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Biomedical subjects

T Tanabe

Publications and source records attributed to T Tanabe.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Secretory production of recombinant urokinase-type plasminogen activator-annexin V chimeras in Pichia pastoris.

To produce a thrombi-targeting plasminogen activator, we expressed a fused gene that contains a modified pre-sequence of Mucor pussilus rennin (MPR) followed by a chimeric gene of single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA)::annexin V (AV). The fused gene was ligated into an integrative vector, under the control of the alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter (p), and transformed into Pichia pastoris. Transformants were monitored for the secretion of fibrinolytic activity. The highest expressing clone, HB225, secreted as much as 600 international units (IU) of fibrinolytic activity per ml of culture medium under optimal conditions. It contained three tandem copies of the full-size vector disruptively integrated into the AOX1 sequence. Western blot analysis revealed that the secreted chimera was highly susceptible to proteolysis. Addition of excess amino acids (aa) to the culture medium minimized the degree of proteolysis. Two major species of chimera, 85 and 65 kDa, were then isolated from the culture medium. The former was the intact form consisting of a single-chain and showing full enzyme activity after activation by plasmin. The latter was an enzymatically processed form consisting of two chains held by a disulfide bond, having full enzyme activity without activation. Both chimeras exhibited calcium-dependent phospholipid (PL)-binding affinities similar to the parent AV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Inhibitory effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on substance-P-induced superoxide production in human neutrophils.

We examined the mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on substance-P-induced superoxide anion (O2-) production in human neutrophils. Substance P (30 microM) caused O2- production associated with an inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i). CGRP (10 microM) significantly inhibited substance-P-induced O2- production and transient increase in [Ca2+]i, but it only slightly suppressed IP3 formation. In addition, CGRP inhibited IP3-induced O2- production and transient increase in [Ca2+]i, caused by exogenous addition of IP3 in saponin-permeabilized neutrophils. These findings suggest that CGRP inhibits the response of neutrophils to substance P through the inhibition of IP3-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. The inhibitory effects of CGRP on substance P- or IP3-induced O2- production and increases in [Ca2+]i were abolished by pretreating the neutrophils with a CGRP receptor antagonist, CGRP-(8 - 37), or cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase inhibitors, N-[2-(methylamino) ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide dihydrochloride (H-8) and 9-n-hexyl ester derivative of K-572a (8R, 9S, 11 S)-(--)-9-hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10- tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H, 11 H-2,7b,11a-triazadibenzo (a,g)cycloocta(cde)trinden-1-one (KT5720). We concluded that CGRP receptor stimulation reduces substance-P-induced O2- production by the inhibition of IP3-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i, probably via the phosphorylation of IP3 receptor by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide↗
PubMed1996

Human gene encoding prostacyclin synthase (PTGIS): genomic organization, chromosomal localization, and promoter activity.

The prostacyclin synthase gene isolated from human genomic libraries (PTGIS) consists of 10 exons spanning approximately 60 kb. All the splice donor and acceptor sites conform to the GT/AG rule. Genomic Southern blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the human prostacyclin synthase gene is present as a single copy per haploid genome and is localized on chromosome 20q13. 11-q13.13. The 1.5-kb sequence of the 5'-upstream of the translational initiation site contained both GC-rich and pyrimidine-rich regions and consensus sequences of the transcription factor recognition sites such as Sp1, AP-2, the interferon-gamma response element, GATA, NF-kappaB, the CACCC box, and the glucocorticoid response element. The core binding sequence (GAGACC) of the shear stress responsive element was also found in the 5'-flanking region of the gene. The major product of the primer extension analysis suggested that the transcription of the gene started from the positions around 49 bp upstream of the translational initiation codon. Transient transfection experiments using human aortic and bovine arterial endothelial cells demonstrated that the GC-rich region (positions -145 to -10) possessed a significant promoter activity. The 6-kb downstream sequence of the translational termination codon contained multiple polyadenylation signals, Alu repeat sequences, and the consensus sequence of the primate-repetitive DNA element, MER1. Two sizes of the prostacyclin synthase mRNAs (approximately 6 and 3.3 kb) were detected with the human aorta and lung. RNA blot hybridization analysis using the 3'-untranslated region as probe indicated that the sizes of the 3'-flanking regions were different in the major 6-kb and minor 3.3-kb mRNAs.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

HIV encodes for its own CD4 T-cell superantigen mitogen.

