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Scleraxis-lineage cells are required for correct muscle patterning. Development 2023; 150:310741. [PMID: 37246520 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Movement of the vertebrate body is supported by the connection of muscle, tendon and bone. Each skeletal muscle in the vertebrate body has a unique shape and attachment site; however, the mechanism that ensures reproducible muscle patterning is incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted targeted cell ablation using scleraxis (Scx)-Cre to examine the role of Scx-lineage cells in muscle morphogenesis and attachment in mouse embryos. We found that muscle bundle shapes and attachment sites were significantly altered in embryos with Scx-lineage cell ablation. Muscles in the forelimb showed impaired bundle separation and limb girdle muscles distally dislocated from their insertion sites. Scx-lineage cells were required for post-fusion myofiber morphology, but not for the initial segregation of myoblasts in the limb bud. Furthermore, muscles could change their attachment site, even after formation of the insertion. Lineage tracing suggested that the muscle patterning defect was primarily attributed to the reduction of tendon/ligament cells. Our study demonstrates an essential role of Scx-lineage cells in the reproducibility of skeletal muscle attachment, in turn revealing a previously unappreciated tissue-tissue interaction in musculoskeletal morphogenesis.
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Structural origins of the unusual thermal stability of amorphous Cu xGe 50-xTe 50(0⩽ x⩽33.3). JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2023; 35:304004. [PMID: 37072003 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/acce13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the local atomic structures of several compositions of the amorphous phase of the system CuxGe50-xTe50(0⩽x⩽33.3), based on extended x-ray absorption fine-structure as well as anomalous x-ray scattering experiments, and discuss the unusual trend regarding their thermal stability as a function of the Cu content. At low concentrations (x⩽15), Cu atoms tend to agglomerate in flat nanoclusters reminiscent of the crystalline phase of metallic Cu, leading to a more and more Ge-deficient Ge-Te host network structure with growing Cu content and an increasing thermal stability. At higher Cu concentrations (x⩾25), Cu is incorporated into the network, leading to an overall weaker bonding situation which is associated with a decreasing thermal stability.
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Collective excitations in a melt of fast phase change material GeCu 2Te 3. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2023; 35:234002. [PMID: 36893472 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/acc2ff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Inelastic x-ray scattering measurements have been carried out to investigate atomic dynamics in a melt of fast phase change material GeCu2Te3. The dynamic structure factor was analysed using the model function with three damped harmonic oscillator components. By investigating the correlation between the excitation energy and the linewidth, and that between the excitation energy and the intensity on contour maps of a relative approximate probability distribution function proportional toexp(-χ2/N), we could judge the reliability of each inelastic excitation in the dynamic structure factor. The results indicate that there are two inelastic excitation modes besides the longitudinal acoustic one in the liquid. The lower energy excitation could be assigned to the transverse acoustic one whereas the higher energy one disperses like fast sound. The latter result may imply that the liquid ternary alloy exhibits a microscopic phase separation tendency.
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Simultaneous loss of skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain IIx and IIb causes severe skeletal muscle hypoplasia in postnatal mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22692. [PMID: 36515178 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200581r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain (MyHC) is a fundamental component of the sarcomere structure and muscle contraction. Two of the three adult fast MyHCs, MyHC-IIx and MyHC-IIb, are encoded by Myh1 and Myh4, respectively. However, skeletal muscle disorders have not yet been linked to these genes in humans. MyHC-IIb is barely detectable in human skeletal muscles. Thus, to characterize the molecular function of skeletal muscle MyHCs in humans, investigation of the effect of simultaneous loss of MyHC-IIb and other MyHCs on skeletal muscle in mice is essential. Here, we generated double knockout (dKO) mice with simultaneous loss of adult fast MyHCs by introducing nonsense frameshift mutations into the Myh1 and Myh4 genes. The dKO mice appeared normal after birth and until 2 weeks of age but showed severe skeletal muscle hypoplasia after 2 weeks. In 3-week-old dKO mice, increased expression of other skeletal muscle MyHCs, such as MyHC-I, MyHC-IIa, MyHC-neo, and MyHC-emb, was observed. However, these expressions were not sufficient to compensate for the loss of MyHC-IIb and MyHC-IIx. Moreover, the aberrant sarcomere structure with altered expression of sarcomere components was observed in dKO mice. Our findings imply that the simultaneous loss of MyHC-IIb and MyHC-IIx is substantially detrimental to postnatal skeletal muscle function and will contribute to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle wasting disorders caused by the loss of skeletal muscle MyHCs.
