Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor protein of several peptide hormones, such as ACTH and β-endorphin. Almost all of the peptide hormones in POMC have been drastically investigated in terms of their biological activities. However, the biological activity of the joining peptide region (JP) in POMC is unknown. Therefore, to explore the biological activity of JP, sequence analyses of mammalian POMC were performed. We found an -Arg-Gly-Asp- (RGD) motif in several mammalian species, such as porcine, suggesting that JP has cell adhesion activity. To validate this hypothesis, the cell adhesion activities of the synthetic porcine JP peptides were examined using 293T cells. Cell adhesions were observed in a concentration-dependent manner of the JP peptides. In addition, the JP peptide competitively inhibited cell adhesion to the POMC-coated plates. Moreover, the cell adhesion activity of the joining peptide was inhibited by the addition of EDTA, indicating that the JP peptide mediates the cell adhesion activity via a receptor protein, integrin. Interestingly, a human JP peptide, which possesses an -Arg-Ser-Asp- (RSD) sequence in place of the RGD sequence, exhibited a higher ability in the cell adhesion activity than that of the porcine JP peptide, suggesting that the cell adhesion activity of the joining peptide is developed during the molecular evolution of POMC. In conclusion, our results reveal that the joining peptide in POMC plays an important role during cell adhesion and provide useful information related to signal transduction of nerve peptide hormones derived from POMC.

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), an endogenous somnogen, is a unique PG that is secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid. PGD2 is a relatively fragile molecule and should be transported to receptors localized in the basal forebrain without degradation. However, it remains unclear how PGD2 is stably carried to such remote receptors. Here, we demonstrate that the PGD2-synthesizing enzyme, Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), binds not only its substrate PGH2 but also its product PGD2 at two distinct binding sites for both ligands. This behaviour implys its PGD2 carrier function. Nevertheless, since the high affinity (Kd = ∼0.6 μM) of PGD2 in the catalytic binding site is comparable to that of PGH2, it may act as a competitive inhibitor, while our binding assay exhibits only weak inhibition (Ki = 189 μM) of the catalytic reaction. To clarify this enigmatic behavior, we determined the solution structure of L-PGDS bound to one substrate analog by NMR and compared it with the two structures: one in the apo form and the other in substrate analogue complex with 1:2 stoichiometry. The structural comparisons showed clearly that open or closed forms of loops at the entrance of ligand binding cavity are regulated by substrate binding to two sites, and that the binding to a second non-catalytic binding site, which apparently substrate concentration dependent, induces opening of the cavity that releases the product. From these results, we propose that L-PGDS is a unique enzyme having a carrier function and a substrate-induced product-release mechanism.

Numerous studies of native proteins have been reported on protein folding in this half century. Recently, post-translationally modified proteins are also focused on protein folding. However, it is still difficult to prepare such types of proteins because it requires not only the chemical but also the recombinant techniques. Native chemical ligation (NCL) is a powerful technique for producing target proteins when combined with recombinant techniques, such as expressed protein ligation (EPL). NCL basically requires an N-terminal peptide with a thioester and a C-terminal peptide which should possess a Cys residue at the N-terminus. Numerous efforts have been made to prepare N-terminal peptides carrying a thioester or a derivative thereof. However, a method for preparing C-terminal Cys-peptides with post-translational modifications has not been well developed, making it difficult to prepare such C-terminal Cys-peptides, except for chemical syntheses or enzymatic digestion. We report here on the development of a convenient technique that involves acid hydrolysis at the -Asp-Cys- sequence, to effectively obtain a C-terminal peptide fragment that can be used for any protein synthesis when combined with EPL, even under denatured conditions. Thus, this chemical digestion strategy permits the NCL strategy to be dramatically accelerated for protein syntheses in which post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, etc. are involved. In addition, this method should be useful to prepare the post-translationally modified proteins for protein folding.

Heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) produced by enterotoxigenic E. coli causes acute diarrhea and also can be used as a specific probe for colorectal cancer cells. STa contains three intra-molecular disulfide bonds (C1-C4, C2-C5, and C3-C6 connectivity). The chemical synthesis of STa provided not only the native type of STa but also a topological isomer that had the native disulfide pairings. Interestingly, the activity of the topological isomer was approximately 1/10-1/2 that of the native STa. To further investigate the bioactive conformation of this molecule and the regulation of disulfide-coupled folding during its chemical syntheses, we examined the folding mechanism of STa that occurs during its chemical synthesis. The folding intermediate of STa with two disulfide bonds (C1-C4 and C3-C6) and two Cys(Acm) residues, the precursor peptide, was treated with iodine to produce a third disulfide bond under several conditions. The topological isomer was predominantly produced under all conditions tested, along with trace amounts of the native type of STa. In addition, NMR measurements indicated that the topological isomer has a left-handed spiral structure similar to that of the precursor peptide, while the native type of STa had a right-handed spiral structure. These results indicate that the order of the regioselective formation of disulfide bonds is important for the regulation of the final conformation of disulfide-rich peptides in chemical synthesis.

Several dog allergens cause allergic reactions in humans worldwide. Seven distinct dog allergens, designated Canis familiaris allergen 1 to 7 (Can f 1-Can f 7), have been identified thus far. Can f 6 shows high sequence similarity and cross-reactivity with Fel d 4 and Equ c 1, major cat and horse allergens, respectively. This study was conducted on the allergenic epitopes of Can f 6 based on its structural characterization. We demonstrated that sera from 18 out of 38 (47%) dog-sensitized patients reacted to recombinant Can f 6 protein (rCan f 6). We then determined the crystal structure of rCan f 6 by X-ray crystallography, which exhibited a conserved tertiary structural architecture found in lipocalin family proteins. Based on the tertiary structure and sequence similarities with Fel d 4 and Equ c 1, we predicted three IgE-recognizing sites that are possibly involved in cross-reactivity. Substituting three successive amino acids in these sites to triple alanine decreased IgE reactivity to the allergen. However, the degree of reduction in IgE reactivity largely depended on the site mutated and the serum used, suggesting that Can f 6 is a polyvalent allergen containing multiple epitopes and Can f 6-reactive sera contain varied amounts of IgE recognising individual Can f 6 epitopes including those predicted in this study. We also demonstrated that the predicted epitopes are partly involved in IgE cross-reactivity to Fel d 4. Interestingly, the effect of the mutation depended on whether the protein was structured or denatured, indicating that the bona fide tertiary structure of Can f 6 is essential in determining its IgE epitopes.

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays a crucial role in the development of chronic liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its involvement in these diseases is reportedly abolished by a knockout of the proteasome activator PA28γ gene in transgenic mice, suggesting an interaction between the core protein and the PA28γ-proteasome system. This study found a direct interaction between the N-terminal 1-71 fragment of HCV core protein (Core71) and PA28γ in vitro, and that this interaction was found to enhance PA28γ-20S proteasome complex formation. While 20S proteasome activity was increased by PA28γ, it was significantly reduced by Core71 attachment in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the Core-PA28γ interaction has an important role in regulating 20S proteasome activity and furthers our understanding of the pathogenesis of HCV.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) is one of the most abundant proteins in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with dual functions as a prostaglandin D-2 (PGD(2)) synthase and a transporter of lipophilic ligands. Recent studies revealed that L-PGDS plays important roles in protecting against various neuronal diseases induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the molecular mechanisms of such protective actions of L-PGDS remain unknown. In this study, we conducted thermodynamic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses, and demonstrated that L-PGDS binds to nicotinamide coenzymes, including NADPH, NADP(+), and NADH. Although a hydrophilic ligand is not common for L-PGDS, these ligands, especially NADPH showed specific interaction with L-PGDS at the upper pocket of its ligand-binding cavity with an unusually bifurcated shape. The binding affinity of L-PGDS for NADPH was comparable to that previously reported for NADPH oxidases and NADPH in vitro. These results suggested that L-PGDS potentially attenuates the activities of NADPH oxidases through interaction with NADPH. Given that NADPH is the substrate for NADPH oxidases that play key roles in neuronal cell death by generating excessive ROS, these results imply a novel linkage between L-PGDS and ROS. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lipocalin-type Prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) acts as the PGD2-synthesizing enzyme in the brain of various mammalian species. It belongs to the lipocalin superfamily and is the first member of this family to be recognized as an enzyme. Although the solution and crystal structure of L-PGDS has been determined to understand the molecular mechanism of catalytic reaction, the structural analysis of L-PGDS in complex with its substrate remains to be performed. Here, we present the nearly complete assignment of the backbone and side chain resonances of L-PGDS/substrate analog (U-46619) complex. This study lays the essential basis for further understanding the substrate recognition mechanism of L-PGDS.

