Cloned mRNA sequences for two types of embryonic myosin heavy chains from chick skeletal muscle. II. Expression during development using S1 nuclease mapping

We have examined the expression of two embryonic myosin HC mRNAs using two cDNA clones (110 and 251) which we have previously constructed from RNA isolated from 14-day-old embryonic chick skeletal muscle. Sequence divergence in the 3' nontranslated regions enabled us to analyze the differential expression of the mRNAs corresponding to the two clones using the S1 nuclease mapping procedure. Clone 251 mRNA is expressed primarily in embryonic fast muscle, where its transcripts appear to be the predominant species. This mRNA is minimally expressed in the posthatching period, but it is not detected in adult leg and breast muscle. Messenger RNA for clone 110 is also primarily expressed in embryonic fast muscle. However, in the posthatching and adult stages of development, it continues to be expressed at a low level in leg muscle but not in breast muscle. The differential expression of these mRNAs during development strongly indicates that they correspond to two different genes coding for embryonic myosin HCs. Other myosin HC mRNAs which were partially homologous to the clone 110 or 251 mRNAs were also identified by S1 nuclease mapping. Using the probes from these two clones, a minimum of four other developmentally expressed forms were detected. Two of these correspond to "neonatal" myosin HCs, while the other two code for different adult myosin HCs present in leg and in breast muscle, respectively. The results therefore suggest a much greater diversity of myosin HC mRNAs expressed during development than previously reported.

Cloned mRNA sequences for two types of embryonic myosin heavy chains from chick skeletal muscle. I. DNA and derived amino acid sequence of light meromyosin

Two myosin heavy chain cDNA clones (251 and 110), constructed from chick embryonic skeletal muscle mRNA, were subjected to extensive DNA sequence analysis. A complete description of the DNA sequence of clone 251 was obtained. This 1.5-kilobase pair cDNA sequence specified the COOH-terminal 439 amino acids of the myosin heavy chain, and included the entire 3' nontranslated region. The translated and 3' nontranslated sequences were purine- (64%) and AT-(71%) rich, respectively. The derived amino acid sequence of clone 251 correlated well with sequences obtained by direct amino acid sequencing of adult rabbit back muscle myosin heavy chain protein (87% homology), as well as with cloned myosin heavy chain sequences from other species. Comparison of clone 251 with a partial DNA sequence of clone 110 revealed significant structural differences both in the translated, and 3' nontranslated regions. This data indicates that these two clones represent two distinct myosin heavy chain genes. The protein sequence specified by clone 251 corresponds to the light meromyosin portion of the myosin heavy chain rod. These sequences, like other myosin heavy chain rod sequences, are alpha-helical and exhibit 7- and 28-residue periodicities in the linear distribution of nonpolar, and basic and acidic amino acids, respectively.

Stringent requirement for Ca2+ in the removal of Z-lines and alpha-actinin from isolated myofibrils by Ca2+-activated neutral proteinase

Treatment of isolated myofibrils with Ca2+-activated neutral proteinase (CANP) results in specific removal of Z-line and of alpha-actinin. To investigate the ionic requirement for these processes, we measured Z-line removal by phase-contrast and interference microscopy and alpha-actinin removal by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoretic analysis of myofibrillar proteins. The proteolytic digestion of native purified proteins was measured directly on polyacrylamide gels and by the fluorescamine technique. We found that the removal of Z-line and alpha-actinin as well as the release of proteolytic degradation products from isolated myofibrils by CANP occur only in the presence of Ca2+; Sr2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Co2+ and Zn2+ are all ineffective. In contrast with this stringent requirement for Ca2+, the proteolytic activity of CANP measured with denatured casein, native and denatured haemoglobin, native actin and tropomyosin also occurs in the presence of other bivalent cations, in the following order: Ca2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Ba2+. These data suggest that only Ca2+ can produce the conformational change in myofibrils that renders them susceptible to the action of CANP, whereas its proteolytic activity is stimulated by several bivalent ions.