Previously we reported that Nef protein from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Herein, we show that HIV replicates in cells activated by Nef. PBMC proliferated in response to Nef and were capable of producing significant amounts of infectious virus upon infection. Polyclonal antibodies to Nef synthetic peptides blocked proliferation and neutralized infection. Characteristic of superantigens, T-cell proliferation in response to Nef required antigen-presenting cells and showed CD4 Vb preferences as previously shown. These findings suggest that Nef is a virally encoded T-cell superantigen and, as such, may be vital in the establishment of HIV infection in a new host and in subsequent disease pathogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Characterization of Nef-induced CD4 T cell proliferation.

Studies on Nef, a regulatory protein encoded by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), suggest it plays an important role in HIV pathogenesis. Previously, we reported that Nef binds to class II MHC antigens and induces proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Herein, we further characterize PBMC responses to Nef. Polyclonal antisera generated against Nef synthetic peptides blocked proliferation. Responses were T cell-specific and required antigen-presenting cells (APC). T cells responded in the presence of paraformaldehyde-inactivated APC, suggesting that Nef is presented in an unprocessed form. Nef-stimulated cells produced IL 2 and IFN gamma, products of T helper-1 cells. Thus, Nef has superantigen properties in that it binds to MHC class II antigens, does not need processing to be presented by APC, and activates T cells, causing proliferation and production of the T helper 1 cytokines, IL 2 and IFN gamma. The identification of an HIV protein that activates T cells is of considerable interest, given that HIV replicates in T cell blasts but not in quiescent cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Site-directed mutagenesis of human prostacyclin synthase: Alteration of Cys441 of the Cys-pocket, and Glu347 and Arg350 of the EXXR motif.

The possible active site Cys441 in the Cys-pocket and Glu347 and Arg350 of the EXXR motif of the human prostacyclin synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin H2 to prostacyclin, were subjected to site-directed mutagenesis in order to understand the role of these residues in expressing the enzymatic activity. Five expression vectors encoding the mutant enzymes with a single replacement, Cys441 Ala, Cys441 Ser, Cys441 His, Glu347 Ala and Arg350 Ala, as well as the wild-type enzyme were expressed in 293 cells. The microsomal fraction of the cells expressing the wild-type enzyme showed a specific activity of 96 nmol 6-keto-PGF1alpha/min per mg protein. All of the mutant enzymes examined showed no detectable enzyme activity, although immunoblot analysis demonstrated that levels of all the expressed mutant enzymes were similar to that of the wild-type enzyme. These results indicated that the Cys441 in the Cys-pocket, and Glu347 and Arg350 of the EXXR motif of human prostacyclin synthase are important for expressing the enzymatic activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Crystal structures of the binary and ternary complexes of 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli.

7 alpha-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7 alpha-HSDH;1 EC 1.1.1.159) is an NAD+-dependent oxidoreductase belonging to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) 1 family. It catalyzes the dehydrogenation of a hydroxyl group at position 7 of the steroid skeleton of bile acids. The crystal structure of the binary (complexed with NAD+) complex of 7 alpha-HSDH has been solved at 2.3 A resolution by the multiple isomorphous replacement method. The structure of the ternary complex [the enzyme complexed with NADH, 7-oxoglycochenodeoxycholic acid (as a reaction product), and possibly partially glycochenodeoxycholic acid (as a substrate)] has been determined by a difference Fourier method at 1.8 A resolution. The enzyme 7 alpha-HSDH is an alpha/beta doubly wound protein having a Rossmann-fold domain for NAD (H) binding. Upon substrate binding, large conformation changes occur at the substrate binding loop (between the beta F strand and alpha G helix) and the C-terminal segment (residues 250-255). The variable amino acid sequences of the substrate-binding loop appear to be responsible for the wide variety of substrate specificities observed among the enzymes of the SDR family. The crystal structure of the ternary complex of 7 alpha-HSDH, which is the only structure available as the ternary complex among the enzymes of the SDR family, indicates that the highly conserved Tyr159 and Ser146 residues most probably directly interact with the hydroxyl group of the substrates although this observation cannot be definite due to an insufficiently characterized nature of the ternary complex. The strictly conserved Lys163 is hydrogen-bonded to both the 2'- and 3'-hydroxyl groups of the nicotinamide ribose of NAD(H). We propose a new catalytic mechanism possibly common to all the enzymes belonging to the SDR family in which a tyrosine residue (Tyr159) acts as a catalytic base and a serine residue (Ser146) plays a subsidiary role of stabilizing substrate binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Suicide inactivation of porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase associated with its incorporation of 15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid derivative.

