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T Okuda

Publications and source records attributed to T Okuda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

v-Src suppresses SHPS-1 expression via the Ras-MAP kinase pathway to promote the oncogenic growth of cells.

We investigated the effect of cell transformation by v-src on the expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPS-1, a putative docking protein for SHP-1 and SHP-2. We found that transformation by v-src virtually inhibited the SHPS-1 expression at mRNA level. While nontransforming Src kinases including c-Src, nonmyristoylated forms of v-Src had no inhibitory effect on SHPS-1 expression, transforming Src kinases including wild-type v-Src and chimeric mutant of c-Src bearing v-Src SH3 substantially suppressed the SHPS-1 expression. In cells expressing temperature sensitive mutant of v-Src, suppression of the SHPS-1 expression was temperature-dependent. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPS-1 was rather activated in cells expressing c-Src or nonmyristoylated forms of v-Src. SHPS-1 expression in SR3Y1 was restored by treatment with herbimycin A, a potent inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, or by the expression of dominant negative form of Ras. Contrary, active form of Mekl markedly suppressed SHPS-1 expression. Finally, overexpression of SHPS-1 in SR3Y1 led to the drastic reduction of anchorage independent growth of the cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the suppression of SHPS-1 expression is a pivotal event for cell transformation by v-src, and the Ras-MAP kinase cascade plays a critical role in the suppression.

3T3 Cells↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human gene (HERNA) which encodes a putative RNA-helicase.

A full-length cDNA encoding a novel protein was isolated and sequenced from a human hepatocellular cDNA library. This cDNA consists of 7037 base pairs and has a predicted open reading frame encoding 1924 amino acids. It possesses an RNA-helicase motif containing a DEXH-box in its amino-terminus and an RNase motif in the carboxy-terminus. From a striking homology to Caenorhabditis elegans K12H4.8, it might be a human homolog of the K12H4.8. PCR-based mapping with both a monochromosomal hybrid panel and radiation hybrid cell panels placed the gene to human chromosome 14q31 near the marker D14S605.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of human MAWD, a novel protein containing WD-40 repeats frequently overexpressed in breast cancer.

A full-length cDNA clone encoding a novel protein containing WD-40 repeats, which were frequently involved in protein-protein interactions, was isolated and sequenced. This clone had a predicted open reading frame (ORF) encoding 350 amino acids possessing six repeats of WD-40 motif. It was most closely homologous to TRIP-1, a phosphorylation substrate of the transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor. In the process of characterizing the function of the new gene product, we found that overexpression of the gene seemed to activate mitogen-activated protein kinase and to promote anchorage-independent growth of the cells. Moreover, the gene product was frequently overexpressed in human tumor breast tissues compared with their normal breast tissues, suggesting that the gene might be involved in the tumor progression. Radiation hybrid mapping placed the gene into human chromosome 12q11-12 near the marker D12S1593.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Enantioselective determination of bromoisovalerylurea by liquid chromatography on chiral stationary phase in reversed- or normal-phase partition mode.

Bromoisovalerylurea (bromvalerylurea) is a sedative-hypnotic given orally as a racemate. Enantiomers of this drug could be separated by high-performance liquid chromatography on the three chiral stationary phases (a vancomycin-bonded, beta-cyclodextrin derivative-bonded, or urea derivative-bonded phase). Biological fluids of human subjects who had ingested toxic or therapeutic doses of the racemate were chromatographed after liquid-liquid extraction. The (+)-enantiomer concentration was almost equal to the (-)-enantiomer concentration in the serum of one overdosed patient. In all the other subjects, the (+)-enantiomer was less than the (-)-enantiomer in their sera and saliva. The data suggest that the drug is absorbed non-stereoselectively from the gastrointestinal tract and eliminated from the blood stereoselectively.

Adult↗

Acidic electrolysed water in the disinfection of the ocular surface.

Acidic electrolysed water (AEW) is a colorless solution prepared by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution, which has potent anti-microbial activity against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi and virus. In this study, the safety and efficacy of an isotonic AEW solution (iAEW) was investigated both in vitro and in vivo using denuded corneas of guinea pigs. Povidone iodine (0.01-1.0%) was used as control. Exposure of P. aeruginosa to iAEW for 5 sec caused total inhibition of bacterial growth in vitro. Comparable results were obtained with 1% povidone iodine, while more dilute solutions required longer exposure times for similar effects. Cytotoxicity of iAEW on corneal epithelial cells in vitro was significantly less compared to 1% povidone iodine (P<0.05), while minimal damage was observed in vivo by irrigation of the cornea with either iAEW or 1% povidone iodine. Treatment of P. aeruginosa with iAEW (15 sec) significantly inhibited the onset of corneal infection in guinea pigs. iAEW may offer an effective and safe method for disinfection of the ocular surface.

