Cloning and characterization of a novel upstream untranslated exon of the mouse Fgf-1 gene

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1 or aFGF), is the prototype member of the heparin-binding growth factors which are capable of angiogenesis in vivo. FGF-1 has been implicated in atherosclerosis, cancer, wound repair and inflammatory autoimmune diseases. As part of an effort to understand the role of FGF-1 in the etiopathogenesis of inflammation and cancer, we have undertaken steps to isolate and characterize the mouse Fgf-1 gene. Southern blotting and sequence analysis displayed considerable conservation within the coding and upstream untranslated regions of Fgf-1 in human, mouse, hamster, rat and bovine. By using primers derived from the 5′-untranslated exon of a rat prostate-specific Fgf-1 cDNA, a 220-bp product was amplified from mouse genomic DNA via PCR. Sequence analysis of this amplicon showed that there was 80% similarity with the corresponding region of the rat FGF-cDNA sequence. Primers designed from this amplicon and the Fgf-1 coding region were used to isolate multiple overlapping genomic clones spanning the entire mouse Fgf-1 gene. Sequencing analysis of the genomic sequence upstream from this novel 5'-untranslated exon did not reveal typical TATA, CCAAT sequences. It appears that the occurrence of multiple untranslated exons for FGF-1 is a highly conserved theme for this gene across species.     

Cloning and preliminary characterization of a novel cuticular antigen from the filarial parasite Dirofilaria immitis

We have described here the cloning and partial characterization of a cDNA encoding a cuticular antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. A 48-h third-stage larval D. immitis cDNA library was immunoscreened with sera raised in mice against third-stage larval cuticles (mouse anti-L3 cuticle antisera). A strongly immunoreactive clone (L3MC4) was isolated. Sequence analysis of L3MC4 showed that it was a partial length cDNA. The missing 5′ end of the clone was amplified by PCR from D. immitis adult female first-strand cDNA using the nematode 22-base splice leader sequence and a L3MC4-specific antisense primer. The composite cDNA sequence comprised 616 bases (nDiL3MC4) encoding a full-length protein of 146 amino acids (DiL3MC4). GenBank analysis showed that DiL3MC4 shared some homology to an unknown C. elegans gene product (31%) at the amino acid level. However, there were no related filarial expressed sequence tags in the current GenBank™ database. Antibodies to recombinant DiL3MC4 (rDiL3MC4) identified a 19-kDa native antigen in the adults and in the L3 and L4 larval stages of D. immitis. In addition, the antibodies bound to the cortical layers of the L3 cuticle, as revealed by immuno-gold electron microscopy. The native protein was not detected in larval and adult excretory–secretory products. Immunoblot analysis showed that serum from a rabbit that was repeatedly injected with a small number of D. immitis third stage larvae reacted with rDiL3MC4. Thus, DiL3MC4 is a novel cuticular antigen of a filarial parasite.     

Genetic changes in somatostatin receptor positive breast tumors

Forty-nine primary breast tumors were analyzed for the expression of the somatostatin receptor (SSR) and genetic changes in the RB tumor suppressor gene. Twenty-four tumor samples were shown to contain receptors for somatostatin and in eight of these SSR-positive tumors we observed a mutation in the RB gene. However, since also in the group of SSR-negative tumors in eight of the 25 cases an alteration of the RB gene was observed, loss of this tumor suppressor gene is not specific for the SSR-positive subgroup of breast tumors. A similar, equal distribution between SSR-positive and SSR-negative breast tumors was observed for the six tumor samples which showed amplification of the neu proto-oncogene.     

The Drosophila PROS-28.1 gene is a member of the proteasome gene family

In the present communication, we report the identification of a new gene family which encodes the protein subunits of the proteasome. The proteasome is a high-M_r complex possessing proteolytic activity. Screening a Drosophila λgt11 cDNA expression library with the proteasome-specific antibody N19-28 we isolated a clone encoding the 28-kDa No. 1 proteasome protein subunit. In accordance with the nomenclature of proteasome subunits in Drosophila, the corresponding gene is designated PROS-28.1, and it encodes an mRNA of 1.1 kb with an open reading frame of 249 amino acids (aa). Genomic Southern-blot hybridization shows PROS-28.1 to be a member of a family of related genes. Analysis of the predicted aa sequence reveals a potential nuclear targeting signal, a potential site for tyrosine kinase and a potential cAMP/cGMP-dependent phosphorylation site. The aa sequence comparison of the products of PROS-28.1 and PROS-35 with the C2 proteasome subunit of rat shows a strong sequence similarity between the different proteasome subunits. The data suggest that at least a subset of the proteasome-encoding genes belongs to a family of related genes (PROS gene family) which may have evolved from a common ancestral PROS gene.     

Human homolog of Caenorhabditis elegans sqv-3 gene is galactosyltransferase I involved in the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan-protein linkage region of proteoglycans.

