Identification of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein by monoclonal antibodies.

A number of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 proteins have recently been identified in human cervical carcinoma cell lines using polyclonal antisera against papillomavirus gene products expressed in Escherichia coli. E7 protein has been found to be the most abundant papillomavirus protein in these cells. Here we describe a panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing a 15K Mr non-glycosylated cytoplasmic HPV-16 E7 protein. One of the antibodies cross-reacted with HPV-18 E7 protein.

Developmental regulation of DNase I-hypersensitive sites in Dictyostelium discoideum.

We have studied two regions of Dictyostelium discoideum chromatin and identified several DNase I-hypersensitive sites in these regions. One of these sites is located about 300 to 500 bases upstream of the transcriptional start site of a gene that is expressed at all stages of development. This site is present in both vegetative cells and postaggregation cells. Another hypersensitive site is associated with a gene that is expressed only after the multicellular stage. This site is located about 400 bases upstream of the start site, and it is present only in postaggregation cells. Thus, much like higher eucaryotes, D. discoideum contains DNase I-hypersensitive sites that may be involved in the regulation of the genes with which they are associated.

Identification of early proteins of the human papilloma viruses type 16 (HPV 16) and type 18 (HPV 18) in cervical carcinoma cells.

We have sequenced 1730 bp of human papilloma virus type 18 (HPV 18) DNA containing the open reading frames (ORF) E6, E7, the N-terminal part of E1 and, additionally, 120 bp of the N-terminal part of L1. Based on these sequencing data, together with the human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV 16) DNA sequence published recently, we identified and cloned the ORF E6, E7, E1 and L1 of HPV 18 and the ORF E6, E7, E1, E4, E5, L2 and L1 of HPV 16 into prokaryotic expression vectors. The expression system used provides fusions to the N-terminal part of the MS2 polymerase gene controlled by the heat-inducible lambda PL promoter. Using the purified fusion proteins as immunogens we raised antisera against the proteins encoded by the ORF E6, E7 and E1 of HPV 18 as well as those encoded by the ORF E6, E7, E4 and L1 of HPV 16. By Western blot analysis we could show that the E7 gene product is the most abundant protein in cell lines containing HPV 16 or HPV 18 DNA. It is a cytoplasmic protein of 15 kd in the SiHa and the CaSki cell lines which contain HPV 16 DNA, and 12 kd in the HeLa, the C4-1 and the SW756 cell lines which contain HPV 18 DNA. These results were confirmed by in vitro translation of hybrid-selected HPV 16 and HPV 18 specific poly(A)+ RNA from SiHa, CaSki and HeLa cells. Additionally, these experiments led to the identification of an 11-kd E6 and a 10-kd E4 protein in the CaSki cell line as well as a 70-kd E1 protein in HeLa cells.

Human papillomavirus type 16 DNA sequence.

The complete nucleotide sequence of HPV16 DNA (7904 bp) cloned from an invasive cervical carcinoma was determined. Homology comparisons allowed us to align the major open reading frames with the other published papilloma virus DNA sequences. The general organization of the open reading frames is similar to that of the other four papillomavirus (BPV1, HPV1a, HPV6b, CRPV) already sequenced. The sequence reveals an interruption of the reading frame coding for a suspected E1 protein.

Construction of a fusion gene that confers resistance against hygromycin B to mammalian cells in culture.

Mouse L fibroblasts and other mammalian cells are killed by the translation inhibitor hygromycin B. We have modified the gene conferring resistance against hygromycin B in E. coli in such a way that it can be transcribed in mammalian cells from the promoter of the HSVtk gene. The resulting plasmid, pHMR272, was transfected into mouse L fibroblasts and HeLa cells by the calcium phosphate method and upon selection produced clones resistant against hygromycin B. The transfection rate was similar to that obtained with other selective markers. This plasmid is a useful addition to the relatively small number of dominant selectable markers available for mammalian cells.

Isolation of cDNA clones coding for rat tyrosine aminotransferase.

Tyrosine aminotransferase (TyrATase; L-tyrosine: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.5) from rat liver is subject to glucocorticoid and cAMP as well as developmental control. To isolate DNA sequences encoding TyrATase, we constructed a cDNA library from rat liver poly(A)+RNA enriched for TyrATase mRNA. Recombinant plasmids were screened by differential colony hybridization to poly(A)+RNA isolated from adrenalectomized and dexamethasone-treated animals. Differentially hybridizing plasmids were then shown to contain TyrATase cDNA sequences by their ability to select a mRNA whose in vitro translation product is immunoprecipitable with antiserum against TyrATase. In confirmation, we detect mRNA homologous to TyrATase cDNA sequences in hepatoma cell lines known to contain TyrATase activity but not in a cell line lacking this activity. We show that treatment of rats with dexamethasone or N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate leads to a 5- to 10-fold increase in the amount of TyrATase mRNA.

Isolation and characterization of the rat tryptophan oxygenase gene.

Tryptophan oxygenase (TO, EC 1.13.1.12) from rat liver is subject to glucocorticoid and developmental control. To study the mechanism of regulation, TO mRNA sequences and the chromosomal TO gene were cloned. From a cDNA library prepared from rat liver poly(A)+ RNA enriched for TO mRNA, a recombinant plasmid containing TO cDNA sequences was identified by translation of hybrid-selected RNA and immunoprecipitation with antibodies directed against TO. This cDNA clone hybridizes to a mRNA 2000 bases long that is inducible by dexamethasone. With this clone as probe we isolated from a bacteriophage lambda rat DNA library genomic clones which together span a region of 32 kilobase pairs (kb). Heteroduplex analysis revealed that the gene extends over 19 kb and is interrupted by at least 11 introns. To characterize the presumptive control region the DNA sequence around the 5' end of the TO gene was determined. S1 nuclease protection experiments revealed two separate start sites for TO mRNA transcription within this region.

Analysis of the multigene family coding the developmentally regulated carbohydrate-binding protein discoidin-I in D. discoideum.

Using recombinant DNA technology, we have isolated chimeric plasmids carrying genomic or cDNA sequences complementary to mRNA encoding the developmentally regulated carbohydrate-binding protein Discoidin-I. The protein is encoded by a 4-5 member multigene family. Mapping of the genomic sequences by DNA blot hybridization suggests that several of the genes are closely linked. RNA excess hybridization kinetics indicate that Discoidin-I mRNA is found in less than one copy per gene per cell during vegetative growth, and increases 500-1000 fold during the first 6 hr of development. The Discoidin-I mRNA concentration decreases during later stages of development. mRNA complementary to the genes shows two bands of -1.0-1.1 kb on acrylamide gels, indicating heterogeneity either in the genes or in mRNA processing.