CD151 expression marks atrial- and ventricular- differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Current differentiation protocols for human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) produce heterogeneous cardiomyocytes (CMs). Although chamber-specific CM selection using cell surface antigens enhances biomedical applications, a cell surface marker that accurately distinguishes between hiPSC-derived atrial CMs (ACMs) and ventricular CMs (VCMs) has not yet been identified. We have developed an approach for obtaining functional hiPSC-ACMs and -VCMs based on CD151 expression. For ACM differentiation, we found that ACMs are enriched in the CD151low population and that CD151 expression is correlated with the expression of Notch4 and its ligands. Furthermore, Notch signaling inhibition followed by selecting the CD151low population during atrial differentiation leads to the highly efficient generation of ACMs as evidenced by gene expression and electrophysiology. In contrast, for VCM differentiation, VCMs exhibiting a ventricular-related gene signature and uniform action potentials are enriched in the CD151high population. Our findings enable the production of high-quality ACMs and VCMs appropriate for hiPSC-derived chamber-specific disease models and other applications.

ERRγ agonist under mechanical stretching manifests hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotypes of engineered cardiac tissue through maturation.

Engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes is a promising tool for modeling heart disease. However, tissue immaturity makes robust disease modeling difficult. Here, we established a method for modeling hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) malignant (MYH7 R719Q) and nonmalignant (MYBPC3 G115∗) pathogenic sarcomere gene mutations by accelerating ECT maturation using an ERRγ agonist, T112, and mechanical stretching. ECTs treated with T112 under 10% elongation stimulation exhibited more organized and mature characteristics. Whereas matured ECTs with the MYH7 R719Q mutation showed broad HCM phenotypes, including hypertrophy, hypercontraction, diastolic dysfunction, myofibril misalignment, fibrotic change, and glycolytic activation, matured MYBPC3 G115∗ ECTs displayed limited phenotypes, which were primarily observed only under our new maturation protocol (i.e., hypertrophy). Altogether, ERRγ activation combined with mechanical stimulation enhanced ECT maturation, leading to a more accurate manifestation of HCM phenotypes, including non-cardiomyocyte activation, consistent with clinical observations.

Cloning of the cycloisomaltotetraose-forming enzymes using whole genome sequence analyses of Agreia sp. D1110 and Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum D2006.

We performed whole genome sequence analyses of Agreia sp. D1110 and Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum D2006 that secrete enzymes to produce cyclo-{→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→} (CI4) from dextran. Full-length amino acid sequences of CI4-forming enzymes were identified by matching known N-terminal amino acid sequences with products of the draft genome. Domain searches revealed that the CI4-forming enzymes are composed of Glycoside Hydrolase family 66 (GH66) domain, Carbohydrate Binding Module family 35 (CBM35) domain, and CBM13 domain, categorizing the CI4-forming enzymes in the GH66. Furthermore, the amino acid sequences of the two CI4-forming enzymes were 71% similar to each other and up to 51% similar to cycloisomaltooligosaccharide glucanotransferases (CITases) categorized in GH66. Differences in sequence between the CI4-forming enzymes and the CITases suggest mechanisms to produce specific cycloisomaltooligosaccharides, and whole genome sequence analyses identified a gene cluster whose gene products likely work in concert with the CI4-forming enzymes.

Efficient production of isomaltose and isomaltooligosaccharides from starch using 1,4-α-glucan 6-α-glucosyltransferase and isopullulanase.

We attempted to develop an efficient method for producing isomaltose, a disaccharide consisting of an α-(1→6)-linkage, from starch by combining enzymes of known activity. We found that the combination of 1,4-α-glucan 6-α-glucosyltransferase from Bacillus globisporus N75 and isopullulanase from Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 9642 led to the efficient synthesis of isomaltose. Inclusion of isoamylase and cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase resulted in increased efficiency, with production yields exceeding 70%. Furthermore, we considered that isomaltooligosaccharides could be synthesized from starch by combining 1,4-α-glucan 6-α-glucosyltransferase from Paenibacillus sp. PP710 and isopullulanase. In reactions that additionally utilized isoamylase and α-amylase, the total concentration of product, which included a series of isomaltooligosaccharides from isomaltose to isomaltodecaose, was 131 m m, and the ratio of 6-linked glucopyranosyl bonds to all bonds was 91.7% at a substrate concentration of 10%. The development of these manufacturing methods will accelerate the industrial production of isomaltose and isomaltooligosaccharides.

