Characterization of DNA adenine methylation mutants of Escherichia coli K12.

The phenotypic traits of 7 independently isolated dam mutants of Escherichia coli have been examined. The mutant strains differ from the wildtype in the following respects: (1) decreased DNA adenine methylase activity in vivo and in vitro; (2) a 14--85-fold increase in spontaneous mutability; (3) decreased survival after ultraviolet irradiation; (4) a 10--21-fold increase in spontaneous induction of lambda phage from lysogens; (5) a 3--17-fold increase in the level of recombination; and (6) inviability of double mutants containing dam- and recB- or recC-. Unmethylated fd phage chromosomes are able to replicate normally in dam- mutants. A mutant strain in which the dcm gene is deleted is viable, showing that the dcm gene product is dispensible for growth.     

Purification and characterization of restriction endonuclease BcoI from a soil isolate of Bacillus coagulans

Abstract A soil identified as Bacillus coagulans is found to produce Bco I, an isoschizomer of Ava I and with the same cleavage site. This thermal stable enzyme, Bco I, is produced at high level and can be isolated by passing the crude bacterial lysate through a DEAE-cellulose column.     

Identification of a second polypeptide required for McrB restriction of 5-methylcytosine-containing DNA in Escherichia coli K12

Summary The McrB restriction system in Escherichia coli K12 causes sequence-specific recognition and inactivation of DNA containing 5-methylcytosine residues. We have previously located the mcrB gene near hsdS at 99 min on the E. coli chromosome and demonstrated that is encodes a 51 kDa polypeptide required for restriction of M.AluI methylated (A-G-5mC-T) DNA. We show here, by analysis of maxicell protein synthesis of various cloned fragments from the mcrB region, that a second protein of approximately 39 kDa is also required for McrB-directed restriction. The new gene, designated mcrC, is adjacent to mcrB and located distally to hsdS. The McrB phenotype has been correlated previously with restriction of 5-hydroxy-methylcytosine (HMC)-containing T-even phage DNA that lacks the normal glucose modification of HMC, formally designated RglB (for restriction of glucoseless phage). This report reveals a difference between the previously correlated McrB and RglB restriction systems: while both require the mcrB gene product only the McrB system requires the newly identified mcrC-encoded 39-kDa polypeptide.     

Novel mutations of Escherichia coli that produce recombinogenic lesions in DNA: V. Recombinogenic plasmids from arl mutants of Escherichia coli are unusually sensitive to nuclease S1 and partially deficient in cytosine methylation at C-C-(A/T)-G-G sequences

Two novel phenotypes previously associated with arl mutations of Escherichia coli, increased frequencies of genetic recombination and unusual sensitivity of DNA to the single-strand-specific nuclease S₁, have been defined most completely by the properties of λ bacteriophages grown on arl bacteria (Arl^? phages). We now find that plasmids maintained in arl mutants (Arl^? plasmids) exhibit elevated recombination frequencies, unusual sensitivity to nuclease S₁ (in a limited number of regions) and a new Arl phenotype, partially deficient methylation of the inner cytosine at C-C-(A/T)-G-G sequences.A variety of Arl^? plasmids (all pBR322 derivatives) show elevated recombination (4 to 10-fold) by three different assays (frequencies of homomultimers and of heteromultimers, efficiency of intramolecular recombination). Plasmids from arl bacteria (after conversion to linear form) are nicked by nuclease S₁ about 0.7 times per duplex; Arl⁺ plasmids are nuclease S₁-resistant. Restriction endonuclease EcoRII (recognition sequence, C-C-(A/T)-G-G) cuts Arl^? plasmid DNA more readily than Arl⁺ DNA, but Arl^? plasmids are still more EcoRII-resistant than Dcm^? plasmids (from E. coli dcm mutants, which lack the chromosomal cytosine methylase; recognition sequence, also C-C-(A/T)-G-G). By chromatographic analyses, Arl^? plasmid DNA contains less 5-methylcytosine than Arl⁺ (0.07% versus 0.15%). although the 6-methyladenine content is the same (0.5mol%).     

Synthesis and characteristics of modified DNA fragments containing thymidine glycol residues

Chemical synthesis of a series of modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing one or two residues of thymidine glycol (5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxythymidine), the main product of oxidative DNA damage, is described. The thermal stability of DNA duplexes containing thymidine glycol residues was studied using UV spectroscopy. Introduction of even one thymidine glycol residue into the duplex structure was shown to result in its significant destabilization. Data on the interaction of DNA methyltransferases and type II restriction endonucleases with DNA ligands containing oxidized thymine were obtained for the first time. Introduction of a thymidine glycol residue in the central degenerate position of the recognition site of restriction endonuclease SsoII was found to result in an increase in the initial hydrolysis rate of the modified duplex in comparison with that of unmodified structure. The affinity of C5-cytosine methyltransferase SsoII for the DNA duplex bearing thymidine glycol was found to be twofold higher than for the unmodified substrate. However, such a modification of the DNA ligand prevents its methylation.     

