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Biomedical subjects

S Miwa

Publications and source records attributed to S Miwa.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Distinct roles of second and third intracellular loops of human endothelin receptors in the selective activation of G alpha s/G alpha i.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulated cAMP formation in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human wild-type ET(A) (CHO/hET(A) cells) and inhibited the formation in cells expressing human wild-type ETB (CHO/hETB cells), suggesting a selective coupling of hET(A) and hETB with G alpha s and G alpha i, respectively. To find out the receptor domain(s) that determined the selective coupling, a series of chimeric receptors between hET(A) and hETB were expressed on CHO cells and the effect of ET-1 on cAMP formation in each cell line was tested. hET(A) with the replacement of the second and/or third intracellular loop (ICLII and/or III) to the corresponding region(s) of hETB failed to transmit the stimulatory effect of ET-1. hETB with the replacement of ICLIII to the corresponding region of hET(A) failed to transmit the inhibitory effect of ET-1. A chimeric receptor with ICLII of hETB and with ICLIII of hET(A) failed to transmit either effect. These results indicated the roles of ICLII and III of hETR as major determinants of the selective coupling of hET(A)/hETB with G alpha s/G alpha i, respectively.

Animals↗

Functional coupling of ETA receptor with Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel in mouse fibroblasts and rabbit aortic smooth-muscle cells.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) induces persistent vasoconstriction via a sustained increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i). The mechanisms of the elevation of [Ca2+]i operating at physiologically low concentrations of ET-1 are controversial. Here we report that both native ETA receptors in vascular smooth-muscle cells and recombinant ET(A) receptors expressed in mouse fibroblasts (Ltk cells) are functionally coupled with a non-selective cation channel, which is permeable to Ca2+ and is blocked by mefenamic acid. The channel is persistently activated by a low concentration of ET-1 (10(-10) M) without stimulation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) formation and mediates sustained vasoconstriction.

Animals↗

Red cell enzymopathies as a model of inborn errors of metabolism.

The molecular abnormalities of erythroenzymopathies associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia have been determined using molecular techniques. Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is the most common and well-characterized enzyme deficiency involving the glycolytic pathway and causing hereditary hemolytic anemia. We have identified six distinct missense mutations and a form of splicing mutation in 11 unrelated families with homozygous PK deficiency. Mutations located near the substrate binding site may change the conformation of the active site, resulting in a drastic loss of activity and severe clinical symptoms. Up to now, including these genetic defects, 21 missense, 1 nonsense and 2 splicing mutations, 2 insertions, and 3 deletions have been determined. G6PD deficiency is the most common metabolic disorder, and is associated with chronic and drug- or infection-induced hemolytic anemia. To date, sixty different mutations have now been identified. Except for three kinds of variants with small gene deletions or three nucleotide substitutions, all of those were found to be produced by one or two nucleotide substitutions. Molecular studies disclosed that all the class 1 variants associated with chronic hemolysis have the mutations surrounding either the substrate or the NADP binding site. Among rare enzymopathies, missense mutations have been determined in glucosephosphate isomerase deficiency, aldolase deficiency, triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) deficiency, phosphoglycerate kinase deficiency, and adenylate kinase deficiency. Compound heterozygous cases with missense mutation/nonsense mutation and missense mutation/decreased mRNA have been reported in TPI deficiency and diphosphoglyceromutase deficiency, respectively. In phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency, three kinds of 5'-splice junction mutations resulting in abnormally spliced PFK-M mRNA were identified. An exception is a hemolytic anemia due to increased adenosine deaminase activity. The basic abnormality appears to result from overproduction of structurally normal enzyme.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

Hereditary hemolytic anemia caused by diverse point mutations of pyruvate kinase gene found in Japan and Hong Kong.

We identified four distinct point mutations in homozygous pyruvate kinase (PK) variants in Japanese and Chinese patients with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. All gene abnormalities were missense mutations that caused single amino acid substitutions. 1261A (Q421K) and 1436A (R436H), which were identified in PK Sendai and PK Shinshu, had been found in unrelated Japanese and Amish PK variants, respectively. The clinical severity and extremely low residual erythrocyte PK activity of PK Shinshu as well as of the Amish PK might be caused partly by aberrant splicing, because the 1436A mutation changes a nucleotide at the last nucleotide in the exon 10. Recently, we diagnosed a 42-year-old Japanese woman with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia as having a homozygous PK deficiency. DNA sequencing of the variant PK gene showed a homozygous missense mutation at 1403GCT-->GTT, resulting in a single amino acid substitution from 468la-->Val. The gene mutation is likely to impair the allostericity of this enzyme, speculated from the tertiary structure. A homozygous missense mutation in PK Hong Kong, a boy of a non-Han southern Chinese minority group, was identified in exon 7 of the human L-PK gene, 941ATT-->ACT, resulting in a single amino acid substitution from 314lle-->Thr. The R-PK activity is expected to be severely affected, because the mutated amino acid residue is located between the 313 Lys and the 315 Glu, which are very important for acid-base catalysis and magnesium binding, respectively. Both the R- and M2-type PK were shown by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the PK Hong Kong erythrocyte lysate, and this is the first report of a homozygous individual whose erythrocytes contain the immature (M2)-type isozyme.

