Emetine resistance of Chinese hamster cells: structures of wild-type and mutant ribosomal protein S14 mRNAs

GM-CSF and IL-33 Orchestrate Polynucleation and Polyploidy of Resident Murine Alveolar Macrophages in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is a chronical pulmonary disease with high prevalence. It manifests as a maladaptive immune response to common airborne allergens and is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, type 2 cytokine-associated inflammation, and mucus overproduction. Alveolar macrophages (AMs), although contributing to lung homeostasis and tolerance to allergens at steady state, have attracted less attention compared to professional antigen-presenting and adaptive immune cells in their contributions. Using an acute model of house dust mite-driven allergic asthma in mice, we showed that a fraction of resident tissue-associated AMs, while polarizing to the alternatively activated M2 phenotype, exhibited signs of polynucleation and polyploidy. Mechanistically, in vitro assays showed that only Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor and interleukins IL-13 and IL-33, but not IL-4 or IL-5, participate in the establishment of this phenotype, which resulted from division defects and not cell-cell fusion as shown by microscopy. Intriguingly, mRNA analysis of AMs isolated from allergic asthmatic lungs failed to show changes in the expression of genes involved in DNA damage control except for MafB. Altogether, our data support the idea that upon allergic inflammation, AMs undergo DNA damage-induced stresses, which may provide new unconventional therapeutical approaches to treat allergic asthma.

The Trans Golgi Region is a Labile Intracellular Ca2+ Store Sensitive to Emetine

The Golgi apparatus (GA) is a bona fide Ca²⁺ store; however, there is a lack of GA-specific Ca²⁺ mobilizing agents. Here, we report that emetine specifically releases Ca²⁺ from GA in HeLa and HL-1 atrial myocytes. Additionally, it has become evident that the trans-Golgi is a labile Ca²⁺ store that requires a continuous source of Ca²⁺ from either the external milieu or from the ER, to enable it to produce a detectable transient increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺. Our data indicates that the emetine-sensitive Ca²⁺ mobilizing mechanism is different from the two classical Ca²⁺ release mechanisms, i.e. IP₃ and ryanodine receptors. This newly discovered ability of emetine to release Ca²⁺ from the GA may explain why chronic consumption of ipecac syrup has muscle side effects.

Amicoumacin A induces cancer cell death by targeting the eukaryotic ribosome

Amicoumacin A is an antibiotic that was recently shown to target bacterial ribosomes. It affects translocation and provides an additional contact interface between the ribosomal RNA and mRNA. The binding site of amicoumacin A is formed by universally conserved nucleotides of rRNA. In this work, we showed that amicoumacin A inhibits translation in yeast and mammalian systems by affecting translation elongation. We determined the structure of the amicoumacin A complex with yeast ribosomes at a resolution of 3.1  Å. Toxicity measurement demonstrated that human cancer cell lines are more susceptible to the inhibition by this compound as compared to non-cancerous ones. This might be used as a starting point to develop amicoumacin A derivatives with clinical value.

Molecular mechanisms underlying formation of long-term reward memories and extinction memories in the honeybee (Apis mellifera)

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) has long served as an invertebrate model organism for reward learning and memory research. Its capacity for learning and memory formation is rooted in the ecological need to efficiently collect nectar and pollen during summer to ensure survival of the hive during winter. Foraging bees learn to associate a flower's characteristic features with a reward in a way that resembles olfactory appetitive classical conditioning, a learning paradigm that is used to study mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation in the honeybee. Due to a plethora of studies on appetitive classical conditioning and phenomena related to it, the honeybee is one of the best characterized invertebrate model organisms from a learning psychological point of view. Moreover, classical conditioning and associated behavioral phenomena are surprisingly similar in honeybees and vertebrates, suggesting a convergence of underlying neuronal processes, including the molecular mechanisms that contribute to them. Here I review current thinking on the molecular mechanisms underlying long-term memory (LTM) formation in honeybees following classical conditioning and extinction, demonstrating that an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms of classical conditioning in honeybees might add to our understanding of associative learning in honeybees and vertebrates.

Macrophage cell lines use CD81 in cell growth regulation

CD81 is an integral membrane protein belonging to the tetraspanin superfamily. It has two extracellular domains that interact with cell surface proteins and two intracellular tails that contribute to cellular processes. Although there are considerable data about how CD81 affects T- and B-cell function, not much is known about how it impacts macrophages. To address this, we established four cell lines from mouse bone marrow in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and transfection with SV40 large T antigen. Two were CD81(-/-) (ASD1 and ASD2) and two were CD81(+/-) (2ASD1.10 and 2BSD1.10). Cells were Mac-2-, PU.1-, and c-fms-positive and all the cell lines were phagocytic indicating that they were macrophage-like. In mixtures of the two cell types in tissue culture, CD81(-/-) cells out competed CD81(+/-) cells with CD81-bearing cells being undetectable after 50 cell culture passages. Although cell divisions during log-phase growth were not significantly different between CD81(+/-) macrophage cells and CD81(-/-) macrophage cells, we found that CD81(-/-) macrophage cells reached a higher density at confluency than CD81(+/-) macrophage cells. CD81 transcript levels increased as cultures became confluent, but transcript levels of other tetraspanin-related molecules remained relatively constant. Transfection of CD81 into ASD1 (CD81(-/-)) cells reduced the density of confluent cultures of transformants compared to cells transfected with vector alone. These data suggest that CD81 potentially plays a role in macrophage cell line growth regulation.

