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Biomedical subjects

M Negishi

Publications and source records attributed to M Negishi.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Constitutively active Galpha12, Galpha13, and Galphaq induce Rho-dependent neurite retraction through different signaling pathways.

In neuronal cells, activation of a certain heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptor causes neurite retraction and cell rounding via the small GTPase Rho. However, the specific heterotrimeric G proteins that mediate Rho-dependent neurite retraction and cell rounding have not yet been identified. Here we investigated the effects of expression of constitutively active Galpha subunits on the morphology of differentiated PC12 cells. Expression of GTPase-deficient Galpha12, Galpha13, and Galphaq, but not Galphai2, caused neurite retraction and cell rounding in differentiated PC12 cells. These morphological changes induced by Galpha12, Galpha13, and Galphaq were completely inhibited by C3 exoenzyme, which specifically ADP-ribosylates and inactivates Rho. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin A25 blocked the neurite retraction and cell rounding induced by Galpha13 and Galphaq. However, tyrphostin A25 failed to inhibit the Galpha12-induced neuronal morphological changes. On the other hand, inhibition of protein kinase C or elimination of extracellular Ca2+ blocked the neurite retraction and cell rounding induced by Galphaq, whereas the morphological effects of Galpha12 and Galpha13 did not require activation of protein kinase C and extracellular Ca2+. These results demonstrate that activation of Galpha12, Galpha13, and Galphaq induces Rho-dependent morphological changes in PC12 cells through different signaling pathways.

ADP Ribose Transferases↗

The sulfuryl transfer mechanism. Crystal structure of a vanadate complex of estrogen sulfotransferase and mutational analysis.

Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) catalyzes transfer of the 5'-sulfuryl group of adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to the 3alpha-phenol group of estrogenic steroids such as estradiol (E2). The recent crystal structure of EST-adenosine 3', 5'-diphosphate (PAP)- E2 complex has revealed that residues Lys48, Thr45, Thr51, Thr52, Lys106, His108, and Try240 are in position to play a catalytic role in the sulfuryl transfer reaction of EST (Kakuta Y., Pedersen, L. G., Carter, C. W., Negishi, M., and Pedersen, L. C. (1997) Nat. Struct. Biol. 4, 904-908). Mutation of Lys48, Lys106, or His108 nearly abolishes EST activity, indicating that they play a critical role in catalysis. A present 2.2-A resolution structure of EST-PAP-vanadate complex indicates that the vanadate molecule adopts a trigonal bipyramidal geometry with its equatorial oxygens coordinated to these three residues. The apical positions of the vanadate molecule are occupied by a terminal oxygen of the 5'-phosphate of PAP (2.1 A) and a possible water molecule (2. 3 A). This water molecule superimposes well to the 3alpha-phenol group of E2 in the crystal structure of the EST.PAP.E2 complex. These structures are characteristic of the transition state for an in-line sulfuryl transfer reaction from PAPS to E2. Moreover, residues Lys48, Lys106, and His108 are found to be coordinated with the vanadate molecule at the transition state of EST.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Localization of a cyclopentenone prostaglandin to the endoplasmic reticulum and induction of BiP mRNA.

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (PGs) are transported into cells and stimulate the expression of various stress genes, such as that coding for BiP (an ER luminal protein). To reveal the site of action of the PGs for the induction of stress-gene expression, we introduced a fluorescent probe, pyrene, into two types of PG analogue, GIF0010 (a cyclopentenone type) and GIF0037 (a cyclopentanone type) and examined their intracellular localization in normal rat kidney cells and their ability to induce the BiP gene expression. GIF0010 accumulated around the nuclei and coincided with BiP, a resident protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and markedly induced BiP gene expression. By contrast, GIF0037 and pyrene neither accumulated in the cell nor induced BiP gene expression. Thus the ER localization of GIF0010 and the induction of gene expression by GIF0010 are ascribed to the cyclopentenone structure. Treatment with cycloheximide inhibited both the accumulation of GIF0010 and the induction of the BiP mRNA, suggesting that the ER localization of the PG and subsequent gene expression require the nascent protein synthesis. These results demonstrate that the cyclopentenone PG is specifically accumulated in the ER, transducing a signal for BiP gene expression in the nuclei.

