Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Y Ikawa

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ikawa.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Constitutive activation of Src family kinases in mouse embryos that lack Csk.

Csk is a novel cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase that has been shown to inactivate members of the Src family of protein-tyrosine kinases in vitro. To examine the function of Csk in vivo, Csk-deficient mouse embryos were generated by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. These embryos were developmentally arrested at the 10 to 12 somite stage and exhibited growth retardation and necrosis in the neural tissues. The kinase activity of p60c-src, p59fyn, and p53/56lyn in these embryos was greatly enhanced as an apparent consequence of enhanced specific activity. The increase in kinase activity was associated with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, especially those around 85 and 120 kd. Thus, these results suggest that Csk indeed acts as an indispensable negative regulator of Src family kinases in vivo.

Animals↗

Identification of a novel member of mouse hsp70 family. Its association with cellular mortal phenotype.

A novel 66-kDa protein, named p66mot-1, is identified to be associated with cellular mortality by virtue of its presence in cytosolic fractions of serially passaged mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and the mortal hybrids obtained by the fusion of mortal (MEF) and immortal (MN48-1, derivative of NIH 3T3) cells. Immortal cells lack this protein in their cytosolic fractions. cDNA cloning and homology search placed it in the heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) family. Microinjection of anti-p66 antibody to senescent MEF could transiently stimulate their cell division, which supports the cellular mortality-related function of p66mot-1.

3T3 Cells↗

Identification and differential expression of yeast SEC23-related gene (Msec23) in mouse tissues.

We have isolated a yeast SEC23-related clone (Msec23) from mouse fibroblast cDNA library. It has an open reading frame of 1721 bp (64% homologous to SEC23-2.3 kb) which can potentially encode a 64.7 kDa protein (61% homologous to 85.4 kDa product of SEC23). The deduced Msec23 protein (Msec23p) sequence contains three successive Ig-like domains at the N-terminus followed by amphipathic alpha-helical regions, suggesting the potential of Msec23p to interact with other protein components. Further, Msec23 is differentially expressed in mouse tissues with its high level in brain and fibroblasts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel ES cell line, TT2, with high germline-differentiating potency.

In producing mutant mice by gene-targeting and gene-trapping in embryonic stem (ES) cells, the efficient colonization of the mutant ES cells into germline is still a critical matter. We have established a new line of ES cells, TT2, from an F1 embryo between a C57BL/6 female and a CBA male. When the TT2 cells were injected into blastocysts, the colonization into each tissue was very low. However, when injected into eight-cell embryos, the cells segregated inside the blastomeres, localized in an inner cell mass of blastocysts developed 1 day later, and colonized efficiently in each tissue of the pups. The pups were disproportionately male, about half of which were composed of TT2-derived cells primarily; in more than 70% of the males, TT2-derived cells were dominant, accounting for over half of the total cells. When these males were mated, they exclusively yielded TT2-derived offspring. The germline-differentiating potency was stable during 3 weeks of culture. Twenty-one of 24 mutant clones independently isolated yielded germline chimeras, and 19 clones yielded them in a rate comparable to that of the parent cells. Thus, TT2 cells can serve as a valuable vehicle for the production of mutant mice.

Animals↗

A novel negative selection for homologous recombinants using diphtheria toxin A fragment gene.

In producing mutant mice by gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES) cells, the efficient isolation of the homologous recombinants is still a critical step. We previously reported on a negative selection using the diphtheria toxin A (DT-A) fragment gene for homologous recombinants (1). It was efficient but limited to gene loci expressed in ES cells. For wider applicability of this negative selection to many gene loci not expressed or expressed at low levels in ES cells, we exploited a novel targeting vector composed of a polyA-less neo gene, a mRNA destabilizing signal, a pausing signal for RNA polymerase II from the minute virus of mice, and the DT-A gene. There was about a 30-fold decrease in frequency of G418-resistant colonies with this strategy against that using only the neo gene in the vector, and homologous recombinants were obtained at frequencies of more than 1/50 among G418 resistant cells at fyn, csk, c-mos, and insulin receptor substrate-1 gene loci.

Animals↗

Degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscles in c-myb transgenic mice.

In order to reveal cellular processes sensitive to abnormal c-myb expression in vivo, transgenic mice were produced by introducing the c-myb nuclear proto-oncogene under the ubiquitous transcriptional regulatory unit of the cytoplasmic beta-actin gene. Expression of c-myb in thymus did not cause apparent abnormality, but the mice unexpectedly developed degenerative abnormalities in skeletal and cardiac muscles; this occurred predominantly in males. Expression of c-myb in skeletal muscle was correlated with an inflammation of muscle and was accompanied by vacuolar degeneration of muscle fibres, their regeneration, and lymphocyte infiltration. The identical pathological progression in cardiac muscle was associated with cardiomegaly.

