Control of ribosomal protein gene expression

Nuclear factors specifically bind to upstream sequences of a Xenopus laevis ribosomal protein gene promoter

The upstream region of the Xenopus laevis L14 ribosomal protein gene was deleted starting from the 5' extremity in order to define the promoter length necessary to express a linked reporter CAT gene. The functional analysis indicated that a sequence located between -63 and -49 from the capsite is important for an efficient promoter activity. Band shift and ExoIII protection assays evidenced the binding to this region of a factor, called XrpFI, present in the crude nuclear extract from X.laevis oocytes. Methylation interference analysis localized the contacts in the G residues belonging to a short box, 5' CTTCC 3', positioned between -53 and -49 from the capsite. An additional factor, XrpFII, makes contacts with the sequence 5'GCCTGTTCGCC 3' located between -27 and -17 from the capsite. The deletion mutant still containing this sequence is poorly transcribed, but resumes activity when a short fragment containing the binding site for factor XrpFI is cloned in an upstream position.

The gene family encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana translation elongation factor EF-1 alpha: molecular cloning, characterization and expression

The gene family encoding the Arabidopsis thaliana translation elongation factor (EF-1 alpha) was analysed. This family contains four genes (A1-A4) organized in a similar manner in different varieties of Arabidopsis. Based upon both their physical separation and a comparison of their sequences, it is suggested that the A4 gene and the A1, A2, and A3 genes constitute two distinct subfamilies within the genome. By introducing chimaeric gene constructs into Arabidopsis cells, we showed that the A1 gene promoter mediates a transient expression about twofold higher than that obtained using the CaMV 35 S promoter. This expression depends on a 348 bp DNA fragment extending from -982 to -634 bp upstream of the initiation codon. This element contains a characteristic telomeric sequence (AACCCTAA) which is also found in the promoters of the A2 and A4 genes as well as in the promoters of the Drosophila EF-1 alpha F1 gene and of several highly expressed plant genes.

The extended promoter of the gene encoding ribosomal protein S33 in yeast consists of multiple protein binding elements

At least 4 different, protein binding cis-acting elements are present in the upstream region of the S33-gene. The major protein binding site is situated between positions -148 and -163 relative to the ATG start codon. It binds a trans-acting factor designated SUF (S33 Upstream Factor). When yeast cells are growing on glucose, deletion of this site results in a decrease of transcription of 50%. Using ethanol as a carbon-source, deletion of the SUF-responsive site lowers the transcription as much as 80%. A second protein binding site is found between positions -85 and -105. Only extracts from glucose-grown cells contain a factor that is able to bind to this site in vitro. A third protein binding site was found using a protein extract from ethanol-grown cells. This site, which is located quite close to the transcriptional start site, is probably responsible for the 20% residual transcription when the SUF binding site is removed. Finally, a site far upstream was found, which binds a protein from both glucose-grown and ethanol-grown cells. This site may function as an upstream repression site which is only functional when a non-fermentable carbon-source is used. Taking these findings into account, we present a model for the carbon-source dependent transcription activation of the gene encoding S33.

Glucocorticoids induce transcription of ribosomal protein genes in rat liver

Transcription of rat liver ribosomal RNA is induced by glucocorticoids. In order to determine whether the expression of ribosomal protein genes is coordinately regulated, we measured the effect of dexamethasone on their transcription. Administration of this hormone to adrenalectomized rats led, within 1 h, to a 2.2-fold enhancement of transcription of liver ribosomal protein genes. To define the dexamethasone-responsive element, we isolated and tested mouse L32 gene sequences for the ability to confer glucocorticoid induction to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene in L cells. An 80 base pair region of the L32 gene, between nucleotide position -69 and +11, with respect to the start site of transcription, was sufficient for induction of the CAT gene by dexamethasone. Despite these stimulating effects, we have failed to detect elevation in the abundance of the ribosomal protein mRNAs both in rat liver and in mouse L cells. Possible interpretations for this seemingly ineffectual process are discussed.

