Molecular breeding of yeast with higher metal-adsorption capacity by expression of histidine-repeat insertion in the protein anchored to the cell wall

A fusion protein of hexa-histidine repeat (His) and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor region of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cwp1 with Aspergillus oryzae Taka-amylase A (TAA) was expressed on the yeast cell surface. The expressed fusion protein (TAA-His-Cwp1) was localized on the cell wall and demonstrated amylolytic activity. In comparison with the TAA-Cwp1 expressing strain, these cells exhibited 1.6- to 2.8-fold higher adsorbing capacity for Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Zn(2+).     

Enhancement of Procollagen Biosynthesis by p180 through Augmented Ribosome Association on the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Response to Stimulated Secretion

A coiled-coil microtubule-bundling protein, p180, was originally reported as a ribosome-binding protein on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is highly expressed in secretory tissues. Recently, we reported a novel role for p180 in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) expansion following stimulated collagen secretion. Here, we show that p180 plays a key role in procollagen biosynthesis and secretion in diploid fibroblasts. Depletion of p180 caused marked reductions of secreted collagens without significant loss of the ER membrane or mRNA. Metabolic labeling experiments revealed that the procollagen biosynthetic activity was markedly affected following p180 depletion. Moreover, loss of p180 perturbs ascorbate-stimulated de novo biosynthesis mainly in the membrane fraction with a preferential secretion defect of large proteins. At the EM level, one of the most prominent morphological features of p180-depleted cells was insufficient ribosome association on the ER membranes. In contrast, the ER of control cells was studded with numerous ribosomes, which were further enhanced by ascorbate. Similarly biochemical analysis confirmed that levels of membrane-bound ribosomes were altered in a p180-dependent manner. Taken together, our data suggest that p180 plays crucial roles in enhancing collagen biosynthesis at the entry site of the secretory compartments by a novel mechanism that mainly involves facilitating ribosome association on the ER.     

Estrogen regulates hepcidin expression via GPR30-BMP6-dependent signaling in hepatocytes

Hepcidin, a liver-derived iron regulatory protein, plays a crucial role in iron metabolism. It is known that gender differences exist with respect to iron storage in the body; however, the effects of sex steroid hormones on iron metabolism are not completely understood. We focused on the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen on hepcidin expression. First, ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated mice were employed to investigate the effects of estrogen on hepcidin expression in an in vivo study. Hepcidin expression was decreased in the livers of OVX mice compared to the sham-operated mice. In OVX mice, bone morphologic protein-6 (BMP6), a regulator of hepcidin, was also found to be downregulated in the liver, whereas ferroportin (FPN), an iron export protein, was upregulated in the duodenum. Both serum and liver iron concentrations were elevated in OVX mice relative to their concentrations in sham-operated mice. In in vitro studies, 17β-estradiol (E(2)) increased the mRNA expression of hepcidin in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. E(2)-induced hepatic hepcidin upregulation was not inhibited by ICI 182720, an inhibitor of the estrogen receptor; instead, hepcidin expression was increased by ICI 182720. E(2) and ICI 182720 exhibit agonist actions with G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), the 7-transmembrane estrogen receptor. G1, a GPR30 agonist, upregulated hepcidin expression, and GPR30 siRNA treatment abolished E(2)-induced hepcidin expression. BMP6 expression induced by E(2) was abolished by GPR30 silencing. Finally, both E(2) and G1 supplementation restored reduced hepatic hepcidin and BMP6 expression and reversed the augmentation of duodenal FPN expression in the OVX mice. In contrast, serum hepcidin was elevated in OVX mice, which was reversed in these mice with E(2) and G1. Thus, estrogen is involved in hepcidin expression via a GPR30-BMP6-dependent mechanism, providing new insight into the role of estrogen in iron metabolism.     

