Genetics of symbiosis in Lotus japonicus: recombinant inbred lines, comparative genetic maps, and map position of 35 symbiotic loci

Development of molecular tools for the analysis of the plant genetic contribution to rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbiosis has provided major advances in our understanding of plant-microbe interactions, and several key symbiotic genes have been identified and characterized. In order to increase the efficiency of genetic analysis in the model legume Lotus japonicus, we present here a selection of improved genetic tools. The two genetic linkage maps previously developed from an interspecific cross between L. japonicus Gifu and L. filicaulis, and an intraspecific cross between the two ecotypes L. japonicus Gifu and L. japonicus MG-20, were aligned through a set of anchor markers. Regions of linkage groups, where genetic resolution is obtained preferentially using one or the other parental combination, are highlighted. Additional genetic resolution and stabilized mapping populations were obtained in recombinant inbred lines derived by a single seed descent from the two populations. For faster mapping of new loci, a selection of reliable markers spread over the chromosome arms provides a common framework for more efficient identification of new alleles and new symbiotic loci among uncharacterized mutant lines. Combining resources from the Lotus community, map positions of a large collection of symbiotic loci are provided together with alleles and closely linked molecular markers. Altogether, this establishes a common genetic resource for Lotus spp. A web-based version will enable this resource to be curated and updated regularly.

Distribution of dioxins in surface soils and river-mouth sediments and their relevance to watershed properties

The dioxins toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentration in surface soils, river sediments and river-mouth sediments was measured by the CALUX assay in the Yasu and Ado River basins around Lake Biwa, Japan. In order to examine the distribution of dioxins in each watershed, we evaluated and compared the correlation between the dioxins TEQ concentration and the solid characteristics (i.e. organic carbon content and particle size distribution) of all samples. In both basins, the dioxins TEQ concentration in forest soil correspondingly showed a very good linear relationship to organic carbon content. On the other hand, the dioxins TEQ concentration in paddy field was significantly high, although organic carbon content was relatively low. Generally, the smaller particles have the higher dioxins TEQ concentrations in surface soils, and river sediments were composed of very coarse particles and had relatively low dioxins TEQ concentration. Therefore, we expected high dioxins TEQ concentration in river-mouth sediment, which was, however, not the case. Although the dioxins TEQ concentration in river-mouth sediments is low, the degree of dioxins pollution was different in each basin. The difference was considered to come from the difference of watershed properties including land use, river-slope, dam construction as well as the surface soil pollution.

Two cases of atypical membranous aplasia cutis with hair collar sign: one with dermal melanocytosis, and the other with naevus flammeus

We report two atypical cases of membranous aplasia cutis surrounded by a rim of hairs, one case associated with dense dermal melanocytosis and the other with naevus flammeus, with characteristic clinical features. A rim of hypertrichosis, 'hair collar' sign, is proposed to have a close association with neuroectodermal defects. A failure of the normal closure of the cranial neural tube might have affected foetal skin development, including melanoblast migration and capillary network formation. The changes in the present cases, as well as the hair collar sign may suggest a complex hamartomatous nature of membranous aplasia cutis.

Increased Visceral Fat and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Predict the Increased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Japanese Middle-Aged Men

BACKGROUND

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) represents a stage of pre-diabetes and is a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is a major cause of death in type 2 diabetes. The metabolic risk factors such as elevated blood pressure (elevated BP), abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia (elevated levels of total triglycerides [TG] and low levels of HDL cholesterol), and hyperglycemia precede the onset of the metabolic syndrome that increases the risk for CVD. This clustering is commonly associated with pre-diabetic hyperinsulinemia and it reflects peripheral insulin resistance. The present study documented that a visceral fat area (VFA) >/= 100 cm (2) can replace waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) associated with IGT or IFG/IGT as a critical risk for the development of the metabolic syndrome in Japanese middle-aged men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 575 middle-aged Japanese men with fasting plasma glucose levels of 6.1 - 6.9 mmol/l (impaired fasting glucose; IFG) were enrolled in the study. After a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), blood samples were collected 0 - 2 h later for determination of plasma glucose, insulin concentrations and other variables. Based on the results of an OGTT, the subjects were subgrouped into categories of glucose tolerance for further study.

RESULTS

Subjects with IGT or IFG/IGT had significantly higher levels of metabolic abnormalities such as high BMI, increased AUC glucose, elevated HbA1c, high VFA, elevated BP, and increased TG levels when compared to NGT (normal glucose tolerance) (p < 0.001). Compensatory hyper-secretion of insulin was seen in all pre-diabetic subjects, and was higher in IFG/IGT subjects (681 +/- 33 pmol . h/l) than NGT (480 +/- 22 pmol . h/l) (p < 0.01). The metabolic clustering including abnormal VFA, TG, HDL-C, and BP was strongly associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, VFA >/= 100 cm (2) adjusted for the Japanese correlates strongly with the development of the metabolic syndrome in preclinical IGT or IFG/IGT subjects, with odds ratios of 2.7 and higher.

