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Biomedical subjects

Hideaki Sumiyoshi

Publications and source records attributed to Hideaki Sumiyoshi.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Interactions between epiplakin and intermediate filaments.

Epiplakin, a cytoskeletal linker protein, was originally identified as an autoantigen in a serum specimen obtained from a patient with subepidermal blistering disease. To examine the binding ability of epiplakin with intermediate filaments (IF), we performed slot-blot assays using fusion proteins that included various domains and subdomains of epiplakin. At least two of the 4.6 copies in the B domains of epiplakin were necessary for the binding of fusion proteins to keratin. The repeated structures of linker domains also played an important role in the binding of epiplakin to keratin in these assays while also increasing the repeated structure in the linker domain of epiplakin which is involved in the increased binding to IF. A similar but weaker binding to vimentin and desmin was also detected. These observations indicated that the highly repeated structures of epiplakin in both the B and the linker domains, which is the unique feature of this molecule in the plakin family, play an essential role in the functioning of this molecule.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Elimination of epiplakin by gene targeting results in acceleration of keratinocyte migration in mice.

Epiplakin (EPPK) was originally identified as a human epidermal autoantigen. To identify the function of epiplakin, we generated epiplakin "knockout" mice. These mice developed normally, with apparently normal epidermis and hair. Electron microscopy after immunostaining revealed the presence of EPPK adjacent to keratin filaments in wild-type mice, suggesting that epiplakin might associate with keratin. The appearance and localization of keratin bundles in intact epidermal keratinocytes of EPPK-/- mice were similar to those in wild-type mice. Wounds on the backs of EPPK-/- mice closed more rapidly than those on the backs of wild-type and heterozygous mice. The outgrowth of keratinocytes from skin explants from knockout mice was enhanced compared to outgrowth from explants from wild-type mice, even in the presence of mitomycin C, suggesting that the difference in keratinocyte outgrowth might be due to a difference in the speed of migration of keratinocytes. At wound edges in wild-type mice, EPPK was expressed in proliferating keratinocytes in conjunction with keratin 6. In EPPK-/- mice, no similar proliferating keratinocytes were observed, but migrating keratinocytes weakly expressed keratin 6. EPPK was coexpressed with keratin 6 in some keratinocytes in explant cultures from wild mice. We propose that EPPK might be linked functionally with keratin 6.

Animals↗

Multifactor complex containing B element binding factor, BBF, and repressors regulate the human alpha 1(III) collagen gene (COL3A1).

Type III collagen is found in fetal skin and blood vessels. Previously, we characterized the proximal promoter of the human alpha1(III) collagen gene (COL3A1) using the human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, A204, and NIH3T3 cells (Yoshino et al., Biochim Biophys Acta, 2005). In the present study, we further analyzed this promoter using additional cell lines, namely a human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cell line (RD) and bovine vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), both of which show high expression of type III collagen. Using a luciferase assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and DNase footprinting assay, 2 types of multifactor complexes were shown to bind to the DNA region in the vicinity of the B element (- 80 to - 58), depending on the cell type. Next, we used cells stably transfected with a GFP-linked type III collagen promoter fragment for analysis of promoter expression. Usually, transfected cells retained the characteristics of the original cells. However, in several clones derived from RD cells, promoter expression as well as cell shape changed to patterns characteristic of the A204 cell line. Nuclear factors expressed by these clones were also characteristic of the A204 line.

Animals↗

Adiponectin is expressed in the brown adipose tissue and surrounding immature tissues in mouse embryos.

Adiponectin is one of the adipocytokines, which are adipose-specific secretory factors. We examined its expression during embryogenesis. Transcripts of adiponectin were detected at a late stage of embryogenesis on embryonic (E) day E16.5. In situ hybridization showed that adiponectin transcripts were localized in brown adipose tissues (BATs) and surrounding immature tissues in mouse embryos. Immunohistochemistry using a specific anti-adiponectin antibody showed that the distribution of adiponectin closely parallels that of its mRNA. Adiponectin was also detected in serum at day E16.5, and its concentration peaked at birth. By contrast, transcripts of both the adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 were already expressed by day E12.5 in many tissues. Thus, their expression profile differed from that of adiponectin itself. Furthermore, experiments using primary cultures of brown adipocytes showed that adiponectin is regulated in brown adipocytes by various modulators, similar to its regulation in white adipose tissues (WATs). These data indicate that adiponectin has important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism during the perinatal period.

Adiponectin↗

Multiple proteins are involved in the protein-DNA complex in the proximal promoter of the human alpha1(III) collagen gene (COL3A1).

We have characterized the proximal promoter of the human alpha1(III) collagen gene (COL3A1). Transient transfection assays using a series of chimeric constructs linked to the luciferase gene indicated that the segment from -96 to -34 is necessary to activate transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) showed that the multiple proteins form the DNA-protein complex in different combinations depending on the cell types. A competition assay using mutant oligonucleotides showed that the sequence 5'-GCTCTCATATTTCAGAA-3' (-79 to -63 bp) is critical for DNA-protein complex formation. This sequence is contained in the B element of mouse alpha1(III) collagen gene (Col3a1) reported by Ruteshouse and de Crombrugghe (J. Biol. Chem., 1993). In the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, A204, at least two proteins of 92-118 kDa and 40-52 kDa are involved in the DNA-protein complex bound to this motif.

