Construction of a genetic linkage map of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) based on AFLP and microsatellite markers

The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a notably valuable egg and meat producer but has also been used as a laboratory animal. In the present study, we constructed a Japanese quail linkage map with 1735 polymorphic amplified fragment length polymorphisms markers, and nine chicken microsatellite (MS) markers, as well as sex and phenotypes of two genetic diseases; a muscular disorder (LWC) and neurofilament-deficient mutant (Quv). Linkage analysis revealed 578 independent loci. The resulting linkage map contained 44 multipoint linkage groups covering 2597.8 cM and an additional 218.2 cM was contained in 21 two-point linkage groups. The total map was 2816 cM in length with an average marker interval of 5.5 cM. The Quv locus was located on linkage group 5, but linkage was not found between the LWC locus and any of the markers. Comparative mapping with chicken using orthologous markers revealed chromosomal assignments of the quail linkage group 1 to chicken chromosome 2 (GGA2), 5 to GGA22, 2 to GGA5, 8 to GGA7, 27 to GGA11, 29 to GGA1 and 45 to GGA4.

Two-step models to predict binding affinity of chemicals to the human estrogen receptor alpha by three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSARs) using receptor-ligand docking simulation

Binding of chemicals to the estrogen receptor (ER) is known to be a key mode of action of endocrine disruption effects. In this study, combined quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models from discriminant and multilinear regression (MLR) analyses, termed a two-step model, were developed. These were used to predict the binding potency to human ERalpha of four chemical groups, namely alkylphenols, phthalates, diphenylethanes and benzophenones. These groups are considered to be important chemical classes of ER-binders. The descriptors investigated were calculated following the simulation of docking between the receptor and ligand. Discriminant analysis in the first step of a two-step model was applied to distinguish binders from non-binders. It had a concordance, following leave-one-out (LOO), of greater than 87% for all chemical classes. Binders were defined as chemicals whose IC50 was reliably measured in a competitive binding assay. The MLR analysis in the second step was performed for the quantitative prediction of the binding affinity of chemicals that were previously discriminated as binders. The q2 values for alkylphenols and diphenylethanes were 0.75 and 0.74, respectively. However good MLR relationships were not obtained for phthalates and benzophenones as the observed binding affinities of chemicals in these categories were weak and in a too narrow range.

Fine mapping of the muscular dystrophy (AM) gene on chicken chromosome 2q

Our previous studies revealed that the genetic locus for chicken muscular dystrophy of abnormal muscle (AM) mapped to chromosome 2q, and that the region showed conserved synteny with human chromosome 8q11-24.3. In the current study, we mapped the chicken orthologues of genes from human chromosome 8q11-24 in order to identify the responsible gene. Polymorphisms in the chicken orthologues were identified in the parents of the resource family. Twenty-three genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were mapped to chicken chromosome 2 by linkage analysis. The detailed comparative map shows a high conservation of synteny between chicken chromosome 2q and human chromosome 8q. The AM locus was mapped between [inositol(myo)-1(or4)-monophosphatase 1] (IMPA1) gene and [core-binding factor, runt domain, alpha-subunit 2; translocated to 1; cyclin D-related] (CBFA2T1) gene. The genes located between IMPA1 and CBFA2T1 are the most likely candidates for chicken muscular dystrophy.

Changes in the concentrations of tetrahydrobiopterin, the cofactor of tyrosine hydroxylase, in blood under physical stress and in depression

This paper studies changes in the concentrations of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), the cofactor of tyrosine hydroxylase, in blood under physical stress and in depression. BH4 was found to be transiently released from the sympathetic nerves under severe physical stress but continuously released in depression with an increased oxidation rate of BH4 to B.

Age-related changes of the ultrastructure in the cardiomyopathic hamster (UM-X7.1 Syrian hamster) parathyroid gland

We qualitatively and quantitatively investigated parathyroid glands of the UM-X7.1 cardiomyopathic hamster at 1, 2, 6 and 12 months of age to compare them with those of the normal hamster. We found that at 1 month of age in the UM-X7.1 hamster, the Golgi apparatus, lipid droplets and secretory granules decreased. There were no significant differences between the UM-X7.1 hamster and the control hamster at 2 months of age. At 6 months of age, the Golgi apparatus, rER and the secretory granules significantly increased in the UM-X7.1 hamster. At 12 months of age, the Golgi apparatus and lysosomes increased, while the secretory granules decreased. Ultrastructurally, we consider that in the UM-X7.1 hamster, the synthesis and release of the parathyroid at 6 months of age may be activated by an excessive amount of circulating catecholamine, and the functional activity of the parathyroid glands at 12 months of age may be depressed by the increased plasma calcium level. These findings suggest that the activities of the synthesis and release of the parathyroid hormone were the highest at 6 months of age in the UM-X7.1 hamster.

