bFGF-releasing biodegradable nanoparticles for effectively engrafting transplanted hepatocyte sheet

Hepatic tissue engineering has been applied for the treatment of intractable liver diseases, and hepatocyte sheets are promising for this purpose. However, hepatocyte sheets have poor survival after transplantation because of their high metabolic activity. In this study, we aimed to develop basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-releasing nanoparticles to prolong the survival of hepatocyte sheets after transplantation. The nanoparticles were prepared by electrospraying a bFGF-dispersed poly(D,l-lactide-co-glycolide) emulsion. bFGF-loaded PLGA nanoparticles can be developed by optimizing the applied electrospray voltage and the oil:water ratio of the emulsion. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited prompt release at the initial duration and continuous gradual release at the subsequent duration. Hepatocyte sheet engraftment was evaluated by transplanting hepatocyte sheets containing the prepared nanoparticles into rats. The hepatocyte sheets with the prepared nanoparticles exhibited longer survival than those without the bFGF nanoparticles or solution owing to the local and continuous release of bFGF from the nanoparticles and the subsequent enhanced angiogenesis at the transplantation site. These results indicated that the prepared bFGF-releasing nanoparticles can enhance the efficiency of hepatocyte sheet transplantation. The developed bFGF-releasing nanoparticles would be useful for the transplantation of cellular tissue with post-transplantation survival challenges.

Gait balance disorder by thalamic infarction with the disorder of interstitial nucleus of cajal

The interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) is thought to play an important role in torsional/vertical eye position and head posture, and disorders of the INC induce abnormal ocular movements and head tilt. Our patients with ocular tilt reactions simultaneously also had disturbances in ambulatory balance, yet no reports address the loss of balance control induced by disorders of the INC. We examined the ambulatory disturbances induced by INC lesion. We experienced three patients with ocular movement disorders and abnormal head tilt due to thalamic infarction. We performed ophthalmic examinations on and checked the balance of them. With funduscopy, abnormal cycloduction was seen in the unaffected side and normal cycloduction was observed in the affected side. Nevertheless, Hess charts showed distortions in the visual image of both eyes. They all had disorders of balance control. We tried to treat them using the Bobath approach for improving their ambulatory balance. With subsequent improvements in balance control it was possible for them to take short walks, but it was difficult to make any improvements in their ocular movement. The INC is related to balance control of ambulation and disorders of the INC induce ambulatory disturbances. Cycloduction was only observed in the unaffected side, but Hess charts showed distortions of the visual image in both eyes. Ambulation was briefly improved, but diplopia persisted in these patients.

A component of polysaccharide peptidoglycan complex on Lactobacillus induced an improvement of murine model of inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated cancer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals play key roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously described that both intact cells and a cell wall-derived polysaccharide-peptidoglycan complex (PSPG) in a strain of lactobacillus [Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)] inhibited IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) isolated from murine IBD. Diets with LcS improve murine IBD by suppression of IL-6 synthesis in LPMCs. Moreover, LcS supplementation with fermented milk ameliorates disease activity in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Here, we focused on the specific roles of PSPG in LcS concerning their anti-inflammatory actions. PSPG derived from LcS, and no other strain of lactobacilli, inhibited IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated murine IBD LPMCs. Purified PSPG-I from LcS inhibited IL-6 synthesis in LPS-stimulated murine IBD LPMCs through the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB. The anti-IL-6 action of LcS PSPG was abrogated by masking with monoclonal anti-PSPG-I. Furthermore, PSPG-I-negative L. casei strains (PSPG-I-negative mutant LcS: LC(DeltaPSPG-I), L. casei ATCC 334) did not inhibit IL-6 production. Finally, we confirmed the effects of PSPG-I on LcS in the models of both IBD and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In the IBD model, ingestion of LcS improved ileitis and inhibited activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling, while ingestion of the LC(DeltaPSPG-I) strain did not. In the CAC model, treatment with LcS, but not the LC(DeltaPSPG-I) strain, showed tumour-suppressive effects with an inhibition of IL-6 production in the colonic mucosa. These results suggested that a specific polysaccharide component in an L. casei strain plays a crucial role in its anti-inflammatory actions in chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders.

Triggering at the distal A2 pulley

We report two cases with triggering at the distal end of the A2 pulley. One was caused by enlargement of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon and the other by enlargement of both slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. Both were relieved by reduction tenoplasty and short releases, or venting, of the distal A2 pulley.

