Biomedical subjects

H Tokuda

Publications and source records attributed to H Tokuda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

LolA-dependent release of a lipid-modified protein from the inner membrane of Escherichia coli requires nucleoside triphosphate.

The outer membrane-directed lipoproteins are released from the inner membrane of Escherichia coli as a complex with LolA, a periplasmic chaperone. The LolA-dependent release of lipoproteins is critical for lipoprotein sorting as it depends on the outer membrane-specific sorting signal. To clarify molecular events involved in the LolA-dependent lipoprotein release, we attempted to establish an in vitro assay system. The major outer membrane lipoprotein (Lpp) was found to lose its release competence soon after being processed to mature Lpp in the inner membrane and therefore could not be used as a substrate for an in vitro system. An Lpp derivative, L10P, was constructed and found to retain the release competence long after its maturation. L10P was synthesized and radiolabeled in spheroplasts in the absence of LolA; therefore, it remained anchored to the inner membrane of spheroplasts. Right-side out membrane vesicles containing L10P were then prepared and used to examine the release of L10P. In addition to LolA, L10P release absolutely required nucleoside triphosphate (NTP). A non-hydrolyzable NTP analogue strongly inhibited the NTP-dependent release. The outer membrane-specific sorting signal was essential for the in vitro release of L10P. Furthermore, L10P released in vitro was specifically incorporated into the outer membrane. These results indicate that the in vitro release of L10P represents an in vivo reaction and requires energy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Genetic analyses of the in vivo function of LolA, a periplasmic chaperone involved in the outer membrane localization of Escherichia coli lipoproteins.

The major outer membrane lipoprotein (Lpp) of Escherichia coli is released from the cytoplasmic membrane into the periplasm as a complex with LolA, a periplasmic chaperone, prior to the localization in the outer membrane. To determine whether or not LolA is generally involved in the outer membrane localization of lipoproteins in vivo, the chromosomal lolA gene was manipulated so as to be controlled by the lac promoter-operator. Depletion of LolA caused a severe growth defect, and impaired the outer membrane localization of Lpp and Pal, another outer membrane lipoprotein. Although LolA depletion did not immediately arrest the growth of cells lacking Lpp, disruption of the chromosomal lolA gene was lethal to the lpp strain, indicating that LolA is generally required for the outer membrane localization of lipoproteins, and therefore essential irrespective of the presence or absence of Lpp.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed1998

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of SecE of a marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus.

SecE is an essential membrane component of the Escherichia coli protein translocation machinery, which utilizes ATP and the proton motive force as energy sources. The secE homologue of marine Vibrio alginolyticus, in which protein translocation requires ATP and the sodium motive force, was cloned, sequenced, and characterized. Unlike most SecE homologues found in various organisms, SecE of V. alginolyticus (Va-SecE) possesses three transmembrane sequences like E. coli SecE (Ec-SecE) and complements the DeltasecE mutation of E. coli. Alignment of the Ec-SecE and Va-SecE sequences revealed that the non-essential N-terminal half was less homologous than the essential C-terminal half between the two SecEs. The E. coli strain was able to grow and translocate the secretory protein in the complete absence of Ec-SecE when Va-SecE was expressed. The stabilization of SecY overproduction by Va-SecE was as effective as that by Ec-SecE, indicating that Va-SecE interacts with E. coli SecY despite the difference in energy requirement.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Sphingosine modulates interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts.

We previously reported that prostaglandin (PG)E1 and PGF2alpha induce the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) via activation of protein kinase (PK)A and PKC, respectively, in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, we have shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) elicits IL-6 synthesis through intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in these cells and that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) induces IL-6 synthesis through sphingosine 1-phosphate produced by sphingomyelin hydrolysis. In the present study, among sphingomyelin metabolites, we examined the effect of sphingosine on IL-6 synthesis induced by various agonists in MC3T3-E1 cells. Sphingosine inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by PGF2alpha or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, an activator of PKC. Sphingosine suppressed the PGE1-induced IL-6 synthesis. The IL-6 synthesis induced by cholera toxin, forskolin, or dibutyryl cAMP was inhibited by sphingosine. Sphingosine inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by bFGF or A23187. However, sphingosine did not affect the IL-6 synthesis induced by interleukin-1. On the contrary, sphingosine enhanced the TNF-induced IL-6 synthesis. DL-threo-Dihydrosphingosine, an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase, reduced the enhancement by sphingosine as well as the TNF-effect. These results indicate that sphingosine modulates the IL-6 synthesis stimulated by various agonists in osteoblasts.

