Chitin synthase homologs in three ectomycorrhizal truffles

Abstract Degenerate PCR primers were used to amplify a conserved gene portion coding chitin synthase from genomic DNA of six species of ectomycorrhizal truffles. DNA was extracted from both hypogeous fruitbodies and in vitro growing mycelium of Tuber borchii . A single fragment of about 600 bp was amplified for each species. The amplification products from Tuber magnatum, T. borchii and T. ferrugineum were cloned and sequenced, revealing a high degree of identity (91.5%) at the nucleotide level. On the basis of the deduced amino acid sequences these clones were assigned to class II chitin synthase. Southern blot experiments performed on genomic DNA showed that the amplification products derive from a single copy gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of class II chitin synthase genes confirmed the current taxonomic position of the genus Tuber , and suggested a close relationship between T. magnatum and T. uncinatum .     

Isolation and characterization of chitinases from Verticillium lecanii

Degenerate PCR primers corresponding to conserved domains of fungal chitinases were designed, and PCR was performed on genomic DNA of the entomogenous fungus Verticillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Viegas. Two distinct PCR fragments, chf1 and chf2, were isolated and used to identify two DNA contigs. Analyses of these two contigs revealed that we had obtained the full-length DNA sequence including the promoter, 5' untranslated region, open reading frame (ORF), and 3' untranslated regions for two distinct chitinase-like genes. These two genomic DNA sequences exhibited 51% identity at the amino acid (aa) level and were designed as acidic (chi1) and basic (chi2) chitinase-like genes. The isolated cDNA for chi1 gene is 1110 bp with a predicted protein of 370 aa and molecular mass of 40.93 kDa, and its ORF was uninterrupted in its corresponding genomic DNA sequence. The cDNA for the chi2 gene is 1269 bp, a predicted ORF of 423 aa and molecular mass of 45.95 kDa. In contrast, the ORF was interrupted by three introns in its corresponding genomic DNA. The basic chitinase gene (chi2) was successfully expressed in the Pichia pastoris system; optimum enzymatic activity was observed at 22 degrees C and at pH 7.5. CHI1 and CHI2 were clustered into two different phylogenetic groups according to their sequence alignments with 28 other fungal chitinases. A chitin-binding domain, comprising two sub-domains that exhibit similarities at the aa level to chitin binding domains in bacteria, was identified in 30 fungal chitinase sequences examined.     

Identification of three chitin synthase genes in the dimorphic fungal pathogenSporothrix schenckii

Degenerate PCR primers were used to amplify a 600-bp conserved gene region for chitin synthases from genomic DNA ofSporothrix schenckii, a dimorphic fungal pathogen of humans and animals. Three chitin synthase gene homologs were amplified as shown by DNA sequence analysis and by Southern blotting experiments. Based on differences among the predicted amino acid sequences of these homologs, each was placed within one of three different chitin synthase classes. Phylogenies constructed with the sequences and the PAUP 3.1.1. program showed thatS. schenckii consistently clustered most closely withNeurospora crassa in each of the three chitin synthase classes. These findings are significant because the phylogenies support by a new method the grouping of the imperfect fungusS. schenckii with the Pyrenomycetes of the Ascomycota.     

血红密孔菌(Pycnoporussanguineus)漆酶基因的克隆与序列分析

为克隆血红密孔菌 (Pycnoporussanguineus)漆酶基因 ,根据真菌漆酶氨基酸序列保守区设计了 1对简并引物 .以血红密孔菌基因组DNA为模板 ,PCR扩增出长 12 2 7bp的漆酶基因片段 .以此序列为基础 ,通过 5′及 3′RACE技术克隆出漆酶全长cDNA序列 ,序列长为 190 2bp ,其 5′端和 3′端非编码区长分别为 5 1bp和 2 97bp ,开放阅读框长 15 5 4bp ,编码 5 18个氨基酸的蛋白 .该蛋白具有 4个铜离子结合区域 ,预测其相对分子量为 5 6 313 2 ,等电点为 5 5 9,其氨基酸序列与Pycnoporuscinnabarinus漆酶 (lcc3 2 )的同源性最高 ,为 96 % .以该cDNA编码区的两端序列为引物 ,PCR扩增得到漆酶的长度为 2 15 4bp的全长DNA序列 ,序列中包括 10个内含子序列 ,长为 5 2～ 70bp     

