Sample records for tomato cdna encoding

  1. Expression of Ornithine Decarboxylase Is Transiently Increased by Pollination, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid, and Gibberellic Acid in Tomato Ovaries1

    PubMed Central

    Alabadí, David; Carbonell, Juan

    1998-01-01

    A cDNA encoding for a functional ornithine decarboxylase has been isolated from a cDNA library of carpels of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Ornithine decarboxylase in tomato is represented by a single-copy gene that we show to be up-regulated during early fruit growth induced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and gibberellic acid. PMID:9733552

  2. Molecular cloning and characterization of a tomato cDNA encoding a systemically wound-inducible bZIP DNA-binding protein

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stankovic, B.; Vian, A.; Henry-Vian, C.; Davies, E.

    2000-01-01

    Localized wounding of one leaf in intact tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plants triggers rapid systemic transcriptional responses that might be involved in defense. To better understand the mechanism(s) of intercellular signal transmission in wounded tomatoes, and to identify the array of genes systemically up-regulated by wounding, a subtractive cDNA library for wounded tomato leaves was constructed. A novel cDNA clone (designated LebZIP1) encoding a DNA-binding protein was isolated and identified. This clone appears to be encoded by a single gene, and belongs to the family of basic leucine zipper domain (bZIP) transcription factors shown to be up-regulated by cold and dark treatments. Analysis of the mRNA levels suggests that the transcript for LebZIP1 is both organ-specific and up-regulated by wounding. In wounded wild-type tomatoes, the LebZIP1 mRNA levels in distant tissue were maximally up-regulated within only 5 min following localized wounding. Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) prevented the rapid wound-induced increase in LebZIP1 mRNA levels, while the basal levels of LebZIP1 transcripts were higher in the ABA mutants notabilis (not), sitiens (sit), and flacca (flc), and wound-induced increases were greater in the ABA-deficient mutants. Together, these results suggest that ABA acts to curtail the wound-induced synthesis of LebZIP1 mRNA.

  3. A Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase Is Systemically Induced upon Wounding in Tomato Plants1

    PubMed Central

    Chico, José Manuel; Raíces, Marcela; Téllez-Iñón, María Teresa; Ulloa, Rita María

    2002-01-01

    A full-length cDNA clone (LeCDPK1) from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) encoding a calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) was isolated by screening a cDNA library from tomato cell cultures exposed to Cladosporium fulvum elicitor preparations. The predicted amino acid sequence of the cDNA reveals a high degree of similarity with other members of the CDPK family. LeCDPK1 has a putative N-terminal myristoylation sequence and presents a possible palmitoylation site. The in vitro translated protein conserves the biochemical properties of a member of the CDPK family. In addition, CDPK activity was detected in soluble and particulate extracts of tomato leaves. Basal levels of LeCDPK1 mRNA were detected by northern-blot analysis in roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of tomato plants. The expression of LeCDPK1 was rapidly and transiently enhanced in detached tomato leaves treated with pathogen elicitors and H2O2. Moreover, when tomato greenhouse plants were subjected to mechanical wounding, a transient increase of LeCDPK1 steady-state mRNA levels was detected locally at the site of the injury and systemically in distant non-wounded leaves. The increase observed in LeCDPK1 mRNA upon wounding correlates with an increase in the amount and in the activity of a soluble CDPK detected in extracts of tomato leaves, suggesting that this kinase is part of physiological plant defense mechanisms against biotic or abiotic attacks. PMID:11788771

  4. A novel extracellular matrix protein from tomato associated with lignified secondary cell walls.

    PubMed Central

    Domingo, C; Gómez, M D; Cañas, L; Hernández-Yago, J; Conejero, V; Vera, P

    1994-01-01

    A cDNA clone representing a novel cell wall protein was isolated from a tomato cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence shows that the encoded protein is very small (88 amino acids), contains an N-terminal hydrophobic signal peptide, and is enriched in lysine and tyrosine. We have designated this protein TLRP for tyrosine- and lysine-rich protein. RNA gel blot hybridization identified TLRP transcripts constitutively present in roots, stems, and leaves from tomato plants. The encoded protein seems to be highly insolubilized in the cell wall, and we present evidence that this protein is specifically localized in the modified secondary cell walls of the xylem and in cells of the sclerenchyma. In addition, the protein is localized in the protective periderm layer of the growing root. The highly localized deposition in cells destined to give support and protection to the plant indicates that this cell wall protein alone and/or in collaboration with other cell wall structural proteins may have a specialized structural function by mechanically strengthening the walls. PMID:7919979

  5. A Family of at Least Seven β-Galactosidase Genes Is Expressed during Tomato Fruit Development

    PubMed Central

    Smith, David L.; Gross, Kenneth C.

    2000-01-01

    During our search for a cDNA encoding β-galactosidase II, a β-galactosidase/exogalactanase (EC 3.2.1.23) present during tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit ripening, a family of seven tomato β-galactosidase (TBG) cDNAs was identified. The shared amino acid sequence identity among the seven TBG clones ranged from 33% to 79%. All contained the putative active site-containing consensus sequence pattern G-G-P-[LIVM]-x-Q-x-E-N-E-[FY] belonging to glycosyl hydrolase family 35. Six of the seven single-copy genes were mapped using restriction fragment length polymorphisms of recombinant inbred lines. RNA gel-blot analysis was used to evaluate TBG mRNA levels throughout fruit development, in different fruit tissues, and in various plant tissues. RNA gel-blot analysis was also used to reveal TBG mRNA levels in fruit of the rin, nor, and Nr tomato mutants. The TBG4-encoded protein, known to correspond to β-galactosidase II, was expressed in yeast and exo-galactanase activity was confirmed via a quantified release of galactosyl residues from cell wall fractions containing β(1→4)-d-galactan purified from tomato fruit. PMID:10889266

  6. LEFPS1, a Tomato Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Gene Highly Expressed during Early Fruit Development1

    PubMed Central

    Gaffe, Joel; Bru, Jean-Philippe; Causse, Mathilde; Vidal, Alain; Stamitti-Bert, Linda; Carde, Jean-Pierre; Gallusci, Philippe

    2000-01-01

    Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS) catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl pyrophosphate, a key intermediate in sterol and sesquiterpene biosynthesis. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based approach, we have characterized LeFPS1, a tomato (Lycoperscion esculentum cv Wva 106) fruit cDNA, which encodes a functional FPS. We demonstrate that tomato FPSs are encoded by a small multigenic family with genes located on chromosomes 10 and 12. Consistent with farnesyl pyrophosphate requirement in sterol biosynthesis, FPS genes are ubiquitously expressed in tomato plants. Using an LeFPS1 specific probe, we show that the corresponding gene can account for most of FPS mRNA in most plant organs, but not during young seedling development, indicating a differential regulation of FPS genes in tomato. FPS gene expression is also under strict developmental control: FPS mRNA was mainly abundant in young organs and decreased as organs matured with the exception of fruits that presented a biphasic accumulation pattern. In this latter case in situ hybridization studies have shown that FPS mRNA is similarly abundant in all tissues of young fruit. Taken together our results suggest that several FPS isoforms are involved in tomato farnesyl pyrophosphate metabolism and that FPS genes are mostly expressed in relation to cell division and enlargement. PMID:10938353

  7. Identification of the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase from Lycopersicon esculentum using proteomics and reverse-genomics.

    PubMed

    Dong, Wen; Kieliszewski, Marcia; Held, Michael A

    2015-04-01

    The regulation of plant cell growth and early defense response involves the insolubilization of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), such as extensin, in the primary cell wall. In tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), insolubilization occurs by the formation of tyrosyl-crosslinks catalyzed specifically by the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase (EP). To date, neither the gene encoding EP nor the protein itself has been identified. Here, we have identified tomato EP candidates using both proteomic and bioinformatic approaches. Bioinformatic screening of the tomato genome yielded eight EP candidates, which contained a putative signal sequence and a predicted pI near 4.6. Biochemical fractionation of tomato culture media followed by proteomic detection further refined our list of EP candidates to three, with the lead candidate designated (CG5). To test for EP crosslinking activity, we cloned into a bacterial expression vector the CG5 open-reading frame from tomato cDNA. The CG5 was expressed in Escherichia coli, fractionated from inclusion bodies, and folded in vitro. The peroxidase activity of CG5 was assayed and quantified by ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) assay. Subsequent extensin crosslinking assays showed that CG5 can covalently crosslink authentic tomato P1 extensin and P3-type extensin analogs in vitro supporting our hypothesis that CG5 encodes a tomato EP. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Identification of the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase from Lycopersicon esculentum using proteomics and reverse-genomics

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Wen; Kieliszewski, Marcia; Held, Michael A.

    2014-01-01

    The regulation of plant cell growth and early defense response involves the insolubilization of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), such as extensin, in the primary cell wall. In tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), insolublization occurs by the formation of tyrosyl-crosslinks catalyzed specifically by the pI 4.6 extensin peroxidase (EP). To date, neither the gene encoding EP nor the protein itself has been identified. Here, we’ve identified tomato EP candidates using both proteomic and bioinformatic approaches. Bioinformatic screening of the tomato genome yielded eight EP candidates, which contained a putative signal sequence and a predicted pI near 4.6. Biochemical fractionation of tomato culture media followed by proteomic detection further refined our list of EP candidates to three, with the lead candidate designated (CG5). To test for EP crosslinking activity, we cloned into a bacterial expression vector the CG5 open-reading frame from tomato cDNA. The CG5 was expressed in E. coli, fractionated from inclusion bodies, and folded in vitro. The peroxidase activity of CG5 was assayed and quantified by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) assay. Subsequent extensin crosslinking assays showed that CG5 can covalently crosslink authentic tomato P1 extensin and P3-type extensin analogs in vitro supporting our hypothesis that CG5 encodes a tomato EP. PMID:25446231

  9. Construction of Infectious cDNA Clone of a Chrysanthemum stunt viroid Korean Isolate

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Ju-Yeon; Cho, In-Sook; Choi, Gug-Seoun; Choi, Seung-Kook

    2014-01-01

    Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd), a noncoding infectious RNA molecule, causes seriously economic losses of chrysanthemum for 3 or 4 years after its first infection. Monomeric cDNA clones of CSVd isolate SK1 (CSVd-SK1) were constructed in the plasmids pGEM-T easy vector and pUC19 vector. Linear positive-sense transcripts synthesized in vitro from the full-length monomeric cDNA clones of CSVd-SK1 could infect systemically tomato seedlings and chrysanthemum plants, suggesting that the linear CSVd RNA transcribed from the cDNA clones could be replicated as efficiently as circular CSVd in host species. However, direct inoculation of plasmid cDNA clones containing full-length monomeric cDNA of CSVd-SK1 failed to infect tomato and chrysanthemum and linear negative-sense transcripts from the plasmid DNAs were not infectious in the two plant species. The cDNA sequences of progeny viroid in systemically infected tomato and chrysanthemum showed a few substitutions at a specific nucleotide position, but there were no deletions and insertions in the sequences of the CSVd progeny from tomato and chrysanthemum plants. PMID:25288987

  10. Endopolygalacturonase in Apples (Malus domestica) and Its Expression during Fruit Ripening.

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Q.; Szakacs-Dobozi, M.; Hemmat, M.; Hrazdina, G.

    1993-01-01

    The activity of polygalacturonase (PG) has been detected in ripe McIntosh apples (Malus domestica Borkh. cv McIntosh) both by enzyme activity measurement and immunoblotting using an anti-tomato-PG antibody preparation. PG activity increased during fruit ripening and remained steady, or decreased slightly, after 5 months of controlled atmospheric storage. The enzyme had a relative molecular weight of 45,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 56,000 to 61,000 when determined by gel filtration. Viscosity and reducing end group measurements with a commercial pectin preparation showed that the enzyme is endo acting. In RNA and DNA blot hybridization experiments, a full-length tomato PG cDNA hybridized with the apple RNA and DNA, showing the identity of genes encoding the activity of the enzyme in tomato and apple. PMID:12231813

  11. Molecular Characterization of Tomato 3-Dehydroquinate Dehydratase-Shikimate:NADP Oxidoreductase1

    PubMed Central

    Bischoff, Markus; Schaller, Andreas; Bieri, Fabian; Kessler, Felix; Amrhein, Nikolaus; Schmid, Jürg

    2001-01-01

    Analysis of cDNAs encoding the bifunctional 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase-shikimate:NADP oxidoreductase (DHQase-SORase) from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) revealed two classes of cDNAs that differed by 57 bp within the coding regions, but were otherwise identical. Comparison of these cDNA sequences with the sequence of the corresponding single gene unequivocally proved that the primary transcript is differentially spliced, potentially giving rise to two polypeptides that differ by 19 amino acids. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the longer transcript constitutes at most 1% to 2% of DHQase-SORase transcripts. Expression of the respective polypeptides in Escherichia coli mutants lacking the DHQase or the SORase activity gave functional complementation only in case of the shorter polypeptide, indicating that skipping of a potential exon is a prerequisite for the production of an enzymatically active protein. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the DHQase-SORase is most likely synthesized as a precursor with a very short (13-amino acid) plastid-specific transit peptide. Like other genes encoding enzymes of the prechorismate pathway in tomato, this gene is elicitor-inducible. Tissue-specific expression resembles the patterns obtained for 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase 2 and dehydroquinate synthase genes. This work completes our studies of the prechorismate pathway in that cDNAs for all seven enzymes (including isozymes) of the prechorismate pathway from tomato have now been characterized. PMID:11299368

  12. SlbZIP38, a Tomato bZIP Family Gene Downregulated by Abscisic Acid, Is a Negative Regulator of Drought and Salt Stress Tolerance

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Yanglu; Hu, Xin; Li, Chunyan; Xu, Xing; Su, Chenggang; Li, Jinhua; Song, Hongyuan; Zhang, Xingguo; Pan, Yu

    2017-01-01

    The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors have crucial roles in plant stress responses. In this study, the bZIP family gene SlbZIP38 (GenBank accession No: XM004239373) was isolated from a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Ailsa Craig) mature leaf cDNA library. The DNA sequence of SlbZIP38 encodes a protein of 484 amino acids, including a highly conserved bZIP DNA-binding domain in the C-terminal region. We found that SlbZIP38 was differentially expressed in various organs of the tomato plant and was downregulated by drought, salt stress, and abscisic acid (ABA). However, overexpression of SlbZIP38 significantly decreased drought and salt stress tolerance in tomatoes (Ailsa Craig). The findings that SlbZIP38 overexpression reduced the chlorophyll and free proline content in leaves but increased the malondialdehyde content may explain the reduced drought and salt tolerance observed in these lines. These results suggest that SlbZIP38 is a negative regulator of drought and salt resistance that acts by modulating ABA signaling. PMID:29261143

  13. Molecular cloning of the tomato Hairless gene implicates actin dynamics in trichome-mediated defense and mechanical properties of stem tissue

    DOE PAGES

    Kang, Jin-Ho; Campos, Marcelo L.; Zemelis-Durfee, Starla; ...

    2016-07-31

    Trichomes are epidermal structures that provide a first line of defense against arthropod herbivores. The recessive hairless (hl) mutation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) causes severe distortion of trichomes on all aerial tissues, impairs the accumulation of sesquiterpene and polyphenolic compounds in glandular trichomes, and compromises resistance to the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta. Here, we demonstrate that the tomato Hl gene encodes a subunit (SRA1) of the highly conserved WAVE regulatory complex that controls nucleation of actin filaments in a wide range of eukaryotic cells. The tomato SRA1 gene spans a 42-kb region containing both Solyc11g013280 and Solyc11g013290. The hlmore » mutation corresponds to a complex 3-kb deletion that removes the last exon of the gene. Expression of a wild-type SRA1 cDNA in the hl mutant background restored normal trichome development, accumulation of glandular trichomederived metabolites, and resistance to insect herbivory. These findings thus establish a role for SRA1 in the development of tomato trichomes and also implicate the actin-cytoskeleton network in cytosolic control of specialized metabolism for plant defense. We also show that the brittleness of hl mutant stems is associated with altered mechanical and cell morphological properties of stem tissue, and demonstrate that this defect is directly linked to the mutation in SRA1.« less

  14. Molecular cloning of the tomato Hairless gene implicates actin dynamics in trichome-mediated defense and mechanical properties of stem tissue

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kang, Jin-Ho; Campos, Marcelo L.; Zemelis-Durfee, Starla

    Trichomes are epidermal structures that provide a first line of defense against arthropod herbivores. The recessive hairless (hl) mutation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) causes severe distortion of trichomes on all aerial tissues, impairs the accumulation of sesquiterpene and polyphenolic compounds in glandular trichomes, and compromises resistance to the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta. Here, we demonstrate that the tomato Hl gene encodes a subunit (SRA1) of the highly conserved WAVE regulatory complex that controls nucleation of actin filaments in a wide range of eukaryotic cells. The tomato SRA1 gene spans a 42-kb region containing both Solyc11g013280 and Solyc11g013290. The hlmore » mutation corresponds to a complex 3-kb deletion that removes the last exon of the gene. Expression of a wild-type SRA1 cDNA in the hl mutant background restored normal trichome development, accumulation of glandular trichomederived metabolites, and resistance to insect herbivory. These findings thus establish a role for SRA1 in the development of tomato trichomes and also implicate the actin-cytoskeleton network in cytosolic control of specialized metabolism for plant defense. We also show that the brittleness of hl mutant stems is associated with altered mechanical and cell morphological properties of stem tissue, and demonstrate that this defect is directly linked to the mutation in SRA1.« less

  15. Cloning of a cDNA encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase and expression of its mRNA in ripening apple fruit.

    PubMed

    Dong, J G; Kim, W T; Yip, W K; Thompson, G A; Li, L; Bennett, A B; Yang, S F

    1991-08-01

    1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (EC 4.4.1.14) purified from apple (Malus sylvestris Mill.) fruit was subjected to trypsin digestion. Following separation by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, ten tryptic peptides were sequenced. Based on the sequences of three tryptic peptides, three sets of mixed oligonucleotide probes were synthesized and used to screen a plasmid cDNA library prepared from poly(A)(+) RNA of ripe apple fruit. A 1.5-kb (kilobase) cDNA clone which hybridized to all three probes were isolated. The clone contained an open reading frame of 1214 base pairs (bp) encoding a sequence of 404 amino acids. While the polyadenine tail at the 3'-end was intact, it lacked a portion of sequence at the 5'-end. Using the RNA-based polymerase chain reaction, an additional sequence of 148 bp was obtained at the 5'-end. Thus, 1362 bp were sequenced and they encode 454 amino acids. The deduced amino-acid sequence contained peptide sequences corresponding to all ten tryptic fragments, confirming the identity of the cDNA clone. Comparison of the deduced amino-acid sequence between ACC synthase from apple fruit and those from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and winter squash (Cucurbita maxima Duch.) fruits demonstrated the presence of seven highly conserved regions, including the previously identified region for the active site. The size of the translation product of ACC-synthase mRNA was similar to that of the mature protein on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), indicating that apple ACC-synthase undergoes only minor, if any, post-translational proteolytic processing. Analysis of ACC-synthase mRNA by in-vitro translation-immunoprecipitation, and by Northern blotting indicates that the ACC-synthase mRNA was undetectable in unripe fruit, but was accumulated massively during the ripening proccess. These data demonstrate that the expression of the ACC-synthase gene is developmentally regulated.

  16. Molecular cloning of the tomato Hairless gene implicates actin dynamics in trichome-mediated defense and mechanical properties of stem tissue.

    PubMed

    Kang, Jin-Ho; Campos, Marcelo L; Zemelis-Durfee, Starla; Al-Haddad, Jameel M; Jones, A Daniel; Telewski, Frank W; Brandizzi, Federica; Howe, Gregg A

    2016-10-01

    Trichomes are epidermal structures that provide a first line of defense against arthropod herbivores. The recessive hairless (hl) mutation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) causes severe distortion of trichomes on all aerial tissues, impairs the accumulation of sesquiterpene and polyphenolic compounds in glandular trichomes, and compromises resistance to the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta Here, we demonstrate that the tomato Hl gene encodes a subunit (SRA1) of the highly conserved WAVE regulatory complex that controls nucleation of actin filaments in a wide range of eukaryotic cells. The tomato SRA1 gene spans a 42-kb region containing both Solyc11g013280 and Solyc11g013290 The hl mutation corresponds to a complex 3-kb deletion that removes the last exon of the gene. Expression of a wild-type SRA1 cDNA in the hl mutant background restored normal trichome development, accumulation of glandular trichome-derived metabolites, and resistance to insect herbivory. These findings establish a role for SRA1 in the development of tomato trichomes and also implicate the actin-cytoskeleton network in cytosolic control of specialized metabolism for plant defense. We also show that the brittleness of hl mutant stems is associated with altered mechanical and cell morphological properties of stem tissue, and demonstrate that this defect is directly linked to the mutation in SRA1. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

  17. Characterization and developmental expression of genes encoding the early carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes in Citrus paradisi Macf.

    PubMed

    Costa, Marcio G C; Moreira, Cristina D; Melton, John R; Otoni, Wagner C; Moore, Gloria A

    2012-02-01

    In the present study, the full-length cDNA sequences of PSY, PDS, and ZDS, encoding the early carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes in the carotenoid pathway of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), were isolated and characterized for the first time. CpPSY contained a 1311-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 436 amino acids, CpPDS contained a 1659-bp ORF encoding a polypeptide of 552 amino acids, and CpZDS contained a 1713-bp ORF encoding a polypeptide of 570 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CpPSY shares homology with PSYs from Citrus, tomato, pepper, Arabidopsis, and the monocot PSY1 group, while CpPDS and CpZDS are most closely related to orthologs from Citrus and tomato. Expression analysis revealed fluctuations in CpPSY, CpPDS, and CpZDS transcript abundance and a non-coordinated regulation between the former and the two latter genes during fruit development in albedo and juice vesicles of white ('Duncan') and red ('Flame') grapefruits. A 3× higher upregulation of CpPSY expression in juice vesicles of red-fleshed 'Flame' as compared to white-fruited 'Duncan' was observed in the middle stages of fruit development, which correlates with the well documented accumulation pattern of lycopene in red grapefruit. Together with previous data, our results suggest that the primary mechanism controlling lycopene accumulation in red grapefruit involves the transcriptional upregulation of CpPSY, which controls the flux into the carotenoid pathway, and the downregulated expression of CpLCYB2, which controls the step of cyclization of lycopene in chromoplasts during fruit ripening. A correlation between CpPSY expression and fruit color evolution in red grapefruit is demonstrated.

  18. A Plastid Terminal Oxidase Associated with Carotenoid Desaturation during Chromoplast Differentiation1

    PubMed Central

    Josse, Eve-Marie; Simkin, Andrew J.; Gaffé, Joël; Labouré, Anne-Marie; Kuntz, Marcel; Carol, Pierre

    2000-01-01

    The Arabidopsis IMMUTANS gene encodes a plastid homolog of the mitochondrial alternative oxidase, which is associated with phytoene desaturation. Upon expression in Escherichia coli, this protein confers a detectable cyanide-resistant electron transport to isolated membranes. In this assay this activity is sensitive to n-propyl-gallate, an inhibitor of the alternative oxidase. This protein appears to be a plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) that is functionally equivalent to a quinol:oxygen oxidoreductase. This protein was immunodetected in achlorophyllous pepper (Capsicum annuum) chromoplast membranes, and a corresponding cDNA was cloned from pepper and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) fruits. Genomic analysis suggests the presence of a single gene in these organisms, the expression of which parallels phytoene desaturase and ζ-carotene desaturase gene expression during fruit ripening. Furthermore, this PTOX gene is impaired in the tomato ghost mutant, which accumulates phytoene in leaves and fruits. These data show that PTOX also participates in carotenoid desaturation in chromoplasts in addition to its role during early chloroplast development. PMID:10938359

  19. Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolB gene affects photosynthesis and chlorophyll content in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants.

    PubMed

    Bettini, Priscilla P; Marvasi, Massimiliano; Fani, Fabiola; Lazzara, Luigi; Cosi, Elena; Melani, Lorenzo; Mauro, Maria Luisa

    2016-10-01

    Insertion of Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolB gene into plant genome affects plant development, hormone balance and defence. However, beside the current research, the overall transcriptional response and gene expression of rolB as a modulator in plant is unknown. Transformed rolB tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar Tondino has been used to investigate the differential expression profile. Tomato is a well-known model organism both at the genetic and molecular level, and one of the most important commercial food crops in the world. Through the construction and characterization of a cDNA subtracted library, we have investigated the differential gene expression between transgenic clones of rolB and control tomato and have evaluated genes specifically transcribed in transgenic rolB plants. Among the selected genes, five genes encoding for chlorophyll a/b binding protein, carbonic anhydrase, cytochrome b 6 /f complex Fe-S subunit, potassium efflux antiporter 3, and chloroplast small heat-shock protein, all involved in chloroplast function, were identified. Measurement of photosynthesis efficiency by the level of three different photosynthetic parameters (F v /F m , rETR, NPQ) showed rolB significant increase in non-photochemical quenching and a, b chlorophyll content. Our results point to highlight the role of rolB on plant fitness by improving photosynthesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  20. Cloning and expression analysis of a gene that shows developmental regulation upon tuberization in potato.

    PubMed

    Jackson, S; Gascón, J; Carrera, E; Monte, E; Prat, S

    1997-01-01

    Differential screening of a potato leaf cDNA library with cDNA probes made from tuberizing and non-tuberizing Solanum demissum plants led to the identification of a clone that is upregulated in leaves and other tissues upon tuberization. This clone was also shown to have a high level of expression in green tomato fruit, its expression falling off as the fruit turns red. No sucrose or hormonal regulation of the expression of this clone was observed and it did not respond to wounding or heat stress. Clone 32B is 532 bp long and contains an open reading frame encoding a small protein of 98 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence has a putative signal peptide for ER transport and a 10 amino acid domain in the C-terminal region of the protein, both of which are also found in the cotton LEA5, Arabidopsis Di21 and the mungbean Arg2 proteins.

  1. A calmodulin binding protein from Arabidopsis is induced by ethylene and contains a DNA-binding motif

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reddy, A. S.; Reddy, V. S.; Golovkin, M.

    2000-01-01

    Calmodulin (CaM), a key calcium sensor in all eukaryotes, regulates diverse cellular processes by interacting with other proteins. To isolate CaM binding proteins involved in ethylene signal transduction, we screened an expression library prepared from ethylene-treated Arabidopsis seedlings with 35S-labeled CaM. A cDNA clone, EICBP (Ethylene-Induced CaM Binding Protein), encoding a protein that interacts with activated CaM was isolated in this screening. The CaM binding domain in EICBP was mapped to the C-terminus of the protein. These results indicate that calcium, through CaM, could regulate the activity of EICBP. The EICBP is expressed in different tissues and its expression in seedlings is induced by ethylene. The EICBP contains, in addition to a CaM binding domain, several features that are typical of transcription factors. These include a DNA-binding domain at the N terminus, an acidic region at the C terminus, and nuclear localization signals. In database searches a partial cDNA (CG-1) encoding a DNA-binding motif from parsley and an ethylene up-regulated partial cDNA from tomato (ER66) showed significant similarity to EICBP. In addition, five hypothetical proteins in the Arabidopsis genome also showed a very high sequence similarity with EICBP, indicating that there are several EICBP-related proteins in Arabidopsis. The structural features of EICBP are conserved in all EICBP-related proteins in Arabidopsis, suggesting that they may constitute a new family of DNA binding proteins and are likely to be involved in modulating gene expression in the presence of ethylene.

  2. Sequencing of cDNA Clones from the Genetic Map of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

    PubMed Central

    Ganal, Martin W.; Czihal, Rosemarie; Hannappel, Ulrich; Kloos, Dorothee-U.; Polley, Andreas; Ling, Hong-Qing

    1998-01-01

    The dense RFLP linkage map of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) contains >300 anonymous cDNA clones. Of those clones, 272 were partially or completely sequenced. The sequences were compared at the DNA and protein level to known genes in databases. For 57% of the clones, a significant match to previously described genes was found. The information will permit the conversion of those markers to STS markers and allow their use in PCR-based mapping experiments. Furthermore, it will facilitate the comparative mapping of genes across distantly related plant species by direct comparison of DNA sequences and map positions. [cDNA sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to the EMBL database under accession nos. AA824695–AA825005 and the dbEST_Id database under accession nos. 1546519–1546862.] PMID:9724330

  3. Gibberellin Regulation of Fruit Set and Growth in Tomato1[W

    PubMed Central

    Serrani, Juan Carlos; Sanjuán, Rafael; Ruiz-Rivero, Omar; Fos, Mariano; García-Martínez, José Luis

    2007-01-01

    The role of gibberellins (GAs) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit development was investigated. Two different inhibitors of GA biosynthesis (LAB 198999 and paclobutrazol) decreased fruit growth and fruit set, an effect reversed by GA3 application. LAB 198999 reduced GA1 and GA8 content, but increased that of their precursors GA53, GA44, GA19, and GA20 in pollinated fruits. This supports the hypothesis that GA1 is the active GA for tomato fruit growth. Unpollinated ovaries developed parthenocarpically in response to GA3 > GA1 = GA4 > GA20, but not to GA19, suggesting that GA 20-oxidase activity was limiting in unpollinated ovaries. This was confirmed by analyzing the effect of pollination on transcript levels of SlCPS, SlGA20ox1, -2, and -3, and SlGA3ox1 and -2, encoding enzymes of GA biosynthesis. Pollination increased transcript content of SlGA20ox1, -2, and -3, and SlCPS, but not of SlGA3ox1 and -2. To investigate whether pollination also altered GA inactivation, full-length cDNA clones of genes encoding enzymes catalyzing GA 2-oxidases (SlGA2ox1, -2, -3, -4, and -5) were isolated and characterized. Transcript levels of these genes did not decrease early after pollination (5-d-old fruits), but transcript content reduction of all of them, mainly of SlGA2ox2, was found later (from 10 d after anthesis). We conclude that pollination mediates fruit set by activating GA biosynthesis mainly through up-regulation of GA20ox. Finally, the phylogenetic reconstruction of the GA2ox family clearly showed the existence of three gene subfamilies, and the phylogenetic position of SlGA2ox1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 was established. PMID:17660355

  4. Nucleotide sequence of Hungarian grapevine chrome mosaic nepovirus RNA1.

    PubMed Central

    Le Gall, O; Candresse, T; Brault, V; Dunez, J

    1989-01-01

    The nucleotide sequence of the RNA1 of hungarian grapevine chrome mosaic virus, a nepovirus very closely related to tomato black ring virus, has been determined from cDNA clones. It is 7212 nucleotides in length excluding the 3' terminal poly(A) tail and contains a large open reading frame extending from nucleotides 216 to 6971. The presumably encoded polyprotein is 2252 amino acids in length with a molecular weight of 250 kDa. The primary structure of the polyprotein was compared with that of other viral polyproteins, revealing the same general genetic organization as that of other picorna-like viruses (comoviruses, potyviruses and picornaviruses), except that an additional protein is suspected to occupy the N-terminus of the polyprotein. PMID:2798128

  5. A key enzyme of animal steroidogenesis can function in plants enhancing their immunity and accelerating the processes of growth and development.

    PubMed

    Shpakovski, George V; Spivak, Svetlana G; Berdichevets, Irina N; Babak, Olga G; Kubrak, Svetlana V; Kilchevsky, Alexander V; Aralov, Andrey V; Slovokhotov, Ivan Yu; Shpakovski, Dmitry G; Baranova, Ekaterina N; Khaliluev, Marat R; Shematorova, Elena K

    2017-11-14

    The initial stage of the biosynthesis of steroid hormones in animals occurs in the mitochondria of steroidogenic tissues, where cytochrome P450 SCC (CYP11A1) encoded by the CYP11A1 gene catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone - the general precursor of all the steroid hormones, starting with progesterone. This stage is missing in plants where mitochondrial cytochromes P450 (the mito CYP clan) have not been found. Generating transgenic plants with a mitochondrial type P450 from animals would offer an interesting option to verify whether plant mitochondria could serve as another site of P450 monooxygenase reaction for the steroid hormones biosynthesis. For a more detailed comparison of steroidogenic systems of Plantae and Animalia, we have created and studied transgenic tobacco and tomato plants efficiently expressing mammalian CYP11A1 cDNA. The detailed phenotypic characterization of plants obtained has shown that through four generations studied, the transgenic tobacco plants have reduced a period of vegetative development (early flowering and maturation of bolls), enlarged biomass and increased productivity (quantity and quality of seeds) as compared to the only empty-vector containing or wild type plants. Moreover, the CYP11A1 transgenic plants show resistance to such fungal pathogen as Botrytis cinerea. Similar valuable phenotypes (the accelerated course of ontogenesis and/or stress resistance) are also visible in two clearly distinct transgenic tomato lines expressing CYP11A1 cDNA: one line (No. 4) has an accelerated rate of vegetative development, while the other (No. 7) has enhanced immunity to abiotic and biotic stresses. The progesterone level in transgenic tobacco and tomato leaves is 3-5 times higher than in the control plants of the wild type. For the first time, we could show the compatibility in vivo of even the most specific components of the systems of biosynthesis of steroid hormones in Plantae and Animalia. The hypothesis is proposed and substantiated that the formation of the above-noted special phenotypes of transgenic plants expressing mammalian CYP11A1 cDNA is due to the increased biosynthesis of progesterone that can be considered as a very ancient bioregulator of plant cells and the first real hormone common to plants and animals.

  6. LEPS2, a Phosphorus Starvation-Induced Novel Acid Phosphatase from Tomato1

    PubMed Central

    Baldwin, James C.; Karthikeyan, Athikkattuvalasu S.; Raghothama, Kashchandra G.

    2001-01-01

    Phosphate (Pi) is one of the least available plant nutrients found in the soil. A significant amount of phosphate is bound in organic forms in the rhizosphere. Phosphatases produced by plants and microbes are presumed to convert organic phosphorus into available Pi, which is absorbed by plants. In this study we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) phosphate starvation-induced gene (LePS2) representing an acid phosphatase. LePS2 is a member of a small gene family in tomato. The cDNA is 942 bp long and contains an open reading frame encoding a 269-amino acid polypeptide. The amino acid sequence of LePS2 has a significant similarity with a phosphatase from chicken. Distinct regions of the peptide also share significant identity with the members of HAD and DDDD super families of phosphohydrolases. Many plant homologs of LePS2 are found in the databases. The LePS2 transcripts are induced rapidly in tomato plant and cell culture in the absence of Pi. However, the induction is repressible in the presence of Pi. Divided root studies indicate that internal Pi levels regulate the expression of LePS2. The enhanced expression of LePS2 is a specific response to Pi starvation, and it is not affected by starvation of other nutrients or abiotic stresses. The bacterially (Escherichia coli) expressed protein exhibits phosphatase activity against the synthetic substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The pH optimum of the enzyme activity suggests that LePS2 is an acid phosphatase. PMID:11161030

  7. Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for carrot extensin and a proline-rich 33-kDa protein

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, J.; Varner, J.E.

    1985-07-01

    Extensins are hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins associated with most dicotyledonous plant cell walls. To isolate cDNA clones encoding extensin, the authors started by isolating poly(A) RNA from carrot root tissue, and then translating the RNA in vitro, in the presence of tritiated leucine or proline. A 33-kDa peptide was identified in the translation products as a putative extensin precursor. From a cDNA library constructed with poly(A) RNA from wounded carrots, one cDNA clone (pDC5) was identified that specifically hybridized to poly(A) RNA encoding this 33-kDa peptide. They isolated three cDNA clones (pDC11, pDC12, and pDC16) from another cDNA library using pCD5 asmore » a probe. DNA sequence data, RNA hybridization analysis, and hybrid released in vitro translation indicate that the cDNA clones pDC11 encodes extensin and that cDNA clones pDC12 and pDC16 encode the 33-kDa peptide, which as yet has an unknown identity and function. The assumption that the 33-kDa peptide was an extensin precursor was invalid. RNA hybridization analysis showed that RNA encoded by both clone types is accumulated upon wounding.« less

  8. Characterization of regulatory pathways in Xylella fastidiosa: genes and phenotypes controlled by gacA.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xiang Yang; Dumenyo, C Korsi; Hernandez-Martinez, Rufina; Azad, Hamid; Cooksey, Donald A

    2009-04-01

    The xylem-limited, insect-transmitted bacterium Xylella fastidiosa causes Pierce's disease in grapes through cell aggregation and vascular clogging. GacA controls various physiological processes and pathogenicity factors in many gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm formation in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Cloned gacA of X. fastidiosa was found to restore the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity in gacA mutants of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Erwinia amylovora. A gacA mutant of X. fastidiosa (DAC1984) had significantly reduced abilities to adhere to a glass surface, form biofilm, and incite disease symptoms on grapevines, compared with the parent (A05). cDNA microarray analysis identified 7 genes that were positively regulated by GacA, including xadA and hsf, predicted to encode outer membrane adhesion proteins, and 20 negatively regulated genes, including gumC and an antibacterial polypeptide toxin gene, cvaC. These results suggest that GacA of X. fastidiosa regulates many factors, which contribute to attachment and biofilm formation, as well as some physiological processes that may enhance the adaptation and tolerance of X. fastidiosa to environmental stresses and the competition within the host xylem.

  9. Molecular cloning and characterization of a nonsymbiotic hemoglobin gene (GLB1) from Malus hupehensis Rehd. with heterologous expression in tomato.

    PubMed

    Shi, Xingzheng; Wang, Xinliang; Peng, Futian; Zhao, Yu

    2012-08-01

    Nonsymbiotic hemoglobins (nsHbs) are involved in a variety of cellular processes in plants. Previous studies indicate that nsHb expression improves plant tolerance during waterlogging and hypoxia. In the present work, the nsHb class-1 coding sequence was cloned from Malus hupehensis Rehd. var. pinyiensis Jiang and subsequently named MhGLB1. The results elucidated the expressed characteristics and physiological effects of MhGLB1. The full-length cDNA contained a 477 bp open reading frame encoding a protein with a molecular mass of 17.8 KDa with 158 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that MhGLB1 expresses in roots, stems and leaves growing under normal and nitrate-induced conditions. Hypoxic stress induced accumulation of MhGLB1 within 12 h, and abscisic acid significantly induced expression of MhGLB1 in roots. The photosynthetic, transpiration and stomatal conductance rates of transgenic MhGLB1 tomato plants decreased more slowly than that of wild-type plants under waterlogging treatment. These results indicated that the MhGLB1 gene has an important role in hypoxia.

  10. Cladosporium fulvum CfHNNI1 induces hypersensitive necrosis, defence gene expression and disease resistance in both host and nonhost plants.

    PubMed

    Cai, Xin-Zhong; Zhou, Xin; Xu, You-Ping; Joosten, Matthieu H A J; de Wit, Pierre J G M

    2007-05-01

    Nonhost resistance as a durable and broad-spectrum defence strategy is of great potential for agricultural applications. We have previously isolated a cDNA showing homology with genes encoding bZIP transcription factors from tomato leaf mould pathogen Cladosporium fulvum. Upon expression, the cDNA results in necrosis in C. fulvum host tomato and nonhost tobacco plants and is thus named CfHNNI1 (for C . f ulvum host and nonhost plant necrosis inducer 1). In the present study we report the induction of necrosis in a variety of nonhost plant species belonging to three families by the transient in planta expression of CfHNNI1 using virus-based vectors. Additionally, transient expression of CfHNNI1 also induced expression of the HR marker gene LeHSR203 and greatly reduced the accumulation of recombinant Potato virus X. Stable CfHNNI1 transgenic tobacco plants were generated in which the expression of CfHNNI1 is under the control of the pathogen-inducible hsr203J promoter. When infected with the oomycetes pathogen Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, these transgenic plants manifested enhanced expression of CfHNNI1 and subsequent accumulation of CfHNNI1 protein, resulting in high expression of the HSR203J and PR genes, and strong resistance to the pathogen. The CfHNNI1 transgenic plants also exhibited induced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci and Tobacco mosaic virus. Furthermore, CfHNNI1 was highly expressed and the protein was translocated into plant cells during the incompatible interactions between C. fulvum and host and nonhost plants. Our results demonstrate that CfHNNI1 is a potential general elicitor of hypersensitive response and nonhost resistance.

  11. [Complete nucleotide sequences and genome structure of two Chinese tobacco mosaic virus isolates deduced from full-length infectious cDNA clones].

    PubMed

    Yang, G; Liu, X G; Qiu, B S

    2000-07-01

    The complete nucleotides of two Chinese tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) isolates, TMV-Cv (vulgare strain) and TMV-N14 (an attenuated virus originated from a tomato strain), were determined from their respective full-length infectious cDNA clones and compared with published TMV sequences. The genome structure of TMV-Cv contained 6395 nucleotides, in which four functional open reading frames (ORF), coding for replicase (126 kD/183 kD), movement protein (MP, 30 kD) and coat protein (CP, 17.6 kD) respectively, could be recognized. TMV-N14 contained 6384 nucleotides in its genome. In contrast to TMV-Cv, five functional ORFs encoding the replicase 98.5 kD/126 kD/183 kD, MP(27 kD) and CP(17.6 kD), respectively, were detected in the TMV-N14 genome. TMV-Cv is 99% homologous to a Korean TMV isolate belonging to the vulgare strain at the nucleotide level. TMV-N14 is 99% homologous to a highly virulent Japanese isolate TMV-L (tomato strain) at the nucleotide level. In TMV-N14, one opal nulation (UGA) occurred in the replicase gene and one ochre nutation (UAA) in the MP gene. The former mutation created a potential, additional ORF within the replicase gene, the latter reduced the size of the MP to 27 kD. In addition, there were also 13 amino acid substitutions in the replicase gene of TMV-N14 when compared to that of TMV-L. Collectively, these changes may have significant implications in the attenuation of the virulence of TMV-N14.

  12. Comparative Analysis of the Regulation of Expression and Structures of Two Evolutionarily Divergent Genes for Δ1-Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Synthetase from Tomato1

    PubMed Central

    Fujita, Tomomichi; Maggio, Albino; Garcia-Rios, Mario; Bressan, Ray A.; Csonka, Laszlo N.

    1998-01-01

    We isolated two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cDNA clones, tomPRO1 and tomPRO2, specifying Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), the first enzyme of proline (Pro) biosynthesis. tomPRO1 is unusual because it resembles prokaryotic polycistronic operons (M.G. García-Ríos, T. Fujita, P.C. LaRosa, R.D. Locy, J.M. Clithero, R.A. Bressan, L.N. Csonka [1997] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94: 8249–8254), whereas tomPRO2 encodes a full-length P5CS. We analyzed the accumulation of Pro and the tomPRO1 and tomPRO2 messages in response to NaCl stress and developmental signals. Treatment with 200 mm NaCl resulted in a >60-fold increase in Pro levels in roots and leaves. However, there was a <3-fold increase in the accumulation of the tomPRO2 message and no detectable induction in the level of the tomPRO1 message in response to NaCl stress. Although pollen contained approximately 100-fold higher levels of Pro than other plant tissues, there was no detectable increase in the level of either message in pollen. We conclude that transcriptional regulation of these genes for P5CS is probably not important for the osmotic or pollen-specific regulation of Pro synthesis in tomato. Using restriction fragment-length polymorphism mapping, we determined the locations of tomPRO1 and tomPRO2 loci in the tomato nuclear genome. Sequence comparison suggested that tomPRO1 is similar to prokaryotic P5CS loci, whereas tomPRO2 is closely related to other eukaryotic P5CS genes. PMID:9765552

  13. Vacuolar H+-ATPase Is Expressed in Response to Gibberellin during Tomato Seed Germination1

    PubMed Central

    Cooley, Michael B.; Yang, Hong; Dahal, Peetambar; Mella, R. Alejandra; Downie, A. Bruce; Haigh, Anthony M.; Bradford, Kent J.

    1999-01-01

    Completion of germination (radicle emergence) by gibberellin (GA)-deficient (gib-1) mutant tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seeds is dependent upon exogenous GA, because weakening of the endosperm tissue enclosing the radicle tip requires GA. To investigate genes that may be involved in endosperm weakening or embryo growth, differential cDNA display was used to identify mRNAs differentially expressed in gib-1 seeds imbibed in the presence or absence of GA4+7. Among these was a GA-responsive mRNA encoding the 16-kD hydrophobic subunit c of the V0 membrane sector of vacuolar H+-translocating ATPases (V-ATPase), which we termed LVA-P1. LVA-P1 mRNA expression in gib-1 seeds was dependent on GA and was particularly abundant in the micropylar region prior to radicle emergence. Both GA dependence and tissue localization of LVA-P1 mRNA expression were confirmed directly in individual gib-1 seeds using tissue printing. LVA-P1 mRNA was also expressed in wild-type seeds during development and germination, independent of exogenous GA. Specific antisera detected protein subunits A and B of the cytoplasmic V1 sector of the V-ATPase holoenzyme complex in gib-1 seeds only in the presence of GA, and expression was localized to the micropylar region. The results suggest that V-ATPase plays a role in GA-regulated germination of tomato seeds. PMID:10594121

  14. The Tomato Terpene Synthase Gene Family1[W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Falara, Vasiliki; Akhtar, Tariq A.; Nguyen, Thuong T.H.; Spyropoulou, Eleni A.; Bleeker, Petra M.; Schauvinhold, Ines; Matsuba, Yuki; Bonini, Megan E.; Schilmiller, Anthony L.; Last, Robert L.; Schuurink, Robert C.; Pichersky, Eran

    2011-01-01

    Compounds of the terpenoid class play numerous roles in the interactions of plants with their environment, such as attracting pollinators and defending the plant against pests. We show here that the genome of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) contains 44 terpene synthase (TPS) genes, including 29 that are functional or potentially functional. Of these 29 TPS genes, 26 were expressed in at least some organs or tissues of the plant. The enzymatic functions of eight of the TPS proteins were previously reported, and here we report the specific in vitro catalytic activity of 10 additional tomato terpene synthases. Many of the tomato TPS genes are found in clusters, notably on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 8, and 10. All TPS family clades previously identified in angiosperms are also present in tomato. The largest clade of functional TPS genes found in tomato, with 12 members, is the TPS-a clade, and it appears to encode only sesquiterpene synthases, one of which is localized to the mitochondria, while the rest are likely cytosolic. A few additional sesquiterpene synthases are encoded by TPS-b clade genes. Some of the tomato sesquiterpene synthases use z,z-farnesyl diphosphate in vitro as well, or more efficiently than, the e,e-farnesyl diphosphate substrate. Genes encoding monoterpene synthases are also prevalent, and they fall into three clades: TPS-b, TPS-g, and TPS-e/f. With the exception of two enzymes involved in the synthesis of ent-kaurene, the precursor of gibberellins, no other tomato TPS genes could be demonstrated to encode diterpene synthases so far. PMID:21813655

  15. cDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hevein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, N.V.; Broekaert, W.F.; Namhai Chua; Kush, A.

    1993-02-16

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1,018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids.

  16. A developmentally regulated lipocalin-like gene is overexpressed in Tomato yellow leaf curl virus-resistant tomato plants upon virus inoculation, and its silencing abolishes resistance.

    PubMed

    Sade, Dagan; Eybishtz, Assaf; Gorovits, Rena; Sobol, Iris; Czosnek, Henryk

    2012-10-01

    To discover genes involved in tomato resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), we previously compared cDNA libraries from susceptible (S) and resistant (R) tomato lines. Among the genes preferentially expressed in R plants and upregulated by TYLCV infection was a gene encoding a lipocalin-like protein. This gene was termed Solanum lycopersicum virus resistant/susceptible lipocalin (SlVRSLip). The SlVRSLip structural gene sequence of R and S plants was identical. SlVRSLip was expressed in leaves during a 15-day window starting about 40 days after sowing (20 days after planting). SlVRSLip was upregulated by Bemisia tabaci (the TYLCV vector) feeding on R plant leaves, and even more strongly upregulated following whitefly-mediated TYLCV inoculation. Silencing of SlVRSLip in R plants led to the collapse of resistance upon TYLCV inoculation and to a necrotic response along the stem and petioles accompanied by ROS production. Contrary to previously identified tomato lipocalin gene DQ222981, SlVRSLip was not regulated by cold, nor was it regulated by heat or salt. The expression of SlVRSLip was inhibited in R plants in which the hexose transporter gene LeHT1 was silenced. In contrast, the expression of LeHT1 was not inhibited in SlVRSLip-silenced R plants. Hence, in the hierarchy of the gene network conferring TYLCV resistance, SlVRSLip is downstream of LeHT1. Silencing of another gene involved in resistance, a Permease-I like protein, did not affect the expression of SlVRSLip and LeHT1; expression of the Permease was not affected by silencing SlVRSLip or LeHT1, suggesting that it does not belong to the same network. The triple co-silencing of SlVRSLip, LeHT1 and Permease provoked an immediate cessation of growth of R plants upon infection and the accumulation of large amounts of virus. SlVRSLip is the first lipocalin-like gene shown to be involved in resistance to a plant virus.

  17. Rapid and systemic accumulation of chloroplast mRNA-binding protein transcripts after flame stimulus in tomato

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vian, A.; Henry-Vian, C.; Davies, E.

    1999-01-01

    It has been shown that tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants respond to flame wounding and electrical stimulation by a rapid (15 min) and systemic up-regulation of proteinase inhibitor (pin) genes. To find other genes having a similar expression pattern, we used subtractive cDNA screening between flamed and control plants to select clones up-regulated by flame wounding. We report the characterization of one of them, a chloroplast mRNA-binding protein encoded by a single gene and expressed preferentially in the leaves. Systemic gene expression in response to flaming in the youngest terminal leaf exhibited three distinct phases: a rapid and transient increase (5-15 min) in transcript accumulation, a decline to basal levels (15-45 min), and then a second, more prolonged increase (60-90 min). In contrast, after a mechanical wound the rapid, transient increase (5 min) was followed by a rapid decline to basal levels but no later, prolonged accumulation. In the petiole, the initial flame-wound-evoked transient increase (15 min) was followed by a continuous decline for 3 h. The nature of the wound signal(s) causing such rapid changes in transcript abundance is discussed in relation to electrical signaling, which has recently been implicated in plant responses to wounding.

  18. Uniform ripening (U) encodes a Golden 2-like transcription factor regulating tomato fruit chloroplast development

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Modern tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varieties are bred for recessive uniform ripening (u) light green fruit phenotypes to facilitate maturity determinations without information about the underlying gene. We show that U encodes a Golden 2-like (GLK) transcription factor, SlGLK2, which determines the...

  19. Tomato Expression Database (TED): a suite of data presentation and analysis tools

    PubMed Central

    Fei, Zhangjun; Tang, Xuemei; Alba, Rob; Giovannoni, James

    2006-01-01

    The Tomato Expression Database (TED) includes three integrated components. The Tomato Microarray Data Warehouse serves as a central repository for raw gene expression data derived from the public tomato cDNA microarray. In addition to expression data, TED stores experimental design and array information in compliance with the MIAME guidelines and provides web interfaces for researchers to retrieve data for their own analysis and use. The Tomato Microarray Expression Database contains normalized and processed microarray data for ten time points with nine pair-wise comparisons during fruit development and ripening in a normal tomato variety and nearly isogenic single gene mutants impacting fruit development and ripening. Finally, the Tomato Digital Expression Database contains raw and normalized digital expression (EST abundance) data derived from analysis of the complete public tomato EST collection containing >150 000 ESTs derived from 27 different non-normalized EST libraries. This last component also includes tools for the comparison of tomato and Arabidopsis digital expression data. A set of query interfaces and analysis, and visualization tools have been developed and incorporated into TED, which aid users in identifying and deciphering biologically important information from our datasets. TED can be accessed at . PMID:16381976

  20. Tomato Expression Database (TED): a suite of data presentation and analysis tools.

    PubMed

    Fei, Zhangjun; Tang, Xuemei; Alba, Rob; Giovannoni, James

    2006-01-01

    The Tomato Expression Database (TED) includes three integrated components. The Tomato Microarray Data Warehouse serves as a central repository for raw gene expression data derived from the public tomato cDNA microarray. In addition to expression data, TED stores experimental design and array information in compliance with the MIAME guidelines and provides web interfaces for researchers to retrieve data for their own analysis and use. The Tomato Microarray Expression Database contains normalized and processed microarray data for ten time points with nine pair-wise comparisons during fruit development and ripening in a normal tomato variety and nearly isogenic single gene mutants impacting fruit development and ripening. Finally, the Tomato Digital Expression Database contains raw and normalized digital expression (EST abundance) data derived from analysis of the complete public tomato EST collection containing >150,000 ESTs derived from 27 different non-normalized EST libraries. This last component also includes tools for the comparison of tomato and Arabidopsis digital expression data. A set of query interfaces and analysis, and visualization tools have been developed and incorporated into TED, which aid users in identifying and deciphering biologically important information from our datasets. TED can be accessed at http://ted.bti.cornell.edu.

  1. Cloning, sequencing and expression in MEL cells of a cDNA encoding the mouse ribosomal protein S5.

    PubMed

    Vanegas, N; Castañeda, V; Santamaría, D; Hernández, P; Schvartzman, J B; Krimer, D B

    1997-06-05

    We describe the isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding the mouse S5 ribosomal protein. It was isolated from a MEL (murine erythroleukemia) cell cDNA library by differential hybridization as a down regulated sequence during HMBA-induced differentiation. Northern series analysis showed that S5 mRNA expression is reduced 5-fold throughout the differentiation process. The mouse S5 mRNA is 760 bp long and encodes for a 204 amino acid protein with 94% homology with the human and rat S5.

  2. Isolation, nucleotide sequence and expression of a cDNA encoding feline granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

    PubMed

    Dunham, S P; Onions, D E

    2001-06-21

    A cDNA encoding feline granulocyte colony stimulating factor (fG-CSF) was cloned from alveolar macrophages using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The cDNA is 949 bp in length and encodes a predicted mature protein of 174 amino acids. Recombinant fG-CSF was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion and purified by affinity chromatography. Biological activity of the recombinant protein was demonstrated using the murine myeloblastic cell line GNFS-60, which showed an ED50 for fG-CSF of approximately 2 ng/ml. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  3. Acetylcholinesterase of the Sand Fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli): cDNA Sequence, Baculovirus Expression, and Biochemical Properties

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    identity to acetylcholinesterase mRNA sequences of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Lutzomyia longipalpis, respectively. The P. papatasi cDNA ORF encoded a...tritaeniorhynchus and Lutzomyia longipalpis, respectively. The P. papatasi cDNA ORF encoded a 710-amino acid protein [GenBank: AFP20868] exhibiting 85...improve effectiveness of pesticide application for control of the new world sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis in chicken sheds [13]. Attempts to control

  4. Transgenic tomatoes express an antigenic polypeptide containing epitopes of the diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus exotoxins, encoded by a synthetic gene.

    PubMed

    Soria-Guerra, Ruth Elena; Rosales-Mendoza, Sergio; Márquez-Mercado, Crisóforo; López-Revilla, Rubén; Castillo-Collazo, Rosalba; Alpuche-Solís, Angel Gabriel

    2007-07-01

    A current priority of vaccinology is the development of multicomponent vaccines that protect against several pathogens. The diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine prevents the symptoms of three serious and often fatal diseases due to the exotoxins produced by Corynebacterium diphteriae, Bordetella pertussis and Clostridium tetani. We are attempting to develop an edible DPT multicomponent vaccine in plants, based on the fusion of protective exotoxin epitopes encoded by synthetic genes. By means of Agrobacterium mediated transformation we generated transgenic tomatoes with a plant-optimised synthetic gene encoding a novel polypeptide containing two adjuvant and six DPT immunoprotective exotoxin epitopes joined by peptide linkers. In transformed tomato plants, integration of the synthetic DPT (sDPT) gene detected by PCR was confirmed by Southern blot, and specific transcripts of the expected molecular size were detected by RT-PCR. Expression of the putative polypeptide encoded by the sDPT gene was detected by immunoassay with specific antibodies to the diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus exotoxins. The sDPT gene is therefore integrated, transcribed and translated as the expected recombinant sDPT multiepitope polypeptide in transgenic tomatoes that constitute a potential edible vaccine.

  5. Molecular cloning and expression of gene encoding aromatic amino acid decarboxylase in 'Vidal blanc' grape berries.

    PubMed

    Pan, Qiu-Hong; Chen, Fang; Zhu, Bao-Qing; Ma, Li-Yan; Li, Li; Li, Jing-Ming

    2012-04-01

    The pleasantly fruity and floral 2-phenylethanol are a dominant aroma compound in post-ripening 'Vidal blanc' grapes. However, to date little has been reported about its synthetic pathway in grapevine. In the present study, a full-length cDNA of VvAADC (encoding aromatic amino acid decarboxylase) was firstly cloned from the berries of 'Vidal blanc', an interspecific hybrid variety of Vitis vinifera × Vitis riparia. This sequence encodes a complete open reading frame of 482 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 54 kDa and isoelectric point value (pI) of 5.73. The amino acid sequence deduced shared about 79% identity with that of aromatic L: -amino acid decarboxylases (AADCs) from tomato. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that VvAADC transcript abundance presented a small peak at 110 days after full bloom and then a continuous increase at the berry post-ripening stage, which was consistent with the accumulation of 2-phenylethanol, but did not correspond to the trends of two potential intermediates, phenethylamine and 2-phenylacetaldehyde. Furthermore, phenylalanine still exhibited a continuous increase even in post-ripening period. It is thus suggested that 2-phenylethanol biosynthetic pathway mediated by AADC exists in grape berries, but it has possibly little contribution to a considerable accumulation of 2-phenylethanol in post-ripening 'Vidal blanc' grapes.

  6. PCR cloning and characterization of multiple ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase cDNAs from tomato

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chen, B. Y.; Janes, H. W.; Gianfagna, T.

    1998-01-01

    Four ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) cDNAs were cloned from tomato fruit and leaves by the PCR techniques. Three of them (agp S1, agp S2, and agp S3) encode the large subunit of AGP, the fourth one (agp B) encodes the small subunit. The deduced amino acid sequences of the cDNAs show very high identities (96-98%) to the corresponding potato AGP isoforms, although there are major differences in tissue expression profiles. All four tomato AGP transcripts were detected in fruit and leaves; the predominant ones in fruit are agp B and agp S1, whereas in leaves they are agp B and agp S3. Genomic southern analysis suggests that the four AGP transcripts are encoded by distinct genes.

  7. A Bromodomain-Containing Protein from Tomato Specifically Binds Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid RNA In Vitro and In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Martínez de Alba, Angel Emilio; Sägesser, Rudolf; Tabler, Martin; Tsagris, Mina

    2003-01-01

    For the identification of RNA-binding proteins that specifically interact with potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), we subjected a tomato cDNA expression library prepared from viroid-infected leaves to an RNA ligand screening procedure. We repeatedly identified cDNA clones that expressed a protein of 602 amino acids. The protein contains a bromodomain and was termed viroid RNA-binding protein 1 (VIRP1). The specificity of interaction of VIRP1 with viroid RNA was studied by different methodologies, which included Northwestern blotting, plaque lift, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. VIRP1 interacted strongly and specifically with monomeric and oligomeric PSTVd positive-strand RNA transcripts. Other RNAs, for example, U1 RNA, did not bind to VIRP1. Further, we could immunoprecipitate complexes from infected tomato leaves that contained VIRP1 and viroid RNA in vivo. Analysis of the protein sequence revealed that VIRP1 is a member of a newly identified family of transcriptional regulators associated with chromatin remodeling. VIRP1 is the first member of this family of proteins, for which a specific RNA-binding activity is shown. A possible role of VIRP1 in viroid replication and in RNA mediated chromatin remodeling is discussed. PMID:12915580

  8. Role for the banana AGAMOUS-like gene MaMADS7 in regulation of fruit ripening and quality.

    PubMed

    Liu, Juhua; Liu, Lin; Li, Yujia; Jia, Caihong; Zhang, Jianbin; Miao, Hongxia; Hu, Wei; Wang, Zhuo; Xu, Biyu; Jin, Zhiqiang

    2015-11-01

    MADS-box transcription factors play important roles in organ development. In plants, most studies on MADS-box genes have mainly focused on flower development and only a few concerned fruit development and ripening. A new MADS-box gene named MaMADS7 was isolated from banana fruit by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) based on a MADS-box fragment obtained from a banana suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library. MaMADS7 is an AGAMOUS-like MADS-box gene that is preferentially expressed in the ovaries and fruits and in tobacco its protein product localizes to the nucleus. This study found that MaMADS7 expression can be induced by exogenous ethylene. Ectopic expression of MaMADS7 in tomato resulted in broad ripening phenotypes. The expression levels of seven ripening and quality-related genes, ACO1, ACS2, E4, E8, PG, CNR and PSY1 in MaMADS7 transgenic tomato fruits were greatly increased while the expression of the AG-like MADS-box gene TAGL1 was suppressed. Compared with the control, the contents of β-carotene, lycopene, ascorbic acid and organic acid in transformed tomato fruits were increased, while the contents of glucose and fructose were slightly decreased. MaMADS7 interacted with banana 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase gene 1 (MaACO1) and tomato phytoene synthase gene (LePSY1) promoters. Our results indicated that MaMADS7 plays an important role in initiating endogenous ethylene biosynthesis and fruit ripening. © 2015 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

  9. Characterization of a cDNA encoding a protein involved in formation of the skeleton during development of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus.

    PubMed

    Livingston, B T; Shaw, R; Bailey, A; Wilt, F

    1991-12-01

    In order to investigate the role of proteins in the formation of mineralized tissues during development, we have isolated a cDNA that encodes a protein that is a component of the organic matrix of the skeletal spicule of the sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus. The expression of the RNA encoding this protein is regulated over development and is localized to the descendents of the micromere lineage. Comparison of the sequence of this cDNA to homologous cDNAs from other species of urchin reveal that the protein is basic and contains three conserved structural motifs: a signal peptide, a proline-rich region, and an unusual region composed of a series of direct repeats. Studies on the protein encoded by this cDNA confirm the predicted reading frame deduced from the nucleotide sequence and show that the protein is secreted and not glycosylated. Comparison of the amino acid sequence to databases reveal that the repeat domain is similar to proteins that form a unique beta-spiral supersecondary structure.

  10. Cloning of novel cellulases from cellulolytic fungi: heterologous expression of a family 5 glycoside hydrolase from Trametes versicolor in Pichia pastoris.

    PubMed

    Salinas, Alejandro; Vega, Marcela; Lienqueo, María Elena; Garcia, Alejandro; Carmona, Rene; Salazar, Oriana

    2011-12-10

    Total cDNA isolated from cellulolytic fungi cultured in cellulose was examined for the presence of sequences encoding for endoglucanases. Novel sequences encoding for glycoside hydrolases (GHs) were identified in Fusarium oxysporum, Ganoderma applanatum and Trametes versicolor. The cDNA encoding for partial sequences of GH family 61 cellulases from F. oxysporum and G. applanatum shares 58 and 68% identity with endoglucanases from Glomerella graminicola and Laccaria bicolor, respectively. A new GH family 5 endoglucanase from T. versicolor was also identified. The cDNA encoding for the mature protein was completely sequenced. This enzyme shares 96% identity with Trametes hirsuta endoglucanase and 22% with Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II (EGII). The enzyme, named TvEG, has N-terminal family 1 carbohydrate binding module (CBM1). The full length cDNA was cloned into the pPICZαB vector and expressed as an active, extracellular enzyme in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Preliminary studies suggest that T. versicolor could be useful for lignocellulose degradation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Lectin cDNA and transgenic plants derived therefrom

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, Natasha V.

    2000-10-03

    Transgenic plants containing cDNA encoding Gramineae lectin are described. The plants preferably contain cDNA coding for barley lectin and store the lectin in the leaves. The transgenic plants, particularly the leaves exhibit insecticidal and fungicidal properties.

  12. Ripening-Related Gene from Avocado Fruit 1

    PubMed Central

    McGarvey, Douglas J.; Sirevåg, Reidun; Christoffersen, Rolf E.

    1992-01-01

    Fruit ripening involves a series of changes in gene expression regulated by the phytohormone ethylene. AVOe3, a ripening-related gene in avocado fruit (Persea americana Mill. cv Hass), was characterized with regard to its ethylene-regulated expression. The AVOe3 mRNA and immunopositive protein were induced in mature fruit within 12 hours of propylene treatment. The AVOe3 mRNA levels reached a maximum 1 to 2 days before the ethylene climacteric, whereas the immunopositive protein continued to accumulate. RNA selected by the pAVOe3 cDNA clone encoded a polypeptide with molecular mass of 34 kilodaltons, corresponding to the molecular mass of the AVOe3 protein determined by immunoblots. The protein was soluble, remaining in solution at 100,000 gravity and eluted as a monomer on gel filtration. Because of its pattern of induction and relationship to an ethylene-related gene of tomato, the possible involvement of AVOe3 in ethylene biosynthesis is discussed. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5Figure 6 PMID:16668676

  13. An improved method for Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of tomato suitable for the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.

    PubMed

    Ho-Plágaro, Tania; Huertas, Raúl; Tamayo-Navarrete, María I; Ocampo, Juan A; García-Garrido, José M

    2018-01-01

    Solanum lycopersicum , an economically important crop grown worldwide, has been used as a model for the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in non-legume plants for several years and several cDNA array hybridization studies have revealed specific transcriptomic profiles of mycorrhizal tomato roots. However, a method to easily screen candidate genes which could play an important role during tomato mycorrhization is required. We have developed an optimized procedure for composite tomato plant obtaining achieved through Agrobacterium rhizogenes -mediated transformation. This protocol involves the unusual in vitro culture of composite plants between two filter papers placed on the culture media. In addition, we show that DsRed is an appropriate molecular marker for the precise selection of cotransformed tomato hairy roots . S. lycopersicum composite plant hairy roots appear to be colonized by the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis in a manner similar to that of normal roots, and a modified construct useful for localizing the expression of promoters putatively associated with mycorrhization was developed and tested. In this study, we present an easy, fast and low-cost procedure to study AM symbiosis in tomato roots.

  14. Silencing of the SlNAP7 gene influences plastid development and lycopene accumulation in tomato

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Da-Qi; Meng, Lan-Huan; Zhu, Ben-Zhong; Zhu, Hong-Liang; Yan, Hua-Xue; Luo, Yun-Bo

    2016-12-01

    Ripening is an important stage of fruit development. To screen the genes associated with pigment formation in tomato fruit, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library was constructed by using tomato fruit in the green ripe and break ripe stages, and 129 differential genes were obtained. Using redness as a screening marker, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the differential genes was performed with a sprout vacuum-infiltration system (SVI). The results showed that silencing the SlNAP7 gene affected the chloroplast development of tomato leaves, manifesting as a photo-bleaching phenotype, and silenced fruit significantly affected the accumulation of lycopene, manifested as a yellow phenotype. In our study, we found that silencing the SlNAP7 gene downregulates the expression of the POR and PORA genes and destroys the normal development of the chloroplast. The expression of related genes included in the lycopene biosynthesis pathway was not significantly changed, but lycopene accumulation was significantly reduced in tomato fruit. Perhaps it was caused by the destruction of the chromoplast, which leads to the oxidation of lycopene. The results show that the SlNAP7 gene influences chloroplast development and lycopene accumulation in tomato.

  15. Silencing of the SlNAP7 gene influences plastid development and lycopene accumulation in tomato

    PubMed Central

    Fu, Da-Qi; Meng, Lan-Huan; Zhu, Ben-Zhong; Zhu, Hong-Liang; Yan, Hua-Xue; Luo, Yun-Bo

    2016-01-01

    Ripening is an important stage of fruit development. To screen the genes associated with pigment formation in tomato fruit, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library was constructed by using tomato fruit in the green ripe and break ripe stages, and 129 differential genes were obtained. Using redness as a screening marker, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the differential genes was performed with a sprout vacuum-infiltration system (SVI). The results showed that silencing the SlNAP7 gene affected the chloroplast development of tomato leaves, manifesting as a photo-bleaching phenotype, and silenced fruit significantly affected the accumulation of lycopene, manifested as a yellow phenotype. In our study, we found that silencing the SlNAP7 gene downregulates the expression of the POR and PORA genes and destroys the normal development of the chloroplast. The expression of related genes included in the lycopene biosynthesis pathway was not significantly changed, but lycopene accumulation was significantly reduced in tomato fruit. Perhaps it was caused by the destruction of the chromoplast, which leads to the oxidation of lycopene. The results show that the SlNAP7 gene influences chloroplast development and lycopene accumulation in tomato. PMID:27929131

  16. cDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hevein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, Natasha V.; Broekaert, Willem F.; Chua, Nam-Hai; Kush, Anil

    1993-02-16

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a pu GOVERNMENT RIGHTS This application was funded under Department of Energy Contract DE-AC02-76ER01338. The U.S. Government has certain rights under this application and any patent issuing thereon.

  17. Complementary DNA sequences encoding the multimammate rat MHC class II DQ alpha and beta chains and cross-species sequence comparison in rodents.

    PubMed

    de Bellocq, J Goüy; Leirs, H

    2009-09-01

    Sequences of the complete open reading frame (ORF) for rodents major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes are rare. Multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis) complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the alpha and beta chains of MHC class II DQ gene was cloned from a rapid amplifications of cDNA Emds (RACE) cDNA library. The ORFs consist of 801 and 771 bp encoding 266 and 256 amino acid residues for DQB and DQA, respectively. The genomic structure of Mana-DQ genes is globally analogous to that described for other rodents except for the insertion of a serine residue in the signal peptide of Mana-DQB, which is unique among known rodents.

  18. A knotted1-like homeobox protein regulates abscission in tomato by modulating the auxin pathway

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    KD1, a gene encoding a KNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX transcription factor is known to be involved, in tomato, in ontogeny of the compound leaf. KD1 is also highly expressed in both leaf and flower abscission zones. Reducing abundance of transcripts of this gene in tomato, using both virus induced gene sile...

  19. Isolation and characterization of two cDNA clones encoding for glutamate dehydrogenase in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia.

    PubMed

    Ficarelli, A; Tassi, F; Restivo, F M

    1999-03-01

    We have isolated two full length cDNA clones encoding Nicotiana plumbaginifolia NADH-glutamate dehydrogenase. Both clones share amino acid boxes of homology corresponding to conserved GDH catalytic domains and putative mitochondrial targeting sequence. One clone shows a putative EF-hand loop. The level of the two transcripts is affected differently by carbon source.

  20. Isolation and functional characterization of Lycopene β-cyclase (CYC-B) promoter from Solanum habrochaites

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Carotenoids are a group of C40 isoprenoid molecules that play diverse biological and ecological roles in plants. Tomato is an important vegetable in human diet and provides the vitamin A precursor β-carotene. Genes encoding enzymes involved in carotenoid biosynthetic pathway have been cloned. However, regulation of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and accumulation of specific carotenoid in chromoplasts are not well understood. One of the approaches to understand regulation of carotenoid metabolism is to characterize the promoters of genes encoding proteins involved in carotenoid metabolism. Lycopene β-cyclase is one of the crucial enzymes in carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants. Its activity is required for synthesis of both α-and β-carotenes that are further converted into other carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, etc. This study describes the isolation and characterization of chromoplast-specific Lycopene β-cyclase (CYC-B) promoter from a green fruited S. habrochaites genotype EC520061. Results A 908 bp region upstream to the initiation codon of the Lycopene β-cyclase gene was cloned and identified as full-length promoter. To identify promoter region necessary for regulating developmental expression of the ShCYC-B gene, the full-length promoter and its three different 5' truncated fragments were cloned upstream to the initiation codon of GUS reporter cDNA in binary vectors. These four plant transformation vectors were separately transformed in to Agrobacterium. Agrobacterium-mediated transient and stable expression systems were used to study the GUS expression driven by the full-length promoter and its 5' deletion fragments in tomato. The full-length promoter showed a basal level activity in leaves, and its expression was upregulated > 5-fold in flowers and fruits in transgenic tomato plants. Deletion of -908 to -577 bp 5' to ATG decreases the ShCYC-B promoter strength, while deletion of -908 to -437 bp 5' to ATG led to significant increase in the activity of GUS in the transgenic plants. Promoter deletion analysis led to the identification of a short promoter region (-436 bp to ATG) that exhibited a higher promoter strength but similar developmental expression pattern as compared with the full-length ShCYC-B promoter. Conclusion Functional characterization of the full-length ShCYC-B promoter and its deletion fragments in transient expression system in fruto as well as in stable transgenic tomato revealed that the promoter is developmentally regulated and its expression is upregulated in chromoplast-rich flowers and fruits. Our study identified a short promoter region with functional activity and developmental expression pattern similar to that of the full-length ShCYC-B promoter. This 436 bp promoter region can be used in promoter::reporter fusion molecular genetic screens to identify mutants impaired in CYC-B expression, and thus can be a valuable tool in understanding carotenoid metabolism in tomato. Moreover, this short promoter region of ShCYC-B may be useful in genetic engineering of carotenoid content and other agronomic traits in tomato fruits. PMID:20380705

  1. Improving flavour and quality of tomatoes by expression of synthetic gene encoding sweet protein monellin.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Chinreddy Subramanyam; Vijayalakshmi, Muvva; Kaul, Tanushri; Islam, Tahmina; Reddy, Malireddy K

    2015-05-01

    Monellin a sweet-tasting protein exists naturally as a heterodimer of two non-covalently linked subunits chain A and B, which loses its sweetness on denaturation. In this study, we validated the expression of a synthetic monellin gene encoding a single polypeptide chain covalently linking the two subunits under T7 and fruit-ripening-specific promoters in Escherichia coli and tomato fruits, respectively. Purified recombinant monellin protein retained its sweet flavour at 70 °C and pH 2. We developed 15 transgenic T0 tomato plants overexpressing monellin, which were devoid of any growth penalty or phenotypic abnormalities during greenhouse conditions. T-DNA integration and fruit-specific heterologous expression of monellin had occurred in these transgenic tomato lines. ELISA revealed that expression of monellin was 4.5% of the total soluble fruit protein. Functional analyses of transgenic tomatoes of T2-5 and T2-14 lines revealed distinctly strong sweetness compared with wild type. Monellin a potential non-carbohydrate sweetener, if expressed in high amounts in fruits and vegetables, would enhance their flavour and quality.

  2. [The primary structure of a vaccine strain of tobacco mosaic virus V-69].

    PubMed

    Shiian, A N; Mil'shina, N V; Snegireva, P B; Pukhal'skiĭ, V A

    1994-12-01

    A random set of cDNA fragments were synthesized on genomic RNA of TMV vaccine strain V-69, using random primers and reverse transcriptase. Following synthesis of double-stranded cDNA, they were cloned into the pUC-19 plasmid; and 28 clones were sequenced (insert size 100-500 bp). High nucleotide sequence homology of V-69 (more than 95%) was shown only with tomato strain TMV-L [1]. Sequenced clones represent 54% of the genome (50% of the replicase gene, 98% of the transport protein gene, and 60% of the coat protein gene). In this genome region, 24 base substitutions were revealed, as compared to the wild-type TMV-L sequence. Six base substitutions resulted in changes in corresponding amino acid codons. No substitutions coincided with those discovered in the related TMV vaccine strain L11A [2], while two substitutions in the replicase gene were identical to those found in TMV strain Lta1 [3], which is capable of overcoming protection in tomatoes with the resistance gene Tm-1.

  3. Isolation of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia cDNAs encoding isoforms of serine acetyltransferase and O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase in a yeast two-hybrid system with Escherichia coli cysE and cysK genes as baits.

    PubMed

    Liszewska, Frantz; Gaganidze, Dali; Sirko, Agnieszka

    2005-01-01

    We applied the yeast two-hybrid system for screening of a cDNA library of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia for clones encoding plant proteins interacting with two proteins of Escherichia coli: serine acetyltransferase (SAT, the product of cysE gene) and O-acetylserine (thiol)lyase A, also termed cysteine synthase (OASTL-A, the product of cysK gene). Two plant cDNA clones were identified when using the cysE gene as a bait. These clones encode a probable cytosolic isoform of OASTL and an organellar isoform of SAT, respectively, as indicated by evolutionary trees. The second clone, encoding SAT, was identified independently also as a "prey" when using cysK as a bait. Our results reveal the possibility of applying the two-hybrid system for cloning of plant cDNAs encoding enzymes of the cysteine synthase complex in the two-hybrid system. Additionally, using genome walking sequences located upstream of the sat1 cDNA were identified. Subsequently, in silico analyses were performed aiming towards identification of the potential signal peptide and possible location of the deduced mature protein encoded by sat1.

  4. The cDNA sequence of a neutral horseradish peroxidase.

    PubMed

    Bartonek-Roxå, E; Eriksson, H; Mattiasson, B

    1991-02-16

    A cDNA clone encoding a horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) peroxidase has been isolated and characterized. The cDNA contains 1378 nucleotides excluding the poly(A) tail and the deduced protein contains 327 amino acids which includes a 28 amino acid leader sequence. The predicted amino acid sequence is nine amino acids shorter than the major isoenzyme belonging to the horseradish peroxidase C group (HRP-C) and the sequence shows 53.7% identity with this isoenzyme. The described clone encodes nine cysteines of which eight correspond well with the cysteines found in HRP-C. Five potential N-glycosylation sites with the general sequence Asn-X-Thr/Ser are present in the deduced sequence. Compared to the earlier described HRP-C this is three glycosylation sites less. The shorter sequence and fewer N-glycosylation sites give the native isoenzyme a molecular weight of several thousands less than the horseradish peroxidase C isoenzymes. Comparison with the net charge value of HRP-C indicates that the described cDNA clone encodes a peroxidase which has either the same or a slightly less basic pI value, depending on whether the encoded protein is N-terminally blocked or not. This excludes the possibility that HRP-n could belong to either the HRP-A, -D or -E groups. The low sequence identity (53.7%) with HRP-C indicates that the described clone does not belong to the HRP-C isoenzyme group and comparison of the total amino acid composition with the HRP-B group does not place the described clone within this isoenzyme group. Our conclusion is that the described cDNA clone encodes a neutral horseradish peroxidase which belongs to a new, not earlier described, horseradish peroxidase group.

  5. cDNA cloning of rat and human medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matsubara, Y.; Kraus, J.P.; Rosenberg, L.E.

    MCAD is one of three mitochondrial flavoenzymes which catalyze the first step in the ..beta..-oxidation of straight chain fatty acids. It is a tetramer with a subunit Mr of 45 kDa. MCAD is synthesized in the cytosol as a 49 kDa precursor polypeptide (pMCAD), imported into mitochondria, and cleaved to the mature form. Genetic deficiency of MCAD causes recurrent episodes of hypoglycemic coma accompanied by medium chain dicarboxylic aciduria. Employing a novel approach, the authors now report isolation of partial rat and human cDNA clones encoding pMCAD. mRNA encoding pMCAD was purified to near homogeneity by polysome immunoadsorption using polyclonalmore » monospecific antibody. Single-stranded (/sup 32/P)labeled cDNA probe was synthesized using the enriched mRNA as template, and was used to screen directly 16,000 colonies from a total rat liver cDNA library constructed in pBR322. One clone (600 bp) was detected by in situ hybridization. Hybrid-selected translation with this cDNA yielded a 49 kDa polypeptide indistinguishable in size from rat pMCAD and immunoprecipitable with anti-MCAD antibody. Using the rat cDNA as probe, 43,000 colonies from a human liver cDNA library were screened. Four identical positive clones (400 bp) were isolated and positively identified by hybrid-selected translation and immunoprecipitation. The sizes of rat and human mRNAs encoding pMCAD were 2.2 kb and 2.4 kb, respectively, as determined by Northern blotting.« less

  6. Molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding laccase from Trametes versicolor and heterologous expression in Pichia methanolica.

