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Biomedical subjects

M Matsuda

Publications and source records attributed to M Matsuda.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway by an isoform of rap1GAP associated with G alpha(i)

Many receptors for neuropeptides and hormones are coupled with the heterotrimeric G(i) protein, which activates the p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) cascade through both the alpha- and betagamma-subunits of G(i). The betagamma-subunit activates the ERK/MAPK cascade through tyrosine kinase. Constitutively active G(alpha)i2 (gip2) isolated from adrenal and ovarian tumours transforms Rat-1 fibroblasts and also activates the ERK/MAPK cascade by an unknown mechanism. The ERK/MAPK pathway is activated by Ras, and is inhibited when the low-molecular-mass GTP-binding protein Rap1 antagonizes Ras function. Here we show that a novel isoform of Rapl GTPase-activating protein, called rap1GAPII, binds specifically to the alpha-subunits of the G(i) family of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Stimulation of the G(i)-coupled m2-muscarinic receptor translocates rap1GAPII from the cytosol to the membrane and decreases the amount of GTP-bound Rap1. This decrease in GTP-bound Rap1 activates ERK/MAPK. Thus, the alpha-subunit of G(i) activates the Ras-ERK/MAPK mitogenic pathway by membrane recruitment of rap1GAPII and reduction of GTP-bound Rap1.

3T3 Cells↗

Integrins mediate the inhibitory effect of focal adhesion on angiotensin II-induced p44/42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity in human mesangial cells.

Previously, we reported that the formation of focal adhesion accelerated by accumulation of extracellular matrices may inhibit the angiotensin II-stimulated proliferation of human mesangial cells (HMCs). The process is regulated by p44/42 MAP kinase activity through the mediation of paxillin and GTPase activating proteins. In this report, we investigated the effect of integrin molecules on the angiotensin II-induced p44/42 MAP kinase activation in non-adherent HMCs. The results demonstrated that incubation of cells with both antibody to integrin beta(1) chain (K20) and GRGDS peptide induced integrin clustering, paxillin aggregation, and marked suppression of angiotensin II-induced p44/42 MAP kinase activation. On the other hand, incubation of cells with K20 alone induced integrin clustering without paxillin aggregation and the suppressive effect on angiotensin II-stimulated p44/42 MAP kinase activity. Our results strongly suggest the pivotal role of integrins in the inhibitory effect of focal adhesion on p44/42 MAP kinase activity, the checking system against angiotensin II-induced MAP kinase overactivation.

Angiotensin II↗

Developmental expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 associated with thrombopoietin-dependent megakaryocytic differentiation.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is present in the platelet alpha-granule and is released on activation. However, there is some debate as to whether the megakaryocyte and platelet synthesize PAI-1, take it up from plasma, or both. We examined the expression of PAI-1 in differentiating megakaryocytic progenitor cells (UT-7) and in CD34(+)/CD41(-) cells from cord blood. UT-7 cells differentiated with thrombopoietin (TPO) resembled megakaryocytes (UT-7/TPO) with respect to morphology, ploidy, and the expression of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa. PAI-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was upregulated and PAI-1 protein synthesized in the UT-7/TPO cells accumulated in the cytoplasm without being released spontaneously. In contrast, erythropoietin (EPO)-stimulated UT-7 cells (UT-7/EPO) did not express PAI-1 mRNA after stimulation with TPO because they do not have endogenous c-Mpl. After cotransfection with human wild-type c-mpl, the cells (UT-7/EPO-MPL) responded to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) with enhanced PAI-1 mRNA expression within 24 to 48 hours. However, induction of PAI-1 mRNA in UT-7/EPO-MPL cells by TPO required at least 14-days stimulation. UT-7/EPO cells expressing c-Mpl changed their morphology and the other characteristics similar to the UT-7/TPO cells. TPO also differentiated human cord blood CD34(+)/CD41(-) cells to CD34(-)/CD41(+) cells, generated morphologically mature megakaryocytes, and induced the expression of PAI-1 mRNA. These results suggest that both PAI-1 mRNA and de novo PAI-1 protein synthesis is induced after differentiation of immature progenitor cells into megakaryocytes by TPO.

Biomarkers↗

Mutations in the RAD54 recombination gene in primary cancers.

