Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.7.6 (RNA polymerase)
34,946 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Early in the process of spore formation in Bacillus subtilis, asymmetric cell division produces a large mother cell and a much smaller prespore. Differentiation of the prespore is initiated by activation of an RNA polymerase sigma factor, sigmaF, specifically in that cell. sigmaF is controlled by a regulatory cascade involving an anti-sigma factor, SpoIIAB, an anti-anti-sigma factor, SpoIIAA, and a membrane-bound phosphatase, SpoIIE, which converts the inactive, phosphorylated form of SpoIIAA back to the active form. SpoIIE is required for proper asymmetric division and much of the protein is sequestered into the prespore during septation. Importantly, activation of sigmaF is dependent on formation of the asymmetric septum. We have now characterized this morphological checkpoint in detail, using strains affected in cell division and/or spoIIE function. Surprisingly, we found that significant dephosphorylation of SpoIIAA occurred even in the absence of septation. This shows that the SpoIIE phosphatase is at least partially active independent of the morphological event and also that cells can tolerate significant levels of unphosphorylated SpoIIAA without activating sigmaF. We also describe a spoIIE mutant in which the checkpoint is bypassed, probably by an increase in the dephosphorylation of SpoIIAA. Taken together, the results support the idea that sequestration of SpoIIE protein into the prespore plays an important role in the control of sigmaF activation and in coupling this activation to septation.
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PMID:Characterization of a morphological checkpoint coupling cell-specific transcription to septation in Bacillus subtilis. 1047 35

The synthesis of the membrane-bound [NiFe]hydrogenase of Rhodobacter capsulatus (HupSL) is regulated negatively by the protein histidine kinase, HupT, and positively by the response regulator, HupR. It is demonstrated in this work that HupT and HupR are partners in a two-component signal transduction system. The binding of HupR protein to the hupS promoter regulatory region (phupS ) was studied using gel retardation and footprinting assays. HupR protected a 50 bp region localized upstream from the binding site of the histone-like integration host factor (IHF) regulator. HupR, which belongs to the NtrC subfamily, binds to an enhancer site (TTG-N5-CAA) localized at -162/-152 nt. However, the enhancer-binding HupR protein does not require the RpoN sigma factor for transcriptional activation, as is the case for NtrC from enteric bacteria, but functions with sigma70-RNA polymerase, as is the case for R. capsulatus NtrC. Besides, unlike NtrC from Escherichia coli, HupR activates transcription in the unphosphorylated form and becomes inactive by phosphorylation. This was demonstrated by replacing the putative phosphorylation site (D54) of the HupR protein with various amino acids or by deleting it using site-directed mutagenesis. Strains expressing mutated hupR genes showed high hydrogenase activities even in the absence of H2, indicating that hupSL transcription is activated by the binding of unphosphorylated HupR protein. Strains producing mutated HupRD54 proteins were derepressed for hupSL expression as were HupT- mutants. It is shown that the phosphorylated form of HupT was able to transfer phosphate to wild-type HupR protein but not to mutated D54 HupR proteins. Thus, it is concluded that HupT and HupR are the partners of a two-component regulatory system that regulates hupSL gene transcription.
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PMID:The synthesis of Rhodobacter capsulatus HupSL hydrogenase is regulated by the two-component HupT/HupR system. 1059 24

"Norwalk-like viruses" (NLVs) are the most common cause of outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. To date, the method most widely used for typing of NLV strains is sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of reverse transcription (RT)-PCR products, which has revealed the existence of stable distinct lineages (genotypes). This typing method is rather costly, not routinely used in clinical laboratories, and not very suitable for the analysis of large numbers of samples. Therefore, we have developed a rapid and simple method for genotyping of NLVs. The method, designated reverse line blot hybridization, is based on the nucleotide divergence of a region of the gene for RNA polymerase which can be used to classify NLVs into genotypes. NLV RNA was amplified by RT-PCR and then hybridized to 18 different membrane-bound oligonucleotides that were able to discriminate among 13 NLV genotypes. Application of the method to a panel of 132 positive stool samples from 34 outbreaks and 20 sporadic cases of gastroenteritis collected in a 6-year period (1994 to 1999) resulted in successful genotyping of 124 samples (94%), as confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The nucleotide sequences of the remaning eight strains (6%) from three outbreaks did not cluster with the known NLV genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete and partial open reading frame 2 (capsid gene) sequences of these strains revealed the existence of one novel genotype (Alphatron) and one potentially novel genotype (Amsterdam). This novel method, which allows simultaneous detection and genotyping of NLVs, is useful in the diagnosis and typing of NLVs obtained from outbreaks and in large-scale epidemiological studies.
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PMID:Simultaneous detection and genotyping of "Norwalk-like viruses" by oligonucleotide array in a reverse line blot hybridization format. 1087 50

