Cloning of two isoforms of mouse DNA helicase Q1/RecQL cDNA; alpha form is expressed ubiquitously and beta form specifically in the testis

We cloned cDNAs encoding mouse homologues for the human DNA helicase Q1/RecQL (human helicase Q1) which has homology with the Escherichia coli RecQ protein and found that they encode two isoforms. The two isoforms are identical over the entire sequence except for the carboxyl terminal sequence spanning less than 30 amino acids. One of the two isoforms, alpha, contains a sequence, KKRK, in the carboxyl terminus, which is also contained in human helicase Q1 and was confirmed to function as the nuclear localization signal. The other form, beta, does not contain such a sequence. Expression of mouse helicase Q1 mRNA is extremely and relatively high in the testis and the thymus, respectively. RT-PCR analysis revealed that helicase Q1alpha was expressed in all tissues tested and the beta form was expressed only in the testis. A survey of expression of Q1alpha and Q1beta mRNA in the testis after birth revealed that Q1alpha mRNA is expressed in all testes of mice aged from 7 days to 8 weeks, and the expression of Q1beta mRNA begins 14 days after birth, corresponding to the appearance of cells in the pachytene stage.

A new antitumor agent amrubicin induces cell growth inhibition by stabilizing topoisomerase II-DNA complex

Amrubicin is a novel, completely synthetic 9-aminoanthracycline derivative. Amrubicin and its C-13 alcohol metabolite, amrubicinol, inhibited purified human DNA topoisomerase II (topo II). Compared with doxorubicin (DXR), amrubicin and amrubicinol induced extensive DNA-protein complex formation and double-strand DNA breaks in CCRF-CEM cells and KU-2 cells. In this study, we found that ICRF-193, a topo II catalytic inhibitor, antagonized both DNA-protein complex formation and double-strand DNA breaks induced by amrubicin and amrubicinol. Coordinately, cell growth inhibition induced by amrubicin and amrubicinol, but not that induced by DXR, was antagonized by ICRF-193. Taken together, these findings indicate that the cell growth-inhibitory effects of amrubicin and amrubicinol are due to DNA-protein complex formation followed by double-strand DNA breaks, which are mediated by topo II.

In vivo efficacy and tumor-selective metabolism of amrubicin to its active metabolite

The tissue distribution of a novel antitumor anthracycline antibiotic, amrubicin, was studied using seven human tumor xenografts implanted into nude mice, in order to identify the principal factors determining its therapeutic efficacy. We found a good correlation between the level of the metabolite amrubicinol in the tumor and the in vivo efficacy. High metabolic activity of amrubicin to amrubicinol was detected in tumor tissue homogenates, especially in cell lines highly sensitive to amrubicin in vivo. In contrast to amrubicin, the administration of amrubicinol showed less tumor-selective toxicity in these human tumor xenograft models. These data indicate that the tumor-selective metabolism of amrubicin to amrubicinol resulted in a tumor-selective disposition of amrubicinol, leading to good efficacy in in vivo experimental therapeutic models.

Tumor-selective distribution of an active metabolite of the 9-aminoanthracycline amrubicin

It has been reported that the 9-aminoanthracycline amrubicin shows good efficacy in human tumor xenograft models. We studied the disposition and metabolism of amrubicin in mice, in comparison with those of doxorubicin. Amrubicinol, a 13-hydroxy metabolite of amrubicin, which is 10 to 100 times more cytotoxic than amrubicin, was detected as a major metabolite in blood and tissues, and aglycones of amrubicin were also detected. A pharmacokinetic study revealed that amrubicin had a smaller distribution volume and a shorter half-life than doxorubicin. In several normal tissues, the levels of amrubicin and amrubicinol were lower than those of doxorubicin. In contrast, the tumor levels of amrubicinol in the mice treated with amrubicin were higher than those of doxorubicin in the mice treated with that drug, in tumors that are sensitive to amrubicin. These results suggest that the potent therapeutic activity of amrubicin is caused by the selective distribution of its highly active metabolite, amrubicinol, in tumors.

Cytotoxicity of amrubicin, a novel 9-aminoanthracycline, and its active metabolite amrubicinol on human tumor cells

Amrubicin, a completely synthetic 9-aminoanthracycline derivative, was previously shown to have potent antitumor activities against various human tumor xenografts. In this study, the in vitro activities of amrubicin and its major metabolite, amrubicinol, were examined using 17 human tumor cell lines. Amrubicinol was 5 to 54 times more potent than amrubicin, and as potent as doxorubicin, in inhibiting the growth of the cells following 3-day continuous drug exposure. Amrubicinol closely resembled doxorubicin in its profile of activities on the 17 human tumor cell lines. Cells were incubated with the drugs for 1 h, and the intracellular drug concentration and cell growth inhibition after 3 days were determined. Amrubicinol attained similar intracellular concentrations at lower medium concentrations compared to amrubicin, and the intracellular concentration of amrubicinol necessary to produce 50% cell growth inhibition was 3 to 8 times lower than that of amrubicin in 4 cell lines tested. Amrubicinol has a higher activity level inside the cells than does amrubicin. When cells were incubated with amrubicin for 5 h, a substantial amount of amrubicinol, more than 9% of that of amrubicin, was found in cells in 4 of the 8 cell lines tested. Amrubicinol may contribute to the in vitro growth-inhibitory effect of amrubicin on these cells. The results suggest that amrubicinol plays an important role in the in vivo antitumor effect of amrubicin as an active metabolite.

