Cloning and functional expression of an E box-binding protein from rat granulosa cells

Ovarian granulosa cells undergo cell growth and cytodifferentiation during follicular maturation. In a number of tissues, the gene expression that is responsible for the cytodifferentiation is largely dependent on E box(es) located upstream of the responsible genes. In this study, we report on the cloning of cDNA(s) encoding E box (5'-CACGTG-3')-binding protein from a rat granulosa cell cDNA library using a yeast one-hybrid system. When multiple E box sequences were used as target, we obtained a positive clone that encodes the rat homologue of upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2). An analysis of the nucleotide sequence and its deduced amino acid sequence reveals that rat USF2 protein consists of 346 amino acid residues and belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper protein family. Northern blot analysis shows that rat USF2 mRNA exists as multiple forms between 1.6 and 2.2 kilobases. The size of the cloned insert was identical to that of the transcript of maximal length. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that in vitro-translated rat USF2 specifically binds to the E box. In addition, cotransfection experiments with luciferase-reporter constructs in HepG2 cells reveal that the overexpression of rat USF2 leads to an increase of luciferase activity in the E box sequence-dependent manner. Thus, we report molecular cloning, expression, and functional characterization of full-length rat USF2 cDNA.

Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in taste buds of mouse and hamster

Taste buds are specialized epithelial cell clusters in the oral squamous cell epithelium. Although taste buds have been reported to renew rapidly, the mechanism of cell cycle control in these specialized structures remains unresolved. To clarify the cell cycle status and role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKI) for cell cycle control in the taste buds, we analyzed cell proliferation activity using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and Ki-67 immunostainings and the expression of the Cip/Kip family of CDKI (p21Cip1, p27Kip1, and p57Kip2) in the circumvallate papillae of mouse and hamster. BrdU-positive cells were detected in the basal layer of the oral epithelium. In the taste buds, Ki-67-positive cells were seen in the basal area, with only a very few positive cells in the taste buds. Both p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 positive cells were seen in the suprabasal layer of the non-gustatory oral epithelium. In the taste buds, stronger p27Kip1 staining was detected than in the non-gustatory epithelium. Western blotting analysis revealed that p27Kip1 was abundant in the mucosal tissues from circumvallate papillae. Thus, our study suggests that the taste bud cells except for basal cells are post-mitotic cells and that the cell cycle arrest associated with taste bud cell differentiation could be regulated predominantly by p27Kip1.

Significance of proneural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in neuroendocrine differentiation of fetal lung epithelial cells and lung carcinoma cells

In this brief review article, we describe how cell fate determination by which the airway epithelial cells become neuroendocrine or non-neuroendocrine is regulated by a network of basic helix-loop-helix transcription (bHLH) factors in a similar manner to neuronal differentiation, and how this system could work to determine cell differentiation of human lung carcinomas. Immunohistochemical studies reveal that mammalina achaete-scute complex homologue (Mash)1 is expressed in pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC), while hairy and Enhancer of split (Hes)1 is expressed in pulmonary non-neuroendocrine cells (non-PNEC). Studies using gene-deficient mice for the bHLH factors revealed that in Mash1 homozygous null mice no PNEC are detected, while PNEC increase markedly in Hes1 homozygous null mice. These observations suggest that Mash1 is an essential positive factor for neuroendocrine differentiation of lung epithelium, and that Hes1 is one of the repressive factors for neuroendocrine differentiation. Moreover, immunohistochemical studies revealed that Notch receptors are detected in non-PNEC, and thus the Notch signalling pathway could play a role in the determination of airway epithelial cell differentiation. In human lung carcinomas, a similar bHLH network should operate to determine cell differentiation phenotypes. Generally, expression of the human homologue of Mash1 (HASH1) is detected in small cell carcinoma and carcinoids, while Hes1 seems to be expressed mainly in non-small cell carcinoma. Thus, proneuronal bHLH factors may play roles in cell fate determination of the airway epithelial system, and may regulate human airway epithelial cells in diseased conditions.

