Academic literature on the topic 'Conserved Sequence: genetics'

AbstractAlthough epigenetic states are typically associated with DNA-methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, RNAs often play an important role in their regulation. Specific examples have already been discussed in the context of dosage compensation (see book ► Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-68670-3_4 of Wutz) and genomic imprinting (see book ► Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-68670-3_5 of Grossniklaus). In this Chapter, we will take a closer look at a particular class of RNAs implicated in gene silencing. Although the focus will lie on RNA-based silencing mechanisms in plants, many of its components, such as RNase III-related DICERLIKE endonucleases or small RNA-binding ARGONAUTE proteins, are conserved in animals, plants, and fungi. On the one hand, small RNAs are involved in post-transcriptional silencing by targeting mRNAs for degradation or inhibiting their translation, a feature that has been exploited for large-scale genetic screens. On the other hand, they also play a central role in transcriptional gene silencing, for instance in the repression of transposable elements across a wide variety of organisms. In plants, this involves a complex system whereby small RNAs derived from transposons and repeats direct DNA-methylation and repressive histone modifications in a sequence-specific manner. Recent results link this so-called RNA-dependent DNA-methylation to paramutation, a classical epigenetic phenomenon where one allele directs a heritable epigenetic change in another.

Abstract Mss4 was originally identified in a genetic screen as a mammalian suppressor of the yeast secretory mutant sec4- 8, which contains a point mutation in the Sec4 protein (Burton et al. 1993). The goal of the study was to identify mammalian proteins involved in exocytosis that have been conserved in evolution using yeast genetics. Rat brain cDNAs were expressed in yeast using the expression vector pVT102U and Mss4 was isolated by its ability to restore growth to the sec4-8 strain at the restrictive temperature of 37°C (Fig. 1). The nucleotide sequence of Mss4 is shown in Fig. 2. The GenBank accession number is L10336.

Abstract The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents a powerful tool to study DNA replication and the cell cycle regulatory pathways controlling entry into, and progression through S phase. In fact, the availability of the complete sequence of the S. cerevisiae genome, the identification of several DNA replication genes, together with the possibility of combining molecular genetic tools with classical techniques of genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology, make this system particularly useful to improve our knowledge of the DNA replication process at the molecular level. Moreover, by considering that the structure and function of most of the replication proteins and the regulatory circuits connecting DNA replication to other cell cycle events have been highly conserved during evolution, the information obtained using the S. cerevisiae or the S. pombe systems can be generally extended to other eukaryotic cells.

Abstract In today’s genomic era, the use of computer-based comparative genetic sequence analysis has become routine. It is used to identify the function of newly sequenced genes, to identify conserved functional sites, to reconstruct probable evolutionary histories, and to investigate many other biological questions. DNA and protein comparative sequence analysis is often considered to be the founding aspect of what is now called Bioinformatics and Genomics. Given that the development of computational tools played a key role, a bit of history will help in understanding both the motivations and the sequence of ideas that led to many comparative sequence tools, including the local dynamic or Smith–Waterman alignment algorithm.

Abstract Before the invention of rapid methods of DNA sequencing in 1977 (Maxam and Gilbert 1977; Sanger et al. 1977), most studies of molecular evolution were conducted by using amino acid sequence data. Although amino acid sequencing was time consuming and error prone, some important principles of molecular evolution, such as evolution by gene duplication (Ingram 1963; Ohno 1970) and the molecular clock (Zuckerkandl and Pauling 1962; Margoliash 1963), were discovered by the study of amino acid sequence data. At the present time, DNA sequencing is much simpler than amino acid sequencing, and amino acid sequences are usually deduced from nucleotide sequences by using the genetic code. However, amino acid sequences are still useful for evolutionary studies; they are more conserved than DNA sequences and thus provide useful information on long-term evolution of genes or species. They are also almost indispensable for aligning DNA sequences of protein-coding genes. Furthermore, the mathematical model for the evolutionary change of amino acid sequences is much simpler than that of DNA sequences. For these reasons, we first consider the evolutionary change of amino acid sequences.

