Norwalk virus genome cloning and characterization

Major epidemic outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis result from infections with Norwalk or Norwalk-like viruses. Virus purified from stool specimens of volunteers experimentally infected with Norwalk virus was used to construct recombinant complementary DNA (cDNA) and derive clones representing most of the viral genome. The specificity of the clones was shown by their hybridization with post- (but not pre-) infection stool samples from volunteers infected with Norwalk virus and with purified Norwalk virus. A correlation was observed between the appearance of hybridization signals in stool samples and clinical symptoms of acute gastroenteritis in volunteers. Hybridization assays between overlapping clones, restriction enzyme analyses, and partial nucleotide sequence information of the clones indicated that Norwalk virus contains a single-stranded RNA genome of positive sense, with a polyadenylated tail at the 3' end and a size of at least 7.5 kilobases. A consensus amino acid sequence motif typical of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases was identified in one of the Norwalk virus clones. The availability of Norwalk-specific cDNA and the new sequence information of the viral genome should permit the development of sensitive diagnostic assays and studies of the molecular biology of the virus.     

Retroviral DNA integration directed by HIV integration protein in vitro

Efficient retroviral growth requires integration of a DNA copy of the viral RNA genome into a chromosome of the host. As a first step in analyzing the mechanism of integration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA, a cell-free system was established that models the integration reaction. The in vitro system depends on the HIV integration (IN) protein, which was partially purified from insect cells engineered to express IN protein in large quantities. Integration was detected in a biological assay that scores the insertion of a linear DNA containing HIV terminal sequences into a lambda DNA target. Some integration products generated in this assay contained five-base pair duplications of the target DNA at the recombination junctions, a characteristic of HIV integration in vivo; the remaining products contained aberrant junctional sequences that may have been produced in a variation of the normal reaction. These results indicate that HIV IN protein is the only viral protein required to insert model HIV DNA sequences into a target DNA in vitro.     

Human immunodeficiency virus may encode a novel protein on the genomic DNA plus strand

The genome of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to contain eight open reading frames (ORFs) on the minus strand of the double-stranded DNA replicative intermediate. Data presented here indicate that the DNA plus strand of HIV contains a previously unidentified ORF in a region complementary to the envelope gene sequence. This ORF could encode a protein of approximately 190 amino acid residues with a relative molecular mass of 20 kilodaltons if translation began from the first initiation codon. The predicted protein is highly hydrophobic and thus could be membrane associated. It is possible, therefore, that the HIV genome encodes a protein on antisense messenger RNA.     

烟草花叶病毒移动蛋白基因转化烟草及在转基因烟草中的表达

根据烟草花叶病毒蚕豆株系（TMV-B）的已知序列合成引物，经PCR扩增获得TMV-B的移动蛋白（MP）基因。该基因测序验证后，分别以正、反向克隆到植物表达载体pBI121中，并置于CaMV35S启动子控制之下，通过三亲交配及叶盘转化，将MP基因导入烟草。经卡那霉素抗性筛选，PCR扩增，Southern点杂交,Northern点杂交及Westernblot检测，获得了正义表达MP基因及反义表达MP基因的转基因烟草，分别命名为pTMP（+）烟草和pTMP（-）烟草。     

Group II introns designed to insert into therapeutically relevant DNA target sites in human cells

Mobile group II intron RNAs insert directly into DNA target sites and are then reverse-transcribed into genomic DNA by the associated intron-encoded protein. Target site recognition involves modifiable base-pairing interactions between the intron RNA and a >14-nucleotide region of the DNA target site, as well as fixed interactions between the protein and flanking regions. Here, we developed a highly efficient Escherichia coli genetic assay to determine detailed target site recognition rules for the Lactococcus lactis group II intron Ll.LtrB and to select introns that insert into desired target sites. Using human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) proviral DNA and the human CCR5 gene as examples, we show that group II introns can be retargeted to insert efficiently into virtually any target DNA and that the retargeted introns retain activity in human cells. This work provides the practical basis for potential applications of targeted group II introns in genetic engineering, functional genomics, and gene therapy.     

