Annual Report (2010)

No.22
The NOVARTIS Foundation (Japan)
for the Promotion of Science

平成 22 年度

財団年報 第 22 号

Contents
Ⅰ. Introduction

はじめに .......................................................................... 7

Akimichi Kaneko, MD, PhD
Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Ⅱ. Reports from the Recipients of Novartis Research Grants
研究報告 ............................................................................................. 9
1. Physiological functions of TRIC channels ................................................................... 10
Hiroshi Takeshima
Kyoto University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

2. The screening and functional analysis of aerial hyphaeinducing signal between soil bacteria ......................................................................... 13
Shinya Kodani
Shizuoka University

3. Analysis of molecular mechanism underlying ciliary development

and maintenance using zebrafish ............................................................................... 14
Yoshihiro Omori
Osaka Bioscience Institute

4. Functional analysis of the tumor suppressor EXT-like gene EXTL2 ......................... 17
Hiroshi Kitagawa
Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Department of Biochemistry

5. Dissecting mechanisms of cell elimination and epithelial maintenanceby cell-cell communications .................................................................................. 22
Tatsushi Igaki
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine

6. Design and synthesis of peptide mimetics
based on biologically active cyclic depsipeptides ............................................................ 24
Takayuki Doi
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University

7. Relay Catalysis by Transition Metal Complex/Organic Molecule
Binary System for Advanced Molecular Transformation of
Nitrogen Containing Compounds .......................................................................................... 26
Masahiro Terada
Tohoku University

8. Analyses of signaling pathway for myelin developmentby investigating molecular target of denyelinating disease ........................................... 29
Junji Yamauchi
Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institutefor Child Health and Development-1-9. Role of leukotriene B4 in allergic airway inflammation .................................................... 33
Nobuaki Miyahara
Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital

10. The effects of Dickkopf 1, an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway,
on anti-ageing (anti-wrinkle, whitening and regeneration of pigment,hair and site-specific skin) ....................................................................................................... 36
Yuji Yamaguchi
Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Nagoya City University
Graduate School of Medical Sciences

11. The Elucidation of transcriptional mechanisms which regulated by gas,
one of the smallest unit molecules ........................................................................................ 40
Taku Yamashita
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University

12. Development of the method to induce and amplify
the ES cell-derived germ layer stem cell ............................................................................. 45
Takumi Era
Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics,
Kumamoto University

13. Role of G proteins in the spermatogonial stem cell homing to niche ............................. 48
Mito Shinohara
Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine

14. Depvelopment of New Asymmetric Carbene Ligands
toward Contributions to Medicinal Chemistry .................................................................. 54
Kazuhiro Yoshida
Chiba University

15. Role of tissue plasminogen activator for hematopoietic-celldriven neoangiogenesis ............................................................................................................. 57
Beate Heissig
Institute of Medical Science University of Tokyo

16. Identification and characterization of novel prion-likecytoplasmic genetic factors ..................................................................................................... 64
Motomasa Tanaka
RIKEN Brain Science Institute

17. Epigenetic profiling in germ and somatic cells for establishment of
induced Germline Stem Cells ................................................................................................. 67
Kimiko Inoue
Bioresource Center, RIKEN

18. The role of semaphorin in organogesis during development:
Semaphorin 4A navigates intracellular trafficking of retinoids
for photoreceptor survival ........................................................................................................ 69
Toshihiko Toyofuku
Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University-2-

19. The prevention of postoperative intestinal adhesion
by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) ...................................................................................... 72
Tomohiro Yoshimoto
Laboratory of Allergic Diseases. Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences.
Hyogo College of Medicine

20. Life and death Signalings in fly photoreceptors .................................................................... 76
Akiko Kono Satoh
Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University

21. Crosstalk between arginine methylation of BAD
and its phosphorylation by Akt .............................................................................................. 78
Hiroaki Daitoku
Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba

22. Enantioselective synthesis of α-aminophosphonic acidby the process chemistry-oriented method ......................................................................... 80
Kaori Ando
Gifu University

23. Impact of GILC1 downregulation on the generationand progression of lung cancer ............................................................................................... 82
Motoshi Suzuki
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Molecular Carcinogenesis

24. Molecular basis for regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis:
Cancer preventive sulfur-containing compounds ............................................................. 84
Akiko Maruyama-Nakashita
Fukui Prefectural University Faculty of Bioscience

25. Synthetic Study and Structural Study of Super-carbon-chain Compounds
Produced by the Marine Plankton ......................................................................................... 88
Hiroyoshi Takamura
Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Natural Science andTechnology, Okayama University

26. Live-imaging studies on the biogenesis of thylakoid membranes in plastids .............. 90
Wataru Sakamoto
Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University

27. Roles of GABAergic local circuits in the amygdala for emotional memory ............... 94
Hideki Miwa
Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine

28. Dissecting the mechanisms for inhibitory effects of ACE2
on aberrant activation of innate-immune system .............................................................. 96
Keiji Kuba
Akita University Graduate School of Medicine

29. Analysis of molecular function and dynamics ofnuclear pore complex protein Rae1 and tumorigenesis. ........................................ 99
Richard W. Wong
Frontier Science Organization, Kanazawa University-3-30. Analysis of HNF transcription network in pancreatic β-cells ......................................... 102
Kazuya Yamagata
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University

31. Study on mechanosensitive calcium channels as mechano-sensors in plants ............ 104
Hidetoshi Iida
Tokyo Gakugei University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology

32. Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced phosphorylation oftranslation initiation factor 2α in metabolic regulation ................................................ 107
Seiichi Oyadomari
Division of Molecular Biology, Institute for Genome Research,
The University of Tokushima

33. Transcription factor networks for maintenance andregeneration of the thymic epithelial stem cells ............................................................. 110
Ryo Goitsuka
Tokyo University of Science

34. Research for regulation mechanism of lymphocyte activation by CARMA1 ........... 112
Hiromitsu Hara
Saga University

35. Development of G-quadruplex motifs search in genome
by the use of G-q ligands ....................................................................................................... 114
Kazuo Nagasawa
Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Faculty of Technology
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

36. Condition clarification and development of new strategy for the treatment of
metabolic syndrome: Role of fatty acid comosition and long chain fatty acidelongase Elovl6 in energy metabolism .............................................................................. 117
Takashi Matsuzaka
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Tsukuba

37. Molecular mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress responsein skeletal tissues and development of its regulation. ................................................... 119
Kazunori Imaizumi
Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Anatomy,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki

38. Structural Analysis of Biomolecules by A Combined Method of
Azaelectrocyclization-based Microscale Labeling/Fluorescence Detected Circular Dichroism (FDCD) ................................................... 121
Katsunori Tanaka
Osaka University

39. Significance of Transcriptional Control in Vascular Development,
Function and Disease .............................................................................................................. 124
Osamu Nakagawa
Nara Medical University Advanced Medical Research Center-4-40. Severe Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis, and Sudden Cardiac Deathin Mice Lacking All NO Synthases Fed a High-Fat Die .............................................. 126
Masato Tsutsui
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus

41. Mechanism of chromosome segregation control by molecules
involved in spindle assembly checkpoint ......................................................................... 136
Kozo Tanaka
Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University

42. Molecular mechanism of trans-association of Tie2,
a receptor for angiopoietin-1, and its biological significance ..................................... 139
Shigetomo Fukuhara
National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute

Ⅲ. Reports from the Recipients of Grants for International Meetings
研究集会報告 ................................................................................... 143
1.

2009 29th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CANCER ............................. 144
Masanori Hatakeyama
Hokkaido University

2.

5th International Symposium on Autophagy: Molecular mechanism,
cellular and physiological functions, and diseases ............................................... 146
Yasuyoshi Sakai
Kyoto University

3.

The 9th Annual Meeting of the Protein Science Society of Japan ........................ 148
Yuriko Yamagata
Faculty of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumamoto University

4.

The 11th International Symposium on Exocrine Secretion,
Tokushima 09 Exocrine Secretion-Mechanism and Disease ............................... 150
Kazuo Hosoi
Department of Molecular Oral Physiology, Institute of Health Bioscience,
The University of Tokushima Graduate School

5.

16th International Conference on Cytochrome P450 ........................................... 154
Hirofumi ShounTokyo University

6.

Satellite Symposium，XXXVIth International Union of
Physiological Sciences (IUPS) ............................................................................................ 156
Gozoh Tsujimoto
Department of Genomic Drug Discovery Science,
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Kyoto University

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Ⅳ.

The 23nd (fiscal year 2009) Promotion Report
第 23 期（2009 年度）助成事業報告 .................................................... 158

Ⅴ.

The 23nd (fiscal year 2009) Financial Report
第 23 期（2009 年度）財務報告 ........................................................... 161

Ⅵ.

List of the Board Members
役員名簿 ........................................................................................ 162

Ⅶ.

Information from the Secretariat
事務局便り ...................................................................................... 165-6-Introduction“Selection of the objective of individual research”

Akimichi Kaneko, MD, PhD
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
This annual report includes research and meeting reports written by the 2009
grantees. From these reports, you can vividly feel their passion and seriousness inpursuing research activities. Their passion is the source of energy to promote theiractivity. I strongly believe that the aim of the Foundation is to help keeping their
passion and I would like to do our best toward this goal. I sincerely appreciate theassistance and warm encouragement extended by the members of the Board of Trustees,
the auditors, the Board of Councilors and the Selection Committee. The powerfulsupport by the Novartis Pharma KK enabled us to sustain our activity without
interruption.
How do individual investigators select their research objectives? The most popular
reason may be that they are “interested” in that particular topic. I believe this is the most
reasonable way and this reason is perfectly acceptable for “amateur scientists”.
However, professional researchers have responsibilities for their research which is
supported by various funds. Often the objectives of researchers’ activity would be to“publish” their results, and they wish to publish as many papers as possible. In thissituation they may select popular and easy targets for this purpose.
I believe that the most important aspect of selecting research objectives is to consider
the value of their research outcome. I do not mean its applicability. It is important topick up the topic that many researchers wish to know. Even if the topic is difficult toachieve because the necessary technique is unavailable, one has to break through thedifficulty by their original idea. If the number of publications will be limited because of
the difficulty, the outcome will be very valuable. Our Foundation will support suchvaluable research.

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はじめに

「何を研究するか」
理事長

金子章道

本年度もこの財団年報に 2009 年度助成金を受けられた方々の報告書を収録いたしました。受賞者の皆様の研究に対する熱い想い、真摯な取り組み態度が感じられる素晴らしいエッセイ集です。このような研究に対する熱い想いが研究を推進していく上で非常に大事なエネルギーの源です。この熱意を冷まさない
よう多少なりとお力添えをすることが研究助成金の目的と考え、努力を続けて行きたいと思っております。また、そのために尽力されている当財団関係者の皆様に深く感謝いたします。とりわけノバルティスファーマ社の継続した強力
な経済的支援に御礼申し上げたいと思います。
さて、研究者の皆さんはその研究テーマをどのようにして選んでおられるのでしょうか。
「自分が面白いと思ったから」というのが多くの方々の選択理由の一つでしょう。私もこれが研究の原点だと思います。アマチュアサイエンティス
トであればこれで十分なのですが、研究を職業としておられる方々はそれだけでいいのでしょうか。当然どこからか研究費をもらって研究を行っておられると思います。ですからそれに対する責任があります。ややもすると「論文を出す」ことが研究の目的になり、多数の論文が書けるような研究をするということになっていないでしょうか。そうなると「やり易く、早く結果が出る」研究
課題を選ぶことになってしまいます。
研究テーマを選択する上で重要な視点はその研究がもたらす「知的価値」ではないかと思います。私は研究成果が応用につながることを言っているのではありません。多くの人たちが「知りたい」と考えていることを取り上げることです。現存の実験技術では解決できないと尻込みせず、それを創意工夫で解決してゆく、いわゆるブレークスルーを作り出すことが最重要だと思います。仮にそのために論文の数が少なくなっても、そのようにして生み出された研究成果は価値の高いものになりましょう。当財団ではそのような研究を支援したいと考えております。

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II.
Reports from the Recipients ofNovartis Research Grants-9-Physiological functions of TRIC channels
Hiroshi Takeshima
Kyoto University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
takeshim@pharm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract
TRIC channels function as monovalent cation-specific channels and mediate counter-ion
movements coupled with ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores inmuscle cells. Mammalian tissues differentially contain two TRIC channel subtypes; TRIC-A isabundantly expressed in excitable cells, while TRIC-B is ubiquitously expressed throughout tissues.
Here, we report the physiological role of TRIC-B channels in mouse perinatal development. TRIC-Bknockout neonates were cyanotic due to respiratory failure and died shortly after birth. In the mutant
neonates, the deflated lungs exhibited severe histological defects, and alveolar type II epithelial cells
displayed ultrastructural abnormalities. The metabolic conversion of glycogen into phospholipids
was severely interrupted in the mutant type II cells, and surfactant phospholipids secreted into thealveolar space were insufficient in the mutant neonates. Moreover, the mutant type II cells werecompromised for Ca2+ release mediated by inositol-trisphosphate receptors, despite Ca2+ overloading
in intracellular stores. Our results indicate that TRIC-B channels take an active part in Ca2+ signallingto establish specialised functions of type II cells and are thus essential for perinatal lung maturation.
Keywords: alveolar epithelial cells, surfactant phospholipids, TRIC channels.

Introduction
Ca2+ is an essential second messenger in cellular signal-transduction pathways, and Ca2+ releasefrom intracellular stores regulates a myriad of physiological functions including cell-fate decisions
and cellular maturation. Ryanodine and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor subtypes on thesarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) comprise a unique family of intracellular Ca2+ release channels
that mediate Ca2+ mobilisation in response to various stimuli. When Ca2+ cations are released fromthe SR/ER, a negative potential is generated on the luminal side, which likely inhibits subsequent
Ca2+ release processes. Therefore, in addition to the Ca2+ uptake and storage functions of intracellular
stores, counter-ion movements seem to be essential for efficient Ca2+ release in order to balance themembrane potential.
We have been conducting a survey of the molecular components supporting SR/ER multi-functions
and recently identified two TRIC (trimeric intracellular cation) channel subtypes, namely TRIC-A
and TRIC-B. TRIC-A protein contain three putative transmembrane segments and assemble into abullet-shaped homo-trimer to function as a monovalent cation-selective channel. Knockout micelacking both TRIC-A and TRIC-B channels suffer embryonic cardiac failure, and the mutant cardiac
myocytes display severe dysfunction in SR Ca2+ handling. Moreover, the SR from TRIC channel-- 10 -

deficient skeletal muscle shows reduced K+ permeability and weakened Ca2+ release. Therefore,
TRIC channels function as counter-ion channels that synchronise with ryanodine receptor-mediated
Ca2+ release in striated muscle cells. The role of TRIC channels expressed in non-muscle cells,
however, remains to be studied. We studied the neonatal lethality that occurs in TRIC-B-knockout
mice, and unveiled an essential role for TRIC-B in perinatal lung maturation.

Results
TRIC-B-knockout neonates show several abnormalities as described below.
1) TRIC-B-knockout neonates were delivered with the expected Mendelian frequency, but diedshortly after birth. The mutant mice die due to severe hypoxia and acidosis resulting from
respiratory failure. Histological data demonstrated that alveolar hypoplasia seems to be the major
cause of death in the mutant neonates.
2) Alveolar type II epithelial cells responsible for surfactant synthesis were normally developed in
TRIC-B-knockout mice. However, electron-microscopic observations indicated that glycogendeposits are accumulated and surfactant phospholipids are poorly synthesized in type II cells from
TRIC-B-knockout neonates. Moreover, the surfactant phospholipids were insufficiently secreted
into the alveolar space of the TRIC-B-knockout lung.
3) In type II cells from TRIC-B-knockout mice, Fura-2 Ca2+ imaging detected three major defects;
1) resting Ca2+ levels in the mutant cells were significantly lower than those in wild-type cells
in a normal bathing solution, 2) agonist-induced Ca 2+ transients is significantly impaired, 3)
intracellular stores are Ca2+-overloaded. The abnormal Ca2+ handling is closely linked to themorphological and biochemical defects in TRIC-B-knockout type II cells during perinatal
maturation.

Discussion & Conclusion
TRIC-A protein forms a monovalent cation-selective channel in lipid bilayer membranes andfunctions as a counter-ion channel coupled with ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release in striatedmuscle cells. In our current collaborative study, recombinant TRIC-B protein displayed a similar
channel-forming activity. Knockout mice lacking TRIC-A channels are fertile, while TRIC-Bknockout mice show neonatal lethality. Double-knockout mice lacking both TRIC subtypes areembryonic lethal, and the aggravated lethality indicates in vivo compensatory functions between
the subtypes. In this study, we found weakened IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from Ca2+overloaded intracellular stores in TRIC-B-knockout alveolar type II cells. These abnormalities instore Ca2+ handling closely resemble those observed in embryonic cardiomyocytes lacking both
TRIC channel subtypes. Therefore, TRIC-B channels predominantly expressed in the neonatal lungseem to function as counter-ion channels synchronised with IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release andto support efficient agonist-induced Ca2+ responses in alveolar type II cells (see an attached figure- 11 -

below). In addition to muscle and alveolar type II cells, TRIC channel subtypes likely contribute tophysiological Ca2+ release in various cell types.

References
1) Yamazaki, D., Komazaki, S., Nakanishi, H., Mishima, A., Nishi, M., Yazawa, M., Yamazaki, T.,
Taguchi, R. & Takeshima, H. Essential role of TRIC-B channel in Ca2+- handling of alveolar epithelium
and perinatal lung maturation. Development 136, 2355-2361, 2009.

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The screening and functional analysis of aerial hyphaeinducing signal between soil bacteria
Shinya Kodani
Shizuoka University
askodan@ipc.shizuoka.ac.jp

Abstract
The aerial hyphae inducing compound was isolated from Streptomyces hawaiiensis.
The molecular weight of the compound was deduced to be 262Da by ESI-MS analysis.
The partial chemical structure of the compound was determined by NMR analyses.
Keywords: streptomycetes, aerial hyphae induction, bioactive compound

Introduction
It is known that soil bacteria, streptomycetes, have the similar life cycle with that of fungi.
Aerial hyphea-spore formation followed by spore formation is an important strategy for the
streptomycetes, resisting to dryness and the shortage of nutrition. The purpose of this study
is to discover the aerial hypha inducing compounds to clarify the development mechanism.

Results
The culture media of Streptomyces hawaiiensis was extracted by acetone. The reversed phase
open column chromatography with aqoueous MeOH system was used after the concentrationof the extract. The active compound was isolated using HPLC with ODS column. By ESI-MS
analysis on the compound, the ion peak was observed at [M+H]+ m/z 263. The compound wasbarely soluble in distilled water or various organic solvents. On HPLC analysis of the compound,
two exchangeable peaks were detected, which showed same molecular weight in ESI-MS
measurement. Therefore, the analysis of two dimensional NMR was performed after acetylatingof the compound was done to eliminate exchanging between two structures. The compound wasconverted into one steady structure, and the partial structure was decided by two dimensional NMR.

Discussion & Conclusion
The aerial hyphae inducing compound was isolated from Streptomyces hawaiiensis. The molecularweight of the compound was deduced to be 262Da by ESI-MS analysis. The partial chemical structureof the compound was determined. The complete determination of the gross structure is now on going.

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Analysis of molecular mechanism underlying ciliary development
and maintenance using zebrafish
Yoshihiro Omori
Osaka Bioscience Instituteomori@obi.or.jp

Abstract
A photoreceptor cell develops a photo-sensitive outer segment on the apical side of the cellbody. A cilium with a microtubule axoneme connects the outer segment and the photoreceptor
cell body. Ciliary integrity is crucial for survival of photoreceptor cells, because large amounts ofproteins involved in photo-transduction are transported from the photoreceptor cell body to theouter segments thorough cilia. In human, functional disruption of several ciliary proteins causes
photoreceptor cell death and progressive blindness called as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However,molecular mechanisms underlining ciliary formation and maintenance in photoreceptors have beenpoorly understood. In order to investigate molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor formation andmaintenance, we performed an ENU-mutagenesis screen using a transgenic zebrafish line expressing
GFP under control of the rhodopsin promoter. The GFP labels photoreceptor cells specifically inthe zebrafish retina. We carried out an early-pressure screen by observing morphological integrityof the GFP labeled photoreceptors. We identified four recessive mutants defective in formationof photoreceptor outer segments. We found that these mutations were also defective in the ciliary
formation of inner ear hair cells and olfactory cells.
Keywords: Zebrafish, cilium, retina, photoreceptor

Introduction
Cilia are microtubule-based hair-like organelles which extend from apical surface of the eukaryotic
cells. Since cilia protrude from cell surface, they can act as “ antennae” which receive signals fromthe periphery. The transport of proteins in the cilium is dependent on intraflagellar transport (IFT).
IFT is not only necessary for transport of axsonemal components, but is also important for thesensory activity of cilia.
In human, Ciliary defects cause various disease. Defect of the photoreceptor cilia in the retina
causes progressive blindness, retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Defects of ciliary function also cause
obesity, polydactyly, cystic kidney, sperm immotility and situs inversus. Zebrafish develops cilia
in the sensory organs, kidney and CNS similar to Mammals. Cilia in the sensory neurons such theretina, inner ear, nasal pit and lateral lines are develop between 24hpf to 72hpf in the zebrafish
embryos. In the developing zebrafish embryo, these ciliated cells are easy to access for observation.
Previously we found that a IFT component, Elipsa is interact with Rab8 through Rabaptin5 andplay a crucial role for ciliary protein transport (Omori et al., 2008). We also identified that an apico-- 14 -

basal polarity determinant, crb3a, is essential for ciliary integrity of inner ear hair cells (Omori et al.,2006).

Results
To identify mutations affecting development and maintenance of photoreceptors, we performed
genetic screen using ENU-based mutagenesis screen. We used a transgenic line which expresses GFP
in the photoreceptor specifically. In this line, GFP is expressed specifically in the rod photoreceptor
cells under the control of rhodopsin promoter. We performed early pressure screen for 450 lines. We
isolated several mutations which affect photoreceptor development at 5 dpf. We found that thesemutations affect in the ciliogenesis of other sensory neurons including olfactory cells in the nasal pit
and hair cells in the inner ear.
In the wild type photoreceptors, opsin localizes to the outer segment of photoreceptors. However,in the mutant photoreceptors, opsin does not localize to the outer segment and accumulates to thesurface of cell bodies. GEP226 and GEP263 show obvious cystic kidney phenotype. GEP226 shows
curly tail similar to elipsa mutant. GEP226 has ciliary defects in the photoreceptor, hair cells andolfactory cells. GEP263 shows progressive photoreceptor cell death and cystic kidney. GEP263
does not show curly tail. GEP263 might to be categorized different group from IFT mutants such as
elipsa.
To observe ciliary phenotype in the mutants, we stained with the anti- acetylated alpha-tubulin
antibody. GEP305 has ciliary defects in the photoreceptor, hair cells and olfactory cells. We roughly
mapped GEP305 on zebrafish chromosomes. Fine mapping of this gene is currently in progress.
On a related issue, recently we also showed that Blimp1 suppresses Chx10 expression indifferentiating retinal photoreceptor precursors (Kato, Omori et al., 2010). Furthermore, we also
identified that a novel photoreceptor-specific ankyrin repeat protein, Panky, is a transcriptional
cofactor that suppresses CRX-regulated photoreceptor genes (Sanuki, Omori et al., 2010).

Discussion & Conclusion
We identified four recessive mutants defective in formation of photoreceptor outer segments. We
found that these mutations were also defective in the ciliary formation of inner ear hair cells andolfactory cells. These mutations did not cause obvious curly tail, a common feature of IFT mutants
such as elipsa and oval (Omori et al., 2008). These results suggest that the mutated genes encode
molecules essential for ciliary formation of sensory neurons.

References
1) Omori Y, Zhao Z, Saras A, Mukhopadhyay S, Kim W, Furukawa T, Sengupta P, Veraksa A , Malicki J
elipsa is an early determinant of ciliogenesis that links the IFT particle to membrane-associated small
GTPase Rab8 Nat Cell Biol. 2008 10(4):437-44- 15 -

2) Omori Y, Malicki J. oko meduzy and related crumbs genes are determinants of apical cell features inthe vertebrate embryo. Curr Biol. 2006 16 (10):945-957.
3) Katoh K, Omori Y, Onishi A, Sato S, Kondo M, Furukawa T. Blimp1 suppresses Chx10 expression
in differentiating retinal photoreceptor precursors to ensure proper photoreceptor development. J
Neurosci 2010, 30(19):6515-26.
4) Sanuki R, Omori Y, Koike C, Sato S, Furukawa T. Panky, a novel photoreceptor-specific ankyrin repeat
protein, is a transcriptional cofactor that suppresses CRX-regulated photoreceptor genes. FEBS letter2010 Feb 19;584(4):753-8.

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Functional analysis of the tumor suppressor EXT-like gene EXTL2
Hiroshi Kitagawa
Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Department of Biochemistrykitagawa@kobepharma-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is synthesized by HS co-polymerases encoded by the EXT1 and EXT2 genes,
which are known as causative genes for hereditary multiple exostoses, a dominantly inherited
genetic disorder characterized by multiple cartilaginous tumors. It has been thought that theheterooligomeric EXT1-EXT2 complex is the biologically relevant form of polymerase and thattargeted deletion of either EXT1 or EXT2 leads to a complete lack of HS synthesis. Here we show,
unexpectedly, that two distinct cell lines defective in EXT1 expression indeed produce small but
significant amounts of HS chains. The HS chains produced without the aid of EXT1 decreased inlength compared with HS chains formed in concert with EXT1 and EXT2. In addition, biosynthesis
of HS in EXT1-defective cells was notably blocked by knockdown of either EXT2 or EXTL2, but
not of EXTL3. Then, to examine the roles of EXTL2 in the biosynthesis of HS in EXT1-deficient
cells, we focused on GlcNAc transferase activity of EXTL2, which is involved in the initiation of
HS chains by transferring the first GlcNAc to the linkage region. Although EXT2 alone synthesized
no heparan polymers on the synthetic linkage region analogue GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4NHbenzyloxycarbonyl, marked polymerization by EXT2 alone was demonstrated on GlcNAcα14GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4N-benzyloxycarbonyl, which was generated by transferring a GlcNAc
residue using recombinant EXTL2 on GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4NH-benzyloxycarbonyl. Thesefindings indicate that the transfer of the first GlcNAc residue to the linkage region by EXTL2 iscritically required for the biosynthesis of HS in cells deficient in EXT1.
Keywords: Heparan sulfate, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan, hereditary multiple exostoses

Introduction
Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans are ubiquitously found at the cell surface and in theextracellular matrix, affecting a variety of biological processes, including specific signaling
pathways. The biosynthesis of HS chains is initiated by construction of the tetrasaccharide linkage
region, GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-3Galβ1-4Xylβ1-, where Xyl is attached to a serine residue in the coreprotein. Next, the HS chain backbone is synthesized by HS polymerases encoded by EXT1 andEXT2 in the EXT (exostosin) gene family, which were first identified as causative genes of agenetic bone disorder, hereditary multiple exostoses, and subsequently demonstrated to function
as tumor suppressor genes. Both EXT1 and EXT2 encode bifunctional glycosyltransferases with
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II (GlcNAcT-II) and glucuronyltransferase II (GlcAT-II) activities
that catalyze the polymerization of HS. EXT1 and EXT2 form a heterooligomeric complex in vivo,- 17 -

leading to higher glycosyltransferase activity than EXT1 and EXT2 alone. Thus, it is suggested that
the EXT1-EXT2 heterocomplex represents the biologically functional form of HS polymerases.
The EXT gene family consists of five members, EXT1, EXT2, and three additional members,
designed EXTL1-3 (EXT-like 1-3), based on the amino acid sequence similarity of their gene products
to EXT1 and EXT2 proteins. The EXTL genes have not been linked to hereditary multiple exostoses,
although the chromosomal loci of the genes imply that they might also encode tumor suppressors.
All three EXTL proteins possess glycosyltransferase activities related to HS biosynthesis; however,in view of the recent findings that in vitro HS polymerization was induced on tetrasaccharidelinkage analogs as acceptor substrates by the enzyme complex of human EXT1-EXT2 without theaid of EXTL proteins, the biological roles of mammalian EXTLs in HS biosynthesis are less clearly
defined. EXTL2, the shortest member of the EXT family, is an N-acetylhexosaminyltransferase thattransfers not only GlcNAc but also GalNAc to the linkage region. Here we present the evidence thatthe transfer of the first GlcNAc residue to the linkage region by EXTL2 is critically required for thebiosynthesis of HS in cells deficient in EXT1.

Results
Gro2C Cells Defective in EXT1 Synthesize Small Amounts of HS
Previous studies have shown that gro2C cells, a mouse L cell mutant, are deficient in the expressionof EXT1, which encodes a glycosyltransferase related to the formation of the HS backbone andthereby synthesizes no HS chains. In this study, however, characterization of GAGs isolated from L
and gro2C cells with a mixture of heparinase and heparitinase revealed that gro2C cells synthesizeda small but significant amount of HS, which was ~15% of the amount produced by L cells. Then,
to examine whether the decrease in the amount of HS in gro2C cells was the result of a reductionin the length of HS, HS chains obtained by reductive β-elimination using alkali from L and gro2C
cells were subjected to gel filtration chromatography, revealing that gro2C cells produced shorter HS
chains than L cells.
HL60 cells defective in EXT1 also synthesize HS chains
It has been reported that transcriptional inactivation of EXT1 by CpG island promoter
hypermethylation occurs in HL60 cells, leading to loss of EXT1 expression. In fact, EXT1 mRNA
was not expressed in HL60 cells, whereas EXT2, EXTL2 and EXTL3 were produced. We next
examined whether HL60 cells also synthesize a small number of HS chains. We found that HL60
cells indeed produced a detectable amount of HS without the assistance of EXT1 as well as gro2C
cells. HL60 cells synthesized about 10% of the amounts of HS synthesized in HL60 cells treatedwith a DNA demethylating agent, AZA, by which the epigenetic loss of EXT1 function can berestored. Furthermore, the length of HS chains synthesized in HL60 cells was examined. The results
indicated that there was a decrease in the amount of HS chains with lengths of 8~37 kDa produced
in HL60 cells compared with cells treated with AZA. These results suggest that EXT1-deficient cells
can produce shorter HS chains.

- 18 -

EXTL2 plays an important role in HS biosynthesis in EXT1-deficient cells
As EXT2 alone exhibits no HS polymerization activity in the synthetic linkage region analogue
GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4NH-benzyloxycarbonyl, we next investigated the involvement of EXTLs
in HS biosynthesis in gro2C cells. EXTL1 mRNA was expressed at a very low level in gro2C and
HL60 cells; therefore, we examined whether EXTL2 or EXTL3 might contribute to HS biosynthesis
in EXT1-deficient cells. Gro2C cells stably transfected with either a mouse EXT2, EXTL2, or
EXTL3 shRNA-expressing vector were established. Knockdown of EXT2 decreased the amountof HS by approximately 75%, suggesting that EXT2 may function as HS polymerase in gro2C
cells. A decrease in the expression level of EXTL2 reduced the amount of HS by >50%. In contrast,
knockdown of EXTL3 had little effect on amount of HS synthesis. These results indicate that EXT2
and EXTL2 work together to produce HS chains in EXT1-deficient cells.

Figure 1 Role of EXTL2 in HS biosynthesis in EXT1-deficinet cells
In the presence of EXT1, an EXT1-EXT2 complex has dual functions to initiate
HS biosynthesis and polymerize HS chains. EXTL3 is also involved in transferring
the first GlcNAc to the tetrasaccharide linkage region as GlcNAcT-I. EXTL3 might
be indispensable for HS biosynthesis, and regulate the number and length of HS
chains. In the absence of EXT1, EXT2 alone cannot execute HS polymerization
because of a lack of GlcNAcT-I activities. Thus, EXTL2 is required for initiationof HS biosynthesis. Given that the first GlcNAc is transferred to the linkage region
by EXTL2, EXT2 can polymerize HS chains. The length of HS chains produced
without the aid of EXT1 is shorter than that synthesized by the EXT1-EXT2
complex.

EXTL2 acts as GlcNAcT-I to initiate HS biosynthesis in EXT1-deficient cells
It has been reported that recombinant soluble enzymes expressed by the co-transfection of EXT1
and EXT2 exhibit polymerization activities and synthesize heparan polymer on the synthetic
linkage region analog, GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O- C2H4NH-benzyloxycarbonyl. In contrast, no significant
polymerization was reported to occur on GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4NH-benzyloxycarbonyl by
individually expressed EXT1 and EXT2. Thus, we speculated that even EXT1 and EXT2 alone
could polymerize HS chains to some extent, provided that the first GlcNAc has been transferredto the linkage region by EXTL2. For this analysis, GlcNAcα1-4GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4NH-- 19 -

benzyloxycarbonyl, which was generated by recombinant EXTL2. Separately expressed EXT1
or EXT2 alone could utilize GlcNAcα1-4GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-O-C2H4NH-benzyloxycarbonyl as an
acceptor and exhibited weaker yet significant polymerization activities compared with co-expressed
EXT1-EXT2. However, the chain length of the products formed by EXT1 or EXT2 alone wasshorter than that formed by co-expressed EXT1-EXT2. These results demonstrate that EXT2 alone
can achieve HS polymerization with the aid of GlcNAcT-I activities of EXTL2 even in the absenceof EXT1 (Fig. 1).

Discussion & Conclusion
Three EXT-like (EXTL) genes that share significant sequence homologies with EXT1 and EXT2 havebeen identified. All EXTL1, EXTL2, and EXTL3 encode proteins with glycosyltransferase activities
related to HS biosynthesis; however, their roles in HS biosynthesis in vivo remain unclear. In thisstudy, we demonstrated that GlcNAcT-I activities of EXTL2 were required for HS synthesis in
EXT1-deficient cells. RNA interference of EXT2 or EXTL2 depressed HS biosynthesis in gro2C cells
to a similar extent, suggesting a distinct function of EXT2 and EXTL2 in HS biosynthesis in EXT1deficient cells. We therefore thought that transfer of the first GlcNAc residue to the tetrasaccharide
linkage by EXTL2 might be needed for the HS polymerization process by EXT2 alone. As expected,
EXT2 alone could form no heparan polymers on the synthetic linkage analog GlcUAβ1-3Galβ1-OC2H4NH-benzyloxycarbonyl, but the transfer of GlcNAc to the synthetic linkage analog by EXTL2
allowed EXT2 to synthesize HS chains. In contrast, knockdown of EXTL3 had little effect on theamount of HS in EXT1-deficient cells, although EXTL3 also possesses GlcNAcT-I activities as wellas EXTL2. In fact, the amounts of HS were markedly decreased by knockdown of EXTL3 in EXT1expressing L cells. In addition, EXTL3 knockout mice have been generated and HS biosynthesis isreported to be severely reduced in EXTL3-/- embryos. These results suggest that EXTL3 might mainly
function as a GlcNAcT-I in the presence of EXT1 (Fig. 1).
The functional importance of GlcNAcT-I activities in HS biosynthesis has been demonstrated inseveral in vivo model animals. In Drosophila, there are three orthologs of mammalian EXT genes,
EXT1 (ttv), EXT2 (sotv) and EXTL3 (botv). Biochemical and immunohistochemical studies on
Drosophila have revealed that HS levels are markedly reduced or abolished in the absence of ttv,
sotv, or botv. Although TTV/SOTV complex can catalyze the HS polymerization reaction in vitro,the complex exhibits no GlcNAcT-I activity required for the initiation of HS in contrast to human
EXT1/EXT2 complex, indicating that BOTV, corresponding to human EXTL3, which possesses
GlcNAcT-I activity, is indispensable for HS biosynthesis in Drosophila. In this regard, Han et al.
demonstrated that botv-null embryos exhibited stronger segment polarity phenotypes than ttv- or
sotv-null embryos and that Wg signaling is defective only in the botv mutant or ttv-sotv double
mutant but not in the ttv or sotv mutant. These results together suggest that BOTV is essential for the
initiation of HS and that all three EXT members, ttv, sotv, and botv, are required for HS biosynthesis- 20 -

in Drosophila. In mammals, the enzyme complex of human EXT1/EXT2 without the aid of EXTL
proteins can synthesize HS chains; however, in view of our results, the transfer of the first GlcNAc
residue to the tetrasaccharide-linkage region by EXTL2 is thought to trigger HS biosynthesis in theabsence of EXT1.

References
1) Okada, M., Nadanaka, S., Shoji, N., Tamura, J., and Kitagawa, H. (2010) Biosynthesis of heparansulfate in EXT-1-deficient cells. Biochem. J., in press.

- 21 -Dissecting mechanisms of cell elimination and epithelial maintenanceby cell-cell communications
Tatsushi Igaki
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
igaki@med.kobe-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Most cancers arise from a single cell of origin in an epithelial sheet. Therefore, a newly emerged
oncogenic cell has to confront anti-tumor selective pressures in the host tissue. We found in
Drosophila imaginal epithelia that surrounding normal cells activate non-apoptotic JNK signaling
in response to the emergence of oncogenic cells. This JNK activation leads to activation of thephagocytic pathway, thereby eliminating oncogenic neighbors by engulfment.
Keywords: cancer, Drosophila, Cell-cell communication.

Introduction
Most cancers arise from a single cell that acquired multiple oncogenic alterations. Therefore,
in the early stages of neoplastic development, pre-malignant oncogenic cells emerge as clones
that are surrounded by normal cells. While cell-cell communication between oncogenic cells
and surrounding normal cells can create a context that promotes tumor growth and progression,
surrounding cells often exert anti-tumor effects. However, the molecular events at the interface
between oncogenic cells and surrounding normal cells are largely unknown.