Abstract The remarkably diverse specificity of antibodies can now be explained both in genetic and structural terms. In the early 1970s Wu and Kabat compared the amino acid sequences of immunoglobulin variable domains and showed that certain segments of sequence were more or less conserved while others exhibited high variability between one sequence and another. They proposed that the highly variable segments, or complementarity determining regions (CDRs), formed a contiguous structural element at one end of the antibody that was responsible for antigen recognition. Ip. 1973, this prediction was confirmed by Poljak and coworkers who reported the first X-ray crystallographic structure of an antibody Fab fragment that contained the antigen binding region.

Haemophilia B, an X-linked recessive disease with an incidence of 1/30,000 newborn males, is due to defects in the gene for coagulation factor IX, which is on the long am of the X chromosome at band Xq27.1. This gene consists of approximately 34 Kb and contains 8 exons which specify a mRtfc of 2803 residues coding for a protein of 415 aa preceded by a prepro signal peptide of 46 aa. Coripanson of the functional domains of the factor IX protein with the exon structure of the gene supports the exon/protein domain hypothesis of gene evolution. The factor IX gene seems to be formed by a number of functionally and evolutionally independent modules. The signal peptide and the gla (γcarboxy-glutamic) region encoded in the first three exons are homologous to those of factor X, protein C and prothrombin. Thevfourth and fifth exons which code for the connecting peptide are homologous to one another and to the epidermal growth factor, a module that has been used in the construction of a great variety of proteins including different members of the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. The sixth exon encodes the activation peptide region, while the catalytic region of factor IX is coded by the seventh and eighth exon. This is at variance with other serine protease genes that have different exons for the segments containing the cardinal ami no-acids of the active centre (histidine, aspartic acid and serine).Natural selection acts against detrimental mutations of the factor IX gene and at each generation a proportion of haemophilia B genes is eliminated, as a significant number of patients does not reproduce. There appears to be no selective advantage to the heterozygote and therefore haemophilia B is maintained in the population by new mutations. Consequently, a significant proportion of patients should be born to non-carrier mothers, and unrelated patients should carry different gene defects, as recently verified by detailed analysis of individual haemophilia B genes.The defects of factor IX described so far comprise both point mutations and gene deletions. The latter affect either part or the whole of the gene and are often associated with the development of antibodies against therapeutically adninistered factor IX (the inhibitor complication). Since gene deletions may result in the complete absenceof factor IX synthesis or in the production of an extremely abnormal product, it has been suggested that mutationspreventing the synthesis of a factor IX gene product capable of inducing immune tolerance to normal factor IX is important in predisposing to the inhibitor complication.Among the point mutations described so far, those affecting the signal peptide are of particular interest. Substitutions of the arginine at positions -4 and -1 cause failure of propeptide cleavage. Thus they indicate that the propeptide consists of 18 aa an(lthat lts excision is necessary for factor IX function. It appears also that the propeptide contains a signal for γcarboxylation which has been conserved during the evolution of different γcarboxylated proteins.In spite of coagulant treatment, haemophilia B is a serious disease and one for which genetic counselling is required. Paramount for this is the detection of carriers and the diagnosis ofaffected male fetuses. DNA probes derived from the cloned factor IX gene have been used for this purpose. Carrier and first or second trimester prenatal diagnoses have been done using factors IX gene markers to follow the transmission of haemophilia B genes. Six sequence variations causing restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in the factor IX gene have been detected and used as markers for such indirect diagnoses The efficiency of the above markers is reduced by linkage disequilibrium but, nevertheless, they offer definite carrier and nremtal diagnoses in 75-80% of the relatives of familial cases of haemophilia B.The indirect detection of gene defects is of modest help in the counselling of individuals from the families of isolated patients, but new methods for the direct detection of gene mutations promise better results in such families and also the attainment of % diagnostic success in relatives of familial cases.Finally the successful expression of recombinant factor IX genes in tissue culture and transgenic mammals raises hopes of therapeutic advances.

