1Introduction“Toward a new organization”
Akimichi Kaneko, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Novartis Foundation (Japan) for the Promotion of Science held a memorial gathering on March 14th
this year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its establishment, to which about 160 people
attended.

On this occasion, those who received the Novartis Research Grant in 2006 presented theresults of their research work and we saw at first hand their successful achievement.
good that we had an opportunity to closely talk with each of them in person.

It was really

We received various

comments and advice on our future operation from our guests and we found the meeting quite
informative in this respect.
At the juncture to mark the 20th anniversary, we have faced a major change as the government tries
to reform the Public Interest Corporation System in Japan.

As you know, the purpose of thisreform is to let the private sector play a more active role in promoting the public interest in oursocial and economic system and to fundamentally review the current Public Interest Corporation
System in order to properly address problems seen in the system.
In the introductory note of last year's Annual Report, I wrote "the raison d'etre of the Foundation"and the objectives of the Foundation will remain unchanged even under a new system.

We arecurrently preparing to make a move to a new system with the intention to maintain and even expand
the Foundation's objectives. Although our governing structure, such as the Board of Trustees andthe Board of Councilors, will change, we intend to keep our current business including the provisionof research grants.

We would like to change ourselves into a new Foundation which would makethis possible.
This report includes essays written by the 2007 grantees.

From these essays, you can vividly feel

their passion and seriousness in pursuing research activities.

They are really wonderful essays.

Until recently I was engaged in research work just like them and, therefore, I perfectly understandtheir passion and seriousness towards scientific research.

The amount of our research grant is notparticularly large but we think we can achieve our objectives if we can encourage these researchers
to pursue their work through our grants. Let's step forward together by uniting our strength!

2

Background to Establishment
The NOVARTIS Foundation (Japan) for the Promotion of Science was established on September 3rd,
1987 under the authorization of the Ministry of Education by following the process below.

Started Preliminary Investigation (Aug. 1985)
It was decided that the first fundamental research laboratory in Japan shall be established as the partof the Ciba-Geigy Group. Along with the establishment, an exclusive project team was formed toinvestigate the current situation of Japanese science and what role the established organization must
play for the Japanese science by visiting prominent figures in the target fields or other company
laboratories. The original purpose of this investigation was to make a plan for the establishment.
However, as the investigation progressed, the team members realized the importance of juridical
foundations because they were greatly contributing to Japanese science. This is how the Ciba-Geigy
Group established a new juridical foundation in Japan. Since then, the team had investigated anumber of Japanese research aid foundations for about one year.

Started Preparation for Establishing Foundation (Sept. 1986)
Ciba-Geigy Limited and Nihon Ciba-Geigy K.K. decided to establish a new juridical foundation in
Japan to respond anticipated tremendous benefits from Japanese society when the new researchlaboratory would be completed. At that moment the Ciba-Geigy Group had already establishedFriedrich Miescher Institute (FMI) in Switzerland and Ciba Foundation in London, so the new
foundation would be the third one.
The project team started the preparations for establishing the new foundation and the new researchlaboratory simultaneously. First they created a charter for the new foundation. The charter was
stating three main points; the importance of creative research in Japan, the necessity of international
exchange of researchers, and the Group’s strong decision to establish a research aid foundation in
Japan as the part of the Ciba-Geigy Group. The considerably broad range of target fields including
bioscience, chemistry and polymer science was set up. Also the team members asked the selected
persons for being the founders, trustees or councilors of the new foundation.

Holding Explanatory Meeting for Establishing Foundation (Jan. 1987)
The team invited major founders to Nihon Ciba-Geigy K.K. to explain them the progress and the
purpose of the establishment.

3

Visited Scientific Research Aid Division of the Research Promotion Bureau, Ministry of
Education (Feb. 1987)
The team asked the Ministry of Education (present Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology) in Japan for administration because the new foundation would cover such a wide
range of fields and its main purpose was to support mainly fundamental researches. Although there
were somewhat exceptional factors as it was the first foreign-financed foundation in Japan, theMinistry of Education gave the team flexible responses and detailed advices appropriately.

Receiving Donation from Ciba-Geigy Limited as Basic Fund (Mar. 1987)
Ciba-Geigy Limited proposed for donation to the new foundation; 1,000,000,000 yen as its basic
fund and 50,000,000 yen every year as its operating fund.

Holding Founders’ Meeting (June 1987)
The Founders’ Meeting was held on June 3rd. The founders were Drs. Yuichi Yamamura, Saburo
Fukui, Hitoshi Nozaki, Hiroshi Mikawa, Morio Ikehara, Yoshiro Okami and Ryo Sato, andadditionally, Messrs. Paul Dudler, Toshiaki Simizu, Peter Baumann and Max. M. Burger from
Ciba-Geigy Limited. In that meeting Dr. Saburo Fukui was elected for the representative of thefounders. Other necessary issues such as the content of the charter were also decided in this meeting.
- Quoted from the 1st issue of the Annual Report

4Contents
Part Ⅰ:
Reports from the Recipients of Novartis Research Grants(Fiscal Year 2006)
1) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology
Analysis of DNA repair mechanisms through monoubiquitination of FancD2
proteinMinoru Takata
Radiation Biology Center, Kyoto University
mtakata@house.rbc.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Development for the program of lipid metabolism by anti-metabolic syndrome
factor TFE3
Yoshimi Nakagawa
Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
yosshy@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

Drug discovery using the novel antibiotic-modification enzyme that reduces the
toxicity of streptothricin
Yoshimitsu Hamano, Ph.D.
Faculty of Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University
hamano@fpu.ac.jp

The Role of Slits in Migration of Neuroblasts to the Olfactory Bulb.
Kazunobu Sawamoto
Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciencessawamoto@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp

5Mechanisms for the control of the size of an organism in the nematode
Yasumi Ohshima
Sojo University
ohshima@life.sojo-u.ac.jp

Investigation of molecular mechanisms involved in 46,XY disorders of sex
development caused by CXorf6 mutation
Maki Fukami, Tsutomu Ogata and Yuka Wada
National Research Institute for Child Health and Development
mfukami@nch.go.jp

Analyses of group III secreted phospholipase A2 gene-manipulated mice
Makoto Murakami
The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science
mako@rinshoken.or.jp

Role of Osterix in regulation of differentiation program of mesenchymal stem cell
Riko Nishimura
Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistryrikonisi@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp

1-2) Struktural Biology
Role of Apolipoprotein E Structure in Disorders of Cholesterol Metabolism in
Brain
Hiroyuki Saito
Kobe Pharmaceutical University
saito@kobepharma-u.ac.jp

Desensitization Mechanism of G-protein Coupled Receptor and Self-Association at
Physiological Concentrations
Yasushi Imamoto
Kyoto University
imamoto@rh.biophys.kyoto-u.ac.jp

61-3) Cell Biology
Molecular Basis of Left-Right Asymmetry Determination in Plants
Takashi Hashimoto
Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Graduate School of Biological Sciences
hasimoto@bs.naist.jp

Elucidation of mechanism for cell polarity formation in cell migration
Yuichi Mazaki
Leading Graduate School System, Kumamoto University
mazaki@kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Mechanism of NF-B-dependent protection from cell death
Hiroyasu Nakano
Juntendo University School of Medicine
hnakano@med.juntendo.ac.jp

Regulatory pathway that mediates calorie restriction-mediated longevity.
Akira Matsuura
Graduate School of Advanced Integration Science, Chiba University
amatsuur@faculty.chiba-u.jp

Molecular mechanism of meiosis-specific endocytosis
Taro Nakamura
Osaka City University
taronaka@sci.osaka-cu.ac.jp

Identification and functional analysis of proteins that regulate endoplasmic
reticulum stress response
Akihiro Tomida
Japanese Foundation for Cancer Researchakihiro.tomida@jfcr.or.jp

Regulation of apoptosis by Bcl-rambo in mitochondria
Takao Kataoka
Kyoto Institute of Technology
takao.kataoka@kit.ac.jp

71-4) Developmental Biology
Elucidation of the role of sugar chain in cartilage formation using mice withabnormal sugar chain
Toshihisa Komori
Department of Cell Biology, Unit of Basic Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
komorit@nagasaki-u.ac.jp

The functional analyses of semaphorin in the neural network formation
Masahiko Taniguchi
Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Research Institute, Sapporo Medical University
School of Medicine
taniguti@sapmed.ac.jp

Progressing reproductive biology by analysis of intratesticular oocytes
Kon Yasuhiro
Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of
Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
y-kon@vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp

1-5) Physiology
Physiological relevance of aquaporins in brain
Masato Yasui
Keio University School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology
myasui@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in herbs as a potential medicinal
seed
Tetsushi Furukawa
Tokyo Medical & Dental University, Medical Research Institutet_furukawa.bip@mri.tmd.ac.jp

8

Elucidation of molecular mechanisms for the modulation of learning abilities by
emotionToshiya Manabe
Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo
tmanabe-tky@umin.ac.jp

Regulation of cellular event by activator of G-protein signaling 8 induced bymyocardial ischemia
Motohiko Sato
Cardiovascular Research Institute,Yokohama City University School of Medicine
motosato@yokohama-cu.ac.jp

1-6) Pharmacology
Postgenomic approach to identify novel bacterial antibiotic resistome
Kunihiko Nishino
Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

nishino@sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp

1-7) Plant Biology
Molecular mechanism of the C-to-U RNA editing unique to land plant organelles
Junichi Obokata
Center for Gene Research, Nagoya University
obokata@gene.nagoya-u.ac.jp

The Analysis of The SUMO Posttranslational Modification in Plant
Katsunori Tanaka
Department of Bioscience, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University
katsunori@kwansei.ac.jp

Jasmonic Acid Signaling and Abscisic Acid Signaling in Guard Cells
Yoshiyuki Murata
Okayama University
muta@cc.okayma-u.ac.jp

91-9) Others
Molecular biological analysis of novel hybrid type polyketide synthase from
Dictyostelium
Tamao Saito
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University
tasaito@sci.hokudai.ac.jp

2) Medical Sciences2-1) Immune System
Molecular mechanism of immunological tolerance by cytokines
Akihiko Yoshimura
Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University
yakihiko@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Investigation on the role of CD100 in differentiation of Th17 cells
Atsushi Kumanogoh
Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka Univ.
kumanogo@ragtime.biken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Mechanisms for Regulation ofTranscriptional Regulatory Factors
Tatsushi Muta

Inflammatory

Responses

via

Tohoku University
tmuta@biology.tohoku.ac.jp

2-2) Central Nervous System
Analysis of genes specifically expressed in primate neocortical areas
Tetsuo Yamamori
National Institute for Basic Biology
yamamori@nibb.ac.jp

Inducible

102-5) Cardiovascular/Metabolic/Endocrine
Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of the development of non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH)
Terauchi Yasuo
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University Graduate
School of Medicine
terauchi@yokohama-cu.ac.jp

Global functional analysis of microRNAs in cardiomyocyte differentiation
Jun K. Yamashita
Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University
juny@frontier.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Genetic analysis of zebrafish cardiac regeneration
Shinji Makino
Department of Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Keio
University School of Medicine
koshinji@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

2-6) Gastro-intestinal
Gene expression profiling and comparative analysis of normal esophagus
stem/progenitor cells and esophagus cancer-derived cells
Atsushi Suzuki
Kyushu University
suzukicks@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Roles of host immune responses in the development of Helicobacter-induced
gastritis
Norihiko Watanabe
Kyoto University
norihiko@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp

112-12) Hematology
Regulation of self-renewal capacity of leukemic stem cells by hematopoietic
transcription factors
Hideaki Nakajima
Keio University School of Medicine
hnakajim@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

3) Chemical Sciences3-1) Organic Chemistry
Preparation of Chiral Boron Reagents for Efficient Synthesis of Biologically
Active Substances
Toshimichi Ohmura
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
ohmura@sbchem.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Development of the Novel Artificial Nucleoside Derivatives for the Control of theGene Expression in Cells
Fumi Nagatsugi
Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials Tohoku University
nagatugi@tagen.tohoku.ac.jp

Design of nano-foldamer having chiral centers at the helical surface and its
application to chiral molecular recognition
Masakazu Tanaka
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
mtanaka@phar.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Development of Effective Synthetic Method for Oxindoles based on a Claisen
Rearrangement
Atsuo Nakazaki
Tokyo University of Sciencenakazaki@rs.noda.tus.ac.jp

12Synthesis of polycyclic natural products including heteroatom
Kan Toshiyuki
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
kant@u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp

Part Ⅱ:
Reports from the Recipients of Garants for International Meeting(Fiscal Year 2006)
The 2007 Molecular Biology Society of Japan (MBSJ) Spring Symposium
on “Biology -Old Codes and New Molecules-”(The 7th the MBSJ spring symposium)
The 5th International Symposium on Molecular Breeding of Forage and Turf
(MBFT2007)
International Congress on Plant Mitochondrial Biology (ICPMB2007)
The 5th International Symposium on Receptor Mechanisms, Signal Transduction
and Drug Effects-Development of Novel Therapy to Specific Diseases in Organ-

13

PartⅠ
Reports from the Recipients of Novartis
Research Grants (Fiscal Year 2006)

141) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Analysis of DNA repair mechanisms through monoubiquitination of
FancD2 protein
Minoru Takata
Radiation Biology Center, Kyoto University
mtakata@house.rbc.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow failure,compromised genome stability, and increased incidence of cancer. FA is caused by genetic defects inaltogether 13 genes but this number may increase in the future. These include components of the FA
core complex (FancA/B/C/E/F/G/L/M), a key factor FancD2, breast cancer susceptibility protein
BRCA2/FancD1, BRIP1/FancJ helicase, and just recently identified FANCI. In the DNA damage
response, FancD2 is targeted to chromatin and forms nuclear foci following its monoubiquitination,a process likely catalyzed by the FA core complex. This monoubiquitination is critical for regulating
nuclear dynamics of FancD2 as well as DNA repair through homologous recombination.

Results（１）We have previously shown that a putative monoubiquitin- binding protein is required for
FANCD2 to be loaded onto chromatin. To identify this protein, we sought an interacting partner of
FANCD2 using yeast two-hybrid screen or mass spectrometry of FANCD2 immunoprecipitates,
however, we have not yet successfully identified this monoubiquitin receptor. We will surely
continue our effort to clarify the mechanisms of FANCD2 chromatin loading.
（２）Instead of the ubiquitin receptor, we have identified KIAA1794 protein as an interactor of
FANCD2 by mass spectrometry. Then it was reported that KIAA1794 is actually FANCI protein(Cell. 2007 Apr 20;129(2):289-301). They identified FANCI through a proteomic screen for possible
ATM/ATR substrates, combined with a functional screen for MMC sensitivity in siRNA-transfected
cells.
Surprisingly, FANCI has weak homology with FANCD2 (we did not notice this), interacts with
FANCD2 (called ID complex), monoubiquitinated probably by the core complex, and forms focicolocalized with FANCD2. Furthermore, monubiquitination of FANCD2 or FANCI dependsmonoubiquitination of the other, indicating that ID complex is the substrate for the core complex.
Since FANCI has a number of S/TQ sites, FANCI could be a long-sought turn on switch on FA

15

pathway upon DNA damage.
To test this possibility, we expressed FANCI mutant in which SQ/TQ sites were mutated invarious combinations in FANCI-deficient cells that we have created, and tested monoubiquitinationof FANCD2 and FANCI following MMC stimulation, and cisplatin sensitivity.
We found that, in chicken DT40 cell system, simultaneous six alanine-substitution mutations inconserved and clustered S/TQ motifs of FancI (termed Ax6 in Figure 1) largely abrogatedmonoubiquitination as well as foci formation of both FancD2 and FancI. The cells expressing Ax6
mutant FANCI were exquisitely sensitive to cisplatin treatment, nearly as sensitive to
FANCI-deficient cells. Thus, the mutation resulted in loss of DNA repair function.

Conversely, FancI protein carrying phospho-mimic mutations to aspartic acid on the same six
residues (Dx6 in Figure 2) induced constitutive monoubiquitination and foci formation of FancI and
FancD2, and protects against cell killing and chromosome breakage by DNA interstrand crosslinks(ICLs).

16

We have also shown that FANCI phosphorylation actually occurs in residues mutated in Ax6 or
Dx6 mutant, which was sensitive to high-dose treatment with ATM/ATR kinase inhibitor
wortmannin (100 M), using Phos-tag technology. In addition, FancI monoubiquitination does notseem to be absolutely critical for the function of the FA pathway in DT40 cells, although themonoubiquitination site on FancI is conserved through evolution.

Discussion & Summary
These data clearly indicate that multiple phosphorylation is functionally very important formonoubiquitination of ID complex and DNA repair. Based on the data using the phosho-mimicmutant, we propose that the multiple phosphorylation of FancI serves as a molecular switch inactivation of the FA pathway. Our data provide a basis for further elucidation of the mechanistic
detail of the FA pathway, which should aid development of more rational therapeutics for FA andrelated conditions.

References
1. Ishiai M et al. FANCI phosphorylation functions as a molecular switch to turn on the Fanconi
anemia pathway. Submitted.
2. Kitao H et al. FancJ/Brip1 helicase protects against loss of immunoglobulin heavy chain during
gene conversion. Submitted.

171) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Development for the program of lipid metabolism by anti-metabolic
syndrome factor TFE3
Yoshimi Nakagawa
Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba
yosshy@md.tsukuba.ac.jp

IntroductionMore than 20 miliion Japanese either are obese or have the metabolic syndrome.

Metabolicsyndrome including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and obesity impairs the quality of lifeof patients and leads to increased health-care costs. This is the personal and social problem inthe modern society.

It is important to study the molecular mechanism for metabolic syndrome

and lead to establishment of the new therapy for metabolic syndrome.
Our purpose is to study the molecular mechanism for energy homeostasis via regulation of gene
expression by anti-metabolic syndrome factor, TFE3.

Results
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and is closely associated with the metabolic
syndrome—a cluster of disorders linked to insulin resistance and central obesity, including
impaired glucose tolerance, circulating lipid abnormalities and fatty liver, hypertension andincreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

We reported that TFE3 was a novel bHLH transcription

factor that strongly activates various insulin signaling molecules in the liver, protecting against thedevelopment of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome1).

We next analyzed the functionof TFE3 in adipose. Moreover, to understand the effects of TFE3 on lipid homeostasis, westudied the function of TFE3 in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. We examined the TFE3 gene
expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) during energy states. Refeeding compared with fasting
increased TFE3 gene expression in wild-type mice.
ob/ob mice compared to wild type mice.

And TFE3 was also increased in WAT from

TFE3 gene expression was increased in WAT fromdiet-induced obesity (DIO) mice compared to wild type mice.

These results suggested that TFE3mRNA was increased in the hypernutrition condition in WAT from mice, relating to the nutrition
states.

Next, we analyzed the function of TFE3 in vitro using 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, which weredifferentiated into adipocytes.

To characterize TFE3 in 3T3-L1 cells, we measured its expression

during adipogenesis by northern blotting analysis.

TFE3 mRNA was increased during adipocyte

18

differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.

TFE3 expression was regulated during adipogenesis.

To

determine the effects of TFE3 on adipocyte differentiation, the adenovirus encoding TFE3 or
TFE3 RNAi was infected into 3T3-L1 cells.
hormonal induction medium.

The cells were subjected to differentiation using a

Oil Red O staining showed a decreased lipid accumulation indifferentiated TFE3 infected cells during differentiation compared to control.

We investigatedwhether TFE3 affected the gene expression of adipocyte differentiation, aP2, C/EBPa, PPARg, etal.

aP2, C/EBPa and PPARg were the important gene to terminally differentiate adipocytes.

TFE3 impaired the expression of these genes.

These results showed that TFE3 has a role inadipogenesis by affecting the expression of adipogenesis genes including aP2, C/EBPa and
PPARg..

Absence of TFE3 in 3T3-L1 cells by RNAi-knockdown led to induction of adipocyte

differentiation by showing Oil Red O staining.

Reduction of TFE3 was accompanied byinduction of C/EBPa and PPARg, transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation. Insummary, reduction of TFE3 increases adipocyte differentiation.

To find the TFE3 target gene inadipogenesis, we focused on Hypoxia-induced factor-1a, HIF-1a. It was reported that HIF-1a
suppressed adipogenesis2).
3T3-L1 cells.

Overexpression of TFE3 increased HIF-1a gene expression in

Reversely, absence of TFE3 decreased HIF-1a gene expression.

To characterize

whether HIF-1a was a direct target gene for TFE3, we performed the luciferase assay using
HIF-1a promoter region. There was a target sequence bound to TFE3, E box in the promoter
region.

TFE3 directly bound to HIF-1a promoter via E box in its promoter using the luciferase

assay.

The results suggested that TFE3 activated HIF-1 gene expression, led to reduction of

adipogenesis.

Discussion & Summary
TFE3 is a transcription factor to regulate insulin response genes resulting in anti-metabolic
syndrome actions in the liver.

In this study, we identified a role for TFE3 during adipogenesis.

HIF-1a is reported to be a response gene to hypoxia and to suppress adipogenesis by inhibiting
PPARg gene expression.

TFE3 activated HIF-1a and inactivated PPARg and C/EBPa.

We

proposed that HIF-1a was upregulated by TFE3, led to suppression of adipogenesis induced gene
expression.

TFE3 is an inhibitory factor of the adipocyte differentiation process leading frompreadipocytes to fully mature adipocytes and could be implicated in obesity.

We speculated that

TFE3 was connected with the formation of obesity leading to metabolic syndrome.
also provides insight about new targets for the treatment or prevention of this disease.

This research

19

Figures & Tables

References
1. Nakagawa Y, et al. TFE3 transcriptionally activates hepatic IRS-2, participates in insulin signaling
and ameliorates diabetes. Nature Medicine 2006 Jan;12(1):107-13.
2. Yun Z, et al. Inhibition of PPAR gamma 2 gene expression by the HIF-1-regulated geneDEC1/Stra13: a mechanism for regulation of adipogenesis by hypoxia. Dev Cell. 2002
Mar;2(3):331-41.

201) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Drug discovery using the novel antibiotic-modification enzyme that
reduces the toxicity of streptothricin
Yoshimitsu Hamano, Ph.D.
Faculty of Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University
hamano@fpu.ac.jp

Introduction
Streptothricins (STs) are broad-spectrum antibiotics in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. STs consist of
a carbamoylated D- gulosamine to which the -lysine homopolymer (1 to 7 residues) andstreptolidine lactam are attached (Fig. 1). Recently, we have identified an antibiotic-modification
enzyme SttH1-2), which catalyses the hydrolysis of the streptolidine lactam of STs. Interestingly, theselective toxicity of ST-D possessing the 3β-lysine residues was altered from broad-spectrum tobacterial-specific by the hydrolysis of the streptolidine lactam, although ST-F (1β-lysine) was
detoxified by SttH in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Therefore, we hypothesized that thehydrolyzed forms of STs possessing longer β-lysine polymers would be potent antibiotics with notoxicity against eukaryotes.

Results
As described above, we reported that ST-D-acid, which was the hydrolyzed form of ST-D, wasdetoxified in eukaryotes (yeasts). In this study, we further investigated the biological activity of
ST-D-acid against mammalian cells. Cell culture assays using HEK-293 cells revealed no detectabletoxicity of ST-D-acid against mammalian cells but the high toxicity of ST-D (Fig. 2). This result
further encouraged us to investigate the biological activities of ST-acids possessing longer β-lysine
polymers, which would presumably show a higher antibacterial activity with no or low toxicity
against eukaryotes.

21

Although

ST-F

and

ST-D

are

now

commercially available, STs possessing longer
β-lysine polymers such as ST-C (4β-lysine),
ST-B (5β-lysine), ST-A (6β-lysine), and ST-X
(7β-lysine), must be purified from the culture
broth of the ST-producer Streptomyces rochei.
However, their yields were found to be
extremely low. We therefore decided to clone theST biosynthetic genes in order to discover abiosynthetic mechanism for construction ofstrains producing STs with longer β-lysine
polymers.
In many cases, antibiotic biosynthetic genes cloned from Streptomyces strains are clustered in the
genomic DNA region with their own antibiotic-self resistant genes. Therefore, we first cloned thesttR gene, which is involved in self-resistance in the ST producers, to clone the ST biosynthetic
genes. Based on the highly conserved amino acid sequences of the sttR gene products from the ST
producers, we designed PCR primers and carried out PCR using S. rochei chromosomal DNA as atemplate. A band with an expected size of approximately 0.5-kbp was readily amplified. The PCR
product was cloned, and six randomly selected clones were sequenced. All six clones yielded an
identical sequence (except differences resulting from primer utilization), which showed highhomology to the sttR gene products reported so far. The PCR product was then used as a probe toscreen an S. rochei cosmid library. From 7 positive clones, one cosmid clone containing a 1.2-kb
BamHI hybridizing fragment was selected. Sequence analysis of this fragment was carried out, andframe analysis with the codon usage for Streptomyces strains revealed one complete ORF. A databasesearch with BLAST showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of this ORF has a significant
similarity to those of the sttR gene products from the ST-producing Streptomyces strains. To confirm
that the cloned sttR gene encodes a functional ST-acetyltransferase, the enzyme activity of therecombinant SttR (rSttR) of S. rochei, which was overexpressed in E. coli and purified to near
homogeneity, was assayed in vitro. The activity of rSttR was specifically detected with STs as
substrates (ST-F and ST-D), demonstrating that the cloned sttR gene is indeed the self-resistancegene.
To find the ST biosynthetic genes, we further analyzed the flanking region of the sttR gene. By thesequence analysis of the 34-kbp DNA fragment cloned in the cosmid, 24 ORFs were found. Some of
the ORFs were expected to encode non-ribosomal peptide synthases by the database search with
BLAST, indicating that these ORFs are involved in the ST biosynthesis. To address this, the cosmid
was introduced into a heterologous host, Streptomyces lividans TK23, and metabolites produced

22

were investigated. LCMS analysis revealed that the S. lividans TK23 strain harboring the cosmid
produced ST-C (4β-lysine). Thus, our biosynthetic gene engineering successfully yielded a
Streptomyces strain producing an ST possessing longer β-lysine polymers. In addition, the ST
biosynthetic gene cluster was also identified in the 34-kbp DNA fragment.
We purified ST-C from the culture broth to investigate whether SttH accepts ST-C as a substrate.
In vitro analysis showed that partially purified ST-C was found to be converted to ST-C-acid by SttH.
Otherwise, the biological activities of ST-C and ST-C-acid have not yet been investigated because
we have not developed procedures for purifying ST-C and ST-C-acid from culture broth. After wepurify these compounds, we plan to investigate their biological activities in pathogenic bacteria andeukaryotes including mammalian cells.

Discussion & Summary
Recently, we demonstrated that the selective toxicity of ST-D possessing the 3β-lysine residues
was altered from broad-spectrum to bacterial-specific by the hydrolysis of streptolidine lactam by
SttH1-2) (Fig. 1). In this study, we further investigated the biological activity of ST-D-acid against
mammalian cells. Cell culture assays using HEK-293 cells revealed no detectable toxicity of
ST-D-acid but a high toxicity of ST-D (Fig. 2). This result therefore encouraged us to investigate thebiological activities of ST-acids possessing longer β-lysine polymers, which presumably would showa higher antibacterial activity with no or low toxicity against eukaryotes.
STs possessing longer β-lysine polymers must be purified from the culture broth of the
ST-producer Streptomyces rochei. However, their yields were extremely low. We therefore decided
to clone the ST biosynthetic genes in order to discover a biosynthetic mechanism for construction ofstrains producing STs with longer β-lysine polymers. We successfully cloned the ST biosynthetic
genes, and they were introduced into the heterologous host, S. lividans TK23. LCMS analysis
revealed that the resulting strain produced ST-C (4β-lysine). Thus, biosynthetic gene engineering
successfully yielded a Streptomyces strain producing an ST with a longer β-lysine polymer. In
addition, ST-C was found to be converted to ST-C-acid by SttH. We are now trying to purify ST-C
and ST-C-acid from culture broth.