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Digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes for untranslated regions enable the isoform-specific gene expression analysis of myosin heavy chains in whole-mount in situ hybridization. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:48-55. [PMID: 36517457 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Myosin heavy chains (MyHCs), which are encoded by myosin heavy chain (Myh) genes, are the most abundant proteins in myofiber. Among the 11 sarcomeric Myh isoform genes in the mammalian genome, seven are mainly expressed in skeletal muscle. Myh genes/MyHC proteins share a common role as force producing units with highly conserved sequences, but have distinct spatio-temporal expression patterns. As such, the expression patterns of Myh genes/MyHC proteins are considered as molecular signatures of specific fiber types or the regenerative status of mammalian skeletal muscles. Immunohistochemistry is widely used for identifying MyHC expression patterns; however, this method is costly and is not ideal for whole-mount samples, such as embryos. In situ hybridization (ISH) is another versatile method for the analysis of gene expression, but is not commonly applied for Myh genes, partly because of the highly homologous sequences of Myh genes. Here we demonstrate that an ISH analysis with the untranslated region (UTR) sequence of Myh genes is cost-effective and specific method for analyzing the Myh gene expression in whole-mount samples. Digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled antisense probes for UTR sequences, but not for protein coding sequences, specifically detected the expression patterns of respective Myh isoform genes in both embryo and adult skeletal muscle tissues. UTR probes also revealed the isoform gene-specific polarized localization of Myh mRNAs in embryonic myofibers, which implied a novel mRNA distribution mechanism. Our data suggested that the DIG-labeled UTR probe is a cost-effective and versatile method to specifically detect skeletal muscle Myh genes in a whole-mount analysis.
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Low energy excitation in liquid Sb and liquid Bi observed in inelastic x-ray scattering spectra. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2021; 33:475101. [PMID: 34438373 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ac216c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic structure factorS(Q,E), whereQandEare momentum and energy transfer, respectively, has been measured for liquid Sb, using inelastic x-ray scattering. A modified damped harmonic oscillator model function was applied to analyseS(Q,E) of liquid Sb and also to that of liquid Bi by Inuiet al(2015Phys. Rev.B92, 054206). The obtained excitation energy was in fairly good agreement with that predicted byab initiomolecular dynamics simulations on these liquid semi-metals. The excitation energy of the longitudinal acoustic mode in liquid Sb and liquid Bi exhibits flat-toppedQdependence whereas the lower excitation energy below the longitudinal acoustic excitation showsQ-gap behaviour. From the viscosity estimated from theQ-gap experimentally obtained, it is inferred that the lower energy excitation arises from the transverse acoustic excitation in the liquids.
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Protocadherin-1 is expressed in the notochord of mouse embryo but is dispensable for its formation. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 27:101047. [PMID: 34189280 PMCID: PMC8219654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Notochord is an embryonic midline structure that serves as mechanical support for axis elongation and the signaling center for the surrounding tissues. Precursors of notochord are initially induced in the dorsal most mesoderm region in gastrulating embryo and separate from the surrounding mesoderm/endoderm tissue to form an elongated rod-like structure, suggesting that cell adhesion molecules may play an important role in this step. In Xenopus embryo, axial protocadherin (AXPC), an orthologue of mammalian Protocadherin-1 (PCDH1), is indispensable for the assembly and separation from the surrounding tissue of the notochord cells. However, the role of PCDH1 in mammalian notochord remains unknown. We herein report that PCDH1 is expressed in the notochord of mouse embryo and that PCDH1-deficient mice form notochord normally. First, we examined the temporal expression pattern of pcdh1 and found that pcdh1 mRNA was expressed from embryonic day (E) 7.5, prior to the stage when notochord cells detach from the surrounding endoderm tissue. Second, we found that PCDH1 protein is expressed in the notochord of mouse embryos in addition to the previously reported expression in endothelial cells. To further investigate the role of PCDH1 in embryonic development, we generated PCDH1-deficient mice using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. In PCDH1-deficient embryos, notochord formation and separation from the surrounding tissue were normal. Structure and marker gene expression of notochord were also unaffected by loss of PCDH1. Major vascular patterns in PCDH1-deficient embryo were essentially normal. These results suggest that PCDH1 is dispensable for notochord formation, including the tissue separation process, in mammalian embryos. We successfully identified the evolutionary conserved expression of PCDH1 in notochord, but its function may differ among species.
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Experimental observation of density fluctuations in liquid metals associated with liquid-liquid, liquid-gas and metal-nonmetal transitions. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2020; 32:274001. [PMID: 32143205 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ab7d66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a special technique and succeeded to carry out small-angle x-ray scattering measurements for some liquid metal systems. The purpose is to investigate effects of transitions such as liquid-liquid (LLT), liquid-gas (LGT) and metal-nonmetal (MNMT) transitions on mesoscopic density fluctuations in liquids. In liquid Te systems (Se-Te and Ge-Te mixtures), which show continuous LLT accompanying MNMT, parameters of density fluctuations show maxima almost in the middle of the transition, both in strength and spatial size. This work (and Kajihara et al 2012 Phys. Rev. B86 214202) was the first direct observation that density fluctuations exhibit maximum corresponding to LLT. However in this study, we could not clearly separate the effects of LLT and MNMT on the observed density fluctuations. Thus, we also investigated fluid Hg under high pressure and high temperature conditions, which shows MNMT near a critical point of LGT, to investigate how MNMT affects them. We observed distinct density fluctuations; a strength and a correlation length of them show maxima at around a critical isochore of LGT, and the former is basically consistent with a phase diagram (compressibility) of LGT; they do not show any peaks at MNMT region. Precise analysis revealed that MNMT only affects a shift of another parameter, a short-range correlation length. These results in fluid Hg indicate that the density fluctuations are mainly derived from a critical phenomena of LGT and MNMT does not play any critical role on them. We believe that the latter conclusion also holds true for liquid Te systems; MNMT plays no important role on the density fluctuations in liquid Te systems and LLT is the main origin of them.