The red color of red rice pericarp and aleurone is regulated by proanthocyanidin protein. Proanthocyanidin protein was encoded by partial sequence of Rc gene. The mutation from DNA sequence would give divers phenotype in pericarp and aleurone. This study used four sample of local red rice (Keli Rejo, Sumber Jaya, Cahya Tani, Sirah Pulau Padang) from South Sumatra as genetic sources and specific primers (RC12) were used to encode Proanthocyanidin protein on local red rice. This research was conducted at the Genetic and Biotechnology Laboratory of Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University. The primary objectives of this study were to identify the correlations between the mutations from DNA sequences which encoded proanthocyanidin protein in local red rice from South Sumatra and the fenotip of pericarp and aleurone. The stapes was DNA isolation, amplification, electrophoresis, sequencing process using First Base Malaysia and sequences analysis using Clustal W to align the DNA sequence. Sequencing result showed all of the samples had high variability (less conserved region) where the alignment process showed deletion mutation and DNA substitution mutation along the sequences of the samples. The highest mutation occurred at local red rice from Cahya Tani and the lowest mutations take place at local red rice from Keli Rejo. The samples have the same phenotype of pericarp, meanwhile different at aleurone color. The sample from Sumber Jaya had the reddest aleurone color than other sample and this sample also showed the highest deletion mutation.

The specific objectives of this BARD proposal were: (1) To determine whether Rxol can recognize AacavrRxo1 to trigger BFB disease resistance in stable transgenic watermelon plants. (2) To determine the distribution of Aac-avrRxo1 in a global population of Aae and to characterize the biological function of Aac-avrRxo1. (3) To characterize other TIS effectors of Aae and to identify plant R gene(s) that can recognize conserved TIS effectors of this pathogen. Background to the topic: Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) of cucurbits, caused by Acidovorax avenae subsp. citrulli (Aae), is a devastating disease that affects watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and melon (Cucumis melo) production worldwide, including both Israel and USA. Two major groups of Aae strains have been classified based on their virulence on host plants, genetics and biochemical properties. Thus far, no effective resistance genes have been identified from cucurbit germplasm. In this project, we assessed the applicability of a non-host disease resistance gene, Rxol, to control BFB in watermelon. We also tried to identify Aae type III secreted (TIS) effectors that can be used as molecular probes to identify novel disease resistance genes in both cucurbits and Nieotianatabaeum. Major conclusions, solutions, achievements: We generated five independent transgenic watermelon (cv. Sugar Babay) plants expressing the Rxol gene. The transgenic plants were evaluated with Aae strains AAC001 and M6 under growth chamber conditions. All transgenic plants were found to be susceptible to both Aae strains. It is possible that watermelon is missing other signaling components that are required for Rxol-mediated disease resistance. In order to screen for novel BFB resistance genes, we inoculated two Aae strains on 60 Nieotiana species. Our disease assay revealed Nicotiana tabaeum is completely resistant to Aae, while its wild relative N. benthamiana is susceptible to Aae. We further demonstrated that Nieotiana benthamiana can be used as a surrogate host for studying the mechanisms of pathogenesis of Aae. We cloned 11 TIS effector genes including the avrRxolhomologues from the genomes of 22 Aae strains collected worldwide. Sequencing analysis revealed that functional avrRxol is conserved in group" but not group I Aae strains. Three effector genes- Aave_1548, Aave_2166 and Aave_2708- possessed the ability to trigger an HR response in N. tabacum when they were transiently expressed by Agrobaeterium. We conclude that N. tabacum carries at least three different non-host resistance genes that can specifically recognize AaeTIS effectors to trigger non-host resistance. Screening 522 cucurbits genotypes with two Aae strains led us to identify two germplasm (P1536473 and P1273650) that are partially resistant to Aae. Interestingly, transient expression of the TIS effector, Aave_1548, in the two germplasms also triggered HR-Iike cell death, which suggests the two lines may carry disease resistance genes that can recognize Aave_1548. Importantly, we also demonstrated that this effector contributes to the virulence of the bacterium in susceptible plants. Therefore, R genes that recognize effector Aave1548 have great potential for breeding for BFB resistance. To better understand the genome diversity of Aae strains, we generated a draft genome sequence of the Israeli Aae strain, M6 (Group I) using Iliumina technology. Comparative analysis of whole genomes of AAC001, and M6 allowed us to identify several effectors genes that differentiate groups I and II. Implications, both scientific and agricultural: The diversity of TIS effectors in group I and II strains of Aae suggests that a subset of effectors could contribute to the host range of group I and II Aae strains. Analysis of these key effectors in a larger Aae population may allow us to predict which cucurbit hosts may be at risk to BFB. Additionally, isolation of tobacco and cucurbit Rgenes that can recognize Aae type III effectors may offer new genetic resources for controlling BFB.