DNA vaccines suppress angiogenesis and protect against growth of breast cancer metastases

Two novel oral DNA-based vaccines provide immune protection against breast cancer in mouse model systems. These vaccines are delivered by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium to secondary lymphoid organs and are directed against novel targets such as transcription factor Fos-related antigen 1 (Fra-1) and endoglin (CD105). Both vaccines elicit suppression of angiogenesis in the breast tumor vasculature and break peripheral tolerance by eliciting potent cell-mediated protective immunity against these tumor self-antigens resulting in effective suppression of breast tumor growth and metastasis.

Multiple muscles in the AMD quail can be "cross-corrected" of pathologic glycogen accumulation after intravenous injection of an [E1-, polymerase-] adenovirus vector encoding human acid-alpha-glucosidase

BACKGROUND

Previously, in murine models of acid maltase deficiency (AMD), we demonstrated that intravenous administration of an improved adenovirus (Ad) vector encoding human acid alpha glucosidase (hGAA) resulted in liver transduction, followed by high-level hepatocyte-mediated secretion of hGAA into the plasma space. The hGAA secreted by the liver was taken up and targeted to muscle cell lysosomes. The levels of hGAA achieved by this approach resulted in clearance of lysosomal glycogen accumulations; in some muscle tissues the effect was prolonged (>6 months). We next wished to demonstrate whether this approach could be generalized across divergent species. To accomplish this goal, we determined whether a similar approach would also result in efficacy, but in a quail model of AMD.

METHODS

An [E1-, E2b-]Ad vector encoding hGAA was intravenously injected into AMD quails. At several time points thereafter, plasma, liver, and multiple muscle tissues were assayed for evidence of hGAA gene expression, liver-mediated hGAA secretion, uptake of hGAA by skeletal muscles, and evidence of glycogen correction in AMD skeletal muscles. These results were compared with those obtained from mock-injected AMD or wild-type quails.

RESULTS

Intravenous [E1-, E2b-]Ad/hGAA vector injection resulted in high-level liver transduction and hepatic secretion of precursor forms of hGAA. The hepatically secreted hGAA was found to not only be efficiently taken up by cardiac and skeletal muscles, but was also proteolytically cleaved and processed equivalently to the quail-GAA protein detected in wild-type quails. The observations suggest that the signals regulating muscle cell uptake (but not proteolytic cleavage) of lysosomal enzymes are conserved and recognized across divergent species of vertebrates. Importantly, once localized to skeletal muscle lysosomes, the hGAA was able to effectively clear the glycogen accumulations present in AMD quail muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenovirus-mediated transduction of the hGAA gene, followed by hepatic secretion, uptake, and cross-correction of the pathologic glycogen accumulation noted in multiple muscles of both the AMD mouse and AMD quail, adds support to the notion that gene transfer strategies (Ad-mediated or other agents) targeting liver tissues with the hGAA gene are likely to be highly efficacious in humans affected by AMD.

Characteristics of t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with additional chromosomal abnormality: concomitant trisomy 4 may constitute a distinctive subtype of t(8;21) AML

t(8;21)(q22;q22) is the most frequently observed karyotypic abnormality associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially in FAB M2. Clinically, this type of AML often shows eosinophilia and has a high complete remission rate with conventional chemotherapy. t(8;21) AML is also frequently associated with additional karyotypic aberrations, such as a loss of the sex chromosome; however, it is unclear whether these aberrations change the biological and clinical characteristics of t(8;21) AML. To investigate this issue, 94 patients with t(8;21) AML were categorized according to their additional karyotypic aberrations, which were detected in more than three cases, and then morphologic features, phenotypes, expression of cytokine receptors, and clinical features were compared to t(8;21) AML without other additional aberrant karyotypes. t(8;21) AML with loss of the sex chromosome and abnormality of chromosome 9 were found in 27 cases (29.3%) and 10 cases (10.6%), respectively; however, no differences were observed from the t(8;21) AML without other additional karyotypes in terms of morphological and phenotypic features. There was also no significant difference in the clinical outcome among these three groups. On the other hand, trisomy 4 was found in three cases (3.2%) and these cells showed low expressions of CD19 (P=0.06) and IL-7 receptor (P=0.05), and high expressions of CD33 (P=0.13), CD18 (P=0.03), and CD56 (P=0.03) when compared to t(8;21) AML without additional karyotypes. Moreover, all three t(8;21) AML cases with trisomy 4 did not show eosinophilia in their bone marrow and died within 2.4 years. These observations suggest that additional karyotypic aberration, t(8;21) with trisomy 4 is rare, but it may constitute a distinctive subtype of t(8;21) AML.

