Duality and developmental changes of chicken thymus. DNA ligases

Reinvestigation of DNA ligase I in axolotl and Pleurodeles development

We have recently shown that the exclusion process causing the replacement of DNA ligases II by DNA ligase I in amphibian eggs after fertilization does not occur in the case of Xenopus laevis [Hardy, S., Aoufouchi, S., Thiebaud, P., and Prigent, C., (1991) Nucleic Acids Res. 19, 701-705]. Since this result is in contradiction with the situation reported in axolotl and Pleurodeles we decided to reinvestigate such results in both species. Three different approaches have been used: (1) the substrate specificity of DNA ligase I; (2) the DNA ligase-AMP adduct reaction and (3) the immunological detection using antibodies raised against the X.laevis DNA ligase I. Our results clearly demonstrate that DNA ligase I activity is associated with a single polypeptide which is present in oocyte, unfertilized egg and embryo of both amphibians. Therefore, the hypothesis of a change in DNA ligase forms, resulting from an expression of the DNA ligase I gene in axolotl and Pleurodeles early development must be rejected. We also show that, in contradiction with published data, the unfertilized sea urchin egg contains a DNA ligase activity able to join blunt ended DNA molecules.

Purification and characterization of DNA ligase II from Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster contains DNA ligases I and II. The activity of DNA ligase I is especially high during early embryonic periods, but decreases rapidly afterwards. Although the activity of DNA ligase II is low, it persists throughout all developmental stages. The specific activity of DNA ligase II is high in embryos, but the total activity per body mass was highest in pupae. To characterize the properties of DNA ligase II further and to clarify its differences from DNA ligase I, DNA ligase II was prepared from pupae of D. melanogaster. The enzyme was purified about 3200-fold by ammonium sulfate fractionation (40-70% saturation), phosphocellulose (P11) and Ultrogel column chromatography. Some of the properties have been reported previously. The isoelectric point of DNA ligase II was 6.4 while those of DNA ligase I were 4.9 and 5.8. The optimum pH of DNA ligase II was 7.8-8.1 but 8.0-8.5 for DNA ligase I. The molecular masses of DNA ligase II adducts with AMP were determined as 90 and 70 kDa. These adducts were degraded to 42 and 14.4 kDa by trypsin digestion. For preparation of monoclonal antibodies, a mouse was immunized with the purified enzyme. Two clones, 10-6 and 3-3 IgM, were obtained and purified from mouse ascites. These antibodies showed both binding and neutralizing activities toward DNA ligase II from D. melanogaster, but did not react with DNA ligase I from the same origin. These results showed clearly that DNA ligases I and II have different properties and suggest they have different roles during the developmental stages of D. melanogaster.

Evidence for a change in expression of DNA ligase genes in the Pleurodeles waltlii germ line during gonadogenesis

The expression of DNA ligase genes was studied using the nuclear transplantation approach in the germ line of Pleurodeles waltlii (P. waltlii) just before and during gonadogenesis. Germ cell (GC) nuclei were isolated from larvae of P. waltlii and transplanted into unfertilized Ambystoma mexicanum eggs. DNA ligase activity in these eggs was then analyzed after sucrose gradient fractionation. The activity of DNA ligase I (heavy form, 7.5 S) of P. waltlii was present when the transplanted GC nuclei were isolated before the first histological appearance of gonadogenesis. At the beginning of genital ridge formation and thereafter, DNA ligase I activity was replaced by that of DNA ligase II (light form, 7 S). Expression of form I was found to be sensitive to inhibitors of translation and transcription, while that of form II was not. Therefore, the change in DNA ligase activity of the transferred nuclei of P. waltlii germ cells was assumed to be the consequence of a change in gene activity, namely, the repression of the gene encoding DNA ligase I. This change in the gene-regulated state could be linked to protein modifications of the chromatin. These results indicate that, at the beginning of gonadogenesis, germ cells receive information leading to a new state of differentiation.

