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Biomedical subjects

H Handa

Publications and source records attributed to H Handa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Transcriptional regulation by a point mutant of adenovirus-2 E1a product lacking DNA binding activity.

The adenovirus E1a protein (E1A) regulates transcription through interaction with transcription factors bound to DNA, like cAMP response element BP1/ATF2, or through dissociating E2F transcription factor complex. However, it was also reported that E1A can bind to DNA (Chatterjee, P. K., Bruner, M., Flint, S. J., and Harter, M. L. (1988) EMBO J. 7, 835-841), and it is not clear whether DNA binding of E1A is involved in a part of the process of transcriptional regulation by E1A. In this paper, the small region of E1A that is responsible for DNA binding was identified and a point mutant lacking DNA binding activity was constructed. Analysis of deletion mutants of E1A proteins expressed in bacteria showed that a basic region between amino acids 201 and 216 of E1A is essential for DNA binding. Point mutation of arginines at amino acid numbers 205 and 206 to aspartic acids completely abolished the DNA binding activity of E1A. Using this mutant, the requirement of the E1A DNA binding for E1A-dependent transcriptional regulation was examined. trans-Activation of the adenovirus E4 promoter and trans-repression of the human c-erbB-2 promoter by this point mutant were examined by cotransfection experiments. Mutations of the E1A DNA-binding domain affected neither the E1A-induced trans-activation nor trans-repression at all. These results give complete proof that the DNA binding activity of E1A is not required for transcriptional regulation by E1A.

Adenovirus E1A Proteins

RNA editing of atp6 transcripts from male-sterile and normal cytoplasms of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

The complete cDNA sequence corresponding to the rapeseed atp6 gene transcript (coding for subunit 6 of F0-ATPase) has been determined by a method involving cDNA synthesis, using specific oligonucleotides as primers, followed by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of the amplification products. Only one modification, a C-to-U conversion, has been found when compared to the genomic mitochondrial DNA sequence. Comparison of the extent and frequency of RNA editing of the pol cytoplasmic male sterile (cms) atp6 transcript with those of normal atp6 transcript indicates that there is no variation between the editing status of the atp6 transcripts from pol cms and normal cytoplasms.

Amino Acid Sequence

A common trans-acting factor, Ad4-binding protein, to the promoters of steroidogenic P-450s.

Previous studies of bovine CYP11B1 gene regulation revealed six cis-acting elements, Ad1, Ad2, Ad3, Ad4, Ad5, and Ad6, in the 5' upstream region of the gene. Ad4 site was a positive transcription element in the stimulation by cAMP. Ad4-binding protein (Ad4BP) was purified from the nuclear extract of bovine adrenal cortex using affinity latex particles conjugated with polymerized Ad4 sequences. The molecular mass of the purified Ad4BP estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was approximately 53 kDa. To characterize the binding specificity of Ad4BP, oligonucleotides homologous to Ad4 sequence and AGGTCA containing sequences in the promoter regions of steroidogenic P-450s were synthesized and used for gel shift analyses as competitors. The competition experiments revealed that Ad4BP bound not only to (C/T)CAAGG(T/C)(C/T), which was originally identified as the Ad4 binding site, but also to (Pu)PuPuAGGTCA. All the steroidogenic P-450 genes examined had at least one Ad4BP binding sequence. Experiments with model sequences containing various nucleotide substitutions established that (C/T)CAAGG(T/C)CA is the strongest binding sequence for Ad4BP. The expression of Ad4BP was examined with adrenal cortex cells and several other steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells. Only the steroidogenic cells, the granulosa cells of bovine ovary, and I-10 cells derived from mouse Leydig cells, expressed the binding activity to Ad4 site. The presence of Ad4 site as a common cis-acting element in the genes of all the steroidogenic P-450s and the steroidogenic tissue-specific expression of Ad4BP strongly suggests that Ad4BP is an indispensable transcription factor for the expression of all the steroidogenic P-450 genes.