A Method for Contraction Force Measurement of hiPSC-Derived Engineered Cardiac Tissues.

Engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can replicate human heart in vitro and be applied to drug discovery and heart disease models. The contraction force of ECT is an important indicator of its function and of the disease phenotype. Here we describe a construction method of ECT using the Flexcell® Tissue Train® culture system and a contraction force measurement method based on the Frank-Starling law.

ERRγ enhances cardiac maturation with T-tubule formation in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

One of the earliest maturation steps in cardiomyocytes (CMs) is the sarcomere protein isoform switch between TNNI1 and TNNI3 (fetal and neonatal/adult troponin I). Here, we generate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) carrying a TNNI1EmGFP and TNNI3mCherry double reporter to monitor and isolate mature sub-populations during cardiac differentiation. Extensive drug screening identifies two compounds, an estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) agonist and an S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 inhibitor, that enhances cardiac maturation and a significant change to TNNI3 expression. Expression, morphological, functional, and molecular analyses indicate that hiPSC-CMs treated with the ERRγ agonist show a larger cell size, longer sarcomere length, the presence of transverse tubules, and enhanced metabolic function and contractile and electrical properties. Here, we show that ERRγ-treated hiPSC-CMs have a mature cellular property consistent with neonatal CMs and are useful for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Purification and characterization of cycloisomaltotetraose-forming glucanotransferases from Agreia sp. D1110 and Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum D2006.

Glucanotransferases that can synthesize cyclo-{→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→} (CI4) from dextran were purified to homogeneity from the culture supernatant of Agreia sp. D1110 and Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum D2006. The molecular mass of both enzymes was estimated to be 86 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The glucanotransferase, named CI4-forming enzyme, from Agreia sp. exhibited the highest activity at pH 6.0 and 40 °C. The enzyme was stable on the pH range of 4.6-9.9 and up to 40 °C. On the other hand, the enzyme from M. trichothecenolyticum exhibited the highest activity at pH 5.7 and 40 °C. The enzyme was stable on the pH range of 5.0-6.9 and up to 35 °C. Both enzymes catalyzed 4 reactions, namely, intramolecular α-1,6-transglycosylation (cyclization), intermolecular α-1,6-transglycosylation, hydrolysis of CI4, and coupling reaction. Furthermore, the CI4-forming enzyme produced CI4 from α-1,6-linked glucan synthesized from starch by 6-α-glucosyltransferase. These findings will enable the production of CI4 from starch.

Molecular analysis of cyclic α-maltosyl-(1→6)-maltose binding protein in the bacterial metabolic pathway.

Cyclic α-maltosyl-(1→6)-maltose (CMM) is a cyclic glucotetrasaccharide with alternating α-1,4 and α-1,6 linkages. Here, we report functional and structural analyses on CMM-binding protein (CMMBP), which is a substrate-binding protein (SBP) of an ABC importer system of the bacteria Arthrobacter globiformis. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis revealed that CMMBP specifically bound to CMM with a Kd value of 9.6 nM. The crystal structure of CMMBP was determined at a resolution of 1.47 Å, and a panose molecule was bound in a cleft between two domains. To delineate its structural features, the crystal structure of CMMBP was compared with other SBPs specific for carbohydrates, such as cyclic α-nigerosyl-(1→6)-nigerose and cyclodextrins. These results indicate that A. globiformis has a unique metabolic pathway specialized for CMM.

