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Biomedical subjects

R Ohnishi

Publications and source records attributed to R Ohnishi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Peptidoglycan hydrolase LytF plays a role in cell separation with CwlF during vegetative growth of Bacillus subtilis.

Peptidoglycan hydrolase, LytF (CwlE), was determined to be identical to YhdD (deduced cell wall binding protein) by zymography after insertional inactivation of the yhdD gene. YhdD exhibits high sequence similarity with CwlF (PapQ, LytE) and p60 of Listeria monocytogenes. The N-terminal region of YhdD has a signal sequence followed by five tandem repeated regions containing polyserine residues. The C-terminal region corresponds to the catalytic domain, because a truncated protein without the N-terminal region retained cell wall hydrolase activity. The histidine-tagged LytF protein produced in Escherichia coli cells hydrolyzed the linkage of D-gamma-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid in murein peptides, indicating that it is a D,L-endopeptidase. Northern hybridization and primer extension analyses indicated that the lytF gene was transcribed by EsigmaD RNA polymerase. Disruption of lytF led to slightly filamentous cells, and a lytF cwlF double mutant exhibited extraordinary microfiber formation, which is similar to the cell morphology of the cwlF sigD mutant.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Regulation of a new cell wall hydrolase gene, cwlF, which affects cell separation in Bacillus subtilis.

Bacillus subtilis produces a 35-kDa cell wall hydrolase, CwlF, during vegetative growth. The CwlF protein was extracted from B. subtilis cwlB sigD mutant cells and separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that its sequence is completely identical to that of the internal region of the papQ gene product. Disruption of the papQ gene in the B. subtilis chromosome led to the complete loss of CwlF, indicating that papQ is identical to cwlF. CwlF exhibits high sequence similarity to the p60 proteins of Listeria species, NlpC proteins of Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae, and Enp2 protein of Bacillus sphaericus. The beta-galactosidase activity of the cwlF-lacZ transcriptional fusion and Northern blot analysis of the cwlF gene indicated that the gene is expressed as a monocistronic operon during the exponential growth phase, and primer extension analysis suggested that the cwlF gene is transcribed mainly by EsigmaA RNA polymerase and weakly by EsigmaH RNA polymerase. While the cells of the cwlF-deficient mutant were about twice as long as those of the wild-type strain, the cwlF sigD double mutant cells exhibited extraordinary microfiber formation, in contrast to the filamentation of the sigD mutant. The CwlF production was not affected by the pleiotropic mutations flaD1 and degU32(Hy), which endow cells with the ability of extensive filamentation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

[Anxiolytic effects of lisuride and its agonistic action to central 5-HT1A receptors].

Effects of lisuride, a derivative of ergot alkaloid, on central 5-HT1A receptors were investigated biochemically, behaviorally and electroencephalographically (EEG) in rats and rabbits. Effects of lisuride in water-lick conflict tests were also investigated in rats. Lisuride was found to strongly inhibit the bindings of [3H]8-OH-DPAT to 5-HT1A receptors in the raphe nucleus, hippocampus, cortex, amygdala and hypothalamus of rat brain. Inhibitory effects of lisuride on bindings of [3H]8-OH-DPAT in the hippocampus was almost the same as that of 5-HT (Ki = 0.5 nM) and stronger than those of the 5-HT agonist 5-MeO-DMT (Ki = 2.1 nM) or other ergot derivatives (bromocriptine and pergolide, Ki = 3.0 nM). Lisuride (0.1-0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), like 8-OH-DPAT, dose-dependently induced a 5-HT behavioral syndrome in rats. Lisuride affected locomotor activity in rats, whereas 8-OH-DPAT did not. In hippocampal EEG of rabbits, lisuride (0.01-0.03 mg/kg, i.v.), like 8-OH-DPAT and diazepam, dose-dependently inhibited rhythmical slow activity (RSA) induced by acoustical stimulation (3100 Hz) and also inhibited the RSA increased by administration of anxiogenic FG7142. In water-lick conflict tests, lisuride (0.05-0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), like diazepam, increased the number of shocks. These findings indicated that lisuride acts as a strong agonist on central 5-HT1A receptors and suggested that lisuride might be a potential anxiolytic.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

A cytotoxic serine proteinase isolated from mouse submandibular gland.