Occurrence of Cucumber mosaic virus on vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) in India

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) causing mosaic, leaf distortion and stunting of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) in India was characterized on the basis of biological and coat protein (CP) nucleotide sequence properties. In mechanical inoculation tests, the virus was found to infect members of Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae and Solanaceae. Nicotiana benthamiana was found to be a suitable host for the propagation of CMV. The virus was purified from inoculated N. benthamiana plants and negatively stained purified preparations contained isometric particles of about 28 nm in diameter. The molecular weight of the viral coat protein subunits was found to be 25.0 kDa. Polyclonal antiserum was produced in New Zealand white rabbit, immunoglobulin G (IgG) was purified and conjugated with alkaline phosphatase enzyme. Double antibody sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) method was standardized for the detection of CMV infection in vanilla plants. CP gene of the virus was amplified using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), cloned and sequenced. Sequenced region contained a single open reading frame of 657 nucleotides potentially coding for 218 amino acids. Sequence analyses with other CMV isolates revealed the greatest identity with black pepper isolate of CMV (99%) and the phylogram clearly showed that CMV infecting vanilla belongs to subgroup IB. This is the first report of occurrence of CMV on V. planifolia from India.

Ribosomal protein S14 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulates its expression by binding to RPS14B pre-mRNA and to 18S rRNA

Production of ribosomal protein S14 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is coordinated with the rate of ribosome assembly by a feedback mechanism that represses expression of RPS14B. Three-hybrid assays in vivo and filter binding assays in vitro demonstrate that rpS14 directly binds to an RNA stem-loop structure in RPS14B pre-mRNA that is necessary for RPS14B regulation. Moreover, rpS14 binds to a conserved helix in 18S rRNA with approximately five- to sixfold-greater affinity. These results support the model that RPS14B regulation is mediated by direct binding of rpS14 either to its pre-mRNA or to rRNA. Investigation of these interactions with the three-hybrid system reveals two regions of rpS14 that are involved in RNA recognition. D52G and E55G mutations in rpS14 alter the specificity of rpS14 for RNA, as indicated by increased affinity for RPS14B RNA but reduced affinity for the rRNA target. Deletion of the C terminus of rpS14, where multiple antibiotic resistance mutations map, prevents binding of rpS14 to RNA and production of functional 40S subunits. The emetine-resistant protein, rpS14-EmRR, which contains two mutations near the C terminus of rpS14, does not bind either RNA target in the three-hybrid or in vitro assays. This is the first direct demonstration that an antibiotic resistance mutation alters binding of an r protein to rRNA and is consistent with the hypothesis that antibiotic resistance mutations can result from local alterations in rRNA structure.

Sequence characteristics of natural populations of tomato spotted wilt tospovirus infecting flue-cured tobacco in Georgia

Using primers from conserved regions, the nucleocapsid (Nc) gene sequences of naturally occurring tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) isolates from flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) grown in several Georgia counties were amplified by immunocapture-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The resulting amplicons were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analyses showed a high degree of sequence conservation among the Nc genes of the tobacco isolates, and those reported from other parts of the world. However, distinct differences that were unique to these tobacco isolates as well as the previously studied peanut, tomato and pepper isolates from Georgia were present. The Georgia isolates formed a distinct cluster that was clearly resolved from the rest of the TSWV isolates based on sequence phylograms.

Densely methylated DNA islands in mammalian chromosomal replication origins

Densely methylated DNA sequence islands, designated DMIs, have been observed in two Chinese hamster cell chromosomal replication origins by using a PCR-based chemical method of detection. One of the origins, oriS14, is located within or adjacent to the coding sequence for ribosomal protein S14 on chromosome 2q, and the other, ori-beta, is approximately 17 kbp downstream of the dhfr (dihydrofolic acid reductase) locus on chromosome 2p. The DMI in oriS14 is 127 bp long, and the DMI in ori-beta is 516 bp long. Both DMIs are bilaterally methylated (i.e., all dCs are modified to 5-methyl dC) only in cells that are replicating their DNA. When cell growth and DNA replication are arrested, methylation of CpA, CpT, and CpC dinucleotides is lost and the sequence islands display only a subset of their originally methylated CpG dinucleotides. Several possible roles for DMI-mediated regulation of mammalian chromosomal origins are considered.

