Roles of histone methyl-modifying enzymes in development and progression of cancer

がん進展制御研究所Retroviral insertional mutagenesis in mice is considered a powerful forward genetic strategy to identify disease genes involved in cancer. Our high-throughput screens led to frequent identification of the genes encoding the enzymes engaged in histone lysine methylation. Histone methylation can positively or negatively impact on gene transcription, and then fulfill important roles in developmental control and cell-fate decisions. A tremendous amount of progress has accelerated the characterization of histone methylations and the enzymes that regulate them. Deregulation of these histone methyl-modifying enzymes has been increasingly recognized as a hallmark of cancer in the last few years. However, in most cases, we have only limited understanding for the molecular mechanisms by which these enzymes contribute to cancer development and progression. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding some of the best-validated examples of histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases associated with oncogenesis and discuss their potential mechanisms of action. © 2013 Japanese Cancer Association

Development of an experimental platform for combinative use of an XFEL and a high-power nanosecond laser

We developed an experimental platform for combinative use of an X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and a high-power nanosecond laser. The main target of the platform is an investigation of matter under high-pressure states produced by a laser-shock compression. In this paper, we show details of the experimental platform, including XFEL parameters and the focusing optics, the laser irradiation system and X-ray diagnostics. As a demonstration of the high-power laser-pump XFEL-probe experiment, we performed an X-ray diffraction measurement. An in-situ single-shot X-ray diffraction pattern expands to a large angle side, which shows a corundum was compressed by laser irradiation.Inubushi, Y.; Yabuuchi, T.; Togashi, T.; Sueda, K.; Miyanishi, K.; Tange, Y.; Ozaki, N.; Matsuoka, T.; Kodama, R.; Osaka, T.; Matsuyama, S.; Yamauchi, K.; Yumoto, H.; Koyama, T.; Ohashi, H.; Tono, K.; Yabashi, M. Development of an Experimental Platform for Combinative Use of an XFEL and a High-Power Nanosecond Laser. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 2224. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10072224

Proteasomal degradation of polycomb-group protein CBX6 confers MMP-2 expression essential for mesothelioma invasion.

金沢大学がん進展制御研究所The aggressive invasiveness of malignant mesothelioma limits cancer therapy, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the invasiveness remain largely unknown. Here we found that the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was required for the invasion of mesothelioma cells in the collagen matrix and the gene expression of MMP-2 was correlated with the invasive phenotype. The MMP-2 gene expression was regulated by DNA and histone methylation around the transcription start site, implicating the involvement of the polycomb repressive complex (PRC). Knockdown of PRC component chromobox 6 (CBX6) promoted MMP-2 expression and invasion of mesothelioma cells. Transcriptome analysis suggested that CBX6 regulates sets of genes involved in cancer cell migration and metastasis. In invasive but not non-invasive cells, CBX6 was constantly unstable owing to ubiquitination and protein degradation. In human tissues, CBX6 localized in the nuclei of normal mesothelium and benign mesothelioma, but the nuclear staining of CBX6 was lost in malignant mesothelioma. These results suggest involvement of proteasomal degradation of CBX6 in mesothelioma progression.This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article\u27s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article\u27s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Root growth of Pinus thunbergii seedlings related to the restoration of Tohoku region coastal forests after the disastrous tsunami

Due to the disastrous tsunami which occurred along the pacific coastline of eastern Japan, 3660 ha of Pinus thunbergii Parlatore (Japanese black pine) coastal forests were heavily damaged. To restore and recover the functions of these coastal forests, artificial growth berms are being constructed to secure enough space for root growth, especially in the vertical direction. However, due to the use of heavy machinery, the surface soil of the growth berm was packed down and significantly compacted. Compacted soil results in hard soil and is often reported to negatively affect root growth of seedlings. Additionally, in some cases, waterlogging after rainfall is not promptly discharged due to low soil permeability and drainage. As oxygen availability becomes severely limited under waterlogging, this can also negatively affect root growth. Considering these problems, studies have been made to elucidate effects of soil compaction and waterlogging on root growth of P. thunbergii seedlings and broadleaved species which are new candidates for introduction to coastal forests. Furthermore, at some of the restoration sites, plowing of the surface soil is being experimentally done to soften the surface soil and improve drainage. Here, we review results obtained from several field surveys and pot experiments which suggest important key points to realize the healthy root growth of P. thunbergii seedlings at coastal restoration sites

Topographic Factors and Tree Heights of Aged Cryptomeria japonica Plantations in the Boso Peninsula, Japan