Surface functionalization of inorganic nano-crystals with fibronectin and E-cadherin chimera synergistically accelerates trans-gene delivery into embryonic stem cells

Stem cells holding great promises in regenerative medicine have the potential to be differentiated to a specific cell type through genetic manipulation. However, conventional ways of gene transfer to such progenitor cells suffer from a number of disadvantages particularly involving safety and efficacy issues. Here, we report on the development of a bio-functionalized inorganic nano-carrier of DNA by embedding fibronectin and E-cadherin chimera on the carrier, leading to its high affinity interactions with embryonic stem cell surface and accelerated trans-gene delivery for subsequent expression. While only apatite nano-particles were very inefficient in transfecting embryonic stem cells, fibronectin-anchored particles and to a more significant extent, fibronectin and E-cadherin-Fc-associated particles dramatically enhanced trans-gene delivery with a value notably higher than that of commercially available lipofection system. The involvement of both cell surface integrin and E-cadherin in mediating intracellular localization of the hybrid carrier was verified by blocking integrin binding site with excess free fibronectin and up-regulating both integrin and E-cadherin through PKC activation. Thus, the new establishment of a bio-functional hybrid gene-carrier would promote and facilitate development of stem cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine.

Induction of Interleukin-12 by Lactobacillus Strains Having a Rigid Cell Wall Resistant to Intracellular Digestion

Some strains of lactobacilli can stimulate macrophages and dendritic cells to secrete IL-12, which plays a key role in activating innate immunity. We examined the IL-12-inducing ability of 47 Lactobacillus strains belonging to 10 species in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and characterized the properties important for the induction of IL-12. Although considerable differences in IL-12-inducing ability were observed among the strains tested, almost all strains belonging to the Lactobacillus casei group (L. casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus zeae) or to Lactobacillus fermentum induced high levels of IL-12. Phagocytosis of lactobacilli was necessary for IL-12 induction, and the strains with strong IL-12 induction were relatively resistant to lysis in the macrophages. The sensitivity of Lactobacillus strains to in vitro treatment with M-1 enzyme, a member of the N-acetylmuramidases, was negatively correlated with IL-12-inducing ability. Using a probiotic strain, L. casei strain Shirota (LcS), we showed that the cell wall of LcS could be digested by long-term treatment with a high dose of M-1 enzyme and that the IL-12-inducing ability was diminished according to the duration of the enzyme treatment. The soluble polysaccharide-peptidoglycan complex released from the cell wall of LcS did not induce IL-12, whereas the insoluble intact cell wall of LcS induced IL-12. These results suggest that the intact cell wall structure of lactobacilli is an important element in the ability to induce IL-12 and that Lactobacillus strains having a rigid cell wall resistant to intracellular digestion effectively stimulate macrophages to induce IL-12.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in the Elderly

The present study is aimed to clarify the postoperative outcome of endoscopic carpal tunnel release in elderly patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release was performed on 37 hands of 27 patients (2 men, 25 women) who were aged 70 years or older and clinically and electrophysiologically diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Mean age at the time of surgery was 74.5 years (range: 70-85 years). Mean postoperative follow-up was 35.5 months (range: 12-114 months). Pain was present preoperatively in 20 hands, but quickly resolved postoperatively in all cases. Numbness completely disappeared in 13 of 37 hands (35.1%), but some degree of numbness remained in the remaining cases. Preoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy was none in 4 hands, mild in 7 hands, moderate in 12 hands and severe in 14 hands. Postoperative severity of thenar muscle atrophy at final follow-up was none in 13 hands, mild in 16 hands, moderate in 2 hands and severe in 6 hands, confirming that thenar muscle atrophy improves even in elderly patients. However, moderate or severe thenar muscle atrophy remained in 8 hands (21.6%). Endoscopic carpal tunnel release should be considered in the elderly, even though clinical symptoms may not improve substantially in advanced cases.

pH-sensing nano-crystals of carbonate apatite: effects on intracellular delivery and release of DNA for efficient expression into mammalian cells

Two unique and fascinating properties of carbonate apatite which are well-known in hard tissue engineering, have been unveiled, for the first time, for the development of the simplest, but most efficient non-viral gene delivery device - ability of preventing the growth of crystals needed for high frequency DNA transfer across a plasma membrane and a fast dissolution rate for effective release of DNA during endosomal acidification, leading to a remarkably high transgene expression (5 to 100-fold) in mammalian cells compared to the widely used transfecting agents. Moreover, by modulating the crystal dissolution rate of carbonate apatite through incorporation of fluoride or strontium into it, transfection activity could be dramatically controlled, thus shedding light on a new barrier in the non-viral route, which was overlooked so far. Thus we have developed an innovative technology with significant insights, that would come as a promising tool for both basic research laboratories and clinical settings.

Integrin-Supported Fast Rate Intracellular Delivery of Plasmid DNA by Extracellular Matrix Protein Embedded Calcium Phosphate Complexes

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen and fibronectin, play vital roles in development and maintenance of hard tissue (bone or tooth) and are, consequently, thoroughly investigated for construction of biomimetic scaffolds in combination with calcium phosphate (CaP) material (the major component of hard tissue) for bone or dental tissue engineering. Realizing the natural affinity of ECM components toward inorganic constituents of hard tissue, we successfully constructed the nanohybrids of DNA/CaP particles with either collagen 1 or fibronectin, which finally possessed the capability of specific recognition of integrin receptor for being swiftly internalized across the plasma membrane, leading to remarkably high transgene expression in mammalian cells. This new approach with precise receptor-specific delivery as well as 10- to 50-fold enhanced efficiency level compared to the classical one, has immediate applications for basic research and large scale production of recombinant therapeutic proteins and looks promising for gene therapy.

