Chemical design of a new displacive-type ferroelectric.

Since the discovery of the ferroelectric perovskite-type oxide BaTiO3 in 1943, numerous materials have been surveyed as candidates for new ferroelectrics. Perovskite-type materials have played a leading role in basic research and applications of ferroelectric materials since the last century. Experimentalists and theoreticians have developed a new materials design stream for post-perovskite materials. In this stream, we have mainly focused on the role of covalency in the evolution of ferroelectricity for displacive-type ferroelectrics in oxides. This perspective surveys the following topics: (1) crossover from quantum paraelectric to ferroelectric through a ferroelectric quantum critical point, (2) the role of cation-oxygen covalency in ferroelectricity and the crossover to quantum paraelectric in perovskite-type compounds, (3) off-center-induced ferroelectricity in perovskites, (4) second-order Jahn-Teller effect enhancement of ferroelectricity in lithium-niobate-type oxides, (5) the presence of four ferroelectric phases and structural transitions of phases of AFeO3 with decreasing radius of A (A = La-Al), (6) tetrahedral ferroelectrics of perovskite-related Bi2SiO5 and wurtzites, (7) a rare type of polarization switching system in which the coordination number of ions in κ-Al2O3 systems changes between 4 and 6, and (8) lone-pair-electron-induced ferroelectrics in langasite-type compounds.

Revealing Spatial Distribution of Al-Coordinated Species in a Phase-Separated Aluminosilicate Glass by STEM-EELS.

Structure determination of glass remains an important issue in glass science. The electron microscope with its high spatial resolution and versatile functions has been widely applied to observe phase separation and structural heterogeneity in glass. While elemental analysis such as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) may provide local compositional information with nanometer-scale resolution, structural information in a glass network cannot be directly obtained. Here, a novel way to probe local coordination is employed using electron energy loss fine structure (ELNES) in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The method is demonstrated in a phase-separated aluminosilicate glass with multiple Al-coordinated species. With the support of ab initio calculation, two exciton-like peaks in the Al L2,3-edge at around 77 and 80 eV are attributed to 4-fold and 5,6-fold Al excitations, respectively. Mapping of the relative intensity ratio for two peaks in a phase-separated microstructure reveals a heterogeneous distribution of highly coordinated Al species in real space. The finding is in agreement with previous MD simulation that 5- and 6-fold Al species are favored to form in the Al-rich phase. This work has demonstrated that complex network structure within the phase-separated region can now be studied via STEM-EELS.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 is upregulated in activated microglia in mice cerebellum during acute viral encephalitis.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase1 (IDO1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway that converts l-tryptophan to l-kynurenine. Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) can cause acute myocarditis in various animals including mice. Previously, IDO1 has been reported to have an important immunomodulatory function in immune-related diseases. However, the pathophysiological roles of IDO1 following acute viral infection of central nervous system are not fully understood. We observed that acute EMCV infection leads to a highly reproducible neuronal degeneration in mouse cerebellum. The goal of this study is to determine tissue/cell-specific and time-dependent expressions of IDO1 during acute EMCV infection in mouse cerebellum. IDO1 was up-regulated in microglia, which was recognized to be activated morphologically and positive for ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), a protein expressed in microglia, within EMCV-induced cerebellar lesions showing neuronal degeneration although the very weak expression of IDO1 is detected only in cytoplasm of Purkinje cells. No GFAP immunostaining was observed in EMCV-induced cerebellar lesions although many reactive astrocytes surrounding the lesions showed strongly positive immunostaining for GFAP 10 days after the viral inoculation. Thus, IDO1 expression may affect EMCV-induced neuronal degeneration in cerebellum.

Ability of IDO to attenuate liver injury in alpha-galactosylceramide-induced hepatitis model.

