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H Kurachi

Publications and source records attributed to H Kurachi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Activation of the luteinizing hormone beta promoter by gonadotropin-releasing hormone requires c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase.

Regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the gonadotrope cell line LbetaT2 was investigated. Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Activation of ERK by GnRHa occurred within 5 min, and declined thereafter, whereas activation of JNK by GnRHa occurred with a different time frame, i.e. it was detectable at 5 min, reached a plateau at 30 min, and declined thereafter. GnRHa-induced ERK activation was dependent on protein kinase C or extracellular and intracellular Ca(2+), whereas GnRHa-induced JNK activation was not dependent on protein kinase C or on extracellular or intracellular Ca(2+). To determine whether a mitogen-activated protein kinase family cascade regulates rat luteinizing hormone beta (LHbeta) promoter activity, we transfected the rat LHbeta (-156 to +7)-luciferase construct into LbetaT2 cells. GnRH activated the rat LHbeta promoter activity in a time-dependent manner. Neither treatment with a mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD98059, nor cotransfection with a catalytically inactive form of a mitogen-activated protein kinase construct inhibited the induction of the rat LHbeta promoter by GnRH. Furthermore, cotransfection with a dominant negative Ets had no effect on the response of the rat LHbeta promoter to GnRH. On the other hand, cotransfection with either dominant negative JNK or dominant negative c-Jun significantly inhibited the induction of the rat LHbeta promoter by GnRH. In addition, GnRH did not induce either the rat LHbeta promoter activity in LbetaT2 cells transfected stably with dominant negative c-Jun. These results suggest that GnRHa differentially activates ERK and JNK, and a JNK cascade is necessary to elicit the rat LHbeta promoter activity in a c-Jun-dependent mechanism in LbetaT2 cells.

Animals↗

Estrogen suppresses transcription of lipoprotein lipase gene. Existence of a unique estrogen response element on the lipoprotein lipase promoter.

Estrogen exerts a variety of effects not only on female reproductive organs but also on nonreproductive organs, including adipose tissue. Estrogen inhibits obesity triggered by ovariectomy in rodents. We studied the mechanism underlying this estrogen-dependent inhibition of obesity. Estrogen markedly decreased the amounts of fat accumulation and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA as well as triglyceride accumulation in genetically manipulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes stably expressing the estrogen receptor (ER). A pLPL(1980)-CAT construct, along with an ER expression vector, was introduced into differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, and CAT activities were determined. ER, mostly ligand-dependently, inhibited the basal LPL promoter activity by 7-fold. We searched the LPL promoter for an estrogen-responsive suppressive element by employing a set of 5'-deletion mutants of the pLPL-CAT reporter. Although there was no classical estrogen response element, it was demonstrated that an AP-1-like TGAATTC sequence located at (-1856/-1850) was responsible for the suppression of the LPL gene transcription by estrogen. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay probed with the TGAATTC sequence demonstrated formation of a specific DNA-nuclear protein complex. Interestingly, this complex was not affected by the addition of any antibodies against ER, c-Jun, c-Fos, JunB, or JunD. Because this TGAATTC element responded to phorbol ester and overexpression of CREB-binding protein abrogated the suppressive effect of estrogen on the LPL promoter, we conclude that a unique protein that is related to the AP-1 transcription factor families may be involved in the complex that binds to the TGAATTC element.

3T3 Cells↗

Prolactin-releasing peptide activation of the prolactin promoter is differentially mediated by extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase.

Regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family by prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) in both GH3 rat pituitary tumor cells and primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells was investigated. PrRP rapidly and transiently activated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in both types of cells. Both pertussis toxin, which inactivates G(i)/G(o) proteins, and exogenous expression of a peptide derived from the carboxyl terminus of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase I, which specifically blocks signaling mediated by the betagamma subunits of G proteins, completely blocked the PrRP-induced ERK activation, suggesting the involvement of G(i)/G(o) proteins in the PrRP-induced ERK activation. Down-regulation of cellular protein kinase C did not significantly inhibit the PrRP-induced ERK activation, suggesting that a protein kinase C-independent pathway is mainly involved. PrRP-induced ERK activation was not dependent on either extracellular Ca(2+) or intracellular Ca(2+). However, the ERK cascade was not the only route by which PrRP communicated with the nucleus. JNK was also shown to be significantly activated in response to PrRP. JNK activation in response to PrRP was slower than ERK activation. Moreover, to determine whether a MAPK family cascade regulates rat prolactin (rPRL) promoter activity, we transfected the intact rPRL promoter ligated to the firefly luciferase reporter gene into GH3 cells. PrRP activated the rPRL promoter activity in a time-dependent manner. Co-transfection with a catalytically inactive form of a MAPK construct or a dominant negative JNK, partially but significantly inhibited the induction of the rPRL promoter by PrRP. Furthermore, co-transfection with a dominant negative Ets completely abolished the response of the rPRL promoter to PrRP. These results suggest that PrRP differentially activates ERK and JNK, and both cascades are necessary to elicit rPRL promoter activity in an Ets-dependent mechanism.

