A molecular phylogeny of the marine mussel genus Perna (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) based on nuclear (ITS1&2) and mitochondrial (COI) DNA sequences.

A molecular phylogeny is presented for marine mussels of the genus Perna, based on nuclear (ITS1,ITS2) and mitochondrial (COI) DNA sequence data. The three generally recognised species (Perna viridis, Perna perna and Perna canaliculus) and one putative species (Perna picta) were each sampled from several locations within their known geographic distributions. A range of phylogenetic analyses was used to investigate the current taxonomic assignments, evolutionary relationships and the biogeographical history of the genus.

Microsatellites: consensus and controversy.

Microsatellite DNA loci have recently been adopted for many biological applications. Comparative studies across a wide range of species has revealed many details of their mutational properties and evolutionary life cycles. Experience shows that a full understanding of these processes is essential to ensure the effective use of microsatellites as analytical tools.

An ovine adenovirus vector lacks transforming ability in cells that are transformed by AD5 E1A/B sequences.

Adenoviruses of the Mastadenovirus and Aviadenovirus genera are able to transform certain cell types and induce tumor formation in susceptible animals. For the mastadenoviruses the E1A/B sequences are largely responsible for these properties but E4 sequences may also be involved. The transforming sequences of the aviadenoviruses, which lack E1A/B and E4 homologues, have not yet been fully identified.

Construction and transfection of ovine adenovirus genomic clones to rescue modified viruses.

The genome of ovine adenovirus OAV287 has an arrangement which is unique among known adenoviruses. To facilitate further experimentation on the structure and function of this genome, plasmids containing a complete clone of the genome were constructed. The cloned viral genome was released from plasmids by restriction enzyme digestion as an intact linear molecule with authentic 5' termini.

An engineered PGK promoter and lac operator-repressor system for the regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells.

Previous reports have demonstrated that the Escherichia coli lac repressor can operate effectively in mammalian cells to repress expression of genes driven by modified viral or metallothionein (MT) promoters. We have developed a more general expression system using the promoter from the PGK1 gene (encoding murine 3-phosphoglycerate kinase) which is widely expressed in almost all cell types, including early embryonic and ES (embryonic stem) cells. Firstly, we engineered the lac repressor to include a nuclear localisation signal and placed it under control of the PGK1 promoter.