板栗MADS-box蛋白基因(CmMADS3)的克隆和表达分析

根据MADS-box基因保守区结构,设计简并引物,从板栗（Castanea mollissima）中分离出花特异表达基因的cDNA片段。并通过5’RACE方法获得了全长cDNA,命名为CmMADS3。该片段全长1016bp,包含一个729bp的开放阅读框,推导的氨基酸序列（243个氨基酸）与拟南芥的SEPl、SEP2和SEP33类MADS-box蛋白有很高的序列相似性。系统进化分析同样将CmMADS3基因归入MADS-box基因家族的AGL2组。RT-PCR分析显示,该基因在板栗的花和幼果中表达丰度高,在茎中有微弱的表达,在叶中不表达,研究结果表明CmMADS3基因是板栗花器官发育中具有E功能的功能基因。     

蜻蜓凤梨花发育相关B类MADS-box基因克隆及表达分析

为探索MADS-box基因在凤梨花发育过程中的调控机制,通过设计简并引物,利用RACE技术,从蜻蜓凤梨花蕾中分离得到2个花发育相关B类MADS-box基因,分别命名为AfAP3和AfPI;AfAP3cDNA全长957bp,编码区编码226个氨基酸;AfPI cDNA全长808bp,编码区编码198个氨基酸,二者均具有典型的植物MADS-box蛋白结构.RT-PCR分析结果表明,AfAP3和AfPI基因主要在花器官中表达,在根系中也有微量表达;乙烯诱导后7d,AfPI基因在茎尖处开始有表达,表明此时蜻蜓凤梨花芽分化可能已经完成,AfAP3基因表达晚于AfPI.     

春兰CgSEP3基因的克隆和表达分析

该研究采用RT-PCR和RACE技术从春兰(Cymbidium goeringii)中分离到1个SEPALLATA3(SEP3)基因。序列分析表明,该基因含有1个732bp的开放阅读框(ORF),共编码243个氨基酸。系统进化树分析显示,该基因是MADS-box基因家族AP1/AGL9组SEP的同源基因,其编码蛋白与其它植物SEP3类蛋白具有较高的一致性,命名为CgSEP3(登录号为KF924272)。实时荧光定量分析表明,CgSEP3在春兰花器官中均有表达,其中在唇瓣、侧瓣和萼片中的表达量较高,在子房和蕊柱中的表达量较低;而且CgSEP3在花发育各个时期都有表达,在1~2cm的花芽中表达量最高,在盛开的花中的表达量最低。研究认为,CgSEP3基因可能在春兰花瓣和萼片的形成过程中具有重要作用。     

草原龙胆MADS-box基因的克隆及表达分析

植物MADS-box基因家族编码高度保守的转录因子,参与了包括花发育在内的多种发育进程。为阐释双子叶植物草原龙胆（Eustoma grandiflorum）花器官发育的分子调控机制,根据MADS-box基因保守序列设计简并引物,用3＇-RACE方法从草原龙胆中克隆了4个花器官特异表达的MADS-box家族基因。序列和系统进化树分析表明,这4个基因分别与金鱼草DEF基因、矮牵牛FBP3基因和FBP6基因以及拟南芥SEP3基因具有很高的同源性,分别属DEF/GLO、AG-like和SEP-like亚家族。从而将这4个基因分别命名为EgDEF1、EgGLO1、EgPLE1和EgSEP3-1。推导的氨基酸序列显示,这些基因编码的蛋白质都包含高度保守的MADS结构域、I结构域和K结构域,每个基因均有其亚家族特异的C-末端功能域。基因特异性RT-PCR检测结果显示：EgDEF1在萼片、花瓣、雄蕊及胚珠中高丰度表达,在心皮中微量表达;而EgGLO1在花瓣和雄蕊中高丰度表达,在萼片中微量表达;在根、茎、叶等营养器官中均未检测到上述2个基因的表达。EgPLE1在雌蕊、心皮和胚珠中特异表达,但表达的丰度存在差异,在雄蕊中的表达有所减弱。SEP-like亚家族基因EgSEP3-1在四轮花器官和胚珠中均特异表达,且表达丰度相对一致。     

