金丸 研吾 | ![]() |
カナマル ケンゴ | |
大学院農学研究科 生命機能科学専攻 | |
准教授 | |
農芸化学関係 |
In Arabidopsis thaliana, the Ethylene-dependent Gravitropism-deficient and Yellow-green 1 (EGY1) gene encodes a thylakoid membrane-localized protease involved in chloroplast development in leaf mesophyll cells. Recently, EGY1 was also found to be crucial for the maintenance of grana in mesophyll chloroplasts. To further explore the function of EGY1 in leaf tissues, we examined the phenotype of chloroplasts in the leaf epidermal guard cells and pavement cells of two 40Ar17+ irradiation-derived mutants, Ar50-33-pg1 and egy1-4. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that fully expanded leaves of both egy1 mutants showed severe chlorophyll deficiency in both epidermal cell types. Guard cells in the egy1 mutant exhibited permanent defects in chloroplast formation during leaf expansion. Labeling of plastids with CaMV35S or Protodermal Factor1 (PDF1) promoter-driven stroma-targeted fluorescent proteins revealed that egy1 guard cells contained the normal number of plastids, but with moderately reduced size, compared with wild-type guard cells. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed that the development of thylakoids was impaired in the plastids of egy1 mutant guard mother cells, guard cells, and pavement cells. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that EGY1 is involved in chloroplast formation in the leaf epidermis and is particularly critical for chloroplast differentiation in guard cells.
MDPI AG, 2021年06月21日, Plants, 10 (6), 1254 - 1254[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Argon-ion beam is an effective mutagen capable of inducing a variety of mutation types. In this study, an argon ion-induced pale green mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana was isolated and characterized. The mutant, designated Ar50-33-pg1, exhibited moderate defects of growth and greening and exhibited rapid chlorosis in photosynthetic tissues. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that mesophyll chloroplasts underwent substantial shrinkage during the chlorotic process. Genetic and whole-genome resequencing analyses revealed that Ar50-33-pg1 contained a large 940 kb deletion in chromosome V that encompassed more than 100 annotated genes, including 41 protein-coding genes such as TYRAAt1/TyrA1, EGY1, and MBD12. One of the deleted genes, EGY1, for a thylakoid membrane-localized metalloprotease, was the major contributory gene responsible for the pale mutant phenotype. Both an egy1 mutant and F1 progeny of an Ar50-33-pg1 × egy1 cross-exhibited chlorotic phenotypes similar to those of Ar50-33-pg1. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of mesophyll cells revealed that Ar50-33-pg1 and egy1 initially developed wild type-like chloroplasts, but these were rapidly disassembled, resulting in thylakoid disorganization and fragmentation, as well as plastoglobule accumulation, as terminal phenotypes. Together, these data support the utility of heavy-ion mutagenesis for plant genetic analysis and highlight the importance of EGY1 in the structural maintenance of grana in mesophyll chloroplasts.
2021年04月22日, Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 10 (5), 英語, 国際誌[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rab proteins are small GTP-binding proteins and are the largest family in the Ras GTPase superfamily and mediate vesicular transport in cells. Diverse insulin-like peptides, such as bombyxin, are synthesized in the brain and secreted into the haemolymph by the corpus allatum (CA). In the brain of Bombyx mori, Rabs are expressed in a specific area; however, which Rabs actually link the secretion of bombyxin remains unknown. A double-staining analysis of nine Rabs ( Rab1, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 26, 39 and X4) and bombyxin indicated that Rab3-, Rab7-, Rab39-and RabX4-immunohistochemical reactivity (ir) areas overlapped with bombyxin-ir in the brain and CA in B. mori, while Rab6-, Rab14-and Rab21-irs partially overlapped in the CA. Rab1-ir occurred in the other immunopositive areas in CA. Rab26-ir did not occur in the brain. Rab39-ir occurred in UNC104, Rab39- effector,-immunopositive neurons in the brain and CA. Thus, Rab3, 7, 39 and X4 may regulate the exocytosis of bombyxin.
CZECH ACAD SCI, INST ENTOMOLOGY, 2021年, EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY, 118, 307 - 314, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
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研究論文(学術雑誌)
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研究論文(学術雑誌)
CYP2C9 is a human microsomal cytochrome P450c (CYP). Much variation in CYP2C9 levels and activity can be attributed to polymorphisms of this gene. Wild-type CYP2C9 and ten mutants were co-expressed with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in Escherichia coli. The hydroxylase activities toward steroids were examined. CYP2C9.2, CYP2C9.3, CYP2C9.4, CYP2C9.16, CYP2C9.28, CYP2C9.48 and
2018年08月, Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition, 39 (8), 371 - 377, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
CYP2C9 is a human microsomal cytochrome P450c (CYP). Much of the variation in CYP2C9 levels and activity can be attributed to polymorphisms of this gene. Wild-type CYP2C9 and mutants were coexpressed with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase in Escherichia coli. The hydroxylase activities toward 7-ethoxycoumarin, flavanone and steroids were examined. Six CYP2C9 variants showed Soret peaks (450 nm) typical of P450 in reduced CO-difference spectra. CYP2C9.38 had the highest 7-ethoxycoumarin de-ethylase activity. All the CYP2C9 variants showed lower flavanone 6-hydroxylation activities than CYP2C9.1 (the wild-type). CYP2C9.38 showed higher activities in testosterone 6β-hydroxylation, progesterone 6β−/16α-hydroxylation, estrone 11α-hydroxylation and estradiol 6α-hydroxylation than CYP2C9.1. CYP2C9.40 showed higher testosterone 17-oxidase activity than CYP2C9.1 CYP2C9.8 showed higher estrone 16α-hydroxylase activity and CYP2C9.12 showed higher estrone 11α-hydroxylase activity. CYP2C9.9 and CYP2C9.10 showed similar activities to CYP2C9.1. These results indicate that the substrate specificity of CYP2C9.9 and CYP2C9.10 was not changed, but CYP2C9.8, CYP2C9.12 and CYP2C9.40 showed different substrate specificity toward steroids compared with CYP2C9.1 and especially CYP2C9.38 displayed diverse substrate specificities towards 7-ethoxycoumarin and steroids.
John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2017年11月01日, Biopharmaceutics and Drug Disposition, 38 (8), 486 - 493, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rab proteins are small monomeric GTPases/GTP-binding proteins, which form the largest branch of the Ras superfamily. The different Rab GTPases are localized to the cytosolic face of specific intracellular membranes, where they function as regulators of distinct steps in membrane trafficking. RabX4 is an insect-specific Rab protein that has no close homolog in vertebrates. There is little information about insect-specific Rab proteins. RabX4 was expressed in Escherichia coli and subsequently purified. Antibodies against Bombyx mori RabX4 were produced in rabbits for western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting of neural tissues revealed a single band, at approximately 26kD. RabX4-like immunohistochemical reactivity was restricted to neurons of the pars intercerebralis and dorsolateral protocerebrum in the brain. Further immunohistochemical analysis revealed that RabX4 colocalized with Rab6 and bombyxin in the corpus allatum, a neuronal organ that secretes neuropeptides synthesized in the brain into the hemolymph. RabX4 expression in the frontal ganglion, part of the insect stomatogastric nervous system that is found in most insect orders, was restricted to two neurons on the outer region and did not colocalize with allatotropin or Rab6. Furthermore, RNA interference of RabX4 decreased bombyxin expression levels in the brain. These findings suggest that RabX4 is involved in the neurosecretion of a secretory organ in Bombyx mori.
WILEY, 2017年09月, ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY, 96 (1), 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
In eukaryotic cells, Rab guanosine triphosphate-ases serve as key regulators of membrane-trafficking events, such as exocytosis and endocytosis. Rab3, Rab6, and Rab27 control the regulatory secretory pathway of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. The cDNAs of Rab3, Rab6, and Rab27 from B. mori were inserted into a plasmid, transformed into Escherichia coli, and then subsequently purified. We then produced antibodies against Rab3, Rab6, and Rab27 of Bombyx mori in rabbits and rats for use in western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Western immunoblotting of brain tissue revealed a single band at approximately 26 kDa. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that Rab3, Rab6, and Rab27 expression was restricted to neurons in the pars intercerebralis and dorsolateral protocerebrum of the brain. Rab3 and Rab6 co-localized with bombyxin, an insect neuropeptide. However, there was no Rab that co-localized with prothoracicotropic hormone. The corpus allatum secretes neuropeptides synthesized in the brain into the hemolymph. Results showed that Rab3 and Rab6 co-localized with bombyxin in the corpus allatum. These findings suggest that Rab3 and Rab6 are involved in neurosecretion in B. mori. This study is the first to report a possible relationship between Rab and neurosecretion in the insect corpus allatum.
