Characterization of the Xenopus rhodopsin gene

Diversity and Evolution of Frog Visual Opsins: Spectral Tuning and Adaptation to Distinct Light Environments

Visual systems adapt to different light environments through several avenues including optical changes to the eye and neurological changes in how light signals are processed and interpreted. Spectral sensitivity can evolve via changes to visual pigments housed in the retinal photoreceptors through gene duplication and loss, differential and coexpression, and sequence evolution. Frogs provide an excellent, yet understudied, system for visual evolution research due to their diversity of ecologies (including biphasic aquatic-terrestrial life cycles) that we hypothesize imposed different selective pressures leading to adaptive evolution of the visual system, notably the opsins that encode the protein component of the visual pigments responsible for the first step in visual perception. Here, we analyze the diversity and evolution of visual opsin genes from 93 new eye transcriptomes plus published data for a combined dataset spanning 122 frog species and 34 families. We find that most species express the four visual opsins previously identified in frogs but show evidence for gene loss in two lineages. Further, we present evidence of positive selection in three opsins and shifts in selective pressures associated with differences in habitat and life history, but not activity pattern. We identify substantial novel variation in the visual opsins and, using microspectrophotometry, find highly variable spectral sensitivities, expanding known ranges for all frog visual pigments. Mutations at spectral-tuning sites only partially account for this variation, suggesting that frogs have used tuning pathways that are unique among vertebrates. These results support the hypothesis of adaptive evolution in photoreceptor physiology across the frog tree of life in response to varying environmental and ecological factors and further our growing understanding of vertebrate visual evolution.

Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP) and Bioinformatic RNA-Seq Analysis in Post-metamorphic Xenopus laevis

Recent technical advances provide the ability to isolate and purify mRNAs from genetically distinct cell types so as to provide a broader view of gene expression as they relate to gene networks. These tools allow the genome of organisms undergoing different developmental or diseased states and environmental or behavioral conditions to be compared. Translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP), a method using transgenic animals expressing a ribosomal affinity tag (ribotag) that targets ribosome-bound mRNAs, allows for the rapid isolation of genetically distinct populations of cells. In this chapter, we provide stepwise methods for carrying out an updated protocol for using the TRAP method in the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. A discussion of the experimental design and necessary controls and their rationale, along with a description of the bioinformatic steps involved in analyzing the Xenopus laevis translatome using TRAP and RNA-Seq, is also provided.

Type II Opsins in the Eye, the Pineal Complex and the Skin of Xenopus laevis: Using Changes in Skin Pigmentation as a Readout of Visual and Circadian Activity

The eye, the pineal complex and the skin are important photosensitive organs. The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, senses light from the environment and adjusts skin color accordingly. For example, light reflected from the surface induces camouflage through background adaptation while light from above produces circadian variation in skin pigmentation. During embryogenesis, background adaptation, and circadian skin variation are segregated responses regulated by the secretion of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and melatonin through the photosensitivity of the eye and pineal complex, respectively. Changes in the color of skin pigmentation have been used as a readout of biochemical and physiological processes since the initial purification of pineal melatonin from pigs, and more recently have been employed to better understand the neuroendocrine circuit that regulates background adaptation. The identification of 37 type II opsin genes in the genome of the allotetraploid X. laevis, combined with analysis of their expression in the eye, pineal complex and skin, is contributing to the elucidation of the role of opsins in the different photosensitive organs, but also brings new questions and challenges. In this review, we analyze new findings regarding the anatomical localization and functions of type II opsins in sensing light. The contribution of X. laevis in revealing the neuroendocrine circuits that regulate background adaptation and circadian light variation through changes in skin pigmentation is discussed. Finally, the presence of opsins in X. laevis skin melanophores is presented and compared with the secretory melanocytes of birds and mammals.

NudC regulates photoreceptor disk morphogenesis and rhodopsin localization

The outer segment (OS) of rod photoreceptors consist of a highly modified primary cilium containing phototransduction machinery necessary for light detection. The delivery and organization of the phototransduction components within and along the cilium into the series of stacked, highly organized disks is critical for cell function and viability. How disks are formed within the cilium remains an area of active investigation. We have found nuclear distribution protein C (nudC), a key component of mitosis and cytokinesis during development, to be present in the inner segment region of these postmitotic cells in several species, including mouse, tree shrew, monkey, and frog. Further, we found nudC interacts with rhodopsin and the small GTPase rab11a. Here, we show through transgenic tadpole studies that nudC is integral to rod cell disk formation and photoreceptor protein localization. Finally, we demonstrate that short hairpin RNA knockdown of nudC in tadpole rod photoreceptors, which leads to the inability of rod cells to maintain their OS, is rescued through coexpression of murine nudC.-Boitet, E. R., Reish, N. J., Hubbard, M. G., Gross, A. K. NudC regulates photoreceptor disk morphogenesis and rhodopsin localization.

Autophagy in Xenopus laevis rod photoreceptors is independently regulated by phototransduction and misfolded RHOP23H

We previously reported autophagic structures in rod photoreceptors expressing a misfolding RHO (rhodopsin) mutant (RHO^P23H), suggesting that autophagy may play a role in degrading the mutant RHO and/or be involved in photoreceptor cell death. To further examine autophagy in normal and diseased rods, we generated transgenic Xenopus laevis tadpoles expressing the dually fluorescent autophagy marker mRFP-eGFP-LC3 in rods, which changes from green to yellow and finally red as autophagic structures develop and mature. Using transgenic lines with constitutive and inducible expression, we determined the time-course of autophagy in rod photoreceptors: autophagosomes last for 6 to 8 hours before fusing with lysosomes, and acidified autolysosomes last for about 28 hours before being degraded. Autophagy was diurnally regulated in normal rods, with more autophagic structures generated during periods of light, and this regulation was non-circadian. We also found that more autophagosomes were produced in rods expressing the misfolding RHO^P23H mutant. The RHO chromophore absorbs photons to initiate phototransduction, and is consumed in this process; it also promotes RHO folding. To determine whether increased autophagy in light-exposed normal rods is caused by increased RHO misfolding or phototransduction, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out the RPE65 and GNAT1 genes, which are essential for chromophore biosynthesis and phototransduction respectively. Both knockouts suppressed light-induced autophagy, indicating that although light and misfolded rhodopsin can both induce autophagy in rods, light-induced autophagy is not due to misfolding of RHO, but rather due to phototransduction. Abbreviations: CYCS: cytochrome c; bRHO^P23H: bovine RHO^P23H; Cas9: CRISPR associated protein 9; dpf: days post-fertilization; eGFP: enhanced green fluorescent protein; GNAT1: guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(t) subunit alpha-1 aka rod alpha-transducin; HSPA1A/hsp70: heat shock protein of 70 kilodaltons; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3; mRFP: monomeric red fluorescent protein; RHO: rhodopsin; RP: retinitis pigmentosa; RPE65: retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein: sfGFP: superfolding GFP; sgRNA: single guide RNA; WGA: wheat germ agglutinin; RHO_p: the Xenopus laevis RHO.2.L promoter.

