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Biomedical subjects

S Tabata

Publications and source records attributed to S Tabata.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Monitoring of methyl jasmonate-responsive genes in Arabidopsis by cDNA macroarray: self-activation of jasmonic acid biosynthesis and crosstalk with other phytohormone signaling pathways.

Jasmonates mediate various physiological events in plant cells such as defense responses, flowering, and senescence through intracellular and intercellular signaling pathways, and the expression of a large number of genes appears to be regulated by jasmonates. In order to obtain information on the regulatory network of jasmonate-responsive genes (JRGs) in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), we screened 2880 cDNA clones for jasmonate responsiveness by a cDNA macroarray procedure. Since many of the JRGs reported so far have been identified in leaf tissues, the cDNA clones used were chosen from a non-redundant EST library that was prepared from above-ground organs. Hybridization to the filters was achieved using alpha-33P-labeled single-strand DNAs synthesized from mRNAs obtained from methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-treated and untreated Arabidopsis seedlings. Data analysis identified 41 JRGs whose mRNA levels were changed by more than three fold in response to MeJA. This was confirmed by Northern blot analysis by using eight representatives. Among the 41 JRGs identified, 5 genes were JA biosynthesis genes and 3 genes were involved in other signaling pathways (ethylene, auxin, and salicylic acid). These results suggest the existence of a positive feedback regulatory system for JA biosynthesis and the possibility of crosstalk between JA signaling and other signaling pathways.

Acetates↗
PubMed2001

Anion-mediated Fe3+ release mechanism in ovotransferrin C-lobe: a structurally identified SO4(2-) binding site and its implications for the kinetic pathway.

The differential properties of anion-mediated Fe(3+) release between the N- and C-lobes of transferrins have been a focus in transferrin biochemistry. The structural and kinetic characteristics for isolated lobe have, however, been documented with the N-lobe only. Here we demonstrate for the first time the quantitative Fe(3+) release kinetics and the anion-binding structure for the isolated C-lobe of ovotransferrin. In the presence of pyrophosphate, sulfate, and nitrilotriacetate anions, the C-lobe released Fe(3+) with a decelerated rate in a single exponential progress curve, and the observed first order rate constants displayed a hyperbolic profile as a function of the anion concentration. The profile was consistent with a newly derived single-pathway Fe(3+) release model in which the holo form is converted depending on the anion concentration into a "mixed ligand" intermediate that releases Fe(3+). The apo C-lobe was crystallized in ammonium sulfate solution, and the structure determined at 2.3 A resolution demonstrated the existence of a single bound SO(4)(2-) in the interdomain cleft, which interacts directly with Thr(461)-OG1, Tyr(431)-OH, and His(592)-NE2 and indirectly with Tyr(524)-OH. The latter three groups are Fe(3+)-coordinating ligands, strongly suggesting the facilitated Fe(3+) release upon the anion occupation at this site. The SO(4)(2-) binding structure supported the single-pathway kinetic model.

Anions↗
PubMed2001

Identification of the catalytic residues of bifunctional glycogen debranching enzyme.

Eukaryotic glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) possesses two different catalytic activities (oligo-1,4-->1,4-glucantransferase/amylo-1,6-glucosidase) on a single polypeptide chain. To elucidate the structure-function relationship of GDE, the catalytic residues of yeast GDE were determined by site-directed mutagenesis. Asp-535, Glu-564, and Asp-670 on the N-terminal half and Asp-1086 and Asp-1147 on the C-terminal half were chosen by the multiple sequence alignment or the comparison of hydrophobic cluster architectures among related enzymes. The five mutant enzymes, D535N, E564Q, D670N, D1086N, and D1147N were constructed. The mutant enzymes showed the same purification profiles as that of wild-type enzyme on beta-CD-Sepharose-6B affinity chromatography. All the mutant enzymes possessed either transferase activity or glucosidase activity. Three mutants, D535N, E564Q, and D670N, lost transferase activity but retained glucosidase activity. In contrast, D1086N and D1147N lost glucosidase activity but retained transferase activity. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters of each mutant enzyme exhibiting either the glucosidase activity or transferase activity did not vary markedly from the activities exhibited by the wild-type enzyme. These results strongly indicate that the two activities of GDE, transferase and glucosidase, are independent and located at different sites on the polypeptide chain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Arabidopsis NPL1: a phototropin homolog controlling the chloroplast high-light avoidance response.