A cDNA encoding a novel galactosyltransferase was identified based on BLAST analysis of expressed sequence tags, and the cDNA clones were isolated from a human melanoma line library. The new cDNA sequence encoded a type II membrane protein with 327 amino acid sequence and showed 38% homology to the Caenorhabditis elegans sqv-3 gene involved in the vulval invagination and oocyte development. Extracts from L cells transfected with the galactosyltransferase cDNA in an expression vector and a fusion protein with protein A exhibited marked galactosyltransferase activity specific for p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside. Moreover, transfection with the cloned cDNA restored glycosaminoglycan synthesis of galactosyltransferase I-deficient Chinese hamster ovary mutant pgsB-761 cells. Analysis of the enzyme product by beta-galactosidase digestion, mass spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy revealed that the reaction product was formed via beta-1,4 linkage, indicating that the enzyme is galactosyltransferase I (UDP-galactose:O-beta-D-xylosylprotein 4-beta-D-galactosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.133) involved in the synthesis of the glycosaminoglycan-protein linkage region of proteoglycans.     

The genotoxic effect of carcinogenic PAHs, their artificial and environmental mixtures (EOM) on human diploid lung fibroblasts

Long-term exposure to synthetic and endogenous estrogens has been associated with the development of cancer in several tissues. One potential mechanism of estrogen carcinogenesis involves catechol formation and these catechols are further oxidized to electrophilic/redox active o-quinones, which have the potential to both initiate and promote the carcinogenic process. Previously we showed that 4-hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN) autoxidized to an o-quinone and caused a variety of damage to DNA. Since these deleterious effects could contribute to gene mutations, we investigated the Chinese hamster V79 cells to ascertain the relative ability of estradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol, 17β-hydroxyequilenin, 4,17β-hydroxyequilenin, estrone, 4-hydroxyestrone, equilenin, and 4-hydroxyequilenin to induce the mutation of the hypoxanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) gene. All the 4-hydroxylated catechols induced significantly more colony formations in V79 cells as compared to the parent phenols at 100 nM, suggesting that the catechol estrogen metabolites are more mutagenic towards the hprt gene than estrogens. Since 4-OHEN induced the highest mutation frequency, we examined a biomarker for transformation potential of this compound in MCF-10A cells using an anchorage-independent growth assay. Although 4-OHEN induced anchorage-independent growth of these cells, the isolated clones were not able to grow as tumors in vivo when injected into nude mice. These cells were assayed for genetic changes using cDNA microarrays. Real time RT-PCR confirmation of some of the differentially expressed genes showed down-regulation of metallothionein 2A, p53, BRCA1, and c-myc. Moreover, we showed the involvement of other genes important in cell transformation and oxidative stress, strengthening the hypothesis that this mechanism plays a considerable role in 4-OHEN-induced anchorage-independent growth.     

84K杨4CL3/4CL5基因克隆及生物信息学分析

木质素是木材的重要组成成分,主要起机械支持、水分运输及防御病虫害等作用。4CL酶是控制木质素合成途径中的关键酶之一。利用PCR技术从84K杨幼叶cDNA中克隆得到Pag4CL3/4CL5基因,GenBank 登录号分别为MK183033（Pag4CL3）及MK183034（Pag4CL5）。利用生物信息学软件,对这两个基因的功能和特征进行分析。结果发现84K杨中4CL3/4CL5蛋白与毛果杨中4CL3/4CL5蛋白相似度高达97%;此外,均含有SSGTTGLPKGV和GEICIRG两个保守基序;亚细胞定位预测显示Pag4CL3/4CL5蛋白主要定位在内质网中,推测可能是一种膜蛋白;蛋白的亲水性预测Pag4CL3/4CL5均为亲水性蛋白。通过qRT-PCR分析Pag4CL3/4CL5在不同组织部位中的表达差异,结果发现Pag4CL3在叶及茎中表达量较高,在根和顶芽中表达量较低;Pag4CL5在叶及根中表达量较高,在茎和顶芽中表达量较低,两个同源基因表达具有组织部位的差异性。Pag4CL3和Pag4CL5可能在叶中共同行使功能,Pag4CL5主要在根中行使功能,Pag4CL3主要在茎中行使功能。     

肺形侧耳变温结实相关基因Ppcsl-1的克隆及功能预测

CSL（CBF1/RBP-Jκ/suppressor of hairless/LAG-1）转录因子家族在真菌发育和细胞分化过程中扮演重要角色。前期研究已构建了肺形侧耳变温结实相关消减杂交文库,并从中筛选到一个代表csl基因部分序列的EST。通过TAIL PCR（thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR）技术克隆了该基因（Pleurotus pulmonarius csl-1,简写为 Ppcsl-1）,并利用RACE（rapid-amplification of cDNA ends）技术获得该基因的cDNA全长。Ppcsl-1 cDNA全长2 991bp,编码一个996个氨基酸组成的蛋白（命名为PpCSL-1）。进化分析显示在担子菌CSL中,PpCSL-1与糙皮侧耳Pleurotus ostreatus CSL（PoCSL）亲缘关系最近。荧光定量检测结果表明Ppcsl-1在菌丝经过5℃ 12h冷处理之后的表达量最高,表明其有可能被冷刺激诱导表达并在开启子实体形成的过程中起重要作用。     

