PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Takiguchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Takiguchi.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of rat mitochondrial 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase with no transient presequence: structural relationship with peroxisomal isozyme.

The sorting of homologous proteins between two separate intracellular organelles is a major unsolved problem. 3-Oxoacyl-CoA thiolase is localized in mitochondria and peroxisomes, and provides a good system for the study on the problem. Unlike most mitochondrial matrix proteins, mitochondrial 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase in rats is synthesized with no transient presequence and possess information for mitochondrial targeting and import in the mature protein. Two overlapping cDNA clones contained an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 397 amino acid residues (predicted Mr = 41,868), a 5' untranslated sequence of 164 bp, a 3' untranslated sequence of 264 bp and a poly(A) tract. The amino acid sequence of the mitochondrial thiolase is 37% identical with that of the mature portion of rat peroxisomal 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase precursor. These results suggest that the two thiolases have a common origin and obtained information for targeting to respective organelles during evolution. Two portions in the mitochondrial thiolase that may serve as a mitochondrial targeting signal are presented.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase↗

The expression and detection of MHC class I antigens on murine neuroblastoma and ependymoblastoma lines.

It has been reported that human neuroblastoma lines are almost devoid of class I transplantation antigens, while human glioma lines express these antigens. Other studies have also shown a paucity of class I antigens on the murine neuroblastoma line N2A, and the expression of these antigens by the murine ependymoblastoma G26 lines. Such differences might represent heterogeneity in class I antigen expression by different brain cell types, and the importance of this to the immunology of the brain prompted us to re-examine class I expression by these cell lines in more detail. Using an exhaustive number of approaches, we were not able to detect significant differences in class I surface antigen expression between N2A and the G26 lines. We compared the murine neuroblastoma line Cl300 and its cloned derivative, N2A, to the lines G26-20 and G26-24. Antibody-dependent, complement-mediated cytotoxicity revealed detectable levels of both K and D region antigens on these lines. Immunocytofluorometric analysis further confirmed that these lines express high levels of class I antigens, although due to their large sizes, the surface densities of class I antigens on these cells are lower than splenocytes. This lower density of class I molecules did not impede the capacity of either the neuroblastoma or the G26 lines to serve as targets of H-2K- or D-specific T effectors. Finally, comparison of these two cell types for class I RNA transcripts also revealed no difference. Thus, our findings which are the most detailed study of these lines are drastically different from findings in humans as well as earlier findings in the murine system. Likely explanations are discussed and precautions are given for the study of class I antigen expression by these lines.

Animals↗

Structure of the rat ornithine carbamoyltransferase gene, a large, X chromosome-linked gene with an atypical promoter.

Rat mitochondrial ornithine carbamoyltransferase (EC 2.1.3.3) is encoded by a gene located on the X chromosome and expressed specifically in the liver and small intestine; we have cloned this gene and determined its structure. The gene is 75 kilobases long and is split into 10 exons. The introns range in length from 85 bases to 26 kilobases. The sum of the total exons is 1.5 kilobases and occupies only 2% of the gene; this value being one of the lowest among genes heretofore reported. The first exon encodes most of the NH2-terminal presequence that functions as a mitochondrial targeting signal. Putative binding sites for the two substrates of the enzyme, carbamoyl phosphate and ornithine, are encoded by exons 3 and 9, respectively. A set of "CAAT box"- and "ATA box"-like sequences is present about 200 bases upstream from the 5' end of the mRNA. About 35 bases downstream from this set of putative promoter elements, an 11-nucleotide sequence around the 5' end of the mRNA reappears, as a direct repeat. This pair of direct repeats may play a role in pulling the cap site and the promoter elements together. Upstream and downstream from the 5' end of the mRNA there are several sequences that resemble the transcription factor Sp1 binding site, the enhancer core sequence, the consensus sequence for the glucocorticoid receptor binding sites, and the putative enhancer element of the antithrombin III gene, another gene that is expressed specifically in the liver.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of cDNA for human liver arginase.

