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H Sakai

Publications and source records attributed to H Sakai.

At least 955 records · Page 53Linked to original sources

A common amino acid sequence in 190-kDa microtubule-associated protein and tau for the promotion of microtubule assembly.

Previously we reported that chymotryptic fragments of bovine adrenal 190-kDa microtubule-associated proteins (27-kDa fragment) and bovine brain tau (14-kDa fragment) contained microtubule-binding domain (Aizawa, H., Murofushi, H., Kotani, Hisanaga, S., Hirokawa, N., and Sakai, H. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 3782-3787; Aizawa, H., Kawasaki, H., Murofushi, H., Kotani, S., Suzuki, K., and Sakai, H. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 7703-7707). In order to study the structure of microtubule-binding domain of the two microtubule-associated proteins, we analyzed the amino acid sequence of the 27-kDa fragment and compared the sequence with that of the 14-kDa fragment. This revealed that 190-kDa microtubule-associated protein and tau contained at least one common sequence of 20 amino acid residues in their microtubule-binding domains. A synthetic polypeptide corresponding to the common sequence (Lys-Asn-Val-Arg-Ser-Lys-Val-Gly-Ser-Thr-Glu-Asn-Ile-Lys- His-Gln-Pro-Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Ala-Lys) was bound to microtubules competitively with the 190-kDa MAP. The apparent dissociation constant (KD) for the binding of the polypeptide to microtubules was estimated to be 1.8 x 10(-4) M, and the maximum binding reached 1.2 mol of the synthetic polypeptide/mol of tubulin dimer. This synthetic polypeptide increased the rate and extent of tubulin polymerization and decreased the critical concentration of tubulin for polymerization. The polypeptide-induced tubulin polymers were morphologically normal microtubules and were disassembled by cold treatment. The common sequence (termed assembly-promoting sequence) was thus identified as the active site of 190-kDa microtubule-associated protein and tau for the promotion of microtubule assembly. The reconstitution system of microtubules with this synthetic polypeptide with assembly-promoting sequence may be useful to elucidate detailed molecular mechanism of the promotion of microtubule assembly by microtubule-associated proteins.

Adrenal Glands↗

Identification of single-strand initiation signals in the terC region of the Escherichia coli chromosome.

On the basis of clear-plaque formation, we detected initiation signals in the terC region of the Escherichia coli chromosome. At least two single-strand initiation signals were identified from the terC region. The nucleotide sequences of these two signals were determined. Sequence homologies, variations of the consensus of n' protein recognition sites, 5'-GAAGCGG-3', were found within these signals. A novel conserved sequence was also found within these signals. Their initiation activities were measured both by the infection growth assay and by the ability to convert the single-stranded DNA to the duplex replicative form DNA in vivo.

Bacteriophage phi X 174↗

Microtubule-associated protein-2 stimulates DNA synthesis catalyzed by the nuclear matrix.

Microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) isolated from porcine brains stimulated DNA synthesis catalyzed by the nuclear matrix isolated from Physarum polycephalum in the presence of activated DNA as exogenous templates. The degree of the stimulation depended on the amount of the nuclear matrix, but not on that of the template. MAP-2 also stimulated DNA polymerase alpha activity solubilized from nuclei, but not DNA polymerase beta activity. These results suggest that MAP-2 stimulates DNA synthesis by interacting with the putative DNA replication machinery including DNA polymerase alpha bound to the matrix. Similar stimulation occurred in the nuclear matrix isolated from HeLa and rat ascites hepatoma cells, which strongly suggests that MAP-2 is involved in the control of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells.

Animals↗

Mutational analysis of an ssi region carried by plasmid pACYC184.

