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Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus comparison: divergent evolution on two continents.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a recently described arterivirus responsible for disease in swine worldwide. Comparative sequence analysis of 3'-terminal structural genes of the single-stranded RNA viral genome revealed the presence of two genotypic classes of PRRSV, represented by the prototype North American and European strains, VR-2332 and Lelystad virus (LV), respectively. To better understand the evolution and pathogenicity of PRRSV, we obtained the 12,066-base 5'-terminal nucleotide sequence of VR-2332, encoding the viral replication activities, and compared it to those of LV and other arteriviruses. VR-2332 and LV differ markedly in the 5' leader and sections of the open reading frame (ORF) 1a region. The ORF 1b sequence was nearly colinear but varied in similarity of proteins encoded in identified regions. Furthermore, molecular and biochemical analysis of subgenomic mRNA (sgmRNA) processing revealed extensive variation in the number of sgmRNAs which may be generated during infection and in the lengths of noncoding sequence between leader-body junctions and the translation-initiating codon AUG. In addition, VR-2332 and LV select different leader-body junction sites from a pool of similar candidate sites to produce sgmRNA 7, encoding the viral nucleocapsid protein. The presence of substantial variations across the entire genome and in sgmRNA processing indicates that PRRSV has evolved independently on separate continents. The near-simultaneous global emergence of a new swine disease caused by divergently evolved viruses suggests that changes in swine husbandry and management may have contributed to the emergence of PRRS.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Genes for small, noncoding RNAs under sporulation control in Bacillus subtilis.

The process of sporulation in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis is known to involve the programmed activation of several hundred protein-coding genes. Here we report the discovery of previously unrecognized genes under sporulation control that specify small, non-protein-coding RNAs (sRNAs). Genes for sRNAs were identified by transcriptional profiling with a microarray bearing probes for intergenic regions in the genome and by use of a comparative genomics algorithm that predicts regions of conserved RNA secondary structure. The gene for one such sRNA, SurA, which is located in the region between yndK and yndL, was induced at the start of development under the indirect control of the master regulator for entry into sporulation, Spo0A. The gene for a second sRNA, SurC, located in the region between dnaJ and dnaK, was switched on at a late stage of sporulation by the RNA polymerase sigma factor sigmaK, which directs gene transcription in the mother cell compartment of the developing sporangium. Finally, a third intergenic region, that between polC and ylxS, which specified several sRNAs, including two transcripts produced under the control of the forespore-specific sigma factor sigmaG and a third transcript generated by sigmaK, was identified. Our results indicate that the full repertoire of sporulation-specific gene expression involves the activation of multiple genes for small, noncoding RNAs.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Absence of persistent infection with enteroviruses in muscles of patients with inflammatory myopathies.

We searched for enteroviral nucleic acid sequences using the polymerase chain reaction and slot-blot hybridization in coded muscle biopsy specimens from 39 patients with active inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion-body myositis) and from 16 patients with other neuromuscular diseases, including patients with postpolio syndrome. For primers, we used sequences of the noncoding region at the 5' end of the viral RNA. We failed to detect specific enteroviral nucleic acid sequences in the muscle biopsy specimens. Because this sensitive technique can amplify even low copy numbers of the viral genome, it appears unlikely that a persistent enteroviral infection is the cause of inflammatory myopathies.

Base Sequence↗

Polymerase chain reaction assay for hepatitis C virus RNA using a single tube for reverse transcription and serial rounds of amplification with nested primer pairs.

A procedure is described for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in blood by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in which the reverse transcription step and two rounds of amplification are carried out in a single tube. This results in fewer manipulations, reduced risk of contamination, and economy of time. The procedures are generally applicable to other assays based on the PCR. We describe the preparation (from 100 microL serum) of test samples that remain stable for at least 6 days under specified conditions and an assay that employs nested primer pairs homologous to conserved sequences in the 5' noncoding region. The method was tested on 107 sera from the United States and Japan. Correlation with first-generation anti-HCV was 77%. Two sets of nested primer pairs homologous to sequences in the 5' noncoding region and one set based on structural region sequences showed differences in their reactivities with serum HCV RNA. The recommended single tube procedure specified a primer for reverse transcription that was conserved in all reported HCV genomes but absent from pestivirus genomic sequences. The effects of preanalytical factors on the detection of HCV RNA were studied. Qualitatively, there was no change in the HCV RNA-positivity of sera that were exposed to room temperature for 24 hours. Quantitative studies showed a decrease in titer in some specimens. Three cycles of freeze-thawing had no detectable effects on the titers of HCV RNA.