Conversion from mitosis to meiosis: morphology and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Dmc1 during newt spermatogenesis

The conversion from mitosis to meiosis is a phenomenon specific to the cellular progenitors of gametes; however, the mechanism or mechanisms responsible for this conversion are poorly understood. To this end, some morphological and molecular changes that occur during the initiation of meiosis in newt spermatogenesis are reported in the present paper. In situ morphologic studies revealed that spermatogonial stages comprise two phases: early mitotic generations (G1-G4) and late mitotic generations (G5-G8). Morphologic conversion from secondary spermatogonia to primary spermatocytes occurred during the intermediate stage of premeiotic DNA replication. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a DNA polymerase-delta auxiliary protein, in spermatogonia was weak in G1, highest during DNA synthesis (S), decreased in G2 and was not detectable in dividing cells. Complementary DNA for newt homologs of DMC1 (disrupted meiotic cDNA), which is an Escherichia coli RecA-like protein specifically active during meiosis, were isolated. The newt Dmc1 mRNA was first expressed significantly during the preleptotene stage and this continued into the spermatid stage. These observations present a basis for investigating the mechanism(s) controlling the conversion of newt spermatogonial cells from mitosis to meiosis.

Newt prolactin and its involvement in reproduction

The amino acid sequence of newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) prolactin deduced from the nucleotide sequence of its cDNA showed a relatively high homology with sequences of chicken and sea turtle prolactins as well as with those of anuran prolactins. Cynops prolactin receptor transcripts were detected in various tissues and organs, suggesting that prolactin plays multiple roles in urodeles. Urodele prolactin was purified from the pituitaries of C. pyrrhogaster. Antiserum against this prolactin was used for radioimmunoassay of plasma prolactin and immunoneutralization experiments. Endogenous prolactin was shown to induce migration to water, courtship behavior, and cessation of spermatocytogenesis in the Cynops newt. The hormone was found to be involved in the development of cloacal glands such as the lateral and abdominal glands, growth of the tail and Mauthner neurons, secretion of oviducal jelly, and enhanced synthesis of a female attracting pheromone (sodefrin), and responsiveness of the olfactory epithelium to sodefrin. In most of these cases, prolactin was found to act synergistically or antagonistically with sex steroids. We also discovered that hypersecretion of prolactin in the newts subjected to cold temperature was induced by hypothalamic stimulation rather than release from hypothalamic inhibition.Key words: prolactin, newts, reproduction.

Newt prolactin and its involvement in reproduction

The amino acid sequence of newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) prolactin deduced from the nucleotide sequence of its cDNA showed a relatively high homology with sequences of chicken and sea turtle prolactins as well as with those of anuran prolactins. Cynops prolactin receptor transcripts were detected in various tissues and organs, suggesting that prolactin plays multiple roles in urodeles. Urodele prolactin was purified from the pituitaries of C. pyrrhogaster. Antiserum against this prolactin was used for radioimmunoassay of plasma prolactin and immunoneutralization experiments. Endogenous prolactin was shown to induce migration to water, courtship behavior, and cessation of spermatocytogenesis in the Cynops newt. The hormone was found to be involved in the development of cloacal glands such as the lateral and abdominal glands, growth of the tail and Mauthner neurons, secretion of oviducal jelly, and enhanced synthesis of a female attracting pheromone (sodefrin), and responsiveness of the olfactory epithelium to sodefrin. In most of these cases, prolactin was found to act synergistically or antagonistically with sex steroids. We also discovered that hypersecretion of prolactin in the newts subjected to cold temperature was induced by hypothalamic stimulation rather than release from hypothalamic inhibition.

