PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

T Muramatsu

Publications and source records attributed to T Muramatsu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Molecular cloning and chromosomal mapping of the human gene for the testis-specific catalytic subunit of calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (calcineurin A).

A cDNA for an alternatively spliced variant of the testis-specific catalytic subunit of calmodulin dependent protein phosphatase (CaM-PrP) was cloned from a human testis library. The nucleotide sequence of 2134 base pairs (bp) encodes a protein of 502 amino acids (Mr approximately 57,132) and pI 7.0. The cDNA sequence differs from the murine form of this gene by a 30 bp deletion in the coding region, the position of which matches those in the two other genes for the catalytic subunit. These data indicate that this alternative splicing event arose prior to the divergence of the three genes. The deduced sequence of the human protein is only 88% identical to the homologous murine form, in striking contrast to the other two CaM-PrP catalytic subunits which are highly conserved between mouse and human (approximately 99%); this indicates a more rapid rate of evolution for the testis-specific gene. Analysis of Southern blots containing DNA from human-hamster somatic cell hybrids show that the gene is on human chromosome 8.

Alternative Splicing

Structure and expression of two isoforms of the murine calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase regulatory subunit (calcineurin B).

Murine cDNAs representing distinct genes for the regulatory subunits of calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (CaM-PrP) were cloned from a testis library, using probes prepared by PCR amplification of brain and testis mRNA. The cDNA sequence of the brain-specific isoform (beta 1) encodes a 170 amino acid protein (M(r) approximately 19.3 kDa), whereas that for the testis isoform (beta 2) contains 179 residues (M(r) approximately 20.7 kDa); these two sequences show approximately 80% amino acid identity. An oligonucleotide probe for the brain isoform hybridized to a single mRNA of 3.6 kilobases (kb) in many tissues, whereas using the beta 2 probe, two mRNAs of 1.8 and 0.8 kb were detected only in testis. The mRNA for the testis-specific isoform increases markedly during development, its pattern being virtually identical to that of mRNA for a testicular form of the catalytic subunit (alpha 3). These data are consistent with the biological co-regulation of catalytic and regulatory subunits of a testis-specific isoenzyme during germ cell maturation.

Amino Acid Sequence

Carbohydrate profiles shown by a lectin and a monoclonal antibody correlate with metastatic potential and prognosis of human lung carcinomas.

The expression of two carbohydrate markers--namely, 4C9 antigen, which is an Lex antigen, and the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) binding site, which is an N-acetylgalactosamine marker--was examined histochemically in tumors and adjacent nontumorous tissues of 102 cases of human lung carcinomas. In nontumorous tissues, the DBA binding site was expressed more frequently than 4C9 antigen, and the DBA binding site had a tendency to be expressed more significantly than in tumor cells. Adenocarcinomas and well-differentiated tumors had a tendency to more cell surface staining. Patients with tumors that expressed DBA binding sites but not 4C9 antigen (4C9-, DBA+) had fewer metastasis and significantly better prognoses than patients with tumors of other carbohydrate profiles. Better prognosis of patients with 4C9-, DBA+ tumors was observed in those with blood group A antigen and those without it, and the better prognosis also was observed in patients with Stage I and IIIA disease.

Adolescent

Molecular cloning of a calmodulin-dependent phosphatase from murine testis: identification of a developmentally expressed nonneural isoenzyme.

A unique isoform of the catalytic subunit of calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (CaM-PrP) was cloned from a murine testis library. The cDNA sequence of 1964 base pairs contained an open reading frame encoding a protein of 513 amino acids (Mr approximately 58,706), the predicted isoelectric point of which (pI 7.1) was much more basic than those of brain isoforms (pI 5.6-5.8). The deduced amino acid sequence was 77-81% identical to two other murine CaM-PrP genes and displayed a distinct Southern blot hybridization pattern, indicating that it was derived from a separate gene (type 3). High amounts of a 2800-nucleotide mRNA transcript were observed in testis, whereas mRNA species were not detectable in brain; thus, it seems likely that this CaM-PrP represents a nonneural isoenzyme. Measurements of CaM-PrP mRNA during testicular development showed a dramatic increase in expression during weeks 4-6, correlating with the later stages of spermatogenesis. These data suggest that this phosphatase isoform may be involved in germ-cell function and are consistent with the report of a flagellum-associated form of CaM-PrP that may regulate sperm motility [Tash, J. S., Krinks, M., Patel, J., Means, R. L., Klee, C. B. & Means, A. R. (1988) J. Cell Biol. 106, 1625-1633].

