Bp Substitution Research Articles

Direct Random Mutagenesis of Gene-Sized DNA Fragments Using Polymerase Chain Reaction

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to amplify a DNA fragment with the concomitant creation of numerous mutations provided that one dNTP substrate is in excess over the three others. Advantage was taken of this behavior to systematically mutagenize a 291-bp-long DNA fragment and to define the rules relating the frequencies of each possible bp substitution to the set of the dNTP concentrations in the PCR experiment. Sets of parameters governing the rules were determined under various mutagenic conditions including the addition of MnCl 2. Finally, validity of the rules was assessed in several mutagenesis experiments showing that a wide range of substitution frequencies including AT → GC and GC → AT transitions as well as AT → TA transversions can be obtained at will.

Nuclear protein binding patterns in the 5'-upstream regulatory elements of HLA class I genes.

The expression of MHC class I genes has been thought to be regulated by two major cis-acting regulatory elements. The first region, enhancer A (Enh A) spanning from positions -210 to -165 contains perfect palindrome (PP), TGGGGATTCCCCA. The PP is well-conserved both in mouse and human MHC class I genes, even though the PP is disrupted by 2 bp substitutions (TGAGGATTCTCCA) in HLA-C genes. Three proteins binding to the Enh A of HLA-A and -B locus genes, but very weakly or nearly not to the Enh A of HLA-C locus gene have been identified. To determine functional importance of the PP for binding of trans-acting protein, mutant DNA probes were made by site-directed in vitro mutagenesis and then electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed. HLA-A mutant DNA probe, in which the PP is disrupted, shows the same nuclear protein binding pattern as that of the HLA-C gene, and HLA-C mutant DNA probe, in which the PP is introduced, shows the same nuclear protein binding pattern as that of the wild type HLA-A gene. These data suggest that the perfect palindrome and its cognate DNA binding nuclear protein play an important role in the HLA class I gene regulation, and thus the lower expression of HLA-C antigen may be ascribed to no or very weak factor binding to the nonpalindromic sequences of HLA-C upstream DNA.

Isolation and characterization of two genes encoding calitoxins, neurotoxic peptides from Calliactis parasitica (Cnidaria)

Among sea anemone neurotoxins, calitoxin, recently isolated from Calliactis parasitica, is a highly toxic peptide of 46 amino acids (aa), whose sequence differs greatly from that of all sea anemone toxins isolated so far. In this study, two genes ( clx-1 and clx-2) coding for two highly homologous calitoxins were isolated and characterized from a C. parasitica genomic library. The clx-1 gene encodes the already known calitoxin sequence, named CLX-I, whereas a single bp substitution in the coding region of clx-2 is responsible for a single Glu 6 → Lys replacement in a new peptide named CLX-II. The structural organization of the two genes is very similar: two introns and three exons, whose sequences are highly homologous for clx-1 and clx-2 (95% identity). The open reading frame (ORF) of both clx-1 and clx-2 codes for a precursor peptide of 79 aa, whose N-terminus has the feature of a signal peptide, while the C-terminus corresponds to the sequences of mature CLX-I and CLX-II. The finding that a pair of basic aa is located upstream from the sequence of both mature toxins strongly suggests that proteolytic events, at specific cleavage sites, are responsible for the release of neurotoxins from their respective precursor molecules.

