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The Wilms tumor gene WTl, a proposed tumor suppressor gene, has been identifled based on its location within a homozygous deletion found in tumor tissue. The gene encodes a putative transcription factor containing a Cys/His zinc finger domain. The critical homozygous deletions, however, are rarely seen, suggesting that in many cases the gene may be inactivated by more subtle alterations. To facilitate the seareh for smaller deletions and point mutations we have established the genomic organization of the WTl gene and have determined the sequence of all 10 exons and flanking intron DNA. The pattern of alternative splicing in two regions has been characterized in detail. These results will form the basis for future studies of mutant alleles at this locus.
Cell kinetic studies of T cells stimulated with the interleukin 2 (11-2), D-4, or both lymphokines were performed with conventional [3H] thymidine incorporation and with the bivariate BrdU/Hoechst technique. 11-2 and 11-4 are able to drive phytohemagglutininactivated T cells through more than one cell cycle. Neither synergistic nor inhibitory efl'ect on T -cell proliferationwas seen for the stimulation with both 11-2 and 11-4 as compared with the effect ofll-2 alone. The quantitative data ofthe cell cycle distribution ofphytohemagglutininactivated T cells suggestthat the population ofll-4-responsive cells is at least an overlapping population, if not a real subset of the ·population of the 11-2-responsive cells.
Mutant proteins (muteins) of human lnterleukin-4 (llA) were constructed by means of in vitro mutagenesis. The muteins were expressed in E. co/1, submitted to a renaturation and purification protocol and analysed for biological activity. Exchange of the cysteines at either position 46 or 99 which form one of the three disulfide bridges resulted. in a nearly co•mplete loss · of biological actiyity and an unstable protein. The exchange of tyrosine 124 also inactivated the protein, while a mutation of tyrosine 56 left some residual activity. Exchange of the other four cysteines or of · the single tryptophane had smaller etTects.
To investigate the possible hemodynamic efl'ects of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a single dose of 15 mcg/kg of recombinant IL-6 isolated from Escherichia coli was injected intravenously in six pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. After 30 min, saline infusion was performed to maintain the - pulmonary artery balloon-occluded pressure at baseline Ievel. The animals were observed for up to 5 hours. No other hemodynamic alteration was observed than a gradual decline in cardiac output attributed to anesthesia. Hematologic variables, blood glucose, and total serum proteins were also constant. IL-6 levels were markedly elevated in the blood, bot no tumor necrosis factor activity was detected. Thus a primary role for IL-6 in the early cardiovascular alterations associated with septic shock seems unlikely.
The responsiveness to IL-4 with and without costimulation with anti-IgM antibodies or phorbolester was studied in 35 cases of low grade non-Hodgkin Iymphoma by analyzing enhancement of CD23 and HLA dass li expression. The predominant phenotype responds directly to IL-4. Separate differentiation states can be distinguished according to coordinate or differential upregulation of CD23 and HLA dass II molecules by IL-4 alone, and differences in responsiveness to anti-IgM antibodies. A particular subgroup of B-lymphoma cells defines a separate stage of B-eeil differentiation. They fail to express high affinity binding sites for IL-4 and accordingly do not respond to IL-4- mediated signals. Cross-linking membrane lgM receptors or direct activation of protein kinase C via phorbolester induces IL-4 receptor expression and subsequent IL-4 reactivity.
The human gene encoding the myogenic determination factor myf3 (mouse MyoD1) has been mapped to the short arm of chromosome 11. Analysis of several somatic cell hybrids containing various derivatives with deletions or translocations revealed that the human MyoD (MYF3) gene is not associated with the WAGR locus at chromosomal band 11pl3 nor with the loss of the heterozygosity region at 11p15.5 related to the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Subregional mapping by in situ hybridization with an myf3 specific probe shows that the gene resides at the chromosomal band llp14, possibly at llp14.3.