IDO converts tryptophan to l-kynurenine, and it is noted as a relevant molecule in promoting tolerance and suppressing adaptive immunity. In this study, we examined the effect of IDO in α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-induced hepatitis. The increase in IDO expression in the liver of wild-type (WT) mice administered α-GalCer was confirmed by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and IDO immunohistochemical analysis. The serum alanine aminotransferase levels in IDO-knockout (KO) mice after α-GalCer injection significantly increased compared with those in WT mice. 1-Methyl-D-tryptophan also exacerbated liver injury in this murine hepatitis model. In α-GalCer-induced hepatitis models, TNF-α is critical in the development of liver injury. The mRNA expression and protein level of TNF-α in the liver from IDO-KO mice were more enhanced compared with those in WT mice. The phenotypes of intrahepatic lymphocytes from WT mice and IDO-KO mice treated with α-GalCer were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the numbers of CD49b(+) and CD11b(+) cells were found to have increased in IDO-KO mice. Moreover, as a result of the increase in the number of NK cells and macrophages in the liver of IDO-KO mice injected with α-GalCer, TNF-α secretion in these mice was greater than that in WT mice. Deficiency of IDO exacerbated liver injury in α-GalCer-induced hepatitis. IDO induced by proinflammatory cytokines may decrease the number of TNF-α-producing immune cells in the liver. Thus, IDO may suppress overactive immune response in the α-GalCer-induced hepatitis model.

The absence of IDO upregulates type I IFN production, resulting in suppression of viral replication in the retrovirus-infected mouse.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, the L-tryptophan-degrading enzyme, plays a key role in the powerful immunomodulatory effects on several different types of cells. Because modulation of IDO activities after viral infection may have great impact on disease progression, we investigated the role of IDO following infection with LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus. We found suppressed BM5 provirus copies and increased type I IFNs in the spleen from IDO knockout (IDO(-/-)) and 1-methyl-D-L-tryptophan-treated mice compared with those from wild-type (WT) mice. Additionally, the number of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in IDO(-/-) mice was higher in the former than in the WT mice. In addition, neutralization of type I IFNs in IDO(-/-) mice resulted in an increase in LP-BM5 viral replication. Moreover, the survival rate of IDO(-/-) mice or 1-methyl-D-L-tryptophan-treated mice infected with LP-BM5 alone or with both Toxoplasma gondii and LP-BM5 was clearly greater than the survival rate of WT mice. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report to observe suppressed virus replication with upregulated type I IFN in IDO(-/-) mice, suggesting that modulation of the IDO pathway may be an effective strategy for treatment of virus infection.

Calponin h1-S175T point mutation enhances resistance to actin cytoskeleton perturbation in human cancer cells.

To investigate Calponin h1 (CNh1) regions responsible for suppressing cancer cell motility, the interaction between CNh1 and actin in HeLa cells was examined. First, it was observed that the actin binding of CNh1 depends on the calponin repeat 1 (CNR 1), region more than the actin binding site region. Next, point mutantions were generated at S175 and/or T184 in CNR1, substrates of protein kinase C, and it was observed by cellular immunostaining that the actin binding of CNh1 depends on 175th amino acid. Furthermore, the point mutation S175T exhibited more resistance to actin rearrangement by cytochalasin D and PDBu than intact CNh1, suppressing cell motility induced by PDBu. This result indicates that S175T may be an effective target for new cancer treatments.

Folate antagonist, methotrexate induces neuronal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells transplanted into nude mouse retina.

Transplanted embryonic stem (ES) cells can be integrated into the retinas of adult mice as well-differentiated neuroretinal cells. However, the transplanted ES cells also have a tumorigenic activity as they have the ability for multipotent differentiation to various types of tissues. In the present study, human ES (hES) cells were transplanted into adult nude mouse retinas by intravitreal injections 20 h after intravitreal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) administration. After the transplantation of hES cells, the folate antagonist, methotrexate (MTX) was administrated in order to control the differentiation of the transplanted hES cells. Neuronal differentiation and teratogenic potential of hES cells were examined immunohistochemically 5 weeks after transplantation. The proliferative activity of transplanted cells was determined by both the mitotic index and the Ki-67 proliferative index. Disappearance of Oct-4-positive hES cells showing undifferentiated morphology was observed after intraperitoneal MTX treatment daily, for 15 days. Decreased mitotic and Ki-67 proliferative indices, and increased neuronal differentiation were detected in the surviving hES cells after the MTX treatment. These results suggest two important effects of intraperitoneal MTX treatment for hES cells transplanted into nude mouse retina: (1) MTX treatment following transplantation induces neuronal differentiation, and (2) MTX decreases proliferative activity and tumorigenic potential.