Alprostadil↗

PubMed1998

Cloning and expression of the secA gene of a marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus, and analysis of its function in Escherichia coli.

We report the cloning, sequencing and functional characterization of the secA gene of a marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus, which has been suggested to utilize ATP and the sodium motive force for protein translocation. Oligodeoxynucleotides corresponding to highly conserved regions of Escherichia coli secA located in the high affinity ATP binding site were utilized as PCR primers to clone the secA gene of V. alginolyticus. It was shown to encode a 103.3-kDa protein. The deduced amino acid sequence of V. alginolyticus SecA (VaSecA) exhibits a high degree of identity (72.7%) to SecA of E. coli (EcSecA). The secA gene of E. coli forms an operon with upstream orfX, whereas no counterpart is present upstream of V. alginolyticus secA. Azide derepresses the EcSecA translation, whereas the level of VaSecA was unaffected by azide. Expression of VaSecA in E. coli carrying a temperature-sensitive secA mutation restored both growth and protein translocation at a non-permissive temperature. VaSecA was thus able to substitute for EcSecA despite the fact that the energy requirement for protein translocation differs between the two organisms. VaSecA was overproduced in V. alginolyticus and purified to homogeneity for N-terminal sequencing. The endogenous ATPase activity of the purified VaSecA was comparable with that of EcSecA. 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1998

Cancer chemopreventive activity of synthetic colorants used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic preparations.

In continuation with our studies to uncover cancer chemopreventive effects of non-toxic natural colorants and other products of biologic and synthetic origin, we tested several Food and Drug Administration-approved synthetic colorants for antitumor promoting potential by the in vitro Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation in Raji cells in response to the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Among 29 such colorants used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and evaluated in vitro, six of the 10 most effective had an azo group. Three structurally unrelated colorants tested in this assay were also studied in vivo for chemoprevention of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced TPA-promoted mouse skin carcinogenesis. The results indicate that tartrazine, indigo carmine and erythrosine are potent inhibitors of skin tumor promotion in mice treated with DMBA and TPA.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

PubMed1998

Tiludronate inhibits interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts: inhibition of phospholipase D activation in MC3T3-E1 cells.

In previous studies, we have reported that PGF2alpha stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis by phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by phospholipase D through heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that PGF2alpha and PGE1 induce interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis via activation of protein kinase C and protein kinase A, respectively. In the present study, we investigated the effect of tiludronate, a bisphosphonate known to inhibit bone resorption, on the PGF2alpha- and PGE1-induced IL-6 synthesis in these cells. Tiludronate significantly suppressed the PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 0.1 and 30 microM. However, the IL-6 secretion induced by PGE1 or (Bu)2cAMP was hardly affected by tiludronate. The choline formation induced by PGF2alpha was reduced by tiludronate dose-dependently in the range between 0.1 and 30 microM. On the contrary, tiludronate had no effect on PGF2alpha-induced formation of inositol phosphates. Tiludronate suppressed the choline formation induced by NaF, known as an activator of heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein. However, tiludronate had little effect on the formation of choline induced by TPA, a protein kinase C activator. Tiludronate significantly inhibited the NaF-induced IL-6 secretion in human osteoblastic osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells. These results strongly suggest that tiludronate inhibits PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 synthesis via suppression of phosphatidylcholine-hydrolyzing phospholipase D activation in osteoblasts, and that the inhibitory effect is exerted at the point between heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein and phospholipase D.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1998

Involvement of specific mechanism in plasmid DNA uptake by mouse peritoneal macrophages.