Mutational specificity of oxidative DNA damage

In this paper we describe our studies on the mutagenic consequences of oxidative DNA damage introduced by radiation-induced OH radicals ( .OH) and by exposure to singlet oxygen ( 1O 2), released by thermo-dissociation of the endoperoxide 3,3′-(1,4-naphthalidene) dipropionate (NDPO 2). We have made use of M13mp10 bacteriophage and pUC18 plasmid DNA, containing a 144 base pair (bp) insert in the lacZ α gene. This 144 bp insert was used as a mutational target sequence. When dilute aqueous solutions of double-stranded (ds) M13mp10 (plus 144 bp insert) were γ-irradiated in the presence of oxygen (O 2; 100% .OH) or nitrous oxide (N 2O; 90% .OH, 10% .H), very specific mutation spectra were found. Mainly bp substitutions were observed, of which C/G to G/C transversions are the predominant type. Moreover, the mutations are for the most part concentrated into two mutational hot spots: a minor and major one. Differences between the oxic (O 2) and anoxic (N 2O) mutation spectra could also be observed. Under N 2O-1 bp deletions were detected, which are absent in the presence of O 2, and in the anoxic spectrum more C/G to A/T transversions are present. To investigate whether these differences were due to the small amount of H radicals, which are formed under N 2O, ds M13mp10 (plus 144 bp insert) was exposed to γ-rays in phosphate buffer under nitrogen (55% oH, 45% .OH). Under these conditions a remarkable shift was observed from C/G → G/C to C/G → A/T transversions, while the mutations were far more scattered along the 144 bp sequence and no - 1 bp deletions were detected. These results strongly suggest that H radicals do not cause - 1 bp deletions, but may be responsible for the observed C/G to A/T transversions. The kind of bp substitution not only appeared to be dependent on the type of the water radicals, but also appeared to be strongly influenced by the replicon in which the target sequence is incorporated. When an oxygenated solution of pUC18 plasmid DNA (plus 144 bp insert) is irradiated, mainly C/G to A/T transversions were found at the same major hot spot instead of C/G to G/C transversions when the 144 bp sequence is part of M13mp10 DNA.

Rhodopsin mutations in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited progressive disease which is a major cause of blindness in western communities. It can be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked recessive disorder. In the autosomal dominant form (adRP), which comprises about 25% of total cases, approximately 30% of families have mutations in the gene encoding the rod photoreceptor-specific protein rhodopsin. This is the transmembrane protein which, when photoexcited, initiates the visual transduction cascade. So far, 41 single-base-pair (bp) substitutions, one two-bp substitution, and four deletions ranging from 3 to 42 bp have been identified in this gene. These mutations do not appear to be significantly clustered in a specific part of the protein, but occur in all three major domains, namely the intradiscal, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic regions. Different mutations appear to cause differences in the severity of the disease, though there is considerable variability in severity even within the same family, at least in certain of these mutations. Identification of all the mutations involved in rhodopsin-RP should allow accurate and early detection of affected individuals, informed genetic counselling, as well as furthering our knowledge of the disease process involved.

Detection of α1-Antitrypsin Z and S Mutations by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Mediated Site-Directed Mutagenesis

alpha 1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a relatively common autosomal recessive disease, resulting most often from a single base pair (1 bp) substitution called the Z mutation. Previous genetic tests for carriers and affected patients have relied on quantitative binding of radioactive probes to an amplified gene product, because the mutation does not occur within a restriction enzyme site. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated site-directed mutagenesis, one can introduce a base substitution near the mutation site, such that an inexpensive restriction enzyme (Taq I) can be used to differentiate normal subjects, carriers, and affected patients. We have applied this method to the detection of the Z mutation and the S mutation, which in heterozygotes with a Z allele may lead to the development of symptoms similar to those in ZZ homozygous subjects.

Single base pair substitutions within the HLA-DRA gene promoter separate the functions of the X1 and X2 boxes.

The class II MHC genes are expressed on the surfaces of B cells, activated T cells, and macrophages and may be induced in other cell types by IFN-gamma. The control of class II gene expression has been shown to be mediated by a series of conserved cis-acting sequences (W, X1, X2, and Y boxes) located immediately 5' to the genes. Although these sequences are conserved, the bp that are important for transcriptional regulation have yet to be identified. To address this issue with regard to the MHC gene HLA-DRA, a series of single bp substitutions spanning the conserved upstream sequences was created and analyzed for their effects on transcription in both B cells and IFN-gamma-treated fibroblasts. In addition, the effects of X1 and X2 box mutations on DNA/protein interactions were examined and compared to the transcriptional data. The results of these studies show that each of the conserved elements participate in maximal expression in B cells and that W, X1, and X2 boxes are important for IFN-gamma induction and expression in fibroblasts. Interestingly, some of the bp changes that altered B cell expression did not alter expression and IFN-gamma induction in fibroblasts, suggesting that different or altered factors control the expression of these genes in the different cell types. Mutant templates designed to eliminate the binding of X1- and X2-specific DNA binding proteins in vivo suggest that these elements and their factors may interact to promote transcription.

