In‐San Kim

betaig-h3 is a TGF-beta-induced matrix protein known to mediate the adhesion of several cell types. In this study, we found that all four of the fas-1 domains in betaig-h3 mediate MRC-5 fibroblast adhesion and that this was specifically inhibited by a function-blocking monoclonal antibody specific for the alphavbeta5 integrin. Using deletion mutants of the fourth fas-1 domain revealed the MRC-5 cell adhesion motif (denoted the YH motif) is located in amino acids 548-614. Experiments with substit

The mammalian CCAAT-binding factor (CBF; also called NF-Y and CP1) is a heterotrimeric protein consisting of three subunits, CBF-A, CBF-B, and CBF-C, all of which are required for DNA binding and all of which are present in the CBF-DNA complex. In this study using cross-linking and immunoprecipitation methods, we first established that CBF-B interacts simultaneously with both subunits of the CBF-A-CBF-C heterodimer to form a heterotrimeric CBF molecule. We then performed a mutational analysis of

The prompt clearance of cells undergoing apoptosis is critical during embryonic development and normal tissue turnover, as well as during inflammation and autoimmune responses. We recently demonstrated that stabilin-2 is a phosphatidylserine receptor that mediates the clearance of apoptotic cells, thereby releasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta. However, the downstream signaling components of stabilin-2-mediated phagocytosis are not known. Here, we provide evide

Imaging or drug delivery tools for atherosclerosis based on the plaque biology are still insufficient. Here, we attempted to identify peptides that selectively home to atherosclerotic plaques using phage display. A phage library containing random peptides was ex vivo screened for binding to human atheroma tissues. After three to four rounds of selection, the DNA inserts of phage clones wer sequenced. A peptide sequence, CRKRLDRNC, was the most frequently occurring one. Intravenously injected pha

Exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell surface occurs early during apoptosis and serves as a recognition signal for phagocytes. Clearance of apoptotic cells by a membrane PS receptor is one of the critical anti-inflammatory functions of macrophages. However, the PS binding receptors and their recognition mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Recently, we reported that stabilin-2 is a PS receptor that mediates the clearance of apoptotic cells, thus releasing the anti-inflammatory

Cancer immunotherapy is fast rising as a prominent new pillar of cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system to fight against numerous types of cancer. Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in diverse cellular activities, and is therefore the target of interest in various diseases at the cellular level including cancer. Indeed, ROCK is well-known for its involvement in the tumor cell and tumor microenvironment, especially in its ability to enhance tumor cell progression, migration, metastasis

The exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) molecules from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane has been recognized as a well-defined molecular epitope of cells undergoing apoptosis. Examination and monitoring of PS exposure is an extensively used molecular marker in non-invasive apoptosis imaging under a variety of clinical conditions, including the assessment of therapeutic anti-cancer agents and myocardial infarction. Herein, we report the identification of a PS-recognizing pepti

Although lymphocyte recirculation to the endothelium plays a critical role in the movement of immune cells from the blood into tissues and sites of inflammation, the mechanisms involved in lymphocyte trafficking via the hepatic circulation have yet to be elucidated fully. In this study, we investigated the role of stabilin-2, which is expressed specifically in the sinusoidal endothelium, in the adhesion of lymphocytes to the hepatic endothelium. Stabilin-2-expressing cells mediate the adhesion o

A combination of localized FIC-PDT and a ROCK inhibitor exerted a cancer vaccine-like function. Immunogenic clearance led to the trafficking of CD8⁺ T cells into the primary tumor site and sensitized the immune checkpoint blockade response to evoke systemic antitumor immunity to inhibit metastasis, one of the major challenges in UM therapy. Thus, immunogenic clearance induced by FIC-PDT and ROCK inhibitor combined with anti-PD-L1 antibody could be a potent immunotherapeutic strategy f