Amino Acid Sequence

Induction and repair of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and (6-4) photoproducts in organ-cultured normal human skin.

To examine the induction and repair of UV-induced DNA damage, indirect immunofluorescence was performed on UVB-irradiated organ-cultured normal human skin using monoclonal antibodies specific for either cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers or (6-4) photoproducts. Nuclear immunofluorescence of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and (6-4) photoproducts were observed in a dose-dependent manner after UVB irradiation. The intensity of nuclear immunofluorescence of the upper epidermal layers was stronger and clearer than that of the lower epidermal layers. DNA repair time-course studies showed that both types of DNA damage could be repaired within 24 h after UVB irradiation.

Cyclobutanes

A metastasis-associated antigen is present on a 60 kDa glycoprotein in transitional cell carcinoma of the human urinary bladder.

We have previously shown that the degree of expression of Lex-related carbohydrate epitopes, namely, Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA) receptors, SSEA-1 and FH6, correlates with the metastatic potential of transitional cell carcinoma of the human urinary bladder. In an effort to obtain a better reagent with which to detect a metastasis-associated epitope, monoclonal antibodies were produced against LTA receptors from BOY bladder carcinoma cells. One antigen defined by such a monoclonal antibody, MM4, indeed showed better correlation with the metastatic potential of the tumour than did other carbohydrate markers. In the LTA receptors, MM4 antigen was located only on a 60 kDa glycoprotein. In extracts from primary carcinomas and lymph node metastases, the 60 kDa glycoprotein was the principal carrier of MM4 antigen. LTA receptors from these sources were composed of arrays of glycoproteins, while the 60 kDa one was invariably present. Metastasis-associated carbohydrate epitopes on the 60 kDa glycoprotein may promote metastasis by interaction with carbohydrate-recognizing proteins such as selectins on host cells.

Antigens, Neoplasm

Monoclonal antibodies against a human gastric cancer cell line with lung metastatic potential in nude mice define antigens with different expression between the primary and metastatic liver lesions.

SCK-29 is a tumor cell line derived from human gastric adenocarcinoma with the feature of producing lung metastases when xenografted in nude mice. Monoclonal antibodies were produced against SCK-29 tumor cells or their glycoproteins prepared by affinity chromatography on a lectin-agarose column. Five antigens defined by the monoclonal antibodies MG-1 to MG-5 were expressed in a large number of gastric or colonic adenocarcinomas. Among the antigens, MG-1 and MG-3 proved to be tumor-associated, since they were detected only occasionally in normal tissues. MG-5 antigen was often detected in normal gastric mucosa but not in other tissues. The degree of expression of MG-1. MG-3 and MG-5 antigens differed considerably in metastatic lesions. In metastatic liver lesions of gastric adenocarcinoma, expression of these MG antigens was less marked than in primary tumors. MG-1 and MG-3 antigens were abolished by neuraminidase digestion and periodate oxidation. MG-5 antigen was likely to be a protein antigen, since it was resistant to neuraminidase digestion and to periodate oxidation but was sensitive to protease digestion.

Adenocarcinoma

Hydroxyl radical generation by red tide algae.

The unicellular marine phytoplankton Chattonella marina is known to have toxic effects against various living marine organisms, especially fishes. However, details of the mechanism of the toxicity of this plankton remain obscure. Here we demonstrate the generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals from a red tide unicellular organism, C. marina, by using ESR spectroscopy with the spin traps 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) and N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (PBN), and by using the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence response. The spin-trapping assay revealed productions of spin adduct of superoxide anion (O2-) (DMPO-OOH) and that of hydroxyl radical (.OH) (DMPO-OH) in the algal suspension, which was not observed in the ultrasonic-ruptured suspension. The addition of superoxide dismutase (500 U/ml) almost completely inhibited the formation of both DMPO-OOH and DMPO-OH, and carbon-centered radicals were generated with the disappearance of DMPO-OH after addition of 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) and 5% ethanol. Furthermore, the generation of methyl and methoxyl radicals, which are thought to be produced by the reaction of hydroxyl radical and Me2SO under aerobic condition, was identified using spin trapping with a combination of PBN and Me2SO. Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay also supported the above observations. These results clearly indicate that C. marina generates and releases the superoxide radical followed by the production of hydroxyl radical to the surrounding environment. The velocity of superoxide generation by C. marina was about 100 times faster than that by mammalian phagocytes per cell basis. The generation of oxygen radical is suggested to be a pathogenic principle in the toxication of red tide to susceptible aquaculture fishes and may be directly correlated with the coastal pollution by red tide.

