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Biomedical subjects

U Sankawa

Publications and source records attributed to U Sankawa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Selective inhibition of Src protein tyrosine kinase by analogues of 5-S-glutathionyl-beta-alanyl-L-dopa.

Twelve analogues of the antibacterial phenolic peptide 5-S-glutathionyl-beta-alanyl-L-dopa (5-S-GA-L-D: 1) were synthesized via orthoquinones using tyrosinase. Several synthesized compounds inhibited the v-Src autophosphorylation tyrosine kinase reaction with an IC50 value comparable to that of herbimycin. The inhibition of c-Src substrate phosphorylation was much less active than v-Src autophosphorylation inhibition. The analogues showed no effects on substrate phosphorylation by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and this selectivity is the most characteristic feature of the analogues (1-12).

Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1997

Molecular cloning of pea cDNA encoding cycloartenol synthase and its functional expression in yeast.

The cDNA encoding cycloartenol synthase [EC 5.4.99.8] has been isolated from pea seedling by an efficient PCR using sets of degenerate primers based on the highly conserved sequences of the known 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase cDNAs. The obtained cDNA contains a 2271-bp open reading frame and is encoding a predicted protein of 757 amino acids with high homology (81%) to Arabidopsis thaliana cycloartenol synthase. The PCR-amplified open reading frame (ORF) has been inserted into pYES2, an expression vector in yeast, under the control of galactose-inducible promoter. Significant cycloartenol synthase activity has been found in the homogenate of the yeast transformed with the plasmid containing PCR-amplified ORF.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Cloning of the polyketide synthase gene atX from Aspergillus terreus and its identification as the 6-methylsalicylic acid synthase gene by heterologous expression.

Southern blot analysis of genomic DNAs of several fungi that produce polyketide compounds with the 6-methylsalicylic acid synthase (MSAS) gene of Penicillium patulum as a probe indicated the presence of an MSAS-homologous gene in the (+)-geodin-producing strain IMI 16,043 of Aspergillus terreus. The gene, designated atX was cloned from an A. terreus genomic DNA library and 7588 bp of the gene together with its flanking regions were sequenced to reveal the presence of a 5.5 kb open reading frame coding for a protein of 1800 amino acids with 190 kDa molecular mass. The presence of a short (70 bp) intron near the N-terminus of the atX gene was predicted that contains the canonical GT and AG dinucleotides at its 5'- and 3'-splicing junctions. The predicted ATX polypeptide showed high homology with P. patulum MSAS along the whole sequence. On the other hand, slight homology was detected only around the beta-ketoacyl synthase regions of Aspergillus nidulans wA, PKSST and Colletotrichum lagenarium PKS1. No transcription of atX was observed throughout the culture period by Northern blotting analysis. To identify the function of the polypeptide encoded by the atX gene, its coding region was introduced into the fungal expression vector pTAex3 under the control of the amyB promoter. The constructed expression plasmid was introduced into A. nidulans. The transformant produced significant amounts of 6-methylsalicylic acid, the structure of which was identified by physicochemical analysis. This result unambiguously demonstrated that the atX gene codes for MSAS of A. terreus.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed1996

Cloning of chalcone-flavanone isomerase cDNA from Pueraria lobata and its overexpression in Escherichia coli.

Chalcone-flavanone isomerase (CHI) cDNA was isolated from Pueraria lobata by combination of cDNA library screening using Phaseolus vulgaris CHI cDNA as a probe and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Analysis of nucleotide sequence of the cloned cDNA revealed a 675-bp open reading frame encoding a 225-amino-acid polypeptide with a molecular weight of 23,803 Da. The CHI cDNA coding region was cloned into pET-3d expression vector and successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells as active CHI enzyme. The recombinant CHI was then purified to apparent homogeneity by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Replacement of Cys-119 with Ala was carried out by site-directed mutagenesis and the result that the mutant CHI showed CHI enzyme activity confirmed that Cys-119 is not involved in the CHI catalytic active site.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Purification and characterization of sulochrin oxidase from Penicillium frequentans.

