bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of FAZF as a novel BMP2‐induced transcription factor during osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Ikeda Ryuji , Yoshida Kenichi , Inoue Ituro 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is a key factor in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation; however, its downstream mediators are not fully understood. Previously, we identified and characterized transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), composed of an N‐terminal BTB/POZ and C‐terminal zinc finger motifs, as an upstream factor of CBFA1 (Runx2/core‐binding factor 1). PLZF was induced in an osteoblastic differentiation medium, but was not induced by BMP2. Here, we report the identification of transcription factor fanconi anemia zinc finger protein (FAZF), which is closely related to PLZF. FAZF was induced by BMP2 in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In addition to the full‐length FAZF, we also identified alternatively spliced mRNAs in which the C‐terminal zinc finger motifs were deleted (designated BTB/POZ‐only FAZF). Both the full‐length and BTB/POZ‐only FAZF mRNAs were equally expressed in BMP2‐treated hMSCs. The full‐length FAZF was exclusively detected in the nucleus, whereas the BTB/POZ‐only FAZF protein was localized in the cytoplasm of the transfected cells. The full‐length FAZF, but not the BTB/POZ‐only FAZF, increased the expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers, including CBFA1, collagen 1A1, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase in C2C12 cells. In conclusion, both FAZF and PLZF differentially participate in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation via the BMP2 and CBFA1 signaling pathways, respectively. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 147–154, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular analysis of RANKL‐independent cell fusion of osteoclast‐like cells induced by TNF‐α, lipopolysaccharide, or peptidoglycan
Authors: Hotokezaka Hitoshi , Sakai Eiko , Ohara Naoya , Hotokezaka Yuka , Gonzales Carmen , Matsuo Ken‐ichiro , Fujimura Yuji , Yoshida Noriaki , Nakayama Koji 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFocusing on the final step of osteoclastogenesis, we studied cell fusion from tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive mononuclear cells into multinuclear cells. TRAP‐positive mononuclear cells before generation of multinuclear cells by cell fusion were differentiated from RAW264.7 cells by treatment with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), and then the cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by culturing for further 12 h. LPS‐induced cell fusion even in the absence of RANKL. Similarly, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and peptidoglycan (PGN) induced cell fusion, but M‐CSF did not. The cell fusion induced by RANKL, TNF‐α, and LPS was specifically blocked by osteoprotegerin (OPG), anti‐TNF‐α antibody, and polymyxin B, respectively. LPS‐ and PGN‐induced cell fusion was partly inhibited by anti‐TNF‐α antibody but not by OPG. When TRAP‐positive mononuclear cells fused to yield multinuclear cells, phosphorylation of Akt, Src, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38MAPK (p38), and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) was observed. The specific chemical inhibitors LY294002 (PI3K), PP2 (Src), U0126 (MAPK‐ERK kinase (MEK)/ERK), and SP600125 (JNK) effectively suppressed cell fusion, although SB203580 (p38) did not. mRNA of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells c1 (NFATc1) and dendritic cell‐specific transmembrane protein (DC‐STAMP) during the cell fusion was quantified, however, there was no obvious difference among the TRAP‐positive mononuclear cells treated with or without M‐CSF, RANKL, TNF‐α, LPS, or PGN. Collectively, RANKL, TNF‐α, LPS, and PGN induced cell fusion of osteoclasts through their own receptors. Subsequent activation of signaling pathways involving PI3K, Src, ERK, and JNK molecules was required for the cell fusion. Although DC‐STAMP is considered to be a requisite for cell fusion of osteoclasts, cell fusion‐inducing factors other than DC‐STAMP might be necessary for the cell fusion. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 122–134, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of abnormal nuclear shapes in two distinct modes by overexpression of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 5 in Hela cells