Functional analysis of the -300 region of maize zein genes.

A 43 bp fragment containing the -300 region upstream control element common to the endosperm expressed zein genes of Zea mays L. has been analyzed by in vivo and in vitro techniques. Transient transformation studies with protoplasts from a maize endosperm culture indicate that the element positively affects CaMV 35S promoter-driven gene expression, and that this effect is both orientation- and position-dependent. Band-shift and Southwestern blotting experiments demonstrate that the element is specifically bound by different sets of DNA-binding proteins from seedling and endosperm nuclei. A 2 bp substitution within the most conserved region of the element both reduces the stimulatory effect on transcription and alters the binding of nuclear proteins from both tissues.

Nucleotide sequence of a mouse Tcp-1 pseudogene: a nucleotide record for a t complex gene carried by an ancestor of the mouse.

We have isolated clones of a processed pseudogene of mouse t complex polypeptide 1 (Tcp-1) and determined the nucleotide sequence of the pseudogene. The pseudogene was 1363 bp long and had no intron. The Tcp-1 pseudogene had 88.4% or 88.3% nucleotide identity to the mouse Tcp-1 cDNA of wild-type (Tcp-1b) or t haplotype (Tcp-1a), and 87.5% identity to the rat Tcp-1 cDNA. On 12 nucleotide positions where the open reading frames (ORFs) of mouse Tcp-1b and Tcp-1a cDNAs have bp substitutions, the Tcp-1 pseudogene had 6 bp identical to Tcp-1b, 5 bp identical to Tcp-1a and 1 bp not identical to neither. On ten amino acid positions where TCP-1B and TCP-1A polypeptides have substitutions, deduced amino acids of the Tcp-1 pseudogene had four amino acids identical to TCP-1B, five amino acids identical to TCP-1A and one amino acid identical to neither. These results suggest that the ancestral mouse Tcp-1 gene would have had no significant difference between the resemblance to Tcp-1b and that to Tcp-1a before they were diverged and that amino acids of TCP-1B and TCP-1A would have been substituted in similar high rates.

Mutations in TrpI binding site II that differentially affect activation of the trpBA promoter of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In vitro, Pseudomonas aeruginosa TrpI protein activates transcription initiation at the trpBA promoter (trpPB) and represses initiation at its own promoter (trpPI), which diverges from, and overlaps, trpPB. Indoleglycerol phosphate (InGP) reduces the TrpI concentration required for binding to its strong binding site (site I), as measured by repression of trpPI; it also facilitates activation of trpPB, presumably because it enables TrpI to bind to a weaker binding site (site II) and thereby interact with RNA polymerase. The role of site II and InGP in regulation of the two promoters was investigated by constructing site II mutants. A 2 bp substitution affected the ability of TrpI to activate trpPB, but did not significantly affect TrpI binding to site II. A more extensive (8 bp) substitution inhibited TrpI-mediated activation of trpPB and TrpI-mediated protection of site II in a DNase I footprinting assay. However, the mutation did not alter the pattern of TrpI binding observed in gel retardation experiments. In particular, a more slowly-migrating complex (Complex 2) whose appearance was correlated with TrpI binding to site II was formed equally well on a wild-type or substituted DNA fragment. Based on the mutant phenotypes, we propose that a particular sequence of protein--protein and protein--DNA interactions is required for activation of trpPB by TrpI and InGP.