A long-range restriction map of part of the short arm of ehromosome 11 including the WAGR region has been constructed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and a number of infrequently cutting restriction enzymes. A total of 15.4 Mbp has been mapped in detall, extending from proximal 11p14 to the distal part of 11p12. The map localizes 35 different DNA probes and reveals at least nine areas with features eharaeteristle of BTF islands, some of which may be candidates for the different loci underlying the phenotype of the WAGR syndrome. This map will furthermore allow screening of DNA from individuals with WAGR-related phenotypes and from Wilms tumors for associated chromosomal rearrangements.
The WAGR (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and mental retardation) region has been assigned to chromosome 11p13 on the basis of overlapping constitutional deletions found in affected individuals. We have utilized 31 DNA probes which map to the WAGR deletion region, together with six reference loci and 13 WAGR-related deletions, to subdivide this area into 16 intervals. Specific intervals have been correlated with phenotypic features, leading to the identification of individual subregions for the aniridia and Wilms tumor loci. Delineation, by specific probes, of multiple intervals above and below the critical region and of five intervals within the overlap area provides a framework map for molecular characterization of WAGR gene loci and of deletion boundary regions.
Chromosome 11p13 is frequently rearranged in individuals with the WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and mental retardation) or parts of this syndrome. To map the cytogenetic aberrations molecularly, we screened DNA from cell Unes with known WAGR-related chromosome abnormalities for rearrangements with pulsed fleld gel (PFG) analysis using probes deleted from one chromosome 11 homolog of a WAGR patient. The first alteration was detected in a cell line from an individual with aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, mental retardation, and a deletion described as 11p14.1-p13. We have located one breakpoint close to probe HU11-164B and we have cloned both breakpoint sites as well as the junctional fragment. The breakpoints subdivide current intervals on the genetic map, and the probes for both sides will serve as important additional markers for a long-range restriction map of this region. Further characterization and sequencing of the breakpoints may yield insight into the mechanisms by which these deletions occur.
Activation of the pp60\(^{c-src}\) kinase during differentiation of monomyelocytic cells in vitro
(1986)
Tbe proto-oncogene c-src, the cellular homolog of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) transforming gene v-src, is expressed in a tissue-specific and age-dependent manner. Its physiological function, although still unknown, appears to be more closely related to differentiation processes than to proliferation processes. To obtain more information about the physiological role of the c-src gene in cells, we have studied differentiation-dependent alterations using the human HL-60 leukaemia cell line as a model system. Induction of monocytic and granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is associated with an activation of the pp60<sup>c-src</sup> tyrosine kinase, but not with increased c-src gene expression. Control experiments exclude an interaction of TPA and DMSO themselves with the pp60<sup>c-src</sup> kinase.
A cDNA clone of about 2500 basepairswas prepared from the human osteosarcoma cellline U-2 OS by hybridizing with a v-sis probe. Sequence analysis showed that this cDNA contains the coding region for the PDGF-B chain. Here we report that the mitogen secreted by these osteosarcoma cells contains the PDGF-B chain and is probably a homodimer of two B-chains.
Three F0 subunits and the F\(_1\) subunit P of the ATP synthase from Neurospora crassa were labeled with the lipophilic photoactivatable reagent 3-(trifluoromethyl)-3-(m-[\(^{125}\)I]iodophenyl)diazirine ([\(^{125}\)I]TID). In the proteolipid subunit which was the most heavily labeled polypeptide labeling was confmed to five residues at the NH2-terminus and five residues at the C-terminus ofthe protein. Labeling occurred at similar positions compared with the homologaus protein (subunit c) in the ATP synthase from Escherichia coli, indicating a similar structure of the proteolipid subunits in their respective organisms. The inhibitors oligomycin and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide did not change the pattern of accessible surface residues in the proteolipid, suggesting that neither inhibitor induces gross conformational changes. However, in the presence of oligomycin, the extent oflabeling in some residues was reduced. Apparently, these residues provide part of the binding site for the inhibitor. After reaction with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide an additional labeled amino acid was found at position 65 corresponding to the invariant carbodümide-binding glutamic acid. These results and previous observations indicate that the carboxyl side chain of Glu-65 is located at the protein-lipid interphase. The idea is discussed that proton translocation occurs at the interphase between different types if F\(_0\) subunits. Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or oligomycin might disturb this essential interaction between the F\(_0\) subunits.