Disulfide bonds play a critical role in the folding of secretory and membrane proteins. Oxidative folding reactions of disulfide bond-containing proteins typically require several hours or days, and numerous misbridged disulfide isomers are often observed as intermediates. The rate-determining step in refolding is thought to be the disulfide-exchange reaction from nonnative to native disulfide bonds in folding intermediates, which often precipitate during the refolding process because of their hydrophobic properties. To overcome this, chemical additives or a disulfide catalyst, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), are generally used in refolding experiments to regulate disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding. This unit describes such methods in the context of the thermodynamic and kinetic control of peptide and protein folding, including (1) regulation of disulfide-coupled peptides and protein folding assisted by chemical additives, (2) reductive unfolding of disulfide-containing peptides and proteins, and (3) regulation of disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding using PDI.

Disulfide-bond formation plays an important role in the stabilization of the native conformation of peptides and proteins. In the case of multidisulfide-containing peptides and proteins, numerous folding intermediates are produced, including molecules that contain non-native and native disulfide bonds during in vitro folding. These intermediates can frequently be trapped covalently during folding and subsequently analyzed. The structural characterization of these kinetically trapped disulfide intermediates provides a clue to understanding the oxidative folding pathway. To investigate the folding of disulfide-containing peptides and proteins, in this unit, chemical methods are described for regulating regioselective disulfide formation (1) by using a combination of several types of thiol protecting groups, (2) by incorporating unique SeCys residues into a protein or peptide molecule, and (3) by combining with post-translational modification.

Disulfide-containing proteins are ideal models for studies of protein folding as the folding intermediates can be observed, trapped, and separated by HPLC during the folding reaction. However, regulating or analyzing the structures of folding intermediates of peptides and proteins continues to be a difficult problem. Recently, the development of several techniques in peptide chemistry and biotechnology has resulted in the availability of some powerful tools for studying protein folding in the context of the structural analysis of native, mutant proteins, and folding intermediates. In this review, recent developments in the field of disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding are discussed, from the viewpoint of chemical and biotechnological methods, such as analytical methods for the detection of disulfide pairings, chemical methods for disulfide bond formation between the defined Cys residues, and applications of diselenide bonds for the regulation of disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding.

In vitro folding of disulfide-containing proteins is generally regulated by redox molecules, such as glutathione. However, the role of the cross-disulfide-linked species formed between the redox molecule and the protein as a folding intermediate in the folding mechanism is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the charge on a redox molecule on disulfide-coupled protein folding. Several types of aliphatic thiol compounds including glutathione were examined for the folding of disulfide-containing-proteins, such as lysozyme and prouroguanylin. The results indicate that the positive charge and its dispersion play a critical role in accelerating disulfide-coupled protein folding.

