The γ-subunit of ATP synthase from spinach chloroplasts Primary structure deduced from the cloned cDNA sequence

AbstractcDNA clones encoding the γ-subunit of chloroplast ATP synthase were isolated from a spinach library using synthetic oligonucleotide probes. The predicted amino acid sequence indicated that the mature chloroplast γ-subunit consists of 323 amino acid residues and is highly homologous (55% identical residues) with the sequence of the cyanobacterial subunit. The positions of the four cysteine residues were identified. The carboxyl-terminal region of the choloroplast γ-subunit is highly homologous with those of the γ-subunits from six other sources (bacteria and mitochondria) sequenced thus far

Simple and straightforward construction of a mouse gene targeting vector using in vitro transposition reactions

In a gene targeting experiment, the generation of a targeting construct often requires complex DNA manipulations. We developed a set of cassettes and plasmids useful for creating targeting vectors to modify the mammalian genome. A positive selection marker cassette (PGK/EM7p-npt), which included dual prokaryotic and eukaryotic promoters to permit consecutive selection for recombination in Escherichia coli and then in mouse embryonic stem cells, was flanked by two FRT-loxP sequences. The PGK/EM7p-npt cassette was placed between the minimum regions of a Tn7 transposable element for insertion into another DNA by means of Tn7 transposase in vitro. We also constructed a plasmid having a loxP-Zeo-loxP cassette between the modified Tn5 outer elements. These cassettes can be integrated randomly into a given genomic DNA through the in vitro transposition reaction, thus producing a collection of genomic segments flanked by loxP sites (floxed) at various positions without the use of restriction enzymes and DNA ligase. We confirmed that this system remarkably reduced the time and labor for the construction of complex gene targeting vectors

GATA-6 DNA binding protein expressed in human gastric adenocarcinoma MKN45 cells

AbstractA cDNA for the GATA-6 (GATA-GT1) DNA binding protein was cloned from a library of the human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line MKN45. The deduced amino acid sequence (449 residues) indicates that the primary structure of human GATA-6 is highly homologous to that of the rat protein. The potential phosphorylation site for protein kinases (A and C), and histidine and alanine clusters are conserved. Whereas the rat H+/K+-ATPase α and β subunit genes have two and three GATA protein binding sites in their promoter regions, respectively, the human α subunit gene has only one binding site [Maeda, M., Kubo, K., Nishi, T. and Futai, M. (1996) J. Exp. Biol. 199, 513–520]. We cloned the 5′-upstream region of the human H+/K+-ATPase β subunit gene by genome walking and found that it also has a single GATA protein binding site near the TATA ☐. The GATA sites of the human α and β subunit genes are recognized by the zinc finger domain of human GATA-6. The conservation of the GATA protein binding sites suggests that they are important for the gene regulation of the human and rat H+/K+-ATPase

Luminal acidification of diverse organelles by V-ATPase in animal cells

Eukaryotic cells contain organelles bounded by a single membrane in the cytoplasm. These organelles have differentiated to carry out various functions in the pathways of endocytosis and exocytosis. Their lumina are acidic, with pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. This article describes recent studies on these animal cell organelles focusing on (1) the primary proton pump (vacuolar-type H+-ATPase) and (2) the functions of the organelle luminal acidity. We also discuss similarities and differences between vacuolar-type H+-ATPase and F-type ATPase. Our own studies and interests are emphasized

A programmable optical angle clamp for rotary molecular motors

Optical tweezers are widely used for experimental investigation of linear molecular motors. The rates and force dependence of steps in the mechanochemical cycle of linear motors have been probed giving detailed insight into motor mechanisms. With similar goals in mind for rotary molecular motors we present here an optical trapping system designed as an angle clamp to study the bacterial flagellar motor and F(1)-ATPase. The trap position was controlled by a digital signal processing board and a host computer via acousto-optic deflectors, the motor position via a three-dimensional piezoelectric stage and the motor angle using a pair of polystyrene beads as a handle for the optical trap. Bead-pair angles were detected using back focal plane interferometry with a resolution of up to 1 degrees , and controlled using a feedback algorithm with a precision of up to 2 degrees and a bandwidth of up to 1.6 kHz. Details of the optical trap, algorithm, and alignment procedures are given. Preliminary data showing angular control of F(1)-ATPase and angular and speed control of the bacterial flagellar motor are presented

Involvement of a non-proton pump factor (possibly Donnan-type equilibrium) in maintenance of an acidic pH in lysosomes

AbstractChange of the internal pH of isolated lysosomes was measured with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. In buffer of pH 7.0, isolated lysosomes had an acidic pH of about 5.5, which decreased to pH 5.2 on addition of ATP. Addition of bafilomycin inhibited the acidification by H+-ATPase and resulted in an increase of the internal pH to 5.5 due to passive diffusion of protons across the lysosomal membrane. However, no further alkalization was observed. The acidic pH (pH 5.5) of isolated lysosomes could be maintained for at least 48 h in the absence of ATP, but increased gradually to pH 5.9–6.4 upon incubation with monovalent cations (K+ or Na+), amines, or ionophores. These results suggest that a non-proton pump factor (possibly Donnan equilibrium) is involved in maintaining the acidic pH of isolated lysosomes