小黑杨PsnHB13基因在烟草中的遗传转化与功能分析

克隆小黑杨HD-ZIP家族基因PsnHB13,对该基因进行生物信息学分析、过表达载体构建、烟草的遗传转化。结果表明小黑杨PsnHB13基因cDNA全长870 bp,编码289个氨基酸。成功构建植物过表达载体pROKⅡ-PsnHB13,并通过农杆菌介导的叶盘法将外源基因转入野生型烟草。检测结果显示PsnHB13已成功整合入烟草基因组中,并在mRNA水平表达。通过观察转基因烟草的生长,发现过表达PsnHB13基因的烟草与野生型相比出现叶面积变小、叶型变长,根系生长缓慢,花朵变小等明显表型。说明PsnHB13基因主要对烟草叶片、根系及花的生长发育起到负调控作用。本文为研究PsnHB13基因对杨树生长发育的影响提供理论基础。     

Cloning and partial structure of the gene encoding human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3

Using a cDNA probe, two genomic clones were obtained encoding the human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3). Analysis of these clones showed that they contained four distal exons and three introns of the gene. Although the intron-exon structure is similar to that of the timpl gene, the first intron of the timp3 gene is much longer, being at least 17.5 kb in size.     

Characterisation of the gene encoding a protective antigen from Babesia microti identified it as eta subunit of chaperonin containing T-complex protein 1.

Passive immunisations with a monoclonal antibody termed 1-5H showed a partial but significant inhibition of parasitaemia against Babesia microti challenge infection. By immunoscreening with 1-5H, a clone (termed p58 gene) was obtained from a cDNA expression library of B. microti and the complete nucleotide sequence was determined. A protein homology search showed significant amino acid identities to the η subunit of the chaperonin containing T-complex protein 1 (CCT) of human (59%), mouse (58%) and Plasmodium falciparum (62%). Genomic analyses indicated that the p58 gene is present as a single copy gene and contains a total of approximately 400-bp introns in the genome of B. microti. The mAb 1-5H recognised a 58-kDa protein of B. microti and was found to cross-react with a 60-kDa protein of Babesia rodhaini. These results suggest the possibility that the p58 protein is the CCT η subunit of B. microti and functions as a chaperonin.     

Structure and expression of the Chinese hamster thymidine kinase gene.

My colleagues and I have cloned a nearly full-length Chinese hamster thymidine kinase (TK) cDNA in a lambda gt10 vector and characterized this cDNA by nucleotide sequencing. The hamster TK protein is encoded in this cDNA by a 702-base-pair open reading frame which specifies a 25,625-dalton protein closely homologous to the previously described human and chicken TK proteins. Using cDNA nucleotide sequence data in conjunction with sequence data derived from selected subclones of the hamster TK gene recombinant phage lambda HaTK.5, we have resolved the structure of the TK gene, finding the 1,219 base pairs of the cDNA sequence to be distributed through 11.2 kilobases of genomic DNA in at least seven exon segments. In addition, we have constructed a variety of Chinese hamster TK minigenes and exonuclease III-S1 derivatives of these genes which have permitted us to define the limits of the Chinese hamster TK gene promoter and demonstrate that efficient TK transformation of Ltk- cells by TK minigenes depends on the presence of both TK intervening sequences and sequences 3' to the site of mRNA polyadenylation.     

刚毛柽柳S-腺苷甲硫氨酸合成酶(ThSAMS)基因的克隆及表达分析

通过对刚毛柽柳转录组分析,克隆获得了一条与S-腺苷甲硫氨酸合成酶(SAMS)基因同源性高的基因,命名为ThSAMS。序列分析结果表明:ThSASM基因全长cDNA为1185bp,编码394个氨基酸,编码蛋白相对分子质量为97.85kDa,理论等电点为5.02。通过生物信息学分析表明,ThSASM基因编码的氨基酸与其他物种SAMS基因编码的氨基酸具有很高的同源性,其中与枣的同源性最高,达95%。实时荧光定量PCR(quantitativereal-timePCR,qRT-PCR)分析表明,ThSASM表达受NaCl、聚乙二醇(PEG)和ABA处理做出应答,暗示ThSASM可能参与了刚毛柽柳对盐和干旱的胁迫应答,为进一步研究SAMS基因在植物胁迫应答中的功能及作用机制提供了参考依据。