Chloroplasts relocate their positions in a cell in response to the intensity of incident light, moving to the side wall of the cell to avoid strong light, but gathering at the front face under weak light to maximize light interception. Here, Arabidopsis thaliana mutants defective in the avoidance response were isolated, and the mutated gene was identified as NPL1 (NPH-like 1), a homolog of NPH1 (nonphototropic hypocotyl 1), a blue light receptor used in phototropism. Hence, NPL1 is likely a blue light receptor regulating the avoidance response under strong light.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

Identification of CRE1 as a cytokinin receptor from Arabidopsis.

Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that are central to the regulation of cell division and differentiation in plants. It has been proposed that they are detected by a two-component system, because overexpression of the histidine kinase gene CKI1 induces typical cytokinin responses and genes for a set of response regulators of two-component systems can be induced by cytokinins. Two-component systems use a histidine kinase as an environmental sensor and rely on a phosphorelay for signal transduction. They are common in microorganisms, and are also emerging as important signal detection routes in plants. Here we report the identification of a cytokinin receptor. We identified Arabidopsis cre1 (cytokinin response 1) mutants, which exhibited reduced responses to cytokinins. The mutated gene CRE1 encodes a histidine kinase. CRE1 expression conferred a cytokinin-dependent growth phenotype on a yeast mutant that lacked the endogenous histidine kinase SLN1 (ref. 10), providing direct evidence that CRE1 is a cytokinin receptor. We also provide evidence that cytokinins can activate CRE1 to initiate phosphorelay signalling.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed2001

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 - a useful tool in the study of the genetics of cyanobacteria.

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was the first phototrophic organism to be fully sequenced. The genomic sequence has revealed the structure of the genome and its gene constituents (3167 genes), as well as the relative map positions of each gene. The functions of nearly half of the genes has been deduced using similarity searches. The genome sequence has also allowed for the implementation of systematic strategies to study gene function and the mechanisms of gene regulation on a genome-wide level. Two genome databases, CyanoBase and CyanoMutants, have been established and act as a central repository for information on gene structure and gene function, respectively. As a result of the genome sequencing and the establishment of these databases, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 provides an extremely versatile and easy model to study the genetic systems of photosynthetic organisms.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Regulation of drought tolerance by gene manipulation of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, a key enzyme in abscisic acid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.

Abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone, is involved in responses to environmental stresses such as drought and high salinity, and is required for stress tolerance. ABA is synthesized de novo in response to dehydration. 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) is thought to be a key enzyme in ABA biosynthesis. Here we demonstrate that the expression of an NCED gene of Arabidopsis, AtNCED3, is induced by drought stress and controls the level of endogenous ABA under drought-stressed conditions. Overexpression of AtNCED3 in transgenic Arabidopsis caused an increase in endogenous ABA level, and promoted transcription of drought- and ABA-inducible genes. Plants overexpressing AtNCED3 showed a reduction in transpiration rate from leaves and an improvement in drought tolerance. By contrast, antisense suppression and disruption of AtNCED3 gave a drought-sensitive phenotype. These results indicate that the expression of AtNCED3 plays a key role in ABA biosynthesis under drought-stressed conditions in Arabidopsis. We improved drought tolerance by gene manipulation of AtNCED3 causing the accumulation of endogenous ABA.

Abscisic Acid↗
PubMed2001

Scanning electron microscopic observation of the architecture of collagen fibres in chicken M. iliotibialis lateralis.