Engineering of restriction endonucleases: using methylation activity of the bifunctional endonuclease Eco57I to select the mutant with a novel sequence specificity

Type II restriction endonucleases (REs) are widely used tools in molecular biology, biotechnology and diagnostics. Efforts to generate new specificities by structure-guided design and random mutagenesis have been unsuccessful so far. We have developed a new procedure called the methylation activity-based selection (MABS) for generating REs with a new specificity. MABS uses a unique property of bifunctional type II REs to methylate DNA targets they recognize. The procedure includes three steps: (1) conversion of a bifunctional RE into a monofunctional DNA-modifying enzyme by cleavage center disruption; (2) mutagenesis and selection of mutants with altered DNA modification specificity based on their ability to protect predetermined DNA targets; (3) reconstitution of the cleavage center's wild-type structure. The efficiency of the MABS technique was demonstrated by altering the sequence specificity of the bifunctional RE Eco57I from 5'-CTGAAG to 5'-CTGRAG, and thus generating the mutant restriction endonuclease (and DNA methyltransferase) of a specificity not known before. This study provides evidence that MABS is a promising technique for generation of REs with new specificities.     

Nickase and a protein encoded by an open reading frame downstream from the nickase BspD6I gene form a restriction endonuclease complex

We are the first to have isolated a protein (186 amino acid residues) encoded by the open reading frame adjacent to the end of the BspD6I nickase (N.BspD6I) gene. Cleavage of both DNA strands near the sequence recognized by nickase (5 -GAGTC/5 -GACTC) occurs when this protein is added to the reaction mixture containing N.BspD6I. The protein encoded by the open reading frame and the nickase are suggested to be subunits of heterodimeric restriction endonuclease R.BspD6I.     

Different in vivo localization of the Escherichia coli proteins CspD and CspA

Neisseria cuniculi produces the restriction enzyme NcuI which is an isoschizomer of MboII. We have demonstrated that NcuI recognizes a pentanucleotide sequence (5'-GAAGA-3'/3'-CTTCT-5'), and cleaves the DNA 8 and 7 nucleotides downstream from the recognition site leaving a single 3'-protruding nucleotide. We have purified this enzyme to electrophoretic homogeneity using a four-step chromatographic procedure. NcuI endonuclease is a monomeric protein with a M(r)=48,000+/-1000 under denaturing conditions. The properties of NcuI are consistent with those for MboII, the position of the cleavage site being identical and the pH profile and divalent cation requirements being similar. Moreover, NcuI cross-reacts strongly with anti-MboII serum suggesting the presence of similar antigenic determinants. We have determined the sequence of 20 N-terminal amino acids for NcuI and concluded that this sequence is identical to the N-terminal portion of the MboII enzyme.     

The exploration of N6-deoxyadenosine methylation in mammalian genomes

N6-methyladenine (N6-mA,m6dA,or 6mA),a prevalent DNA modification in prokaryotes,has recently been identified in higher eukaryotes,including mammals.Although 6mA has been well-studied in prokaryotes,the function and regulatory mechanism of 6mA in eukary-otes are still poorly understood.Recent studies indicate that 6mA can serve as an epigenetic mark and play critical roles in various biological processes,from transposable-element suppression to environmental stress response.Here,we review the significant advances in methodology for 6mA detection and major progress in understanding the regulation and function of this non-canonical DNA methylation in eukaryotes,predominantly mammals.     

Undetectable levels of N6-methyl adenine in mouse DNA: Cloning and analysis of PRED28, a gene coding for a putative mammalian DNA adenine methyltransferase

Three methylated bases, 5-methylcytosine, N4-methylcytosine and N6-methyladenine (m6A), can be found in DNA. However, to date, only 5-methylcytosine has been detected in mammalian genomes. To reinvestigate the presence of m6A in mammalian DNA, we used a highly sensitive method capable of detecting one N6-methyldeoxyadenosine per million nucleosides. Our results suggest that the total mouse genome contains, if any, less than 10(3) m6A. Experiments were next performed on PRED28, a putative mammalian N6-DNA methyltransferase. The murine PRED28 encodes two alternatively spliced RNA. However, although recombinant PRED28 proteins are found in the nucleus, no evidence for an adenine-methyltransferase activity was detected.     

Pleiotropic effects of a DNA adenine methylation mutation (dam-3) in Escherichia coli K12.

The dam-3 mutation results in a five-fold reduction in the number of 6-methyl-adenine (6-meA) residues in the DNA of E. coli K12 or phage lambda. The DNA of phage fd appears to be devoid of 6-meA when propagated on dam-3 bacteria. The phenotypic differences between dam-3 and dam+ bacteria include: (i) increased free phage in lysogenic dam-3 cultures, (2) increased sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), (3) inviability of dam-3 lex-I strains, (4) lower molecular weight of DNA in dam-3 bacteria in the absence of DNA ligase and (5) increased rate of DNA degradation in dam-3 recA strains.     