Authors: Fukuda Hirokazu , Tsuchiya Naoto , Hara‐Fujita Kaori , Takagi Sachiyo , Nagao Minako , Nakagama Hitoshi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractOkadaic acid‐sensitve serine/threonine protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is expressed ubiquitously in various tissues and is considered to participate in many cellular processes. PP5 has a catalytic domain in the C‐terminal region and three tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs in the N‐terminal region, which are suspected to function as a protein–protein interaction domain. Physiological roles of PP5 are still largely unknown, although several PP5‐binding proteins were reported and a few in vivo functions of PP5 were suggested. In the present study, the effects of expression of the full‐length wild‐type PP5 fused with EGFP (EGFP‐PP5WT) and its phosphatase‐dead mutant EGFP‐PP5H304A were investigated. Transient expression of either EGFP‐PP5WT or EGFP‐PP5H304A in HeLa cells induced deformed nuclei with a 10‐fold frequency compared to that of EGFP. Abnormal‐shaped nuclei were also substantially increased by induced moderate expression of PP5 in tet‐on HeLa cells. Many HeLa cells expressing EGFP‐PP5WT possessed multi‐nuclei separated from each other by nuclear membrane, while expression of EGFP‐PP5H304A induced deformed nuclei which were multiple‐like in shape, but not separated completely and were surrounded by one nuclear membrane. These results suggest that PP5 plays important roles at the M‐phase of the cell cycle, especially in separation of chromosomes and formation of nuclear membrane. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 321–330, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curcumin‐induced GADD153 upregulation: Modulation by glutathione
Authors: Scott David W. , Loo George 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAs we reported previously, GADD153 is upregulated in colon cancer cells exposed to curcumin. In the present study, we ascertained the involvement of glutathione and certain sulfhydryl enzymes associated with signal transduction in mediating the effect of curcumin on GADD153. Curcumin‐induced GADD153 gene upregulation was attenuated by reduced glutathione (GSH) or N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and potentiated by the glutathione synthesis inhibitor, L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO). Additionally, GSH and NAC decreased the intracellular content of curcumin. Conversely, curcumin decreased intracellular glutathione and also increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, but either GSH or NAC prevented both of these effects of curcumin. In affecting the thiol redox status, curcumin caused activation of certain sulfhydryl enzymes involved in signal transduction linked to GADD153 expression. Curcumin increased the expression of the phosphorylated forms of PTK, PDK1, and PKC‐δ, which was attenuated by either GSH or NAC and potentiated by BSO. Furthermore, selective inhibitors of PI3K and PKC‐δ attenuated curcumin‐induced GADD153 upregulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that a regulatory thiol redox‐sensitive signaling cascade exists in the molecular pathway leading to induction of GADD153 expression as caused by curcumin. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 307–320, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Centrosomal localization of DNA damage checkpoint proteins
Authors: Zhang Suisheng , Hemmerich Peter , Grosse Frank 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDuring mitosis, the phosphatidylinositol‐3 (PI‐3) family‐related DNA damage checkpoint kinases ATM and ATR were found on the centrosomes of human cells. ATRIP, an interaction partner of ATR, as well as Chk1 and Chk2, the downstream targets of ATR or ATM, were also localized to the centrosomes. Surprisingly, the DNA‐PK inhibitor vanillin enhanced the level of ATM on centrosomes. Accordingly, DNA‐PKcs, the catalytic subunit of DNA‐PK, was also found on the centrosomes. Vanillin altered the phosphorylation of Chk2 in the centrosomes and in whole cell extracts. Nucleoplasmic ATM co‐immunoprecipitated with Ku70/86, the DNA binding subunits of DNA‐PK, while vanillin diminished this association. Vanillin did not affect microtubule polymerization at the centrosomes but, surprisingly, caused a transient enhancement of α‐tubulin foci in the nucleus. Interestingly, γ‐tubulin was also present in the nucleus and co‐immunoprecipitated with ATR or BRCA1. DNA damage led to a reduction of the mentioned checkpoint proteins on the centrosomes but increased the level of γ‐tubulin at this organelle. Taken together, these results indicate that DNA damage checkpoint proteins may control the formation of γ‐tubulin and/or the kinetics of microtubule formation at the centrosomes, and thereby couple them to the DNA damage response. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 451–465, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proliferation of human breast cancer cells and anti‐cancer action of doxorubicin and vinblastine are independent of PKC‐α
