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Biomedical subjects

J Yamauchi

Publications and source records attributed to J Yamauchi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The 400 kDa subunit of the PCAF histone acetylase complex belongs to the ATM superfamily.

PCAF histone acetylase is found in a complex with more than 20 associated polypeptides. Here we report cloning and characterization of the 400 kDa PCAF-associated factor referred to as PAF400. PAF400 is almost identical to TRRAP, which binds to c-Myc and E2F, and has significant sequence similarities to the ATM superfamily including FRAP, ATM, ATR, and the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK. Remarkably, PAF400 and FRAP share sequence similarity in broad regions that cover 80% of the entire PAF400 sequence. However, unlike the other members of the ATM superfamily, PAF400 is not a protein kinase as judged from the lack of kinase motif and autophosphorylation activity. We discuss the possibility that PAF400 may play a role in signaling of DNA damage to p53 by stimulation of p53 acetylation.

Acetyltransferases↗

EPR spectroscopic evidence for the mechanism-based inactivation of adenosylcobalamin-dependent diol dehydratase by coenzyme analogs.

EPR spectra were measured upon incubation of the complex of diol dehydratase with coenzyme analogs in the presence of 1,2-propanediol, a physiological substrate. When the analog in which the D-ribose moiety of the nucleotide loop was replaced by a trimethylene group was used as coenzyme, essentially the same EPR spectrum as that with adenosylcobalamin was obtained. The higher-field doublet and the lower-field broad signals derived from an organic radical and low-spin Co(II) of cob(II)alamin, respectively, were observed. With the imidazolyl counterpart, base-on cob(II)alamin-like species accumulated, but signals due to an organic radical quickly disappeared. When a coenzyme analog lacking the nucleotide moiety was incubated with apoenzyme in the presence of substrate, the EPR spectrum resembling cob(II)inamide was obtained, but no signals due to an organic radical were observed. From these results, it was concluded that the extinction of organic radical intermediates results in inactivation of the enzyme by these coenzyme analogs. Upon suicide inactivation with a [15N2]imidazolyl analog, the octet signals due to Co(II) showed superhyperfine splitting into doublets, indicating axial coordination of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole to the cobalamin bound to diol dehydratase.

Cobamides↗

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by signaling through G protein-coupled receptors. Involvement of Gbetagamma and Galphaq/11 subunits.

Various extracellular stimuli activate three classes of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs): extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK. In mammalian cells, p38 MAPK is activated by endotoxins, inflammatory cytokines, and environmental stresses. We show here that p38 MAPK is also activated upon stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors (Gq/G11-coupled m1 and Gi-coupled m2 muscarinic acetylcholine and Gs-coupled beta-adrenergic receptors) in human embryonal kidney 293 cells. The activation of p38 MAPK through the m2 and beta-adrenergic receptors was completely inhibited by coexpression of Galphao, whereas the activation by the m1 receptor was only partially inhibited. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of Gbetagamma or a constitutively activated mutant of Galpha11, but not Galphas and Galphai, can stimulate p38 MAPK. These results suggest that the signal from the m2 and beta-adrenergic receptors to p38 MAPK is mediated by Gbetagamma, whereas the signal from the m1 receptor is mediated by both Gbetagamma and Galphaq/11.

Atropine↗

Two forms of avian(chicken) TATA-binding protein mRNA generated by alternative polyadenylation.

We have isolated and sequenced the cDNA encoding avian(chicken) TATA-binding protein (cTBP). The cTBP protein shows a significant homology to those of the other species, and especially its C-terminal region (180 amino acid residues) is identical to those of the vertebrates. By Northern blot analysis, we found that two transcripts with about 2.1 kb (cTBP0) and 2.7 kb (cTBP1) were expressed in various chicken tissues, though only one type of the TBP transcript was reported in vertebrates. A primer extension study demonstrated a single transcription start site. The analysis of the genomic structure of cTBP with the sequences of the two types of cTBP cDNAs(cTBP0 and cTBP1) revealed that the alternative polyadenylation generates two transcripts with different 3'untranslated regions (3'UTRs), indicating a putative role of the different 3'UTRs on the stability of cTBP mRNAs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

C-terminal mutation of G protein beta subunit affects differentially extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways in human embryonal kidney 293 cells.

