Characterization of 64-, 123- and 182-base-pair exons in the mouse alpha 2(IV) collagen gene

Genes encoding types I, II and III collagens (fibrillar collagens) contain many discrete-size exons, most of them 54 base pairs (bp) long, in addition to the 45-, 99-, 108- and 162-bp exons. It has been suggested that these collagen genes evolved from an ancestral coding unit of 54 bp. Type IV collagen is a specific component of basement membranes and contains two genetically distinct polypeptides, the alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) chains. It differs from the types I-III collagens in that it contains interruptions in the Gly-X-Y repeat sequence and does not form ordered fibrillar structures. We have isolated complementary DNA and genomic clones for the mouse alpha 2(IV) collagen chain and here characterize 64-, 123- and 182-bp exons in the Gly-X-Y coding domain of the gene. The data suggest that the alpha 2(IV) collagen gene may have evolved differently from those encoding the fibrillar collagens.     

Characterization of the human factor VIII gene

The complete 186,000 base-pair (bp) human factor VIII gene has been isolated and consists of 26 exons ranging in size from 69 to 3,106 bp and introns as large as 32.4 kilobases (kb). Nine kb of mRNA and protein-coding DNA has been sequenced and the mRNA termini have been mapped. The relationship between internal duplications in factor VIII and evolution of the gene is discussed.     

中国四个小型猪品种生长激素基因克隆测序及分子进化研究

研究对中国四个小型猪五指山猪、贵州香猪、滇南小耳猪和藏猪的生长激素基因(pGH,porcine growth hormone)进行了克隆测序及构建分子进化树,考察该激素对小型猪体型的影响。通过筛选合适的引物,采用PCR技术,扩增了四个小型猪品种的pGH基因全序列,并对其进行了克隆测序分析。4个小型猪品种pGH基因全长为2006bp,包括5个外显子和4个内含子,CDS全长为648bp。将4个品种小型猪和长白猪、雅南猪、内江猪进行了核苷酸序列比对,共有63处发生了变异,变异率为2.9%,其中外显子有12处变异,全部为转换;内含子有51处发生了变异,包括转换、颠换和缺失。聚类结果基本符合其地方猪种的地理位置分布原则。     

Conservation of the sizes for one but not another class of exons in two chick collagen genes

Type III collagen is often found in the same tissues as type I collagen, yet the function and nature of the fibrils formed by the two collagens differ markedly. To understand the evolutionary history of the collagen gene family in more detail, we isolated the gene for type III collagen and compared its structure with that of the gene for alpha 2(I) collagen. This comparison points to a remarkable conservation in the size distribution of the exons coding for the helical part of these two collagen polypeptides: equivalent amino acid segments in the helical domain of each polypeptide are encoded by exons of equal sizes in each gene. This suggests that after the interstitial collagen genes had been duplicated from a common ancestor about 2-5 X 10(8) years ago, no recombinations between these exons were tolerated, although the same recombinational phenomena must have played an important part in shaping the structure of the progenitor for these genes. This fixation of the size distribution of the exons which code for the interstitial collagen helical domains is found despite the persistence in these exons of sequence elements that should have favoured recombinational rearrangements, and contrasts with the variations in the pattern of sizes of some exons coding for the amino and carboxyl propeptides of these collagens.     

Analysis of intron sequence variability of the conservative HMG-box of Sox9 genes in allotetraploids and their original parents

The Sox genes of allotetraploids and their original maternal red crucian carp (Carassius caassius red var.) and original paternal common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were detected by PCR with the designed primers based on the conserved HMG-box sequence in different species. Sequencing of Sox genes indicated that two Sox9 genes (Atsox9a and Atsox9b) existed in allotetraploids, while only one Sox9 gene existed in red crucian carp (Rcsox9a) and common carp (Ccsox9b) . All of the four Sox9 genes contained an intron in the HMG-box. with the sizes of 413 bp, 703 bp, 401 bp and 714 bp, respectively. Moreover, the introns obeyed the rule of "GT-AG" . A high similarity was observed between introns of Atsox9a and Rcsox9a (94.4%), Atsox9b and Ccsox9b (97.8%). Interestingly, the deduced amino acid sequences of their corresponding exons all shared 100% identity. Thus, introns of the HMG-domain of Sox9s in allotetraploids and their original parents have not only the length polymorphism but also intron variability. Our results provide significant molecular evidence for the origin and evolution of allotetraploids.     

