Functional role of AhR in the expression of toxic effects by TCDD

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is one of the xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs), which is induced by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The most potent inducer of CYP1A1 is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In addition, TCDD induces a broad spectrum of biochemical and toxic effects, such as teratogenesis, immunosuppression and tumor promotion. Most, if not all, of the effects caused by TCDD and other PAHs are known to be mediated by AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor or dioxin receptor) which has a high binding affinity to TCDD. The liganded AhR translocates from cytoplasm to nuclei where it switches its partner molecule from Hsp90 to Arnt. Thus formed AhR/Arnt heterodimer binds a specific DNA sequence designated XRE in the promoter region of the target genes including CYP1A1, UDP-glucuronosyl transferase and others to enhance their expression. Although it remains to be studied how AhR is involved in the other TCDD-induced biological effects such as teratogenesis and immunosuppression than induction of XMEs, it is believed that these adverse TCDD effects are caused by untimely activation of gene expression by ligand-activated AhR in the biological process. We summarize the present knowledge about functional role of AhR in TCDD-induced biological effects.     

DNase I sensitive domain of the gene coding for the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase

We have cloned a 36-kilobase segment of chicken DNA containing the gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH (EC 1.2.1.12)], a glycolytic enzyme which is expressed constitutively in all cell types. Using defined segments of this cloned DNA as probes, we have determined the DNase I sensitive domain of the GAPDH natural gene in the hen oviduct. When nuclei isolated from hen oviduct were treated with DNase I under conditions known to preferentially degrade actively transcribed genes (i.e., 15-20% of the DNA rendered perchloric acid soluble), a region of approximately 12 kilobase(s) (kb) containing the GAPDH coding sequences and flanking DNA was found to be highly susceptible to digestion by DNase I. Approximately 4 kb downstream from the end of the coding sequences, there was an abrupt transition from the DNase I sensitive or "open" configuration to the resistant or "closed" configuration. The chromatin then remained in a closed conformation for at least 10 kb further downstream. On the 5' side of the gene, the transition from a sensitive to a resistant configuration was located about 4 kb upstream from the gene. In addition, we have localized two repeated sequences in the area of DNA that was cloned. One of these is of the CR1 family of middle repetitive elements. It is located about 18 kb 3' to the gene and as such lies well outside of the DNase I sensitive region which encompasses GAPDH. The other repetitive element is of an uncharacterized family. It is located upstream from the gene and appears to be within a region of transition from the DNase I sensitive to resistant states.     

Mutations in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis> gene region of hepatitis B virus genotype <Emphasis Type="Italic">D</Emphasis> in Turkish patients

The S gene region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for the expression of surface antigens and includes the ‘a’-determinant region. Thus, mutation(s) in this region would afford HBV variants a distinct survival advantage, permitting the mutant virus to escape from the immune system. The aim of this study was to search for mutations of the S gene region in different patient groups infected with genotype D variants of HBV, and to analyse the biological significance of these mutations. Moreover, we investigated S gene mutation inductance among family members. Forty HBV-DNA-positive patients were determined among 132 hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) carriers by the first stage of seminested PCR. Genotypes and subtypes were established by sequencing of the amplified S gene regions. Variants were compared with original sequences of these serotypes, and mutations were identified. All variants were designated as genotype D and subtype ayw3. Ten kinds of point mutations were identified within the S region. The highest rates of mutation were found in chronic hepatitis patients and their family members. The amino acid mutations 125 (M → T) and 127 (T → P) were found on the first loop of ‘a’-determinant. The other consequence was mutation inductance in a family member. We found some mutations in the S gene region known to be stable and observed that some of these mutations affected S gene expression.     

香蕉果实特异性ACC合酶基因启动子区的克隆及其功能初探

根据本实验室所获得的香蕉果实特异性ACC合酶cDNA序列,以改进的接头连接PCR方法通过两次步行从香蕉基因组中分别扩增并克隆了其基因5′旁侧区近端1.2kb和远端1.6kb的片段。通过拼接,构建出含有2505bp启动子区和转录起始位点下游86bp的共2591bp的基因5′旁侧区片段;其启发性动子区中34至28为推测的TATA盒序列,158至146为推测的CCAAT盒,与其它植物基因启动子结构相类似。将2.5kb启动子片段与β-葡糖苷酸酶(GUS)基因编码序列融合,用基因枪法将构建的嵌合基因转入香蕉叶、根和果实的细胞后,只在果实细胞中观察到报告基因的瞬时表达,从功能上证明了此25kb的启动子片段具有指导报告基因在香蕉果实中特异性表达的作用。同时构建5个含不同5′端缺失启动子与GUS融合基因的表达载体。瞬时表达结果表明可能负责果实特异性表达的调控区存在于转录起始位点至-1111的启动子区中,而在-1111至-608区间可能存在一个正控制区。