Identification of initiation sites for heavy-strand and light-strand transcription in human mitochondrial DNA

The initiation sites for heavy (H) and light (L) strand transcription in HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA have been investigated by mapping experiments utilizing in vitro "capped" mitochondrial RNA molecules or nascent RNA chains. Mitochondrial poly(A)-containing RNA molecules were labeled at their 5' ends with [alpha-32P]GTP and guanylyltransferase ("capping" enzyme) and mapped on the mitochondrial genome by DNA transfer hybridization and S1 nuclease protection experiments. A mapping site for the capped 5' ends was found on the H strand very near to the 5' terminus of the 12S rRNA gene, and another site was found on the L strand very near to the 5' terminus of the 7S RNA coding sequence. In parallel experiments, the 5' ends of the nascent chains isolated from mitochondrial DNA transcription complexes were similarly mapped very near to the 5' termini of the 12S rRNA gene and of the 7S RNA coding sequence. The in vitro capped RNA molecules and the nascent chains thus presumably identify the same transcriptional initiation sites on the H strand and the L strand. The occurrence of a second possible initiation site for H-strand transcription 90-110 nucleotides upstream of that described above--i.e., 20-40 nucleotides upstream of the tRNAPhe gene--had been previously indicated by a mapping analysis of the nascent RNA chains and has been confirmed in the present work. The presence of two initiation sites for H-strand transcription can be correlated with other types of evidence that point to two different transcription events leading to the synthesis of a polycistronic molecule corresponding to the almost entire H strand and to the synthesis of the rRNA species.

Analysis of transcriptional initiation of yeast mitochondrial DNA in a homologous in vitro transcription system

We have developed an in vitro transcription system for yeast mitochondrial rRNA genes. Using highly purified yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase and bacterial plasmids carrying DNA segments containing the mitochondrial rRNA sites of transcriptional initiation, we have been able to demonstrate correct initiation of transcription in vitro. By directly sequencing the transcription products, we show that transcription in vitro of both the 14S and 21S rRNAs is initiated at precisely the same site as it is in vivo. Transcription of the rRNA genes is highly sensitive to ionic strength and RNA polymerase concentration. Additional factors or modified conditions may be necessary to permit accurate transcription of mitochondrial protein genes.

Molecular cloning of mRNA sequences for cardiac alpha- and beta-form myosin heavy chains: expression in ventricles of normal, hypothyroid, and thyrotoxic rabbits

We have isolated cDNA clones from thyrotoxic (pMHC alpha) and normal (pMHC beta) adult rabbit hearts. Restriction map analysis and DNA sequence analyses show that, although there is strong homology between overlapping regions of the two clones, they are distinctly different. The two clones exhibited 78-83% homology between the derived amino acid sequences and those determined by direct amino acid sequence analysis of rabbit fast skeletal muscle myosin heavy chains. The clones specify a segment of the myosin heavy chain corresponding to subfragment 2 and the COOH-terminal portions of subfragment 1. Nuclease S1 mapping was used to compare transcription of the two clones with expression of the alpha and beta forms of myosin heavy chains in the ventricles of thyrotoxic, hypothyroid (propylthiouracil-treated), and normal rabbits. Thyrotoxic ventricles contained only pMHC alpha transcripts whereas hypothyroid ventricles contained exclusively pMHC beta transcripts. These data correlate well with the presence of alpha- and beta-form myosin heavy chains. In the normal young adult rabbit, pMHC beta transcripts predominate, agreeing with the known beta form/alpha form ratio of 4:1. We therefore conclude that pMHC alpha and pMHC beta contain sequences of the alpha- and beta-form myosin heavy chain genes, respectively.

Transcriptional initiation and processing of the small ribosomal RNA of yeast mitochondria

We have identified the nucleotide at which transcription initiates on the yeast mitochondrial small (14 S) rRNA gene by sequencing of RNA labeled at the 5' initiating triphosphate with vaccinia virus guanylyltransferase [alpha-32P]GTP (in vitro capping reaction). Initiation occurs within the stem of a 12-base palindromic repeat. The initiation sequence has homology with the large (21 S) ribosomal RNA initiation sequence that has been previously determined. We have also sequenced the 5' and 3' ends of the mature 14 S rRNA after labeling with T4 polynucleotide kinase and RNA ligase, respectively. These sequences demonstrate that about 80 nucleotides are cleaved from the 5' end of a precursor to produce the mature 14 S rRNA. This cleavage is imprecise in that the processing occurs at one of five adjacent nucleotides 77 to 81 nucleotides downstream from the 5' initiation site. The 3' ends of this precursor and the mature 14 S rRNA are unique and identical.