SPRINGER, 2016年07月, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY, 146 (1), 59 - 69, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rice straw is a promising resource for bioethanol production. Because the glucose content of pretreatment liquid hydrolysates is highly correlated with ethanol yield, the selection of appropriate rice cultivars is essential. The glucose content in liquid hydrolysates of pretreated rice straws of 208 diverse cultivars was evaluated in natural field in 2013 and 2014 using a novel high-throughput system. The glucose content of the rice straw samples varied across cultivars and was affected by environmental factors such as temperature and solar radiation. Several high-quality cultivars exhibiting high glucose content in both years were identified. The results of this study can aid in development of novel rice cultivars suitable as both feedstocks for bioethanol production and cooking.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2016年05月, BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 80 (5), 863 - 869, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
We evaluated the metabolism of several herbicides and progesterone by two P450 proteins (CYP1A9 and CYP1C1) from Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). Expression vectors harboring CYP1A9 and CYP1C1 sequences were introduced into Escherichia coli. E. coli membrane fractions were incubated with each substrate, and the metabolites were analyzed. CYP1A9 and CYP1C1 deethylated 7-ethoxycoumarin and phenacetin, and demethylated chlorotoluron, diuron, and linuron. CYP1C1 specifically hydroxlyated progesterone at the 6 beta and 16 alpha positions. Five amino acids of CYP1A9 related to substrate binding were selected for mutation analyses [CYP1A9(F128A), CYP1A9(F229A), CYP1A9(F263A), CYP1A9(V387A), and CYP1A9(I391A)]. Two variants, CYP1A9(F229A) and CYP1A9(F128A), changed the ratio of 16a hydroxyprogesterone to 613 hydroxyprogesterone. Among all the variants, CYP1A9(F263A) showed the highest activity towards substrates used. CYP1A9(V387A) and CYP1A9(I391A) showed higher activities than that of CYP1A9 toward progesterone. The substrate specificity of CYP1A9 may be altered by replacing an amino acid related to substrate binding. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, 2015年09月, ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY, 40 (2), 360 - 368, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
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研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rab guanosine triphosphatases in eukaryotic cells are key regulators of membrane-trafficking events, such as exocytosis and endocytosis. Rab7 regulates traffic from early to late endosomes and from late endosomes to vacuoles/lysosomes. The Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) was extracted from the silkworm, Bombyx mori (B. mori), and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), followed by its purification. The glutathione sulfotransferase pull-down assay revealed that Rab7 of B. mori interacted with RILP of B. mori. We then produced antibodies against RILP of B. mori in rabbits for their use in Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Western immunoblotting of brain tissue for RILP revealed a single band, at approximately 50 kD. RILP-like immunohistochemical reactivity (RILP-ir) was restricted to neurons of the pars intercerebralis and dorsolateral protocerebrum. Furthermore, RILP-ir was colocalized with the eclosion hormone-ir and bombyxin-ir. However, RILP-ir was not colocalized with prothoracicotropic hormone-ir. These results were similar to those of Rab7 from our previous study. These findings suggest that RILP and Rab7 are involved in the neurosecretion in a restricted subtype of neurons in B. mori. Thus, our study is the first to report of a possible relationship between an insect Rab effector and neurosecretion.
SPRINGER, 2014年03月, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY, 141 (3), 311 - 320, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rab guanosine triphosphatases in eukaryotic cells are key regulators of membrane-trafficking events, such as exocytosis and endocytosis. Rab7 regulates traffic from early to late endosomes and from late endosomes to vacuoles/lysosomes. The Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) was extracted from the silkworm, Bombyx mori (B. mori), and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), followed by its purification. The glutathione sulfotransferase pull-down assay revealed that Rab7 of B. mori interacted with RILP of B. mori. We then produced antibodies against RILP of B. mori in rabbits for their use in Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Western immunoblotting of brain tissue for RILP revealed a single band, at approximately 50 kD. RILP-like immunohistochemical reactivity (RILP-ir) was restricted to neurons of the pars intercerebralis and dorsolateral protocerebrum. Furthermore, RILP-ir was colocalized with the eclosion hormone-ir and bombyxin-ir. However, RILP-ir was not colocalized with prothoracicotropic hormone-ir. These results were similar to those of Rab7 from our previous study. These findings suggest that RILP and Rab7 are involved in the neurosecretion in a restricted subtype of neurons in B. mori. Thus, our study is the first to report of a possible relationship between an insect Rab effector and neurosecretion.
SPRINGER, 2014年03月, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY, 141 (3), 311 - 320, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The cyclic nucleotides cGMP and cAMP have been reported to play key roles in the regulation of plant processes and responses. We have previously reported that several genes encoding flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes, including chalcone synthase (CHS) in soybean (Glycine max L), were induced by cGMP but not cAMP. The soybean genome contains nine CHS gene copies (GmCHS1-9). We investigated the responsiveness of several GmCHS genes to cGMP, CAMP, NO, and white light. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the transcript levels of GmCHS7 and GmCHS8 were increased by 3.6- and 3.8-fold, respectively, with cGMP whereas the transcript levels of GmCHS2 remained constant. Although CAMP had no effect on the transcript levels of the three genes, NO had an activation effect on all three. White light activated the three genes in a transient manner, with GmCHS2, GmCHS7, and GmCHS8 transcript levels increasing 3-fold after 3 h and decreasing to basal levels after 9 h. The GmCHS8 promoter contains several important cis-elements, including the G-box and H-box forming the Unit-I-like sequence and the MYB binding sequence, a target of the GmMYB176 transcription factor regulating the expression of GmCHS8. A transient gene expression assay revealed the activation of the Unit-I-like sequence, but not of the MYB binding sequence, by cGMP. The combination of G-box and H-box was necessary for cGMP responsiveness. Taken together, these results suggest that the Unit-I-like sequence in the promoters of GmCHS7 and GmCHS8 is a cGMP responsive cis-element in these genes and that NO exerts its effect via cis-elements other than the Unit-I-like sequence. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER, 2014年01月, PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 74 (1), 92 - 98, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
多種の生体異物を代謝するヒトシトクロームP450 2A6の野生型および13種の変異型酵素をNADPH-シトクロームP450還元酵素とともに大腸菌で発現し、組換え酵素の7-エトキシクマリン、サロール、フラバノン、水酸化フラバノンの代謝を解析し、2A6ファミリーがフラボノイドを代謝することを明らかにした。
2013年11月, Biopharm Drug Dispos., 34 (2), 87 - 97, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rab proteins are small GTPases that play essential roles in vesicle transport. In this study, we examined the expression of Rab proteins and neuropeptide hormones in the brain of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. We produced antibodies against B. mori Rab1 and Rab14 in rabbits. Immunoblotting of samples of brain tissue from B. mori revealed a single band for each antibody. Rab1 and Rab14 immunohistochemical labeling in the brain of B. mori was restricted to neurons of the pars intercerebralis and dorsolateral protocerebrum. Rab1, Rab7 and Rab14 co-localized with bombyxin. Rab1 and Rab7 co-localized with eclosion hormone. Rab1 co-localized with prothoracicotropic hormone. These results suggest that Rab1, Rab7 and Rab14 may be involved in neuropeptide transport in the brain of B. mori. This is the first report on the specificity of Rab proteins for the secretion of different neuropeptides in insects.
SPRINGER, 2013年02月, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY, 139 (2), 299 - 308, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
研究論文(その他学術会議資料等)
In the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway of higher plants, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is metabolized by ALA dehydratase (ALAD). Here, we isolated ALAD1 cDNA from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its diploid progenitors, and produced transgenic tobacco plants expressing the wheat ALAD1 gene. The ALAD1 genes were highly conserved among wheat relatives, and three homoeologous loci of wheat ALAD1 (TaALAD1) were equally transcribed in common wheat. A transient expression assay of a TaALAD1-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein suggested that TaALAD1 is localized in chloroplasts. Overexpression of TaALAD1 in transgenic tobacco resulted in a significant increase in ALAD activity in leaves. Moreover, the transgenic tobacco showed vigorous growth and increased survival rate on medium containing ALA at herbicidal concentrations. These results indicate that wheat ALAD1 has catalytic activity in metabolizing ALA in plastids, and that ectopic expression of TaALAD1 in transgenic plants increases their tolerance to ALA application at high concentrations.
WILEY-BLACKWELL, 2011年12月, JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, 53 (12), 942 - 950, 英語[査読有り][招待有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Through the use of a number of bioconversion experiments we demonstrated that P450 proteins (CYP1A9 and CYP1C1) from Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) metabolized a number of herbicides and the drug phenacetin. We performed bioconversion experiments in which substrates were added directly to incubation medium. The resulting metabolites were extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Proteins CYP1A9 and CYP1C1 metabolized 50 nmol of the drug phenacetin to yield 12.1 and 1.1 nmol of product (acetaminophen), respectively. Further incubation of CYP1A9 with 50 nmol of the herbicides chlorotoluron, diuron, linuron, simazine, or atrazine yielded 16.5, 18.5, 7.3, 1.6, or 0.8 nmol of product, respectively. CYP1C1 also metabolized linuron, diuron, and simazine yield 5.4. 4.6, or 0.7 nmol of product, respectively. Next, polyclonal antibody was isolated by immunizing with two conjugated-peptides (amino acid residues 272-290 and 294-310) of CYP1A9. This antibody did not recognize human CYP1A2 or CYP1C1. Western blotting using the antibody revealed one band in the livers of Japanese eel and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Theses results suggest that CYP1A9 and CYP1C1 metabolize herbicides, and that CYP1A9 is an useful biomarker of contamination when detected with this antibody. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE, 2011年10月, PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY, 101 (2), 93 - 102, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Small GTPases of the Rab family are key regulators of membrane trafficking. We produced antibodies against the Rab7 protein of Bombyx mori (BRab7) in rabbits, and against the Rab11 protein of B. mori (BRab11) in mice. The antibodies recognized BRab7 and BRab11 proteins, but did not recognize other Rab proteins. Immunoblotting of samples from brain tissue of B. mori revealed a single band for each antibody. Rab11 was expressed in most tissues, whereas Rab7 was expressed in the brain, ovary, and testis. Immunohistochemical reactivity of Rab7 and Rab11 in the brain of B. mori was restricted to neurons of the pars intercerebralis and dorsolateral protocerebrum. Double-labeling experiments demonstrated that immunohistochemical reactivity of Rab7 co-localized with that of Rab11 and partially with that of Rab8. Immunohistochemical reactivity of Rab11 and Rab8 co-localized with that of PERIOD, one of the proteins associated with circadian rhythm. These findings suggest that Rab7, Rab8, and Rab11 are involved in protein transport in the neurons of the brain of B. mori and might play a role in the control of circadian rhythm.