Results
Loss of apico-basal polarity is frequently associated with epithelial cancer development. Indeed,
evolutionarily conserved apico-basal polarity genes such as scribble (scrib) and discs large (dlg)
have been shown to function as tumor suppressors. For instance, human Scrib protein is downregulated by proteasome-mediated degradation in tumors associated with human papillomavirus
E6 infection, and loss of Scrib is correlated with the aggressiveness of late stage breast and coloncancers. Furthermore, depletion of scrib gene in mouse mammary epithelia has been shown topromote tumorigenesis. Similarly, in Drosophila epithelia, loss-of-function mutations in scrib or
dlg result in tumorous overgrowths. Intriguingly, in Drosophila imaginal epithelia, clones of thesemutant cells induced within wild-type tissue do not overproliferate but instead are eliminated fromthe tissue (Igaki et al., 2006; Igaki et al., 2009). This elimination of mutant cells occurs only whenmutant cells are surrounded by wild-type cells, as removal of surrounding wild-type tissue by
inducing cell death allows mutant tissue to overgrow (Brumby and Richardson, 2003). This suggeststhat normal imaginal tissue exerts an anti-tumor effect that eliminates oncogenic polarity-deficient
cells. Previous studies have shown that these neoplastic tumor-suppressor mutant clones undergo- 22 -

JNK-dependent cell death (Brumby and Richardson, 2003;
Igaki et al., 2006; Igaki et al., 2009). However, the mechanism
underlying elimination of oncogenic cells by surrounding
normal cells, possibly through cell-cell communication, hasremained unknown. In this study, we found that normal
imaginal cells activate non-apoptotic JNK signaling in
response to the emergence of polarity-deficient oncogenic

Fig 1

clones. Furthermore, we found that this JNK activation in surrounding cells promotes elimination of
oncogenic neighbors by activating the engulfment pathway (Fig. 1) (Ohsawa et al., submitted).

Discussion & Conclusion
Loss of epithelial integrity, particularly apico-basal polarity, is often associated with tumor
development and malignancy. To counteract this, normal epithelial tissue seems to exert anti-tumor
effects against such oncogenic cells. In this study, we found that normal imaginal epithelial cells
exert an anti-tumor effect through activation of the JNK-mediated engulfment pathway. Our data
indicate that JNK-mediated cell engulfment could be an evolutionarily conserved intrinsic tumor
suppression mechanism that eliminates pre-malignant cells from epithelia.

References
1) Brumby, A.M., and Richardson, H.E. (2003). scribble mutants cooperate with oncogenic Ras or
Notch to cause neoplastic overgrowth in Drosophila. EMBO J 22, 5769-5779.
2) Igaki, T., Pagliarini, R.A., and Xu, T. (2006). Loss of cell polarity drives tumor growth andinvasion through JNK activation in Drosophila. Curr Biol 16, 1139-1146.
3) Igaki, T., Pastor-Pareja, J.C., Aonuma, H., Miura, M., and Xu, T. (2009). Intrinsic tumor
suppression and epithelial maintenance by endocytic activation of Eiger/TNF signaling in
Drosophila. Dev Cell 16, 458-465.

- 23 -

Design and synthesis of peptide mimetics based on
biologically active cyclic depsipeptides
Takayuki Doi
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University
doi_taka@mail.pharm.tohoku.ac.jp

Abstract
Peptide mimetics of beauveriolide III designed on the basis of SAR study were synthesized. The
mimetics exhibited inhibitory activity for lipid droplet accumulation in macrophages as well as for
ACAT.
Keywords: cyclic peptide, mimetics, natural products

Introduction
Beauveriolide III, a 13-membered cyclic depsipeptide, is an inhibitor of lipid droplet accumulationin macrophages and is expected to be a drug candidate for treating atherosclerogenesis. We havealready reported for a combinatorial synthesis of its analogues and elucidated structure-activity
relationships [1]. The three-dimensional configuration of the side chains of beauveriolide is ofimportance for biological activity.

Results
The synthesis of a 6-membered ring compound, a bicyclic compound, and a 10-membered ringcompound in which the substituents may have similar three-dimensional position to the side chainsin beauveriolide III was planned. Toward the high-speed synthesis of a variety of these peptide
mimetics, solid-phase synthesis was utilized. The first moiety was attached on the polymer-support
by acetal formation. After coupling with two synthetic fragments with above polymer-supported
amine, the cyclization precursor was cleaved from the polymer-support by weak acid. ConcomitantMannich-type cyclization provided a 6-membered ring compound, a bicyclic compound, and a
10-membered ring compound. These products exhibited potent inhibitory activity for lipid droplet
accumulation in macrophages as well as that for ACAT.

Discussion & Conclusion
We have demonstrated the synthesis of a new bicyclic ring and a 10-membered ring we originallydesigned. Since the products exhibited potent inhibitory activity for lipid droplet accumulation, these
new skeletons could have potential in the point of view of drug discovery. Further study for a librarysynthesis on the basis of these skeletons is underway.

- 24 -

References
1) H. Tomoda and T. Doi, Acc. Chem. Res., 41, 32 (2008).

- 25 -

Relay Catalysis by Transition Metal Complex/Organic Molecule
Binary System for Advanced Molecular Transformation of
Nitrogen Containing Compounds
Masahiro Terada
Tohoku University
mterada@mail.tains.tohoku.ac.jp

Abstract
Highly anti- and enantioselective synthesis of β-amino aldehydes having an aliphatic substituent at
the β-position was accomplished by combination of two catalytic reactions, that is, an initial Ni(II)complex-catalyzed isomerization of a double bond followed by a chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed
aza-Petasis-Ferrier rearrangement, using hemiaminal allyl ethers as the initial substrate.
Keywords: asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, organocatalysts

Introduction
Considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of syn- or anti-selective synthesis of
β-amino aldehydes in an optically active form, which are versatile synthetic precursors of amino
alcohols, amino acids, β-lactams, and amino sugars, among others. The enantioselective direct
Mannich reaction of aliphatic aldimines has largely been unexploited because these aldimines arereadily isomerized to their enamine form. To overcome this intrinsic problem, we envisioned analternative strategy to furnish optically active β-amino aldehydes having an aliphatic substituent(R1) at the β-position by combination of two catalytic reactions (Scheme 1). The sequence involves
initial metal-catalyzed isomerization of a double bond followed by a chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed
aza-Petasis-Ferrier rearrangement,1 using readily available hemiaminal allyl ethers (1) as the initialsubstrate. Herein we report the sequential transformation of racemic 1 to optically active β-aminoβ-alkylaldehydes (3) via intermediary vinyl ethers (2) in a highly diastereo- and enantioselective
manner.
HN

Boc
1

R
O
(±)-1
isomerizationof double bond

i-Pr

O
P

[M-H]
(cat.)
HN

Ar

Boc
1

R
O
(±)-2

O

O
OH

Ar

t-Bu

Ar =
i-Pr

O

(R)-4 (cat.)aza-Petasis–Ferrier rearr.

Scheme 1- 26 -

H

HN
∗

3

∗

Boc
R1

Results
To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have described enantioselective catalysis in
aza-Petasis-Ferrier rearrangement, even considering chiral metal complexes, despite the wide
applicability of 3 to the synthesis of a diverse array of nitrogen containing compounds. We
therefore began by investigating diastereo- and enantioselective aza-Petasis-Ferrier rearrangement ofhemiaminal vinyl ethers (2) using chiral phosphoric acids (4) as a catalyst.2
An initial experiment was performed using an (Z)-2a and 2 mol % of (R)-4 at 40°C. Delightfully,
2a was transformed cleanly to the desired β-amino aldehyde (3a: R1 = Bn). Among the solvents
examined, AcOEt and acetone were the best in terms of both chemical yields and enantioselectivities(Scheme 2).

Scheme 2
In an effort to establish a sequential protocol that combined the two catalytic reactions without theneed for separation of the geometrical isomers of 2, we next attempted (Z)-selective isomerizationof 1 using a Ni(II) complex. NiCl2 complexes having a phosphine ligand, such as PPh2Me anddppb, can be utilized as efficient catalysts for isomerization of double bonds.3 However, the typicalNiCl2 complexes were not effective in the present case and 2a was obtained with insufficient (Z)selectivity. After thorough optimization of the ligands, counter anions of the nickel salts, andreaction temperature, a NiI2 complex having a bidentate phosphine ligand, dppf or p-tolbiphep, wasfound to be the best, giving 2a in high (Z)-selectivity (Scheme 3).

Scheme 3
Having identified (Z)-selective isomerization, we combined this with an enantioselective azaPetasis-Ferrier rearrangement to develop a sequential transformation without the need for separationof the geometrical isomers of 2. As shown in Table 1, the present sequential protocol is applicable toa variety of hemiaminal allyl ethers (1).

- 27 -

Table 1

Substrate Scope of Sequential Transformation of 1 to Amino Alcoholsa

entry

1(R1)

2(Z)/(E)conditionsb

5

1
2
3
4
5
6

1a: Bn1b: Me1c: n-pentyl
1d: isobutyl
1e: c-hexyl
1f: Ph

98:2e
97:3f
96:4f
96:4f
95:5f
96:4f

acetone, 40 °C, 7 h
AcOEt, 40 °C, 2 hacetone, 40 °C, 7 h
AcOEt, 40 °C, 3 h
AcOEt, 40 °C, 3 h
AcOEt, 40 °C, 3 h

5a
5b
5c
5d
5e
5f

yield (%)c(anti/syn)
70 (95:5)
86 (91:9)
76 (93:7)
55 (95:5)
75 (95:5)
87 (93:7)

ee (%)d
94
76
97
97
>99
98

a

All reactions were carried out using 0.25 mmol of 1.
Reaction conditions of enantioselective aza-Petasis-Ferrier rearrangement.
cCombined yield of anti/syn-5 from 1 (3 steps).
d
For major anti-5. Determined by chiral HPLC analysis.
eIsomerization of 1 using NiI2(p-tolbiphep).
fIsomerization of 1 using NiI2(dppf).
b

Discussion & Conclusion
In conclusion, we have demonstrated highly anti- and enantioselective synthesis of β-amino
aldehydes having an aliphatic substituent at the β-position by combining two catalytic reactions, aNi(II) complex-catalyzed isomerization of a double bond and a chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed azaPetasis-Ferrier rearrangement.

References
1) (a) Frauenrath, H.; Arenz, T.; Raabe, G.; Zorn, M. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1993, 32, 83-85. (b)Arenz, T.; Frauenrath, H.; Raabe, G.; Zorn, M. Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1994, 931-942. (c) Tayama, E.;
Otoyama, S.; Isaka, W. Chem. Commun. 2008, 4216-4218.
2) Activation of hemiaminal ethers, see: Terada, M.; Machioka, K.; Sorimachi, K. Angew. Chem., Int.

Ed. 2009, 48, 2553-2556.
3) (a) Wille, A.; Tomm, S.; Frauenrath, H. Synthesis 1998, 305-308. (b) Yamamoto, Y.; Kurihara, K.;
Yamada, A.; Takahashi, M.; Takahashi, Y.; Miyaura, N. Tetrahedron 2003, 59, 537-542.

- 28 -

Analyses of signaling pathway for myelin developmentby investigating molecular target of denyelinating disease
Junji Yamauchi
Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institutefor Child Health and Developmentjyamauchi@nch.go.jp

Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most frequent peripheral neuropathy affecting
the Schwann cells and neurons. CMT disease type 2 (CMT2) neuropathies are characterized
by peripheral nerve aberrance. Four missense mutations of Rab7, a small GTPase of the
Rab family involved in intracellular vesicular trafficking, are associated with the CMT2B
phenotype. Despite a growing body of evidence concerning the gene structures responsible forgenetically heterogenous CMT2B and other CMT2 neuropathies, little is known about the invitro neuropathy model and how CMT2B-associated mutation-caused aberrant neuritogenesis
is properly reversed. Here, we show that compound A improves defective neurite formationin N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells regardless of which CMT2B-associated Rab7 mutant protein
is expressed. Furthermore, compound A has similar effects in dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
neurons expressing any of the four mutant Rab7 proteins. Thus, compound A has a previously
unknown potential to improve defective neuritogenesis associated with CMT2B in vitro.
Keywords: Demyelination, CMT disease, Myelination

Introduction
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common inherited neuropathy of the peripheral
nervous system (PNS) and is genetically and clinically heterogenous. CMT disease is characterized
by progressive sensory neuron loss and by weakness, beginning in the legs and manifesting laterin the hands. Based on nerve electrophysiology, most patients with CMT are categorized into two
major types: CMT disease type 1 (CMT1) and CMT disease type 2 (CMT2) (Shy et al. 2002; Suterand Scherer 2003; Nicholson 2006; Barisic et al. 2008). Recent molecular genetic investigations
have demonstrated that the clinical and neurophysiological features of the CMT subtypes arestrongly associated with defective genes of different types (Nicholson 2006; Barisic et al. 2008). In
CMT1, nerve conduction velocity is less than 38 m/s. The genes involved in CMT1 participate in
Schwann cell development and maintenance of myelin structure. CMT2 is associated with normal
nerve conduction velocity but decreased action potentials, and frequent loss of nerve fibers. The
genes responsible for CMT2 appear to code for the molecular connections necessary for axonal
stability. While many of the genes and mutations responsible for CMT disease have been identified,
we still do not know what compound protects against nerve fiber loss, nor how it may be reversed.

- 29 -

CMT2B is characterized by profound loss of pain sensation with mild to severe loss of sensory
neuron fibers but is often complicated by infections and arthropathy, and it is associated withhigh rates of amputation. CMT2B is also associated with motor neuron degradation. To date,four CMT2B-associated missense mutations have been identified in the rab7 gene (Verhoeven
et al. 2003; Houlden et al. 2004; Meggouh et al. 2006). The Rab7 protein is a small GTPaseof the Rab family and controls membrane transport from early endosomes to late endosomes
and lysosomes. Rab7 is perhaps the only known lysosomal Rab GTPase. Like Ras and Rho
GTPases (Schmidt and Hall 2002; Rossman et al. 2005; Miyamoto and Yamauchi 2010),
Rab GTPases act as molecular switches (Bucci and Chiariello 2006; Fukuda 2008). They are
active when bound to GTP and can bind to downstream effector proteins, though they areinactive when bound to GDP. This transition is strictly regulated by two types of regulatory
proteins: guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs).
When transfected with Rab7 harboring each of the CMT2B-associated mutations, N1E115 cells exhibit defective neurite formation. Therefore, we used N1E-115 cells expressing
the CMT2B-associated Rab7 mutants to perform a rescue experiment attempting tocorrect abnormal neurite formation by small molecule compounds. We report here thatcompound A improves defective neurite formation in N1E-115 cells. Similar effects areseen in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons expressing a CMT2B-associated mutant Rab7.
Thus, compound A is now known to improve peripheral neuropathy in an in-vitro model.

Results
To investigate whether the CMT2B-associated Rab7 mutants actually inhibit the formation ofneurites, we transfected plasmids, each of which encoded one of the four known Rab7 proteins
harboring CMT2B-associated mutations (L129F, K157N, N161T, or V162M; Verhoeven etal. 2003; Houlden et al. 2004; Meggouh et al. 2006), into N1E-115 cells. Typically, following
their differentiation with reducing serum, approximately 40% of these N1E-115 cells exhibit
neurites longer than two cell bodies at 48 hours. Wild type Rab7, like control transfection,
did not have a significant effect on neurite behavior. In contrast, all Rab7 mutants inhibitedneurite formation by more than 80%, supporting the conclusion made elsewhere that thefunctional deficiency of all four CMT2B-associated, mutated Rab7 proteins is biochemicallyequivalent (De Luca et al. 2008; Spinosa et al. 2008). Transfection with Rab7L129F,
Rab7K157N, Rab7N161T, or Rab7V162M did not induce cell death, as revealed by theobservation that transfected cells incorporating trypan blue made up less than 5% of all cells
under these experimental conditions. Thus, N1E-115 cells can serve as a useful in-vitro model
to reproduce the loss of neurite formation caused by all known CMT2B-associated mutations.
We next examined whether compound A has a protective effect on cells transfected with a
CMT2B-associated mutant Rab7. We found that compound A stimulated neurite formation,
leading to an increase of approximately 40%. These levels were comparable to those seen under- 30 -

normal differentiation conditions. We did not observe an obvious toxic effect of compound A on
cells. Thus we present compound A as the first chemical compound that can repair the neurite
formation process after it has been damaged by a CMT2B-associated mutant Rab7 in vitro.
We next examined the effect of compound A in primary rat DRG neurons. When DRG
neurons were transfected with a plasmid encoding a CMT2B-associated mutant Rab7,
all mutated Rab7 constructs displayed largely blocked neurite formation. Thus, CMT2Bassociated mutant Rab7 proteins had the ability to inhibit neurite formation. Meanwhile,treatment with compound A reduced the severity of these deficits by approximately 50%

Discussion & Conclusion
To date, four missense mutations in the rab7 gene have been identified in CMT2B; these areassociated with sensory neuron fiber loss and sometimes with motor neuron degradation. While
Rab7 has multiple cellular functions in the endocytotic pathways, its primary function is incontrolling late endocytotic traffic, that is, in transporting substances from early to late endosomes
and to lysosomes. Rab7 is ubiquitously expressed in tissues and is perhaps the only lysosomal
Rab GTPase. Recent biochemical evidence demonstrates that CMT2B-associated mutations ofRab7 can result in unregulated guanine nucleotide exchange reactions or inadequate GTPase
activity. Yet the restriction, in most cases, of the disease phenotype associated with CMT2Bassociated mutations of Rab7 to neurons with long neurites is thought to be due to the fact thatnone of these mutations, which exist outside of the guanine nucleotide binding domain, cause
a complete loss of Rab7 activity; rather, they render it incomplete. Before beginning this study,
we experimented with the human neuroblastoma cell lines NB1 and SHSY-5Y as potential invitro models, but could not observe any changes in neurite outgrowth in cells expressing a
CMT2B-associated mutant Rab7. One reason for this may be that NB1 and SHSY-5Y cells are
not able to extend long neurites, at least, not as long as those of N1E-115 cells. These results
are consistent with the observation that CMT2B phenotypes are restricted to neurons with long
neurites. In the current study, we have found that compound A repairs neurite formation processes
that have been damaged through transfection of N1E-115 cells and primary DRG neurons withdisease-associated mutant Rab7 proteins. As far as we have been able to ascertain, this is thefirst report identifying a chemical compound that can repair CMT2B-associated aberrant neurite
behavior, as well as the first report establishing an in-vitro CMT2B peripheral neuropathy model.

References
1) Barisic N, Claeys KG, Sirotković-Skerlev M, Löfgren A, Nelis E, De Jonghe P, Timmerman V. 2008.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a clinico-genetic confrontation. Ann. Hum. Genet. 72:416-441.
2) De Luca A, Progida C, Spinosa MR, Alifano P, Bucci C. 2008. Characterization of the Rab7K157N
mutant protein associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.
372:283-287.

- 31 -

3) Houlden H, King RH, Muddle JR, Warner TT, Reilly MM, Orrell RW, Ginsberg L. 2004. A novel
RAB7 mutation associated with ulcero-mutilating neuropathy. Ann. Neurol. 56:586-590.
4) Meggouh F, Bienfait HM, Weterman MA, de Visser M, Baas F. 2006. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
due to a de novo mutation of the RAB7 gene. Neurology 67:1476-1478.
5) Miyamoto Y, Yamauchi, J. 2010. Cellular signaling of Dock family proteins in neural function. Cell.
Signal. 22:175-182.
6) Nicholson GA. 2006. The dominantly inherited motor and sensory neuropathies: clinical and molecularadvances. Muscle Nerve 33:589-597.
7) Rossman KL, Der CJ, Sondek J. 2005. GEF means go: turning on RHO GTPases with guanine nucleotide-exchange factors. Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 6:167-180.
8) Schmidt A, Hall A. 2002. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases: turning on theswitch. Genes Dev. 16:1587-1609.
9) Shy ME, Garbern JY, Kamholz J. 2002. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies: a biological perspective. Lancet Neurol. 1:110-118.

10)Spinosa MR, Progida C, De Luca A, Colucci AM, Alifano P, Bucci C. 2008. Functional
characterization of Rab7 mutant proteins associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B disease. J.
Neurosci. 28:1640-1648.
11) Suter U, Scherer SS. 2003. Disease mechanisms in inherited neuropathies. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 4:714-726.
12) Verhoeven K, De Jonghe P, Coen K, Verpoorten N, Auer-Grumbach M, Kwon JM, FitzPatrick D,
Schmedding E, De Vriendt E, Jacobs A, Van Gerwen V, Wagner K, Hartung HP, Timmerman V. 2003.
Mutations in the small GTP-ase late endosomal protein RAB7 cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B
neuropathy. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 72:722-727.

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Role of leukotriene B4 in allergic airway inflammation
Nobuaki Miyahara
Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital
miyahara@md.okayama-u.ac.jp

Abstract
The role of leukotriene B4 in already established asthma has not been well defined. In the present
study, blockade of leukotriene B4 receptor 1 significantly suppressed late phase airway development
of AHR and inflammation in previously sensitized and challenged mice. Control of leukotriene B4
and BLT1 may be beneficial for the treatment of already established asthma.
Keywords: Leukotriene B4, BLT1, asthma

Introduction
Most of the studies investing the effectiveness of blocking the leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor 1,
BLT1, have been performed in models of primary allergen challenge. The role of the LTB4-BLT1
pathway in secondary challenge models, where airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway
inflammation have already been established, has not been defined. We investigated the effects ofblocking BLT1 on early and late phase airway development of AHR and inflammation in previously
sensitized and challenged mice.

Results
Female BALB/c mice were sensitized (days 1 and 14) and challenged (primary, days 28-30) with
OVA. Six weeks later (day 72), mice were challenged (secondary) with a single OVA aerosol and theearly and late phase of development of AHR and inflammation were determined. Specific blockadeof BLT1 was attained by oral administration of BLT1 antagonist (CP105,696) on days 70-72 .
CP105,696 administration inhibited the secondary OVA challenge-induced changes in lung
resistance during the late but not early phase. CP105,696 administration decreased bronchoalveolar
lavage neutrophilia 6h after secondary challenge, which was associated with decreased levels of KC
and MIP-2 in the airway.

- 33 -

Discussion & Conclusion
These data identify the importance of the LTB4-BLT1 pathway in the development of late phaseallergen-induced airway responsiveness following secondary airway challenge, that is, in mice withalready established airway disease.

References
1) Busse WW., Lemanske RF Jr. Asthma. New Engl. J. Med. 2001,344:350-62.
2) Lewis RA, Austen KF, Soberman RJ. Leukotrienes and other products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.
Biochemistry and relation to pathobiology in human diseases. N Engl J Med. 1990;323: 645-55
3) Miyahara N, Takeda K, Kodama T, Joetham A, Taube C, Park JW, Miyahara S, Balhorn A, Dakhama
A, Gelfand EW. Contribution of antigen-primed CD8+ T cells to the development of airway
hyperresponsiveness and inflammation is associated with IL-13. J Immunol. 2004;172:2549-58.
4) Miyahara N, Swanson BJ, Takeda K, Taube C, Miyahara S, Kodama T, Dakhama A, Ott VL, Gelfand
EW. Effector CD8(+) T cells mediate inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness. Nat Med.
2004;10:865-9.
5) Miyahara N, Miyahara S, Takeda K, Gelfand EW. Role of the LTB4/BLT1 pathway in allergen-induced
airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Allergology International. 2006;55:91-7.
6) Miyahara N, Takeda K, Miyahara S, Taube C, Joetham A, Koya T, Matsubara S, Dakhama A, Tager
AM, Luster AD, Gelfand EW. Leukotriene B4 (BLT1) is essential for allergen-mediated recruitment of
CD8+ T cells and airway hyperresponsiveness. J Immunol. 2005;174:4979-84.

- 34 -

7) Miyahara N, Takeda K, Miyahara S, Matsubara S, Koya T, Matsubara S, Joetham A, Krishnan
E,Dakhama A, Haribabu B, Gelfand EW. Requirement for the Leukotriene B4 Receptor-1 in AllergenInduced Airway Hyperresponsiveness Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;172:161-7.

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The effects of Dickkopf 1, an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway,
on anti-ageing (anti-wrinkle, whitening and regeneration of pigment,hair and site-specific skin)
Yuji Yamaguchi
Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology,
Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
yujin@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp

Abstract
Palms of the hands and soles of the feet (Palmoplantar areas) are generally less pigmented andthicker than the other sites of the body. We hypothesized and proved that mesenchymal-epithelialinteractions, especially the influences by mesenchymal factors, play important roles in determining
and maintaining the site-specificity (anatomical difference) of the skin. We previously proved that
cultured dermal fibroblasts derived from palmoplantar skin express higher levels of dickkopf 1(DKK1) than the rest of the body at mRNA and protein levels. We also proved that DKK1 inhibitsmelanocyte function and growth via Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and that enhances keratinocyte
growth. Since there is no report regarding the expression patterns of DKK1 in vivo, we obtained
biopsied specimens, which include palmoplantar and non-palmoplantar skin simultaneously.
We developed rabbit polyclonal antibodies detecting four different epitopes against DKK1 andimmunologically examined the expression patterns. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry
showed that the expression of DKK1 is high in palmoplantar skin in vivo. We conclude that theexpression of DKK1 is upregulated in vivo as well as in vitro, explaining why palmoplantar skin is
non-hair bearing, thick and hypopigmented skin. These series of studies suggest the usefulness of
DKK1 as an anti-ageing reagent.
Keywords: dermatology, regenerative medicine, anti-ageing, pigment cell research

Introduction
We have proved that mesenchymal-epithelial interactions (effects of the underlying dermal
fibroblasts on the overlying epidermal cell types) determine the site-specificity of the skin (thetopographical differences of the skin) in human adult tissues as well as embryos(1-5). For example,
palms of the hands and soles of the feet (palmoplantar areas) are anatomically different from theother sites of the body in terms of the thickness of the epidermis(6, 7), the structure of appendixes
including hair follicles and the pigmentation of the skin color(8, 9). We found that Dickkopf 1(DKK1), an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling pathway, is highly expressed in palmoplantar dermis(mesenchyme) (10) and that DKK1 suppresses melanocyte function and growth by inhibiting Wnt/
beta-catenin signaling pathway(10, 11), which also plays pivotal roles in hair morphogenesis(12).
DKK1 also thickens the epidermal thickness and suppresses the melanin uptake via PAR2 expressed- 36 -

in keratinocytes (13, 14). Since DKK1 is proved to be highly expressed in palmoplantar dermal
fibroblasts only in culture conditions, the expression levels of DKK1 in vivo were examined using
human skin obtained during plastic surgery.

Results
The studies were approved by Institutional Review Board. We used human skinderived from the same subjects. Five subjects were used in the studies. We obtained
the border including the sole of the feet and the adjacent non-palmoplantar skin (hyperpigmented and hairy skin). We extracted protein and examined the expression patternsof DKK1, keratin 9(, which is exclusively expressed in palmoplantar area,) and betacatenin measured by Western blotting. We also investigated immunohistochemical analysis.
This investigation was necessary since there was a report at theacademic meeting that the expression of DKK1 was surprisingly
decreased in palmoplantar skin in vivo measured by Western
blotting and by RT-PCR, although we proved that DKK1 expression
is highly observed in palmoplantar fibroblasts in vitro as comparedwith non-palmoplantar fibroblasts.
We could successfully develop four different rabbit polyclonal
antibodies, which detect four different epitopes. The expression
levels of DKK1 and keratin 9 were clearly upregulated inpalmoplantar skin as compared with non-palmoplantar skinmeasured by Western blotting (Figure 1). The expression level of

Figure 1. Western blotting. The
extracts of palmoplantar skinand non-palmoplantar skin were
examined for the expressions of
DKK1, keratin 9 and beta-catenin.

beta-catenin was not downregulated
as expected, but slight decrease wasobserved in palmoplantar skin.
We next checked the expression
levels of DKK1 measured byimmunohistochemistry (Figure 2).
We found that the DKK1-positive
cells were exclusively observed
under palmoplantar epidermis invivo. Additionally we could find theintense DKK1 expression under the
hypopigmented epidermis. Finally,strong DKK1-positive cells wereobserved around the sweat gland ducts,
Figure 2. Immunohistochemistry The expression of DKK1 wasupregulated in fibroblasts under palmoplantar epidermis and its
expression was downregulated under non-palmoplantar epidermis.

- 37 -

very close to keratin 9-positive cells.

Discussion & Conclusion
We could prove that DKK1 expression was observed in the dermis under the thick andhypopigmented skin in vivo as well as in vitro. DKK1 suppresses melanocyte growthand pigmentation (9-11). It also suppresses the melanin receptor (PAR2) in keratinocytes
and increases keratinocyte growth (13). It also suppresses hair morphogenesis (15).
These series of studies indicate that DKK1 could be used as a reagent for treating skin ageing. For
example DKK1 could be used as an anti-wrinkle drug by thickening epidermis, as a hypopigmenting
reagent by suppressing melanocyte function and growth and by suppressing the expression of PAR2
in keratinocytes and as a vellus hair remover by suppressing hair morphogenesis. It also could
be used to treat intractable wounds since it increases keratinocyte growth and makes thick skin.
Conversely, anti-DKK1 could be used to treat alopecia. Future studies will focus on the clinicalapplication of DKK1.

References
1) Yamaguchi, Y., Kubo, T., Tarutani, M., Sano, S., Asada, H., Kakibuchi, M., Hosokawa, K., Itami, S. &Yoshikawa, K. (2001) Arch Dermatol 137, 621-8.
2) Yamaguchi, Y., Yoshida, S., Sumikawa, Y., Kubo, T., Hosokawa, K., Ozawa, K., Hearing, V. J.,
Yoshikawa, K. & Itami, S. (2004) Br J Dermatol 151, 1019-28.
3) Yamaguchi, Y., Hearing, V. J., Itami, S., Yoshikawa, K. & Katayama, I. (2005) J Dermatol Sci 40, 1-9.
4) Yamaguchi, Y., Sumikawa, Y., Yoshida, S., Kubo, T., Yoshikawa, K. & Itami, S. (2005) Br J Dermatol152, 664-72.
5) Yamaguchi, Y., Itami, S. & Yoshikawa, K. (2005) in Wound healing: science and practice, eds.
Falabella, A. & Kirsner, R. (Marcel Dekker, New York), pp. 535-544.
6) Yamaguchi, Y., Itami, S., Tarutani, M., Hosokawa, K., Miura, H. & Yoshikawa, K. (1999) J Invest
Dermatol 112, 483-8.
7) Yamaguchi, Y. & Yoshikawa, K. (2001) J Dermatol 28, 521-34.
8) Yamaguchi, Y. & Hearing, V. J. (2006) in From melanocytes to malignant melanoma: the progression
to malignancy, eds. Hearing, V. J. & Leong, S. P. L. (Humana Press, Totowa), pp. 101-115.
9) Yamaguchi, Y., Brenner, M. & Hearing, V. J. (2007) J Biol Chem 282, 27557-61.
10) Yamaguchi, Y., Itami, S., Watabe, H., Yasumoto, K., Abdel-Malek, Z. A., Kubo, T., Rouzaud, F.,
Tanemura, A., Yoshikawa, K. & Hearing, V. J. (2004) J Cell Biol 165, 275-85.
11) Yamaguchi, Y., Passeron, T., Watabe, H., Yasumoto, K., Rouzaud, F., Hoashi, T. & Hearing, V. J.
(2007) J Invest Dermatol 127, 1217-25.
12) Suzuki, K., Yamaguchi, Y., Villacorte, M., Mihara, K., Akiyama, M., Shimizu, H., Taketo, M. M.,
Nakagata, N., Tsukiyama, T., Yamaguchi, T. P., Birchmeier, W., Kato, S. & Yamada, G. (2009)
Development 136, 367-72.

- 38 -

13) Yamaguchi, Y., Passeron, T., Hoashi, T., Watabe, H., Rouzaud, F., Yasumoto, K., Hara, T., Tohyama,C., Katayama, I., Miki, T. & Hearing, V. J. (2008) Faseb J 22, 1009-20.
14) Yamaguchi, Y. & Hearing, V. J. (2009) Biofactors 35, 193-9.
15) Yamaguchi, Y., Morita, A., Maeda, A. & Hearing, V. J. (2009) J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 14, 73-5.

- 39 -

The Elucidation of transcriptional mechanisms which regulated bygas, one of the smallest unit molecules
Taku Yamashita
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
taku@phs.osaka-u.ac.jp

Abstract
CooA is one of the gas-sensors, and regulates transcriptional activation with CO gas. Notably,
CooA has an unprecedented ligand, Pro2 was provided as one of the axial ligands to the othersubunit. In the previous works, we have reported that Pro2 could be replaced by CO, and then the
C-helix was changed the orientation with the “roll-and-slide” mechanism. Here, we focused on theconformational changes which were induced by CO-binding. In order to clarify the mechanism indetails, we performed ultrafast spectroscopic measurements with time-resolved spectroscopy inthe ferrous and CO-bound forms of CooA. Internal ligand rebinding was really disturbed by themutation on the one axial ligand, His 77, as expected. Moreover, only three mutants, D72N, L116Q,
and truncated, showed mono-exponential rebinding, however wild-type and H77A were fitted biexponentially. On the other hand, CO-rebinding was perturbed in the variants. Although H77A
showed higher escape of CO than wild-type, highest escape was observed in the L116Q mutant.
It could support the proposed activation mechanism with C-helix reorientation. In addition, somemutants indicated varied aspects, and it will be discussed later.
Keywords: Hemeprotein, Gas sensor, Time-resolved spectroscopy

Introduction
Gas sensor is the novel member of heme proteins, and it has been reported that several gas
molecules were discriminated by the heme environment with surrounded amino acids. In the previous
works, we have studied on oxygen sensor proteins with spectroscopic methods. FixL is known to be
involved in the nitrogen fixation with histidinekinase activity which regulated by oxygen. We haveinvestigated on the ligand binding of FixLH with the time-resolved spectroscopic measurements (1).
Second, we have studied also on DosH with the same procedures. Dos has been reported to indicate
phosphodiesterase activity which is dependent on either oxygen or oxidative state of the heme iron.
On Dos, we aimed to solve the role of methionine position at 95 (2), and also succeeded to measure
on full-length Dos in order to clarify the function (3). These studies suggested that the time-resolved
spectroscopic measurements could be useful tool in order to investigate structural features on theactivated mechanisms.
In 1990, a novel transcriptional activator was reporter as a first example of heme containing
regulator. Remarkably, CooA was activated by CO gas, and the small molecule induces the large
conformational changes in the protein moiety. Since the crystal structure of CooA was solved as a

- 40 -

dimeric protein in 2000 (Figure 1),
the activation mechanism has notbeen fully elucidated yet. In ourprevious works, we have targetedon the heme axial ligands, His
77 and Pro 2. Notably, Pro 2 isprovided by the other subunit, andthe ligand could be replaced by theexternal ligand, CO. We had studied
with spectroscopic measurements inthe steady-states, and clarified not
only the Pro 2 residue was replaced
by CO as expected but also the His
77 residue could be crucial to lead
CO to the proper distal side (4). On

Figure 1. The dimeric structure of CooA in the ferrous (inactivate)
state (pdb:1ft9).
The heme axial ligands and the mutated leucine 116 were depicted
as sticks colored in green, blue, and yellow, respectively. The region
colored in cyan indicated the DNA binding domain, which was deleted
in the truncated mutant.

the other hand, we also had aimedon C-helix, which constructed an interface between dimers. In the work, we introduced mutations
on each amino acid, thoroughly, and investigate on the DNA-binding abilities, CO binding affinities,
and the surrounding of bound-CO. The result showed us that Leu 116, Gly 117, and Leu 120 could
face to the other subunit, and that suggested the C-helix orientations could be disturbed by thebinding of CO. Finally, we proposed the model of activation mechanism as the “roll-and-slide” (5).
Recently, several CO sensor proteins, NPAS2 and Per2, have been reported in human brain (6,7).
However the physiological functions are extremely interesting, these proteins have never solved thestructures and it could be hard to elucidate the activation mechanisms without structural features.
Here we have targeted CooA in order to clarify the earlier stage of activation mechanism; how the
replaced external ligand lead the conformational change in the protein moiety.

Results
Purification of wild-type and mutated CooA
CooA was constructed the procedure in order to purify the protein. E.coli strain was streakedon the LB plate again, and culture in 10 L LB medium in each. the extractions of proteins fromthe cells were performed with ultrasonication, and separated CooA fraction with ultracentrifuge.
Soluble fractions were purified with ion-exchange and gel-filtration columns, and finally CooAs
were obtained (200 µM~1.5 mM). In order to investigate on the effect of DNA-binding domain,
we prepared also the “truncated” mutant which was constructed 1-131 amino acids. The purities
and properties of purified CooAs were confirmed with SDS-PAGE and UV-visible spectroscopic
measurements.

- 41 -

Time-resolved spectra in the ferrous state
In order to investigate on the ferrous states of CooA variants, we have used sodium dithionite
and ascorbic acid. The reduced CooA were measured with the multicolour dye-laser system in
femtosecond absorption spectroscopy as 30 fs pump pulse centered at 560 nm with <30 fs whitelight probe pulse. Spectral changes were recorded in the range from 420 to 470 nm, and the kinetics
were monitored the absorbance at 438.5 nm (Figure 2). As shown, wild-type (WT) indicated biexponential rebinding, and the time constants were estimated as 6.4 and 12 ps. Those amplitudes

Figure 2. Internal ligand rebinding for the wild-type CooA in the ferrous state.
Normalized kinetics on the wild-type CooA was detected with the alteration of absorbance at 438 nm(left). The decay-associated spectra were recorded in the different delay times, 2.5, 10, and 50 ps (right).

were also calculated and fast phase was assigned as 92%. Although the H77A mutant, His 77 was
replaced by alanine, also showed bi-exponential rebinding, the truncated, the D72N, and the L116Q
mutants indicated mono-exponential rebinding of the dissociated internal ligand (Table 1).
Table 1. Fit parameters of internal ligand rebinding kinetics in the CooA variants.
The absorbance changes were fitted mono- and/or bi-exponentially, and the fitted
equations gave us the following time constants and amplitudes.