Two isozymes of arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase, platelet-type and leukocyte-type, which were distinguished by their substrate specificities and primary structures, were investigated with reference to 'suicide' inactivation. Upon reaction with arachidonic acid the leukocyte-type enzyme was inactivated rapidly during the catalysis, whereas the platelet-type enzyme did not show such a rapid inactivation. The two 12-lipoxygenase isozymes were incubated with various hydroperoxy and hydroxy products from arachidonic acid. (15S)-Hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) was found to be a unique substrate of the leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase as follows. (1) 15-HPETE was an active substrate for porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase, and converted anaerobically to a 14,15-epoxy compound (14,15-leukotriene A4). (2) A rapid inactivation of the enzyme was observed within 2 min upon aerobic and anaerobic incubations with 15-HPETE. (3) 15-HPETE was rapidly incorporated into the enzyme in a nearly equimolar amount under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. (4) Several findings suggested a covalent binding of 15-HPETE or its derivative to the enzyme. (5) Such a rapid and stoichiometric incorporation of 15-HPETE was not observed with the platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase. On the basis of these findings we presumed that 15-HPETE was transformed to 14,15-leukotriene A4, which was covalently bound to the leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase leading to the suicide inactivation of the enzyme.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Intracellular signaling pathway of substance P-induced superoxide production in human neutrophils.

We examined the intracellular mechanisms of substance P-induced superoxide anion (O2-) production in human neutrophils. Addition of substance P (30 microM) caused O2- production and biphasic increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) (early transient and subsequent sustained components) associated with the formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). O2- and [Ca2+]i were assayed by using ferricytochrome C and fura 2-AM, respectively. These responses were abolished by tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists, [D- Pro9[spiro-gamma-lactam],Leu10,Trp11]physalaemin-(1-11) (GR82334) or [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P (spantide), and an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM). Inhibition of IP3 formation by GTP-binding protein (G-protein) inactivators such as guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S) and islet-activating protein (IAP), or a phospholipase C inhibitor, 1-[6-[[17 beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]1 H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U-73122), blocked the substance P-induced O2- production and biphasic increases in [Ca2+]i. An IP3 receptor antagonist, heparin, reduced both the substance P-induced O2- production and the transient increase in [Ca2+]i without any significant effects on the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. Protein kinase C inhibitors, 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7) and calphostin C, only slightly suppressed O2- production, and abolished the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i without any significant effects on the transient increase in [Ca2+]i. A Ca2+ entry blocker, nicardipine, completely inhibited the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i without affecting O2- production and the transient increase in [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that the tachykinin NK1 receptor/G-protein-linked IP3 formation with the resulting IP3-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i is the main signal transduction pathway for substance P-stimulated O2- production in neutrophils.

Calcium↗
PubMed1996

G-protein modulation of neuronal class E (alpha 1E) calcium channel expressed in GH3 cells.

GH3 cell lines stably expressing alpha 1E channel were established and the modulation of this channel by G-protein through membrane-delimited pathways was studied. Alpha 1E channel expressed in GH3 cells showed slowing of activation and reduction of current amplitude by the application of carbachol or somatostatin. Both of these effects caused by these agents were pertussis toxin (PTX) sensitive and voltage dependent. Dialysis of the cell interior with GTP gamma S mimicked the action of these externally applied neurotransmitters, indicating that the alpha 1E channel is modulated by the PTX sensitive G-protein(s) through the membrane-delimited pathway but not by the PTX insensitive pathway that has been observed in alpha 1A channel expressed in GH3 cells. Thus different types of neuronal Ca2+ channels can be modulated not only by a similar mechanism but also by a different mechanism conferring a multilateral regulation of Ca2+ entry through these channels.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Secretion of a variant of human single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator without an N-glycosylation site in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris and characterization of the secreted product.

