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Biomedical subjects

H Uchida

Publications and source records attributed to H Uchida.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin alpha is involved in temporospatial regulation of paxillin-containing focal adhesion formation and F-actin organization in motile cells.

Temporal and spatial regulation of actin-based cytoskeletal organization and focal adhesion formation play an essential role in cell migration. Here, we show that tyrosine phosphorylation of a focal adhesion protein, paxillin, crucially participates in these regulations. We found that tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin was a prominent event upon integrin activation during epithelial-mesenchymal trans-differentiation and cell migration. Four major tyrosine phosphorylation sites were identified, and two of them were highly inducible upon integrin activation. Paxillin exhibits three distinct subcellular localizations as follows: localization along the cell periphery colocalized with circumferential actin meshworks, macroaggregation at focal adhesions connected to actin stress fibers, and diffuse cytoplasmic distribution. Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin localized at the cell periphery and focal adhesions was shown using phosphorylation site-specific antibodies. Mutations in the phosphorylation sites affected the peripheral localization of paxillin and paxillin-containing focal adhesion formation during cell migration and cell-cell collision, accompanied by altered actin organizations. Our analysis indicates that phosphorylation of multiple tyrosines in paxillin alpha is necessary for the proper function of paxillin and is involved in the temporospatial regulation of focal adhesion formation and actin cytoskeletal organization in motile cells.

Actins↗

Paxillin alpha and Crk-associated substrate exert opposing effects on cell migration and contact inhibition of growth through tyrosine phosphorylation.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation accompanies and is essential for integrin signaling. We have shown that tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin alpha and Crk-associated substrate (p130(Cas)) is a prominent event on integrin activation in normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p130(Cas) has been demonstrated to facilitate cell migration. We show here that tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin alpha acts to reduce haptotactic cell migrations as well as transcellular invasive activities in several different experimental cell systems, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of p130(Cas) exerts opposing effects to those of paxillin alpha. Each of the phosphorylation-null mutants acts as a dominant negative for each phenotype. Moreover, we found that overexpression of paxillin alpha reduced the cell saturation density of normal murine mammary gland cells, whereas overexpression of p130(Cas) increased it. These effects also seemed to depend on tyrosine phosphorylation events. Cell growth rates and morphologies at growing phases were not significantly altered, nor were cells transformed. Addition of epidermal growth factor increased saturation density of the paxillin alpha-overexpressing cells, whereas no further increment was observed in p130(Cas)-overexpressing cells. We propose that tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin alpha and p130(Cas) exerts opposing effects on several integrin-mediated cellular events, possibly through different signaling pathways.

Animals↗

Properties of a bacterium which degrades solid poly(tetramethylene succinate)-co-adipate, a biodegradable plastic.

Various microorganisms were screened for their ability to degrade poly(tetramethylene succinate)-co-(tetramethylene adipate) (PBSA). Strain BS-3, which was newly isolated from a soil sample, was selected as the best strain. From taxonomical studies, the strain was tentatively ascribed to belong to the genus Acidovorax, most probably to the species A. delafieldii. Strain BS-3 could degrade both solid and emulsified PBSA, and also emulsified poly(tetramethylene succinate). During the degradation, a lipase activity was observed in the culture broth. This lipase activity was induced more strongly by PBSA than by tributyrin or triolein which are typical substrates of lipase. These observations strongly suggest that this lipase was involved in the PBSA biodegradation in strain BS-3.

Adipates↗

GH induced lipolysis stimulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes stably expressing hGHR: analysis on signaling pathway and activity of 20K hGH.

