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The expression of human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was investigated in 16 primary human neuroblastomas with favorable biologies, 15 with unfavorable biologies, and in human neuroblastoma cell lines. We demonstrated higher... more
The expression of human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was investigated in 16 primary human neuroblastomas with favorable biologies, 15 with unfavorable biologies, and in human neuroblastoma cell lines. We demonstrated higher expressions of human BDNF mRNA in neuroblastomas with unfavorable biologies and with N-myc amplification than in those with favorable biologies. For the first time we revealed the composition of splice variants of human BDNF mRNA and analyzed their expression in neuroblastomas by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Interestingly, human BDNF mRNA consisted of at least six isoforms, four isoforms resembling those of rat BDNF mRNA, a human-specific isoform and a new isoform. The expression of four isoforms were more prominent in tumors with unfavorable biologies than in those with favorable biologies (P<0.05). As previously we had reported, over 80% of the primary tumors expressed either the full-length form of BDNF receptor, TRKB, or a truncated form of TRKB lacking the tyrosine kinase domain. The full-length TRKB was predominantly detected in tumors with unfavorable biologies, and the truncated one in those with favorable biologies. These results suggest that an autocrine and/or paracrine mechanism involving BDNF may stimulate signal transduction via TRKB receptors rich in neuroblastomas with unfavorable biologies, resulting in an aberrant survival of tumor cells.
Research Interests: Endocrinology, Biology, Medicine, Cell line, Humans, and 15 moreInternal Medicine, Animals, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Infant, Alternative splicing, Human Brain, Neuroblastoma, Rats, Age Factors, Alternative Splicing, Protein isoforms, Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Neurotrophic Factors, and Molecular Sequence Data
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Research Interests: Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Biology, Immunohistochemistry, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and 15 moreMedicine, Gene expression, Angiogenesis, Humans, Internal Medicine, Female, Male, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Cytokine, Recombinant Proteins, fibroblasts, Synovial membrane, and In Vitro Techniques
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Objectives: Gliostatin (GLS) is known to have angiogenic and arthritogenic activity, and GLS expression levels in serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are significantly correlated with the disease activity. Tofacitinib is a... more
Objectives: Gliostatin (GLS) is known to have angiogenic and arthritogenic activity, and GLS expression levels in serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are significantly correlated with the disease activity. Tofacitinib is a novel oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and is effective in treating RA. However, the mechanism of action of tofacitinib in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulatory effects of tofacitinib on serum GLS levels in patients with RA and GLS production in FLSs derived from patients with RA. Methods: Six patients with RA who had failed therapy with at least one TNF inhibitor and were receiving tofacitinib therapy were included in the study. Serum samples were collected to measure CRP, MMP-3 and GLS expression. FLSs derived from patients with RA were cultured and stimulated by TNFα with or without tofacitinib. GLS expression levels were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), EIA and immunocytochemistry, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein phosphorylation levels were determined by western blotting. Results: Treatment with tofacitinib decreased serum GLS levels in all patients. GLS mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased by treatment with TNF-α alone, and these increases were suppressed by treatment with tofacitinib, which also inhibited TNF-α-induced STAT1 phosphorylation. Conclusions: JAK/STAT activation plays a pivotal role in TNF-α-mediated GLS up-regulation in RA. Suppression of GLS expression in FLSs has been suggested to be one of the mechanisms through which tofacitinib exerts its anti-inflammatory effects.
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Dopamine D2 (D2) receptors seem to mediate reinforcing responses to addicting drugs. A stably transfected NG108-15 cell line expressing the long form of the rat brain D2 receptor (D2L) was used to determine how ethanol modifies D2... more
Dopamine D2 (D2) receptors seem to mediate reinforcing responses to addicting drugs. A stably transfected NG108-15 cell line expressing the long form of the rat brain D2 receptor (D2L) was used to determine how ethanol modifies D2 receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase. Activation of D2L receptors by the D2 receptor-specific agonist R-(-)-2,10,11-trihydroxy-N-propylnorapomorphine hydrobromide (NPA) inhibits both basal and receptor-stimulated cAMP production in these cells. Ethanol added acutely prevents D2L receptor inhibition of cAMP production. After chronic exposure to ethanol, however, D2L receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase becomes tolerant to rechallenge with ethanol, i.e., ethanol no longer inhibits D2L receptor coupling and NPA inhibition of cAMP production is restored. Acute ethanol does not change NPA binding to D2 receptor in cell membranes but abolishes guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate induction of a lower-affinity state; chronic ethanol is without effect. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor adenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer, prevents acute ethanol inhibition of D2L receptor coupling. In contrast, the PKA activator adenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphorothioate, Sp-isomer, reverses chronic ethanol-induced tolerance of D2L receptor coupling, restoring coupling to an ethanol-sensitive state. These results suggest that D2L receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase via G(i) develops tolerance to ethanol inhibition, which appears to be influenced by PKA activity.