Animals↗

fhit Alterations in endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia.

The fhit (fragile histidine triad) gene on chromosome 3p14.2 is a candidate tumour-suppressor gene; its abnormal transcripts are detected in several human cancers. To define the role of the fhit gene in the development of endometrial cancer, we examined 39 endometrial carcinomas for the presence of fhit gene alterations. fhit transcripts were analyzed by RT-PCR and direct sequencing. Loss of fhit transcript was observed in 6/39 (15%) tumours. Aberrant fhit transcripts, with deletions and/or insertions, were observed in 7/39 (18%) tumours but not in any normal endometrium. Allelic losses at D3S1300 and D3S4103, both located within intron 5 of fhit, were detected in 6/25 (24%) and 5/22 (23%) informative cases respectively. Expression of fhit protein was detected by immunohistochemistry; fhit protein was strongly expressed in 8/8 proliferative phase and 5/5 secretory phase endometria, also in 5/5 atrophic endometria; and it was strongly expressed in 6/6 simple hyperplasias without atypia, 6/6 complex hyperplasias without atypia, and II/II complex hyperplasias with atypia. In contrast, loss or reduced expression of fhit protein was observed in 13/27 (48%) endometrial adenocarcinomas. The impaired expression of the fhit protein was significantly correlated with the histological grade of the tumours. The present data suggest that inactivation of the fhit gene is an important genetic event associated with the genesis of endometrial carcinoma, especially with tumours of higher histological grade, which are believed to emerge directly from an atrophic endometrium.

Acid Anhydride Hydrolases↗

Involvement of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase in gliosis induced during recovery from metabolic inhibition.

Brain reperfusion may be of particular importance in the etiology of periventricular leukomalacia, of which the common findings are gliosis and ventricular dilatation. To investigate the mechanism of this pathogenesis, we used a metabolic inhibition (MI) model using cyanide plus deoxyglucose treatment of cultured glia isolated from fetal rat brain and examined the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) during MI and also during the recovery from MI of 30 min. ERK activation was stimulated during MI and the recovery from MI. The time course and extent of activation of ERK during MI and the recovery from MI, however, were distinctly different. Activation of ERK was stimulated within 5 min of MI and declined thereafter. Activation of ERK was sustained during the recovery phase from MI and the extent of the activation was much greater than that during MI. Pretreatment with EGTA to eliminate extracellular Ca(2+), or with APV, an NMDA receptor antagonist, to inhibit Ca(2+) influx through the NMDA receptor, attenuated the activation of ERK. Moreover, pretreatment with PMA to downregulate PKC abolished the activation of ERK. PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK kinase, attenuated the cell proliferation induced by MI followed by recovery from MI. These results suggest that ERK is involved in gliosis during the recovery phase from MI and may play a role in the etiology of periventricular leukomalacia.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Treatment of endometriosis with a decreasing dosage of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (nafarelin): a pilot study with low-dose agonist therapy ("draw-back" therapy).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of half-dose GnRH agonist therapy for endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal pilot study. SETTING: Osaka University Hospital. PATIENT(S): Patients with symptomatic endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Fifteen patients were randomized to receive either full-dose nafarelin treatment (200 microgram b.i.d.) for 24 weeks (n = 7) or full-dose nafarelin treatment for 4 weeks followed by half-dose nafarelin treatment (200 microgram daily) for 20 weeks (n = 8). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical symptoms and the results of physical examinations. Serum E(2) and carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125) levels, lipid profiles, and urinary levels of the N-telopeptide of type I collagen. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine. RESULT(S): Subjective and objective manifestations of endometriosis were decreased to a similar extent in both study groups. Adverse effects were markedly reduced with half-dose administration. In the half-dose group, the mean serum E(2) level was significantly suppressed by 4 weeks of treatment with full-dose nafarelin and remained at approximately 30 pg/mL with half-dose nafarelin. Loss of bone mineral density was significantly less with half-dose treatment. CONCLUSION(S): Half-dose administration of nafarelin after pituitary down-regulation with full-dose nafarelin ("draw-back" therapy) is a new protocol for the treatment of endometriosis that is effective and associated with fewer adverse effects.