Base Sequence↗

Structure, chromosomal location, and expression pattern of three mouse genes homologous to the human MAGE genes.

The human MAGE1 gene directs the expression of an antigen recognized on a melanoma by autologous cytolytic T lymphocytes. MAGE1 belongs to a family of genes that are expressed in a number of tumors of various histological types but not in normal tissues except testis. The MAGE genes are arranged in two groups that are located within two different regions of the human X chromosome (Xq26-qter and Xp21.3). By hybridizing mouse genomic libraries with a MAGE1 probe, we identified three homologous genes. Two of these mouse genes, Smage1 and Smage2, are more than 99% identical to each other and encode the same protein of 330 aa. The 5' noncoding region of Smage2 provides the potential for regulating the expression of the gene through several different promoters located in front of alternative first exons. The third gene, Smage3, has the structure of a processed transcript. It codes for a protein with only 11 aa substitutions with respect to the Smage1/2 product. Somatic cell hybrids and interspecific backcross analysis showed that Smage3 is autosomal and that Smage1 and Smage2 are located between the Dmd and the Ar loci on the mouse X chromosome. Since this region is syntenic to the human Xp21.1-p22.1 region, we conclude that Smage1 and Smage2 are homologous to the MAGE-Xp rather than to the MAGE-Xq genes. Smage1/2 transcripts were detected in several tumor and embryonal cell lines but not in normal mouse tissues with the exception of testis. Expression of Smage3 was found in embryos from Day 11 to Day 15.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The human NTT gene: identification of a novel 17-kb noncoding nuclear RNA expressed in activated CD4+ T cells.

We describe the cloning and characterization of the NTT gene (noncoding transcript in T cells), identified by differential display RT-PCR based on the differential presence of its transcript in a subset of activated, human CD4+ T-cell clones. The full-length cDNA and genomic sequences were cloned and found to produce a 17-kb transcript that is polyadenylated, but is not spliced. Consistent with the transcript's nuclear predominance, NTT has no open reading frame larger than 270 bp. It is transcribed in a select subset of CD4+ T-cell clones propagated in vitro. Its transcription can also be induced in freshly isolated T cells by in vitro activation with PHA or with PMA and ionomycin. In vivo, NTT transcripts are found only in activated, but not resting, T cells. Transcripts were absent in a variety of lymphoid cell lines and transformed lines from other tissues. NTT is a new member of the small group of genes including XIST (X-specific transcript), H19, and IPW (imprinted gene in the Prader-Willi syndrome region), which are transcribed but not translated, and may have a role in the regulation of neighboring genes. XIST, H19, and IPW exhibit monoallelic expression, but both NTT alleles are expressed in CD4+ T-cell clones. Southern blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses show that NTT is a single-copy gene residing in chromosome 6q23-q24, near the interferon-gamma receptor gene (IFN-gamma R). Their proximity and shared expression pattern suggest a possible functional relationship.

Alleles↗

Organization and conservation of the GART/SON/DONSON locus in mouse and human genomes.

The SON gene, which maps to human chromosome 21q22.1-q22.2, encodes a novel regulatory protein. Here we describe the organization of the Son locus in the mouse genome. The mouse Son gene spans a region of approximately 35 kb. The coding region is more than 8 kb in length and has been completely sequenced. The gene is organized into 11 coding exons and 1 noncoding 3'UTR exon, with over 70% of the coding region residing in one 5.7-kb exon. The gene contains at least one alternative exon, N/C exon 1, which can be used, by splicing, to generate a truncated form of the SON protein. Further investigation of the mouse Son locus has identified the genes directly flanking Son. The glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase gene, Gart, is encoded 5' of Son in a head-to-head arrangement, with the start of both genes lying within 899 bp. Sequence comparison with the expressed sequence tagged database identified a novel gene within 65 bp of the 3' end of Son, which we have named Donson. In this unusually compact gene cluster, we have found overlap in the pattern of expression between Gart, Son, and Donson. However, at least two of these genes have very different functions. While GART is involved in purine biosynthesis, we find that SON shows the characteristics of "SR- type" proteins, which are involved in mRNA processing and gene expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A new frontier for molecular medicine: noncoding RNAs.