The binding and uptake of plasmid DNA encoding luciferase reporter gene (pCMV-Luc) were studied in vitro using cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages. A significant and time-dependent cellular association of [32P]pCMV-Luc with resident macrophages was observed at 37 degrees C and this decreased at 4 degrees C. The binding at 4 degrees C was saturable and a Scatchard plot gave a maximum binding capacity of 0.81 microgram/mg-protein and a dissociation constant of 0.30 microgram/ml. The binding of [32P]-pCMV-Luc was inhibited by polyinosinic acid, dextran sulfate and salmon sperm DNA, but not by polycytidylic acid, dextran and EDTA. A confocal microscopic study demonstrated that fluorescein-labeled pCMV-Luc was internalized at 37 degrees C while only cell surface binding occurred at 4 degrees C. No significant luciferase gene expression was obtained after incubation with a high concentration (100 micrograms/ml) of pCMV-Luc. These data suggest that plasmid DNA is taken up by macrophages via a mechanism mediated by a receptor like the macrophage scavenger receptor.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Uptake and gene expression of naked plasmid DNA in cultured brain microvessel endothelial cells.

Cellular uptake and gene expression of plasmid DNA and its cationic liposome complexes were studied using primary cultures of bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMEC) developed as an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier. An avid association of naked plasmid DNA with the BMEC monolayer was observed at 37 degreesC, which is comparable to that of the DNA/liposome complex. The cellular association significantly decreased at low temperature (4 degreesC). The binding at 4 degreesC was saturable and significantly inhibited by polyanions involving polyinosinic acid and dextran sulfate, typical ligands for the macrophage scavenger receptors, but not by polycytidylic acid or in the presence of EDTA. Unexpectedly, a significant gene expression in the BMEC was obtained by transfection with naked plasmid DNA although the expression level was lower than that obtained by plasmid DNA/cationic liposome complex. Taken together, cultured capillary endothelial cells derived from the brain are able to take up naked plasmid DNA via a scavenger receptor like-mediated mechanism for polyanions and gene expression in the cells takes place.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Inhibitory effects of fatty acid monoesters of 2-O-beta-D-glucosylglycerol on Epstein-Barr virus activation.

In a screening for cancer chemopreventing agents several glycosylglycerols were found to be active. In order to optimize the anti-tumor activity of this class of compounds, a series of 1-O-acyl-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-sn-glycerols differing in the acyl chain length, which varied from C4 to C18, were examined for their in vitro anti-tumor promoting effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-BA) activation induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Among the compounds tested, the monohexanoyl derivative was the most active and, noteworthy, the most potent compound of the glycosylglycerol series hitherto known.

Antigens, Viral↗

PubMed1998

Involvement of protein kinase C activation in endothelin-1-induced secretion of interleukin-6 in osteoblast-like cells.

We previously reported that endothelin-1 (ET)-1 stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) independently of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of ET-1 on the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) activation in the IL-6 secretion in these cells. ET-1 significantly stimulated IL-6 secretion time-dependently up to 72 h. The stimulative effect was dose-dependent in the range between 1 nM and 1 microM. BQ123, a selective antagonist of endothelinA (ETA) receptor, inhibited the ET-1-induced IL-6 secretion. On the contrary, BQ788, a selective antagonist of endothelinB (ETB) receptor, had no effect. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a PKC-activating phorbol ester, significantly stimulated IL-6 secretion. However, 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a PKC-nonactivating phorbol ester, did not affect IL-6 secretion. The effect of a combination of ET-1 and TPA on IL-6 secretion was not additive. Calphostin C, a specific PKC inhibitor, significantly inhibited the ET-1-induced IL-6 secretion. Both ET-1- and TPA-induced IL-6 secretion were reduced in PKC downregulated MC3T3-E1 cells. These results strongly suggest that ET-1 stimulates IL-6 secretion via ETA receptor in osteoblast-like cells and that PKC activation is involved in the ET-1-induced IL-6 secretion.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Retinoic acid suppresses interleukin-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandins in osteoblasts.

