Showing papers on "RNA published in 1990"
TL;DR: High-affinity nucleic acid ligands for a protein were isolated by a procedure that depends on alternate cycles of ligand selection from pools of variant sequences and amplification of the bound species.
Abstract: High-affinity nucleic acid ligands for a protein were isolated by a procedure that depends on alternate cycles of ligand selection from pools of variant sequences and amplification of the bound species. Multiple rounds exponentially enrich the population for the highest affinity species that can be clonally isolated and characterized. In particular one eight-base region of an RNA that interacts with the T4 DNA polymerase was chosen and randomized. Two different sequences were selected by this procedure from the calculated pool of 65,536 species. One is the wild-type sequence found in the bacteriophage mRNA; one is varied from wild type at four positions. The binding constants of these two RNA's to T4 DNA polymerase are equivalent. These protocols with minimal modification can yield high-affinity ligands for any protein that binds nucleic acids as part of its function; high-affinity ligands could conceivably be developed for any target molecule.
9,367 citations
TL;DR: Subpopulations of RNA molecules that bind specifically to a variety of organic dyes have been isolated from a population of random sequence RNA molecules.
Abstract: Subpopulations of RNA molecules that bind specifically to a variety of organic dyes have been isolated from a population of random sequence RNA molecules. Roughly one in 10(10) random sequence RNA molecules folds in such a way as to create a specific binding site for small ligands.
8,781 citations
TL;DR: A method for producing amplified heterogeneous populations of RNA from limited quantities of cDNA and sequences for cyclophilin and guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) alpha subunits have been detected in aRNA derived from single cerebellar tissue sections.
Abstract: The heterogeneity of neural gene expression and the spatially limited expression of many low-abundance messenger RNAs in the brain has made cloning and analysis of such messages difficult. To generate amounts of nucleic acids sufficient for use in standard cloning strategies, we have devised a method for producing amplified heterogeneous populations of RNA from limited quantities of cDNA. Whole cerebellar RNA was primed with a synthetic oligonucleotide containing the T7 RNA polymerase promoter sequence 5' to a polythymidylate region. After second-strand cDNA synthesis, T7 RNA polymerase was used to generate amplified antisense RNA (aRNA). Up to 80-fold molar amplification has been achieved from nanogram quantities of cDNA. The amplified material is similar in size distribution to the parent cDNA and shows sequence heterogeneity as assessed by Southern and Northern blot analysis. Specific messages for moderate-abundance mRNAs for actin and guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) alpha subunits have been detected in the amplified material. By using in situ transcription to generate cDNA, sequences for cyclophilin have been detected in aRNA derived from single cerebellar tissue sections. cDNA derived from a single cerebellar Purkinje cell also has been amplified and yields material that hybridizes to cognate whole RNA and mRNA but not to Escherichia coli RNA.
1,388 citations
1,362 citations
TL;DR: The sequence similarity of these RNA polymerases to RT suggests that these two enzymes evolved from a common ancestor, and thus RNA polymerase can be used as an outgroup to root the RT tree.
Abstract: To study the evolutionary relationship of reverse transcriptase (RT) containing genetic elements, a phylogenetic tree of 82 retroelements from animals, plants, protozoans and bacteria was constructed. The tree was based on seven amino acid domains totalling 178 residues identified in all RTs. We have also identified these seven domains in the RNA-directed RNA polymerases from various plus-strand RNA viruses. The sequence similarity of these RNA polymerases to RT suggests that these two enzymes evolved from a common ancestor, and thus RNA polymerase can be used as an outgroup to root the RT tree. A comparison of the genetic organization of the various RT containing elements and their position on the tree allows several inferences concerning the origin and evolution of these elements. The most probable ancestor of current retroelements was a retrotransposable element with both gag-like and pol-like genes. On one major branch of the tree, organelle and bacterial sequences (e.g. group II introns and bacterial msDNA) appear to have captured the RT sequences from retrotransposons which lack long terminal repeats (LTRs). On the other major branch, acquisition of LTRs gave rise to two distinct groups of LTR retrotransposons and three groups of viruses: retroviruses, hepadnaviruses and caulimoviruses.
1,302 citations
TL;DR: The selected molecule represents the discovery of the first RNA enzyme known to cleave single-stranded DNA specifically and allows evolution experiments to be carried out in response to artificially imposed selection constraints.
