Universal restriction endonucleases: designing novel cleavage specificities by combining adapter oligodeoxynucleotide and enzyme moieties

Class IIS restriction endonucleases cleave double-stranded (ds) DNA at precise distances from their recognition sequences. A method is proposed which utilizes this separation between the recognition site and the cut site to allow a class IIS enzyme, e.g., FokI, to cleave practically any predetermined sequence by combining the enzyme with a properly designed oligodeoxynucleotide adapter. Such an adapter is constructed from the constant recognition site domain (a hairpin containing the ds sequence, e.g., GGATG CCTAC for FokI) and a variable, single-stranded (ss) domain complementary to the ss sequence to be cleaved (at 9 and 13 nucleotides on the paired strands from the recognition sequence in the example of FokI). The ss sequence designated to be cleaved could be provided by ss phage DNA (e.g., M13), gapped ds plasmids, or supercoiled ds plasmids that were alkali denatured and rapidly neutralized. Combination of all three components, namely the class IIS enzyme, the ss DNA target sequence, and the complementing adapter, would result in target DNA cleavage at the specific predetermined site. The target ss DNA could be converted to the precisely cleaved ds DNA by DNA polymerase, utilizing the adapter oligodeoxynucleotide as primer. This novel procedure represents the first example of changing enzyme specificity by synthetic design. A practically unlimited assortment of new restriction specificities could be produced. The method should have many specific and general applications when its numerous ramifications are exploited.     

Evaluation of a cDNA scanning method concerning the fidelity and efficiency of cDNA selection using the YAC CIC3B1-S region of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5.

We previously reported a cDNA selection method using DNA latex particles to identify expressed genes in specific regions of genomes and named this cDNA scanning method (Hayashida et al., 1995 Gene 155 161). We applied the cDNA scanning method to the YAC CIC3B1-S DNA on Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5, and constructed a region-specific sublibrary in which cDNAs for genes on the YAC CIC3B1-S DNA were concentrated. We isolated 545 cDNA clones from the sublibrary, and determined partial sequence of them to produce expressed sequence tags (ESTs) derived from the YAC region. In total, 74 nonredundant groups of cDNAs were obtained from 545 cDNA clones. Forty-seven percent of these EST clones had significant homology to functional proteins such as protein kinases, LON protease, nucleic acid binding protein and chloride channel protein. We compared the cDNA sequences isolated by the cDNA scanning method to the Arabidopsis genomic sequence corresponding to the YAC CIC3B1-S region, and found that 69% of the selected cDNAs are located in the region. We discuss the fidelity and efficiency of the cDNA scanning method for cloning region-specific cDNAs and its useful application in positional cloning.     

Cloning of deleted sequences (CODE): A genomic subtraction method for enriching and cloning deleted sequences.

The deletion of specific genomic sequences is believed to influence the pathogenesis of certain diseases such as cancer. Identification of these sequences could provide novel therapeutic avenues for the treatment of disease. Here, we describe a simple and robust method called cloning of deleted sequences (CODE), which allows the selective cloning of deleted sequences from complex human genomes. Briefly, genomic DNA from two sources (human normal and tumor samples) was digested with restriction enzymes (e.g., BamHI, BglII, and BclI), then ligated to special linkers, and amplified by PCR. Tester (normal) DNA was amplified using a biotinylated primer and dNTPs. Driver (tumor) DNA was amplified using a non-biotinylated primer, but with dUTP instead of d7TP After denaturation and hybridization, all the driver DNA was destroyed with uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG), and all imperfect hybrids were digested with mung bean nuclease. Sequences deleted from the driver DNA but present in the tester DNA were purified with streptavidin magnetic beads, and the cycle was repeated three more times. This procedure resulted in the rapid isolation and efficient cloning of genomic sequences homozygously deleted from the driver DNA sample, but present in the tester DNA fraction.     