Role of E-cadherin Molecules in Spheroid Formation of Hepatocytes Adhered on Galactose-Carrying Polymer as an Artificial Asialoglycoprotein Model

The role of E-cadherin in the spheroid formation of hepatocytes adhered on the poly(N-p-vinylbenzyl-D-lactonamide) (PVLA) as a model ligand for asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGP-R) of hepatocytes was studied. Expression of E-cadherin was increased in round hepatocytes adhered on a high-coating density of PVLA (100 microg/ml), and also in flat ones adhered on a low-coating density of PVLA (1 microg/ml) in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Hepatocyte spheroids formed on the high-coating density of PVLA in the presence of EGF after 48 h were inhibited by an anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody (ECCD-1). From immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy, E-cadherin was localized in the intercellular boundaries and concentrated at the inside surface of aggregated cells. As a result, E-cadherin could play an important role in hepatocyte assembly.

Probiotic Lactobacillus-induced improvement in murine chronic inflammatory bowel disease is associated with the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lamina propria mononuclear cells

IL-6/STAT-3 signals play key roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is known that Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) improves inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of LcS on murine chronic IBD and to clarify the mechanism. We focused the inhibitory effect of LcS on the production of IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated large intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LI-LPMC) isolated from mice with chronic colitis and in RAW264.7 cells in vitro. We also determined in vivo the effect of LcS on murine chronic IBD models induced with dextran sodium sulphate and SAMP1/Yit mice. Finally, we examined the cellular determinants of LcS for the down-regulation of IL-6 secretion by LI-LPMC, RAW264.7 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). LcS, but not other strains of Lactobacillus, inhibited the production of IL-6 in LPS-stimulated LI-LPMC and RAW264.7 cells, down-regulating the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. The LcS-diet-improved murine chronic colitis is associated with the reduction of IL-6 synthesis by LI-LPMC. LcS also improved chronic ileitis in SAMP1/Yit mice. The release of IL-6 in vitro in LPS-stimulated LI-LPMC, RAW 264.7 cells and UC-PBMC was inhibited by a polysaccharide-peptidoglycan complex (PSPG) derived from LcS. This probiotic-induced improvement in murine chronic inflammatory bowel disease is associated with the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IFN-gamma production in LPMC. Therefore, LcS may be a useful probiotic for the treatment of human inflammatory bowel disease.

Fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus Tokida ameliorates murine chronic colitis through the down-regulation of interleukin-6 production on colonic epithelial cells

Our previous study indicated that the interleukin (IL)-6/STAT-3 signal was up-regulated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in both humans and animal models. We also discovered phosphorylated STAT-3 in the nucleus of the colonic epithelial cells in IBD mice. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) have been shown to secrete IL-6. Therefore, the secretion of IL-6 from IEC may be one of the mechanisms of STAT-3 phosphorylation in IEC during the pathogenesis of IBD, and inhibition of IL-6 production by IEC may be beneficial in preventing IBD. We examined the preventative effect of various types of fucoidans on IL-6 production in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine colonic epithelial cells line, CMT-93, in vitro. We also determined in vivo the effect of fucoidans on murine chronic colitis induced with dextran sodium sulphate. Among fucoidans, those from Cladosiphon okamuranus Tokida and Kjellmaniella crassifolia inhibited IL-6 production in CMT-93 cells with the down-regulation of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. Analysis of the effect of fucoidan on murine colitis in vivo showed that the disease activity index and myeloperoxidase activity decreased in mice fed Cladosiphon fucoidan, but not Fucus fucoidan. Cytokine profiles in colonic lamina propria indicated that the synthesis of interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-6 decreased and that of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta increased in mice fed Cladosiphon fucoidan, compared with mice fed a standard diet or Fucus fucoidan. The levels of IL-6 mRNA in colonic epithelial cells was lower in colitis-induced Balb/c mice fed Cladosiphon fucoidan than those fed a standard diet. Fucoidan improves murine chronic colitis by down-regulating the synthesis of IL-6 in the colonic epithelial cells. Fucoidan derived from C. o. Tokida may be useful as a dietary substance for the patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

[Multiple primary lung cancer diagnosed by thoracic computed tomography; report of 2 cases]

Two cases of bilateral multiple primary lung cancers are presented. One is synchronous, and another is metachronous. Case 1: An abnormal shadow in the left lower lobe was found on the chest radiograph of 40-year-old female during a regular check-up. Chest computed tomography (CT) film showed a micronodule in the right S2. Left lower lobectomy was performed, followed by second-staged right S2 segmentectomy 1 month after the initial operation. Case 2: A 62-year-old female underwent left lower lobectomy for lung cancer in April 1997. Follow-up CT showed a nodule in right S8. In March 2000, right basal segmentectomy was performed for second lung cancer. Moreover, follow-up CT showed a nodule in right S3. Right wedge resection was performed for third lung cancer in July 2002. It is important to carefully examine a synchronous lesion before the operation of a primary lung cancer and to perform close follow-up surveillance for early detection of a metachronous lesion.