Wild-type
H77A
Truncated
D72N
L116Q

Fitted equations
Bi-exponential
Bi-exponential
Mono-exponential
Mono-exponential
Mono-exponential

τ1/ ps6.4 (92)
6.4 (90)
6.5
6.9
6.9

τ2 / ps
12 (8)
71 (10)The values in the parentheses indicate the amplitudes (%).

Time-resolved spectra in the ferrous CO-bound state
We measured the kinetics of CooA in the ferrous-CO bound forms. The measured instruments
were completely same except for the monitored range from 4 ps to 4 ns. The rebinding of CO in
WT was measured and fitted as 3rd exponential decay as shown in the Figure 3. All mutant was also
fitted as 3rd exponential decays (Table 2). Notably, the truncated and the D72N mutants showed
less escape than that of WT, however the H77A and the L116Q mutants indicated higher values.

- 42 -

Figure 3. Rebinding of dissociated CO to heme for the wild-type CooA.
Normalized kinetics on the wild-type CooA was detected with the alteration of absorbance at 438.5 nm (left).
The decay-associated spectra were recorded in the different delay times, 52.6 ps, 200 ps, and 2 ns (right).
Table 2. Fit parameters of CO rebinding kinetics in the CooA variants

Wild-type
H77A
Truncated
D72N
L116Q

τ1 / ps
34 (37.4)
5.8 (40.8)
35 (33.7)
3.5 (61.9)
20 (16.9)

τ2 / ps
174 (40.3)
78 (25.7)
140 (47.7)
90 (18.7)
175 (31.8)

τ3 / ns
1.1 (16.3)
0.50 (21.7)
0.76 (15.2)
0.66 (15.0)
0.94 (29.6)

Residual (%)
6.0
11.8
3.4
4.4
21.7

The values in the parentheses indicate the amplitudes (%).

Moreover, the kinetics of the D72N and the H77A mutants suggested that the CO-rebinding weretotally faster than those of WT. Especially, the 1st rates were extremely rapid as the internal ligand
rebinding.

Discussion & Conclusion
The relationship between heme axial ligands and DNA-binding domain
As mentioned above, in the CO rebinding, the truncated and the D72N mutants showed less escapethan that of WT. It inspired that the direct interaction between heme-binding and DNA-binding
domains caused unrestricted form in the CO-bound structure, and the heme surrounding was not so
fixed a space in order to escape CO from the pocket. On the other hand, the D72N and the H77A
mutants showed totally rapid rebinding. It could be explained that the mutated positions wereinvolved in the heme-binding domain, and caused unexpected effect for CO-rebinding. The further
investigations can be required in order to clarify the mechanism on CO-binding in detail.
The axial ligands for the heme
In the internal ligand rebinding, the H77A mutant showed the distinguishable result from WT.
especially, the slower phase was delayed with the mutation. It indicated that the dissociated Pro 2
was orientated farer from the heme, and the rebinding caused a steric distortion than that of WT.
Finally, we concluded that the rebinding of the internal and the external ligands were complicated.
However, the results suggested that the mutated internal ligand disturbed the rebinding of not only

- 43 -

the internal ligand but also external one. The introduced mutation on the DNA-binding domain
and an interactive position also caused serious effect not to the internal ligand but external ligand
rebinding.
Acknowledgement
We thank The Novartis Foundation for the Promotion of Science to give chance to graduatedstudents in order to work abroad for 10 days. They could have irreplaceable experience, and actually,
one of them will be employed by Novartis pharma K. K. from the next spring. I hearty appreciate
again for your support.

References
1) Kruglik, S. G., Jasaitis, A., Hola, K., Yamashita, T., et al. (2007) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 104,7408-7413
2) Yamashita, T., et al. (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283, 2344-2352
3) Lechauve, C., Bouzhir-Sima, L., Yamashita, T., et al. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284, 36146-36159
4) Yamashita, T., et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 21394-21400
5) Yamashita, T., et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 47320-47325
6) Fu, L., Pelicano, et al. (2002) Cell 111, 41-50
7) McNamara, P., et al. (2001) Cell 105, 877-889- 44 -

Development of the method to induce and amplify
the ES cell-derived germ layer stem cell
Takumi Era
Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics,
Kumamoto University
tera@kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells haveattractive attention as a source of cells for use in therapeutic application. However, as the in vitro
differentiation culture does not provide efficiently positional information for cell type definition, thissystem definitely requires visible markers to identify and monitor the intermediates that present on
the way of differentiation. Here, we have shown that the cell surface markers against the mesoderm
and mesenchymal cells in the ES cell culture can visualize the cell lineages and allow us to isolate
the specific cell types that is considered to be useful for the application of regenerative medicine.
Using the cell purification in combination with gene subtraction method, we have isolated themolecules whose function are unclear and have identified their function in embryogenesis.
Keywords: ES cell, mesoderm, in vitro differentiation

Introduction
ES cell have the multiple potentials to give rise to a whole cell types in mouse body and toundergo unlimited symmetrical divisions with maintaining its pluritotency(1). The high ability
for differentiation and unlimited growth capacity lead us to expect to utilize it as the source of celltherapies such as transplantation(2). Moreover, the forced differentiation system of ES cell in vitro
has been expected to use as a good tool to find the developmental pathways into the specific celllineage and to dissect them from others. However, as ES cell differentiation culture does not provide
usefully positional information for cell type definition, this system definitely requires visible markers
to identify and monitor the intermediates that present on the way of differentiation(3).
To overcome the obstacles, we have been developing the visible markers to define the intermediates
on the way of ES cell differentiation and elucidate the differentiation pathways in the ES cell
culture. In embryogenesis, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2, FLK1) thatmarks the subtypes of mesoderm cells with a potential to give rise to hematopoietic cells (HPCs)and endothelial cells (ECs) facilitates our understanding on the developmental pathways of theselineages(4). In fact, the population expressing VEGFR2 in the differentiated ES cells can giverise to vascular endothelial and hematopoietic cells under a proper condition. Another importantsurface marker involving in mesoderm development is Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha(PDGFRα) that is mainly expressed in paraxial mesoderm during mouse embryogenesis(5). In this- 45 -

study, we have shown to clarify the differentiation pathway of mesoderm-like cells in ES cell culture
and to establish the serum- free culture condition that provide the mesoderm–like cells efficiently
from undifferentiated ES cells.

Results, Discussion & Conclusion
Our previous result obtained from in vitro ES cell culture shows that day4 differentiated ES cells
are divided into four population by VEGFR2 and PDGFRα expression patterns, PDGFRα+VEGFR2+cell (DP), PDGRFRα +VEGFR2-(PSP), PDGFRα-VEGFR2+(VSP) and PDGFRα-VEGFR2- cell
(DN). DP population initially appears at day 3.5 ES cell culture is a common precursor for
PDGRFRα +VEGFR2 -(PSP) and PDGFRα -VEGFR2 +(VSP) cells (Fig.1). DP purified from ES
cell culture can give rise to both PSP and VSP populations. To characterize these populations,
we purified them from the differentiated ES cells on day 4 and examined the lateral and paraxial

Figure 1

markers by RT-PCR. As expected, the expression pattern indicated that, while PSP corresponds toparaxial mesoderm, VSP represent to lateral mesoderm culture in mouse embryogenesis. Based on
the results of in vitro fate analysis, we found a new differentiation pathway in which the DP gives
rise to both the PSP and the VSP that eventually differentiate into bone and cartilage cells, and HPCsand ECs, respectively(Fig.1). These indicate that PSP and VSP populations represent the paraxial
and lateral mesoderm populations in actual mouse embryo, respectively.
We next sought to define condition in which the mesoderm-like cells are enriched in ES cell culture.
BMP4 and Activin are shown to be potent inducer for mesoderm generation in actual Xenopous
embryos. While activin in combination with BMP4 efficiently induce DP as well as VSP, BMP4
alone can stimulate the PSP generation under serum-free condition.
To investigate the molecular processes underlying mesoderm development in ES cell culture, we
conducted the gene expression analyses by DNA microarrays and tried to isolate the new molecules- 46 -

Fig.2that are involved in mesoderm and/or mesenchymal differentiation. As shown in Fig., the newmolecules involved in mesenchymal growth in embryogenesis are identified from in vitro ES cell
culture. The null embryonic fibroblasts are showen to undergo the sustained growth in vitro (Fig.2).
These results suggested that the in vitro ES cell culture system is a powerful for understanding thedifferentiation pathways and molecular processes in the early development.

References
1) Niwa H How is pluripotency determined and maintained? Development 134, 635-646, 2007.
2) Keller G. Embryonic stem cell differentiation: emergence of a new era in biology and medicine. Genes
Dev 19, 1129-1155,2005.
3) Nishikawa S-I, Jakt LM, Era T ES cell culture as a tool for developmental cell biology. Nature Rev.
Mol. Cell Biol. 8: 502-507, 2007.
4) Nishikawa, S. I., Nishikawa, S., Hirashima, M., Matsuyoshi, N. and Kodama, H. Progressive lineage
analysis by cell sorting and culture identifies FLK1+VE-cadherin+ cells at a diverging point ofendothelial and hemopoietic lineages. Development 125,1747-1757, 1998.
5) Kataoka, H., Takakura, N., Nishikawa, S., Tsuchida, K., Kodama, H., Kunisada, T., Risau, W., Kita,
T. and Nishikawa, S. I.Expressions of PDGF receptor alpha, c-Kit and Flk1 genes clustering in mouse
chromosome 5 define distinct subsets of nascent mesodermal cells. Dev Groeth Differ 39, 729-740,
1997.

- 47 -

Role of G proteins in the spermatogonial stem cell homing to niche
Mito Shinohara

Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine
mshinoha@virus.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) migrate into niches after transplantation into infertile testes.
Transplanted SSCs attach to Sertoli cells and transmigrate through the blood-testis barrier (BTB), which
is formed by inter-Sertoli tight junctions, towards niches on the basement membrane. Previously, we
showed that β1-integrin is involved in the regulation of SSC homing, and that it regulate SSC binding
to the basement membrane. In this study, we extended the previous study and found the involvementof Rac1 in SSC transmigration through BTB, the most critical step of SSC homing. SSCs deleted in
Rac1 gene did not colonize the adult testes, but they reinitiated spermatogenesis when transplanted
into pup testes without a BTB. Moreover, a dominant-negative Rac1 construct increased the numberof cell divisions and frequency of differentiating division, as revealed by serial transplantation. Thus
Rac1 is a critical regulator of SSC homing and self-renewal.
Keywords: Stem cell, spermatogenesis, homing

Introduction
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the source of spermatogenesis throughout adult life. SSCs
are not randomly distributed in the testis, but that they reside within special microenvironments
called niches where they can remain undifferentiated (Chiarini-Garcia et al., 2001). Self-renewal
factors secreted from the niche are considered to maintain SSCs in the undifferentiated state, andthis unique microenvironment is a prerequisite for undergoing self-renewal division. Despite theirclose relationship, the relationship between SSCs and niche is dynamic. In germ cell transplantation
into testis, SSCs from a donor animal recolonize the seminiferous tubules when microinjected into
the seminiferous tubules of infertile animals (Brinster and Zimmermann, 1994). Transplanted SSCs
attach to the Sertoli cells, and within a few days migrate to the basal compartment following passage
through the BTB between Sertoli cells. SSCs then proliferate and differentiate to produce donorderived spermatogenesis (Nagano et al., 1999). Thus, SSCs have the ability to migrate toward theniche in a manner similar to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
Recently, we showed that β1-integrin expression in SSCs plays a critical role in their homing ability(Kanatsu-Shinohara et al., 2008). In these experiments, the function of adhesion molecules in SSC
homing was examined by taking advantage of β1-integrin conditional knockout (KO) mice. SSCs
from β1-integrin knockout mice cannot make germ cell colonies and disappear after transplantation.
Loss of β1-integrin expression probably prevented SSCs from attaching to the basal membrane,
because SSCs without β1-integrin could neither attach to laminin in vitro nor migrate into the niche- 48 -

even when transplanted into pup testes without a BTB. These experiments identified β1-integrin as ahoming receptor for SSCs.
In this study, we examined the roles of Rac small G proteins in SSC homing. Rac is often activateddownstream of the integrin receptor and mediates HSC homing (Cancelas et al., 2006). We hypothesizedthat Rac may also be involved in SSC adhesion to the basement membrane, but our analyses showedthat Rac1 was involved in a different step of homing: i. e. transmigration of SSCs through the BTB.

Results
Expression of Rac genes in SSCs and primary spermatogonia
Using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), we collected spermatogonia from the testes of 8-dayold pups by taking advantage of EpCAM, a marker of SSCs (Oatley and Brintser, 2008). Within the Rac
subfamily, real-time PCR analyses showed that Rac1 was expressed predominantly in spermatogonia.
We then examined the expression of Rac genes in germline stem (GS) cells, cultured spermatogoniawith enriched SSC activity (Kanatsu-Shinohara et al., 2003). GS cells depend on glial cell line-derived
neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
for proliferation in vitro. They produce germ cell colonies following transplantation into seminiferous
tubules. The addition of self-renewal factors inhibited Rac1 expression. While the combination of
EGF and bFGF showed a comparable effect to GDNF, the addition of all cytokines reduced the Rac1levels to 50%.
Deletion of the Rac1 gene inhibits SSC homing after germ cell transplantation
To understand the role of Rac1 in SSC homing, we induced Rac1 gene deletion in SSCs using micecarrying a Rac1 gene flanked by loxP sites (Rac1 floxed mice) generated by homologous recombination(Glogauer et al., 2003). Exposure of cultured SSCs to adenovirus expressing Cre (AxCANCre) deletes
target genes, which can reinitiate spermatogenesis after germ cell transplantation (Takehashi et al.,2007). The Rac1 mutant mouse strain was crossed with the ROSA26 reporter mouse strain (R26R) to
visualize the pattern of proliferation and differentiation of mutant SSCs (Soriano, 1999). Heterozygous
R26R mice were used as controls.
Single-cell suspensions of testis cells from 8-12-day-old pups were exposed to adenovirus
AxCANCre overnight in vitro. Southern blotting analyses showed that 60.0 ± 3.2% (n = 3) of thefloxed allele was deleted from the Rac1 gene locus at the time of transplantation. To quantify the SSC
number, ~1.2 × 105 testis cells were microinjected into the seminiferous tubules of WBB6F1-W/Wv(W) mice, which lack endogenous spermatogenesis and serve as recipients for donor SSCs (Brinster
and Zimmermann, 1994). The recipient testes were stained for β-galactosidase activity with X-gal 3
months after transplantation.
The recipient testes showed significant reduction of blue germ cell colonies, while transplantationof control cells resulted in extensive colonization (Figure 1). The number of colonies generated fromthe control and mutant cells were 29.4 ± 1.7 (n = 10) and 3.6 ± 0.6 (n = 12) per 105 transplanted cells,
respectively. Moreover, the blue staining in the recipient testes that received mutant cells showed- 49 -

weaker blue staining, suggesting poorer spermatogenesis
recovery. The result indicates that deletion of the Rac1
gene inhibited SSC colonization.
Analysis of Rac1 function using GS cells
GS cells expressing a dominant-active (RacV12; DA-

Figure 1. Reduced colonizing ability of Rac1

Rac) or a dominant-negative Rac1 (RacN17; DN-Rac) mutant cells. Testes from Rac1 conditional
mutant mice were dissociated and exposedconstruct were produced by stably transfecting GS to AxCANCre in vitro for overnight. Crecells established from a transgenic mouse expressing mediated deletion removed the target genes,

and the cells were transplanted into recipientenhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Flow pup or adult testes to evaluate SSC activity.
Macroscopic appearances of the recipient testes

cytometric analyses indicated that both DA- and DN-Rac are shown. Blue tubules indicate donor cellcolonization. Note the reduced colonization

cells show normal levels of β1- and α6-integrins, which levels in adult recipients that received Rac1
mutant cells. Bar = 1 mm.
are considered to be involved in SSC homing. Reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses also confirmed the normal spermatogonia
phenotype of both DA- and DN-Rac cells.
On the other hand, DN-Rac cells showed increased adhesion to laminin. While 58.4 ± 4.9% of the
DN-Rac cells could attach to laminin-coated plates, 43.6 ± 4.1 and 47.6 ± 3.8% of control and DARac cells adhered after 30 min incubation (n=12). In addition to the increased adhesion, DN-Rac cells
proliferated more actively than control and DA-Rac cells. While both control and DA-Rac GS cells
expanded 6.4 ± 0.3 and 6.6 ± 0.9-fold, respectively, during 6 days, DN-Rac cells expanded 11.9 ± 0.9
fold during the same period (n=6).
To examine the effect of Rac activity on SSC self-renewal in vivo, we used a serial transplantation
technique. Approximately 4 × 103 cells expressing the EGFP gene were microinjected into theseminiferous tubules of W mice (primary recipients). Two months after transplantation, the numberof colonies in the testes was determined under UV illumination. DN-Rac cells produced significantly
fewer colonies, but we found no significant difference between DA-Rac and WT cells. DA-Rac,
DN-Rac and WT cells produced 231.3 ± 25.0, 129.2 ± 16.8, and 275.0 ± 35.4 colonies per 105transplanted cells, respectively (n = 12 for DA- and DN-Rac cells; n = 9 for control cells). Colonies ineach recipient testis were dissociated into single cells and suspended in 15-16 μl of injection medium,and approximately 4 μl of the single cell suspension was microinjected into two secondary W recipient
testes.
DN-Rac cells produced significantly fewer secondary colonies than control and DA-Rac cells.
Assuming that each colony is produced by one SSC and that seeding efficiency is 10% (Nagano et al,1999), the multiplication of colony numbers (total regenerated colony number × 10 / primary colony
number used for serial transplantation) were 26.4 ± 0.3 (n = 9) and 23.3 ± 0.3 (n = 12) for control and
DA-Rac cells, respectively. However, DN-Rac cells produced significantly fewer secondary colonies,
and the average number of colonies per primary colony was 14.2 ± 0.3 (n = 12). The difference between
DN-Rac and control or DA-Rac cells was significant. The doubling times of the SSCs during the
2-month period were 12.7, 13.2, and 15.7 days for control, DA-Rac and DN-Rac SSCs, respectively.
These results suggested that the inhibition of Rac induced more differentiating divisions of SSCs.

- 50 -

Transplantation into immature testes rescues defective colonization of Rac1 KO SSCs
SSC homing is thought to occur in several steps: attachment to Sertoli cells, passage through the tightjunctions between Sertoli cells, and migration to the germline niche on the basement membrane (Nagano
et al., 1999). To determine whether decreased SSC homing was caused by defective migration of SSCs
through the tight junctions between Sertoli cells, we next used immature 5-10-day-old recipient testes
that lack tight junctions. Approximately 1.2 × 105 Rac1 KO or control cells after overnight incubation
with AxCANCre in vitro. Analyses at 3 months after transplantation revealed significant colonizationof SSCs lacking the Rac1 gene. In total, 440/783 (61.4%) tubules showed spermatogenesis with
control cells, and 488/1083 (47.1%) tubules showed spermatogenesis with mutant cells (n=11). Bothhistological analyses and RT-PCR analyses confirmed normal differentiation of Rac1 mutant cells.
These results showed that Rac1 deficiency did not influence SSC homing in the pup testes.
Decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins in Rac mutant cells
We hypothesized that homing defects were caused by abnormal expression of tight junctionassociated adhesion molecules in SSCs. Thus, we next examined the expression of occludin andclaudins, components of tight junction, in GS cells and W testis. Surprisingly, RT-PCR analyses
showed that GS cells expressed all of these molecules except claudin 5. Using real-time PCR, wethen quantitatively assessed expression levels of genes commonly expressed in GS cells and W testis.
Although we did not find significant changes in occludin, claudins 1, 2, 10b, 11, 12, 19, 20, or 22
expression, claudins 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10a, 15, and 23 were down-regulated in DN-Rac cells. Western
blotting analyses confirmed the reduced expression of claudins 3, 7, and 8. Claudin 10 expression,
however, did not change significantly. These results indicate that Rac1 regulates expression of tightjunction-associated molecules potentially involved in the SSC transmigration through the BTB.

Discussion & Conclusion
In the spermatogenic system, Rac1 is predominantly expressed in spermatogonia, and this is thesecond molecule demonstrated to be involved in SSC homing. Unlike β1-integrin, which mediates
attachment of SSCs to the basement membrane, our results suggest that Rac1 operates in a different
step of SSC homing by regulating the transmigration of SSCs through the BTB. To successfully
cross the BTB, SSCs have to bypass or block the tight junctions between Sertoli cells, which iscomprised of claudins or occludin. Not surprisingly, this process is inefficient, because <10% of thetransplanted SSCs can reinitiate spermatogenesis after transplantation into the adult testes (Oatleyand Brinster, 2008). On the other hand, the transplantation efficiency increased by about 10-20-foldwhen SSCs were transplanted into pup testes without a BTB, indicating that this is the most important
step of SSC homing (Shinohara et al., 2001). In this study, the involvement of Rac1 in transmigration
was examined using pup and adult recipients for transplantation. While β1-integrin-deficient SSCs
disappeared within 3 weeks after transplantation in either pup or adult testes (Kanatsu-Shinohara etal., 2008), Rac1-deficient SSCs could colonize pup, but not adult, seminiferous tubules, indicating thatcondition of the host testes is key in Rac-mediated SSC homing.

- 51 -

As Rac is involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal rearrangements (Burridge and Wennerberg, 2004),
an explanation for the homing failure may be that Rac-deficiency prevents formation of membrane
ruffles or lamellipodia, where activated Rac is concentrated. The lack of this spatial regulation of Rac1
may have compromised directed movement towards the niche or did not allow necessary morphologicalchanges required for transmigration. Alternatively, or additionally, Rac deficiency compromised thetransmigration of SSCs by deregulating tight junction protein expression. Our results showed that
expression levels of claudins was significantly reduced in DN-Rac cells, suggesting that decreased
levels of these proteins contributed to low homing efficiency
in the adult testis (Figure 2).
We initially expected that Rac would reinforce integrinmediated signaling, but Rac1-deficient SSCs and DN-Rac
cells were able to bind to the basement membrane and laminincoated plates. In addition to SSC homing, our study alsosuggested that Rac is involved in the regulation of stem cell
division and differentiation. Inhibition of Rac by a dominantnegative construct significantly increased the number of GS
cell divisions. Likewise, serial transplantation of DN-Rac
cells also showed that SSCs in the germ cell colonies exhibit
decreased self-renewal in vivo. The results of these experimentssuggest that inhibition of Rac1 activity has a negative effect on Figure 2. Model for SSC homing. Rac in

SSCs is activated either by chemokines

SSC self-renewal and promotes spermatogenic differentiation. or adhesion to Sertoli cells. SSCs thentransmigrate through the BTB by

β1-itegrin and Rac1 operate at distinct steps of homing and modulating the expression of tight junctionassociated proteins before they settle on

also play important roles in HSC homing to the bone marrow the basement membrane via β1-integrin.
The down-regulation of tight junction-niche. Further comparison between the two self-renewing associated proteins by Rac inactivationinterfered with the SSC transmigration. In

systems will reveal the common molecular machinery of stem contrast, SSCs can directly settle on thebasement membrane of the seminiferous
cell homing and will provide insight into the mechanism and tubules in the pup testes without a BTB.
regulation of stem cell-niche interaction.

References
1) Brinster, R. L. and Zimmermann, J. W. (1994). Spermatogenesis following male germ-cell transplantation.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91, 11298-11302.
2) Burridge, K., and Wennerberg, K. (2004). Rho and Rac take center stage. Cell 116, 167-179.
3) Cancelas, J. A., Jansen, M., and Williams, D. A. (2006). The role of chemokine activation of Rac
GTPases in hematopoietic stem cell marrow homing, retention, and peripheral mobilization. Exp.
Hematol. 34, 976-985.
4) Chiarini-Garcia, H., Hornick, J. R., Griswold, M. D., and Russell., L. D. (2001). Distribution of type A
spermatogonia in the mouse is not random. Biol. Reprod. 65, 1179-1185.

- 52 -

5) Glogauer, M., Marchal, C. C., Zhu, F., Worku, A., Clausen, B. E., Foerster, I., Marks, P, Downey, G. P.,
and Kwiatkowski, D. J. (2003). Rac1 deletion in mouse neutrophils has selective effects on neutrophil
functions. J. Immunol. 170, 5652-5657.
6) Kanatsu-Shinohara, M., Ogonuki, N., Inoue, K., Miki, H., Ogura, A., Toyokuni, S., and Shinohara, T.
(2003) Long-term proliferation in culture and germline transmission of mouse male germline stem cells.
Biol. Reprod. 69, 612-616.
7) Kanatsu-Shinohara, M., Takehashi, M., Takashima, S., Lee, J., Morimoto, H., Chuma, S., Raducanu,A., Nakatsuji, N., Fässler, R., and Shinohara, T. (2008). Homing of mouse spermatogonial stem cells togermline niche depends on β1-integrin. Cell Stem Cell 3, 533-542.
8) Nagano, M., Avarbock, M. R., and Brinster, R. L. (1999). Pattern and kinetics of mouse donor
spermatogonial stem cell colonization in recipient testes. Biol. Reprod. 60, 1429-1436.
9) Oatley, J.M., and Brinster, R.L. (2008). Regulation of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal inmammals. Annu. Rev. Cell Dev. Biol. 24, 263-286.
10) Shinohara, T., Orwig, K. E., Avarbock, M. R., and Brinster, R. L. (2001). Remodeling of the postnatal
mouse testis is accompanied by dramatic changes in stem cell number and niche accessibility. Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98, 6186-6191.
11) Soriano, P. (1999). Generalized lacZ expression with the ROSA26 cre reporter strain. Nat. Genet. 21,
70-71.
12)Takehashi, M., Kanatsu-Shinohara, M., Inoue, K., Ogonuki, N., Miki, H., Toyokuni, S., Ogura, A., andShinohara, T. (2007). Adenovirus-mediated gene delivery into mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 104, 2596-2601.

- 53 -

Depvelopment of New Asymmetric Carbene Ligands
toward Contributions to Medicinal Chemistry
Kazuhiro Yoshida
Chiba University
kyoshida@faculty.chiba-u.jp

Abstract
The preparation of new chiral bicyclic imidazoles and their transformation into bisimidazolium
salts are reported. The utility of the salts as precursors for chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes wasdemonstrated by the synthesis of a C-N-C pincer Ni-complex, the structure of which wascharacterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Keywords: Carbene, Asymmetric Catalyst, Bidentate Ligand

Introduction
Chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have recently received growing attention in the fields ofcoordination chemistry and asymmetric catalysis.[1] In this study, we developed new chiral bicyclic
imidazoles 1 and the transformation of 1 into chiral bisimidazolium salts 2 (Figure 1). As 2 are
prepared with the intent of applying them to metal-catalyzed asymmetric reactions, the synthesis of a
new chiral Ni-complex is also developed.
chiral module
X
N

N
X

N

R

1
X = O or CH2

N

N
R

N
2

X

R

Figure 1. Modular Synthesis of Chiral Bicyclic Imidazolium Salts 2.

Results
The results of the synthesis of bisimidazolium salts 2 are summarized in Table 1. When the reactionof 1a with 1,3-dibromopropane was performed at 70 °C in acetonitrile, the desired bisimidazolium
salt 2a was obtained in good yield, as expected (entry 1). Moreover, the reaction of 1a with α,α’dibromo-o-xylene gave corresponding imidazolium salt 2b (entry 2). Pyrrolidine-fused imidazolium
salts were likewise prepared. The reaction of 1b with dibromomethane, 1,2-dibromoethane, and1,3-dibromopropane gave methylene, ethylene, and propylene bridged bisimidazolium salts 2c2e, respectively (entries 3-5). The last example is the formation of bisimidazolium salt 2f that has apyridyl moiety in the cross-linker (entry 6). The reaction of 1b with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine
proceeded well to give desired product 2f in 97% yield.

- 54 -

R ''
R ''

X
R

R ' Y or Y

N

N

Y

X

∆, solvent

1

entry

reagents

product(R)-1aBr(2.2:1)

Br

O

N

O
Br

Br

(2.2:1)

N(R)-1b

CH2Br2

N

(1:5)

4

(S)-1b(S)-1b

BrBrN(2.1:1)PhO

C H3 C N ,70 ° C, 5 days

82

O

C H3 C N ,70 ° C , 40 h

99

C H3 C N ,70 ° C, 5 days

931 ) C H3 C N ,70 ° C, 2 days
80 ° C, 3 days
2) K P F 6>991 ) C H3 C N ,70 ° C, 2 days
80 ° C, 3 days
2) K P F 6>991) MeOH,
75 ° C , 48 h

97

Ph

N
Ph

N

2P F 62d

Phyield (% )b

N

N
5

N

2c

N

Ph

N

N

Br

Br
(2.1:1)

X

Ph

2B r

Ph

2

N

N

N
3

N

2B r
2b

Ph

2Y

N

N
(R)-1aN

conditions

2B r
2a

Ph

2

N
Ph

N
1

R ''
N

Ph

N
2P F 6
2e

N
Ph

N
6

N

(R)-1bNBr(2.4:1)

Br

N
Ph

N
2B r
2f

N
Ph

a All reactions we re carried out in CH CN or MeOH at 70-80 ° C. b Isola ted yields.
3

Table 1. Synthesis of Chiral Imidazolium Salts 2 from Imidazoles 1.a

The synthesized imidazolium salts can be utilized as precursors for chiral NHCs. For example,
we tried to synthesize C-N-C pincer Ni-complex[2] 3 from 2f (Scheme 1). The transformation was
performed by reacting NiCl2(DME) with a silver complex that was prepared from 2f and Ag2O,
followed by counter anion exchange with AgBF4.[3] As a result, chiral complex 3 was obtained in
45% yield. Similar to the general agreement for NHC complexes, 3 was found to be quite stable inair. Its purification was possible even by open silica gel column chromatography.

- 55 -

BF 4
2f

Ag2O (5 equiv), 1) NiCl2(DME) (1.05 equiv)
CH2Cl2, rt
4  MS
ClCH2CH2Cl, 2) AgBF4, rt
reflux

N
N
N
Ph

N
Ni
Cl

N
Ph

3 (45% yield)

Scheme 1. Synthesis of C-N-C Pincer Ni-Complex 3 from 2f.

A single crystal suitable for X-ray single-crystal structure determination was obtained by slow
diffusion of pentane into a solution of 3 in CH2Cl2. The structure of 3 displays an expected C2symmetric chiral environment with square-planar coordination geometry (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Crystal Structure of 3: Hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity(perspective view). Hydrogen atoms, CH 2Cl 2, and BF 4–
anion are omitted for clarity (top and front views).

Discussion & Conclusion
In conclusion, we have prepared new chiral bicyclic imidazoles 1 and applied them to the modular
synthesis of bisimidazolium salts 2. Obviously, this approach can provide a wide variety ofimidazolium salts beyond the range we have demonstrated here. Our ongoing study is focusing on
various asymmetric reactions using these salts, and the results will be reported in due course.

References
1) For recent reviews, see: (a) N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Synthesis; Nolan, S. P., Ed.; Wiley-VCH;
Weinheim, 2006. (b) N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Transition Metal Catalysis; Glorius, F., Ed.;
Springer; Berlin, 2007. (c) Enders, D.; Niemeier, O.; Henseler, A. Chem. Rev. 2007, 107, 5606-5655.
(d) Díez-González, S.; Marion, N.; Nolan, S. P. Chem. Rev. 2009, 109, 3612-3676.
2) (a) Pugh, D.; Danopoulos, A. A. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2007, 251, 610-641. (b) Poyatos, M.; Mata, J. A.;
Peris, E. Chem. Rev. 2009, 109, 3677-3707.
(3) Inamoto, K.; Kuroda, J.; Kwon, E.; Hiroya, K.; Doi, T. J. Organomet. Chem. 2009, 694, 389-396.

- 56 -

Role of tissue plasminogen activator for hematopoietic-celldriven neoangiogenesis
Beate Heissig

Institute of Medical Science University of Tokyo
heissig@ims.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Abstract
Ischemia of the heart, brain and limbs is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Treatment with tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) can dissolve blood clots and can ameliorate
the clinical outcome in ischemic diseases. But the underlying mechanism by which tPA improvesischemic tissue regeneration is not well understood. Bone marrow (BM)-derived myeloid cells
facilitate angiogenesis during tissue regeneration. Here we report that a serpin-resistant form oftPA by activating the extracellular proteases matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasmin mobilizes
CD45+CD11b+ pro-angiogenic, myeloid cells, a process dependent on vascular endothelial growth
factor-A (VEGF-A) and Kit ligand signaling.1 tPA improves the incorporation of CD11b+ cells into
ischemic tissues, and increases expression of neoangiogenesis-related genes including VEGF-A.
Remarkably, transplantation of BM-derived tPA-mobilized CD11b+ cells and VEGFR-1+ cells,
but not carrier-mobilized cells or CD11b– cells, accelerates neovascularization and ischemic tissue
regeneration. Inhibition of VEGF-signaling suppresses tPA-induced neovascularization in a model ofhindlimb ischemia. Thus, tPA mobilizes CD11b+ cells from the BM and increases systemic and local(cellular) VEGF-A, which can locally promote angiogenesis during ischemic recovery. tPA might beuseful to induce therapeutic revascularization in the growing field of regenerative medicine.
Keywords: 1-3 Cell Biology, 2-12 Hematology, 2-5 Cardiovascular/Metabolic/Endocrine

Introduction
The fibrinolytic system includes a broad spectrum of proteolytic enzymes with physiological andpathophysiological functions in tissue remodeling, tumor invasion, reproduction and angiogenesis. The
serine protease plasmin is responsible for the degradation of fibrin into soluble degradation products(fibrinolysis). Plasmin is generated through cleavage of the proenzyme plasminogen (Plg) by theurokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) or tPA. Plasmin and plasminogen activators are also implicatedin tissue proliferation and cellular adhesion, as they can proteolytically degrade the extracellular matrix(ECM) and regulate the activation of both growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (forreview2). PAs and plasmin generation in specific microenvironments in the bone marrow (BM) may
be one of the factors orchestrating hematopoiesis.3,4 Plg activation promotes the release of Kit ligandfrom BM stromal cells.4,5 A number of cell model studies have demonstrated that MMP activation,
notably activation of stromelysin-I, MMP-3 and MMP-9 can occur at the cell surface through the uPA/
uPAR/plasminogen cascade for plasmin generation.6 Endothelial cells are the major source of tPA in- 57 -

the blood circulation. tPA is released following injury or by brain endothelial cells upon monocyte
interaction.7 Recent studies emphasized a role for BM-derived CD45+ myeloid hematopoietic cells
at ongoing angiogenic sites.8 Myeloid cells may locally secrete angiogenic factors or MMP-9, which
may in turn increase vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) bioavailability.9

Results
We could show that tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) mobilizes CD11b+ cells into thecirculation, a process dependent on plasmin and MMP-9-mediated release of Kit ligand and VEGF-A(Figure 1). The absolute number of cells mobilized after tPA treatment was lower than after treatment
with the cell mobilizing cytokine granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (Figure 1). These
mobilized CD45+CD11b+ cells isolated from tPA-treated, but not BSA-PBS-treated mice showed
higher expression of the angiogenesis-associated genes VEGF-A, CD184, GM-CSF, CC chemokine
receptor 2 (CCR2; a monocyte chemotactic protein-1 receptor), and neuropilin-1, VEGF receptor-1
and c-Kit (data not shown). PBMCs isolated from tPA-treated animals at the indicated time points
released VEGF-A into culture supernatants (Figure 1B). Similarly, a drug impairing tPA-mediatedplasmin activation (Figure 1L) or genetic ablation of Plg (Figure 1C) blocked the tPA-induced
WBC (data not shown) and CD11b+ cell increase. tPA administration can promote myeloid cell
expansion via MMP-9-mediated release of KitL from stromal/niche cells.10 Indeed, antibodies
against c-Kit blocked tPA-mediated CD11b+ cell mobilization (Figure 1D) and tPA-mediated cell

- 58 -

mobilization did not occur in MMP-9 deficient mice (Figure 1E). These data indicate that c-Kit
signaling is required for tPA-mediated cell mobilization.
We then could demonstrate that tPA administration accelerated ischemic revascularization (data notshown). We exploited a hindlimb (HL) ischemic model to show that tPA was required for CD11b+
myeloid cell mobilization, neoangiogenesis and ischemic muscle tissue regeneration. tPA augmented- 59 -

the number of ischemic muscle-residing VEGF-A+ cells coexpressing VEGFR-1 (Figure 2A) in
HL ischemia-induced mice compared to controls. tPA improved blood flow recovery and increased
capillary density (data not shown) in tPA-/- mice (Figure 2B), but was ineffective in Plg-/- (Figure 23)
or MMP-9-/- mice (data not shown).
To determine the pro-angiogenic potential of tPA-mobilized cells we isolated PBMCs from GFP
donor mice receiving tPA or vehicle and transplanted them daily into HL-ischemic recipients. Micetransplanted with tPA-mobilized PBMCs showed faster blood flow recovery, smaller areas of fatty
degeneration (data not shown) compared to mice injected with BSA-PBS-stimulated PBMCs. Nearly
all donor-derived GFP+ cells coexpressed CD11b (Figure 3A,B,C) and were detectable in ischemic
muscle tissues of mice injected with tPA-mobilized PBMCs, but not in tissues of mice injected with
control cells.
To examine if CD11b+ cells, known to enhance both normal and malignant neoangiogenesis33 werethe effector cells for tPA-driven neoangiogenesis we transplanted equal numbers of tPA-mobilized
CD11b+ cells into HL recipient mice. tPA-mobilized, but not BSA-PBS-mobilized CD11b+ cells
accelerated ischemic reperfusion (Figure 3D) and increased capillary density in ischemic tissues of
HL-ischemic recipients (Figure 3E).
VEGF-A administration partially rescued impaired angiogenesis observed in Plg-/- HL-ischemic

mice, as reported,34 but did not in MMP-9-/-mice (Figure 4A-D).
But is VEGF-A signaling required for tPA-mediated tissue neoangiogenesis? Blockade of VEGF
signaling with antibodies against murine VEGF-A (data not shown), or VEGF receptors (data notshown) inhibited tPA-mediated ischemic tissue recovery and neoangiogenesis as well as myeloid cell

- 60 -

mobilization via VEGFR-1 (Figure 5A-C) in an HL ischemic model. Similarly, tPA did not improve
neoangiogenesis in myeloid cell-depleted mice (Figure 5D). Coinjection of anti-VEGFR-1 antibodies
into myeloid cell-depleted mice further reduced neoangiogenesis both in BSA-PBS and tPA-treatedmice. These data indicate that CD11b+ hematopoietic cells are the major “angiogenic effector cells”
for tPA-mediated cell-driven neovascularization. However, it is possible that some non-CD11b/
VEGFR-1+ cells (e.g. endothelial cells) might contribute to the tPA-induced angiogenic response.

