Regulation of lymphoid-myeloid lineage bias through regnase-1/3-mediated control of Nfkbiz.

ABSTRACT: Regulation of lineage biases in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) is pivotal for balanced hematopoietic output. However, little is known about the mechanism behind lineage choice in HSPCs. Here, we show that messenger RNA (mRNA) decay factors regnase-1 (Reg1; Zc3h12a) and regnase-3 (Reg3; Zc3h12c) are essential for determining lymphoid fate and restricting myeloid differentiation in HSPCs. Loss of Reg1 and Reg3 resulted in severe impairment of lymphopoiesis and a mild increase in myelopoiesis in the bone marrow. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Reg1 and Reg3 regulate lineage directions in HSPCs via the control of a set of myeloid-related genes. Reg1- and Reg3-mediated control of mRNA encoding Nfkbiz, a transcriptional and epigenetic regulator, was essential for balancing lymphoid/myeloid lineage output in HSPCs in vivo. Furthermore, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing analysis revealed that Reg1 and Reg3 control the epigenetic landscape on myeloid-related gene loci in early stage HSPCs via Nfkbiz. Consistently, an antisense oligonucleotide designed to inhibit Reg1- and Reg3-mediated Nfkbiz mRNA degradation primed hematopoietic stem cells toward myeloid lineages by enhancing Nfkbiz expression. Collectively, the collaboration between posttranscriptional control and chromatin remodeling by the Reg1/Reg3-Nfkbiz axis governs HSPC lineage biases, ultimately dictating the fate of lymphoid vs myeloid differentiation.

Human striatal glia differentially contribute to AD- and PD-specific neurodegeneration.

The commonalities and differences in cell-type-specific pathways that lead to Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD) remain unknown. Here, we performed a single-nucleus transcriptome comparison of control, AD and PD striata. We describe three astrocyte subpopulations shared across different brain regions and evolutionarily conserved between humans and mice. We reveal common features between AD and PD astrocytes and regional differences that contribute toward amyloid pathology and neurodegeneration. In contrast, we found that transcriptomic changes in microglia are largely unique to each disorder. Our analysis identified a population of activated microglia that shared molecular signatures with murine disease-associated microglia (DAM) as well as disease-associated and regional differences in microglia transcriptomic changes linking microglia to disease-specific amyloid pathology, tauopathy and neuronal death. Finally, we delineate undescribed subpopulations of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum and provide neuronal transcriptomic profiles suggesting disease-specific changes and selective neuronal vulnerability.

Bioprotective role of platelet-derived microvesicles in hypothermia: Insight into the differential characteristics of peripheral and splenic platelets.

BACKGROUND: Most platelets are present in peripheral blood, but some are stored in the spleen. Because the tissue environments of peripheral blood vessels and the spleen are quite distinct, the properties of platelets present in each may also differ. However, no studies have addressed this difference. We previously reported that hypothermia activates splenic platelets, but not peripheral blood platelets, whose biological significance remains unknown. In this study, we focused on platelet-derived microvesicles (PDMVs) and analyzed their biological significance connected to intrasplenic platelet activation during hypothermia. METHODS: C57Bl/6 mice were placed in an environment of -20 °C, and their rectal temperature was decreased to 15 °C to model hypothermia. Platelets and skeletal muscle tissue were collected and analyzed for their interactions. RESULTS: Transcriptomic changes between splenic and peripheral platelets were greater in hypothermic mice than in normal mice. Electron microscopy and real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that platelets activated in the spleen by hypothermia internalized transcripts, encoding tissue repairing proteins, into PDMVs and released them into the plasma. Plasma microvesicles from hypothermic mice promoted wound healing in the mouse myoblast cell line C2C12. Skeletal muscles in hypothermic mice were damaged but recovered within 24 h after rewarming. However, splenectomy delayed recovery from skeletal muscle injury after the mice were rewarmed. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that PDMVs released from activated platelets in the spleen play an important role in the repair of skeletal muscle damaged by hypothermia.

A novel categorization of the muscular branches of the tibial nerve within the popliteal fossa.

