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Gozoh Tsujimoto

Publications and source records attributed to Gozoh Tsujimoto.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

The MCM3 acetylase MCM3AP inhibits initiation, but not elongation, of DNA replication via interaction with MCM3.

Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins are essential components of pre-replication complexes, which limit DNA replication to once per cell cycle. MCM3 acetylating protein, MCM3AP, binds and acetylates MCM3 and inhibits cell cycle progression. In the present study, we examined inhibition of the cell cycle by MCM3AP in a cell-free system. We show here that wild type MCM3AP, but not the acetylase-deficient mutant, inhibits initiation of DNA replication, but not elongation. Both wild type and acetylase-deficient mutant MCM3AP, however, can bind to chromatin through interaction with MCM3. These results indicate that MCM3 acetylase activity of MCM3AP is required to inhibit initiation of DNA replication and that association of MCM3AP to chromatin alone is not sufficient for the inhibition. We also show that interaction between MCM3 and MCM3AP is essential for nuclear localization and chromatin binding of MCM3AP. Furthermore, the chromatin binding of MCM3AP is temporally correlated with that of endogenous MCM3 when cells were released from mitosis. Hence, MCM3AP is a potent natural inhibitor of the initiation of DNA replication whose action is mediated by interaction with MCM3.

Acetyltransferases↗
PubMed2002

Global analysis of differentially expressed genes during progression of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

The process of nephrolithiasis development is poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we constructed a cDNA microarray from a rat kidney normalized cDNA library, and investigated the pattern of gene expression in rat kidneys from a calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis model. One hundred and seventy-three genes were found to be at least 2-fold regulated at one or more time points during progression of nephrolithiasis. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed differential expression at both transcriptional and translational levels of genes identified by cDNA microarray screening. The differentially regulated genes were grouped into six clusters based on their expression profiles; the magnitude and the temporal patterns of gene expression identified known and novel molecular components involved in inflammation and matrix expansion in the CaOx nephrolithiasis kidney. This microarray study is the first report on gene expression programs underlying the process of nephrolithiasis.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Role of Dbl's big sister in the anti-mitogenic pathway from alpha1B-adrenergic receptor to c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

We previously reported that the alpha1B-adrenergic receptor leads to activation of Rho family small GTPases, and in turn, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which results in the inhibition of cell proliferation. Here, we show the involvement of the Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Dbl's Big Sister (Dbs) in the signaling pathway. Transfection of a Dbl-homology (DH) and pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain-deficient form of Dbs into cells blocked the alpha1B-adrenergic receptor-induced activation of JNK. Conversely, transfection of an isolated DH domain of Dbs induced JNK activation. Stimulation of the alpha1B-adrenergic receptor enhanced an intrinsic Cdc42-GEF activity of Dbs in a manner dependent on Src family tyrosine kinases. Additionally, DH and PH domain deficient Dbs blocked the receptor-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, while DH domain of Dbs inhibited cell proliferation via the JNK-dependent pathway. Taken together, Dbs may play an important role in the anti-mitogenic JNK pathway downstream of the alpha1B-adrenergic receptor.

Enzyme Activation↗
PubMed2002

Marked increase in CC chemokine gene expression in both human and mouse mast cell transcriptomes following Fcepsilon receptor I cross-linking: an interspecies comparison.

Rodent mast cells (MCs) are common experimental tools but are somewhat different from their human counterparts in their responses to certain cytokines and drugs. We examined the expression of more than 10 000 distinct genes in human and mouse cultured MCs using high-density oligonucleotide probe arrays to find molecules similarly regulated and expressed by the 2 MC types. After stimulation via high-affinity Fcepsilon receptor I (FcepsilonRI), the transcriptional levels of several CC chemokines were markedly increased, and I-309 (CCL1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) (CCL3) and MIP-1beta (CCL4) were found among the 10 most increased human and mouse transcripts from approximately 12 000 genes (including some expressed sequence tags). In addition, a costimulatory molecule that was originally found on the membrane of activated T cells, 4-1BB (CD137), was found among the 10 most increased transcripts. The FcepsilonRI-induced expression of CC chemokines and 4-1BB was also detected at the protein level in both MC types. The conservation of these responses suggests that MCs play a crucial role in recruitment of various CCR-expressing cells into the tissue in a manner dependent on immunoglobin E, and that FcepsilonRI-mediated induction of several CC chemokines and 4-1BB is highly conserved between human and mouse. Interspecies comparison studies at the whole genome expression level should be useful for the interpretation of experimental data obtained in animal models of human pathobiology.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Antagonistic effects of antimuscarinic drugs on alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