Synthesis of ribosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The assembly of a eucaryotic ribosome requires the synthesis of four ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules and more than 75 ribosomal proteins. It utilizes all three RNA polymerases; it requires the cooperation of the nucleus and the cytoplasm, the processing of RNA, and the specific interaction of RNA and protein molecules. It is carried out efficiently and is exquisitely sensitive to the needs of the cell. Our current understanding of this process in the genetically tractable yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reviewed. The ribosomal RNA genes are arranged in a tandem array of 100 to 200 copies. This tandem array has led to unique ways of carrying out a number of functions. Replication is asymmetric and does not initiate from every autonomously replicating sequence. Recombination is suppressed. Transcription of the major ribosomal RNA appears to involve coupling between adjacent transcription units, which are separated by the 5S RNA transcription unit. Genes for many ribosomal proteins have been cloned and sequenced. Few are linked; most are duplicated; most have an intron. There is extensive homology between yeast ribosomal proteins and those of other species. Most, but not all, of the ribosomal protein genes have one or two sites that are essential for their transcription and that bind a common transcription factor. This factor binds also to many other places in the genome, including the telomeres. There is coordinated transcription of the ribosomal protein genes under a variety of conditions. However, the cell seems to possess no mechanism for regulating the transcription of individual ribosomal protein genes in response either to a deficiency or an excess of a particular ribosomal protein. A deficiency causes slow growth. Any excess ribosomal protein is degraded very rapidly, with a half-life of 1 to 5 min. Unlike most types of cells, yeast cells appear not to regulate the translation of ribosomal proteins. However, in the case of ribosomal protein L32, the protein itself causes a feedback inhibition of the splicing of the transcript of its own gene. The synthesis of ribosomes involves a massive transfer of material across the nuclear envelope in both directions. Nuclear localization signals have been identified for at least three ribosomal proteins; they are similar but not identical to those identified for the simian virus 40 T antigen. There is no information about how ribosomal subunits are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Ribosomal protein L7a is encoded by a gene (Surf-3) within the tightly clustered mouse surfeit locus

The mouse Surfeit locus, which contains a cluster of at least four genes (Surf-1 to Surf-4), is unusual in that adjacent genes are separated by no more than 73 base pairs (bp). The heterogeneous 5' ends of Surf-1 and Surf-2 are separated by only 15 to 73 bp, the 3' ends of Surf-1 and Surf-3 are only 70 bp apart, and the 3' ends of Surf-2 and Surf-4 overlap by 133 bp. This very tight clustering suggests a cis interaction between adjacent Surfeit genes. The Surf-3 gene (which could code for a basic polypeptide of 266 amino acids) is a highly expressed member of a pseudogene-containing multigene family. By use of an anti-peptide serum (against the C-terminal nine amino acids of the putative Surf-3 protein) for immunofluorescence and immunoblotting of mouse cell components and by in vitro translation of Surf-3 cDNA hybrid-selected mRNA, the Surf-3 gene product was identified as a 32-kilodalton ribosomal protein located in the 60S ribosomal subunit. From its subunit location, gel migration, and homology with a limited rat ribosomal peptide sequence, the Surf-3 gene was shown to encode the mouse L7a ribosomal protein. The Surf-3 gene is highly conserved through evolution and was detected by nucleic acid hybridization as existing in multiple copies (multigene families) in other mammals and as one or a few copies in birds, Xenopus, Drosophila, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The Surf-3 C-terminal anti-peptide serum detects a 32-kilodalton protein in other mammals, birds, and Xenopus but not in Drosophila and S. pombe. The possible effect of interaction of the Surf-3 ribosomal protein gene with adjacent genes in the Surfeit locus at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level or both levels is discussed.