SPRINGER, 2010年12月, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY, 134 (6), 615 - 622, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Cucumisin is a subtilisin-like serine protease (subtilase) that is found in the juice of melon fruits (Cucumis melo L.). It is synthesized as a preproprotein consisting of a signal peptide, NH(2)-terminal propeptide, and 67-kDa protease domain. We investigated the role of this propeptide (88 residues) in the cucumisin precursor. Complementary DNAs encoding the propeptides of cucumisin, two other plant subtilases (Arabidopsis ARA12 and rice RSP1), and bacterial subtilisin E were expressed in Escherichia coli independently of their mature enzymes. The cucumisin propeptide strongly inhibited cucumisin in a competitive manner with a K(i) value of 6.2 +/- 0.55 nM. Interestingly, cucumisin was also strongly inhibited by ARA12 and RSP1 propeptides but not by the subtilisin E propeptide. In contrast, the propeptides of cucumisin, ARA12, and RSP1 did not inhibit subtilisin. Deletion analysis clearly showed that two hydrophobic regions, Asn(32)-Met(38) and Gly(97)-Leu(103), in the cucumisin propeptide were important for its inhibitory activity. Site-directed mutagenesis also confirmed the role of a Val(36)-centerd hydrophobic cluster within the Asn(32)-Met(38) region in cucumisin inhibition. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that the cucumisin propeptide had a secondary structure without a cognate protease domain and that the thermal unfolding of the propeptide at 90 degrees C was only partial and reversible. A tripeptide, Ile(35)-Val(36)-Tyr(37), in the Asn(32)-Met(38) region was thought to contribute toward the formation of a proper secondary structure necessary for cucumisin inhibition. This is the first report on the function and structural information of the propeptide of a plant serine protease.
AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC, 2010年09月, JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY, 285 (39), 29797 - 29807, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Rab GTPases are essential for vesicular transport, whereas adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the most important and versatile of the activated carriers in the cell. But there are little reports to clarify the connection between ATP and Rab GTPases. A cDNA clone (Rab14) from Bombyx mori was expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein and purified. The protein bound to [H-3]-GDP and [S-35]-GTPgS. Binding of [S-35]-GTP gamma S was inhibited by guanosine diphosphate (GDP), guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and ATP. Rab14 showed GTP- and ATP-hydrolysis activity. The Km value of Rab14 for ATP was lower than that for GTP. Human Rab14 also showed an ATPase activity. Furthermore, bound [H-3]-GDP was exchanged efficiently with GTP and ATP. These results suggest that Rab14 is an ATPase as well as GTPase and gives Rab14 an exciting integrative function between cell metabolic status and membrane trafficking.
ROYAL SOC, 2010年06月, BIOLOGY LETTERS, 6 (3), 379 - 381, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Symmetric chloroplast division requires a prokaryote-derived division regulator protein MinD, whose subchloroplastic localization remains to be completely established. We investigated the localization and functionality of AtMinD1 (Arabidopsis thaliana MinD) fused with a dual hemagglutinin epitope (dHA) or a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). AtMinD1-dHA, which successfully complemented the arc11/atminD1 mutant phenotype, was predominantly located at the envelope membrane and the mid-chloroplast constriction site. Meanwhile, AtMinD1-YFP was non-functional and showed suborganellar localization partly similar to that of AtMinD1-dHA. This prompts us to reevaluate earlier transgenic and transient expression studies using fluorescent protein-tagged AtMinD1.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2009年07月, BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 73 (7), 1693 - 1697, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The small GTPases known as Rab proteins are key regulators of membrane trafficking. We used RT-PCR to isolate cDNA clones of insect-specific Rab proteins (BRabN1 and BRabN2) showing low homology with known Rab proteins from other animals, from mRNA of Bombyx mori. These 2 Rabs were produced in Escherichia coli and purified. BRabN1 bound [3H]-GDP and [ 35S]-GTPγS with dissociation constants of 0.087 × 10 -6 M and 1.02 × 10-6 M, respectively, whereas those of BRabN2 were 0.546 × 10-6 M and 1.02 × 10-6 M, respectively. Binding of [35S]-GTPγS to BRabN1 and N2 was inhibited by GDP and GTP. The GTP-hydrolysis activities of BRabN1 and N2 were 154 and 35.5 mmol/min/mole, respectively, and bound [35S]-GTPγS was exchanged efficiently with GTP. BRabN1 also showed ATPase activity and exchange of [35S]-GTPγS with ATP. Monoclonal antibodies against BRabN1 and N2 did not recognize any other Rab proteins, and Western blotting using the anti-BRabN1 antibody revealed a single band in the testis of B. mori. These results suggest that BRabN1 and N2 of B. mori bind GTP, convert from the GTP-bound state to the GDP-bound state by intrinsic GTP hydrolysis activity, and return to the GTP-bound state with the exchange, and that BRabN1 is specifically expressed in testis. © 2008 Wiley Periodical Inc.
2009年02月, Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 70 (2), 77 - 89, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Small GTPases of the Rab family act as essential regulators of vesicle transport pathways. Five Rab cDNA clones (BRab1, 7, 8, 11 and 14) from Bombyx mori were expressed in Escherichia coli as a thioredxin or glutathione sulfotransferase fusion protein. After purification, the fusion protein was tested for phosphorylation using protein kinase C (PKC). Results indicate that all of them were phosphorylated in vitro. The phosphorylation site of BRab1 was determined by mass-spectrometric analysis, which identified that Ser-17 of BRab1 was phosphorylated by PKC. Deletion and site-directed mutagenesis indicated that Ser-111of BRab8, in addition to Ser-17, was newly phosphorylated. Further immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies against Rab8 indicated that there are some Rab8 immunoreactive cells close to the neuropeptide secreting cells. This result suggests that in insects Rab proteins are regulated by phosphorylation and at least some of them are involved in neuropeptide secretion.
Czech Academy of Sciences, 2009年, European Journal of Entomology, 106 (4), 499 - 506, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage sake is produced by fermentation of rice by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae. A. oryzae releases ferulic acid. an antioxidant, from steamed rice during the fermentation process. The concentration of ferulic acid increased with time during fermentation and the production rate peaked 9-12 days post inoculation. Analysis of the fermentation cultures of Aspergillus oryzae, by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealed that p-coumaric acid induced an 18.9-fold increase in the level of ferulic acid. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE analysis revealed an increase or decrease in the level of specific proteins after the addition of p-coumaric acid to fermentation Cultures of Aspergillus oryzae. Ferulate esterase (FAE) activity was observed in the fermented sake ten days following the start of the fermentation process. These results suggest that the level of ferulic acid is regulated by the enzymes synthesized by A. oryzae during the sake brewing process.
INST BREWING, 2009年, JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF BREWING, 115 (2), 116 - 121, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is an important signaling molecule that controls a range of cellular functions. So far, however, only a few genes have been found to be regulated by cGMP in higher plants. We investigated the cGMP-responsiveness of several genes encoding flavonoid-biosynthetic enzymes in soybean (Glycine max L.) involved in legume-specific isoflavone, phytoalexin and anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate:CoA ligase, chalcone synthase, chalcone reductase, chalcone isomerase, 2-hydroxyisoflavanone synthase, 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase, anthocyanidin synthase, UDP-glucose:isoflavone 7-O-glucosyltransferase, and isoflavone reductase, and found that the majority of these genes were induced by cGMP but not by cAMP. All cGMP-induced genes were also stimulated by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, and illumination of cultured cells with white light. The NO-dependent induction of these genes was blocked by 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione, an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase. Moreover, cGMP levels in cultured cells were transiently increased by SNP. Consistent with the increases of these transcripts, the accumulation of anthocyanin in response to cGMP, NO, and white light was observed. The treatment of soybean cotyledons with SNP resulted in a high accumulation of isoflavones such as daidzein and genistein. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments with the promoter of chalcone reductase gene indicated the Unit I-independent activation of gene expression by cGMP. Together, these results suggest that cGMP acts as a second messenger to activate the expression of genes for enzymes involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in soybean.