References
1) Yoshimitsu Hamano, Nobuyasu Matsuura, Miwa Kitamura, and Hiroshi Takagi. A novel enzyme
conferring streptothricin resistance alters the toxicity of streptothricin D from broad-spectrum tobacterial-specific. J. Biol. Chem., 281, 16842-16848 (2006).
2) Yoshimitsu Hamano, Chitose Maruyama, and Hisashi Kimoto. Construction of a knockout mutantofthestreptothricin-resistancegene

Actinomycetologica, 20, 35-41 (2006).

inStreptomyces

albulusbyelectroporation.

231) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

The Role of Slits in Migration of Neuroblasts to the Olfactory Bulb.
Kazunobu Sawamoto
Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciencessawamoto@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp

Introduction
Neuroblasts are continuously generated by stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) andmigrate toward the olfactory bulb (OB) though the rostral migratory stream (RMS) throughout life.
Neuroblasts migrate in elongated cell aggregates referred as “chains” surrounded by astrocytic
processes forming glial tubes1. Mechanisms regulating the directional neuroblast migration and therole of the surrounding astrocytes are largely unknown.
Slit1 is a secreted protein that binds to its receptor Robo and functions as a chemorepellent inaxon guidance and cell migration in the embryonic brain.

In the adult brain, Slit1 is expressed in

the neuroblasts in the RMS as well as in the septum2, while Slit2 is secreted by the choroid plexus
into the lateral ventricle and reach the adjacent SVZ, in which they are involved in the control of
directional migration of neuroblasts3.

These observations suggest their cell-autonomous andnon-cell autonomous functions in cell migration.

However, the precise role of Slits and thefunctional difference between Slit1 and Slit2 in the postnatal/adult neuroblast migration remain
largely unknown.

Results
To investigate the role of Slit-Robo signaling in migration of neuroblasts in the RMS, we used
Slit1/2 knockout (S1-/-S2+/+, S1-/-S2+/-) mice.
Histrogical analyses revealed about 10% and
30% reduction in OB volume in S1-/-S2+/+ andS1-/-S2+/- mice, respectively (Figure 1a), andenlarged RMS in neonatal and adult S1-/-S2+/+and S1-/-S2+/- mice (Figure 1b), suggesting an
impaired neuroblast migration toward the OB inthese mice.
Consistent with the previous study 2, Slit1 was
expressed in the neuroblasts in the SVZ, RMS

Figure 1

24

and the OB. Slit2 was expressed in the medial septum, but not in cells in the SVZ, RMS or the OB.
Slit

receptor

Robo2

was

strongly

detectable

along

the

RMS,

suggestingthat

neuroblasts-derived-Slit1 could transmit physiological signaling mediated by Robo2.
To clarify the migration defect in S1-/-S2+/+ and S1-/-S2+/-mice, we observed the migration
behavior of the neuroblasts in the RMS in the cultured blain slice of these mice (Figure 2a).
Time-lapse recording of neuroblasts
labeled with fluorescence dye showed an
approximately 40% reduction in theirmigration speed (Figure 2b).
migration

defects

were

Similarfoundinwild-type neuroblasts transplanted in the
RMS of the S1-/-S2+/+ and S1-/-S2+/brainslice,

andS1-/-

neuroblasts

transplanted in the wild-type RMS.
These results suggest that Slit-Robosignaling

regulates

migrationneuroblasts

in

RMS

the

cell-autonomous

in

of
both
Figure 2

andnon-cell-autonomous manner.

Discussion & Summary
In the RMS, neuroblasts migrate in chain ensheathed by “glial tube” constituted by astrocytes.

Itseems that the interaction between neuroblasts themselves and that between neuroblasts and thiermicroenvironment should be important for the fast migration.
In this study, We show that Slit1 and Robo2 are expressed in the RMS, and control the migrationof neuroblasts.

Though further studies are needed, it is possible that Slit-Robo signaling may

mediate the cell-cell interactions for normal chain migration.

References
1. Alvarez-Buylla, A. & Garcia-Verdugo, J. M.: J Neurosci, 22: 629-34, (2002)
2. Nguyen-Ba-Charvet, K. T. et al.: J Neurosci, 24: 1497-506, (2004)
3. Sawamoto, K. et al.: Science, 311: 629-32, (2006)

25

1) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Mechanisms for the control of the size of an organism in the nematode
Yasumi Ohshima
Sojo University
ohshima@life.sojo-u.ac.jp

Introduction
The size of an organism is an important characteristic in animals and plants. However, themechanisms for the determination or control of the size remain mostly unsolved. The researcher ofthis research worked to elucidate the mechanisms in the nematode C. elegans. Namely, he isolated
big mutants, identified the gene responsible for several of them (egl-4 encoding a G kinase),
identified the gene for a small mutant sma-5 (encoding a MAP kinase), and so on.

Results
On the basis of the results obtained before, research has been done to get the following results.
1. By using yeast two-hybrid screen, six kinds of molecules, including a Ras homolog (DRN-1) anda 7 transmembrane protein (C52B9.4), were identified to interact with EGL-4.
2. These proteins bind to the region near the N-terminus of EGL-4 in the yeast.
3. The mutants of drn-1 and C52B9.4 showed smaller body size than wild type, suggesting that thesegenes play a role in the control of the body size.
4. Egl-4, its various fragments and the isolated interacting proteins are expressed in E. coli, and arebeing tested in vitro to verify direct interaction between them.
5. Expression of EGL-4 in yeast S. cerevisiae is successful, and EGL-4 is being purified to examine
its kinase activity.
6. Yeast two-hybrid screen also resulted in the identification of four proteins interacting with EGL-4,
such as vitellogenin and ribosomal protein L22 homologs.
7. For the isolation of new big mutants, the plan has been changed to one using insertion of Mos1
transposon, to facilitate the gene cloning. This method has been tested to isolate other mutants
successfully.

Discussion & Summary
From now on, the following research will follow.
1. Mutants of the interacting proteins, other than DRN-1 and C52B9.4, are obtained and26characterized to determine their roles in the control of body size.
2. The sites and developmental stages, in which the identified genes are expressed, are determined.
3. Phosphorylation of the proteins identified in the two-hybrid screen by EGL-4 or SMA-5 are
examined.

Figures & Tables

27

References
T. Hirose, Y. Ohshima et al. :Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase EGL-4 controls bodysize size and lifespan in C. elegans.

Development 130, 1089-1099 (2003).

N. Watanabe, Y. Nagamatsu, K. Gengyo-Ando, S. Mitani and Y. Ohshima: Control of body CCs
size by SMA-5, a homolog of MAP kinase BMK1/ERK5, in C. elegans.

Development 132, D313175-3184 (2005).
N. Watanabe, T. Ishihara and Y. Ohshima: Mutants carrying two sma mutations are super sm small
in the nematode C. elegans. Genes to Cells 12, 603-609 (2007).

28

1) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Investigation of molecular mechanisms involved in 46,XY disordersof sex development caused by CXorf6 mutation
Maki Fukami, Tsutomu Ogata and Yuka Wada
National Research Institute for Child Health and Development
mfukami@nch.go.jp

Introduction
Chromosome X open reading frame 6 (CXorf6) has recently been shown to be a causative genefor 46,XY disorders of sex development (46,XY DSD) (Ref.1). The notion is primarily based on
the identification of nonsense mutations in four boys with hypospadias. Since the mouse homolog
is transiently expressed in the fetal testis around the critical period for sex development, it is likelythat the CXorf6 mutations cause hypospadias primarily because of testicular dysfunction andresultant compromised testosterone production (1). However, the molecular function of CXorf6
remains unknown.

Results
Structural analysis of CXorf6 protein
To clarify the molecular function of CXorf6, we first searched databases using the CXorf6 protein
sequence as bait. CXorf6 had homology to mastermind-like 2 (MAML2) that functions as aco-activator in canonical Notch signaling. In particular, a unique amino acid sequence, which we
designate mastermind-like (MAML) motif, was well conserved among MAML2 and CXorf6
orthologs identified in frog, bird, andmammals. In addition, a serine-richdomain was identified in CXorf6, inaddition to glutamine- and proline-richdomains.
In vitro functional analysis of thewildtype CXorf6 protein
Transactivation
murineLeydigperformed

foranalysis
tumor

using

cells

wildtype

was

CXorf6protein by luciferase reporter assays(Fig.1). The results demonstrated that

29

CXorf6 significantly increase the promoter activity of a non-canonical Notch target genehairy/enhancer of split 3 (Hes3). By contrast, unlike to MAML2, CXorf6 was incapable ofenhancing the function of Notch intra-cellular domain on the promoter activities of the canonical
Notch target Hes1 and Hes5. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed no evidence forbinding of CXorf6 to Hes3 promoter sequences. These results argue that CXorf6 exerts its
transactivation activity independently of recombination signal binding protein-J (RBP-J) bindingsites. Consistent with this, CXorf6 was incapable of enhancing the N-ICD-induced transactivation of
pTP-luc which possesses an iterated enhancer element with a RBP-J binding site.

Functional analysis of the mutant CXorf6 proteinsWe next analyzed transactivating activities of the previously identified three apparently pathologic
nonsense mutants (E124X, Q197X and R653X) and three apparently non-pathologic missense
variants (P286S, Q507R, and N589S) of CXorf6. The E124X and Q197X proteins had notransactivation function for Hes3 promoter, whereas the R653X protein as well as the three variant
proteins retained a nearly normal transactivating activity. Subcellular localization analysis using
green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged proteins revealed that wildtype and R653X proteinsco-localized with MAML2 protein in
the PML bodies of the nucleus, whereas
E124X and Q197X proteins werediffusely distributed in the nucleus andwere incapable of localizing to PML
bodies (Fig.2). Thus, further studies
were performed for R653X using
lymphoblastoid cell lines of the patientswith R653X and the heterozygous
mother, revealing the occurrence ofnonsense mediated mRNA decay invivo.
Expression analysis of HES3 and CXorf6
PCR-based screening on the human cDNA library revealed that CXorf6 is expressed in all theexamined tissues including fetal testis and that HES3 is expressed in a range of tissues, including
fetal testis and adult ovary.
SF-1 target sequence in CXorf6
We found a putative binding sites of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1/Ad4BP), which regulates
multiple genes involved in sex development, in the upstream of the CXorf6 coding region. EMSA
showed that SF-1 bound to this sequence. Moreover, luciferase assays using a luciferase reporter

30

containing this sequence revealed a significant transactivation activity of SF-1.
Knockdown analysis for mouse CXorf6 homolog
Transient knockdown assays of murine CXorf6 homolog were performed on the murine Leydig
tumor cells using two small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The results showed that transient down
regulation of CXorf6 results in significant inhibition of androgen synthesis of the Leydig cells.

Discussion & Summary
These present study provides the first clue for the elucidation of a biological role of CXorf6. The
results indicate that MAML2 and CXorf6 may be distantly related molecules derived from acommon ancestor, and that MAML2 has evolved as a co-activator for the RBP-J dependent
canonical Notch signaling whereas CXorf6 has evolved as a co-activator for the transcription of
non-canonical Notch target Hes3. Furthermore, there may be an interaction among SF-1, CXorf6,
and HES3 in the fetal testis. Since hypospadias occurs in patients with CXorf6 mutations, such aninteraction may play an important role in the fetal testicular function including testosterone
production. We designate CXorf6 as MAMLD1 (mastermind-like domain containing 1) based on its
characteristic structure.

References
1. Fukami M, Wada Y, Miyabayashi K, Nishino I, Hasegawa T, Camerino G, Kretz C, Buj-Bello A,
Laporte J, Yamada G, Morohashi K, Ogata T. CXorf6 is a causative gene for hypospadias. Nature
Genetics 38(12):1369–1371, 2006.

31

1) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Analyses of group III secreted phospholipase A2 gene-manipulated
mice
Makoto Murakami
The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science
mako@rinshoken.or.jp

IntroductionMore than 20 phsopholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes have been identified in mammals. Of these, thesecreted PLA2 (sPLA2) family consists of 10 isozymes, which exhibit distinct tissue and cellular
localizations. To elucidate the pathophysiological roles of sPLA2 enzymes, we herein analyzed
transgenic (Tg) and knockout (KO) mice for group III sPLA2 (sPLA2-III), an atypical sPLA2 isoform
whose functions have yet been unresolved.

Results(1) Atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome
In sPLA2-III Tg mice, phospholipids in plasma lipoproteins (LDL and HDL) were hydrolyzed togenerate atherogenic lipoprotein particles that facilitate macrophage foam cell formation. sPLA2-III
Tg mice crossed with apoE-/- mice had increased aortic atherosclerotic lesion over control apoE-/mice following a high-cholesterol diet.1) In addition, sPLA2-III Tg mice fed a high-fat diet displayedobesity and hepatic steatosis, with increased plasma levels of leptin, cholesterol, glucose andlysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) as well as elevated hepatic expression of a panel of genes related tolipid synthesis and uptake. Conversely, sPLA2-III KO mice showed resistance to high-fat
diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis, accompanied by amelioration of plasma insulin, leptin,
glucose, cholesterol and LPC levels. Expression of the adipocyte differentiation markers PPAR andaP2 were significantly reduced in adipose tissue of sPLA2-III KO mice. Moreover, there were adecrease of phospholipids pools containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an obesity-protective fatty
acid, and an increase of LPC, an obsesity-promoting lysolipid, in adipose tissue of sPLA2-III Tg
mice, whereas the adipose LPC level was markedly decreased in sPLA2-III KO mice. Endogenous
sPLA2-III expression was elevated in adipose tissue of high-fat-fed wild-type mice. These results
suggest the relationship of sPLA2-III and metabolic syndromes.
(2) AllergysPLA2-III KO mice were highly insensitive to IgE/antigen- or compound 48/80-induced passive

32

cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reaction. Bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) from sPLA2-III
KO mice produced less eicosanoids than did wild-type mice following IgE/antigen activation ex vivo.
Conversely, PCA reaction in vivo as well as mast cell production of eicosanoids ex vivo wassignificantly elevated in sPLA2-III Tg mice. Although PCA reaction was restored in mastcell-deficient W/Wv mice after transplantation of wild-type BMMC, replicate W/Wv mice thatreceived transplantation of sPLA2-III-null BMMC still remained unresponsive to IgE/antigen,indicating that the impaired allergic response of sPLA2-III KO mice is ascribed to a defect in mast
cells. Considering that bee venom PLA2, a homolog of sPLA2-III, is a strong allergy inducer, ourresults suggest that sPLA2-III may represent an endogenous regulator of mast cell-dependent
allergic/anaphylactic response.
(3) Asthenozoospermia
Male sPLA2-III KO mice were found to be infertile. Epididymal sperms prepared from sPLA2-III
KO mice showed impaired motility and thereby reduced fertilization capacity with oocytes ex vivo.
Ultrastructural morphology of sPLA2-III KO sperms was abnormal. In wild-type mice, sPLA2-III
was highly expressed in the duct epithelium of the initial segment and caput in the epididymis,
where functional maturation of spermatozoa occurs. Microarray gene profiling of the epididymis
revealed marked decreases in a subset of genes related to sperm motility in sPLA2-III KO mice.
These results suggest that sPLA2-III plays a role in the maturation of sperm in the restricted portionof the epididymis.
(4) Neuronal extension and survival 2)
sPLA2-III was expressed in several neuronal cells. Adenoviral expression of sPLA2-III in neuronalcells facilitated neurite outgrowth, whereas that of sPLA2-III-directed siRNA or a catalyticallyinactive sPLA2-III mutant reduced NGF-induced neuritogenesis. sPLA2-III also suppressed neuronal
death induced by NGF deprivation. These rsults suggest the potential contribution of sPLA2-III toneuronal differentiation and function under certain conditions.
(5) Inhibition of adenocirus infection 3)
sPLA2-III has the capacity to inhibit adenovirus infection into host cells possibly through the
production of LPC in host cell membranes.

Discussion & SummarysPLA2-III Tg mice displayed atherosclerotic and metabolic syndrome-like phenotypes after western
diet and were hypersensitive to allergic reaction after sensitization with IgE and exposure to a
cognate antigen. On the other hand, sPLA2-III KO mice were refractory to metabolic syndromes andallergy. These observations point to sPLA2-III as a potential target for the development of a novelanti-atherosclerotic, diabetic and allergic drug. However, considering the asthernzoospemia
phenotype of sPLA2-III KO mice, the use of the anti-sPLA2-III drug would need caution since it

33might cause male infertility as an adverse effect. Molecular mechanisms underlying these in vivo
actions of sPLA2-III need further elucidation. Also, physiological relevance of the neuritogenic andantiviral actions of sPLA2-III should be clarified by future studies using using sPLA2-III Tg and KO
mice.

Figures & Tables

Fig.1

Fig.2

34

References
1) Sato, S, Kato, R., Isogai, Y., Saka, G., Ohtsuki, M., Taketomi, Y., Yamamoto, K., Miki, Y.,
Tsutsumi, K., Yamada, J., Arata, S., Masuda, S., Ishikawa, Y., Ishii, T., Kobnayashi, T., Ikeda, K.,
Taguchi, R., Hatakeyama, S., Hara, S., Kudo, I., Itabe, H., and Murakami, M. (2008) Analysis ofhuman group III secreted phospholipase A2 transgenic mice reveals its potential participation inplasma lipoprotein modification, macrophage foam cell formation, and atherosclerosis. submitted.
2) Masuda, S., Yamamoto, K., Hirabayashi, T., Ishikawa, Y., Ishii, T., Kudo, I., and Murakami, M.
(2008) Human group III secreted phospholipase A2 promotes neuronal outgrowth and survival.
Biochem. J. 409, 429-438
3) Mitsuishi, M., Masuda, S., Kudo, I., and Murakami, M. (2007) Human Group III Phospholipase
A2 suppresses adenovirus infection into host cells: evidence that group III, V and X phospholipase
A2s act on distinct cellular phospholipids molecular species. Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1771,
1389-1396

351) Biological Sciences1-1) Molecular Biology

Role of Osterix in regulation of differentiation program ofmesenchymal stem cell
Riko Nishimura
Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistryrikonisi@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Osterix/Sp7, a member of the Sp1 transcription factor family, plays an essential role in boneformation and osteoblastogenesis. Although Osterix has been shown to be induced by BMP2 in amesenchymal cell line, the molecular basis of the regulation, expression and function of Osterix
during osteoblast differentiation is not fully understood. Thus we examined the role of BMP2
signaling in the regulation of Osterix using the mesenchymal cell lines C3H10T1/2 and C2C12.

Results
Regulation of Osterix expression by Runx2
To address whether Runx2 is involved in the regulation of Osterix expression, we examined
Osterix expression in the mesenchymal cell line C2C12 using RT-PCR. Consistent with that previous
study, Osterix was induced by BMP2 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Runx2 overexpression
also induced Osterix expression. These effects of BMP2 and Runx2 were confirmed by real-time
PCR analysis.
Osteoblastogenic action of Osterix
To understand the functional role of Osterix in osteoblast differentiation, we examined the effectof Osterix overexpression in C2C12 cells. Osterix overexpression induced ALP activity andosteocalcin expression in C2C12 cells. Similar to BMP2 treatment or Runx2 overexpression, Osterix
overexpression also induced ALP activity in C3H10T1/2 cells. In contrast to BMP2 treatment,
Osterix had very little effect on the expression of Col1a1 or collagen synthesis, suggesting that othertranscription factors, which would be controlled by BMP2, might be involved in the regulation of
Col1a1 expression and maturation. Furthermore, Osterix overexpression in mouse primaryosteoblasts clearly stimulated calcification of the cells. These findings indicate that Osterix has
osteoblastogenic activity. Interestingly, we observed that the osteoblastogenic activity of Osterix
differed from that of Runx2, suggesting that Osterix and Runx2 have distinct and separate roles
during osteoblast differentiation. To verify this possibility, we compared the target genes of Runx2

36

and Osterix by performing microarray analyses. Several genes, including Wnt4, Bglap1 and BMP7,
were similarly induced by Runx2 or Osterix. However, we found that there were two groups ofgenes that were induced by either Runx2 or Osterix but not both.
Regulation of Osterix expression independently of Runx2
As described above, Osterix has distinct roles during osteoblast differentiation. Therefore we
examined whether Runx2 is necessary for induction of Osterix expression using mesenchymal cells
isolated from Runx2 deficient mice. These cells were able to differentiate into ALP positive
osteoblastic cells upon BMP2 treatment or Runx2 overexpression within 3 days. Although the cells
had some ability to differentiate into chondrocytic cells, real-time PCR analyses indicated that thecells preferentially differentiated into osteoblastic cells. As expected, Runx2 induced Osterix
expression in these cells. Surprisingly, BMP2 treatment induced Osterix expression in the Runx2
deficient mesenchymal cells. These results suggest that Osterix expression is regulated by BMP2
through both Runx2-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Regulation of Osterix expression by Smad and Msx2 signaling
To understand the molecular mechanism by which BMP2 induces Osterix expression in Runx2
deficient cells, we first examined whether Smad signaling is implicated in the regulation of Osterix
expression, since Smad signaling plays a central role in BMP2-regulated osteoblast differentiation.
Overexpression of Smad1 and Smad4 stimulated BMP2-induced ALP activity in Runx2 deficientmesenchymal cells. Moreover, overexpression of Smad1 and Smad4 enhanced Osterix expression by
BMP2 in these cells. To confirm the involvement of Smad signaling in Runx2- independent Osterix
expression, we next examined the effect of Smad6 on Runx2 deficient cells. We found thatoverexpression of Smad6 abolished induction of Osterix and ALP activity by BMP2 in Runx2
deficient cells. Collectively, these results indicate that Smad signaling is necessary for Osterix
expression in Runx2 deficient mesenchymal cells, and subsequent osteoblastic differentiation.
Because we previously reported that Msx2 regulates osteoblast differentiation via a
Runx2-independent mechanism, we hypothesized that Msx2 may function as upstream of Osterix.
First, we determined whether Msx2 is induced by BMP2 treatment in Runx2 deficient mesenchymal
cells. BMP2 clearly upregulated Msx2 expression even in the absence of the Runx2 gene.
Importantly, Msx2 overexpression induced Osterix expression in the Runx2 deficient mesenchymal
cells. Moreover, knockdown of Msx2 clearly inhibited induction of Osterix by BMP2 in the Runx2
deficient mesenchymal cells. Our findings indicate that Msx2, which is regulated by BMP2, controls
Osterix expression via a Runx2-independent mechanism.
Osteoblastogenic activity of Osterix in Runx2 deficient mesenchymal cells
We next examined whether Osterix was able to promote osteoblast differentiation in Runx2
deficient mesenchymal cells. We exogenously introduced Osterix into Runx2 deficient mesenchymal
cells, and found that Osterix induced ALP activity in these cells. In addition, Osterix significantly

37

stimulated osteocalcin and Bsp expression. These results suggest that Osterix itself has
osteoblastogenic activity.

Discussion & Summary
Although a previous genetic study raised the possibility that Osterix functions as downstream of
Runx2 (13), the mechanism by which BMP2 regulates Osterix expression during osteoblast
differentiation has been unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that Osterix expression is regulated
by both Runx2-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Other researchers and we have previously
demonstrated that BMP2 upregulates Runx2 expression during osteoblast differentiation (10,11,24)
and thus it is likely that BMP2 controls Osterix expression through Runx2. We showed here thatoverexpression of Runx2 induces Osterix expression in mesenchymal cell lines. Notably, wedemonstrated that BMP2 and Msx2 induced Osterix expression in Runx2 deficient mesenchymal
cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Msx2 blocked the induction of Osterix in the Runx2 deficientmesenchymal cells. Thus, these results indicate the novel paradigm that BMP2 controls Osterix
expression independently of Runx2 through Msx2.

Figures & Tables

References
Nakashima, K., Zhou, X., Kunkel, G., Zhang, Z., Deng, J.M., Behringer, R.R., and de Crombrugghe,
B.(2002). Cell 108, 17-29
Nishimura, R., Hata, K., Harris, S.E., Ikeda, F., and Yoneda, T.(2002). Bone 31, 303-312

381) Biological Sciences1-2) Struktural Biology

Role of Apolipoprotein E Structure in Disorders of Cholesterol
Metabolism in Brain
Hiroyuki Saito
Kobe Pharmaceutical University
saito@kobepharma-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a key protein regulating lipid transport in the cardiovascular andcentral nervous systems. In humans, apoE exists in three major isoforms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4;
each differing by cysteine and arginine at positions 112 and 158. In neuronal repair and remodeling,
apoE4 which is known to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is much less effective thanwild type apoE3. To understand the molecular basis for the disorders of cholesterol metabolism inbrain by apoE4, we compared physicochemical and biological properties of apoE isoforms.

Results
Cell experiments showed that the levels of apoE4-mediated cholesterol and phospholipid efflux
from cultured neurons were about 5-fold less than those by apoE3. The N-terminal 22-kDa domain
largely contributed to the apoE-mediated lipid efflux from neurons, in sharp contrast to the situationof macrophages in which the C-terminal lipid-binding domain plays a dominant role in lipid efflux(1). Domain interaction in apoE4 appears to inhibit the C-terminal domain-induced lipid efflux
because addition of longer segments of the C-terminal domain to the apoE3 22-kDa fragment
additively induced lipid efflux in a length dependent manner, whereas no additive effect was seen in
the apoE4 22-kDa. In addition, we found that dimerization of apoE3 through forming a disulfide
bond at Cys-112 significantly enhanced the ability to release neuronal lipids.
To understand the molecular basis for such an apoE isoform-dependent lipid efflux, we firstexamined the effect of progressive truncation of the C-terminal domain in apoE isoforms on theirlipid-free structure and lipid binding properties (2). Removal of the C-terminal helical regions
spanning residues 273-299 reduced the ability of both isoforms to bind to lipoproteins. Gel filtration
chromatography experiments demonstrated that the monomer-tetramer distribution is different for
the two isoforms with apoE4 being more monomeric than apoE3 and that removal of the C-terminal
helices favors the monomeric state in both isoforms. Consistent with this, fluorescencemeasurements of Trp-264 in single Trp mutants revealed that the C-terminal domain in apoE4 is less

39

organized and more exposed to the aqueous environment compared to apoE3. In addition, thesolubilization of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles is more rapid with apoE4
than with apoE3; removal of the C-terminal helices significantly affected solubilization rates withboth isoforms.
Binding of apoE to glycosaminoglycans (GAG) is involved in the differential effects of the apoE
isoforms on neurite growth, repair, and consequently, the progression of late onset familiar
Alzheimer’s disease. Using surface plasmon resonance, we previously showed that the binding of
apoE to heparin is a two-step process; the initial binding involves fast electrostatic interaction,
followed by a slower hydrophobic interaction (3). Here, we examined the contributions of the N- andC-terminal domains to each step of the binding of apoE isoforms to heparan sulfate (HS) anddermatan sulfate (DS).

ApoE3 bound to less sulfated HS and DS with a decreased favorable freeenergy of binding in the first step compared to heparin, indicating that the degree of sulfation has amajor effect on the electrostatic interaction of GAG with apoE. Mutation of a key Lys residue in the
N-terminal heparin binding site of apoE significantly affected this electrostatic interaction.
Progressive truncation of the C-terminal -helical regions which favors the monomeric form of
apoE3 greatly reduced the binding ability of apoE3 to HS, with much reduced favorable free energyof binding of the first step, suggesting that the C-terminal domain contributes to the GAG binding of
apoE by the oligomerization effect. Supporting this, dimerization of the apoE3 N-terminal fragment
via disulfide linkage restored the electrostatic interaction of apoE with HS.

Significantly, apoE4

showed much greater binding amount to HS and DS than apoE2 or apoE3 in both lipid-free andlipidated states, perhaps resulting from enhanced electrostatic interaction through the N-terminal
domain.

