Studies on SP6 promoter using a new plasmid vector that allows gene insertion at the transcription initiation site

All the phage-promoter containing subcloning vectors available for in vitro transcription reactions contain a polylinker away from the transcription initiation site. A new SP6 transcription subcloning vector, pCKSP6, has been constructed, in which a gene can be inserted precisely at the transcription initiation site. This was achieved by bringing the BamHI cleavage site into the initiation site. When DNA ends of both insert gene and BamHI cleaved pCKSP6 are made blunt-ended using a single strand specific nuclease, the in vitro transcripts of the recombinant DNA by SP6 RNA polymerase will contain only the gene sequence immediately after the initiation base G. Mung bean nuclease was used to generate a series of mutants resulting from step-wise deletion of single base pairs around the initiation site. Transcription assays with these SP6 promoter mutants revealed that not only the sequence immediately upstream of the initiation site but also the six base pairs from position +1 to +6 are important elements for promoter binding and/or transcription initiation activity. Furthermore, there appears to be a hierarchy of importance of each base pair in the order of position +1 greater than +2 greater than +3 greater than +4, +5, +6, -1, -2.

DNA-activated ATPase activity associated with Xenopus transcription factor A

Highly purified preparations of Xenopus transcription factor A exhibit DNA-activated ATPase (ATP phosphorylase, EC 3.6.1.3) activity, which is inhibited by affinity-purified anti-factor A antibodies but not by nonspecific gamma-globulins. This enzymatic activity copurifies with both factor A and the 7 S particle, a ribonucleoprotein complex composed of factor A and 5 S RNA in a one-to-one stoichiometric ratio. At equal concentrations of protein, factor A and the 7 S particle catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and Pi at similar rates. Kinetic analysis demonstrates that factor A is a fairly typical ATPase with a Vmax of 1.7 nmol/min/mg of protein and a KM of 5.0 X 10(-5) M, whereas the corresponding values for the 7 S particle are 2.7 nmol/min/mg of protein and 1.4 X 10(-4) M, respectively. Besides ATP, dATP is also an effective substrate for the enzyme with a Vmax of 0.7 nmol/min/mg of protein and a KM of 3.3 X 10(-5) M in reactions catalyzed by the 7 S particle. The ATPase activity of free factor A, but not the 7 S particle, can be stimulated approximately 3-fold by the addition of pBR322 plasmid DNA. Proteolytic fragments of factor A generated by treatment of the 7 S particle with papain and trypsin retain a portion of their catalytic activity, 50 and 10%, respectively, in concert with their relative size. Radioactive ATP and dATP can be photocross-linked to factor A by UV irradiation. These radioactive substrates are also cross-linked to the papain- and trypsin-generated fragments with markedly decreased efficiencies. UV photocross-linking of non-substrate nucleotides to factor A was not detectable. These results provide evidence that the ATPase activity is intrinsic to the factor A protein which is essential for the specific initiation of 5 S RNA gene transcription.

Spatial relationship between the intrinsic metal in the beta subunit and cysteine-132 in the sigma subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase: a resonance energy transfer study

Fluorescence excited-state energy transfer measurements were carried out between the N-(1-pyrene)maleimide (PM)-labeled sigma subunit and Co in the beta subunit of Co-Zn RNA polymerase (RPase). sigma subunit with or without PM labeling was cleaved with 2-nitro-5-thiocyanobenzoic acid, and the reaction products were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. One molecule of the fluorescent probe (PM) was found to be attached to the cysteine-132 residue of the sigma subunit. When excited at 340 nm, the fluorescence emission bands from 380 to 420 nm of PM-labeled sigma overlap with the charge transfer absorption band of Co-Zn RPase around 400 nm. Based on Förster's equation, the R0 values for the donor-acceptor pair were calculated to be 21.5 and 22 A in the absence and presence of template analog (dA-dT)60, respectively. Using these R0 values and the observed energy transfer efficiencies, the distance between the cysteine-132 of the sigma subunit and Co located at the initiation site of the beta subunit was calculated to be 22 A with or without the template present, indicating that no major conformational change of the enzyme was induced upon template binding. However, a small but significant change in the above distance was observed upon the addition of ATP to RPase in the presence (dA-dT)60 but not in the absence of (dA-dT)60 template. The biological implications of these observations are discussed.

