Cloning by functional expression of a member of the glutamate receptor family

We have isolated a complementary DNA clone by screening a rat brain cDNA library for expression of kainate-gated ion channels in Xenopus oocytes. The cDNA encodes a single protein of relative molecular mass (Mr) 99,800 which on expression in oocytes forms a functional ion channel possessing the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of the kainate subtype of the glutamate receptor family in the mammalian central nervous system.     

Cloning and expression of a functional serotonin transporter from rat brain

Selective antagonism of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) and noradrenaline transport by antidepressants is a key element in the 'amine' hypothesis of affective disorders. Uptake and/or transport sites of 5HT have been reported to be reduced in platelets of patients suffering from depression and in post-mortem brain samples of depressed patients and suicide victims. To date there has been little molecular information available on the structure and regulation of 5HT transporters. Using the polymerase chain reaction with degenerate oligonucleotides derived from two highly conserved regions of the transporters for noradrenaline and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), we have identified a large family of related gene products expressed in rodent brain. One of these products hybridizes to a single 3.7-kilobase RNA restricted to rat midbrain and brainstem, where it is highly enriched within the serotonergic raphe complex. Transfection with a single 2.3-kilobase brainstem complementary DNA clone is sufficient to confer expression of a Na(+)-dependent 5HT transporter upon nonneural cells, with transport selectively and potently antagonized by 5HT uptake-specific antidepressants, including paroxetine, citalopram and fluoxetine.     

Cloning and expression of cDNA for a human thromboxane A2 receptor.

Thromboxane A2 is a very unstable arachidonate metabolite, yet a potent stimulator of platelet aggregation and a constrictor of vascular and respiratory smooth muscles. It has been implicated as a mediator in diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke and bronchial asthma. Using a stable analogue of this compound we recently purified the human platelet thromboxane A2 receptor to apparent homogeneity. Using an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to its partial amino-acid sequence, we have obtained a complementary DNA clone encoding this receptor from human placenta and a partial clone from cultured human megakaryocytic leukaemia cells. The placenta cDNA encodes a protein of 343 amino acids with seven putative transmembrane domains. The protein expressed in COS-7 cells binds drugs with affinities identical to those of the platelet receptor, and that in Xenopus oocytes opens Ca2(+)-activated Cl- channel on agonist stimulation. Northern blot analysis and nucleotide sequences of the two clones suggest that an identical species of the thromboxane A2 receptor is present in platelets and vascular tissues. This first report on the molecular structure of an eicosanoid receptor will promote the molecular pharmacology and pathophysiology of these bioactive compounds.     

Cloning and expression of a cDNA encoding an endothelin receptor

Endothelins are a newly described peptide family consisting of three peptides (ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3) which are the most potent vasoconstrictive peptides known. They are crucial in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone. The diverse functions of endothelins are thought to be mediated by interaction with many different receptors coupled to the inositol phosphate/calcium ion messenger pathway. However, because of the structural resemblance of the three peptides, the presence and nature of multiple endothelin receptors remain to be elucidated. We report here the cloning of a complementary DNA encoding a bovine endothelin receptor, which has a transmembrane topology similar to that of other G protein-coupled receptors and shows specific binding, with the highest selectivity to ET-1 in animal cells transfected with the cloned cDNA. This receptor messenger RNA is widely distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, particularly in the heart and lung. Our results support the view that there are other receptor subtypes.     

Cloning, sequence and expression of human interleukin-2 receptor

T lymphocytes, essential for the generation of a normal immune response, require the presence of the lymphokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) in order to proliferate. Cells that respond to IL-2 possess a surface receptor glycoprotein specific for this lymphokine. We have recently purified and chemically characterized the IL-2 receptor from both phytohaemagglutinin-activated human T cells and the human T-cell lymphoma HUT-102 (ref. 5). From the NH2-terminal protein sequence obtained in that study, we have now used synthetic oligonucleotides to probe a complementary DNA library, prepared from HUT-102 messenger RNA, for the presence of cDNA clones that might code for the IL-2 receptor. Two cDNA clones were isolated which had closely related DNA sequences. Interestingly, only one coded for an active receptor when transfected into COS-7 cells. This clone contained a 216-base pair (bp) insert that was not present in the other clone. The insert was flanked by an 8-bp direct repeat reminiscent of a transposable element, and appeared to code for a region of marked structural homology to the NH2-terminal region of the receptor molecule.     