A cyclic tetrasaccharide, cycloisomaltotetraose, was enzymatically produced from dextran and its crystal structure was determined.

Two bacterial strains isolated from soil, namely Agreia sp. D1110 and Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum D2006, were found to produce a novel oligosaccharide. The oligosaccharide was enzymatically produced from dextran using the culture supernatant of Agreia sp. D1110 or M. trichothecenolyticum D2006. LC-MS and NMR analysis identified the novel oligosaccharide as cyclo-{→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→}, which was named cycloisomaltotetraose, and abbreviated as CI4. CI4 was subsequently crystalized and its X-ray crystallographic structure was determined. CI4 crystals were shown to be pentahydrate, with the CI4 molecules in the crystal structure displaying a unique 3D structure, in which two glucosyl residues in the molecule were facing each other. This unique 3D structure was quite different from the 3D structure of known cyclic tetrasaccharides. This is the first report of CI4 molecules and their unique crystal structure.

Development of a novel murine heart failure model overexpressing human renin and angiotensinogen.

Renin is the rate-limiting enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system cascade, which drives the pathophysiological progression of heart failure. Species differences in the amino acid sequence of the catalytic domain of renin limit evaluations of the potency and efficacy of human renin inhibitors in animal models, and a high dose of inhibitors is usually needed to show its organ-protective effects in rodents. In the present study, we developed a novel murine heart failure model (triple-tg) to enable us to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of renin inhibitors at more relevant doses for humans, by cross-breeding calsequestrin transgenic (CSQ-tg) mice with human renin and human angiotensinogen double-transgenic mice. The triple-tg mice exhibited increased plasma renin activity, worsened cardiac hypertrophy, and higher mortality compared to CSQ-tg mice. Triple-tg mice treated with 10 mg·kg-1 of TAK-272 (imarikiren/SCO-272), an orally active direct renin inhibitor, exhibited improvements in heart failure phenotypes, such as cardiac hypertrophy and survival rate; however, a dose of 300 mg·kg-1 was required to improve symptoms in CSQ-tg mice. Our results suggest that this newly generated triple-tg heart failure model is useful to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of human renin inhibitors at clinically relevant doses, thereby minimizing the concerns of off-target effects related to much higher drug exposure than that achieved in clinical study.

Structural features of a bacterial cyclic α-maltosyl-(1→6)-maltose (CMM) hydrolase critical for CMM recognition and hydrolysis.

Cyclic α-maltosyl-(1→6)-maltose (CMM, cyclo-{→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→})is a cyclic glucotetrasaccharide with alternating α-1,4 and α-1,6 linkages. CMM is composed of two maltose units and is one of the smallest cyclic glucooligosaccharides. Although CMM is resistant to usual amylases, it is efficiently hydrolyzed by CMM hydrolase (CMMase), belonging to subfamily 20 of glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13_20). Here, we determined the ligand-free crystal structure of CMMase from the soil-associated bacterium Arthrobacter globiformis and its structures in complex with maltose, panose, and CMM to elucidate the structural basis of substrate recognition by CMMase. The structures disclosed that although the monomer structure consists of three domains commonly adopted by GH13 and other α-amylase-related enzymes, CMMase forms a unique wing-like dimer structure. The complex structure with CMM revealed four specific subsites, namely -3', -2, -1, and +1'. We also observed that the bound CMM molecule adopts a low-energy conformer compared with the X-ray structure of a single CMM crystal, also determined here. Comparison of the CMMase active site with those in other enzymes of the GH13_20 family revealed that three regions forming the wall of the cleft, denoted PYF (Pro-203/Tyr-204/Phe-205), CS (Cys-163/Ser-164), and Y (Tyr-168), are present only in CMMase and are involved in CMM recognition. Combinations of multiple substitutions in these regions markedly decreased the activity toward CMM, indicating that the specificity for this cyclic tetrasaccharide is supported by the entire shape of the pocket. In summary, our work uncovers the mechanistic basis for the highly specific interactions of CMMase with its substrate CMM.