A single amino acid substitution changes the substrate specificity of quinoprotein glucose dehydrogenase in Gluconobacter oxydans

Gluconobacter oxydans contains pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH). Two isogenic G. oxydans strains, P1 and P2, which differ in their substrate specificity with respect to oxidation of sugars have been analysed. P1 can oxidize only D-glucose, whereas P2 is also capable of the oxidation of the disaccharide maltose. To investigate the nature of this maltose-oxidizing property we cloned the gene encoding GDH from P2. Expression of P2 gdh in P1 enables the latter strain to oxidize maltose, indicating that a mutation in the P2 gdh gene is responsible for the change in substrate specificity. This mutation could be ascribed to a 1 bp substitution resulting in the replacement of His 787 by Asn.

Conservation of binding sites for regulatory factors in the coordinately expressed α1(I) and α2(I) collagen promoters

To examine possible mechanisms for the coordinate control of the α1(I) and α2(I) collagen genes, we have searched for DNA binding factors that are common to both genes. We have recently identified in the proximal part of the α1(I) promoter a functional binding site for CBF, a heteromeric transcriptional activator which binds to certain CCAAT sequences, and also functional binding sites for two different transcriptional repressors, designated IF1 and IF2. CBF was previously also shown to bind and activate the α2(I) collagen promoter. We now present evidence that a factor with similar binding characteristics as IF1 binds to the α2(I) promoter at approximately the same distances from the start site of transcription as in the α1(I) collagen promoter. A three bp substitution mutation in the IF1 binding site which abolishes IF1 binding increases the activity of the α2(I) promoter 4-fold as with the α1(I) promoter. We propose that the coordinate regulation of these two genes is at least in part mediated by these common elements.

A common ancestor DNA motif for invertebrate and vertebrate hormone response elements.

The ecdysone-responsive DNA sequence of the Drosophila hsp27 gene promoter contains four direct and inverted repeats reminiscent of those that compose the vertebrate palindromic estrogen response element (ERE) and the thyroid hormone/retinoic acid response element (TRE/RRE). Interestingly, a 3 bp substitution in the wild-type Hsp27 ecdysone response element (EcdRE) increases both its similarity with the vertebrate ERE and TRE/RRE and its capacity to confer ecdysone responsiveness to a heterologous promoter. Remarkably, increasing the spacing between the inverted repeats of this strong EcdRE by two nucleotides converts it into an ERE. Inversely, decreasing the spacing between the two inverted repeats of the vertebrate consensus palindromic ERE, from three to one nucleotide, converts it into a functional EcdRE. Thus, the only difference between an invertebrate EcdRE and a vertebrate palindromic ERE or TRE/RRE is in the spacing between the conserved inverted repeated motifs forming these palindromic HREs. The finding that the sequence motif 5'-GGTCA-3' present in the vertebrate ERE and TRE/RRE is also a functionally important characteristic of an invertebrate HRE, suggests that a common ancestor regulatory DNA sequence gave rise to all HREs known so far. We discuss the possibility that this progenitor motif is the GGTCA sequence.

Analysis of mutations using PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) separates DNA molecules based on primary sequence. Under the appropriate conditions, all base pair (bp) substitutions, frame-shifts, and deletions less than about 10 bp can be resolved from the wild type sequence using DGGE. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) permits facile amplification of a given region of the genome. We have combined PCR and DGGE to: (i) Localize mutations in the X-linked human androgen receptor gene. PCR/DGGE was used to screen the individual exons in the 2757-bp coding region of the gene in afflicted individuals as well as in potential carriers. Inheritance of a mutant allele has been demonstrated in several cases; (ii) Analyze thousands of thioguanine-resistant mutants simultaneously. The in vitro mutational spectra of MNNG, ICR-191, and cisplatin at the human HPRT locus have been examined by this method. The compounds all have mutational hotspots in a GGGGGG sequence in exon 3; however, the particular mutations induced by the agents were different; (iii) Examine the fidelity of several DNA polymerases used in PCR. The fidelity of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase (Taq) is 1-2 x 10(-4) misincorporations/bp/replication. Problems with Taq polymerase arise in the analysis of complex mutant populations by DGGE because the Taq-induced errors reduce the sensitivity of the system. To circumvent this, it had been necessary to use Sequenase, a modified T7 DNA polymerase with a higher fidelity. However, Sequenase is not thermostable and must be added every PCR cycle. A thermostable DNA polymerase from Thermococcus litoralis (Vent) is now available, and we have examined the fidelity of Vent, Taq, and Sequenase polymerase in PCR using DGGE. The fidelity of Vent, Taq, and Sequenase polymerase was 2.4 x 10(-5), 8.9 x 10(-5), and 4.4 x 10(-5) errors/bp, respectively. Vent polymerase had the highest fidelity of the three enzymes tested.

