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Biomedical subjects

J Furuyama

Publications and source records attributed to J Furuyama.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Simple, rapid, and accurate determination of deletion mutations by automated DNA sequencing of heteroduplex fragments of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene generated by PCR amplification.

Germline mutations in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. PCR products from heterozygous patients for deletions of this gene formed four distinct bands on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The four fragments were subsequently purified and both strands of each fragment were directly sequenced, using an automated DNA sequencer and the same primers as those for PCR amplification. It was found that the two slower migrating fragments were "bulge" heteroduplexes, while the other two were homoduplexes made up of two wild-type strands and two deletion-mutant strands, respectively. The sites of deletions in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene could be exactly determined in four of the five patients. In an attempt to identify deletion-carriers of familial adenomatous polyposis at the presymptomatic stage, a family study was also carried out, and two children were found to have the same mutations as those of their affected parents. The direct sequencing of heteroduplex fragments generated during PCR amplification is a potentially useful method for detecting mutations of not only the adenomatous polyposis coli gene but also many other genes of genetic diseases.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Absence of bcr/abl gene in single hemopoietic progenitors in some patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

CD34+DR- and CD34+DR+ cells were isolated from the marrow mononuclear cells of five patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) carrying the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. Analysis of bcr/abl hybrid mRNA in individual colonies from a single cell using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) demonstrated the presence or absence of the hybrid mRNA. For patient 1 in the chronic phase of CML, the hybrid mRNA was detected in all colonies derived from CD34+DR+ and CD34+DR- hemopoietic progenitors. In contrast, for patient 2 in the chronic phase of CML, the mRNA was detected in all individual colonies from CD34+DR+ progenitors but not in any from CD34+DR- progenitors. For patient 3 in the chronic phase of CML, the mRNA was detected in all individual colonies from CD34+DR+ but in only some of the colonies from CD34+DR- progenitors. For patients 4 and 5 in the acute crisis of CML, the mRNA was found in a portion of colonies from CD34+DR+ and CD34+DR- progenitors. These results indicated that normal clones can persist in CD34+DR- progenitors in some patients with CML, even when chromosome analysis detects the Ph chromosome in all metaphases of bone marrow cells.

Adult↗

Stabilization of c-myc protein in human glioma cells.

The regulation of c-myc protein, product of c-myc/genes, was studied in four glioma cell lines by Northern blot, pulse-chase dot blot, immunoblot and immunoprecipitation analyses. Northern blot analysis revealed no overexpression of c-myc transcript, and pulse-chase dot blot analysis showed normal turnover rate of c-myc transcript, suggestive of no evidence of aberrant regulation of c-myc at post-transcriptional level. The synthesis levels of c-myc protein were shown by immunoprecipitation and closely associated with the c-myc transcript levels demonstrated by Northern blot, suggestive of no evidence of aberrant translational control of c-myc, whereas they were dissociated from the accumulation levels of c-myc protein shown by immunoblot, suggestive of an evidence of aberrant regulation of c-myc at post-translational level. The mean (+/- standard deviation) half-lives of c-myc protein in four glioma cell lines were calculated from the pulse-chase immunoprecipitation analysis, and being 98 +/- 8 to 143 +/- 11 min, were about four- to sixfold longer than normal. In surgical specimens, the immunostain of c-myc protein was not found in normal astrocytes but localized heterogenously in nuclei of reactive astrocytes and glioma cells, and increased in stained cell number in proportion to malignancy. Although this study was limited to four glioma cell lines, it suggests that the c-myc protein in glioma cells may be accumulated due to its prolonged half-life contributing to an uncontrolled proliferation.

Astrocytes↗

[Rapid diagnosis of cytomegalovirus interstitial pneumonitis by the polymerase chain reaction method--comparison of four diagnostic procedures].

The authors conducted a comparative study on the rapid diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) interstitial pneumonitis by 4 different methods. Among them, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was found to achieve the most rapid diagnosis of CMV infection. The clinical usefulness of making a diagnosis from the serum antibody titer and viral isolation was questionable as compared with the PCR method. Therefore, early diagnosis of CMV infection by PCR may be promising especially for the compromised patients with hematological diseases.

Base Sequence↗

Hematopoietic recovery from host progenitors with normal karyotype devoid of Philadelphia chromosome in a patient with CML after allogeneic BMT.