The structure of the F0 part of ATP synthases from E. coli and Neurospora crassa was analyzed by hydrophobic surface labeling with [125I]TID. In the E. co/i F0 all three subunits were freely accessible to the reagent, suggesting that these subunits are independently integrated in the membrane. Labeted amino acid residues were identified by Edman degradation of the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide binding (DCCD) proteins from E. coli and Neurospora crassa. The very similar patterns obtained with the two homologaus proteins suggested the existence of tightly packed cx-helices. The oligomeric structure of the DCCD binding protein appeared to be very rigid since little, if any, change in the labeling patternwas observed upon addition of oligomycin or DCCD to membranes from Neurospora crassa. When membrancs were pretrcated with DCCD prior to the reaction with [125I]TID an additionally labeled amino acid appeared at the position of Glu·65 which binds DCCD covalently, indicating the Jocation of this inhibitor on the outside of the oligomer. It is suggested that proton conduction occurs at the surface of the oligomer of the DCCD binding protein. Possibly this oligomer rotates against the subunit a or b and thus enables proton translocation. Conserved residues in subunit a, probably located in the Iipid bilayer, might participate in the pro· ton translocation mechanism.
The gene for the FeS protein of the Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides b/c1 complex was identified by means of crosshybridization with a segment of the gene encoding the corresponding FeS protein of Neurospora crassa. Plasmids (pRSF1-14) containing the cross-hybridizing region, covering in total 13.5 kb of chromosomal DNA, were expressed in vitro in a homologous system. One RSF plasmid directed the synthesis of all three main polypeptides of the R. sphaeroides blc1 complex: the FeS protein, cytochrome b and cytochrome c1• The FeS protein and cytochrome c1 were apparently synthesized as precursor fonns. None of the pRSF plasmids directed the synthesis of the 10-kd polypeptide found in b/c1 complex preparations. Partial sequencing of the cloned region was performed. Several sites of strong homology between R. sphaeroides and eukaryotic polypeptides of the b/c1 complex were identified. The genes encode the three b/c1 polypeptides in the order: (5') FeS protein, cytochrome b, cytochrome c1• The three genes are transcribed to give a polycistronic mRNA of 2.9 kb. This transcriptional unit has been designated the jbc operon; its coding capacity corresponds to the size of the polycistronic mRNA assuming that only the genes for the FeS protein (jbcF), cytochrome b (jbcß) and cytochrome c1 (jbcC) are present. This could indicate that these three subunits constitute the minimal catalytic unit of the b/c1 complex from photosynthetic membranes.
The c, b and ö subunit genes of the Escherichia coli atp operon were cloned individually in an expression vector between the tac fusion promoter and the galK gene. The relative rates of subunit synthesis directed by the cloned genes were similar in vitro andin vivo and compared favourably with the subunit stoichiometry of the assembled proton-translocating A TP synthase of E. coli in vivo. The rate of synthesis of subunit c was at least six times that of subunit b and 18 times that of subunit ö. Progressive shortening of the long intercistronic sequence lying upstream of the subunit c gene showed that maximal expression of this gene is dependent upon the presence of a sequence stretching > 20 bp upstream of the Shine-Dalgarno site. This sequence thus acts to enhance the rate of translational initiation. The possibility that similar sequences might perform the same function in other operons of E. coli and bacteriophage A is also discussed. Translation of the subunit b cistron is partially coupled to translation of the preceding subunit c cistron. In conclusion, the expression of all the atp operon genes could be adjusted to accommodate the subunit requirements of A TP synthase assembly primarily by means of mechanisms which control the efficiency of translational initiation and re-initiation at the respective cistron start codons.
Isolation of a functional human interleukin 2 gene from a cosmid library by recombination in vivo
(1985)
A method has been developed that allows the isolation of genomic clones from a cosmid library by homologaus recombination in vivo. This method was used to isolate a human genomic interleukin 2 (IL2) gene. The genomic cosmid library was packaged in vivo into A. phage particles. A recombination-proficient host strain carrying IL2 cDNA sequences in a non-homologaus plasmid vector was infected by the packaged cosmid library. After in vivo packaging and reinfection, recombinants carrying the antibiotic resistance genes of both vectors were selected. From a recombinant cosmid clone the chromosomal IL2 genewas restored. After DNA mediated gene transfer into mouse Ltk- cells human IL2 was expressed constitutively.
