A modified PCR-based method for rapid non-radioactive detection of clinically important pathogens

We have devised a sensitive and rapid method for the detection of several bacterial pathogens in clinical specimens using PCR. This method has been named Direct Labeling and Detection Procedure (DLDP) and is based on the direct incorporation of a nonradioactive digoxigenin label (DIG-11-dUTP) into a microbial species-specific gene fragment during amplification. Following amplification, the resulting PCR products are cleansed of nonincorporated DIG-11-dUTP, spotted onto a nylon membrane, fixed by UV-crosslinking and the labeled DNA is visualized by digoxigenin detection reagents. Using cultivated reference bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) we were able to demonstrate a rapid and sensitive detection of < 20 CFU of bacteria in human secretions (sputum, urine, mucous). The present study suggests that DLDP can be used as a reliable method for indication of bacteria in clinical or environmental specimens with the proviso that the selected corresponding oligonucleotide primers provide amplification of strong species-specific genes.

Distribution of Gs-alpha activating mutations in human thyroid tumors measured by subcloning

In the search for the prevalence and distribution pattern of Gs-alpha gene mutations in differentiated thyroid tumors we examined 66 tumor tissue samples for the presence of mutations at "hot-spot" codons 201 and 227 using methods based on the polymerase chain reaction, subcloning and sequencing. The prevailing type of single-base substitution at codon 201 (71.4%) corresponded to the replacement of the wild-type sequence CGT (Arg) with TGT (Cys). The fragments of the Gs-alpha gene, including codon 201 or 227 from five follicular carcinomas and one follicular adenoma, were subcloned in Escherichia coli and it was found that the proportion of alleles with mutated codon 201 varied from 3.2% to 43%. Sequencing of the corresponding region has confirmed preliminary data indicating that the single-base changes CGT (Arg) to TGT (Cys) or CGT to CAT (His) occurred. There was only a weak correlation between the prevalence of cells bearing a mutation in the Gs-alpha gene and the level of Gs-alpha protein expression in the corresponding thyroid tumors.

Overexpression of Gs alpha subunit in thyroid tumors bearing a mutated Gs alpha gene

Point mutations occurring at codon 201 of the gene coding for the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein impair intrinsic GTPase activity and lead to a constitutive activation of adenylate cyclase. We have examined thyroid follicular and papillary carcinomas and follicular adenomas and found samples that bear this mutation at codon 201 of the Gs alpha gene. Both mutation-positive and mutation-negative tissue samples were investigated for the level of Gs alpha expression relative to a pool of normal thyroid tissue, using immunoblotting against two (mid-region-specific and C-end-specific) antipeptide antibodies. Using 8000 g and 100,000 g membrane fractions of homogenized tissues we have demonstrated that the Gs alpha proteins in normal ad neoplastic thyroid tissues are represented by three isoforms: 43 kDa, 45 kDa and 52 kDa. We have quantified and compared the amount of Gs alpha protein and find it is overexpressed in mutation-bearing tissue samples.

A method to increase the sensitivity of mutation specific oligonucleotide hybridization using asymmetric polymerase-chain reaction (PCR)

We propose a simple and reliable method to increase the sensitivity of mutation specific oligonucleotide hybridization (MSOH) at least 2.5 times, when it is used to detect mutations in samples of DNA from tumor tissues. The method is based on using single stranded (ss) DNA, amplified by asymmetric PCR, as a target for MSOH analysis. During the first step, genomic DNA, isolated from tissue samples, has to be amplified by "standard", symmetric PCR, with sense and antisense primers in equimolar concentration. This amplification can be performed in a diminished volume of reaction mixture. In the second step obtained double stranded (ds) PCR DNA-product can be used as a template for asymmetric PCR, using only a single primer. The ss DNA must be complementary to the set of mutation specific oligonucleotides. By this innovation we have been able to clarify questionable results of MSOH using ds DNA as a target. Comparing MSOH from ss DNA to that from ds DNA, the observed rate of Gs-alpha mutations in thyroid tumor tissue samples increased to 16.7% (14/66) from 6% (4/66).