Animals↗

A role of Lys614 in the sulfotransferase activity of human heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase.

An active sulfotransferase (ST, residues 558-882) domain of the human heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (hHSNST) has been identified by aligning the amino acid sequence of hHSNST to that of mouse estrogen sulfotransferase (EST). The bacterially expressed ST domain transfers the 5'-sulfuryl group of 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to only deacetylated heparin with an efficiency similar to that previously reported for the purified rat HSNST. Moreover, the K(m,PAPS) (2.1 microM) of the ST domain is also similar to that of the rat enzyme. Lys48 is a key residue in mEST catalysis. The residue corresponding to Lys48 is conserved in all known heparan sulfate sulfotransferases (Lys614 in the ST domain of hHSNST). Mutation of Lys614 to Ala abolishes N-sulfotransferase activity, indicating an important catalytic role of Lys614 in the ST domain. Crystals of the ST domain have been grown (orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2) with diffraction to 2.5 A resolution.

Alanine↗

Role of CYP2A5 and 2G1 in acetaminophen metabolism and toxicity in the olfactory mucosa of the Cyp1a2(-/-) mouse.

Acetaminophen (AP) is a widely-used analgesic agent that has been linked to human liver and kidney disease with prolonged or high-dose usage. In rodents, the target organs that are affected include liver, kidney, and the olfactory mucosa. AP toxicity requires cytochrome P450(CYP)-mediated metabolic activation, and the isozymes CYP1A2, 2E1, and 3A are known to activate AP in the human. In the present study, we determined that olfactory mucosal toxicity of AP was not different between the Cyp1a2(+/+) wild-type and the Cyp1a2(-/-) knockout mouse, whereas the hepatic toxicity of AP was significantly diminished in Cyp1a2(-/-) mice. Western blots of olfactory mucosa revealed that CYP2E1 and CYP3A levels are similar between untreated Cyp1a2(+/+) and Cyp1a2(-/-) mice. Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a known inhibitor of CYP2E1 and of CYP2A10/2A11 (the rabbit orthologue of mouse CYP2A5), completely eliminated olfactory toxicity of AP in both the Cyp1a2(-/-) and wild-type mouse olfactory mucosa. We found that heterologously expressed mouse CYP2A5 and CYP2G1 enzymes (known to be present in olfactory mucosa) form 3-hydroxyacetaminophen (3-OH-AP) and 3-(glutathion-S-yl)acetaminophen (GS-AP); CYP2A5 is considerably more active than 2G1. Addition of GSH caused increases in GS-AP proportional to decreases in 3-OH-AP, suggesting that these two metabolites arise from a common precursor or are formed by way of competing pathways. We also found that both CYP2A5 and CYP2G1 are inhibitable by DAS in vitro. These studies provide strong evidence that, in addition to CYP2E1, CYP2A5 and 2G1 are important in AP bioactivation in the mouse olfactory mucosa and that CYP1A2 appears to be of minor importance for AP olfactory toxicity.

Acetaminophen↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel nuclear protein kinase in mice.

We cloned cDNAs which encode a mouse liver nuclear protein with an apparent molecular mass of 51 kDa, using sequences derived from a purified protein as the basis for designing specific primers. The deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the 51-kDa protein contains characteristic subdomain structures of a protein kinase. The bacterially expressed recombinant 51-kDa protein catalyzed phosphorylation of general substrates such as casein and was autophosphorylated at serine residue(s). This 51-kDa protein kinase, designated 51PK, is 40% identical to the 34-kDa protein kinase encoded by the vaccinia virus B1 gene and 25% identical to the casein kinase I isoforms, including yeast HRR25. The 51PK mRNA was expressed as two splice variants and the 51PK protein was exclusively localized in nuclei. Northern hybridization showed that 51PK mRNA was expressed in various tissues, with highest levels in testis, spleen, lung, and liver. These results, therefore, indicate that 51PK is a nuclear serine/threonine kinase and a novel distinct member of the protein kinase superfamily.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of the gene for the mouse prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP2: tissue-specific initiation of transcription in the macrophage and the uterus.

