Antibody to a human DNA repair protein allows for cloning of a Drosophila cDNA that encodes an apurinic endonuclease

CiAPEX2 and CiP0, candidates of AP endonucleases in Ciona intestinalis, have 3'-5' exonuclease activity and contribute to protection against oxidative stress

Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites are one of the most frequent DNA lesions. AP sites inhibit transcription and DNA replication, and induce cell death. AP endonucleases are key enzymes in AP site repair. Several types of AP endonucleases have been reported, such as AP endonuclease 2 (APEX2) and ribosomal protein P0 (P0). However, it is not known how the functions and roles differ among AP endonucleases. To clarify the difference of roles among AP endonucleases, we conducted biochemical analysis focused on APEX2 and P0 homologues in Ciona intestinalis. Amino acid sequence analysis suggested that CiAPEX2 and CiP0 are AP endonuclease homologues. Although we could not detect AP endonuclease or 3'-phosphodiesterase activity, these two purified proteins exhibited 3'-5' exonuclease activity. This 3'-5' exonuclease activity was sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the efficiency of this activity was influenced by the 3'-terminus of substrate DNA. Both CiAPEX2 and CiP0 degraded not only a 5'-protruding DNA end, but also nicked DNA, which is generated through AP endonuclease 1 (APEX1) cleavage. These two genes partially complemented the growth rate of AP endonuclease-deficient Escherichia coli treated with hydrogen peroxide. These results indicate that 3'-5' exonuclease activity is an evolutionarily conserved enzymatic activity of APEX2 and P0 homologues and this enzymatic activity may be important for AP endonucleases.

Repair of 8 oxoguanine in mammalian cells expressing the Drosophila S3 ribosomal/repair protein

8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) is a potent mutagenic lesion that forms at elevated levels in cellular DNA and is repaired with low efficiency in human cells. Unlike its human counterpart, the Drosophila S3 ribosomal/repair protein is endowed with a vigorous 8 oxoG repair activity that is associated to beta,delta-elimination AP lyase activity. We have recently observed that pure GST-tagged Drosophila S3 protein can significantly accelerate the in vitro repair of 8 oxoG performed by human and mouse cell extracts [Cappelli et al., unpublished data]. In this work, we have transfected Chinese hamster cells with mammalian expression vectors containing the Drosophila S3 cDNA. The cells synthesized both S3 mRNA and protein but no improved repair of 8 oxoguanine was observed. Factors important for the proper expression of Drosophila genes in mammalian cells are discussed.

Interaction of the essential Drosophila nuclear protein YA with P0/AP3 in the cytoplasm and in vitro: implications for developmental regulation of YA's subcellular location

The Drosophila nuclear lamina protein YA is essential for the transition from female meiosis to embryo mitosis. Its localization and, hence, function is under developmental and cell cycle controls. YA protein is hyperphosphorylated and cytoplasmic in ovaries. Upon egg activation, YA is partially dephosphorylated and acquires the ability to enter nuclei. Its function is first detected at this time. To investigate the cytoplasmic retention machinery that keeps YA from entering nuclei, we used affinity chromatography and blot overlay assays to identify cytoplasmic proteins that associate with YA. Drosophila P0/AP3, a ribosomal protein that is also an apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease, binds to YA in ovary and embryo cytoplasms. P0 and YA bind specifically and directly in vitro and are present in a 20S complex in the cytoplasmic extracts. YA protein can be phosphorylated by MAPK, but not by p34(Cdc2) kinase, in vitro. This phosphorylation increases YA's binding to P0. We propose that the P0-containing 20S cytoplasmic complex retains hyperphosphorylated ovarian YA in the cytoplasm. In response to egg activation, YA is partially dephosphorylated and its binding to the 20S complex is reduced. Hence, some YA dissociates from the complex and enters nuclei. Consistent with this model, decreasing P0 levels partially suppress a hypomorphic Ya mutant allele.

