Showing papers by "David Baltimore published in 1981"

Cloned poliovirus complementary DNA is infectious in mammalian cells

Abstract: A complete, cloned complementary DNA copy of the RNA genome of poliovirus was constructed in the Pst I site of the bacterial plasmid pBR322. Cultured mammalian cells transfected with this hybrid plasmid produced infectious poliovirus. Cells transfected with a plasmid which lacked the first 115 bases of the poliovirus genome did not produce virus.

Molecular cloning of poliovirus cDNA and determination of the complete nucleotide sequence of the viral genome

Abstract: The complete 7410 nucleotide sequence of poliovirus type I genome was obtained from cloned cDNA. Double-stranded poliovirus cDNA was synthesized and inserted into the Pst I site of plasmid pBR322, and three clones were derived that together provided DNA copies of the entire poliovirus genome. Two of the clones contained inserts of 2.5 and 6.5 kilobases and represented all but the 5' 115 bases of poliovirus RNA. A third clone was generated from primer-extended DNA and contained sequences from the 5' end of the viral RNA. An open reading frame that was identified in the nucleotide sequence starting 743 bases from the 5' end of the RNA and extending to a termination codon 71 bases from the 3' end contained known poliovirus polypeptide sequence.

Isolation and properties of Moloney murine leukemia virus mutants: use of a rapid assay for release of virion reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: A rapid assay for retroviral reverse transcriptase activity released into the culture medium by infected cells was developed. With the assay, 4,000 clonally infected cell lines could be tested in a few hours. We have adapted the assay for use as a screen for the detection of spontaneous viral mutants. Mutants of Moloney murine leukemia virus have been isolated which (i) produce a thermolabile reverse transcriptase, (ii) are temperature sensitive for release of enzyme activity, or (iii) can only productively infect cells already producing gag-related polypeptides. The assay has also been useful for the isolation of nonproducer cells infected with various replication-defective transforming viruses.

Phosphotyrosine-containing proteins isolated by affinity chromatography with antibodies to a synthetic hapten.

Abstract: Tyrosine-specific protein kinases seem to be involved critically in cellular transformation by tumour viruses1–4, and may also be involved in the cellular response to epidermal growth factor5. To facilitate the identification and isolation of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins (PT-proteins) we have sought to develop as a general reagent anti-O-phosphotyrosine antibodies. We show here that affinity chromatography with these antibodies is effective for the small-scale isolation of some PT-proteins, including p120, the transforming protein of Abelson murine leukaemia virus, and several unidentified proteins from Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed mouse fibroblasts.

Intramolecular integration within Moloney murine leukemia virus DNA.

Abstract: By screening a library of unintegrated, circular Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) DNA cloned in lambda phage, we found that approximately 20% of the M-MuLV DNA inserts contained internal sequence deletions or inversions. Restriction enzyme mapping demonstrated tht the deleted segments frequently abutted a long terminal repeat (LTR) sequence, whereas the inverted segments were usually flanked by LTR sequences, suggesting that many of the variants arose as a consequence of M-MuLV DNA molecules integrating within their own DNA. Nucleotide sequencing also suggested that most of the variant inserts were generated by autointegration. One of the recombinant M-MuLV DNA inserts contained a large inverted repeat of a unique M-MuLV sequence abutting an LTR. This molecule was shown by nucleotide sequencing to have arisen by an M-MuLV DNA Molecule integrating within a second M-MuLV DNA molecule before cloning. The autointegrated M-MuLV DNA had generally lost two base pairs from the LTR sequence at each junction with target site DNA, whereas a four-base-pair direct repeat of target site DNA flanked the integrated viral DNA. Nucleotide sequencing of preintegration target site DNA showed that this four-base-pair direct repeat was present only once before integration and was thus reiterated by the integration event. The results obtained from the autointegrated clones were supported by nucleotide sequencing of the host-virus junction of two cloned M-MuLV integrated proviruses obtained from infected rat cells. Detailed analysis of the different unique target site sequences revealed no obvious common features.

Multiple differences between the nucleic acid sequences of the IgG2aa and IgG2ab alleles of the mouse.

Abstract: To compare the structure of IgG2a alleles we have determined the complete DNA sequence of the constant region, coding sequence, and 3' untranslated region of a cDNA clone, pAB gamma 2a-1, which was derived from the C57BL/6 mouse strain (b allotype). This sequence was compared with the corresponding IgG2a DNA sequence of BALB/c origin (a allotype). The DNA sequences showed 10% differences, and the deduced protein sequences differed by about 15%. These differences were not evenly distributed: most differences were in the hinge region, the CH3 domain and the 3' untranslated region. It is evident that many alterations in the IgG2a alleles have occurred since the a and b haplotypes were separated--some of these changes were point mutations but some appear to have resulted from gene conversion of the IgG2ab allele by the IgG2bb allele.