Association of a recombinational repair protein RAD51 with tumor suppressors BRCA1 and BRCA2 suggests that defects in homologous recombination are responsible for tumor formation. Also recent findings that a protein associated with the MRE11/RAD50 repair complex is mutated in Nijmegen breakage syndrome characterized by increased cancer incidence and ionizing radiation sensitivity strongly support this idea. However, the direct roles of BRCA proteins and the protein responsible for NBS in recombinational repair are not clear though they are associated with the recombinational repair complexes. Since RAD51 forms a complex with other members of the RAD52 epistasis group and with BRCA proteins, it is reasonable to ask if alterations of members of the RAD52 epistasis group lead to tumor development. Here we describe missense mutations at functional regions of RAD54 and the absence of the wild-type RAD54 expression resulting from aberrant splicing in primary cancers. Since RAD54 is a recombinational protein associated with RAD51, this is the first genetic evidence that cancer arises from a defect in repair processes involving homologous recombination.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Activation of C3G guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1 by phosphorylation of tyrosine 504.

C3G is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1 and is activated by the expression of Crk adaptor proteins. We found that expression of CrkI in COS cells induced significant tyrosine phosphorylation of C3G. To understand the mechanism by which C3G is phosphorylated and activated by Crk, we constructed a series of deletion mutants. Deletion of the amino terminus of C3G to amino acid 61 did not remarkably affect either tyrosine phosphorylation or Crk-dependent activation of C3G. When C3G was truncated to amino acid 390, C3G was still phosphorylated on tyrosine but was not effectively activated by CrkI. Deletion of the amino terminus of C3G to amino acid 579 significantly reduced the Crk-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of C3G and increased GTP-bound Rap1 irrespective of the presence of CrkI. We substituted all seven tyrosine residues in this region, amino acids 391-579, for phenylalanine for identification of the phosphorylation site. Among the substitution mutants, the C3G-Y504F mutant, in which tyrosine 504 was substituted by phenylalanine, was remarkably less activated and phosphorylated than the wild type. All the other substitution mutants were activated and tyrosyl-phosphorylated by the expression of CrkI. Thus, CrkI activates C3G by the phosphorylation of tyrosine 504, which represses the cis-acting negative regulatory domain outside the catalytic region.

Animals↗

The cellular kinase binding motifs (PxxP and RR) in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef protein are dispensable for producer-cell-dependent enhancement of viral entry.

We have recently demonstrated that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Nef is required for enhancing viral infectivity by increasing the efficiency of viral entry in a producer-cell-dependent manner, suggesting the possible involvement of a cellular factor(s) in the enhancement of viral entry. Moreover, it has been reported that a proline-rich (PxxP) motif and an Arg-Arg (RR) motif in HIV-1 Nef bind to the SH3 domain of the Src-family tyrosine kinase Hck and to a serine/threonine kinase, respectively. To address whether these cellular kinase binding motifs, PxxP and RR, could be involved in virus producer-cell-dependent enhancement of viral entry, we constructed two nef mutant proviral clones in which these motifs were mutated. The results show that the HIV-1 Nef PxxP motif, which significantly influenced viral infectivity, and the RR motif, which modestly affected viral infectivity, were both dispensable for enhanced viral entry, thus suggesting that another interaction of Nef with a cellular factor(s) is involved in the efficiency of viral entry.

Alanine↗

The prognostic significance of amplification and overexpression of c-met and c-erb B-2 in human gastric carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: The c-met and the c-erb B-2 protooncogenes belong to a family of tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors. Abnormalities of these oncogenes and protein products have been reported in several cancers. The authors investigated the correlation between clinical factors and amplification or overexpression of the c-met and/or c-erb B-2 gene in Japanese patients with gastric carcinoma patients, with a focus on prognostic significance. METHODS: Amplification and overexpression of c-met and c-erb B-2 were investigated retrospectively in 128 gastric carcinoma patients by using immunohistochemistry and Southern blot hybridization. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier test, and the log rank test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overexpression of c-met and c-erb B-2 was observed in 46.1% and 16.4% of gastric carcinoma cases, respectively. Gene amplification of c-met and c-erb B-2 was detected in 10.2% and 11.7% of gastric carcinoma cases, respectively. Amplification and overexpression of c-met were correlated significantly with depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis, whereas amplification and overexpression of c-erb B-2 were correlated significantly with histologic type. The survival rate of patients with amplification and/or overexpression of c-met or c-erb B-2 was significantly poorer than that of patients with no amplification or overexpression. Multivariate analysis revealed that c-met overexpression and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that overexpression and/or gene amplification of c-met and c-erb B-2 may be prognostic factors in gastric carcinoma.