草原龙胆MADS-box基因的克隆及表达分析

植物MADS-box 基因家族编码高度保守的转录因子, 参与了包括花发育在内的多种发育进程。为阐释双子叶植物草原龙胆(Eustoma grandiflorum)花器官发育的分子调控机制, 根据MADS-box基因保守序列设计简并引物, 用3'-RACE方法从 草原龙胆中克隆了4个花器官特异表达的MADS-box家族基因。序列和系统进化树分析表明, 这4个基因分别与金鱼草DEF基因、矮牵牛FBP3基因和FBP6基因以及拟南芥SEP3基因具有很高的同源性, 分别属DEF/GLO、AG-like和SEP-l ike亚家族。从而将这4个基因分别命名为EgDEF1、EgGLO1、EgPLE1和EgSEP3-1。推导的氨基酸序列显示, 这些基因编码的蛋白质都包含高度保守的MADS结构域、I结构域和K结构域, 每个基因均有其亚家族特异的C-末端功能域。基因特异性RT-PCR检测结果显示: EgDEF1 在萼片、花瓣、雄蕊及胚珠中高丰度表达, 在心皮中微量表达; 而EgGLO1在花瓣和雄蕊中高丰度表达, 在萼片中微量表达; 在根、茎、叶等营养器官中均未检测到上述2个基因的表达。EgPLE1在雌蕊、心皮和胚珠中特异表达, 但表达的丰度存在差异, 在雄蕊中的表达有所减弱。SEP-like亚家族基因EgSEP3-1在四轮花器官和胚珠中均特异表达,且表达丰度相对一致。     

棉花MADS-box蛋白基因(GhMADS-13)的克隆和表达分析

一组具有MADS-box结构域的转录因子在控制花器官的诱导与发育中起着重要作,以中棉所36(CCRI)均一化全长cDNA文库为基础,结合EST测序分析,分离获得一个棉花的MADS-box基因全长cDNA.该基因cDNA全长1 079 bp,包含一个732 bp的完整的开放阅读框,编码234个氨基酸,具有典型的MADS-box结构域和完整的K区,命名为GhMADS-13(GenBank:FJ409870).与拟南芥、葡萄等植物的AGL6类基因具有高度的同源性.实时定量RT-PCR分析表明,GhMADS-13在CCR136的花器官发育中早期表达量逐步增加,后期有下降趋势.推测GhMADS-13可能在开花诱导和花器官发育过程中起着重要作用.     

澳洲坚果MtMADS1-like基因的克隆与表达分析

MADS～box家族基因广泛分布于植物中,在植物花发育的整个阶段起着至关重要的作用.为了探索MADS-box基因在澳洲坚果花发育过程中的分子机理,本研究以澳洲坚果'695'为试材,采用RT-PCR及RACE技术克隆获得澳洲坚果MADS-box类转录因子基因cDNA全长,命名MtMADS1-like(GenBank登录号:MK491608).该基因全长967 bp,开放阅读框ORF长672 bp,编码223个氨基酸,5'-UTR和3'-UTR分别为58 bp和237 bp.序列分析表明,MtMADS1-like具有保守的MADS-box结构域(MADS-MEF2-like)和半保守的K-box结构域,属于Type Ⅱ型MADS-box家族基因.进化分析表明,MtMADS1-like与其他植物中MADS-box蛋白具有较高的同源性,且与猴面花(Erythranthe guttata)MADS-box家族中SVP254的同源性高达67.10％,亲缘关系最近.生物信息学分析表明MtMADS1-like属于不稳定的亲水性蛋白,不具备信号肽,属于非分泌蛋白,α-螺旋和无规则卷曲构成了二级结构的主要蛋白框架,三级结构中MADS-box结构域和K-box形成该蛋白的核心结构,并且作为转录因子定位于细胞核.qPCR分析表明,MtMADS1-like基因在不同的澳洲坚果品种中差异表达,在品种'333'中表达量最高,在品种'344'中表达量最低.研究结果为进一步验证MtMADS1-like的功能及阐明澳洲坚果花发育和开花调控的分子机制奠定了基础.     