Sulochrin oxidase, an enzyme catalyzing regio- and stereospecific phenol oxidative coupling reaction to form (+)-bisdechlorogeodin from sulochrin, was isolated from Penicillium frequentans CMI 96659. By chromatographies on DEAE-cellulose, hydroxyapatite, Phenyl-Sepharose, Mono P, Mono Q, and HPLC gel filtration columns, sulochrin oxidase was purified to apparent homogeneity. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of 230 K as estimated by gel filtration and 110 K as estimated by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, suggesting that the active enzyme was a homodimer. The enzyme showed pI 4.0 and an optimum pH of 6. The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by the copper-chelating reagent, diethyldithiocarbamate, and did not recover its full activity even after removing the inhibitor by dialysis. However, enzyme activity was fully restored by the addition of Cu2+. Thus, sulochrin oxidase is considered to be a copper protein. The enzyme showed high substrate specificity for benzophenone compounds such as sulochrin and dihydrogeodin.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1996

cDNA and genomic DNA clonings of chalcone synthase from Pueraria lobata.

Four cDNAs encoding chalcone synthase (CHS), the key enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis, were isolated from Pueraria lobata cells challenged with yeast extract elicitor using bean CHS cDNA as a probe. The longest clone contained a complete open reading frame of 1170 bp which would predict a protein of about 43 kDa. The others were not full-length clones. Using isolated cDNA as a probe, Southern blot hybridization of genomic DNA fragments revealed the presence of multiple CHS genes in the P. lobata genome. We cloned and sequenced one CHS genomic clone, gCHS14, whose 5' untranslated region showed homology with the bean CHS gene CHS15 and included the several reported sequences characteristic of stress response.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed1995

Molecular cloning and heterologous expression of the gene encoding dihydrogeodin oxidase, a multicopper blue enzyme from Aspergillus terreus.

Aspergillus terreus dihydrogeodin oxidase (DHGO) is an enzyme catalyzing the stereospecific phenol oxidative coupling reaction converting dihydrogeodin to (+)- geodin. We previously reported the purification of DHGO from A. terreus and raised polyclonal antibody against DHGO. From the first cDNA library constructed in lambda gt11 using mRNA from 3-day-old mycelium of A. terreus, four clones were identified using anti-DHGO antibody, but all contained partial cDNA inserts around 280 base pairs. This cDNA fragment was used as a probe to clone the genomic DNA and cDNA for dihydrogeodin oxidase from A. terreus. The sequence of the cloned DHGO genomic DNA and cDNA predicted that the DHGO polypeptide consists of 605 amino acids showing significant homology with multicopper blue proteins such as laccase and ascorbate oxidase. Four potential copper binding domains exist in DHGO polypeptide. The DHGO gene consists of seven exons separated by six short introns. Expression of the DHGO gene in Aspergillus nidulans under the starch or maltose-inducible Taka-amylase A promoter as an active enzyme established the functional identity of the gene. Also, introduction of the genomic DNA for DHGO into Penicillium frequentans led to the production of DHGO polypeptide as judged by Western blot analysis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Transformations of Penicillium islandicum and Penicillium frequentans that produce anthraquinone-related compounds.

Wild-type strains of Penicillium islandicum and Penicillium frequentans, which produce anthraquinone and related compounds, were transformed to benomyl and hygromycin B resistance. Plasmids pSV50 and pBT6, with benomyl-resistant beta-tublin genes, and plasmids pAN7-1 and pDH25, with a bacterial hygromycin phosphotransferase gene under the control of Aspergillus nidulans sequences, were used respectively. Transformation frequencies with these plasmids were 10-20 transformants per micrograms of DNA per 4-8 x 10(7) viable protoplasts. Integration of plasmid DNAs into chromosomal DNAs was confirmed by Southern-blot analysis. Copy numbers and sites of integration varied among transformants. The integrated plasmid DNAs conferring a drug-resistant phenotype were mitotically stable with or without selection. The demonstration of such transformation systems in the essential first step in the application of recombinant DNA technology to study the biosynthetic genes of anthraquinone and related compounds in P. islandicum and P. frequentans.

