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S Osada

Publications and source records attributed to S Osada.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Expression, DNA-binding specificity and transcriptional regulation of nuclear factor 1 family proteins from rat.

Nuclear factor 1 (NF1) family proteins, which are encoded by four different genes (NF1-A, NF1-B, NF1-C and NF1-X), bind to the palindromic sequence and regulate the expression of many viral and cellular genes. We have previously purified NF1-A and NF1-B from rat liver as factors that bind to the silencer in the glutathione transferase P gene, and have also reported the repression domain of NF1-A. In the present study we cloned five cDNA species (NF1-B1, NF1-B2, NF1-B3, NF1-C2 and NF1-X1) and compared their expression profiles and the affinity and specificity of the DNA binding of these NF1 family members. By Northern blot analysis, we found that the expression profiles of the NF1s are indistinguishable in the various tissues of the rat. The DNA-binding affinities of NF1-A and NF1-X are higher than those of NF1-B and NF1-C, whereas all four NF1 proteins showed the same DNA-binding specificity. Transfection analyses revealed that the function of NF1-B on the transcriptional regulation differed between NF1-B isoforms and was affected by the factor(s) that bind to the promoter regions. In addition, we identified the transcriptional regulatory domain of NF1-B, which is enriched with proline and serine residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gene therapy for renal anemia in mice with polycystic kidney using an adenovirus vector encoding the human erythropoietin gene.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is primarily used for patients with anemia associated with end-stage renal disease. We evaluated the efficacy of EPO gene therapy using adenovirus vector for chronic renal failure mice expressing severe renal anemia. METHODS: Recombinant HuEPO gene transfer to mesothelial cells was performed in vitro and in vivo. Recombinant replication-deficient adenoviruses containing rHuEPO cDNA (AdCMVEPO), E. coli lacZ gene (AdCMVlacZ), or an nonexogenous gene (AdNull as control vector) driven by the cytomegalovirus promotor/enhancer were constructed. The oligosaccharides associated with the rHuEPO from AdCMVEPO-treated mesothelial cells were analyzed. For in vivo study, the DBA/2FG-pcy mouse, a model for human autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease resulting in chronic renal failure with progressive anemia, was used. RESULTS: The sialylated oligosaccharides associated with the rHuEPO produced in AdCMVEPO-treated mesothelial cells occupied 78 +/- 0.7% of the total oligosaccharide pool. A single intraperitoneal administration of AdCMVEPO induced rHuEPO synthesis in the peritoneal cells and a marked increase in erythrocyte production. The maximal increase in hematocrit (43 +/- 4%) was observed on day 28, and it remained elevated for 40 days. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that intraperitoneal administration of AdCMVEPO improves renal anemia in mice with chronic renal failure and that the mesothelial cell is an appropriate target cell for gene transfer.

Adenoviridae↗

Mesoderm induction in Xenopus is a zygotic event regulated by maternal VegT via TGFbeta growth factors.

The maternal transcription factor VegT is important for establishing the primary germ layers in Xenopus. In previous work, we showed that the vegetal masses of embryos lacking maternal VegT do not produce mesoderm-inducing signals and that mesoderm formation in these embryos occurred ectopically, from the vegetal area rather than the equatorial zone of the blastula. Here we have increased the efficiency of the depletion of maternal VegT mRNA and have studied the effects on mesoderm formation. We find that maternal VegT is required for the formation of 90% of mesodermal tissue, as measured by the expression of mesodermal markers MyoD, cardiac actin, Xbra, Xwnt8 and alphaT4 globin. Furthermore, the transcription of FGFs and TGFbetas, Xnr1, Xnr2, Xnr4 and derrière does not occur in VegT-depleted embryos. We test whether these growth factors may be endogenous factors in mesoderm induction, by studying their ability to rescue the phenotype of VegT-depleted embryos, when their expression is restricted to the vegetal mass. We find that Xnr1, Xnr2, Xnr4 and derrière mRNA all rescue mesoderm formation, as well as the formation of blastopores and the wild-type body axis. Derrière rescues trunk and tail while nr1, nr2 and nr4 rescue head, trunk and tail. We conclude that mesoderm induction in Xenopus depends on a maternal transcription factor regulating these zygotic growth factors.

Animals↗

Essential role of phosphatidylserine externalization in apoptosing cell phagocytosis by macrophages.

In many apoptotic cells, phosphatidylserine (PS), that is normally restricted to the inner membrane layer, is externalized and subsequently recognized by phagocytes. However, it has been unclear whether PS externalization is sufficient for phagocytosis induction. In a cultured cell line undergoing Fas-mediated apoptosis, PS externalization preceded other apoptotic events. When transbilayer movement of membrane phospholipids was analyzed, a decrease of the uptake of PS and phosphatidylethanolamine and an increase of phosphatidylcholine incorporation were observed upon apoptosis induction. Apoptotic cultured cells were phagocytosed by macrophages in a manner dependent on externalized PS before plasma membrane permeability increased. Moreover, a N-ethylmaleimide treatment caused PS externalization independent of apoptosis, and such cells underwent PS-mediated phagocytosis. These results suggested that PS is externalized as a result of membrane phospholipid redistribution and externalized PS by itself induces apoptosing cell phagocytosis.