Kinetics of v-src-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in developing glandular stomach

The oncogene function in primary epithelial cells is largely unclear. Recombination organ cultures in combination with the stable and transient gene transfer techniques by retrovirus and electroporation, respectively, enable us to transfer oncogenes specifically into primary epithelial cells of the developing avian glandular stomach (proventriculus). In this system, the epithelium and mesenchyme are mutually dependent on each other for their growth and differentiation. We report here that either stable or transient expression of v-src in the epithelium causes budding and migration of epithelial cells into mesenchyme. In response to the transient expression of v-Src or a constitutive active mutant of MEK, we observed immediate downregulation of the Sonic hedgehog gene and subsequent elimination of E-cadherine expression in migrating cells, suggesting the involvement of MAP kinase signaling pathway in these processes. v-src-expressing cells that were retained in the epithelium underwent apoptosis (anoikis) and detached from the culture. Continuous expression of v-src by, for example, Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) was required for the epithelial cells to acquire the ability to express type I collagen and fibronectin genes (mesenchymal markers), and finally to establish the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These observations would partly explain why RSV does not apparently cause carcinoma formation, but induces sarcomas exclusively.

Myelin-deficiency in the cochlear nerve of the 'bt' mutant hamster

In a previous report, we showed abnormal auditory evoked potentials in the mutant hamster, 'black tremor (bt)', with significantly prolonged wave latencies of auditory brainstem responses and prolonged N1 latencies of compound action potentials, but normal cochlear microphonics. In this report, we present the results of morphological studies supporting the results of our electrophysiological studies of the auditory pathway in bt. Observation by transmission electron microscopy revealed an abnormal myelin sheath surrounding the spiral ganglion cells, and a thinner compact myelin sheath surrounding the axons in bt than in normal hamsters. The bt hamster has a myelin deficiency not only in the brainstem, but also in the cochlear nerve.

Liquid acrylate-endcapped biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate). II. Computer-aided stereolithographic microarchitectural surface photoconstructs

Advanced micromedical devices may require computer-aided photofabrication, by which microarchitectural surface design and entire macroshaped body design are feasible. Liquid acrylate-endcapped poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate)s, poly(CL/TMC)s, prepared using trimethylene glycol (TMG) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an initiator and an acrylate group for subsequent terminal capping, were used as photocurable copolymers. The stereolithographically microarchitectured photoconstructs were prepared using a custom-designed apparatus with a moving ultraviolet (UV) light pen driven by a computer-assisted design program. The prepared photoconstructs included microneedles, a microcylinder and microbanks on surfaces. In vitro hydrolytic degradation proceeded with surface erosion when hydrophobic TMG-based photocured copolymers were employed, whereas very fast degradation of hydrophilic PEG-based photocured copolymers probably via concerted actions of surface erosion and bulk degradation was observed. In vivo hydrolytic behavior upon subcutaneous implantation in rats indicated that surface erosion proceeded for TMG-based photoconstructs. Anti-inflammatory drug (indomethacin) loading into microneedle-structured surfaces minimized inflammatory reactions. The possible biomedical microarchitectural three dimensinal in biomedical application photoconstructs was discussed.

Liquid acrylate-endcapped biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate). I. Preparation and visible light-induced photocuring characteristics

Photocurable liquid biodegradable copolymers were prepared by ring-opening copolymerization of epsilon-caprolactone (CL) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC) in the presence of a multifunctional hydroxyl group-bearing substance (di-, tri-, and tetra-functional alcohol and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its four-branched derivative) as an initiator and subsequent endcapping with acryloyl chloride at their hydroxyl terminals. These multifunctional, viscous liquid copolymers (molecular weights; approximately 2 x 10(3) to 7 x 10(3) g/mol) were converted to crosslinked solids by visible-light irradiation in the presence of camphorquinone as an initiator. The photocuring rate of these copolymers was enhanced by both higher functionality and lower molecule weight of the copolymers used. The photocuring rate depended on the amount of reducing agent (methacrylic acid 2-dimethylaminoethyl ester). Upon immersion in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4), hydrolysis occurred preferentially on the surface except for photocured PEG-based copolymers that were degraded faster via both surface erosion and bulk degradation than low molecular weight alcohols-based copolymers. Cylindrical photocured constructs prepared by photoirradiation to the whole body in a mold filled with the liquid copolymer was demonstrated as an example of shape fabrication of biodegradable biomedical devices.

