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SummaryPeroxisomal division comprises three steps: elongation, constriction, and fission. Translocation of dynamin-like protein 1 (DLP1), a member of the large GTPase family, from the cytosol to peroxisomes is a prerequisite for membrane fission; however, the molecular machinery for peroxisomal targeting of DLP1 remains unclear. This study investigated whether mitochondrial fission factor (Mff), which targets DLP1 to mitochondria, may also recruit DLP1 to peroxisomes. Results show that endogenous Mff is localized to peroxisomes, especially at the membrane-constricted regions of elongated peroxisomes, in addition to mitochondria. Knockdown of MFF abrogates the fission stage of peroxisomal division and is associated with failure to recruit DLP1 to peroxisomes, while ectopic expression of MFF increases the peroxisomal targeting of DLP1. Co-expression of MFF and PEX11β, the latter being a key player in peroxisomal elongation, increases peroxisome abundance. Overexpression of MFF also increases the interaction between DLP1 and Pex11pβ, which knockdown of MFF, but not Fis1, abolishes. Moreover, results show that Pex11pβ interacts with Mff in a DLP1-dependent manner. In conclusion, Mff contributes to the peroxisomal targeting of DLP1 and plays a key role in the fission of the peroxisomal membrane by acting in concert with Pex11pβ and DLP1.

Aim:The effect of pitavastatin on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has not been reported, yet, in humans. We, therefore, investigated the effects of pitavastatin on lipid profiles and hs-CRP in Japanese subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: The subjects were 178 Japanese with hypercholesterolemia, including 103 (58%) with type 2 diabetes. Pitavastatin (1 − 2 mg/day) was administered for 12 months. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C), triglycerides (TG) and hs-CRP levels were measured for 12 months. Results: Serum LDL-C and RLP-C levels were significantly decreased by 30.3% and 22.8%, respectively. Serum TG levels were decreased by 15.9% in subjects with basal TG levels above 150 mg/dl. Serum HDL-C levels were significantly increased. The administration of pitavastatin reduced serum hs-CRP levels by 34.8%. No serious adverse events were observed, including changes in glycosylated hemoglobin levels of diabetic patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that pitavastatin significantly improves lipid profiles and reduces proinflammatory responses, without adverse effects, in Japanese subjects with hypercholesterolemia, including those with diabetes mellitus.

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A disordered superlattice, a recently proposed artificially constructed material, is fabricated and photoluminescent properties and optical absorption are investigated. Disorder is intentionally introduced into the period of the superlattice in order to enhance its photoluminescence. The photoluminescent temperature dependences and the optical absorption spectra of Al0.5Ga0.5As bulk alloy, AlAs/GaAs ordered superlattice, and AlAs/GaAs disordered superlattice are studied and compared. The optical absorption spectra suggest that localized states are created in the band tail of the AlAs/GaAs disordered superlattice. The photoluminescence spectra of the disordered superlattice are strongly dependent on the localized states, and the temperature dependence of photoluminescence intensities obeys the same relation IPL∝[1+A exp(T/T0)]−1 as that reported for amorphous semiconductors.