Modeling Dominant and Recessive Forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa by Editing Three Rhodopsin-Encoding Genes in Xenopus Laevis Using Crispr/Cas9

The utility of Xenopus laevis, a common research subject for developmental biology, retinal physiology, cell biology, and other investigations, has been limited by lack of a robust gene knockout or knock-down technology. Here we describe manipulation of the X. laevis genome using CRISPR/Cas9 to model the human disorder retinitis pigmentosa, and to introduce point mutations or exogenous DNA sequences. We introduced and characterized in-frame and out-of-frame insertions and deletions in three genes encoding rhodopsin by co-injection of Cas9 mRNA, eGFP mRNA, and single guide RNAs into fertilized eggs. Deletions were characterized by direct sequencing and cloning; phenotypes were assessed by assays of rod opsin in retinal extracts, and confocal microscopy of cryosectioned and immunolabeled contralateral eyes. We obtained germline transmission of editing to F1 offspring. In-frame deletions frequently caused dominant retinal degeneration associated with rhodopsin biosynthesis defects, while frameshift phenotypes were consistent with knockout. We inserted eGFP or point mutations into rhodopsin genes by co-injection of repair fragments with homology to the Cas9 target sites. Our techniques can produce high frequency gene editing in X. laevis, permitting analysis in the F0 generation, and advancing the utility of X. laevis as a subject for biological research and disease modeling.

Autoregulation of retinal homeobox (rax) gene promoter activity through a highly conserved genomic element

The Retinal homeobox (rax) gene is expressed in vertebrate retinal progenitor and stem cells and is essential for retinal development. In frogs, rax is expressed in the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), a region containing retinal progenitor and stem cells at the anterior of the eye. Little is known regarding regulation of rax transcription and regulation of transcription of rax targets. We found that three ultra-conserved genomic elements (UCEs) flanking the rax coding region regulate expression of a rax promoter-GFP transgene in Xenopus tadpoles. One of these elements, UCE1, regulates expression of the transgene in the dorsal CMZ. UCE1 contains a Rax binding site, PCE-1. We demonstrate that rax regulates expression of the transgene through the PCE-1 site found in UCE1. Therefore, rax transcription in the CMZ is controlled, in part, by autoregulatory mechanisms.

Retrograde intraciliary trafficking of opsin during the maintenance of cone-shaped photoreceptor outer segments of Xenopus laevis

Photoreceptor outer segments (OSs) are essential for our visual perception, and take either rod or cone forms. The cell biological basis for the formation of rods is well established; however, the mechanism of cone formation is ill characterized. While Xenopus rods are called rods, they exhibit cone-shaped OSs during the early process of development. To visualize the dynamic reorganization of disk membranes, opsin and peripherin/rds were fused to a fluorescent protein, Dendra2, and expressed in early developing rod photoreceptors, in which OSs are still cone-shaped. Dendra2 is a fluorescent protein which can be converted from green to red irreversibly, and thus allows spatiotemporal labeling of proteins. Using a photoconversion technique, we found that disk membranes are assembled at the base of cone-shaped OSs. After incorporation into disks, however, Opsin-Dendra2 was also trafficked from old to new disk membranes, consistent with the hypothesis that retrograde trafficking of membrane components contributes to the larger disk membrane observed toward the base of the cone-shaped OS. Such retrograde trafficking is cargo-specific and was not observed for peripherin/rds-Dendra2. The trafficking is unlikely mediated by diffusion, since the disk membranes have a closed configuration, as evidenced by CNGA1 labeling of the plasma membrane. Consistent with retrograde trafficking, the axoneme, which potentially mediates retrograde intraflagellar trafficking, runs through the entire axis of OSs. This study provides an insight into the role of membrane reorganization in developing photoreceptor OSs, and proves that retrograde trafficking of membrane cargoes can occur there.

An inducible expression system to measure rhodopsin transport in transgenic Xenopus rod outer segments

We developed an inducible transgene expression system in Xenopus rod photoreceptors. Using a transgene containing mCherry fused to the carboxyl terminus of rhodopsin (Rho-mCherry), we characterized the displacement of rhodopsin (Rho) from the base to the tip of rod outer segment (OS) membranes. Quantitative confocal imaging of live rods showed very tight regulation of Rho-mCherry expression, with undetectable expression in the absence of dexamethasone (Dex) and an average of 16.5 µM of Rho-mCherry peak concentration after induction for several days (equivalent to >150-fold increase). Using repetitive inductions, we found the axial rate of disk displacement to be 1.0 µm/day for tadpoles at 20 °C in a 12 h dark /12 h light lighting cycle. The average distance to peak following Dex addition was 3.2 µm, which is equivalent to ~3 days. Rods treated for longer times showed more variable expression patterns, with most showing a reduction in Rho-mCherry concentration after 3 days. Using a simple model, we find that stochastic variation in transgene expression can account for the shape of the induction response.

Signals governing the trafficking and mistrafficking of a ciliary GPCR, rhodopsin

Rhodopsin is a cilia-specific GPCR essential for vision. Rhodopsin mislocalization is associated with blinding diseases called retinal ciliopathies. The mechanism by which rhodopsin mislocalizes in rod photoreceptor neurons is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the roles of trafficking signals in rhodopsin mislocalization. Rhodopsin and its truncation mutants were fused to a photoconvertible fluorescent protein, Dendra2, and expressed in Xenopus laevis rod photoreceptors. Photoconversion of Dendra2 causes a color change from green to red, enabling visualization of the dynamic events associated with rhodopsin trafficking and renewal. We found that rhodopsin mislocalization is a facilitated process for which a signal located within 322-326 aa (CCGKN) is essential. An additional signal within 327-336 aa further facilitated the mislocalization. This collective mistrafficking signal confers toxicity to rhodopsin and causes mislocalization when the VXPX cilia-targeting motif is absent. We also determined that the VXPX motif neutralizes this mistrafficking signal, enhances ciliary targeting at least 10-fold, and accelerates trafficking of post-Golgi vesicular structures. In the absence of the VXPX motif, mislocalized rhodopsin is actively cleared through secretion of vesicles into the extracellular milieu. Therefore, this study unveiled the multiple roles of trafficking signals in rhodopsin localization and renewal.