    PubMed

    Guo, Mei; Lu, Fuping; Pu, Jun; Bai, Dongqing; Du, Lianxiang

    2005-11-01

    A cDNA encoding for laccase was isolated from the ligninolytic fungus Trametes versicolor by RNA-PCR. The cDNA corresponds to the gene Lcc1, which encodes a laccase isoenzyme of 498 amino acid residues preceded by a 22-residue signal peptide. The Lcc1 cDNA was cloned into the vectors pMETA and pMETalphaA and expressed in Pichia methanolica. The laccase activity obtained with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor signal peptide was found to be twofold higher than that obtained with the native secretion signal peptide. The extracellular laccase activity in recombinants with the alpha-factor signal peptide was 9.79 U ml(-1). The presence of 0.2 mM copper was necessary for optimal activity of laccase. The expression level was favoured by lower cultivation temperature. The identity of the recombinant protein was further confirmed by immunodetection using Western blot analysis. As expected, the molecular mass of the mature laccase was 64.0 kDa, similar to that of the native form.

  7. The C2 protein of tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus is a pathogenicity determinant that interferes with expression of host genes encoding chromomethylases.

    PubMed

    Tu, Yu-Ching; Tsai, Wen-Shi; Wei, Jyuan-Yu; Chang, Kai-Ya; Tien, Chang-Ching; Hsiao, Hui-Yu; Fu, Shih-Feng

    2017-12-01

    Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important crops worldwide and is severely affected by geminiviruses. Tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus (ToLCTWV), belonging to the geminiviruses, was isolated in Taiwan and causes tremendous crop loss. The geminivirus-encoded C2 proteins are crucial for a successful interaction between the virus and host plants. However, the exact functions of the viral C2 protein of ToLCTWV have not been investigated. We analyzed the molecular function(s) of the C2 protein by transient or stable expression in tomato cv. Micro-Tom and Nicotiana benthamiana. Severe stunting of tomato and N. benthamiana plants infected with ToLCTWV was observed. Expression of ToLCTWV C2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein was predominately located in the nucleus and contributed to activation of a coat protein promoter. Notably, the C2-GFP fluorescence was distributed in nuclear aggregates. Tomato and N. benthamiana plants inoculated with potato virus X (PVX)-C2 displayed chlorotic lesions and stunted growth. PVX-C2 elicited hypersensitive responses accompanied by production of reactive oxygen species in N. benthamiana plants, which suggests that the viral C2 was a potential recognition target to induce host-defense responses. In tomato and N. benthamiana, ToLCTWV C2 was found to interfere with expression of genes encoding chromomethylases. N. benthamiana plants with suppressed NbCMT3-2 expression were more susceptible to ToLCTWV infection. Transgenic N. benthamiana plants expressing the C2 protein showed decreased expression of the NbCMT3-2 gene and pNbCMT3-2::GUS (β-glucuronidase) promoter activity. C2 protein is an important pathogenicity determinant of ToLCTWV and interferes with host components involved in DNA methylation. © 2017 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

  8. Tomato apical stunt viroid - Data Sheet

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd), a member of the family Pospiviroidae, genus Pospiviroid, is a small, covalently closed, circular single-stranded, highly base-paired RNA molecule that ranges in size from 362 to 364 nucleotides. Viroids do not encode peptides or proteins, and use host proteins for...

  9. Molecular cloning of a ripening-specific lipoxygenase and its expression during wild-type and mutant tomato fruit development.

    PubMed Central

    Kausch, K D; Handa, A K

    1997-01-01

    A 94-kD protein that accumulates predominately in tomato (Ly-copersicon esculentum) fruit during ripening was purified, and antibodies specific for the purified protein were used to isolate cDNA clones from a red-ripe fruit cDNA library. A sequence analysis of these cDNAs and cross-reactivity of the 94-kD-specific antibodies to the soybean lipoxygenase (LOX) L-1, L-2, and L-3 proteins and soybean LOX L-1-specific antibodies to the 94-kD protein identified it as a member of the LOX gene family. Maximum levels of the 94-kD LOX mRNA and protein are present in breaker to ripe and red-ripe stages, respectively. Expression of 94-kD LOX in different tissues from mature green and red-ripe tomato fruits was found to be greatest in the radial walls of ripe fruit, but immunocytolocalization using tissue printing suggests that the highest accumulation of its protein occurs in locular jelly. None of 94-kD LOX is expressed in nonripening mutant fruits of any age. Never-ripe mutant fruit accumulate the 94-kD LOX mRNA to levels similar to those obtained in wild-type fruit, but fail to accumulate the 94-kD LOX protein. Collectively, the results show that expression of 94-kD LOX is regulated by the ripening process, and ethylene may play a role in its protein accumulation. PMID:9112767

  10. Metabolic, Genomic, and Biochemical Analyses of Glandular Trichomes from the Wild Tomato Species Lycopersicon hirsutum Identify a Key Enzyme in the Biosynthesis of MethylketonesW⃞

    PubMed Central

    Fridman, Eyal; Wang, Jihong; Iijima, Yoko; Froehlich, John E.; Gang, David R.; Ohlrogge, John; Pichersky, Eran

    2005-01-01

    Medium-length methylketones (C7-C15) are highly effective in protecting plants from numerous pests. We used a biochemical genomics approach to elucidate the pathway leading to synthesis of methylketones in the glandular trichomes of the wild tomato Lycopersicon hirsutum f glabratum (accession PI126449). A comparison of gland EST databases from accession PI126449 and a second L. hirsutum accession, LA1777, whose glands do not contain methylketones, showed that the expression of genes for fatty acid biosynthesis is elevated in PI126449 glands, suggesting de novo biosynthesis of methylketones. A cDNA abundant in the PI126449 gland EST database but rare in the LA1777 database was similar in sequence to plant esterases. This cDNA, designated Methylketone Synthase 1 (MKS1), was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified protein used to catalyze in vitro reactions in which C12, C14, and C16 β-ketoacyl–acyl-carrier-proteins (intermediates in fatty acid biosynthesis) were hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to give C11, C13, and C15 methylketones, respectively. Although MKS1 does not contain a classical transit peptide, in vitro import assays showed that it was targeted to the stroma of plastids, where fatty acid biosynthesis occurs. Levels of MKS1 transcript, protein, and enzymatic activity were correlated with levels of methylketones and gland density in a variety of tomato accessions and in different plant organs. PMID:15772286

  11. Characterization of LeMir, a Root-Knot Nematode-Induced Gene in Tomato with an Encoded Product Secreted from the Root1

    PubMed Central

    Brenner, Eric D.; Lambert, Kris N.; Kaloshian, Isgouhi; Williamson, Valerie M.

    1998-01-01

    A tomato gene that is induced early after infection of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) encodes a protein with 54% amino acid identity to miraculin, a flavorless protein that causes sour substances to be perceived as sweet. This gene was therefore named LeMir (L. esculentum miraculin). Sequence similarity places the encoded protein in the soybean trypsin-inhibitor family (Kunitz). LeMir mRNA is found in root, hypocotyl, and flower tissues, with the highest expression in the root. Rapid induction of expression upon nematode infection is localized to root tips. In situ hybridization shows that LeMir is expressed constitutively in the root-cap and root-tip epidermis. The LeMir protein product (LeMir) was produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris for generation of antibodies. Western-blot analysis showed that LeMir expression is up-regulated by nematode infection and by wounding. LeMir is also expressed in tomato callus tissue. Immunoprint analysis revealed that LeMir is expressed throughout the seedling root, but that levels are highest at the root/shoot junction. Analysis of seedling root exudates revealed that LeMir is secreted from the root into the surrounding environment, suggesting that it may interact with soil-borne microorganisms. PMID:9733543

  12. [Involvement of hydrogen peroxide in the regulation of coexpression of alternative oxidase and rotenone-insensitive NADH dehydrogenase in tomato leaves and calluses].

    PubMed

    Eprintsev, A T; Mal'tseva, E V; Shatskikh, A S; Popov, V N

    2011-01-01

    The involvement of active oxygen forms in the regulation of the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain components, which are not related to energy storing, has been in vitro and in vivo studied in Lycopersicum esculentum L. The highest level of transcription of genes encoding alternative oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase has been observed in green tomato leaves. It has been shown that even low H2O2 concentrations activate both aoxlalpha and ndb1 genes, encoding alternative oxidase and external mitochondrial rotenone-insensitive NADH dehydrogenase, respectively. According to our results, in the case of an oxidative stress, alternative oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase are coexpressed in tomato plant tissues, and active oxygen forms serve as the secondary messengers of their coexpression.

  13. Utilization of a tobacco rattle virus vector to clone an Nicotiana benthamiana cDNA library for VIGS

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an efficient and rapid method to identify plant gene functions. One of the most widely used VIGS vectors is Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) which has been used successfully for RNA interference (RNAi) in N. benthamiana and tomato. We previously modified a TRV VIGS v...

  14. Cloning and sequence analysis of complementary DNA encoding an aberrantly rearranged human T-cell gamma chain.

    PubMed Central

    Dialynas, D P; Murre, C; Quertermous, T; Boss, J M; Leiden, J M; Seidman, J G; Strominger, J L

    1986-01-01

    Complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding a human T-cell gamma chain has been cloned and sequenced. At the junction of the variable and joining regions, there is an apparent deletion of two nucleotides in the human cDNA sequence relative to the murine gamma-chain cDNA sequence, resulting simultaneously in the generation of an in-frame stop codon and in a translational frameshift. For this reason, the sequence presented here encodes an aberrantly rearranged human T-cell gamma chain. There are several surprising differences between the deduced human and murine gamma-chain amino acid sequences. These include poor homology in the variable region, poor homology in a discrete segment of the constant region precisely bounded by the expected junctions of exon CII, and the presence in the human sequence of five potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. Images PMID:3458221

  15. Characterization and in situ localization of a salt-induced tomato peroxidase mRNA.

    PubMed

    Botella, M A; Quesada, M A; Kononowicz, A K; Bressan, R A; Pliego, F; Hasegawa, P M; Valpuesta, V

    1994-04-01

    NaCl treatment of tomato plants in hydroponic culture at concentrations as low as 50 mM resulted in enhanced accumulation of transcripts of TPX1, a full-length cDNA clone that we had isolated from a library of NaCl-treated tomato plants using a peroxidase-specific oligonucleotide probe. Although the overall amino acid sequence identity of TPX1 to other peroxidase genes was less than 45%, there was a very high degree of identity in all of the conserved domains. The deduced amino acid sequence included the presence of a N-terminal signal peptide but not the C-terminal extension present in peroxidases targeted to the vacuole. The mature protein has a theoretical pI value of 7.5. Transcripts that hybridized to TPX1 were detected only in the roots with higher levels of mRNA in epidermal and subepidermal cell layers. Isoelectric focusing of root extracts showed two major bands of peroxidase activity at pI 5.9 and 6.2. Both activities increased with salt treatment. Southern analysis indicated the presence of only a single TPX1 gene in tomato.

  16. Control of enzymatic browning in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) by sense and antisense RNA from tomato polyphenol oxidase.

    PubMed

    Coetzer, C; Corsini, D; Love, S; Pavek, J; Tumer, N

    2001-02-01

    Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of Russet Burbank potato was inhibited by sense and antisense PPO RNAs expressed from a tomato PPO cDNA under the control of the 35S promoter from the cauliflower mosaic virus. Transgenic Russet Burbank potato plants from 37 different lines were grown in the field. PPO activity and the level of enzymatic browning were measured in the tubers harvested from the field. Of the tubers from 28 transgenic lines that were sampled, tubers from 5 lines exhibited reduced browning. The level of PPO activity correlated with the reduction in enzymatic browning in these lines. These results indicate that expression of tomato PPO RNA in sense or antisense orientation inhibits PPO activity and enzymatic browning in the major commercial potato cultivar. Expression of tomato PPO RNA in sense orientation led to the greatest decrease in PPO activity and enzymatic browning, possibly due to cosuppression. These results suggest that expression of closely related heterologous genes can be used to prevent enzymatic browning in a wide variety of food crops without the application of various food additives.

  17. Expression of a highly basic peroxidase gene in NaCl-adapted tomato cell suspensions.

    PubMed

    Medina, M I; Botella, M A; Quesada, M A; Valpuesta, V

    1997-05-05

    A tomato peroxidase gene, TPX2, that is only weakly expressed in the roots of young tomato seedlings is highly expressed in tomato suspension cells adapted to high external NaCl concentration. The protein encoded by this gene, with an isolectric point value of approximately 9.6, is found in the culture medium of the growing cells. Our data suggest that the expression of TPX2 in the salt-adapted cells is not the result of the elicitation imposed by the in vitro culture or the presence of high NaCl concentration in the medium.

  18. A linear concatenation strategy to construct 5'-enriched amplified cDNA libraries using multiple displacement amplification.

    PubMed

    Gadkar, Vijay J; Filion, Martin

    2013-06-01

    In various experimental systems, limiting available amounts of RNA may prevent a researcher from performing large-scale analyses of gene transcripts. One way to circumvent this is to 'pre-amplify' the starting RNA/cDNA, so that sufficient amounts are available for any downstream analysis. In the present study, we report the development of a novel protocol for constructing amplified cDNA libraries using the Phi29 DNA polymerase based multiple displacement amplification (MDA) system. Using as little as 200 ng of total RNA, we developed a linear concatenation strategy to make the single-stranded cDNA template amenable for MDA. The concatenation, made possible by the template switching property of the reverse transcriptase enzyme, resulted in the amplified cDNA library with intact 5' ends. MDA generated micrograms of template, allowing large-scale polymerase chain reaction analyses or other large-scale downstream applications. As the amplified cDNA library contains intact 5' ends, it is also compatible with 5' RACE analyses of specific gene transcripts. Empirical validation of this protocol is demonstrated on a highly characterized (tomato) and an uncharacterized (corn gromwell) experimental system.

  19. A tolerance gene for prenylated flavonoid encodes a 26S proteasome regulatory subunit in Sophora flavescens.

    PubMed

    Shitan, Nobukazu; Kamimoto, Yoshihisa; Minami, Shota; Kubo, Mizuki; Ito, Kozue; Moriyasu, Masataka; Yazaki, Kazufumi

    2011-01-01

    Yeast functional screening with a Sophora flavescens cDNA library was performed to identify the genes involved in the tolerant mechanism to the self-producing prenylated flavonoid sophoraflavanone G (SFG). One cDNA, which conferred SFG tolerance, encoded a regulatory particle triple-A ATPase 2 (SfRPT2), a member of the 26S proteasome subunit. The yeast transformant of SfRPT2 showed reduced SFG accumulation in the cells.

  20. Cloning and expression of cDNA coding for bouganin.

    PubMed

    den Hartog, Marcel T; Lubelli, Chiara; Boon, Louis; Heerkens, Sijmie; Ortiz Buijsse, Antonio P; de Boer, Mark; Stirpe, Fiorenzo

    2002-03-01

    Bouganin is a ribosome-inactivating protein that recently was isolated from Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. In this work, the cloning and expression of the cDNA encoding for bouganin is described. From the cDNA, the amino-acid sequence was deduced, which correlated with the primary sequence data obtained by amino-acid sequencing on the native protein. Bouganin is synthesized as a pro-peptide consisting of 305 amino acids, the first 26 of which act as a leader signal while the 29 C-terminal amino acids are cleaved during processing of the molecule. The mature protein consists of 250 amino acids. Using the cDNA sequence encoding the mature protein of 250 amino acids, a recombinant protein was expressed, purified and characterized. The recombinant molecule had similar activity in a cell-free protein synthesis assay and had comparable toxicity on living cells as compared to the isolated native bouganin.

  1. Molecular cloning and characterization of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase cDNA clones isolated from pea cotyledons.

    PubMed

    Burgess, D; Penton, A; Dunsmuir, P; Dooner, H

    1997-02-01

    Three ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPG-PPase) cDNA clones have been isolated and characterized from a pea cotyledon cDNA library. Two of these clones (Psagps1 and Psagps2) encode the small subunit of ADPG-PPase. The deduced amino acid sequences for these two clones are 95% identical. Expression of these two genes differs in that the Psagps2 gene shows comparatively higher expression in seeds relative to its expression in other tissues. Psagps2 expression also peaks midway through seed development at a time in which Psagps1 transcripts are still accumulating. The third cDNA isolated (Psagp11) encodes the large subunit of ADPG-PPase. It shows greater selectivity in expression than either of the small subunit clones. It is highly expressed in sink organs (seed, pod, and seed coat) and undetectable in leaves.

  2. A cDNA from a mouse pancreatic beta cell encoding a putative transcription factor of the insulin gene.

    PubMed Central

    Walker, M D; Park, C W; Rosen, A; Aronheim, A

    1990-01-01

    Cell specific expression of the insulin gene is achieved through transcriptional mechanisms operating on multiple DNA sequence elements located in the 5' flanking region of the gene. Of particular importance in the rat insulin I gene are two closely similar 9 bp sequences (IEB1 and IEB2): mutation of either of these leads to 5-10 fold reduction in transcriptional activity. We have screened an expression cDNA library derived from mouse pancreatic endocrine beta cells with a radioactive DNA probe containing multiple copies of the IEB1 sequence. A cDNA clone (A1) isolated by this procedure encodes a protein which shows efficient binding to the IEB1 probe, but much weaker binding to either an unrelated DNA probe or to a probe bearing a single base pair insertion within the recognition sequence. DNA sequence analysis indicates a protein belonging to the helix-loop-helix family of DNA-binding proteins. The ability of the protein encoded by clone A1 to recognize a number of wild type and mutant DNA sequences correlates closely with the ability of each sequence element to support transcription in vivo in the context of the insulin 5' flanking DNA. We conclude that the isolated cDNA may encode a transcription factor that participates in control of insulin gene expression. Images PMID:2181401

  3. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone for the complete protein coding region of the delta subunit of the mouse acetylcholine receptor.

    PubMed Central

    LaPolla, R J; Mayne, K M; Davidson, N

    1984-01-01

    A mouse cDNA clone has been isolated that contains the complete coding region of a protein highly homologous to the delta subunit of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (AcChoR). The cDNA library was constructed in the vector lambda 10 from membrane-associated poly(A)+ RNA from BC3H-1 mouse cells. Surprisingly, the delta clone was selected by hybridization with cDNA encoding the gamma subunit of the Torpedo AcChoR. The nucleotide sequence of the mouse cDNA clone contains an open reading frame of 520 amino acids. This amino acid sequence exhibits 59% and 50% sequence homology to the Torpedo AcChoR delta and gamma subunits, respectively. However, the mouse nucleotide sequence has several stretches of high homology with the Torpedo gamma subunit cDNA, but not with delta. The mouse protein has the same general structural features as do the Torpedo subunits. It is encoded by a 3.3-kilobase mRNA. There is probably only one, but at most two, chromosomal genes coding for this or closely related sequences. Images PMID:6096870

  4. Four signature motifs define the first class of structurally related large coiled-coil proteins in plants.

    PubMed Central

    Gindullis, Frank; Rose, Annkatrin; Patel, Shalaka; Meier, Iris

    2002-01-01

    Background Animal and yeast proteins containing long coiled-coil domains are involved in attaching other proteins to the large, solid-state components of the cell. One subgroup of long coiled-coil proteins are the nuclear lamins, which are involved in attaching chromatin to the nuclear envelope and have recently been implicated in inherited human diseases. In contrast to other eukaryotes, long coiled-coil proteins have been barely investigated in plants. Results We have searched the completed Arabidopsis genome and have identified a family of structurally related long coiled-coil proteins. Filament-like plant proteins (FPP) were identified by sequence similarity to a tomato cDNA that encodes a coiled-coil protein which interacts with the nuclear envelope-associated protein, MAF1. The FPP family is defined by four novel unique sequence motifs and by two clusters of long coiled-coil domains separated by a non-coiled-coil linker. All family members are expressed in a variety of Arabidopsis tissues. A homolog sharing the structural features was identified in the monocot rice, indicating conservation among angiosperms. Conclusion Except for myosins, this is the first characterization of a family of long coiled-coil proteins in plants. The tomato homolog of the FPP family binds in a yeast two-hybrid assay to a nuclear envelope-associated protein. This might suggest that FPP family members function in nuclear envelope biology. Because the full Arabidopsis genome does not appear to contain genes for lamins, it is of interest to investigate other long coiled-coil proteins, which might functionally replace lamins in the plant kingdom. PMID:11972898

  5. cDNA isolated from a human T-cell library encodes a member of the protein-tyrosine-phosphatase family

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cool, D.E.; Tonks, N.K.; Charbonneau, H.

    1989-07-01

    A human peripheral T-cell cDNA library was screened with two labeled synthetic oligonucleotides encoding regions of a human placenta protein-tyrosine-phosphatase. One positive clone was isolated and the nucleotide sequence was determined. It contained 1,305 base pairs of open reading frame followed by a TAA stop codon and 978 base pairs of 3{prime} untranslated end, although a poly(A){sup +} tail was not found. An initiator methionine residue was predicted at position 61, which would result in a protein of 415 amino acid residues. This was supported by the synthesis of a M{sub r} 48,000 protein in an in vitro reticulocyte lysatemore » translation system using RNA transcribed from the cloned cDNA and T7 RNA polymerase. The deduced amino acid sequence was compared to other known proteins revealing 65% identity to the low M{sub r} PTPase 1B isolated from placenta. In view of the high degree of similarity, the T-cell cDNA likely encodes a newly discovered protein-tyrosine-phosphatase, thus expanding this family of genes.« less

  6. Characterization of cDNA encoding molt-inhibiting hormone of the crab, Cancer pagurus; expression of MIH in non-X-organ tissues.

    PubMed

    Lu, W; Wainwright, G; Olohan, L A; Webster, S G; Rees, H H; Turner, P C

    2001-10-31

    Synthesis of ecdysteroids (molting hormones) by crustacean Y-organs is regulated by a neuropeptide, molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH), produced in eyestalk neural ganglia. We report here the molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding MIH of the edible crab, Cancer pagurus. Full-length MIH cDNA was obtained by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with degenerate oligonucleotides based upon the amino acid sequence of MIH, in conjunction with 5'- and 3'-RACE. Full-length clones of MIH cDNA were obtained that encoded a 35 amino acid putative signal peptide and the mature 78 amino acid peptide. Of various tissues examined by Northern blot analysis, the X-organ was the sole major site of expression of the MIH gene. However, a nested-PCR approach using non-degenerate MIH-specific primers indicated the presence of MIH transcripts in other tissues. Southern blot analysis indicated a simple gene arrangement with at least two copies of the MIH gene in the genome of C. pagurus. Additional Southern blotting experiments detected MIH-hybridizing bands in another Cancer species, Cancer antennarius and another crab species, Carcinus maenas.

  7. Twenty-seven nonoverlapping zinc finger cDNAs from human T cells map to nine different chromosomes with apparent clustering.

    PubMed Central

    Huebner, K; Druck, T; Croce, C M; Thiesen, H J

    1991-01-01

    cDNA clones encoding zinc finger structures were isolated by screening Molt4 and Jurkat cDNA libraries with zinc finger consensus sequences. Candidate clones were partially sequenced to verify the presence of zinc finger-encoding regions; nonoverlapping cDNA clones were chosen on the basis of sequences and genomic hybridization pattern. Zinc finger structure-encoding clones, which were designated by the term "Kox" and a number from 1 to 32 and which were apparently unique (i.e., distinct from each other and distinct from those isolated by other laboratories), were chosen for mapping in the human genome. DNAs from rodent-human somatic cell hybrids retaining defined complements of human chromosomes were analyzed for the presence of each of the Kox genes. Correlation between the presence of specific human chromosome regions and specific Kox genes established the chromosomal locations. Multiple Kox loci were mapped to 7q (Kox 18 and 25 and a locus detected by both Kox 8 cDNA and Kox 27 cDNA), 8q24 5' to the myc locus (Kox 9 and 32), 10cen----q24 (Kox 2, 15, 19, 21, 30, and 31), 12q13-qter (Kox 1 and 20), 17p13 (Kox 11 and 26), and 19q (Kox 5, 6, 10, 22, 24, and 28). Single Kox loci were mapped to 7p22 (Kox 3), 18q12 (Kox 17), 19p (Kox 13), 22q11 between IG lambda and BCR-1 (locus detected by both Kox 8 cDNA and Kox 27 cDNA), and Xp (Kox 14). Several of the Kox loci map to regions in which other zinc finger structure-encoding loci have already been localized, indicating possible zinc finger gene clusters. In addition, Kox genes at 8q24, 17p13, and 22q11--and perhaps other Kox genes--are located near recurrent chromosomal translocation breakpoints. Others, such as those on 7p and 7q, may be near regions specifically active in T cells. Images Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:2014798

  8. Sequence of the cDNA of a human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase isoform (AKR1C2) and tissue distribution of its mRNA.

    PubMed Central

    Shiraishi, H; Ishikura, S; Matsuura, K; Deyashiki, Y; Ninomiya, M; Sakai, S; Hara, A

    1998-01-01

    Human liver contains three isoforms (DD1, DD2 and DD4) of dihydrodiol dehydrogenase with 20alpha- or 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity; the dehydrogenases belong to the aldo-oxo reductase (AKR) superfamily. cDNA species encoding DD1 and DD4 have been identified. However, four cDNA species with more than 99% sequence identity have been cloned and are compatible with a partial amino acid sequence of DD2. In this study we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding DD2, which was confirmed by comparison of the properties of the recombinant and hepatic enzymes. This cDNA showed differences of one, two, four and five nucleotides from the previously reported four cDNA species for a dehydrogenase of human colon carcinoma HT29 cells, human prostatic 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, a human liver 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like protein and chlordecone reductase-like protein respectively. Expression of mRNA species for the five similar cDNA species in 20 liver samples and 10 other different tissue samples was examined by reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR with specific primers followed by diagnostic restriction with endonucleases. All the tissues expressed only one mRNA species corresponding to the newly identified cDNA for DD2: mRNA transcripts corresponding to the other cDNA species were not detected. We suggest that the new cDNA is derived from the principal gene for DD2, which has been named AKR1C2 by a new nomenclature for the AKR superfamily. It is possible that some of the other cDNA species previously reported are rare allelic variants of this gene. PMID:9716498

  9. [Cloning and expressing of cyclophilin B gene from Schistosoma japonnicum and the analysis of immunoprotective effect].

    PubMed

    Peng, Jinbiao; Han, Hongxiao; Hong, Yang; Wang, Yan; Guo, Fanji; Shi, Yaojun; Fu, Zhiqiang; Liu, Jinming; Cheng, Guofeng; Lin, Jiaojiao

    2010-03-01

    The present study was intend to clone and express the cDNA encoding Cyclophilin B (CyPB) of Schistosoma japonicum, its preliminary biological function and further immunoprotective effect against schistosome infection in mice. RT-PCR technique was applied to amplify a full-length cDNA encoding protein Cyclophilin B (Sj CyPB) from schistosomula cDNA. The expression profiles of Sj CyPB were determined by Real-time PCR using the template cDNAs isolated from 7, 13, 18, 23, 32 and 42 days parasites. The cDNA containing the Open Reading Frame of CyPB was then subcloned into a pGEX-6P-1 vector and transformed into competent Escherichia coli BL21 for expressing. The recombinant protein was renaturated, purified and its antigenicity were detected by Western blotting, and the immunoprotective effect induced by recombinant Sj CyPB was evaluated in Balb/C mice. The cDNA containing the ORF of Sj CyPB was cloned with the length of 672 base pairs, encoding 223 amino acids. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the gene had the highest expression in 18-day schistosomula, suggesting that Sj CyPB was schistosomula differentially expressed gene. The recombinant protein showed a good antigenicity detected by Western blotting. Animal experiment indicated that the vaccination of recombinant CyPB protein in mice led to 31.5% worm and 41.01% liver egg burden reduction, respectively, compared with those of the control. A full-length cDNA differentially expressed in schistosomula was obtained. The recombinant Sj CyPB protein could induce partial protection against schistosome infection.

  10. Horse cDNA clones encoding two MHC class I genes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barbis, D.P.; Maher, J.K.; Stanek, J.

    1994-12-31

    Two full-length clones encoding MHC class I genes were isolated by screening a horse cDNA library, using a probe encoding in human HLA-A2.2Y allele. The library was made in the pcDNA1 vector (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA), using mRNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from a Thoroughbred stallion (No. 0834) homozygous for a common horse MHC haplotype (ELA-A2, -B2, -D2; Antczak et al. 1984; Donaldson et al. 1988). The clones were sequenced, using SP6 and T7 universal primers and horse-specific oligonucleotides designed to extend previously determined sequences.

  11. Differential expression of calcium-regulated SlSRs in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in tomato fruit

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Calcium has been shown to increase stress tolerance, enhance fruit firmness and reduce decay. Previously we reported that seven tomato SlSRs encode calcium/calmodulin-regulated proteins, and that their expressions are developmentally regulated during fruit development and ripening, and are also resp...

  12. Sequence analysis of PROTEOLYSIS 6 from Solanum lycopersicum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roslan, Nur Farhana; Chew, Bee Lyn; Goh, Hoe-Han; Isa, Nurulhikma Md

    2018-04-01

    The N-end rule pathway is a protein degradation pathway that relates the protein half-life with the identity of its N-terminal residues. A destabilizing N-terminal residues is created by enzymatic reaction or chemical modifications. This destabilized substrate will be recognized by PROTEOLYSIS 6 (PRT6) protein, which encodes an E3 ligase enzyme and resulted in substrate degradation by proteasome. PRT6 has been studied in Arabidopsis thaliana and barley but not yet been studied in fleshy fruit plants. Hence, this study was carried out in tomato that is known as the model for fleshy fruit plants. BLASTX analysis identified that Solyc09g010830 which encodes for a PRT6 gene in tomato based on its sequence similarity with PRT6 in A. thaliana. In silico gene expression analysis shows that PRT6 gene was highly expressed in tomato fruits breaker +5. Co-expression analysis shows that PRT6 may not only involved in abiotic stresses but also in biotic stresses. The objective is to analyze the sequence and characterize PRT6 gene in tomato.

  13. NO3- , PO43- and SO42- deprivation reduced LKT1-mediated low-affinity K+ uptake and SKOR-mediated K+ translocation in tomato and Arabidopsis plants.

    PubMed

    Ródenas, Reyes; García-Legaz, Manuel Francisco; López-Gómez, Elvira; Martínez, Vicente; Rubio, Francisco; Ángeles Botella, M

    2017-08-01

    Regulation of essential macronutrients acquisition by plants in response to their availability is a key process for plant adaptation to changing environments. Here we show in tomato and Arabidopsis plants that when they are subjected to NO 3 - , PO 4 3 - and SO 4 2 - deprivation, low-affinity K + uptake and K + translocation to the shoot are reduced. In parallel, these nutritional deficiencies produce reductions in the messenger levels of the genes encoding the main systems for low-affinity K + uptake and K + translocation, i.e. AKT1 and SKOR in Arabidopsis and LKT1 and the tomato homolog of SKOR, SlSKOR in tomato, respectively. The results suggest that the shortage of one nutrient produces a general downregulation of the acquisition of other nutrients. In the case of K + nutrient, one of the mechanisms for such a response resides in the transcriptional repression of the genes encoding the systems for K + uptake and translocation. © 2017 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

  14. Characterization and distribution of a maize cDNA encoding a peptide similar to the catalytic region of second messenger dependent protein kinases

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Biermann, B.; Johnson, E. M.; Feldman, L. J.

    1990-01-01

    Maize (Zea mays) roots respond to a variety of environmental stimuli which are perceived by a specialized group of cells, the root cap. We are studying the transduction of extracellular signals by roots, particularly the role of protein kinases. Protein phosphorylation by kinases is an important step in many eukaryotic signal transduction pathways. As a first phase of this research we have isolated a cDNA encoding a maize protein similar to fungal and animal protein kinases known to be involved in the transduction of extracellular signals. The deduced sequence of this cDNA encodes a polypeptide containing amino acids corresponding to 33 out of 34 invariant or nearly invariant sequence features characteristic of protein kinase catalytic domains. The maize cDNA gene product is more closely related to the branch of serine/threonine protein kinase catalytic domains composed of the cyclic-nucleotide- and calcium-phospholipid-dependent subfamilies than to other protein kinases. Sequence identity is 35% or more between the deduced maize polypeptide and all members of this branch. The high structural similarity strongly suggests that catalytic activity of the encoded maize protein kinase may be regulated by second messengers, like that of all members of this branch whose regulation has been characterized. Northern hybridization with the maize cDNA clone shows a single 2400 base transcript at roughly similar levels in maize coleoptiles, root meristems, and the zone of root elongation, but the transcript is less abundant in mature leaves. In situ hybridization confirms the presence of the transcript in all regions of primary maize root tissue.

  15. Cloning and identification of a cDNA that encodes a novel human protein with thrombospondin type I repeat domain, hPWTSR.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jin-Zhong; Wang, Shu; Tang, Rong; Yang, Quan-Sheng; Zhao, Enpeng; Chao, Yaoqiong; Ying, Kang; Xie, Yi; Mao, Yu-Min

    2002-09-01

    A cDNA was isolated from the fetal brain cDNA library by high throughput cDNA sequencing. The 2390 bp cDNA with an open reading fragment (ORF) of 816 bp encodes a 272 amino acids putative protein with a thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR) domain and a cysteine-rich region at the N-terminus, so it is named hPWTSR. We used Northern blot detected two bands with length of about 3 kb and 4 kb respectively, which expressed in human adult tissues with different intensities. The expression pattern was verified by RT-PCR, revealing that the transcripts were expressed ubiquitously in fetal tissues and human tumor tissues too. However, the transcript was detected neither in ovarian carcinoma GI-102 nor in lung carcinoma LX-1. Blast analysis against NCBI database revealed that the new gene contained at least 5 exons and located in human chromosome 6q22.33. Our results demonstrate that the gene is a novel member of TSR supergene family.

  16. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding a membrane bound acyl-CoA binding protein from Agave americana L. epidermis.

    PubMed

    Guerrero, Consuelo; Martín-Rufián, M; Reina, José J; Heredia, Antonio

    2006-01-01

    A cDNA encoding an acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) homologue has been cloned from a cDNA library made from mRNA isolated from epidermis of young leaves of Agave americana L. The derived amino acid sequence reveals a protein corresponding to the membrane-associated form of ACBPs only previously described in Arabidopsis and rice. Northern blot analysis showed that the A. americana ACBP gene is mainly expressed in the epidermis of mature zone of the leaves. The epidermis of A. americana leaves have a well developed cuticle with the highest amounts of the cuticular components waxes, cutin and cutan suggesting a potential role of the protein in cuticle formation.

  17. Variation in Its C-Terminal Amino Acids Determines Whether Endo-β-Mannanase Is Active or Inactive in Ripening Tomato Fruits of Different Cultivars1

    PubMed Central

    Bourgault, Richard; Bewley, J. Derek

    2002-01-01

    Endo-β-mannanase cDNAs were cloned and characterized from ripening tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Trust) fruit, which produces an active enzyme, and from the tomato cv Walter, which produces an inactive enzyme. There is a two-nucleotide deletion in the gene from tomato cv Walter, which results in a frame shift and the deletion of four amino acids at the C terminus of the full-length protein. Other cultivars that produce either active or inactive enzyme show the same absence or presence of the two-nucleotide deletion. The endo-β-mannanase enzyme protein was purified and characterized from ripe fruit to ensure that cDNA codes for the enzyme from fruit. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that non-ripening mutants, which also fail to exhibit endo-β-mannanase activity, do so because they fail to express the protein. In a two-way genetic cross between tomato cvs Walter and Trust, all F1 progeny from both crosses produced fruit with active enzyme, suggesting that this form is dominant and homozygous in tomato cv Trust. Self-pollination of a plant from the heterozygous F1 generation yielded F2 plants that bear fruit with and without active enzyme at a ratio appropriate to Mendelian genetic segregation of alleles. Heterologous expression of the two endo-β-mannanase genes in Escherichia coli resulted in active enzyme being produced from cultures containing the tomato cv Trust gene and inactive enzyme being produced from those containing the tomato cv Walter gene. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to establish key elements in the C terminus of the endo-β-mannanase protein that are essential for full enzyme activity. PMID:12427992

  18. MicroRNAs Suppress NB Domain Genes in Tomato That Confer Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum

    PubMed Central

    Ouyang, Shouqiang; Park, Gyungsoon; Atamian, Hagop S.; Han, Cliff S.; Stajich, Jason E.; Kaloshian, Isgouhi; Borkovich, Katherine A.

    2014-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) suppress the transcriptional and post-transcriptional expression of genes in plants. Several miRNA families target genes encoding nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) plant innate immune receptors. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causes vascular wilt disease in tomato. We explored a role for miRNAs in tomato defense against F. oxysporum using comparative miRNA profiling of susceptible (Moneymaker) and resistant (Motelle) tomato cultivars. slmiR482f and slmiR5300 were repressed during infection of Motelle with F. oxysporum. Two predicted mRNA targets each of slmiR482f and slmiR5300 exhibited increased expression in Motelle and the ability of these four targets to be regulated by the miRNAs was confirmed by co-expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. Silencing of the targets in the resistant Motelle cultivar revealed a role in fungal resistance for all four genes. All four targets encode proteins with full or partial nucleotide-binding (NB) domains. One slmiR5300 target corresponds to tm-2, a susceptible allele of the Tomato Mosaic Virus resistance gene, supporting functions in immunity to a fungal pathogen. The observation that none of the targets correspond to I-2, the only known resistance (R) gene for F. oxysporum in tomato, supports roles for additional R genes in the immune response. Taken together, our findings suggest that Moneymaker is highly susceptible because its potential resistance is insufficiently expressed due to the action of miRNAs. PMID:25330340

  19. Cloning and expression of the cDNA encoding human fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, the enzyme deficient in hereditary tyrosinemia: assignment of the gene to chromosome 15.

    PubMed Central

    Phaneuf, D; Labelle, Y; Bérubé, D; Arden, K; Cavenee, W; Gagné, R; Tanguay, R M

    1991-01-01

    Type 1 hereditary tyrosinemia (HT) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH; E.C.3.7.1.2). We have isolated human FAH cDNA clones by screening a liver cDNA expression library using specific antibodies and plaque hybridization with a rat FAH cDNA probe. A 1,477-bp cDNA was sequenced and shown to code for FAH by an in vitro transcription-translation assay and sequence homology with tryptic fragments of purified FAH. Transient expression of this FAH cDNA in transfected CV-1 mammalian cells resulted in the synthesis of an immunoreactive protein comigrating with purified human liver FAH on SDS-PAGE and having enzymatic activity as shown by the hydrolysis of the natural substrate fumarylacetoacetate. This indicates that the single polypeptide chain encoded by the FAH gene contains all the genetic information required for functional activity, suggesting that the dimer found in vivo is a homodimer. The human FAH cDNA was used as a probe to determine the gene's chromosomal localization using somatic cell hybrids and in situ hybridization. The human FAH gene maps to the long arm of chromosome 15 in the region q23-q25. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 6 Figure 8 PMID:1998338

  20. Characterization of the cDNA coding for rat brain cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase: brain and liver enzymes are identical proteins encoded by two distinct mRNAs.

    PubMed

    Tappaz, M; Bitoun, M; Reymond, I; Sergeant, A

    1999-09-01

    Cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD) is considered as the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of taurine, a possible osmoregulator in brain. Through cloning and sequencing of RT-PCR and RACE-PCR products of rat brain mRNAs, a 2,396-bp cDNA sequence was obtained encoding a protein of 493 amino acids (calculated molecular mass, 55.2 kDa). The corresponding fusion protein showed a substrate specificity similar to that of the endogenous enzyme. The sequence of the encoded protein is identical to that encoded by liver CSD cDNA. Among other characterized amino acid decarboxylases, CSD shows the highest homology (54%) with either isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65 and GAD67). A single mRNA band, approximately 2.5 kb, was detected by northern blot in RNA extracts of brain, liver, and kidney. However, brain and liver CSD cDNA sequences differed in the 5' untranslated region. This indicates two forms of CSD mRNA. Analysis of PCR-amplified products of genomic DNA suggests that the brain form results from the use of a 3' alternative internal splicing site within an exon specifically found in liver CSD mRNA. Through selective RT-PCR the brain form was detected in brain only, whereas the liver form was found in liver and kidney. These results indicate a tissue-specific regulation of CSD genomic expression.

  1. Functional characterization of the triple gene block 1 (TGB1) gene of Pepino mosaic virus in tomato

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has caused serious economic losses to many greenhouse tomato productions around the world. This potexvirus genome contains five major open reading frames (ORFs) encoding for a 164-kDa RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), three triple gene block (TGB) proteins of 26, 14 an...

  2. The complete genome sequence, occurrence and host range of Tomato mottle mosaic virus Chinese isolate.

    PubMed

    Li, Yueyue; Wang, Yang; Hu, John; Xiao, Long; Tan, Guanlin; Lan, Pingxiu; Liu, Yong; Li, Fan

    2017-01-31

    Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) is a recently identified species in the genus Tobamovirus and was first reported from a greenhouse tomato sample collected in Mexico in 2013. In August 2013, ToMMV was detected on peppers (Capsicum spp.) in China. However, little is known about the molecular and biological characteristics of ToMMV. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid identification of cDNA ends (RACE) were carried out to obtain the complete genomic sequences of ToMMV. Sap transmission was used to test the host range and pathogenicity of ToMMV. The full-length genomes of two ToMMV isolates infecting peppers in Yunnan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region of China were determined and analyzed. The complete genomic sequences of both ToMMV isolates consisted of 6399 nucleotides and contained four open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 126, 183, 30 and 18 kDa proteins from the 5' to 3' end, respectively. Overall similarities of the ToMMV genome sequence to those of the other tobamoviruses available in GenBank ranged from 49.6% to 84.3%. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of full-genome nucleotide and the amino acids of its four proteins confirmed that ToMMV was most closely related to Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV). According to the genetic structure, host of origin and phylogenetic relationships, the available 32 tobamoviruses could be divided into at least eight subgroups based on the host plant family they infect: Solanaceae-, Brassicaceae-, Cactaceae-, Apocynaceae-, Cucurbitaceae-, Malvaceae-, Leguminosae-, and Passifloraceae-infecting subgroups. The detection of ToMMV on some solanaceous, cucurbitaceous, brassicaceous and leguminous plants in Yunnan Province and other few parts of China revealed ToMMV only occurred on peppers so far. However, the host range test results showed ToMMV could infect most of the tested solanaceous and cruciferous plants, and had a high affinity for the solanaceous plants. The complete nucleotide sequences of two Chinese ToMMV isolates from naturally infected peppers were verified. The tobamoviruses were divided into at least eight subgroups, with ToMMV belonging to the subgroup that infected plants in the Solanaceae. In China, ToMMV only occurred on peppers in the fields till now. ToMMV could infect the plants in family Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae by sap transmission.

  3. Transcriptional regulation of SlPYL, SlPP2C, and SlSnRK2 gene families encoding ABA signal core components during tomato fruit development and drought stress.

    PubMed

    Sun, Liang; Wang, Yan-Ping; Chen, Pei; Ren, Jie; Ji, Kai; Li, Qian; Li, Ping; Dai, Sheng-Jie; Leng, Ping

    2011-11-01

    In order to characterize the potential transcriptional regulation of core components of abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction in tomato fruit development and drought stress, eight SlPYL (ABA receptor), seven SlPP2C (type 2C protein phosphatase), and eight SlSnRK2 (subfamily 2 of SNF1-related kinases) full-length cDNA sequences were isolated from the tomato nucleotide database of NCBI GenBank. All SlPYL, SlPP2C, and SlSnRK2 genes obtained are homologous to Arabidopsis AtPYL, AtPP2C, and AtSnRK2 genes, respectively. Based on phylogenetic analysis, SlPYLs and SlSnRK2s were clustered into three subfamilies/subclasses, and all SlPP2Cs belonged to PP2C group A. Within the SlPYL gene family, SlPYL1, SlPYL2, SlPYL3, and SlPYL6 were the major genes involved in the regulation of fruit development. Among them, SlPYL1 and SlPYL2 were expressed at high levels throughout the process of fruit development and ripening; SlPYL3 was strongly expressed at the immature green (IM) and mature green (MG) stages, while SlPYL6 was expressed strongly at the IM and red ripe (RR) stages. Within the SlPP2C gene family, the expression of SlPP2C, SlPP2C3, and SlPP2C4 increased after the MG stage; SlPP2C1 and SlPP2C5 peaked at the B3 stage, while SlPP2C2 and SlPP2C6 changed little during fruit development. Within the SlSnRK2 gene family, the expression of SlSnRK2.2, SlSnRK2.3, SlSnRK2.4, and SlSnRK2C was higher than that of other members during fruit development. Additionally, most SlPYL genes were down-regulated, while most SlPP2C and SlSnRK2 genes were up-regulated by dehydration in tomato leaf.

  4. Large-scale analysis of full-length cDNAs from the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivar Micro-Tom, a reference system for the Solanaceae genomics.

    PubMed

    Aoki, Koh; Yano, Kentaro; Suzuki, Ayako; Kawamura, Shingo; Sakurai, Nozomu; Suda, Kunihiro; Kurabayashi, Atsushi; Suzuki, Tatsuya; Tsugane, Taneaki; Watanabe, Manabu; Ooga, Kazuhide; Torii, Maiko; Narita, Takanori; Shin-I, Tadasu; Kohara, Yuji; Yamamoto, Naoki; Takahashi, Hideki; Watanabe, Yuichiro; Egusa, Mayumi; Kodama, Motoichiro; Ichinose, Yuki; Kikuchi, Mari; Fukushima, Sumire; Okabe, Akiko; Arie, Tsutomu; Sato, Yuko; Yazawa, Katsumi; Satoh, Shinobu; Omura, Toshikazu; Ezura, Hiroshi; Shibata, Daisuke

    2010-03-30

    The Solanaceae family includes several economically important vegetable crops. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is regarded as a model plant of the Solanaceae family. Recently, a number of tomato resources have been developed in parallel with the ongoing tomato genome sequencing project. In particular, a miniature cultivar, Micro-Tom, is regarded as a model system in tomato genomics, and a number of genomics resources in the Micro-Tom-background, such as ESTs and mutagenized lines, have been established by an international alliance. To accelerate the progress in tomato genomics, we developed a collection of fully-sequenced 13,227 Micro-Tom full-length cDNAs. By checking redundant sequences, coding sequences, and chimeric sequences, a set of 11,502 non-redundant full-length cDNAs (nrFLcDNAs) was generated. Analysis of untranslated regions demonstrated that tomato has longer 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions than most other plants but rice. Classification of functions of proteins predicted from the coding sequences demonstrated that nrFLcDNAs covered a broad range of functions. A comparison of nrFLcDNAs with genes of sixteen plants facilitated the identification of tomato genes that are not found in other plants, most of which did not have known protein domains. Mapping of the nrFLcDNAs onto currently available tomato genome sequences facilitated prediction of exon-intron structure. Introns of tomato genes were longer than those of Arabidopsis and rice. According to a comparison of exon sequences between the nrFLcDNAs and the tomato genome sequences, the frequency of nucleotide mismatch in exons between Micro-Tom and the genome-sequencing cultivar (Heinz 1706) was estimated to be 0.061%. The collection of Micro-Tom nrFLcDNAs generated in this study will serve as a valuable genomic tool for plant biologists to bridge the gap between basic and applied studies. The nrFLcDNA sequences will help annotation of the tomato whole-genome sequence and aid in tomato functional genomics and molecular breeding. Full-length cDNA sequences and their annotations are provided in the database KaFTom http://www.pgb.kazusa.or.jp/kaftom/ via the website of the National Bioresource Project Tomato http://tomato.nbrp.jp.

  5. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding a lipid transfer protein expressed in 'Valencia' orange during abscission.

    PubMed

    Wu, Zhencai; Burns, Jacqueline K

    2003-04-01

    The genetics and expression of a lipid transfer protein (LTP) gene was examined during abscission of mature fruit of 'Valencia' orange. A cDNA encoding an LTP, CsLTP, was isolated from a cDNA subtraction library constructed from mature fruit abscission zones 48 h after application of a mature fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole). A full-length cDNA clone of 652 nucleotides was isolated using 5' and 3' RACE followed by cDNA library screening and PCR amplification. The cDNA clone encoded a protein of 155 amino acid residues with a molecular mass and isoelectric point of 9.18 kDa and 9.12, respectively. A partial genomic clone of 505 nucleotides containing one intron of 101 base pairs was amplified from leaf genomic DNA. Southern blot hybridization demonstrated that at least two closely related CsLTP genes are present in 'Valencia' orange. Temporal expression patterns in mature fruit abscission zones were examined by northern hybridization. Increased expression of CsLTP mRNA was detected in RNA of mature fruit abscission zones 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after application of a non-specific abscission agent, ethephon. Low expression of CsLTP transcripts was observed after treatment of CMN-pyrazole until 24 h after application. After this time, expression markedly increased. The results suggest that CsLTP has a role in the abscission process, possibly by assisting transport of cutin monomers to the fracture plane of the abscission zone or through its anti-microbial activity by reducing the potential of microbial attack.

  6. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of cDNA Encoding a Putative Stress-Induced Heat-Shock Protein from Camelus dromedarius

    PubMed Central

    Elrobh, Mohamed S.; Alanazi, Mohammad S.; Khan, Wajahatullah; Abduljaleel, Zainularifeen; Al-Amri, Abdullah; Bazzi, Mohammad D.

    2011-01-01

    Heat shock proteins are ubiquitous, induced under a number of environmental and metabolic stresses, with highly conserved DNA sequences among mammalian species. Camelus dromedaries (the Arabian camel) domesticated under semi-desert environments, is well adapted to tolerate and survive against severe drought and high temperatures for extended periods. This is the first report of molecular cloning and characterization of full length cDNA of encoding a putative stress-induced heat shock HSPA6 protein (also called HSP70B′) from Arabian camel. A full-length cDNA (2417 bp) was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and cloned in pET-b expression vector. The sequence analysis of HSPA6 gene showed 1932 bp-long open reading frame encoding 643 amino acids. The complete cDNA sequence of the Arabian camel HSPA6 gene was submitted to NCBI GeneBank (accession number HQ214118.1). The BLAST analysis indicated that C. dromedaries HSPA6 gene nucleotides shared high similarity (77–91%) with heat shock gene nucleotide of other mammals. The deduced 643 amino acid sequences (accession number ADO12067.1) showed that the predicted protein has an estimated molecular weight of 70.5 kDa with a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0. The comparative analyses of camel HSPA6 protein sequences with other mammalian heat shock proteins (HSPs) showed high identity (80–94%). Predicted camel HSPA6 protein structure using Protein 3D structural analysis high similarities with human and mouse HSPs. Taken together, this study indicates that the cDNA sequences of HSPA6 gene and its amino acid and protein structure from the Arabian camel are highly conserved and have similarities with other mammalian species. PMID:21845074

  7. Cloning and expression of a cDNA coding for a human monocyte-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Antalis, T M; Clark, M A; Barnes, T; Lehrbach, P R; Devine, P L; Schevzov, G; Goss, N H; Stephens, R W; Tolstoshev, P

    1988-02-01

    Human monocyte-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor (mPAI-2) was purified to homogeneity from the U937 cell line and partially sequenced. Oligonucleotide probes derived from this sequence were used to screen a cDNA library prepared from U937 cells. One positive clone was sequenced and contained most of the coding sequence as well as a long incomplete 3' untranslated region (1112 base pairs). This cDNA sequence was shown to encode mPAI-2 by hybrid-select translation. A cDNA clone encoding the remainder of the mPAI-2 mRNA was obtained by primer extension of U937 poly(A)+ RNA using a probe complementary to the mPAI-2 coding region. The coding sequence for mPAI-2 was placed under the control of the lambda PL promoter, and the protein expressed in Escherichia coli formed a complex with urokinase that could be detected immunologically. By nucleotide sequence analysis, mPAI-2 cDNA encodes a protein containing 415 amino acids with a predicted unglycosylated Mr of 46,543. The predicted amino acid sequence of mPAI-2 is very similar to placental PAI-2 (3 amino acid differences) and shows extensive homology with members of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. mPAI-2 was found to be more homologous to ovalbumin (37%) than the endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor, PAI-1 (26%). Like ovalbumin, mPAI-2 appears to have no typical amino-terminal signal sequence. The 3' untranslated region of the mPAI-2 cDNA contains a putative regulatory sequence that has been associated with the inflammatory mediators.

  8. Cloning and expression of a cDNA coding for a human monocyte-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor.

    PubMed Central

    Antalis, T M; Clark, M A; Barnes, T; Lehrbach, P R; Devine, P L; Schevzov, G; Goss, N H; Stephens, R W; Tolstoshev, P

    1988-01-01

    Human monocyte-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor (mPAI-2) was purified to homogeneity from the U937 cell line and partially sequenced. Oligonucleotide probes derived from this sequence were used to screen a cDNA library prepared from U937 cells. One positive clone was sequenced and contained most of the coding sequence as well as a long incomplete 3' untranslated region (1112 base pairs). This cDNA sequence was shown to encode mPAI-2 by hybrid-select translation. A cDNA clone encoding the remainder of the mPAI-2 mRNA was obtained by primer extension of U937 poly(A)+ RNA using a probe complementary to the mPAI-2 coding region. The coding sequence for mPAI-2 was placed under the control of the lambda PL promoter, and the protein expressed in Escherichia coli formed a complex with urokinase that could be detected immunologically. By nucleotide sequence analysis, mPAI-2 cDNA encodes a protein containing 415 amino acids with a predicted unglycosylated Mr of 46,543. The predicted amino acid sequence of mPAI-2 is very similar to placental PAI-2 (3 amino acid differences) and shows extensive homology with members of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. mPAI-2 was found to be more homologous to ovalbumin (37%) than the endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor, PAI-1 (26%). Like ovalbumin, mPAI-2 appears to have no typical amino-terminal signal sequence. The 3' untranslated region of the mPAI-2 cDNA contains a putative regulatory sequence that has been associated with the inflammatory mediators. Images PMID:3257578

  9. Light regulation of the abundance of mRNA encoding a nucleolin-like protein localized in the nucleoli of pea nuclei.

    PubMed Central

    Tong, C G; Reichler, S; Blumenthal, S; Balk, J; Hsieh, H L; Roux, S J

    1997-01-01

    A cDNA encoding a nucleolar protein was selected from a pea (Pisum sativum) plumule library, cloned, and sequenced. The translated sequence of the cDNA has significant percent identity to Xenopus laevis nucleolin (31%), the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) nucleolin homolog (66%), and the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) nucleolin homolog (NSR1) (28%). It also has sequence patterns in its primary structure that are characteristic of all nucleolins, including an N-terminal acidic motif, RNA recognition motifs, and a C-terminal Gly- and Arg-rich domain. By immunoblot analysis, the polyclonal antibodies used to select the cDNA bind selectively to a 90-kD protein in purified pea nuclei and nucleoli and to an 88-kD protein in extracts of Escherichia coli expressing the cDNA. In immunolocalization assays of pea plumule cells, the antibodies stained primarily a region surrounding the fibrillar center of nucleoli, where animal nucleolins are typically found. Southern analysis indicated that the pea nucleolin-like protein is encoded by a single gene, and northern analysis showed that the labeled cDNA binds to a single band of RNA, approximately the same size and the cDNA. After irradiation of etiolated pea seedlings by red light, the mRNA level in plumules decreased during the 1st hour and then increased to a peak of six times the 0-h level at 12 h. Far-red light reversed this effect of red light, and the mRNA accumulation from red/far-red light irradiation was equal to that found in the dark control. This indicates that phytochrome may regulate the expression of this gene. PMID:9193096

  10. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA from Cuphea lanceolata encoding a beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductase.

    PubMed

    Klein, B; Pawlowski, K; Höricke-Grandpierre, C; Schell, J; Töpfer, R

    1992-05-01

    A cDNA encoding beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductase (EC 1.1.1.100), an integral part of the fatty acid synthase type II, was cloned from Cuphea lanceolata. This cDNA of 1276 bp codes for a polypeptide of 320 amino acids with 63 N-terminal residues presumably representing a transit peptide and 257 residues corresponding to the mature protein of 27 kDa. The encoded protein shows strong homology with the amino-terminal sequence and two tryptic peptides from avocado mesocarp beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductase, and its total amino acid composition is highly similar to those of the beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductases of avocado and spinach. Amino acid sequence homologies to polyketide synthase, beta-ketoreductases and short-chain alcohol dehydrogenases are discussed. An engineered fusion protein lacking most of the transit peptide, which was produced in Escherichia coli, was isolated and proved to possess beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductase activity. Hybridization studies revealed that in C. lanceolata beta-ketoacyl-ACP reductase is encoded by a small family of at least two genes and that members of this family are expressed in roots, leaves, flowers and seeds.

  11. Lectin cDNA and transgenic plants derived therefrom

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, N.V.

    1994-01-04

    Transgenic plants containing cDNA encoding Gramineae lectin are described. The plants preferably contain cDNA coding for barley lectin and store the lectin in the leaves. The transgenic plants, particularly the leaves exhibit insecticidal and fungicidal properties. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS This application was funded under Department of Energy Contract DE-AC02-76ER01338. The U.S. Government has certain rights under this application and any patent issuing thereon. .

  12. Lectin cDNA and transgenic plants derived therefrom

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, Natasha V.

    1994-01-04

    Transgenic plants containing cDNA encoding Gramineae lectin are described. The plants preferably contain cDNA coding for barley lectin and store the lectin in the leaves. The transgenic plants, particularly the leaves exhibit insecticidal and fungicidal properties. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS This application was funded under Department of Energy Contract DE-AC02-76ER01338. The U.S. Government has certain rights under this application and any patent issuing thereon.

  13. Molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding the glycoprotein of hen oviduct microsomal signal peptidase.

    PubMed Central

    Newsome, A L; McLean, J W; Lively, M O

    1992-01-01

    Detergent-solubilized hen oviduct signal peptidase has been characterized previously as an apparent complex of a 19 kDa protein and a 23 kDa glycoprotein (GP23) [Baker & Lively (1987) Biochemistry 26, 8561-8567]. A cDNA clone encoding GP23 from a chicken oviduct lambda gt11 cDNA library has now been characterized. The cDNA encodes a protein of 180 amino acid residues with a single site for asparagine-linked glycosylation that has been directly identified by amino acid sequence analysis of a tryptic-digest peptide containing the glycosylated site. Immunoblot analysis reveals cross-reactivity with a dog pancreas protein. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of GP23 with the 22/23 kDa glycoprotein of dog microsomal signal peptidase [Shelness, Kanwar & Blobel (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 17063-17070], one of five proteins associated with this enzyme, reveals that the amino acid sequences are 90% identical. Thus the signal peptidase glycoprotein is as highly conserved as the sequences of cytochromes c and b from these same species and is likely to be found in a similar form in many, if not all, vertebrate species. The data also show conclusively that the dog and avian signal peptidases have at least one protein subunit in common. Images Fig. 1. PMID:1546959

  14. Potential of Pseudomonas putida PCI2 for the Protection of Tomato Plants Against Fungal Pathogens.

    PubMed

    Pastor, Nicolás; Masciarelli, Oscar; Fischer, Sonia; Luna, Virginia; Rovera, Marisa

    2016-09-01

    Tomato is one of the most economically attractive vegetable crops due to its high yields. Diseases cause significant losses in tomato production worldwide. We carried out Polymerase Chain Reaction studies to detect the presence of genes encoding antifungal compounds in the DNA of Pseudomonas putida strain PCI2. We also used liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to detect and quantify the production of compounds that increase the resistance of plants to diseases from culture supernatants of PCI2. In addition, we investigated the presence of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase in PCI2. Finally, PCI2 was used for inoculation of tomato seeds to study its potential biocontrol activity against Fusarium oxysporum MR193. The obtained results showed that no fragments for the encoding genes of hydrogen cyanide, pyoluteorin, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol, pyrrolnitrin, or phenazine-1-carboxylic acid were amplified from the DNA of PCI2. On the other hand, PCI2 produced salicylic acid and jasmonic acid in Luria-Bertani medium and grew in a culture medium containing ACC as the sole nitrogen source. We observed a reduction in disease incidence from 53.33 % in the pathogen control to 30 % in tomato plants pre-inoculated with PCI2 as well as increases in shoot and root dry weights in inoculated plants, as compared to the pathogenicity control. This study suggests that inoculation of tomato seeds with P. putida PCI2 increases the resistance of plants to root rot caused by F. oxysporum and that PCI2 produces compounds that may be involved at different levels in increasing such resistance. Thus, PCI2 could represent a non-contaminating management strategy potentially applicable in vegetable crops such as tomato.

  15. Isolation of a cDNA for a Growth Factor of Vascular Endothelial Cells from Human Lung Cancer Cells: Its Identity with Insulin‐like Growth Factor II

    PubMed Central

    Hagiwara, Koichi; Kobayashi, Tatsuo; Tobita, Masato; Kikyo, Nobuaki; Yazaki, Yoshio

    1995-01-01

    We have found growth‐promoting activity for vascular endothelial cells in the conditioned medium of a human lung cancer cell line, T3M‐11. Purification and characterization of the growth‐promoting activity have been carried out using ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel‐exclusion chromatography. The activity migrated as a single peak just after ribonuclease. It did not bind to a heparin affinity column. These results suggest that the activity is not a heparin‐binding growth factor (including fibroblast growth factors) or a vascular endothelial growth factor. To identify the molecule exhibiting the growth‐promoting activity, a cDNA encoding the growth factor was isolated through functional expression cloning in COS‐1 cells from a cDNA library prepared from T3M‐11 cells. The nucleotide sequence encoded by the cDNA proved to be identical with that of insulin‐like growth factor II. PMID:7730145

  16. Cloning and molecular characterization of the salt-regulated jojoba ScRab cDNA encoding a small GTP-binding protein.

    PubMed

    Mizrahi-Aviv, Ela; Mills, David; Benzioni, Aliza; Bar-Zvi, Dudy

    2002-10-01

    Salt stress results in a massive change in gene expression. An 837 bp cDNA designated ScRab was cloned from shoot cultures of the salt tolerant jojoba (Simmondsia chinesis). The cloned cDNA encodes a full length 200 amino acid long polypeptide that bears high homology to the Rab subfamily of small GTP binding proteins, particularly, the Rab5 subfamily. ScRab expression is reduced in shoots grown in the presence of salt compared to shoots from non-stressed cultures. His6-tagged ScRAB protein was expressed in E. coli, and purified to homogeneity. The purified protein bound radiolabelled GTP. The unlabelled guanine nucleotides GTP, GTP gamma S and GDP but not ATP, CTP or UTP competed with GTP binding.

  17. Ostertagia circumcincta: isolation of a partial cDNA encoding an unusual member of the mitochondrial processing peptidase subfamily of M16 metallopeptidases.

    PubMed

    Walker, J; Tait, A

    1997-11-01

    A reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was used to isolate an Ostertagia circumcincta partial cDNA encoding a protein with general primary sequence features characteristic of members of the mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) subfamily of M16 metallopeptidases. The structural relationships of the predicted protein (Oc MPPX) with MPP subfamily proteins from other species (including the model free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans) were examined, and Northern analysis confirmed the expression of the Oc mppx gene in adult nematodes.

  18. Activation of ethylene-responsive p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase leads to increased tocopherol levels during ripening in mango

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Rajesh K.; Ali, Sharique A.; Nath, Pravendra; Sane, Vidhu A.

    2011-01-01

    Mango is characterized by high tocopherol and carotenoid content during ripening. From a cDNA screen of differentially expressing genes during mango ripening, a full-length p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (MiHPPD) gene homologue was isolated that encodes a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of tocopherols. The gene encoded a 432-amino-acid protein. Transcript analysis during different stages of ripening revealed that the gene is ripening related and rapidly induced by ethylene. The increase in MiHPPD transcript accumulation was followed by an increase in tocopherol levels during ripening. The ripening-related increase in MiHPPD expression was also seen in response to abscisic acid and to alesser extent to indole-3-acetic acid. The expression of MiHPPD was not restricted to fruits but was also seen in other tissues such as leaves particularly during senescence. The strong ethylene induction of MiHPPD was also seen in young leaves indicating that ethylene induction of MiHPPD is tissue independent. Promoter analysis of MiHPPD gene in tomato discs and leaves of stable transgenic lines of Arabidopsis showed that the cis elements for ripening-related, ethylene-responsive, and senescence-related expression resided within the 1590 nt region upstream of the ATG codon. Functionality of the gene was demonstrated by the ability of the expressed protein in bacteria to convert p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate to homogentisate. These results provide the first evidence for HPPD expression during ripening of a climacteric fruit. PMID:21430290

  19. Dynamics in the tomato root transcriptome on infection with the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis.

    PubMed

    Swiecicka, Magdalena; Filipecki, Marcin; Lont, Dieuwertje; Van Vliet, Joke; Qin, Ling; Goverse, Aska; Bakker, Jaap; Helder, Johannes

    2009-07-01

    Plant parasitic nematodes infect roots and trigger the formation of specialized feeding sites by substantial reprogramming of the developmental process of root cells. In this article, we describe the dynamic changes in the tomato root transcriptome during early interactions with the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism-based mRNA fingerprinting (cDNA-AFLP), we monitored 17 600 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) in infected and uninfected tomato roots, 1-14 days after inoculation with nematode larvae. Six hundred and twenty-four TDFs (3.5%) showed significant differential expression on nematode infection. We employed GenEST, a computer program which links gene expression profiles generated by cDNA-AFLP and databases of cDNA sequences, to identify 135 tomato sequences. These sequences were grouped into eight functional categories based on the presence of genes involved in hormone regulation, plant pathogen defence response, cell cycle and cytoskeleton regulation, cell wall modification, cellular signalling, transcriptional regulation, primary metabolism and allocation. The presence of unclassified genes was also taken into consideration. This article describes the responsiveness of numerous tomato genes hitherto uncharacterized during infection with endoparasitic cyst nematodes. The analysis of transcriptome profiles allowed the sequential order of expression to be dissected for many groups of genes and the genes to be connected with the biological processes involved in compatible interactions between the plant and nematode.

  20. [Cloning of cDNA for RNA polymerase subunit from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe by heterospecific complementation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae].

    PubMed

    Shpakovskiĭ, G V; Lebedenko, E N; Thuriaux, P

    1997-02-01

    The rpb10 cDNA of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, encoding one of the five small subunits common to all three nuclear DNA-dependent RNA polymerases, was isolated from an expression cDNA library by two independent approaches: PCR-based screening and direct suppression by means of heterospecific complementation of a temperature-sensitive mutant defective in the corresponding gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cloned Sz. pombe cDNA encodes a protein Rpb10 of 71 amino acids with an M of 8,275 Da, sharing 51 amino acids (71% identity) with the subunit ABC10 beta of RNA polymerases I-III from S. cerevisiae. All eukaryotic members of this protein family have the same general organization featuring two highly conserved motifs (RCFT/SCGK and RYCCRRM) around an atypical zinc finger and an additional invariant HVDLIEK motif toward the C-terminal end. The last motif is only characteristics for homologs from eukaryotes. In keeping with this remarkable structural conservation, the Sz. pombe cDNA also fully complemented a S. cerevisiae deletion mutant lacking subunit ABC10 beta (null allele rpb10-delta 1::HIS3).

  1. Cloning and expression of UDP-glucose: flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase from hairy root cultures of Scutellaria baicalensis.

    PubMed

    Hirotani, M; Kuroda, R; Suzuki, H; Yoshikawa, T

    2000-05-01

    A cDNA encoding UDP-glucose: baicalein 7-O-glucosyltransferase (UBGT) was isolated from a cDNA library from hairy root cultures of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi probed with a partial-length cDNA clone of a UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) from grape (Vitis vinifera L.). The heterologous probe contained a glucosyltransferase consensus amino acid sequence which was also present in the Scutellaria cDNA clones. The complete nucleotide sequence of the 1688-bp cDNA insert was determined and the deduced amino acid sequences are presented. The nucleotide sequence analysis of UBGT revealed an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 476 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 53,094 Da. The reaction product for baicalein and UDP-glucose catalyzed by recombinant UBGT in Escherichia coli was identified as authentic baicalein 7-O-glucoside using high-performance liquid chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The enzyme activities of recombinant UBGT expressed in E. coli were also detected towards flavonoids such as baicalein, wogonin, apigenin, scutellarein, 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone and kaempferol, and phenolic compounds. The accumulation of UBGT mRNA in hairy roots was in response to wounding or salicylic acid treatments.

  2. Studies of a biochemical factory: tomato trichome deep expressed sequence tag sequencing and proteomics.

    PubMed

    Schilmiller, Anthony L; Miner, Dennis P; Larson, Matthew; McDowell, Eric; Gang, David R; Wilkerson, Curtis; Last, Robert L

    2010-07-01

    Shotgun proteomics analysis allows hundreds of proteins to be identified and quantified from a single sample at relatively low cost. Extensive DNA sequence information is a prerequisite for shotgun proteomics, and it is ideal to have sequence for the organism being studied rather than from related species or accessions. While this requirement has limited the set of organisms that are candidates for this approach, next generation sequencing technologies make it feasible to obtain deep DNA sequence coverage from any organism. As part of our studies of specialized (secondary) metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) trichomes, 454 sequencing of cDNA was combined with shotgun proteomics analyses to obtain in-depth profiles of genes and proteins expressed in leaf and stem glandular trichomes of 3-week-old plants. The expressed sequence tag and proteomics data sets combined with metabolite analysis led to the discovery and characterization of a sesquiterpene synthase that produces beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene from E,E-farnesyl diphosphate in trichomes of leaf but not of stem. This analysis demonstrates the utility of combining high-throughput cDNA sequencing with proteomics experiments in a target tissue. These data can be used for dissection of other biochemical processes in these specialized epidermal cells.

  3. Studies of a Biochemical Factory: Tomato Trichome Deep Expressed Sequence Tag Sequencing and Proteomics1[W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Schilmiller, Anthony L.; Miner, Dennis P.; Larson, Matthew; McDowell, Eric; Gang, David R.; Wilkerson, Curtis; Last, Robert L.

    2010-01-01

    Shotgun proteomics analysis allows hundreds of proteins to be identified and quantified from a single sample at relatively low cost. Extensive DNA sequence information is a prerequisite for shotgun proteomics, and it is ideal to have sequence for the organism being studied rather than from related species or accessions. While this requirement has limited the set of organisms that are candidates for this approach, next generation sequencing technologies make it feasible to obtain deep DNA sequence coverage from any organism. As part of our studies of specialized (secondary) metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) trichomes, 454 sequencing of cDNA was combined with shotgun proteomics analyses to obtain in-depth profiles of genes and proteins expressed in leaf and stem glandular trichomes of 3-week-old plants. The expressed sequence tag and proteomics data sets combined with metabolite analysis led to the discovery and characterization of a sesquiterpene synthase that produces β-caryophyllene and α-humulene from E,E-farnesyl diphosphate in trichomes of leaf but not of stem. This analysis demonstrates the utility of combining high-throughput cDNA sequencing with proteomics experiments in a target tissue. These data can be used for dissection of other biochemical processes in these specialized epidermal cells. PMID:20431087

  4. MicroRNAs Suppress NB Domain Genes in Tomato That Confer Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum

    DOE PAGES

    Ouyang, Shouqiang; Park, Gyungsoon; Atamian, Hagop S.; ...

    2014-10-16

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) suppress the transcriptional and post-transcriptional expression of genes in plants. Several miRNA families target genes encoding nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) plant innate immune receptors. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causes vascular wilt disease in tomato. Here, we explored a role for miRNAs in tomato defense against F. oxysporum using comparative miRNA profiling of susceptible (Moneymaker) and resistant (Motelle) tomato cultivars. slmiR482f and slmiR5300 were repressed during infection of Motelle with F. oxysporum. Two predicted mRNA targets each of slmiR482f and slmiR5300 exhibited increased expression in Motelle and the ability of these four targets to be regulatedmore » by the miRNAs was confirmed by co-expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. Silencing of the targets in the resistant Motelle cultivar revealed a role in fungal resistance for all four genes. All four targets encode proteins with full or partial nucleotide-binding (NB) domains. One slmiR5300 target corresponds to tm-2, a susceptible allele of the Tomato Mosaic Virus resistance gene, supporting functions in immunity to a fungal pathogen. The observation that none of the targets correspond to I-2, the only known resistance (R) gene for F. oxysporum in tomato, supports roles for additional R genes in the immune response. In conclusion, taken together, our findings suggest that Moneymaker is highly susceptible because its potential resistance is insufficiently expressed due to the action of miRNAs.« less

  5. Novel transcripts of the estrogen receptor α gene in channel catfish

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Patino, Reynaldo; Xia, Zhenfang; Gale, William L.; Wu, Chunfa; Maule, Alec G.; Chang, Xiaotian

    2000-01-01

    Complementary DNA libraries from liver and ovary of an immature female channel catfish were screened with a homologous ERα cDNA probe. The hepatic library yielded two new channel catfish ER cDNAs that encode N-terminal ERα variants of different sizes. Relative to the catfish ERα (medium size; 581 residues) previously reported, these new cDNAs encode Long-ERα (36 residues longer) and Short-ERα (389 residues shorter). The 5′-end of Long-ERα cDNA is identical to that of Medium-ERα but has an additional 503-bp segment with an upstream, in-frame translation-start codon. Recombinant Long-ERα binds estrogen with high affinity (Kd = 3.4 nM), similar to that previously reported for Medium-ERα but lower than reported for catfish ERβ. Short-ERα cDNA encodes a protein that lacks most of the receptor protein and does not bind estrogen. Northern hybridization confirmed the existence of multiple hepatic ERα RNAs that include the size range of the ERα cDNAs obtained from the libraries as well as additional sizes. Using primers for RT-PCR that target locations internal to the protein-coding sequence, we also established the presence of several ERα cDNA variants with in-frame insertions in the ligand-binding and DNA-binding domains and in-frame or out-of-frame deletions in the ligand-binding domain. These internal variants showed patterns of expression that differed between the ovary and liver. Further, the ovarian library yielded a full-length, ERα antisense cDNA containing a poly(A) signal and tail. A limited survey of histological preparations from juvenile catfish by in situ hybridization using directionally synthesized cRNA probes also suggested the expression of ERα antisense RNA in a tissue-specific manner. In conclusion, channel catfish seemingly have three broad classes of ERα mRNA variants: those encoding N-terminal truncated variants, those encoding internal variants (including C-terminal truncated variants), and antisense mRNA. The sense variants may encode functional ERα or related proteins that modulate ERα or ERβ activity. The existence of ER antisense mRNA is reported in this study for the first time. Its role may be to participate in the regulation of ER gene expression.

  6. VqDUF642, a gene isolated from the Chinese grape Vitis quinquangularis, is involved in berry development and pathogen resistance.

    PubMed

    Xie, Xiaoqing; Wang, Yuejin

    2016-11-01

    The DUF642 gene VqDUF642 , isolated from the Chinese grape species V. quinquangularis accession Danfeng-2, participates in berry development and defense responses against Erysiphe necator and Botrytis cinerea. The proteins with domains of unknown function 642 (DUF642) comprise a large protein family according to cell wall proteomic analyses in plants. However, the works about functional characterization of DUF642s in plant development and resistance to pathogens are scarce. In this study, a gene encoding a DUF642 protein was isolated from Chinese grape V. quinquangularis accession Danfeng-2, and designated as VqDUF642. Its full-length cDNA contains a 1107-bp open reading frame corresponding to a deduced 368-amino acid protein. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis showed that VqDUF642 is highly homologous to one of the DUF642 proteins (VvDUF642) in V. vinifera. The VqDUF642 was localized to the cell wall of tobacco epidermal cells. Accumulation of VqDUF642 protein and VqDUF642 transcript abundance increased at the later stage of grape berry development in Danfeng-2. Overexpression of VqDUF642 in transgenic tomato plants accelerated plant growth and reduced susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea. Transgenic Thompson Seedless grapevine plants overexpressing VqDUF642 exhibited enhanced resistance to Erysiphe necator and B. cinerea. Moreover, VqDUF642 overexpression affected the expression of a couple of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes in transgenic tomato and grapevine upon pathogen inoculation. Taken together, these results suggest that VqDUF642 is involved in plant development and defense against pathogenic infections.

  7. EXPRESSION OF THE SPERMATOGENIC CELL-SPECIFIC GLYCERALDEHYDE 3-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE (GAPDS) IN RAT TESTIS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The spermatogenic cell-specific variant of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) has been cloned from a rat testis cDNA library and its pattern of expression determined. A 1417 nucleotide cDNA has been found to encode an enzyme with substantial homology to mouse GAPDS...

  8. CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CDNA ENCODING GIARDIA LAMBLIA d-GIARDIN

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A cDNA coding for d-giardin was cloned from Giardia lamblia trophozoites in order to localize the protein and study its function in mediating surface attachment. Recombinant d-giardin antigen was produced in Escherichia coli as a poly-histidine fusion protein and was purified by affinity chromatogr...

  9. Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a novel apoplastic protein preferentially expressed in a shikonin-producing callus strain of Lithospermum erythrorhizon.

    PubMed

    Yamamura, Yoshimi; Sahin, F Pinar; Nagatsu, Akito; Mizukami, Hajime

    2003-04-01

    A cDNA (LEPS-2) encoding a novel cell wall protein was cloned from shikonin-producing callus tissues of Lithospermum erythrorhizon by differential display between a shikonin-producing culture strain and a non-producing strain. The LEPS-2 cDNA encoded a polypeptide of 184 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited no significant homology with known proteins. Expression of LEPS-2 gene as well as accumulation of LEPS-2 protein was highly correlated with shikonin production in L. erythrorhizon cells in culture. In the intact plant, expression of LEPS-2 was detected only in the roots where shikonin pigments accumulated. Cell fractionation experiments and immunocytochemical analysis showed that the protein was localized in the apoplast fraction of the cell walls. The shikonin pigments were also stored on the cell walls as oil droplets. These results indicate that expression of the LEPS-2 is closely linked with shikonin biosynthesis and the LEPS-2 protein may be involved in the intra-cell wall trapping of shikonin pigments.

  10. Sequence characterization of cDNA sequence of encoding of an antimicrobial Peptide with no disulfide bridge from the Iranian mesobuthus eupeus venomous glands.

    PubMed

    Farajzadeh-Sheikh, Ahmad; Jolodar, Abbas; Ghaemmaghami, Shamsedin

    2013-01-01

    Scorpion venom glands produce some antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that can rapidly kill a broad range of microbes and have additional activities that impact on the quality and effectiveness of innate responses and inflammation. In this study, we reported the identification of a cDNA sequence encoding cysteine-free antimicrobial peptides isolated from venomous glands of this species. Total RNA was extracted from the Iranian mesobuthus eupeus venom glands, and cDNA was synthesized by using the modified oligo (dT). The cDNA was used as the template for applying Semi-nested RT- PCR technique. PCR Products were used for direct nucleotide sequencing and the results were compared with Gen Bank database. A 213 BP cDNA fragment encoding the entire coding region of an antimicrobial toxin from the Iranian scorpion M. Eupeus venom glands were isolated. The full-length sequence of the coding region was 210 BP contained an open reading frame of 70 amino with a predicted molecular mass of 7970.48 Da and theoretical Pi of 9.10. The open reading frame consists of 210 BP encoding a precursor of 70 amino acid residues, including a signal peptide of 23 residues a propertied of 7 residues, and a mature peptide of 34 residues with no disulfide bridge. The peptide has detectable sequence identity to the Lesser Asian mesobuthus eupeus MeVAMP-2 (98%), MeVAMP-9 (60%) and several previously described AMPs from other scorpion venoms including mesobuthus martensii (94%) and buthus occitanus Israelis (82%). The secondary structure of the peptide mainly consisted of α-helical structure which was generally conserved by previously reported scorpion counterparts. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Iranian MeAMP-like toxin was similar but not identical with that of venom antimicrobial peptides from lesser Asian scorpion mesobuthus eupeus.