Genomic DNA clones for the mouse prostaglandin (PG) E receptor subtype EP2 were isolated and characterized. The mouse EP2 gene is composed of 2 exons and 1 intron, and spans 16 kb. The intron which is approx. 12 kb in length is located at the end of the sixth transmembrane domain, as with other prostanoid receptor genes. Based on this structure, transcripts were analysed in endotoxin-treated macrophages and pseudopregnant uteri, in which abundant expression of EP2 mRNA was observed. Sequence analysis of cDNA clones from these origins and Northern hybridization of these RNAs revealed that the uterine EP2 mRNA (U-type) has a longer 5'-untranslated region than the macrophage EP2 transcript (M-type). The major transcription initiation sites for M-type and U-type EP2 are located 124 and 769 bp upstream of the translation start site, respectively. The M-type was expressed in various tissues, whereas the U-type was found only in the uterus. The 2 kb segment containing the immediate 5'-flanking and 5'-noncoding regions contain three consensus sequences for the NF-IL6 binding site, one consensus sequence for the NF-kappaB binding site, four AP-2 consensus sequences, one AP-4 consensus sequence, one potential cAMP response element, and one potential progesterone response element. These results suggest that EP2 gene expression in the macrophage and uterus is under the control of distinct mechanisms involving alternative promoters.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cytoskeletal regulation of the signal transduction of prostaglandin EP4 receptor.

Prostaglandin (PG) EP4 receptor is coupled to Gs, stimulating adenylate cyclase. We tested whether cytoskeleton modulates the signal transduction of the EP4 receptor. A microtubule depolymerizing agent, colcemid, enhanced the PGE2-induced cAMP formation in the cloned EP4 receptor-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells, but enhanced neither NaF plus AlCl3 nor forskolin-induced cAMP formation. Other microtubule depolymerizing agents, including colchicine, also induced the enhancement. These effects stemmed from the action of the agents on microtubules, because beta-lumicolchicine, an inactive isomer of colchicine, had no effect. In contrast, the microfilament depolymerizing agents did not affect the PGE2-induced cAMP formation but potentiated the enhancing effect of colcemid. This enhancement by colcemid was not due to the suppression of the desensitization of the EP4 receptor. The enhancing effect of colcemid was also observed in another Gs-coupled PGE receptor subtype, EP2 receptor. These results demonstrate that the state of microtubule assembly modulates the signal transduction of the EP4 receptor in concert with microfilament.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Protein serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors suppress phenobarbital-induced Cyp2b10 gene transcription in mouse primary hepatocytes.

Using a primary hepatocyte culture in which the mouse Cyp2b10 gene transcription is activated by phenobarbital (PB)-type inducers, we examined the cellular signalling mechanisms associated with PB induction. Low nanomolar concentrations of protein serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid (OA) and calyculin A blocked the induction of CYP2B10 mRNA. Nuclear run-on assays indicated that OA suppressed Cyp2b10 gene transcription. Pretreatment of the cells with an inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases ¿1-[N, O-bis-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4- phenylpiperazine (KN-62)¿ or with a flavonoid, naringin, were completely or partly protective respectively against the OA-mediated suppression of CYP2B10 mRNA. Several other established modulators of protein kinase activities did not greatly affect the induction of CYP2B10 mRNA, nor could they prevent the suppressive effect of OA. Our results indicate that specific protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation is required for the induction of Cyp2b10 gene expression, which is modulated through multiple endogenous and exogenous signals.