A male patient with CML received a BMT from his sister and developed chronic GVHD. The host-origin normal karyotype (46,XY) was identified for the first time in the 60th month after BMT. Detection of Y-chromosome-specific DNA in BM and peripheral blood (PB) showed that all BM samples obtained 6 months from BMT were positive for Y-specific DNA, while PB became positive in the 60th month after BMT. The BCR-ABL mRNA derived from leukemic cells was detected in the 36th month post-BMT, but not in the 60th month or thereafter. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that 1.5% and 0.6% in BM and PB cells were Y-positive in the 70th month post-BMT, respectively. DNA analysis of hematopoietic progenitor colonies revealed 1 of 42 erythroid colonies to be host derived. These results indicate that host-origin hematopoietic cells survive chronic GVHD, while the Ph1 clone was eliminated.

Adult↗

Detailed analysis of genetic alterations in colorectal tumors from patients with and without familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

To examine early genetic events during colorectal carcinogenesis, we searched for genetic alterations in 75 adenomas from seven patients with familial polyposis coli (FAP) and in 64 sporadic colorectal tumors (63 carcinomas and one adenoma). We investigated germ-line and somatic mutations in the APC gene, somatic mutations in the K-ras and p53 genes, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 8p21-22. Thirty-two FAP adenomas carried detectable somatic mutations in the APC gene. The frequency of somatic APC mutations among adenomas was the same regardless of differences in size or histopathological classification. On the other hand, K-ras mutation was very rare in small adenomas where dysplasia was mild or moderate but frequent in large adenomas with severe dysplasia. Mutation of the p53 gene was observed in only two adenomas and LOH on 8p22 was detected in none. These results imply that a second 'hit' in the APC gene, but not necessarily mutation in K-ras or p53, is an important and critical event for formation of a colorectal adenoma.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Frequency and distribution of phenylketonuric mutations in Orientals.

The frequency and distribution of eight mutations (R111X, IVS4nt-1, Y204C, R243Q, IVS7nt-2, W326X, Y356X, and R413P) in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene of Orientals in Japan and Korea were examined by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. The mutant alleles comprised 54 and 55% of the phenylketonuria (PKU) chromosomes examined in 36 patients in Japan and 10 patients in Korea, respectively. The spectrum of PKU mutations in Japan was similar to that in China, particularly in northern China, but different from that in Korea. The IVS4nt-1 mutation had a high frequency in Korea and southern China, due to the result of the founder effect and genetic drift. The R413P mutation, which may have originated in the regions surrounding the Baikal, expanded to northern China and Japan. We did not find Caucasian mutations in the Japanese or Korean PKU chromosomes. Thus, PKU mutations occurred after racial divergence between Caucasians and Mongoloids, and there were different founding populations for PKU in the two populations.

Alleles↗

Inactivation of both APC alleles in an early stage of colon adenomas in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

To examine whether the dosage effect of germ-line mutations in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is sufficient to cause colorectal adenomas, or an additional somatic mutation of the normal allele is required as well, we have investigated somatic mutations of the APC gene in multiple adenomas developed in one FAP patient. In addition to a 5-bp deletion of one allele present constitutionally in this patient, the normal APC allele had been lost in five of seven DNA samples extracted from small adenomas (< 3 mm in diameter) with mild or moderate atypia. This result indicates that the inactivation of both alleles of the APC gene is probably essential for the development of an early-stage adenoma, in agreement with the two-hit mutational model underlying the concept of tumor suppressor genes.

Adenoma↗

[Prader-Willi syndrome associated with chromosomal aberration: report of a case].

A male case of Prader-Willi syndrome (2.8 years in age) with an interstitial deletion of a chromosome affecting 15q 11-12 region is reported. The chief complaints were hypoplastic scrotum and defect of bilateral scrotal content. The clinical features were short stature, obesity, delayed mental development, bilateral cryptorchidism, hypogenitalism, hypopigmentation, and bilateral moderate vesicoureteral reflux with a history of muscular hypotonia. Bilateral orchidopexy was done. Endocrinologically both base values of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were normal although LH reserve function was impaired on gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) test. Testosterone response was normal by the stimulation of human chorionic gonadotropin. An interstitial deletion of proximal 15q, and pituitary-gonadal axis in Prader-Willi syndrome are discussed in relation to the clinical features and therapy.

Child, Preschool↗

[Chromosome abnormalities in hypospadias? An analysis of 131 patients].

We performed chromosome studies in 131 patients presenting with hypospadias, with the aim of detecting any causal connections between chromosomal abnormalities and the induction of hypospadias. Autosomal abnormalities were revealed in 6 and sex chromosomal abnormalities in 10 patients. Although a significant causal relationship between the occurrence of hypospadias and chromosomal abnormalities was seen in this study in only two cases of mixed gonadal dysgenesis (45,X/46,XY and streak gonad), the high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities observed (12.2%) seems noteworthy compared with the incidence of only 0.61% in the normal male population.