To investigate the functional contribution of some structural components of the signal that directs single-stranded initiation of DNA replication (ssi signal) carried by a 119-nt segment of plasmid pACYC184 (Bahk et al., 1988), we constructed mutants carrying one-base substitutions and insertions using oligodeoxyribonucleotide (oligo) directed mutagenesis. Two one-base substitution mutants were obtained. The mutants, M13 delta lac 184/Sp and M13 delta lac 184/Ev, carried an SplI site and an EcoRV site, respectively, created by base substitution. Three kinds of synthetic oligos, that is, a 10-bp EcoRI linker, an 8-bp ScaI linker and an 8-bp SmaI linker, were inserted into the SplI site of M13 delta lac 184/Sp, and into the EcoRV site of M13 delta lac 184/Ev. The SSI activity of each mutant examined indicated that the one-base substitutions had different effects on the SSI functions of the altered ssi signals. This fact suggests that some structural components within the 119-bp region make distinct contributions to the SSI function. Moreover, when the three kinds of synthetic linkers were inserted into the mutants M13 delta lac 184/Sp and M13 delta lac 184/Ev, each of the insertion mutations affected the rate of conversion of ss DNA to RFI in vivo and the growth of the recombinant phages in a distinct manner. Judging from the above results, the base composition and the length of a certain specific site were crucial for maintenance of the SSI functional activity, and structural components of the ssi signal contributed distinctly to the SSI function.

Bacteriophages↗

Molecular cloning and sequencing of the glycogen phosphorylase gene from Escherichia coli.

The glgP gene, which codes for glycogen phosphorylase, was cloned from a genomic library of Escherichia coli. The nucleotide sequence of the glgP gene contained a single open reading frame encoding a protein consisting of 790 amino acid residues. The glgP gene product, a polypeptide of Mr 87,000, was confirmed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The deduced amino acid sequence showed that homology between glgP of E. coli and rabbit glgP, human glgP, potato glgP, and E. coli malP was 48.6, 48.6, 42.3, and 46.1%, respectively. Within this homologous region, the active site, glycogen storage site, and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate binding site are well conserved. The enzyme activity of glycogen phosphorylase increased after introduction on a multicopy of the glgP gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tropomyosin in the sea urchin egg cortex.

Tropomyosin was purified from the Triton-treated cortex fraction of fertilized sea urchin egg. Egg tropomyosin showed characteristics typical of nonmuscle tropomyosins such as low molecular mass, short periodicity of Mg2+-paracrystals, low lysine/arginine ratio, high Mg2+ requirement in binding to F-actin, in addition to the properties of all tropomyosins, namely, stability to high temperature, anomalous migration of SDS/urea gel, dissociation from F-actin under high ionic conditions and very acidic isoelectric point. Co-sedimentation assay of egg tropomyosin with actin in the presence of the previously purified high-molecular-mass actin binding protein (260-kDa protein) showed that these two proteins bind to actin filaments in a non-competitive manner. This suggested that both the proteins play a cooperative role in the formation of actin-filament-based cytoskeletal structure in the cortex.

Actins↗

Binding of kinesin to stress fibers in fibroblasts under condition of microtubule depolymerization.

The localization of kinesin in EBTr (bovine embryonic trachea fibroblast) cells was studied by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using an affinity-purified antibody against bovine adrenal kinesin. It has already been shown that in interphase cells a part of kinesin is located on microtubules and the rest diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm [Murofushi et al., 1988]. When microtubules were depolymerized with cold or colchicine treatment, antikinesin antibody-stained fibrous components distinct from microtubules. These fibrous structures were considered to be stress fibers because they were stained with rhodamine-phalloidin and because the fibrous staining with antikinesin antibody was completely lost by treating the cells with cytochalasin D along with colchicine. When cold-treated cells in which a major part of kinesin had been localized on stress fibers were incubated at 37 degrees C, kinesin reappeared on reconstituted microtubules. These observations strongly suggest that kinesin has affinity not only to microtubules but also to stress fibers in culture cells.

Animals↗

The molecular structure of adrenal medulla kinesin.