A family of lambda phage cDNA cloning vectors, lambda SWAJ, allowing the amplification of RNA sequences

This paper describes the construction and characterization of a family of lambda phage cDNA cloning vectors that allows high-efficiency directional cDNA cloning and selective amplification of either sense or antisense cRNA sequences. These vectors contain several unique restriction sites (EcoRI, XbaI, and SacI) positioned between two specific phage promoters, SP6 and T7. This system facilitates the in vitro preparation of single-stranded (ss) RNA molecules that should be useful in subtractive hybridization and in situ hybridization procedures. Using subtractive hybridization and this vector system, it should be possible to identify sequences present in one cDNA library and not another. In addition, it should be possible to construct subtracted cDNA libraries in these vectors and to generate high specific activity, ss, antisense cRNA probes directly from DNA prepared from the whole subtracted library or from individual clones.     

A hybridization and enzyme blocking method to enrich minor cDNA sequences

A method is presented which allows for the enrichment of low frequency cDNA sequences. The crucial step in the procedure is the hybridization of a pool of cDNA to homologous or heterologous RNA to a Rot value which will leave minor sequences in a single strand cDNA form while the major sequences form cDNA:RNA hybrids. This allows subsequent enzymatic differentiation between major and minor sequences resulting ultimately in the degradation of the major sequences. The procedure is general and simple as it requires no column chromatography step. The method is designed to integrate into a widely used cDNA cloning protocol and results either in double-stranded cDNA which can be used for molecular cloning or as a source of probes for hybridization.     

Plasmids pEMBLY: new single-stranded shuttle vectors for the recovery and analysis of yeast DNA sequences

We describe the construction and properties of pEMBLY plasmids. They belong to a new family of yeast shuttle vectors which are derived from plasmid vector pEMBL9 and offer the following improvement: relatively small size; large number of cloning sites; screening for insert-containing plasmids on indicator plates; different combinations of genes which complement auxotrophic deficiencies and sequences that support DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and ability to isolate the plasmid DNA in single-stranded (ss) form. The yeast S. cerevisiae can be efficiently transformed by these plasmids in both the ss and double-stranded (ds) forms. Finally, the presence of the phage f1 intergenic region allows one to obtain the cloned sequences in the ss form upon infection with the wild-type ss phage [Dotto et al., Virology 114 (1981) 463-473].     

Construction of a cDNA library of Aphis gossypii Glover for use in RNAi

Aphis gossypii Glover is an important insect pest that functions as a viral vector and mediates approximately 45 different viral diseases. As part of a strategy for control of A. gossypii, we investigated the functions of genes using RNAi. To this end, a cDNA library was constructed for various genes and for selecting appropriate targets for RNAi mediated silencing. The cDNA library was constructed using the Gateway cloning system with site‐specific recombination of bacteriophage λ. It was used to carry out single step cloning of A. gossypii cDNAs. As a result, a cDNA library with a titer of 8.4 × 10⁶ was constructed. Since the sequences in this library carry att sites, they can be cloned into various binary vectors. This library will be of value for various studies. For later screening of selected genes, it is planned to clone the library into virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) vectors, which makes it possible to analyze gene function and allow subsequent transfection of plants. Such transfection experiments will allow testing of RNAi‐induced insecticidal activity or repellent activity to A. gossypii, and result in the identification of target genes. It is also expected that the constructed cDNA library will be useful for analysis of gene functions in A. gossypii.     

cDNA selection with YACs

Identification of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in large genomic segments is an important step in positional cloning and genomic mapping studies. A simple and efficient polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach is described here to identify coding sequences in large genomic fragments of DNA cloned in vectors such as yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) vectors. The method is based on blocking of sequences such as repetitive and GC rich sequences in the genomic DNA immobilized on nylon paper discs prior to hybridization of the discs to cDNA library, and recovery of the selected cDNAs by the PCR. Single or multiple cDNA libraries can be used in the selection procedure. The procedure has been used successfully also with total yeast DNA containing a YAC.     