Animals↗

Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors upregulate the proximal promoter of the human prostate-specific antigen gene in prostate cancer cells.

The serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is useful as a clinical marker for diagnosis and assessment of the progression of prostate cancer, and in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. We characterized four Sp1/Sp3 binding sites in the proximal promoter of the PSA gene. In a luciferase assay, these sites contributed to the basal promoter activity in prostate cancer cells. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we confirmed that Sp1 and Sp3 bind to these sites. Overexpression of wild-type Sp1 and Sp3 further upregulated the promoter activity, whereas overexpression of the Sp1 dominant-negative form or addition of mithramycin A significantly reduced the promoter activity and the endogenous mRNA level of PSA. Among the four binding sites, a GC box located at nucleotides -53 to -48 was especially critical for basal promoter activity. These results indicate that Sp1 and Sp3 are involved in the basal expression of PSA in prostate cancer cells.

Binding Sites↗

Pro-alpha3(V) collagen chain is expressed in bone and its basic N-terminal peptide adheres to osteosarcoma cells.

The third alpha-chain of type V collagen, alpha3(V) chain, was initially identified in the placenta more than 20 years ago, but was poorly characterized with regard to its expression and function. We generated a specific monoclonal antibody against the N-terminal domain of the pro-alpha3(V) chain and examined gene expression using immunohistochemical methods combined with in situ hybridization. The pro-alpha3(V) chain was seen in funis and amnion, but not chorionic villi and deciduas of mouse placenta. In mouse embryo, the transcripts of the pro-alpha3(V) gene were seen in tissues that were related to bone formation as well as developing muscle and nascent ligament previously reported. However, immunohistochemistry showed that pro-alpha3(V) protein accumulated rather in the developing bone of mouse embryo. On the other hand, the N-terminal globular domain of the pro-alpha3(V) chain has a unique structure that contains a highly basic segment of 23 amino acids. The peptide derived from the basic segment showed a specific adhesive feature to osteosarcoma cells but not to chondrosarcoma cells. The four heparin binding sites in the basic segment equally contribute toward adhesion to the osteosarcoma cells. Our data suggested that N-terminal globular domain of the pro-alpha3(V) chain influence bone formation of osteoblasts through proteoglycan on the cell surface during development or regeneration.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcription factor KLF7 is important for neuronal morphogenesis in selected regions of the nervous system.

The Krüppel-like transcription factors (KLFs) are important regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation in several different organ systems. The mouse Klf7 gene is strongly active in postmitotic neuroblasts of the developing nervous system, and the corresponding protein stimulates transcription of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21waf/cip gene. Here we report that loss of KLF7 activity in mice leads to neonatal lethality and a complex phenotype which is associated with deficits in neurite outgrowth and axonal misprojection at selected anatomical locations of the nervous system. Affected axon pathways include those of the olfactory and visual systems, the cerebral cortex, and the hippocampus. In situ hybridizations and immunoblots correlated loss of KLF7 activity in the olfactory epithelium with significant downregulation of the p21waf/cip and p27kip1 genes. Cotransfection experiments extended the last finding by documenting KLF7's ability to transactivate a reporter gene construct driven by the proximal promoter of p27kip1. Consistent with emerging evidence for a role of Cip/Kip proteins in cytoskeletal dynamics, we also documented p21waf/cip and p27kip1 accumulation in the cytoplasm of differentiating olfactory sensory neurons. KLF7 activity might therefore control neuronal morphogenesis in part by optimizing the levels of molecules that promote axon outgrowth.

Animals↗

The transcription factor CCAAT-binding factor CBF/NF-Y and two repressors regulate the core promoter of the human pro-alpha3(V) collagen gene (COL5A3).

To elucidate the mechanisms underlining alpha3(V) collagen chain expression, we performed an initial analysis of the structure and function of the core promoter of the human COL5A3 gene. The core promoter, which lacks a typical TATA motif and has a high GC content, was defined within the -129 bp immediately upstream from the major transcription start site by transient transfection experiments. In this region, we identified four DNA-protein complexes, named A, B, C, and D, by a combination of DNase I footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using mutant oligonucleotide revealed that the complexes A, B, C, and D bind to -122 to -117, the -101 to -96, the -83 to -78, and the -68 to -57 bp, respectively. The competition assays using consensus oligonucleotides and supershift assays with specific antibodies showed that complex A consists of CBF/NF-Y. In a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, CBF/NF-Y protein directly bound to this region, in vivo. Functional analysis showed that CBF/NF-Y activated the gene, whereas the proteins of complexes B and C repressed its activity. Furthermore, overexpression of a mutant form of the CBF-B/NF-YA subunit, which forms CBF/NF-Y with CBF-A/NF-YB and CBF-C/NF-YC subunits, inhibited promoter activity.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Esophageal muscle physiology and morphogenesis require assembly of a collagen XIX-rich basement membrane zone.