Discussion & Conclusion
In the present study, we demonstrate that plasmin activation through administration of serpin-resistantmutant tPA alone was sufficient to mobilize BM-derived hematopoietic, angiopotent cells into thecirculation. Our findings support a mechanism whereby tPA-generated plasmin mobilizes myeloid
cells through the release of VEGF-A and KitL, processes that are dependent on MMP-9 activation, andpossibly on that of other MMPs. We recently demonstrated that tPA alone had no effect on myeloid
precursor cell expansion in vitro, but increased BM cell numbers in vivo/in the presence of stromal cells a
process partially dependent on c-Kit/KitL signaling.5 Here, we report that the tPA-mediated increase in
BM cells (myeloid cells) also requires VEGF-A signaling, as neutralizing antibodies against VEGF-A
prevented tPA-mediated BM cell (including CD11b+) cell expansion (data not shown). In addition, thec-Kit/KitL signaling pathway is also implicated in cell migration/mobilization.11 Here, we demonstratethat tPA administration increases circulating proangiogenic CD45+CD11b+ cells coexpressing both
VEGFR-1 and c-Kit, a process which could be blocked using antibodies against VEGF-A and c-Kit.
Interestingly, intraventricular leukocytosis has been observed in rats with intraventricular hemorrhage/- 61 -

hematoma that were treated with high doses of tPA.12 Streptokinase administration in patients withacute myocardial infarction caused a marked increase in circulating white blood cells.13
The angiogenic effect of tPA was seen as early as 5 to 7 days after surgery. These data suggest thatthe kinetics of angiogenic-cell mobilization by tPA may mirror that observed for hematopoietic cell
mobilization peaking on day 2. Here, we demonstrate that the angiogenic effect of tPA can be adoptivelytransferred by blood mononuclear cells. Of interest, tPA administration increased not only the absolute
number of these angiopotent cells, but more importantly tPA-stimulated cells showed qualitatively
improved angiogenic performance/potential when compared to PBS treated controls in an hindlimb
ischemic murine model. This is in contrast to the reported proangiogenic effects of other mobizing
agents such as G-CSF, which cause an increase in the basal numbers of circulating mononuclear cells
rather than inducing the mobilization of a unique angiogenic-cell population. Macrophage migration
during inflammation has been shown to depend on CD11b/Mac-1 recognition of a binary complex
consisting of fibrin within the provisional matrix and tPA.14 Cao et al elegantly demonstrated that
subsequent neutralization of tPA by its inhibitor PAI-1 enhanced binding of the integrin-proteaseinhibitor complex to the endocytic receptor lipoprotein receptor-related protein, triggering a switchfrom cell adhesion to cell detachment. Our combined data show that a serpin-resistant form of tPA
induces leukocyte mobilization and promotes neoangiogenesis. Our findings have implications forregenerative medicine: Administration of tPA alone or in combination with other growth factors might
be a novel strategy to increase the efficiency of hematopoietic, angiopotent cell harvests for cell-based
therapy of ischemic diseases. These data set forth the novel concept that plasmin activation, apart fromcontrolling coagulation, controls myeloid cell-driven neoangiogenesis during tissue regeneration.

References
This study is published as full article in Ohki et al. Blood 2010:1
1) Ohki M, Ohki Y, Ishihara M, et al. Tissue type plasminogen activator regulates myeloid-cell dependent
neoangiogenesis during tissue regeneration. Blood.
2) Zorio E, Gilabert-Estelles J, Espana F, Ramon LA, Cosin R, Estelles A. Fibrinolysis: the key to new
pathogenetic mechanisms. Curr Med Chem. 2008;15:923-929.
3) Hannocks MJ, Oliver L, Gabrilove JL, Wilson EL. Regulation of proteolytic activity in human bonemarrow stromal cells by basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-1, and transforming growth factor
beta. Blood. 1992;79:1178-1184.
4) Heissig B, Ohki M, Ishihara M, et al. Contribution of the fibrinolytic pathway to hematopoietic
regeneration. J Cell Physiol. 2009;221:521-525.
5) Heissig B, Lund LR, Akiyama H, et al. The Plasminogen Fibrinolytic Pathway Is Required for
Hematopoietic Regeneration. Cell Stem Cell. 2007;1:658–670.
6) Murphy G, Atkinson S, Ward R, Gavrilovic J, Reynolds JJ. The Role of Plasmhogen Activators in theRegulation of Connective Tissue Metalloproteinasesa. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
1992;667:1-12.

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7) Reijerkerk A, Kooij G, van der Pol SMA, et al. Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Is a Regulator of
Monocyte Diapedesis through the Brain Endothelial Barrier. The Journal of Immunology. 2008;181:35673574.
8) Rafii S, Lyden D, Benezra R, Hattori K, Heissig B. Vascular and haematopoietic stem cells: novel targets
for anti-angiogenesis therapy? Nat Rev Cancer. 2002;2:826-835.
9) Bergers G, Brekken R, McMahon G, et al. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 triggers the angiogenic switch
during carcinogenesis. Nat Cell Biol. 2000;2:737-744.
10) Heissig B, Lund LR, Akiyama H, et al. The plasminogen fibrinolytic pathway is required forhematopoietic regeneration. Cell Stem Cell. 2007;1:658-670.
11) Heissig B, Hattori K, Dias S, et al. Recruitment of stem and progenitor cells from the bone marrowniche requires MMP-9 mediated release of kit-ligand. Cell. 2002;109:625-637.
12) Wang YC, Lin CW, Shen CC, Lai SC, Kuo JS. Tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of
intraventricular hematoma: the dose-effect relationship. J Neurol Sci. 2002;202:35-41.
13) Adams SA, Froese SP, Green BK, et al. Treatment of acute myocardial infarction with streptokinase
does not appear to modulate circulating neutrophil function. Clin Cardiol. 1995;18:459-463.
14) Cao C, Lawrence DA, Li Y, et al. Endocytic receptor LRP together with tPA and PAI-1 coordinates
Mac-1-dependent macrophage migration. Embo J. 2006;25:1860-1870 Epub 2006 Apr 1866.

- 63 -

Identification and characterization of novel prion-likecytoplasmic genetic factors
Motomasa Tanaka

RIKEN Brain Science Institutemotomasa@brain.riken.jp

Abstract
Prions are epigenetic elements that are caused by protein conformational switches, functional proteins
to misfolded, self-propagating, β-sheet-rich infectious amyloid proteins. All of the yeast prion proteins
identified so far contain intrinsic domains with high glutamine and asparagines content (Q/N-richdomain) and it remains unclear whether the prion phenomenon in yeast is general to a diverse set ofproteins without a Q/N-rich domain. Here we found Sug5 is a novel yeast prion protein without a
Q/N-rich domain. Sug5 forms fibrillar aggregates in vitro and we could induce a prion state [SUG+]by introducing sug5 aggregates into yeast. The [SUG+] state is dominant and dependent on Hsp104
levels as observed for most yeast prion proteins identified. These results demonstrate that sug5 is a
novel yeast prion protein and suggest that the prion phenomena are general in the biological world.
Keywords: Prion, Amyloid, Aggregation

Introduction
Prions are epigenetic elements that are caused by protein conformational switches from functional
proteins to misfolded and β-sheet-rich infectious amyloid forms. In S. cerevisiae, several yeast prion
proteins have been reported. All of the yeast prion proteins identified so far contain intrinsic domains
including high glutamine and asparagines contents (Q/N-rich domain), which thought to be critical forthe aggregate formation and its propagation (1-3). On the other hands, a mammalian prion protein anda protein from filamentous fungi, P.anserine, a HET-s protein lack such a Q/N-rich sequence while
they also have an ability to form infectious amyloid forms of the proteins.
Nonetheless, no yeast prion proteins are identified that lack Q/N-rich domains and it remains unclear
whether the prion phenomenon in yeast is general to a diverse set of proteins without a Q/N-richdomain. In this study, we sought to identify a non-Q/N-rich yeast prion protein to address whether theprion phenomena can be general.

Results
Using a novel genetic screening method with a yeast prion [PSI+] system, we identified several
proteins as candidates for novel yeast prion proteins without a Q/N-rich domain. Among them, we
focused on sug5 in the following experiments.
First we investigated whether the sug5 protein highly purified from bacteria possesses features ofamyloid. We examined morphology of the aggregates by transmitted electron microscopy and the- 64 -

binding to amyloid specific dyes, thioflavin-T and Congo-Red. The sug5 aggregates formed fiber-likestructure (Figure 1) and bound well to the amyloid specific dyes.
These results show that sug5 forms amyloid fibrils in vitro as otheryeast prion proteins do.
Next, we investigated whether endogenous sug5p also forms
amyloid in vivo and a prion-based phenotype is induced by its
amyloid form. Sug5 is tRNA isopentenyl transferase and catalyzes
the transfer of an isopentenyl group to A37 in the anticodon loop(4). Even single mutant of SUG5 gene causes a slight sensitivity tothe pyrimidine analog 5-fluorouracil (5FU), and a double mutant Figure 1: Fibrillar structure of sug5of SUG5 and TRM1, which encodes tRNA methyltransferase andaggregatesis responsible for m22G26 modification, shows more severe sensitivity to the 5FU. Therefore, weconstructed a Δtrm1 yeast strain and introduced sug5 amyloids into the Δtrm1 yeast cells by a methodof “protein infection” (5).
Colonies of the infectants were assayed for their sensitivity to 5FU. A fraction of the colonies showed
5FU sensitivity as a Δsug5Δtrm1 double mutant does. However, these colonies were able to grow on
5FU plate after the treatment with 3mM guanidine hydrochloride. This treatment eliminates all known
yeast prions. We then refer to this prion state of sug5 as [SUG+], using standard prion nomenclature.
We next examined effects of Hsp104p, a member of AAA+ATPase chaperones, on the [SUG+]
prion state. Disruption and overexpression of HSP104 eliminates the [SUG+] state. Thus, these datasuggested that [SUG+] is propagated by an Hsp104p-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found thatthe [SUG+] state transmits in a dominant manner upon mating with a WT yeast strain.

Discussion & Conclusion
The protein infection experiment shows that sug5 amyloids are infectious and the conversion ofendogenous sug5p to an aggregated form makes the [SUG+] yeast sensitive to 5FU. These results
show that sug5 amyloids are cytoplasmic genetic factors. In addition, the prion state of [SUG+] yeast
was dependent on levels of Hsp104 as observed for most yeast prion proteins identified. Furthermore,
the diploid strain formed by mating between a [SUG+] yeast and a WT strain shows the [SUG+]phenotype, indicating that [SUG+] is dominant.
These results demonstrate that sug5 is a novel yeast prion protein which lacks an aggregation-prone
Q/N-rich domain and suggest that the prion phenomena are general in the biological world.

References
1) Du Z, Park KW, Yu H, Fan Q, Li L. SWI Newly identified prion linked to the chromatin-reSUGelingfactor Swi1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nat Genet. 40(4):460-465 (2008).
2) Patel BK, Gavin-Smyth J, Liebman SW. The yeast global transcriptional co-repressor protein Cyc8 canpropagate as a prion.Nat Cell Biol. 11(3):344-349 (2009).

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3) Alberti S, Halfmann R, King O, Kapila A, Lindquist S. A systematic survey identifies prions andilluminates sequence features of prionogenic proteins. Cell 3;137(1):146-158 (2009.
4) Benko AL, Vaduva G, Martin NC, Hopper AK. Competition between a sterol biosynthetic enzyme andtRNA SUGification in addition to changes in the protein synthesis machinery causes altered nonsense
suppression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 4;97(1):61-66 (2000).
5) Tanaka M, Collins SR, Toyama BH, Weissman JS. The physical basis of how prion conformations
determine strain phenotypes. Nature 3;442(7102):585-589 (2006).

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Epigenetic profiling in germ and somatic cells for establishment of
induced Germline Stem Cells
Kimiko Inoue

Bioresource Center, RIKEN
inoue@rtc.riken.jp

Abstract
The final goal of this study is establishment of induced germline stem cells (iGS cells) by introducing
epigenetic and transcriptional status of germ cells into somatic cells. As the first step, I developed
a transcriptional profiling system for small amount of RNA extracted from mouse oocytes andpreimplantation embryos.
Keywords: Germ cells, Microarray, Preimplantation embryos

Introduction
Because germ cells are very special cells that transmit genetic information into next generation,effective use of these cells is very valuable for medical, biological and agricultural purposes.
Recently, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) were established by introducing three to fourtranscriptional factors into somatic cells (1). iPS cells have pluripotency and can differentiate into
various types of somatic cells in the body. However, because germ cells have very specific epigenetic
status (Histone modification, DNA methylation and transcriptional profile), it is still impossible
to generate entire germline cells from iPS cells. In this study, I attempt to establish iGS cells byintroducing the germ cell-specific epigenetic and transcriptional status into somatic cells. As the firststep for this purpose, I developed a transcriptional profiling system with small amount of RNA using
mouse unfertilized oocytes and preimplantation embryos.

Results
Total RNAs from 10 mouse unfertilized oocytes, 2-cell stage in vitro fertilization (IVF) or somatic
cell nuclear transferred (SCNT) embryos were isolated with TRIzol (Invitrogen) treatment. The
amount of RNA included in single oocyte and 2-cell embryo are estimated 0.35 ng and 0.24 ng,
respectively (2). Amplified RNAs were labeled with Cy3 and hybridized into 44K Whole Mouse
Genome Oligo DNA Microarray (Agilent). By Principle Component Analysis, oocytes, IVF and
SCNT embryos were clearly separated into different group, indicating technical reliability in thissystem. The transcriptional pattern of IVF embryos was clearly different from that of unfertilized
oocytes, showing dramatic change in their transcriptional profile after maternal-zygotic transition. In
SCNT embryos, transcriptional patterns among each sample were apparently different and indicatedincomplete zygotic gene activation in SCNT embryos (Figure).
I am now investigating whether regulation of 117 candidate genes that are differently expressed
between IVF and SCNT embryos can improve incomplete reprogramming in SCNT embryos.

- 67 -

Discussion & Conclusion
In this study, I developed a novel system for transcriptional profiling with small amount of RNA
using preimplantation mouse embryos. The transcriptional profiling system described here showed
clearly different gene expression patterns among unfertilized oocytes, IVF and SCNT embryos,
indicating this system is technically reliable. Because the number of primordial germ cells in a mouse
fetus at 8.5-10.5 dpc is around 150-1000 (3), it is difficult to collect enough numbers of cells fortranscriptional or epigenetic genome analysis. Thus, the transcriptional profiling system I developed
here is applicable and reliable method for further investigation for establishment of iGS cells.

References
1) Takahashi K, Yamanaka S. Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast
cultures by defined factors. Cell 2006;126(4):663-76.
2) Piko L, Clegg KB. Quantitative changes in total RNA, total poly(A), and ribosomes in early mouseembryos. Dev Biol 1982;89(2):362-78.
3) Tam PP, Snow MH. Proliferation and migration of primordial germ cells during compensatory growth
in mouse embryos. J Embryol Exp Morphol 1981;64:133-47.

- 68 -

The role of semaphorin in organogesis during development:
Semaphorin 4A navigates intracellular trafficking of
retinoids for photoreceptor survival
Toshihiko Toyofuku

Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University
toyofuku@ragtime.biken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Sema4A is a transmembrane protein belonging to the semaphorin family, many members ofwhich have been identified as axon guidance cues during neuronal development. We here showthat Sema4A plays indispensable roles in retinoid cycle in retinal pigment cells for photoreceptor
survival. Sema4A-deficient mice exhibit massive apoptosis of photoreceptors in the neonatal stage
due to the failure of regenerating retinoids. In retinoid cycle, the intracellular transport of retinoidbinding proteins is accomplished by the association with Sema4A, the apical sorting of which
depends on the Rab11/FIP2-mediated apical endosomal trafficking machinery. Collectively, thesefindings not only demonstrate a crucial role of Sema4A in intracellular transport of retinal binding
proteins for photoreceptor survival but also present a novel functional aspect of semaphorins as anregulator for endosomal trafficking
Keywords: Semaphorin, Retinoid cycle, Photoreceptor,

Introduction
Blindness often results from the death of photoreceptors, which respond directly to light andmediate the first step in vision. The homeostasis of photoreceptors is functionally and mechanicallysupported by retinal pigment cells. Retinal pigment cells perform specialized and essential functions
for photoreceptors, that is, retinoid cycle and daily phagocytosis of the distal end of photoreceptor
outer segment. In particular, retinoid cycle by retinal pigment cells is shown to be essential forphotoreceptor survival, in which they take up and regenerate retinoids, and then transport them backto the outer segment of photoreceptors . However, it remains unclear how retinoids are trafficked tobe recycled in retinal pigment cells
Sema4A is a transmembrane-type semaphorin, of which family members have been identified asaxonal guidance cues during neuronal development. It has been reported that insertion of gene-trap
vector into intron 11 of mouse Sema4A gene results in loss of retinal photoreceptors through thesearch for molecules responsible for retinal degeneration. Subsequently, mutations in human Sema4A
gene have been found in patients with retinal degeneration. We have previously established Sema4Adeficient (Sema4A-/-) mice and demonstrated that Sema4A regulates T-cell mediated immunity
and angiogenesis. Sema4A-/- mice exhibited the similar changes in retinal photoreceptors to thosereported in mice with the gene-trap vector into the Sema4A gene; the normal retinal development- 69 -

at P0, but disruption of outer segment of photoreceptors at P14, followed by complete loss ofphotoreceptor until P28. These findings confirm the indispensable roles of Sema4A in photoreceptor
survival.

Results
To examined whether light exposure enhances the photoreceptor death in Sema4A-/- retina, in whichdark-adapted mice were exposed to white fluorescent light. Under the illumination, Sema4A-/- retina
exhibited the dramatic increase of apoptotic cells in the outer nuclear layer with the distorted rosettelike appearance and then recovered to the basal levels. Of note, even in the dark adapted state,
Sema4A-/- retina displayed more apoptotic cells than Sema4A+/+ retina. Collectively, these results
indicate the inappropriate hyper-activation of photoreceptors in Sema4A-/- retina, which can induce
massive apoptosis of photoreceptors by the illumination.
To determine how Sema4A is involved in retinoid cycle, we analyzed retinoid levels in mouse
retina by HPLC. Either Sema4A+/+ or Sema4A-/- retina showed low but comparable levels of 11-cisretinal. These results indicated that retinoid cycle, crucial for photoreceptor survival after eye
opening, is severely impaired in Sema4A-/- retina.
Based on the defects of 11-cis retinal in Sema4A-/- retina and the expression of Sema4A in retinal
pigment cells, we hypothesized that Sema4A is involved in the retinoid cycle in retinal pigment cells.
Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Sema4A was associated with either CRALBP or
CRBP1 through its extracellular region in the transfected cells. We next examined the intracellulartrafficking of Sema4A, CRALBP and CRBP1 by chasing chromophore-tagged proteins in the living
cells. When Sema4A-SNAP and CRALBP-CLIP or CRBP1-CLIP were co-expressed in Sema4A+/+
retinal pigment cells, either CRALBP-CLIP or CRBP1-CLIP, both of which was co-localized with
Sema4A-SNAP in the endoplasmic reticulum, exhibited the synchronous spreading to the cell
periphery with Sema4A-SNAP. These results indicated that Sema4A plays an important role inregulation of the intracellular trafficking of retinoid-binding proteins.
The retinoid cycle takes place in the narrow compartments between microvilli of retinal pigment
cells and outer segment of photoreceptors. We then addressed the intricate sorting machinery bywhich Sema4A is polarized to the apical cell periphery to deliver retinoid-binding proteins. Membersof the Rab GTPase family have been emerged as important regulators of endosomal trafficking
governing specific membrane traffic steps. In particular, Rab11 has been shown to play an essential
role in apical endosomal trafficking in polarized epithelial cells in combination with the Rab11binding protein, FIP2. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Sema4A bound to thecomplex of Rab11 and FIP2 through it’s cytoplasmic region. Filter-grown retinal pigment cells
from Sema4A+/+ retina showed the apical distribution of Sema4A, which was disrupted by the
microtubule-depolymerizing nocodazole but not by the microtubule stabilizing taxol, indicating thatthe apical distribution of Sema4A requires the microtubule-dependent mechanism. To investigate therole of Rab11 on the apical transport of Sema4A-containing vesicle, the filter-grown retinal pigment- 70 -

cells were transfected with Sema4A-GFP and either with Rab11, dominant negative Rab11(S25N) or
constitutively active Rab11(Q70L). Rab11(S25N) blocked the apical distribution of Sema4A-GFP.
These findings indicate that the intracellular apical sorting of Sema4A is regulated by the Rab11/
FIP2-mediated endosomal trafficking machinery.

Discussion & Conclusion
We here present evidence that the intracellular transport of retinoid-binding proteins, essential for
retinoid cycle, is mediated by Sema4A, the apical sorting of which depends on the Rab11/FIP2mediated endosomal trafficking. These findings propose the novel aspect of semaphorin function inthat Sema4A functions as an intracellular navigator for specific molecules. This concept is surprisingbecause semaphorins have been regarded as a guidance molecule in the extracellular space.
Regeneration of retinoids by retinal pigment cells is essential for the homeostasis of photoreceptors.
This is high-lightened by conditions abolishing retinoid supply in many retinal degenerative
diseases. Our findings showed the importance of Sema4A on retinoid recycling. Therefore, itwould be of value to determine the mechanisms of how mutations in human Sema4A identifiedin patients are involved in retinoid metabolism. Thus, our results will provide a novel functional
aspect of semaphorins as an endosome trafficking molecule but also a therapeutic target for retinaldegenerative diseases.

- 71 -

The prevention of postoperative intestinal adhesion
by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)
Tomohiro Yoshimoto

Laboratory of Allergic Diseases. Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences.
Hyogo College of Medicine
tomo@hyo-med.ac.jp

Abstract
Intestinal adhesions are bands of fibrous tissue, which connects the loops of intestine to each other,or to other abdominal organs or wall. Fibrous tissue formation is regulated by the balance between
plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA), which
reciprocally regulate fibrin deposition. Several components including cytokines, chemokines, celladhesion molecules, and neuropeptide substance P are reported to participate in adhesion formation.
We have developed a unique experimental mouse model of intestinal adhesion by cecal cauterization.
Mice developed severe intestinal adhesion following this treatment. Adhesion development depends
upon an IFN-γ system. Natural killer T cell (NKT)-/- mice poorly developed adhesion; while they
developed severe adhesion after reconstitution with NKT cells from wild-type mice, suggesting NKT
cell IFN-γ production is indispensable. Wild-type mice increased the ratio of PAI-1/tPA following cecal
cauterization, while Ifng–/–mice failed to do so, suggesting IFN-γ plays a critical role in differential
regulation of PAI-1 and tPA. Hepatocyte growth factor, a potent mitogenic factor for hepatocytes,
strongly inhibited intestinal adhesion by diminishing IFN-γ production, providing a novel way forprevention of postoperative adhesions.
Keywords: postoperative adhesions, IFN-γ, NKT, PAI-1, hepatocyte growth factor

Introduction
Abdominal adhesion formation occurs in 67 to 93% of abdominal surgeries 1,2. Adhesion also
develops following abdominal bacterial infections such as peritonitis 3. Recent study indicatesthat Th1 cells are critical for the development of adhesion in mouse model of intraabdominal
sepsis4. Nevertheless, only limited studies investigated the molecular process involved in intestinaladhesions. In addition, there are no appropriate treatment or preventive way for intestinal adhesions.
Here we have established a unique experimental mouse model for elucidation of molecularmechanism underlying organ adhesions5.

Results
1) We could induce intestinal adhesion by cecal cauterization with coagulation mode of bipolar
forceps. Wild-type mice formed thick adhesion with planter attachment (Score 4) or developed
very thick vascularized adhesion (Score 5) (Figure 1).

- 72 -

2) NKT knockout (NKT–/–) mice developed lower grade (Score 1~2) intestinal adhesion and fibroticchanges, however, when they were reconstituted with unfractionated CD4+T cells from wild-typemice but not from Ifng–/– mice, they gained the capacity to develop severe intestinal adhesion andsevere fibrotic changes, indicating that NKT cells contributed to intestinal adhesion formation by
production of IFN-γ in our adhesion model (Figure 2). Indeed, we found marked and rapid increasein the number of Ly49+CD4+ T (NKT) cells at 3 hours after operation in the intestine.

3) Wild type mice increased and decreased PAI-1-and tPA, respectively, in their ceca (mRNA levels)
at day 1, while Ifng–/– mice failed to do so, indicating that IFN-γ is a causative factor in postsurgicaladhesion formation (Figure 3).

- 73 -

4) We found that single injection of HGF (20 µg/body) subcutaneously one day before operation
significantly reduced intestinal adhesion (score 0 or 1). Furthermore, HGF treatment suppressed
mRNAs for IFN-γ and PAI-1 (Figure 4), suggesting HGF inhibits PAI-1 via inhibition of IFN-γ
production.

5) In addition to the mouse model of intestinal adhesion formation induced by cecal cauterization
with bipolar forceps, we found that partial hepatectomy bipolar forceps induced severe intestinaladhesion formation (Score 5).
6) The mechanisms of the intestinal adhesion formation induced by partial hepatectomy were similar
to those of intestinal adhesion formation induced by cecal cauterization. And single injectionof HGF (20 µg/body) subcutaneously one day before operation significantly reduced intestinaladhesion (score 0 or 1).

Discussion & Conclusion
We have developed a new experimental intestinal adhesion model. We can use bipolar forceps,
which we routinely use in human surgery, mimicking human intestinal adhesion. We can control
duration and intensity of cauterization by changing the mode, allowing us to treat the animals
with identical invasive maneuver in terms of quantity and quality. Procedure is simple and verystraightforward and obtained results are very reproducible.
Here, we demonstrated IFN-γ is important for induction of PAI-1, because both Ifng–/– mice did
not increase PAI-1-mRNA. Thus, IFN-γ is very important for induction of PAI-1 mRNA, intestinaladhesion formation.
Recombinant human HGF is already available for patients with fatal liver disease; these results- 74 -

presented here strongly indicate that HGF treatment can be a novel strategy for prevention of
postsurgical adhesion formation.

References
1) Ellis, H. The clinical significance of adhesions: focus on intestinal obstruction. Eur J Surg Suppl, 5-9(1997).
2) Ellis, H. et al. Adhesion-related hospital readmissions after abdominal and pelvic surgery: a retrospective
cohort study. Lancet 353, 1476-1480 (1999).
3) Ghellai, A. M. et al. Role of transforming growth factor beta-1 in peritonitis-induced adhesions. J
Gastrointest Surg 4, 316-323 (2000).
4) Chung, D. R. et al. CD4+ T cells regulate surgical and postinfectious adhesion formation. J Exp Med 195,
1471-1478 (2002).
5) Kosaka, H. et al. Interferon-γ is a therapeutic target molecule for prevention of postoperative adhesion
formation. Nature Med.14, 437-41 (2008).

- 75 -

Life and death Signalings in fly photoreceptors
Akiko Kono Satoh
Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University
aksatoh@bio.nagoya-u.ac.jp

Keywords: Photoreceptor, Arrestin, Translocation

Introduction
Arrestin is a multi-functional protein first identified as terminating GPCR signaling, but now
known to have several roles, including GPCR endocytosis and signaling via Src kinase, MAP kinaseand other signaling pathways. There is also growing awareness that endocytic transport can play a
direct role in signaling. Two kinds of visual arrestin in Drosophila photoreceptors have importantroles for cell death and survival signaling via endocytosis. Identification of cell death and survival
signaling pathway is not only great interest for cell biology, but also useful to the design of rational
therapies for retinal disease. We first investigated these signaling pathways, but during researches,
we got some interesting results to uncover the mechanism of Arrestin translocation, so we focusedon the analysis and paper writing of this phenomenon, and currently this paper is in revision for a top
journal, Neuron.
Upon illumination visual arrestin translocates from the photoreceptor cell body to rhodopsin andmembrane-rich photosensory compartments - vertebrate outer segments or invertebrate rhabdomeres- where it quenches ongoing photosignaling. However, despite intensive study many aspects remain
controversially debated, with two deeply conflicting models: translocation by motor and translocation
by diffusion, dominating discussion. Further, whether signal transduction plays a role in translocationis contentious, whilst the functional significance is poorly understood.

Results
Our study, which combines genetics, in vivo imaging of GFP-tagged arrestin, electrophysiology
and confocal immunohistochemistry, makes novel and definitive contributions in respect of all thesecontroversially debated topics.
1) Our real-time in-vivo measurements of GFP-tagged arrestin set a new benchmark for thequantitation of translocation, providing unprecedented temporal resolution and by far the mostaccurate data on the relationship between translocation and rhodopsin isomerizations.
2) Translocation is remarkably rapid with forward and reverse time constants of ~7 and ~2 seconds
respectively.
3) Our results support a diffusion model by showing that translocation is reversibly driven by
stoichiometric binding to activated rhodopsin- 76 -

4) We show that whilst not being absolutely required, phototransduction profoundly accelerates
arrestin translocation, implicating a novel regulatory role for PLC-mediated Ca2+ influx. 5) Weshow that the time course of translocation is directly reflected in electrophysiological responses,
and that following translocation, response termination is accelerated. To our knowledge theseresults represents the first direct functional correlates of arrestin translocation.
6) Finally our results essentially disprove the current model that NINAC, (myosin III), powers Arr2
transport (Lee et al., 2003; Lee and Montell, 2004; Strissel).

Discussion & Conclusion
Our results indicate that diffusion drives and phototransduction speeds Arr2 translocation in
Drosophila photoreceptors. These results make major and definitive contributions to this important
topic, which is one of the most intensively studied areas in photoreceptor biology.

References
1) Lee, S.J., and Montell, C. (2004). Light-dependent translocation of visual arrestin regulated by the
NINAC myosin III. Neuron 43, 95-103.
2) Lee, S.J., Xu, H., Kang, L.W., Amzel, L.M., and Montell, C. (2003). Light adaptation throughphosphoinositide-regulated translocation of Drosophila visual arrestin. Neuron 39, 121-132.
3) Strissel, K.J., Sokolov, M., Trieu, L.H., and Arshavsky, V.Y. (2006). Arrestin translocation is induced
at a critical threshold of visual signaling and is superstoichiometric to bleached rhodopsin. J. Neurosci.
26, 1146-1153.

- 77 -

Crosstalk between arginine methylation of BAD
and its phosphorylation by Akt
Hiroaki Daitoku
Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba
hiroakid@tara.tsukuba.ac.jp

Abstract
Arginine methylation of BAD counteracts its phosphorylation and inactivation by AKT.
Keywords: PRMT1, arginine methylation, AKT, phosphorylation, BAD, apoptosis

Introduction
The BCL-2 family members are critical regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. BAD, a
BH3-only subfamily of the BCL-2 proteins, initiates apoptosis by inhibiting anti-apoptotic BCL2 and BCL-XL. BAD is negatively regulated by AKT-induced phosphorylation and following
14-3-3-mediated cytoplasmic sequestration. We previously reported that protein arginine
methyltransferase PRMT1 methylates FOXO transcription factors at an RxR motif within an AKT
consensus sequence (RxRxxS/T) and this methylation blocks AKT-dependent phosphorylation of
FOXO (Ref).

Results
We focused on the notion that the potential methylation site for PRMT1, an RxR motif, overlaps theconsensus AKT phosphorylation sequence (RxRxxS/T), which is broadly found in almost all AKT
substrates. We, therefore, investigated whether PRMT1 also methylates and regulates another AKT
substrate BAD as well as FOXO proteins. We found that PRMT1 bound to and methylated BAD
protein at Arg94 and Arg96 within the AKT consensus sequence (Figure 1). Peptide phosphorylation
assay showed that arginine methylation of BAD at Arg94 and Arg96 directly blocked AKT-

mediated phosphorylation at Ser99 in vitro (Figure 2). Overexpression of PRMT1 decreased BAD
phosphorylation and disrupted its interaction with 14-3-3 proteins (Figure 3A and B). Furthermore,
knockdown of PRMT1 reduced the extent of BAD methylation, which in turn led to an increase in- 78 -

its phosphorylation and subsequent binding of 14-3-3 (Figure 4 A and B). Consequently, silencingof PRMT1 enhanced dissociation of BAD from mitochondria. Finally, we found that BAD-induced
apoptosis was abrogated upon depletion of PRMT1.

Discussion & Conclusion
Our finding suggest that PRMT1-mediated arginine methylation of BAD directs cell fate towards
apoptosis by counteracting AKT-mediated phosphorylation, and also proposed that the functionalcrosstalk between arginine methylation and phosphorylation could be expended to other AKT
substrates, which regulates cell-cycle progression, glucose metabolism, and stress resistance.

References
1) Yamagata, K. et al. Mol. Cell 32, 221-231 (2008)- 79 -

Enantioselective synthesis of α-aminophosphonic acidby the process chemistry-oriented method
Kaori Ando
Gifu University
ando@gifu-u.ac.jp

Abstract
A new one-pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonates from aldehydes, amines, and triethyl phosphiteusing magnesium organosulfate catalysts was studied.
Keywords: α-aminophosphate, reaction in water, asymmetric catalyst

Introduction
Since α-aminophosphonate are considered to be structural analogues of the corresponding α-aminoacids1 and transition-state mimics of peptide hydrolysis,2 the development of their efficient andpractical synthesis is highly desirable. Use of aqueous media is very attractive because water ischeap and safe. In this work, we studied the one-pot synthesis of of α-aminophosphonates fromaldehydes, amines, and triethyl phosphite using magnesium organosulfate catalysts in water.

Results
The catalysts were prepared from the reaction of sodium dodecane sufate with MgCl2, CaCl2, BaCl3,
AlCl3, and CeCl3. When the one-pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonates from aldehydes, amines, andP(OEt)3 using 0.1 equiv of these catalysts in water was performed, the magnesium dodecane sulfate 1
gave the highest yields. Although the same reaction catalyzed by Sc(O3SOC12H25)3 required 4 equivof P(OEt)3,3 the reaction using only 1.2 to 1.5 equiv of P(OEt)3 gave high yields for the reaction ofseveral types aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines. For the reaction of aliphatic aldehydes and/or
aliphatic amines, using 1.5 equiv of (PhO)2P(O)H, catalyst 1, and 0.1 equiv of Et3N gave good yieldsof α-aminophosphonates. After establishing the reaction condition, we started the preparation of chiralcatalysts for the asymmetric version of the above one-pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonates. First,
the catalyst A was prepared from (S)-1,1’-Bi-2-naphthol. Since the catalyst A has only low catalytic
activity and the reaction gave only low stereoselectivity, we decided to prepare a new catalyst having
a long alkyl chain. Thus, (S)-1,1’-Bi-2-naphthol was first protected with Me or MOM group. These
compounds 2 were treated with 3 equiv of n-BuLi in the presence of TMEDA in ether to generate thedilithiated compound. The alkylation with dodecyl iodide was slow and gave mainly mono alkylated
compound together with a low yield of 3. Since the reactivity of dodecyl iodide was low, wechanged our synthetic plan. The Me protected 2 was treated with 3 equiv of n-BuLi in the same way
to generate the dilithiated compound, which reacted with Bromine or iodine to afford the dibromide
or the diiodide. Unfortunately, the dibromide with 1-octyne in the presence of PdCl2(PPh3)2 did not- 80 -

PhCHO + PhNH2 + P(OEt)3(1.0 eq) (1.0 eq) ( 1.2 eq)(S)-BINOL

OSO 3
OSO 3
A

10 mol % Mg(O3 SC12H 25) 2 1
H 2 O, rt, 30 min

OP

OP

OP 2

OP

Ph

NH

OEt
P OEt
O

Ph

y. 90%

3
n

M

OP

OSO3

OP

OSO3
4

M

n=5 B
n=1 C
n

reacted. However, the iodide gave 4 in the above reaction condition in a moderate yield. We are
now triing to prepare the catalyst C.