Structural and functional genomic approaches for marking and identifying genes that control chilling requirement in apricot and peach trees. Specific aims: 1) Identify and characterize the genetic nature of chilling requirement for flowering and dormancy break of vegetative shoots in Prunusgermplasm through the utilization of existing apricot (NeweYa'ar Research Center, ARO) and peach (Clemson University) genetic mapping populations; 2) Use molecular genetic mapping techniques to identify markers flanking genomic regions controlling chilling; 3) Comparatively map the regions controlling chilling requirement in apricot and peach and locate important genomic regions influencing chilling requirement on the Prunus functional genomic database as an initial step for identification of candidate genes; 4) Develop from the functional genomics database a set of markers facilitating the development of cultivars with optimized chilling requirements for improved and sustained fruit production in warm-winter environments. Dormant apricot (prunus armeniaca L.) and peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] trees require sustained exposure to low, near freezing, temperatures before vigorous floral and vegetative bud break is possible after the resumption of warm temperatures in the spring. The duration of chilling required (the chilling requirement, CR) is determined by the climatic adaptation of the particular cultivar, thus limiting its geographic distribution. This limitation is particularly evident when attempting to introduce superior cultivars to regions with very warm winter temperatures, such as Israel and the coastal southern United States. The physiological mechanism of CR is not understood and although breeding programs deliberately manipulate CR in apricot and peach crosses, robust closely associated markers to the trait are currently not available. We used segregating populations of apricot (100 Fl individuals, NeweYa'ar Research Center, ARO) and peach (378 F2 individuals, Clemson University) to discover several discreet genomic loci that regulate CR and blooming date. We used the extensive genomic/genetic resources available for Prunus to successfully combine our apricot and peach genetic data and identify five QTL with strong effects that are conserved between species as well as several QTL that are unique to each species. We have identified markers in the key major QTL regions for testing in breeding programs which we are carrying out currently; we have identified an initial set of candidate genes using the peach physical/transcriptome map and whole peach genome sequences and we are testing these currently to identify key target genes for manipulation in breeding programs. Our collaborative work to date has demonstrated the following: 1) CR in peach and apricot is predominantly controlled by a limited number ofQTL loci, seven detected in a peach F2 derived map comprising 65% of the character and 12 in an apricot Fl map comprising 71.6% and 55.6% of the trait in the Perfection and A. 1740 parental maps, respectively and that peach and apricot appear in our initial maps to share five genomic intervals containing potentially common QTL. 2) Application of common anchor markers of the Prunus/peach, physical/genetic map resources has allowed us not only to identify the shared intervals but also to have immediately available some putative candidate gene information from these intervals, the EVG region on LG1 in peach the TALY 1 region in apricot on LG2 in peach; and several others involved in vernalization pathways (LGI and LG7). 3) Mapped BACcontigs are easily defined from the complete physical map resources in peach through the common SSR markers that anchor our CR maps in the two species, 4) Sequences of BACs in these regions can be easily mined for additional polymorphic markers to use in MAS applications.