  11. Germacrene C synthase from Lycopersicon esculentum cv. VFNT Cherry tomato: cDNA isolation, characterization, and bacterial expression of the multiple product sesquiterpene cyclase

    PubMed Central

    Colby, Sheila M.; Crock, John; Dowdle-Rizzo, Barbara; Lemaux, Peggy G.; Croteau, Rodney

    1998-01-01

    Germacrene C was found by GC-MS and NMR analysis to be the most abundant sesquiterpene in the leaf oil of Lycopersicon esculentum cv. VFNT Cherry, with lesser amounts of germacrene A, guaia-6,9-diene, germacrene B, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and germacrene D. Soluble enzyme preparations from leaves catalyzed the divalent metal ion-dependent cyclization of [1-3H]farnesyl diphosphate to these same sesquiterpene olefins, as determined by radio-GC. To obtain a germacrene synthase cDNA, a set of degenerate primers was constructed based on conserved amino acid sequences of related terpenoid cyclases. With cDNA prepared from leaf epidermis-enriched mRNA, these primers amplified a 767-bp fragment that was used as a hybridization probe to screen the cDNA library. Thirty-one clones were evaluated for functional expression of terpenoid cyclase activity in Escherichia coli by using labeled geranyl, farnesyl, and geranylgeranyl diphosphates as substrates. Nine cDNA isolates expressed sesquiterpene synthase activity, and GC-MS analysis of the products identified germacrene C with smaller amounts of germacrene A, B, and D. None of the expressed proteins was active with geranylgeranyl diphosphate; however, one truncated protein converted geranyl diphosphate to the monoterpene limonene. The cDNA inserts specify a deduced polypeptide of 548 amino acids (Mr = 64,114), and sequence comparison with other plant sesquiterpene cyclases indicates that germacrene C synthase most closely resembles cotton δ-cadinene synthase (50% identity). PMID:9482865

  12. Molecular cloning and expression of rat brain endopeptidase 3.4.24.16.

    PubMed

    Dauch, P; Vincent, J P; Checler, F

    1995-11-10

    We have isolated by immunological screening of a lambda ZAPII cDNA library constructed from rat brain mRNAs a cDNA clone encoding endopeptidase 3.4.24.16. The longest open reading frame encodes a 704-amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular mass of 80,202 daltons and bears the consensus sequence of the zinc metalloprotease family. The sequence exhibits a 60.2% homology with those of another zinc metallopeptidase, endopeptidase 3.4.24.15. Northern blot analysis reveals two mRNA species of about 3 and 5 kilobases in rat brain, ileum, kidney, and testis. We have transiently transfected COS-7 cells with pcDNA3 containing the cloned cDNA and established the overexpression of a 70-75-kDa immunoreactive protein. This protein hydrolyzes QFS, a quenched fluorimetric substrate of endopeptidase 3.4.24.16, and cleaves neurotensin at a single peptide bond, leading to the formation of neurotensin (1-10) and neurotensin (11-13). QFS and neurotensin hydrolysis are potently inhibited by the selective endopeptidase 3.4.24.16 dipeptide blocker Pro-Ile and by dithiothreitol, while the enzymatic activity remains unaffected by phosphoramidon and captopril, the specific inhibitors of endopeptidase 3.4.24.11 and angiotensin-converting enzyme, respectively. Altogether, these physicochemical, biochemical, and immunological properties unambiguously identify endopeptidase 3.4.24.16 as the protein encoded by the isolated cDNA clone.

  13. Suppression of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, which encodes a key enzyme in abscisic acid biosynthesis, alters fruit texture in transgenic tomato.

    PubMed

    Sun, Liang; Sun, Yufei; Zhang, Mei; Wang, Ling; Ren, Jie; Cui, Mengmeng; Wang, Yanping; Ji, Kai; Li, Ping; Li, Qian; Chen, Pei; Dai, Shengjie; Duan, Chaorui; Wu, Yan; Leng, Ping

    2012-01-01

    Cell wall catabolism during fruit ripening is under complex control and is key for fruit quality and shelf life. To examine the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening, we suppressed SlNCED1, which encodes 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of ABA. To suppress SlNCED1 specifically in tomato fruits, and thus avoid the pleiotropic phenotypes associated with ABA deficiency, we used an RNA interference construct driven by the fruit-specific E8 promoter. ABA accumulation and SlNCED1 transcript levels in the transgenic fruit were down-regulated to between 20% and 50% of the levels measured in the control fruit. This significant reduction in NCED activity led to a down-regulation in the transcription of genes encoding major cell wall catabolic enzymes, specifically polygalacturonase (SlPG), pectin methyl esterase (SlPME), β-galactosidase precursor mRNA (SlTBG), xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (SlXET), endo-1,4-β-cellulose (SlCels), and expansin (SlExp). This resulted in an increased accumulation of pectin during ripening. In turn, this led to a significant extension of the shelf life to 15 to 29 d compared with a shelf life of only 7 d for the control fruit and an enhancement of fruit firmness at the mature stage by 30% to 45%. In conclusion, ABA affects cell wall catabolism during tomato fruit ripening via down-regulation of the expression of major catabolic genes (SlPG, SlPME, SlTBG, SlXET, SlCels, and SlExp).

  14. Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a novel extracellular peroxidase from Trametes versicolor.

    PubMed

    Collins, P J; O'Brien, M M; Dobson, A D

    1999-03-01

    The white rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor secretes a large number of peroxidases which are believed to be involved in the degradation of polymeric lignin. These peroxidases have been classified previously as lignin peroxidases or manganese peroxidases (MnP). We have isolated a novel extracellular peroxidase-encoding cDNA sequence from T. versicolor CU1, the transcript levels of which are repressed by low concentrations of Mn2+ and induced by nitrogen and carbon but not induced in response to a range of stresses which have been reported to induce MnP expression.

  15. Cloning and Characterization of a cDNA Encoding a Novel Extracellular Peroxidase from Trametes versicolor

    PubMed Central

    Collins, Patrick J.; O’Brien, Margaret M.; Dobson, Alan D. W.

    1999-01-01

    The white rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor secretes a large number of peroxidases which are believed to be involved in the degradation of polymeric lignin. These peroxidases have been classified previously as lignin peroxidases or manganese peroxidases (MnP). We have isolated a novel extracellular peroxidase-encoding cDNA sequence from T. versicolor CU1, the transcript levels of which are repressed by low concentrations of Mn2+ and induced by nitrogen and carbon but not induced in response to a range of stresses which have been reported to induce MnP expression. PMID:10049906

  16. Isolation and functional identification of a novel cDNA for astaxanthin biosynthesis from Haematococcus pluvialis, and astaxanthin synthesis in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Kajiwara, S; Kakizono, T; Saito, T; Kondo, K; Ohtani, T; Nishio, N; Nagai, S; Misawa, N

    1995-10-01

    We succeeded in isolating a novel cDNA involved in astaxanthin biosynthesis from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, by an expression cloning method using an Escherichia coli transformant as a host that synthesizes beta-carotene due to the Erwinia uredovora carotenoid biosynthesis genes. The cloned cDNA was shown to encode a novel enzyme, beta-carotene ketolase (beta-carotene oxygenase), which converted beta-carotene to canthaxanthin via echinenone, through chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis of the pigments accumulated in an E. coli transformant. This indicates that the encoded enzyme is responsible for the direct conversion of methylene to keto groups, a mechanism that usually requires two different enzymatic reactions proceeding via a hydroxy intermediate. Northern blot analysis showed that the mRNA was synthesized only in the cyst cells of H. pluvialis. E. coli carrying the H. pluvialis cDNA and the E. uredovora genes required for zeaxanthin biosynthesis was also found to synthesize astaxanthin (3S, 3'S), which was identified after purification by a variety of spectroscopic methods.

  17. Gardenia jasminoides Encodes an Inhibitor-2 Protein for Protein Phosphatase Type 1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Lan; Li, Hao-Ming

    2017-08-01

    Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) regulates diverse, essential cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, protein synthesis, muscle contraction, carbohydrate metabolism, transcription and neuronal signaling. Inhibitor-2 (I-2) can inhibit the activity of PP1 and has been found in diverse organisms. In this work, a Gardenia jasminoides fruit cDNA library was constructed, and the GjI-2 cDNA was isolated from the cDNA library by sequencing method. The GjI-2 cDNA contains a predicted 543 bp open reading frame that encodes 180 amino acids. The bioinformatics analysis suggested that the GjI-2 has conserved PP1c binding motif, and contains a conserved phosphorylation site, which is important in regulation of its activity. The three-dimensional model structure of GjI-2 was buite, its similar with the structure of I-2 from mouse. The results suggest that GjI-2 has relatively conserved RVxF, FxxR/KxR/K and HYNE motif, and these motifs are involved in interaction with PP1.

  18. Isolation and sequence analysis of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato gene encoding a 2,3-diphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglyceromutase.

    PubMed

    Morris, V L; Jackson, D P; Grattan, M; Ainsworth, T; Cuppels, D A

    1995-04-01

    Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3481, a Tn5-induced mutant of the tomato pathogen DC3000, cannot grow and elicit disease symptoms on tomato seedlings. It also cannot grow on minimal medium containing malate, citrate, or succinate, three of the major organic acids found in tomatoes. We report here that this mutant also cannot use, as a sole carbon and/or energy source, a wide variety of hexoses and intermediates of hexose catabolism. Uptake studies have shown that DC3481 is not deficient in transport. A 3.8-kb EcoRI fragment of DC3000 DNA, which complements the Tn5 mutation, has been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of two of the three open reading frames (ORFs) present on this fragment, ORF2 and ORF3, had no significant homology with sequences in the GenBank databases. However, the 510-amino-acid sequence of ORF1, the site of the Tn5 insertion, strongly resembled the deduced amino acid sequences of the Bacillus subtilis and Zea mays genes encoding 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG)-independent phosphoglyceromutase (PGM) (52% identity and 72% similarity and 37% identity and 57% similarity, respectively). PGMs not requiring the cofactor DPG are usually found in plants and algae. Enzyme assays confirmed that P. syringae PGM activity required an intact ORF1. Not only is DC3481 the first PGM-deficient pseudomonad mutant to be described, but the P. syringae pgm gene is the first gram-negative bacterial gene identified that appears to code for a DPG-independent PGM. PGM activity appears essential for the growth and pathogenicity of P. syringae pv. tomato on its host plant.

  19. Isolation and sequence analysis of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato gene encoding a 2,3-diphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglyceromutase.

    PubMed Central

    Morris, V L; Jackson, D P; Grattan, M; Ainsworth, T; Cuppels, D A

    1995-01-01

    Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3481, a Tn5-induced mutant of the tomato pathogen DC3000, cannot grow and elicit disease symptoms on tomato seedlings. It also cannot grow on minimal medium containing malate, citrate, or succinate, three of the major organic acids found in tomatoes. We report here that this mutant also cannot use, as a sole carbon and/or energy source, a wide variety of hexoses and intermediates of hexose catabolism. Uptake studies have shown that DC3481 is not deficient in transport. A 3.8-kb EcoRI fragment of DC3000 DNA, which complements the Tn5 mutation, has been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of two of the three open reading frames (ORFs) present on this fragment, ORF2 and ORF3, had no significant homology with sequences in the GenBank databases. However, the 510-amino-acid sequence of ORF1, the site of the Tn5 insertion, strongly resembled the deduced amino acid sequences of the Bacillus subtilis and Zea mays genes encoding 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG)-independent phosphoglyceromutase (PGM) (52% identity and 72% similarity and 37% identity and 57% similarity, respectively). PGMs not requiring the cofactor DPG are usually found in plants and algae. Enzyme assays confirmed that P. syringae PGM activity required an intact ORF1. Not only is DC3481 the first PGM-deficient pseudomonad mutant to be described, but the P. syringae pgm gene is the first gram-negative bacterial gene identified that appears to code for a DPG-independent PGM. PGM activity appears essential for the growth and pathogenicity of P. syringae pv. tomato on its host plant. PMID:7896694

  20. Analysis of Natural and Induced Variation in Tomato Glandular Trichome Flavonoids Identifies a Gene Not Present in the Reference Genome[W][OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jeongwoon; Matsuba, Yuki; Ning, Jing; Schilmiller, Anthony L.; Hammar, Dagan; Jones, A. Daniel; Pichersky, Eran; Last, Robert L.

    2014-01-01

    Flavonoids are ubiquitous plant aromatic specialized metabolites found in a variety of cell types and organs. Methylated flavonoids are detected in secreting glandular trichomes of various Solanum species, including the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Inspection of the sequenced S. lycopersicum Heinz 1706 reference genome revealed a close homolog of Solanum habrochaites MOMT1 3′/5′ myricetin O-methyltransferase gene, but this gene (Solyc06g083450) is missing the first exon, raising the question of whether cultivated tomato has a distinct 3′ or 3′/5′ O-methyltransferase. A combination of mining genome and cDNA sequences from wild tomato species and S. lycopersicum cultivar M82 led to the identification of Sl-MOMT4 as a 3′ O-methyltransferase. In parallel, three independent ethyl methanesulfonate mutants in the S. lycopersicum cultivar M82 background were identified as having reduced amounts of di- and trimethylated myricetins and increased monomethylated myricetin. Consistent with the hypothesis that Sl-MOMT4 is a 3′ O-methyltransferase gene, all three myricetin methylation defective mutants were found to have defects in MOMT4 sequence, transcript accumulation, or 3′-O-methyltransferase enzyme activity. Surprisingly, no MOMT4 sequence is found in the Heinz 1706 reference genome sequence, and this cultivar accumulates 3-methyl myricetin and is deficient in 3′-methyl myricetins, demonstrating variation in this gene among cultivated tomato varieties. PMID:25128240

  1. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 CmaL (PSPTO4723), a DUF1330 family member, is needed to produce L-allo-isoleucine, a precursor for the phytotoxin coronatine

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000 produces the phytotoxin coronatine, a major determinant of the leaf chlorosis associated with DC3000 pathogenesis. The DC3000 PSPTO4723 (cmaL) gene is located in a genomic region encoding type III effectors, however it promotes chlorosis in the model plant...

  2. Cystic Fibrosis Gene Encodes a cAMP-Dependent Chloride Channel in Heart

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hart, Padraig; Warth, John D.; Levesque, Paul C.; Collier, Mei Lin; Geary, Yvonne; Horowitz, Burton; Hume, Joseph R.

    1996-06-01

    cAMP-dependent chloride channels in heart contribute to autonomic regulation of action potential duration and membrane potential and have been inferred to be due to cardiac expression of the epithelial cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. In this report, a cDNA from rabbit ventricle was isolated and sequenced, which encodes an exon 5 splice variant (exon 5-) of CFTR, with >90% identity to human CFTR cDNA present in epithelial cells. Expression of this cDNA in Xenopus oocytes gave rise to robust cAMP-activated chloride currents that were absent in control water-injected oocytes. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against CFTR significnatly reduced the density of cAMP-dependent chloride currents in acutely cultured myocytes, thereby establishing a direct functional link between cardiac expression of CFTR protein and an endogenous chloride channel in native cardiac myocytes.

  3. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone coding for a glutathione S-transferase class delta enzyme from the biting midge Culicoides variipennis sonorensis Wirth and Jones.

    PubMed

    Abdallah, M A; Pollenz, R S; Droog, F N; Nunamaker, R A; Tabachnick, W J; Murphy, K E

    2000-12-01

    Culicoides variipennis sonorensis is the primary vector of bluetongue viruses in North America. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes that catalyze nucleophilic substitutions, converting reactive lipophilic molecules into soluble conjugates. Increased GST activity is associated with development of insecticide resistance. Described here is the isolation of the first cDNA encoding a C. variipennis GST. The clone consists of 720 translated bases encoding a protein with a M(r) of approximately 24,800 composed of 219 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence is similar (64%-74%) to class Delta (previously named Theta) GSTs from the dipteran genera Musca, Drosophila, Lucilia and Anopheles. The cDNA was subcloned into pET-11b, expressed in Epicurian coli BL21 (DE3) and has a specific activity of approximately 28,000 units/mg for the substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene.

  4. Tomato R2R3-MYB Proteins SlANT1 and SlAN2: Same Protein Activity, Different Roles

    PubMed Central

    Bassolino, Laura; Povero, Giovanni; Spelt, Cornelis; Buti, Sara; Giuliano, Giovanni; Quattrocchio, Francesca; Koes, Ronald; Perata, Pierdomenico; Gonzali, Silvia

    2015-01-01

    Anthocyanins are water-soluble polyphenolic compounds with a high nutraceutical value. Despite the fact that cultivated tomato varieties do not accumulate anthocyanins in the fruit, the biosynthetic pathway can be activated in the vegetative organs by several environmental stimuli. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating anthocyanin synthesis in tomato. Here, we carried out a molecular and functional characterization of two genes, SlAN2 and SlANT1, encoding two R2R3-MYB transcription factors. We show that both can induce ectopic anthocyanin synthesis in transgenic tomato lines, including the fruit. However, only SlAN2 acts as a positive regulator of anthocyanin synthesis in vegetative tissues under high light or low temperature conditions. PMID:26308527

  5. Identification of the cleavage sites of the RNA2-encoded polyproteins for two members of the genus Torradovirus by N-terminal sequencing of the virion capsid proteins.

    PubMed

    Ferriol, I; Silva Junior, D M; Nigg, J C; Zamora-Macorra, E J; Falk, B W

    2016-11-01

    Torradoviruses, family Secoviridae, are emergent bipartite RNA plant viruses. RNA1 is ca. 7kb and has one open reading frame (ORF) encoding for the protease, helicase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). RNA2 is ca. 5kb and has two ORFs. RNA2-ORF1 encodes for a putative protein with unknown function(s). RNA2-ORF2 encodes for a putative movement protein and three capsid proteins. Little is known about the replication and polyprotein processing strategies of torradoviruses. Here, the cleavage sites in the RNA2-ORF2-encoded polyproteins of two torradoviruses, Tomato marchitez virus isolate M (ToMarV-M) and tomato chocolate spot virus, were determined by N-terminal sequencing, revealing that the amino acid (aa) at the -1 position of the cleavage sites is a glutamine. Multiple aa sequence comparison confirmed that this glutamine is conserved among other torradoviruses. Finally, site-directed mutagenesis of conserved aas in the ToMarV-M RdRp and protease prevented substantial accumulation of viral coat proteins or RNAs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel tomato xylosyltransferase specific for gentisic acid.

    PubMed

    Tárraga, Susana; Lisón, Purificación; López-Gresa, María Pilar; Torres, Cristina; Rodrigo, Ismael; Bellés, José María; Conejero, Vicente

    2010-10-01

    The importance of salicylic acid (SA) in the signal transduction pathway of plant disease resistance has been well documented in many incompatible plant-pathogen interactions, but less is known about signalling in compatible interactions. In this type of interaction, tomato plants have been found to accumulate high levels of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid, GA), a metabolic derivative of SA. Exogenous GA treatments induce in tomato plants a set of PR proteins that differ from those induced by salicylic acid. While SA accumulates in tomato plants mainly as 2-O-β-D-glucoside, GA has only been found as 5-O-β-D-xyloside. To characterize this step of the GA signalling pathway further, the present work focuses on the study of the GA-conjugating activity in tomato plants. A gentisate glycosyltransferase (GAGT) cDNA has been isolated and overexpressed in Pichia pastoris, and GA-conjugating activity was confirmed by detecting the xylosylated GA. The purified plant protein is highly specific for GA, showing no activity toward many other phenolic compounds, including SA. In addition, it shows an outstanding selectivity for UDP-xylose as the sugar donor, which differentiates this enzyme from most glycosyltransferases. Both the GA-conjugating activity and the corresponding mRNA show a strong, rapid, and transient induction upon treatment of tomato plants with GA or SA. Furthermore, its expression is rapidly induced by compatible infections. However, neither the gene nor the activity seems to respond to incompatible infections or wounding. The unique properties of this new glycosyltransferase suggest a specific role in regulating the free GA levels in compatible plant-pathogen interactions.

  7. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus infection of a resistant tomato line with a silenced sucrose transporter gene LeHT1 results in inhibition of growth, enhanced virus spread, and necrosis.

    PubMed

    Eybishtz, Assaf; Peretz, Yuval; Sade, Dagan; Gorovits, Rena; Czosnek, Henryk

    2010-02-01

    To identify genes involved in resistance of tomato to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), cDNA libraries from lines resistant (R) and susceptible (S) to the virus were compared. The hexose transporter LeHT1 was found to be expressed preferentially in R tomato plants. The role of LeHT1 in the establishment of TYLCV resistance was studied in R plants where LeHT1 has been silenced using Tobacco rattle virus-induced gene silencing (TRV VIGS). Following TYLCV inoculation, LeHT1-silenced R plants showed inhibition of growth and enhanced virus accumulation and spread. In addition, a necrotic response was observed along the stem and petioles of infected LeHT1-silenced R plants, but not on infected not-silenced R plants. This response was specific of R plants since it was absent in infected LeHT1-silenced S plants. Necrosis had several characteristics of programmed cell death (PCD): DNA from necrotic tissues presented a PCD-characteristic ladder pattern, the amount of a JNK analogue increased, and production of reactive oxygen was identified by DAB staining. A similar necrotic reaction along stem and petioles was observed in LeHT1-silenced R plants infected with the DNA virus Bean dwarf mosaic virus and the RNA viruses Cucumber mosaic virus and Tobacco mosaic virus. These results constitute the first evidence for a necrotic response backing natural resistance to TYLCV in tomato, confirming that plant defense is organized in multiple layers. They demonstrate that the hexose transporter LeHT1 is essential for the expression of natural resistance against TYLCV and its expression correlates with inhibition of virus replication and movement.

  8. Over-expression of a grape stilbene synthase gene in tomato induces parthenocarpy and causes abnormal pollen development.

    PubMed

    Ingrosso, Ilaria; Bonsegna, Stefania; De Domenico, Stefania; Laddomada, Barbara; Blando, Federica; Santino, Angelo; Giovinazzo, Giovanna

    2011-10-01

    A novel strategy to induce parthenocarpy in tomato fruits by the induction of resveratrol biosynthesis in flower tissues was exploited. Two transgenic tomato lines were considered: a higher resveratrol-producing (35SS) line, constitutively expressing a grape stilbene synthase cDNA, and a lower resveratrol-producing (LoxS) line, expressing stilbene synthase under a fruit-specific promoter. The expression of the stilbene synthase gene affected flavonoid metabolism in a different manner in the transgenic lines, and in one of these, the 35SS line, resulted in complete male sterility. Resveratrol was synthesised either in 35SS or LoxS tomato flowers, at an even higher extent (about 8-10 times) in the former line. We further investigated whether stilbene synthase expression may have resulted in impaired naringenin accumulation during flower development. In the 35SS flowers, naringenin was significantly impaired by about 50%, probably due to metabolic competition. Conversely, the amount of glycosylated flavonols increased in transgenic flowers, thereby excluding the diminished production of flavonols as a reason for parthenocarpy in tomato. We further investigated whether resveratrol synthesis may have resulted changes to pollen structure. Microscopic observations revealed the presence of few and abnormal flake-like pollen grains in 35SS flowers with no germination capability. Finally, the analysis of coumaric and ferulic acids, the precursors of lignin and sporopollenin biosynthesis, revealed significant depletion of these compounds, therefore suggesting an impairment in structural compounds as a reason for pollen ablation. These overall outcomes, to the best of our knowledge, reveal for the first time the major role displayed by resveratrol synthesis on parthenocarpy in tomato fruits. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  9. New potential markers of in vitro tomato morphogenesis identified by mRNA differential display.

    PubMed

    Torelli, A; Soragni, E; Bolchi, A; Petrucco, S; Ottonello, S; Branca, C

    1996-12-01

    The identification of plant genes involved in early phases of in vitro morphogenesis can not only contribute to our understanding of the processes underlying growth regulator-controlled determination, but also provide novel markers for evaluating the outcome of in vitro regeneration experiments. To search for such genes and to monitor changes in gene expression accompanying in vitro regeneration, we have adapted the mRNA differential display technique to the comparative analysis of a model system of tomato cotyledons that can be driven selectively toward either shoot or callus formation by means of previously determined growth regulator supplementations. Hormone-independent transcriptional modulation (mainly down-regulation) has been found to be the most common event, indicating that a non-specific reprogramming of gene expression quantitatively predominates during the early phases of in vitro culture. However, cDNA fragments representative of genes that are either down-regulated or induced in a programme-specific manner could also be identified, and two of them (G35, G36) were further characterized. One of these cDNA fragments, G35, corresponds to an mRNA that is down-regulated much earlier in callus- (day 2) than in shoot-determined explants (day 6). The other, G36, identifies an mRNA that is transiently expressed in shoot-determined explants only, well before any macroscopic signs of differentiation become apparent, and thus exhibits typical features of a morphogenetic marker.

  10. Characterization and mapping of cDNA encoding aspartate aminotransferase in rice, Oryza sativa L.

    PubMed

    Song, J; Yamamoto, K; Shomura, A; Yano, M; Minobe, Y; Sasaki, T

    1996-10-31

    Fifteen cDNA clones, putatively identified as encoding aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1.), were isolated and partially sequenced. Together with six previously isolated clones putatively identified to encode ASTs (Sasaki, et al. 1994, Plant Journal 6, 615-624), their sequences were characterized and classified into 4 cDNA species. Two of the isolated clones, C60213 and C2079, were full-length cDNAs, and their complete nucleotide sequences were determined. C60213 was 1612 bp long and its deduced amino acid sequence showed 88% homology with that of Panicum miliaceum L. mitochondrial AST. The C60213-encoded protein had an N-terminal amino acid sequence that was characteristic of a mitochondrial transit peptide. On the other hand, C2079 was 1546 bp long and had 91% amino acid sequence homology with P. miliaceum L. cytosolic AST but lacked in the transit peptide sequence. The homologies of nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of C2079 and C60213 were 54% and 52%, respectively. C2079 and C60213 were mapped on chromosomes 1 and 6, respectively, by restriction fragment length polymorphism linkage analysis. Northern blot analysis using C2079 as a probe revealed much higher transcript levels in callus and root than in green and etiolated shoots, suggesting tissue-specific variations of AST gene expression.

  11. Organization of the murine Cd22 locus

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Law, Che-Leung; Torres, R.M.; Sundeberg, H.A.

    1993-07-01

    Murine CD22 (mCD22) is a B cell-associated adhesion protein with seven extracellular Ig-like domains that has 62% amino acid identify to its human homologue. Southern analysis on genomic DNA isolated from tissues and cell lines from several mouse strains using mCD22 cDNA demonstrated that the Cd22 locus encoding mCD22 is a single copy gene of [le]30 kb. Digestion of genomic DNA preparations with four restriction endonucleases revealed the presence of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in BALB/c, C57BL/6, and C3H strains vs DBA/2j, NZB, and NZC strains, suggesting the presence of two or more Cd22 alleles. Using a mCD22 cDNAmore » clone derived from the BALB/c strain, the authors isolated genomic clones from a DBA/2 genomic library that contained all the exons necessary to encode the full length mCD22 cDNA. Fifteen exons, including exon 3 that encodes the translation start codon, were identified. Each extracellular Ig-like domain of mCD22 is encoded by a single exon. A comparison between the nucleotide sequences of the BALB/c CD22 cDNA and the exons of the DBA/2j CD22 genomic clones revealed an 18-nucleotide deletion in exon 4 (encoding the most distal Ig-like domain 1 of mCD22) of the DBA/2j genomic sequence in addition to a number of substitutions, insertions, and deletions in other exons. These nucleotide differences were also present in a cDNA clone isolated from total RNA of LPS-activated DBA/2j splenocytes mosome 7, a region sytenic to human chromosome 19q, close to the previously reported loci, Lyb-8 and Mag (a homologue of Cd22). An antibody (CY34) against the Lyb-8.2 B cell marker reacted with a BHK transfectant expressing the full length mCd22 cDNA, thus demonstrating that Lyb-8 and Cd22 loci are identical. Furthermore, a rat anti-mCD22 mAb, NIM-R6, bound to slgM[sup +] DBA/2j B cells, confirming the expression of a CD22 protein by the Cd22[sup a]/lyb-8[sup a] allele. 63 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.« less

  12. The tomato FT ortholog triggers systemic signals that regulate growth and flowering and substitute for diverse environmental stimuli

    PubMed Central

    Lifschitz, Eliezer; Eviatar, Tamar; Rozman, Alexander; Shalit, Akiva; Goldshmidt, Alexander; Amsellem, Ziva; Alvarez, John Paul; Eshed, Yuval

    2006-01-01

    The systemic model for floral induction, dubbed florigen, was conceived in photoperiod-sensitive plants but implies, in its ultimate form, a graft-transmissible signal that, although activated by different stimuli in different flowering systems, is common to all plants. We show that SFT (SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS), the tomato ortholog of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), induces flowering in day-neutral tomato and tobacco plants and is encoded by SFT. sft tomato mutant plants are late-flowering, with altered architecture and flower morphology. SFT-dependent graft-transmissible signals complement all developmental defects in sft plants and substitute for long-day stimuli in Arabidopsis, short-day stimuli in Maryland Mammoth tobacco, and light-dose requirements in tomato uniflora mutant plants. The absence of donor SFT RNA from flowering receptor shoots and the localization of the protein in leaf nuclei implicate florigen-like messages in tomato as a downstream pathway triggered by cell-autonomous SFT RNA transcripts. Flowering in tomato is synonymous with termination of the shoot apical meristems, and systemic SFT messages attenuate the growth of apical meristems before and independent of floral production. Floral enhancement by systemic SFT signals is therefore one pleiotropic effect of FT orthologs. PMID:16606827

  13. The tomato FT ortholog triggers systemic signals that regulate growth and flowering and substitute for diverse environmental stimuli.

    PubMed

    Lifschitz, Eliezer; Eviatar, Tamar; Rozman, Alexander; Shalit, Akiva; Goldshmidt, Alexander; Amsellem, Ziva; Alvarez, John Paul; Eshed, Yuval

    2006-04-18

    The systemic model for floral induction, dubbed florigen, was conceived in photoperiod-sensitive plants but implies, in its ultimate form, a graft-transmissible signal that, although activated by different stimuli in different flowering systems, is common to all plants. We show that SFT (SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS), the tomato ortholog of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), induces flowering in day-neutral tomato and tobacco plants and is encoded by SFT. sft tomato mutant plants are late-flowering, with altered architecture and flower morphology. SFT-dependent graft-transmissible signals complement all developmental defects in sft plants and substitute for long-day stimuli in Arabidopsis, short-day stimuli in Maryland Mammoth tobacco, and light-dose requirements in tomato uniflora mutant plants. The absence of donor SFT RNA from flowering receptor shoots and the localization of the protein in leaf nuclei implicate florigen-like messages in tomato as a downstream pathway triggered by cell-autonomous SFT RNA transcripts. Flowering in tomato is synonymous with termination of the shoot apical meristems, and systemic SFT messages attenuate the growth of apical meristems before and independent of floral production. Floral enhancement by systemic SFT signals is therefore one pleiotropic effect of FT orthologs.

  14. Suppression of 9-cis-Epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase, Which Encodes a Key Enzyme in Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis, Alters Fruit Texture in Transgenic Tomato1[W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Liang; Sun, Yufei; Zhang, Mei; Wang, Ling; Ren, Jie; Cui, Mengmeng; Wang, Yanping; Ji, Kai; Li, Ping; Li, Qian; Chen, Pei; Dai, Shengjie; Duan, Chaorui; Wu, Yan; Leng, Ping

    2012-01-01

    Cell wall catabolism during fruit ripening is under complex control and is key for fruit quality and shelf life. To examine the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening, we suppressed SlNCED1, which encodes 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of ABA. To suppress SlNCED1 specifically in tomato fruits, and thus avoid the pleiotropic phenotypes associated with ABA deficiency, we used an RNA interference construct driven by the fruit-specific E8 promoter. ABA accumulation and SlNCED1 transcript levels in the transgenic fruit were down-regulated to between 20% and 50% of the levels measured in the control fruit. This significant reduction in NCED activity led to a down-regulation in the transcription of genes encoding major cell wall catabolic enzymes, specifically polygalacturonase (SlPG), pectin methyl esterase (SlPME), β-galactosidase precursor mRNA (SlTBG), xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (SlXET), endo-1,4-β-cellulose (SlCels), and expansin (SlExp). This resulted in an increased accumulation of pectin during ripening. In turn, this led to a significant extension of the shelf life to 15 to 29 d compared with a shelf life of only 7 d for the control fruit and an enhancement of fruit firmness at the mature stage by 30% to 45%. In conclusion, ABA affects cell wall catabolism during tomato fruit ripening via down-regulation of the expression of major catabolic genes (SlPG, SlPME, SlTBG, SlXET, SlCels, and SlExp). PMID:22108525

  15. A Plastidial Lysophosphatidic Acid Acyltransferase from Oilseed Rape1

    PubMed Central

    Bourgis, Fabienne; Kader, Jean-Claude; Barret, Pierre; Renard, Michel; Robinson, David; Robinson, Colin; Delseny, Michel; Roscoe, Thomas J.

    1999-01-01

    The biosynthesis of phosphatidic acid, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of lipids, is controlled by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, or 1-acyl-glycerol-3-P) acyltransferase (LPAAT, EC 2.3.1.51). We have isolated a cDNA encoding a novel LPAAT by functional complementation of the Escherichia coli mutant plsC with an immature embryo cDNA library of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Transformation of the acyltransferase-deficient E. coli strain JC201 with the cDNA sequence BAT2 alleviated the temperature-sensitive phenotype of the plsC mutant and conferred a palmitoyl-coenzyme A-preferring acyltransferase activity to membrane fractions. The BAT2 cDNA encoded a protein of 351 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 38 kD and an isoelectric point of 9.7. Chloroplast-import experiments showed processing of a BAT2 precursor protein to a mature protein of approximately 32 kD, which was localized in the membrane fraction. BAT2 is encoded by a minimum of two genes that may be expressed ubiquitously. These data are consistent with the identity of BAT2 as the plastidial enzyme of the prokaryotic glycerol-3-P pathway that uses a palmitoyl-ACP to produce phosphatidic acid with a prokaryotic-type acyl composition. The homologies between the deduced protein sequence of BAT2 with prokaryotic and eukaryotic microsomal LAP acytransferases suggest that seed microsomal forms may have evolved from the plastidial enzyme. PMID:10398728

  16. Molecular characterization of a gene POLR2H encoded an essential subunit for RNA polymerase II from the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca).

    PubMed

    Du, Yu-Jie; Hou, Yi-Ling; Hou, Wan-Ru

    2013-02-01

    The Giant Panda is an endangered and valuable gene pool in genetic, its important functional gene POLR2H encodes an essential shared peptide H of RNA polymerases. The genomic DNA and cDNA sequences were cloned successfully for the first time from the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) adopting touchdown-PCR and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The length of the genomic sequence of the Giant Panda is 3,285 bp, including five exons and four introns. The cDNA fragment cloned is 509 bp in length, containing an open reading frame of 453 bp encoding 150 amino acids. Alignment analysis indicated that both the cDNA and its deduced amino acid sequence were highly conserved. Protein structure prediction showed that there was one protein kinase C phosphorylation site, four casein kinase II phosphorylation sites and one amidation site in the POLR2H protein, further shaping advanced protein structure. The cDNA cloned was expressed in Escherichia coli, which indicated that POLR2H fusion with the N-terminally His-tagged form brought about the accumulation of an expected 20.5 kDa polypeptide in line with the predicted protein. On the basis of what has already been achieved in this study, further deep-in research will be conducted, which has great value in theory and practical significance.

  17. Nectinepsin: a new extracellular matrix protein of the pexin family. Characterization of a novel cDNA encoding a protein with an RGD cell binding motif.

    PubMed

    Blancher, C; Omri, B; Bidou, L; Pessac, B; Crisanti, P

    1996-10-18

    We report the isolation and characterization of a novel cDNA from quail neuroretina encoding a putative protein named nectinepsin. The nectinepsin cDNA identifies a major 2.2-kilobase mRNA that is detected from ED 5 in neuroretina and is increasingly abundant during embryonic development. A nectinepsin mRNA is also found in quail liver, brain, and intestine and in mouse retina. The deduced nectinepsin amino acid sequence contains the RGD cell binding motif of integrin ligands. Furthermore, nectinepsin shares substantial homologies with vitronectin and structural protein similarities with most of the matricial metalloproteases. However, the presence of a specific sequence and the lack of heparin and collagen binding domains of the vitronectin indicate that nectinepsin is a new extracellular matrix protein. Furthermore, genomic Southern blot studies suggest that nectinepsin and vitronectin are encoded by different genes. Western blot analysis with an anti-human vitronectin antiserum revealed, in addition to the 65- and 70-kDa vitronectin bands, an immunoreactive protein of about 54 kDa in all tissues containing nectinepsin mRNA. It seems likely that the form of vitronectin found in chick egg yolk plasma by Nagano et al. ((1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 24863-24870) is the protein that corresponds to the nectinepsin cDNA. This new protein could be an important molecule involved in the early steps of the development.

  18. A Tomato Nucleotide Binding Sites-Leucine-Rich Repeat Gene Is Positively Involved in Plant Resistance to Phytophthora infestans.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Ning; Cui, Jun; Meng, Jun; Luan, Yushi

    2018-06-14

    The nucleotide binding sites-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes are key regulatory components of plant to pathogens. Phytophthora infestans-inducible coding sequence encoding an NBS-LRR (SpNBS-LRR) protein in tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium L3708) was cloned and characterized based on our RNA-Seq data and tomato genome. After sequence analysis, SpNBS-LRR was identified as a hydrophilic protein with no transmembrane topological structure and no signal peptide. SpNBS-LRR had a close genetic relationship to RPS2 of Arabidopsis thaliana by phylogenetic analysis. In addition, SpNBS-LRR gene was mainly expressed in root, with low expression observed in leaf and stem. To further investigate the role of SpNBS-LRR in tomato-P. infestans interaction, SpNBS-LRR was introduced in susceptible tomatoes and three transgenic lines with higher expression level of SpNBS-LRR were selected. These transgenic tomato plants that overexpressed SpNBS-LRR displayed greater resistance than wild-type tomato plants after infection with P. infestans, as shown by decreased disease index, lesion diameters, number of necrotic cells, P. infestans abundance, and higher expression levels of the defense-related genes. This information provides insight into SpNBS-LRR involved in the resistance of tomato to P. infestans infection and candidate for breeding to enhance biotic stress-resistance in tomato.

  19. Monoterpenes in the glandular trichomes of tomato are synthesized from a neryl diphosphate precursor rather than geranyl diphosphate.

    PubMed

    Schilmiller, Anthony L; Schauvinhold, Ines; Larson, Matthew; Xu, Richard; Charbonneau, Amanda L; Schmidt, Adam; Wilkerson, Curtis; Last, Robert L; Pichersky, Eran

    2009-06-30

    We identified a cis-prenyltransferase gene, neryl diphosphate synthase 1 (NDPS1), that is expressed in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivar M82 type VI glandular trichomes and encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of neryl diphosphate from isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate. mRNA for a terpene synthase gene, phellandrene synthase 1 (PHS1), was also identified in these glands. It encodes an enzyme that uses neryl diphosphate to produce beta-phellandrene as the major product as well as a variety of other monoterpenes. The profile of monoterpenes produced by PHS1 is identical with the monoterpenes found in type VI glands. PHS1 and NDPS1 map to chromosome 8, and the presence of a segment of chromosome 8 derived from Solanum pennellii LA0716 causes conversion from the M82 gland monoterpene pattern to that characteristic of LA0716 plants. The data indicate that, contrary to the textbook view of geranyl diphosphate as the "universal" substrate of monoterpene synthases, in tomato glands neryl diphosphate serves as a precursor for the synthesis of monoterpenes.

  20. Monoterpenes in the glandular trichomes of tomato are synthesized from a neryl diphosphate precursor rather than geranyl diphosphate

    PubMed Central

    Schilmiller, Anthony L.; Schauvinhold, Ines; Larson, Matthew; Xu, Richard; Charbonneau, Amanda L.; Schmidt, Adam; Wilkerson, Curtis; Last, Robert L.; Pichersky, Eran

    2009-01-01

    We identified a cis-prenyltransferase gene, neryl diphosphate synthase 1 (NDPS1), that is expressed in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivar M82 type VI glandular trichomes and encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of neryl diphosphate from isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate. mRNA for a terpene synthase gene, phellandrene synthase 1 (PHS1), was also identified in these glands. It encodes an enzyme that uses neryl diphosphate to produce β-phellandrene as the major product as well as a variety of other monoterpenes. The profile of monoterpenes produced by PHS1 is identical with the monoterpenes found in type VI glands. PHS1 and NDPS1 map to chromosome 8, and the presence of a segment of chromosome 8 derived from Solanum pennellii LA0716 causes conversion from the M82 gland monoterpene pattern to that characteristic of LA0716 plants. The data indicate that, contrary to the textbook view of geranyl diphosphate as the “universal” substrate of monoterpene synthases, in tomato glands neryl diphosphate serves as a precursor for the synthesis of monoterpenes. PMID:19487664

  1. The GA5 locus of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a multifunctional gibberellin 20-oxidase: molecular cloning and functional expression.

    PubMed

    Xu, Y L; Li, L; Wu, K; Peeters, A J; Gage, D A; Zeevaart, J A

    1995-07-03

    The biosynthesis of gibberellins (GAs) after GA12-aldehyde involves a series of oxidative steps that lead to the formation of bioactive GAs. Previously, a cDNA clone encoding a GA 20-oxidase [gibberellin, 2-oxoglutarate:oxygen oxidoreductase (20-hydroxylating, oxidizing), EC 1.14.11.-] was isolated by immunoscreening a cDNA library from liquid endosperm of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) with antibodies against partially purified GA 20-oxidase. Here, we report isolation of a genomic clone for GA 20-oxidase from a genomic library of the long-day species Arabidopsis thaliana Heynh., strain Columbia, by using the pumpkin cDNA clone as a heterologous probe. This genomic clone contains a GA 20-oxidase gene that consists of three exons and two introns. The three exons are 1131-bp long and encode 377 amino acid residues. A cDNA clone corresponding to the putative GA 20-oxidase genomic sequence was constructed with the reverse transcription-PCR method, and the identity of the cDNA clone was confirmed by analyzing the capability of the fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli to convert GA53 to GA44 and GA19 to GA20. The Arabidopsis GA 20-oxidase shares 55% identity and > 80% similarity with the pumpkin GA 20-oxidase at the derived amino acid level. Both GA 20-oxidases share high homology with other 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODDs), but the highest homology was found between the two GA 20-oxidases. Mapping results indicated tight linkage between the cloned GA 20-oxidase and the GA5 locus of Arabidopsis. The ga5 semidwarf mutant contains a G-->A point mutation that inserts a translational stop codon in the protein-coding sequence, thus confirming that the GA5 locus encodes GA 20-oxidase. Expression of the GA5 gene in Ara-bidopsis leaves was enhanced after plants were transferred from short to long days; it was reduced by GA4 treatment, suggesting end-product repression in the GA biosynthetic pathway.

  2. The GA5 locus of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a multifunctional gibberellin 20-oxidase: Molecular cloning and functional expression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu, Yun-Ling; Li, Li; Wu, Keqiang

    1995-07-03

    The biosynthesis of gibberellins (GAs) after GA{sub 12}-aldehyde involves a series of oxidative steps that lead to the formation of bioactive GAs. Previously, a cDNA clone encoding a GA 20-oxidase [gibberellin, 2-oxoglutarate:oxygen oxidoreductase (20-hydroxylating, oxidizing), EC 1.14.11-] was isolated by immunoscreening a cDNA library from liquid endosperm of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) with antibodies against partially purified GA 20-oxidase. Here, we report isolation of a genomic clone for GA 20-oxidase from a genomic library of the long-day species Arabidopsis thaliana Heynh., strain Columbia, by using the pumpkin cDNA clone as a heterologous probe. This genomic clone contains a GA 20-oxidasemore » gene that consists of three exons and two introns. The three exons are 1131-bp long and encode 377 amino acid residues. A cDNA clone corresponding to the putative GA 20-oxidase genomic sequence was constructed with the reverse transcription-PCR method, and the identity of the cDNA clone was confirmed by analyzing the capability of the fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli to convert GA{sub 53} to GA{sub 44} and GA{sub 19} to GA{sub 20}. The Arabidopsis GA 20-oxidase shares 55% identity and >80% similarity with the pumpkin GA 20-oxidase at the derived amino acid level. Both GA 20-oxidases share high homology with other 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-ODDs), but the highest homology was found between the two GA 20-oxidases. Mapping results indicated tight linkage between the cloned GA 20-oxidase and the GA locus of Arabidopsis. The ga5 semidwarf mutant contains a G {yields} A point mutation that inserts a translational stop codon in the protein-coding sequence, thus confirming that the GA5 locus encodes GA 20-oxidase. Expression of the GA5 gene in Arabidopsis leaves was enhanced after plants were transferred from short to long days; it was reduced by GA{sub 4} treatment, suggesting end-product repression in the GA biosynthetic pathway. 28 refs., 6 figs.« less

  3. The Potential Role of As-sumo-1 in the Embryonic Diapause Process and Early Embryo Development of Artemia sinica

    PubMed Central

    Chu, Bing; Yao, Feng; Cheng, Cheng; Wu, Yang; Mei, Yanli; Li, Xuejie; Liu, Yan; Wang, Peisheng; Hou, Lin; Zou, Xiangyang

    2014-01-01

    During embryonic development of Artemia sinica, environmental stresses induce the embryo diapause phenomenon, required to resist apoptosis and regulate cell cycle activity. The small ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (SUMO), a reversible post-translational protein modifier, plays an important role in embryo development. SUMO regulates multiple cellular processes, including development and other biological processes. The molecular mechanism of diapause, diapause termination and the role of As-sumo-1 in this processes and in early embryo development of Artemia sinica still remains unknown. In this study, the complete cDNA sequences of the sumo-1 homolog, sumo ligase homolog, caspase-1 homolog and cyclin B homolog from Artemia sinica were cloned. The mRNA expression patterns of As-sumo-1, sumo ligase, caspase-1, cyclin B and the location of As-sumo-1 were investigated. SUMO-1, p53, Mdm2, Caspase-1, Cyclin B and Cyclin E proteins were analyzed during different developmental stages of the embryo of A. sinica. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to verify the function of sumo-1 in A. sinica. The full-length cDNA of As-sumo-1 was 476 bp, encoding a 92 amino acid protein. The As-caspases-1 cDNA was 966 bp, encoding a 245 amino-acid protein. The As-sumo ligase cDNA was 1556 bp encoding, a 343 amino acid protein, and the cyclin B cDNA was 739 bp, encoding a 133 amino acid protein. The expressions of As-sumo-1, As-caspase-1 and As-cyclin B were highest at the 10 h stage of embryonic development, and As-sumo ligase showed its highest expression at 0 h. The expression of As-SUMO-1 showed no tissue or organ specificity. Western blotting showed high expression of As-SUMO-1, p53, Mdm2, Caspase-1, Cyclin B and Cyclin E at the 10 h stage. The siRNA caused abnormal development of the embryo, with increased malformation and mortality. As-SUMO-1 is a crucial regulation and modification protein resumption of embryonic diapause and early embryo development of A. sinica. PMID:24404204

  4. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Feyereisen-Koener, J.M.

    Double-stranded cDNA was prepared from infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus mRNA and cloned into the plasmid vector pUC8. A coprotein (G-protein) of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus was selected by hybridization to a /sup 32/P-labeled probe. The restriction map and nucleotide sequence of the mRNA encoding the glycoprotein of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus was determined using this full-length cDNA clone.

  5. Sequence and pattern of expression of a bovine homologue of a human mitochondrial transport protein associated with Grave's disease.

    PubMed

    Fiermonte, G; Runswick, M J; Walker, J E; Palmieri, F

    1992-01-01

    A human cDNA has been isolated previously from a thyroid library with the aid of serum from a patient with Grave's disease. It encodes a protein belonging to the mitochondrial metabolite carrier family, referred to as the Grave's disease carrier protein (GDC). Using primers based on this sequence, overlapping cDNAs encoding the bovine homologue of the GDC have been isolated from total bovine heart poly(A)+ cDNA. The bovine protein is 18 amino acids shorter than the published human sequence, but if a frame shift requiring the removal of one nucleotide is introduced into the human cDNA sequence, the human and bovine proteins become identical in their C-terminal regions, and 308 out of 330 amino acids are conserved over their entire sequences. The bovine cDNA has been used to investigate the expression of the GDC in various bovine tissues. In the tissues that were examined, the GDC is most strongly expressed in the thyroid, but substantial amounts of its mRNA were also detected in liver, lung and kidney, and lesser amounts in heart and skeletal muscle.

  6. Purification, characterization, and cDNA cloning of a novel acidic endoglycoceramidase from the jellyfish, Cyanea nozakii.

    PubMed

    Horibata, Y; Okino, N; Ichinose, S; Omori, A; Ito, M

    2000-10-06

    Endoglycoceramidase (EC ) is an enzyme capable of cleaving the glycosidic linkage between oligosaccharides and ceramides in various glycosphingolipids. We report here the purification, characterization, and cDNA cloning of a novel endoglycoceramidase from the jellyfish, Cyanea nozakii. The purified enzyme showed a single protein band estimated to be 51 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme showed a pH optimum of 3.0 and was activated by Triton X-100 and Lubrol PX but not by sodium taurodeoxycholate. This enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed gangliosides, especially GT1b and GQ1b, whereas neutral glycosphingolipids were somewhat resistant to hydrolysis by the enzyme. A full-length cDNA encoding the enzyme was cloned by 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends using a partial amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme. The open reading frame of 1509 nucleotides encoded a polypeptide of 503 amino acids including a signal sequence of 25 residues and six potential N-glycosylation sites. Interestingly, the Asn-Glu-Pro sequence, which is the putative active site of Rhodococcus endoglycoceramidase, was conserved in the deduced amino acid sequences. This is the first report of the cloning of an endoglycoceramidase from a eukaryote.

  7. cDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hevein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, Natasha V.; Broekaert, Willem F.; Chua, Nam-Hai; Kush, Anil

    1999-05-04

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a putative signal sequence of 17 amino acid residues followed by a 187 amino acid polypeptide. The amino-terminal region (43 amino acids) is identical to hevein and shows homology to several chitin-binding proteins and to the amino-termini of wound-induced genes in potato and poplar. The carboxyl-terminal portion of the polypeptide (144 amino acids) is 74-79% homologous to the carboxyl-terminal region of wound-inducible genes of potato. Wounding, as well as application of the plant hormones abscisic acid and ethylene, resulted in accumulation of hevein transcripts in leaves, stems and latex, but not in roots, as shown by using the cDNA as a probe. A fusion protein was produced in E. coli from the protein of the present invention and maltose binding protein produced by the E. coli.

  8. cDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hev ein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, Natasha V.; Broekaert, Willem F.; Chua, Nam-Hai; Kush, Anil

    2000-07-04

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a putative signal sequence of 17 amino acid residues followed by a 187 amino acid polypeptide. The amino-terminal region (43 amino acids) is identical to hevein and shows homology to several chitin-binding proteins and to the amino-termini of wound-induced genes in potato and poplar. The carboxyl-terminal portion of the polypeptide (144 amino acids) is 74-79% homologous to the carboxyl-terminal region of wound-inducible genes of potato. Wounding, as well as application of the plant hormones abscisic acid and ethylene, resulted in accumulation of hevein transcripts in leaves, stems and latex, but not in roots, as shown by using the cDNA as a probe. A fusion protein was produced in E. coli from the protein of the present invention and maltose binding protein produced by the E. coli.

  9. cDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hevein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, N.V.; Broekaert, W.F.; Chua, N.H.; Kush, A.

    1999-05-04

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a putative signal sequence of 17 amino acid residues followed by a 187 amino acid polypeptide. The amino-terminal region (43 amino acids) is identical to hevein and shows homology to several chitin-binding proteins and to the amino-termini of wound-induced genes in potato and poplar. The carboxyl-terminal portion of the polypeptide (144 amino acids) is 74--79% homologous to the carboxyl-terminal region of wound-inducible genes of potato. Wounding, as well as application of the plant hormones abscisic acid and ethylene, resulted in accumulation of hevein transcripts in leaves, stems and latex, but not in roots, as shown by using the cDNA as a probe. A fusion protein was produced in E. coli from the protein of the present invention and maltose binding protein produced by the E. coli. 12 figs.

  10. CDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hevein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, Natasha V.; Broekaert, Willem F.; Chua, Nam-Hai; Kush, Anil

    1995-03-21

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a putative signal sequence of 17 amino acid residues followed by a 187 amino acid polypeptide. The amino-terminal region (43 amino acids) is identical to hevein and shows homology to several chitin-binding proteins and to the amino-termini of wound-induced genes in potato and poplar. The carboxyl-terminal portion of the polypeptide (144 amino acids) is 74-79% homologous to the carboxyl-terminal region of wound-inducible genes of potato. Wounding, as well as application of the plant hormones abscisic acid and ethylene, resulted in accumulation of hevein transcripts in leaves, stems and latex, but not in roots, as shown by using the cDNA as a probe. A fusion protein was produced in E. coli from the protein of the present invention and maltose binding protein produced by the E. coli.

  11. cDNA encoding a polypeptide including a hevein sequence

    DOEpatents

    Raikhel, N.V.; Broekaert, W.F.; Chua, N.H.; Kush, A.

    1995-03-21

    A cDNA clone (HEV1) encoding hevein was isolated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mixed oligonucleotides corresponding to two regions of hevein as primers and a Hevea brasiliensis latex cDNA library as a template. HEV1 is 1,018 nucleotides long and includes an open reading frame of 204 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a putative signal sequence of 17 amino acid residues followed by a 187 amino acid polypeptide. The amino-terminal region (43 amino acids) is identical to hevein and shows homology to several chitin-binding proteins and to the amino-termini of wound-induced genes in potato and poplar. The carboxyl-terminal portion of the polypeptide (144 amino acids) is 74--79% homologous to the carboxyl-terminal region of wound-inducible genes of potato. Wounding, as well as application of the plant hormones abscisic acid and ethylene, resulted in accumulation of hevein transcripts in leaves, stems and latex, but not in roots, as shown by using the cDNA as a probe. A fusion protein was produced in E. coli from the protein of the present invention and maltose binding protein produced by the E. coli. 11 figures.

  12. Molecular cloning of a catalase cDNA from Nicotiana glutinosa L. and its repression by tobacco mosaic virus infection.

    PubMed

    Yi, S Y; Yu, S H; Choi, D

    1999-06-30

    Recent reports revealed that catalase has a role in the plant defense mechanism against a broad range of pathogens through being inhibited by salicylic acid (SA). During an effort to clone disease resistance-responsive genes, a cDNA encoding catalase (Ngcat1; Nicotiana glutinosa cat1) was isolated from a tobacco cDNA library. In N. glutinosa, catalase is encoded by a small gene family. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Ngcat1 cDNA has 98% homology with the cat1 gene of N. plumbaginifolia. The Ngcat1 expression is controlled by the circadian clock, and its mRNA level is the most abundant in leaves. Both the expression of Ngcat1 mRNA and its enzyme activity in the tobacco plant undergoing a hypersensitive response (HR) to TMV infection were repressed. The repression of the mRNA level was also observed following treatment with SA. These results imply that SA may act as an inhibitor of catalase transcription during the HR of tobacco. Cloning and expression of the Ngcat1 in tobacco following pathogen infection and SA treatment are presented.

  13. A jojoba beta-Ketoacyl-CoA synthase cDNA complements the canola fatty acid elongation mutation in transgenic plants.

    PubMed Central

    Lassner, M W; Lardizabal, K; Metz, J G

    1996-01-01

    beta-Ketoacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthase (KCS) catalyzes the condensation of malonyl-CoA with long-chain acyl-CoA. This reaction is the initial step of the microsomal fatty acyl-CoA elongation pathway responsible for formation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs, or fatty acids with chain lengths > 18 carbons). Manipulation of this pathway is significant for agriculture, because it is the basis of conversion of high erucic acid rapeseed into canola. High erucic acid rapeseed oil, used as an industrial feedstock, is rich in VLCFAs, whereas the edible oil extracted from canola is essentially devoid of VLCFAs. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA from developing jojoba embryos involved in microsomal fatty acid elongation. The jojoba cDNA is homologous to the recently cloned Arabidopsis FATTY ACID ELONGATION1 (FAE1) gene that has been suggested to encode KCS. We characterize the jojoba enzyme and present biochemical data indicating that the jojoba cDNA does indeed encode KCS. Transformation of low erucic acid rapeseed with the jojoba cDNA restored KCS activity to developing embryos and altered the transgenic seed oil composition to contain high levels of VLCFAs. The data reveal the key role KCS plays in determining the chain lengths of fatty acids found in seed oils. PMID:8742713

  14. A jojoba beta-Ketoacyl-CoA synthase cDNA complements the canola fatty acid elongation mutation in transgenic plants.

    PubMed

    Lassner, M W; Lardizabal, K; Metz, J G

    1996-02-01

    beta-Ketoacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthase (KCS) catalyzes the condensation of malonyl-CoA with long-chain acyl-CoA. This reaction is the initial step of the microsomal fatty acyl-CoA elongation pathway responsible for formation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs, or fatty acids with chain lengths > 18 carbons). Manipulation of this pathway is significant for agriculture, because it is the basis of conversion of high erucic acid rapeseed into canola. High erucic acid rapeseed oil, used as an industrial feedstock, is rich in VLCFAs, whereas the edible oil extracted from canola is essentially devoid of VLCFAs. Here, we report the cloning of a cDNA from developing jojoba embryos involved in microsomal fatty acid elongation. The jojoba cDNA is homologous to the recently cloned Arabidopsis FATTY ACID ELONGATION1 (FAE1) gene that has been suggested to encode KCS. We characterize the jojoba enzyme and present biochemical data indicating that the jojoba cDNA does indeed encode KCS. Transformation of low erucic acid rapeseed with the jojoba cDNA restored KCS activity to developing embryos and altered the transgenic seed oil composition to contain high levels of VLCFAs. The data reveal the key role KCS plays in determining the chain lengths of fatty acids found in seed oils.

  15. Expression of the human hepatitis B virus large surface antigen gene in transgenic tomato plants.

    PubMed

    Lou, Xiao-Ming; Yao, Quan-Hong; Zhang, Zhen; Peng, Ri-He; Xiong, Ai-Sheng; Wang, Hua-Kun

    2007-04-01

    The original hepatitis B virus (HBV) large surface antigen gene was synthesized. In order to optimize the expression of this gene in tomato plants, the tobacco pathogenesis-related protein S signal peptide was fused to the 5' end of the modified gene and the sequence encoding amino acids S, E, K, D, E, and L was placed at the 3' end. The gene encoding the modified HBV large surface antigen under the control of a fruit-specific promoter was constructed and expressed in transgenic tomato plants. The expression of the antigen from transgenic plants was confirmed by PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR. Enzyme-linked immunoassays using a monoclonal antibody directed against human serum-derived HBsAg revealed that the maximal level of HBsAg was about 0.02% of the soluble protein in transgenic tomato fruit. The amount of HBsAg in mature fruits was found to be 65- to 171-fold larger than in small or medium fruits and leaf tissues. Examination of transgenic plant samples by transmission electron microscopy proved that HBsAg had been expressed and had accumulated. The HBsAg protein was capable of assembling into capsomers and virus-like particles. To our knowledge, this is the first time the HBV large surface antigen has been expressed in plants. This work suggests the possibility of producing a new alternative vaccine for human HBV.

  16. Role and regulation of autophagy in heat stress responses of tomato plants

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Jie; Wang, Jian; Yu, Jing-Quan; Chen, Zhixiang

    2014-01-01

    As sessile organisms, plants are constantly exposed to a wide spectrum of stress conditions such as high temperature, which causes protein misfolding. Misfolded proteins are highly toxic and must be efficiently removed to reduce cellular proteotoxic stress if restoration of native conformations is unsuccessful. Although selective autophagy is known to function in protein quality control by targeting degradation of misfolded and potentially toxic proteins, its role and regulation in heat stress responses have not been analyzed in crop plants. In the present study, we found that heat stress induced expression of autophagy-related (ATG) genes and accumulation of autophagosomes in tomato plants. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of tomato ATG5 and ATG7 genes resulted in increased sensitivity of tomato plants to heat stress based on both increased development of heat stress symptoms and compromised photosynthetic parameters of heat-stressed leaf tissues. Silencing of tomato homologs for the selective autophagy receptor NBR1, which targets ubiquitinated protein aggregates, also compromised tomato heat tolerance. To better understand the regulation of heat-induced autophagy, we found that silencing of tomato ATG5, ATG7, or NBR1 compromised heat-induced expression of not only the targeted genes but also other autophagy-related genes. Furthermore, we identified two tomato genes encoding proteins highly homologous to Arabidopsis WRKY33 transcription factor, which has been previously shown to interact physically with an autophagy protein. Silencing of tomato WRKY33 genes compromised tomato heat tolerance and reduced heat-induced ATG gene expression and autophagosome accumulation. Based on these results, we propose that heat-induced autophagy in tomato is subject to cooperative regulation by both WRKY33 and ATG proteins and plays a critical role in tomato heat tolerance, mostly likely through selective removal of heat-induced protein aggregates. PMID:24817875

  17. Molecular cloning and characterization of a new basic peroxidase cDNA from soybean hypocotyls infected with Phytophthora sojae f.sp. glycines.

    PubMed

    Yi, S Y; Hwang, B K

    1998-10-31

    Differential display techniques were used to isolate cDNA clones corresponding to genes which were expressed in soybean hypocotyls by Phytophthora sojae f.sp. glycines infection. With a partial cDNA clone C20CI4 from the differential display PCR as a probe, a new basic peroxidase cDNA clone, designated GMIPER1, was isolated from a cDNA library of soybean hypocotyls infected with P. sojae f.sp. glycines. Sequence analysis revealed that the peroxidase clone encodes a mature protein of 35,813 Da with a putative signal peptide of 27 amino acids in its N-terminus. The amino acid sequence of the soybean peroxidase GMIPER1 is between 54-75% identical to other plant peroxidases including a soybean seed coat peroxidase. Southern blot analysis indicated that multiple copies of sequences related to GMIPER1 exist in the soybean genome. The mRNAs corresponding to the GMIPER1 cDNA accumulated predominantly in the soybean hypocotyls infected with the incompatible race of P. sojae f.sp. glycines, but were expressed at low levels in the compatible interaction. Soybean GMIPER1 mRNAs were not expressed in hypocotyls, leaves, stems, and roots of soybean seedlings. However, treatments with ethephon, salicylic acid or methyl jasmonate induced the accumulation of the GMIPER1 mRNAs in the different organs of soybean. These results suggest that the GMIPER1 gene encoding a putative pathogen-induced peroxidase may play an important role in induced resistance of soybean to P. sojae f.sp. glycines and in response to various external stresses.

  18. Cloning of a cDNA encoding bovine mitochondrial NADP(+)-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase and structural comparison with its isoenzymes from different species.

    PubMed Central

    Huh, T L; Ryu, J H; Huh, J W; Sung, H C; Oh, I U; Song, B J; Veech, R L

    1993-01-01

    Mitochondrial NADP(+)-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDP) was co-purified with the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from bovine kidney mitochondria. The determination of its N-terminal 16-amino-acid sequence revealed that it is highly similar to the IDP from yeast. A cDNA clone (1.8 kb long) encoding this protein was isolated from a bovine kidney lambda gt11 cDNA library using a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide. The deduced protein sequence of this cDNA clone rendered a precursor protein of 452 amino-acid residues (50,830 Da) and a mature protein of 413 amino-acid residues (46,519 Da). It is 100% identical to the internal tryptic peptide sequences of the autologous form from pig heart and 62% similar to that from yeast. However, it shares little similarity with the mitochondrial NAD(+)-specific isoenzyme from yeast. Structural analyses of the deduced proteins of IDP isoenzymes from different species indicated that similarity exists in certain regions, which may represent the common domains for the active sites or coenzyme-binding sites. In Northern-blot analysis, one species of mRNA (about 2.2 kb for both bovine and human) was hybridized with a 32P-labelled cDNA probe. Southern-blot analysis of genomic DNAs verified simple patterns of hybridization with this cDNA. These results strongly indicate that the mitochondrial IDP may be derived from a single gene family which does not appear to be closely related to that of the NAD(+)-specific isoenzyme. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 PMID:8318002

  19. cDNA cloning and analysis of RNA 2 of a Prunus stem pitting isolate of tomato ringspot virus.

    PubMed

    Hadidi, A; Powell, C A

    1991-10-01

    Recombinant plasmids containing sequences derived from the genome of a tomato ringspot virus (TomRSV) isolate associated with both stem pitting disease of stone fruits and apple union necrosis and decline were constructed. Selected inserts were subcloned into the polylinker region of the SP6 transcription vector pSP64. Using the SP6 promoter flanking this region, high specific activity 32P-labelled cRNA probes were generated by SP6 RNA polymerase. cRNA probes were specific for TomRSV RNA 2 present in purified virions or in extracts from woody and herbacous hosts. No sequence relatedness was detected between TomRSV RNA 2 and genomic RNA from tobacco ringspot, arabis mosaic, strawberry latent ringspot, or cucumber mosaic virus in Northern blot analysis using TomRSV cRNA probes. These probes detected TomRSV infection in woody and herbaceous hosts in dot-blot hybridization assays.

  20. Complete nucleotide and derived amino acid sequence of cDNA encoding the mitochondrial uncoupling protein of rat brown adipose tissue: lack of a mitochondrial targeting presequence.

    PubMed Central

    Ridley, R G; Patel, H V; Gerber, G E; Morton, R C; Freeman, K B

    1986-01-01

    A cDNA clone spanning the entire amino acid sequence of the nuclear-encoded uncoupling protein of rat brown adipose tissue mitochondria has been isolated and sequenced. With the exception of the N-terminal methionine the deduced N-terminus of the newly synthesized uncoupling protein is identical to the N-terminal 30 amino acids of the native uncoupling protein as determined by protein sequencing. This proves that the protein contains no N-terminal mitochondrial targeting prepiece and that a targeting region must reside within the amino acid sequence of the mature protein. Images PMID:3012461

  1. Regulation and Functional Expression of Cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase from Parsley

    PubMed Central

    Koopmann, Edda; Logemann, Elke; Hahlbrock, Klaus

    1999-01-01

    A previously isolated parsley (Petroselinum crispum) cDNA with high sequence similarity to cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) cDNAs from several plant sources was expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) containing a plant NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase and verified as encoding a functional C4H (CYP73A10). Low genomic complexity and the occurrence of a single type of cDNA suggest the existence of only one C4H gene in parsley. The encoded mRNA and protein, in contrast to those of a functionally related NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase, were strictly coregulated with phenylalanine ammonia-lyase mRNA and protein, respectively, as demonstrated by coinduction under various conditions and colocalization in situ in cross-sections from several different parsley tissues. These results support the hypothesis that the genes encoding the core reactions of phenylpropanoid metabolism form a tight regulatory unit. PMID:9880345

  2. Purification, cDNA cloning, and characterization of LysM-containing plant chitinase from horsetail (Equisetum arvense).

    PubMed

    Inamine, Saki; Onaga, Shoko; Ohnuma, Takayuki; Fukamizo, Tamo; Taira, Toki

    2015-01-01

    Chitinase-A (EaChiA), molecular mass 36 kDa, was purified from the vegetative stems of a horsetail (Equisetum arvense) using a series of column chromatography. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of EaChiA was similar to the lysin motif (LysM). A cDNA encoding EaChiA was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and polymerase chain reaction. It consisted of 1320 nucleotides and encoded an open reading frame of 361 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence indicated that EaChiA is composed of a N-terminal LysM domain and a C-terminal plant class IIIb chitinase catalytic domain, belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 18, linked by proline-rich regions. EaChiA has strong chitin-binding activity, however, no antifungal activity. This is the first report of a chitinase from Equisetopsida, a class of fern plants, and the second report of a LysM-containing chitinase from a plant.

  3. A Potato cDNA Encoding a Homologue of Mammalian Multidrug Resistant P-Glycoprotein

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, W.; Takezawa, D.; Poovaiah, B. W.

    1996-01-01

    A homologue of the multidrug resistance (MDR) gene was obtained while screening a potato stolon tip cDNA expression library with S-15-labeled calmodulin. The mammalian MDR gene codes for a membrane-bound P-glycoprotein (170-180 kDa) which imparts multidrug resistance to cancerous cells. The potato cDNA (PMDR1) codes for a polypeptide of 1313 amino acid residues (ca. 144 kDa) and its structural features are very similar to the MDR P-glycoprotein. The N-terminal half of the PMDR1-encoded protein shares striking homology with its C-terminal half, and each half contains a conserved ATP-binding site and six putative transmembrane domains. Southern blot analysis indicated that potato has one or two MDR-like genes. PMDR1 mRNA is constitutively expressed in all organs studied with higher expression in the stem and stolon tip. The PMDR1 expression was highest during tuber initiation and decreased during tuber development.

  4. Molecular analysis of ARF1 expression profiles during development of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.).

    PubMed

    Qin, Xiaobo; Lin, Fanrong; Lii, Yifan; Gou, Chunbao; Chen, Fang

    2011-03-01

    A cDNA clone designated arf1 was isolated from a physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) endosperm cDNA library which encodes a small GTP-binding protein and has significant homology to ADP-ribosylation factors (ARF) in plants, animals and microbes. The cDNA contains an open reading frame that encodes a polypeptide of 181 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 20.7 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high homology to known ARFs from other organisms. The products of the arf1 obtained by overexpression in E. coli revealed the specific binding activity toward GTP. The expression of arf1 was observed in flowers, roots, stems and leaves as analyzed by RT-PCR, and its transcriptional level was highest in flowers. In particular, the accumulation of arf1 transcripts was different under various environmental stresses in seedlings. The results suggest that arf1 plays distinct physiological roles in Jatropha curcas cells.

  5. Expression of accessory colonization factor subunit A (ACFA) of Vibrio cholerae and ACFA fused to cholera toxin B subunit in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

    PubMed

    Sharma, Manoj Kumar; Jani, Dewal; Thungapathra, M; Gautam, J K; Meena, L S; Singh, Yogendra; Ghosh, Amit; Tyagi, Akhilesh Kumar; Sharma, Arun Kumar

    2008-05-20

    In earlier study from our group, cholera toxin B subunit had been expressed in tomato for developing a plant-based vaccine against cholera. In the present investigation, gene for accessory colonization factor (acf) subunit A, earlier reported to be essential for efficient colonization in the intestine, has been expressed in Escherichia coli as well as tomato plants. Gene encoding for a chimeric protein having a fusion of cholera toxin B subunit and accessory colonization factor A was also expressed in tomato to generate more potent combinatorial antigen. CaMV35S promoter with a duplicated enhancer sequence was used for expression of these genes in tomato. Integration of transgenes into tomato genome was confirmed by PCR and Southern hybridization. Expression of the genes was confirmed at transcript and protein levels. Accessory colonization factor A and cholera toxin B subunit fused to this protein accumulated up to 0.25% and 0.08% of total soluble protein, respectively, in the fruits of transgenic plants. Whereas protein purified from E. coli, in combination with cholera toxin B subunit can be used for development of conventional subunit vaccine, tomato fruits expressing these proteins can be used together with tomato plants expressing cholera toxin B subunit for development of oral vaccine against cholera.

  6. Compact tomato seedlings and plants upon overexpression of a tomato chromatin remodelling ATPase gene.

    PubMed

    Folta, Adam; Bargsten, Joachim W; Bisseling, Ton; Nap, Jan-Peter; Mlynarova, Ludmila

    2016-02-01

    Control of plant growth is an important aspect of crop productivity and yield in agriculture. Overexpression of the AtCHR12/23 genes in Arabidopsis thaliana reduced growth habit without other morphological changes. These two genes encode Snf2 chromatin remodelling ATPases. Here, we translate this approach to the horticultural crop tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We identified and cloned the single tomato ortholog of the two Arabidopsis Snf2 genes, designated SlCHR1. Transgenic tomato plants (cv. Micro-Tom) that constitutively overexpress the coding sequence of SlCHR1 show reduced growth in all developmental stages of tomato. This confirms that SlCHR1 combines the functions of both Arabidopsis genes in tomato. Compared to the wild type, the transgenic seedlings of tomato have significantly shorter roots, hypocotyls and reduced cotyledon size. Transgenic plants have a much more compact growth habit with markedly reduced plant height, severely compacted reproductive structures with smaller flowers and smaller fruits. The results indicate that either GMO-based or non-GMO-based approaches to modulate the expression of chromatin remodelling ATPase genes could develop into methods to control plant growth, for example to replace the use of chemical growth retardants. This approach is likely to be applicable and attractive for any crop for which growth habit reduction has added value. © 2015 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Heterologous expression of laccase cDNA from Ceriporiopsis subvermispora yields copper-activated apoprotein and complex isoform patterns

    Treesearch

    Luis F. Larrondo; Marcela Avila; Loreto Salas; Dan Cullen; Rafael Vicuna

    2003-01-01

    Analysis of genomic clones encoding a putative laccase in homokaryon strains of Ceriporiopsis subvermispora led to the identification of an allelic variant of the previously described lcs-1 gene. A cDNA clone corresponding to this gene was expressed in Aspergillus nidulans and in Aspergillus niger. Enzyme assays and Western blots showed that both hosts secreted active...

  8. [Vasopressin (ADH)].

    PubMed

    Hirai, A; Uchida, D; Yoshida, S

    1992-12-01

    Vasopressin is thought to play an important role, not only in the metabolism of water and electrolytes, but also in the regulation of renal hemodynamics. This year, great progress has been achieved in molecular biology of vasopressin receptors. First, the cloning of a complementary DNA, encoding the rat liver V1a arginine vasopressin receptor, was reported. The liver cDNA encodes a protein with seven putative transmembrane domains, which binds arginine vasopressin and related compounds with affinities similar to the native rat V1a receptor. The messenger RNA, corresponding to the cDNA, is distributed in rat tissues, known to contain V1a receptors. Second, the cloning of a complementary DNA encoding the rat kidney V2 arginine vasopressin receptor was also successful. The kidney cDNA encodes a protein with a transmembrane topography characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors. The receptor messenger RNA is detected only in the kidney. Last year, an orally active and specific vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist, OPC-21268 was first reported. The i.v. or p.o. administration of OPC-21268 dose-dependently inhibited vasopressin-induced vasoconstriction, while that induced by angiotensin II was not affected. OPC-21268 may have clinical potentials in certain hypertensive cardiovascular disorders. In addition, an orally active and specific vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, OPC-31260 was also reported. Oral administration of OPC-31260 inhibited antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin. OPC-31260 is thought to be useful in the treatment of certain disorders, such as the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (SIADH).

  9. [Cloning and sequence analysis of tomato fruit-specific E8 promoter from Lycopersicon esculentum (Zhongshu No.5)].

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xiao-hong; Chen, Xiao-guang; Zhang, Xiao-dong; Wang, Ya-nan; Li, Lin; Xi, Jia-fei; Hu, Jian-jun

    2003-01-01

    To obtain the gene encoding tomato fruit-specific E8 promoter therefore to prepare for exogenous gene transcription and expression in transgenic tomato fruit. The cotyledons of tomato Lycopersicon esculentum (Zhongshu No.5) were collected for extracting the genomic DNA of this plant. The fruit-specific E81.1 and E82.2 promoter DNA were then amplified by PCR, the product of which was subcloned into pGEM-T vector. After identification by restriction enzymes, the recombinant T-vectors were subjected to sequence analysis. The fragments of the promoter as amplified by PCR were of predicted length. Digestion with Xba I and Hind III /BamH I proved correct insertion of the target fragments with expected length into the recombinant T vectors. As indicated by homology analysis, the resultant tomato fruit-specific E8 promoter was highly conservative, and E82.2 promoter of Zhongshu No.5, with GenBank submission number of AF515784, proved to share 99% homology with E82.2 promoter of Zhongshu No.5 Cherry as reported by Deikman J. Tomato fruit-specific E8 promoter of Zhongshu No.5 has been successfully cloned, thus making possible the subsequent research in oral vaccine of transgenic tomato.

  10. Characterization of ROS1 cDNA from a human glioblastoma cell line

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Birchmeier, C.; O'Neill, K.; Riggs, M.

    1990-06-01

    The authors have isolated and characterized a human ROS1 cDNA from the glioblastoma cell line SW-1088. The cDNA, 8.3 kilobases long, has the potential to encode a transmembrane tyrosine-specific protein kinase with a predicted molecular mass of 259 kDa. The putative extracellular domain of ROS1 is homologous to the extracellular domain of the sevenless gene product from Drosophila. No comparable similarities in the extracellular domains were found between ROS1 and other receptor-type tyrosine kinases. Together, ROS1 and sevenless gene products define a distinct subclass of transmember tyrosine kinases.

  11. Unilateral incompatibility gene ui1.1 encodes an S-locus F-box protein expressed in pollen of Solanum species.

    PubMed

    Li, Wentao; Chetelat, Roger T

    2015-04-07

    Unilateral interspecific incompatibility (UI) is a postpollination, prezygotic reproductive barrier that prevents hybridization between related species when the female parent is self-incompatible (SI) and the male parent is self-compatible (SC). In tomato and related Solanum species, two genes, ui1.1 and ui6.1, are required for pollen compatibility on pistils of SI species or hybrids. We previously showed that ui6.1 encodes a Cullin1 (CUL1) protein. Here we report that ui1.1 encodes an S-locus F-box (SLF) protein. The ui1.1 gene was mapped to a 0.43-cM, 43.2-Mbp interval at the S-locus on chromosome 1, but positional cloning was hampered by low recombination frequency. We hypothesized that ui1.1 encodes an SLF protein(s) that interacts with CUL1 and Skp1 proteins to form an SCF-type (Skp1, Cullin1, F-box) ubiquitin E3 ligase complex. We identified 23 SLF genes in the S. pennellii genome, of which 19 were also represented in cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum). Data from recombination events, expression analysis, and sequence annotation highlighted 11 S. pennellii genes as candidates. Genetic transformations demonstrated that one of these, SpSLF-23, is sufficient for ui1.1 function. A survey of cultivated and wild tomato species identified SLF-23 orthologs in each of the SI species, but not in the SC species S. lycopersicum, S. cheesmaniae, and S. galapagense, pollen of which lacks ui1.1 function. These results demonstrate that pollen compatibility in UI is mediated by protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, a mechanism related to that which controls pollen recognition in SI.