Administration, Intranasal↗

8-bromo-cyclicAMP stimulates glucose transporter-1 expression in a human choriocarcinoma cell line.

Facilitative glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) is abundant in trophoblast cells and is responsible for glucose transport in the placenta. However, the change in GLUT expression in human placenta upon trophoblast differentiation remains to be clarified. Therefore, we first examined the localization of GLUT1 and GLUT3 using human first-trimester chorionic villi. We found that GLUT1 and GLUT3 were mainly localized to syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells respectively. We analyzed whether placental GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression changes during differentiation using a human choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cell line which is known to show functional and morphological differentiation in response to cAMP in culture. Treatment of BeWo cells with 8-bromo-cyclicAMP (8-bromo-cAMP) increased the level of hCG secretion and induced cell fusion leading to the formation of large syncytia. Treatment of BeWo cells with 8-bromo-cAMP also resulted in a significant increase in glucose uptake on days 2-3 of culture. The stimulating effect of 8-bromo-cAMP on glucose uptake was concentration dependent. Northern and immunoblot analyses revealed that the levels of mRNA and protein of GLUT1, but not of GLUT3, were significantly increased by 8-bromo-cAMP. These findings suggest that 8-bromo-cAMP stimulates GLUT1 expression with differentiation in BeWo cells.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase or c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase cascade, differentially activated by cisplatin, sensitizes human ovarian cancer cell line.

We have studied the roles of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) cascade in both the cisplatin-resistant Caov-3 and the cisplatin-sensitive A2780 human ovarian cancer cell lines. Treatment of both cells with cisplatin but not transplatin isomer activates JNK and ERK. Activation of JNK by cisplatin occurred at 30 min, reached a plateau at 3 h, and declined thereafter, whereas activation of ERK by cisplatin showed a biphasic pattern, indicating the different time frame. Activation of JNK by cisplatin was maximal at 1000 microM, whereas activation of ERK was maximal at 100 microM and was less at higher concentrations, indicating the different dose dependence. Cisplatin-induced JNK activation was neither extracellular and intracellular Ca(2+)- nor protein kinase C-dependent, whereas cisplatin-induced ERK activation was extracellular and intracellular Ca(2+)- dependent and protein kinase C-dependent. A mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibitor, PD98059, had no effect on the cisplatin-induced JNK activity, suggesting an absence of cross-talk between the ERK and JNK cascades. We further examined the effect of each cascade on the viability following cisplatin treatment. Either exogenous expression of dominant negative c-Jun or the treatment by PD98059 induced sensitivity to cisplatin in both cells. Our findings suggest that cisplatin-induced DNA damage differentially activates JNK and ERK cascades and that inhibition of either of these cascades sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Role of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascade in gonadotropin-releasing hormone-induced growth inhibition of a human ovarian cancer cell line.

Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) have been used in the therapy of the endocrine-dependent cancers, their biological mechanism remained obscure. We have studied the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase family in the antiproliferative effect of GnRHa on the Caov-3 human ovarian cancer cell line. Reverse transcription-PCR assays confirmed mRNA for GnRH receptor in Caov-3 cells. In the presence of 1 microM GnRHa, the proliferation of cells was significantly reduced to 76% of controls after 24 h, and the effect was sustained up to 4 days. Although GnRHa had no effect on the activation of the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), treatment of Caov-3 cells with GnRHa activated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and its effect was more than that induced by GnRH. Activation of ERK by GnRHa occurred within 5 min, with the maximum occurring at 3 h and sustained until 24 h. GnRHa also activated ERK kinase (mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase) and resulted in an increase in phosphorylation of son of sevenless (Sos), and Shc. Furthermore, we examined the mechanism by which GnRHa induced ERK activation. Both pertussis toxin (10 ng/ml), which inactivates Gi/Go proteins, and expression of a peptide derived from the carboxyl terminus of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase I, which specifically blocks signaling mediated by the betagamma subunits of G proteins, blocked the GnRHa-induced ERK activation. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also induced the ERK activity, but pretreatment of the cultured cells with PMA to down-regulate protein kinase C did not abolish the activation of ERK by GnRHa. Elimination of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA also did not abolish the activation of ERK by GnRHa. To examine the role of ERK cascade in the antiproliferative effect of GnRHa, PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase, was used. This inhibitor canceled the antiproliferative effect of GnRHa and apparently reversed the GnRH-induced dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein, the hyperphosphorylation of which is a hallmark of G1-S transition in the cell cycle. These results provide evidence that GnRHa stimulation of ERK activity may be mediated by Gbetagamma protein, not by PMA-sensitive protein kinase C nor extracellular Ca2+ in the Caov-3 human ovarian cancer cell line, suggesting that this cascade may play an important role in the antiproliferative effect of GnRHa.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 by leptin through leptin receptor in mouse metaphase 2 stage oocyte.

