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.     

灌木柳SlSIP基因的克隆和功能验证

【目的】明确灌木柳碱性α-半乳糖苷酶基因(SlSIP)的结构特征和该基因在耐盐方面的生物学功能,为碱性α-半乳糖苷酶基因新的功能拓宽提供理论基础。【方法】 以灌木柳苏柳‘2345’(Salix jiangsuensis ‘2345’)盐胁迫48 h后的cDNA为模板,克隆了苏柳碱性α-半乳糖苷酶基因SlSIP。运用生物信息学方法分析其蛋白质结构、性质和亲缘关系,利用农杆菌介导法转入拟南芥中,通过实时荧光定量qRT-PCR方法鉴定转基因阳性植株的表达特性和盐胁迫条件下的生长状态,从而验证转基因植株的耐盐功能。【结果】该基因编码776个氨基酸,分子质量为84.88 ku,理论等电点为5.85,不稳定系数为35.74,亲水性平均系数-0.154, 定位于内质网膜上。SlSIP的保守结构域为WFGWCTW和IDDGWQ,催化活性位点为V。共得到11个T3代阳性转基因株系,qRT-PCR结果显示SlSIP在3个拟南芥阳性转基因株系中表达量最高,分别提高9、28、29倍。转基因株系在含85 mmol/L NaCl培养基上种子萌发率高于非转基因植株,且生长状态良好,但非转基因植株的叶绿素含量高于转基因株系。【结论】SlSIP基因属于GH27家族,不仅提高了种子萌发过程中的耐盐性,也参与了叶片发育和衰老的途径。     

Cloning and expression of putative ethylene receptor genes in soybean plant

Ethylene plays important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses, and ethylene receptors have been identified and studied extensively in various plant species. Here we report the cloning of four ethylene receptor genes from soybean, i.e. GmETR1, GmERS1, GmETR2 and GmEIN4. Construction of the phylogenic tree showed that GmETR1 and GmERS1 belong to subfamily I whereas GmETR2 and GmEIN4 belong to subfamily II. The four ethylene receptor genes showed different tissue-specific expression patterns in roots, stems, leaves, cotyledons, flowers, pods and seeds of soybean. These genes were differentially regulated by various abiotic stresses and plant hormones. The possible roles of the four genes in soybean plant were also discussed.     

Cloning and expression of putative ethylene receptor genes in soybean plant

Ethylene plays important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses, and ethylene receptors have been identified and studied extensively in various plant species. Here we report the cloning of four ethylene receptor genes from soybean, i.e. GmETR1, GmERS1, GmETR2 and GmEIN4. Construction of the phylogenic tree showed that GmETR1 and GmERS1 belong to subfamily I whereas GmETR2 and GmEIN4 belong to subfamily II. The four ethylene receptor genes showed different tissue-specific expression patterns in roots, stems, leaves, cotyledons, flowers, pods and seeds of soybean. These genes were differentially regulated by various abiotic stresses and plant hormones. The possible roles of the four genes in soybean plant were also discussed.     

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.     

白桦BpMYB21基因的克隆及其表达模式分析

【目的】研究了白桦(Betula platyphylla Suk.)MYB基因功能,分析其在茉莉酸(MeJA)和水杨酸(SA)诱导下的表达特性。【方法】以白桦为试材,通过RT-PCR等方法克隆得到1条白桦MYB转录因子家族基因序列,运用生物信息学方法,分析其蛋白质性质和亲缘关系,通过实时荧光定量PCR分析MeJA和SA诱导处理下该基因的表达特性及组织特异性。【结果】获得了1条新的白桦MYB转录因子家族基因,命名为BpMYB21,包含完整的开放阅读框,长度为1 014 bp,编码337个氨基酸。BpMYB 21蛋白与其他植物MYB氨基酸同源性为51%～64%,其中与胡桃(Juglans regia)MYB30-Like的亲缘关系最近。BpMYB21 在白桦根、茎、叶中均有表达,且在叶中的表达量高于茎和根,但差异不显著; 与对照相比,100 μmol/L MeJA和50 mg/L SA分别处理白桦苗6 h时,BpMYB21在茎和叶中的表达较高,处理12～48 h逐渐降低。【结论】BpMYB21为MYB转录因子家族新成员,与胡桃MYB基因亲缘关系较近。该基因响应激素诱导,推测其可能在白桦生长发育及在次生代谢过程发挥重要作用。     

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%.     

梅花鹿过氧化氢酶基因的克隆与表达

克隆得到梅花鹿过氧化氢酶基因序列,已提交Genbank登录(HQ877674).基因编码区全长1 584 bp,编码527个氨基酸,理论计算分子量为60 027.4 Da,理论计算等电点为6.67,预测蛋白质结构中不含有二硫键,在蛋白质序列中,具有过氧化氢酶家族活性中心保守序列和过氧化氢酶家族亚铁血红素保守序列,其DNA序列和蛋白质序列均与Bos taurus来源过氧化氢酶的同源关系最为接近.使用pPICZαC质粒和毕赤酵母GS115菌株,成功异源表达该基因,对诱导表达的发酵上清液进行活性测定,酶活为463 U·mL-1.     

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.