Yeast pheromone signaling pathway as a bioassay to assess the effect of chemicals on mammalian peptide hormones

The intercellular pheromone signal transduction pathways involved in sexual reproduction in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae constitute an extracellular network system involving cell surface receptors. The system is analogous to the signaling pathway of mammalian peptide hormones. The yeast mating pheromone alpha factor is homologous to mammalian gonadoliberins such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). In this study, we used the yeast pheromone signaling pathway as a model system to evaluate the effect of industrial chemicals on mammalian peptide hormones. Haploid a- and alpha-cell types conjugate, using mating pheromones, to form diploid cells. However, in a cells treated with certain chemicals used in pesticides, fungicides, and industrial products (i.e., TPN (CAS No. 1897-45-6), thiuram (CAS No. 137-26-8), captan (CAS No. 133-06-2), oxine-copper (CAS No. 10380-28-6), zineb (CAS No. 12122-67-7), and ziram (CAS No. 137-30-4)) the induction of shmoo formation was suppressed even when commercial alpha-factor was added. The FUS1-lacZ gene, which is transcriptionally regulated by a pheromone, was transferred into yeast and the effects of TPN, captan, zineb, and ziram, under sublethal conditions, were investigated: beta-Galactosidase levels declined to levels similar to that of untreated control cells when in the absence of the alpha-factor. Furthermore, these chemicals influenced conjugation to alpha-cells, and mating efficiency declined as chemical concentration increased. Analysis of the yeast pheromone signaling pathway helps to establish chemical toxicity assay models for mammalian peptide signal transduction pathways.

The engineering, structure, and DNA binding properties of a novel His4-type zinc finger peptide

We have created a novel His4-type zinc finger protein (H4Sp1) engineered by Cys-->His mutations of the Cys2His2-type zinc finger in transcription factor Sp1. The CD and NMR studies reveal that the His4 domain has Zn(II)-dependent folding properties and similar secondary structures to wild-type Cys2His2 domain. The DNA binding experiments demonstrate that H4Sp1 can bind DNA in a specific way. The present artificial peptide H4Sp1 will provide valuable information about the interaction between a metallopeptide and DNA.

Estimation of left ventricular systolic pressure by the left ventricular volume-time curve obtained from electrocardiograph gated 99m Tc-tetrofosmin single photon emission tomography using quantitative gated SPECT

We report the estimation of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) by a left ventricular (LV) volume-time curve obtained from electrocardiogram (ECG) gated 99mTc-tetrofosmin single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using quantitative gated SPECT (QGS). LVSP was calculated based on the following parameters: LV volumes, velocity and acceleration of LV contraction, aortic valve area and density of blood. The first three parameters can be derived from ECG gated SPECT. In 16 patients, the LV volume-time curve was obtained from ECG gated SPECT by using QGS. LVSP was estimated by the above-mentioned theory. The values of estimated peak LVSP were compared with those measured from a pressure transducer. There was a correlation between the values of peak LVSP estimated by the LV volume-time curve and those measured by pressure transducer (r=0.69, P<0.01). Using QGS, LVSP and the systolic LV pressure-volume relationship could be estimated by the LV volume-time curve.

Selected base sequence outside the target binding site of zinc finger protein Sp1

Human transcription factor Sp1 contains three contiguous repeats of the C2H2-type zinc finger motif and binds to the decanucleotide sequence 5'-(G/T)GGGCGG(G/A)(G/A)(C/T)-3' (GC box). In order to determine whether the three-zinc finger peptide Sp1(530-623) has selectivity for sequence outside the GC box, we used a selection and amplification of binding experiment. The high affinity sequence generated from this selection is 5'-GGGTGGGCGTGGC-3' (s-GC box), which is flanked by a novel conserved guanine triplet on the 5'-side of the core decanucleotide. Gel mobility shift assays reveal that Sp1(530-623) binds to the s-GC box with 2.3-fold higher affinity than to the wild-type GC box, 5'-GGGGCGGGGC-3' (c-GC box). DNase I and hydroxyl radical footprinting analyses show that the area of the s-GC box protected by binding of Sp1(530-623) is wider by 1 nt than that of the c-GC box. On the other hand, alkylation interference analyses demonstrate that Sp1(530-623) forms only one special base contact at the guanine triplet. With respect to cleavage of the c-GC and s-GC boxes by the 1,10-phenanthroline-copper complex (OP-Cu), binding of Sp1(530-623) has no effect on the cleavage pattern of the s-GC box, whereas OP-Cu actually enhances cleavage of the c-GC box. Additionally, the extent of cleavage of the s-GC box by DNase I and OP-Cu is clearly different from that of the c-GC box under peptide-free conditions. The results strongly indicate that: (i) the conformation of the s-GC box is evidently distinct from that of the c-GC box; (ii) Sp1(530-623) binds to the s-GC box without induction of a conformational change in DNA detectable by cleavage with OP-Cu. The present study provides useful information for the design of multi-zinc finger proteins with various sequence specificities.