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) catalyzes the last step of the urea cycle in the liver of ureotelic animals. Inherited deficiency of the enzyme results in argininemia, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hyperammonemia. To facilitate investigation of the enzyme and gene structures and to elucidate the nature of the mutation in argininemia, we isolated cDNA clones for human liver arginase. Oligo(dT)-primed and random primer human liver cDNA libraries in lambda gt11 were screened using isolated rat arginase cDNA as a probe. Two of the positive clones, designated lambda hARG6 and lambda hARG109, contained an overlapping cDNA sequence with an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 322 amino acid residues (predicted Mr, 34,732), a 5'-untranslated sequence of 56 base pairs, a 3'-untranslated sequence of 423 base pairs, and a poly(A) segment. Arginase activity was detected in Escherichia coli cells transformed with the plasmid carrying lambda hARG6 cDNA insert. RNA gel blot analysis of human liver RNA showed a single mRNA of 1.6 kilobases. The predicted amino acid sequence of human liver arginase is 87% and 41% identical with those of the rat liver and yeast enzymes, respectively. There are several highly conserved segments among the human, rat, and yeast enzymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of dietary protein source on the activity of polysomal ornithine decarboxylase messenger RNA in rat liver.

To pursue the mechanism underlying dietary induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in rat liver, changes in free-polysome-associated messenger RNA (mRNA) activity for the enzyme were studied in rats fed diets containing either casein or zein. The enzyme activity increased 50- to 100-fold in 4 h after feeding a 50% casein diet. Changes in the amount of immunoreactive ODC protein roughly paralleled changes in the enzyme activity. Dietary casein was found to cause a several fold increase in polysomal mRNA activity coding for this enzyme, which preceded the increase in catalytic activity. Therefore, the induction of hepatic ODC by casein feeding is due partly to an increase in the activity of its mRNA associated with free polysomes and partly to some translational and/or posttranslational control. On the other hand, feeding the zein diet hardly increased ODC activity, immunoreactive ODC protein or free-polysomal ODC-mRNA activity. This indicates that adequate supply and balance of amino acids are required both for the increase in polysome-associated ODC-mRNA activity and for the translational and/or posttranslational mechanism(s) during the induction of hepatic ODC activity.

Animals↗

Biosynthesis of membrane polypeptides of rat liver peroxisomes.

The biosynthesis of three major peroxisomal membrane polypeptides of rat liver was investigated. Total hepatic RNA extracted by the guanidinium/CsCl method from three control and three di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (a peroxisomal proliferator)-fed rats was translated in vitro in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate protein-synthesizing system. Translation products were immunoprecipitated by the antibodies against peroxisomal membrane polypeptides, subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and analyzed by fluorography. The in vitro translation products of 70, 26, and 22 kDa peroxisomal membrane polypeptides were apparently of the same size as the respective mature polypeptides. The ratio of translatable mRNA levels for the 70, 26, and 22 kDa polypeptides in di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-fed rats to those in control rats were 5.4, 11.4, and 2.7, respectively. The synthesis of these three polypeptides with the free polysome fraction from di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-fed rats was more active than that with the membrane-bound polysome fraction, whereas the synthesis of albumin with the free polysome fraction was 27% of that with the membrane-bound polysome fraction. These results indicate that the peroxisomal major membrane polypeptides are synthesized on free polysomes and transported to peroxisomal membrane without any apparent proteolytic processing, and that the induction of these polypeptides by administration of a peroxisomal proliferator corresponds well to the induction of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes. The data also support the idea that peroxisomes are organized from pre-existing peroxisomes.

Animals↗

Molecular aspects of urea cycle enzymes and related disorders.

Amino acid sequence of rat ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) precursor containing an NH2-terminal presequence of 32 residues was deduced from the cDNA sequence. Comparison with the human and Escherichia coli enzymes indicated that regions containing the putative binding sites for the substrates are highly conserved among the three species. cDNA clones for rat and human liver arginase were isolated and predicted amino acid sequences were compared with that of the yeast enzyme. There are several regions highly conserved among the three species which may be important for catalysis. Several cases of carbamyl phosphate synthetase I and OTC deficiencies were analyzed for enzyme activity, enzyme amount and mRNA activity.

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗

Expression and function of class II antigens on gastric carcinoma cells and gastric epithelia: differential expression of DR, DQ, and DP antigens.

