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R Masaki

Publications and source records attributed to R Masaki.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase or its cross-reacting protein exists in outer mitochondrial membranes and peroxisomal membranes in rat liver.

We investigated the subcellular distribution of microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (msALDH) in rat liver and revealed by the immunoblotting method that msALDH or a cross-reacting 54-kDa protein(s) exists in the outer mitochondrial membranes and peroxisomes. Anti-msALDH antibody markedly inhibited the decanal aldehyde dehydrogenase activity of the outer mitochondrial membranes as well as that of the microsomes. Immunogold electron microscopic observations showed that gold particles are localized over the ER, outer mitochondrial membranes and peroxisomal membranes. These results suggest that msALDH or its cross-reacting related protein is distributed not only in the ER membranes but also in the mitochondrial outer membranes and peroxisomal membranes.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Quantitative immunocytochemical analysis of the induction of cytochrome P450IIB in rat hepatocytes.

We examined whether induction of the phenobarbital (PB)-inducible form of cytochrome P450 (P450IIB) in rat hepatocytes could be analyzed quantitatively by immunogold electron microscopy. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of PB every 24 hr and livers at the various stages of PB induction were fixed by perfusion with a mixture of paraformaldehyde (4%) and glutaraldehyde (0.1%) and embedded in LR White. Ultra-thin sections were cut and labeled by the protein A-gold procedure using affinity-purified anti-P450IIB antibody which was previously immunoabsorbed with liver microsomes from a control rat (not treated with PB). We counted the number of gold particles per micron of the rough ER membranes (particle density). Before PB treatment, the particle density of the rough ER in rat hepatocytes was practically zero and increased markedly at 48 and 72 hr after PB treatment. The rough microsomes were prepared from these PB-treated rat livers. The amount of P450IIB was estimated by immunoblot analysis and the number of gold particles bound to the rough microsomal membrane was determined by the same post-embedding immunogold procedure. The particle density of the rough microsomes increased in parallel with the increase in the amount of P450IIB, indicating good correlation of the two variables. Thus, the induction of cytochrome P450IIB can be quantitatively and reliably investigated by immunogold electron microscopy.

Acrylic Resins↗

Molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression of cDNA for rat liver microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase.

The cDNA clone for rat liver microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (msALDH) was isolated and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence consisting of 484 amino acid residues revealed that the carboxyl-terminal region of msALDH has a hydrophobic segment, which is probably important for the insertion of this enzyme into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. COS-1 cells transfected with the expression vector pcD containing the full-length cDNA showed that the active enzyme was expressed and localized mainly on the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum membranes. It has been proposed that ALDH isozymes form a superfamily consisting of class 1, 2, and 3 ALDHs (Hempel, J., Harper, K., and Lindahl, R., (1989) Biochemistry 28, 1160-1167). Comparison of the amino acid sequence of rat liver msALDH with those of rat other class ALDHs showed that msALDH was 24.2, 24.0, and 65.5% identical to phenobarbital-inducible ALDH (variant class 1), mitochondrial ALDH (class 2), and tumor-associated ALDH (class 3), respectively. Several amino acid residues common to the other known ALDHs, however, were found to be conserved in msALDH. Based on these results, we proposed to classify msALDH as a new type, class 4 ALDH.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗

Structures and characterization of sex-specific mouse cytochrome P-450 genes as members within a large family. Duplication boundary and evolution.

We characterized two female-specific testosterone 16 alpha-hydroxylase mouse cytochrome P-450 genes, 16 alpha oh-a and 16 alpha oh-b. Gene 16 alpha oh-a, consisting of nine exons, is approximately 38 kbp in size. The exon sequence of this P-450 gene is identical to cDNA pf26 nucleotide sequence [Noshiro, M., Lakso, M., Kawajiri, K. & Negishi, M. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 6434-6443], which encodes female-specific testosterone 16 alpha-hydroxylase regulated by the murine Rip locus. Gene 16 alpha oh-b, containing nine exons with the same junctions as the 16 alpha oh-a, spans at least 20 kbp, and encodes a cytochrome P-450 whose deduced amino acid sequence is 90% similar to the hydroxylase. Nucleotide sequences revealed that duplication of the two genes occurred 4-22 million years ago, and that the 5' duplication boundary is located 1336 bp upstream from the putative transcription-start site. In the flanking regions of both genes, there is a long stretch (100 bp) of CA repeats in addition to other motifs, including TATA box, glucocorticoid-response-element-core and Simian-virus-40-enhancer sequences and IgG light-chain gene promoter. We isolated many genomic DNA clones which contain exon 1 sequences, and compared their restriction maps, cross-hybridization and nucleotide sequences. The results indicate that these genomic clones represent closely related genes in the 16 alpha oh family with a minimum of 16 members, which is further divided into classes a, b and c. 16 alpha oh-a and 16 alpha oh-b belong to the first and second classes, respectively. Moreover, extensive segmental gene conversion and nonreciprocal recombination were noted among the genes, particularly among those in class b. All genes in that class contain the long ATTT repeat sequences in intron 1, which may have triggered a rapid gene conversion and/or stabilize the duplicated genes.