Xenopus transcription factor A promotes DNA reassociation

We demonstrate by agarose gel electrophoresis and DNase I footprinting that Xenopus transcription factor A promotes DNA reassociation. This ability of factor A is dependent upon the domain-like structure of the protein. Digestion of factor A by papain results in a protein fragment which promotes DNA reassociation whereas a smaller fragment obtained by trypsin digestion does not. Although factor A requires zinc for specific binding to the 5 S RNA gene, the metal is not required for single-stranded DNA binding or promotion of DNA reassociation by this protein. The factor A-dependent renaturation of the 5 S RNA gene from its individual 32P end-labeled strands results in the proper gene conformation as evidenced by the restoration of the DNase I footprint characteristic of the intragenic control region. Alterations in DNase I cleavage patterns induced by factor A on the individual 5 S DNA strands are distinct from those induced by the protein on the duplex 5 S RNA gene. The ability of factor A to promote DNA reassociation further defines the possible roles of this protein in the formation of active transcription complexes and their maintenance during repeated rounds of transcription.

Isolation and characterization of a cyclic AMP receptor protein from luminous Vibrio harveyi cells

A cAMP receptor protein (CRP) species was purified from the luminous Vibrio harveyi cells to apparent homogeneity. This protein had a dimeric structure with a molecular weight of 23,000 per subunit. Among all eight nucleotides tested, only cAMP (Kd = 3 to 4 microM at 0 degrees C and 52 microM at 23 degrees C) and cGMP (Kd = 6 to 10 microM at 0 degrees C and 67 microM at 23 degrees C) bound to this protein. Its binding to poly(dI-dC), poly(dA-dT), and DNA fragments isolated from V. harveyi cells were all significantly enhanced by the addition of cAMP. Based on patterns of limited proteolysis by trypsin, this CRP assumes different conformations in the absence and presence of cAMP. Also consistent with this conclusion is the finding that the binding of cAMP to CRP induced about 50% quenching of the CRP fluorescence with a concomitant 3-nm blue shift from the original 336-nm emission peak. The binding of cGMP resulted in similar fluorescence changes but had no apparent effect on the pattern of proteolysis by trypsin. Using an in vitro transcription system known to be dependent on cAMP and Escherichia coli CRP, the synthesis of a run-off transcript product was also significantly enhanced by cAMP and this V. harveyi CRP.

5S RNA structure and interaction with transcription factor A. 1. Ribonuclease probe of the structure of 5S RNA from Xenopus laevis oocytes

The structure of Xenopus laevis oocyte (Xlo) 5S ribosomal RNA has been probed with single-strand-specific ribonucleases T1, T2, and A with double-strand-specific ribonuclease V1 from cobra venom. The digestion of 5'- or 3'-labeled renatured 5S RNA samples followed by gel purification of the digested samples allowed the determination of primary cleavage sites. Results of these ribonuclease digestions provide support for the generalized 5S RNA secondary structural model derived from comparative sequence analysis. However, three putative single-stranded regions of the molecule exhibited unexpected V1 cuts, found at C36, U73, U76, and U102. These V1 cuts reflect additional secondary structural features of the RNA including A.G base pairs and support the extended base pairing in the stem containing helices IV and V which was proposed by Stahl et al. [Stahl, D. A., Luehrsen, K. R., Woese, C. R., & Pace, N. R. (1981) Nucleic Acids Res. 9, 6129-6137]. A conserved structure for helix V having a common unpaired uracil residue at Xlo position 84 is proposed for all eukaryotic 5S RNAs. Our results are compared with nuclease probes of other 5S RNAs.