Abstract: The discovery of RNA enzymes has, for the first time, provided a single molecule that has both genetic and catalytic properties. We have devised techniques for the mutation, selection and amplification of catalytic RNA, all of which can be performed rapidly in vitro. Here we describe how these techniques can be integrated and performed repeatedly within a single reaction vessel. This allows evolution experiments to be carried out in response to artificially imposed selection constraints. We worked with the Tetrahymena ribozyme, a self-splicing group I intron derived from the large ribosomal RNA precursor of Tetrahymena thermophila that catalyses sequence-specific phosphoester transfer reactions involving RNA substrates. It consists of 413 nucleotides, and assumes a well-defined secondary and tertiary structure responsible for its catalytic activity. We selected for variant forms of the enzyme that could best react with a DNA substrate. This led to the recovery of a mutant form of the enzyme that cleaves DNA more efficiently than the wild-type enzyme. The selected molecule represents the discovery of the first RNA enzyme known to cleave single-stranded DNA specifically.
1,250 citations
TL;DR: A target nucleic acid sequence can be replicated exponentially in vitro under isothermal conditions by using three enzymatic activities essential to retroviral replication: reverse transcriptase, RNase H, and a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and this reaction accumulates cDNA and RNA copies of the original target.
Abstract: A target nucleic acid sequence can be replicated (amplified) exponentially in vitro under isothermal conditions by using three enzymatic activities essential to retroviral replication: reverse transcriptase, RNase H, and a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. By mimicking the retroviral strategy of RNA replication by means of cDNA intermediates, this reaction accumulates cDNA and RNA copies of the original target. Product accumulation is exponential with respect to time, indicating that newly synthesized cDNAs and RNAs function as templates for a continuous series of transcription and reverse transcription reactions. Ten million-fold amplification occurs after a 1- to 2-hr incubation, with an initial rate of amplification of 10-fold every 2.5 min. This self-sustained sequence replication system is useful for the detection and nucleotide sequence analysis of rare RNAs and DNAs. The analogy to aspects of retroviral replication is discussed.
1,105 citations
TL;DR: Observations indicate that the cycling of per-encoded protein could result from per RNA cycling, and that there is a feedback loop through which the activity of each per gene product causes cycling of its own RNA.
Abstract: Mutations in the period (per) gene of Drosophila melanogaster affect both circadian and ultradian rhythms. Levels of per gene product undergo circadian oscillation, and it is now shown that there is an underlying oscillation in the level of per RNA. The observations indicate that the cycling of per-encoded protein could result from per RNA cycling, and that there is a feedback loop through which the activity of per-encoded protein causes cycling of its own RNA.
1,054 citations
TL;DR: A high-efficiency nucleic acid delivery system that uses receptor-mediated endocytosis to carry DNA macromolecules into cells by conjugating the iron-transport protein transferrin to polycations that bind nucleic acids is developed.
Abstract: We have developed a high-efficiency nucleic acid delivery system that uses receptor-mediated endocytosis to carry DNA macromolecules into cells. We accomplished this by conjugating the iron-transport protein transferrin to polycations that bind nucleic acids. Human transferrin, as well as the chicken homologue conalbumin, has been covalently linked to the small DNA-binding protein protamine or to polylysines of various sizes through a disulfide linkage. These modified transferrin molecules maintain their ability to bind their cognate receptor and to mediate efficient iron transport into the cell. The transferrin-polycation molecules form electrophoretically stable complexes with double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, and modified RNA molecules independent of nucleic acid size (from short oligonucleotides to DNA of 21 kilobase pairs). When complexes of transferrin-polycation and a bacterial plasmid DNA containing the gene for Photinus pyralis luciferase are supplied to eukaryotic cells, high-level expression of the luciferase gene occurs, demonstrating transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis and expression of the imported DNA. We refer to this delivery system as "transferrinfection."
794 citations
TL;DR: The present study shows precise cleavage of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) sequences in a cell-free system by hammerhead ribozymes, suggesting the feasibility of developing Ribozymes as therapeutic agents against human pathogens such as HIV-1.
