An Hsp70-like protein in the ER: identity with the 78 kd glucose-regulated protein and immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein.

We have compiled and analyzed 263 promoters with known transcriptional start points for E. coli genes. Promoter elements (-35 hexamer, -10 hexamer, and spacing between these regions) were aligned by a program which selects the arrangement consistent with the start point and statistically most homologous to a reference list of promoters. The initial reference list was that of Hawley and McClure (Nucl. Acids Res. 11, 2237-2255, 1983). Alignment of the complete list was used for reference until successive analyses did not alter the structure of the list. In the final compilation, all bases in the -35 (TTGACA) and -10 (TATAAT) hexamers were highly conserved, 92% of promoters had inter-region spacing of 17 +/- 1 bp, and 75% of the uniquely defined start points initiated 7 +/- 1 bases downstream of the -10 region. The consensus sequence of promoters with inter-region spacing of 16, 17 or 18 bp did not differ. This compilation and analysis should be useful for studies of promoter structure and function and for programs which identify potential promoter sequences.

/pdf/analysis-of-e-coli-promoter-sequences-115zp5iur0.pdf

Analysis of E. coli promoter sequences.

Organization of the higher-order chromatin loop: specific DNA attachment sites on nuclear scaffold

Eukaryotes often form symbioses with microorganisms. Among these, associations between plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria are responsible for the nitrogen input into various ecological niches. Plants of many different families have evolved the capacity to develop root or stem nodules with diverse genera of soil bacteria. Of these, symbioses between legumes and rhizobia (Azorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, and Rhizobium) are the most important from an agricultural perspective. Nitrogen-fixing nodules arise when symbiotic rhizobia penetrate their hosts in a strictly controlled and coordinated manner. Molecular codes are exchanged between the symbionts in the rhizosphere to select compatible rhizobia from pathogens. Entry into the plant is restricted to bacteria that have the “keys” to a succession of legume “doors”. Some symbionts intimately associate with many different partners (and are thus promiscuous), while others are more selective and have a narrow host range. For historical reasons, narrow host range has been more intensively investigated than promiscuity. In our view, this has given a false impression of specificity in legume-Rhizobium associations. Rather, we suggest that restricted host ranges are limited to specific niches and represent specialization of widespread and more ancestral promiscuous symbioses. Here we analyze the molecular mechanisms governing symbiotic promiscuity in rhizobia and show that it is controlled by a number of molecular keys.

Molecular Basis of Symbiotic Promiscuity

A regulatory upstream promoter element in the Drosophila Hsp 70 heat-shock gene

https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/0092-8674(86)90654-9.pdf

Organization, structure and symbiotic function of rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes determining host specificity for alfalfa

Extensive regions of homology in front of the two hsp70 heat shock variant genes in Drosophila melanogaster.

A Rhizobium meliloti DNA region, determining nodulation functions common in different Rhizobium species, has been delimited by directed Tn5 mutagenesis and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. The sequence data indicates three large open reading frames with the same polarity coding for three proteins of 196, 217 and 402 (or 426) amino acid residues, respectively. We suggest the existence of three nod genes on this region, which were designated as nodA, B and C, respectively. Comparison of the R. meliloti nodA, B, C nucleotide and amino acid sequences with those from R. leguminosarum, as reported in the accompanying paper, shows 69-72% homology, clearly demonstrating the high degree of conservation of common nod genes in these Rhizobium species.

Nucleotide sequence of Rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was studied in the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum+Nicotiana knightiana somatic hybrids previously described. Restriction patterns generated by the SalI and BamHI restriction endonucleases were different from both parents in the eight hybrids, and made up of parental and non-parental fragments. Rearrangements in the mtDNAs have been confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridization using, as a probe, labelled 2/12 plasmid DNA which contains the E. coli 16S and 23S rRNA genes. Novel patterns can be explained by new combinations of unaltered parental mtDNA molecules, and by genetic recombination.

Extensive Rearrangements in the Mitochondrial DNA in Somatic Hybrids of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana knightiana

The nucleotide sequence of the structural gene (nifH) of nitrogenase reductase (Fe protein) from R.meliloti 41 with its flanking ends is reported. The amino acid sequence of nitrogenase reductase was deduced from the DNA sequence. The predicted R.meliloti nitrogenase reductase protein consists of 297 amino acid residues, has a molecular weight of 32,740 daltons and contains 5 cysteine residues. The codon usage in the nifH gene is presented. In the 5' flanking region, sequences resembling to consensus sequences of bacterial control regions were found. Comparison of the R.meliloti nifH nucleotide and amino acid sequences with those from different nitrogen-fixing organisms showed that the amino acid sequences are more conserved than the nucleotide sequences. This structural conservation of nitrogenase reductase may be related to its function and may explain the conservation of the nifH gene during evolution.

I. Török

Papers

Organization, structure and symbiotic function of rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes determining host specificity for alfalfa

Extensive regions of homology in front of the two hsp70 heat shock variant genes in Drosophila melanogaster.

Nucleotide sequence of Rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes

Extensive Rearrangements in the Mitochondrial DNA in Somatic Hybrids of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana knightiana

Nucleotide sequence of the R.meliloti nitrogenase reductase (nifH) gene