Adrenal Cortex

Generation of microglial cell lines by transfection with simian virus 40 large T gene.

Microglial cells, which were isolated from a primary culture of neonatal rat brain, were transfected with temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (SV40) large T gene by the calcium phosphate precipitation method. Four weeks after transfection, several colonies were generated, and cloned cells were characterized. One of the cloned cells (RBM129) proliferated actively at 37 degrees C and the dividing rate was significantly decreased at 40.5 degrees C. The expression of large T antigen was detected by western blotting in cells incubated at both 37 degrees C and 40.5 degrees C. The cell line showed high activity of non-specific esterase, isolectin B4 binding and phagocytosis. Also the cells were stained by ED 1 monoclonal antibody. These results indicate that these cells were derived from rat brain microglia, and immortalized by large T gene.

Animals

The gene for tRNA(Lys) is encoded in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) mitochondrial DNA.

The nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for tRNA(Lys) and its flanking regions from the rapeseed mitochondrial genome are presented and compared with other known tRNA(Lys) genes from plant mitochondria. This tRNA sequence can be folded into the standard cloverleaf structure model. Also, this tRNA sequence shows less similarity with its chloroplast counterparts and therefore appears to be 'native' mitochondrial tRNA.

Base Sequence

Different organization and altered transcription of the mitochondrial atp6 gene in the male-sterile cytoplasm of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

The Fo-ATPase subunit 6 gene (atp6) of rapeseed mitochondria has been isolated from both pol male-sterile and normal (fertile) cytoplasms in order to determine whether the rearrangements around the atp6 locus in pol male-sterile cytoplasm play a role in cytoplasmic male-sterility (cms). The pol cms and normal atp6 genes are identical and encode a 261-amino acid polypeptide. As a result of extensive rearrangement, a novel reading frame (pol-urf) was generated upstream of the atp6 gene only in pol cms mitochondria, which encoded 105 amino acids and might be co-transcribed with atp6. A 5'-portion of pol-urf shows sequence homology to the Oenothera ORFB gene associated with coxIII. A 5'-flanking region of the pol-urf also shows homology to that of ORF105 in Ogura cms radish mitochondria. These DNA rearrangements which give rise to pol-urf in the vicinity of the atp6 locus may be responsible for cms in rapeseed.

Amino Acid Sequence

Endovascular coil embolization of a recurrent giant internal carotid artery aneurysm via the posterior communicating artery after cervical carotid ligation: case report.

The case of a 29-year-old man with a giant fusiform aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) is presented. The aneurysm, treated by cervical ICA ligation and extracranial-intracranial bypass, recurred 4 years later owing to recruitment of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). Because of the previous bypass surgery a direct surgical approach was excluded. After an initial failure with balloon embolization, the aneurysm was embolized successfully with occlusive platinum microcoils through the microcatheter navigated into the aneurysm via the enlarged PCoA. Endovascular coil embolization may be useful in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms not amenable to direct surgery or balloon embolization.

Adult

Direct purification of multiple ATF/E4TF3 polypeptides from HeLa cell crude nuclear extracts using DNA affinity latex particles.

We developed a method using affinity latex particles to rapidly and efficiently purify DNA-binding proteins directly from crude cell extracts. The particles are composed of a styrene core and a polyglycidyl methacrylate surface, to which DNA oligomers were immobilized by means of epoxy groups. Multiple polypeptides were copurified, which bound to the ATF/E4TF3-binding site from crude nuclear extracts of HeLa cells, within a few hours. Affinity-purified polypeptides stimulated transcription in vitro from a promoter in which ATF/E4TF3-binding sites were present. At least eight polypeptides with molecular masses of 116, 80, 65, 60, 55, 47, 45, and 43 kDa were copurified. About 2 micrograms of the 43-kDa protein was purified directly from 8 mg of crude nuclear extracts. All the polypeptides directly bound to the same DNA sequence and were thought to form a family. The results indicated that the particles are useful for quickly purifying various DNA-binding proteins directly from crude cell extracts.