The molecular structure of bovine adrenal kinesin was studied by electron microscopy using the low-angle rotary shadowing technique. Adrenal kinesin exhibited either a folded or an extended configuration; the ratio of the two is dependent on the salt concentration. Almost all adrenal kinesin molecules were folded in a low-ionic solution, and the ratio of extended molecules increased to 40-50% in a solution containing 1 M ammonium acetate. Kinesin in the extended configuration displayed a rod-shaped structure with a mean length of about 80 nm. The morphologies of the ends were different; one end was composed of two globular particles, similar to the two-headed structure of myosin, while the other end had a more ill-defined structure, appearing either as a globular particle, an aggregate of two to four small granules, or a frayed, fan-like structure. The folded kinesin molecule possessed a hinge region in the middle of the rod, at about 32 nm from the neck of the two heads. In our preparations, the majority of adrenal kinesin molecules were folded at physiological salt concentrations. Adrenal kinesin bound to microtubules in the presence of adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) also displayed a folded morphology.

Acetates↗

Detection of anionic sites and immunoglobulin A deposits in the glomerular capillary walls from patients with IgA nephropathy.

A study of anionic sites in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) from patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is described. The relationship between the deposition of IgA and the detection of glomerular extracellular components, i.e., noncollagenous (NC-1) domain of Type IV collagen, in the glomerular capillary walls was examined by double immunofluorescence. Renal biopsy specimens from patients with IgA nephropathy were immersed in polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a cationic probe and then examined by electron microscopy. Renal specimens were also incubated with mouse monoclonal anti-NC-1 domain of Type IV collagen and then stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled goat antimouse Ig antiserum. After these reactions, sections were stained with rhodamine-labelled rabbit antihuman IgA antiserum. GBM subepithelial anionic sites marked by PEI were altered by the deposition of electron-dense deposits (EDD) in patients with IgA nephropathy and there was a significant correlation between the levels of proteinuria and the incidence of EDD in the GBM in such patients. Marked proteinuria was observed in patients who showed loss of anionic sites in the GBM by electron microscopy. By double immunofluorescence, IgA was shown to be focally deposited outside the NC-1 domain of Type IV collagen-detected regions in the same patients. The authors concluded that high levels of proteinuria might be due to alterations of the size barrier and/or anionic sites of GBM in the moderate stage of IgA nephropathy.

Basement Membrane↗

Immunohistochemical localization of microtubule-associated proteins in the nervous system of the small intestine of guinea pig.

Layers containing Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses were dissected from the small intestine of guinea pig and immunostained with affinity-purified antibodies against brain-specific microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs): MAP1, MAP2 and tau and a MAP with a molecular weight of 190,000 dalton purified from bovine adrenal cortex (190-kDa MAP). MAP1 antibody stained the network of nerve fibers and the cell bodies of enteric neurons in both Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses. Staining with anti-tau antibody gave the same results. Antibody against MAP2 stained neuronal cell bodies and short thin processes extending from them. Interganglionic strands composed mainly of long processes were unstained. Anti-190-kDa MAP antibody stained both the neuronal cell bodies and bundles of nerve fibers. However, the staining was less intense than that with anti-MAP1 and tau antibodies. Differentiation in the structure of the cytoskeleton probably exists in the neuronal processes of the enteric neurons as is shown in the dendrites and axons in some neurons of the central nervous system. Thus, enteric neurons possess axon-like processes containing MAP1, tau and probably lower amounts of 190-kDa MAP. Cell bodies and dendrite-like structures of these neurons contain MAP2 in addition to MAP1, tau and 190-kDa MAP.

Animals↗

A mitochondrial frameshift suppressor maps in the tRNASer-var1 region of the mitochondrial genome of the yeast S. cerevisiae.

