Biomedical subjects

Fumio Yagi

Publications and source records attributed to Fumio Yagi.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Cloning and expression of a mannose-binding jacalin-related lectin from leaves of Japanese cycad (Cycas revoluta Thunb.).

Cycad leaf lectin (CRLL), a mannose-recognizing jacalin-related lectin (mJRL), was first cloned as a gymnosperm lectin and expressed. The cDNA sequence of CRLL (DDBJ, accession no. AB198328), coding 291 amino acid residues, has a tandem repeat of about 150 amino acids divided into N- and C-terminal domains as Japanese chestnut mJRL. Sequence alignment showed deletion and insertion of the sequence, and its putative carbohydrate-binding sites showed some differences from other JRLs. PCR analysis showed that this lectin was expressed in the cycad leaf but not in the root or seed. Recombinant CRLL (rCRLL) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography after refolding procedures. Properties of active rCRLL appeared to be almost the same as those of native CRLL.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

The influence of size perception and internal modeling on the control process while lifting.

The present study sought to verify object size perception through internal modeling while lifting an object. Electromyography (EMG) activity of the upper limb muscles was recorded while 20 healthy females alternately lifted two containers of the same weight, but were unequal in size. When subjects lifted the small container, a significant increase was observed in the EMG activity. Most subjects determined that the small container was heavier than the large container, and predicted that the large container would be heavier than the small container due to size difference. The results may be explained by supporting that subjects predict object weight based on perception of size through internal modeling; however, predictions are cross-checked and modified through sensory feedback based on subjective weight.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Extraction of leukemia specific glycan motifs in humans by computational glycomics.

There have been almost no standard methods for conducting computational analyses on glycan structures in comparison to DNA and proteins. In this paper, we present a novel method for extracting functional motifs from glycan structures using the KEGG/GLYCAN database. First, we developed a new similarity measure for comparing glycan structures taking into account the characteristic mechanisms of glycan biosynthesis, and we tested its ability to classify glycans of different blood components in the framework of support vector machines (SVMs). The results show that our method can successfully classify glycans from four types of human blood components: leukemic cells, erythrocyte, serum, and plasma. Next, we extracted characteristic functional motifs of glycans considered to be specific to each blood component. We predicted the substructure alpha-D-Neup5Ac-(2-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-D-GlcpNAc as a leukemia specific glycan motif. Based on the fact that the Agrocybe cylindracea galectin (ACG) specifically binds to the same substructure, we conducted an experiment using cell agglutination assay and confirmed that this fungal lectin specifically recognized human leukemic cells.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2005

Overall carbohydrate-binding properties of Castanea crenata agglutinin (CCA).

The carbohydrate-binding properties of Castanea crenata agglutinin (CCA) were investigated by an enzyme-linked lectin absorbent assay. The binding ability of each carbohydrate was compared using IC(50) values. CCA exhibited mannose/glucose specificity, as observed with many mannose-binding jacalin-related lectins. For oligosaccharides containing glucose, it has been shown that the degree of polymerization and the linkage mode of glucose residues have no effect on CCA-carbohydrate interaction; thus, only the non-reducing end glucose unit in glucooligosaccharides may be involved in the interaction with CCA. Among mannooligosaccharides, CCA strongly recognized alpha-(1-->3)-D-Man-[alpha-D-Man-(1-->6)]-D-Man, which is a core in N-linked carbohydrate chains. By considering the results with glycoproteins, it is likely that CCA binds preferentially to mono- or non-sialylated biantennary carbohydrate chains. We also obtained K(d) values by analysis of the dependency of the IC(50) on CCA concentration, based on the hypothesis that CCA has a single binding site or two equivalent binding sites. The estimated K(d) values for mannose, glucose and alpha-(1-->3)-D-Man-[alpha-D-Man-(1-->6)]-D-Man were 2.39, 7.19 and 0.483 mM, respectively. The relative binding abilities showed good agreement with the relative inhibition intensities. Isothermal calorimetric titration was carried out to directly estimate the dissociation constants of CCA for mannose and for alpha-D-Man-(1-->3)-D-Man. The values were 2.34 mM for mannose and 0.507 mM alpha-D-Man-(1-->3)-D-Man. These results suggest that the relative inhibition intensity represents the ratio of K(d) values and that CCA has a single or two equivalent binding sites.

Calorimetry↗

PubMed2005

Structural basis of a fungal galectin from Agrocybe cylindracea for recognizing sialoconjugate.

