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Biomedical subjects

H Hidaka

Publications and source records attributed to H Hidaka.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Analysis of the pancreatic beta cell in the mouse with targeted disruption of the pancreatic beta cell-specific glucokinase gene.

This is the first systematic study on the pancreatic beta cell function in the heterozygous mouse with targeted disruption of the beta cell glucokinase gene. The heterozygotes' beta cell displayed the following characteristics: (1) impaired glucose sensitivity with normal glucose responsiveness, (2) poor discrimination of alpha and beta glucose anomers, and (3) normal response to glucose in the presence of 25 mM K+ and 150 microM diazoxide. Both the first and the second phases of glucose-stimulated insulin release were depressed. Although the heterozygotes were mildly hyperglycemic, insulin treatment further suppressed beta cell function, implying the beta cell glucose toxicity is not the cause of impaired glucose sensitivity. The data are compatible with the glucokinase glucose sensor concept inasmuch as glucose sensitivity is reduced in the heterozygotes' beta cell. The anomeric malaise and preservation of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel-independent glucose action were considered due to chronic hyperglycemia.

Animals↗

90-kDa S6 kinase is insufficient or not involved in the activation of glycogen synthase induced by insulin.

Insulin and growth factors increase glycogen synthesis via complex pathways including protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes. We investigated the involvement of 90-kDa S6 kinase in the control of insulin- or epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated glycogen synthase activation using newly synthesized compounds which selectively inhibit 90-kDa S6 kinase. HH-5709 (1-(5-hydroxynaphthalenesulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine) inhibited 90-kDa S6 kinase at lower concentrations than observed for protein kinases A or C. The inhibition by HH-5709 was competitive with respect to ATP with a Ki value of 1.3 microM. H-7, an inhibitor of protein kinases A and C, and HA-1077 (1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-homopiperazine), where the naphthalene ring of HH-5709 was replaced with isoquinoline, also inhibited 90-kDa S6 kinase to a similar extent as HH-5709. In 3Y1 fibroblasts, H-7 and HA-1077 attenuated the activation of glycogen synthase. HH-5709, however, failed to affect the glycogen synthase activation by either insulin or EGF. These findings suggest that 90-kDa S6 kinase is unrelated or insufficient to mediate activation of glycogen synthase and that unidentified pathway(s) sensitive to H-7 or HA-1077 would be involved in the activation of glycogen synthase by insulin or EGF in 3Y1 fibroblasts.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

SHPTP2 serves adapter protein linking between Janus kinase 2 and insulin receptor substrates.

To investigate the role of Janus kinase family (JAK1 and JAK2) in insulin signaling, we assessed their insulin-induced associations with other molecules in the cells overexpressing insulin receptors (HIRc and CHO-IR). After insulin stimulation, pp185 proteins (insulin receptor substrate, IRS) were co-immunoprecipitated with both kinases by alpha JAK1 and alpha JAK2 antibodies. However, JAK2 constitutively associated with pp95 protein (IR beta). Moreover, JAK2 also constitutively bound to a protein tyrosine phosphatase containing Src 2 regions (SHPTP2), but JAK1 did not. In HIRc cells expressing PTPase-negative mutant SHPTP2, no association of JAK2 with either pp185 or pp95 was detected. Thus, SHPTP2 might serve as an adapter protein linking between JAK2 and IRS. These results suggest that JAK1 and JAK2 behave differently and they may constitute a new regulatory component in insulin signaling.

Animals↗

Neurocalcin immunoreactivity in the rat accessory olfactory bulb.

The distribution and morphology of neurocalcin-immunopositive neurons have been studied in the rat accessory olfactory bulb. Different subsets of neurons displaying neurocalcin immunoreactivity were found in the glomerular layer, the external plexiform layer and the internal plexiform layer. The most abundant staining was detected in the glomerular layer where neurocalcin-immunoreactive periglomerular cells and external tufted cells were observed in the lateral glomeruli, whereas the central region of this layer was practically devoid of immunopositive neurons. In the external plexiform layer, medial tufted cells and Van Gehuchten cells displayed neurocalcin immunoreactivity. In the internal plexiform layer, interneurons classified as horizontal cells and vertical cells of Cajal were neurocalcin-immunoreactivity. In the internal plexiform layer, interneurons classified as horizontal cells and vertical cells of Cajal were neurocalcin-immunostained. The staining pattern for neurocalcin in the accessory olfactory bulb showed similarities with the immunostaining described in this brain region for another EF-hand calcium binding protein, calbindin D-28k. However, after double immunohistochemical labeling, colocalization of both proteins in the same neuron was not observed, reflecting a biochemical heterogeneity within morphologically homogeneous neuronal groups.