Case report: glomus tumour of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

Glomus tumours are relatively rare in the head and neck. We present a glomus tumour of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in a 55-year-old man and describe the CT appearances of this tumour and its histopathology.

Abrogation of autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice and protection against effector lymphocytes by transgenic paracrine TGF-beta1

Paracrine effect of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) on autoimmune insulitis and diabetes was studied by transgenic production of the active form of porcine TGF-beta1 (pTGF-beta1) in pancreatic islet (islet) alpha cells in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice under the control of rat glucagon promoter (RGP) (NOD-RGP-TGF-beta1). None of 27 NOD-RGP-TGF- beta1 mice developed diabetes by 45 wk of age, in contrast to 40 and 71% in male and female nontransgenic mice, respectively. None of the NOD-RGP-TGF-beta1 mice developed diabetes after cyclophosphamide (CY) administration. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes of NOD-RGP-TGF-beta1 mice to neonatal NOD mice did not transfer diabetes after CY administration. Adoptive transfer of three types of diabetogenic lymphocytes to NOD-RGP-TGF-beta1 and nontransgenic mice after CY administration led to the lower incidence of diabetes in NOD-RGP-TGF-beta1 mice versus that in nontransgenic mice: 29 vs. 77% for diabetogenic splenocytes, 25 vs. 75% for islet beta cell-specific Th1 clone cells, and 0 vs. 50% for islet beta cell-specific CD8(+) clone cells, respectively. Based on these, it is concluded that autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice is not a systemic disease and it can be completely prevented by the paracrine TGF-beta1 in the islet compartment through protection against CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector lymphocytes.

Sequence analysis of genes encoding rodent homologues of the human tumor-rejection antigen SART-1

Human SART-1 (hSART-1) gene encodes a 125 kD protein with a leucine-zipper motif expressed in the nucleus of all proliferating cells, and a 43 kD protein expressed in the cytosol of most epithelial cancers. In this study, two rodent genes (rSART-1 and mSART-1) homologous to hSART-1 were cloned from cDNA libraries of murine brain and a rat tumor cell line, respectively. mSART-1 and rSART-1 were highly homologous to hSART-1 with 86% and 84% identity at the nucleotide level, and 95% and 91% at the protein level, respectively. The leucine zipper domain and two basic amino acid portions that bind DNA, as well as peptide sequences recognized by human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), were all conserved in these rodent genes. Nuclear protein homologous to the 125 kD hSART-1(800) protein, but not to the 43 kD cytosol SART-1(259) protein, was detectable with specific antibody in the nuclear fractions of rodent tumor cell lines, and normal rodent fetal liver and testis. These rodent genes should be a novel tool for studies on the biological roles of the SART-1 gene, and also in the construction of animal models of specific immunotherapy using SART-1 gene products.

Analysis of loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 11 and infrequent inactivation of the MEN1 gene in sporadic pituitary adenomas

To investigate the role of tumor suppressor genes in sporadic pituitary adenomas, we first analyzed loss of heterozygosity on 11q13 with microsatellite analysis in 31 tumors. Loss of heterozygosity on 11q13 was detected in 1 mixed GH/PRL adenoma, and the somatic 22-bp deletion of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene encoding menin was detected in this tumor. Trisomy 11 suggested by the decreased mean allelic ratios of 66% or 65% for 16 or 13 microsatellite markers, respectively, in 2 of 31 pituitary adenomas was confirmed by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. Screening for mutations of the MEN1 gene did not find mutations with PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis in other pituitary adenomas retaining heterozygosity on 11q13. Based on these, it is concluded that inactivation of the MEN1 gene comprises a rare etiology for tumorigenesis of the pituitary gland, and that trisomy 11 or another gene(s) may contribute to the pathogenesis of sporadic pituitary adenomas.

Hypoplasia of pancreatic islets in transgenic mice expressing activin receptor mutants

Activin, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, regulates the growth and differentiation of a variety of cell types. Based on the expression of activin in pancreatic rudiments of rat embryos and stimulation of insulin secretion from adult rat pancreatic islets by activin, activin is implicated in the development and function of islets. To examine the significance of activin signaling in the fetal and postnatal development of islets, transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative form of activin receptor (dn-ActR) or a constitutively active form of activin receptor (ActR-T206D) in islets were generated together with the transgenic mice expressing intact activin receptor (intact ActR) as a negative control. Transgenic mice with both dn-ActR and ActR-T206D showed lower survival rates, smaller islet area, and lower insulin content in the whole pancreas with impaired glucose tolerance when compared with transgenic mice with intact ActR or littermates, but they showed the same alpha cell/beta cell ratios as their littermates. In addition to islet hypoplasia, the insulin response to glucose was severely impaired in dn-ActR transgenic mice. It is suggested that a precisely regulated intensity of activin signaling is necessary for the normal development of islets at the stage before differentiation into alpha and beta cells, and that activin plays a role in the postnatal functional maturation of islet beta cells.