Cell-free translation/translocation systems are broadly applied to examine gene expression and characterize the structure-function relationship of gene products. We present the characterization of Xenopus egg extract (XEE) translocation and processing of proteins synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The XEE was prepared from eggs laid by adult female frogs that received serial injections of gonadotropins. The eggs were then dejellied in 2% L-cysteine-HCl and the cytoplasm extracted by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 15 min. The in vitro translocation and processing of XEE was examined with a cell-free translation system containing reticulocyte lysate, and appropriate messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid plasmids with RNA polymerase. Cell-free production of the following proteins were used to assess posttranslational modifications: Escherichia coli beta-lactamase for signal sequence cleavage, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-mating factor for translocation and N-linked glycosylation, the soluble protein luciferase for functional activity, and the membrane-bound human insulin receptor for translation efficiency. All translation products were identified by [35S]-methionine labeling, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. The results demonstrate that (1) XEE produces near-complete signal sequence and N-glycosylation processing of proteins synthesized in reticulocyte lysate, (2) XEE contains endoplasmic reticulum-equivalent microsomes, which allows for protein translocation and protease protection, (3) the addition of XEE in the translation reaction does not affect synthesis and chemiluminescence activity of luciferase, (4) XEE is efficient in processing the nascent 160-kDa human insulin receptor precursor, a transmembrane protein, and (5) as compared to canine pancreatic microsomes, XEE translocation efficiency is minimally decreased with the addition of dimethylsulfoxide. These results are the first description of the combined use of XEE with reticulocyte lysate and clearly demonstrate a higher efficiency of translocation and processing compared to canine pancreatic microsomes. This method of cell-free translation and processing allows for more extensive in vitro examination of posttranslational modifications of secretory and membrane-bound proteins.
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PMID:Efficient translocation and processing with Xenopus egg extracts of proteins synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. 1093 32

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is capable of generating images within ranges of resolution that are of particular interest in biology. Although atomic resolution may not be possible with biological samples, a great deal of information can still be obtained from images that provide structures at a slightly lower level of resolution. The submolecular resolution images of bacteriorhodopsin and the chaperonin GroES, which revealed, respectively, individual loops and beta-turns, confirmed and complemented other structural investigations, while the molecular-level features in images of membrane-bound VacA, a cytotoxin from Helicobacter pylori, immediately suggested the possibility, subsequently proven, of channel-forming ability. A series of images with macromolecular resolution directly provided details on the mechanisms by which RNA polymerase nonspecifically translocates along DNA, and images with subcellular resolving power of erythrocytic cellular membranes showed, with unambiguous clarity, linear arrays of molecular complexes. In this review, we will describe some of the most biologically relevant findings that have been obtained with AFM within ranges of resolution from the submolecular to the molecular, and from the macromolecular to the subcellular. Furthermore, we will describe some of the sample conditions and imaging environments that are likely important to achieve a particular level of resolution.
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PMID:Atomic force microscopy in structural biology: from the subcellular to the submolecular. 1110 27

The BglG protein is a transcriptional antiterminator acting within the beta-glucoside operon of Escherichia coli by binding to a specific sequence motif in the growing mRNA. Binding of BglG prevents formation of the terminator stem-loop structure, thereby causing the RNA polymerase to continue transcription. Activity of BglG is modulated in a complex way by antagonistically acting phosphorylations in response to the availability of beta-glucosidic substrates and to the catabolic state of the cell. The enzymes responsible for these phosphorylations are members of the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) that represents a central carbohydrate uptake and signal transduction system. As these enzymes are believed to all form higher-order complexes associated with the cytoplasmic membrane, we tested whether or not BglG would remain active when artificially anchored to its presumptive site of regulation, the inner membrane. We show that the membrane-anchored protein indeed efficiently catalyzes transcriptional antitermination. Moreover, the membrane-attached BglG remains regulated by the PTS. Thus, a membrane-bound regulatory RNA binding protein can potentially interact fast enough with its target within the nascent transcript and cause the transcriptional machinery to proceed, before transcriptional termination would occur. Consequently, there is no principal necessity for an RNA-binding transcriptional regulator like BglG to leave the inner membrane, a potential regulatory site, and migrate to the site of transcription, the nucleoid.
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PMID:Efficient transcriptional antitermination from the Escherichia coli cytoplasmic membrane. 1132 58