澳洲坚果MtMADS1-like基因的克隆与表达分析

MADS～box家族基因广泛分布于植物中,在植物花发育的整个阶段起着至关重要的作用.为了探索MADS-box基因在澳洲坚果花发育过程中的分子机理,本研究以澳洲坚果'695'为试材,采用RT-PCR及RACE技术克隆获得澳洲坚果MADS-box类转录因子基因cDNA全长,命名MtMADS1-like(GenBank登录号:MK491608).该基因全长967 bp,开放阅读框ORF长672 bp,编码223个氨基酸,5'-UTR和3'-UTR分别为58 bp和237 bp.序列分析表明,MtMADS1-like具有保守的MADS-box结构域(MADS-MEF2-like)和半保守的K-box结构域,属于Type Ⅱ型MADS-box家族基因.进化分析表明,MtMADS1-like与其他植物中MADS-box蛋白具有较高的同源性,且与猴面花(Erythranthe guttata)MADS-box家族中SVP254的同源性高达67.10％,亲缘关系最近.生物信息学分析表明MtMADS1-like属于不稳定的亲水性蛋白,不具备信号肽,属于非分泌蛋白,α-螺旋和无规则卷曲构成了二级结构的主要蛋白框架,三级结构中MADS-box结构域和K-box形成该蛋白的核心结构,并且作为转录因子定位于细胞核.qPCR分析表明,MtMADS1-like基因在不同的澳洲坚果品种中差异表达,在品种'333'中表达量最高,在品种'344'中表达量最低.研究结果为进一步验证MtMADS1-like的功能及阐明澳洲坚果花发育和开花调控的分子机制奠定了基础.     

朵丽蝶兰MADS-box基因DtpsMADS1的克隆与表达特性

植物MADS-box基因家族编码高度保守的转录因子,参与了包括花器官发育和开花在内的多种发育进程。为阐释兰科植物成花的分子调控机制,根据MADS-box基因保守序列设计简并引物,用RACE方法从朵丽蝶兰花葶中克隆到1个MADS-box家族基因,该基因cDNA全长960 bp,包含37 bp 5'UTR,一个738 bp的开放阅读框(ORF)和185 bp 3'UTR,共编码245个氨基酸。序列和系统进化树分析表明,该基因与其他植物的MADS-box基因具有很高的同源性,属于AP1/FUL-like亚家族,命名为DtpsMADS1,GeneBank登录号为JQ065097。实时荧光定量PCR检测结果显示:DtpsMADS1具有明显的组织表达特异性;在根和叶中,DtpsMADS1在花前期和花后期表达量较高;苗期和盛花期表达量较低;DtpsMADS1在花葶中的表达趋势与根和叶相似;而在花器官中,DtpsMADS1只有痕量表达。由此推断,DtpsMADS1可能参与开花进程调控,而不参与花器官的形态建成。     

蕙兰CyfaSTK基因的克隆与表达分析

采用同源克隆的方法,从蕙兰（Cymbidium faberi Rolfe）花芽中克隆获得CyfaSTK基因的cDNA序列,并对其进行生物信息学分析及基因表达分析。结果显示,该基因全长843 bp,其中开放阅读框（ORF）长705 bp,共编码234个氨基酸和1个终止密码子。同源蛋白序列比对及分子系统发育分析结果表明,CyfaSTK蛋白属于D类MADS-box转录因子STK-like进化系,含有MADS、I、K和C等4个结构域,其C末端转录激活区含有2个保守的基元：AG motifⅠ和AG motifⅡ,此外,还具有一个在天门冬目植物中相对保守的基元MD motif。基因表达的组织特异性分析结果显示：蕙兰CyfaSTK基因在花萼、花瓣、唇瓣、药帽、子房中均有表达,但在叶片中不表达,其中在子房中的表达量与其他组织相比,差异达到极显著水平;CyfaSTK在花芽经过休眠后的萌动期表达量最高,且在开花当天该基因表达量有上升趋势。研究结果表明CyfaSTK基因不仅参与调控蕙兰花器官的发育过程,且对子房及合蕊柱的正常发育具有重要作用。     

