Modified multiple primer extension method.

A multiple primer extension (MPEX) was originally developed for the hybridization, extension, and amplification of a DNA template on a planar substrate by Kinoshita et al. in 2006. Herein we present a modified MPEX method refined by our group for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection.

KAP1-independent transcriptional repression of SCAN-KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins.

The Krüppel-associated box-containing zinc finger gene family (KRAB-ZNF) is one of the largest gene families of transcriptional factors in the human genome. Although the functions of most of these genes remain to be determined, it is known that KRAB-mediated transcriptional repression requires a direct interaction with the KAP1 co-repressor. By mammalian one- or two-hybrid experiments in HEK293 cells, we compared transcriptional repression activities of 61 human KRAB-ZNFs.

PCDH24-induced contact inhibition involves downregulation of beta-catenin signaling.

Elevated expression of the protocadherin LKC (PCDH24) in HCT116 colon carcinoma cells has been shown to induce contact inhibition, thereby completely abolishing tumor formation in vivo (Carcinogenesis, 2002; 23(7):1139-1148). To clarify the molecular mechanism behind this effect, we performed 2-DE/MS and DNA microarray analyses in order to compare protein and gene expression patterns of parental HCT116 and PCDH24-expressing HTC116 derivative cells. The data revealed drastic changes in phenotypic markers between parental and PCDH24-expressing cells.

The novel protein complex with SMARCAD1/KIAA1122 binds to the vicinity of TSS.

The SMARCAD1/KIAA1122 protein is structurally classified into the SWI2/SNF2 superfamily of DNA-dependent ATPases that are catalytic subunits of chromatin-remodeling complexes. Although the importance of other members of the SWR1-like subfamily in chromatin remodeling (EP400, INOC1, and SRCAP) has already been elucidated, the biological function of SMARCAD1/KIAA1122 in transcriptional regulation remains to be clarified. To gain insight into the role of this protein, we generated a specific antibody against SMARCAD1/KIAA1122 and used it for chromatin and protein immunoprecipitation assays.