We previously observed that noradrenaline (NA)-induced contraction of the portal vein of rabbit was relaxed by the antimuscarinic drugs of atropine sulfate, but not scopolamine hydrobromide. In the present study we examined the possible effect of the antimuscarinic drugs of atropine sulfate, scopolamine hydrobromide, p-fluoro-hexa-hydro-sila-difenidol ( p-F-HHSiD, the M(3)-receptor antagonist) and pirenzepine (the M(1)-receptor antagonist) on alpha(1)-adrenoceptor (AR). Atropine and p-F-HHSiD relaxed the alpha(1)-AR agonist methoxamine-induced contraction of the rabbit portal vein in a concentration-dependent manner; however, scopolamine and pirenzepine had no such inhibitory effect. Radioligand binding studies with the alpha(1)-AR ligand 2-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-[(125)I]iodo-phenyl)ethylaminomethyl]-alpha-tetralone ([(125)I]HEAT) in membrane preparations from mouse whole brain showed that atropine (p K(i)=5.33) and p-F-HHSiD (p K(i)=5.88) had higher affinities than scopolamine (p K(i)=3.17) and pirenzepine (p K(i)<2.70). Furthermore, atropine and p-F-HHSiD had higher affinities for all human cloned alpha(1)-ARs than scopolamine and pirenzepine. The results show that the antimuscarinic drugs atropine and p-F-HHSiD have a direct but weak antagonistic activity against alpha(1)-ARs.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

Two novel transcripts for human endothelin B receptor produced by RNA editing/alternative splicing from a single gene.

Hirschsprung disease is a heterogeneous genetic disorder, causative genes of which include the endothelin B receptor (ETB). To investigate the mutations of ETB in Hirschsprung disease, expression of the ETB gene in lymphoblastoid cells from patients and normal healthy adults was examined, and novel mutant transcripts were found. The mutant ETB gene transcripts lacked a 134-bp nucleotide sequence corresponding to exon 5, and some also contained a substitution from A to G at position 950 in exon 4, resulting in an amino acid substitution from glutamine (Q) to arginine (R). This substitution was suspected to be the result of RNA editing because it was not present in the genomic sequence. Transfection experiments using ETB minigenes containing the editing site with or without the gene for double-strand RNA deaminases (ADAR1 and ADAR2) revealed that the deaminases were involved in RNA editing. Furthermore, a c-Myc-tagged mutant ETB protein was not detected by Western blot analysis. The present results show that the mutant ETB transcripts were novel splice variants, which might not be translated, or that the products translated from splice variants might be quickly degraded, presumably because of their instability. The preferential production of this null function ETB by RNA editing/splicing could be involved in the etiology of some cases of Hirschsprung disease.

Alleles↗
PubMed2002

Differences in the subcellular localization of alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes can affect the subtype selectivity of drugs in a study with the fluorescent ligand BODIPY FL-prazosin.

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes are differentially distributed in the cell; however, it remains unclear how this affects the subtype selectivity of particular drugs. In the present study, we used flow cytometry analysis with the fluorescent ligand, BODIPY FL-prazosin, to study the relationship between the subcellular distribution of subtype receptors and the subtype-selective character of ligands using alpha1a and alpha1b-adrenoceptors (ARs). Alpha1a-ARs predominantly localize inside the cell, while alpha1b-ARs on the cell surface. Flow cytometry analysis and confocal laser-scanning micrographs of living cells showed that BODIPY FL-prazosin can label not only alpha1-ARs on the cell surface, but also those localized inside the cell. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis of alpha1A-AR-selective drug, KMD-3213, and alpha1B-AR-selective drug, CEC, revealed that the major determinant of the subtype selectivity of each drug is different. The alpha1A-AR selectivity of KMD-3213 can be explained by its much higher affinity for alpha1a-AR than alpha1b-AR (affinity-dependent selectivity), while the alpha1B-AR selectivity of the hydrophilic alkylating agent CEC is due to preferential inactivation of alpha1-ARs on the cell surface (receptor localization-dependent selectivity). This study illustrates that factors in addition to the affinity of the drug for the receptor, such as subcellular localization of the receptor, should be taken into account in assessing the subtype selectivity of a drug.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

SNP genotyping in the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor by electronic microchip assay, DHPLC, and direct sequencing.