Species correlations between cardiac isomyosins. A comparison of electrophoretic and immunological properties

Structural relationships between cardiac isomyosins were analyzed in 10 species using native-gel electrophoresis and radioimmunoassay. In the rat and rabbit, three types of ventricular isomyosin, V1, V2, and V3, were identified by electrophoresis. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the heavy chains of either type V1 or type V3 isomyosin in the rat and rabbit were used for comparison of immunological relationships between atrial and ventricular myosins in other species. Normal guinea pig ventricular myosin reacted with both anti-V2 and anti-V3 antibodies, but only a single myosin band was detected in this species by electrophoresis. When thyrotoxic cardiac hypertrophy was induced in guinea pigs, there was a decrease in myosin reactivity with the anti-V3 antibody and an increase in anti-V1 reactivity. This change in immunological reactivity indicated a change in proportions of two cardiac isomyosins in the guinea pig ventricle even though no myosin heterogeneity was detected by electrophoresis. In six other species including Xenopus, chicken, dog, pig, beef, and human, only a single band of myosin was detected by electrophoresis, and each myosin reacted only with the anti-V3 antibody. In the mouse, three types of ventricular myosin were also detected by electrophoresis. However, unlike V1 isomyosin of the rat and rabbit, mouse V1 isomyosin reacted equally with both anti-V1 and anti-V3 antibodies. In conclusion, we have identified highly conserved epitopes in cardiac myosin, which were found to specifically occur on either the high Ca2+-ATPase type V1 isomyosin or the lower ATPase type V3 ventricular isomyosin in most of the species examined.

The biogenesis and regulation of yeast mitochondria RNA polymerase

Yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase is a nuclear-coded protein of approximately 90,000 daltons comprised of two 45,000-dalton subunits of pI 6.9 to 7.0. To investigate the nature of the initial translation product of the RNA polymerase, we have analyzed those products of a cell-free translation system directed by yeast RNA that are immunoreactive with antibodies to the 45,000-dalton peptide of polymerase. A precursor of one or more of the subunits of the polymerase, 2,000 daltons later than the mature product, has been characterized using immunoreaction, immunocompetition, and peptide digestion. The role of transcription of the polymerase gene in catabolite repression of mitochondrial development has been investigated by analyzing the changes in cell-free synthesis of the RNA polymerase precursor during glucose and raffinose growth. The results indicate an increase in precursor synthesis and probably in the corresponding transcript abundance during glucose derepression. In contrast, the precursor is present at high levels until stationary phase during raffinose growth. These data indicate the involvement of increased transcription of the polymerase gene in the process of derepression.

Isolation and characterization of two molecular variants of myosin heavy chain from rabbit ventricle. Change in their content during normal growth and after treatment with thyroid hormone

We have prepared monoclonal antibodies specific for cardiac myosin heavy chain. These antibodies were used for the separation and characterization of the molecular variants of myosin heavy chain present in the rabbit heart. Two molecular forms of myosin heavy chain, HC alpha and HC beta, were isolated from the euthyroid rabbit heart by affinity chromatography. Their reactivity with our antibodies indicated that the primary structures of HC alpha and HC beta differ in at least four and share at least two antigenic determinants. Differences in the primary structure of HC alpha and HC beta were confirmed by analysis of the peptides produced by limited chymotryptic digestion of the two heavy chains. Thirteen peptide differences were consistently found. The HC alpha and HC beta variants are shown by immunologic analysis and in chymotryptic peptide profiles to be identical with the predominant forms of myosin heavy chain synthesized in the hearts of hyperthyroid and adult euthyroid rabbits, respectively. During development and maturation of the euthyroid rabbit heart, HC alpha comprises approximately 50% of the ventricular myosin between birth and 4 weeks of age; it diminishes to 20-30% by 8 weeks and to 10-20% by 12 weeks of age. Cardiac myosin from a 1-year-old rabbit is composed almost entirely of HC beta. Cardiac myosin from embryonic animals at 20 days gestation contained 20% HC alpha. These results show that HC alpha occurs normally in the euthyroid rabbit heart and that the relative proportions of HC alpha and HC beta depend on both the developmental stage and the thyroid state of the animal.