A mammalian origin of bidirectional DNA replication within the Chinese hamster RPS14 locus

Two complementary experimental approaches have been used to identify a chromosomal origin of bidirectional DNA replication within or immediately downstream of the Chinese hamster ribosomal protein S14 gene (RPS14). The replication origin, designated oriS14, maps within a 1.6- to 2.0-kbp region of RPS14 that includes the gene's third and fourth introns, exons IV plus V, and approximately 500 bp of proximal downstream flanking DNA. The nucleic acid sequence encoding oriS14 closely resembles the other mammalian chromosomal replication origins whose primary structures are known. It contains DNA binding sites for a large number of transcription factors, replication proteins, and mammalian oncogenes as well as several dinucleotide repeat motifs, an AT-rich region, and a sequence that is likely to bend the DNA. In contrast to the other well-characterized mammalian replication origins, which are autosomal and therefore carried as two copies per somatic cell, oriS14 is encoded by single-copy DNA within a hemizygous segment of chromosome 2q in CHO-K1 cells. Also, other known mammalian replication origins are situated in nontranscribed, intergenic DNA, whereas the DNA sequence encoding oriS14 substantially overlaps the transcribed portion of a constitutively expressed housekeeping gene.

Densely methylated DNA islands in mammalian chromosomal replication origins

Densely methylated DNA sequence islands, designated DMIs, have been observed in two Chinese hamster cell chromosomal replication origins by using a PCR-based chemical method of detection. One of the origins, oriS14, is located within or adjacent to the coding sequence for ribosomal protein S14 on chromosome 2q, and the other, ori-beta, is approximately 17 kbp downstream of the dhfr (dihydrofolic acid reductase) locus on chromosome 2p. The DMI in oriS14 is 127 bp long, and the DMI in ori-beta is 516 bp long. Both DMIs are bilaterally methylated (i.e., all dCs are modified to 5-methyl dC) only in cells that are replicating their DNA. When cell growth and DNA replication are arrested, methylation of CpA, CpT, and CpC dinucleotides is lost and the sequence islands display only a subset of their originally methylated CpG dinucleotides. Several possible roles for DMI-mediated regulation of mammalian chromosomal origins are considered.

A mammalian origin of bidirectional DNA replication within the Chinese hamster RPS14 locus

Two complementary experimental approaches have been used to identify a chromosomal origin of bidirectional DNA replication within or immediately downstream of the Chinese hamster ribosomal protein S14 gene (RPS14). The replication origin, designated oriS14, maps within a 1.6- to 2.0-kbp region of RPS14 that includes the gene's third and fourth introns, exons IV plus V, and approximately 500 bp of proximal downstream flanking DNA. The nucleic acid sequence encoding oriS14 closely resembles the other mammalian chromosomal replication origins whose primary structures are known. It contains DNA binding sites for a large number of transcription factors, replication proteins, and mammalian oncogenes as well as several dinucleotide repeat motifs, an AT-rich region, and a sequence that is likely to bend the DNA. In contrast to the other well-characterized mammalian replication origins, which are autosomal and therefore carried as two copies per somatic cell, oriS14 is encoded by single-copy DNA within a hemizygous segment of chromosome 2q in CHO-K1 cells. Also, other known mammalian replication origins are situated in nontranscribed, intergenic DNA, whereas the DNA sequence encoding oriS14 substantially overlaps the transcribed portion of a constitutively expressed housekeeping gene.

The CRY1 gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: structure and use as a dominant selectable marker for nuclear transformation

We have cloned and sequenced the CRY1 gene, encoding ribosomal protein S14 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and found that it is highly similar to S14/rp59 proteins from other organisms, including mammals, Drosophila melanogaster, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We isolated a mutant strain resistant to the eukaryotic translational inhibitors cryptopleurine and emetine in which the resistance was due to a missense mutation (CRY1-1) in the CRY1 gene; resistance was dominant in heterozygous stable diploids. Cotransformation experiments using the CRY1-1 gene and the gene for nitrate reductase (NIT1) produced a low level of resistance to cryptopleurine and emetine. Resistance levels were increased when the CRY1-1 gene was placed under the control of a constitutive promoter from the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit 2 (RBCS2) gene. We also found that the 5' untranslated region of the CRY1 gene was required for expression of the CRY1-1 transgene. Direct selection of emetine-resistant transformants was possible when transformed cells were first induced to differentiate into gametes by nitrogen starvation and then allowed to dedifferentiate back to vegetative cells before emetine selection was applied. With this transformation protocol, the RBCS2/CRY1-1 dominant selectable marker gene is a powerful tool for many molecular genetic applications in C. reinhardtii.