Study of RNA structure by pyrene-labeled oligonucleotides

Fluorescent-labeled oligonucleotides containing 2'-(1-pyrenylmethyl) uridine (Upy) that have G or C adjacent to 3'-site of Upy, I and II, respectively, showed a remarkable increase in the emission intensity when they hybridized with the complementary oligoribonucleotides (ORN). However such change was not observed when they hybridized with the complementary oligodeoxyribonucleotides(ODN). Tm values derived from the UV melting curves for I-ORN and II-ORN duplexes were 5 degrees C and 10 degrees C lower than the normal duplexes without Upy, respectively. The intensity of induced CD based on the pyrene groups for the I-ORN and II-ORN duplexes were a half of that for the corresponding I-ODN and II-ODN duplexes. These results suggest that pyrene groups were released from the stacking interaction upon duplex formation and that the remarkable change of emission intensity was then occurred. Based on these properties, it is suggested that Upy-probes that have G or C adjacent to 3'-site of Upy can be useful to search the single strand region of RNA.

Gene regulation by decoy approach (I): synthesis and properties of photo-crosslinked oligonucleotides

To explore gene regulation by double stranded oligonucleotides as decoy molecules for transcriptional factors, oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) and the complementary oligo(deoxyribonucleoside phosphorothioate)s (OPT) were photo-crosslinked by use of psoralen. UV melting curves showed that the thermal stability of crosslinked duplexes increased compared with that of non-crosslinked ones. CD spectra showed that the photo-crosslinked duplexes formed B-DNA structure. In addition, cross-linked duplexes were resistant against digestion by snake venom phosphodiesterase. These results suggest that the photo-crosslinked duplexes have desirable characteristics as decoy molecules.

Molecular cloning of a human cDNA for the 41-kDa phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase-associated protein

A human cDNA encoding 41-kDa phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase (PRS)-associated protein (PAP41) was cloned from two expressed sequence tag (EST) clones having the nucleotide similarity of 61.5 and 70.0% to human PAP39 cDNA. The predicted open reading frame of 1107 base pairs (bp) has the nucleotide identity of 91.8% to rat PAP41 and encodes a protein of 369 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight (MW) of 40,925. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits the 98.9% identity to rat PAP41 and 72.2, 50.6, and 50.0% identity with human PAP39, PRS I, and PRS II, respectively, but lacks the PRPP binding site. Southern blot analysis suggested that the PAP41 gene exists as a single copy in the human genome. The single PAP41 mRNA of about 2.1 kb was shown to be present in five human cell lines by Northern blot analysis.

[Recent development of nucleic acid drug]

Oligonucleotides and their analogs have been utilized for the regulation of gene expression since mid-1970. The so-called antisense strategy has recently acquired its reality of the application to clinical therapeutic uses. In the course of the development, it has been found that nucleic acids might have broad variety of abilities to regulate gene expression. The abilities are classified as ribozymes, antigenes, decoy DNAs (or RNAs) and aptamers, and they can be applied to clinical uses as nucleic acid drugs in the near future.

Absence of germ-line mutations of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene in familial pituitary adenoma in contrast to MEN1 in Japanese

Germ-line mutations of the MEN1 gene were analyzed in five cases of familial and four cases of sporadic multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), six cases in three independent pedigrees of familial pituitary adenoma without MEN-1, and three cases of familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism (FIHP) in Japanese. Eight different types of germ-line mutations in all nine cases of MEN-1 were distributed in exons 2, 3, 7, and 10 and intron 7 of the MEN1 gene. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on 11q13 was detected in all nine tumors of these cases with microsatellite analysis. No germ-line mutation of the MEN1 gene was detected in three pedigrees of familial pituitary adenoma and three cases of FIHP. LOH on 11q13 was detected in two cases in one pedigree of familial pituitary adenoma, and one of them showed a heterozygous somatic mutation of the MEN1 gene. No LOH on 11q13 was detected in three cases of FIHP. Based on these, we conclude that the loss of function of menin is etiological for familial or sporadic MEN-1, but not for FIHP or most familial pituitary adenoma without MEN-1.

Peliosis of the spleen: splenic rupture with intraperitoneal hemorrhage

Peliosis is a rare disease that is characterized by multiple blood-filled cystic spaces. We report the computed tomographic findings of splenic rupture secondary to splenic peliosis in a patient receiving anabolic steroids for aplastic anemia.

Molecular cloning of mouse paired-box-containing gene (Pax)-4 from an islet beta cell line and deduced sequence of human Pax-4

A mouse cDNA encoding paired-box-containing gene (Pax-4) was cloned from a cDNA library of a mouse pancreatic islet beta cell line of MIN6. The predicted open reading frame encodes a protein of 349 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight (MW) of 38-kD. A human Pax-4 cDNA sequence encoding 350 amino acids was deduced from a human cosmid clone. The mouse nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences exhibit 83.4 and 80.0% identity with those of deduced human Pax-4, respectively. Southern blot analysis suggested that the mouse Pax-4 gene exists as a single copy in the genome. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis suggested that the mouse Pax-4 gene is expressed in pancreatic islets, cultured islet beta cell lines of MIN6, beta TC, and NIT-1 cells, but not detectable in any of 13 adult mouse organs examined.

