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Biomedical subjects

Y Hashimoto

Publications and source records attributed to Y Hashimoto.

At least 1,081 records · Page 60Linked to original sources

Augmentation for intratumoral accumulation and anti-tumor activity of liposome-encapsulated adriamycin by tumor necrosis factor-alpha in mice.

The effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) on anti-tumor activity of adriamycin entrapped in small unilamellar liposomes (ADM-Lip) has been studied using BALB/c mice bearing subdermal Meth-A fibrosarcoma. Accumulation of i.v. injected ADM-Lip, but not of free ADM, into tumor tissue was augmented by a single i.v. injection of rhTNF-alpha. The maximum effect of rhTNF-alpha was expressed when it was injected 1 hr before ADM-Lip. This rhTNF-alpha treatment did not result in increased accumulation of ADM-Lip in normal organs. Based on these results, we treated mice bearing Meth-A tumor with rhTNF-alpha and then with ADM-Lip 1 hr later. By 2-cycle treatments using this regimen, tumor growth was markedly inhibited, and 5 out of 13 mice tested were cured of tumor, while treatment with rhTNF-alpha alone, ADM alone, ADM-Lip alone or rhTNF-alpha plus ADM resulted neither in prolongation of survival time nor in cure of mice. Our results indicate that ADM-Lip can express a potent and systemic anti-tumor activity after pretreatment of animals with TNF, but only when administration of these drugs is appropriately timed.

Animals↗

A murine very late activation antigen-like extracellular matrix receptor involved in CD2- and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1-independent killer-target cell interaction.

CD2 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 are well known as T cell adhesion molecules involved in killer-target cell interactions. However, our recent study revealed that molecule(s) other than CD2 and LFA-1 might be involved in the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell cytotoxicity against certain target cells. In order to characterize such unknown molecules, we established a mAb (RMV-7) which could inhibit CD2/LFA-1-independent LAK cell cytotoxicity and binding to target cells at the effector site. The Ag identified by RMV-7 appeared on splenic T cells late after mitogenic stimulation and was a noncovalently linked heterodimer composed of a 140-kDa alpha-chain and a 95-kDa beta-chain. RMV-7 blocked LAK cell binding to fibronectin (FN), fibrinogen, and vitronectin but not that to laminin or type IV collagen, indicating that the RMV-7-defined molecule is a unique extracellular matrix receptor for FN, fibrinogen, and vitronectin. One of its ligand, FN, was found on the surface of several target cells, and LAK cell cytotoxicity against them was blocked by anti-FN antibody at the target site. Similarly, cytotoxicity of a H-2d-specific CTL clone was inhibited by RMV-7 and anti-FN antibody as well. These results indicate that a unique very late activation Ag-like extracellular matrix receptor on murine CTL and LAK cells contributes to target cell binding and cytotoxicity.

Animals↗

Identification of tissue specific nuclear proteins: DNA sequence and protein binding regions in the T cell receptor beta J-C intron.

We have determined the DNA sequences in the J2-C2 intron of the T cell receptor (TCR) beta gene and analyzed nuclear proteins binding to this region. Previously, we identified two tissue-specific DNase I hypersensitive regions, potential regulatory regions, in the J-C intron. The DNA sequence of the J2-C2 intron revealed that both DNase I hypersensitive regions have similar DNA sequences, suggesting that these regions are evolutionarily conserved. We have also identified tissue-specific nuclear-protein binding regions downstream of the DNase hypersensitive regions. Although transcriptional enhancer activity was not observed in the hypersensitive regions or the adjacent protein binding regions in the J-C intron, our findings suggest that the TCR-beta J-C intron may contain some other type of regulatory element.

Animals↗

Purification of an exo-beta-(1----3)-D-galactanase of Irpex lacteus (Polyporus tulipiferae) and its action on arabinogalactan-proteins.

