In vitro transcription of RNA in nuclei, nucleoli and chromatin from physarum polycephalum

1977 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 267-279
Author(s):  
K.E. Davies ◽  
I.O. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Physarum Polycephalum ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
In Vitro Transcription ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
Controlled Conditions ◽  
Rna Polymerase Activity ◽  
Alpha Amanitin

Methods for isolating nuclei, nucleoli and chromatin from Physarum polycephalum which retain high levels of endogenous RNA polymerase activity are described. Under carefully controlled conditions with respect to mono- and divalent cation concentrations RNA synthesis in nuclei displayed linear kinetics for at least 30 min and the RNA products had a similar size distribution to nuclear RNA synthesis observed in vivo. Chromatin showed 60% of the nuclear transcriptional activity but no conditions were found where faithful transcription of the template occurred. Isolated nucleoli were 5-fold more active than nuclei and the endogenous RNA polymerase activity was insensitive to alpha-amanitin. Under carefully controlled conditions, the nucleoli appeared to support the accurate transcription, re-initiation and processing of rRNA chains in vitro.

More evidence for replication-transcription-coupling in Physarum polycephalum

1980 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-113
Author(s):  
G. Pierron ◽  
H.W. Sauer
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Physarum Polycephalum ◽  
Mitotic Cycle ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Isolated Nuclei ◽  
Rna Polymerase Activity ◽  
High Level ◽  
Alpha Amanitin

Endogenous RNA polymerase activity of isolated nuclei from Physarum polycephalum was determined at high (400 mM KCl) and low (5–100 mM KCl) ionic strength. The activity of RNA polymerase B (alpha-amanitin-sensitive UMP incorporation) and of RNA polymerase A (plus C) (alpha-amanitin-resistant UMP incorporation) was compared in accurately sized nuclear samples derived from macroplasmodia at distinct points of the mitotic cycle. Minimum total RNA polymerase activity was detected in metaphase nuclei. A constant level of RNA polymerase B activity was detected at all other stages of the mitotic cycle, if nuclei were assayed at high ionic strength. However, a high level in S-phase, a low level in G2-phase and again a high level in early prophase were measured, if nuclei were assayed at low ionic strength. Inhibition of DNA synthesis by hydroxyurea in vivo had a selective and drastic effect on in vitro RNA polymerase activity of isolated nuclei derived from S-phase plasmodia, yielding up to 100% inhibition in early S-phase.

scholarly journals Mechanism of inhibition of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase by captan

1982 ◽  
Vol 201 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
J W Dillwith ◽  
R A Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
Mechanism Of Inhibition ◽  
Dna Binding Site ◽  
Rna Polymerase Activity ◽  
Dna Template ◽  
Template Dna

Captan (N-trichloromethylthiocyclohex-4-ene-1,2-dicarboximide) was shown to inhibit RNA synthesis in vitro catalysed by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Incorporation of [gamma-32P]ATP and [gamma-32P]GTP was inhibited by captan to the same extent as overall RNA synthesis. The ratio of [3H]UTP incorporation to that of [gamma-32P]ATP or of [gamma-32P]GTP in control and captan-treated samples indicated that initiation was inhibited, but the length of RNA chains being synthesized was not altered by captan treatment. Limited-substrate assays in which re-initiation of RNA chains did not occur also showed that captan had no effect on the elongation reaction. Studies which measured the interaction of RNA polymerase with template DNA revealed that the binding of enzyme to DNA was inhibited by captan. Glycerol-gradient sedimentation of the captan-treated RNA polymerase indicated that the inhibition of the enzyme was irreversible and did not result in dissociation of its subunits. These data are consistent with a mechanism in which RNA polymerase activity was irreversibly altered by captan, resulting in an inability of the enzyme to bind to the template. This interaction was probably at the DNA-binding site on the polymerase and did not involve reaction of captan with the DNA template.