Amidophosphoribosyltransferase limits the rate of cell growth-linked de novo purine biosynthesis in the presence of constant capacity of salvage purine biosynthesis

Factors controlling relative flux rates of the de novo and salvage pathways of purine nucleotide biosynthesis during animal cell growth are not fully understood. To examine the relative role of each pathway for cell growth, three cell lines including CHO K1 (a wild-type Chinese hamster ovary fibroblast cell line), CHO ade -A (an auxotrophic cell line deficient of amidophosphoribosyltransferase (ATase), a presumed rate-limiting enzyme of the de novo pathway), and CHO ade -A transfected with human ATase cDNA (-A+hATase) resulting in 30-350% of the ATase activity of CHO K1, were cultured in purine-rich or purine-free media. Based on the enzyme activities of ATase and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, the metabolic rate of the de novo and salvage pathways, the rate of cell growth (growth rate) in three cell lines under various culture conditions, and the effect of hypoxanthine infusion on the metabolic rate of the de novo pathway in rat liver, we concluded the following. 1) In -A+hATase transfectants, ATase activity limits the rate of the de novo pathway, which is closely linked with the growth rate. 2) Purine nucleotides are synthesized preferentially by the salvage pathway as long as hypoxanthine, the most essential source of purine salvage, can be utilized, which was confirmed in rat liver in vivo by hypoxanthine infusion. The preferential usage of the salvage pathway results in sparing the energy expenditure required for de novo synthesis. 3) The regulatory capacity of the de novo pathway (about 200%) was larger than that of the salvage pathway (about 20%) with constant hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase activity.

Damage of charge-dependent renal tubular reabsorption causes diabetic microproteinuria

More negatively-charged proteins are harder to pass through the glomerular charge barrier (GCB) and to be reabsorbed by renal tubules. Although the glycation of albumin increases its negative charge compared to non-glycated albumin, the glycation of transferrin does not change its charge. This difference enabled us to examine the charge-dependent renal function in diabetic proteinuria. The percentage of urinary glycated transferrin (serum %G-transferrin) positively correlated with serum fructosamine concentrations and the percentage of serum glycated albumin (serum %G-albumin) in all subjects. Urinary concentrations of transferrin and beta 2-microglobulin strongly correlated in diabetic patients with microproteinuria, while no significant correlation was observed in subjects with diabetic macroproteinuria or non-diabetic proteinuria. Urine/serum (U/S) ratio of %G-albumin in the patients with diabetic proteinuria was significantly lower than that in subjects with non-diabetic proteinuria, while no difference of the U/S ratio of %G-transferrin was observed between any groups. Furthermore, U-%G-transferrin/U-%G-albumin ratio was highest in the diabetic patients with microproteinuria. These results lead to the conclusion that the initial damage in diabetic kidney causing microproteinuria starts with the dysfunction of charge-dependent tubular reabsorption prior to a loss of GCB.

[Metabolism of purine nucleotides and the production of uric acid]

The molecular and biochemical aspects of purine nucleotide biosynthesis through de novo and salvage pathways, the production of uric acid, and their regulation mechanisms are reviewed for further understanding of hyperuricemia and gout. The metabolic rate of purine nucleotide biosynthesis is chiefly determined by the regulation of the de novo pathway, especially amidophosphoribosyltransferase and PRPP synthetase, and the accumulation of uric acid results from the acceleration of de novo biosynthesis and catabolism of purine nucleotide or the decrease in urinary excretion of uric acid. Moreover, several enzyme mutations of purine nucleotide metabolism are also clinically important including gout with hyperactive HPRT and the deficiency of HPRT (Lesch-Nyhan syndrome), adenylosuccinate lyase, xanthine oxidase, APRT, PNP, or ADA (SCID) with gene therapy.

Prevention of adoptively transferred diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice with IL-10-transduced islet-specific Th1 lymphocytes. A gene therapy model for autoimmune diabetes

Four pancreatic islet-specific CD4+ helper T (Th) 1 (Th1) clones and two Th1 clones transduced with an SRalpha promoter-linked murine IL-10 (mIL-10) cDNA of 2.0-6.0 x 10(6) cells were adoptively transferred to nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice at age 8 d. Cyclophosphamide (CY) was administered at age 37 d (plus CY), and the incidence of diabetes and the histological grade of insulitis were examined at age 47 d. After the adoptive transfer of IL-10-transduced Th1 cells, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR detected the neo gene and the retrovirus vector-mediated IL-10 mRNA in situ in recipient islets, respectively. RT-PCR detected the decrease of IFN-gamma mRNA relative to IL-10 mRNA in IL-10-transduced Th1 clones in vitro and also in recipient islets. All four wild type Th1 clones plus CY induced the insulitis grade of 2.75 and diabetes in 66% of recipient NOD mice. IL-10-transduced two Th1 clones plus CY induced periinsulitis with the grade of 1.43 and diabetes in 8.0%. The 1:1 mixture of wild type Th1 cells and IL-10-transduced Th1 cells plus CY induced periinsulitis with the grade of 1.85 and diabetes in 20%. The suppression of diabetes through decreasing IFN-gamma mRNA by the tissue-specific delivery of IL-10 to pancreatic islets with IL-10-transduced Th1 cells affords us the starting basis to develop the gene therapy for autoimmune diabetes.

Predicting long-term glycemic control of post-educational type II diabetic patients by evaluating serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels

1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1.5-AG) is known to closely reflect diabetic control within several days. The possibility of predicting long-term glycemic control after an educational hospitalization of type II diabetic patients was investigated by examining the relationship between changes in serum 1,5-AG levels after a short-term trial home stay following an educational program and long-term changes in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels after discharge. After 22 patients with type II diabetes had successfully completed the educational hospitalization program, they returned as outpatients for 5 nights in a row. Changes in serum 1,5-AG levels were determined during this period. The HbA1c levels were then determined over a period of 3 months after discharge, and the relationship between changes in 1,5-AG and HbA1c levels was examined. Changes in serum 1,5-AG levels during the 5-day trial home stay and the changes in HbA1c levels during the 3 months after discharge from the hospital were found to be significantly correlated (r = 0.70, P < 0.01). A comparison of the decreased group, which exhibited a decrease in 1.5-AG levels of 5.0 mumol/l or more during the trial home stay, and the unchanged group, revealed that increases in body mass index 3 months after discharge were significantly higher in the decreased group (1.2 +/- 0.4%) than in the unchanged group (0.2 +/- 0.5%) (P < 0.05). Determination of serum 1,5-AG levels of patients with type II diabetes before and after a trial home stay following educational hospitalization was found to be useful in identifying patients at high risk of recurrence of poor glycemic control in the future.