Discussion & Summary
We found that there are two major factors, intra-molecular domain interaction and inter-moleculardimerization that cause the apoE isoform-dependent lipid efflux from neurons. The domaininteraction in apoE4 modulates the organization of the C-terminal domain differently from wild typeapoE3 so that apoE4 self-associates less and binds more avidly to lipid compared to apoE3. The
dimerization of apoE3 via disulfide linkage enhances the electrostatic interaction of the apoEN-terminal domain with cell-surface GAG through the oligomerization effect. These differences in
the conformational organization and interactions with lipid and GAG among apoE isoforms seem tolead to the pathological sequelae for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

40

Figures & Tables

References(1) Vedhachalam, C., Narayanaswami, V., Neto, N., Forte, T. M., Phillips, M. C., Lund-Katz, S.,
Bielicki, J. K. “The C-terminal lipid-binding domain of apolipoprotein E is a highly efficient
mediator of ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux that promotes the assembly of high-density
lipoproteins” Biochemistry 46, 2583-2593 (2007)(2) Tanaka, M., Vedhachalam, C., Sakamoto, T., Dhanasekaran, P., Phillips, M. C., Lund-Katz, S.,
Saito, H. “Effect of Carboxyl-Terminal Truncation on Structure and Lipid Interaction of Human
Apolipoprotein E4” Biochemistry 45, 4240-4247 (2006)(3) Futamura, M., Dhanasekaran, P., Handa, T., Phillips, M. C., Lund-Katz, S., Saito, H. “Two-stepmechanism of binding of apolipoprotein E to heparin: implications for the kinetics of apolipoprotein
E-heparan sulfate proteoglycan complex formation on cell surfaces” J. Biol. Chem. 280, 5414-5422.
(2005)

411) Biological Sciences1-2) Struktural Biology

Desensitization Mechanism of G-protein Coupled Receptor andSelf-Association at Physiological Concentrations
Yasushi Imamoto
Kyoto University
imamoto@rh.biophys.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Rhodopsin is a photoreceptor protein present in animal retina. It is a typical G-protein coupled
receptor widely involved in the signal transduction system of the cell. GPCR activated by a stimulusinteracts with G-protein. It is then phosphorylated and binds to arrestin, which inactivate GPCR.
Arrestin is tetramerized in a concentration-dependent manner at the physiological concentration(40-200 µM). However, biochemical assay is so far carried out at very low concentration (~nM), in
which the effect of tetramerization of arrestin is not taken into consideration. In the present study, thephysiological relevance of tetramerization of arrestin is investigated by assaying the interaction
between rhodopsin and arrestin at the physiological concentration.

Results
The quaternary structure of arrestin was studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Because
rhodopsin is a membrane protein, it should be solubilized by detergent for SAXS measurements.
However, detergent micelle significantly scatters X-ray, which overlaps with the scattering fromproteins. In the present study, the synthetic peptide corresponding to C-terminal 25 amino acidresidues of rhodopsin, which is considered to interact with arrestin, was used to measure the SAXS
in detergent-free system.
The 25 amino acid peptide phosphorylated at three serine residues (P-Rh25) as well as
non-phosphorylated peptide (Rh25) was synthesized. Arrestin was isolated from fresh bovine retina.
The apparent molecular weight of arrestin was estimated by the intensity of forward scattering of
X-ray, which is known to be proportional to the product of molecular weight and weight
concentration. Arrestin was in ~1:1 mixture of monomer and tetramer at 2 mg/ml (44 µM). By
adding P-Rh25, apparent molecular weight was increased (Figure 1).

In the presence of 40-folds

molar excess of P-Rh25 (6 mg/ml), arrestin is associated to show the forward scattering intensity
equivalent to dodecamer. It implies that the binding of arrestin to rhodopsin induces the association.
Thus it is likely that one phosphorylated rhodopsin molecule binds to ~10 molecules of arrestin.

42

However, Rh25 also induced the association of arrestin, suggesting that phosphate does not directlyinteract with arrestin but regulates the structure of the C-terminal segment of activated rhodopsin forinteraction with arrestin.
Figure 1:
Oligomerization ofarrestin in the presence ofrhodopsin N-terminus 25-aminoacid peptide with and without
phosphorylation(P-Rh25
andRh25, respectively). Note that
I(0)/conc is proportional to themolecular weight of the scatterer.
Arrestin monomer gives I(0)/concvalue of 10,000.

120

3I(0)/conc (x10 )

100
80
60
40

P-Rh25
Rh-25

20

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Peptide conc (mg/ml)

Discussion & Summary
This study showed that rhodopsin C-terminus peptide induces the oligomerization of arrestin. It
suggests that the activation of G-protein by rhodopsin is completely suppressed by covering thecytoplasmic surface of rhodopsin by a cluster of arrestin (Figure 2). It is consistent with the previous
finding that rhodopsin C-terminus peptide enhances the binding of arrestin to rhodopsin. Althougharrestin specifically binds to photoactivated and phosphorylated rhodopsin, Rh25 and P-Rh25
similarly interact with arrestin. Therefore, it is likely that the phosphorylation of rhodopsin alters the
structure of the C-terminal segment of rhodopsin, which results in higher affinity to arrestin.
Transducin

ArrestinmonomertetramerLight

KinaseP
P

Meta II

Figure 2:

P

P-Meta II

Arr
Arr
Arr
Arr

Arr
Arr
Arr
Arr

P-Meta II

Schematic drawing of inactivation mechanism ofmetarhodopsin II by arrestin.

References
Imamoto, Y., Tamura, C., Kamikubo, H., and Kataoka, M. (2003) Concentration-dependent
tetramerization of bovine visual arrestin. Biophys J. 85, 1186-1195.

431) Biological Sciences
1-3) Cell Biology

Molecular Basis of Left-Right Asymmetry Determination in Plants
Takashi Hashimoto
Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Graduate School of Biological Sciences
hasimoto@bs.naist.jp

Introduction
Rapidly expanding cells in the roots and the etiolated hypocotyls grow longitudinally to form
highly elongated, cylindrical cells, and possess arrays of cortical microtubules that are arranged
largely perpendicular to the cell’s long axis.

The importance of transverse arrays for straight

growth has been indicated by pharmacological studies and experiments with helical growth mutantsof Arabidopsis thaliana. Previous results indicate that dysfunctional cortical microtubules canarrange in helical arrays, rather than normal transverse arrays, and affect the direction of growth of
expanding cells.
Here, we identified 32 Arabidopsis twisting tubulin mutants which provide new insights into how
conserved tubulin residues contribute to microtubule dynamics, and how dynamic microtubules
attribute to the growth pattern of the root.

Results
We screened mutagenized M2 seedlings in the presence of 3 µM propyzamide for mutants that
displayed root growth distinct from the wild type. Candidate mutants were then tested for skewed
root growth phenotypes in the absence of the drug. After genetic loci for root twisting were
mapped with respect to the tubulin loci, closely linked tubulin genes were sequenced.

Finally, we

obtained 40 tubulin mutant plants that showed either right- or left-handed helical growth in the rootand other rapidly elongating organs.

Since the same mutations were found independently in several

isolates, the total number of tubulin mutations was 32.

The majority of tubulin mutants weresemi-dominant.
We next examined whether mutant tubulin proteins are incorporated into the microtubule andproduce dominant-negative effects.

Most mutations were individually introduced into the

Arabidopsis TUA6 tagged with a Myc epitope at the C-terminus, or into the Arabidopsis TUB4
tagged with a multimerized Myc epitope at the N-terminus.

When wild-type myc-tagged tubulin

proteins were expressed in Arabidopsis, they were incorporated into the microtubule but did notaffect seedling growth or morphology.

In contrast, ectopically expressed mutant tubulins

44

reproduced the twisting phenotypes upon co-polymerization with wild-type tubulins into
microtubule polymers.
Close inspection of the three‐ dimensional structure of the -tubulin heterodimer and themicrotubule protofilament shows that mutations are classified into five categories.

Tubulinmutations are described here as a combination of the tubulin isoform and the exchanged amino acids.
Three left-handed helical growth mutants (tua4S178∆, tub4L250F, and tub4S351F) had mutations at the
intradimer interface between - and -tubulins.

Mutations at the longitudinal interface between the

-tubulin subunits resulted in either right-handed helical growth (TUA6P325S, TUB1S95F, TUB4S95F,
TUB4G96D, and TUB4P220S) or left-handed helical growth (TUA2T349I, TUA4T349I, TUB4T178I, and
TUB1A394T).
(TUA4

Mutations at the lateral contact regions led mostly to right-handed helical growth

S277F, TUA6S277F, TUA6A281T, TUA2E284K, TUB2P287L, TUB3P287L, TUB4P287L, TUA2T56I,

TUA4T56I, TUA6T56I, and TUA4V62I) but also to left-handed helical growth in one case (TUB4E288K).
One right-handed mutant had a TUA5D251N mutation in the critical residue that contacts the guanine
nucleotide of -tubulin during microtubule polymerization, thus activating the inherent GTPase
activity in -tubulin.
Cortical microtubules were examined in the epidermal cells at the root elongation zone.
arrays of tubulin mutants were arranged in shallow helices of distinct handedness.

CorticalMean pitch

angles of microtubule helices were plotted against the skew angles of seedling roots that were grownon the hard agar surface. A strong correlation (correlation coefficient -0.918) was found between
the two parameters; all the right-handed helical growth mutants had left-handed microtubule arrays,
whereas all the left-handed mutants had right-handed arrays.
The GFP-TUB6 marker line was used to analyze the dynamic behavior of cortical microtubules in
the wild type and two select -tubulin mutants.
tua5

D251N

The microtubules or bundles of microtubules inwere more numerous and tended to align more perpendicular to the growth axis than thosein the wild type and tua4S178∆.

The microtubule dynamics in tua5D251N was highly suppressed, as

seen by the slower growth and shrinkage.

Remarkably, the lagging end of tua5D251N microtubules

did not depolymerize appreciably, and was highly stable.

In tua4S178∆ microtubules, the effect wasmost clearly observed at the leading end, which polymerized more rapidly, resulting in a highly
dynamic end.

Catastrophe and rescue frequencies of these mutant microtubules were not markedly

different from the wild-type frequencies at either end.
GFP-EB1 was next used to probe the mutant microtubules.

In the wild type, GFP-EB1 decorated

the growing leading-end of microtubules as a comet with a trailing tail.
comet was slightly smaller in tua4
tua5D251N microtubules.
tua5

D251N

S178∆

The size of the GFP-EB1, whereas GFP-EB1 also labeled the entire side wall of

FRAP showed that the photo-bleached GFP-EB1 signal on the wall of

microtubules recovered well before the photo-bleached GFP-TUB6 signal did, indicatingthat GFP-EB1 in the cytoplasmic pool directly associated with the microtubule wall.

45

Discussion & Summary
Anisotropic expansion of plant cells requires organized arrays of cortical microtubules. Mutations in
microtubule-associated proteins and a particular mutation in -tubulins were reported to cause
abnormal microtubule arrays and result in helical growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.

However, theway in which these mutations affect the organization of microtubules remains unknown.

We hereidentified 32 new Arabidopsis twisting mutants that have either missense or amino acid deletion
mutations in - or -tubulins.

Mutations were mapped to the GTPase-activating domain in-tubulin, intra- and inter-dimer interfaces of tubulin heterodimers, and lateral contact regions
between adjacent protofilaments.

These dominant-negative tubulin mutants were incorporated into

the microtubule polymer, and formed shallow helical arrays of distinct handedness along the longaxis of the root epidermal cells. A striking correlation exists between the direction in which
cortical helical arrays are skewed and the growth direction of elongating roots.

The

GTPase-activating-domain mutant had left-handed helical arrays composed of highly stabilized
microtubules, which could be decorated along the entire microtubule lattices with the otherwise
tip-localized End Binding 1 protein.

A mutation at the intradimer interface, on the other hand,

generated highly dynamic microtubules and right-handed helical arrays.

Cortical microtubules inwild type and these two tubulin mutants were composed mainly of 13 protofilaments.

This

comprehensive analysis on tubulin mutations provides new insights into the mechanism by which
tubulin structures influence microtubule dynamics and organization.

Figures & Tables

46

References
T. Ishida, Y. Kaneko, M. Iwano, and T. Hashimoto (2007) Helical microtubule arrays in a collectionof twisting tubulin mutants of Arabiodpsis thaliana. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 104: 8544-8549.
T. Ishida, S. Thitamadee, and T. Hashimoto (2007) Twisted growth and organization of cortical
microtubules. J. Plant Res., 120: 61-70.
T. Hashimoto, and T. Kato (2006) Cortical control of plant microtubules. Curr. Opin. Plant Biol. 9:
5-11.

47

1) Biological Sciencese1-3) Cell Biology

Elucidation of mechanism for cell polarity formation in cell migration
Yuichi Mazaki
Leading Graduate School System, Kumamoto University
mazaki@kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Cell migration is a pivotal process in development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.
Directional cell migration involves initial recognition of extracellular stimuli followed by thedevelopment of a dominant leading lamella directed toward the source of the stimuli.

Recently,

elucidation of molecular mechanisms in cell migration has been advanced by identification ofchemoattractant receptors and studies of regulation of actin polymerization.

However, molecularmechanism of polarization in directional cell migration remains unknown.
To approach to this problem, we studied about relationship between ADP ribosylation factors(Arfs) and directional cell migration in neutrophil.

Results
Neutrophils play important roles in innate immunity and in the initiation of an acute response toinfection.

During such a response neutrophils are activated, move towards the site of inflammation

and actively produce antimicrobial agents, including a number of reactive oxygen species.
Most chemoattractants, including bacterial products, complement fragments and chemokines, bindto cell surface receptors linked to the Gi family of heterotrimeric G proteins (G protein-coupled
receptors, GPCRs).

G subunits, which are released upon activation of heterotrimeric G proteins

by GPCR stimulation, bind to p21-activating protein kinase 1 (PAK1), which simultaneously binds
to PIX, a Dbl family Rac and Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF); thus a linear
complex of G-PAK1-PIX is formed.

This G-PAK1-PIX complex plays pivotal roles in

directional sensing and persistency of GPCR-stimulated neutrophils.

PAK1, Rac and Cdc42 also

influence actin cytoskeletal organization.
GIT proteins are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that regulate Arf family proteins.
GIT2 are structurally conserved.

GIT1 andIn addition to negatively regulating Arf activity, GIT proteins arethought to play a role in linking the regulation of Arf proteins with other intracellular signaling
events.
PIX.

Of note, the Spa2 homology domains of GIT proteins bind to the GIT-binding domain of

48

Arf family proteins are primarily implicated in the membrane and vesicle traffic in mammaliancells.

The family includes six isoforms of Arf and the Arf-like proteins.

The six Arf isoforms arehighly homologous to one another and assigned to class I, II, or III based on sequence similarity.
Arf family proteins exist in two forms: GTP bound form and GDP bound form.

The

interconversion between the two forms of Arfs is promoted by two types of activities: guanine
nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) increase the level of activated Arfs and GAPs speed the intrinsic
hydrolysis of the bound GTP.
Previously, we have generated GIT2-deficient mice, and found that GIT2 is essential forneutrophil function in vivo.

Loss of GIT2 in neutrophils resulted in impaired GPCR-induced

chemotactic directional sensing.

In addition, we found that expression of GIT2 lacking GAP

activity affected fMLP-induced cell migration of neutrophil-like cells, differentiated HL-60 cells.
On the other hand, Arf1 became activated in neutrophils after fMLP treatment.
Here, we studied roles of Arf family proteins in chemotaxis of neutrophils.

We first examined

effects of Brefeldin A (BFA), which inhibits the activities of Arf proteins, on fMLP-induced cell
migration. We found that BFA suppressed fMLP-induced cell migration of both neutrophils anddifferentiated HL-60 cells.

On the other hand, free cell migration and adhesion to

fibrinogen-coated surfaces was not notably affected with BFA.

To understand the mechanism as to

how Arf is activated in fMLP stimulation, we attempted to identify Arf GEFs which are involved in
fMLP-induced cell migration.

There are 15 genes in human encoding proteins bearing the Sec7

domain, a putative Arf GEF domain.

We examined mRNA expression of Arf GEF in differentiated

HL-60 cells, and found that they express 10 different Arf GEF genes. Among these 10 Arf GEFs,
small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of GBF1 significantly blocked the fMLP-induced cell
migration.

Moreover, we found that a significant fraction of GBF1 localized to leading edge inmigrating cells, whereas GBF1 localized to Golgi apparatus in resting cells.

Discussion & Summary
It has been reported that Arf6 are important proteins in cell migration.

Until now, however, rolesof Arf family proteins in directional cell migration remain unknown.

Here, we have shown that

BFA suppressed fMLP-induced cell migration of both neutrophils and differentiated HL-60 cells,
whereas BFA did not block their free cell migration.

Our results are consistent with previous

reports, because BFA has not blocked Arf6 activation.
GBF1 is a BFA sensitive GEF with for Class I and II Arfs in vitro.

It has been reported that

GBF1 co-localized with well-characterized Golgi markers to perinuclear strictures. We have shownthat small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of GBF1 significantly blocked the fMLP-induced
cell migration.

In addition, we have shown that a significant fraction of GBF1 localized to leadingedge in migrating cells. These results suggested that GBF1 is involved in fMLP-induced cell

49

migration of differentiated HL-60 cells.

Figures&Tables

Figures legend: Subcellular localization of GBF1 indifferentiated HL-60 cells. A significant fraction of GBF1
localized to leading edge in fMLP-induced migration cells,
whereas GBF1 localized to Golgi apparatus in resting cells.

References
Morishige, M., Hashimoto, S., Ogawa, E., Toda, Y., Kotani, H., Hirose, M., Wei, S., Hashimoto, A.,
Yamada, A., Yano, H., Mazaki, Y., Kodama, H., Nio, Y., Manabe, T., Wada, H., Kobayashi, H., Sabe,
H.
GEP100 links epidermal growth factor receptor signaling to Arf6 activation to induce breast cancer
invasion. Nat. Cell Biol. 10: 85-92 (2008).

501) Biological Sciences
1-3) Cell Biology

Mechanism of NF-B-dependent protection from cell death
Hiroyasu Nakano
Juntendo University School of Medicine
hnakano@med.juntendo.ac.jp

Introduction
NF-B is a collective term of dimeric transcriptional factors that belong to the Rel family ofproteins, and regulates expression of various inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion
molecules (Ghosh and Karin, 2002). NF-B is activated by various inflammatory cytokines andcellular stress including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), UV, and -irradiation.
Moreover, NF-B, especially the RelA-containing complex, inhibits cell death induced by TNF,Fas ligand, TRAIL, and genotoxic stress. Currently, the anti-apoptotic functions of NF-B aresupported to be mainly mediated by upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes (Karin and Lin, 2002).
However, the detailed molecular mechanisms are not completely understood.

Results
Here we show that cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is rapidly lost in NF-B
activation-deficient, but not wild-type fibroblasts upon TNF stimulation, indicating that NF-B
normally maintains the cellular levels of c-FLIP. The ectopic expression of the long form of c-FLIP(c-FLIPL) inhibits TNF-induced prolonged JNK activation and ROS accumulation in NF-B
activation-deficient fibroblasts. Conversely, TNF induces prolonged JNK activation and ROS
accumulation in c-Flip-/- fibroblasts. Moreover, c-FLIPL directly interacts with a JNK activator,
MKK7 in a TNF-dependent fashion and inhibits the interactions of MKK7 with MEKK1, ASK1,
and TAK1. This stimuli-dependent interaction of c-FLIPL with MKK7 might selectively suppress
the prolonged phase of JNK activation. Taken that ROS promote JNK activation and activation of
the JNK pathway may promote ROS accumulation, c-FLIPL might block this positive feed backloop, thereby suppressing ROS accumulation.
To apply this observation to tumor therapy, we knocked down c-FLIP by RNA interference invarious tumor cells. Consistent with the results using c-Flip-/- MEFs, we found that TNFstimulation induced caspase-dependent prolonged JNK activation and ROS accumulation, followed
by apoptotic and necrotic cell death in various tumor cells. Furthermore, TNF and Fas induced the51cleavage of mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase kinase (MEKK)1, resulting in generationof a constitutive active form of MEKK1 leading to JNK activation in c-FLIP knockdown cells.
Given that ROS accumulation and necrotic cell death enhance inflammation followed bycompensatory proliferation of tumor cells, selective suppression of caspase-dependent ROS
accumulation will be an alternative strategy to protect cells from ROS-dependent DNA damage andcompensatory tumor progression.

Discussion & Summary
Upregulation of c-FLIPL has been shown to be correlated with resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis
in vitro in certain tumor cell lines and also associated with autoimmune diseases. One of thestrategies to treat these pathological conditions is to block the c-FLIPL-mediated suppression of
caspase activation, thereby promoting apoptosis of tumor cells and autoreactive T cells. In addition,
blocking the suppressive function of c-FLIPL on JNK activation might be an alternative strategy totreat these diseases, resulting in prolonged JNK activation-induced cell death. In this respect, theinteraction of c-FLIPL with MKK7 might be an attractive target to develop new drugs to treat various
diseases such as cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Figures & Tables

Figure1

52

Figure2

References
1. Ghosh, S. and Karin, M. (2002) Missing pieces in the NF-B puzzle. Cell, 109 Suppl, S81-96.
2. Karin, M. and Lin, A. (2002) NF-B at the crossroads of life and death. Nat Immunol, 3, 221-227.

531) Biological Sciences
1-3) Cell Biology

Regulatory pathway that mediates calorie restriction-mediatedlongevity
Akira Matsuura
Graduate School of Advanced Integration Science, Chiba University
amatsuur@faculty.chiba-u.jp

Introduction
Plant-derived polyphenols such as resveratrol have been reported to extend lifespan in yeast, fruit
fly, and worm. The mechanism on which resveratrol regulates the lifespan involves a similar
pathway to dietary restriction-mediated longevity, by regulating evolutionally conserved Sirtuin
family. To gain insight into the mechanism that determines organismal lifespan by chemical genetic
approach, we screened for novel compounds that possessed anti-ageing activity on yeast.

Results
A food-derived compound library enriched in those with anti-oxidative activity was screened forfactors possessing anti-ageing activity on yeast. Consequently, we identified tetrahydrocurcumin(THU) as a novel compound that has activity to extend replicative lifespan of yeast strains.
Resveratrol, a previously identified polyphenol, has been implicated in regulation of lifespan bystimulating Sir2, a yeast sirtuin family protein.

We observed that resveratrol did not extend thelifespan of sir2 mutant, nor did THU. Thus, these compounds require Sir2 protein to fulfill thisactivity.

Although in vitro assay showed that Sir2 deacetylase activity was directly up-regulated byresveratrol as reported previously, THU did not stimulate the activity. Moreover, THU did notaffect expression of SIR2 itself as manifested by RT-PCR analysis.

These data suggest that THU

does not directly target Sir2. Microarray analysis showed that tetrahydrocurcumin affected lifespanthrough alleviated expression of UTH1, a longevity-related gene. Consistent with the reduced
UTH1 expression by THU treatment in wild-type cells, administration of THU did not extend further
the lifespan of uth1 mutant.

Therefore, the effect of THU on yeast lifespan is apparently mediatedthrough regulation of UTH1 expression. At the same time, we investigated genetic interaction
between SIR2 and UTH1 by comparing lifespan of sir2 uth1 double mutant with that of wild typeand each of single mutants. The mean lifespan of sir2 mutant and sir2 uth1 double mutant was
reduced comparably. These results suggest that the extension of yeast lifespan by uth1 deletion
requires normal Sir2 function. Collectively, a plausible model for the action of THU on yeast life

54

span extension is that the compound reduces the UTH1 mRNA level, which in turn appears toregulate the Sir2-dependent mechanism.
To further investigate the mechanism how THU targets UTH1 gene, we conducted a promoter
assay using lacZ gene fusing as long as 700 bp sequences which located at the upstream of the UTH1
gene. The promoter has been predicted to contain the binding sites of several transcription factors
including Mot3 and Skn7, which are involved in cellular response to oxidative stress. The
-galactosidase activity in mot3 mutant yeast strain was significantly decreased by THU, but THU
did not affect the activity in skn7 mutant yeast strain. This result suggests that Skn7 is a target of
THU effect on UTH1 gene expression. Promoter assay suggested that repression of UTH1 wasmediated by an oxidative stress-responsive transcription factor Skn7, and this possibility was
supported genetically by the fact that UTH1 was not repressed by THU in the skn7 mutant.
We found that THU extended lifespan of fruit fly as well. Genetic experiments showed that theeffect of tetrahydrocurcumin on fruit fly required factors involved in the insulin-like growth factor
signaling pathway, and was mediated through Sir2 and a forkhead transcription factor FOXO.

Discussion & Summary
Our data suggest that genetic pathway(s) regulating longevity is conserved, and that polyphenols
cause extension of lifespan by targeting several molecules including Sir2.

Lines of evidence

suggest that targets of food-derived compounds in vivo may be diverse, and that several genetic
pathways affected by the compounds may act multiplily or in parallel to regulate organismal lifespan.
It was reported that tetrahydrocurcumin significantly lengthened average life span of mice.
Therefore, tetrahydrocurcumin can regulate lifespan of metazoan commonly, on the mechanismthat might be different from that of resveratrol.

Nonetheless, our results highlight a prominent

responsibility of the Sir2 family proteins for lifespan regulation, since polyphenols, even if notdirectly activate, require SIR2 to lengthen the lifespan.

Figures & Tables

55

References
1. Howitz, K.T. et al. Small molecule activators of sirtuins extend Saccharomyces cerevisiae
lifespan. Nature 425, 191-6 (2003).
2. Wood, J. G. et al. Sirtuin activators mimic caloric restriction and delay ageing in metazoans.
Nature 430, 686-9 (2004).
3. Baur, J. A. et al. Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature
444, 337-342 (2006).
4. Osawa, T., Sugiyama, Y., Inayoshi, M. & Kawakishi, S. Antioxidative activity of
Tetrahydrocurcumin. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem, 59, 1609-1612 (1995).
5. Kaeberlein, M., MeVey, M., Guarente, L. The SIR2/3/4 complex and SIR2 alone promotelongevity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by two different mechanisms. Genes Dev. 13,
2570-17045 (1999).
6. Tissenbaum, H, A. & Grarente, L. Increase dosage of a Sir-2 gene extends lifespan incaenorhabditis elegans, Nature 410, 227-230 (2001)
7. Rogina, B. & Helfand, S. L. Sir2 mediates longevity in the fly through a pathway related tocalorie restriction. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101, 15998-16003 (2004).

561) Biological Sciences
1-3) Cell Biology

Molecular mechanism of meiosis-specific endocytosis
Taro Nakamura
Osaka City University
taronaka@sci.osaka-cu.ac.jp

Introduction
Syntaxin is a component of t-SNARE complex, which is responsible for the specific fusion between
membrane vesicle and its target membrane. The fission yeast syntaxin 1 Psy1 is essential for bothvegetative growth and sporulation. Psy1 localizes to the plasma membrane in vegetative growth andearly meiosis. Interestingly, after meiosis I, Psy1 dynamically relocalizes from the plasma membrane
to the forespore membrane, which becomes spore plasma membrane. This relocalization is regulatedby an endocytosis. The aim of this study is to dissect this meiosis-specific endocytosis.

Results
To determine whether relocalization of Psy1 in meiosis is translocation from the plasma membrane
to forespore membrane, Psy1 was labeled with photoactivatable-GFP (PA-GFP). In meiosis I, mostof Psy1 signal was observed in the plasma membrane of zygote. Psy1 in meiosis was photoactivatedand was observed behavior of PA-GFP-Psy1. Psy1 signal on the plasma membrane was disappeared
after completion of meiosis I and reapppeared on the forespore membrane (Fig. 1). These data
indicate that Psy1 translocates from the plasma membrane to the forespore membrane.
As described above, relocalization of Psy1 is regulated by meiosis-specific endocytosis. We
examined the behavior of various plasma membrane-resident proteins. Pma1, a P-type ATPase,
persisted on the plasma membrane evenmeiosis II began (Fig. 2). On the other
hand, a putative hexose transpoter, Ght6,
relocalized to the forespore membrane,albeit substantial part persisted on theplasma membrane. These data suggest
that

selective

mechanism

existsinmeiotic endocytosis.
Additionof Breferdin A,

which

inhibits the membrane transport from ER

57

and/orGolgi,

cannotinhibitthetranslocation of Psy1, suggesting thattranslocation of Psy1 is mainly regulatedby endocytosis.
Translocation of Psy1 was inhibited by
the mutations in fim1+ and adf1+, which
are actin-related proteins and regulated
generalendocytosis,

suggestingthat

actin-dependent endocytosis is involved in
the meiosis-specific endocytosis.

