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Biomedical subjects

Shinichi Ohno

Publications and source records attributed to Shinichi Ohno.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Formation of experimental murine AA amyloid fibrils in SAP-deficient mice: high resolution ultrastructural study.

Previously, the role of the serum amyloid P component (SAP) in the deposition of murine AA amyloid has been examined in SAP-deficient mice in which the deposition was significantly retarded. In this study, AA amyloid fibrillogenesis in SAP-deficient mice was examined ultrastructurally. The fibrils of wild type mice were made up of a microfibril-like main body composed of SAP, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), and outermost heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), and associated on its surface were 3 nm wide AA protein 'helical rods', a possible suitable form for Congo red staining. In SAP-deficient mice, fibrils of a similar appearance were also noted among an overwhelming amount of amorphous material, but the AP-containing main body of the fibril was replaced by elongated irregular aggregates of CSPG. The mechanism of retardation of AA amyloid induction in SAP-deficient mice has not yet been clear. It may be caused by possible slower formation of a 'substitute' core. Also, slower formation of AA helical rods may be possible due to the difference in the core material to which AA protein is attached. If it is so, it may limit the extent of Congo red staining, resulting in underestimation of the actual amount of AA protein.

Amyloid↗

Topographical significance of membrane skeletal component protein 4.1 B in mammalian organs.

The polarized architecture of epithelial cells is a fundamental determinant of cell structures and functions. Both formation and orientation of proper epithelial polarity are needed for cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion, signal transduction and cytoskeletal interactions of multimolecular complexes at apical, lateral and basal cell membranes. These cell membrane domains are usually segregated by some junctional complexes. Recent molecular genetic studies on the anchor structure between myelin sheaths and axons have indicated the specific molecular organization for polarization of axolemma and the myelin sheaths at paranodes, termed 'septate-like junctions'. It was also speculated that other mammalian organs may use a similar junctional system. The protein 4.1 B was originally found to be localized in paranodes and juxtaparanodes of myelinated nerve fibers. Our recent immunohistochemical studies on protein 4.1B have indicated its significance for the cell-cell and/or cell-matrix adhesion in various rodent organs. The protein 4.1 family of proteins have been supposed to possess variable molecular domains relating to cell adhesion, ion balance, receptor responses and signal transduction. Therefore, more precise studies on the molecular structure and the functional domains of protein 4.1B, as well as on its changes under physiological and pathological conditions, may provide a clue for organogenesis in various mammalian organs.

Animals↗

Application of cryotechniques with freeze-substitution for the immunohistochemical demonstration of intranuclear pCREB and chromosome territory.

Intranuclear localization of signal molecules and chromosome territories has become more attractive in relation to postgenomic analyses of cellular functions. Cryotechniques and freeze-substitution (CrT-FS) have been generally used for electron microscopic observation to obtain better ultrastructure and immunoreactivity. To investigate benefits of applying the CrT-FS method to immunostaining of intranuclear signal molecules and FISH for chromosome territories, we performed an immunohistochemical study of phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) in mouse cerebellar tissues and a FISH study of chromosome 18 territory in human thyroid tissues using various cryotechniques. The immunoreactivity of pCREB was more clearly detected without antigen retrieval treatment on sections prepared by the CrT-FS method than those prepared by the conventional dehydration method. In the FISH study, more definite probe labeling of the chromosome territory could be obtained on paraffin sections by the CrT-FS method without microwave treatment, although such labeling was not clear even with microwave treatment on sections prepared by the routine dehydration method. The CrT-FS preserved relatively native morphology by preventing shrinkage of nuclei, and produced better immunoreactivity. Because the reduction of routine pretreatments in the present study might reveal more native morphology, the CrT-FS method would be a useful technique for intranuclear immunostaining and FISH.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural study of echinocytes induced by poly (ethylene glycol)-cholesterol.

