Chromosomal localization and sequence analysis of a human episomal sequence with in vitro differentiating activity

The inductive effect of a human DNA sequence (HALF1) on the differentiation of a variant rat hepatoma cell (C2) is restricted to episomal forms of the molecule

HALF1, a 4.3 kb human DNA sequence, was originally identified as a double-stranded, closed-circular DNA molecule in revertants from a dedifferentiated rat hepatoma cell (C2) transfected with human liver DNA. Here we report its specific properties in inducing the transition to the hepatic phenotype. (i) In vitro recircularized HALF1 induces reversion after a minimum time lag of 7 days post-transfection. (ii) After induction, the presence of HALF1 is not required for maintaining the induced hepatic state. (iii) HALF1 is detected as a sequence integrated in high molecular mass DNA of human liver. (iv) HALF1 monomer or dimer plasmid constructs do not induce reversion when integrated into the genome of transfectants. (v) Short ubiquitous RNA transcripts (approximately 400 bases) are detected with specific HALF1 probes. These results indicate that the reversion process is linked to the presence of HALF1 extrachromosomal molecules.

The human episome HALF1: structure of its genomic counterpart

A human episomal sequence (HALF1) has been identified by its ability to restore expression of hepatic functions when used to transfect a rat dedifferentiated cell line. The genomic equivalent of this human episome (gHALF1) and its flanking sequences were analyzed. HALF1 itself does not present the characteristics of a transposable element but half of its sequence corresponds to retroposons, including Alu and L1 repeats and a processed pseudogene, known to transpose via RNA intermediates. The structural characteristics of these different kinds of retroposons and their origin and evolution were analyzed.