YCU PR Office, Author at Yokohama City University

2021-04-01

Complete sequencing of expanded SAMD12 repeats by long-read sequencing and Cas9-mediated enrichment

A pentanucleotide TTTCA repeat insertion into a polymorphic TTTTA repeat element in SAMD12 causes benign adult familial myoclonic epilepsy. Although the precise determination of the entire SAMD12 repeat sequence is important for molecular diagnosis and research, obtaining this sequence remains challenging when using conventional genomic/genetic methods, and even short-read and long-read next-generation sequencing technologies have been insufficient.

2021-03-03

LOTUS, an endogenous Nogo receptor antagonist, is involved in synapse and memory formation

The Nogo signal is involved in impairment of memory formation. We previously reported the lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) as an endogenous antagonist of the Nogo receptor 1 that mediates the inhibition of axon growth and synapse formation. Moreover, we found that LOTUS plays an essential role in neural circuit formation and nerve regeneration. However, the effects of LOTUS on synapse formation and memory function have not been elucidated. Here, we clearly showed the involvement of LOTUS in synapse formation and memory function.

2021-02-18

A RUNX–CBFβ-driven enhancer directs the Irf8 dose-dependent lineage choice between DCs and monocytes

The transcription factor IRF8 is essential for the development of monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), whereas it inhibits neutrophilic differentiation. It is unclear how Irf8 expression is regulated and how this single transcription factor supports the generation of both monocytes and DCs. Here, we identified a RUNX–CBFβ-driven enhancer 56 kb downstream of the Irf8 transcription start site.

2021-01-15

Development of an Automated Chemiluminescence Assay System for Quantitative Measurement of Multiple Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies

Serological tests for COVID-19 have been instrumental in studying the epidemiology of the disease. However, the performance of the currently available tests is plagued by the problem of variability. We have developed a high-throughput serological test capable of simultaneously detecting total immunoglobulins (Ig) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) against nucleocapsid protein (NP) and spike protein (SP) and report its performance in detecting COVID-19 in clinical samples.