Mutational analysis of the upstream activation site of yeast ribosomal protein genes

Most ribosomal protein (rp-)genes in yeast are preceded by conserved sequence motifs that act as upstream transcription-activating sites (RPG box). These sequence elements have previously been shown to represent specific binding sites for a protein factor, TUF. Comparison of the various nucleotide elements identified so far indicates a remarkably high degree of variation in the respective sequences. On the other hand, a methylation interference study performed with one RPG box revealed close contact points with the TUF protein along the entire sequence. To investigate the sequence requirements of the RPG box, we inserted synthetic oligonucleotides that differed from the general consensus sequence ACACCCATACATTT at single positions into a deletion mutant of the L25 promoter that lacked its natural RPG elements. Transcription activity was estimated by Northern analyses of the cellular level of L25-galK hybrid transcripts. The results show that in the 3' part of this sequence element single substitutions are allowed at all positions, in the 5' part, however, the nucleotide requirements appear to be more stringent. In particular, the invariant C at position 5 of the consensus sequence is absolutely necessary for its enhancer function.

One of the tightly clustered genes of the mouse surfeit locus is a highly expressed member of a multigene family whose other members are predominantly processed pseudogenes

The mouse surfeit locus is unusual in that it contains a number of closely clustered genes (Surf-1, -2, and -4) that alternate in their direction of transcription (T. Williams, J. Yon, C. Huxley, and M. Fried, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:3527-3530, 1988). The heterogeneous 5' ends of Surf-1 and Surf-2 are separated by 15 to 73 base pairs (bp), and the 3' ends of Surf-2 and Surf-4 overlap by 133 bp (T. Williams and M. Fried, Mol. Cell. Biol. 6:4558-4569, 1986; T. Williams and M. Fried, Nature (London) 322:275-279, 1986). A fourth gene in this locus, Surf-3, which is a member of a multigene family, has been identified. The poly(A) addition site of Surf-3 lies only 70 bp from the poly(A) addition site of Surf-1. Transcription of Surf-3 has been studied in the absence of the other members of its multigene family after transfection of a cloned genomic mouse DNA fragment, containing the Surf-3 gene, into heterologous monkey cells. Surf-3 specifies a highly expressed 1.0-kilobase mRNA that contains a long open reading frame of 266 amino acids, which would encode a highly basic polypeptide (23% Arg plus Lys). The other members of the Surf-3 multigene family are predominantly, if not entirely, intronless pseudogenes with the hallmarks of being generated by reverse transcription. The role of the very tight clustering on regulation of expression of the genes in the surfeit locus is discussed.

Gene dosage alteration of L2 ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effects on ribosome synthesis

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the genes coding for the ribosomal protein L2 are present in two copies per haploid genome. The two copies, which encode proteins differing in only a few amino acids, contribute unequally to the L2 mRNA pool: the L2A copy makes 72% of the mRNA, while the L2B copy makes only 28%. Disruption of the L2B gene (delta B strain) did not lead to any phenotypic alteration, whereas the inactivation of the L2A copy (delta A strain) produced a slow-growth phenotype associated with decreased accumulation of 60S subunits and ribosomes. No intergenic compensation occurred at the transcriptional level in the disrupted strains; in fact, delta A strains contained reduced levels of L2 mRNA, whereas delta B strains had almost normal levels. The wild-type phenotype was restored in the delta A strains by transformation with extra copies of the intact L2A or L2B gene. As already shown for other duplicated genes (Kim and Warner, J. Mol. Biol. 165:79-89, 1983; Leeret al., Curr. Genet. 9:273-277, 1985), the difference in expression of the two gene copies could be accounted for via differential transcription activity. Sequence comparison of the rpL2 promoter regions has shown the presence of canonical HOMOL1 boxes which are slightly different in the two genes.