家蚕促咽侧体素受体基因克隆及发育表达

文章克隆得到家蚕(Bombyx mori)神经肽促咽侧体素受体基因(Allatotropin receptor,BommoATR),开放阅读框全长为1 254 bp,编码416个氨基酸.Bommo-ATR氨基酸序列的二级结构预测为7次穿膜蛋白,符合GPCR家族成员的典型特征.实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,家蚕脑-咽下神经节复合体中的ATR mRNA在5龄幼虫期表达量最高,其次为蛹后期,蛹前期和成虫阶段表达量最低.其中5龄幼虫第2天表达量最高,1～5 d持续维持较高的表达水平,这可能与保幼激素的合成有关.     

Cloning and expression of a rat D2 dopamine receptor cDNA

Dopamine receptors are classified into D1 and D2 subtypes on the basis of their pharmacological and biochemical characteristics. The D2 dopamine receptor has been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of movement disorders, schizophrenia and drug addiction. The D2 dopamine receptor interacts with guanine nucleotide-binding proteins to induce second messenger systems. Other members of the family of receptors that are coupled to G proteins share a significant similarity in primary amino-acid sequence and exhibit an archetypical topology predicted to consist of seven putative transmembrane domains. We have taken advantage of the expected nucleotide sequence similarities among members of this gene family to isolate genes coding for new receptors. Using the hamster beta 2-adrenergic receptor gene as a hybridization probe we have isolated related genes including a cDNA encoding the rat D2 dopamine receptor. This receptor has been characterized on the basis of three criteria: the deduced amino-acid sequence which reveals that it is a member of the family of G-protein-coupled receptors; the tissue distribution of the mRNA which parallels that of the D2 dopamine receptor; and the pharmacological profile of mouse fibroblast cells transfected with the cDNA.     

Cloning, sequencing and expression of cDNA for a novel subunit of acetylcholine receptor from calf muscle

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) from fish electric organ has a subunit structure of alpha 2 beta gamma delta, and this is thought to be also the case for the mammalian skeletal muscle AChR. By cloning and sequencing the complementary or genomic DNAs, we have previously elucidated the primary structures of all four subunits of the Torpedo californica electroplax and calf muscle AChR and of the alpha- and gamma-subunits of the human muscle AChR; the primary structures of the gamma-subunit of the T. californica AChR and the alpha-subunit of the Torpedo marmorata AChR have also been deduced elsewhere. We have now cloned DNA complementary to the calf muscle messenger RNA encoding a novel polypeptide (the epsilon-subunit) whose deduced amino-acid sequence has features characteristic of the AChR subunits and which shows higher sequence homology with the gamma-subunit than with the other subunits. cDNA expression studies indicate that the calf epsilon-subunit, as well as the calf gamma-subunit, can replace the Torpedo gamma-subunit to form the functional receptor in combination with the Torpedo alpha-, beta- and delta-subunits.     

Armillariella tabescens阿拉伯糖苷酶基因全长cDNA的克隆与表达

通过对假密环菌(Arm illariella tabescens)的表达cDNA克隆文库进行随机测序,获得一段与多形拟杆菌的阿拉伯糖苷酶序列同源性很高的EST序列(AJ620046).根据获得的EST序列用SMART-RACE技术成功从假密环菌中克隆出了阿拉伯糖苷酶基因的全长cDNA,用生物信息学的方法对所获的序列进行信息学分析.分析结果显示其全长cDNA为1 016 bp,其最长的开放阅读框架为924 bp,编码307个氨基酸,该全长cDNA序列与多形拟杆菌的阿拉伯糖苷酶序列具有较高同源性,80~279位氨基酸序列属于阿拉伯糖苷酶超家族,58~184位氨基酸是一个典型的结构功能域,蛋白分子质量预测为32 881 u,等电点为4.59.构建重组质粒pPIC9-AF,并在毕赤酵母菌GS115中对所获得的基因进行了表达,相对酶活达到了81.25%.     