Discussion & Summary
1, Psy1 translocates from the plasma membrane to the forespore membrane in meiosis.
2, Meiosis-specific endocytosis has a selective mechanism of its target proteins.
3, Actin-related proteins are involved in the meosis-specific endocytosis.

References
Yukiko Nakase, Michiko Nakamura-Kubo, Yanfang Ye, Aiko Hirata, Chikashi Shimoda, and Taro
Nakamura. Meiotic spindle pole bodies acquire the ability to assemble the spore plasma membraneby sequential recruitment of sporulation-specific components in fission yeast. Molecular Biology of
the Cell. Vol19, in press

581) Biological Sciences
1-3) Cell Biology

Identification and functional analysis of proteins that regulate
endoplasmic reticulum stress response
Akihiro Tomida
Japanese Foundation for Cancer Researchakihiro.tomida@jfcr.or.jp

Introduction
The functions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are often affected by such pathophysiologicalconditions as nutrient starvation.

To cope with ER stress, cells activate a signal transduction

pathway, which is called the unfolded protein response (UPR).

The adaptive response is initiatedby ER-transmembrane sensor proteins, ATF6, PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring 1(IRE1).

However, the regulatory mechanisms of these sensor proteins are not fully understood.

In this study, we focused on NUCB1, one of ER stress-inducible genes that we identified using a
cDNA microarray system, and found that NUCB1 suppresses ATF6 activation during ER stress.

Results
NUCB1, an ER stress-responsive gene
We conducted a microarray analysis of gene expression to identify novel genes induced by glucose
starvation, one of the physiological ER stress conditions.
glucose starvation-inducible gene.
NUCB1 by RT-PCR.

As a result, NUCB1 was identified as a

To validate the finding, we analyzed mRNA expression of

Enhanced NUCB1 expression, as well as GRP78 expression, was seen incells starved of glucose for 18 h.

NUCB1 was also induced by treatment with 2-deoxyglucose(2DG) and tunicamycin, representative chemical ER stressors. Immunoblot analysis revealed that
NUCB1 protein was also upregulated by glucose withdrawal or 2DG treatment.
Subcellular localization of NUCB1
Immunostaining demonstrated that NUCB1 localized at the Golgi apparatus.

However, NUCB1

was also reported as a secretory protein. In fact, NUCB1 was detected in the culture medium underboth normal and stress conditions, and the secretion was increased by the chemical stressors within 3
h.

At that time point, GRP78 induction was marginal, suggesting that the increased NUCB1

secretion occurred at a relatively early phase of the UPR.

These results indicate that NUCB1 canbe Golgi-resident inside the cells and can be secreted outside the cells.

59

ER stress-responsive elements in NUCB1 promoter
We cloned an approximate 700-bp putative promoter region of the human NUCB1 gene, including
the transcriptional initiation site (-584 to +112), into a luciferase reporter vector.

The NUCB1

promoter was found to be activated by treating cells with tunicamycin in a dose-dependent manner.
We also found that co-transfection of pATF6act or pXBP1sp, the active forms of UPR transcription
factors ATF6 and XBP1, respectively, resulted in a strong activation of NUCB1 promoter activity.
Examination of the NUCB1 promoter region revealed one ERSE II (-124-114, inverted) and one
unfolded protein response element (UPRE) -like sequence (-152-144) as potential ER
stress-responsive cis-elements.

Mutational analysis revealed that both ERSE II and UPRE-likeregions mediate NUCB1 promoter activation during ER stress.
NUCB1 represses UPR with inhibiting ATF6 activation
We found that co-transfection of NUCB1 and a GRP78 promoter reporter plasmid significantly
attenuated GRP78 promoter activity induced by chemical stressors.

Consistently, NUCB1

overexpression significantly attenuated induction of endogenous UPR target proteins under stressconditions. We also found that the production of processed ATF6 was decreased by co-transfectionof NUCB1.

Conversely, siRNA-mediated NUCB1 knockdown enhanced the processed form

production during ER stress.

These results indicate that NUCB1 can negatively regulate ATF6

processing for its activation during ER stress.
NUCB1 represses ATF6 activation in the Golgi apparatus
We examined whether or not NUCB1 overexpression influenced the subcellular localization of ATF6.
Upon ER stress, ATF6 was concentrated in Golgi-like structures either with or without NUCB1
overexpression.

However, the nucleus translocation of ATF6 was repressed by NUCB1

overexpression at the Golgi apparatus.
Impairment of interaction between ATF6 and S1P by NUCB1
We found that interaction between ATF6 and S1P was detected during ER stress by aco-immunoprecipitation assay.

Interestingly, ER stress-induced interaction between ATF6 and S1P

was clearly diminished by NUCB1 overexpression. At the same time, NUCB1 overexpression
inhibited production of the active form of ATF6.

Thus, NUCB1 prevented the interaction between

ATF6 and S1P leading to ATF6 cleavage during ER stress.

Discussion & Summary
In this study, we identified NUCB1 as a novel UPR negative regulatory protein that suppresses the
S1P-mediated cleavage activation of ATF6 in the Golgi apparatus.

NUCB1 is an ER

stress-inducible gene with the promoter region having functional cis-elements for transcriptional
activation by ATF6.

Overexpression of NUCB1 inhibits S1P-mediated ATF6 cleavage without

affecting ER-to-Golgi transport of ATF6, whereas knock-down of NUCB1 by siRNA accelerated

60

ATF6 cleavage during ER stress.

NUCB1 protein localizes in the Golgi apparatus, and disruptionof the Golgi localization results in loss of the ATF6-inhibitiory activity. Consistent with theseobservations, NUCB1 can suppress physical interaction of S1P-ATF6 during ER stress.

These

results demonstrate that NUCB1 is the first-identified, Golgi-localized negative feedback regulator
in the ATF6-mediated branch of the UPR.
during ER stress.

We also found that enhanced NUCB1 secretion occurs

This may also be intriguing, as increased NUCB1 secretion has reportedly been

associated with induction of autoimmunity in murine models of lupus.

Thus, our findings could

offer information for studying the relationship between the UPR and autoimmune response, as wellas other UPR-associated pathophysiological states.

Figures & Tables

611) Biological Sciences
1-3) Cell Biology

Regulation of apoptosis by Bcl-rambo in mitochondria
Takao Kataoka
Kyoto Institute of Technology
takao.kataoka@kit.ac.jp

Introduction
The Bcl-2 family of proteins plays a key role in regulation of apoptosis. The Bcl-2 homologue
Bcl-rambo has been identified to be a protein of 485 amino acids containing N-terminal Bcl-2
homology (BH) domain, BHNo (No BH motif) domain, and C-terminal transmembrane domain (Fig.
1) (Kataoka et al., 2001). Recently, it has been suggested that Bcl-rambo is a prognostic factor inchildhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Holleman et al., 2006). In this study, we investigated thephysiological function of Bcl-rambo in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.

Results
Bcl-rambo protein is ubiquitously expressed in human cell lines
Bcl-rambo has been shown to be localized to mitochondria (Kataoka et al., 2001). The expression of
Bcl-rambo in various human cell lines was examined by Western blotting (Fig. 2). As previously
shown,

Bcl-rambo

wasexpressed

ubiquitously in all human cell lines tested(A549, HepG2, HEK293, HeLa, HT-1080,
Jurkat, K-562, Kym-1, MCF-7, Raji,
THP-1, U-251, U-937). Among them,
Bcl-rambo

was

most

abundantly

expressed in human chronic myelogenous
leukemia

K-562

rhabdomyosarcoma

cells

and

human

Kym-1

cells.

Therefore, it seems that Bcl-rambo may

62have more important roles in proliferation and apoptosis in these cell lines. To address thephysiological function of Bcl-rambo, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knock down of
Bcl-rambo was performed. Bcl-rambo was efficiently and reproducibly knocked down by several
different siRNA in K562 cells, whereas these siRNA were quite ineffective to knock down
Bcl-rambo in Kym-1 cells. Hence, K562 cells were used for further experiments.
Bcl-rambo may amplify mitochondria-dependent apoptosisK-562 cells were exposed to the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine and the protein synthesis
inhibitor acetoxycycloheximide (Kadohara et al., 2005). Staurosporine induced the release ofcytochrome c into the cytosol, as well as processing of caspase-3 into active fragments within 3 h,
whereas the cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation were slightly decreased in
Bcl-rambo-knocked down cells. In addition, acetoxycycloheximide induced caspase-3 activation andthe cytochrome c in mock-transfected K562 cells, while these apoptotic phenotypic changes werereduced in K562 cells transfected with Bcl-rambo siRNA. It should be noted that Bcl-rambo protein
is relatively short-lived, because acetoxycycloheximide greatly decreased the cellular amount of
Bcl-rambo within 6 h. These data suggest that Bcl-rambo may amplify mitochondria-dependent
apoptosis.
Identification of Bcl-rambo binding proteins
Due to the fact that Bcl-rambo is devoid of known enzymatic activities, Bcl-rambo binding proteins
may be better clues to predict the physiological function of Bcl-rambo. To identify the Bcl-rambobinding proteins, stable transfectants expressing FLAG-tagged Bcl-rambo were established.
HEK293 cells were transfected with the FLAG-Bcl-rambo gene by electroporation, andneomycin-resistant clones were subsequently isolated and tested for the expression of Bcl-rambo byWestern blotting using anti-FLAG antibody. In one of the FLAG-Bcl-rambo transfectants,
Bcl-rambo has been shown to be present mostly in mitochondria but not the cytosol. The
mitochondria fraction was prepared from the Bcl-rambo-transfected cells, and subjected to theimmunoprecipitation using anti-FLAG antibody. The immunoprecipitates were analyzed by
SDS-PAGE and the silver staining. Some protein bands have been identified to be present in the
immunoprecipitates from the Bcl-rambo-transfected cells, but not the mock-transfected cells.

Discussion & Summary
The Bcl-2 family members containing all four BH motifs, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, exertanti-apoptotic activity. Although Bcl-rambo is predicted to be anti-apoptotic due to the presence of
all four BH motifs (BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4), overexpression of Bcl-rambo is able to induce apoptosis
dependent on its unique BHNo domain (Kataoka et al., 2001). Therefore, the function of Bcl-rambo
under the physiologic conditions has yet to be understood. In this study, we have shown that
Bcl-rambo is ubiquitously expressed in human cancer cell lines and may play a role in the

63amplification of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Since it has been shown that Bcl-rambo is aprognostic factor in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Holleman et al., 2006), theclarification of the physiological function of Bcl-rambo is expected to be important for its
therapeutic intervention.

References
Kataoka, T., Holler, N., Micheau, O., Martinon, F., Tinel, A., Hofmann, K., and Tschopp, J. (2001)
Bcl-rambo, a novel Bcl-2 homologue that induces apoptosis via its unique C-terminal extension. J.
Biol. Chem., 276, 19548-19554
Holleman, A., den Boer, M. L., de Menezes, R. X., Cheok, M. H., Cheng, C., Kazemier, K. M.,
Janka-Schaub, G. E., Göbel, U., Graubner, U. B., Evans, W. E., and Pieters, R. (2006) The
expression of 70 apoptosis genes in relation to lineage, genetic subtype, cellular drug resistance, andoutcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood, 107, 769-776
Kadohara, K., Tsukumo, Y., Sugimoto, H., Igarashi, M., Nagai, K., and Kataoka, T. (2005)
Acetoxycycloheximide (E-73) rapidly induces apoptosis mediated by the release of cytochrome c via
activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Biochem. Pharmacol., 69, 551-560

641) Biological Sciences
1-4）Developmental Biology

Elucidation of the role of sugar chain in cartilage formation using
mice with abnormal sugar chain
Toshihisa Komori
Department of Cell Biology, Unit of Basic Medical Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate Schoolof Biomedical Sciences
komorit@nagasaki-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Proteoglycan was shown to play important roles in the localization of growth factors and theirbinding to each receptor in cartilage (1). However there is no report about mucin-type sugar chainsin cartilage. To clarify the function of mucin-type sugar chains in cartilage, we analyzed theexpression of pp-GalNAc-Ts in cartilage and generated chondrocyte-specific pp-GalNAc-T3
transgenic mice.

Results
We examined the expression of 16 isoforms of pp-GalNAc-Ts in cartilage by real-time RT-PCR, anddetected the expression of the 13 isoforms of pp-GalNAc-Ts in cartilage. Further, we examined
whether the expression of these isoforms can be induced by Runx2, which is an importanttranscription factor for chondrocyte maturation. The expressions of pp-GalNAc-T3 andpp-GalNAc-T6 were induced by Runx2. To examine the function of pp-GalNAc-T3, we generated
pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice under the control of Col2a1 promoter, because knockout mice of
pp-GalNAc-T1,4,5,13 showed no phenotypes, suggesting the functional redundancies among theisoforms. pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice were lethal and showed severe dwarfism. Cartilage matrix
was reduced and chondrocytes were more condensed compared with wild-type mice. The
frequencies of BrdU labeling and TUNEL staining were increased, and chondrocytes maturation was
retarded in pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. The levels of staining
with Safranin O, Tluidin blue, and Alcian blue in pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice were much weaker
than those in wild-type mice, whereas the level of staining with PAS was more intense in
pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice.

The content of chondroitin sulfate

was severely reduced in pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice.

65

Discussion & Summary
The phenotypes of pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice showed that proteoglycan was reduced but
mucin-type sugar chains were increased in the cartilage. As pp-GalNAc-Ts and xylose transferase
add GalNAc and xylose, respectively, to serineor threonin, overexpression of pp-GalNAc-T3
may inhibit the activity of xylose transferase

Aggrecan(Figure 1). Preliminary data showed thatgrowth factors differentially affected both the

CS binding region (117 Ser-Gly sequences)
KS binding region (15 Ser or Thr)
CSn
GlcA-Gal-Gal-Xyl-O-Ser
HSn
Xyl T

growth of cartilage and chondrocyte maturation

pp-GalNAc Ts

in pp-GalNAc-T3 transgenic mice as compared

KSn-Gal-GlcNAc-Man

with wild-type mice. Therefore, pp-GalNAc-T3

NeuAc-Galtransgenic mice are useful for the functional

GalNAc-O-Ser(Thr)

Mucin type sugar-GalNAc-O-Ser(Thr)analysis of proteoglycan as well as mucin-typesugar chains in cartilage.

Figure 1

References
1. Hardingham T. E. and Fosang A. J. Proteoglycans: many forms and many functions FASB J.
6:861-870, 1992.

661) Biological Sciences
1-4）Developmental Biology

The functional analyses of semaphorin in the neural network
formation
Masahiko Taniguchi
Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Research Institute, Sapporo Medical University
School of Medicine
taniguti@sapmed.ac.jp

Introduction
During embryogenesis, axons reach their specific targets correctly to form the complex neuralnetwork found in the mature functional nervous system. Several groups of axon guidance molecules
such as semaphorins, ephrins, netrins, and slits have been reported to repel or attract growing axons
that express their cognate receptors. Semaphorin gene family contains a large number of secreted
and transmembrane proteins, and some of them function as the repulsive and attractive cues of axon
guidance during development.

Results
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model organism to investigate vertebrate nervous systemdevelopment and functions because transparent embryos and Morpholino Oligo techniques facilitate
in vivo function analyses of the interesting genes. Previously, I cloned a novel member of class 6
semaphorin gene, semaphorin 6D (sema6D) in mouse. Sema6D is expressed predominantly in the
nervous system in mammals. As an initial step to investigate how Sema6D regulates nervous circuit
formation through molecular genetic approaches in zebrafish, I cloned a zebrafish orthologue ofmammalian sema6D. By 24 hpf sema6D expression was detected in the lens, otic capsule,telencephalon and rhombomere. Sema6D expression was detected in the lens, dorsal thalamus,
posterior tuberculum, tectum opticum, otic ganglion, rhombic lip and medulla oblongata at 48 hpf,
and in the lens, dorsal thalamus, posterior tuberculum, tectum opticum and medulla oblongata at 72
hpf. Plexins are known to be semaphorin receptors. I found that Sema6D binds Plexin-A1 in vitro,
but not other Plexins. I estimated the binding affinity of Sema6D-alkaline phosphatase (AP) fusion
proteins to cells expressing Plexin-A1 in equilibrium binding experiments. The estimated Kd was
8.6 ± 1.3 nM. I performed a repulsive assay using chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sympathetic
neurons to examine whether Sema6D exhibits significant biological activity. Sema6D induces therepulsion of DRG axons, but not sympathetic axons.

67

I also cloned a novel secreted type of mouse semaphorin gene and termed semaphorin 3G(sema3G). Sema3G is mainly expressed in the lung and kidney, and a little in the brain. Interestingly,
in the adult rodent brain sema3G is expressed only in the granular layer of the cerebellum. I also
found that Sema3G binds Neuropilin-2 (NP-2), but not Neuropilin-1. We estimated the binding
affinity of Sema3G-AP fusion proteins to cells expressing NP-2 in equilibrium binding experiments.
The estimated Kd was 58 ± 17 pM. Sema3G induces the repulsion of sympathetic axons, but not
DRG axons.

Discussion & Summary
I identified and cloned zebrafish sema6D cDNA. Characteristic expressions of sema6D are in thelens and rhombomeres. Sema6D might function in retinal ganglion cell axons as a guidance
molecule. Rhombomeres are segmental units of the developing vertebrate hindbrain. Zebrafish
Sema6D might function in the rhombomere boundary formation. I found that Sema6D binds
Plexin-A1. Sema6D exhibits chemorepellent activity for DRG axons expressing Plexin-A1. These
results suggest that Sema6D might use Plexin-A1 as a receptor to execute chemorepulsion. Taken
together, Sema6D might function in the axon guidance as a repulsive guidance cue in the nervous
system.
I identified and cloned a novel mouse sema3G cDNA. We found that Sema3G can bind NP-2, but
not NP-1. Sema3G exhibits chemorepellent activity for sympathetic axons expressing NP-1 and
NP-2, but not DRG axons. These results suggest that Sema3G may utilize NP-2 as a receptor to exert
chemorepulsion for sympathetic axons.

68

References
Kimura M, Taniguchi M, Mikami Y, Masuda T, Yoshida T, Mishina M, Shimizu T. Identification andcharacterization of zebrafish semaphorin 6D. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 363: 762-768, 2007.

69

1) Biological Sciences
1-4）Developmental Biology

Progressing reproductive biology by analysis of intratesticular oocytes
Kon Yasuhiro
Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary
Medicine, Hokkaido University
y-kon@vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp

Introduction
It has been generally believed that in mammals, males produce only sperm, and oocytes are only
produced in females. It is also known that vertebrates born as either males or females never change
their sex during their lifetimes. Although some genetic abnormalities of sexual differentiation in
mammals can cause the appearance of oocytes in the testes or the development of ovotestis, it has
never been reported that apparently healthy and fertile male animals can produce oocytes during
spermatogenesis (1). We found oocytes in the seminiferous tubules of newborn MRL/MpJ malemice, and report here some characteristics of these testicular oocytes.

Results
Testicular oocytes were found in testes obtained from lpr mice, and in testes from M+ mice aged
0 to 30 days after birth. They coexisted with gonocytes and spermatogonia in the seminiferous
tubules, mostly in the neighborhood of the rete testis.

Because of their unique size, 50-70 m indiameter, they were easily distinguishable from somatic cells and sperm-producing cells.

Eachoocyte had an abundant cytoplasm and a large nucleus with one or two distinct nucleoli, and eachoocyte was surrounded by a zona pellucida-like structure, which was observed between the oocyte
and follicular epithelial-like cells.
days 14-30.

Follicular epithelial-like cells were clearly distinguishable at

Each of these follicular epithelial-like cells had a nucleus with an irregular shapecontaining distinct nucleoli similar to those in Sertoli cells.

Although the follicular epithelial-likecells formed a multilayer similar to that observed in early stage secondary follicles, they never aformed follicular antrum or a polar body-like structure.
Ultrastructurally, the oocyte extended numerous microvilli through about half the thickness of thezona pellucida, and the follicular epithelial-like cells attached to the cell membrane of the oocyte
with slender cytoplasmic processes penetrating the zona pellucida-like structure.

In the cytoplasmof the testicular oocyte, a round, highly dense matrix bound by a single smooth membrane was foundjust beneath the cell membrane; these appeared similar to the cortical granules found in ovarian

70

oocytes.

These cortical granules were divided into two types by their diameters.

They werelocated mainly in two regions. The smaller granules appeared to be synthesized in the juxta-nuclear
region, and the larger granules appeared to be synthesized near the cell membrane.

The testicularoocytes contained Golgi complexes observed as multiple aggregates of small vesicles, and flattened
tubules similar to those involved in the synthesis and formation of cortical granules in ovarian
oocytes.
The oocytes were detected in about half of the mice examined (65 of 124), and the maximum
number of oocytes detected in one testis was twelve.

The appearance of oocytes in the testis

peaked on day 14 after birth with an oocyte score of approximately 1.2.
on days 40 and 50 after birth.

No oocyte was observed

The testes of other inbred strains and F1 mice age matched to lpr

mice with the highest oocyte score (14 days old) were examined. We found no oocytes in theseother inbred strains of mice and in MRLB6F1 mice. However, F1 progeny from female B6 micemated to male MRL mice were shown to have testicular oocytes with a lesser oocyte score than thatof the MRL strains.
The zona pellucida-like structures showed a positive reaction to the PAS stain.

They wereobserved as discontinuous lines on days 0 and 4 after birth, and then as continuous lines on day 8
much like ovarian oocytes of the same age.

Additionally, zona pellucida-like structures wereshown to express ZP3 by immunostaining, and at the same level as that in ovarian oocytes.
However, the follicular epithelial-like cells of testicular ocytes were not immunostained with
FOXL2, while the follicular epithelium in ovaries were stained.
The expression of oocyte-specific genes in MRL testes was examined by RT-PCR and comparedto the expression in B6 testes.

The lpr testes expressed all of the oocyte-specific genes examined in

the present study; however, the intensities of expression were weaker than that found in the ovaries.
Expression of the oocyte-specific genes became stronger on day 13 in comparison to day 4. The
testicular expression of Zp1 and Omt2a was detected only in lpr mice, whereas the expression of Zp2
and Zp3 was also observed in testes from B6 mice, and these results were confirmed by sequencing.

Discussion & Summary
This is the first report of the appearance of testicular oocytes in XY fertile males (2).

The

existence of binuclear oocytes and the lack of FOXL2 in the follicular cells indicated that thefollicular cells do not have abilities to regulate oocyte growth (3).

The expression of the Zp genes

and Omt2a indicated that testicular oocytes have the ability to fuse with sperm (4).

Theobservation in F1 mice suggested that this phenotype was dominant as long as the Y chromosome
derived from the MRL background in part.
The testicular oocytes in MRL can provide more clues such as the mechanisms of sex
differentiation, sex-specific methylation patterns of germ cells, and the mechanism that prevents

71

entry into meiosis in male embryos.

If the testicular oocytes can be made to mature in vitro, it ispossible to obtain an embryo with a genome derived entirely from male mice by in vitro fertilizationand intrafallopian transfer techniques.

If we obtain testicular oocytes from one side of the testes

and sperm from the other side, an embryo with a genome derived from only one male will be
produced, meaning “Eve from Adam”.

Thus, testicular oocytes in MRL can establish a newconcept in reproductive biology.

Figures & Tables

72

References1.

Isotani A, Nakanishi T, Kobayashi S, Lee J, Chuma S, Nakatsuji N, Ishino F, Okabe M.

Genomic imprinting of XX spermatogonia and XX oocytes recovered from XX↔XY chimeric testes.
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2005; 102: 4039-4044.
2.

Otsuka S, Konno A, Hashimoto Y, Sasaki N, Endoh D, Kon Y. Oocytes in Newborn MRL

Mouse

Testes.

BOR

PapersinPress.

Published

on

March

19,

2008

as

DOI:10.1095/biolreprod.107.064519.
3.

Uhlenhaut NH, Treier M. Foxl2 function in ovarian development. Mol Genet Metab 2006; 88:

225-234.
4.

Wassarman PM, Jovine L, Litscher ES. Mouse zona pellucida genes and glycoproteins.

Cytogenet Genome Res 2004; 105: 228-234.

731) Biological Sciences
1-5) Physiology

Physiological relevance of aquaporins in brain
Masato Yasui
Keio University School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology
myasui@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

Introduction
Mercurials inhibit aquaporins (AQPs), and site-directed mutagenesis has identified Cys189 as asite of the mercurial inhibition of AQP1. On the other hand, AQP4 has been considered amercury-insensitive water channel because it does not have the reactive cysteine residue
corresponding to Cys189 of AQP1. Indeed, the osmotic water permeability of AQP4 expressed invarious types of cell, including Xenopus oocytes, is not inhibited by HgCl2. To examine the direct
effects of mercurials on AQP4 in proteoliposome reconstitution system, His-tagged rat AQP4 M23
was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, purified with a Ni2+-nitrilotriacetate affinity column,
and reconstituted into liposomes with the dilution method.

Results
The osmotic water permeability of 10His-ratAQP4 M23 reconstituted proteoliposomes(AQP4-proteoliposomes) with or without HgCl2 was measured with the carboxyfluorescein
quenching method with a stopped-flow
apparatus. The osmotic water permeability
wassignificantly

higherinthe

AQP4-proteoliposomes [Pf = 112 ± 11 (S.D.)µm/s, n = 8] than in control liposomes (1.47± 0.48 µm/s, n = 6; Figure 1). Surprisingly,
application of 300 µM HgCl2 markedly
decreased the osmotic water permeability of
the AQP4-proteoliposomes to 34.5 ± 6.8µm/s (n = 4). This inhibition was reversed by
the addition of 3 mM β-mercaptoethanol(β-ME). These data indicate that AQP4 is amercurial-sensitive water channel whenreconstituted

into

proteoliposomes.

The

74

osmotic water permeability of AQP4 was not significantly inhibited by 300 µM HgCl2 when
expressed in oocytes.
To investigate the dose- and time-dependent effects of mercurial inhibition, AQP4- and
AQP1-proteoliposomes were pretreated with HgCl2. Proteoliposomes were preincubated for 5 minwith different concentrations of HgCl2, to examine the dose-dependent effects. HgCl2 at 5 µM
inhibited AQP4 by 50%, whereas an HgCl2 concentration greater than 100 µM was required toinhibit AQP1 by 50%. The time-dependent effects of mercurial inhibition were examined with 300µM HgCl2. Fifty-percent inhibition of AQP4 occurred within 30 seconds, while 50% inhibition of
AQP1 did not occur until 5 min, suggesting that the mechanisms of HgCl2 inhibition differ between
AQP1 and AQP4.
Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to identify a target cysteine residue for mercurial
inhibition. There are six cysteine residues in rat AQP4 M23. Each cysteine was individually mutated.
All six AQP4 mutant proteoliposomes exhibited increased osmotic water permeability under basal
conditions, similar to that of wild-type AQP4, indicating that all mutants were functional proteins.
The effects of HgCl2 on the osmotic water permeability of each AQP4 mutant proteoliposome were
examined. The osmotic water permeability of C76S, C87S, C106S, C123S proteoliposomes weresignificantly inhibited by both 10 and 300 µM HgCl2 in the same way as that of wild-type AQP4. In
contrast, the osmotic water permeability of C178S proteoliposome (Pf = 127 ± 7 µm/s, n = 3) was
not inhibited by 10 µM HgCl2 (Pf = 128 ± 9 µm/s, n = 3) but was slightly inhibited by 300 µM
HgCl2 (Pf = 99.9 ± 7.7 µm/s, n = 3). Note that C178 is localized in cytoplasmic loop D. The C253S
mutant (Pf = 93.8 ± 6.1 µm/s, n = 3) was inhibited by 10 µM HgCl2 to the same extent as wild type
AQP4 (Pf = 81.8 ± 11.6 µm/s, n = 3).
To determine the orientation of AQP4 in the liposome membrane, two antibodies against AQP4
were employed: an anti-human NMO-IgG, which recognizes the extracellular region of AQP4, and arabbitanti-AQP4,

which

binds

to

the

rat

AQP4

C-terminus

intracellularregion.