The CRY1 gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: structure and use as a dominant selectable marker for nuclear transformation

We have cloned and sequenced the CRY1 gene, encoding ribosomal protein S14 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and found that it is highly similar to S14/rp59 proteins from other organisms, including mammals, Drosophila melanogaster, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We isolated a mutant strain resistant to the eukaryotic translational inhibitors cryptopleurine and emetine in which the resistance was due to a missense mutation (CRY1-1) in the CRY1 gene; resistance was dominant in heterozygous stable diploids. Cotransformation experiments using the CRY1-1 gene and the gene for nitrate reductase (NIT1) produced a low level of resistance to cryptopleurine and emetine. Resistance levels were increased when the CRY1-1 gene was placed under the control of a constitutive promoter from the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit 2 (RBCS2) gene. We also found that the 5' untranslated region of the CRY1 gene was required for expression of the CRY1-1 transgene. Direct selection of emetine-resistant transformants was possible when transformed cells were first induced to differentiate into gametes by nitrogen starvation and then allowed to dedifferentiate back to vegetative cells before emetine selection was applied. With this transformation protocol, the RBCS2/CRY1-1 dominant selectable marker gene is a powerful tool for many molecular genetic applications in C. reinhardtii.

Molecular characterization of a structural epitope that is largely conserved among severe isolates of a plant virus

Direct molecular evidence was obtained for the critical role of a single amino acid residue in a structural epitope distinguished by the monoclonal antibody MCA-13, which reacts selectively with severe isolates of citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Different CTV isolates cause a wide range of symptoms in the diverse citrus species they affect. Severe symptoms include decline, stem pitting, and seedling yellows. Plants infected by mild isolates are essentially symptomless. The monoclonal antibody MCA-13, which discriminates severe isolates from mild isolates of the virus, was used to map its epitope on the coat protein of CTV. A diverse group of coat protein genes of geographically and biologically distinct CTV isolates which are either MCA-13-reactive or MCA-13-nonreactive was cloned and sequenced. A series of mutant coat protein genes was constructed through oligonucleotide-directed, site-specific mutagenesis. The reactivity of the wild-type and mutant coat proteins expressed in Escherichia coli was evaluated by Western blotting using MCA-13 and polyclonal antibody prepared to CTV-coat protein. A single nucleotide alteration resulting in a Phe-->Tyr mutation at position 124 of the coat protein abolished the MCA-13 reactivity of a severe isolate, whereas a Tyr-->Phe mutation at the same site conferred MCA-13 reactivity on the coat protein of a previously nonreactive mild isolate of CTV.

Nucleotide sequence of the capsid protein cistrons from six potato virus Y (PVY) isolates infecting tobacco

Complementary DNA libraries representing the capsid protein cistron of the potato virus Y (PVY) isolate 'Chilean', 'Hungarian', MsNr, NsNr, O, and 'Potato US' were synthesized and used as template for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. An AUG codon for initiating a discrete capsid protein (CP) open reading frame was embedded upstream of the first codon of the CP cistrons. PCR-amplified products of the expected size of 0.8 kilo bases were cloned into the transcription vector pBS(+). The fidelity of each PCR-amplified PVY CP cistron was tested by transcribing recombinant plasmids in vitro and translating the transcripts in two cell free translation systems. Translation analysis of in vitro transcribed PVY CP cistrons consistently yielded a polypeptide co-migrating with authentic CP that was immunoprecipitated by anti PVY 'Chilean' antibodies. The nucleotide sequence of each capsid protein gene was determined by dideoxy sequence analysis. Each capsid protein gene was determined to be 801 nucleotides in length, encoding a deduced protein of 267 amino acids with calculated M(r) ranging from 29,799 to 29,980. The nucleic acid sequence similarity between the six isolates ranged between 89 to 97% and the amino acid similarity between 91 to 99%. The high level of amino acid sequence similarity confirms the classification of these viruses as isolates of PVY.

Fine-structure map of the human ribosomal protein gene RPS14

We have used polymerase chain reaction-mediated chemical mutagenesis (J.-J. Diaz, D. D. Rhoads, and D. J. Roufa, BioTechniques 11:204-211, 1991) to analyze the genetic fine structure of a human ribosomal protein gene, RPS14. Eighty-three DNA clones containing 158 random single-base substitution mutations were isolated. Mutant RPS14 alleles were tested for biological activity by transfection into cultured Chinese hamster cells. The resulting data permitted us to construct a map of the S14-coding sequence that is comparable to available fine-structure genetic maps of many prokaryotic and lower eukaryotic gene loci. As predicted from the multiplicity of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions required for ribosomal protein transport and assembly into functional ribosomal subunits, the distribution of null mutations indicated that S14 is composed of multiple, functionally distinct polypeptide domains. Two of the protein's internal domains, designated domains B and D, were essential for S14 biological activity. In contrast, mutations which altered or deleted S14's amino-terminal 20 amino acid residues (domain A) had no observable effect on the protein's assembly and function in mammalian ribosomes. Interestingly, S14 structural domains deduced by in vitro mutagenesis correlate well with the RPS14 gene's exon boundaries.