It is now becoming evident that the variety of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) molecules play important roles in many cellular processes and they are not just mere intermediates in transfer of genetic information from DNA to proteins. Recent data, from the analyses of transcriptional activity of human genome, suggest that it may contain roughly equal numbers of protein- and RNA-encoding transcription units. Many of the ncRNAs described in humans as well as in other mammals have been linked, through specific chromosomal localization or expression patterns, with certain diseases including complex congenital syndromes, neurobehavioral and developmental disorders and cancer. These findings clearly indicate that an expression of genes of which end-products are RNA molecules is crucial for development, differentiation and normal functioning of the cells. The ncRNAs expression patterns can therefore be used as molecular markers for specific diagnostic methods.

Animals↗

Clinical virology of rhinoviruses.

Rhinoviruses cause more infections in humans than any other micro-organism. These acid-sensitive picornaviruses infect epithelial cells following inoculation onto the nasal mucosa and are detected reliably in nasopharyngeal secretions. Rhinovirus colds occur year round, with a peak of illness in the fall. Type-specific serum antibody correlates with protection against infection. The fact that there are at least 100 different immunotypes makes development of an effective vaccine unlikely. Nasopharyngeal secretions must be sampled for detection of rhinovirus by culture or RT-PCR. Efficient isolation of virus requires inoculation into two different types of sensitive cell cultures (i.e., fibroblasts and HeLa cells). RT of conserved sequences in the 5' noncoding region of the viral RNA to produce cDNA for PCR amplification has been coupled with detection of amplimers either by gel electrophoresis after nested PCR or by hybridization with labeled oligonucleotide probes to detect one viral genome in samples. In two studies in which both RT-PCR and cell cultures were used, virtually all of the positives were identified with RT-PCR; culture in two cell lines identified 75-80% of the positives. In year-round surveillance, 50% of colds in adults and children were rhinovirus positive. The symptoms occurring during rhinovirus colds are caused by the host's response to the virus, not by the virus itself. Elaboration of cytokines by infected epithelial cells is central to symptom pathogenesis.

Common Cold↗

Escherichia coli Hfq binds A18 and DsrA domain II with similar 2:1 Hfq6/RNA stoichiometry using different surface sites.

Hfq is a RNA-binding protein in Escherichia coli that plays an essential role in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs by facilitating pairing of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to mRNA target sites. Recent work has provided evidence that E. coli Hfq has two distinct RNA-binding surfaces. In this study, a comparative sequence-structure analysis of hfq genes in bacterial genomes was employed to identify conserved residues that may be involved in binding RNA. A covariance of residue properties at neighboring positions 12 and 39 and conserved surface residues with high propensities at binding sites of RNA-binding proteins suggested several sites for Hfq-RNA interactions. On the basis of these predictions, eight mutant Hfq proteins were produced and their interactions were examined with the 38 nucleotide (nt) domain II of DsrA ncRNA (DsrA(DII)) and A(18) by a gel-mobility shift assay, fluorescence anisotropy, and fluorescence quenching. Mutations on the proximal surface of Hfq had a small affect on Hfq binding to A(18) (<or=2-fold), while the mutations Y25A and K31A on the distal surface decreased affinity to A(18) by 100-fold in solution. Mutations F39A and R16A on the proximal surface reduced affinity to DsrA(DII) by 6-8-fold, while other mutations on the distal or proximal surfaces affected affinity to DsrA(DII) by <or=2-fold using the gel-mobility shift assay. The F39A/L12F double mutation partially regained the affinity for DsrA(DII) lost by the F39A mutation. The latter observation is consistent with the implied importance of an aromatic residue at position 12 or 39 suggested by the sequence covariance. Titration experiments indicate a 2:1 Hfq(6)/RNA stoichiometry for the strong binding complexes of Hfq with either A(18) or DsrA(DII) and suggests that RNA-induced dimer formation of Hfq(6) is a common feature of Hfq-RNA interactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Allelic variation in human mitochondrial genes based on patterns of restriction site polymorphism.

Restriction maps of 145 human mtDNAs representing samples from five geographic regions were used to construct multilocus genotypes for 28 genetic loci of the mitochondrial genome. Alleles were defined as distinct combinations of the presence or absence of polymorphic restriction sites within each locus. The 28 loci included 13 genes encoding proteins, 10 genes specifying tRNAs, 2 genes specifying rRNAs, and 3 noncoding regions consisting of the D loop, the light strand origin of replication, and the 5' noncoding sequence. In 35 comparisons of allele frequency distributions to expected distributions predicted by neutral mutation theory (assuming an infinite alleles model), the results revealed that most genetic diversity values (71%) fell within the range predicted by the neutral model; however, excesses in the frequencies of common alleles and in the number of singleton alleles within populations were observed at specific loci. Departures from the neutral mutation model are most readily explained by the effects of the recent expansion of the human population and the action of purifying selection. Coefficients of population differentiation suggest that gene flow of mtDNA types between certain geographic regions may be limited.