Two distinct DNA ligases from Drosophila melanogaster embryos

Embryos of Drosophila melanogaster contain two distinct DNA ligases (DNA ligase I and II). DNA ligase I was eluted at 0.2 M KCl and DNA ligase II at 0.6 M KCl on phosphocellulose column chromatography. The former was rich in early developing embryos and its activity decreased during embryonic development. The latter was found constantly throughout the developing stages of embryos. DNA ligase I existed in a cytoplasmic fraction and DNA ligase II is concentrated in nuclei. Both enzymes ligate 5'-phosphoryl and 3'-hydroxyl groups in oligo(dT) in the presence of poly(dA). DNA ligase II is also able to join oligo(dT)(poly(rA). Both enzymes require ATP and Mg2+ for activity. The Km for ATP is 2.7 X 10(-6) M for DNA ligase I, and 3.0 X 10(-5) M for DNA ligase II. DNA ligase I requires dithiothreitol and polyvinyl alcohol, but DNA ligase II does not. Both enzymes are inhibited in the presence of N-ethylmaleimide. DNA ligase I is active at a low salt concentration (0-30 mM KCl), but DNA ligase II is active at high salt concentrations (50-100 mM). DNA ligase I is more labile than DNA ligase II. The molecular masses of DNA ligase-AMP adducts were determined as 86 and 75 kDa for DNA ligase I, and as 70 (major protein) and 90 kDa (minor protein) for DNA ligase II under denaturing conditions. A sedimentation coefficient of 4.2 S was observed for DNA ligase II. Consequently, Drosophila DNA ligase I and II are quite similar to mammalian DNA ligase I and II. Drosophila DNA ligase I and a DNA ligase by B.A. Rabin et al. [(1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 10637-10645] seem to be the same enzyme.

Relationship between thymus ontogeny and DNA ligase expression in the chicken

DNA ligase expression was studied in the embryonic chicken thymus. As previously reported, during thymus ontogeny two separate and successive (8S and 6S) forms of enzyme are found. The switch from the heavy to the light form takes place at around 18 days of incubation in situ. The demonstration that two successive generations of thymic lymphoid precursor cells develop in the embryonic bird thymus and that the replacement of the first by the second thymocyte generation takes place at around 18 days suggested the possibility that each form of enzyme could be restricted to a given thymocyte generation. By either culturing or transplanting embryonic thymuses of different ages it appears that the switch from the heavy to the light form of DNA ligase is not related to a change over of the first by the second generation of embryonic thymocytes but rather to some maturation process of the thymic lymphocytes starting from 17 days of embryonic life. The influence of extrathymic factors on the turning on of the expression of the 6 S DNA ligase in the post-natal environment is also suggested.

Evidence for a change in molecular for of DNA ligase in early development of the sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris

A change in the molecular form of DNA ligase appears when the sea urchin egg enters cleavage. Sucrose gradient analysis and DNA cellulose chromatography show that a slower migrating form (7 S) of enzyme exists in unfertilized eggs and in sperm. A faster migrating form of DNA ligase (7.8 S) is present in developing embryos as well as in artificially activated eggs. The timing of this early biochemical event has been determined, following fertilization or activation. The change in molecular form of DNA ligase has been shown to be sensitive to drugs inhibiting protein synthesis, gene transcription, or DNA replication. Consequently the appearance of the faster migrating form of enzyme is assumed to result from expression of the corresponding gene, transcription, and translation. RNA extracted from testes and from cleaving stages, assayed in vitro and in vivo, have been shown to carry the information for, respectively, 7 S and 7.8 S DNA ligase according to the origin of the RNA.

DNA ligases in human leukemia

Following partial purification on sucrose gradient and/or phosphocellulose chromatography, DNA ligase was tested in peripheral white blood and bone marrow cells of nearly 100 patients with various kinds of leukemias, mainly acute leukemias. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) was tested in parallel. DNA ligase of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) was extracted with the same sedimentation coefficient (5.5S) on sucrose gradient, and eluted with the same KCl molarity (0.3 M) than the one extracted from normal lymphocytes. Acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL) were characterized by no detectable DNA ligase activity--in most T or non T-non B-ALL, or a low activity in pre-B and B (Burkitt type) ALL, with levels similar to the one observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). An inverse relationship was observed between DNA-ligase and TdT in ALL, ligase being undetectable in cells positive for TdT and being present in some T or non T-non B, and in all pre-B and B-ALL negative for TdT. AML and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) were characterized by a markedly higher DNA-ligase activity. This activity was higher in the most differentiated subtypes--M2, M3 and M4 subtypes of FAB classification--and in CML. Moreover a high degree of correlation was observed in AML between the DNA ligase activity and the S phase fraction measured by 3 H-thymidine autoradiography or flow cytophotometry on the total cell sampling. Besides their clinical interest, these results are discussed in relation with the role of DNA-ligase in DNA replication and repair.

Quinolone antibiotics inhibit eucaryotic DNA polymerase alpha and beta, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase but not DNA ligase

DNA polymerases alpha and beta, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase and DNA ligases from chicken thymus were purified to homogeneity. Quinolone antibiotics (nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid and pefloxacin ) known to inhibit DNA replication were tested for their effects on these enzymes. DNA ligase activity was not affected by the three drugs. DNA polymerases alpha and beta were inhibited by competitive mechanisms. Surprisingly, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase was strongly inhibited by the three compounds and more efficiently by nalidixic acid. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of the possible involvement of the enzymes in the respective DNA replication and repair processes.