BACKGROUND: The muscular branches of the tibial nerve within the popliteal fossa innervate the gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and popliteus muscles. Various branching patterns have been described in textbooks; however, the underlying fundamental rules explaining the patterns remain unclear. Understanding the fundamental rule explaining the branching pattern of the innervating nerves is essential for understanding the ontogeny of skeletal muscles. Therefore, this study aimed at establishing a theory to explain the branching pattern of the muscular branches of the tibial nerve within the popliteal fossa. METHODS: The branching patterns of the muscular branches of the tibial nerve within the popliteal fossa were examined macroscopically in 62 lower limbs derived from 31 adult cadavers (22 males and 9 females, aged 49-95 years). RESULTS: The branch to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle invariably arose from the posteromedial side of the tibial nerve. The branches to the soleus muscle and lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle had a common trunk in all the lower limbs and invariably arose from the posterolateral side. The branches to the plantaris and popliteus muscles arose anteriorly from the tibial nerve in this order (plantaris branch first, followed by the popliteus branch). These branches invariably arose more distally than the branch to both the heads of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these fundamental branching patterns, we suggest a novel branching categorization. The branches could be categorized into a posterior group and an anterior group, which has independent branches to the plantaris and popliteus muscles. This fundamental branching pattern and novel categorization contribute to the understanding of the ontogeny of the skeletal muscles around the flexor compartment of the leg.

Functional importance of the mandibular skeleto-muscular system in the bivalved arthropod Heterocypris incongruens (Crustacea, Ostracoda, Cyprididae).

Arthropods with a pair of mandibles (Mandibulata) emerged by the end of the Cambrian period. The mandible is one of the apomorphic characteristics of this monophyletic clade, which is composed of Pancrustacea and Myriapoda. Acquisition of the mandible is one of the important events of the evolutionary pathway of arthropods because the powerful masticatory system provides benefits to individuals regarding food selection. Ancestral mandibulates are well known as so-called Cambrian bivalved arthropods, and a few of them provide a pair of valid mandibles with a broad molar process. However, extant bivalved arthropods can only be found in a few lineages of crustaceans, though all of them are equipped with mandibles. This study focuses on the neuroanatomy of the mandibular skeleto-muscular system of Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracoda, Crustacea), a millimeter-sized bivalved crustacean. Electron microscopy reveals that numerous mechanoreceptive sensilla are distributed inside the mandibular gnathal edges and that there are two types (heterodynal and monodynal) of sensilla, which differ in the number of dendrites and their probable function. This sensory nervous system in the gnathal edges contributes to the precise interdigitation of the right and left mandibles to allow for powerful omnivorous mastication, and the mandibular interdigitation plays a role as the fulcrum of triggering action to open the valves. Therefore, by reversing its fulcrum and load, the mandibular skeleto-muscular system in podocopid ostracods has two sub-systems with different functions, namely the "mandibular masticatory system" and the "valve opening system." Furthermore, this investigation provides significant information on the feeding mode of Cambrian bivalved arthropods, from the view of the functional morphology of the mandibular skeleto-muscular system.

Splenic peliosis associated with spontaneous rupture and massive bleeding.

We report findings from an autopsy case who died from massive bleeding because of splenic peliosis. The case subject was an 80-year-old man who had diabetes mellitus and who was receiving hemodialysis and anticoagulant therapy. Postmortem computed tomography demonstrated massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage especially seen around the spleen. At autopsy, we found abundant hemorrhagic ascites, including a large number of clots, in the abdominal cavity. The spleen had several distinct dark red areas ranging in size from 1.5 to 2.5 cm and showed spontaneous rupture along with hematoma formation on the outside of the splenic capsule on the anterior side. From these findings, we concluded that the cause of death in this case was massive hemorrhage owing to spontaneous rupture of splenic peliosis. Although peliosis itself rarely causes death, but when it is destroyed, massive bleeding leads to death. Thus, it is necessary to know the histopathological characteristics of peliosis, in forensics.

Hypothermia causes platelet activation in the human spleen.

BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermia results in various dysfunctions in the human body. Additionally, coagulation disorder can lead to a life-threatening condition. We previously demonstrated that platelets stored in the spleen were activated and thus triggered coagulation disorder in a mouse model of hypothermia. In the present study, we wanted to investigate if this phenomenon in mice also occurs in humans as a reaction to hypothermia. METHODS: We analyzed splenic tissue collected from 22 deceased subjects who have died from hypothermia. These samples were compared with 22 control cases not exposed to cold environment. We performed immunohistochemical staining for CD61 (a marker of all platelets) and CD62P (a marker of activated platelets). We also evaluated the morphology of platelets in the spleen with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed no significant changes in the amounts of CD61-positive platelets between the hypothermia and control cases. However, the hypothermia cases contained abundant CD62P-positive platelets compared with those of the control cases. Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed that the activated platelets formed aggregates and adhered to splenic sinusoidal endothelial cells in the hypothermia cases. However, we observed no significant fibrin formation around the activated platelets. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermia resulted in splenic platelet activation, which may be used as a postmortem marker of hypothermia. The release of activated platelets from the spleen into to circulation upon rewarming may promote coagulation disturbances.

PIN and CCCH Zn-finger domains coordinate RNA targeting in ZC3H12 family endoribonucleases.

The CCCH-type zinc finger (ZnF) containing ZC3H12 ribonucleases are crucial in post-transcriptional immune homoeostasis with ZC3H12A being the only structurally studied member of the family. In this study, we present a structural-biochemical characterization of ZC3H12C, which is linked with chronic immune disorders like psoriasis. We established that the RNA substrate is cooperatively recognized by the PIN and ZnF domains of ZC3H12C and analyzed the crystal structure of ZC3H12C bound to a single-stranded RNA substrate. The RNA engages in hydrogen-bonded contacts and stacking interactions with the PIN and ZnF domains simultaneously. The ZC3H12 ZnF shows unprecedented structural features not previously observed in any member of the CCCH-ZnF family and utilizes stacking interactions via a unique combination of spatially conserved aromatic residues to align the target transcript in a bent conformation onto the ZnF scaffold. Further comparative structural analysis of ZC3H12 CCCH-ZnF suggests that a trinucleotide sequence is recognized by ZC3H12 ZnF in target RNA. Our work not only describes the initial structure-biochemical study on ZC3H12C, but also provides the first molecular insight into RNA recognition by a ZC3H12 family member. Finally, our work points to an evolutionary code for RNA recognition adopted by CCCH-type ZnF proteins.

A bilateral third head of the gastrocnemius which is morphologically similar to the plantaris.

PURPOSE: An extra muscle was observed on both sides of the popliteal fossa in the cadaver of a 78-year-old Japanese male during dissection. The aim of this case report was to identify whether this variant is a double plantaris or a third head of the gastrocnemius according to its morphological characteristics and innervation. METHODS: The muscles were displayed by careful dissection and delineation of surrounding structures. The size of each of the muscle bellies and tendons of those extra muscles were measured manually by the vernier caliper. RESULTS: The origin of each extra muscle was lateral to the tibial nerve and superior to the plantaris, and each extra muscle which transitioned to a descending tendon parallel to the plantaris had a cone-shaped belly. However, the tendon of the extra muscles was fused into the investing fascia of the gastrocnemius with a tendon length of 4.5 cm on the left and 4.6 cm on the right. The extra muscles were innervated by the branch of the tibial nerve to the medial head of the gastrocnemius on both sides. CONCLUSION: Although they had an origin and shape similar to that of the plantaris, we identified the extra muscles in this case as a third head of the gastrocnemius, because of innervation to the plantaris arises directly from the tibial nerve. This case highlighted that the innervation is essential to understanding the myogenesis of extra muscles, especially in cases which are difficult to categorize based on the morphological features of the muscle.

Author Correction: Proteomic analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines from schizophrenic patients.

The original Article required a few updates; one co-author name, which was given as Hiroki Kiumura, has been updated to Hiroki Kimura. Furthermore, supplementary information has been updated, and grant numbers have been added. These updates have been made to both the PDF and HTML versions of this Article.

Proteomic analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines from schizophrenic patients.