Disinfectants↗

Effect of estrogen replacement on temporomandibular joint remodeling in ovariectomized rats.

PURPOSE: The investigation was performed to elucidate the effect of estrogen on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of 17beta-estradiol replacement in growing rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty 4-week-old female albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. Ten rats were ovariectomized followed by intramuscular administration of 17beta-estradiol for hormone replacement (OVX + E2), 10 were sham operated (CTL), and 10 were ovariectomized without hormone replacement (OVX). Five rats from each group were killed at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively, and the serum estrogen was determined to verify the adequacy of replacement. The temporomandibular joints of the age-matched sham-operated control and ovariectomized groups were histomorphometrically evaluated at the same periods. RESULTS: In OVX animals, the thickness of the articular soft tissue was increased by a concomitant increase of the transitional and cartilage zones in the anterior and posterior portions at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. However, the bone volume was decreased in the anterior and posterior portions at 2 weeks after the surgery and the condyle was flattened. Replacement with 17beta-estradiol restored most of the histomorphometric parameters. The thickness of articular soft tissue was increased in the anterior portion by an increase in the cartilage zone in the OVX + E2 group at 2 weeks postoperatively. Increase of bone volume was found at 2 weeks after hormone replacement with a corresponding increased osteoid surface and decreased quiescent surface in the central portion at 1 week postoperatively. A flattened condyle was still noted at 2 weeks postoperatively in the OVX + E2 animals despite the hormone replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen in a physiologic concentration may play an important role in TMJ remodeling. Progesterone may be indispensable for remodeling, particularly contributing to morphogenesis.

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of the high-affinity choline transporter.

In cholinergic neurons, high-affinity choline uptake in presynaptic terminals is the rate-limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. Using information provided by the Caenorhabditis elegans Genome Project, we cloned a cDNA encoding the high-affinity choline transporter from C. elegans (cho-1). We subsequently used this clone to isolate the corresponding cDNA from rat (CHT1). CHT1 is not homologous to neurotransmitter transporters, but is homologous to members of the Na+-dependent glucose transporter family. Expression of CHT1 mRNA is restricted to cholinergic neurons. The characteristics of CHT1-mediated choline uptake essentially match those of high-affinity choline uptake in rat brain synaptosomes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Biological characteristics of the leukemia-associated transcriptional factor AML1 disclosed by hematopoietic rescue of AML1-deficient embryonic stem cells by using a knock-in strategy.

AML1 is one of the most frequently mutated genes associated with human acute leukemia and encodes the DNA-binding subunit of the heterodimering transcriptional factor complex, core-binding factor (CBF) (or polyoma enhancer binding protein 2 [PEBP2]). A null mutation in either AML1 or its dimerizing partner, CBFbeta, results in embryonic lethality secondary to a complete block in fetal liver hematopoiesis, indicating an essential role of this transcription complex in the development of definitive hematopoiesis. The hematopoietic phenotype that results from the loss of AML1 can be replicated in vitro with a two-step culture system of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. Using this experimental system, we now demonstrate that this hematopoietic defect can be rescued by expressing the PEBP2alphaB1 (AML1b) isoform under the endogenous AML1-regulatory sequences through a knock-in (targeted insertion) approach. Moreover, we demonstrate that the rescued AML1(-/-) ES cell clones contribute to lymphohematopoiesis within the context of chimeric animals. Rescue requires the transcription activation domain of AML1 but does not require the C-terminal VWRPY motif, which is conserved in all AML1 family members and has been shown to interact with the transcriptional corepressor, Groucho/transducin-like Enhancer of split. Taken together, these data provide compelling evidence that the phenotype seen in AML1-deficient mice is due solely to the loss of transcriptionally active AML1.

Animals↗

TMC-95A, B, C, and D, novel proteasome inhibitors produced by Apiospora montagnei Sacc. TC 1093. Taxonomy, production, isolation, and biological activities.

In our course of screening for novel proteasome inhibitors, TMC-95A and its diastereomers, TMC-95B to D, were isolated from the fermentation broth of Apiospora montagnei Sacc. TC 1093. TMC-95A inhibited the chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L), trypsin-like (T-L), and peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolyzing (PGPH) activities of 20S proteasome with IC50 values of 5.4nM, 200nM, and 60nM, respectively. TMC-95B inhibited these activities to the same extent as TMC-95A, while the inhibitory activities of TMC-95C and D were 20 to 150 times weaker than that of TMC-95A and B. TMC-95A did not inhibit m-calpain, cathepsin L, and trypsin at 30 microM, suggesting its high selectivity for proteasome. Taxonomy of the producing strain is also described.