The expression of human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class II antigens on gastric epithelia and gastric carcinoma (GaCa) was studied with the use of murine monoclonal antibodies to DR, DQ, and DP antigens. DR and DP antigens but not DQ antigens were demonstrated in fundic glands of normal gastric epithelia, and DP+ cells were located in part of the DR+ epithelia. Of 15 GaCas examined, 11 expressed DR antigen, and the degree of the expression varied considerably among the specimens. DP antigen was found in 3 of the 11 DR+ carcinomas, and the DQ antigen was found in one of the 3 DR+ DP+ specimens. Thus the expression of class II antigens in normal gastric epithelia and GaCas appears to be in the order of DR, DP, and DQ. Studies on 3 GaCa cell lines (Kato III, MKN28, and MKN45) demonstrated that 1 line (Kato III) expressed DR antigen only, and the remaining lines were negative. Interferon (IFN)-gamma treatment enhanced the expression of DR antigen on Kato III cells and induced expression of DQ and DP antigens. The IFN-gamma treatment also induced expression of DR antigen but not DQ or DP antigens in 1 of the 2 negative cell lines. The induction of the class II antigens by IFN-gamma was shown to be dose dependent. However, maximal induction of DQ and DP antigens on the Kato III cells and DR antigens on MKN45 cells required 10 times more IFN-gamma than that needed for the maximal expression of DR antigen on Kato III. Northern blot analyses of cytoplasmic RNA from these cells were in agreement with and affirmed the above-described expression of the class II antigens on the cell lines. The DR antigen on the Kato III cells was capable of stimulating allogeneic lymphocytes in MLR, and its stimulatory activity was significantly enhanced by IFN-gamma. These results demonstrated a differential expression of class II antigens in the "DR, DP, and DQ order" in normal gastric epithelia, GaCa cells, and GaCa cell lines, suggesting different mechanisms acting discordantly on the expression of each of these antigens and that the DR antigen on the GaCa cell lines possesses MLR-stimulatory ability.

Animals↗

Parameter estimation of respiratory impedance measured by forced complex-wave oscillations.

Respiratory impedance data measured using the forced oscillation method were analyzed using an equivalent circuit model and the following conclusions were obtained: 1) Use of the complex wave oscillation method provided a measurement range of over 9 cmH2O/1/s with a resolution of 0.13 cmH2O/1/s. 2) The respiratory system was expressed as a two-compartment model. By expressing the circuit characteristics as phasor loci, a method was shown whereby individual impedance parameter values could be derived from the measured impedance phasor loci. 3) Under enflurane anesthesia, the model parameter values were derived as R1 = 1.2, R2 = 1.6 cmH2O/1/s, C1 = 0.02, C2 = 0.041/cmH2O and L = 0.065 cmH2O/1/s2.

Adult↗

Molecular cloning of cDNA for rat mitochondrial 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase.

Messenger RNA for 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial matrix enzyme of fatty acid beta-oxidation, was purified from livers of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate-treated rats by immunoadsorption of hepatic free polysomes to fixed cells of Staphylococcus aureus and enrichment for poly(A)-rich RNA by oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography. Plasmid cDNA was constructed from this poly(A)-rich RNA by a modification of the method of Okayama and Berg and was transformed into the Escherichia coli DH1 strain. Plasmids containing cDNA sequences coding for 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase were screened by differential colony hybridization, and were identified by hybrid-arrested translation and hybrid-selected translation. Plasmid pHADH-1, which contains a 1400-base-pair insert, hybridized to rat 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase mRNA with a length of 1700 bases. Determination of the dehydrogenase mRNA by in vitro translation and dot-blot analysis with the cDNA probe showed that the induction of the enzyme in rat liver by di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate could be attributed to an increase in the mRNA concentration.

3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases↗

Molecular cloning of cDNA for rat mitochondrial 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase.

Messenger RNA of rat 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase (acetyl-CoA acyltransferase), a mitochondrial matrix enzyme involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation, was enriched by immunoprecipitation of rat liver free polysomes and recombinant plasmids were prepared from the enriched mRNA by a modification of the vector-primer method of Okayama and Berg. The transformants were initially screened for 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase cDNA sequences by differential colony hybridization with [32P]cDNAs, synthesized from the immunopurified and unpurified mRNAs. The cDNA clones for 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase were identified by hybrid-arrested translation and hybrid-selected translation. One of the clones, designated pT1-1, contained a 700-base insert and hybridized to a mRNA species of 1.6 X 10(3) bases in rat liver. The transformants were rescreened using the cDNA insert of pT1-1 as a hybridization probe and a clone (pT1-19) with a 1.5 X 10(3)-base insert was obtained. Activity and concentration of 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase mRNA were quantified by in vitro translation and dot-blot analysis using the cDNA insert as a hybridization probe. The level of translatable and hybridizable mRNA in rat liver was increased about 5.1-fold and 4.6-fold, respectively, after administration of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, a potent inducer of the enzyme. The 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase mRNA levels thus determined correlated closely with levels of the activity and amount of this enzyme.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase↗

Isolation and characterization of the human ornithine transcarbamylase gene: structure of the 5'-end region.

