Evidence for detection of rat P2X4 receptor expressed on cells by generating monoclonal antibodies recognizing the native structure

Purinergic Signalling - P2X purinergic receptors are ATP-driven ionic channels expressed as trimers and showing various functions. A subtype, the P2X4 receptor present on microglial cells is highly...     

A Crucial Role for CDC42 in Senescence-Associated Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

Risk factors for atherosclerosis accelerate the senescence of vascular endothelial cells and promote atherogenesis by inducing vascular inflammation. A hallmark of endothelial senescence is the persistent up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes. We identified CDC42 signaling as a mediator of chronic inflammation associated with endothelial senescence. Inhibition of CDC42 or NF-κB signaling attenuated the sustained up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes in senescent human endothelial cells. Endothelium-specific activation of the p53/p21 pathway, a key mediator of senescence, also resulted in up-regulation of pro-inflammatory molecules in mice, which was reversed by Cdc42 deletion in endothelial cells. Likewise, endothelial-specific deletion of Cdc42 significantly attenuated chronic inflammation and plaque formation in atherosclerotic mice. While inhibition of NF-κB suppressed the pro-inflammatory responses in acute inflammation, the influence of Cdc42 deletion was less marked. Knockdown of cdc-42 significantly down-regulated pro-inflammatory gene expression and restored the shortened lifespan to normal in mutant worms with enhanced inflammation. These findings indicate that the CDC42 pathway is critically involved in senescence-associated inflammation and could be a therapeutic target for chronic inflammation in patients with age-related diseases without compromising host defenses.     

Use of microsatellite markers to assess the spatial genetic structure of a population of sika deerCervus nippon on Kinkazan Island, Japan

To understand the relationship between social behaviour and gene distribution, we used microsatellite markers to resolve the spatial genetic structure of the sika deerCervus nippon Temminck, 1838 population on Kinkazan Island, a small island (9.6 km²) in northern Japan. We obtained 177 samples of deer which correspond to about 30% of the total population on the island. 126 were from a local population where each deer was individually identified, while 51 from other area on the island. Although there were no apparent geographical barriers on the island, the sika deer population showed local differentiation in its genetic composition. By comparing allele-sharing rates between gender and social categories, we demonstrated a higher genetic relatedness within males in a local group. The Assignment Index (AI) of each sex within a local group showed similar distributions. None of our analyses indicated a lower genetic relatedness among males than females, which contradicted our predictions based on the dispersal behaviour of males. Considering other factors, the results suggest that the range of male dispersal is quite limited on this island.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptococcus pyogenes</Emphasis>-purpura fulminans as an invasive form of group A streptococcal infection

Background

Streptococcus pyogenes is an uncommon pathogen of purpura fulminans, and the pathogenesis of S. pyogenes-purpura fulminans remains unclear because of paucity of cases. We reported a pediatric case of S. pyogenes-purpura fulminans with literature review of the disease.

Case presentation

A 3-year-old boy showed limping, lethargy and acral gangrene within 24 h. A diagnosis of S. pyogenes-purpura fulminans was made for bacterial isolation from throat and peripheral blood. Intensive therapy led to a survival with amputation of the left distal metatarsal bone, and normal development. The isolated M12 carried no mutation of csrS/R or rgg. Thrombophilia or immunodeficiency was excluded.

Discussion

Twelve-reported cases (9 pediatric and 3 elderly) of S. pyogenes-purpura fulminans started with shock and coagulopathy. Five patients age <?8 years had no underlying disease and survived. One youngest and two immunocompromised patients died.

Conclusion

Streptococcus pyogenes-acute infectious purpura fulminans is a distinctive rare form of aggressive GAS infections.

     

Human PIWI(HIWI) is an azoospermia factor

正Transposable elements(TEs)make up nearly half of the mammalian genome.Recent probabilistic re-annotation of genome sequences indicated that as much as two-thirds or more of the human genome may be derived from TEs(de Koning et al.,2011).Their ability to mobilize in the genome represents a constant threat to the host by creating insertion mutations,which may lead to progressive deterioration of genetic information.To counteract this threat,host cells     

Correction to: Quantification of the contrasting root systems of Pinus thunbergii in soils with different groundwater levels in a coastal forest in Japan

Plant and Soil - The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. Table 3 was published erroneously. This Table has now been corrected.     

Use of haloacetate dehalogenase genes as selection markers forEscherichia coli andPseudomonas vectors

The haloacetate dehalogenase gene,dehH2, cloned fromMoraxella sp. strain B could be used as a selection marker gene for vectors inEscherichia coli andPseudomonas putida. Haloacetates, especially iodoacetate, inhibit the growth of some microorganisms. ThedehH2 gene introduced into the cells conferred iodoacetate resistance on them. Therefore,E. coli andP. putida transformed with vectors marked withdehH2 could be easily selected on plates containing iodoacetate.     

Enhanced Expression of Fc Receptors on Neutrophils from Calves with Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency

The expression of Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G(IgG) and concanavalin A (con A)-binding receptors, luminol-dependent chemiluminescent (LDCL) responses, and the effect of anti-bovine IgG on LDCL responses were evaluated in neutrophils from Holstein calves with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD). Neutrophils from affected calves showed a 2.1- to 2.5-fold increase in Fc receptor expression compared with those of control calves by flow cytometric analysis. Con A-binding activities of neutrophils from affected calves were similar to those of control calves. Neutrophils from a calf with BLAD, when stimulated with zymosan opsonized with bovine serum (OPZ), heat-aggregated bovine IgG (Agg-bovine IgG), sheep red blood cells (SRBC) sensitized with anti-SRBC antibody (SRBC-anti-SRBC Ab), or con A had LDCL responses of 36 (P<0.05), 77, 126 and 119% of peak LDCL values of controls, respectively. The NBT-reducing value of neutrophils from a calf with BLAD when stimulated with Agg-bovine IgG after pretreatment with anti-bovine IgG was 116.5% of the values of neutrophils from control calves, but the difference was not significant. The LDCL responses of neutrophils from a control calf and a calf with BLAD stimulated with OPZ were inhibited markedly by pre-incubation with anti-bovine IgG antiserum at concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 20 or 40 μg/ml. Although an increase in Fc receptor expression on neutrophils from calves with BLAD was observed, the LDCL responses stimulated with SRBC-anti-SRBC Ab and NBT-reducing activity stimulated with Agg-bovine IgG after pretreatment with anti-bovine IgG did not correlate significantly with the increased Fc receptor expression. These results support that neutrophil functions mediated by the Fc receptors are associated synergistically with the presence of the complement receptor type 3 (CR3)(CD11b/CD18).