Fine-structure map of the human ribosomal protein gene RPS14

We have used polymerase chain reaction-mediated chemical mutagenesis (J.-J. Diaz, D. D. Rhoads, and D. J. Roufa, BioTechniques 11:204-211, 1991) to analyze the genetic fine structure of a human ribosomal protein gene, RPS14. Eighty-three DNA clones containing 158 random single-base substitution mutations were isolated. Mutant RPS14 alleles were tested for biological activity by transfection into cultured Chinese hamster cells. The resulting data permitted us to construct a map of the S14-coding sequence that is comparable to available fine-structure genetic maps of many prokaryotic and lower eukaryotic gene loci. As predicted from the multiplicity of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions required for ribosomal protein transport and assembly into functional ribosomal subunits, the distribution of null mutations indicated that S14 is composed of multiple, functionally distinct polypeptide domains. Two of the protein's internal domains, designated domains B and D, were essential for S14 biological activity. In contrast, mutations which altered or deleted S14's amino-terminal 20 amino acid residues (domain A) had no observable effect on the protein's assembly and function in mammalian ribosomes. Interestingly, S14 structural domains deduced by in vitro mutagenesis correlate well with the RPS14 gene's exon boundaries.

Intercistronic group III introns in polycistronic ribosomal protein operons of chloroplasts

A novel ribosomal protein operon in the Euglena gracilis chloroplast genome was characterized. It encodes the genes for ribosomal proteins S4 and S11 (rps4 and rps11). The coding region of the rps11 gene is interrupted by two introns of 107 and 100 bp. The introns belong to a distinct class known as group III introns. The major transcript from this operon was characterized as a fully spliced dicistronic rps4-rps11 mRNA by RNA blot analysis, primer extension sequencing, and cDNA cloning and sequencing. An additional 95 nucleotide (nt) group III intron was identified in the 123 nt rps4-rps11 intercistronic region. The identification of the intercistronic intron between the rps4 and rps11 genes was unexpected. Other RNA transcripts from regions of the genome that could potentially contain intercistronic introns were re-examined and two other intercistronic, group III introns were found. These are located in a large ribosomal protein operon between the genes for the ribosomal proteins L23 and L2, and between L14 and L5. There are at least 50 group III introns in the E. gracilis chloroplast genome. All but 6 are found in genes encoding protein components of the transcriptional and translational apparatus. The distribution of group III introns and the unusual location of intercistronic group III introns may reflect some aspect of gene expression, or provide some insight into the mechanism of their splicing.

A Neurospora crassa ribosomal protein gene, homologous to yeast CRY1, contains sequences potentially coordinating its transcription with rRNA genes

We have isolated and sequenced a Neurospora crassa ribosomal protein gene (designated crp-2) strongly homologous to the rp59 gene (CRY1) of yeast and the S14 ribosomal protein gene of mammals. The inferred sequence of the crp-2 protein is more homologous (83%) to the mammalian S14 sequence than to the yeast rp59 sequence (69%). The gene has three intervening sequences (IVSs) two of which are offset 7 bp from the position of IVSs in the mammalian genes. None correspond to the position of the IVS in the yeast gene. Crp-2 was mapped by RFLP analysis to the right arm of linkage group III. The 5' region of the gene contains three copies of a sequence, the Ribo box, previously shown to be required for transcription of both 5S and 40S rRNA genes. We speculate that the Ribo box may coordinate ribosomal protein and rRNA gene transcription.

A Drosophila ribosomal protein functions in mammalian cells

A cDNA expression vector encoding Drosophila ribosomal protein S14 was transfected into cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that harbor a recessive RPS14 emetine resistance mutation. Transformants synthesized the insect mRNA and polypeptide and consequently displayed an emetine-sensitive phenotype. These observations indicate that the insect protein was accurately expressed and correctly assembled into functional mammalian 40S ribosomal subunits.

A Drosophila ribosomal protein functions in mammalian cells

A cDNA expression vector encoding Drosophila ribosomal protein S14 was transfected into cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that harbor a recessive RPS14 emetine resistance mutation. Transformants synthesized the insect mRNA and polypeptide and consequently displayed an emetine-sensitive phenotype. These observations indicate that the insect protein was accurately expressed and correctly assembled into functional mammalian 40S ribosomal subunits.