Ribosomal protein L7a is encoded by a gene (Surf-3) within the tightly clustered mouse surfeit locus

The mouse Surfeit locus, which contains a cluster of at least four genes (Surf-1 to Surf-4), is unusual in that adjacent genes are separated by no more than 73 base pairs (bp). The heterogeneous 5' ends of Surf-1 and Surf-2 are separated by only 15 to 73 bp, the 3' ends of Surf-1 and Surf-3 are only 70 bp apart, and the 3' ends of Surf-2 and Surf-4 overlap by 133 bp. This very tight clustering suggests a cis interaction between adjacent Surfeit genes. The Surf-3 gene (which could code for a basic polypeptide of 266 amino acids) is a highly expressed member of a pseudogene-containing multigene family. By use of an anti-peptide serum (against the C-terminal nine amino acids of the putative Surf-3 protein) for immunofluorescence and immunoblotting of mouse cell components and by in vitro translation of Surf-3 cDNA hybrid-selected mRNA, the Surf-3 gene product was identified as a 32-kilodalton ribosomal protein located in the 60S ribosomal subunit. From its subunit location, gel migration, and homology with a limited rat ribosomal peptide sequence, the Surf-3 gene was shown to encode the mouse L7a ribosomal protein. The Surf-3 gene is highly conserved through evolution and was detected by nucleic acid hybridization as existing in multiple copies (multigene families) in other mammals and as one or a few copies in birds, Xenopus, Drosophila, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The Surf-3 C-terminal anti-peptide serum detects a 32-kilodalton protein in other mammals, birds, and Xenopus but not in Drosophila and S. pombe. The possible effect of interaction of the Surf-3 ribosomal protein gene with adjacent genes in the Surfeit locus at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level or both levels is discussed.

Constitutive transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1 is promoted by uncommon cis- and trans-acting elements

The DNA sequence UAST (TCGTTTTGTACGTTTTTCA) was found to mediate transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1. UAST was defined as a transcriptional activator on the basis of loss of transcription accompanying deletions of all or part of UAST, orientation-independent restoration of transcription promoted by a synthetic UAST oligomer inserted either into TCM1 or into the yeast CYC1 gene lacking its transcriptional activation region, and diminished transcription following nucleotide alterations in UAST. UAST bound in vitro to a protein denoted TAF (TCM1 activation factor); TAF was concluded to be a transcriptional activator protein because nucleotide alterations in UAST that diminished transcription in vivo also diminished TAF binding in vitro. The sequence of UAST bore no obvious resemblance to UASrpg, the principal cis-acting element common to most yeast ribosomal protein genes. Likewise, TAF was distinguished from the UASrpg-binding protein TUF, since (i) TAF and TUF were chromatographically separable, (ii) binding of either TAF or TUF to its corresponding UAS was unaffected by an excess of UASrpg or UAST DNA, respectively, and (iii) photochemical cross-linking experiments showed that TAF was a protein of 147 kilodaltons (kDa), while TUF was detected as an approximately 120-kDa polypeptide, consistent with its known size. Cross-linking experiments also revealed that both UAST and UASrpg bound a second heretofore unobserved 82-kDa protein; binding of this additional protein appeared to require binding of TAF or TUF. On the basis of the biochemical characterization of TAF and a lack of sequence similarity between UAST and UASrpg, we suggest that transcription of TCM1 is mediated by a cis-acting sequence and at least one trans-acting factor different from the elements which promote transcription of most other ribosomal protein genes. A second trans-acting factor may be shared by TCM1 and other ribosomal protein genes; this factor could mediate coordinate regulation of these genes.

Gene dosage alteration of L2 ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effects on ribosome synthesis

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the genes coding for the ribosomal protein L2 are present in two copies per haploid genome. The two copies, which encode proteins differing in only a few amino acids, contribute unequally to the L2 mRNA pool: the L2A copy makes 72% of the mRNA, while the L2B copy makes only 28%. Disruption of the L2B gene (delta B strain) did not lead to any phenotypic alteration, whereas the inactivation of the L2A copy (delta A strain) produced a slow-growth phenotype associated with decreased accumulation of 60S subunits and ribosomes. No intergenic compensation occurred at the transcriptional level in the disrupted strains; in fact, delta A strains contained reduced levels of L2 mRNA, whereas delta B strains had almost normal levels. The wild-type phenotype was restored in the delta A strains by transformation with extra copies of the intact L2A or L2B gene. As already shown for other duplicated genes (Kim and Warner, J. Mol. Biol. 165:79-89, 1983; Leeret al., Curr. Genet. 9:273-277, 1985), the difference in expression of the two gene copies could be accounted for via differential transcription activity. Sequence comparison of the rpL2 promoter regions has shown the presence of canonical HOMOL1 boxes which are slightly different in the two genes.