Although a number of studies have identified several convincing candidate genes or molecules, the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) has not been completely elucidated. Therapeutic optimization based on pathophysiology should be performed as early as possible to improve functional outcomes and prognosis; to detect useful biomarkers for SCZ, which reflect pathophysiology and can be utilized for timely diagnosis and effective therapy. To explore biomarkers for SCZ, we employed fluorescence two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) (1st sample set: 30 SCZ and 30 CON). Differentially expressed proteins were sequenced by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and identified proteins were confirmed by western blotting (WB) (1st and 2nd sample set: 60 SCZ and 60 CON). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify an optimal combination of biomarkers to create a prediction model for SCZ. Twenty protein spots were differentially expressed between SCZ and CON in 2D-DIGE analysis and 22 unique proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS. Differential expression of eight of 22 proteins was confirmed by WB. Among the eight candidate proteins (HSPA4L, MX1, GLRX3, UROD, MAPRE1, TBCB, IGHM, and GART), we successfully constructed logistic regression models comprised of 4- and 6-markers with good discriminative ability between SCZ and CON. In both WB and gene expression analysis of LCL, MX1 showed reproducibly significant associations. Moreover, Mx1 and its related proinflamatory genes (Mx2, Il1b, and Tnf) were also up-regulated in poly I:C-treated mice. Differentially expressed proteins might be associated with molecular pathophysiology of SCZ, including dysregulation of immunological reactions and potentially provide diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Ultrastructure and cuticle formation of the carapace in the myodocopan ostracod exemplified by Euphilomedes japonica (Crustacea: Ostracoda).

The ultrastructure and formation of the cuticle of a myodocopan ostracod, Euphilomedes japonica, are investigated utilizing scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The outer lamella cuticle consists of four layers; epicuticle, exocuticle, endocuticle, and membranous layer like in the cuticle of other arthropods. The exocuticle and endocuticle are well-calcified and the organic matrix develops within the both cuticles. The outermost layer of new cuticle (epicuticle) is secreted first and the inner layers (exocuticle, endocuticle and membranous layer) are added proximally in the pre-, and postmoult stages. The calcification takes place in the whole area of carapace at the same time together with the synthesis of organic matrix within the endocuticle. This study demonstrates that the ultrastructure and formation of the cuticle in myodocopans are different from those in podocopans, and that the myodocopan carapaces have achieved a structural diversity for adaptation to different lifestyles.

Innate immune activation of astrocytes impairs neurodevelopment via upregulation of follistatin-like 1 and interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3.

BACKGROUND: Polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (polyI:C) triggers a strong innate immune response that mimics immune activation by viral infections. Induction of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (Ifitm3) in astrocytes has a crucial role in polyI:C-induced neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Through a quantitative proteomic screen, we previously identified candidate astroglial factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Mmp3) and follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1), in polyl:C-induced neurodevelopmental impairment. Here, we characterized the Ifitm3-dependent inflammatory processes focusing on astrocyte-derived Fstl1 following polyI:C treatment to assess the neuropathologic role of Fstl1. METHODS: Astrocytes were treated with PBS (control) or polyI:C (10 µg/mL). The conditioned medium was collected 24 h after the polyI:C treatment and used as astrocyte condition medium (ACM). The expression of Fstl1 mRNA and extracellular Fstl1 protein levels were analyzed by quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. For functional studies, neurons were treated with ACM and the effects of ACM on dendritic elongation were assayed. To examine the role of Fstl1, recombinant Fstl1 protein and siRNA for Fstl1 were used. To investigate the expression of Fstl1 in vivo, neonatal mice were treated with vehicle or polyI:C on postnatal day 2 to 6. RESULTS: ACM prepared with polyI:C (polyI:C ACM) contained significantly higher Fstl1 protein than control ACM, but no increase in Fstl1 was observed in polyI:C ACM derived from Ifitm3-deficient astrocytes. We found that the production of Fstl1 involves the inflammatory responsive molecule Ifitm3 in astrocytes and influences neuronal differentiation. In agreement, the levels of Fstl1 increased in the hippocampus of polyI:C-treated neonatal mice. COS7 cells co-transfected with both Fstl1 and Ifitm3 had higher extracellular levels of Fstl1 than the cells transfected with Fstl1 alone. Treatment of primary cultured hippocampal neurons with recombinant Fstl1 impaired dendritic elongation, and the deleterious effect of polyI:C ACM on dendritic elongation was attenuated by knockdown of Fstl1 in astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The extracellular level of Fstl1 is regulated by Ifitm3 in astrocytes, which could be involved in polyI:C-induced neurodevelopmental impairment.

