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T Shimaoka

Publications and source records attributed to T Shimaoka.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase from spinach chloroplasts.

Glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase (GSH-DHAR) catalyzes the reduction of dehydroascorbate to ascorbate using reduced glutathione as the electron donor. GSH-DHAR from spinach chloroplasts produced in Escherichia coli was crystallized by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals were monoclinic, space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 98.25, b = 39.96, c = 106.86 A, beta = 110.46 degrees. The asymmetric unit contained two molecules, giving a crystal volume per enzyme mass (V(M)) of 2.06 A(3) Da(-1) and a solvent content of 40.3%. A full set of X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.2 A Bragg spacing from three native crystals with an overall R(merge) of 6.5% and a completeness of 93.4%.

Chloroplasts↗

Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) supports cell adhesion to fibronectin.

Lectin-like oxidized lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a specific receptor for atherogenic oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) which belongs to the scavenger receptor family. In the present report, we show that LOX-1 can also support cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN) in a divalent cation-independent fashion. CHO-K1 cells stably expressing bovine LOX-1 (BLOX-1-CHO), but not untransfected CHO-K1 cells, can adhere to FN-coated plates, but not to collagen-coated plates, in the presence of EDTA. BLOX-1-CHO adhesion to FN-coated plates can also be suppressed by scavenger receptor ligands, such as OxLDL, polyinosinic acid (poly I), and dextran sulfate, but not by native LDL, acetylated LDL, polycytidylic acid (poly C), or chondroitin sulfate. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells can similarly adhere to FN-coated plates, which was inhibited by OxLDL, poly I, and dextran sulfate in the presence of EDTA. LOX-1 may play an important role in cell adhesion to FN in an integrin-independent manner.

Animals↗

LOX-1 supports adhesion of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Adhesion of bacteria to vascular endothelial cells as well as mucosal cells and epithelial cells appears to be one of the initial steps in the process of bacterial infection, including infective endocarditis. We examined whether lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1), a member of scavenger receptor family molecules with C-type lectin-like structure, can support adhesion of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO-K1) cells stably expressing LOX-1 can support binding of FITC-labeled Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which was suppressed by poly(I) and an anti-LOX-1 mAb. Adhesion of these bacteria to LOX-1 does not require divalent cations or serum factors and can be supported under both static and nonstatic conditions. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) can also support adhesion of FITC-labeled S. aureus, which was similarly suppressed by poly(I) and an anti-LOX-1 mAb. In contrast, binding of FITC-labeled E. coli to BAEC was partially inhibited by the anti-LOX-1 mAb, and poly(I) did not block FITC-labeled E. coli adhesion to BAEC, but, rather, enhanced it under a static condition. TNF-alpha increased LOX-1-dependent adhesion of E. coli, but not that of S. aureus, suggesting that S. aureus adhesion to BAEC may require additional molecules, which cooperate with LOX-1 and suppressed by TNF-alpha. Taken together, LOX-1 can work as a cell surface receptor for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as S. aureus and E. coli, in a mechanism similar to that of class A scavenger receptors; however, other unknown molecules may also be involved in the adhesion of E. coli to BAEC, which is enhanced by poly(I).

Animals↗

Expression of scavenger receptor for phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein (SR-PSOX) in human atheroma.