Collagen XIX is an extremely rare extracellular matrix component that localizes to basement membrane zones and is transiently expressed by differentiating muscle cells. Characterization of mice harboring null and structural mutations of the collagen XIX (Col19a1) gene has revealed the critical contribution of this matrix protein to muscle physiology and differentiation. The phenotype includes smooth muscle motor dysfunction and hypertensive sphincter resulting from impaired swallowing-induced, nitric oxide-dependent relaxation of the sphincteric muscle. Muscle dysfunction was correlated with a disorganized matrix and a normal complement of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal. Mice without collagen XIX exhibit an additional defect, namely impaired smooth-to-skeletal muscle cell conversion in the abdominal segment of the esophagus. This developmental abnormality was accounted for by failed activation of myogenic regulatory factors that normally drive esophageal muscle transdifferentiation. Therefore, these findings identify collagen XIX as the first structural determinant of sphincteric muscle function, and as the first extrinsic factor of skeletal myogenesis in the murine esophagus.

Animals↗

Identification of a functional CBF-binding CCAAT-like motif in the core promoter of the mouse pro-alpha 1(V) collagen gene (Col5a1).

We used structure-function analysis of the core promoter region to elucidate the transcriptional features of the mouse alpha 1(V) collagen gene (Col5a1). The core promoter, which lacks a typical TATA motif and has a high GC content, was defined within the 231 bp immediately upstream from the major transcription start site by transient transfection experiments. In this region, we identified three nuclear-factor binding sites by electrophoretic mobility shift assay: BS1 (-195 to -167), BS2 (-134 to -106), and BS3 (-110 to -80). Oligonucleotide competition and supershift assays revealed that Sp1, CBF, and Sp1-related protein specifically bind to BS1, BS2, and BS3, respectively. The CCAAT-like motif, CAAAT, and flanking sequences are conserved between the mouse and human gene. CBF, which recognizes this motif, activated the Col5a1 promoter, as previously reported for Col1a1 and Col1a2. Furthermore, overexpression of a wild-type and mutant forms of CBF-B subunit altered this activity. These results suggest that CBF is a key factor in the coordinated expression of type I and V collagen genes.

Animals↗

The transcription factor CCAAT-binding factor CBF/NF-Y regulates the proximal promoter activity in the human alpha 1(XI) collagen gene (COL11A1).

We have characterized the proximal promoter region of the human COL11A1 gene. Transient transfection assays indicate that the segment from -199 to +1 is necessary for the activation of basal transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) demonstrated that the ATTGG sequence, within the -147 to -121 fragment, is critical to bind nuclear proteins in the proximal COL11A1 promoter. We demonstrated that the CCAAT binding factor (CBF/NF-Y) bound to this region using an interference assay with consensus oligonucleotides and a supershift assay with specific antibodies in an EMSA. In a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and EMSA using DNA-affinity-purified proteins, CBF/NF-Y proteins directly bound this region in vitro and in vivo. We also showed that four tandem copies of the CBF/NF-Y-binding fragment produced higher transcriptional activity than one or two copies, whereas the absence of a CBF/NF-Y-binding fragment suppressed the COL11A1 promoter activity. Furthermore, overexpression of a dominant-negative CBF-B/NF-YA subunit significantly inhibited promoter activity in both transient and stable cells. These results indicate that the CBF/NF-Y proteins regulate the transcription of COL11A1 by directly binding to the ATTGG sequence in the proximal promoter region.

Base Sequence↗

Caspase-8 gene therapy using the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter for malignant glioma cells.

Telomerase is a distinctive candidate for targeted gene therapy of malignant gliomas, because the vast majority of malignant gliomas express telomerase activity while normal brain tissues do not. Recently, we developed a telomerase-specific expression system of caspase-8 gene using the promoter of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene. However, the transcriptional activity of hTERT-181 promoter (a 181-base pair [bp] region upstream of the transcription start site) was relatively lower in malignant glioma cells than in other tumors such as prostate cancer cells. To establish the hTERT/caspase-8 construct as a novel therapy for malignant gliomas, we need to increase the transcriptional activity of the hTERT promoter in malignant glioma cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that the transcriptional activity of hTERT-378 promoter (a 378-bp region) was 2- to 40-fold higher in hTERT-positive malignant glioma cells (A172, GB-1, T98G, U87-MG, U251-MG, and U373-MG) than that of hTERT-181. We further demonstrate that by using the hTERT-378/caspase-8 construct, apoptosis was restricted to malignant glioma cells, and was not seen in astrocytes or fibroblasts lacking hTERT. Moreover, the growth of subcutaneously established U373-MG tumors in mice was significantly inhibited by seven daily intratumoral injections of hTERT-378/caspase-8 construct and its inhibitory effect persisted during 3 additional weeks without additional treatment. These results suggest that the telomerase-specific expression of caspase-8 under hTERT-378 promoter is a novel targeting approach for the treatment of telomerase-positive malignant gliomas.

Animals↗