AQP4-proteoliposomes, control liposomes, oocytes injected with AQP4 cRNA, or control oocytes
were incubated with either NMO-IgG or rabbit anti-AQP4 IgG antibodies without any detergentsand were then subjected to SDS-PAGE immunoblot analysis to detect the antibodies bound to AQP4.
In AQP4-proteoliposomes, NMO-IgG and rabbit anti-AQP4 IgG antibodies were detected byanti-human IgG and anti-rabbit IgG, respectively. In oocytes, NMO-IgG, but not rabbit anti-AQP4
IgG, was detected. Note that the binding of the rabbit anti-AQP4 IgG to AQP4 M23 expressing inoocytes was confirmed with immunoblot of membrane fraction of control- and AQP4- oocytes using
the rabbit anti-AQP4 IgG. These data indicate that AQP4 is reconstituted into liposome membranes
in two orientations, whereas AQP4 is configured in a single orientation in oocyte membranes.

75

Discussion & Summary
AQP4 has been considered a mercurial-insensitive water channel because its osmotic water
permeability is not affected by HgCl2 and because AQP4 does not have a cysteine residue at theposition corresponding to Cys189 in AQP1 (Figure 2A). However, we have unexpectedly found with
the AQP4-proteoliposome that the channel is also inhibited by HgCl2 and identified Cys178 as atarget residue for mercurial inhibition of AQP4. Cys178 is localized in cytosplasmic loop D. We
reasoned, therefore, that a difference in the orientation of membrane proteins might explain the
difference in mercurial inhibition between
AQP4-incorporated

oocytes

andproteoliposomes. In the AQP4-oocytes, loop
D is always on the cytoplasmic side Ref). On
the other hand, in 50% of reconstituted
AQP4, loop D may be exposed to the outsideof the proteoliposome because AQP4 isincorporated randomly in both orientationsin the liposome membranes (Figure 2B).
Mercury could hardly be permeated throughthe membrane - It is considered that a little
amount of mercury could be permeatedthough the membrane since the mercury
inhibition for AQP4 was approximately 60%.
Mercury could easily approach Cys178 inproteoliposomes but not in oocytes.

References
Hiroaki, Y., Tani, K., Kamegawa, A., Gyobu, N., Nishikawa, K., Suzuki, H., Walz, T., Sasaki, S.,
Mitsuoka, K., Kimura, K., Mizoguchi, A. and Fujiyoshi, Y. (2006) Implications of the aquaporin-4
structure on array formation and cell adhesion. J. Mol. Biol. 355, 628-63

761) Biological Sciences
1-5) Physiology

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in herbs as a potential
medicinal seed
Tetsushi Furukawa
Tokyo Medical & Dental University, Medical Research Institutet_furukawa.bip@mri.tmd.ac.jp

Introduction
Estrogen replacement therapy for rapid development of atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and othersymptoms in post-menopausal women is hampered by increased risk of estrogen-sensitive tumor.
Thus, the development of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is highly desired.
Ginsenoside, a main phytosterol of Panax ginseng, has been successfully used for post-menopausal
syndrome in Eastern medicine without increased risk of malignant tumor. Thus, we tried tocharacterize estrogen-like effects of ginsenoside.

Results
Ginsnoside binds to the estrogen receptor in a dose-dependent manner with a Kd value of 33.8 nM.
We examined genomic effects of ginsenoside using proliferation of mammalian cancer-derived cellline, MCF-7. Ginsneoside Re did not induce proliferation of MCF-7 cells, and partially inhibited
17-estradiol-induced MCF-7 proliferation.
We performed co-factor recruitment assay using a fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET)
probe, ER-SCCoR. Ginsenoside did not induce co-factor recruitment, and partially inhibited
17-estradiol-induced co-factor recruitment.
In addition to the canonical genomic action, estrogen exhibits non-genomic action which takes place
in a membrane-delimited manner. Ginsenoside induced nitric oxide (NO) production via thenon-genomic pathway consisting of membrane-type estrogen receptor, c-Src, PI3-kinase, Akt, andendothelial type NO synthase (eNOS).
Ginsenoside induced protection against Ca2+ accumulation during the ischemia-reperfusion insult,which was mediated by NO produced via the non-genomic pathway of estrogen receptor.

Discussion & Summary
Our study demonstrated that ginsenoside, a main phytosterol of panax ginseng, is a selective agonist
of non-genomic pathway of estrogen receptor. The lack of genomic action by ginsenoside was due to

77

the failure of co-factor recruitment, possibly because the presence of bulky side chain in thechemical structure of ginsenoside disrupts the formation of co-factor binding pocket. Since the NO
production via the non-genomic action induced protection of cardiac myocytes against
ischemia-reperfusion insult, the non-genomic effects of ginsenoside may provide a potential
candidate for SERMs.

Figures & Tables

78

References
Furukawa T, Bai C-X, Kaihara A, Ozaki E, Kawano T, Nakaya Y, Awai M, Sato M, Umezawa Y,
Furukawa T. Ginsenoside Re, a main phytosterol of Panax ginseng, activates cardiac potassiumchannelsviaanongenomic

pathwayofsexhormones.

Molecular

Pharmacology

2006;70:1916-1924.
Furukawa T, Kurokawa J. Regulation of cardiac ion channels via non-genomic action of sex steroid
hormones: implication for the gender difference in cardiac arrhythmias. Pharmacology &Therapuetics 2007;115:106-115.

791) Biological Sciences
1-5) Physiology

Elucidation of molecular mechanisms for the modulation of learning
abilities by emotion
Toshiya Manabe
Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo
tmanabe-tky@umin.ac.jp

Introduction
The NMDA receptor is composed of the NR1 and NR2 subunits, and switching from the NR2B to
NR2A subunit is thought to underlie functional alteration of the receptor during synaptic maturation,and it may result in preferential localization of NR2A subunits on the synaptic site and that of NR2B
subunits on the extrasynaptic site in the mature brain. In this study (Miwa et al., J. Physiol., 2008),
we have investigated whether NR2B subunit-containing receptors are present and functional atmature synapses in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) and the CA1 region of the hippocampus,
comparing their properties between the two brain regions.

Results
We first examined whether NR2B subunits contributed to NMDA receptor-mediated normal synaptictransmission at thalamo-LA synapses with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from principal cells in
the LA, comparing it with that at Schaffer collateral/commissural-CA1 synapses (CA1 synapses).
Ifenprodil, an NR2B subunit-selective antagonist, significantly inhibited NMDA EPSCs in bothtypes of synapses; however, the inhibition at the thalamo-LA synapse was significantly larger thanthat at CA1 synapses (Figure 1).
The decay time constant of NMDAEPSCs in the LA became much
faster when the NR2B subunit was
selectively blocked by ifenprodil,
compared with that in the control
external solution. On the other
hand, the decay time constant in
the CA1 region was changed only

Figure 1slightly in the presence of ifenprodil, compared with that in the control external solution. These
results suggest that the NR2B subunit is a member of the NMDA receptor complex on the synaptic

80

site and that its contribution is greater in the LA.
We next performed the postembedding immunogold electron-microscopic analysis at excitatory
synapses in the LA and the CA1 region. In the two brain regions, both NR2A and NR2B subunits
were enriched on the synaptic membrane, which was defined as the membrane associated with thepostsynaptic density (PSD). In contrast, these subunits were by far less expressed at theextrasynaptic membrane in the spine. The relative abundance of synaptic NR2B subunits to synaptic
NR2A subunits in the LA was significantly greater than in the CA1 region. Taken together, thesedata indicate that NMDA receptors are highly accumulated on synaptic sites in both brain regions,but the content of NR2B subunits relative to NR2A subunits is higher at the thalamo-LA synapse
than at the CA1 synapse.
We next compared the properties of NMDA EPSCs between the two brain regions to test whether
the difference in the relative abundance of NR2B subunits affected properties of NMDA EPSCs. The
ratio of NMDA to AMPA EPSC amplitudes was significantly larger in the LA than in the CA1 region.
In addition, the I-V curve in the LA was significantly different from that in the CA1 region at themembrane potentials between 0 and –90 mV. Furthermore, we found that the sensitivity to 1.3 mM
Mg2+ was significantly lower in the LA than in the CA1 region.
In many types of central synapses, the activation of NMDA receptors is required for synaptic
plasticity. We found that LTP in the LA induced by the pairing protocol was completely blocked by
D-APV, an NMDA receptor antagonist, indicating that this form of LTP was also dependent on the
NMDA receptor. To assess a possible role of the NR2B subunit in LTP induction, we next
investigated the effect of the blockade of NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors on LTP
induction. LTP was reduced in magnitude in both the LA and the CA1 region. However, in the LA,
LTP disappeared almost completely in the presence of ifenprodil, whereas LTP was significantly but
only partially inhibited in the CA1 region, suggesting that LTP induction in the LA required theactivation of NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors to a greater extent than in the CA1 region.

Discussion & Summary
In the present study, we have demonstrated that NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors
contribute substantially to synaptic NMDA receptor-mediated responses, as well as synaptic
plasticity, in the LA and the hippocampal CA1 region even in adult mice. In addition, we have found
for the first time that the properties and subunit composition of the NMDA receptor are different
between the LA and the CA1 region. Since the properties of NR2A and NR2B subunits aredifferentially regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, the difference in the ratio of NR2 subunits
between the CA1 region and the LA may result in qualitatively different modification of synaptic
functions between the brain regions. In fact, the activation of synaptic NR2B subunit-containing
NMDA receptors is involved in the induction of LTP more critically in the LA of the adult mouse.

81

Thus, our results strongly suggest that NR2B subunits are present at mature synapses and play
critical roles in the induction of synaptic plasticity in adult animals.

References
Miwa, H., Fukaya, M., Watabe, A. M., Watanabe, M. and Manabe, T. (2008). Functional
contributions of synaptically localized NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptor to synaptictransmission and LTP induction in the adult mouse CNS. J. Physiol. (London) 586:2539-2550.

821) Biological Sciences
1-5) Physiology

Regulation of cellular event by activator of G-protein signaling 8
induced by myocardial ischemia
Motohiko Sato
Cardiovascular Research Institute,Yokohama City University School of Medicine
motosato@yokohama-cu.ac.jp

Introduction
Recent study indicates the existence of regulatory protein which regulates the activation status ofheterortimeric G protein independent of receptor (1,2). Such proteins may provide additional
checking points for adaptation process of cell and influence on the development of disease (Figure1). Bearing this mind, we identified Activator of G-protein signaling 8 (AGS8), from rat hearts
subjected to repetitive transient ischemia (Figure 2) (3,4). AGS8 mRNA was up-regulated in theischemic area of the ventricle but not other disease models. AGS8 interacted directly with Gb andstimulated Gb signaling in cell. AGS8 would regulate cellular events in adaptation process of
myocardium to ischemia, however the nature of this protein has not been well characterized. As an
initial approach to identify the physiological role of AGS8, we tried to determine an influence of
AGS8 on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of cultured cardiomyocytes.

Figure 1

83

Figure 2

Results
Preparation and induction of apoptosis of neonatal cardiomyocyte. Cardiomyocytes wereprepared from 1-day old neonatal of SD rats by enzyme digestion. Cultured rat cardiomyocytes were
exposed to hypoxia (1% oxygen) following 48 h later of transfection of siRNAs or plasmids.
Introduction of siRNA or plasmid to cells. We applied two siRNAs for AGS8 as well as scrambled
oligonucleotides as control. Each of siRNAs was successfully suppressed the level of AGS8 ofcardiomyocyte to the 30%. In some experiments, pcDNA3::AGS8 was introduced to cardiomyocyte
utilizing virus envelope system to overexpress AGS8.
Suppression of AGS8 reduced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia. Neonatal
cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxia or normoxia for 6 or 24 h following trasnfection ofsiRNAs. Cells were immediately applied for TUNEL stain at the end of exposure. Apoptotic cells
were increased in the dependent of exposure time in all of control group trasnfected with universal
negative control siRNA or scrambled siRNA. However, interestingly, apoptotic cells weresignificantly low in cardiomyocytes transfected with siRNAs for AGS8.
Suppression of AGS8 reduced apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. It was well known
that reoxygenation following hypoxic period enhanced apoptotic process in cardiomyocytes. An
influence of AGS8 on apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation was tested.
Cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes were sequentially exposed to hypoxia (1% oxygen) for 6 h andnormoxia for 18 h following trasnfection of siRNA for AGS8. Cells were immediately applied to
TUNEL stain or the detection of change of mitochondrial membrane potential at the end of exposure.

84

Again, as observed hypoxia-alone challenge, suppression of AGS8 reduced apoptosis ofcardiomyocyte induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation.
Overexpression of AGS8 increased apoptosis following hypoxia/reoxygenation. These datasuggested that AGS8 acted as pro-apoptotic factor in the face of hypoxic stress, however this wasobserved under the suppressed level of AGS8. AGS8 was up-regulated in the ischemic myocardiumof repetitive transient ischemia in which AGS8 was originally identified. Thus, we introduced
pDNA3::AGS8 to the cardiomyocytes to evaluate an effect of increase of AGS8 on apoptosis. The
increase of apoptotic cells following hypoxia(6h)/reoxygenation(18h) was enhanced in the presenceof AGS8. Interestingly, AGS8 did not influence on the number of apoptotic cells cultured in thenormoxia.
AGS8 was enriched in the plasma membrane of cardiomyocyte. The question was that in which
subcellular domain AGS8 is located and operates the cellular events involved in apoptosis. To
address this issue, we generated antibody against AGS8 and detected signals in the myocardium aswell as cultured cardiomyocyte. The antibody recognized immuno-reactive signal in the plasma
membrane of left ventricle as well as cultured cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, the signal was enrichedin the cell-cell interface, suggesting possibility of that AGS8 may form protein complex with otherproteins in the cellular junction.
AGS8 formed protein complex with connexin 43. Immunoprecipitation of AGS8 indicatedconnexin 43 was co-immunoprecipitated from the left ventricle. Recent reports indicated thatconnexin 43 was involved in apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and its reduction was related toenhancement of ischemic injury.
AGS8 regulated the level of connexin 43. We looked if AGS8 influenced on the level ofconnexin43 in the cultured cardiomyocyte. The level of connexin43 was reduced when AGS8 wasoverexpressed in cardiomyocyte. Conversely, the suppression of AGS8 by siRNA enhanced the levelof connexin 43. The result indicated that AGS8 act to reduce the level of connexin 43 in the
cardiomyocytes.

Discussion & Summary
These data indicated 1) AGS8 enhanced apoptosis of cultured cardiomyocytes following exposure ofhypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation, 2) AGS8, interestingly, did not influence on the population of
apoptotic cells in the normoxia, 3) AGS8 was enriched in the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes
including cell-cell interface, 4) AGS8 formed the protein complex with connexin 43, 5) AGS8
decreased the level of connexin 43 when it was expressed in cardiomyocytes.
It was of interesting that AGS8 was involved in the cellular event related to the pathophysiologicalcondition in which AGS8 was originally identified. An effective inhibition of cardiac apoptosis by
siRNA for AGS8 suggested a potential of AGS8 as a novel therapeutic target for ischemic heart

85

disease. The observations also indicated that AGS8 contributed to the hypoxia-induced apoptotic
process at least in part via changing status of connexin 43. The regulation of connexin 43 by AGS8
may shed light on a new mechanism and management of ischemic injury of the heart.

References
1. Sato M, Blumer JB, Simon V, Lanier SM. ACCESSORY PROTEINS FOR G-PROTEINS:PARTNERS IN SIGNALING. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. vol 46、151-87、2006.
2. Blumer JB, Sato M, Lanier SM. AGS3. UCSD-Nature Molecule Pages (2007).
(doi:10.1038/mp.a000228.01).
3. Sato M, Cismowski MJ, Toyota E, Smrcka AV, Lucchesi PA, Chilian WM, Lanier SM.
Identification of a receptor-independent activator of G protein signaling (AGS8) in ischemic heart
and its interaction with Gbeta{gamma}. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. vol 103、797-802、2006.
4. Yuan C, Sato M, Lanier SM, Smrcka AV. Signaling by a non-dissociated complex of G-protein
beta gamma and alpha subunits stimulated by a receptor-independent activator of G protein signaling,
AGS8. J Biol Chem. 2007;282:19938-47.

861) Biological Sciences
1-6) Pharmacology

Postgenomic approach to identify novel bacterial antibiotic resistome
Kunihiko Nishino
Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University
nishino@sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Salmonella enterica is a pathogen that causes a variety of diseases in humans ranging fromgastroenteritis to bacteremia and typhoid fever. Multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella are now
encountered frequently and the rates of multidrug resistance have increased considerably in recent
years. Here, we report that the two-component regulatory system BaeSR increases multidrug andmetal resistance in Salmonella through induction of drug efflux systems.

Results
Screening of random fragments of genomic DNA for ability to increase ß-lactam resistance in
Salmonella enterica led to the isolation of a plasmid containing baeR, which codes for the response
regulator of BaeSR.

When over-expressed, baeR significantly increased the resistance of the ∆acrB

strain to oxacillin, cloxacillin and nafcillin. baeR over-expression conferred resistance to novobiocinand deoxycholate as well as ß-lactams in Salmonella. The increase in drug resistance caused by baeR
over-expression was completely suppressed by deletion of the multifunctional outer membranechannel gene tolC. TolC interacts with different drug efflux systems. Among the nine drug efflux
systems in Salmonella, quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that BaeR induced theexpression of acrD and mdtABC. Double deletion of these two genes completely suppressed
BaeR-mediated multidrug resistance, whereas single deletion of either gene did not. The promoter
regions of acrD and mdtABC harbor binding sites for the response regulator BaeR, which activates
acrD and mdtABC transcription in response to indole, copper and zinc. In addition to their role inmultidrug resistance, we found that BaeSR, AcrD and MdtABC contribute to copper and zinc
resistance in Salmonella.

Discussion & Summary
In this study, we performed a genome-wide search for a regulator of multidrug resistance in S.
enterica serovar Typhimurium by random shotgun cloning and discovered BaeR, which up-regulates
the mdtABCD locus and acrD, thereby increasing resistance to ß-lactams, novobiocin and87deoxycholate (Fig. 1). Sequences resembling the BaeR box were found in the region upstream of the
mdt-bae operon and acrD, and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the BaeR protein
binds to these regions. This indicates that the BaeS/BaeR two-component system generates a
positive feedback loop by regulating the mdt-bae operon. In this study, we found that the MdtABC,
AcrD drug efflux systems and the two-component BaeSR signal transduction system contribute tocopper and zinc resistance in Salmonella. The
MdtABC and AcrD systems may be related tobacterial metal homeostasis by transporting
metals directly. This is reminiscent of thecopper and silver resistance mechanism bycationeffluxoftheCusABCsystembelonging to the RND protein superfamily.
Our

resultssuggestapreviously

uncharacterized physiological role for AcrD
and MdtABC in metal resistance.

References
Nishino K et al. J. Bacteriol. 2007; 189: 9066-9075.
Nishino K et al. J. Infect. Chemother. 2008; 14: 23-29.
Nishino K et al. J. Antibiot. 2008; 61: 120-127.
Nishino K and Yamauchi A. IUBMB Life 2008; doi: 10.1002/iub.90

881) Biological Sciences
1-7) Plant Biology

Molecular mechanism of the C-to-U RNA editing unique to land plantorganelles
Junichi Obokata
Center for Gene Research, Nagoya University
obokata@gene.nagoya-u.ac.jp

Introduction
The chloroplast genome of higher plants contains 20–40 C-to-U RNA editing sites, whose number
and locations are diversified among plant species (1,2). Biochemical analyses using in vitro RNA
editing systems with chloroplast extracts have suggested that there is one-to-one recognition between
proteinous site recognition factors and their respective RNA editing sites (3,4,5), but their rigidness
and generality are still unsettled. In this study, we addressed this question with the aid of an in vitro
RNA editing system from tobacco chloroplast extracts and with UV-crosslinking experiments.

Results
The tobacco chloroplast genome is known to have 38 RNA editing sites (Figure 1). In this study, we
first examined the RNA editing efficiencies of 36 tobacco editing sites in our in vitro RNA editing
system from chloroplast extracts, and picked up six editing sites that exhibited relatively high editing
efficiency. Next, we carried out UV-crosslinking experiments for these six editing sites using the
RNA substrates labeled with 32P, and found that each editing site is bound by specific RNA-binding
protein. Among them, proteins specifically binding to the ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 editing sites especiallyattracted our attention, because their molecular masses appeared to be both 95 kD.
To ensure that the p95s are involved in RNA editing, we examined the correlation between the
RNA editing activity and the binding of p95s to their respective RNA editing sites. For this sake, we
introduced 5 nt scanning mutations to the –15 to –1 region of the ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 RNA
substrates (relative to the editing site as +1), respectively, and then supplemented them to an in vitro
RNA editing system as competitors. The obtained results showed that RNA editing activity and thebinding of p95s to the editing sites were well correlated over the mutations scanning from –15 to –1
for both the ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 editing sites. We also compared the bindings of p95s to the upstream
regions (-15 to -1) and to the editing sites (+1). Taken together with these results, we conclude thatthe p95s are site-specific trans-acting factors for the ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 RNA editing sites, and thatthey are recruited by the upstream cis-elements (from –15 to –6) and then interact with the editing

89

site (+1). However, the relationship between these two p95s that specifically bind to ndhB-9 or
ndhF-1 is still unknown.
To clarify whether a given p95 can specifically bind to either or both of the ndhB-9 and ndh-F1
editing sites, we tested the binding specificity of the p95s to these sites by a cross-competition
experiment. First, we tested whether the p95 that specifically binds to the ndhB-9 site could also
recognize the ndhF-1 site, with the aid of ndhB-9 RNA radiolabeled at +1 as a probe. As was
expected, RNA editing activity and the binding of p95 to the ndhB-9 site were both inhibited by theaddition of the same RNA as a competitor, but not by the competitors that have mutations on the
p95-binding sites. Surprisingly, similar results were obtained when ndhF-1 RNAs were added ascompetitors: ndhF-1 RNA inhibited both RNA editing and the binding of p95 to the ndhB-9 site, but
those with mutations did not. This result indicates that the p95 that specifically binds to the ndhB-9
site can also bind to ndhF-1 in a sequence-specific manner.
Next, we examined the reverse case, using the ndhF-1 RNA as a probe. The obtained results
indicate that the p95 that specifically binds to the ndhF-1site can also recognize the ndhB-9 site.
These complementary results let us conclude that the ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 RNA editing sites are
corecognized by the identical trans-acting factor, p95.

Discussion & Summary
This study clearly showed that ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 RNA editing sites of tobacco chloroplasts areboth recognized by the identical trans-acting factors of 95 kDa. The binding regions of the 95 kDa
protein on the ndhB-9 and ndhF-1 transcripts showed 60% identity in nucleotide sequence. This is
the first biochemical demonstration that a site recognition factor of plant organellar RNA editing

90

recognizes plural sites.
On the basis of this finding, we discuss how plant organellar RNA editing sites have diverged
during evolution (Figure 2). On condition that preexisting editing sites are recognized by theirrespective trans-acting factors, new T-to-C transitions in the organellar genome are neutral only
when their upstream cis-sequences are recognized by preexisting trans-acting factors, allowing themutated C to be converted to U at the mRNA level. This study demonstrated that, in the case ofndhB-9 and ndhF-1, 60% sequence identity in the cis-region between –15 to –1 is enough for suchcorecognition to occur. Once such corecognition occurs between preexisting and newborn editing
sites, those T-to-C mutations could be stochastically fixed in the organellar genome.

References
1. Bock, R. (2001) RNA editing in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts. In Bass, B.L. (ed.) RNA
Editing. Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom. ｐp. 38–60
2. Shikanai,T. and Obokata,J.（2008）Machinery of RNA editing in plant organelles. In by Harold C.
Smith (ed.) Frontiers of RNA and DNA Editing. Wiley Press. pp. 99-119
3. Kotera,E., Tasaka,M. and Shikanai,T. (2005) A pentatricopetide repeat protein is essential for
RNA editing in chloroplasts. Nature, 433, 326–330.
4. Miyamoto,T., Obokata,J. and Sugiura,M. (2002) Recognition of RNA editing sites is directed byunique proteins in chloroplasts: biochemical identification of cis-acting elements and trans-acting
factors involved in RNA editing in tobacco and pea chloroplasts. Mol. Cell. Biol., 22, 6726–6734.
5. Miyamoto,T., Obokata,J. and Sugiura,M. (2004) A site-specific factor interacts directly with its
cognate RNA editing site in chloroplast transcripts. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 101, 48–52.

911) Biological Sciences
1-7) Plant Biology

The Analysis of The SUMO Posttranslational Modification in Plant
Katsunori Tanaka
Department of Bioscience, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University
katsunori@kwansei.ac.jp

Introduction
Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) modification is a reversible post-translational
modification, which is essential for normal cell growth in most organisms. SUMO is expressed as aprecursor and is proteolytically processed to expose the C-terminal Gly-Gly motif. Covalently
attached SUMO can inhibit or facilitate a protein-protein interaction, as well as inducing the protein
conformational change through non-covalent binding with the SUMO interacting motif (SIM) in atarget protein. This SUMOylation regulates localization and stability of target proteins, as well asprotein-protein interactions, and is involved in multiple cellular processes including cell cycle
progression, DNA repair, and transcription.

Results
Diversity of the SUMO post-translational modification system in Arabidopsis thaliana
In Arabidopsis SUMOs are encoded by a gene family of eight members, AtSUMO1-8. It has beenreported that AtSUMO1 and 2 are essential for cell viability, nevertheless, the role of individual
SUMO isoforms is still unclear. In order to reveal the possible functional specificity of each SUMO
gene, we analyzed their gene expression patterns, the C-terminal processing patterns and the abilityof SUMOylation. The result of RT-PCR and the histochemical GUS assay revealed tissue specificexpression pattern of each SUMO gene, except for AtSUMO8, whose expression was not detected(Figure). For the C-terminal processing test, AtSUMO1-7 precursors overexpressed and purified
from E. coli were incubated with plant protein extracts from various organs. The processing of
AtSUMO1, 2, and 3 was observed, whereas the other SUMOs were not processed in this system.
Furthermore, all the analyzed mature SUMOs, AtSUMO1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, were shown to be able tosumoylate a substrate protein by in vivo SUMOylation system in E. coli, despite the lack of the
C-terminal Gly-Gly motif in AtSUMO4, 6, and 7.
The crosstalk between COP9 signalosome function and SUMOylation
The SUMO gene family in Arabidopsis consists of eight members. The relatively large number of

92

the isoforms comparing to those in other organisms implies the functional specificity of each SUMO
gene. In order to test the substrate specifies of each SUMO molecule, we initially performed theyeast two-hybrid screening for the SUMO target proteins. Through the screening, CSN5a, a subunitof COP9 signalosome, was isolated as an AtSUMO3 interacting protein. CSN5a was shown to bind
exclusively to AtSUMO3. Moreover, the mature form of AtSUMO3 with the mutated C terminus
was also shown to interact with CSN5a. Since the CSN5a-AtSUMO3 interaction was reproduced in
the co-immunoprecipitation experiment using E. coli, this interaction was proved to be non-covalent.
The identification of the SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) in CSN5a and the SIM-interacting positionin AtSUMO3 is currently in progress. Furthermore, we are now investigating the CSN5a-AtSUMO3
interaction in planta.