Sequence and functional expression of the GABA A receptor shows a ligand-gated receptor super-family

Amino-acid sequences derived from complementary DNAs encoding the alpha- and beta-subunits of the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor from bovine brain show homology with other ligand-gated receptor subunits, suggesting that there is a super-family of ion-channel-containing receptors. Co-expression of the in vitro-generated alpha-subunit and beta-subunit RNAs in Xenopus oocytes produces a functional receptor and ion channel with the pharmacological properties characteristic of the GABAA receptor.     

Potent ulcerogenic actions of platelet-activating factor on the stomach

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an endogenous phospholipid which has been implicated as a mediator of allergic and inflammatory processes. It is synthesized and released by neutrophils, platelets, macrophages, monocytes, basophils and endothelial cells, and is a potent platelet-aggregating agent, a vasodilator, increases vascular permeability, stimulates neutrophil aggregation and degranulation and induces release of lysosomal enzymes. A role for PAF in the hypotension associated with endotoxin shock and in necrotizing enterocolitis has recently been suggested. As there is an association between septic shock and acute gastric damage, we propose that PAF is an endogenous mediator of ulceration in the stomach. Indeed, as reported here, intravenous (i.v.) infusion of PAF to rats, at doses of 20-200 pmol per kg per min, resulted in the formation of extensive haemorrhagic erosions in the gastric mucosa. The ulcerogenic actions of PAF are not attributable solely to its hypotensive actions and were not mediated via effects on platelets or cyclooxygenase products, nor via histamine H1, H2 or alpha-adrenergic receptors. PAF is the most potent gastric ulcerogen yet described and its endogenous release may underlie or contribute to certain forms of gastric ulceration.     

Expression of functional acetylcholine receptor from cloned cDNAs

The cloned cDNAs encoding the four subunits of the Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor, each carried by a simian virus 40 vector, direct the synthesis of the functional receptor in a combined expression system consisting of COS monkey cells and Xenopus oocytes. Our results suggest that all four subunits are required to elicit a normal nicotinic response to acetylcholine, whereas only the alpha-subunit is indispensable for alpha-bungarotoxin binding activity.     

Recombinant human lipocortin 1 inhibits thromboxane release from guinea-pig isolated perfused lung

The guinea-pig perfused isolated lung, used in conjunction with the cascade superfusion system to measure the release of thromboxane A2(TXA2), is a simple and convenient model for assessing the inhibition by glucocorticoids of eicosanoid formation. Dexamethasone inhibits the release of TXA2 from the lung when it is stimulated by agents such as RCS-RF2 of leukotrienes, but not when bradykinin or arachidonic acid are used. Using this model we have shown that the glucocorticoids suppress eicosanoid generation by cells through the induction of a family of phospholipase A2-inhibitory proteins now termed the 'lipocortins'. Recently the primary structure of one form of lipocortin has been elucidated and the human gene cloned. Lipocortin 1 is a polar monomeric protein with anti-phospholipase properties in vitro and we now report that when infused into guinea-pig lung preparations this protein has the same inhibitory profile as the glucocorticoids but with a more rapid onset of action. This is the first demonstration that eicosanoid formation can be inhibited by a recombinant phospholipase inhibitory protein applied extracellularly.     