Investigations of protein folding have largely involved studies using disulfide-containing proteins, as disulfide-coupled folding of proteins permits the folding intermediates to be trapped and their conformations determined. Over the last decade, a combination of new biotechnical and chemical methodology has resulted in a remarkable acceleration in our understanding of the mechanism of disulfide-coupled protein folding. In particular, expressed protein ligation, a combination of native chemical ligation and an intein-based approach, permits specifically labeled proteins to be easily produced for studies of protein folding using biophysical methods, such as NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. A method for regio-selective formation of disulfide bonds using chemical procedures has also been established. This strategy is particularly relevant for the study of disulfide-coupled protein folding, and provides us not only with the native conformation, but also the kinetically trapped topological isomer with native disulfide bonds. Here we review recent developments and applications of biotechnical and chemical methods to investigations of disulfide-coupled peptide and protein folding. Chemical additives designed to accelerate correct protein folding and to avoid non-specific aggregation are also discussed.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) is a member of the lipocalin superfamily and a secretory lipid-transporter protein, which binds a wide variety of hydrophobic small molecules. Here we show the feasibility of a novel drug delivery system (DDS), utilizing L-PGDS, for poorly water-soluble compounds such as diazepam (DZP), a major benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug, and 6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione (NBQX), an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist and anticonvulsant. Calorimetric experiments revealed for both compounds that each L-PGDS held three molecules with high binding affinities. By mass spectrometry, the 1:3 complex of L-PGDS and NBQX was observed. L-PGDS of 500μM increased the solubility of DZP and NBQX 7- and 2-fold, respectively, compared to PBS alone. To validate the potential of L-PGDS as a drug delivery vehicle in vivo, we have proved the prospective effects of these compounds via two separate delivery strategies. First, the oral administration of a DZP/L-PGDS complex in mice revealed an increased duration of pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex. Second, the intravenous treatment of ischemic gerbils with NBQX/L-PGDS complex showed a protective effect on delayed neuronal cell death at the hippocampal CA1 region. We propose that our novel DDS could facilitate pharmaceutical development and clinical usage of various water-insoluble compounds.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L-PGDS) is a multi functional protein acting as a PGD2 synthesizing enzyme, a transporter or scavenger of various lipophilic ligands, and an amyloid β chaperon in the brain. L-PGDS is a member of the lipocalin superfamily and has the ability to bind various lipophilic molecules such as prostanoid, retinoid, bile pigment, and amyloid β peptide. However, the molecular mechanism for a wide variety of ligand binding has not been well understood. In this study, we determined by NMR the structure of recombinant mouse L-PGDS and L-PGDS/PGH2 analog complex. L-PGDS has the typical lipocalin fold, consisting of an eight-stranded β-barrel and a long α-helix. The interior of the barrel formed a hydrophobic cavity opening to the upper end of the barrel, the size of which was larger than those of other lipocalins and the cavity contained two pockets. Kinetic studies and molecular docking studies based on the result of NMR titration experiments provide the direct evidence for two binding sites for PGH2 and retinoic acid in the large cavity of L-PGDS. Structural comparison of L-PGDS/U-46619 complex with apo-L-PGDS showed that the H2-helix, CD-loop, and EF-loop located at the upper end of the β-barrel change the conformation to cover the entry of the cavity upon U-46619 binding. These results indicated that the two binding sites in the large cavity and induced fit mechanism were responsible for the broad ligand specificity of L-PGDS.

In higher eukaryotic cells, DNA molecules are present as chromatin fibers, complexes of DNA with various types of proteins; chromatin fibers are highly condensed in metaphase chromosomes during mitosis. Although the formation of the metaphase chromosome structure is essential for the equal segregation of replicated chromosomal DNA into the daughter cells, the mechanism involved in the organization of metaphase chromosomes is poorly understood. To identify proteins involved in the formation and/or maintenance of metaphase chromosomes, we examined proteins that dissociated from isolated human metaphase chromosomes by 0.4 m NaCl treatment; this treatment led to significant chromosome decondensation, but the structure retained the core histones. One of the proteins identified, HP1-BP74 (heterochromatin protein 1-binding protein 74), composed of 553 amino acid residues, was further characterized. HP1-BP74 middle region (BP74Md), composed of 178 amino acid residues (Lys(97)-Lys(274)), formed a chromatosome-like structure with reconstituted mononucleosomes and protected the linker DNA from micrococcal nuclease digestion by approximately 25 bp. The solution structure determined by NMR revealed that the globular domain (Met(153)-Thr(237)) located within BP74Md possesses a structure similar to that of the globular domain of linker histones, which underlies its nucleosome binding properties. Moreover, we confirmed that BP74Md and full-length HP1-BP74 directly binds to HP1 (heterochromatin protein 1) and identified the exact sites responsible for this interaction. Thus, we discovered that HP1-BP74 directly binds to HP1, and its middle region associates with linker DNA at the entry/exit site of nucleosomal DNA in vitro.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) acts as both a PGD(2) synthase and an extracellular transporter for small lipophilic molecules. From a series of biochemical studies, it has been found that L-PGDS has an ability to bind a variety of lipophilic ligands such as biliverdin, bilirubin and retinoids in vitro. Therefore, we considered that it is necessary to clarify the molecular structure of L-PGDS upon binding ligand in order to understand the physiological relevance of L-PGDS as a transporter protein. We investigated a molecular structure of L-PGDS/biliverdin complex by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and multi-dimensional NMR measurements, and characterized the binding mechanism in detail. SAXS measurements revealed that L-PGDS has a globular shape and becomes compact by 1.3A in radius of gyration on binding biliverdin. NMR experiments revealed that L-PGDS possessed an eight-stranded antiparallel beta-barrel forming a central cavity. Upon the titration with biliverdin, some cross-peaks for residues surrounding the cavity and EF-loop and H2-helix above the beta-barrel shifted, and the intensity of other cross-peaks decreased with signal broadenings in (1)H-(15)N heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra. These results demonstrate that L-PGDS holds biliverdin within the beta-barrel, and the conformation of the loop regions above the beta-barrel changes upon binding biliverdin. Through such a conformational change, the whole molecule of L-PGDS becomes compact.