Regulation of the nuclear-coded peptides of yeast cytochrome c oxidase

We have analyzed the catabolite regulation of cytochrome oxidase by assaying changes in the synthesis of precursors of the nuclear-coded peptides (IV--VII) of cytochrome c oxidase in an in vitro reticulocyte cell-free system programmed with RNA isolated from cells grown in either glucose or raffinose. As a first step, we have characterized antibodies which bind to the precursors of subunits V and VI. Initial translation products for subunits IV and VII have also been tentatively identified by utilizing these antibodies. The messenger RNAs coding for the precursors of the nuclear-coded subunits fall in the expected size range of 8--15 S. Catabolite repression of the nuclear-coded oxidase peptides appears to be regulated by the abundance of their messenger RNAs. Translation of messenger RNA isolated from yeast cells grown on glucose indicates a coordinate and uniform increase in precursor synthesis during glucose derepression. In contrast, when RNA isolated from raffinose (derepressed) grown cells is used to direct cell-free translation, precursor abundance is high throughout growth, although the synthesis of some of the species changes in a complex pattern of ratio and abundance. These data indicate that the abundance of the messengers for the nuclear-coded precursors is regulated in a fashion dependent on the physiologic state of the cell.

Phospholipid accumulation during the cell cycle in synchronous cultures of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Phospholipid concentrations have been examined throughout successive cell cycles in synchronously growing cultures of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Total phospholipid phosphorus, as well as lecithin and phosphatidylethanolamine levels, exhibited stepwise increases during the cell cycle with step increments beginning just prior to new rounds of bud formation. Phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine levels, on the other hand, showed what have been interpreted to be peak concentrations near the time of bud formation. Cardiolipin content varied considerably and was dependent upon the carbon source of the growth medium. Glucose-grown cells exhibited peak concentrations of cardiolipin near the time of bud formation, with marked decreases after this time. In contrast, galactose-grown synchronous cells exhibited stepwise increments in cardiolipin content, with step increases occurring near the time of new rounds of bud formation. Step or peak increases in cardiolipin, as well as all other phospholipids, were found to coincide with the time of stepwise increases in cytochrome c oxidase activity in these cells. No correlations were observed between the elaboration of mitochondrial membranes during the synchronous cell cycle and the observed patterns of phospholipid increase.

Transcriptional initiation and 5' termini of yeast mitochondrial RNA

We have used vaccinia virus guanylyltransferase to label polyphosphate-terminated yeast mitochondrial RNAs in vitro with [alpha-32P]GTP. Hybridization of RNA labeled in vitro indicates the presence of multiple transcriptional initiation sites in both grande and petite mitochondrial genomes. Agarose/urea gel electrophoresis of capped RNA suggests the existence of a precursor to the small (14 S) rRNA. In contrast, direct examination of the large (21 S) rRNA by partial ribonuclease T1 digestion reveals a complete lack of processing of the 5' end of the primary transcript of this RNA.

Molecular cloning of two fast myosin heavy chain cDNAs from chicken embryo skeletal muscle

Recombinant DNA clones containing sequences for two different types of myosin heavy chain (HC) genes from chicken embryonic skeletal muscle were constructed and analyzed. Specificity of the clones for myosin HC was demonstrated by hybrid-arrested translation, by hybridization to a 7.0-kb mRNA, and by comparison of DNA sequences with known amino acid sequences of rabbit skeletal muscle myosin HC. Restriction enzyme and electron-microscopic heteroduplex analysis showed the presence of two distinct but homologous cDNA sequences. Hybrid melting curves indicated that both types of sequences represent fast myosin HC sequences.

Purification of mitochondrial RNA polymerase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The RNA polymerase from the mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been extensively purified by Sepharose 4B, heparin Sepharose 4B phosphocellulose, and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography. The activity co-sediments with a 45,000-dalton polypeptide at 6.3 S in glycerol gradients. The activity is inhibited by antibodies to the 45,000-dalton polypeptide. The activity is not inhibited by rifampicin or alpha-amanitin. It requires Mg2+ and is inhibited by elevated ionic strength and Mn2+. The most efficient template for the RNA polymerase is poly[d(AT)], with mtDNA being the preferred natural template. The RNA polymerase transcribes mtDNA from the petite strain F11 in a nonrandom manner.