Animals↗

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta gene expression is mediated by autoregulation through downstream binding sites.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (C/EBP delta) transcription factor is sharply induced at the early stage of the acute phase response. We previously reported that the C/EBP delta gene expression is induced by the acute-phase response factor/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (APRF/STAT3). However, the expression level of the C/EBP delta gene is relatively high up to several hours after the stimulation, whereas APRF/STAT3 is inactivated within one hour. In this report, we identified the two C/EBP delta binding sites at the downstream region of this gene. The binding analysis revealed that both of these sites bound recombinant C/EBP delta protein. A cotransfection analysis identified these sites as the cis-elements for the autoregulation. We conclude that the C/EBP delta gene is activated by APRF/STAT3, and the expression level is then maintained by an autoregulation mechanism.

Animals↗

Functional interactions between nuclear receptors recognizing a common sequence element, the direct repeat motif spaced by one nucleotide (DR-1).

Direct repeat motifs composed of two hexamer half-sites spaced by a single nucleotide (DR-1) are recognized by several members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. We examined, by means of gene transfection assays, the interplay between the DR-1-binding nuclear receptors commonly expressed in liver, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 (HNF-4), and chicken ovalbumin upstream transcription factor I (COUP-TFI). Both PPARalpha and HNF-4 efficiently bound to the acyl-CoA oxidase gene enhancer element, but PPARalpha exhibited much stronger transactivation than HNF-4. As a result, HNF-4 suppressed the gene-activating function of PPARalpha, when they were expressed together, due to competition for a common binding site. On the other hand, HNF-4, but not PPARalpha, effectively bound to the apolipoprotein CIII gene element, and activated gene transcription. PPARalpha had no effect even when co-expressed with HNF-4. COUP-TFI bound to both elements, and suppressed the gene activation by PPARalpha and HNF-4. Thus, these nuclear receptors have individual functions in gene regulation, and exhibit complex compound effects when they co-exist.

Animals↗

Role of liver NK cells and peritoneal macrophages in gamma interferon and interleukin-10 production in experimental bacterial peritonitis in mice.

Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production by liver, spleen, lung, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC), and peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) in experimental bacterial peritonitis was examined by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) (with an 18-gauge needle) of BALB/c mice. MNC of organs were cultured for 18 h, and cytokine levels in supernatants were examined. Cytokines contained in peritoneal lavage fluid were regarded as those produced by PEC. Only liver MNC and PEC produced substantial amounts of IFN-gamma, and PEC were the main source of IL-10, especially 12 h after CLP. As reflected by the cytokine production by liver MNC and PEC, serum IFN-gamma and IL-10 levels were elevated after CLP. C57BL/6 (B6) mice and BALB/c nude mice showed a similar pattern of cytokine production. TNF-alpha levels in culture supernatants, peritoneal lavage fluid, and sera were not significantly elevated compared to those of sham-operated mice. In vivo depletion of NK cells of B6 mice with anti-asialo GM1 or anti-NK1.1 antibody greatly decreased IFN-gamma levels in liver MNC culture supernatants and sera, suggesting that liver NK cells are IFN-gamma producers. On the other hand, plastic-adherent PEC macrophages are the major IL-10 producers. Mice subjected to a cecum ligation and cut procedure (which have a more severe peritonitis) showed much higher IFN-gamma and IL-10 levels than those subjected to CLP, while mice subjected to CLP with a smaller (22-gauge) needle showed low levels of these cytokines. These findings show that liver NK cells and PEC macrophages are important for the production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in bacterial peritonitis.