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The proximal tubules, which are part of the kidney, maintain blood homeostasis by absorbing amino acids, glucose, water, and ions such as sodium (Na), potassium, and bicarbonate. Proximal tubule dysfunction is associated with the... more
The proximal tubules, which are part of the kidney, maintain blood homeostasis by absorbing amino acids, glucose, water, and ions such as sodium (Na), potassium, and bicarbonate. Proximal tubule dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of many kidney diseases. Renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) are responsible for the main functions of the proximal tubules. Therefore, in vitro experiments using RPTECs would greatly enhance our understanding of nephron physiology and pathobiology. It is preferable to use immortalized cell lines, such as human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells, because they are derived from humans and maintain growth indefinitely. However, tissue-specific RPTEC phenotypes, including apical-basal polarization, are frequently lost in conventional two-dimensional culture methods in part due to microenvironmental deficiencies. To overcome this limitation, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture method for HK-2 cells using an extracellular matrix. HK-2 spheroids in 3D culture formed a tubule-like architecture with cellular polarity and showed markedly restored Na transport function. 3D culture of HK-2 cells also increased expression of kidney development-related genes, including WNT9B. Models of human renal tubules using HK-2 spheroids will greatly improve our understanding of the physiology and pathobiology of the kidney.
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Abstract Objectives: Gliostatin (GLS) has angiogenic and arthritogenic activities and enzymatic activity as thymidine phosphorylase. Aberrant GLS production has been observed in the synovial membranes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis... more
Abstract Objectives: Gliostatin (GLS) has angiogenic and arthritogenic activities and enzymatic activity as thymidine phosphorylase. Aberrant GLS production has been observed in the synovial membranes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in joint destruction. Promoters of GLS and some MMP genes contain Sp1 binding sites. We examined the inhibitory effect of the Sp1 inhibitor mithramycin on GLS-induced GLS and MMP expression in cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). Methods: Synovial tissue samples were obtained from patients with RA. FLSs pretreated with mithramycin were cultured with GLS. The mRNA expression levels of GLS and MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. Protein levels were measured using enzyme immunoassay and gelatin zymography. Results: GLS upregulated the expression of GLS itself and of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13, an effect significantly reduced by treatment with mithramycin. GLS and mithramycin had no effect on MMP-2 expression. Conclusions: Mithramycin downregulated the increased expression of GLS and MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in FLSs treated with GLS. Because GLS plays a pathological role in RA, blocking GLS stimulation using an agent such as mithramycin may be a novel approach to antirheumatic therapy.
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Background/aim: We have reported that embryonic stem cell-expressed Ras (ERas) is expressed in human gastric cancer and is associated with its tumorigenicity. Here, we asked whether ERas plays a role in resistance to chemotherapy in... more
Background/aim: We have reported that embryonic stem cell-expressed Ras (ERas) is expressed in human gastric cancer and is associated with its tumorigenicity. Here, we asked whether ERas plays a role in resistance to chemotherapy in gastric cancer. Materials and methods: To assess the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, ERas-overexpressing human gastric cancer GCIY cells were exposed to anticancer agents, including CPT-11 and inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We also investigated the mechanisms by which ERas induces chemoresistance. Results: ERas-overexpressing clones were significantly more resistant to CPT-11 than were the control (p<0.001). Administration of rapamycin was significantly cytotoxic to the ERas-overexpressing clones compared with the control (p<0.01). Electrophoresis mobility shift assay revealed that ERas enhanced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity. PCR array demonstrated that ERas up-regulated several multidrug efflux transporter genes, including ABCG2. Conclusion: ERas induces chemoresistance to CPT-11 via activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-protein kinase β mTOR pathway and NF-κB, and consequently results in up-regulation of ABCG2.
