Homeodomains,a 60-amino acid sequence encoded by 180 nucleotides,are highly conserved DNA-binding motifs that are present in a variety of transcription factors in species ranging from yeast to humans.The NKX proteins ...Homeodomains,a 60-amino acid sequence encoded by 180 nucleotides,are highly conserved DNA-binding motifs that are present in a variety of transcription factors in species ranging from yeast to humans.The NKX proteins belong to the homeodomain(HD)-containing transcription factor family.They play vital roles in the regulation of morphogenesis.NKX1-2 is one member of the NKX subfamily.At present,information about its nuclear localization signal(NLS)sequence is limited.We studied the NLS sequence of zebrafish Nkx1.2 by introducing sequence changes such as deletion,mutation,and truncation,and identified an NLS motif(QNRRTKWKKQ)that is localized at the C-terminus of the homeodomain.Moreover,the deletion of two amino acid residues(RR)in this NLS motif prevents Nkx1.2 from entering the nucleus,indicating that the two amino acids are essential for Nkx1.2 nuclear localization.However,the NLS motif alone is unable to target cytoplasmic protein glutathione S-transferase(GST)to the nucleus.An intact homeodomain is necessary for mediating the complete nuclear transport of cytoplasmic protein.Unlike most nuclear import proteins with short NLS sequences,a long NLS is present in zebrafish Nkx1.2.We also demonstrated that the sequences of homeodomain of NKX1.2 are well conserved among different species.This study is informative to verify the function of the NKX1.2 protein.展开更多
AIM:To characterize the nuclear import of hepatitis B virus(HBV)polymerase(P)and its relevance for the viral life cycle.METHODS:Sequence analysis was performed to predict functional motives within P.Phosphorylation of...AIM:To characterize the nuclear import of hepatitis B virus(HBV)polymerase(P)and its relevance for the viral life cycle.METHODS:Sequence analysis was performed to predict functional motives within P.Phosphorylation of P was analyzed by in vitro phosphorylation.Phosphorylation site and nuclear localization signal(NLS)were destroyed by site directed mutagenesis.Functionality of the identified NLS was analyzed by confocal fluorescence microscopy and characterizing the karyopherin binding.Relevance of the structural motives for viral life cycle was studied by infection of primary Tupaia hepatocytes with HBV.RESULTS:We identified by sequence alignment and functional experiments a conserved bipartite NLS containing a casein kinaseⅡ(CKⅡ)phosphorylation site located within the terminal protein domain(TP)of the HBV polymerase.Inhibition of CKⅡimpairs the functionality of this NLS and thereby prevents the nuclear import of the polymerase.Binding of the import factor karyopherin-α2 to the polymerase depends on its CKⅡ-mediated phosphorylation of the bipartite NLS.In HBV-infected primary Tupaia hepatocytes CKⅡinhibition in the early phase(post entry phase)of the infection process prevents the establishment of the infection.CONCLUSION:Based on these data it is suggested that during HBV infection the final import of the genome complex into the nucleus is mediated by a novel bipartite NLS localized in the TP domain of HBV polymerase.展开更多
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein(Cas) system has been widely used for genome editing. In this system, the cytosine base editor(CBE) and adenine base edit...The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein(Cas) system has been widely used for genome editing. In this system, the cytosine base editor(CBE) and adenine base editor(ABE) allow generating precise and irreversible base mutations in a programmable manner and have been used in many different types of cells and organisms. However, their applications are limited by low editing efficiency at certain genomic target sites or at specific target cytosine(C) or adenine(A) residues. Using a strategy of combining optimized synergistic core components, we developed a new multiplex super-assembled ABE(sABE) in rice that showed higher base-editing efficiency than previously developed ABEs. We also designed a new type of nuclear localization signal(NLS) comprising a FLAG epitope tag with four copies of a codon-optimized NLS(F4NLS^(r2)) to generate another ABE named F4NLS-sABE. This new NLS increased editing efficiency or edited additional A at several target sites. A new multiplex super-assembled CBE(sCBE) and F4NLS^(r2) involved F4NLS-sCBE were also created using the same strategy. F4NLS-sCBE was proven to be much more efficient than sCBE in rice. These optimized base editors will serve as powerful genome-editing tools for basic research or molecular breeding in rice and will provide a reference for the development of superior editing tools for other plants or animals.展开更多
