the VIIa/TF complex. Whether such a unique means of eliciting feedback inhibition in a protease cascade is repeated in nature is unknown. The existence of LACI appears to help explain the clinical need for both "extrinsic" and "intrinsic" coagulation pathways. In addition, data to the present are consistent with the notion that, in normal hemostasis at least, TF is responsible for an initial burst of factor Xa generation which provides sufficient thrombin to induce the aggregation of platelets and the activation of the critical coagulation cofactors factor V and factor VIII. Ultimate and persistent hemostasis, however, appears to require the continued production of additional factor Xa through the action of factor IXa and factor VIII. The fact that patients with factor XI deficiency suffers a variable but usually mild bleeding diathesis suggests that under certain conditions the initial burst of factor IXa formed through the action of VIIa/TF is insufficient and supplemental factor IXa generated by factor XIa is needed for normal hemostasis. The mechanism by which this factor XIa is generated in vivo, however, has not been determined. We stress that the predicted in vivo role of LACI is simply that--a prediction based on its known in vitro properties. Documentation of its physiologic importance remains to be provided and is an area of active research. Further, although significant progress has been made over the past few years in the characterization of LACI, many questions remain unanswered. For example: What is the mechanism for LACI's association with lipoproteins in plasma? What function, if any, does the third Kunitz-type protease inhibitor domain in LACI serve? (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

DNA sequences specific for Caucasian G3m(b) and (g) allotypes: allotyping at the genomic level.

Assignment of the G3m(g) and (b) correlative amino acid residues was performed at the genomic level by direct sequencing of DNA from nine Caucasian individuals. Two oligonucleotide primers were used for subclass-specific enzymatic amplification of a DNA segment comprising a major portion of the second and third constant region domains (CH2 and CH3) of the human IgG3 heavy chain gene. Comparison of the sequences of amplified DNA from individuals serologically typed as homozygous for G3m(b) or G3m(g) or as heterozygous, G3m(b,g), revealed differences in the codons for the amino acid residues 291, 296, and 384. Proline, phenylalanine, and serine at these positions corresponded to G3m(b), and leucine, tyrosine, and asparagine to G3m(g). Heterozygotic individuals, typed G3m(b,g), displayed both the G3m(b) and G3m(g) codons at these three positions. The polymorphism at each of these three codons could be identified either as the appearance, or the loss, of recognition sites for the two restriction endonucleases, Nsp BII and Rsa I. This allowed the development of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay permitting the distinction of G3mb and G3mg alleles by analyzing the electrophoretical mobility of the DNA fragments generated by digestion of the PCR-products with Nsp BII and Rsa I.

Amino Acid Sequence↗