Diabetic damage of selective renal reabsorption assessed by albumin negative charge

To clarify the pathogenesis of diabetic albuminuria at its onset, the percentage of glycated albumin (%G-albumin) in excreted urinary albumin and its negative charge were assayed. In non-diabetic albuminuria (control-A) group, the high ratio of urinary %G-albumin to serum %G-albumin (urine/serum ratio of %G-albumin) suggested a selective renal excretion of glycated albumin (G-albumin) over albumin as a result of normally-functioning selective reabsorption of albumin over G-albumin in renal tubules. Urinary %G-albumin and albumin negative charge indexing the degree of glycation, which was assayed by the binding capacity of positively-charged Alcian Blue (ABBC), thus negatively correlated with serum %G-albumin. In non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects with albuminuria (DM-A), however, urinary %G-albumin and ABBC positively correlated with serum %G-albumin, and the urine/serum ratio of %G-albumin was low and gradually increased toward 1 as serum %G-albumin increased. Although the strict glycemic control for 3 weeks reduced the increased urinary %G-albumin and ABBC, the decreased urine/serum ratio of %G-albumin remained unaltered. It is concluded that hyperglycemia-induced renal damage starts with the loss of selective tubular reabsorption of albumin over G-albumin, and that this damage cannot be recovered by strict glycemic control for 3 weeks.

Molecular cloning of a human cDNA encoding a trifunctional enzyme of carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase-aspartate transcarbamoylase-dihydroorotase in de Novo pyrimidine synthesis

A human CAD cDNA encoding a trifunctional enzyme of carbamoylphosphate synthetase-aspartate transcarbamoylase-dihydroorotase, which catalyzes the first three steps of de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis, was cloned from a human fibroblast cell line of TIG-1-20 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The predicted open reading frame encodes a protein of 2,225 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight (Mr) OF 242,913. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibits 95.3 and 76.1% identity with the CAD sequences of hamster and Squalus acanthias. The DNA fragment of 6,679 bp containing the full-length coding sequence was amplified by nested PCR using the first-strand cDNA of human cell lines of TIG-1-20 and COLO205 as a template. Southern blot analysis suggested that the CAD gene exists as a single copy in the human genome.

Radioiodinated metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy for pheochromocytoma. A false-positive case of adrenocortical adenoma and literature review

Radioiodinated metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy is known for its high specificity in detecting pheochromocytoma and other tumors of neural crest origin. We describe herein the first case of a definite adrenocortical adenoma that demonstrated false-positive uptake on MIBG scintigraphy. In addition, we reviewed all 13 reported cases showing false-positive uptake, and suggest that careful evaluation is needed before diagnosing a 'silent' or 'asymptomatic' pheochromocytoma.

Isolation and mapping of human homologues of an imprinted mouse gene U2af1-rs1

We have isolated human homologues of the imprinted mouse gene, U2af1-rs1. Two different types of cDNAs and three distinct genomic DNAs belonging to different groups were isolated. We have identified chromosomal genes corresponding to each cDNA by restriction mapping and sequencing. Using both a panel of rodent/human somatic cell hybrids and fluorescence in situ hybridization, group 1 and group 2 genes were mapped to chromosome 5q22 and chromosome Xp22.1, respectively. We designated group 1 and group 2 genes as human U2AF1-RS1 and U2AF1-RS2, respectively, because these genes corresponded to mouse U2af1-rs1 (chromosome 11) and U2af1-rs2 (chromosome X), which we also isolated and mapped. Amino acid sequences of human U2AF1-RS1 and U2AF-RS2 showed significant homology to U2AF small subunit. The group 3 gene, designated as U2AF1-RS3, of which the cDNA has not yet been isolated, was mapped to chromosome 19p13.2.

Reduced muscle uptake of oxygen during exercise in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To assess the factors limiting aerobic exercise capacity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The anaerobic threshold (AT) and O2 pulse, i.e., VO2/heart rate (HR), were measured in 21 patients with SLE without cardiopulmonary complications by the analysis of expired gas during incremental work load in exercise testing. The relationships between work rate (WR) and VO2, HR and VO2/weight (Wt), and lupus activity index (LAI) and AT were analyzed.

RESULTS

The AT of the patients with SLE was significantly lower than for a control group. Little increase in O2 pulse and very low delta VO2/delta WR and delta VO2/Wt@delta HR were found during work load in some patients with SLE, especially those with a low AT and high LAI. Patients with SLE with a high LAI tended to show a low AT.

CONCLUSION

The low aerobic exercise capacity of patients with SLE appeared to be mainly due to a small increase in O2 pulse. This may have resulted from impaired oxygen diffusion in the inflamed peripheral muscles in patients with active SLE. Low AT may explain in part why patients with SLE become easily fatigued.