The nucleocapsid protein VP15 of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a basic DNA-binding protein. Three canonical bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLSs), called NLS1 (aa 11-27), NLS2 (aa 33-49) and NLS3 (44-60)...The nucleocapsid protein VP15 of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a basic DNA-binding protein. Three canonical bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLSs), called NLS1 (aa 11-27), NLS2 (aa 33-49) and NLS3 (44-60), have been detected in this protein, using the ScanProsite computer program. To determine the nuclear localization sequence of VP15, the full-length open reading frame, or the sequence of one of the three NLSs, was fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, and transiently expressed in insect Sf9 cells. Transfection with full-length VP15 resulted in GFP fluorescence being distributed exclusively in the nucleus. NLS1 alone could also direct GFP to the nucleus, but less efficiently. Neither of the other two NLSs (NLS2 and 3) was functional when expressed alone, but exhibited similar activity to NLS1 when they were expressed as a fusion peptide. Furthermore, a mutated VP15, in which the two basic amino acids (11RR12) of NLS1 were changed to two alanines (11AA12), caused GFP to be localized only in the cytoplasm of Sf9 cells. These results demonstrated that VP15, as a nuclear localization protein, needs cooperation between its three NLSs, and that the two residues (11RR12) of NLS1 play a key role in transporting the protein to the nucleus.展开更多
Kruppel-like factor 8 （KLF8） transcription factor plays a critical role in cell cycle progression, oncogenic transformation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasion. However, its nuclear localization signa...Kruppel-like factor 8 （KLF8） transcription factor plays a critical role in cell cycle progression, oncogenic transformation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasion. However, its nuclear localization signal（s） （NLS） has not been identified. KLF8 shares with other KLFs monopartite NLSs （mNLS） and C2H2 zinc fingers （ZFs）, both of which have been shown to be the NLSs for some other KLFs. In this report, using PCR-directed mutagenesis and immunofluorescent microscopy, we show that disruption of the mNLSs, deletion of any single ZF, or mutation of the Zn^2＋-binding or DNA-contacting motifs did not affect the nuclear localization of KLF8. Deletion of 〉1.5 ZFs from Cterminus, however, caused cytoplasmic accumulation of KLF8. Surprisingly, deletion of amino acid （aa） 151-200 region almost eliminated KLF8 from the nucleus. S165A, K171E or K171R mutation, or treatment with PKC inhibitor led to partial cytoplasmic accumulation. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that KLF8 interacted with importin-β and this interaction required the ZF motif. Deletion of aa 1-150 or 201-261 region alone did not alter the nuclear localization. BrdU incorporation and cyclin D1 promoter luciferase assays showed that the KLF8 mutants defective in nuclear localization could not promote DNA synthesis or cyclin D1 promoter activation as the wild-type KLF8 did. Taken together, these results suggest that KLF8 has two NLSs, one surrounding S165 and K171 and the other being two tandem ZFs, which are critical for the regulation of KLF8 nuclear localization and its cellular functions.展开更多