Research problem: Bread wheat (Triticumaestivum) provides approximately 20% of the calories and proteins consumed by humankind. As the world population continues to increase, it is necessary to improve wheat yields, increase grain quality, and minimize the losses produced by biotic and abiotic stresses. Stripe rust, caused by Pucciniastriiformisf. sp. tritici(Pst), is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat. The new pathogen races are more virulent and aggressive than previous ones and have produced large economic losses. A rich source for stripe-rust resistance genes (Yr) was found in wild emmer wheat populations from Israel. Original Project goals: Our long term goal is to identify, map, clone, characterize and deploy in breeding, novel wild emmer Yr genes, and combine them with multiple beneficial traits. The current study was aiming to map and clone YrG303 and Yr15, located on chromosome 1BS and combine them with drought resistance and grain quality genes. Positional cloning of YrG303/Yr15: Fine mapping of these genes revealed that YrG303 is actually allelic to Yr15. Fine genetic mapping using large segregating populations resulted in reduction of the genetic interval spanning Yr15 to less than 0.1 cM. Physical mapping of the YrG303/Yr15 locus was based on the complete chromosome 1BS physical map of wheat constructed by our group. Screening of 1BS BAC library with Yr15 markers revealed a long BAC scaffold covering the target region. The screening of T. dicoccoidesaccession-specific BAC library with Yr15 markers resulted in direct landing on the target site. Sequencing of T. dicoccoidesBAC clones that cover the YrG303/Yr15 locus revealed a single candidate gene (CG) with conserved domains that may indicate a role in disease resistance response. Validation of the CG was carried out using EMS mutagenesis (loss-of- function approach). Sequencing of the CG in susceptible yr15/yrG303 plants revealed three independent mutants that harbour non-functional yr15/yrG303 alleles within the CG conserved domains, and therefore validated its function as a Pstresistance gene. Evaluation of marker-assisted-selection (MAS) for Yr15. Introgressions of Yr15 into cultivated wheat are widely used now. Recently, we have shown that DNA markers linked to Yr15 can be used as efficient tools for introgression of Yr15 into cultivated wheat via MAS. The developed markers were consistent and polymorphic in all 34 tested introgressions and are the most recommended markers for the introgression of Yr15. These markers will facilitate simultaneous selection for multiple Yr genes and help to avoid escapees during the selection process. Engineering of improved chromosome 1BS that harbors multiple beneficial traits. We have implemented the knowledge and genetic resources accumulated in this project for the engineering of 1B "super-chromosome" that harbors multiple beneficial traits. We completed the generation of a chromosome including the rye 1RS distal segment associated with improved drought tolerance with the Yr gene, Yr15, and the strong gluten allele 7Bx-over-expressor (7Bxᴼᴱ). We have completed the introgression of this improved chromosome into our recently released variety Patwin-515HP and our rain fed variety Kern, as well as to our top breeding lines UC1767 and UC1745. Elucidating the mechanism of resistance exhibited by Yr36 (WKS1). The WHEAT KINASE START1 (WKS1) resistance gene (Yr36) confers partial resistance to Pst. We have shown that wheat plants transformed with WKS1 transcript are resistant to Pst. WKS1 is targeted to the chloroplast where it phosphorylates the thylakoid-associatedascorbateperoxidase (tAPX) and reduces its ability to detoxify peroxides. Based on these results, we propose that the phosphorylation of tAPX by WKS1 reduces the ability of the cells to detoxify ROS and contributes to cell death. Distribution and diversity of WKS in wild emmer populations. We have shown that WKS1 is present only in the southern distribution range of wild emmer in the Fertile Crescent. Sequence analysis revealed a high level of WKS1 conservation among wild emmer populations, in contrast to the high level of diversity observed in NB-LRR genes. This phenomenon shed some light on the evolution of genes that confer partial resistance to Pst. Three new WKS1 haplotypes displayed a resistance response, suggesting that they can be useful to improve wheat resistance to Pst. In summary, we have improved our understanding of cereals’ resistance mechanisms to rusts and we have used that knowledge to develop improved wheat varieties.