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Lin28a/let-7 pathway modulates the Hox code via Polycomb regulation during axial patterning in vertebrates. eLife 2020; 9:53608. [PMID: 32479258 PMCID: PMC7259951 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The body plan along the anteroposterior axis and regional identities are specified by the spatiotemporal expression of Hox genes. Multistep controls are required for their unique expression patterns; however, the molecular mechanisms behind the tight control of Hox genes are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the Lin28a/let-7 pathway is critical for axial elongation. Lin28a–/– mice exhibited axial shortening with mild skeletal transformations of vertebrae, which were consistent with results in mice with tail bud-specific mutants of Lin28a. The accumulation of let-7 in Lin28a–/– mice resulted in the reduction of PRC1 occupancy at the Hox cluster loci by targeting Cbx2. Consistently, Lin28a loss in embryonic stem-like cells led to aberrant induction of posterior Hox genes, which was rescued by the knockdown of let-7. These results suggest that the Lin28/let-7 pathway is involved in the modulation of the ‘Hox code’ via Polycomb regulation during axial patterning.
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Peculiar temperature dependence of dynamical sound speed in liquid Se 50Te 50 by inelastic x-ray scattering. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2020; 32:214003. [PMID: 31958784 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ab6d8e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) measurements were carried out on liquid Se50Te50 at temperatures up to 1323 K to investigate how the atomic dynamics changes with temperature through the semiconductor-metal transition. The acoustic mode was clearly observed in the dynamic structure factor and its energy was determined using a damped harmonic oscillator model. The dynamical sound speed obtained by IXS for [Formula: see text] nm-1 was found to behave similarly to the temperature dependence of ultrasonic sound velocity with a minimum near the semiconductor metal transition. The results can be explained by taking liquid Se50Te50 to be an inhomogeneous liquid consisting of metallic and semiconducting domains whose size is approximately 3 nm. The relaxation time obtained from frequency dependence of the dynamical sound speed was on a picosecond time scale.
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Creation of CRISPR-based germline-genome-engineered mice without ex vivo handling of zygotes by i-GONAD. Nat Protoc 2019; 14:2452-2482. [PMID: 31341289 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-019-0187-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Methods to create genetically engineered mice involve three major steps: harvesting embryos from one set of females, microinjection of reagents into embryos ex vivo and their surgical transfer to another set of females. Although tedious, these methods have been used for more than three decades to create mouse models. We recently developed a method named GONAD (genome editing via oviductal nucleic acids delivery), which bypasses these steps. GONAD involves injection of CRISPR components (Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA (gRNA)) into the oviducts of pregnant females 1.5 d post conception, followed by in vivo electroporation to deliver the components into the zygotes in situ. Using GONAD, we demonstrated that target genes can be disrupted and analyzed at different stages of mouse embryonic development. Subsequently, we developed improved GONAD (i-GONAD) by delivering CRISPR ribonucleoproteins (RNPs; Cas9 protein or Cpf1 protein and gRNA) into day-0.7 pregnant mice, which made it suitable for routine generation of knockout and large-deletion mouse models. i-GONAD can also generate knock-in models containing up to 1-kb inserts when single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) repair templates are supplied. i-GONAD offers other advantages: it does not require vasectomized males and pseudo-pregnant females, the females used for i-GONAD are not sacrificed and can be used for other experiments, it can be easily adopted in laboratories lacking sophisticated microinjection equipment, and can be implemented by researchers skilled in small-animal surgery but lacking embryo-handling skills. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for establishing the i-GONAD method. The protocol takes ∼6 weeks to generate the founder mice.
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Abstract
The WW domain-containing protein 2 (Wwp2) gene, the host gene of miR-140, codes for the Wwp2 protein, which is an HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases abundantly expressed in articular cartilage. However, its function remains unclear. Here, we show that mice lacking Wwp2 and mice in which the Wwp2 E3 enzyme is inactivated (Wwp2-C838A) exhibit aggravated spontaneous and surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA). Consistent with this phenotype, WWP2 expression level is downregulated in human OA cartilage. We also identify Runx2 as a Wwp2 substrate and Adamts5 as a target gene, as similar as miR-140. Analysis of Wwp2-C838A mice shows that loss of Wwp2 E3 ligase activity results in upregulation of Runx2-Adamts5 signaling in articular cartilage. Furthermore, in vitro transcribed Wwp2 mRNA injection into mouse joints reduces the severity of experimental OA. We propose that Wwp2 has a role in protecting cartilage from OA by suppressing Runx2-induced Adamts5 via Runx2 poly-ubiquitination and degradation.