Objective To clone, express, purify human Oct-4 and detect its subcellular localization. Methods Human Oct-4 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR strategy. Oct-4 protein was induced and expressed in BL21(DE3) strain. Furtherm...Objective To clone, express, purify human Oct-4 and detect its subcellular localization. Methods Human Oct-4 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR strategy. Oct-4 protein was induced and expressed in BL21(DE3) strain. Furthermore, the protein was purified with Ni-NTA resin. Subsequently, site-directed mutagenesis of Oct-4 (aa 236-240) was introduced. Finally, the subcellular localization of wide type Oct-4 and mutant Oct-4 was examined by immunofluorescent cytochemistry staining and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis. Results The full length cDNA of human Oct-4 was 1083bp. Human Oct-4 encoded a 55 kd protein by prokaryotic vector in E coli. Compared with pure nuclear localization of wide type Oct-4, mutant Oct-4 was mostly enriched in the cytoplasm. Conclusion The cloning, expression and investigation of subcellular localization of human Oct-4 are basis of studying its biological function.展开更多
Objective To clone, express, purify human Oct-4 and detect its subcellular localization. Methods Human Oct-4 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR strategy. Oct-4 protein was induced and expressed in BL21(DE3) strain. Furtherm...Objective To clone, express, purify human Oct-4 and detect its subcellular localization. Methods Human Oct-4 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR strategy. Oct-4 protein was induced and expressed in BL21(DE3) strain. Furthermore, the protein was purified with Ni-NTA resin. Subsequently, site-directed mutagen-esis of Oct-4 (aa 236 - 240) was introduced. Finally, the subcellular localization of wide type Oct-4 and mutant Oct-4 was examined by immunofluorescent cytochemistry staining and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis. Results The full length cDNA of human Oct-4 was 1083 bp. Human Oct-4 encoded a 55 kd protein by prokaryotic vector in E coli. Compared with pure nuclear localization of wide type Oct-4, mutant Oct-4 was mostly enriched in the cytoplasm. Conclusion The cloning, expression and investigation of subcellular localization of human Oct-4 are basis of studying its biological function.展开更多
The function of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) UL4 protein is still elusive.Our objective is to investigate the subcellular transport mechanism of the UL4 protein.In this study,fluorescence microscopy was emp...The function of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) UL4 protein is still elusive.Our objective is to investigate the subcellular transport mechanism of the UL4 protein.In this study,fluorescence microscopy was employed to investigate the subcellular localization of UL4 and characterize the transport mechanism in living cells.By constructing a series of deletion mutants fused with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP),the nuclear export signals (NES) of UL4 were for the first time mapped to amino acid residues 178 to 186.In addition,the N-terminal 19 amino acids are identified to be required for the granule-like cytoplasmic pattern of UL4.Furthermore,the UL4 protein was demonstrated to be exported to the cytoplasm through the NES in a chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1)-dependent manner involving RanGTP hydrolysis.展开更多
In this study, 107 types of human papillomavirus （HPV） L1 protein sequences were obtained from available databases, and the nuclear localization signals （NLSs） of these HPV L1 proteins were analyzed and predicted ...In this study, 107 types of human papillomavirus （HPV） L1 protein sequences were obtained from available databases, and the nuclear localization signals （NLSs） of these HPV L1 proteins were analyzed and predicted by bioinformatic analysis. Out of the 107 types, the NLSs of 39 types were predicted by PredictNLS software （35 types of bipartite NLSs and 4 types of monopartite NLSs）. The NLSs of the remaining HPV types were predicted according to the characteristics and the homology of the already predicted NLSs as well as the general rule of NLSs. According to the result, the NLSs of 107 types of HPV L1 proteins were classified into 15 categories. The different types of HPV L1 proteins in the same NLS category could share the similar or the same nucleocytoplasmic transport pathway. They might be used as the same target to prevent and treat different types of HPV infection. The results also showed that bioinformatic technology could be used to analyze and predict NLSs of proteins.展开更多
