Showing papers on "RNA published in 1991"

A new generation of animal cell expression vectors based on the Semliki Forest virus replicon.

Abstract: We have developed a novel DNA expression system, based on the Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicon, which combines a wide choice of animal cell hosts, high efficiency and ease of use. DNA of interest is cloned into SFV plasmid vectors that serve as templates for in vitro synthesis of recombinant RNA. The RNA is transfected with virtually 100% efficiency into animal tissue culture cells by means of electroporation. Within the cell, the recombinant RNA drives its own replication and capping and leads to massive production of the heterologous protein while competing out the host protein synthesis. The expression system also includes an in vivo packaging procedure whereby recombinant RNA is packaged into infectious virus particles using cotransfection with packaging-deficient helper RNA molecules. The resulting high titer recombinant virus stock can be used to infect a wide range of animal cells with subsequent high expression of the heterologous gene product, but without expression of any structural proteins of the helper. The infected cells produce protein for up to 75 hours post infection after which the heterologous product can constitute as much as 25% of the total cell protein. The general utility of the system is demonstrated through the expression of human transferrin receptor, mouse dihydrofolate reductase, chick lysozyme and Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase.

The phylogeny of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of positive-strand RNA viruses.

Abstract: Representative amino acid sequences of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of all groups of positive-strand RNA viruses were aligned hierarchically, starting with the most closely related ones. This resulted in delineation of three large supergroups. Within each of the supergroups, the sequences of segments of approximately 300 amino acid residues originating from the central and/or C-terminal portions of the polymerases could be aligned with statistically significant scores. Specific consensus patterns of conserved amino acid residues were derived for each of the supergroups. The composition of the polymerase supergroups was as follows. I. Picorna-, noda-, como-, nepo-, poty-, bymo-, sobemoviruses, and a subset of luteoviruses (beet western yellows virus and potato leafroll virus). II. Carmo-, tombus-, dianthoviruses, another subset of luteoviruses (barley yellow dwarf virus), pestiviruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV), flaviviruses and, unexpectedly, single-stranded RNA bacteriophages. III. Tobamo-, tobra-, hordei-, tricornaviruses, beet yellows virus, alpha-, rubi-, furoviruses, hepatitis E virus (HEV), potex-, carla-, tymoviruses, and apple chlorotic leaf spot virus. An unusual organization was shown for corona- and torovirus polymerases whose N-terminal regions were found to be related to the respective domains of supergroup I, and the C-terminal regions to those of the supergroup III polymerases. The alignments of the three polymerase supergroups were superimposed to produce a comprehensive final alignment encompassing eight distinct conserved motifs. Phylogenetic analysis using three independent methods of tree construction confirmed the separation of the positive-strand RNA viral polymerases into three supergroups and revealed some unexpected clusters within the supergroups. These included the grouping of HCV and the pestiviruses with carmoviruses and related plant viruses in supergroup II, and the grouping of HEV and rubiviruses with furoviruses in supergroup III.

Arginine-mediated RNA recognition: the arginine fork.

Abstract: Short peptides that contain the basic region of the HIV-1 Tat protein bind specifically to a bulged region in TAR RNA. A peptide that contained nine arginines (R9) also bound specifically to TAR, and a mutant Tat protein that contained R9 was fully active for transactivation. In contrast, a peptide that contained nine lysines (K9) bound TAR poorly and the corresponding protein gave only marginal activity. By starting with the K9 mutant and replacing lysine residues with arginines, a single arginine was identified that is required for specific binding and transactivation. Ethylation interference experiments suggest that this arginine contacts two adjacent phosphates at the RNA bulge. Model building suggests that the arginine eta nitrogens and the epsilon nitrogen can form specific networks of hydrogen bonds with adjacent pairs of phosphates and that these arrangements are likely to occur near RNA loops and bulges and not within double-stranded A-form RNA. Thus, arginine side chains may be commonly used to recognize specific RNA structures.

Internal initiation of translation mediated by the 5' leader of a cellular mRNA

Abstract: A Robosome-scanning model has been proposed to explain the initiation of eukaryotic messenger RNAs in which binding of the 43S ternary ribosomal subunit near or at the 5' end of the mRNA is facilitated by an interaction between the methylated cap-structure at the end of the mRNA and the cap-binding protein complex eIF-4F. But picornaviral mRNAs do not have a 5' terminal cap structure and are translated by internal ribosome binding. A cellular mRNA, encoding the immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein, can be translated in poliovirus-infected cells at a time when cap-dependent translation of host cell mRNAs is inhibited. We report here that the 5' leader of the binding protein mRNA can directly confer internal ribosome binding to an mRNA in mammalian cells, indicating that translation initiation by an internal ribosome-binding mechanism is used by eukaryotic mRNAs.