Authors: Liu Daniel SD , Krebs Chad E. , Liu Shi J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractProtein kinase C (PKC) has been considered for a potential target of anticancer chemotherapy. PKC‐α has been associated with growth and metastasis of some cancer cells. However, the role of PKC‐α in human breast cancer cell proliferation and anticancer chemotherapy remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether alterations of PKC‐α by phorbol esters and PKC inhibitors could affect proliferation of human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells and the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents. Exposure for 24 h to doxorubicin (DOX) and vinblastine (VIN) caused a concentration‐dependent reduction in proliferation of MCF‐7 cells. However, these two anticancer drugs altered cellular morphology and growth pattern in distinct manners. Phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate (PDBu, 100 nM), which enhanced activities of PKC‐α, increased cancer cell proliferation and attenuated VIN (1 µM)‐induced cytotoxicity. These effects were not affected in the presence of 10 nM staurosporine. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 100 nM) that completely depleted PKC‐α also enhanced cancer cell proliferation and attenuated VIN‐induced cytotoxicity. Three potent PKC inhibitors, staurosporine (10 nM), chelerythrine (5 µM) and bisindolylmaleimide‐I (100 nM), had no significant effect on MCF‐7 cell proliferation; staurosporine and chelerythrine, but not bisindolylmaleimide‐I, attenuated VIN‐induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, neither phorbol esters nor PKC inhibitors had an effect on cytotoxic effects of DOX (1 µM) on MCF‐7 cell proliferation. Thus, these data suggest that MCF‐7 cell proliferation or the anti‐cancer action of DOX and VIN on breast cancer cells is independent of PKC‐α. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 517–528, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prosaposin is a novel androgen‐regulated gene in prostate cancer cell line LNCaP
Authors: Koochekpour S. , Lee T.‐J. , Wang R. , Sun Y. , Delorme N. , Hiraiwa M. , Grabowski G.A. , Culig Z. , Minokadeh A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAndrogen‐regulated genes (ARG) are implicated in normal and neoplastic growth of the prostate. Recently, we reported genomic amplification and/or overexpression of a previously known neurotrophic factor, prosaposin, in androgen‐independent (AI) or metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells and tissues. Prosaposin and/or its known active molecular derivatives (e.g., saposin C) function as a pluripotent growth factor with diverse biological activities that favor malignant phenotypes in PCa cells. In addition, prosaposin or saposin C upregulates androgen receptor (AR) and AR‐target genes (i.e., prostate‐specific antigen, Probasin) expression and activity in LNCaP cells. Here, we examined prosaposin as an ARG. We report that DHT treatment of LNCaP cells increases prosaposin expression. In addition, we demonstrate androgen‐responsiveness of prosaposin promoter and AR occupancy to a hormone‐responsive element located in the proximal region of the prosaposin promoter. Our data for the first time identify prosaposin as an ARG. This observation, together with the pleiotropic growth factor activity of prosaposin, might suggest a role for this molecule in AR‐dependent progression of prostate cancer at its early or late AI‐state. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 631–641, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Baculovirus transduction of rat articular chondrocytes: roles of cell cycle
Authors: Lee Hsiao‐Ping , Chen Yen‐Lin , Shen Heng‐Chun , Lo Wen‐Hsin , Hu Yu‐Chen 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously demonstrated highly efficient baculovirus transduction of primary rat articular chondrocytes, thus implicating the possible applications of baculovirus in gene‐based cartilage tissue engineering. However, baculovirus‐mediated gene expression in the chondrocytes is transient.MethodsIn this study, we attempted to prolong the expression by supertransduction, but uncovered that after long‐term culture the chondrocytes became more refractory to baculovirus transduction. Therefore, the correlation between baculovirus‐mediated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression and cell cycle was investigated by comparing the cycling chondrocytes and chondrocytes rich in quiescent cells, in terms of EGFP expression, virus uptake, cell cycle distribution, nuclear import and methylation of viral DNA.ResultsWe demonstrated, for the first time, that baculovirus‐mediated transduction of chondrocytes is correlated with the cell cycle. The chondrocytes predominantly in G2/M phase were approximately twice as efficient in EGFP expression as the cycling cells, while the cells in S and G1 phases expressed EGFP as efficiently as the cycling cells. Notably, the chondrocyte populations rich in quiescent cells resulted in efficient virus uptake, but less effective nuclear transport of baculoviral DNA and higher degree of methylation, and hence poorer transgene expression.ConclusionsThese findings unravel the practical limitations when employing baculovirus in cartilage tissue engineering. The implications and possible solutions are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvation structure of magnesium, zinc, and alkaline earth metal ions in N,N‐dimethylformamide, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, and their mixtures studied by means of Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations—Ionic size and electronic effects on steric congestion
