Notes: The authors examined the role of p53 in modulating dUTPase promoter activity. Base substitution mutations of Sp1- and E2F-binding sites in the dUTPase promoter were performed using the GeneEditor™ in vitro Site-Directed Mutagenesis System. Each mutant was confirmed by DNA sequencing. To determine growth inhibition, HCT116 human colon cancer cells were seeded in 96-well plates at 3 × 10³ cells/well and treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR), oxaliplatin or in combination. After 72 hours, the CellTiter^® 96 AQ_ueous One Solution was dispensed into each well and absorbance measured. RNA was isolated from HCT116 p53+/+ and HCT116 p53-/- cells. cDNA was reverse transcribed from 200ng total RNA followed by multiplex qPCR using the Plexor™ qPCR System to amplify dUTPase, thymidylate synthase and GAPDH, a housekeeping gene. The 1.2 kb region of the dUTPase promoter upstream of the transcriptional start site was amplified by PCR and the fragment cloned into the pGL3-Basic Vector. Truncated promoters were also generated by PCR and cloned into the same vector. Drosophila SL-2 cells and HCT116 cell lines were seeded in a 24-well plate and transfected with dUTPase pGL3 promoter constructs or with pCI-Neo:p53WT, pCI-Neo:p53MUT and the empty pCI-neo Mammalian Expression Vector; all transfections included the pRL-TK Vector at a ratio of 1:10. After six hours, the cells were incubated in either fresh medium or medium containing a cytotoxic agent at the appropriate concentration. Thirty hours later, the cells were lysed, quantitated by Western blotting and 20µl of lysate analyzed with the Dual-Luciferase^® Reporter Assay System. Electrophoretic mobility shift analyses (EMSA) were performed using –64 to –91 of the dUTPase-nuclear isoform transcriptional start site in the Gel Shift Assay System. (4031)

Notes: To try to understand the mechanism by which certain strains of Shiga-toxigenic E.coli adhere to host intestinal epithelium, the authors characterized the novel autotransporter protein Sab. Expression levels and protein localization were examined by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mouse anti-Sab antibody used in these studies was raised against an N-terminal His₆-Sab fusion protein purified using the HisLink™ Resin. (4102)

Notes: The authors developed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based assay to distinguish four Sclerotinia species. The assay consisted of amplification of a 300bp intergenic spacer and portions of the calmodulin and ras genes, followed by Southern blot using species-specific, radiolabeled probes. Amplifications were performed using the GoTaq® Colorless Master Mix, 0.2µM of each primer and 10–20ng of template DNA. (4098)

Notes: The authors characterized differential expression of several carcinogen metabolism genes in human alveolar compartment (AC) and bronchial epithelial compartment (BEC) lung tissues in smokers, former smokers and people who have never smoked. They combined laser capture microdissection (LCM) and quantitative RT-PCR. RNA was isolated from paired microdissected malignant and nonmalignant lung tissue, 100ng of total RNA was reverse transcribed in a 20µl reaction, then 1µl of cDNA was amplified by real-time PCR using an ABI PRISM® 7500HT sequence detection system, GoTaq® Flexi DNA Polymerase and gene-specific primers. The expression level for each gene was normalized using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The results showed that expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 and glutathione-S-transferase P1 in AC, but not BEC, tissue was strongly associated with exposure to tobacco. (4095)

Notes: The authors created a triple mutant of Regulator of G-Protein Signaling Protein 2 (RGS2) to characterize the structural features responsible for its selectivity in binding to the Gα_q or Gα_i/o subunits of GTPase-accelerating protein (GAP). The RGS2 enhances the termination of G-protein coupled signaling by enhancing GAP. RGS proteins are considered key modulators of G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) signaling based on their ability to accelerate GTP hydrolysis. The GloSensor™ cAMP assay was used to assess the level of GPCR activity and indicate which structural determinants of RGS2 affect binding to Gα subunits of GAP.

HEK293T cells were transiently co-transfected with expression vectors for the GloSensor™ cAMP biosensor and the G_i-coupled dopamine D2-receptor with empty vector, wild type RGS2, or the RGS2(triple) mutant. Treatment of transfected cells with forskolin produced an increase in luminescence from the cAMP sensor, reflecting direct activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin. Quinpirole, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cAMP production. Inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production was assessed after activation of the D2 receptor with various concentrations of quinpirole to compare IC₅₀ values for the empty vector, wild type RGS2 and triple mutant RGS2. Cellular expression of the triple mutant resulted in a significantly higher IC₅₀ for quinpirole (762nM versus 18 nM for empty vector), indicating that the three point mutations weaken Gα_i subunit binding responsible for enhanced GTPase activity.
(4148)