  12. Genome-Wide SNP Genotyping to Infer the Effects on Gene Functions in Tomato

    PubMed Central

    Hirakawa, Hideki; Shirasawa, Kenta; Ohyama, Akio; Fukuoka, Hiroyuki; Aoki, Koh; Rothan, Christophe; Sato, Shusei; Isobe, Sachiko; Tabata, Satoshi

    2013-01-01

    The genotype data of 7054 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in 40 tomato lines, including inbred lines, F1 hybrids, and wild relatives, were collected using Illumina's Infinium and GoldenGate assay platforms, the latter of which was utilized in our previous study. The dendrogram based on the genotype data corresponded well to the breeding types of tomato and wild relatives. The SNPs were classified into six categories according to their positions in the genes predicted on the tomato genome sequence. The genes with SNPs were annotated by homology searches against the nucleotide and protein databases, as well as by domain searches, and they were classified into the functional categories defined by the NCBI's eukaryotic orthologous groups (KOG). To infer the SNPs' effects on the gene functions, the three-dimensional structures of the 843 proteins that were encoded by the genes with SNPs causing missense mutations were constructed by homology modelling, and 200 of these proteins were considered to carry non-synonymous amino acid substitutions in the predicted functional sites. The SNP information obtained in this study is available at the Kazusa Tomato Genomics Database (http://plant1.kazusa.or.jp/tomato/). PMID:23482505

  13. Analysis of the enzymatic formation of citral in the glands of sweet basil.

    PubMed

    Iijima, Yoko; Wang, Guodong; Fridman, Eyal; Pichersky, Eran

    2006-04-15

    Basil glands of the Sweet Dani cultivar contain high levels of citral, a mixture of geranial and its cis-isomer neral, as well as low levels of geraniol and nerol. We have previously reported the identification of a cDNA from Sweet Dani that encodes an enzyme responsible for the formation of geraniol from geranyl diphosphate in the glands, and that these glands cannot synthesize nerol directly from geranyl diphosphate. Here, we report the identification of two basil cDNAs encoding NADP+-dependent dehydrogenases that can use geraniol as the substrate. One cDNA, designated CAD1, represents a gene whose expression is highly specific to gland cells of all three basil cultivars examined, regardless of their citral content, and encodes an enzyme with high sequence similarity to known cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenases (CADs). The enzyme encoded by CAD1 reversibly oxidizes geraniol to produce geranial (which reversibly isomerizes to neral via keto-enol tautomerization) at half the efficiency compared with its activity with cinnamyl alcohol. CAD1 does not use nerol and neral as substrates. A second cDNA, designated GEDH1, encodes an enzyme with sequence similarity to CAD1 that is capable of reversibly oxidizing geraniol and nerol in equal efficiency, and prolonged incubation of geraniol with GEDH1 in vitro produces not only geranial and neral, but also nerol. GEDH1 is also active, although at a lower efficiency, with cinnamyl alcohol. However, GEDH1 is expressed at low levels in glands of all cultivars compared with its expression in leaves. These and additional data presented indicate that basil glands may contain additional dehydrogenases capable of oxidizing geraniol.

  14. Characterization of a Tomato Xyloglucan Endotransglycosylase Gene That Is Down-Regulated by Auxin in Etiolated Hypocotyls1

    PubMed Central

    Catalá, Carmen; Rose, Jocelyn K.C.; York, William S.; Albersheim, Peter; Darvill, Alan G.; Bennett, Alan B.

    2001-01-01

    The reorganization of the cellulose-xyloglucan matrix is proposed to serve as an important mechanism in the control of strength and extensibility of the plant primary cell wall. One of the key enzymes associated with xyloglucan metabolism is xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET), which catalyzes the endocleavage and religation of xyloglucan molecules. As with other plant species, XETs are encoded by a gene family in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv T5). In a previous study, we demonstrated that the tomato XET gene LeEXT was abundantly expressed in the rapidly expanding region of the etiolated hypocotyl and was induced to higher levels by auxin. Here, we report the identification of a new tomato XET gene, LeXET2, that shows a different spatial expression and diametrically opposite pattern of auxin regulation from LeEXT. LeXET2 was expressed more abundantly in the mature nonelongating regions of the hypocotyl, and its mRNA abundance decreased dramatically following auxin treatment of etiolated hypocotyl segments. Analysis of the effect of several plant hormones on LeXET2 expression revealed that the inhibition of LeXET2 mRNA accumulation also occurred with cytokinin treatment. LeXET2 mRNA levels increased significantly in hypocotyl segments treated with gibberellin, but this increase could be prevented by adding auxin or cytokinin to the incubation media. Recombinant LeXET2 protein obtained by heterologous expression in Pichia pastoris exhibited greater XET activity against xyloglucan from tomato than that from three other species. The opposite patterns of expression and differential auxin regulation of LeXET2 and LeEXT suggest that they encode XETs with distinct roles during plant growth and development. PMID:11706197

  15. Specific role of LeMAN2 in the control of seed germination exposed by overexpression of the LeMAN3 gene in tomato plants.

    PubMed

    Belotserkovsky, Harel; Berger, Yael; Shahar, Ron; Wolf, Shmuel

    2007-12-01

    Endo-beta-mannanase is one of the key enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of the mannan-rich cell walls of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) seeds. Two isoforms of endo-beta-mannanase have been characterized in tomato seeds: LeMAN2 is active in the micropylar area prior to germination and LeMAN1 is active after germination in all endosperm cells surrounding the cotyledons. To explore whether general mannanase activity in the endosperm cap is sufficient to promote germination, the gene encoding LeMAN3 was inserted into transgenic tomato plants under the control of a CaMV-35S promoter. Expression of LeMAN3 was evident in the endosperm cap and in the lateral endosperm of the transgenic seeds 10 min after imbibition. An activity test indicated increased activity of endo-beta-mannanase in the transgenic lines relative to the control line in all seed parts, during the first 20 h of imbibition. However, overexpression of LeMAN3 in transgenic seeds inhibited seed germination at both optimal and suboptimal temperatures. Detailed RT-PCR analyses revealed the transcription patterns of the genes encoding the various mannanase isoforms, and indicated a delay in LeMAN2 transcription in the endosperm cap of the transgenic seeds. Interestingly, tissue-print assays indicated similar mannanase activity in the micropylar areas for both transgenic and control seeds. These results indicate that overexpression of active endo-beta-mannanase in the endosperm cap is not sufficient to enable hydrolysis of the cell walls or to promote germination of tomato seeds. Cell-wall hydrolysis in these endosperm cells is under tight control and requires the specific activity of LeMAN2.

  16. Heat-shock response in a molluscan cell line: characterization of the response and cloning of an inducible HSP70 cDNA.

    PubMed

    Laursen, J R; di Liu, H; Wu, X J; Yoshino, T P

    1997-11-01

    Sublethal heat-shock of cells of the Bge (Biomphalaria glabrata embryonic) snail cell line resulted in increased or new expression of metabolically labeled polypeptides of approximately 21.5, 41, 70, and 74 kDa molecular mass. Regulation of this response appeared to be at the transcriptional level since a similar protein banding pattern was seen upon SDS-PAGE/fluorographic analysis of polypeptides produced by in vitro translation of total RNA from cells subjected to heat shock. Using a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 70-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP70) probe to screen a cDNA library from heat-treated Bge cells, we isolated a full-length cDNA clone encoding a putative Bge HSP70. The cDNA was 2453 bp in length and contained an open reading frame of 1908 bp encoding a 636-amino-acid polypeptide with calculated molecular mass of 70,740 Da. Comparison of a conserved region of 209 amino acid residues revealed > 80% identity between the deduced amino acid sequence of Bge HSP70 and that of yeast (81%), the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni (for which B. glabrata serves as intermediate host) (81%), Drosophila (81%), human (84%), and the marine gastropod Aplysia californica (88%, 90%). In addition to the extensive sharing of sequence homology, the identification of several eukaryotic HSP70 signature sequences and an N-linked glycosylation site characteristic of cytoplasmic HSPs strongly support the identity of the Bge cDNA as encoding an authentic HSP70. Results of a Northern blot analysis, using Bge HSP70 clone-specific probes, indicated that gene expression was heat inducible and not constitutively expressed. This is the first reported sequence of an inducible HSP70 from cells originating from a freshwater gastropod and provides a first step in the development of a genetic transformation system for molluscs of medical importance.

  17. Functional analysis of the theobroma cacao NPR1 gene in arabidopsis

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background The Arabidopsis thaliana NPR1 gene encodes a transcription coactivator (NPR1) that plays a major role in the mechanisms regulating plant defense response. After pathogen infection and in response to salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, NPR1 translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where it interacts with other transcription factors resulting in increased expression of over 2000 plant defense genes contributing to a pathogen resistance response. Results A putative Theobroma cacao NPR1 cDNA was isolated by RT-PCR using degenerate primers based on homologous sequences from Brassica, Arabidopsis and Carica papaya. The cDNA was used to isolate a genomic clone from Theobroma cacao containing a putative TcNPR1 gene. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of a 4.5 kb coding region containing three introns and encoding a polypeptide of 591 amino acids. The predicted TcNPR1 protein shares 55% identity and 78% similarity to Arabidopsis NPR1, and contains each of the highly conserved functional domains indicative of this class of transcription factors (BTB/POZ and ankyrin repeat protein-protein interaction domains and a nuclear localization sequence (NLS)). To functionally define the TcNPR1 gene, we transferred TcNPR1 into an Arabidopsis npr1 mutant that is highly susceptible to infection by the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Driven by the constitutive CaMV35S promoter, the cacao TcNPR1 gene partially complemented the npr1 mutation in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, resulting in 100 fold less bacterial growth in a leaf infection assay. Upon induction with SA, TcNPR1 was shown to translocate into the nucleus of leaf and root cells in a manner identical to Arabidopsis NPR1. Cacao NPR1 was also capable of participating in SA-JA signaling crosstalk, as evidenced by the suppression of JA responsive gene expression in TcNPR1 overexpressing transgenic plants. Conclusion Our data indicate that the TcNPR1 is a functional ortholog of Arabidopsis NPR1, and is likely to play a major role in defense response in cacao. This fundamental knowledge can contribute to breeding of disease resistant cacao varieties through the application of molecular markers or the use of transgenic strategies. PMID:21078185

  18. Functional analysis of the Theobroma cacao NPR1 gene in Arabidopsis.

    PubMed

    Shi, Zi; Maximova, Siela N; Liu, Yi; Verica, Joseph; Guiltinan, Mark J

    2010-11-15

    The Arabidopsis thaliana NPR1 gene encodes a transcription coactivator (NPR1) that plays a major role in the mechanisms regulating plant defense response. After pathogen infection and in response to salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, NPR1 translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where it interacts with other transcription factors resulting in increased expression of over 2000 plant defense genes contributing to a pathogen resistance response. A putative Theobroma cacao NPR1 cDNA was isolated by RT-PCR using degenerate primers based on homologous sequences from Brassica, Arabidopsis and Carica papaya. The cDNA was used to isolate a genomic clone from Theobroma cacao containing a putative TcNPR1 gene. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of a 4.5 kb coding region containing three introns and encoding a polypeptide of 591 amino acids. The predicted TcNPR1 protein shares 55% identity and 78% similarity to Arabidopsis NPR1, and contains each of the highly conserved functional domains indicative of this class of transcription factors (BTB/POZ and ankyrin repeat protein-protein interaction domains and a nuclear localization sequence (NLS)). To functionally define the TcNPR1 gene, we transferred TcNPR1 into an Arabidopsis npr1 mutant that is highly susceptible to infection by the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Driven by the constitutive CaMV35S promoter, the cacao TcNPR1 gene partially complemented the npr1 mutation in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, resulting in 100 fold less bacterial growth in a leaf infection assay. Upon induction with SA, TcNPR1 was shown to translocate into the nucleus of leaf and root cells in a manner identical to Arabidopsis NPR1. Cacao NPR1 was also capable of participating in SA-JA signaling crosstalk, as evidenced by the suppression of JA responsive gene expression in TcNPR1 overexpressing transgenic plants. Our data indicate that the TcNPR1 is a functional ortholog of Arabidopsis NPR1, and is likely to play a major role in defense response in cacao. This fundamental knowledge can contribute to breeding of disease resistant cacao varieties through the application of molecular markers or the use of transgenic strategies.

  19. cDNA cloning of Brassica napus malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase (MCAT) (fab D) and complementation of an E. coli MCAT mutant.

    PubMed

    Simon, J W; Slabas, A R

    1998-09-18

    The GenBank database was searched using the E. coli malonyl CoA:ACP transacylase (MCAT) sequence, for plant protein/cDNA sequences corresponding to MCAT, a component of plant fatty acid synthetase (FAS), for which the plant cDNA has not been isolated. A 272-bp Zea mays EST sequence (GenBank accession number: AA030706) was identified which has strong homology to the E. coli MCAT. A PCR derived cDNA probe from Zea mays was used to screen a Brassica napus (rape) cDNA library. This resulted in the isolation of a 1200-bp cDNA clone which encodes an open reading frame corresponding to a protein of 351 amino acids. The protein shows 47% homology to the E. coli MCAT amino acid sequence in the coding region for the mature protein. Expression of a plasmid (pMCATrap2) containing the plant cDNA sequence in Fab D89, an E. coli mutant, in MCAT activity restores growth demonstrating functional complementation and direct function of the cloned cDNA. This is the first functional evidence supporting the identification of a plant cDNA for MCAT.

  20. A putative peroxidase cDNA from turnip and analysis of the encoded protein sequence.

    PubMed

    Romero-Gómez, S; Duarte-Vázquez, M A; García-Almendárez, B E; Mayorga-Martínez, L; Cervantes-Avilés, O; Regalado, C

    2008-12-01

    A putative peroxidase cDNA was isolated from turnip roots (Brassica napus L. var. purple top white globe) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Total RNA extracted from mature turnip roots was used as a template for RT-PCR, using a degenerated primer designed to amplify the highly conserved distal motif of plant peroxidases. The resulting partial sequence was used to design the rest of the specific primers for 5' and 3' RACE. Two cDNA fragments were purified, sequenced, and aligned with the partial sequence from RT-PCR, and a complete overlapping sequence was obtained and labeled as BbPA (Genbank Accession No. AY423440, named as podC). The full length cDNA is 1167bp long and contains a 1077bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 358 deduced amino acid peroxidase polypeptide. The putative peroxidase (BnPA) showed a calculated Mr of 34kDa, and isoelectric point (pI) of 4.5, with no significant identity with other reported turnip peroxidases. Sequence alignment showed that only three peroxidases have a significant identity with BnPA namely AtP29a (84%), and AtPA2 (81%) from Arabidopsis thaliana, and HRPA2 (82%) from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). Work is in progress to clone this gene into an adequate host to study the specific role and possible biotechnological applications of this alternative peroxidase source.

  1. Fruit weight is controlled by Cell Size Regulator encoding a novel protein that is expressed in maturing tomato fruits

    PubMed Central

    Chakrabarti, Manohar; Liu, Xiaoxi; Wang, Yanping; Ramos, Alexis

    2017-01-01

    Increases in fruit weight of cultivated vegetables and fruits accompanied the domestication of these crops. Here we report on the positional cloning of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling fruit weight in tomato. The derived allele of Cell Size Regulator (CSR-D) increases fruit weight predominantly through enlargement of the pericarp areas. The expanded pericarp tissues result from increased mesocarp cell size and not from increased number of cell layers. The effect of CSR on fruit weight and cell size is found across different genetic backgrounds implying a consistent impact of the locus on the trait. In fruits, CSR expression is undetectable early in development from floral meristems to the rapid cell proliferation stage after anthesis. Expression is low but detectable in growing fruit tissues and in or around vascular bundles coinciding with the cell enlargement stage of the fruit maturation process. CSR encodes an uncharacterized protein whose clade has expanded in the Solanaceae family. The mutant allele is predicted to encode a shorter protein due to a 1.4 kb deletion resulting in a 194 amino-acid truncation. Co-expression analyses and GO term enrichment analyses suggest association of CSR with cell differentiation in fruit tissues and vascular bundles. The derived allele arose in Solanum lycopersicum var cerasiforme and appears completely fixed in many cultivated tomato’s market classes. This finding suggests that the selection of this allele was critical to the full domestication of tomato from its intermediate ancestors. PMID:28817560

  2. Characterization and chromosomal mapping of the human TFG gene involved in thyroid carcinoma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mencinger, M.; Panagopoulos, I.; Andreasson, P.

    1997-05-01

    Homology searches in the Expressed Sequence Tag Database were performed using SPYGQ-rich regions as query sequences to find genes encoding protein regions similar to the N-terminal parts of the sarcoma-associated EWS and FUS proteins. Clone 22911 (T74973), encoding a SPYGQ-rich region in its 5{prime} end, and several other clones that overlapped 22911 were selected. The combined data made it possible to assemble a full-length cDNA sequence. This cDNA sequence is 1677 bp, containing an initiation codon ATG, an open reading frame of 400 amino acids, a poly(A) signal, and a poly(A) tail. We found 100% identity between the 5{prime} partmore » of the consensus sequence and the 598-bp-long sequence named TFG. The TFG sequence is fused to the 3{prime} end of NTRK1, generating the TRK-T3 fusion transcript found in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The cDNA therefore represents the full-length transcript of the TFG gene. TFG was localized to 3q11-q12 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The 3{prime} and the 5{prime} ends of the TFG cDNA probe hybridized to a 2.2-kb band on Northern blot filters in all tissues examined. 28 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.« less

  3. Isolation, molecular cloning and expression of cellobiohydrolase B (CbhB) from Aspergillus niger in Escherichia coli

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Woon, J. S. K.; Murad, A. M. A.; Abu Bakar, F. D.

    2015-09-01

    A cellobiohydrolase B (CbhB) from Aspergillus niger ATCC 10574 was cloned and expressed in E. coli. CbhB has an open reading frame of 1611 bp encoding a putative polypeptide of 536 amino acids. Analysis of the encoded polypeptide predicted a molecular mass of 56.2 kDa, a cellulose binding module (CBM) and a catalytic module. In order to obtain the mRNA of cbhB, total RNA was extracted from A. niger cells induced by 1% Avicel. First strand cDNA was synthesized from total RNA via reverse transcription. The full length cDNA of cbhB was amplified by PCR and cloned into the cloning vector, pGEM-T Easy. A comparison between genomic DNA and cDNA sequences of cbhB revealed that the gene is intronless. Upon the removal of the signal peptide, the cDNA of cbhB was cloned into the expression vector pET-32b. However, the recombinant CbhB was expressed in Escherichia coli Origami DE3 as an insoluble protein. A homology model of CbhB predicted the presence of nine disulfide bonds in the protein structure which may have contributed to the improper folding of the protein and thus, resulting in inclusion bodies in E. coli.

  4. Cloning of a coconut endosperm cDNA encoding a 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase that accepts medium-chain-length substrates.

    PubMed Central

    Knutzon, D S; Lardizabal, K D; Nelsen, J S; Bleibaum, J L; Davies, H M; Metz, J G

    1995-01-01

    Immature coconut (Cocos nucifera) endosperm contains a 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (LPAAT) activity that shows a preference for medium-chain-length fatty acyl-coenzyme A substrates (H.M. Davies, D.J. Hawkins, J.S. Nelsen [1995] Phytochemistry 39:989-996). Beginning with solubilized membrane preparations, we have used chromatographic separations to identify a polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of 29 kD, whose presence in various column fractions correlates with the acyltransferase activity detected in those same fractions. Amino acid sequence data obtained from several peptides generated from this protein were used to isolate a full-length clone from a coconut endosperm cDNA library. Clone pCGN5503 contains a 1325-bp cDNA insert with an open reading frame encoding a 308-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 34.8 kD. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of pCGN5503 to sequences in the data banks revealed significant homology to other putative LPAAT sequences. Expression of the coconut cDNA in Escherichia coli conferred upon those cells a novel LPAAT activity whose substrate activity profile matched that of the coconut enzyme. PMID:8552723

  5. Stachyose synthesis in seeds of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis): molecular cloning and functional expression of stachyose synthase.

    PubMed

    Peterbauer, T; Mucha, J; Mayer, U; Popp, M; Glössl, J; Richter, A

    1999-12-01

    Stachyose is the major soluble carbohydrate in seeds of a number of important crop species. It is synthesized from raffinose and galactinol by the action of stachyose synthase (EC 2.4.1.67). We report here on the identification of a cDNA encoding stachyose synthase from seeds of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis Ohwi et Ohashi). Based on internal amino acid sequences of the enzyme purified from adzuki bean, oligonucleotides were designed and used to amplify corresponding sequences from adzuki bean cDNA by RT-PCR, followed by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE-PCR). The complete cDNA sequence comprised 3046 nucleotides and included an open reading frame which encoded a polypeptide of 857 amino acid residues. The entire coding region was amplified by PCR, engineered into the baculovirus expression vector pVL1393 and introduced into Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf21) insect cells for heterologous expression. The recombinant protein was immunologically reactive with polyclonal antibodies raised against stachyose synthase purified from adzuki bean and was shown to be a functional stachyose synthase with the same catalytic properties as its native counterpart. High levels of stachyose synthase mRNA were transiently accumulated midway through seed development, and the enzyme was also present in mature seeds and during germination.

  6. 1,4-Benzoquinone reductase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium: cDNA cloning and regulation of expression

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Akileswaran, L.; Brock, B.J.; Cereghino, J.L.

    1999-02-01

    A cDNA clone encoding a quinone reductase (QR) from the white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium was isolated and sequenced. The cDNA consisted of 1,007 nucleotides and a poly(A) tail and encoded a deduced protein containing 271 amino acids. The experimentally determined eight-amino-acid N-germinal sequence of the purified QR protein from P. chrysosporium matched amino acids 72 to 79 of the predicted translation product of the cDNA. The M{sub r} of the predicted translation product, beginning with Pro-72, was essentially identical to the experimentally determined M{sub r} of one monomer of the QR dimer, and this finding suggested that QR ismore » synthesized as a proenzyme. The results of in vitro transcription-translation experiments suggested that QR is synthesized as a proenzyme with a 71-amino-acid leader sequence. This leader sequence contains two potential KEX2 cleavage sites and numerous potential cleavage sites for dipeptidyl aminopeptidase. The QR activity in cultures of P. chrysosporium increased following the addition of 2-dimethoxybenzoquinone, vanillic acid, or several other aromatic compounds. An immunoblot analysis indicated that induction resulted in an increase in the amount of QR protein, and a Northern blot analysis indicated that this regulation occurs at the level of the qr mRNA.« less

  7. Endogenous Abscisic Acid Promotes Hypocotyl Growth and Affects Endoreduplication during Dark-Induced Growth in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

    PubMed Central

    Humplík, Jan F.; Bergougnoux, Véronique; Jandová, Michaela; Šimura, Jan; Pěnčík, Aleš; Tomanec, Ondřej; Rolčík, Jakub; Novák, Ondřej; Fellner, Martin

    2015-01-01

    Dark-induced growth (skotomorphogenesis) is primarily characterized by rapid elongation of the hypocotyl. We have studied the role of abscisic acid (ABA) during the development of young tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings. We observed that ABA deficiency caused a reduction in hypocotyl growth at the level of cell elongation and that the growth in ABA-deficient plants could be improved by treatment with exogenous ABA, through which the plants show a concentration dependent response. In addition, ABA accumulated in dark-grown tomato seedlings that grew rapidly, whereas seedlings grown under blue light exhibited low growth rates and accumulated less ABA. We demonstrated that ABA promotes DNA endoreduplication by enhancing the expression of the genes encoding inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases SlKRP1 and SlKRP3 and by reducing cytokinin levels. These data were supported by the expression analysis of the genes which encode enzymes involved in ABA and CK metabolism. Our results show that ABA is essential for the process of hypocotyl elongation and that appropriate control of the endogenous level of ABA is required in order to drive the growth of etiolated seedlings. PMID:25695830

  8. The cDNA sequence of mouse Pgp-1 and homology to human CD44 cell surface antigen and proteoglycan core/link proteins.

    PubMed

    Wolffe, E J; Gause, W C; Pelfrey, C M; Holland, S M; Steinberg, A D; August, J T

    1990-01-05

    We describe the isolation and sequencing of a cDNA encoding mouse Pgp-1. An oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the NH2-terminal sequence of the purified protein was synthesized by the polymerase chain reaction and used to screen a mouse macrophage lambda gt11 library. A cDNA clone with an insert of 1.2 kilobases was selected and sequenced. In Northern blot analysis, only cells expressing Pgp-1 contained mRNA species that hybridized with this Pgp-1 cDNA. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA has a single open reading frame that yields a protein-coding sequence of 1076 base pairs followed by a 132-base pair 3'-untranslated sequence that includes a putative polyadenylation signal but no poly(A) tail. The translated sequence comprises a 13-amino acid signal peptide followed by a polypeptide core of 345 residues corresponding to an Mr of 37,800. Portions of the deduced amino acid sequence were identical to those obtained by amino acid sequence analysis from the purified glycoprotein, confirming that the cDNA encodes Pgp-1. The predicted structure of Pgp-1 includes an NH2-terminal extracellular domain (residues 14-265), a transmembrane domain (residues 266-286), and a cytoplasmic tail (residues 287-358). Portions of the mouse Pgp-1 sequence are highly similar to that of the human CD44 cell surface glycoprotein implicated in cell adhesion. The protein also shows sequence similarity to the proteoglycan tandem repeat sequences found in cartilage link protein and cartilage proteoglycan core protein which are thought to be involved in binding to hyaluronic acid.

  9. Rapid and efficient cDNA library screening by self-ligation of inverse PCR products (SLIP).

    PubMed

    Hoskins, Roger A; Stapleton, Mark; George, Reed A; Yu, Charles; Wan, Kenneth H; Carlson, Joseph W; Celniker, Susan E

    2005-12-02

    cDNA cloning is a central technology in molecular biology. cDNA sequences are used to determine mRNA transcript structures, including splice junctions, open reading frames (ORFs) and 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). cDNA clones are valuable reagents for functional studies of genes and proteins. Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) sequencing is the method of choice for recovering cDNAs representing many of the transcripts encoded in a eukaryotic genome. However, EST sequencing samples a cDNA library at random, and it recovers transcripts with low expression levels inefficiently. We describe a PCR-based method for directed screening of plasmid cDNA libraries. We demonstrate its utility in a screen of libraries used in our Drosophila EST projects for 153 transcription factor genes that were not represented by full-length cDNA clones in our Drosophila Gene Collection. We recovered high-quality, full-length cDNAs for 72 genes and variously compromised clones for an additional 32 genes. The method can be used at any scale, from the isolation of cDNA clones for a particular gene of interest, to the improvement of large gene collections in model organisms and the human. Finally, we discuss the relative merits of directed cDNA library screening and RT-PCR approaches.

  10. Expression of cholera toxin B subunit in transgenic tomato plants.

    PubMed

    Jani, Dewal; Meena, Laxman Singh; Rizwan-ul-Haq, Quazi Mohammad; Singh, Yogendra; Sharma, Arun K; Tyagi, Akhilesh K

    2002-10-01

    Cholera toxin, secreted by Vibrio cholerae, consists of A and B subunits. The latter binds to G(M1)-ganglioside receptors as a pentamer (approximately 55 kDa). Tomato plants were transformed with the gene encoding cholera toxin B subunit (ctxB) along with an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal (SEKDEL) under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. PCR and Southern analysis confirmed the presence of the ctxB gene in transformed tomato plants. Northern analysis showed the presence of the ctxB-specific transcript. Immunoblot assays of the plant-derived protein extract showed the presence of cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) with mobility similar to purified CTB from V. cholerae. Both tomato leaves and fruits expressed CTB at levels up to 0.02 and 0.04% of total soluble protein, respectively. The G(M1)-ELISA showed that the plant-derived CTB bound specifically to G(M1)-ganglioside receptor, suggesting that it retained its native pentameric form. This study forms a basis for exploring the utility of CTB to develop tomato-based edible vaccines against cholera.

  11. The promoter of LE-ACS7, an early flooding-induced 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene of the tomato, is tagged by a Sol3 transposon

    PubMed Central

    Shiu, Oi Yin; Oetiker, Jürg H.; Yip, Wing Kin; Yang, Shang Fa

    1998-01-01

    Many terrestrial plants respond to flooding with enhanced ethylene production. The roots of flooded plants produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), which is transported from the root to the shoot, where it is converted to ethylene. In the roots, ACC is synthesized by ACC synthase, which is encoded by a multigene family. Previously, we identified two ACC synthase genes of tomato that are involved in flooding-induced ethylene production. Here, we report the cloning of LE-ACS7, a new tomato ACC synthase with a role early during flooding but also in the early wound response of leaves. The promoter of LE-ACS7 is tagged by a Sol3 transposon. A Sol3 transposon is also present in the tomato polygalacturonase promoter to which it conferred regulatory elements. Thus, Sol3 transposons may affect the regulation of LE-ACS7 and may be involved in the communication between the root and the shoot of waterlogged tomato plants. PMID:9707648

  12. Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of CYP6BF1 from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hongshan; Dai, Huaguo; Wei, Hui

    2005-01-01

    A novel cDNA clong encoding a cytochrome P450 was screened from the insecticide-susceptible strain of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera:Yponomeutidae). The nucleotide sequence of the clone, designated CYP6BF1, was determined. This is the first full-length sequence of the CYP6 family from Plutella xylostella (L.). The cDNA is 1661bp in length and contains an open reading frame from base pairs 26 to 1570, encoding a protein of 514 amino acid residues. It is similar to the other insect P450s in gene family 6, including CYP6AE1 from Depressaria pastinacella, (46%). The GenBank accession number is AY971374. PMID:17119627

  13. Cloning and characterization of the human 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase-encoding cDNA.

    PubMed

    Dayan, A; Bertrand, R; Beauchemin, M; Chahla, D; Mamo, A; Filion, M; Skup, D; Massie, B; Jolivet, J

    1995-11-20

    Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFS) catalyses the obligatory initial metabolic step in the intracellular conversion of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate to other reduced folates. We have isolated and sequenced a human MTHFS cDNA which is 872-bp long and codes for a 203-amino-acid protein of 23,229 Da. Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), transfected with pET11c plasmids containing an open reading frame encoding MTHFS, showed a 100-fold increase in MTHFS activity in bacterial extracts after IPTG induction. Northern blot studies of human tissues determined that the MTHFS mRNA was expressed preferentially in the liver and Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNA suggested the presence of a single-copy gene.

  14. Identification of a host 14-3-3 Protein that Interacts with Xanthomonas effector AvrRxv

    PubMed Central

    Whalen, Maureen; Richter, Todd; Zakhareyvich, Kseniya; Yoshikawa, Masayasu; Al-Azzeh, Dana; Adefioye, Adeshola; Spicer, Greg; Mendoza, Laura L.; Morales, Christine Q.; Klassen, Vicki; Perez-Baron, Gina; Toebe, Carole S.; Tzovolous, Ageliki; Gerstman, Emily; Evans, Erika; Thompson, Cheryl; Lopez, Mary; Ronald, Pamela C.

    2009-01-01

    AvrRxv is a member of a family of pathogen effectors present in pathogens of both plant and mammalian species. Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria strains carrying AvrRxv induce a hypersensitive response (HR) in the tomato cultivar Hawaii 7998. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified a 14-3-3 protein from tomato that interacts with AvrRxv called AvrRxv Interactor 1 (ARI1). The interaction was confirmed in vitro with affinity chromatography. Using mutagenesis, we identified a 14-3-3-binding domain in AvrRxv and demonstrated that a mutant in that domain showed concomitant loss of interaction with ARI1 and HR-inducing activity in tomato. These results demonstrate that the AvrRxv bacterial effector recruits 14-3-3 proteins for its function within host cells. AvrRxv homologues YopP and YopJ from Yersinia do not have AvrRxv-specific HR-inducing activity when delivered into tomato host cells by Agrobacterium. Although YopP itself cannot induce HR, its C-terminal domain containing the catalytic residues can replace that of AvrRxv in an AvrRxv-YopP chimera for HR-inducing activity. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the sequences encoding the C-termini of family members are evolving independently from those encoding the N-termini. Our results support a model in which there are three functional domains in proteins of the family, translocation, interaction, and catalytic. PMID:21796232

  15. Nitrate-induced genes in tomato roots. Array analysis reveals novel genes that may play a role in nitrogen nutrition.

    PubMed

    Wang, Y H; Garvin, D F; Kochian, L V

    2001-09-01

    A subtractive tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) root cDNA library enriched in genes up-regulated by changes in plant mineral status was screened with labeled mRNA from roots of both nitrate-induced and mineral nutrient-deficient (-nitrogen [N], -phosphorus, -potassium [K], -sulfur, -magnesium, -calcium, -iron, -zinc, and -copper) tomato plants. A subset of cDNAs was selected from this library based on mineral nutrient-related changes in expression. Additional cDNAs were selected from a second mineral-deficient tomato root library based on sequence homology to known genes. These selection processes yielded a set of 1,280 mineral nutrition-related cDNAs that were arrayed on nylon membranes for further analysis. These high-density arrays were hybridized with mRNA from tomato plants exposed to nitrate at different time points after N was withheld for 48 h, for plants that were grown on nitrate/ammonium for 5 weeks prior to the withholding of N. One hundred-fifteen genes were found to be up-regulated by nitrate resupply. Among these genes were several previously identified as nitrate responsive, including nitrate transporters, nitrate and nitrite reductase, and metabolic enzymes such as transaldolase, transketolase, malate dehydrogenase, asparagine synthetase, and histidine decarboxylase. We also identified 14 novel nitrate-inducible genes, including: (a) water channels, (b) root phosphate and K(+) transporters, (c) genes potentially involved in transcriptional regulation, (d) stress response genes, and (e) ribosomal protein genes. In addition, both families of nitrate transporters were also found to be inducible by phosphate, K, and iron deficiencies. The identification of these novel nitrate-inducible genes is providing avenues of research that will yield new insights into the molecular basis of plant N nutrition, as well as possible networking between the regulation of N, phosphorus, and K nutrition.

  16. Tomato ASR1 abrogates the response to abscisic acid and glucose in Arabidopsis by competing with ABI4 for DNA binding.

    PubMed

    Shkolnik, Doron; Bar-Zvi, Dudy

    2008-05-01

    The manipulation of transacting factors is commonly used to achieve a wide change in the expression of a large number of genes in transgenic plants as a result of a change in the expression of a single gene product. This is mostly achieved by the overexpression of transactivator or repressor proteins. In this study, it is demonstrated that the overexpression of an exogenous DNA-binding protein can be used to compete with the expression of an endogenous transcription factor sharing the same DNA-binding sequence. Arabidopsis was transformed with cDNA encoding tomato abscisic acid stress ripening 1 (ASR1), a sequence-specific DNA protein that has no orthologues in the Arabidopsis genome. ASR1-overexpressing (ASR1-OE) plants display an abscisic acid-insensitive 4 (abi4) phenotype: seed germination is not sensitive to inhibition by abscisic acid (ABA), glucose, NaCl and paclobutrazol. ASR1 binds coupling element 1 (CE1), a cis-acting element bound by the ABI4 transcription factor, located in the ABI4-regulated promoters, including that of the ABI4 gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates that ASR1 is bound in vivo to the promoter of the ABI4 gene in ASR1-OE plants, but not to promoters of genes known to be regulated by the transcription factors ABI3 or ABI5. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed that the expression of ABI4 and ABI4-regulated genes is markedly reduced in ASR1-OE plants. Therefore, it is concluded that the abi4 phenotype of ASR1-OE plants is the result of competition between the foreign ASR1 and the endogenous ABI4 on specific promoter DNA sequences. The biotechnological advantage of using this approach in crop plants from the Brassicaceae family to reduce the transactivation activity of ABI4 is discussed.

  17. Network inference analysis identifies an APRR2-like gene linked to pigment accumulation in tomato and pepper fruits.

    PubMed

    Pan, Yu; Bradley, Glyn; Pyke, Kevin; Ball, Graham; Lu, Chungui; Fray, Rupert; Marshall, Alexandra; Jayasuta, Subhalai; Baxter, Charles; van Wijk, Rik; Boyden, Laurie; Cade, Rebecca; Chapman, Natalie H; Fraser, Paul D; Hodgman, Charlie; Seymour, Graham B

    2013-03-01

    Carotenoids represent some of the most important secondary metabolites in the human diet, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a rich source of these health-promoting compounds. In this work, a novel and fruit-related regulator of pigment accumulation in tomato has been identified by artificial neural network inference analysis and its function validated in transgenic plants. A tomato fruit gene regulatory network was generated using artificial neural network inference analysis and transcription factor gene expression profiles derived from fruits sampled at various points during development and ripening. One of the transcription factor gene expression profiles with a sequence related to an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ARABIDOPSIS PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR2-LIKE gene (APRR2-Like) was up-regulated at the breaker stage in wild-type tomato fruits and, when overexpressed in transgenic lines, increased plastid number, area, and pigment content, enhancing the levels of chlorophyll in immature unripe fruits and carotenoids in red ripe fruits. Analysis of the transcriptome of transgenic lines overexpressing the tomato APPR2-Like gene revealed up-regulation of several ripening-related genes in the overexpression lines, providing a link between the expression of this tomato gene and the ripening process. A putative ortholog of the tomato APPR2-Like gene in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) was associated with pigment accumulation in fruit tissues. We conclude that the function of this gene is conserved across taxa and that it encodes a protein that has an important role in ripening.

  18. Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of Chloroplast Protein Import Components in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Jianmin; Campbell, James H.; Glick, Bernard R.; Smith, Matthew D.; Liang, Yan

    2014-01-01

    The translocon at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts (Toc) mediates the recognition and initial import into the organelle of thousands of nucleus-encoded proteins. These proteins are translated in the cytosol as precursor proteins with cleavable amino-terminal targeting sequences called transit peptides. The majority of the known Toc components that mediate chloroplast protein import were originally identified in pea, and more recently have been studied most extensively in Arabidopsis. With the completion of the tomato genome sequencing project, it is now possible to identify putative homologues of the chloroplast import components in tomato. In the work reported here, the Toc GTPase cDNAs from tomato were identified, cloned and analyzed. The analysis revealed that there are four Toc159 homologues (slToc159-1, -2, -3 and -4) and two Toc34 homologues (slToc34-1 and -2) in tomato, and it was shown that tomato Toc159 and Toc34 homologues share high sequence similarity with the comparable import apparatus components from Arabidopsis and pea. Thus, tomato is a valid model for further study of this system. The expression level of Toc complex components was also investigated in different tissues during tomato development. The two tomato Toc34 homologues are expressed at higher levels in non-photosynthetic tissues, whereas, the expression of two tomato Toc159 homologues, slToc159-1 and slToc159-4, were higher in photosynthetic tissues, and the expression patterns of slToc159-2 was not significantly different in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissues, and slToc159-3 expression was limited to a few select tissues. PMID:24751891

  19. Selection of internal control genes for quantitative real-time RT-PCR studies during tomato development process

    PubMed Central

    Expósito-Rodríguez, Marino; Borges, Andrés A; Borges-Pérez, Andrés; Pérez, José A

    2008-01-01

    Background The elucidation of gene expression patterns leads to a better understanding of biological processes. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR has become the standard method for in-depth studies of gene expression. A biologically meaningful reporting of target mRNA quantities requires accurate and reliable normalization in order to identify real gene-specific variation. The purpose of normalization is to control several variables such as different amounts and quality of starting material, variable enzymatic efficiencies of retrotranscription from RNA to cDNA, or differences between tissues or cells in overall transcriptional activity. The validity of a housekeeping gene as endogenous control relies on the stability of its expression level across the sample panel being analysed. In the present report we describe the first systematic evaluation of potential internal controls during tomato development process to identify which are the most reliable for transcript quantification by real-time RT-PCR. Results In this study, we assess the expression stability of 7 traditional and 4 novel housekeeping genes in a set of 27 samples representing different tissues and organs of tomato plants at different developmental stages. First, we designed, tested and optimized amplification primers for real-time RT-PCR. Then, expression data from each candidate gene were evaluated with three complementary approaches based on different statistical procedures. Our analysis suggests that SGN-U314153 (CAC), SGN-U321250 (TIP41), SGN-U346908 ("Expressed") and SGN-U316474 (SAND) genes provide superior transcript normalization in tomato development studies. We recommend different combinations of these exceptionally stable housekeeping genes for suited normalization of different developmental series, including the complete tomato development process. Conclusion This work constitutes the first effort for the selection of optimal endogenous controls for quantitative real-time RT-PCR studies of gene expression during tomato development process. From our study a tool-kit of control genes emerges that outperform the traditional genes in terms of expression stability. PMID:19102748

  20. A beta-galactosidase gene is expressed during mature fruit abscission of 'Valencia' orange (Citrus sinensis).

    PubMed

    Wu, Zhencai; Burns, Jacqueline K

    2004-07-01

    beta-galactosidases have been detected in a wide range of plants and are characterized by their ability to hydrolyse terminal non-reducing beta-D-galactosyl residues from beta-D-galactosides. These enzymes have been detected in a wide range of plant organs and tissues. In a search for differentially expressed genes during the abscission process in citrus, sequences encoding beta-galactosidase were identified. Three cDNA fragments of a beta-galactosidase gene were isolated from a cDNA subtraction library constructed from mature fruit abscission zones 48 h after the application of a mature fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole). Based on sequence information derived from these fragments, a full-length cDNA of 2847 nucleotides (GenBank accession number AY029198) encoding beta-galactosidase was isolated from mature fruit abscission zones by 5'- and 3'-RACE approaches. The beta-galactosidase cDNA encoded a protein of 737 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 82 kDa. The deduced protein was highly homologous to plant beta-galactosidases expressed in fruit ripening. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that at least two closely related beta-galactosidase genes were present in 'Valencia' orange. Temporal expression patterns in mature fruit abscission zones indicated beta-galactosidase mRNA was detected 48 h after treatment of CMN-pyrazole and ethephon in mature fruit abscission zones. beta-galactosidase transcripts were detected in leaf abscission zones only after ethephon application. The citrus beta-galactosidase was expressed in stamens and petals of fully opened flowers and young fruitlets. The results suggest that this beta-galactosidase may play a role during abscission as well as early growth and development processes in flowers and fruitlets.

  1. Massive Collection of Full-Length Complementary DNA Clones and Microarray Analyses:. Keys to Rice Transcriptome Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kikuchi, Shoshi

    2009-02-01

    Completion of the high-precision genome sequence analysis of rice led to the collection of about 35,000 full-length cDNA clones and the determination of their complete sequences. Mapping of these full-length cDNA sequences has given us information on (1) the number of genes expressed in the rice genome; (2) the start and end positions and exon-intron structures of rice genes; (3) alternative transcripts; (4) possible encoded proteins; (5) non-protein-coding (np) RNAs; (6) the density of gene localization on the chromosome; (7) setting the parameters of gene prediction programs; and (8) the construction of a microarray system that monitors global gene expression. Manual curation for rice gene annotation by using mapping information on full-length cDNA and EST assemblies has revealed about 32,000 expressed genes in the rice genome. Analysis of major gene families, such as those encoding membrane transport proteins (pumps, ion channels, and secondary transporters), along with the evolution from bacteria to higher animals and plants, reveals how gene numbers have increased through adaptation to circumstances. Family-based gene annotation also gives us a new way of comparing organisms. Massive amounts of data on gene expression under many kinds of physiological conditions are being accumulated in rice oligoarrays (22K and 44K) based on full-length cDNA sequences. Cluster analyses of genes that have the same promoter cis-elements, that have similar expression profiles, or that encode enzymes in the same metabolic pathways or signal transduction cascades give us clues to understanding the networks of gene expression in rice. As a tool for that purpose, we recently developed "RiCES", a tool for searching for cis-elements in the promoter regions of clustered genes.

  2. The sugar transporter inventory of tomato: genome-wide identification and expression analysis.

    PubMed

    Reuscher, Stefan; Akiyama, Masahito; Yasuda, Tomohide; Makino, Haruko; Aoki, Koh; Shibata, Daisuke; Shiratake, Katsuhiro

    2014-06-01

    The mobility of sugars between source and sink tissues in plants depends on sugar transport proteins. Studying the corresponding genes allows the manipulation of the sink strength of developing fruits, thereby improving fruit quality for human consumption. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is both a major horticultural crop and a model for the development of fleshy fruits. In this article we provide a comprehensive inventory of tomato sugar transporters, including the SUCROSE TRANSPORTER family, the SUGAR TRANSPORTER PROTEIN family, the SUGAR FACILITATOR PROTEIN family, the POLYOL/MONOSACCHARIDE TRANSPORTER family, the INOSITOL TRANSPORTER family, the PLASTIDIC GLUCOSE TRANSLOCATOR family, the TONOPLAST MONOSACCHARIDE TRANSPORTER family and the VACUOLAR GLUCOSE TRANSPORTER family. Expressed sequence tag (EST) sequencing and phylogenetic analyses established a nomenclature for all analyzed tomato sugar transporters. In total we identified 52 genes in tomato putatively encoding sugar transporters. The expression of 29 sugar transporter genes in vegetative tissues and during fruit development was analyzed. Several sugar transporter genes were expressed in a tissue- or developmental stage-specific manner. This information will be helpful to better understand source to sink movement of photoassimilates in tomato. Identification of fruit-specific sugar transporters might be a first step to find novel genes contributing to tomato fruit sugar accumulation. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. Characterization of the gene encoding component C3 of the complement system from the spider Loxosceles laeta venom glands: Phylogenetic implications.

    PubMed

    Myamoto, D T; Pidde-Queiroz, G; Pedroso, A; Gonçalves-de-Andrade, R M; van den Berg, C W; Tambourgi, D V

    2016-09-01

    A transcriptome analysis of the venom glands of the spider Loxosceles laeta, performed by our group, in a previous study (Fernandes-Pedrosa et al., 2008), revealed a transcript with a sequence similar to the human complement component C3. Here we present the analysis of this transcript. cDNA fragments encoding the C3 homologue (Lox-C3) were amplified from total RNA isolated from the venom glands of L. laeta by RACE-PCR. Lox-C3 is a 5178 bps cDNA sequence encoding a 190kDa protein, with a domain configuration similar to human C3. Multiple alignments of C3-like proteins revealed two processing sites, suggesting that Lox-C3 is composed of three chains. Furthermore, the amino acids consensus sequences for the thioester was found, in addition to putative sequences responsible for FB binding. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Lox-C3 belongs to the same group as two C3 isoforms from the spider Hasarius adansoni (Family Salcitidae), showing 53% homology with these. This is the first characterization of a Loxosceles cDNA sequence encoding a human C3 homologue, and this finding, together with our previous finding of the expression of a FB-like molecule, suggests that this spider species also has a complement system. This work will help to improve our understanding of the innate immune system in these spiders and the ancestral structure of C3. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  4. Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding a heat shock protein 70 from a sterile mutant of Ulva pertusa (Ulvales, Chlorophyta).

    PubMed

    Tominaga, Hiroshi; Coury, Daniel Adam; Amano, Hideomi; Kakinuma, Makoto

    2010-03-01

    Synthesis and accumulation of molecular chaperones are universal responses found in all cellular organisms when exposed to a variety of unfavorable conditions. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which is one of the major classes of molecular chaperones, plays a particularly important role in cellular stress responses, and the Hsp70 system is the most intensely studied in higher plants and algae. Therefore, we isolated and characterized a cDNA clone encoding Hsp70 from a sterile strain of Ulva pertusa (Ulvales, Chlorophyta). The sterile U. pertusa Hsp70 (UpHsp70) cDNA consisted of 2,272 nucleotides and had an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 663 amino acid (AA) residues with a molecular mass of 71.7 kDa. Amino acid alignment and phylogenetic analysis of Hsp70s from other organisms showed that UpHsp70 was more similar to cytoplasmic Hsp70s from green algae and higher plants (> or =75%) than to those from other algae and microorganisms. Southern blot analysis indicated that the sterile U. pertusa genome had at least four cytoplasmic Hsp70-encoding genes. UpHsp70 mRNA levels were significantly affected by diurnal changes, rapidly increased by high-temperature stress, and gradually increased by exposure to copper, cadmium, and lead. These results suggest that UpHsp70 plays particularly important roles in adaptation to high-temperature conditions and diurnal changes, and is potentially involved in tolerance to heavy metal toxicity.

  5. cDNA sequence and expression of a cold-responsive gene in Citrus unshiu.

    PubMed

    Hara, M; Wakasugi, Y; Ikoma, Y; Yano, M; Ogawa, K; Kuboi, T

    1999-02-01

    A cDNA clone encoding a protein (CuCOR19), the sequence of which is similar to Poncirus COR19, of the dehydrin family was isolated from the epicarp of Citrus unshiu. The molecular mass of the predicted protein was 18,980 daltons. CuCOR19 was highly hydrophilic and contained three repeating elements including Lys-rich motifs. The gene expression in leaves increased by cold stress.

  6. DNA encoding for plant digalactosyldiacylglycerol galactosyltransferase and methods of use

    DOEpatents

    Benning, Christoph; Doermann, Peter

    2003-11-04

    The cDNA encoding digalactosyldiacylglycerol galactosyltransferase (DGD1) is provided. The deduced amino acid sequence is also provided. Methods of making and using DGD1 to screen for new herbicides and alter a plant's leaf lipid composition are also provided, as well as expression vectors, transgenic plants or other organisms transfected with said vectors.

  7. Regulation of 4CL, encoding 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase, expression in kenaf under diverse stress conditions

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We cloned the full length 4CL ortholog encoding 4-coumarate: coenzymeA ligase from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabiuns) using degenerate primers and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) systems. The 4CL is a key regulatory enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway that regulates the activation of cinnamic ac...

  8. Molecular cloning of a cDNA encoding the precursor of adenoregulin from frog skin. Relationships with the vertebrate defensive peptides, dermaseptins.

    PubMed

    Amiche, M; Ducancel, F; Lajeunesse, E; Boulain, J C; Ménez, A; Nicolas, P

    1993-03-31

    Adenoregulin has recently been isolated from Phyllomedusa skin as a 33 amino acid residues peptide which enhanced binding of agonists to the A1 adenosine receptor. In order to study the structure of the precursor of adenoregulin we constructed a cDNA library from mRNAs extracted from the skin of Phyllomedusa bicolor. We detected the complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding the adenoregulin biosynthetic precursor. The deduced sequence of the precursor is 81 amino acids long, exhibits a putative signal sequence at the NH2 terminus and contains a single copy of the biologically active peptide at the COOH terminus. Structural and conformational homologies that are observed between adenoregulin and the dermaseptins, antimicrobial peptides exhibiting strong membranolytic activities against various pathogenic agents, suggest that adenoregulin is an additional member of the growing family of cytotropic antimicrobial peptides that allow vertebrate animals to defend themselves against microorganisms. As such, the adenosine receptor regulating activity of adenoregulin could be due to its ability to interact with and disrupt membranes lipid bilayers.

  9. Characterization and expression analysis of a banana gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase.

    PubMed

    Huang, P L; Do, Y Y; Huang, F C; Thay, T S; Chang, T W

    1997-04-01

    A cDNA encoding the banana 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase has previously been isolated from a cDNA library that was constructed by extracting poly(A)+ RNA from peels of ripening banana. This cDNA, designated as pMAO2, has 1,199 bp and contains an open reading frame of 318 amino acids. In order to identify ripening-related promoters of the banana ACC oxidase gene, pMAO2 was used as a probe to screen a banana genomic library constructed in the lambda EMBL3 vector. The banana ACC oxidase MAO2 gene has four exons and three introns, with all of the boundaries between these introns and exons sharing a consensus dinucleotide sequence of GT-AG. The expression of MAO2 gene in banana begins after the onset of ripening (stage 2) and continuous into later stages of the ripening process. The accumulation of MAO2 mRNA can be induced by 1 microliter/l exogenous ethylene, and it reached steady state level when 100 microliters/l exogenous ethylene was present.

  10. Cloning of human cDNA encoding a novel heptahelix receptor expressed in Burkitt's lymphoma and widely distributed in brain and peripheral tissues.

    PubMed

    Owman, C; Blay, P; Nilsson, C; Lolait, S J

    1996-11-12

    Using PCR with degenerate primers and screening of a human B-cell lymphoblast cDNA library, a full-length cDNA encoding a 375-amino-acid protein was isolated. It contains seven regions of hydrophobic amino acids probably representing membrane-spanning domains of a novel heptahelix receptor, tentatively named CMKRL2. It shows nearly 30% overall identity with the high-affinity IL8 receptor and similar degree of homology with other chemoattractant receptors, including the "fusin" coreceptors for HIV1. Measurements of various transduction pathways following application of a panel of chemokines to transfected cells failed to evoke any reproducible response. Although the natural ligand for CMKRL2 could, thus, not be identified, receptor expression in spleen and lymph nodes as well as in Burkitt's lymphoma (irrespective of EBV status) supports a functional role in activated B-cells. Receptor message was ubiquitously distributed in normal peripheral tissues and CNS, suggesting that CMKRL2 is expressed in widespread cell populations, such as macrophages and neuroglia.

  11. Saponin Biosynthesis in Saponaria vaccaria. cDNAs Encoding β-Amyrin Synthase and a Triterpene Carboxylic Acid Glucosyltransferase1[OA

    PubMed Central

    Meesapyodsuk, Dauenpen; Balsevich, John; Reed, Darwin W.; Covello, Patrick S.

    2007-01-01

    Saponaria vaccaria (Caryophyllaceae), a soapwort, known in western Canada as cowcockle, contains bioactive oleanane-type saponins similar to those found in soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria; Rosaceae). To improve our understanding of the biosynthesis of these saponins, a combined polymerase chain reaction and expressed sequence tag approach was taken to identify the genes involved. A cDNA encoding a β-amyrin synthase (SvBS) was isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and characterized by expression in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The SvBS gene is predominantly expressed in leaves. A S. vaccaria developing seed expressed sequence tag collection was developed and used for the isolation of a full-length cDNA bearing sequence similarity to ester-forming glycosyltransferases. The gene product of the cDNA, classified as UGT74M1, was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and identified as a triterpene carboxylic acid glucosyltransferase. UGT74M1 is expressed in roots and leaves and appears to be involved in monodesmoside biosynthesis in S. vaccaria. PMID:17172290

  12. Primary structure of the Aequorea victoria green-fluorescent protein.

    PubMed

    Prasher, D C; Eckenrode, V K; Ward, W W; Prendergast, F G; Cormier, M J

    1992-02-15

    Many cnidarians utilize green-fluorescent proteins (GFPs) as energy-transfer acceptors in bioluminescence. GFPs fluoresce in vivo upon receiving energy from either a luciferase-oxyluciferin excited-state complex or a Ca(2+)-activated phosphoprotein. These highly fluorescent proteins are unique due to the chemical nature of their chromophore, which is comprised of modified amino acid (aa) residues within the polypeptide. This report describes the cloning and sequencing of both cDNA and genomic clones of GFP from the cnidarian, Aequorea victoria. The gfp10 cDNA encodes a 238-aa-residue polypeptide with a calculated Mr of 26,888. Comparison of A. victoria GFP genomic clones shows three different restriction enzyme patterns which suggests that at least three different genes are present in the A. victoria population at Friday Harbor, Washington. The gfp gene encoded by the lambda GFP2 genomic clone is comprised of at least three exons spread over 2.6 kb. The nucleotide sequences of the cDNA and the gene will aid in the elucidation of structure-function relationships in this unique class of proteins.

  13. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Schlagnhaufer, C.D.; Arteca, R.N.; Pell, E.J.

    When potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Norland) are subjected to oxone stress ethylene is emitted. Increases in ethylene production are often the result of increased expression of the enzyme ACC synthase. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to clone a cDNA encoding an ozone-induced ACC synthase. After treating potato plants with 300 ppb ozone for 4 h, RNA was extracted using a guanidinium isothiocyanate method. Using degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to several conserved regions of ACC synthase sequences reported from different plant tissues as primers, we were able to reverse transcribe the RNA and amplify a cDNA for ACCmore » synthase. The clone is 1098 bp in length encoding for 386 amino acids comprising [approximately]80% of the protein. Computer analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed that our clone is 50-70% homologous with ACC synthase genes cloned from other plant tissues. Using the cDNA as a probe in northern analysis we found that there is little or no expression in control tissue: however there is a large increase in the expression of the ACC synthase message in response to ozone treatment.« less

  14. Characterization and expression of the calpastatin gene in Cyprinus carpio.

    PubMed

    Chen, W X; Ma, Y

    2015-07-03

    Calpastatin, an important protein used to regulate meat quality traits in animals, is encoded by the CAST gene. The aim of the present study was to clone the cDNA sequence of the CAST gene and detect the expression of CAST in the tissues of Cyprinus carpio. The cDNA of the C. carpio CAST gene, amplified using rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR, is 2834 bp in length (accession No. JX275386), contains a 2634-bp open reading frame, and encodes a protein with 877 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of the C. carpio CAST gene was 88, 80, and 59% identical to the sequences observed in grass carp, zebrafish, and other fish, respectively. The C. carpio CAST was observed to contain four conserved domains with 54 serine phosphorylation loci, 28 threonine phosphorylation loci, 1 tyrosine phosphorylation loci, and 6 specific protein kinase C phosphorylation loci. The CAST gene showed widespread expression in different tissues of C. carpio. Surprisingly, the relative expression of the CAST transcript in the muscle and heart tissues of C. carpio was significantly higher than in other tissues (P < 0.01).

  15. Changes in regulation of a transcription factor lead to autogamy in cultivated tomatoes.

    PubMed

    Chen, Kai-Yi; Cong, Bin; Wing, Rod; Vrebalov, Julia; Tanksley, Steven D

    2007-10-26

    We report the cloning of Style2.1, the major quantitative trait locus responsible for a key floral attribute (style length) associated with the evolution of self-pollination in cultivated tomatoes. The gene encodes a putative transcription factor that regulates cell elongation in developing styles. The transition from cross-pollination to self-pollination was accompanied, not by a change in the STYLE2.1 protein, but rather by a mutation in the Style2.1 promoter that results in a down-regulation of Style2.1 expression during flower development.

  16. Molecular cloning and functional identification of sterol C24-methyltransferase gene from Tripterygium wilfordii.

    PubMed

    Guan, Hongyu; Zhao, Yujun; Su, Ping; Tong, Yuru; Liu, Yujia; Hu, Tianyuan; Zhang, Yifeng; Zhang, Xianan; Li, Jia; Wu, Xiaoyi; Huang, Luqi; Gao, Wei

    2017-09-01

    Sterol C24-methyltransferase (SMT) plays multiple important roles in plant growth and development. SMT1, which belongs to the family of transferases and transforms cycloartenol into 24-methylene cycloartenol, is involved in the biosynthesis of 24-methyl sterols. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a sterol C24-methyltransferase from Tripterygium wilfordii ( TwSMT1 ). TwSMT1 (GenBank access number KU885950) is a 1530 bp cDNA with a 1041 bp open reading frame predicted to encode a 346-amino acid, 38.62 kDa protein. The polypeptide encoded by the SMT1 cDNA was expressed and purified as a recombinant protein from Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and showed SMT activity. The expression of TwSMT1 was highly up-regulated in T. wilfordii cell suspension cultures treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Tissue expression pattern analysis showed higher expression in the phellem layer compared to the other four organs (leaf, stem, xylem and phloem), which is about ten times that of the lowest expression in leaf. The results are meaningful for the study of sterol biosynthesis of T. wilfordii and will further lay the foundations for the research in regulating both the content of other main compounds and growth and development of T. wilfordii.

  17. [Designing of a candidate edible vaccine against hepatitis B and HIV on the basis of a transgenic tomato].

    PubMed

    Shchelkunov, S N; Saliaev, R K; Ryzhova, T S; Pozdniakov, S G; Nesterov, A E; Rekoslavskaia, N I; Sumtsova, V M; Pakova, N V; Mishutina, U O; Kopytina, T V; Hammond, R V

    2004-01-01

    The synthetic chimeric gene TBI-HBS encoding the synthesis of immunogenic ENV and GAC epitopes of HIV-1 (immunogenes of T- and B-lymphocytes) and of the surface protein (HBsAg) of the hepatitis B virus was introduced into tomato plants var. Ventura by agrobacterial vector pBIN35TBI-HBS; transgenic tomato plants with the integrated gene TBI-HBS were generated. The integration of the TBI-HBS target gene was confirmed by PCR. The synthesis of antigenic proteins of TBI and HBsAg in fruits of transgenic tomato plants was displayed by immunoassay. The fruits of transgenic tomato plants were fed to experimental mice with a 1-week interval. On days 14 and 28, there was discovered a sufficiently high content of antibodies to the antigenic proteins of HBV and HIV-1 in serum of experimental animals. Antibodies were found in feces of experimental mice; no antibodies were found in the control group of mice. Hence, it was established that the TBI (HIV-1) and HBsAg (HBV) antigens were synthesized in transgenic tomato fruits due to the integrated construction of pBINNp35TBI-HBS in an amount that was enough to induce the immunogenic response in mice to the oral delivery of edible vaccine.

  18. Cloning and characterization of the nagA gene that encodes beta-n-acetylglucosaminidase from Aspergillus nidulans and its expression in Aspergillus oryzae.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sunhwa; Matsuo, Ichiro; Ajisaka, Katsumi; Nakajima, Harushi; Kitamoto, Katsuhiko

    2002-10-01

    We isolated a beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene and its cDNA from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, and designated it nagA. The nagA gene contained no intron and encoded a polypeptide of 603 amino acids with a putative 19-amino acid signal sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to the sequence of Candida albicans Hex1 and Trichoderma harzianum Nag1. Yeast cells containing the nagA cDNA under the control of the GAL1 promoter expressed beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. The chromosomal nagA gene of A. nidulans was disrupted by replacement with the argB marker gene. The disruptant strains expressed low levels of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity and showed poor growth on a medium containing chitobiose as a carbon source. Aspergillus oryzae strain carrying the nagA gene under the control of the improved glaA promoter produced large amounts of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in a wheat bran solid culture.

  19. Cloning and Expression of cDNA for Rat Heme Oxygenase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shibahara, Shigeki; Muller, Rita; Taguchi, Hayao; Yoshida, Tadashi

    1985-12-01

    Two cDNA clones for rat heme oxygenase have been isolated from a rat spleen cDNA library in λ gt11 by immunological screening using a specific polyclonal antibody. One of these clones has an insert of 1530 nucleotides that contains the entire protein-coding region. To confirm that the isolated cDNA encodes heme oxygenase, we transfected monkey kidney cells (COS-7) with the cDNA carried in a simian virus 40 vector. The heme oxygenase was highly expressed in endoplasmic reticulum of transfected cells. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned cDNA was determined and the primary structure of heme oxygenase was deduced. Heme oxygenase is composed of 289 amino acids and has one hydrophobic segment at its carboxyl terminus, which is probably important for the insertion of heme oxygenase into endoplasmic reticulum. The cloned cDNA was used to analyze the induction of heme oxygenase in rat liver by treatment with CoCl2 or with hemin. RNA blot analysis showed that both CoCl2 and hemin increased the amount of hybridizable mRNA, suggesting that these substances may act at the transcriptional level to increase the amount of heme oxygenase.

  20. Human Hrs, a tyrosine kinase substrate in growth factor-stimulated cells: cDNA cloning and mapping of the gene to chromosome 17.

    PubMed

    Lu, L; Komada, M; Kitamura, N

    1998-06-15

    Hrs is a 115kDa zinc finger protein which is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated in cells stimulated with various growth factors. We previously purified the protein from a mouse cell line and cloned its cDNA. In the present study, we cloned a human Hrs cDNA from a human placenta cDNA library by cross-hybridization, using the mouse cDNA as a probe, and determined its nucleotide sequence. The human Hrs cDNA encoded a 777-amino-acid protein whose sequence was 93% identical to that of mouse Hrs. Northern blot analysis showed that the Hrs mRNA was about 3.0kb long and was expressed in all the human adult and fetal tissues tested. In addition, we showed by genomic Southern blot analysis that the human Hrs gene was a single-copy gene with a size of about 20kb. Furthermore, the human Hrs gene was mapped to chromosome 17 by Southern blotting of genomic DNAs from human/rodent somatic cell hybrids. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Cloning and characterization of transferrin cDNA and rapid detection of transferrin gene polymorphism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

    PubMed

    Tange, N; Jong-Young, L; Mikawa, N; Hirono, I; Aoki, T

    1997-12-01

    A cDNA clone of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) transferrin was obtained from a liver cDNA library. The 2537-bp cDNA sequence contained an open reading frame encoding 691 amino acids and the 5' and 3' noncoding regions. The amino acid sequences at the iron-binding sites and the two N-linked glycosylation sites, and the cysteine residues were consistent with known, conserved vertebrate transferrin cDNA sequences. Single N-linked glycosylation sites existed on the N- and C-lobe. The deduced amino acid sequence of the rainbow trout transferrin cDNA had 92.9% identities with transferrin of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch); 85%, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar); 67.3%, medaka (Oryzias latipes); 61.3% Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua); and 59.7%, Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The long and accurate polymerase chain reaction (LA-PCR) was used to amplify approximately 6.5 kb of the transferrin gene from rainbow trout genomic DNA. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of the LA-PCR products revealed three digestion patterns in 22 samples.

  2. A DEMETER-like DNA demethylase governs tomato fruit ripening.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ruie; How-Kit, Alexandre; Stammitti, Linda; Teyssier, Emeline; Rolin, Dominique; Mortain-Bertrand, Anne; Halle, Stefanie; Liu, Mingchun; Kong, Junhua; Wu, Chaoqun; Degraeve-Guibault, Charlotte; Chapman, Natalie H; Maucourt, Mickael; Hodgman, T Charlie; Tost, Jörg; Bouzayen, Mondher; Hong, Yiguo; Seymour, Graham B; Giovannoni, James J; Gallusci, Philippe

    2015-08-25

    In plants, genomic DNA methylation which contributes to development and stress responses can be actively removed by DEMETER-like DNA demethylases (DMLs). Indeed, in Arabidopsis DMLs are important for maternal imprinting and endosperm demethylation, but only a few studies demonstrate the developmental roles of active DNA demethylation conclusively in this plant. Here, we show a direct cause and effect relationship between active DNA demethylation mainly mediated by the tomato DML, SlDML2, and fruit ripening- an important developmental process unique to plants. RNAi SlDML2 knockdown results in ripening inhibition via hypermethylation and repression of the expression of genes encoding ripening transcription factors and rate-limiting enzymes of key biochemical processes such as carotenoid synthesis. Our data demonstrate that active DNA demethylation is central to the control of ripening in tomato.

  3. Visualization and tracking of tumour extracellular vesicle delivery and RNA translation using multiplexed reporters

    PubMed Central

    Lai, Charles P.; Kim, Edward Y.; Badr, Christian E.; Weissleder, Ralph; Mempel, Thorsten R.; Tannous, Bakhos A.; Breakefield, Xandra O.

    2015-01-01

    Accurate spatiotemporal assessment of extracellular vesicle (EV) delivery and cargo RNA translation requires specific and robust live-cell imaging technologies. Here we engineer optical reporters to label multiple EV populations for visualization and tracking of tumour EV release, uptake and exchange between cell populations both in culture and in vivo. Enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and tandem dimer Tomato (tdTomato) were fused at NH2-termini with a palmitoylation signal (PalmGFP, PalmtdTomato) for EV membrane labelling. To monitor EV-RNA cargo, transcripts encoding PalmtdTomato were tagged with MS2 RNA binding sequences and detected by co-expression of bacteriophage MS2 coat protein fused with EGFP. By multiplexing fluorescent and bioluminescent EV membrane reporters, we reveal the rapid dynamics of both EV uptake and translation of EV-delivered cargo mRNAs in cancer cells that occurred within 1-hour post-horizontal transfer between cells. These studies confirm that EV-mediated communication is dynamic and multidirectional between cells with delivery of functional mRNA. PMID:25967391

  4. ChtVis-Tomato, a genetic reporter for in vivo visualization of chitin deposition in Drosophila

    PubMed Central

    Sobala, Lukasz F.; Wang, Ying; Adler, Paul N.

    2015-01-01

    Chitin is a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine that is abundant and widely found in the biological world. It is an important constituent of the cuticular exoskeleton that plays a key role in the insect life cycle. To date, the study of chitin deposition during cuticle formation has been limited by the lack of a method to detect it in living organisms. To overcome this limitation, we have developed ChtVis-Tomato, an in vivo reporter for chitin in Drosophila. ChtVis-Tomato encodes a fusion protein that contains an apical secretion signal, a chitin-binding domain (CBD), a fluorescent protein and a cleavage site to release it from the plasma membrane. The chitin reporter allowed us to study chitin deposition in time lapse experiments and by using it we have identified unexpected deposits of chitin fibers in Drosophila pupae. ChtVis-Tomato should facilitate future studies on chitin in Drosophila and other insects. PMID:26395478

  5. The bglA Gene of Aspergillus kawachii Encodes Both Extracellular and Cell Wall-Bound β-Glucosidases

    PubMed Central

    Iwashita, Kazuhiro; Nagahara, Tatsuya; Kimura, Hitoshi; Takano, Makoto; Shimoi, Hitoshi; Ito, Kiyoshi

    1999-01-01

    We cloned the genomic DNA and cDNA of bglA, which encodes β-glucosidase in Aspergillus kawachii, based on a partial amino acid sequence of purified cell wall-bound β-glucosidase CB-1. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned bglA gene revealed a 2,933-bp open reading frame with six introns that encodes an 860-amino-acid protein. Based on the deduced amino acid sequence, we concluded that the bglA gene encodes cell wall-bound β-glucosidase CB-1. The amino acid sequence exhibited high levels of homology with the amino acid sequences of fungal β-glucosidases classified in subfamily B. We expressed the bglA cDNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and detected the recombinant β-glucosidase in the periplasm fraction of the recombinant yeast. A. kawachii can produce two extracellular β-glucosidases (EX-1 and EX-2) in addition to the cell wall-bound β-glucosidase. A. kawachii in which the bglA gene was disrupted produced none of the three β-glucosidases, as determined by enzyme assays and a Western blot analysis. Thus, we concluded that the bglA gene encodes both extracellular and cell wall-bound β-glucosidases in A. kawachii. PMID:10584016

  6. Cloning and expression of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 1 from Rhizopus oryzae.

    PubMed

    Ozer Uyar, Ebru; Yücel, Meral; Hamamcı, Haluk

    2016-05-01

    Trehalose is a reducing disaccharide acting as a protectant against environmental stresses in many organisms. In fungi, Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 1 (TPS1) plays a key role in the biosynthesis of trehalose. In this study, a full-length cDNA from Rhizopus oryzae encoding TPS1 (designated as RoTPS1) was isolated. The RoTPS1 cDNA is composed of 2505 nucleotides and encodes a protein of 834 amino acids with a molecular mass of 97.8 kDa. The amino acid sequence of RoTPS1 has a relatively high homology with the TPS1s in several other filamentous fungi. RoTPS1 was cloned into Saccharomyces cerevisiae and secretively expressed. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. Formation of functional asialoglycoprotein receptor after transfection with cDNAs encoding the receptor proteins.

    PubMed Central

    McPhaul, M; Berg, P

    1986-01-01

    The rat asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) has been expressed in cultured rat hepatoma cells (HTC cells) after transfection with cloned cDNAs. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of transfected cells was used to identify the functional cDNA clones and to isolate cells expressing the ASGP-R. Simultaneous or sequential transfections with two cloned cDNAs that encode related but distinctive polypeptide chains were needed to obtain ASGP-R activity; transfection with either cDNA alone failed to produce detectable ASGP-R. The affinity of transduced ASGP-R for asialo orosomucoid is less than that of the native rat ASGP-R, and the number of surface receptors in clones expressing ASGP-R is about one-fifth that found on rat hepatocytes. Images PMID:3466162

  8. A new eIF4E1 allele characterized by RNAseq data mining is associated with resistance to potato virus Y in tomato albeit with a low durability.

    PubMed

    Lebaron, Caroline; Rosado, Aurélie; Sauvage, Christopher; Gauffier, Camille; German-Retana, Sylvie; Moury, Benoît; Gallois, Jean-Luc

    2016-11-01

    Allele mining on susceptibility factors offers opportunities to find new sources of resistance among crop wild relatives for breeding purposes. As a proof of concept, we used available RNAseq data to investigate polymorphisms among the four tomato genes encoding translation initiation factors [eIF4E1 and eIF4E2, eIFiso4E and the related gene new cap-binding protein(nCBP)] to look for new potential resistance alleles to potyviruses. By analysing polymorphism among RNAseq data obtained for 20 tomato accessions, 10 belonging to the cultivated type Solanum lycopersicum and 10 belonging to the closest related wild species Solanum pimpinellifolium, we isolated one new eIF4E1 allele, in the S. pimpinellifolium LA0411 accession, which encodes a potential new resistance allele, mainly due to a polymorphism associated with an amino acid change within eIF4E1 region II. We confirmed that this new allele, pot12, is indeed associated with resistance to potato virus Y, although with a restricted resistance spectrum and a very low durability potential. This suggests that mutations occurring in eIF4E region II only may not be sufficient to provide efficient and durable resistance in plants. However, our study emphasizes the opportunity brought by RNAseq data to mine for new resistance alleles. Moreover, this approach could be extended to seek for putative new resistance alleles by screening for variant forms of susceptibility genes encoding plant host proteins known to interact with viral proteins.

  9. Isolation, molecular cloning and expression of cellobiohydrolase B (CbhB) from Aspergillus niger in Escherichia coli

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Woon, J. S. K., E-mail: jameswoon@siswa.ukm.edu.my; Murad, A. M. A., E-mail: munir@ukm.edu.my; Abu Bakar, F. D., E-mail: fabyff@ukm.edu.my

    A cellobiohydrolase B (CbhB) from Aspergillus niger ATCC 10574 was cloned and expressed in E. coli. CbhB has an open reading frame of 1611 bp encoding a putative polypeptide of 536 amino acids. Analysis of the encoded polypeptide predicted a molecular mass of 56.2 kDa, a cellulose binding module (CBM) and a catalytic module. In order to obtain the mRNA of cbhB, total RNA was extracted from A. niger cells induced by 1% Avicel. First strand cDNA was synthesized from total RNA via reverse transcription. The full length cDNA of cbhB was amplified by PCR and cloned into the cloning vector, pGEM-Tmore » Easy. A comparison between genomic DNA and cDNA sequences of cbhB revealed that the gene is intronless. Upon the removal of the signal peptide, the cDNA of cbhB was cloned into the expression vector pET-32b. However, the recombinant CbhB was expressed in Escherichia coli Origami DE3 as an insoluble protein. A homology model of CbhB predicted the presence of nine disulfide bonds in the protein structure which may have contributed to the improper folding of the protein and thus, resulting in inclusion bodies in E. coli.« less

  10. Purification of a jojoba embryo wax synthase, cloning of its cDNA, and production of high levels of wax in seeds of transgenic arabidopsis.

    PubMed

    Lardizabal, K D; Metz, J G; Sakamoto, T; Hutton, W C; Pollard, M R; Lassner, M W

    2000-03-01

    Wax synthase (WS, fatty acyl-coenzyme A [coA]: fatty alcohol acyltransferase) catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of linear esters (waxes) that accumulate in seeds of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). We have characterized and partially purified this enzyme from developing jojoba embryos. A protein whose presence correlated with WS activity during chromatographic fractionation was identified and a cDNA encoding that protein was cloned. Seed-specific expression of the cDNA in transgenic Arabidopsis conferred high levels of WS activity on developing embryos from those plants. The WS sequence has significant homology with several Arabidopsis open reading frames of unknown function. Wax production in jojoba requires, in addition to WS, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) and an efficient fatty acid elongase system that forms the substrates preferred by the FAR. We have expressed the jojoba WS cDNA in Arabidopsis in combination with cDNAs encoding the jojoba FAR and a beta-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (a component of fatty acid elongase) from Lunaria annua. (13)C-Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of pooled whole seeds from transgenic plants indicated that as many as 49% of the oil molecules in the seeds were waxes. Gas chromatography analysis of transmethylated oil from individual seeds suggested that wax levels may represent up to 70% (by weight) of the oil present in those seeds.

  11. Isolation and characterization of full-length cDNA clones coding for cholinesterase from fetal human tissues

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Prody, C.A.; Zevin-Sonkin, D.; Gnatt, A.

    1987-06-01

    To study the primary structure and regulation of human cholinesterases, oligodeoxynucleotide probes were prepared according to a consensus peptide sequence present in the active site of both human serum pseudocholinesterase and Torpedo electric organ true acetylcholinesterase. Using these probes, the authors isolated several cDNA clones from lambdagt10 libraries of fetal brain and liver origins. These include 2.4-kilobase cDNA clones that code for a polypeptide containing a putative signal peptide and the N-terminal, active site, and C-terminal peptides of human BtChoEase, suggesting that they code either for BtChoEase itself or for a very similar but distinct fetal form of cholinesterase. Inmore » RNA blots of poly(A)/sup +/ RNA from the cholinesterase-producing fetal brain and liver, these cDNAs hybridized with a single 2.5-kilobase band. Blot hybridization to human genomic DNA revealed that these fetal BtChoEase cDNA clones hybridize with DNA fragments of the total length of 17.5 kilobases, and signal intensities indicated that these sequences are not present in many copies. Both the cDNA-encoded protein and its nucleotide sequence display striking homology to parallel sequences published for Torpedo AcChoEase. These finding demonstrate extensive homologies between the fetal BtChoEase encoded by these clones and other cholinesterases of various forms and species.« less

  12. Molecular cloning and expression of rat liver bile acid CoA ligase.

    PubMed

    Falany, Charles N; Xie, Xiaowei; Wheeler, James B; Wang, Jin; Smith, Michelle; He, Dongning; Barnes, Stephen

    2002-12-01

    Bile acid CoA ligase (BAL) is responsible for catalyzing the first step in the conjugation of bile acids with amino acids. Sequencing of putative rat liver BAL cDNAs identified a cDNA (rBAL-1) possessing a 51 nucleotide 5'-untranslated region, an open reading frame of 2,070 bases encoding a 690 aa protein with a molecular mass of 75,960 Da, and a 138 nucleotide 3'-nontranslated region followed by a poly(A) tail. Identity of the cDNA was established by: 1) the rBAL-1 open reading frame encoded peptides obtained by chemical sequencing of the purified rBAL protein; 2) expressed rBAL-1 protein comigrated with purified rBAL during SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; and 3) rBAL-1 expressed in insect Sf9 cells had enzymatic properties that were comparable to the enzyme isolated from rat liver. Evidence for a relationship between fatty acid and bile acid metabolism is suggested by specific inhibition of rBAL-1 by cis-unsaturated fatty acids and its high homology to a human very long chain fatty acid CoA ligase. In summary, these results indicate that the cDNA for rat liver BAL has been isolated and expression of the rBAL cDNA in insect Sf9 cells results in a catalytically active enzyme capable of utilizing several different bile acids as substrates.

  13. Network Inference Analysis Identifies an APRR2-Like Gene Linked to Pigment Accumulation in Tomato and Pepper Fruits1[W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Yu; Bradley, Glyn; Pyke, Kevin; Ball, Graham; Lu, Chungui; Fray, Rupert; Marshall, Alexandra; Jayasuta, Subhalai; Baxter, Charles; van Wijk, Rik; Boyden, Laurie; Cade, Rebecca; Chapman, Natalie H.; Fraser, Paul D.; Hodgman, Charlie; Seymour, Graham B.