Adult↗

Diagnostic problems of evaluating vertebral metastasis from breast carcinoma with a higher degree of malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Bone metastases from breast carcinoma are frequently observed as postoperative pathologic conditions; however, in many cases, diagnosis and treatment are difficult. Although most diagnoses of bone metastases are made by plain radiography (X-P) or bone scintigraphy, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled detailed imaging of foci, and many more lesions have become detectable. In the current study, the authors evaluated the relation between the diagnosis of bone metastases of breast carcinoma and clinicopathologic factors, especially those of proliferative activity and effects of treatment. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 51 breast carcinoma patients (mean age, 51.2 years) with vertebral metastases diagnosed by plain radiography, bone scintigraphy, or MRI. Twenty-eight of the 51 patients were premenopausal and 27 of the 51 had bone metastases only. The patients were classified into the following groups: Group A, 24 patients who showed similar findings in plain radiography, bone scintigraphy, and MRI; Group C, 14 who showed no abnormalities on radiography or bone scintigraphy but whose lesions were diagnosed by MRI only; and Group B, 13 patients with findings intermediate between Groups A and C. The proliferative activity of tumors was evaluated by determining the level of DNA polymerase alpha. RESULTS: Regarding the relation to clinicopathologic factors, a significant number of patients with estrogen receptor (ER) negative tumors who had a high level of DNA polymerase alpha, short disease free intervals (DFI), and metastases to other organs were included in Group C. Prognoses of patients in Group C were poor. CONCLUSIONS: For the diagnosis of breast carcinoma with bone metastasis, different correlations were noted among the various biologic characteristics, such as ER status and proliferative activity. That is, bone scintigraphy sufficiently reflected foci in patients with ER positive tumors or tumors with low proliferation, whereas bone scintigraphy was false-negative in patients with ER negative or highly proliferative tumors, showing that MRI was useful in diagnosing such patients. Therefore, consideration of malignant features, such as proliferative activity and ER status, is believed necessary during the postoperative follow-up of breast carcinoma patients.

Adult↗

Signaling transduction pathway of angiotensin II in human mesangial cells: mediation of focal adhesion and GTPase activating proteins.

Human mesangial cells (HMCs) respond to angiotensin II stimulation, which modulates their physiological activities, i.e., contraction and proliferation. It has been revealed that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin participate in the angiotensin II-mediated signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangements at focal adhesion. We investigated the influences of cell adhesion upon angiotensin II effects in HMCs. In adherent cells, both FAK and paxillin were tyrosine phosphorylated by angiotensin II, while the cell detachment completely inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin. Activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase by angiotensin II was accentuated in suspended cells. Moreover, p190, a member of Rho GTPase activating protein (GAP), and RasGAP were coprecipitated with paxillin in adherent cells and angiotensin II stimulation reduced the formation of paxillin-p190 and paxillin-RasGAP complexes. These results suggest that the formation of focal adhesion complexes accelerated by accumulation of mesangial matrices may inhibit the proliferation of HMCs by modulating MAP kinase activity and be related to mesangial cell depletion.

Angiotensin II↗

Transcriptional repression of the E2F-1 gene by interferon-alpha is mediated through induction of E2F-4/pRB and E2F-4/p130 complexes.

E2F is a heterodimeric transcription factor composed of one of five E2F subunits (E2F-1 to E2F-5) and a DP subunit. E2F regulates the expression of several growth-promoting genes, and thus, can be a target of antiproliferative action of interferons (IFNs). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms whereby IFN-alpha suppresses transcription of the E2F-1 gene. Transfection studies revealed that E2F-1 promoter was functionally divided into two parts: upstream activation sequences (UAS) and a downstream negative-regulatory element (E2F-binding sites). When cells were proliferating, transcription of the E2F-1 gene was primarily driven by the UAS, while E2F sites were not involved in activation. IFN-alpha markedly reduced E2F-1 promoter activity, but introduction of non-binding mutation at the E2F sites completely abrogated the inhibition. Free E2F4 was found to be the predominant species bound to the E2F sites in proliferating cells. IFN-alpha induced upregulation of E2F-4 along with dephosphorylation of pRB and p130, which resulted in the formation of E2F-4/pRB and E2F-4/p130 complexes on the E2F-1 promoter. These complexes function as transcriptional repressors to inhibit E2F-1 mRNA expression. Our findings indicate that E2F-4 is a critical regulator of E2F-1, which offer an excellent paradigm for understanding functional diversity within the E2F family.

Binding Sites↗

Two-step spreading mode of human glioma cells on fibrin monomer: interaction of alpha(v)beta3 with the substratum followed by interaction of alpha5beta1 with endogenous cellular fibronectin secreted in the extracellular matrix.