We previously reported that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) induces the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) via cAMP production in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that, on the other hand, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) stimulates IL-6 synthesis via activation of protein kinase C. In the present study, we examined the effect of retinoic acid on IL-6 synthesis induced by these two prostaglandins in MC3T3-E1 cells. Retinoic acid inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by PGF2alpha or PGE1 in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 0.1 and 10 nM. Retinoic acid also suppressed the IL-6 synthesis stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. The IL-6 synthesis induced by cholera toxin, forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP was inhibited by retinoic acid. However, retinoic acid had little effect on the IL-6 synthesis induced by interleukin-1. These results indicate that retinoic acid inhibits IL-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandins in osteoblasts as follows: the inhibitory effect on the PGE1-induced IL-6 synthesis is exerted at a point downstream from cAMP, and the inhibitory effect on the PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 synthesis is exerted at a point downstream from protein kinase C.

Alprostadil↗

PubMed1998

Effect of vitamin D3 on interleukin-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandins in osteoblasts.

In previous studies, we have shown that prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) stimulates interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis via activation of protein kinase C in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) induces the synthesis of IL-6 through protein kinase A activation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of vitamin D3 on IL-6 synthesis in MC3T3-E1 cells. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), an active form of vitamin D3, inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by PGF2alpha or PGE1. On the contrary, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, an inactive form of vitamin D3, had no effect. 1,25-(OH)2D3 did not affect the IL-6 synthesis stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. The IL-6 synthesis induced by cholera toxin or forskolin was significantly inhibited by 1,25-(OH)2D3. However, 1,25-(OH)2D3 had little effect on the IL-6 synthesis induced by dibutyryl cAMP. These results strongly suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3, an active form of vitamin D3, inhibits IL-6 synthesis at both the protein kinase C pathway and the protein kinase A pathway in osteoblasts.

Alprostadil↗

PubMed1998

Interleukin-6 synthesis induced by prostaglandin E2: cross-talk regulation by protein kinase C.

We previously showed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates multiple intracellular signaling pathways as follows: by activation of adenylate cyclase; phosphoinositide (PI)-hydrolyzing phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-hydrolyzing phospholipase D; and by induction of Ca2+ influx in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of PGE2 on the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its regulatory mechanism in MC3T3-E1 cells. PGE2 significantly stimulated IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 1 nmol/L and 10 micromol/L. A23187, a calcium ionophore, or dibutyryl-cAMP significantly induced IL-6 secretion. The effect of a combination of A23187 and dibutyryl-cAMP on IL-6 secretion was additive. The depletion of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA reduced the PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. EP1 receptor antagonist inhibited the PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. H-89, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, decreased the PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. EP2 receptor agonist alone stimulated IL-6 secretion. However, EP4 receptor antagonist had little effect on IL-6 secretion. Calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), enhanced the secretion of IL-6 induced by PGE2. The stimulative effect of PGE2 on IL-6 secretion was significantly enhanced in PKC downregulated MC3T3-E1 cells. Pertussis toxin enhanced PGE2-induced IL-6 secretion. These results strongly suggest that PGE2 stimulates IL-6 synthesis through both Ca2+ mobilization from extracellular space via EP1 receptor and cAMP production via EP2 receptor in osteoblast-like cells, and that the PKC activation by PGE2 itself regulates oversynthesis of IL-6.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1998

Antitumor-promoting naphthoquinones from Catalpa ovata.

Bioassay-directed fractionation of an extract of the stem-bark of Catalpa ovata led to the isolation of three new naphthoquinones: 8-methoxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone (1), 9-methoxy-4-oxo-alpha-lapachone (2), and (4S,4aR,10R,10aR)-4, 10-dihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2,3,4,4alpha,10, 10alpha-hexahydrobenzo[g]chromen-5-one (3), which is a 1,4-reductive form of 6. The known compounds 3-hydroxydehydroiso-alpha-lapachone (4), 4,9-dihydroxy-alpha-lapachone (5), 4-hydroxy-alpha-lapachone (6), and 9-methoxy-alpha-lapachone (7), and catalpalactone (8) were also isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods. These compounds all exhibited significant inhibitory activity against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation in Raji cells.