    2013-01-01

    Carotenoids represent some of the most important secondary metabolites in the human diet, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a rich source of these health-promoting compounds. In this work, a novel and fruit-related regulator of pigment accumulation in tomato has been identified by artificial neural network inference analysis and its function validated in transgenic plants. A tomato fruit gene regulatory network was generated using artificial neural network inference analysis and transcription factor gene expression profiles derived from fruits sampled at various points during development and ripening. One of the transcription factor gene expression profiles with a sequence related to an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ARABIDOPSIS PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR2-LIKE gene (APRR2-Like) was up-regulated at the breaker stage in wild-type tomato fruits and, when overexpressed in transgenic lines, increased plastid number, area, and pigment content, enhancing the levels of chlorophyll in immature unripe fruits and carotenoids in red ripe fruits. Analysis of the transcriptome of transgenic lines overexpressing the tomato APPR2-Like gene revealed up-regulation of several ripening-related genes in the overexpression lines, providing a link between the expression of this tomato gene and the ripening process. A putative ortholog of the tomato APPR2-Like gene in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) was associated with pigment accumulation in fruit tissues. We conclude that the function of this gene is conserved across taxa and that it encodes a protein that has an important role in ripening. PMID:23292788

  14. Isolation and functional expression of human COQ2, a gene encoding a polyprenyl transferase involved in the synthesis of CoQ.

    PubMed

    Forsgren, Margareta; Attersand, Anneli; Lake, Staffan; Grünler, Jacob; Swiezewska, Ewa; Dallner, Gustav; Climent, Isabel

    2004-09-01

    The COQ2 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a Coq2 (p-hydroxybenzoate:polyprenyl transferase), which is required in the biosynthetic pathway of CoQ (ubiquinone). This enzyme catalyses the prenylation of p-hydroxybenzoate with an all-trans polyprenyl group. We have isolated cDNA which we believe encodes the human homologue of COQ2 from a human muscle and liver cDNA library. The clone contained an open reading frame of length 1263 bp, which encodes a polypeptide that has sequence homology with the Coq2 homologues in yeast, bacteria and mammals. The human COQ2 gene, when expressed in yeast Coq2 null mutant cells, rescued the growth of this yeast strain in the absence of a non-fermentable carbon source and restored CoQ biosynthesis. However, the rate of CoQ biosynthesis in the rescued cells was lower when compared with that in cells rescued with the yeast COQ2 gene. CoQ formed when cells were incubated with labelled decaprenyl pyrophosphate and nonaprenyl pyrophosphate, showing that the human enzyme is active and that it participates in the biosynthesis of CoQ.

  15. Characterization of Urtica dioica agglutinin isolectins and the encoding gene family.

    PubMed

    Does, M P; Ng, D K; Dekker, H L; Peumans, W J; Houterman, P M; Van Damme, E J; Cornelissen, B J

    1999-01-01

    Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) has previously been found in roots and rhizomes of stinging nettles as a mixture of UDA-isolectins. Protein and cDNA sequencing have shown that mature UDA is composed of two hevein domains and is processed from a precursor protein. The precursor contains a signal peptide, two in-tandem hevein domains, a hinge region and a carboxyl-terminal chitinase domain. Genomic fragments encoding precursors for UDA-isolectins have been amplified by five independent polymerase chain reactions on genomic DNA from stinging nettle ecotype Weerselo. One amplified gene was completely sequenced. As compared to the published cDNA sequence, the genomic sequence contains, besides two basepair substitutions, two introns located at the same positions as in other plant chitinases. By partial sequence analysis of 40 amplified genes, 16 different genes were identified which encode seven putative UDA-isolectins. The deduced amino acid sequences share 78.9-98.9% identity. In extracts of roots and rhizomes of stinging nettle ecotype Weerselo six out of these seven isolectins were detected by mass spectrometry. One of them is an acidic form, which has not been identified before. Our results demonstrate that UDA is encoded by a large gene family.

  16. NON-SMOKY GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASE1 Prevents the Release of Smoky Aroma from Tomato Fruit[W][OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Tikunov, Yury M.; Molthoff, Jos; de Vos, Ric C.H.; Beekwilder, Jules; van Houwelingen, Adele; van der Hooft, Justin J.J.; Nijenhuis-de Vries, Mariska; Labrie, Caroline W.; Verkerke, Wouter; van de Geest, Henri; Viquez Zamora, Marcela; Presa, Silvia; Rambla, Jose Luis; Granell, Antonio; Hall, Robert D.; Bovy, Arnaud G.

    2013-01-01

    Phenylpropanoid volatiles are responsible for the key tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) aroma attribute termed “smoky.” Release of these volatiles from their glycosylated precursors, rather than their biosynthesis, is the major determinant of smoky aroma in cultivated tomato. Using a combinatorial omics approach, we identified the NON-SMOKY GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASE1 (NSGT1) gene. Expression of NSGT1 is induced during fruit ripening, and the encoded enzyme converts the cleavable diglycosides of the smoky-related phenylpropanoid volatiles into noncleavable triglycosides, thereby preventing their deglycosylation and release from tomato fruit upon tissue disruption. In an nsgt1/nsgt1 background, further glycosylation of phenylpropanoid volatile diglycosides does not occur, thereby enabling their cleavage and the release of corresponding volatiles. Using reverse genetics approaches, the NSGT1-mediated glycosylation was shown to be the molecular mechanism underlying the major quantitative trait locus for smoky aroma. Sensory trials with transgenic fruits, in which the inactive nsgt1 was complemented with the functional NSGT1, showed a significant and perceivable reduction in smoky aroma. NSGT1 may be used in a precision breeding strategy toward development of tomato fruits with distinct flavor phenotypes. PMID:23956261

  17. Tomato fruit and seed colonization by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis through external and internal routes.

    PubMed

    Tancos, Matthew A; Chalupowicz, Laura; Barash, Isaac; Manulis-Sasson, Shulamit; Smart, Christine D

    2013-11-01

    The Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, causal agent of bacterial wilt and canker of tomato, is an economically devastating pathogen that inflicts considerable damage throughout all major tomato-producing regions. Annual outbreaks continue to occur in New York, where C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis spreads via infected transplants, trellising stakes, tools, and/or soil. Globally, new outbreaks can be accompanied by the introduction of contaminated seed stock; however, the route of seed infection, especially the role of fruit lesions, remains undefined. In order to investigate the modes of seed infection, New York C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis field strains were stably transformed with a gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). A constitutively eGFP-expressing virulent C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis isolate, GCMM-22, was used to demonstrate that C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis could not only access seeds systemically through the xylem but also externally through tomato fruit lesions, which harbored high intra- and intercellular populations. Active movement and expansion of bacteria into the fruit mesocarp and nearby xylem vessels followed, once the fruits began to ripen. These results highlight the ability of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis to invade tomato fruits and seeds through multiple entry routes.

  18. Tomato Fruit and Seed Colonization by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis through External and Internal Routes

    PubMed Central

    Tancos, Matthew A.; Chalupowicz, Laura; Barash, Isaac; Manulis-Sasson, Shulamit

    2013-01-01

    The Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, causal agent of bacterial wilt and canker of tomato, is an economically devastating pathogen that inflicts considerable damage throughout all major tomato-producing regions. Annual outbreaks continue to occur in New York, where C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis spreads via infected transplants, trellising stakes, tools, and/or soil. Globally, new outbreaks can be accompanied by the introduction of contaminated seed stock; however, the route of seed infection, especially the role of fruit lesions, remains undefined. In order to investigate the modes of seed infection, New York C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis field strains were stably transformed with a gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). A constitutively eGFP-expressing virulent C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis isolate, GCMM-22, was used to demonstrate that C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis could not only access seeds systemically through the xylem but also externally through tomato fruit lesions, which harbored high intra- and intercellular populations. Active movement and expansion of bacteria into the fruit mesocarp and nearby xylem vessels followed, once the fruits began to ripen. These results highlight the ability of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis to invade tomato fruits and seeds through multiple entry routes. PMID:24014525

  19. Water Extract from Spent Mushroom Substrate of Hericium erinaceus Suppresses Bacterial Wilt Disease of Tomato

    PubMed Central

    Kwak, A Min; Min, Kyeong Jin; Lee, Sang Yeop

    2015-01-01

    Culture filtrates of six different edible mushroom species were screened for antimicrobial activity against tomato wilt bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum B3. Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes (Sanjo 701), Grifola frondosa, and Hypsizygus marmoreus showed antibacterial activity against the bacteria. Water, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of H. erinaceus exhibited high antibacterial activity against different phytopathogenic bacteria: Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, R. solanacearum, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, X. campestris pv. campestris, X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria, X. axonopodis pv. citiri, and X. axonopodis pv. glycine. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that water extracts of SMS (WESMS) of H. erinaceus induced expressions of plant defense genes encoding β-1,3-glucanase (GluA) and pathogenesis-related protein-1a (PR-1a), associated with systemic acquired resistance. Furthermore, WESMS also suppressed tomato wilt disease caused by R. solanacearum by 85% in seedlings and promoted growth (height, leaf number, and fresh weight of the root and shoot) of tomato plants. These findings suggest the WESMS of H. erinaceus has the potential to suppress bacterial wilt disease of tomato through multiple effects including antibacterial activity, plant growth promotion, and defense gene induction. PMID:26539048

  20. Microaspiration of esophageal gland cells and cDNA library construction for identifying parasitism genes of plant-parasitic nematodes.

    PubMed

    Hussey, Richard S; Huang, Guozhong; Allen, Rex

    2011-01-01

    Identifying parasitism genes encoding proteins secreted from a plant-parasitic nematode's esophageal gland cells and injected through its stylet into plant tissue is the key to understanding the molecular basis of nematode parasitism of plants. Parasitism genes have been cloned by directly microaspirating the cytoplasm from the esophageal gland cells of different parasitic stages of cyst or root-knot nematodes to provide mRNA to create a gland cell-specific cDNA library by long-distance reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. cDNA clones are sequenced and deduced protein sequences with a signal peptide for secretion are identified for high-throughput in situ hybridization to confirm gland-specific expression.

  1. Structure and chromosomal localization of the human PD-1 gene (PDCD1)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shinohara, T.; Ishida, Y.; Kawaichi, M.

    1994-10-01

    A cDNA encoding mouse PD-1, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, was previously isolated from apoptosis-induced cells by subtractive hybridization. To determine the structure and chromosomal location of the human PD-1 gene, we screened a human T cell cDNA library by mouse PD-1 probe and isolated a cDNA coding for the human PD-1 protein. The deduced amino acid sequence of human PD-1 was 60% identical to the mouse counterpart, and a putative tyrosine kinase-association motif was well conserved. The human PD-1 gene was mapped to 2q37.3 by chromosomal in situ hybridization. 7 refs., 3 figs.

  2. Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the UGlcAE Gene Family in Tomato.

    PubMed

    Ding, Xing; Li, Jinhua; Pan, Yu; Zhang, Yue; Ni, Lei; Wang, Yaling; Zhang, Xingguo

    2018-05-27

    The UGlcAE has the capability of interconverting UDP-d-galacturonic acid and UDP-d-glucuronic acid, and UDP-d-galacturonic acid is an activated precursor for the synthesis of pectins in plants. In this study, we identified nine UGlcAE protein-encoding genes in tomato. The nine UGlcAE genes that were distributed on eight chromosomes in tomato, and the corresponding proteins contained one or two trans-membrane domains. The phylogenetic analysis showed that SlUGlcAE genes could be divided into seven groups, designated UGlcAE1 to UGlcAE6 , of which the UGlcAE2 were classified into two groups. Expression profile analysis revealed that the SlUGlcAE genes display diverse expression patterns in various tomato tissues. Selective pressure analysis indicated that all of the amino acid sites of SlUGlcAE proteins are undergoing purifying selection. Fifteen stress-, hormone-, and development-related elements were identified in the upstream regions (0.5 kb) of these SlUGlcAE genes. Furthermore, we investigated the expression patterns of SlUGlcAE genes in response to three hormones (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), and salicylic acid (SA)). We detected firmness, pectin contents, and expression levels of UGlcAE family genes during the development of tomato fruit. Here, we systematically summarize the general characteristics of the SlUGlcAE genes in tomato, which could provide a basis for further function studies of tomato UGlcAE genes.

  3. The roles of call wall invertase inhibitor in regulating chilling tolerance in tomato.

    PubMed

    Xu, Xiao-Xia; Hu, Qin; Yang, Wan-Nian; Jin, Ye

    2017-11-09

    Hexoses are important metabolic signals that respond to abiotic and biotic stresses. Cold stress adversely affects plant growth and development, limiting productivity. The mechanism by which sugars regulate plant cold tolerance remains elusive. We examined the function of INVINH1, a cell wall invertase inhibitor, in tomato chilling tolerance. Cold stress suppressed the transcription of INVINH1 and increased that of cell wall invertase genes, Lin6 and Lin8 in tomato seedlings. Silencing INVINH1 expression in tomato increased cell wall invertase activity and enhanced chilling tolerance. Conversely, transgenic tomatoes over-expressing INVINH1 showed reduced cell wall invertase activity and were more sensitive to cold stress. Chilling stress increased glucose and fructose levels, and the hexoses content increased or decreased by silencing or overexpression INVINH1. Glucose applied in vitro masked the differences in chilling tolerance of tomato caused by the different expressions of INVINH1. The repression of INVINH1 or glucose applied in vitro regulated the expression of C-repeat binding factors (CBFs) genes. Transcript levels of NCED1, which encodes 9-cisepoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid, were suppressed by INVINH1 after exposure to chilling stress. Meanwhile, application of ABA protected plant from chilling damage caused by the different expression of INVINH1. In tomato, INVINH1 plays an important role in chilling tolerance by adjusting the content of glucose and expression of CBFs.

  4. Molecular analysis of two cDNA clones encoding acidic class I chitinase in maize.

    PubMed Central

    Wu, S; Kriz, A L; Widholm, J M

    1994-01-01

    The cloning and analysis of two different cDNA clones encoding putative maize (Zea mays L.) chitinases obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cDNA library screening is described. The cDNA library was made from poly(A)+ RNA from leaves challenged with mercuric chloride for 2 d. The two clones, pCh2 and pCh11, appear to encode class I chitinase isoforms with cysteine-rich domains (not found in pCh11 due to the incomplete sequence) and proline-/glycine-rich or proline-rich hinge domains, respectively. The pCh11 clone resembles a previously reported maize seed chitinase; however, the deduced proteins were found to have acidic isoelectric points. Analysis of all monocot chitinase sequences available to date shows that not all class I chitinases possess the basic isoelectric points usually found in dicotyledonous plants and that monocot class II chitinases do not necessarily exhibit acidic isoelectric points. Based on sequence analysis, the pCh2 protein is apparently synthesized as a precursor polypeptide with a signal peptide. Although these two clones belong to class I chitinases, they share only about 70% amino acid homology in the catalytic domain region. Southern blot analysis showed that pCh2 may be encoded by a small gene family, whereas pCh11 was single copy. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that these genes are differentially regulated by mercuric chloride treatment. Mercuric chloride treatment caused rapid induction of pCh2 from 6 to 48 h, whereas pCh11 responded only slightly to the same treatment. During seed germination, embryos constitutively expressed both chitinase genes and the phytohormone abscisic acid had no effect on the expression. The fungus Aspergillus flavus was able to induce both genes to comparable levels in aleurone layers and embryos but not in endosperm tissue. Maize callus growth on the same plate with A. flavus for 1 week showed induction of the transcripts corresponding to pCh2 but not to pCh11. These studies indicate that the different chitinase isoforms in maize might have different functions in the plant, since they show differential expression patterns under different conditions. PMID:7972490

  5. ZmGns, a maize class I β-1,3-glucanase, is induced by biotic stresses and possesses strong antimicrobial activity.

    PubMed

    Xie, Yu-Rong; Raruang, Yenjit; Chen, Zhi-Yuan; Brown, Robert L; Cleveland, Thomas E

    2015-03-01

    Plant β-1,3-glucanases are members of the pathogenesis-related protein 2 (PR-2) family, which is one of the 17 PR protein families and plays important roles in biotic and abiotic stress responses. One of the differentially expressed proteins (spot 842) identified in a recent proteomic comparison between five pairs of closely related maize (Zea mays L.) lines differing in aflatoxin resistance was further investigated in the present study. Here, the corresponding cDNA was cloned from maize and designated as ZmGns. ZmGns encodes a protein of 338 amino acids containing a potential signal peptide. The expression of ZmGns was detectible in all tissues studied with the highest level in silks. ZmGns was significantly induced by biotic stresses including three bacteria and the fungus Aspergillus flavus. ZmGns was also induced by most abiotic stresses tested and growth hormones including salicylic acid. In vivo, ZmGns showed a significant inhibitory activity against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea when it overexpressed in Arabidopsis. Its high level of expression in the silk tissue and its induced expression by phytohormone treatment, as well as by bacterial and fungal infections, suggest it plays a complex role in maize growth, development, and defense. © 2014 Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

  6. In planta expression of HIV-1 p24 protein using an RNA plant virus-based expression vector.

    PubMed

    Zhang, G; Leung, C; Murdin, L; Rovinski, B; White, K A

    2000-02-01

    Plant viruses show significant potential as expression vectors for the production of foreign proteins (e.g., antigens) in plants. The HIV-1 p24 nucleocapsid protein is an important early marker of HIV infection and has been used as an antigen in the development of HIV vaccines. Toward developing a plant-based expression system for the production of p24, we have investigated the use of a (positive)-strand RNA plant virus, tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV), as an expression vector. The HIV p24 open reading frame (ORF) was introduced into a cloned cDNA copy of the TBSV genome as an in-frame fusion with a 5'-terminal portion of the TBSV coat protein ORF. In vitro-generated RNA transcripts corresponding to the engineered virus vector were infectious when inoculated into plant protoplasts; Northern and Western blot analyses verified the accumulation of a predicted p24-encoding viral subgenomic mRNA and the production of p24 fusion product. Whole-plant infections with the viral vector led to the accumulation of p24 fusion protein in inoculated leaves, which cross-reacted with p24-specific antibodies, thus confirming the maintenance of key antigenic determinants. This study is the first to demonstrate that TBSV can be engineered to express a complete foreign protein of clinical importance. Strategies for optimizing protein yield from this viral vector are discussed.

  7. LeCTR1, a Tomato CTR1-Like Gene, Demonstrates Ethylene Signaling Ability in Arabidopsis and Novel Expression Patterns in Tomato1

    PubMed Central

    Leclercq, Julie; Adams-Phillips, Lori C.; Zegzouti, Hicham; Jones, Brian; Latché, Alain; Giovannoni, James J.; Pech, Jean-Claude; Bouzayen, Mondher

    2002-01-01

    LeCTR1 was initially isolated by both differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction screening for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit ethylene-inducible genes and through homology with the Arabidopsis CTR1 cDNA. LeCTR1 shares strong nucleotide sequence homology with Arabidopsis CTR1, a gene acting downstream of the ethylene receptor and showing similarity to the Raf family of serine/threonine protein kinases. The length of the LeCTR1 transcribed region from ATG to stop codon (12,000 bp) is more than twice that of Arabidopsis CTR1 (4,700 bp). Structural analysis reveals perfect conservation of both the number and position of introns and exons in LeCTR1 and Arabidopsis CTR1. The introns in LeCTR1 are much longer, however. To address whether this structural conservation is indicative of functional conservation of the corresponding proteins, we expressed LeCTR1 in the Arabidopsis ctr1-1 (constitutive triple response 1) mutant under the direction of the 35S promoter. Our data clearly show that ectopic expression of LeCTR1 in the Arabidopsis ctr1-1 mutant can restore normal ethylene signaling. The recovery of normal ethylene sensitivity upon heterologous expression of LeCTR1 was also confirmed by restored glucose sensitivity absent in the Arabidopsis ctr1-1 mutant. Expression studies confirm ethylene responsiveness of LeCTR1 in various tissues, including ripening fruit, and may suggest the evolution of alternate regulatory mechanisms in tomato versus Arabidopsis. PMID:12427980

  8. Genome-wide analysis of intraspecific DNA polymorphism in 'Micro-Tom', a model cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Masaaki; Nagasaki, Hideki; Garcia, Virginie; Just, Daniel; Bres, Cécile; Mauxion, Jean-Philippe; Le Paslier, Marie-Christine; Brunel, Dominique; Suda, Kunihiro; Minakuchi, Yohei; Toyoda, Atsushi; Fujiyama, Asao; Toyoshima, Hiromi; Suzuki, Takayuki; Igarashi, Kaori; Rothan, Christophe; Kaminuma, Eli; Nakamura, Yasukazu; Yano, Kentaro; Aoki, Koh

    2014-02-01

    Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is regarded as a model plant of the Solanaceae family. The genome sequencing of the tomato cultivar 'Heinz 1706' was recently completed. To accelerate the progress of tomato genomics studies, systematic bioresources, such as mutagenized lines and full-length cDNA libraries, have been established for the cultivar 'Micro-Tom'. However, these resources cannot be utilized to their full potential without the completion of the genome sequencing of 'Micro-Tom'. We undertook the genome sequencing of 'Micro-Tom' and here report the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletions (indels) between 'Micro-Tom' and 'Heinz 1706'. The analysis demonstrated the presence of 1.23 million SNPs and 0.19 million indels between the two cultivars. The density of SNPs and indels was high in chromosomes 2, 5 and 11, but was low in chromosomes 6, 8 and 10. Three known mutations of 'Micro-Tom' were localized on chromosomal regions where the density of SNPs and indels was low, which was consistent with the fact that these mutations were relatively new and introgressed into 'Micro-Tom' during the breeding of this cultivar. We also report SNP analysis for two 'Micro-Tom' varieties that have been maintained independently in Japan and France, both of which have served as standard lines for 'Micro-Tom' mutant collections. Approximately 28,000 SNPs were identified between these two 'Micro-Tom' lines. These results provide high-resolution DNA polymorphic information on 'Micro-Tom' and represent a valuable contribution to the 'Micro-Tom'-based genomics resources.

  9. Recognitional specificity and evolution in the tomato-Cladosporium fulvum pathosystem.

    PubMed

    Wulff, B B H; Chakrabarti, A; Jones, D A

    2009-10-01

    The interactions between plants and many biotrophic or hemibiotrophic pathogens are controlled by receptor proteins in the host and effector proteins delivered by the pathogen. Pathogen effectors facilitate pathogen growth through the suppression of host defenses and the manipulation of host metabolism, but recognition of a pathogen-effector protein by a host receptor enables the host to activate a suite of defense mechanisms that limit pathogen growth. In the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum syn. Solanum lycopersicum)-Cladosporium fulvum (leaf mold fungus syn. Passalora fulva) pathosystem, the host receptors are plasma membrane-anchored, leucine-rich repeat, receptor-like proteins encoded by an array of Cf genes conferring resistance to C. fulvum. The pathogen effectors are mostly small, secreted, cysteine-rich, but otherwise largely dissimilar, extracellular proteins encoded by an array of avirulence (Avr) genes, so called because of their ability to trigger resistance and limit pathogen growth when the corresponding Cf gene is present in tomato. A number of Cf and Avr genes have been isolated, and details of the complex molecular interplay between tomato Cf proteins and C. fulvum effector proteins are beginning to emerge. Each effector appears to have a different role; probably most bind or modify different host proteins, but at least one has a passive role masking the pathogen. It is, therefore, not surprising that each effector is probably detected in a distinct and specific manner, some by direct binding, others as complexes with host proteins, and others via their modification of host proteins. The two papers accompanying this review contribute further to our understanding of the molecular specificity underlying effector perception by Cf proteins. This review, therefore, focuses on our current understanding of recognitional specificity in the tomato-C. fulvum pathosystem and highlights some of the critical questions that remain to be addressed. It also addresses the evolutionary causes and consequences of this specificity.

  10. Sequences of heavy and light chain variable regions from four bovine immunoglobulins.

    PubMed

    Armour, K L; Tempest, P R; Fawcett, P H; Fernie, M L; King, S I; White, P; Taylor, G; Harris, W J

    1994-12-01

    Oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers based on the 5' ends of bovine IgG1/2 and lambda constant (C) region genes, together with primers encoding conserved amino acids at the N-terminus of mature variable (V) regions from other species, have been used in cDNA and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) to amplify heavy and light chain V region cDNA from bovine heterohybridomas. The amino acid sequences of VH and V lambda from four bovine immunoglobulins of different specificities are presented.

  11. Gene for ataxia-telangiectasia complementation group D (ATDC)

    DOEpatents

    Murnane, John P.; Painter, Robert B.; Kapp, Leon N.; Yu, Loh-Chung

    1995-03-07

    Disclosed herein is a new gene, an AT gene for complementation group D, the ATDC gene and fragments thereof. Nucleic acid probes for said gene are provided as well as proteins encoded by said gene, cDNA therefrom, preferably a 3 kilobase (kb) cDNA, and recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expression of said proteins. Further disclosed are methods to detect mutations in said gene, preferably methods employing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also disclosed are methods to detect AT genes from other AT complementation groups.

  12. Interaction of Mimetic Analogs of Insect Kinin Neuropeptides with Arthropod Receptors

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    stagnalis.20 The amino acid sequence of the B. microplus receptor showed most similarity to the CG10626 Drosophila melanogaster gene product and to the...25 The A. aegypti cDNA encodes a 584 amino acid residue protein of predicted molecular mass of 65.2 kDa. The mosquito kinin receptor cDNA was...charged acid moiety.36,37 Within the core pentapeptide, the aromatic residues Phe1 and Trp4 are the most important for activity whereas a wide range

  13. A DEMETER-like DNA demethylase governs tomato fruit ripening

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Ruie; How-Kit, Alexandre; Stammitti, Linda; Teyssier, Emeline; Rolin, Dominique; Mortain-Bertrand, Anne; Halle, Stefanie; Liu, Mingchun; Kong, Junhua; Wu, Chaoqun; Degraeve-Guibault, Charlotte; Chapman, Natalie H.; Maucourt, Mickael; Hodgman, T. Charlie; Tost, Jörg; Bouzayen, Mondher; Hong, Yiguo; Seymour, Graham B.; Giovannoni, James J.; Gallusci, Philippe

    2015-01-01

    In plants, genomic DNA methylation which contributes to development and stress responses can be actively removed by DEMETER-like DNA demethylases (DMLs). Indeed, in Arabidopsis DMLs are important for maternal imprinting and endosperm demethylation, but only a few studies demonstrate the developmental roles of active DNA demethylation conclusively in this plant. Here, we show a direct cause and effect relationship between active DNA demethylation mainly mediated by the tomato DML, SlDML2, and fruit ripening— an important developmental process unique to plants. RNAi SlDML2 knockdown results in ripening inhibition via hypermethylation and repression of the expression of genes encoding ripening transcription factors and rate-limiting enzymes of key biochemical processes such as carotenoid synthesis. Our data demonstrate that active DNA demethylation is central to the control of ripening in tomato. PMID:26261318

  14. Molecular cloning of Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor of the shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis.

    PubMed

    Kong, Hee Jeong; Cho, Hyun Kook; Park, Eun-Mi; Hong, Gyeong-Eun; Kim, Young-Ok; Nam, Bo-Hye; Kim, Woo-Jin; Lee, Sang-Jun; Han, Hyon Sob; Jang, In-Kwon; Lee, Chang Hoon; Cheong, Jaehun; Choi, Tae-Jin

    2009-01-01

    Proteinase inhibitors play important roles in host defence systems involving blood coagulation and pathogen digestion. We isolated and characterized a cDNA clone for a Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor (KPI) from a hemocyte cDNA library of the oriental white shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis. The KPI gene consists of three exons and two introns. KPI cDNA contains an open reading frame of 396 bp, a polyadenylation signal sequence AATAAA, and a poly (A) tail. KPI cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 131 amino acids with a putative signal peptide of 21 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of KPI contains two homologous Kazal domains, each with six conserved cysteine residues. The mRNA of KPI is expressed in the hemocytes of healthy shrimp, and the higher expression of KPI transcript is observed in shrimp infected with the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), suggesting a potential role for KPI in host defence mechanisms.

  15. Identification of Delta5-fatty acid desaturase from the cellular slime mold dictyostelium discoideum.

    PubMed

    Saito, T; Ochiai, H

    1999-10-01

    cDNA fragments putatively encoding amino acid sequences characteristic of the fatty acid desaturase were obtained using expressed sequence tag (EST) information of the Dictyostelium cDNA project. Using this sequence, we have determined the cDNA sequence and genomic sequence of a desaturase. The cloned cDNA is 1489 nucleotides long and the deduced amino acid sequence comprised 464 amino acid residues containing an N-terminal cytochrome b5 domain. The whole sequence was 38.6% identical to the initially identified Delta5-desaturase of Mortierella alpina. We have confirmed its function as Delta5-desaturase by over expression mutation in D. discoideum and also the gain of function mutation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of the lipids from transformed D. discoideum and yeast demonstrated the accumulation of Delta5-desaturated products. This is the first report concering fatty acid desaturase in cellular slime molds.

  16. A novel gene, RSD-3/HSD-3.1, encodes a meiotic-related protein expressed in rat and human testis.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaodong; Liu, Huixian; Zhang, Yan; Qiao, Yuan; Miao, Shiying; Wang, Linfang; Zhang, Jianchao; Zong, Shudong; Koide, S S

    2003-06-01

    The expression of stage-specific genes during spermatogenesis was determined by isolating two segments of rat seminiferous tubule at different stages of the germinal epithelium cycle delineated by transillumination-delineated microdissection, combined with differential display polymerase chain reaction to identify the differential transcripts formed. A total of 22 cDNAs were identified and accepted by GenBank as new expressed sequence tags. One of the expressed sequence tags was radiolabeled and used as a probe to screen a rat testis cDNA library. A novel full-length cDNA composed of 2228 bp, designated as RSD-3 (rat sperm DNA no.3, GenBank accession no. AF094609) was isolated and characterized. The reading frame encodes a polypeptide consisting of 526 amino acid residues, containing a number of DNA binding motifs and phosphorylation sites for PKC, CK-II, and p34cdc2. Northern blot of mRNA prepared from various tissues of adult rats showed that RSD-3 is expressed only in the testis. The initial expression of the RSD-3 gene was detected in the testis on the 30th postnatal day and attained adult level on the 60th postnatal day. Immunolocalization of RSD-3 in germ cells of rat testis showed that its expression is restricted to primary spermatocytes, undergoing meiosis division I. A human testis homologue of RSD-3 cDNA, designated as HSD-3.1 (GenBank accession no. AF144487) was isolated by screening the Human Testis Rapid-Screen arrayed cDNA library panels by RT-PCR. The exon-intron boundaries of HSD-3.1 gene were determined by aligning the cDNA sequence with the corresponding genome sequence. The cDNA consisted of 12 exons that span approximately 52.8 kb of the genome sequence and was mapped to chromosome 14q31.3.

  17. Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis: bacterial canker of tomato, molecular interactions and disease management.

    PubMed

    Nandi, Munmun; Macdonald, Jacqueline; Liu, Peng; Weselowski, Brian; Yuan, Ze-Chun

    2018-03-12

    Bacterial canker disease is considered to be one of the most destructive diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and is caused by the seed-borne Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis (Cmm). This vascular pathogen generally invades and proliferates in the xylem through natural openings or wounds, causing wilt and canker symptoms. The incidence of symptomless latent infections and the invasion of tomato seeds by Cmm are widespread. Pathogenicity is mediated by virulence factors and transcriptional regulators encoded by the chromosome and two natural plasmids. The virulence factors include serine proteases, cell wall-degrading enzymes (cellulases, xylanases, pectinases) and others. Mutational analyses of these genes and gene expression profiling (via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, transcriptomics and proteomics) have begun to shed light on their roles in colonization and virulence, whereas the expression of tomato genes in response to Cmm infection suggests plant factors involved in the defence response. These findings may aid in the generation of target-specific bactericides or new resistant varieties of tomato. Meanwhile, various chemical and biological controls have been researched to control Cmm. This review presents a detailed investigation regarding the pathogen Cmm, bacterial canker infection, molecular interactions between Cmm and tomato, and current perspectives on improved disease management. © 2018 AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY © 2018 JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD.

  18. The identification of a gene (Cwp1), silenced during Solanum evolution, which causes cuticle microfissuring and dehydration when expressed in tomato fruit.

    PubMed

    Hovav, Ran; Chehanovsky, Noam; Moy, Michal; Jetter, Reinhard; Schaffer, Arthur A

    2007-11-01

    One of the most intriguing phenomena of fleshy fruit is the ability to maintain high water content at maturity, even following harvest. This is accomplished by a fruit cuticle that is highly impermeable to water diffusion. In this paper, we report on a novel genotype of tomato, developed via introgression from the wild species Solanum habrochaites, which is characterized by microfissuring of the fruit cuticle and dehydration of the mature fruit. The microfissure/dehydration phenotype is inherited as a single gene, termed Cwp1 (cuticular water permeability). The gene was fine mapped, and its identity was determined by map-based cloning and differential expression analysis in near-isogenic lines. Causality of the Cwp1 gene was shown by the heterologous transgenic expression of the gene in the cultivated tomato, which caused a microfissured fruit cuticle leading to dehydrated fruit. Cwp1 encodes for a protein of unidentified function in the DUF833 domain family. The gene is expressed in the fruit epidermis of the dehydrating genotype harbouring the wild-species introgression, but not in the cultivated tomato. It is expressed only in the primitive green-fruited wild tomato species, but is not expressed in the cultivated Solanum lycopersicum and the closely related Solanum cheesmaniae and Solanum pimpinellifolium, indicating a pre-adaptive role for Cwp1 silencing in the evolution and domestication of the cultivated tomato.

  19. 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) walking for rapid structural analysis of large transcripts.

    PubMed

    Ozawa, Tatsuhiko; Kondo, Masato; Isobe, Masaharu

    2004-01-01

    The 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3' RACE) is widely used to isolate the cDNA of unknown 3' flanking sequences. However, the conventional 3' RACE often fails to amplify cDNA from a large transcript if there is a long distance between the 5' gene-specific primer and poly(A) stretch, since the conventional 3' RACE utilizes 3' oligo-dT-containing primer complementary to the poly(A) tail of mRNA at the first strand cDNA synthesis. To overcome this problem, we have developed an improved 3' RACE method suitable for the isolation of cDNA derived from very large transcripts. By using the oligonucleotide-containing random 9mer together with the GC-rich sequence for the suppression PCR technology at the first strand of cDNA synthesis, we have been able to amplify the cDNA from a very large transcript, such as the microtubule-actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) gene, which codes a transcript of 20 kb in size. When there is no splicing variant, our highly specific amplification allows us to perform the direct sequencing of 3' RACE products without requiring cloning in bacterial hosts. Thus, this stepwise 3' RACE walking will help rapid characterization of the 3' structure of a gene, even when it encodes a very large transcript.

  20. Specific Responses of Salmonella enterica to Tomato Varieties and Fruit Ripeness Identified by In Vivo Expression Technology

    PubMed Central

    Noel, Jason T.; Arrach, Nabil; Alagely, Ali; McClelland, Michael; Teplitski, Max

    2010-01-01

    Background Recent outbreaks of vegetable-associated gastroenteritis suggest that enteric pathogens colonize, multiply and persist in plants for extended periods of time, eventually infecting people. Genetic and physiological pathways, by which enterics colonize plants, are still poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings To better understand interactions between Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium and tomatoes, a gfp-tagged Salmonella promoter library was screened inside red ripe fruits. Fifty-one unique constructs that were potentially differentially regulated in tomato relative to in vitro growth were identified. The expression of a subset of these promoters was tested in planta using recombinase-based in vivo expression technology (RIVET) and fitness of the corresponding mutants was tested. Gene expression in Salmonella was affected by fruit maturity and tomato cultivar. A putative fadH promoter was upregulated most strongly in immature tomatoes. Expression of the fadH construct depended on the presence of linoleic acid, which is consistent with the reduced accumulation of this compound in mature tomato fruits. The cysB construct was activated in the fruit of cv. Hawaii 7997 (resistant to a race of Ralstonia solanacearum) more strongly than in the universally susceptible tomato cv. Bonny Best. Known Salmonella motility and animal virulence genes (hilA, flhDC, fliF and those encoded on the pSLT virulence plasmid) did not contribute significantly to fitness of the bacteria inside tomatoes, even though deletions of sirA and motA modestly increased fitness of Salmonella inside tomatoes. Conclusions/Significance This study reveals the genetic basis of the interactions of Salmonella with plant hosts. Salmonella relies on a distinct set of metabolic and regulatory genes, which are differentially regulated in planta in response to host genotype and fruit maturity. This enteric pathogen colonizes tissues of tomatoes differently than plant pathogens, and relies little on its animal virulence genes for persistence within the fruit. PMID:20824208

  1. Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA encoding the alpha-subunit of mouse beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase and comparison with the human enzyme.

    PubMed Central

    Beccari, T; Hoade, J; Orlacchio, A; Stirling, J L

    1992-01-01

    cDNAs encoding the mouse beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase alpha-subunit were isolated from a mouse testis library. The longest of these (1.7 kb) was sequenced and showed 83% similarity with the human alpha-subunit cDNA sequence. The 5' end of the coding sequence was obtained from a genomic DNA clone. Alignment of the human and mouse sequences showed that all three putative N-glycosylation sites are conserved, but that the mouse alpha-subunit has an additional site towards the C-terminus. All eight cysteines in the human sequence are conserved in the mouse. There are an additional two cysteines in the mouse alpha-subunit signal peptide. All amino acids affected in Tay-Sachs-disease mutations are conserved in the mouse. Images Fig. 1. PMID:1379046

  2. [Molecular cloning and characterization of cDNA of the rpc10+ gene encoding the smallest subunit of nuclear RNA polymerases of Schizosaccharomyces pombe].

    PubMed

    Shpakovskiĭ, G V; Lebedenko, E N

    1997-05-01

    The full-length cDNA of the rpc10+ gene encoding mini-subunit Rpc10, which is common for all three nuclear RNA polymerases of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, was cloned and sequenced. The Rpc10 subunit of Sz. pombe and its homologs from S. cerevisiae and H. sapiens are positively charged proteins with a highly conserved C-terminal region and an invariant zinc-binding domain (Zn-finger) of a typical amino acid composition: YxCx2Cx12RCx2CGxR. Functional tests of heterospecific complementation, using tetrad analysis or plasmid shuffling, showed that the Rpc10 subunit of Sz. pombe can successfully replace the homologous ABC10 alpha subunit in nuclear RNA polymerases I-III of S. cerevisiae.

  3. Cloning and baculovirus expression of a desiccation stress gene from the beetle, Tenebrio molitor.

    PubMed

    Graham, L A; Bendena, W G; Walker, V K

    1996-02-01

    The cDNA sequence encoding a novel desiccation stress protein (dsp28) found in the hemolymph of the common yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, has been determined. The sequence encodes a 225 amino acid protein containing a 20 amino acid signal peptide. Dsp28 shows no significant similarity to any known nucleic acid or protein sequence. Levels of dsp28 mRNA were found to increase approx 5-fold following desiccation. Dsp28 cDNA has been cloned into a baculovirus expression vector and the expressed protein was compared to native dsp28. Both dsp28 expressed by recombinant baculovirus and native dsp28 are glycosylated and N-terminally processed. Although dsp28 is induced by cold in addition to desiccation stress, it does not contribute to the freezing point depression (thermal hysteresis) observed in Tenebrio hemolymph.

  4. Cloning of apg-2 encoding a novel member of heat shock protein 110 family.

    PubMed

    Kaneko, Y; Kimura, T; Kishishita, M; Noda, Y; Fujita, J

    1997-04-11

    Chinese hamster heat shock protein 110-encoding gene (hsp110), mouse apg-1 and human hsp70RY are structurally related genes, with the first two encoding about 110-kDa HSPs [Yoon et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 15725-15733; Kaneko et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem., in press; Fathallah et al. (1993) J. Immunol. 151, 810-813]. Using apg-1 cDNA as a probe, we isolated a novel cDNA, apg-2 from a mouse testis cDNA library, which was highly homologous to human hsp70RY. However, the predicted amino acid (aa) sequence of APG-2 was longer (841 aa) than that of HSP70RY (701 aa) and comparable to those of HSP110 and APG-1. Northern blot analysis revealed that the expression of apg-2 transcripts was ubiquitous in various mouse tissues, and most abundant in the testis and ovary. While induction of hsp70 transcripts was observed in mouse TAMA26 Sertoli cells and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts on temperature shift from 37 degrees C to 42 degrees C (traditional heat shock) or from 32 degrees C to 39 degrees C, apg-2 transcripts were not induced under either condition. These results suggest that apg-2 is an isoform of mouse homolog of hsp70RY, but that it belongs to the hsp110 family instead of hsp70 family, and that it plays a role under non-stress conditions.

  5. Molecular cloning and characterization of RGA1 encoding a G protein alpha subunit from rice (Oryza sativa L. IR-36).

    PubMed

    Seo, H S; Kim, H Y; Jeong, J Y; Lee, S Y; Cho, M J; Bahk, J D

    1995-03-01

    A cDNA clone, RGA1, was isolated by using a GPA1 cDNA clone of Arabidopsis thaliana G protein alpha subunit as a probe from a rice (Oryza sativa L. IR-36) seedling cDNA library from roots and leaves. Sequence analysis of genomic clone reveals that the RGA1 gene has 14 exons and 13 introns, and encodes a polypeptide of 380 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 44.5 kDa. The encoded protein exhibits a considerable degree of amino acid sequence similarity to all the other known G protein alpha subunits. A putative TATA sequence (ATATGA), a potential CAAT box sequence (AGCAATAC), and a cis-acting element, CCACGTGG (ABRE), known to be involved in ABA induction are found in the promoter region. The RGA1 protein contains all the consensus regions of G protein alpha subunits except the cysteine residue near the C-terminus for ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin. The RGA1 polypeptide expressed in Escherichia coli was, however, ADP-ribosylated by 10 microM [adenylate-32P] NAD and activated cholera toxin. Southern analysis indicates that there are no other genes similar to the RGA1 gene in the rice genome. Northern analysis reveals that the RGA1 mRNA is 1.85 kb long and expressed in vegetative tissues, including leaves and roots, and that its expression is regulated by light.

  6. Conditional poliovirus mutants made by random deletion mutagenesis of infectious cDNA.

    PubMed Central

    Kirkegaard, K; Nelsen, B

    1990-01-01

    Small deletions were introduced into DNA plasmids bearing cDNA copies of Mahoney type 1 poliovirus RNA. The procedure used was similar to that of P. Hearing and T. Shenk (J. Mol. Biol. 167:809-822, 1983), with modifications designed to introduce only one lesion randomly into each DNA molecule. Methods to map small deletions in either large DNA or RNA molecules were employed. Two poliovirus mutants, VP1-101 and VP1-102, were selected from mutagenized populations on the basis of their host range phenotype, showing a large reduction in the relative numbers of plaques on CV1 and HeLa cells compared with wild-type virus. The deletions borne by the mutant genomes were mapped to the region encoding the amino terminus of VP1. That these lesions were responsible for the mutant phenotypes was substantiated by reintroduction of the sequenced lesions into a wild-type poliovirus cDNA by deoxyoligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The deletion of nucleotides encoding amino acids 8 and 9 of VP1 was responsible for the VP1-101 phenotype; the VP1-102 defect was caused by the deletion of the sequences encoding the first four amino acids of VP1. The peptide sequence at the VP1-VP3 proteolytic cleavage site was altered from glutamine-glycine to glutamine-methionine in VP1-102; this apparently did not alter the proteolytic cleavage pattern. The biochemical defects resulting from these mutations are discussed in the accompanying report. Images PMID:2152811

  7. cap alpha. /sub i/-3 cDNA encodes the. cap alpha. subunit of G/sub k/, the stimulatory G protein of receptor-regulated K/sup +/ channels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Codina, J.; Olate, J.; Abramowitz, J.

    1988-05-15

    cDNA cloning has identified the presence in the human genome of three genes encoding ..cap alpha.. subunits of pertussis toxin substrates, generically called G/sub i/. They are named ..cap alpha../sub i/-1, ..cap alpha../sub i/-2 and ..cap alpha../sub i/-3. However, none of these genes has been functionally identified with any of the ..cap alpha.. subunits of several possible G proteins, including pertussis toxin-sensitive G/sub p/'s, stimulatory to phospholipase C or A/sub 2/, G/sub i/, inhibitory to adenylyl cyclase, or G/sub k/, stimulatory to a type of K/sup +/ channels. The authors now report the nucleotide sequence and the complete predicted aminomore » acid sequence of human liver ..cap alpha../sub i/-3 and the partial amino acid sequence of proteolytic fragments of the ..cap alpha.. subunit of human erythrocyte G/sub k/. The amino acid sequence of the proteolytic fragment is uniquely encoded by the cDNA of ..cap alpha../sub i/-3, thus identifying it as ..cap alpha../sub k/. The probable identity of ..cap alpha../sub i/-1 with ..cap alpha../sub p/ and possible roles for ..cap alpha../sub i/-2, as well as additional roles for ..cap alpha../sub i/-1 and ..cap alpha../sub i/-3 (..cap alpha../sub k/) are discussed.« less

  8. Molecular cloning and characterization of an acetylcholinesterase cDNA in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens.

    PubMed

    Yang, Zhifan; Chen, Jun; Chen, Yongqin; Jiang, Sijing

    2010-01-01

    A full cDNA encoding an acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) was cloned and characterized from the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). The complete cDNA (2467 bp) contains a 1938-bp open reading frame encoding 646 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of the AChE deduced from the cDNA consists of 30 residues for a putative signal peptide and 616 residues for the mature protein with a predicted molecular weight of 69,418. The three residues (Ser242, Glu371, and His485) that putatively form the catalytic triad and the six Cys that form intra-subunit disulfide bonds are completely conserved, and 10 out of the 14 aromatic residues lining the active site gorge of the AChE are also conserved. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA showed an approximately 2.6-kb transcript, and Southern blot analysis revealed there likely was just a single copy of this gene in N. lugens. The deduced protein sequence is most similar to AChE of Nephotettix cincticeps with 83% amino acid identity. Phylogenetic analysis constructed with 45 AChEs from 30 species showed that the deduced N. lugens AChE formed a cluster with the other 8 insect AChE2s. Additionally, the hypervariable region and amino acids specific to insect AChE2 also existed in the AChE of N. lugens. The results revealed that the AChE cDNA cloned in this work belongs to insect AChE2 subgroup, which is orthologous to Drosophila AChE. Comparison of the AChEs between the susceptible and resistant strains revealed a point mutation, Gly185Ser, is likely responsible for the insensitivity of the AChE to methamidopho in the resistant strain.

  9. Wound induced Beta vulgaris polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein genes encode a longer leucine-rich repeat domain and inhibit fungal polygalacturonases

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) are leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins involved in plant defense. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) PGIP genes, BvPGIP1, BvPGIP2 and BvPGIP3, were isolated from two breeding lines, F1016 and F1010. Full-length cDNA sequences of the three BvPGIP genes encod...

  10. Differential regulation of mnp2, a new manganese peroxidase-encoding gene from the ligninolytic fungus Trametes versicolor PRL 572

    Treesearch

    Tomas Johansson; Per Olof Nyman; Daniel Cullen

    2002-01-01

    A peroxidase-encoding gene, mnp2, and its corresponding cDNA were characterized from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor PRL 572. We used quantitative reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR to identify mnp2 transcripts in nutrient-limited stationary cultures. Although mnp2 lacks upstream metal response elements (MREs), addition of MnSO4 to cultures increased...

  11. Efficacy of vaccination with plasmid DNA encoding for HER2/neu or HER2/neu-eGFP fusion protein against prostate cancer in rats.

    PubMed

    Bhattachary, R; Bukkapatnam, R; Prawoko, I; Soto, J; Morgan, M; Salup, R R

    2002-05-01

    Despite early diagnosis and improved therapy, 31,500 men will die from prostate cancer (PC) this year. The HER2/neu oncoprotein is an important effector of cell growth found in the majority of high-grade prostatic tumors and is capable of rendering immunogenicity. The antigenicity of this oncoprotein might prove useful in the development of PC vaccines. Our goal is to prove the principle that a single DNA vaccine can provide reliable immunity against PC in the MatLyLu (MLL) translational tumor model. The parental rat MatLyLu PC cell line expresses low to moderate levels of the rat neu protein. To simulate in vivo human PC, MatLyLu cells were transfected with a truncated sequence of human HER2/neu cDNA cloned into the pCI-neo vector. This HER2/neu cDNA sequence encodes the first 433 amino acids of the extracellular domain (ECD). MatLyLu cells were also transfected with the same HER2/neu cDNA sequence cloned into the N1-terminal sequence of EGFP reporter gene to produce a fusion protein. The partial ECD sequence of HER2/neu includes five rat major histocompatibility (MHC)-II-restricted peptides with complete human-to-rat cross-species homology. The HER2/neu protein overexpression was documented by Western Blot analysis, and the expression of fusion protein was monitored by confocal microscopy and fluorimetry. Vaccination with a single injection of HER2/neu cDNA protected 50% of animals against HER2/neu-MatLyLu tumors (P < 0.01). When the tumor cells were engineered to express HER2/neu-EGFP fusion protein, the antitumor immunity was enhanced, as following vaccination with HER2/neu-EGFP cDNA, 80% of these rats rejected HER2/neu-EGFP-MatLyLu (P<0.001). Both vaccines induced HER2/neu-specific antibody titers. Rats vaccinated with EGFP-cDNA rejected 80% of EGFP-MatLyLu tumors and, interestingly, 40% of HER2/neu-MatLyLu tumors. None of the cDNA vaccines induced immunity against parental MatLyLu cells. Our data clearly demonstrate that a single injection of HER2/neu-EGFP cDNA is a very effective vaccine against PC tumors expressing the cognate tumor-associated antigen (TA). The antitumor immunity is significantly more pronounced if the tumors express xenogeneic HER2/neu-EGFP fusion protein as opposed to only the syngeneic HER2/neu oncoprotein. Our data suggests that the HER2/neu-EGFP-MatLyLu tumor is a potential animal tumor model for investigating therapeutic vaccine strategies against PC in vivo and demonstrates the limitations of a cDNA vaccine only encoding for MHC-II-restricted HER2/neu-ECD sequence peptides.

  12. Overexpression of Nrp/b (nuclear restrict protein in brain) suppresses the malignant phenotype in the C6/ST1 glioma cell line.

    PubMed

    Degaki, Theri Leica; Demasi, Marcos Angelo Almeida; Sogayar, Mari Cleide

    2009-11-01

    Upon searching for glucocorticoid-regulated cDNA sequences associated with the transformed to normal phenotypic reversion of C6/ST1 rat glioma cells, we identified Nrp/b (nuclear restrict protein in brain) as a novel rat gene. Here we report on the identification and functional characterization of the complete sequence encoding the rat NRP/B protein. The cloned cDNA presented a 1767 nucleotides open-reading frame encoding a 589 amino acids residues sequence containing a BTB/POZ (broad complex Tramtrack bric-a-brac/Pox virus and zinc finger) domain in its N-terminal region and kelch motifs in its C-terminal region. Sequence analysis indicates that the rat Nrp/b displays a high level of identity with the equivalent gene orthologs from other organisms. Among rat tissues, Nrp/b expression is more pronounced in brain tissue. We show that overexpression of the Nrp/b cDNA in C6/ST1 cells suppresses anchorage independence in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo, altering their malignant nature towards a more benign phenotype. Therefore, Nrp/b may be postulated as a novel tumor suppressor gene, with possible relevance for glioblastoma therapy.

  13. Cloning, expression and N-terminal myristoylation of CpCPK1, a calcium-dependent protein kinase from zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.).

    PubMed

    Ellard-Ivey, M; Hopkins, R B; White, T J; Lomax, T L

    1999-01-01

    We have isolated a full-length cDNA clone (CpCDPK1) encoding a calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) gene from zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). The predicted amino acid sequence of the cDNA shows a remarkably high degree of similarity to members of the CDPK gene family from Arabidopsis thaliana, especially AtCPK1 and AtCPK2. Northern analysis of steady-state mRNA levels for CpCPK1 in etiolated and light-grown zucchini seedlings shows that the transcript is most abundant in etiolated hypocotyls and overall expression is suppressed by light. As described for other members of the CDPK gene family from different species, the CpCPK1 clone has a putative N-terminal myristoylation sequence. In this study, site-directed mutagenesis and an in vitro coupled transcription/translation system were used to demonstrate that the protein encoded by this cDNA is specifically myristoylated by a plant N-myristoyl transferase. This is the first demonstration of myristoylation of a CDPK protein which may contribute to the mechanism by which this protein is localized to the plasma membrane.

  14. kappa-Opioid receptor in humans: cDNA and genomic cloning, chromosomal assignment, functional expression, pharmacology, and expression pattern in the central nervous system.

    PubMed Central

    Simonin, F; Gavériaux-Ruff, C; Befort, K; Matthes, H; Lannes, B; Micheletti, G; Mattéi, M G; Charron, G; Bloch, B; Kieffer, B

    1995-01-01

    Using the mouse delta-opioid receptor cDNA as a probe, we have isolated genomic clones encoding the human mu- and kappa-opioid receptor genes. Their organization appears similar to that of the human delta receptor gene, with exon-intron boundaries located after putative transmembrane domains 1 and 4. The kappa gene was mapped at position q11-12 in human chromosome 8. A full-length cDNA encoding the human kappa-opioid receptor has been isolated. The cloned receptor expressed in COS cells presents a typical kappa 1 pharmacological profile and is negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase. The expression of kappa-opioid receptor mRNA in human brain, as estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, is consistent with the involvement of kappa-opioid receptors in pain perception, neuroendocrine physiology, affective behavior, and cognition. In situ hybridization studies performed on human fetal spinal cord demonstrate the presence of the transcript specifically in lamina II of the dorsal horn. Some divergences in structural, pharmacological, and anatomical properties are noted between the cloned human and rodent receptors. Images Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:7624359

  15. Sequence of a cDNA encoding pancreatic preprosomatostatin-22.

    PubMed Central

    Magazin, M; Minth, C D; Funckes, C L; Deschenes, R; Tavianini, M A; Dixon, J E

    1982-01-01

    We report the nucleotide sequence of a precursor to somatostatin that upon proteolytic processing may give rise to a hormone of 22 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of a cDNA from the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) encodes a precursor to somatostatin that is 105 amino acids (Mr, 11,500). The cDNA coding for somatostatin-22 consists of 36 nucleotides in the 5' untranslated region, 315 nucleotides that code for the precursor to somatostatin-22, 269 nucleotides at the 3' untranslated region, and a variable length of poly(A). The putative preprohormone contains a sequence of hydrophobic amino acids at the amino terminus that has the properties of a "signal" peptide. A connecting sequence of approximately 57 amino acids is followed by a single Arg-Arg sequence, which immediately precedes the hormone. Somatostatin-22 is homologous to somatostatin-14 in 7 of the 14 amino acids, including the Phe-Trp-Lys sequence. Hybridization selection of mRNA, followed by its translation in a wheat germ cell-free system, resulted in the synthesis of a single polypeptide having a molecular weight of approximately 10,000 as estimated on Na-DodSO4/polyacrylamide gels. Images PMID:6127673

  16. Two tropinone reductases with different stereospecificities are short-chain dehydrogenases evolved from a common ancestor.

    PubMed Central

    Nakajima, K; Hashimoto, T; Yamada, Y

    1993-01-01

    In the biosynthetic pathway of tropane alkaloids, tropinone reductase (EC 1.1.1.236) (TR)-I and TR-II, respectively, reduce a common substrate, tropinone, stereospecifically to the stereoisomeric alkamines tropine and pseudotropine (psi-tropine). cDNA clones coding for TR-I and TR-II, as well as a structurally related cDNA clone with an unknown function, were isolated from the solanaceous plant Datura stramonium. The cDNA clones for TR-I and TR-II encode polypeptides containing 273 and 260 amino acids, respectively, and when these clones were expressed in Escherichia coli, the recombinant TRs showed the same strict stereospecificity as that observed for the native TRs that had been isolated from plants. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two clones showed an overall identity of 64% in 260-amino acid residues and also shared significant similarities with enzymes in the short-chain, nonmetal dehydrogenase family. Genomic DNA-blot analysis detected the TR-encoding genes in three tropane alkaloid-producing solanaceous species but did not detect them in tobacco. We discuss how the two TRs may have evolved to catalyze the opposite stereospecific reductions. Images Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:8415746

  17. The Genome Sequence of the Tomato-Pathogenic Actinomycete Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis NCPPB382 Reveals a Large Island Involved in Pathogenicity▿ †

    PubMed Central

    Gartemann, Karl-Heinz; Abt, Birte; Bekel, Thomas; Burger, Annette; Engemann, Jutta; Flügel, Monika; Gaigalat, Lars; Goesmann, Alexander; Gräfen, Ines; Kalinowski, Jörn; Kaup, Olaf; Kirchner, Oliver; Krause, Lutz; Linke, Burkhard; McHardy, Alice; Meyer, Folker; Pohle, Sandra; Rückert, Christian; Schneiker, Susanne; Zellermann, Eva-Maria; Pühler, Alfred; Eichenlaub, Rudolf; Kaiser, Olaf; Bartels, Daniela

    2008-01-01

    Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is a plant-pathogenic actinomycete that causes bacterial wilt and canker of tomato. The nucleotide sequence of the genome of strain NCPPB382 was determined. The chromosome is circular, consists of 3.298 Mb, and has a high G+C content (72.6%). Annotation revealed 3,080 putative protein-encoding sequences; only 26 pseudogenes were detected. Two rrn operons, 45 tRNAs, and three small stable RNA genes were found. The two circular plasmids, pCM1 (27.4 kbp) and pCM2 (70.0 kbp), which carry pathogenicity genes and thus are essential for virulence, have lower G+C contents (66.5 and 67.6%, respectively). In contrast to the genome of the closely related organism Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus, the genome of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis lacks complete insertion elements and transposons. The 129-kb chp/tomA region with a low G+C content near the chromosomal origin of replication was shown to be necessary for pathogenicity. This region contains numerous genes encoding proteins involved in uptake and metabolism of sugars and several serine proteases. There is evidence that single genes located in this region, especially genes encoding serine proteases, are required for efficient colonization of the host. Although C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis grows mainly in the xylem of tomato plants, no evidence for pronounced genome reduction was found. C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis seems to have as many transporters and regulators as typical soil-inhabiting bacteria. However, the apparent lack of a sulfate reduction pathway, which makes C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis dependent on reduced sulfur compounds for growth, is probably the reason for the poor survival of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in soil. PMID:18192381

  18. A Comparison of Red Fluorescent Proteins to Model DNA Vaccine Expression by Whole Animal In Vivo Imaging.

    PubMed

    Kinnear, Ekaterina; Caproni, Lisa J; Tregoning, John S

    2015-01-01

    DNA vaccines can be manufactured cheaply, easily and rapidly and have performed well in pre-clinical animal studies. However, clinical trials have so far been disappointing, failing to evoke a strong immune response, possibly due to poor antigen expression. To improve antigen expression, improved technology to monitor DNA vaccine transfection efficiency is required. In the current study, we compared plasmid encoded tdTomato, mCherry, Katushka, tdKatushka2 and luciferase as reporter proteins for whole animal in vivo imaging. The intramuscular, subcutaneous and tattooing routes were compared and electroporation was used to enhance expression. We observed that overall, fluorescent proteins were not a good tool to assess expression from DNA plasmids, with a highly heterogeneous response between animals. Of the proteins used, intramuscular delivery of DNA encoding either tdTomato or luciferase gave the clearest signal, with some Katushka and tdKatushka2 signal observed. Subcutaneous delivery was weakly visible and nothing was observed following DNA tattooing. DNA encoding haemagglutinin was used to determine whether immune responses mirrored visible expression levels. A protective immune response against H1N1 influenza was induced by all routes, even after a single dose of DNA, though qualitative differences were observed, with tattooing leading to high antibody responses and subcutaneous DNA leading to high CD8 responses. We conclude that of the reporter proteins used, expression from DNA plasmids can best be assessed using tdTomato or luciferase. But, the disconnect between visible expression level and immunogenicity suggests that in vivo whole animal imaging of fluorescent proteins has limited utility for predicting DNA vaccine efficacy.

  19. Isolation and characterization of the chicken trypsinogen gene family.

    PubMed Central

    Wang, K; Gan, L; Lee, I; Hood, L

    1995-01-01

    Based on genomic Southern hybridizations and cDNA sequence analyses, the chicken trypsinogen gene family can be divided into two multi-member subfamilies, a six-member trypsinogen I subfamily which encodes the cationic trypsin isoenzymes and a three-member trypsinogen II subfamily which encodes the anionic trypsin isoenzymes. The chicken cDNA and genomic clones containing these two subfamilies were isolated and characterized by DNA sequence analysis. The results indicated that the chicken trypsinogen genes encoded a signal peptide of 15 to 16 amino acid residues, an activation peptide of 9 to 10 residues and a trypsin of 223 amino acid residues. The chicken trypsinogens contain all the common catalytic and structural features for trypsins, including the catalytic triad His, Asp and Ser and the six disulphide bonds. The trypsinogen I and II subfamilies share approximately 70% sequence identity at the nucleotide and amino acid level. The sequence comparison among chicken trypsinogen subfamily members and trypsin sequences from other species suggested that the chicken trypsinogen genes may have evolved in coincidental or concerted fashion. Images Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:7733885

  20. Isolation of stress responsive Psb A gene from rice (Oryza sativa l.) using differential display.

    PubMed

    Tyagi, Aruna; Chandra, Arti

    2006-08-01

    Differential display (DD) experiments were performed on drought-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotype N22 to identify both upregulated and downregulated partial cDNAs with respect to moisture stress. DNA polymorphism was detected between drought-stressed and control leaf tissues on the DD gels. A partial cDNA showing differential expression, with respect to moisture stress was isolated from the gel. Northern blotting analysis was performed using this cDNA as a probe and it was observed that mRNA corresponding to this transcript was accumulated to high level in rice leaves under water deficit stress. At the DNA sequence level, the partial cDNA showed homology with psb A gene encoding for Dl protein.

  1. Structure, inheritance, and expression of hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa x Populus deltoides) phenylalanine ammonia-lyase genes.

    PubMed Central

    Subramaniam, R; Reinold, S; Molitor, E K; Douglas, C J

    1993-01-01

    A heterologous probe encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) was used to identify PAL clones in cDNA libraries made with RNA from young leaf tissue of two Populus deltoides x P. trichocarpa F1 hybrid clones. Sequence analysis of a 2.4-kb cDNA confirmed its identity as a full-length PAl clone. The predicted amino acid sequence is conserved in comparison with that of PAL genes from several other plants. Southern blot analysis of popular genomic DNA from parental and hybrid individuals, restriction site polymorphism in PAL cDNA clones, and sequence heterogeneity in the 3' ends of several cDNA clones suggested that PAL is encoded by at least two genes that can be distinguished by HindIII restriction site polymorphisms. Clones containing each type of PAL gene were isolated from a poplar genomic library. Analysis of the segregation of PAL-specific HindIII restriction fragment-length polymorphisms demonstrated the existence of two independently segregating PAL loci, one of which was mapped to a linkage group of the poplar genetic map. Developmentally regulated PAL expression in poplar was analyzed using RNA blots. Highest expression was observed in young stems, apical buds, and young leaves. Expression was lower in older stems and undetectable in mature leaves. Cellular localization of PAL expression by in situ hybridization showed very high levels of expression in subepidermal cells of leaves early during leaf development. In stems and petioles, expression was associated with subepidermal cells and vascular tissues. PMID:8108506

  2. Purification of a Jojoba Embryo Wax Synthase, Cloning of its cDNA, and Production of High Levels of Wax in Seeds of Transgenic Arabidopsis

    PubMed Central

    Lardizabal, Kathryn D.; Metz, James G.; Sakamoto, Tetsuo; Hutton, William C.; Pollard, Michael R.; Lassner, Michael W.

    2000-01-01

    Wax synthase (WS, fatty acyl-coenzyme A [coA]: fatty alcohol acyltransferase) catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of linear esters (waxes) that accumulate in seeds of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). We have characterized and partially purified this enzyme from developing jojoba embryos. A protein whose presence correlated with WS activity during chromatographic fractionation was identified and a cDNA encoding that protein was cloned. Seed-specific expression of the cDNA in transgenic Arabidopsis conferred high levels of WS activity on developing embryos from those plants. The WS sequence has significant homology with several Arabidopsis open reading frames of unknown function. Wax production in jojoba requires, in addition to WS, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) and an efficient fatty acid elongase system that forms the substrates preferred by the FAR. We have expressed the jojoba WS cDNA in Arabidopsis in combination with cDNAs encoding the jojoba FAR and a β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (a component of fatty acid elongase) from Lunaria annua. 13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of pooled whole seeds from transgenic plants indicated that as many as 49% of the oil molecules in the seeds were waxes. Gas chromatography analysis of transmethylated oil from individual seeds suggested that wax levels may represent up to 70% (by weight) of the oil present in those seeds. PMID:10712527

  3. cDNA cloning of the murine PEX gene implicated in X-linked hypophosphatemia and evidence for expression in bone

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Du, L.; Desbarats, M.; Viel, J.

    1996-08-15

    The recently identified human PEX g ene apparently encodes for a neutral endopeptidase that is mutated in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia. The 3{prime} and 5{prime} ends of the coding region of PEX have not been cloned, nor has the tissue expression of the gene been identified. Here we report the isolation and characterization of the complete open reading frame of the mouse Pex gene and the demonstration of its expression in bone. Mouse Pex cDNA is predicted to encode a protein of 749 amino acids with 95% identity to the available human PEX sequence and significant homology to members ofmore » the membrane-bound metalloendopeptidase family. Northern blot analysis revealed a 6.6-kb transcript in bone and in cultured osteoblasts from normal mice that was not detectable in samples from the Hyp mouse, the murine homolog of human X-linked hypophosphatemia. Pex transcripts were, however, detectable in Hyp bone by RT-PCR amplification. Of particular interest, a cDNA clone from rat incisor shows 93% sequence identity to the 5{prime} end of Pex cDNA, suggesting that Pex may be expressed in another calcified tissue, the tooth. The association of impaired mineralization of bone and teeth and disturbed renal phosphate reabsorption with altered expression of Pex suggests that the Pex gene product may play a critical role in these processes. 47 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

  4. Isolation and characterization of full-length cDNA clones coding for cholinesterase from fetal human tissues.

    PubMed Central

    Prody, C A; Zevin-Sonkin, D; Gnatt, A; Goldberg, O; Soreq, H

    1987-01-01

    To study the primary structure and regulation of human cholinesterases, oligodeoxynucleotide probes were prepared according to a consensus peptide sequence present in the active site of both human serum pseudocholinesterase (BtChoEase; EC 3.1.1.8) and Torpedo electric organ "true" acetylcholinesterase (AcChoEase; EC 3.1.1.7). Using these probes, we isolated several cDNA clones from lambda gt10 libraries of fetal brain and liver origins. These include 2.4-kilobase cDNA clones that code for a polypeptide containing a putative signal peptide and the N-terminal, active site, and C-terminal peptides of human BtChoEase, suggesting that they code either for BtChoEase itself or for a very similar but distinct fetal form of cholinesterase. In RNA blots of poly(A)+ RNA from the cholinesterase-producing fetal brain and liver, these cDNAs hybridized with a single 2.5-kilobase band. Blot hybridization to human genomic DNA revealed that these fetal BtChoEase cDNA clones hybridize with DNA fragments of the total length of 17.5 kilobases, and signal intensities indicated that these sequences are not present in many copies. Both the cDNA-encoded protein and its nucleotide sequence display striking homology to parallel sequences published for Torpedo AcChoEase. These findings demonstrate extensive homologies between the fetal BtChoEase encoded by these clones and other cholinesterases of various forms and species. Images PMID:3035536

  5. Heterogeneous RNA-binding protein M4 is a receptor for carcinoembryonic antigen in Kupffer cells.

    PubMed

    Bajenova, O V; Zimmer, R; Stolper, E; Salisbury-Rowswell, J; Nanji, A; Thomas, P

    2001-08-17

    Here we report the isolation of the recombinant cDNA clone from rat macrophages, Kupffer cells (KC) that encodes a protein interacting with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). To isolate and identify the CEA receptor gene we used two approaches: screening of a KC cDNA library with a specific antibody and the yeast two-hybrid system for protein interaction using as a bait the N-terminal part of the CEA encoding the binding site. Both techniques resulted in the identification of the rat heterogeneous RNA-binding protein (hnRNP) M4 gene. The rat ortholog cDNA sequence has not been previously described. The open reading frame for this gene contains a 2351-base pair sequence with the polyadenylation signal AATAAA and a termination poly(A) tail. The mRNA shows ubiquitous tissue expression as a 2.4-kilobase transcript. The deduced amino acid sequence comprised a 78-kDa membrane protein with 3 putative RNA-binding domains, arginine/methionine/glutamine-rich C terminus and 3 potential membrane spanning regions. When hnRNP M4 protein is expressed in pGEX4T-3 vector system in Escherichia coli it binds (125)I-labeled CEA in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion. Transfection of rat hnRNP M4 cDNA into a non-CEA binding mouse macrophage cell line p388D1 resulted in CEA binding. These data provide evidence for a new function of hnRNP M4 protein as a CEA-binding protein in Kupffer cells.

  6. NO, hydrogen sulfide does not come first during tomato response to high salinity.

    PubMed

    da-Silva, Cristiane J; Mollica, Débora C F; Vicente, Mateus H; Peres, Lázaro E P; Modolo, Luzia V

    2018-06-01

    High salinity greatly impacts agriculture, particularly in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a crop that is a model to study this abiotic stress. This work investigated whether hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) acts upstream or downstream of nitric oxide (NO) in the signaling cascade during tomato response to salt stress. An NO-donor incremented H 2 S levels by 12-18.9% while an H 2 S-donor yielded 10% more NO in roots. The NO accumulated in roots one-hour after NaCl treatment while H 2 S accumulation started two-hour later. The NO stimulated H 2 S accumulation in roots/leaves, but not the opposite (i.e H 2 S was unable to stimulate NO accumulation) two-hour post NaCl treatment. Also, NO accumulation was accompanied by an increment of transcript levels of genes that encode for H 2 S-synthesizing enzymes. Our results indicate that H 2 S acts downstream of NO in the mitigation of oxidative stress, which helps tomato plants to tolerate high salinity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Cloning and sequence analysis of a full-length cDNA of SmPP1cb encoding turbot protein phosphatase 1 beta catalytic subunit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qi, Fei; Guo, Huarong; Wang, Jian

    2008-02-01

    Reversible protein phosphorylation, catalyzed by protein kinases and phosphatases, is an important and versatile mechanism by which eukaryotic cells regulate almost all the signaling processes. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is the first and well-characterized member of the protein serine/threonine phosphatase family. In the present study, a full-length cDNA encoding the beta isoform of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1(PP1cb), was for the first time isolated and sequenced from the skin tissue of flatfish turbot Scophthalmus maximus, designated SmPP1cb, by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. The cDNA sequence of SmPP1cb we obtained contains a 984 bp open reading frame (ORF), flanked by a complete 39 bp 5' untranslated region and 462 bp 3' untranslated region. The ORF encodes a putative 327 amino acid protein, and the N-terminal section of this protein is highly acidic, Met-Ala-Glu-Gly-Glu-Leu-Asp-Val-Asp, a common feature for PP1 catalytic subunit but absent in protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B). And its calculated molecular mass is 37 193 Da and pI 5.8. Sequence analysis indicated that, SmPP1cb is extremely conserved in both amino acid and nucleotide acid levels compared with the PP1cb of other vertebrates and invertebrates, and its Kozak motif contained in the 5'UTR around ATG start codon is GXXAXXGXX ATGG, which is different from mammalian in two positions A-6 and G-3, indicating the possibility of different initiation of translation in turbot, and also the 3'UTR of SmPP1cb is highly diverse in the sequence similarity and length compared with other animals, especially zebrafish. The cloning and sequencing of SmPP1cb gene lays a good foundation for the future work on the biological functions of PP1 in the flatfish turbot.

  8. [Cloning and sequence analysis of full-length cDNA of secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase of Dysosma versipellis].

    PubMed

    Xu, Li; Ding, Zhi-Shan; Zhou, Yun-Kai; Tao, Xue-Fen

    2009-06-01

    To obtain the full-length cDNA sequence of Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase gene from Dysosma versipellis by RACE PCR,then investigate the character of Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase gene. The full-length cDNA sequence of Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase gene was obtained by 3'-RACE and 5'-RACE from Dysosma versipellis. We first reported the full cDNA sequences of Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase in Dysosma versipellis. The acquired gene was 991bp in full length, including 5' untranslated region of 42bp, 3' untranslated region of 112bp with Poly (A). The open reading frame (ORF) encoding 278 amino acid with molecular weight 29253.3 Daltons and isolectric point 6.328. The gene accession nucleotide sequence number in GeneBank was EU573789. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase gene was highly expressed in stem. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase indicated there may be some significant amino acid sequence difference among different species. Obtain the full-length cDNA sequence of Secoisolariciresinol Dehydrogenase gene from Dysosma versipellis.

  9. Plant fatty acid hydroxylases

    DOEpatents

    Somerville, Chris; Broun, Pierre; van de Loo, Frank

    2001-01-01

    This invention relates to plant fatty acyl hydroxylases. Methods to use conserved amino acid or nucleotide sequences to obtain plant fatty acyl hydroxylases are described. Also described is the use of cDNA clones encoding a plant hydroxylase to produce a family of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic plants. In addition, the use of genes encoding fatty acid hydroxylases or desaturases to alter the level of lipid fatty acid unsaturation in transgenic plants is described.

  10. A Circadian Rhythm-Regulated Tomato Gene Is Induced by Arachidonic Acid and Phythophthora infestans Infection1[W

    PubMed Central

    Weyman, Philip D.; Pan, Zhiqiang; Feng, Qin; Gilchrist, David G.; Bostock, Richard M.

    2006-01-01

    A cDNA clone of unknown function, DEA1, was isolated from arachidonic acid-treated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves by differential display PCR. The gene, DEA1, is expressed in response to the programmed cell death-inducing arachidonic acid within 8 h following treatment of a tomato leaflet, 16 h prior to the development of visible cell death. DEA1 transcript levels were also affected by the late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. To gain further insight into the transcriptional regulation of DEA1, the promoter region was cloned by inverse PCR and was found to contain putative stress-, signaling-, and circadian-response elements. DEA1 is highly expressed in roots, stems, and leaves, but not in flowers. Leaf expression of DEA1 is regulated by circadian rhythms during long days with the peak occurring at midday and the low point midway through the dark period. During short days, the rhythm is lost and DEA1 expression becomes constitutive. The predicted DEA1 protein has a conserved domain shared by the eight-cysteine motif superfamily of protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors, seed storage proteins, and lipid transfer proteins. A DEA1-green fluorescent protein fusion protein localized to the plasma membrane in protoplasts and plasmolysis experiments, suggesting that the native protein is associated with the plasmalemma in intact cells. PMID:16361525

  11. Expression of Allene Oxide Synthase Determines Defense Gene Activation in Tomato1

    PubMed Central

    Sivasankar, Sobhana; Sheldrick, Bay; Rothstein, Steven J.

    2000-01-01

    Allene oxide synthase (AOS; hydroperoxide dehydratase; EC 4.2.1.92) catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid from lipoxygenase-derived hydroperoxides of free fatty acids. Using the AOS cDNA from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), in which the role of jasmonic acid in wound-induced defense gene activation has been best described, we examined the kinetics of AOS induction in response to wounding and elicitors, in parallel with that of the wound-inducible PIN II (proteinase inhibitor II) gene. AOS was induced in leaves by wounding, systemin, 12-oxophytodienoic acid, and methyl jasmonate. The levels of AOS mRNA started declining by 4 h after induction, whereas the levels of PIN II mRNA continued to increase up to 20 h after induction. Salicylic acid inhibited AOS and PIN II expression, and the addition of 12-oxophytodienoic acid or methyl jasmonate did not prevent the inhibition of PIN II expression in the presence of salicylic acid. Ethylene induced the expression of AOS, but the presence of ethylene alone did not produce an optimal induction of PIN II. The addition of silver thiosulfate, an ethylene action inhibitor, prevented the wound-induced expression of both AOS and PIN II. Products of hydroperoxide lyase affected neither AOS nor PIN II, but induced expression of prosystemin. Based on these results, we propose an updated model for defense gene activation in tomato. PMID:10759530

  12. Molecular Cloning and Tissue-Specific Expression of an Anionic Peroxidase in Zucchini1

    PubMed Central

    Carpin, Sabine; Crèvecoeur, Michèle; Greppin, Hubert; Penel, Claude

    1999-01-01

    A calcium-pectate-binding anionic isoperoxidase (APRX) from zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) was purified and subjected to N-terminal amino acid microsequencing. The cDNA encoding this enzyme was obtained by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction from a cDNA library. It encoded a mature protein of 309 amino acids exhibiting all of the sequence characteristics of a plant peroxidase. Despite the presence of a C-terminal propeptide, APRX was found in the apoplast. APRX protein and mRNA were found in the root, hypocotyls, and cotyledons. In situ hybridization showed that the APRX-encoding gene was expressed in many different tissues. The strongest expression was observed in root epidermis and in some cells of the stele, in differentiating tracheary elements of hypocotyl, in the lower and upper epidermis, in the palisade parenchyma of cotyledons, and in lateral and adventitious root primordia. In the hypocotyl hook there was an asymmetric expression, with the inner part containing more transcripts than the outer part. Treatment with 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid reduced the expression of the APRX-encoding gene in the lower part of the hypocotyl. Our observations suggest that APRX could be involved in lignin formation and that the transcription of its gene was related to auxin level. PMID:10398715

  13. Role in pathogenesis of two endo-beta-1,4-xylanase genes from the vascular wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum.

    PubMed

    Gómez-Gómez, E; Ruíz-Roldán, M C; Di Pietro, A; Roncero, M I G; Hera, C

    2002-04-01

    A gene, xyl4, whose predicted amino acid sequence shows significant homology with family 11 xylanases, was identified from the tomato vascular wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Expression of xyl4 is induced on oat spelt xylan as the carbon source, subject to carbon catabolite repression and preferentially expressed at alkaline ambient pH. Transcript levels of xyl4 on an inducing carbon source are differentially regulated by the nature and concentration of the nitrogen source. As shown by RT-PCR, xyl4 is expressed by F. oxysporum during the entire cycle of infection on tomato plants. Targeted inactivation of xyl4 and of xyl3, a previously identified gene of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici encoding a family 10 xylanase, had no detectable effect on virulence on tomato plants, demonstrating that both genes are not essential for pathogenicity.