TAK-272 (imarikiren), a novel renin inhibitor, improves cardiac remodeling and mortality in a murine heart failure model.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which plays an important role in the progression of heart failure, is efficiently blocked by the inhibition of renin, the rate-limiting enzyme in the RAS cascade. In the present study, we investigated the cardioprotective effects of TAK-272 (SCO-272, imarikiren), a novel, orally effective direct renin inhibitor (DRI), and compared its efficacy with that of aliskiren, a DRI that is already available in the market. TAK-272 was administered to calsequestrin transgenic (CSQ-tg) heart failure mouse model that show severe symptoms and high mortality. The CSQ-tg mice treated with 300 mg/kg, the highest dose tested, of TAK-272 showed significantly reduced plasma renin activity (PRA), cardiac hypertrophy, and lung congestion. Further, TAK-272 reduced cardiomyocyte injury accompanied by an attenuation of the increase in NADPH oxidase 4 and nitric oxide synthase 3 expressions. TAK-272 also prolonged the survival of CSQ-tg mice in a dose-dependent manner (30 mg/kg: P = 0.42, 100 mg/kg: P = 0.12, 300 mg/kg: P < 0.01). Additionally, when compared at the same dose level (300 mg/kg), TAK-272 showed strong and sustained PRA inhibition and reduced the heart weight and plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration, a heart failure biomarker, while aliskiren showed a significant weaker PRA inhibition and failed to demonstrate any cardioprotective effects. Our results showed that TAK-272 is an orally active and persistent renin inhibitor, which reduced the mortality of CSQ-tg mice and conferred protection against cardiac hypertrophy and injury. Thus, TAK-272 treatment could provide a new therapeutic approach for heart failure.

Effects of a non-cyclodextrin cyclic carbohydrate on mouse melanoma cells: Characterization of a new type of hypopigmenting sugar.

Cyclic nigerosyl nigerose (CNN) is a cyclic tetrasaccharide that exhibits properties distinct from other conventional cyclodextrins. Herein, we demonstrate that treatment of B16 melanoma with CNN results in a dose-dependent decrease in melanin synthesis, even under conditions that stimulate melanin synthesis, without significant cytotoxity. The effects of CNN were prolonged for more than 27 days, and were gradually reversed following removal of CNN. Undigested CNN was found to accumulate within B16 cells at relatively high levels. Further, CNN showed a weak but significant direct inhibitory effect on the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, suggesting one possible mechanism of hypopigmentation. While a slight reduction in tyrosinase expression was observed, tyrosinase expression was maintained at significant levels, processed into a mature form, and transported to late-stage melanosomes. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that CNN treatment induced drastic morphological changes of Pmel17-positive and LAMP-1-positive organelles within B16 cells, suggesting that CNN is a potent organelle modulator. Colocalization of both tyrosinase-positive and LAMP-1-positive regions in CNN-treated cells indicated possible degradation of tyrosinase in LAMP-1-positive organelles; however, that possibility was ruled out by subsequent inhibition experiments. Taken together, this study opens a new paradigm of functional oligosaccharides, and offers CNN as a novel hypopigmenting molecule and organelle modulator.

A pyridone derivative activates SERCA2a by attenuating the inhibitory effect of phospholamban.