Bis-pyrene-labeled molecular beacon: a monomer-excimer switching probe for the detection of DNA base alteration

A new bis-pyrene-labeled oligonucleotide probe (BP-probe) has been designed for the detection of a single base mismatch in single strand (ss) DNA as a target. The sequence of BP-probe was chosen to form stem-loop structure similar to a molecular beacon (MB-probe), yielding bis-pyrene-labeled molecular beacon (BP-MB-probe). Partially double stranded (ds) BP-MB-probes were prepared by complexation with oligonucleotides whose sequences are complementary to the loop segment but not to the stem and exchangeable with the target DNA. The partially ds BP-MB-probes were shown to exhibit monomer fluorescence as major fluorescence, while the ss BP-MB-probe in the stem-loop form displays strong excimer fluorescence. The strand exchange reactions between partially ds BP-MB-probe and target ss DNA in the presence of cationic comb-type copolymer as a catalyst were monitored by the excimer fluorescence changes. The existence of a mismatched base can be determined by the slower PASE rates compared with fully matched DNA.     

A method to construct cDNA library of the entomopathogenic fungus, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium anisopliae</Emphasis>, in the hemolymph of the infected locust

A method was developed to construct cDNA library of pathogenic fungus in the blood of the infected insect for cloning the fungal genes expressed in the host. This method is designed to take advantage of the obvious difference between the cell structures and components of the pathogen cells and that of the host cells. The host blood cells only have cell membrane, which can be disrupted by using SDS/proteinase K (PK). The fungal cells grown in the animal blood have cell wall, which can protect the fungal cell from the disruption of SDS/proteinase K (PK). By this method, the blood cells were disrupted by SDS/proteinase K (PK) and then the released animal RNA and DNA were digested completely with RNase and DNase. Therefore, the fungi grown in the blood were harvested without any contamination of host RNA and DNA. The pure fungi harvested from the infected blood can be used for mRNA extraction and cDNA library construction. The purity of the fungal mRNA was confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR with specific primer pairs for the host and specific primer pairs for the fungus, respectively, and the clones of cDNA library constructed by using the fungal mRNA was also analyzed. The results showed that there was no detectable contaminated insect DNA or RNA existing in the fungal mRNA. Randomly selected cDNA clones from cDNA library were sequenced and analyzed against GenBank using Blastx; no selected sequences had significant similarity with insects’ genes in comparison with the data of GenBank. The results further confirmed that the method to purify the pathogenic fungus from the host animal is reliable and the mRNA extracted from the fungus is eligible for cDNA library construction, and other molecular analysis including RT-PCR. This method may be applied to other pathogenic fungi and their host animals.     

An immunoassay for the study of DNA-binding activities of herpes simplex virus protein ICP8.

An immunoassay was used to examine the interaction between a herpes simplex virus protein, ICP8, and various types of DNA. The advantage of this assay is that the protein is not subjected to harsh purification procedures. We characterized the binding of ICP8 to both single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) DNA. ICP8 bound ss DNA fivefold more efficiently than ds DNA, and both binding activities were most efficient in 150 mM NaCl. Two lines of evidence indicate that the binding activities were not identical: (i) ds DNA failed to complete with ss DNA binding even with a large excess of ds DNA; (ii) Scatchard plots of DNA binding with various amounts of DNA were fundamentally different for ss DNA and ds DNA. However, the two activities were related in that ss DNA efficiently competed with the binding of ds DNA. We conclude that the ds DNA-binding activity of ICP8 is probably distinct from the ss DNA-binding activity. No evidence for sequence-specific ds DNA binding was obtained for either the entire herpes simplex virus genome or cloned viral sequences.     