Cyclic N-Oxides

Genetic differences in steroid-induced protein synthesis in vivo of the liver and magnum in immature chicks (Gallus domesticus).

1. The present study was conducted to investigate whether or not the rate of steroid-induced protein synthesis measured in vivo in the liver and magnum was different between chicks from different genetic backgrounds. 2. Both protein deposition and synthesis in the liver were enhanced after the administration of beta-estradiol with or without testosterone. In the magnum, the combined administration of beta-estradiol and testosterone resulted in significantly higher protein deposition and synthesis than did beta-estradiol alone. 3. After the administration of beta-estradiol and testosterone, protein deposition in the liver and magnum was lower in broiler than in layer and dual-purpose chicks. Protein synthesis in the magnum tended to be highest, though not significantly, in layer, followed by dual-purpose and broiler chicks in decreasing order. 4. Steroid-induced protein deposition in the liver was not changed between chicks genetically selected for low and high albumen contents. In contrast, steroid-induced protein synthesis in the magnum was significantly higher in high-albumen birds than low-albumen chicks. 5. It was concluded that genetic traits for high egg production were well reflected in increased protein deposition and synthesis in the liver and especially in the magnum of immature female chicks stimulated by steroid hormone treatment.

Animals

Expression of SSEA-1 carbohydrate antigen correlates with stage, grade and metastatic potential of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Expression of stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1) was immunohistochemically analyzed in primary cancerous regions from transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Lymph node metastasis occurred in 14 (50%) of 28 patients with high expression of SSEA-1 antigen, but in only one (4%) of 23 patients with low or no expression. Of 36 invasive bladder carcinoma patients with no metastasis at operation, 8 (57%) of 14 with high expression of SSEA-1 antigen died of cancer or had metastasis, whereas 4 (18%) of 22 with low or no expression had progression of the disease. In addition, stage pT3b-4 tumors more frequently reacted with SSEA-1 MAb than stage pT1 tumors (p less than 0.01). Grade 2 or 3 tumors were also more reactive than grade 1 tumors, which were all unreactive except for one (p less than 0.01, respectively). Our data suggest that SSEA-1, which is a Le(x) antigen, correlates with stage and grade as well as metastatic phenotype of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell

Reactivity to fucose-binding proteins of Lotus tetragonolobus correlates with metastatic phenotype of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Expression of binding sites for fucose binding proteins (FBP) of Lotus tetragonolobus were immunohistochemically analyzed in surgically extirpated specimens from patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The degree of expression of FBP binding sites in the primary cancerous region correlated with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. Thus, lymph node metastases occurred in 15 of 34 cases with high expression of FBP binding sites, but did not in 17 cases with low or no FBP binding site expression. All metastatic lymph nodes strongly reacted with FBP. In addition, primary lesions at the pT3b or pT4 stage more frequently reacted with FBP as compared with those at the pTa, pT1 or pT2 stage. Although FBP is known to react both with Gal beta 1----4(Fuc alpha 1----3)GlcNAc and Fuc alpha 1----2Gal sequences, comparative staining of other carbohydrate markers revealed that the latter structure is not related with metastatic potential and stages.

Adult

Genomic structure of human midkine (MK), a retinoic acid-responsive growth/differentiation factor.

Midkine (MK) is a product of a retinoic acid-responsive gene and a new heparin-binding growth/differentiation factor. The coding sequence of human MK was located on 1.5 kb DNA segment. The structure of the cloned human MK gene was determined and compared with that of the mouse gene. The coding sequence was divided into 4 exons, and each exon and exon-intron boundary was highly homologous to those of the mouse. Furthermore, 170 bases in the upstream region of the putative transcription initiation sites and 3 blocks of 200-350 bases in regions further upstream were highly conserved. These sequences are likely to be involved in developmentally regulated expression of MK.

Animals

A new family of heparin binding growth/differentiation factors: differential expression of the midkine (MK) and HB-GAM genes during mouse development.