Actins↗

Mapping of the KREV1 transformation suppressor gene and its pseudogene (KREV1P) to human chromosome 1p13.3 and 14q24.3, respectively, by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

The chromosomal location of the transformation suppressor gene KREV1 and its pseudogene (KREV1P) on R-banded human prometaphase chromosomes was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The KREV1 gene mapped to chromosome 1p13.3, whereas the KREV1P pseudogene mapped to 14q24.3. Our results substantiate the previous mapping data of Rousseau-Merck et al. (1990) and further confine the position of the RAP1A/KREV1 gene to a narrower region.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Regional localization of Fyn in adult brain; studies with mice in which fyn gene was replaced by lacZ.

Mutant mice in which beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ) was inserted into fyn locus were generated by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells to examine the Fyn expression in the central nervous system. In adult brain, intensive beta-galactosidase activity was observed in olfactory bulb, cerebellum and hippocampus of the limbic system; the subcellular distribution of the activity was apparent not only in cell body but also in neural processes, and homozygous mutant mice live-born displayed an anatomical abnormality in the neural cell layer of the hippocampal formation. In spinal cord it was specifically expressed in dorsal horn, and in brain stem it was more characteristic in the sensory pathway, suggesting roles of Fyn in the sensory nervous network. In the white matter area, it was intense at postnatal day 10 but not detectable in adult, suggesting Fyn's role in myelinization.

Animals↗

MDS-like experimental myelodysplasia: multilineage abnormal hematopoiesis in transgenic mice harboring the SV40 large T antigen under an immunoglobulin enhancer.

The SV40 large T gene under the control of immunoglobulin enhancer induced hyperproliferation of multilineage hematopoiesis in transgenic mice. Huge splenomegaly was the major gross abnormality; mice were rather anemic, and neither leukoerythroblastosis nor invasion into tissues such as liver, kidneys or lymph nodes was common. In the latter phases of the disease, the proliferating cell type tended to shift to a variety of single-lineage hematopoiesis, but the majority of mice still showed the presence of multilineage hematopoiesis; such cells were somewhat dysplastic but low in neoplastic potential. A long-term observation by transplantation of the hematopoietic cells into lethally irradiated C57BL/6 mice resulted in a variety of neoplastic growths in the recipients; not only was myelodysplastic hypercellularity seen, but also single-lineage hematopoietic malignancies such as B cell lymphomas/leukemias, histiocytic malignancies and even myeloid leukemias. The disease bore the proliferative feature solely in the spleen and bone marrow, and the transition from multilineage myelodysplasia into single-lineage hematopoiesis at some frequency is reminiscent of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in humans. The results that the SV40 large T antigen was expressed in every proliferating cell, and that there was no apparent increase in any colony-stimulating cytokine(s), together with the results of the transplantation assays, suggested that the hyperproliferation of the hematopoietic cells was a direct consequence of the expression of SV40 large T antigen in these cells themselves.

Animals↗

A novel tyrosine kinase, hyk, expressed in murine embryonic stem cells.

To identify tyrosine kinases which play roles in mammalian early development, the 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was performed on mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Among eight tyrosine kinases thus identified, we report here a novel tyrosine kinase, hyk (adhesion structures linked tyrosine kinase). The sequences of the 4.7 kb cDNA indicated the presence of RGD motif and three epidermal growth factor-like domains put between two immunoglobulin-like domains and three fibronectin type III domains in its extracellular region. It is strongly expressed in ES cells and later stages of embryos, but at low levels in midgestation embryos. It is also expressed at a low level in neural precursor cells from 10-day embryos, but at high levels in embryonic day 15 and neonatal brains. In adult tissues it is expressed ubiquitously.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

DRG: a novel developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein.

Using a subtraction cloning approach we had previously isolated a series of murine cDNA clones representing the genes predominantly expressed in the embryonic brain and down-regulated during development. We now report that one of these cDNA clones encodes a novel type of GTP-binding protein. The predicted protein of 40.5 kD, named DRG, contains five structural motifs characteristic of the GTP-binding proteins. Consistently, bacterially expressed and cellular DRG proteins are capable of binding GTP in vitro. Sequences closely related to the DRG protein are found in other species including Drosophila and Halobacterium. Based on these observations, we propose that DRG represents an evolutionarily conserved novel class of GTP-binding protein which may play an important role in cell physiology.

Aging↗

Expression of DRG during murine embryonic development.

We had previously characterised a cDNA which encodes a novel GTP-binding protein DRG. The expression of drg gene is down-regulated during the embryonic development of murine central nervous system. Further analysis of drg mRNA and protein in adult mouse tissues and various cell lines of different origins indicated that it is expressed widely, albeit at low and variable levels. In situ hybridisation analysis of mRNA expression in sections of mouse embryos indicated that drg is expressed strongly in various embryonic tissues. The expression of drg mRNA is greatly reduced in newborn animals. At cellular level, DRG protein can be detected in the cytoplasm. These observations suggest that DRG may play multiple roles in development and normal cell metabolism.