Discussion & Summary
In this work, we showed that individual SUMO isoforms might acquire their own specificfunction by the distinctive tissue distribution and the specific processing manner, respectively.
Furthermore, we found the possibility of the crosstalk between COP9 signalosome function and
SUMOylation. Further analysis will be needed to reveal the crosstalk between Cop9 signalsome
function and SUMOylation pathway.

Figures & Tables

Figure legend:
Gene expression pattern of AtSUMOs
AtSUMOs-b-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter genes fusing a 2-kb genomic fragment
containing the native AtSUMOs promoter to a GUS reporter gene were used tounderstand the tissue specificities of AtSUMOs gene expression.

931) Biological Sciences
1-7) Plant Biology

Jasmonic Acid Signaling and Abscisic Acid Signaling in Guard Cells
Yoshiyuki Murata
Okayama University
muta@cc.okayma-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Stomatal pores that are formed by a pair of guard cells respond to various stimuli, including plant
hormones and elicitors. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), which mediates various plant defense responses,
has been reported to induce stomatal closure as abscisic acid (ABA). However, MeJA signaling in
guard cells remain to be clarified.

Results
MeJA, which belongs to the jasmonate family, elicits stomatal closure as ABA, but MeJA signaling
in guard cells remains to be clarified. We investigated roles of MeJA in second messenger
production (reactive oxygen species: ROS and nitric oxide: NO) and Ca2+ permeable cation channel(ICa channel) and slow anion channel (S-type anion channel) in Arabidopsis guard cells using
MeJA-insensitive Arabidopsis mutant coi1. The coi1 mutation impaired MeJA-induced stomatalclosure but not ABA-induced stomatal closure. MeJA as well as ABA induced the production of
ROS and NO in wild-type guard cells whereas MeJA did not induce production of ROS and NO incoi1 guard cells. The experiments using an inhibitor and scavengers demonstrated that both ROS andNO are involved in MeJA-induced stomatal closing as well as ABA-induced stomatal closing. Not
only ABA but also MeJA activated S-type anion channels and ICa channels in the plasma membraneof wild-type guard cell protoplasts (GCPs). However, in coi1 GCPs, MeJA did not elicit either
S-type anion currents or ICa currents but ABA activated both types of ion channels. Furthermore inorder to elucidate signaling interaction between ABA and MeJA in guard cells, we examined MeJA
signaling in ABA-insensitive mutant abi2-1 whose ABA signal transduction cascade has some
disruption downstream of ROS production and NO production. MeJA also did not induce stomatalclosing but stimulated production of ROS and NO in abi2-1. These results suggest that MeJA
triggers stomatal closing via a receptor distinct from the ABA receptor and that the coi1 mutation
disrupts MeJA signaling upstream of the blanch point of ABA signaling and MeJA signaling in
Arabidopsis guard cells.

94Discussion & Summary
In summary, MeJA triggers stomatal closing via a receptor distinct from the ABA receptor and thatthe coi1 mutation disrupts MeJA signaling upstream of the blanch point (Fig. 1). COI1 encodes oneof F-box proteins that function in E3 ubiquitin-ligase complexes, which are involved in the 26S
proteasome-mediated protein degradation pathway. In this study, we found that the coi1 mutation
impaired production of second messengers and activation of ion channels induced by MeJA in guard
cells, suggesting that the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway could regulate production of second
messengers and activation of ion channels in plants.

References
Munemasa, S., Oda, K., Watanabe-Sugimoto, M., Nakamura, Y., Shimoishi, Y. and Murata, Y.
(2007) The coi1 Mutation Reveals the Hormonal Signaling Interaction Between ABA and MeJA in
Arabidopsis Guard Cells: Specific Impairment of Ion Channel Activation and Second Messenger
Production. Plant Physiol., 143, 1398-1407.

951) Biological Sciences
1-9) Others

Molecular biological analysis of novel hybrid type polyketide
synthase from Dictyostelium
Tamao Saito
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University
tasaito@sci.hokudai.ac.jp

Introduction
Polyketides are made by polyketide synthases (PKSs) and they can produce an enormous variety ofcompounds. The structural range of polyketides is being increased by PKS engineering.

This typeof engineering requires the integration of different domains and modules into a functional whole andis not easily achieved.

The discovery of a functional fusion between a type I and a type III PKSs

from Dictyostelium provides an evolutionary template for integrating these proteins which, if
understood, might provide the basis for engineering diverse polyketides. The aim of this work is
better understanding of the domain integration in ‘steely’ PKS.

Results
1:Purification and identification of the alternative products (called CCDs) of SteelyB (StlB)
polyketide synthase (PKS)
Since the production of CCDs in widely used strain Ax2 was not so good than I expected, I needed
to find other strain that can be a good CCDs producer. The work with equilibrium 36Cl- labelling
showed that the CCDs are very abundant in fruiting bodies in the different strain, V12M2 – morethan 0.1 mM in stalk cells – are stable and can be highly purified by two steps of reverse phase
HPLC, using 36Cl radioactivity to track their elution position.

I have optimized production andextraction conditions from fruiting bodies of V12M2, and plan to purify these compounds on amilligram scale. I’m expecting to do the MS spectrometry analysis in the near future with purified
compounds.
2: Structural and Functional analysis of SteelyB enzyme
One key strategic decision is to base most of the work on Dictyostelium cells(Fig.A).

There is no

doubt that expression of StlB would be much easier in bacteria, if it could be achieved and gave afunctional product, but I think my route is preferable because as far as I know, it is difficult to
express whole enzyme in bacteria (Dr J. Noel personal communication).

I have found that StlB canbe C-terminally tagged to yield a fully active protein in Dictyostelium cells, and this was confirmed

96

by Cl labeling and also the phenotypic features of tag knocked-in mutants. This means that theinserted tag didn’t interfere the activity of the StlB enzyme.

Then I did pull-down experiment with

tag that was inserted in the genome locus of stlB gene (Fig. A). The fusion protein retains full
activity in vitro after affinity purification.

I reconstituted the full activity of pulled down StlB

protein with acetyl Co-A, malonyl Co-A and NADPH in the test tube and confirmed that this protein
gave the right product (DIF-1 precursor) by TLC.

At first it was difficult to reconstitute the activity

and I got several products with pulled down StlB protein.

Finally I found out that (perhaps)

N-terminal proteolysis of the StlB protein occurred during purification steps and that caused theimperfect reconstitution of enzyme activity. The combination of strong protease inhibitors andreducing agent solved this problem.

I also examined the time course of the tagged protein andfound that the expression pattern was quite similar with the result by RT-PCR.

Surprisingly. I

found the smaller band in SDS-gel, that still has C-terminal tag, in the fruiting body stage when the
product switch could be seen (Fig. B). The production of this smaller band depends on DIF-1 and it
seems that they accumulate in stalk but not in spore cells.

Discussion & Summary
1. Summary:For purification and identification of alternative products (CCDs) of StlB PKS, I

found other strain, V12M2, is suitable producer. By the use of this stain, I optimized the conditions
for purification.
locus.

I created a Dictyostelium strain expressing TAP-tagged StlB from the endogenous

And I asked if these mutants can make DIF-1 and the CCDs by in vivo labelling with 36Cl-.

I also examined the in vitro reconstitution of StlB from Dictyostelium slug-stage lysates, where
DIF-1 is made and found full activity in the test tube.

97

2. Discussion: It is commonly said that the reconstitution experiment of the PKS enzyme activity is
not easy. But by the combination of protease inhibitors and strong reducing agent solved thisproblem. I think it was a big step for this work. The appearance of smaller StlB protein (possibly byproteolysis) in the fruiting body stage is interesting because at this stage, the product-switch seemed
to occur. In order to find out the relationship between these two events, I plan to pull down the StlB
protein from slug stage and fruiting body stage and see the activity. The problem is the stalk cells are
difficult to destroy and therefore it is difficult to pull down the StlB protein with reasonable yield. I
plan to use detergent and/or other stain that has weaker stalk to solve this problem.

982) Medical Sciences2-1) Immune System

Molecular mechanism of immunological tolerance by cytokines
Akihiko Yoshimura
Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University
yakihiko@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Dendritic cells (DCs) induce immunity and immunological tolerance as antigen presenting cells. It
has been shown that DCs secreting interleukin (IL)-10 induce IL-10+Tr1 type regulatory T cells,
while Foxp3-positive regulatory T cells (Tregs) are expanded from native CD4+T cells by
co-culturing with mature DCs. However, the regulatory mechanism of expansion of Foxp3+Tregs by
DCs has not been clarified. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins regulate the strengthof cytokine signals(1). Among these, SOCS3 is strongly induced by a variety of cytokines and otherstimulators, including IL-6. In this study, we investigate the role of SOCS3 in dendritic cells by using
SOCS3-deficient bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs).

Results
SOCS3-deficient mice die during embryonic development as a result of placental deficiency. Thus,
to delete the SOCS3 gene in BMDCs, SOCS3-flox/flox mice were crossed with either Tie2-Cre miceor Lysozyme M (LysM)-Cre mice. SOCS3 gene has been deleted in all hematopoieitc linages andmonocytes/neutrophils, respectively. The SOCS3 gene was efficiently deleted in BMDCs from thesemice. LPS upregulates class II MHC (I-Ab), CD40, co-stimulators (CD80 and CD86) and induces
inflammatory cytokines, such as IFNg, IL-12 and IL-6 in wild type (SOCS3+/+) DCs However,SOCS3-/-DCs expressed lower levels of class II MHC, CD40, CD86 and IL-12 than wild type (WT-)
DCs, and showed constitutive activation of Signal transducer and activators of transcription-3(STAT3)(2).
Allogeneic CD4+T cells were incubated with WT or SOCS3-/-DCs for 4 days, then the same
number of T cells was restimulated with anti-CD3 antibody. Anti-CD3 antibody-mediatedproliferation of T cells expanded by SOCS3-/-DCs was severely inhibited compared with after
co-culture with WT-DCs, suggesting that T cells expanded by SOCS3-/-DCs were anergic.
Importantly, Foxp3- effector T cells were predominantly expanded by the priming with WT-DCs,
while Foxp3+Tregs were selectively expanded by SOCS3-/-DCs. Approximately 50-70% of CD25+
T cells became Foxp3-positive after priming with SOCS3-/-DCs, while Foxp3 positive CD25+T99

cells were around 20-30% after priming with WT-DCs (Figure 1). We confirmed that T cells
expanded by SOCS3-deficeint DCs had suppression activity against naïve T cells. IL-10-DCs also
hardly induced expansion of CD25+Foxp3- effector T cells, however, CD25+Foxp3+T cells was not
expanded by IL-10-DCs. Thus, SOCS3-/-DC was apparently different from IL-10-DC, andpreferentially induced expansion of Foxp3+T cells.

100

Next, to assess the initiation of T cell responses in vivo, SOCS3+/+ and SOCS3-/- DCs werepulsed with KLH and then injected into each footpad of the same mouse. Swelling of the popliteal
lymph nodes (LNs) was observed on the side of the SOCS3+/+DC-injected footpad, but little LN
swelling was observed on the side of the SOCS3-/-DC-injected footpad five days after injection.
KLH-induced IFNg production from LN cells was lower in SOCS3-/-DC-injected mice than
WT-DC-injected mice, suggesting that SOCS3-/-DC is less immunogenic than WT-DC.
To confirm a tolerogenic nature of SOCS3-/-DCs in vivo, we performed adoptive transfer
experiments. Then we investigated the in vivo immunnosuppressive effect of SOCS3-/-DCs on
experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). MOG-peptide-pulsed DCs were intravenously
injected prior to immunization of the mice. Control mice receiving SOCS3+/+DCs (WT-DCs) as
well as untreated mice exhibited characteristic signs of EAE starting on day 8. In contrast, micereceiving SOCS3-/-DCs developed significantly less severe EAE, indicating that SOCS3-/-DC isimmunosuppressive in vivo (Figure 2). These data indicate that SOCS3-deficeint DCs aretolerogenic rather than immunogenic.

To define the molecular basis for Foxp3+Treg induction by SOCS3-/-DCs, we examined the effectof antibodies against cytokines. Foxp3+T cell expansion was blocked by ani-TGF-beta antibody.
Therefore we measured production of biologically active TGF-beta by using a reporter cell line,
MFB-F11. SOCS3-/-DCs produced higher levels of TGF-beta than WT-DCs. Upregulation of
TGF-beta in SOCS3-/-DCs was confirmed by RT-PCR. These data suggest that higher expression of
TGF-beta in SOCS3-/-DCs is one of an important mechanism for enhanced Foxp3+T cell expansion
by SOCS3-/- DCs.

101

Discussion & Summary
DCs have an important role in the control of the adaptive immune response. They simultaneously
induce not only antigen specific effector T cells but also regulatory T cells. Here we demonstrated
that suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 deficient DCs have a strong potential as Foxp3+T
cell-inducing tolerogenic DCs. SOCS3-/-DCs predominantly induce Foxp3+T cells and poorly induce
Foxp3- effector T cells. Probably, both the immature phenotype of DCs and the high levels of
TGF-1 are necessary for the predominant expansion of Foxp3+Tregs by SOCS3-/-DCs. Our data
indicate that the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways is extremely important for thedecision of helper T cell fates. Our study also suggest an important role of SOCS3 in determining on
immunity or tolerance by DCs

References(1) Yoshimura A, Naka T, Kubo M.
SOCS proteins, cytokine signalling and immune regulation.
Nat Rev Immunol. 2007 Jun;7(6):454-65(2) Matsumura Y, Kobayashi T, Ichiyama K, Yoshida R, Hashimoto M, Takimoto T, Tanaka K,
Chinen T, Shichita T, Wyss-Coray T, Sato K, Yoshimura A.
Selective expansion of foxp3-positive regulatory T cells and immunosuppression by suppressors ofcytokine signaling 3-deficient dendritic cells.
J Immunol. 2007 Aug 15;179(4):2170-9.

1022) Medical Sciences2-1) Immune System

Investigation on the role of CD100 in differentiation of Th17 cells
Atsushi Kumanogoh
Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka Univ.
kumanogo@ragtime.biken.osaka-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Semaphorins have been identified as axon guidance factors during neuronal development. Recently,
it is emerging that several members of semaphorins are crucially involved in a variety ofpathological immune responses. In particular, class IV semaphorins, Sema4D (CD100) and Sema4A
have been shown to be implicated in pathogenesis by regulating helper T-cell differentiation. We
here found recently that Sema4D is relevant to Th17-differentiation and Sema4D-deficient mice areresistant to development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In addition, we present
evidence that a class IV semaphorin Sema4A, an activator for T cell-mediated immunity, plays a keyrole in the progression of autoimmune myocarditis in which abnormal functions of Th17 aresuggested. I here focus on the role of Sema4A in development of autoimmune myocarditis.

Results
Experimental autoimmune myocarditis can be induced by bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs)which are pulsed with a peptide derived from myosin heavy chain (MYHC). Here, we pulsed bonemarrow-derived DCs with MYHC-derived peptides. The resulting DCs were then activated with
LPS plus stimulatory antibodies to CD40 and then injected into BALB/c wild type (WT) mice or
Sema4A-deficient mice. Myocarditis was scored at 10 days after first DC injection based onhematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of heart using grades from 0 to 4: 0, no inflammatory
infiltrated; 1, small foci of inflammatory cells between myocytes; 2, larger foci of >100
inflammatory cells; 3, >10% of a cross section
involved; 4, >30% of a cross section involved.
As a result, WT recipient mice developed
severe myocarditis, while Sema4A-deficient
recipient mice were resistant to myocarditis.
(Prevalence 100% v.s. 62%, Mean clinical score
3.55 v.s. 1.24; WT mice v.s. Sema4A-deficientmice) (Figure 1). The number of infiltrated
Figure 1

103

inflammatory cells, consisting of granulocytes and mononuclear cells, into the heart of WT recipient
mice, was larger than that of Sema4A-deficient mice. CD4+ T cells prepared from the spleen of theSema4A-deficient recipient mice produced less IL-17 but high amount of IL-4 and IL-10 comparedto those from WT recipient mice. To investigate whether the abnormal differentiation of helper T
cells was responsible for the resistance of myocarditis in Sema4A-deficient mice, we performed
adoptive T cell transfer to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Splenocytes from
immunized WT or Sema4A-deficient mice were re-stimulated in vitro for 72 h with MYHC-derive
peptides and anti-CD28 antibodies. The resulting CD4+ T cells were purified and injected
intraperitoneally into recipient SCID mice. CD4+ T cells from WT mice induced severe myocarditis.
By contrast, CD4+ T cells from Sema4A-deficient mice could not induce myocarditis. Our results
indicated that Sema4A is crucially involved in the progression of autoimmune myocarditis,
regulating differentiation of CD4+ helper T cells.

Discussion & Summary
We have previously reported that Sema4A-deficient mice exhibited defective in vivo Th1 responses
but rather enhanced in vivo Th2 responses. Similarly, we here found that CD4+ T cells fromSema4A-deficient mice immunized with MYHC-derived peptides exhibited enhanced production ofTh2 cytokine, such as IL-4 and IL-10. Of note, Sema4A-deficient T-cells displayed impaired
IL-17-production as it was found in Sema4D/CD100-deficient T-cells. This findings strongly suggestthat class IV semaphorins are crucially relevant to helper T cell differentiation, including Th17. Ourfindings provide a novel therapeutic target for autoimmune disorders including myocarditis anddilated cardiomyopathy.

References
Suzuki K, Kumanogoh A, Kikutani H. Semaphorins and their receptors in immune cell interactions.
Nat Immunol. 9:17, 2008.

1042) Medical Sciences2-1) Immune System

Mechanisms for Regulation of Inflammatory Responses via Inducible
Transcriptional Regulatory Factors
Tatsushi Muta
Tohoku University
tmuta@biology.tohoku.ac.jp

Introduction
IB- is a nuclear protein induced by various microbial components that stimulate the innate
immune system.

Our previous studies have revealed that IB- is a critical regulator of

inflammation, which plays an essential role for induction of secondary response genes such as
interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-12 and inhibits transcription of primary response genes represented bytumor necrosis factor (TNF)-.

Results
In the present study, we analyzed mechanisms for the IB--mediated transcriptional activation.
We found that both nuclear factor (NF)-B binding sites and CCAAT/enhancer-binding Protein(C/EBP) binding sites of the promoters of the human -defensin 2 and neutrophil
gelatinase-associated lipocalin genes were essential for the activation of IB--mediatedtranscriptional.

On the other hand, IB- inhibited transcription on a promoter harboring canonical

NF-B binding sites.

We further showed that IB- induced on stimuli formed a complex with

NF-B and the complex was recruited to the promoter containing NF-B and C/EBP binding sites.
All of the NF-B p65 and p50 subunits and IB- were essential for the transcriptional activation.
Thus, it was strongly suggested that IB- forms a stable transcriptional complex on the target genes
by modifying the target sequences of NF-B via a conformation change of its DNA binding site.
Expression of IB- is induced by LPS and IL-1 but not by another inflammatory cytokine TNF-.
We have shown previously that IB- mRNA is specifically stabilized in response to LPS/IL-1.
We analyzed here the post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms essential for the IB- induction
and found that a 165-nucleotide element in the 3’-untranslated region of IB- mRNA is essential
and sufficient for the post-transcriptional regulation that confers stimulus-specific induction of IB-.
Moreover, we found that IB- is induced upon stimulation of B cell antigen receptor and that theinduction was inhibited by co-crosslinking the inhibitory Fc receptor.

It was, therefore, strongly

suggested that IB- also plays a critical role in the acquired immune system.

105

Discussion & Summary
It had been believed that in the inflammatory responses, an autonomously-controlled gene
expression program is initiated by transcription factors such as NF-B and activator protein (AP)-1,
which are rapidly activated upon stimulation.

However, present study has shown that

stimulus-specific inductions of genes are regulated by an inducible transcriptional regulator(s),which alters activity and targets of the transcription factor that controls the induction of primary
response genes (Figure).

References
Hijioka, K., Matsuo, S., Kimura-Eto, A., Takeshige, K., and Muta, T. (2007):
Induction of the Nuclear IB Protein IB- upon Stimulation of B cell Antigen Receptor.
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 356 (2), 476-480.
Watanabe, S., Takeshige, K., and Muta, T. (2007):
A Cis-element in the 3’-untranslated Region of IB- mRNA Governs its Stimulus-specific
Expression. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 356 (3), 785-791.
Matsuo, S., Yamazaki, S., Takeshige, K., and Muta, T. (2007):
Crucial Roles of Binding Sites for Nuclear Factor-B (NF-B) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding
Proteins (C/EBPs) in IB--mediated Transcriptional Activation. Biochem. J. 405 (3), 605-615.

1062) Medical Sciences2-2) Central Nervous System

Analysis of genes specifically expressed in primate neocortical areas
Tetsuo Yamamori
National Institute for Basic Biology
yamamori@nibb.ac.jp

Introduction
The neocortex that is commonly observed in mammals and consists of six layer structure can bedivided into so-called areas, which are distinguished by cyoto architectonic and functions such as
visual, auditory and motor areas etc. Our project has been to identify genes that are specifically
expressed in particular areas in the primate neocortex to understand the molecular mechanisms
underlying function and formation of neocortical areas.

Results
We aimed to isolate genes that are specifically expressed in particular areas of primate neocortex. In
our first attempt to isolate such genes, we used differential display (DD) method and find a gene
specifically expressed in the visual cortex (occ1). occ1 expression is activity dependent and thevisual area specificity is primate specific.. Another gene that shows association area specificexpression is RBP (retinol binding protein) whose expression pattern is complementary to that of
occ1.
In order to further analyze the significance of such gene expression patterns, we attempted a large
scale screening the genes that are specifically expressed in primate neocortical areas using RLCS
(restriction landmark cDNA scanning). We obtained several genes that showed significant area
differences (more than five fold) among frontal, motor, temporal and primary visual areas.
We are currently examining the detailed expression pattern of each of the genes that shows
significant area differences.
One of such genes, RLCS15, shows very similar properties of occ1 expression in that it shows
specific expression in the primary visual cortex but not in other mammals such as ferrets, rabbits
and mice in an activity dependent manner.
Another gene, RLCS16, shows very similar expression pattern to that of RBP in that it ispreferentially expressed in excitatory neurons in association areas of primate but not such a specificexpression is observed in other mammals.

107

Discussion & Summary
Our study on the genes specifically expressed in the primate neocortex revealed that there are few
genes that show marked difference among the neocortical areas. The overall percentage that showssuch remarkable area difference among the entire genes is small, but can be divided into two groups:
one group of genes is expressed in the primary sensory cortex, particularly in the primary visualcortex. The other group of genes is expressed in association areas. Since these two areas are
particularly evolved during the course of primate evolution, we think that the distinguishedarea-specific expression of the two groups of the genes probably reflect such evolutional events inthe primate neocortex. Therefore, studies of such genes will tell us how the primate brain and what is
the specific features of such evolution.

Figures & Tables

Figure 1

Figure 2

References
Takahata T, Hashikawa T, Higo N, Tochitani S, Yamamori T. (2008) Difference in sensory
dependence of occ1/Follistatin-related protein expression between macaques and mice. J Chem
Neuroanat. 35, 146-157.
Watakabe A, Ichinohe N, Ohsawa S, Hashikawa T, Komatsu Y, Rockland KS, Yamamori T. (2007)
Comparative Analysis of Layer-Specific Genes in Mammalian Neocortex. Cereb Cortex. 17,
1918-1933.

1082) Medical Sciences2-5) Cardiovascular/Metabolic/Endocrine

Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of the development of
non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Terauchi Yasuo
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University Graduate School of
Medicineterauchi@yokohama-cu.ac.jp

Introduction
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver injury. The
spectrum of NAFLD is broad, extending from simple steatosis through nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). Insulin resistance has been found to increase the risk of NASH, and obesity, and decreased
levels of adiponectin are important factors in determining the severity of insulin resistance. We
investigated the role of adiponectin and insulin resistance on the development of NASH.

Results
1. Impact of adiponectin and insulin resistance on the development of NASH in human subjects
We measured the plasma adiponectin and high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) concentrations, hepatic fat
content based on the liver-to-spleen ratio (L/S ratio) according to computed tomography (CT)attenuation values, and the amount of visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue by CT.
Significant correlations were observed between the L/S ratios and aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and serum
adiponectin values, and there was a highly significant inverse correlation between the visceraladipose tissue values and the serum adiponectin levels. There was a stepwise decrease in the serum
adiponectin in parallel to the severity of hepatic fibrosis. As compared to that in cases with simple
steatosis, hs-CRP was significantly elevated in cases of NASH. Furthermore, among the patientswith NASH, hs-CRP was significantly elevated in cases with advanced fibrosis as compared withthat in cases with mild fibrosis.
Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was significantly associated with the waist
circumference, the waist/hip ratio and metabolic syndrome, however, it is still unknown whether theserum GGT is specifically associated with visceral or subcutaneous fat accumulation. We here
investigated the association between the serum level of GGT and parameters of adiposity and lipid
profile, including the serum triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol

109(LDL-C) levels in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic subjects. SerumGGT was significantly correlated with the waist circumference, BMI, visceral fat area (VFA), L/Sratio and TG, but not with the subcutaneous fat area (SFA). The serum GGT was still correlated with
the VFA and TG, but not with the SFA, after adjustment for the four variables of age, gender, serum
HbA1c and the L/S ratio. Thus, serum GGT was specifically associated with the VFA, but not with
the SFA.
2. Generation and analyses of IRS-2, adiponectin double knockout mice
We generated IRS-2, adiponectin double knockout mice by crossing adiponectin-knockout miceand IRS-2-knockout mice. The double knockout mice developed steatosis associated with fibrosis
compared with wild-type mice on the same genetic background. As we have already demonstrated
that telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, controls progress of nonalcoholicsteatohepatitis in rats, we will investigate the effect of ARB on the prevention from fat accumulationand fibrosis in the double-knockout mice.
3. Impact of inhibition of cholesterol absorption on the glucose and lipid metabolism in liver
On a high-fat diet, ezetimibe, a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor, significantly lowered
LDL-cholesterol, TG, cholesterol content in VLDL, TG content in VLDL, GGT and liver weight,
significantly strengthened hypoglycemic effect of insulin during insulin tolerance test, and gave
tendency of triglyceride content in liver to decrease with no significant changes in body weight andvisceral fat accumulation. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp revealed that administration ofezetimibe improved glucose infusion rate and endogenous glucose production by liver, but not
peripheral insulin sensitivity. Thus, ezetimibe improved dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis and hepatic
insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.
4. Effect of high-fat diet loading for 40 weeks on the development of NASH in mice
Histological analysis revealed that mice after 40 weeks on the high-fat diet developed fat droplet
formation in the liver. Steatosis: any degree, mixed macro- and microvescicular, Ballooning:
obvious and present in zone 3.

Discussion & Summary
We investigated the role of adiponectin and insulin resistance on the development of NASH in
human subjects as well as mouse models. Increased insulin resistance and decreased levels of
adiponectin and hs-CRP were important factors in determining the development of NASH and its
severity. Serum GGT was specifically associated with the VFA, but not with the SFA, suggestingthat the serum GGT may be useful as a convenient indicator of VFA in the clinical treatment of110

obesity. Ezetimibe improved dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance in high-fat
diet-induced obese mice. Ezetimibe improved dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis and hepatic insulin
resistance in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. These results suggest a preferential effect ofezetimibe on liver steatosis in obese patients with dyslipidemia who favor high-fat diet.

Figures & Tables
Histological analysis of the liver derived frommice after 40 weeks on the high-fat diet

HE staining (x100)

HE staining (x400)
Steatosis: any degree, mixed macromicrovescicular
Ballooning: obvious and present in zone 3

and

111

References
Yoneda M, et al : Hypoadiponectinemia plays a crucial role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty
liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus independently of visceral adipose
tissue.
Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 31 (Suppl 1) : S15-S21, 2007.
Yoneda M, et al: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is an independent clinical feature ofnonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and also of the severity of fibrosis in NASH.
J. Gastroenterol. 42 : 573-582, 2007.
Iwasaki T, et al : Serum butyrylcholinesterase is strongly associated with adiposity, serum lipid
profile, and insulin resistance.
Intern. Med. 46 : 1633-1639, 2007.
Fujita K, et al : Telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, controls progress of
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in rats.
Dig Dis Sci. 52 : 3455-3464, 2007.