Respiratory reduction of nitrate to nitrite is the first key step in the denitrification process that leads to nitrate loss from soils. In Paracoccus pantotrophus, the enzyme system that catalyzes this reaction is encoded by the narKGHJI gene cluster. Expression of this cluster is maximal under anaerobic conditions in the presence of nitrate. Upstream from narK is narR, a gene encoding a member of the FNR family of transcriptional activators. narR is transcribed divergently from the other nar genes. Mutational analysis reveals that NarR is required for maximal expression of the membrane-bound nitrate reductase genes and narK but has no other regulatory function related to denitrification. NarR is shown to require nitrate and/or nitrite is order to activate gene expression. The N-terminal region of the protein lacks the cysteine residues that are required for formation of an oxygen-sensitive iron-sulfur cluster in some other members of the FNR family. Also, NarR lacks a crucial residue involved in interactions of this family of regulators with the sigma(70) subunit of RNA polymerase, indicating that a different mechanism is used to promote transcription. narR is also found in Paracoccus denitrificans, indicating that this species contains at least three FNR homologues.
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PMID:Maximal expression of membrane-bound nitrate reductase in Paracoccus is induced by nitrate via a third FNR-like regulator named NarR. 1137 24

In mammalian germ cells, cAMP signaling is dependent on two forms of adenylyl cyclase, the conventional membrane-bound ACIII and a soluble form of adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Recent elucidation of the sAC sequence indicates that this enzyme is phylogenetically distinct from the membrane-bound AC, does not interact with G proteins, and its activity is regulated by bicarbonate ions. Here we have investigated the properties and regulation of this enzyme during spermatogenesis. Two different transcripts encoding a full-length and truncated sAC were identified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and RNase protection analysis. The truncated sAC transcript lacks exon 11 with a premature termination of the open reading frame after the catalytic domain. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with testis RNA from adult mouse and rat of different ages, as well as RNase protection, showed that both transcripts are absent at 11 days of age, appear between 20 and 30 days of age, and are retained in the adult testis. The presence of corresponding proteins in testis, germ cells, and spermatozoa was demonstrated by fast protein liquid chromatography and differential immunoprecipitation with full-length sAC-specific antibodies. Bicarbonate ions activated both sAC forms and increased cAMP levels in germ cells isolated from 25- and 50-day-old rats and adult rats in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings provide evidence that full-length and truncated sAC are generated by alternate splicing. Both forms are active in spermatids, and the bicarbonate present in the seminiferous tubule may be a signal that regulates cAMP levels in these cells.
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PMID:Identification and functional analysis of splice variants of the germ cell soluble adenylyl cyclase. 1142 34

The G6b gene, located in the class III region of the human major histocompatibility complex, has been suggested to encode a putative receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Genomic sequence information was used as a starting point to clone the corresponding cDNA. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed that expression of the gene is restricted to certain hematopoietic cell lines including K562, Molt 4, and Jurkat. Several splice variants were detected, varying only in their C-terminal parts. One of the potential membrane-bound isoforms contained two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs in its cytoplasmic tail. Four of the isoforms were expressed as epitope-tagged proteins in the cell lines K562 and COS-7. The two splice isoforms lacking the hydrophobic transmembrane segment were secreted from the cell. Glycosidase treatment of the four recombinant proteins provided evidence for N- and O-glycosylation. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that the spliced isoforms having a transmembrane segment were directed to the cell membrane. The G6b isoform containing two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs in its cytoplasmic tail was found to be phosphorylated on tyrosine residues after pervanadate treatment of cells and, subsequently, interacts with the SH2-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. Mutagenesis studies showed that phosphorylation of tyrosine 211 is critical for the interaction of G6b with SHP-1 and SHP-2.
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PMID:G6b, a novel immunoglobulin superfamily member encoded in the human major histocompatibility complex, interacts with SHP-1 and SHP-2. 1154 53

The hpt gene, which encodes hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, is located next to, but transcribed in the opposite direction to, the gcd gene, which codes for a membrane-bound glucose dehydrogenase, at 3.1 min on the Escherichia coli genome. In their promoter-operator region, putative regulatory elements for integration host factor (IHF) and for the complex comprising 3', 5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP) and its receptor protein (CRP) are present, and they overlap the promoters for hpt and gcd, respectively. The involvement of IHF and cAMP-CRP, as well as the corresponding putative cis-acting elements, in the expression of the two genes was investigated by using lacZ operon fusions. In an adenylate cyclase-deficient strain, addition of cAMP increased the expression of hpt and reduced the expression of gcd. In agreement with this observation, the introduction of mutations into the putative binding element for the cAMP-CRP complex enhanced the expression of gcd. In contrast, mutations introduced into the putative IHF-binding elements increased the level of hpt expression. Similar results were obtained with IHF-defective strains. Thus, the expression of the two genes is regulated in a mutually exclusive manner. Additional experiments with mutations at the -10 sequence of the gcd promoter suggest that the binding of RNA polymerase to the hpt promoter interferes with the interaction of RNA polymerase with the gcd promoter, and vice versa.
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PMID:Differential control by IHF and cAMP of two oppositely oriented genes, hpt and gcd, in Escherichia coli: significance of their partially overlapping regulatory elements. 1181 Feb 62


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