Liquid photocurable biodegradable copolymers: in vivo degradation of photocured poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate)

Liquid photoreactive poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate)s endcapped with a coumarin group [coumarinated poly(CL/TMC)s] were prepared using tetra-functional hydroxylated substances such as pentaerythritol or four-branched poly(ethylene glycol), b-PEG. These coumarinated copolymers are tetra-branched and exist as a viscous liquid (MW 5 x10(3) approximately 7 x 10(3)). They were photocured by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation to obtain a swelling or nonswelling solid under water, depending on the type of initiator used. The resultant films were implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of rats for up to 5 months. The photocured b-PEG-based copolymer was completely degraded and sorbed within a 1 month. On the other hand, surface-eroding degradation of pentaerythritol-based, coumarinated poly(CL/TMC) progressed with implantation time, and minimal recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells was observed over the implantation period. Among the pentaerythritol-based copolymers, the fastest surface erosion was observed for the copolymer with the highest epsilon-caprolactone content. Microfabricated films with microarrays in which photoconstructs were stereolithographically prepared, using three different coumarinated copolymers at different regions, showed that upon implantation there was regionally differentiated biodegradation of microarrays, and the degree of region-specific biodegradation depended on the type of photocured copolymer. The observed tendency for biodegradation was in good agreement with that observed during implantation of individual films in vivo. This study also demonstrates that the use of multi-material-arrayed films enables the determination of different responses in vivo using only one sample.

Liquid, phenylazide-end-capped copolymers of epsilon-caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate: preparation, photocuring characteristics, and surface layering

Photoreactive phenylazide-end-capped liquid copolymers were prepared by ring-opening copolymerization of epsilon-caprolactone (CL) and trimethylene carbonate (TMC) at an equimolar monomer feed ratio in the presence of a polyol, namely, a low-molecular-weight alcohol (di-, tri-, and tetraol) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an initiator and tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate as a catalyst, followed subsequently by phenylazide derivatization at their hydroxyl terminus. These tri- and tetrabranched liquid copolymers (precursors) with a molecular weight from approximately 2500 to 7000 g/mol were cross-linked to yield insoluble solids by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The photocuring rate increased with increasing functionality of phenylazide and UV intensity and decreasing thickness of the liquid film of precursors. The photo-cross-linkability of phenylazide-derivatized liquid copolymers was found to be higher than that of the corresponding coumarin-derivatized liquid copolymers. Poly(lactide) (PLA) films surface-layered with photocured copolymers were prepared by coating surfaces with phenylazide-derivatized copolymers and their subsequent photoirradiation. Endothelial cells adhered well on the nontreated PLA and low-molecular-weight alcohol-based copolymer-layered and photocured films. Little cell adhesion was observed on the hydrolytically surface-eroded PLA film and the PEG-based copolymer-layered film. When a phenylazide-derivatized hexapeptide with the cell-adhesion tripeptidyl sequence, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), common to cell adhesive proteins, was photoimmobilized on these surfaces, the surfaces became cell adhesive. Microarchitectured surfaces, which were prepared by sequential procedures of surface coating and photocuring using a photomask with lattice windows, produced regionally differentiated cell adhesiveness.

[Mitral valve stenosis associated with a floating ball thrombus in the left atrium; report of a case]

A floating ball thrombus in the left atrium is relatively a rare case. A 70 year-old female patient who showed a symptom of heart failure was admitted to our hospital. By echocardiography, the mass in the dilated left atrium was appeared to be a floating ball thrombus, and the patient was diagnosed to be mitral valve stenosis. Following the treatment of heart failure, the patient underwent mitral valve replacement and the ball thrombus was successfully removed. Because of the high risk of sudden death with strangulated ball thrombus and systemic embolization, surgical removal of the ball thrombus should be done immediately after the diagnosis was established.

Synthesis and characterization of new chiral calix[4]arenes

The unique chiral calixarenes were successfully synthesized by the following two methods: the Williamson ether synthesis and a stepwise ether cleavage with a mild Lewis acid. The high regioselectivity is recognized by the latter stepwise method. The ionophores having oligoethylene glycol unit efficiently extracted larger alkali metal ions like K+, Rb+, and Cs+ than smaller ones like Li+ and Na+. Their ion selectivity apparently changed by the chain length of crown ether. All racemates obtained could be resolved to each enantiomer by HPLC using a chiral column. The calixarenes with planar chirality recognized the chirality of guest molecules. Thus, the (-)-receptor resolved strongly forms 1:1 complex with (R)-(+)-alpha-phenylethylammonium picrate.