Human single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator without an N-glycosylation site (scu-PA-Q302) was produced in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris using the shortened prepeptide sequence of a fungal aspartic proteinase, Mucor pusillus rennin (MPR). The level of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) immunoreactive material in YPM medium was 0.47 mg/l; however, most of the secreted product had been processed to smaller polypeptides. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of major species was identical to that of the low molecular weight two-chain u-PA. Some approaches to minimizing the proteolysis of scu-PA-Q302 were attempted. Addition of Triton X-100, L-arginine and ammonium phosphate to the YPM medium minimized the proteolysis of scu-PA-Q302 and increased the yield of immunoreactive material to approximately 5 mg/l. Use of proteinase A- or proteinase B-deficient strains of yeast did not reduce the degradation. Co-expression of scu-PA-Q302 and urinary trypsin inhibitor resulted in partial reduction of the major species of proteolysis. Scu-PA-Q302 was purified from the culture supernatant of the improved medium by two successive chromatographies on Phenyl-Sepharose and S-Sepharose. The purified protein had a molecular weight of 47 kDa. It did not contain detectable N-linked oligosaccharides, but contained O-linked oligosaccharides attached to the light chain. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the purified preparation showed that the shortened prepeptide sequence of MPR was correctly processed by the Pichia yeast. Scu-PA-Q302 closely resembles natural scu-PA with respect to its enzymatic activity against the chromogenic substrate S-2444 and its in vitro fibrinolytic properties.

Arginine↗
PubMed1996

Effect of recombinant human macrophage-colony stimulating factor on marrow, splenic, and peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cells in mice.

The effects of human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on marrow, splenic, and peripheral progenitor cells (CFU-M, CFU-GM, and CFU-G) were investigated in mice administered recombinant human M-CSF (8-4,000 micrograms/kg). Single injection of 4,000 micrograms/kg of M-CSF resulted in a decrease in the number of marrow progenitor cells (CFU-M, CFU-GM, and CFU-G) on day 2 followed by a gradual increase, returning to the original level on day 4 or 5. In contrast, each type of splenic progenitors tested for started to increase markedly on day 2, reaching a level 4- to 15-fold higher than that of the basal value on day 3 or 4. Peripheral CFU-M, CFU-GM, and CFU-G also increased on day 2. In addition, administration of 800 micrograms/kg of M-CSF in mice caused a decrease in marrow CFU-G, as well as an increase in splenic CFU-G. The present results indicate that treatments of mice with pharmacological concentrations of human M-CSF affect the number of progenitor cells not only of monocyte/macrophage lineage but also of granulocyte lineage. Also, the coincidence between decrease of marrow progenitor cells and increase of splenic and peripheral progenitor cells suggests that the progenitor cells are released from bone marrow to peripheral blood and reseeded to the spleen by the action of M-CSF.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Mechanisms of oxyradical production in substance P stimulated rheumatoid synovial cells.

We examined the intracellular mechanisms of substance P induced oxyradical production in rheumatoid synovial cells by the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence method. After stimulation with substance P (30 microM), single synovial A (macrophage-like) or B (fibroblast-like) cells released oxyradicals such as superoxide anions (O2-) and/or hypochlorous anions (OCl-) under a microscope equipped with an ultrasensitive photonic image intensifier. The substance P induced oxyradical production was blocked by a tachykinin NK1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, GR82334, GTP-binding protein (G-protein) inactivators, GDP beta S and islet-activating protein (IAP), and a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, U-73122. Substance P (30 microM) also induced a transient increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in both synovial A and B cells as measured by a Ca2+ indicator, fura 2, BAPTA-AM and an inositol-1,4-5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor antagonist, heparin, inhibited the substance P induced increase in [Ca2+]i, but they had no effects on oxyradical production. In contrast to the effects of BAPTA-AM and heparin, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, H-7 and calphostin C, completely inhibited substance P induced oxyradical production without any significant effects on [Ca2+]i increase. These findings suggest that the NK1 receptor/PLC-linked diacylglycerol (DAG) formation with the resulting activation of PKC is the main signal transduction pathway for substance P stimulated oxyradical production in synovial cells.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1996

Corticobasal degeneration: widespread argentophilic threads and glia in addition to neurofibrillary tangles. Similarities of cytoskeletal abnormalities in corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy.