A polypeptide chain-terminating mutation (M5631) previously has been shown to be a +1T insertion in the yeast mitochondrial gene oxi1, coding for subunit II of the cytochrome c oxidase. A spontaneously arisen frameshift suppressor (mfs-1) that is mitochondrially inherited suppresses this mutation to a considerable extent. The suppressor mutation was mapped by genetic and molecular analyses in the mitochondrial tRNASer-var1 region of the mitochondrial genome of the yeast S. cerevisiae. Genetic analyses show that the suppressor mfs-1 does not suppress other known mitochondrial frameshift mutations, or missense and nonsense mutations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Anion and cation channels in the basolateral membrane of rabbit parietal cells.

Ion channels in the basolateral membrane of rabbit parietal cells in isolated gastric glands were studied by the patch clamp technique. Whole-cell current-clamp recordings showed that the membrane potential (Em) changed systematically as a function of the chloride concentrations of the basolateral bathing solution ([Cl-]0), and of the pipette (intracellular) solution. The relationship between Em and [Cl-]0 was not affected by additions of histamine, dibutyryl-cAMP, 4-acetoamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and diphenylamine-2-carboxylate. The whole-cell Cl- conductance was insensitive to voltage. In cell-attached and cell-free patch membranes, however, single Cl- channel opening events could not be observed. The value of Em depended little on the basolateral K+ concentration, but inward-rectifier K+ currents were observed in the whole-cell configuration, activated by hyperpolarizing pulses and inhibited by extracellular Ba2+. In cell-attached and cell-free patches, openings of single inward-rectifier K+ channels and non-selective cation channels were infrequently recorded. Neither cAMP nor Ca2+ activated these cation channels. The single K+ channel conductance was about 230 pS under the symmetrical high K+ conditions and was inhibited by intracellular tetraethylammonium ions (TEA). The non-selective cation channel had a voltage-independent single conductance of 22 pS and was not inhibited by TEA.

Animals↗

Regulation by intracellular Ca2+ and cyclic AMP of the growth factor-induced ruffling membrane formation and stimulation of fluid-phase endocytosis and exocytosis.

Insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) induce formation of ruffling membranes [T. Kadowaki et al. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 16,141-16,147] and stimulate the fluid-phase endocytosis and exocytosis [Y. Miyata et al. (1988) Exp. Cell Res. 178, 73-83] in human epidermoid carcinoma KB cells. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration by treatment with A23187, a calcium ionophore, or an increase in intracellular cAMP level by treatment with dibutyryl cAMP or forskolin almost completely inhibited the insulin-, IGF-I-, or EGF-induced formation of ruffling membranes. Increases in Ca2+ or cAMP concentration also inhibited almost completely the stimulation of fluid-phase endocytosis and exocytosis elicited by these growth factors. These results suggest that the growth factor-induced ruffling membrane formation and the stimulation of fluid-phase endocytosis and exocytosis have a common regulatory mechanism involving intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ and cAMP. 125I-EGF binding assays and immunoprecipitation experiments with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody revealed that treatment of KB cells with A23187, dibutyryl cAMP, or forskolin did not inhibit the EGF binding to the cells nor subsequent tyrosine autophosphorylation of its receptors. These results indicate that Ca2+- and/or cAMP-sensitive intracellular reactions exist downstream from the receptor kinase activation in the process of these early cellular responses.

Bucladesine↗

Assessment of membrane protection by 31P-NMR effects of lidocaine on calcium-paradox in myocardium.

In studying calcium paradox, perfused rat hearts were used to investigate the myocardial protective effects of lidocaine. Intracellular contents of phosphates were measured using the 31P-NMR method. In hearts reexposed to calcium, following 3 minute calcium-free perfusion, a rapid contracture occurred, followed by rapid and complete disappearance of intracellular phosphates with no resumption of cardiac function. In hearts where lidocaine was administered from the onset of the calcium-free perfusion until 2 minutes following the onset of reexposure to calcium, both intracellular phosphates and cardiac contractility were maintained. Therefore, it can be said that cell membranes were protected by lidocaine.

Animals↗

Subpopulations of T alpha cells in patients with IgA nephropathy: correlation between T alpha 4 cells and in vitro IgA production.