A strategy to detect and isolate an intron-containing gene in the presence of multiple processed pseudogenes

We have devised a strategy that utilizes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection and isolation of intron-containing genes in the presence of an abundance of processed pseudogenes. The method depends on the genomic DNA sequence between the PCR primers spanning at least one intron in the gene of interest, resulting in the generation of a larger intron-containing PCR product in addition to the smaller PCR product amplified from the intronless pseudogenes. A unique intron probe isolated from the larger PCR product is used for the detection of intron-containing clones from recombinant DNA libraries that also contain pseudogene clones. This method has been used successfully for the selective isolation of an intron-containing rat L19 ribosomal protein gene in the presence of multiple pseudogenes. Analysis of a number of mammalian ribosomal protein multigene families by PCR indicates that they all contain only a single gene with introns.

Nucleotide sequence and genetic characterization of staphylococcal bacteriophage L54a int and xis genes

The nucleotide sequence of a staphylococcal bacteriophage L54a DNA fragment containing genes involved in site-specific recombination was determined. Mutations generated by in vitro mutagenesis were used to map and characterize the int and xis genes. The site-specific recombination functions are tightly clustered within a 1.75-kilobase stretch of DNA fragment with the gene order of attP-int-xis. The int and xis genes are transcribed divergently. The Int protein deduced from the nucleotide sequence has a molecular weight of 41,000. Int is a basic protein with 354 amino acids of which 72 are basic and 38 are acidic. The Xis protein consists of only 59 amino acids with a molecular weight of 7,180. Unlike the Xis proteins of the lambdoid bacteriophages which are all basic proteins, L54a Xis is an acidic protein containing 13 acidic and 8 basic amino acids. The Int protein is required in both integrative and excisive reactions, whereas Xis is only required in excisive reaction. A well-conserved 40-residue region, including three perfectly conserved residues found in 15 site-specific recombinases of the integrase family that have been characterized, was also found in the L54a Int protein.

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

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

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

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

Ribosomal protein S14 is encoded by a pair of highly conserved, adjacent genes on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster

We describe a Drosophila DNA clone of tandemly duplicated genes encoding an amino acid sequence nearly identical to human ribosomal protein S14 and yeast rp59. Despite their remarkably similar exons, the locations and sizes of introns differ radically among the Drosophila, human, and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ribosomal protein genes. Transcripts of both Drosophila RPS14 genes were detected in embryonic and adult tissues and are the same length as mammalian S14 message. Drosophila RPS14 was mapped to region 7C5-9 on the X chromosome. This interval also encodes a previously characterized Minute locus, M(1)7C.

Ribosomal protein S14 is encoded by a pair of highly conserved, adjacent genes on the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster

We describe a Drosophila DNA clone of tandemly duplicated genes encoding an amino acid sequence nearly identical to human ribosomal protein S14 and yeast rp59. Despite their remarkably similar exons, the locations and sizes of introns differ radically among the Drosophila, human, and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ribosomal protein genes. Transcripts of both Drosophila RPS14 genes were detected in embryonic and adult tissues and are the same length as mammalian S14 message. Drosophila RPS14 was mapped to region 7C5-9 on the X chromosome. This interval also encodes a previously characterized Minute locus, M(1)7C.

The nucleotide sequence and gene organization of red clover necrotic mosaic virus RNA-2

Red clover necrotic mosaic virus, a member of the dianthovirus group, is characterized by a genome composed of two nonhomologous single-stranded RNAs of approximately 4.0 (RNA-1) and 1.4 kb (RNA-2). The complete nucleotide sequence of the RNA-2 has been determined. RNA-2 is 1448 nucleotides in length with a 5' terminal m7G cap and no 3' terminal poly-A tail or 5' terminal VPg. An open reading frame beginning at the first initiation codon at nucleotide 80 and ending at nucleotide 1030 has been identified which can encode a polypeptide of 35 kDa. RNA-2 directs the synthesis of a 35 kDa polypeptide in vitro. SP6 and T7 transcripts from full length RNA-2 cDNA clones directed the synthesis of a polypeptide with the same electrophoretic mobility as the polypeptide directed from authentic RNA-2. Clones with various 3' terminal deletions both outside and within the 35 kDa open reading frame were transcribed and translated in vitro to define the limits of the 35 kDa open reading frame. A second, small open reading frame capable of encoding a polypeptide of 4.9 kDa was also indicated from the sequence; however, there was no evidence for a protein product of that size. RNA-2 is presumed to be monocistronic and encode a cell-to-cell movement function. A small but significant amino acid sequence homology was observed with the brome mosaic virus RNA-3a polypeptide.