Evaluation of the use of self-reported facial flushing and ethanol patch test for ALDH2 genotypes.

It is generally assumed that subjects with ALDH2*1/1 do not exhibit flushing symptoms after alcohol intake, but recent studies have revealed discordance in ALDH2 genotypes with self-reported facial flushing and the ethanol patch test. We evaluated the reliability of a facial flushing questionnaire and the ethanol patch test in 495 Japanese volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect ALDH2 polymorphisms as reported previously. The subjects were classified by the presence or absence of facial flushing using a questionnaire. Ethanol patch tests were performed using the previously described method. Each subject's alcohol consumption was established through a questionnaire. In each gender, there was a high frequency of facial flushing and positive ethanol patch tests in ALDH2*1/1 subjects. Alcohol consumption was not significantly different between ALDH2*1/1 subjects with positive and negative results. However, alcohol consumption in the positive ALDH2*1/1 group was significantly higher than that of ALDH2*1/2 subjects in both tests, indicating that the positive results may lead to variance with ALDH2*1/1. Most of the ALDH2*1/2 subjects exhibited facial flushing and a positive patch test. Meanwhile, 100% in the ALDH2*2/2 group exhibited positive results. There was no significant gender difference in either facial flushing or ethanol patch test reactions. In addition, the frequency of both male and female ALDH2*1/1 subjects with positive flushing and ethanol patch test reactions increased roughly in proportion to drinking frequency, but no significant differences were observed between them. Consequently, the general use of self-reported facial flushing or ethanol patch tests instead of ALDH2 genotyping should be carefully handled for genetic association studies of drinking behavior and alcohol-related diseases.

Marked increases in hippocampal neuron indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase via IFN-gamma-independent pathway following transient global ischemia in mouse.

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), which catabolizes L-tryptophan (L-TRP) to L-kynurenine (L-KYN), is an immunoregulatory factor that is up-regulated via an interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-dependent and/or -independent mechanism. In this study, we investigated the localization of IDO and whether induction of IDO expression is an IFN-gamma-dependent and/or -independent mechanism in the CNS after cerebral ischemia. The expressions of IDO protein and mRNA were investigated at different time points following cerebral ischemia using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Hippocampal neuron IDO mRNA and immunohistochemical staining were significantly up-regulated 72h after transient global ischemia. Although IFN-gamma is a dominant inducer of IDO, hippocampal neuron IDO was clearly up-regulated in IFN-gamma KO mice. In summary, this is the first finding that up-regulation of IDO in hippocampal neurons after transient global ischemia occurs via INF-gamma-independent mechanisms.

Chemopreventive effects of fermented brown rice and rice bran against 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-induced lung tumorigenesis in female A/J mice.