T cells play important roles in the regulation of the immune system and are divided into subpopulations by various kinds of markers on the membrane surface. T cells with Fc-receptors for IgA are termed T alpha cells, and the properties of this cell population have been revealed in recent years. T alpha cells are increased in patients with IgA nephropathy and possess IgA specific helper activity. T alpha cells consist of two subpopulations, T alpha cells with OKT4 antigen (T alpha 4 cells) and with OKT8 antigen (T alpha 8 cells). To investigate the immunological aberrations in patients with IgA nephropathy, we detected immunoglobulin produced by peripheral blood lymphocytes and enumerated the numbers of T alpha cells (including both T alpha 4 and T alpha 8 cells). The numbers of T alpha 4 cells (but not T alpha 8 cells) and in vitro IgA production were increased in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgA nephropathy, mean 1.9%. Control, mean 0.8%. P = 0.0075). In addition, the numbers of T alpha 4 cells and the amount of IgA in the supernatant of lymphocyte cultures were positively correlated in these patients (P = 0.025. r = 0.3836). From the results in the present study, it was suggested that T alpha 4 cells might be related to immunological aberrations, such as an increase in IgA seen in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Adult↗

Activation mechanism of erythrocyte cathepsin E. evidence for the occurrence of the membrane-associated active enzyme.

Activation of the erythrocyte cathepsin E located on the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane in a latent form was studied in stripped inside-out membrane vesicles prepared from human erythrocyte membranes. Incubation of the vesicles at 40 degrees C at pH 4 resulted in increased degradation of the membrane proteins, especially band 3. This proteolysis was selectively inhibited by the inclusion of pepstatin (isovaleryl-Val-Val-statyl-Ala-statine) or H 297 [Pro-Thr-Glu-Phe(CH2-NH)Nle-Arg-Leu] in the incubation mixtures, indicating that cathepsin E, as the only aspartic proteinase in erythrocytes, is responsible for the proteolysis. Two potential active-site-directed inhibitors of aspartic proteinases, pepstatin and H 297, were used to prove the occurrence of the membrane-associated active enzyme. To minimize potential errors arising from non-specific binding, the concentrations of the inhibitors used in the binding assay (pepstatin, 5 x 10(-8) M; H 297, 1 x 10(-5) M) were determined by calibration for purified and membrane-associated cathepsin E. The inhibition of the membrane-associated cathepsin E by each inhibitor, which showed the binding of the inhibitor to the activated enzyme, was temperature- and time-dependent. The binding of each inhibitor to the enzyme on the exposed surface of the membrane at pH 4 was highly specific, saturable, and reversible. The present study thus provides the first evidence that cathepsin E tightly bound to the membrane is converted to the active enzyme in the membrane-associated form, and suggests that this enzyme may be responsible for the degradation of band 3.

Biotransformation↗

Computer imaging analysis of glomerular extracellular components in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Computer imaging analysis was used for quantitative evaluation of the extents, amounts and distributions of glomerular extracellular components, such as the 7S and NC-1 domains of type IV collagen, laminin (LN), fibronectin (FN) and IgA, in glomeruli from patients with IgA nephropathy. Renal biopsy specimens from 13 patients with IgA nephropathy were incubated with mouse monoclonal antibodies against the FN or non-collagenous (NC-1) domain of type IV collagen or polyclonal antiserum against the LN or 7S domain of human type IV collagen, and then stained with appropriate dilutions of FITC-labeled anti-mouse Ig antisera. Marked staining of the 7S or NC-1 domain of type IV collagen, LN or FN was detected in the glomerular capillary walls and/or mesangial areas in patients with IgA nephropathy. In particular, a prominent increase of FN was observed in the subendothelial regions of glomerular capillary walls, i.e. mesangial interposition, in the moderate or advanced stage of IgA nephropathy. Therefore, computer imaging analysis was shown to be useful for the quantitative determination of such components distributed in glomeruli from patients with IgA nephropathy.

Complement C3↗