G protein beta and gamma subunits (Gbeta and Ggamma) form a complex that is involved in various signaling pathways. We reported that the C-terminal 10 amino acids of Gbeta are required for association with Ggamma (Yamauchi, J., Kaziro, Y., and Itoh, H. (1995) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 214, 694-700). To evaluate further the significance of the C-terminal region of Gbeta in the formation of a Gbetagamma complex and its signal transduction, we constructed several C-terminal mutants and expressed them in human embryonal kidney 293 cells. The mutant lacking the C-terminal 2 amino acids (DeltaC2) failed to associate with Ggamma, whereas deletion of the C-terminal amino acid (DeltaC1), replacement of Trp at -2 position by Ala (W339A), and addition of six histidines ((His)6) at the C terminus did not affect the association with Ggamma. We also studied the effect of these mutations on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK). Co-expression of the DeltaC2 or (His)6 mutant with Ggamma did not activate MAPK/ERK at all, whereas the DeltaC1 or W339A mutant showed the MAPK/ERK activation. The JNK/SAPK activity was stimulated by the W339A, DeltaC2, or (His)6 mutant, but not by the DeltaC1 mutant. These results suggest that the C-terminal region of Gbeta participates differentially in the signaling for MAPK/ERK and JNK/SAPK activations in mammalian cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An electron paramagnetic resonance study on the mechanism-based inactivation of adenosylcobalamin-dependent diol dehydrase by glycerol and other substrates.

Adenosylcobalamin-dependent diol dehydrase undergoes mechanism-based inactivation by glycerol or other substrates during catalysis. X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of holoenzyme were measured at -130 degrees C after reaction with such substrates. After short time of incubation, broad signals assigned to low-spin Co(II) of cob(II)alamin and doublet signals assigned to an organic radical intermediate derived from each substrate were observed with 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-ethanediol, glycerol and meso-2,3-butanediol with the magnitude of their exchange interaction (J-value) decreasing in this order. A substrate with the smaller magnitude of exchange interaction between low-spin Co(II) and an organic radical intermediate seems to be an efficient mechanism-based inactivator. Since the magnitude of exchange interaction decreases with the distance between radical species in a radical pair, these results suggest that a stabilizing effect of holoenzyme on radical intermediates during reactions decreases with the distance between Co(II) and a radical.

Apoenzymes↗

Effects of nitric oxide on ovulation and ovarian steroidogenesis and prostaglandin production in the rabbit.

Evidence supports the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in ovarian physiology. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of the NO/NO synthase (NOS) systems in ovulation, oocyte maturation, ovarian steroidogenesis, and PG production using in vitro perfused rabbit ovaries. The addition of the NOS inhibitors, aminoguanidine hemisulfate salt (AG) and N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), to the perfusate inhibited the ovulation induced by hCG in a dose-dependent manner, whereas D-NAME had no significant effect. Neither AG nor L-NAME affected the hCG-induced meiotic maturation of the ovulated ova. The exogenous administration of the NO generator, sodium nitroprusside (NP), induced follicle rupture in the absence of gonadotropin, but did not induce oocyte maturation. Inhibition of endogenous NOS by AG and L-NAME resulted in a significant elevation in the production of estradiol (E2), but not of progesterone, stimulated by hCG. The concomitant administration of NP significantly reduced the AG-stimulated production of E2 by ovaries perfused in the presence of hCG, which suggests that NO down-regulates ovarian E2 synthesis. Ovarian production of PGE2 and PGF2alpha in response to hCG was significantly blocked by L-NAME, and exogenous administration of NP stimulated the production of PGs in the absence of gonadotropin. Significant correlations were observed between the ovulatory efficiencies and the production of PGs by rabbit ovaries perfused with or without L-NAME. In conclusion, the ovarian NO/NOS system is involved in follicle rupture during the ovulatory process. NO may induce follicle rupture in rabbit ovaries at least in part by the stimulation of PG production.

Animals↗

Antibacterial activity of silver ions implanted in SiO2 filler on oral streptococci.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of silver ions in composite resin dental materials, an in vivo investigation was conducted into the antibacterial effect of SiO2 filler implanted with silver ions on oral streptococci. METHODS. SiO2 filler samples (0.1g) were implanted with silver ions. The effect of the filler with silver ions (Ag+ filler) was tested on oral streptococci bacteria. These bacterial strains had been isolated predominantly from composite resin surfaces. The organisms tested were anaerobically cultured in 5 mL Trypticase Soy Broth containing 0.5 per cent yeast extract at 37 degrees C for 10-12 h. Each bacterial strain was adjusted to a concentration of 1 x 10(6) cells per mL with reduced transport fluid (RTF). Ag+ filler was immersed in 1 mL of RTF and anaerobically incubated 2, 6 and 12 h to study the antibacterial effect. The survival of bacteria was then estimated by culturing on TSBY agar plates. A plate with approximately 100 discrete colonies was chosen from the serial agar cultures, and the number of colonies was counted at each sampling time. RESULTS: The Ag+ filler showed significantly more antibacterial activity than the control filler without silver ions. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that the antibacterial effect found in this study was due to the silver ions released by the Ag+ filler and that it may be useful to add this filler to composite resin dental materials for secondary caries protection.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Analysis of the derangement of the pancreatic microcirculation in a rat caerulein pancreatitis model using an intravital microscope system.