Alleles↗

Histone H2A.Z is widely but nonrandomly distributed in chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster.

Variant histones that differ in amino acid sequence from S-phase histones are widespread in eukaryotes, yet the structural changes they cause to nucleosomes and how those changes affect relevant cellular processes have not been determined. H2A.F/Z is a highly conserved family of H2A variants. H2Av, the H2A.F/Z variant of Drosophila melanogaster, was localized in polytene chromosomes by indirect immunofluorescence and in diploid chromosomes by chromatin immunoprecipitation. H2Av was widely distributed in the genome and not limited to sites of active transcription. H2Av was present in thousands of euchromatic bands and the heterochromatic chromocenter of polytene chromosomes, and the H2Av antibody precipitated both transcribed and nontranscribed genes as well as noncoding euchromatic and heterochromatic sequences. The distribution of H2Av was not uniform. The complex banding pattern of H2Av in polytene chromosomes did not parallel the concentration of DNA, as did the pattern of immunofluorescence using H2A antibodies, and the density of H2Av measured by immunoprecipitation varied between different sequences. Of the sequences assayed, H2Av was least abundant on 1. 688 satellite sequences and most abundant on the hsp70 genes. Finally, transcription caused, to an equivalent extent, both H2Av and H2A to be less tightly associated with DNA.

Animals↗

Genomic organization of the human catechol O-methyltransferase gene and its expression from two distinct promoters.

Human genomic DNA fragments containing catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) sequences were isolated and the exon-intron structure analysed by sequencing, PCR and comparing to the human COMT cDNA sequences. The gene contains six exons, of which exons 1 and 2 are noncoding. MB-ATG and S-ATG codons, responsible for the initiation of translation of the membrane-bound (MB) and soluble (S) forms of the enzyme, are located in exon 3. Two distinct COMT-specific transcripts, 1.3 kb and 1.5 kb, were detected in various human tissues and cell lines. Different quantities of the shorter COMT-specific mRNA in the tissues studied suggest a tissue-specific regulation of the COMT gene at transcriptional level. Mapping of the 5' ends of the COMT mRNAs showed that transcription initiates at multiple sites in two separate DNA regions, which are preceded by functional promoter sequences. The proximal promoter (P1), located between the two translation initiation codons and extending approximately 200 bp upstream of the MB-ATG initiation codon, apparently gives rise to the 1.3-kb S-COMT mRNA (S-mRNA). The distal promoter (P2) is located in a DNA fragment in front of and partly overlapping the transcription-start region of the 1.5-kb transcript, suggesting that it controls the expression of this MB-mRNA. Similarities between the rat and human COMT gene promoters are analyzed.

Animals↗

The complex evolutionary history of gorillas: insights from genomic data.

Relatively little is known about the evolutionary and demographic histories of gorillas, one of our closest living relatives. In this study, we used samples from both western (Gorilla gorilla) and eastern (Gorilla beringei) gorillas to infer the timing of the split between these geographically disjunct populations and to elaborate the demographic history of gorillas. Here we present DNA sequences from 16 noncoding autosomal loci from 15 western gorillas and 3 eastern gorillas, including 2 noninvasively sampled free-ranging individuals. We find that the genetic diversity of gorillas is similar to that of chimpanzees but almost twice as high as that of bonobos and humans. A significantly positive Fu & Li's D was observed for western gorillas, suggesting a complex demographic history with a constant, long-term population size and ancestral population structure. Among different population-split scenarios, our data suggest a complex history of western and eastern gorillas including an initial population split at around 0.9-1.6 MYA and subsequent, primarily male-mediated gene flow until approximately 80,000-200,000 years ago. Furthermore, simulations revealed that more gene flow took place from eastern to western gorilla populations than vice versa.

Africa, Central↗

The genetic relationship between virulent and temperate Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriophages: whole genome comparison of cos-site phages Sfi19 and Sfi21.

