Tokyo University of Science

About: Tokyo University of Science is a education organization based out in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Thin film. The organization has 15800 authors who have published 24147 publications receiving 438081 citations. The organization is also known as: Tōkyō Rika Daigaku & Science University of Tokyo.

The Runx1 Transcription Factor Inhibits the Differentiation of Naive CD4+ T Cells into the Th2 Lineage by Repressing GATA3 Expression

Abstract: Differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into helper T (Th) cells is controlled by a combination of several transcriptional factors. In this study, we examined the functional role of the Runx1 transcription factor in Th cell differentiation. Naive T cells from transgenic mice expressing a dominant interfering form of Runx1 exhibited enhanced interleukin 4 production and efficient Th2 differentiation. In contrast, transduction of Runx1 into wild-type T cells caused a complete attenuation of Th2 differentiation and was accompanied by the cessation of GATA3 expression. Furthermore, endogenous expression of Runx1 in naive T cells declined after T cell receptor stimulation, at the same time that expression of GATA3 increased. We conclude that Runx1 plays a novel role as a negative regulator of GATA3 expression, thereby inhibiting the Th2 cell differentiation.

Dietary tryptophan alleviates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis through aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mice

Abstract: Ulcerative colitis is the typical progression of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Amino acids, particularly tryptophan, have been reported to exert a protective effect against colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), but the precise underlying mechanisms remain incompletely clarified. Tryptophan metabolites are recognized to function as endogenous ligands for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), which is a critical regulator of inflammation and immunity. Thus, we conducted this study to investigate whether dietary tryptophan supplementation protects against DSS-induced colitis by acting through Ahr. Female wild-type (WT) and Ahr-deficient (knockout; KO) mice (10–12 weeks old) were divided into four groups and fed either a control or 0.5% tryptophan diet. The tryptophan diet ameliorated DSS-induced colitis symptoms and severity in WT mice but not in KO mice, and the diet reduced the mRNA expression of Il-6, Tnfα, Il-1β and the chemokines Ccl2, Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 in the WT groups. Furthermore, Il-22 and Stat3 mRNA expression in the colon was elevated in WT mice fed with the tryptophan diet, which mainly protected epithelial layer integrity, and Ahr also modulated immune homeostasis by regulating Foxp3 and Il-17 mRNA expression. These data suggest that tryptophan-containing diet might ameliorate DSS-induced acute colitis and regulate epithelial homeostasis through Ahr. Thus, tryptophan could serve as a promising preventive agent in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Preparation and photoelectrochemical properties of densely immobilized Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticle films

Abstract: Colloidal Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticles with sizes of 5–6 nm that contain no highly toxic elements were successfully synthesized through thermal reactions of metal acetate and sulfur in high-temperature oleylamine solution. The reaction temperature was a key factor for the synthesis of CZTS nanoparticles: synthesis at temperatures higher than 240 °C gave a pure CZTS crystal phase, whereas a secondary phase of CuS was formed at reaction temperatures lower than 180 °C. Nanoparticles were successfully accumulated on ITO-coated or quartz glass substrates via layer-by-layer deposition using 1,2-ethanedithiol as a cross-linking agent. The resulting CZTS particle films exhibited a photoresponse similar to that of p-type semiconductor photoelectrodes in an aqueous solution containing Eu(NO3)3 as an electron scavenger. Potentials of the valence band edge and conduction band edge were determined from the onset potential of the cathodic photocurrent to be +0.3 and −1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, respectively.

Phase separation and suppression of critical dynamics at quantum phase transitions of MnSi and (Sr 1−x Ca x )RuO 3

Abstract: Phase separation and suppression of critical dynamics at quantum phase transitions of MnSi and (Sr 1− x Ca x )RuO 3