University of Tokyo

About: University of Tokyo is a education organization based out in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Gene. The organization has 134564 authors who have published 337567 publications receiving 10178620 citations. The organization is also known as: Todai & Universitas Tociensis.

A transparent metal: Nb-doped anatase TiO2

Abstract: This Letter focuses on the discovery of a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), anatase Ti1−xNbxO2 films with x=0.002–0.2. The resistivity of films with x⩾0.03 is 2–3×10−4Ωcm at room temperature. The carrier density of Ti1−xNbxO2 can be controlled in a range of 1×1019to2×1021cm−3. The internal transmittance for films with x⩽0.03 (40nm thickness) is about 97% in the visible light region. The transport and optical parameters are comparable to those of typical TCOs, such as In2−xSnxO3 and ZnO.

FK228 (Depsipeptide) as a Natural Prodrug That Inhibits Class I Histone Deacetylases

Abstract: FK228 is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, the molecular mechanism of inhibition of which has been unknown. Here we show that reduction of an intramolecular disulfide bond of FK228 greatly enhanced its inhibitory activity and that the disulfide bond was rapidly reduced in cells by cellular reducing activity involving glutathione. Computer modeling suggests that one of the sulfhydryl groups of the reduced form of FK228 (redFK) interacts with the active-site zinc, preventing the access of the substrate. HDAC1 and HDAC2 were more strongly inhibited by redFK than HDAC4 and HDAC6. redFK was less active than FK228 in inhibiting in vivo HDAC activity, due to rapid inactivation in medium and serum. Thus, FK228 serves as a stable prodrug to inhibit class I enzymes and is activated by reduction after uptake into the cells. The glutathione-mediated activation also implicates its clinical usefulness for counteracting glutathione-mediated drug resistance in chemotherapy.

Comparing antibody and small-molecule therapies for cancer

Abstract: The 'magic bullet' concept of specifically targeting cancer cells at the same time as sparing normal tissues is now proven, as several monoclonal antibodies and targeted small-molecule compounds have been approved for cancer treatment. Both antibodies and small-molecule compounds are therefore promising tools for target-protein-based cancer therapy. We discuss and compare the distinctive properties of these two therapeutic strategies so as to provide a better view for the development of new drugs and the future direction of cancer therapy.

WAVE, a novel WASP‐family protein involved in actin reorganization induced by Rac

Abstract: Rac is a Rho‐family small GTPase that induces the formation of membrane ruffles. However, it is poorly understood how Rac‐induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which is essential for ruffle formation, is regulated. Here we identify a novel Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)‐family protein, WASP family Verprolin‐homologous protein (WAVE), as a regulator of actin reorganization downstream of Rac. Ectopically expressed WAVE induces the formation of actin filament clusters that overlap with the expressed WAVE itself. In this actin clustering, profilin, a monomeric actin‐binding protein that has been suggested to be involved in actin polymerization, was shown to be essential. The expression of a dominant‐active Rac mutant induces the translocation of endogenous WAVE from the cytosol to membrane ruffling areas. Furthermore, the co‐expression of a ΔVPH WAVE mutant that cannot induce actin reorganization specifically suppresses the ruffle formation induced by Rac, but has no effect on Cdc42‐induced actin‐microspike formation, a phenomenon that is also known to be dependent on rapid actin reorganization. The ΔVPH WAVE also suppresses membrane‐ruffling formation induced by platelet‐derived growth factor in Swiss 3T3 cells. Taken together, we conclude that WAVE plays a critical role downstream of Rac in regulating the actin cytoskeleton required for membrane ruffling.