Cross-validated methods for promoter/transcription start site mapping in SL trans-spliced genes, established using the Ciona intestinalis troponin I gene.

In conventionally-expressed eukaryotic genes, transcription start sites (TSSs) can be identified by mapping the mature mRNA 5'-terminal sequence onto the genome. However, this approach is not applicable to genes that undergo pre-mRNA 5'-leader trans-splicing (SL trans-splicing) because the original 5'-segment of the primary transcript is replaced by the spliced leader sequence during the trans-splicing reaction and is discarded. Thus TSS mapping for trans-spliced genes requires different approaches.

Extensive genomic polymorphism within Mycobacterium avium.

We have initiated comparative genomic analysis of Mycobacterium avium subspecies by DNA microarray, uncovering 14 large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs) comprising over 700 kb that distinguish M. avium subsp. avium from M.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex transcriptome of attenuation.

Although the deletion of RD1 is likely correlated to attenuation from virulence for members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex, the reasons for this phenotype remain to be fully explained. As genomic variation is responsible for at least a component of variability in gene expression, we looked to the in vitro global expression profile of the RD1 artificial knockout from M. tuberculosis H37Rv (H37Rv:deltaRD1) for clues to elucidate its phenotypic shift towards attenuation.

Ascidian larva reveals ancient origin of vertebrate-skeletal-muscle troponin I characteristics in chordate locomotory muscle.

Ascidians are protochordates related to vertebrate ancestors. The ascidian larval tail, with its notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and flanking rows of sarcomeric muscle cells, exhibits the basic chordate body plan. Molecular characterization of ascidian larval tail muscle may provide insight into molecular aspects of vertebrate skeletal muscle evolution.