TP Atlas: integration and dissemination of advances in Targeted Proteins Research Program (TPRP)-structural biology project phase II in Japan.

The Targeted Proteins Research Program (TPRP) promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan is the phase II of structural biology project (2007-2011) following the Protein 3000 Project (2002-2006) in Japan. While the phase I Protein 3000 Project put partial emphasis on the construction and maintenance of pipelines for structural analyses, the TPRP is dedicated to revealing the structures and functions of the targeted proteins that have great importance in both basic research and industrial applications. To pursue this objective, 35 Targeted Proteins (TP) Projects selected in the three areas of fundamental biology, medicine and pharmacology, and food and environment are tightly collaborated with 10 Advanced Technology (AT) Projects in the four fields of protein production, structural analyses, chemical library and screening, and information platform. Here, the outlines and achievements of the 35 TP Projects are summarized in the system named TP Atlas. Progress in the diversified areas is described in the modules of Graphical Summary, General Summary, Tabular Summary, and Structure Gallery of the TP Atlas in the standard and unified format. Advances in TP Projects owing to novel technologies stemmed from AT Projects and collaborative research among TP Projects are illustrated as a hallmark of the Program. The TP Atlas can be accessed at http://net.genes.nig.ac.jp/tpatlas/index_e.html .

Evaluation of recovery directed left ventricular assist device using isolated perfused rabbit hearts.

We have developed a recovery directed left ventricular assist device (RDLVAD) that can promote cardiac recovery by achieving very low ventricular work and ensuring full ventricular relaxation and filling. It consists of a valved apical conduit, an afterload controlling chamber, and a centrifugal pump. To test the previously described effects of RDLVAD on the left ventricle, we made an RDLVAD suitable for isolated perfused rabbit hearts. The control LVAD was of a continuous flow type (CLVAD). Thirty-two rabbits were used. The working left heart model proved inappropriate for evaluation of LVAD. In the isolated heart-lung preparation (n = 4), the CLVAD showed a substantial backward flow and a severe negative pressure during diastole. This negative pressure may have resulted in severe restriction of ventricular relaxation and filling. In contrast, in the RDLVAD with the afterload controlling chamber pressure kept as low as possible, the pump flow was stable and increased by 86% (NS), and the peak left ventricular pressure, max dP/dt, and systolic pressure time index decreased by 22.3% (p = 0.022), 29.4% (p = 0.017), and 42% (p = 0.022), respectively. In conclusion, these results indicate that the RDLVAD does not restrict ventricular relaxation or filling and greatly reduces ventricular workload. The RDLVAD, therefore, can promote cardiac recovery.