A 57-year-old man had exhibited cortical sensory disturbance, rigidity, spasticity, dementia, alien hand, grasp reflex, supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, pseudobulbar palsy, and neck dystonia for 4 years. Histological examination of autopsied specimens revealed neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex, with ballooned neurons, subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra, basal ganglia, midbrain tegmentum, and the thalamus. There were neurofibrillary tangles in the subthalamic nucleus and the substantia nigra. Gallyas-Braak silver impregnation demonstrated numerous argentophilic tangles, threads, and a few argentophilic glia in the cerebral cortex, subcortical white matter, particularly in the precentral gyrus, subcortical nuclei, and the brainstem. These argentophilic structures were largely positive for tau, and negative for ubiquitin, paired helical filaments, and phosphorylated neurofilament. Ultrastructurally, 15-nm-wide straight tubules were observed in the neurons of the substantia nigra, globus pallidus, and the precentral cortex, coexisting with a few twisted tubules periodically constricted at 160- to 230-nm intervals. It was conclusively shown that Gallyas- and tau-positive cytoskeletal abnormalities occurred widely in brain of corticobasal degeneration. Both distribution and morphology of abnormal phosphorylated tau protein in corticobasal degeneration appear to resemble these features in progressive supranuclear palsy. These findings suggest a common cytoskeletal etiopathological significance in corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Basal Ganglia↗
PubMed1996

Correlation between occurrence of exudative epidermitis and exfoliative toxin-producing ability of Staphylococcus hyicus.

Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated from healthy pigs and pigs affected with exudative epidermitis (EE). Thirty seven strains (P-7 to P-43) were isolated from pigs affected with EE on 8 farms while 131 strains were isolated from healthy pigs bred on 2 farms in Japan. Isolation rate for pigs affected with EE was 100% while that for healthy pigs was 35.4%. The biochemical and cultural characteristics of the isolates from healthy and diseased pigs were identical except for the Voges-Proskauer reaction. The culture supernatant of many isolates caused skin exfoliation in 1-day-old chickens. Therefore, many isolates were considered to produce S. hyicus exfoliative toxin (shET). The rate of shET production by the isolates from piglets affected with EE was 87.5%, while that of the isolates from healthy pigs was 76.1%. shETs were divided in two serotypes by immunodiffusion. Piglets experimentally infected with shET-producing and nonproducing strains were observed. Local skin erythema at the inoculation site was observed with nonproducing strains and disappeared within 48 h, while the skin erythema at the sites inoculated with shET-producing strains did not disappear until 7 days after inoculation. Typical clinical signs, such as exfoliation, exudation and crusting were observed only in the piglets inoculated with shET-producing strains.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Simple and rapid production of radiographic slides or prints using a personal computer and a laser imager.

A simplified and rapid method for making radiographic slides or prints using a personal computer, a computer monitor adapter and a laser imager is described. When the divided monitor output of a personal computer is connected to a laser imager in the Radiology Department, radiographs and text on the personal computer can be printed out from the laser imager. By selecting slide size print format, 12 slide-sized images can be printed on a film. In addition, by selecting other print formats various sized images can be printed on film, which then can be used as teaching files or as backlight display panels for scientific exhibits. This method can only produce gray-scale printouts, which are sufficient for radiological presentations. Any radiology department can utilize this system by simply installing a computer monitor adapter.

Audiovisual Aids↗
PubMed1996

Ca2+ current activation rate correlates with alpha 1 subunit density.

We report here that L-type Ca2+ channels activate rapidly in myotubes expressing current at high density and slowly in myotubes expressing current at low density. Partial block of the current in individual cells does not slow activation, indicating that Ca2+ influx does not link activation rate to current density. Activation rate is positively correlated with the density of gating charge (Qmax) associated with the L-type Ca2+ channels. The range of values for Qmax, and the relationship between activation rate and Qmax, are similar for myotubes expressing native or recombinant L-type Ca2+ channels, whereas peak Ca2+ current density is approximately 3-fold higher for native channels. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca2+ channel density can govern activation kinetics. Our findings have important important implications for studies of ion channel function because they suggest that biophysical properties can be significantly influenced by channel density, both in heterologous expression systems and in native tissues.

Animals↗