An exo-beta-(1----3)-D-galactanase from Driselase, a commercial enzyme preparation from Irpex lacteus (Polyporus tulipiferae) has been purified 166-fold. Apparent molecular weights of the purified enzyme, estimated by denaturing gel electrophoresis and gel filtration, were found to be 51,000 and 42,000, respectively. It hydrolyzed specifically oligosaccharides and polymers of (1----3)-linked beta-D-galactopyranosyl residues, and exhibited a maximal activity toward these substrates at pH 4.6. Based on the mode of the liberation of D-galactose from beta-(1----3)-D-galactan and the methyl beta-glycoside of beta-(1----3)-D-galactopentaose, the enzyme can be classified as an exo-glycanase capable of catalyzing the sequential hydrolytic release of single D-galactosyl residues from the nonreducing termini. The extent of the hydrolysis of the carbohydrate portion of acacia gum and radish arabinogalactan-proteins increased with their decreasing branching. Isolation and characterization of the major products formed from the proteoglycans indicated the action pattern of the enzyme to include the capability of bypassing the branching points. Consequently, the side chains carrying an additional D-galactosyl group at the reducing termini are released as neutral (1----6)-linked beta-D-galactooligosaccharides and their acidic derivatives having a 4-O-methyl-beta-D-glucuronosyl residue as the nonreducing end-group. The specificity and the mode of action showed the enzyme to be a useful tool for analyzing the fine structure of type II arabinogalactans and arabinogalactan-protein conjugates.

Amino Acids↗

Androgen-dependent renal microsomal cytochrome P-450 responsible for N-hydroxylation and mutagenic activation of 3-methoxy-4-aminoazobenzene in the BALB/c mouse.

A murine renal microsomal enzyme responsible for the mutagenic activation of 3-methoxy-4-aminoazobenzene (3-MeO-AAB) was characterized by its catalytic activity for the mutagenic and metabolic conversion of 3-MeO-AAB. Incubation of 3-MeO-AAB with a renal or hepatic microsome fraction from male BALB/c mice in the presence of NADPH and NADH yielded N-hydroxy and 4'-hydroxy metabolites of 3-MeO-AAB as determined by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography, and the enzyme responsible for the N-hydroxylation was named 3-MeO-AAB N-hydroxylase. A mutagenicity test using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 bacteria as a tester strain has revealed that N-hydroxy-3-MeO-AAB is a potent direct mutagen but that 4'-hydroxy-3-MeO-AAB is not mutagenic. Although 3-MeO-AAB N-hydroxylase activity in liver microsomes showed no sex difference, the enzyme activity in the kidney was detected from male mice but not from females. However, administration of testosterone to female mice induced the enzyme in the kidney. Castration of male mice depressed the activity of 3-MeO-AAB N-hydroxylase in renal microsomes but it little affected the hepatic activity, and on administration of testosterone to the castrated mice the depressed renal microsomal activity recovered to a normal level. The activity of 3-MeO-AAB hydroxylase and the amount of cytochrome P-450 in renal microsomes showed a close correlation. Both renal and hepatic microsomes required NADPH as a main cofactor to mutagenize 3-MeO-AAB and to yield N-hydroxy-3-MeO-AAB from 3-MeO-AAB, and the enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by 7,8-benzoflavone. When the activities of renal and hepatic 3-MeO-AAB N-hydroxylase were compared on the basis of the amount of cytochrome P-450, the renal type enzyme showed about 8 times greater activity than hepatic type enzyme. These results indicate that the kidney contains an androgen-dependent microsomal 3-MeO-AAB hydroxylase which is different from an isozyme present in the liver and which is a new type of cytochrome P-450 isozyme.

Age Factors↗

Antithrombin III Kumamoto: identification of a point mutation and genotype analysis of the family.

We previously reported a variant antithrombin III (AT III Kumamoto) associated with a 31-year-old female who suffered from recurrent thrombotic episodes. To define the molecular basis for the variant AT III, we used a combination of genomic amplification followed by cloning, sequencing, and hybridization with allele-specific oligonucleotide probes. We obtained evidence for a cytosine to thymine transition in exon 2 (codon 47) of the AT III gene in the proband. This mutation converts arginine 47 to cysteine. Oligonucleotide hybridization procedures were used for confirmation of the mutation and for genotype analysis of the family members.