Leptin is the product of the obese gene (ob), and is secreted in plasma from mature adipocytes. It has been recently reported that leptin is synthesized in granulosa and cumulus cells within the follicle of the ovary, and is present in mature human oocytes, suggesting possible roles of leptin in several aspects of pre- and post-ovulatory follicular development. On the other hand, STAT (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) transcription factors are involved in leptin-associated signal transduction. In this report, we studied the expression of leptin receptor and STAT3 activation by leptin in metaphase 2 stage (M2) oocytes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting showed that mRNA and protein of leptin receptor were expressed in M2 stage oocyte. Leptin at 15 ng/ml, the concentration observed in follicular fluid, caused tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 in mouse M2 stage oocytes. These results suggest possible roles of leptin in several aspects during oocyte maturation by activating the STAT signal transduction pathway.

Adipocytes↗

Secretagogue-induced exocytosis recruits G protein-gated K+ channels to plasma membrane in endocrine cells.

Stimulation-regulated fusion of vesicles to the plasma membrane is an essential step for hormone secretion but may also serve for the recruitment of functional proteins to the plasma membrane. While studying the distribution of G protein-gated K+ (KG) channels in the anterior pituitary lobe, we found KG channel subunits Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 localized on the membranes of intracellular dense core vesicles that contained thyrotropin. Stimulation of these thyrotroph cells with thyrotropin-releasing hormone provoked fusion of vesicles to the plasma membrane, increased expression of Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 subunits in the plasma membrane, and markedly enhanced KG currents stimulated by dopamine and somatostatin. These data indicate a novel mechanism for the rapid insertion of functional ion channels into the plasma membrane, which could form a new type of negative feedback control loop for hormone secretion in the endocrine system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intranuclear inclusions of meningioma associated with abnormal cytoskeletal protein expression.

We describe a case of meningothelial meningioma with a large number of intranuclear inclusions. Morphologically, these are divided into cytoplasmic inclusions and nuclear vacuoles. The cytoplasmic inclusion has a limiting membrane with cell organelles and filaments. Inclusions of this type are generally eosinophilic, like the cytoplasm. However, there are many inclusions that are more eosinophilic than the cytoplasm or that have a ground-glass appearance. Some of them may contain fine or coarse granules. On the other hand, the nuclear vacuole lacks a limiting membrane and appears empty. In most of the inclusions of this type, there is a faintly basophilic substance in the margin. Generally, the cytoplasmic inclusions are as immunopositive as cytoplasm with vimentin, but some of these cytoplasmic inclusions are more reactive. Under the electron microscope, abnormal aggregation of intermediate filaments is recognized in the cytoplasmic inclusions. It is considered that a strong reaction of cytoplasmic inclusions with vimentin immunostaining is due to abnormal aggregation of intermediate filaments. The present study distinctly demonstrates abnormal localization of intermediate filaments in the cytoplasmic inclusions, and it is suggested that the cytoskeleton participates in the evolution of the cytoplasmic inclusions.

Aged↗

MR imaging of non-squamous vaginal tumors.

We reviewed the MR images and pathologic findings of five cases of primary vaginal neoplasms of non-squamous origin. Histologic types consisted one case each of adenocarcinoma, adenosarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and neurilemoma. Magnetic resonance imaging was found useful for evaluating the type and the extension of vaginal tumors.

Adult↗

Alteration of p16 and p15 genes in human uterine tumours.