Abstract: Certain RNA molecules, called ribozymes, possess enzymatic, self-cleaving activity. The cleavage reaction is catalytic and no energy source is required. Ribozymes of the "hammerhead" motif were identified in plant RNA pathogens. These ribozymes possess unique secondary (and possibly tertiary) structures critical for their cleavage ability. The present study shows precise cleavage of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) sequences in a cell-free system by hammerhead ribozymes. In addition to the cell-free studies, human cells stably expressing a hammerhead ribozyme targeted to HIV-1 gag transcripts have been constructed. When these cells were challenged with HIV-1, a substantial reduction in the level of HIV-1 gag RNA relative to that in nonribozyme-expressing cells, was observed. The reduction in gag RNA was reflected in a reduction in antigen p24 levels. These results suggest the feasibility of developing ribozymes as therapeutic agents against human pathogens such as HIV-1.
792 citations
TL;DR: Hydropathy analysis suggests that the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger of the cardiac sarcolemma can rapidly transport Ca2+ during excitation-contraction coupling and has multiple transmembrane helices, and a small region of the sequence is similar to that of the Na- and K-dependent adenosine triphosphatase.
Abstract: The Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger of the cardiac sarcolemma can rapidly transport Ca2+ during excitation-contraction coupling. To begin molecular studies of this transporter, polyclonal antibodies were used to identify a complementary DNA (cDNA) clone encoding the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger protein. The cDNA hybridizes with a 7-kilobase RNA on a Northern blot and has an open reading frame of 970 amino acids. Hydropathy analysis suggests that the protein has multiple transmembrane helices, and a small region of the sequence is similar to that of the Na(+)- and K(+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase. Polyclonal antibodies to a synthetic peptide from the deduced amino acid sequence react with sarcolemmal proteins of 70, 120, and 160 kilodaltons on immunoblots. RNA, synthesized from the cDNA clone, induces expression of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange activity when injected into Xenopus oocytes.
TL;DR: Mutating the CAACCCCAA sequence in the RNA component of telomerase causes the synthesis in vivo of new telomere sequences corresponding to the mutated RNA sequence, demonstrating that the telomersase contains the template for telomeres synthesis.
Abstract: Mutating the CAACCCCAA sequence in the RNA component of telomerase causes the synthesis in vivo of new telomere sequences corresponding to the mutated RNA sequence, demonstrating that the telomerase contains the template for telomere synthesis. These mutations also lead to nuclear and cell division defects, and senescence, establishing an essential role for telomerase in vivo.
TL;DR: A new Watson-Crick base pair, with a hydrogen bonding pattern different from that in the A·T and G·C base pairs, is incorporated into duplex DNA and RNA byDNA and RNA polymerases and expands the genetic alphabet from 4 to 6 letters.
Abstract: A new Watson-Crick base pair, with a hydrogen bonding pattern different from that in the A.T and G.C base pairs, is incorporated into duplex DNA and RNA by DNA and RNA polymerases and expands the genetic alphabet from 4 to 6 letters. This expansion could lead to RNAs with greater diversity in functional groups and greater catalytic potential.
TL;DR: The eukaryotic upstream binding factor (DBF) recognizes the ribosomal RNA gene promoter and activates transcription mediated by RNA polymerase I through cooperative interactions with the species-specific factor, SL1 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The eukaryotic upstream binding factor (DBF), recognizes the ribosomal RNA gene promoter and activates transcription mediated by RNA poly-merase I through cooperative interactions with the species-specific factor, SL1. Isolation of complementary DNA clones and sequence analysis reveals similarities between DNA binding domains of human UBF (hUBF) and high mobility group (HMG) protein 1. Expression, cellular localization and in vitro transcription studies establish that cloned hUBF encodes a nucleolar factor that binds specifically to the upstream control element and core of the rRNA gene promoter to activate transcription in a binding site-dependent manner.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple assay was developed to determine RNA helicase activity, and it was shown that either eIF-4A or eIF 4B, in combination with eIF4B, exhibits helicase activation.
Abstract: The mechanism of ribosome binding to eucaryotic mRNAs is not well understood, but it requires the participation of eucaryotic initiation factors eIF-4A, eIF-4B, and eIF-4F and the hydrolysis of ATP. Evidence has accumulated in support of a model in which these initiation factors function to unwind the 5'-proximal secondary structure in mRNA to facilitate ribosome binding. To obtain direct evidence for initiation factor-mediated RNA unwinding, we developed a simple assay to determine RNA helicase activity, and we show that eIF-4A or eIF-4F, in combination with eIF-4B, exhibits helicase activity. A striking and unprecedented feature of this activity is that it functions in a bidirectional manner. Thus, unwinding can occur either in the 5'-to-3' or 3'-to-5' direction. Unwinding in the 5'-to-3' direction by eIF-4F (the cap-binding protein complex), in conjunction with eIF-4B, was stimulated by the presence of the RNA 5' cap structure, whereas unwinding in the 3'-to-5' direction was completely cap independent. These results are discussed with respect to cap-dependent versus cap-independent mechanisms of ribosome binding to eucaryotic mRNAs.