Constitutive transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1 is promoted by uncommon cis- and trans-acting elements

The DNA sequence UAST (TCGTTTTGTACGTTTTTCA) was found to mediate transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1. UAST was defined as a transcriptional activator on the basis of loss of transcription accompanying deletions of all or part of UAST, orientation-independent restoration of transcription promoted by a synthetic UAST oligomer inserted either into TCM1 or into the yeast CYC1 gene lacking its transcriptional activation region, and diminished transcription following nucleotide alterations in UAST. UAST bound in vitro to a protein denoted TAF (TCM1 activation factor); TAF was concluded to be a transcriptional activator protein because nucleotide alterations in UAST that diminished transcription in vivo also diminished TAF binding in vitro. The sequence of UAST bore no obvious resemblance to UASrpg, the principal cis-acting element common to most yeast ribosomal protein genes. Likewise, TAF was distinguished from the UASrpg-binding protein TUF, since (i) TAF and TUF were chromatographically separable, (ii) binding of either TAF or TUF to its corresponding UAS was unaffected by an excess of UASrpg or UAST DNA, respectively, and (iii) photochemical cross-linking experiments showed that TAF was a protein of 147 kilodaltons (kDa), while TUF was detected as an approximately 120-kDa polypeptide, consistent with its known size. Cross-linking experiments also revealed that both UAST and UASrpg bound a second heretofore unobserved 82-kDa protein; binding of this additional protein appeared to require binding of TAF or TUF. On the basis of the biochemical characterization of TAF and a lack of sequence similarity between UAST and UASrpg, we suggest that transcription of TCM1 is mediated by a cis-acting sequence and at least one trans-acting factor different from the elements which promote transcription of most other ribosomal protein genes. A second trans-acting factor may be shared by TCM1 and other ribosomal protein genes; this factor could mediate coordinate regulation of these genes.

One of the tightly clustered genes of the mouse surfeit locus is a highly expressed member of a multigene family whose other members are predominantly processed pseudogenes

The mouse surfeit locus is unusual in that it contains a number of closely clustered genes (Surf-1, -2, and -4) that alternate in their direction of transcription (T. Williams, J. Yon, C. Huxley, and M. Fried, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:3527-3530, 1988). The heterogeneous 5' ends of Surf-1 and Surf-2 are separated by 15 to 73 base pairs (bp), and the 3' ends of Surf-2 and Surf-4 overlap by 133 bp (T. Williams and M. Fried, Mol. Cell. Biol. 6:4558-4569, 1986; T. Williams and M. Fried, Nature (London) 322:275-279, 1986). A fourth gene in this locus, Surf-3, which is a member of a multigene family, has been identified. The poly(A) addition site of Surf-3 lies only 70 bp from the poly(A) addition site of Surf-1. Transcription of Surf-3 has been studied in the absence of the other members of its multigene family after transfection of a cloned genomic mouse DNA fragment, containing the Surf-3 gene, into heterologous monkey cells. Surf-3 specifies a highly expressed 1.0-kilobase mRNA that contains a long open reading frame of 266 amino acids, which would encode a highly basic polypeptide (23% Arg plus Lys). The other members of the Surf-3 multigene family are predominantly, if not entirely, intronless pseudogenes with the hallmarks of being generated by reverse transcription. The role of the very tight clustering on regulation of expression of the genes in the surfeit locus is discussed.