The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) is the key target for the beta(2)-agonist drugs used for bronchodilation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To detect four SNPs with amino acid variations at positions -47T/C (CysBUP19Arg), 46A/G (Gly16Arg), 79C/G (Gln27Glu), and 491C/T (Thr164Ile) in the beta 2AR gene, we used the electronic microchip assay, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), and direct sequencing. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from the blood of 84 Japanese healthy volunteers. The agreement rates of the first data set with the final data (allele calls) were 99.7% (332/333), 99.2% (246/248), and 96.7% (329/340). The percentages of no allele designation (ND) were 2.06% (7/340), 2.75% (7/255), and 0.00% (0/340) for the electronic microchip assay, DHPLC, and direct sequencing, respectively. Furthermore, we found three samples that had a novel haplotype.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2002

Signalling mechanisms in sphingosine 1-phosphate-promoted mesangial cell proliferation.

BACKGROUND: The bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is formed by the activation of sphingosine kinase (SPHK) in diverse stimuli, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). S1P acts not only as an extracellular mediator but also as an intracellular second messenger, resulting in the proliferation of various different types of cells. However, the signal transduction mechanism in S1P-induced proliferation of mesangial cells is poorly known. RESULTS: We examined the signalling mechanisms by which S1P and dihydro-S1P (DHS1P), another S1P receptor agonist, induce mesangial cell proliferation. We first observed that exogenous S1P/DHS1P had additive effects on the PDGF-promoted proliferation of mesangial cells. Treatment of mesangial cells with pertussis toxin almost completely inhibited S1P- and DHS1P-induced, and slightly inhibited PDGF-induced cell proliferation. Additionally, the ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059 partially blocked the proliferation of mesangial cells induced by all these ligands. N,N-dimethylsphingosine, a competitive inhibitor of SPHK, reduced PDGF-induced mesangial cell proliferation, whereas over-expression of SPHK promoted it. We also revealed that PDGF induces SPHK mRNA expression and SPHK activity, suggesting that SPHK, which links the PDGF to the S1P signalling cascade, is, at least in part, involved in PDGF-induced mesangial cell proliferation. Moreover, we found that extracellular S1P stimulates two S1P receptors, EDG3 and EDG5, which leads to cell proliferation and survival. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that S1P-induced mesangial cell proliferation is mediated by EDG-dependent and -independent signalling pathways. S1P may cooperate with PDGF to increase the proliferation of mesangial cells during pathophysiological processes.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Beta(1)-selective agonist (-)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenetylamino)-3-(3,4-dihydroxy)-2-propanol [(-)-RO363] differentially interacts with key amino acids responsible for beta(1)-selective binding in resting and active states.

(-)-1-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenetylamino)-3-(3,4-dihydroxy)-2-propanol [(-)-RO363] is a highly selective beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) agonist. To study the binding site of beta(1)-selective agonist, chimeric beta(1)/beta(2)ARs and Ala-substituted beta(1)ARs were constructed. Several key residues of beta(1)AR [Leu(110) and Thr(117) in transmembrane domain (TMD) 2], and Phe(359) in TMD 7] were found to be responsible for beta(1)-selective binding of (-)-RO363, as determined by competitive binding. Based on these results, we built a three-dimensional model of the binding domain for (-)-RO363. The model indicated that TMD 2 and TMD 7 of beta(1)AR form a binding pocket; the methoxyphenyl group of N-substituent of (-)-RO363 seems to locate within the cavity surrounded by Leu(110), Thr(117), and Phe(359). The amino acids Leu(110) and Phe(359) interact with the phenyl ring of (-)-RO363, whereas Thr(117) forms hydrogen bond with the methoxy group of (-)-RO363. To examine the interaction of these residues with beta(1)AR in an active state, each of the amino acids was changed to Ala in a constitutively active (CA)-beta(1)AR mutant. The degree of decrease in the affinity of CA-beta(1)AR for (-)-RO363 was essentially the same as that of wild-type beta(1)AR when mutated at Leu(110) and Thr(117). However, the affinity was decreased in Ala-substituted mutant of Phe(359) compared with that of wild-type beta(1)AR. These results indicated that Leu(110) and Thr(117) are necessary for the initial binding of (-)-RO363 with beta(1)-selectivity, and interaction of Phe(359) with the N-substituent of (-)-RO363 in an active state is stronger than in the resting state.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Agonists↗
PubMed2002

Differences in the cellular localization and agonist-mediated internalization properties of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes.

