Distinct phosphorylation states of mammalian CaMKIIß control the induction and maintenance of sleep.

The reduced sleep duration previously observed in Camk2b knockout mice revealed a role for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)ß as a sleep-promoting kinase. However, the underlying mechanism by which CaMKIIß supports sleep regulation is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that activation or inhibition of CaMKIIß can increase or decrease sleep duration in mice by almost 2-fold, supporting the role of CaMKIIß as a core sleep regulator in mammals. Importantly, we show that this sleep regulation depends on the kinase activity of CaMKIIß. A CaMKIIß mutant mimicking the constitutive-active (auto)phosphorylation state promotes the transition from awake state to sleep state, while mutants mimicking subsequent multisite (auto)phosphorylation states suppress the transition from sleep state to awake state. These results suggest that the phosphorylation states of CaMKIIß differently control sleep induction and maintenance processes, leading us to propose a "phosphorylation hypothesis of sleep" for the molecular control of sleep in mammals.

Knockout-Rescue Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mouse Reveals Circadian-Period Control by Quality and Quantity of CRY1.

To conduct comprehensive characterization of molecular properties in organisms, we established an efficient method to produce knockout (KO)-rescue mice within a single generation. We applied this method to produce 20 strains of almost completely embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived mice ("ES mice") rescued with wild-type and mutant Cry1 gene under a Cry1-/-:Cry2-/- background. A series of both phosphorylation-mimetic and non-phosphorylation-mimetic CRY1 mutants revealed that multisite phosphorylation of CRY1 can serve as a cumulative timer in the mammalian circadian clock. KO-rescue ES mice also revealed that CRY1-PER2 interaction confers a robust circadian rhythmicity in mice. Surprisingly, in contrast to theoretical predictions from canonical transcription/translation feedback loops, the residues surrounding the flexible P loop and C-lid domains of CRY1 determine circadian period without changing the degradation rate of CRY1. These results suggest that CRY1 determines circadian period through both its degradation-dependent and -independent pathways.

Mass spectrometry-based absolute quantification reveals rhythmic variation of mouse circadian clock proteins.

Absolute values of protein expression levels in cells are crucial information for understanding cellular biological systems. Precise quantification of proteins can be achieved by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of enzymatic digests of proteins in the presence of isotope-labeled internal standards. Thus, development of a simple and easy way for the preparation of internal standards is advantageous for the analyses of multiple target proteins, which will allow systems-level studies. Here we describe a method, termed MS-based Quantification By isotope-labeled Cell-free products (MS-QBiC), which provides the simple and high-throughput preparation of internal standards by using a reconstituted cell-free protein synthesis system, and thereby facilitates both multiplexed and sensitive quantification of absolute amounts of target proteins. This method was applied to a systems-level dynamic analysis of mammalian circadian clock proteins, which consist of transcription factors and protein kinases that govern central and peripheral circadian clocks in mammals. Sixteen proteins from 20 selected circadian clock proteins were successfully quantified from mouse liver over a 24-h time series, and 14 proteins had circadian variations. Quantified values were applied to detect internal body time using a previously developed molecular timetable method. The analyses showed that single time-point data from wild-type mice can predict the endogenous state of the circadian clock, whereas data from clock mutant mice are not applicable because of the disappearance of circadian variation.

A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) heteroduplex probe containing an inosine-cytosine base pair discriminates a single-nucleotide difference in RNA.

Selective discrimination of a single-nucleotide difference in single-stranded DNA or RNA remains a challenge with conventional DNA or RNA probes. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-derived probe, in which PNA forms a pseudocomplementary heteroduplex with inosine-containing DNA or RNA, effectively discriminates a single-nucleotide difference in a closely related group of sequences of single-stranded DNA and/or RNA. The pseudocomplementary PNA heteroduplex is easily converted to a fluorescent probe that distinctively detects a member of highly homologous let-7 microRNAs.

Triazolyl donor/acceptor chromophore decorated unnatural nucleosides and oligonucleotides with duplex stability comparable to that of a natural adenine/thymine pair.