Animals↗

Isoform-specific intracellular vesicle formation by recombinant annexin XI-A in Sf9 cells.

Annexins are a group of structurally related proteins that bind phospholipids in a Ca2(+)-dependent manner and have the ability to self-aggregate and to promote vesicle aggregation and membrane fusion. Two isoforms of annexin XI, termed XI-A and XI-B, were previously identified by screening a bovine chondrocyte cDNA library. But little is known about differences in their biological function. In the present study, we therefore examined the results of expression of the two proteins in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells, and in mammalian COS-7 cells. Annexin XI isoforms were expressed in Sf9 cells using a baculovirus expression system. Recombinant annexin XI-A but not XI-B caused formation of spherical "annexin XI-associated vesicles, " in the cytoplasm of Sf9 cells. Furthermore, indirect immnocytofluorescence studies showed similar phenomenon, that of local aggregation, with transfected annexin XI-A in COS-7 cells, whereas annexin XI-B remained diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Since annexin XI isoforms differ in amino acid sequence only in the alternative splicing region of the N-terminal domain, these findings suggest that this domain has distinct biological significance in terms of aggregation and vesicle formation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Changes of neurocalcin, a calcium-binding protein, in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

We assessed the amount of neurocalcin, a calcium-binding protein, in samples from the postmortem normal human and Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains using a specific antibody. In the AD brains, the amount of neurocalcin in the temporal cortical tissues was significantly lower than that in the controls. Neurocalcin was detected immunohistochemically mainly in the neuropil in the temporal cortex, and its localization was very similar to that of synaptophysin. These findings suggest that reduced levels of neurocalcin reflect a biochemical deficit related to the synaptic degeneration in AD.

Aged↗

A new and potent calmodulin antagonist, HF-2035, which inhibits vascular relaxation induced by nitric oxide synthase.

HF-2035, 2-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2,4,5-trichlorobenzenesulfonyl)] amino-N-(4-chlorocinnamyl)-N-methylbenzylamine, was synthesized and its effects on calmodulin-dependent enzymes were investigated. HF-2035 inhibited calmodulin kinase I, calmodulin kinase II and myosin light-chain kinase with IC50 values of 1.3 microM, 1.6 microM and 68 microM, respectively. HF-2035 also inhibited the activity of recombinant rat neuronal nitric oxide synthase, one of the calmodulin-dependent enzymes, with a Ki of 0.78 microM. Partially purified nitric oxide synthase of rat brain was also inhibited by HF-2035 with an IC50 of 3.2 microM. Kinetic analysis indicated that this inhibitory effect of HF-2035 was competitive with respect to calmodulin. We examined the effects of HF-2035 on constitutive nitric oxide synthase in a bioassay using vascular strips of rabbit carotid artery with and without endothelium. HF-2035 inhibited acetylcholine- and calcium ionophore, A23187 (6S-[6 alpha (2S*,3S*),8 beta (R*),9 beta, 11 alpha]-5- (methylamino)-2-[[3,9,11-trimethyl-8-[1-methyl-2-oxo-2-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)- ethyl]-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undec-2-yl]methyl]-4-benzoxazol ecarboxylic acid)-induced relaxation of endothelium-intact strips with an ED50 of 1.5 +/- 0.5 microM and 2.8 +/- 1 microM, respectively. This compound, however, did not inhibit N-nitroso-N-morpholinoaminoacetonitrile (SIN-1A), an exogenous nitric oxide donor, -induced relaxation of endothelium-denuded strips. W-7 (N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1- naphthalenesulfonamide) inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation with an ED50 of 46 +/- 7 microM, which was 30-fold less potent than HF-2035. HF-2035 was unable to inhibit the activity of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase in isolated thoracic aorta of rat treated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. These findings suggest that HF-2035 is a new and potent calmodulin antagonist, and may be used as a mother compound to develop more selective inhibitors of constitutive nitric oxide synthase.

Acetylcholine↗

The Na-K-Cl cotransporters in the rat cochlea: RT-PCR and partial sequence analysis.

Nonsensory epithelial cells of the mammalian cochlea contribute to the production of the endolymph. The presence as well as the function of the Na-K-Cl cotransporter has been suggested, but not yet been proved. To identify the Na-K-Cl cotransporter isoforms expressed in the cochlea, mRNA was extracted from the cochlear lateral wall. After reverse transcription, resulting cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers specific for Na-K-Cl cotransporter isoforms. In the rat cochlear lateral wall, mRNA homologous to the mouse bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-Cl cotransporter (mBSC2) was detected. These results suggest that the basolateral localization of the cotransporter in the marginal cell is involved in the secretory process of the endolymph.