Transport of galectin-3 between the nucleus and cytoplasm. I. Conditions and signals for nuclear import

Galectin-3, a factor involved in the splicing of pre-mRNA, shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. We have engineered a vector that expresses the fusion protein containing the following: (a) green fluorescent protein as a reporter of localization, (b) bacterial maltose-binding protein to increase the size of the reporter polypeptide, and (c) galectin-3, whose sequence we wished to dissect in search of amino acid residues vital for nuclear localization. In mouse 3T3 fibroblasts transfected with this expression construct, the full-length galectin-3 (residues 1-263) fusion protein was localized predominantly in the nucleus. Mutants of this construct, containing truncations of the galectin-3 polypeptide from the amino terminus, retained nuclear localization through residue 128; thus, the amino-terminal half was dispensable for nuclear import. Mutants of the same construct, containing truncations from the carboxyl terminus, showed loss of nuclear localization. This effect was observed beginning with truncation at residue 259, and the full effect was seen with truncation at residue 253. Site-directed mutagenesis of the sequence ITLT (residues 253-256) suggested that nuclear import was dependent on the IXLT type of nuclear localization sequence, first discovered in the Drosophila protein Dsh (dishevelled). In the galectin-3 polypeptide, the activity of this nuclear localization sequence is modulated by a neighboring leucine-rich nuclear export signal.     

Transport of galectin-3 between the nucleus and cytoplasm. II. Identification of the signal for nuclear export

Galectin-3, a factor involved in the splicing of pre-mRNA, shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Previous studies have shown that incubation of fibroblasts with leptomycin B resulted in the accumulation of galectin-3 in the nucleus, suggesting that the export of galectin-3 from the nucleus may be mediated by the CRM1 receptor. A candidate nuclear export signal fitting the consensus sequence recognized by CRM1 can be found between residues 240 and 255 of the murine galectin-3 sequence. This sequence was engineered into the pRev(1.4) reporter system, in which candidate sequences can be tested for nuclear export activity in terms of counteracting the nuclear localization signal present in the Rev(1.4) protein. Rev(1.4)-galectin-3(240-255) exhibited nuclear export activity that was sensitive to inhibition by leptomycin B. Site-directed mutagenesis of Leu247 and Ile249 in the galectin-3 nuclear export signal decreased nuclear export activity, consistent with the notion that these two positions correspond to the critical residues identified in the nuclear export signal of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor. The nuclear export signal activity was also analyzed in the context of a full-length galectin-3 fusion protein; galectin-3(1-263; L247A) showed more nuclear localization than wild-type, implicating Leu247 as critical to the function of the nuclear export signal. These results indicate that residues 240-255 of the galectin-3 polypeptide contain a leucine-rich nuclear export signal that overlaps with the region (residues 252-258) identified as important for nuclear localization.     

Identification of a novel proline-rich peptide-binding domain in prolyl 4-hydroxylase.