Isolation of the messenger RNA for 8S DNA ligase in early developing axolotl egg and its cell free translation

A new DNA ligase activity is expressed when the Axolotl eggs enter cleavage. The messenger RNA can be labelled by [3H] uridine thereby indicating its de novo synthesis. This new genetic expression is occurring just before cleavage and is the earliest found during Amphibian development. The newly synthesized [3H] mRNA can be translated in vitro in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The resulting product is a 160 K protein specifically immunoprecipitated with the antiserum directed against 8S DNA ligase. This in vitro translated polypeptide exhibits 8S DNA ligase activity specific of activated or fertilized eggs but does not display 6S DNA ligase activity of non activated eggs.

Increased activity of polynucleotide ligase in 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine and mitomycin C-pretreated simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected monkey kidney cells

The DNA ligase activity has been studied in 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR), mitomycin C (MMC) and IUdR + MMC-treated SV40-infected or mock-infected CV1C11 monkey kidney cells. The results have shown that : 1. The level of enzyme activity is about two or three times higher in IUdR or MMC-treated non-infected cells; 2. SV40 infection doubles the level of ligase activity in the untreated cells; 3. There is an additional increase of ligase activity in IUdR or MMC-treated SV40-infected cells; 4. When infected or mock-infected cells are treated with IUdR + MMC, there is no modification of the results obtained with each drug alone; 5. Two peaks of different S values are detected in a partial purification of the drug(s) or viral induced enzyme(s). The increase in the ligase activity in drug-treated cells is independent of semi-conservative DNA synthesis. The drug(s) and viral-induced enzyme(s) is the consequence of a "de novo" synthesis of proteins, as shown by cycloheximide treatment.

DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, and thymidine kinase activity in chicken lens, related to DNA X-ray lesion repair

The activity of DNA polymerases alpha, beta, and gamma; DNA ligases I and II; and thymidine kinase in chicken lenses is determined. These enzymes are present in embryonic intact lenses freshly isolated at 6 days and 11 days of development and in lenses isolated at 11 days of development and cultured for three days. They are also found in both epithelium and fibers when separated at 10 days of embryonic development and in the epithelium of 141/2-month-old hen lenses. In the anucleate mature hen lens fibers, the only detected enzyme is thymidine kinase. Previous results showed that repair of X-ray irradiated DNA was total in 11-day-old embryonic lenses while repair was not detected at six days. On the other hand, repair was very much impaired when the 11-day-old lenses were cultured for three days. Enzymic analyses suggest that the defect in DNA repair and the spontaneous DNA degradation observed in chick lenses at certain embryonic stages, are not due to the absence of any of the above enzymic activities. Alternative explanations are discussed.

Differentiation of thymocytes during chicken ontogeny: occurrence of a specific DNA ligase in relationship to cell size and surface antigens

The activities of two forms (8.2 and 6.2 S) of DNA ligase have been studied in chicken thymocytes at different stages of development (16 and 18 days of incubation, hatching and one month after birth). Thymocytes have been sorted out on the basis of size and T antigenicity (immunofluorescence) with the activated cell sorter. Three kinds of cells can be distinguished: (a) large, antigenically negative cells of 16 days of incubation, expressing only the "heavy" (8.2 S) form of enzyme. The activity of this form decreases during development and is very low after birth; (b) large, antigenically positive cells without DNA ligase activity and (c) small, antigenically positive cells, expressing the "light" (6.2 S) enzyme. This form of enzyme appears only from 18 days of incubation onwards. These results allow us to consider the 6.2 S DNA ligase activity as an additional marker (with cell reduction and T antigenicity) for thymocyte maturation.

Evidence for a DNA ligase change related to early cleavage in axolotl egg

A definite change in the forms of DNA ligase appears when the axolotl egg enters cleavage. Sucrose gradient and phosphocellulose chromatography show that the a 6S form of DNA ligase exists before division, i.e. in unfertilised and fertilised egg, and a 8.2S form is present at the first division. N-ethylmaleimide sensitivity and heat stability are different for the two forms. The possible significance of this early change is discussed.

Changes of DNA ligases in chick neural retina as a function of age

In the course of chick neural retina development, several forms of DNA ligase have been found. During embryonic life the major DNA ligase activity that is found at seven days is form I (8.2 S) which gradually decreases and disappears by 14 days after incubation, whereas form II (6.2 S) increases to reach a maximum at the time of hatching. Form II then decreases reaching a constant level by Day 7 and from that time new slow sedimenting forms also appear (forms III and IV). Form III(2 S) is first detectable at seven days and increases up to 90 days, whereas form IV (3 S) is the only form detected in the 17- and 18-month-old and also in the 5-year-old birds. These four forms display different elution patterns on phosphocellulose column chromatography. They also differ in their thermal stability and sensitivity towards N-ethylmaleimide.