Recently, we identified a novel macrophage cell-surface receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), designated SR-PSOX (scavenger receptor for phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein). Here we examine SR-PSOX expression in human atherosclerotic lesions using carotid endarterectomy specimens from 21 patients, directional coronary atherectomy specimens from 11 patients, and normal aortas from 2 patients. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that SR-PSOX expression was upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions, but undetectable in normal aortas. Immunohistochemistry showed that SR-PSOX was abundantly expressed by macrophages in the intima of atherosclerotic lesions. Taken together, SR-PSOX may be involved in Ox-LDL uptake and subsequent foam cell transformation in macrophages in vivo and therefore may play important roles in human atherosclerotic lesion formation.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Expression of SR-PSOX, a novel cell-surface scavenger receptor for phosphatidylserine and oxidized LDL in human atherosclerotic lesions.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) by macrophages and the subsequent foam cell transformation in the arterial intima are key events in early atherogenesis. Recently, we have identified a novel macrophage cell-surface receptor for Ox-LDL by expression cloning from a cDNA library of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated THP-1 cells, designated as the scavenger receptor for phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein (SR-PSOX). Here, we examined SR-PSOX expression in human atherosclerotic lesions. Total cellular RNA and fresh frozen sections were prepared from human carotid endarterectomy specimens (from 21 patients) and directional coronary atherectomy specimens (from 11 patients). Fragments of human aortas of 2 patients without visible atherosclerotic lesions served as negative controls. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that SR-PSOX mRNA expression was prominent in atherosclerotic lesions but undetectable in normal aortas. Immunohistochemistry showed that SR-PSOX was predominantly expressed by lipid-laden macrophages in the intima of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid endarterectomy and directional coronary atherectomy specimens, although its expression was not detectable in normal arterial wall. Double-labeled immunohistochemistry confirmed that SR-PSOX is expressed by intimal macrophages. Taken together, SR-PSOX may be involved in Ox-LDL uptake and subsequent foam cell transformation in macrophages in vivo and thus may play important roles in human atherosclerotic lesion formation.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning of a novel scavenger receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein, SR-PSOX, on macrophages.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) by macrophages has been implicated in foam cell transformation in the process of atherogenesis. Although several scavenger receptor molecules, including class A scavenger receptors and CD36, have been identified as OxLDL receptors on macrophages, additional molecules on macrophages may also be involved in the recognition of OxLDL. From a cDNA library of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated THP-1 cells, we isolated a cDNA encoding a novel protein designated SR-PSOX (scavenger receptor that binds phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein), which acts as a receptor for OxLDL. SR-PSOX was a type I membrane protein consisting of 254 amino acids, expression of which was shown on human and murine macrophages with a molecular mass of 30 kDa. SR-PSOX could specifically bind with high affinity, internalize, and degrade OxLDL. The recognition of OxLDL was blocked by polyinosinic acid and dextran sulfate but not by acetylated low density lipoprotein. Taken together, SR-PSOX is a novel class of molecule belonging to the scavenger receptor family, which may play important roles in pathophysiology including atherogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Purification and characterization of chloroplast dehydroascorbate reductase from spinach leaves.

Green leaves of plants require the high-level activity that can regenerate ascorbate during photosynthesis. One of such enzyme is dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), but the molecular and enzymological properties of the enzyme remain to be fully characterized. In this study, we showed that two major DHAR existed in spinach leaves. The two DHARs occupied at least over 90% of total DHAR activity. The amount of the two DHARs was almost the same. We purified both DHARs from spinach leaves. One form of DHAR originated in chloroplasts; the other occurred in the subcellular compartment other than chloroplasts. The chloroplast DHAR had Km values of 70 microM and 1.1 mM for dehydroascorbate and reduced glutathione, respectively. The specific activity of the purified enzyme corresponded to 360 micromol of ascorbate formed per milligram of protein per minute. These properties were quite different from those of trypsin inhibitor, which has been reported to be the plastid DHAR. The other DHAR had the very similar properties to those of chloroplast DHAR. Chloroplast and the other DHARs functioned as a monomer with molecular masses of 26 kDa and 25 kDa, respectively. cDNA for the chloroplast DHAR was cloned with the determined amino-terminal amino acid sequence. The primary sequence predicted from the cDNA included the plastid-targeting sequence. Finally, the significance of chloroplast DHAR in the regeneration of ascorbate is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Inhibitory effects of YM175, a bisphosphonate, on the progression of experimental periodontitis in beagle dogs.

This study examined the efficacy of YM175 [disodium dihydrogen (cycloheptylamino) methylene-1, 1-bisphosphonate] in reducing alveolar bone loss caused by experimental periodontitis in beagle dogs. Thirty-six dogs were used and divided into 6 groups. Periodontitis was induced in 30 dogs (groups 2-6) by ligating the bilateral mandibular third and fourth premolar teeth with silk ligatures and by feeding a soft diet. Six dogs were sham-operated (group 1). Saline (placebo), flurbiprofen (0.02 mg/kg) and YM175 (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) were administered to the dogs (groups 2-6) 5 d/wk for 25 wk. Radiographic and morphometric analyses were performed. In placebo-treated animals (group 2), the ligation caused a significant decrease in the alveolar bone height by 0.57 and 1.91 mm at 2 and 25 wk, respectively. YM175 (1.0 mg/kg) prevented the decrease in bone height by 47 and 31% at 2 and 25 wk. YM175 (0.1 mg/kg) and flurbiprofen tended to prevent bone loss after 15 wk. Although the ligation elicited no significant change in bone mineral density, it significantly decreased bone volume. YM175 (1.0 mg/kg) and flurbiprofen tended to increase the bone volume. The number of formative or resorptive Haversian canals and the bone turnover through the periosteal bone surface were increased by the ligation, indicating the increased turnover of the cortical bone. YM175 (1.0 mg/kg) reduced the increased bone turnover. The gingival index was maximally increased at 2 wk and was suppressed by YM175. These results suggest that YM175 prevents alveolar bone loss by reducing the increased alveolar bone turnover in dogs with periodontitis.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Serum hepatocyte growth factor activity and hepatocyte proliferation in Long-Evans with a cinnamon-like coat color rats with hepatic lesions.