Formation and function of the "Xestoleberis-spot" in Xestoleberis hanaii (Crustacea: Ostracoda).

The crescent sculpture of the so-called "Xestoleberis-spot" develops inside the calcified valve of the family Xestoleberididae. Electron microscopic observations on both, intermoult and postmoult stages of Xestoleberis species reveal that the "Xestoleberis-spot" system consists of three elements; two calcified chambers, a vesicle of electron-dense material and an uncalcified procuticle. The formation and function of the "Xestoleberis-spot" system are discussed. In conclusion, the "Xestoleberis-spot" system functions as the muscle attachment site for several antennal muscles, and provides the material for chitinous fibers in the exocuticle of outer lamella. The unique cuticular structures of the family Xestoleberididae are due to the "Xestoleberis-spot" system.

Girdin phosphorylation is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory: a potential role in the interaction of BDNF/TrkB/Akt signaling with NMDA receptor.

Synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons has been thought to represent a variety of memories. Although accumulating evidence indicates a crucial role of BDNF/TrkB/Akt signaling in the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus, the mechanism by which Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, controls activity-dependent neuronal plasticity remains unclear. Girdin (also known as APE, GIV, and HkRP1), an actin-binding protein involved both in the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and in cell migration, has been identified as a substrate of Akt. Previous studies have demonstrated that deficit of neuronal migration in the hippocampus of Girdin-deficient (Girdin(-/-)) mice is independent on serine phosphorylation of Girdin at S1416 (Girdin S1416) by Akt. In the present study, we focused on the role of Girdin S1416 phosphorylation in BDNF/TrkB/Akt signaling associated with synaptic plasticity. We found that Girdin in the hippocampus was phosphorylated at S1416 in an activity-dependent manner. Phosphorylation-deficient knock-in mice (Girdin(SA/SA) mice), in which S1416 is replaced with alanine, exhibited shrinkage of spines, deficit of hippocampal long-term potentiation, and memory impairment. These phenotypes of Girdin(SA/SA) mice resembled those of Girdin(+/-) mice, which have 50% loss of Girdin expression. Furthermore, Girdin interacted with Src kinase and NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor, leading to phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit and NMDA receptor activation. Our findings suggest that Girdin has two different functions in the hippocampus: Akt-independent neuronal migration and Akt-dependent NR2B phosphorylation through the interaction with Src, which is associated with synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus underlying memory formation.

Induction of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 gene expression by lipopolysaccharide in astrocytes.

Astrocytes are important modulators of the immune and inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system. We have recently demonstrated the role of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) in long-lasting neuronal impairments in mice following neonatal immune challenge by injections of the double-stranded RNA analog polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid. Here, we show that IFITM3 is induced after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in cultured astrocytes. The induction of IFITM3 by LPS was completely suppressed by the addition of anti-interferon-ß (IFN-ß) antibody. In addition, neutralization of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) with its antibody partially inhibited the induction of IFITM3, suggesting that LPS induces IFITM3 through autocrine secretion of IFN-ß and TNF-α. Furthermore, experiments using pharmacological inhibitors suggest that LPS induces IFITM3 through activation of TANK-binding kinase 1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-κB pathways. Together, these findings may provide new insight into the role of IFITM3 in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases associated with immune activation.

Alterations of GABAergic and dopaminergic systems in mutant mice with disruption of exons 2 and 3 of the Disc1 gene.

Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) has been widely associated with several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders and autism. We previously reported that a deficiency of DISC1 may induce low anxiety and/or high impulsivity in mice with disruption of exons 2 and 3 of the Disc1 gene (Disc1(Δ2-3/Δ2-3)). It remains unclear, however, if deficiency of DISC1 leads to specific alterations in distinct neuronal systems. In the present study, to understand the role of DISC1 in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons and mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons, we investigated the number of parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons, methamphetamine (METH)-induced DA release and the expression levels of GABAA, DA transporter (DAT) and DA receptors in wild-type (Disc1(+/+)) and Disc1(Δ2-3/Δ2-3) mice. Female Disc1(Δ2-3/Δ2-3) mice showed a significant reduction of PV-positive interneurons in the hippocampus, while no apparent changes were observed in mRNA expression levels of GABAA receptor subunits. METH-induced DA release was significantly potentiated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of female Disc1(Δ2-3/Δ2-3) mice, although there were no significant differences in the expression levels of DAT. Furthermore, the expression levels of DA receptor mRNA were upregulated in the NAc of female Disc1(Δ2-3/Δ2-3) mice. Male Disc1(Δ2-3/Δ2-3) mice showed no apparent differences in all experiments. DISC1 may play a critical role in gender-specific developmental alteration in GABAergic inhibitory interneurons and DAergic neurons.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 is a possible mediator of neurodevelopmental impairment due to polyI:C-induced innate immune activation of astrocytes.

Increasing epidemiological evidence indicates that prenatal infection and childhood central nervous system infection with various viral pathogens enhance the risk for several neuropsychiatric disorders. Polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (polyI:C) is known to induce strong innate immune responses that mimic immune activation by viral infections. Our previous findings suggested that activation of the innate immune system in astrocytes results in impairments of neurite outgrowth and spine formation, which lead to behavioral abnormalities in adulthood. To identify candidates of astrocyte-derived humoral factors that affect neuronal development, we analyzed astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) from murine astrocyte cultures treated with polyI:C (polyI:C-ACM) by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Through a quantitative proteomic screen, we found that 13 protein spots were differentially expressed compared with ACM from vehicle-treated astrocytes (control-ACM), and characterized one of the candidates, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Mmp3). PolyI:C treatment significantly increased the expression levels of Mmp3 mRNA and protein in astrocytes, but not microglia. PolyI:C-ACM was associated with significantly higher Mmp3 protein level and enzyme activity than control-ACM. The addition of recombinant Mmp3 into control-ACM impaired dendritic elongation of primary cultured hippocampal neurons, while the deleterious effect of polyI:C-ACM on neurite elongation was attenuated by knockdown of Mmp3 in astrocytes. These results suggest that Mmp3 is a possible mediator of polyI:C-ACM-induced neurodevelopmental impairment.

Nobiletin, a citrus flavonoid, ameliorates cognitive impairment, oxidative burden, and hyperphosphorylation of tau in senescence-accelerated mouse.

Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) is a model of aging characterized by the early onset of learning and memory impairment and various pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our recent studies have demonstrated that nobiletin, a polymethoxylated flavone from citrus peels, ameliorates learning and memory impairment in olfactory-bulbectomized mice, amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice, and NMDA receptor antagonist-treated mice. Here, we present evidence that this natural compound improves age-related cognitive impairment and reduces oxidative stress and tau phosphorylation in SAMP8 mice. Treatment with nobiletin (10 or 50mg/kg) reversed the impairment of recognition memory and context-dependent fear memory in SAMP8 mice. Treatment with nobiletin also restored the decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio in the brain of SAMP8 mice. In addition, increases in glutathione peroxidase and manganese-superoxide dismutase activities, as well as a decrease in protein carbonyl level, were observed in the brain of nobiletin-treated SAMP8 mice. Furthermore, nobiletin reduced tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. Together, the markedly beneficial effects of nobiletin represent a potentially useful treatment for ameliorating the learning and memory deficits, oxidative stress, and hyperphosphorylation of tau in aging as well as age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Two interstitial species of the genus Semicytherura (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from Japan, with notes on their microhabitats.

A new interstitial ostracod, Semicytherura uzushio sp. nov., is described from the southwest of Japan, and the details of the carapace characters of Semicytherura mukaishimensis Okubo, 1980 are redescribed. Semicytherura uzushio and S. mukaishimensis live interstitially in the intertidal and infralittoral zones, respectively. They have the smallest carapaces among the known Semicytherura species, comparable to those of other interstitial ostracods. It is thought that most of the small species belonging to this genus have an interstitial life style in marine sediments.