The cellular onc-genes c-src and c-yes are expressed very differently during chicken embryonic development. The c-src mRNA and its translational product are detectable at high levels in brain extracts of chicken embryos and adult chickens, whereas muscle extracts show an age-dependent decrease in the amounts of c-src-specific mRNA and pp60<sup>c-src</sup> kinase activity. In contrast, the Ievels of c-yes mRNA in brain, heart, and muscle are relatively low in early embryonic stages and increase later on to values comparable to those found for liver, while in adult animals the pattern of c-yes expression is similar to that of the c-src gene. From the close correlation between the Ievels of pp60<sup>c-src</sup>, its enzymatic activity, and its corresponding mRNA at a given stage of development and in given tissues, it appears that the expression of pp60<sup>c-src</sup> is primarily controlled at the level of transcription. It is suggested that because of the different patterns of expression, the two cellular oncogenes, c-src and c-yes, play different roles in cell proliferation during early embryonic stages as weil as in ensuing differentiation processes.
Nucleotide sequence of the cloned mRNA and gene of the ADP/ATP carrier from Neurospora crassa
(1984)
A cDNA complementary to the mRNA of the ADPIATP carrier from Neurospora crassa was identified among ordered cDNA clones by hybridizing total polyadenylated RNA to pools of 96 cDNA recombinant plasmids and subsequent cellfree translation of hybridization-selected mRNA. Further carrier cDNAs were found by colony fdter hybridization at a frequency of 0.2-0.3%. The gene of the carrier was cloned and isolated on a 4.6-kbp EcoRl fragment of total Neurospora DNA, and the start of the mRNA was determined by Sl nuclease mapping. From the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA and the genomic DNA, the primary structure of the gene, of the mRNA and of the ADP I ATP carrier protein could be deduced. The gene occurs in a single copy in the genome and related genes are absent. It contains two short introns, and a pyrimidine-rieb promoter region. The mRNA has a 46-bp 5 1 end and a 219-bp 3 1 end. There is an open reading frame coding for the 313 amino acid residues of the Neurospora carrier protein. The amino acid sequence is homologous in 148 positions with the established primary structure of the beef heart carrier.
The purification and the amino acid sequence of a proteolipid translated on ribosomes in yeast mitochondria is reported. This protein, which is a subunit of the A TP synthase, was purified by extraction with chloroform/methanol (2/1) and subsequent chromatography on phosphocellulose and reverse phase h.p.l.c. A mol. wt. of 5500 was estimated by chromatography on Bio-Gel P-30 in 8011/o fonnie acid. The complete amino acid sequence of this protein was determined by automated solid phase Edman degradation of the whole protein and of fragments obtained after cleavage with cyanogen bromide. The sequence analysis indicates a length of 48 amino acid residues. The calculated mol. wt. of 5870 corresponds to the value found by gel chromatography. This polypeptide contains three basic residues and no negatively charged side chain. The three basic residues are clustered at the C terminus. The primary structure of this protein is in full agreement with the predicted amino acid sequence of the putative polypeptide encoded by the mitochondrial aap1 gene recently discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, this protein shows 5011/o homology with the amino acid sequence of a putative polypeptide encoded by an unidentified reading frame also discovered near the mitochondrial ATPase subunit 6 genein Aspergillus nidulans.