Mitochondrial transcription complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A DNA protein complex has been isolated from the mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The complex transcribes RNA complementary to mtDNA in a nonrandom manner. The RNA polymerase activity contained in the transcription complex is not dependent on the addition of exogenous template. The activity is rendered template-dependent by autolysis and can be further purified by heparin-Sepharose 4B chromatography. The activity is inhibited by heparin, Mn2+, and increasing ionic strength. The activity requires Mg2+ and ribonucleotides. The preferred template for the template dependent activity is poly[d(AT)]. The majority of the RNA synthesized by the transcription complex from endogenous DNA is complementary to the DNA strands directing the synthesis of the large and small ribosomal RNA. In yeast the 21 S and 14S rRNA genes are widely separated, therefore the transcription of these two regions but not of the intervening regions by the transcription complex suggests the existence of at least two transcriptional promoters on the yeast mitochondrial genome.

Purification of messenger ribonucleic acids for fast and slow myosin heavy chains by indirect immunoprecipitation of polysomes from embryonic chick skeletal muscle

Fast and slow myosin heavy chain mRNAs were isolated by indirect immunoprecipitation of polysomes from 14-day-old embryonic chick leg muscle. The antibodies were prepared against myosin heavy chains purified by NaDod-SO4-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and were shown to be specific for fast and slow myosin heavy chains. The RNA fractions directed the synthesis of myosin heavy chains in a cell-free translation system from wheat germ. Several smaller peptides were also synthesized in lower concentrations. These probably are partial products of myosin heavy chains, since they are immunoprecipitated with antibodies to myosin heavy chains. Immunoprecipitation of the translation products with the antibodies to fast and slow myosin heavy chains showed the RNA preparations to be approximately 94% enriched for fast myosin heavy chain mRNA and approximately 84% enriched for slow myosin heavy chain mRNA with respect to myosin HC type. Peptides having slightly different mobilities on NaDodSO4-polyacrylamide gels were immunoprecipitated by antibodies to fast and slow myosin heavy chains.

Processing of precursors of 21S ribosomal RNA from yeast mitochondria

The transcription and processing of mitochondrial 21S rRNA in a petite strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been examined by electron microscopic analysis of R-loop hybrids and by hybridization of labeled mitochondrial DNA probes to RNA transferred to diazobenzyloxymethyl paper. We have shown the presence of a large [5.1- to 5.4-kilobase (kb)] transcript that appears to be a precursor of mitochondrial 21S rRNA. This transcript contains sequences homologous to those of the mature 21S rRNA, to the intervening sequence present in the gene, and to additional sequences at the 3' end of the molecule. Our data suggest that this precursor of 21S rRNA is processed in two steps. The intron sequence is usually excised first, followed by removal of the extra 3' sequences. In some cases, however, the 3' extension is first removed and the intron sequence is then excised. Both pathways appear to lead to formation of the 3.1-kb mature 21S rRNA and a stable 1.2-kb intron transcript. Similar results were obtained with grande MH41-7B mitochondrial RNA by RNA transfer hybridization. We have also observed a number of additional transcripts that may be normal processing intermediates or may result from faulty cleavage-ligation during excision of the intervening sequence.

Mitochondrial proliferation in cardiac hypertrophy

Mitochondrial proliferation was studied in mature female rats following aortic constriction. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was assayed by a fluorometric method. The conditions for removal of nuclear DNA were developed and verified by assessment of molecular conformation of DNA. The mtDNA concentration in mitochondria increased 2,4, and 7 days post-operatively by 11, 72 and 117% respectively. Comparison with the rates of accumulation of cytochrome c, b, and aa3 indicates that during the first 24 hours of cardiac enlargement the inner mitochondrial components accumulate faster then mtDNA, but during the six subsequent days the rate of mtDNA increment far outstrips that of the cytochromes. These data indicate that the amount of available mtDNA templates is not the only factor regulating the transcriptional and translational processes in the enlarging myocardium. The analysis of population of replicative intermediates of mtDNA have shown dramatic decrease in the frequency of D-loops in preparations obtained from hypertrophied hearts. This observation indicates that the increase in replicative flux of mtDNA is associated with the removal of a block in the conversion of D-loops to other intermediates.

