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Hickey RJ, Boshar MF, Crain WR. Transcription of three actin genes and a repeated sequence in isolated nuclei of sea urchin embryos. Dev Biol 1987; 124:215-27. [PMID: 2444480 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(87)90473-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The relative transcription of three unlinked actin genes of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus was measured in isolated nuclei, at several stages during embryonic development. Transcription of two cytoskeletal actin genes, CyI and CyIIIa, was first detected in 64-128 cell embryos. At the early stages, the CyIIIa gene is several-fold more active per embryo than CyI. The relative transcription of these two genes changes as development proceeds so that by the pluteus stage the CyI gene is at least twice as active per embryo as the CyIIIa gene. Both the time of initial detection of transcription of these two genes and the shift in their relative transcription during development correspond closely with the appearance and relative abundance in embryos of the mRNAs from these genes. Transcription of the muscle actin gene M was first detected in nuclei from pluteus stage embryos and thus also closely correlates with the first appearance of the muscle actin gene mRNA in embryos. The tight temporal coupling of the appearance in embryos of mRNA from these genes and the detection of their transcription in nuclei suggests that the regulation of their expression is in large part transcriptional. In addition to examining the transcription of these actin genes, we discovered that a member of an actively transcribed repeated sequence family is located upstream of the muscle actin-coding sequence. This sequence, which is present at least several hundred times within the genome and hybridizes strongly to RNA synthesized by RNA polymerase III at cleavage stages and to RNA synthesized in nuclei from pluteus stage embryos, shows little hybridization at blastula and gastrula stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Hickey
- Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545
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Uzman JA, Wilt FH. The role of RNA polymerase initiation and elongation in control of total RNA and histone mRNA synthesis in sea urchin embryos. Dev Biol 1984; 106:174-80. [PMID: 6208067 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(84)90073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of RNA polymerase initiations in regulating total RNA synthesis and the synthesis of the early histone mRNAs was investigated. Nuclei were isolated from developing sea urchin embryos from 4- to 600-cell stages, and the transcription of already initiated polymerase complexes was studied in a "run-off," or elongation, assay; this assay was optimized by using high levels of ribonucleoside triphosphates. Under these conditions the relative levels of RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei from different stages closely paralleled the known rates of synthesis in vivo. However, if sarkosyl is included in the elongation assay, the nuclei of older stages display greatly stimulated synthesis while early cleavage stage nuclei are not stimulated. Sarkosyl does not reveal any elongated transcripts from the early histone genes in nuclei from later stages of development. This has been interpreted to mean that there are many initiated polymerase II complexes that do not elongate rapidly at later stages, but the early histone genes are inactive at later stages because they do not possess any productively initiated polymerases.
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Knowles JA, Childs GJ. Temporal expression of late histone messenger RNA in the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1984; 81:2411-5. [PMID: 6585806 PMCID: PMC345070 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.81.8.2411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea urchin histones are encoded by several multigene families. The temporal expression of one of these families, the late histones, has been studied during the early development of Lytechinus pictus. Using a nuclease S1 assay, we detected about 10,000 transcripts encoding both late H3 and H4 proteins in the unfertilized egg. This suggests that the late genes were active at some point during oogenesis. The number of late gene transcripts begins to increase 6.5 hr after fertilization (64-cell stage), indicating that these genes probably become reactivated 4.5-6.5 hr after fertilization. The maximum rate of accumulation of transcripts (4600 molecules per min per embryo) occurs 9-14 hr after fertilization (from blastula stage to hatching). The number of transcripts peaks 21 hr after fertilization (onset of gastrulation) when the embryo has accumulated 1.8 X 10(6) copies of each late mRNA (a 164-fold increase). A 5.5-fold increase in the relative rate of transcription, between 7 and 15 hr after fertilization, is partly responsible for the accumulation of these gene products. The relative synthesis of early histone message, which is encoded by a different family, decreases 18-fold during this time. Synthesis of the late transcripts continues at the higher rate after accumulation has ceased (24 hr after fertilization). The number of late transcripts begins to decrease 48 hr after fertilization, reaching about 10,000 copies at 72 hr.
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DeLeon DV, Cox KH, Angerer LM, Angerer RC. Most early-variant histone mRNA is contained in the pronucleus of sea urchin eggs. Dev Biol 1983; 100:197-206. [PMID: 6684599 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(83)90211-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that the pronucleus of the unfertilized sea urchin egg contains a high concentration of transcripts complementary to the early histone repeat unit (D. L. Venezky, L. M. Angerer, and R. C. Angerer (1981). Cell 24, 385-391.) In this paper, in situ hybridization techniques of improved sensitivity are used to show that these nuclear RNAs include authentic histone mRNA but not spacer-complementary sequences. It is estimated that most early-variant histone mRNA contained in the egg is, in fact, restricted to the pronucleus. These mRNAs are released to the cytoplasm at the time of nuclear breakdown of first cleavage and rapidly distribute throughout the cytoplasm.