This program focused on citrus tristeza virus (CTV), the largest and one of the most complex RNA-plant-viruses. The economic importance of this virus to the US and Israeli citrus industries, its uniqueness among RNA viruses and the possibility to tame the virus and eventually turn it into a useful tool for the protection and genetic improvement of citrus trees justify these continued efforts. Although the overall goal of this project was to study the role(s) of CTV associated defective (d)-RNAs in CTV-induced diseases, considerable research efforts had to be devoted to the engineering of the helper virus which provides the machinery to allow dRNA replication. Considerable progress was made through three main lines of complementary studies. For the first time, the generation of an engineered CTV genetic system that is capable of infecting citrus plants with in vitro modified virus was achieved. Considering that this RNA virus consists of a 20 kb genome, much larger than any other previously developed similar genetic system, completing this goal was an extremely difficult task that was accomplished by the effective collaboration and complementarity of both partners. Other full-length genomic CTV isolates were sequenced and populations examined, resulting in a new level of understanding of population complexities and dynamics in the US and Israel. In addition, this project has now considerably advanced our understanding and ability to manipulate dRNAs, a new class of genetic elements of closteroviruses, which were first found in the Israeli VT isolate and later shown to be omnipresent in CTV populations. We have characterized additional natural dRNAs and have shown that production of subgenomic mRNAs can be involved in the generation of dRNAs. We have molecularly cloned natural dRNAs and directly inoculated citrus plants with 35S-cDNA constructs and have shown that specific dRNAs are correlated with specific disease symptoms. Systems to examine dRNA replication in protoplasts were developed and the requirements for dRNA replication were defined. Several artificial dRNAs that replicate efficiently with a helper virus were created from infectious full-genomic cDNAs. Elements that allow the specific replication of dRNAs by heterologous helper viruses also were defined. The T36-derived dRNAs were replicated efficiently by a range of different wild CTV isolates and hybrid dRNAs with heterologous termini are efficiently replicated with T36 as helper. In addition we found: 1) All CTV genes except of the p6 gene product from the conserved signature block of the Closteroviridae are obligate for assembly, infectivity, and serial protoplast passage; 2) The p20 protein is a major component of the amorphous inclusion bodies of infected cells; and 3) Novel 5'-Co-terminal RNAs in CTV infected cells were characterized. These results have considerably advanced our basic understanding of the molecular biology of CTV and CTV-dRNAs and form the platform for the future manipulation of this complicated virus. As a result of these developments, the way is now open to turn constructs of this viral plant pathogen into new tools for protecting citrus against severe CTV terms and development of virus-based expression vectors for other citrus improvement needs. In conclusion, this research program has accomplished two main interconnected missions, the collection of basic information on the molecular and biological characteristics of the virus and its associated dRNAs toward development of management strategies against severe diseases caused by the virus and building of novel research tools to improve citrus varieties. Reaching these goals will allow us to advance this project to a new phase of turning the virus from a pathogen to an ally.