Research Interests: Cancer, Biology, Cancer Research, Medicine, DNA, and 15 moreHumans, Pubmed, Embryonic Stem Cells, Kinase, Anticancer, Cancer Cell, Camptothecin, Cell Proliferation, Protein Binding, Sirolimus, Cell Survival, Antineoplastic Agents, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Gene expression profiling, and Stomach neoplasms
Research Interests: Biology, Calcium, Crystallization, Cell Biology, Medicine, and 6 moreKidney, Animals, Rats, Epithelium, Calcium Oxalate, and Oxalate
While estrogen is known to retard the development of atherosclerosis, the exact mechanism is unknown. The migration of monocytes into the arterial intima is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1... more
While estrogen is known to retard the development of atherosclerosis, the exact mechanism is unknown. The migration of monocytes into the arterial intima is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) is suggested to be a real chemotactic factor that is released from monocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. We investigated the effect of 17 beta-estradiol on the migration of human monocytes in response to MCP-1, using a modified Boyden chamber. A physiological concentration of 17 beta-estradiol (10(12) - 10(4)M) inhibited the migration of monocytes exposed to MCP-1. Two estrogen receptor antagonists, tamoxifen and clomiphene, each restored monocyte chemotaxis to MCP-1 to control level, even in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol, suggesting that estrogen receptors are related to the effect of 17 beta-estradiol. Progesterone and testosterone had no measurable effect on monocyte migration. These findings suggest that inhibition of the chemotactic response of monocytes exposed to MCP-1 may be one mechanism for the anti-atherogenic effect of 17 beta-estradiol.
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The objective of this study was to determine the effects of mechanical vibration loading on DNA and proteoglycan syntheses in cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes. Chondrocyte culture plates were placed in a vibratory apparatus and... more
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of mechanical vibration loading on DNA and proteoglycan syntheses in cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes. Chondrocyte culture plates were placed in a vibratory apparatus and subjected to a mechanical vibratory load at various frequencies and periods in culture. Mechanical vibration was applied at a sinusoidal waveform of 1.4 g acceleration with frequencies of 200, 300, 400, 800, and 1600 Hz. 3H-Thymidine and H2(35)SO4 incorporation were used to detect radiolabeled DNA and proteoglycan syntheses, respectively. A frequency of 300 Hz showed a time-dependent augmentation of DNA synthesis and gave a maximal increase at day 3 with periodic vibration (8 h per day) and at 72 h or longer with continuous vibration. It also promoted proteoglycan synthesis in long-term culture (from 3 to 15 days) by periodic vibration. However. frequencies above 400 Hz suppressed biosynthesis. These results suggest that mechanical vibration at certain frequencies may modulate biosynthetic response of articular chondrocytes.
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Neovascularization, proliferation of synovial cells, and mononuclear cell influx and activation are characteristic events observed in synovial joints in the pathohistology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to... more
Neovascularization, proliferation of synovial cells, and mononuclear cell influx and activation are characteristic events observed in synovial joints in the pathohistology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to examine synovial inflammation in rabbit knees induced by intra-articular administration of human gliostatin/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (GLS/PD-ECGF), which shares a high degree of chemical homology with thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) and is known to have angiogenic activity. Purified recombinant human gliostatin (rHuGLS) and its mutant protein, which was prepared by site-directed mutagenesis and which lacks dThdPase activity, were administered at various doses to rabbit knee joints. The effects of rHuGLS and the mutant were examined histologically. Intra-articular injection of rHuGLS resulted in the development of diffuse synovitis resembling RA. The mutant protein also brought about the same effect. These findings suggest that human GLS can cause RA-like synovitis in rabbit knee joints via a mechanism other than its dThdPase activity.