Comparison of body distribution of poly(vinyl alcohol) with other water-soluble polymers after intravenous administration

The body distribution of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with molecular weights (MW) from 14,800 to 434,000 Da was investigated after intravenous administration and compared with that of other water-soluble polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), gelatin, dextran, and pullulan. The half-life of PVA in the circulation was prolonged from 90 min (MW 14,800 Da) to 23 h (MW 434,000 Da), similar to that of PEG which had a half-life of 30 min (MW 6000) and 20 h (MW 170,000). However, the half-life of PVA was much longer than that of other polymers when compared at a similar molecular weight. PVA was located in most organs but with very small accumulation. An insignificant interaction of PVA with cell components, such as macrophages and blood cells, was observed. Similar to PEG, the excretion rate of PVA at the glomeruli was rapidly reduced around 30,000 Da, as the molecular weight increased. These results indicate that the half-life of intravenously injected PVA in the blood was mainly determined by the permeation characteristics of the kidney.

Cloning and mapping of the U2af1-rs2 gene with a high transmission distortion in interspecific backcross progeny

We have cloned and analyzed the mouse U2af1-rs2 gene based on its sequence similarity to the imprinted gene U2af1-rs1 (SP2). Sequence analysis of this U2af1-rs2 cDNA revealed that it contained an open reading frame encoding a protein of 462 amino acid residues. The predicted amino acid sequence showed 72.7 and 35.8% identity to the U2af1-rs1 and U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein auxiliary factor, respectively. Interspecific backcross analysis showed this gene to map to the distal region of the X chromosome and also indicated that there was significant distortion of transmission ratio of the U2af1-rs2 allele in the backcrossed progeny from (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus)F1 females mated to Mus spretus males.

Rat genomic structure of amidophosphoribosyltransferase, cDNA sequence of aminoimidazole ribonucleotide carboxylase, and cell cycle-dependent expression of these two physically linked genes

Genomic structure of rat amidophosphoribosyltransferase (ATase; EC 2.4.2.14), which catalyzes the first committed step in de novo purine nucleotide synthesis, was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. There are 11 exons and all exon-intron boundaries were conserved among rat, human, and chicken ATase genes. A rat aminoimidazole ribonucleotide carboxylase (AIRC) cDNA encoding a bifunctional enzyme of AIRC (EC 4.1.1.21) at step 6 and SAICAR synthetase (EC 6.3.2.6) at step 7 in de novo purine nucleotide synthesis was cloned and sequenced. The size of the cloned rat AIRC cDNA was 1329 bp, and amino acid identity with human and chicken AIRC was 96 and 85%, respectively. The intergenic sequence using a phage clone and the PCR product disclosed that ATase and AIRC genes are physically linked with the 736 bp sequence between the translation start sites, and the determination of the transcriptional start sites by the primer extension assay for these genes disclosed that distance between the two major transcriptional start sites is 585 bp. The amount of mRNAs of both genes showed approx. 5-6-fold increase in G1/S phase of the cell cycle over those in G0 phase in synchronized rat 3Y1 fibroblasts.

The effect of non-enzymatic glycation on recombinant human aldose reductase

It has been demonstrated that activation of aldose reductase (AR; EC 1.1.1.21) in diabetic tissues plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In the present study, the effects of non-enzymatic glycation of recombinant human AR (rhAR) on enzyme activity and affinity for its substrate (glyceraldehyde), co-factor (NADPH) and inhibitors (ARI; Sorbinil, Tolrestat, AL-1576 and Statil) were examined. Although rhAR was successfully non-enzymatically glycated with HPLC-purified [3H]D-glucose, the Michaelis constant (Km) and catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) for glyceraldehyde, the Km for NADPH and the inhibitor constant (Ki) for ARI did not change. These results suggest that the mechanism of AR activation and its insensitivity to inhibition observed in diabetic tissues cannot be attributed to its non-enzymatic glycation.

Fate of water-soluble polymers administered via different routes

The biological fate of synthetic water-soluble polymers administered to mice by injection at different sites is described. After intraperitoneal (ip), subcutaneous (sc), and intramuscular (im) injections of 125I-labeled poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with various molecular weights, the time-course of polymer concentration in the blood was measured and analyzed pharmacokinetically. The location of PVA in the body was similar to that of PEG; that is, the elimination from the injection sites and the translocation from the injection sites into the blood circulation were similar for both polymers. The elimination rate of both polymers from the injection sites increased in the order ip > sc > im. After sc and im injections of polymers, the elimination rate decreased with an increase in the molecular weight, whereas the elimination rate of polymers injected showed no molecular weight dependence over the range studied, regardless of the type of polymers used. The time-course of polymer concentration in the blood depended largely on the injection route of the polymers, and the polymer elimination from the blood circulation was enhanced with the decreasing molecular weight of polymers injected. It was concluded that the molecular weight and the injection site are the important factors that affect the concentration profile of polymers in the blood circulation.