Analysis of intron sequence variability of the conservative HMG-box of Sox9 genes in allotetraploids and their original parents

The Sox genes of allotetraploids and their original maternal red crucian carp （Carassius caassius red var.） and original paternal common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were detected by PCR with the designed primers based on the conserved HMG-box sequence in different species. Sequencing of Sox genes indicated that two Sox9 genes (Atsox9a and Atsox9b) existed in allotetraploids, while only one Sox9 gene existed in red crucian carp (Rcsox9a) and common carp (Ccsox9b). All of the four Sox9 genes contained an intron in the HMG-box, with the sizes of 413 bp, 703 bp, 401 bp and 714 bp, respectively. Moreover, the introns obeyed the rule of “GT-AG”. A high similarity was observed between introns of Atsox9a and Rcsox9a (94.4%), Atsox9b and Ccsox9b (97.8%). Interestingly, the deduced amino acid sequences of their corresponding exons all shared 100% identity. Thus, introns of the HMG-domain of Sox9s in allotetraploids and their original parents have not only the length polymorphism but also intron variability. Our results provide significant molecular evidence for the origin and evolution of allotetraploids.     

Comparison between phylogeny of introns and exons in primates

Introns and exons of 7 genes ( epsilon globin, gamma-1 globin, gamma-2 globin, delta globin, beta globin, Immunoglobulin and prepro-insulin) in primates have been separated out and used to infer phylogeny respectively. For each gene, results based on these two parts have been compared and showed that: ( i ) the topology of introns is almost consistent with that of exons in each gene, while the branch length of them varies, because of the different mutation rate; ( ii ) there is evidence that the substitution rate of exons would decrease in hominoids, but that of introns would not; (iii) divergence time of orangutan deduced from different genes based on exons is various, while that based on introns is much similar, and consistent with fossil records; (iv) there is a relationship between the G + C content and the substitution rate. When the substitution rate of introns is higher than exons in a gene, the G + C content of introns is less. The above results suggest that introns could provide useful evolutionary information among closely related species.     

DNA sequence at the end of IS1 required for transposition

The insertion sequence IS1 belongs to a class of bacterial transposable genetic elements that can form compound transposons in which two copies of IS1 flank an otherwise non-transposable segment of DNA. IS1 differs from other known elements of this class (such as IS10, IS50 and IS903) in several respects. It is one of the smallest known insertion elements, exhibits a relatively complex array of open reading frames, is present in the chromosomes of various Enterobacteria, in some cases in many copies, and its insertion can result in the duplication of either 8 or 9 base pairs (bp) in the target DNA. Furthermore, although, like other members of the compound class, it seems to undergo direct transposition, IS1 also promotes replicon fusion (co-integrate formation) at a relatively high frequency. Like all other elements studied to date, the integrity of the extremities of IS1 are essential for efficient transposition. We have constructed a test system to determine the minimal DNA sequences at the extremities of IS1 required for transposition. Sequential deletions of the end sequences reveal that 21-25 bp of an isolated extremity are sufficient for transposition. A specific sequence 13-23 bp from the ends, defining the edge of the minimal sequence, is implicated as an essential site. The sites, symmetrically arrayed at both ends of IS1, correspond to the apparent consensus sequence of the known binding sites for the Escherichia coli DNA-binding protein (called integration host factor or IHF) which is required for the site-specific recombination that leads to integration of bacteriophage lambda into the bacterial genome. The sites at the ends of IS1 may thus bind a host protein, such as JHF or a related protein, that is involved in regulating the transposition apparatus.     

Intragenic amplification and divergence in the mouse alpha-fetoprotein gene

The DNA sequences of the 14 exon junctions in the murine alpha-fetoprotein gene were determined using cloned genomic DNA. When these exons were examined with respect to the polypeptide segments they encoded, a direct correspondence between a threefold repeat of four exons and three protein domains was observed. Nucleotide sequence comparisons among the four exons of each domain were used to deduce the likely structure of the primordial domain, and the order and mechanism of its triplication to form the tripartite ancestral gene from which both alpha-fetoprotein and serum albumin arose. Sequence homologies among the four exons that constitute a single domain also suggest that they were derived, at least in part, from a common sequence which underwent successive amplification and divergence.     

