Beat-frequency-resolved two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy: disentangling vibrational coherences in artificial fluorescent proteins with sub-10-fs visible laser pulses

We perform a beat-frequency-resolved analysis for two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy using a high-speed and stable 2D electronic spectrometer and few-cycle visible laser pulses to disentangle the vibrational coherences in an artificial fluorescent protein. We develop a highly stable ultrashort light source that generates 5.3-fs visible pulses with a pulse energy of 4.7 uJ at a repetition rate of 10 kHz using multi-plate pulse compression and laser filamentation in a gas cell. The above-5.3-fs laser pulses together with a high-speed multichannel detector enable us to measure a series of 2D electronic spectra, which are resolved in terms of beat frequency related to vibrational coherence. We successfully extract the discrete vibrational peaks behind the inhomogeneous broadening in the absorption spectra and the vibrational quantum beats of the excited electronic state behind the strong stationary signal in the typical 2D electronic spectra

Progressive Renal Dysfunction due to IgG4-Related Kidney Disease Refractory to Steroid Therapy: A Case Report

Recently, as the number of case reports of IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) has increased, the histopathological features and clinical approach have been clarified. IgG4-RKD generally has a benign prognosis due to the efficacy of steroid therapy and rarely requires dialysis. Herein, we report a case of IgG4-RKD that presented with a subacute onset, advanced to end-stage kidney disease, and finally required maintenance hemodialysis despite steroid therapy. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation of subacute renal failure. Diffuse enlargement of the kidney on computed tomography and increased urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and α1-microglobulin levels led us to suspect IgG4-RKD. Upon admission, the laboratory serological findings were as follows: creatinine 3.3 mg/dL, urea nitrogen 46.9 mg/dL, and IgG4 235 mg/dL. Urinalysis showed slight proteinuria without hematuria. Percutaneous renal needle biopsy showed diffuse infiltration of abundant lymphocytes and IgG4-positive plasma cells and storiform fibrosis, which is specific to IgG4-RKD, in the interstitium on light microscopy. Slight linear deposition of C3 was also observed in the tubules on immunofluorescence microscopy, with no electron-dense deposits. He was definitively diagnosed as having IgG4-RKD and started on prednisolone 0.6 mg/kg/day. However, the renal insufficiency continued to progress and hemodialysis was necessary. As the prednisolone was tapered, renal function did not improve and maintenance hemodialysis was started. In conclusion, this case indicates that the prognosis of IgG4-RKD is not necessarily benign and that further studies involving more patients are needed

MPGN Type 3 Associated with Pemphigus Herpetiformis Mimicking PGNMID and Dermatitis Herpetiformis

A 45-year-old man suffering from dermal blistering disease with proteinuria and hematuria underwent renal biopsy. The renal biopsy specimen suggested proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits under routine light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The staining for IgG subclasses (IgG1 and IgG2) and κ/λ light chain indicated secondary immune complex type MPGN type 3. The patient had been diagnosed as having dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a phenotype of gluten hypersensitivity prior to the appearance of the renal abnormality. Although common autoantibodies might be related to the pathogenesis of disorders in the skin and kidney, DH is mainly driven by IgA autoantibody, while MPGN is induced by IgG immune complexes. IgA was not observed in the glomeruli by immunofluorescence. Neither the examination for DH specific autoantibodies nor HLA-DQB1 genotype supported the diagnosis of DH. Reassessment of the skin biopsy record revealed that the blister was localized in the epidermis, suggesting pemphigus herpetiformis by IgG class anti-epidermal autoantibody, which also affected the renal disorder

<Preliminary>Changes in Levels of mRNAs for Cell Wall-related Enzymes in Growing Cotton Cells

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X-Ray diffraction experiments for drug target protein of human casein kinase II

Casein kinase II (CKII) exhibits broad phosphorylation reaction on various important regulatory proteins such as survival factors in eukaryotic cells. Since the relationship of CKII over-expression to carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis has been reported, CKII is considered to be one of the drug target proteins. Here, we aimed to obtain the structural information with location of hydration water molecules, and to elucidate the catalytic reaction of CKII for development of effective inhibitors

Fe-S cluster binding mechanism of pigeon\u27s ISCA1 clarified by SEC-SAXS

The iron-sulfur cluster assembly 1 homolog clISCA1 of Columba livia (pigeon) interacts with a quantum biosensor protein clCRY4. The clCRY4/clISCA1 complex tends to orientate along the weak external magnetic-field lines (0.4–10G) under blue light, suggesting that clISCA1 might assist the function of clCRY4. It was expected that the Fe-S cluster binging to clISCA1 might improve the magnetic property of clISCA1. In order to elucidate the Fe-S cluster binging mechanism of clISCA1, we conducted the small angle X-ray scattering analysis coupled with size exclusion chromatography analysis (SEC-SAXS) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The result suggests that the globular protomers of clISCA1 form columnar oligomers, and Fe-S cluster binding sites are formed between clISCA1 protomers in a columnar oligomer. Periodic and regular binding of Fe-S clusters along the long axis of the columnar oligomer may improve the magnetic susceptibility and the magnetic anisotropy of the clISCA1 oligomer and the clCRY4/clISCA1 complex