Increased hsp22 RNA levels in Drosophila lines genetically selected for increased longevity

RNAs for the small heat shock protein (hsp) genes hsp22 and hsp23 are induced during Drosophila aging, suggesting that these genes might have specific functions at late ages. To determine if hsp22 and hsp23 gene expression might correlate with life span, RNA levels for these and additional genes were analyzed throughout the adult life span in a set of five outbred "O" lines, which have been genetically selected for increased longevity, and in five matched control "B" lines. Control ribosomal protein genes rp49 and AP3/RpPO RNA levels were similar in O and B lines. In contrast, hsp22 RNA levels were twofold-tenfold higher in all five O lines relative to all five B lines, while hsp23 exhibited a smaller but significant increase. Thus increased hsp22 and hsp23 RNA levels correlate with the increased life span and increased stress resistance of the genetically selected O lines.

Sequence and transcription patterns of 60S ribosomal protein P0, a diapause-regulated AP endonuclease in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis

We have isolated and sequenced a 1308bp clone from a pupal brain cDNA library of the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, showing 97% amino acid (aa) sequence similarity to Ceratitis capitata 60S acidic ribosomal protein P0 (CcP0) and 93% aa sequence similiarity to Drosophila melanogaster P0 (DmP0). DmP0 is a multifunctional protein necessary for efficient protein translation of the 60S ribosome as well as DNA repair via AP3 endonuclease activity. In this study, we observed that S. crassipalpis P0 (ScP0) is cyclically regulated throughout the fly's overwintering pupal diapause. Expression of ScP0 cycles out of phase with the 4day cycles of O(2) consumption: the peak day of O(2) consumption is characterized by low ScP0 expression, while high expression is noted during the trough of the O(2) consumption cycle. The O(2) cycles, which are in turn driven by cycles of juvenile hormone (JH), can be eliminated by application of a JH analog (JHA). Pupae rendered acyclic with a JHA application consume O(2) at a constant high rate and ScP0 is consistently downregulated. Our findings thus suggest that the cyclic nature of ScP0 regulation during pupal diapause is linked to the JH-mediated metabolic cycles characteristic of this species.

Genomic structure and characterization of the Drosophila S3 ribosomal/DNA repair gene and mutant alleles

The Drosophila S3 protein is known to be associated with ribosomes, where it is thought to play a role in the initiation of protein translation. The S3 protein also contains a DNA repair activity, efficiently processing 8-oxoguanine residues in DNA via an N-glycosylase/apurinic-apyrimidinic (AP) lyase activity. The gene that encodes S3 has previously been localized to one of the Minute loci on chromosome 3 in Drosophila. This study focused on the genomic organization of S3 at M(3)95A, initial promoter characterization, and analysis of three mutant alleles at this locus. The S3 gene was found to be a single-copy gene 2 to 3 kb in length and containing a single intron. The upstream 1.6-kb region was analyzed for promoter activity, identifying a presumptive regulatory domain containing potential enhancer and suppressor elements. This finding is of interest, as the S3 gene is constitutively expressed throughout development and mRNA is most likely maternally inherited. Lastly, three Minute alleles from the same locus were sequenced and two alleles found to contain a 22-bp deletion in exon 2, resulting in a truncated S3 protein, although wildtype levels of S3 mRNA and protein were detected in the viable heterozygous Minute alleles, possibly reflecting dosage compensation.

Cloning and characterization of the ribosomal protein CcP0 of the medfly Ceratitis capitata

The gene of the ribosomal protein CcP0, the third member of the ribosomal P-protein family of the medfly Ceratitis capitata, was identified by genomic and cDNA sequence analysis. It codes for a polypeptide of 317 amino acids and its predicted amino acid sequence shows great similarity to the P0 proteins of other eukaryotic organisms. The CcP0 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and the 34-kDa recombinant protein was identical to the P0 protein of purified medfly ribosomes. Both proteins reacted positively with a specific monoclonal antibody against the highly conserved C terminus of eukaryotic ribosomal P proteins. Interestingly, the medfly CcP0 seems to be the only P0 protein of higher eukaryotic organisms with basic character (pI 8.5), as shown by electrofocusing of purified ribosomes.

