Promotion of metal accumulation in nodule of Astragalus sinicus by the expression of the iron-regulated transporter gene in Mesorhizobium huakuii subsp. rengei B3.

Toxic metal contamination in agricultural fields is an important worldwide problem. In previous studies, we developed a bioremediation system based on the symbiosis between Astragalus sinicus and the recombinant rhizobium, Mesorhizobium huakuii subsp. rengei B3 developed by overexpressing a synthetic tetrameric metallothionein gene (MTL4) and cDNA encoding the phytochelatin synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPCS).

Comprehensive analysis of gene expression in testes producing haploid germ cells using DNA microarray analysis.

The comprehensive changes in testicular gene expression before and after haploid germ cell differentiation were examined using microarray analysis. Approximately 14,000 expressed sequence tag (EST) clones of Mouse FANTOM Array ver.1 were hybridized with probes generated from mRNA of adult and juvenile (17 days postpartum) testes before the onset of spermiogenesis.

Bioremediation of cadmium contaminated soil using symbiosis between leguminous plant and recombinant rhizobia with the MTL4 and the PCS genes.

Cadmium contamination in rice grains is one of the important issues in Asian countries. We have developed a novel bio-remediation system based on the symbiosis between leguminous plant and genetically engineered rhizobia. We designed two types of recombinant rhizobia, carrying two genes, synthetic tetrameric metallothionein (MTL4) and cDNA encoding phytochelatin synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPCS).

cAMP-responsive element in TATA-less core promoter is essential for haploid-specific gene expression in mouse testis.

Promoters, including neither TATA box nor initiator, have been frequently found in testicular germ cell-specific genes in mice. These investigations imply that unique forms of the polymerase II transcription initiation machinery play a role in selective activation of germ cell-specific gene expression programs during spermatogenesis. However, there is little information about testis-specific core promoters, because useful germ cell culture system is not available.

Transient expression analysis of the mouse ornithine decarboxylase antizyme haploid-specific promoter using in vivo electroporation.

The testicular isoform of the ornithine decarboxylase antizyme (OAZt) gene is expressed exclusively in the haploid spermatids of mice. The 357-bp region, which includes a TATA-less promoter and an untranslated region, is sufficient for OAZt gene expression in the spermatids of transgenic mice. In this study, in vivo transient transfection to living mouse testes was used to define the transcriptional regulatory elements of the OAZt gene promoter.

Structure and promoter activity of the gene encoding ornithine decarboxylase antizyme expressed exclusively in haploid germ cells in testis (OAZt/Oaz3).

Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme 1 and 2 (OAZ1 and OAZ2) are expressed ubiquitously, and control the intracellular concentration of polyamines. Their testicular isoform, OAZt/Oaz3, is specifically expressed in differentiated haploid germ cells. We have identified and characterized the gene encoding OAZt in mice.