We report the design and synthesis of triazolyl donor/acceptor unnatural nucleosides via click chemistry and studies on the duplex stabilization of DNA containing two such new nucleosides. The observed duplex stabilization among the self-pair/heteropair has been found to be comparable to that of a natural A/T pair. Our observations on the comparable duplex stabilization has been explained on the basis of possible π-π stacking and/or charge transfer interactions between the pairing partners. The evidence of ground-state charge transfer complexation came from the UV-vis spectra and the static quenching of fluorescence in a heteropair. We have also exploited one of our unnatural DNAs in stabilizing abasic DNA.

Fluorescent nucleosides with 'on-off' switching function, pH-responsive fluorescent uridine derivatives.

We synthesized various pH-responsive fluorescent deoxyuridine derivatives (1a-g). These fluorescent nucleosides exhibited distinctive fluorescence at 470-600 nm in aqueous solvents containing methanol only at acidic to neutral pH values. In particular, 1f exhibited strong fluorescence only at pH range of 3.1-7.2 with a pK(a) of 6.1. Such pH-sensitive fluorescent nucleosides can be used as 'on-off' fluorescence switch for monitoring pH change in biological systems, particularly for cancer cell detection.

A Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging System Based on Polysaccharide Staining for Accurate Histopathological Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tissue-clearing and three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques aid clinical histopathological evaluation; however, further methodological developments are required before use in clinical practice. METHODS: We sought to develop a novel fluorescence staining method based on the classical periodic acid-Schiff stain. We further attempted to develop a 3D imaging system based on this staining method and evaluated whether the system can be used for quantitative 3D pathological evaluation and deep learning-based automatic diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases. RESULTS: We successfully developed a novel periodic acid-FAM hydrazide (PAFhy) staining method for 3D imaging when combined with a tissue-clearing technique (PAFhy-3D). This strategy enabled clear and detailed imaging of the 3D architectures of crypts in human colorectal mucosa. PAFhy-3D imaging also revealed abnormal architectural changes in crypts in ulcerative colitis tissues and identified the distributions of neutrophils in cryptitis and crypt abscesses. PAFhy-3D revealed novel pathological findings including spiral staircase-like crypts specific to inflammatory bowel diseases. Quantitative analysis of crypts based on 3D morphologic changes enabled differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and non-inflammatory bowel disease; such discrimination could not be achieved by pathologists. Furthermore, a deep learning-based system using PAFhy-3D images was used to distinguish these diseases The accuracies were excellent (macro-average area under the curve = 0.94; F1 scores = 0.875 for ulcerative colitis, 0.717 for Crohn's disease, and 0.819 for non-inflammatory bowel disease). CONCLUSIONS: PAFhy staining and PAFhy-3D imaging are promising approaches for next-generation experimental and clinical histopathology.

Design and synthesis of highly solvatochromic fluorescent 2'-deoxyguanosine and 2'-deoxyadenosine analogs.

We synthesized various substituted 8-styryl-2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-styryl-2'-deoxyadenosine derivatives. Among them only acetyl substituted 8-styryl-2'-deoxyguanosine analog 5b showed a remarkable solvatochromicity (Δλ(max)(em)=91 nm),that is, strong fluorescence at 477 nm in 1,4-dioxane, but in methanol the fluorescence was red shifted to 558 nm with very low intensity. Such environmentally sensitive solvatochromic fluorescent guanosine analogs may be useful as a sensor for investigating interactions of DNA with DNA binding proteins.

TISSUE CLEARING.

Tissue clearing of gross anatomical samples was first described over a century ago and has only recently found widespread use in the field of microscopy. This renaissance has been driven by the application of modern knowledge of optical physics and chemical engineering to the development of robust and reproducible clearing techniques, the arrival of new microscopes that can image large samples at cellular resolution and computing infrastructure able to store and analyze large data volumes. Many biological relationships between structure and function require investigation in three dimensions and tissue clearing therefore has the potential to enable broad discoveries in the biological sciences. Unfortunately, the current literature is complex and could confuse researchers looking to begin a clearing project. The goal of this Primer is to outline a modular approach to tissue clearing that allows a novice researcher to develop a customized clearing pipeline tailored to their tissue of interest. Further, the Primer outlines the required imaging and computational infrastructure needed to perform tissue clearing at scale, gives an overview of current applications, discusses limitations and provides an outlook on future advances in the field.

Whole-organ analysis of TGF-ß-mediated remodelling of the tumour microenvironment by tissue clearing.