MK (midkine) and HB-GAM (heparin-binding growth-associated molecule) constitute a new family of heparin-binding growth differentiation factors. The modes of expression of MK and HB-GAM during mouse development were quantitatively examined by mRNA hybridization. The following three distinct patterns of expression were observed in the brain/head region. On the 11th-13th days of gestation, MK was intensely, but HB-GAM relatively weakly expressed; on the 15th-19th days, both MK and HB-GAM expression became weaker; and in the neonatal period, HB-GAM was intensely expressed and MK expression increased slightly. The level of HB-GAM expression was lower than that of MK in the whole embryo on the 11th to 13th days of gestation. HB-GAM mRNA was detected in the kidney of newborn and young mice, where MK was more highly expressed. The identity of the weakly expressed MK and HB-GAM signals was confirmed by means of the polymerase chain reaction in the neonatal brain (MK), the head of 13-day embryos (HB-GAM), and the kidney of 7-day-old mice (HB-GAM). In conclusion, MK and HB-GAM are frequently co-expressed in the same cells and anatomic regions of the fetus or new born mouse, while their modes of expression differ.

Animals

A novel core protein as well as polymorphic epithelial mucin carry peanut agglutinin binding sites in human gastric carcinoma cells: sequence analysis and examination of gene expression.

The peanut agglutinin (PNA)-binding site is protein-bound Gal beta 1-->3GalNAc, and is a tumor-associated carbohydrate marker expressed in many human carcinomas. PNA-binding glycoproteins isolated from KATO-III human gastric carcinoma cells were deglycosylated by trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, and rabbit antibodies against the core proteins were used to screen a lambda gt11 expression library constructed from these cells. Two different core proteins were identified by this approach. One was polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM), initially found in breast carcinomas. PEM mRNA was expressed in normal tissues of the stomach, colon, and lung, but not in the small intestine, thyroid, and spleen. High levels of PEM mRNA were detected in some nude mouse-transplanted carcinomas, i.e. colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, and lung carcinomas. The other core protein was a novel one called MGC-24, which has a molecular mass of 24 kDa, is rich in hydroxyl amino acids and cysteine, and lacks repeating motifs. The mature MGC-24 glycoprotein behaved as a high-molecular-mass one upon SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis even after neuraminidase treatment. Treatment with endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase in the absence of neuraminidase significantly changed the staining pattern by anti-MGC-24, confirming that MGC-24 carried PNA-binding sites. MGC-24 mRNA was intensely expressed in normal tissues of the colon, small intestine and thyroid, and in some nude mouse-transplanted colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

Amino Acid Sequence

Induction of the 72-kD heat shock protein in organ-cultured normal human skin.

To study the induction of heat shock protein (HSP) of normal human skin, the indirect immunofluorescence method, using monoclonal antibody directed against 72-kD HSP, was applied in organ-cultured normal human skin that was treated with heat, UV, or chemicals. The present study provided new evidence that HSP 72 was induced not only by heat and chemical agents, such as L-azetidine 2-carboxylic acid, and sodium arsenite, but also by ultraviolet (UV B and C). The result suggests that normal human skin has an induced protective function against numerous environmental stresses.

Arsenic

Induction of the 72-kD heat shock protein in xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A fibroblasts.

In mammalian cells, 72-kD heat shock protein (HSP72) is the major stress-inducible protein that is thought to play a protective role against the various environmental stresses. In order to know the induction mechanism of HSP72, we examined the HSP72 in DNA repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum group A fibroblasts (XP2OSSV) and normal fibroblasts (WI38VA13) by the indirect immunofluorescence method using a monoclonal antibody specific for the inducible 72-kD protein. Heat-shock treatment of the same survival fraction (5% survival) induced HSP72 in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and normal cells. However, as compared with XP cells, normal cells showed the induction of HSP72 more rapidly and strongly. When XP and normal cells were irradiated with UVC at the same survival dose (10% survival), apparent induction of HSP72 was observed in both cell lines. In the case of UVC irradiation at the same dose (1.0 J/m2), though XP cells showed the induction of HSP72, HSP72 was not induced in normal cells. In both cell lines, heat-shock treatment caused more rapid induction of HSP72 than UV irradiation. These results suggest that the induction mechanism of HSP72 might be different between heat-shock treatment and UV irradiation. In addition, in the case of UV irradiation, the extent of DNA damage after DNA repair or the cell death might be involved in the induction of HSP72.

Cell Line, Transformed