Closely related families of genes code for the alpha and alpha' subunits of the soybean 7S storage protein complex

Nineteen cloned cDNAs encoding the alpha and alpha'-subunits of the 7S seed storage protein in the soybean, Glycine max, have been isolated from a recombinant cDNA library constructed with mRNA from maturing seeds. In addition, a gene encoding an alpha'-subunit has been isolated from a recombinant Charon 4A phage library containing genomic Glycine max DNA. The cloned DNAs have been divided, on the basis of their endonuclease sites, into two main classes of sequences which differ in approximately 6% of their nucleotides. Whereas the proteins encoded within each DNA class are nearly identical, the proteins encoded by the two different classes of soybean DNAs are distinct and correspond to alpha and alpha'-subunits. Thus, the alpha and alpha'-subunits are coded for by two closely related multigene families. The amino acid differences in the portions of the alpha and alpha'-subunits presented in this paper occur primarily near the carboxyl-terminus. The 3' noncoding nucleotides of the cloned alpha and alpha'-subunit DNAs are more highly conserved than are the coding nucleotides. This conservation suggests that the 3' untranslated sequences of the alpha and alpha'-subunit mRNAs are functional in the expression of the alpha and alpha'-subunit proteins or in the stabilization of the 7S subunit mRNAs.     

Molecular cloning and analysis of four potato tuber mRNAs

Tuberization in potato is a complex developmental process involving the expression of a specific set of genes leading to the synthesis of tuber proteins. We here report the cloning and analysis of mRNAs encoding tuber proteins. From a potato tuber cDNA library four different recombinants were isolated which hybridized predominantly with tuber mRNAs. Northern blot hybridization experiments showed that three of them, pPATB2, p303 and p340, can be regarded as tuber-specific while the fourth, p322, hybridizes to tuber and stem mRNA. Hybrid-selected in vitro translation and nucleotide sequence analysis indicate that pPATB2 and p303 represent patatin and the proteinase inhibitor II mRNA respectively. Recombinant p322 represents an mRNA encoding a polypeptide having homology with the soybean Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor while p340 represents an mRNA encoding a polypeptide showing homology with the winged bean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. In total, these four polypeptides constitute approximately 50% of the soluble tuber protein. Using Southern blot analysis of potato DNA we estimate that these mRNAs are encoded by small multigene families.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA encoding ferric leghemoglobin reductase from soybean nodules.

A cDNA encoding soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) ferric leghemoglobin reductase (FLbR), an enzyme that is postulated to play an important role in maintaining leghemoglobin in its functional ferrous state, has been cloned and characterized. A group of highly degenerate oligonucleotides deduced from the N-terminal amino acid sequence of FLbR was used to prime the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on soybean nodule mRNA and cDNA. A full-length clone of FLbR cDNA was isolated by screening a lambda gt11 soybean nodule cDNA library using the specific PCR-amplified FLbR cDNA fragment as a probe. The cDNA contained about 1.8 kb and had a coding sequence for 523 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 55,729 D, which included a putative 30-residue signal peptide and a 493-residue mature protein. Computer-aided analysis of the deduced FLbR amino acid sequence showed considerable homology (varied from 20-50% with enzymes and species) to dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (EC 1.8.1.4), glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2), mercuric reductase (EC 1.16.1.1), and trypanothione reductase (EC 1.6.4.8) in a superfamily of pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductases from various organisms. Northern blot analysis using FLbR cDNA as a probe showed that the FLbR gene was expressed in soybean nodules, leaves, roots, and stems, with a greater level of expression in nodules and leaves than in roots and stems. Southern blot analysis of the genomic DNA showed the presence of two homologous FLbR genes in the soybean genome.     

Use of lambda gt11 to isolate genes for two pseudorabies virus glycoproteins with homology to herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus glycoproteins.

