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Biomedical subjects

T Tsuboi

Publications and source records attributed to T Tsuboi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Insulin secretion in health and disease: genomics, proteomics and single vesicle dynamics.

Defective insulin secretion from pancreatic islet beta-cells is a sine qua non of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Digital imaging analysis of the nanomechanics of individual exocytotic events, achieved using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, has allowed us to demonstrate that insulin is released via transient or 'cavicapture' events whereby the vesicle and plasma membranes fuse transiently and reversibly. Such studies reveal that an increase in the number of abortive fusion events contributes to defective insulin secretion in in vitro models of Type II diabetes. Complementary analyses of genome-wide changes in beta-cell gene expression, at both the mRNA and protein levels, are now facilitating the identification of key molecular players whose altered expression may contribute to the secretory defects in the diabetic beta-cell.

Animals↗

Distribution and superinfection of bovine leukemia virus genotypes in Japan.

A study to investigate the types and distribution of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) was conducted on about eight hundred cattle drawn from 53 farms found in 16 prefectures in Japan. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) tests of serum samples and nested-PCR to detect BLV provirus, in peripheral blood leukocytes were performed. To identify genotypes, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was performed with a PCR-amplified 444 bp fragment of the env gene using endonucleases. Three genotypes (1, 3, and 5) were dominant in Japan, and were found in 48.3%, 32.7%, and 16.9% of PCR positive cattle, respectively. Of the cattle infected with genotype 1, 84.7% were strongly positive in the AGID test. Similarly, in cattle with genotype 3, 78.9% were strongly positive. However, only 59.1% of cattle with genotype 5 were strong positive. Three cattle showed unusual RFLP patterns and they were found to be infected with more than one genotype. These results suggest that some BLV infected cattle can not induce effective immune reactions and suffer from superinfection by BLV in the field.

Animals↗

Fgf-2 regulates enamel and dentine formation in mouse tooth germ.

We examined the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) on cultured lower molar tooth germ at the differentiative (bell) stage. Although FGF-2 has been detected in odontogenesis, its roles in biological activities, such as cell proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix mineralization are unclear. We assayed mRNA levels of the differentiation markers, dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), amelogenin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and histological methods. Tooth germs dissected from 17-day-old embryonic mice were cultured for 4 days with either recombinant human FGF-2 or specific antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (antisense ODN) for FGF-2. Exogenous FGF-2 decreased the gene expression of differentiation markers in molars at the bell stage. Abrogation of endogenous FGF-2 by antisense ODN increased the gene expression of differentiation markers, and also significantly enhanced enamel and dentine formation. This histological change was recovered by adding exogeneous FGF-2. These findings suggest that FGF-2 at the bell stage regulates cell differentiation and matrix secretion.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

An Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor suppresses cellular swelling and neuronal death induced by glutamate in cultured cortical neurons.

We examined the effects of a selective Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor, SM-20220 (N-(aminoiminomethyl)-1-methyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide methanesulfonate), on neuronal death induced by glutamate in rat cortical neurons. Morphological changes in neurons were observed with a differential interference contrast microscope, and cellular swelling was analysed. Neuronal death was assessed by staining the cell with propidium iodide. The intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the intracellular pH were measured by fluorescence imaging with fluo-3/AM as an indicator for [Ca2+]i and BCECF/AM for pH, respectively. SM-20220 (0.3 to 30 nM) dose-dependently attenuated glutamate (300 microM)-induced neuronal death in a dose-dependent fashion over 6 hours, and inhibited acute cellular swelling following glutamate (100 microM) exposure. SM-20220 suppressed the persistent [Ca2+]i increase following glutamate (500 microM) exposure, and inhibited intracellular acidification induced by glutamate (1 mM). The activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger system may enhance the progress of cerebral damage and oedema following glutamate exposure. SM-20220, a Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor, suppressed neuronal death and cellular swelling induced by glutamate through inhibition of both Ca2+ influx and acidification in neurons.

Amides↗

Molecular typing of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica serotype A1 isolates from cattle in Japan.

Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) methods were applied for molecular typing of 130 Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica serotype A1 isolates obtained from 13 prefectures in Japan. These isolates were divided into 15 ApaI PFGE profiles that formed six distinct clusters (clusters A-F). Fifty-three (40.7%) isolates were classified in cluster B, and 20.0, 13.8, 12.3, 6.9 and 6.1% of isolates were in clusters E, A, F, D and C, respectively. The isolates of cluster B were differentiated into seven subtypes (B1-B7) and subtype B5 contained 63% (34/53) of isolates. RAPD revealed four banding patterns (types I-IV), and among 130 isolates 60.7% (79/130) of isolates were RAPD type I. All of the RAPD type I isolates were grouped into clusters A-C by PFGE. There was no relationship between molecular typing and geographic origin of these isolates. These results indicate that isolates of M. haemolytica A1 strain with various molecular profiles have already spread in Japan and may have caused sporadic infections.

Animals↗

Involvement of FGF-2 in the action of Emdogain on normal human osteoblastic activity.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological characteristics of Emdogain (EMD) on cell growth and cell activity in human osteoblasts. METHODS: Cell proliferation as well as several gene and protein expressions were examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedures in human osteoblastic cells (SaM-1) treated with EMD (30 microg ml(-1)). RESULTS: Treatment of osteoblasts with EMD significantly stimulated cell proliferation and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 expression but decreased alkaline phosphatase expression. In addition, increases in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and decreases in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 expression were observed in osteoblasts treated with EMD. The effects of EMD on FGF-2 and MMP-1 expressions were not observed in osteoblasts treated with NS-398, an inhibitor of COX-2. The decrease in MMP-1 mRNA by EMD was prevented by treatment with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) for FGF-2. CONCLUSION: Emdogain showing both stimulation of cell proliferation and inhibition of cell differentiation has been shown to increase FGF-2 expression in the mediation of prostaglandin E2 and to decrease MMP-1 mRNA expression through the activation of FGF-2. FGF-2 may underlie in the action of EMD on osteoblasts during periodontal regeneration.

Adult↗

Inhibitory effect of titanium particles on osteoclast formation generated by treatment of mouse bone marrow cells with PGE2.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of titanium (Ti) particles with no endotoxin on osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast activity in in vitro experiments. METHODS: Osteoclast formation as well as osteoclastic bone resorbing activity were examined using the mouse bone marrow culture system and purified rabbit osteoclasts treated with Ti particles (2.5-20 microgram cm-2). RESULTS: Ti particles, with no adherent endotoxin, inhibited osteoclastogenesis and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) expression in bone marrow cells treated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (100 nM). The inhibitory effect of Ti particles was concentration-dependent (5-20 microgram cm-2), and was observed only on the generation of osteoclasts by PGE2, but not by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or soluble RANKL. This suggests that Ti particles did not act uniformly on a common process in the generation of osteoclasts, but specifically on signal transduction for PGE2 in generating osteoclasts. In highly purified osteoclasts, Ti particles showed no effect on survival and bone resorbing activity. CONCLUSION: Ti particles inhibited osteoclast differentiation and RANKL expression in mouse bone marrow cells treated with PGE2, without affecting mature osteoclast survival or activity. Thus, Ti particles may alter the osteoclastogenetic action of PGE2, which is one of the regulatory factors of bone remodeling.

Animals↗

Insulin secretion by 'kiss-and-run' exocytosis in clonal pancreatic islet beta-cells.

Exocytotic release of neuropeptides and hormones is generally believed to involve the complete merger of the secretory vesicle with the plasma membrane. However, recent data have suggested that 'kiss-and-run' mechanisms may also play a role. To analyse secretory events in neuroendocrine beta-cells, we imaged chimaeric reporters targeted to either the vesicle membrane [chimaeras of synaptobrevin-2 and pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein (synapto.pHluorin) or of phogrin (phosphatase on the granule of insulinoma) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (phogrin.EGFP)] or the lumen [neuropeptide Y (NPY).pH-insensitive yellow fluorescent protein (Venus)] by evanescent wave microscopy. Unexpectedly, the frequency of NPY.Venus release events was only 17-27% of that of vesicle fusion reported with synapto.pHluorin, but not phogrin.EGFP, indicating that exocytosis of cargo peptides that is likely to require complete collapse of the vesicle into the plasma membrane is relatively rare. However, both the frequency and the kinetics of NPY.Venus release were modulated by stimulus strength or by overexpression of synaptotagmin IV, demonstrating the plasticity of 'kiss-and-run' fusion.