We report here that 4-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ylidene-1-[4-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-butyl]-piperidine (AT-56) is an orally active and selective inhibitor of lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L-PGDS). AT-56 inhibited human and mouse L-PGDSs in a concentration (3-250 microm)-dependent manner but did not affect the activities of hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS), cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, and microsomal PGE synthase-1. AT-56 inhibited the L-PGDS activity in a competitive manner against the substrate PGH(2) (K(m) = 14 microm) with a K(i) value of 75 microm but did not inhibit the binding of 13-cis-retinoic acid, a nonsubstrate lipophilic ligand, to L-PGDS. NMR titration analysis revealed that AT-56 occupied the catalytic pocket, but not the retinoid-binding pocket, of L-PGDS. AT-56 inhibited the production of PGD(2) by L-PGDS-expressing human TE-671 cells after stimulation with Ca(2+) ionophore (5 microm A23187) with an IC(50) value of about 3 microm without affecting their production of PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) but had no effect on the PGD(2) production by H-PGDS-expressing human megakaryocytes. Orally administered AT-56 (<30 mg/kg body weight) decreased the PGD(2) production to 40% in the brain of H-PGDS-deficient mice after a stab wound injury in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the production of PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) and also suppressed the accumulation of eosinophils and monocytes in the bronco-alveolar lavage fluid from the antigen-induced lung inflammation model of human L-PGDS-transgenic mice.

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L-PGDS) catalyzes the isomerization of PGH(2), a common precursor of various prostanoids, to produce PGD(2), an endogenous somnogen and nociceptive modulator, in the brain. L-PGDS is a member of the lipocalin superfamily and binds lipophilic substances, such as retinoids and bile pigments, suggesting that L-PGDS is a dual functional protein acting as a PGD(2)-synthesizing enzyme and a transporter for lipophilic ligands. In this study we determined by NMR the three-dimensional structure of recombinant mouse L-PGDS with the catalytic residue Cys-65. The structure of L-PGDS exhibited the typical lipocalin fold, consisting of an eight-stranded, antiparallel beta-barrel and a long alpha-helix associated with the outer surface of the barrel. The interior of the barrel formed a hydrophobic cavity opening to the upper end of the barrel, the size of which was larger than those of other lipocalins, and the cavity contained two pockets. Molecular docking studies, based on the result of NMR titration experiments with retinoic acid and PGH(2) analog, revealed that PGH(2) almost fully occupied the hydrophilic pocket 1, in which Cys-65 was located and all-trans-retinoic acid occupied the hydrophobic pocket 2, in which amino acid residues important for retinoid binding in other lipocalins were well conserved. Mutational and kinetic studies provide the direct evidence for the PGH(2) binding mode. These results indicated that the two binding sites for PGH(2) and retinoic acid in the large cavity of L-PGDS were responsible for the broad ligand specificity of L-PGDS and the non-competitive inhibition of L-PGDS activity by retinoic acid.