We have constructed a cell line of 3T3-L1 which can efficiently express human GHR (3T3-L1-hGHR) after differentiation to adipocytes. The expressed hGHR was detected as two bands with approximate molecular sizes of 120K by Western analysis using hGHR specific monoclonal antibody. Maximum lipolytic activity induced by hGH in the 3T3-L1-hGHR was enhanced 10-fold as compared to that in 3T3-L1, suggesting that expressed hGHR is functionally active. Comparative analysis using bGH and hGH revealed that 70% of lipolysis stimulation by 1-10 ng/ml hGH could be attributed to hGHR-mediated response. Analyses on inhibition and phosphorylation of signaling molecules suggested that GH-induced lipolysis stimulation is dependent on gene expression and not mediated through PKA-, PKC-, PLA-, PLC-, nor MAPK-pathway but possibly through JAK-STATs pathway. Duration of STAT5 activation by hGH continued up to 48 h. We also revealed that 22 K hGH isoform, 20K hGH which has been reported as a weaker agonist for GH-induced lipolysis stimulation, possesses equipotent activity and shows stronger action in the presence of hGHBP as compared to 22 K hGH. Taken together we conclude that the hGH-induced lipolysis was not mediated through MAP-, PKA-, PKC-, nor PLA-pathway but might be mediated through STAT pathway and that 20K hGH might show higher lipolytic activity than 22 K hGH in adipose tissue that produces a large amount of GHBP.

3T3 Cells↗

Cloning and characterization of the 5'-upstream sequence governing the cell cycle-dependent transcription of mouse DNA polymerase alpha 68 kDa subunit gene.

We have isolated the genomic DNA fragment spanning the 5-end and the first four exons encoding the 68 kDa subunit (p68) of the mouse DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex [corrected]. The p68 promoter region lacks TATA and CAAT boxes, but contains a GC-rich sequence, two palindrome sequences and two putative E2F-binding sites [corrected]. A series of transient expression assays using a luciferase reporter gene indicated that a region from nucleotide position -89 to -30 (-89/-30) with respect to the transcription initiation site is crucial for basal transcription of the p68 gene in proliferating NIH 3T3 cells. In particular, part of the GC-rich sequence (-57/-46) and the palindrome (-81/-62) elements were necessary for promoter activity, both of which share homology with the E-box sequence. Gel mobility shift assays using NIH 3T3 nuclear extracts revealed that the upstream stimulatory factor, known as an E-box-binding protein, binds to these sites. Moreover, we observed binding of E2F to two sites near the transcription initiation site (-11/-3 and +9/+16). A transient luciferase expression assay using synchronized NIH 3T3 cells in G(0)phase revealed that these E2F sites are essential for transcription induction of the p68 gene after serum stimulation, but are dispensable for basal transcription. These results indicate that growth-dependent regulation of transcription of the mouse p68 and p180 genes is mediated by a common factor, E2F; however, basal transcription of the genes, interestingly, is regulated by different transcription factors.

3T3 Cells↗

Clinical evaluation of 99mTc-Technegas SPECT in thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery in patients with pulmonary emphysema.

UNLABELLED: 99mTc-Technegas (Tcgas) SPECT is useful for evaluating the patency of the airway and highly sensitive in detecting regional pulmonary function in pulmonary emphysema. The aim of this study is to evaluate regional ventilation impairment by this method pre and post thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in patients with pulmonary emphysema. METHODS: There were 11 patients with pulmonary emphysema. The mean age of patients was 64.1 years. All patients were males. LVRS was performed bilaterally in 8 patients and unilaterally in 3 patients. Post inhalation of Tcgas in the sitting position, the subjects were placed in the supine position and SPECT was performed. Distribution of Tcgas on axial images was classified into 4 types, A: homogeneous, B: inhomogeneous, C: hot spot, D: defect. Three slices of axial SPECT images, the upper, middle and lower fields were selected, and changes in deposition patterns post LVRS were scored (Tcgas score). RESULTS: Post LVRS, dyspnea on exertion and pulmonary function tests were improved. Pre LVRS, inhomogeneous distribution, hot spots and defects were observed in all patients. Post LVRS, improvement in distribution was obtained not only in the surgical field and other fields, but also in the contralateral lung of unilaterally operated patients. In 5 patients some fields showed deterioration. The Tcgas score correlated with improvements in FEV1.0, FEV1.0% and %FEV1.0. CONCLUSION: Tcgas SPECT is useful for evaluating changes in regional pulmonary function post LVRS.

Aged↗

Early feeding after oncological colorectal surgery in Japanese patients.

We aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of an alternative postoperative oral intake protocol for Japanese patients who had had oncological colorectal surgery, with the goal of shortening the length of postoperative stay to the same level as that in Western countries. The subjects of the study were 42 consecutive patients who underwent elective oncological colorectal surgery. Two protocols., Japanese traditional management (TM: n = 20) and alternative management (AM; n = 22), were employed. The two protocols differed in their management of oral intake after surgery. Tolerance of the alternative protocol and the incidence of postoperative complications were determined. The mean length of postoperative stay in the AM and TM groups was 11.5 +/- 1.2 and 24.0 +/- 2.1 days, respectively (P < 0.0001; t-test). Analysis of the patients who underwent open operation also revealed that the length of postoperative stay was less in the AM group than in the TM group (12.3 +/- 1.7 and 24.7 +/- 2.2 days, respectively, P = 0.0003). One patient in the TM group developed small bowel obstruction during the introduction of oral intake. One patient in the AM group also developed small bowel obstruction, after discharge. and was readmitted. Other patients tolerated both the TM and AM protocols. Morbidity in the AM group was 20.0%, and that in the TM group was 30.0% (P = 0.72). The employment of an alternative postoperative oral intake protocol was safe and feasible for Japanese patients. Further investigation is needed to determine the possible benefits, both medical and socioeconomic, of this approach.

Adult↗

Postoperative delirium in patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia: what are the specific markers?

OBJECTIVES: we determined the incidence and specific markers of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: since April, 1995, 110 patients aged 60 years or older (mean: 71.6+/-6.6 years) who underwent bypass surgery were assessed regarding aetiological factors of delirium: age, sex, dementia, body-mass index, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral disease, laboratory test results, severity of limb ischaemia, type of arterial occlusion, operative time, and blood transfusion. RESULTS: discriminant analysis showed statistical significance in the following five variables: age >/=70 years; critical limb ischaemia (and/or ankle pressure <40 mmHg); dementia; duration of operation >/=7 hours; low serum albumin. The overall percentage of cases correctly classified was 78.2% (Wilks>> Lambda=0.695, p<0.001); the standardized regression coefficients of the five variables were 0.648, 0.500, 0.329, 0.218, and 0.200, respectively. In logistic regression, the regression coefficients for old age and critical limb ischaemia were 2.646 (14.1 of odds ratio; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-72.0) and 1.337 (3.8; 1.3-10.9), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with chronic lower-limb ischaemia was as high as 42.3%, and an age of over 70 years and critical limb ischaemia were identified as specific markers, with 14.1 times and 3.8 times the odds of suffering from delirium after bypass surgery.

Age Distribution↗

Reversible dimerization of 20 kilodalton human growth hormone (hGH).

A noncovalent dimer of the 22 kilodalton human growth hormone (22 K-hGH) is known to have diminished somatogenic activity compared with monomeric 22 K-hGH. In the present study, we examined the biological activity and physicochemical behaviour of a noncovalent dimer of the 20 kilodalton human growth hormone (20 K-hGH), an isoform of 22 K-hGH. Analysis of the equilibrium between monomeric and associated forms revealed that the associated 20 K-hGH was present in the dimeric form in aqueous solution. The kinetics of dimerization in rat plasma followed the theory of dissociation-association equilibrium, and more than 99% of 20 K-hGH molecules existed as a monomer in the equilibrium state at the physiological hGH concentration. Analysis of the pharmacokinetics showed that the ratio of the administrated dimer in rat circulation decreased from 43% to less than 4% in 2 h. A preparation of noncovalent dimeric 20 K-hGH had essentially the same degree of biological potency as that of a monomer in both in vitro and in vivo bioassays. In conclusion, dimerization of 20 K-hGH is reversible both in vitro and in vivo and a noncovalent dimer can function as a pharmaceutically active component of a 20 K-hGH preparation, in contrast to a 22 K-hGH preparation.