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Sittman DB, Stafford DW. Purification and characterization of the RNA polymerases of the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus. PREPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY 1983; 13:21-39. [PMID: 6856583 DOI: 10.1080/00327488308068732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We have identified four forms of sea urchin RNA polymerase (Ia, Ib, II and III). Three of the forms co-elute on DEAE cellulose chromatography but separate on DEAE Sephadex chromatography. The separation of these three enzyme forms by DEAE Sephadex chromatography can be eliminated with non-ionic detergent. We also demonstrate that either form I or form III RNA polymerase loses its resistance to alpha-amanitin after DEAE chromatography. A procedure for the purification of combined form I and III RNA polymerase and the purification of RNA polymerase II is also presented.
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Old RW, Woodland HR, Ballantine JE, Aldridge TC, Newton CA, Bains WA, Turner PC. Organization and expression of cloned histone gene clusters from Xenopus laevis and X. borealis. Nucleic Acids Res 1982; 10:7561-80. [PMID: 6296783 PMCID: PMC327030 DOI: 10.1093/nar/10.23.7561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We have isolated several clones containing Xenopus histone genes from genomic libraries of X. laevis and X. borealis DNA. Each genomic clone has been mapped and the positions of 26 histone genes in seven laevis clones and 5 histone genes in one borealis clone have been determined. In laevis, the histone gene clusters show considerable variation in gene order within a single individual. When the cloned DNAs were microinjected into the nucleus of Xenopus oocytes, expression of cloned genes at the transcriptional and translational level was readily detectable. Previously unknown histone variants were revealed by the microinjection experiments.
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Stunnenberg HG, Birnstiel ML. Bioassay for components regulating eukaryotic gene expression: a chromosomal factor involved in the generation of histone mRNA 3' termini. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1982; 79:6201-4. [PMID: 6959109 PMCID: PMC347087 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.79.20.6201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We have adapted the oocyte injection procedure for the detection of regulatory components involved in the transcription of a eukaryotic mRNA gene. Injection of the histone gene repeat h22 DNA of Psammechinus miliaris into the Xenopus oocyte nucleus results in correct initiation of the histone mRNAs, but readthrough by RNA polymerase occurs at the 3' end of the H3 histone gene (Hentschel, C. C., Probst, E. & Birnstiel, M. L. (1980) Nature (London) 288, 100-102). Coinjection into the oocyte of a chromosomal salt wash fraction derived from sea urchin embryos results in the generation of authentic 3' termini of the histone H3 mRNA. We have partially purified the protein component by column chromatography and density gradient centrifugation. The regulatory factor binds to heparin columns and, hence, has the properties anticipated of an RNA- or DNA-binding protein. The sedimentation coefficient of the active component was determined to be about 12 S, suggesting a molecular weight of 200,000-250,000.
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Ilyin YV, Georgiev GP. The main types of organization of genetic material in eukaryotes. CRC CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOCHEMISTRY 1982; 12:237-87. [PMID: 6282534 DOI: 10.3109/10409238209108708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Scheller RH, Anderson DM, Posakony JW, McAllister LB, Britten RJ, Davidson EH. Repetitive sequences of the sea urchin genome. II. Subfamily structure and evolutionary conservation. J Mol Biol 1981; 149:15-39. [PMID: 7310877 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(81)90258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Buongiorno-Nardelli M, Ballario P, Di Mauro E. Binding of sea-urchin RNA polymerase II on homologous histone genes. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1981; 116:171-6. [PMID: 7250121 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1981.tb05315.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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12
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Grosschedl R, Birnstiel ML. Spacer DNA sequences upstream of the T-A-T-A-A-A-T-A sequence are essential for promotion of H2A histone gene transcription in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1980; 77:7102-6. [PMID: 6938957 PMCID: PMC350449 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.77.12.7102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The control region of a sea urchin H2A histone gene may be functionally dissected into at least three DNA segments, which we have termed modulator, selector, and initiator elements. While the initiator and in particular the selector containing the T-A-T-A-A-A-T-A sequence are specificity elements that dictate the generation of faithful 5' ends to H2A mRNA, the modulators control the rate at which these specificity elements operate [Grosschedl, R. & Birnstiel, M. L. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77, 1432-1436]. By functional tests of in vitro mutated histone DNA in the Xenopus oocyte we have now discovered that the segment E of the A+T-rich spacer DNA lying at a considerable distance upstream of the conservative T-A-T-A-A-A-T-A sequence is a strong modulator element of H2A gene transcription. Deletion of this element creates a 15- to 20-fold H2A-specific down mutation. Segment E by itself cannot elicit initiation of transcription except in coordination with the prelude sequence of the H2A gene. The nucleotide sequence of the relevant spacer element showing modulator activity has been determined and found to contain a pattern of T and A runs as well as a series of inverted repeats. Additional pre-H2A spacer mutants, including a spacer inversion mutant, have been constructed in vitro, that, when injected into the oocyte nucleus, modulate the expression of the H2A gene by an overall factor as large as 100. Other factors controlling promoter activity are discussed.