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Static and dynamic structures of liquid Ba 8Ga 16Sn 30: a melt of the thermoelectric clathrate compounds. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2018; 30:455101. [PMID: 30251705 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aae3f3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
X-ray diffraction and inelastic x-ray scattering measurements of liquid Ba8Ga16Sn30 have been carried out to investigate local structure and atomic dynamics in the liquid. The pair distribution function shows shorter and longer interatomic distances in the first coordination shell. The dynamic structure factor exhibits the inelastic excitations on both sides of the quasielastic central peak. The inelastic excitations disperse with increasing the momentum transfer, suggesting the longitudinal acoustic mode. We found a low energy excitation in addition to the longitudinal acoustic excitation in the dynamic structure factor and it reminds us a strong relationship with a rattling motion of a guest (Ba) atom in the solid state. The temperature dependence of the pair distribution function and the longitudinal acoustic excitation energy is very weak in a range from 600 to 900 °C. The result suggests that Ba and other atoms in the melt are located around minimum positions of the effective pair potential approximated as a harmonic one.
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Viscoelastic anomaly accompanying anti-crossing behaviour in liquid As 2Se 3. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2018; 30:28LT02. [PMID: 29873306 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aacab5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the dynamic structure factor of the melt of the well known glass former, As2Se3, using inelastic x-ray scattering for temperatures, T, [Formula: see text] K and momentum transfers Q from [Formula: see text] nm-1. An anomaly was observed at Q = 2.7 nm-1 ([Formula: see text] K) with, in the context of a simple model, both an abrupt change in frequency and an increased linewidth reminiscent of an anti-crossing in a solid. Comparison with structural information from reverse Monte Carlo modeling of x-ray diffraction data allows us to associate the disappearance of the anomaly at higher temperatures with a drop in the number of mechanical constraints per atom, n mc, to [Formula: see text] reminiscent of the threshold applicable for glass formation in rigidity theory. It is inferred that the surprising jump in the dispersion in the liquid may be correlated with a stiffness transition in a network glass.
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Living Related Renal Transplantation Using a Saphenous Vein Graft: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:2562-2564. [PMID: 30173850 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.03.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of living related renal transplantation that used the recipient's saphenous vein as a graft to extend the length of the right donor renal vein. A 41-year-old woman underwent ABO-incompatible living related renal transplantation from her 74-year-old mother in November 2014. A retroperitoneal laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy was performed, because the right kidney showed a cyst on preoperative computed tomography. As the right kidney after donor nephrectomy had a short renal vein and the kidney was large at 280 g, anastomosis with the external iliac vein was difficult. Therefore, we obtained the recipient's 15-cm-long right saphenous vein and created a 1 cm saphenous vein graft. We anastomosed 1 side of the saphenous vein graft to the allograft renal vein in bench surgery and performed end-to-side anastomosis of the other end to the recipient's external iliac vein. The allograft renal artery was used to perform end-to-end anastomosis to the recipient's internal iliac artery. Allograft kidney function was good after transplantation. When the longer axis of the renal graft vein is short, as in the right kidney, a saphenous vein graft may be useful.
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Abstract
Tendons and ligaments provide connections between muscle and bone or bone and bone to enable locomotion. Damage to tendons and ligaments caused by acute or chronic injury or associated with aging and arthritis is a prevalent cause of disability. Improvements in approaches for the treatment of these conditions depend on a better understanding of tendon and ligament development, cell biology, and pathophysiology. This review focuses on recent advances in the discovery of transcription factors that control ligament and tendon cell differentiation, how cell and extracellular matrix homeostasis are altered in disease, and how this new insight can lead to novel therapeutic approaches. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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CRISPR/Cas9-mediated simultaneous knockout of Dmrt1 and Dmrt3 does not recapitulate the 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis observed in 9p24.3 deletion patients. Biochem Biophys Rep 2017; 9:238-244. [PMID: 28956011 PMCID: PMC5614593 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
DM domain transcription factors play important roles in sexual development in a wide variety of species from invertebrate to humans. Among seven mammalian family members of DM domain transcription factors, DMRT1 has been studied in mouse and human for its conserved role in male gonadal identity. Chromosomal deletion of 9p24.3, the region in which DMRT1 is located, is associated with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. Dmrt1 knockout (KO) mice also showed male-to-female gonadal reprogramming. However, the phenotype of Dmrt1 KO mouse appears only after birth while 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis occurs during the developmental phase, and the cause behind this difference remained unknown. We hypothesized that in human the function of other DMRT genes clustered with DMRT1, namely DMRT3, might also be impaired by the chromosomal deletion, which leads to the gonadal dysgenesis phenotype. Thus, simultaneous loss of multiple DM domain genes in mice could have a more severe impact on gonadal development. To address this issue, we generated double KO mice for Dmrt1 and Dmrt3 via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Comparing adult and neonatal testes of single and double KO mice, we found that loss of Dmrt1 or Dmrt3, or both, does not have apparent effect on male gonadal formation during embryonic development. Our study demonstrated that the discrepancy between human with 9p24.3 deletion and Dmrt1 KO mouse could not be explained by the simultaneous loss of Dmrt3 gene. CRISPR/Cas9 is a versatile and straightforward approach to elucidate the questions that were otherwise difficult to address with conventional methods. We have generated Dmrt1 KO, Dmrt3 KO and Dmrt1/3 DKO mice via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. .CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene KO could generate 3 KO lines via single microinjection. Double KO of Dmrt1 and Dmrt3 could not recapitulate human 9p24.3 deletion symptom.