Identification of 16alpha,19-dihydroxyandrostenedione in the serum of pregnant women by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

16alpha,19-Dihydroxyandrostenedione [16alpha,19-(OH)2 AD], a potential precursor of estriol, was identified in the serum of pregnant women by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Preliminary study indicated that the average serum concentration of 16alpha,19-(OH)2 AD in 10 normal pregnant women was 154.2+/-20 pg/ml. In contrast, the serum concentration of 16alpha,19-dihydroxydehydroepiandrosterone was less than the detection limit (30 pg/mI) of the GC-MS method.

Effect of oligofucose derivatives on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats

This study attempted to enhance the anti-ulcer activity of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus TOKIDA by chemical modification with a hydrophobic group. The suitable number of fucose residues in the effective compound was also clarified to obtain a compound of constant quality. Degraded fucoidans were coupled with several hydrophobic groups via Schiff bases, and their anti-ulcer activities were determined by acetic acid-induced ulcer models in rats. Size-fractionated oligofucose was also modified and assayed for anti-ulcer activity. Among the modified oligofucoses, only the oligofucose-dodecylaniline combination (OFDA) significantly promoted ulcer healing. The effective dose was 0.2 mg/kg/d. The most suitable number of fucose residues in the compound for the anti-ulcer activity was determined to be around 12. We succeeded in enhancing the anti-ulcer activity of Cladosiphon fucoidan by modification with dodecylaniline. The activity of this compound was comparable or greater than that of typical anti-ulcer agents. By determination of the optimal OF chain length for the anti-ulcer activity of OFDA, it became possible to obtain OFDA of constant quality.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric determination of activity of human placental aromatase using 16alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione as a substrate

Aromatization of 16alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione (16alpha-OH AD) with aromatase in human placental microsomes was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using 12,4,6,6,9alpha,16beta,17alpha-2H7]estriol as an internal standard. 16alpha-OH AD was incubated with the microsomes in the presence of NADPH in air. The metabolite was extracted with ethyl acetate and treated with NaBH4. The reduced product, estriol, was isolated by Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and then analyzed as the tris(trimethylsilyl)ether by a GC-MS (EI mode). The production of estriol was dependent upon protein concentration and incubation time. Apparent Km and Vmax values of the microsomal aromatase for 16alpha-OH AD were 568 nM and 25.5 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. In this assay, aromatase activity, estriol formation, could be determined at a level as low as 1 pmol/min/mg protein. Aromatase inhibitors, 4-hydroxy- and 6-oxo-androstenediones, prevented the estriol formation in a competitive manner with 25 and 30 nM of apparent Ki values, respectively.

Design of novel zinc finger proteins: towards artificial control of specific gene expression

In this review, we summarize design strategies for generating proteins with desired sequences such as long contiguous base pairs and diverse sequence specificities based on the nature of Cys(2)-His(2) zinc finger proteins. Recent progress towards artificial DNA binding proteins has been achieved by structure-based design processes and by selection strategies. Indeed, a multi-zinc finger protein with an 18 (or 27)-base pair address, and new zinc finger proteins for diverse DNA target sites (TATA-box and p53 binding site) have been created successfully. Such novel zinc finger proteins will probably be useful tools in molecular biology and potentially in human medicine.

Significant Effect of Linker Sequence on DNA Recognition by Multi-Zinc Finger Protein

The unique linker sequence of the native nine zinc finger transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA) appears to significantly affect its novel DNA recognition mode. An artificial new nine zinc finger peptide Sp1ZF9T has been created by connecting three units of the three zinc finger domains of Sp1 with the TFIIIA-type linker. The DNA-binding characteristics of Sp1ZF9T were evaluated by the gel mobility shift, DNase I footprinting, and methylation interference assays, and compared with those of the previous Sp1ZF9 with a Krüppel-type linker. The gel mobility shift assays revealed that Sp1ZF9T forms two complex species, a short-lived species (B-2) and a long-lived species (B-1), with GCIII DNA (5'-GGG GCG GGG GGG GCG GGG GGG GCG GGGCC-3'). The B-2 complex dissociated into the free peptide and DNA, whereas the B-1 complex was stable even after 72 h. The DNase I footprinting and methylation interference results indicated that 3'- and central portions of GCIII DNA are recognized by Sp1ZF9T in the B-1 complex. The present DNA binding mode of Sp1ZF9T is evidently different from that of Sp1ZF9. Namely, fingers 1-5 participate in the DNA contact of Sp1ZF9T, and fingers 1-9 in that of Sp1ZF9. Therefore, the linker sequence among the zinc finger domains has a significant effect on the specific DNA recognition by the multi-zinc finger proteins.