  14. Oil palm EgCBF3 conferred stress tolerance in transgenic tomato plants through modulation of the ethylene signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Ebrahimi, Mortaza; Abdullah, Siti Nor Akmar; Abdul Aziz, Maheran; Namasivayam, Parameswari

    2016-09-01

    CBF/DREB1 is a group of transcription factors that are mainly involved in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. They belong to the AP2/ERF superfamily of plant-specific transcription factors. A gene encoding a new member of this group was isolated from ripening oil palm fruit and designated as EgCBF3. The oil palm fruit demonstrates the characteristics of a climacteric fruit like tomato, in which ethylene has a major impact on the ripening process. A transgenic approach was used for functional characterization of the EgCBF3, using tomato as the model plant. The effects of ectopic expression of EgCBF3 were analyzed based on expression profiling of the ethylene biosynthesis-related genes, anti-freeze proteins (AFPs), abiotic stress tolerance and plant growth and development. The EgCBF3 tomatoes demonstrated altered phenotypes compared to the wild type tomatoes. Delayed leaf senescence and flowering, increased chlorophyll content and abnormal flowering were the consequences of overexpression of EgCBF3 in the transgenic tomatoes. The EgCBF3 tomatoes demonstrated enhanced abiotic stress tolerance under in vitro conditions. Further, transcript levels of ethylene biosynthesis-related genes, including three SlACSs and two SlACOs, were altered in the transgenic plants' leaves and roots compared to that in the wild type tomato plant. Among the eight AFPs studied in the wounded leaves of the EgCBF3 tomato plants, transcript levels of SlOSM-L, SlNP24, SlPR5L and SlTSRF1 decreased, while expression of the other four, SlCHI3, SlPR1, SlPR-P2 and SlLAP2, were up-regulated. These findings indicate the possible functions of EgCBF3 in plant growth and development as a regulator of ethylene biosynthesis-related and AFP genes, and as a stimulator of abiotic stress tolerance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  15. Molecular cloning of actin genes in Trichomonas vaginalis and phylogeny inferred from actin sequences.

    PubMed

    Bricheux, G; Brugerolle, G

    1997-08-01

    The parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis is known to contain the ubiquitous and highly conserved protein actin. A genomic library and a cDNA library have been screened to identify and clone the actin gene(s) of T. vaginalis. The nucleotide sequence of one gene and its flanking regions have been determined. The open reading frame encodes a protein of 376 amino acids. The sequence is not interrupted by any introns and the promoter could be represented by a 10 bp motif close to a consensus motif also found upstream of most sequenced T. vaginalis genes. The five different clones isolated from the cDNA library have similar sequences and encode three actin proteins differing only by one or two amino acids. A phylogenetic analysis of 31 actin sequences by distance matrix and parsimony methods, using centractin as outgroup, gives congruent trees with Parabasala branching above Diplomonadida.

  16. Complementary DNA characterization and chromosomal localization of a human gene related to the poliovirus receptor-encoding gene.

    PubMed

    Lopez, M; Eberlé, F; Mattei, M G; Gabert, J; Birg, F; Bardin, F; Maroc, C; Dubreuil, P

    1995-04-03

    The human poliovirus (PV) receptor (PVR) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily with unknown cellular function. We have isolated a human PVR-related (PRR) cDNA. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of PRR showed, in the extracellular region, 51.7 and 54.3% similarity with human PVR and with the murine PVR homolog, respectively. The cDNA coding sequence is 1.6-kb long and encodes a deduced 57-kDa protein; this protein has a structural organization analogous to that of PVR, that is, one V- and two C-set Ig domains, with a conserved number of aa. Northern blot analysis indicated that a major 5.9-kb transcript is present in all normal human tissues tested. In situ hybridization showed that the PRR gene is located at bands q23-q24 of human chromosome 11.

  17. Opsin cDNA sequences of a UV and green rhodopsin of the satyrine butterfly Bicyclus anynana.

    PubMed

    Vanhoutte, K J A; Eggen, B J L; Janssen, J J M; Stavenga, D G

    2002-11-01

    The cDNAs of an ultraviolet (UV) and long-wavelength (LW) (green) absorbing rhodopsin of the bush brown Bicyclus anynana were partially identified. The UV sequence, encoding 377 amino acids, is 76-79% identical to the UV sequences of the papilionids Papilio glaucus and Papilio xuthus and the moth Manduca sexta. A dendrogram derived from aligning the amino acid sequences reveals an equidistant position of Bicyclus between Papilio and Manduca. The sequence of the green opsin cDNA fragment, which encodes 242 amino acids, represents six of the seven transmembrane regions. At the amino acid level, this fragment is more than 80% identical to the corresponding LW opsin sequences of Dryas, Heliconius, Papilio (rhodopsin 2) and Manduca. Whereas three LW absorbing rhodopsins were identified in the papilionid butterflies, only one green opsin was found in B. anynana.

  18. Gene for ataxia-telangiectasia complementation group D (ATDC)

    DOEpatents

    Murnane, J.P.; Painter, R.B.; Kapp, L.N.; Yu, L.C.

    1995-03-07

    Disclosed herein is a new gene, an AT gene for complementation group D, the ATDC gene and fragments thereof. Nucleic acid probes for the gene are provided as well as proteins encoded by the gene, cDNA therefrom, preferably a 3 kilobase (kb) cDNA, and recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expression of the proteins. Further disclosed are methods to detect mutations in the gene, preferably methods employing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also disclosed are methods to detect AT genes from other AT complementation groups. 30 figs.

  19. Functional characterization of enone oxidoreductases from strawberry and tomato fruit.

    PubMed

    Klein, Dorothée; Fink, Barbara; Arold, Beate; Eisenreich, Wolfgang; Schwab, Wilfried

    2007-08-08

    Fragaria x ananassa enone oxidoreductase (FaEO), earlier putatively assigned as quinone oxidoreductase, is a ripening-induced, negatively auxin-regulated enzyme that catalyzes the formation of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF), the key flavor compound in strawberry fruit by the reduction of the alpha,beta-unsaturated bond of the highly reactive precursor 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-methylene-3(2H)-furanone (HMMF). Here we show that recombinant FaEO does not reduce the double bond of straight-chain 2-alkenals or 2-alkenones but rather hydrogenates previously unknown HMMF derivatives substituted at the methylene functional group. The furanones were prepared from 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone with a number of aldehydes and a ketone. The kinetic data for the newly synthesized aroma-active substrates and products are similar to the values obtained for an enone oxidoreductase from Arabidopsis thaliana catalyzing the alpha,beta-hydrogenation of 2-alkenals. HMMF, the substrate of FaEO that is formed during strawberry fruit ripening, was also detected in tomato and pineapple fruit by HPLC-ESI-MSn and became 13C-labeled when d-[6-13C]-glucose was applied to the fruits, which suggested that a similar HDMF biosynthetic pathway occurs in the different plant species. With a database search (http://ted.bti.cornell.edu/ and http://genet.imb.uq.edu.au/Pineapple/), we identified a tomato and pineapple expressed sequence tag that shows significant homology to FaEO. Solanum lycopersicon EO (SlEO) was cloned from cDNA, and the protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Biochemical studies confirmed the involvement of SlEO in the biosynthesis of HDMF in tomato fruit.

  20. The gene for stinging nettle lectin (Urtica dioica agglutinin) encodes both a lectin and a chitinase.

    PubMed

    Lerner, D R; Raikhel, N V

    1992-06-05

    Chitin-binding proteins are present in a wide range of plant species, including both monocots and dicots, even though these plants contain no chitin. To investigate the relationship between in vitro antifungal and insecticidal activities of chitin-binding proteins and their unknown endogenous functions, the stinging nettle lectin (Urtica dioica agglutinin, UDA) cDNA was cloned using a synthetic gene as the probe. The nettle lectin cDNA clone contained an open reading frame encoding 374 amino acids. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed a 21-amino acid putative signal sequence and the 86 amino acids encoding the two chitin-binding domains of nettle lectin. These domains were fused to a 19-amino acid "spacer" domain and a 244-amino acid carboxyl extension with partial identity to a chitinase catalytic domain. The authenticity of the cDNA clone was confirmed by deduced amino acid sequence identity with sequence data obtained from tryptic digests, RNA gel blot, and polymerase chain reaction analyses. RNA gel blot analysis also showed the nettle lectin message was present primarily in rhizomes and inflorescence (with immature seeds) but not in leaves or stems. Chitinase enzymatic activity was found when the chitinase-like domain alone or the chitinase-like domain with the chitin-binding domains were expressed in Escherichia coli. This is the first example of a chitin-binding protein with both a duplication of the 43-amino acid chitin-binding domain and a fusion of the chitin-binding domains to a structurally unrelated domain, the chitinase domain.

  1. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tzeng, W.-P.; Frey, Teryl K.

    Rubella virus (RUB) replicons are derivatives of the RUB infectious cDNA clone that retain the nonstructural open reading frame (NS-ORF) that encodes the replicase proteins but not the structural protein ORF (SP-ORF) that encodes the virion proteins. RUB defective interfering (DI) RNAs contain deletions within the SP-ORF and thus resemble replicons. DI RNAs often retain the 5' end of the capsid protein (C) gene that has been shown to modulate virus-specific RNA synthesis. However, when replicons either with or without the C gene were passaged serially in the presence of wt RUB as a source of the virion proteins, itmore » was found that neither replicon was maintained and DI RNAs were generated. The majority DI RNA species contained in-frame deletions in the SP-ORF leading to a fusion between the 5' end of the C gene and the 3' end of the E1 glycoprotein gene. DI infectious cDNA clones were constructed and transcripts from these DI infectious cDNA clones were maintained during serial passage with wt RUB. The C-E1 fusion protein encoded by the DI RNAs was synthesized and was required for maintenance of the DI RNA during serial passage. This is the first report of a functional novel gene product resulting from deletion during DI RNA generation. Thus far, the role of the C-E1 fusion protein in maintenance of DI RNAs during serial passage remained elusive as it was found that the fusion protein diminished rather than enhanced DI RNA synthesis and was not incorporated into virus particles.« less

  2. Isolation of a cDNA Encoding a Granule-Bound 152-Kilodalton Starch-Branching Enzyme in Wheat1

    PubMed Central

    Båga, Monica; Nair, Ramesh B.; Repellin, Anne; Scoles, Graham J.; Chibbar, Ravindra N.

    2000-01-01

    Screening of a wheat (Triticum aestivum) cDNA library for starch-branching enzyme I (SBEI) genes combined with 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends resulted in isolation of a 4,563-bp composite cDNA, Sbe1c. Based on sequence alignment to characterized SBEI cDNA clones isolated from plants, the SBEIc predicted from the cDNA sequence was produced with a transit peptide directing the polypeptide into plastids. Furthermore, the predicted mature form of SBEIc was much larger (152 kD) than previously characterized plant SBEI (80–100 kD) and contained a partial duplication of SBEI sequences. The first SBEI domain showed high amino acid similarity to a 74-kD wheat SBEI-like protein that is inactive as a branching enzyme when expressed in Escherichia coli. The second SBEI domain on SBEIc was identical in sequence to a functional 87-kD SBEI produced in the wheat endosperm. Immunoblot analysis of proteins produced in developing wheat kernels demonstrated that the 152-kD SBEIc was, in contrast to the 87- to 88-kD SBEI, preferentially associated with the starch granules. Proteins similar in size and recognized by wheat SBEI antibodies were also present in Triticum monococcum, Triticum tauschii, and Triticum turgidum subsp. durum. PMID:10982440

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Antonacci, R.; Colombo, I.; Volta, M.

    The electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF), located in the mitochondrial matrix, is a nuclear-encoded enzyme delivering to the respiratory chain electrons by straight-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and other dehydrogenases. ETF is composed of a 35-kDa [alpha]-subunit that is cleaved to a 32-kDa protein during mitochondrial import (ETFA) and a [beta]-subunit that reaches the mitochondrion unmodified (ETFB). The cDNA encoding both these subunits has been cloned and sequenced. 14 refs., 1 fig.

  4. The mitochondrial gene encoding ribosomal protein S12 has been translocated to the nuclear genome in Oenothera.

    PubMed Central

    Grohmann, L; Brennicke, A; Schuster, W

    1992-01-01

    The Oenothera mitochondrial genome contains only a gene fragment for ribosomal protein S12 (rps12), while other plants encode a functional gene in the mitochondrion. The complete Oenothera rps12 gene is located in the nucleus. The transit sequence necessary to target this protein to the mitochondrion is encoded by a 5'-extension of the open reading frame. Comparison of the amino acid sequence encoded by the nuclear gene with the polypeptides encoded by edited mitochondrial cDNA and genomic sequences of other plants suggests that gene transfer between mitochondrion and nucleus started from edited mitochondrial RNA molecules. Mechanisms and requirements of gene transfer and activation are discussed. Images PMID:1454526

  5. Cloning of Human Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor cDNA and Expression of Recombinant Soluble TNF-Binding Protein

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gray, Patrick W.; Barrett, Kathy; Chantry, David; Turner, Martin; Feldmann, Marc

    1990-10-01

    The cDNA for one of the receptors for human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been isolated. This cDNA encodes a protein of 455 amino acids that is divided into an extracellular domain of 171 residues and a cytoplasmic domain of 221 residues. The extracellular domain has been engineered for expression in mammalian cells, and this recombinant derivative binds TNFα with high affinity and inhibits its cytotoxic activity in vitro. The TNF receptor exhibits similarity with a family of cell surface proteins that includes the nerve growth factor receptor, the human B-cell surface antigen CD40, and the rat T-cell surface antigen OX40. The TNF receptor contains four cysteine-rich subdomains in the extra-cellular portion. Mammalian cells transfected with the entire TNF receptor cDNA bind radiolabeled TNFα with an affinity of 2.5 x 10-9 M. This binding can be competitively inhibited with unlabeled TNFα or lymphotoxin (TNFβ).

  6. Multiplex cDNA quantification method that facilitates the standardization of gene expression data

    PubMed Central

    Gotoh, Osamu; Murakami, Yasufumi; Suyama, Akira

    2011-01-01

    Microarray-based gene expression measurement is one of the major methods for transcriptome analysis. However, current microarray data are substantially affected by microarray platforms and RNA references because of the microarray method can provide merely the relative amounts of gene expression levels. Therefore, valid comparisons of the microarray data require standardized platforms, internal and/or external controls and complicated normalizations. These requirements impose limitations on the extensive comparison of gene expression data. Here, we report an effective approach to removing the unfavorable limitations by measuring the absolute amounts of gene expression levels on common DNA microarrays. We have developed a multiplex cDNA quantification method called GEP-DEAN (Gene expression profiling by DCN-encoding-based analysis). The method was validated by using chemically synthesized DNA strands of known quantities and cDNA samples prepared from mouse liver, demonstrating that the absolute amounts of cDNA strands were successfully measured with a sensitivity of 18 zmol in a highly multiplexed manner in 7 h. PMID:21415008

  7. AlgU controls expression of virulence genes in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Plant pathogenic bacteria are able to integrate information about their environment and adjust gene expression to provide adaptive functions. AlgU, an ECF sigma factor encoded by Pseudomonas syringae, controls expression of genes for alginate biosynthesis and is active while the bacteria are associa...

  8. Potato spindle tuber viroid detection in phloem exudates and guttation fluid of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is a single-stranded, non protein-encoding, covalently-closed circular RNA molecule (359nt) that infects many horticultural and agricultural crops. PSTVd is mechanically transmitted, replicates in the nucleus, and moves cell-to-cell through plasmodesmata. Though i...

  9. Expression of toxin co-regulated pilus subunit A (TCPA) of Vibrio cholerae and its immunogenic epitopes fused to cholera toxin B subunit in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

    PubMed

    Sharma, Manoj Kumar; Singh, Nirmal Kumar; Jani, Dewal; Sisodia, Rama; Thungapathra, M; Gautam, J K; Meena, L S; Singh, Yogendra; Ghosh, Amit; Tyagi, Akhilesh Kumar; Sharma, Arun Kumar

    2008-02-01

    For protection against cholera, it is important to develop efficient vaccine capable of inducing anti-toxin as well as anti-colonizing immunity against Vibrio cholerae infections. Earlier, expression of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in tomato was reported by us. In the present investigation, toxin co-regulated pilus subunit A (TCPA), earlier reported to be an antigen capable of providing anti-colonization immunity, has been expressed in tomato. Further, to generate more potent combinatorial antigens, nucleotides encoding P4 or P6 epitope of TCPA were fused to cholera toxin B subunit gene (ctxB) and expressed in tomato. Presence of transgenes in the tomato genome was confirmed by PCR and expression of genes was confirmed at transcript and protein level. TCPA, chimeric CTB-P4 and CTB-P6 proteins were also expressed in E. coli. TCPA protein expressed in E. coli was purified to generate anti-TCPA antibodies in rabbit. Immunoblot and G(M1)-ELISA verified the synthesis and assembly of pentameric chimeric proteins in fruit tissue of transgenic tomato plants. The chimeric protein CTB-P4 and CTB-P6 accumulated up to 0.17 and 0.096% of total soluble protein (TSP), respectively, in tomato fruits. Whereas expression of TCPA, CTB-P4 and CTB-P6 in E. coli can be utilized for development of conventional vaccine, expression of these antigens which can provide both anti-toxin as well as anti-colonization immunity, has been demonstrated in plants, in a form which is potentially capable of inducing immune response against cholera infection.

  10. The vascular plant-pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum produces biofilms required for its virulence on the surfaces of tomato cells adjacent to intercellular spaces.

    PubMed

    Mori, Yuka; Inoue, Kanako; Ikeda, Kenichi; Nakayashiki, Hitoshi; Higashimoto, Chikaki; Ohnishi, Kouhei; Kiba, Akinori; Hikichi, Yasufumi

    2016-08-01

    The mechanism of colonization of intercellular spaces by the soil-borne and vascular plant-pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1-1 after invasion into host plants remains unclear. To analyse the behaviour of OE1-1 cells in intercellular spaces, tomato leaves with the lower epidermis layers excised after infiltration with OE1-1 were observed under a scanning electron microscope. OE1-1 cells formed microcolonies on the surfaces of tomato cells adjacent to intercellular spaces, and then aggregated surrounded by an extracellular matrix, forming mature biofilm structures. Furthermore, OE1-1 cells produced mushroom-type biofilms when incubated in fluids of apoplasts including intercellular spaces, but not xylem fluids from tomato plants. This is the first report of biofilm formation by R. solanacearum on host plant cells after invasion into intercellular spaces and mushroom-type biofilms produced by R. solanacearum in vitro. Sugar application led to enhanced biofilm formation by OE1-1. Mutation of lecM encoding a lectin, RS-IIL, which reportedly exhibits affinity for these sugars, led to a significant decrease in biofilm formation. Colonization in intercellular spaces was significantly decreased in the lecM mutant, leading to a loss of virulence on tomato plants. Complementation of the lecM mutant with native lecM resulted in the recovery of mushroom-type biofilms and virulence on tomato plants. Together, our findings indicate that OE1-1 produces mature biofilms on the surfaces of tomato cells after invasion into intercellular spaces. RS-IIL may contribute to biofilm formation by OE1-1, which is required for OE1-1 virulence. © 2015 BSPP AND JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD.

  11. Identification of a Novel Small Cysteine-Rich Protein in the Fraction from the Biocontrol Fusarium oxysporum Strain CS-20 that Mitigates Fusarium Wilt Symptoms and Triggers Defense Responses in Tomato

    PubMed Central

    Shcherbakova, Larisa A.; Odintsova, Tatyana I.; Stakheev, Alexander A.; Fravel, Deborah R.; Zavriev, Sergey K.

    2016-01-01

    The biocontrol effect of the non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strain CS-20 against the tomato wilt pathogen F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) has been previously reported to be primarily plant-mediated. This study shows that CS-20 produces proteins, which elicit defense responses in tomato plants. Three protein-containing fractions were isolated from CS-20 biomass using size exclusion chromatography. Exposure of seedling roots to one of these fractions prior to inoculation with pathogenic FOL strains significantly reduced wilt severity. This fraction initiated an ion exchange response in cultured tomato cells resulting in a reversible alteration of extracellular pH; increased tomato chitinase activity, and induced systemic resistance by enhancing PR-1 expression in tomato leaves. Two other protein fractions were inactive in seedling protection. The main polypeptide (designated CS20EP), which was specifically present in the defense-inducing fraction and was not detected in inactive protein fractions, was identified. The nucleotide sequence encoding this protein was determined, and its complete amino acid sequence was deduced from direct Edman degradation (25 N-terminal amino acid residues) and DNA sequencing. The CS20EP was found to be a small basic cysteine-rich protein with a pI of 9.87 and 23.43% of hydrophobic amino acid residues. BLAST search in the NCBI database showed that the protein is new; however, it displays 48% sequence similarity with a hypothetical protein FGSG_10784 from F. graminearum strain PH-1. The contribution of CS20EP to elicitation of tomato defense responses resulting in wilt mitigating is discussed. PMID:26779237

  12. Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Dihydroflavonol 4-Reductase from Vitis bellula.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yue; Peng, Qingzhong; Li, Kegang; Xie, De-Yu

    2018-04-10

    Vitis bellula is a new grape crop in southern China. Berries of this species are rich in antioxidative anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. This study reports cloning and functional characterization of a cDNA encoding a V. bellula dihydroflavonol reductase (VbDFR) involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. A cDNA including 1014 bp was cloned from young leaves and its open reading frame (ORF) was deduced encoding 337 amino acids, highly similar to V. vinifera DFR (VvDFR). Green florescence protein fusion and confocal microscopy analysis determined the cytosolic localization of VbDFR in plant cells. A soluble recombinant VbDFR was induced and purified from E. coli for enzyme assay. In the presence of NADPH, the recombinant enzyme catalyzed dihydrokaempferol (DHK) and dihydroquercetin (DHQ) to their corresponding leucoanthocyanidins. The VbDFR cDNA was introduced into tobacco plants via Agrobacterium -mediated transformation. The overexpression of VbDFR increased anthocyanin production in flowers. Anthocyanin hydrolysis and chromatographic analysis revealed that transgenic flowers produced pelargonidin and delphinidin, which were not detected in control flowers. These data demonstrated that the overexpression of VbDFR produced new tobacco anthocyanidins. In summary, all data demonstrate that VbDFR is a useful gene to provide three types of substrates for metabolic engineering of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in grape crops and other crops.

  13. Purification and characterization of an antifungal protein, C-FKBP, from Chinese cabbage.

    PubMed

    Park, Seong-Cheol; Lee, Jung Ro; Shin, Sun-Oh; Jung, Ji Hyun; Lee, Young Mee; Son, Hyosuk; Park, Yoonkyung; Lee, Sang Yeol; Hahm, Kyung-Soo

    2007-06-27

    An antifungal protein was isolated from Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. pekinensis) by buffer-soluble extraction and two chromatographic procedures. The results of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry revealed that the isolated Chinese cabbage protein was identical to human FK506-binding protein (FKBP). A cDNA encoding FKBP was isolated from a Chinese cabbage leaf cDNA library and named C-FKBP. The open reading frame of the gene encoded a 154-amino acid polypeptide. The amino acid sequence of C-FKBP exhibits striking degrees of identity with the corresponding mouse (61%), human (60%), and yeast (56%) proteins. Genomic Southern blot analyses using the full-length C-FKBP cDNA probe revealed a multigene family in the Chinese cabbage genome. The C-FKBP mRNA was highly expressed in vegetative tissues. We also analyzed the antifungal and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity of recombinant C-FKBP protein expressed in Escherichia coli. This protein inhibited pathogenic fungal strains, including Candida albicans, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia solani, and Trichoderma viride, whereas it exhibited no activity against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggest that recombinant C-FKBP is an excellent candidate as a lead compound for the development of antifungal agents.

  14. Cloning, expression and activity analysis of a novel fibrinolytic serine protease from Arenicola cristata

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Chunling; Ju, Jiyu

    2015-06-01

    The full-length cDNA of a protease gene from a marine annelid Arenicola cristata was amplified through rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique and sequenced. The size of the cDNA was 936 bp in length, including an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 270 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequnce consisted of pro- and mature sequences. The protease belonged to the serine protease family because it contained the highly conserved sequence GDSGGP. This protease was novel as it showed a low amino acid sequence similarity (< 40%) to other serine proteases. The gene encoding the active form of A. cristata serine protease was cloned and expressed in E. coli. Purified recombinant protease in a supernatant could dissolve an artificial fibrin plate with plasminogen-rich fibrin, whereas the plasminogen-free fibrin showed no clear zone caused by hydrolysis. This result suggested that the recombinant protease showed an indirect fibrinolytic activity of dissolving fibrin, and was probably a plasminogen activator. A rat model with venous thrombosis was established to demonstrate that the recombinant protease could also hydrolyze blood clot in vivo. Therefore, this recombinant protease may be used as a thrombolytic agent for thrombosis treatment. To our knowledge, this study is the first of reporting the fibrinolytic serine protease gene in A. cristata.

  15. Molecular cloning and characterization of novel phytocystatin gene from turmeric, Curcuma longa.

    PubMed

    Chan, Seow-Neng; Abu Bakar, Norliza; Mahmood, Maziah; Ho, Chai-Ling; Shaharuddin, Noor Azmi

    2014-01-01

    Phytocystatin, a type of protease inhibitor (PI), plays major roles in plant defense mechanisms and has been reported to show antipathogenic properties and plant stress tolerance. Recombinant plant PIs are gaining popularity as potential candidates in engineering of crop protection and in synthesizing medicine. It is therefore crucial to identify PI from novel sources like Curcuma longa as it is more effective in combating against pathogens due to its novelty. In this study, a novel cDNA fragment encoding phytocystatin was isolated using degenerate PCR primers, designed from consensus regions of phytocystatin from other plant species. A full-length cDNA of the phytocystatin gene, designated CypCl, was acquired using 5'/3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends method and it has been deposited in NCBI database (accession number KF545954.1). It has a 687 bp long open reading frame (ORF) which encodes 228 amino acids. BLAST result indicated that CypCl is similar to cystatin protease inhibitor from Cucumis sativus with 74% max identity. Sequence analysis showed that CypCl contains most of the motifs found in a cystatin, including a G residue, LARFAV-, QxVxG sequence, PW dipeptide, and SNSL sequence at C-terminal extension. Phylogenetic studies also showed that CypCl is related to phytocystatin from Elaeis guineensis.

  16. Lipoxygenase in Caragana jubata responds to low temperature, abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid.

    PubMed

    Bhardwaj, Pardeep Kumar; Kaur, Jagdeep; Sobti, Ranbir Chander; Ahuja, Paramvir Singh; Kumar, Sanjay

    2011-09-01

    Lipoxygenase (LOX) catalyses oxygenation of free polyunsaturated fatty acids into oxylipins, and is a critical enzyme of the jasmonate signaling pathway. LOX has been shown to be associated with biotic and abiotic stress responses in diverse plant species, though limited data is available with respect to low temperature and the associated cues. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends, a full-length cDNA (CjLOX) encoding lipoxygenase was cloned from apical buds of Caragana jubata, a temperate plant species that grows under extreme cold. The cDNA obtained was 2952bp long consisting of an open reading frame of 2610bp encoding 869 amino acids protein. Multiple alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence with those of other plants demonstrated putative LH2/ PLAT domain, lipoxygenase iron binding catalytic domain and lipoxygenase_2 signature sequences. CjLOX exhibited up- and down-regulation of gene expression pattern in response to low temperature (LT), abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MJ) and salicylic acid (SA). Among all the treatments, a strong up-regulation was observed in response to MJ. Data suggests an important role of jasmonate signaling pathway in response to LT in C. jubata. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Novel Phytocystatin Gene from Turmeric, Curcuma longa

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Seow-Neng; Abu Bakar, Norliza; Mahmood, Maziah; Ho, Chai-Ling

    2014-01-01

    Phytocystatin, a type of protease inhibitor (PI), plays major roles in plant defense mechanisms and has been reported to show antipathogenic properties and plant stress tolerance. Recombinant plant PIs are gaining popularity as potential candidates in engineering of crop protection and in synthesizing medicine. It is therefore crucial to identify PI from novel sources like Curcuma longa as it is more effective in combating against pathogens due to its novelty. In this study, a novel cDNA fragment encoding phytocystatin was isolated using degenerate PCR primers, designed from consensus regions of phytocystatin from other plant species. A full-length cDNA of the phytocystatin gene, designated CypCl, was acquired using 5′/3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends method and it has been deposited in NCBI database (accession number KF545954.1). It has a 687 bp long open reading frame (ORF) which encodes 228 amino acids. BLAST result indicated that CypCl is similar to cystatin protease inhibitor from Cucumis sativus with 74% max identity. Sequence analysis showed that CypCl contains most of the motifs found in a cystatin, including a G residue, LARFAV-, QxVxG sequence, PW dipeptide, and SNSL sequence at C-terminal extension. Phylogenetic studies also showed that CypCl is related to phytocystatin from Elaeis guineensis. PMID:25853138

  18. Cloning and expression of a Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase from NCB-20 cells.

    PubMed Central

    Yoshimura, M; Cooper, D M

    1992-01-01

    A cDNA that encodes an adenylyl cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] has been cloned from NCB-20 cells, in which adenylyl cyclase activity is inhibited by Ca2+ at physiological concentrations. The cDNA clone (5.8 kilobases) was isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers designed by comparison of three adenylyl cyclase sequences (types I, II, and III) and subsequent library screening. Northern analysis revealed expression of mRNA (6.1 kilobases) corresponding to this cDNA in cardiac tissue, which is a prominent source of Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase. The clone encodes a protein of 1165 amino acids, whose hydrophilicity profile was very similar to those of other mammalian adenylyl cyclases that have recently been cloned. A noticeable difference between this protein and other adenylyl cyclases was a lengthy aminoterminal region before the first transmembrane span. Transient expression of this cDNA in the human embryonic kidney cell line 293 revealed a 3-fold increase in cAMP production in response to forskolin compared with control transfected cells. In purified plasma membranes from transfected cells, increased adenylyl cyclase activity was also detected, which was susceptible to inhibition by submicromolar Ca2+. Thus, this adenylyl cyclase seems to represent the Ca(2+)-inhibitable form that is encountered in NCB-20 cells, cardiac tissue, and elsewhere. Its identification should permit a determination of the structural features that determine the mode of regulation of adenylyl cyclase by Ca2+. Images PMID:1379717

  19. Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 in the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yipeng; Zheng, Guowan; Dong, Shengzhang; Liu, Guangfu; Yu, Xiaoping

    2014-12-01

    The golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, has strong tolerance to high temperature, facilitating its invasion in East and Southeast Asia. In the present study, three cDNAs encoding heat shock proteins (PocaHSP60, PocaHSP70, PocaHSP90) in P. canaliculata were cloned and characterized. The PocaHSP60 cDNA was 2447 bp, containing an ORF encoding a polypeptide of 574 amino acids. The PocaHSP70 cDNA was 2644 bp, containing an ORF encoding a polypeptide of 643 amino acids. The PocaHSP90 cDNA was 2546 bp, containing an ORF encoding a polypeptide of 726 amino acids. Genomic DNA analysis showed that PocaHSP60 had 11 introns in the coding region and PocaHSP90 had 7 introns but PocaHSP70 had no one. The expression changes of these three PocaHSPs in the gill, digestive gland, kidney and foot muscle of P. canaliculata exposed to high and low temperature were investigated. The results of quantitative PCR and western blotting showed that the expression level of PocaHSP90 was much higher than PocaHSP60 and PocaHSP70 at room temperature, and PocaHSP70 expression level was the lowest among them. Afterheat shock, PocaHSP70 expression increased rapidly, much more significantly than PocaHSP90 expression, and the effect of heat shock on the expression of PocaHSP70 and PocaHSP90 in the different tissues of P. canaliculata was not the same. Unlike PocaHSP70 and PocaHSP90, PocaHSP60 expression seemed not to be affected by heat shock, because its expression was moderately induced only in the foot muscle. However, cool shock had little effect on the expression change of above three PocaHSPs. These results indicated that HSPs might be related to the thermal resistance of P. canaliculata.

  20. Molecular cloning and immunoglobulin E reactivity of a natural rubber latex lecithinase homologue, the major allergenic component of Hev b 4.

    PubMed

    Sunderasan, E; Bahari, A; Arif, S A M; Zainal, Z; Hamilton, R G; Yeang, H Y

    2005-11-01

    Hev b 4 is an allergenic natural rubber latex (NRL) protein complex that is reactive in skin prick tests and in vitro immunoassays. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Hev b 4 is discerned predominantly at 53-55 kDa together with a 57 kDa minor component previously identified as a cyanogenic glucosidase. Of the 13 NRL allergens recognized by the International Union of Immunological Societies, the 53-55 kDa Hev b 4 major protein is the only candidate that lacks complete cDNA and protein sequence information. We sought to clone the transcript encoding the Hev b 4 major protein, and characterize the native protein and its recombinant form in relation to IgE binding. The 5'/3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends method was employed to obtain the complete cDNA of the Hev b 4 major protein. A recombinant form of the protein was over-expressed in Escherichia coli. The native Hev b 4 major protein was deglycosylated by trifluoromethane sulphonic acid. Western immunoblots of the native, deglycosylated and recombinant proteins were performed using both polyclonal antibodies and sera from latex-allergic patients. The cDNA encoding the Hev b 4 major protein was cloned. Its open reading frame matched lecithinases in the conserved domain database and contained 10 predicted glycosylation sites. Detection of glycans on the Hev b 4 lecithinase homologue confirmed it to be a glycoprotein. The deglycosylated lecithinase homologue was discerned at 40 kDa on SDS-PAGE, this being comparable to the 38.53 kDa mass predicted by its cDNA. Deglycosylation of the lecithinase homologue resulted in the loss of IgE recognition, although reactivity to polyclonal rabbit anti-Hev b 4 was retained. IgE from latex-allergic patients also failed to recognize the non-glycosylated E. coli recombinant lecithinase homologue. The IgE epitopes of the Hev b 4 lecithinase homologue reside mainly in its carbohydrate moiety, which also account for the discrepancy between the observed molecular weight of the protein and the value calculated from its cDNA.

  1. An early ethylene up-regulated gene encoding a calmodulin-binding protein involved in plant senescence and death

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yang, T.; Poovaiah, B. W.

    2000-01-01

    35S-Labeled calmodulin (CaM) was used to screen a tobacco anther cDNA library. A positive clone (NtER1) with high homology to an early ethylene-up-regulated gene (ER66) in tomato, and an Arabidopsis homolog was isolated and characterized. Based on the helical wheel projection, a 25-mer peptide corresponding to the predicted CaM-binding region of NtER1 (amino acids 796-820) was synthesized. The gel-mobility shift assay showed that the peptide formed a stable complex with CaM only in the presence of Ca(2+). CaM binds to NtER1 with high affinity (K(d) approximately 12 nm) in a calcium-dependent manner. Tobacco flowers at different stages of development were treated with ethylene or with 1-methylcyclopropene for 2 h before treating with ethylene. Northern analysis showed that the NtER1 was rapidly induced after 15 min of exposure to ethylene. However, the 2-h 1-methylcyclopropene treatment totally blocked NtER1 expression in flowers at all stages of development, suggesting that NtER1 is an early ethylene-up-regulated gene. The senescing leaves and petals had significantly increased NtER1 induction as compared with young leaves and petals, implying that NtER1 is developmentally regulated and acts as a trigger for senescence and death. This is the first documented evidence for the involvement of Ca(2+)/CaM-mediated signaling in ethylene action.

  2. Molecular characterization of two serine proteases expressed in gut tissue of the African trypanosome vector, Glossina morsitans morsitans.

    PubMed

    Yan, J; Cheng, Q; Li, C B; Aksoy, S

    2001-02-01

    Serine proteases are major insect gut enzymes involved in digestion of dietary proteins, and in addition they have been implicated in the process of pathogen establishment in several vector insects. The medically important vector, tsetse fly (Diptera:Glossinidiae), is involved in the transmission of African trypanosomes, which cause devastating diseases in animals and humans. Both the male and female tsetse can transmit trypanosomes and both are strict bloodfeeders throughout all stages of their development. Here, we describe the characterization of two putative serine protease-encoding genes, Glossina serine protease-1 (Gsp1) and Glossina serine protease-2 (Gsp2) from gut tissue. Both putative cDNA products represent prepro peptides with hydrophobic signal peptide sequences associated with their 5'-end terminus. The Gsp1 cDNA encodes a putative mature protein of 245 amino acids with a molecular mass of 26 428 Da, while the predicted size of the 228 amino acid mature peptide encoded by Gsp2 cDNA is 24 573 Da. Both deduced peptides contain the Asp/His/Ser catalytic triad and the conserved residues surrounding it which are characteristic of serine proteases. In addition, both proteins have the six-conserved cysteine residues to form the three-cysteine bonds typically present in invertebrate serine proteases. Based on the presence of substrate specific residues, the Gsp1 gene encodes a chymotrypsin-like protease while Gsp2 gene encodes for a protein with trypsin-like activity. Both proteins are encoded by few loci in tsetse genome, being present in one or two copies only. The mRNA expression levels for the genes do not vary extensively throughout the digestive cycle, and high levels of mRNAs can be readily detected in the gut tissue of newly emerged flies. The levels of trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in the gut lumen increase following blood feeding and change significantly in the gut cells throughout the digestion cycle. Hence, the regulation of expression for trypsin and chymotrypsin occurs at the post-transcriptional level in tsetse. Both the coding sequences and patterns of expression of Gsp1 and Gsp2 genes are similar to the serine proteases that have been reported from the bloodfeeding insect Stomoxys calcitrans.

  3. Isolation of complementary DNA clones encoding pathogenesis-related proteins P and Q, two acidic chitinases from tobacco.

    PubMed Central

    Payne, G; Ahl, P; Moyer, M; Harper, A; Beck, J; Meins, F; Ryals, J

    1990-01-01

    Complementary DNA clones encoding two isoforms of the acidic endochitinase (chitinase, EC 3.2.1.14) from tobacco were isolated. Comparison of amino acid sequences deduced from the cDNA clones and the sequence of peptides derived from purified proteins show that these clones encode the pathogenesis-related proteins PR-P and PR-Q. The cDNA inserts were not homologous to either the bacterial form of chitinase or the form from cucumber but shared significant homology to the basic form of chitinase from tobacco and bean. The acidic isoforms of tobacco chitinase did not contain the amino-terminal, cysteine-rich "hevein" domain found in the basic isoforms, indicating that this domain, which binds chitin, is not essential for chitinolytic activity. The accumulation of mRNA for the pathogenesis-related proteins PR-1, PR-R, PR-P, and PR-Q in Xanthi.nc tobacco leaves following infection with tobacco mosaic virus was measured by primer extension. The results indicate that the induction of these proteins during the local necrotic lesion response to the virus is coordinated at the mRNA level. Images PMID:2296608

  4. The mapping of the human 52-kD Ro/SSA autoantigen gene to human chromosome II, and its polymorphisms

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Frank, M.B.; Itoh, Kazuko; Fujisaku, Atsushi

    1993-01-01

    Autoantibodies to the ribonucleoprotein Ro/SSA occur in nearly half of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and are associated with lymphopenia, photosensitive dermatitis, and pulmonary and renal disease, which suggests that they have an immunopathologic role. The majority of Ro/SSA precipitin-positive patients produce serum antibodies that bind to the 60-kD and 52-kD Ro/SSA proteins. The authors previously isolated and determined the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone that encodes the 52-kD form of the human Ro/SSA protein. In the present study, they have determined the chromosomal location of the gene by in situ hybridization to the end of the shortmore » arm of chromosome 11. Hybridization of portions of the cDNA probe to restriction enzyme-digested DNA indicated the gene is composed of at least three exons. The exon encoding the putative zinc fingers of this protein was found to be distinct from that which encodes the leucine zipper. An RFLP of this gene was identified and is associated with the presence of lupus, primarily in black Americans. 60 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.« less

  5. Polygalacturonase from Sitophilus oryzae: Possible horizontal transfer of a pectinase gene from fungi to weevils

    PubMed Central

    Shen, Zhicheng; Denton, Michael; Mutti, Navdeep; Pappan, Kirk; Kanost, Michael R.; Reese, John C.; Reeck, Gerald R.

    2003-01-01

    Endo-polygalacturonase, one of the group of enzymes known collectively as pectinases, is widely distributed in bacteria, plants and fungi. The enzyme has also been found in several weevil species and a few other insects, such as aphids, but not in Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, or Caenorhabditis elegans or, as far as is known, in any more primitive animal species. What, then, is the genetic origin of the polygalacturonases in weevils? Since some weevil species harbor symbiotic microorganisms, it has been suggested, reasonably, that the symbionts' genomes of both aphids and weevils, rather than the insects' genomes, could encode polygalacturonase. We report here the cloning of a cDNA that encodes endo-polygalacturonase in the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and investigations based on the cloned cDNA. Our results, which include analysis of genes in antibiotic-treated rice weevils, indicate that the enzyme is, in fact, encoded by the insect genome. Given the apparent absence of the gene in much of the rest of the animal kingdom, it is therefore likely that the rice weevil polygalacturonase gene was incorporated into the weevil's genome by horizontal transfer, possibly from a fungus. PMID:15841240

  6. Polygalacturonase from Sitophilus oryzae: possible horizontal transfer of a pectinase gene from fungi to weevils.

    PubMed

    Shen, Zhicheng; Denton, Michael; Mutti, Navdeep; Pappan, Kirk; Kanost, Michael R; Reese, John C; Reeck, Gerald R

    2003-01-01

    Endo-polygalacturonase, one of the group of enzymes known collectively as pectinases, is widely distributed in bacteria, plants and fungi. The enzyme has also been found in several weevil species and a few other insects, such as aphids, but not in Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, or Caenorhabditis elegans or, as far as is known, in any more primitive animal species. What, then, is the genetic origin of the polygalacturonases in weevils? Since some weevil species harbor symbiotic microorganisms, it has been suggested, reasonably, that the symbionts' genomes of both aphids and weevils, rather than the insects' genomes, could encode polygalacturonase. We report here the cloning of a cDNA that encodes endo-polygalacturonase in the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and investigations based on the cloned cDNA. Our results, which include analysis of genes in antibiotic-treated rice weevils, indicate that the enzyme is, in fact, encoded by the insect genome. Given the apparent absence of the gene in much of the rest of the animal kingdom, it is therefore likely that the rice weevil polygalacturonase gene was incorporated into the weevil's genome by horizontal transfer, possibly from a fungus.

  7. Basic leucine zipper transcription factor SlbZIP1 mediates salt and drought stress tolerance in tomato.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Mingku; Meng, Xiaoqing; Cai, Jing; Li, Ge; Dong, Tingting; Li, Zongyun

    2018-05-08

    Basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors perform as crucial regulators in ABA-mediated stress response in plants. Nevertheless, the functions for most bZIP family members in tomato remain to be deciphered. Here we examined the functional characterization of SlbZIP1 under salt and drought stresses in tomato. Silencing of SlbZIP1 in tomato resulted in reduced expression of multiple ABA biosynthesis- and signal transduction-related genes in transgenic plants. In stress assays, SlbZIP1-RNAi transgenic plants exhibited reduced tolerance to salt and drought stresses compared with WT plants, as are evaluated by multiple physiological parameters associated with stress responses, such as decreased ABA, chlorophyll contents and CAT activity, and increased MDA content. In addition, RNA-seq analysis of transgenic plants revealed that the transcription levels of multiple genes encoding defense proteins related to responses to abiotic stress (e.g. endochitinase, peroxidases, and lipid transfer proteins) and biotic stress (e.g. pathogenesis-related proteins) were downregulated in SlbZIP1-RNAi plants, suggesting that SlbZIP1 plays a role in regulating the genes related to biotic and abiotic stress response. Collectively, the data suggest that SlbZIP1 exerts an essential role in salt and drought stress tolerance through modulating an ABA-mediated pathway, and SlbZIP1 may hold potential applications in the engineering of salt- and drought-tolerant tomato cultivars.

  8. Fruit-localized Phytochromes Regulate Plastid Biogenesis, Starch Synthesis and Carotenoid Metabolism in Tomato.

    PubMed

    Ernesto Bianchetti, Ricardo; Silvestre Lira, Bruno; Santos Monteiro, Scarlet; Demarco, Diego; Purgatto, Eduardo; Rothan, Christophe; Rossi, Magdalena; Freschi, Luciano

    2018-04-18

    Light signaling has long been reported to influence fruit biology, though the regulatory impact of fruit-localized photoreceptors on fruit development and metabolism remains elusive. Studies performed in phytochrome(PHY)-deficient tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutants suggest that SlPHYA, SlPHYB2 and to a lesser extent SlPHYB1 influence fruit development and ripening. By employing fruit-specific RNAi-mediated silencing of SlPHY genes, we demonstrated that fruit-localized SlPHYA and SlPHYB2 play contrasting roles in regulating plastid biogenesis and maturation in tomato. Data revealed that fruit-localized SlPHYA, rather than SlPHYB1 or SlPHYB2, positively influence tomato plastid differentiation and division machinery via changes in both light and cytokinin signaling-related gene expression. Fruit-localized SlPHYA and SlPHYB2 were also shown to modulate sugar metabolism in early developing fruits via overlapping, yet distinct, mechanisms involving the coordinated transcriptional regulation of sink- and starch biosynthesis-related genes. Fruit-specific SlPHY silencing also drastically altered the transcriptional profile of genes encoding light repressor proteins and carotenoid biosynthesis regulators, leading to reduced carotenoid biosynthesis during fruit ripening. Therefore, besides providing conclusive evidence on the regulation of tomato quality by fruit-localized phytochromes, our data also demonstrate the existence of an intricate PHY-hormonal interplay during fruit development and ripening.

  9. Induction of Senescence and Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Tomato in Response to Monoterpene

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Vinay; Kumar, Anil; Irfan, Mohammad; Chakraborty, Niranjan; Chakraborty, Subhra; Datta, Asis

    2013-01-01

    Monoterpenes, which are among the major components of plant essential oils, are known for their ecological roles as well for pharmaceutical properties. Geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis/senescence in various cancer cells and plants; however, the genes involved in the process and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment of tomato plants with geraniol results in induction of senescence due to a substantial alteration in transcriptome. We have identified several geraniol-responsive protein encoding genes in tomato using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) approach. These genes comprise of various components of signal transduction, cellular metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS), ethylene signalling, apoptosis and DNA damage response. Upregulation of NADPH oxidase and antioxidant genes, and increase in ROS level after geraniol treatment point towards the involvement of ROS in geraniol-mediated senescence. The delayed onset of seedling death and induced expression of geraniol-responsive genes in geraniol-treated ethylene receptor mutant (Nr) suggest that geraniol-mediated senescence involves both ethylene dependent and independent pathways. Moreover, expression analysis during tomato ripening revealed that geraniol-responsive genes are also associated with the natural organ senescence process. PMID:24098759

  10. Universal florigenic signals triggered by FT homologues regulate growth and flowering cycles in perennial day-neutral tomato.

    PubMed

    Lifschitz, Eliezer; Eshed, Yuval

    2006-01-01

    The transition from vegetative to floral meristems in higher plants is programmed by the coincidence of internal and environmental signals. Classic grafting experiments have shown that leaves, in response to changing photoperiods, emit systemic signals, dubbed 'florigen', which induce flowering at the shoot apex. The florigen paradigm was conceived in photoperiod-sensitive plants: nevertheless it implies that although activated by different stimuli in different flowering systems, the signal is common to all plants. Tomato is a day-neutral, perennial plant, with sympodial and modular organization of its shoots and thus with reiterative regular vegetative/reproductive transitions. SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS a regulator of flowering-time and shoot architecture encodes the tomato orthologue of FT, a major flowering integrator gene in Arabidopsis. SFT generates graft-transmissible signals which complement the morphogenetic defects in sft plants, substitute for light dose stimulus in tomato and for contrasting day-length requirements in Arabidopsis and MARYLAND MAMMOTH tobacco. It is discussed how systemic signals initiated by SFT interact with the SELF PRUNING gene to regulate vegetative to reproductive (V/R) transitions in the context of two flowering systems, one for primary apices and the other for sympodial shoots.

  11. A Tomato Peroxidase Involved in the Synthesis of Lignin and Suberin1

    PubMed Central

    Quiroga, Mónica; Guerrero, Consuelo; Botella, Miguel A.; Barceló, Araceli; Amaya, Iraida; Medina, María I.; Alonso, Francisco J.; de Forchetti, Silvia Milrad; Tigier, Horacio; Valpuesta, Victoriano

    2000-01-01

    The last step in the synthesis of lignin and suberin has been proposed to be catalyzed by peroxidases, although other proteins may also be involved. To determine which peroxidases are involved in the synthesis of lignin and suberin, five peroxidases from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) roots, representing the majority of the peroxidase activity in this organ, have been partially purified and characterized kinetically. The purified peroxidases with isoelectric point (pI) values of 3.6 and 9.6 showed the highest catalytic efficiency when the substrate used was syringaldazine, an analog of lignin monomer. Using a combination of transgenic expression and antibody recognition, we now show that the peroxidase pI 9.6 is probably encoded by TPX1, a tomato peroxidase gene we have previously isolated. In situ RNA hybridization revealed that TPX1 expression is restricted to cells undergoing synthesis of lignin and suberin. Salt stress has been reported to induce the synthesis of lignin and/or suberin. This stress applied to tomato caused changes in the expression pattern of TPX1 and induced the TPX1 protein. We propose that the TPX1 product is involved in the synthesis of lignin and suberin. PMID:10759507

  12. Constitutive Transcription and Stable RNA Accumulation in Plastids during the Conversion of Chloroplasts to Chromoplasts in Ripening Tomato Fruits 1

    PubMed Central

    Marano, María Rosa; Carrillo, Néstor

    1992-01-01

    The size distribution of plastid transcripts during chromoplast differentiation in ripening tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruits was determined using northern blot analysis. Hybridization of total cellular RNA from leaves and fruits with several tobacco chloroplast DNA probes showed distinct transcript patterns in chloroplasts and chromoplasts. We also compared transcriptional rates by probing immobilized DNA fragments of small size (representing about 85% of the plastid genome) with run-on transcripts from tomato plastids. The relative rates of transcription of the various DNA regions were very similar in chloro- and chromoplasts. Parallel determination of the steady-state levels of plastid RNA showed no strict correlation between synthesis rate and RNA accumulation. Differences in the relative abundance of transcripts between chloro- and chromoplasts were not very pronounced and were limited to a small number of genes. The results indicate that the conversion of chloroplasts to chromoplasts at the onset of tomato fruit ripening proceeds with no important variations in the relative transcription rates and with only moderate changes in the relative stability of plastid-encoded transcripts. Images Figure 1 Figure 4 PMID:16653091

  13. Identification of Genes in the Phenylalanine Metabolic Pathway by Ectopic Expression of a MYB Transcription Factor in Tomato Fruit[W

    PubMed Central

    Dal Cin, Valeriano; Tieman, Denise M.; Tohge, Takayuki; McQuinn, Ryan; de Vos, Ric C.H.; Osorio, Sonia; Schmelz, Eric A.; Taylor, Mark G.; Smits-Kroon, Miriam T.; Schuurink, Robert C.; Haring, Michel A.; Giovannoni, James; Fernie, Alisdair R.; Klee, Harry J.

    2011-01-01

    Altering expression of transcription factors can be an effective means to coordinately modulate entire metabolic pathways in plants. It can also provide useful information concerning the identities of genes that constitute metabolic networks. Here, we used ectopic expression of a MYB transcription factor, Petunia hybrida ODORANT1, to alter Phe and phenylpropanoid metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits. Despite the importance of Phe and phenylpropanoids to plant and human health, the pathway for Phe synthesis has not been unambiguously determined. Microarray analysis of ripening fruits from transgenic and control plants permitted identification of a suite of coregulated genes involved in synthesis and further metabolism of Phe. The pattern of coregulated gene expression facilitated discovery of the tomato gene encoding prephenate aminotransferase, which converts prephenate to arogenate. The expression and biochemical data establish an arogenate pathway for Phe synthesis in tomato fruits. Metabolic profiling and 13C flux analysis of ripe fruits further revealed large increases in the levels of a specific subset of phenylpropanoid compounds. However, while increased levels of these human nutrition-related phenylpropanoids may be desirable, there were no increases in levels of Phe-derived flavor volatiles. PMID:21750236

  14. Tomato seed and root exudate sugars: composition, utilization by Pseudomonas biocontrol strains and role in rhizosphere colonization.

    PubMed

    Lugtenberg, B J; Kravchenko, L V; Simons, M

    1999-10-01

    The role of tomato seed and root exudate sugars as nutrients for Pseudomonas biocontrol bacteria was studied. To this end, the major exudate sugars of tomato seeds, seedlings and roots were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis. Glucose, fructose and maltose were present in all studied growth stages of the plant, but the ratios of these sugars were strongly dependent on the developmental stage. In order to study the putative role of exudate sugar utilization in rhizosphere colonization, two approaches were adopted. First, after co-inoculation on germinated tomato seeds, the root-colonizing ability of the efficient root-colonizing P. fluorescens strain WCS365 in a gnotobiotic quartz sand-plant nutrient solution system was compared with that of other Pseudomonas biocontrol strains. No correlation was observed between the colonizing ability of a strain and its ability to use the major exudate sugars as the only carbon and energy source. Secondly, a Tn5lacZ mutant of P. fluorescens strain WCS365, strain PCL1083, was isolated, which is impaired in its ability to grow on simple sugars, including those found in exudate. The mutation appeared to reside in zwf, which encodes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The mutant grows as well as the parental strain on other media, including tomato root exudate. After inoculation of germinated sterile tomato seeds, the mutant cells reached the same population levels at the root tip as the wild-type strain, both alone and in competition, indicating that the ability to use exudate sugars does not play a major role in tomato root colonization, despite the fact that sugars have often been reported to represent the major exudate carbon source. This conclusion is supported by the observation that the growth of mutant PCL1083 in vitro is inhibited by glucose, a major exudate sugar, at a concentration of 0.001%, which indicates that the glucose concentration in the tomato rhizosphere is very low.

  15. Production of hydroxylated fatty acids in genetically modified plants

    DOEpatents

    Somerville, Chris [Portola Valley, CA; Broun, Pierre [Burlingame, CA; van de Loo, Frank [Weston, AU; Boddupalli, Sekhar S [Manchester, MI

    2011-08-23

    This invention relates to plant fatty acyl hydroxylases. Methods to use conserved amino acid or nucleotide sequences to obtain plant fatty acyl hydroxylases are described. Also described is the use of cDNA clones encoding a plant hydroxylase to produce a family of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic plants. In addition, the use of genes encoding fatty acid hydroxylases or desaturases to alter the level of lipid fatty acid unsaturation in transgenic plants is described.

  16. Production of hydroxylated fatty acids in genetically modified plants

    DOEpatents

    Somerville, Chris; Broun, Pierre; van de Loo, Frank; Boddupalli, Sekhar S.

    2005-08-30

    This invention relates to plant fatty acyl hydroxylases. Methods to use conserved amino acid or nucleotide sequences to obtain plant fatty acyl hydroxylases are described. Also described is the use of cDNA clones encoding a plant hydroxylase to produce a family of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic plants. In addition, the use of genes encoding fatty acid hydroxylases or desaturases to alter the level of lipid fatty acid unsaturation in transgenic plants is described.

  17. [Cloning and expression regulation of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase cDNA from Alpinia officinarum].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chun-Rong; Yang, Quan; Chen, Hu-Biao; Pang, Yu-Xin; Tang, Xiao-Min; Cheng, Xuan-Xuan; Wu, Wen-Ya; Chen, Shi-Min

    2012-11-01

    The rhizome of Alpinia officinarum is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine. The essential oil in A. officinarum rhizome is mainly composed of 1, 8-cineole and other monoterpenes, as the major bioactive ingredients. In plants, monoterpenes are synthesized through the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastids, and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) is an enzyme catalyzing a committed step of the MEP pathway. In the present study, the full-length cDNA encoding DXR was cloned from the rhizome of A. officinarum, using homology-based RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. The new cDNA was designated as AoDXR and submitted to GenBank to be assigned with an accession number HQ874658. The full-length cDNA of AoDXR was 1 670 bp containing a 1 419 bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 472 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 51.48 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.15. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that AoDXR showed extensive homology with DXRs from other plant species and contained a conserved plastids transit peptide, a Pro-rich region and two highly conserved NADPH-binding motifs in its N-terminal region characterized by all plant DXRs. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that AoDXR belonged to angiosperm DXRs. The structural modeling of AoDXR showed that AoDXR had the typical V-shaped structure of DXR proteins. The tissue expression pattern analysis indicated that AoDXR expressed strongly in leaves, weak in rhizomes of A. officinarum. Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) could enhance the expression of AoDXR and the production of 1, 8-cineole in A. officinarum rhizomes. The cloning and characterization of AoDXR will be helpful to reveal the molecular regulation mechanism of monoterpene biosynthesis in A. officinarum and provides a candidate gene for metabolic engineering in improving the medicinal quality of A. officinarum rhizome.

  18. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of an Acetylcholinesterase cDNA in the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Zhifan; Chen, Jun; Chen, Yongqin; Jiang, Sijing

    2010-01-01

    A full cDNA encoding an acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) was cloned and characterized from the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). The complete cDNA (2467 bp) contains a 1938-bp open reading frame encoding 646 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of the AChE deduced from the cDNA consists of 30 residues for a putative signal peptide and 616 residues for the mature protein with a predicted molecular weight of 69,418. The three residues (Ser242, Glu371, and His485) that putatively form the catalytic triad and the six Cys that form intra-subunit disulfide bonds are completely conserved, and 10 out of the 14 aromatic residues lining the active site gorge of the AChE are also conserved. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA showed an approximately 2.6-kb transcript, and Southern blot analysis revealed there likely was just a single copy of this gene in N. lugens. The deduced protein sequence is most similar to AChE of Nephotettix cincticeps with 83% amino acid identity. Phylogenetic analysis constructed with 45 AChEs from 30 species showed that the deduced N. lugens AChE formed a cluster with the other 8 insect AChE2s. Additionally, the hypervariable region and amino acids specific to insect AChE2 also existed in the AChE of N. lugens. The results revealed that the AChE cDNA cloned in this work belongs to insect AChE2 subgroup, which is orthologous to Drosophila AChE. Comparison of the AChEs between the susceptible and resistant strains revealed a point mutation, Gly185Ser, is likely responsible for the insensitivity of the AChE to methamidopho in the resistant strain. PMID:20874389

  19. Cloning and Expression of Genes for Dengue Virus Type-2 Encoded Antigens for Rapid Diagnosis and Vaccine Development

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-11-26

    cloning at the SalI site of pUCI8 vector DNA, iii) by treatment with EcoRl DNA methylase, ligation to EcoRI and cloning at the EcoRl site of pUCI8...cDNA to synthetic Sail linker 10 2.3.10 Treatment of DEN-2 cDNA with EcoRi methylase, followed 10 by ligation to EcoRI linkers and digestion with...picked by the mini plasmid preparation method as described in Maniatis et al. (1982). The procedure followed involved briefly treatment with a

  20. Identification, sequencing and expression of an integral membrane protein of the trans-Golgi network (TGN38).

    PubMed Central

    Luzio, J P; Brake, B; Banting, G; Howell, K E; Braghetta, P; Stanley, K K

    1990-01-01

    Organelle-specific integral membrane proteins were identified by a novel strategy which gives rise to monospecific antibodies to these proteins as well as to the cDNA clones encoding them. A cDNA expression library was screened with a polyclonal antiserum raised against Triton X-114-extracted organelle proteins and clones were then grouped using antibodies affinity-purified on individual fusion proteins. The identification, molecular cloning and sequencing are described of a type 1 membrane protein (TGN38) which is located specifically in the trans-Golgi network. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 3. PMID:2204342

  1. Molecular Cloning of Secreted Luciferases from Marine Planktonic Copepods.

    PubMed

    Takenaka, Yasuhiro; Ikeo, Kazuho; Shigeri, Yasushi

    2016-01-01

    Secreted luciferases isolated from copepod crustaceans are frequently used for nondisruptive reporter-gene assays, such as the continuous, automated and/or high-throughput monitoring of gene expression in living cells. All known copepod luciferases share highly conserved amino acid residues in two similar, repeated domains in the sequence. The similarity in the domains are ideal nature for designing PCR primers to amplify cDNA fragments of unidentified copepod luciferases from bioluminescent copepod crustaceans. Here, we introduce how to establish a cDNA encoding novel copepod luciferases from a copepod specimen by PCR with degenerated primers.

  2. Cotton Leaf Curl Multan Betasatellite DNA as a Tool to Deliver and Express the Human B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) Gene in Plants.

    PubMed

    Kharazmi, Sara; Ataie Kachoie, Elham; Behjatnia, Seyed Ali Akbar

    2016-05-01

    The betasatellite DNA associated with Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMB) contains a single complementary-sense ORF, βC1, which is a pathogenicity determinant. CLCuMB was able to replicate in plants in the presence of diverse helper geminiviruses, including Tomato leaf curl virus-Australia (TLCV-Au), Iranian isolate of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV-[Ab]), and Beet curly top virus (BCTV-Svr), and can be used as a plant gene delivery vector. To test the hypothesis that CLCuMB has the potential to act as an animal gene delivery vector, a specific insertion construct was produced by the introduction of a human B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) cDNA into a mutant DNA of CLCuMB in which the βC1 was deleted (β∆C1). The recombinant βΔC1-Bcl-2 construct was successfully replicated in tomato and tobacco plants in the presence of TLCV-Au, BCTV-Svr and TYLCV-[Ab]. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses of plants containing the replicative forms of recombinant βΔC1-Bcl-2 DNA showed that Bcl-2 gene was expressed in an acceptable level in these plants, indicating that β∆C1 can be used as a tool to deliver and express animal genes in plants. This CLCuMB-based system, having its own promoter activity, offers the possibility of production of animal recombinant proteins in plants.

  3. Functional characterization of the Gentiana lutea zeaxanthin epoxidase (GlZEP) promoter in transgenic tomato plants.

    PubMed

    Yang, Qingjie; Yuan, Dawei; Shi, Lianxuan; Capell, Teresa; Bai, Chao; Wen, Nuan; Lu, Xiaodan; Sandmann, Gerhard; Christou, Paul; Zhu, Changfu

    2012-10-01

    The accumulation of carotenoids in plants depends critically on the spatiotemporal expression profiles of the genes encoding enzymes in the carotenogenic pathway. We cloned and characterized the Gentiana lutea zeaxanthin epoxidase (GlZEP) promoter to determine its role in the regulation of carotenogenesis, because the native gene is expressed at high levels in petals, which contain abundant chromoplasts. We transformed tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) plants with the gusA gene encoding the reporter enzyme β-glucuronidase (GUS) under the control of the GlZEP promoter, and investigated the reporter expression profile at the mRNA and protein levels. We detected high levels of gusA expression and GUS activity in chromoplast-containing flowers and fruits, but minimal levels in immature fruits containing green chloroplasts, in sepals, leaves, stems and roots. GlZEP-gusA expression was strictly associated with fruit development and chromoplast differentiation, suggesting an evolutionarily-conserved link between ZEP and the differentiation of organelles that store carotenoid pigments. The impact of our results on current models for the regulation of carotenogenesis in plants is discussed.

  4. Pyramiding expression of maize genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) synergistically improve the photosynthetic characteristics of transgenic wheat.

    PubMed

    Zhang, HuiFang; Xu, WeiGang; Wang, HuiWei; Hu, Lin; Li, Yan; Qi, XueLi; Zhang, Lei; Li, ChunXin; Hua, Xia

    2014-09-01

    Using particle bombardment transformation, we introduced maize pepc cDNA encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and ppdk cDNA encoding pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) into the C3 crop wheat to generate transgenic wheat lines carrying cDNA of pepc (PC lines), ppdk (PK lines) or both (PKC lines). The integration, transcription, and expression of the foreign genes were confirmed by Southern blot, Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Q-RT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. Q-RT-PCR results indicated that the average relative expression levels of pepc and ppdk in the PKC lines reached 10 and 4.6, respectively, compared to their expressions in untransformed plants (set to 1). The enzyme activities of PEPC and PPDK in the PKC lines were 4.3- and 2.1-fold higher, respectively, than in the untransformed control. The maximum daily net photosynthetic rates of the PKC, PC, and PK lines were enhanced by 26.4, 13.3, and 4.5%, respectively, whereas the diurnal accumulations of photosynthesis were 21.3, 13.9, and 6.9%, respectively, higher than in the control. The Fv/Fm of the transgenic plants decreased less than in the control under high temperature and high light conditions (2 weeks after anthesis), suggesting that the transgenic wheat transports more absorbed light energy into a photochemical reaction. The exogenous maize C4-specific pepc gene was more effective than ppdk at improving the photosynthetic performance and yield characteristics of transgenic wheat, while the two genes showed a synergistic effect when they were transformed into the same genetic background, because the PKC lines exhibited improved photosynthetic and physiological traits.

  5. Identification, localisation and functional implication of 26RFa orthologue peptide in the brain of zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).

    PubMed

    Tobari, Y; Iijima, N; Tsunekawa, K; Osugi, T; Haraguchi, S; Ubuka, T; Ukena, K; Okanoya, K; Tsutsui, K; Ozawa, H

    2011-09-01

    Several neuropeptides with the C-terminal Arg-Phe-NH(2) (RFa) sequence have been identified in the hypothalamus of a variety of vertebrates. The present study was conducted to isolate novel RFa peptides from the zebra finch brain. Peptides were isolated by immunoaffinity purification using an antibody that recognises avian RFa peptides. The isolated peptide consisted of 25 amino acids with RFa at its C-terminus. The sequence was SGTLGNLAEEINGYNRRKGGFTFRFa. Alignment of the peptide with vertebrate 26RFa has revealed that the identified peptide is the zebra finch 26RFa. We also cloned the precursor cDNA encoding this peptide. Synteny analysis of the gene showed a high conservation of this gene among vertebrates. In addition, we cloned the cDNA encoding a putative 26RFa receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 103 (GPR103) in the zebra finch brain. GPR103 cDNA encoded a 432 amino acid protein that has seven transmembrane domains. In situ hybridisation analysis in the brain showed that the expression of 26RFa mRNA is confined to the anterior-medial hypothalamic area, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamic area, the brain regions that are involved in the regulation of feeding behaviour, whereas GPR103 mRNA is distributed throughout the brain in addition to the hypothalamic nuclei. When administered centrally in free-feeding male zebra finches, 26RFa increased food intake 24 h after injection without body mass change. Diencephalic GPR103 mRNA expression was up-regulated by fasting for 10 h. Our data suggest that the hypothalamic 26RFa-its receptor system plays an important role in the central control of food intake and energy homeostasis in the zebra finch. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Neuroendocrinology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  6. Frame-Insensitive Expression Cloning of Fluorescent Protein from Scolionema suvaense.

    PubMed

    Horiuchi, Yuki; Laskaratou, Danai; Sliwa, Michel; Ruckebusch, Cyril; Hatori, Kuniyuki; Mizuno, Hideaki; Hotta, Jun-Ichi

    2018-01-26

    Expression cloning from cDNA is an important technique for acquiring genes encoding novel fluorescent proteins. However, the probability of in-frame cDNA insertion following the first start codon of the vector is normally only 1/3, which is a cause of low cloning efficiency. To overcome this issue, we developed a new expression plasmid vector, pRSET-TriEX, in which transcriptional slippage was induced by introducing a DNA sequence of (dT) 14 next to the first start codon of pRSET. The effectiveness of frame-insensitive cloning was validated by inserting the gene encoding eGFP with all three possible frames to the vector. After transformation with one of these plasmids, E. coli cells expressed eGFP with no significant difference in the expression level. The pRSET-TriEX vector was then used for expression cloning of a novel fluorescent protein from Scolionema suvaense . We screened 3658 E. coli colonies transformed with pRSET-TriEX containing Scolionema suvaense cDNA, and found one colony expressing a novel green fluorescent protein, ScSuFP. The highest score in protein sequence similarity was 42% with the chain c of multi-domain green fluorescent protein like protein "ember" from Anthoathecata sp. Variations in the N- and/or C-terminal sequence of ScSuFP compared to other fluorescent proteins indicate that the expression cloning, rather than the sequence similarity-based methods, was crucial for acquiring the gene encoding ScSuFP. The absorption maximum was at 498 nm, with an extinction efficiency of 1.17 × 10⁵ M -1 ·cm -1 . The emission maximum was at 511 nm and the fluorescence quantum yield was determined to be 0.6. Pseudo-native gel electrophoresis showed that the protein forms obligatory homodimers.

  7. Molecular Cloning of an Immunogenic Protein of Baylisascaris procyonis and Expression in Escherichia coli for Use in Developing Improved Serodiagnostic Assays▿

    PubMed Central

    Dangoudoubiyam, Sriveny; Vemulapalli, Ramesh; Hancock, Kathy; Kazacos, Kevin R.

    2010-01-01

    Larva migrans caused by Baylisascaris procyonis is an important zoonotic disease. Current serological diagnostic assays for this disease depend on the use of the parasite's larval excretory-secretory (ES) antigens. In order to identify genes encoding ES antigens and to generate recombinant antigens for use in diagnostic assays, construction and immunoscreening of a B. procyonis third-stage larva cDNA expression library was performed and resulted in identification of a partial-length cDNA clone encoding an ES antigen, designated repeat antigen 1 (RAG1). The full-length rag1 cDNA contained a 753-bp open reading frame that encoded a protein of 250 amino acids with 12 tandem repeats of a 12-amino-acid long sequence. The rag1 genomic DNA revealed a single intron of 837 bp that separated the 753-bp coding sequence into two exons delimited by canonical splice sites. No nucleotide or amino acid sequences present in the GenBank databases had significant similarity with those of RAG1. We have cloned, expressed, and purified the recombinant RAG1 (rRAG1) and analyzed its diagnostic potential by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-Baylisascaris species-specific rabbit serum showed strong reactivity to rRAG1, while only minimal to no reactivity was observed with sera against the related ascarids Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum, strongly suggesting the specificity of rRAG1. On the basis of these results, the identified RAG1 appears to be a promising diagnostic antigen for the development of serological assays for specific detection of B. procyonis larva migrans. PMID:20926699

  8. Characterization of the gene encoding the polymorphic immunodominant molecule, a neutralizing antigen of Theileria parva

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Toye, P.G.; Metzelaar, M.J.; Wijngaard, P.L.J.

    1995-08-01

    Theileria parva, a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite related to Plasmodium spp., causes the disease East Coast fever, an acute and usually fatal lymphoproliferative disorder of cattle in Africa. Previous studies using sera from cattle that have survived infection identified a polymorphic immunodominant molecule (PIM) that is expressed by both the infective sporozoite stage of the parasite and the intracellular schizont. Here we show that mAb specific for the PIM Ag can inhibit sporozoite invasion of lymphocytes in vitro. A cDNA clone encoding the PIM Ag of the T. parva (Muguga) stock was obtained by using these mAb in a novel eukaryoticmore » expression cloning system that allows isolation of cDNA encoding cytoplasmic or surface Ags. To establish the molecular basis of the polymorphism of PIM, the cDNA of the PIM Ag from a buffalo-derived T. parva stock was isolated and its sequence was compared with that of the cattle-derived Muguga PIM. The two cDNAs showed considerable identity in both the 5{prime} and 3{prime} regions, but there was substantial sequence divergence in the central regions. Several types of repeated sequences were identified in the variant regions. In the Muguga form of the molecule, there were five tandem repeats of the tetrapeptide, QPEP, that were shown, by transfection of a deleted version of the PIM gene, not to react with several anti-PIM mAbs. By isolating and sequencing the genomic version of the gene, we identified two small introns in the 3{prime} region of the gene. Finally, we showed that polyclonal rat Abs against recombinant PIM neutralize sporozoite infectivity in vitro, suggesting that the PIM Ag should be evaluated for its capacity to immunize cattle against East Coast Fever.« less

  9. Characterization of a digestive carboxypeptidase from the insect pest corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera) with novel specificity towards C-terminal glutamate residues.

    PubMed

    Bown, David P; Gatehouse, John A

    2004-05-01

    Carboxypeptidases were purified from guts of larvae of corn earworm (Helicoverpa armigera), a lepidopteran crop pest, by affinity chromatography on immobilized potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor, and characterized by N-terminal sequencing. A larval gut cDNA library was screened using probes based on these protein sequences. cDNA HaCA42 encoded a carboxypeptidase with sequence similarity to enzymes of clan MC [Barrett, A. J., Rawlings, N. D. & Woessner, J. F. (1998) Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes. Academic Press, London.], but with a novel predicted specificity towards C-terminal acidic residues. This carboxypeptidase was expressed as a recombinant proprotein in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The expressed protein could be activated by treatment with bovine trypsin; degradation of bound pro-region, rather than cleavage of pro-region from mature protein, was the rate-limiting step in activation. Activated HaCA42 carboxypeptidase hydrolysed a synthetic substrate for glutamate carboxypeptidases (FAEE, C-terminal Glu), but did not hydrolyse substrates for carboxypeptidase A or B (FAPP or FAAK, C-terminal Phe or Lys) or methotrexate, cleaved by clan MH glutamate carboxypeptidases. The enzyme was highly specific for C-terminal glutamate in peptide substrates, with slow hydrolysis of C-terminal aspartate also observed. Glutamate carboxypeptidase activity was present in larval gut extract from H. armigera. The HaCA42 protein is the first glutamate-specific metallocarboxypeptidase from clan MC to be identified and characterized. The genome of Drosophila melanogaster contains genes encoding enzymes with similar sequences and predicted specificity, and a cDNA encoding a similar enzyme has been isolated from gut tissue in tsetse fly. We suggest that digestive carboxypeptidases with sequence similarity to the classical mammalian enzymes, but with specificity towards C-terminal glutamate, are widely distributed in insects.

  10. The VBP and a1/EBP leucine zipper factors bind overlapping subsets of avian retroviral long terminal repeat CCAAT/enhancer elements.

    PubMed

    Smith, C D; Baglia, L A; Curristin, S M; Ruddell, A

    1994-10-01

    Two long terminal repeat (LTR) enhancer-binding proteins which may regulate high rates of avian leukosis virus (ALV) LTR-enhanced c-myc transcription during bursal lymphomagenesis have been identified (A. Ruddell, M. Linial, and M. Groudine, Mol. Cell. Biol. 9:5660-5668, 1989). The genes encoding the a1/EBP and a3/EBP binding factors were cloned by expression screening of a lambda gt11 cDNA library from chicken bursal lymphoma cells. The a1/EBP cDNA encodes a novel leucine zipper transcription factor (W. Bowers and A. Ruddell, J. Virol. 66:6578-6586, 1992). The partial a3/EBP cDNA clone encodes amino acids 84 to 313 of vitellogenin gene-binding protein (VBP), a leucine zipper factor that binds the avian vitellogenin II gene promoter (S. Iyer, D. Davis, and J. Burch, Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:4863-4875, 1991). Multiple VBP mRNAs are expressed in B cells in a pattern identical to that previously observed for VBP in other cell types. The LTR-binding activities of VBP, a1/EBP, and B-cell nuclear extract protein were compared and mapped by gel shift, DNase I footprinting, and methylation interference assays. The purified VBP and a1/EBP bacterial fusion proteins bind overlapping but distinct subsets of CCAAT/enhancer elements in the closely related ALV and Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR enhancers. Protein binding to these CCAAT/enhancer elements accounts for most of the labile LTR enhancer-binding activity observed in B-cell nuclear extracts. VBP and a1/EBP could mediate the high rates of ALV and RSV LTR-enhanced transcription in bursal lymphoma cells and many other cell types.

  11. The organisation and interviral homologies of genes at the 3' end of tobacco rattle virus RNA1

    PubMed Central

    Boccara, Martine; Hamilton, William D. O.; Baulcombe, David C.

    1986-01-01

    The RNA1 of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) has been cloned as cDNA and the nucleotide sequence determined of 2 kb from the 3'-terminal region. The sequence contains three long open reading frames. One of these starts 5' of the cDNA and probably corresponds to the carboxy-terminal sequence of a 170-K protein encoded on RNA1. The deduced protein sequence from this reading frame shows homology with the putative replicases of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tricornaviruses. The location of the second open reading frame, which encodes a 29-K polypeptide, was shown by Northern blot analysis to coincide with a 1.6-kb subgenomic RNA. The validity of this reading frame was confirmed by showing that the cDNA extending over this region could be transcribed and translated in vitro to produce a polypeptide of the predicted size which co-migrates in electrophoresis with a translation product of authentic viral RNA. The sequence of this 29-K polypeptide showed homology with two regions in the 30-K protein of TMV. This homology includes positions in the TMV 30-K protein where mutations have been identified which affect the transport of virus between cells. The third open reading frame encodes a potential 16-K protein and was shown by Northern blot hybridisation to be contained within the region of a 0.7-kb subgenomic RNA which is found in cellular RNA of infected cells but not virus particles. The many similarities between TRV and TMV in viral morphology, gene organisation and sequence suggest that these two viral groups may share a common viral ancestor. ImagesFig. 2.Fig. 3. PMID:16453668

  12. Tomato Male sterile 1035 is essential for pollen development and meiosis in anthers

    PubMed Central

    Jeong, Hee-Jin; Kang, Jin-Ho; Zhao, Meiai; Kwon, Jin-Kyung; Choi, Hak-Soon; Bae, Jung Hwan; Lee, Hyun-ah; Joung, Young-Hee; Choi, Doil; Kang, Byoung-Cheorl

    2014-01-01

    Male fertility in flowering plants depends on proper cellular differentiation in anthers. Meiosis and tapetum development are particularly important processes in pollen production. In this study, we showed that the tomato male sterile (ms10 35) mutant of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) exhibited dysfunctional meiosis and an abnormal tapetum during anther development, resulting in no pollen production. We demonstrated that Ms10 35 encodes a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor that is specifically expressed in meiocyte and tapetal tissue from pre-meiotic to tetrad stages. Transgenic expression of the Ms10 35 gene from its native promoter complemented the male sterility of the ms10 35 mutant. In addition, RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis revealed that Ms10 35 regulates 246 genes involved in anther development processes such as meiosis, tapetum development, cell-wall degradation, pollen wall formation, transport, and lipid metabolism. Our results indicate that Ms10 35 plays key roles in regulating both meiosis and programmed cell death of the tapetum during microsporogenesis. PMID:25262227

  13. Transcriptional activation by heat and cold of a thiol protease gene in tomato. [Lycopersicon esculentum

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Schaffer, M.A.; Fischer, R.L.

    We previously determined that low temperature induces the accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit of a cloned mRNA, designated C14, encoding a polypeptide related to thiol proteases. We now demonstrate that C14 mRNA accumulation is a response common to both high (40{degree}C) and low (4{degree}C) temperature stresses. Exposure of tomato fruit to 40{degree}C results in the accumulation of C14 mRNA, by 8 hours. This response is more rapid than that to 4{degree}C, but slower than the induction of many heat shock messages by 40{degree}C, and therefore unique. We have also studied the mechanism by which heat and cold exposure activatemore » C14 gene expression. Both high and low temperature regulate protease gene expression through transcriptional induction of a single C14 gene. A hypothesis for the function of C14 thiol protease gene expression in response to heat and cold is discussed.« less

  14. Single Cell Transcriptomics of Hypothalamic Warm Sensitive Neurons that Control Core Body Temperature and Fever Response

    PubMed Central

    Eberwine, James; Bartfai, Tamas

    2011-01-01

    We report on an ‘unbiased’ molecular characterization of individual, adult neurons, active in a central, anterior hypothalamic neuronal circuit, by establishing cDNA libraries from each individual, electrophysiologically identified warm sensitive neuron (WSN). The cDNA libraries were analyzed by Affymetrix microarray. The presence and frequency of cDNAs was confirmed and enhanced with Illumina sequencing of each single cell cDNA library. cDNAs encoding the GABA biosynthetic enzyme. GAD1 and of adrenomedullin, galanin, prodynorphin, somatostatin, and tachykinin were found in the WSNs. The functional cellular and in vivo studies on dozens of the more than 500 neurotransmitter -, hormone- receptors and ion channels, whose cDNA was identified and sequence confirmed, suggest little or no discrepancy between the transcriptional and functional data in WSNs; whenever agonists were available for a receptor whose cDNA was identified, a functional response was found.. Sequencing single neuron libraries permitted identification of rarely expressed receptors like the insulin receptor, adiponectin receptor2 and of receptor heterodimers; information that is lost when pooling cells leads to dilution of signals and mixing signals. Despite the common electrophysiological phenotype and uniform GAD1 expression, WSN- transcriptomes show heterogenity, suggesting strong epigenetic influence on the transcriptome. Our study suggests that it is well-worth interrogating the cDNA libraries of single neurons by sequencing and chipping. PMID:20970451

  15. Molecular characterization of genes encoding inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels in the bed bug (Cimex lectularius).