5S RNA structure and interaction with transcription factor A. 2. Ribonuclease probe of the 7S particle from Xenopus laevis immature oocytes and RNA exchange properties of the 7S particle

The 5S RNA complexed in the 7S particle of immature Xenopus laevis oocytes was 32P labeled at its 3' end and then subjected in situ to partial digestion using ribonucleases T1, T2, A, and V1 in order to study the conformation of the complexed RNA and its interaction with the transcription factor A (TFIIIA). Digested samples were gel purified to retrieve 5S RNA that was still complexed with the transcription factor protein, and the cleavages in these RNAs were analyzed on sequencing gels. The RNA associated with the 7S particle is very susceptible to ribonuclease activity despite the presence of the protein. Also, the 5S RNA in the 7S particle is in a different conformation from renatured Xenopus laevis (Xlo) 5S RNA and appears to have less secondary structure predominantly in the stem that includes helices IV and V. A species of native Xlo 5S RNA which was isolated from 7S particle preparations under nondenaturing conditions revealed a conformation that was more similar to the 5S RNA in the 7S particle than to renatured 5S RNA. Comparison of data from partial ribonuclease digestions performed on renatured 5S RNA, on the native 5S RNA, and on the complexed 5S RNA allowed us to approximate sites of protein-induced structural change in the complexed 5S RNA, which may signal protein interaction domains. These sites include the 5' side of helices III and V. In another approach to the study of 5S RNA-TFIIIA interactions, we have observed that incubation of 32P-labeled Xlo 5S RNA with 7S particles results in the incorporation of labeled RNA into 7S particles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis and kinetic studies of protease substrates containing the 1-methyl-6-aminoquinolinium ion as a fluorogenic leaving group

Several sensitive substrates for porcine pancreatic elastase, chymotrypsin, and trypsin were prepared that utilize the permanently charged, fluorogenic cation 1-methyl-6-aminoquinoline (MAQ+) as the leaving group. Kinetic rates for the hydrolysis of substrates were determined fluorimetrically and compared with analogues having 6-aminoquinoline (6-AQ) as an uncharged leaving group. It was found that substrates containing the quaternized leaving group generally have a higher kcat/Km ratio. An exception to this trend was noted with a trypsin substrate, Bz-DL-Arg-MAQ+. During the course of this investigation, several significant advantages of the MAQ+ ion as a fluorogenic leaving group in protease substrates were found: (a) its appearance can be measured fluorimetrically using wavelengths of light that result in its maximal fluorescence, while under these conditions, the unhydrolyzed substrate is essentially nonfluorescent, (b) it confers a high degree of water solubility to hydrophobic peptides, thereby eliminating the need for organic cosolvents to dissolve substrates, and (c) quaternized substrates can be prepared readily and in good yield from the corresponding 6-(peptidylamido)quinolines. These positively charged synthetic fluorogenic substrates are, therefore, useful probes for investigating the steric and electronic properties of the active-site environment of proteolytic enzymes.

Binding of Xenopus transcription factor A to 5S RNA and to single stranded DNA

Footprint competition assays are utilized to study the binding of Xenopus transcription factor A to a variety of single-stranded nucleic acids. The addition of Xenopus oocyte, yeast, or wheat germ 5S RNA as footprint competitors reveals that factor A binds these 5S RNAs with similar affinity. In contrast, factor A does not bind to E.coli 5S RNA or wheat germ tRNA in this assay. Factor A binding to single stranded DNA is also examined using footprint competition. Factor A binds preferentially to non-specific single stranded (M13) DNA versus double stranded (pBR322) DNA. Factor A binds equally well to single stranded DNA fragments containing either the coding or non-coding strands of the 5S RNA gene. Using single stranded M13 DNA as a competitor, the factor A-5S RNA gene complex is found to dissociate with a half-life of 5-6 min.