Mutation in P0, a dual function ribosomal protein/apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease, modifies gene expression and position effect variegation in Drosophila

In a search for modifiers of gene expression with the white eye color gene as a target, a third chromosomal P-element insertion mutant l(3)01544 has been identified that exhibits a strong pigment increase in a white-apricot background. Molecular analysis shows that the P-element insertion is found in the first intron of the gene surrounding the insertion site. Sequencing both the cDNA and genomic fragments revealed that the identified gene is identical to one encoding ribosomal protein P0/apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease. The P-element-induced mutation, l(3)01544, affects the steady-state level of white transcripts and transcripts of some other genes. In addition, l(3)01544 suppresses the variegated phenotypes of In(1)wm4h and In(1)y3P, suggesting a potential involvement of the P0 protein in modifying position effect variegation. The revertant generated by the precise excision of the P element has lost all mutant phenotypes. Recent work revealed that Drosophila ribosomal protein P0 contains an apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity. Our results suggest that this multifunctional protein is also involved in regulation of gene expression in Drosophila.

A Drosophila ribosomal protein contains 8-oxoguanine and abasic site DNA repair activities

Ionizing radiation and normal cellular respiration form reactive oxygen species that damage DNA and contribute to a variety of human disorders including tumor promotion and carcinogenesis. A major product of free radical DNA damage is the formation of 8-oxoguanine, which is a highly mutagenic base modification produced by oxidative stress. Here, Drosophila ribosomal protein S3 is shown to cleave DNA containing 8-oxoguanine residues efficiently, The ribosomal protein also contains an associated apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) lyase activity, cleaving phosphodiester bonds via a beta,delta elimination reaction. The significance of this DNA repair activity acting on 8-oxoguanine is shown by the ability of S3 to rescue the H2O2 sensitivity of an Escherichia coli mutM strain (defective for the repair of 8-oxoguanine) and to abolish completely the mutator phenotype of mutM caused by 8-oxoguanine-mediated G-->T transversions. The ribosomal protein is also able to rescue the alkylation sensitivity of an E.coli mutant deficient for the AP endonuclease activities associated with exonuclease III (xth) and endonuclease IV (nfo), indicating for the first time that an AP lyase can represent a significant source of DNA repair activity for the repair of AP sites. These results raise the possibility that DNA repair may be associated with protein translation.

DNA damage and repair in somatic and germ cells in vivo

Alkylation-induced germ cell mutagenesis in the mouse versus Drosophila is compared based on data from forward mutation assays (specific-locus tests in the mouse and in Drosophila and multiple-locus assays in the latter species) but not including assays for structural chromosome aberrations. To facilitate comparisons between mouse and Drosophila, forward mutation test results have been grouped into three categories. Representatives of the first category are MMS (methyl methanesulfonate) and EO (ethylene oxide), alkylating agents with a high s value which predominantly react with ring nitrogens in DNA. ENU (N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea), MNU (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea), PRC (procarbazine), DEN (N-nitrosodiethylamine), and DMN (N-nitrosodimethylamine) belong to the second category. These agents have in common a considerable ability for modification at oxygens in DNA. Cross-linking agents (melphalan, chlorambucil, hexamethylphosphoramide) form the third category. The most unexpected, but encouraging outcome of this study is the identification of common features for three vastly different experimental indicators of genotoxicity: hereditary damage in Drosophila males, genetic damage in male mice, and tumors (TD50 estimates) in rodents. Based on the above three category classification scheme the following tentative conclusions are drawn. Monofunctional agents belonging to category 1, typified by MMS and EO, display genotoxic effects in male germ cell stages that have passed meiotic division. This phenomenon seems to be the consequence of a repair deficiency during spermiogenesis for a period of 3-4 days in Drosophila and 14 days in the mouse. We suggest that the reason for the high resistance of premeiotic stages, and the generally high TD50 estimates observed for this class in rodents, is the efficient error-free repair of N-alkylation damage. If we accept this hypothesis, then the increased carcinogenic potential in rodents, seen when comparing category 2 (ENU-type mutagens) to category 1 (MMS-type mutagens), along with the ability of category 2 genotoxins to induce genetic damage in premeiotic stages, must presumably be due to their enhanced ability for alkylations at oxygens in DNA; it is this property that actually distinguishes the two groups from each other. In contrast to category 1, examination of class 2 genotoxins (ENU and DEN) in premeiotic cells of Drosophila gave no indication for a significant role of germinal selection, and also removal by DNA repair was less dramatic compared to MMS. Thus category 2 mutagens are expected to display activity in a wide range of both post- and premeiotic germ cell stages. A number of these agents have been demonstrated to be among the most potent carcinogens in rodents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A cDNA from Schizosaccharomyces pombe encoding a putative enolase