Adult↗

T cell receptor genes and T cell development in virus-transformed early T cell lines.

We have derived T cell lines from mice inoculated with Gross leukemia virus, which appear to represent early T cell developmental stages and to reflect normal T cell development. These cell lines may provide a breakthrough in the study of T cell development as Abelson transformants have done for the study of B cell development. Analysis of the TCR gene expression in these cell lines reveals that the sequence of rearrangement and expression of each TCR gene is not strictly ordered. Expression of RNA for the TCR alpha and -beta genes appears to be coordinated with rearrangement at the alpha and beta loci. This is not the case for gamma gene expression. Availability of the homogeneous populations of cells represented in these cells lines allows for a more detailed molecular analysis of T cell development than was previously possible.

AKR murine leukemia virus↗

Cytosolic-nuclear tumor promoter-specific binding protein (CN-TPBP) in human promyelocytic leukemia cells HL-60.

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) is a potent tumor promoter and is known to induce terminal differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia cells HL-60 to mature monocytes. To investigate the molecular mechanism of TPA actions, TPA-specific binding proteins in HL-60 were analyzed. Anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that HL-60 cells possess TPA-specific binding proteins other than protein kinase C (PKC). One of these TPA-specific binding proteins exists in the cytosolic fraction of HL-60 cells, but translocates into the nuclear fraction of HL-60 cells after the treatment of the cells with TPA. The results suggest that HL-60 cells take up TPA into the nuclei via the TPA-specific binding protein. The TPA-specific binding protein binds TPA, phorbol 12,13-di-butylate, teleocidin B-2, teleocidin B-3, and debromoaplysiatoxin in a mutually competitive manner. However, the protein does not bind to okadaic acid, olivoretin C, retinoic acid, or dioxin. This cytosolic-nuclear tumor promoter-specific binding protein (CN-TPBP) might play an essential role in the action of tumor promoters.

Binding, Competitive↗

Expression of retinoic acid receptor genes and the ligand-binding selectivity of retinoic acid receptors (RAR's).

Retinoids of a structurally new type, 4-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (Am80) and (E)-4-[3-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-3-oxo-1-propenyl]-benzoic acid (Ch55), were used for the investigation of retinoid receptors in some human cell lines. Previously, using these retinoids, we have established that HL-60 cells possess two retinoid receptors, RAR-alpha and RAR-beta. In this paper, we report coexpression of RAR-alpha- and RAR-beta-genes established by Northern analysis. Further, the binding selectivity of the RAR products toward all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), Am80 and Ch55 was studied by filter binding assay. The affinity of the ligands toward RAR-alpha decreased in the order of Ch55 greater than RA greater than Am80. The affinity of the ligands toward RAR-beta decreased in the order of Ch55 greater than Am80 greater than RA.

Blotting, Northern↗

Identification of an autoinhibitory domain in calcineurin.

The hypothesis that calcineurin, the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, contains an autoinhibitory domain was tested using synthetic peptides corresponding to regions of the carboxyl-terminus of calcineurin. Of the several peptides analyzed, one, containing residues I-T-S-F-E-E-A-K-G-L-D-R-I-N-E-R-M-P-P-R-R-D-A-M-P, gave complete inhibition of its protein phosphatase activity. Using [32P]myosin light chain as substrate an IC50 of about 10 microM was obtained with either native calcineurin, assayed in the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin, or with calcineurin subjected to partial proteolysis which converts it to a fully active phosphatase when assayed in the presence of [ethylenebis (oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid. With 50 mM p-nitrophenylphosphate as substrate an IC50 of about 40 microM was observed. Studies with overlapping peptides suggested that the sequence P-P-R-R-D-A-M-P was essential but not sufficient for the observed inhibition. Kinetic analysis indicated that the inhibition of phosphatase activity was not competitive with respect to [32P]myosin light chain. This peptide did not show significant inhibition of the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatases type I or type IIA or of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. These results indicate that amino acids within this sequence of calcineurin constitute a unique autoinhibitory domain which interacts with the active site and is responsible for the low basal phosphatase activity in the absence of Ca2+/calmodulin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rapid procedure to determine the DNA base composition from small amounts of gram-positive bacteria.