Chymotrypsin↗

Evaluation of dural sinus invasion and extension of extra-axial intracranial tumors. The advantages of a high-resolution postcontrast 3-D gradient-echo technique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of a postcontrast 3-D Fourier transform (3DFT) gradient-echo (GRE) technique in dural sinus invasion and extension of extraaxial intracranial tumors in comparison with a conventional spin-echo (SE) technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients with 15 extra-axial tumors in contiguity with the dural sinus, including 14 meningiomas and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma, underwent postcontrast T1-weighted SE and GRE MR studies. Detectability of dural sinus invasion and extension was evaluated using two sequences by two neuroradiologists in a blinded manner and compared with surgical results. Quantitative analysis was also performed to calculate the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between lesion and dural sinus on SE and GRE images. The data were analyzed statistically using a matched paired t-test. RESULTS: In the qualitative evaluation, the detectability of dural sinus invasion in 3DFT-GRE images was superior to that using SE images. The mean CNR for all lesions was 3.86 on SE images and 5.63 on 3DFT-GRE images (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: For evaluation of dural sinus invasion and the extension of extra-axial tumors, postcontrast 3DFT-GRE MR images were superior to conventional SE images.

Adult↗

[A patient for craniotomy with ECG abnormality occurring on admission to the operating room].

We report a 72 year old male patient for craniotomy with ECG abnormality occurring on admission to the operating room. His preoperative ECG showed normal sinus rhythm without ST-T change and T wave abnormality. On admission to the operating room, negative T wave was noted on the ECG monitor. Therefore, we applied isosorbide dinitrate tape after the induction of anesthesia. When the dura mater was opened, subarachnoid hemorrhage was noticed. Intraoperative pathological examination revealed a glioblastoma multiforme. The tumor bled from inside and outside. The perioperative T wave abnormality was probably due to subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding from the tumor itself. The T wave abnormality disappeared on the 10th postoperative day.

Aged↗

Phase I trial of oral 2'-deoxy-2'-methylidenecytidine: on a daily x 14-day schedule.

2'-deoxy-2'-methylidenecytidine (DMDC) is a potent deoxycytidine analogue. Preclinical studies of DMDC demonstrated activity against a variety of murine and human tumors in cell cultures and murine models and indicate enhanced antitumor activity of DMDC when it was administered in a manner that provided prolonged systemic exposure. In view of this observation, this study was designed to determine the toxicities, maximum-tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetic profile of DMDC. DMDC was given p.o. under fasting conditions for 14 consecutive days every 4 weeks in patients with advanced solid tumors. The starting dose was 12 mg/m2/day. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out on days 1 and 14 of the first cycle. Fourteen patients received 22 courses of DMDC. The dose-limiting toxicities were anorexia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. General fatigue was the common nonhematological toxicity. The maximum-tolerated dose was 18 mg/m2/day, at which two of six patients developed grade 3 toxicities. This dose level could also be considered for Phase II testing with this schedule. At the 18-mg/m2/day dose level, the mean terminal half-life, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) on day 1 were 1.7496 h, 112.9 ng/ml, and 399.8 ng x h/ml, respectively. Forty to 50% of the administered dose was recovered in the urine, indicating a good bioavailability and resulting significant systemic exposure to the drug, which may enable chronic oral treatment.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Identification of new genes ndr2 and ndr3 which are related to Ndr1/RTP/Drg1 but show distinct tissue specificity and response to N-myc.

Ndr1 was isolated as a gene upregulated in N-myc mutant mouse embryos and is repressed by N-myc and c-myc. Consistent with Myc regulation, the same gene was also isolated as one sensitive to transformation (Drg1), and in addition as one induced under a few stress conditions (RTP). Two new genes, Ndr2 and Ndr3, were identified which encode proteins highly related to Ndr1/RTP/Drg1 and constitute the Ndr gene family. Ndr2 and Ndr3 are under spatio-temporal regulations distinct from Ndr1, and are not activated in N-myc mutants. When whole embryo RNA was analyzed, Ndr3 expression was already high at 9.5 days postcoitus (dpc), while expression of Ndr2 and Ndr1 became significant after 12.5 dpc and 13. 5 dpc, respectively. At 14.5 dpc, expression of these genes partially overlaps, but many tissues are unique to one of them. For instance, Ndr1 is strongly expressed in the liver and gut epithelium, Ndr2 in the ventricular zone throughout the CNS, and Ndr3 in the spinal cord and the thymus rudiment. Genes of the Ndr family probably have tissue-dependent allotments of the possibly related functions.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Molecular cloning of macrophin, a human homologue of Drosophila kakapo with a close structural similarity to plectin and dystrophin.

