Two new JK silencing alleles identified by single molecule sequencing with 20-Kb long-reads.

Background: The Kidd blood group gene SLC14A1 (JK) accounts for approximately 20 Kb from initiation codon to stop codon in the genome. In genomic DNA analysis using Sanger sequencing or short-read-based next generation sequencing, it is difficult to determine the cis or trans positions of single nucleotide variations (SNVs), which are occasionally more than 1 Kb away from each other. We aimed to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of a 20-Kb genomic DNA amplicon to characterize the JK allelic variants associated with Kidd antigen silencing in a blood donor.

Improved vascular survival and growth in the mouse model of hindlimb ischemia by a remote signaling mechanism.

Deficiencies in prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs) may lead to the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-α proteins, the latter of which activate local angiogenic responses by paracrine mechanisms. Here, we investigate whether a keratinocyte-specific PHD deficiency may promote vascular survival and growth in a distantly located ischemic tissue by a remote signaling mechanism. We generated mice that carry a keratinocyte-specific Phd2 knockout (kPhd2KO) and performed femoral artery ligation.

Deficiency of Fyn protein is prerequisite for apoptosis induced by Src family kinase inhibitors in human mesothelioma cells.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor arising from mesothelial cells of serous membranes. Src family kinases (SFKs) have a pivotal role in cell adhesion, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Here, we examined the effect of SFK inhibitors in NCI-H2052, ACC-MESO-4 and NCI-H28 cells, mesothelioma cell lines and Met5A, a human non-malignant mesothelial cell line.

Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis through JNK and ERK in human mesothelioma cells.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor of serosal surfaces, which is refractory to current treatment options. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is used clinically to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia, and also to inhibit proliferation of several solid tumors including hepatoma, esophageal, and gastric cancer in vitro. Here we found that As2O3 inhibited cell viability of a mesothelioma cell line, NCI-H2052.

CD318/CUB-domain-containing protein 1 expression on cord blood hematopoietic progenitors.

CUB-domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1)/CD318 is a single transmembrane molecule highly expressed in colorectal cancer and leukemia. It has also been shown to be expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CD318 on cord blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

A nationwide survey for hepatitis E virus prevalence in Japanese blood donors with elevated alanine aminotransferase.

Background: Although we reported two cases of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E in Japan, the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Japanese blood donors is not very clear.

Study Design And Methods: Blood samples of donors who were deferred from donation because of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were collected from all Japanese Red Cross Blood Centers and subjected to HEV tests.

Results: Among the 41 donors with elevated ALT levels higher than 500 IU per L in Hokkaido, HEV RNA was detected in 8 (19.

Regulation of adult erythropoiesis by prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins.

Polycythemia is often associated with erythropoietin (EPO) overexpression and defective oxygen sensing. In normal cells, intracellular oxygen concentrations are directly sensed by prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)-containing proteins, which tag hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) alpha subunits for polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation by oxygen-dependent prolyl hydroxylation. Here we show that different PHD isoforms differentially regulate HIF-alpha stability in the adult liver and kidney and suppress Epo expression and erythropoiesis through distinct mechanisms.

Placental but not heart defects are associated with elevated hypoxia-inducible factor alpha levels in mice lacking prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2.

PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3 are prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins that regulate the stability of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha subunits (HIF-alpha). To determine the roles of individual PHDs during mouse development, we disrupted all three Phd genes and found that Phd2(-/-) embryos died between embryonic days 12.5 and 14.

Anxiety measurements in university students undergoing third molar extraction.

Objective: This investigation was conducted to quantitate the anxiety associated with third molar extraction in university students, and to compare the measured anxiety before and after extraction and between men and women, first and second extraction, and impacted versus nonimpacted tooth extraction.

Study Design: The Japanese version of The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), a psychological test, was given to 108 students undergoing third molar extraction. The students completed the test on the first examination (day 1), immediately before the extraction (day 2), and the day after the extraction (day 3).