一株凝结芽孢杆菌的分离筛选及产孢条件优化

【背景】凝结芽孢杆菌除了具有一般乳酸菌的益生功能外,还具较强的耐酸、耐胆盐、耐高温、易贮存等生物特性。【目的】从泡菜中筛选一株性能优良的凝结芽孢杆菌用于微生态制剂的制备,并对其产孢率进行优化,为该菌株的进一步工业化生产提供参考依据。【方法】采用选择性培养基通过特定的培养条件,筛选到一株抑菌效果良好的产酸芽孢杆菌,并对其进行特异性引物的鉴定、16S rRNA基因序列分析及生理生化实验。通过单因素及正交试验对菌株的产芽孢条件进行优化。【结果】筛选得到一株凝结芽孢杆菌BC01,该菌株对大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli CVCC 1527)、鼠伤寒沙门氏菌(Salmonella typhimurium CVCC 2228)、产气荚膜梭菌(Clostridium perfringens CVCC 46)、猪霍乱沙门氏菌(Salmonella choleraesuis CVCC 503)等均有较强的抑制作用;模拟胃液处理120 min存活率达到94%;0.3%的胆盐存活率达到84.3%。单因素及正交试验优化后的最适培养基配方:糖蜜10.0 g/L,酵母浸出粉20.0 g/L,NaCl 5.0 g/L,K_2HPO_4 5.0 g/L,MnSO_4 10.0 mg/L;最适培养条件:接种量4%,温度45°C,初始pH 7.0,转速200 r/min,培养时间36 h。在该优化条件下,其活菌数最高达到6.7×10~9 CFU/mL,产孢率达到89.2%。【结论】筛选得到一株可用于微生态制剂的菌株——凝结芽孢杆菌BC01,对其产孢率进行了优化,为工业化生产奠定了基础。     

Cloning and Characterization of a Carboxylesterase from Bacillus coagulans 81-11

A genomic library of Bacillus coagulans strain 81-11 was screened in Escherichia coli JM83 for lipolytic activity by using tributyrin agar plates. A 2.4 kb DNA fragment was subcloned from a lipolytic-positive clone and completely sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis predicted a 723 bp open reading frame (ORF), designated estC1, encoding a protein of 240 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 27 528 Da and a pI of 9.15. The deduced amino acid sequence of the estC1 gene exhibited significant amino acid sequence identity with carboxylesterases from thermophilic Geobacillus spp. and sequence analysis showed that the protein contains the signature G-X-S-X-G included in most esterases and lipases. Enzyme assays using p-nitrophenyl (p-NP) esters with different acyl chain lengths as the substrate confirmed the esterase activity. EstC1 exhibited a marked preference for esters of short-chain fatty acids, yielding the highest activity with p-NP butyrate. Maximum activity was found at pH 8 and 50°C, although the enzyme displayed stability at temperatures up to 60°C.     

拟南芥2-甲基-6-叶绿基-1,4-苯醌甲基转移酶启动子的分离及表达特性分析

维生素E是一类人体必需的脂溶性抗氧化剂, 具有重要的生理功能。2-甲基-6-叶绿基-1,4-苯醌甲基转移酶(MPBQ MT)是天然维生素E合成途径中的关键酶之一, 催化MPBQ甲基化, 生成DMPBQ。从拟南芥分离了MPBQ MT基因1018bp的启动子序列, 构建了含该启动子和GUS报告基因的植物表达载体, 通过农杆菌介导转化拟南芥, 获得了转基因植株。GUS组织化学染色结果表明, 在MPBQ MT启动子驱动下, 报告基因GUS在拟南芥的茎、叶、花萼、雄蕊、种荚均有表达, 且在茎、叶、种荚中表达量较高, 而在根、花瓣和种子中则没有观察到GUS基因的表达, 表明MPBQ MT基因可能仅在拟南芥幼嫩茎、叶、种荚等绿色组织中特异性高表达。     

Directed evolution of restriction endonuclease BstYI to achieve increased substrate specificity

Restriction endonucleases have proven to be especially resistant to engineering altered substrate specificity, in part, due to the requirement of a cognate DNA methyltransferase for cellular DNA protection. The thermophilic restriction endonuclease BstYI recognizes and cleaves all hexanucleotide sequences described by 5'-R GATCY-3' (where R=A or G and Y=C or T). The recognition of a degenerate sequence is a relatively common feature of the more than 3000 characterized restriction endonucleases. However, very little is known concerning substrate recognition by such an enzyme. Our objective was to investigate the substrate specificity of BstYI by attempting to increase the specificity to recognition of only AGATCT. By a novel genetic selection/screening process, two BstYI variants were isolated with a preference for AGATCT cleavage. A fundamental element of the selection process is modification of the Escherichia coli host genomic DNA by the BglII N4-cytosine methyltransferase to protect AGATCT sites. The amino acid substitutions resulting in a partial change of specificity were identified and combined into one superior variant designated NN1. BstYI variant NN1 displays a 12-fold preference for cleavage of AGATCT over AGATCC or GGATCT. Moreover, cleavage of the GGATCC sequence is no longer detected. This study provides further evidence that laboratory evolution strategies offer a powerful alternative to structure-guided protein design.     