The cardiac sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-dependent ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) plays a central role in Ca2+ handling within cardiomyocytes and is negatively regulated by phospholamban (PLN), a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane protein. The activation of SERCA2a, which has been reported to improve cardiac dysfunction in heart failure, is a potential therapeutic approach for heart failure. Therefore, we developed a novel small molecule, compound A and characterized it both in vitro and in vivo. Compound A activated the Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity of cardiac SR vesicles but not that of skeletal muscle SR vesicles that lack PLN. The surface plasmon resonance assay revealed a direct interaction between compound A and PLN, suggesting that the binding of compound A to PLN attenuates its inhibition of SERCA2a, resulting in SERCA2a activation. This was substantiated by inhibition of the compound A-mediated increase in Ca2+ levels within the SR of HL-1 cells by thapsigargin, a SERCA inhibitor. Compound A also increased the Ca2+ transients and contraction and relaxation of isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. In isolated perfused rat hearts, the compound A enhanced systolic and diastolic functions. Further, an infusion of compound A (30mg/kg, i.v. bolus followed by 2mg/kg/min, i.v. infusion) significantly enhanced the diastolic function in anesthetized normal rats. These results indicate that compound A is a novel SERCA2a activator, which attenuates PLN inhibition and enhances the systolic and diastolic functions of the heart in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, compound A might be a novel therapeutic lead for heart failure.

Identification of phosphorylation sites on ß1-adrenergic receptor in the mouse heart.

ß1-adrenergic receptor (Adrb1) belongs to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and plays a critical role in the regulation of heart rate and myocardial contraction force. GPCRs are phosphorylated at multiple sites to regulate distinct signal transduction pathways in different tissues. However, little is known about the location and function of distinct phosphorylation sites of Adrb1 in vivo. To clarify the mechanisms underlying functional regulation associated with Adrb1 phosphorylation in vivo, we aimed to identify Adrb1 phosphorylation sites in the mouse heart using phosphoproteomics techniques with nano-flow liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We revealed the phosphorylation residues of Adrb1 to be Ser274 and Ser280 in the third intracellular loop and Ser412, Ser417, Ser450, Ser451, and Ser462 at the C-terminus. We also found that phosphorylation at Ser274, Ser280, and Ser462 was enhanced in response to stimulation with an Adrb1 agonist. This is the first study to identify Adrb1 phosphorylation sites in vivo. These findings will provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms mediated by Adrb1 phosphorylation.

AT1 receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil normalizes plasma miR-146a and miR-342-3p in a murine heart failure model.

Our study measured circulating microRNA (miRNA) levels in the plasma of calsequestrin (CSQ)-tg mouse, a severe heart failure model, and evaluated whether treatment with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) influenced their levels using miRNA array analysis. MiR-146a, miR-149, miR-150, and miR-342-3p were reproducibly reduced in the plasma of CSQ-tg mice. Among them, miR-146a and miR-342-3p were significantly restored by AZL-M, which were associated with improvement of survival rate and reduction of congestion. These results suggest that miRNA, especially miR-146a and miR-342-3p, could be used as potential biomarkers for evaluating the efficacy of anti-heart failure drugs.

Strategy for Identification of Phosphorylation Levels of Low Abundance Proteins in Vivo for Which Antibodies Are not Available.

Protein function is mainly modulated by dynamic reversible or irreversible post-translational modifications. Among them, the identification of protein phosphorylation sites and changes in phosphorylation levels in vivo are of considerable interest for a better understanding of the protein function. Thus, effective strategies for the quantitative determination of phosphorylation degrees for low abundant proteins, for which antibodies are not available, are required in order to evaluate the functional regulation of proteins attributed to phosphorylation. In this study, we used the heart ß1-adrenergic receptor (Adrb1) as a model protein and developed FLAG-Adrb1 knock-in mice, in which the FLAG tag was inserted at the N-terminus of Adrb1. The phosphorylation sites and levels of Adrb1 in the heart were elucidated by immuno-affinity purification followed by quantitative mass spectrometry analysis using ion intensity ratio of the phosphorylated peptide versus corresponding unphosphorylated peptide. The phosphorylation levels at Ser274 and Ser462 of Adrb1 were approximately 0.25 and 0.0023. This effective strategy should be useful for not only analyzing site-specific phosphorylation levels of target proteins, but also quantifying the expression levels of proteins of interest when appropriate antibodies are not available.