Prolyl 4-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.11.2) catalyzes the hydroxylation of -X-Pro-Gly- sequences and plays a central role in the synthesis of all collagens. The [alpha(I)]2beta2 type I enzyme is effectively inhibited by poly(L-proline), whereas the [alpha(II)]2beta2 type II enzyme is not. We report here that the poly(L-proline) and (Pro-Pro-Gly)10 peptide substrate-binding domain of prolyl 4-hydroxylase is distinct from the catalytic domain and consists of approximately 100 amino acids. Peptides of 10-19 kDa beginning around residue 140 in the 517 residue alpha(I) subunit remained bound to poly(L-proline) agarose after limited proteolysis of the human type I enzyme tetramer. A recombinant polypeptide corresponding to the alpha(I) subunit residues 138-244 and expressed in Escherichia coli was soluble, became effectively bound to poly(L-proline) agarose and could be eluted with (Pro-Pro-Gly)10. This polypeptide is distinct from the SH3 and WW domains, and from profilin, and thus represents a new type of proline-rich peptide-binding module. Studies with enzyme tetramers containing mutated alpha subunits demonstrated that the presence of a glutamate and a glutamine in the alpha(II) subunit in the positions corresponding to Ile182 and Tyr233 in the alpha(I) subunit explains most of the lack of poly(L-proline) binding of the type II prolyl 4-hydroxylase. Keywords: collagen/dioxygenases/peptide-binding domain/ proline-rich/prolyl hydroxylase     

Application of proteomics for discovery of protein biomarkers.

Biomarkers of drug efficacy and toxicity are becoming a key need in the drug development process. Mass spectral-based proteomic technologies are ideally suited for the discovery of protein biomarkers in the absence of any prior knowledge of quantitative changes in protein levels. The success of any biomarker discovery effort will depend upon the quality of samples analysed, the ability to generate quantitative information on relative protein levels and the ability to readily interpret the data generated. This review will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of technologies currently utilised to address these issues.     

News from the Biological Stain Commission No. 6

Abstract

In this issue of News from the Biological Stain Commission (BSC), under the heading of Regulatory affairs, HO Lyon of the BSC's International Affairs Committee presents information from a joint meeting held in Berlin by the International Standards Organization ISO/TC 212/WG 2 and the European Committee for Standardization CEN/TC 140/WG 4 on 9–10 December 2008. As a slightly less bureaucratic contribution, RW Horobin presents some news about tartrazine, a dye used as a biological stain, but very much more widely as a food color.     

Leptomycin B-sensitive nuclear export of MAPKAP kinase 2 is regulated by phosphorylation.

To study the intracellular localization of MAPKAP kinase 2 (MK2), which carries a putative bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS), we constructed a green fluorescent protein-MAPKAP kinase 2 fusion protein (GFP-MK2). In transfected cells, this protein is located predominantly in the nucleus; unexpectedly, upon stress, it rapidly translocates to the cytoplasm. This translocation can be blocked by the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580, indicating its regulation by phosphorylation. Molecular mimicry of MK2 phosphorylation at T317 in GFP-MK2 led to a mutant which is located almost exclusively in the cytoplasm of the cell, whereas the mutant T317A shows no stress-induced redistribution. Since leptomycin B, which inhibits the interaction of exportin 1 with the Rev-type leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES), blocks stress-dependent translocation of GFP-MK2, it is supposed that phosphorylation-induced export of the protein causes the translocation. We have identified the region responsible for nuclear export in MK2 which is partially overlapping with and C-terminal to the autoinhibitory motif. This region contains a cluster of hydrophobic amino acids in the characteristic spacing of a leucine-rich Rev-type NES which is necessary to direct GFP-MK2 to the cytoplasm. However, unlike the Rev-type NES, this region alone is not sufficient for nuclear export. The data obtained indicate that MK2 contains a constitutively active NLS and a stress-regulated signal for nuclear export. Keywords: nuclear export/nuclear import/protein phosphorylation/signal transduction/stress response     

Complete structural characterization of the lipid A fraction of a clinical strain of B. cepacia genomovar I lipopolysaccharide