Adult↗

cDNA cloning and expression of bovine endothelin converting enzyme.

We have cloned cDNA encoding bovine endothelin converting enzyme (ECE). The predicted amino acid sequence of bovine ECE consisted of 758 amino acid residues. Northern blot analysis revealed that ECE mRNA was abundantly expressed in lung. Co-expression of the cloned cDNA of bovine ECE with human preproET-1 cDNA in CHO-K1 cells resulted in the production of mature ET-1 and this production was inhibited by phosphoramidon.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Genetic transfer of endothelin converting enzyme activity to CHO-K1 cells: detection of positive cells by reverse hemolytic plaque assay.

We have established a novel method of molecular cloning of endothelin converting enzyme, a key enzyme in the production of a potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1, by modification of the reverse hemolytic plaque assay. Also, we demonstrated that a cell line, CHO-K1, showed no detectable activity of endothelin converting enzyme. This cell line was transfected with a cDNA library of bovine endothelial cells. The modified reverse hemolytic plaque assay was shown to detect even a single CHO-K1 cell that was changed to produce mature ET-1 by transfection. Thus, this novel method is suggested to be useful for the molecular cloning of other secreted antigens and their processing enzyme.

Animals↗

Molecular study of eight Japanese cases of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency by nonradioisotopic single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis.

Using a newly developed nonradioisotopic method of polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis combined with the direct sequencing using the fluorescence-labeled terminator, we identified seven missense mutations, 527 A-->G, 1003 G-->A, 1159 C-->T, 1160 G-->A, 1229 G-->A, 1246 G-->A, and 1361 G-->A, in eight Japanese patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Except for the 527 A-->G, each mutation has been reported to cause variants G6PD Chatham, G6PD Guadalajara, G6PD Beverly Hills, G6PD "Japan", G6PD Tokyo, and G6PD Andalus, respectively. In addition, a single base deletion in intron 5 was found in the patients with G6PD Guadalajara or G6PD Andalus. The variant with unique 527 A-->G was characterized and designated as G6PD Shinshu. We also characterized G6PD "Japan" and found that the variant had the striking resemblance with G6PD Riverside, bearing a missense mutation in the same codon, but causing a different amino acid substitution. Our modified PCR-SSCP analysis using minigel and ethidium bromide staining could detect six of the eight diverse mutations in the G6PD gene. Because it is easy and requires no special apparatus, this modified method will be useful for screening mutations in the G6PD gene.

Base Sequence↗

Ischemia-induced changes in catecholamine release and their mechanisms: a study using cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Ischemia-induced changes in neurotransmitter release and their mechanisms were examined using cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. When the cells were incubated in glucose-free media equilibrated with 0% O2/100% N2 (ischemia), ATP content decreased and reached the minimum level within 40 min. Control incubation was done in media equilibrated with 21% O2 in N2. After 10-min incubation under ischemic conditions, basal catecholamine (CA) release was elevated and the elevation persisted up to 90 min. High K(+)-evoked CA release was transiently enhanced at 10 min, but after that, it decreased to reach the minimum level at 60 min. At 10 min, cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and 45Ca2+ uptake of the resting cells (basal values) and high K(+)-evoked increases in these two parameters were unchanged, but CA release from permeabilized cells in response to Ca2+ in media was augmented. After 60-min incubation under ischemic conditions, basal [Ca2+]i was elevated: the elevation was observed even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. In contrast, high K(+)-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i and in 45Ca2+ uptake were suppressed, but basal 45Ca2+ uptake into intact cells and CA release from permeabilized cells were unchanged. These results suggest that in an early phase (10 min) of ischemia, both basal and stimulation-evoked CA release are augmented because of increased sensitivity of exocytotic machinery to Ca2+. In the late phase (60 min), basal CA release is augmented because of an increase in basal [Ca2+]i, which is due to accumulation of Ca2+ derived from intracellular Ca2+ pools: stimulation-evoked CA release is suppressed because of inhibition of stimulation-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i, which is due to functional disturbance of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Molecular abnormality of erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency in the Amish.