SPRINGER, 2009年01月, PLANTA, 229 (2), 403 - 413, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
P450 (cytochrome P450) enzymes catalyse the mono-oxygenation of a wide range of compounds such as steroids, fatty acids, vitamins and drugs. In the present paper we demonstrate a system for bioconverting diverse compounds [flavanone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and 7-ethoxycoumarin] using P450 species expressed in Escherichia coli. First, we expressed four P450 species: rabbit CYP2B (MO family 2, subfamily B), fruitfly (Drosophila) CYP317A, rat CYP3A23 and mouse CYP2J5. Next, we added substrates directly to the incubation medium. The resulting metabolites were extracted and analysed by HPLC and spectrofluorimetry. The first substrate, 7-ethoxycoumarin, was de-ethylated by CYP2B; CYP2J5 and CYP3A23 showed weak activity, and CYP317A had no activity for 7-ethoxycoumarin. We next used flavanone, a flavonoid, as a substrate for these four MO species and other P450 species expressed previously. As a result, CYP2B, CYP2C43 and CYP2C29 catalysed flavanone 2-hydroxylation. CYP2A5 catalysed 2- and 4-hydroxylations. Finally, to produce diverse modified compounds, variants of CYP2A5 with point mutations were incubated with a steroid (DHEA) and an antioxidant (flavanone) in vivo. HPLC analysis indicated that two P450 species produced a 7-beta-hydroxy-DHEA and two P450 species produced a 2-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA. Four P450 species catalysed flavanone 2- and 4-hydroxylations. These results indicate that bioconversion by P450 is a useful technique to modify small molecules (steroids, coumarin and flavanone) and produce new, diverse hydroxylated compounds, which could be used for high-throughput screening for drug discovery.
WILEY, 2008年08月, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY, 50, 165 - 171, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
We indicated that two P450s (1A9 and 1C1) from Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) metabolized 7-ethoxycoumarin, 7-ethoxyresorufin, and flavanone. At first, we constructed expression vectors for two types of P450 (1A9 and 1C1). The reduced CO-difference spectra of Escherichia coli cells transformed with these plasmids showed Soret peaks (450 nm) that were typical of P450s. We performed bioconversion experiments in which substrates were added directly to incubation medium. The resulting metabolite(s) were extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and spectrofluorometer. Incubation of 50 nmol 7-ethoxyresorufin with P450 1C1 yielded 0.773 nmol of deethylated product, whereas 50 nmol 7-ethoxycoumarin resulted in 4.76 nmol. P450 1A9 metabolized 50 nmol of 7-ethoxyresorufin and 7-ethoxycoumarin to yield 6.54 and 20.9 nmol of deethylated product, respectively. Incubation of 50 nmol flavanone with P450 1C1 yielded 1.46 nmol and 0.69 nmol of products, whereas 50 mnol flavanone with P450 1A9 resulted in 1.10 nmol. In this system, 4'-hydroxy flavanones were formed by P450 1A9 and P450 1C1. P450 1A9 also metabolized 50 nmol of 17 beta-estradiol to yield 4.25 nmol of product. In this system, 2-hydroxy estradiol was formed by P450 1A9 using 17 beta-estradiol as a substrate. This study is the first to identify the substrates that P450 1C1 and 1A9 metabolize. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, 2008年04月, COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY, 147 (3), 278 - 285, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Small GTPases of the Rab family are key regulators of membrane trafficking. Monoclonal antibodies are useful tools for identifying proteins that interact with other proteins and for examining their tissue distribution. We selected a monoclonal antibody against Rab8 of Bombyx Mori L. It specifically recognized amino acid residues 30-109, which are conserved among Rab8 proteins, and did not recognize any other Rab proteins. Western blotting using the antibody revealed one band in the brains of B. Mori and rat. Far-Western blotting analysis detected three proteins interacting with Rab8. These results indicate that this antibody is useful for clarifying the physiological function of Rab8 of B. Mori and other species. This is a report of a study on a monoclonal antibody against insect Rab protein.
CZECH ACAD SCI, INST ENTOMOLOGY, 2007年10月, EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY, 104 (4), 641 - 645, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The Rob family of small GTPases are key regulators of membrane trafficking. Partially purified ROB from Bombyx mori (BRab8) was phosphorylated by protein kinase C in mammalian cells in vitro. To determine which of the seven serines and four threonines are phosphorylated, we generated deletion and site-directed mutants of BRab8, inserted them in Escherichia coli, partially purified the encoded fusion proteins by affinity chromatography, and examined their phosphorylation by protein kinase C in vitro. We found that Ser-132 of BRab8 was specifically phosphorylated by protein kinase C. In addition, Western blotting using an antiserum against BRab8 and in-gel staining for phosphorylated proteins revealed that BOB is phosphorylated in vivo.
WILEY-BLACKWELL, 2007年10月, ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY, 66 (2), 89 - 97, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
[査読有り]
研究論文(研究会,シンポジウム資料等)
[査読有り]
研究論文(研究会,シンポジウム資料等)
[査読有り]
[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
We developed a system for bioconverting diverse compounds using P450s produced in Escherichia coli. Vectors for the expressing various P450 cDNAs quickly and easily in E. coli were developed by using several restriction enzyme sites. Three types of P450 (2C2, 2C29, and 2D22) were produced using these plasmids. Substrates were directly added to the incubation medium and metabolized. To obtain pure product from the medium, we first tried production of P450 in synthetic medium. The amount of another P450 2C43 produced in the synthetic medium was similar to the amount produced in Luria broth (LB) medium. Next, estradiol, a steroid, was added as a substrate, incubated, and the metabolite was extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The metabolite extracted from synthetic medium was purer than that obtained from LB medium. Three P450s (2C29, 2C2, and 2A4) metabolized testosterone at different positions. P450 2C29 metabolized 7-ethoxycournarin, androstendione, and dehydroepiandrosterone in this medium. P450s produced in the synthetic medium may be useful for producing various modified compounds for high-throughput screening.
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG, 2006年12月, JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, 33 (12), 1043 - 1050, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The complete nucleotide sequences of the cDNA and its gene that encode a bifunctional alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitor of rice (Oryza sativa L.) (RASI) were analyzed. RASI cDNA (939 lip) encoded a 200-residue polypeptide with a molecular mass of 21,417 Da, including a signal peptide of 22 amino acids. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis showed that RASI is closely related to alpha-amylase/subtilisin inhibitors from barley and wheat. RASI was found to be expressed only in seeds, suggesting that it has a seed-specific function. A coding region of RASI cDNA without the signal peptide was introduced into Escherichia coli and was expressed as a His-tagged protein. Recombinant RASI was purified to homogeneity in a single step by Ni-chelating affinity column chromatography and characterized to elucidate the target enzyme. The recombinant inhibitor had strong inhibitory activity toward subtilisin, with an equimolar relationship, comparable with that of native RASI, and weak inhibitory activity toward some microbial alpha-amylases, but not toward animal or insect alpha-amylases. These results suggest that RASI might function in the defense of the seed against microorganisms.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2006年05月, Biosci. Biotech. Biochem., 70 (5), 1200 - 1209, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The small GTPases known as Rab proteins are key regulators of membrane trafficking. We used RT-PCR to isolate cDNA clones of insect-specific Rab proteins (BRabN1 and BRabN2) showing low homology with known Rab proteins from other animals, from mRNA of Bombyx mori. These 2 Rabs were produced in Escherichia coli and purified. BRabN1 bound [(3)H]-GDP and [(35)S]-GTPgammaS with dis
2006年, Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 70, 77 - 89, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Chloroplast genes of higher plants are transcribed by two types of RNA polymerase that are encoded by nuclear (NEP (nuclear-encoded plastid RNA polymerase)) or plastid (PEP (plastid-encoded plastid RNA polymerase)) genomes. NEP is largely responsible for the transcription of housekeeping genes during early chloroplast development. Subsequent light-dependent chloroplast maturati
2005年06月, EMBO Rep., 6 (6), 545 - 50, 英語, 国際誌[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The plastid genome of higher plants contains more than one hundred genes for photosynthesis, gene expression, and other processes. Plastid transcription is done by two types of RNA polymerase, PEP and NEP. PEP is a eubacteria-type RNA polymerase that is essential for chloroplast development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, six sigma factors (SIG1-6) are encoded by the nuclear genome, and postulated to determine the transcription specificity of PEP. In this study, we constructed a DNA microarray for all of the plastid protein-coding genes, and analyzed the effects of the sig2 lesion on the global plastid gene expression. Of the 79 plastid protein genes, it was found that only the psaJ transcript was decreased in the mutant, whereas transcripts of 47 genes were rather increased. Since many of the upregulated genes are under the control of NEP, it was suggested that the NEP activity was increased in the sig2-1 mutant.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2004年03月, BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 68 (3), 694 - 704, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
独自のゲノムと遺伝子発現系を持つ葉緑体には、転写装置の一つとして真正細菌型RNAポリメラーゼ(PEP)が存在する。PEPは主として光合成遺伝子の発現に関わっており、葉緑体の機能発現に必須である。PEPのコア酵素遺伝子群が葉緑体ゲノム上に存在するのに対し、PEPにプロモーター認識特異性を与える6種のシグマ因子(SIG1~6)は核染色体にコードされ、葉緑体機能の構築や修復に関わることが示唆されている。
我々はストレス時における葉緑体転写制御に興味をもち、ストレスで誘導されるシグマ因子の検索を行った。その結果、SIG5の発現が強光、塩、浸透圧、低温ストレスにより、転写レベルですみやかに誘導されることを見出した。さらに、新たに同定したSIG5遺伝子のT-DNA挿入変異(sig5-2)株を用いた解析の結果、psbDの光誘導プロモーター(LRP)からの転写が強くSIG5に依存していることが明らかになった。これまでも、(青色)光がSIG5を介してpsbD-LRPの転写誘導に関わることは示唆されてきたが、本研究によりこの応答が光のみならず広範なストレスに対応した転写制御であることが明らかになった。強光ストレス後のPSII活性の回復過程をクロロフィル蛍光で観察したところ、sig5-2株では野生株に対する若干の修復の遅れが見られる。従って、SIG5による遺伝子発現制御は、ストレス下で損傷した光合成活性中心の修復に関わると考えることができる。
[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Transcription in higher plant plastids is performed by two types of RNA polymerases called NEP and PEP, and expression of photosynthesis genes in chloroplasts is largely dependent on PEP, a eubacteria-type multi-subunit enzyme. The transcription specificity of PEP is modulated by six nuclear-encoded sigma factors (SIG1 to SIG6) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show that one of the six sigma factors, SIG5, is induced under various stress conditions, such as high light, low temperature, high salt and high osmotic conditions. Interestingly, transcription from the psbD blue light-responsive promoter (psbD-BLRP) was activated by not only light but also various stresses, and the transcription and the transcriptional activation of psbD-BLRP were abolished in a sig5-2 mutant. This suggests that the PEP holoenzyme containing SIG5 transcribes the psbD-BLRP in response to multiple stresses. Since the seed germination under saline conditions and recovery from damage to the PSII induced by high light were delayed in the sig5-2 mutant, we postulate that SIG5 protects plants from stresses by enhancing repair of the PSII reaction center.
OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2004年, PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY, 45 (4), 357 - 368, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Most photosynthesis-related genes in mature chloroplasts are transcribed by a eubacterial-type RNA polymerase (PEP) whose core subunits are encoded by the plastid genome. It has been shown previously that six putative nuclear genes (SIG1 to SIG6) encode promoter-specificity factors for PEP in Arabidopsis thaliana, and we isolated a T-DNA insertion line of SIG2 (sig2-1 mutant) t
2003年12月, Nucleic Acids Res., 31 (24), 7090 - 8, 英語, 国際誌[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
A eubacteria-type RNA polymerase (PEP) plays crucial roles for chloroplast development in higher plants. The core subunits are encoded on plastid DNA (rpo genes) while the regulatory sigma factors are encoded on the nuclear DNA (SIG genes). However, the definite gene specificity of each sigma factor is unknown. We recently identified an Arabidopsis recessive pale-green mutant abc1 in which TDNA is inserted in SIG2 (sigB). In this mutant, almost normal etioplasts were developed under dark conditions while the small chloroplasts with poor thylakoid membranes and stacked lamellar were developed under light conditions. The sig2-1 mutant was deficient in accumulating enough photosynthetic and photosynthesis-related proteins as well as chlorophyll. However, mRNAs of their structural genes were not significantly reduced. Further analyses revealed that several plastid-encoded tRNAs including trnE-UUC that has dual function for protein and ALA biosyntheses were drastically reduced in the sig2-1 mutant. In contrast, nucleus-encoded T7 phage-type RNA polymerase (TNEP)dependent gene transcripts were steadily accumulated in the mutant. These results indicate that progress of chloroplast development requires SIG2-dependent expression of plastid genes, particularly some of the tRNA genes.
OXFORD UNIV PRESS, 2001年10月, PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY, 42 (10), 1034 - 1043, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The quorum-sensing system in bacteria is a well-known regulatory system that controls gene expression in a cell density-dependent manner, A transcriptional regulator (LuxR homologue), signal synthase (LuxI homologue) and autoinducer (acyl homoserine lactone) are indispensable for this system in most Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we found that SdiA, an Escherichia coli LuxR homologue, is a negative regulator of the expression of virulence factors EspD and intimin in enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157:H7, The expression of EspD and intimin was inhibited at the RNA level upon SdiA overexpression, SdiA has a DNA-binding motif in its C-terminal part and can bind to the promoter regions of the esp and eae genes in vitro. Extracellular factors, which accumulate in culture supernatants of O157:H7 at the stationary phase of growth and inhibit EspD and intimin synthesis, bind to the N-terminal part of SdiA in vivo and in vitro, O157:H7 overproducing the N-terminal part of SdiA exhibited hypertranscription of EspD and intimin, suggesting that the overproduced N-terminal part had inhibited the activity of intact SdiA through titration of the extracellular factors, These results indicate that a quorum-sensing system including the SdiA protein controls colonization by O157:H7.
WILEY-BLACKWELL, 2000年11月, MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, 38 (4), 805 - 816, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia call (EHEC) O157:H7 causes serious diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans, The expressions of EspD and intimin by O157:H7 have now been shown to be downregulated by medium conditioned by O157:H7 grown at stationary phase. Preparation of conditioned medium showing the effect on the amount of EspD was not dependent on temperature or growth medium, but was dependent on growth phase. Inhibition of EspD and intimin expression was also induced by medium conditioned by E. coli K-12 strains and homoserine lactone, a signal molecule of the quorum-sensing system in Gram-negative bacteria, These results suggest the possibility that the quorum-sensing system mediated by self-produced extracellular factors plays an important role in control of colonization of EHEC O157:H7.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2000年11月, BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 64 (11), 2508 - 2511, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Development of plastids into chloroplasts, the organelles of photosynthesis, is triggered by light. However, little is known of the factors involved in the complex coordination of light-induced plastid gene expression, which must be directed by both nuclear and plastid genomes, We have isolated an Arabidopsis mutant, abc1, with impaired chloroplast development, which results in a pale green leaf phenotype, The mutated nuclear gene encodes a sigma factor, SigB, presumably for the eubacterial-like plastid RNA polymerase, Our results provide direct evidence that a nuclear-derived prokaryotic-like SigB protein, plays a critical role in the coordination of the two genomes for chloroplast development. (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, 2000年11月, FEBS LETTERS, 485 (2-3), 178 - 182, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
In Arabidopsis thaliana, a mature mesophyll cell contains approximately 100 chloroplasts. Although 12 are mutants (accumulation and replication of chloroplasts) and two chloroplast division genes homologous to eubacterial ftsZ have been isolated from A, thaliana, the molecular mechanism underlying the chloroplast division is still unclear, We characterized AtMinD1, a eubacterial minD homolog, for chloroplast division in A. thaliana, AtMinD1-green fluorescent protein targeted to the chloroplasts and possibly associated with the envelope membranes in vivo. During the seed germination, the AtMinD1 transcripts were accumulated twice, just after release from cold treatment and at the beginning of rapid greening, in similar fashion to AtFtsZs. Furthermore the transcript level in a severest chloroplast division mutant, arc6, was 3-5-fold higher than that in wild-type.
JAPANESE SOC PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS, 2000年10月, PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY, 41 (10), 1119 - 1128, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Three new nuclear genes (sigD, SigE and sigF) of Arabidopsis thaliana, encoding putative plastid RNA polymerase a factors, were identified and analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that higher plant a factors fell into at least four distinct subgroups within a diverse protein family. In addition, Arabidopsis sig genes contained conserved chromosomal intron sites, indicating that these genes arose ba DNA duplication events during plant evolution. Transcript analyses revealed two alternatively spliced transcripts generated from the sigD region, one of which is predicted to encode a a protein lacking the carboxyterminal regions 3 and 4. Finally, the amino-terminal sequence of the sigF gene product was shown to function as a plastid-targeting signal using green fluorescent protein fusions, (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, 2000年09月, FEBS LETTERS, 481 (1), 47 - 52, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
In plant cells, plastid DNA is transcribed by at least two types of RNA polymerase, plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) and nuclear-encoded RNA polymerase (NEP), PEP is homologous to eubacterial transcription machinery, but its regulatory subunit, sigma (sigma) factor, is not encoded on the plastid DNA, We previously cloned the three nuclear-encoded sigma factor genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and designated them as sigA, sigB, and sigC. By means of RFLP mapping, sigA and sigB,were mapped on chromosome I and sigC on the chromosome III. Based on comparison of the genomic structure of the three sig genes, intron sites in the 3' half of the genes were shown to be identical between sigB and sigC but divergent in sigA, consistent with the phylogenetic relevance of the three gene products. A transient expression assay of GFP fusions in Arabidopsis protoplasts showed that the N-termini of all three sig gene products functioned as chloroplast-targeting signals. We also constructed transgenic Arabidopsis lines harboring the sigA-promoter or the sigB-promoter uidA fusion. Both the sigA- and sigB-promoters were similarly activated at cotyledons, hypocotyls, rosette leaves, cauline leaves, sepals, and siliques but not at roots, seeds, or other Bower organs. In addition, the two promoters were repeatedly activated in young seedlings under continuous light, possibly in an oscillated fashion.