The cellular localization, agonist-mediated internalization, and desensitization properties of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1)-AR) subtypes conjugated with green fluorescent protein (alpha(1)-AR/GFP) were assessed using real-time imaging of living, transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. The alpha(1B)-AR/GFP fluorescence was detected predominantly on the cell surface. Stimulation of the alpha(1B)-AR with phenylephrine led to an increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and promoted rapid alpha(1B)-AR/GFP internalization. Long-term exposure (15 h) to phenylephrine resulted in desensitization of the alpha(1B)-AR-mediated activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Alpha(1A)-AR/GFP fluorescence was detected not only on the cell surface but also intracellularly. The rate of internalization of the cell surface population alpha(1A)-AR/GFPs was slower than that seen for the alpha(1B)-AR. Agonist exposure also resulted in desensitization of the alpha(1A)-AR-mediated increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The alpha(1D)-AR/GFP fluorescence was detected mainly intracellularly, and this localization was unaffected by exposure to phenylephrine. Phenylephrine treatment of alpha(1D)-AR/GFP expressing cells increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. However, this increase was not significant. Cotransfection with beta-arrestin 1 did not increase the rate or extent of agonist-stimulated alpha(1A)- or alpha(1B)-AR/GFP internalization. However, a dominant-negative form of the beta-arrestin 1, beta-arrestin 1 (319-418), blocked agonist-mediated internalization of both the alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-ARs. These data show that transfected alpha(1)-AR/GFP fusion proteins are functional, that there are differences in the cellular distribution and agonist-mediated internalization between the alpha(1)-ARs, and that agonist-mediated alpha(1)-AR internalization is dependent on arrestins and can be desensitized by long-term exposure to an agonist. These differences could contribute to the diversity in physiologic responses regulated by the alpha(1)-ARs.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists↗
PubMed2002

High-density oligonucleotide array analysis of mRNA transcripts in peripheral blood cells of severe atopic dermatitis patients.

BACKGROUND: There are few laboratory tests for evaluating atopic dermatitis (AD) with the exception of IgE levels or the eosinophil count. We attempted to identify new diagnostic markers by screening the genome-wide expression of transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). METHODS: For this study, we enrolled 7 nonatopic healthy volunteers, 5 AD patients who responded well to treatment and 6 who responded poorly. We compared genome-wide transcript levels in PBMC derived from patients with severe AD and healthy volunteers using high-density oligonucleotide arrays (GeneChip, Affymetrix). After the first screening with GeneChip, we employed real-time quantitative PCR to confirm differential expression levels. RESULTS: Screening with GeneChip showed that the levels of a total of 92 transcripts increased at least 3-fold in one population compared to another. After further evaluation of these genes with real-time quantitative PCR, the levels of 4 transcripts were confirmed to be significantly different in PBMC from AD patients compared to controls, namely IFN-gamma, TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), ISGF-3 (STAT1) and defensin-1. With the exception of IFN-gamma, none of these genes has previously been implicated in AD pathology. CONCLUSION: These 4 transcripts in PBMC are expected to be useful markers for evaluating AD.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2002

Identification of highly expressed genes in peripheral blood T cells from patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of genes that are differentially expressed in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and normal individuals will provide important information on the underlying molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of AD. METHODS: Transcript of freshly isolated peripheral blood T cells from 59 individuals were analyzed with a fluorescent differential display (FDD) method. Ninety-two differentially expressed genes were identified in this manner. Additionally, real-time quantitative RT-PCR was employed to investigate the expression of the FDD-selected genes and also genes related to T cell function. RESULTS: A number of genes, including CC chemokine receptor 4, T cell-specific tyrosine kinase (Emt/Itk), integrin beta1, integrin alpha6, IQGAP1 and MAR/SAR DNA-binding protein (SATB1), were shown to be more highly expressed in patients with moderate and/or severe AD than in controls or patients with mild AD. Because the products of these upregulated genes influence chemotaxis, adhesion, migration and Th2 polarization, it is suggested that in more severe AD, circulating T cells may function differently in this regard. Several other genes, the role of which in T cell function is currently unknown, were also found to be differentially expressed in AD. These included the heat shock protein 40 and vasopressin-activated calcium-mobilizing receptor 1. CONCLUSION: The upregulated genes identified in this work may serve as useful markers for moderate to severe AD as opposed to normal or mild AD and also as markers indicating progression to more severe AD. Further functional characterization will provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of circulating T cells in AD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Role of the alpha1D-adrenergic receptor in the development of salt-induced hypertension.