A cloned human ribosomal protein gene functions in rodent cells

Cloned fragments of human ribosomal protein S14 DNA (RPS14) were transfected into cultured Chinese hamster (CHO) cells. Transient expression assays indicated that DNA with as little as 31 base pairs of upstream flanking sequence was transcribed into a polyadenylated, 650-base mRNA that is largely bound to the polyribosomes. In these respects the exogenous human S14 message appeared to function normally in CHO cells. Interestingly, transcription of human RPS14 did not require the TATA sequence located 26 base pairs upstream of exon 1. Stably transformed clones were selected from cultures of emetine-resistant CHO cells (Emr-2) after transfection with pSV2Neo-human RPS14 constructs. Human RPS14 complemented the mutationally based drug resistance of the Chinese hamster cells, demonstrating that the cloned human ribosomal protein gene is functional in rodent cells. Analysis of transformed cells with different amounts of integrated RPS14 indicated that human S14 mRNA levels are not tightly regulated by CHO cells. In contrast, the steady-state S14 level fluctuated only slightly, if at all, in transformed clones whose S14 message contents differed by more than 30-fold. These data support the conclusion that expression of human RPS14 is regulated, at least partially, posttranscriptionally.

A cloned human ribosomal protein gene functions in rodent cells

Cloned fragments of human ribosomal protein S14 DNA (RPS14) were transfected into cultured Chinese hamster (CHO) cells. Transient expression assays indicated that DNA with as little as 31 base pairs of upstream flanking sequence was transcribed into a polyadenylated, 650-base mRNA that is largely bound to the polyribosomes. In these respects the exogenous human S14 message appeared to function normally in CHO cells. Interestingly, transcription of human RPS14 did not require the TATA sequence located 26 base pairs upstream of exon 1. Stably transformed clones were selected from cultures of emetine-resistant CHO cells (Emr-2) after transfection with pSV2Neo-human RPS14 constructs. Human RPS14 complemented the mutationally based drug resistance of the Chinese hamster cells, demonstrating that the cloned human ribosomal protein gene is functional in rodent cells. Analysis of transformed cells with different amounts of integrated RPS14 indicated that human S14 mRNA levels are not tightly regulated by CHO cells. In contrast, the steady-state S14 level fluctuated only slightly, if at all, in transformed clones whose S14 message contents differed by more than 30-fold. These data support the conclusion that expression of human RPS14 is regulated, at least partially, posttranscriptionally.

Structure and expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene: a highly conserved ribosomal protein gene

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene encodes ribosomal protein rp59, a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Mutations in CRY1 can confer resistance to the alkaloid cryptopleurine, an inhibitor of the elongation step of translation. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned CRY1 gene was determined. The predicted amino acid sequence shows that CRY1 encodes a 14,561-dalton polypeptide that has 88% amino acid sequence homology to the hamster or human S14 ribosomal protein responsible for emetine resistance and 45% homology to Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S11. Analysis of the DNA sequences upstream from CRY1 revealed the presence of three sequences, HOMOL1 (consensus, A/TACATCC/TG/ATA/GCA), RPG (consensus, ACCCA/GTACATT/CT/A), and a thymine-rich sequence, found upstream of more than 20 other cloned yeast genes encoding components of the translational apparatus. We exploited the ability to assay the expression of CRY1 in vivo by using the cryptopleurine resistance phenotype to demonstrate that these three consensus sequences are necessary for the transcription of CRY1. We previously showed that the upstream promoter element of the yeast RP39A gene consists of these identical sequence motifs. Therefore, we suggest that these three sequences define a consensus promoter element for the genes encoding the yeast translational apparatus. CRY1 is one of several hundred yeast genes, including ribosomal protein genes, whose expression is transiently decreased 10-fold upon heat shock. We found that the HOMOL1 and RPG consensus sequences are not necessary for the heat shock response of CRY1.

Structure and expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene: a highly conserved ribosomal protein gene

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene encodes ribosomal protein rp59, a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Mutations in CRY1 can confer resistance to the alkaloid cryptopleurine, an inhibitor of the elongation step of translation. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned CRY1 gene was determined. The predicted amino acid sequence shows that CRY1 encodes a 14,561-dalton polypeptide that has 88% amino acid sequence homology to the hamster or human S14 ribosomal protein responsible for emetine resistance and 45% homology to Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S11. Analysis of the DNA sequences upstream from CRY1 revealed the presence of three sequences, HOMOL1 (consensus, A/TACATCC/TG/ATA/GCA), RPG (consensus, ACCCA/GTACATT/CT/A), and a thymine-rich sequence, found upstream of more than 20 other cloned yeast genes encoding components of the translational apparatus. We exploited the ability to assay the expression of CRY1 in vivo by using the cryptopleurine resistance phenotype to demonstrate that these three consensus sequences are necessary for the transcription of CRY1. We previously showed that the upstream promoter element of the yeast RP39A gene consists of these identical sequence motifs. Therefore, we suggest that these three sequences define a consensus promoter element for the genes encoding the yeast translational apparatus. CRY1 is one of several hundred yeast genes, including ribosomal protein genes, whose expression is transiently decreased 10-fold upon heat shock. We found that the HOMOL1 and RPG consensus sequences are not necessary for the heat shock response of CRY1.