Activating Transcription Factors

Blood pressure changes following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urolithiasis.

Hypertension after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been a controversial subject. Changes in blood pressure were studied in 262 patients (mean age 47.8 years) 18.6 months after ESWL. According to World Health Organization criteria the number of patients who showed a decrease exceeded those who showed an increase in blood pressure. The patients who have been on antihypertensive therapy showed a significantly greater decrease in blood pressure than those without medication. Of 192 normotensive patients diastolic pressure increased 1.2 mm. Hg and 2 (1.0%) had hypertension 18.4 months after ESWL. Annualized increase in diastolic pressure and new onset of hypertension were calculated to be 0.78 mm. Hg and 0.65%, respectively. Significant elevation of diastolic pressure was noted in the patients who received a larger number of shock waves. Blood pressure should be carefully followed after ESWL especially in patients who have been treated by a greater number of shock waves.

Adult

Cooperative transcription activation between Ad1, a CRE-like element, and other elements in the CYP11B gene promoter.

We previously reported the presence of six different cis-acting elements (Ad1 to Ad6) in the promoter region of the bovine CYP11B gene. Although the Ad1 site (TGACGTGA) was similar to a palindromic CRE (TGACGTCA), two other upstream sequences, Ad3 and Ad4, were identified as the cAMP response sequences of the gene. We analyzed the functional relationship between the Ad1 site and the upstream elements. Mutation analyses of the Ad1 site indicated that the 5' half of the site (TGACG) was important for the transcription of the gene in vitro. In Y-1 cells, a plasmid with a mutated Ad1 showed no response to cAMP. The effect of the mutation at the Ad1 site on the cAMP response was almost the same as that of the deletion of Ad3 and Ad4, although the role of each element seemed to be different. These results indicated that both the Ad1 site and the upstream elements, Ad3 and Ad4, were necessary for the full response to cAMP of the CYP11B gene. When the Ad1 site in the promoter region was replaced with a palindromic CRE, elevated transcription activity was detected both in vitro and in vivo. Two kinds of CREBs (43 and 47 kDa) purified from a HeLa cell nuclear extract bound to the Ad1 site. The binding of the palindromic CRE to the nuclear factor(s) was stronger than that of Ad1.

Animals

Aneurysm arising at the triplicate anterior communicating artery--case report.

A very rare case of triplicate anterior communicating artery associated with ruptured aneurysm in a 21-year-old female is reported. The triplicate configuration was not predicted by preoperative cerebral angiography, but found intraoperatively. The aneurysm was trapped successfully, and she recovered with no neurological deficit.

Adult

Action of a novel kinin precursor, Met-T-kinin-Leu, on prostaglandin I2 and blood pressure.

The novel kinin precursor, Met-T-kinin-Leu, stimulated the release of prostaglandin I2 from endothelial cells cultured using bovine carotid artery endothelial cells and minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. However, it failed to stimulate the release of prostaglandin I2 from the cells in the fetal calf serum-free medium conditions. To examine the discrepancy of the release of prostaglandin I2 from the cells by Met-T-kinin-Leu in the presence or absence of fetal calf serum, the products formed from Met-T-kinin-Leu by incubation of culture medium were analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC. Regarding the blood pressure reaction of Met-T-kinin-Leu, it showed from one fifth to one hundredth of that compared with bradykinin in blood pressure reactivity of each species, such as rats, rabbits and cats.

Animals

Changes in polymorphonuclear neutrophil-elastase in pancreatitis.

In cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis, we measured the amount of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-elastase. There was a significantly larger increase in PMN-elastase in patients with pancreatitis than normal adults. Especially, there was a particularly notable increase in amount of PMN-elastase in patients with severe pancreatitis. Furthermore, the peak of PMN-elastase increase throughout the course of the pancreatitis was seen to be 1-2 days after peak increase in pancreatic enzymes. In the experiment in which pancreatic juice and pig pancreatic kallikrein were added to granulocytes in vitro, we recognized a gradual release of PMN-elastase. From these data, we suggested that timely measurements of PMN-elastase are useful to marker of monitoring clinical changes in severe pancreatitis.