Efficient gene transfer by cytoplasm co-injec-tion will offer a powerful means for transgenic animals. Us-ing co-injection in cytoplasm, two independent gene con-structs, including bovine a-s1-casein-hG-CSF and a mamm...Efficient gene transfer by cytoplasm co-injec-tion will offer a powerful means for transgenic animals. Us-ing co-injection in cytoplasm, two independent gene con-structs, including bovine a-s1-casein-hG-CSF and a mammal expression vector expressing a nuclear localization signal (mNLS), were introduced into fertilized mouse eggs. The target gene construct was docked into host nucleus probably by the nuclear localization signal. Transgene mice have been obtained at 58% (29/50) of integration ratio. Ex-pression level of the positive transgene mice was detected by Western blotting. Maximal expression of human G-CSF was estimated about 540 mg/L of milk. The expression ratio was up to 75% (9/12). The results here have important practical implications for the generation of mammary gland bioreac-tors and other transgene studies. Co-injection of a target gene with an expression vector of a mammal nuclear localization signal by cytoplasm appears to be a useful, efficient and easy strategy for generating展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31970429)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.ZR 2022 MC 032)。
文摘Homeodomains,a 60-amino acid sequence encoded by 180 nucleotides,are highly conserved DNA-binding motifs that are present in a variety of transcription factors in species ranging from yeast to humans.The NKX proteins belong to the homeodomain(HD)-containing transcription factor family.They play vital roles in the regulation of morphogenesis.NKX1-2 is one member of the NKX subfamily.At present,information about its nuclear localization signal(NLS)sequence is limited.We studied the NLS sequence of zebrafish Nkx1.2 by introducing sequence changes such as deletion,mutation,and truncation,and identified an NLS motif(QNRRTKWKKQ)that is localized at the C-terminus of the homeodomain.Moreover,the deletion of two amino acid residues(RR)in this NLS motif prevents Nkx1.2 from entering the nucleus,indicating that the two amino acids are essential for Nkx1.2 nuclear localization.However,the NLS motif alone is unable to target cytoplasmic protein glutathione S-transferase(GST)to the nucleus.An intact homeodomain is necessary for mediating the complete nuclear transport of cytoplasmic protein.Unlike most nuclear import proteins with short NLS sequences,a long NLS is present in zebrafish Nkx1.2.We also demonstrated that the sequences of homeodomain of NKX1.2 are well conserved among different species.This study is informative to verify the function of the NKX1.2 protein.
文摘AIM:To characterize the nuclear import of hepatitis B virus(HBV)polymerase(P)and its relevance for the viral life cycle.METHODS:Sequence analysis was performed to predict functional motives within P.Phosphorylation of P was analyzed by in vitro phosphorylation.Phosphorylation site and nuclear localization signal(NLS)were destroyed by site directed mutagenesis.Functionality of the identified NLS was analyzed by confocal fluorescence microscopy and characterizing the karyopherin binding.Relevance of the structural motives for viral life cycle was studied by infection of primary Tupaia hepatocytes with HBV.RESULTS:We identified by sequence alignment and functional experiments a conserved bipartite NLS containing a casein kinaseⅡ(CKⅡ)phosphorylation site located within the terminal protein domain(TP)of the HBV polymerase.Inhibition of CKⅡimpairs the functionality of this NLS and thereby prevents the nuclear import of the polymerase.Binding of the import factor karyopherin-α2 to the polymerase depends on its CKⅡ-mediated phosphorylation of the bipartite NLS.In HBV-infected primary Tupaia hepatocytes CKⅡinhibition in the early phase(post entry phase)of the infection process prevents the establishment of the infection.CONCLUSION:Based on these data it is suggested that during HBV infection the final import of the genome complex into the nucleus is mediated by a novel bipartite NLS localized in the TP domain of HBV polymerase.