1. The collagen architecture of M. iliotibialis lateralis in chicken was observed under the scanning electron microscope after muscle maceration in NaOH. 2. Immunohistochemical methods showed Type I and III collagens to be distributed over both perimysium and endomysium. 3. Thick perimysium around secondary myofibre fasciculi was composed of many large longitudinal collagen bundles and a few small circumferential bundles. In contrast, thin perimysium around primary myofibre fasciculi showed mainly circumferential bundles. 4. Endomysium had a honeycomb-like structure and consisted of a fine collagen mesh, its main fibre striation being circumferential. 5. It is suggested that functional demand differs between thick perimysium and thin endomysium.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Treated natural history of superficial bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to examine the natural history of superficial bladder cancer. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four patients with superficial bladder cancer who had been treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBt) alone were analyzed. RESULTS: The non-recurrence rate was 64.8% at 36 months and 61.2% at 60 months after TURBt. When the non-recurrence rate after TURBt was analyzed by background variables, the rate differed significantly between the solitary tumor group and the multiple tumor group. The tumor recurrence hazard curves for the entire population had one high peak before 500 days and another slight peak around 1500 days after TURBt. CONCLUSIONS: These results will provide basic information useful when evaluating new regimens of intravesical instillation therapy for prophylaxis of superficial bladder cancer after our complete TURBt in the Nara Uro-Oncology Research Group.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Crystal structure of glucose dehydrogenase from Bacillus megaterium IWG3 at 1.7 A resolution.

The crystal structure of glucose dehydrogenase (GlcDH) from Bacillus megaterium IWG3 has been determined to an R-factor of 17.9% at 1.7 A resolution. The enzyme consists of four identical subunits, which are similar to those of other short-chain reductases/dehydrogenases (SDRs) in their overall folding and subunit architecture, although cofactor binding sites and subunit interactions differ. Whereas a pair of basic residues is well conserved among NADP(+)-preferring SDRs, only Arg39 was found around the adenine ribose moiety of GlcDH. This suggests that one basic amino acid is enough to determine the coenzyme specificity. The four subunits are interrelated by three mutually perpendicular diad axes (P, Q, and R). While subunit interactions through the P-axis for GlcDH are not so different from those of the other SDRs, those through the Q-axis differ significantly. GlcDH was found to have weaker hydrophobic interactions in the Q-interface. Moreover, GlcDH lacks the salt bridge that stabilizes the subunit interaction in the Q-interface in the other SDRs. Hydrogen bonds between Q-axis related subunits are also less common than in the other SDRs. The GlcDH tetramer dissociates into inactive monomers at pH 9.0, which can be attributed mainly to the weakness of the Q-axis interface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Role of the putative membrane-bound endo-1,4-beta-glucanase KORRIGAN in cell elongation and cellulose synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A temperature-sensitive, elongation-deficient mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana was isolated. At the non-permissive temperature of 31 degrees C, the mutation impaired tissue elongation; otherwise, tissue development was normal. Hypocotyl cells that had established cell walls at 21 degrees C under light-dark cycles ceased elongation and swelled when the mutant was shifted to 31 degrees C and darkness, indicating that the affected gene is essential for cell elongation. Analysis of the cell walls of mutant plants grown at 31 degrees C revealed that the cellulose content was reduced to 40% and the pectin content was increased to 162% of the corresponding values for the wild type grown at the same temperature. The increased amounts of pectin in the mutant were bound tightly to cellulose microfibrils. No change in the content of hemicellulose was apparent in the 31 degrees C-adapted mutant. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy suggested that the structure of cellulose bundles was affected by the mutation; X-ray diffraction, however, revealed no change in the crystallite size of cellulose microfibrils. The regeneration of cellulose microfibrils from naked mutant protoplasts was substantially delayed at 31 degrees C. The recessive mutation was mapped to chromosome V, and map-based cloning identified it as a single G-->A transition (resulting in a Gly(429)-->Arg substitution) in KORRIGAN, which encodes a putative membrane-bound endo-1,4-beta-glucanase. These results demonstrate that the product of this gene is required for cellulose synthesis.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed2001

The AHK4 gene involved in the cytokinin-signaling pathway as a direct receptor molecule in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We previously identified a set of structurally related genes, AHK2, 3 and 4, each encoding a sensor histidine kinase in Arabidopsis thaliana. To determine the relevant biological functions, we identified a loss-of-function mutation of the AHK4 gene. The mutant exhibited the cytokinin-resistant phenotype not only in inhibition of root growth by cytokinin but also in greening and shoot induction of calli. Moreover, AHK4 expressed in budding yeast showed histidine kinase activity in a manner dependent on the presence of cytokinin. These results strongly suggested that AHK4 is involved in the cytokinin-signaling pathway, as a direct receptor molecule, in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed2001

[Formation of ethyl carbamate in umeshu (plum liqueur)].