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is an eight-subunit protein complex that is highly conserved among eukaryotes. Genetic analysis of the signalosome in the plant model species Arabidopsis thaliana has shown that the signalosome is a repressor of light dependent seedling development as mutant Arabidopsis seedlings that lack this complex develop in complete darkness as if exposed to light. These mutant plants die following the seedling stage, even when exposed to light, indicating that the COP9 signalosome also has a central role in the regulation of normal photomorphogenic development. The biochemical mode of action of the signalosome and its position in eukaryotic cell signaling pathways is a matter of controversy and ongoing investigation, and recent results place the CSN at the juncture of kinase signaling pathways and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. We have shown that one of the many CSN functions may relate to the regulation of translation through the interaction of the CSN with its related complex, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF3). While we have established a physical connection between eIF3 subunits and CSN subunits, the physiological and developmental significance of this interaction is still unknown. In an effort to understand the biochemical activity of the signalosome, and its role in regulating translation, we originally proposed to dissect the contribution of "h" subunit of eIF3 (eIF3h) along the following specific aims: (i) Isolation and phenotypic characterization of an Arabidopsis loss-of-function allele for eIF3h from insertional mutagenesis libraries; (ii) Creation of designed gain and loss of function alleles for eIF3h on the basis of its nucleocytoplasmic distribution and its yeast-two-hybrid interactions with other eIF3 and signalosome partner proteins; (iii) Determining the contribution of eIF3h and its interaction with the signalosome by expressing specific mutants of eIF3h in the eIF3h- loss-of function background. During the course of the research, these goals were modified to include examining the genetic interaction between csn and eif3h mutations. More importantly, we extended our effort toward the genetic analysis of mutations in the eIF3e subunit, which also interacts with the CSN. Through the course of this research program we have made several critical scientific discoveries, all concerned with the apparent diametrically opposed roles of eIF3h and eIF3e. We showed that: 1) While eIF3e is essential for growth and development, eIF3h is not essential for growth or basal translation; 2) While eIF3e has a negative role in translational regulation, eIF3h is positively required for efficient translation of transcripts with complex 5' UTR sequences; 3) Over-accumulation of eIF3e and loss-of-function of eIF3h both lead to cop phenotypes in dark-grown seedlings. These results were published in one publication (Kim et al., Plant Cell 2004) and in a second manuscript currently in revision for Embo J. Are results have led to a paradigm shift in translation research – eIF3 is now viewed in all systems as a dynamic entity that contains regulatory subuits that affect translational efficiency. In the long-term agronomic outlook, the proposed research has implications that may be far reaching. Many important plant processes, including developmental and physiological responses to light, abiotic stress, photosynthate, and hormones operate in part by modulating protein translation [23, 24, 40, 75]. Translational regulation is slowly coming of age as a mechanism for regulating foreign gene expression in plants, beginning with translational enhancers [84, 85] and more recently, coordinating the expression of multiple transgenes using internal ribosome entry sites. Our contribution to understanding the molecular mode of action of a protein complex as fundamental as eIF3 is likely to lead to advances that will be applicable in the foreseeable future.

Mitochondria are the site of respiration and numerous other metabolic processes required for plant growth and development. Increased demands for metabolic energy are observed during different stages in the plants life cycle, but are particularly ample during germination and reproductive organ development. These activities are dependent upon the tight regulation of the expression and accumulation of various organellar proteins. Plant mitochondria contain their own genomes (mtDNA), which encode for a small number of genes required in organellar genome expression and respiration. Yet, the vast majority of the organellar proteins are encoded by nuclear genes, thus necessitating complex mechanisms to coordinate the expression and accumulation of proteins encoded by the two remote genomes. Many organellar genes are interrupted by intervening sequences (introns), which are removed from the primary presequences via splicing. According to conserved features of their sequences these introns are all classified as “group-II”. Their splicing is necessary for organellar activity and is dependent upon nuclear-encoded RNA-binding cofactors. However, to-date, only a tiny fraction of the proteins expected to be involved in these activities have been identified. Accordingly, this project aimed to identify nuclear-encoded proteins required for mitochondrial RNA splicing in plants, and to analyze their specific roles in the splicing of group-II intron RNAs. In non-plant systems, group-II intron splicing is mediated by proteins encoded within the introns themselves, known as maturases, which act specifically in the splicing of the introns in which they are encoded. Only one mitochondrial intron in plants has retained its maturaseORF (matR), but its roles in organellar intron splicing are unknown. Clues to other proteins required for organellar intron splicing are scarce, but these are likely encoded in the nucleus as there are no other obvious candidates among the remaining ORFs within the mtDNA. Through genetic screens in maize, the Barkan lab identified numerous nuclear genes that are required for the splicing of many of the introns within the plastid genome. Several of these genes are related to one another (i.e. crs1, caf1, caf2, and cfm2) in that they share a previously uncharacterized domain of archaeal origin, the CRM domain. The Arabidopsis genome contains 16 CRM-related genes, which contain between one and four repeats of the domain. Several of these are predicted to the mitochondria and are thus postulated to act in the splicing of group-II introns in the organelle(s) to which they are localized. In addition, plant genomes also harbor several genes that are closely related to group-II intron-encoded maturases (nMats), which exist in the nucleus as 'self-standing' ORFs, out of the context of their cognate "host" group-II introns and are predicted to reside within the mitochondria. The similarity with known group-II intron splicing factors identified in other systems and their predicted localization to mitochondria in plants suggest that nuclear-encoded CRM and nMat related proteins may function in the splicing of mitochondrial-encoded introns. In this proposal we proposed to (i) establish the intracellular locations of several CRM and nMat proteins; (ii) to test whether mutations in their genes impairs the splicing of mitochondrial introns; and to (iii) determine whether these proteins are bound to the mitochondrial introns in vivo.