Modified internucleoside linkages having one nitrogen and two carbon atoms

Abstract: Oligonucleotide analogs are disclosed wherein one or more phosphodiester linkages between adjacent nucleotides are replaced by a backbone linkage resistant to nucleases. The modified oligonucleotides are capable of strong hybridization to target RNA or DNA. The oligomers of the invention may be used as diagnostic reagents to detect the presence or absence of the target DNA or RNA sequences to which they bind.

Gene mapping of the putative structural region of the hepatitis C virus genome by in vitro processing analysis.

Abstract: Processing of the putative structural proteins of hepatitis C virus was examined by using an in vitro expression system. An RNA transcript for cell-free translation was prepared from a cDNA construct that encompasses the region encoding the 980 amino-terminal residues of the viral polyprotein precursor. Processing of the in vitro translation product proceeded cotranslationally in the presence of microsomal membranes and generated four major membrane-associated products. Two of these four major products, named gp35 and gp70, were shown to be transported into microsomes and heavily glycosylated, suggesting that the processing events are partly mediated by the signal peptidase of the endoplasmic reticulum. The other two products, p19 and p21, were probably associated with the outer surface of the microsomal membrane. Analysis of processed proteins translated from a series of truncated forms of the cDNA construct as well as determination of amino-terminal amino acid sequences of gp35 and gp70 indicated that these four products are arranged from the amino-terminal end of the polyprotein precursor in the order: NH2-p22-gp35-gp70-p19. Both gp35 and gp70 could be candidates of initially processed forms of envelope proteins of the hepatitis C virus.

Structural features that give rise to the unusual stability of RNA hairpins containing GNRA loops.

Abstract: The most frequently occurring RNA hairpins in 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA contain a tetranucleotide loop that has a GNRA consensus sequence. The solution structures of the GCAA and GAAA hairpins have been determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both loops contain an unusual G-A base pair between the first and last residue in the loop, a hydrogen bond between a G base and a phosphate, extensive base stacking, and a hydrogen bond between a sugar 2'-end OH and a base. These interactions explain the high stability of these hairpins and the sequence requirements for the variant and invariant nucleotides in the GNRA tetranucleotide loop family.

Preparation of high molecular weight RNA.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter presents the procedure for preparation of high molecular weight RNA. High molecular weight RNA can be isolated from haploid or diploid yeast cells as well as from ascospores. The conditions under which the yeast cells are grown (complete or selective media) do not influence the preparation procedure, although higher yields of RNA are generally obtained from cells grown in rich medium. Procedure requires some special precautions owing to the ubiquitous presence of RNA-degrading enzymes. For this reason it is important to wear gloves during the isolation and preparation procedure, and it is essential to separate all chemicals, tubes, and tips used for RNA preparation from commonly used materials. All glassware has to be baked for 2 hr at 200°; commercially available sterile plastic tubes or tips do not have to be specially pretreated, because they seem to be free of fibonucleases. Because the degradation of RNA by RNases is a time-dependent reaction, it is also advisable to work as fast as possible.

Developmental expression of Sp1 in the mouse.

Abstract: The expression of the trans-acting transcription factor Sp1 in mice was defined by a combination of RNA analysis and immunohistochemical localization of the Sp1 protein. Although ubiquitously expressed, there was an unexpected difference of at least 100-fold in the amount of Sp1 message in different cell types. Sp1 protein levels showed corresponding marked differences. Substantial variations in Sp1 expression were also found in some cell types at different stages of development. Sp1 levels appeared to be highest in developing hematopoietic cells, fetal cells, and spermatids, suggesting that an elevated Sp1 level is associated with the differentiation process. These results indicate that Sp1 has a regulatory function in addition to its general role in the transcription of housekeeping genes.

Nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of hepatitis C virus isolated from a human carrier: comparison with reported isolates for conserved and divergent regions.

Abstract: The complete nucleotide sequence of a hepatitis C virus derived from plasma of a human carrier in Japan was determined. The cDNA of the isolate (HC-J6) contained 9481 nucleotides and an additional T stretch of 30 to 108 nucleotides at the 3′ end, and had one large open reading frame coding for a polyprotein of 3033 amino acids. It differed by 31·8 to 32·1% in the nucleotide sequence and by 27·4 to 27·7% in the amino acid sequence from an American isolate and two Japanese isolates previously reported. Among these four isolates, the 5′ non-coding region of 329 to 341 nucleotides was well conserved (>93% identity), whereas the 3′ non-coding region of 39 to 45 nucleotides (T stretches not included) was more variable (>30% identity). An excellent degree of conservation of the 5′ non-coding region would reflect its pivotal role in replication, and primers deduced from this region could be applied for the sensitive and specific detection of viral RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Due to a high degree of similarity in the amino acid sequence of the putative core protein (>90%), antigen probes deduced from it would be suitable for the serological diagnosis of HCV infection. Low sequence similarity in the putative envelope protein (>53% identity), however, would have to be taken into account in considering the immunoprophylaxis of HCV infection.