Discussion & Conclusion
In summary, we established the reaction condition for the one-pot synthesis of α-aminophosphonatesfrom aldehydes, amines, and triethyl phosphite using magnesium organosulfate catalysts. We also
tried to do the asymmetric version of the above reaction using the catalyst A derived from (S)-1,1’Bi-2-naphthol. However, the yield was about 50% and the stereoselectivity was low. Therefore, westarted to prepare new chiral catalysts B and C. Right now, the compounds 3 and 4 were in hand
and we are planing to prepare the catalyst B and C. The asymmetric one-pot reaction of aldehydes,
amines, and triethyl phosphite using these catalysts will be tried soon.

References
1) Allen, M. C.; Fuhrer, W.; Tuck, B.; Wade, R.; Wood, J. M. J. Med. Chem. 1989, 32, 1652.
2) Hirshmann, R.; Smith, A. B. III; Taylor, C. M.; Benkovic, P. A.; Taylor, S. D.;
Sprengler, P. A.; Venkovic, S. J. Science 1994, 265, 234.
3) Manabe, K.; Kobyahsi, S. Chem. Commun. 2000, 669.

- 81 -

Yager, K. M.;

Impact of GILC1 downregulation on the generationand progression of lung cancer
Motoshi Suzuki
Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Molecular Carcinogenesis
msuzuki@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp

Abstract
We studied the relationship between genomic instability and causative genes. Three genes werefocused, GILC1, PSMD2, and POLA1.
Keywords: DNA damage, genomic instability, lung cancer

Introduction
Lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in many industrialized countries, due toits highly proliferative and metastatic potential, as well as frequent recurrence after chemotherapy.
In lung cancer, it is conceivable that smoking plays a major role in induction of DNA damage
that may be detected by checkpoint responses, though the intrinsic driving force behind this related
genomic erosion has yet to be identified. In the current studies, we have analyzed the relationshipbetween genomic instability and putative driving genes. We also focused on DNA replication and
DNA repair pathways because initiation of carcinogenesis requires DNA replication.

Results
Genomic instability is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of lung cancer. To elucidate theunderlying mechanisms, we screened for genes involved in DNA metabolism that had alteredexpressions using our previous profiling data set consisting of 149 cases of NSCLC, 9 cases of
SCLC, and 5 normal lung mixture specimens.
1) We found that GILC1 expression was distinctly reduced in an SCLC-specific manner. GILC1
overexpression reduced the intensity of gammaH2AX. GILC1 reduction also induced checkpoint
activation as well as chromosome aberrations.
2) PSMD2 has been screened from the same cohort. We found that patients with higher PSMD2
expression had poorer prognosis and a small fraction of lung cancer specimens carried increased
copies of PSMD2. Consistently, knockdown of PSMD2 decreased proteasome activity, andinduced growth inhibition and apoptosis in lung cancer cell lines.
3) Recent studies have revealed that the base selection step of DNA polymerases (pol) plays a rolein prevention of DNA replication errors. We investigated whether base selection is required forthe DNA replication fidelity of pol alpha and genomic stability in human cells. We introduced a
Leu864 to Phe substitution (L864F) into human pol alpha (POLA1) and performed an in vitro
forward mutation assay. Our results showed that the overall mutation rate was increased by 180-

- 82 -

fold as compared to that of the wild type. Using the HPRT gene as a reporter, the spontaneous
mutation rate of pola1L864F cells was determined to be 2.4-fold greater than that of wild-type
cells.

Discussion & Conclusion
1) Our data imply that GILC1 downregulation
may play a role in lung cancer pathology.

1) Regulation of genomic integrity by cell cycle andDNA transaction genes2) Our results suggest that PSMD2 may be agood molecular target candidate and that
other co-regulated proteasome pathway
genes and/or their common regulator(s)might also be potential targets.

2) High PSMD2 expression was correlated to poor
prognosis in lung cancer patients.

3) Our results indicate that the base selection
step in human pol alpha functions to prevent
DNA replication errors and maintain genomic
integrity in HCT116.

3) Base selectivity of DNA polymerase alpha is requiredfor genomic integrity.

References
1) submitted
2) Matsuyama Y, Suzuki M, Arima C, Huang QM, Tomida S, Takeuchi T, Sugiyama R, Itoh Y, Yatabe Y,
Goto H, Takahashi1 T. Proteasomal Noncatalytic Subunit PSMD2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in
Association With Various Clinicopathologic Features in Lung Adenocarcinomas. Mol Carcinogen, in
press3) Tanaka S, Cao K, Niimi A, Limsirichaikul S, Miao HQ, Nakamura N, Murate T, Hasegawa Y,
Takahashi T, Suzuki M. Functions of base selection step in human DNA polymerase alpha. DNA
Repair (Amst). in press- 83 -

Molecular basis for regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis:
Cancer preventive sulfur-containing compounds
Akiko Maruyama-Nakashita

Fukui Prefectural University Faculty of Bioscienceamaru@agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Glucosinolates are known as the beneficial compounds for human health with the anticarcinogenic,
antioxidative, and antimicrobial activities. Among the many glucosinolate moieties, methioninederived aliphatic glucosinolates are known as the cancer-preventing compounds. Many enzymes
involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis have been isolated, however, the regulatory mechanism of
glucosinolate metabolism is poorly understood. On the other hand, glucosinolate metabolism is greatly
influenced by sulfur nutrition. Plants activate sulfate acquisition and degradation of glucosinolates
under sulfur deficient (–S) condition. Under –S condition, SLIM1 transcription factor controls gene
expression and metabolic changes in sulfate acquisition but also the repressions of glucosinolates
synthestic genes. These observations suggested the existence of repression factors of glucosinolate
biosynthesis downstream of SLIM1. In this study, we took the reverse genetic approach focusing onfunctionally unidentified proteins controlled by SLIM1, in order to identify the repression factor of
aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis.
Keywords: Glucosinolate, Repressor, Sulfur, Arabidopsis

Introduction
Glucosinolates, one of the sulfur-containing secondary compounds mainly produced in Brassica
plants, are known as the anticarcinogenic, antioxidative, and antimicrobial compounds (1-3).
Glucosinolates are classified by their precursor amino acids and the types of modification of the side
chain. The precursor amino acids Phe, Tyr and Trp are synthesized into aromatic glucosinolates, andMet is synthesized into aliphatic glucosinolates. Among these, aliphatic glucosinolates are known as
the cancer-preventing compounds (3). Because of the useful activities of glucosinolates, the synthetic
pathway has been extensively studied and many enzymes involved in glucosinolates biosynthesis
were identified (1, 2). However, the regulatory mechanism of glucosinolates metabolism is poorly
understood.
On the other hand, glucosinolates metabolism is greatly influenced by sulfur nutrition (4-6). Plants
activate sulfate acquisition and degradation of glucosinolates under sulfur deficient (–S) condition. We
previously identified the SLIM1 transcription factor, which controlled gene expression and metabolicchanges in response to –S condition (7). The repression of glucosinolate synthetic genes under –S
condition was observed in wild type plants, however, which was diminished in slim1 mutant. This- 84 -

result suggested the existence of repression factors of glucosinolate biosynthesis downstream of
SLIM1, which is activated in response to –S condition.
In this study, we took the reverse genetic approach to reveal the function of unknown genes regulated
by –S and SLIM1. Gene expression and metabolites analysis of the knockout and overexpressed
plants will identify the novel repression factor of aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
thaliana.

From the data of microarray analysis comparing
wild type plants and slim1 mutant grownunder sulfur sufficient (+S) and deficient (–S)
condition (7), we selected candidate genes thatwere upregulated by –S condition and regulated
by SLIM1. Among them, there were 3 unknown
genes named X, Y, Z. Then we isolated their

Relative mRNA level

Results
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

BCAT

4

MAML

3
2
1

Col

x-1

x-2

0

Col x-1 x-2

12
10
8
6
4
2
0

C79F2
+S
-S

Col x-1x-2

Fig. 1 Expression of mGSL synthetic genes in X knockout plants

Plants were grown for 10 days under -S (15 µM sulfate) or +S (1500 µM sulfate)conditions. Real-time RT-PCR was carried out using SYBR Green Perfect RealTime kit (Takara) and GeneAmp 5700 Sequence Detection System (Applied
Biosystems). The mRNA contents were calculated using ubiquitin as an internal
standard. Expression of branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT),
Methyl(thio)alkylmalate synthase (MAML) and cytochrome P450 CYP79F2(C79F2) were analyzed using their gene-specific primers (7).

T-DNA knockout mutants.

Transcript levels of –S and SLIM1 regulated genes in these mutants were analyzed by realtime RT-PCR. The –S-upregulated genes, SULTR1;2, SULTR4;2, Thioglucosidase, were notsignificantly changed in all knockout mutants compared to wild type plants (Col). Surprisingly,
the –S-downregulated glucosinolates synthetic genes, branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase(BCAT), methyl(thio)alkylmalate synthases (MAM1 and MAML) and cytochrome P450 CYP79F2(CYP79F2), were upregulated by –S in 2 knockout lines of X, X-1 and X-2 (Fig. 1). To define whether- 85 -

liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (Fig. 2).
Both under +S and –S conditions, glucosinolate levels
were increased in knockout lines of X compared toCol, and the levels were more strongly increased
under –S condition than +S condition in the mutants.
These results strongly suggested that X functioned asa repression factor of glucosinolate biosynthesis.

Relative mRNA level

0.8

X

Fig. 3 Expression of X andmGSL synthetic genes in
X overexpressing plants

0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0

Relative mRNA levelX-2 grown under +S and –S conditions, by using

1.0

1.2

Relative mRNA level

we analyzed the glucosinolate levels in Col, X-1 and

1.2

1.2

Relative mRNA level

the depletion of X affects glucosinolate accumulation,

1.4

BCAT

1.0
0.8

Plants were grown for 10 days
under +S (1500 µM sulfate)condition. Real-time RT-PCR was
carried out as descrived in Fig. 1.

0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0

MAML

1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0

C79F2

1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0

Col

6

8

12

OX-X

To further confirm repression activity of X, we
generated X overexpressing plants. As expected fromthe results obtained by X knockout plants, transcriptlevels of glucosinolate synthetic genes were substantiallylowered by overexpression of X (Fig. 3). Glucosinolate
levels were lowered in these lines correlatively with theexpressions of glucosinolates synthetic genes (Fig. 4).
Overexpression of X influenced more strongly on
Met-derived glucosinolates levels rather than the
Trp-derived glucosinolates.

Discussion & Conclusion
In this study, we discovered the repression factor X
of aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis by the reverse
genetic approach searching for unknown genes
regulated by –S and SLIM1. As there is no obvious domain or motif in X, the function had been
completely unknown. The results obtained in this study indicate that SLIM1 induces the transcriptionof X under –S condition and X represses the glucosinolate biosynthesis through the downstream
signal transduction pathway. Recently, PMG1 and PMG2 were reported as the transcription factors
which positively regulate glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana (8). As the transcriptlevels of PMG1 and PMG2 were higher in slim1 mutant than wild type plants, X should function
in transcriptional repression of these transcription factors. The mechanism of how X represses thetranscription remains as the problem to be solved.

- 86 -

References
1) Grubb C. and Abel S. (2006) Glucosinolate metabolism and its control. Trends Plant Sci. 11, 89-100.
2) Halkier B.A. and Gershenzon J. (2006) Biology and biochemistry of glucosinolates. Annu. Rev. Plant
Biol. 57, 303-333.
3) Talalay P. and Fahey J.W. (2001) Phytochemicals from cruciferous plants protect against cancer bymodulating carcinogen metabolism. J. Nutr. 131, 3027S–3033S.
4) Hirai M.Y., Yano M.,, Goodenowe D.B., Kanaya S., Kimura T., Awazuhara M., Arita M., Fujiwara T. andSaito K. (2004) Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics for understanding of global responses
to nutritional stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 101, 10205-10210.
5) Maruyama-Nakashita A., Inoue E., Watanabe-Takahashi A., Yamaya T. and Takahashi H. (2003)
Transcriptome profiling of sulfur-responsive genes in Arabidopsis reveals global effect on sulfur
nutrition on multiple metabolic pathways. Plant Physiol. 132, 597-605.
6) Nikiforova V., Freitag J., Kempa S., Adamik M., Hesse H. and Hoefgen R. (2003) Transcriptome analysis
of sulfur depletion in Arabidopsis thaliana: interlacing of biosynthetic pathways provides response
specificity. Plant J. 33, 633-650.
7) Maruyama-Nakashita A., Nakamura Y., Tohge T., Saito K. and Takahashi H. (2006) Central transcriptional
regulator of plant sulfur response and metabolism. The Plant Cell 18, 3235-3251.
8) Hirai M.Y., Sugiyama K., Sawada Y., Tohge T., Obayashi T., Suzuki A., Araki R., Sakurai N., Suzuki
H., Aoki K., Goda H., Nishizawa O.I., Shibata D. and Saito K. (2007) Onics-based identification of
Arabidopsis Myb transcription factors regulating aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis. Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA. 104, 6478-6483.

- 87 -

Synthetic Study and Structural Study of Super-carbon-chain Compounds
Produced by the Marine Plankton
Hiroyoshi Takamura

Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University
takamura@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Abstract
We have synthesized the C14―C24, C23―C34, C33―C42, C79―C96, and C1’―C25’ fragments ofsymbiodinolide including the various stereoisomers. These stereoselective syntheses have established
the absolute configuration of each fragment of symbiodinolide.
Keywords: Natural Product, Organic Synthesis, Structural Determination

Introduction
Symbiodinolide (1), a novel super-carbon-chain compound, has been isolated from the marine
dinoflagellate Symbiodinium sp., which exhibits a Ca2+ channel-opening activity and COX-1 inhibitory
effect.1 The planar structure and partial stereochemistry of 1 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis.
In this report, we will describe our synthetic efforts on symbiodinolide aiming at the complete structural
determination of this molecule.

Results
With regard to the C14―C24 fragment, the diol 2 with the 18R chiral center and the 18S isomerwere synthesized, respectively. The spectroscopic data of the synthetic 2 were identical to those of thedegraded C14―C24 fragment obtained from 1, which has confirmed that the absolute configuration ofthis fragment is that shown in 2.2 All four possible stereoisomers on the diepoxide moiety of the C23―
C34 fragment were synthesized, which has concluded that the absolute configuration of this fragment
is that described in 3.3 The C33―C42 fragment syn diol 4 and the anti diol which was the diastereomerof 4 were synthesized, which has resulted in the structural determination of this fragment.4 The C79―
C96 fragment 5 was synthesized via the acid-catalyzed spiroacetalization as a key step.5 The synthesisof the C1’―C25’ fragment 6 was achieved via Kotsuki coupling and Julia-Kocienski olefination in
the introduction of the side chains, which has established the absolute configuration of this fragment.6

Discussion & Conclusion
In conclusion, the C14―C24, C23―C34, C33―C42, C79―C96, and C1’―C25’ fragmentsof symbiodinolide have been synthesized, respectively. Comparison of spectroscopic data of thesynthetic products with those of the degraded product of symbiodinolide has resulted in the structural
elucidation of each fragment.

- 88 -

References
1) Kita, M.; Ohishi, N.; Konishi, K.; Kondo, M.; Koyama, T.; Kitamura, M.; Yamada, K.; Uemura, D.
Tetrahedron 2007, 63, 6241.
2) Takamura, H.; Kadonaga, Y.; Kadota, I.; Uemura, D. Tetrahedron Lett. 2010, 51, 2603.
3) Murata, T.; Sano, M.; Takamura, H.; Kadota, I.; Uemura, D. J. Org. Chem. 2009, 74, 4797.
4) (a) Takamura, H.; Kadonaga, Y.; Yamano, Y.; Han, C.; Aoyama, Y.; Kadota, I.; Uemura, D. Tetrahedron
Lett. 2009, 50, 863. (b) Takamura, H.; Kadonaga, Y.; Yamano, Y.; Han, C.; Kadota, I.; Uemura, D.
Tetrahedron 2009, 65, 7449.
5) Takamura, H.; Ando, J.; Abe, T.; Murata, T.; Kadota, I.; Uemura, D. Tetrahedron Lett. 2008, 49, 4626.
6) Takamura, H,; Murata, T.; Asai, T.; Kadota, I.; Uemura, D. J. Org. Chem. 2009, 74, 6658.

- 89 -

Live-imaging studies on the biogenesisof thylakoid membranes in plastids
Wataru Sakamoto
Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University
saka@rib.okayama-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Chloroplasts in higher plants derive from color-less proplastids in shoot meristems and perform
photosynthesis, which is one of the most important biological functions on the earth to sustain ouratmospheric environment. To understand chloroplast biogenesis, particularly the early events leading
to thylakoid formation, we performed ultrastructural and live-imaging analysis of plastids in model
plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
Keywords: Chloroplast, Arabidopsis thaliana, thylakoid formation, Live-imaging

Introduction
The thylakoid network is central and essential to photosynthesis. Thus, structure-function aspectsof the photosynthetic machinery have been studied extensively over decades (1). Our understandingof processes involved in gene expression and chloroplast biogenesis has also been greatly progressedin recent years. In sharp contrast, our understanding of the processes involved in the initial stages ofthylakoid formation is very limited. Thylakoids are believed to derive from budding of inner envelope
vesicles, but nothing is known about this process at the molecular level. It is well established that cells
in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) contain proplastids, devoid almost totally of internal membrane
structures, whereas cells in advanced leaf primordia contain cells with fully developed thylakoids. In
this study, we attempted to characterize the initial steps leading to the formation of the fully developed
thylakoid network mainly using by live-imaging analysis.

Results
We carried out two independent experiments to examine how thylakoid membranes are formed
during chloroplast biogenesis.
1) Electron microscopic observation of aberrant plastids in variegated leaf sectors of Arabidopsis
var2 mutant
Our previous study demonstrated that cells in the variegated sectors of var2 leaves containabnormal plastids that perhaps result from arrested chloroplast development (2, 3). These plastids
contain remarkable globular vacuolated membrane structures (termed PVB, Figure 1). PVB was- 90 -

characterized in detail by transmission
electron microscopy to test if it representsintermediates of thylakoid formation (4).
To do so, we observed first true leaves atvarious developmental stages and the results
showed that PVBs are rarely detectable at theearly stage of variegation formation. Instead,abnormal plastids in white sectors containprolamellar body-like structures (PLBs) thatare frequently seen in etioplasts (Figure 2).
These results suggested that unlike our initial
1 (A) Electron micrograph of a plastid in 30-dayassumption, PVBs detected in plastids of white Figure
old var2 mature leaves. A PVB squared in (A) is enlarged
sectors derive from PLB and not from inner and shown in (B).

envelope (4).

Figure 2 Summarized plastid ultrastructures during leaf development in Col and var2 leaves.
Representative images of plastids in 6-day-old (meristem, base, middle, tip parts of FTL) and 8-dayold (tip part of FTL) plants are shown. In var2, two types of plastids representing abnormal plastids andchloroplasts that likely form green sectors afterwords (after 6 days, middle part) are indicated as separaterows.

2) Live-imaging analysis of chloroplasts using green fluorescent protein and Vipp1
We attempted to visualize chloroplasts and thylakoid formation via inner envelope, using green
fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter for our live-imaging analysis. Vipp1 has been reported
to be located in inner envelope and play a role in thylakoid formation (5, 6). Therefore, we
generated a transgenic Arabidopsis plant in which Vipp1-GFP fusion protein was over-expressed.
Our live-imaging analysis demonstrated that Vipp1-GFP forms a large complex as previously- 91 -

suggested (Figure 3). However, Vipp1-GFP appeared to be located outside of outer envelope. Moreinterestingly, we frequently observed the GFP signals moving along the side of chloroplasts, perhaps
representing Brownian motion. Although our data showed that Vipp1-GFP is not an appropriate
reporter to visualize inner envelope and the initial stage of thylakoid formation, we instead raised apossibility that the function of Vipp1 in chloroplasts is ill-defined.

Figure 3 Live-imaging analysis of Vipp1 visualized by Vipp1-GFP. Mesophylls of an Arabidopsis
transgenic plant that expresses Vipp1-GFP was observed under fluorescence microscopy with
B-excitation filter set. Red colors represent chloroplasts (due to chlorophyll autofluorescence) andgreen dots represent Vipp1-GFP sigenals.

Discussion & Conclusion
We originally hypothesized that PVB detected in var2 mature leaves derive directly from innerenvelope. Live-imaging analysis of PVB using the reporter such as Vipp1-GFP was supposed to allow
us to observe the formation of thylakoids. However, our electron microscopic observation showed that
PVBs derive from PLB, that is characteristic to etiolated tissues. Membrane structures like PLB areoften seen ina mutant defective in chloroplast development. Although our data demonstrate arrested
plastid development in var2 white sectors, initial event of thylakoid formation from inner envelope
was hardly detectable by using these materials. Nevertheless, we are in the process of generating var2
plants expressing Vipp1-GFP, and it will be a good material to further study thylakoid development.
Our results obtained from Vipp1-GFP unexpectedly showed that Vipp1 is located outside chloroplast.
Further study on the localization of Vipp1-GFP is in progress (trypsin and thermolysin digest of purified
chloroplasts) and suggests that Vipp1 forms a large complex at the outside of outer envelope and theinter-membrane space of inner and outer envelopes. It also suggests that a majority of Vipp1-GFP
are in the cytosol. Because we used CaMV 35S promoter to overexpress Vipp1-GFP, the possibility
remains that the observed GFP signals do not represent native GFP location. To address this possibility,
we generated transgenic plants expressing Vipp1-GFP under Vipp1 own promoter. We also introduced
Vipp1-GFP into vipp1 mutant, to examine if Vipp1-GFP overexpression rescues the vipp1 mutant
phenotype. These experiments are underway and will reveal the novel function of Vipp1 protein inchloroplast development.
Part of the results obtained from this project have been published as an original article (4) andpresented in the annual meeting of Japan Society of Plant Physiologists (March 21, 2010, Kumamoto).

- 92 -

References
1) Sakamoto, W., Miyagishima, S., and Jarvis, P. (2008) Chloroplast biogenesis: Plastid division,
inheritance, regulation, protein import and proteome. The Arabidopsis Book, http://www.aspb.org/
publications/arabidopsis/.
2) Takechi, K., Sodmergen, Murata, M., Motoyoshi, F., and Sakamoto, W. (2000) The YELLOWVARIEGATED (VAR2) locus encodes a homologue of FtsH, an ATP-dependent protease in Arabidopsis.
Plant and Cell Physiol., 41: 1334-1346.
3) 坂本 亘 (2002) ミトコンドリアと葉緑体の制御機構−斑入り突然変異と原因遺伝子の解析から−。蛋白質核酸酵素. 47 (8): 1115-1120 .
4) Sakamoto, W., Uno, Y., Zhang, Q., Miura, E., Kato, Y., and Sodmergen (2009) Arrested differentiationof proplastids into chloroplasts in variegated leaves characterized by plastid ultrastructure and nucleoid
morphologies. Plant Cell Physiol., 50: 2069-2083.
5) Kroll, D., Meierhoff, K., Bechtold, N., Kinoshita, M., Westphal, S., and Vothknecht, U. (2000) VIPP1,
a nuclear gene of Arabidopsis thaliana essential for thylakoid membrane formation. Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 98: 4238-4242.
6) Aseeva, E., Ossenbuhl, F., Eichancker, L.A., Wanner, G., Soll, J., and Vothknecht, U. (2004) Complex
formation of Vipp1 depends on its alpha-helical PspA-like domain. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 35535-35541.

- 93 -

Roles of GABAergic local circuits in the amygdala
for emotional memory
Hideki Miwa

Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
hmiwa@med.gunma-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Characterization of GABAergic neurons in the amygdala was performed, using VGAT-Venus
transgenic mice.
Keywords: Emotion/Amygdala/GABAergic neuron

Introduction
The amydala performs a primary role in emotional behavior and learning. GABAergic
neurotransmission in the amygdala is thought to be important for expression and memory of emotion,
and associated with psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder. In contrast to glutamatergic
neurons, GABAergic neurons are morphologically, connectionally, electrically and chemicallyheterogeneous. However, little is known how each subclass of GABAergic neurons serves its functions
for amygdala circuits.

Results
1. Immunohistochemical characterization of calcium-binding protein (parvalbumin, calretinin, andcalbindin-D28k)-containing GABAergic neurons in the amygdala was performed, using vesicular
GABA transporter (VGAT)-Venus transgenic mice, in which GABAergic neurons are labeled with
Venus fluorescent protein. As a result, 90 of 333 (27%) of parvalbumin-positive, 146 of 318 (45%)
of calbindin-positive, and 69 of 339 (20%) of calretinin-positive were Venus-positive in the lateral
nucleus of the amygdala.
2. To investigate the physiological functions of parvalbumin (PV)-positive GABAergic neurons
in the amygdala, we generated PV positive neuron-selective VGAT knockout mice in which
Cre recombinase was expressed under a parvalbumin promoter and a loxP-flanked VGAT was
eliminated. These PV positive neuron-selective VGAT-knockout mice were born and wereindistinguishable from control (VGAT flox/flox) mice. However, by postnatal day 10, the growthrate of the knockout mice had slowed significantly and showed motor deficits and were prone toapparent seizures, and all the mutants had died by the second week.

- 94 -

Fig. Immnunohistochemical characterization of GABAergic neurons in
the amygdala using VGAT-Venus transgenic mice. (A) Nissl-stainingof the amygdala. LA, lateral nucleus; BLA, basolateral nucleus; CeA,
central nucleus. (B) Immnunohistochemical characterization of calciumbinding protein (parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin-D28k)-containing
GABAergic neurons in the amygdala.

Discussion & Conclusion
1. Each subclass of calcium-binding protein containing GABAergic neurons in the amygdala might
have unique properties for regulating amygdaloid functions.
2. PV-positive GABAergic neurons are critical for development of the CNS. I could not reveal rolesof PV-positive GABAergic neurons in the amygdala because of the postnatal lethality of PV
positive neuron-selective VGAT knockout mice, different approaches will be required.

- 95 -Dissecting the mechanisms for inhibitory effects of ACE2
on aberrant activation of innate-immune system.
Keiji Kuba

Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
kuba@med.akita-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Newly emerging infectious respiratory diseases have threatened human beings in 21st century, suchas severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H5N1 influenza, and 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
In this project, to tackle acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the severe respiratory
infectious diseases, we investigated the role of ACE2 and renin-angiotensin system in activation of
innate immune system. Our in vivo mouse ARDS model and in vitro cell culture experiments revealed
the significance of hematopoietic cell renin-angiotensin system in aberrant innate-immune system in
ARDS and acute lung injury. The results will be expanded to further dissect underlying molecularmechanisms and develop as potential therapeutic applications.
Keywords: ACE2, angiotensin, innate immune system

Introduction
A newly emerging infectious respiratory disease has threatened human beings in 21st century. In 2003,
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) spread rapidly from China throughout Asia to Canada.
Most patients who died of SARS developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)—the most
severe form of acute lung injury (ALI). ARDS was also the cause of death in millions of people during
the Spanish Influenza pandemic. Recently, swine H1N1 influenza and H5N1 avian influenza virus
infections have spread through the world. Although latest swine flu pandemic was ceased, the reported
death rates of H5N1 avian influenza infections in humans are ~50%, still prompting the fear that H5N1
might cause a worldwide pandemic. Certainly, vaccine development based on immunology is importantto protect form those virus infections, but once infected with virus and developing respiratory diseases
the patients cannot be treated with vaccines. The patients essentially need treatments in intensive careunit to control ARDS. We have recently elucidated ACE2 protects from ALI and is an essential SARS
receptor. Based on our findings, we hypothesized ACE2 may negatively regulate innate-immune
responses, and in this project we investigated whether and how renin-angiotensin system influences
innate-immune system.

Results
We asked whether ACE2 gene deficiency affects the replication of influenza virus in vivo. When
ACE2 knockout mice are infected with H1N1 influenza, the replication rates of virus were almost- 96 -

the same as those in wild type mice. However, in ACE2 KO mice some of the cytokine productions
were significantly increased, implicating enhanced Angiotensin II signaling in ACE2 KO mice may
upregulate innate immune responses. Next we investigated the role of Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1)
receptor in inflammatory cells in vitro by analyzing macrophages isolated from AT1 receptor knockout
mice or wild type mice. Unexpectedly, AT1 receptor knockout macrophages showed reduced cytokine
production upon stimulation with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. In addition, when we treat humanmacrophage THP1 cell lines with AT1 receptor blocker, we observed similar reduction of cytokine
responses to TLR ligand stimulation. To further dissect mechanisms, we analyzed NF-kB signaling
activation and found marked reduction of IkB phosphorylation. Furthermore, AT1 receptor blocker was
identified to activate Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), and PPARγ antagonists,
GW9662 and T0070907, reversed the inhibitory effects of AT1 receptor blocker on TLR ligandsinduced cytokine productions.

Discussion & Conclusion
Although this needs to be further confirmed, the data suggest that enhancement of innate immune
signaling in ACE2 KO mice involves the activation of AT1 receptor in macrophages. Controlling reninangiotensin system in macrophages might be useful for treating ARDS in emerging lung infectious
diseases.

References
1) An J, Nakajima T, Kuba K, Kimura A. Losartan inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory signaling througha PPARgamma-dependent mechanism in human THP-1 macrophages. Hypertens Res. 2010 May 27.
2) Neely GG, Kuba K, et al. A global in vivo Drosophila RNAi screen identifies NOT3 as a conserved
regulator of heart function. Cell. 141(1):142-153, 2010.
3) Haubner BJ, Neely GG, Voelkl JG, Damilano F, Kuba K, Imai Y, Komnenovic V, Mayr A, Pachinger O,
Hirsch E, Penninger JM, Metzler B.: PI3Kgamma protects from myocardial ischemia and reperfusion
injury through a kinase-independent pathway. PLoS One. 5(2):e9350, 2010.
4) Imai Y, Kuba K, Ohto-Nakanishi T, Penninger JM.: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in disease
pathogenesis. Circ J. 74(3):405-10, 2010.
5) Isobe K, Kuba K, Maejima Y, Suzuki J, Kubota S, Isobe M.: Inhibition of endostatin/collagen XVIII
deteriorates left ventricular remodeling and heart failure in rat myocardial infarction model. Circ J.
74(1):109-19, 2010.
6) Singer D, Camargo SM, Huggel K, Romeo E, Danilczyk U, Kuba K, Chesnov S, Caron MG, Penninger
JM, Verrey F: Orphan Transporter SLC6A18 Is Renal Neutral Amino Acid Transporter B0AT3. J Biol
Chem. 2009 Jul 24;284(30):19953-60.
7) Kishi Y, Kuba K, Nakamura T, Wen J, Suzuki Y, Mizuno S, Nukiwa T, Matsumoto K, Nakamura T.:
Systemic NK4 gene therapy inhibits tumor growth and metastasis of melanoma and lung carcinoma insyngeneic mouse tumor models. Cancer Sci. 2009 Jul;100(7):1351-8.

- 97 -

8) Oudit GY, Imai Y, Kuba K, Scholey JW, Penninger JM: The role of ACE2 in pulmonary diseases-relevance for the nephrologist. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2009 May;24(5):1362-5.
9) Camargo SM, Singer D, Makrides V, Huggel K, Pos KM, Wagner CA, Kuba K, Danilczyk U, Skovby F,
Kleta R, Penninger JM, Verrey F: Tissue-specific amino acid transporter partners ACE2 and Collectrin
differentially interact with Hartnup mutations. Gastroenterology. 2009 Mar;136(3):872-82.

- 98 -

Analysis of molecular function and dynamics ofnuclear pore complex protein Rae1 and tumorigenesis
Richard W. Wong

Frontier Science Organization, Kanazawa University
rwong@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Nuclear pore complexes are massive multiprotein channels responsible for traffic between the
nucleus and cytoplasm, and are composed of approximately 30 proteins, termed nucleoporins (Nup).
Our recent studies indicated that one of the nucleoporin Rae1 (RNA export factor 1) plays criticalroles in maintaining the spindle bipolarity during cell division. In this study, we tried to generate
Rae1 transgenic mice and Rae1 stable expressed tumor cell lines to analyze how Rae1 contributes
tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro.
Keywords: Nuclear pore complex, Rae1, tumorigenesis, aneuploidy

Introduction
The nuclear envelope forms a physical selective barrier between the nucleus and cytoplasm, andcontrols protein, RNA and ribonucleoprotein transportations in eukaryotic cells. Nucleocytoplasmictransport is exclusively mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which are large proteinaceouschannels that span the nuclear envelope. Vertebrate NPCs are composed of about 30 proteins, termed
nucleoporins (Nups), which are present in multiple copies. Despite differences in the overall sizes
in different species, the basic architecture of NPCs is well conserved among species. NPCs/Nups
localization is very dynamics. In higher eukaryotes, NPCs are disassembled during cell division. We
found that nucleoporins (Rae1 and Tpr) play critical roles in maintaining the spindle bipolarity duringmitosis [1-3]. Recently, we found Nup88 plays a role in proper chromosome segregation [4,5]. On
the other hand, during interphase, pore proteins or nucleoporins (designated Nup followed by theirpredicted molecular weight) are modular in that a limited number of structural motifs (coiled-coils,
α-solenoids and β-propellers) are used repeatedly to build the symmetrical NPC channels on the nuclear
membrane. Approximately one-third of nucleoporins contain a domain of phenylalanine-glycine (FG)
motifs interspersed with spacer sequences. These repeat domains are natively unstructured and serve
as interaction sites for transport receptors (karyopherins) that escort cargos through the pore.
In the past few years, several components of NPCs have been revealed to play important roles duringmitosis. In particular, we demonstrated that a nucleoporin, RNA export factor 1 (Rae1), interactedwith NuMA and cohesin subunit SMC1 during mitosis, and played crucial roles in proper spindle
formation [1,2,7,8]. In this study, we tried to generate Rae1 transgenic mice and Rae1 stable expressedtumor cell lines to analyze how Rae1 contributes tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro.

- 99 -

Results
Generation of GFP-Rae1 transgenic mice
We addressed the physiological role of Rae1 thorough transgenic mice approach. We constructeda plasmid which contained GFP (green fluorescent protein)-tagged human Rae1 gene down-streamof CMV promoter. Mouse ES cells were transfected the plasmid and implanted into mother mice.
Genotype analysis was performed by genomic PCR with GFP specific primer to confirm generationof GFP-Rae1 transgenic mice. Western blotting of gels loaded with equal amounts of screened micemain tissues. GFP-Rae1 was detected in testis dominantly (Fig. 1).
Analysis of GFP-Rae1 transgenic mice
GFP-Rae1 transgenic mice’s tissues had been fixed in formalin, conventionally processed,and embedded in paraffin. The sections were stained withhematoxylin-eosin staining or immnostaining.
Establishment of DsRed-Rae1 stable expressed cell lines
To confirm the functional dynamics of Rae1 through cell cycle,
we established DsRed-tagged Rae1 stable expressed cell lines.
Human Rae1 gene was subcloned into a DsRed vector. The
plasmid was transfected into a breast cancer cell line MDAMB-231 and selected with G418 medium. To identify DsRedRae1 stable expressed cells, we performed confocal microscopy

Figure 1

analysis. An established cell line was stained with Red on the nuclear ring which localized on Rae1
(Fig. 2).

Figure 2

Discussion & Conclusion
Gain or loss of whole chromosomes is often observed in cell from cancer patients and is thought tobe caused by aberrant chromosome segregation during mitosis. Errors in chromosome segregation are
the main source of aneuploidy and a driving force in tumor development. We have demonstrated thatalterations in the expression of Rae1 by modulating its concentration using RNAi and overexpression
strategies enhanced multinucleated cells and multipolar spindle formation, leading to aneuploidy and- 100 -

enhanced genomic instability [1-3]. In this study, we tried to analyze how Rae1 contributes tumorigenesis
in vivo by generating Rae1 transgenic mice. We are analyzing Rae1 transgenic mice tissue sections. An
established Rae1 stable expressed tumor cell line is performing immunoprecipitation assay to detect
novel binding-partners of Rae1 in vitro. These detailed histochemical and biochemical characterizationof the Rae1 function that will considerably advance our understanding of tumorigenesis relating Rae1
dynamics in vivo.

References
1) Wong RW. (2010) Interaction between Rae1 and Cohesin subunit SMC1 is required for proper spindle
formation. Cell Cycle. 9: 198-200. (IF 4.1)
2. Wong RW. (2010) An update on cohesin function as a “molecular glue” on chromosomes and spindles.
Cell Cycle. (accepted). (IF 4.1)
3. Nakano H, Funasaka T, Hashizume C, Wong RW. (2010) Nucleoporin Tpr associates with dynein complex
preventing chromosome lagging formation during mitosis. J Biol Chem. 285(14): 10841-10849. (IF 5.5)
4. Hashizume C, Nakano H, Wong RW. (2010) Characterization of the role of the tumor marker Nup88 inmitosis. Mol. Cancer. (accepted). (IF 5.3)
5. Napetschnig J, Kassube SA, Debler EW, Wong RW, Blobel G, Hoelz A. (2009) Structural and functional
analysis of the interaction between the nucleoporin Nup214 and the DEAD-box helicase Ddx19. Proc
Natl Acad Sci U S A. 106(9):3089-94.
6. Wong RW, Blobel G (2008) Cohesin subunit SMC1 associates with mitotic microtubules at the spindle
pole. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 105(40):15441-15445.
7. Wong, RW, Blobel G, Coutavas E (2006) Rae1 interaction with NuMA is required for bipolar spindle
formation Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 103(52): 19783-19787.