Poly (ethylene glycol)-cholesterol (PEG-Chol) consists of a hydrophilic PEG and hydrophobic cholesterol moiety. When PEG-Chol was applied to erythrocytes, the reagent quantitatively induced protrusions by exclusively distributing in the outer monolayer of the membrane. This kind of response has been regarded as a general response that reduces the stress of expansion of the outer monolayer. However, the relationship between the membrane architecture and the distribution of such molecules is unknown. In this study, we examined the distribution of tagged PEG-Chol along the shape change pathway. The echinocytic shape was initiated by the initial formation of bumps on the rim of the discoid, which subsequently elongated as protrusions. These protrusions contained aggregates of granular structures, which appeared to accommodate the increase in the outer monolayer area. At higher concentrations, PEG-Chol further induced sphero-echinocytosis that resulted in numerous branched protrusion processes. We found that PEG-Chol was exclusively distributed in these protrusions and, in particular, accumulated at the tips. These results suggested that externally intercalated PEG-Chol was sequestrated from erythrocytes as membrane protrusions through an as-yet-unknown mechanism.

Cell Surface Extensions↗

Immunolocalization of protein 4.1B/DAL-1 during neoplastic transformation of mouse and human intestinal epithelium.

Recently, we have reported that the protein 4.1B immunolocalization occurred only in matured columnar epithelial cells of normal rat intestines. This finding suggested that protein 4.1B expression could be examined for a possible change during neoplastic transformation of the intestinal mucosa. In the present study, we first present the distribution of mouse protein 4.1B in normal intestinal epithelial cells and tumor cells using the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutant mouse model. A low level of protein 4.1B expression coincided with the phenotypic transition to carcinoma. To examine the protein 4.1B expression in human intestinal mucosa, we used another antibody against an isoform of the human protein 4.1B, DAL-1 (differentially expressed adenocarcinoma of the lung). Human DAL-1 was also expressed in matured epithelial cells in human colons, with a definite expression gradient along the crypt axis. In human colorectal cancer cells, however, DAL-1 expression was not detected. These results suggest that mouse protein 4.1B and human DAL-1 might have a striking analogy of functions, which may be integrally involved in epithelial proliferation. We propose that loss of protein 4.1B/DAL-1 expression might be a marker of intestinal tumors, indicative of a tumor suppressor function in the intestinal mucosa.

Animals↗

Protein 4.1B localizes on unmyelinated axonal membranes in the mouse enteric nervous system.

Recent molecular studies on anchoring structures between myelin sheaths by glial cells (oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells (Sc) in the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), respectively) and axons indicated protein-protein interaction for the polarization of paranodes in the axons. The protein 4.1 (4.1) family was originally found in erythrocytes as a component of membrane skeletons, and genetic approaches revealed the precise family members. One of them, 4.1B, has been reported to be localized in paranodes and juxtaparanodes of myelinated axons. In this study, in addition to the myelinated axons, we also present the localization of 4.1B in nerve fibers in the adult mouse enteric nervous system, a subpopulation of mature unmyelinated nerve fibers in PNS. Ultrastructurally, 4.1B localized along the membranes of unmyelinated axons. Such unmyelinated axons were surrounded only by Sc, suggesting that the 4.1B may also have a role in direct Sc-axon interactions and maturation of the axons, as well as myelinating glial cell-axon interactions.

Animals↗

Replica immunoelectron microscopic study of the upper surface layer in rat mandibular condylar cartilage by a quick-freezing method.

A quick-freezing and deep-etching method in combination with replica immunoelectron microscopy was applied for examining localization of hyaluronic acid and fibronectin on the upper surface layer of rat mandibular condylar cartilage. Rat temporomandibular joints were dissected with articular disks in order to leave the articular cartilage surface intact. The disks were slightly cut with razor blades for exposing the condylar articular cartilage surface. They were quickly frozen with the isopentane-propane cryogen (-193 degrees C) and prepared for freeze-fracturing and deep-etching replica membranes. They were additionally treated with 5% SDS and 0.5% collagenase to keep some antigens attached on the replica membranes. After such a treatment, a routine immunogold method was applied for clarifying the localization of hyaluronic acid and fibronectin in the upper surface layer. Small immunogold particles for hyaluronic acid were mainly localized around upper filamentous networks covered with amorphous materials, but large immunogold ones for fibronectin were localized on deep thicker fibrils. We have revealed the native architecture of the upper surface layer of mandibular condylar cartilage on the replica membranes and also three-dimensional localization of hyaluronic acid and fibronectin by the immunogold method.