Animals↗

Bovine adenovirus type 3 pneumonia in dexamethasone-treated calves.

The effects of immunosuppression were examined in 1.5-month-old calves that were given dexamethasone (DM) before endobronchial inoculation with bovine adenovirus type 3 (BAV-3). Immunohistopathologically, severe necrotizing bronchiolitis with eosinophilic and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies was observed both in DM-treated 1.5-month-old infected calves and in non-DM-treated 7-day-old infected calves. These inclusion bodies were correlated with the detection of BAV-3 antigen and viral particles. The presence of inclusion bodies in the desquamated epithelial cells or of BAV-3 antigen, or both, correlated well with the isolated level of BAV-3 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Few immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgA)-containing B lymphocytes or CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltrated the pneumonic lesion in both the 7-day-old and the DM-treated 1.5-month-old infected calves. Thus, depletion of CD8+ T lymphocytes in calves might influence the clearance of BAV-3 from respiratory tissues.

Adenoviridae Infections↗

[Studies on the antigens of invasive stages of Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the rhoptry and surface proteins of invasive stages of Plasmodium yoelii and P. berghei with monoclonal antibodies. METHODS: Subcellular localization of antigens was detected by IFA. The antigens of different stages of the two species malaria parasites were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: The antigens of rhoptry are very complicated. There are similar epitopes of the rhoptry proteins detected between the two species of Plasmodium. The similar epitopes were also detected between ookinetes and merozoites of P. yoelii, and ookinete antigens between the two species. But there are different antigens detected between merozoites and ookinetes in P. yoelii. The sporozoite surface antigen of P. yoelii was not detected in the ookinetes and merozoites in the same species. CONCLUSION: There are similar epitopes in the rhoptry and surface antigens of different stages and different species of rodent malaria parasites. There are also distinct antigens among them.

Animals↗

Immunohistopathology of calf pneumonia induced by endobronchial inoculation with bovine adenovirus 3.

Three 1-week-old and three 3-month-old Holstein calves that had received colostrum were inoculated endobronchially with bovine adenovirus 3 (BAV-3). The gross and histologic lesions in these six infected calves were localized mainly in the right caudal lobe of the lung and were closely associated with the site of the deposition of the inoculum. The pneumonic lesions were severe necrotizing bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and alveolitis, accompanied by infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of type 2 pneumocytes. Intranuclear inclusion bodies, BAV-3 antigen, and virus particles were detected in the degenerated epithelial cells in the 1-week-old but not the 3-month-old calves. After infection, the total cell count in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cells was increased. The results of BAV-3 isolation from BAL fluid were correlated with the detection of intranuclear inclusion bodies in the desquamated epithelial cells in the BAL fluid cells from the right caudal lobe but not in cells from the left caudal lobe. CD8+ T lymphocytes in the pneumonic lesion were found only in the 3-month-old infected calves. The difference in the immunopathologic reactions between the 1-week-old and the 3-month-old infected calves may be attributed to differences in immune system development.

Adenoviridae Infections↗

Protein kinase C-dependent supply of secretory granules to the plasma membrane.

To elucidate the mechanism for supplying secretory granules to the cell membrane, chromaffin cells isolated from the bovine adrenal medulla were observed by the evanescent wave microscopy after staining their granules with acridine orange. The secretory granules showed only a very small fluctuation, indicating their docking to the plasma membrane. The rate and range of movement increased greatly by application of botulinum toxin A or C. The number of secretory granules docked to the plasma membrane significantly decreased by botulinum toxin C. Conversely, the number increased greatly by activation of protein kinase C with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). In the presence of an anti-actin reagent cytochalasin D, no increasing effect of PDBu on the number of docked granules was observed. While in the presence of an anti-mitotic reagent, colchicine, a clear increasing effect of PDBu was observed. The final step for supplying granules to the plasma membrane in endocrine cells is concluded to be mediated by a phosphorylation-dependent and actin-based transport system.

Acridine Orange↗

Adrenergic stimulation of osteoclastogenesis mediated by expression of osteoclast differentiation factor in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells.