Glioma cells, a human astrocyte-derived glioma cell line, were found to spread on immobilized fibrin monomer but not on fibrinogen. As a synthetic RGD-containing peptide GRGDSP blocked the spreading of glioma cells on fibrin monomer concentration-dependently, the spreading was thought to be mediated by their cell surface receptors. In fact, both the beta1- and beta3-integrins were located at 3 hours of incubation in the cytoplasmic areas and at 24 hours in the peripheral areas as well, although their distribution profiles were not necessarily identical with each other by immunohistochemical studies. By cytometry analysis utilizing respective monoclonal antibodies against alpha5- and alpha v-integrins, we were able to show expression of alpha5 (alpha5beta1) but not alpha v on the surface of glioma cells at 24 hours of incubation on immobilized fibrin monomer. A 50-kDa transmembrane protein designated as integrin-associated protein (IAP) known to be closely associated with the beta3-integrin was also located in the cytoplasmic and apical areas of spreading glioma cells, but its specific antibody B6H12 failed to inhibit the spreading. Thus, the IAP-dependent involvement of beta3-integrin may not be predominantly involved in the glioma cell spreading on fibrin monomer. As an anti-alpha v beta3 antibody LM 609 inhibited the spreading of glioma cells partially at approximately 35%, the spreading seems to proceed in a two-step mode, i.e., via alpha vbeta3 with its ligand exposed in fibrin monomer, and then via alpha5beta1 with endogenous cellular fibronectin secreted from the glioma cells themselves. In fact, the cellular fibronectin was clearly visualized by confocal microscopic observation. Thus, upon contact with fibrin in clots formed at traumatized areas in the brain, for example, glioma cells may have a chance to adhere to and spread via alpha v beta3 with fibrin monomer and then via alpha5beta1 with endogenous cellular fibronectin in the extracellular matrices.

Cell Adhesion↗

The human and rat forms of multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase: functional homology with a histidine acid phosphatase up-regulated during endochondral ossification.

We have derived the full-length sequences of the human and rat forms of the multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase (MIPP); their structural and functional comparison with a chick histidine acid phosphatase (HiPER1) has revealed new information: (1) MIPP is approximately 50% identical to HiPER1, but the ER-targeting domains are divergent; (2) MIPP appears to share the catalytic requirement of histidine acid phosphatases, namely, a C-terminal His residue remote from the RHGxRxP catalytic motif; (3) rat MIPP mRNA is up-regulated during chondrocyte hypertrophy. The latter observation provides a context for proposing that MIPP may aid bone mineralization and salvage the inositol moiety prior to apoptosis.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Fluctuations of hepatitis C virus load are not related to amino acid substitutions in hypervariable region 1 and interferon sensitivity determining region.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) load is one of the most important predictive factors of response to interferon treatment. However, little is known about the mode and determinants of viremia. The mode of viremia was investigated in 78 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection during 1-2 years follow up. Virus load, determined by a branched chain DNA amplification assay, was stable in 73 of 78 (93.6%) patients, whereas 5 (6.4%) showed marked fluctuation (from undetectable level to more than 10 Meq/ml) in viral titer. To study the mechanisms mediating fluctuations in viral titer, amino acid sequences of two regions were examined; hypervariable region (HVR) 1 and the interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR). Multiple amino acid substitutions were observed in HVR 1 but no relationship was evident between substitutions and virus titers. In contrast, no amino acid substitutions were observed in the ISDR in any patients with stable virus titer during a follow-up period of 12-24 months (7-24 samples) or in one patient who was observed for 15 years. Interestingly, multiple amino acid substitutions in the ISDR appeared in only two of the five patients with marked titer fluctuation, when the virus decreased markedly. Alanine aminotransferase levels in these five patients correlated with viral load. The data suggest that amino acid substitutions in HVR1 and ISDR are not essential for changes in viral titer. Possible mechanisms of fluctuations of viral titer and amino acid substitutions in the ISDR accompanying marked reductions in viral load are discussed.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Apoptosis in breast cancer and its relationship to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Apoptosis is essential to maintain homeostasis in living organisms and occurs in a variety of tissues in response to both physiological and pathological stimuli. In breast cancer, most cytotoxic drugs and hormonal treatments induce apoptosis. We studied the relationships between apoptosis and clinicopathological variables or prognosis in 143 patients with operable breast cancer. METHODS: Apoptosis was numerically graded in 5 consecutive 40x high-power fields (HPF) of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained sections, since we showed that there was a significant correlation of H&E staining with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. RESULTS: The average number of apoptotic cells was 19.9 (0 approximately 168)/5 HPF, and cases were classified into 3 groups based on the number of apoptotic cells/5HPF: 0 to 10, 11 to 30, and 31+. The level of apoptosis increased with increasing size of the tumor, and apoptosis was rarely seen in tumors with positive ER or lower proliferative activity, as assessed by DNA polymerase alpha. As shown by DNA content analysis, apoptotic cells were observed more frequently in tumors with low G1 and high S-phase fractions. In addition, apoptosis was correlated with overexpression of p53 and poor prognosis. Although apoptosis did not correlate with EIC (extensive intraductal component) status, tumors with comedo component had higher values of apoptosis than those without comedo component. CONCLUSIONS: In breast cancer, apoptosis might reflect biological behavior, namely a higher degree of biological aggressiveness and unfavorable prognosis.