Acute onset of diabetic pathological changes in transgenic mice with human aldose reductase cDNA

To investigate the role of human aldose reductase (hAR) in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, we generated transgenic mice carrying hAR cDNA driven by the murine MHC class I molecule promoter (hAR-Tg). Northern and Western blot analyses and immunoassay of hAR revealed that both hAR mRNA and the protein were expressed in all tissues tested. Thrombosis in renal vessels and fibrinous deposits in Bowman's capsule were observed in 6-week-old hAR-Tg mice fed a normal diet. Ingestion of a 30% glucose diet for 5 days caused sorbitol concentrations in the liver, kidney, and muscle of hAR-Tg mice to be elevated significantly. Seven-week-old hAR-Tg mice fed a 20% galactose diet for 7 days developed cataracts and occlusion of the retinochoroidal vessels, in addition to pathological changes in the kidney. Despite an elevated aldose reductase level in hAR-Tg mice and their intake of an aldose diet, no histopathological changes were found in other tissues, including the brain, lungs, heart, thymus, spleen, intestine, liver, muscle, spinal cord, or sciatic nerve. Results suggest that target organs of diabetic complications, such as the kidney, lens, and retina are sensitive to damage associated with a high level of AR expression, but other organs are not; the susceptibility of each organ to diabetic complications is determined by not only hAR but also other factors.

Allele-specific methylation and expression of an imprinted U2af1-rs1 (SP2) gene

The mouse U2af1-rs1(SP2) gene, which was cloned by a two-dimensional genome scanning method, is expressed exclusively from the paternally inherited chromosome. This gene has significant similarity to U2AF and located in chromosome 11, of which maternal duplication/paternal deficiency results in a small body. In this report, we cloned genomic U2af1-rs1(SP2) and found its promoter was methylated in a maternal-allele-specific manner. This allelic methylation was not established in parental gametes, but established between 1.5 d.p.c. and 12.5 d.p.c. on the contrary, the allele-specific expression occurred in the two-cell stage when transcription initiates. Absence of the methylation of the upstream region in this stage indicates that methylation is not necessary for inactivation of the expression.

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and Gerhardt syndrome associated with Shy-Drager syndrome

This is the first report on a case of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with Gerhardt syndrome (paralysis of bilateral vocal cords). A 67-year-old Japanese man suffering from progressive autonomic failure was diagnosed as having Shy-Drager syndrome (SDS) with hyponatremia due to SIADH and severe sleep apnea caused by a bilateral recurrent nerve palsy. Water load test showed alteration in diuresis which was corrected by phenytoin. Arginine vasopressin secretion was not suppressed by plasma osmolality below 280 mOsm/kgH2O. Impairment of the afferent pathways of baroreceptors, or impairment of the osmoreceptors could be speculated as the etiological factor of the SIADH observed in this case.

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding human DNA helicase Q1 which has homology to Escherichia coli Rec Q helicase and localization of the gene at chromosome 12p12

A complementary DNA encoding DNA-dependent ATPase Q1 possessing DNA helicase activity, which is the major DNA-dependent ATPase in human cell extracts, was cloned from a cDNA library of human KB cells. The predicted amino acid sequence has seven consecutive motifs conserved in the RNA and DNA helicase super family and DNA helicase Q1 belongs to DEXH helicase family. A homology search indicated that helicase Q1 had 47% homology in the seven conserved regions with Escherichia coli RecQ protein. Three RNA bands of 4.0, 3.3, and 2.2 kilobases were detected in HeLa cells by Northern blotting. Analysis of the genomic DNA indicated the presence of a homologous gene in mouse cells. The DNA helicase Q1 gene was localized on the short arm of human chromosome 12 at 12p12.

Replication of DNA templates containing the alpha-anomer of deoxyadenosine, a major adenine lesion produced by hydroxyl radicals

The alpha-anomer of deoxyadenosine (alpha-dA) is a major adenine lesion produced by hydroxyl radicals in DNA. To assess its biochemical effects on DNA replication, alpha-dA was site-specifically incorporated into oligodeoxyribonucleotide templates using phosphoramidite chemistry. alpha-dA in the template constituted a transient block to DNA synthesis catalyzed by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I Klenow fragment (polI), but translesional synthesis occurred after prolonged incubation. Primer extension assays and Maxam-Gilbert sequencing of newly synthesized products revealed that alpha-dA directed not only incorporation of the correct nucleotide, dTMP, opposite the lesion but also misincorporation of dAMP and dCMP. dGMP was barely incorporated under these conditions. The order of the incorporation frequency at the alpha-dA site was affected by the nearest neighbor base pair 3' to the lesion. T7 and Taq DNA polymerases, as well as RAV-2 reverse transcriptase, showed a selectivity similar to that of PolI with respect to the nucleotide incorporation opposite alpha-dA, suggesting that the discrimination of nucleotides associated with alpha-dA is independent of the origin of DNA polymerases and is an intrinsic feature of the lesion. The mutational spectrum predicted for alpha-dA (i.e., A-->G transitions and A-->T transversions) is significantly different from those reported for other hydroxyl radical induced DNA lesions such as abasic sites or 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine, both primarily directing misincorporation of A. Possible biological consequences and the mechanism of dNTP discrimination associated with alpha-dA are discussed.

Distribution and tissue uptake of poly(ethylene glycol) with different molecular weights after intravenous administration to mice

After intravenous (iv) injection of 125I-labeled poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with different molecular weights to mice, the radioactivity of the organs was measured to pharmacokinetically analyze the body distribution of PEG according to a two-compartment model. High molecular weight PEGs were retained in the blood circulation for a longer period than low molecular weight PEGs. The terminal half-life of PEG in the circulation extended from 18 min to 1 day as the PEG molecular weight increased from 6000 to 190,000. PEG tended to accumulate in the tissues/organs such as muscle, skin, bone, and the liver to a higher extent than the other organs, irrespective of the molecular weight. The time dependence of tissue accumulation was based on the vascular permeability. The results of pharmacokinetic analysis suggested that small PEG tended to freely translocate from the circulation to extravascular tissues and to return to the blood circulation again by diffusion, whereas large PEG translocated more slowly to extravascular tissues. Urinary clearance decreased with increasing PEG molecular weight, similar to the tissue clearance, whereas liver clearance increased with the increasing PEG molecular weight, after passing a minimum around the molecular weight of 50,000. PEG uptake by Kupffer cells was enhanced as the molecular weight became > 50,000.