プロスタグランジン（PG)D2を作るL型とH型の合成酵素、及び、その受容体DPとCRTH2に対する抗体や遺伝子操作マウスを作成して、睡眠や炎症における関与を調べた。脳のくも膜のL型酵素がPGD2を産生し、アデノシンを介して側坐核のA2A受容体発現神経を刺激して睡眠を起こすことを証明した。新生血管に発現するDP受容体が癌組織への血管新生を抑制することを見出した。高脂肪食により未成熟脂肪細胞でL型酵素が誘導され、CRTH2受容体を介して肥満の制御に関わることを見出した。治療法の無い難病であるデュシェンヌ型筋ジストロフィーの筋委縮に関わるH型酵素の阻害薬を開発して、臨床試験を開始した。

リポカリン型プロスタグランジンD合成酵素（L-PGDS）は睡眠物質（PGD2）を合成する酵素であり、睡眠中枢を活性化することで哺乳類の睡眠導入や概日サイクル（体内時計）調節に関与している。従って、L-PGDSをターゲットとした創薬は新規作用機序を持つ睡眠調節薬の開発につながる。本研究では、L-PGDSの分子内部にある2つの基質結合部位の同定とさらにそれぞれの結合部位がどのようにプロスタグランジンの認識に関与するかを明らかにした。また、熱力学的パラメータの取得より、それぞれの結合部位の相互作用の特徴付けを行った。

我々は、分子進化において、ペプチドホルモンの生理活性構造が如何に保たれ、高い生理活性を獲得したのかを前駆体の立体構造形成との関連から開明することを目的とし、プロウログアニリンあるいはその他の種々の前駆体について、立体構造形成反応を調査した。その結果、i)成熟ペプチドホルモンの生理活性は前駆体の立体構造形成反応レベルで品質管理が行われていること、ii)分子進化を促進する立体構造部位が存在すること、iii)分子進化を抑制する立体構造部位が存在すること、iv)天然型の立体構造と異なる反応中間体を経由することにより、より高度な品質管理機構を発展させたことを明らかにした。

リポカリン型プロスタグランジンD合成酵素（L-PGDS）は、睡眠調節薬開発のターゲットとして多くの研究が為されてきたが、生成物（PGD2）の放出過程のメカニズムは明らかになっていない。本研究では、L-PGDSのPGD2認識・放出機構を熱力学的および構造生物学的に明らかにした。まず、従来考えられていたL-PGDSと基質/生成物の1:1相互作用モデルとは異なる、1:2結合モデルで相互作用することが明らかにした。また、活性中心のCys65が、生成物PGD2との相互作用にも非常に重要な役割を果たしていることが示された。さらに、得られた構造情報から基質の結合に重要な2つの領域を同定した。

本研究は、脳内の主要蛋白質であるL-PGDSの機能を原子レベルで解明することで、生体内のL-PGDSをターゲットとした睡眠調節薬やL-PGDSを利用した疎水性有害物質除去薬(解毒剤)、または、アミロイドβ(Aβ)凝集阻害によるアルツハイマー病治療薬などの開発を目指す。 L-PGDSとPGH_2(基質)安定誘導体U-46619を結合させ、複合体が溶液中で安定な条件を模索し、NMR測定(約2週間)に十分耐えうる安定な溶液状態を決定後、NMRによりL-PGDS/U-46619複合体の溶液構造を解析した。結果として、L-PGDSは基質結合により構造変化を起こし、基質を厳密に固定することで酵素反応を可能にすることを明らかにした。得られた成果は、学会等で発表した。 また、アミロイド繊維形成過程における脳内シャペロンL-PGDSの役割解明のためL-PGDSとAβペプチドの相互作用解析を行った。具体的には、^<15>Nラベル体L-PGDSにAβペプチドを滴下し、それに伴うNMRシグナルの変化を見ることでL-PGDSにおけるAβペプチドの相互作用領域を推定した。L-PGDSがAβペプチドに結合すること、さらに、バレル構造を有するL-PGDSのバレル内部にAβペプチドが結合することが示唆された。