基金supported by the Beijing Scholars Program[BSP041]。
文摘The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein(Cas) system has been widely used for genome editing. In this system, the cytosine base editor(CBE) and adenine base editor(ABE) allow generating precise and irreversible base mutations in a programmable manner and have been used in many different types of cells and organisms. However, their applications are limited by low editing efficiency at certain genomic target sites or at specific target cytosine(C) or adenine(A) residues. Using a strategy of combining optimized synergistic core components, we developed a new multiplex super-assembled ABE(sABE) in rice that showed higher base-editing efficiency than previously developed ABEs. We also designed a new type of nuclear localization signal(NLS) comprising a FLAG epitope tag with four copies of a codon-optimized NLS(F4NLS^(r2)) to generate another ABE named F4NLS-sABE. This new NLS increased editing efficiency or edited additional A at several target sites. A new multiplex super-assembled CBE(sCBE) and F4NLS^(r2) involved F4NLS-sCBE were also created using the same strategy. F4NLS-sCBE was proven to be much more efficient than sCBE in rice. These optimized base editors will serve as powerful genome-editing tools for basic research or molecular breeding in rice and will provide a reference for the development of superior editing tools for other plants or animals.
基金State Key Program for Basic ResearchGrants (2006CB101801)the Chinese Academy ofSciences (KSCX2-SW-302).
文摘The nucleocapsid protein VP15 of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a basic DNA-binding protein. Three canonical bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLSs), called NLS1 (aa 11-27), NLS2 (aa 33-49) and NLS3 (44-60), have been detected in this protein, using the ScanProsite computer program. To determine the nuclear localization sequence of VP15, the full-length open reading frame, or the sequence of one of the three NLSs, was fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, and transiently expressed in insect Sf9 cells. Transfection with full-length VP15 resulted in GFP fluorescence being distributed exclusively in the nucleus. NLS1 alone could also direct GFP to the nucleus, but less efficiently. Neither of the other two NLSs (NLS2 and 3) was functional when expressed alone, but exhibited similar activity to NLS1 when they were expressed as a fusion peptide. Furthermore, a mutated VP15, in which the two basic amino acids (11RR12) of NLS1 were changed to two alanines (11AA12), caused GFP to be localized only in the cytoplasm of Sf9 cells. These results demonstrated that VP15, as a nuclear localization protein, needs cooperation between its three NLSs, and that the two residues (11RR12) of NLS1 play a key role in transporting the protein to the nucleus.
文摘Kruppel-like factor 8 （KLF8） transcription factor plays a critical role in cell cycle progression, oncogenic transformation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasion. However, its nuclear localization signal（s） （NLS） has not been identified. KLF8 shares with other KLFs monopartite NLSs （mNLS） and C2H2 zinc fingers （ZFs）, both of which have been shown to be the NLSs for some other KLFs. In this report, using PCR-directed mutagenesis and immunofluorescent microscopy, we show that disruption of the mNLSs, deletion of any single ZF, or mutation of the Zn^2＋-binding or DNA-contacting motifs did not affect the nuclear localization of KLF8. Deletion of 〉1.5 ZFs from Cterminus, however, caused cytoplasmic accumulation of KLF8. Surprisingly, deletion of amino acid （aa） 151-200 region almost eliminated KLF8 from the nucleus. S165A, K171E or K171R mutation, or treatment with PKC inhibitor led to partial cytoplasmic accumulation. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that KLF8 interacted with importin-β and this interaction required the ZF motif. Deletion of aa 1-150 or 201-261 region alone did not alter the nuclear localization. BrdU incorporation and cyclin D1 promoter luciferase assays showed that the KLF8 mutants defective in nuclear localization could not promote DNA synthesis or cyclin D1 promoter activation as the wild-type KLF8 did. Taken together, these results suggest that KLF8 has two NLSs, one surrounding S165 and K171 and the other being two tandem ZFs, which are critical for the regulation of KLF8 nuclear localization and its cellular functions.