We isolated over 20 phage clones carrying the ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) [EC 2.1.3.3] gene, from two independently constructed human genomic DNA libraries, using as probes either a rat OTC cDNA or several nuclear DNA fragments derived from some of these isolated clones. These clones, classified into 10 different groups, overlapped and spanned a region of more than 85 kilobase pairs of the human genomic DNA. Restriction mapping and Southern blot analyses demonstrated that one of the clones covers the 5'-end region of the OTC gene. We sequenced the 5'-end region of the OTC gene and found that it covered 665 base pairs of the 5'-flanking region, the complete first exon and a part of the first intron (150 base pairs). In the 5'-flanking region, there were two pairs of putative CAAT and TATA boxes and one enhancer core-like sequence, GTGGAAAG. The first exon contained a coding region for most of the OTC presequence, i.e. 26 out of 32 amino acid residues of the presequence, including the initiation methionine.

Base Sequence↗

Dural sinus pressure: various aspects in human brain surgery in children and adults.

To prevent air embolism and minimize neurosurgical venous hemorrhage, the dural sinus pressure (confluens sinuum pressure, CSP) was examined under various conditions in 47 cases, 11 of whom were children. Either the extracranial (group A) or catheter type (group B) pressure transducer was used. The latter gave approximately 30% higher values than the former. In any surgical position, children showed a tendency toward higher pressure than did adults. This was particularly the case in the sitting position; adults showed negative pressure [-8.6 +/- 2.3 (SD) mmHg, group A], whereas all eight children less than 9 yr of age (group A, 5 cases; group B, 3 cases) showed positive pressure. The youngest with negative CSP in a sitting position was a 9-yr-old boy. When the upper half of the body was raised, the CSP decreased linearly and became zero at approximately 25 degrees. In anteflexion of the neck, the CSP decreased significantly, and even with inclination of the upper half of the body of only 15-20 degrees or more upward, negative pressure was observed in adults. In children, right and left rotation of the neck showed remarkable increase of the CSP. In both supine and sitting positions, CSP was elevated sufficiently by bilateral jugular compression to prevent air embolism. Positive-pressure respiration did not raise the CSP, contrary to widely accepted knowledge. This study was originally performed in relation to brain surgery, but the results also seemed to be valuable in physiology.

Adolescent↗

Induction of antigen presentation ability in purified cultures of astroglia by interferon-gamma.

The role of the immune system in the central nervous system has been elusive. Our original description of Ia bearing cells in the central nervous system was controversial, although it has now been confirmed in a variety of systems in both mouse and humans. The function of Ia bearing cells is however still unclear. Recently, others have shown that astrocytes from rats with EAE could present myelin basic protein to T cell clones; however, no other antigens were tested. We have used the culture systems of McCarthy and DeVellis to produce purified cultures of astrocytes and oligodendroglial cells from newborn mouse brains. Newborn brains were chosen since it is impossible to obtain pure cultures of differentiated brain cells from adult mice. Using these cultures, we showed that astrocyte, but not oligodendrocyte cultures treated with ConA supernatants or recombinant IFN-gamma are able to present antigen to appropriate but not inappropriate T cell hybrids. Untreated cells of either the astrocyte or oligodendroglial cell populations were ineffective at antigen presentation. Concomitant with this increase in antigen presenting ability, follows an increase in both the number and density of MHC class I and class II antigens. Antigen presentation was inhibited by appropriate but not inappropriate anti Ia monoclonal antibodies. Anti class I antibodies were ineffective. Depletion experiments showed that both I-A and I-E molecules are expressed on the antigen presenting cells. Thus, we have been able to show that Ia+ cells derived from pure cultures of astrocytes are able, after induction with IFN-gamma, to present antigen to T cell hybrids. This suggests a possible physiologic role of Ia bearing cells in CNS in initiation of immune responses.

Animals↗

Response of glioma cells to interferon-gamma: increase in class II RNA, protein and mixed lymphocyte reaction-stimulating ability.