Animals↗

Enhanced expression of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A) is involved in the inflammatory and sclerotic events of glomerular diseases. Newly identified membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMP) have been shown to activate specifically proMMP-2. To date, several types of MT-MMP have been cloned; however, their expressions in glomerular diseases have not been evaluated. To investigate the role of MT-MMP in glomerular diseases, the glomerular gene expression and enzymatic activity of MT-MMP were examined during the time course of nephritis induced in rats by anti-Thy1.1 antibody injection. Both MT1-MMP and MMP-2 mRNA expression increased prominently 5 and 10 d after anti-Thy1.1 antibody injection and decreased thereafter, as assayed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR. In contrast, there were no remarkable changes in the gene expression of MT2-MMP between normal and diseased tissue, and that of MT3-MMP was not detected in isolated glomeruli by reverse transcription-PCR analysis. The activation of proMMP-2 as analyzed by gelatin zymography correlated with the glomerular MT1-MMP gene expression, suggesting that proMMP-2 was activated by MT1-MMP. Protein and mRNA expression of fibronectin, one of the major mesangial matrix proteins and substrate of MMP-2, were also synchronized with MT1-MMP and MMP-2 expression. In situ hybridization revealed intense MT1-MMP mRNA expression in the proliferating mesangial cells. Interestingly, MT1-MMP gene expression exhibited a similar distribution as alpha-smooth muscle actin expression, which was closely associated with mesangial phenotypic change. These results suggest that among the newly identified MT-MMP, MT1-MMP may play the central role in activation of proMMP-2. Furthermore, the enhancement of MT1-MMP and MMP-2 expression associated with mesangial phenotypic change may contribute to the development of anti-Thy1.1 antibody-induced glomerulonephritis and remodeling of extracellular matrices.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of cefdinir and its transfer to dialysate in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Cefdinir (CAS 91832-40-5) was administered orally as a 100-mg capsule (Cefzon) to a total of 12 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) to investigate changes in the serum concentrations, excretion rate into the dialysate and serum-protein binding of cefdinir. Cmax values were 1.64-4.34 micrograms/ml, t1/2 values were 10.8-21.9 h., and AUC values were 31.1-73.1 micrograms.h/ml (0-30 h) in four patients given a single oral dose of 100 mg of cefdinir as a capsule. About 1 microgram/ml of cefdinir had still remained in the blood of all the patients 24 h after administration. The serum concentrations of cefdinir were dose-dependent in four patients of each group who were given an oral daily dose of 100 mg for 3 to 8 days and 200 mg (2 capsules) for 4 to 14 consecutive days. No marked change in laboratory test values or clinical symptoms before and after administration were observed in these dose regimes. Protein levels of 5.17-5.71 g/day were eliminated from the peritoneal dialysate and urine. Cefdinir inhibited 90 to 100% of the clinical isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and other enteric bacteria causing catheter infection and peritonitis, and its antibacterial activity was stronger than that of amoxicillin (CAS 26787-78-0) or cefaclor (CAS 53944-73-3) against these clinical isolates.

Adult↗

Identification of the transcriptional repression domain of nuclear factor 1-A.

We previously showed that nuclear factor 1-A (NF1-A) binds to the silencer elements in the glutathione transferase P (GST-P) gene, and the carboxy terminal region of NF1-A represses the transcription activity of human metallothionein IIA (hMTIIA) promoter. In this study, we identified a repression region which is divided into two 100 amino acid domains (RD1 and RD2). RD1 increased the repression activity of RD2 to the hMTIIA promoter activity. The NF1-A repression domain inhibited the promoter activities of not only the hMTIIA gene but also those of the GST-P and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta genes. RD1 and RD2 had abundant serine and glycine residues, and proline and serine residues, respectively. Whereas some repression domains identified previously are enriched with alanine, proline, or serine, and are associated with the general transcription factors, the NF1-A repression domains did not interact with transcription factor IIB, TATA-binding protein (TBP), or TBP-associated factors in vitro.

CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins↗

YSK1, a novel mammalian protein kinase structurally related to Ste20 and SPS1, but is not involved in the known MAPK pathways.

To clarify the upstream regulatory mechanism of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), we performed the reverse transcriptase-based polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with degenerate primers synthesized based on sequences conserved among the kinase domains of yeast MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs), Stell, Bck1, and Byr2. We isolated several mammalian cDNA fragments that encode kinase subdomains sharing significant sequence homology with yeast MAPKKKs. Subsequent screening of a HeLa cell cDNA library using one of these cDNA fragments as a probe resulted in the isolation of a full-length cDNA that encodes a novel protein kinase. The catalytic domain sequence of this gene product is closely related to those of budding yeast Sps1 and Ste20 protein kinases. Thus, we call this protein YSK1 (Yeast Sps1/Ste20-related Kinase 1). The transcript of YSK1 was detected in a wide range of tissues and cells. Immunoprecipitated YSK1 shows protein kinase activity. Although YSK1 is significantly similar in its kinase domain to kinases of the yeast and mammalian MAPK pathways, the overexpression of YSK1 did not lead to the activation of the ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway, JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase)/SAPK (stress-activated protein kinase) pathway, or p38/Mpk2 pathway. These results suggest that YSK1 may be involved in the regulation of a novel intracellular signaling pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A domain containing the Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) region of p65PAK inhibits transcriptional activation and cell transformation mediated by the Ras-Rac pathway.