Transcription, processing, and mapping of mitochondrial RNA from grande and petite yeast

Mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) from petite yeast strains was analyzed by electrophoresis in agarose-urea, acrylamide-urea, and agarose-methyl mercuric hydroxide gels, and by transfer to diazobenzyloxy-methyl paper and hybridization to labeled mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Petites contain numerous mitochondrial transcripts, including processed species like 21 S and 14 S rRNA. Petite transcripts were found to fall into three classes: 1) bands that comigrate with grande mtRNA species; 2) "group-specific" new bands found in multiple strains and coinciding with specific regions of the mitochondrial genome; and 3) "strain-specific" new bands found only in individual petite strains. A deletion map was constructed in which we used the presence or absence of the first two types of mtRNA bands in specific strains, and the restriction endonuclease map of these strains. This map confirmed the localization of 21 S and 14 S rRNA, which were mapped previously by hybridization, and also localized more than 20 additional mtRNA species. The mtRNA species were grouped in regions of the genome in a fashion that strongly suggests that many of them are precursors to fully processed mtRNA species. Hybridization experiments with grande mtRNA and cloned mtDNA fragments have shown the same kind of transcript grouping. Other hybridization experiments have demonstrated two apparent precursors to 21 S rRNA (3700 nucleotides) measuring 5500 and 4500 nucleotides. Processed tRNAs are found only in petites that contain a specific region of the genome near the P (paromomycin resistance) locus. When this region is absent, processed tRNAs are not detected, even for tRNA genes quite distant from the P locus. Since this phenotype is expressed in petites that lack mitochondrial protein synthesis, and since it maps to a specific location in the mitochondrial genome, there appears to be a mtRNA species which has a role in processing of mitochondrial tRNA.

Differential competition with cytotoxic agents: an approach to selectivity in cancer chemotherapy

An approach to increasing the selectivity of cancer chemotherapeutic agents is presented in which noncytotoxic competitive substrates are used to discern the differences in structural requirements for transport of cytotoxic agents between tumor cells and a sensitive host tissue, the hematopoietic precursor cells of the bone marrow. Examples are given for two such systems, one responsible for the transport of nucleosides and another for the transport of amino acids. Cytidine is twice as effective in reducing the toxicity of showdomycin for murine bone marrow cells in culture as it is for murine L1210 leukemia cella. Conversely, homoleucine is twice as effective in reducing the toxicity of melphalan for L1210 cells as it is for bone marrow cells. These observations can serve as a basis for the development of bone marrow protective agents and for the design of cytotoxic agents that may be preferentially transported into tumor cells.

Changes in mitochondrial DNA in cardiac hypertrophy in the rat

We studied DNA (mtDNA) replication in adult female rat hearts undergoing hypertrophy secondary to constriction of the ascending aorta. MtDNA was measured in isolated mitochondria by a fluorometric method adapted for that purpose. The conditions for removal of contaminating nuclear DNA were developed, and the purity of the mtDNA was assessed from its molecular conformation (open and closed circles) and by renaturation-kinetic analysis. The mtDNA concentration in mitochondria, expressed as micrograms of DNA per milligram of mitochondrial protein, increased 2, 4, and 7 days postoperatively by 21, 73, and 98%, respectively. Similar results were obtained when mtDNA was expressed per nonomole of cytochrome a. The population of replicative intermediates of mtDNA was analyzed by electron microscopy. In normal hearts, we observed molecular forms characteristic of animal mtDNA, such as circular monomers and dimers, catenated molecules, D-loops, expanded D-loops, and gapped molecules. D-loop frequency, which was near 50% in the mtDNA of control hearts, was markedly reduced to 5-7% in hypertrophying hearts. This result indicates that the increase in replicative flux of mtDNA is associated with the removal of a block in the conversion of D-loops to other intermediates.

Molecular aspects of cardiac hypertrophy

Despite continuous interest in cardiac hypertrophy, our knowledge of its molecular aspects is still elementary. Recently, however, several advancements of particular interest have been made: (a) Nuclei of muscle and nonmuscle cells have been separated, allowing for the first time the study of nuclear activity in specified cells (18). (b) Cardiac growth induced by pressure-overload (72) or by hormone treatment (26) has been shown to lead to myosin of altered ATPase, and strong evidence suggests that new species of myosin molecules thus appear. (c) The basis for assessment of protein synthesis and degradation has been established (46, 48). (d) Methods are being developed to supplement radioautography in evaluating cell proliferation (42, 59, 69). (e) In spontaneously hypertensive rats it has been shown that blood pressure might not be the sole factor responsible for cardiac enlargement, but that hypertrophy can be the result of genetic cardiovascular abnormality (19, 66). (f) A hypothesis relating the extent of energy utilization to the nuclear activity via NAD+ metabolism has been proposed, which allows for experimental verification (43).