Nitration activates tyrosine toward reaction with the hydrated electron

3-Nitrotyrosine has been reported as an important biomarker of oxidative stress that may play a role in a variety of diseases. In this work, transient UV-visible absorption spectra and kinetics observed during the reaction of the hydrated electron, e(aq)(-), with 3-nitrotyrosine and derivatives thereof were investigated. The absorption spectra show characteristics of aromatic nitro anion radicals. The absorptivity of radical anion product at 300 nm is estimated to be (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10(4) M(-1) cm(-1) at pH 7.3. The rate constants determined for the reaction of e(aq)(-) with 3-nitrotyrosine, N-acetyl-3-nitrotyrosine ethyl ester and glycylnitrotyrosylglycine at neutral pH (3.0 ± 0.3) × 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), (2.9 ± 0.2) × 10(10) M(-1) s(-1) and (1.9 ± 0.2) × 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), respectively, approach the diffusion-control limit and are almost two orders of magnitude higher than those for the reactions with tyrosine and tyrosine-containing peptides. The magnitude of the rate constants supports reaction of e(aq)(-) at the nitro group, and the product absorbance at 300 nm is consistent with formation of the nitro anion radical. The pH dependence of the second-order rate constant for e(aq)(-) decay (720 nm) in the presence of 3-nitrotyrosine shows a decrease with increasing pH, consistent with unfavorable electrostatic interactions. The pH dependence of the second-order rate constant for formation of radical anion (300 nm) product suggests that deprotonation of the amino group slows the rate, which indicates that deamination to form the 1-carboxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)ethyl radical occurs. We conclude that the presence of the nitro group activates tyrosine and derivatives toward reaction with e(aq)(-) and can affect the redox chemistry of biomolecules exposed to oxidative stress.     

Roles of PsbI and PsbM in photosystem II dimer formation and stability studied by deletion mutagenesis and X-ray crystallography

PsbM and PsbI are two low molecular weight subunits of photosystem II (PSII), with PsbM being located in the center, and PsbI in the periphery, of the PSII dimer. In order to study the functions of these two subunits from a structural point of view, we crystallized and analyzed the crystal structure of PSII dimers from two mutants lacking either PsbM or PsbI. Our results confirmed the location of these two subunits in the current crystal structure, as well as their absence in the respective mutants. The relative contents of PSII dimers were found to be decreased in both mutants, with a concomitant increase in the amount of PSII monomers, suggesting a destabilization of PSII dimers in both of the mutants. On the other hand, the accumulation level of the overall PSII complexes in the two mutants was similar to that in the wild-type strain. Treatment of purified PSII dimers with lauryldimethylamine N-oxide at an elevated temperature preferentially disintegrated the dimers from the PsbM deletion mutant into monomers and CP43-less monomers, whereas no significant degradation of the dimers was observed from the PsbI deletion mutant. These results indicate that although both PsbM and PsbI are required for the efficient formation and stability of PSII dimers in vivo, they have different roles, namely, PsbM is required directly for the formation of dimers and its absence led to the instability of the dimers accumulated. On the other hand, PsbI is required in the assembly process of PSII dimers in vivo; once the dimers are formed, PsbI was no longer required for its stability.     

Experimental hybridization among Oryzias species. II. Karyogamy and abnormality of chromosome separation in the cleavage of interspecific hybrids between Oryzias latipes and O. javanicus

In interspecific hybridization between Oryzias latipes and O. javanicus, all hybrid embryos failed to develop and died before hatching. Cytological examination of fertilization and early development was performed to discover the cause of lethal development. When O. latipes eggs were inseminated by sperm of O. javanicus, the cortical reaction was induced normally. Chromosomal material in the fertilized eggs was visualized using the DNA-specific fluorochrome Hoechst. The spermatozoon was capable of penetrating into the egg cytoplasm through the micropyle, and the sperm nucleus transformed to the male pronucleus. The female pronucleus that formed after extrusion of the second polar body migrated towards the male pronucleus. The female and the male pronuclei underwent DNA synthesis and encountered each other in the center of the blastodisc, fused with one another and formed a zygote nucleus before breakdown of the nuclear envelope. Metaphase chromosomes with electron dense chromatin regions were abnormally divided into each blastomere in cleavage. The abnormally separating chromatin masses were also labeled by BrdU. The abnormal separation resulting in partial loss of fragmented chromatin might be a cause of abortive development in the interspecific hybrids between O. latipes and O. javanicus.     