Research Interests: Rheumatology, Inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Medicine, Western blotting, and 13 moreEscherichia coli, Female, Animals, Hyperplasia, Arthritis, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, Clinical Sciences, Rabbits, Synovitis, Recombinant Proteins, Knee Joint, Site-directed Mutagenesis, and mononuclear cell
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Gliostatin is a polypeptide factor (apparent M(r) = 100 k with a homodimeric structure comprising two 50 kDa subunits) acting on cortical neurons (neurotrophic action) as well as astrocytic cells (growth inhibition). Under the coculture... more
Gliostatin is a polypeptide factor (apparent M(r) = 100 k with a homodimeric structure comprising two 50 kDa subunits) acting on cortical neurons (neurotrophic action) as well as astrocytic cells (growth inhibition). Under the coculture system of cerebral cortical neurons and astrocytes from fetal rats (E15 or E16), the neurotrophic action of gliostatin was examined immunocytochemically. Immunostaining by an anti-neurofilament (NF) monoclonal antibody visualized a marked neurite-outgrowth and interconnecting bundles of neuritic processes induced by gliostatin in the coculture system. Neurons stimulated by gliostatin formed dense aggregates in clumps, while neurons in control coculture spread out. Gliostatin has also shown survival-promoting effects on neurons. Furthermore, it was shown that gliostatin induced the differentiation of protoplasmic astrocytes to fibrous astrocytes. These results further support our previous contention that gliostatin plays physiological roles on neuronal and glial development.
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Aim: Patients with long-standing diabetes commonly develop diabetic encephalopathy, which is characterized by cognitive impairment and dementia. To identify potential treatments for diabetic encephalopathy, we focused on the protective... more
Aim: Patients with long-standing diabetes commonly develop diabetic encephalopathy, which is characterized by cognitive impairment and dementia. To identify potential treatments for diabetic encephalopathy, we focused on the protective action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) against neural cell apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated whether exposure of cells to GLP-1 leads to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation and signaling through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/GCLc/redox pathway, which we previously reported. Methods: We monitored the phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt in PC12 cells exposed to MG and GLP-1 that had been first incubated in the presence or absence of various inhibitors of EGFR transactivation. Results: DAPI staining revealed that pretreatment of cells with BiPS, HB-EGF and anti-TGF-α neutralization antibodies or AG1478 abrogated the ability of GLP-1 to rescue cells from MG-induced apoptosis. We show that exposure of PC12 cells to GLP-1 induces EGFR phosphorylation and that this effect was inhibited by prior exposure of the cells to BiPS, HB-EGF and anti-TGF-α neutralization antibodies or AG1478. Interestingly, these agents also diminished the capacity of GLP-1 to protect cells from MG-induced apoptosis. Moreover, these agents reduced GLP-1-induced phosphorylation of Akt. EGF itself also protected the cells from MG-induced apoptosis and induced phosphorylation of Akt, which was inhibited by LY294002. Conclusion: The neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 against MG-induced apoptosis are mediated by EGFR transactivation, which signals through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/GCLc/redox pathway in PC12 cells.
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Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water-selective transporting proteins with homology to the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of lens, that increase plasma membrane water permeability in secretory and absorptive cells. In this study, we... more
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water-selective transporting proteins with homology to the major intrinsic protein (MIP) of lens, that increase plasma membrane water permeability in secretory and absorptive cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of mild hypothermia on the expression of AQP4, AQP5 and AQP9 in rat astrocytes cultured under hypoxic conditions. At 37 degrees C, a marked decrease in the expression of AQP4, AQP5 and AQP9 mRNAs was observed. However, at 32 degrees C (mild hypothermia), the expression of AQP5 mRNA was restored to its basal level. Interestingly, under mild hypothermia AQP4 mRNA expression transiently decreased and then increased about two-fold; while AQP9 mRNA expression decreased the same as at 37 degrees C. The changes in the expression of AQP4 and AQP9 proteins were confirmed by Western blot analysis. The restoration of the AQP4 and AQP5 expression at 32 degrees C from the hypoxia-induced decrease at 37 degrees C may play an important role in the reduction of brain edema under hypothermic conditions.