Antigens, Viral↗

PubMed1998

Coupled structure changes of SecA and SecG revealed by the synthetic lethality of the secAcsR11 and delta secG::kan double mutant.

An Escherichia coli strain carrying either the secAcsR11 or delta secG::kan mutation is unable to grow at low temperature owing to cold-sensitive protein translocation but grows normally at 37 degree C. However, introduction of the two mutations into the same cells caused a severe defect in protein translocation and the cells were unable to grow at any temperature examined, indicating that secG is essential for the secAcsR11 mutant. The mutant SecA (csSecA) was found to possess a single amino acid substitution in the precursor-binding region and was defective in the interaction with the precursor protein. Furthermore, the membrane insertion of SecA and the membrane topology inversion of SecG, both of which took place upon the initiation of protein translocation, were significantly retarded even at 37 degree C, when csSecA was used instead of the wild-type SecA. The insertion of the wild-type SecA was also significantly defective when SecG-depleted membrane vesicles were used in place of SecG-containing ones. No insertion of csSecA occurred into SecG-depleted membrane vesicles. Examination of in vitro protein translocation at 37 degree C revealed that SecG is essential for csSecA-dependent protein translocation. We conclude that SecG and SecA undergo a coupled structure change, that is critical for efficient protein translocation.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1998

Triiodothyronine modulates interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts: inhibitions in protein kinase A and C pathways.

In osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, we recently reported that PGE1 and PGF2alpha induce interleukin (IL)-6 synthesis via activation of protein kinase A and protein kinase C, respectively. Moreover, in the case of IL-1-induced IL-6 synthesis in these cells, we showed that protein kinase C activation by IL-1 limits the IL-6 synthesis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of T3 on IL-6 synthesis induced by these agonists in MC3T3-E1 cells. T3, which by itself had little effect on IL-6 synthesis, significantly reduced the IL-6 synthesis induced by PGE1 in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 10 pM and 10 nM. T3 also reduced PGE1-induced activation of protein kinase A. T3 inhibited the IL-6 synthesis induced by cholera toxin, an activator of Gs, or forskolin, which directly activates adenylate cyclase. However, T3 did not affect (Bu)2cAMP-induced IL-6 synthesis. In addition, T3 reduced PGF2alpha-induced IL-6 synthesis dose dependently in the range between 10 pM and 10 nM. T3 also inhibited IL-6 synthesis induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. On the other hand, T3 markedly enhanced IL-1-induced IL-6 synthesis. This enhancement by T3 was potentiated in protein kinase C down-regulated cells. T3 hardly affected the protein kinase C activation induced by PGF2alpha or IL-1. These results strongly suggest that T3 modulates IL-6 synthesis at two points in osteoblasts as follows; one is exerted at the point between adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A, and the other is at a point downstream from protein kinase C activation.

Alprostadil↗

PubMed1998

Anti-tumor-promoting activity of majonoside-R2 from Vietnamese ginseng, Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. (I).

Seven saponins (1-7) isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Panax vietnamensis were tested for their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) induced by the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), in Raji cells as a primary screening test for anti-tumor-promoters (cancer chemopreventive agents). The ocotillol-type saponin, majonoside-R2 (2), which is the major and characteristic constituent of this plant, exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on EBV-EA activation. Furthermore, the cell cycle analysis of 2 on Raji cells was also examined and strong inhibition was observed on the effect of the cell cycle induced by TPA. Compound 2 showed potent anti-tumor-promoting activity in two-stage carcinogenesis tests of mouse skin using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) as an initiator and TPA or fumonisin B1 as a promoter. Consequently, these results suggest that majonoside-R2 (2) could be a valuable chemopreventive agent against chemical carcinogenesis.

Animals↗