We have isolated a novel cytotoxic factor from the submandibular glands of male BALB/c mice by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC. The cytotoxic factor is a serine proteinase, which belongs to the mouse glandular kallikrein (mGK) family, with an Mr of approximately 27,000. The purified serine proteinase showed cytotoxic activity against mouse thymocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and a serine proteinase inhibitor, diisopropyl fluorophosphate, blocked its cytotoxic activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Effect of polyamines on mitochondrial F1-ATPase catalyzed reactions.

The effect of polyamines on F1-ATPase catalyzed reactions has been studied through the use of submitochondrial particles and F1-ATPase. ATP degradation catalyzed by submitochondrial particles and F1-ATPase was inhibited by spermine and spermidine. Spermine's inhibition was much greater than spermidine's effect. In contrast, P1-ATP exchange and succinate dependent ATP synthesis catalyzed by submitochondrial particles were both stimulated by spermine. The inhibition of ATPase activity by polyamines probably occurs through polyamine's replacement of Mg2+ on ATP, for the following reasons. (a) The ATPase activity inhibited by spermine was partially recovered when Mg2+ was added. (b) Spermine bound to ATP and phospholipids but not to F1-ATPase; yet spermine inhibited the ATPase reaction catalyzed by F1-ATPase, a protein free of phospholipid. (c) The binding of spermine to ATP was inhibited by Mg2+. The ATP content in polyamine-deficient cells definitely was lower than that in normal cells. On the basis of these results, the possible role of spermine in keeping the ATP concentration at a high level is discussed.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1989

[Antibacterial and bactericidal activities of Japanese green tea].

We found that extracts of Japanese green tea leaves inhibited the growth of various bacteria causing diarrheal diseases. All tea samples tested showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Vibrio cholerae O1, V. cholerae non O1. V. parahaemolyticus, V. mimicus, Campylobacter jejuni and Plesiomonas shigelloides. None of the tea samples had any effect on the growth of V. fluvialis, Aeromonas sobria, A. hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae or Yersinia enterocolitica. Salmonella and Shigella showed susceptibilities different depending on the kind of Japanese green tea. Japanese green tea showed also bactericidal activity over S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus and even enteropathogenic E. coli which was not sensitive when tested by cup method. The bactericidal activity was shown even at the drinking concentration in daily life.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1985

Methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) elimination of polyamine effects on protein synthesis.

The effect of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG), a structural analog of polyamines, on protein synthesis has been studied in the presence and absence of spermidine. The spermidine stimulation of polyphenylalanine- and MS2 RNA-directed RNA replicase synthesis in an Escherichia coli cell-free system and of globin synthesis in a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free system disappeared with the addition of MGBG. The spermidine reduction of misincorporation of leucine during polyphenylalanine synthesis in both E. coli and wheat germ cell-free systems was also disturbed by MGBG. MGBG noncompetitively interfered with polyamine stimulation of polyphenylalanine and globin synthesis, suggesting that MGBG could bind to both RNA and the complex of RNA and polyamine. MGBG was preferentially bound to ribosomal RNA among ribosomal RNA, poly(U), and calf thymus DNA, and strongly inhibited the amount of polyamine bound to ribosomal RNA. These results suggest that MGBG elimination of polyamine effects on protein synthesis may occur through the disturbance of polyamine binding to ribosomal RNA.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Primary central nervous system lymphoma.

A retrospective analysis of 21 cases of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is reported. All patients presented with a solitary mass in the supratentorial region. None had previously received immunosuppressive therapy. Neuroradiological studies included technetium-99m-pertechnetate brain scanning in eight cases, cerebral arteriography in all 21 cases, and computerized tomography (CT) in 14 cases. The characteristic features were increased uptake in brain scans, mass effect in arteriograms, and marked contrast enhancement on CT scans. Abnormal tumor vessels were occasionally seen on arteriography, and subtraction films were usually required to appreciate tumor stain. All patients underwent craniotomy, and histological studies of the tumors showed a diffuse type of lymphoma in all cases. Immunoglobulin testing was performed in 19 cases and a monoclonal spike was verified in 10, suggesting a B cell origin. All patients were followed until their death except one who was still alive 12 months from onset of symptoms. Therapy included subtotal resection in all 21 cases, whole-brain irradiation in six cases, chemotherapy in two cases, and a combination of whole-brain irradiation and chemotherapy in nine cases. Three different forms of chemotherapy were used. The results suggest that chemotherapy is an important addition to subtotal resection and whole-brain irradiation in the treatment of primary CNS lymphoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Immunohistochemical study of S-100 protein in the normal human brain and glioblastoma].