Animals↗

KN-62, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor, inhibits high potassium-stimulated prolactin secretion and intracellular calcium increases in anterior pituitary cells.

In isolated rat anterior pituitary cells, KN-62 (10 microM), an isoquinoline sulfonamide inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, inhibited high KCl(50 milliM)-stimulated prolactin secretion almost completely, with an IC50 of 95 nM KN-62 inhibited TRH-induced prolactin secretion less effectively. KN-04, a compound that is over 100-fold less active in inhibiting purified calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, also inhibited high KCl-stimulated prolactin secretion with an IC50 of 500 nM. KN-62 and KN-04 (10 microM) both inhibited high KCl-stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. We conclude that KN-62 and KN-04 inhibit activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels in anterior pituitary cells either directly or indirectly.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase specific autophosphorylation in baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell system.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is a calmodulin (CaM)-dependent enzyme, which generates the ubiquitous biological mediator nitric oxide. In this study, wild-type or mutant form of rat nNOS was overexpressed in a baculovirus/Sf9 insect cell system and examined for autophosphorylation. Incubation of purified wild-type nNOS in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP result in phosphorylation of nNOS. Deletional mutant of the nNOS amino terminus which contains G-Q-G-A-G-S sequence, however, shows loss of phosphorylation. Furthermore, purified wild-type rat liver cytokine-induced NOS (iNOS), which does not contain G-Q-G-A-G-S sequence, shows no phosphorylation activity. We also found that the ratio of wild-type nNOS phosphorylation was independent of nNOS concentration, consistent with an intramolecular reaction. These data suggest that nNOS-specific autophosphorylation pathway might be involved in the regulation of enzyme activity.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

No association between apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele and the age of onset in type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy.

It has been shown that the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4 allele increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and lowers the age of its onset. ApoE has also been suggested to be a common facilitating factor in the different types of amyloidoses. However, the association of ApoE epsilon4 with the onset of disease in various types of amyloidoses has not been extensively investigated. Type I familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is one form of systemic amyloidosis in which ApoE co-localizes with amyloid deposits. We examined 54 patients with type I FAP and found that there was no significant effect of either ApoE epsilon2 or epsilon4 allele on the age at onset. Our results suggest that ApoE4 is not a facilitating factor in the development of FAP, transthyretin amyloidosis.

Age of Onset↗

Regulation of preimplantation development of mouse embryos: effects of inhibition of myosin light-chain kinase, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent enzyme.

We have examined the effects of ML-9 and wortmannin, which are, respectively, specific reversible and irreversible inhibitors of myosin light-chain kinase, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent enzyme, on preimplantation development of the mouse in an attempt to establish a regulatory role for this enzyme in preimplantation development. When late two-cell stage embryos were treated continuously with ML-9 or wortmannin at a concentration of 0, 1, 5, 10, or 15 microM, compaction and formation of the blastocyst were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Stage-specific treatment with ML-9 at 25 microM induced stage-specific responses of embryos after the eight-cell stage during the processes of compaction and cavitation. These morphological responses included aborted compaction, decompaction of compacted embryos, and the inability of embryos to form a cavity. These morphological effects were reversible, but, since cell proliferation was inhibited, the "recovered" embryos were small. Counting of cells on day 4 of culture, in both continuously treated and stage-specifically treated embryos, showed that the effect of ML-9 on cell proliferation was also dose-dependent. Wortmannin also had stage-specific effects at 15 microM, but these effects were irreversible and were more deleterious than those of ML-9. With neither inhibitor was there any apparent effect at the two-cell or the four-cell stage, although wortmannin inhibited cell division when applied stage-specifically at the four-cell stage. These results indicate that myosin light-chain kinase may be an important enzyme in the first steps of differentiation and in the maintenance of the differentiated state during preimplantation development of the mouse.

Androstadienes↗

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of recombinant bovine neurocalcin delta.