Ventricular arrhythmias with left bundle branch block pattern and inferior axis: assessment of their mechanisms on the basis of response to ATP, nicorandil and verapamil

The present study investigated the mechanism of ventricular arrhythmias showing left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern with an inferior axis. The effects of 3 drugs, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicorandil and verapamil, were evaluated in 17 patients. ATP suppressed the arrhythmias in 14 patients and nicorandil suppressed them in 8 of those 14. Verapamil suppressed 5 of the 6 ATP-nicorandil-sensitive arrhythmias. Four patients with ATP- or nicorandil-sensitive arrhythmias were not sensitive to verapamil. On the other hand, 3 of the ATP-insensitive arrhythmias were sensitive to neither nicorandil nor verapamil. The QT intervals and QTc were shortened by nicorandil in 5 of the 6 patients who were sensitive to all 3 drugs. One mechanism of suppression by nicorandil could be related to less Ca++ entering the myocardium, which would decrease the duration of the action potential as indicated by the shortened QT intervals. The results suggest that the mechanism of some ventricular arrhythmias is related to triggered activity. Arrhythmias that are sensitive to ATP or nicorandil, but not to verapamil, may be caused by abnormal automaticity. On the other hand, arrhythmias that are insensitive to all 3 drugs might be related to reentry. The features of ventricular arrhythmias with LBBB pattern and inferior axis differ and therefore the causative mechanisms are not the same.

Reduced expression of p27/Kip1 is associated with the development of pulmonary adenocarcinoma

p27/Kip1 (p27), a negative regulator of cell proliferation, is a powerful prognostic marker in non-small cell lung carcinoma. To clarify the significance of p27 aberrations in the tumourigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma, p27 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in lung adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesion, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), and correlated with the expression of Ki-67, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. The p27 labelling index decreased in parallel with tumour progression (24.0% to 4.5%) and was found to be lower in neoplastic lesions than in normal bronchiolar epithelial cells (48.8%). There was a negative correlation between p27 and Ki-67 expression (rho=-0.384, p<0.001). Cyclin E-positive lesions (with labelling index >/=5%) were found only in overt adenocarcinomas. The Ki-67 labelling index of cyclin E-positive, high (>/=10%) p27 expressers was lower than that of cyclin E-positive, low (<10%) p27 expressers (16.8% vs. 42.6%; p=0. 046) and was similar to that of cyclin E-negative adenocarcinomas (15.0%). These results indicate that reduced p27 expression is associated with and may play a role in progression during the development of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors regulate the neuroendocrine differentiation of fetal mouse pulmonary epithelium

To clarify the mechanisms that regulate neuroendocrine differentiation of fetal lung epithelia, we have studied the expression of the mammalian homologs of achaete-scute complex (Mash1) (Ascl1 - Mouse Genome Informatics); hairy and enhancer of split1 (Hes1); and the expression of Notch/Notch-ligand system in the fetal and adult mouse lungs, and in the lungs of Mash1- or Hes1-deficient mice. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that Mash1-positive cells seemed to belong to pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC) and their precursors. In mice deficient for Mash1, no PNEC were detected. Hes1-positive cells belong to non-neuroendocrine cells. In the mice deficient in Hes1, in which Mash1 mRNA was upregulated, PNEC appeared precociously, and the number of PNEC was markedly increased. NeuroD (Neurod1 - Mouse Genome Informatics) expression in the lung was detected in the adult, and was enhanced in the fetal lungs of Hes1-null mice. Expression of Notch1, Notch2, Notch3 and Notch4 mRNAs in the mouse lung increased with age, and Notch1 mRNA was expressed in a Hes1-dependent manner. Notch1, Notch2 and Notch3 were immunohistochemically detected in non-neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, analyses of the lungs from the gene-targeted mice suggested that expression of Delta-like 1 (Dll1 - Mouse Genome Informatics) mRNA depends on Mash1. Thus, the neuroendocrine differentiation depends on basic helix-loop-helix factors, and Notch/Notch-ligand pathways may be involved in determining the cell differentiation fate in fetal airway epithelium.