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The p.R92W variant of NR5A1/Nr5a1 induces testicular development of 46,XX gonads in humans, but not in mice: phenotypic comparison of human patients and mutation-induced mice. Biol Sex Differ 2016; 7:56. [PMID: 27833742 PMCID: PMC5101639 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-016-0114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
NR5A1 is the key regulator of adrenal and gonadal development in both humans and mice. Recently, a missense substitution in human NR5A1, p.R92W, was shown to underlie gonadal dysgenesis in genetic males and testicular formation in genetic females. Here, we investigated the phenotypic effects of the p.R92W mutation on murine development. Mice carrying the p.R92W mutation manifested a similar but milder phenotype than that of the previously described Nr5a1 knockout mice. Importantly, mutation-positive XX mice showed no signs of masculinization. These results, together with prior observations, indicate that the p.R92W mutation in NR5A1/Nr5a1 encodes unique molecules that disrupt male gonadal development in both humans and mice and induces testicular formation specifically in human females. Our findings provide novel insights into the conservation and divergence in the molecular networks underlying mammalian sexual development.
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Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer in Asian Renal Transplant Recipients. Transplant Proc 2016; 48:905-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2016.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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ABO-Incompatible Living Kidney Transplants: Evolution of Outcomes and Immunosuppressive Management. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:886-96. [PMID: 26555133 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation (ABO-ILKT) has steadily become more widespread. However, the optimal immunosuppressive regimen for ABO-ILKT remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the longitudinal changes in the outcomes from ABO-ILKT compared with those from ABO-compatible living kidney transplantation (ABO-CLKT) over the last 25 years. Of 1195 patients who underwent living kidney transplantations (LKT) at our institute between 1989 and 2013, 1032-including 247 ABO-ILKT and 785 ABO-CLKT cases-were evaluated for graft survival, patient survival, infectious adverse events, and renal function. The patients were divided into four groups according to the transplantation era and ABO-compatibility. In the past decade, ABO-ILKT and ABO-CLKT recipients yielded almost equivalent outcomes with respect to the 9-year graft survival rates, which were 86.9% and 92.0%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-3.22, p = 0.455). The graft survival rate for ABO-ILKT conducted between 2005 and 2013 was better than that for ABO-ILKT conducted between 1998 and 2004 (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.72, p = 0.007). ABO-ILKT recipients showed substantial improvements in the graft survival rate over time. Graft survival was almost identical over the past decade, regardless of ABO-incompatibility. Currently, ABO-ILKT is an acceptable treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease.
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Transverse excitations in liquid Fe, Cu and Zn. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2015; 27:194104. [PMID: 25923651 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/27/19/194104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Transverse acoustic (TA) excitation modes were observed in inelastic x-ray scattering spectra of liquid Fe, Cu and Zn. From the analysis of current correlation functions, we concluded that TA excitation modes can experimentally be detected through the quasi-TA branches in the longitudinal current correlation spectra in these liquid metals. The microscopic elastic constants are estimated and a characteristic difference from macroscopic polycrystalline value was found in Poisson's ratio of liquid Fe, which shows an extremely softer value of ∼0.38 compared with the macroscopic value of ∼0.275. The lifetime of the TA modes were determined to be ∼0.45 ps for liquid Fe and Cu and ∼0.55 ps for liquid Zn, reflecting different interatomic correlations between liquid transition metals and non-transition metals. The propagation length of the TA modes are ∼0.85 nm in all of liquid metals, corresponding to the size of icosahedral or similar size of cages formed instantaneously in these liquid metals.
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Transcription factor Mohawk controls tenogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo. J Orthop Res 2015; 33:1-8. [PMID: 25312837 PMCID: PMC4294629 DOI: 10.1002/jor.22750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mohawk homeobox (MKX) has been demonstrated as a tendon/ligament specific transcription factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MKX in ligament/tenogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Human BMMSCs were treated with 50 ng/ml BMP-12 or transduced with MKX or scleraxis (SCX) adenoviral vector. Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Rat BMMSCs were seeded in a collagen scaffold and transplanted into a rat Achilles tendon defect model. Tenogenesis related gene expressions and histological features were analyzed. BMP-12 induced tenogenesis in BMMSCs as indicated by increased COL1a1, TNXB, DCN and SCX mRNA, and MKX expression increased simultaneously. Rat BMMSCs enhanced defect repair and were still detectable 3 weeks after transplantation. Increased expressions of COL1a1, TNC and TNMD in vivo were also correlated with upregulated MKX. Adenoviral MKX promoted expression of COL1a1, TNXB, and TNMD in BMMSCs. This study demonstrated that MKX gene expression is enhanced during the tenogenic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro and in vivo, and the adenoviral overexpression of MKX increases tendon extracellular matrix gene expression and protein production. Thus, MKX is a key factor for tenogenic differentiation of MSCs.