Cell type-specific translational profiling in the Xenopus laevis retina

BACKGROUND

Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP), a method recently developed to generate cell type-specific translational profiles, relies on creating transgenic lines of animals in which a tagged ribosomal protein is placed under regulatory control of a cell type-specific promoter. An antibody is then used to affinity purify the tagged ribosomes so that cell type-specific mRNAs can be isolated from whole tissue lysates.

RESULTS

Here, cell type-specific transgenic lines were generated to enable TRAP studies for retinal ganglion cells and rod photoreceptors in the Xenopus laevis retina. Using real time quantitative PCR for assessing expression levels of cell type-specific mRNAs, the TRAP method was shown to selectively isolate mRNAs expressed in the targeted cell and was efficient at purifying mRNAs expressed at both high and low levels. Statistical measures used to distinguish cell type-specific RNAs from low level background and non-specific RNAs showed TRAP to be highly effective in Xenopus.

CONCLUSIONS

TRAP can be used to purify mRNAs expressed in rod photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells in X. laevis. The generated transgenic lines will enable numerous studies into the development, disease, and injury of the X. laevis retina.

Rhodopsin mutant P23H destabilizes rod photoreceptor disk membranes

Mutations in rhodopsin cause retinitis pigmentosa in humans and retinal degeneration in a multitude of other animals. We utilized high-resolution live imaging of the large rod photoreceptors from transgenic frogs (Xenopus) to compare the properties of fluorescently tagged rhodopsin, Rho-EGFP, and Rho^P23H-EGFP. The mutant was abnormally distributed both in the inner and outer segments (OS), accumulating in the OS to a concentration of ∼0.1% compared to endogenous opsin. Rho^P23H-EGFP formed dense fluorescent foci, with concentrations of mutant protein up to ten times higher than other regions. Wild-type transgenic Rho-EGFP did not concentrate in OS foci when co-expressed in the same rod with Rho^P23H-EGFP. Outer segment regions containing fluorescent foci were refractory to fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, while foci in the inner segment exhibited recovery kinetics similar to OS regions without foci and Rho-EGFP. The Rho^P23H-EGFP foci were often in older, more distal OS disks. Electron micrographs of OS revealed abnormal disk membranes, with the regular disk bilayers broken into vesiculotubular structures. Furthermore, we observed similar OS disturbances in transgenic mice expressing Rho^P23H, suggesting such structures are a general consequence of mutant expression. Together these results show that mutant opsin disrupts OS disks, destabilizing the outer segment possibly via the formation of aggregates. This may render rods susceptible to mechanical injury or compromise OS function, contributing to photoreceptor loss.

Regulation of photoreceptor gene expression by the retinal homeobox (Rx) gene product

The retinal homeobox (Rx) gene product is essential for eye development. However little is known about its molecular function. It has been demonstrated that Rx binds to photoreceptor conserved element (PCE-1), a highly conserved element found in the promoter region of photoreceptor-specific genes such as rhodopsin and red cone opsin. We verify that Rx is co-expressed with rhodopsin and red cone opsin in maturing photoreceptors and demonstrate that Rx binds to the rhodopsin and red cone opsin promoters in vivo. We also find that Rx can cooperate with the Xenopus analogs of Crx and Nrl, otx5b and XLMaf (respectively), to activate a Xenopus opsin promoter-dependent reporter. Finally, we demonstrate that reduction of Rx expression in tadpoles results in decreases in expression of several PCE-1 containing photoreceptor genes, abnormal photoreceptor morphology, and impaired vision. Our data suggests that Rx, in combination with other transcription factors, is necessary for normal photoreceptor gene expression, maintenance, and function. This establishes a direct role for Rx in regulation of genes expressed in a differentiated cell type.

Regulatory sequences in the 3' untranslated region of the human cGMP-phosphodiesterase beta-subunit gene

PURPOSE

Rod cGMP-phosphodiesterase, a key enzyme in visual transduction, is important for retinal integrity and function. Mutations in the gene encoding the phosphodiesterase beta-subunit (PDEbeta) cause retinal degeneration in animals and humans. Here the authors tested the hypothesis that elements in the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the PDEbeta gene are involved in the regulation of PDEbeta expression.

METHODS

Involvement of the 3' UTR of PDEbeta mRNA in the regulation of PDEbeta expression was assessed by Y-79 retinoblastoma cells or the heads of Xenopus laevis tadpoles with constructs containing the SV40 or PDEbeta promoter, the luciferase cDNA, and either the SV40 or the PDEbeta 3' UTR (or fragments of its sequence).

RESULTS

Compared with the SV40 3' UTR (used as control), the entire PDEbeta 3' UTR decreased reporter gene expression in Y-79 retinoblastoma cells as well as in SY5Y neuroblastoma and 293 human embryonic kidney cell lines. However, the authors observed that two 100-nucleotide fragments from the PDEbeta 3' UTR increased while its noncanonical poly-adenylation signal abolished reporter gene expression in Y-79 retinoblastoma cells and in ex vivo experiments using Xenopus tadpole heads. In particular, an 11-nucleotide element (EURE) in one of the 100-nucleotide fragments was responsible for the upregulation of luciferase expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies indicate that the 3' UTR of the PDEbeta mRNA is involved in the complex regulation of this gene's expression in the retina. Moreover, the results show that the PDEbeta poly-A signal has a dominant inhibitory effect over two other regions in the 3' UTR that stimulate gene expression.

Retinal homeobox 1 is required for retinal neurogenesis and photoreceptor differentiation in embryonic zebrafish

Retinal homeobox (Rx/Rax) genes are essential for the organogenesis of the vertebrate eye. These genes are dynamically expressed in a tissue-specific manner during eye development, suggesting pleiotropic roles. We use a temporally-selective gene knockdown approach to identify endogenous functions for the zebrafish rx genes, rx1 and rx2. Depletion of rx1 over the period of eye organogenesis resulted in severely reduced proliferation of retinal progenitors, the loss of expression of the transcription factor pax6, delayed retinal neurogenesis, and extensive retinal cell death. In contrast, depletion of rx2 over the same developmental time resulted in reduced expression of pax6 in the eye anlage, but only modest effects on retinal cell survival. Knockdown of rx1 specifically during photoreceptor development inhibited the expression of multiple photoreceptor-specific genes, while knockdown of rx2 over this time selectively inhibited the expression of a subset of these genes. Our findings support a function for rx2 in regulating pax6 within the optic primordia, a function for rx1 in maintaining the pluripotent, retinal progenitor cell state during retinal development, as well as selective functions for rx1 and rx2 in regulating photoreceptor differentiation.

