Isolation of a cDNA encoding a protease from Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube

The cDNA encoding a protease of Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube （PPA） was cloned. The deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed that the protein had 49% identity to the C-terminal amino acid 169-246 of serine protease of Heterodera glycines. Northern blotting analysis indicated that the cDNA could hybridize with mRNA of approximately 260 bases isolated from the marine earthworm. The cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into pMAL-p2 to construct expression vector pMAL-PPA. pMAL-PPA was introduced into Escherichia coli BL21（DE3） and overexpression of PPA fused with maltose binding protein was achieved by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside induction. The fusion protein was purified by affinity chromatography on an amylose resin column and ion-exchange chromatography on a diethylaminoethyl-Sepharose 4B column. Rabbits were immunized with the purified protein and antiserum was prepared. The antibody could react with a protein of approximately 9 kDa extracted from the marine earthworm as shown by Western blotting analysis. The activity analysis of the recombinant PPA suggested that it was probably a plasminogen activator.     

Isolation and characterization of a soybean cDNA clone encoding the plastid form of aspartate aminotransferase

Five aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1; AAT) isozymes were identified in soybean seedling extracts and designated AAT1 to AAT5 based on their rate of migration on non-denaturing electrophoretic gels. AAT1 was detected only in extracts of cotyledons from dark-grown seedlings. AAT3 and AAT4 were detected in crude extracts of leaves and in cotyledons of seedlings grown in the light. AAT2 and AAT5 were detected in all tissues examined. A soybean leaf cDNA clone, pSAT17, was identified by hybridization to a carrot AAT cDNA clone at low stringency. pSAT17 had an open reading frame which could encode a 50 581 Da protein. Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence from the pSAT17 open reading frame with mature AAT protein sequences from rat disclosed a 60 amino acid N-terminal extension in the pSAT17 protein. This extension had characteristics of a plastid transit peptide.A plasmid, pEXAT17, was constructed which encoded the mature protein lacking the putative chloroplast transit polypeptide. Transformed Escherichia coli expressed a functional soybean AAT isozyme, which comigrated with the soybean AAT5 isozyme during agarose gel electrophoresis. Differential sucrose gradient sedimentation of soybean extracts indicated that AAT5 specifically cofractionated with chloroplasts. Antibodies raised against the pEXAT17-encoded AAT protein specifically reacted with the AAT5 isozyme of soybean and not with any of the other isozymes, indicating that the soybean cDNA clone, pSAT17, encodes the chloroplast isozyme, AAT5.     

In vitro synthesis of the Bowman-Birk and related soybean protease inhibitors

Poly (A)⁺ RNAs from immature soybean seeds were size fractionated in denaturing sucrose gradients to identify mRNA that directs the cell-free synthesis of the Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor and the related inhibitors PI I–IV. Polypeptides synthesized in vitro were labeled with (³⁵S)-cysteine and (³H)-serine and detected by immunoprecipitation with anti Bowman-Birk and anti PI I–IV sera. Immunoprecipitates of the translation products comigrated on SDS-polyacrylamide gels with the dimeric or trimeric aggregates of the authentic inhibitor proteins, which self-associate under certain conditions. Further evidence that these immunoprecipitates contained authentic polypeptides corresponding to the Bowman-Birk or PI IV inhibitor was shown by sequential amino acid analyses of peptides generated by cleavage with cyanogen bromide.     