An A + U-rich element RNA-binding factor regulates c-myc mRNA stability in vitro.

Abstract: Transient expression of some proto-oncogenes, cytokines, and transcription factors occurs as a cellular response to growth factors, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, antigen stimulation, or inflammation. Expression of these genes is mediated in part by the rapid turnover of their mRNAs. A + U-rich elements in the 3' untranslated regions of these mRNAs serve as one recognition signal targeting the mRNAs for rapid degradation. I report the identification of a cytosolic factor that both binds to the proto-oncogene c-myc A + U-rich element and specifically destabilizes c-myc mRNA in a cell-free mRNA decay system which reconstitutes mRNA decay processes found in cells. Proteinase K treatment of the factor abolishes its c-myc mRNA degradation activity without affecting its RNA-binding capacity. Thus, RNA substrate binding and degradation appear to be separable functions. These findings should aid in understanding how the cell selectively targets mRNAs for rapid turnover.

Method of site-specific alteration of RNA and production of encoded polypeptides

Abstract: A method of site-directed alteration (removal or removal followed by replacement) of selected nucleotides in an RNA molecule, as well as to mixed phosphate backbone oligonucleotides useful in the method. It further relates to a method of producing polypeptides or proteins encoded by the RNA molecule altered by the present method. Through use of the present method, site-directed cleavage of an RNA molecule is effected, followed by excision of the selected or target segment of the RNA molecule.

Ribosomal RNA and Translation

Abstract: BIOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE.. """'''''''' ''''' ''' .... ' " ' ' '' ' Activity of Protein-Depleted RNA . Affinity Labeling and Cross-Linking . . Protection from Chemical and Enzymatic Probes . Binding of IRNA to the A, P, and E Sites . Intermediale States in Translocation: Hybrid Sites . Interactions of Antibiotics with Ribosomal RNA . Elongation Factors and Ribosomal RNA . Initiation Factors and Ribosomal RNA . Subunit Association . RNA-Direcled Biochemical Inactivation .

Characterization of the terminal regions of hepatitis C viral RNA: identification of conserved sequences in the 5' untranslated region and poly(A) tails at the 3' end.

Abstract: We have determined the nucleotide sequence at the extreme 5' and 3' termini of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. Our analyses of these sequences show (i) the nucleotide sequence in the 5' untranslated region is highly conserved among HCV isolates of widely varying geographical origin, (ii) within this region, there are blocks of nucleotide sequence homology with pestiviruses but not with other viruses, (iii) the relative position of short open reading frames present in the same region of the HCV genome is similar to that of the pestiviral genome, (iv) RNAs truncated at the 5' and 3' ends are found, but the origin and functions of these RNAs are unknown, and (v) poly(A) tails appear to be present on 3' subgenomic RNAs. These data differentiate HCV from the flaviviruses and indicate a closer evolutionary relationship of HCV with the pestiviruses. However, HCV also appears to be substantially different from other known pestiviruses. These data are consistent with the assignment of HCV to a separate viral genus.

Adenovirus virus-associated RNA and translation control.

Abstract: Theadenovirus genome istranscribed bytwoRNA polymerases furnished bythehostcell. RNA polymerase II transcribes bothstrands oftheviral DNA over nearly allof itslength, andtheresultant mRNAs encode more than50 viral proteins. RNA polymerase IIItranscribes lessthan1% oftheviral genome, giving rise to one or two species (depending on thevirus serotype) ofshort, noncoding RNAs (44, 59). ThisRNA was namedvirus-associated (VA)RNA whenits origin fromtheviral genome was still uncertain (45). Eventhough VA RNA was detected ininfected cells asearly as1966, itsrole intranslational control andincounteracting hostantiviral defenses onlybecameapparentinthe1980s andthedetails ofitsaction remain thesubject ofactive investigation. VA RNAs are common toalladenoviruses studied todate, butmostworkhasconcentrated on the groupC adenoviruses, adenovirus types2and5(Ad2and AdS), upon whichthis review will necessarily focus.