We describe the cellular and molecular biologic studies of the erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency of the Amish deme in Pennsylvania. Nucleotide sequencing of the patient's PK gene showed a point mutation, CGC to CAC, corresponding to no. 1436 from the translational initiation site of the R-type PK (R-PK) mRNA, and it caused a single amino acid substitution from Arg to His at the 479th amino acid residue of the R-PK. The substituted Arg residue is located in the C domain of PK subunit, that is essential for both the intersubunit contact and the allosteric regulation. Because this enzyme shows the catalytic activity only as a dimer or tetramer, it is rational that the structural alteration would result in severe PK deficiency. To elucidate the effect of the PK deficiency on red blood cell (RBC) membrane, we performed the cellular studies of the patients' RBCs. Ouabain-insensitive K+ efflux was increased to 142% to 145% of normal controls and not inhibited by furosemide, as previously observed in HbSC disease RBCs.

Adult↗

Molecular abnormality of a unique Japanese glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variant (G6PD Kobe) with a greatly increased affinity for galactose-6-phosphate.

Systematic molecular analysis of a Japanese class 1 glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variant (G6PD Kobe) cDNA revealed a unique nucleotide substitution (1318 C to T) in exon 11, which predicts a substitution of leucine for phenylalanine at residue 440. This substitution is located in a region surrounding the putative structural NADP-binding domain. The markedly abnormal kinetics of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) of G6PD Kobe suggest the interaction between both NADP and G6P binding sites.

Base Sequence↗

Dopamine-releasing action of 6R-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin: analysis of its action site using sepiapterin.

Recently, we reported that 6R-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin (6R-BH4), a natural cofactor for hydroxylases of tyrosine and tryptophan, has a monoamine-releasing action independent of its cofactor activity. Here we attempted to determine whether 6R-BH4 acts inside the cell or from the outside of the cell by using brain microdialysis in the rat striatum. For this purpose, sepiapterin, and immediate precursor of 6R-BH4 in the salvage pathway, was used to selectively increase the intracellular 6R-BH4 levels. Dialytic perfusion of sepiapterin increased tissue levels of reduced biopterin (mainly 6R-BH4) but not the extracellular levels. Administration of sepiapterin increased the extracellular levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) (an index of in vivo tyrosine hydroxylase activity) and of dopamine (DA) (an index of in vivo DA release). Either of the increases was eliminated after pretreatment with a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. Administration of 6R-BH4 increased extracellular levels of reduced biopterin. DOPA, and DA. After pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, the increase in DOPA levels was abolished, but most of the increase in DA levels persisted. The increase in DA levels also persisted after pretreatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. These data demonstrate that 6R-BH4 stimulates DA release directly, independent of its cofactor action for tyrosine hydroxylase and nitric oxide synthase, by acting from the outside of neurons.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Localization of two gonadotropin receptors in the salmon gonad by in vitro ligand autoradiography.

Receptors for two salmon gonadotropins, GTH I and GTH II, were localized by use of in vitro ligand autoradiography of coho salmon gonads at various stages of sexual maturation. The results in both sexes revealed the presence of two types of GTH receptors: type I (GTH-RI), which interacts with both GTHs, and type II (GTH-RII), which interacts specifically with GTH II. GTH-RI was found at all stages of spermatogenesis examined and was localized on cells that were most likely Sertoli cells; however, it could not be determined whether GTH-RI was also localized on Leydig cells. In contrast, GTH-RII was found only in Leydig cells in the testis from a spermiating fish. In the vitellogenic ovary, GTH-RI was localized in the thecal layer and intensely on granulosa cells; in the preovulatory follicle, in contrast, GTH-RI was found in the thecal layer and in interstitial connective tissue, but not in the granulosa layer. Among all the stages of oogenesis examined, only granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicle exhibited GTH-RII. The appearance of GTH-RII coincides well with the increase in plasma levels of GTH II that occurs during final oocyte maturation and spermiation in coho salmon. The nature, distribution, and timing of appearance of these two receptors can explain, at least in part, the results of previous studies on steroidogenic activities of the two GTHs. The present study also suggests the functional homology of salmon GTH I and GTH II to mammalian FSH and LH, respectively, during gonadal development.

Animals↗