1122) Medical Sciences2-5) Cardiovascular/Metabolic/Endocrine

Global functional analysis of microRNAs in cardiomyocyte
differentiation
Jun K. Yamashita
Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University
juny@frontier.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Previously we have succeeded in generating a novel embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation systemthat can reproduce the early process of cardiovascular cell differentiation and development in vitro.
In the present study, to elucidate molecular mechanisms of cardiomyocyte differentiation, especiallyconcerning the roles of microRNAs, we tried to examine global functional analysis of microRNAs
during cardiomyocyte differentiation using our ES cell differentiation system.

Results
First, to prepare various cardiomyocyte populations for microRNA sources, we tried to induce
various cardiomyocyte cell types, especially cardiac pacemaker cells and ventricular myocytes frommouse ES cells. We induced Flk1, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and a marker forlateral plate mesoderm cells, from undifferentiated ES cells. When Flk1+ cells were purified byfluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) and re-cultured on OP9 mouse bone marrow-derived
stroma cells, self-beating cardiomyocytes were successfully induced on 2-dimensional culture
condition. These cardimyocytes were induced as a mixture of various kinds of cardiomyocytes
including pacemaker cells and ventricular cells. We evaluated ion channels that were responsible forthe automaticity of cardiac pacemaker cells induced from ES cells, and found that
hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels (HCN1, 4) and T-type calcium
channels (Cav3.1, 3.2) conferred pacemaker properties (Yanagi, Stem Cells, 2007). That is,
Spontaneously beating colonies observed at day 9.5 of Flk1+ cell culture (Flk-d9.5) weresignificantly decreased at Flk-d23.5. Expressions of ion channels in pacemaker cells, HCN1, 4 andCav3.1, 3.2 were significantly decreased in purified cardiomyocytes at Flk-d23.5 compared to at
Flk-d9.5, whereas expression of an atrial and ventricular ion channel, Kir2.1, did not change.
Blockade of HCNs and Cav ion channels significantly inhibited beating rates of cardiomyocytecolonies. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes at
Flk-d9.5 showed almost similar features with those of the native mouse sino-atrial node except

113

relatively deep maximal diastolic potential and faster maximal upstroke velocity. Though ~60 % of
myocytes at Flk-d23.5 revealed almost the same properties with those at Flk-d9.5, ~40 % myocytes
showed loss of HCN and decreased Cav3 currents, and ceased spontaneous beating, with noremarkable increase of Kir2.1. Thus, HCN and Cav3 ion channels should be responsible for the
maintenance of automaticity in ES cell-derived cardiomyoctyes. Currently, we are examining
specific induction and purification of cardiac pacemaker and ventricular cells.
Recently, novel pluripotent stem cells were invented from mouse and human skin tissues, named
induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells (Takahashi, Cell, 2006; 2007). We applied our ES cell system to
iPS cells and examined directional differentiation of mouse iPS cells to cardiovascular cells. Flk1+
mesoderm cells were induced from iPS cells after approximately 4days culture for differentiation.
Purified Flk1+ cells gave rise to endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells by addition of VEGF.
Arterial, venous, and lymphatic ECs were also successfully induced. Self-beating cardiomyocytes
could be induced from Flk1+ cells by cultured on OP9 stroma cells. Time course and efficiency ofthe differentiation are all comparable with those of mouse ES cells. Occasionally, re-expression oftransgene mRNAs including c-myc was observed in long-term differentiation cultures. Currently, weare preparing microRNA sources of various cardiomyocytes and generating expression profiles of
microRNAs during cardiomyocyte differentiation using both mouse ES and iPS cells.

Discussion & Summary
Balanced regulation of ion channel expressions, especially HCNs and Cav3s in cardiomyocytes
should be important to constitute the spontaneously beating properties in ES cell-derived
cardiomyoctyes, and for the generation of complete biological pacemakers. Combined andcoordinated regulation of multiple ion channels should be required to generate complete biologicalpacemakers and working cardiac muscles.
Various cardiovascular cells can be systematically induced from iPS cells. Differentiation
properties of iPS cells are almost completely identical to those of ES cells. The iPS celldifferentiation system would largely contribute to novel understanding for iPS cell biology and thedevelopment of novel cardiovascular regenerative medicine. Expression profiles and functional
analysis of microRNAs during cardiomyocyte differentiation using these differentiation systems
would largely contribute to elucidate novel molecular machinery for cardiomyocyte differentiation
and regeneration.

114

Figures & Tables

Summary of differentiation and diversification process of
cardiomyocytes. Blue to red color gradient represents MDP (or RMP)
and dV/dt max. Blue box: spontaneously beating cells. Red box:
non-beating cells. Corresponding periods of ES cell differentiation are
indicated. Na Ch.: Na+ channel. (Ref. 1)

Systematic differentiation system of cardiovascular cells from iPS cells.
Mouse iPS cell-derived Flk1+ cells give rise to ECs in the presence of
VEGF. VEGF alone induces ephrinB2- (EphB4+) venous ECs. WhencAMP signaling is activated together with VEGF, ephrinB2+ arterial ECs
are induced. For lymphatic EC differentiation, OP9 stroma cells are
required. When Flk1+ cells are cultured on OP9 stroma cells for 4-5 days,
cardiomyocytes are induced as a mixture of various cardiac cell types,
atrial, ventricular, pacemaker, and purkinje cells. CD45+ blood cells arealso induced from Flk1+ cells cultured on OP9 cells. Various
cardiovascular cells are, thus, systematically induced from common
progenitor, Flk1+ cells of mouse iPS cells. (Ref. 2)

115

References
1. Yanagi K, Takano M, Narazaki G, Uosaki H, Hoshino T, Ishii T, Misaki T, Yamashita JK*.
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and T-type calcium channels
confer automaticity of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Stem Cells, 25:2712-2719, 2007.
2. Narazaki G, Uosaki M, Teranishi M, Okita K, Kim B, Matsuoka S, Yamanaka S, Yamashita
JK*. Directed and systematic differentiation of cardiovascular cells from mouse induced
pluripotent stem cells. Circulation, in press(*corresponding author)

1162) Medical Sciences2-5) Cardiovascular/Metabolic/Endocrine

Genetic analysis of zebrafish cardiac regeneration
Shinji Makino
Department of Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Cardiac Therapeutics Keio University
School of Medicine
koshinji@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

Introduction
Teleost fish and urodele amphibians have remarkable regenerative capabilities. Zebrafish acutely
regenerate heart, fins, optic nerve, scales and spinal cord. To identify the molecular mechanisms ofregeneration, we performed a genetic screen for mutant zebrafish with defects in fin and cardiac
regeneration. As a result, we have begun to identify regenerative genes at specific stages ofregeneration.

Results
To identify mutants that failed to regenerate, we treated male zebrafish with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea
and generated mutagenized families by early pressure parthenogenesis.
We identified a zebrafish mutant with an early fin regeneration defect. Fin regeneration failed inmutant fish due to defective blastema formation. The regeneration phenotype was inherited as arecessive trait and was identified in a family in which 4 of 17 members displayed regenerative
defects. Mutant fish regenerates did not form new bone and failed to grow beyond the amputation
plane after 7 days at 33°C.
Mutant fish also failed to regenerate hearts. We surgically removed 20% of the ventricularmyocardium from 1-year-old adults and examined hearts histologically. WT fish formed fibrin clotsby 7 days postamputation, and cardiac myofibers penetrated the clot and constructed a new muscle
around the wound by 17 days. The restoration of cardiac muscle resulted from cardiomyocyte
proliferation. In contrast, mutant fish could not initiate cardiac regeneration. Mutant fish failed to fillin the wound area with fibrin clots or collagen scar. BrdUrd studies showed no evidence of myocyte
or nonmyocyte proliferation around the wound at 12 days postamputation.
Positional cloning and mutational analyses revealed that mutation is linked to chromosome 9.
Sequence of 4 genes in critical region is ongoing.

117

Discussion & Summary
The study of regeneration holds great promise for the emerging field of regenerative medicine, but torealize this promise, regenerative phenomena must be understood in molecular terms. Genetic
analysis of regeneration in zebrafish provides a unique instrument for achieving this goal. Zebrafish
are the only genetic model system that reliably regenerates complex tissue. Accumulating
technological advances in zebrafish genetics, including the genome sequencing initiative, stand to
substantially advance discoveries through regeneration genetics. From our genetic screen for fin
regeneration mutants, we expected to find disruptions in wound healing, tissue dedifferentiation,
blastema formation and proliferation, and organ patterning. While the our mutant represents a defectin blastemal formation, mutants in other stages of regeneration have also been found and should shedlight on these events. In future experiments, we will focus on the early events that initiate fin
regeneration, and also extend our studies to additional organ systems that have not yet been
examined for regenerative potential, such as the heart.

Figures & Tables

118

References
 Makino S, Whitehead GG, Lien CL, Kim S, Jhawar P, Kono A, Kawata Y, Keating MT.
Heat-shock protein 60 is required for blastema formation and maintenance during
regeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005;102:14599-604.
 Whitehead GG, Makino S, Lien CL, Keating MT. Fgf20 is essential for initiating zebrafish
fin regeneration. Science. 2005; 310: 1957-60.
 Lien CL, Schebesta M, Makino S, Keating MT. Gene expression analysis of zebrafish heart
regeneration. PLoS Biol 2006; 4: e260

1192) Medical Sciences2-6) Gastro-intestinal

Gene expression profiling and comparative analysis of normal
esophagus stem/progenitor cells and esophagus cancer-derived cells
Atsushi Suzuki
Kyushu University
suzukicks@bioreg.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Introduction
The esophageal epithelium is exposed to everything taken from the mouth and the nose: forexample, food, alcohol, and smoke of cigarettes. To maintain the esophageal epithelial tissue insuch condition, esophageal stem cells should exist and continuously produce functional epithelial
cells that form the multi-layers of esophageal epithelium.

Although it is important to understandwhere stem cells are and how stem cells proliferate and differentiate in the normal and malignant
esophageal epithelia, the stem cell biology of esophagus is still not established well.

Here, wesought to identify the position of esophageal stem cells, the mechanism of differentiation andproliferation of these cells, and the relationship between stem cells and tumor cells in esophagus.

Results
Esophageal stem cells could be thought as cells with highly proliferative potential. To identify
where these cells are, we performed immunohistochemcal analysis of Ki67, a marker ofproliferating cells, for the epithelial tissues of the mouse esophagus. Then, we prepared mRNA
samples from proliferating esophageal stem cells and non-proliferating esophageal epithelial cells,
which reside in the esophageal epithelial layers, following isolation of each cell population using alaser microdissection.

After the microarray analysis with those mRNA samples, we identified

several interesting genes that expressed differentially in esophageal stem cells or differentiatedesophageal epithelial cells. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis for the protein products ofthese genes showed similar expression patterns in the esophagus. Therefore, we are further
examining the role of these genes in the esophagus.
Also, in order to determine the relationship between stem cells and tumor cells in the esophagus,
we obtained esophageal tumor-derived cell lines and analyzed the gene expression profiles of thesecell lines.

In the result of comparing gene expression patterns among tumor-derived cells, stem

cells, and differentiated cells in the esophagus, there were many genes expressing equivalently inesophageal tumor-derived cells and esophageal stem cells, or in esophageal tumor-derived cells and120

differentiated esophageal epithelial cells.

Thus, we are now analyzing the function of these genes

in the esophageal tumor-derived cell lines to determine whether there is a common mechanism
underlying the proliferation of esophageal tumor cells and normal esophageal stem cells.

Discussion & Summary
The esophagus is one of the regenerative organs, including skin and intestine.

However,compared to other regenerative organs, the mechanism of proliferation and differentiation ofesophageal stem cells is still poorly understood.

Also, in the esophagus, a tumor is often generated,because of the genetic background or continuous exposure to unhealthy substances, while themechanism of tumor formation in the esophageal epithelium remained unclear.

In this study, thegene expression analyses of stem cells, differentiated cells, and tumor-derived cells in the mouseesophagus identified specific gene expression patterns that may regulate proliferation anddifferentiation of normal esophageal stem cells and may represent a common mechanism of
proliferation of esophageal tumor cells and esophageal stem cells.

Further examination of the roleof these genes may eventually enable the therapeutic approaches for the esophagus failures by
inducing stem cell-mediated regeneration and for the esophagus cancer by negatively regulating theproliferation of esophageal cancer stem cells.

1212) Medical Sciences2-6) Gastro-intestinal

Roles of host immune responses in the development of
Helicobacter-induced gastritis
Norihiko Watanabe
Kyoto University
norihiko@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Introduction
Helicobacter bacteria colonize in the stomach and induce strong, specific local and systemic
humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Helicobacter binds to the host epithelial cells, directly
triggering the recruitment of neutrophils. Local inflammatory processes in the gastric mucosa arefollowed by extensive immune-cell infiltration, resulting in chronic active gastritis. One type of
Helicobacter-induced chronic gastritis is characterized by a marked infiltration of Th1
cytokine-producing CD4+ T cells. The other type of Helicobacter-induced chronic gastritis isfollicular gastritis, in which development Th2 cells appear to play an important role. However, themechanisms underlying the development of Th1 and/or Th2 cytokine-mediated chronic gastritis are
not fully understood.

Results(1) Peyer’s patches (PPs) are the major inductive sites for mucosal immunity in the gut system. We
generated PP-null mice that normally develop well-organized lymphoid organs except for PPs andintragastrically infected the resulting PP-null mice with Helicobacter. PP deficiency severely
impaired both the development of Th1 cell-mediated gastritis induced by Helicobacter and the
production of anti-Helicobacter antibodies despite marked bacterial colonization of the gastricmucosa. Although PP deficiency did not impair the differentiation of Helicobacter-specific CD4+ T
cells into IFN- –producing Th1 cells, Helicobacter-specific IFN- –producing CD4+ T cells in
PP-null mice lacked the ability to migrate into Helicobacter-colonized gastric mucosa.
(2) Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that strongly activate
dendritic cells (DCs), induces DC-mediated inflammatory Th2 responses. We showed that
Helicobacter triggered gastric epithelial cells to produce TSLP and a DC-attracting chemokine,
MIP-3. The gastric epithelial cell-conditioned DCs expressed high levels of costimulatory
molecules and triggered naïve CD4 T cells to produce high levels of the Th2 cytokines, IL-4 andIL-13 and of TNF-.

122Discussion & Summary
PPs have an essential role in the host immune response to Helicobacter infection, including thedevelopment of Th1 cytokine-mediated atrophic gastritis. In contrast, TSLP produced by
Helicobacter-infected gastric epithelial cells may play an important role in the development of Th2
cytokine-mediated follicular gastritis.

Figures & Tables

F i g u re
( 1 ) PPs have an essential role in the development of Th1 cytokine-mediatedatrophic gastritis. (2) TSLP produced by Helicobacter-infected gastric epithelial
cells may play an important role in the development of Th2 cytokine-mediatedfollicular gastritis.

References
1. Watanabe N, Kiriya K, Chiba T. Small intestine Peyer’s patches are major induction sites of the
Helicobacter-induced host immune responses. Gastroenterology 134 : 642-643 : 2008.
2. Kiriya K, Watanabe N, Nishio A, Okazaki K, Kido M, Saga K, Tanaka J, Akamatsu T, Ohashi S,
Asada M, Fukui T, Chiba T. Essential role of Peyer’s patches in the development of
Helicobacter-induced gastritis. Int Immunol. 19 : 435-446 : 2007.

1232) Medical Sciences2-12) Hematology

Regulation of self-renewal capacity of leukemic stem cells byhematopoietic transcription factors
Hideaki Nakajima
Keio University School of Medicine
hnakajim@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

Introduction
C/EBP and PU.1 are lineage-specific transcription factors critical for myeloid differentiation.
Recent study revealed that C/EBP and PU.1 are expressed in hematooietic stem cells (HSCs) at
low levels, implicating that these factors play a role in HSC functions.

Results
To gain further insight into the HSC regulation by C/EBP or PU.1, we used transgenic (Tg) miceexpressing conditional form of these transcription factors to examine if their activation alone issufficient for modulating HSC functions.

The activation of C/EBP or PU.1 in HSCs in vitro or invivo led to their suppression of growth, decreased mixed colony formation, and impaired competitive
repopulating activities due to their defective self-renewal. These effects are more prominently
observed when C/EBP was activated, and the differentiation capacity to megakaryocytic lineage
was selectively impaired upon C/EBP activation. Unexpectedly, the expression of Bmi-1 andHoxB4, well-known regulators for self-renewal of HSCs, was not affected by the activation of
C/EBP or PU.1, suggesting that they regulate HSC function through an as yet unknown
mechanism.

Discussion & Summary
These data suggest that the activation of C/EBP or PU.1 is sufficient to repress stem cell
capacities in HSCs, and their fine-tuned regulation is critical for HSC homeostasis.

1243) Chemical Sciences3-1) Organic Chemistry

Preparation of Chiral Boron Reagents for Efficient Synthesis of
Biologically Active Substances
Toshimichi Ohmura
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
ohmura@sbchem.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Introduction
It is highly desirable to develop new chiral organometallic reagents that achieve efficientconstruction of chiral molecular structures that include in biologically active substances. Chiralorganoboron compounds are attractive because they are stable to handle but can activate under acertain conditions. However, asymmetric synthetic method of chiral organoboron reagents has notbeen fully explored. In this study, we developed a new route to enantioenriched alkenylboron
compounds via silaborative asymmetric desymmetrization of meso-methylenecyclopropanes using achiral palladium catalyst.1

ResultsWe

havedeveloped

palladium-catalyzed

silaborative

C–C

bond

cleavageofmethylenecyclopropanes, in which proximal C–C bond cleavage is accompanied by regioselective
introduction of a silyl and a boryl groups at the cleaved C–C bond.2 The original palladium catalyst
bearing an isocyanide ligand seemed unfavorable for the asymmetric induction, because of therequirement for a relatively high reaction temperature (110 °C) and less flexibility in the design ofchiral isocyanides. We found that the palladium-phosphine catalyst showed high catalyst activity inthe reaction of (dimethylphenylsilyl)pinacolborane with 7-methylenebicyclo[4.1.0]heptane; thereaction proceeded even at 50 °C in the presence of Pd(dba)2 (2.0 mol %) with PPh3 (2.4 mol %),giving 2-(1-borylethenyl)-1-silylcyclohexane in 64% yield after 24 h. The catalyst activity was
found to be highly dependent upon the Pd/P ratio. The reaction slowed down significantly in theabsence of the phosphine ligand or in the presence of increased amounts of the ligand (Pd/P ratio of
1/2.4) (4% and 0% yield, respectively, under otherwise identical reaction conditions).
In the presence of a palladium catalyst bearing an optically active monodentate phosphorus
ligand (Pd/P = 1/1.2), the reaction of meso-methylenecyclopropanes with silylboranes was carriedout in toluene at 50 °C. The reaction proceeded with cleavage of one of the two enantiotopic C–Cbonds of cyclopropane ring to give chiral 2-boryl-4-silyl-1-butenes in high yields.

125

Enantioselectivity of the products depended on the structure of chiral phosphorus ligand andsilylborane.

We

found

that

the

palladiumcatalyst

having(R)-2-bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl)phosphino-1,1’-binaphthyl [(R)-3] gave the highest enantioselectivity
in the reactions with (methyldiphenylsilyl)pinacolborane (1). It is interesting to note that the
optimized reaction conditions using silylborane 1 and Pd/(R)-3 catalyst are identical to those for theenantioselective silaboration of allenes reported recently,3 indicating mechanistic similarity in theasymmetric induction step.
Various meso-methylenecyclopropanes were subjected to asymmetric silaborative C–C cleavage
under the optimized conditions using 1 and Pd/(R)-3 catalyst (Table 1). The reaction of bicyclic
methylenecyclopropanes that have fused five-, six-, seven-, and eight-membered carbocycles gave
the corresponding 3 in high yields with high enantioselectivities (90-91% ee, entries 1-4). On theother hand, non-fused methylenecyclopropane afforded the product with lower ee (81% ee, entry 5).
We also carried out the reaction of the methylenecyclopropane with fused cyclic acetal, giving thealkenylboron compound with 89% ee, although the yield was modest (entry 6).

Synthetic utility of the enantioenriched silaboration products obtained was demonstrated by adiastereoselective homologation-allylboration sequence (Table 2). The reaction of 4a with ClCH2Li
followed by treatment with EtCHO gave homoallylic alcohol 5a in 78% yield with highdiastereomeric ratio (94:6, entry 1). High diastereoselectivities were observed not only in thereaction of 4a with i-PrCHO and PhCHO (entries 2 and 3), but also in the reactions of 4b-4d with

126

PhCHO (entries 4-6). These reactions indicate that the stereochemistry of the b-substituent on allylic
boronates efficiently controls the diastereoface selection in the six-membered cyclic transition state.
As expected, enantioenriched 4c afforded 7 without a drop in ee (entry 5).

Discussion & Summary
In conclusion, we developed palladium-catalyzed asymmetric silaborative C–C cleavage of
meso-methylenecyclopropanes, affording enantioenriched 2-boryl-4-silyl-1-butene derivatives inhigh yield with up to 91% ee. The chiral organoboron compounds were applied to diastereoselective
synthesis of homoallylic alcohols having relatively complex structures. This new synthetic method
using optically active organoboron reagents is expected to be attractive alternative for preparation of
biologically active substances.

References
1. Ohmura, T.; Taniguchi, H.; Kondo, Y.; Suginome, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 3518-3519.
2. Suginome, M.; Matsuda, T.; Ito, Y. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 11015-11016.
3. Ohmura, T.; Taniguchi, H.; Suginome, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 13682-13683.

1273) Chemical Sciences3-1) Organic Chemistry

Development of the Novel Artificial Nucleoside Derivatives for theControl of the Gene Expression in Cells
Fumi Nagatsugi
Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials Tohoku University
nagatugi@tagen.tohoku.ac.jp

Introduction
The exploitation of chemical agents capable of sequence-specific DNA modification has provided awide potential for the gene knockdown and gene repair technologies.

Especially, synthetic

oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) having chemically reactive appendages have been widely
investigated to create new functions based on the specific reaction toward the corresponding target
gene.

In this research, we propose a plan for the development of recognition methods of duplex

DNA for regulation of gene expression.

Results
We have developed the 2-amino-6-vinylpurine nucleoside analog (1) as the new cross-linking agent. 1
Its sulfide derivatives as stable precursors are automatically activated without need of UV-irradiationor chemical activation in the hybrids to form the cross-link selectively to cytosine (Fig. 1).
planed to apply these strategies for targeting duplex DNA.

We have

For this purpose, we synthesized peptide

nucleic acid (PNA) containing
2-amino-6-vinylpurine.

PNAs canbind to single strands of DNA andRNA with high affinity, and moreinterestingly,

they

disrupt

thedouble stranded DNA to form a
DNA-PNA
complex.

strand-invasion

2

The synthesis of PNA monomer(2) containing the stable precursor of 2-amino-6-vinylpurine is summarized in Scheme 1.

Thesolid-phase synthesis of the PNA oligomer was performed manually on NovaSin TG resin by the
Fmoc strategies.

The PNA containing 2 was cleaved from the resin under TFA-m-cresol (4:1) andpurified by reverse phase HPLC, followed by treatment with 28 % ammonia to give the desired PNA

128

(3).

The sulfide-protected PNA (3) was smoothly converted to 4 by oxidation with magnesium

monoperphthalate (MMPP) following elimination of the resulting sulfoxide derivative under analkaline condition. The structure of 4 was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass measurements.

The

presence of the vinyl group of 4 was further proven by the fact that 4 returned to 3 cleanly by thetreatment with an aqueous NaSMe solution.

Thus, this study has demonstrated successful synthesisof the PNA (3) incorporating the methylsulfide derivative of the 2-amino-6-vinylpurine as well as its
easy transformation to 4 with the vinyl functional group.

In the preliminary studies, cross-linking

reaction by using PNA containing 2-amino-6-vinylpurine took place with single strand DNA andRNA.

Interestingly we found that 2-carboxyphenyl sulfide derivative, which was a stable precursorof 2-amino-6-vinylpurine, exhibited cross-linking more effectively than vinyl derivative.

Discussion & Summary
In this research, we have achieved the synthesis of PNA containing the reactive artificial nucleic acidefficiently by using the stable precursor of 2-amino-6-vinylpurine.

Preliminary results showed thatthe reactive PNA reacted with single strand DNA and RNA.

It should be noted that the

2-carboxyphenyl sulfide derivative, which was a stable precursor of 2-amino-6-vinylpurine produced
the adduct in higher yield than reactive vinyl derivatives.

These results suggested that

2-carboxyphenyl sulfide derivative might be activated in the duplex between PNA and DNA tore-generate 2-amino-6-vinylpurine, resulted in efficient cross-linking reaction.

We expect that PNA

containing 2-carboxyphenyl sulfide derivative can invade to duplex DNA effectively and react tocytidine with high selectivity.

129

References
1. a) Ali M. M., Oishi M., Nagatsugi .F, Mori K., Nagasaki Y., Kataoka K., Sasaki S., Angew. Chem.
Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 3136-3140, b) Kawasaki T., Nagatsugi F., Ali, M.M., Maeda M., Sugiyama K.,
Hori K., Sasaki S., J. Org. Chem. 2005, 70, 14-23, c) Nagatsugi F., Kawasaki T., Usui D., Maeda
M., Sasaki S., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 6753-6754.
2. a) Kim K.H., Fan X. J., Nielsen P.E. Bioconj. Chem. 2007, 18, 567-572, b) , Zhilina ZV.
AJ.

Nielsen PE.

Ebbinghaus SW. Bioconj. Chem. 2006, 17, 214-222.

Ziemba1303) Chemical Sciences3-1) Organic Chemistry

Design of nano-foldamer having chiral centers at the helical surface
and its application to chiral molecular recognition
Masakazu Tanaka
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University
mtanaka@phar.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Introduction
-Disubstituted amino acids are -amino acids in which the hydrogen atom at the -position of
the amino acid is replaced with an alkyl substituent.

We have designed and synthesized chiral

cyclic -disubstituted amino acids in which the -carbon atom is not the chiral center but chiral
centers exist at the side-chain cycloalkane.

The oligomers composed of the cyclic amino acid are

nano-foldamers having chiral centers at the helical surface.

Results
As a chiral cyclic -disubstituted amino acid, we designed a seven-membered ring amino acid;(4R,5R)-1-amino-4,5-di(methoxy)cycloheptanecarboxylic acid {(R,R)-Ac7cdOM} in which the
-carbon atom is not a chiral center, and developed a chemoenzymatic strategy for the synthesis of
optically active (R,R)-Ac7cdOM.
We prepared racemic trans-4,5-dihydroxy-1,1-bis(methoxycarbonyl)cycloheptane (3) startingfrom dimethyl malonate.
gave diene (1).
yield.

That is to say, dialkylation of dimethyl malonate with 4-bromo-1-butene

Olefin metathesis of 1 with Grubbs catalyst afforded cycloheptane (2) in 98%

Epoxidation of 2 with MCPBA, followed by acidic hydrolysis produced racemic cyclic

trans-1,2-diol 3 having a diester moiety in 80% yield.

Kinetic resolution of the racemic diol(±)-3 by transesterification with lipase Amano AK in vinyl acetate afforded (+)-monoacetate (4) of
95% ee in 51% yield and the recovered (-)-diol 3 of >99% ee in 43% yield.

To determine theabsolute configuration of the optically active diol, the unreacted diol (-)-3 was converted into thecorresponding dibenzoate.