[Immunobiological characteristics of Brucella outer membrane proteins, genetic determinants of which are expressed in Escherichia coli cells]

The influence of the brucella OMP preparations obtained by the genetic engineering technique (18, 38 and 18 + 38 kD) on the formation of the specific protection and progress of infectious process in brucellosis in the in vivo experiments has been studied. The OMPs synthesized in Escherichia coli cells GSE579 and having mol mass 18 and 38 kD are common antigens for a number of brucella species. The 18 kD OMP was found to protect 66.7% of experimental animals against brucellosis, while the protection by the commercial live vaccine was 78.0%. The 38 kD OMP did not possess the protective activity with the index of infectivity in the experimental group of animals being higher than the one in the control group (77.9% and 53.4% respectively). The indexes of colony forming units in the mice spleen were also higher in the experimental group of animals. The obtained results suggest that the 38 kD OMP may be a factor of brucella virulence.

[A highly sensitive non-isotopic system of DNA hybridization using amplification (PCR) for identifying and indicating presence of Brucella]

A non-isotopic amplification system was used to identify and indicate Brucella. The terminal sequences of a protein gene fragment in Brucella outer membrane were identified and direct and reverse primers were chosen for a polymerase chain reaction. (PCR). PCR amplifies a specific DNA fragment, 700 kb in size, only in representatives of the Brucella genus. A probe was design, which is the central part of the amplified DNA fragment, 550 kb in size. Single Brucella cells were detectable with an unlabelled probe in the analyzed samples during hybridization reactions. The system can be recommended for a rapid and reliable analysis in medical and veterinary practice.

[Isolation and purification of Brucella antigens synthesized by Escherichia coli K12 cells]

The homogeneous preparations of the brucella protein antigens were isolated from the hybrid producer strains Escherichia coli 6SE579 and 6SE800 by the cold osmotic shock technique and further purification on immunosorbents. The 18 + 38 and 38 kDa antigens were obtained. The antiserum specific to brucella 38 kDa antigen was obtained and used for isolation of the 18 kDa antigen from the producer strain 6SE579 synthesizing two brucella antigens. The immunosorbent developed on the basis of BrCn-agarose conjugated with antibodies from the serum has permitted isolation of 18 kDa protein antigen preparation. Thus, the combined technique of cold osmotic shock and affinity chromatography on immunosorbents permits one to isolate highly purified individual antigens of brucella from Escherichia coli K12 producer cells.

[The possibility of creating a vaccinal strain of Brucella abortus 19-BA with multiple antibiotic resistance]

The possibility of preparing B. abortus vaccine strain 19-BA with multiresistance to antibiotics was shown. The strain was obtained by the spontaneous induction of resistance to rifampicin with the subsequent transformation of nonconjugative hybrid plasmid pOVI which, in addition to rifampicin resistance, governed the resistance of brucellae to tetracycline, doxycycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin. Experiments on guinea pigs demonstrated the immunization with both multiresistant vaccine strain GSA1 and B. abortus initial vaccine strain 19-BA.

[Sensitizing properties of Brucella protein antigens synthesized in K12 Escherichia coli cells]

The sensitizing properties of brucella 31 kD and 31+15 kD protein antigens produced by Escherichia coli cell carrying and expressing the corresponding brucella genes were compared. In experiments evaluating the test of mouse feet oedema in CBA line animals the property of the 31 kD antigen preparation to induce the specific oedema effect was demonstrated on the level comparable with the one produced by the brucella outer membrane proteins preparation. The obtained data were confirmed in the experiments on adoptive transfer of prolonged type hypersensitivity via the spleen cells from the sensitized donors to intact recipient animals. The future of molecular cloning technique usage for obtaining the homogeneous stable preparations of brucella antigens with low reactivity and high specificity is discussed.

[Cloning of Brucella genes in Escherichia coli K12 cells and analysis of products of the cloned genes]

The libraries of Brucella melitensis 565 and Brucella abortus 99 in Escherichia coli cells have been constructed. Some clones of Escherichia coli producing the specific brucella antigens have been found in immunological tests with brucella antiserum. Two strains producing antigens have been characterized, one being from Brucella melitensis 565 and another from Brucella abortus 99 clone libraries . Both strains synthesize two antigens that were studied by immunoelectrophoresis, immunoblotting after treatment of antigen preparations with different physical and chemical agents substrate specific enzymes. Both strains are found to synthesize the specific brucella antigens of protein nature. One of them has the mol mass about 15 kD, another--31-32 kD. The 31-32 kD antigen can be, evidently, referred to as the main protein of an outer membrane of brucella.