Galectin from an edible fungus Agrocybe cylindracea (ACG) has a strong preference for N-acetylneuraminyl lactose (NeuAcalpha2-3lactose). The sugar recognition mechanism of ACG was explored by the X-ray crystallographic analyses of ligand-free ACG, and its complex with lactose, 3'-sulfonyl lactose and NeuAcalpha2-3lactose. The refined structure shows that ACG is a "proto"-type galectin composed of a beta-sandwich of two antiparallel sheets, each with six strands, in contrast to the five and six strands in animal galectins. ACG dimer in solution was classified as being among the "layer"-type. The carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of this galectin is common to those of animal galectins, except for substitution of one residue, Ala64, which corresponds to Asn46 in human galectin 1. A five-residue insertion in ACG at positions 42-46 involving Ser44 and Asn46 modified the architecture of the sugar binding site that contributes sialic acid specificity. Furthermore, it was found that the binding of a sulfate ion near the CRD in the ligand-free form led to a change in the conformation of the loop region caused by main-chain cis/trans transition between Ser44 and Pro45.

Agaricales↗

PubMed2005

Comparative analysis of carbohydrate-binding properties of two tandem repeat-type Jacalin-related lectins, Castanea crenata agglutinin and Cycas revoluta leaf lectin.

Lectins belonging to the jacalin-related lectin family are distributed widely in the plant kingdom. Recently, two mannose-specific lectins having tandem repeat-type structures were discovered in Castanea crenata (angiosperm) and Cycas revoluta (gymnosperm). The occurrence of such similar molecules in taxonomically less related plants suggests their importance in the plant body. To obtain clues to understand their physiological roles, we performed detailed analysis of their sugar-binding specificity. For this purpose, we compared the dissociation constants (K(d)) of Castanea crenata agglutinin (CCA) and Cycas revoluta leaf lectin (CRLL) by using 102 pyridylaminated and 13 p-nitrophenyl oligosaccharides with a recently developed automated system for frontal affinity chromatography. As a result, we found that the basic carbohydrate-binding properties of CCA and CRLL were similar, but differed in their preference for larger N-linked glycans (e.g. Man7-9 glycans). While the affinity of CCA decreased with an increase in the number of extended alpha1-2 mannose residues, CRLL could recognize these Man7-9 glycans with much enhanced affinity. Notably, both lectins also preserved considerable affinity for mono-antennary, complex type N-linked glycans, though the specificity was much broader for CCA. The information obtained here should be helpful for understanding their functions in vivo as well as for development of useful probes for animal cells. This is the first systematic approach to elucidate the fine specificities of plant lectins by means of high-throughput, automated frontal affinity chromatography.

Agglutinins↗

PubMed2005

The effects of an attentional demand tasks on standing posture control.

The present study sought to determine if the postural sway of a subject required to grasp a tray (motor task) holding a cup filled with water and prevent spilling (mental task), would be reduced by consciously redirecting attention to maintain the tray in a horizontal position. We hypothesized the mental task would increase the stabilization of standing postural balance. Postural sway was measured in 17 normal subjects under the following conditions: 1) holding a 100 g weight in each hand (total 200 g; no mental task), 2) holding with both hands a tray on which 200 g was placed (tray-holding task), and 3) holding with both hands a tray on which a cup filled with water weighing 200 g was placed in the center (mental task). Postural sway was significantly reduced during the mental task versus other tasks. Standing posture balance was stabilized when a mental task was added. Thus, we concluded that higher brain functions such as attention and consciousness exerted a significant influence over the control of standing posture.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Azoxyglycoside content and beta-glycosidase activities in leaves of various cycads.

Azoxyglycoside contents in leaves of 32 cycad species belonging to 10 cycad genera and the seeds of 4 Encephalartos species were analyzed by HPLC with a YMC-PA03 amide column. Azoxyglycosides were detected in mature leaves of 14 cycad species including 2 Bowenia, 2 Lepidozamia, 1 Microcycas, and 1 Stangeria species, but not in mature leaves of 18 other cycad species; 2 of 3 Ceratozamia, 1 of 3 Cycas, 3 of 3 Dioon, 10 of 11 Encephalartos, 1 of 3 Macrozamia and 1 of 3 Zamia species analyzed. The ratios of beta-glycosidase activity toward cycasin and macrozamin in extracts from the leaves of 9 species belonging to 9 genera were measured. The hydrolysis of cycasin was higher in the leaf extracts of Cycas revoluta, Bowenia spectabilis, Stangeria eriopus and Ceratozamia mexicana, whereas in Lepidozamia hopei, the hydrolysis levels of cycasin and macrozamin were similar. On the other hand, activity toward macrozamin was higher in Dioon edule, Encephalartos villosus, Macrozamia miquelii and Zamia fischeri. The hydrolytic activities in most species were estimated to be sufficient for the release of methylazoxymethanol in leaves analogous to the cyanogenesis of cyanogenic plants. Therefore, hydrolysis of azoxyglycosides by endogenous glycosidase in leaves seems to occur by accidental injury of leaves. However, in M. miquelii leaf extract, hydrolytic activity toward macrozamin was high and the activity toward cycasin was very low, though only cycasin was found in the leaves of this species.