The most common cause of human lung cancer is suggested to be exposure to the carcinogens in tobacco smoke. Among the multiple chemicals in tobacco smoke, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) has been regarded as one of the important agents for generation of lung cancers. Previously, our studies proved that fermented brown rice and rice bran (FBRA) has chemopreventive effects against carcinogenesis of the colon, liver, stomach, bladder and esophagus. In the present study, we examined possible chemopreventive effects of FBRA on the NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis in mice. Six-week-old female A/J mice were divided into 8 groups, and groups 1-5 were given NNK (10 mmol) by i.p. injection at week 7. Groups 2 and 3 were fed with diet containing 5 and 10% FBRA during the initiation phase, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 were fed with 5% and 10% FBRA during the post-initiation phase. Groups 1 and 6 were given control diet throughout the experiment. Groups 7 and 8 were given the diet containing 5 and 10% FBRA throughout the experiment, respectively. In both initiation (group 3) and post-initiation phase (group 5), 10% FBRA exposure significantly reduced the multiplicity of lung tumor (group 3, 2.35+/-2.13; group 5, 3.00+/-1.52; group 1, 4.08+/-1.85; p<0.006 and 0.04, respectively). Furthermore, administration of FBRA during the post-initiation phase significantly decreased the tumor size in comparison with that of control mice (0.66+/-0.32 vs. 0.77+/-0.33 mm). Treatment of 10% FBRA significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of cytochrome P450 2A5 (Cyp2a5), which is known to be closely related to the human CYP2A6 enzyme that is involved in the mutagenic activation of NNK, in the lung but not liver tissues. A significantly reduced index of Ki67 positivity of lung tumors in group 5 was confirmed when compared with tumors of the control group (0.065+/-0.016 vs. 0.114+/-0.025). These findings suggest that FBRA has inhibitory effects on NNK-induced pulmonary tumorigenesis in A/J mice in both during initiation and post-initiation treatment, which is possibly associated with the induction of Cyp2a5 in the lung and the reduced proliferation rate of tumor cells. FBRA may be a promising chemopreventive agent for human lung cancers.

Upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in hepatocyte during acute hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme inducing suppression of T-cell function and immune tolerance. In hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic (Tg) mice, the adoptive transfer of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) causes a necroinflammatory liver disease that is histologically similar to acute viral hepatitis in man. The present study aimed to determine IDO expression in the liver and hepatocytes during an acute hepatitis model. METHODS: Serum l-kynurenine (l-Kyn) concentration in HBV Tg mice administered with HBV-specific CTL was measured over time, together with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Furthermore, we examined the expression of IDO in the total liver and isolated hepatocytes of HBV Tg mice after CTL injection using immunohistochemical analysis and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In HBV Tg mice, HBV-specific CTL induced, over the course of several days, a chronic increase in serum l-Kyn levels, which was associated with a sustained enhancement of liver IDO activity. In particular, IDO expression was enhanced in the liver parenchymal cells (hepatocytes) after HBV-specific CTL injection both in immunohistochemical analysis and in reverse-transcription PCR. Moreover, murine recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) directly increased the IDO expression in primary hepatocytes in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes transduction results in the upregulation of IDO, which might downregulate T-cell responsiveness. Our findings provide evidence that hepatocyte itself expresses IDO and increases levels of l-Kyn in the blood in acute lethal hepatitis of mice. These data indicate that HBV infection facilitates the induction of IDO in response to proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IFN-gamma.

Spatiotemporal expression of Hsp20 and its phosphorylation in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons after transient forebrain ischemia.

The goal of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal expression of heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) and its phosphorylation in gerbil brain after transient forebrain ischemia. Brain sections from Mongolian gerbil killed 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and 2 weeks after ischemia (n=5 in each experimental group) were evaluated with immunohistochemical and in situ DNA end-labeling [terminal 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL)] techniques. Ischemia-associated Hsp20 expression was observed 24 and 48 hours later in the area of the stratum radiatum and then disappeared by 72 hours. This staining appeared along the lines of apical dendrites. Hsp20 staining in the stratum pyramidale was observed again 2 weeks after ischemia. Strong immunoreactivity for phosphorylation markers was observed in the stratum pyramidale 2 weeks after ischemia, whereas no staining was seen at either 24 or 48 hours after ischemia. Fragmented DNA was observed in nuclei and apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons by TUNEL method between 72 and 96 hours after reperfusion. The emerging expression of the Hsp20 protein within the restricted location of CA1 before the fragmented DNA transport suggests the strong relationship between Hsp20 and CA1 neuronal cell apoptosis. These findings imply a two-phase role of Hsp20 in brain ischemia: an acute phase before DNA fragmentation and a subacute phase 2 weeks after ischemia. The former may be associated with apoptosis with fragmented nuclear DNA transport into neuronal fibers and the latter associated with glial response to ischemic insult. Phosphorylation of Hsp20 might contribute to the subacute phase but not to an acute phase.

