Slot-blot Hybridization Assay Research Articles

Quantitative Detection of Residual E. coli Host Cell DNA by Real-Time PCR

E. coli has been widely used as a host system to manufacture recombinant proteins for human therapeutic use. Among impurities to be eliminated during the downstream process, residual host cell DNA is a major interest for safety. Residual E. coli host cell DNA in the final products are usually determined using conventional slot blot hybridization assay or total DNA Threshold assay, although these methods are time consuming, expensive, and relatively insensitive. Therefore a sensitive real-time PCR assay for specific detection of residual E. coli DNA was developed and compared with slot blot hybridization assay and Threshold assay to validate the overall capability of these methods. Specific primer pair for amplification of the E. coli 16S rRNA gene was selected to improve the sensitivity, and E. coli host cell DNA was quantified by use of SYBR Green 1. The detection limit of real-time PCR assay in the optimized condition was calculated to be 0.042 pg genomic DNA, which is much higher than those of slot blot hybridization assay and Threshold assay of which detection limit were 2.42 and 3.73 pg genomic DNA, respectively. The real-time PCR assay was validated to be more reproducible, accurate, and precise than slot blot hybridization assay and Threshold assay. The real-time PCR assay may be a useful tool for quantitative detection and clearance validation of residual E. coli DNA during the manufacturing process for recombinant therapeutics.

Characterization of high-capacity adenovirus production by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction: a comparative study of different titration methods

High-capacity adenoviruses (HC-Ad) hold great promise for the treatment of many diseases. The major drawbacks for the clinical application of this vector concern difficulties with respect to large-scale production, and the absence of standardized methods for production and titration. In the present study, we compare the different methods found in the literature for characterizing HC-Ad production. Two productions of the HC-Ad carrying murine IL-12 gene were obtained. The viral titer and adenovirus-helper contamination as well as viral particle concentration of both productions were determined using different methods: (i) quantification of total viral particles by spectrophotometry and plaque assay to estimate first-generation (FG)-helper-Ad contamination; (ii) quantification of HC-Ad and FG-helper-Ad genomes by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) directly from viral stock; (iii) quantification of viral genomes after cell infection by the slot-blot hybridization assay and (iv) qPCR. Dramatic differences with respect to viral titer were found depending on the method used. The first method overestimates HC-Ad titer and underestimates FG-helper-Ad contamination and no information on the infectivity of the HC-Ad is obtained. qPCR analysis of viral stock is more sensitive and accurate, but information about infectivity remains unknown and FG-helper-Ad contamination is overestimated. Quantification of HC-Ad and FG-helper-Ad infectious units by-slot blot DNA hybridization and qPCR assay are found to be equally sensitive and accurate. The results of the present study demonstrate that a standardized method should be developed for HC-Ad characterization for future clinical applications of this vector. Quantification of HC-Ad production by qPCR is a fast, safe and reliable method for determining HC-Ad and FG-helper-Ad particles and infectious units.

Long-term assessment of nitrification in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant

In this study, long term nitrification performances and microbial composition in a full-scale oxidation ditch type wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were monitored and evaluated using different molecular methods; fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), slot-blot hybridization and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. In situ and membrane hybridization results indicated that Nitrosomonas species were identified as the dominant ammonia oxidizing bacteria and Nitrospira related species were detected as the prevailing nitrite oxidizing bacteria in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant throughout 2 years of operation. Real-time PCR using the LightCyclerinstrument has been developed for the quantification of ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) and 16S rRNA genes. Results suggest that real-time PCR analysis, amoA/16S rRNA ratio, is an alternative method to understand nitrifying bacterial population and activity in wastewater treatment plant compared with the FISH and slot-blot hybridization assays. The autotrophic/heterotrophic bacterial ratio and their influence on reactor performances were investigated using real-time PCR amoA/16S rRNA gene copy ratios and the results showed that this ratio varied from 3.6% to 8.3% during operational period.

The development and evaluation of a single step multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti

A single step novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been developed for simultaneous detection of human filarial parasites, Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti, from blood samples and mosquitoes. The primers used were novel and have been tested with the parasite DNA amplifying 188bp (BM) and 129bp (WB) DNA fragments, specific to B. malayi and W. bancrofti, respectively, in a single reaction. The specificity of the PCR product was confirmed by DNA sequencing and slot blot hybridization assay. The test was found highly sensitive for both B. malayi and W. bancrofti by detecting the parasitaemia up to the level of one microfilaria per reaction. The assay was further evaluated on 98 blood samples and 144 mosquito samples collected from filarial endemic areas. The PCR was found to be more efficient in comparison to microscopy by detecting 8% and 5% more filarial parasites in field-collected blood and mosquito samples, respectively. This novel PCR that offers scope for simultaneous detection of both the parasites may be used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of filariasis in population and can be adopted for rapid surveillance and monitoring of mosquitoes for use in the effective control of filariasis.