纤细眼虫(Euglena gracilis)核纤层蛋白基因的初步研究

目的：探讨在纤细眼虫(Euglena gracilis)中是否存在核纤层蛋白(lamin)基因，为核纤层蛋白基因的起源与进化研究提供线索．方法：以较为低等生物的核纤层蛋白基因cDNA序列为参考，设计引物P0010和P0012，以纤细眼虫总DNA为模板进行PCR，PCR产物回收、测序．由于不能获取完整序列，所以据测序结果又设计了P0013和P0014两条中间引物，组成P0010／P0013和P0014／P0012引物对进行PCR，回收产物测序．结果：P0010／P0012、P0010／P0013和P0014／P0012引物对进行PCR分别获得775、400和395bp的特异性PCR产物，对这3种产物分别测序，最终获得了P0010和P0012之间的全序列，共775bp．结论：在纤细眼虫中存在着核纤层蛋白基因．     

An intronless gene encoding a potential member of the family of receptors coupled to guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins

Plasma membrane receptors for hormones, drugs, neurotransmitters and sensory stimuli are coupled to guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins. Recent cloning of the genes and/or cDNAs for several of these receptors including the visual pigment rhodopsin, the adenylate-cyclase stimulatory beta-adrenergic receptor and two subtypes of muscarinic cholinergic receptors has suggested that these are homologous proteins with several conserved structural and functional features. Whereas the rhodopsin gene consists of five exons interrupted by four introns, surprisingly the human and hamster beta-adrenergic receptor genes contain no introns in either their coding or untranslated sequences. We have cloned and sequenced a DNA fragment in the human genome which cross-hybridizes with a full-length beta 2-adrenergic receptor probe at reduced stringency. Like the beta 2-adrenergic receptor this gene appears to be intronless, containing an uninterrupted long open reading frame which encodes a putative protein with all the expected structural features of a G-protein-coupled receptor.     

鲤IGF2b基因内含子的克隆、基因组序列分析及慢病毒载体构建

 为了了解鲤IGF2b基因与鲤生长性状之间的关系,以建鲤为试验材料,克隆了IGF2b基因内含子,分析其基因组序列的特点,构建了IGF2基因的慢病毒载体,同时观察其在293T细胞中的表达活性。结果获得鲤IGF2b 5 173 bp长度的基因组DNA序列(HM755899),共有3个内含子,4个外显子;在3′非翻译区存在2个CpG岛,在5′端非翻译区存在(T)n重复序列;除此之外,成功构建了慢病毒载体质粒Lenti-IGF2b-IRES-EGFP,转染293T细胞后,产生的重组慢病毒颗粒出现高表达绿色荧光,荧光定量PCR检测发现IGF2b基因在293T细胞中高表达。这些结果将为研究IGF2b基因在多态性、表达方面与鲤生长性状之间的关联奠定基础。     

尼罗罗非鱼主要组织相容性复合体IA基因克隆与多态分析

采用touchdownPCR和RACE技术,获得了两条尼罗罗非鱼MHCIA基因3’端的新序列,其长度均为957bp,分别命名为orni—DAA$0101和orni—DAA 0102,其分别编码了两种新发现的等位基因亚型。两条新序列均包含666bp的CDS区和291bp的3’-UTR区,CDS区包含了部分多肽结合区、全部的IGC区以及跨膜区和胞质区同源性比对显示,cDNA序列分别在388bp和426bp处发生了碱基转换,而其编码的氨基酸序列在第130位点存在谷氨酸与赖氨酸的差异．首次发现相对保守的IGC区也存在变异．研究结果对于揭示尼罗罗非鱼MHCIA基因的多态性及其与高抗病性的相关性有重要价值。     

Comparison between phylogeny of introns and exons in primate

Introns and exons of 7 genes (epsilon globin, gamma-1 globin, gamma-2 globin, delta globin, beta globin, Immunoglobulin andprepro-insulin) in primates have been separated out and used to infer phylogeny respectively. For each gene, results based on these two parts have been compared and showed that: (i) the topology of introns is almost consistent with that of exons in each gene, while the branch length of them varies, because of the dierent mutation rate; (ii) there is evidence that the substitution rate of exons would decrease inhominoids, but that of introns would not; (iii) divergence time of orangutan deduced from different genes based on exons is various, while that based on introns is much similar, and consistent with fossil records; (iv) there is a relationship between the G + C content and the substitution rate. When the substitution rate of introns is higher than exons in a gene, the G + C content of introns is less. The above results suggest that introns could provide useful evolutionary information among closety related species.     