- 101 -

Analysis of HNF transcription network in pancreatic β-cells
Kazuya Yamagata

Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
k-yamaga@kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Mutations in the genes encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1α, and HNF-4α cause maturity
onset diabetes of the young (MODY) that is characterized by impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin
secretion by pancreatic β-cells. To gain insights into the molecular mechanism of HNF diabetes, we
compared gene expression patterns in pancreatic islets between control and β-cell specific HNF-4α
KO mice. We found about 300 down-regulated genes in KO islets. By scanning the mouse genome for
HNF4 binding motif, we found possible three HNF-4α direct target genes in pancreatic β-cells.
Collectrin is a novel target gene of HNF-1α in pancreatic β-cells and controls insulin exocytosis.
We found that glucose, in a dose-dependent manner, increased collectrin expression in MIN6 cells.
Collectrin might be involved in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, transcription factor, insulin

Introduction
Mutations in the genes encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1α, and HNF-4α cause maturity
onset diabetes of the young (MODY) that is characterized by impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin
secretion by pancreatic β-cells. In addition, recent genetic studies have shown that single nucleotide
polymorphisms in the promoter region of the HNF-4α gene are associated with type 2 diabetes. These
results indicate that HNFs are involved in the molecular pathogenesis of MODY as well as common
type 2 diabetes. To gain insights into the molecular mechanism of HNF diabetes, we compared gene
expression patterns in pancreatic islets between control and β-cell specific HNF-4α KO mice.
Collectrin is a novel target gene of HNF-1α in pancreatic β-cells and controls insulin exocytosis.
Although glucose is known to stimulate the expression of genes of the insulin secretory pathway, there
is no information whether glucose regulates collectrin expression. We investigated in the study theexpression of collectrin in a mouse β-cell line (MIN6).

Results
HNF-4α target gene analysis
We isolated pancreatic islets from wild type and β-cell specific HNF-4α KO (βHNF-4αKO) mice for
RNA isolation. DNA microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes in βHNF-4αKO
islets. We found that about 300 genes were down-regulated in KO islets. Furthermore, we scanned- 102 -

the mouse genome for HNF4 binding motif in the down-regulated genes. This analysis revealed threepossible direct HNF-4α target genes in pancreatic β-cells.
Collectrin expression analysis
Recently, we identified that collectrin is a novel target
gene of HNF-1α in pancreatic β-cells and controls
insulin exocytosis. We hypothesized that the expressionof collectrin is regulated by glucose. MIN6 cells
were incubated for 24 hours under different glucose
concentrations, and then examined for collectrin
protein expression levels. As shown in Fig. 1, glucose
significantly increased collectrin expression. Incubation

Figure 1. Effects of glucose on collectrin proteinof collectrin with pyruvate also increased collectrin expression. MIN6 cells were cultured in thepresence of 2.8, 5.5, 11, or 25 mM glucose for 24
expression (Fig. 2).

hours. Collectrin protein levels were normalized
to GAPDH levels. The results are from three
independent samples. Data are mean±SD.
***p<0.005.

Figure 2. Effects of pyruvate on the expression ofcollectrin protein. MIN6 cells were cultured at 5.5
or 25 mM glucose concentrations for 24 hours in
the presence or absence of 20 mM pyruvate.

Discussion & Conclusion
Although previous studies have identified HNF-4α target genes in liver, the information about target
genes in β-cells was lacking. In the present study, we found possible HNF-4α target genes in pancreatic
β-cells. Further studies about these three genes might lead to a better understanding of MODY1 aswell as type 2 diabetes.
We also found that both glucose and pyruvate increase collectrin expression in MIN6 cells. Further
studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanism of collectin expression. Since collectrin controls
insulin exocytosis, better understanding of collectrin expression might be therapeutically beneficial indiabetic patients with impaired insulin secretion.

References
1) Saisho K, Fukuhara A, Yasuda T, Sato Y, Fukui K, Iwahashi H, Imagawa A, Hatta M, Shimomura
I, Yamagata K: Glucose enhances collectrin protein expression in insulin-producing MIN6 β cells.
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 389: 133-137, 2009

- 103 -

Study on mechanosensitive calcium channels
as mechano-sensors in plants
Hidetoshi Iida

Tokyo Gakugei University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology
iida@u-gakugei.ac.jp

Abstract
The three dimensional structure of a putative mechanosensitive channel, MCA2, of Arabidopsis
thaliana was determined by single particle analysis of its images from cryo-electron microscopy.
In addition, possible physiological roles of MCA1 and MCA2 were investigated especially forsensitivity to mechanical stress and excessive ions in growth medium. We found that MCA1, but not
MCA2, is involved in mechanosensing and/or mechanotransduction. Plants lacking both proteins are
hypersensitive to excess Mg2+.
Keywords: Mechanosensitive Ca2+ channel, MS channel, Ca2+, ion stress, Mg2+ sensitivity

Introduction
Mechanosensitive (MS) Ca2+ channels transduce physical stresses, such as touch, gravity, andosmotic shock, at the cell membrane into an electrochemical or Ca2+ signal, and are thus thoughtto act as mechno-sensors. To date, bacterial and animal MS channels have been studied intensively
and characterized considerably at the molecular level. By contrast, the molecular nature of plant
MS channels is poorly understood, although their physiological roles have long been implicated inthigmotropism and gravitropism. Recently, we found genes for potential MS channels in the model
plant Arabidopsis thaliana, named MCA1 and its paralogue MCA2 (Nakagawa et al., PNAS 104:36393644, 2007). MCA1 shows 73% full-length identity to MCA2 in amino acid sequence. MCA1 cDNA
was first isolated from an Arabidopsis cDNA library by functional complementation of a yeast mid1
mutant defective in a putative MS channel component. MCA1 and MCA2 can enhance Ca2+ influx
in yeast cells. Mechanical stress appears to activate MCA1: First, hypotonic shock increases [Ca2+]cyt
higher in MCA1-overexpressing (MCA1ox) seedlings than in control seedlings. Second, MCA1oxroots accumulate Ca2+ about 1.7-fold greater than wild-type roots. Third, MCA1 expressed in CHO
cells increases [Ca2+]cyt in response to membrane stretch. Finally, primary roots of mca1-null seedlings
fail to penetrate the harder, lower agar medium of two-phase agar medium from the softer, upper agar
medium, suggesting that MCA1 is responsible for touch sensing. These findings imply that MCA1 andMCA2 act as mechanosensitive Ca2+ channels.
A goal of our research is to determine the three-dimensional structure and physiological roles of
MCA1 and MCA2.

- 104 -

Results
1. Structural analysis
We first expressed individually MCA1 and MCA2 in yeast cells to try obtaining a sufficient amount of
the proteins for structural analyses and found that they both appeared to form a homo-dimer and homotetramer in crude extracts of the yeast. However, we noticed that the amounts of MCA1 and MCA2
were still insufficient for the determination of the three-dimensional structure. Then, we expressedboth proteins in insect Sf9 cells using a baculovirus expression system and successfully purified
MCA2 by affinity column chromatography in collaboration with Prof. Kuniaki Nagayama and Dr.
Hideki Shigematsu at the Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience. By cryo-electron microscopy
followed by single particle analysis, the three-dimensional structure of MCA2 was reconstructed andpredicted to have two components, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic region. This structuralfeature seems to resemble that of the bacterial mechaosensitve channel MscS. A manuscript describing
these findings is in preparation.
2. Physiological role
Since high concentrations of ions in the soil are stressful for plants, we investigated the effect ofseveral ions added to the medium on the growth of the mca1 and mca2 single mutants and the mca1
mca2 double mutant. We found that a high concentration of Mg2+ (30 mM) inhibited the growth of themca1 mca2 double mutant, while it did not affect the growth of the mca1 and mca2 single mutants.
Supplementation of 10 mM CaCl2 to the Mg2+-containing medium rescued the double mutation from
Mg2+-induced growth defect. Since it is known that Ca2+ and Mg2+ compete for the same sites ofabsorption on the plant plasma membrane, we measured the levels of Ca and Mg in the root and shootof wild-type and mca1-null mca2-null plants grown for 24-26 days on MS medium with or without
30 mM MgSO4. In control MS medium containing no supplemented MgSO4, the Ca and Mg contentsof the double mutant did not differ significantly from those of the wild type in both roots and shoots.
When 30 mM MgSO4 was included in MS medium, the Ca content was decreased by approximately
50% in roots and 60% in shoots, whereas the Mg content was increased approximately fivefold inroots and sevenfold in shoots. Notably, however, the degrees of the increase and decrease in both Ca
and Mg contents were not significantly different between the mca1 mca2 and wild-type plants. When
10 mM CaCl2 was added to the MS/Mg medium, the Ca content was recovered nearly to the control
level in roots and increased more than the control level in shoots, whereas the Mg content hardly
changed. Again, the Ca content was not different between the mca1-null mca2-null and wild-type
plants. These results indicate that while Mg2+ added to MS medium indeed lowers Ca2+ accumulationin plants, this effect influences equally both wild-type and mca1-null mca2-null plants.
Histochemical observation (see Figure presented below) showed that MCA1 promoter::βglucuronidase (GUS) and MCA2p::GUS fusion reporter genes were universally expressed in the
primary root of 10-day old seedlings with some exceptions: MCA1p::GUS was expressed in the cap
and the elongation zone of the primary root, but MCA2p::GUS was not. In the shoot, MCA2p::GUS
was expressed in mesophyll cells, but MCA1p::GUS was not.

- 105 -

Our previous study has shown that the primary root of the mca1 mutant is unable to enter the lower,
harder medium from the upper, softer medium in the two-phase agar medium (Nakagawa et al., 2007).
In the present study, on the other hand, the primary root of the mca2 mutant was shown to enter the
lower, harder medium, like the wild-type primary root. This phenotypic difference is likely due to adifference in a spatial expression of MCA1p::GUS and MCA1p::GUS in the cap and the elongation
zone of the primary root, as described above.

Spatial patterns of MCA1 and MCA2 transcription as
revealed by GUS staining. Ten-day old MCA1p::GUS
and MCA2p::GUS plants were shown. A wholeplant (An arrow indicates the extreme end of the
primary root), a leaf (not a cotyledon), and the tip ofa primary root are shown.

Discussion & Conclusion
Single particle analysis of the images of MCA2 obtained by cryo-electron microscopy have shownthat a three-dimensional model of this protein comprises a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic
region. This structural featur is similar to that of the bacterial mechaosensitve channel MscS.
Physiological study has suggested that MCA1, but not MCA2, is involved in sensing and/or transducing
a mechanical stimulation in the tip of the primary root. Deletion of both MCA1 and MCA2 results in
hypersensitivity to excess Mg2+ in growth medium. Mg2+ may affect the intracellular concentration of
Ca2+ that is to be used as a signal, not a nutrient because the Ca content (not concentration) has beenshown to be the same between the mca1 mca2 mutant and wild type.

References
1) Yamanaka, T.*, Nakagawa, Y.*, Mori, K.*, Nakano, M., Imamura, T., Kataoka, H., Terashima, A., Iida,
K., Kojima, I., Katagiri, T., Shinozaki, K., and Iida, H. (2010) MCA1 and MCA2 that mediate Ca2+
uptake have distinct and overlapping roles in Arabidopsis. Plant Physiol. 152:1284-1296.
*These authors contributed equally to this work.
2) Teng, J., Iida, K., Ito, M., Izumi-Nakaseko, H., Kojima, I., Adachi-Akahane, S.*, and Iida, H.* (2010)
Role of glycine residues highly conserved in the S2-S3 linkers of domains I and II of voltage-gatedcalcium channel α1 subunits. Biochim. Biophys. Acta-Biomembr. 1798:966-974.
*Co-corresponding author- 106 -

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced phosphorylation oftranslation initiation factor 2α in metabolic regulation
Seiichi Oyadomari

Division of Molecular Biology, Institute for Genome Research, The University of Tokushima
oyadomar@genome.tokushima-u.ac.jp

Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifunctional organelle responsible for protein folding, lipid
biosynthesis and calcium storage. Perturbations of the ER function lead to stress-response mechanisms
called the ER stress response, which ameliorate the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER.
Dysfunctional ER stress response is involved in many diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases,
ishchemia, cancer and diabetes. The role of the ER stress response to maintain the ER homeostasis
under the ER stress condition has been extensively studied over years. Recent studies suggest that the
ER stress response regulates a physiological process besides cellular adaptation. We have focused on
PERK-eIF2alpha signaling branch of the ER stress response in liver, a key organ for intermediarymetabolism. The hepatic PERK-eIF2alpha signaling modulates glucose and lipid metabolism in abiphasic manner. The eIF2alpha phosphorylation regulates translation of key hepatic transcription
factor, which is accounted for modulation of intermediary metabolism in response to nutrient excess.
Further analysis of gene expression profile of PERK-eIF2alpha signaling reveals that the eIF2alphaphosphorylation signaling affects the expression of circadian factor. We postulate that the ER stressresponse could serve to link physiologic perception of the environment to the circadian oscillatory
apparatus.
Keywords: endoplasmic reticulum, eIF2alpha, metabolism, circadian clock

Introduction
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves many central functions, including synthesis and foldingof membrane and secretory proteins. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an intricate signaling
pathway that adjusts the ER’s capacity and tunes up cellular physiology in response to accumulation of
unfolded proteins in the ER (ER stress). The UPR signaling is mediated from the ER to the cytosol andnucleus by three proximal effectors, IRE1, ATF6 and PERK [1]. The three UPR pathways have been
implicated in the transcriptional regulation of genes important in metabolism. IRE1 processed mature
XBP1 regulates the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis in liver[2]. ATF6 reduces hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression by regulated interaction with CRTC2 [3]. We
showed that PERK mediated eIF2α phosphorylation also regulates the expression of hepatic lipogenic
genes through activating C/EBP and PPARγ[4]. However, the role of the UPR in the regulation of
metabolism is not yet fully understood.

- 107 -

Results
The enforced expression of a translation initiation 2α(eIF2α)-specific phosphatase, GADD34, wasused to selectively compromise signaling in the eIF2(αP)-dependent arm of the ER unfolded protein
response in liver of transgenic mice. The transgene resulted in lower liver glycogen levels andsusceptibility to fasting hypoglycemia in lean mice and glucose tolerance and diminished hepatosteatosis in animals fed a high fat diet. Attenuated eIF2(αP) correlated with lower expression of theadipogenic nuclear receptor PPARγ and its upstream regulators, the transcription factors C/EBPαand C/EBPβ, in transgenic mouse liver, whereas eIF2α phosphorylation promoted C/EBP translationin cultured cells and primary hepatocytes.
Further analysis of gene expression profile of PERK-eIF2alpha signaling reveals that the eIF2alphaphosphorylation signaling affects the expression of circadian factor. We found that phosphorylationof eIF2a oscillates the hepatic circadian clock.

Discussion & Conclusion
The circadian clock coordinates diverse physiological and metabolic process. The clock oscillators
in both central and peripheral tissues drive circadian rhythmicity. Accumulating evidence suggests thatperipheral clock is entrained by food intake and that the cell-autonomous entrainment of peripheral
clock is intimately linked to metabolic homeostasis [5]. The mechanism of circadian rhythmicity iscomposed of an autoregulatory feedback loop that contains both positive and negative transcriptional
elements. It has been suggested that circadian and metabolic pathway converge at transcriptional
level. Recent studies provide some insights into the molecular mechanism how metabolic signals
couple with circadian clock function.
ER is an important organelle that responds to various nutrient signals, such as those induced by
glucose, lipid and amino acids metabolism. Interestingly, recent paper showed that circadian clock
controls hepatic lipid metabolism by 12 hour period rhythmic activation of IRE1 pathway [6].
However, it is not known whether the UPR pathway alters the circadian clock. Here, we show thatsignaling in eIF2α phosphorylation dependent UPR pathway is initiated by food intake in liver.
Selective activation of PERK modulates the level of the core clock gene Per2 mRNA expression.
We propose that phosphorylation of eIF2a transduces nutrient signals to circadian clock in peripheral
tissues (Figure).

- 108 -

References
1) Oyadomari S, Mori M (2004) Roles of CHOP/GADD153 in endoplasmic reticulum stress. Cell Death
Differ 11: 381-389.
2) Lee AH, Scapa EF, Cohen DE, Glimcher LH (2008) Regulation of hepatic lipogenesis by the transcription
factor XBP1. Science 320: 1492-1496.
3) Wang Y, Vera L, Fischer WH, Montminy M (2009) The CREB coactivator CRTC2 links hepatic ER
stress and fasting gluconeogenesis. Nature 460: 534-537.
4) Oyadomari S, Harding HP, Zhang Y, Oyadomari M, Ron D (2008) Dephosphorylation of translation
initiation factor 2alpha enhances glucose tolerance and attenuates hepatosteatosis in mice. Cell Metab 7:
520-532.
5) Green CB, Takahashi JS, Bass J (2008) The meter of metabolism. Cell 134: 728-742.
6) Cretenet G, Le Clech M, Gachon F (2010) Circadian clock-coordinated 12 Hr period rhythmic activationof the IRE1alpha pathway controls lipid metabolism in mouse liver. Cell Metab 11: 47-57.

- 109 -

Transcription factor networks for maintenance and regenerationof the thymic epithelial stem cells
Ryo Goitsuka

Tokyo University of Scienceryogoi@rs.noda.tus.ac.jp

Abstract
In the present study, we demonstrate that a transcription factor that is expressed in thymic epithelial
cells (TEC) upon regeneration is required for the maintenance of TEC progenitor cells in the postnatal
thymus by using EGFP reporter and temporally inducible TEC-specific conditional knock-out (CKO)
mice.
Keywords: Transcription factor, thymic epithelial cells, stem cells, regeneration

Introduction
In the postnatal thymus, the cortical and medullary architecture of TEC microenvironment displays
dynamic alterations in response to the various physiological and pathological stimuli. The existenceof TEC stem/progenitor cells that function to maintain the homeostasis of the postnatal thymic
microenvironment has long been a matter of debate. Thus, in the present study, we intended to analyze
the phenotype and function of TECs expressing a transcription factor (designated as X).

Results
We identified the heterogeneity of postnatal TECs in terms of X expression levels, which becomes
evident at 4 weeks after birth, when the size of the thymus reaches peak and the architecture of the
medulla and cortex compartments is fully established. These TEC populations of distinct transcription
factor expression levels, displayed different TEC maturation profiles; Xhigh cells is enriched in the mostimmature TECs of a CD40- MHCII- CD80- CD86- phenotype, while Xlow and X- cells are enriched inmature TECs of a CD40+ MHCII+ CD80+ CD86+ phenotype. Since these surface markers are expressedin both medullary TECs and cortical TECs at different levels among their maturation stages, theabsence of these maturation markers on Xhigh TECs. In addition, Xhigh TECs, but not Xlow and X1- cells,
has the ability to generate mature X- cells, and formed thymus-like epithelial tissues when transplantedin the renal capsule of nude mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that postnatal loss of X in K14+ TEC
compartment causes complete disappearance of the thymus by 12 weeks post induction of X deletion.
We finally examined the differences in gene expression associated with epithelial cell stemness
between TECs of distinct X expression levels by using quantitative PCR. Most of transcription factors
involved in the embryonic thymus organogenesis were almost equally expressed in all of the three TEC
populations, whereas some were 5-fold more expressed in Xhigh cells than in other cells. Furthermore,- 110 -

Xhigh population was found to express significantly higher levels of several transcription factors thatare involved in epithelial cell stemness than did Xlow and X- populations. To further investigate thetarget genes regulated by X in TECs, we compared gene expression profiles of TECs from X-CKO
and controls at 1wk post X deletion. Among the genes highly expressed in Xhigh TECs, some weresignificantly down-regulated more than 2-fold in TECs upon X deletion.

Discussion & Conclusion
In conclusion, this study defines a potential postnatal TEC stem/progenitor cell population by using
X as a functional molecular marker associated with “epithelial cell stemness”. Further dissection of
the postnatal TEC stem/progenitor cell population in combination of other stem cell markers with oursystem described here will be helpful to understand molecular control of thymic homeostasis, andtherefore potential therapeutic targets to maintain postnatal T cell production.

- 111 -

Research for regulation mechanism of lymphocyte activation
by CARMA1
Hiromitsu Hara
Saga University
harah@cc.saga-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Essential role of SH3-GUK interaction of Carma1 in antigen receptor-mediated NF-kB activation.
Keywords: Antigen receptor, NF-kB, Carma1

Introduction
The CARD-Maguk family protein Carma1 is an essential signaling adaptor in antigen receptor-induced
NF-kB activation and thus essential for T and B lymphocyte activation. Reports have suggested an
crucial role for the Carma1-mediated NF-kB activation signaling in survival of ABC-type DLBCLs.

Results
We performed a yeast two-hybrid screening for factors that bind to the Guk domain of Carma1, andhave screened the SH3 domain of Carma1 as a binding partner of the Guk domain. We found that the
intramolecular SH3-Guk interaction dominates the intermolecular SH3-Guk interaction. By using a
NF-kB reporter system in Jurkat cells, we found that mutations abrogating the SH3-GUK interaction(ie, deletion of SH3 or GUK domain, or a point mutation (denotes X) in SH3 domain) impaired TCR
or PKC-induced NF-kB activation, suggesting a positive regulatory role of the SH3-Guk interactionin the NF-kB signaling. To clarify the physiological role of the SH3-Guk interactions we generated
knock-in mice bearing the point mutation X (KI-X). The KI-X mice have phenotypes that resemble
those of Carma1-null knock out mice (ie, defective TCR/BCR-induced T/ B cell activation owing
to defective NF-kB activation, reduced serum immunoglobulins, reduced B-1 and MZ B cells, andregulatory T cells). These results demonstrated a physiologically relevant role of the SH3-Guk
interaction in Carma1-mediated NF-kB activation.

Discussion & Conclusion
We have found that the SH3-Guk interaction of Carma1 is an essential regulation in the antigenreceptor-induced NF-κB activation. This regulation would be a molecular target of drugs for diseases
in which the Carma1-mediated NF-κB activation has a crucial role in its development and progression,
such as ABC-type DLBCLs.

- 112 -

References
1) Hara H, IIzasa E, Nakaya M, Yoshida H: L-CBM signaling in lymphocyte development and function.
Journal of Blood Medicine. 2010, 1, in press.
2) Hara H and Saito T: CARD9 vs. CARMA1 in innate and adaptive immunity. Trends in immunol. 2009,30(5): 234-242.

- 113 -

Development of G-quadruplex motifs search in genome
by the use of G-q ligands
Kazuo Nagasawa
Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Faculty of Technology
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
knaga@cc.tuat.ac.jp

Abstract
A BODIPY-labeled macrocyclic heptaozaxole, L1BOD-7OTD, was developed as a fluorescentligand for G-quadruplexes. The results of the study show that L1BOD-7OTD both selectively induces
the formation of intramolecular G-quadruplexes from some G-quadruplex forming oligonucleotides(GFOs).

In addition, the labelled macrocyclic heptaozaxole strongly binds to and stabilizes

intramolecular G-quadruplexes. Moreover, this substance can be used to directly visualize theG-quadruplexes in the form of green fluorescence.
Keywords: G-quadruplexes, telomestatin, BODIPY

Introduction
Since G-quadruplexes have a variety of biological functions and are expected to be useful as
bioengineering tools, they hold great importance.1 As a result, the selection of new structures of thistype in genes and artificial synthetic nucleotides is significant. Studies guided by these goals would
be greatly aided by the availability of methods to visualize G-quadruplexes. Herein, we describe theresults of an effort that has led to the development of fluorescent labeled L1BOD-7OTD (1) and its
application to the visualization of nucleotide sequences that form G-quadruplex structures.

Results
L1BOD-7OTD (1) was synthesized starting with previously reported L1H1-7OTD (Fig. 1).2,3 1 has
BODIPY moiety in its side chain and displays green fluorescence with wavelengths for its excitationand emission maxima of 502 and 512 nm, respectively.
O
O
O

O

N

N
H

N
H

O

N

F
B
F
N

N

N

O

N

N
N
O

N

N

O

F
B
F
N

O

2

L1BOD-7OTD (1)Figure 1. Molecular structure of fluorescent labeled
L1BOD-7OTD (1) and control compound 2.

- 114 -

Figure 2. Visualization of the telo24 G-quadruplex by
L1BOD-7OTD (1). Gel electrophoresis (12% nativepolyacrylamide, in 1 x TBE buffer, 4ºC) of 10 mM
oligonucleotides (a-c: telo24, d-f: double-stranded (ds)telo24) in the presence of various concentrations of 1
(no salt added). a, d) All bands were detected using the
526 nm short pass filter. The gel was stained with b)
Stains-all® and e) ethidium bromide then all bands weredetected using the 580-640 nm band pass filter. c, f)
Merged images of a and b or d and e. Compound 2 wasused as a control for the BODIPY moiety of 1. telo24= (TTAGGG)4

The presence of selective interactions between 1 and the telomeric DNA sequence, which is one of the
G-quadruplex forming oligonucleotide; GFO, as well as visualization of the telomeric G-quadruplex
structure were examined by using an electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). In the presenceof 1, a green band associated with the telo24 - L1BOD-7OTD complex is observed with an intensitythat varies in a dose dependent manner (Fig. 2a). The presence of oligonucleotide in this band wasdetermined by treatment of the gel with Stains-all® which enables visualization of uncomplexed telo24
as a red band (Fig. 2b). The results show that the amount of the telo24 G-quadruplex in the green
band increases in a way that is directly proportional to the concentration of 1. By using this method ofanalysis, the complex of telo24 with ligand 1 is directly observed as a green fluorescent band without
the need for staining while the red band of lower mobility seen only by staining corresponds to theligand-free nucleotide (Fig. 2c shows the merged image). In contrast, the EMSA analysis of mixturesof ds-telo24 with 1 shows that no green fluorescent band is produced (Fig. 2d) and only the red band for
uncomplexed ds-telo24 exists even when higher concentrations of L1BOD-7OTD are present (Fig. 2e).
The findings indicate that no interaction takes place between 2 and ds-telo24 and, as a result, that theinteraction of 1 with G-quadruplex is selective and visualizable against double-stranded DNA.
To determine the apparent dissociation constants (Kd) of the complexes of 1 with the GFOs, fluorescentpolarization (FP) titration measurements were made. After incubating mixtures of 50 nM L1BOD7OTD, 50 mM KCl, and various concentrations of the GFOs (0.1-400 nM) for 12 h, the FP values
were determined at 25 ºC. Since ESI-MS analysis had shown that L1BOD-7OTD and GFOs form 2:1
stoichiometric complexes, the FP-[GFOs] plots were fitted using nonlinear regression analysis (Fig.
3). As the results, 1 was revealed to have potent dissociation constant toward G-quadruplexes withnanomolar level.
In the cases of ds-telo24 and telomut24 (negative control), no interaction with 1 is observed thus itappears that L1BOD-7OTD potently and selectively bound to G-quadruplexes.

- 115 -

Figure 3. Fluorescent polarization titrations of GFOs. L1BOD-7OTD (1) (50 nM) was incubatedwith various concentrations (1-400 nM) of the GFOs (open circle: telo24, open triangle: myc22, black
circle: bcl27, open square: kit22, black square: thr15) at 25 ºC for 12 h in the presence of 50 mM KCl,
5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.0 and 50% DMSO (v/v). The polarization associated with the emission of 1
was measured at 530 nm (excitation at 500 nm). The fluorescent polarization values are representativeof five scans taken at 25ºC. All plots result from duplicate assays. telo24 = (TTAGGG)4; myc22 =GAGGGTGGGG- AGGGTGGGGAAG; bcl27 = CGGGCGCGGGAGGAAGGGGGCGGGAGC; kit22 =AGGGAGGGCGCTGGGAGGAGGG; thr15 = GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG; telomut24 = (TTAGAG)4.

Discussion & Conclusion
This investigation has led to the development of the fluorescence-labeled macrocyclic heptaoxazole
L1BOD-7OTD (1), which serves as a novel fluorescent ligand for G-quadruplexes. The macrocyclic
heptaoxazole selectively interacts with GFOs by inducing the formation of and stabilizing G-quadruplex
structures. It is noteworthy that 1 also selectively interacts with an artificial G-quadruplex aptamer.
Interactions of this fluorescent ligand with G-quadruplex structures in genes and artificial nucleotides
can be directly visualized as a consequence of the green fluorescence of 1.

References
1) For recent review, see; S. Neidle, FEBS Journal, 2010, 277, 1118, “Human telomeric G-quadruplex: The
current status of telomeric G-quadruplex as therapeutic targets in human cancer”.
2) M. Tera, K. Iida, H. Ishizuka, M. Takagi, M. Suganuma, T. Doi, K. Shin-ya and K. Nagasawa,
ChemBioChem, 2009, 10, 431, “Synthesis of a Potent G-Quadruplex- Binding Macrocyclic Heptaoxazole”.
3) M. Tera, K. Iida, K. Ikebukuro, H. Seimiya, K. Shin-ya and K. Nagasawa, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2010, inpress, “Visualization of G-quadruplexes by using a BODIPY-labeled macrocyclic heptaoxazole”.

- 116 -

Condition clarification and development of new strategy for thetreatment of metabolic syndrome: Role of fatty acid comosition andlong chain fatty acid elongase Elovl6 in energy metabolism
Takashi Matsuzaka
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Tsukuba
t-matsuz@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Liver, Fatty acid elongase

Introduction
Elovl6 is a microsomal enzyme involved in the elongation of saturated and monounsaturated fatty
acids with 12, 14 and 16 carbones1). Mice with targeted disruption in the gene for Elovl6 are resistant
to diet-induced insulin resistance despite their hepatosteatosis and obesity being similar to that of thewild-type mice2). Protection against diet-induced insulin resistance in Elovl6KO mice is mainly due
to restoration of insulin signaling. To understand the physiological role of Elovl6 in liver, we triedcreating liver-specific Elovl6 knockout (LKO) mice.

Results
Es cells, identified as appropriately targeted by a vector with loxP sites flanking exon 5 of the mouse
Elovl6 gene, were used to generate chimeric mice. Animals carrying the targeted allele transmitted thislocus through the germline to yield mice heterozygous for the targeted allele (lox+/-). The C57BL/6J
lox+/- mice were interbred to generate mice homozygous for Elovl6 alleles (lox+/+). The lox+/+mice are phenotypically indistinguishable from wild-type mice and showed normal Elovl6 expression,indicating the loxP sites did not interfere with Elovl6 expression. To generate liver-specific Elovl6
knockout mice, we crossed lox+/+ mice to an albumin promoter Cre recombinase-expressing strain
on C57BL/6J background to obtain initially heterozygotes (lox+/-, AlbCre+). The lox+/-, AlbCre+progeny was interbred to obtain lox+/+, AlbCre+ mice that are expected to contain lox+/+, AlbCre+(Elovl6LKO).
To confirm deletion of the Elovl6 gene, we analyzed the expression of Elovl6 by Northern blotting inliver RNA. The native Elovl6 transcripts were detected in the liver RNA from control mice, but not in
LKO mice. Elovl6 expression was unaffected in white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, and brain
of LKO mice.

Discussion & Conclusion
The aim of this study is to determine the role of liver Elovl6 produced long chain fatty acids in lipid
metabolism and energy homeostasis. To understand the role of Elovl6 in the liver, we generated liver-- 117 -

Figure 1 generation of liver-specific Elovl6 knockout mice(A)Scheme of targeting construct design. (B)PCR-based genotyping of tail DNA to distinguish lox-/(lane 1), lox+/-(lane 2), lox+/+(lane 3), and lox+/+, albumin-Cre+(lane 4) using primers indicated in A.
(C)Northern blot analysis for liver RNA from lox-/-(lane 1), lox-/-, albumin-Cre+(lane 2), lox+/-(lane 3),
lox+/+(lane 4), and lox+/+, albumin-Cre+(lane 5)with Elovl6 specific probe. (D) Northern blot analysis
of Elovl6LKO RNA from liver(lane 1), white adipose tissue(lane 2), brown adipose tissue(lane 3), andbrain(lane 4)with Elovl6 specific probe.

specific Elovl6 knockout mice. Elovl6LKO mice are apparently normal and breed like wild-type.
Based on the liver DNA and Northern blotting of the liver RNA, the deletion of Elovl6 was essentiallycomplete in Elovl6LKO mice. By analyzing the phenotype of Elovl6LKO mice in various nutritional
conditions (fasting/ refeeding, high sucrose-fat free diet feeding, high fat-high sucrose diet feeding),
we want to clarify the molecular mechanism of energy metabolism controlled by the changes of thecellular fatty acid composition.

References
1) Matsuzaka, T., Shimano, H., Yahagi, N., Yoshikawa, T., Amemiya-Kudo, M., Hasty, AH., Okazaki,
H., Tamura, Y., Iizuka, Y., Ohashi, K., Osuga, J., Takahashi, A., Yato, S., Sone, H., Ishibashi, S. &Yamada, N. : Cloning and characterization of a mammalian fatty acyl-CoA elongase as a lipogenic
enzyme regulated by SREBPs. J Lipid Res. 43 : 911-920, 2002.
2) Matsuzaka, T., Shimano, H., Yahagi, N., Kato, T., Atsumi, A., Yamamoto, T., Inoue, N., Ishikawa, M.,
Okada, S., Ishigaki, N., Iwasaki, H., Iwasaki, Y., Karasawa, T., Kumadaki, S., Matsui, T., Sekiya, M.,
Ohashi, K., Hasty, AH., Nakagawa, Y., Takahashi, A., Suzuki, H., Yatoh, S., Sone, H., Toyoshima, H.,
Osuga, J. & Yamada, N. : Crucial role of a long-chain fatty acid elongase, Elovl6, in obesity-induced
insulin resistance. Nat Med. 13 :1193-1202, 2007.

- 118 -

Molecular mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress responsein skeletal tissues and development of its regulation.
Kazunori Imaizumi
Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Anatomy,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki
imaizumi@med.miyazaki-u.ac.jp

Keywords: ER stress, bone, cartilage

Introduction
Eukaryotic cells have signaling pathways from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cytosol and nuclei,
to avoid excess accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER. We previously identified new types of
ER stress transducers, OASIS and BBF2H7, bZIP transcription factors, which are members of the
CREB/ATF family. In this project, I explored the in vivo functions of these ER stress transducers using
knockout mice.

Results
1) OASIS deficient mice exhibited severe osteopenia, involving a decrease in type I collagen, Col1a1,
as a target of OASIS. OASIS activates the transcription of Col1a1 through an unfolded protein
response element-like sequence in the osteoblast-specific Col1a1 promoter region. Moreover,expression of OASIS in osteoblasts is induced by BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2), thesignaling of which is required for bone formation. Additionally, activation of OASIS is accelerated
by BMP2 signaling, which causes mild ER stress.
2) BBF2H7 deficient mice showed severe chondrodysplasia and died by suffocation shortly after birth
because of an immature chest cavity. The cartilage showed a lack of typical columnar structurein the proliferating zone and decrease in the size of hypertrophic zone, resulting in a significant
reduction of extracellular matrix proteins. Interestingly, proliferating chondrocytes showedabnormally expanded ER, containing aggregated type II collagen and cartilage oligomeric matrix
protein. We identified Sec23a, which encodes a coat protein complex II component responsible forprotein transport from the ER to the Golgi, as a target of BBF2H7. When Sec23a was introduced to
BBF2H7 deficient chondrocytes, the impaired transport and secretion of cartilage matrix proteins
was totally restored, indicating that by activating protein secretion the BBF2H7-Sec23a pathway
has crucial role in chondrogenesis.

- 119 -

Discussion & Conclusion
Our studies show that OASIS and BBF2H7 are critical for bone and cartilage formation through thetranscription of Col1a1 and Sec23a respectively, and they reveal new mechanisms by which ER stressinduced signaling mediates osteogenesis and chondrogenesis.

References
1) Murakami T, Saito A, Hino S-I, Kondo S, Kanemoto S, Chihara K, Sekiya H, Tsumagari K, Ochiai
K, Yoshinaga K, Saitoh M, Nishimura R, Yoneda T, Kou I, Furuichi T, Ikegawa S, Ikawa M, Okabe
M, Wanaka A, and Imaizumi K.: Signalling mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum stress transducer
OASIS is involved in bone formation. Nature Cell Biology 11:1205-1211, 2009.
2) Saito A, Hino S-I, Murakami T, Kanemoto S, Kondo S, Saitoh M, Nishimura R, Yoneda T, Furuichi T,
Ikegawa S, Ikawa M, Okabe M, and Imaizumi K.: Regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response
by a BBF2H7-mediated Sec23a pathway is essential for chondrogenesis. Nature Cell Biology 11:11971204, 2009.

- 120 -

Structural Analysis of Biomolecules by A Combined Method of
Azaelectrocyclization-based Microscale Labeling /Fluorescence
Detected Circular Dichroism (FDCD)
Katsunori Tanaka
Osaka University
ktzenori@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Protein/ligand and/or protein/protein interactions were efficiently achieved through the combined
methods of rapid 6π-azaelectrocyclization & fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD)
analysis. Thus, a specific lysine of human serum albumin (HSA) was selectively labeled by
the electrocyclization probe in “non-destructive” manner, and the interaction with the albuminhydrophobic ligands and/or cytokines were investigated afterwards by FDCD.
Keywords: Rapid 6π-azaelectrocyclization; Site-selective labeling; Fluorescence-detected circulardichroism (FDCD)

Introduction
The purpose of the research is (i) to establish the “site-selective” and “non-destructive” labeling of
the proteins through the rapid 6π-azaelectrocyclization, that this researcher has developed previously,
and then (ii) to detect the interaction of the labeled proteins with the ligands and/or proteins basedon the fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD) with high sensitivity and fluorescenceselectivity. This researcher has initially investigated the human serum albumin (HSA) as a model
protein for this purpose.