TL;DR: The crystal structure of the RNA binding domain of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein A, which forms part of the ribon nucleoprotein complex involved in the excision of introns, has been solved.
Abstract: The crystal structure of the RNA binding domain of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein A, which forms part of the ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the excision of introns, has been solved It contains a four-stranded beta sheet and two alpha helices The highly conserved segments designated RNP1 and RNP2 lie side by side on the middle two beta strands U1 RNA binding studies of mutant proteins suggest that the RNA binds to the four-stranded beta sheet and to the flexible loops on one end
TL;DR: The combination of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 packaging mutations should minimize fortuitous assembly of infectious virus and may provide a means to produce noninfectious particles for candidate vaccines.
Abstract: To identify RNA and protein sequences involved in packaging of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), various mutations were introduced into the viral genome. Portions of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genome between the first splice donor site and the gag initiation codon were deleted to investigate the RNA packaging site (psi). Point mutations that alter cysteine residues in one or both zinc finger motifs of p7, a cleavage product of the gag precursor, were created to study the role of the gag zinc fingers in packaging. The psi site mutants and the gag mutants exhibited similar phenotypes. Cells transfected with the mutant genomes, while expressing normal levels of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA and proteins, produced viral particles that were normal in protein content but lacked detectable viral RNA. These mutant virions were unable to productively infect cells. The combination of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 packaging mutations should minimize fortuitous assembly of infectious virus and may provide a means to produce noninfectious particles for candidate vaccines.
TL;DR: The RNA polymerases from T7 and related bacteriophages, in conjunction with elements of DNA and RNA viruses, can be used in novel ways for expression of genes in mammalian cells.
Abstract: The RNA polymerases from T7 and related bacteriophages, in conjunction with elements of DNA and RNA viruses, can be used in novel ways for expression of genes in mammalian cells.
TL;DR: Detailed guidelines for the future study of L proteins by site-directed mutagenesis are provided, outlining the uniqueness of the negative-strand virus life style.
Abstract: The large (L) protein subunit of unsegmented negative-strand RNA virus polymerases is thought to be responsible for the majority of enzymic activities involved in viral transcription and replication. In order to gain insight into this multifunctional role we compared the deduced amino acid sequences of five L proteins of rhabdoviruses (vesicular stomatitis virus and rabies virus) or paramyxoviruses (Sendai virus, Newcastle disease virus and measles virus). Statistical analysis showed that they share an atypical amino acid usage, outlining the uniqueness of the negative-strand virus life style. Similarity studies between L proteins traced evolutionary relationships in partial disagreement with the present taxonomic arrangement of this group of viruses. The five L proteins exhibit a high degree of homology along most of their length, with strongly invariant amino acids embedded in conserved blocks separated by variable regions, suggesting a structure of concatenated functional domains. The most highly conserved central block contains the probable active site for RNA synthesis. We tentatively identified some other functional sites, distributed around this central core, that would naturally work together to assure the polymerase activity. This provides detailed guidelines for the future study of L proteins by site-directed mutagenesis.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A two-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR), involving two pairs of primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region of the HCV genome, was developed for a sensitive and specific detection of HCV RNA.
Abstract: The 5'-noncoding region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomes is highly conserved. A two-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR), involving two pairs of primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region of the HCV genome, was developed for a sensitive and specific detection of HCV RNA. The first stage of PCR was performed for 35 cycles with primers capable of multiplying fragments of 221 base pairs. PCR products in samples negative for HCV RNA were subjected to the second stage of PCR for 30 cycles with primers located internal to those employed in the first stage of PCR. The two-stage PCR detected up to 10 chimpanzee infectious doses/ml of HCV, and HCV RNA in 11 (92%) of 12 sera from patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis without detectable antibodies to HCV by a commercial assay kit. Primers from the 5'-noncoding region of the HCV genome would be suitable for detecting HCV RNA by PCR, since the other regions of the HCV genome diverge extensively in sequence because of its nature as an RNA virus.
