Abstract: 65B13 was discovered to be a useful marker for isolating GABA neuron progenitor cells including Purkinje cells. Furthermore, E-cadherin was revealed to be a useful marker for isolating Purkinje progenitor cells from a 65B13-positive cell population. Specifically, when used in combination with 65B13, E-cadherin was found to be a useful marker for isolating Purkinje progenitor cells.

Abstract: In neuron transplantation therapy, in terms of safety, it is preferable to use a cell population consisting only of a desired type of cells, and to use postmitotic neurons in consideration to avoid the risk of tumorigenesis. Moreover, greater therapeutic effects would be expected through the use of earlier progenitor cells in consideration of post-transplantation viability, proper network formation ability, and such. According to the present invention, Lrp4, a gene that is specifically expressed in dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cells prior to cell cycle exit, was identified. The use of Lrp4 expression in cells as an index allows for the isolation. of cells suitable for transplantation therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease in terms of safety, survival rate, and network formation ability.

Abstract: The present inventors identified a selective marker 65B13 for GABA neuron progenitor cells of the spinal dorsal horn and cerebellum, and successfully isolated GABA neuron progenitor cells using antibodies that bind to a protein encoded by the gene. 65B13 was demonstrated to be useful as a marker to isolate GABA-producing neuron progenitor cells in the spinal dorsal horn and cerebellum. GABA neuron progenitor cells can be efficiently identified or isolated by using the identified marker as an indicator.

Abstract: A mouse cDNA library from gene fragments encoding proteins localizing at cell-cell junctions was screened by a technique visualizing localization of a protein to identify a junction-enriched and -associated protein, JEAP. GenBank homology search was performed based on the sequence. Based on the obtained sequence, a mouse cDNA library was screened to identify JEAP-2. By using prepared antibodies against these proteins, it was revealed that these proteins express specifically at tight junctions, in particular, tight junctions in exocrine glands.

Abstract: In neuron transplantation therapy, in terms of safety, it is preferable to use a cell population consisting only of a desired type of cells, and to use postmitotic neurons in consideration to avoid the risk of tumorigenesis. Moreover, greater therapeutic effects would be expected through the use of earlier progenitor cells in consideration of post-transplantation viability, proper network formation ability, and such. According to the present invention, Lrp4, a gene that is specifically expressed in dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cells prior to cell cycle exit, was identified. The use of Lrp4 expression in cells as an index allows for the isolation. of cells suitable for transplantation therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease in terms of safety, survival rate, and network formation ability.

Abstract: A novel gene 65B13 expressed specifically and transiently in dopaminergic neuron precursor cells immediately after cell cycle exit was obtained by the present invention. The cellular expression of 65B13 can be used as an index to select cells that are suitable in terms of their safety, survival rate, and network formation ability, for transplant therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present invention is a probe, a primer, and an antibody, for detecting a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell. According to the present invention, there is provided a polynucleotide probe and a polynucleotide primer for use in the detection or selection of a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell, which can hybridize with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence of an Msx1 gene or an Msx2 gene, or a complementary sequence thereto, and an antibody against an Msx1 protein or an Msx2 protein, or a part thereof for use in the detection or selection of a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell.

Abstract: The present invention is a probe, a primer, and an antibody, for detecting a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell. According to the present invention, there is provided a polynucleotide probe and a polynucleotide primer for use in the detection or selection of a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell, which can hybridize with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence of a Nato3 gene, or a complementary sequence thereto, and an antibody against a Nato3 protein, or a part thereof for use in the detection or selection of a dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cell.

Abstract: A novel gene 65B13 expressed specifically and transiently in dopaminergic neuron precursor cells immediately after cell cycle exit was obtained by the present invention. The cellular expression of 65B13 can be used as an index to select cells that are suitable in terms of their safety, survival rate, and network formation ability, for transplant therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A process for production of a metal includes a step of filling a metal chloride in an electrolysis vessel having positive and negative electrodes, a step of heating and fusing the metal chloride to make an electrolytic bath, and a step of electrolyzing the electrolytic bath to deposit metal on the negative electrode in a solid state.