Here we report the isolation of an enolase (Eno)-encoding cDNA clone from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of the 1.4-kb cDNA shares identifies with a number of Eno from Escherichia coli to humans. The highest degree of similarity is to the known Eno from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and an Eno from Candida albicans. Northern blot analysis identified a single transcript of approx. 1.4 kb, which was most abundant when cells were grown in media with glucose as the carbon source, as opposed to glycerol/lactate or ethanol.

Physical map locations of the phospholipid biosynthetic structural and regulatory genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Here we report the physical map locations of five genes required for phospholipid biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These include four structural genes (INO1, CHO2, OPI3 and PIS1) and one global negative regulatory gene (UME6). Collectively, this information completes the mapping of all phospholipid biosynthetic structural and regulatory genes identified to date.

Evidence for DNA endonuclease activity in nuclear extracts from mosquito cells

We describe a deoxyribonuclease activity from nuclear protein extracts of cultured Aedes albopictus mosquito cells. The nuclease cleaved linear and circular double-stranded DNA, first generating 3' OH single-stranded nicks followed by second strand cleavage, but had little or no exonucleolytic activity. Detection of this activity was optimal at pH 7.1, in the presence of a divalent cation (Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Ba2+). In the presence of Mg2+, Zn2+, Hg2+ and Cu2+ inhibited activity, sulfhydryl reagents and ATP had no effect. At physiological temperatures (18-35 degrees C), linear double-stranded DNA probes were preferentially cleaved near sites containing 3-6 consecutive deoxyadenine/thymine base pairs. Results from salt dependency and drug inhibition studies, combined with inspection of DNA sequence, suggested that DNA structure is among the parameters that determine preferred cleavage sites.

Molecular phylogenies based on ribosomal protein L11, L1, L10, and L12 sequences

Available sequences that correspond to the E. coli ribosomal proteins L11, L1, L10, and L12 from eubacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes have been aligned. The alignments were analyzed qualitatively for shared structural features and for conservation of deletions or insertions. The alignments were further subjected to quantitative phylogenetic analysis, and the amino acid identity between selected pairs of sequences was calculated. In general, eubacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes each form coherent and well-resolved nonoverlapping phylogenetic domains. The degree of diversity of the four proteins between the three groups is not uniform. For L11, the eubacterial and archaebacterial proteins are very similar whereas the eukaryotic L11 is clearly less similar. In contrast, in the case of the L12 proteins and to a lesser extent the L10 proteins, the archaebacterial and eukaryotic proteins are similar whereas the eubacterial proteins are different. The eukaryotic L1 equivalent protein has yet to be identified. If the root of the universal tree is near or within the eubacterial domain, our ribosomal protein-based phylogenies indicate that archaebacteria are monophyletic. The eukaryotic lineage appears to originate either near or within the archaebacterial domain.