Primary structure of human ribosomal protein S14 and the gene that encodes it

Chinese hamster ribosomal protein S14 cDNA was used to recognize homologous human cDNA and genomic clones. Human and Chinese hamster S14 protein sequences deduced from the cDNAs are identical. Two overlapping human genomic S14 DNA clones were isolated from a Charon 28 placental DNA library. A fragment of single-copy DNA derived from an intron region of one clone was mapped to the functional RPS14 locus on human chromosome 5q by using a panel of human X Chinese hamster hybrid cell DNAs. The human S14 gene consists of five exons and four introns spanning 5.9 kilobase pairs of DNA. Polyadenylated S14 transcripts purified from HeLa cell cytoplasma display heterogeneous 5' ends that map within noncoding RPS14 exon 1. This precludes assignment of a unique 5' boundary of RPS14 transcripts with respect to the cloned human genomic DNA. Apparently HeLa cells either initiate transcription at multiple sites within RPS14 exon 1, or capped 5' oligonucleotides are removed from most S14 mRNAs posttranscription. In contrast to the few murine ribosomal protein and several other mammalian housekeeping genes whose structures are known, human RPS14 contains a TATA sequence (TATACTT) upstream from exon 1. Three related short sequence motifs, also observed in murine and yeast ribosomal protein genes, occur in this region of the RPS14 gene. RPS14 introns 3 and 4 both contain Alu sequences. Interestingly, the Alu sequence in intron 3 is located slightly downstream from a chromosome 5 deletion breakpoint in one human X hamster hybrid clone analyzed.

Homologous ribosomal proteins in bacteria, yeast, and humans

We describe sequences of two human ribosomal proteins, S14 and S17, and messenger RNAs that encode them. cDNAs were used as molecular hybridization probes to recognize complementary genes in rodent, Drosophila, and yeast chromosomal DNAs. Human ribosomal protein sequences are compared to analogous Chinese hamster, yeast, and bacterial genes. Our observations suggest that some ribosomal protein genes have been conserved stringently in the several phylogenetic lines examined. These genes apparently were established early in evolution and encode products that are fundamental to the translational apparatus. Other ribosomal protein genes examined, although similar enough to heterologous DNA sequences to indicate their structural relationships, appear to have diverged substantially during evolution, probably reflecting adaptations to different genetic environments.

Sequence of the exfoliative toxin B gene of Staphylococcus aureus

We sequenced the Staphylococcus aureus exfoliative toxin B gene contained on a 1.7-kilobase HindIII fragment of plasmid pRW001. The gene was located by comparison of the amino acid sequences of open reading frames with the amino-terminal sequence of exfoliative toxin B and the total amino acid composition of the protein (A.D. Johnson, L. Spero, J.S. Cades, and B.T. De Cicco, Infect. Immun. 24:679-684, 1979). The primary translation product consists of 274 amino acids and contains a 31-amino-acid N-terminal peptide presumably necessary for transport.

Primary structure of human ribosomal protein S14 and the gene that encodes it

Chinese hamster ribosomal protein S14 cDNA was used to recognize homologous human cDNA and genomic clones. Human and Chinese hamster S14 protein sequences deduced from the cDNAs are identical. Two overlapping human genomic S14 DNA clones were isolated from a Charon 28 placental DNA library. A fragment of single-copy DNA derived from an intron region of one clone was mapped to the functional RPS14 locus on human chromosome 5q by using a panel of human X Chinese hamster hybrid cell DNAs. The human S14 gene consists of five exons and four introns spanning 5.9 kilobase pairs of DNA. Polyadenylated S14 transcripts purified from HeLa cell cytoplasma display heterogeneous 5' ends that map within noncoding RPS14 exon 1. This precludes assignment of a unique 5' boundary of RPS14 transcripts with respect to the cloned human genomic DNA. Apparently HeLa cells either initiate transcription at multiple sites within RPS14 exon 1, or capped 5' oligonucleotides are removed from most S14 mRNAs posttranscription. In contrast to the few murine ribosomal protein and several other mammalian housekeeping genes whose structures are known, human RPS14 contains a TATA sequence (TATACTT) upstream from exon 1. Three related short sequence motifs, also observed in murine and yeast ribosomal protein genes, occur in this region of the RPS14 gene. RPS14 introns 3 and 4 both contain Alu sequences. Interestingly, the Alu sequence in intron 3 is located slightly downstream from a chromosome 5 deletion breakpoint in one human X hamster hybrid clone analyzed.

Lysogenic conversion of staphylococcal lipase is caused by insertion of the bacteriophage L54a genome into the lipase structural gene

Staphylococcus aureus PS54 manifests no lipase (geh) activity. This is due to the insertion of bacteriophage L54a DNA into the geh structural gene. The nucleotide sequence of this 2,968-base-pair DNA fragment was determined. Lipase deduced from the nucleotide sequence is a polypeptide of 690 amino acids which extends from nucleotide 706 to 2776.