Identification of rare Candida species and other yeasts by polymerase chain reaction and slot blot hybridization

Invasive candidiasis has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Here we describe a fast and reliable DNA extraction and PCR amplification method in combination with a slot blot hybridization assay. A genus-specific probe was designed that allowed to detect DNA from a broad range of Candida species and 3 other yeasts. In addition, species-specific oligonucleotides for emerging Candida and other yeast species allowed to identify DNA extracted from Candida lusitaniae, Candida humicola, Candida kefyr, Candida inconspicua, Candida solani, Malassezia furfur and Trichosporon cutaneum. A sensitivity of at least 10 1 CFU, corresponding to 100 fg of fungal DNA, was documented for all species-specific probes and the common Candida probe. In addition, the 18S rRNA genes of 7 yeast species ( C. humicola, C. kefyr, C. solani, C. inconspicua, C. norvegensis, C. utilis and M. furfur) were completely sequenced. The sequencing primers described bind to highly conserved primer binding sites. Therefore, these primers would allow rapid cycle sequence of additional ribosomal genes throughout the whole kingdom of fungi.

The use of DIG-labelled cRNA probes for the detection of cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) and odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus (ORSV) in orchids

DIG-labelled sense and antisense cRNA probes were synthesized from cDNA clones of CymMV and ORSV for virus detection in infected plants. A slot-blot hybridization assay was developed using either crude leaf extracts or total RNA from infected leaves. The assay could detect 50 and 250 pg of purified CymMV and ORSV RNA, respectively. As little as 30 mg of Nicotiana benthamiana infected leaves was sufficient to provide positive detection. CymMV and ORSV were detected at 3125 and 625 times dilution of leaf extracts, respectively. The DIG-labelled cRNA probes are stable for more than a year. This method is sensitive, reliable and suitable for large-scale routine testing of plant viruses. By using the two DIG-labelled cRNA probes in situ, CymMV and ORSV were localized in systemically infected leaves and stems of N. benthamiana and orchids.

Correlation of take-all disease severity and inoculum level of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici using a slot-blot hybridization assay

The amount of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici inoculum was quantified by slot-blot hybridization assay, using a specific DNA probe, pG158. Estimates of the amount of G. graminis var. tritici DNA in naturally infested and inoculated soils were made and correlated with take-all disease severity as determined by a conventional soil bioassay (expressed as a percentage of seminal roots with G. graminis var. tritici lesions). Disease severity in the glasshouse assay and DNA levels were highly correlated. The level of take-all disease severity in naturally infested soil can be predicted using the equation y i = 53.078 log ( x i ) + 88.866, where y i = the predicted value of the disease severity (%) and x i = amount of G. graminis var. tritici DNA (ng) in 100 g soil. The DNA-based assay for quantifying the amount of G. graminis var. tritici has been further developed and improved in terms of the sampling techniques and efficiency. Soils of different types were collected to a depth of 10cm and organic matter between 0.5—1.4 mm in size was separated from this soil. Using a slot-blot hybridization assay, it was found that G. graminis var. tritici was mostly present in the organic matter fraction greater than a size of 0.5 mm and in soil at a depth of 5 cm. This rapid and reliable DNA-based assay is being used in conjunction with a model of take-all disease development to predict disease levels in the field due to G. graminis var. tritici .

Quantitative assessment of serum hepatitis B virus DNA: comparison between two different methods

Serum HBV DNA levels were quantified simultaneously by slot-blot hybridization using digoxigenin-labeled probe (S) and by Abbott HBV DNA assay (A). Samples, 69, from 64 patients seropositive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were included and the percentages of hepatocytes containing hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) were also compared. The extent of HBcAg staining was only moderately correlated with HBV DNA levels detected by either Abbott (R2 = 0.41; P < 0.01) or slot-blot hybridization (R2 = 0.33; P < 0.01) assays. On the other hand, HBV DNA concentrations assessed by either method were well correlated although the levels differed markedly (S = 3.0 × A1.31; R2 = 0.85; P < 0.01). These results indicated that digoxigenin-labeled probe can be used to quantify serum HBV DNA concentration, although a different range of levels was obtained when compared with Abbott HBV DNA assay.