Burkholderia cepacia, a Gram-negative bacterium ubiquitous in the environment, is a plant pathogen causing soft rot of onions. This microorganism has recently emerged as a life-threatening multiresistant pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients. An important virulence factor of B. cepacia is the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) fraction. Clinical isolates and environmental strains possess LPS of high inflammatory nature, which induces a high level production of cytokines. For the first time, the complete structure of the lipid A components isolated from the lipopolysaccharide fraction of a clinical strain of B. cepacia is described. The structural studies carried out by selective chemical degradations, MS, and NMR spectroscopy revealed multiple species differing in the acylation and in the phosphorylation patterns. The highest mass species was identified as a penta-acylated tetrasaccharide backbone containing two phosphoryl-arabinosamine residues in addition to the archetypal glucosamine disaccharide [Arap4N-l-beta-1-P-4-beta-D-GlcpN-(1-6)-alpha-D-GlcpN-1-P-1-beta-L-Arap4N]. Lipid A fatty acids substitution was also deduced, with two 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acids 14:0 (3-OH) in ester linkage, and two 3-hydroxyhexadecanoic acids 16:0 (3-OH) in amide linkage, one of which was substituted by a secondary 14:0 residue at its C-3. Other lipid A species present in the mixture and exhibiting lower molecular weight lacked one or both beta-L-Arap4N residues.     

Distinct roles of two separable in vitro activities of yeast Mre11 in mitotic and meiotic recombination.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mre11 protein is involved in both double-strand DNA break (DSB) repair and meiotic DSB formation. Here, we report the correlation of nuclease and DNA-binding activities of Mre11 with its functions in DNA repair and meiotic DSB formation. Purified Mre11 bound to DNA efficiently and was shown to have Mn2+-dependent nuclease activities. A point mutation in the N-terminal phosphoesterase motif (Mre11D16A) resulted in the abolition of nuclease activities but had no significant effect on DNA binding. The wild-type level of nuclease activity was detected in a C-terminal truncated protein (Mre11DeltaC49), although it had reduced DNA-binding activity. Phenotypes of the corresponding mutations were also analyzed. The mre11D16A mutation conferred methyl methanesulfonate-sensitivity to mitotic cells and caused the accumulation of unprocessed meiotic DSBs. The mre11DeltaC49 mutant exhibited almost wild-type phenotypes in mitosis. However, in meiosis, no DSB formation could be detected and an aberrant chromatin configuration was observed at DSB sites in the mre11DeltaC49 mutant. These results indicate that Mre11 has two separable functional domains: the N-terminal nuclease domain required for DSB repair, and the C-terminal dsDNA-binding domain essential to its meiotic functions such as chromatin modification and DSB formation. Keywords: DNA binding/double-strand break repair/DSB formation/Mre11/nuclease     

Functional analysis of the ALG3 gene encoding the Dol-P-Man: Man5GlcNAc2-PP-Dol mannosyltransferase enzyme of P. pastoris

N-glycans are synthesized in both yeast and mammals through the ordered assembly of a lipid-linked core Glc(3)Man(9)GlcNAc(2) structure that is subsequently transferred to a nascent protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Once folded, glycoproteins are then shuttled to the Golgi, where additional but divergent processing occurs in mammals and fungi. We cloned the Pichia pastoris homolog of the ALG3 gene, which encodes the enzyme that converts Man(5)GlcNAc(2)-Dol-PP to Man(6)GlcNAc(2)-Dol-PP. Deletion of this gene in an och1 mutant background resulted in the secretion of glycoproteins with a predicted Man(5)GlcNAc(2) structure that could be trimmed to Man(3)GlcNAc(2) by in vitro alpha-1,2-mannosidase treatment. However, several larger glycans ranging from Hex(6)GlcNAc(2) to Hex(12)GlcNAc(2) were also observed that were recalcitrant to an array of mannosidase digests. These results contrast the far simpler glycan profile found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae alg3-1 och1, indicating diverging Golgi processing in these two closely related yeasts. Finally, analysis of the P. pastoris alg3 deletion mutant in the presence and absence of the outer chain initiating Och1p alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase activity suggests that the PpOch1p has a broader substrate specificity compared to its S. cerevisiae counterpart.