Animals↗

Absence of cytochrome P-450 and presence of autolysosomal membrane antigens on the isolation membranes and autophagosomal membranes in rat hepatocytes.

We wished to determine if phenobarbital (PB)-inducible cytochrome P-450 [P-450(PB)] and autolysosomal membrane antigens could be localized immunocytochemically on the isolation membranes and the limiting membranes of autophagosomes in rat hepatocytes by the post-embedding protein A-gold method. P-450(PB) was maximally induced by PB treatment; then formation of autophagosomes and accumulation of autolysosomes were induced by cessation of PB treatment and by injection of leupeptin, respectively. P-450(PB) was detected neither on the isolation membranes nor on the limiting membranes of autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Autolysosomal membrane antigens, which were localized by the immunogold technique exclusively in post-Golgi compartments such as lysosomes, endosomes, and plasma membrane but were not found in pre-Golgi compartments such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope, were detected in large amounts on the isolation membranes. These results suggest that the isolation membranes originate not from ER membranes but from post-Golgi membranes. We also present direct immunoelectron microscopic evidence that P-450(PB) is indeed degraded in the autolysosomes: when rats were treated with leupeptin, P-450(PB) was detected not only within the autophagosomes but also within the autolysosomes, whereas without leupeptin treatment, P-450(PB) was detectable only within the autophagosomes.

Animals↗

Characterization of the isolation membranes and the limiting membranes of autophagosomes in rat hepatocytes by lectin cytochemistry.

The isolation membranes and the limiting membranes of autophagosomes in rat hepatocytes were characterized by lectin cytochemistry using concanavalin A (ConA), Ricinus communis agglutinin 120 (RCA-120), and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). We found that RCA-120, ConA, and WGA bind to these membranes. The distribution of the lectins on the isolation membranes was heterogeneous, mainly found on the rims, which we referred to as the peripheral dilated portion. When the rims fused and thus formed autophagosomes the apparent sites of fusion were strongly labeled by the lectins. After autophagosomes were transformed to autolysosomes by fusion with lysosomes, the limiting membranes became more densely and homogeneously labeled with the lectins. We previously reported that cytochrome P-450 does not exist on the limiting membranes of the autophagosomes. Taken together, these results suggest that the isolation membranes may originate not from endoplasmic reticulum membranes but from some post-Golgi membranes that contain complex type N and/or O-linked oligosaccharide chains.

Animals↗

Distribution of protein disulfide isomerase in rat epiphyseal chondrocytes.

We investigated the intracellular distribution of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in rat epiphyseal chondrocytes by immunocytochemistry, using a post-embedding protein A-gold technique. Gold particles were localized primarily in the cisternal space of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelopes. The ER cisternae of the chondrocytes in all the differentiating epiphyseal zones--resting, proliferative, pre-hypertrophic, and hypertrophic--were equally and highly labeled. The labeling density of the cisternal space of the dilated ER, probably reflecting marked accumulation of secretory proteins such as procollagen, was always higher than that of the non-dilated ER. In the dilated cisternal space, gold particles were freely and evenly distributed, without preferential binding to the luminal surface of the ER membranes. We suggest that PDI catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds of various secretory proteins, perhaps type II procollagen, in the cisternal space of the ER in epiphyseal chondrocytes. The exclusive localization of gold particles in the cisternal space of the ER and nuclear envelopes and the lack of gold particles in the Golgi apparatus, including cis-Golgi cisternae, indicate that PDI is an ER-soluble protein in the chondrocytes and is presumably sorted out in some pre-Golgi compartment and not transported to the Golgi apparatus.

Aging↗

Distribution of protein disulfide isomerase in rat hepatocytes.

We investigated quantitatively the distribution of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in rat hepatocytes by immunocytochemistry using a post-embedding protein A-gold technique. In hepatocytes, gold particles were mainly localized in the intracisternal space of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelopes. Autolysosomes engulfing ER were occasionally densely labeled, especially in rat hepatocytes previously treated with leupeptin in vivo, suggesting that the autophagosome-autolysosome system may be an important route for degradation of PDI. A few gold particles were also found on the plasma membranes. Localization of gold particles on the other subcellular organelles, such as Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and nuclear matrix, was sparse and at the control level. The predominant localization of PDI on the intracisternal surface of the ER and nuclear envelope supports a potential role of PDI in the formation of disulfide bonds of nascent polypeptides, thus accelerating formation of the higher-order structure of secretory and membrane proteins and rendering the translocation process irreversible.