Authors: Asada Mitsunori , Fujimori Takao , Fujii Kenta , Kanzaki Ryo , Umebayashi Yasuhiro , Ishiguro Shin‐ichi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe solvation structure of magnesium, zinc(II), and alkaline earth metal ions in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA), and their mixtures has been studied by means of Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The solvation number is revealed to be 6, 7, 8, and 8 for Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+, respectively, in both DMF and DMA. The δ (OCN) vibration of DMF shifts to a higher wavenumber upon binding to the metal ions and the shift Δν(= νbound − νfree) becomes larger, when the ionic radius of the metal ion becomes smaller. The ν (NCH3) vibration of DMA also shifts to a higher wavenumber upon binding to the metal ions. However, the shift Δν saturates for small ions, as well as the transition‐metal (II) ions, implying that steric congestion among solvent molecules takes place in the coordination sphere. It is also indicated that, despite the magnesium ion having practically the same ionic radius as the zinc(II) ion of six‐coordination, their solvation numbers in DMA are significantly different. DFT calculations for these metalsolvate clusters of varying solvation numbers revealed that not only solvent–solvent interaction through space but also the bonding nature of the metal ion plays an essential role in the steric congestion. The individual solvation number and the Raman shift Δν in DMF–DMA mixtures indicate that steric congestion is significant for the magnesium ion, but not appreciable for calcium, strontium, and barium ions, despite the solvation number of these metal ions being large. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retention of carotenoids in cassava roots submitted to different processing methods
Authors: Chávez AL , Sánchez T , Ceballos H , Rodriguez‐Amaya DB , Nestel P , Tohme J , Ishitani M 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLarge genetic variation in carotenoid content has been reported after screening roots from thousands of cassava genotypes. Moreover, these pigments have to withstand different processing methods before cassava is consumed. True retention of β‐carotene from cassava roots that had been boiled, oven‐dried, sun‐dried, shadow‐dried, or used for gari preparation was measured. True retention was also measured after storing for 2 or 4 weeks some of the products of these processing methods. Oven‐drying, shadow drying and boiling retained the highest levels of β‐carotene (71.9, 59.2 and 55.7%, respectively) and gari the lowest (about 34.1%). Higher retention was observed when dried roots were kept as chips rather than as flour. Storage of flour packed in plastic bags under vacuum unexpectedly resulted in higher losses than storage of flour packed in plastic bags without the application of vacuum. Losses were higher during the first 2 weeks and tended to be considerably lower during the second 2 weeks of storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of different varieties of cauliflower for minimal processing
Authors: Sanz Susana , Olarte Carmen , Echávarri J Federico , Ayala Fernando 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe impact of minimal processing technology on the sensory quality and the growth of micro‐organisms in eight varieties of cauliflower packaged in four different films (one PVC and three P‐Plus) was measured and quantified during more than 25 days of storage at 4 °C. Other important parameters such as weight loss and gas concentration in the packages were also determined. The composition of the atmosphere in the packages of minimally processed cauliflower depended on both the permeability of the film used for the packaging and the variety of cauliflower. When establishing shelf‐life, loss of sensory quality was the deciding factor rather than loss of microbiological quality. The initial microbial load proved more important than the composition of the atmosphere inside the packages. In sensory evaluation the most important aspect was colour. In instrumental evaluation, coordinate b* was the main means of estimating shelf‐life. The combination of P‐Plus 120 film and varieties of cauliflower of large size and great vigour allowed the atmosphere inside the packages to have an O2 level below 10% and a CO2 level above 10%. That atmosphere composition proved essential for maintaining the sensory quality of minimally processed cauliflower. In these conditions, samples attained a shelf‐life of more than 25 days. However, the different behaviours of the cauliflower varieties make it necessary to establish particular packaging conditions. The use of less permeable films than those used in this study, or the use of actively modified atmospheres, could be an alternative for those varieties that require special packaging conditions when processed using this technology. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitrostudy on antioxidant activities of peanut protein hydrolysate
Authors: Chen Gui‐tang , Zhao Lin , Zhao Li‐yan , Cong Tao , Bao Shan‐fen 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPeanut protein was hydrolysed with a commercial protease, Alcalase 2.4L, and the resulting hydrolysate was investigated for its antioxidant activities, including the ability to inhibit the autoxidation of linoleic acid, the scavenging effect on the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, the reducing power and the inhibition of liver lipid oxidation. As compared with the peanut protein, peanut protein hydrolysate showed strong inhibition of the autoxidation of linoleic acid, to scavenge DPPH free radical and showed strong reducing power. Moreover, peanut protein hydrolysate also displayed noticeable inhibition of liver lipid autoxidation and lipid oxidation induced by H2O2or Fe2+in vitro. All these effects of the sample were concentration‐dependent. These results suggest that peanut protein hydrolysate could be a suitable natural antioxidant and may be a health food for humans. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of calcium propionate on the microstructure and pectin methy‐ lesterase activity in the parenchyma of fresh‐cut Fuji apples
Authors: Quiles Amparo , Hernando Isabel , Pérez‐Munuera Isabel , Lluch Ma Ángeles 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for fresh‐cut fruits. One of the main problems with these products is their short shelf life. The use of additives such as calcium propionate may increase their shelf life, because calcium preserves the structural integrity of the cells and propionate acts as food preservative. This work analyses the microstructure of Fuji apple parenchyma treated with calcium propionate immediately after treatment and after storage for 1 and 2 weeks at 4 °C by using light microscopy (LM) and low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM). This work also studies the effects of treatment and storage time on the enzymatic activity of pectin methylesterase (PME) by measuring the amount of acid released per unit of time at pH 7 and at 63 °C. The results show that calcium propionate treatment has consolidating and structuring effects on the parenchyma and partially minimises the degrading effects of fresh‐cut apples. In addition, treatment with calcium propionate decreases the activity of the PME both in non‐stored apples and in those stored for 1 and 2 weeks probably due to the inhibiting effect of propionate. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Huang Xuemei , Chen Honglei , Miller William C. , Mailman Richard B. , Woodard Jennifer L. , Chen Peter C. , Xiang Dong , Murrow Richard W. , Wang Yi‐Zhe , Poole Charles 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 allele has been associated with both Parkinson's disease (PD) and lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). We tested the hypothesis that lower LDL‐C may be associated with PD. This case–control study used fasting lipid profiles obtained from 124 PD cases and 112 controls. The PD cases were recruited from consecutive cases presenting at our tertiary Movement Disorder Clinic, and the controls were recruited from the spouse populations of the same clinic. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from unconditional logistic regressions, adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and use of cholesterol‐lowering agents. Lower LDL‐C concentrations were associated with a higher occurrence of PD. Compared with participants with the highest LDL‐C (≥138 mg/dL), the OR was 2.2 (95% CI = 0.9–5.1) for participants with LDL‐C of 115 to 137, 3.5 (95% CI = 1.6–8.1) for LDL‐C of 93 to 114, and 2.6 (95% CI = 1.1–5.9) for LDL‐C of ≤ 92. Interestingly, use of either cholesterol‐lowering drugs, or statins alone, was related to lower PD occurrence. Thus, our data provide preliminary evidence that low LDL‐C may be associated with higher occurrence of PD, and/or that statin use may lower PD occurrence, either of which finding warrants further investigation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society