Notes: The authors were wanted to study the upstream open reading frame 2 (uORF2) of the 5’ leader of bZIP11 mRNA, which has a role in sucrose regulation. The whole 5’ leader fragment of bZIP11 was subcloned into the pALTER^® Vector and amino acid substitutions were introduced using the Altered Sites^® II in vitro Mutagenesis System. The pGEM^®-T Easy Vector was used to clone two PCR fragments that were then subcloned using restriction enzymes to create a fusion of uORF2 to a different 5’ leader. Arabidopsis seedlings were transformed via particle bombardment. 20mg of plant tissue was ground in Passive Lysis Buffer, centrifuged, and 20µl of the supernatant was assessed for reporter gene expression using the Dual-Luciferase^® Reporter Assay System. (4023)

Notes: These authors used the Maxwell^® 16 System to isolate genomic DNA from whole blood and normal colonic tissue samples. The DNA was used in genotype analysis, testing for wildtype and mutant KRAS genes, and for various EGFR-related polymorphisms. The results were used in a research study testing the relationship between various genotypes and response to different treatment regimens. (3961)

Notes: These authors used the Maxwell^® 16 System to isolate DNA from frozen whole blood samples infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The isolated DNA was used in a qPCR-based SNP genotyping assay that sought to uniquely identify the parasites based on their SNP marker profile. (3962)

Notes: To examine the role of the membrane form of macrophage colony–stimulating factor(mM-CSF) in the hematopoietic system, RT-PCR was used amplify the cDNA of human mM-CSF from J6-1 cells, a human leukemia cell line. The PCR product was digested and cloned into the pTargeT™ Mammalian Expression Vector. After sequencing to verify the sequence, the construct and empty pTargeT™ Mammalian Expression Vector were purified and used to transfect Namalwa and Ramos cells, human Burkitt’s lymphoma cell lines, in 24-well plates. The transfected cells were then selected for stable expression of the transfected vector using 1.4 mg/ml G418. Expression of mM-CSF and neomycin (in the empty vector) was confirmed using RT-PCR. These cells were injected into mice and the oncogenicity of the cells determined using antibody staining of tissues. (3989)

Notes: These authors amplified and characterized a putative epoxide hydrolase gene from the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis. PCR fragments were amplified from genomic DNA, purified from gels using the Wizard^® SV Gel and PCR Clean Up System and then subcloned into the pGEM^®-T Easy Vector. The plasmid DNA was purified using the PureYield™ Midiprep System. Linearized plasmids were used for in vitro transcription of RNA for use in RNA interference experiments. (3903)

Notes: The authors examined the different ATP sensitivities of inositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate receptor (InsP₃R) isoforms InsP₃R1, InsP₃R2 and InsP₃R3. To compare the ATP-binding properties of InsP₃R2 and InsP₃R3, nucleotide sequences encompassing the ATP-binding domains were amplified by PCR and cloned into the pFN2A (GST) Flexi^® Vector. The ATP-binding sites were expressed as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins in BL21(DE3)pLysS cells. Fusion proteins were purified, and the GST tag removed by cleavage with tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease. Purified proteins were then used in a fluorescent ATP-binding assay. (3901)

Notes: The authors investigated gene transcription within periplasmic flagella of Borrelia burgdorferi, which are composed of a basal body, hook and filament, to determine if hook formation influences flagellin gene expression. They used insertion mutagenesis to construct strains with mutated versions of the hook structural gene flgE that were disrupted by a kanamycin-resistance cassette. The flgE gene and antibiotic-resistance cassette were amplified by PCR and cloned into the pGEM^®-T Vector. To assess the effect of flgE disruption on the transcription of filament proteins FlaA and FlaB, quantitative RT-PCR was performed; enolase was used as an internal control. Negative controls without the reverse transcriptase were included for each sample. (3885)

Notes: To determine whether oocytes are able to select X-bearing or Y-bearing spermatozoa, the authors performed in vitro fertilization of bovine oocytes with X-sorted semen, Y-sorted semen, a mixture of X- and Y-sorted semen, and unsorted semen. The gender of the resulting embryos was determined by amplifying two DNA targets: a Y chromosome-specific target for gender assignment and a bovine-specific satellite sequence as a control. PCRs were performed using GoTaq^® Flexi DNA Polymerase (1 unit per 25µl reaction), and amplified products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis followed by ethidium bromide staining. (3881)

Notes: These authors investigated the amo operon of the marine ammonia oxidizer Nitrosococcus oceani. The bacteria were grown at 30°C for 3 weeks in 200-400ml batch cultures in artificial seawater in the dark without shaking. Genomic DNA was isolated from cells in stationary phase using the Wizard^® Genomic DNA Purification Kit. The isolated DNA was then used for PCR analysis. (3740)