Localization and spatiotemporal expression of IDO following transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway that converts L-tryptophan to L-kynurenine. Transient forebrain ischemia initiates a series of cellular events that lead to the delayed neuronal degeneration of several brain regions. The goal of this study was to determine the localization of IDO in gerbil brain, and analyze the spatiotemporal expression of IDO in a transient forebrain ischemic model. Expression of IDO in the normal gerbil brain was observed by using immunohistochemistry. Time-course of the expression of IDO following transient forebrain ischemic gerbils was examined by immunohistochemistry, combined with hematoxylin and eosin staining for morphological analysis, and in situ terminal dUTP-biotin nick end labeling of DNA fragments (TUNEL) method. In normal gerbils, IDO immunostaining was observed in thalamus, hypothalamus and amygdaloid nucleus. IDO expression was negative in the cingulate cortex, hippocampal CA1 region and parietal cortex. Following transient ischemia, we observed a time-dependent increase of IDO expression in CA1, cingulate cortex and hypothalamus. The peak of IDO expression in CA1 and cingulate cortex occurred at 48 h after ischemic insult and diminished by 2 weeks. TUNEL staining was observed only in the CA1 region at 72 and 96 h after transient ischemia. Thus, IDO protein is present in specific regions in gerbil brain, and dynamic changes of IDO expression was observed in some neurons following transient ischemia.

Neuron-like differentiation and selective ablation of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells containing suicide gene with Oct-4 promoter.

In vivo transplantation of undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells can produce teratomas with uncontrolled cell proliferation. Although ES cells may be attractive candidates for human cell-replacement therapy in the future, the major limitation of its application to the therapy is teratoma formation. In the present study, ES cells containing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) transgene for a suicide gene expression under the control of the Oct-4 promoter was used for ablation of undifferentiated ES cells, which may produce teratomas, using three-dimensional cell culture system allowing a multilayer cell construct. Selective ablation of undifferentiated ES cells expressing HSV-tk gene under the control of Oct-4 promoter was achieved by ganciclovir treatment. Surviving ES cells after ganciclovir treatment expressed several neuron-associated markers such as synaptophysin, beta-tubulin, vesicular glutamate transporter 1, syntaxin, protein kinase C and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) but not Oct-4. Coexpression of synaptophysin as a marker of neuronal synapse and GFAP as that of glial fibers in the surviving ES cells revealed finely structured neuronal network. Furthermore, decrease of Ki-67 proliferative index was detected in the surviving ES cells. In conclusion, selective ablation of undifferentiated ES cells by a suicide gene decreases proliferative activity and induces neuron-like differentiation in ES cells.

Preventive effect of fermented brown rice and rice bran on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced gastric carcinogenesis in rats.

A number of possible preventive agents for cancers in different organs have been reported, however, little information is available regarding the effective agents for the development of gastric cancers. The rice components are known to be effective for the prevention of the development of cancers. Our group has demonstrated that fermented brown rice by Aspergillus Orzae (FBRA) has chemopreventive potentials in several organs. In this study, we investigated the modifying effects of FBRA exposed during the initiation or post-initiation phase of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric carcinogenesis in rats. Five-week-old male ACI rats were divided into 7 groups. Groups 1-5 were given oral administration of MNNG (100 mg/l in distilled water) for 24 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age. Groups 2 and 3 were fed a diet containing 5 and 10% FBRA during the initiation phase, respectively, whereas groups 4 and 5 were fed these diets during the post-initiation phase. Group 6 was given a diet containing 10% FBRA throughout the experiment. Group 7 was kept on the basal diet alone and served as an untreated control. Rats were sacrificed at 52 weeks after the start, and the epithelium of the stomach was investigated in detail. Incidence and multiplicity of gastric proliferative lesions of group 1 (MNNG alone) were 61% and 1.67+/-1.57/rat, respectively. Those of group 5 (25%, 0.35+/-0.67) which were given FBRA at a dose of 10% during the post-initiation phase were significantly less than those of group 1. Furthermore, the same group expressed a significantly decreased Ki67-labeling index in the non-lesional gastric epithelium when compared to that of group 1. These results indicate that FBRA inhibits MNNG-induced development of gastric tumors by administration during the post-initiation phase in rats. FBRA is regarded as a promising dietary agent for the prevention of human gastric cancer.