Design and synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5-b]azepine derivatives as HER2/EGFR dual inhibitors

A novel 7,6 fused bicyclic scaffold, pyrimido[4,5-b]azepine was designed to fit into the ATP binding site of the HER2/EGFR proteins. The synthesis of this scaffold was accomplished by an intramolecular Claisen-type condensation. As the results of optimization lead us to 4-anilino and 6-functional groups, we discovered 6-substituted amide derivative 19b, which has a 1-benzothiophen-4-yloxy group attached to the 4-anilino group. An X-ray co-crystal structure of 19b with EGFR demonstrated that the N-1 and N-3 nitrogens of the pyrimido[4,5-b]azepine scaffold make hydrogen-bonding interactions with the main chain NH of Met793 and the side chain of Thr854 via a water-mediated hydrogen bond network, respectively. In addition, the NH proton at the 9-position makes an additional hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group of Met793, as we expected. Compound 19b revealed potent HER2/EGFR kinase (IC₅₀: 24/36 nM) and BT474 cell growth (GI₅₀: 18 nM) inhibitory activities based on its pseudo-irreversible (PI) profile.     

Mitochondrial DNA mutations regulate metastasis of human breast cancer cells

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) might contribute to expression of the tumor phenotypes, such as metastatic potential, as well as to aging phenotypes and to clinical phenotypes of mitochondrial diseases by induction of mitochondrial respiration defects and the resultant overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To test whether mtDNA mutations mediate metastatic pathways in highly metastatic human tumor cells, we used human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells, which simultaneously expressed a highly metastatic potential, mitochondrial respiration defects, and ROS overproduction. Since mitochondrial respiratory function is controlled by both mtDNA and nuclear DNA, it is possible that nuclear DNA mutations contribute to the mitochondrial respiration defects and the highly metastatic potential found in MDA-MB-231 cells. To examine this possibility, we carried out mtDNA replacement of MDA-MB-231 cells by normal human mtDNA. For the complete mtDNA replacement, first we isolated mtDNA-less (ρ(0)) MDA-MB-231 cells, and then introduced normal human mtDNA into the ρ(0) MDA-MB-231 cells, and isolated trans-mitochondrial cells (cybrids) carrying nuclear DNA from MDA-MB-231 cells and mtDNA from a normal subject. The normal mtDNA transfer simultaneously induced restoration of mitochondrial respiratory function and suppression of the highly metastatic potential expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells, but did not suppress ROS overproduction. These observations suggest that mitochondrial respiration defects observed in MDA-MB-231 cells are caused by mutations in mtDNA but not in nuclear DNA, and are responsible for expression of the high metastatic potential without using ROS-mediated pathways. Thus, human tumor cells possess an mtDNA-mediated metastatic pathway that is required for expression of the highly metastatic potential in the absence of ROS production.     

Establishment of Alternative Culture Method for Spermatogonial Stem Cells Using Knockout Serum Replacement

Since spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation to daughter cells for subsequent spermatogenesis, the development of an efficient in vitro culture system is essential for studies related to spermatogenesis. Although the currently available system is serum-free and contains only chemically-defined components, it highly relies upon bovine serum albumin (BSA), a component with batch-to-batch quality variations similar to those of fetal bovine serum. Thus, we searched for an alternative BSA-free culture system that preserved the properties of SSCs. In this study, we utilized Knockout Serum Replacement (KSR) in the SSC culture medium, as a substitute for BSA. The results demonstrated that KSR supported the continuous growth of SSCs in vitro and the SSC activity in vivo without BSA, in a feeder-cell combination with mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The addition of BSA to KSR further facilitated cell cycle progression, whereas a transplantation assay revealed that the addition of BSA did not affect the number of SSCs in vivo. The combination of KSR with BSA also allowed the elimination of GFRA1 and FGF2, and the reduction of the GDNF concentration from 20 ng/ml to 5 ng/ml, while maintaining the growth rate and the expression of SSC markers. Furthermore, KSR was also useful with SSCs from non-DBA/2 strains, such as C57BL/6 and ICR. These results suggested that KSR is an effective substitute for BSA for long-term in vitro cultures of SSCs. Therefore, this method is practical for various studies related to SSCs, including spermatogenesis and germ stem cell biology.