In this report, we first cloned a cDNA for a protein that is highly expressed in mouse kidney and then isolated its counterparts in human, rat hamster, and guinea pig by polymerase chain reaction-based cloning. The cDNAs of the five species encoded polypeptides of 244 amino acids, which shared more than 85% identity with each other and showed high identity with a human sperm 34-kDa protein, P34H, as well as a murine lungspecific carbonyl reductase of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. In particular, the human protein is identical to P34H, except for one amino acid substitution. The purified recombinant proteins of the five species were about 100-kDa homotetramers with NADPH-linked reductase activity for ␣-dicarbonyl compounds, catalyzed the oxidoreduction between xylitol and L-xylulose, and were inhibited competitively by nbutyric acid. Therefore, the proteins are designated as dicarbonyl/L-xylulose reductases (DCXRs). The substrate specificity and kinetic constants of DCXRs for dicarbonyl compounds and sugars are similar to those of mammalian diacetyl reductase and L-xylulose reductase, respectively, and the identity of the DCXRs with these two enzymes was demonstrated by their co-purification from hamster and guinea pig livers and by protein sequencing of the hepatic enzymes. Both DCXR and its mRNA are highly expressed in kidney and liver of human and rodent tissues, and the protein was localized primarily to the inner membranes of the proximal renal tubules in murine kidneys. The results imply that P34H and diacetyl reductase (EC 1.1.1.5) are identical to Lxylulose reductase (EC 1.1.1.10), which is involved in the uronate cycle of glucose metabolism, and the unique localization of the enzyme in kidney suggests that it has a role other than in general carbohydrate metabolism.

G-protein-coupled receptors mediate the senses of taste, smell, and vision in mammals. Humans recognize thousands of compounds as bitter, and this response is mediated by the hTAS2R family, which is one of the G-protein-coupled receptors composed of only 25 receptors. However, structural information on these receptors is limited. To address the molecular basis of bitter tastant discrimination by the hTAS2Rs, we performed ligand docking simulation and functional analysis using a series of point mutants of hTAS2R16 to identify its binding sites. The docking simulation predicted two candidate binding structures for a salicin-hTAS2R16 complex, and at least seven amino acid residues in transmembrane 3 (TM3), TM5, and TM6 were shown to be involved in ligand recognition. We also identified the probable salicin-hTAS2R16 binding mode using a mutated receptor experiment. This study characterizes the molecular interaction between hTAS2R16 and β-d-glucopyranoside and will also facilitate rational design of bitter blockers.

Bronchial asthma is characterized by massive infiltration of eosinophils and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), which are caused by overproduction of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) by allergen-specific T cells. We recently demonstrated a critical contribution of OX40 ligand (OX40L) to the development of Th2-mediated experimental leishmaniasis. In this study, we have examined the role of OX40L in the development of Th2-mediated pulmonary inflammation by utilizing OX40L-deficient mice and a neutralizing anti-OX40L mAb in a murine model of asthma. Sensitization and airway challenge with ovalbumin in wild-type BALB/c mice induced a typical allergic asthma characterized by AHR, accumulation of eosinophils, increased mucus production, and high levels of Th2 cytokines in the lung. All these asthmatic responses were not induced in OX40L-deficient BALB/c mice. Administration of neutralizing anti-OX40L mAb in wild-type BALB/c mice during the sensitization period also abolished the induction of asthmatic responses. In contrast, administration of anti-OX40L mAb during the challenge period did not inhibit the asthmatic responses. These results indicate a critical role for OX40L in the induction phase, which leads to the development of pathogenic Th2 cells, but not in the effector phase, which includes migration and activation of pathogenic Th2 cells in the lung.

Background and Purpose-Arachidonic acid that is released following cerebral ischemia can be metabolized to . 20-HETE is a potent vasoconstrictor that may contribute to ischemic injury. This study examined the effects of blockading the synthesis of 20-HETE with TS-011 on infarct size after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) of rats and after thromboembolic stroke in monkeys. Methods-Rats were treated with TS-011 or vehicle at various times after MCAO. Infarct size was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and plasma levels of 20-HETE were determined by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The effect of TS-011 on infarct size was also studied in monkeys after introduction of a clot into the internal carotid artery. Results-Plasma levels of 20-HETE increased after MCAO in rats. TS-011 (0.01 to 1.0 mg/kg per hour) reduced infarct volume by 40%. Chronic administration of TS-011 for 7 days reduced neurological deficits after MCAO in rats. TS-011 given in combination with tissue plasminogen activator also improved neurological outcome in the stroke model in monkeys. Conclusion-These results suggest that blockade of the formation of 20-HETE with TS-011 may be useful for the treatment of ischemic stroke.