It is well known that adrenergic agonists efficiently activate beta-adrenoceptors on osteoblastic cells and can stimulate bone resorption in intact mouse calvaria. Recently, an osteoclastogenic factor of osteoblastic origin was found to be a novel tumor necrosis factor ligand family member and was termed osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF). Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction approach, we investigated the effect of epinephrine on mRNA levels of ODF and its decoy receptor, osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF), in MC3T3-E1 cells. Treatment with epinephrine (1 microM) rapidly increased ODF and OCIF mRNA levels, which peaked after 0.5 hr of treatment. Epinephrine (1 microM) also increased interleukin (IL)-6, IL-11, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-II mRNA levels, as well as increased prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) accumulation in the culture medium. Treatment of the cells with IL-11 (10 ng/mL) or PGE(2) (1 microM) increased ODF and OCIF mRNA levels as observed with epinephrine. However, increases in ODF and OCIF mRNA levels by epinephrine were more rapid than those by IL-11, and were not influenced by NS-398 (100 microM; an inhibitor of COX-II), suggesting a direct effect of epinephrine on ODF and OCIF mRNA expressions as well as an indirect effect mediated by IL-11 and PGE(2) production. Epinephrine-induced increases in ODF and OCIF mRNA levels were inhibited by pretreatment with timolol (1 microM; beta-antagonist) and phentolamine (1 microM; alpha-antagonist), respectively. Furthermore, the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells from mouse bone marrow cells was stimulated by isoproterenol (0.1 to 10 microM) or epinephrine (0.1 to 10 microM). The action of isoproterenol, a beta-agonist, was clearly stronger than that of epinephrine, suggesting the importance of the physiological balance between ODF and OCIF productions for osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggest that beta-adrenergic stimulation induces not only IL-6, IL-11, and PGE(2) but also ODF expression in osteoblastic cells, leading to a stimulation of osteoclastogenesis.

Adrenergic Agonists↗

von Willebrand Factor A domain-related protein, a novel microneme protein of the malaria ookinete highly conserved throughout Plasmodium parasites.

The mosquito-invasive form of the malarial parasite, the ookinete, develops numerous secretory organelles, called micronemes, in the apical cytoplasm. Micronemal proteins are thought to be secreted during midgut invasion and to play a crucial role in attachment and motility of the ookinete. We found a novel ookinete micronemal protein of rodent malarial parasite Plasmodium berghei, named P. berghei von Willebrand factor A domain-related protein (PbWARP), and report it here as a putative soluble adhesive protein of the ookinete. The PbWARP gene contained a single open reading frame encoding a putative secretory protein of 303 amino acids, with a von Willebrand factor type A module-like domain as a main component. Western blot analysis demonstrated that PbWARP was firstly produced 12 h after fertilization by maturing ookinetes as SDS-resistant complexes. Recombinant PbWARP produced with a baculovirus system also formed SDS-resistant high-order oligomers. Immuno-electron microscopic studies showed that PbWARP was randomly distributed in the micronemes. PbWARP homologues also exist in human malarial parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Highly conserved primary structures of PbWARP homologues among these phylogenetically distant Plasmodium species suggest their functional significance and the presence of a common invasion mechanism widely utilized throughout Plasmodium parasites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The high molecular mass rhoptry protein, RhopH1, is encoded by members of the clag multigene family in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii.

Malarial merozoite rhoptries contain a high molecular mass protein complex called RhopH. RhopH is composed of three polypeptides, RhopH1, RhopH2, and RhopH3, encoded by distinct genes. Using monoclonal antibody-purified protein complex from both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii, peptides were obtained by digestion of RhopH1 and their sequence determined either by mass spectrometry or Edman degradation. In both species the genes encoding RhopH1 were identified as members of the cytoadherence linked asexual gene (clag) family. In P. falciparum the family members on chromosome 3 were identified as encoding RhopH1. In P. yoelii two related genes were identified and sequenced. One of the genes, pyrhoph1a, was positively identified as encoding RhopH1 by the peptide analysis and the other gene, pyrhoph1a-p, was at least transcribed. Genes in the clag family present in both parasite species have a number of conserved features. The size and location of the P. yoelii protein complex in the rhoptries was confirmed. The first clag gene identified on chromosome 9 was implicated in cytoadherence, the binding of infected erythrocytes to host endothelial cells; this study shows that other members of the family encode merozoite rhoptry proteins, proteins that may be involved in merozoite-erythrocyte interactions. We propose that the family should be renamed as rhoph1/clag.

Amino Acid Sequence↗