A small viral RNA is required for in vitro packaging of bacteriophage phi 29 DNA

A small RNA of Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage phi 29 is shown to have a novel and essential role in viral DNA packaging in vitro. This requirement for RNA in the encapsidation of viral DNA provides a new dimension of complexity to the attendant protein-DNA interactions. The RNA is a constituent of the viral precursor shell of the DNA-packaging machine but is not a component of the mature virion. Studies of the sequential interactions involving this RNA molecule are likely to provide new insight into the structural and possible catalytic roles of small RNA molecules. The phi 29 assembly in extracts and phi 29 DNA packaging in the defined in vitro system were strongly inhibited by treatment with the ribonucleases A or T1. However, phage assembly occurred normally in the presence of ribonuclease A that had been treated with a ribonuclease inhibitor. An RNA of approximately 120 nucleotides co-purified with the phi 29 precursor protein shell (prohead), and this particle was the target of ribonuclease action. Removal of RNA from the prohead by ribonuclease rendered it inactive for DNA packaging. By RNA-DNA hybridization analysis, the RNA was shown to originate from a viral DNA segment very near the left end of the genome, the end packaged first during in vitro assembly.     

Rous sarcoma virus nucleotide sequences in cellular DNA: measurement by RNA-DNA hybridization

Kinetic analysis of the hybridization of 71S RNA from Prague strain of Rous sarcoma virus with an excess of DNA from virus induced sarcomas indicated the presence of the majority of the viral genome sequences in cellular DNA with a very low average frequency per cell. About one-third of the viral sequences were at least partially complementary to DNA sequences with a higher average frequency on the order of 50 to 100 per cell. Normal chick embryo DNA was distinctly different, but contained sequences at least partially homologous to some fraction of the viral RNA.     

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

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.     

DNA of Rous sarcoma virus: its nature and significance

Purified preparations of Rous sarcoma virus (an avian tumor virus with an RNA genome) contain small amounts of double-stranded DNA. This DNA cannot be hybridized to viral RNA, but will reanneal completely with the DNA of avian cells. Extensive substitution of bromodeoxyuridine for thymidine in "viral" DNA does not photosensitize the biological activity of the virus. These observations indicate that the DNA associated with Rous sarcoma virus is derived from the DNA of the avian host cell, and is probably devoid of any function in the life cycle of the virus.     

Heterogeneity of murine leukemia virus in vitro DNA; detection of viral DNA in mammalian cells

Kinetic analysis of the reassociation of DNA synthesized in vitro by a murine leukemia virus DNA polymerase revealed two classes of double-stranded product representative of 25 and 100 percent of viral genetic information. The DNA product representing the smaller portion of the viral genome comprised 85 percent of the double-stranded DNA generated in vitro and was extensively duplicated in the genomes of both normal cells and cells containing RNA tumor virus.     

RT-PCR和Digoxigenin标记的核酸探针检测鸡传染性支气管炎病毒试验研究

用２对已发表的引物和１对自行设计的引物对同一ＩＢＶＨ１２０株进行ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ，分别获得了Ｓ１基因上与引物设计相一致的１７２０ｂｐ，２２８ｂｐ，６０２ｂｐ，的扩增片段。用自行设计的引物对７个毒株（Ｈ１２０，Ｈ５２，Ｍ４１，Ｃｏｎｎ，Ｇｒａｙ，Ｔ，Ｈｏｌｔｅ）和５个分离株（宜毒，上毒，云毒，ＨＫ，１１８）的含毒尿囊液或纯化病毒进行ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ。结果除Ｈｏｌｔｅ株，２个分离株（宜毒，云毒）外，其余均被成功地扩增出６０２ｂｐ的片段。将ＩＢＶＨ１２０株０６ｋｂＰＣＲ产物用Ｄｉｇｏｘｉｇｅｎｉｎ标记为探针，分别与上述各ＩＢＶ毒株的核酸及其扩增产物进行核酸杂交，均呈现阳性反应，而该探针不与ＩＢＤＶ和ＮＤＶ的ＤＮＡ，ＥＤＳ－７６病毒的ＤＮＡ及正常鸡胚尿囊液抽提物反应。ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ和核酸杂交技术提供了直接从尿囊液中快速检测出病毒，作为诊断ＩＢＶ的新方法。     

Ectopic pro-opiolipomelanocortin: sequence of cDNA coding for beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin

A recombinant bacterial plasmid, pMS1, was constructed that contains 318 nucleotides complementary to a portion of pro-opiolipomelanocortin (proOLMC) messenger RNA from an ectopic adrenocorticotropin-producing tumor. The cloned complementary DNA insert, which contains the sequence that codes for all of the beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and beta-endorphin portions of proOLMC, as well as the 3' nontranslated section, is identical to the genomic sequence. Hybridization of tumor proOLMC complementary DNA to RNA subjected to electrophoresis and transferred to a nitrocellulose filter revealed two proOLMC messenger RNA species in the tumor polyadenylated RNA, but only one in pituitary polyadenylated RNA. At least one of the tumor proOLMC messenger RNA's is similar, if not identical, to human pituitary proOLMC messenger RNA.     

