Evolution of the genetic code through progressive symmetry breaking.

Evolution of the genetic code in an early RNA world is dependent on the steadily improving specificity of the coevolving protein synthesis machinery for codons, anticodons, tRNAs and amino acids. In the beginning, there is RNA but the machinery does not distinguish yet between the codons, which therefore all encode the same information. Synonymous codons are equivalent under a symmetry group that exchanges (permutes) the codons without affecting the code.

Cloning, nucleotide sequence determination and expression of the genes encoding cytochrome P-450soy (soyC) and ferredoxinsoy (soyB) from Streptomyces griseus.

Xenobiotic transformation by Streptomyces griseus (ATCC13273) is catalysed by a cytochrome P-450, designated cytochrome P-450soy. A DNA segment carrying the structural gene encoding P-450soy (soyC) was cloned using an oligonucleotide probe constructed from the protein sequence of a tryptic peptide. Following DNA sequencing the deduced amino acid sequence of P-450soy was compared with that for P-450cam, revealing conservation of important structural components including the haem pocket.

Brain interleukin 1 gene expression induced by peripheral lipopolysaccharide administration.

In an attempt to demonstrate and localize intracerebral interleukin 1 (IL-1) synthesis we examined IL-1 alpha and mRNA expression in various brain regions after peripheral administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta gene expression were detected 3 hours after LPS administration by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while no mRNA was found under basal conditions or 18 hours after injection. IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNAs were differently distributed within the brain.

Ferredoxins from two sulfonylurea herbicide monooxygenase systems in Streptomyces griseolus.

We have purified and characterized two ferredoxins, designated Fd-1 and Fd-2, from the soluble protein fraction of sulfonylurea herbicide induced Streptomyces griseolus. These cells have previously been shown to contain two inducible cytochromes P-450, P-450SU1 (CYP105A1) and P-450SU2 (CYP105B1), responsible for herbicide metabolism [O'Keefe, D. P.

Isolation and characterization of levansucrase-encoding gene from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

The gene encoding levansucrase (LVS) from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (sacB[BamP]) was isolated, sequenced and expressed in Bacillus subtilis. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of sacB[BamP] reveals extensive homology with that of the B. subtilis LVS-encoding gene in the promoter and coding region.

Genes for two herbicide-inducible cytochromes P-450 from Streptomyces griseolus.

Streptomyces griseolus ATCC 11796 contains two inducible, herbicide-metabolizing cytochromes P-450 previously designated P-450SU1 and P-450SU2 (P-450CVA1 and P-450CVB1, respectively, using nomenclature of Nebert et al. [D. W.

Viruslike particles containing knob-associated histidine-rich protein are secreted into the culture medium of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro cultures.

This report describes the isolation of a viruslike particle from in vitro cultures of the human malaria parasite P. falciparum. Electronmicroscopic observations suggest that the particles are liberated into the culture medium by budding from the erythrocyte membrane.

[Isolation of virus-like particles of in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum].

We have isolated virus-like particles from in vitro cultures of the malarial agent Plasmodium falciparum. These particles have a buoyant density of 1.16 g/cm3, contain DNA, and appear to arise from budding structures on the surface of parasitized erythrocytes.

Cloning and sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum DNA fragments containing repetitive regions potentially coding for histidine-rich proteins: identification of two overlapping reading frames.

DNA sequences, potentially coding for histidine-rich proteins, were isolated from a P. falciparum genomic library using an oligonucleotide probe consisting of histidine codon repeats. Sequencing revealed that the different DNA fragments contain long repetitive regions very homologous to the probe.

Transformation of human 143 tk- cells with plasmids containing the gene encoding the adenovirus DNA-binding protein.

Human cell lines that contain and express the gene encoding the adenovirus type 5 DNA-binding protein (Ad5 DBP) are very useful for the isolation of adenovirus mutants with an altered DBP. In order to obtain these cells, human 143 tk- cells were transfected, using the calcium phosphate technique, with plasmids containing the Ad5 DBP gene and the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV tk) gene as a selectable marker. Characterization of several tk+ transformants revealed that these cells did contain the HSV tk gene, but in none of these cells could Ad5 DBP DNA sequences be detected.

Studies on enzymes related to diacylglycerol production in activated platelets. I. Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C: further characterization using a simple method for determination of activity.

A simple method of determination of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C activity in soluble platelet extracts has been devised. It is based on the use of a total lipid extract from rat liver microsomes incubated with [3H]inositol in the presence of MnCl2. Phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis can thus be detected by determining hydrosoluble radioactivity formed upon incubation with enzyme fractions.