Detection ofPneumocystis cariniiin induced sputa from immunocompromised patients using a repetitive DNA probe

A hybridization assay for the detection ofPneumocystis cariniiwas developed using a repetitive DNA fragment ofP.c. hominis. The assay was specific as different micro-organisms typically found in the respiratory tract, normal human lung DNA (A 549 cell line) and normal rat lung DNA did not react with the repetitive probe. In a slot blot (SB) hybridization assay, the repetitive probe was able to detect as few as 100P.c. hominisorganisms with no false-positives. The results of the SB hybridization assay were compared with an immunofluorescence (IFA) assay for the detection ofP.c. hominisin 84 induced sputum (IS) samples obtained from 52 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients, 22 HIV-seronegative patients and 10 healthy individuals. Samples from 24 patients clinically diagnosed withP. cariniipneumonia (PCP) were positive forP.c. hominisby both assays. In addition, the SB assay detectedP.c. hominisin 14 patients (10 HIV-positive and four HIV-negative) who were negative by IFA. All 14 samples showed a positive PCR signal for theP.c. hominisdihydrofolate reductase gene, further confirming the presence ofP.c. hominisin these specimens. Twelve of these patients had a clinical course highly suggestive of PCP and were either onP. cariniiprophylaxis orP. cariniichemotherapy. The other two samples were from HIV-positive patients who had respiratory illness due to causes other thanP.c. hominis(disseminated histoplasmosis and fatalBordetellapneumonia). Detection ofP.c. hominisin these samples suggests that these patients may have subclinical colonization byP.c. hominis.Furthermore,P.c. hominiswas detected in all 12 sequential IS samples from six AIDS patients who had primary episodes of PCR using the SB assay, whileP.c. hominiswas detected only in eight samples by IFA (66·6%). All six patients developed recurrent PCP within 6 months from the time the assays were performed, further illustrating the potential of the SB hybridization assay in monitoring PCP recurrence. Thus, the ability of the SB hybridization assay to detect a low parasite load suggests that this assay may become an important supplemental tool, along with current cytological methods, for detectingP.c. hominisin patient populations with lower burdens of the organism and in identifying asymptomatic carriers of the parasite in healthy and immunosuppressed individuals.

Quantification of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici in infected roots and soil using slot-blot hybridization

A slot-blot hybridization assay for quantifying Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, in diseased roots and in soil, using a specific and sensitive DNA probe (pG158), has been developed. The pG158 probe hybridized strongly to pathogenic isolates of G. graminis var. tritici, moderately to G. graminis var. avenae and did not hybridize to non-pathogenic G. graminis var. graminis and to a wide range of other soil fungi. The pG158 contains a dispersed highly repeated sequence which provides the high level of sensitivity needed for a quantitative diagnostic test. The amount of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici in soil can be estimated directly from the test soil without growing the susceptible plants or culturing the fungus. pG158 detects approximately 1·0 ng and 0·3 ng of G. graminis var. tritici DNA in 1 μg total DNA extracted from diseased roots and from highly infested soil organic matter, respectively. Both the high copy clone, pG158 and a single copy clone, pG217, clearly distinguished the three varieties of G. graminis and can be used for accurate intra-specific classifications of G. graminis isolates. The pG158 probe provides a tool for field researchers to determine levels of pathogenic isolates of G. graminis in soils and to study the ecology of this fungus.

Temporal and spatial alterations in uterine estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor gene expression during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in the ewe.