Abstract: Total RNAs were prepared from the ventral and dorsal regions of embryonic day 12.5 mouse mesencephalon, and a cDNA fragment was obtained by the subtraction method (N-RDA). The full-length cDNA was cloned and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The gene was named Corl2. The result of homology search showed that about 850 residues of Corl2 exhibited homology to the XM_355050 sequence deposited in GenBank; however, the remaining ˜150 residues showed no homology. Thus, Corl2 was demonstrated to be a novel gene. The Corl2 expression in various mouse organs was analyzed by RT-PCR, and the result showed that Corl2 expression was specific to brain. The result of immunostaining day 12.5 embryos and postnatal day 12 brains demonstrated that Corl2 is useful as a Purkinje cell marker at any differentiation stages.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolyzer for reducing metal comprises an electrolytic cell filled with a molten salt composed of a reducing metal chloride, an anode immersed in the molten salt of the electrolytic cell and surrounded by a first wall at the periphery thereof, and a cathode immersed in the molten salt of the electrolytic cell and surrounded by a second wall at the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolytic cell comprises a vessel filled with a molten salt bath, an anode immersed in the bath, and a cathode immersed in the bath, and the cathode is hollow.

Abstract: In neuron transplantation therapy, in terms of safety, it is preferable to use a cell population consisting only of a desired type of cells, and to use postmitotic neurons in consideration to avoid the risk of tumorigenesis. Moreover, greater therapeutic effects would be expected through the use of earlier progenitor cells in consideration of post-transplantation viability, proper network formation ability, and such. According to the present invention, Lrp4, a gene that is specifically expressed in dopaminergic neuron proliferative progenitor cells prior to cell cycle exit, was identified. The use of Lrp4 expression in cells as an index allows for the isolation. of cells suitable for transplantation therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease in terms of safety, survival rate, and network formation ability.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing Ti by Ca reduction by the invention includes a reaction tank retaining a molten salt in which a molten salt CaCl2 is contained and Ca is dissolved, an electrolytic cell retaining a molten salt containing CaCl2, and a continuum body which is movably constructed while part of the continuum body is immersed in the molten salt either within the reaction tank or electrolytic cell. In the inventive method for producing Ti by Ca reduction, the molten salt in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed to generate Ca on the cathode side which is transported to the reaction tank while deposited on and adheres to the continuum body, and TiCl4 is supplied to the reaction tank to generate Ti.

Abstract: As a result of screening for genes that are selectively expressed in fetal mouse brain region by subtraction method, the present inventors obtained a cDNA fragment encoding Corl1. The expression of Corl1 was examined by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining using polyclonal antibodies. The results demonstrated that Corl1 was especially expressed at a high level of selectively in the central nervous system during embryonic stages. The expression patterns of Corl1 determined using various markers in embryonic spinal cord were compared to identify types of neurons expressing Corl1. The results revealed that Corl1 was specifically expressed in spinal cord interneurons dI4, dI5, dILA, and dILB. Accordingly, the present invention provides for discrimination between dI4 and dI6, neurons which previously could only be discriminated based on developmental location, using the expression of Corl1 as an indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide probes and antibodies for detecting Lrp4/Corin dopaminergic neuron progenitor cell markers, which enable the efficient separation of dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells; and methods for selecting the progenitor cells by the use thereof.

Abstract: A mouse cDNA library from gene fragments encoding proteins localizing at cell—cell junctions was screened by a technique visualizing localization of a protein to identify a junction-enriched and -associated protein, JEAP. GenBank homology search was performed based on the sequence. Based on the obtained sequence, a mouse cDNA library was screened to identify JEAP-2. By using prepared antibodies against these proteins, it was revealed that these proteins express specifically at tight junctions, in particular, tight junctions in exocrine glands.

Abstract: A method for production of metal by molten-salt electrolysis of the present invention is a method for production of metal by molten-salt electrolysis which is performed by filling a molten salt of calcium chloride in an electrolysis vessel having a anode and a cathode, one of the anode or cathode is arranged surrounding the other electrode, the cathode has at least one hole communicating the inner area surrounded by the cathode with the outer area, and the molten salt flows through the communicating holes from one area including the anode (the inner area or outer area) to the other area.

Abstract: A method for production of metal by molten-salt electrolysis is a method for production of metal by molten-salt electrolysis which is performed by filling molten salt of a metal chloride in an electrolysis vessel having an anode and a cathode, and a molten salt which reduces solubility of the metal in the molten salt is used.