    PubMed

    Mamidala, Praveen; Mittapelly, Priyanka; Jones, Susan C; Piermarini, Peter M; Mittapalli, Omprakash

    2013-04-01

    The molecular genetics of inward-rectifier potassium (Kir) channels in insects is poorly understood. To date, Kir channel genes have been characterized only from a few representative dipterans (i.e., fruit flies and mosquitoes). The goal of the present study was to characterize Kir channel cDNAs in a hemipteran, the bed bug (Cimex lectularius). Using our previously reported bed bug transcriptome (RNA-seq), we identified two cDNAs that encode putative Kir channels. One was a full-length cDNA that encodes a protein belonging to the insect 'Kir3' clade, which we designate as 'ClKir3'. The other was a partial cDNA that encodes a protein with similarity to both the insect 'Kir1' and 'Kir2' clades, which we designate as 'ClKir1/2'. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that ClKir1/2 and ClKir3 exhibited peak expression levels in late-instar nymphs and early-instar nymphs, respectively. Furthermore, ClKir3, but not ClKir1/2, showed tissue-specific expression in Malpighian tubules of adult bed bugs. Lastly, using an improved procedure for delivering double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to male and female bed bugs (via the cervical membrane) we demonstrate rapid and systemic knockdown of ClKir3 transcripts. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the bed bug possesses at least two genes encoding Kir channels, and that RNAi is possible for at least Kir3, thereby offering a potential approach for elucidating the roles of Kir channel genes in bed bug physiology. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Newly identified allatostatin Bs and their receptor in the two-spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus.

    PubMed

    Tsukamoto, Yusuke; Nagata, Shinji

    2016-06-01

    A cDNA encoding allatostatin Bs (ASTBs) containing the W(X)6W motif was identified using a database generated by a next generation sequencer (NGS) in the two-spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. The contig sequence revealed the presence of five novel putative ASTBs (GbASTBs) in addition to GbASTBs previously identified in G. bimaculatus. MALDI-TOF MS analyses revealed the presence of these novel and previously identified GbASTBs with three missing GbASTBs. We also identified a cDNA encoding G. bimaculatus GbASTB receptor (GbASTBR) in the NGS data. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that this receptor was highly conserved with other insect ASTBRs, including the sex peptide receptor of Drosophila melanogaster. Calcium imaging analyses indicated that the GbASTBR heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells exhibited responses to all identified GbASTBs at a concentration range of 10(-10)-10(-5)M. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Expression of glutathione peroxidase I gene in selenium-deficient rats.

    PubMed Central

    Reddy, A P; Hsu, B L; Reddy, P S; Li, N Q; Thyagaraju, K; Reddy, C C; Tam, M F; Tu, C P

    1988-01-01

    We have characterized a cDNA pGPX1211 encoding rat glutathione peroxidase I. The selenocysteine in the protein corresponded to a TGA codon in the coding region of the cDNA, similar to earlier findings in mouse and human genes, and a gene encoding the formate dehydrogenase from E. coli, another selenoenzyme. The rat GSH peroxidase I has a calculated subunit molecular weight of 22,155 daltons and shares 95% and 86% sequence homology with the mouse and human subunits, respectively. The 3'-noncoding sequence (greater than 930 bp) in pGPX1211 is much longer than that of the human sequences. We found that glutathione peroxidase I mRNA, but not the polypeptide, was expressed under nutritional stress of selenium deficiency where no glutathione peroxidase I activity can be detected. The failure of detecting any apoprotein for the glutathione peroxidase I under selenium deficiency and results published from other laboratories supports the proposal that selenium may be incorporated into the glutathione peroxidase I co-translationally. Images PMID:2838821

  18. Planarian myosin essential light chain is involved in the formation of brain lateral branches during regeneration.

    PubMed

    Yu, Shuying; Chen, Xuhui; Yuan, Zuoqing; Zhou, Luming; Pang, Qiuxiang; Mao, Bingyu; Zhao, Bosheng

    2015-08-01

    The myosin essential light chain (ELC) is a structure component of the actomyosin cross-bridge, however, the functions in the central nervous system (CNS) development and regeneration remain poorly understood. Planarian Dugesia japonica has revealed fundamental mechanisms and unique aspects of neuroscience and neuroregeneration. In this study, the cDNA DjElc, encoding a planarian essential light chain of myosin, was identified from the planarian Dugesia japonica cDNA library. It encodes a deduced protein with highly conserved functionally domains EF-Hand and Ca(2+) binding sites that shares significant similarity with other members of ELC. Whole mount in situ hybridization studies show that DjElc expressed in CNS during embryonic development and regeneration of adult planarians. Loss of function of DjElc by RNA interference during planarian regeneration inhibits brain lateral branches regeneration completely. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that DjElc is required for maintenance of neurons and neurite outgrowth, particularly for involving the brain later branch regeneration.

  19. Sex- and tissue-specific expression of P450 aromatase (cyp19a1a) in the yellowtail clownfish, Amphiprion clarkii.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Yasuhisa; Horiguchi, Ryo; Miura, Saori; Nakamura, Masaru

    2010-02-01

    To investigate the role of estrogen in the gonad of yellowtail clownfish Amphiprion clarkii, we isolated cDNA encoding cytochrome P450 aromatase (Cyp19a1a) from the adult ovary. The full-length cDNA of clownfish cyp19a1a is 1928-bp long and encodes 520 amino acids. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that cyp19a1a was expressed mainly in the ovary of female-phase fish. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical observations showed that positive signals were restricted to the ovarian follicle of the female-phase fish. In contrast, Cyp19a1a signal was not detected in the ambisexual gonad of the male-phase fish. These findings suggest that Cyp19a1a is involved in oogenesis in the female-phase fish, but not in the ambisexual gonad of male-phase fish. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Amino acid sequence of a trypsin inhibitor from a Spirometra (Spirometra erinaceieuropaei).

    PubMed

    Sanda, A; Uchida, A; Itagaki, T; Kobayashi, H; Inokuchi, N; Koyama, T; Iwama, M; Ohgi, K; Irie, M

    2001-12-01

    A trypsin inhibitor that is highly homologous with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) was co-purified along with RNase from Spirometra (Spirometra erinaceieuropaei). The amino acid sequence of this inhibitor (SETI) and the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA encoding this protein were determined by protein chemistry and gene technology. SETI contains 68 amino acid residues and has a molecular mass of 7,798 Da. SETI has 31 amino acid residues that are identical with BPTI's sequence, including 6 half-cystine and 5 aromatic amino acid residues. The active site Lys residue in BPTI is replaced by an Arg residue in SETI. SETI is an effective inhibitor of trypsin and moderately inhibits a-chymotrypsin, but less inhibits elastase or subtilisin. SETI was expressed by E. coli containing a PelB vector carrying the SETI encoding cDNA; an expression yield of 0.68 mg/l was obtained. The phylogenetic relationship of SETI and the other BPTI-like trypsin inhibitors was analyzed using most likelihood inference methods.

  1. Primary structure, expression and chromosomal locus of a human homolog of rat ERK3.

    PubMed

    Meloche, S; Beatty, B G; Pellerin, J

    1996-10-03

    We report the cloning and characterization of a human cDNA encoding a novel homolog of rat extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3). The cDNA encodes a predicted protein of 721 amino acids which shares 92% amino acid identity with rat ERK3 over their shared length. Interestingly, the human protein contains a unique extension of 178 amino acids at its carboxy terminal extremity. The human ERK3 protein also displays various degrees of homology to other members of the MAP kinases family, but does not contain the typical TXY regulatory motif between subdomains VII and VIII. Northern blot analysis revealed that ERK3 mRNA is widely distributed in human tissues, with the highest expression detected in skeletal muscle. The human ERK3 gene was mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization to chromosome 15q21, a region associated with chromosomal abnormalities in acute nonlymphoblastic leukemias. This information should prove valuable in designing studies to define the cellular function of the ERK3 protein kinase.

  2. Gene encoding herbicide safener binding protein

    DOEpatents

    Walton, Jonathan D.; Scott-Craig, John S.

    1999-01-01

    The cDNA encoding safener binding protein (SafBP), also referred to as SBP1, is set forth in FIG. 5 and SEQ ID No. 1. The deduced amino acid sequence is provided in FIG. 5 and SEQ ID No. 2. Methods of making and using SBP1 and SafBP to alter a plant's sensitivity to certain herbicides or a plant's responsiveness to certain safeners are also provided, as well as expression vectors, transgenic plants or other organisms transfected with said vectors and seeds from said plants.

  3. Molecular Cloning and Analysis of the Tryptophan oxygenase Gene in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Liu; Zhi-Qi, Meng; Bao-Long, Niu; Li-Hua, He; Hong-Biao, Weng; Wei-Feng, Shen

    2008-01-01

    A Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) gene encoding tryptophan oxygenase has been molecularly cloned and analyzed. The tryptophan oxygenase cDNA had 1374 nucleotides that encoded a 401 amino acid protein with an estimated molecular mass of 46.47 kDa and a PI of 5.88. RT-PCR analysis showed that the B. mori tryptophan oxygenase gene was transcribed in all examined stages. Tryptophan oxygenase proteins are relatively well conserved among different orders of arthropods. PMID:20331401

  4. Expression of ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) Pit-1 in Escherichia coli: its purification and immunohistochemical detection using monoclonal antibody.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Chi-Chien; John, Joseph Abraham Christopher; Hseu, Tzong-Hsiung; Chang, Chi-Yao

    2002-03-01

    The pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 belongs to the family of POU-domain proteins and is known to play an important role in the differentiation of pituitary cells. Here we report the complete nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding Pit-1 from the brackish water fish, ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis). Nucleotide sequence analysis of 1910 bp of ayu Pit-1 cDNA revealed an open reading frame of 1074 bp that encodes a protein of 358 amino acids containing a POU-specific domain, POU homeodomain, and an STA (Ser/Thr-rich activation) transactivation domain. We inserted the coding region of Pit-1 cDNA, obtained by PCR, into a pET-20b(+) plasmid to produce recombinant Pit-1 in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS cells. Upon induction with isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside, Pit-1 was expressed and accumulated as inclusion bodies in E. coli. The protein was then purified in one step by affinity chromatography on a nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid agarose column under denaturing conditions. This method yielded 0.7 mg of highly pure and stable protein per 200 ml of bacterial culture. A band of 40 kDa, resolved as recombinant ayu Pit-1 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, agrees well with the molecular mass calculated from the translated cDNA sequence. The purified recombinant Pit-1 was confirmed in vitro through Western blot analysis, using its monoclonal antibody. This monoclonal antibody detected Pit-1 in the nuclei of ayu developing pituitary by immunohistochemical reaction. It serves as a good reagent for the detection of ayu Pit-1 in situ. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

  5. Identification of three wheat globulin genes by screening a Triticum aestivum BAC genomic library with cDNA from a diabetes-associated globulin

    PubMed Central

    Loit, Evelin; Melnyk, Charles W; MacFarlane, Amanda J; Scott, Fraser W; Altosaar, Illimar

    2009-01-01

    Background Exposure to dietary wheat proteins in genetically susceptible individuals has been associated with increased risk for the development of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Recently, a wheat protein encoded by cDNA WP5212 has been shown to be antigenic in mice, rats and humans with autoimmune T1D. To investigate the genomic origin of the identified wheat protein cDNA, a hexaploid wheat genomic library from Glenlea cultivar was screened. Results Three unique wheat globulin genes, Glo-3A, Glo3-B and Glo-3C, were identified. We describe the genomic structure of these genes and their expression pattern in wheat seeds. The Glo-3A gene shared 99% identity with the cDNA of WP5212 at the nucleotide and deduced amino acid level, indicating that we have identified the gene(s) encoding wheat protein WP5212. Southern analysis revealed the presence of multiple copies of Glo-3-like sequences in all wheat samples, including hexaploid, tetraploid and diploid species wheat seed. Aleurone and embryo tissue specificity of WP5212 gene expression, suggested by promoter region analysis, which demonstrated an absence of endosperm specific cis elements, was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy using anti-WP5212 antibodies. Conclusion Taken together, the results indicate that a diverse group of globulins exists in wheat, some of which could be associated with the pathogenesis of T1D in some susceptible individuals. These data expand our knowledge of specific wheat globulins and will enable further elucidation of their role in wheat biology and human health. PMID:19615078

  6. Characterization of X-OCRL, a Xenopus laevis homologue of OCRL-1, the Lowe oculocerebrorenal syndrome candidate gene

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Reilly, D.S.; Nussbaum, R.L.

    1994-09-01

    The Lowe oculocerebrorenal syndrome (OCRL) is an X-linked disease characterized by congenital cataract, mental retardation, and renal tubular dysfunction. A candidate cDNA, OCRL-1, was identified by positional cloning and mutations in OCRL-1 have been detected in patients with Lowe syndrome. The OCRL-1 nucleotide sequence encodes a predicted protein of 968 amino acids and shares 51% amino acid identity with a human inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase. This suggests that the underlying defect in OCRL may be due to a defect in inositol phosphate metabolism. The isolation of OCRL-1 provides the opportunity to investigate its function through the use of animal model systems. Wemore » have isolated a partial cDNA clone encoding an OCRL-1 homologue, X-OCRL, from the South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. We used a portion of the human cDNA to screen a Xenopus laevis embryo cDNA library and isolated four positive clones. One clone, 42-5A, is a 650 bp insert with over 75% amino acid identity to the corresponding region of the human OCRL-1 sequence. 42-5A detects messenger RNA in adult Xenopus brain, stomach, small intestine, skin, muscle, lung, blood, and oviduct. X-OCRL messenger RNA is first detected during late gastrula and continues to be expressed throughout Xenopus development. In situ hybridization studies are underway to identify the cellular localization of X-OCRL expression in Xenopus embryos and adult tissues. We are especially interested in characterizing X-OCRL expression during formation of the amphibian lens since congenital cataracts are a constant feature of the human disease.« less

  7. Molecular characterization of a cDNA encoding copper/zinc superoxide dismutase from cultured cells of Manihot esculenta.

    PubMed

    Shin, Seung-Yong; Lee, Haeng-Soon; Kwon, Suk-Yoon; Kwon, Soon-Tae; Kwak, Sang-Soo

    2005-01-01

    Superoxide dismutase (SOD) cDNA, mSOD2, encoding cytosolic copper/zinc SOD (CuZnSOD) cDNA was isolated from suspension-cultured cells of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) by cDNA library screening, and its expression was investigated in relation to environmental stress. mSOD2 is 774 bp in length with an open reading frame (ORF) of 152 amino acids, corresponding to a protein of predicted molecular mass 15 kDa and a pI of 5.22. One copy of the mSOD2 gene was found to be present in the cassava genome by Southern analysis using an mSOD2 cDNA-specific probe. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed diverse expression patterns for the mSOD2 gene in various tissues of intact cassava plants, at various stages of the growth in suspension cultures, and in the leaf tissues exposed to different stresses. The mSOD2 gene was highly expressed in suspension-cultured cells and in the stems of intact plants. However, it was expressed at low levels in leaves and roots. During suspension cell growth, the mSOD2 transcript progressively increased during culture. Moreover, the mSOD2 gene in excised cassava leaves responded to various stresses in different ways. In particular, it was highly induced in leaf tissue by several abiotic stresses, including high temperature (37 degrees C), chilling (4 degrees C), methyl viologen (MV) exposure, and wounding treatment. These results indicate that the mSOD2 gene is involved in the antioxidative process triggered by oxidative stress induced by environmental change.

  8. Cloning and functional expression of a cDNA encoding stearoyl-ACP Δ9-desaturase from the endosperm of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.).

    PubMed

    Gao, Lingchao; Sun, Ruhao; Liang, Yuanxue; Zhang, Mengdan; Zheng, Yusheng; Li, Dongdong

    2014-10-01

    Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an economically tropical fruit tree with special fatty acid compositions. The stearoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) desaturase (SAD) plays a key role in the properties of the majority of cellular glycerolipids. In this paper, a full-length cDNA of a stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase, designated CocoFAD, was isolated from cDNA library prepared from the endosperm of coconut (C. nucifera L.). An 1176 bp cDNA from overlapped PCR products containing ORF encoding a 391-amino acid (aa) protein was obtained. The coded protein was virtually identical and shared the homology to other Δ9-desaturase plant sequences (greater than 80% as similarity to that of Elaeis guineensis Jacq). The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR result indicated that the yield of CocoFAD was the highest in the endosperm of 8-month-old coconut and leaf, and the yield was reduced to 50% of the highest level in the endosperm of 15-month-old coconut. The coding region showed heterologous expression in strain INVSc1 of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). GC-MS analysis showed that the levels of palmitoleic acid (16:1) and oleic acid (18:1) were improved significantly; meanwhile stearic acid (18:0) was reduced. These results indicated that the plastidial Δ9 desaturase from the endosperm of coconut was involved in the biosynthesis of hexadecenoic acid and octadecenoic acid, which was similar with other plants. These results may be valuable for understanding the mechanism of fatty acid metabolism and the genetic improvement of CocoFAD gene in palm plants in the future. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Identification of a maize nucleic acid-binding protein (NBP) belonging to a family of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins.

    PubMed Central

    Cook, W B; Walker, J C

    1992-01-01

    A cDNA encoding a nuclear-encoded chloroplast nucleic acid-binding protein (NBP) has been isolated from maize. Identified as an in vitro DNA-binding activity, NBP belongs to a family of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins which share a common domain structure and are thought to be involved in posttranscriptional regulation of chloroplast gene expression. NBP contains an N-terminal chloroplast transit peptide, a highly acidic domain and a pair of ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence domains. NBP is expressed in a light-dependent, organ-specific manner which is consistent with its involvement in chloroplast biogenesis. The relationship of NBP to the other members of this protein family and their possible regulatory functions are discussed. Images PMID:1346929

  10. cDNA cloning, functional expression and cellular localization of rat liver mitochondrial electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase protein.

    PubMed

    Huang, Shengbing; Song, Wei; Lin, Qishui

    2005-08-01

    A membrane-bound protein was purified from rat liver mitochondria. After being digested with V8 protease, two peptides containing identical 14 amino acid residue sequences were obtained. Using the 14 amino acid peptide derived DNA sequence as gene specific primer, the cDNA of correspondent gene 5'-terminal and 3'-terminal were obtained by RACE technique. The full-length cDNA that encoded a protein of 616 amino acids was thus cloned, which included the above mentioned peptide sequence. The full length cDNA was highly homologous to that of human ETF-QO, indicating that it may be the cDNA of rat ETF-QO. ETF-QO is an iron sulfur protein located in mitochondria inner membrane containing two kinds of redox center: FAD and [4Fe-4S] center. After comparing the sequence from the cDNA of the 616 amino acids protein with that of the mature protein of rat liver mitochondria, it was found that the N terminal 32 amino acid residues did not exist in the mature protein, indicating that the cDNA was that of ETF-QOp. When the cDNA was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with inducible vectors, the protein product was enriched in mitochondrial fraction and exhibited electron transfer activity (NBT reductase activity) of ETF-QO. Results demonstrated that the 32 amino acid peptide was a mitochondrial targeting peptide, and both FAD and iron-sulfur cluster were inserted properly into the expressed ETF-QO. ETF-QO had a high level expression in rat heart, liver and kidney. The fusion protein of GFP-ETF-QO co-localized with mitochondria in COS-7 cells.

  11. Molecular cloning and characterization of alpha - galactosidase gene from Glaciozyma antarctica

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moheer, Reyad Qaed Al; Bakar, Farah Diba Abu; Murad, Abdul Munir Abdul

    2015-09-01

    Psychrophilic enzymes are proteins produced by psychrophilic organisms which recently are the limelight for industrial applications. A gene encoding α-galactosidase from a psychrophilic yeast, Glaciozyma antarctica PI12 which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 27, was isolated and analyzed using several bioinformatic tools. The cDNA of the gene with the size of 1,404-bp encodes a protein with 467 amino acid residues. Predicted molecular weight of protein was 48.59 kDa and hence we name the gene encoding α-galactosidase as GAL48. We found that the predicted protein sequences possessed signal peptide sequence and are highly conserved among other fungal α-galactosidase.

  12. Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for human erythrocyte beta-spectrin.

    PubMed Central

    Prchal, J T; Morley, B J; Yoon, S H; Coetzer, T L; Palek, J; Conboy, J G; Kan, Y W

    1987-01-01

    Spectrin is an important structural component of the membrane skeleton that underlies and supports the erythrocyte plasma membrane. It is composed of nonidentical alpha (Mr 240,000) and beta (Mr 220,000) subunits, each of which contains multiple homologous 106-amino acid segments. We report here the isolation and characterization of a human erythroid-specific beta-spectrin cDNA clone that encodes parts of the beta-9 through beta-12 repeat segments. This cDNA was used as a hybridization probe to assign the beta-spectrin gene to human chromosome 14 and to begin molecular analysis of the gene and its mRNA transcripts. RNA transfer blot analysis showed that the reticulocyte beta-spectrin mRNA is 7.8 kilobases in length. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA revealed the presence of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) within the beta-spectrin gene locus. The isolation of human spectrin cDNA probes and the identification of closely linked RFLPs will facilitate analysis of mutant spectrin genes causing congenital hemolytic anemias associated with quantitative and qualitative spectrin abnormalities. Images PMID:3478706

  13. A cDNA clone highly expressed in ripe banana fruit shows homology to pectate lyases.

    PubMed

    Dominguez-Puigjaner, E; LLop, I; Vendrell, M; Prat, S

    1997-07-01

    A cDNA clone (Ban17), encoding a protein homologous to pectate lyase, has been isolated from a cDNA library from climacteric banana fruit by means of differential screening. Northern analysis showed that Ban17 mRNA is first detected in early climacteric fruit, reaches a steady-state maximum at the climacteric peak, and declines thereafter in overripe fruit. Accumulation of the Ban17 transcript can be induced in green banana fruit by exogenous application of ethylene. The demonstrates that expression of this gene is under hormonal control, its induction being regulated by the rapid increase in ethylene production at the onset of ripening. The deduced amino acid sequence derived from the Ban17 cDNA shares significant identity with pectate lyases from pollen and plant pathogenic bacteria of the genus Erwinia. Similarity to bacterial pectate lyases that were proven to break down the pectic substances of the plant cell wall suggest that Ban17 might play a role in the loss of mesocarp firmness during fruit ripening.

  14. Cloning and expression of a cDNA coding for catalase from zebrafish (Danio rerio).

    PubMed

    Ken, C F; Lin, C T; Wu, J L; Shaw, J F

    2000-06-01

    A full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) clone encoding a catalase was amplified by the rapid amplication of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR) technique from zebrafish (Danio rerio) mRNA. Nucleotide sequence analysis of this cDNA clone revealed that it comprised a complete open reading frame coding for 526 amino acid residues and that it had a molecular mass of 59 654 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high similarity with the sequences of catalase from swine (86.9%), mouse (85.8%), rat (85%), human (83.7%), fruit fly (75.6%), nematode (71.1%), and yeast (58.6%). The amino acid residues for secondary structures are apparently conserved as they are present in other mammal species. Furthermore, the coding region of zebrafish catalase was introduced into an expression vector, pET-20b(+), and transformed into Escherichia coli expression host BL21(DE3)pLysS. A 60-kDa active catalase protein was expressed and detected by Coomassie blue staining as well as activity staining on polyacrylamide gel followed electrophoresis.

  15. Dipeptidyl peptidase III is a zinc metallo-exopeptidase. Molecular cloning and expression.

    PubMed Central

    Fukasawa, K; Fukasawa, K M; Kanai, M; Fujii, S; Hirose, J; Harada, M

    1998-01-01

    We have purified dipeptidyl peptidase III (EC 3.4.14.4) from human placenta. It had a pH optimum of 8.8 and readily hydrolysed Arg-Arg-beta-naphthylamide. Monoamino acid-, Gly-Phe-, Gly-Pro- and Bz-Arg-beta-naphthylamides were not hydrolysed at all. The enzyme was inhibited by p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonic acid, metal chelators and 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin and contained 1 mol of zinc per mol of enzyme. The zinc dissociation constant was 250 fM at pH 7. 4 as determined by the zinc binding study. We isolated, by immunological screening of a Uni-ZAP XR cDNA library constructed from rat liver mRNA species, a cDNA clone with 2633 bp encoding the rat enzyme. The longest open reading frame encodes a 827-residue protein with a theoretical molecular mass of 92790 Da. Escherichia coli SOLR cells were infected with the pBluescript phagemid containing the cloned cDNA and established the overexpression of a protein that hydrolysed Arg-Arg-beta-naphthylamide. The recombinant protein was purified and the amino acid sequence of the protein was confirmed. We presumed that the putative zinc-binding domain involved in catalysis was present in the recombinant enzyme. It was a novel zinc-binding motif in that one amino acid residue was inserted into the conserved HEXXH motif characteristic of the metalloproteinases. PMID:9425109

  16. cDNA microarray analyses reveal candidate marker genes for the detection of ascidian disease in Korea.

    PubMed

    Azumi, Kaoru; Usami, Takeshi; Kamimura, Akiko; Sabau, Sorin V; Miki, Yasufumi; Fujie, Manabu; Jung, Sung-Ju; Kitamura, Shin-Ichi; Suzuki, Satoru; Yokosawa, Hideyoshi

    2007-12-01

    A serious disease of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi has been spread extensively among Korean aquaculture sites. To reveal the cause of the disease and establish a monitoring system for it, we constructed a cDNA microarray spotted with 2,688 cDNAs derived from H. roretzi hemocyte cDNA libraries to detect genes differentially expressed in hemocytes between diseased and non-diseased ascidians. We detected 21 genes showing increased expression and 16 genes showing decreased expression in hemocytes from diseased ascidians compared with those from non-diseased ascidians. RT-PCR analyses confirmed that the expression levels of genes encoding astacin, lysozyme, ribosomal protein PO, and ubiquitin-ribosomal protein L40e fusion protein were increased in hemocytes from diseased ascidians, while those of genes encoding HSP40, HSP70, fibronectin, carboxypeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase were decreased. These genes were expressed not only in hemocytes but also in various other tissues in ascidians. Furthermore, the expression of glutathione-S transferase omega, which is known to be up-regulated in H. roretzi hemocytes during inflammatory responses, was strongly increased in hemocytes from diseased ascidians. These gene expression profiles suggest that immune and inflammatory reactions occur in the hemocytes of diseased ascidians. These genes will be good markers for detecting and monitoring this disease of ascidians in Korean aquaculture sites.

  17. Use of Trypanosoma equiperdum infected rabbits as a source of splenic mRNA; construction of cDNA clones and identification of a rabbit mu heavy chain clone.

    PubMed

    Bernstein, K E; Pavirani, A; Alexander, C; Jacobsen, F; Fitzmaurice, L; Mage, R

    1983-01-01

    Rabbits were infected by Trypanosoma equiperdum and the splenic mRNA was isolated. In vitro translation of this RNA and immunoprecipitation with anti-light chain, anti-heavy chain, anti-mu and anti-VH antibodies demonstrated that T. equiperdum infection elicits large quantities of splenic mRNA encoding mu and kappa chains. The mu and gamma heavy chains and the kappa light chains synthesized in the cell-free translation system were specifically immunoprecipitated by antisera to heavy chain VHa and light chain kappa b allotypes. In vitro labeling of spleen cells from trypanosome-infected animals demonstrated that the biosynthetically labeled IgM has a mu chain of higher molecular weight than the mu chain synthesized by in vitro translation, a difference that is largely abolished when cellular glycosylation is blocked with the antibiotic tunicamycin. Enrichment for heavy chain or light chain mRNA was achieved by fractionating mRNA from trypanosome-infected animals on a sucrose gradient. cDNA clones carrying mu heavy chain sequences were produced using a 'one tube' protocol and identified by cross species hybridization and hybridization selection. Infection of rabbits with T. equiperdum followed by sucrose gradient enrichment of splenic mRNA has provided sufficient quantities of mRNA encoding mu heavy chain suitable for cDNA cloning.

  18. Molecular cloning and tissue expression of the fatty acid-binding protein (Es-FABP) gene in female Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

    PubMed

    Gong, Ya-Nan; Li, Wei-Wei; Sun, Jiang-Ling; Ren, Fei; He, Lin; Jiang, Hui; Wang, Qun

    2010-09-16

    Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), small cytosolic proteins that function in the uptake and utilization of fatty acids, have been extensively studied in higher vertebrates while invertebrates have received little attention despite similar nutritional requirements during periods of reproductive activity. Therefore, a cDNA encoding Eriocheir sinensis FABP (Es-FABP) was cloned based upon EST analysis of a hepatopancreas cDNA library. The full length cDNA was 750 bp and encoded a 131 aa polypeptide that was highly homologous to related genes reported in shrimp. The 9108 bp Es-FABP gene contained four exons that were interrupted by three introns, a genomic organization common among FABP multigene family members in vertebrates. Gene expression analysis, as determined by RT-PCR, revealed the presence of Es-FABP transcripts in hepatopancreas, hemocytes, ovary, gills, muscle, thoracic ganglia, heart, and intestine, but not stomach or eyestalk. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that Es-FABP expression in ovary, hemocytes, and hepatopancreas was dependent on the status of ovarian development, with peak expression observed in January. Evidence provided in the present report supports a role of Es-FABP in lipid transport during the period of rapid ovarian growth in E. sinensis, and indirectly confirms the participation of the hepatopancreas, ovary, and hemocytes in lipid nutrient absorption and utilization processes.

  19. Molecular cloning, cellular expression and characterization of Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) endoplasmin.

    PubMed

    Hoter, Abdullah; Amiri, Mahdi; Warda, Mohamad; Naim, Hassan Y

    2018-05-27

    Endoplasmin, or GRP94, is an ER-located stress inducible molecular chaperone implicated in the folding and assembly of many proteins. The Arabian one-humped camel lives in an environment of thermal stress, nevertheless is able to encounter the risk of misfolded proteins. Here, the cDNA encoding camel GRP94 was isolated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The isolated cDNA contained an open reading frame of 2412 bp encoding a protein of 803 amino acids with predicted molecular mass of 92.5 kDa. Nucleotide and protein BLAST analysis of cGRP94 revealed strong conservation between camel and other domestic mammals. Overexpression of cGRP94 in COS-1 cells revealed multiple isoforms including one N-glycosylated species. Immunofluorescence colocalized cGRP94 with the ER resident protein calnexin. Interestingly, none of the cGRP94 isoforms expressed in CHO cells was N-glycosylated, presumably due to folding determinants that mask the N-glycosylation sites as proposed by in silico modelling. Surprisingly, isoforms of cGRP94 were detected in the culture media of transfected cells indicating that the protein, although an ER resident, also is trafficked and secreted into the exterior milieu. The overall striking structural homologies of GRP94s among mammalian reflects their pivotal role in the ER quality control and protein homeostasis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  20. Effect of Blue Light on Endogenous Isopentenyladenine and Endoreduplication during Photomorphogenesis and De-Etiolation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Seedlings

    PubMed Central

    Bergougnoux, Véronique; Zalabák, David; Jandová, Michaela; Novák, Ondřej; Wiese-Klinkenberg, Anika; Fellner, Martin

    2012-01-01

    Light is one of the most important factor influencing plant growth and development all through their life cycle. One of the well-known light-regulated processes is de-etiolation, i.e. the switch from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis. The hormones cytokinins (CKs) play an important role during the establishment of photomorphogenesis as exogenous CKs induced photomorphogenesis of dark-grown seedlings. Most of the studies are conducted on the plant model Arabidopsis, but no or few information are available for important crop species, such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). In our study, we analyzed for the first time the endogenous CKs content in tomato hypocotyls during skotomorphogenesis, photomorphogenesis and de-etiolation. For this purpose, two tomato genotypes were used: cv. Rutgers (wild-type; WT) and its corresponding mutant (7B-1) affected in its responses to blue light (BL). Using physiological and molecular approaches, we identified that the skotomorphogenesis is characterized by an endoreduplication-mediated cell expansion, which is inhibited upon BL exposure as seen by the accumulation of trancripts encoding CycD3, key regulators of the cell cycle. Our study showed for the first time that iP (isopentenyladenine) is the CK accumulated in the tomato hypocotyl upon BL exposure, suggesting its specific role in photomorphogenesis. This result was supported by physiological experiments and gene expression data. We propose a common model to explain the role and the relationship between CKs, namely iP, and endoreduplication during de-etiolation and photomorphogenesis. PMID:23049779

  1. Oral immunogenicity of tomato-derived sDPT polypeptide containing Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis and Clostridium tetani exotoxin epitopes.

    PubMed

    Soria-Guerra, Ruth E; Rosales-Mendoza, Sergio; Moreno-Fierros, Leticia; López-Revilla, Rubén; Alpuche-Solís, Angel G

    2011-03-01

    DPT vaccine, designed to immunize against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, has been shown to be effective in humans. Nevertheless, dissatisfaction with the whole-cell preparations is due to the reactogenicity, which has to lead to the development of new safer formulations. Previously, we described the expression in tomato of a plant-optimized synthetic gene encoding the recombinant polypeptide sDPT, containing mainly immunoprotective epitopes of the diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus exotoxins and two adjuvants. In this study, we examined whether the ingestion of tomato-derived sDPT protein induces specific antibodies in mice after three weekly doses scheme. A positive group immunized with DPT toxoids was included. Specific antibody levels were assessed in serum, gut and lung. Sera tested for IgG antibody response to pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria toxin showed responses to the foreign antigens; interestingly, the response to diphtheria epitope was similar to those observed in the positive group. We found higher IgG1 than IgG2a responses in serum. A modest IgG response was observed in the tracheopulmonary fluid. High response of IgA against tetanus toxin was evident in gut, which was statistically comparable to that obtained in the positive group. The levels of response in these groups were higher than those in mice that received wild-type tomato. These findings support the concept of using transgenic tomatoes expressing sDPT polypeptide as model for edible vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

  2. cDNA cloning, functional expression and antifungal activities of a dimeric plant defensin SPE10 from Pachyrrhizus erosus seeds.

    PubMed

    Song, Xiaomin; Wang, Jing; Wu, Fang; Li, Xu; Teng, Maikun; Gong, Weimin

    2005-01-01

    SPE10 is an antifungal protein isolated from the seeds of Pachyrrhizus erosus. cDNA encoding a 47 amino acid peptide was cloned by RT-PCR and the gene sequence proved SPE10 to be a new member of plant defensin family. The synthetic cDNA with codons preferred in yeast was cloned into the pPIC9 plasmid directly in-frame with the secretion signal alpha-mating factor, and highly expressed in methylotrophic Pichia pastoris. Activity assays showed the recombinant SPE10 inhibited specifically the growth of several pathogenic fungi as native SPE10. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis indicated that the native and recombinant protein should have same folding, though there are eight cystein residues in the sequence. Several evidence suggested SPE10 should be the first dimeric plant defensin reported so far.

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Leong, JoAnn Ching

    The nucleotide sequence of the IHNV glycoprotein gene has been determined from a cDNA clone containing the entire coding region. The glycoprotein cDNA clone contained a leader sequence of 48 bases, a coding region of 1524 nucleotides, and 39 bases at the 3 foot end. The entire cDNA clone contains 1609 nucleodites and encodes a protein of 508 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence gave a translated molecular weight of 56,795 daltons. A hydropathicity profile of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated that there were two major hydrophobic domains: one,at the N-terminus,delineating a signal peptide of 18 amino acidsmore » and the other, at the C-terminus,delineating the region of the transmembrane. Five possible sites of N-linked glyscoylation were identified. Although no nucleic acid homology existed between the IHNV glycoprotein gene and the glycoprotein genes of rabies and VSV, there was significant homology at the amino acid level between all three rhabdovirus glycoproteins.« less

  4. Cloning and sequencing of a laccase gene from the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus.

    PubMed Central

    Giardina, P; Cannio, R; Martirani, L; Marzullo, L; Palmieri, G; Sannia, G

    1995-01-01

    The gene (pox1) encoding a phenol oxidase from Pleurotus ostreatus, a lignin-degrading basidiomycete, was cloned and sequenced, and the corresponding pox1 cDNA was also synthesized and sequenced. The isolated gene consists of 2,592 bp, with the coding sequence being interrupted by 19 introns and flanked by an upstream region in which putative CAAT and TATA consensus sequences could be identified at positions -174 and -84, respectively. The isolation of a second cDNA (pox2 cDNA), showing 84% similarity, and of the corresponding truncated genomic clones demonstrated the existence of a multigene family coding for isoforms of laccase in P. ostreatus. PCR amplifications of specific regions on the DNA of isolated monokaryons proved that the two genes are not allelic forms. The POX1 amino acid sequence deduced was compared with those of other known laccases from different fungi. PMID:7793961

  5. A tick B-cell inhibitory protein from salivary glands of the hard tick, Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yu Da; Department of Life Science and Technology, Changshu Institute of Technology, Changshu 215500; Liang Jiangguo

    2006-05-05

    Some studies done to date suggest that B-cell inhibitory factor occurred in tick saliva. In this study, a novel protein having B-cell inhibitory activity was purified and characterized from the salivary glands of the hard tick, Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum. This protein was named B-cell inhibitory factor (BIF). The cDNA encoding BIF was cloned by cDNA library screening. The predicted protein from the cDNA sequence is composed of 138 amino acids including the mature BIF. No similarity was found by Blast search. The lipopolysaccharide-induced B-cell proliferation was inhibited by BIF. This is First report of the identification and characterization of B-cellmore » inhibitory protein from tick. The current study facilitates the study of identifying the interaction among tick, Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, and host.« less

  6. Isolation, molecular cloning and in vitro expression of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) prominin-1.s1 complementary DNA encoding a potential hematopoietic stem cell antigen.

    PubMed

    Husain, S M; Shou, Y; Sorrentino, B P; Handgretinger, R

    2006-10-01

    Human prominin-1 (CD133 or AC133) is an important cell surface marker used to isolate primitive hematopoietic stem cells. The commercially available antibody to human prominin-1 does not recognize rhesus prominin-1. Therefore, we isolated, cloned and characterized the complementary DNA (cDNA) of rhesus prominin-1 gene and determined its coding potential. Following the nomenclature of prominin family of genes, we named this cDNA as rhesus prominin-1.s1. The amino acid sequence data of the putative rhesus prominin-1.s1 could be used in designing antigenic peptides to raise antibodies for use in isolation of pure populations of rhesus prominin-1(+) hematopoietic cells. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previously published report about the isolation of a prominin-1 cDNA from rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

  7. Characterization of the cod (Gadus morhua) steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) sheds light on StAR gene structure in fish.

    PubMed

    Goetz, Frederick W; Norberg, Birgitta; McCauley, Linda A R; Iliev, Dimitar B

    2004-03-01

    The full-length cDNA for the cod (Gadus morhua) StAR was cloned by RT-PCR and library screening using ovarian RNA. From the library screening, 2 size classes of cDNA were obtained; a 1577 bp cDNA (cStAR1) and a 2851 bp cDNA (cStAR2). The cStAR1 cDNA presumably encodes a protein of 286 amino acids. The cStAR2 cDNA was composed of 6 separated sequences that contained all of the coding regions of cStAR1 when added together, but also contained 5 noncoding regions not observed in cStAR1. Polymerase chain reactions of cod genomic DNA produced products slightly larger than cStAR2. The sequence of these products were the same as cStAR2 but revealed one additional noncoding region (intron). Thus, the fish StAR gene contains the same number of exons (7) and introns (6) as observed in mammals, but is approximately half the size of the mammalian gene. Using Northern analysis and RT-PCR, cStAR1 expression was observed only in testes, ovaries and head kidneys. Polymerase chain reaction products were also observed using cDNA from steroidogenic tissues and primers designed to regions specific for cStAR2, indicating that cStAR2 is expressed in tissues and may account for the presence of larger transcripts observed on Northern blots.

  8. Identification of Human N-Myristoylated Proteins from Human Complementary DNA Resources by Cell-Free and Cellular Metabolic Labeling Analyses.

    PubMed

    Takamitsu, Emi; Otsuka, Motoaki; Haebara, Tatsuki; Yano, Manami; Matsuzaki, Kanako; Kobuchi, Hirotsugu; Moriya, Koko; Utsumi, Toshihiko

    2015-01-01

    To identify physiologically important human N-myristoylated proteins, 90 cDNA clones predicted to encode human N-myristoylated proteins were selected from a human cDNA resource (4,369 Kazusa ORFeome project human cDNA clones) by two bioinformatic N-myristoylation prediction systems, NMT-The MYR Predictor and Myristoylator. After database searches to exclude known human N-myristoylated proteins, 37 cDNA clones were selected as potential human N-myristoylated proteins. The susceptibility of these cDNA clones to protein N-myristoylation was first evaluated using fusion proteins in which the N-terminal ten amino acid residues were fused to an epitope-tagged model protein. Then, protein N-myristoylation of the gene products of full-length cDNAs was evaluated by metabolic labeling experiments both in an insect cell-free protein synthesis system and in transfected human cells. As a result, the products of 13 cDNA clones (FBXL7, PPM1B, SAMM50, PLEKHN, AIFM3, C22orf42, STK32A, FAM131C, DRICH1, MCC1, HID1, P2RX5, STK32B) were found to be human N-myristoylated proteins. Analysis of the role of protein N-myristoylation on the intracellular localization of SAMM50, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, revealed that protein N-myristoylation was required for proper targeting of SAMM50 to mitochondria. Thus, the strategy used in this study is useful for the identification of physiologically important human N-myristoylated proteins from human cDNA resources.

  9. Identification of Human N-Myristoylated Proteins from Human Complementary DNA Resources by Cell-Free and Cellular Metabolic Labeling Analyses

    PubMed Central

    Takamitsu, Emi; Otsuka, Motoaki; Haebara, Tatsuki; Yano, Manami; Matsuzaki, Kanako; Kobuchi, Hirotsugu; Moriya, Koko; Utsumi, Toshihiko

    2015-01-01

    To identify physiologically important human N-myristoylated proteins, 90 cDNA clones predicted to encode human N-myristoylated proteins were selected from a human cDNA resource (4,369 Kazusa ORFeome project human cDNA clones) by two bioinformatic N-myristoylation prediction systems, NMT-The MYR Predictor and Myristoylator. After database searches to exclude known human N-myristoylated proteins, 37 cDNA clones were selected as potential human N-myristoylated proteins. The susceptibility of these cDNA clones to protein N-myristoylation was first evaluated using fusion proteins in which the N-terminal ten amino acid residues were fused to an epitope-tagged model protein. Then, protein N-myristoylation of the gene products of full-length cDNAs was evaluated by metabolic labeling experiments both in an insect cell-free protein synthesis system and in transfected human cells. As a result, the products of 13 cDNA clones (FBXL7, PPM1B, SAMM50, PLEKHN, AIFM3, C22orf42, STK32A, FAM131C, DRICH1, MCC1, HID1, P2RX5, STK32B) were found to be human N-myristoylated proteins. Analysis of the role of protein N-myristoylation on the intracellular localization of SAMM50, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, revealed that protein N-myristoylation was required for proper targeting of SAMM50 to mitochondria. Thus, the strategy used in this study is useful for the identification of physiologically important human N-myristoylated proteins from human cDNA resources. PMID:26308446

  10. Whole-genome sequence of “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” strain R1 from California

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The draft whole-genome sequence of “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” strain R1, isolated from a tomato plant in California, United States, is reported. The R1 strain genome is 1,204,257 bp in size (G+C content of 35.3%), encoding 1,101 open reading frames and 57 RNA genes....

  11. A second set of XEGIP-encoding genes resides on chromosome 8 of potato and tomato

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Xyloglucan-specific endoglucanase inhibitor proteins (XEGIP) are present in a wide range of dicots, where they are believed to play a role in defense from pathogens. The XEGIPs are generally present as two or three copies, however, they are reported to be present as a cluster of ten copies in potato...

  12. Purification of a Jojoba Embryo Fatty Acyl-Coenzyme A Reductase and Expression of Its cDNA in High Erucic Acid Rapeseed

    PubMed Central

    Metz, James G.; Pollard, Michael R.; Anderson, Lana; Hayes, Thomas R.; Lassner, Michael W.

    2000-01-01

    The jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plant produces esters of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids (waxes) as a seed lipid energy reserve. This is in contrast to the triglycerides found in seeds of other plants. We purified an alcohol-forming fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductase (FAR) from developing embryos and cloned the cDNA encoding the enzyme. Expression of a cDNA in Escherichia coli confers FAR activity upon those cells and results in the accumulation of fatty alcohols. The FAR sequence shows significant homology to an Arabidopsis protein of unknown function that is essential for pollen development. When the jojoba FAR cDNA is expressed in embryos of Brassica napus, long-chain alcohols can be detected in transmethylated seed oils. Resynthesis of the gene to reduce its A plus T content resulted in increased levels of alcohol production. In addition to free alcohols, novel wax esters were detected in the transgenic seed oils. In vitro assays revealed that B. napus embryos have an endogenous fatty acyl-coenzyme A: fatty alcohol acyl-transferase activity that could account for this wax synthesis. Thus, introduction of a single cDNA into B. napus results in a redirection of a portion of seed oil synthesis from triglycerides to waxes. PMID:10712526

  13. Purification of a jojoba embryo fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductase and expression of its cDNA in high erucic acid rapeseed.

    PubMed

    Metz, J G; Pollard, M R; Anderson, L; Hayes, T R; Lassner, M W

    2000-03-01

    The jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plant produces esters of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids (waxes) as a seed lipid energy reserve. This is in contrast to the triglycerides found in seeds of other plants. We purified an alcohol-forming fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductase (FAR) from developing embryos and cloned the cDNA encoding the enzyme. Expression of a cDNA in Escherichia coli confers FAR activity upon those cells and results in the accumulation of fatty alcohols. The FAR sequence shows significant homology to an Arabidopsis protein of unknown function that is essential for pollen development. When the jojoba FAR cDNA is expressed in embryos of Brassica napus, long-chain alcohols can be detected in transmethylated seed oils. Resynthesis of the gene to reduce its A plus T content resulted in increased levels of alcohol production. In addition to free alcohols, novel wax esters were detected in the transgenic seed oils. In vitro assays revealed that B. napus embryos have an endogenous fatty acyl-coenzyme A: fatty alcohol acyl-transferase activity that could account for this wax synthesis. Thus, introduction of a single cDNA into B. napus results in a redirection of a portion of seed oil synthesis from triglycerides to waxes.

  14. Tagging potato leafroll virus with the jellyfish green fluorescent protein gene.

    PubMed

    Nurkiyanova, K M; Ryabov, E V; Commandeur, U; Duncan, G H; Canto, T; Gray, S M; Mayo, M A; Taliansky, M E

    2000-03-01

    A full-length cDNA corresponding to the RNA genome of Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) was modified by inserting cDNA that encoded the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the P5 gene near its 3' end. Nicotiana benthamiana protoplasts electroporated with plasmid DNA containing this cDNA behind the 35S RNA promoter of Cauliflower mosaic virus became infected with the recombinant virus (PLRV-GFP). Up to 5% of transfected protoplasts showed GFP-specific fluorescence. Progeny virus particles were morphologically indistinguishable from those of wild-type PLRV but, unlike PLRV particles, they bound to grids coated with antibodies to GFP. Aphids fed on extracts of these protoplasts transmitted PLRV-GFP to test plants, as shown by specific fluorescence in some vascular tissue and epidermal cells and subsequent systemic infection. In plants agroinfected with PLRV-GFP cDNA in pBIN19, some cells became fluorescent and systemic infections developed. However, after either type of inoculation, fluorescence was mostly restricted to single cells and the only PLRV genome detected in systemically infected tissues lacked some or all of the inserted GFP cDNA, apparently because of naturally occurring deletions. Thus, intact PLRV-GFP was unable to move from cell to cell. Nevertheless, PLRV-GFP has novel potential for exploring the initial stages of PLRV infection.

  15. A Visual Reporter System for Virus-Induced Gene Silencing in Tomato Fruit Based on Anthocyanin Accumulation1[C][W

    PubMed Central

    Orzaez, Diego; Medina, Aurora; Torre, Sara; Fernández-Moreno, Josefina Patricia; Rambla, José Luis; Fernández-del-Carmen, Asun; Butelli, Eugenio; Martin, Cathie; Granell, Antonio

    2009-01-01

    Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful tool for reverse genetics in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). However, the irregular distribution of the effects of VIGS hampers the identification and quantification of nonvisual phenotypes. To overcome this limitation, a visually traceable VIGS system was developed for fruit, comprising two elements: (1) a transgenic tomato line (Del/Ros1) expressing Antirrhinum majus Delila and Rosea1 transcription factors under the control of the fruit-specific E8 promoter, showing a purple-fruited, anthocyanin-rich phenotype; and (2) a modified tobacco rattle virus VIGS vector incorporating partial Rosea1 and Delila sequences, which was shown to restore the red-fruited phenotype upon agroinjection in Del/Ros1 plants. Dissection of silenced areas for subsequent chemometric analysis successfully identified the relevant metabolites underlying gene function for three tomato genes, phytoene desaturase, TomloxC, and SlODO1, used for proof of concept. The C-6 aldehydes derived from lipid 13-hydroperoxidation were found to be the volatile compounds most severely affected by TomloxC silencing, whereas geranial and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one were identified as the volatiles most severely reduced by phytoene desaturase silencing in ripening fruit. In a third example, silencing of SlODO1, a tomato homolog of the ODORANT1 gene encoding a myb transcription factor, which regulates benzenoid metabolism in petunia (Petunia hybrida) flowers, resulted in a sharp accumulation of benzaldehyde in tomato fruit. Together, these results indicate that fruit VIGS, enhanced by anthocyanin monitoring, can be a powerful tool for reverse genetics in the study of the metabolic networks operating during fruit ripening. PMID:19429602

  16. Enhanced tomato disease resistance primed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus

    PubMed Central

    Song, Yuanyuan; Chen, Dongmei; Lu, Kai; Sun, Zhongxiang; Zeng, Rensen

    2015-01-01

    Roots of most terrestrial plants form symbiotic associations (mycorrhiza) with soil- borne arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Many studies show that mycorrhizal colonization enhances plant resistance against pathogenic fungi. However, the mechanism of mycorrhiza-induced disease resistance remains equivocal. In this study, we found that mycorrhizal inoculation with AMF Funneliformis mosseae significantly alleviated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani Sorauer. AMF pre-inoculation led to significant increases in activities of β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and lipoxygenase (LOX) in tomato leaves upon pathogen inoculation. Mycorrhizal inoculation alone did not influence the transcripts of most genes tested. However, pathogen attack on AMF-inoculated plants provoked strong defense responses of three genes encoding pathogenesis-related proteins, PR1, PR2, and PR3, as well as defense-related genes LOX, AOC, and PAL, in tomato leaves. The induction of defense responses in AMF pre-inoculated plants was much higher and more rapid than that in un-inoculated plants in present of pathogen infection. Three tomato genotypes: a Castlemart wild-type (WT) plant, a jasmonate (JA) biosynthesis mutant (spr2), and a prosystemin-overexpressing 35S::PS plant were used to examine the role of the JA signaling pathway in AMF-primed disease defense. Pathogen infection on mycorrhizal 35S::PS plants led to higher induction of defense-related genes and enzymes relative to WT plants. However, pathogen infection did not induce these genes and enzymes in mycorrhizal spr2 mutant plants. Bioassays showed that 35S::PS plants were more resistant and spr2 plants were more susceptible to early blight compared with WT plants. Our finding indicates that mycorrhizal colonization enhances tomato resistance to early blight by priming systemic defense response, and the JA signaling pathway is essential for mycorrhiza-primed disease resistance. PMID:26442091

  17. Enhanced tomato disease resistance primed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus.

    PubMed

    Song, Yuanyuan; Chen, Dongmei; Lu, Kai; Sun, Zhongxiang; Zeng, Rensen

    2015-01-01

    Roots of most terrestrial plants form symbiotic associations (mycorrhiza) with soil- borne arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Many studies show that mycorrhizal colonization enhances plant resistance against pathogenic fungi. However, the mechanism of mycorrhiza-induced disease resistance remains equivocal. In this study, we found that mycorrhizal inoculation with AMF Funneliformis mosseae significantly alleviated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani Sorauer. AMF pre-inoculation led to significant increases in activities of β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and lipoxygenase (LOX) in tomato leaves upon pathogen inoculation. Mycorrhizal inoculation alone did not influence the transcripts of most genes tested. However, pathogen attack on AMF-inoculated plants provoked strong defense responses of three genes encoding pathogenesis-related proteins, PR1, PR2, and PR3, as well as defense-related genes LOX, AOC, and PAL, in tomato leaves. The induction of defense responses in AMF pre-inoculated plants was much higher and more rapid than that in un-inoculated plants in present of pathogen infection. Three tomato genotypes: a Castlemart wild-type (WT) plant, a jasmonate (JA) biosynthesis mutant (spr2), and a prosystemin-overexpressing 35S::PS plant were used to examine the role of the JA signaling pathway in AMF-primed disease defense. Pathogen infection on mycorrhizal 35S::PS plants led to higher induction of defense-related genes and enzymes relative to WT plants. However, pathogen infection did not induce these genes and enzymes in mycorrhizal spr2 mutant plants. Bioassays showed that 35S::PS plants were more resistant and spr2 plants were more susceptible to early blight compared with WT plants. Our finding indicates that mycorrhizal colonization enhances tomato resistance to early blight by priming systemic defense response, and the JA signaling pathway is essential for mycorrhiza-primed disease resistance.

  18. Gibberellic Acid, Synthetic Auxins, and Ethylene Differentially Modulate α-l-Arabinofuranosidase Activities in Antisense 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Synthase Tomato Pericarp Discs1

    PubMed Central

    Sozzi, Gabriel O.; Greve, L. Carl; Prody, Gerry A.; Labavitch, John M.

    2002-01-01

    α-l-Arabinofuranosidases (α-Afs) are plant enzymes capable of releasing terminal arabinofuranosyl residues from cell wall matrix polymers, as well as from different glycoconjugates. Three different α-Af isoforms were distinguished by size exclusion chromatography of protein extracts from control tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and an ethylene synthesis-suppressed (ESS) line expressing an antisense 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic synthase transgene. α-Af I and II are active throughout fruit ontogeny. α-Af I is the first Zn-dependent cell wall enzyme isolated from tomato pericarp tissues, thus suggesting the involvement of zinc in fruit cell wall metabolism. This isoform is inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, but remains stable in the presence of NaCl and sucrose. α-Af II activity accounts for over 80% of the total α-Af activity in 10-d-old fruit, but activity drops during ripening. In contrast, α-Af III is ethylene dependent and specifically active during ripening. α-Af I released monosaccharide arabinose from KOH-soluble polysaccharides from tomato cell walls, whereas α-Af II and III acted on Na2CO3-soluble pectins. Different α-Af isoform responses to gibberellic acid, synthetic auxins, and ethylene were followed by using a novel ESS mature-green tomato pericarp disc system. α-Af I and II activity increased when gibberellic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was applied, whereas ethylene treatment enhanced only α-Af III activity. Results suggest that tomato α-Afs are encoded by a gene family under differential hormonal controls, and probably have different in vivo functions. The ESS pericarp explant system allows comprehensive studies involving effects of physiological levels of different growth regulators on gene expression and enzyme activity with negligible wound-induced ethylene production. PMID:12114586

  19. Tomato Pathogenesis-related Protein Genes are Expressed in Response to Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci Biotype B Feeding

    PubMed Central

    Puthoff, David P.; Holzer, Frances M.; Perring, Thomas M.

    2010-01-01

    The temporal and spatial expression of tomato wound- and defense-response genes to Bemisia tabaci biotype B (the silverleaf whitefly) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (the greenhouse whitefly) feeding were characterized. Both species of whiteflies evoked similar changes in tomato gene expression. The levels of RNAs for the methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA)- or ethylene-regulated genes that encode the basic β-1,3-glucanase (GluB), basic chitinase (Chi9), and Pathogenesis-related protein-1 (PR-1) were monitored. GluB and Chi9 RNAs were abundant in infested leaves from the time nymphs initiated feeding (day 5). In addition, GluB RNAs accumulated in apical non-infested leaves. PR-1 RNAs also accumulated after whitefly feeding. In contrast, the ethylene- and salicylic acid (SA)-regulated Chi3 and PR-4 genes had RNAs that accumulated at low levels and GluAC RNAs that were undetectable in whitefly-infested tomato leaves. The changes in Phenylalanine ammonia lyase5 (PAL5) were variable; in some, but not all infestations, PAL5 RNAs increased in response to whitefly feeding. PAL5 RNA levels increased in response to MeJA, ethylene, and abscisic acid, and declined in response to SA. Transcripts from the wound-response genes, leucine aminopeptidase (LapA1) and proteinase inhibitor 2 (pin2), were not detected following whitefly feeding. Furthermore, whitefly infestation of transgenic LapA1:GUS tomato plants showed that whitefly feeding did not activate the LapA1 promoter, although crushing of the leaf lamina increased GUS activity up to 40 fold. These studies indicate that tomato plants perceive B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum in a manner similar to baterical pathogens and distinct from tissue-damaging insects. PMID:20927641

  20. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in tomato to create a gibberellin-responsive dominant dwarf DELLA allele.

    PubMed

    Tomlinson, Laurence; Yang, Ying; Emenecker, Ryan; Smoker, Matthew; Taylor, Jodie; Perkins, Sara; Smith, Justine; MacLean, Dan; Olszewski, Neil E; Jones, Jonathan D G

    2018-05-24

    The tomato PROCERA gene encodes a DELLA protein, and loss-of-function mutations derepress growth. We used CRISPR/Cas9 and a single guide RNAs (sgRNA) to target mutations to the PROCERA DELLA domain, and recovered several loss-of-function mutations and a dominant dwarf mutation that carries a deletion of one amino acid in the DELLA domain. This is the first report of a dominant dwarf PROCERA allele. This allele retains partial responsiveness to exogenously applied gibberellin (GA). Heterozygotes show an intermediate phenotype at the seedling stage, but adult heterozygotes are as dwarfed as homozygotes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  1. Immunogenicity of a novel, bivalent, plant-based oral vaccine against hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency viruses.

    PubMed

    Shchelkunov, Sergei N; Salyaev, Rurik K; Pozdnyakov, Sergei G; Rekoslavskaya, Natalia I; Nesterov, Andrei E; Ryzhova, Tatiana S; Sumtsova, Valentina M; Pakova, Natalia V; Mishutina, Uliana O; Kopytina, Tatiana V; Hammond, Rosemarie W

    2006-07-01

    A synthetic chimeric gene, TBI-HBS, encoding the immunogenic ENV and GAG epitopes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and the surface protein antigen (HBsAg) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), was expressed in tomato plants. Tomato fruits containing the TBI-HBS antigen were fed to experimental mice and, on days 14 and 28 post-feeding, high levels of HIV- and HBV-specific antibodies were present in the serum and feces of the test animals. Intraperitoneal injection of a DNA vaccine directing synthesis of the same TBI-HBsAg antigen boosted the antibody response to HIV in the blood serum; however, it had no effect on the high level of antibodies produced to HBV.

  2. Mitochondrial genome of the tomato clownfish Amphiprion frenatus (Pomacentridae, Amphiprioninae).

    PubMed

    Ye, Le; Hu, Jing; Wu, Kaichang; Wang, Yu; Li, Jianlong

    2016-01-01

    The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the tomato clownfish Amphiprion frenatus was obtained in this study. The circular mtDNA molecule was 16,774 bp in size and the overall nucleotide composition of the H-strand was 29.72% A, 25.81% T, 15.38% G and 29.09% C, with an A + T bias. The complete mitogenome encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and a control region (D-loop), with the gene arrangement and translation direction basically identical to other typical vertebrate mitogenomes. The D-loop included termination associated sequence (TAS), central conserved domain (CCD) and conserved sequence block (CSB), and was composed of 6 complete continuity tandem repeat units and an imperfect tandem repeat unit.

  3. Expression of a Polygalacturonase Associated with Tomato Seed Germination1

    PubMed Central

    Sitrit, Yaron; Hadfield, Kristen A.; Bennett, Alan B.; Bradford, Kent J.; Downie, A. Bruce

    1999-01-01

    Radicle protrusion from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seeds to complete germination requires weakening of the endosperm tissue opposite the radicle tip. In common with other cell wall disassembly processes in plants, polygalacturonases (PGs) may be involved. Only calcium-dependent exo-PG activity was detected in tomato seed protein extracts. Chromatographic profiles of a partially acid-hydrolyzed fraction of polygalacturonic acid further digested with seed extract were consistent with the presence of only calcium-dependent exo-PG activity. In addition, a transcript encoding a previously unknown PG was detected prior to the completion of germination. The mRNA, produced from a gene (LeXPG1) estimated by Southern analysis to be represented once in the genome, was also present in flowers (anthers) and in lower amounts in roots and stems. LeXPG1 mRNA abundance was low during seed development, increased during imbibition, and was even greater in seeds that had completed germination. Expression of LeXPG1 during germination predominates in the endosperm cap and radicle tip, and in the radicle appears as a distinct band possibly associated with vascular tissue differentiation. We suggest that PG is involved in cell wall loosening of the endosperm necessary for radicle protrusion from tomato seeds and in subsequent embryo and seedling growth. PMID:10517833

  4. Manipulation of light signal transduction as a means of modifying fruit nutritional quality in tomato

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yongsheng; Roof, Sherry; Ye, Zhibiao; Barry, Cornelius; van Tuinen, Ageeth; Vrebalov, Julia; Bowler, Chris; Giovannoni, Jim

    2004-01-01

    Fruit constitutes a major component of human diets, providing fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Carotenoids are a major class of compounds found in many fruits, providing nutritional benefits as precursors to essential vitamins and as antioxidants. Although recent gene isolation efforts and metabolic engineering have primarily targeted genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, factors that regulate flux through the carotenoid pathway remain largely unknown. Characterization of the tomato high-pigment mutations (hp1 and hp2) suggests the manipulation of light signal transduction machinery may be an effective approach toward practical manipulation of plant carotenoids. We demonstrate here that hp1 alleles represent mutations in a tomato UV-DAMAGED DNA-BINDING PROTEIN 1 (DDB1) homolog. We further demonstrate that two tomato light signal transduction genes, LeHY5 and LeCOP1LIKE, are positive and negative regulators of fruit pigmentation, respectively. Down-regulated LeHY5 plants exhibit defects in light responses, including inhibited seedling photomorphogenesis, loss of thylakoid organization, and reduced carotenoid accumulation. In contrast, repression of LeCOP1LIKE expression results in plants with exaggerated photomorphogenesis, dark green leaves, and elevated fruit carotenoid levels. These results suggest genes encoding components of light signal transduction machinery also influence fruit pigmentation and represent genetic tools for manipulation of fruit quality and nutritional value. PMID:15178762

  5. Tomato GOLDEN2-LIKE Transcription Factors Reveal Molecular Gradients That Function during Fruit Development and Ripening[W][OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Cuong V.; Vrebalov, Julia T.; Gapper, Nigel E.; Zheng, Yi; Zhong, Silin; Fei, Zhangjun; Giovannoni, James J.

    2014-01-01

    Fruit ripening is the summation of changes rendering fleshy fruit tissues attractive and palatable to seed dispersing organisms. For example, sugar content is influenced by plastid numbers and photosynthetic activity in unripe fruit and later by starch and sugar catabolism during ripening. Tomato fruit are sinks of photosynthate, yet unripe green fruit contribute significantly to the sugars that ultimately accumulate in the ripe fruit. Plastid numbers and chlorophyll content are influenced by numerous environmental and genetic factors and are positively correlated with photosynthesis and photosynthate accumulation. GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors regulate plastid and chlorophyll levels. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), like most plants, contains two GLKs (i.e., GLK1 and GLK2/UNIFORM). Mutant and transgene analysis demonstrated that these genes encode functionally similar peptides, though differential expression renders GLK1 more important in leaves, while GLK2 is predominant in fruit. A latitudinal gradient of GLK2 expression influences the typical uneven coloration of green and ripe wild-type fruit. Transcriptome profiling revealed a broader fruit gene expression gradient throughout development. The gradient influenced general ripening activities beyond plastid development and was consistent with the easily observed yet poorly studied ripening gradient present in tomato and many fleshy fruits. PMID:24510723

  6. A pituitary gene encodes a protein that produces differentiation of breast and prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Platica, Micsunica; Ivan, Elena; Holland, James F; Ionescu, Alin; Chen, Sheryl; Mandeli, John; Unger, Pamela D; Platica, Ovidiu

    2004-02-10

    A cDNA clone of 1.1 kb encoding a 108-aa polypeptide was isolated from a human pituitary cDNA library by expression cloning. This protein was named tumor differentiation factor (TDF). The recombinant TDF protein and a 20-aa peptide, P1, selected from the ORF of the gene, induced morphological and biochemical changes consistent with differentiation of human breast and prostate cancer cells. Fibroblast, kidney, hepatoma, and leukemic lymphocytic cell lines were unaffected. Breast and prostate cancer cells aggregated in spheroid-like structures within 24 h of exposure to TDF. This effect was abrogated by a specific affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal anti-P1 Ab. E-cadherin expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner by TDF. Treatment of MCF7 cells with TDF led to production of a lactalbumin-related protein. Peptide P1 significantly decreased the growth of androgen-independent DU145 prostate cancer in severe combined immunodeficient mice. The presence of TDF protein in human sera was detected by the anti-P1 Ab, suggesting a role of TDF in endocrine metabolism. The fact that all activities of TDF can be mimicked by a peptide derived from the encoding TDF sequence opens the possibility of therapeutic applications.

  7. Subcellular distribution of serine acetyltransferase from Pisum sativum and characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana putative cytosolic isoform.

    PubMed

    Ruffet, M L; Lebrun, M; Droux, M; Douce, R

    1995-01-15

    The intracellular compartmentation of serine acetyltransferase, a key enzyme in the L-cysteine biosynthesis pathway, has been investigated in pea (Pisum sativum) leaves, by isolation of organelles and fractionation of protoplasts. Enzyme activity was mainly located in mitochondria (approximately 76% of total cellular activity). Significant activity was also identified in both the cytosol (14% of total activity) and chloroplasts (10% of total activity). Three enzyme forms were separated by anion-exchange chromatography, and each form was found to be specific for a given intracellular compartment. To obtain cDNA encoding the isoforms, functional complementation experiments were performed using an Arabidopsis thaliana expression library and an Escherichia coli mutant devoid of serine acetyltransferase activity. This strategy allowed isolation of three distinct cDNAs encoding serine acetyltransferase isoforms, as confirmed by enzyme activity measurements, genomic hybridizations, and nucleotide sequencing. The cDNA and related gene for one of the three isoforms have been characterized. The predicted amino acid sequence shows that it encodes a polypeptide of M(r) 34,330 exhibiting 41% amino acid identity with the E. coli serine acetyltransferase. Since none of the general features of transit peptides could be observed in the N-terminal region of this isoform, we assume that it is a cytosolic form.

  8. Continuous in vitro evolution of bacteriophage RNA polymerase promoters

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Breaker, R. R.; Banerji, A.; Joyce, G. F.

    1994-01-01

    Rapid in vitro evolution of bacteriophage T7, T3, and SP6 RNA polymerase promoters was achieved by a method that allows continuous enrichment of DNAs that contain functional promoter elements. This method exploits the ability of a special class of nucleic acid molecules to replicate continuously in the presence of both a reverse transcriptase and a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Replication involves the synthesis of both RNA and cDNA intermediates. The cDNA strand contains an embedded promoter sequence, which becomes converted to a functional double-stranded promoter element, leading to the production of RNA transcripts. Synthetic cDNAs, including those that contain randomized promoter sequences, can be used to initiate the amplification cycle. However, only those cDNAs that contain functional promoter sequences are able to produce RNA transcripts. Furthermore, each RNA transcript encodes the RNA polymerase promoter sequence that was responsible for initiation of its own transcription. Thus, the population of amplifying molecules quickly becomes enriched for those templates that encode functional promoters. Optimal promoter sequences for phage T7, T3, and SP6 RNA polymerase were identified after a 2-h amplification reaction, initiated in each case with a pool of synthetic cDNAs encoding greater than 10(10) promoter sequence variants.

  9. Isolation of a polyphenol oxidase (PPO) cDNA from artichoke and expression analysis in wounded artichoke heads.

    PubMed

    Quarta, Angela; Mita, Giovanni; Durante, Miriana; Arlorio, Marco; De Paolis, Angelo

    2013-07-01

    The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme, which can catalyze the oxidation of phenolics to quinones, has been reported to be involved in undesirable browning in many plant foods. This phenomenon is particularly severe in artichoke heads wounded during the manufacturing process. A full-length cDNA encoding for a putative polyphenol oxidase (designated as CsPPO) along with a 1432 bp sequence upstream of the starting ATG codon was characterized for the first time from [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori]. The 1764 bp CsPPO sequence encodes a putative protein of 587 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 65,327 Da and an isoelectric point of 5.50. Analysis of the promoter region revealed the presence of cis-acting elements, some of which are putatively involved in the response to light and wounds. Expression analysis of the gene in wounded capitula indicated that CsPPO was significantly induced after 48 h, even though the browning process had started earlier. This suggests that the early browning event observed in artichoke heads was not directly related to de novo mRNA synthesis. Finally, we provide the complete gene sequence encoding for polyphenol oxidase and the upstream regulative region in artichoke. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Cloning of the cocaine-sensitive bovine dopamine transporter

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Usdin, T.B.; Chen, C.; Brownstein, M.J.

    1991-12-15

    A cDNA encoding the dopamine transporter from bovine brain substantia nigra was identified on the basis of its structural homology to other, recently cloned, neurotransmitter transporters. The sequence of the 693-amino acid protein is quite similar to those of the rat {gamma}-aminobutyric acid, human norepinephrine, and rat serotonin transporters. Dopamine transporter mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization in the substantia nigra but not in the locus coeruleus, raphe, caudate, or other brain areas. ({sup 3}H)Dopamine accumulation in tissue culture cells transfected with the cDNA was inhibited by amphetamine, cocaine, and specific inhibitors of dopamine transports, including GBR12909.

  11. Signal sequence and keyword trap in silico for selection of full-length human cDNAs encoding secretion or membrane proteins from oligo-capped cDNA libraries.

    PubMed

    Otsuki, Tetsuji; Ota, Toshio; Nishikawa, Tetsuo; Hayashi, Koji; Suzuki, Yutaka; Yamamoto, Jun-ichi; Wakamatsu, Ai; Kimura, Kouichi; Sakamoto, Katsuhiko; Hatano, Naoto; Kawai, Yuri; Ishii, Shizuko; Saito, Kaoru; Kojima, Shin-ichi; Sugiyama, Tomoyasu; Ono, Tetsuyoshi; Okano, Kazunori; Yoshikawa, Yoko; Aotsuka, Satoshi; Sasaki, Naokazu; Hattori, Atsushi; Okumura, Koji; Nagai, Keiichi; Sugano, Sumio; Isogai, Takao

    2005-01-01

    We have developed an in silico method of selection of human full-length cDNAs encoding secretion or membrane proteins from oligo-capped cDNA libraries. Fullness rates were increased to about 80% by combination of the oligo-capping method and ATGpr, software for prediction of translation start point and the coding potential. Then, using 5'-end single-pass sequences, cDNAs having the signal sequence were selected by PSORT ('signal sequence trap'). We also applied 'secretion or membrane protein-related keyword trap' based on the result of BLAST search against the SWISS-PROT database for the cDNAs which could not be selected by PSORT. Using the above procedures, 789 cDNAs were primarily selected and subjected to full-length sequencing, and 334 of these cDNAs were finally selected as novel. Most of the cDNAs (295 cDNAs: 88.3%) were predicted to encode secretion or membrane proteins. In particular, 165(80.5%) of the 205 cDNAs selected by PSORT were predicted to have signal sequences, while 70 (54.2%) of the 129 cDNAs selected by 'keyword trap' preserved the secretion or membrane protein-related keywords. Many important cDNAs were obtained, including transporters, receptors, and ligands, involved in significant cellular functions. Thus, an efficient method of selecting secretion or membrane protein-encoding cDNAs was developed by combining the above four procedures.

  12. Constitutive expression of tdTomato protein as a cytotoxicity and proliferation marker for space radiation biology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chishti, Arif A.; Hellweg, Christine E.; Berger, Thomas; Baumstark-Khan, Christa; Feles, Sebastian; Kätzel, Thorben; Reitz, Günther

    2015-01-01

    The radiation risk assessment for long-term space missions requires knowledge on the biological effectiveness of different space radiation components, e.g. heavy ions, on the interaction of radiation and other space environmental factors such as microgravity, and on the physical and biological dose distribution in the human body. Space experiments and ground-based experiments at heavy ion accelerators require fast and reliable test systems with an easy readout for different endpoints. In order to determine the effect of different radiation qualities on cellular proliferation and the biological depth dose distribution after heavy ion exposure, a stable human cell line expressing a novel fluorescent protein was established and characterized. tdTomato, a red fluorescent protein of the new generation with fast maturation and high fluorescence intensity, was selected as reporter of cell proliferation. Human embryonic kidney (HEK/293) cells were stably transfected with a plasmid encoding tdTomato under the control of the constitutively active cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (ptdTomato-N1). The stably transfected cell line was named HEK-ptdTomato-N1 8. This cytotoxicity biosensor was tested by ionizing radiation (X-rays and accelerated heavy ions) exposure. As biological endpoints, the proliferation kinetics and the cell density reached 100 h after irradiation reflected by constitutive expression of the tdTomato were investigated. Both were reduced dose-dependently after radiation exposure. Finally, the cell line was used for biological weighting of heavy ions of different linear energy transfer (LET) as space-relevant radiation quality. The relative biological effectiveness of accelerated heavy ions in reducing cellular proliferation peaked at an LET of 91 keV/μm. The results of this study demonstrate that the HEK-ptdTomato-N1 reporter cell line can be used as a fast and reliable biosensor system for detection of cytotoxic damage caused by ionizing radiation.

  13. Host plant-specific remodeling of midgut physiology in the generalist insect herbivore Trichoplusia ni.

    PubMed

    Herde, Marco; Howe, Gregg A

    2014-07-01

    Species diversity in terrestrial ecosystems is influenced by plant defense compounds that alter the behavior, physiology, and host preference of insect herbivores. Although it is established that insects evolved the ability to detoxify specific allelochemicals, the mechanisms by which polyphagous insects cope with toxic compounds in diverse host plants are not well understood. Here, we used defended and non-defended plant genotypes to study how variation in chemical defense affects midgut responses of the lepidopteran herbivore Trichoplusia ni, which is a pest of a wide variety of native and cultivated plants. The genome-wide midgut transcriptional response of T. ni larvae to glucosinolate-based defenses in the crucifer Arabidopsis thaliana was characterized by strong induction of genes encoding Phase I and II detoxification enzymes. In contrast, the response of T. ni to proteinase inhibitors and other jasmonate-regulated defenses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was dominated by changes in the expression of digestive enzymes and, strikingly, concomitant repression of transcripts encoding detoxification enzymes. Unbiased proteomic analyses of T. ni feces demonstrated that tomato defenses remodel the complement of T.ni digestive enzymes, which was associated with increased amounts of serine proteases and decreased lipase protein abundance upon encountering tomato defense chemistry. These collective results indicate that T. ni adjusts its gut physiology to the presence of host plant-specific chemical defenses, and further suggest that plants may exploit this digestive flexibility as a defensive strategy to suppress the production of enzymes that detoxify allelochemicals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Grafting response to excess boron and expression analysis of genes coding boron transporters in tomato.

    PubMed

    Di Gioia, F; Aprile, A; Sabella, E; Santamaria, P; Pardossi, A; Miceli, A; De Bellis, L; Nutricati, E

    2017-09-01

    Boron (B) is essential for plant growth, however its excess in soil and/or in irrigation water can severely compromise plant growth and yield. The goal of this work was to determine whether grafting onto 'Arnold', a commercial interspecific hybrid (Solanum lycopersicum × S. habrochaites) rootstock, which in a previous study was found to be tolerant to salt stress, could improve tomato (S. lycopersicum L. 'Ikram') tolerance to excess B, and whether this effect is associated with an exclusion mechanism. Non-grafted, self-grafted and grafted plants were hydroponically grown in a greenhouse with B concentration in the nutrient solution of 0.27 (control), 5, 10 and 15 mg·l -1 . A transcription analysis was carried out on SlNIP5 and SlBOR1 genes, which encode putative B transporters. Grafting 'Ikram' onto 'Arnold' rootstock reduced B concentration in leaf tissue of plants exposed to B concentrations of 10-15 mg·l -1 . At high B levels, SlNIP5 was down-regulated in all grafting combinations, while SlBOR1 was down-regulated only in the roots of plants grafted onto 'Arnold'. We conclude that grafting the susceptible tomato cultivar 'Ikram' onto the commercial rootstock 'Arnold' improved tolerance to excess B by reducing expression of genes encoding for B transporters at the root level, thus partially reducing the root uptake of B and its accumulation in the shoot. © 2017 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

  15. Acylsugar Acylhydrolases: Carboxylesterase-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Acylsugars in Tomato Trichomes1[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Gilgallon, Karin; Ghosh, Banibrata

    2016-01-01

    Glandular trichomes of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and many other species throughout the Solanaceae produce and secrete mixtures of sugar esters (acylsugars) on the plant aerial surfaces. In wild and cultivated tomato, these metabolites consist of a sugar backbone, typically glucose or sucrose, and two to five acyl chains esterified to various positions on the sugar core. The aliphatic acyl chains vary in length and branching and are transferred to the sugar by a series of reactions catalyzed by acylsugar acyltransferases. A phenotypic screen of a set of S. lycopersicum M82 × Solanum pennellii LA0716 introgression lines identified a dominant genetic locus on chromosome 5 from the wild relative that affected total acylsugar levels. Genetic mapping revealed that the reduction in acylsugar levels was consistent with the presence and increased expression of two S. pennellii genes (Sopen05g030120 and Sopen05g030130) encoding putative carboxylesterase enzymes of the α/β-hydrolase superfamily. These two enzymes, named ACYLSUGAR ACYLHYDROLASE1 (ASH1) and ASH2, were shown to remove acyl chains from specific positions of certain types of acylsugars in vitro. A survey of related genes in M82 and LA0716 identified another trichome-expressed ASH gene on chromosome 9 (M82, Solyc09g075710; LA0716, Sopen09g030520) encoding a protein with similar activity. Characterization of the in vitro activities of the SpASH enzymes showed reduced activities with acylsugars produced by LA0716, presumably contributing to the high-level production of acylsugars in the presence of highly expressed SpASH genes. PMID:26811191

  16. Production of hydroxylated fatty acids in genetically modified plants

    DOEpatents

    Somerville, Chris; Broun, Pierre; van de Loo, Frank

    2001-01-01

    This invention relates to plant fatty acyl hydroxylases. Methods to use conserved amino acid or nucleotide sequences to obtain plant fatty acyl hydroxylases are described. Also described is the use of cDNA clones encoding a plant hydroxylase to produce a family of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic plants.