The Rx-like homeobox gene (Rx-L) is necessary for normal photoreceptor development

PURPOSE

The retinal homeobox (Rx) gene plays an essential role in retinal development. An Rx-like (Rx-L) gene from Xenopus laevis has been identified. The purpose of this study was to analyze the function of Rx-L in the developing retina.

METHODS

DNA-binding properties of Rx-L were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), with in vitro-translated proteins and radiolabeled oligonucleotide probe. The Rx-L expression pattern was analyzed by in situ hybridization using whole or sectioned embryos and digoxigenin-labeled antisense riboprobes. Rx-L loss of function was studied by using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides targeted to the Rx-L translation initiation site. Embryos injected with control or Rx-L morpholinos were analyzed at stage 41 or 45.

RESULTS

Rx-L shares homology with Rx at the homeo-, OAR, and Rx domains, but lacks an octapeptide motif. Rx-L is expressed in the developing retina beginning in the early tailbud stage. In the maturing retina, Rx-L expression is restricted primarily to the developing photoreceptor layer and the ciliary marginal zone. Rx-L can bind a photoreceptor conserved element-1 (PCE-1) oligonucleotide, an element conserved among all known photoreceptor gene promoters. In a promoter activity assay, Rx-L functions as a stronger transcriptional activator than Rx. Antisense morpholino-mediated knockdown of Rx-L expression resulted in a decrease in rhodopsin and red cone opsin expression levels in Xenopus retinas. Injection of the Rx-L antisense morpholino oligonucleotide also resulted in a decrease in the length of both rod and cone outer segments.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that Rx-L functions to regulate rod and cone development by activating photoreceptor-specific gene expression.

Mislocalized rhodopsin does not require activation to cause retinal degeneration and neurite outgrowth in Xenopus laevis

Mutations in the C terminus of rhodopsin disrupt a rod outer segment localization signal, causing rhodopsin mislocalization and aggressive forms of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Studies of cultured photoreceptors suggest that activated mislocalized rhodopsin can cause cell death via inappropriate G-protein-coupled signaling. To determine whether this pathway occurs in vivo, we developed a transgenic Xenopus laevis model of RP based on the class I rhodopsin mutation Q344Ter (Q350Ter in X. laevis). We used a second mutation, K296R, to block the ability of rhodopsin to bind chromophore and activate transducin. We compared the effects of expression of both mutants on X. laevis retinas alone and in combination. K296R did not significantly alter the cellular distribution of rhodopsin and did not induce retinal degeneration. Q350Ter caused rhodopsin mislocalization and induced an RP-like degeneration, including loss of rods and development of sprouts or neurites in some remaining rods, but did not affect the distribution of endogenous rhodopsin. The double mutant K296R/Q350Ter caused a similar degeneration and neurite outgrowth. In addition, we found no protective effects of dark rearing in these animals. Our results demonstrate that the degenerative effects of mislocalized rhodopsin are not mediated by the activated form of rhodopsin and therefore do not proceed via conventional G-protein-coupled signaling.

Expression of functional G protein-coupled receptors in photoreceptors of transgenic Xenopus laevis

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of transmembrane signaling proteins; however, the only known GPCR crystal structure is that of rhodopsin. This disparity reflects the difficulty in generating purified GPCR samples of sufficient quantity and quality. Rhodopsin, the light receptor of retinal rod neurons, is produced in large amounts of homogeneous quality in the vertebrate retina. We used transgenic Xenopus laevis to convert these retina rod cells into bioreactors to successfully produce 20 model GPCRs. The receptors accumulated in rod outer segments and were homogeneously glycosylated. Ligand and [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assays of the 5HT(1A) and EDG(1) GPCRs confirmed that they were properly folded and functional. 5HT(1A)R was highly purified by taking advantage of the rhodopsin C-terminal immunoaffinity tag common to all GPCR constructs. We have also developed an automated system that can generate hundreds of transgenic tadpoles per day. This expression approach could be extended to other animal model systems and become a general method for the production of large numbers of GPCRs and other membrane proteins for pharmacological and structural studies.

Cone survival despite rod degeneration in XOPS-mCFP transgenic zebrafish

PURPOSE

In animal models of retinitis pigmentosa, rod photoreceptor degeneration eventually leads to loss of cone photoreceptors. The purpose of this study was to characterize a transgenic model of rod degeneration in zebrafish.

METHODS

Zebrafish transgenic for XOPS-mCFP, a membrane-targeted form of cyan fluorescent protein driven by the Xenopus rhodopsin promoter, were generated by plasmid injection. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect cell type, proliferation, and TUNEL markers in larval and adult retinas. Rod- and cone-specific transcripts were detected by RT-PCR. Visual responses in transgenic adults were measured by electroretinogram.

RESULTS

The XOPS promoter directed specific expression of mCFP in rods by 55 hours post fertilization (hpf). Rods in XOPS-mCFP heterozygotes began dying at 3.5 days post fertilization (dpf) and were almost completely absent by 5 dpf. A few rods were observed at the retinal margin, and numerous immature rods were observed in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of transgenic adults. Apoptosis was increased in the ONL of larval and adult transgenic animals, and an elevation of rod precursor proliferation in adults was observed. ERG analysis confirmed that rod responses were absent in this line. Cone morphology and electrophysiology appeared normal in transgenic animals up to 7 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The XOPS-mCFP transgene causes selective degeneration of rods without secondary loss of cones in animals up to 7 months of age. This raises important questions about the significance of rod-cone interactions in zebrafish and their potential as a model of human inherited retinal degenerations.

Early expression of thyroid hormone receptor beta and retinoid X receptor gamma in the Xenopus embryo

The role of thyroid hormone in Xenopus metamorphosis is particularly well understood as it plays an essential role in that process. However, recent evidence suggests that thyroid hormone may play an earlier role in amphibian embryogenesis. We demonstrate that Xenopus thyroid hormone receptor beta (XTR beta) is expressed shortly after neural fold closure, and that its expression is localized to the developing retina. Retinoid X receptor gamma (RXR gamma), a potential dimerization partner for XTR beta, was also found to be expressed in the retina at early stages, and at later stages RXR gamma was also expressed in the liver diverticulum. Addition of either thyroid hormone or 9-cis retinoic acid, the ligands for XTR beta and RXR gamma, respectively, did not alter the expression of their receptors. However, the addition of thyroid hormone and 9-cis retinoic acid did alter rhodopsin mRNA expression. Addition of thyroid hormone generates a small expansion of the rhodopsin expression domain. When 9-cis retinoic acid or a combination of thyroid hormone and 9-cis retinoic acid was administered, there was a decrease in the expression domain of rhodopsin in the developing retina. These results provide evidence for an early role for XTR beta and RXR gamma in the developing Xenopus retina.