Effects of chronic ethanol consumption on G proteins in brain areas associated with the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems

This study examined the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the content of G proteins in brain areas associated with the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems of male Fischer 344 rats, aged 3, 5, or 13 months at the time of killing. In addition, G protein mRNA was assessed in 3-month-old rats. G proteins were examined in ethanol-fed rats because a number of studies have implicated these proteins with both the acute and chronic effects of ethanol. Brain areas associated with the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems were examined because of the evidence that these systems are sensitive to ethanol. The brain areas examined include the substantia nigra (SN), striatum (ST), globus pallidus (GP), frontal cortex (FCX), nucleus accumbens (NA), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and ventral pallidum (VP). These experiments demonstrated that the 3-month-old rats that consumed a 6.6% (v/v) ethanol-containing liquid diet for 4 weeks had a significant (approximately 30-40%) increase in the mRNA content of Gi3 alpha in the FCX, VTA, and VP, and a significant (approximately 20%) decrease of that for G0 alpha in the SN. Nonetheless, the content of the G0 alpha protein subunit was not altered. In addition, there were no significant differences in the content of the proteins detected by antibodies to Gs alpha, G0 alpha, Gi1 alpha/Gi2 alpha, and G0 alpha/Gi3 alpha in the FCX, NA, and ST of similarly treated older rats (5 and 13 months). The content of mRNA for the other G proteins examined in the seven brain areas of 3-month-old rats was unaffected by chronic ethanol exposure.

Mammalian DNA-repair genes

The sequence and functional homology of certain genes between mammalian and non-mammalian eukaryotes has facilitated significant advances in our understanding of mammalian DNA repair. Several novel DNA damage and repair genes have been identified by using a variety of approaches. Study of these genes will lead to an increased understanding of the biological consequences of aberrant DNA maintenance in humans and other species.

The effect of acute in vivo ethanol exposure on follicle stimulating hormone transcription and translation

The impact of ethanol (EtOH) on male rodent reproduction has been well characterized for luteinizing hormone (LH) with suppression of LH release from the pituitary being reported. We have previously reported that acute ethanol (EtOH) exposure in vivo results in rapid and marked suppression of beta-LH gene expression and protein release from the pituitary. This suppression of beta-LH gene expression was unaccompanied by a change in the common alpha-subunit mRNA. To further explore the impact of ethanol on male rodent reproduction, we have expanded our studies to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and hypothalamic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) as well as of pituitary protein kinase C (PKC). Previously castrated male rats were acutely exposed to EtOH and a dramatic reduction in both serum FSH and LH levels was noted at 1.5 and 3 hr after treatment. These levels returned to saline injected control values at 6 and 24 hr. Despite the fall in serum FSH, there was no change in intrapituitary FSH content at any time point; this lack of pituitary FSH depletion in the face of a fall in serum levels is suggestive of impaired FSH release. In contrast to the fall in beta-LH steady-state mRNA levels seen previously and confirmed in the present studies, there was no change in beta-FSH steady-state mRNA at any time point suggesting that EtOH has dichotomous effects on the expression of these two gonadotropins. Pituitary PKC levels were also assessed and found to be unaffected by EtOH at any time point.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

cDNA cloning, sequencing, expression and possible domain structure of human APEX nuclease homologous to Escherichia coli exonuclease III