Mechanisms regulating responses of the ovine uterus to endocrine and paracrine signals during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are likely to require tissue- and cell-specific regulation of steroid hormone receptor gene expression. To determine effects of day and pregnancy status (cyclic or pregnant) on uterine estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) gene expression, ewes were hysterectomized either on Day 1 (Day 0 = estrus/mating), 6, 11, 13, or 15 of the estrous cycle (n = 3/day) or on Day 11, 13, 15, 17, or 25 of early pregnancy (n = 5/day). Steady state levels of ER and PR mRNA were determined in endometrial and myometrial tissues by slot-blot hybridization and ribonuclease protection assays, respectively, using homologous ovine ER and PR cRNA probes. Changes in spatial expression of ER and PR mRNA and protein in uterine tissue sections were determined by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical analyses. In cyclic ewes, steady state levels of endometrial ER mRNA were highest on Day 1, declined between Days 1 and 6, and increased between Days 11 and 15. However in pregnant ewes, endometrial ER mRNA levels decreased between Days 11 and 15 and increased slightly between Days 15 and 25. In cyclic ewes, levels of myometrial ER mRNA were highest on Day 1, decreased to Day 6, and remained low thereafter. In cyclic ewes, endometrial PR mRNA levels were highest on Day 1, decreased between Days 1 and 11, and then increased between Days 13 and 15. In cyclic ewes, myometrial PR mRNA levels were highest on Day 1 and declined thereafter. Endometrial PR mRNA levels were not different between cyclic and pregnant ewes on Days 11, 13, and 15. In pregnant ewes, PR mRNA levels were low on Day 11, increased between Days 11 and 17, and decreased between Days 17 and 25. In pregnant ewes, myometrial PR mRNA levels were low and did not change between Days 11 and 25. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemical analyses revealed distinct tissue- and cell type-specific alterations in uterine ER and PR mRNA and protein expression during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy that generally paralleled overall changes in steady state levels of ER and PR mRNAs. In the endometrium, the most striking observation was that PR mRNA and protein expression disappeared from the luminal and shallow glandular epithelium between Days 6 and 13 of the estrous cycle, whereas ER mRNA and protein expression was low on Days 6 and 11 and increased between Days 11 and 15 in the luminal and shallow glandular epithelium. During early pregnancy, expression of ER and PR mRNAs, as well as ER and PR protein, was very low or absent in the luminal and shallow glandular epithelium between Days 13 and 25 of pregnancy. Moreover, ER and PR mRNA and protein were consistently present at low levels in the stroma and deep glandular epithelium in both cyclic (Days 11-15) and pregnant (Days 11-25) ewes. Collectively, results suggest that uterine ER and PR gene expression is regulated in a tissue- and cell type-specific manner during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

An Oligonucleotide Probe That Distinguishes Isolates of Low Virulence from the More Pathogenic Strains of Newcastle Disease Virus

A synthesized oligonucleotide, termed cleavage probe (NDV-CL), has been designed to complement the cleavage-activation site of the fusion gene of the Texas GB isolate of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). This oligonucleotide probe, 21 bases in length, bound with RNA from velogenic strains of NDV tested in a slot-blot hybridization assay. The probe also recognized RNA from the mesogenic strains used in this assay, although no signal was observed with RNA isolated from lentogenic NDVs or with that from other common avian viruses used as controls. This probe did not recognize RNA from isolates of other paramyxovirus serotypes (PMV-2 or PMV-3) included in this study. The ability of this probe to distinguish lentogenic NDVs, which cause little or no clinical disease, from those strains that may produce severe morbidity and/or mortality suggests a potential use for the probe in a molecular diagnostic assay.

Chemiluminescent detection of infectious bursal disease virus with a PCR-generated nonradiolabeled probe.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated digoxigenin-labeled nonradioactive oligonucleotide probe was developed and utilized in slot-blot hybridization coupled with chemiluminescence for the detection of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). The probe was prepared from the RNA of the standard challenge strain (STC) of IBDV serotype 1 by reverse transcription followed by 2 PCR amplifications with 2 separate sets of primers. RNA of STC viruses prepared from bursae infected with STC viruses was subjected to the first PCR with the outer primers V8 and V9 that amplified a 607-base pair (bp) segment. The PCR product from the first PCR was eluted following agarose gel electrophoresis and subjected to the second PCR with the nested primers V6 and V7 that flanked a 351-bp segment. In the second PCR, dTTP was substituted by digoxigenin-11-dUTP in the PCR reaction mixture so that the amplified 351-bp DNA products were labeled with digoxigenin. The specificity of the PCR-generated digoxigenin-labeled probe was tested on different strains of IBDV, several unrelated avian viruses, and bacteria by slot-blot hybridization assay. Hybridization was detected by chemiluminescence. The sensitivity of the probe was assayed using 10-fold serial dilutions of purified RNA from the STC strain of IBDV. The PCR-generated digoxigenin-labeled probe hybridized with genomic RNA of STC and variant strains A, D, E, G, and GLS-5 of IBDV serotype 1 but not OH strain of IBDV serotype 2. The probe did not react with avian reovirus, infectious bronchitis virus, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, or Staphylococcus aureus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age-related changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and alpha-smooth muscle actin gene expression in aortas of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase gene and the SR Ca2+ pump function were investigated in thoracic aortas of 5- and 17-week-old normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The relative level of the two isoforms of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA expressed in the aorta (i.e., SERCA 2a and SERCA 2b) was determined by quantitative S1 nuclease protection analysis and normalized to the level of alpha-smooth muscle (alpha-Sm) actin mRNA. The level of alpha-Sm actin mRNA itself was normalized to the level of 18S ribosomal RNA using slot-blot hybridization assays. Total SR Ca2+ pump activity was estimated by measuring the rate of oxalate-supported Ca2+ uptake in homogenates. At 5 weeks, the amount of SERCA 2a and SERCA 2b mRNA, normalized to 18S ribosomal RNA, and the ratio of alpha-Sm actin mRNA to 18S RNA were identical in SHR and WKY rats. The Ca2+ pump activity was similar in the two strains of rats at 5 weeks. From 5 to 17 weeks, the amount of SERCA 2a mRNA increased in both strains while the level of SERCA 2b mRNA remained constant. The Ca2+ pump activity was unchanged in SHRs and tended to decrease in WKY rats. Accordingly, the change in the ratio of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA isoforms does not appear to influence SR function. The level of alpha-Sm actin mRNA and SERCA 2a mRNA increased in parallel from 5 to 17 weeks in both strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Radioactive and enzymatic cloned cDNA probes for bovine enteric coronavirus detection by molecular hybridization.