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In Vitro Effects of a Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Sildenafil on Cellular Motility of the Oral Malignant Melanoma Cells. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2014.06.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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25
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Outcomes of Retroperitoneoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy in Patients With Renal Artery Aneurysm. Transplantation 2014. [DOI: 10.1097/00007890-201407151-02046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mineral and Bone Disorder Is Temporary in Patients Treated With Early Rapid Corticosteroid Reduction After Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience. Transplant Proc 2014; 46:514-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.11.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Expression of B7-H3, a potential factor of tumor immune evasion in combination with the number of regulatory T cells, affects against recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2014; 21 Suppl 4:S546-54. [PMID: 24562936 PMCID: PMC4236607 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-014-3564-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background In the tumor microenvironment, factors inhibiting the targeting of cancer cells by activated T cells have recently been noted. B7-H3 belongs to the B7 superfamily of immune regulatory ligands and plays an important role in the adaptive immune response of co-inhibitory/stimulatory factors in regulating T cells. However, the degree to which B7-H3 directly affects tumor immune evasion mechanisms remains unclear, particularly in patients with breast cancer. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known as a key player in the inhibition of immune mechanisms. The present study demonstrated that expression of B7-H3 on tumor cells and the number of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment independently affected prognosis in breast cancer patients. Methods We immunohistochemically investigated the presence of B7-H3 and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)-positive Tregs in pathological specimens from 90 patients with breast cancer. Results Positive B7-H3 expression was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.014). A higher percentage of Foxp3-positive cells also correlated with shorter RFS (p = 0.039). Multivariate analysis showed B7-H3 as an independent factor on RFS. Foxp3 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlated significantly with larger tumor size (>2 cm), expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and higher nuclear grade (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). No correlation was identified between expression of B7-H3 and the percentage of Foxp3-positive TILs. Conclusions B7-H3 and Foxp3 can be regarded as markers of poor prognosis in breast cancer. These expressions were not correlated, suggesting that B7-H3 expression plays an independent role in tumor immune evasion, regardless of Tregs.
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Production of Sry knockout mouse using TALEN via oocyte injection. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3136. [PMID: 24190364 PMCID: PMC3817445 DOI: 10.1038/srep03136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently developed transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology has enabled the creation of knockout mice, even for genes on the Y chromosome. In this study, we generated a knockout mouse for Sry, a sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome, using microinjection of TALEN RNA into pronuclear stage oocytes. As expected, the knockout mouse had female external and internal genitalia, a female level of blood testosterone and a female sexually dimorphic nucleus in the brain. The knockout mouse exhibited an estrous cycle and performed copulatory behavior as females, although it was infertile or had reduced fertility. A histological analysis showed that the ovary of the knockout mouse displayed a reduced number of oocytes and luteinized unruptured follicles, implying that a reduced number of ovulated oocytes is a possible reason for infertility and/or reduced fertility in the KO mouse.
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Transverse excitations in liquid Sn. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2013; 25:112101. [PMID: 23378432 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/11/112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Transverse acoustic (TA) excitation modes were observed in inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) spectra of liquid Sn. The excitation energies and widths of the TA modes are in good agreement with results of an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. By comparing current correlation spectra between the experimental and theoretical results quantitatively, we have concluded that the TA modes can be detected experimentally through the quasi-TA branches in the longitudinal current correlation spectra. The lifetime and propagation length of the TA modes were determined to be ~0.7 ps and 0.8-1.0 nm, respectively, corresponding to the size of cages formed instantaneously in liquid Sn.
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Regulation of TGF-β signal transduction by mono- and deubiquitylation of Smads. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:1913-20. [PMID: 22710170 PMCID: PMC3383349 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Polyubiquitylation leading to proteasomal degradation is a well-established mechanism for regulating TGF-β signal transduction components such as receptors and Smads. Recently, an equally important role was suggested for monoubiquitylation of both Smad4 and receptor-associated Smads that regulates their function without protein degradation. Monoubiquitylation of Smads was discovered following the identification of deubiquitylases required for TGF-β signaling, suggesting that continuous cycles of Smad mono- and deubiquitylation are required for proper TGF-β signal transduction. Here we summarize and discuss recent work on Smad mono- and deubiquitylation.
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Abstract
Crosstalk of signaling pathways is critical during metazoan development and adult tissue homeostasis. Even though the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) transduction cascade is rather simple, in vivo responsiveness to TGFβ ligands is tightly regulated at several steps. As such, TGFβ represents a paradigm for how the activity of one signaling system is modulated by others. Here, we report an unsuspected regulatory step involving Dishevelled (Dvl) and Par1b (also known as MARK2). Dvl and Par1b cooperate to enable TGFβ/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in Xenopus mesoderm development and TGFβ responsiveness in mammalian cells. Mechanistically, the assembly of the Par1b/Dvl3/Smad4 complex is fostered by Wnt5a. The association of Smad4 to Dvl/Par1 prevents its inhibitory ubiquitination by ectodermin (also known as transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma or tripartite motif protein 33). We propose that this crosstalk is relevant to coordinate TGFβ responses with Wnt-noncanonical and polarity pathways.