cDNA encoding the human homologue of mouse APEX nuclease was isolated from a human bone-marrow cDNA library by screening with cDNA for mouse APEX nuclease. The mouse enzyme has been shown to possess four enzymatic activities, i.e., apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease, 3'-5' exonuclease, DNA 3'-phosphatase and DNA 3' repair diesterase activities. The cDNA for human APEX nuclease was 1420 nucleotides long, consisting of a 5' terminal untranslated region of 205 nucleotide long, a coding region of 954 nucleotide long encoding 318 amino acid residues, a 3' terminal untranslated region of 261 nucleotide long, and a poly(A) tail. Determination of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of APEX nuclease purified from HeLa cells showed that the mature enzyme lacks the N-terminal methionine. The amino acid sequence of human APEX nuclease has 94% sequence identity with that of mouse APEX nuclease, and shows significant homologies to those of Escherichia coli exonuclease III and Streptococcus pneumoniae ExoA protein. The coding sequence of human APEX nuclease was cloned into the pUC18 SmaI site in the control frame of the lacZ promoter. The construct was introduced into BW2001 (xth-11, nfo-2) strain and BW9109 (delta xth) strain cells of E. coli. The transformed cells expressed a 36.4 kDa polypeptide (the 317 amino acid sequence of APEX nuclease headed by the N-terminal decapeptide derived from the part of pUC18 sequence), and were less sensitive to methylmethanesulfonate and tert-butyl-hydroperoxide than the parent cells. The N-terminal regions of the constructed protein and APEX nuclease were cleaved frequently during the extraction and purification processes of protein to produce the 31, 33 and 35 kDa C-terminal fragments showing priming activities for DNA polymerase on acid-depurinated DNA and bleomycin-damaged DNA. Formation of such enzymatically active fragments of APEX nuclease may be a cause of heterogeneity of purified preparations of mammalian AP endonucleases. Based on analyses of the deduced amino acid sequence and the active fragments of APEX nuclease, it is suggested that the enzyme is organized into two domains, a 6 kDa N-terminal domain having nuclear location signals and 29 kDa C-terminal, catalytic domain.

In vivo effects of acute EtOH on rat alpha and beta luteinizing hormone gene expression

The suppressive effects of ethanol (EtOH) on the male rodent reproductive axis, especially on serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, are well known. In this study we examined, in coordinate fashion, the effects of EtOH on LH secretion and on steady-state levels of the mRNA for the two genes that direct LH synthesis, namely alpha- and beta-LH. A single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of EtOH given to castrated male rats produced a statistically significant fall in serum LH levels at 1.5 (p less than 0.05) and 3 hours (p less than 0.01) after injection compared to saline-injected controls. This effect had dissipated by 24 and 72 hours after treatment. Intrapituitary LH content was significantly increased in EtOH-compared to saline-treated animals 1.5 hours after injection (p less than 0.05) at the same time there was a significant decrease in serum LH. Steady-state levels of beta-LH mRNA were significantly diminished in EtOH-treated animals at 1.5 (p less than 0.05) and 3 hours (p less than 0.001) after injection, but returned to control levels thereafter. Since the half-life of beta-LH mRNA is greater than 8 hours, this fall is most likely due to decreased beta-LH mRNA stability and may also involve decreased beta-LH gene transcription. alpha mRNA levels were unchanged at all time points investigated. These findings were verified in four repetitions of this experiment. These data suggest that the EtOH-induced fall in serum LH is due to impaired secretion of LH and to decreased LH synthesis as indicated by diminished steady-state levels of beta-LH subunit mRNA, secondary mainly to altered mRNA stability.

An adult male specific gene in Drosophila containing the repetitive element opa

A cDNA has been isolated for an adult male specific gene in Drosophila that contains the repetitive element opa. We have named this gene Dromsopa for Drosophila male specific opa containing gene. The 0.6 kb mRNA for this gene is only found in the abdominal region of adult male Drosophila and in no other tissue or at other developmental stages. The Dromsopa opa repeat codes for the usual stretch of poly(glutamine) interrupted by histidine residues. The opa repetitive element was originally found in the Drosophila Notch gene (Kidd, S. et al. (1983) Cell 34, 431-433 and Wharton, K.A. (1985) Cell 40, 55-62) and has, more recently, been found in genes under developmental or tissue specific control from yeast to humans. The gene was cloned using a genomic fragment during a chromosomal walk upstream of the AP3 gene located at chromosomal location 79CD on the left arm of the third chromosome (Kelley, M.R. et al. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9, 965-973). The Dromsopa gene has no other identity with genes currently in the databases, once the opa repeat is excluded. The possibility that the Dromsopa gene is a male specific regulatory factor is under investigation as is its precise location within the abdomen, such as in germ line tissue.