Neurocalcins are novel brain-specific proteins that belong to a new subclass of the EF-hand super-family of calcium binding proteins, defined by the photoreceptor cell-specific protein recoverin (Terasawa et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:19596-19599, 1992). Here we report the purification and crystallization of unmyristoylated recombinant bovine neurocalcin delta from Escherichia coli. Crystals of a bovine neurocalcin delta have been grown by macro-seeding at room temperature through vapor phase equilibration using the hanging drop technique with ammonium sulfate as the precipitating agent. The crystals diffract to at least 2.5 A resolution and belong to monoclinic space group P21 with unit cell dimensions a = 42.734 A, b = 94.343 A, c = 50.696 A, and beta = 98.37 degrees. The asymmetric unit contains two molecules, with corresponding crystal volume per protein mass (Vm) of 2.29 A3/Da and solvent fraction of 45% by volume, exhibiting an approximate 222 point symmetry.

Animals↗

1H NMR assignments of apo calcyclin and comparative structural analysis with calbindin D9k and S100 beta.

The homodimeric S100 protein calcyclin has been studied in the apo state by two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy. Using a combination of scalar correlation and NOE experiments, sequence-specific 1H NMR assignments were obtained for all but one backbone and > 90% of the side-chain resonances. To our knowledge, the 2 x 90 residue (20 kDa) calcyclin dimer is the largest protein system for which such complete assignments have been made by purely homonuclear methods. Sequential and medium-range NOEs and slowly exchanging backbone amide protons identified directly the four helices and the short antiparallel beta-type interaction between the two binding loops that comprise each subunit of the dimer. Further analysis of NOEs enabled the unambiguous assignment of 556 intrasubunit distance constraints, 24 intrasubunit hydrogen bonding constraints, and 2 x 26 intersubunit distance constraints. The conformation of the monomer subunit was refined by distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics calculations using the intrasubunit constraints only. Calculation of the dimer structure starting from this conformational ensemble has been reported elsewhere. The extent of structural homology among the apo calcyclin subunit, the monomer subunit of apo S100 beta, and monomeric apo calbindin D9k has been examined in detail by comparing 1H NMR chemical shifts and secondary structures. This analysis was extended to a comprehensive comparison of the three-dimensional structures of the calcyclin monomer subunit and calbindin D9k, which revealed greater similarity in the packing of their hydrophobic cores than was anticipated previously. Together, these results support the hypothesis that all members of the S100 family have similar core structures and similar modes of dimerization. Analysis of the amphiphilicity of Helix IV is used to explain why calbindin D9k is monomeric, but full-length S100 proteins form homodimers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase homolog from maize roots showing light-regulated gravitropism.

Roots of many species respond to gravity (gravitropism) and grow downward only if illuminated. This light-regulated root gravitropism is phytochrome-dependent, mediated by calcium, and inhibited by KN-93, a specific inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II). A cDNA encoding MCK1, a maize homolog of mammalian CaMK, has been isolated from roots of maize (Zea mays L.). The MCK1 gene is expressed in root tips, the site of perception for both light and gravity. Using the [35S]CaM gel-overlay assay we showed that calmodulin-binding activity of the MCK1 is abolished by 50 microM KN-93, but binding is not affected by 5 microM KN-93, paralleling physiological findings that light-regulated root gravitropism is inhibited by 50 microM KN-93, but not by 5 microM KN-93. KN-93 inhibits light-regulated gravitropism by interrupting transduction of the light signal, not light perception, suggesting that MCK1 may play a role in transducing light. This is the first report suggesting a physiological function for a CaMK homolog in light signal transduction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of agonist-induced down-regulation of NMDA receptors in cerebellar granule cell cultures.

Exposure of cerebellar granule cells to NMDA in culture at 5 days in vitro, when cells are not yet vulnerable to NMDA, evoked a pronounced reduction in NMDA receptor activity, measured by NMDA-induced 45Ca2+ influx, and counteracted the normal developmental increase in NMDA receptors. The effect was concentration and time dependent, the half-maximal effect being reached at about 45 microM and by 4-5 h. The decrease in NMDA receptor function was accompanied by a significant reduction in the protein level of the obligatory NMDA receptor subunit (NR) NR1. Both parameters remained at a low level as long as the agonist was present. However, receptor down-regulation was reversible, as receptor protein levels and NMDA responses were restored to control values upon NMDA removal, this process requiring protein synthesis. NMDA treatment also elicited a decrease in NR1, NR2A, and NR2B subunit messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. However, in comparison with NMDA receptor proteins, the decrease was faster, and NMDA receptor mRNA content recovered to control levels within 24 h in spite of the presence of NMDA. Concerning the mechanisms of agonist-induced regulation of NMDA receptor expression, it seems that protein kinase C-mediated protein phosphorylation is not involved, whereas inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II/IV by KN-62 does depress NMDA receptor expression even in the absence of NMDA.

Animals↗