文摘Objective To clone, express, purify human Oct-4 and detect its subcellular localization. Methods Human Oct-4 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR strategy. Oct-4 protein was induced and expressed in BL21(DE3) strain. Furthermore, the protein was purified with Ni-NTA resin. Subsequently, site-directed mutagenesis of Oct-4 (aa 236-240) was introduced. Finally, the subcellular localization of wide type Oct-4 and mutant Oct-4 was examined by immunofluorescent cytochemistry staining and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis. Results The full length cDNA of human Oct-4 was 1083bp. Human Oct-4 encoded a 55 kd protein by prokaryotic vector in E coli. Compared with pure nuclear localization of wide type Oct-4, mutant Oct-4 was mostly enriched in the cytoplasm. Conclusion The cloning, expression and investigation of subcellular localization of human Oct-4 are basis of studying its biological function.
文摘Objective To clone, express, purify human Oct-4 and detect its subcellular localization. Methods Human Oct-4 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR strategy. Oct-4 protein was induced and expressed in BL21(DE3) strain. Furthermore, the protein was purified with Ni-NTA resin. Subsequently, site-directed mutagen-esis of Oct-4 (aa 236 - 240) was introduced. Finally, the subcellular localization of wide type Oct-4 and mutant Oct-4 was examined by immunofluorescent cytochemistry staining and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis. Results The full length cDNA of human Oct-4 was 1083 bp. Human Oct-4 encoded a 55 kd protein by prokaryotic vector in E coli. Compared with pure nuclear localization of wide type Oct-4, mutant Oct-4 was mostly enriched in the cytoplasm. Conclusion The cloning, expression and investigation of subcellular localization of human Oct-4 are basis of studying its biological function.
基金the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China(2010CB530105 and 2011CB504802)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30900059,30870120 and 81000736)the Start-up Fund of the Hundred Talents Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(20071010-141)
文摘The function of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) UL4 protein is still elusive.Our objective is to investigate the subcellular transport mechanism of the UL4 protein.In this study,fluorescence microscopy was employed to investigate the subcellular localization of UL4 and characterize the transport mechanism in living cells.By constructing a series of deletion mutants fused with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP),the nuclear export signals (NES) of UL4 were for the first time mapped to amino acid residues 178 to 186.In addition,the N-terminal 19 amino acids are identified to be required for the granule-like cytoplasmic pattern of UL4.Furthermore,the UL4 protein was demonstrated to be exported to the cytoplasm through the NES in a chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1)-dependent manner involving RanGTP hydrolysis.
文摘In this study, 107 types of human papillomavirus （HPV） L1 protein sequences were obtained from available databases, and the nuclear localization signals （NLSs） of these HPV L1 proteins were analyzed and predicted by bioinformatic analysis. Out of the 107 types, the NLSs of 39 types were predicted by PredictNLS software （35 types of bipartite NLSs and 4 types of monopartite NLSs）. The NLSs of the remaining HPV types were predicted according to the characteristics and the homology of the already predicted NLSs as well as the general rule of NLSs. According to the result, the NLSs of 107 types of HPV L1 proteins were classified into 15 categories. The different types of HPV L1 proteins in the same NLS category could share the similar or the same nucleocytoplasmic transport pathway. They might be used as the same target to prevent and treat different types of HPV infection. The results also showed that bioinformatic technology could be used to analyze and predict NLSs of proteins.
基金This work was supported by the Special Support Grant of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. STZ-3-05).
文摘Efficient gene transfer by cytoplasm co-injec-tion will offer a powerful means for transgenic animals. Us-ing co-injection in cytoplasm, two independent gene con-structs, including bovine a-s1-casein-hG-CSF and a mammal expression vector expressing a nuclear localization signal (mNLS), were introduced into fertilized mouse eggs. The target gene construct was docked into host nucleus probably by the nuclear localization signal. Transgene mice have been obtained at 58% (29/50) of integration ratio. Ex-pression level of the positive transgene mice was detected by Western blotting. Maximal expression of human G-CSF was estimated about 540 mg/L of milk. The expression ratio was up to 75% (9/12). The results here have important practical implications for the generation of mammary gland bioreac-tors and other transgene studies. Co-injection of a target gene with an expression vector of a mammal nuclear localization signal by cytoplasm appears to be a useful, efficient and easy strategy for generating