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The Hippo transducer TAZ confers cancer stem cell-related traits on breast cancer cells. Cell 2012; 147:759-72. [PMID: 22078877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 991] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are proposed to drive tumor initiation and progression. Yet, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie CSC properties is limited. Here we show that the activity of TAZ, a transducer of the Hippo pathway, is required to sustain self-renewal and tumor-initiation capacities in breast CSCs. TAZ protein levels and activity are elevated in prospective CSCs and in poorly differentiated human tumors and have prognostic value. Gain of TAZ endows self-renewal capacity to non-CSCs. In epithelial cells, TAZ forms a complex with the cell-polarity determinant Scribble, and loss of Scribble--or induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)--disrupts the inhibitory association of TAZ with the core Hippo kinases MST and LATS. This study links the CSC concept to the Hippo pathway in breast cancer and reveals a mechanistic basis of the control of Hippo kinases by cell polarity.
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miRNAs and morphogen gradients. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2011; 24:194-201. [PMID: 22196932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2011.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Morphogens induce biological diversity by operating in a dose-dependent manner. Here we review recent evidences indicating that microRNAs (miRNAs) are ideally suited to serve the morphogen cause. miRNAs regulate the establishment of morphogen gradients, including TGFβ, Wnt and other growth factors by acting on their secretion, distribution and clearance. miRNA are also critical in receiving cells, establishing context-dependency and threshold responses. Moreover, miRNAs contributes to gene networks that transform the graded activity of a morphogen into robust cell fate decisions. Finally, we discuss in the perspective section the implication of the new ceRNA hypothesis for morphogen biology.
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The Production of Pelargonium graveolens Oil by Shoot and Plant Tissue Culture. JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.1989.9697764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Antitumor activity of cationic liposome-mediated Bax mRNA transfer in KB cells and by systemic administration in mice. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2011.07.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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USP15 is a deubiquitylating enzyme for receptor-activated SMADs. Nat Cell Biol 2011; 13:1368-75. [PMID: 21947082 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The TGFβ pathway is critical for embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. On ligand stimulation, TGFβ and BMP receptors phosphorylate receptor-activated SMADs (R-SMADs), which then associate with SMAD4 to form a transcriptional complex that regulates gene expression through specific DNA recognition. Several ubiquitin ligases serve as inhibitors of R-SMADs, yet no deubiquitylating enzyme (DUB) for these molecules has so far been identified. This has left unexplored the possibility that ubiquitylation of R-SMADs is reversible and engaged in regulating SMAD function, in addition to degradation. Here we identify USP15 as a DUB for R-SMADs. USP15 is required for TGFβ and BMP responses in mammalian cells and Xenopus embryos. At the biochemical level, USP15 primarily opposes R-SMAD monoubiquitylation, which targets the DNA-binding domains of R-SMADs and prevents promoter recognition. As such, USP15 is critical for the occupancy of endogenous target promoters by the SMAD complex. These data identify an additional layer of control by which the ubiquitin system regulates TGFβ biology.
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Static and dynamical inhomogeneity at liquid - liquid phase transition of Se-Te mixtures. EPJ WEB OF CONFERENCES 2011. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20111502002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Skincare instruction for remission period of acne and utility of proactive management for skincare. Int J Cosmet Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00618_3.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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First example of multi-scale reverse Monte Carlo modeling for small-angle scattering experimental data using reverse mapping from coarse-grained particles to atoms. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2010; 22:404215. [PMID: 21386576 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/22/40/404215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We propose a new method for multi-scale reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modeling of small-angle scattering data using reverse mapping from coarse-grained particles to atoms in cases where scale separation cannot be assumed. For efficient RMC analysis for small-angle scattering data, it is important to determine a large scale structure with the lowest possible computing cost. In order to find this large scale structure, a method using coarse-grained particles instead of atoms is suitable. As our first example, we examine the structure of expanded fluid Hg near the critical point. For this system, small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) data and wide-angle x-ray diffraction data (XRD) are observed in the same thermodynamic state. First, RMC analysis using coarse-grained particles for SAXS data is performed. Second, RMC analysis for SAXS and XRD data is performed with the replacement of a coarse-grained particle by an ad hoc cluster of several Hg atoms. In the present study, we have determined that the size of one coarse-grained particle corresponds to ten Hg atoms. The number density for the coarse-grained particles is set to one-tenth the actual number density of atoms and the cutoff length is three times (6.9 Å) that of Hg atoms (2.3 Å). As a result, this approach is found to be successful and the computing cost of RMC analysis can be reduced.