The virulent cos-site Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriophage Sfi19 has a 37,392-bp-long genome consisting of 44 open reading frames all encoded on the same DNA strand. The genome of the temperate cos-site S. thermophilus phage Sfi21 is 3.3 kb longer (40,740 bp, 53 orfs). Both genomes are very similarly organized and differed mainly by gene deletion and DNA rearrangement events in the lysogeny module; gene replacement, duplication, and deletion events in the DNA replication module, and numerous point mutations. The level of point mutations varied from <1% (lysis and DNA replication modules) to >15% (DNA packaging and head morphogenesis modules). A dotplot analysis showed nearly a straight line over the left 25 kb of their genomes. Over the right genome half, a more variable dotplot pattern was observed. The entire lysogeny module from Sfi21 comprising 12 genes was replaced by 7 orfs in Sfi19, six showed similarity with genes from temperate pac-site S. thermophilus phages. None of the genes implicated in the establishment of the lysogenic state (integrase, superinfection immunity, repressor) or remnants of it were conserved in Sfi19, while a Cro-like repressor was detected. Downstream of the highly conserved DNA replication module 11 and 13 orfs were found in Sfi19 and phiSfi21, respectively: Two orfs from Sfi21 were replaced by a different gene and a duplication of the phage origin of replication in Sfi19; a further orf was only found in Sfi21. All other orfs from this region, which included a second putative phage repressor, were closely related between both phages. Two noncoding regions of Sfi19 showed sequence similarity to pST1, a small cryptic plasmid of S. thermophilus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A strategy for probing the function of noncoding RNAs finds a repressor of NFAT.

Noncoding RNA molecules (ncRNAs) have been implicated in numerous biological processes including transcriptional regulation and the modulation of protein function. Yet, in spite of the apparent abundance of ncRNA, little is known about the biological role of the projected thousands of ncRNA genes present in the human genome. To facilitate functional analysis of these RNAs, we have created an arrayed library of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) directed against 512 evolutionarily conserved putative ncRNAs and, via cell-based assays, we have begun to determine their roles in cellular pathways. Using this system, we have identified an ncRNA repressor of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which interacts with multiple proteins including members of the importin-beta superfamily and likely functions as a specific regulator of NFAT nuclear trafficking.

Animals↗

Athila4 of Arabidopsis and Calypso of soybean define a lineage of endogenous plant retroviruses.

The Athila retroelements of Arabidopsis thaliana encode a putative envelope gene, suggesting that they are infectious retroviruses. Because most insertions are highly degenerate, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of the A. thaliana genome sequence to discern their conserved features. One family (Athila4) was identified whose members are largely intact and share >94% nucleotide identity. As a basis for comparison, related elements (the Calypso elements) were characterized from soybean. Consensus Calypso and Athila4 elements are 12-14 kb in length and have long terminal repeats of 1.3-1.8 kb. Gag and Pol are encoded on a single open reading frame (ORF) of 1801 (Calypso) and 1911 (Athila4) amino acids. Following the Gag-Pol ORF are noncoding regions of ~0.7 and 2 kb, which, respectively, flank the env-like gene. The env-like ORF begins with a putative splice acceptor site and encodes a protein with a predicted central transmembrane domain, similar to retroviral env genes. RNA of Athila elements was detected in an A. thaliana strain with decreased DNA methylation (ddm1). Additionally, a PCR survey identified related reverse transcriptases in diverse angiosperm genomes. Their ubiquitous nature and the potential for horizontal transfer by infection implicates these endogenous retroviruses as important vehicles for plant genome evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rat parathyroid hormone-like peptide: comparison with the human homologue and expression in malignant and normal tissue.

A rat Leydig cell tumor cDNA library was screened with a 32P-labeled genomic restriction fragment encoding human PTH-like peptide (hPLP), and three cDNA clones were isolated. The largest cDNA insert contained 1146 nucleotides. The cloned cDNA encodes a 177-amino acid protein consisting of a predicted 36-amino acid leader sequence and a 141-amino acid mature peptide in which 9 of 13 amino-terminal residues are identical to rat PTH (rPTH). Comparison of rPLP with hPLP reveals marked conservation of both the nucleotide and amino acid sequences through the prepro, amino-terminal, and midregion portions of the molecules. There is also striking conservation of the 3' noncoding regions of rPLP and hPLP mRNAs, both of which contain AU-rich repeated sequences that may affect mRNA stability. A single species of mRNA of approximately 1.4-kilobases was identified in the rat Leydig cell tumor and in normal rat stomach. Southern blot analysis is consistent with the presence of a single copy of the rPLP gene per haploid genome, and there is no major rearrangement or amplification of the rPLP gene in DNA isolated from the tumor per se. The results demonstrate the presence of a single gene transcript in a rat model of malignancy associated with hypercalcemia which encodes a peptide homologous to hPLP, document the marked interspecies sequence conservation that exists in major functional domains of the mRNAs and peptides, and show the expression of mRNA encoding rPLP in normal stomach as well as in neoplastic rat tissue.

Amino Acid Sequence↗