A library of pseudorabies virus (PRV) DNA fragments was constructed in the expression cloning vector lambda gt11. The library was screened with antisera which reacted with mixtures of PRV proteins to isolate recombinant bacteriophages expressing PRV proteins. By the nature of the lambda gt11 vector, the cloned proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli as beta-galactosidase fusion proteins. The fusion proteins from 35 of these phages were purified and injected into mice to raise antisera. The antisera were screened by several different assays, including immunoprecipitation of [14C]glucosamine-labeled PRV proteins. This method identified phages expressing three different PRV glycoproteins: the secreted glycoprotein, gX; gI; and a glycoprotein that had not been previously identified, which we designate gp63. The gp63 and gI genes map adjacent to each other in the small unique region of the PRV genome. The DNA sequence was determined for the region of the genome encoding gp63 and gI. It was found that gp63 has a region of homology with a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) protein, encoded by US7, and also with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) gpIV. The gI protein sequence has a region of homology with HSV-1 gE and VZV gpI. It is concluded that PRV, HSV, and VZV all have a cluster of homologous glycoprotein genes in the small unique components of their genomes and that the organization of these genes is conserved.     

Primary structure of the soybean nodulin-23 gene and potential regulatory elements in the 5''-flanking regions of nodulin and leghemoglobin genes.

The nodulin-23 gene of soybean is one of the most abundantly transcribed genes induced during symbiosis with Rhizobium. Using a plasmid (pNod25) from a nodule cDNA library, we have isolated the nodulin-23 gene from a soybean genomic library. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cDNA and of the genomic clone indicated that the coding region of this gene is 669 bp long and is interrupted by a single intron of about 530 bp. The deduced protein sequence suggests that nodulin-23 may have a signal sequence. The 5'-flanking sequence of two other nodulin genes, nodulin-24 encoding for a membrane polypeptide and one of the leghemoglobin genes (LbC3), were obtained. Comparison of these sequences revealed three conserved regions, one of which, an octanucleotide (GTTTCCCT), has 100% homology. The conserved sequences are arranged in a unique fashion and have a spatial organization with respect to order and position, which may suggest a potential regulatory role in controlling the expression of nodulin and leghemoglobin genes during symbiosis.     

Characterization of a new lectin of soybean vegetative tissues.

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that occur widely among plants. Lectins of plant vegetative tissues are less well characterized than those of seeds. Previously, a protein of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) leaves was shown to possess properties similar to the seed lectin. Here we show that the N-terminal amino acid sequence of this protein shares 63% identity with the seed lectin. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the protein occurs in leaves, petioles, stems, and cotyledons of seedlings but not in seeds. These observations prompted designation of the protein as a soybean vegetative lectin (SVL). Immunohistochemical localization in leaves indicated that SVL was localized to the vacuoles of bundle-sheath and paraveinal mesophyll cells. Removal of sink tissues or exposure to atmospheric methyl jasmonate caused increased levels of SVL in leaves and cotyledons. Co-precipitation of SVL and the soybean vegetative storage protein (VSP) during purification suggested an interaction between these proteins. SVL-horseradish peroxidase conjugate bound to dot blots of VSP or SVL, and binding was inhibited by porcine stomach mucin and heparin but not simple carbohydrates. Binding between SVL and VSP and similarities in localization and regulation support a possible in vivo interaction between these proteins.     

Identification and isolation of Cryptosporidium parvum genes encoding microtubule and microfilament proteins.

Microtubules and microfilaments are highly conserved cytoskeletal polymers hypothesized to play essential biomechanical roles in the unusual gliding motility of Apicomplexan zoites and in their invasion of, and development within, host epithelial cells. We have identified and isolated Cryptosporidium parvum genes encoding the microtubule proteins alpha- and beta-tubulin and the microfilament protein actin by screening a lambda gt11 C. parvum genomic DNA library with degenerate oligonucleotide and heterologous cDNA hybridization probes respectively. The alpha- and beta-tubulin genes have been partially sequenced and the deduced peptide sequences show greatest homology with the tubulins of the related parasites, T. gondii and P. falciparum. The complete nucleic acid sequence of the actin gene predicts a 376 amino acid, 42 kDa protein having 85% sequence identity with the P. falciparum actin I and the human gamma-actin proteins. Each of these cytoskeletal protein genes was demonstrated to be of cryptosporidial origin by Southern analyses of C. parvum chromosomes fractionated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis; the cloned alpha- and beta-tubulin genes hybridized with chromosomes of ca. 1,200 and 1,500 kb respectively and the cloned actin gene also hybridized with a 1,200 kb chromosome.     