Original Objectives and revisions: (1) "To determine the biosynthetic pathway of JHB3 in the adult C. capitata CA in order to establish parameters for the future choice and synthesis of suitable inhibitors". Modified: to determine the pattern of FR-7 biosynthesis during normal reproductive maturation, and identify enzymes potentially involved in its synthesis. (2) "To correlate allatal epoxidase activity to the biosynthesis of JHB3 at different stages of reproductive maturation/vitellogenesis and evaluate the hypothesis that a specific JH-epoxidase may be rate limiting". Modified: to study the effects of epoxidase inhibitors on the pattern of allatal JH biosynthesis in vitro and on female reproduction in vive. (3) "To probe and clone the gene homologous to ap from C. capitata, determine its exon-intron organization, sequence it and demonstrate its spatial and temporal expression in larvae, pupae and adults." The "Medfly" (Ceratitis capitata) is a serious polyphagous fruit pest, widely distributed in subtropical regions. Damage is caused by oviposition and subsequent development of larvae. JH's are dominant gonadotropic factors in insects. In the higher Diptera, to which the Medfly belongs, JHB3 is a major homolog. It comprises 95% of the total JH produced in vitro in D. melanogaster, with JH-III found as a minor component. The biosynthesis of both JH-III and JHB3 is dependent on epoxidation of double bonds in the JH molecule. The specificity of such epoxidases is unknown. The male accessory gland D. melanogaster produces a Sex Peptide, transferred to the female during copulation. SP reduces female receptivity while activating specific JH biosynthesis in vitro and inducing oviposition in vive. It also reduces pheromone production and activates CA of the moth Helicoverpa armigera. In a previous study, mutants of the apterous (ap) gene of D. melanogaster were analyzed. This gene induces previteilogenic arrest which can be rescued by external application of JH. Considerable progress has been made in recombinant DNA technology of the Medfly. When fully operative, it might be possible to effectively transfer D. melanogaster endocrine gene-lesions into the Medfly as a strategy for their genetic control. A marked heterogeneity in the pattern of JH homologs produced by Medfly CA was observed. Contrary to the anticipated biosynthesis of JHB;, significant amounts of an unknown JH-like compound, of unknown structure and provisionally termed FR-7, were produced, in addition to significant amounts of JH-III and JHB3. Inhibitors of monooxygenases, devised for their effects on ecdysteroid biosynthesis, affect Medfly JH biosynthesis but do not reduce egg deposition. FR-7 was isolated from incubation media of Medfly CA and examined by various MS procedures, but its structure is not yet resolved. MS analysis is being done in collaboration with Professor R.R.W. Rickards of the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. A homologue of the ap gene of D. melanogaster exists in the Medfly. LIM domains and the homeo-domain, important for the function of the D. melanogaster ap gene, are conserved here too. Attempts to clone the complete gene were unsuccessful. Due to the complexity of JH homologs, presence of related FR-7 in the biosynthetic products of Medfly CA and lack of reduction in eggs deposited in the presence of monooxygenase inhibitors, inhibition of epoxidases is not a feasible alternative to control Medfly reproduction, and raises questions which cannot be resolved within the current dogma of hormonal control of reproduction in Diptera. The Medfly ap gene has similar domains to the D. melanogaster ap gene. Although mutant ap genes are involved in JH deficiency, ap is a questionable candidate for an endocrine lesion, especially since the D. melanogoster gene functions is a transcription factor.