  17. Single cell transcriptomics of hypothalamic warm sensitive neurons that control core body temperature and fever response Signaling asymmetry and an extension of chemical neuroanatomy.

    PubMed

    Eberwine, James; Bartfai, Tamas

    2011-03-01

    We report on an 'unbiased' molecular characterization of individual, adult neurons, active in a central, anterior hypothalamic neuronal circuit, by establishing cDNA libraries from each individual, electrophysiologically identified warm sensitive neuron (WSN). The cDNA libraries were analyzed by Affymetrix microarray. The presence and frequency of cDNAs were confirmed and enhanced with Illumina sequencing of each single cell cDNA library. cDNAs encoding the GABA biosynthetic enzyme Gad1 and of adrenomedullin, galanin, prodynorphin, somatostatin, and tachykinin were found in the WSNs. The functional cellular and in vivo studies on dozens of the more than 500 neurotransmitters, hormone receptors and ion channels, whose cDNA was identified and sequence confirmed, suggest little or no discrepancy between the transcriptional and functional data in WSNs; whenever agonists were available for a receptor whose cDNA was identified, a functional response was found. Sequencing single neuron libraries permitted identification of rarely expressed receptors like the insulin receptor, adiponectin receptor 2 and of receptor heterodimers; information that is lost when pooling cells leads to dilution of signals and mixing signals. Despite the common electrophysiological phenotype and uniform Gad1 expression, WSN transcriptomes show heterogeneity, suggesting strong epigenetic influence on the transcriptome. Our study suggests that it is well-worth interrogating the cDNA libraries of single neurons by sequencing and chipping. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding topoisomerase II in pea and analysis of its expression in relation to cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Reddy, M K; Nair, S; Tewari, K K; Mudgil, Y; Yadav, B S; Sopory, S K

    1999-09-01

    We have isolated and sequenced four overlapping cDNA clones to identify the full-length cDNA for topoisomerase II (PsTopII) from pea. Using degenerate primers, based on the conserved amino acid sequences of other eukaryotic type II topoisomerases, a 680 bp fragment was PCR-amplified with pea cDNA as template. This fragment was used as a probe to screen an oligo-dT-primed pea cDNA library. A partial cDNA clone was isolated that was truncated at the 3' end. RACE-PCR was employed to isolate the remaining portion of the gene. The total size of PsTopII is 4639 bp with an open reading frame of 4392 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a strong homology to other eukaryotic topoisomerase II (topo II) at the N-terminus end. The topo II transcript was abundant in proliferative tissues. We also show that the level of topo II transcripts could be stimulated by exogenous application of growth factors that induced proliferation in vitro cultures. Light irradiation to etiolated tissue strongly stimulated the expression of topo II. These results suggest that topo II gene expression is up-regulated in response to light and hormones and correlates with cell proliferation. Besides, we have also isolated and analysed the 5'-flanking region of the pea TopII gene. This is first report on the isolation of a putative promoter for topoisomerase II from plants.

  19. Microarray Analysis of Tomato Plants Exposed to the Nonviruliferous or Viruliferous Whitefly Vector Harboring Pepper golden mosaic virus

    PubMed Central

    Musser, Richard O.; Hum-Musser, Sue M.; Gallucci, Matthew; DesRochers, Brittany; Brown, Judith K.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Plants are routinely exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses to which they have evolved by synthesizing constitutive and induced defense compounds. Induced defense compounds are usually made, initially, at low levels; however, following further stimulation by specific kinds of biotic and abiotic stresses, they can be synthesized in relatively large amounts to abate the particular stress. cDNA microarray hybridization was used to identify an array of genes that were differentially expressed in tomato plants 15 d after they were exposed to feeding by nonviruliferous whiteflies or by viruliferous whiteflies carrying Pepper golden mosaic virus (PepGMV) ( Begomovirus, Geminiviridae ). Tomato plants inoculated by viruliferous whiteflies developed symptoms characteristic of PepGMV, whereas plants exposed to nonviruliferous whitefly feeding or nonwounded (negative) control plants exhibited no disease symptoms. The microarray analysis yielded over 290 spotted probes, with significantly altered expression of 161 putative annotated gene targets, and 129 spotted probes of unknown identities. The majority of the differentially regulated “known” genes were associated with the plants exposed to viruliferous compared with nonviruliferous whitefly feeding. Overall, significant differences in gene expression were represented by major physiological functions including defense-, pathogen-, photosynthesis-, and signaling-related responses and were similar to genes identified for other insect–plant systems. Viruliferous whitefly-stimulated gene expression was validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of selected, representative candidate genes (messenger RNA): arginase, dehydrin, pathogenesis-related proteins 1 and -4, polyphenol oxidase, and several protease inhibitors. This is the first comparative profiling of the expression of tomato plants portraying different responses to biotic stress induced by viruliferous whitefly feeding (with resultant virus infection) compared with whitefly feeding only and negative control nonwounded plants exposed to neither. These results may be applicable to many other plant–insect–pathogen system interactions. PMID:25525099

  20. Cloning and characterisation of cDNA sequences encoding for anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) in Brazilian palaemonid and penaeid shrimps.

    PubMed

    Rosa, Rafael Diego; Stoco, Patricia Hermes; Barracco, Margherita Anna

    2008-11-01

    Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) are antimicrobial peptides found in limulids and crustaceans that have a potent and broad range of antimicrobial activity. We report here the identification and molecular characterisation of new sequences encoding for ALFs in the haemocytes of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium olfersi and also in two Brazilian penaeid species, Farfantepenaeus paulensis and Litopenaeus schmitti. All obtained sequences encoded for highly cationic peptides containing two conserved cysteine residues flanking a putative LPS-binding domain. They exhibited a significant amino acid similarity with crustacean and limulid ALF sequences, especially with those of penaeid shrimps. This is the first identification of ALF in a freshwater prawn.

  1. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of a GTP-binding protein (MiRab5) in Mangifera indica.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhao-liang; Luo, Cong; Dong, Long; Van Toan, Can; Wei, Peng-xiao; He, Xin-hua

    2014-04-25

    The Rab family, the largest branch of Ras small GTPases, plays a crucial role in the vesicular transport in plants. The members of Rab family act as molecular switches that regulate the fusion of vesicles with target membranes through conformational changes. However, little is known about the Rab5 gene involved in fruit ripening and stress response. In this study, the MiRab5 gene was isolated from stress-induced Mangifera indica. The full-length cDNA sequence was 984bp and contained an open reading frame of 600bp, which encoded a 200 amino acid protein with a molecular weight of 21.83kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.99. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited high homology with tomato (91% similarity) and contains all five characteristic Rab motifs. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that MiRab5 was ubiquitously expressed in various mango tree tissues at different levels. The expression of MiRab5 was up-regulated during later stages of fruit ripening. Moreover, MiRab5 was generally up-regulated in response to various abiotic stresses (cold, salinity, and PEG treatments). Recombinant MiRab5 protein was successfully expressed and purified. SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis indicated that the expressed protein was recognized by the anti-6-His antibody. These results provide insights into the role of the MiRab5 gene family in fruit ripening and stress responses in the mango plant. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Photocontrol of the expression of genes encoding chlorophyll a/b binding proteins and small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase in etiolated seedlings of Lycopersicon esculentum (L. ) and Nicotiana tabacum (L. )

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wehmeyer, B.; Cashmore, A.R.; Schaefer, E.

    Phytochrome and the blue ultraviolet-A photoreceptor control light-induced expression of genes encoding the chlorophyll a/b binding protein of photosystem II and photosystem I and the genes for the small subunit of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase in etiolated seedlings of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). A high irradiance response also controls the induction of these genes. Genes encoding photosystem II- and I-associated chlorophyll a/b binding proteins both exhibit a transient rapid increase in expression in response to light pulse or to continuous irradiation. In contrast, genes encoding the small subunit exhibit a continuous increase in expression in response to light.more » These distinct expression characteristics are shown to reflect differences at the level of transcription.« less

  3. Characterization of a citrus R2R3-MYB transcription factor that regulates the flavonol and hydroxycinnamic acid biosynthesis

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids are important phenylpropanoid metabolites in plants. In this study, we isolated and characterized a citrus R2R3-MYB transcription factor CsMYBF1, encoding a protein belonging to the flavonol-specific MYB subgroup. Ectopic expression of CsMYBF1 in tomato led to an ...

  4. Application of a modified EDTA-mediated exudation technique and guttation fluid analysis for potato spindle tuber viroid RNA detection in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is a small plant pathogenic circular RNA that does not encode proteins, replicates autonomously, and traffics systemically in infected plants. Long-distance transport occurs by way of the phloem; however one report in the literature describes the presence of viroi...

  5. Antisense Inhibition of the 2-Oxoglutarate Dehydrogenase Complex in Tomato Demonstrates Its Importance for Plant Respiration and during Leaf Senescence and Fruit Maturation[W][OA

    PubMed Central

    Araújo, Wagner L.; Tohge, Takayuki; Osorio, Sonia; Lohse, Marc; Balbo, Ilse; Krahnert, Ina; Sienkiewicz-Porzucek, Agata; Usadel, Björn; Nunes-Nesi, Adriano; Fernie, Alisdair R.

    2012-01-01

    Transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants expressing a fragment of the gene encoding the E1 subunit of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex in the antisense orientation and exhibiting substantial reductions in the activity of this enzyme exhibit a considerably reduced rate of respiration. They were, however, characterized by largely unaltered photosynthetic rates and fruit yields but restricted leaf, stem, and root growth. These lines displayed markedly altered metabolic profiles, including changes in tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and in the majority of the amino acids but unaltered pyridine nucleotide content both in leaves and during the progression of fruit ripening. Moreover, they displayed a generally accelerated development exhibiting early flowering, accelerated fruit ripening, and a markedly earlier onset of leaf senescence. In addition, transcript and selective hormone profiling of gibberellins and abscisic acid revealed changes only in the former coupled to changes in transcripts encoding enzymes of gibberellin biosynthesis. The data obtained are discussed in the context of the importance of this enzyme in both photosynthetic and respiratory metabolism as well as in programs of plant development connected to carbon–nitrogen interactions. PMID:22751214

  6. Brassinosteroids play a critical role in the regulation of pesticide metabolism in crop plants

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Yanhong; Xia, Xiaojian; Yu, Gaobo; Wang, Jitao; Wu, Jingxue; Wang, Mengmeng; Yang, Youxin; Shi, Kai; Yu, Yunlong; Chen, Zhixiang; Gan, Jay; Yu, Jingquan

    2015-01-01

    Pesticide residues in agricultural produce pose a threat to human health worldwide. Although the detoxification mechanisms for xenobiotics have been extensively studied in mammalian cells, information about the regulation network in plants remains elusive. Here we show that brassinosteroids (BRs), a class of natural plant hormones, decreased residues of common organophosphorus, organochlorine and carbamate pesticides by 30–70% on tomato, rice, tea, broccoli, cucumber, strawberry, and other plants when treated externally. Genome-wide microarray analysis showed that fungicide chlorothalonil (CHT) and BR co-upregulated 301 genes, including a set of detoxifying genes encoding cytochrome P450, oxidoreductase, hydrolase and transferase in tomato plants. The level of BRs was closely related to the respiratory burst oxidase 1 (RBOH1)-encoded NADPH oxides-dependent H2O2 production, glutathione biosynthesis and the redox homeostasis, and the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST). Gene silencing treatments showed that BRs decreased pesticide residues in plants likely by promoting their metabolism through a signaling pathway involving BRs-induced H2O2 production and cellular redox change. Our study provided a novel approach for minimizing pesticide residues in crops by exploiting plants' own detoxification mechanisms. PMID:25761674

  7. Chilling-induced tomato flavor loss is associated with altered volatile synthesis and transient changes in DNA methylation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Bo; Tieman, Denise M; Jiao, Chen; Xu, Yimin; Chen, Kunsong; Fei, Zhangjun; Giovannoni, James J; Klee, Harry J

    2016-11-01

    Commercial tomatoes are widely perceived by consumers as lacking flavor. A major part of that problem is a postharvest handling system that chills fruit. Low-temperature storage is widely used to slow ripening and reduce decay. However, chilling results in loss of flavor. Flavor-associated volatiles are sensitive to temperatures below 12 °C, and their loss greatly reduces flavor quality. Here, we provide a comprehensive view of the effects of chilling on flavor and volatiles associated with consumer liking. Reduced levels of specific volatiles are associated with significant reductions in transcripts encoding key volatile synthesis enzymes. Although expression of some genes critical to volatile synthesis recovers after a return to 20 °C, some genes do not. RNAs encoding transcription factors essential for ripening, including RIPENING INHIBITOR (RIN), NONRIPENING, and COLORLESS NONRIPENING are reduced in response to chilling and may be responsible for reduced transcript levels in many downstream genes during chilling. Those reductions are accompanied by major changes in the methylation status of promoters, including RIN Methylation changes are transient and may contribute to the fidelity of gene expression required to provide maximal beneficial environmental response with minimal tangential influence on broader fruit developmental biology.

  8. Beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III from pea (Pisum sativum L.): properties, inhibition by a novel thiolactomycin analogue and isolation of a cDNA clone encoding the enzyme.

    PubMed

    Jones, A Lesley; Gane, Andy M; Herbert, Derek; Willey, David L; Rutter, Andrew J; Kille, Peter; Dancer, Jane E; Harwood, John L

    2003-03-01

    A beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III (KAS III; short-chain condensing enzyme) has been partly purified from pea leaves. The enzyme, which had acetyl-CoA:ACP acyltransferase (ACAT) activity, was resolved from a second, specific, ACAT protein. The KAS III enzyme had a derived molecular mass of 42 kDa (from its cDNA sequence) and operated as a dimer. Its enzymological characteristics were similar to those of two other plant KAS III enzymes except for its inhibition by thiolactomycin. A derivative of thiolactomycin containing a longer (C8 saturated) hydrophobic side-chain (compound 332) was a more effective inhibitor of pea KAS III and showed competitive inhibition towards malonyl-ACP whereas thiolactomycin showed uncompetitive characteristics at high concentrations. This difference may be due to the better fit of compound 332 into a hydrophobic pocket at the active site. A full-length cDNA for the pea KAS III was isolated. This was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase in order to facilitate subsequent purification. Demonstrated activity in preparations from E. coli confirmed that the cDNA encoded a KAS III enzyme. Furthermore, the expressed KAS III had ACAT activity, showing that the latter was inherent. The derived amino acid sequence of the pea cDNA showed 81-87% similarity to that for other plant dicotyledon KAS IIIs, somewhat less for Allium porrum (leek, 71%) and for Porphyra spp. (62%), Synechocystis spp. (65%) and various bacteria (42-65%). The pea KAS III exhibited four areas of homology, three of which were around the active-site Cys(123), His(323) and Asn(353). In addition, a stretch of 23 amino acids (residues 207-229 in the pea KAS III) was almost completely conserved in the plant KAS IIIs. Modelling this stretch showed they belonged to a peptide fragment that fitted over the active site and contained segments suggested to be involved in substrate binding and in conformational changes during catalysis, as well as an arginine suggested to participate in the acid-base catalytic mechanism.

  9. Chicken immunoglobulin gamma-heavy chains: limited VH gene repertoire, combinatorial diversification by D gene segments and evolution of the heavy chain locus.

    PubMed

    Parvari, R; Avivi, A; Lentner, F; Ziv, E; Tel-Or, S; Burstein, Y; Schechter, I

    1988-03-01

    cDNA clones encoding the variable and constant regions of chicken immunoglobulin (Ig) gamma-chains were obtained from spleen cDNA libraries. Southern blots of kidney DNA show that the variable region sequences of eight cDNA clones reveal the same set of bands corresponding to approximately 30 cross-hybridizing VH genes of one subgroup. Since the VH clones were randomly selected, it is likely that the bulk of chicken H-chains are encoded by a single VH subgroup. Nucleotide sequence determinations of two cDNA clones reveal VH, D, JH and the constant region. The VH segments are closely related to each other (83% homology) as expected for VH or the same subgroup. The JHs are 15 residues long and differ by one amino acid. The Ds differ markedly in sequence (20% homology) and size (10 and 20 residues). These findings strongly indicate multiple (at least two) D genes which by a combinatorial joining mechanism diversify the H-chains, a mechanism which is not operative in the chicken L-chain locus. The most notable among the chicken Igs is the so-called 7S IgG because its H-chain differs in many important aspects from any mammalian IgG. The sequence of the C gamma cDNA reported here resolves this issue. The chicken C gamma is 426 residues long with four CH domains (unlike mammalian C gamma which has three CH domains) and it shows 25% homology to the chicken C mu. The chicken C gamma is most related to the mammalian C epsilon in length, the presence of four CH domains and the distribution of cysteines in the CH1 and CH2 domains. We propose that the unique chicken C gamma is the ancestor of the mammalian C epsilon and C gamma subclasses, and discuss the evolution of the H-chain locus from that of chicken with presumably three genes (mu, gamma, alpha) to the mammalian loci with 8-10 H-chain genes.

  10. Depletion of polycistronic transcripts using short interfering RNAs: cDNA synthesis method affects levels of non-targeted genes determined by quantitative PCR.

    PubMed

    Hanning, Jennifer E; Groves, Ian J; Pett, Mark R; Coleman, Nicholas

    2013-05-21

    Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are often used to deplete viral polycistronic transcripts, such as those encoded by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are conflicting data in the literature concerning how siRNAs targeting one HPV gene can affect levels of other genes in the polycistronic transcripts. We hypothesised that the conflict might be partly explained by the method of cDNA synthesis used prior to transcript quantification. We treated HPV16-positive cervical keratinocytes with siRNAs targeting the HPV16 E7 gene and used quantitative PCR to compare transcript levels of E7 with those of E6 and E2, viral genes located upstream and downstream of the target site respectively. We compared our findings from cDNA generated using oligo-dT primers alone with those from cDNA generated using a combination of random hexamer and oligo-dT primers. Our data show that when polycistronic transcripts are targeted by siRNAs, there is a period when untranslatable cleaved mRNA upstream of the siRNA binding site remains detectable by PCR, if cDNA is generated using random hexamer primers. Such false indications of mRNA abundance are avoided using oligo-dT primers. The period corresponds to the time taken for siRNA activity and degradation of the cleaved transcripts. Genes downstream of the siRNA binding site are detectable during this interval, regardless of how the cDNA is generated. These data emphasise the importance of the cDNA synthesis method used when measuring transcript abundance following siRNA depletion of polycistronic transcripts. They provide a partial explanation for erroneous reports suggesting that siRNAs targeting HPV E7 can have gene-specific effects.

  11. Depletion of polycistronic transcripts using short interfering RNAs: cDNA synthesis method affects levels of non-targeted genes determined by quantitative PCR

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are often used to deplete viral polycistronic transcripts, such as those encoded by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are conflicting data in the literature concerning how siRNAs targeting one HPV gene can affect levels of other genes in the polycistronic transcripts. We hypothesised that the conflict might be partly explained by the method of cDNA synthesis used prior to transcript quantification. Findings We treated HPV16-positive cervical keratinocytes with siRNAs targeting the HPV16 E7 gene and used quantitative PCR to compare transcript levels of E7 with those of E6 and E2, viral genes located upstream and downstream of the target site respectively. We compared our findings from cDNA generated using oligo-dT primers alone with those from cDNA generated using a combination of random hexamer and oligo-dT primers. Our data show that when polycistronic transcripts are targeted by siRNAs, there is a period when untranslatable cleaved mRNA upstream of the siRNA binding site remains detectable by PCR, if cDNA is generated using random hexamer primers. Such false indications of mRNA abundance are avoided using oligo-dT primers. The period corresponds to the time taken for siRNA activity and degradation of the cleaved transcripts. Genes downstream of the siRNA binding site are detectable during this interval, regardless of how the cDNA is generated. Conclusions These data emphasise the importance of the cDNA synthesis method used when measuring transcript abundance following siRNA depletion of polycistronic transcripts. They provide a partial explanation for erroneous reports suggesting that siRNAs targeting HPV E7 can have gene-specific effects. PMID:23693071

  12. Expression of the Bs2 pepper gene confers resistance to bacterial spot disease in tomato

    PubMed Central

    Tai, Thomas H.; Dahlbeck, Douglas; Clark, Eszter T.; Gajiwala, Paresh; Pasion, Romela; Whalen, Maureen C.; Stall, Robert E.; Staskawicz, Brian J.

    1999-01-01

    The Bs2 resistance gene of pepper specifically recognizes and confers resistance to strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria that contain the corresponding bacterial avirulence gene, avrBs2. The involvement of avrBs2 in pathogen fitness and its prevalence in many X. campestris pathovars suggests that the Bs2 gene may be durable in the field and provide resistance when introduced into other plant species. Employing a positional cloning strategy, the Bs2 locus was isolated and the gene was identified by coexpression with avrBs2 in an Agrobacterium-mediated transient assay. A single candidate gene, predicted to encode motifs characteristic of the nucleotide binding site–leucine-rich repeat class of resistance genes, was identified. This gene specifically controlled the hypersensitive response when transiently expressed in susceptible pepper and tomato lines and in a nonhost species, Nicotiana benthamiana, and was designated as Bs2. Functional expression of Bs2 in stable transgenic tomatoes supports its use as a source of resistance in other Solanaceous plant species. PMID:10570214

  13. Expression of the Bs2 pepper gene confers resistance to bacterial spot disease in tomato.

    PubMed

    Tai, T H; Dahlbeck, D; Clark, E T; Gajiwala, P; Pasion, R; Whalen, M C; Stall, R E; Staskawicz, B J

    1999-11-23

    The Bs2 resistance gene of pepper specifically recognizes and confers resistance to strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria that contain the corresponding bacterial avirulence gene, avrBs2. The involvement of avrBs2 in pathogen fitness and its prevalence in many X. campestris pathovars suggests that the Bs2 gene may be durable in the field and provide resistance when introduced into other plant species. Employing a positional cloning strategy, the Bs2 locus was isolated and the gene was identified by coexpression with avrBs2 in an Agrobacterium-mediated transient assay. A single candidate gene, predicted to encode motifs characteristic of the nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich repeat class of resistance genes, was identified. This gene specifically controlled the hypersensitive response when transiently expressed in susceptible pepper and tomato lines and in a nonhost species, Nicotiana benthamiana, and was designated as Bs2. Functional expression of Bs2 in stable transgenic tomatoes supports its use as a source of resistance in other Solanaceous plant species.

  14. Genome-wide identification, phylogeny, and expression analysis of the SWEET gene family in tomato.

    PubMed

    Feng, Chao-Yang; Han, Jia-Xuan; Han, Xiao-Xue; Jiang, Jing

    2015-12-01

    The SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually Be Exported Transporters) gene family encodes membrane-embedded sugar transporters containing seven transmembrane helices harboring two MtN3 and saliva domain. SWEETs play important roles in diverse biological processes, including plant growth, development, and response to environmental stimuli. Here, we conducted an exhaustive search of the tomato genome, leading to the identification of 29 SWEET genes. We analyzed the structures, conserved domains, and phylogenetic relationships of these protein-coding genes in detail. We also analyzed the transcript levels of SWEET genes in various tissues, organs, and developmental stages to obtain information about their functions. Furthermore, we investigated the expression patterns of the SWEET genes in response to exogenous sugar and adverse environmental stress (high and low temperatures). Some family members exhibited tissue-specific expression, whereas others were more ubiquitously expressed. Numerous stress-responsive candidate genes were obtained. The results of this study provide insights into the characteristics of the SWEET genes in tomato and may serve as a basis for further functional studies of such genes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis: first steps in the understanding of virulence of a Gram-positive phytopathogenic bacterium.

    PubMed

    Gartemann, Karl-Heinz; Kirchner, Oliver; Engemann, Jutta; Gräfen, Ines; Eichenlaub, Rudolf; Burger, Annette

    2003-12-19

    Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is a plant-pathogenic actinomycete. It infects tomato, spreads through the xylem and causes bacterial wilt and canker. The wild-type strain NCPPB382 carries two plasmids, pCM1 and pCM2. The cured plasmid-free derivative CMM100 is still able to colonize tomato, but no disease symptoms develop indicating that all genes required for successful infection, establishment and growth in the plant reside on the chromosome. Both plasmids carry one virulence factor, a gene encoding a cellulase, CelA in case of pCM1 and a putative serine protease Pat-1 on pCM2. These genes can independently convert the non-virulent strain CMM100 into a pathogen causing wilt on tomatoes. Currently, genome projects for Cmm and the closely related potato-pathogen C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus have been initiated. The data from the genome project shall give clues on further genes involved in plant-microbe interaction that can be tested experimentally. Especially, identification of genes related to host-specificity through genome comparison of the two subspecies might be possible.

  16. Transcriptional Activation by Heat and Cold of a Thiol Protease Gene in Tomato

    PubMed Central

    Schaffer, Mark A.; Fischer, Robert L.

    1990-01-01

    We previously determined that low temperature induces the accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit of a cloned mRNA, designated C14, encoding a polypeptide related to thiol proteases (MA Schaffer, RL Fischer [1988] Plant Physiol 87: 431-436). We now demonstrate that C14 mRNA accumulation is a response common to both high (40°C) and low (4°C) temperature stresses. Exposure of tomato fruit to 40°C results in the accumulation of C14 mRNA, by 8 hours. This response is more rapid than that to 4°C, but slower than the induction of many heat shock messages by 40°C, and therefore unique. We have also studied the mechanism by which heat and cold exposure activate C14 gene expression. Both high and low temperature regulate protease gene expression through transcriptional induction of a single C14 gene. A hypothesis for the function of C14 thiol protease gene expression in response to heat and cold is discussed. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:16667644

  17. Combined action of the major secreted exo- and endopolygalacturonases is required for full virulence of Fusarium oxysporum.

    PubMed

    Bravo Ruiz, Gustavo; Di Pietro, Antonio; Roncero, M Isabel G

    2016-04-01

    The genome of the tomato pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici encodes eight different polygalacturonases (PGs): four endoPGs and four exoPGs. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that endoPGs pg1 and pg5 and exoPGs pgx4 and pgx6 are expressed at significant levels during growth on citrus pectin, polygalacturonic acid or the monomer galacturonic acid, as well as during the infection of tomato plants. The remaining PG genes exhibit low expression levels under all the conditions tested. Secreted PG activity was decreased significantly during growth on pectin in the single deletion mutants lacking either pg1 or pgx6, as well as in the double mutant. Although the single deletion mutants did not display a significant virulence reduction on tomato plants, the Δpg1Δpgx6 double mutant was significantly attenuated in virulence. The combined action of exoPGs and endoPGs is thus essential for plant infection by the vascular wilt fungus F. oxysporum. © 2015 BSPP and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  18. The Identification of Two Arabinosyltransferases from Tomato Reveals Functional Equivalency of Xyloglucan Side Chain Substituents1[W][OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Schultink, Alex; Cheng, Kun; Park, Yong Bum; Cosgrove, Daniel J.; Pauly, Markus

    2013-01-01

    Xyloglucan (XyG) is the dominant hemicellulose present in the primary cell walls of dicotyledonous plants. Unlike Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) XyG, which contains galactosyl and fucosyl substituents, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) XyG contains arabinofuranosyl residues. To investigate the biological function of these differing substituents, we used a functional complementation approach. Candidate glycosyltransferases were identified from tomato by using comparative genomics with known XyG galactosyltransferase genes from Arabidopsis. These candidate genes were expressed in an Arabidopsis mutant lacking XyG galactosylation, and two of them resulted in the production of arabinosylated XyG, a structure not previously found in this plant species. These genes may therefore encode XyG arabinofuranosyltransferases. Moreover, the addition of arabinofuranosyl residues to the XyG of this Arabidopsis mutant rescued a growth and cell wall biomechanics phenotype, demonstrating that the function of XyG in plant growth, development, and mechanics has considerable flexibility in terms of the specific residues in the side chains. These experiments also highlight the potential of reengineering the sugar substituents on plant wall polysaccharides without compromising growth or viability. PMID:23893172

  19. Chloroplast proteome response to drought stress and recovery in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

    PubMed

    Tamburino, Rachele; Vitale, Monica; Ruggiero, Alessandra; Sassi, Mauro; Sannino, Lorenza; Arena, Simona; Costa, Antonello; Batelli, Giorgia; Zambrano, Nicola; Scaloni, Andrea; Grillo, Stefania; Scotti, Nunzia

    2017-02-10

    Drought is a major constraint for plant growth and crop productivity that is receiving an increased attention due to global climate changes. Chloroplasts act as environmental sensors, however, only partial information is available on stress-induced mechanisms within plastids. Here, we investigated the chloroplast response to a severe drought treatment and a subsequent recovery cycle in tomato through physiological, metabolite and proteomic analyses. Under stress conditions, tomato plants showed stunted growth, and elevated levels of proline, abscisic acid (ABA) and late embryogenesis abundant gene transcript. Proteomics revealed that water deficit deeply affects chloroplast protein repertoire (31 differentially represented components), mainly involving energy-related functional species. Following the rewatering cycle, physiological parameters and metabolite levels indicated a recovery of tomato plant functions, while proteomics revealed a still ongoing adjustment of the chloroplast protein repertoire, which was even wider than during the drought phase (54 components differentially represented). Changes in gene expression of candidate genes and accumulation of ABA suggested the activation under stress of a specific chloroplast-to-nucleus (retrograde) signaling pathway and interconnection with the ABA-dependent network. Our results give an original overview on the role of chloroplast as enviromental sensor by both coordinating the expression of nuclear-encoded plastid-localised proteins and mediating plant stress response. Although our data suggest the activation of a specific retrograde signaling pathway and interconnection with ABA signaling network in tomato, the involvement and fine regulation of such pathway need to be further investigated through the development and characterization of ad hoc designed plant mutants.

  20. Genomic Organization, Phylogenetic and Expression Analysis of the B-BOX Gene Family in Tomato

    PubMed Central

    Chu, Zhuannan; Wang, Xin; Li, Ying; Yu, Huiyang; Li, Jinhua; Lu, Yongen; Li, Hanxia; Ouyang, Bo

    2016-01-01

    The B-BOX (BBX) proteins encode a class of zinc-finger transcription factors possessing one or two B-BOX domains and in some cases an additional CCT (CO, CO-like and TOC1) motif, which play important roles in regulating plant growth, development and stress response. Nevertheless, no systematic study of BBX genes has undertaken in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Here we present the results of a genome-wide analysis of the 29 BBX genes in this important vegetable species. Their structures, conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, subcellular localizations, and promoter cis-regulatory elements were analyzed; their tissue expression profiles and expression patterns under various hormones and stress treatments were also investigated in detail. Tomato BBX genes can be divided into five subfamilies, and twelve of them were found to be segmentally duplicated. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that most BBX genes exhibited different temporal and spatial expression patterns. The expression of most BBX genes can be induced by drought, polyethylene glycol-6000 or heat stress. Some BBX genes were induced strongly by phytohormones such as abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, or ethephon. The majority of tomato BBX proteins was predicted to be located in nuclei, and the transient expression assay using Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts demonstrated that all the seven BBX members tested (SlBBX5, 7, 15, 17, 20, 22, and 24) were localized in nucleus. Our analysis of tomato BBX genes on the genome scale would provide valuable information for future functional characterization of specific genes in this family. PMID:27807440

  1. Abnormal development of floral meristem triggers defective morphogenesis of generative system in transgenic tomatoes.

    PubMed

    Chaban, Inna; Khaliluev, Marat; Baranova, Ekaterina; Kononenko, Neonila; Dolgov, Sergey; Smirnova, Elena

    2018-04-21

    Parthenocarpy and fruit malformations are common among independent transgenic tomato lines, expressing genes encoding different pathogenesis-related (PR) protein and antimicrobal peptides. Abnormal phenotype developed independently of the expression and type of target genes, but distinctive features during flower and fruit development were detected in each transgenic line. We analyzed the morphology, anatomy, and cytoembryology of abnormal flowers and fruits from these transgenic tomato lines and compared them with flowers and fruits of wild tomatoes, line YaLF used for transformation, and transgenic plants with normal phenotype. We confirmed that the main cause of abnormal flower and fruit development was the alterations of determinate growth of generative meristem. These alterations triggered different types of anomalous growth, affecting the number of growing ectopic shoots and formation of new flowers. Investigation of the ovule ontogenesis did not show anomalies in embryo sac development, but fertilization did not occur and embryo sac degenerated. Nevertheless, the ovule continued to differentiate due to proliferation of endothelium cells. The latter substituted embryo sac and formed pseudoembryonic tissue. This process imitated embryogenesis and stimulated ovary growth, leading to the development of parthenocarpic fruit. We demonstrated that failed fertilization occurred due to defective male gametophyte formation, which was manifested in blocked division of the nucleus in the microspore and arrest of vegetative and generative cell formation. Maturing pollen grains were overgrown microspores, not competent for fertilization but capable to induce proliferation of endothelium and development of parthenocarpic ovary. Thus, our study provided new data on the structural transformations of reproductive organs during development of parthenocarpic fruits in transgenic tomato.

  2. The delta-subunit of murine guanine nucleotide exchange factor eIF-2B. Characterization of cDNAs predicts isoforms differing at the amino-terminal end.

    PubMed

    Henderson, R A; Krissansen, G W; Yong, R Y; Leung, E; Watson, J D; Dholakia, J N

    1994-12-02

    Protein synthesis in mammalian cells is regulated at the level of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, eIF-2B, which catalyzes the exchange of eukaryotic initiation factor 2-bound GDP for GTP. We have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones encoding the delta-subunit of murine eIF-2B. The cDNA sequence encodes a polypeptide of 544 amino acids with molecular mass of 60 kDa. Antibodies against a synthetic polypeptide of 30 amino acids deduced from the cDNA sequence specifically react with the delta-subunit of mammalian eIF-2B. The cDNA-derived amino acid sequence shows significant homology with the yeast translational regulator Gcd2, supporting the hypothesis that Gcd2 may be the yeast homolog of the delta-subunit of mammalian eIF-2B. Primer extension studies and anchor polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed to determine the 5'-end of the transcript for the delta-subunit of eIF-2B. Results of these experiments demonstrate two different mRNAs for the delta-subunit of eIF-2B in murine cells. The isolation and characterization of two different full-length cDNAs also predicts the presence of two alternate forms of the delta-subunit of eIF-2B in murine cells. These differ at their amino-terminal end but have identical nucleotide sequences coding for amino acids 31-544.

  3. Differential expression of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene of Polygonum sibiricum leaves, stems and underground stems, subjected to high-salt stress.

    PubMed

    Qu, Chun-Pu; Xu, Zhi-Ru; Liu, Guan-Jun; Liu, Chun; Li, Yang; Wei, Zhi-Gang; Liu, Gui-Feng

    2010-01-01

    In aerobic organisms, protection against oxidative damage involves the combined action of highly specialized antioxidant enzymes, such as copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. In this work, a cDNA clone which encodes a copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene, named PS-CuZnSOD, has been identified from P. sibiricum Laxm. by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method (RACE). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence reveals that the PS-CuZnSOD gene cDNA clone consists of 669 bp, containing 87 bp in the 5' untranslated region; 459 bp in the open reading frame (ORF) encoding 152 amino acids; and 123 bp in 3' untranslated region. The gene accession nucleotide sequence number in GenBank is GQ472846. Sequence analysis indicates that the protein, like most plant superoxide dismutases (SOD), includes two conserved ecCuZnSOD signatures that are from the amino acids 43 to 51, and from the amino acids 137 to 148, and it has a signal peptide extension in the front of the N-terminus (1-16 aa). Expression analysis by real-time quantitative PCR reveals that the PS-CuZnSOD gene is expressed in leaves, stems and underground stems. PS-CuZnSOD gene expression can be induced by 3% NaHCO(3). The different mRNA levels' expression of PS-CuZnSOD show the gene's different expression modes in leaves, stems and underground stems under the salinity-alkalinity stress.

  4. Cloning of the cDNA encoding adenosine 5'-monophosphate deaminase 1 and its mRNA expression in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Keyong; Sun, Shujuan; Liu, Mei; Wang, Baojie; Meng, Xiaolin; Wang, Lei

    2013-01-01

    AMP deaminase catalyzes the conversion of AMP into IMP and ammonia. In the present study, a full-length cDNA of AMPD1 from skeletal muscle of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was cloned and characterized. The 2 526 bp cDNA contains a 5'-UTR of 78 bp, a 3'-UTR of 237 bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 2 211 bp, which encodes a protein of 736 amino acids. The predicted protein contains a highly conserved AMP deaminase motif (SLSTDDP) and an ATP-binding site sequence (EPLMEEYAIAAQVFK). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the AMPD1 and AMPD3 genes originate from the same branch, but are evolutionarily distant from the AMPD2 gene. RT-PCR showed that the flounder AMPD1 gene was expressed only in skeletal muscle. QRT-PCR analysis revealed a statistically significant 2.54 fold higher level of AMPD1 mRNA in adult muscle (750±40 g) compared with juvenile muscle (7.5±2 g) ( P<0.05). HPLC analysis showed that the IMP content in adult muscle (3.35±0.21 mg/g) was also statistically significantly higher than in juvenile muscle (1.08±0.04 mg/g) ( P<0.05). There is a direct relationship between the AMPD1 gene expression level and IMP content in the skeletal muscle of juvenile and adult flounders. These results may provide useful information for quality improvement and molecular breeding of aquatic animals.

  5. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a glucose transporter (CsGLUT) in Clonorchis sinensis.

    PubMed

    Ahn, Seong Kyu; Cho, Pyo Yun; Na, Byoung-Kuk; Hong, Sung-Jong; Nam, Ho-Woo; Sohn, Woon-Mok; Ardelli, Bernadette F; Park, Yun-Kyu; Kim, Tong-Soo; Cha, Seok Ho

    2016-01-01

    A complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding a glucose transporter of Clonorchis sinensis (CsGLUT) was isolated from the adult C. sinensis cDNA library. The open reading frame of CsGLUT cDNA consists of 1653 base pairs that encode a 550-amino acid residue protein. Hydropathy analysis suggested that CsGLUT possess 12 putative membrane-spanning domains. The Northern blot analysis result using poly(A)(+)RNA showed a strong band at ~2.1 kb for CsGLUT. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, CsGLUT mediated the transport of radiolabeled deoxy-D-glucose in a time-dependent but sodium-independent manner. Concentration-dependency results showed saturable kinetics and followed the Michaelis-Menten equation. Nonlinear regression analyses yielded a Km value of 588.5 ± 53.0 μM and a Vmax value of 1500.0 ± 67.5 pmol/oocyte/30 min for [1,2-(3)H]2-deoxy-D-glucose. No trans-uptakes of bile acid (taurocholic acid), amino acids (tryptophan and arginine), or p-aminohippuric acid were observed. CsGLUT-mediated transport of deoxyglucose was significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited by radio-unlabeled deoxyglucose and D-glucose. 3-O-Methylglucose at 10 and 100 μM inhibited deoxyglucose uptake by ~50 % without concentration dependence. No inhibitory effects by galactose, mannose, and fructose were observed. This work may contribute to the molecular biological study of carbohydrate metabolism and new drug development of C. sinensis.

  6. Positive selection and propeptide repeats promote rapid interspecific divergence of a gastropod sperm protein.

    PubMed

    Hellberg, M E; Moy, G W; Vacquier, V D

    2000-03-01

    Male-specific proteins have increasingly been reported as targets of positive selection and are of special interest because of the role they may play in the evolution of reproductive isolation. We report the rapid interspecific divergence of cDNA encoding a major acrosomal protein of unknown function (TMAP) of sperm from five species of teguline gastropods. A mitochondrial DNA clock (calibrated by congeneric species divided by the Isthmus of Panama) estimates that these five species diverged 2-10 MYA. Inferred amino acid sequences reveal a propeptide that has diverged rapidly between species. The mature protein has diverged faster still due to high nonsynonymous substitution rates (> 25 nonsynonymous substitutions per site per 10(9) years). cDNA encoding the mature protein (89-100 residues) shows evidence of positive selection (Dn/Ds > 1) for 4 of 10 pairwise species comparisons. cDNA and predicted secondary-structure comparisons suggest that TMAP is neither orthologous nor paralogous to abalone lysin, and thus marks a second, phylogenetically independent, protein subject to strong positive selection in free-spawning marine gastropods. In addition, an internal repeat in one species (Tegula aureotincta) produces a duplicated cleavage site which results in two alternatively processed mature proteins differing by nine amino acid residues. Such alternative processing may provide a mechanism for introducing novel amino acid sequence variation at the amino-termini of proteins. Highly divergent TMAP N-termini from two other tegulines (Tegula regina and Norrisia norrisii) may have originated by such a mechanism.

  7. IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CDNA ENCODING CYTOCHROME P450 3A FROM THE FRESH WATER TELEOST MEDAKA (ORYZIAS LATIPES). (R825298)

    EPA Science Inventory

    The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

  8. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus aquaporin as an effective vaccine antigen to protect against cattle tick infestations

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A cDNA encoding an aquaporin from the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, was isolated from transcriptomic studies. Bioinformatic analysis indicates this aquaporin, designated RmAQP1, shows greatest amino acid similarity to the human aquaporin 7 family. Members of this family of water-conducting c...

  9. A NOVEL CADHERIN-LIKE GENE FROM WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM, DIABROTICA VIRGIFERA VIRGIFERA (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE), LARVAL MIDGUT TISSUE

    EPA Science Inventory

    A cadherin-like gene and its mRNA were cloned from western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera: Coleoptera), an economically important agricultural pest in North America and Europe. The full length cDNA (5371 bp in length) encodes an open reading frame for a 1688 amino ...

  10. Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of the caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) ortholog from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We cloned the full-length of the gene putatively encoding caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) using degenerate primers and the RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method. Kenaf is an herbaceous and rapidly growing dicotyledonous plant with great potential ...

  11. Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding the gibberellin biosynthetic enzyme ent-kaurene synthase B from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.).

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, S; Saito, T; Abe, H; Yamane, H; Murofushi, N; Kamiya, Y

    1996-08-01

    The first committed step in the formation of diterpenoids leading to gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis is the conversion of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) to ent-kaurene. ent-Kaurene synthase A (KSA) catalyzes the conversion of GGDP to copalyl diphosphate (CDP), which is subsequently converted to ent-kaurene by ent-kaurene synthase B (KSB). A full-length KSB cDNA was isolated from developing cotyledons in immature seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.). Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed from the amino acid sequences obtained from the purified protein to amplify a cDNA fragment, which was used for library screening. The isolated full-length cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein, which demonstrated the KSB activity to cyclize [3H]CDP to [3H]ent-kaurene. The KSB transcript was most abundant in growing tissues, but was detected in every organ in pumpkin seedlings. The deduced amino acid sequence shares significant homology with other terpene cyclases, including the conserved DDXXD motif, a putative divalent metal ion-diphosphate complex binding site. A putative transit peptide sequence that may target the translated product into the plastids is present in the N-terminal region.

  12. [Cloning and characterization of a novel rat gene RSD-7 differentially expressed in testis].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao-dong; Gou, Da-wei; Miao, Shi-ying; Zhang, Jian-chao; Zong, Shu-dong; Wang, Lin-fang

    2003-06-01

    To isolate and identify the differentially expressed genes in spermatogenesis for the understanding molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis. Screening of the cDNA library, Northern blot, expression and purification in E. coli with GST expression system, immunocytochemical staining of testis sections were used. (1) A cDNA fragment designated as RSD-7 was isolated from rat testis cDNA library. It was 1,238 bp in length, coding a protein of 232 amino acids with the GenBank accession number AF315467. The encoding protein of RSD-7 cDNA had a Ubiquitin-like domain. (2) Northern blot indicated that RSD-7 was uniquely expressed in rat testis, and in the testis RSD-7 emerged on the 30th postnatal day and expressed until 120th postnatal day. (3) Expression and purification of RSD-7 protein in E. coli with GST expression system and were used to obtain anti-RSD-7 antibody. (4) Immunolocalization of RSD-7 in rat testis revealed that it is expressed only in Sertoli cells. Transcription pattern of RSD-7 and localization of RSD-7 protein in testis have been made, which established the base for the functional study of RSD-7.

  13. Characterization of rtSH3p13 gene encoding a development protein involved in vesicular traffic in spermiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Qiao, Yuan; Yang, Ju Xiang; Zhang, Xiao Dong L; Liu, Yu; Zhang, Jian Chao; Zong, Shu Dong; Miao, Shi Ying; Wang, Lin Fang; Koide, Samuel S

    2004-06-01

    A cDNA, designated as rtSH3p13, was isolated from a rat testis cDNA library. It consists of 1463 bp nuclear acids, which encodes a protein of 312 amino acids and was assigned the GenBank accession number AF227439. The deduced rtSH3p13 protein is a truncated isoform of SH3p13 as a result of mRNA alternative splicing. It is mainly expressed in the rat testis, detected in spermatids at the steps 8-19 of spermiogenesis, and found around the acrosome. During postnatal development, rtSH3p13 appears on day 18 and reaches maximum on day 60. Further experimental results suggested that rtSH3p13 forms a complex with activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and interacts with synaptojanin I. Surprisingly, similar to SH3 domain, the V region of rtSH3p13 also inhibits endocytosis in CHO cells. Our results reveal a link between an rtSH3p13-synaptojanin-clathrin complex-mediated formation of pits and the process of spermiogenesis.

  14. Cloning and characterization of two novel zebrafish P2X receptor subunits.

    PubMed

    Diaz-Hernandez, Miguel; Cox, Jane A; Migita, Keisuke; Haines, William; Egan, Terrance M; Voigt, Mark M

    2002-07-26

    In this report we describe the cloning and characterization of two P2X receptor subunits cloned from the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Primary sequence analysis suggests that one cDNA encodes an ortholog of the mammalian P2X(4) subunit and the second cDNA encodes the ortholog of the mammalian P2X(5) subunit. The zP2X(4) subunit forms a homo-oligomeric receptor that displays a low affinity for ATP (EC(50)=274+/-48 microM) and very low affinity (EC(50)>500 microM) for other purinergic ligands such as alphabetameATP, suramin, and PPADS. As seen with the mammalian orthologs, the zP2X(5) subunit forms a homo-oligomeric receptor that yields very small whole-cell currents (<20pA), making determination of an EC(50) problematic. Both subunit genes were physically mapped onto the zebrafish genome using radiation hybrid analysis of the T51 panel, with the zp2x4 localized to LG21 and zp2x5 to LG5.

  15. Structure and characterization of a cDNA clone for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from cut-injured roots of sweet potato

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tanaka, Yoshiyuki; Matsuoka, Makoto; Yamanoto, Naoki

    A cDNA clone for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) induced in wounded sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) root was obtained by immunoscreening a cDNA library. The protein produced in Escherichia coli cells containing the plasmid pPAL02 was indistinguishable from sweet potato PAL as judged by Ouchterlony double diffusion assays. The M{sub r} of its subunit was 77,000. The cells converted ({sup 14}C)-L-phenylalanine into ({sup 14}C)-t-cinnamic acid and PAL activity was detected in the homogenate of the cells. The activity was dependent on the presence of the pPAL02 plasmid DNA. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA contained a 2,121-base pair (bp) open-reading framemore » capable of coding for a polypeptide with 707 amino acids (M{sub r} 77,137), a 22-bp 5{prime}-noncoding region and a 207-bp 3{prime}-noncoding region. The results suggest that the insert DNA fully encoded the amino acid sequence for sweet potato PAL that is induced by wounding. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with that of a PAL cDNA fragment from Phaseolus vulgaris revealed 78.9% homology. The sequence from amino acid residues 258 to 494 was highly conserved, showing 90.7% homology.« less

  16. LIFEdb: a database for functional genomics experiments integrating information from external sources, and serving as a sample tracking system

    PubMed Central

    Bannasch, Detlev; Mehrle, Alexander; Glatting, Karl-Heinz; Pepperkok, Rainer; Poustka, Annemarie; Wiemann, Stefan

    2004-01-01

    We have implemented LIFEdb (http://www.dkfz.de/LIFEdb) to link information regarding novel human full-length cDNAs generated and sequenced by the German cDNA Consortium with functional information on the encoded proteins produced in functional genomics and proteomics approaches. The database also serves as a sample-tracking system to manage the process from cDNA to experimental read-out and data interpretation. A web interface enables the scientific community to explore and visualize features of the annotated cDNAs and ORFs combined with experimental results, and thus helps to unravel new features of proteins with as yet unknown functions. PMID:14681468

  17. Molecular cloning and developmental expression of the catalytic and 65-kDa regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase 2A in Drosophila.

    PubMed Central

    Mayer-Jaekel, R E; Baumgartner, S; Bilbe, G; Ohkura, H; Glover, D M; Hemmings, B A

    1992-01-01

    cDNA clones encoding the catalytic subunit and the 65-kDa regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PR65) from Drosophila melanogaster have been isolated by homology screening with the corresponding human cDNAs. The Drosophila clones were used to analyze the spatial and temporal expression of the transcripts encoding these two proteins. The Drosophila PR65 cDNA clones contained an open reading frame of 1773 nucleotides encoding a protein of 65.5 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence showed 75 and 71% identity to the human PR65 alpha and beta isoforms, respectively. As previously reported for the mammalian PR65 isoforms, Drosophila PR65 is composed of 15 imperfect repeating units of approximately 39 amino acids. The residues contributing to this repeat structure show also the highest sequence conservation between species, indicating a functional importance for these repeats. The gene encoding Drosophila PR65 was located at 29B1,2 on the second chromosome. A major transcript of 2.8 kilobase (kb) encoding the PR65 subunit and two transcripts of 1.6 and 2.5 kb encoding the catalytic subunit could be detected throughout Drosophila development. All of these mRNAs were most abundant during early embryogenesis and were expressed at lower levels in larvae and adult flies. In situ hybridization of different developmental stages showed a colocalization of the PR65 and catalytic subunit transcripts. The mRNA expression is high in the nurse cells and oocytes, consistent with a high equally distributed expression in early embryos. In later embryonal development, the expression remains high in the nervous system and the gonads but the overall transcript levels decrease. In third instar larvae, high levels of mRNA could be observed in brain, imaginal discs, and in salivary glands. These results indicate that protein phosphatase 2A transcript levels change during development in a tissue and in a time-specific manner. Images PMID:1320961

  18. Nucleotide sequences of two genomic DNAs encoding peroxidase of Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Intapruk, C; Higashimura, N; Yamamoto, K; Okada, N; Shinmyo, A; Takano, M

    1991-02-15

    The peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7)-encoding gene of Arabidopsis thaliana was screened from a genomic library using a cDNA encoding a neutral isozyme of horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, peroxidase (HRP) as a probe, and two positive clones were isolated. From the comparison with the sequences of the HRP-encoding genes, we concluded that two clones contained peroxidase-encoding genes, and they were named prxCa and prxEa. Both genes consisted of four exons and three introns; the introns had consensus nucleotides, GT and AG, at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively. The lengths of each putative exon of the prxEa gene were the same as those of the HRP-basic-isozyme-encoding gene, prxC3, and coded for 349 amino acids (aa) with a sequence homology of 89% to that encoded by prxC3. The prxCa gene was very close to the HRP-neutral-isozyme-encoding gene, prxC1b, and coded for 354 aa with 91% homology to that encoded by prxC1b. The aa sequence homology was 64% between the two peroxidases encoded by prxCa and prxEa.

  19. Identification of a melanosomal membrane protein encoded by the pink-eyed dilution (type II oculocutaneous albinism) gene.

    PubMed Central

    Rosemblat, S; Durham-Pierre, D; Gardner, J M; Nakatsu, Y; Brilliant, M H; Orlow, S J

    1994-01-01

    The pink-eyed dilution (p) locus in the mouse is critical to melanogenesis; mutations in the homologous locus in humans, P, are a cause of type II oculocutaneous albinism. Although a cDNA encoded by the p gene has recently been identified, nothing is known about the protein product of this gene. To characterize the protein encoded by the p gene, we performed immunoblot analysis of extracts of melanocytes cultured from wild-type mice with an antiserum from rabbits immunized with a peptide corresponding to amino acids 285-298 of the predicted protein product of the murine p gene. This antiserum recognized a 110-kDa protein. The protein was absent from extracts of melanocytes cultured from mice with two mutations (pcp and p) in which transcripts of the p gene are absent or greatly reduced. Introduction of the cDNA for the p gene into pcp melanocytes by electroporation resulted in expression of the 3.3-kb mRNA and the 110-kDa protein. Upon subcellular fractionation of cultured melanocytes, the 110-kDa protein was found to be present in melanosomes but absent from the vesicular fraction; phase separation performed with the nonionic detergent Triton X-114 confirmed the predicted hydrophobic nature of the protein. These results demonstrate that the p gene encodes a 110-kDa integral melanosomal membrane protein and establish a framework by which mutations at this locus, which diminish pigmentation, can be analyzed at the cellular and biochemical levels. Images PMID:7991586

  20. Functional characterization of a tomato COBRA-like gene functioning in fruit development and ripening

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Extensive studies have demonstrated that the COBRA gene is critical for biosynthesis of cell wall constituents comprising structural tissues of roots, stalks, leaves and other vegetative organs, however, its role in fruit development and ripening remains largely unknown. Results We identified a tomato gene (SlCOBRA-like) homologous to Arabidopsis COBRA, and determined its role in fleshy fruit biology. The SlCOBRA-like gene is highly expressed in vegetative organs and in early fruit development, but its expression in fruit declines dramatically during ripening stages, implying a primary role in early fruit development. Fruit-specific suppression of SlCOBRA-like resulted in impaired cell wall integrity and up-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in cell wall degradation during early fruit development. In contrast, fruit-specific overexpression of SlCOBRA-like resulted in increased wall thickness of fruit epidermal cells, more collenchymatous cells beneath the epidermis, elevated levels of cellulose and reduced pectin solubilization in the pericarp cells of red ripe fruits. Moreover, transgenic tomato fruits overexpressing SlCOBRA-like exhibited desirable early development phenotypes including enhanced firmness and a prolonged shelf life. Conclusions Our results suggest that SlCOBRA-like plays an important role in fruit cell wall architecture and provides a potential genetic tool for extending the shelf life of tomato and potentially additional fruits. PMID:23140186

  1. Analysis of expressed sequence tags from the four main developmental stages of Trypanosoma congolense

    PubMed Central

    Helm, Jared R.; Hertz-Fowler, Christiane; Aslett, Martin; Berriman, Matthew; Sanders, Mandy; Quail, Michael A.; Soares, Marcelo B.; Bonaldo, Maria F.; Sakurai, Tatsuya; Inoue, Noboru; Donelson, John E.

    2009-01-01

    Trypanosoma congolense is one of the most economically important pathogens of livestock in Africa. Culture-derived parasites of each of the three main insect stages of the T. congolense life cycle, i.e., the procyclic, epimastigote and metacyclic stages, and bloodstream stage parasites isolated from infected mice, were used to construct stage-specific cDNA libraries and expressed sequence tags (ESTs or cDNA clones) in each library were sequenced. Thirteen EST clusters encoding different variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs) were detected in the metacyclic library and twenty-six VSG EST clusters were found in the bloodstream library, six of which are shared by the metacyclic library. Rare VSG ESTs are present in the epimastigote library, and none were detected in the procyclic library. ESTs encoding enzymes that catalyze oxidative phosphorylation and amino acid metabolism are about twice as abundant in the procyclic and epimastigote stages as in the metacyclic and bloodstream stages. In contrast, ESTs encoding enzymes involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and nucleotide metabolism are about the same in all four developmental stages. Cysteine proteases, kinases and phosphatases are the most abundant enzyme groups represented by the ESTs. All four libraries contain T. congolense-specific expressed sequences not present in the T. brucei and T. cruzi genomes. Normalized cDNA libraries were constructed from the metacyclic and bloodstream stages, and found to be further enriched for T. congolense-specific ESTs. Given that cultured T. congolense offers an experimental advantage over other African trypanosome species, these ESTs provide a basis for further investigation of the molecular properties of these four developmental stages, especially the epimastigote and metacyclic stages for which it is difficult to obtain large quantities of organisms. The T. congolense EST databases are available at: http://www.sanger.ac.uk/Projects/T_congolense/EST_index.shtml. PMID:19559733

  2. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of a yak (Bos grunniens) κ-casein cDNA from lactating mammary gland.

    PubMed

    Bai, W L; Yin, R H; Dou, Q L; Jiang, W Q; Zhao, S J; Ma, Z J; Luo, G B; Zhao, Z H

    2011-04-01

    κ-Casein is one of the major proteins in the milk of mammals. It plays an important role in determining the size and specific function of milk micelles. We have previously identified and characterized a genetic variant of yak κ-casein by evaluating genomic DNA. Here, we isolate and characterize a yak κ-casein cDNA harboring the full-length open reading frame (ORF) from lactating mammary gland. Total RNA was extracted from mammary tissue of lactating female yak, and the κ-casein cDNA were synthesized by RT-PCR technique, then cloned and sequenced. The obtained cDNA of 660-bp contained an ORF sufficient to encode the entire amino acid sequence of κ-casein precursor protein consisting of 190 amino acids with a signal peptide of 21 amino acids. Yak κ-casein has a predicted molecular mass of 19,006.588 Da with a calculated isoelectric point of 7.245. Compared with the corresponding sequences in GenBank of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, Arabian camel, horse, and rabbit, yak κ-casein sequence had identity of 64.76-98.78% in cDNA, and identity of 44.79-98.42% and similarity of 53.65-98.42% in deduced amino acids, revealing a high homology with the other livestock species. Based on κ-casein cDNA sequences, the phylogenetic analysis indicated that yak κ-casein had a close relationship with that of cattle. This work might be useful in the genetic engineering researches for yak κ-casein.

  3. A Subset of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes Is Essential for Plant Immunity1[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Connor, Richard A.

    2017-01-01

    Of the three classes of enzymes involved in ubiquitination, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2) have been often incorrectly considered to play merely an auxiliary role in the process, and few E2 enzymes have been investigated in plants. To reveal the role of E2 in plant innate immunity, we identified and cloned 40 tomato genes encoding ubiquitin E2 proteins. Thioester assays indicated that the majority of the genes encode enzymatically active E2. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 40 tomato E2 enzymes into 13 groups, of which members of group III were found to interact and act specifically with AvrPtoB, a Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato effector that uses its ubiquitin ligase (E3) activity to suppress host immunity. Knocking down the expression of group III E2 genes in Nicotiana benthamiana diminished the AvrPtoB-promoted degradation of the Fen kinase and the AvrPtoB suppression of host immunity-associated programmed cell death. Importantly, silencing group III E2 genes also resulted in reduced pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). By contrast, programmed cell death induced by several effector-triggered immunity elicitors was not affected on group III-silenced plants. Functional characterization suggested redundancy among group III members for their role in the suppression of plant immunity by AvrPtoB and in PTI and identified UBIQUITIN-CONJUGATING11 (UBC11), UBC28, UBC29, UBC39, and UBC40 as playing a more significant role in PTI than other group III members. Our work builds a foundation for the further characterization of E2s in plant immunity and reveals that AvrPtoB has evolved a strategy for suppressing host immunity that is difficult for the plant to thwart. PMID:27909045

  4. A Subset of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes Is Essential for Plant Immunity.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Bangjun; Mural, Ravi V; Chen, Xuanyang; Oates, Matt E; Connor, Richard A; Martin, Gregory B; Gough, Julian; Zeng, Lirong

    2017-02-01

    Of the three classes of enzymes involved in ubiquitination, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2) have been often incorrectly considered to play merely an auxiliary role in the process, and few E2 enzymes have been investigated in plants. To reveal the role of E2 in plant innate immunity, we identified and cloned 40 tomato genes encoding ubiquitin E2 proteins. Thioester assays indicated that the majority of the genes encode enzymatically active E2. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 40 tomato E2 enzymes into 13 groups, of which members of group III were found to interact and act specifically with AvrPtoB, a Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato effector that uses its ubiquitin ligase (E3) activity to suppress host immunity. Knocking down the expression of group III E2 genes in Nicotiana benthamiana diminished the AvrPtoB-promoted degradation of the Fen kinase and the AvrPtoB suppression of host immunity-associated programmed cell death. Importantly, silencing group III E2 genes also resulted in reduced pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). By contrast, programmed cell death induced by several effector-triggered immunity elicitors was not affected on group III-silenced plants. Functional characterization suggested redundancy among group III members for their role in the suppression of plant immunity by AvrPtoB and in PTI and identified UBIQUITIN-CONJUGATING11 (UBC11), UBC28, UBC29, UBC39, and UBC40 as playing a more significant role in PTI than other group III members. Our work builds a foundation for the further characterization of E2s in plant immunity and reveals that AvrPtoB has evolved a strategy for suppressing host immunity that is difficult for the plant to thwart. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

  5. Analysis of tomato plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase gene family suggests a mycorrhiza-mediated regulatory mechanism conserved in diverse plant species.

    PubMed

    Liu, Junli; Liu, Jianjian; Chen, Aiqun; Ji, Minjie; Chen, Jiadong; Yang, Xiaofeng; Gu, Mian; Qu, Hongye; Xu, Guohua

    2016-10-01

    In plants, the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase (HA) is considered to play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and respoding to environment stresses. Multiple paralogous genes encoding different isozymes of HA have been identified and characterized in several model plants, while limited information of the HA gene family is available to date for tomato. Here, we describe the molecular and expression features of eight HA-encoding genes (SlHA1-8) from tomato. All these genes are interrupted by multiple introns with conserved positions. SlHA1, 2, and 4 were widely expressed in all tissues, while SlHA5, 6, and 7 were almost only expressed in flowers. SlHA8, the transcripts of which were barely detectable under normal or nutrient-/salt-stress growth conditions, was strongly activated in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal-colonized roots. Extreme lack of SlHA8 expression in M161, a mutant defective to AM fungal colonization, provided genetic evidence towards the dependence of its expression on AM symbiosis. A 1521-bp SlHA8 promoter could direct the GUS reporter expression specifically in colonized cells of transgenic tobacco, soybean, and rice mycorrhizal roots. Promoter deletion assay revealed a 223-bp promoter fragment of SlHA8 containing a variant of AM-specific cis-element MYCS (vMYCS) sufficient to confer the AM-induced activity. Targeted deletion of this motif in the corresponding promoter region causes complete abolishment of GUS staining in mycorrhizal roots. Together, these results lend cogent evidence towards the evolutionary conservation of a potential regulatory mechanism mediating the activation of AM-responsive HA genes in diverse mycorrhizal plant species.

  6. Suppression of NGB and NAB/ERabp1 in tomato modifies root responses to potato cyst nematode infestation.

    PubMed

    Dąbrowska-Bronk, Joanna; Czarny, Magdalena; Wiśniewska, Anita; Fudali, Sylwia; Baranowski, Łukasz; Sobczak, Mirosław; Święcicka, Magdalena; Matuszkiewicz, Mateusz; Brzyżek, Grzegorz; Wroblewski, Tadeusz; Dobosz, Renata; Bartoszewski, Grzegorz; Filipecki, Marcin

    2015-05-01

    Plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant damage to major crops throughout the world. The small number of genes conferring natural plant resistance and the limitations of chemical control require the development of new protective strategies. RNA interference or the inducible over-expression of nematicidal genes provides an environment-friendly approach to this problem. Candidate genes include NGB, which encodes a small GTP-binding protein, and NAB/ERabp1, which encodes an auxin-binding protein, which were identified as being up-regulated in tomato roots in a transcriptome screen of potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) feeding sites. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization confirmed the localized up-regulation of these genes in syncytia and surrounding cells following nematode infection. Gene-silencing constructs were introduced into tomato, resulting in a 20%-98% decrease in transcription levels. Nematode infection tests conducted on transgenic plants showed 57%-82% reduction in the number of G. rostochiensis females in vitro and 30%-46% reduction in pot trials. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a deterioration of cytoplasm, and degraded mitochondria and plastids, in syncytia induced in plants with reduced NAB/ERabp1 expression. Cytoplasm in syncytia induced in plants with low NGB expression was strongly electron translucent and contained very few ribosomes; however, mitochondria and plastids remained intact. Functional impairments in syncytial cytoplasm of silenced plants may result from NGB's role in ribosome biogenesis; this was confirmed by localization of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-labelled NGB protein in nucleoli and co-repression of NGB in plants with reduced NAB/ERabp1 expression. These results demonstrate that NGB and NAB/ERabp1 play important roles in the development of nematode-induced syncytia. © 2014 BSPP AND JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD.

  7. Expression cloning and chromosomal mapping of the leukocyte activation antigen CD97, a new seven-span transmembrane molecule of the secretin receptor superfamily with an unusual extracellular domain

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hamann, J.; Hamann, D.; Lier, R.A.W.

    1995-08-15

    CD97 is a monomeric glycoprotein of 75 to 85 kDa that is induced rapidly on the surface of most leukocytes upon activation. We herein report the isolation of a cDNA encoding human CD97 by expression cloning in COS cells. The 3-kb cDNA clone encodes a mature polypeptide chain of 722 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 79 kDa. Within the C-terminal part of the protein, a region with seven hydrophobic segments was identified, suggesting that CD97 is a seven-span transmembrane molecule. Sequence comparison indicates that CD97 is the first leukocyte Ag in a recently described superfamily that includesmore » the receptors for secretin, calcitonin, and other mammalian and insect peptide hormones. Different from these receptors, CD97 has an extended extracellular region of 433 amino acids that possesses three N-terminal epidermal growth factor-like domains, two of them with a calcium-binding site, and single Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif. The existence of structural elements characteristic for extracellular matrix proteins in a seven-span transmembrane molecule makes CD97 a receptor potentially involved in both adhesion and signaling processes early after leukocyte activation. The gene encoding CD97 is localized on chromosome 19 (19p13.12-13.2).« less

  8. Expression of an arabidopsis vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase gene (AVP1) in cotton improves drought- and salt tolerance and increases fibre yield in the field conditions

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Arabidopsis gene AVP1 encodes a vacuolar pyrophosphatase that functions as a proton pump on the vacuolar membrane. Overexpression of AVP1 in Arabidopsis, tomato and rice enhances plant performance under salt and drought stress conditions, because up-regulation of the type I H+-PPase from Arabid...

  9. Expression of an Arabidopsis Vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase Gene (AVP1) in Cotton Improves Drought- and Salt Tolerance and Increases Fibre Yield in the Field Conditions.

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Arabidopsis gene AVP1 encodes a vacuolar pyrophosphatase that functions as a proton pump on the vacuolar membrane. Overexpression of AVP1 in Arabidopsis, tomato and rice enhances plant performance under salt and drought stress conditions, because up-regulation of the type I H+PPase from Arabido...

  10. cDNA cloning and heterologous expression of a wheat proteinase inhibitor of subtilisin and chymotrypsin (WSCI) that interferes with digestive enzymes of insect pests.

    PubMed

    Di Gennaro, Simone; Ficca, Anna G; Panichi, Daniela; Poerio, Elia

    2005-04-01

    A cDNA encoding the proteinase inhibitor WSCI (wheat subtilisin/chymotrypsin inhibitor) was isolated by RT-PCR. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed based on the amino acid sequence of WSCI and on the nucleotide sequence of the two homologous inhibitors (CI-2A and CI-2B) isolated from barley. For large-scale production, wsci cDNA was cloned into the E. coli vector pGEX-2T. The fusion protein GST-WSCI was efficiently produced in the bacterial expression system and, as the native inhibitor, was capable of inhibiting bacterial subtilisin, mammalian chymotrypsins and chymotrypsin-like activities present in crude extracts of a number of insect larvae ( Helicoverpa armigera , Plodia interpunctella and Tenebrio molitor ). The recombinant protein produced was also able to interfere with chymotrypsin-like activity isolated from immature wheat caryopses. These findings support a physiological role for this inhibitor during grain maturation.

  11. cDNA cloning, expression, and mutagenesis of a PR-10 protein SPE-16 from the seeds of Pachyrrhizus erosus.

    PubMed

    Wu, Fang; Yan, Ming; Li, Yikun; Chang, Shaojie; Song, Xiaomin; Zhou, Zhaocai; Gong, Weimin

    2003-12-19

    SPE-16 is a new 16kDa protein that has been purified from the seeds of Pachyrrhizus erosus. It's N-terminal amino acid sequence shows significant sequence homology to pathogenesis-related class 10 proteins. cDNA encoding 150 amino acids was cloned by RT-PCR and the gene sequence proved SPE-16 to be a new member of PR-10 family. The cDNA was cloned into pET15b plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. The bacterially expressed SPE-16 also demonstrated ribonuclease-like activity in vitro. Site-directed mutation of three conserved amino acids E95A, E147A, Y150A, and a P-loop truncated form were constructed and their different effects on ribonuclease activities were observed. SPE-16 is also able to bind the fluorescent probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) in the native state. The ANS anion is a much-utilized "hydrophobic probe" for proteins. This binding activity indicated another biological function of SPE-16.

  12. Cloning and expression studies of the Dunaliella salina UDP-glucose dehydrogenase cDNA.

    PubMed

    Qinghua, He; Dairong, Qiao; Qinglian, Zhang; Shunji, He; Yin, Li; Linhan, Bai; Zhirong, Yang; Yi, Cao

    2005-06-01

    The enzyme UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.22) converts UDP-glucose to UDP-glucuronate. Plant UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) is an important enzyme in the formation of hemicellulose and pectin, the components of primary cell walls. A cDNA, named DsUGDH, (GeneBank accession number: AY795899) corresponding to UGDH was cloned by RT-PCR approach from Dunaliella salina. The cDNA is 1941-bp long and has an open reading frame encoded a protein of 483 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 53 kDa. The derived amino acids sequence shows high homology with reported plants UGDHs, and has highly conserved amino acids motifs believed to be NAD binding site and catalytic site. Although UDP-glucose dehydrogenase is a comparatively well characterized enzyme, the cloning and characterization of the green alga Dunaliella salina UDP-glucose dehydrogenase gene is very important to understand the salt tolerance mechanism of Dunaliella salina. Northern analyses indicate that NaCl can induce the expression the DsUGDH.

  13. Purification and characterization of bovine cone arrestin (cArr).

    PubMed

    Maeda, T; Ohguro, H; Sohma, H; Kuroki, Y; Wada, H; Okisaka, S; Murakami, A

    2000-03-31

    To elucidate the quenching mechanism of phototransduction in vertebrate cone photoreceptors, a cDNA clone encoding cone specific arrestin (cArr) was isolated from a bovine retinal cDNA library using a human cArr cDNA probe. Affinity-purified anti-peptide antibody specific to cArr was prepared. Immunohistochemical staining displayed specific labeling of cArr in cone photoreceptors and immunoblotting identified a 46 kDa protein band. We purified cArr from bovine retinas by sequential column chromatography using DEAE-cellulose, gel filtration and mono Q columns. Binding studies revealed no binding of cArr to rhodopsin regardless of whether it was bleached and/or phosphorylated. cArr also failed to bind to heparin-Sepharose under conditions which rod arrestin (rArr) bound to the column. The present data suggest that cArr may play a role in the quenching of phototransduction in cone photoreceptors and that its activity therein is different to that of rArr.

  14. ORF phage display to identify cellular proteins with different functions.

    PubMed

    Li, Wei

    2012-09-01

    Open reading frame (ORF) phage display is a new branch of phage display aimed at improving its efficiency to identify cellular proteins with specific binding or functional activities. Despite the success of phage display with antibody libraries and random peptide libraries, phage display with cDNA libraries of cellular proteins identifies a high percentage of non-ORF clones encoding unnatural short peptides with minimal biological implications. This is mainly because of the uncontrollable reading frames of cellular proteins in conventional cDNA libraries. ORF phage display solves this problem by eliminating non-ORF clones to generate ORF cDNA libraries. Here I summarize the procedures of ORF phage display, discuss the factors influencing its efficiency, present examples of its versatile applications, and highlight evidence of its capability of identifying biologically relevant cellular proteins. ORF phage display coupled with different selection strategies is capable of delineating diverse functions of cellular proteins with unique advantages. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Identification and heterologous expression of the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase from the white-rot basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor.

    PubMed

    Ichinose, H; Wariishi, H; Tanaka, H

    2002-09-01

    A cDNA encoding cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) from the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor was identified using RT-PCR. The full-length cDNA consisted of 2,484 nucleotides with a poly(A) tail, and contained an open reading frame. The G+C content of the cDNA isolated was 60%. A deduced protein contained 730 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 80.7 kDa. The conserved amino acid residues involved in functional domains such as FAD-, FMN-, and NADPH-binding domains, were all found in the deduced protein. A phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that C. versicolor CPR is significantly similar to CPR of the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium and that they share the same major branch in the fungal cluster. A recombinant CPR protein was expressed using a pET/ Escherichia coli system. The recombinant CPR protein migrated at 81 kDa on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It exhibited an NADPH-dependent cytochrome c reducing activity.

  16. Assessing the utility of the Oxford Nanopore MinION for snake venom gland cDNA sequencing.

    PubMed

    Hargreaves, Adam D; Mulley, John F

    2015-01-01

    Portable DNA sequencers such as the Oxford Nanopore MinION device have the potential to be truly disruptive technologies, facilitating new approaches and analyses and, in some cases, taking sequencing out of the lab and into the field. However, the capabilities of these technologies are still being revealed. Here we show that single-molecule cDNA sequencing using the MinION accurately characterises venom toxin-encoding genes in the painted saw-scaled viper, Echis coloratus. We find the raw sequencing error rate to be around 12%, improved to 0-2% with hybrid error correction and 3% with de novo error correction. Our corrected data provides full coding sequences and 5' and 3' UTRs for 29 of 33 candidate venom toxins detected, far superior to Illumina data (13/40 complete) and Sanger-based ESTs (15/29). We suggest that, should the current pace of improvement continue, the MinION will become the default approach for cDNA sequencing in a variety of species.

  17. Assessing the utility of the Oxford Nanopore MinION for snake venom gland cDNA sequencing

    PubMed Central

    Hargreaves, Adam D.

    2015-01-01

    Portable DNA sequencers such as the Oxford Nanopore MinION device have the potential to be truly disruptive technologies, facilitating new approaches and analyses and, in some cases, taking sequencing out of the lab and into the field. However, the capabilities of these technologies are still being revealed. Here we show that single-molecule cDNA sequencing using the MinION accurately characterises venom toxin-encoding genes in the painted saw-scaled viper, Echis coloratus. We find the raw sequencing error rate to be around 12%, improved to 0–2% with hybrid error correction and 3% with de novo error correction. Our corrected data provides full coding sequences and 5′ and 3′ UTRs for 29 of 33 candidate venom toxins detected, far superior to Illumina data (13/40 complete) and Sanger-based ESTs (15/29). We suggest that, should the current pace of improvement continue, the MinION will become the default approach for cDNA sequencing in a variety of species. PMID:26623194

  18. Production of a full-length infectious GFP-tagged cDNA clone of Beet mild yellowing virus for the study of plant-polerovirus interactions.

    PubMed

    Stevens, Mark; Viganó, Felicita

    2007-04-01

    The full-length cDNA of Beet mild yellowing virus (Broom's Barn isolate) was sequenced and cloned into the vector pLitmus 29 (pBMYV-BBfl). The sequence of BMYV-BBfl (5721 bases) shared 96% and 98% nucleotide identity with the other complete sequences of BMYV (BMYV-2ITB, France and BMYV-IPP, Germany respectively). Full-length capped RNA transcripts of pBMYV-BBfl were synthesised and found to be biologically active in Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts following electroporation or PEG inoculation when the protoplasts were subsequently analysed using serological and molecular methods. The BMYV sequence was modified by inserting DNA that encoded the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the P5 gene close to its 3' end. A. thaliana protoplasts electroporated with these RNA transcripts were biologically active and up to 2% of transfected protoplasts showed GFP-specific fluorescence. The exploitation of these cDNA clones for the study of the biology of beet poleroviruses is discussed.

  19. Expression cloning of a gibberellin 20-oxidase, a multifunctional enzyme involved in gibberellin biosynthesis.

    PubMed Central

    Lange, T; Hedden, P; Graebe, J E

    1994-01-01

    In the biosynthetic pathway to the gibberellins (GAs), carbon-20 is removed by oxidation to give the C19-GAs, which include the biologically active plant hormones. We report the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a GA 20-oxidase [gibberellin, 2-oxoglutarate:oxygen oxidoreductase (20-hydroxylating, oxidizing) EC 1.14.11.-] by screening a cDNA library from developing cotyledons of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) for expression of this enzyme. When mRNA from either the cotyledons or the endosperm was translated in vitro using rabbit reticulocyte lysates, the products contained GA12 20-oxidase activity. A polyclonal antiserum was raised against the amino acid sequence of a peptide released by tryptic digestion of purified GA 20-oxidase from the endosperm. A cDNA expression library in lambda gt11 was prepared from cotyledon mRNA and screened with the antiserum. The identity of positive clones was confirmed by the demonstration of GA12 20-oxidase activity in single bacteriophage plaques. Recombinant protein from a selected clone catalyzed the three-step conversions of GA12 to GA25 and of GA53 to GA17, as well as the formation of the C19-GAs, GA1, GA9, and GA20, from their respective aldehyde precursors, GA23, GA24, and GA19. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA insert contains an open reading frame of 1158 nt encoding a protein of 386 amino acid residues. The predicted M(r) (43,321) and pI (5.3) are similar to those determined experimentally for the native GA 20-oxidase. Furthermore, the derived amino acid sequence includes sequences obtained from the N terminus and two tryptic peptides from the native enzyme. It also contains regions that are highly conserved in a group of non-heme Fe-containing dioxygenases. Images PMID:8078921

  20. Sequence of a cDNA and expression of the gene encoding a putative epidermal chitin synthase of Manduca sexta.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yu-Cheng; Specht, Charles A; Dittmer, Neal T; Muthukrishnan, Subbaratnam; Kanost, Michael R; Kramer, Karl J

    2002-11-01

    Glycosyltransferases are enzymes that synthesize oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoconjugates. One type of glycosyltransferase is chitin synthase, a very important enzyme in biology, which is utilized by insects, fungi, and other invertebrates to produce chitin, a polysaccharide of beta-1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine. Chitin is an important component of the insect's exoskeletal cuticle and gut lining. To identify and characterize a chitin synthase gene of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, degenerate primers were designed from two highly conserved regions in fungal and nematode chitin synthase protein sequences and then used to amplify a similar region from Manduca cDNA. A full-length cDNA of 5152 nucleotides was assembled for the putative Manduca chitin synthase gene, MsCHS1, and sequencing of genomic DNA verified the contiguity of the sequence. The MsCHS1 cDNA has an ORF of 4692 nucleotides that encodes a transmembrane protein of 1564 amino acid residues with a mass of approximately 179 kDa (GenBank no. AY062175). It is most similar, over its entire length of protein sequence, to putative chitin synthases from other insects and nematodes, with 68% identity to enzymes from both the blow fly, Lucilia cuprina, and the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The similarity with fungal chitin synthases is restricted to the putative catalytic domain, and the MsCHS1 protein has, at equivalent positions, several amino acids that are essential for activity as revealed by mutagenesis of the fungal enzymes. A 5.3-kb transcript of MsCHS1 was identified by northern blot hybridization of RNA from larval epidermis, suggesting that the enzyme functions to make chitin deposited in the cuticle. Further examination by RT-PCR showed that MsCHS1 expression is regulated in the epidermis, with the amount of transcript increasing during phases of cuticle deposition.

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