Reduced expression of p27/Kip1 is associated with the development of pulmonary adenocarcinoma

p27/Kip1 (p27), a negative regulator of cell proliferation, is a powerful prognostic marker in non-small cell lung carcinoma. To clarify the significance of p27 aberrations in the tumourigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma, p27 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in lung adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesion, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), and correlated with the expression of Ki-67, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. The p27 labelling index decreased in parallel with tumour progression (24.0% to 4.5%) and was found to be lower in neoplastic lesions than in normal bronchiolar epithelial cells (48.8%). There was a negative correlation between p27 and Ki-67 expression (rho=-0.384, p<0.001). Cyclin E-positive lesions (with labelling index >/=5%) were found only in overt adenocarcinomas. The Ki-67 labelling index of cyclin E-positive, high (>/=10%) p27 expressers was lower than that of cyclin E-positive, low (<10%) p27 expressers (16.8% vs. 42.6%; p=0. 046) and was similar to that of cyclin E-negative adenocarcinomas (15.0%). These results indicate that reduced p27 expression is associated with and may play a role in progression during the development of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Alteration in dopamine metabolism in the thermoregulatory center of exercising rats

To examine the role of monoamines and amino acids in thermoregulation, we measured their concentrations in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) in exercising rats, using an in vivo microdialysis technique. Body temperature (Tb) was monitored using a telemetry system. Tb increase by about 1.0 degrees C in the first 15 min of treadmill exercise (10 m/min; for 60 min), and was maintained thereafter at a steady high level possibly due to activation of the heat loss system. The levels of dopamine metabolites (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid) in the PO/AH significantly increased during exercise. However, exercise did not induce an increase in the level of either serotonergic substances (5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) or amino acids (aspartate and glutamate). Our data indicate that dopamine breakdown processes in the PO/AH are activated during exercise. Dopamine in the PO/AH may be involved in the heat loss mechanisms for thermoregulation when Tb rises during exercise.

Effects of ambient light on body temperature regulation in resting and exercising rats

We investigated the effects of environmental light and darkness on thermoregulation during both daytime and nighttime by monitoring body temperature (T(b)) and physical activity of rats using a telemetry system. Experiments were performed in both resting and exercising rats. In resting rats, lights-off during the daytime resulted in an increase in both T(b) and activity. Conversely, during the nighttime, T(b) decreased with the lights-on stimulus despite the fact that the activity was left unchanged. Treadmill exercise (10 m/min) always increased T(b) from the basal resting level. In both daytime and nighttime, exercising rats exhibited a persistent T(b)-rise when lights were on. However, in the lights-off condition at nighttime, the T(b) of exercising rats increased to a level significantly higher than that of exercising rats with the lights-on. Our results suggest that light at nighttime causes the suppression of T(b) in both resting and exercising rats.

Prolactin induces apoptosis in the penultimate spermatogonial stage of the testes in Japanese red-bellied newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster)

Cell death is a common feature during spermatogenesis and, in some seasonal breeding animals, is often observed at the transition stage from spermatogonia to spermatocytes. In the Japanese red-bellied newt, we have previously shown that this cell death is caused by the elevated titer of plasma PRL that occurs after animals are transferred to low temperature, suggesting that cell death causes the cessation of spermatocytogenesis from late autumn to early spring. In the present report, first we show that the injection of PRL into newts causes apoptosis in spermatogonia after the sixth mitotic division, the penultimate one before spermatogonia normally enter meiosis. Second, we demonstrate in organ cultures of testes fragments that PRL acts directly on the testes. Third, we show that the action by PRL is inhibited by FSH dose dependently.