Notes: The authors characterized a novel caspase 8-like activity that cleaves Bid and activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. This activity was purified from rat liver lysosomal extracts and later identified as chymotrypsin B (CtrB). CtrB was previously thought to be expressed only in the pancreas, but the authors were able to detect crtB RNA in total RNA from primary rat hepatocytes and a rat hepatoma cell line (RH-35) using RT-PCR and the Access RT-PCR System. To confirm the intralysosomal localization of Crt B, the authors transfected RH-35 cells with an expression vector encoding CrtB tagged with green fluorescent protein. Prior to transfection, synthesis of functional protein from the expression vector was confirmed by in vitro transcription and translation using the TNT^® Coupled Transcription Translation System and [³⁵S] methionine. (3889)

Notes: The authors characterized masculinizing mutations of the female-promoting tra genes in Caenorhabditis briggsae (Cb-tra). Using RT-PCR, the authors monitored the levels of full-length Cb-tra mRNA and a novel splice variant; actin mRNA was amplified as a control. RT-PCR was carried out using the AccessQuick™ RT-PCR System and RNA from 5–10 worms per 50µl reaction. (3892)

Notes: The authors sought to detect expression of the chemokine CXCL16 and its receptor, CXCR6, in prostate cancer cell lines and in benign and malignant prostate cancer tissues. The Access RT-PCR System was used to amplify and detect CXCL16 and CXCR6 mRNA in these cells and tissues. Each RT-PCR contained 1µg of total RNA, and amplifications were carried out for 35 cycles. Amplified products were detected on a 1.5% ethidium bromide-stained agarose gel. (3836)

Notes: The authors identified the maize homolog of hcf136 (Zmhcf136), a gene involved in photosynthesis, and used an RNA blot to determine if ZmHcf136 transcripts accumulate preferentially in mesophyll cells. DNA probes for Zmhcf136 and several cell-specific markers were generated by PCR using GoTaq^® Green Master Mix, gel purified and radiolabeled prior to use in the RNA blots. To examine differences in protein accumulation and localization in wildtype and hcf136 mutants, proteins from subcellular fractions were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and spots of interest were excised, digested with Sequencing Grade Modified Trypsin, then analyzed by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. (3883)

Notes: The authors describe the developmental validation of the Plexor^® HY System, a quantitative PCR assay that simultaneously quantifies total human and male DNA. Validation studies examined: (1) human specificity, (2) sensitivity, (3) quantitation of degraded DNA, (4) impact of inhibitors, (5) male/female mixture and Y-assay male specificity, (6) reproducibility and concordance and (7) population studies. (3969)

Notes: The authors examined strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolated from typhoid cases originating in or around Indonesia or from travelers returning from Indonesia to examine if serovar Typhi from this area has a greater level of genetic diversity compared to other countries. Genomic DNA was isolated using the Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit, diluted to 4 ng/µl and used in locus-specific PCR genotyping. (3980)

Notes: In this study of the frequency of human papilloma virus (HPV) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the MagneSil^® Genomic, Fixed Tissue System was used to isolate DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from primary tumors and matched samples. Five microliters of genomic DNA was amplified using PCR Master Mix and primers for both a 110 bp fragment of human ß-globin gene and HPV genotype. After PCR, the product was analyzed on an 8% nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel and stained with AgNO₃. (3938)

Notes: Trivalent arsenic (As³⁺) induces expression of growth arrest- and DNA damage-induced gene 45α (GADD45α), which interacts with intracellular signaling molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and immune response. To characterize GADD45α mRNA expression patterns, total RNA was isolated from untreated (growing) and As³⁺-treated (arrested) BEAS-2B cells, and GADD45α mRNA was amplified using the AccessQuick™ RT-PCR System. GADD45α mRNA levels were undetectable in growing cells but increased in a time-dependent manner in arrested cells. Reverse transcription was carried out at 45°C for 50 minutes, followed by 35 cycles of PCR. (3766)

Notes: In this article, the researchers explored the role of RAB23 in gastric cancers. Twenty-four hours before transfection, AGS cells (gastric cancer cell line) that expressed RAB23 were seeded into a 24-well plate at a density of 1.8 × 105 cells/ml. To overexpress RAB23, a full-length RAB23 cDNA was cloned into the pCI-neo Mammalian Expression Vector and transfected into AGS cells. The effect of RAB23 overexpression on the cells was determined using a Matrigel invasion assay while protein expression levels were visualized with Western blotting. (3986)

Notes: The authors investigated the ability of α9β1 integrin to act as a neurotrophin receptor and affect cell signaling pathways. As part of the study, RT-PCR was used to detect the presence of other neurotrophin receptors in their model cell line, SW480. Reverse transcription was performed using the Reverse Transcription System and 1µg of total RNA isolated using the SV Total RNA Isolation System. The resulting cDNA (5µg) was amplified for 35 cycles (β-actin as a control) or 40 cycles (TrkA and p75^NTR) using GoTaq® Green Master Mix. RT-PCR results were confirmed by Western blot analysis. (3884)

Notes: In this study, the Maxwell^® 16 Instrument was used to purify genomic DNA from blood samples. The extracted DNA was amplified by PCR for subsequent genotype analysis. (3902)