Multienzyme systems of DNA replication

Replication is accomplished by multienzyme systems whose operations are usefully considered in respect to three stages of the process: initiation, elongation, anid termination. 1) Initiation entails synthesis of a short RNA fragment that serves as primer for the elongation step of DNA synthesis. This stage, probed by SS phage DNA templates, reveals three distinctive and highly specific systems in E. coli. The Ml3 DNA utilizes RNA polymerase in a manner that may reflect how plasmid elements are replicated in the cell. The ?X174 DNA does not rely on RNA-polymerase, but requires instead five distinctive proteins which may belong to an apparatus for initiating a host chromosome replication cycle at the origin. The G4 DNA, also independent of RNA polymerase, needs simply the dnaG protein for its distinctive initiation and may thus resemble the system that initiates the replication fragments at the nascent growing fork. In each case it is essential that in vitro the DNA-unwinding protein coat the viral DNA and influence its structure. 2) Elongation is achieved in every case by the multisubunit, holoenzyme form of DNA polymerase III. Copolymerase III, which is an enzyme subunit, and adenosine triphosphate are required to form a proper complex with the primer template but appear dispensable for the ensuing chain growth by DNA polymerase (33). 3) Termination requires excision of the RNA priming fragment, filling of gaps and sealing of interruptions to produce a covalently intact phosphodiester backbone. DNA polymerase I has the capacity for excision and gapfilling and DNA ligase is required for sealing. What once appeared to be a simple DNA polymerase-mediated conversion of a single-strand to a duplex circle (34) is now seen as a complex series of events in which diverse multienzyme systems function. Annoyance with the difficulties in resolving and reconstituting these systems is tempered by the conviction that these are the very systems used ,by the cell in replicating its chromosome and extrachromosomal elements. Thus, understanding of the regulation of replication events in the cell, their localization at membrane surfaces and integration with cell division, and their coordination with phage DNA maturation and particle assembly will all be advanced by knowledge of the components of the replicative machinery.     

Expression of functional cell-cell channels from cloned rat liver gap junction complementary DNA

An oocyte expression system was used to test the relation between a complementary DNA (cDNA) clone encoding the liver gap junction protein and cell-cell channels. Total liver polyadenylated messenger RNA injected into oocytes induced cell-cell channels between paired oocytes. This induction was blocked by simultaneous injection of antisense RNA transcribed from the gap junction cDNA. Messenger RNA selected by hybridization to the cDNA clone and translated in oocyte pairs yielded a higher junctional conductance than unselected liver messenger RNA. Cell-cell channels between oocytes were also formed when the cloned cDNA was expressed under the control of a heat-shock promoter. A concentration-dependent induction of channels was observed in response to injection with in vitro transcribed gap junction messenger RNA. Thus, the liver gap junction cDNA encodes a protein that is essential for the formation of functional cell-cell channels.     

靶基因Bi-1RNAi重组慢病毒载体的构建与鉴定

目的构建靶向人Bax Inhibitor-1（Bi-1）基因的shRNA慢病毒重组载体。方法借助siRNA设计工具,并结合文献资料选取Bi-1基因编码序列中有效的干扰靶点,根据连接载体中的酶切位点自行设计并人工合成干扰靶点的一对反义脱氧寡核苷酸链,先定向克隆到pU6载体（pU6-Bi-1-shRNA）,再经双酶切后克隆到慢病毒包装质粒LunIG,得到靶向Bi-1基因沉默的慢病毒包装重组质粒LunIG-Bi-1。重组质粒经PCR法进行初筛后,再通过双酶切电泳和目的基因沉默效果的检测保证插入序列的正确性。结果靶向沉默Bi-1基因的shRNA序列成功插入到慢病毒包装质粒LunIG中。结论靶向Bi-1基因沉默的慢病毒shRNA包装重组质粒构建成功。