Physical mapping of the yeast mitochondrial genome: derivation of the fine structure and gene map of strain D273-10B and comparison with a strain (MH41-7B) differing in genome size

(1) We have derived a fine-structure map of the 70 kb mitochondrial genome of the yeast S. cerevisiae, strain D273-10B, and compared it with our previous maps for strain MH41-7B. Restriction fragment maps for 56 enzyme recognition sites for 13 endonucleases, Eco RI, Hpa I, Bam HI, Hha I, Hinc II, Xba I, Hind III, Bgl II, Pvu II, Sal I, Pst I, Sst I, and Xho I, have been derived. We have used several methods to obtain these maps: (a) Four enzymes (Sal I, Sst I, Xho I, Pst I), each of which cuts D273-10B mtDNA at a single site, were employed to localize and orient fragments from multi-site enzyme digests that are cleaved by the single-site enzyme. (b) Radioactively labeled probes (rRNA or copy RNA [cRNA] transcribed from simple-sequence petite mtDNA) were hybridized to restriction fragments from different digests for identification of fragments which share common sequences. (c) The products of double or triple enzyme digests were identified for mapping and confirmation of the localization of restriction sites. (2) The antibiotic-resistant (antR) loci for erythromycin (E), chloramphenicol (C), paromomycin (P), and oligomycin (OI, OII) were positioned on the physical restriction map by hybridization of 3H-labeled cRNA transcribed from simple-sequence petite mtDNAs that retain a single genetic antR marker to appropriate restriction fragments bound to nitrocellulose filters. (3) Mitochondrial transcripts (21s rRNA, 14s rRNA, and tRNAs) labeled with 125I were hybridized to restriction fragments for identification of the corresponding coding sequence. (4) The gene order and localization of the antR loci and mitochondrial transcripts are as follows: C(0-1.5u)-tRNA I(0-21.5u)-P(29-36.6u)-tRNA II(29-46.4u)-14s rRNA(36-38.3u)-OII(60.3-62.5u) - tRNA III(73-76u) - OI(78.6-83.0u) - tRNA IV(82.5-83.0u) - E(94.2-98.6u) - 21s rRNA (94.2-99.4u). (5) The DNA fine structure and gene map of the 70 kb D273-10B mtDNA were compared to the map of the larger MH41-7B (76 kb) mtDNA. There are 56 restriction sites on D273-10B and 67 sites on MH41-7B for the 13 enzymes studied. The additional restriction sites are largely accounted for by the presence, in MH41-7B, of two sets of sequences, "A" (2.7 kb) and "B" (3.0 kb), located on either side of the OII marker. The remainder of the fragments map is remarkably similar for the two strains. The distances separating the antR loci and the mitochondrial transcripts are very similar except in the two regions surrounding OII.

Physical mapping of the Xba I, Hinc II, Bgl II, Xho I, Sst I, and Pvu II restriction endonuclease cleavage fragments of mitochondrial DNA of S. cerevisiae

A detailed molecular dissection of the yeast mitochondrial genome can be made with restriction endonucleases that generate site-specific cuts in DNA. The ordering of restriction fragments provides the basis of the physical mapping of mitochondrial transcripts and antibiotic resistance (antR) loci, and is a means of analyzing the molecular organization of mtDNA of petite and mit- deletion mutants. We have previously mapped the sites in the mtDNA of yeast strain MH41-7B recognized by the endonucleases Eco RI, Hpa I, Hind III, Bam HI, Sal I, Pst I, and Hha I, providing a total of 41 cleavage sites. We have now mapped the sites recognized by the endonucleases Xba I, Hinc II, Bgl II, Pvu II, Xho I, and Sst I, which make 6, 13, 5, 6, 2, and 2 cuts, respectively. Fragment maps for each of these endonuclease sites were derived by analysis of the products of double-enzyme digests and by hybridization of 3H-cRNA probes transcribed from low-kinetic-complexity petite mtDNAs to restriction fragments generated by various combinations of enzymes.