We classified hepatic lesions spontaneously developed by Long-Evans with a cinnamon-like coat color (LEC) rats into the following four stages: Normal liver, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and hepatoma, by biochemical tests of the sera, and anatomical and histopathological examination of the livers. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activity in the sera of LEC rats which developed acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and hepatoma was higher than that of normal LEC rats. In particular, HGF activity in the sera of the LEC rats with acute hepatitis was about 70-fold that of normal LEC rats. However, primary cultured hepatocytes of LEC rats with hepatic lesions were hardly proliferated by stimulation with EGF and insulin in vitro or with increased HGF in vivo. These results suggest that the hepatocytes of LEC rats with hepatic lesions disorder the signal transduction of growth factors.

Acute Disease↗

Abnormal accumulation of copper-metallothionein in the liver and kidney of Long-Evans rats with a cinnamon-like coat color (LEC rats).

We determined the copper (Cu) and metallothionein (MT) concentrations in the liver and kidney supernatants of Long-Evans rats with a cinnamon-like coat color (LEC rats), and also measured the Cu and MT levels in the serum of these rats. Seven-week-old rats had abnormally high levels of both substances in the liver. The levels in the liver supernatant were over 80- and 16-fold higher, respectively, in LEC rats than in normal 7-week-old Wistar rats. LEC rats suffering from acute hepatitis or hepatoma had a much higher level of hepatic MT, but the Cu level was higher only in the liver of those with hepatoma. The serum levels of Cu and MT in LEC rats with acute hepatitis were more than 10-fold higher than those in normal LEC rats. These levels were decreased in the rats with chronic hepatitis or hepatoma. In the liver of LEC rats with hepatoma, the area of hepatocellular carcinoma and of noncancerous liver showed over twice higher Cu and MT levels than the area of cholangiofibrosis. The Sephadex G-75 elution profile from the liver supernatant of a normal LEC rat showed that the peak of Cu closely corresponded to that of MT recognized with anti-MT antiserum. The levels of Cu and MT in the kidney supernatant of LEC rats with acute hepatitis were more than 25-fold higher than in that of normal LEC rats. However, there were no marked increases in the levels in the kidney supernatant of LEC rats with chronic hepatitis or hepatoma.

Animals↗

Genetic markers in the blood of three species of tamarins (Saguinus mystax, S. labiatus and S. oedipus).

Alkaline phosphatase (Alp), esterase-I (Es-I), esterase-II (Es-II), carbonic anhydrase (CA), cell esterase (cEs), esterase-D (Es-D), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD), tetrazolium oxidase (To), ceruloplasmin (Cp), Haptoglobin (Hp) and hemoglobin (Hb) in 58-75 samples of three species of tamarins (Saguinus mystax, S. labiatus and S. oedipus) were detected by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Two types (Es-I 1 and Es-I 2) for Es-I, four types (Es-II 1, Es-II 2, Es-II 3 and Es-II 2-3) for Es-II, three types (cEs 1, cEs 2 and cEs 1-2) for cEs, three types (PGD 1, PGD 2 and PGD 1-2) for PGD, two types (To 1 and To 2) for To, and three types (Hp 3, Hp 1-3 and Hp 2-3) for Hp were observed. However, Alp, CA, Es-D, ICD, MDH, Cp and Hb were monomorphic. In the S. mystax, no Es-II or PGD variants were observed. No Es-II variant was seen in the S. oedipus. Gene frequencies of cEs, PGD and Hb were biased in the three species. It is concluded that six polymorphic loci are useful as genetic markers for a species or individual.

Animals↗

Genetic variations in albumin and transferrin as species markers in plasma of Callithricidae.

Albumin (Alb) and transferrin (Tf) polymorphism in plasma of Callithricidae was investigated by means of starch gel electrophoresis. In 52 blood samples of three species (Saguinus mystax, S. oedipus and S. labiatus), four Alb phenotypes (Alb 1, Alb 2, Alb 3 and Alb 2-3) and two Tf phenotypes (Tf 1 and Tf 2) were observed. No Alb variant was found in S. oedipus and S. mystax.

Animals↗