19-Oxygenation of C19-steroids with an A, B-ring enone structure, competitive inhibitors of estrogen biosynthesis, with human placental aromatase

Aromatase is a cytochrome P-450 enzyme complex that catalyzes the conversion of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) to estrone through three sequential oxygenations of the 19-methyl group. To gain insight into the ability of AD isomers, 4-en-6-one 1a, 5-en-4-one 2a, and 5-en-7-one 3a, competitive inhibitors of aromatase with an A, B-ring enone structure to serve as a substrate, we incubated the three inhibitors separately with human placental aromatase in the presence of NADPH in air. The metabolites were analyzed as the methoxime-trimethylsilyl ethers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All of the inhibitors were found to be oxygenated with aromatase to produce the corresponding 19-hydroxy derivatives 1b, 2b, and 3b with rates of 2.0, 51, and 0.3 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Only in the experiment with the 5-en-4-one steroid 2a, the production of the 19-oxo metabolite 2c was detected with a rate of 3.1 pmol/min/mg protein. The 19-oxygenation of steroid 2a, the best substrate for aromatase among the three, was kinetically determined to give the Vmax value of 40 pmol/min/mg protein and the Km value of 1.43 microM, respectively. The results reveal that a good inhibitor of aromatase is not essentially a good substrate for the enzyme in a series of the A, B-ring enone steroids.

Multiconnection of identical zinc finger: implication for DNA binding affinity and unit modulation of the three zinc finger domain

Cys(2)-His(2)-type zinc finger proteins have a tandemly repeated array structure consisting of independent finger modules. They are expected to elevate the DNA binding affinity and specificity by increasing the number of finger modules. To investigate the relation between the number and the DNA binding affinity of the zinc finger, we have designed the two- to four-finger peptides by connecting the central zinc finger (finger 2) of Sp1 with the canonical linker sequence, Thr-Gly-Glu-Lys-Pro. Gel mobility shift assays reveal that the cognate three- and four-finger peptides, Sp1(zf222) and Sp1(zf2222), strongly bind to the predicted target sequences, but the two-finger peptide, Sp1(zf22), does not. Of special interest is the fact that the dissociation constant for Sp1(zf2222) binding to the target DNA is comparable to that for Sp1(zf222). The methylation interference, DNase I and hydroxyl radical footprintings, and circular permutation analyses demonstrate that Sp1(zf2222) binds to its target site with three successive zinc fingers and the binding of the fourth zinc finger is inhibited by DNA bending induced by the binding of the three-finger domain. The present results strongly indicate that the zinc finger protein binds to DNA by the three-finger domain as one binding unit. In addition, this information provides the basis for the design of a novel multifinger protein with high affinity and specificity for long DNA sequences, such as chromosomal DNAs.

Ultrasonographic examination of de Quervain's disease

In order to assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in the preoperative evaluation of de Quervain's disease, we retrospectively analyzed the ultrasonographic findings in 32 patients, and compared these findings with operative findings. Ultrasonography identified a septum between the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons in 26 patients and showed absence of the septum in 6 patients. During surgery, the presence of the septum was confirmed in 27 patients, and was absent in 5. Our results demonstrated the usefulness of preoperative ultrasonography in correctly detecting anatomic abnormalities in patients with de Quervain's disease.

Finger-positional change in three zinc finger protein Sp1: influence of terminal finger in DNA recognition

The connection of functional modules is effective for the design of DNA binding molecules with the desired sequence specificity. C(2)H(2)-type zinc finger proteins have a tandemly repeated array structure consisting of independent finger modules and are expected to recognize any DNA sequences by permutation, multi-connection, and the substitution of various sets of zinc fingers. To investigate the effects of the replacement of the terminal finger on the DNA recognition by other fingers, we have constructed the three zinc finger peptides with finger substitution at the N- or C-terminus, Sp1(zf223), Sp1(zf323), and Sp1(zf321). From the results of gel mobility shift assays, each mutant peptide binds preferentially to the target sequence that is predicted if the fingers act in a modular fashion. The methylation interference analyses demonstrate that in the cases of the N-terminal finger substitution mutants, Sp1(zf223) and Sp1(zf323), the N-terminal finger recognizes bases to different extents from that of the wild-type peptide, Sp1(zf123). Of special interest is the fact that the N-terminal finger of the C-terminal finger substitution mutant, Sp1(zf321), shows a distinct base recognition from those of Sp1(zf123) and Sp1(zf323). DNase I footprinting analyses indicate that the C-terminal finger (active finger) induces a conformational change in the DNA in the region for the binding of the N-terminal finger (passive finger). The present results strongly suggest that the extent of base recognition of the N-terminal finger is dominated by the binding of the C-terminal finger. This information provides an important clue for the creation of a zinc finger peptide with the desired specificity, which is applicable to the design of novel drugs and biological tools.