DNA unwinding ability of Xenopus transcription factor A

The duplex DNA unwinding ability of Xenopus transcription factor A was examined by treatment of plasmid-protein complexes with calf thymus topoisomerase I and resolution of the topoisomer distributions by agarose gel electrophoresis. Factor A binding to plasmids does result in a small degree of unwinding as evidenced by a shift in topoisomer distributions upon relaxation. Slightly more unwinding by factor A was observed on a specific plasmid, containing four tandemly repeated 5S RNA genes, when compared to a non-specific plasmid of nearly identical size containing no 5S specific sequences. The amount of unwinding observed on the specific plasmid, about one base-pair per gene, suggests that unwinding of the DNA duplex is not an important aspect of binding of factor A to the 5S RNA gene.

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies on the role of intrinsic metals in Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Effect of DNA template on the nucleotide-enzyme interaction

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies were performed to investigate the effect of DNA template on the interaction of initiating nucleotide ATP with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RPase) in which one of the two intrinsic Zn ions was substituted with a Co(II) (Co-Zn RPase) or Mn(II) (Mn-Zn RPase) ion. This intrinsic metal ion is located at the initiation site in the beta subunit of RPase. The paramagnetic effects of Co-Zn and Mn-Zn RPases on the relaxation rates of 1H- and 31P-nuclei of ATP were used to determine the distances from the intrinsic metal to various atoms of ATP bound at the initiation sites in the presence of DNA. The distances from the metal to H2, H8, H1', alpha-P, beta-P, and gamma-P atoms were estimated to be 6.7 +/- 0.9, 4.1 +/- 0.6, 6.0 +/- 1.2, 7.5 +/- 0.8, 9.4 +/- 1.0, and 9.8 +/- 1.0 A, respectively. These distances were compared with those measured in the absence of DNA (Chatterji, D., and Wu, F. Y.-H. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 4657). In both the presence and absence of DNA, the close proximity between the intrinsic metal and the H8 atom strongly indicates that the metal is coordinated directly to the base moiety of ATP. Such a coordination may provide a structural basis for the selection of a purine nucleotide during the initiation process. The presence of DNA causes the H2 atom to move away (greater than 2 A) from the intrinsic metal, whereas all three phosphorus atoms shift closer (greater than 3 A) toward the metal. The possible mechanistic implications of the conformational alteration of ATP at the initiation site induced by the DNA template is discussed.

Xenopus transcription factor A requires zinc for binding to the 5 S RNA gene

Transcription factor A from immature Xenopus oocytes is found associated with 5 S RNA in a 7 S nucleoprotein complex. Atomic absorption analysis of EDTA-dialyzed 7 S particles reveals 2 mol of zinc/mol of particle. Factor A obtained from EDTA-dialyzed particles binds specifically to the 5 S RNA gene as determined by DNase I footprinting. Factor A alone, obtained by RNase digestion of the 7 S particle, contains zinc when dialyzed in the absence of EDTA. However, the zinc bound to free factor A is removed by dialysis against a buffer containing EDTA. The apoprotein does not bind to the 5 S RNA gene. Inhibition of footprinting is also effected by addition of EDTA to factor A without prolonged dialysis. Under these conditions, specific DNA binding ability is restored following addition of zinc. 1,10-Phenanthroline also inhibits binding of factor A to the intragenic control region of the 5 S RNA gene. In addition, this reagent specifically inhibits factor A-dependent synthesis of 5 S RNA but not factor A-independent tRNA synthesis in a HeLa cell in vitro transcription system.

Acute injuries of the lateral ligaments of the ankle: comparison of stress radiography and arthrography

Anterior and inversion stress were applied to the lateral ligaments of the ankle and the findings compared with the arthrograms. Fifty-five patients underwent stress radiography of both ankles and arthrography of the injured ankle within 72 hours of acute injury to the lateral ligaments. Ten patients had normal arthrograms and 45 had evidence of ligamentous injury. Anterior stress measurements could not be correlated with arthrography, and no differentiation between single and double ligament tears could be made. Inversion stress testing was very accurate in predicting ligamentous injury when the angle of inversion was 10 degrees or greater but achieved this degree of accuracy in only 38.2% of patients.