Processing peptidase of Neurospora mitochondria. Two-step cleavage of imported ATPase subunit 9
(1984)
Subunit 9 (dicyclohexylcarbodümide binding protein, 'proteolipid') of the mitochondrial F 1F0-ATPase is a nuclearly coded protein in Neurospora crassa. lt is synthesized on free cytoplasmic ribosomes as a larger precursor with an NH2-terminal peptide extension. The peptide extension is cleaved ofT after transport of the protein into the mitochondria. A processing activity referred to as processing peptidase that cleaves the precursor to subunit 9 and other mitochondrial proteins is described and characterized using a cell-free system. Precursor synthesized in vitro was incubated with extracts of mitochondria. Processing peptidase required Mn2 + for its activity. Localization studies suggested that it is a soluble component of the mitochondrial matrix. The precursor was cleaved in two sequential steps via an intermediate-sized polypeptide. The intermediate form in the processing of subunit 9 was also seen in vivo and upon import of the precursor into isolated mitochondria in vitro. The two dcavage sites in the precursor molecule were determined. The data indicate that: {a) the correct NH2-terminus of the mature protein was generated, (b) the NH2-terminal amino acid of the intermediate-sized polypeptide is isoleueine in position -31. The cleavage sites show similarity ofprimary structure. It is concluded that processing peptidase removes the peptide extension from the precursor to subunit 9 (and probably other precursors) after translocation of these polypeptides (or the NHrterminal part of these polypeptides) into the matrix space of mitochondria.
The accessibility of the three F\(_0\) subunits a, b and c from the Escherichia coli Kll A TP synthase to various proteases was studied in F\(_1\)-depleted inverted membrane vesicles. Subunit b was very sensitive to all applied proteases. Chymotrypsin produced a defined fragment of mol. wt. 1S 000 which remained tightly bound to the membrane. The cleavage site was located at the C-terminal region of subunit b. Larger amounts of proteases were necessary to attack subunit a (mol. wt. 30 000). There was no detectable deavage of subunit c. It is suggested that the major hydrophilic part of subunit b extends from the membrane into the cytoplasm and is in contact with the F\(_1\) sector. The F\(_1\) sector was found to afford some protection against proteolysis oftheb subunit in vitro andin vivo. Protease digestion bad no influence on the electro-impelled H\(^+\) conduction via F\(_0\) bot ATP-dependent H\(^+\) translocation could not be reconstituted upon binding of F\(_1\)• A possible role for subunit b as a linker between catalytic events on the F\(_1\) component and the proton pathway across the membrane is discussed.
The isolated H\(^+\) conductor, F\(_0\) , of the Escherichia co1i ATP-synthase consists of three subunits, a, b, and c. H\(^+\) -permeable liposomes can be reconstit~ted with F\(_0\) and lipids; addition of F\(_1\)-ATPase reconstitutes a functional ATP-synthase. Mutants with altered or misslng F\(_0\) subunits are defective in H\(^+\) conduction. Thus, all three subunits are necessary for the expression of H\(^+\) conduction. The subunits a and b contain binding sites for F\(_1\)• Computer calculations, cross-links, membrane-permeating photo-reactive labels, and proteases were used to develop tentative structural models for the individual F\(_0\) subunits.
The ATP synthase occurs in remarkably conserved form in procaryotic and eucaryotic cells. Thus, our present knowledge of ATP synthase is derived from sturlies of the enzyme from different organisms, each affering specific experimental possibilities. In recent tim es, research on the H\(^+\) -conducting F0 part of the ATP synthase has been greatly stimulated by two developments in the Escherichio coli system. Firstly, the purification and reconstitution of the whole ATP synthase as weil as the proton conductor Fa from E. coli have been achieved. These functionally active preparations are well defined in terms of subunit composition, similar to the thermophilic enzyme from PS-3 studied by Kagawa's group.u Secondly, the genetics and the molecular cloning of the genes of all the F\(_0\) subunits from E. coli yielded information on the function of subunit polypeptides and essential amino acid residues. Furthermore, the amino acid sequence of hydrophobic F\(_0\) subunits, which are difficult to analyze by protein-chemical techniques, could be derived from the nucleotide sequence of the genes. These achievements, which shall be briefly summarized in the next part of this communication, provide the framework to study specific aspects of the structure and function of the F\(_0\) subunits.