We have determined the complete cDNA coding sequence of a novel cytoskeletal protein by the degenerative primer-mediated PCR strategy. This novel gene, named as macrophin (microfilament and actin filament cross-linker protein related to plectin and dystrophin, Accession No. AB029290), appears to be a human homologue of a Drosophila gene, kakapo, and shows close similarity to plectin and dystrophin on the search of BLAST homology-computed database. Comparison of the deduced protein sequences for macrophin and kakapo revealed that they were 66% similar, and both of them have an NH2-terminal actin-binding domain, a central rod region composed of spectrin-like repeats, and COOH-terminal Gas2-related region. The predicted sequences for macrophin are 5430 amino acids in length with a calculated molecular mass of 620 kDa, which is one of the largest size idenfied in human cytoskeletal proteins. High expression of macrophin was observed in brain, heart, lung, placenta, liver, kidney, and pancreas. In pancreas, we found that macrophin was specifically expressed in acinar cells than islet cells by in situ hybridization. By using radiation hybrid panel, we have mapped the macrophin gene to the chromosome 1p31-32.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Anti-tumor promoting activity of polyphenols from Cowania mexicana and Coleogyne ramosissima.

Chemical investigation on polyphenol-rich fractions of Cowania mexicana and Coleogyne ramosissima (Rosaceae) which showed significant inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), has led to the characterization of 10 compounds including C-glucosidic ellagitannin monomers and dimers from the former plant, and 17 polyphenols including flavonoid glycosides from the latter. The effects of individual components and their analogues with related structures on the TPA-induced EBV-EA activation were then evaluated. Among the compounds isolated from C. mexicana, two C-glucosidic ellagitannins, alienanin B and stenophyllanin A and a nitrile glucoside (lithospermoside), and among the constituents from C. ramosissima, two flavonoid glycosides, isorhamnetin 3-0-beta-D-glucoside and narcissin were revealed to possess strong inhibitory effects on EVB-EA activation, the potencies of which were either comparable to or stronger than that of a green tea polyphenol, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. These polyphenols except for nitrile glucoside, which was not tested owing to an insufficient amount, were also found to exhibit anti-tumor promoting activity in two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and TPA.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Complete two-dimensional separation for analysis of acidic compounds in plasma using column-switching reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

A complete two-dimensional separation technique for the determination of acidic compounds in plasma was developed by using column-switching reversed-phase liquid chromatography. This technique was based on solute peak enrichment at the top of the second column during heart-cutting and an ion-pair chromatographic separation in the second column using tetrabutylammonium ion, where different separation modes in the first and second columns and solute peak enrichment at the top of the second column during heart-cutting were achieved coincidentally. Retention behaviors of two solutes, zidovudine-beta-D-glucuronide (AZT-beta-D-Gluc) and probenecid, in the first and second column and solute peak enrichment at the top of the second column were investigated for establishment of the system. Different retention behaviors of the solutes in the first and second column, which were evaluated by changes in capacity factor versus acetonitrile concentration in the mobile phases, and peak enrichment could be accomplished by using ion-pair chromatography in the second column. System suitability was confirmed by assessing the number of theoretical plates (N) of the second column for the solutes after heart-cutting. The N values in the second column after column switching were almost same as those in the case that the solutes were directly injected onto the second column. These results indicate that complete two-dimensional separation should be achieved by using this system. Furthermore, this technique was applied to method development for the determination of AZT-beta-D-Gluc and probenecid in rat plasma. The peaks of each analyte in the plasma extract obtained by deproteinization were well separated from those of endogenous substances, and easy determination of the analytes could be accomplished at the ng/ml level only by changing the acetonitrile concentration in the mobile phases.

Acids↗

Usefulness of diffusion-weighted MRI with echo-planar technique in the evaluation of cellularity in gliomas.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with echo-planar imaging (EPI) technique in depicting the tumor cellularity and grading of gliomas. Twenty consecutive patients (13 men and 7 women, ranging in age from 13 to 69 years) with histologically proven gliomas were examined using a 1.5 T superconducting imager. Tumor cellularity, analyzed with National Institutes of Health Image 1.60 software on a Macintosh computer, was compared with the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the signal intensity on the T2-weighted images. The relationship of the minimum ADC to the tumor grade was also evaluated. Tumor cellularity correlated well with the minimum ADC value of the gliomas (P = 0.007), but not with the signal intensity on the T2-weighted images. The minimum ADC of the high-grade gliomas was significantly higher than that of the low-grade gliomas. Diffusion-weighted MRI with EPI is a useful technique for assessing the tumor cellularity and grading of gliomas. This information is not obtained with conventional MRI and is useful for the diagnosis and characterization of gliomas.

Adolescent↗