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S16-2 Neurophysiological approach to language function based on event-related oscillatory changes: from functional mapping to brain-machine interface. Clin Neurophysiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2457(10)60117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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S36-5 Event-related oscillatory changes: a key to elucidating neural processes. Clin Neurophysiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2457(10)60226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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P33-10 Prediction of motor execution using magnetoencephalography: Relationship between neuromagnetic motor fields and decoding performance. Clin Neurophysiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2457(10)61229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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An in vitro reconstitution system for the assessment of chromatin protein fluidity during Xenopus development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 400:200-6. [PMID: 20709025 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin fluidity, which is one of the indicators of higher-order structures in chromatin, is associated with cell differentiation. However, little is known about the relationships between chromatin fluidity and cell differentiation status in embryonic development. We established an in vitro reconstitution system that uses isolated nuclei and cytoplasmic extracts of Xenopus embryos and a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay to measure the fluidities of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and histone H1 during development. The HP1 and H1 fluidities of nuclei isolated from the tailbuds of early tadpole stage (stage 32) embryos in the cytoplasmic extracts of eggs and of late blastula stage (stage 9) embryos were higher than those in the cytoplasmic extracts of mid-neurula stage (stage 15) embryos. The HP1 fluidities of nuclei isolated from animal cap cells of early gastrula stage (stage 10) embryos and from the neural plates of neural stage (stage 20) embryos were higher than those isolated from the tailbuds of stage 32 embryos in egg extracts, whereas the HP1 fluidities of these nuclei were the same in the cytoplasmic extracts of stage 15 embryos. These results suggest that chromatin fluidity is dependent upon both cytoplasmic and nuclear factors and decreases during development.
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A case of tongue carcinoma associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Aust Dent J 2010; 55:200-2. [PMID: 20604764 DOI: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) can occur at various sites, including the oral mucosa, where it is associated with a high risk of head and neck cancer. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with tongue cancer that developed following Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic GVHD, and we discuss the possible causes of cancer development.
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Isolation, evaluation and use of two strong, carbon source-inducible promoters from Corynebacterium glutamicum. Lett Appl Microbiol 2009; 50:173-80. [PMID: 20002569 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2009.02776.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To obtain strong, carbon source-inducible promoters useful for industrial applications of Corynebacterium glutamicum. METHODS AND RESULTS DNA microarray and qRT-PCR enabled identification of the promoters of cgR_2367 (malE1) and cgR_2459 (git1) as strong, maltose- and gluconate-inducible promoters, respectively, in C. glutamicum. Promoter probe assays revealed that in the presence of the inducing sugars, PmalE1 and Pgit1, respectively, facilitated 3.4- and 4.2-fold increased beta-galactosidase activities compared to the same activity induced by glucose. In addition, PmalE1 was not functional in Escherichia coli, in which Pgit1 function was repressible, which enabled the cloning of a hitherto 'difficult-to-clone' heterologous gene of a lignocellulolytic enzyme, whose secretion was consequently induced by the carbon sources. CONCLUSIONS PmalE1 and Pgit1 are strong, carbon source-inducible promoters of C. glutamicum whose characteristics in E. coli are integral to the secretion ability of C. glutamicum to secrete lignocellulolytic enzyme. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Corynebacterium glutamicum, like its counterpart industrial workhorses E. coli and Bacillus subtilis, does exhibit strong, carbon source-inducible promoters, and the functionality of two of which was demonstrated in this study. While this study may be most relevant in the ongoing efforts to establish technologies of the biorefinery, it should also be of interest to general microbiologists exploring the versatility of industrial micro-organisms. In so doing, the study should impact future advances in industrial microbiology.
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Transverse acoustic excitations in liquid Ga. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2009; 102:105502. [PMID: 19392123 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.102.105502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The transverse acoustic excitation modes were detected by inelastic x-ray scattering in liquid Ga in the Q range above 9 nm(-1) although liquid Ga is mostly described by a hard-sphere liquid. An ab initio molecular dynamics simulation clearly supports this finding. From the detailed analysis for the S(Q,omega) spectra with a good statistic quality, the lifetime of 0.5 ps and the propagating length of 0.4-0.5 nm can be estimated for the transverse acoustic phonon modes, which may correspond to the lifetime and size of cages formed instantaneously in liquid Ga.
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FAM/USP9x, a deubiquitinating enzyme essential for TGFbeta signaling, controls Smad4 monoubiquitination. Cell 2009. [PMID: 19135894 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.10.051.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The assembly of the Smad complex is critical for TGFbeta signaling, yet the mechanisms that inactivate or empower nuclear Smad complexes are less understood. By means of siRNA screen we identified FAM (USP9x), a deubiquitinase acting as essential and evolutionarily conserved component in TGFbeta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Smad4 is monoubiquitinated in lysine 519 in vivo, a modification that inhibits Smad4 by impeding association with phospho-Smad2. FAM reverts this negative modification, re-empowering Smad4 function. FAM opposes the activity of Ectodermin/Tif1gamma (Ecto), a nuclear factor for which we now clarify a prominent role as Smad4 monoubiquitin ligase. Our study points to Smad4 monoubiquitination and deubiquitination as a way for cells to set their TGFbeta responsiveness: loss of FAM disables Smad4-dependent responses in several model systems, with Ecto being epistatic to FAM. This defines a regulative ubiquitination step controlling Smads that is parallel to those impinging on R-Smad phosphorylation.
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FAM/USP9x, a Deubiquitinating Enzyme Essential for TGFβ Signaling, Controls Smad4 Monoubiquitination. Cell 2009; 136:123-35. [PMID: 19135894 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2008] [Revised: 09/29/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Structural studies of expanded fluid alkali metals. Acta Crystallogr A 2008. [DOI: 10.1107/s010876730809795x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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