Effect of fixation on the amplification of nucleic acids from paraffin-embedded material by the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Amplification of nucleic acids from paraffin-embedded material by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is increasingly being used to detect viral genomes and oncogene mutations. To determine the effect of fixation on the preservation of the nucleic acids, we fixed two randomly chosen fresh pathology specimens in formalin, B-5, Bouin's, Zenker's, ethanol, and Omnifix for 6, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hr (1 week), and then embedded the tissue in paraffin. Oligonucleotide primers specific for the cytoplasmic-beta-actin gene were chosen to span an intron such that amplification yielded a product of 250 BP for DNA and 154 BP for RNA. A single 6-microns section was cut from each paraffin block, deparaffinized, and then subjected to 30 rounds of amplification for either DNA or RNA. On amplifying DNA, consistent product was seen in the ethanol and Omnifix specimens up to 72 hr of fixation time, whereas variable product was seen with formalin or Zenker's fixation; all specimens fixed in Bouin's or B-5 were negative. On amplifying RNA, a product could be detected even after 1 week of fixation in ethanol or Omnifix, and after 48 hr in the formalin-fixed tissue. The Zenker's-fixed tissues gave variable results, and the Bouin's and B-5 tissues gave consistent results only after 6 hr of fixation. We therefore conclude that choice of fixative and fixation time are critical factors influencing the outcome of PCR amplification of nucleic acids from paraffin-embedded material.

Characterization of a human TAR RNA-binding protein that activates the HIV-1 LTR.

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gene expression is activated by Tat, a virally encoded protein. Tat trans-activation requires viral (trans-activation--responsive; TAR) RNA sequences located in the R region of the long terminal repeat (LTR). Existing evidence suggests that Tat probably cooperates with cellular factors that bind to TAR RNA in the overall trans-activation process. A HeLa complementary DNA was isolated and characterized that encodes a TAR RNA-binding protein (TRBP). TRBP activated the HIV-1 LTR and was synergistic with Tat function.

Autoregulation of human thymidylate synthase messenger RNA translation by thymidylate synthase.

Abstract: Thymidylate synthase (TS; 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate:dUMP C-methyltransferase, EC 2.1.1.45) is essential for the de novo synthesis of thymidylate, a precursor of DNA. Previous studies have shown that the cellular level of this protein is regulated at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. The regulation of human TS mRNA translation was studied in vitro with a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The addition of purified human recombinant TS protein to in vitro translation reactions inhibited translation of TS mRNA. This inhibition was specific in that recombinant TS protein had no effect on the in vitro translation of mRNA for human chromogranin A, human folate receptor, preplacental lactogen, or total yeast RNA. The inclusion of dUMP, 5-fluoro-dUMP, or 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate in in vitro translation reactions completely relieved the inhibition of TS mRNA translation by TS protein. Gel retardation assays confirmed a specific interaction between TS protein and its corresponding mRNA but not with unrelated mRNAs, including human placenta, human beta-actin, and yeast tRNA. These studies suggest that translation of TS mRNA is controlled by its own protein end product, TS, in an autoregulatory manner.

Cell-free, de novo synthesis of poliovirus

Abstract: Cell-free translation of poliovirus RNA in an extract of uninfected human (HeLa) cells yielded viral proteins through proteolysis of the polyprotein. In the extract, newly synthesized proteins catalyzed poliovirus-specific RNA synthesis, and formed infectious poliovirus de novo. Newly formed virions were neutralized by type-specific antiserum, and infection of human cells with them was prevented by poliovirus receptor-specific antibodies. Poliovirus synthesis was increased nearly 70-fold when nucleoside triphosphates were added, but it was abolished in the presence of inhibitors of translation or viral genome replication. The ability to conduct cell-free synthesis of poliovirus will aid in the study of picornavirus proliferation and in the search for the control of picornaviral disease.

A pseudoknot-like structure required for efficient self-cleavage of hepatitis delta virus RNA.

Abstract: Hepatitis delta virus genomic and antigenomic RNAs contain a self-cleavage site hypothesized to function in processing the viral RNA during replication. Self-cleavage requires only a divalent cation and is mediated at the genomic site by a sequence of less than 85 nucleotides. We propose that the genomic self-cleaving sequence element and a corresponding sequence from the anti-genomic RNA could generate related secondary structures. The region of the antigenomic sequence, predicted from the proposed structure, was synthesized and shown to be sufficient for self-cleavage. Evidence for two stems which form a tertiary interaction was obtained by site-specific mutagenesis of the antigenomic sequence. Efficient self-cleavage in 10 M formamide or 5 M urea, also a property of the genomic sequence, was dependent on base-pairing in both stems. But in the absence of denaturants, the stem distal to the site of cleavage was not required, suggesting that the tertiary interaction stabilizes the structure required for self-cleavage.