A mouse DNA repair enzyme (APEX nuclease) having exonuclease and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activities: purification and characterization

A mouse repair enzyme having priming activity on bleomycin-damaged DNA for DNA polymerase was purified to apparent homogeneity and characterized. The enzyme extracted from permeabilized mouse ascites sarcoma (SR-C3H/He) cells with 0.2 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) was purified by successive chromatographies on phosphocellulose, DEAE-cellulose, phosphocellulose (a second time), Sephadex G-100, single-stranded DNA cellulose and hydroxyapatite. The purified enzyme has an Mr of 34,000 as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Enzymatical studies indicated that it is a multifunctional enzyme having exonuclease, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease and phosphatase activities, similar to Escherichia coli exonuclease III. This enzyme is tentatively designated as APEX nuclease for apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease and exonuclease activities. The amino acid composition, amino-terminal amino acid sequence and an internal amino acid sequence of APEX nuclease are determined.

The enzymology of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleases

Studies on the enzymology of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases from procaryotic and eucaryotic organisms are reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on the enzymes from Escherichia coli from which a considerable portion of our knowledge has been derived. Recent studies on similar enzymes from eucaryotes will be discussed as well. In addition, we will discuss the chemical and physical properties of AP sites and review studies on peptides and acridine derivatives which incise DNA at AP sites.

Repair of intrinsic DNA lesions

The repair of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites is described. The major pathway involves hydrolysis of the stable phosphodiester bond on the 5' side of the lesion by an AP endonuclease. The 5' terminal deoxyribose-phosphate residue is excised by a separate phosphodiesterase which does not appear to be an exonuclease. Repair replication of the single missing nucleotide residue by a DNA polymerase and ligation complete the excision-repair process. The possibility that minor DNA lesions may accumulate with time in long-lived cells is considered. Such lesions should be chemically stable and should not be recognized by DNA-repair enzymes.

Apurinic endonuclease activity from wild-type and repair-deficient mei-9 Drosophila ovaries

An endonuclease which acts on apurinic (AP) sites in DNA was partially purified from Drosophila ovaries. The enzyme present in the female germ line has a molecular weight of 63,000 daltons, is Mg++ dependent, and produces a site upon cleaving depurinated DNA that supports DNA repair synthesis. Although the same characteristics are shared by the enzyme present in the excision-deficient mutant mei-9, specific activity for the AP endonuclease is reduced 98% when compared with that found for its wild-type counterpart. Moreover, cross-reactivity toward an antibody that recognizes the wild-type AP endonuclease protein is reduced roughly 90% for partially purified preparations from mei-9. Mixing experiments between extracts of mei-9 and wild type suggest that the mei-9 structural gene somehow alters or influences the levels of the AP endonuclease protein, but in view of the complex phenotype of this mutant the endonuclease is probably not the product of the gene itself.

Cross-reaction of albumin with polyclonal LH antibody on western blots

When pituitary tissue was subjected to Western blot analysis utilizing polyclonal antibody NIDDK-rLH-S-10, bands at 17 and 19 Kd representing LH subunits were identified. In addition, a high molecular weight 66 Kd band was seen. Surprisingly this high molecular weight band was also seen in rat cerebral cortex, brain stem, hypothalamus, spinal cord, lung, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, testis, and serum. Antibody preabsorbed with iodination grade rat LH antigen no longer recognized the 17 and 19 Kd bands in pituitary, but recognized the 66 Kd bands in pituitary and the other tissues examined. Since 66 Kd is the molecular weight of albumin, we found that antisera to rat albumin recognized this same high molecular weight band in the tissues examined. Preabsorption of LH antibody with albumin reduced the ability of that antibody to recognize this 66 Kd. A monoclonal antibody to bovine LH beta-subunit recognized only the LH protein in anterior pituitary, but no high molecular weight band in either pituitary or the other tissues studied. Finally, 10, 100, and 1000 micrograms of rat albumin caused no substantial interference under conditions of RIA. We conclude that the polyclonal antibody, provided by the NIH, is excellent for conditions of RIA, but caution must be exercised when it is used for Western analysis where some lots of this antibody may recognize other unrelated proteins.