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A consensus sequence for a functional human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) dUTPase
J M Harris1, R H Haynes, E M McIntosh
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) encodes a dUTPase distinct from the human cellular enzyme. This study clarifies the wild-type HERV-K dUTPase sequence, revealing previous data represented a mutated form.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is a defective multicopy virus vertically transmitted in humans.
- HERV-K encodes a potential dUTPase gene, distinct from the human cellular dUTPase.
- dUTPases possess five conserved active site motifs; previous HERV-K dUTPase sequences showed deviations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the accuracy of previously reported HERV-K dUTPase sequences.
- To determine the wild-type sequence of the HERV-K dUTPase gene.
- To characterize the functional properties of the wild-type HERV-K dUTPase.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of 22 HERV-K dUTPase genes from human DNA.
- Construction and expression of a wild-type HERV-K dUTPase gene in Escherichia coli.
- Biochemical characterization of the expressed HERV-K dUTPase enzyme.
Main Results:
- Sequencing of 22 HERV-K dUTPase genes revealed variations, with the HERV-K10 sequence representing a mutated form.
- A wild-type HERV-K dUTPase sequence was reconstructed.
- The expressed wild-type enzyme exhibited properties similar to dUTPases from other sources.
Conclusions:
- The previously reported HERV-K dUTPase sequence was indeed mutated.
- A functional, wild-type HERV-K dUTPase enzyme has been characterized.
- The study provides insights into the potential role of HERV-K dUTPase in human disease.