Results
Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein constituent of blood plasma and serves
as a major protein storage component for endogenous and external compounds. HSA has threehomologus domains (named I, II, III), one of which strongly interacts with the hydrophobic natural
products (hydrophobic binding site). This researcher has investigated the site-selective and nondestructive protein labeling based on the rapid 6π-azaelectrocyclization, using HSA as a model
protein (Figure 1); site-selective modification of HSA was achieved by directing reactive groups toa hydrophobic binding site using a coumarin ligand (hydrophobic ligand) of the HSA protein. Thus,
the incubation of HSA with probe 1, which loads the coumarin ligand through the ester linkage, leadto the selective labeling of a specific lysine situated close to the coumarin binding site through Schiffbase formation (stage A) followed by rapid azaelectrocyclization (stage B). It was also observedthat the 1,2-dihydropyridine derivative as the electrocyclization product readily aromatized to thepyridinium ion by auto-oxidation (stage C), which in turn accelerate the hydrolysis of the ester- 121 -

O
N N

NH2

O 2N

O

H

N
H

H
N

O

O

H
N

O

NEt2

O

Lys137

O

1

O

NH2

rt, < 30 min

coumarinbinding site

HSA

O

O

NO2

O

Et2N

N
NH N O

H
N
O

H

O

O

N
H
O

NO2
N
NO

O

N
H
O

HN O

Schiff base formation

rapid 6π-azaelectrocyclization

NO(stage A)(stage B)

O
O
Et2N

O

N
H
O

O
NO2
N
NH N O

NO2
N
H
HN

N
O

O

Et2N
O

HN
O

O

O

O

N
NO

autooxidation

HN(stage C)ONhydrolysis(stage D)OO

recovering binding site

Figure 1. “Site-selective” and “non-destructive” labeling by 6π-azaelectrocyclization.

linkage (condition D) to produce the Zwitterion. Such cascade process of oxidation-hydrolysis at
the same time, recovered the hydrophobic binding site in the labeled protein, and therefore, the siteselective and non-destructive protein labeling (modification) were achieved.
Both “selectively”-labeled and “non-selectively”-labeled albumins were subsequently subjectedto the interaction with coumarin ligand and these interactions were analyzed by FDCD (Figure 2).
This researcher clearly observed the interaction of the coumarin ligand with both albumins on thebasis of the changes in FDCD signals; Additional FRET analysis only detected the interaction for
the “selectively”-labeled albumin, thus confirming the “site-selective”-labeling performed aboveat the coumarin-binding-site. On the other hands, the conventional absorbance-based CD failed in
detecting these interactions. The interactions of the “selectively”-labeled albumin with the cytokines
could also be analyzed by the fluorescence-based FDCD analysis.

Figure 2. FDCD analysis of protein/ligand interactions.

Discussion & Conclusion
The evidence that the conventional CD failed in detecting the faint signal-changes (induced FDCD
signals) during the protein/ligand interaction, due to the inhibition by the intense UV signals ataround 200 nm (amides and dyes’ absorbance), proves the efficiency of the present method. The- 122 -

results clearly show the advantageous features of FDCD in achieving the highly sensitive and/or
fluorescence-selective detection. It will be noted that the exciton coupled FDCD could be applied
to the cased when only the single fluorophore is available and therefore the FRET is not applicable.
Thus, the site-selective and non-destructive labeling in combination with the highly sensitive andselective fluorescence detection by FDCD would expand the investigation on protein/ligand as wellas protein/protein interactions.

References
1) To be submitted: Tanaka, K.; Nehira, T.; Minami, K.; Shirotsuki, S.; Fukase, K. submitted.
“Fluorescence-selective Detection of Induced CD Signals on Protein-ligand Interaction by
Fluorescence Detected CD.”

- 123 -

Significance of Transcriptional Control in Vascular Development,
Function and Disease
Osamu Nakagawa
Nara Medical University Advanced Medical Research Centernakagawa-nmu@umin.ac.jp
Keywords: Transcription factor, Cardiovascular system

Introduction
Transcriptional regulation plays essential roles in tissue-specific gene expression for proper
embryonic development and mature organ function. Transcription factors form multi-protein
complexes, and such complexes, not individual transcription factors,
dictate the specificity of downstream gene expression. Since transcription
factors act as “molecular switches” for downstream genes, it is critical toanalyze the functions of the genes that directly regulate cellular functions
downstream of transcriptional control. Characterization of those genes
may provide a link from basic studies of transcriptional regulation to
the etiologies of human diseases. We have identified a novel family oftranscription factors, Hrt1, Hrt2 and Hrt3, which is highly expressed in
the cardiovascular system (Figure 1). In this study, we have attempted
to clarify the significance of the Hrt family of transcription factors in

Figure 1: Cardiovascular
expression of the Hrt2 gene
(Knock-in LacZ expression)

vascular development and disease.

Results
In this study, we employed a conditional knockout mouse system to study cell-type-specificand developmental-stage-specific function of the Hrt family transcription factors. Among threefamily members, Hrt1 and Hrt2 are predominantly expressed in developing vascular endotheliumand smooth muscle cells, and it was reported that the double knockout mice of the Hrt1 and Hrt2
genes die in utero due to the deficiency of vascular formation. However, it has been unclear
whether endothelial- or smooth-muscle-specific function of Hrt1 and Hrt2 is essential for vasculardevelopment. Therefore, we first generated endothelial-specific Hrt1/Hrt2 knockout mice and foundthat these mice die showing similar abnormalities observed in the Hrt1/Hrt2 double knockout mice.
This result indicated that Hrt1 and Hrt2 expressed in the vascular endothelium play indispensable
roles during development. We have also attempted to study the significance of Hrt1 and Hrt2 in
adult vascular formation. For that purpose, we established a mouse line in which the deficiency of
Hrt1 and Hrt2 can be induced by the Tamoxifen administration. We are currently examining theefficiency of Cre-mediated excision of the floxed Hrt2 allele in adult mice.

- 124 -

Discussion & Conclusion
Our data indicated that the function of the Hrt family of transcription factors in the vascularendothelium is essential for proper embryonic development. Ongoing studies will also clarify
whether the Hrt transcription factors play essential roles in the vascular formation at adult stages.
These studies will lead to better understanding of transcriptional regulation and intracellularsignaling pathways in vascular development and disease.

References
1) Nakagawa O, Nakagawa M, Richardson JA, Olson EN, Srivastava D. HRT1, HRT2, HRT3: a new
subclass of bHLH transcription factors marking specific cardiac, somitic and pharyngeal arch
segments. Dev. Biol. 216(1): 72-84, 1999.
2) Nakagawa O, McFadden DG, Nakagawa M, Yanagisawa H, Hu T, Srivastava D, Olson EN. Membersof the HRT family of bHLH proteins act as transcriptional repressors downstream of Notch signaling.
Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 97(25): 13655-13660, 2000.
3) Kathiriya IS, King IN, Murakami M, Nakagawa M, Astle JA, Gardner KA, Gerard RD, Olson EN,
Srivastava D, Nakagawa O. Hairy-related transcription factors inhibit GATA-dependent cardiac gene
expression through a signal-responsive mechanism. J. Biol. Chem. 279(52): 54937-54943, 2004.
4) Nakagawa O, Arnold M, Nakagawa M, Hamada H, Shelton JM, Kusano H, Harris TM, Childs G,
Campbell KP, Richardson JA, Nishino I, Olson EN. Centronuclear myopathy in mice lacking a novel
muscle-specific protein kinase transcriptionally regulated by MEF2. Genes Dev. 19(17): 2066-2077,
2005.
5) King IN, Kathiriya IS, Murakami M, Nakagawa M, Gardner KA, Srivastava D, Nakagawa O. Hrt andHes negatively regulate Notch signaling through interactions with RBP-Jkappa. Biochem. Biophys.
Res. Commun. 345(1):446-452, 2006.
6) Xin M, Small EM, van Rooij E, Qi X, Richardson JA, Nakagawa O, Olson EN. Essential roles of thebHLH transcription factor Hrt2 in repression of atrial gene expression and maintenance of postnatal
cardiac function. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 104(19):7975-7980, 2007.

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Severe Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis, and Sudden Cardiac Deathin Mice Lacking All NO Synthases Fed a High-Fat Die
Masato Tsutsui
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus
nakagawa-nmu@umin.ac.jp

AbstructObjective: The precise role of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) system in lipid metabolism remains
to be elucidated. We addressed this point in mice that we have recently developed that lack all three
NOS isoforms.
Methods and Results: Wild-type, singly, doubly, and triply NOS-/- mice were fed either a regular or
high-cholesterol diet for 3-5 months. The high-cholesterol diet significantly increased serum lowdensity-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in all the genotypes as compared with the regular diet.
Importantly, when compared with the wild-type genotype, the serum LDL cholesterol levels in thehigh-cholesterol diet were significantly and markedly elevated only in the triply NOS-/- genotype, but
not in any singly or doubly NOS-/- genotypes, and this was associated with remarkable atherosclerosis
and sudden cardiac death, which occurred mainly in 4-5 months after the high-cholesterol diet.
Finally, hepatic LDL receptor expression was markedly reduced only in the triply NOS-/- genotype,accounting for the diet-induced dyslipidemia in the genotype.
Conclusions: These results provide the first direct evidence that complete disruption of all NOS genes
causes severe dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and sudden cardiac death in response to a high-fat diet inmice in vivo through the down-regulation of the hepatic LDL receptor, demonstrating the critical roleof the whole endogenous NOS system in maintaining lipid homeostasis.
Keywords: nitric oxide synthase, atherosclerosis, high fat diet, sudden death, lipid

Introduction
Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.1-4 Three
distinct NO synthase (NOS) isoforms exist and are encoded by three distinct genes, including
neuronal (nNOS or NOS1), inducible (iNOS or NOS2) and endothelial NOS (eNOS or NOS3). Initial
NO studies indicated that nNOS and eNOS are constitutively expressed mainly in the nervous
system and the vascular endothelium, respectively, synthesizing a small amount of NO in a calciumdependent manner both under basal conditions and upon stimulation, and that iNOS is induced only
when stimulated by microbial endotoxins or certain proinflammatory cytokines, producing a greater
amount of NO in a calcium-independent manner.1-4 However, recent studies have revealed that bothnNOS and eNOS are also subject to expressional regulation, and that iNOS is constitutively expressed
even under physiological conditions.4 Furthermore, it has become apparent that in addition to eNOS
and iNOS, nNOS is also expressed in the cardiovascular system, exerting important cardiovascular- 126 -

actions.4 Thus, NO research is taking a new turn.
The roles of the NOS system in vivo have been investigated in pharmacological studies with NOS
inhibitors and in studies with NOS-isoform deficient mice. However, because of the non-specificityof the NOS inhibitors and the compensatory interactions among the NOS isoforms, the authenticroles of the entire NOS system still remain to be fully elucidated. To address this important issue,
we have recently developed mice in which all three NOS isoforms are completely deleted.5-6 The
triply nNOS/iNOS/eNOS-deficient (n/i/eNOS-/-) mice are unexpectedly viable and appear normal, but
their survival and fertility rates are markedly reduced as compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The
triply NOS-/- mice also exhibit marked hypotonic polyuria, polydipsia, and renal unresponsivenessto an antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, all of which are characteristics consistent with nephrogenic
diabetes insipidus.5-6 In addition, we have recently revealed that the triply NOS-/- mice spontaneously
develop myocardial infarction.7-8 However, the role of the NOS system in the regulation of lipid
metabolism is not fully understood. Thus, in this study, we examined the effect of a Western-typecholesterol-rich diet on lipid metabolism in our triply mutant mice.

Results
Severe Dyslipidemia in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
We first investigated the effect of the Western-type cholesterol-rich diet for 3 months on the serum
lipid profiles in the 8 strains (WT C57BL/6, singly nNOS-/-. iNOS-/-, eNOS-/-, doubly n/iNOS-/-, n/eNOS-/-, i/eNOS-/-, and triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice). The high-cholesterol diet significantly increased theserum levels of total cholesterol (Figure 1A), LDL cholesterol (Figure 1B), and small dense LDL
particles (Figure 1C) in all the genotypes studied as compared to the regular diet. Intriguingly, whencompared with the WT genotype, the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and small
dense LDL particles in the high-cholesterol dietwere all significantly and markedly higher only inthe triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype, but not in any singly
or doubly NOS-/- genotypes, and these levels weresimilar to those in apoE-/- mice that manifest severe
hyperlipidemia.15-16 In contrast, the serum levels ofhigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (FigureD) or triglyceride (Figure E) in the high-cholesterol
diet did not significantly differ in any of the genotypes.
Atherosclerosis in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice Fed a
High-Cholesterol Diet
We next examined whether the cholesterol-rich dietwould elicit atherosclerotic vascular lesion formationin the 8 strains. Although in the WT, singly, and- 127 -

Figure 1

FIgure 2

Figure 4

Figure 3

doubly NOS-/- genotypes, the high-cholesterol diet tended to induce lipid
accumulation in the aortas, these effects did not reach statistically significant
levels (Figure 2). However, in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype, the highcholesterol diet significantly and markedly caused aortic lipid accumulation(Figure 2). In addition, the high-cholesterol diet also significantly and markedly
elicited atheromatous plaque formation in the aortic sinus only in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype (Supplementary Figure I). In those atheromatous plaquelesions, subendothelial aggregation of Mac-2-positive macrophage-derived
foam cells (Figure 3G-I) and a necrotic lipid core covered by a well-formed
fibrous cap (Figure 3D-F) were noted.

Figure 5

Reduced Survival in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
Since we experienced the sudden death of the triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice during the cholesterol-richfeeding, we examined the survival rate. The survival rate with the high-cholesterol diet for 5 months
was significantly and markedly reduced only in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype (37.5% [15/40]) as
compared with the WT genotype (Figure 4A). We then performed a postmortem histopathologicalanalysis of the 15 dead triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice to identify the cause of death. In all the dead mice,- 128 -

Supplementary Figure II. Cardiac ACE activity
in WT and NOS-/- mice fed either the regular or
high-cholesterol diet for 3 months (n=4-6). WT,
C57BL/6. *P<0.05 vs. WT mice fed the regular
diet; †P<0.05 vs. WT mice fed the high-cholesterol
diet.

Supplementary Figure I. Atheromatous plaqueformation in the aortic sinus of triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice
fed a high-cholesterol diet (Masson-trichrome staining)(n=6-11). White and black bars indicate the regularand high-cholesterol diets, respectively. *P<0.05 vs.
the regular diet; †P<0.05 vs WT mice fed the highcholesterol diet.

Supplementary Figure III. Urinary 8-isoprostanelevels in WT and NOS-/- mice fed either the regularor high-cholesterol diet for 3 months (n=4-6). WT,
C57BL/6. *P<0.05 vs. WT mice fed the regular
diet; †P<0.05 vs. WT mice fed the high-cholesterol
diet; #P<0.05 vs. n/i/eNOS-/- mice fed the regulardiet.

Supplementary Figure IV. Serum CRP levels
in WT and NOS-/- mice fed either the regular or
high-cholesterol diet for 3 months (n=5-6). WT,
C57BL/6.

marked neointimal formation and perivascular fibrosis of the coronary artery were noted, and theirextents were both significantly greater when compared with living control WT mice fed the regular
diet and with living triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice fed the high-cholesterol diet (Figure 4B). Furthermore, old
myocardial infarction was detected in 1 mouse (Figure 5A), giant organized thrombi in both the left
and right ventricles were seen in 2 mice (Figure 5B), and pulmonary congestion was observed in all
the dead mice (Figure 5C). On the other hand, no pathological finding that explains the cause of death
was present in the brain, kidney, or spleen.

- 129 -

Blood Pressure in WT and NOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
Arterial blood pressure (mmHg) was significantly elevated in the eNOS-/- (118.4±2.5), i/eNOS-/(117.8±1.2), n/eNOS-/- (123.4±5.9), and n/i/eNOS-/- mice (126.7±11.2) as compared with the WT mice
(103.4±5.2) (n=7-9, each P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the hypertension levels
among those genotypes.
Cardiac ACE activity in WT and NOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
We next examined whether or not the renin-angiotensin system is activated in the high-cholesterol dietfed triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice. The cardiac ACE activities in the high-cholesterol diet were significantly
enhanced only in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype, but not in any singly or doubly NOS-/- genotypes, ascompared with the WT genotype (Supplementary Figure II). In the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype, thecardiac ACE activities tended to increase in the high-cholesterol diet than in the regular diet, although
the difference did not reach a statistically significant level (Supplementary Figure II).
Urinary 8-Isoprostane Level in WT and NOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
The urinary levels of 8-isoprostane, a marker of oxidative stress, in the high-cholesterol diet, werealso significantly increased only in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype compared with the WT genotype(Supplementary Figure III). In the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype, the urinary 8-isoprostane levels weresignificantly higher in the high-cholesterol diet than in the regular diet (Supplementary Figure III).
Serum CRP Level in WT and NOS-/- Mice Fed a
High-Cholesterol Diet
There was no significant difference in the serum CRP
levels, a marker of inflammation, in the WT or NOS/-

genotypes fed the regular or high-cholesterol diet(Supplementary Figure IV). This negative result might
be because CRP is a useful marker of inflammation inhumans, but not in mice.17
Serum ApoE Levels and Small Intestinal Cholesterol
Transporter Expression in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice
Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
We finally studied the mechanism(s) for the dietinduced dyslipidemia in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- mice.
There was no significant difference in serum apoElevels in the WT and triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotypes.

Figure 6

Also, no significant difference was noted in the expression levels of the cholesterol transporter
NPC1L1 in the small intestine in the two genotypes (Figure 6B).
Hepatic LDL Receptor Expression and SREBP-2 Activity in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice Fed a HighCholesterol Diet
Notably, the expression levels of the hepatic LDL receptor, which introduces circulating LDL into
hepatocytes, were significantly and markedly reduced only in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype, but not in- 130 -

any singly or doubly NOS-/- genotypes, as compared with the WT genotype (Figure 6C). Furthermore,
the activity of SREBP-2 (68-kDa, activated form), which regulates the expression of the LDL receptor,
was also significantly lower only in the triply n/i/eNOS-/- genotype (Figure 6D).

Discussion & Conclusion
The major novel findings of the present study are that mice devoid of all three NOS genes develop
severe diet-induced dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic vascular lesion formation, and cardiovascular death
via reduced expression of the hepatic LDL receptor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the firststudy that demonstrates that the defective NOS system is linked to the pathogenesis of diet-induced
dyslipidemia.
Role of the NOS System in the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism
Non-selective L-arginine analogues, such as Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or Nω-nitro-L-arginine
methyl ester (L-NAME), have been widely used as pharmacological tools to inhibit NO synthesis
derived form the whole NOS system. Although the role of the NOS system in lipid metabolism has
been studied with those L-arginine analogues, the obtained results are conflicting, such that the NOS
system has been suggested to be both essential18 and nonessential19 for lipid metabolism in rats. This
inconsistency may be due to their multiple non-specific actions.20-23 Indeed, we clarified the NOindependent vascular actions of L-arginine analogues. Although long-term treatment with L-arginine
analogues had long been believed without doubt to simply inhibit vascular NO synthesis and cause
arteriosclerotic vascular lesion formation, we found that the long-term vascular effects of L-arginine
analogues are not solely mediated by the simple inhibition of NO synthesis.9, 24 Activation of the tissue
renin-angiotensin system and increased oxidative stress, independent of endogenous NO inhibition,
are involved in the long-term vascular effects of those analogues.9, 24 These findings questioned theprevious theory regarding the effects of L-arginine analogues, and warranted re-evaluation of previous
studies using those analogues.9, 24 Thus, the authentic role of the NOS system in lipid metabolism still
remains to be fully elucidated.
In this study, in response to the high-cholesterol diet, the triply NOS-/- mice, but not the singly or
doubly NOS-/- mice, exhibited marked increases in serum total cholesterol levels. These increases
were due to alterations in the serum levels of LDL cholesterol and small dense LDL particles, bothof which are important cardiovascular risk factors,25 but not alterations in the serum levels of HDLcholesterol or triglyceride. These results indicate that the whole NOS system plays a key role in theregulation of lipid metabolism. Consistent with the evidence, NO supplementation by overexpressionof the eNOS gene in transgenic mice decreases plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels.26
Several lines of evidence suggest the association of the defective NOS system with dyslipidemia
in humans. First, it has been reported that plasma NOx (nitrite plus nitrate) levels, which aremarkers of NO production derived from all three types of NOS in vivo, are reduced in patientswith hyperlipidemia.27 Second, it has been revealed that lower plasma NOx levels are significantly
correlated with higher plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels.27 Finally, plasma concentrations of- 131 -

asymmetric dimethylarginine, which is an endogenous NOS inhibitor, have been shown to be elevatedin hypercholesterolemic individuals.28 These results may imply the clinical significance of the present
findings with the triply mutant mice.
The reason why the singly or doubly NOS-/- mice fed the high-cholesterol diet did not show significant
dyslipidemia may be due to a compensatory mechanism by other NOSs that are not disrupted genetically.
Indeed, we have revealed that other NOSs are expressed in the singly and doubly NOS-/- mice,5, 29 and thatNOS activity and NOx production are fairly well preserved in those genotypes.5
Atherosclerosis and Sudden Cardiac Death in Triply NOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
Since atherogenic lipoproteins were increased in the triply NOS-/- mice, we next studied
atherosclerotic vascular lesion formation. Cholesterol deposits, atheromatous plaques, conglomerated
foamy macrophages, and necrotic lipid cores with fibrous caps were present in the aorta of the triply
NOS-/- mice fed the high-cholesterol diet, all of which findings are recognized in both the early andadvanced stages of human atherosclerosis. Thus, the features of the atherosclerotic lesions that weredeveloped in the triply NOS-/- mice are similar to those described in humans,30 and therefore represent
an important model for human dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Since some triply NOS-/- mice died during the cholesterol-rich feeding, we then performed a
postmortem histopathological analysis to identify the cause of death. Markedly accelerated coronary
vascular lesion formation and pulmonary congestion were noted in all the dead triply NOS-/- mice,and old myocardial infarction and giant organized thrombi in both ventricles were found in some ofthem. Thus, it is likely that the triply NOS-/- mice died due to the cause of cardiovascular death, suchas myocardial ischemia-evoked malignant arrhythmia or heart failure.
Considerations of Statin Therapy in Triply NOS-/- Mice Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet
Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are potent blockers ofcholesterol biosynthesis, and widely used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. A number of large
clinical trials have demonstrated their clinical usefulness for preventing cardiovascular events, suchas myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Thus, it is interesting to speculate the potential
effect of statin therapy in the triply NOS-/- mice. However, our preliminary study indicated that longterm treatment with a statin did not significantly decrease plasma LDL cholesterol levels in the triply
NOS-/- mice (unpublished observations). Previous studies also reported that statins do not reduce, butrather elevates, plasma LDL levels in high-cholesterol diet-fed apoE-/- mice.31 Whether statin therapy
is beneficial in the treatment of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular death in the triply NOS-/- mice fed
the high-cholesterol diet through lipid lowering-independent actions remains to be examined in a
future study.
Mechanism for Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice
Whereas blood pressure was significantly elevated in the eNOS-disrupted singly, doubly, andtriply NOS-/- mice to a comparable extent, significant atherosclerosis was noted only in the triply
NOS-/- genotype, suggesting a minor role of hypertension in the development of the diet-induced- 132 -

atherosclerosis in the genotype. On the other hand, significant increases in cardiac ACE activities andurinary 8-isoprostane levels were noted in the high-cholesterol diet-fed triply NOS-/- mice. Thus, it isconceivable that the activation of the renin-angiotensin system and increased oxidative stress may be
involved in the diet-induced atherosclerosis.
Mechanism for Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia in Triply n/i/eNOS-/- Mice
Finally, we examined the mechanism(s) for dyslipidemia in the triply NOS-/- mice fed the cholesterolrich diet. Since the extent of the diet-induced dyslipidemia in the triply NOS-/- mice was equivalent
to that in apoE-/- mice, we first analyzed the serum apoE levels. However, no defect of serum apoE
was seen in the triply NOS-/- mice. We next examined the kinetics of the cholesterol absorption
and degradation machineries. Dietary cholesterol is absorbed into the body through the cholesteroltransporter NPC1L1 in the small intestine, and circulating LDL cholesterol in the blood is bound to
the LDL receptor in the liver, taken up and broken down by hepatocytes. The expression levels of
the small intestinal NPC1L1 were not altered in the triply NOS-/- mice, whereas the expression levelsof the hepatic LDL receptor were markedly reduced only in the triply NOS-/- mice, in parallel withalterations in the serum LDL cholesterol levels. SREBP-2 was discovered as a transcriptional factor
that controls LDL receptor gene expression.32 The activity of SREBP-2 was also diminished only in the
triply NOS-/- mice. Thus, it is possible that the lower expression of the hepatic LDL receptor mediatedby reduced SREBP-2 activity is involved in the diet-induced dyslipidemia in the triply NOS-/- genotype.
In conclusion, we were able to prove that complete disruption of the entire NOS system causes severe
diet-induced dyslipidemia, lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesion formation, and sudden cardiac death inmice in vivo through the down-regulation of the hepatic LDL receptor, demonstrating the critical roleof the whole endogenous NO/NOS system in the regulation of lipid metabolism.

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7) Nakata S, Tsutsui M, Shimokawa H, Suda O, Morishita T, Shibata K et al. Spontaneous myocardial
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9) Suda O, Tsutsui M, Morishita T, Tanimoto A, Horiuchi M, Tasaki H et al. Long-term treatment withN(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester causes arteriosclerotic coronary lesions in endothelial nitricoxide synthase-deficient mice. Circulation 2002;106:1729-1735.
10) Usui S, Hara Y, Hosaki S, Okazaki M. A new on-line dual enzymatic method for simultaneousquantification of cholesterol and triglycerides in lipoproteins by HPLC. J Lipid Res 2002;43:805-814.
11) Morishita T, Tsutsui M, Shimokawa H, Horiuchi M, Tanimoto A, Suda O et al. Vasculoprotective rolesof neuronal nitric oxide synthase. FASEB J 2002;16:1994-1996.
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15) Plump AS, Smith JD, Hayek T, Aalto-Setala K, Walsh A, Verstuyft JG et al. Severe hypercholesterolemia
and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice created by homologous recombination in ES
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Mechanism of chromosome segregation control by molecules
involved in spindle assembly checkpoint
Kozo Tanaka

Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University
k.tanaka@idac.tohoku.ac.jp

Abstruct
Proper chromosome segregation at each cell division is essential for maintenance of genetic
information. Among mechanisms for accurate chromosome segregation, the spindle assembly
checkpoint (SAC) is a mechanism to prevent anaphase onset until proper kinetochore-microtubuleinteraction is established on all the chromosomes. Many of the SAC-related molecules were involvedin forming proper kinetochore-microtubule interaction as well. We searched for molecules associatedwith the SAC-related molecules to find novel regulators for chromosome segregation. A novel protein,
C13orf8, was found as an interacting molecule with MAD2L2, one of the homologues of the yeast
SAC component, MAD2. C13orf8 is a zinc-finger protein and localizes on both chromosomes and thespindle. We found that mitotic cells increased after knockdown of C13orf8, and many chromosomes
did not align on the metaphase plate. In immunofluorescence analyses of C13orf8-depleted cells, weobserved kinetochores in metaphase cells not properly attaching to microtubules, and decreased sisterkinetochore distance, suggesting that C13orf8 is involved in kinetochore-microtubule attachment.
Live-cell imaging revealed that in C13orf8-depleted cells, many chromosomes once aligned on, butthen delocalized from the metaphase plate, concomitantly with the disconnection of kinetochoremicrotubule attachment. These data imply that C13orf8 is involved in maturation of microtubules
attaching to kinetochores (K-fibers) or maintenance of kinetochore-microtubule interaction whentension is exerted between sister kinetochores.
Keywords: chromosome segregation, kinetochore, microtubule, spindle

Introduction
Proper chromosome segregation at each cell division is essential for maintenance of genetic
information. Among mechanisms for accurate chromosome segregation, the spindle assembly
checkpoint (SAC) is a mechanism to prevent anaphase onset until proper kinetochore-microtubuleinteraction is established on all the chromosomes1. The SAC mechanism is well conserved fromyeast to human, but it is regulated more finely in human cells, partly by human-specific molecules.
Dysfunction of such a fine regulation may lead to oncogenic transformation through the induction ofchromosomal instability. In addition, it has recently been revealed that many SAC-related molecules
are not only involved in arresting cells at mitosis in the presence of defective kinetochore-microtubule
attachment, but also in the establishment of correct kinetochore-microtubule attachment itself.
Therefore, we screened for molecules interacting with known SAC-related molecules in human- 136 -

cells using proteomic approach. We isolated a novel protein, C13orf8, as an interacting protein with
MAD2L2, one of the homologues of the yeast SAC component, Mad2, and investigated the functionsof the protein.

Results
C13orf8 is a zinc-finger protein containing
several characteristic repeat motifs (Fig. 1).
C13orf8 localizes on both chromosmes andspindle (Fig. 2), and is phosphorylated mainly
in mitosis. C13orf8 was not involved directlyin the SAC like MAD2L2, as C13orf8depleted cells arrested in mitosis in thepresence of nocodazole or taxol. Instead, earlycell death was induced in mitotically-arrested
C13orf8-depleted cells, suggesting a role ofC13orf8 in cell survival in the SAC-activatedcells. Interestingly, many chromosomes in C13orf8-depleted cells did not align on the metaphase platein mitosis. In immunofluorescence analysesof C13orf8-depleted cells, we found thatkineotchores did not properly attach to
microtubules in mitotic cells, suggestingthat C13orf8 is involved in kinetochoremicrotubule attachment (Fig. 3). Live-cell
imaging revealed that in C13orf8-depleted
cells, many chromosomes once aligned on,
but then delocalized from the metaphase
plate, concomitantly with the disconnectionof kinetochore-microtubule attachment.

Discussion & Conclusion
In this study, we reported the identificationof a previously uncharacterized molecule,C13orf8, as a novel player involved in
kinetochore-microtubule attachment. We
found that C13orf8 is a phosphoproteinthat localizes on chromosomes and spindle.
C13orf8-depleted cells were arrested inmitosis and could not maintain chromosome- 137 -

alignment during the mitotic arrest. Our data imply
that C13orf8 is involved in maturation of microtubules
attaching to kinetochores (K-fibers) or maintenance ofkinetochore-microtubule interaction when tension isexerted between sister kinetochores (Fig. 4). C13orf8
also plays a role in maintaining cell viability duringmitotic arrest. As C13orf8 is conserved only amongvertebrates, it is probably involved in a fine regulationof chromosome segregation in higher eukaryotes. We
are now investigating the functions of C13orf8 further.

References
1) Tanaka, K, and Hirota, T. Chromosome segregation machinery and cancer. Cancer Sci (2009) 100,
p1158-1165.

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Molecular mechanism of trans-association of Tie2,
a receptor for angiopoietin-1, and its biological significanceShigetomo Fukuhara

National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institutefuku@ri.ncvc.go.jp

Abstruct
Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) regulates both vascular quiescence and angiogenesis through the receptor
tyrosine kinase Tie2. We have recently shown that Ang1 and Tie2 form distinct signaling complexes
at cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts, and further demonstrated that the former selectively induces
expression of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a zinc finger family of transcription factor involved in
vascular quiescence. Here, we investigated the mechanism how trans-associated Tie2 induces KLF2
expression to clarify the role of KLF2 in trans-associated Tie2-mediated vascular quiescence. We
found that Ang1 induces KLF2 expression through a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt-dependent
activation of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), and that Ang1-induced KLF2 expression attenuates
vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated inflammation. Collectively, these findings indicate thattrans-associated Tie2 stimulates transcriptional activity of MEF2 through a PI3K/AKT pathway,
thereby inducing KLF2 expression and contributing to the maintenance of vascular quiescence.
Keywords: Angiopoietin-1, Tie2, vascular quiescence

Introduction
Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) is a ligand for endothelium-specific receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2. Mice
deficient in either Ang1 or Tie2 exhibit embryonic lethality because of the impaired vascularmaturation, revealing the essentiality of Ang1/Tie2 signal for developmental vascular formation(1;2).
In adult vasculature, Ang1/Tie2 signaling is thought to regulate both maintenance of vascularquiescence and promotion of angiogenesis(1;2). However, it has been unknown how Tie2 signal
regulates these distinct biological functions. Recently, we have reported that Ang1 assembles distinct
Tie2 signaling complexes in the presence or absence of cell-cell junctions(3). Ang1 bridges Tie2
at cell-cell contacts, resulting in trans-association of Tie2 in the presence of cell-cell contacts. In
clear contrast, in the isolated cells, extracellular matrix (ECM)-bound Ang1 locates Tie2 to cellsubstratum interface. Furthermore, trans-associated Tie2 at cell-cell junctions preferentially activates
phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting endothelial cell survival
and vascular stability. On the other hand, ECM-anchored Tie2 at cell-substratum contacts stimulates
Erk1/2 signaling pathway leading to enhanced endothelial cell migration and proliferation, which areresponsible for angiogenesis.
We further performed DNA microarray analyses to identify the genes regulated by trans-associatedTie2 and ECM-anchored Tie2. Ang1 regulated distinct sets of genes in the presence or absence of- 139 -

cell-cell contacts(3). It is noteworthy that, in the presence of cell-cell contacts, Ang1 up-regulated
the genes involved in vascular stabilization, which include Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), zinc finger
protein 36, C3H type-like 2, connexin 40, delta-like1 and delta-like 4(3). KLF2 is a zinc fingerfamily of transcription factor that maintains vascular quiescence by regulating the genes involved inangiogenesis, inflammation and thrombosis. In this study, we investigated the signaling mechanism
involved in trans-associated Tie2-induced KLF2 expression and its role in vascular stabilization.

Results
Trans-associated Tie2 induces KLF2 expression.
To confirm the data of DNA microarray analyses, we performed quantitative real time-PCR andwestern blot analyses. COMP-Ang1, a potent activator for Tie2, induced KLF2 mRNA and protein
expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under confluent culture condition,
but not under sparse condition. These results suggest that KLF2 expression is selectively induced bytrans-associated Tie2, but not by ECM-anchored Tie2.
KLF2 expression by trans-associated Tie2 involves MEF2 transcription factor, but does not
require Erk5.
Laminar shear stress potently induces KLF2 expression in endothelial cells. It has been reported thatshear stress-induced KLF2 expression occurs through phosphorylation of myocyte enhancer factor
2 (MEF2), a MADS-box family of transcription factor, by Erk5 kinase. Thus, we examined whether
trans-associated Tie2 also induces KLF2 expression by stimulating an Erk5-MEF2 signaling pathway.
COMP-Ang1-induced KLF2 expression was prevented by knocking down of MEF2. Consistently,
COMP-Ang1 stimulated KLF2 promoter activity in a MEF2-binding element-dependent manner.
However, COMP-Ang1 did not induce Erk5 activation under confluent condition. In addition,
depletion of Erk5 by siRNA did not affect COMP-Ang1-induced KLF2 expression. These results
indicate that KLF2 expression by trans-associated Tie2 involves MEF2, but is not mediated by Erk5.
Trans-associated Tie2 induces KLF2 expression through PI3K/Akt signaling axis.
We investigated the involvement of PI3K/Akt signaling axis in trans-associated Tie2-induced KLF2
expression, since Ang1 stimulates PI3K/Akt pathway selectively in the presence of cell-cell contacts.
Inhibitors for PI3K and Akt and the depletion of Akt by siRNA blocked COMP-Ang1-induced KLF2
expression, indicating that a PI3K/Akt pathway is indispensable for trans-associated Tie2-induced
KLF2 expression.
PI3K/Akt pathway induces KLF2 expression by stimulating the transcriptional activity of
MEF2.
We performed luciferase reporter assay to investigate whether PI3K/Akt pathway stimulates thetranscriptional activity of MEF2. Constitutive active mutants of PI3K (PI3K-CA) and Akt (AktCA) induced luciferase expression in the HUVECs transfected with the plasmid encoding luciferase
reporter gene under the control of a single MEF2 site (MEF2-Luc). To further investigate the effectof PI3K-CA and Akt-CA on the transcriptional activity of MEF2, we fused full-length MEF2C with- 140 -

DNA-binding domain of Gal4 (Gal4-MEF2C). PI3K-CA and Akt-CA significantly stimulated thetranscriptional activity of Gal4-MEF2C, but not that of Gal4. COMP-Ang1 also increased in thetranscriptional activity of Gal4-MEF2C. These findings indicate that trans-associated Tie2 enhances
the transcriptional activity of MEF2 through a PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
We further investigated whether PI3K/Akt pathway enhances KLF2 promoter activity by stimulating
the transcriptional activity of MEF2. PI3K-CA and Akt-CA stimulated the KLF2 promoter activity, andthese stimulatory effects were significantly augmented by the co-expression of MEF2C. Furthermore,
adenovirus-mediated over-expression of Akt-CA potently induced both mRNA and protein expressionof KLF2 in HUVECs. Collectively, these results suggest that trans-associated Tie2 induces KLF2
expression through a PI3K/Akt/MEF2 signaling axis.
Trans-associated Tie2 inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated inflammation
through KLF2.
Ang1/Tie2 signal is known to inhibit the inflammatory responses mediated by vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF). It has been also shown that KLF2 has potent anti-inflammatory effects on thevascular endothelium. Therefore, we hypothesized that trans-associated Tie2 inhibits VEGF-induced
inflammation through KLF2. To address this possibility, we examined the effect of siRNA-mediatedKLF2 depletion on the anti-inflammatory function of Ang1/Tie2 signal. VEGF induced expression ofvascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) and enhanced the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs.
COMP-Ang1 partially inhibited VEGF-induced VCAM1 expression and VEGF-induced monocyte
adhesion to HUVECs. However, these inhibitory effects of COMP-Ang1 were blunted by depletion of
KLF2. These results reveal that trans-associated Tie2 attenuates VEGF-induced inflammation throughinduction of KLF2.