Tissue clearing is one of the most powerful strategies for a comprehensive analysis of disease progression. Here, we established an integrated pipeline that combines tissue clearing, 3D imaging, and machine learning and applied to a mouse tumour model of experimental lung metastasis using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. This pipeline provided the spatial information of the tumour microenvironment. We further explored the role of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in cancer metastasis. TGF-ß-stimulated cancer cells enhanced metastatic colonization of unstimulated-cancer cells in vivo when both cells were mixed. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that expression of the genes related to coagulation and inflammation were up-regulated in TGF-ß-stimulated cancer cells. Further, whole-organ analysis revealed accumulation of platelets or macrophages with TGF-ß-stimulated cancer cells, suggesting that TGF-ß might promote remodelling of the tumour microenvironment, enhancing the colonization of cancer cells. Hence, our integrated pipeline for 3D profiling will help the understanding of the tumour microenvironment.

Singly and doubly labeled base-discriminating fluorescent oligonucleotide probes containing oxo-pyrene chromophore.

We have developed new oxo-pyrene labeled fluorescent nucleoside, (Oxo-Py)U which showed a strong fluorescence dependency on solvent polarity at long wavelength. The designed singly and doubly (Oxo-Py)U labeled fluorescent oligonucleotide probes were found highly efficient for the discrimination of A and consecutive AA bases of target DNA opposite to the labeled base via generation of enhanced fluorescence signal.

Design of environmentally sensitive fluorescent 2'-deoxyguanosine containing arylethynyl moieties: distinction of thymine base by base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) probe.

We have synthesized various substituted 8-arylethynylated 2'-deoxyguanosine derivatives. Among them, acetyl substituted deoxyguanosine analogue 4c showed a remarkable solvent dependent fluorescence property, that is, an intense fluorescence in non-polar solvents but extremely weak fluorescence in polar solvents like methanol. By using solvatofluorochromic deoxyguanosine analogue 4c, we have developed highly thymine (T) selective fluorescent DNA probes that can sense T opposite 4c in a target DNA regardless of the flanking sequences. We were able to demonstrate that 4c can be used as a T specific base-discriminating fluorescent (BDF) nucleoside in homogeneous fluorescence assay.

Pyrene-labeled deoxyguanosine as a fluorescence sensor to discriminate single and double stranded DNA structures: design of ends free molecular beacons.

A novel fluorescent DNA probe containing pyrene-labeled C8 alkylamino-substituted 2'-deoxyguanosine was designed in order to discriminate single stranded and double stranded regions in DNA. This fluorescent sensor was used for the design of practically useful 3'- and 5'-ends free self-quenched molecular beacon (MB). Unique MB detectable by pyrene excimer fluorescence was also demonstrated.

Advanced CUBIC tissue clearing for whole-organ cell profiling.

Tissue-clearing techniques are powerful tools for biological research and pathological diagnosis. Here, we describe advanced clear, unobstructed brain imaging cocktails and computational analysis (CUBIC) procedures that can be applied to biomedical research. This protocol enables preparation of high-transparency organs that retain fluorescent protein signals within 7-21 d by immersion in CUBIC reagents. A transparent mouse organ can then be imaged by a high-speed imaging system (>0.5 TB/h/color). In addition, to improve the understanding and simplify handling of the data, the positions of all detected cells in an organ (3-12 GB) can be extracted from a large image dataset (2.5-14 TB) within 3-12 h. As an example of how the protocol can be used, we counted the number of cells in an adult whole mouse brain and other distinct anatomical regions and determined the number of cells transduced with mCherry following whole-brain infection with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.eB. The improved throughput offered by this protocol allows analysis of numerous samples (e.g., >100 mouse brains per study), providing a platform for next-generation biomedical research.

Dual-labeled oligonucleotide probe for sensing adenosine via FRET: a novel alternative to SNPs genotyping.

A novel FRET based strategy for DNA sequence analysis utilising base-discriminating fluorescence (BDF) nucleoside, (Py)U/(2-Ant)U, as donor in the dual-labelled oligonucleotide probe is reported; a selective/specific emission from acceptor, was observed upon excitation at the donor, only when the opposite base of the "smart" fluorescently labeled BDF nucleoside, (Py)U/(2-Ant)U, is adenine on the complementary target sequence.