Nucleotide sequence and characterization of temperature-sensitive pol1 mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have analyzed the effects of temeperature-sensitivity (ts)-conferring mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA polymerase I-encoding gene on cell growth, in vivo DNA synthesis, intrachromosomal gene conversion and pop-out recombination. Also, we have identified the molecular defect responsible for the ts phenotype. Two mutant alleles ( cdc17-1, cdc17-2) were originally identified as cell-cycle mutations, while a third mutation ( hpr3) was found during a genetic screening for mutants with a hyper-recombination phenotype. Both cdc17-2 and hpr3 cells complete one round of cell division and DNA replication after shift to nonpermissive temperature, before being arrestedas a dumbbell-shaped cells. Conversely, the cdc17-1 mutation immediately blocks growth and DNA synthesis at 37°C. No substantial difference was observed in the frequency of intrachromosomal gene conversion and pop-out recombination events, when hpr3 and cdc17-1 were compared to the previously characterized pol1-1 mutant. These two frequencies were ten- to 30-fold above wild-type level at semipermissive temperature. In each mutant, a single bp substitution, causing the replacement of Gly residues by either Asp ( cdc17-1, cdc17-2) or Glu ( hpr3) in yeast DNA polymerase I is responsible for the ts phenotype.

Two complex regions, including a TATA sequence, are required for transcription by RNA polymerase I inNeurospora crassa

In order to define the RNA polymerase I transcriptional apparatus and how it might interact with regulatory signals, the DNA sequences necessary for 40S rRNA transcription in Neurospora crassa were determined. A systematic set of deletion, substitution and insertion mutations were assayed in a homologous in vitro system. The sequences required for transcription of the gene consist of two large domains (I and II) from -113 to -37, and -29 to +4, respectively. Complete deletion of either domain abolished transcription. Upstream sequences confer a small stimulation of transcription. Domain II includes a TATA sequence at -5 which is sensitive to a small (2 bp) substitution and which is conserved among the large rRNA genes of many organisms. Domain I includes a sequence, termed the 'Ribo box', which is also required for transcription of the Neurospora 5S rRNA genes (1), and which occurs in the 5' region of a Neurospora ribosomal protein gene. The 5S and 40S Ribo boxes are shown to be functionally interchangeable.

Control of prophage integration and excision in bacteriophage P2: nucleotide sequences of the int gene and att sites

Integration of bacteriophage P2 into the Escherichia coli host genome involves recombination between two specific attachment sites, attP and attB, one on the phage and the other on the host genome, respectively. The reaction is controlled by the product of the phage int gene, a basic polypeptide of about 37 kDa [Ljungquist and Bertani, Mol.Gen.Genet.192(1983) 87–94].The int gene appears to be expressed differently by an infecting phage, as opposed to a prophage[Bertani, Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 65 (1970) 331–336].A 1200-bp region of P2 DNA containing the int gene and attP,the prophage hybrid ends attL and attR,and one bacterial attachment site,the preferred site locIfrom E.coli strain C, have all been sequenced. An open reading frame coding for a polypeptide of 337 amino acids corresponds to the int gene. The gene has no obvious promoter sequence preceding it. The int gene transcript seems to continue past the attP site downstream from it, suggesting a possible explanation for the previously observed difference in integration and excision.A comparison of the four attachment sites reveals a common ‘core’ sequence of 27 bp: 5'-AAAAAATAAGCCCGTGTAAGGGAGATT-3'.The P2 nip1 mutation, which increases prophage excision [Calendar et al.,Virology 47 (1972) 68–75], was found to lie within the int gene itself. The P2 saf variant,which has altered site preference [Six, Virology 29 (1966) 106–125], has a bp substitution within the core sequence.Three deletion/substitution mutants, vir22, vir94 and del3, also have altered core sequences.