CONCLUSION

VFA >/= 100 cm (2) strongly correlates with prediabetic IGT or IFG/IGT which is possibly associated with underlying insulin resistance, and is a critical risk factor linked to the development of metabolic syndrome in Japanese middle-aged subjects with IGT or IFG/IGT.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori increases platelet count in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Japan

BACKGROUND

The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the platelet count in patients with thrombocytopenic purpura is controversial. In this multicentre study, we prospectively assessed the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (11 males and 24 females, a median age of 57) were assessed for H. pylori infection by use of a urea breath test. All patients received 1-week triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole) to eradicate H. pylori. At 6 months, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients with a platelet count recovery of greater than 100 x 10(9) L(-1) were defined as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura responders.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori infection was observed in 25 (71%) of the 35 patients. All infected patients were cured. Eleven patients were identified as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura responders; 24 were considered nonresponders. Platelet counts improved by more than 100 x 10(9) L(-1) in 11 (44%) of the 25 patients cured of H. pylori infection, while none of the 10 patients H. pylori-negative patients experienced the same improvement (P = 0.015). Univariate analysis showed that H. pylori infection and its eradication were significant factors associated with platelet recovery (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori infection played a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in approximately 30% of all patients assessed and 45% of the patients with H. pylori infection. Eradication of H. pylori in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients led to improved disease activity.

Pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Takayasu's arteritis

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by destructive, necrotizing and noninfective ulceration of the skin mostly on lower extremities. PG is well known as a complication of Takayasu's arteritis in Japan. However, this association is not commonly observed in North American and European patients. We describe a case of PG that was associated with Takayasu's arteritis who was successfully treated with systemic cyclosporin. We have reviewed 35 well-documented PG cases with Takayasu's arteritis in comparison to 106 PG cases without Takayasu's arteritis. The results demonstrate that this association occurs predominantly in young females and that these cases exhibit more widespread PG lesions.

Vital role of the itch-scratch response in development of spontaneous dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

BACKGROUND

The itch sensation and the resultant response, scratching, are important symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) and have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected patients. However, the influence of the itch-scratch response on the pathology of AD has not been precisely elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of scratching behaviour in the development of spontaneous dermatitis using conventionally raised NC/Nga mice (Conv-NC mice), which are known to be an animal model for human AD.

METHODS

Capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves of the mice were ablated by neonatal capsaicin treatment (Cap-NC mice), and the development of spontaneous dermatitis in the Cap-NC mice was compared chronologically with that in Conv-NC mice.

RESULTS

Scratching behaviour was almost completely prevented in Cap-NC mice raised for 84 days under conventional conditions, and the development of dermatitis and elevation of the serum IgE level were significantly suppressed. Histological analysis revealed that the numbers of infiltrating eosinophils and mast cells in the lesional skin of Cap-NC mice were lower than those in Conv-NC mice. Immunological studies showed that the capability of spleen T cells to produce both T-helper (Th) 1 (interferon-gamma) and Th2 [interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13] cytokines was diminished in Cap-NC mice. Furthermore, serum levels of IL-18 were approximately twice higher in Conv-NC mice than in Cap-NC mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest that scratching behaviour contributes to the development of dermatitis by enhancing various immunological responses in the murine AD model, implying that prevention of the itch sensation and/or itch-associated scratching behaviour is an effective treatment for AD.

Mutational analysis of the ATP2A2 gene in two Darier disease families with intrafamilial variability

BACKGROUND

Darier disease (DD), an autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by warty papules and plaques over seborrhoeic areas, is caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase type 2 isoform (SERCA2). While markedly different clinical severity within DD-affected family members is known, the pathomechanism has not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

Based on the hypothesis that multiple ATP2A2 mutations might contribute to the pathomechanism, we have analysed two DD families in which the clinical severity differs markedly within a single pedigree, and, as controls, eight DD families without differing clinical severity.

METHODS

All the exons and intron-exon borders of ATP2A2 were directly sequenced from the genomic DNA extracted from all the subjects.

RESULTS

We identified the heterozygous mutations, G233R in pedigree 1 and C318R in pedigree 2, respectively, whereas no other ATP2A2 mutations in any of severely affected individuals were found. In eight DD pedigrees as control, we have found M1V, N39D, L180R, A838P and 2170 insertion G in each of five pedigrees, but no mutation was found in three DD pedigrees.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results together with previous data indicate that the distribution of mutations is scattered over the entire ATP2A2 without any, as yet, discernible 'hotspots'. The mutations in pedigrees 1 and 2 with intrafamiliar clinical differences occurred around the Ca(2+)-binding sites on SERCA2, which might be associated with differences in clinical severity. These variations in ATP2A2 mutations alone cannot account for the clinical heterogeneity within DD pedigrees.