SummaryGenomic RNA of F15 strain bovine enteric coronavirus (BECV) was cloned inE. coli. Three clones (174, 160, PG 78), selected in the cDNA library, including a large portion of the nucleocapsid (N), matrix (M) and peplomeric (S) protein genes, were used as probes for a slot blot hybridization assay. Two probe labelling techniques were compared, radiolabelling with32P and enzymatic labelling through covalent linkage to peroxidase and chemiluminescence detection. The radioactive probe 174 detected as little as 1 to 3 pg of viral RNA, while the less sensitive enzymatic probe could not reveal more than 100 pg of RNA. No significant detection amplification was achieved when a mixture of the three probes was used. Probe 174 allowed specific identification for BECV. No hybridization was noticed either with rotaviruses or even with other antigenically unrelated members of the familyCoronaviridae such as transmissible gastroenteritis virus. The test proved valid for detection of BECV in the supernatant of infected HRT-18 cells: genomic RNA could be detected after direct spotting of samples, but prior nucleic acid extraction after proteinase K treatment improved virus detection. BECV diagnosis in faecal samples using enzymatic probe was compared with conventional diagnostic methods.

A Novel Oligonucleotide Probe for the Detection of Newcastle Disease Virus

An approach that possesses high specificity and broad applicability was used to obtain a DNA probe with potential diagnostic value. By utilizing synthesized oligonucleotide DNA, termed NDV probe, all 14 strains of NDV tested under high-stringency conditions were recognized in a slot-blot hybridization assay. The sequence of the NDV probe was generated from a highly conserved region of the NDV genome. No hybridization was observed with RNA isolated from other avian viruses, including avian influenza, infectious bursal disease, and infectious bronchitis. The specificity inherent in using an oligonucleotide probe offers advantages over probes obtained from cloned DNA fragments.

Evaluation of a DNA probe of plasmid origin for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cultures and clinical specimens

This study evaluates five cryptic plasmid-derived DNA probes in a 4-h slot-blot hybridization assay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cultures and clinical specimens. The probes, consisting of either the entire cloned 7.5 kbp cryptic plasmid pSE8 or one of four Hin dIII/Eco RI fragments measuring 710, 1055, 710, and 500 bp, respectively, were labelled with Photoprobe biotin. The probe was detected using a streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate followed by addition of BCIP and NBT. The sensitivity of the assay, using 25 ng of probe DNA, ranged from 50 pg (with the entire plasmid as probe) to 5 ng (with the 500 bp fragment as probe). A total of 103 reference strains of Chlamydia trachomatis and other bacteria were tested for reactivity with the probes. All 18 reference strains of C. trachomatis hybridized with the probes. None of the DNA from the heterologous organisms tested was found to hybridize with any of the probes. A total of 174 samples taken from patients visiting the STD clinic at the University Hospital, University of Seville were used in the study. The overall sensitivity of the assay, using the 710 bp biotinylated probe was 94.5% compared to culture while the specificity was 97.5%. Positive and negative predictive values were 96.5% and 97.5%, respectively. It appears that the plasmid-derived probes used in this study could serve as useful tools for the rapid and specific detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cell cultures and clinical specimens.