JAPANESE SOC PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS, 1999年08月, PLANT AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY, 40 (8), 832 - 842, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
14-3-3 proteins bind to the hinge 1 region of nitrate reductase (NR) and inhibit its activity. To determine which residues of NR are required for 14-3-3-inhibitory interactions, wild-type and mutant forms of Arabidopsis NR were examined in the yeast two-hybrid system and in vitro inhibition assays, NR fragments with or without hinge 1 were introduced into yeast with one of seven Arabidopsis 14-3-3 isoforms (called GF14s), NR fragments (residues 1-562 or 487-562) containing hinge 1 interacted with all GF-14s tested; an NR fragment (residues 1-487) lacking hinge 1 did not. GF14 binding to NR fragments was dependent on Ser-534, since Asp or Ala substitutions at this site blocked the interaction. Revertants with second site substitutions restoring interaction between GF14 omega and the Ala- or Asp-substituted NR fragments were identified. One isolate had a Lys to Glu substitution at position 531, which is in hinge 1, and six isolates had lie to Leu or Phe substitutions at 561 in the heme binding region. Double mutant forms of holo-NR (S534D plus K531E, I561F, or I561L) were constructed and found to be partially inhibited by protein extracts from Arabidopsis containing 14-3-3 proteins. Wild-type NR is phosphorylated and inhibited by these extracts, but S534D single mutant forms are not. These results show that inhibitory NR/14-3-3 interactions are dependent on Ser-534 but only in the context of the wild-type sequence, since substitutions at second sites render 14-3-3 binding and in vitro NR inhibition independent of Ser-534.
AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC, 1999年02月, JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY, 274 (7), 4160 - 4165, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana NADH:nitrate reductase (NR; EC 1.6.6.1) was produced in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and purified to near-electrophoretic homogeneity. purified enzyme had the spectral and kinetic properties typical of highly purified NR from natural plant sources. Site-directed mutagenesis altering several key residues and regions was carried out, and the mutant enzyme forms were expressed in P. pastoris. When the invariant cysteine residue, cysteine-191, in the molybdo-pterin region of the A. thaliana NIA2 protein was replaced with serine or alanine, the NR protein was still produced but was inactive, showing that this residue is essential for enzyme activity. Deletions or substitutions of the conserved N terminus of NR retained activity and the ability to be inactivated in vitro when incubated with ATE. Enzyme with a histidine sequence appended to the N terminus was still active and was easily purified using metal-chelate affinity chromatography. These results demonstrate that P. pastoris is a useful and reliable system for producing recombinant holo-NR from plants.
AMER SOC PLANT BIOLOGISTS, 1997年11月, PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, 115 (3), 1135 - 1143, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Escherichia coli contains a major cold shock protein, CspA (or CS7.4), whose production is predominantly induced at low temperatures, This bacterium is known to possess five additional genes, each encoding a protein highly similar to CspA (referred to as the CspA family), Here we identified a gene that encodes a cold-shock-inducible analog of CspA and CspB, This newly cloned cspG gene is located at 22 min on the E. coli genetic map, apart from the other cspA family genes, Its gene product (70 amino acids) is 73 and 77% identical to CspA (70 amino acids) and CspB (71 amino acids), respectively, Analyses of a cspC-lacZ transcriptional fusion and Northern (RNA) hybridization revealed that cspG is a low-temperature-responsive gene. Its low-temperature-inducible promoters were determined, and the results indicated that the cspG sequence is highly similar to both the cspA and cspB sequences not only in the coding regions but also in the 5'-upstream noncoding regions surrounding their own promoters.
AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY, 1996年05月, JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY, 178 (10), 2994 - 2997, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
We report cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding a putative aldehyde dehydrogenase in Synechococcus sp. PCC7942. It was found that this phototrophic microorganism has a protein very similar to mammalian class-3 aldehyde dehydrogenases. A mutant strain lacking this gene was hypersensitive in growth to an aromatic aldehyde.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 1994年12月, BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 58 (12), 2299 - 2300, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
P-type ATPases constitute a large family of cation pumps that play crucial physiological roles in many organisms, including bacteria, plants and mammals. They are postulated to play important roles in a variety of environmental adaptation systems. Recently, we cloned two distinct putative P-type ATPase genes (pacS and pacL) from a photosynthetic cyanobacterium, Synechococcus species PCC7942. In this study, one of the gene products (named PacS) was found to possess a putative metal-binding motif (Gly-Met-X-Cys-X-X-Cys) in its N-terminal portion. Thus we supposed that this ATPase may function as a metal pump. Indeed, the results of Northern blotting analysis showed that pacS-mRNA specifically increases upon addition of copper or silver to the growth medium. The results of Western blotting analysis confirmed the view that PacS accumulates in copper-treated Synechococcus cells. Thus we concluded that the expression of PacS ATPase is regulated in response to the change in concentration of external metals, namely copper and silver. Consistent with this, an insertional inactivation mutant of pacS exhibited hypersensitivity in terms of growth to these potentially toxic metals. It was also revealed that PacS was mainly located in the thylakoid membrane, in which the photosynthetic reactions take place. This P-type ATPase in the thylakoid membrane is implicated as a copper-transporting system that may be involved in copper-homeostasis crucial to the photosynthetic thylakoid function.
BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD, 1994年07月, MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, 13 (2), 369 - 377, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
P-type (or E1 E2-type) ATPases comprise a large family of prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins capable of transporting a variety of cations. and function in a wide variety of cellular processes. The present study was carried out to search for genes encoding P-type ATPases in the phototrophic cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC7942. We succeeded in cloning two genes each encoding P-type ATPases from this bacterium. It was found that Synechococcus at least, two distinct P-type ATPases; one belongs to the family of typical prokaryotic P-type ATPases and the other markedly resembles eukaryotic P-type ATPases. An insertion mutant lacking either of these two ATPase-genes was constructed. The results showed that the growth of these mutants is hypersensitive to osmotic stress upon addition of NaCl or sorbitol to the medium.
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, 1993年09月, FEBS LETTERS, 330 (1), 99 - 104, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The proteins KdpD and KdpE are crucial to the osmotic regulation of the kdpABC operon that is responsible for the high-affinity K+ ion transport system in Escherichia coli. We demonstrated previously that the response regulator, KdpE, is capable of undergoing phosphorylation mediated by the sensory protein kinase, KdpD. In this study, we obtained biochemical evidence supporting the view that when KdpE is phosphorylated, it takes on an active form that exhibits relatively high affinity for the kdpABC promoter, which in turn results in activation of the kdpABC operon. It was also suggested that the central hydrophobic domain of KdpD, which is conceivably responsible for membrane anchoring of this protein, plays a role in the signalling mechanism underlying KdpE phosphorylation in response to hyperosmotic stress.
BLACKWELL SCIENCE LTD, 1993年01月, MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, 7 (1), 109 - 116, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
In Escherichia coli, expression of the outer membrane proteins, OmpF and OmpC, is regulated by the regulatory factors, EnvZ and OmpR, at the transcriptional level in response to the medium osmolarity. In this particular osmotic regulation, phosphorylation of OmpR at an aspartate residue (Asp-55) by EnvZ plays an important role. The previously isolated mutant, ompR55Q, with the amino acid replacement of Asp-55 to Gln, exhibits an OmpF- and OmpC- phenotype. In this study, we isolated a novel type of ompR mutant, in which the defect caused by the ompR55Q mutation is suppressed. The intragenic suppressor mutation we isolated results in the amino acid replacement of Tyr-102 to Cys in the N-terminal domain of OmpR, and exhibits an OmpF+ and OmpC+ phenotype in response to the medium osmolarity in an EnvZ-independent manner. It was revealed that this amino acid replacement in OmpR enhances the in vitro DNA-binding ability to the cognate DNAs. These results suggested that OmpR is capable of functioning in a phosphorylation-independent manner under certain in vivo conditions, and further suggested that an EnvZ-independent mechanism may also be involved in the osmotically regulated expression of ompF and ompC.
JAPANESE BIOCHEMICAL SOC, 1992年04月, JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, 111 (4), 425 - 430, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The OmpR protein of Escherichia coli is a positive regulator specific for the ompF and ompC genes. The function of OmpR is modulated through phosphotransfer signaling mediated by the kinase, EnvZ. We previously demonstrated that OmpR contains two functional domains, which are physically separable; one is responsible for the interaction with EnvZ, whereas the other participates in interactions with cognate promoter DNAs. In this study, these domains of OmpR were overproduced in wild-type cells harboring the endogenous intact ompR gene on their chromosome. It was found that when the N-terminal domain of OmpR, which contains the phosphorylation site, was overproduced, expression of the ompF and ompC genes was markedly inhibited, irrespective of the osmolarity of the growth medium. Based on our current model for the molecular mechanism underlying signal transduction through Envz-OmpR phosphotransfer (T. Mizuno and S. Mizushima, Mol. Microbiol. 4, (1990), 1077-1082), we provide evidence that this phenomenon is best interpreted by the concept of 'signal titration' in the phosphotransfer signaling pathway.