Artificial zinc finger peptides: creation, DNA recognition, and gene regulation

Proteins control most biological reactions and the disorder of their expression level causes many diseases. The advent of genomic sequencing and the availability of the complete sequences of several genomes provide new opportunities to study biology and to develop therapeutic strategies through specific modulation of the transcription of target genes. Therefore, regulation of the transcription level by "artificial repressors" is of special importance. Of the DNA-binding motifs that have been manipulated by design or selection, Cys2-His2 zinc finger proteins have demonstrated the greatest potential for manipulation into general and specific transcription factors. Of special interest is the feature that this family of proteins has modular structures and can recognize a diverse set of DNA sequences in a sequence-specific manner. Therefore, zinc finger motifs offer an attractive framework for the design of novel DNA binding proteins, and such a DNA binding protein would be expected to possess a unique binding sequence with high specificity and affinity. Principally, two approaches have been taken to the design of artificial zinc finger proteins. One is a selection strategy via phage display methods to alter the recognition sequence, and another is a structure-based linking strategy to extend the length of a DNA recognition sequence. Such novel zinc finger peptides (or proteins) offer great promise for genome-specific transcription switches in the near future.

Formation of 17beta-alkoxy-16-keto steroids by reaction of 16alpha-hydroxy-17-keto and 17beta-hydroxy-16-keto steroids with trimethylsilyl iodide in the presence of alkyl alcohols

16Alpha-hydroxy-17-keto steroids, 1, 3, and 8, and their 17beta-hydroxy-16-keto isomers, 4, 5, and 9, were transformed into the corresponding 17beta-alkoxy-16-keto derivatives on treatment with trimethylsilyl iodide (TMSI) in the presence of alkyl alcohol in CHCl3 in poor to high yields.

DNA-bending finger: artificial design of 6-zinc finger peptides with polyglycine linker and induction of DNA bending

DNA structural changes such as bending play an important role in various biological reactions. Not only protein binding to its specific DNA sequence but also DNA bending induced by the protein is indispensable for unique gene expression. Therefore, an artificial protein that induces a DNA conformational change is interesting as a transcriptional regulator of a specific gene. We created 6-zinc finger proteins, Sp1ZF6(Gly)n (n = 4, 7, 10), by connecting two DNA binding domains of transcription factor Sp1 with flexible polyglycine peptide linkers, and their effects on DNA structure were compared with that of native 3-zinc finger Sp1(530-623). Gel electrophoretic methods revealed that Sp1ZF6(Gly)7 and Sp1ZF6(Gly)10 bind to two distal GC boxes and result in DNA bending. Evidently, the hydroxyl radical footprinting analysis demonstrated that hypersensitive cleavage was observed at the 5'-TA step in the intervening region bound by Sp1ZF6(Gly)7 or Sp1ZF6(Gly)10. The phasing assays strongly suggested that the induced DNA bending was directed toward the major groove and that Sp1ZF6(Gly)7 caused the most drastic directional change in DNA bending. Of special interest are the facts that the newly designed 6-finger peptides Sp1ZF6(Gly)7 and Sp1ZF6(Gly)10 can induce DNA bending at the intervening region of the two distal binding sites and that the linker length between two 3-zinc finger motifs has a crucial effect on the entire DNA-bending direction. Such DNA-bending fingers may be feasible for use as a gene expression regulator based on the structural change in DNA in the future.

Expression of kininogen, kallikrein and kinin receptor genes by rat cardiomyocytes

To ascertain the existence of the kallikrein-kinin system in the heart, we have studied in vivo and in vitro whether rat cardiac tissue expresses kininogen, kallikrein and kinin receptor mRNAs. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the ventricular myocardium of adult male rats expressed mRNAs for T- and low-molecular-weight (L-) kininogens, tissue kallikreins such as true kallikrein and T-kininogenase, and bradykinin B2 receptor, but not those for high-molecular-weight kininogen and B1 receptor. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) increased the levels of mRNA for T-kininogen at 12 h and the bradykinin B1 receptor at 24 h without affecting that for other components. All of these mRNAs for the kallikrein-kinin system were also detected in cultured cardiomyocytes derived from neonatal rat ventricles; dibutyryl cyclic AMP, LPS or inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, up-regulated mRNA expression of T-kininogen, T-kininogenase, or B1 receptor in these cells in vitro. These results suggest that there are two kinin-generating systems in rat myocardium comprising T-kininogen/T-kininogenase and L-kininogen/true kallikrein respectively, and that the former may be relatively important in inflammatory diseases or conditions in which cAMP levels increase in cardiomyocytes.