Isolation and characterization of the gene encoding a chitin synthase with a myosin motor-like domain from the edible basidiomycetous mushroom, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lentinula edodes</Emphasis>, and its expression in the course of fruit-body formation

We isolated and characterized the genomic and complementary DNAs encoding a chitin synthase from an edible basidiomycetous mushroom, Lentinula edodes. The gene (which we designated Lechs1) contains a large open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 1937 amino acid residues. The open reading frame is interrupted by 14 small introns (49–116 bp). The gene product (LeChs1) consists of a myosin motor-like domain in its N-terminal half and a chitin synthase domain in its C-terminal half, analogous to the class V and VI chitin synthases of other filamentous fungi. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that LeChs1 is classified into class VI chitin synthases. Southern blot analysis indicated that Lechs1 is a single-copy gene per haploid genome and that L. edodes has no other highly homologous chitin synthase genes. Northern blot analysis revealed that Lechs1 is expressed throughout the whole stages of fruit-body formation of L. edodes, but its expression level gradually declines in a fruit body-maturation-dependent manner with highest expression in vegetative mycelia and fruit body at the early stage of maturation (immature fruit body). This is the first report on the isolation and characterization of the gene encoding a chitin synthase with a myosin motor-like domain from basidiomycetes.     

Cloning and characterization of squalene synthase (SQS) gene from Ganoderma lucidum

This report provides the complete nucleotide sequences of the full-length cDNA encoding squalene synthase (SQS) and its genomic DNA sequence from a triterpene-producing fungus, Ganoderma lucidum. The cDNA of the squalene synthase (SQS) (GenBank Accession Number: DQ494674) was found to contain an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,404 bp encoding a 468-amino-acid polypeptide, whereas the SQS genomic DNA sequence (GenBank Accession Number: DQ494675) consisted of 1,984 bp and contained four exons and three introns. Only one gene copy was present in the G lucidum genome. The deduced amino acid sequence of Ganoderma lucidum squalene synthase (Gl-SQS) exhibited a high homology with other fungal squalene synthase genes and contained six conserved domains. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that G. lucidum SQS belonged to the fungi SQS group, and was more closely related to the SQS of U. maydis than to those of other fungi. A gene expression analysis showed that the expression level was relatively low in mycelia incubated for 12 days, increased after 14 to 20 days of incubation, and reached a relatively high level in the mushroom primordia. Functional complementation of Gl-SQS in a SQS-deficient strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed that the cloned cDNA encoded a squalene synthase.     

Amorpha-4,11-diene synthase of Artemisia annua: cDNA isolation and bacterial expression of a terpene synthase involved in artemisinin biosynthesis

Artemisia annua, an indigenous plant to Korea, contains an antimalarial sesquiterpene, artemisinin. The first committed step of artemisinin biosynthesis is the cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate by a sesquiterpene synthase to produce an amorphane-type ring system. The aims of this research were to molecularly clone and express amorpha-4,11-diene synthase for metabolic engineering. PCR amplification of genomic DNA with a pair of primers, designed from the conserved regions of sesquiterpene synthases of several plants, produced a 184-bp DNA fragment. This fragment was used in Northern blot analysis as a probe, showing approximately 2.2 kb of a single band. Its sequence information was used to produce 2106 bp of a full-length cDNA sequence including 1641 bp of open reading frame for 546 amino acids (kcs12) through a rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The deduced amino acid sequence displayed 36% identity with 5-epi-aristolochene synthase of Nicotiana tabacum. A soluble fraction of Escherichia coli harboring kcs12 catalyzed the cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate to produce a sesquiterpene, which was identified through GC-MS analysis as amorpha-4,11-diene.     