WILEY-BLACKWELL, 1991年07月, FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, 82 (1), 43 - 47, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The transcriptional factors, OmpR and EnvZ, are crucially involved in the osmotic regulation of ompF and ompC expression in Escherichia coli. The DNA binding ability of the positive regulator, OmpR, is modulated through its phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mediated by EnvZ in response to the medium osmolarity. In this study, two examples of a novel type of mutant ompR allele, ompR96A and ompR115S, whose phenotype is OmpF- OmpC- irrespective of the medium osmolarity, were characterized. These mutations result in amino acid conversions, Glu96 to Ala and Arg115 to Ser, respectively, within the phosphorylation domain of OmpR. Nevertheless, these mutant proteins were capable of undergoing phosphorylation and dephosphorylation normally, just like wild-type OmpR. However, the phosphorylation-dependent enhancement of their in vitro DNA binding ability was found to be severely affected. It was thus revealed that these mutant OmpR represent a novel type in terms of the mechanism of phosphorylation-dependent activation of the function of OmpR, i.e. those are normally phosphorylated but not activated to bind to the cognate promoter DNAs. In this respect, it was further suggested that OmpR oligomerization may be involved in the mechanism underlying the phosphorylation-dependent enhancement of the DNA binding ability of OmpR. The mutant proteins characterized in this study seem to be defective in this particular oligomerization process observed in vitro.
1991年, Journal of Biological Chemistry, 266 (17), 10775 - 10780, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
Previously, the transfer of a phosphoryl group between the EnvZ and OmpR proteins, which are involved in expression of the ompF and ompC genes in response to the medium osmolarity, was demonstrated in vitro. In this study, the histidine (His) residue at position 243 of the EnvZ protein, and the aspartate (Asp) residues at positions 12 and 55 of the OmpR protein were changed, re
JAPAN BIOCHEMICAL SOC, 1990年09月, JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, 108 (3), 483 - 487, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
The EnvZ protein is a bacterial protein kinase, which specifically phosphorylates the activator protein, OmpR, involved in expression of the ompF and ompC genes in Escherichia coli. The phosphotransfer between the EnvZ and OmpR proteins was postulated to be involved in the signal transduction in response to an environmental osmotic stimulus. In this study, we isolated a novel t
AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC, 1989年12月, JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY, 264 (36), 21633 - 21637, 英語[査読有り]
研究論文(学術雑誌)
研究発表ペーパー・要旨(国際会議)
研究発表ペーパー・要旨(国際会議)
研究発表ペーパー・要旨(国際会議)
研究発表ペーパー・要旨(国際会議)
植物色素体では原核型のRNAポリメラーゼ(PEP)が機能しており、おもに色素体コードの光合成遺伝子を転写する。真性細菌のRNAポリメラーゼと同様にPEPは活性部分のコア酵素とプロモータ認識に必須のシグマ因子とからなり、シグマ因子の交換によって発現遺伝子群を一括して変換すると考えられる。シロイヌナズナの場合、核ゲノムに6個のシグマ因子遺伝子がコードされている。これら6個のシグマ因子は色素体ゲノムの転写において適宜機能分担していると考えられ、それぞれの遺伝子欠損株で色素体遺伝子の転写パターンに特徴的な違いが報告されている。本研究ではシグマ因子遺伝子多重欠損株、およびAtSIG6欠損株に他のシグマ因子を異所的に過剰発現させた変異体を作製し、シグマ因子の機能分担の詳細を明らかにすることを目指している。これまでにsig2sig6二重欠損株がアルビノの表現型を示すこととsig6-1に対するAtSIG1過剰発現株が sig6-1と同様の表現型を示すことを確認した。以前の報告より、AtSig2は色素体tRNA遺伝子の転写に、AtSig6は発芽後初期の実生でのPEP依存遺伝子の転写に重要である。sig2sig6二重変異体ではそれ以外にpsbBオペロンの転写が大きく損なわれていることがわかった。以上の結果は,AtSig2とAtSig6が葉緑体で主要な働きをしているシグマ因子であることを示唆している。
日本植物生理学会, 2006年, 日本植物生理学会年会およびシンポジウム 講演要旨集, 47, S187 - S187, 英語研究発表ペーパー・要旨(国際会議)
Chloroplast transcription in higher plants is performed by two types of RNA polymerases, plastidencoded RNA polymerase (PEP) and nuclear-encoded RNA polymerase (NEP). PEP is a eubacteria-type multisubunit enzyme whose catalytic core subunits are encoded by the chloroplast genome, whereas NEP is the nuclear encoded T7 phage-type single subunit enzyme. PEP is critical for the biogenesis and maintenance of chloroplasts, and is finely tuned by the nuclear encoded sigma subunits. Of the six Arabidopsis sigma subunits, SIG2 is involved in the transcription of several chloroplast tRNA genes, including trnE encoding tRNA-Glu. SIG2 possibly couples translation and pigment synthesis in chloroplasts. On the other hand, SIG5 is induced by various stresses and contributes to repair of damaged photosystem 11 (PS11) through transcription of the psbD and psbC genes. Thus target genes and the physiological role of each sigma subunit are becoming clearer.
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, 2004年11月, BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 68 (11), 2215 - 2223, 英語[査読有り]
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多くが現象論の域をまだ出ない「共栄植物」における正の植物間相互作用の一端を解明し分子機構論に引き上げ,自然により近い混植栽培法の普及による農環境保全や持続的農業,新規生育促進剤開発に貢献できた。すなわち,本研究では特定香草の根が含有または放出する物質(エンカレッジファクター)が広く植物に作用して生育を促進すること,シロイヌナズナにおいて特定の転写因子やストレス応答遺伝子の発現を誘導することが生育を促進していることを示唆できた。さらにエンカレッジファクター候補を10分子程度まで絞り込むことにも成功した。これらの成果をもとに特許出願を化学企業と一緒に行った。