cDNA捕捉法获得水稻杂种不育基因座位Sc区域的编码序列

摘要：cDNA捕获法足一种以表达为基础的基因分离技术,直接用目的区域的基因DNA捕捉该区域编码的cDNA,快速从大的基因组区域分离表达序列。本研究用一个水稻杂种不育基因座位Sc附近的大片段TAC基因组片段来捕捉该区域在水稻穗部表达的cDNA,共获得了6条不同的cDNA。将这些cDNA克隆进行测序分析,获得了该区域在水稻部表达的部分基因,其中1个是籼稻特有的基因。这些cDNA片段可成为新的标记用于目的基因的精细定位和候选基因序列分析。     

The Isolation of differentially expressed mRNA sequences by selective amplification via biotin and restriction-mediated enrichment

Molecular analysis of development frequently implies the isolation and characterization of genes with specific spatial and temporal expression patterns. Several methods have been developed to identify such DNA sequences. The most comprehensive technique involves the genomewide probing of DNA sequence microarrays with mRNA sequences. However, at present this technology is limited to the few organisms for which the entire genome has been sequenced. Here, we describe a subtractive hybridization technique, called selective amplification via biotin and restriction-mediated enrichment (SABRE), which allows the selective amplification of cDNA fragments representing differentially expressed mRNA species. The method involves the competitive hybridization of an excess of driver cDNA fragments (D) to a trace of tester cDNA fragments (T), and the subsequent purification of tester homohybrids (in which both strands are contributed by the tester cDNA). After competitive hybridization, cDNA fragments that are more abundant in the tester than in the driver are enriched in the tester homohybrids. However, as the fraction of tester homohybrids is very small [T(2)/(D + T)(2)], their purification requires highly efficient procedures. In SABRE, the isolation of tester homohybrids is afforded by a combination of three successive steps: removal of biotinylated terminal sequences from most of the heterohybrids by S1 nuclease digestion, capture of biotinylated hybrids with streptavidin-coated paramagnetic beads, and specific release of homohybrids from the beads by restriction nuclease digestion. If several rounds of SABRE selection are performed in series, even relatively rare differentially expressed mRNA sequences may result in the production of predominant cDNA fragments in the final tester homohybrid population.     

基于cDNA芯片的梨品种S基因型鉴定及新S-RNase基因进化分析

梨品种S基因型鉴定对梨栽培中授粉品种选择和遗传育种都具有重要意义。本研究利用梨S-RNase基因荧光标记的特异引物PCR扩增获得梨品种荧光标记的cDNA特异产物;进一步完善梨S-RNase基因cDNA芯片,以被检测梨品种cDNA特异序列与梨S-RNase基因cDNA芯片杂交检测不同梨品种S基因型,并发现新的S-RNase基因。结果表明:利用梨S-RNase基因cDNA芯片鉴定了泸定王皮梨、兴山24号、弥渡百合等35个未知S基因型梨品种,确定了各品种的S基因型。结合PCRRFLP及DNA克隆和测序等技术,发现了7个新的S-RNase基因资源,获得了新S-RNase基因序列。序列分析表明各新S-RNase基因均具有S-RNase基因特异区域序列的典型特征;进化分析显示7个新S-RNase基因主要属于蔷薇科苹果亚科S-RNase类群,且存在种间和属间比种内和属内进化关系更近的现象。7个新的S基因分别命名为:PpS_(53)(Pyrus pyrifolia S53)、PpS_(54)、PpS_(55)、PpS_(56)、PpS_(57)、PpS_(58)和PpS_(59),GenBank登录号分别为:KX581753、KX581754、KX581755、KX581756、KX581757、KX581751和KX581752。     

利用SMART方法快速克隆异黄酮代谢途径多基因的研究

采用改进的酸酚法提取高质量的大豆叶片RNA,利用SMART思想和方法构建大豆叶片全长cDNA文库,直接以一级库液稀释液为模版进行PCR,快速克隆得到异黄酮代谢途径相关的5个基因。与传统的从DNA、RNA出发克隆基因,以及构建文库再进行基因筛选的克隆方法相比,该方法得到的基因均为全长基因,适用于快速、简便的进行多基因全长克隆。