Animals↗

Localization of protein disulfide isomerase on plasma membranes of rat exocrine pancreatic cells.

We investigated immunocytochemically the ultrastructural localization of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in rat pancreatic exocrine cells by use of the post-embedding protein A-gold technique. We found that not only the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope but also the trans-Golgi cisternae, secretory granules, and plasma membranes were heavily labeled with gold particles. Labeling density of the gold particles in the rough ER and plasma membranes of the exocrine pancreatic cells was twofold and twentyfold greater, respectively, than that of hepatocytes. In the acinar lumen, amorphous material presumably corresponding to the secreted zymogens was also labeled with gold particles. These results suggest that in rat exocrine pancreatic cells a significant amount of PDI is transported to the plasma membrane and secreted to the acinar lumen.

Animals↗

Cytochrome P-450 and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase are degraded in the autolysosomes in rat liver.

We have investigated the degradation in rat liver of two typical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane proteins, phenobarbital (PB)-inducible cytochrome P-450 (P-450[PB]) and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (FP2). Autolysosomes, almost completely free from contamination by the other organelles such as ER, were prepared from leupeptin-treated rat livers according to the method of Furuno et al. (Furuno, K., T. Ishikawa, and K. Kato, 1982, J. Biochem., 91:1943-1950). Quantitative immunoblot analysis showed that these two proteins were found in large amounts in the autolysosomes regardless of PB treatment. The specific content of P-450 (PB) in the autolysosomes changed along with that in the microsomes during and after PB treatment, whereas hardly any P-450(PB) was detected in the cytosol fraction throughout the experiment. We also found a marked increase in the autolysosomal proteins 3 d after cessation of PB treatment when microsomal proteins are degraded most rapidly. Ferritin immunoelectron microscopy revealed directly that when the limiting membranes of the premature autolysosomes were partially broken the smooth vesicles segregated within the autolysosomes were heavily stained with ferritin anti-P-450(PB) conjugates. Thus, for the first time, we could present convincing evidence that P-450(PB) and FP2 are segregated to be degraded in the autolysosomes.

Animals↗

Association of ferrochelatase with Complex I in bovine heart mitochondria.

The location of ferrochelatase in bovine heart mitochondria has been studied. When the mitochondria were fractionated into Complexes I, II and III, ferrochelatase activity was only found in Complex I. Complex I also showed heme synthesis from ferric ion in the presence of NADH as an electron donor. Immunoblot experiments confirmed the presence of ferrochelatase in Complex I, but not in Complexes II or III. Some phospholipids, including phosphatidylserine and cardiolipin, stimulated NADH-dependent heme synthesis from ferric ion. When purified ferrochelatase was incubated with the low molecular weight form of NADH dehydrogenase prepared from Complex I, heme synthesis from ferric ion occurred by the addition of NADH. FMN markedly elevated the synthesis. These results indicate that ferrous ion is produced by NADH oxidation in Complex I and is then utilized for heme synthesis by ferrochelatase.

Animals↗

The (Na+, K+)ATPase of rat kidney: purification, biosynthesis, and processing.

(Na+, K+)ATPase was purified from rat renal outer medulla by concanavalin A- and wheat germ agglutinin-lectin Sepharose affinity chromatographies. The antibody, which was raised in rabbits, markedly inhibited ATPase activity. The monospecificity of this antibody was assayed by the Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion and Western blotting tests. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-rich, and Golgi-rich subfractions were prepared from the rat kidney microsomal fraction by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. On the immunoblot, the molecular weight of the alpha subunit in both fractions was 95 kilodalton (Kd); whereas, that of the beta subunit was 50 Kd in the ER-rich fraction and 54 Kd in the Golgi-rich fraction. When treated with endoglucosidase H, the 50 Kd component was converted to 38 Kd, but the 54 Kd component was endoglucosidase H resistant. These results suggest that the beta subunit (38 Kd) is glycosylated cotranslationally in the ER (50 Kd) then is converted to the mature type subunit (54 Kd) in the Golgi apparatus.

Amino Acids↗

Is cytochrome P-450 transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus in rat hepatocytes?

The Golgi apparatus mediates intracellular transport of not only secretory and lysosomal proteins but also membrane proteins. As a typical marker membrane protein for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of rat hepatocytes, we have selected phenobarbital (PB)-inducible cytochrome P-450 (P-450[PB]) and investigated whether P-450(PB) is transported to the Golgi apparatus or not by combining biochemical and quantitative ferritin immunoelectron microscopic techniques. We found that P-450(PB) was not detectable on the membrane of Golgi cisternae either when P-450 was maximally induced by phenobarbital treatment or when P-450 content in the microsomes rapidly decreased after cessation of the treatment. The P-450 detected biochemically in the Golgi subcellular fraction can be explained by the contamination of the microsomal vesicles derived from fragmented ER membranes to the Golgi fraction. We conclude that when the transfer vesicles are formed by budding on the transitional elements of ER, P-450 is completely excluded from such regions and is not transported to the Golgi apparatus, and only the membrane proteins destined for the Golgi apparatus, plasma membranes, or lysosomes are selectively collected and transported.