盾叶薯蓣环阿屯醇合酶全长基因的克隆与分析

环阿屯醇合酶(cycloartenol synthase,CAS)是薯蓣皂甙元生物合成途径中的第一个关键酶.以基因组DNA为模板,利用染色体步行和长距离PCR方法首次克隆了盾叶薯蓣CAS全长基因.序列分析比较结果表明,盾叶薯蓣CAS全长基因为7 192 bp,由18个外显子和17个内含子组成.外显子总长为2 280 bp,编码759个氨基酸,最长的外显子为198 bp,最短的为47 bp;内含子总长4 912 bp,最长的内含子为1 551 bp,最短的为68 bp.Southern blot杂交分析表明,CAS基因在盾叶薯蓣基因组中为单拷贝.     

The TACPyAT repeats in the chalcone synthase promoter of Petunia hybrida act as a dominant negative cis-acting module in the control of organ-specific expression

Analysis of the expression of the GUS reporter gene driven by various regions of the Petunia hybrida chalcone synthase (chsA) promoter revealed that the developmental and organ-specific expression of the chsA gene is conferred by a TATA proximal module located between -67 and -53, previously designated as the TACPyAT repeats. Histochemical analysis of GUS reporter gene expression revealed that the organ-specific 67 bp promoter fragment directs the same cell-type specificity as a 530 bp promoter, whereas additional enhancer sequences are present within the more TATA distal region. Moreover, the region between -800 and -530 is also involved in extending the cell-type specificity to the trichomes of flower organs and of young seedlings. The mechanism by which the TACPyAT repeats modulate expression during plant development was studied by analysing the expression of the GUS gene driven by chimeric promoters consisting of the CaMV 35S enhancer (domain B, -750 to -90) fused to various chsA 5' upstream sequences. Detailed enzymatic and histochemical analysis revealed that in the presence of the TACPyAT module the CaMV 35S region only enhances GUS activity in those organs in which the chsA promoter is normally active. Furthermore, this analysis shows that enhancement in the presence of the CaMV 35S domain B is accomplished by increasing the number of cell types expressing the GUS gene within the organ, rather than enhancement of the chsA cell-type-specific expression within these organs. Deletion of the TACPyAT sequences in the chimeric promoter construct completely restores the well-documented CaMV 35S domain B cell-type specificity, showing that the TACPyAT module acts as a dominant negative cis-acting element which controls both organ and developmental regulation of the chsA promoter activity.     

小麦条锈菌II类几丁质合成酶基因PstChsII的克隆及表达特征

摘要:【目的】克隆小麦条锈菌几丁质合成酶基因PstChsII,分析其在小麦条锈菌不同发育时期的表达水平。【方法】利用RT-PCR和PCR技术克隆PstChsII的cDNA序列和基因组序列,利用不同的生物信息学软件对序列进行分析,运用实时荧光定量技术分析基因在孢子、芽管以及不同侵染时间的表达水平。【结果】PstChsII基因（Genbank登录号GQ329851）编码区存在15个内含子,开放阅读框长2727 bp,编码908个氨基酸。PstChsII蛋白C端含有7个跨膜螺旋区,N端含多个保守结构域和“QXR     

Two natural cerato-ulmin (CU)-deficient mutants of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi: one has an introgressed O. ulmi cu gene, the other has an O. novo-ulmi cu gene with a mutation in an intron splice consensus sequence