5-アミノレブリン酸(ALA)はほぼ全ての生物が合成できる一次代謝物で,代謝産物のテトラピロール類は血液や各種酵素中のヘム,窒素・硫黄同化酵素中のシロヘム,植物の葉緑素(クロロフィル),ビタミンB12などとして生体内で重要な働きをする。しかも植物では,ALAを与えることで環境ストレス耐性増強を惹起することが現象的に知られていた。本研究では,ALA はヘム機能の回復に寄与するがクロロフィルの増大には直結しないこと,ALAによる直接的な酵素活性制御,トマトとシロイヌナズナにおけるALA誘導性転写因子の同定,の成果を得た。
競争的資金
<目的>色素体ヘテロ転写系を構成するPEP(複数のσ因子が存在)とNEP(すなわちRpoTpとRpoTmp)相互のあるいは制御因子を介した相関性を紐解き、核と色素体のゲノム間相互作用によるオルガネラ分化、細胞機能、形態形成の統御ネットワークを解明する。 <成果>モデル植物シロイヌナズナにおいてNEPと発現相関性が高いPPR(35アミノ酸の繰り返し構造をもつ一群のタンパク質で特異的RNA結合能が示唆されている)のひとつに焦点を当てた。そして葉緑体に局在するこのタンパク質が脂肪酸合成の初期段階を律速する酵素の1サブユニット発現における転写後調節(mRNA前駆体の特定C残基がU残基デアミネーションされる反応)に関わっていることを欠損変異株の解析から明らかにした。さらにこの欠損株は葉緑体の発達不全だけでなく、植物固体全体の形態形成にも重篤な欠損な欠損を示し、色素体機能が細胞統御に及ぶことを示した。 <意義>究極の共生体である色素体は少なくとも双子葉類において遺伝子発現レベルで脂肪酸合成系の根幹を今なお握っており、「もちつもたれつ」の関係があることを明らかにした。同時に植物での脂肪酸合成を人為的に制御、向上させる標的分子としてこのPPRは有望である。同じ遺伝子における同様の転写後調節現象はアブラナ科、マツ、マメ類においても知られており、これらの油糧系作物の脂肪酸合成促進を当該PPRもしくはそのホモローグを用いて達成可能であると考え、シロイヌナズナで実際にその効果が示唆されたため国際特許を申請した。
植物の光シグナル伝達因子の同定とシグナル伝達ネットワークの解析を行い新たな知見を得た。 1.フィトクロームシグナル伝達の特定経路変異株の単離と解析 Phy Aシグナル伝達特異的な変異株を単離し、戻し交配を進行中である。 2.シロイヌナズナのグアニル酸シクラーゼ(AtGC1)欠損変異株の解析 AtGC1欠損変異株の表現型と組織中のcGMP含量を野生株と比較したが差は認められなかった。 3.シロイヌナズナ三量体Gタンパク質αサブユニット(GPA1)と相互作用するタンパク質の解析 GPA1のエフェクター候補として単離した完全長のGIP1(GPA1 interacting proteinl)とGPA1を大腸菌中で可溶性タンパク質として発現・精製し、GPA1とGIP1の相互作用を検討し、GIP1の酵素活性が活性型GPA1により強く阻害されることを明らかにした。 4.cGMPによって発現が調節されるダイズフラボノイド合成系酵素遺伝子の解析 ダイズSB-P細胞を用いるノーザン解析の結果、多くのフラボノイド合成系酵素遺伝子の発現がcGMP,NO,および細胞の光照射で誘導された。また、NOによる誘導はLY83583によって阻害されたことからGCの関与が推察された。 5.ダイズELIP遺伝子の紫外光応答性発現機構の解析 ELIP遺伝子のプロモーター中のBoxII様配列とG-boxの組み合わせが青色光/UV-A応答に必要かつ十分であることを明らかにした。また、これらのシス配列に結合するダイズGT1遺伝子(GmGT1)をクローニングし、大腸菌で発現・精製し、GmGT1のELIPプロモーターへの結合を詳細に解析した。
競争的資金
植物の物質生産を考えるとき葉緑体(色素体)はもっとも重要なターゲットである。その機能は、核と色素体自身に分かれて保持されたゲノムのデュアル制御により保たれている。宿主核が共生進化を経てなおオルガネラにDNAを残している理由は何か。本研究はそのヒントを色素体DNAの転写機構の分子機構とその葉緑体発達と機能維持における生理的重要性の両面から解析することで得ようとした。真正細菌型色素体RNAポリメラーゼ(PEP)は核コードσ因子(シロイヌナズナでSIG1〜6)により制御されるが、葉緑体発達初期過程ではSIG2依存的に複数の色素体DNAコードtRNAの発現が誘導されて正常な葉緑体が発達するという発見がその成果である。これは色素体tRNAが従来の「tRNAは常に十分量存在する安定な分子」という概念を破る「動的律速因子」として機能している可能性を示唆する。さらにSIG2制御下にtRNAGluが含まれていたこと、sig2変異でT7ファージ型RNAポリメラーゼ(NEP)に依存的な転写が脱抑制されるという知見から、SIG2は単に翻訳系(タンパク質合成)の調節だけでなく、テトラピロールの合成を含めた包括的・共役的物質生産と二種類のRNAポリメラーゼのスイッチングにも深く関わっているようである。本研究の成果は、東大分生研から神戸大学に研究の場を移した今後の発展において重要な足がかりとなるだろう。また、同期間に精力的に取り組んだJCAA(シロイヌナDNAアレイコンソーシアム)の活動も今後具体的成果となって自分を含め多くの研究の発展に寄与するものと考えている。
<マクロアレイのケミルミでの検出・解析法の確立>ビオチン標識したcDNAプローブをハイブリさせたマクロアレイを化学発光させて蛍光イメージアナライザーでシグナルを取り込み、数値化して解析する手法を確立した。本研究代表らが設立したJCAAは、昨夏以降、高品質、低価格での委託作成の段取りを整え、第二期メンバーを公募して全国90研究グループを超えるコンソーシアムになった。本研究代表らによるDNAスポット量やデプローブ条件の最適化を済ませ、マクロアレイ355セットを5月迄に配分できる予定である。(蛋白質・核酸・酵素2002,Vol47,91-93)。 <データベース構築とアレイ解析結果の対比>JCAAアレイ上のESTクローン用のデータベース(名大鈴木孝征氏作成)を改良し、検索対象を全推定遺伝子に拡大、オルガネラ移行予測検索結果などを加えたDARTを全国の研究者に公開した。このDBによりJCAAマクロアレイ上には全遺伝子の4割、葉緑体移行が予測される蛋白質の半分以上の遺伝子が網羅されていることがわかった。そこで手始めに、光漂自剤の影響と葉緑体発達不全変異株についてアレイ解析した。 <国内外での成果の位置づけ>葉緑体関連遺伝子のアレイ解析によるグループ化において本研究は世界的にもパイオニア的取り組みである。特に定量性でマイクロアレイより優れたマクロアレイを汎用性の高いケミルミ法でシロイヌナズナでも解析できるようにした意義は大きい。誰でも利用できる国産cDNAアレイを有志活動で供給する試みは共同作成から委託作成へと拡大、発展している。これらにより本研究遂行に十分な数のマクロアレイが確保できた。さらに、残ったPCR産物を活用して効率的にサブアレイ作成ができるシステムを新年度から動かす予定で、自身を含め我が国におけるシロイヌナズナのマクロアレイ研究は今後急速に成果を挙げると期待される。
高等植物葉緑体は個有のDNAをもち120前後の遺伝子がコードされている.これらは真正細菌型のRNAポリメラーゼ(PEP)とTワファージ型のNEPによって転写されるが葉緑体への分化には特にPEPが必須である.このコア酵素は葉緑体DNAにコードされているが調節因子のシグマファクターが少くとも6つ核にコードされていることを見い出した.中でもsigBは重要でこの欠損によってpale greenになり葉緑体が小さく貧弱になることから、又sigB自身の発現が発芽のごく初期から起こることから更に解析中である.一方藍藻に起源をもつ葉緑体は転写の他に分裂についてもバクテリアのシステムを一部そのまま利用している.そのひとつがMinDのホモローグであり、後に移行したこの遺伝子の発現はもうひとつの因子FtsZと同様のパターンを示しつつ、機能的には逆の働きをもっていた.すなわち、その大量発現によって分裂は抑制され一細胞に1〜2個の巨大葉緑体ができた.又このタンパク質の局在は葉緑体の内外両方である可能性も示唆された.更に遺伝学的にすでに知られていたarc6変異は表現型がAtMinDlの大量発現株と非常に類似していたがFtsZの発現はほぼ正常でAcMinDlの発現が数倍になっていることも確認できた.
グラム陰性細菌の一部で、動植物への浸入、感染の初期過程にみられる菌体濃度依存的転写誘導は、拡散性化学シグナルとLuxRファミリーによる細胞間情報伝達系によって制御されている。大腸菌からも、LuxRホモローグSdiAが細胞分裂装置遺伝子ftsQAZに特異的な正の転写因子として報告されている。我々はSdiAがftsQAZ以外の何らかの酵素の発現も制御しているのではないかと考えた。そしてSdiAの過剰発現によって細胞内に27kDaのタンパク質が顕著に蓄積することをみつけた。アミノ酸配列を決定したところ、このタンパク質は一次胆汁酸脱水素酵素7α-ヒドロキシステロイドデヒドロゲナーゼであることが明らかとなった。そこでこの酵素の構造遺伝子hdhAを小原ライブラリーよりクローン化し、hdhA-lacZフュージョンによる解析とノーザン解析を行った。その結果、hdhAの総転写量は対数増殖期から定常期への増殖相移行に伴って20〜30倍に増加し、しかもhdhAの転写誘導はSdiAだけでなく増殖定常期特異的σ因子(σ38)にも依存していることが明らかとなった。さらにプライマー伸長法により、両因子は互いに34bp離れたプロモーターから別々に転写を制御し、対数増殖期にはSdiA依存的な転写が増加し続け、定常期突入直前で急速に減少、かわってσ38依存性の転写が一過的に起こっていることが示唆された。SdiA自身の発現はσ38に全く依存しないが、rpoS欠失株では対数増殖期のSdiA依存的なhdhAの転写量が増加した。化学シグナルの存在証拠は得られなかったが、SdiAとσ38による転写の独立二重制御はftsQAZでも機能しており、細胞分裂装置と二次胆汁酸合成酵素の発現が、増殖相の移行、もしくは細胞濃度上昇によって同様に転写制御されていると思われ、腸内環境における適応応答系の一例であることが期待される。今後、転写活性化の分子機構と二重制御の生理的意義についてさらに解析を進めたい。
当研究室が保有する400株以上の温度感受性大腸菌分裂変異株のうち染色体27分にマップされる7株について解析した。その結果、変異は全てkdsA遺伝子を含むDNA領域で相補された。kdsAの相補鎖にも未知のORFが存在するが、部位特異的変異法によって、KdsAのアミノ酸を置換することなく相補鎖側のORFの5'末端にstopコドンを導入したDNA断片でも、温度感受性分裂異常を相補できたことから、変異株ではkdsAが変異していることが予想された。変異株のkdsAの塩基配列決定の結果、GA transition(変異剤にNTG)によって、たしかに284a.a.からなるKdsAタンパク質に各々以下の1アミノ酸置換を起こす変異が同定された。 14Ala→Thr、73Gly→Asp、118Leu→Phe、203Ala→Thr、227Ala→Val、234Ala→Thr kdsAは外膜の物理的安定性に重要なリポ多糖の構成因子KDOの前駆体KDO-8ーリン酸の合成酵素をコードしており、変異株では外膜タンパク質の合成パターンに変化が見られたこともあり、外膜の不安定化、膜タンパク質(分裂装置構成タンパク質?)の局在異常によって分裂阻害が引き起こされていることが予想される。これまでの細胞分裂研究は、分裂装置タンパク質の側から主に進められてきたが、これらkdsA変異を用いた解析から膜合成そのものと細胞分裂の共役関係が明らかになるかも知れず、今後の生化学的解析が期待される。