Tadayasu Okazaki

Xantholipin, a novel inhibitor of HSP47 gene expression produced by Streptomyces sp.

Abstract In the course of our screening program to identify inhibitors of HSP47 gene expression, we obtained a novel aromatic substance from Streptomyces sp. named Xantholipin. Its structure was determined based on physicochemical data of Xantholipin and its derivatives. The absolute configuration was also established by the modified Moshers method.

A Novel Bioactive δ lactone FD-211

During our screening program for natural product drugs effective against multidrug-resistant mammalian cells, we have discovered a new delta lactone FD-211 from the fermantation broth of Myceliophthora lutea TF-0409. FD-211 had a broad spectrum activity against cultured tumor cell lines, including adriamycin-resistant HL-60 cells.

Effect of E-64, Thiol Protease Inhibitor, on the Secondary Anti-SRBC Response In Vitro

E‐64, L‐trans‐epoxysuccinyl‐leucylamido (4‐guanidino) butane, a specific inhibitor of thiol proteases originally isolated from the culture of a fungus, was examined in connection with the immune responses to the splenocytes of mice.

Studies on the Protease Constitution of Aspergillus oryzae: Part I. Systematic Separation and Purification of Proteases

In order to elucidate the protease constitution of Aspergillus oryzae, systematic separation of proteases was elaborated by sequential chromatography on Amberlite CG–50, DEAE-Sephadex A–50 and CM-cellulose. As the results, three kinds of proteases, that is, acid-, neutral- and alkaline proteases were isolated and purified in crystalline form except neutral one. Purified neutral protease could not be crystallized, but was confirmed to be homogeneous by ultracentrifugal analysis. Besides these proteases, a new protease which was unknown up to the present in the constitution of Asp. oryzae proteases, was first isolated and designated as “semi-alkaline protease” according to its optimal pH.

Studies on the Amylases of Paecilomyces subglobosus :Part I. Mycological Properties of Paecilomyces subglobosus sp. nov. TPR-3810 and -3811

Two strains of molds, which had a very close similarity with each other, and the acid-stable α-amylase activity of which was very high, were isolated from the air. Studies on the morphology of these strains revealed that, although they were fairly close to Paecilomyces varioti, they had some peculiar characteristics, and that their existence had not been reported hitherto. Therefore the authors concluded that the strains must belong to a new species in the genus Paecilomyces, and named them Paecilomyces subglobosus sp. nov. TPR-3810 and -3811, respectively, after their characteristic shape of the conidiospores.