Characterization of two divergent beta-tubulin genes from Colletotrichum graminicola

We have cloned and sequenced two beta-tubulin genes, TUB1 and TUB2, from the phytopathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum graminicola. The nucleotide sequences of the coding regions of the two genes are only 72.8% homologous. This divergence is reflected in the deduced amino acid (aa) sequences which differ at 94 aa residues. Comparison with the aa sequences of other fungal beta-tubulins indicates that the C. graminicola TUB2 gene encodes a conserved isotype, whereas the C. graminicola TUB1 product is highly divergent. Both genes contain six identically placed introns and the position of each intron is conserved in other fungal beta-tubulin genes. Also typical of other fungal beta-tubulin genes, there is a pronounced bias in codon usage in the C. graminicola TUB2 gene; there is a lesser codon bias in TUB1 from C. graminicola. Both C. graminicola beta-tubulin genes are transcribed and yield similar sized messages.     

Construction of broad-host-range vectors for the selection of divergent promoters

A series of promoter-probe plasmid vectors has been constructed which allows for the selection of DNA sequences containing divergent control elements. Each vector contains a pair of promoterless genes [encoding beta-galactosidase (lacZ), alkaline phosphatase (phoA), and bacterial luciferase (luxAB)] arranged in an antiparallel fashion and separated by a large intervening multiple cloning site. The vectors permit direct detection of promoter activity on indicator plates after transformation. Cloned promoters are selected based on production of coloured products in the case of lacZ and phoA, and by the emission of light in the case of luxAB. These vectors have been tested using known divergent promoter elements from pBR322 and Pseudomonas phage D3.     

茧蜂病毒基因启动子的结构与调控

启动子的开启与关闭在基因的表达中起着重要的作用。启动子作为信号通路的终点,决定了信号通路最终的信息。本文通过利用预测启动子的生物信息学技术与方法,初步发现茧蜂病毒启动子可分为杆状病毒类似启动子和茧蜂病毒特有启动子两种,并且这两类启动子都具有真核启动子的结构。在茧蜂体内和鳞翅目宿主体内调控茧蜂病毒基因启动子的转录因子大不相同,因此启动茧蜂病毒基因启动子的通路也有所不同。在茧蜂病毒基因整合到宿主细胞的核DNA中后,利用激活的Toll信号通路和IMD信号通路完成自身的基因表达。本文以本实验室研究的双斑侧沟茧蜂病毒(Microplitis bicoloratus bracovirus)的Vank基因和寄主斜纹夜蛾Spodoptera litura的Innexin基因启动子为例,结合茧蜂病毒启动子研究的最新进展,综述了茧蜂病毒基因启动子的核心结构和NF-κB蛋白结合位点,为今后的研究打下一定基础。     

Characterization of the gtfB and gtfC promoters from Streptococcus mutans GS-5

We have characterized the promoter regions of the gtfB and gtfC genes from Streptococcus mutans GS-5. Using a plasmid-based reporter system, we discovered that the gtfC promoter is an order of magnitude stronger than the gtfB promoter. In addition, we found that a variety of growth conditions failed to affect or discriminate between the expression of the two promoters. Only during the various phases of growth could we demonstrate significant changes in expression. We conclude that gtfB and gtfC promoters are coordinately expressed.     

Pollen- and anther-specific chi promoters from petunia: tandem promoter regulation of the chiA gene.

We have analyzed the spatial and temporal activities of chalcone flavanone isomerase (chi) A and B gene promoters from petunia. To study the tandem promoter regulation of chiA, various chiA promoter fragments were fused with the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene. Analysis of transgenic plants containing these chimeric genes provided definitive proof that the chiA coding region is regulated by two distinct promoters (designated PA1 and PA2). We also showed that both promoters can function independently and that the chiA PA1 promoter is expressed in limb (epidermal and parenchyma cells), tube (inner epidermal and parenchyma cells), seed (seed coat, endosperm, and embryo), sepal, leaf, and stem. The use of chiA and chiB promoters in the regulation of anther- and pollen-specific gene expression has been studied. By analyzing transgenic plants containing chimeric genes consisting of chiA and B promoter fragments and the GUS reporter gene, we were able to identify a 0.44-kilobase chiA PA2 promoter fragment that drives pollen-specific gene expression and a 1.75-kilobase chiB PB promoter fragment that confers anther-specific (pollen and tapetum cells) expression to the GUS gene.