Structure and expression of two porcine genomic clones encoding class I MHC antigens

Two nonallelic porcine class I MHC (SLA) genes have been isolated and characterized. Both genes are expressed in mouse L cells, directing the synthesis of class I SLA molecules that carry common monomorphic determinants but are serologically distinct. The corresponding DNA sequences have been determined. The organization of both of these genes is similar to that of other class I genes: a leader exon, three exons encoding extracellular domains, a transmembrane exon, and three intracytoplasmic exons. The two genes are highly homologous in both exon and intron segments, with average homologies of 88% and 80%, respectively. Nucleotide changes in exon 2 are clustered, whereas those in the other exons are dispersed throughout. Comparison of the swine DNA sequences with class I genes from other species reveals a generally high conservation of exons 2, 3, 4, and 6 with lower homology in the remaining protein-encoding domains. Introns are markedly less well conserved, although moderate homology is found between swine and human class I MHC genes in both introns and 3' flanking regions. Taken together with comparisons of the deduced protein sequences, these data indicate an order of swine greater than human greater than rabbit greater than mouse in the relationship of class I genes.     

Chlamydia psittaci ewe abortion agent: complete nucleotide sequence of the major outer membrane protein gene

The complete nucleotide sequence encoding the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia psittaci strain A22/M, responsible for enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE), has been determined. An 800bp Eco RI/ Xba I fragment containing a portion of the MOMP coding sequence from C. trachomatis serovar L1 was used to probe a λL47.1 genomic library constructed from DNA obtained from C. psittaci EAE A22/M. The recombinant L47.1/EA1 was selected and contained the entire C. psittaci MOMP gene within a 7.5 kb Bam HI fragment. The DNA sequence revealed an open reading frame encoding 402 amino acids, including a 22 amino acid signal peptide, which exhibited 17/22 conservation with the signal peptide of C. trachomatis MOMP. The calculated molecular mass of the C. psittaci MOMP was 43 kDa. A comparison of the MOMP genes of C. psittaci and C. trachomatis revealed only 34% nucleotide sequence homology, but 65% amino acid homology.     

Identification and characterization of cDNAs encoding four novel proteins that interact with translin associated factor-X

Translin-associated factor X (TRAX) is the predominantly cytoplasmic binding partner of TB-RBP/translin in mouse testis. Four mouse testis cDNAs encoding specific TRAX-interacting proteins were isolated from a yeast two-hybrid library screen. One novel cDNA designated Tsnaxip1 (TRAX-interacting protein-1) encodes 709 amino acids. We isolated a cDNA encoding the 427 carboxy-terminal amino acids of MEA-2, a Golgi-associated, maleenhanced autoantigen; a cDNA encoding 429 amino acids with 73% homology to centrosomal Akap9; and a cDNA encoding 346 amino acids with 75% homology to SUN1, a predicted human protein that contains a SUN domain (which is present in some perinuclear proteins). Interactions were verified using in vitro synthesized fusion proteins. All four genes were expressed in the testis and enriched in germ cells. Confocal microscopy studies using green fluorescent protein fusion proteins determined that these TRAX-interacting proteins colocalize with TRAX. The data suggest that TRAX may have a function associated with perinuclear organelles during spermatogenesis.     