Animals↗

A biochemical and electron microscopic study of changes in the content of cytochrome P-450 in rat livers after cessation of treatment with phenobarbital, beta-naphtoflavone or 3-methylcholanthrene.

Changes in rat livers after treatment with phenobarbital (PB), beta- naphtoflavone (beta NF) or 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) was stopped were investigated by biochemical, immunochemical and electron microscopic methods. Repeated injections of each drug led to increases in the relative liver weights, in the microsomal proteins per gram of liver, in the microsomal contents of the total cytochrome P-450, and in the corresponding molecular species of P-450; P-450(PB), when treated with PB and P-450(MC) when treated with either beta NF or MC. After cessation of treatment with PB or beta NF, decreases in all these contents to what were essentially the control values took place approximately in parallel within 7 days. The apparent half lives of cytochrome P-450(PB) and P-450(MC) were calculated from the regression lines of cytochrome P-450 as approximately 15 hours. After treatment with MC, however, all the increases were maintained at approximately the maximal values even after 9 days. Electron microscopy revealed that the smooth ER, which markedly proliferated on PB or beta NF treatment, decreased rapidly after the drug treatment stopped, and was accompanied by an increase in the number of autophagosomes. After treatment with MC, however, the proliferated smooth ER remained even after 9 days.

Animals↗

Isolation and characterization of two ferredoxin-NADP+ reductases from Spirulina platensis.

Two ferredoxin-NADP+ reductases (FNRs I and II) [EC 1.6.7.1] were purified from a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis, by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography. FNRs I and II were both FAD-containing enzymes with molecular weights of 33,000, and could photochemically reduce NADP+ to the same extent in the presence of S. platensis ferredoxin, using FNR-depleted membrane fragments of S. platensis. They had similar physical and enzymatic properties, except for chemical properties such as the amino (N)-terminal sequences and the patterns of their peptide maps. The significance of the presence of two FNRs in S. platensis as as of the multiple forms found in other organisms is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chemical modification of spinach ferredoxin. Properties of acetylated spinach ferredoxin.

The acetylation of spinach ferredoxin by acetic anhydride modified about four moles of amino groups. The absorption spectra, CD spectra, the fluorescence of sole tryptophan residue and the biological activity of acetylated ferredoxin were investigated. An equilibrium existed between two different states, D- and N-form, of the acetylated ferredoxin and was dependent on the cation concentration. D-form completely reverted to N-form upon the binding of one mole of cation, Na+ or Mg2+. Although the N-form was indistinguishable from native ferredoxin in every property tested, the D-form was significantly different from the N-form or native ferredoxin and was very unstable, especially at low salt concentrations. It is suggested that the amino groups might be important in maintaining the protein conformation by forming salt linkages, but may not be essential for the activity. Furthermore, since the D-form, unlike the N-form and native ferredoxin, was inactive in the ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase [EC 1.6.7.1] assay system and had no inhibitory effect in this system, it was considered to be incapable of forming a complex with ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. On the other hand, the N-form of the modified ferredoxin was as active as native ferredoxin. It is suggested that amino groups of spinach ferredoxin are not essential for the redox reaction of ferredoxin or for complex formation with the reductase.

Acetylation↗

Structure and function of chloroplast-type ferredoxins.

Comparison of various chloroplast-type ferredoxin sequences, chemical and enzymic modifications, reconstitution experiments, and fluorescence measurement of chloroplast-type ferredoxins have led to the following conclusions. 1. Tyrosine, histidine, and tryptophan residues are not directly involved in the oxidation-reduction mechanism of ferredoxins. The four indispensible cysteine residues in spinach ferredoxin which constitutes a part of the iron-sulfur cluster are located at residues 39, 44. 47 and 77. Two out of six cysteine residues in Spirulina ferredoxin could be easily modified with vinylpyridine without the loss of reconstitutive ability i.e. the apoferredoxin could be converted to the holoform by the addition of iron and sulfide. 2. Spinach ferredoxin was digested with carboxypeptidase A and the terminal alanine could be removed without loss of the spectral properties of native ferredoxin. However, the removal of the terminal three residues gave rise to the loss of reconstitutive ability. 3. The amino groups of spinach ferredoxin were modified by acetic anhydride and four residues were acetylated. The acetylated preparation of ferredoxin had an unique spectrum. Upon the addition of high concentration of ions the spectrum of this derivative resembled the spectrum of native ferredoxin. Acetylferredoxin did not combine with ferredoxin-NADP reductase, but upon the addition of moderate concentrations of cations, it did bind to this enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