Nucleotide sequence of proteinase inhibitor II encoding cDNA of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and its mode of expression

Summary Two cDNA clones containing the complete coding region of a developmentally controlled (tuber-specific) as well as environmentally inducible (wound-inducible) gene from potato (Solanum tuberosum) have been sequenced. The open reading frame codes for 154 amino acids. Its sequence is highly homologous to the proteinase inhibitor II from tomato, indicating that the cDNA's encode the corresponding proteinase inhibitor II of potato. In addition the putative potato proteinase inhibitor II contains a sequence which is completely homologous with that of another small peptide proteinase inhibitor from potato, called PCI-I. Evidence is presented that this small peptide is probably derived from the proteinase inhibitor II by posttranslational processing.Northern type experiments using RNA from wounded and nonwounded leaves demonstrate that RNA homologous to the putative proteinase inhibitor II cDNA's accumulates in leaves as a consequence of wounding, whereas normally the expression of this gene is under strict developmental control, since it is detected only in tubers of potato (Rosahl et al. 1986). In addition the induction of this gene in leaves can also be achieved by the addition of different polysaccharides such as poly galacturonic acid or chitosan. In contrast to the induction of its expression by wounding in leaves, wounding of tubers results in a disappearance of the proteinase II inhibitor m-RNA from these organs.     

Structural features and molecular evolution of Bowman-Birk protease inhibitors and their potential application

The Bowman-Birk inhibitors (BBIs) are well-studied serine protease inhibitors that are abundant in dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. BBIs from dicots usually have a molecular weight of 8k and are double-headed with two reactive sites, whereas those from monocots can be divided into two classes, one approximately 8 kDa in size with one reactive site (another reactive site was lost) and the other approximately 16 kDa in size with two reactive sites. The reactive site is located at unique exposed surfaces formed by a disulfide-linked β-sheet loop that is highly conserved, rigid and mostly composed of nine residues. The structural features and molecular evolution of inhibitors are described, focusing on the conserved disulfide bridges. The sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1), with 14 amino acid residues, is a recently discovered bicyclic inhibitor, and is the most small and potent naturally occurring Bowman-Birk inhibitor.Recently, BBIs have become a hot topic because of their potential applications. BBIs are now used for defense against pathogens and insects in transgenic plants, which has advantages over using toxic and polluting insecticides. BBIs could also be applied in the prevention of cancer, Dengue fever, and inflammatory and allergic disorders, because of their inhibitory activity with respect to the serine proteases that play apivotal role in the development and pathogenesis of these diseases. The canonical nine-residue loop of BBIs/STH-1 provides an ideal template for drug design of specific inhibitors to target their respective proteases.     

Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding the major albumin of Theobroma cacao

The major albumin, a polypeptide of 21 kilodaltons (kDa), from the seeds of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), has been identified and partially purified by preparative gel electrophoresis. Some N-terminal sequence was obtained, permitting the construction of an oligonucleotide probe. This probe was used to isolate the corresponding copy DNA (cDNA) clone from a library made from poly(A)⁺ RNA from immature cocoa beans. The cDNA sequence has a single major open reading frame, that translates to give a 221-amino-acid polypeptide of M_r 24003. The existence of a precursor to the 21-kDa polypeptide of this size was confirmed by immunoprecipitation from total poly(A)⁺ RNA translation products. The polypeptide has a hydrophobic signal sequence of 26 amino acids before the mature start, and the mature polypeptide would have an M_r of 21223. The protein sequence is homologous with sequences of the Kunitz protease and -amylase inhibitor family, and the protein probably functions to defend the seed's protein reserves from the digestive enzymes of invading pests. However because the protein comprises 25–30% of the total seed protein it may itself also function as a storage protein. Electron micrographs of immunogold-labelled embryo sections show that the protein is located in membrane-enclosed organelles.Abbreviations cDNA copy DNA - IgG immunoglobulin G - kb kilobase pairs - kDa kilodaltons - M_r relative molecular mass - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacylamide gel electrophoresis The authors are very grateful to Dr R. Jennings of the Virology Department, Sheffield University Medical School, for help in raising antibodies, and to Dr G. Cope, of the Biological Sciences Electron Microscopy Unit, Sheffield University, for taking the electron micrographs.To whom correspondence should be addressed.     