The pharmacodynamic effect of omeprazole 10 mg and 20 mg once daily in patients with nonerosive reflux disease in Japan.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the pharmacodynamic effect, efficacy, and safety of omeprazole 10 mg and 20 mg once daily in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) in Japan. METHODS: A total of 37 patients were randomized to omeprazole 10 mg or omeprazole 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks. Eligible patients had a history of moderate-to-severe heartburn for 2 days or more per week during the last 1 month or longer prior to the study screening, grade M or grade N on Hoshihara's modification of the Los Angeles classification (i.e., no sign of mucosal break on esophagogastroduodenoscopy), and heartburn episodes for 2 days or more per week during the last week of the observation period while taking antacids. Ambulatory 24-h intraesophageal pH was monitored on the day before treatment and on the last day of treatment. The occurrence of a heartburn episode was recorded during pH monitoring. The primary endpoint was the change in the percentage of time with intraesophageal pH < 4 during the 24-h period before and after omeprazole treatment. RESULTS: Both omeprazole 10 mg and omeprazole 20 mg once daily reduced the percentage of time with intraesophageal pH < 4. The percentage reduction in time with intraesophageal pH < 4 after treatment with omeprazole was associated with a reduced number of heartburn episodes. Patients with grade M or grade N esophagus had similar pH profiles and NERD characteristics (e.g., pH holding time, symptom index) and comparable responses to omeprazole. No serious, drug-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Omeprazole 10 mg or 20 mg reduces the percentage of time with intraesophageal pH < 4, is efficacious, and is well tolerated in patients with NERD in Japan, regardless of the patient's endoscopic classification.

Involvement of Ca(2+)-Dependent Hyperpolarization in Sleep Duration in Mammals.

The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of sleep duration in mammals are still elusive. To address this challenge, we constructed a simple computational model, which recapitulates the electrophysiological characteristics of the slow-wave sleep and awake states. Comprehensive bifurcation analysis predicted that a Ca(2+)-dependent hyperpolarization pathway may play a role in slow-wave sleep and hence in the regulation of sleep duration. To experimentally validate the prediction, we generate and analyze 21 KO mice. Here we found that impaired Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels (Kcnn2 and Kcnn3), voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (Cacna1g and Cacna1h), or Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinases (Camk2a and Camk2b) decrease sleep duration, while impaired plasma membrane Ca(2+) ATPase (Atp2b3) increases sleep duration. Pharmacological intervention and whole-brain imaging validated that impaired NMDA receptors reduce sleep duration and directly increase the excitability of cells. Based on these results, we propose a hypothesis that a Ca(2+)-dependent hyperpolarization pathway underlies the regulation of sleep duration in mammals.

Protein purification, cDNA cloning and gene expression of attacin, an antibacterial protein, from eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini.

Attacin was isolated from immunized larval hemolymph of the wild silkmoth, Samia cynthia ricini. The antibacterial effect of the attacin was limited to some species of Gram-negative bacteria. Two cDNA clones encoding attacin A and B, respectively, were isolated by screening the cDNA library from immunized fat body. The two cDNAs encoded the same length of precursor protein with 233 amino acid residues. The 46-residue prepropeptides of the two attacins were identical to each other, but 4 out of 187 residues of the mature proteins were different in each other. The two attacins show 98% identity at the amino acid level, while 92% identity at the nucleotide level. Both of the mature proteins were highly homologous to cecropia basic attacin with identity of 96%. The attacin transcripts were detected at significant level in fat body, hemocytes and Malpighian tube after injection with peptidoglycan, but not in the midgut and the silkgland. The induction of attacin gene expression was elicited most effectively by peptidoglycan and UV-killed bacteria in the fat body.

Non-enzymatic DNA cleavage reaction induced by 5-ethynyluracil in methylamine aqueous solution and application to DNA concatenation.

DNA can be concatenated by hybridization of DNA fragments with protruding single-stranded termini. DNA cleavage occurring at a nucleotide containing a DNA base analogue is a useful method to obtain DNA with designed protruding termini. Here, we report a novel non-enzymatic DNA cleavage reaction for DNA concatenation. We found that DNA is cleaved at a nucleotide containing 5-ethynyluracil in a methylamine aqueous solution to generate 5'-phosphorylated DNA fragment as a cleavage product. We demonstrated that the reaction can be applied to DNA concatenation of PCR-amplified DNA fragments. This novel non-enzymatic DNA cleavage reaction is a simple practical approach for DNA concatenation.