The nucleotide sequences of the cerato-ulmin ( cu ) genes of two naturally occurring pathogenic CU-deficient mutants, PG470 and MAFf8, of the Dutch elm disease fungus, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi , were determined. The PG470  cu gene sequence was identical to that of CU-secreting isolates of O. novo-ulmi , except for a G to A mutation in the GT splice consensus sequence at the start of intron 1, suggesting that the CU deficiency was due to a splicing defect in the premRNA. In contrast, the MAFf8  cu gene showed a 99.1% sequence identity with cu genes of O. ulmi isolates, but only 92.8% sequence identity with cu genes of CU-secreting isolates of O. novo-ulmi , and in a dendrogram clustered with cu gene sequences of O. ulmi isolates with 100% bootstrap support. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the ribosomal RNA region, random amplified polymorphic DNA markers, and many biological properties of MAFf8, including pathogenicity, were typical of O. novo-ulmi . It is therefore likely that the cu gene of MAFf8 has been introgressed from O. ulmi , probably as a result of rare hybrid formation between O. ulmi and O. novo-ulmi , followed by backcrossing of the hybrid with O. novo-ulmi . The presence of an O. ulmi -like cu gene in MAFf8 is consistent with its CU deficiency, since the O. ulmi cu gene is known to be poorly expressed and O. ulmi isolates secrete little or no CU in culture.     

Evidence that the Aspergillus nidulans class I and class II chitin synthase genes, chsC and chsA, share critical roles in hyphal wall integrity and conidiophore development

Although many chitin synthase genes have been identified in a broad range of fungal species, there have been only a few reports about their role in fungal morphogenesis. In most cases, single gene disruption or replacement did not reveal their function, possibly because of functional redundancy among them. We obtained null mutants of Aspergillus nidulans chsA and chsC genes encoding non-essential class II and class I chitin synthases, respectively. The DeltachsA DeltachsC mutant exhibited growth defects on media supplemented with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), high concentration of salts, chitin-binding dyes, or chitin synthase competitive inhibitors, suggesting loss of integrity of hyphal wall. Moreover, remarkable abnormalities of the double mutant were observed microscopically during its asexual development. The conidiophore population was drastically reduced. Interestingly, secondary conidiophores were occasionally produced from vesicles of the primary ones. The morphology of these conidiophores was similar to those of the A. nidulans developmental mutants, medusa (medA), abacus (abaA), and some kinds of bristle (brlA). In situ staining patterns suggested that chsA was mainly expressed in the metulae, phialides, and conidia, whereas chsC was expressed in hyphae as well as conidiophores. These results suggest that ChsA and ChsC share critical functions in hyphal wall integrity and differentiation.     

Chitin synthase genes in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus versiforme: full sequence of a gene encoding a class IV chitin synthase

Chitin synthase genes of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus versiforme were sought in an investigation of the molecular basis of fungal growth. Three DNA fragments (Gvchs1, Gvchs2 and Gvchs3) corresponding to the conserved regions of distinct chitin synthase (chs) genes were amplified by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with two sets of degenerate primers. Gvchs1 and Gvchs2 encode two class I chitin synthases, whereas Gvchs3 encodes a class IV chitin synthase. A genomic library was used to obtain the Gvchs3 complete gene (1194 amino acids), which shows a very close similarity to the class IV chitin synthase from Neurospora crassa.     

Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of a sucrose synthase gene from tropical epiphytic orchid Oncidium Goldiana

A full-length cDNA encoding sucrose synthase was isolated from the tropical epiphytic orchid Oncidium Goldiana. The cDNA is 2829 bp in length containing an open reading frame of 2447 bp encoding 816 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 93.1 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of O . Goldiana sucrose synthase ( Osus ) shares more than 80% identity with those from other monocotyledonous plants. The sucrose synthase gene was demonstrated to encode a functional sucrose synthase protein by expression as recombinant protein in Escherichia coli . The Osus mRNA is present in all the tissues analysed, with the highest levels in strong sinks such as developing inflorescence and root tips. Incubation with sucrose or glucose resulted in a significant increase in the steady-state Osus mRNA levels in root tips and mature leaves in a similar pattern to maize Sus1 . Expression of the Osus mRNA in mature leaves was markedly enhanced by anaerobic conditions and elevated CO₂. The expression pattern and regulation of the gene suggest that the sucrose synthase plays an important role in the growth and development of the tropical epiphytic orchid O . Goldiana.