Characterization of a small cryptic plasmid from Salmonella enteritidis that affects the growth of Escherichia coli

Abstract We examined the plasmid content of 25 clinical isolates of Salmonella enteritidis , and detected the presence of small plasmids (3–5.3 kb) in 9 of them, alone, or in addition to the large, so-called virulence plasmid. A 5.3-kb plasmid isolated as unique extrachromosomal DNA from a strain responsible for a high-mortality outbreak was characterized by restriction mapping and cloning. The plasmid replicon was localized in a 1.7-kb fragment, that hybridized with three of the small plasmids detected in S. enteritidis , and with another small plasmid from Salmonella typhimurium . A strain of Escherichia coli carrying this plasmid, or a cloned 3.7-kb Pvu II restriction fragment, showed a slower growth rate, especially in minimal medium, as well as a noticeable increase in DNA methyltransferase activity.     

六妹羊肚菌PacBio基因组测序和DNA 6mA甲基化分析

羊肚菌属于子囊门真菌,是世界范围内最受欢迎的食用菌之一。本研究通过PacBio单分子实时测序技术对我国四川省成功栽培的六妹羊肚菌Morchella sextelata SCLS菌株进行全基因组测序,获得其高质量核基因组组装,大小为53.57Mb,重复序列含量为17.03%,包含42条重叠群（contigs）,重叠群N50高达1.82Mb,其中13条重叠群两端均含有端粒重复序列,为完整的染色体。通过链特异性RNA-seq测序和转录本拼接,并结合多种基因预测策略,预测到13 182个蛋白编码基因,包括267个碳水化合物活性酶,11个次生代谢产物合成基因簇。通过与内蒙古地区栽培的六妹羊肚菌菌株NZTD180501373基因组比较发现,六妹羊肚菌进化过程中可能发生过染色体重组事件,二者具有33 055个SNP和48 726个InDel位点差异,并且各自拥有超过6Mb的特有序列。此外,相比于梯棱羊肚菌M. importuna,六妹羊肚菌SCLS菌株中与逆转录转座酶有关的orthogroup发生了扩张,并且拥有5个成员数超过100的特有逆转录转座酶基因家族。对SCLS菌株中的DNA N⁶腺嘌呤甲基化（6mA）修饰进行了鉴定,发现SCLS菌株基因组中0.42%的腺嘌呤被6mA甲基化,其含量显著高于已报道的6种双核亚界（Dikarya）真菌。6mA甲基化位点在逆转录转座子上显著富集,表明六妹羊肚菌中6mA甲基化可能调控逆转录转座子的活性,这也是首次在真菌中报道6mA甲基化与转座子相关。     

Isolation and characterization of a type II restriction endonuclease from Streptococcus thermophilus

The alpha-toxin (phospholipase C) of Clostridium perfringens has been reported to contain catalytically essential zinc ions. We report here that histidine residues are essential for the co-ordination of these ion(s). Incubation of alpha toxin with diethylpyrocarbonate, a histidine modifying reagent, did not result in the loss of phospholipase C activity unless the protein was first incubated with EDTA, suggesting that zinc ions normally protect the susceptible histidine residues. When the amino acid sequences of three phospholipase C's were aligned, essential zinc binding histidine residues in the non-toxic B. cereus phospholipase C were found in similar positions in the toxic C. perfringens enzyme and the weakly toxic C. bifermentans phospholipase C.     

Isolation and Characterization of Total DNA from Several Endangered Species and Their Allies

A low pH extraction medium with high salts, which avoids ionization and subsequent oxidation of phenolic compounds during tissue grinding and precipitation of large amounts of materials, were successfully used to obtain total DNA from Cathaya argyrophylla Chun et Kuang, Paeonia suffruticosa var. spontanea, Cimici fuga nanchuanensis Hsiao, Adenophora potaninii (Congeneric species with A. lobophylla) etc. The DNA yields, quality and purity were characterized. These isolated DNA could be used directly for RFLP and RAPD analysis which are useful as molecular genetic markers without sedimentation in cesium chloride gradient or column chromatography. A fast, inexpensive and reliable procedure has been developed for detecting the genetic diversity of endangered plants.