Chromosomal location of structural genes encoding murine immunoglobulin lambda light chains. Genetics of murine lambda light chains.

Abstract: To determine the chromosomal localization of murine lambda light (L) chain structural genes, DNA from a panel of 11 mouse x hamster somatic cell hybrids was scored for the presence of sequences homologous to cloned lambda DNA probe molecules. Six of the hybrids had detectable lambda I and lambda II gene sequences. In all six, the full complement of murine sequences was present, and in its germline configuration. The remaining hybrids lacked any detectable murine lambda L chain gene sequences. The only mouse chromosome present in all of the positive hybrids and absent from the negative ones was number 16, allowing the assignment of lambda L chain structural genes to this chromosome. Together with the previous assignments of the kappa L chain genes to chromosome 6 and heavy chain genes to chromosome 12, this finding completes the mapping of Ig structural genes in the mouse at the chromosomal level.

Genome structure of Abelson murine leukemia virus variants: proviruses in fibroblasts and lymphoid cells.

Abstract: We have prepared full-length DNA clones of the Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV) genome. A specific probe homologous to the central portion of the A-MuLV genome was prepared by nick translation of a subcloned restriction fraction from the cloned DNA. The probe was used to examine the genome structure of several A-MuLV variants. The conclusions are: (i) three viruses coding for Abelson-specific proteins of molecular weight 120,000, 100,000, and 90,000 had genomes indistinguishable in size, suggesting that the shorter proteins are the result of early translational termination; (ii) compared with the genome encoding the 120,000-dalton (120K) protein, a genome coding for a 160K protein was 0.8 kilobase larger in the A-MuLV-specific region; and (iii) a genome coding for a 92K protein had a 700-base pair deletion internal to the coding region. This mutant was transformation defective: its 92K protein lacked the protein kinase activity normally associated with the A-MuLV protein, and cells containing the virus were not morphologically transformed. In addition, we determined the number of A-MuLV proviruses in each of several transformed fibroblast and lymphoid cells prepared by infection in vitro. These experiments show that a single copy of the A-MuLV provirus is sufficient to transform both types of cells and that nonproducer cells generally have only one integrated provirus.

Increased concentration of an apparently identical cellular protein in cells transformed by either Abelson murine leukemia virus or other transforming agents.

Abstract: Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV)-transformed cells, simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed cells, and chemically transformed cells all have increased levels of a 50,000-molecular-weight host cell protein. The protein was detected with sera raised to the A-MuLV-transformed and chemically transformed cells and was tightly bound to T-antigen in extracts of SV40-transformed cells. Partial protease digests showed that the proteins from all three sources were indistinguishable. The three proteins were phosphorylated in cells, and the linkage of phosphate to the A-MuLV-associated P50 was to a serine residue. By immunofluorescence methods, P50-related protein was found on the surface of both normal lymphoid cells and A-MuLV-transformed lymphoid cells, but cell fractionation showed that the majority of P50 was free in the cytoplasm of the transformed cells. Immunofluorescence also showed that P50 was found in granules in the cytoplasm of both untransformed and SV40-transformed fibroblasts. Other cells gave indistinct patterns. Cocapping experiments showed that the A-MuLV-specified P120 protein is weakly associated with the surface P50-related protein of lymphoid cells, but no association of P120 and P50 could be demonstrated by immunoprecipitation methods. Although a monoclonal antiserum to P50 was used in many of these studies, the identity of the bulk P50 protein with the molecules that are reactive at the cell surface requires further study.

Dual expression of lambda genes in the MOPC-315 plasmacytoma.

Abstract: The expression of two kappa light chain immunoglobulins in the MPC-11 mouse myeloma is well established, the two protein products being apparently from RNA transcripts derived from separate, rearranged kappa alleles in the MPC-11 genome. Recently, the characterization of kappa-related RNAs and protein products in several lambda-producing myelomas has indicated that multiple expression of light chain RNAs is a common event in myelomas and other cells of the B-lymphocyte lineage. These studies suggest that, although many light chain alleles may function to make RNA and protein in a given B-lymphocytic cell, only one complete, functional light chain is generally translated from the RNAs present in a single cell. The myeloma, MOPC-315, synthesizes and secretes an antibody which has an alpha heavy chain and a lambda II light chain. The DNA of MOPC-315 either has no kappa genes or has only a fragment of one, but it certainly has no kappa genes in the embryonic configuration. Rearrangement of its lambda genes has been observed but the exact nature of the rearrangement is not known. Because initial observations suggested that an immunoglobulin-related protein other than alpha and lambda II was present in MOPC-315 cells, we undertook to derive molecular cDNA clones from the MRNA in MOPC-315 tumour cells. Analysis of the clones has now identified two lambda chain mRNA species: a normal lambda II chain mRNA and another which directs the synthesis of a deleted form of a lambda I protein. The nucleotide sequence of the deleted lambda I mRNA shows that it resulted from a joining of the sequence encoding amino acid 31 of the variable region directly to the constant region coding sequence.