Adolescent↗

Inactivation of the cholinesterase gene by Alu insertion: possible mechanism for human gene transposition.

The human cholinesterase (ChE) gene from a patient with acholinesterasemia was cloned and analyzed. By using ChE cDNA as a probe, four independent clones were isolated from a genomic library constructed from the patient's DNA. Sequencing analysis of all of the four clones revealed that exon 2 of the ChE gene was disrupted by a 342-base-pair (bp) insertion of Alu element, including a poly(A) tract of 38 bp, which showed 93% sequence homology with a current type of human Alu consensus sequence. Southern blot analysis showed that the Alu insertion occurred in both alleles of the patient and was inherited in the patient's family. This Alu insertion was flanked by 15-bp of target site duplication in exon 2 corresponding to positions 1062-1076 of ChE cDNA, indicating that an Alu element could have been integrated by retrotransposition. Thus, this case provides an important clue to the mechanism of inactivation of a gene by integration of a retrotransposon.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Establishment and characterization of a new cell line TC-YIK originating from argyrophil small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix integrating HPV16 DNA.

A new cell line, designated TC-YIK, was established from YIK-1 tumor cells, derived from argyrophil small cell carcinoma (ASCC) of the uterine cervix, and serially heterotransplanted into nude mice, integrating human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA. The population doubling time of TC-YIK was approximately 21.6 hours at the 119th subculture. Subcutaneous injection of 1 x 10(8) TC-YIK cells into nude mice yielded a solid tumor. The cytologic appearance of TC-YIK was similar to that of YIK-1. The TC-YIK cells contained argyrophil granules and neurosecretory granules in the cytoplasm and showed positive immunohistochemical staining for neuron-specific enolase, serotonin, and chromogranin. Thus, TC-YIK retained the histochemical characteristics of ASCC. The TC-YIK cells contained HPV16 DNA in a multiple-copy integrated form and actively transcribed the integrated HPV16 genome. Amplification of the c-myc oncogene was observed in the TC-YIK cells. These data suggest that TC-YIK is a useful in vitro experimental model of ASCC and that HPV16 and c-myc may play some role in the genesis of this malignant tumor and/or maintenance of the transformed TC-YIK phenotype.

Animals↗

Interspecies comparison of c-myc gene in human and rat glioma cell lines.

Interspecies difference in expression of the c-myc gene between two human and three rat glioma cell lines was studied with use of a human c-myc probe. The c-myc deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments detected at higher stringency in Southern blotting, showed a difference in size and gene copy number between human and rat glioma cells. The c-myc transcript was detected at both higher and lower stringencies in Northern blotting in human glioma cells, whereas it was demonstrated only at lower stringency in rat glioma cells, and the c-myc transcript was seen in cytoplasms of both glioma cells by in situ hybridization. The c-myc protein, if examined with anti-human c-myc protein monoclonal antibody, was observed as two separate components in Western blotting and localized immunocytochemically in nuclei in human glioma cells, whereas it was detected as three separate forms in Western blotting and shown in both nuclei and cytoplasm in rat glioma cells. The above discrepancy in manifestation of c-myc DNA fragments, transcript and protein could be due to the difference in nucleotide sequence of c-myc gene between human and rat glioma cells.

Animals↗

The nucleotide sequence for a proline-activating domain of gramicidin S synthetase 2 gene from Bacillus brevis.

A fragment encoding proline-activating domain (grs 2-pro) of gramicidin S synthetase 2 (GS 2) was found in an 8.1-kilobase pairs (kb) DNA fragment of Bacillus brevis Nagano, which contained the full length of GS 1 gene (grs 1). The clones designated GS719 and GS708, which expressed gramicidin S synthetase 1, were elucidated to express immunoreactive proteins to GS 2 antibodies with approximate molecular weights of 115,000, 105,000 (GS719), and 110,000 (GS708). The partial purification of the gene products of these clones was carried out using DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. The immunoreactive proteins to GS 2 antibodies were separated from gramicidin S synthetase 1 protein and had specific proline-dependent ATP-32PPi exchange activity. The nucleotide sequence for the proline-activating domain in the 8.1-kb insert was determined. This fragment was 2,879 base pairs long, and encoded 959 amino acids. The calculated molecular weight of 111,671 was consistent with the apparent molecular weight of 115,000 found in SDS-PAGE of the immunoreactive products to GS 2 antibodies. The open reading frame for this protein followed grs 1 gene, though two were separated by a 73-base pair noncoding sequence, and remained open to the end.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

Purification and some properties of the fast migrating alkaline phosphatase in FL-amnion cells (the Kasahara isoenzyme) and its cDNA cloning.