Short upstream region drives dynamic expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha during Xenopus development

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) plays a central role in regulating oxygen-dependent gene expression and is involved in a range of pathways implicated in cellular survival, proliferation, and development. While the posttranslational regulation of HIF-1alpha is well characterized, the relative importance of its control at the transcriptional level during development remains less clear. Although the mouse and human promoter regions have been analyzed in vitro, to date, there has been no in vivo analysis of any vertebrate HIF-1alpha promoter. To investigate the transcriptional regulation of HIF-1alpha during development of the amphibian Xenopus laevis, we have described the gene's expression pattern and isolated the xHIF-1alpha upstream regulatory regions. We show xHIF-1alpha mRNA to be constitutively expressed at low levels throughout embryogenesis, but with significant up-regulation during gastrula stages, and subsequently, in specific regions of the central nervous system and axial tissues. Our functional analysis using a series of truncated xHIF-1alpha promoter constructs demonstrates that a 173-bp region of the proximal promoter, which is 100% conserved among five allelic variants, is sufficient to drive correct expression in transgenic embryos. Although these results are corroborated by a parallel set of in vitro transfection experiments in a Xenopus cell line, some key differences suggest the importance of using transgenic methods in conjunction with in vitro assays.

Conserved transcriptional activators of the Xenopus rhodopsin gene

Vertebrate rhodopsin promoters exhibit striking sequence identities proximal to the initiation site, suggesting that conserved transcription factors regulate rhodopsin expression in these animals. We identify and characterize two transcriptional activators of the Xenopus rhodopsin gene: homologs of the mammalian Crx and Nrl transcription factors, XOtx5 and XL-Nrl (originally named XL-maf), respectively. XOtx5 stimulated transcription approximately 10-fold in human 293 cells co-transfected with a plasmid containing the rhodopsin promoter (-508 to +41) upstream of luciferase, similar to the approximately 6-fold stimulation with human Crx. XL-Nrl stimulated transcription approximately 27-fold in mammalian 293 cells co-transfected with the rhodopsin luciferase reporter, slightly more than the approximately 17-fold stimulation with Nrl. Together, the Xenopus transcription factors synergistically activated the rhodopsin promoter (approximately 140-fold), as well as in combination with mammalian homologs. Deletion of the Nrl-response element, TGCTGA, eliminated the synergistic activation by both mammalian and Xenopus transcription factors. Deletion of the conserved ATTA sequences (Ret-1 or BAT-1), binding sites for Crx, did not significantly decrease activation by Crx/XOtx5. However, there was increased activation by Nrl/XL-Nrl and an increased synergy when the Ret-1 site was disrupted. These results illustrate conservation of mechanisms of retinal gene expression among vertebrates. In transgenic tadpoles, XOtx5 and XL-Nrl directed premature and ectopic expression from the Xenopus rhodopsin promoter-GFP transgene. Furthermore, activation of the endogenous rhodopsin gene was also observed in some animals, showing that XOtx5 and XL-Nrl can activate the promoter in native chromatin environment.

A gateway cloning vector set for high-throughput functional analysis of genes in planta

The current challenge, now that two plant genomes have been sequenced, is to assign a function to the increasing number of predicted genes. In Arabidopsis, approximately 55% of genes can be assigned a putative function, however, less than 8% of these have been assigned a function by direct experimental evidence. To identify these functions, many genes will have to undergo comprehensive analyses, which will include the production of chimeric transgenes for constitutive or inducible ectopic expression, for antisense or dominant negative expression, for subcellular localization studies, for promoter analysis, and for gene complementation studies. The production of such transgenes is often hampered by laborious conventional cloning technology that relies on restriction digestion and ligation. With the aim of providing tools for high throughput gene analysis, we have produced a Gateway-compatible Agrobacterium sp. binary vector system that facilitates fast and reliable DNA cloning. This collection of vectors is freely available, for noncommercial purposes, and can be used for the ectopic expression of genes either constitutively or inducibly. The vectors can be used for the expression of protein fusions to the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein and to the beta-glucuronidase protein so that the subcellular localization of a protein can be identified. They can also be used to generate promoter-reporter constructs and to facilitate efficient cloning of genomic DNA fragments for complementation experiments. All vectors were derived from pCambia T-DNA cloning vectors, with the exception of a chemically inducible vector, for Agrobacterium sp.-mediated transformation of a wide range of plant species.

Opsin activation as a cause of congenital night blindness

Three different mutations of rhodopsin are known to cause autosomal dominant congenital night blindness in humans. Although the mutations have been studied for 10 years, the molecular mechanism of the disease is still a subject of controversy. We show here, using a transgenic Xenopus laevis model, that the photoreceptor cell desensitization that is a hallmark of the disease results from persistent signaling by constitutively active mutant opsins.

An improved rhodopsin/EGFP fusion protein for use in the generation of transgenic Xenopus laevis

Previous studies by Papermaster and coworkers introduced the use of rhodopsin-green fluorescent protein (rho-GFP) fusion proteins in the construction of transgenic Xenopus laevis with retinal rod photoreceptor cell-specific transgene expression [Moritz et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276 (2001) 28242-28251]. These pioneering studies have helped to develop the Xenopus system not only for use in the investigation of rhodopsin biosynthesis and targeting, but for studies of the phototransduction cascade as well. However, the rho-GFP fusion protein used in the earlier work had only 50% of the specific activity of wild-type rhodopsin for activation of transducin and only 10% of the activity of wild-type in rhodopsin kinase assays. While not a problem for the biosynthesis studies, this does present a problem for investigation of the phototransduction cascade. We report here an improved rhodopsin/EGFP fusion protein in which placement of the EGFP domain at the C-terminus of rhodopsin results in wild-type activity for activation of transducin, wild-type ability to serve as a substrate for rhodopsin kinase, and wild-type localization of the protein to the rod photoreceptor cell outer segment in transgenic X. laevis.

Transgenic approaches to retinal development and function in Xenopus laevis

The African clawed frog Xenopus laevis has long been used to study the development and function of the vertebrate retina. An efficient technique for generating transgenic Xenopus embryos, the REMI procedure, has enabled the stable overexpression of transgenes in developing and mature X. laevis. In the retina, transgenes driven by retinal-specific promoters have been used to study protein trafficking, circadian rhythms, and retinal degeneration. The REMI technique is surprisingly simple, consisting of integration of plasmid DNA into permeabilized sperm nuclei, followed by transplantation of these nuclei into unfertilized eggs. Here, we describe the reagents and steps necessary for generation of transgenic embryos using the REMI reaction and discuss its applications for the study of retinal development.