[Functional properties of the pOV13 plasmid as a vector for DNA cloning in a broad spectrum of gram negative bacteria]

The birepliconed plasmid pOV13 possesses all the properties of a vector for DNA cloning in a broad host range of bacterial cells. pOV13 is transfered by transformation and stably inherited by Escherichia coli, Brucella, Pseudomonas cells determining the resistance to streptomycin, tetrocycline and kanamycin in these bacteria. The plasmid pOV13 is a multicopy plasmid optimal in replication capacity (23kb). The plasmid carries single sites for some restriction endonucleases that are used for DNA cloning, including some restriction sites in antibiotic resistance genes. The examples of DNA cloning with the selection of recombinant clones by the insertional inactivation of kanamycin or tetracycline resistance and expression of the cloned DNAs are presented.

[Isolation and characteristics of a recombinant pOV13 plasmid as a vector for DNA cloning in a broad range of bacterial hosts]

The hybrid plasmid pOV13 proposed as a potential vector for DNA cloning in a broad bacterial host range has been constructed on the basis of the broad host range plasmid RSF1010 and a shortened derivative of RP4, the plasmid pVZ115 serving a marker DNA fragment. The plasmid pOV13 contains the genes for streptomycin, kanamycin and tetracycline resistance and single cleavage sites for restriction endonucleases BamHI, BgIII, SalI, SmaI, PvuII, XhoI, as well as double cleavage sites for restriction endonucleases PstI and HindIII permitting one to clone DNA with insertional inactivation of genes. The physicogenetical map of the birepliconed plasmid pOV13 is presented.

[Structural rearrangements of the plasmid R68,45 in cells of Brucella suis]

The mobilizing activity of the plasmid R68,45 in Escherichia coli and Brucella abortus has been studied. The plasmid R68,45 has been found to lose its ability to mobilize the chromosome in Brucella suis cells. The experiments on the conjugational transfer of R68,45 were confirmed by restriction analysis of the plasmid DNA. R68,45 has been shown to lose Cma in brucella cells via deletion. The molecular mechanisms of deletion process in brucella and other bacteria are discussed.

[Genetic control of plasmid F' formation. II. Role of recipient recA- in the process of plasmid F' formation]

We have chosen the process of F'-plasmid formation as a model for a study of the illegitimate, recA-independent recombination. Our genetic data showed that F'-formation was under genetic control of the Hfr donor cells. To determine the role of recipient cells in the process of F-prime formation we compared the pattern of transconjugant formation in the crosses of Hfr and F' donors with the recA-nalA+ and recA-nalA- recipients, nalA- mutation in the recipient lead to the sharp decrease of the total yield of transconjugants selected for proximal markers and decrease the fraction of conjugative plasmids in progeny. The plasmids inherited in the nalA- recipient in HfrxF- crosses possess only proximal selected markers while the appropriate distribution of proximal and more distal markers took place in the nalA+ recipient. The homogeneity for the sensitivity of nalA- progeny to the male specific phages in comparison with the nalA+ transconjugants was also observed. The data obtained show that the nalA- mutation has a strong influence on the process of final inheritance and probably formation of F'-plasmids in the recipient cells. The extent of the influence of the nalA- mutation on the pattern of F'-plasmid inheritance was dependent upon the primary F' structure formed (or existed) in the donor cell.

[Genetic control of F' factor production. III. Isolation of a mutant strain of Escherichia coli with reduced frequency and altered specificity of F' plasmid production]

Isolation and properties of the mutant of HfrH with altered frequency and specificity, of F'-plasmid formation are described. This mutant, designated fpf-5, showed significant reduction in the total yield of transconjugants selected for proximal markers in the cross with the F- recA- recipient. The crosses between the fpf-5 mutant donor and recA-nalA- recipient were sterile. The fpf-5 mutation resulted in the marked changes of the frequency of recombination exchanges involving definite chromosomal regions. The mutation reduced the frequency of the recA-independent recombination in the chromosomal fragment flanked by the leu and proA, sharply decreased the frequency of the recA-dependent and completely blocked recA-independent recombination in the chromosomal regions bordered by the genes proA and gal. Moreover the fpf-5 mutation affected the process of conjugative F'-plasmid formation suggesting effect of the mutation on recombinational exchange between the chromosome and integrated F-plasmid. The data obtained confirmed our earlier conclusion about fundamental role of the Hfr donor cell in the determination of the frequency and specificity of recombination leading to the F'-plasmid formation, and showed that the recombination events initiating F'-formation process occur in the Hfr donor cell.