This study aimed to clarify the environmental factors limiting the height of aged Cryptomeria japonica trees. The study was conducted on C. japonica plantations of about 100 years old at the Boso Peninsula, Japan, where the climatic conditions are almost uniform. Twenty-eight plots measuring 10 × 10 m were established on ridges, and 40 plots were established on the middle or lower sections of slopes. The stand ages ranged from 93 to 115 years old. The height of the tallest tree and soil depth (SD) were measured in each plot, and the wetness index (WI) and openness (OP) of each plot were calculated using a digital elevation model. The tree height at the 100-year age (H100) was estimated. The H100 ranged from 16.2 to 44.9 m and was significantly correlated with the logWI (r = 0.78) and OP (r = −0.70). SD and H100 were significantly correlated in the plots on the ridges but not in the plots on the middle or lower sections of slopes. It indicated that soil water retention capacity might limit tree height in the relatively dry soil conditions. The coefficient of determination adjusted by the number of parameters for H100 predicted using multiple regression analysis with environmental factors of logWI, logWI and OP, or logWI, OP and SD were 0.60, 0.69, and 0.73, respectively. The inclusion of OP and SD in the model improved the prediction of H100, suggesting that the wind and rooting depth could be the influencing factors in determining the height of aged trees. The findings of this study could be used in the planning and management of forestry plantations of long rotation system

Silyl Cyanopalladate-Catalyzed Friedel-Crafts-Type Cyclization Affording 3-Aryloxindole Derivatives

3-Aryloxindole derivatives were synthesized through a Friedel-Crafts-type cyclization. The reaction was catalyzed by a trimethylsilyl tricyanopalladate complex generated in situ from trimethylsilyl cyanide and Pd(OAc)(2). Wide varieties of diethyl phosphates derived from N-arylmandelamides were converted almost quantitatively into oxindoles. When N,N-dibenzylamide was used instead of an anilide substrate, a benzo-fused delta-lactam was obtained. An oxindole product was subjected to substitution reactions to afford 3,3-diaryloxindoles with two different aryl groups

Estimation of annual canopy transpiration rates on upper, middle, and lower plots along a slope in a manmade 19-year-old Cryptomeria japonica stand

斜面の上方にむかうにしたがって樹高が低くなる19年生スギ人工林において，蒸散量の推定方法をこまかく検討し，生育に差を生じる原因を水分消費の面から考えた。斜面上部（Plot 1），中部（Plot 3），下部（Plot 5）に調査区を設け，供試木の樹液流量（＝蒸散量）をヒートパルス法によりもとめた。ヒートパルス法による測定は，1983年2～12月にかけて，48日間行ない，日蒸散量を計算した。蒸散量は環境条件や個体の大きさで変化する。供試木の日蒸散量は，日射量を基準にした天気区分とよく対応する。また，個体の大きさとの関係では，DB・CL（生枝下高直径と樹冠長の積）と，斜面上の位置にかかわりなくよく対応する。DB・CLと日蒸散量の関係をあてはめて推定した各調査区の日蒸散量は，Plot 1が0.6～3.9，Plot 3が0.7～4.0，Plot 5が0.5～3.3mm・day－1の範囲にある。これらの日蒸散量と天気区分との対応関係からもとめた各調査区の年蒸散量は，Plot 1が710，Plot 3が760，Plot 5が610mmとなる。各調査区の年蒸散量の大小は，葉量の大小と関係が深く，単位葉量あたりの年蒸散量には調査区間の差がない。このスギ林の斜面上部と下部では樹高に著しい差があるが，最近の樹高生長にはほとんど差がない。このことは，各調査区間の蒸散量に，現在大きな差がなかったことに対応すると思われる。調査地を樹高に基づいてPlot 1型，Plot 3型，Plot 5型に区分し，それぞれの面積比と各調査区の年蒸散量とからもとめた調査地の年蒸散量は690mmで，年降水量2890mmの約24％にあたる。It is well-known that the growth of Cryptomeria japonica on the slope decreases from the bottom to the ridge. To discuss causes of this growth depression from the point of water comsumption, a method for estimating the difference in canopy transpiration rate was studied along a slope. Measurements of sap flow velocity using heat-pulse method were made on the three plots, Plot 1 near the ridge, Plot 3 near the middle of slope and Plot 5 near the bottom, in a 19-year-old Cryptomeria japonica stand where the tree height became lower with ascending the slope. Diurnal courses in sap flow velocity of 3 to 6 sample trees in each plot were obtained for 48 daytime periods from February to December in 1983. The transpiration rates per tree were calculated by multiplying the sap flow velocity by the cross section area of sapwood. Since the sap flow velocity was affected by radiation, the daily transpiration rates were closely correlated with the weather class classified by radiation flux density. The transpiration rate increased with tree dimension and was correlated with several parameters indicating the dimension, especially with the DB・CL, diameter at crown height × crown length irrespective of difference in tree height among the plots. The canopy transpiration rate in each plot was estimated by using the weather class and the parameter DB・CL. The daily canopy transpiration rates estimated were 0.6～3.9 in Plot 1, 0.7～4.0 in Plot 3, and 0.5～3.3 mm in Plot 5, and the annual ones were 710 in Plot 1, 760 in Plot 3, and 610 mm in Plot 5. The difference in canopy transpiration rate among the plots is probably caused by leaf amount and the difference in transpiration rate per unit leaf weight is not remarkable. Height growth rate in recent years did not differ among the plots which may be corresponds with not apparent difference in water consumption. The annual canopy transpiration rate averaged in the entire study area was 690 mm, which amounts to 24% of the annual precipitation 2890 mm in 1983

