ALK7 is a novel marker for adipocyte differentiation

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members regulate a variety of cellular functions and play important roles in cell differentiation. Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7), a receptor for TGF-β family members, was initially cloned from rats as an orphan receptor and has been recently shown to be a type I receptor for nodal, activin B and activin AB. ALK7 is expressed not only in neurons, but also in insulin-producing islet β cells and white and brown adipose tissues however, the specific functions of ALK7 in these tissues are not known. In order to test whether ALK7 is involved in adipocyte differentiation, we analyzed its expression during adipocyte differentiation. ALK7 expression was detected in the late phase of adipocyte differentiation by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining in 3T3-L1 cells. We also detected the expression of ALK7 by RT-PCR in stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells. These results indicated that ALK7 is a novel marker specifically expressed during the late phase of adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, our results suggest the possible involvement of nodal or activin B in adipocyte differentiation

Next-Generation Sequencing of an 88-Year-Old Specimen of the Poorly Known Species <i>Liagora japonica</i> (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) Supports the Recognition of <i>Otohimella</i> gen. nov.

<div><p><i>Liagora japonica</i> is a red algal species distributed in temperate regions of Japan. This species has not been collected from its type locality on the Pacific coast of Japan since 1927 and seems to have become extinct in this area. For molecular characterization of <i>L</i>. <i>japonica</i>, we extracted DNA from the topotype material of <i>L</i>. <i>japonica</i> collected in 1927, analyzed seven genes using Illumina next-generation sequencing, and compared these data with sequences from modern samples of similar red algae collected from the Japan Sea coast of Japan. Both morphological and molecular data from modern samples and historical specimens (including the lectotype and topotype) suggest that the specimens from the Pacific and Japan Sea coasts of Japan should be treated as a single species, and that <i>L</i>. <i>japonica</i> is phylogenetically separated from the genus <i>Liagora</i>. Based on the phylogenetic results and examination of reproductive structures, we propose <i>Otohimella japonica</i> gen. et comb. nov., characterized morphologically by diffuse carposporophytes, undivided carposporangia, and involucral filaments initiated only from the cortical cell on the supporting cell.</p></div

Morphological examination of modern samples of <i>Liagora japonica</i> Yamada.

<p>A: Habit (TNS-AL 195934). Scale bar = 1.0 cm. B: Herbarium specimen (TNS-AL 185628). Scale bar = 2.0 cm. C: Assimilatory filaments (TNS-AL 182118). Scale bar = 50 μm. D: Spermatangia (s) cut off from spermatangial parental cell (spc) (TNS-AL 190026). Scale bar = 10 μm. E: 4-celled carpogonial branch (TNS-AL 190026). cp = carpogonium. sc = supporting cell. Scale bar = 10 μm. F: 5-celled carpogonial branch (TNS-AL 182118). Scale bar = 30 μm. G: An early post-fertilization stage showing gonimoblast initial (gi), gonimoblast cells (arrowhead), and involucral filaments (arrows) (TNS-AL 182118). Scale bar = 20 μm. H: A later post-fertilization stage showing developing gonimoblast cells (arrowheads) and involucral filament (arrows) (TNS-AL 182118). Scale bar = 30 μm. I: Young carposporophyte showing the growth of the gonimoblast cells (arrowheads) and involucral filaments (arrows) (TNS-AL 182118). Note that the cells of carpogonial branch (cb) are not fused. Scale bar = 50 μm. J: Mature carposporophyte showing diffuse carposporophyte (TNS-AL 182118). Note that the cells of carpogonial branch remain distinct. Scale bar = 50 μm. K: Carposporangia (TNS-AL 190026). Note that carposporangia are not divided. Scale bar = 10 μm.</p

Morphological examination of historical materials of <i>Liagora japonica</i> Yamada.

<p>A: Lectotype specimen. Scale bar = 2.0 cm. B: Herbarium specimen used in Chihara & Yoshizaki (1972) (TNS-AL 047542). Scale bar = 2.0 cm. C: A later post-fertilization stage showing developing gonimoblast cells (arrowheads) (Lectotype). Scale bar = 30 μm. D: Mature carposporophyte showing diffuse carposporophyte (TNS-AL 047542). Scale bar = 50 μm.</p