Xenopus laevis red cone opsin and Prph2 promoters allow transgene expression in amphibian cones, or both rods and cones

We have cloned the promoter regions of two Xenopus laevis genes, Prph2 (also called RDS) and red cone opsin (RCO) using a polymerase chain reaction-based gene-walking method. The proteins coded by these genes are expressed exclusively in retinal photoreceptors. Although these promoter sequences are evolutionarily distant from previously described homologues, potentially informative similarities were noted that suggest conserved binding sites of the transcription factors Crx and Rx. The promoters were tested for function in transgenic X. laevis. RCO-driven expression was restricted to cones and pinealocytes, while the Prph2 promoter drove expression of a reporter green fluorescent protein transgene in both rod and cone photoreceptors, as well as low levels of expression in muscle tissue. This is the first description of transgene expression driven by a Prph2 promoter homologue from any species. In combination with the previously reported X. laevis opsin and arrestin promoters, these sequences will facilitate the development and analysis of X. laevis models of inherited retinal degeneration.

Selection of transgenic Xenopus laevis using antibiotic resistance

We previously established lines of transgenic Xenopus laevis expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) or GFP fusion proteins in the rod photoreceptors of their retinas under control of the X. laevis opsin promoter, which permits easy identification of transgenic animals by fluorescence microscopy. However, GFP tags can alter the properties of fusion partners, and in many circumstances a second selectable marker would be useful. The transgene constructs we used also encode a gene that confers resistance to the antibiotic G418 in cultured mammalian cells. In this study, we show that F2 transgenic offspring of these animals are more resistant to G418 toxicity than their non-transgenic siblings, as are primary transgenic X. laevis. G418 resistance can be used as a selectable marker in transgenic X. laevis, and possibly other aquatic transgenic animals.

Xenopus rhodopsin promoter. Identification of immediate upstream sequences necessary for high level, rod-specific transcription

To understand the mechanisms that control the cell-specific visual pigment gene transcription, the Xenopus rhodopsin 5' regulatory region has been characterized in vivo using transient transfection of Xenopus embryos and transgenesis. The principal control sequences were located within -233/+41, a region with significant conservation with mammalian rhodopsin genes. DNase footprinting indicated seven distinct regions that contain potential cis-acting elements. Sequences near the initiation site (-45/+41, basal region) were essential, but not sufficient, for rod-specific transcription. Two negative regulatory regions were found, one between -233 to -202, with no apparent similarity to known elements, and a second Ret-1-like CAAT (-136/-122) motif. Deletion of either sequence led to a 2-3-fold increase in expression levels, without a change in rod specificity. Sequences between -170 to -146, which contain an E-box motif, were necessary for high level expression in transgenic tadpoles but not in transient transfections. Sequences between -84 and -58, which contained an NRE-like consensus were found to be necessary for high level expression in both assays. Although expression levels were modulated by various proximal sequences in the rhodopsin promoter, none of the tested sequences were found to be necessary for rod specificity. Promoter constructs with a consensus BAT-1 sequence in conjunction with an NRE-like element upstream of the basal promoter directed low level green fluorescent protein expression in the central nervous system in transgenic tadpoles. These results suggest that rod cell-specific expression of rhodopsin is controlled by redundant elements in the proximal promoter.

Nrl and Sp nuclear proteins mediate transcription of rod-specific cGMP-phosphodiesterase beta-subunit gene: involvement of multiple response elements

cGMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) is the key effector in rod photoreceptor signal transduction. Mutations in the gene encoding its catalytic beta-subunit (beta-PDE) cause retinal degenerations leading to blindness. We report that the short -93 to +53 sequence in the upstream region of this gene is sufficient for beta-PDE transcription in both Y79 human retinoblastoma cells and Xenopus embryo heads maintained ex vivo. This sequence also functions as a minimal rod-specific promoter in transgenic Xenopus tadpoles. The Nrl transcription factor binds in vitro to the betaAp1/NRE regulatory element located within this region and transactivates it when overexpressed in nonretinal 293 embryonic kidney cells. We also found a G/C-rich activator element, beta/GC, important for promoter activity in Y79 retinoblastoma cells and Xenopus embryos. Both the ubiquitous Sp1 and the central nervous system-specific Sp4 transcription factors are expressed in retina and interact with this element in vitro. Electrophoretic mobilities of beta/GC-Y79 nuclear protein complexes are altered by antibodies against Sp1 and Sp4. Thus, our results implicate Nrl, Sp1, and Sp4 in transcriptional regulation of the rod-specific minimal beta-PDE promoter. We also conclude that Xenopus laevis is an efficient system for analyzing the human beta-PDE promoter and may be used to study other human retinal genes ex vivo and in vivo.

Mutant rab8 Impairs docking and fusion of rhodopsin-bearing post-Golgi membranes and causes cell death of transgenic Xenopus rods

Rab8 is a GTPase involved in membrane trafficking. In photoreceptor cells, rab8 is proposed to participate in the late stages of delivery of rhodopsin-containing post-Golgi membranes to the plasma membrane near the base of the connecting cilium. To test the function of rab8 in vivo, we generated transgenic Xenopus laevis expressing wild-type, constitutively active (Q67L), and dominant negative (T22N) forms of canine rab8 in their rod photoreceptors as green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins. Wild-type and constitutively active GFP-rab8 proteins were primarily associated with Golgi and post-Golgi membranes, whereas the dominant negative protein was primarily cytoplasmic. Expression of wild-type GFP-rab8 had minimal effects on cell survival and intracellular structures. In contrast, GFP-rab8T22N caused rapid retinal degeneration. In surviving peripheral rods, tubulo-vesicular structures accumulated at the base of the connecting cilium. Expression of GFP-rab8Q67L induced a slower retinal degeneration in some tadpoles. Transgene effects were transmitted to F1 offspring. Expression of the GFP-rab8 fusion proteins appears to decrease the levels of endogenous rab8 protein. Our results demonstrate a role for rab8 in docking of post-Golgi membranes in rods, and constitute the first report of a transgenic X. laevis model of retinal degenerative disease.

