Biology subjects

Shimoji, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Shimoji, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Application of novel 3D culture device for human omental adipocytes and macrophages derived from surgery

Visceral adipose tissue plays a key role in the inflammation, inducing metabolic dysfunction. The culturing system of major components, adipocytes and adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) have been improved up to date, for example, the ceiling culture system, three-dimensional collagen gels and membrane mature adipocyte aggregate cultures (MAAC). Here we applied for a novel 3D culture device, cellbed of human omental adipocytes with ATM derived from surgery and presented the first morphological report. The pilot study has the limitation of resolution due to the thickness, however, the simple method would be a convenient assay to detect their morphological alteration after surgery. In addition, the combination of cell morphological observation on the cellbed and adipocytokine secretion capability would give an insight into the mechanism of adipose tissue-derived inflammation after surgery. The cellbed composed of high-grade silica glass fiver has been already provided the morphological study with the critical signaling transduction in human oral cancer research. The novel simple 3D device will prevail to spread the practical diversity in the functional clinical research.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Genome sequence of 12 Vigna species as a knowledge base of stress tolerance and resistance

Harnessing plant genetic resources including wild plants enables exploitation of agronomically unfavorable lands to secure food in the future. The genus Vigna, family Fabaceae, consists of many species of such kind, as they are often adapted to harsh environments including marine beach, arid sandy soil, acidic soil, limestone karst and marshes. Here we report long-read assemblies of 12 Vigna species, achieving 95% or higher BUSCO scores. The comparative analyses discovered a new class of WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factor superfamily that are incorporated into LTR retrotransposons and have dramatically amplified in some species of the genus Vigna. Except WOX transcription factors, however, gene contents are highly conserved among Vigna species with few copy number variations. On the other hand, transcriptome data provided some insights that transcriptional alterations played more important roles in evolution of stress tolerance in the genus Vigna. The whole genome sequences presented in this study will facilitate understanding genetic mechanisms of stress tolerance and application for developing new crops that are adapted to unfavorable environments.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2019

Genetic factor for twisting legume pods identified by fine-mapping of shattering-related traits in azuki bean and yard-long bean

Legumes have evolved a unique manner of seed dispersal in that the seed pods explosively split open with helical tension generated by sclerenchyma on the endocarp. During domestication, azuki bean (Vigna angularis) and yard-long bean (Vigna unguiculata cv-gr. Sesquipedalis) have reduced or lost the sclerenchyma and lost the shattering behavior of seed pods. Here we performed fine-mapping with back-crossed populations and narrowed the candidate genomic region down to 4 kbp in azuki bean and 13 kbp in yard-long bean. Among genes located in these regions, we found MYB26 genes encoded truncated proteins in both the domesticated species. We also found in azuki bean and other legumes that MYB26 is duplicated and only the duplicated copy is expressed in seed pods. Interestingly, in Arabidopsis MYB26 is single copy and is specifically expressed in anther to initiate secondary wall thickening that is required for anther dehiscence. These facts indicated that, in legumes, MYB26 has been duplicated and acquired a new role in development of pod sclerenchyma. However, pod shattering is unfavorable phenotype for harvesting and thus has been selected against by human.

genetics↗