Research Interests: Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, and 15 moreHypothermia, Anoxia, Animals, Astrocyte, Astrocytes, Rats, Time Factors, Aquaporin, Neurosciences, Plasma Membrane, Brain Edema, Gene Expression Regulation, Water Permeability, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and mRNA expression
Research Interests: Cancer, Biology, Cancer Research, Apoptosis, Medicine, and 15 moreWestern blotting, Humans, Mice, Animals, Male, In Vivo, Cancer Cell, Cell Proliferation, Trastuzumab, Reoviridae, Antineoplastic Agents, Combined Modality Therapy, real time polymerase chain reaction, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Stomach neoplasms
Research Interests: Endocrinology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Biology, Medicine, and 12 moreProtein synthesis, Internal Medicine, Astrocyte, Central Nervous System, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase, Nerve Growth Factor, Neurotrophic Factors, Neurosciences, Brain Damage, Cycloheximide, and Protein Kinase C
Research Interests: Chemistry, Biology, Transcription Regulation, Immunohistochemistry, Medicine, and 15 moreSignal Transduction, Humans, Gastric Cancer, Laser Scanning, Statistical Significance, Transcription Factor, Immunoprecipitation, Subcellular Localization, Cell nucleus, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Cytoplasm, Biochemistry and cell biology, Nuclear Localization, Stomach neoplasms, and Medical biochemistry and metabolomics
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The hypoxia-responsive cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) provides neuroprotective effects in the damaged brain during ischemic events and neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the EPO/EPO receptor (EPOR)... more
The hypoxia-responsive cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) provides neuroprotective effects in the damaged brain during ischemic events and neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the EPO/EPO receptor (EPOR) endogenous system between astrocyte and oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) under hypoxia. We report here elevated EPO mRNA levels and protein release in cultured astrocytes following hypoxic stimulation by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. Furthermore, the EPOR gene expressions were detected in cultured OPCs as in astrocytes and microglias by quantitative RT-PCR. Cell staining revealed the EPOR expression in OPC. To evaluate the protective effect of endogenous EPO from astrocyte to OPCs, EPO/EPOR signaling was blocked by EPO siRNA or EPOR siRNA gene silencing in in vitro study. The suppression of endogenous EPO production in astrocytes by EPO siRNA decreased the protection to OPCs against hypoxic stress. Furthermore, OPC with EPOR siRNA had less cell survival after hypoxic/reoxygenation injury. This suggested that EPO/EPOR signaling from astrocyte to OPC could prevent OPC damage under hypoxic/reoxygenation condition. Our present finding of an interaction between astrocytes and OPCs may lead to a new therapeutic approach to OPCs for use against cellular stress and injury.
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Research Interests: Cognitive Science, Biology, Membrane Proteins, Cell Biology, Medicine, and 15 moreProtein synthesis, Animals, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Astrocyte, Central Nervous System, Astrocytes, Laser Induced Fluorescence, Rats, Aquaporin, Gel electrophoresis, Neurosciences, Plasma Membrane, Gene Expression Regulation, Cycloheximide, and Protein Kinase C
Research Interests: Cognitive Science, Biology, Hypoxia, Cell Biology, Medicine, and 15 moreGene expression, In Vitro, Cerebral Cortex, Animals, Microglia, Astrocyte, Central Nervous System, Expression, Astrocytes, Oxygen, Aquaporin, Neurosciences, Plasma Membrane, Gene Expression Regulation, and Gene expression profiling
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ATBF1 is highly expressed in cells at the epithelial zone associated with the expression of E-cadherin. A, Pathological specimens of bladder carcinoma were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, E-cadherin, and anti-ATBF1 antibodies (MB33,... more
ATBF1 is highly expressed in cells at the epithelial zone associated with the expression of E-cadherin. A, Pathological specimens of bladder carcinoma were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, E-cadherin, and anti-ATBF1 antibodies (MB33, MB34, MB39, D10120, MB44, MB47 and MB49). Bladder lumen (L), epithelial zone (E), and mesenchymal zone (M) are shown. A transition from higher expression of ATBF1 in the E zone to lower expression of ATBF1 in the M zone was observed. The basement membrane is not clear between the E and M zones because of invasive cancer. Scale bar = 5 μm. B, Schematic explanation of the function of ATBF1 in inducing E-cadherin. ATBF1 interacts with protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) to suppress STAT3 signaling [21]. Activation of STAT3 should activate the zinc transporter LIV1 and introduce zinc ions into the cells. The zinc ion is a regulatory factor for Snail to suppress E-cadherin. Therefore, zinc transporters play an important role in the migration of cells during embryogenesis [20]. Fragments of ATBF1 may have a dominant negative effect on suppressing STAT3, whereas they promote STAT3 signaling and suppress the expression of E-cadherin, which might be the basis of invasion and metastasis. (PPTX 1682 kb)