A functional rhodopsin-green fluorescent protein fusion protein localizes correctly in transgenic Xenopus laevis retinal rods and is expressed in a time-dependent pattern

To study rhodopsin biosynthesis and transport in vivo, we engineered a fusion protein (rho-GFP) of bovine rhodopsin (rho) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). rho-GFP expressed in COS-1 cells bound 11-cis retinal, generating a pigment with spectral properties of rhodopsin (A(max) at 500 nm) and GFP (A(max) at 488 nm). rho-GFP activated transducin at 50% of the wild-type activity, whereas phosphorylation of rho-GFP by rhodopsin kinase was 10% of wild-type levels. We expressed rho-GFP in the rod photoreceptors of Xenopus laevis using the X. laevis principal opsin promoter. Like rhodopsin, rho-GFP localized to rod outer segments, indicating that rho-GFP was recognized by membrane transport mechanisms. In contrast, a rho-GFP variant lacking the C-terminal outer segment localization signal distributed to both outer and inner segment membranes. Confocal microscopy of transgenic retinas revealed that transgene expression levels varied between cells, an effect that is probably analogous to position-effect variegation. Furthermore, rho-GFP concentrations varied along the length of individual rods, indicating that expression levels varied within single cells on a daily or hourly basis. These results have implications for transgenic models of retinal degeneration and mechanisms of position-effect variegation and demonstrate the utility of rho-GFP as a probe for rhodopsin transport and temporal regulation of promoter function.

A novel promoter element, photoreceptor conserved element II, directs photoreceptor-specific expression of nocturnin in Xenopus laevis

Nocturnin is a vertebrate circadian clock-regulated gene, and in Xenopus laevis its mRNA is specifically expressed in retinal photoreceptor cells. We have investigated the transcriptional regulatory mechanism that drives this precise spatial expression pattern of the nocturnin gene. A deletion series of the nocturnin 5'-flanking sequence driving the green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter was used to generate transgenic Xenopus tadpoles. We found that a construct containing 2.6 kilobase pairs of 5'-flanking sequence targeted high level GFP reporter expression specifically to photoreceptor cells, in a pattern identical to endogenous nocturnin. This photoreceptor-specific expression pattern was maintained with several further deletions of 5'-upstream sequence, including a short 59-base pair fragment. Within this region of 59 base pairs, three perfect repeats of a novel protein binding site were identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Competitions using varying oligonucleotide sequences demonstrated that the sequence required for protein binding is CAGACAGGCTATA, designated photoreceptor-conserved element II (PCE II). The protein complex that binds to this element is enriched in retinal extracts, and mutations of PCE II which fail to bind the protein complex also fail to direct GFP reporter expression to photoreceptors. These results indicate that the PCE II in the proximal promoter of the nocturnin gene is sufficient for driving the photoreceptor-specific expression of nocturnin.

Identification of an outer segment targeting signal in the COOH terminus of rhodopsin using transgenic Xenopus laevis

Mislocalization of the photopigment rhodopsin may be involved in the pathology of certain inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Here, we have elucidated rhodopsin's targeting signal which is responsible for its polarized distribution to the rod outer segment (ROS). Various green fluorescent protein (GFP)/rhodopsin COOH-terminal fusion proteins were expressed specifically in the major red rod photoreceptors of transgenic Xenopus laevis under the control of the Xenopus opsin promoter. The fusion proteins were targeted to membranes via lipid modifications (palmitoylation and myristoylation) as opposed to membrane spanning domains. Membrane association was found to be necessary but not sufficient for efficient ROS localization. A GFP fusion protein containing only the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal 44 amino acids of Xenopus rhodopsin localized exclusively to ROS membranes. Chimeras between rhodopsin and alpha adrenergic receptor COOH-terminal sequences further refined rhodopsin's ROS localization signal to its distal eight amino acids. Mutations/deletions of this region resulted in partial delocalization of the fusion proteins to rod inner segment (RIS) membranes. The targeting and transport of endogenous wild-type rhodopsin was unaffected by the presence of mislocalized GFP fusion proteins.

A simple method for classifying genes and a bootstrap test for classifications

A new simple method for classifying genes is proposed based on Klastorin's method. This method classifies genes into monophyletic groups which are made distinct from each other by evolutionary changes. The method is applicable as long as the phylogenetic tree of genes is obtained. There is a fast algorithm for obtaining the classification. A bootstrap test of a classification is also presented. As an example, we classified opsin genes. The classification obtained by this method is the same as the previous classification based on the function of opsins.

Structure, biological activity of the upstream regulatory sequence, and conserved domains of a middle molecular mass neurofilament gene of Xenopus laevis

During development, the molecular compositions of neurofilaments (NFs) undergo progressive modifications that correlate with successive stages of axonal outgrowth. Because NFs are the most abundant component of the axonal cytoskeleton, understanding how these modifications are regulated is essential for knowing how axons control their structural properties during growth. In vertebrates ranging from lamprey to mammal, orthologs of the middle molecular mass NF protein (NF-M) share similar patterns of expression during axonal outgrowth, which suggests that these NF-M genes may share conserved regulatory elements. These elements might be identified by comparing the sequences and activities of regulatory domains among the vertebrate NF-M genes. The frog, Xenopus laevis, is a good choice for such studies, because its early neural development can be observed readily and because transgenic embryos can be made easily. To begin such studies, we isolated genomic clones of Xenopus NF-M(2), tested the activity of its upstream regulatory sequence (URS) in transgenic embryos, and then compared sequences of regulatory regions among vertebrate NF-M genes to search for conserved elements. Studies with reporter genes in transgenic embryos found that the 1. 5 kb URS lacked the elements sufficient for neuron-specific gene expression but identified conserved regions with basal regulatory activity. These studies further demonstrated that the NF-M 1.5 kb URS was highly susceptible to positional effects, a property that may be relevant to the highly variant, tissue-specific expression that is seen among members of the intermediate filament gene family. Non-coding regions of vertebrate NF-M genes contained several conserved elements. The region of highest conservation fell within the 3' untranslated region, a region that has been shown to regulate expression of another NF gene, NF-L. Transgenic Xenopus may thus prove useful for testing further the activity of conserved elements during axonal development and regeneration.

Symphony of rhythms in the Xenopus laevis retina

The photoreceptor layer in the retina of Xenopus laevis harbors a circadian clock. Many molecular components known to drive the molecular clock in other organisms have been identified in Xenopus, such as XClock, Xper2, and Xcrys, demonstrating phylogenetic conservation. This model system displays a wide array of rhythms, including melatonin release, ERG rhythms, and retinomotor movements, suggesting that the ocular clock is important for proper retinal function. A flow-through culture system allows measurements of retinal rhythms such as melatonin release in vitro over time from a single eyecup. This system is suited for pharmacological perturbations of the clock, and has led to important observations regarding the circadian control of melatonin release, the roles of light and dopamine as entraining agents, and the circadian mechanisms regulating retinomotor movements. The development of a transgenic technique in Xenopus allows precise and reliable molecular perturbations. Since it is possible to follow rhythms in eyecups obtained from adults or tadpoles, the combination of the flow-through culture system and the transgenic technique leads to the fast generation of transgenic tadpoles to monitor the effects of molecular perturbations on the clock.