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Busby S, Bakken AH. Transcription in developing sea urchins: electron microscopic analysis of cleavage, gastrula and prism stages. Chromosoma 1980; 79:85-104. [PMID: 7398494 DOI: 10.1007/bf00328475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Spinelli G, Melli M, Arnold E, Casano C, Gianguzza F, Ciaccio M. High molecular weight RNA containing histone messenger in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. J Mol Biol 1980; 139:111-22. [PMID: 7411628 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(80)90299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Maxson RE, Egzie JC. Expression of maternal and paternal histone genes during early cleavage stages of the echinoderm hybrid Strongylocentrotus purpuratus x Lytechinus pictus. Dev Biol 1980; 74:335-42. [PMID: 7371979 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(80)90435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Probst E, Kressmann A, Birnstiel ML. Expression of sea urchin histone genes in the oocyte of Xenopus laevis. J Mol Biol 1979; 135:709-32. [PMID: 537089 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(79)90173-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Manley JL, Sharp PA, Gefter ML. RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei: identification and comparison of adenovirus 2 encoded transcripts synthesized in vitro and vivo. J Mol Biol 1979; 135:171-97. [PMID: 529286 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(79)90346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Childs G, Maxson R, Kedes LH. Histone gene expression during sea urchin embryogenesis: isolation and characterization of early and late messenger RNAs of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus by gene-specific hybridization and template activity. Dev Biol 1979; 73:153-73. [PMID: 527767 DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(79)90144-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Mullinix K, Meyers M, Christmann J, Deeley R, Gordon J, Goldberger R. Specific transcription in chicken liver chromatin by endogenous RNA polymerase II. Comparison of an estrogen-inducible gene with a constitutively expressed gene. J Biol Chem 1979. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)83596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Scherrer K, Imaizumi-Scherrer MT, Reynaud CA, Therwath A. On pre-messenger RNA and transcriptions. A review. Mol Biol Rep 1979; 5:5-28. [PMID: 379595 DOI: 10.1007/bf00777484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
From the present review integrating old and new data emerge a few principles of gene expression in eukaryotes, and an infinite variety of possible mechanistic details generating the overal pattern. The few principles, most of which are not fundamentally new, may thus be summarized. 1) The eukaryotic genome is subdivided into transcriptional units: into transcriptons which are subject to individual activation controlled at DNA level. 2) Viral genomes may contain one or a few transcriptons, while cells of multicellular organisms contain from 3 x 10(3) in diptera up to an estimated 2 x 10(5) in birds and mammals. 3) Transcriptons may include one or several coding sequences. 4) Transcriptons vary considerably in size: in mammals and birds their size spectrum falls into the 2,000 to 20,000 bp range. 5) Units of coding information constituting one message (genes) and, possibly, units of regulative information are frequently broken up and stored within the transcripton in sub-genic blocks (of so far unknown significance) in general located at a certain distance from the 5' and 3' transcript terminals which are determined by the promotor and terminator signals. 6) The gene, in its specific definition as the functional unit underlying the phenotype, is in general constituted posttranscriptionally by the processing mechanisms from the mosaic of its genomic subunits in the transcripton; segments of coding, service and regulative sequences are recombined within themselves and with each other, polygenic transcripts separate into their unit messages. 7) Activated transcriptons produce pre-mRNA; these primary transcripts are colinear with the DNA of the transcriptional unit. 8) Primary pre-mRNA is processed into secondary pre-mRNA's by extragenic cleavage and intragenic ("splicing") processing, giving rise stepwise to functional mRNA. During this process chemical modifications as methylation, 5'-terminal capping and 3'-terminal polyadenylation take place. 9) Translation yields either potentially functional polypeptides or polycistronic polyproteins subject to further processing. 10) Processing is a regulated process; it involves many of the possible phases and mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation (cf. 39, 40).
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