A universal rapid procedure to determine the DNA base composition (mol% guanine + cytosine) of Gram-positive bacteria is described. Cells of Gram-positive bacteria were lysed with achromo-peptidase and the mol% G + C of their DNAs were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. One ml of a Gram-positive bacterial suspension which matched MacFarland No. 3 standard turbidity was sufficient to determine the mol% G + C within 3 h.

Base Composition↗

Renin immunohistochemistry in the adrenal gland of the mouse fetus and neonate.

The development of renin-containing cells in fetal and neonatal adrenal glands of the mouse was studied using immunohistochemistry. On days 13-14 of gestation, immunoreactivity for renin was first observed in a few cortical cells of the gland, appearing as small patchy or granular reaction products in the perikaryon. The mitotic configurations of the cells demonstrating immunoreactivity were noted. On day 16 of gestation, a number of intensively immunoreactive cells were distributed in the aortal side of the cortical zone. On day 18 of gestation, and day 1 postparturition, a small number of potent immunoreactive cells were still found in the cortical area. Immunoreactivity of the cytoplasm was observed in the cells, some showing an intensive reaction and others possessing numerous tiny granules just below the cell membrane. On days 3, 5, and 7 after birth, no renin-containing cells were found in the adrenal gland. The ratio of the numbers of renin-positive cells in certain areas to the numbers in the entire cortical area was significantly increased on day 16 of gestation, but there was no sexual difference in the ratios. The ratios were decreased subsequently until day 1 after birth. The possible significance of renin synthesis in specific adrenal cells in fetal life is discussed with respect to an important involvement of angiotensin II in the morphogenesis of the adrenal gland of the mouse.

Adrenal Glands↗

Elevated expression of secondary, but not early, responding genes to phorbol ester tumor promoters in papillomas and carcinomas of mouse skin.

A single topical treatment of mouse skin with the potent tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) results in transient inductions of a variety of genes. Based on the time courses of their inductions, these genes can be classified into two main groups: "early" response genes whose mRNA expression reaches a maximum 0.5-2 h after TPA treatment and "secondary" response genes whose mRNA expression is maximal 4 h or more after treatment. The nuclear oncogenes c-fos, c-myc, and c-jun belong to the early response group, whereas the metallothionein, osteopontin, and urokinase genes belong to the secondary response group. The steady-state expressions of these early and secondary response genes are all very low in normal skin, except that of c-jun, which is relatively high. Steady-state levels of expression and inducibility of these genes by TPA were not altered in initiated skin or in apparently normal skin during tumor promotion. We examined the expressions of these genes in papillomas and carcinomas produced by two-stage (initiator-promoter) and three-stage (initiator-promoter-initiator) protocols in mouse skin. Steady-state expression of the early responding nuclear oncogenes in papillomas and carcinomas was found to remain at the same low level as in normal skin. However, all the secondary responding genes were found to be expressed constitutively at high levels in these tumors. Elevated expressions of the genes for transforming growth factor alpha and beta were also observed in papillomas and to varying extents in carcinomas. These observations suggest that the regulatory machinery for transcription by the protein kinase C-mediated pathway through nuclear oncogenes is altered during the processes of tumor promotion and progression. The genes whose expression is elevated may be associated directly or indirectly with tumor promotion and progression.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Radioimmunoimaging of tumors with radioactive antibody against a glycoprotein (GP68) found in developing mouse brain.