Photocurable liquid biodegradable copolymers: in vitro hydrolytic degradation behaviors of photocured films of coumarin-endcapped poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate)

Coumarin-endcapped tetrabranched liquid copolymers composed of epsilon-caprolactone and trimethylene carbonate (TMC), prepared using pentaerythritol or four-branched poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an initiator, were ultraviolet irradiated to produce photocured solid biodegradable copolymers. The hydrolytic degradation behaviors of photocured films were determined from the weight loss of the films. The initial hydrolysis rate (determined for up to 24 h using a quartz crystal microbalance) was enhanced with aqueous solutions of higher pH. The hydrolysis rate in the early period of immersion was increased with an increase in TMC content, whereas that in the later period (week order) decreased with a increase in TMC content. This inverse relation of composition dependence on the hydrolysis rate between the early and late periods was discussed. Topological measurements using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy as well as depth profiles of the fluorescein-stained hydrolyzed layer showed that for the pentaerythritol-initiated copolymer, irrespective of copolymer composition, hydrolysis occurred at surface regions and surface erosion proceeded with immersion time. For PEG-based copolymers, both surface erosion and bulk degradation occurred simultaneously. The hydrolyzed surfaces became highly wettable with water and exhibited noncell adhesivity.

Localization of the muscular dystrophy AM locus using a chicken linkage map constructed with the Kobe University resource family

A chicken linkage map, constructed with the Kobe University (KU) resource family, was used to locate the genetic locus for muscular dystrophy of abnormal muscle type (AM). The KU resource family is a backcross pedigree with 55 offspring produced from the mating of a White Leghorn F-line (WL-F) male and a hybrid female produced from a cross between the WL-F male and a female of the Fayoumi OPN line who was homozygous for the AM gene. In total, 872 loci were genotyped on the pedigree; 749 (86%) were informative and mapped to 38 linkage groups. These informative loci included 649 AFLPs, 93 MS, three functional genes, the AM locus, sex phenotype, and two red blood cell loci. The remaining 123 markers were unlinked. Nineteen of the 38 KU linkage groups were assigned to macrochromosomes 1-8 and 11 microchromosomes including chromosome W, while 19 linkage groups were unassigned. The total map was 3569 cM in length, with an average marker interval of 4.8 cM. The AM locus was mapped 130 cM from the distal end of chromosome 2q.

Analysis of 168 short tandem repeat loci in the Japanese population, using a screening set for human genetic mapping

We devised a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and loading system for the convenient typing of 168 short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphic markers in a commercially available screening primer set for human linkage analysis. We genotyped all these 168 STR loci with 32 healthy unrelated Japanese, calculated allele frequencies at each STR locus, and performed three kinds of tests for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Significant deviations from HWE in all three tests were observed at only three loci, and the average heterozygosity in the Japanese (0.733) was slightly lower than that in Caucasians (0.773). We also examined 32 Caucasians at some selected loci, to be compared with Japanese. Some markers showed greatly different heterozygosities or allelic distributions in Japanese and Caucasian populations. In two groups of STRs, those with and without irregular alleles (or interalleles), the former had a higher proportion of bimodal allelic distribution and possessed more alleles per locus than the latter. However, no significant differences in the observed and expected heterozygosities, or in the powers of discrimination, were found between the two groups. The present basic study of allele frequency databases of these STRs will contribute to further applications in forensic science and human genetics.

Substrate specificity of beta-primeverosidase, a key enzyme in aroma formation during oolong tea and black tea manufacturing

We synthesized nine kinds of diglycosides and a monoglycoside of 2-phenylethanol to investigate the substrate specificity of the purified beta-primeverosidase from fresh leaves of a tea cultivar (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. Yabukita) in comparison with the apparent substrate specificity of the crude enzyme extract from tea leaves. The crude enzyme extract mainly showed beta-primeverosidase activity, although monoglycosidases activity was present to some extent. The purified beta-primeverosidase showed very narrow substrate specificity with respect to the glycon moiety, and especially prominent specificity for the beta-primeverosyl (6-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl) moiety. The enzymes hydrolyzed naturally occurring diglycosides such as beta-primeveroside, beta-vicianoside, beta-acuminoside, beta-gentiobioside and 6-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, but were unable to hydrolyze synthetic unnatural diglycosides. The purified enzyme was inactive toward 2-phenylethyl beta-D-glucopyranoside. The enzyme hydrolyzed each of the diglycosides into the corresponding disaccharide and 2-phenylethanol. These results indicate the beta-primeverosidase, a diglycosidase, to be a key enzyme involved in aroma formation during the tea manufacturing process.