Distribution of type I phytochrome ( phyA) RNA1 and RNA2 in etiolated pea seedlings

Four-day-old etiolated pea seedlings were divided into 11 parts along the axis, from which poly(A) +RNA and DNA were extracted. Using a slot-blot hybridization assay, the abundance of pea type I phytochrome ( phyA) poly(A) +RNA was measured in each portion of the etiolated pea seedling. For the quantification of the phyA RNA, pea phyA RNA synthesized in vitro was used as an RNA standard. The hook region contained the highest abundance of phyA RNA (approximately 0.3 ng phyA RNA per microgram DNA) in the etiolated seedling. Two mRNAs of different length (the shorter designated as RNA1 and the longer RNA2) are produced in detectable amounts from single pea phyA in the etiolated seedling; the ratio of the abundance of phyA RNA1 to phyA RNA2 was determined in each of the 11 parts by a primer extension assay. The abundance of phyA RNA1 in the plumule and hook regions was 3–5-fold higher than that of RNA2, whereas the ratio of their abundance was approximately unity in other regions. A time course study of the abundance of both RNAs was carried out during the imbibition of seeds and indicated that the accumulation of phyA RNA1 occurred more rapidly in the cotyledons than that of RNA2 during the first day of imbibition, whereas the accumulation of phyA RNA2 increased rapidly during the second day and became as high as that of phyA RNA1 by the third day.

Differentiation between transmissible gastroenteritis virus and porcine respiratory coronavirus using a cDNA probe.

A plasmid, pG3BS, containing a cDNA clone from the 5' coding region of the peplomer glycoprotein gene appears to be specific for enteric transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) strains and for live-attenuated TGEV vaccines. This cDNA probe is used to differentiate porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) isolates from TGEV field and vaccine strains by a slot blot hybridization assay. Probe pG3BS also hybridizes to canine coronavirus (CCV) RNA but does not hybridize to antigenically related feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) RNA. The RNAs of 13 enteric TGEV isolates from the United States, Japan, and England, 4 US-licensed live-attenuated TGEV vaccines, and antigenically closely related CCV were detected by pG3BS. The RNAs of FIPV and 3 US isolates of PRCV did not react with pG3BS but were detected by a TGEV-derived plasmid, pRP3. Pigs infected with either PRCV or TGEV test serologically positive for TGEV antibody by the serum neutralization test. Characterization of the virus circulating in a swine herd by the pG3BS probe will differentiate between an enteric TGEV and a respiratory PRCV infection.

Fasting decreases apolipoprotein B mRNA editing and the secretion of small molecular weight apoB by rat hepatocytes: evidence that the total amount of apoB secreted is regulated post-transcriptionally

Two different molecular weight forms of apoB are produced from a common initial transcript via editing of a Gln codon (CAA) to a stop codon (UAA), leading to a truncated translation product (apo BS) that consists of the amino terminal half of the larger form (apoBL). Previous studies have shown that fasting coordinately decreases lipogenesis and the secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) lipids and apoBS. Secretion of the apoBL is unaffected by fasting. We studied whether editing of apoB RNA is repressed by fasting, thus accounting for the selective decreased secretion of apoBS. Column chromatography of [35S]methionine-labeled lipoproteins secreted by hepatocytes from fed rats showed that essentially all of apoBL is secreted in the VLDL fraction, whereas a significant amount (15%) of apoBS is secreted associated as lipoproteins eluting in the HDL fractions. Fasting decreased the relative amount of apoBS that eluted in the VLDL fractions and increased the amount secreted in the HDL fractions. Consistent with previous results, hepatocytes from fasted rats show a selective twofold decrease in apoBS secretion. Fasting did not affect the relative abundance of apoB RNA, determined by slot blot hybridization assays using two different 32P-labeled cDNA probes coding either for both molecular weight forms or for only the large molecular weight form. However, quantitative of the editing of apoB RNA showed that fasting caused a 60% decrease in the amount of apoB RNA possessing the stop codon. These data show that the editing of apoB RNA is sensitive to metabolic state (i.e., fasting) resulting in a selective decrease in the secretion of apoBS. However, since the total secretion of apoB was decreased by fasting, while apoB mRNA levels remained constant, additional (post-transcriptional) mechanisms play a role in regulating apoB secretion.