Base substitution in an intervening sequence of a beta+-thalassemic human globin gene

beta globin gene fragments from a patient with homozygous beta+-thalassemia have been cloned and subjected to restriction endonuclease, nucleotide sequence, and in vitro trancription analyses. Restriction endonuclease mapping of the cloned gene fragments revealed no deletions or other rearrangements, and transcription of the thalassemic gene appeared to be normal in vitro. However, nucleotide sequence analysis of the beta+-thalassemic gene fragments permitted identification of a single base change in the body of the small intervening sequence. This nucleotide change creates a sequence much like that of the 3' splice site of the small intervening sequence. The presence of a potential anomalous splicing site as a result of this base change suggests a mechanism for defective posttranscriptional processing of beta globin mRNA precursor molecules in beta+-thalassemia.

DNA sequence required for initiation of transcription in vitro from the major late promoter of adenovirus 2

We have identified a region of the viral genome required for the initiation of transcription in vitro from the major late promoter of adenovirus 2. A fragment of the adenovirus genome containing the cap site of the major late transcripts was inserted into plasmid pBR322 and cloned. Deletions were then generated in vitro in and around the T-A-T-A-A-A-A sequence located 25-31 nucleotides (positions -25 to -31) upstream from the cap site. DNAs with these deletions were tested for their ability to initiate transcription in vitro by the method of Manley et al. [Manley, J. L., Fire, A., Cano, A., Sharp, P. A. & Gefter, M. L. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77, 3855-3859]. Whereas removal of sequences upstream from position -47 or downstream from position -12 did not abolish transcription, deletions extending into, or beyond, the T-A-T-A-A-A-A sequence reduced transcription to less than 1/10th. Removal of the normal cap site slightly reduced, but did not abolish, transcription. These results indicate that the region of the genome upstream of the cap site, with boundaries within 15-17 nucleotides to either side of the T-A-T-A-A-A-A sequence, is required for the initiation of transcription in vitro from the major late promoter of adenovirus 2.

Structure and in vitro transcription of human globin genes

The alpha-like and beta-like subunits of human hemoglobin are encoded by a small family of genes that are differentially expressed during development. Through the use of molecular cloning procedures, each member of this gene family has been isolated and extensively characterized. Although the alpha-like and beta-like globin genes are located on different chromosomes, both sets of genes are arranged in closely linked clusters. In both clusters, each of the genes is transcribed from the same DNA strand, and the genes are arranged in the order of their expressions during development. Structural comparisons of immediately adjacent genes within each cluster have provided evidence for the occurrence of gene duplication and correction during evolution and have led to the discovery of pseudogenes, genes that have acquired numerous mutations that prevent their normal expression. Recently, in vivo and in vitro systems for studying the expression of cloned eukaryotic genes have been developed as a means of identifying DNA sequences that are necessary for normal gene function. This article describes the application of an in vitro transcription procedure to the study of human globin gene expression.

DNA-dependent transcription of adenovirus genes in a soluble whole-cell extract

We have developed a cell-free system for studying the synthesis of mRNA in mammalian cells. The system consists of a dialyzed and concentrated whole-cell extract derived from HeLa cells, small molecules and cofactors needed for transcription, and exogenously added DNA. Accurate transcription by RNA polymerase II is entirely dependent upon addition of promoter-containing eukaryotic DNA. At optimal DNA and extract concentrations, transcription initiation from the adenovirus serotype 2 late promoter is readily detectable, and specific transcripts over 4000 nucleotides in length are observed. The RNA synthesized in vitro contains the same 5' capped RNase T1 undecanucleotide as does the in vivo transcript. RNA synthesis also initiates accurately at both an early and an intermediate adenovirus promoter site.

RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei: in vitro initiation of adenovirus 2 major late mRNA precursor

We have analyzed the RNA produced in vitro by incubating nuclei from HeLa cells infected with adenovirus serotype 2. Our results show that adenovirus-specific RNA is produced at a linear rate for up to 2.5 hr. Hybridization analysis of RNA produced in nuclei isolated 18 hr after infection indicated that transcription begins at the "late promoter" at map position 16.5. Sequence analysis of the 5' termini of the in vitro transcripts showed that this system initiates RNA chains de novo at the correct promoter and that the 5' terminus is capped.