TL;DR: In this paper, a model is presented in which a partial hybrid formed between the gRNA and pre-edited mRNA is substrate for multiple cycles of cleavage, addition or deletion of uridylates, and religation, eventually resulting in a complete hybrid between the guide RNA and the mature edited mRNA.
TL;DR: A cloverleaf structure in poliovirus RNA plays a central role in organizing viral and cellular proteins involved in positive strand production.
Patent•
14 Mar 1990TL;DR: New RNA endoribonuclease ribozymes were found with new conditions to prevent mismatch cleavage and able to cleave RNA after 6 different sets of ribonucleotide 4 base sequences.
Abstract: New RNA endoribonuclease ribozymes are found with new conditions to prevent mismatch cleavage and able to cleave RNA after 6 different sets of ribonucleotide 4 base sequences.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that each infectious heterozygous virion produces only one provirus, and the molecular nature of progeny that conferred resistance to single or double selection and their ratio were determined.
Abstract: Retroviruses contain two complete viral genomic RNAs in each virion. A system to study in a single round of replication the products of virions with two different genomic RNAs was established. A spleen necrosis virus-based splicing vector containing both the neomycin-resistance gene (neo) and the hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene (hygro) was used. Two frameshift mutants were derived from this vector such that the neo and the hygro genes were inactivated in separate vectors. Thus, each vector confers resistance to only one selection. The vectors with frameshift mutations were separately propagated and were pooled to infect DSDh helper cells. Doubly resistant cell clones were isolated, and viruses produced from these clones were used to infect D17 cells. This protocol allowed virions containing two different genomic RNAs (heterozygotes) to complete one round of retroviral replication. The molecular nature of progeny that conferred resistance to single or double selection and their ratio were determined. Our data demonstrate that each infectious heterozygous virion produces only one provirus. The rate of retroviral recombination is approximately 2% per kilobase per replication cycle. Recombinant proviruses are progeny of heterozygous virions.
TL;DR: The novel, repeating 34 amino acid motif (the TPR motif) that is reiterated several times within the CDC23 gene product of S. cerevisiae defines a new family of genes and an important structural unit common to several proteins whose functions are required for mitosis and RNA synthesis.
TL;DR: It is proposed that the HIV-1 Rev trans-activator belongs to a new class of sequence-specific RNA binding proteins characterized by the presence of an arginine-rich binding motif.
TL;DR: It is proposed that binding of P30 to TMV RNA creates an unfolded protein-RNA complex that functions as an intermediate in virus cell to cell movement through plasmodesmata.
TL;DR: It is proposed that ribosomes bind directly to the initiating AUG without scanning, and a 57-kD cellular protein whose specific interaction with this stem-loop appears to be prerequisite for IRES function is discovered.
Abstract: Translation of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) mRNA occurs by ribosomal internal entry into the 5'-nontranslated region (5' NTR) rather than by ribosomal scanning. The internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) in the EMCV 5' NTR was determined by in vitro translation with RNAs that were generated by in vitro transcription of EMCV cDNAs containing serial deletions from either the 5' or 3' end of the EMCV 5' NTR. Regions downstream of nucleotide 403 and upstream of nucleotide 811 of EMCV were required for efficient translation. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a stem-loop structure (400 nucleotides upstream of the initiation codon) was essential for IRES function. We discovered a 57-kD cellular protein whose specific interaction with this stem-loop appears to be prerequisite for IRES function. A A pyrimidine-rich stretch proximal to the initiation codon was also crucial for efficient translation of EMCV mRNA. We propose that ribosomes bind directly to the initiating AUG without scanning.
TL;DR: Proteolytically produced carboxyl-terminal fragments of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 Tat protein that include a conserved region rich in arginine and lysine bind specifically to transactivation response RNA sequences (TAR).
Abstract: Proteolytically produced carboxyl-terminal fragments of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) Tat protein that include a conserved region rich in arginine and lysine bind specifically to transactivation response RNA sequences (TAR). A chemically synthesized 14-residue peptide spanning the basic subdomain also recognizes TAR, identifying this subdomain as central for RNA interaction. TAR RNA forms a stable hairpin that includes a six-residue loop, a trinucleotide pyrimidine bulge, and extensive duplex structure. Competition and interference experiments show that the Tat-derived fragments bind to double-stranded RNA and interact specifically at the pyrimidine bulge and adjacent duplex of TAR.