Organization and sequence studies of the 17-piece chicken conalbumin gene

The conalbumin gene has been cloned and shown to consist of at least 17 exons approximately 60-200 base pairs long. The DNA sequence upstream from the region coding for the 5' end of the mRNA shows similarities with sequences present in homologous positions in other genes. High and low frequency repetitive sequences are found both upstream from the conalbumin gene and within one intron.     

Human U2 snRNA can function in pre-mRNA splicing in yeast

The removal of introns from messenger RNA precursors requires five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), contained within ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs), which complex with the pre-mRNA and other associated factors to form the spliceosome. In both yeast and mammals, the U2 snRNA base pairs with sequences surrounding the site of lariat formation. Binding of U2 snRNP to the highly degenerate branchpoint sequence in mammalian introns is absolutely dependent on an auxiliary protein, U2AF, which recognizes a polypyrimidine stretch adjacent to the 3' splice site. The absence of this sequence motif in yeast introns has strengthened arguments that the two systems are fundamentally different. Deletion analyses of the yeast U2 gene have confirmed that the highly conserved 5' domain is essential, although the adjacent approximately 950 nucleotides can be deleted without any phenotypic consequence. A 3'-terminal domain of approximately 100 nucleotides is also required for wild-type growth rates; the highly conserved terminal loop within this domain (loop IV) may provide specific binding contacts for two U2-specific snRNP proteins. We have replaced the single copy yeast U2 (yU2) gene with human U2 (hU2), expecting that weak or no complementation would provide an assay for cloning additional splicing factors, such as U2AF. We report here that hU2 can complement the yeast deletion with surprising efficiency. The interactions governing spliceosome assembly and intron recognition are thus more conserved than previously suspected. Paradoxically, the conserved loop IV sequence is dispensable in yeast.     

Correlations between recombination rate and intron distributions along chromosomes of C. elegans

Generally speaking, the intron size positively correlates with recombination rate in Caenorhabditis elegans genome. Here, we analyze the correlations between recombination rate and some measures of different intron lengths so as to know whether the recombination influences the introns of different lengths in the same way. Results show that the correlation between the recombination rate and the percentage of short introns (<100 bp) is negative, but the correlation between the recombination rate and the percentage of introns that are larger than 500 bp is positive. Average intron length correlates positively with the recombination rate for introns whose length is in the range of 100–1000 bp. We speculate that the recombination mainly exerts impact on introns whose length ranges from 100–1000 bp. We also show that the average intron number per gene correlates negatively with the recombination rate.     

Construction of single-chromosome DNA library fromLilium regale Wilson

A protocol of simple rapid microdissection of single-chromosome, amplification and cloning of its DNA fromLilium regale Wilson is described. Single-chromosome, microdissected by micromanipulator, was put into a 0.5 mL Eppendorf tube and digested with Sau3A, and then the Sau3A linker adaptors were ligated to the ends of DNA fragments. After 2 rounds of PCR amplification with one chain of linker adaptor as primer, the PCR products thus obtained have a length of 300–2500 base pairs (bp) with predominant fragments at about 1000 bp. Southern blot analysis confirmed that the PCR products originated from the genome ofLilium regale Wilson. By cloning the amplification products from the second round of PCR, single-chromosome DNA library was constructed, in which about as many as 100000 recombinant clones were produced. A total number of 84 clones were analysed, and it was revealed that the inserts ranged in size from 300 to 1800 bp, with an average of780 bp. Compared with the methods described in other literature, this protocol, eliminating the need for enzymatic digestion and ligating micromanipulation of chromosomal DNA in nanoliter volumes, permits the efficient amplification of single chromosome (not tens of chromosomes as reported before) and the fragments (780 bp in average) cloned in this study are longer than those reported before (650 bp in average).