Animals↗

Mouse steroid sulfotransferases: substrate specificity and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Three mouse cytosolic sulfotransferases were expressed in Escherichia coli cells in order to study their substrate specificities toward natural as well as synthetic steroid hormones. The Km and Vmax values confirmed the high substrate specificity of estrogen and hydroxysteroid sulfotransferases toward estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone, respectively. In sharp contrast, the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol was metabolized efficiently by both enzymes to its disulfate ester. These sulfotransferases display highly stereospecific sulfotransferase activity for sulfating only the trans-isomer of diethylstilbestrol. Crystals suitable for high-resolution structure determination of estrogen sulfotransferase were grown with polyethylene glycol. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2, and diffracted to 2.5 A.

Animals↗

p160 RhoA-binding kinase ROKalpha induces neurite retraction.

We previously reported that the activation of prostaglandin E receptor EP3 subtype caused neurite retraction via small GTPase Rho in the EP3B receptor-expressing PC12 cells (Katoh, H., Negishi, M., and Ichikawa, A. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 29780-29784). However, a potential downstream effector of Rho that induces neurite retraction was not identified. Here we examined the morphological effect of p160 RhoA-binding kinase ROKalpha, a target for RhoA recently identified, on the nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells. Microinjection of the catalytic domain of ROKalpha rapidly induced neurite retraction similar to that induced by microinjection of a constitutively active Rho, RhoV14, whereas microinjection of the kinase-deficient catalytic domain of ROKalpha did not induce neurite retraction. This morphological change was observed even though C3 exoenzyme, which was known to inactivate Rho, had been preinjected. On the other hand, microinjection of the Rho-binding domain or the pleckstrin homology domain of ROKalpha inhibited the EP3 receptor-induced neurite retraction. These results demonstrate that ROKalpha induces neurite retraction acting downstream of Rho in neuronal cells.

Animals↗

Regulatory DNA elements of phenobarbital-responsive cytochrome P450 CYP2B genes.

This article reviews recent progress in characterizing cis-acting DNA elements of the phenobarbital-inducible CYP2B genes. Whereas proximal DNA elements such as the C/EBP binding site regulate basal transcription activity, phenobarbital-responsive enhancer activity is governed by the distal element (designated phenobarbital-responsive enhancer module, PBREM) residing about -2.3 kbp upstream from the transcription start site. Proximal elements are not required to enhance the phenobarbital-inducible transcription, since the PBREM can confer the inducibility to several heterologous promoters. Repression of the basal transcription by a negative element upstream of the -0.8 kbp region, however, may be necessary for the proper regulation of the CYP2B genes.

Bacillus megaterium↗

Interleukin-13 down-regulates the expression of neutrophil-derived macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To determine whether interleukin-13 (IL-13) possesses anti-inflammatory properties with respect to polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Effects of IL-13 on production of the chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1alpha), by PMNs were analyzed. SUBJECTS: Human peripheral blood PMNs obtained from healthy volunteers. METHODS: PMNs were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or IL-13 for selected periods of time, and MIP-1alpha expression was assessed by ELISA and Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: IL-13 suppressed expression and production of PMN-derived MIP-1alpha mRNA and protein in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Inhibition of protein synthesis caused significant enhancement of MIP-1alpha mRNA expression. The inhibitory activity of IL-13 was abrogated, however, in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that IL-13's effect was via synthesis of de novo repressor protein(s). CONCLUSIONS: PMN-derived chemokines are regulated by both proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines. The coordinated production of these substances is likely to be important in the orchestration of inflammatory and immune responses.

Blotting, Northern↗

Potentiation of retinoic acid-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells by prostaglandin EP2 receptor.

Human promyeloid HL-60 cells are differentiated by all-trans retinoic acid (RA) to granulocytes, and prostaglandin (PG) E2 potentiates the RA-induced differentiation. Here we examined which subtype of PGE receptors was involved in this potentiating activity of PGE2. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that HL-60 cells expressed three subtypes of PGE receptor, EP2, EP3, and EP4. Among various EP agonists, and EP2-selective agonist, butaprost, preferentially potentiated the RA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells. Butaprost not only decreased the half-maximal concentration of RA but also increased the maximal level of the differentiation. Butaprost concentration-dependently stimulated the cAMP formation, and 8-Br-cAMP strongly potentiated the RA-induced differentiation. These results demonstrate that the EP2 receptor enhances the RA-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells via stimulation of adenylate cyclase.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Inhibition of dopamine release by prostaglandin EP3 receptor via pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive pathways in PC12 cells.