Characterization of nodule-specific cDNA clones from Sesbania rostrata and expression of the corresponding genes during the initial stages of stem nodules and root nodules formation

We have constructed a Sesbania rostrata stem nodule-specific cDNA library. By screening with heterologous probes from pea and soybean, we have isolated several nodulin cDNA clones. On the basis of nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology, two nearly full-length cDNA clones coding for two different leghemoglobin-like proteins have been identified. The inserts of two other clones reveal a high degree of amino acid sequence homology (81% and 72%) to the early nodulin Enod2 from soybean; the characteristic heptapeptide repeat units PPHEKPP and PPYEKPP of the soybean Enod2 are conserved in the proteins encoded by these Sesbania cDNA clones. The time course of Enod2 and leghemoglobin mRNA appearance during the formation of stem nodules and root nodules on S. rostrata was analyzed by northern blot hybridization. Significant differences were found for the initiation of mRNA accumulation of these nodulins between S. rostrata and soybean.     

Chloroplast ribosomal protein L32 is encoded in the chloroplast genome

The 50 S subunit of chloroplast ribosomes was prepared from tobacco leaves. The proteins were fractionated and the N-terminal amino acid sequence of a 14 kDa protein was determined. This sequence matches the N-terminal sequence deduced from ORF55 located between ndhF and trnL on the small single-copy region of tobacco chloroplast DNA. The deduced protein shows homology to E. coli and B. stearothermophilus L32 proteins, and it has been named as CL32 and ORF55 as rpl32. The tobacco chloroplast genome therefore contains 21 different ribosomal protein genes.     

Identification of immune-related genes in hemocytes of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

An expressed sequence tag (EST) library was constructed from hemocytes of the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) to identify genes associated with immunity in this economically important species. The number of complementary DNA clones in the constructed library was approximately 4 x 10(5). Of these, 615 clones having inserts larger than 500 bp were unidirectionally sequenced and analyzed by homology searches against data in GenBank. Significant homology to known genes was found in 314 (51%) of the 615 clones, but the remaining 301 sequences (49%) did not match any sequence in GenBank. Approximately 35% of the matched ESTs were significantly identified by the BLASTN and BLASTX programs, while 65% were recognized only by the BLASTX program. Of the 615 clones, 55 (8.9%) were identified as putative immune-related genes. The isolated genes were composed of those coding for enzymes and proteins in the clotting system and the prophenoloxidase-activating system, antioxidative enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and serine proteinase inhibitors. Three full-length ESTs encoding antimicrobial peptides (antilipopolysaccharide and penaeidin homologues) and a heat shock protein (cpn10 homologue) are reported.     

Developmental changes in abundance of the VSPβ protein following nuclear transformation of maize with the Soybean <Emphasis Type="Italic">vspβ</Emphasis> cDNA

Background  

Developing monocots that accumulate more vegetative tissue protein is one strategy for improving nitrogen-sequestration and nutritive value of forage and silage crops. In soybeans (a dicotyledonous legume), the vspA and B genes encode subunits of a dimeric vegetative storage protein that plays an important role in nitrogen storage in vegetative tissues. Similar genes are found in monocots; however, they do not accumulate in leaves as storage proteins, and the ability of monocot leaves to support accumulation of an ectopically expressed soybean VSP is in question. To test this, transgenic maize (Zea Mays L. Hi-II hybrid) lines were created expressing soybean vspB from a maize ubiquitin Ubi-1 promoter.     

Isolation,sequence identification and tissue expression profile of two novel soybean (glycine max) genes-vestitone reductase and chalcone reductase

The complete mRNA sequences of two soybean (glycine max) genes-vestitone reductase and chalcone reductase, were amplified using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. The sequence analysis of these two genes revealed that soybean vestitone reductase gene encodes a protein of 327 amino acids which has high homology with the vestitone reductase of Medicago sativa (77%). The soybean chalcone reductase gene encodes a protein of 314 amino acids that has high homology with the chalcone reductase of kudzu vine (88%) and medicago sativa (83%). The expression profiles of the soybean vestitone reductase and chalcone reductase genes were studied and the results indicated that these two soybean genes were differentially expressed in detected soybean tissues including leaves, stems, roots, inflorescences, embryos and endosperm. Our experiment established the foundation for further research on these two soybean genes.