The in vivo localization of a polyclonal antibody (pAb) against a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 68 kDa (GP68), which was found in developing mouse brain, was studied in murine tumor models to evaluate potential applications of this antibody for in vivo radioimmunodetection and/or therapy of cancer. The tissue distribution of 125I-labeled GP68 pAb 3 days after i.v. injection into mice bearing four different kinds of solid tumor revealed a high uptake ratio by adenocarcinoma 755 and Lewis 3LL lung cancer. In contrast, the uptake ratio was low in mice bearing Ehrlich solid tumor and sarcoma-180 (S-180). These uptake ratios accorded well with the in vitro binding activity of this antibody with the tumor cells. In an immunoscintigraphic study, adenocarcinoma 755 was successfully visualized with 67Ga-labeled GP68 pAb. The results of these biodistribution and in vivo radioimmunoscintigraphic studies suggest that GP68 antibody may be applicable to the diagnosis and/or therapy of cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Evaluation of the microplate hybridization method for rapid identification of Legionella species.

Rapid genetic identification of 23 Legionella species was performed using microdilution plate hybridization. When an isolate appeared to be a strain of the Legionella species, its DNA was quickly extracted, labelled with photobiotin and distributed to microdilution wells where 23 different DNAs had previously been immobilized. After hybridization for 90 min at 45 degrees C, the microdilution well which emitted the maximum fluorescence was determined. The criterion for interpreting results of this genetic identification method is given.

DNA, Bacterial↗

Phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II: comparative study of the phosphorylation sites.

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLC-kinase) was rapidly phosphorylated in vitro by the autophosphorylated form of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-kinase II) to a molar stoichiometry of 2.77 +/- 0.15 associated with a threefold increase in the concentration of calmodulin (CaM) required for half-maximal activation of MLC-kinase. Binding of CaM to MLC-kinase markedly reduced the phosphorylation stoichiometry to 0.21 +/- 0.05 and almost completely inhibited phosphorylation of sites in two peptides (32P-peptides P1 and P2) with reduced phosphorylation of peptide P3. By analogy, cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylated MLC-kinase to a stoichiometry of 3.0 or greater in the absence of CaM with about a threefold decrease in the apparent affinity of MLC-kinase for CaM. Binding of CaM to MLC-kinase inhibited the phosphorylation to 0.84 +/- 0.13. Complete tryptic digests contained two major 32P-peptides as reported previously. One of the peptides, whose phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of excess calmodulin, appeared to be the same as P2. Automated Edman sequence analysis suggested that both CaM-kinase II and cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylated this peptide at the second of the two adjacent serine residues located at the C-terminal boundary of the CaM-binding domain. However, the other peptide phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, regardless of whether CaM was bound, was different from P1 and P3. Thus, MLC-kinase has a regulatory phosphorylation site(s) that is phosphorylated by the autophosphorylated form of CaM-kinase II and is blocked by Ca2+/CaM-binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Abnormal glycosphingolipid metabolism in the nervous system of galactosialidosis.

In an autopsy case of galactosialidosis, GM3, GM2, GM1, and GD1a were accumulated in sympathetic and spinal ganglia and grey matter of the spinal cord. Especially, the accumulations of GM3 and GM2 amounted to 41- and 86-fold increases in sympathetic ganglia, respectively, as compared to normal controls. In addition LacCer, GA2 and GA1 were accumulated in sympathetic and spinal ganglia. The accumulations of GM3 and GD1a are considered to be the result of defective lysosomal sialidase activity and the accumulation of GM1, LacCer and GA1 is also considered to be due to decreased beta-galactosidase activity in this disorder. To better understand the possible mechanism of GM2 accumulation, we determined the activity of GM2 synthesizing enzyme (GM3:UDP-GalNAc transferase), as well as hexosaminidase activity, in sympathetic ganglia, but they did not change. Abnormal ganglioside and neutral glycosphingolipid metabolism, as well as sialyloligosaccharide and sialylglycoprotein metabolism, may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