Animals↗

Compartmentation of the mouse cerebellar cortex by sphingosine kinase.

Classic cerebellar anatomy is based on the characteristic array of lobes and lobules. However, there is substantial evidence to suggest that more fundamental architecture is built around arrays of parasagittal stripes, which encompass both the inputs and outputs of the Purkinje cells (PCs). Sphingosine kinase (SPHK) is an enzyme that converts sphingosine (Sph) into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Recent reports have indicated that ceramide, Sph, and S1P play a role in cell survival, growth, and differentiation in several cell types, including neurons. In this study, we examined the localization of SPHK in the mouse cerebellum by using immunohistochemistry. Anti-SPHK immunoreactivity appeared in the cerebellar molecular layer and the PC membranes. The staining pattern is striped. In the molecular layer, the staining pattern probably reflects dendritic spines and dendrites. By electron microscopy, peroxidase reaction product was deposited within dendrites especially along the plasma membranes near spines. Seen at higher magnification, the staining was in and near the postsynaptic complexes. By double immunostaining, the striped pattern of SPHK expression was shown to be identical to that revealed by anti-zebrin II, although the subcellular distribution within PC's is not. This is the first demonstration of the cerebellar compartmentation of an enzyme related to lipid metabolism, and as such, it provides an insight into the roles of SPHK and formation of S1P. The selective expression of SPHK in the zebrin II-immunoreactive PCs may explain their resistance to cell death when ceramide metabolism is disrupted, as in the acid sphingomyelinase knockout model of Niemann-Pick type A/B disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of protein 4.1B in proximal S1 and S2 tubules of rodent kidneys.

Protein 4.1 family proteins are supposed to interact with intramembranous proteins and membrane skeletons. Protein 4.1B, one of the family proteins, was recently reported to be localized in basolateral regions of mouse renal proximal tubules. In this study, we extended the idea that protein 4.1B may be related to ion balance in the region by immunohistochemical studies by light and electron microscopy with our antibody against protein 4.1B. Protein 4.1B distribution in rodent kidneys was determined by comparing with lectin Lotus tetragonobulus agglutinin (LTA), a proximal tubule cell marker, and also with Na(+)/HCO(3)(-)-cotransporter-1 (NBC-1), being expressed in basolateral domains of segment S1 to S2 proximal tubule epithelial cells. Specific protein 4.1B immunolabeling was observed in cuboidal epithelial cells basolaterally, starting their localization from a urinary pole at the glomerulus, whereas the squamous epithelial cells of Bowman's capsules were immunonegative. Rat Bowman's capsules had no simple cuboidal cells, where no protein 4.1B immunostaining appeared. All the protein 4.1B-positive epithelial cells were LTA positive. By immunoelectron microscopy, protein 4.1B immunolabeling of the proximal epithelial cells was restricted to the basolateral membranes, including basal infoldings, whereas tight junctions were not immunolabeled. It is concluded that protein 4.1B might play a role related to membrane skeletal proteins in the basolateral membranes of S1 and S2 proximal tubule cells. Moreover, the immunolocalization of protein 4.1B was almost the same as that of NBC-1, indicating a possible function as a regulator of ion balance, such as Na(+) and HCO(3)(-) reabsorption.

Animals↗

Squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatous feature (so-called carcinosarcoma) of stomach probably metastasized from esophageal tumor: a case report with quick-freezing and deep-etching method.