Primary structure and expression of a functional human glucocorticoid receptor cDNA

Identification of complementary DNAs encoding the human glucocorticoid receptor predicts two protein forms, of 777 (alpha) and 742 (beta) amino acids, which differ at their carboxy termini. The proteins contain a cysteine/lysine/arginine-rich region which may define the DNA-binding domain. Pure radiolabelled glucocorticoid receptor, synthesized in vitro, is immunoreactive and possesses intrinsic steroid-binding activity characteristic of the native glucocorticoid receptor.     

Cloning, sequencing and expression of complementary DNA encoding the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Cloning and sequence analysis of DNA complementary to porcine cerebral messenger RNA encoding the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor predict the complete amino-acid sequence of this protein. Expression of the complementary DNA produced functional muscarinic receptor in Xenopus oocytes. The muscarinic receptor is homologous with the beta-adrenergic receptor and rhodopsin in both amino-acid sequence and suggested transmembrane topography.     

Structure of a cannabinoid receptor and functional expression of the cloned cDNA

Marijuana and many of its constituent cannabinoids influence the central nervous system (CNS) in a complex and dose-dependent manner. Although CNS depression and analgesia are well documented effects of the cannabinoids, the mechanisms responsible for these and other cannabinoid-induced effects are not so far known. The hydrophobic nature of these substances has suggested that cannabinoids resemble anaesthetic agents in their action, that is, they nonspecifically disrupt cellular membranes. Recent evidence, however, has supported a mechanism involving a G protein-coupled receptor found in brain and neural cell lines, and which inhibits adenylate cyclase activity in a dose-dependent, stereoselective and pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Also, the receptor is more responsive to psychoactive cannabinoids than to non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Here we report the cloning and expression of a complementary DNA that encodes a G protein-coupled receptor with all of these properties. Its messenger RNA is found in cell lines and regions of the brain that have cannabinoid receptors. These findings suggest that this protein is involved in cannabinoid-induced CNS effects (including alterations in mood and cognition) experienced by users of marijuana.     

牦牛GRB2基因克隆及其在生殖轴的表达研究

生长因子受体结合蛋白2(GRB2)是一种信号转导分子,通过细胞信号传导参与细胞增殖和分化过程.为了探讨GRB2基因在牦牛繁殖中的调控作用,采集5头成年母牦牛和5头母黄牛的下丘脑、脑垂体前叶、卵巢、输卵管和子宫组织,利用反转录PCR、生物信息学分析方法和RT-qPCR技术进行GRB2基因克隆、蛋白质结构预测及在生殖轴组织表达检测.结果表明,牦牛GRB2基因的CDS全长为654 bp,编码217个氨基酸,与黄牛、绵羊和山羊的同源性高,蛋白质一级结构中天冬氨酸所占比例最高,无跨膜结构和信号肽.二级结构主要包括自由卷曲、延伸链和α螺旋,三级结构的分析结果与二级结构相似.细胞定位分析发现GRB2蛋白主要存在于细胞核和细胞质中.RT-qPCR结果显示GRB2基因在牦牛下丘脑和脑垂体前叶表达量显著高于输卵管、卵巢和子宫(P<0.05);GRB2基因在黄牛脑垂体前叶和卵巢表达量显著高于牦牛(P<0.05),而在两物种的其余三个组织没有显著差异(P>0.05).推测GRB2基因可能影响母牦牛的繁殖能力.     

大黄欧文菌中蔗糖异构酶基因的克隆表达及应用

以大黄欧文菌(Erwinia rhapontici)NX-5基因组DNA为模板,PCR扩增得到编码蔗糖异构酶(SIase)的基因palⅠ,构建克隆载体pUC18-palⅠ。经测序正确后,将palⅠ亚克隆至表达载体pET-22b(+)上,并在E.coliBL21(DE3)中成功表达相对分子质量约为66 000的可溶性蛋白。通过Ni-NTA柱对表达产物进行纯化,纯酶的比活为40 U/mg。转化条件研究表明:重组菌能够高效转化质量分数为50%的蔗糖溶液,转化液中异麦芽酮糖得率为85%。