3T3 Cells↗

Identification of a developmentally regulated gene in the mouse central nervous system which encodes a novel proline rich protein.

A full length cDNA whose corresponding mRNA is down-regulated during the mouse embryonic brain development was isolated. The cDNA contains a single long open reading frame which could encode a protein with relative molecular mass of 41 kDa. The predicted gene product contains long stretches of prolines towards the NH2-terminus, followed by a leucine/proline rich region. The cDNA probe detected a number of mRNA species in Northern blot analysis. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA from adult mouse tissues indicated that heart and testis expressed this gene (named NDPP-1) at relatively high levels, while lower levels of mRNA were detected in a number of other tissues. Expression of NDPP-1 was also detected in embryonic carcinoma and pheochromocytoma cell lines, but not in fibroblasts. The cDNA hybridized to genomic DNA from several vertebrates species in Southern blot analysis indicating interspecies conservation of this gene. The interesting pattern of expression of the NDPP-1 gene during mouse brain development and the structure of its putative protein product indicate that this gene may play an important biological role in the development of mouse central nervous system.

Animals↗

A marine algal Na(+)-activated ATPase possesses an immunologically identical epitope to Na+,K(+)-ATPase.

Immunological homology was investigated between Heterosigma akashiwo (a marine algae) Na(+)-activated ATPase and animal Na+,K(+)-ATPase. The former polypeptide [(1989) Plant Cell Physiol. 30, 923-928] reacted with anti-serum raised against the amino-terminal half of the pig kidney Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha subunit. It is suggested that the Na+,K(+)-ATPase epitope within the amino-terminal region is conserved in the plant Na(+)-activated ATPase, and the region containing the epitope may be important for Na ion transport.

Antibodies↗

Distinct downstream signaling mechanism between erythropoietin receptor and interleukin-2 receptor.

Erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and interleukin-2 receptor beta chain (IL-2R beta) belong to the same cytokine receptor superfamily and have highly conserved sequences in their intracellular signaling domain. However, common downstream signaling pathways of these receptors have not been demonstrated. In the present study, we introduced and expressed the murine EPOR in murine IL-2-, IL-3- and IL-5-dependent cell lines and analyzed their growth response to EPO. We found that the expression of EPOR induced EPO dependence in IL-3-dependent BAF-B03 and IL-5-dependent Y16 cells but not in IL-2-dependent CTLL-2 cells, although the EPOR-expressing CTLL-2 cell lines could bind and internalize EPO as efficiently as the BAF-B03-derived cell lines. Additional expression of AIC2B, a common signal transducer for IL-3R, IL-5R and GM-CSFR, made no difference to the EPO responsiveness of the EPOR-expressing CTLL-2 cell lines. These results suggest that the cellular components required for the transduction of EPOR signal and IL-2R signal are at least partially different, and this difference cannot be explained solely by the absence of AIC2B.

Animals↗

Thy-1 inhibits mitogen-induced Ca2+ oscillation in ras-transformed mouse fibroblasts.

Cell surface glycoprotein Thy-1 functions as a transformation suppressor in v-ras-transformed NIH/3T3 cells [Sugimoto et al., (1991) Cancer Res. 51, 99-104.]. In order to understand the mechanism of action of Thy-1, we examined the effect of Thy-1 expression on mitogen-induced Ca2+ oscillation which was correlated with v-ras-transformation [Fu et al., (1991) FEBS Lett. 281, 263-266.]. Forced expression of Thy-1 in v-ras-transformed cells inhibited mitogen-induced Ca2+ oscillation. Although v-Ras-free, Thy-1-positive NIH/3T3 cells (major population) did not show Ca2+ oscillation, whereas in Thy-1-negative NIH/3T3 cells (less than 1% of the population) Ca2+ oscillation was observed. Finally, replacement of the carboxyl-half of Thy-1 with that of CD4 abolished the inhibitory effect of Thy-1. These results suggest that Thy-1 directly or indirectly participates in the negative regulation of Ca2+ response by inhibiting Ca2+ oscillation.

3T3 Cells↗

In vitro accurate transcription from the cap site of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) dependent on the BLV-infected cell nuclear lysate.

The cell-free transcriptional system initiating from the cap site in bovine leukemia virus (BLV) LTR by RNA polymerase II was constructed. The transcription was completely dependent on the template DNA and the nuclear lysate isolated from BLV-infected bat lung cells (TB1Lu). The relative transcriptional rates estimated using several deletion mutants around the promoter sequence in BLV LTR as templates closely corresponded to that obtained by transient expression assay in cultured cells using these plasmids and tax-producing plasmid. The partial purification of the factor(s) involving to the transcriptional activation from the nuclear lysate suggested that the factor(s) was different from tax and rex, the regulatory factors encoded on viral genome. The transcription from the caps site of adenovirus E3 was also stimulated in the presence of the nuclear lysate from BLV-infected cells.

Animals↗