no abstract available
The amino acid sequence of the proteolipid subunit of the A TP synthase was analyzed in six mutant strains from Escherichia coli K 12, selected for their increased resistance towards the inhibitor N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. All six inhibitor-resistant mutants were found to be altered at the same position of the proteolipid, namely at the isoleucine at residue 28. Two substitutions could be identified. In type I this residue was substituted by a valine resulting in a moderate decrease in sensitivity to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Type II contained a threonine residue at this position. Here a strong resistance was observed. These two amino acid substitutions did not influence functional properties of the ATPase complex. ATPase as well as A TP-dependent proton-translocating activities of mutant membranes were indistinguishable from the wild type. At elevated concentrations, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide still bound specifically to the aspartic acid at residue 61 of the mutant proteolipid as in the wild type, and thereby inhibited the activity of the ATPase complex. It is suggested that the residue 28 substituted in the resistant mutants interacts with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide during the reactions leading to the covalent attachment of the inhibitor to the aspartic acid at residue 61. This could indicate that these two residues are in close vicinity and would thus provide a first hint on the functional conformation of the proteolipid. Its polypeptide chain would have to fold back to bring together these two residues separated by a segment of 32 residues.
b-Type cytochromes
(1980)
Incubation of mitochondria from Neuraspara crassa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with the radioactive ATPase inhibitor [14C]dicyclohexylcarbodiimide results in the irreversible and rather specific labelling of a low-molecular-weight polypeptide. This dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-binding protein is identical with the smallest subunit (Mr 8000) of the mitochondrial ATPase complex, and it occurs as oligomer, probably as hexamer, in the enzyme protein. The dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-binding protein is extracted from whole mitochondria with neutral chloroformjmethanol both in the free and in the inhibitor-modified form. In Neuraspara and yeast, this extraction is highly selective and the protein is obtained in homogeneaus form when the mitochondria have been prewashed with certain organic solvents. The bound dicyclohexylcarbodiimide Iabel is enriched in the purified protein up to 50-fold compared to whole mitochondria. Based on the amino acid analysis, the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-binding protein from Neurospora and yeast consists of at least 81 and 76 residues, respectively. The content of hydrophobic residues is extremely high. Histidine and tryptophan are absent. The N-terminal ~mino acid is tyrosine in Neuraspara and formylmethionine in yeast.
no abstract available
The A TPase eomplex has been isolated from mitoehondria of N eurospora crassa by immunologieal teehniques. The protein ean be obtained rapidly and qua ntitatively in high purity by miero- or large-seale immunopreeipitation. Immunopreeipitation has been applied to labeled and doubly labeled mitoehondrial proteins in order to investigate the number and moleeular weights of subunit polypeptides , the site of synthesis of subunit polypeptides, and the dieycIohexyIcarbodiimide-binding protein . The A TPase complex obtained by large-seale immunopreeipitation has been used as starting ma terial for the isolation of hydrophobie polypeptides.
The fungus Neurospora crassa represents a eukaryotic cell with high biosynthetic activities. Cell mass doubles in 2-4 hr during expone ntial growth , even in simple salt media with sucrose as the sole carbon source. The microorgani sm forms a mycelium of long hyphae durlng vegetative growth . The mitochondria can be isolated under relatively gentle condi tions since a few breaks in the threadlike hyphae are sufficient to cause the outflow of the organelles. This article describes two methods for the physical disruption of the hyphae : (I) The cell s are opened in a grind mill between two rotating corundum di sks. This is a continuous and fast procedure and allows large- and small-scale preparations of mitochondria. (2) Hyphae are ground with sand in a mortar and pestle. This procedure can be applied to microscale preparations of mitochondria starting with minute amounts of cells. Other procedures for the isolation of Neurospora mitochondria after the physical di sruption or the enzymatic degradation of the cell wall have been described elsewhere
A chromatographic procedure 1 is described by means of which cytochrome oxidase has been purified from a variety of organisms including the fungus N eurospora crassa,2,3 the unicellular alga Po/ytoma mirum, 4 the insect Locusta migratoria ,5 the frog Xenopus muel/eri,4 and the mammal Rattus norwegicus. 4 This procedure can be used to equal effect for large-scale preparations, starting from grams of mitochondrial protein, or for small-scale preparations starting from milligrams. The cytochrome oxidase preparations from the different organisms are enzymically active. They show similar subunit compositions.