Discussion & Conclusion
In this study, we found that trans-associated Tie2 at cell-cell junctions induces KLF2 expression bystimulating the transcriptional activity of MEF2 through a PI3K/Akt axis in endothelial cells(4). In
addition, KLF2 expression by trans-associated Tie2 inhibits VEGF-induced inflammation(4). KLF2
not only has anti-inflammatory effect but also acts as an inhibitor of angiogenesis. Indeed, it has beenreported that KLF2 inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Therefore, KLF2 may be involved in the- 141 -

maintenance of vascular quiescence mediated by trans-associated Tie2. Further examination is requiredfor clarifying the in vivo role of KLF2 in trans-associated Tie2-mediated vascular stabilization.

References
1) Fukuhara S., Sako K., Noda K., Nagao K., Miura K., Mochizuki N.: Tie2 is tied at the cell-cell contacts
and to extracellular matrix by Angiopoietin-1. Exp. Mol. Med. 41:133-139, 2009
2) Fukuhara S., Sako K., Noda K., Zhang J., Minami M., Mochizuki N.: Angiopoietin-1/Tie2 receptor
signaling in vascular quiescence and angiogenesis. Histol. Histopathol. 25:387-396, 2010
3) Fukuhara S., Sako K., Minami T., Noda K., Kim H. Z., Kodama T., Shibuya M., Takakura N., Koh
G. Y., Mochizuki N.: Differential function of Tie2 at cell-cell contacts and cell-substratum contacts
regulated by angiopoietin-1. Nat. Cell Biol. 10:513-526, 2008
4) Sako K., Fukuhara S., Minami T., Hamakubo T., Song H., Kodama T., Fukamizu A., Gutkind J.S., Koh
G.Y., Mochizuki N.: Angiopoietin-1 induces Kruppel-like factor 2 expression through a phosphoinositide
3-kinase/AKT-dependent activation of myocyte enhancer factor 2. J. Biol. Chem. 284:5592-5601, 2009

- 142 -

III.
Reports from the Recipients of Grants
for International Meetings- 143 -

2009 29th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CANCER
1. Representative
Masanori Hatakeyama
2. Opening period and Place
July 13-14, 2009 / The Hokkaido University conference hall Sapporo, Japan
3. Number of participants / Number of participating countries and areas
Number of participants: 100
Number of participating countries: 9
Areas: Japan, USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia
4. Total cost
￥11,208,066JPY
5. Main use of subsidy
Invitation fee
6. Result and Impression
The 29th Sapporo Cancer Seminar Symposium entitled “Helicobacter pylori and Gastric
Cancer” was held in July 13-14, 2009 at the Conference Hall of Hokkaido University, with 100
participants including 20 participants from abroad.
The symposium consisted of 6 Scientific Sections. In Session 1, genetic and epigenetic factors
involved in gastric carcinogenesis such as Helicobacter pylori infection, EB virus infection andE-cadherin mutation were discussed. Session 2 focused on the nature of gastric cancer stem cells.
In Session 3, the role of inflammation in the development of gastric cancer was extensively
discussed. In this session importance of inflammatory cytokines and their down-stream targets incarcinogenesis was emphasized. Also, importance of host genetic factors in determining
susceptibility to gastric cancer was discussed. Furthermore, systemic analysis for the epigenetic
changes in genome during chronic H. pylori infection was presented. In Session 4, roles of H.
pylori virulence factors such as VacA, OipA and DupA in the mucosal damages were discussed.
Section V aimed to uncover the role of H. pylori oncoprotein CagA in the transformation of gastricepithelial cells, particularly focusing on the molecular mechanisms of CagA delivery andintracellular signaling pathways perturbed by host cell-injected CagA, with the use of state-of-arts
real-time imaging system, Drosophila genetics and genetically engineered mice. In Session 6,
clinical prevention of gastric cancer by eradication of H. pylori was discussed. In this session,- 144 -

clinical application of CagA polymorphism in identifying high-risk populations for gastric cancer
was also considered. Throughout the symposium, scientific levels of presentations were extremely
high and the discussions were substantial, exciting and fruitful. In the afternoon of July 13, 20
posters were presented by young researchers. During coffee breaks and banquet, participants had achance to know each other and to develop scientific relationship, which will be helpful for futurecollaborations. I concluded that the symposium was one of the best symposiums on Gastric
Cancer to be held in Japan in recent years.

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5th International Symposium on Autophagy:
Molecular mechanism, cellular and physiological functions, and diseases
1. Representative
Yasuyoshi Sakai, Ph.D.
2. Opening period and Place
September 24th ~ 28th, 2009, Otsu Prince Hotel, Otsu, Japan
3. Number of participants / Number of participating countries and areas
231 participants/ 22 countries and areas
4. Total cost
¥28,844,505JPY
5. Main use of subsidy
Traveling fees for Dr. Beth Levine (USA) and Dr. Patrice Codogno (France)
6. Result and Impression
We are happy to state that the 5th International Symposium on Autophagy (ISA) ended in aperfect success. This symposium was originally held in 1997, and since then a growing
number of researchers have come to attend the series of its following meetings. This is mostly
owing to the rapid development of autophagy research in the last decade, especially regarding
the elucidation of its molecular mechanism. At the same time, the physiological importance ofautophagy has been revealed to a great extent, such as its involvement in metastasis,
neurogenic disorders, or developmental processes. These progresses led to a boost for theparticipation of both basic researchers and medical workers in this symposium.
In the 5th ISA, there was an outstanding increase in the participation numbers from Asian
nations, namely P. R. China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Three oral presentations were done by
the distinguished researchers in this region (Dr. Hong Zhang and Wei-Pang Huang as
programmed oral speakers, and Dr. Li Yu as a selected speaker from Poster applications).
Interestingly, all of their presentations belonged to basic science field, giving us strong
impression of their growing contributions to this field.
As a new trend of this symposium, we set a session specialized in autophagy studies onplant physiology and pathology. This included a talk by Dr. Nicholas Talbot from UK, whoworked very extensively on the pathogenesis of some fungi species to rice plants. The talktold us much about the importance of autophagy in cell differentiation of the fungi, in good

- 146 -

analogy with other kingdoms of living things.
In addition to the fundamental research of autophagy, some pioneering studies are now
heading for the discovery of chemical substances that affect autophagic activities. In the lastsession of our symposium, we had a good opportunity to have two presentations by Dr. David
Rubinsztein (from UK) and Dr. William A. Dunn Jr. (fromUSA), both of which showedremarkable progresses in identifying autophagy inducers or inhibitors. These data gave us apositive perspective that the medical applications of autophagy will be tested in the near
future. In this sense, we realized the importance of holding meetings on autophagy thatinvolves both basic and medical researchers.
7. Additional description
We are planning to hold 6th International Symposium on Autophagy in 2012.

- 147 -

The 9th Annual Meeting of the Protein Science Society of Japan
1. Representative
Yuriko Yamagata (Faculty of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumamoto University)
2. Opening period and Place
May 20(Wed.)-May 22(Fri.), ANA Hotel Kumamoto Newsky, Kumamoto, Japan
3. Number of participants / Number of participating countries and areas
810 attendees from 7 countries (UK, USA, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand andJapan)
4. Total cost
¥15,306,790JPY(excluding banquet cost)
5. Main use of subsidy
Printing Cost
6. Result and Impression
The 9th annual meeting of the Protein Science Society of Japan (PSSJ) was held at ANA
Hotel Kumamoto Newsky for 3 days from May 20 to May 22, 2009. It gathered 810
researchers including 20 oversea participants. The meeting was consisted of various
programs, such as 4 history reviews, 3 symposia, 17 workshops, 8 luncheon seminars and418 posters. Especially the poster session had the largest number of presentations the PSSJ
meeting ever had.
The field of protein science has rapidly developed in recent years, through the influence ofgenome projects. The purpose of the 9th Annual Meeting of the Protein Science Society ofJapan was to announce new findings and analyze future perspectives in the field, as well as
to attract young researchers in the post-genome era to this promising field.
Symposia featured world’s distinguished researchers. At the disease-related protein
session, Dr. G. Schertler, who was from UK and is well known for his successful research on
the X-ray structure analysis of adrenergic receptors, gave an excellent lecture and made adeep impression on the audience. Another session, under the theme of the development of
new protein science techniques, urged active discussions which inspired the participants.
The 3rd session was for young scientists. Talented 10 fresh researchers made great
presentations and the best 3 presenters were awarded the young scientist prizes. To
encourage students, the meeting also awarded the poster prizes to the selected 10 presenters- 148 -

for their excellent works.
This meeting was a great success with many attendees and presentations with high quality.
It was not only a good chance to hear the latest discoveries, but also a great place to sharethoughts and discuss with rivals and other talents. It gave us hints for the next step to go
forward. We believe that most of the attendees were satisfied with what they acquired at thismeeting. This meeting contributes to the further development of protein science in Japan.
In this serious recession, we anticipated to have financial problems. We also worried about
the effect of swine flu that was going around the world. Despite all our anxieties, we could
successfully conclude the meeting through efforts of many PSSJ members. We appreciate all
the supports and aids from various organizations. Especially we would like to thank theNovartis Foundation (Japan) for the Promotion of Science for its generous contribution.

- 149 -

The 11th International Symposium on Exocrine Secretion, Tokushima 09
Exocrine Secretion-Mechanism and Disease
1. Representative
Kazuo Hosoi, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology
Department of Molecular Oral Physiology, Institute of Health Bioscience,
The University of Tokushima Graduate School
2. Opening period and Place
July 23-25, 2009 (3 days)
Kuramoto Campus, the University of Tokushima (3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima-shi,
Tokushima 770-0939)
3. Number of participants / Number of participating countries and areas
33 from oversea (participating countries were USA, Canada, Australia, England, Germany,
Denmark, China, Korea, and Russia)
117 from within the country (Japan) (Japanese 100 and foreigner 17)
Total number of participants, 150
4. Total cost
¥9,641,000 JPY
5. Main use of subsidy
1) Preparation of lecture auditorium and the place for poster presentation
Signboards on the campus entrance, auditorium stage, hall ways, campus passage
Cloth panel for poster presentation
2) Cost of printings (partial)
Program and Abstract book, Poster, Envelop, Certificate of Attendance
6. Result and Impression
The 11th International Symposium on Exocrine Secretion (ISES; Chairman, Kazuo Hosoi,
the University of Tokushima, vice chairs, Masataka Murakami, Institute for Physiological
Sciences and Ivana Novak, University of Copenhagen) was held in Kuramoto Campus, theUniversity of Tokushima during July 23-25, 2009. The places for symposium and poster
presentations were at Nagai Memorial Hall and Information Plaza of the Graduate School of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, respectively. In the opening ceremony on the 1st day, Dr.
Toshihiro Aono, the president of the University of Tokushima, and Dr. Yuji Sano (as a- 150 -

representation of Kamon IIzumi, the governor of Tokushiama prefecture), a vice-director of
the Department of Health Policy and Health Service, Tokushima Prefectural Government
presented their message to the ISES participants. Mr. Hideki Hara, the Mayor of Tokushima
City also sent the telegram of the message of celebration.
Besides the The ISES office received 35 symposium papers (oral presentation) and 45
papers for poster presentations. Thirty three scientists from oversea and 117 from within the
country attended the ISES. The participating countries were USA, Canada, England,
Germany, Denmark, China, Korea, Australia, Russia and Japan. In the 3rd day afternoon thestrong shower was fallen, but weather on the first and second days was very nice. On July
26th, the ISES served the “After-Convention Tour,” and those who want to attend the IUPS
meeting visited several spots in Tokushima before leaving for Kyoto. The bus brought theseparticipants to Kyoto after this excursion.
Aquaporins (AQPs), the water channel proteins, are strongly involved in the water
secretion by exocrine gland; professor Verkman however said in his plenary lecture thatthese channel proteins have physiological functions other than the function to permeate thewater. This was explored by the experiments in which AQP knock out mice were used;various physiological functions are altered in these mice. Professor Melvin showed in his
keynote lecture that Cl-channel and Na+,K+,2Cl- co-transporter as well as AQPs areimportant in the water secretion by the exocrine gland. This was again shown by using
knock out mice. Estrogenic action has been suggested to be responsible for the strong
female preponderance of many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).
SS is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates anddestruction of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Professor Hayashi reported in his keynote
lecture that retinoblastoma-associated protein RbAp48 induces tissue-specific apoptosis in
the salivary glands depending on the level of estrogen deficiency, and discussed its
molecular mechanism.
In the symposium and poster presentation, it was expected that every participant
understand more about the mechanism of exocrine secretion by mutual exchange of thescientific information. Although working on the different tissues, scientists are interested inmechanism and function of exocrine secretion, and disease caused by malfunction and/or
failure of the exocrine gland. We, therefore, had a lot of discussion and argument toestablish a new idea and principle. It was expected also that this symposium contributes tothe development of new medical cures and the promotion of public health. The ISES
organizer considered that junior scientists or graduate students are important for thedevelopment of this field, and therefore granted partial supports for these young scientists.
During the period of the symposium, the committee members evaluated the posters. Five

- 151 -

excellent posters, including the best one, were selected by the strict evaluation by thesemembers; the poster awards were given to these presenters at the farewell party on the 3rdday. Lastly, we, the organizer believe that this international symposium was successful if it
could contribute to the development of the science in the field of the exocrine gland.
7. Additional description
The following is a group photograph taken on the 2nd day in front of the Nagai Memorial
Hall, the University of Tokushima, where the symposium was held.

- 152 -

The 11th International Symposium on Exocrine Secretion, Tokushima 09
Nagai Memorial Hall, the University of Tokushima
July 23-25, 2009, Tokushima, Japan

1. T. Mukaibo 2. Y. Kondo 3. K. Satoh 4. T. Hasegawa 5. T. Iida 6. S. Nakamura 7. AK. Stewart
8. H. Silke 9. Y. Otsuki 10. Y. Kitanaka 11. K. Ishibashi 12. C. Korbmacher 13. DI. Cook
14. T. Hayashi 15. M. Kidokoro 16. MG. Guo 17. C. Wang 18. D. Wang 19. S. Ying 20. L. Yi
21. M. Tsukamoto 22. Y. Sakane 23. M. Yamaguchi 24. H. Nakashima 25. JH. Hanrahan
26. A. Dinudom 27. Y. Kadoya 28. T. Morita 29. A. Tanimura 30. A. Nezu 31. J. Leipziger
32. MV. Sörensen 33. P. Javkhlan 34. P. Poronnik 35. WA. Kruger 36. S. Hammami 37. M. Hayashi
38. T, Nakamoto 39. B. Qi 40. JS. Yoon 41. MC. Steward 42. G. Chen 43. DL. Bovell
44. J. Putney 45. Y. Sahara 46. SL. Alper 47. H. Ishiguro 48. K. Park 49. N. Koyama
50. M. Kashimata 51. MA. Cátalan 52. S. Ko 53. S. Muallem 54. MG. Lee 55. Y. Hieda
56. A. Shitara 57. Y, Hayashi 58. Y. Shiba 59. C. Hirono 60. H. Ichikawa 61. A. Inagaki
62. T. Narita 63. H. Uneyama 64. N. Yamada 65. T. Hosoi 66. S. Hashimoto 67. A. Ahmad
68. C. Yao 69. Y. Ishikawa 70. T. Lukmanee 71. S. Naruse 72. Y. Seo 73. M. Fukushima
74. O. Katsumata-Kato 75. J. Yoshigaki 76. H. Sugiya 77. M. Kawai 78. VA. Zolotarev
79. S. Matsuo 80. Y. Hiroshima 81. T. Akamatsu 82. K. Inenaga 83. Y. Hayashi 84. E. Gresik
85. AS. Verkman 86. K. Hosoi 87. I. Novak 88. M. Murakami 89. IS. Ambudkar 90. J. Melvin
91. AM. San Gabriel 92. M. Fukano- 153 -

16th International Conference on Cytochrome P450
1. Representative
Hirofumi Shoun
2. Opening period and Place
June 21 - June 25, 2009
Bankoku Shinryokan (1792 Kise Nago, Okinawa 905-0026)
3. Number of participants / Number of participating countries and areas
207 Participants / 19 Countries
Japan (103), USA (40), UK (10), Korea (10), Germany (8), Australia (6), Sweden (6), Czech
Republic (5), France (4), Canada (2), Denmark (2), Slovenia (2), India (2),Taiwan (2), Russia (1), Finland (1), Switzerland (1), China (1), Nepal (1)4. Total cost
¥24,412,112 JPY
5. Main use of subsidy
Shuttle buses (Between hotels and the venue and every morning and night during theconference for participants.)
6. Result and Impression
The 16th International Conference on Cytochrome P450 was held in the last June in
Okinawa, as noted above. In spite of the recent world wide bad economy and epidemic offlu, more than 100 persons from abroad have attended the meeting. We had 2 plenary
lectures, 52 invited lectures, and 117 posters, which covered almost all of recent important
findings and results in this field for these couple of years. Professor Shigeaki Kato presented
a lecture on the expression of CYP genes regulated by nuclear vitamin D and dioxin
receptors. Prof. Frances Arnold of California Institute of Technology had a lecture on
artificial selection (directed evolution) of cytochrome P450s. These two plenary lectures
gave deep impression to the audience. Dr. D. Ghosh (Roswell Park Cancer Institute, USA)reported their important result on the structure of aromatase (CYP19), which was justpublished in Nature in this year. The result is very important because it can be applied to thedevelopment of anti-breast cancer drugs. Prof. A. W. Munro of University of Manchester
presented a lecture on the P450 systems in the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
which shows a new aspect on the curatives for tuberculosis. Prof. E. F. Johnson of the- 154 -

Scripps Research Institute, USA, who gave a breakthrough in determining the crystal
structures of human drug-metabolizing P450s, had a lecture on the structure of human P450
2C9. Importance of P450 is now expanding into various fields of life sciences. The theme
we emphasized this time is Biotechnology and Environment. We had two sessions on thistheme. Prof. H. Ohkawa of Fukuyama Univ. reported on phytomonitoring andphytoremediation utilizing recombinant P450s. Prof. T. Sakaki of Toyama prefecture Univ.
presented Construction of P450 species for production of active vitamin D3. Dr. Y. Tanaka
of Suntory Ltd reported on flower color modification (creation of blue rose).
In addition to the presentations by these “big names”, we had many exciting poster
presentations by young scientists. Dr. Tsuneo Omura and the selection committee afforded aposter award (with 100,000 JPY) to five young scientists. Further, we presented travel
support to many domestic and foreign students and young scientists as much as possible.
The meeting was very active and successfully closed. We could therefore concentrate thesescientific properties and inherit them to future.
7. Additional description
Conference venue was constructed for the millennium Okinawa Summit in 2000.
Therefore it has incomparable environment and gorgeous buildings. However, its location isremote, which we mostly worried. So we gave transportation service as much as possible,
which was performed smoothly. As the results, many participants, in particular from abroad,appreciated and admired the selection of venue and administration of the meeting. They also
enjoyed very much the excursion to Nakijin castle (the World heritage) and Churaumi
aquarium. So we also contributed to the advertisement of Okinawa that depends on tourists.

- 155 -

Satellite Symposium，XXXVIth International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS)
1. Representative
Name: Gozoh Tsujimoto
Institution: Department of Genomic Drug Discovery Science, Graduate School of
Pharmaceutical Sciences Kyoto University
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
2. Opening period and Place
Opening Period: July 27－August１,2009
Place: Kyoto International Conference Center
3. Number of participants / Number of participating countries and areas
Number of participants: Approximately 150
Number of participating countries: Approximately 10~15
U.S.A, U.K, Canada, China and others.
4. Total cost
¥4,039,000JPY
5. Main use of subsidy
Traveling fee for overseas invited speakers.
Expenses for reception.
6. Result and Impression
The central research theme of this Satellite Symposium is the study of network dynamics
across various time scales, including temporal changes in both network state and structure.
Invited research groups exemplify the type of multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator
research in this field. Prof. Michel Fill (Loyola University Chicago, USA) presented“Calsequestrin regulation of Signal ryanodine receptor Calcium Release Channels”, Prof.
Frances Zorzato (Basel University Hospital， Switzerland) presented “Modulation ofskeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling by protein components of the sarcoplasmic
reticulum functional face membrane.”. Prof. Richard Steinhardt(University of California
Berkeley, USA) presented “Membrane Repair – Ca entry and vesicle trafficking”.Prof. Jian
Ma(University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, USA) presented “MG53, a
molecular sensor of the acute membrane repair process in striated muscle.”. Prof. Toshio
Tanaka (Mie University, Japan) presented “Pharmacogenomics networks in human disease- 156 -

models and therapeutic target”. And Prof. Shouhei Mitani(Tokyo Women’s medical
University, Japan) presented “Systematic isolation of mutants defective in transcription
factors in C. elegans”.

- 157 -

第 23 期（2009 年度）助成事業報告
当財団は、1987 年 9 月 3 日に文部大臣より認可を受けて設立して以来、寄附行為に定めた研究助成を中心とした事業を行ってきました。2009 年度は、下記に示したノバ
ルティス研究奨励金、研究集会助成、海外留学生受入れ助成の総額 3,700 万円の助成を行っております。
ノバルティス研究奨励金
研究集会助成海外留学生受入れ助成

30 件 （1 件
100 万円）
3,000 万円
5 件 （1 件
40 万円）
200 万円
3 件 （1 件 100 ～ 200 万円）
500 万円
総額 3,700 万円

2009 年度ノバルティス研究奨励金贈呈者
この事業は、生物・生命科学およびそれに関連する化学の領域において、我が国で行われる創造的な研究に対し、助成することを目的としています。
( 受付順、 敬称略、 所属 ・ 職位は申請時。 助成金額 ： 1 件 100 万円）
番号

氏

名

研究機関名

1

北村 ゆかり群馬大学
生体調節研究所

2

森田 啓行

東京大学
大学院医学系研究科

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

役職

研究テーマ
FoxO1 による ChREBP の O- グリコシレー
グローバル
ション調節を介した糖、 脂質代謝制御機
COE 研究員
構の解明
心筋転写ネットワーク破綻による心筋症 ・心不全発症の機序解明～ヒト拡張型心筋特任准教授症を惹起する HOP 遺伝子変異からのア
プローチ～
心血管代謝疾患における脂質シャペロ
助教
ン ・ 炎症 ・ 小胞体ストレス応答の解明
Nod 様受容体 NLRP3 を介した宿主炎症
教授
誘導の分子機構

札幌医科大学
内科学第二講座
琉球大学
鈴木 敏彦
大学院医学研究科
京都大学
江島 亜樹 生命科学系キャリアパス形成 特定助教
ユニット
横浜市立大学
林 郁子 大学院生命ナノシステム科学 准教授
研究科
東京大学
阿部 郁朗 大学院薬学系研究科
教授
天然物化学教室
山梨大学大学院
大塚 稔久
教授
医学工学総合研究部
金沢大学
教授
大島 正伸
がん研究所
杏林大学
今泉 美佳
准教授
医学部生化学
東京医科歯科大学
小内 伸幸
講師
難治疾患研究所
古橋 眞人

堀内 久徳

京都大学
大学院医学研究科講師- 158 -

求愛行動を制御する嗅覚系バックグラウ
ンド ・ キャンセリング機構の研究
細胞移動を制御する超小管伸長端結合
蛋白質 CLASP ２の分子基盤
ステロイド系抗生物質の生合成工学
アクティブゾーンタンパク質 CAST/ELKS
ファミリーの生理機能
消化管腫瘍発生における Sox17 の作用インスリンン開口放出の 4D イメージング
解析
ヒト樹状細胞サブセットの分化 ・ ホメオス
ターシス機構の解明
低分子量 GTP 結合蛋白質 Ral を介した細胞癌化および浸潤 ・ 転移に関する研
究

番号
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

25
26
27
28
29
30

氏

名

研究機関名

役職

研究テーマ
リピドミクスによる脂肪酸プロファイルを指
金沢大学
太田 嗣人
特任助教 標とした非アルコール性脂肪肝炎の病態
フロンティアサイエンス機構
解明
宮武 昌一 東京都医学研究機構
プロジェクト ウイルスの出芽を抑制する分子 CD317/郎
東京都臨床医学総合研究所 リーダー tetherin の個体レベルでの機能解析
理化学研究所チーム
神経軸索ガイダンスの駆動機構 ： 成長円
上口 裕之
脳科学総合研究センター
リーダー 錐での非対称性膜動態の研究
京都大学
ヒトＴ細胞白血病ウイルス１型の病原性発松岡 雅雄 ウイルス研究所附属教授
現機構
エイズ研究施設
新潟大学
糖鎖シーケンシングのための化学的フラ
長束 俊治
教授
理学部生物学科
グメンテーション法の開発
大阪大学
含窒素ヘテロ芳香環の炭素 - 水素結合
鳶巣 守
特任講師
大学院工学研究科の直接官能基化反応の開発
東北大学
此木 敬一
准教授
天然毒貯蔵生物がもつ自己耐性機構
大学院農学研究科
京都大学
パラジウム触媒による多置換エポキシドの
准教授
依光 英樹
大学院理学研究科
不斉合成
九州大学
コモンマーモセットを用いた新規霊長類
丸本 朋稔
特任講師
高度先端医療センター
脳腫瘍モデルの作成
北海道大学
昆虫に学ぶ匂い情報処理アルゴリズムの
水波 誠 大学院先端生命
教授
研究
科学研究院
国立がんセンター
プロジェクト ヒト RNA 依存性 RNA ポリメラーゼとがん
増富 健吉
研究所
リーダー 幹細胞
大阪府立病院機構
分泌性シグナル因子による哺乳動物胚パ
松尾 勲 大阪府立母子保健綜合医療 主任研究員
ターン形成機構
センター研究所
京都大学
BMP とその調節因子が織りなす慢性腎柳田 素子 生命科学系キャリアパス形成
講師
臓病の素因決定および進展メカニズムのユニット
解明
広島大学大学院
自閉症ヒト型モデルマウスを用いた社会
内匠 透
教授
医歯薬学総合研究科
性行動の分子解析
神戸大学大学院
DNA 修復系から RNAi への新たなシグナ
中屋敷 均
准教授
農学研究科
ルフロー
徳島大学
自己免疫疾患モデルマウスを用いたゲノ岡崎 拓
教授
疾患ゲノム研究センター
ム解析
心筋虚血再灌流障害における炎症惹起
自治医科大学高橋 将文
教授
機構の解明 ： 新規自然免疫経路インフラ
分子病態治療研究センター
マソームを中心とした解析
大阪市立大学
カルパイン阻害剤を用いた滑脳症治療へ
広常 真治
教授
大学院医学研究科の新戦略- 159 -

2010 年度研究集会助成金贈呈集会
この事業は、生物・生命化学およびそれに関連する化学の領域において、我が国で開催される国際性豊かな研究集会の運営費の一部を援助することを目的としています。
（受付順、敬称略、所属・職位は申請時。助成金額：1 件 40 万円）
番号

研 究 集 会 名

開催期日
（開 催 地）助 成 先 代 表 者
所 属・職 位氏

名

1

第 5 回国際フィロウイルス
シンポジウム東京大学
2010.4.18 ～ 4.21
医科学研究所( 東京 )
教授

河岡 義裕

2

タンパク質社会に関する国際会議

名古屋大学
2010.9.12 ～ 9.16
大学院理学研究科( 奈良 )
教授

遠藤 斗志也3

第 17 回国際 RUNX ワークショップ
2010

理化学研究所2010.7.11 ～ 7.14 免疫 ・ アレルギー科学( 神奈川 )
総合研究センター
チームリーダー

谷内 一郎

42010 国際ポリアミン会議- 医学 ･ 生命科学への展開 -2010.6.14 ～ 6.18 東京慈恵会医科大学( 静岡 )
教授

松藤 千弥

5

第 16 回国際分化学会国際会議

自然科学研究機構
2010.11.14 ～ 11.18
基礎生物学研究所( 奈良 )
教授

上野 直人

2009 年度海外留学生助成金贈呈者
この事業は、生物・生命科学およびそれに関連する化学の領域において、創造的な研究に携わるアジアの国々および地域から日本への留学生（留学中を含む）に対して、旅費・滞在費を助成することを目的としています。
（受付順、敬称略、所属・職位は申請時。助成金額：1 件 100 ～ 200 万円）
番号
1

氏
名
カルクザマン エムディ
KHALEQUZZAMAN
Md.

国 名

職

位

所属機関
名古屋市立大学
Graduate
Bangladesh
大学院医学研究科
student[ 教授上島 通浩 ]2

群馬大学
スラジ エカ ウィドリアン
Graduate
インドネシア大学院医学研究科
Suradji Eka Widrian
student[ 教授小山 洋 ]3

グナワルダナ エゴダハ
ゲダラ ワセナ
GUNAWARDANA
Egodaha Gedara
WasanaSri Lanka

研究テーマ
発展途上国における室内空
気汚染の実態と子供の健康への影響の解明
抗マラリア薬の新規ターゲッ
トとしてのセレンによるマラリ
ア原虫アポトーシス誘導メカ
ニズムの解明東京大学
下水処理水中に出現する微大学院新領域
Student
生物群集の種構成とその経創成科学研究科時変動[ 准教授佐藤 弘泰 ]- 160 -

第 23 期（2009 年度）財務報告

貸借対照表

収支計算書

2009 年 3 月 31 日現在

2008 年 4 月 1 日から 2009 年 3 月 31 日まで（単位：円）（単位：円）

科目
Ⅰ資産の部
１． 流動資産
現金預金
未収収益
未収金
有価証券
前払費用
流動資産合計
２． 固定資産(1) 基本財産
投資有価証券 （指定）投資有価証券 （一般）
基本財産合計(2) その他固定資産
什器備品
電話加入権
その他有価証券
その他固定資産合計
固定資産合計資産合計
Ⅱ負債の部
１． 流動負債
未払金
預り金
流動負債合計
負債合計
Ⅲ正味財産の部
１． 指定正味財産
指定正味財産合計（うち基本財産への充当額）
２．一般正味財産（うち基本財産への充当額）
正味財産合計
負債及び正味財産合計

金額18,285,394
10,802,098
5,733
1,184,342
260,566
30,538,133

724,680,000
45,690,000
770,370,000
174,91276,44035,145,002
35,396,354
805,766,354
836,304,487

35,107,634
24,50035,132,134
35,132,134

724,680,000(724,680,000)
76,492,353(45,690,000)
801,172,353
836,304,487- 161 -

科
目
Ⅰ事業活動収支の部
１． 事業活動収入
基本財産運用収入
寄付金収入
雑収入
事業活動収入計
２． 事業活動支出
事業費支出
管理費支出
事業活動支出計
事業活動収支差額
Ⅱ投資活動収支の部
１． 投資活動収入
２． 投資活動支出
投資活動収支差額
Ⅲ財務活動収支の部
１． 財務活動収入
２． 財務活動支出
財務活動収支差額
当期収支差額
前期繰越収支差額
次期繰越収支差額

決算額

24,623,656
40,078,000
1,695,081
66,396,737
48,613,776
4,621,687
53,235,463
13,161,274
0
20,000△ 20,00000013,141,274△ 17,735,275△ 4,594,001

役員名簿（理事・評議員・選考委員）

理事会2010 年 10 月 1 日現在 ( 順不同、 敬称略 )

職 名

氏 名

現

職

就任年月日

常勤・非常勤理事長 金 子

章 道 畿央大学大学院健康科学研究科教授
慶應義塾大学名誉教授

2003年 6月 10日

非常勤理

茂 隆 早稲田大学理工学術院教授
東京大学名誉教授

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

石 川

裕 子 ノバルティス ファーマ株式会社
常務取締役 人事･コミュニケーション本部長

2004年 6月 7日

非常勤

大 島

泰 郎 共和化工株式会社 環境微生物学研究所長
東京工業大学名誉教授

1997年 6月 8日

非常勤

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

1987年 9月 16日

非常勤

事 浅 野

黒

川

眞 崎

清 政策研究大学院大学教授
東京大学名誉教授
知 生 筑波大学名誉教授
京都大学名誉教授

マックス ･ブルガー
眞 弓

忠 範 神戸学院大学薬学研究科教授
大阪大学名誉教授

2004年 6月 7日

非常勤

三 谷

宏 幸 ノバルティス ファーマ株式会社
代表取締役社長

2007年 9月 5日

非常勤

村 崎

光 邦 CNS薬理研究所長
北里大学名誉教授

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤

2005年 6月 13日

非常勤

2006年 6月 5日

非常勤

1998年 2月 10日

非常勤

森
監

ノバルティス サイエンスボード議長
バーゼル大学教授

美 和 子 北海道医療大学客員教授
北海道大学名誉教授

事 中 嶋

徳 三 中嶋徳三公認会計士事務所
公認会計士

松 本 秀三郎 元ノバルティス ファーマ株式会社
常勤監査役- 162 -

評 議 員 会
2010 年 10 月 1 日現在 ( 順不同、敬称略 )
職 名

氏

名

現

職

就任年月日

常勤･非常勤2002年 2月 7日

非常勤

評 議 員 赤池 紀扶 熊本保健科学大学リハビリテーション学科教授 1999年 6月 4日
銀杏学園理事 ・ 副学長
九州大学名誉教授

非常勤

評議員会 黒岩 常祥 立教大学極限生命情報センター長
議 長
東京大学名誉教授

赤沼 安夫 財団法人朝日生命成人病研究所名誉所長

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤

浅 島

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

遠藤 政夫 山形大学名誉教授

1997年 6月 8日

非常勤

小 川

聡 国際医療福祉大学三田病院長
慶應義塾大学名誉教授

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤川嵜 敏祐 立命館大学糖鎖工学研究センター長
京都大学名誉教授

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

川島 博行 元新潟大学大学院医歯学総合研究科教授

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤

北1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

後藤 勝年 JST サテライト茨城センター長

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤

榊佳 之 豊橋技術科学大学学長
東京大学名誉教授

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤

柴崎 正勝 財団法人微生物化学研究会
微生物化学研究所長

2005年6月13日

非常勤

健 昭和大学附属豊洲病院乳癌検診 ･ 治療センター 1998年 6月 5日
元センター長 ・ 教授

非常勤

誠 東京大学大学院総合文化研究科客員教授
東京大学名誉教授

徹 神戸市立医療センター中央市民病院
病院長

冨 永

中西 重忠 財団法人大阪バイオサイエンス研究所所長
京都大学名誉教授

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

長田 敏行 法政大学生命科学部学部長
東京大学名誉教授

2005年6月13日

非常勤

西川 武二 慶應義塾大学名誉教授
日本ワックスマン財団常務理事

2001年 6月 1日

非常勤

西宗 義武 大阪大学微生物病研究所特任教授

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤

水野 美邦 順天堂大学医学部教授

1999年 6月 4日

非常勤- 163 -

選考委員会2010 年 10 月 1 日現在 ( 順不同、敬称略 )
職 名

氏

名

現

職

就任年月日

選考委員長 満 屋

裕 明 熊本大学医学部教授

2007年 6月 4日

選考委員

石川

冬 木 京都大学大学院生命科学研究科教授

2007年 6月 4日

梅田

真 郷 京都大学大学院工学研究科教授

2007年 6月 4日

岡

芳 知 東北大学大学院医学系研究科教授

2008年 6月 20日

貝淵

弘 三 名古屋大学大学院医学研究科教授

2009年 6月 19日

狩野

方 伸 東京大学大学院医学系研究科教授

2009年 6月 19日

斎藤

能 彦 奈良県立医科大学教授

2007年 6月 4日

笹井

芳 樹 理化学研究所発生 ・ 再生総合研究センター
グループディレクター

2008年 6月 20日

笹井

宏 明 大阪大学産業科学研究所教授

2010年 6月 18日

佐田

政 隆 徳島大学大学院ヘルスバイオサイエンス研究部教授

2009年 6月 19日

竹内

勤 慶應義塾大学医学部教授

2009年 6月 19日

中山

俊 憲 千葉大学大学院医学研究院教授

2007年 6月 4日

西田

篤 司 千葉大学大学院薬学研究科教授

2009年 6月 19日

西 村 い く こ 京都大学大学院理学研究科教授

2007年 6月 4日

長谷部 光泰 自然科学研究機構 基礎生物学研究所教授

2009年 6月 19日

福田

恵 一 慶応義塾大学医学部教授

2008年 6月 20日

福永

浩 司 東北大学大学院薬学研究科教授

2007年 6月 4日

峯岸敬 群馬大学大学院医学系研究科教授

2010年 6月 18日

宮園 浩平

東京大学大学院医学系研究科教授

2009年 6月 19日

村田 道雄

大阪大学大学院理学研究科教授

2008年 6月 20日- 164 -

事務局便りご寄附のお願い
当財団は、 生物 ・ 生命科学およびそれに関連する化学の領域における創造的な研究
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事務局より
平成 22 年度の財団年報を発行できることは、 助成を受けられた皆様および財団関係者のご尽力の賜物です。 厚く御礼申し上げます。
財団法人の制度が改定され、 当財団も新しい公益法人に移行する必要が出てまいりました。
慣れない申請準備の作業で戸惑っている点はありますが、 助成事業の方は学術の発展に寄与できる喜びを胸に例年通り着実に進めていきたいと考えております。
今後ともご指導、 ご支援の程よろしくお願い申し上げます。
事務局長 松田光陽〒 106-0031 東京都港区西麻布 4-16-13
西麻布 28 森ビル
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