RNA polymerase II subunit composition, stoichiometry, and phosphorylation

1990 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1915-1920 ◽  
Author(s):  
P A Kolodziej ◽  
N Woychik ◽  
S M Liao ◽  
R A Young
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Subunit Composition ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Alpha Amanitin

RNA polymerase II subunit composition, stoichiometry, and phosphorylation were investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by attaching an epitope coding sequence to a well-characterized RNA polymerase II subunit gene (RPB3) and by immunoprecipitating the product of this gene with its associated polypeptides. The immunopurified enzyme catalyzed alpha-amanitin-sensitive RNA synthesis in vitro. The 10 polypeptides that immunoprecipitated were identical in size and number to those previously described for RNA polymerase II purified by conventional column chromatography. The relative stoichiometry of the subunits was deduced from knowledge of the sequence of the subunits and from the extent of labeling with [35S]methionine. Immunoprecipitation from 32P-labeled cell extracts revealed that three of the subunits, RPB1, RPB2, and RPB6, are phosphorylated in vivo. Phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of RPB1 could be distinguished; approximately half of the RNA polymerase II molecules contained a phosphorylated RPB1 subunit. These results more precisely define the subunit composition and phosphorylation of a eucaryotic RNA polymerase II enzyme.

scholarly journals RNA SYNTHESIS BY EXOGENOUS RNA POLYMERASE ON CYTOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS OF CHROMOSOMES

1973 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 538-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sederoff ◽  
R. Clynes ◽  
M. Poncz ◽  
S. Hachtel
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Actinomycin D ◽  
Polytene Chromosomes ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
Exogenous Rna ◽  
Rna Polymerase Activity ◽  
Chromosome Regions

Cytological preparations of Drosophila polytene chromosomes serve as templates for RNA synthesis carried out by exogenous RNA polymerase (Escherichia coli). Incorporation of labeled ribonucleoside triphosphates into RNA may be observed directly by autoradiography. Because of the effects of rifampicin, actinomycin D, ribonuclease, high salt, and the requirement for all four nucleoside triphosphates, we conclude that the labeling observed over chromosomes is due to DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity. Using this method, one can observe RNA synthesis in vitro on specific chromosome regions due to the activity of exogenous RNA polymerase. We find that much of the RNA synthesis in this system occurs on DNA sequences which appear to be in a nondenatured state.

scholarly journals RNA polymerase II subunit composition, stoichiometry, and phosphorylation.

1990 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1915-1920 ◽  
Author(s):  
P A Kolodziej ◽  
N Woychik ◽  
S M Liao ◽  
R A Young
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Subunit Composition ◽  
Subunit Gene ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Alpha Amanitin

RNA polymerase II subunit composition, stoichiometry, and phosphorylation were investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by attaching an epitope coding sequence to a well-characterized RNA polymerase II subunit gene (RPB3) and by immunoprecipitating the product of this gene with its associated polypeptides. The immunopurified enzyme catalyzed alpha-amanitin-sensitive RNA synthesis in vitro. The 10 polypeptides that immunoprecipitated were identical in size and number to those previously described for RNA polymerase II purified by conventional column chromatography. The relative stoichiometry of the subunits was deduced from knowledge of the sequence of the subunits and from the extent of labeling with [35S]methionine. Immunoprecipitation from 32P-labeled cell extracts revealed that three of the subunits, RPB1, RPB2, and RPB6, are phosphorylated in vivo. Phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of RPB1 could be distinguished; approximately half of the RNA polymerase II molecules contained a phosphorylated RPB1 subunit. These results more precisely define the subunit composition and phosphorylation of a eucaryotic RNA polymerase II enzyme.

scholarly journals The action of α-amanitin in vivo on the synthesis and maturation of mouse liver ribonucleic acids

1974 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asen A. Hadjiolov ◽  
Mariana D. Dabeva ◽  
Vladimir V. Mackedonski
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
5S Rrna ◽  
Gene Products ◽  
Ribonucleic Acids ◽  
Rrna Maturation ◽  
Rna Polymerase Activity ◽  
Nucleolar Rna