Propagation of restriction fragments from the mitochondrial DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in E. coli by means of plasmid vectors

Some of the EcoRI fragments of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mitochondrial DNA were cloned into E. coli using plasmid pMB9. The five smallest fragments in molecular weight appeared to be preferentially retained by E coli; partial fragments derived from larger mitochondrial DNA fragments were also found. One of the fragments, R7 (2.4 kb), may contain the OII gene. Cloned R7 DNA was stable under a variety of growth conditions, but showed some changes in molecular weight after transfer to different E. coli strains. Fragment R7 is transcribed in minicells, producing RNA that hybridizes specifically to mitochondrial DNA. Both DNA strands are transcribed, in contrast to the asymmetric transcription found in mitochondria. No new polypeptides were observed in minicells containing cloned fragment 7.

Physical mapping of genes on yeast mitochondrial DNA: localization of antibiotic resistance loci, and rRNA and tRNA genes

We have physically mapped the loci conferring resistance to antibiotics that inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis (erythromycin, chloramphenicol and paromomycin) or respiration (oligomycin I and II), as well as the 21s and 14s rRNA and tRNA genes on the restriction map of the mitochondrial genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mitochondrial genes were localized by hybridization of labeled RNA probes to restriction fragments of grande (strain MH41-7B) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) generated by endonucleases EcoRI, HpaI, BamHI, HindIII, SalI, PstI and HhaI. We have derived the HhaI restriction fragment map of MH41-7B mit DNA, to be added to our previously reported maps for the six other endonucleases. The antibiotic resistance loci (antR) were mapped by hybridization of 3H-cRNA transcribed from single marker petite mtDNA's of low kinetic complexity to grande restriction fragments. We have chosen the single Sal I site as the origin of the circular physical map and have positioned the antibiotic loci as follows: C (99.5-1.Ou)--P (27-36.Ou)--OII (58.3-62u--OI (80-84u)--E (94.4-98.4u). The 21s rRNA is localized at 94.4-99.2u, and the 14s rRNA is positioned between 36.2-39.8u. The two rRNA species are separated by 36% of the genome. Total mitochondrial tRNA labeled with 125I hybridized primarily to two regions of the genome, at 99.5-11.5u and 34-44u. A third region of hybridization was occasionally detected at 70--76u, which probably corresponds to seryl and glutamyl tRNA genes, previously located to this region by petite deletion mapping.

Restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial DNAs of petite mutants of yeast: classification of petites, and deletion mapping of mitochondrial genes

We have analyzed the restriction digest patterns of the mitochondrial DNA from 41 cytoplasmic petite strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that have been extensively characterized with respect to genetic markers. Each mitochondrial DNA was digested with seven restriction endonucleases (EcoRI, HPaI, HindIII, BamHI, HhaI, SalI, and PstI) which together make 41 cuts in grande mitochondrial DNA and for which we have derived fragment maps. The petite mitochondrial DNAs were also analyzed with HpaII, HaeIII, and AluI, each of which makes more than 80 cleavages in grande mitochondrial DNA. On the basis of the restriction patterns observed (i.e., only one fragment migrating differently from grande for a single deletion, and more than one for multiple deletions) and by comparing petite and grande mitochondrial DNA restriction maps, the petite clones could be classified into two main groups: (1) petites representing a single deletion of grande mitochondrial DNA and (2) petites containing multiple deletions of the grande mitochondrial DNA resulting in rearranged sequences. Single deletion petites may retain a large portion of the grande mitochondrial genome or may be of low kinetic cimplexity. Many petites which are scored as single continuous deletions by genetic criteria were later demonstrated to be internally deleted by restriction endonuclease analysis. Heterogeneous sequences, manifested by the presence of sub-stoichiometric amounts of some restriction fragments, may accompany the single or multiple deletions. Single deletions with heterogeneous sequences remain useful for mapping if the low concentration sequences represent a subset of the stoichiometric bands. Using a group of petites which retain single continuous regions of the grande mitochondrial DNA, we have physically mapped antibiotic resistance and mit- markers to regions of the grande restriction map as follows: C (99.3--1.4 map units)--OXI-1 (2.5--15.7)--OXI-2 (18.5--25)--P (28.1--34.2)--OXI-3 (32.2--61.2--OII (60--62)--COB (64.6--80.8--0I (80.4--85.7)--E (95--98.9).