Ecophysiological Study on the Growth of Cryptomeria japonica Planted Trees

日本の最も主要な造林樹種であるスギに関しては，これまでにも多くの研究が行われてきた。しかし，環境条件に対するスギ造林木の反応などの生理特性に関しては，主に苗木を用いた実験によるものであって，個体サイズが大きくなると生理特性が個体サイズの小さい苗木とどのように異なるかなど，成木の生理特性に関してはまだ十分には明らかにされていない。それは，野外条件で個体サイズの大きい個体の測定が困難であることに起因しており，環境条件と成長反応に関しては，統計的な手法による解析に留まっているのが現状である。A number of studies on Cryptomeria japonica have been carried out, because this species is one of the most useful tree species in Japan. Physiological studies were usually carried out using with small size seedlings and the physiological properties of large size trees has not been clarified in detail. The most studies on the relationship between the growth of the large size trees and environmental conditions were the statistical analysis because of the difficulties of the physiological measurement on large size trees under field conditions

Nutrient accumulation in aboveground biomass of planted tropical trees: a meta-analysis

<div><p></p><p>Efficient nutrient use is essential for biomass production by tropical trees growing in infertile soils. Accumulation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the aboveground biomass of four groups of tree stands [<i>Acacia</i>, <i>Eucalyptus</i>, N₂-fixing trees excluding <i>Acacia</i>, and other non-N₂-fixing broadleaved (ONNFB) trees] were investigated using meta-analyses of a range of biomass data to test the hypothesis that fast-growing <i>Acacia</i> and <i>Eucalyptus</i> trees accumulate fewer nutrients. Data for 83 tropical tree stands were selected from the literature. Standardized major axis regressions were applied between the log₁₀-transformed biomass and N or P accumulation. Nutrient use efficiency was compared with aboveground biomass and topsoil conditions. The slope of the regression between aboveground biomass and N accumulation for <i>Eucalyptus</i> was significantly smaller than the slopes for the N₂-fixing trees (excluding <i>Acacia</i>) and the ONNFB trees. N use efficiency of <i>Eucalyptus</i> increased with biomass more than that of N₂-fixing trees (excluding <i>Acacia</i>) and the ONNFB trees, because their stems and twigs tended to accumulate less N than in the other groups as biomass increased. The regressions between aboveground biomass and P accumulation had a common slope, and the intercepts of <i>Acacia</i> and <i>Eucalyptus</i> were significantly lower than that of ONNFB trees. P use efficiency of <i>Acacia</i> was consistently higher than that of the ONNFB trees. P use efficiency is more affected by other factors like soil conditions than is N use efficiency, and the differences in the tree groups significantly affect the use efficiency of both nutrients. These results explained some aspects of the general suitability of <i>Acacia</i> and <i>Eucalyptus</i> species for tropical plantations on infertile soils.</p></div

The Protective Role of a Unique Tissue Detachment on Root Cap Cells in a Strong Aluminum-Resistant Tree Acacia mangium

Acacia mangium Willd. is a highly Al-resistant leguminous tree with modest organic anion exudation from roots. We have recently found the root apices of A. mangium to be surrounded by detached tissues with a unique structure under hydroponic conditions. To understand high Al tolerance mechanisms, we examined the roles of a cap-like structure on the Al-resistant root growth in A. mangium. The structures were autonomously sloughed off the root, and redeveloped within a week. Al only slightly inhibited the elongation of roots both with or without a cap-like structure. However, the removal of a root caplike structure facilitated Al-inducible root bending that only occurs immediately after the exposure. This facilitated root curving appears to be a major factor in slight enhancement in Al-induced root elongation inhibition in roots without a cap-like structure. The anchor position of a whole root cap-like structure to the root was limited to the columella cap region, where their connection became more rigid with longer Al-exposure periods. These results suggest that cap-like structures around the root may play a role in protecting root cap cells from the immediate impact of Al