Samples of umeshu, a Japanese plum liqueur made from unripe plums, shochu and crystal sugar, were stored under fluorescent light, in the dark and in the refrigerator. The amount of ethyl carbamate formed in umeshu exposed to light or room temperature was larger than that in the dark or at low temperature. The amount of ethyl carbamate formed in umeshu to which cyanide had been added was larger than that in the absence of added cyanide. Thus, the amount of ethyl carbamate formed in the umeshu was increased by not only light and higher temperature, but also cyanide. Samples of model alcoholic beverages were stored under various conditions using red, yellow and blue cellophanes. The amount of ethyl carbamate formed in the model alcoholic beverage with blue cellophane was larger than in the cases of red and yellow cellophanes. It was found that the amount of ethyl carbamate formed in the model alcoholic beverage was increased by light in the wavelength range of 375-475 nm.

Alcoholic Beverages↗
PubMed2001

[Early results and new indication of the off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB)].

BACKGROUND: The off-Pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) has recently gained popularity. However the safety and feasibility of the procedure has not been fully proven especially for unstable myocardial ischemia. METHODS: Between March 1998 and November 2000, 135 patients with a mean age of 69.7 (41-95) underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass via sternotomy. Eight patients were operated on emergently and 11 were urgently. LV function ranged from 8% to 70%. Eleven patients required preoperative IABP. RESULTS: All procedures were completed without conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass. The mean number of grafts per patient was 2.8 (range, 1 to 6). Cardiac-related hospital mortality was 2.2% (3/135). Angiographic assessment of grafts demonstrated an overall patency of 98.0%, arterial grafts 98.7% and venous grafts 96.6%. In retrospect, these were equivalent results of conventional coronary artery bypass by the same operator. CONCLUSION: OPCAB is safe and feasible even with LV dysfunction or unstable myocardial ischemia.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Two cases of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting combined with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Two cases of coronary artery disease coexisting with abdominal aortic aneurysm were treated with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting combined with repair of the aneurysm. The first patient was a 67-year-old man exhibiting a large pulsating abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a 9-cm aneurysm and coronary angiogram revealed a 90% stenosis of the obtuse marginal branch for which percutaneous transluminal angioplasty could not be performed. He underwent simultaneous single coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass, and bifurcated graft replacement. The second patient was a 71-year-old man who had acute myocardial infarction, and one month later underwent coronary angiogram which revealed three vessel disease in the coronary artery. Computed tomography revealed a 4-cm aneurysm, and angiography showed a 90% stenosis of the left renal artery. He underwent a single stage operation that involved three coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass, straight graft replacement, and reconstruction of the left renal artery using the saphenous vein graft. The postoperative course was uneventful in both cases. We currently recommend a single stage operation involving off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Complete structure of the chloroplast genome of a legume, Lotus japonicus.

The nucleotide sequence of the entire chloroplast genome (150,519 bp) of a legume, Lotus japonicus, has been determined. The circular double-stranded DNA contains a pair of inverted repeats of 25,156 bp which are separated by a small and a large single copy region of 18,271 bp and 81,936 bp, respectively. A total of 84 predicted protein-coding genes including 7 genes duplicated in the inverted repeat regions, 4 ribosomal RNA genes and 37 tRNA genes (30 gene species) representing 20 amino acids species were assigned on the genome based on similarity to genes previously identified in other chloroplasts. All the predicted genes were conserved among dicot plants except that rpl22, a gene encoding chloroplast ribosomal protein CL22, was missing in L. japonicus. Inversion of a 51-kb segment spanning rbcL to rpsl6 (positions 5161-56,176) in the large single copy region was observed in the chloroplast genome of L. japonicus. The sequence data and gene information are available on our World Wide Web database at http://www.kazusa.or.jp/en/plant/database.html.

Amino Acids↗