The molecular bases of the versatile functions of Rho-like GTPases are still unknown. Using luciferase assays with rat 3Y1 cells, we found that Rac1 is integrated downstream of Ras in the TRE (TPA response element) activation pathway. Coexpression of a mutant of p65PAK, PAK/RD, lacking the kinase domain but containing the Cdc42/Rac interactive binding (CRIB) region, suppressed the TRE activation and cell transformation caused by constitutively activated forms of Ras (RasV12) and Rac1 (Rac1V12). PAK/RD is a good tool to investigate the signaling pathways in which Rac and Cdc42 are involved.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of an extended half-site motif required for the function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and regulate many genes of the proteins involved in lipid metabolism, including peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX). Through heterodimerization with retinoid X receptors (RXRs), PPAR was believed to recognize the sequence elements consisting of two directly repeating 6-bp half-sites spaced by one nucleotide (DR-1), located in the regulatory regions of these genes. RESULTS: Employing the peroxisome proliferator-responsive enhancer of the rat AOX gene, we analysed the minimal sequence requirements for enhancer activity and PPARalpha/RXRalpha binding. We found that the sequence just downstream of the DR-1 motif is indispensable for both functions. By a direct selection procedure of high-affinity binding sites from a random sequence pool, we identified a consensus sequence at the four positions next to DR-1. We also suggest that PPARalpha binds to the downstream half-site, whereas RXRalpha binds to the upstream half-site of the AOX DR-1. CONCLUSIONS: An extended half-site of 10-bp, but not a simple 6-bp half-site, is required for the PPARalpha binding, upon heterodimer formation with RXRalpha. The binding polarity of PPARalpha/RXRalpha seems to be opposite to that of other RXR-involving heterodimers.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗

Nuclear factor 1 family proteins bind to the silencer element in the rat glutathione transferase P gene.

We have previously identified a silencer region in the glutathione transferase P (GST-P) gene, of which the expression is completely repressed in liver of the rat. At least three trans-acting factors bind to multiple cis-elements in this region. Since GST-P silencer 4 (GSP4) is a dominant element in this silencer, we purified the GSP4 binding protein, called Silencer Factor A (SF-A). Purified SF-A was separated into several proteins on an SDS-polyacrylamide gel, and the amino acid sequences of four major components of SF-A were determined. The amino acid sequences of three fragments were identical to those of rat NF1-L, and that of the other fragment was the same as that of hamster NF1/Red1. It is known that nuclear factor 1 (NF1) family proteins are encoded by at least four independent genes in vertebrates, and NF1-L and NF1/Red1 are derived from different genes, NFI-A and NFI-B, respectively. The microsequencing of SF-A revealed that at least two types of NF1 existed in rat liver. Functional analysis by using GAL4-fusion protein in HepG2 cells revealed that NFI-A represented the transcription activity from human metallothionein IIA promoter. Our findings indicate that multiple forms of the NF1 family bind to the silencer region and contribute to the negative regulation of the GST-P gene expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta gene expression is mediated by APRF/STAT3.

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (C/EBP delta) transcription factor is known to be rarely expressed but sharply induced at an early stage of the acute phase response. To investigate the regulation mechanisms for this induction, the 5'-flanking region of the rat C/EBP delta gene was isolated. Functional analyses involving transfection and footprinting indicated that the upstream region up to - 175 bp is sufficient for the full basal activity in rat fibroblast 3Y1 cells. At least three cis-elements including a GC box are involved in this activity. When HepG2 cells were treated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), C/EBP delta mRNA was rapidly induced. Transfection and gel shift analyses identified the binding site for the acute phase response factor/signal transducers and activators of transcription (APRF/STAT3). These findings strongly indicate that C/EBP delta gene expression is mediated by APRF/STAT3, which is phosphorylated for the activation through the IL-6 receptor when cells are treated with IL-6, and trans-activates the other acute phase response genes.

Animals↗

Genomic organization of the rat nuclear factor I-A gene.

The nuclear factor 1 (NF1) protein family functions as a cellular transcription factor as well as an adenovirus DNA replication factor. This family consists of four subtypes, NFI-A, NFI-B, NFI-C, and NFI-X, each encoded by a different gene. Each subtype possesses different isoforms generated by alternative splicing. To date, only a porcine NFI-C gene has been cloned, and the gene structures of the other NF1 proteins have not yet been identified. We recently isolated four kinds of NFI-A cDNA clones from the rat liver. To gain additional insight into the structure of NFI-A, we isolated the rat NFI-A gene. This gene is composed of 11 exons spanning over 70 kb. All of the exon/intron boundaries are consistent with the GT/AG rule, and consensus sequences surrounding the splice boundaries are also found. The 5'-flanking region lacks a canonical TATA box, but contains several GC-box and AP2 binding sites. A 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA end analysis indicated that the transcription of the NFI-A gene is initiated at multiple sites. We also found conservation in the genomic structure between the rat NFI-A and the porcine NFI-C, suggesting that duplication of an ancestral gene occurred rather recently to produce the NFI-A and NFI-C genes.

Animals↗