Acute Disease

Monoclonal antibody-mediated solid-phase assay for mammalian O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase activity.

We describe a sensitive, rapid, and simple assay for mammalian O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase (O6-AGT) utilizing solid-phase DNA as the substrate and a monoclonal antibody (Mab)-based immuno-slotblot (ISB) for quantitation of O6-ethylguanine (O6-EtG). lambda-phage DNA was treated with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and immobilized on newly developed hydrophilic latex beads. After incubation with cell extracts to be assayed for O6-AGT activity, the substrate DNA could be isolated easily by a brief centrifugation through 50% glycerol. The amount of O6-EtG retained in the substrate DNA was determined by ISB using the anti-(O6-ethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine) Mab ER-6. As little as 2 fmol of O6-AGT per reaction tube can be reproducibly measured by this procedure, which is suitable for handling large numbers of samples within a short time (e.g., 80 samples within 2 days). In normal and malignant cells, respectively, O6-AGT activity protects against O6-alkylguanine-mediated mutagenesis and oncogenesis following exposure to N-nitroso carcinogens or confers resistance against cytocidal anti-cancer drugs such as chloroethylnitrosoureas and related compounds. The analysis of cellular O6-AGT activity by a highly sensitive, routinely applicable method is, therefore, of particular interest in studies related to carcinogenesis, molecular epidemiology, and clinical oncology.

Animals

Vitamin E inhibits PGE2 and O2- production in rat peritoneal macrophages.

In order to examine the possible role of vitamin E on the modulation of macrophages, we investigated the effect of vitamin E on O2- and PGE2 production in macrophages. The production of both PGE2 and O2- in rat peritoneal macrophages was dose-dependently stimulated by the addition of PMA and calcium ionophore A23187. However, the macrophages obtained after intraperitoneal injection of vitamin E for six successive days showed less PGE2 and O2- production when stimulated with PMA or A23187 as compared to those of control macrophages. O2- production in control macrophages stimulated with 139 nM PMA and 1 microM A23187 as 4.2 +/- 0.3 and 3.0 +/- 0.2 nmol/min per 10(6) cells, respectively. On the other hand, O2- production by the macrophages from vitamin E-treated rats was 1.5 +/- 0.4 nmol/min per 10(6) cells when stimulated with the PMA, and was not detectable when stimulated with A23187. As for the production of PGE2, control macrophages produced 2.59 +/- 0.70 ng/30 min per 10(6) cells when stimulated with PMA and 8.96 +/- 3.26 ng/30 min per 10(6) cells with the A23187, whereas PGE2 production by the macrophages from vitamin E-treated rats was reduced to 12-20% of the control. By analyzing alpha-tocopherol content and intracellular concentration of calcium ion [( Ca2+]i) in the macrophages isolated from control and vitamin E-treated rats, vitamin E treatment augmented alpha-tocopherol content (384.7 +/- 76.1 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.4 ng/10(6) cells) and decreased free [Ca2+]i when stimulated with A23187 (652 +/- 14 vs. 1201 +/- 223 nM).

Animals

Negative supercoiling of DNA facilitates an interaction between transcription factor IID and the fibroin gene promoter.

Transcription of the fibroin gene can be reconstituted with partially purified components from HeLa cells. Transcription factors IIB, IID, and IIE and RNA polymerase II are required for accurate initiation of transcription. Linear and relaxed closed circular DNA show a similar level of template activity. However, transcription of closed circular DNA is stimulated when negative supercoils are introduced by the addition of DNA topoisomerase II and supercoiling factor purified from the posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori. Dissection of transcription into pre- and postinitiation steps by the use of Sarkosyl reveals that DNA supercoiling promotes formation of a preinitiation complex. Furthermore, order of addition experiments suggest that DNA supercoiling facilitates a functional binding of transcription factor IID to the promoter.

Cell Nucleus