Previous results by ourselves and others demonstrated that brain cells and cell lines express major histocompatibility complex class II antigens. We examined interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-mediated induction of human class II antigen expression on the glioma cells. Purified IFN-gamma induced the expression of HLA-DR antigens on the surface of the glioma cell lines U-373 MG and U-105 MG. Concomitant increase of HLA-DR alpha- and HLA-DC beta-specific RNA in the cytoplasm was also observed after treatment with IFN-gamma. Increases of class II antigen paralleled the increased level of class II-specific RNA. The effect of IFN-gamma on the induction of human class II antigen expression was dose and time dependent. A marked induction of human class II antigen expression was observed when glioma cells were cultured with more than 100 U/ml of IFN-gamma. Little or no induction was observed with less than 50 U/ml of IFN-gamma. Compared to human blood monocytes, glioma cells needed higher concentrations of IFN-gamma for the induction of class II antigen expression. In allogenic mixed lymphocyte cultures, the glioma cell line U-373 MG stimulated a mixed lymphocyte response (MLR). MLR-stimulating capacity was augmented by IFN-gamma. The concomitant augmentation of class II antigen levels and MLR-stimulating capacity suggests that the most relevant factor for MLR stimulation may be antigen density. This is the first report of MLR stimulation by a glioma cell line.

Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic↗

Molecular mechanism for the regulation of hepatic ornithine decarboxylase.

A single injection of thioacetamide into starved rats induced a 40- to 100-fold increase in hepatic ODC activity. However, immunotitratable ODC protein increased by only 5-fold because of the presence of significant amounts of inactive ODC protein in the liver of untreated starved rats. Polysomal ODC-mRNA activity also increased only 5-fold, a significant amount being present in control liver. Furthermore, the peak of polysomal ODC-mRNA activity preceded that of ODC activity or ODC protein by several hours. These results indicate that the enzyme induction is due not only to increase in polysomal ODC-mRNA activity, but also to some translational and/or post-translational regulation. Exogenously administered diamines or polyamines cause rapid decay of ODC activity and induce antizyme that binds to ODC and inactivates it. Another protein factor, antizyme inhibitor, was found in the liver of thioacetamide-treated or protein-fed rats. Antizyme inhibitor binds to antizyme and reactivates ODC in the ODC-antizyme complex. A small, but significant, amount of antizyme was found in the liver of starved rats. Only small amounts of ODC-antizyme complex were detected in rat liver and cultured hepatocytes, even during the period of rapid ODC decay caused by exogenously added diamines. On the other hand, the complex was present in HTC cells and more especially in ODC-stabilized HMOA cells, even under physiological conditions. On addition of 10(-2) M putrescine, the amount of complex first increased and then decreased in both types of cells. Decay of total ODC activity (free plus complexed ODC) was more rapid with putrescine than with cycloheximide. These results suggest that antizyme plays an essential role in the degradation of ODC by a catalytic effect both in the presence and absence of exogenous putrescine and that antizyme inhibitor stabilizes ODC by removing antizyme.

Animals↗

A simple and rapid procedure for high-yield isolation of essentially undegraded free and membrane-bound polysomes from rat liver.

A procedure is described for the preparation of free and membrane-bound polysomes from rat liver. The procedure involves: differential centrifugation of liver homogenate to separate free and membrane-bound polysomes; treatment of the membrane-bound polysome fraction with a detergent to release bound polysomes from membranes; and magnesium precipitation of both classes of polysomes. Free and bound polysomes prepared in this manner were essentially undegraded and highly active in cell-free protein synthesis. The recovery of polysomes was nearly quantitative and the distribution between the free and membrane-bound state was 41 and 59%, respectively. Polypeptides synthesized in vitro by the free and membrane-bound polysomes were quite different. The majority (81-84%) of mRNA activities of two secretory proteins (albumin and transferrin) were recovered in the membrane-bound polysomes, whereas the majority (81-85%) of mRNA activities of two cytosolic [aldolase B, EC 4.1.2.13, and argininosuccinate synthetase, EC 6.3.4.5], one mitochondrial [ornithine carbamoyltransferase, EC 2.1.3.3] and one peroxisomal [catalase, EC 1.11.1.6] proteins were recovered in the free polysomes. A polysome class synthesizing ornithine carbamoyltransferase was purified 42-fold from the free polysomes by immunoprecipitation. The procedure is rapid (4-5 h) and reproducible, and provides a nearly quantitative means of separating the two classes of polysomes.

Animals↗