Cycadopsida↗

PubMed2004

Influence of perceptual learning on standing posture balance: repeated training for hardness discrimination of foot sole.

The current study investigated the influence of perceptual learning training for hardness discrimination of sponge rubber by the soles on postural sway. Subjects consisted of 30 healthy male volunteers. They were divided into two groups of 15 each at random: perceptual learning training group and a control group. For hardness discrimination training, rubber sponges 5, 10, and 20 mm thick were combined to change the thickness of rubber to 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm. The hardness discrimination training was administered with eyes closed in the standing position for each day for 10 days. The center of pressure measured using a stabilometer was used as the indicator for postural sway. Postural sway was measured for 30 s with eyes open and closed before and after hardness discrimination training. Statistical analysis was performed for length, enveloped area, and rectangular area. Postural sway after training showed a significant decrease compared to sway before training in the perceptual learning training group. However, there was no change on postural sway in the control group. In conclusion, data indicate that the ability of the healthy subjects to regulate their standing posture improved with improvement of the perceptive ability of the soles.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The expression profile of lectin differs from that of seed storage proteins in Castanea crenata trees.

Using Northern blot analysis, the expression of the Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata Sieb. et Zucc.) agglutinin (CCA) gene was compared with that of its seed storage protein (SSP) gene. After cDNA cloning of SSP, the expression profile of SSP mRNA and CCA mRNA were compared. SSP mRNA was seed-specific, while CCA mRNA was expressed in the stems and flowers (both male and female) as well as in the seeds. Whereas extracts from all organs observed using Western blot analysis exhibited positive signals, in seeds, large expressions of SSP mRNA were restricted to the late maturation and harvest stages. Levels were maintained during the dormant period. No expression was observed during the germination stage. In contrast, CCA mRNA expression was maintained at a high level during development, was at a relatively low level during dormancy, and showed subsequent high expression during germination. These results suggest that one of the physiological roles of CCA is to act as a vegetative storage protein. But since protein expression did not coincide with that of mRNA, the expression of CCA may be regulated both at the transcription and the translation levels.

Agglutinins↗

PubMed2003

Structure and physicochemical properties of starches from kidney bean seeds at immature, premature and mature stages of development.

Starches from kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Toramame) seeds at the immature, premature, mature stages of development were examined. The starch content increased from 94, 219 to 265 mg per seed. Starches showed the C(a)-crystalline type composed of small (<5 micrometer) and large (10-35 micrometer) granules, with the large granules largely increasing with maturity. The amylose content increased from 21, 26 to 27%, and rapid viscograms and DSC thermograms suggested that the mature-stage starch was gelatinized with ease. The amylose increased in size from DPn 820, 1000 to 1080 and a number of chains per molecule (NC) from 3.3, 4.2 to 4.5. The branched amylose was a minor component (11-18% by mole) with NC 20-22. The amylopectin was similar in CL (23), beta-amylolysis limit (59%), and chain-length distribution, but reduced in size (DPn 17,100-5270) and increased in content of phosphorus (114-174 ppm) with an increase in the amount of phosphorus linked to C-6 of the glucose residue (8-66%).

Microscopy, Electron, Scanning↗

PubMed2003

Modulation of olfactory learning in young rats through intrabulbar GABA(B) receptors.

After training with an odour paired with foot shock on postnatal day 11, rat pups show an aversion to the odour in testing on postnatal day 12. The mechanisms underlying this aversive olfactory learning involve disinhibition of mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb by the somatosensory stimulation-induced activation of centrifugal noradrenergic fibres originating in the locus coeruleus. The activity of mitral/tufted cells is regulated through gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABA(A)) receptors in the external plexiform layer and GABA(B) receptors in the glomerular layer. We have previously presented that aversive olfactory learning in young rats is modulated through GABA(A) receptors in the olfactory bulb. In the present study we examined the consequence of manipulating GABA(B) receptors in the olfactory bulb during training. Baclofen, a GABA(B) receptor agonist when infused into the olfactory bulb during the pairing of an odour with foot shock, prevented aversive olfactory learning in a dose-dependent manner. Infusion of saclofen, a GABA(B) receptor antagonist, during training with a citral odour in the absence of foot shock produced aversive responses not only to the odour, but also to strange odours (benzaldehyde and vanillin) not previously presented. Such olfactory aversions were observed even if saclofen was infused without odour exposure. These results suggest that olfactory learning in young rats is modulated through GABA(B) receptors in the olfactory bulb.