Nucleotide sequence of a genomic and a cDNA clone encoding an extracellular alkaline protease of Aspergillus fumigatus

An Aspergillus fumigatus extracellular alkaline protease (ALP) which is an enzyme of the subtilisin family is a potential virulent factor of the fungus. The gene encoding ALP was isolated from a genomic library made from DNA of an A. fumigatus isolate. The nucleotide sequence of this gene was compared to that of a cDNA encoding A. oryzae ALP and to that of a cDNA from A. fumigatus encoding the mature ALP protein. Mature A. fumigatus ALP contains 282 amino acids and is encoded by three exons. The pre-proenzyme has a leader sequence of 121 amino acids.     

Characterization of a single soybean cDNA encoding cytosolic and glyoxysomal isozymes of aspartate aminotransferase

A soybean cDNA clone, pSAT1, which encodes both the cytosolic and glyoxysomal isozymes of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT; EC 2.6.1.1) was isolated. Genomic Southern blots and analysis of genomic clones indicated pSAT1 was encoded by a single copy gene. pSAT1 contained an open reading frame with ca. 90% amino acid identity to alfalfa and lupin cytosolic AAT and two in-frame start codons, designated ATG1 and ATG2. Alignment of this protein with other plant cytosolic AAT isozymes revealed a 37 amino acid N-terminal extension with characteristics of a peroxisomal targeting signal, designated PTS2, including the modified consensus sequence RL-X₅-HF. The second start codon ATG2 aligned with previously reported start codons for plant cytosolic AAT cDNAs. Plasmids constructed to express the open reading frame initiated by each of the putative start codons produced proteins with AAT activity in Escherichia coli. Immune serum raised against the pSAT1-encoded protein reacted with three soybean AAT isozymes, AAT1 (glyoxysomal), AAT2 (cytosolic), and AAT3 (subcellular location unknown). We propose the glyoxysomal isozyme AAT1 is produced by translational initiation from ATG1 and the cytosolic isozyme AAT2 is produced by translational initiation from ATG2. N-terminal sequencing of purified AAT1 revealed complete identity with the pSAT1-encoded protein and was consistent with the processing of the PTS2. Analysis of cytosolic AAT genomic sequences from several other plant species revealed conservation of the two in-frame start codons and the PTS2 sequence, suggesting that these other species may utilize a single gene to generate both cytosolic and glyoxysomal or peroxisomal forms of AAT.     

Characterization of a soybean cDNA clone encoding the mitochondrial isozyme of aspartate aminotransferase,AAT4

A soybean leaf cDNA clone, pSAT2, was isolated by hybridization to a carrot aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1.; AAT) cDNA clone at low stringency. pSAT2 contained an open reading frame encoding a 47640 Da protein. The protein encoded by pSAT2 showed significant sequence similarity to AAT proteins from both plants and animals. It was most similar to two Panicum mitochondrial AATs, 81.5% and 82.0% identity. Alignment of the pSAT2-encoded protein with other mature AAT enzymes revealed a 25 amino acid N-terminal extension with characteristics of a mitochondrial transit peptide. A plasmid, pEXAT2, was constructed to encode the mature pSAT2 protein lacking the putative mitochondrial transit peptide. Escherichia coli containing the plasmid expressed a functional AAT isozyme which comigrated with the soybean AAT4 isozyme during agarose gel electrophoresis. Equilibrium sucrose gradient sedimentation of soybean extracts demonstrated that AAT4 specifically cofractionated with mitochondria. Antibodies raised against the pEXAT2-encoded AAT protein reacted with AAT4 of soybean and not with other AAT isozymes detected in soybean tissues, providing further evidence that clone pSAT2 encodes the soybean mitochondrial isozyme AAT4.     

Gene structure and expression of the gene from Beauveria bassiana encoding bassiasin I, an insect cuticle-degrading serine protease

Genomic and cDNA encoding Beauveria bassiana bassiasin I, a potential cuticle-degrading serine protease, were isolated and analysed. Bassiasin I gene is comprised of 1137 bp (379 aa) and 3 introns which are 69, 62 and 68 bp long. The comparison of a deduced amino acid sequence with Metarhizium anisopliae Pr1, B. bassiana Pr1, and proteinase K showed high homology. When the cDNA including the intact signal peptide was expressed in E. coli, a clear proteolytic-degraded zone on LB-skimmed milk plates was observed.     