Phospholamban Ablation Using CRISPR/Cas9 System Improves Mortality in a Murine Heart Failure Model.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and its inhibitory protein called phospholamban (PLN) are pivotal for Ca2+ handling in cardiomyocyte and are known that their expression level and activity were changed in the heart failure patients. To examine whether PLN inhibition can improve survival rate as well as cardiac function in heart failure, we performed PLN ablation in calsequestrin overexpressing (CSQ-Tg) mice, a severe heart failure model, using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system. According this method, generation rate of PLN wild type mice (PLN copy >0.95) and PLN homozygous knockout (KO) mice (PLN copy <0.05) were 39.1% and 10.5%, respectively. While CSQ overexpression causes severe heart failure symptoms and premature death, a significant ameliorating effect on survival rate was observed in PLN homozygous KO/CSQ-Tg mice compared to PLN wild type/CSQ-Tg mice (median survival days are 55 and 50 days, respectively). Measurement of cardiac function with cardiac catheterization at the age of 5 weeks revealed that PLN ablation improved cardiac function in CSQ-Tg mice without affecting heart rate and blood pressure. Furthermore, increases in atrial and lung weight, an index of congestion, were significantly inhibited by PLN ablation. These results suggest that PLN deletion would be a promising approach to improve both mortality and cardiac function in the heart failure.

Effect of Exercise and Calorie Restriction on Tissue Acylcarnitines, Tissue Desaturase Indices, and Fat Accumulation in Diet-Induced Obese Rats.

Both exercise and calorie restriction interventions have been recommended for inducing weight-loss in obese states. However, there is conflicting evidence on their relative benefits for metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. This study seeks to evaluate the differential effects of the two interventions on fat mobilization, fat metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese animal models. After 4 months of ad libitum high fat diet feeding, 35 male Fischer F344 rats were grouped (n = 7 per cohort) into sedentary control (CON), exercise once a day (EX1), exercise twice a day (EX2), 15% calorie restriction (CR1) and 30% calorie restriction (CR2) cohorts. Interventions were carried out over a 4-week period. We found elevated hepatic and muscle long chain acylcarnitines with both exercise and calorie restriction, and a positive association between hepatic long chain acylcarnitines and insulin sensitivity in the pooled cohort. Our result suggests that long chain acylcarnitines may not indicate incomplete fat oxidation in weight loss interventions. Calorie restriction was found to be more effective than exercise in reducing body weight. Exercise, on the other hand, was more effective in reducing adipose depots and muscle triglycerides, favorably altering muscle/liver desaturase activity and improving insulin sensitivity.

Solvent- and phase-controlled photochirogenesis. Enantiodifferentiating photoisomerization of (Z)-cyclooctene sensitized by cyclic nigerosylnigerose-based nanosponges crosslinked by pyromellitate.

Cyclic nigerosylnigerose (CNN), a saucer-shaped cyclic tetrasaccharide with a shallow concave surface, was reacted with pyromellitic dianhydride in 1:2 and 1:4 ratios to give two CNN-based polymers of different degrees of crosslinking, both of which swelled upon soaking in water, acting as a 'nanosponge' (NS). These NSs evolved several phases from isotropic solution to flowing and rigid gels via suspension by gradually increasing the concentration in water. The CNN-NSs thus prepared effectively mediated the enantiodifferentiating photoisomerization of (Z)-cyclooctene (1Z) to chiral (E)-isomer (1E). The enantiomeric excess (ee) of 1E obtained was a critical function of the solvent composition and the phase evolved at different CNN-NS concentrations in water. In isotropic solution, the enantioselectivity was generally low (−4% to +6% ee) but the chiral sense of 1E was inverted by increasing the methanol content. Interestingly, the product's ee was controlled more dramatically by the phase evolved, as was the case with the cyclodextrin-based nanosponge (CD-NS) reported previously. Thus, the ee of 1E was low in solution and suspension, but suddenly leaped at the phase border of flowing gel and rigid gel to give the highest ee of 22­24%, which are much higher than those obtained with CD-NSs (6­12% ee), revealing the positive roles of the chiral void space formed upon gelation of the crosslinked saccharide polymer.