Acyclic Monoterpenes↗

PubMed2003

Effects of perceptual learning exercises on standing balance using a hardness discrimination task in hemiplegic patients following stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of perceptual learning exercises for hardness discrimination by the soles on standing balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group and participated in a rehabilitation programme. INTERVENTION: The experimental group received perceptual learning exercises on hardness discrimination using three different levels of hardness of a rubber sponge for 10 days. MAIN MEASURES: Length, enveloped area and rectangular area of the parameter of postural sway were measured by a stabilometer on entry into the study and after 10 days. RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects completed the study. Data indicate that more parameters indicating postural sway were significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group. Also, there was a significant difference between the groups in change scores (pre-exercise minus post-exercise) of length and enveloped area. CONCLUSION: The plantar perception exercise used as a method in this study is considered to be effective as a supplemental exercise for standing balance. The possibility of clinical application using the hardness discrimination task with rubber as a balance exercise is therefore suggested.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Oligosaccharide specificity of galectins: a search by frontal affinity chromatography.

Galectins are widely distributed sugar-binding proteins whose basic specificity for beta-galactosides is conserved by evolutionarily preserved carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs). Although they have long been believed to be involved in diverse biological phenomena critical for multicellular organisms, in only few a cases has it been proved that their in vivo functions are actually based on specific recognition of the complex carbohydrates expressed on cell surfaces. To obtain clues to understand the physiological roles of diverse members of the galectin family, detailed analysis of their sugar-binding specificity is necessary from a comparative viewpoint. For this purpose, we recently reinforced a conventional system for frontal affinity chromatography (FAC) [J. Chromatogr., B, Biomed. Sci. Appl. 771 (2002) 67-87]. By using this system, we quantitatively analyzed the interactions at 20 degrees C between 13 galectins including 16 CRDs originating from mammals, chick, nematode, sponge, and mushroom, with 41 pyridylaminated (PA) oligosaccharides. As a result, it was confirmed that galectins require three OH groups of N-acetyllactosamine, as had previously been denoted, i.e., 4-OH and 6-OH of Gal, and 3-OH of GlcNAc. As a matter of fact, no galectin could bind to glycolipid-type glycans (e.g., GM2, GA2, Gb3), complex-type N-glycans, of which both 6-OH groups are sialylated, nor Le-related antigens (e.g., Le(x), Le(a)). On the other hand, considerable diversity was observed for individual galectins in binding specificity in terms of (1) branching of N-glycans, (2) repeating of N-acetyllactosamine units, or (3) substitutions at 2-OH or 3-OH groups of nonreducing terminal Gal. Although most galectins showed moderately enhanced affinity for branched N-glycans or repeated N-acetyllactosamines, some of them had extremely enhanced affinity for either of these multivalent glycans. Some galectins also showed particular preference for alpha1-2Fuc-, alpha1-3Gal-, alpha1-3GalNAc-, or alpha2-3NeuAc-modified glycans. To summarize, galectins have evolved their sugar-binding specificity by enhancing affinity to either "branched", "repeated", or "substituted" glycans, while conserving their ability to recognize basic disaccharide units, Galbeta1-3/4GlcNAc. On these bases, they are considered to exert specialized functions in diverse biological phenomena, which may include formation of local cell-surface microdomains (raft) by sorting glycoconjugate members for each cell type.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The lectin from leaves of Japanese cycad, Cycas revoluta Thunb. (gymnosperm) is a member of the jacalin-related family.

A novel lectin was isolated from leaves of the Japanese cycad, Cycas revoluta Thunb. (gymnosperm), and its characteristics including amino acid composition, molecular mass, carbohydrate binding specificity and partial amino acid sequences were examined. The inhibition analysis of hemagglutinating activity with various sugars showed that the lectin has a carbohydrate-binding specificity similar to those of mannose recognizing, jacalin-related lectins. Partial amino acid sequences of the lysylendopeptic peptides shows that the lectin might have a repeating structure and belong to the jacalin-related lectin family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