In an attempt to elucidate whether there is a specific alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha1-AR) subtype involved in the genesis or maintenance of hypertension, the alpha1D-AR subtype was evaluated in a model of salt-induced hypertension. The alpha1D-AR-deficient (alpha1D-/-) and control (alpha1D+/+) mice (n=8 to 14 in each group) were submitted to subtotal nephrectomy and given 1% saline as drinking water for 35 days. Blood pressure (BP) was monitored by tail-cuff readings and confirmed at the end point by direct intraarterial BP recording. The alpha1D-/- mice had a significantly (P=0.0004) attenuated increase in BP response in this protocol (baseline 94.6+/-2.8 versus end point 107.4+/-4.5 mm Hg) compared with that of their wild-type counterparts (alpha1D+/+), from a baseline 97.4+/-2.9 to an end point 139.4+/-4.5 mm Hg. Seven of 15 alpha1D+/+ mice died with edema, probably owing to renal failure, whereas 14 of 15 alpha1D-/- mice were maintained for 35 days. Body weight, renal remnant weight, and residual renal function were similar in the 2 groups, whereas the values of plasma catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) were higher in alpha1D+/+ than in the alpha1D-/- mice. These data suggest that alpha1D-AR plays an important role in developing a high BP in response to dietary salt-loading, and that agents having selective alpha1D-AR antagonism could have significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of hypertension.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptor directly regulates arterial blood pressure via vasoconstriction.

To investigate the physiological role of the alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1D)-AR) subtype, we created mice lacking the alpha(1D)-AR (alpha(1D)(-/-)) by gene targeting and characterized their cardiovascular function. In alpha(1D)-/- mice, the RT-PCR did not detect any transcript of the alpha(1D)-AR in any tissue examined, and there was no apparent upregulation of other alpha(1)-AR subtypes. Radioligand binding studies showed that alpha(1)-AR binding capacity in the aorta was lost, while that in the heart was unaltered in alpha(1D)-/- mice. Non-anesthetized alpha(1D)-/- mice maintained significantly lower basal systolic and mean arterial blood pressure conditions, relative to wild-type mice, and they showed no significant change in heart rate or in cardiac function, as assessed by echocardiogram. Besides hypotension, the pressor responses to phenylephrine and norepinephrine were decreased by 30-40% in alpha(1D)-/- mice. Furthermore, the contractile response of the aorta and the pressor response of isolated perfused mesenteric arterial beds to alpha(1)-AR stimulation were markedly reduced in alpha(1D)-/- mice. We conclude that the alpha(1D)-AR participates directly in sympathetic regulation of systemic blood pressure by vasoconstriction.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

Recent progress in alpha 1-adrenoceptor pharmacology.

The adrenoceptors (ARs) play a key role in the modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity and are a site of action for many clinically important therapeutic agents. The alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha1A-, alpha1B-, and alpha1D-AR) play a prominent role in regulating vascular tone and hypertrophic growth of smooth muscle and cardiac cells. Their functional characteristics with respect to ligand binding and second messenger utilization have been well described. Here, we review recent progress on subtype-specific subcellular localization, participation in signaling cascades, and the pivotal function of alpha1-ARs, as delineated through studies on genetically engineered animals. Together, these findings will provide new insights into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the alpha1-ARs.

Adrenergic Agents↗
PubMed2002

[Pharmacogenomics: the frontiers of genome medicine].

The Human Genome Project provides insights so profound that it has the ability to change everything we know about medicine and how medicines are developed. Pharmacogenomics is defined as studies to identify the genes that are involved in determining the responsiveness to a given drug and to distinguish responders and non-responders to a given drug. Genome sequencing, transcriptome, and proteome analysis are of particular significance in pharmacogenomics. Transcriptome analysis can be done by methods of random cDNA sequencing, mRNA display and, differential hybridization (i.e., cDNA microarray and associated methods). Our results suggest that the pharmacogenomic transcriptome analysis and pharmainformatics have potential as strategies for defining novel drug targets in various diseases. Pharmacogenomics enhances the development, commercialization, and clinical use of conventional pharmaceutical products for common diseases, and it will eventually become a powerful tool for Evidence-Based Medicine. It is also important to predict interindividual pharmacokinetic differences by genetic polymorphisms of transporters or pharmacokinetic changes by transporter-mediated drug interactions during drug development. Pharmacogenomics and pharmainformatics enable us to move quickly and efficiently from targets to appropriate medicines.

Animals↗