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ATBF1 is a transcription factor that regulates genes responsible for repairing tissues and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Therefore reduction of ATBF1 promotes susceptibility to varieties of human diseases including... more
ATBF1 is a transcription factor that regulates genes responsible for repairing tissues and the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Therefore reduction of ATBF1 promotes susceptibility to varieties of human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases and malignant tumors. The instability of the protein was found to be an important background of diseases. Because ATBF1 is composed of a large 404-kDa protein, it can be easily targeted by proteinases. The protein instability should be a serious problem for the function in the cells and practically for our biochemical study of ATBF1. We have found that calpain-1 is a protease responsible for the degeneration of ATBF1. We observed distinct difference between embryo and adult brain derived ATBF1 regarding the sensitivity to calpain-1. The comparative study showed that eight phosphorylated serine residues (Ser1600, Ser2634, Ser2795, Ser2804, Ser2900, Ser3431, Ser3613, Ser3697) in embryonic brain, but only one site (Ser2634) in adult brain. As long as these amino acids were phosphorylated, ATBF1 derived from embryonic mouse brain showed resistance to cleavage; however, treatment with calf intestine alkaline phosphatase sensitized ATBF1 to be digested by calpain-1. An inhibitor (FK506) against calcineurin, which is a serine/threonine specific phosphatase enhanced the resistance of ATBF1 against the digestion by calpain-1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that these phosphorylation sites on ATBF1 function as a defensive shield to calpain-1.
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Research Interests: Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Biology, Immunohistochemistry, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and 15 moreMedicine, Gene expression, Angiogenesis, Humans, Internal Medicine, Female, Male, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Cytokine, Recombinant Proteins, fibroblasts, Synovial membrane, and In Vitro Techniques
Research Interests: Neuroscience, Psychology, Fluorescence Microscopy, Biology, Medicine, and 15 moreStriatum, Cerebral Cortex, Animals, Male, Astrocyte, Astrocytes, Rats, Aquaporin, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, Wistar Rats, Neurosciences, Immunostaining, Gene Expression Regulation, Corpus striatum, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
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Gliostatin/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (GLS/PD-ECGF) is known to have both angiogenic and arthritogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)... more
Gliostatin/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (GLS/PD-ECGF) is known to have both angiogenic and arthritogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and steroids are involved in the regulation of GLS expression. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were cultured and stimulated by interleukin (IL)-1beta with or without DMARDs and steroids. The expression levels of GLS were determined using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and an ELISA. In cultured rheumatoid FLSs, the expression of GLS mRNA was significantly increased by stimulation with IL-1beta. By contrast, GLS mRNA levels in IL-1beta-stimulated FLSs were reduced by treatment with aurothioglucose (AuTG) and dexamethasone (DEX). These findings indicate that AuTG and DEX have anti-rheumatic activity, which is mediated via the suppression of GLS production. Neither methotrexate (MTX) nor sulfasalazine (SSZ) had a significant influence on GLS levels in our study.
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Inflammatory or oxidative stress is related to various diseases, including not only inflammatory diseases, but also diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a new... more
Inflammatory or oxidative stress is related to various diseases, including not only inflammatory diseases, but also diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a new enteral diet, MHN-02, which contains abundant antioxidants and whey peptide. The study also investigated the ability of MHN-02 to attenuate lethality, liver injury, the production of inflammatory cytokines, and the production of oxidized products using a carbon tetrachloride-induced rat model of severe fulminant hepatitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control diet or the MHN-02 diet for 14 days and injected with 2 mL/kg of carbon tetrachloride. Survival of rats was monitored from day 0 to day 3. To evaluate liver injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress, blood and liver samples were collected, and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and superoxide dismutase activity as a free radical scavenger were measured. A portion of the liver was evaluated histologically. The survival rates of rats receiving the MHN-02 diet and the control diet were 90% and 55%, respectively. In the MHN-02 diet group, levels of serum liver enzymes and serum cytokines were significantly lower than in the control group. Superoxide dismutase activity in the MHN-02 diet was significantly higher in the MHN-02 group. Pathological lesions were significantly larger in the control group. Supplementation of enteral diets containing whey peptide and antioxidants may protect against severe hepatitis.