Kyoto University

About: Kyoto University is a education organization based out in Kyoto, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 85837 authors who have published 217215 publications receiving 6526826 citations. The organization is also known as: Kyōto University & Kyōto daigaku.

Directed differentiation of telencephalic precursors from embryonic stem cells

Abstract: We demonstrate directed differentiation of telencephalic precursors from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells using optimized serum-free suspension culture (SFEB culture). Treatment with Wnt and Nodal antagonists (Dkk1 and LeftyA) during the first 5 d of SFEB culture causes nearly selective neural differentiation in ES cells ( approximately 90%). In the presence of Dkk1, with or without LeftyA, SFEB induces efficient generation ( approximately 35%) of cells expressing telencephalic marker Bf1. Wnt3a treatment during the late culture period increases the pallial telencephalic population (Pax6(+) cells yield up to 75% of Bf1(+) cells), whereas Shh promotes basal telencephalic differentiation (into Nkx2.1(+) and/or Islet1/2(+) cells) at the cost of pallial telencephalic differentiation. Thus, in the absence of caudalizing signals, floating aggregates of ES cells generate naive telencephalic precursors that acquire subregional identities by responding to extracellular patterning signals.

Nuclear reprogramming to a pluripotent state by three approaches

Abstract: The stable states of differentiated cells are now known to be controlled by dynamic mechanisms that can easily be perturbed. An adult cell can therefore be reprogrammed, altering its pattern of gene expression, and hence its fate, to that typical of another cell type. This has been shown by three distinct experimental approaches to nuclear reprogramming: nuclear transfer, cell fusion and transcription-factor transduction. Using these approaches, nuclei from 'terminally differentiated' somatic cells can be induced to express genes that are typical of embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate to form all of the cell types in the body. This remarkable discovery of cellular plasticity has important medical applications.

Adaptation to ER stress is mediated by differential stabilities of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic mRNAs and proteins.

Abstract: The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates a signaling cascade known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). Although activation of the UPR is well described, there is little sense of how the response, which initiates both apoptotic and adaptive pathways, can selectively allow for adaptation. Here we describe the reconstitution of an adaptive ER stress response in a cell culture system. Monitoring the activation and maintenance of representative UPR gene expression pathways that facilitate either adaptation or apoptosis, we demonstrate that mild ER stress activates all UPR sensors. However, survival is favored during mild stress as a consequence of the intrinsic instabilities of mRNAs and proteins that promote apoptosis compared to those that facilitate protein folding and adaptation. As a consequence, the expression of apoptotic proteins is short-lived as cells adapt to stress. We provide evidence that the selective persistence of ER chaperone expression is also applicable to at least one instance of genetic ER stress. This work provides new insight into how a stress response pathway can be structured to allow cells to avert death as they adapt. It underscores the contribution of posttranscriptional and posttranslational mechanisms in influencing this outcome.

Modulation of activity of the promoter of the human MDR1 gene by Ras and p53.

Abstract: Drug resistance in human cancer is associated with overexpression of the multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene, which confers cross-resistance to hydrophobic natural product cytotoxic drugs. Expression of the MDR1 gene can occur de novo in human cancers in the absence of drug treatment. The promoter of the human MDR1 gene was shown to be a target for the c-Ha-Ras-1 oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene products, both of which are associated with tumor progression. The stimulatory effect of c-Ha-Ras-1 was not specific for the MDR1 promoter alone, whereas a mutant p53 specifically stimulated the MDR1 promoter and wild-type p53 exerted specific repression. These results imply that the MDR1 gene could be activated during tumor progression associated with mutations in Ras and p53.