Anthraquinones↗
PubMed1995

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding human lanosterol synthase.

A cDNA encoding human lanosterol synthase, the enzyme responsible for the backbone formation step in sterol biosynthesis, was cloned by extensive application of PCRs. Five degenerate oligonucleotide primers (139S, 440S, 528A, 575A and 712A) corresponding to the homologous amino acid sequences among the known 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase(OSC) were designed. PCR with one pair(440S and 528A) of five primers yielded a 285-bp fragment. PCRs with the primers based on the obtained fragment and the degenerate primers (139S and 712A) gave longer fragments. Finally, full nucleotide sequence of cDNA was obtained by a "rapid amplification of cDNA ends" (RACE) method.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding rat 2,3-oxidosqualene: lanosterol cyclase.

A cDNA encoding rat 2,3-oxidosqualene: lanosterol cyclase, the enzyme responsible for the complex cyclization/rearrangement step in sterol biosynthesis, was cloned by extensive application of PCRs. Oligonucleotide primers were designed in sense and anti-sense directions corresponding to internal peptide sequences of purified enzyme. Successive PCRs with all possible combinations of these primers yielded a 178-bp fragment, and based on its sequence full nucleotide sequence of cDNA was obtained by a "rapid amplification of cDNA ends" (RACE) method.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Nucleotide sequence of the aknA region of the aklavinone biosynthetic gene cluster of Streptomyces galilaeus.

A 3.4-kb BamHI fragment that is assumed to be a part of the aklavinone biosynthetic gene cluster of Streptomyces galilaeus 3AR-33 and contains the genes required for the early stage of polyketide biosynthesis was sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of the region that hybridizes to the actIII probe reveals the presence of a gene, aknA, whose deduced protein product is very similar to the ActIII protein and other known oxidoreductases. The predicted AknA protein is believed to be responsible for catalyzing the reduction of the keto group at the ninth carbon from the carboxyl terminus of the assembled polyketide to the corresponding secondary alcohol. The predicted AknA protein has a calculated molecular mass of 27,197 Da (261 amino acids) and the highly conserved sequence Gly-Xaa-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Ala commonly seen in oxidoreductases. Cloning and sequence analysis of the aknA region of the 2-hydroxyaklavinone-producing strain S. galilaeus ANR-58 identified an alteration in the gene, confirming that the aknA gene is essential for aklavinone biosynthesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Post-aromatic deoxygenation in polyketide biosynthesis: reduction of aromatic rings in the biosyntheses of fungal melanin and anthraquinone.

Two enzyme reactions involved in the post-aromatic deoxygenation process of fungal melanin and pigments were studied from the viewpoint of enzymic reduction of aromatic rings. Hydroxynaphthalene reductase that catalyzes reduction of the aromatic rings of 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene and 1,3,8-trihydroxynapthalene was partially purified from Phialophora lagerbergii and characterized. Emodin deoxygenase of Pyrenochaeta terrestris that catalyzes deoxygenation of emodin to afford chrysophanol was found to be resolved into two protein fractions with DEAE-cellulose column. The two protein fractions acted synergistically in regard to emodin deoxygenase activity.

Anthraquinones↗
PubMed1992

Emodin O-methyltransferase from Aspergillus terreus.

Emodin O-methyltransferase, an enzyme catalyzing methylation of the 8-hydroxy group of emodin, was identified in the mould Aspergillus terreus IMI 16043, a (+)-geodin producing strain. The enzyme catalyzed the formation of questin from emodin and S-adenosyl-L-methionine. By chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Phenyl Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, Hydroxyapatite, and CM-cellulose, emodin O-methyltransferase was purified to apparent homogeneity. The purified protein had a molecular weight of 322 kDa as estimated by gel filtration and 53.6 kDa as estimated by gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, suggesting that the active enzyme was a homohexamer. The enzyme showed pI 4.4 and optimum pH 7-8. Magnesium ion or manganese ion was not an absolute requirement, nor increased the enzyme activity. The enzyme had strict substrate specificity and very low Km values for both emodin (3.4 x 10(-7) M) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (4.1 x 10(-6) M).