Cooperative model for the binding of Xenopus transcription factor A to the 5S RNA gene

7S particles containing 5S RNA and the transcription regulatory protein factor A have been purified to near homogeneity from Xenopus laevis oocytes. The binding of the transcription factor to the Xenopus borealis somatic 5S RNA gene has been monitored by quantitating the DNase I protection patterns of the protein-DNA interaction. Under stoichiometric binding conditions--i.e., when all added DNA binds to the factor--two protein molecules are required to saturate the 5S RNA gene. Under equilibrium binding conditions, titration of the 5S RNA gene with factor A results in a sigmoidal binding isotherm suggesting a cooperative interaction; half-saturation of binding is observed at a free factor A concentration of 1 nM. Cooperative binding between factor A and the 5S RNA gene may contribute to the stability of the transcription apparatus and its maintenance during cell division.

A rapid mixing-photocrosslinking technique to study the dynamics of nucleic acid-protein interactions

A rapid mixing-photocrosslinking technique has been developed to investigate the kinetics of protein-nucleic acid interactions. With this technique, binding of nucleic acid to protein is first synchronized by rapid mixing in a stopped-flow apparatus. The intermediates formed at different stages of the binding process are then "frozen" by photocrosslinking with a 10-microseconds uv light pulse at various times after mixing. By analyzing structural changes of these intermediates as a function of time, one can obtain the information concerning the dynamic aspects of the interaction. This technique may also be applied to other macromolecular interactions in biological systems.

Molecular mechanism of promoter selection in gene transcription. I. Development of a rapid mixing-photocrosslinking technique to study the kinetics of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase binding to T7 DNA

A combined rapid mixing-photocrosslinking technique has been developed to investigate the kinetics of the interaction between Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and T7 DNA. The reactants were rapidly mixed in a modified Durrum stopped-flow apparatus, and the intermediates formed at different stages of the binding process were "frozen" by photocrosslinking with a UV light pulse of 10-mus duration at various times after mixing. The results indicate that the initial binding between RNA polymerase and T7 DNA is a diffusion-controlled reaction. Furthermore, the extents of initial contracts with DNA made with the beta, beta', and sigma subunits of RNA polymerase are roughly proportional to the sizes of these subunits, suggesting that complex formation occurs through random collision between the two reactants. After the initial complex formation, the rate of transfer of polymerase between individual DNA molecules is slow, implying that the polymerase molecules are undergoing predominantly intramolecular transfer during the promoter search. From the kinetic studies of subunit-DNA contacts during RNA polymerase binding to T7 DNA, it can be inferred that the beta, beta', and sigma subunits are directly participating in the promoter search process.

Molecular mechanism of promoter selection in gene transcription. II. Kinetic evidence for promoter search by a one-dimensional diffusion of RNA polymerase molecule along the DNA template

The rapid mixing-photocrosslinking technique, in conjunction with an immunoprecipitation assay developed to measure the change in the distribution of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase molecules bound to T7 DNA, has been applied to investigate the molecular mechanism of promoter search by RNA polymerase. The binding of RNA polymerase to the DNA template can be divided into at least two steps. The initial binding is rapid and occurs at nonspecific sites randomly distributed throughout the DNA molecule. This is followed by a relatively slow promoter search in which RNA polymerase is transferred from nonspecific sites to promoter sites through a series of intramolecular processes. The rate of polymerase loss from a segment of DNA which does not contain promoter sites is a function of the distance from this segment to both the promoter sites and the ends of the DNA molecule. The kinetic data are consistent with a molecular mechanism in which RNA polymerase undergoes a bidirectional linear diffusion along the DNA template to search for the promoter site. This interpretation is supported by the computer simulation which correctly predicts the relative rates of polymerase loss from various DNA segments. The mechanism derived from these studies is in accordance with the notion that the whole DNA molecule serves as an effective sink for trapping and guiding polymerase molecules during promoter search.