The CD spectrum of dibenzoate indicated that the first Cotton effect(236 nm) was negative and the second Cotton effect (223 nm) was positive (negative chirality).
According to the dibenzoate chirality rule, the configuration of the unreacted diol (-)-3 is R,R.

The

assignment of the absolute configuration is opposite to that of the reported data, in which thelipase-catalyzed kinetic resolutions of racemic plain cycloalkane-1,2-diols were described.

To

explain the lipase-catalyzed enantiomer selectivity, computer modeling of lipase-substrate

131

complexes was performed.

The modeling suggested the existence of hydrogen bond between the

carbonyl function of the diester (substrate) and the hydroxyl function of the amino acid residue (Thr18).

The hydrogen bond may be crucial for the reversal of the enantiomeric selectivity.

Methylation of the diol function in (-)-3 with MeI and Ag2O gave a dimethoxy compound {(-)-5}
in 99% yield.

Monohydrolysis of the diester under basic conditions, followed by Curtius

rearrangement

andCbz-{(4R,5R)-Ac7cworkupdOM

withbenzylalcoholaffordedthecyclic

amino

acid

}-OMe in 92% yield. (Fig. 1)

Figure 1
Oligomers Cbz-(L-Leu-L-Leu-dAA)n-OMe having cyclic amino acid; (S,S)- or (R,R)-Ac5cdOM,and dimethylglycine (Aib) in L-Leu sequences have been designed and prepared by solution-phasemethods. At first, we analyzed the preferred secondary structure of these oligomers.

The IR

spectra of oligomers showed a weak band at 3430 cm-1 [free (solvated peptide NH group), and astrong band at 3340 cm-1 [intramolecularly H-bonded peptide NH groups].

The ROESY orNOESY 1H NMR spectra did not clearly show the complete series of sequential dNN cross-peaks ofNOEs, which are characteristic of helical structures.

The CD spectra of oligomers in

2,2,2-trifluoroethanol solution showed negative maxima at 222-228 nm and 204-208 nm and apositive maximum at 191-193 nm, which are characteristic of a right-handed (P) helical structure.
The L-Leu residues in the oligomers would control the helical-screw direction to theright-handedness.

The crystal structures of Aib hexamer Cbz-(L-Leu-L-Leu-Aib)2-OMe and(S,S)-Ac5cdOM hexamer Cbz-[L-Leu-L-Leu-{(S,S)-Ac5cdOM}]2-OMe were determined by the X-ray
crystallographic analysis.

The Aib hexamer showed right-handed 310-helix, forming threeconsecutive hydrogen bonds of the i←i+3 type in the crystal state, while the (S,S)-Ac5cdOM hexamer
showed right-handed -helix, in which two consecutive intramolecular hydrogen bonds of thei←i+4 type were observed.

132

Furthermore, we studied an asymmetric epoxidation of chalcone using the -helical oligomers
containing the cyclic amino acids as a chiral catalyst. The asymmetric epoxidation catalyzed byhexamer afforded an epoxide product of low ee, but that by -helical nonamer gave the epoxide of>80% ee in 95% yield.

(Fig. 2)

Figure 2

Discussion & Summary
We designed chiral cyclic -disubstituted -amino acids, in which the -carbon atom is not achiral center but chiral centers existing at the side chain.

Optically active cyclic amino acid

(R,R)-Ac7cdOM was synthesized by using lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic
trans-1,2-diol as a key step.
Oligomers Cbz-(L-Leu-L-Leu-dAA)n-OMe having cyclic amino acid; (S,S)- or (R,R)-Ac5cdOM,and Aib in L-Leu sequences have been prepared by solution-phase methods, and their preferred
secondary structures were analyzed by the IR, 1H NMR, CD spectra, and X-ray crystallographic
analysis.

The L-Leu-based peptide having Aib preferentially formed right-handed 310-helix, whilethat containing (S,S)-Ac5cdOM assumed right-handed -helix.
The -helical oligomers containing the cyclic amino acids were used as asymmetric catalysts
for epoxidation.

The asymmetric epoxidation of chalcone by using -helical nonamer gave theepoxide of >80% ee in 95% yield.
These results revealed that the -helical secondary structures as nano-foldamers are useful forthe chiral molecular recognition.

133

References
1) M. Tanaka, Chem. Pharm. Bull., 55, 349-358 (2007).
2) M. Tanaka, Y. Demizu, M. Nagano, M. Hama, Y. Yoshida, M. Kurihara, H. Suemune, J. Org.
Chem., 72, 7750-7756 (2007).
3) Y. Demizu, M. Tanaka, M. Nagano, M. Kurihara, M. Doi, T. Maruyama, H. Suemune, Chem.
Pharm. Bull., 55, 840-842 (2007).
4) In preparation.

1343) Chemical Sciences3-1) Organic Chemistry

Development of Effective Synthetic Method for Oxindoles based on a
Claisen Rearrangement
Atsuo Nakazaki
Tokyo University of Sciencenakazaki@rs.noda.tus.ac.jp

Introduction
Oxindoles incorporating a quaternary stereogenic center at the C3 position are attractive targets inorganic synthesis because of their significant biological activities as well as wide ranging utility as
synthetic intermediates for alkaloids, and drug candidates and clinical pharmaceuticals.

In thisresearch, we have developed an efficient and convenient method for the synthesis of spirocyclic
oxindoles from haloindoles by means of a one-pot procedure.

Results[1]

Based on the previous results,

we envisioned that a Claisen rearrangement of alkenyl

pyranoindoles 2 would produce spirocyclic oxindoles 3, which are potential synthetic intermediates
for indole alkaloids (Scheme 1).

Pyranoindoles 2 might in turn be prepared by an intramolecular

Ullmann coupling (IUC) of haloindoles 1 bearing an allylic alcohol unit. Among the conditions
examined using 1a, the Hauptman protocol (CuCl/2-aminopyridine, NaOMe)[2] with slight
modifications was found to provide 2a in 91% yield.
completed within 10 minutes.

The IUC of 1a proceeded rapidly and wasInterestingly, neither dehaogenated product A, nor the product ofcross-coupling with NaOMe, B, was obtained.

Finally, the isolated product 2a underwent Claisen

rearrangement to afford the desired oxindole 3a by heating in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) at 150 °C,
as expected.
As 2a was found to be relatively unstable, especially under acidic conditions, we next attempted a
one-pot synthesis of 3a. When the reaction mixture was heated to 100 °C for 24 h, 3a was obtainedin 53% yield.

On the other hand, on raising the reaction temperature to 150 °C after complete

formation of 2a (100 °C, 10 min), the rearrangement of 2a went cleanly to afford 3a in 84% yield.
To study the effect of substituents on the Claisen rearrangement, compounds 1 with a variety of
substituents at the allylic alcohol unit were next explored.

It is noteworthy that all of the indoles

with trans-oriented substituents on the allylic double bond afforded the corresponding oxindoles as asingle isomer, irrespective of substituents.

The stereochemistry of these products indicates that the135

Claisen rearrangement proceeds through a boat-like transition state analogous to previous results.[3]Since the Claisen rearrangement is stereospecific in most cases, this methodology would also be
applicable to the enantioselective synthesis of spirocyclic oxindoles.

Indeed, the one-pot

IUC/Claisen protocol of enantioenriched 2-iodoindole 4 afforded corresponding spirocyclic oxindole
5 without loss of stereochemical integrity (Scheme 2)
The resulting spirocyclic derivatives are considered to be useful intermediates for the synthesis ofpyrrolidinoindoline alkaloids as oxidative cleavage of the cyclohexene ring would provide a C-3a
substituted oxindole skeleton.

We next applied to the synthesis of (–)-debromoflustramine B using

spirocyclic oxindole 5 (Scheme 2).

Thus, oxidative cleavage of the carbon-carbon double bond of

5 with OsO4-NaIO4 gave ketoaldehyde 6, which was further oxidized with NaClO2 to obtain aketoacid 7. The ketoacid 7 was then converted into exo-methylene 8 by Wittig olefination in 73%
yield from 5.

Treatment of exo-methylene 8 with conc. H2SO4 in the presence of MgSO4 resulted

in the desired isomerization to an internal olefin.

Carboxylic acid was transformed to an amide 9,

by the mixed anhydride method using ethyl chloroformate and MeNH2, in 90% yield fromcarboxylic acid 8.

Finally, reduction of amide 9 using AlH3·EtNMe2 complex followed bydeprotection-prenylation sequence afforded a biologically active alkaloid, (–)-debromoflustramine
B.

Discussion & Summary
In conclusion, we have developed a convenient and efficient method for the preparation of
spirocyclic oxindoles, with vicinal stereogenic centers, from the corresponding 2-haloindoles by aone-pot IUC and Claisen rearrangement.

The IUC is a simple and low cost method for the

preparation of the rearrangement precursors, alkenyl pyranoindoles. The Claisen rearrangement of
the pyranoindoles proceeds smoothly to give the desired oxindoles in good yield and highdiastereoselectivities.

We also achieved to the total synthesis of biologically active alkaloid,(–)-debromoflustramine B, which demonstrated the utility of spirocyclic oxindole as a synthetic
intermediate of alkaloids bearing a prenyl group at C-3a.

References[1] A. Nakazaki, S. Kobayashi Journal of Synthetic Organic Chemistry 2008, 66, 124, and references
therein.
[2] E. Hauptman et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 5043.
[3] G. Büch et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1970, 92, 3126.

136

137

3) Chemical Sciences3-1) Organic Chemistry

Synthesis of polycyclic natural products including heteroatom
Kan Toshiyuki
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
kant@u-shizuoka-ken.ac.jp

Introduction
Heteroatom-containing compounds are important chemical entities, many of which show uniquebioactivity.

In view of this their efficient synthesis is an important issue in the development ofpharmaceutically active molecule. However it limits the scope of reaction conditions to which thesecompounds may be submitted.

Thus the development of novel synthetic method for natural

products was strongly needed.

Results
In this research, synthetic investigation of polycyclic natural products serotobenine (1),altemicidin（2）, lemonomycin (3), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (4) were demonstrated.
Total synthesis of serotobenine (1) was commenced with indole derivative, which wa readily
synthesized by according to Leimgruber-Batcho porotcol.

After regioselective Claisen

rearrangement, the diazoester was subjected to the C-H insertion reaction to afford
dihydrobenzofuran in higher diastereoselectivity. After construction of 8-membered lactam ring andthe deprotection, total synthesis of 1 has been accomplished.
Stereoselective synthesis of the key intermediate for altemicidin（2） has been accomplished.
The synthesis commenced with a bicyclo[3.3.0] framework, which was readily obtained via an
intramolecular C-H insertion reaction. A Curtius rearrangement was employed as a key step tostereoselectively construct the -hydroxyl -disubstituted--amino acid structure.

Synthesis ofvinylogous urea was achieved using hydrolysis of nitrile intermediate.
Stereoselective synthesis of the pentacyclic key intermediate for (–)-lemonomycin (3) has beenaccomplished using the Ugi 4-CC reaction with our novel isonitrile.

During the course of our

synthetic study on EGCG (4), we found dideoxy-EGCG possessed the same lavel of biologically
activity as well as natural product.1 Since the hydroxy group of the A-ring did not affect the activity,
we envisioned the incorporation of probe-units at A-ring incorporation of EGCG would be possible.
We accomplished the synthesis of the EGCG prove precursor which possessed the alkyl linker andamino group.

138

Discussion & Summary
Synthetic study of serotobenine (1) and altemicidin（2）was carried out by employment with
Rh-carbenoid mediated C-H insertion reaction as a key step.

In this reaction, an Optically active

cyclopentane ring was synthesized by an intramolecular C-H insertion reaction with diazo-ester
which has a chiral diazoester.

The highest diastereoselectivity was attained by combining

Rh-catlyst and auxiliary, which derived from mandelic amide derivatives.

Figures & Tables
Figure 1. Structure of polycyclic natural products
HO
HO

O

OMe
O
H

H
N

Me

SO2NH2

HHN

CO2H

N

H

A

OH

H

O
B

MeO

O

OH

D

HO

C

N

O 2

OH

C

NH

3 OR

H
NH2

O

N
H
Serotobenine (1)

OH

OH

H

O

OH
OR

Altemicidin (2)OH
R = Gallate

R = Sugar

EGCG (4)Lemonomycin (3)Scheme 1. Synthetic investigation of 1 – 4
O

O
Ar
HO

N2

O

Ar
H
cat. Rh2+ O

OR*

O

Ar
H
O

OR*
H

OPfp
H

N3
1

N
H

5

O

6

O
OR*
cat. Rh2+

N2

CHO

H2N
H

OR*

BocHN

Ar

NH2

14

HO2C
16
OTBDPS

O

10

H

R4

Ar

Me

N

C

Boc

H NHBoc
CO2H

N

OMOM
H
CN

11
TMS

N

Br
N

MeO
MsO

18

B
Br

B

OH
O

A

Boc
3

OBn

OBn

R1O
A

O
C

OBn
19

ND

O
OTBDPS

OBn
R1O

C

OBn

OBn
OBn

2

12

MeO

BF3·OEt2O
OTBDPS 17

OBn

N
Ts

8

OTBDPSOMOMOC N R3 Ugi rxn
15

N
Ts

7

OAc

OMe
13

O
H

H

9

MeO

N
Ts

B
OBn

4

OH
OR1 20OR1 21

References
1)Synthetic Studies on Altemicidin: Stereocontrolled Construction of the Core Framework., T. Kan,
Y. Kawamoto, T. Asakawa, T. Furuta and T. Fukuyama, Org. Lett., 10, 169-171(2008).
2)Concise synthesis of dideoxy-epigallocatechin gallate (DO-EGCG) and evaluation of its
anti-influenza virus activities., T. Furuta, Y. Hirooka, A. Abe, Y. Sugata, M. Ueda, K. Murakami, T.
Suzuki, K. Tanaka and T. Kan, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 17, 3095-3098 (2007).

139

Part Ⅱ
Reports from the Recipients of Garants
for International Meetings(Fiscal Year 2006)

140

The 2007 Molecular Biology Society of Japan (MBSJ) Spring
Symposiumon “Biology -Old Codes and New Molecules-“(The 7th the MBSJ spring symposium)
1. Representative
Haruhiko Siomi, the chairman of the organizing committee
2. Opening period and Place
April 23 - April 24, 2007 at the Awaji Yumebutai International Conference Center in Awaji
Island3. Number of participants
137 persons including 5 invited speakers from the US and the United Kingdom
4. The total cost
5,680,000 yen
5. Main use of the subsidy
Support for travel expense of invited speakers
6. Results and Impression
The MBSJ Spring Symposium was the 7th in the MBSJ spring conference series, and was
being organized in collaboration with the Institute for Genome Research University ofTokushima in Tokushima. Like the first six meetings, this conference was focused on an
emerging intersection between disciplines, and brought together scientists working on
various aspects of biology to stimulate discussion and found common themes among thequestions facing the field.
Topics in this symposium included small RNAs and development, non-Mendelian
inheritance and epigenetics, germ line stem cells and hubs, and cell cycle and chromosome
segregation cycle. This two‐day symposium was divided into eight oral sessions and a poster
session. In oral sessions, 25 speakers including 5 invited speakers from overseas presented
recent progress in their research. 50 young researchers including graduated students
presented their research in the poster session.
On the whole, we got the impression that many people had good interactions with manyothers during the symposium.

141

7. Additional description
As part of the 7th the Molecular Biology Society of Japan spring conference, a special
lecturetitled ‘Mechanisms of Planarian Regeneration’ was given by Professor

Kiyokazu Agata (Kyoto University) at the Nagai Memorial Lecture Hall of the Universityof Tokushima. This lecture encouraged many young people (from elementary school
students to high school students) to get interested in biology.

142

The 5th International Symposium on Molecular Breeding of Forage
and Turf (MBFT2007)
1. Representative
Toshihiko Yamada, the Chairman of Local Organizing Committee of International
Symposium on Molecular Breeding of Forage and Turf
2. Opening period and Place
July 1 – July 6, 2007
Sapporo Convention Center
3. Number of participants
147 (80 persons from foreign countries)
4. The total cost
Thirteen million yen
5. Main use of the subsidy
Support for hall fee, rental fee of equipments, wage (students part-time), and stationeries
6. Result and Impression
The International Symposium on Molecular Breeding of Forage and Turf (MBFT) is held
every 2 or 3 years under the control of international organizing committee of MBFT.
Previous MBFT Symposia were held in Japan in 1998, Australia in 2000, the USA in 2003
and the UK in 2005.

On this occasion the 5th MBFT was held in Sapporo, in 2007.

For the present symopsium, 9 societies and association in Japan have approved. There
were the financial aids by donation from 13 enterprises and the subsidies supported by 8
foundations.
The objective of this symposium was to deliberate on issues relating to molecular breeding
technologies of forage and turf, including assessment of genetic diversity, discovery of novel
genes involved in target traits, application of genetic mapping, establishment of molecularmarker assisted selection, and other topics, such as comparative genomics, bioinformatics,
transgenics, and risk assessment.
The symposium was started from two keynote speakers.
current statues of molecular breeding of forages.

Prof. J. Bouton summarized the

He mentioned the future problems to be

overcome by our efforts. Bio-energy is a major global concern. Renewable biomass energy

143

is increasingly being accepted as a possible alternative to fossil fuels and some forages arepromising for energy crops. He emphasized that all biofuel industries will be local with theirown cropping systems and that the initial feedstock traits to be improved are increased
biomass yield, reduced input costs, and reduced chemical recalcitrance.

Prof. K.

Yamaguchi-Shinozaki highlighted that a cis-acting element DRE/CRT/LTRE plays animportant role in regulating gene expression in response to environmental stresses such as
cold, drought and high salinity. DREB1/CBF and DREB2 have been isolated andoverexpression analysis have been carried out.

Regulon biotechnology is the control ofsignal transduction networks, a manipulation which in turn is expected to improve stress
tolerance in plants.

DREBs are quite useful for improvement of tolerance to environmental

stresses in various kinds of plants such as forage and turf.
The symposium contained 10 plenary papers and 30 short oral presentations as well as 104
posters presentations.

These presentations covered wide range of molecular breeding:comparative genomics using model legume crops, efficient and rapid characterization ofgenetic diversity using DNA markers, functional genomics and bioinfomatics, mapping andmarker assisted selection, trangenic, endophyte, turf grass molecular breeding including East
Asian native species, Zoysia.

Special lectures on biomass conversion were presented. Dr. S.

Thomas highlighted energy crops, overall goals for energy crop breeders and descriptions ofvarious biomass conversion processes. Prof. A. Kondo highlighted developed novel yeast
strains for production of biofuels from biomass using cell surface display technology.
In the previous symposia, there is little presentation on bio-energy subject.

However, inthe present symposium, many participants felt a great interest in new research activity ofbiomass conversion.

Cellulose biomass like forage grasses would be promising forbio-energy supply in the future.

Therefore genetic improvement of energy crops could be

one of the important factors for development of bio-energy system to establish sustainable
society.
We have helped 10 foreign young scientists the travel expense as young scientist awards.
Three young scientists were selected as winners of best poster awards.
It was decided that the next MBFT is held at Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 2010. The
academic result of this international symposium will be published the proceedings of themolecular breeding of forage and turf by publisher of Springer in spring 2008.
7. Additional description
7.1 Number of participating countries: 19 countries.
Number of students participants: 13 persons

144

7.2 Approvals:
National Agricultural Research Center for Hokkaido Region, National Institute ofLivestock and Grassland Science， Sustainability Governance Project, Hokkaido University,
Japan Grassland Agriculture and Forage Seed Association Japan, Livestock Technology
Association, Green Techno Bank, Japanese Society of Grassland Science, Japanese Societyof Plant Breeding, Japanese Society of Turf Science145International Congress on Plant Mitochondrial
Biology (ICPMB2007)
1. Representative
Hirokazu HANDA, the chair of organizing committee
2. Opening period and Place
June 25-29, 2007.

Nara Women’s University and Hotel Nikko Nara, Nara, Japan

3. Number of participants
154 persons (87 persons from foreign countries)
4. The total cost
Eight million Japanese yen
5. Main use of the subsidy
Mainly support for accommodation costs of invited speakers, and also partly costs for the
congress venue and personnel expenses
6. Results and Impression
This congress is the only international scientific congress featuring plant mitochondria as amain target, and is held every 2 or 3 years under auspices of association of volunteer in the
country nominated as host country for next meeting. Its purpose is exchange of the recent
information and discussion of the current result for basic and applied researches on
mitochondria in plant species.
Since the first meeting was held in Marseilles, France in 1978, there were already twelve
meetings to be held at several places in the world.

However the present congress was heldin Japan, also in Asia for the first time.
In view of the importance of this scientific field, National Institute of Agrobiological
Sciences, one of the biggest plant molecular biology research stations in Japan, haveapproved to become co-organizer of the present congress.

On the other hand, there were thefinancial aids by donation from 10 enterprises and the subsidies supported by 6 foundations.
Mitochondria has been thought to be an energy-producing factory in the eukaryotic cells,
but recent studies revealed mitochondria have more wide and important roles for thedifferentiation and the function of the cell not only for supplying an energy.

Plant

mitochondria have a lot of unique features compared to those of other organisms like animals

146

and fungi. The object of this congress further widened scientific information about plantmitochondria from all possible aspects, physiologically, genetically, biochemically,
evolutionary, etc.

Also the congress promoted the collaboration among many specialists ofvarious fields for plant mitochondria for the future basic and applied research of plantmitochondria.
In this congress three plenary lectures were presented as follows: “My life with plantmitochondria from ’70 to ‘07”by C.J. Leaver, “Chloroplast photorelocation movement: its
photoperception and moving mechanisms” by M. Wada, and “The mode of mitochondrial
DNA transmission in mice” by H. Shitara.

Eight symposia and one pre-symposium wereopened. They were as follows: I, Genomics & Genetics; II, Organellar Proteins; III, Stress& Environments; IV, Gene Expression; V, Organelle Crosstalk; VI, Dynamics & Biogenesis;
VII, Evolution; VIII, Respiration; and Pre-Symposium, “From the dawn of plantmitochondrial research to the present”.

The congress invited 8 keynote speakers for each

symposium, and also selected 24 peoples as an oral presentation.

94 poster presentations,which were classified to these eight themes, were displayed during the congress.

In

addition to oral presentations, the congress offered student participants the chance to present
the contents of their posters as “Short Talks from Student Posters”. In total there were 44
short talks by student participants.

The congress selected three best posters from allpresented posters and conferred the poster prizes by the supports of Physiologia Plantarum,
the international journal of plant physiology, and the UK Biochemical Society.
In the previous three congresses (Sweden in 1998, Australia in 2002, and France in 2005),
the entire genomic sequences of several plant mitochondrial genomes were reported.

And

also nuclear genome sequencing has been completed in the model plants, Arabidopsis andrice.

Nowadays based on these genomic data for nuclear and mitochondrial genomes thepost genomic studies are remarkably developing.

This congress covered such post genomic

studies to find novel functions of mitochondrial genes and mitochondria in plant cells.
In this congress, we had 51 student participants in total, which is corresponding to 1/3 oftotal participants.

Especially 60% of student participants were from foreign countries.

We

think that this is very important for our scientific field, and we expect that they willcontribute to the development of plant mitochondrial research and future collaborations
between Japan and other countries.
It was decided that North American researchers would organize the next congress in 2009.
We do not have a plan to publish the proceedings of this congress, but the Mitochondrion, aninternational journal for mitochondrial research by Elsevier, will publish the special issue forplant mitochondria at the end of 2007 at this opportunity (H. Handa, chair of ICPMB2007, is
one of editors for this special issue).

147

7. Additional description
7.1 Number of participating countries: 14 countries and 1 area
7.2 Approval:
National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences is former governmental institute and now
independent administrative agency.

It is one of biggest research institute on the filed ofbasic and applied plant molecular biology.

148

The 5th International Symposium on Receptor Mechanisms, Signal
Transduction and Drug Effects-Development of Novel Therapy to Specific Diseases in Organ1. Representative
Shizuo Yamada, the chairperson of organizing committee
2. Opening period and Place
May 10 (Thu) – 11 (Fri), 2007
GRANSHIP (Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center), Shizuoka, Japan
3. Number of participants
350 persons (30 persons from foreign countries)
4. The total cost
Fifteen million yen
5. Main use of the subsidy
Support for travel expenses of invited speakers and printed matters
6. Results and Impression
This symposium is held every 3 or 4 years around Japan. The first international receptor
symposium (IRS) was opened in Niigata in 1995, and thereafter, held in Sapporo (1997),
Tokyo (2000), Fukui (2003). The purposes is to explore recent achievements in detail and tointegrate them by interdisciplinary discussion involving receptor mechanism, signaltransduction, diseases, new analysis of drug action, and novel drug discovery anddevelopment.
For the present symposium, 5 academic societies and association in Japan have approved.
There were the financial aids by donation from 89 enterprises and the subsidies supported by
6 foundations.
Receptors play pivotal roles not only in various physiological and pathophysiological
functions, but also as promising drug targets. Currently, there is remarkable progress in thebasic and clinical research in a number of receptors based on the recent progress of molecularbiology and genomics. The aim of this symposium was to provide the opportunity for the
integration and fruitful discussion of current accumulating results which were related to thereceptor mechanism such as signal transduction, diseases, novel technology in evaluating the149

receptor function and novel drug discovery.
A special lecture “Membrane transporters and drug response” was presented by Prof.
Yuichi Sugiyama (University of Tokyo) and facilitated interdisciplinary discussions. Twoluncheon seminar were presented as follow: ”Therapeutic receptor targets for lower urinary
tract dysfunction” by Dr Naoki Yoshimura (University of Pittsburgh) and “At the frontline of
Alzheimer’s disease treatment: -secretase inhibitor/modulator mechanism” by Dr Taisuke
Tomita (University of Tokyo). The major contents in 5th IRS Symposia were six
comprehensive symposia of the following titles: (1) Brain receptors-Basic to clinical researchon function, disease and drug targets, (2) Lower urinary tract receptors-Basic to clinicalresearch on function, disease and drug targets, (3) GPCR as a novel drug discovery target, (4)Cardiovascular receptors-Basic to clinical research on function, disease and drug targets, (5)Analysis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and novel technology in determining
receptor function, and (6) Current topics. Twenty-six invited speakers lectured on these
symposia, and also 63 posters were displayed.
In the previous four symposia, the subjects were inclined to basic researches on receptor
mechanisms, signal transduction and drug effects. As additional themes, in the present
symposium,

we were focusing on receptors in major regulatory systems in the body. Thissymposium covered the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, urological system,
GPSR as a novel drug discovery target and current other topics as shown in the above special
lectures and symposium titles. Further, the sessions for the analysis of pharmacokinetics andpharmacodynamics and for the novel technology in determining receptor function lapped up
the aspects relating drug discovery and development. We are convinced that this symposium
could propose not only new direction and prospective for future receptor research, but
promote mutual exchange between researchers in Japan and overseas and also that
stimulating discussions in this meeting must lead to many new breakthroughs and promotemutual exchanges between researchers.
Have done travel expense help to not only 16 specialists (invited speakers) from 7
countries and 1 area, but also 5 young researchers and students from two University in
Thailand, which are friendship schools of University of Shizuoka. Owing to manyfoundations and contributors including the Novartis Foundation, suppressing the registration
fee for the young researcher to low amount (15,000 yen and 5,000 yen for student) became
possible. In connection with this fact, 63 posters by young researchers and students were
presented and about 120 graduate students attended this symposium. They possibly pursue
the second revolution in the research for receptors.
Organizing committee will decide the time and place for the next symposium in a few
months. The academic outcome of 5th IRS will be published as a special issue of Naunyn

150

Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology in Germany (Chief Editor: Martin C. Michel) in
2007.
7. Additional description
7.1 Number of participating countries: 12 countries and 1 area
7.2 Approvals: For the present symposium, 5 academic societies and association in Japan haveapproved.
7.3 Photos

Hall panorama (Special Lecture)Hall panorama

Hall panorama (Lunceon Seminer)

Invited speakers and organizing committee