[A case of Shy-Drager syndrome complicated with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and incomplete paralysis of bilateral vocal cords]

A 67-year-old man with SIADH complicated by slowly progressing autonomic failure was described. The patient noticed constipation at the age of 57. In the following years, he suffered from urinary incontinence, depletion of sweating, impotence, sleeplessness with snore, and dizziness while walking. Physical examination revealed a masked oily face with slight cerebellar disturbance. Abnormality of autonomic function tests was recognized and he was diagnosed as Shy-Drager syndrome with gradually progressing, diffuse autonomic failure accompanied by slight cerebellar ataxia and Parkinsonism. Both serum sodium level and plasma osmotic pressure were reduced, whereas daily sodium excretion was more than 100mEq and urinary osmolality was about 500mOsm/kgH2O. His renal function was intact, and the adrenocortical and thyroid hormone levels were normal, then criteria of SIADH was fulfilled. SIADH was thought to have occurred on the basis of Shy-Drager syndrome. Water load test showed failure of adequate water diuresis, but intravenous phenytoin administration following the water load test ameliorated the diuresis to normal. The relationship between plasma osmolality and the ADH response indicates that ADH was adequately secreted in response to the increase in plasma osmolality but not suppressed in response to the decrease in plasma osmolality below 280mOsm/kgH2O. These results suggest that ADH synthesis in the hypothalamus and its secretion from the pituitary gland were both intact. The response of ADH secretion to the orthostatic hypotension induced by head-up tilt was quite blunted, being compatible with Shy-Drager Syndrome. Sleep disturbance was studied by polysomnography and laryngoscopy, and was revealed to be based upon severe sleep apnea due to incomplete paralysis of the bilateral vocal cords. Sleep apnea due to vocal cord paralysis is sometimes found to be complicated in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) including Shy-Drager syndrome, and is known as Gerhardt syndrome. This is the first report on a case of Shy-Drager syndrome complicated with SIADH and bilateral vocal cord paralysis. In this case, SIADH is caused by impaired afferent pathways from baroreceptors to the hypothalamus, which transfer inhibitory stimuli on ADH secretion. It is suggested that Shy-Drager syndrome should be considered one of the causes of SIADH.

Inactivation of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase by in vitro glycosylation and in erythrocytes of diabetic patients

Purified bovine Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase was nonenzymatically glycosylated in vitro at a rate proportional to incubation time (2 to 120 hrs) and glucose concentration (10 to 100 mM). Inverse correlation between glycosylation and the enzyme activity showed that increased glycosylation was accompanied with inactivation of the enzyme. Specific activities of glycosylated and non-glycosylated enzymes incubated with 100 mM glucose for 120 hrs were 1150 and 2860 units/mg protein, respectively. This indicates that nonenzymatic glycosylation declined the enzyme activity approximately to 40%. All these results were consistent with the in vivo studies that Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes of non-insulin dependent diabetic patients was inversely correlated with their plasma glucose. Inactivation of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo studies may be important for the development of diabetic complications, because the enzyme has a crucial role in protecting the body against the damaging effects of the superoxide radicals.

Molecular cloning of rat amidophosphoribosyltransferase

The cDNA of rat amidophosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.14, ATase), which is the supposed regulatory allosteric enzyme of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis, has been cloned by polymerase chain reaction. The predicted open reading frame encodes a protein of 517 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 57,436 including a supposed 11-amino acid propeptide. The 16 amino acid residues next to the propeptide were identical to the N-terminal amino acid microsequence of a purified rat liver ATase, which is consistent with the cleavage of the propeptide from the proenzyme in rat liver. The derived amino acid sequence is the first sequence reported for a mammalian ATase and it exhibits 81, 41, 36, and 31% identity with the sequences of chicken, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATases, respectively. The molecular weight (M(r)) of 57,436 suggests a tetrameric structure of native ATase with a M(r) of 240,000-248,000. Southern blot analysis suggested that the ATase gene exists as a single copy in the rat genome. Northern blot analysis revealed that ATase is expressed at a high level in brain, heart, liver, and stomach. The ATase mRNA in brain, heart, and stomach was 3.5 kilobases (kb) and in liver the 3.5-kb band was observed as well as an additional band of 4.2 kb. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that ATase is ubiquitously expressed in all tissues examined. Comparison with chicken ATase showed that 2 cysteine residues for an iron-sulfur cluster were conserved. Three conserved and two non-conserved consensus phosphorylation sites for cAMP-dependent protein kinase were found.

Determination of the number and relative molecular mass of subunits in an oligomeric protein by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Application to the subunit structure analysis of rat liver amidophosphoribosyltransferase

To determine simultaneously the relative molecular mass (M(r)) of a native oligomeric protein, and the number and M(r) of its subunits, a method using two-dimensional electrophoresis was developed. To determine the M(r) of a native oligomeric protein, pore gradient gel electrophoresis was performed for the first dimension. Native proteins were dissociated into their subunits by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in a gel slice, then applied to SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the second dimension to determine the M(r) of subunits. The advantage, accuracy, limitations and application of the method are discussed.