Properties of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus tokida in gastric mucosal protection

To elucidate the anti-ulcer potential of Cladosiphon fucoidan, anti-peptic activity, bFGF stabilizing activity and inflammatory properties of this and related substances were investigated. Anti-peptic activity was observed with this and other sulfated polysaccharides such as dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan. However, non-sulfated polysaccharides such as mannan and dextran did not exert the anti-peptic activity. The loss of bFGF bioactivity was prevented by all sulfated polysaccharides tested except chondroitin sulfate, at pH 7.4 and at pH 4.0. At pH 2.0, only heparin protected the bFGF activity. The generation of superoxide by macrophages and PMNs was stimulated by dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan, whereas Cladosiphon fucoidan, heparin and chondroitin did not. Dextran sulfate, carrageenan, and Fucus fucoidan also stimulated the secretion of TNFalpha from macrophages, while Cladosiphon fucoidan did not. Thus, Cladosiphon fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide without inflammatory action. These results suggest that Cladosiphon fucoidan is a safe substance with potential for gastric protection.

19-oxygenations of 3-deoxy androgens, potent competitive inhibitors of estrogen biosynthesis, with human placental aromatase

Aromatase is a cytochrome P450 enzyme complex that catalyzes the conversion of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) to estrone through three sequential oxygenations of the 19-methyl group. To gain insight into the ability of 3-deoxy derivative of AD, compound 1, and its 5-ene isomer 4, which are potent competitive inhibitors of aromatase, to serve as a substrate, we studied their 19-oxygenation by human placental aromatase and the metabolites isolated were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Inhibitors 1 and 4 were found to be oxygenated with aromatase to produce the corresponding 19-hydroxy derivatives 2 and 5 and 19-oxo derivatives 3 and 6 as well as the 17beta-reduced 19-hydroxy compounds 7 and 8. Kinetic studies indicated that the 5-ene steroid 4 was surprisingly a good substrate for the aromatase-catalyzing 19-oxygenation with the V(max) value of 45 pmol/min per mg prot which was approx. four times higher than that of the other. The relative K(m) value for steroids 1 and 4 obtained in this study is opposite from the relative K(i) value obtained previously in the inhibition study. The results reveal that there is a difference between a binding suitable for serving as an inhibitor of aromatase and a binding suitable for serving as a substrate of the enzyme in the 3-deoxy steroid series and the C-3 carbonyl group of AD is essential for a proper binding as a substrate to the active site of aromatase.

Common modulation of motor unit pairs during slow wrist movement in man

1. The activity of 36 pairs of single motor units were recorded with intramuscular wire electrodes from m. extensor carpi radialis while subjects performed slow wrist extension and flexion movements. Periods of steady position holding were interposed between movements. 2. The discharge trains from pairs of motor units were analysed statistically in the time and frequency domains. During extension movements, when the muscle recorded from was the agonist, coherence between motor units was significant below 12 Hz, with a peak at 6-12 Hz in 30 of 36 pairs (83 %). The magnitude of coherence decreased during position holding compared to movements in 26 pairs, while the difference in average firing rate was small. 3. During movements, but not during position holding, coherence estimates between single motor units and acceleration showed a significant peak at 6-12 Hz in 56 out of 62 motor units, suggesting that a modulation of motor unit discharge contributed to angular acceleration at these frequencies. Common motor unit modulation was present at 3 Hz as well, although the coupling between motor unit activity was weaker than at 6-12 Hz. 4. It is concluded that a 6-12 Hz common modulation of agonist motor units is a distinguishing feature of slow voluntary wrist movements, extending the previously established notion of an 8-10 Hz rhythmic organization of slow finger movements to more proximal limb segments. It is suggested that the 6-12 Hz input is specific for movements and is normally absent or much weaker during steady maintenance of position or force.

Expression of kininogen genes by rat cardiomyocytes

To determine the existence of the kallikrein-kinin system in the heart, we have studied in vitro and in vivo whether rat heart expresses kininogens (KGNs). The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for KGN mRNAs demonstrated that the cardiac tissue of adult male rats expresses T-KGN mRNA but not high-molecular-weight (H-) KGN mRNA. An intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a significant increase in T-KGN mRNA levels of rat heart within 12 h. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cDNA products generated by RT-PCR from heart mRNA using primers specific for either T- or low-molecular-weigh (L-) KGN revealed that rat heart expressed not only T-KGN gene but also L-KGN gene, and that LPS injection exclusively stimulated the expression of T-KGN but not of L-KGN gene. T-KGN mRNA was also detected in cultured myocytes derived from fetal rat heart, and the expression was markedly enhanced by an addition of LPS to cultures. These results demonstrated that rat cardiomyocytes are the source of T- and L-KGNs but not of H-KGN, and that their expression of T-KGN mRNA is stimulated by LPS, probably via LPS-receptor CD14.