Aspergillus↗
PubMed1992

Platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists contained in medicinal plants: lignans and sesquiterpenes.

Hot aqueous extracts of medicinal plants were tested for their inhibitory effect on the binding of platelet activating factor (PAF) to rabbit platelets. The extracts of Forsythia suspensa VAHL. (Oleaceae), Arctium lappa L. (Compositae) and Centipeda minima (L.) A. BRAUN et ASCHERS (Compositae) showed significant activities. Since the main constituents of F. suspensa and A. lappa are lignans, 30 lignans were tested for their inhibitory effects on PAF binding to platelets and 9 lignans were found active. Four sesquiterpenes were isolated as active compounds from C. minima. In particular 6-O-angeloylplenolin and 6-O-senecioyplenolin are the most potent and specific PAF antagonists found in this study.

Lignin↗
PubMed1992

Inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis from Dalbergia odorifera.

The root heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (Leguminosae) is a Chinese medicinal drug (Japanese name koshinko) used for a stagnant blood syndrome (stagnation of disordered blood; Japanese, oketsu). In addition to 10 known compounds, five new phenolic compounds, isomucronustyrene and hydroxyobtustyrene (cinnamylphenols), (+)-isoduartin (isoflavan), odoriflavene (isoflav-3-ene) and (-)-odoricarpan (pterocarpan) were isolated and their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods. Of the fifteen compounds isolated, cinnamylphenols, isoflavans, isoflavene and benzoic acid derivative significantly inhibited prostaglandin biosynthesis as well as platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid.

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors↗
PubMed1992

Inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis by gingerols and diarylheptanoids.

The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Alpinia officinarum contain potent inhibitors against prostaglandin biosynthesizing enzyme (PG synthetase). Gingerols and diarylhepatanoids were identified as active compounds. Their possible mechanism of action which was deduced from the structures of active compounds indicated that the inhibitors would also be active against arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme of leukotriene (LT) biosynthesis. This was verified by testing their inhibitory effects on 5-lipoxygenase prepared from RBL-1 cells. A diarylheptanoid with catechol group was the most active compound against 5-lipoxygenase, while yakuchinone A was the most active against PG synthetase.

Catechols↗
PubMed1992

Inhibition of in vitro prostaglandin and leukotriene biosyntheses by cinnamoyl-beta-phenethylamine and N-acyldopamine derivatives.

N-trans- and N-cis-Feruloyltyramines were isolated as the inhibitors of in vitro prostaglandin (PG) synthesis from an Indonesian medicinal plant, Ipomoea aquatica (Convolvulaceae). In order to clarify structure activity relationships, cinnamoyl-beta-phenethylamines with possible combinations of naturally occurring cinnamic acids and beta-phenethylamines were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory activities against PG synthetase and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase. The compounds containing catechol groups such as N-caffeoyl-beta-phenethylamine (CaP) showed higher inhibitory effects on PG synthetase. The catechol group was found to be essential for the inhibition of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase. The investigation of concentration dependent effects on PG biosynthesis revealed that CaP enhanced PG biosynthesis at a lower concentration range, whereas it inhibited the reaction at a higher concentration. The effects of CaP on each reaction step were investigated with purified PG endoperoxide synthase and microsomal PG synthetase. CaP inhibited the cyclooxygenase reaction, while it enhanced the hydroperoxidase reaction. N-Acyldopamines which contain catechol and lipophylic group were synthesized from dopamine and fatty acids to test their inhibitory effects on arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase. N-Linoleoyldopamine was the most active compound and its IC50 value was 2.3 nM in our assay system, in which an IC50 value of AA 861, a specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, was 8 nM.

Cinnamates↗