Synthesis of immunoglobulin mu chain gene products precedes synthesis of light chains during B-lymphocyte development

Abstract: Immunoglobulin (Ig) gene expression has been followed during the later stages of development of the murine fetal liver. Biosynthetic labeling and immunoprecipitation were used to isolate Ig-related polypeptides from fetal and neonatal livers. By examination of the specific immune precipitates, the earliest detectable Ig was shown to consist only of mu heavy chain. At about the time of birth, when light chain synthesis became evident, separation of surface Ig-positive cells from surface Ig-negative cells by using anti-Ig-coated dishes showed that cells lacking surface Ig (pre-B lymphocytes) synthesized only mu chains. Thus, commencement of light chain synthesis was closely coordinated with the appearance of surface Ig. Ig RNA species were examined by electrophoretic fractionation and hybridization with cloned Ig DNA sequences. The sizes and amounts of Ig mRNA were found to correlate with the pattern of mu and light chain protein biosynthesis. mu chain RNA species appeared earlier in gestation than light chain RNA did, and only after birth did light chain sequences reach levels equivalent to those of mu chain. Cell populations enriched in pre-B lymphocytes also contained an excess of mu over light chain mRNA.

Localization of the Abelson murine leukemia virus protein in a detergent-insoluble subcellular matrix: architecture of the protein.

Abstract: We examined the interaction of Abelson murine leukemia virus protein P120 with other cellular components after extraction with the nonionic detergent Triton X-100. Most of the Abelson murine leukemia virus P120-associated kinase activity was found in the detergent-insoluble matrix in both lymphoid and fibroblast cell lines. The P120 labeled during a short exposure of cells to [35S]-methionine was mainly in the detergent-insoluble matrix (lymphoid cells) or equally distributed in the detergent-insoluble matrix and the soluble fraction (fibroblasts). Steady-state-labeled P120 was distributed equally in the two fractions (lymphoid cells) or mostly in the soluble portion (fibroblasts). Thus, there was an apparent movement of P120 from the detergent-insoluble matrix to the detergent-soluble fraction and a concomitant loss of enzymatic activity. When the detergent-insoluble matrix was incubated with [32P]ATP in situ, phosphorylation of tyrosine residues of P120 was observed. We found an 80,000-molecular-weight fragment of P120 (designated F80) after extraction of fibroblast cells with detergent. F80 was not found in extracted lymphoid cells, but mixing labeled lymphoid cells and unlabeled fibroblasts before extraction produced the fragment. F80 contained the gag determinants of P120 but did not react with Abelson-specific serum. These data allowed us to assign various features of the protein to regions of the P120 molecule and to localize the Abelson-specific antigenic determinants to the C-terminal region of the molecule.

Production of complementary DNA representing hepatitis A viral sequences by recombinant DNA methods and uses therefor

Abstract: Methods for producing RNA viral cDNA, such as poliovirus ds cDNA, products thereof, and uses thereof, are described. Poliovirus cDNA is produced, for example, by reverse transcribing poliovirus RNA and subsequently inserting the poliovirus cDNA into bacterial plasmids by genetic-engineering techniques. Transformed bacteria are then cloned and cultured to produce replicated chimeric plasmids containing the cDNA poliovirus. Such poliovirus cDNA is useful in assaying for the presence of poliovirus and in the production of antibodies against poliovirus. It has also been found that full-length poliovirus cDNA is infectious, which means it can be employed in producing altered virus particles for vaccines.

Phosphorylation of the Abelson murine leukemia virus transforming protein.

Abstract: The Abelson murine leukemia virus transforming gene product is a phosphorylated protein encoded by both viral and cellular sequences. This gene product has an amino-terminal region derived from the gag gene of its parent virus and a carboxyl-terminal region (abl) derived from a normal murine cellular gene. Using a combination of partial proteolytic cleavage techniques and antisera specific for gag and abl sequences, we mapped in vivo phosphorylation sites to different regions of the protein. Phosphoproteins encoded by strain variants and transformation-defective mutants of Abelson murine leukemia virus with defined deletions in the primary sequence of the abl region were compared by two-dimensional limit digest peptide mapping. Specific phosphorylation pattern differences for wild-type and mutant proteins probably represented deletions of specific phosphate acceptor sites in the abl region. An in vitro autophosphorylation activity copurified with the Abelson murine leukemia virus protein from transformation-competent strains. A peptide analysis of such in vitro reactions demonstrated that these phosphorylation sites were restricted to the aminoterminal region, and the specific sites appeared to be unrelated to the sites found on proteins phosphorylated in vivo. Thus, the autophosphorylation reaction probably correlates with an activity important in transformation, but the specific end product in vitro bears little resemblance to its function in vivo.