α-Amanitin acts in vitro and in vivo as a selective inhibitor of nucleoplasmic RNA polymerases. Treatment of mice with low doses of α-amanitin causes the following changes in the synthesis, maturation and nucleocytoplasmic transfer of liver RNA species. 1. The synthesis of the nuclear precursor of mRNA is strongly inhibited and all electrophoretic components are randomly affected. The labelling of cytoplasmic mRNA is blocked. These effects may be correlated with the rapid and lasting inhibition of nucleoplasmic RNA polymerase. 2. The synthesis and maturation of the nuclear precursor of rRNA is inhibited within 30min. (a) The initial effect is a strong (about 80%) inhibition of the early steps of 45S precursor rRNA maturation. (b) The synthesis of 45S precursor rRNA is also inhibited and the effect increases from about 30% at 30min to more than 70% at 150min. (c) The labelling of nuclear and cytoplasmic 28S and 18S rRNA is almost completely blocked. The labelling of nuclear 5S rRNA is inhibited by about 50%, but that of cytoplasmic 5S rRNA is blocked. (d) The action of α-amanitin on the synthesis of precursor rRNA cannot be correlated with the slight gradual decrease of nucleolar RNA polymerase activity (only 10–20% inhibition at 150min). (e) The inhibition of precursor rRNA maturation and synthesis precedes the ultrastructural lesions of the nucleolus detected by standard electron microscopy. 3. The synthesis of nuclear 4.6S precursor of tRNA is not affected by α-amanitin. However, the labelling of nuclear and cytoplasmic tRNA is decreased by about 50%, which indicates an inhibition of precursor tRNA maturation. The results of this study suggest that the synthesis and maturation of the precursor of rRNA and the maturation of the precursor of tRNA are under the control of nucleoplasmic gene products. The regulator molecules may be either RNA or proteins with exceedingly fast turnover.

Characterization of an Endogenous Transcription Inhibitor from Physarum polycephalum

1979 ◽  
Vol 34 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 76-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armin Hildebrandt ◽  
Rudolf Mengel
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Physarum Polycephalum ◽  
Gel Filtration ◽  
In Vitro Transcription ◽  
Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Heat Stable ◽  
Transcription Inhibitor

Abstract A substance has been purified from isolated nuclei of Physarum polycephalum by equilibrium and velocity gradient centrifugations, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration which has a high molecular weight, can be labeled in vivo with 32P, is heat stable and resistant to amylases, proteases, nucleases and phosphodiesterase but is sensitive to phosphatases or hydrolysis. This material consists of phospate and glycerol. It selectively inhibits in vitro transcription of RNA polymerases, predominantly the homologous enzyme A by binding to the enzyme. In the presence of this inhibitor of transcription a stable RNA polymerase-template complex cannot be formed. Binding to and inactivation of RNA polymerase is reversible at high ionic strength.

scholarly journals The effect of aflatoxin B1 on normal and cortisol-stimulated rat liver ribonucleic acid synthesis

1972 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 619-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Neal
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rat Liver ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
Enzymic Activity ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Receptor Sites ◽  
Rna Polymerase Activity

1. Aflatoxin B1, administered in vivo, inhibits the incorporation of [14C]orotic acid in vivo into rat liver nuclei, and also inhibits both Mg2+- and Mn2+-dependent RNA polymerase activities in nuclei assayed in vitro. 2. Aflatoxin B1 inhibits the cortisol-induced increase in incorporation of [14C]leucine in vivo, but does not affect the control value of this activity. 3. Aflatoxin B1 administered in vivo inhibits the increase in nuclear Mg2+-dependent RNA polymerase activity, assayed in vitro, which results from the treatment with cortisol. 4. Adrenalectomy causes a decrease in Mg2+-dependent RNA polymerase activity. The effect on this enzymic activity of adrenalectomy plus treatment with aflatoxin B1 is no greater than that of treatment with aflatoxin B1 alone. 5. These results suggest that the inhibition of cortisol-stimulated biochemical pathways by aflatoxin B1 is due to an inhibition of cortisol-stimulated RNA synthesis. 6. The cytoplasmic action of aflatoxin is thought to be due to a competition for receptor sites on the endoplasmic reticulum between steroid hormones and aflatoxin B1. No evidence was obtained for a similar competition for nuclear receptor sites between [3H]cortisol and aflatoxin B1. 7. No differences were observed between the activities of RNA polymerase preparations solubilized from control or aflatoxin-inhibited nuclei. 8. No differences in ‘melting’ profiles were observed between DNA and chromatin preparations isolated from control nuclei or from aflatoxin-inhibited nuclei. 9. It is suggested that aflatoxin B1 exerts its effect on RNA polymerase by decreasing the template capacity of the chromatin and that the aflatoxin ‘target’ area of the chromatin includes that region which is stimulated by cortisol. This process, however, does not involve inhibiting the movement of cortisol from the outside of the hepatic cell to the nuclear chromatin.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document