One of two main FL-amnion cell alkaline phosphatase (AP), the fast migrating one (FL-APF) has been reported to be identical to Kasahara isoenzyme (K.I.), which occurs preferentially in sera of patients with primary hepatoma. We purified FL-APF of which the apparent molecular weight was 135,000 by gel filtration, and that of the subunit was 62,000 on SDS/PAGE, indicating homodimeric structure of FL-AL-APF. FL-APF was found to react with monoclonal antibody against adult intestinal AP, but not with monoclonal antibody to placental AP. We isolated FL-APF cDNA clone from FL-amnion cells, of which cDNA was 2525 base pairs in length. Nucleotide sequence of the coding region and the 3' untranslated region was identical to the sequence of human adult intestinal AP cDNA. But the untranslated region of the 5' end of the isolated clone was slightly longer than that of intestinal AP. Hence, FL-APF (K.I.) may occur by altered glycosylation of intestinal AP.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Spontaneous and cAMP-dependent induction of a resting phase and neurite formation in cell hybrids between human neuroblastoma cells and thymidine auxotrophs of rat nerve-like cells.

Cell hybrids (BIM) were produced between human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32) and thymidine auxotrophs (B3T) of rat nerve-like cells (B103) in order to obtain cell lines undergoing stable neuronal differentiation. BIM cells exhibited the growth properties of partial transformation: 1) When the cell growth reached a plateau, BIM cells ceased to proliferate and expressed a differentiated phenotype. The shape of the cells changed from flat to round and they extended neurites. 2) When cultured in methylcellulose, BIM cells formed colonies, indicating that BIM cells have the ability of anchorage-independent growth. By Southern blot analysis, BIM cells had both human and rat types of N-myc genes. The human N-myc genes were amplified, but the extent of the amplification was lower in BIM cells than that in the parental cell line IMR-32. The rat N-myc gene was detected at a similar level in BIM, B3T, B103, and rat fibroblastic cells 3Y1. Therefore, the decrease in amplification of human N-myc genes may be involved in the properties of partial reverse-transformation in BIM cells. When treated with various drugs such as db-cAMP, forskolin, and cAMP with isobutyl-methylxanthine, BIM cells expressed a nerve-like phenotype. These findings indicate that cell hybridization yielded partial normalization of transformed nerve-like cells.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

An isolated case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in a female with a deletion of DMD cDNA.

An isolated case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in a female who has a deletion of the DMD locus is described. This patient was a 26-year-old woman born to unrelated, healthy parents. She was initially examined at age 6 because of a waddling gait. At age 15, pseudohypertrophy of calves and pes equinus were observed along with proximal muscular weakness and wasting. Her serum creatine kinase level was high and histological evidence of muscular dystrophy was apparent on muscle biopsy. The patient was ambulant at age 15 and progression of motor disability has been slow. Chromosomal studies revealed a normal karyotype, and mental retardation is moderate. DNA analysis at age 26 revealed that she has a deletion of DMD cDNA 8 mapped within Xp21 and is heterozygous for the deletion. Since diagnosis of DMD is now dependent on the evidence of mutation or deletion at Xp21, this patient is thought to have a form of DMD. Expression of the DMD gene in the heterozygous state might be due to random but unequal lyonization.

Adult↗

Deoxyribonucleic acid analyses of five families with familial inherited thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency.

Five families with familial inherited TSH deficiency, reported to date, were examined for the TSH beta gene at the nucleotide level. The first family carries a single base substitution in the 29th codon which lies in the so-called CAGYC region; GCA (glycine) is replaced by AGA (arginine). This substitution induces conformational changes of the beta-polypeptide which make it unable to associate with the alpha-subunit. This mutation generates a new cleavage site for a restriction endonuclease MaeI, a new marker that can be used for DNA diagnosis. The second and third families were found to carry the same nucleotide substitution. Also, all three families were associated with an additional single base substitution in intron 2 as a polymorphic change, suggesting that these three families may have originated from the same single founder from Shikoku Island in Japan. The nucleotide sequence from the fourth and fifth families showed no alterations in the TSH beta gene from the about -200 basepair up-stream region to the polyadenylation site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