Scopoletin uptake from culture medium and accumulation in the vacuoles after conversion to scopolin in 2,4-D-treated tobacco cells

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. Bright Yellow) T-13 cell line has the ability to produce scopoletin endogenously and release some of it into the culture medium. We investigated the mechanism of scopoletin uptake following treatment of a tobacco culture with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Addition of [14C]-labeled scopoletin showed that scopoletin was taken up by 2,4-D-treated cells and converted to scopolin, a 7-O-glucoside of scopoletin. This uptake of scopoletin began 6 h after 2,4-D addition to the cells. Experiments using several inhibitors showed that this uptake was energy-dependent. The phenomenon of 2,4-D-stimulated uptake was observed only for 7-hydroxycoumarins, such as scopoletin, umbelliferone and esculetin. To further investigate the site for scopoletin accumulation, we separated the vacuoles from T-13 cells and quantified the coumarin contents in this fraction. Most of the scopoletin in the vacuoles was present as glucoconjugate, scopolin. Moreover, glucosylation activity was absent from isolated vacuoles and, therefore, is likely to be located in the cytosol. Therefore, we can state that 2,4-D treatment of tobacco cells stimulated scopoletin uptake. The scopoletin was converted into scopolin in the cytoplasm, and then transferred into the vacuoles.

Disseminated metastasis of neuroblastomatous component in immature mediastinal teratoma: a case report

A 17-year-old man with high levels of serum AFP and hCG was diagnosed as having primary mediastinal GCT. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy decreased the biomarkers, but the mass showed further growth. Pathological examination of the resected mass revealed a mixture of immature and mature teratomas. Six months after the surgery, the patient died of a dissemination of neuroblastomatous cells, which were similar to those in the immature neural component of the primary tumor. A disseminated metastasis of neuroblastoma in immature mediastinal teratoma is a rare complication. Serum NSE can be a useful marker in detecting the metastasis.

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma mimicking traumatic hematoma

We describe the clinical course of a 16-year-old baseball player with a history of recurrent hematoma of the thigh. The lesion was aspirated percutaneously several times and curetted under the diagnosis of traumatic hematoma. Microscopical examination revealed massive hemorrhage, necrosis, and a small number of Ewing's sarcoma cells. He died of multiple metastases. With recurrent hematoma in the soft tissue, neoplastic lesions should be ruled out.

Elevation of plasma prolactin concentrations by low temperature is the cause of spermatogonial cell death in the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster

Temperature plays an important role in reproduction of urodeles. Spermatogenesis in newts is arrested when the environmental temperature lowers. We found that transfer of newts, Cynops pyrrhogaster, to low temperature (8 and 12 degrees C) caused cell death of spermatogonia just before meiosis and elevation of prolactin concentration in the newt plasma. Injection of a dopamine antagonist (pimozide), which is known to increase the plasma prolactin concentration, to the newt caused significant increase of spermatogonial degeneration, whereas treatment with an agonist (bromocryptin), which is known to decrease the prolactin concentration, suppressed the cell death. Finally, injection of anti-prolactin serum into the newts which had been transferred to low temperature almost completely inhibited the spermatogonial degeneration for as long as 3 days. These results demonstrate that low temperature caused elevation of prolactin concentration in the newt blood, which induced cell death of spermatogonia just before meiosis.

Molecular characterization of the hnRNP A2/B1 proteins: tissue-specific expression and novel isoforms

hnRNP A2/B1 proteins are among the most abundant pre-mRNA-binding proteins of vertebrates and structurally similar to hnRNP A1. We have produced two specific monoclonal antibodies against A2 and B1 and studied their molecular characteristics and in vivo expression in rat tissues. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that the hnRNP A2/B1 complexes contain many snRNP (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein) proteins, consistent with their role in pre-mRNA splicing. RNA polymerase II inhibition causes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of A2 and B1. In most tissues, they are localized in the nucleus; however, in the squamous epithelium of the skin and esophagus A2 is also distributed in the cytoplasm. The relative amounts of A2 and B1 are not constant among different tissues. In the adrenal, only A2 is extremely abundant in the medulla but not in the cortex. In the testis the expression of A2 and B1 are observed through spermatogenesis, and different from A1 which is stringently repressed in spermatocytes. We also found and cloned a novel testis-specific isoform of A2/B1, namely hnRNP B0. The difference of expression of A2, B1, and A1 provides new information on their in vivo roles. The diversity of A/B group hnRNP proteins may have important effects on the posttranscriptional regulation of cell-specific gene expression.