Prostaglandin EP3 receptor is involved in the inhibition of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals in various tissues. We have examined the regulation of neurotransmitter release by the EP3 receptor using a PC12 cell line that stably expresses the EP3B receptor isolated from bovine adrenal medulla. In the cells, M&B28767, an EP3 agonist, inhibited the 50 mM KCl- or 10 nM bradykinin-induced [3H]dopamine release in a concentration-dependent manner (10 pM to 0.1 microM). This inhibition was partially reversed by pretreatment with pertussis toxin, whereas under the same condition, the agonist-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation was suppressed completely. In contrast, M&B28767 did not affect the high K(+)- or bradykinin-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Moreover, M&B28767 also inhibited the [3H]dopamine release induced by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, and this inhibition was also partially reversed by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. These results indicate that the EP3 receptor is coupled to dual pathways, pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive G-protein pathways, to regulate neurotransmitter release without changing Ca2+ influx in neuronal cells.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Are estrogens carcinogenic during development of the testes?

Many chemicals in the environment mimic the female sex hormone, estrogen. Exposure to environmental estrogens during early fetal development was proposed by Sharpe & Skakkebaek as a potential risk factor for subsequent testicular disease, including neoplasia and poor semen quality. To understand the mechanisms of action of estrogenic chemicals during differentiation of the male genital tract, we have studied developmental exposure to the synthetic estrogen, diethylstilboestrol (DES). While DES is a much more potent estrogen than most environmental chemicals examined, several of these compounds share some of the same properties as DES, such as a relative lack of binding to serum estrogen carrying proteins. Prenatal exposure to DES is associated with poor semen quality, prostatic disease, cryptorchidism and testicular neoplasia in mice. A rare form of testicular cancer, rete testis carcinoma, was observed in five percent of male mice treated in utero with DES. We also demonstrated altered regulation of an estrogen responsive gene, lactotransferrin (LTF) in the seminal vesicles of treated mice, but not the controls. Likewise, LTF was irreversibly altered in the uteri of developmentally treated females; at the molecular level altered methylation of the gene appears to be involved, thus, providing a potential marker for hormonal effects during development. The induction of permanent or "imprinted" responses during the development of a relatively estrogen-free reproductive tract cell suggests that undifferentiated targets for estrogen action may be sites for subsequent growth and differentiation defects associated with neoplasia.

Animals↗

Enhanced absorption of calcium after oral administration of maltitol in the rat intestine.

The enhancing effects of maltitol (alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-1,4-sorbitol) on absorption of calcium by the rat intestine have been studied by use of [45Ca]CaCl2 in-vivo. After intragastric administration of [45Ca]CaCl2 solution with maltitol, plasma 45Ca concentration remained at the maximum level for more than 80 min, whereas for animals given [45Ca]CaCl2 solution without maltitol, plasma 45Ca concentration declined sharply after the peak. Determination of 45Ca radioactivity remaining in the various segments of the gastrointestinal tract revealed that administration of maltitol elicited slower gastric emptying and slower intestinal transit, resulting in extensive 45Ca distribution along the small intestine throughout the experimental period. The luminal contents of the small intestine were significantly higher in rats given maltitol than in the control group. These results suggest that the enhancing action of maltitol on intestinal calcium absorption could be attributed to reduced gastrointestinal calcium transit and increased luminal fluid content, presumably because of the osmotic activity of maltitol; this would not only accelerate the dissolution of calcium into the increased luminal contents, but also enable a larger area of the small intestine to absorb calcium for a longer period of time.

Administration, Oral↗