A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with sarcomatous features (so-called carcinosarcoma) of stomach is reported in a 72-year-old man. The gastric submucosal tumor (12 x 11 x 6 cm) consisted of carcinoma cells and sarcomatous spindle cells, which were immunohistochemically recognized to contain high molecular weight cytokeratin. These histological and immunohistochemical results indicated that carcinoma cells and spindle tumor cells had cytokeratin similar to that of stratified squamous epithelium. These features were consistent with so-called carcinosarcoma of esophagus. A combined type of tumor consisting of polypoid and shallow ulcerative lesions (5.5 cm in diameter) was demonstrated by the biopsy to have SCC on the polypoid surface area. Therefore, the gastric tumor was thought to have metastasized from the esophageal tumor. The quick-freezing and deep-etching (QF-DE) method demonstrated that many spindle tumor cells in the gastric tumor had abundant intermediate filaments, which were evenly distributed in more peripheral cytoplasm along the cell membrane. This feature was similar to that of the control SCC. Intramembranous protein particles in the cell membrane of the tumor cells were markedly decreased as compared with those of control SCC. These ultrastructures by QF-DE method could be used for the pathological diagnosis of so-called carcinosarcomas of esophagus.

Aged↗

Immunolocalization of protein 4.1B in the rat digestive system.

Protein 4.1 family proteins are thought to interact with membrane proteins and also membrane skeletons. In this study, immunohistochemical studies by light and electron microscopy were performed with a specific antibody against protein 4.1B. Specific protein 4.1B immunolabeling was observed in simple columnar epithelium in the adult rat large intestine, small intestine and stomach. Protein 4.1B immunolabeling was localized along the membranes facing the adjacent cells (lateral portion) and also facing the extracellular matrix (basal portion). Moreover, a spatial protein 4.1B expression gradient was observed along the crypt-villus axis of the rat small and large intestinal epithelium: strong protein 4.1B expression was present within the villus, with the crypt showing barely any detectable protein 4.1B. The expression of protein 4.1B was not detected in the stratified squamous epithelium in the forestomach or the esophagus. By immunoelectron microscopy, the immunolabeling of the cells was observed to be restricted to the cytoplasmic side just beneath the plasma membrane, including the membranes adjacent to the next cells, except for the tight junctions. We conclude that the protein 4.1B expression pattern is related to the maturation of simple columnar epithelium in the rat digestive system, probably by the effect of adhesion.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical study of protein 4.1B in the normal and W/W(v) mouse seminiferous epithelium.

Cell-cell adhesion is crucial not only for mechanical adhesion but also for tissue morphogenesis. Protein 4.1B, a member of the protein 4.1 family named from an erythrocyte membrane protein, is a potential organizer of an adherens system. In adult mouse seminiferous tubules, protein 4.1B localized in the basal compartment, especially in the attaching region of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Protein 4.1B localization and appearance were not different in each spermatogenic stage. Developmentally, protein 4.1B was not detected at postnatal day 3 (P3), was diffusely localized at P15, and was found in the basal compartment during the third week. By double staining for protein 4.1B and F-actin, their localizations were shown to be different, indicating that protein 4.1B was localized in a region lower than the basal ectoplasmic specialization that formed the Sertoli-Sertoli junction. By electron microscopy, immunoreactive products were seen mainly on the membranes of Sertoli cells. In the W/W(v) mutant mouse, the seminiferous epithelium had few germ cells. Protein 4.1B and beta-catenin were not detected, although the basal ectoplasmic specialization was retained. These results indicate that protein 4.1B may be related to the adhesion between Sertoli cells and germ cells, especially the spermatogonium.

Animals↗

Protein 4.1B in mouse islets of Langerhans and beta-cell tumorigenesis.

Protein 4.1 family proteins are thought to interact with membrane proteins and membrane skeletons. Immunohistochemical studies by light and electron microscopy were performed on mouse pancreas with a specific antibody against protein 4.1B. Specific protein 4.1B immunolabeling was observed on endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans. Protein 4.1B localized along the plasma membranes facing adjacent cells. By immunoelectron microscopy, the immunolabeling of the cells was restricted to the cytoplasmic side just beneath their plasma membrane, including the membranes adjacent to neighboring cells, while the plasma membranes facing endothelial cells were not immunolabeled for protein 4.1B. The immunolocalization of E-cadherin was similar, if not identical, to that of protein 4.1B supporting the idea that protein 4.1B may be functionally interconnected with adhesion molecules. In a transgenic mouse model of pancreatic beta-cell carcinogenesis (Rip1Tag2), the loss of protein 4.1B expression coincided with the phenotypic transition from adenoma to carcinoma. Therefore, we propose a role of protein 4.1B as a connecting and/or signaling molecule between membrane architecture, cell adhesion, and tumor cell invasion in mouse pancreatic endocrine cells.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Oligomerization and pore formation of a sphingomyelin-specific toxin, lysenin.