The OBF1 protein and its DNA-binding site are important for the function of an autonomously replicating sequence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The autonomously replicating sequence ARS121 was cloned as a 480-base-pair (bp) long DNA fragment that confers on plasmids autonomous replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This fragment contains two OBF1-binding sites (sites I and II) of different affinities, as identified by a gel mobility shift assay and footprint analysis. Nucleotide substitutions (16 to 18 bp) within either of the two sites obliterated detectable in vitro OBF1 binding to the mutagenized site. Linker substitution (6 bp) mutations within the high-affinity site I showed effects similar to those of the complete substitution, whereas DNA mutagenized outside the binding site bound OBF1 normally. We also tested the mitotic stability of centromeric plasmids bearing wild-type and mutagenized copies of ARS121. Both deletion of the sites and the extensive base alterations within either of the two OBF1-binding sites reduced the percentage of plasmid-containing cells in the population from about 88% to 50 to 63% under selective growth and from about 46% to 15 to 20% after 10 to 12 generations of nonselective growth. Furthermore, linker (6 bp) substitutions within site I, the high-affinity binding site, showed similar deficiencies in plasmid stability. In contrast, plasmids containing linker substitutions in sequences contiguous to site I displayed wild-type stability. In addition, plasmid copy number analysis indicated that the instability probably resulted not from nondisjunction during mitosis but rather from inefficient plasmid replication. The results strongly support the notion that the OBF1-binding sites and the OBF1 protein are important for normal ARS function as an origin of replication.

The OBF1 protein and its DNA-binding site are important for the function of an autonomously replicating sequence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The autonomously replicating sequence ARS121 was cloned as a 480-base-pair (bp) long DNA fragment that confers on plasmids autonomous replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This fragment contains two OBF1-binding sites (sites I and II) of different affinities, as identified by a gel mobility shift assay and footprint analysis. Nucleotide substitutions (16 to 18 bp) within either of the two sites obliterated detectable in vitro OBF1 binding to the mutagenized site. Linker substitution (6 bp) mutations within the high-affinity site I showed effects similar to those of the complete substitution, whereas DNA mutagenized outside the binding site bound OBF1 normally. We also tested the mitotic stability of centromeric plasmids bearing wild-type and mutagenized copies of ARS121. Both deletion of the sites and the extensive base alterations within either of the two OBF1-binding sites reduced the percentage of plasmid-containing cells in the population from about 88% to 50 to 63% under selective growth and from about 46% to 15 to 20% after 10 to 12 generations of nonselective growth. Furthermore, linker (6 bp) substitutions within site I, the high-affinity binding site, showed similar deficiencies in plasmid stability. In contrast, plasmids containing linker substitutions in sequences contiguous to site I displayed wild-type stability. In addition, plasmid copy number analysis indicated that the instability probably resulted not from nondisjunction during mitosis but rather from inefficient plasmid replication. The results strongly support the notion that the OBF1-binding sites and the OBF1 protein are important for normal ARS function as an origin of replication.

Mutations Induced by60Co Gamma-irradiation in Double-stranded M13 Bacteriophage DNA in Nitrous-oxide Saturated Solutions are Characterized by a High Specificity

Irradiation of double-stranded M13 mp10 DNA in a diluted aqueous solution under N2O leads to a very specific mutation spectrum. Fifteen of 28 mutations induced in a 144 base pair (bp) target are C/G to G/C transversions, the other five bp substitutions are C/G to A/T transversions. Six mutations were single bp deletions, one is a large deletion of 180 bp and one is a 10 bp duplication which is probably from spontaneous origin. The mutations are not randomly distributed throughout the 144 bp mutation target but concentrated around two sites. The differences and similarities with the radiation-induced mutation spectrum previously obtained under oxygen are discussed.