Molecular evolution of vertebrate visual pigments

Dramatic improvement of our understanding of the genetic basis of vision was brought by the molecular characterization of the bovine rhodopsin gene and the human rhodopsin and color opsin genes (Nathans and Hogness, 1983; Nathans et al., 1984, 1986a,b). The availability of cDNA clones from these studies has facilitated the isolation of retinal and nonretinal opsin genes and cDNA clones from a large variety of species. Today, the number of genomic and cDNA clones of opsin genes isolated from different vertebrate species exceeds 100 and is increasing rapidly. The opsin gene sequences reveal the importance of the origin and differentiation of various opsins and visual pigments. To understand the molecular genetic basis of spectral tuning of visual pigments, it is essential to establish correlations between a series of the sequences of visual pigments and their lambda(max) values. The potentially important amino acid changes identified in this way have to be tested whether they are in fact responsible for the lambda(max)-shifts using site-directed mutagenesis and cultured cells. A major goal of molecular evolutionary genetics is to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in functional adaptations of organisms to different environments, including the mechanisms of the regulation of the spectral absorption. Therefore, both molecular evolutionary analyses of visual pigments and vision science have an important common goal.

Molecular cloning of fresh water and deep-sea rod opsin genes from Japanese eel Anguilla japonica and expressional analyses during sexual maturation

We have determined the complete cDNA sequences of fresh water rod opsin gene (fwo) and deep-sea rod opsin gene (dso) from Japanese eel Anguilla japonica. The cDNA clones of fwo and dso consisted of 1437 and 1497 nucleotides, respectively. The predicted opsins of both genes consisted of 352 amino acid residues. Southern blot and PCR analyses of genomic DNA indicated that the Japanese eel genome contains only one fwo and one dso and they are intronless. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression of fwo decreases with sexual maturation while that of dso increases.

Structural characterization and transcriptional pattern of two types of carp rhodopsin gene

This work characterizes the genomic structures of two types of carp (Cyprinus carpio) rhodopsin (cRh) gene, i.e. type I (cRh-I) and type II (cRh-II). Two types of cRh gene share only 45.6% polynucleotide identity in the upstream region from nucleotide -3436 to +97. However, three conserved regions are found. Homologies to the consensus recognition sites for transcription factors, Crx and Nrl, which are involved in photoreceptor-specific expression, are also observed in cRh genes. With specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers, the two types of cRh gene can be clearly discriminated from each carp genome. Most carps exhibit both types of cRh gene, however, there are still carps possessing either cRh-I or cRh-II. Both cRh-I and cRh-II mRNAs are expressed at an approximately equal level in both eyes extracted from a carp carrying both types of cRh gene.

Immediate upstream sequence of arrestin directs rod-specific expression in Xenopus

Arrestins are a family of proteins that modulate G protein-coupled receptor responses with distinct arrestin genes expressed in rods and cones. To understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling rod-specific expression, the abundant Xenopus rod arrestin cDNA and a partial genomic clone, containing the immediate upstream region and amino terminus of the polypeptide, have been characterized. The deduced polypeptide has approximately 69% identity to other vertebrate rod arrestins. Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction of intronic sequences demonstrated multiple alleles for rod arrestin. DNase I footprinting with retinal proteins revealed four major DNA binding sites in the proximal promoter, coinciding with consensus sequences reported in mammalian promoters. Purified bovine Crx homeodomain and mouse Nrl proteins protected a number of these sites. A dual approach of transient embryo transfections and transgenesis was used to locate transcriptional control sequences essential for rod-specific expression in Xenopus. Constructs containing -1287/+113 of 5' upstream sequence with or without intron 1 directed high level expression, specifically in rods. A construct containing only -287/+113 directed expression of green fluorescent protein solely in rod cells. These results suggest that the Crx and Nrl binding sites in the proximal promoter are the primary cis-acting sequences regulating arrestin gene expression in rods.

Light-dependent activation of rod transducin by pineal opsin

The pineal gland expresses a unique member of the opsin family (P-opsin; Max, M., McKinnon, P. J., Seidenman, K. J., Barrett, R. K., Applebury, M. L., Takahashi, J. S., and Margolskee, R. F. (1995) Science 267, 1502-1506) that may play a role in circadian entrainment and photo-regulation of melatonin synthesis. To study the function of this protein, an epitope-tagged P-opsin was stably expressed in an embryonic chicken pineal cell line. When incubated with 11-cis-retinal, a light-sensitive pigment was formed with a lambdamax at 462 +/- 2 nm. P-opsin bleached slowly in the dark (t1/2 = 2 h) in the presence of 50 mM hydroxylamine. Purified P-opsin in dodecyl maltoside activated rod transducin in a light-dependent manner, catalyzing the exchange of more than 300 mol of GTPgammaS (guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate))/mol of P-opsin. The initial rate for activation (75 mol of GTPgammaS bound/mol of P-opsin/min at 7 microM) increased with increasing concentrations of transducin. The addition of egg phosphatidylcholine to P-opsin had little effect on the activation kinetics; however, the intrinsic rate of decay in the absence of transducin was accelerated. These results demonstrate that P-opsin is an efficient catalyst for activation of rod transducin and suggest that the pineal gland may contain a rodlike phototransduction cascade.

Cloning and expression of a Xenopus short wavelength cone pigment

The short wavelength visual pigment from Xenopus responsible for vision in the blue/violet portion of the spectrum was characterized by sequence spectroscopic analysis. The amino acid sequence was deduced by sequencing clones isolated by reverse transcription PCR, from retinal cDNA and genomic libraries. The gene contains 5 exons spanning 8.4 kb of genomic DNA and produces an mRNA of 2.4 kb in length. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts a protein of 347 amino acids with 76-78% identity to other short wavelength opsins. The mRNA encoding the Xenopus violet pigment was detected using in situ hybridization in cones, comprising a few percent of the total photoreceptors in the adult retina. The Xenopus violet opsin cDNA, modified to contain an epitope from the carboxyl terminus of bovine rhodopsin, was expressed in COS1 cells by transient transfection and analysed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The protein expressed in COS1 cells migrated at 34 kD and was glycosylated at a single site in the amino terminus, exhibiting a diffuse pattern on SDS PAGE similar to bovine rhodopsin expressed in COS1 cells. Following incubation with 11-cis retinal, a light-sensitive pigment was formed with the lambdamax=425+/-2 nm. A Schiff base linkage between retinal and the violet opsin was demonstrated by acid denaturation. Xenopus violet opsin was sensitive to hydroxylamine in the dark, reacting with a half-time of 5 min at room temperature. This is the first group S pigment for amphibians. The pigment was expressed and purified from COS1 cells in a form that has permitted for the first time determination of the extinction coefficient, reactivity to hydroxylamine and presence of a Schiff base.