Seagrass contributes substantially to the sedimentary lignin pool in an estuarine seagrass meadow.

Shallow coastal ecosystems are reservoirs of carbon derived from allochthonous organic matter and autochthonous organic matter produced by microalgae and macrophytes. Carbon stored in vegetated coastal ecosystems has attracted broad attention as an important component of carbon sinks. Characterizing the source of carbon in sediments is essential for quantifying the carbon-sequestration function of shallow coastal ecosystems.

Citrulline as a novel adjuvant candidate for vaccines.

For a long time, many types of vaccines have been useful for the prophylaxis of many infectious diseases. Thus far, many adjuvants that enhance the effects of vaccines have been explored. However, very few adjuvants are being used for humans worldwide.

Influenza virus M2e with additional cysteine residues shows enhanced immunogenicity and protection against lethal virus challenge.

The amino acid sequence of the extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) is conserved among all subtypes of influenza A viruses. Therefore, the M2e peptide can be considered as a target antigen for the development of a universal influenza vaccine. We evaluated the effects of adding cysteine residues to a peptide of amino acids 2-24 of M2e.

Amyloid beta peptides with an additional cysteine residue can enhance immunogenicity and reduce the amyloid beta burden in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

For the development of a safe vaccine for Alzheimer's disease (AD), we studied the immunogenicity of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides without adjuvant. Addition of a cysteine residue (Cys) to Abeta peptides enhanced immunogenicity in mice compared to those without Cys. Vaccination with the Abeta-Cys peptides reduced Abeta deposits in AD model mice.

Identification of strain-specific variants of mouse Adamts13 gene encoding von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease.

Human ADAMTS13 was recently identified as a gene encoding von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, hADAMTS13. Both congenital and acquired defects in this enzyme can cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. hADAMTS13 consists of 1,427 amino acid residues and is composed of multiple structural domains including thrombospondin type 1 motifs and CUB domains.