In order to clarify the derangement of the pancreatic microcirculation in acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic microcirculation in caerulein pancreatitis was monitored intravitally and the roles of bradykinin and nitric oxide were examined using bradkykinin B2 receptor antagonist, HOE140. Under an intravital microscope, the pancreatic microcirculation was observed 2 or 6 hr after the induction of acute pancreatitis. HOE140 was administered 30 min before the induction of acute pancreatitis. The videoimages were taken into the computer, and the value of grayscale was measured with imaging software to quantify the degree of extravasation. Extravasation in the postcapillary venules was remarkable and the velocity in pancreatic terminal arterioles decreased significantly. However, the adherence of leukocytes was not observed until 6 hr after the induction. Both the extension of extravasation and the decrease of velocity were prevented by HOE140. The levels of nitric oxides in the pancreatic tissue declined and this decline was not influenced by HOE140. Bradykinin participates mainly in the regulation of vascular permeability in the early stage of caerulein pancreatitis. Further, the impairment of pancreatic microcirculation may play a key role in the onset and development of acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Carboxyl terminal of G protein beta subunit is required for association with gamma subunit.

To investigate a complex formation of heterotrimeric G protein beta and gamma subunits, we constructed a deletion mutant which lacked the C-terminal WD40 repeating unit of beta 1 and cotransfected into HEK293 cells with gamma 2 which was tagged with FLAG-epitope. Co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that the mutant beta 1 failed to associate with FLAG gamma 2. Furthermore, from the analysis of additional deletion mutants, the last 10 amino acids of C-terminal region of beta 1 were found to be necessary to associate with gamma 2. These results suggest that the C-terminal region, in addition to the N-terminal alpha-helical structure, of beta subunit may be involved in the beta gamma complex formation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Optimal placement of CVP catheter in paediatric cardiac patients.

For correct monitoring of central venous pressure (CVP) the tip of the CVP catheter should be placed in the superior vena cava (SVC). Since there is no useful guide for the optimal depth of insertion of CVP catheter in children undergoing cardiovascular surgery, we examined the relationship between the depth of the CVP catheter and easily measured body-size variables, such as age, weight and height, and then created a guide for the optimal placement of the paediatric population. The CVP catheterization was performed through the right internal jugular vein by the high approach. The position of the catheter tip was determined by the wave form of the CVP tracing and the depth of insertion was assessed by the external marking on the catheter at the cannulation site. The position of the catheter tip, determined by postoperative AP chest x-ray, was identified by the level of thoracic vertebra (T) corresponding to the position of the catheter tip. We analyzed the relationship between the depth of the catheter and patient's age, weight and height by linear regression analysis. The position of tip was normally distributed from T1 to T7 and the tips were centralized at levels of T3, T4 and T5 which anatomically correspond to SVC. The r values between the catheter depth and the three factors at each level were comparable, although the correlation between the depth of catheter and height was best. A simple guide for placement of the catheter tip at T3, T4 and T5 levels as a function of patient's height was created.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

Multimerization of the mouse TATA-binding protein (TBP) driven by its C-terminal conserved domain.

The conformational states of the mouse TATA-binding protein (TBP) in solution were studied. A histidine tag and a factor Xa recognition site-carrying mouse TBP was expressed in E. coli, highly purified, and its fundamental functions as a TBP were demonstrated. We analyzed the molecular states of mouse TBP by gel filtration and glycerol gradient sedimentation, and found that TBP forms heterogeneous multimers in solution. Direct binding of TBP molecules to each other was proven by the far-Western procedure. Analyses using TBPs truncated at the N- and C-termini demonstrated that the functionally important C-terminal domain was responsible for homomultimer formation, and the N-terminal domain enhances multimerization. Furthermore, it was found that the TATA sequence dissociates homomultimers, and only monomeric TBP binds to the TATA-box. We suggest that TBP shares structural motifs in the C-terminal conserved domain for intermolecular interaction and TATA-binding.

Animals↗