The authors investigated the immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein in normal human brain and glioblastoma tissues by the peroxidase anti-peroxidase method of Sternberger. In normal human brain the positive immunoperoxidase reaction for S-100 protein was observed in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, Bergmann's glial cells and epithelial cells of choroid plexus. No positive staining was revealed in any cortical neurons. Immunoelectron-microscopically, the electron dense positive reaction for S-100 protein was seen throughout the cytoplasm, nucleoplasm and cell processes of astrocyte as well as oligodendrocyte. The positive reaction for S-100 protein was demonstrated occasionally in association with cytoplasmic membrane or the membrane constituting cell organelles. We suspect that this observation indicates the existence of membrane-bound form of S-100 protein. In glioblastoma cells, the positive reaction for S-100 protein was relatively weak in intensity as compared with astrocytes, and the degree of positive staining varied from cell to cell. Subcellular localization of S-100 protein in glioblastoma seemed to be essentially similar to that of normal astrocyte. There are some recent reports concerning immunohistochemical localization of alpha and beta subunits of S-100 protein. As compared with these reports, the present immunohistochemical results indicate that the rabbit anti-S-100 antibody embloyed in the present study is mainly against beta subunit of S-100 protein. Although there have been many reports concerning immunohistochemical localization of S-100 protein, the biological role of S-100 protein is still speculative. Some hypotheses are advocated in connection with the possible biological role of S-100 protein. For example, the modulation of synaptic transmission by S-100 protein, the participation of S-100 protein in hormonal secretion and in transport of cations through lipid membrane, the activation of protein kinase and the promotion of disassembly of microtubules by S-100 protein are postulated. It is hard to assume the biological role of S-100 protein based on the immunohistochemical results alone. The present study clearly indicates that S-100 protein exists widely in the cytoplasm, nucleoplasm, cytoplasmic membrane, outer membranes of cell organelles and cell processes of glial cells as well as glioblastoma cells. From these results we assume that S-100 protein plays an important role of intracellular transport of cations as one of the calcium binding proteins.

Brain↗
PubMed1984

Necessity of polyamines for maximum in vivo synthesis of beta beta' subunits of RNA polymerase.

The possibility that polyamines can stimulate the in vivo synthesis of beta beta' subunits of RNA polymerase has been examined through the use of a polyamine-requiring mutant of Escherichia coli. Results from autoradiographic estimation and activity measurement of RNA polymerase in cell extracts prepared from polyamine starved and unstarved bacteria showed that polyamines stimulate the synthesis of beta beta' subunits of RNA polymerase 2- to 3.6-fold.

DNA, Viral↗
PubMed1984

Reverse cellular distribution of calmodulin to S-100 protein in primate brain.

Both calmodulin and S-100 protein are Ca2+-binding proteins of the EF-hand family. Immunocytochemical study revealed that calmodulin existed mainly in the neurons, whereas S-100 protein was localized primarily in the glial cells of the cerebral and cerebellar cortices of man and monkey. The observed reverse cellular distribution of calmodulin to S-100 protein in primate brain suggests that calmodulin might be replaced in its role as a Ca2+-binding protein by S-100 protein in the glial cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

[Changes of the DNA synthesis and the amount of S-100 protein associated with the morphological differentiation of cultured glioma cells].

S-100 protein is a highly acidic protein unique to the nervous system and exists predominantly in the cytoplasm of glial cells in a water-soluble form. The exact biological function is still unknown in spite of its well-known biochemical properties. Some investigators have reported that the amount of S-100 protein in developing brains increased in proportion to the brain's development and differentiation. In order to clarify the relationship between S-100 protein and differentiation of glial cells the changes of DNA synthesis and the amount of the water-soluble S-100 protein were investigated on cultured rat glioma (C-6) cells in the course of the morphological differentiation induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbc-AMP). C-6 cells were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and incubated in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2-95% room air at 37 degrees C. Dbc-AMP was added to the media at the concentration of 1 mM, and the media were changed every 48 hrs. A flow cytometric analysis of DNA histogram patterns was performed to investigate the changes of DNA synthesis using a Cytofluorograf FC 4800 A-50 (Bio/Physics). The changes of the amount of S-100 protein were examined by micro-complement fixation assay as described by Levine using rabbit antisera against bovine S-100 protein. Dbc-AMP inhibited the growth of C-6 cells remarkably and induced morphological changes resembling normal astrocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