The roles of the p16 and p15 inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase tumour suppressor genes were examined in human uterine cervical and endometrial cancers. p16 mRNA, examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), was significantly reduced in five of 19 (26%) cervical and four of 25 (16%) endometrial tumours. Reduced expression of p16 protein, detected by immunohistochemistry, occurred even more frequently, in nine of 33 (27%) cervical and seven of 37 (19%) endometrial tumours. Hypermethylation of a site within the 5'-CpG island of the p16 gene was detected in only one of 32 (3%) cervical tumours and none of 26 endometrial tumours. Homozygous p16 gene deletion, evaluated by differential PCR analysis, was found in four of 40 (10%) cervical tumours and one of 38 (3%) endometrial tumours. Homozygous deletion of p15 was found in three of 40 (8%) cervical tumours and one of 38 (3%) endometrial tumours. PCR-SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) analysis detected point mutations in the p16 gene in six (8%) of 78 uterine tumours (four of 40 (10%) cervical tumours and two of 38 (5%) endometrial tumours). Three were mis-sense mutations, one in codon 74 (CTG-->ATG) and one in codon 129 (ACC-->ATC), both in cervical carcinomas, and the other was in codon 127 (GGG-->GAG) in an endometrial carcinoma. There was one non-sense mutation, in codon 50 (CGA-->TGA), in an endometrial carcinoma. The remaining two were silent somatic cell mutations, both in cervical carcinomas, resulting in no amino acid change. These observations suggest that inactivation of the p16 gene, either by homologous deletion, mutation or loss of expression, occurs in a subset of uterine tumours.

Animals↗

Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade is involved in endothelin-1-induced rat puerperal uterine contraction.

The regulation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase by endothelin-1 (ET-1) in cultured rat puerperal uterine myometrial cells was investigated. ET-1 caused the rapid stimulation of MAP kinase activity. ET-1-induced MAP kinase activation is neither extracellular Ca2+- nor intracellular Ca2+-dependent. ET-1 stimulation also led to an increase in phosphorylation of son-of-sevenless (SOS), and transfection of dominant negative SOS attenuated the ET-1-induced MAP kinase activity. Phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also induced the MAP kinase activity, but pretreatment of the cultured cells with PMA, to down-regulate protein kinase C (PKC), did not abolish the activation of MAP kinase by ET-1. In addition, down-regulation of PKC had no effect on ET-1-induced SOS phosphorylation. Pertussis toxin, which inactivates Gi/Go proteins, blocked the ET-1-induced MAP kinase activation but not the PMA-induced MAP kinase activation. The results suggested that MAP kinase is acutely activated by ET-1 through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and SOS, not through the PMA-sensitive PKC. In addition, although reverse-transcriptase PCR assays detected messenger RNA for both ET- 1 receptor subtypes in cultured rat puerperal uterine myometrial cells, ET-1-induced MAP kinase activity and uterine contraction were blocked by treatment with BQ485, an antagonist selective for an ET type A receptor (but not by BQ788, an ET type B receptor antagonist). Ritodrine, which is known to relax uterine muscle contraction, attenuated ET-1-induced MAP kinase activity. We further examined the role of MAP kinase pathway in uterine contraction using an inhibitor of MEK activity, PD098059. This inhibitor completely inhibited the ET-1-induced MAP kinase activation and partially, but significantly, inhibited the ET-1-induced uterine contraction. These results indicate that ET-1-induced MAP kinase signaling cascade may play an important role in the ET-1-induced uterine contraction.

Animals↗

High concentration of glucose decreases glucose transporter-1 expression in mouse placenta in vitro and in vivo.

Facilitative glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) is expressed abundantly and has an important role in glucose transfer in placentas. However, little is known about the regulation of GLUT1 expression in placental cells. We studied the changes in placental GLUT1 levels in relation to changes in glucose concentration in vitro and in vivo. In in vitro experiments, dispersed mouse placental cells were incubated under control (5.5 mM) and moderately high (22 mM) glucose concentrations, and 2-deoxyglucose uptake into cells was studied on days 1-5 of culture. After 4 days of incubation under both conditions, GLUT1 mRNA and proten levels were examined by Northern and immunoblot analyses. Treatment of cells with 22 mM glucose resulted in a significant decrease in 2-deoxyglucose uptake compared with control, from day 2 to day 5 of culture. Moreover, GLUT1 mRNA and protein levels on day 4 of culture were significantly reduced in cells incubated with 22 mM glucose compared with control. Next, we rendered mice diabetic by administering 200 micrograms/g body weight streptozotocin (STZ) on day 8 of pregnancy. Animals were killed on day 12 of pregnancy and placental tissues were obtained. [3H]Cytochalasin B binding study was carried out to assess total GLUTs, and GLUT1 mRNA and protein were measured as above. [3H]Cytochalasin B binding sites in placentas from STZ-treated mice were significantly less than those in control mice. Northern and immunoblot analyses revealed a significant decrease in GLUT1 mRNA and protein levels in diabetic mice compared with the controls. These findings suggest that the glucose concentration may regulate the expression of placental GLUT1.

Animals↗