天花粉胰蛋白酶抑制剂基因的克隆及DNA序列分析

从天花粉块茎中分离纯化的天花粉胰蛋白酶抑制剂ＴＴＩ是目前已知的最小的蛋白酶抑制剂,它属于南瓜族蛋白酶抑制剂家族;由２７个氨基酸残基组成,含三对二硫键。本文用ＰＣＲ方法扩增一特异探针;结合传统的筛库方法,从天花粉ｃＤＮＡ基因库中筛选到含ＴＴＩ基因的克隆,经序列测定,得到了ＴＴＩ的ｃＤＮＡ全序列。其读框编码区编码的是一个由６５个氨基酸组成的Ｐｒｅ－Ｐｒｏ－ＴＴＩ,Ｐｒｅ与Ｐｒｏ分别含有２４个和１４个氨基酸。由ｃＤＮＡ序列推论的氨基酸序列和已测定的氨基酸序列完全相同。     

Isolation and characterization of a root nodule-specific cysteine proteinase cDNA from soybean

We have determined that a nodule-specific cDNA clone (GmCysP1), obtained from a soybean root nodule-specific EST pool, encodes cysteine proteinase. Its amino acid sequence homology, as well as the conservation of typical motifs and amino acid residues involved in active site formation, shows that GmCysP1 can be classified as a legumain (C13) family cysteine proteinase, belonging to clan CD. Moreover, based on its expression patterns,GmCysP1 is a nodule-specific cysteine proteinase gene that is possibly associated with nodule development or senescence. Our genomic Southern analysis also suggests thatGmCysP1 is a member of a multigene family. Therefore, we propose that GmCysP1 is the first to be identified as a nodule-specific and senescence-related cysteine proteinase that belongs to the legumain family from soybean.     

粉拟青霉类枯草杆菌蛋白酶基因的cDNA克隆及其序列和蛋白质分析

粉拟青霉是一种常见的昆虫病原真菌,被广泛用于生物防治。根据GenBank中已登录的淡紫拟青霉,球孢白僵菌和金龟子绿僵菌的类枯草杆菌蛋白酶基因序列的同源性比较,以它们高度保守的核苷酸序列设计一对引物,采用RT-PCR和3’/5’-RACE相结合的方法,首次从粉拟青霉中克隆出完整的类枯草杆菌蛋白酶cDNA基因。其全序列为2060bp,该序列5’-端和3’-端的非编码序列长度分别为209bp和252bp,开放阅读框为1599bp,编码532个氨基酸,信号肽长度为16个氨基酸。成熟蛋白的氨基酸序列和金龟子绿僵菌小孢变种(CAB63913),玉米赤霉菌(EAA68914),金龟子绿僵菌蚱蜢变种(CAC95047)及柄孢壳(AAC03564)的同源性分别为69%、71%、68%和68%。成熟蛋白具有典型的丝氨酸蛋白酶活性位点,同时有5个半胱氨酸,3个潜在的N-糖基化位点和2个可能的O-糖基化位点。该基因在的密码子第三位碱基的使用上,显示出明显的对C的偏爱。     

Isolation and characterization of two cDNAs from atlantic cod encoding two distinct psychrophilic elastases

The cDNAs encoding two different Atlantic cod elastases have been isolated and sequenced. The predicted amino acid sequences revealed two preproelastases, consisting of a signal peptide, an activation peptide and a mature enzyme of 242 and 239 amino acids. Amino acid sequence identity between the two cod elastases was 60.1% and identity with mammalian elastases ranged from 50–64%. The two cod elastases contain all the major structural features common to serine proteases, such as the catalytic triad His57, Asp102 and Ser195. Both cod elastases have a high content of methionine, consistent with previous findings in psychrophilic fish enzymes.