Lysenin is a novel protein derived from coelomic fluid of the earthworm Eisenia foetida, which specifically recognizes sphingomyelin and induces cytolysis. The mechanism underlying lysenin-induced cell lysis has not been clarified. In this report we studied the interaction of lysenin with red blood cells as well as artificial liposomes. Our results showed that lysenin bound membranes and assembled to SDS-resistant oligomers in a sphingomyelin-dependent manner, leading to the formation of pores with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 3 nm. Antibody scanning analysis suggested that the C-terminal region of lysenin was exposed, whereas the N-terminal was hidden in the isolated oligomer complex. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that lysenin interacted with both hydrophilic head group and hydrophobic hydrocarbon tails of sphingomyelin. Oligomerization but not binding was affected by the amide-linked fatty acid composition of sphingomyelin, suggesting the role of membrane fluidity in the oligomerization step.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Multidrug resistant phenotype of Bacillus subtilis spontaneous mutants isolated in the presence of puromycin and lincomycin.

Spontaneous mutants were isolated by growing Bacillus subtilis 168 in the presence of high concentrations of puromycin and lincomycin. These mutants showed increased resistance to several drugs other than these two drugs. The ImrAB genes, which encode a transcriptional repressor and a drug efflux protein of the major facilitator superfamily, were involved in this phenotype. Northern hybridization analysis showed that the expression of ImrAB gene increased more than 30-fold. The following two types of mutations were found to be responsible for the multidrug resistant phenotype: (i) a nucleotide replacement in the region between the promoter and initiation codon of ImrA and (ii) nucleotide replacements that resulted in amino acid replacements in the LmrA protein. The results indicate that LmrB is a multidrug resistant protein and that LmrA is a repressor, which autogenously represses the transcription of the ImrAB operon.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Actin-rich spherical extrusion induced in okadaic acid-treated K562 cells by crosslinking of membrane microdomains.

Interconnection between surface microdomains and the actin cytoskeleton is vital to various cellular activities. We studied the responses of okadaic acid (OKA)-treated K562 leukemia cells to crosslinking of membrane microdomains. Although OKA alone induced clustering of surface-bound F-actin, addition of a biotinylated poly(ethylene glycol) derivative of cholesterol (bPEG-Chol) and subsequent binding of streptavidin (SA) further induced accumulation of the clusters, resulting in the formation of a spherical cell extrusion. This extrusion was also induced by direct crosslinking of a raft marker, CD59, and ganglioside GM1. In addition, we found that knockout of the gene encoding Fyn kinase inhibited formation of the spherical extrusion in murine T-cells. In bPEG-Chol/SA-treated cells, CD59, ganglioside GM1, and clathrin/AP-2 were all accumulated on the surface of the actin-rich extrusion, whereas dynamin and transferrin receptors were unaffected. Intermediate filaments, mitochondria, and other vesicles also accumulated. These results suggest that crosslinking of membrane domains exaggerates the linkage between actin and a defined set of membrane proteins in OKA-treated cells.

Actins↗

Cinnamycin (Ro 09-0198) promotes cell binding and toxicity by inducing transbilayer lipid movement.

Cinnamycin is a unique toxin in that its receptor, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), resides in the inner layer of the plasma membrane. Little is known about how the toxin recognizes PE and causes cytotoxicity. We showed that cinnamycin induced transbilayer phospholipid movement in target cells that leads to the exposure of inner leaflet PE to the toxin. Model membrane studies revealed that cinnamycin induced transbilayer lipid movement in a PE concentration-dependent manner. Re-orientation of phospholipids was accompanied by an increase in the incidence of beta-sheet structure in cinnamycin. When the surface concentration of PE was high, cinnamycin induced membrane re-organization such as membrane fusion and the alteration of membrane gross morphology. These results suggest that cinnamycin promotes its own binding to the cell and causes toxicity by inducing transbilayer lipid movement.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