Ubc9 interacts with chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor I and represses receptor-dependent transcription

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factors (COUP-TFs) are orphan receptors involved in regulation of neurogenesis and organogenesis. COUP-TF family members are generally considered to be transcriptional repressors and several mechanisms have been proposed to underlie this activity. To explore novel transcriptional coregulators for COUP-TFs, we used the COUP-TFI as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen of an adrenocortical adenoma cDNA library. We have identified Ubc9, a class E2 conjugating enzyme of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)-1 as a COUP-TFI corepressor. Ubc9 interacts with COUP-TFI in yeast and in glutathione S-transferase pulldown and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Fluorescence imaging studies show that both Ubc9 and COUP-TFI are colocalized in the nuclei of transfected COS-1 cells. The C-terminal region of Ubc9 encoding amino acids 59-158 interacts with the C-terminus of COUP-TFI encoding amino acids 383-403, in which transcriptional repression domains are located. Mammalian one-hybrid assays utilizing a variety of Ubc9 fragments fused to Gal4 DNA-binding domain show that a Ubc9 fragment encoding amino acids 1-89 contains autonomous transferrable repression domain. Transfection of Ubc9 into COS-1 cells markedly enhances transcriptional repression by Gal4 DNA-binding domain-fused to COUP-TFI(155-423), but not by Gal4-COUP-TFI(155-388) which lacks a repressor domain. Coexpression of a C-terminal deletion mutant of Ubc9(1-58), which fails to interact with COUP-TFI, but retains a transcriptional repression domain, has no effect on Gal4-COUP-TFI-mediated repression activity. These findings indicate that interaction of Ubc9 with COUP-TFI is crucial for the corepressor function of Ubc9. Overexpression of Ubc9 similarly enhances COUP-TFI-dependent repression of the promoter activity of the bovine CYP17 gene encoding steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase. In addition, the C93S mutant of Ubc9, which abrogates SUMO-1 conjugation activity, continues to function as a COUP-TFI corepressor. Our studies indicate that Ubc9 functions as a novel COUP-TFI corepressor, the function of which is distinct from its SUMO-1 conjugating enzyme activity.

Hypothyroidism associated with anti-human chorionic gonadotropin antibodies secondarily produced by gonadotropin therapy in a case of idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism

We report a 22-yr-old male patient with idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism who showed secondary resistance to gonadotropin (Gn) therapy over 3 yr after successful treatment with hCG combined with human menopausal Gn. The patient simultaneously developed subclinical hypothyroidism. Endocrine examination revealed low levels of testosterone (0.3 ng/ml), free T4 (0.91 ng/dl), and increased levels of TSH (31.1 microU/ml) in the serum. Serum autoantibodies to thyroid gland were all negative. Interestingly, thyroid function was improved after discontinuation of Gn therapy. In vitro assays by immunoprecipitation using 125I-hCG or 125I-TSH elucidated the presence of anti-hCG antibody in the serum 13 months after commencement of Gn therapy but anti-TSH antibody was not detected in the serum. Furthermore, the anti-hCG antibody specifically bound to hCG but not to other glycoproteins including TSH and FSH based on a competitive displacement assay. Bioassays using porcine thyroid cells revealed that the serum gamma-globulin fraction enables the suppression of cyclic AMP (cAMP) synthesis stimulated by TSH. Our findings suggest that anti-hCG and/or anti-idiotypic hCG antibodies induced by hCG therapy impaired TSH-dependent cAMP production through interfering with binding of TSH to its receptor, and this resulted in subclinical hypothyroidism in this patient.

Gastric intestinal metaplasia as detected by a monoclonal antibody is highly associated with gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Some forms of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) may be precancerous but the cellular phenotype that predisposes to gastric carcinogenesis is not well characterised. Mucin staining, as a means of differentiating GIM, is difficult. A monoclonal antibody, mAb Das-1 (initially called 7E(12)H(12)), whose staining is phenotypically specific to colon epithelium, was used to investigate this issue.

METHODS

Using mAb Das-1, by a sensitive immunoperoxidase assay, we examined histologically confirmed GIM specimens from two countries, the USA and Japan. A total of 150 patients comprised three groups: group A, GIM (fields away from the cancer area) from patients with gastric carcinoma (n=60); group B, GIM with chronic gastritis (without gastric carcinoma) (n=72); and group C, chronic gastritis without GIM (n=18).

RESULTS

Fifty six of 60 (93%) patients with GIM (both goblet and non-goblet metaplastic cells) from group A reacted intensely with mAb Das-1. Cancer areas from the same 56 patients also reacted. In contrast, 25/72 (35%) samples of GIM from patients in group B reacted with mAb Das-1 (group A v B, p<0.0001). None of the samples from group C reacted with the mAb.

CONCLUSIONS

Reactivity of mAb Das-1 is clinically useful to simplify and differentiate the phenotypes of GIM. The colonic phenotype of GIM, as identified by mAb Das-1, is strongly associated with gastric carcinoma.