Adult↗

L-selectin and its ligands mediate infiltration of mononuclear cells into kidney interstitium after ureteric obstruction.

It was previously reported that the L-selectin ligands detected by a rat L-selectin and human IgG chimeric molecule (rLEC-IgG) are expressed in the distal tubules of the kidney, where no leukocyte traffic is seen under physiological conditions. In the present study, the role of L-selectin ligands in leukocyte infiltration into the kidney interstitium was investigated using a rat ureteric obstruction model. After ligation of the ureter, ligands for L-selectin rapidly disappeared from tubular epithelial cells and were relocated to the interstitium and peritubular capillary walls, where infiltration of monocytes and CD8(+) T cells subsequently occurred. Mononuclear cell infiltration was significantly inhibited by intravenous injection of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) against L-selectin, indicating the possible involvement of an L-selectin-mediated pathway. Interestingly, immunohistochemical studies with a MAb against sulphatide showed that the distribution of sulphatide, known to be one of the candidates of L-selectin ligand, was almost indistinguishable from the staining pattern of rLEC-IgG in both normal and ureteric obstructed kidneys, suggesting that sulphatide and/or related molecule(s) relocated to the renal interstitium were recognized by leukocyte L-selectin, leading to interstitial leukocyte infiltration. In line with this notion, intravenous injection of sulphatide markedly inhibited leukocyte infiltration, suggesting that L-selectin-sulphatide interaction may play a pivotal role in interstitial leukocyte infiltration in the kidney following ureteric obstruction.

Animals↗

Detection of a common genotype among strains of Taylorella equigenitalis isolated from thoroughbred horses in Japan between 1994 and 1996.

We examined whether or not the genotype J could be detected among 21 new strains of T. equigenitalis isolated between 1994 and 1996 in Japan since our previous report (MIYAZAWA et al. 1995). The respective pulsed-field gel electrophoretic profiles of the 21 Japanese strains, as well as those of an old EQ59 used as a reference strain after separate digestion with the two restriction enzymes, ApaI and NotI, were essentially identical but differed from those of T. equigenitalis NCTC11184T and KENTUCKY 188, respectively. Hence, the 21 strains and EQ59 appeared to have a common genotype J. Consequently, no strains of T. equigenitalis with any genotype other than genotype J may have reached Japan from 1980 to 1996 and strains with the genotype J have survived in Japan since the first invasion of contagious equine metritis into Japan.

Animals↗

Myasthenia gravis: selective enrichment of antiacetylcholine receptor antibody production in untransformed human B cell cultures.

B cells producing antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AchR) play a central role in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG). Although anti-AchR autoantibodies have been studied extensively, not much is known about autoimmune B cells and their antigen-driven activation. This has mainly been due to difficulties in establishing and maintaining untransformed antigen-specific B cells in vitro. In this study, we show that highly enriched B cells from peripheral blood and thymus of MG patients can be maintained in culture over a period of 4 weeks when grown on the AchR-expressing rhabdomyosarcoma cell line TE671 together with an anti-CD40 stimulus and lymphokines. Anti-AchR antibody secretion could be detected in the majority of B cell cultures on TE671 cells up to 4 weeks. In contrast, B cells cultured on CDw32-transfected L cells binding anti-CD40 antibodies (the CD40 system) produced only small amounts of anti-AchR antibodies at single time points, whereas the overall IgG production was higher than on TE671 cells. The expression of the relevant autoantigen on the adherent cell line in addition to other growth stimuli could account for this difference and may provide a useful tool for investigating antigen-dependent B cell activation in MG and other B cell-mediated autoimmune conditions.

Animals↗