Localization of septin 8 in murine retina, and spatiotemporal expression of septin 8 in a murine model of photoreceptor cell degeneration.

The septins, which form a conserved family of cytoskeletal GTP-binding proteins in mammals, comprise stable heteromeric complexes and have diverse roles in protein scaffolding, cytokinesis, vesicle trafficking and plasma membrane integrity following cell division. The goal of this study was to determine the localization of septin 8 in murine adult retina, and analyze the spatiotemporal expression of septin 8 in a murine model of photoreceptor cell degeneration. Expression of septin 8 in the normal retina of mouse and rat was observed by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Furthermore, time course of the expression of septin 8 in mouse photoreceptor cell degeneration were examined by immunohistochemistry combined with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and in situ DNA fragment labeling method. In normal mouse and rat retina, localization of septin 8 is restricted in nuclei of photoreceptor cells. 96 h after intravitreal injection of cobalt chloride most photoreceptor cells lost septin 8 immunostaining at the same time as nuclear DNA fragmentation. The results of this study show that septin 8 protein is present in the specific location within the retina. Furthermore, the disappearance of septin 8 in the nuclei of photoreceptor cells is concomitant with nuclear DNA fragmentation. This suggests that loss of septin 8 could be a useful prognostic indicator for photoreceptor cell degeneration.

Differential staining of dysplastic aberrant crypt foci in the colon facilitates prediction of carcinogenic potentials of chemicals in rats.

We developed a novel and simple method to identify dysplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induced in rats by colon carcinogens more efficiently and selectively without conducting laborious histological examination, which usually requires enough time to get final diagnosis. By adding a simple decolorization process with 70% methanol after conventional 0.2% methylene blue staining, dysplastic ACF could be differentially contrasted. To examine the validity of this novel method, which we refer to as differential staining, we analyzed colonic lesions induced by three heterocyclic amines, including 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, and found that the number of dysplastic ACF detected more precisely reflected their carcinogenic potential than the total numbers of ACF.

Nitrate reductase-formate dehydrogenase couple involved in the fungal denitrification by Fusarium oxysporum.

Dissimilatory nitrate reductase (Nar) was solubilized and partially purified from the large particle (mitochondrial) fraction of the denitrifying fungus Fusarium oxysporum and characterized. Many lines of evidence showed that the membrane-bound Nar is distinct from the soluble, assimilatory nitrate reductase. Further, the spectral and other properties of the fungal Nar were similar to those of dissimilatory Nars of Escherichia coli and denitrifying bacteria, which are comprised of a molybdoprotein, a cytochrome b, and an iron-sulfur protein. Formate-nitrate oxidoreductase activity was also detected in the mitochondrial fraction, which was shown to arise from the coupling of formate dehydrogenase (Fdh), Nar, and a ubiquinone/ubiquinol pool. This is the first report of the occurrence in a eukaryote of Fdh that is associated with the respiratory chain. The coupling with Fdh showed that the fungal Nar system is more similar to that involved in the nitrate respiration by Escherichia coli than that in the bacterial denitrifying system. Analyses of the mutant species of F. oxysporum that were defective in Nar and/or assimilatory nitrate reductase conclusively showed that Nar is essential for the fungal denitrification.