Animals↗

Enhancement pattern of normal extraocular muscles in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with fat suppression.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the internal structure of normal extraocular muscles on fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten subjects were examined using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. We evaluated the enhancement pattern (C-shaped or ring-like) of extraocular muscles and quantified the maximum ratios of enhancement (Rmax) and maximum ratios of signal increase (Vmax). We also quantified Rmax and Vmax in the central and peripheral portions of medial rectus muscles. RESULTS: In the early phase of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, a C-shaped or ring-like pattern was observed in 100% of inferior rectus, 95% of medial rectus, 55% of superior rectus, 20% of lateral rectus, and 15% of superior oblique muscles. Overall mean Rmax and Vmax values showed statistically significant differences to the temporal muscles. For the peripheral portion of medial rectus muscles, mean Rmax and Vmax values were greater than for the central portion. CONCLUSION: Using fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, the C-shape or ring-like internal structure of the extraocular muscles could be visualized, and were considered to reflect their structure of orbital and global layers. Potential usefulness of the fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging for detecting pathological status is suggested.

Adipose Tissue↗

Prevention of endotoxin-induced lethality in mice by calmodulin kinase activator.

Porphyromonas gingivalis strain 381 lipid A showed lower activity in inducing interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-1beta production and cytokine mRNA expression than synthetic Escherichia coli lipid A (compound 506) in alveolar macrophages of C57BL/6 mice. Both the lipid As induced tumor necrosis factor alpha in alveolar macrophages and IL-6 in peritoneal macrophages. A calmodulin (CaM) antagonist, W-7, inhibited IL-1beta production and its mRNA expression induced by P. gingivalis lipid A but not compound 506 in alveolar macrophages. A CaM kinase activator reduced the induction of IL-1beta in the serum of mice when administered with compound 506, and protected the mice against the lethal toxicity. The modulation of a variety of intracellular enzymes including the CaM kinase may result in clinical control of endotoxic sepsis.

Animals↗

Retinal ganglion cell death in experimental glaucoma.

AIMS: To determine whether parasol retinal ganglion cells (magnocellular pathway) are selectively lost in the primate model of glaucoma. METHODS: Ocular hypertension was induced in one eye of six Macaca fascicularis monkeys for 6-14 weeks. The retinal ganglion cells in these eyes were labelled retrogradely with the tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP) implanted into the optic nerve and subsequently examined in retinal whole mount preparations. The degree of retinal ganglion cell loss was estimated from Nissl stained tissue by comparison with the contralateral untreated control eye. RESULTS: In the three glaucomatous retinas with the best labelling 1282 cells could be classified, of which 182 were parasol cells and 1100 were midget cells. Linear regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant reduction in the proportion of parasol to midget cells with increasing cell loss (regression slope 0.023, 95% CI -0.7 to 0.11). Compared with the control eye the cell soma of the remaining retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous eyes were reduced in size by 20% for parasol cells (p=0.003) and by 16% for midget cells (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that selective loss of parasol retinal ganglion cells occurs in experimental glaucoma. In addition, the change in cell soma size distributions following ocular hypertension suggests that both parasol and midget retinal ganglion cells undergo shrinkage before cell death.

Animals↗

Nondiffuse fatty change of the liver: discerning pseudotumor on MR images enhanced with ferumoxides-initial observations.

PURPOSE: To clarify the findings of nondiffuse fatty change of the liver on ferumoxides-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 202 patients who underwent ferumoxides-enhanced MR imaging, eight who had nondiffuse fatty change of the liver at computed tomography (CT) were examined as study subjects. MR imaging findings before and 1 hour after ferumoxides administration were compared with CT findings. RESULTS: Focal fatty areas of the liver showing low attenuation on CT images were depicted as areas of relatively high intensity on the ferumoxides-enhanced T1-weighted images in all patients. On enhanced T2-weighted images, focal fatty change showed relatively high intensity in three and isointensity in one of the four patients. Focal spared areas appearing as areas of relatively high attenuation on CT images were depicted as areas of relatively low intensity on the ferumoxides-enhanced T1- and T2-weighted images in all patients. CONCLUSION: Although prior reports of hepatic MR imaging with ferumoxides indicated that there is accumulation of ferumoxides within focal fatty areas that are no longer seen after the administration of contrast medium, this study revealed that focal fatty change and focal spared areas of fatty liver may be pseudotumors because of the relatively high intensity of fatty areas of the liver. Radiologists can distinguish these conditions from hepatic tumors by using the opposed-phase gradient-echo sequence or the fat-saturation technique.

Aged↗