MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Amino Acids' source. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:31:30 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654603&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22286872%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Andersson HS, Figueredo SM, Haugaard-Kedström LM, Bengtsson E, Daly NL, Qu X, Craik DJ, Ouellette AJ, Rosengren KJ Abstract Salt-bridge interactions between acidic and basic amino acids contribute to the structural stability of proteins and to protein-protein interactions. A conserved salt-bridge is a canonical feature of the α-defensin antimicrobial peptide family, but the role of this common structural element has not been fully elucidated. We have investigated mouse Paneth cell α-defensin cryptdin-4 (Crp4) and peptide variants with mutations at Arg(7) or Glu(15) residue positions to disrupt the salt-bridge and assess the consequences on Crp4 structure, function, and stability. NMR analyses showed that both (R7G)-Crp4 and (E15G)-Crp4 adopt native-like structures, evid... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654603 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654605&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22286833%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, endotoxemia rapidly but transiently decreased the circulating concentrations of almost all AA and more durably of glutamate, glutamine and citrulline in muscle. Supplementation with glutamate or glutamine failed to restore glutamate, glutamine and citrulline concentrations in plasma and muscles. The implication of a loss of the intestinal capacity for AA absorption and/or metabolism in endotoxemia (as judged from decreased citrulline plasma concentration) for explaining such results are discussed. PMID: 22286833 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654605 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654604&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22286834%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vistoli G, Carini M, Aldini G Abstract The ability of carnosine to prevent advanced glycoxidation end products (AGEs) and advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs) formation, on the one hand, and the convincing evidence that these compounds act as pathogenetic factors, on the other hand, strongly support carnosine as a promising therapeutic agent for oxidative-based diseases. The mechanism/s by which carnosine inhibits AGEs and ALEs is still under investigation but an emerging hypothesis is that carnosine acts by deactivating the AGEs and ALEs precursors and in particular the reactive carbonyl species (RCS) generated by both lipid and sugar oxidation. The ability of carnosine to inhibit AGEs and ALEs formation and the corresponding biological effects has been demonstrated ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654604 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654607&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22278740%26dopt%3DAbstract Insilico study of the A(2A)R-D (2)R kinetics and interfacial contact surface for heteromerization. Amino Acids. 2012 Jan 26; Authors: Prakash A, Luthra PM Abstract G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors. The dynamic property of receptor-receptor interactions in GPCRs modulates the kinetics of G-protein signaling and stability. In the present work, the structural and dynamic study of A(2A)R-D(2)R interactions was carried to acquire the understanding of the A(2A)R-D(2)R receptor activation and deactivation process, facilitating the design of novel drugs and therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. The structure-based features (Alpha, Beta, SurfAlpha, and SurfBeta; GapIndex, Leakiness and Gap Volume) and slow mode model (ENM) facilitated the pred... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654607 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654606&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22278741%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zinellu A, Sotgia S, Loriga G, Deiana L, Satta AE, Carru C Abstract Lipid-lowering therapy has been reported to reduce several oxidative stress (OS) markers in hypercholesterolemia. Since OS is frequently associated with renal dysfunction, we aimed to investigate the effect of hypolipidemic drugs on oxidative stress and plasma taurine (Tau), a sulfur amino acid with a marked antioxidant effect, in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 30 CKD randomized to receive three different hypolipidemic regimens for 12 months: simvastatin alone (40 mg/day) or ezetimibe/simvastatin combined therapy (10/20 or 10/40 mg/day). Low molecular weight (LMW) thiols including homocysteine, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione, and glutamylcysteine in their reduced and total form and o... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654606 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654608&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22274738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sauer T, Raithel M, Kressel J, Münch G, Pischetsrieder M Abstract In addition to direct antioxidative effects, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) could increase the antioxidative capacity of cells through the induction of cytoprotective enzymes. Since many of those enzymes are regulated by the transcription factor Nrf2, the effect of MRPs on nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in macrophages and Caco-2 cells was investigated. Stimulation of both cell types by MRPs showed a concentration-dependent significant increase in nuclear translocation of Nrf2 up to fivefold after short-term (2 h) and up to 50-fold after long-term treatment (24 h). In intact human gut tissue, nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was significantly twofold increased after short-term incubation. To study the activ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654608 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5654609&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22270875%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C Abstract Due to the well-defined role of β-alanine as a substrate of carnosine (a major contributor to H(+) buffering during high-intensity exercise), β-alanine is fast becoming a popular ergogenic aid to sports performance. There have been several recent qualitative review articles published on the topic, and here we present a preliminary quantitative review of the literature through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of the literature was employed to identify all studies suitable for inclusion in the analysis; strict exclusion criteria were also applied. Fifteen published manuscripts were included in the analysis, which reported the results of 57 measures within 23 exercise tests, using 18 supplementation regimes an... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5654609 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5654609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5618471&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22252739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roviello GN, Mottola A, Musumeci D, Bucci EM, Pedone C Abstract In this work, we describe the synthesis, evaluation of some biological properties, such as DNA- and RNA-binding ability and in sero stability, as well as the supramolecular assembly of a novel nucleoamino acid based on L: -spinacine. More particularly, a thymine-containing L: -spinacine derivative was synthesized in liquid phase by a simple peptide-coupling procedure. Subsequently, nucleic acid and Cu(2+)-binding ability, as well as self-assembly properties of the novel nucleoamino acid, were investigated by spectroscopy (CD and UV) and laser light scattering which furnished interesting information on the assembly of supramolecular networks based on the peptidyl nucleoside analog. Finally, nucleoamino acid enz... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5618471 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5618471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5618472&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22237947%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Todorov PT, Wesselinova DW, Pavlov ND, Martinez J, Calmes M, Naydenova ED Abstract The cytotoxic effects of novel racemic and optically active constrained N-phosphonoalkyl bicyclic β-amino acids were tested against a panel of human tumor cell lines. All of the compounds investigated exhibited different concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects against the HT-29, MDA-MB-231, HepG2 and HeLa cell lines after 24 h treatment. The most sensitive cells were the HeLa cells at various concentrations of the four compounds tested. The aminophosphonate 3 exerted the most pronounced antiproliferative effect against the HeLa cells (inhibition of the cell vitality up to 70% at 0.5 mg/ml) and was not toxic to the normal Lep3 cells at lower concentration. Furthermore, the N-phos... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5618472 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5618472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5618473&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22231926%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jones RA, Wang Z, Dookie S, Griffin M Abstract Tumour vasculogenesis can occur by a process referred to as vasculogenic mimicry, whereby the vascular structures are derived from the tumour itself. These tumours are highly aggressive and do not respond well to anti-angiogenic therapy. Here, we use the well characterised ECV304 cell line, now known as the bladder cancer epithelial cell line T24/83 which shows both epithelial and endothelial characteristics, as a model of in vitro vasculogenic mimicry. Using optimised ratios of co-cultures of ECV304 and C378 human fibroblasts, tubular structures were identifiable after 8 days. The tubular structures showed high levels of TG2 antigen and TG in situ activity. Tubular structures and in situ activity could be blocked either by s... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5618473 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5618473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5618475&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22227865%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Borowczyk K, Tisończyk J, Jakubowski H Abstract Genetic or nutritional disorders in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism elevate Hcy-thiolactone and cause heart and brain diseases. Hcy-thiolactone has been implicated in these diseases because it has the ability to modify protein lysine residues and generate toxic N-Hcy-proteins with auto-immunogenic, pro-thrombotic, and amyloidogenic properties. Bleomycin hydrolase (Blmh) has the ability to hydrolyze L: -Hcy-thiolactone (but not D: -Hcy-thiolactone) to Hcy in vitro, but whether this reflects a physiological function has been unknown. Here, we show that Blmh (-/-) mice excreted in urine 1.8-fold more Hcy-thiolactone than wild-type Blmh (+/+) animals (P = 0.02). Hcy-thiolactone was elevated 2.3-fold in brains... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5618475 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5618475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5618474&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22227866%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we analyse the extent of conservation of cis peptides among similar folds. We look at both the amino acid preferences and local structural changes associated with such variations. Nearly 34% of the Xaa-Proline cis bonds are not conserved in structural relatives; Proline also has a high tendency to get replaced by another amino acid in the trans conformer. At both positions bounding the peptide bond, Glycine has a higher tendency to lose the cis conformation. The cis conformation of more than 30% of β turns of type VIb and IV are not found to be conserved in similar structures. A different view using Protein Block-based description of backbone conformation, suggests that many of the local conformational changes are highly different from the general local structural variation... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5618474 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5618474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5576118&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22222358%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shi Z, Yuan B, Taylor AW, Dal Grande E, Wittert GA Abstract The aim of this analysis was to determine the relationship between monosodium glutamate (MSG) intake and change in hemoglobin (Hb) levels and the risk of anemia over 5 years in 1197 Chinese men and women who participated in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study (JIN). MSG intake and Hb were quantitatively assessed in 2002 and followed up in 2007. Diet and lifestyle factors were assessed at both time points. There was a positive association between MSG intake and increase in Hb among men but not women. In the multivariate model adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors as well as baseline dietary pattern, the beta values and 95% confidence interval for Hb changes across quartiles of MSG intake were 0, 0.67(0.04-1.29),... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5576118 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5576118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5576120&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22218994%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Millington KR Abstract UV-visible diffuse reflectance (DR) spectra of the fibrous proteins wool and feather keratin, silk fibroin and bovine skin collagen are presented. Natural wool contains much higher levels of visible chromophores across the whole visible range (700-400 nm) than the other proteins and only those above 450 nm are effectively removed by bleaching. Both oxidative and reductive bleaching are inefficient for removing yellow chromophores (450-400 nm absorbers) from wool. The DR spectra of the four UV-absorbing amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, cystine and phenylalanine were recorded as finely ground powders. In contrast to their UV-visible spectra in aqueous solution where tryptophan and tyrosine are the major UV absorbing species, surprisingly the disulp... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5576120 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5576120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5576119&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22218995%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Minelli A, Conte C, Cacciatore I, Cornacchia C, Pinnen F Abstract Oxidative stress is a critical contributing factor to neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the inhibition of ROS formation, responsible for chronic detrimental neuroinflammation, is an important strategy for preventing the neurodegenerative disease and for neuroprotective therapy. Gly-Pro-Glu (GPE) is the N-terminal tripeptide of insulin-like growth factor-I, which is naturally cleaved in the plasma and brain tissues. GPE has neuroprotective effects since it crosses the blood-CSF and the functional CSF-brain barriers and binds to glial cells. It has been shown that GPE improves motor behaviour in rats after 6-OHDA lesion, although it does not rescue dopaminergic neurons. Thus, we hypothesized that the GPE... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5576119 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5576119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5576121&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22215254%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wu Y, Wu M, Zhang Y, Li W, Gao Y, Li Z, Wang Z, Lubec G, Zhang C Abstract Lyophilization has been widely used for preservation, such as in food industry, pharmacy, biotechnology and tissues engineering, etc. However, there is no report on whether it could affect stability of RNA and protein levels in biological tissue samples. Herein we show that lyophilization can be used for storage of biological tissue samples without loss of bioactivities even stored at room temperature for 7-14 days. To address this issue, C57BL mouse tissues were prepared and dried by lyophilization and a baking method, respectively, followed by examination of morphological structure and total proteins by SDS-PAGE as well as gelatin zymography. Subsequently, the stability of RNAs and proteins, which... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5576121 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5576121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5576122&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22212592%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sebestík J, Zawada Z, Safařík M, Hlaváček J Abstract Prions are suspected as causative agents of several neuropathogenic diseases, even though the mode of their action is still not clear. A combination of chemical and recombinant syntheses can provide suitable probes for explanation of prions role in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the prions contain several difficult sequences for synthesis by Fmoc/tBu approach. For that reason, the peptide thioesters as the key building blocks for chemical syntheses of proteins by native chemical ligation were employed. A scan of the mouse prion domain 93-231 was carried out in order to discover availability of derived thioesters as the suitable building blocks for a total chemical synthesis of the prion protein... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5576122 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5576122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557779&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209913%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Głowacki R, Borowczyk K, Bald E Abstract Alimentary methionine is believed to be the main source for plasma homocysteine. Recent literature supplies information about homocysteine content in daily food components, but not in wine, an attractive complement of the evening meal in some western countries. In this communication, a simple and fast high-performance liquid chromatography method for determination of total homocysteine in wine is described. The two steps procedure relies on reduction of the disulfide forms of homocysteine with tris-(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine and on-column derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde followed by separation and fluorescence detection. The entire analysis time, including sample work-up, amounts 14 min. The calibration performed with wine ma... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557779 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5557779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557781&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209864%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Safavi A, Zeinali S, Yazdani M Abstract A novel double-step reduction procedure for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using amino acid ionic liquids has been employed. 1-Dodecyl-3-methyl imidazolium tryptophan ([C(12)mim]Trp) and 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium tryptophan ([C(2)mim]Trp) were used for this synthesis. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The behavior of these AuNPs were also probed in a biological media. It was proven that AuNPs synthesized at [C(12)mim]Trp have more stability than AuNPs synthesized at [C(2)mim]Trp due to the longer alkyl chain of the imidazolium moiety. The solubility test shows that the resultant AuNPs have a hydrophilic nature. Finally, it wa... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557781 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557780&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209865%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, N-succinimidyl 4-[(18)F]-fluoromethylbenzoate ([(18)F]SFMB) prosthetic group can be a good alternative for labeling RGD peptides to image αvβ3 integrin expression and for labeling other peptides. PMID: 22209865 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557780 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557782&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22203366%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated how the oral intake of GABA influences human adults psychologically and physiologically under a condition of mental stress. Sixty-three adults (28 males, 35 females) participated in a randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-designed study over two experiment days. Capsules containing 100 mg of GABA or dextrin as a placebo were used as test samples. The results showed that EEG activities including alpha band and beta band brain waves decreased depending on the mental stress task loads, and the condition of 30 min after GABA intake diminished this decrease compared with the placebo condition. That is to say, GABA might have alleviated the stress induced by the mental tasks. This effect also corresponded with the results of the POMS scores. ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557782 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5557783&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22200933%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, dietary L: -Arg supplementation substantially affects an array of metabolic-associated parameters including a reduction in WAT, hyperphagia, improved insulin sensitivity and increased energy expenditure in mice fed a low-protein diet. PMID: 22200933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5557783 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5557783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5544420&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22198547%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigates the effect of pentose sugars (ribose and arabinose) on the structural and chemical modifications in glucose oxidase (GOD) as well as genotoxic potential of this modified form. An intermediate state of GOD was observed on day 12 of incubation having CD minima peaks at 222 and 208 nm, characteristic of α-helix and a few tertiary contacts with altered tryptophan environment and high ANS binding. All these features indicate the existence of molten globule state of the GOD with ribose and arabinose on day 12. GOD on day 15 of incubation forms β structures as revealed by CD and FTIR which may be due to its aggregation. Furthermore, GOD on day 15 showed a remarkable increase in Thioflavin T fluorescence at 485 nm. Comet assay of lymphocytes and plasmid nicking assay in... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5544420 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5544420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5544422&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22194042%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Deasey S, Shanmugasundaram S, Nurminskaya M Abstract Of the eight catalytic transglutaminases (TGs), transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been the most comprehensively studied due to its ubiquitous expression in multiple cell types. Despite the observed critical role for this enzyme in multiple biological processes in vitro, TG2 knockout mouse models have shown no severe developmental phenotypes, suggesting compensation by other TGs. To begin characterization of the compensating mechanisms, we analyzed total transamidating activity and expression patterns of all catalytically active TGs in seven different tissues/organs from wild-type and TG2 knockout mice. Inhibitory analysis with TG2-specific inhibitor KCC-009 suggests that relative contribution of TG2 in total transamidating ac... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5544422 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5544422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5544421&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22194043%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nizri E, Brenner T Abstract Research done in the past years pointed to a novel function of cholinergic transmission. It has been shown that cholinergic transmission can modulate various aspects of the immune function, whether innate or adaptive. Cholinergic transmission affects immune cell proliferation, cytokine production, T helper differentiation and antigen presentation. Theses effects are mediated by cholinergic muscarinic and nicotinic receptors and other cholinergic components present in immune cells, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cholineacetyltransferase. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was designated anti-inflammatory activity and has shown promise in pre-clinical models of inflammatory disorders. We herein describe the various components of the... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5544421 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5544421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5544440&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22189890%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vuille-Dit-Bille RN, Ha-Huy R, Stover JF Abstract Changes in plasma aromatic amino acids (AAA = phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine) and branched chain amino acids (BCAA = isoleucine, leucine, valine) levels possibly influencing intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral oxygen consumption (SjvO(2)) were investigated in 19 sedated patients up to 14 days following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Compared to 44 healthy volunteers, jugular venous plasma BCAA were significantly decreased by 35% (p < 0.001) while AAA were markedly increased in TBI patients by 19% (p < 0.001). The BCAA to AAA ratio was significantly decreased by 55% (p < 0.001) which persisted during the entire study period. Elevated plasma phenylalanine was associated with decreased ICP a... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5544440 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5544440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5544442&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22187146%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang WJ, Luo X, Liu YL, Shao XX, Wade JD, Bathgate RA, Guo ZY Abstract Relaxin-3 (also known as INSL7) is a recently identified neuropeptide belonging to the insulin/relaxin superfamily. It has putative roles in the regulation of stress responses, food intake, and reproduction by activation of its cognate G-protein-coupled receptor RXFP3. It also binds and activates the relaxin family peptide receptors RXFP1 and RXFP4 in vitro. To obtain a europium-labeled relaxin-3 as tracer for studying the interaction of these receptors with various ligands, in the present work we propose a novel site-specific labeling strategy for the recombinant human relaxin-3 that has been previously prepared in our laboratory. First, the N-terminal 6×His-tag of the single-chain relaxin-3 precurso... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5544442 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5544442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5544441&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22187147%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cui WY, Wang J, Wei J, Cao J, Chang SL, Gu J, Li MD Abstract Although nicotine has a broad impact on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown, especially at the signaling pathway level. To investigate that aspect, we employed both conventional molecular techniques, such as quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis, and high-throughput microarray approach to identify the genes and signaling pathways that are modulated by nicotine. We found 14 pathways significantly altered in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Of these, the Toll-like receptor pathway (TLR; p = 2.57 × 10(-4)) is one of the most important innate immune pathways. The death receptor pathway (DR; p = 8.71 × 10(-4)), whose transducers coor... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5544441 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5544441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524919&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22180025%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was conducted with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglet model to determine the effects of NAC on intestinal function. Eighteen piglets were randomly allocated into control, LPS and LPS + NAC groups. The control and LPS groups were fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet, and the LPS + NAC group was fed the basal diet +500 mg/kg NAC. On days 10, 13 and 20 of the trial, the LPS and LPS + NAC groups received intraperitoneal administration of LPS (100 μg/kg BW), whereas the control piglets received saline. On day 20 of the trial, D-: xylose (0.1 g/kg BW) was orally administrated to all piglets 2 h after LPS or saline injection, and blood samples were collected 1 h thereafter. One hour blood xylose test was used to measure intestinal absorption capacity and muco... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524919 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524918&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22180026%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Geel R, Debets MF, Löwik DW, Pruijn GJ, Boelens WC Abstract Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme able to catalyze the formation of ε(γ-glutamyl)-lysine crosslinks between polypeptides, resulting in high molecular mass multimers. We have developed a bioorthogonal chemical method for the labeling of TG2 glutamine-donor proteins. As amine-donor substrates we used a set of azide- and alkyne-containing primary alkylamines that allow, after being crosslinked to glutamine-donor proteins, specific labeling of these proteins via the azide-alkyne cycloaddition. We demonstrate that these azide- and alkyne-functionalized TG2 substrates are cell permeable and suitable for specific labeling of TG2 glutamine-donor substrates in HeLa and Movas cells. Both the Cu(I)... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524918 Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524921&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22170499%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ninković J, Roy S Abstract Endogenous opioids are synthesized in vivo to modulate pain mechanisms and inflammatory pathways. Endogenous and exogenous opioids mediate analgesia in response to painful stimuli by binding to opioid receptors on neuronal cells. However, wide distribution of opioid receptors on tissues and organ systems outside the CNS, such as the cells of the immune system, indicate that opioids are capable of exerting additional effects in the periphery, such as immunomodulation. The increased prevalence of infections in opioid abuser-based epidemiological studies further highlights the immunosuppressive effects of opioids. In spite of their many debilitating side effects, prescription opioids remain a gold standard for treatment of chronic pain. Therefore, ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524921 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524920&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22170500%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, this study found an effect of puberty on muscle carnosine content in males, but not in females. Muscle carnosine decreased mainly during early adulthood and hardly from adulthood to elderly. High intra-twin correlations were observed, but muscle-dependent differences preclude clear conclusions toward heritability. PMID: 22170500 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524920 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524930&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160257%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Le Plénier S, Walrand S, Noirt R, Cynober L, Moinard C Abstract Leucine (LEU) is recognized as a major regulator of muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Citrulline (CIT) is emerging as a potent new regulator. The aim of our study was to compare MPS modulation by CIT and LEU in food-deprived rats and to determine whether their action was driven by similar mechanisms. Rats were either freely fed (F, n = 10) or food deprived for 18 h. Food-deprived rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups and received per os, i.e., gavage, saline (S, n = 10), L: -leucine (1.35 g/kg, LEU, n = 10), L: -citrulline (1.80 g/kg CIT, n = 10) or isonitrogenous non-essential amino acids (NEAA, n = 10). After gavage, the rats were injected with a flooding dose of [(13)C] valine to det... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524930 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524929&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160258%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Frömmel J, Soural M, Tylichová M, Kopečný D, Demo G, Wimmerová M, Sebela M Abstract The metabolic degradation of aldehydes is catalyzed by oxidoreductases from which aldehyde dehydrogenases (EC 1.2.1) comprise nonspecific or substrate-specific enzymes. The latter subset is represented, e.g., by NAD(+)-dependent aminoaldehyde dehydrogenases (AMADHs; EC 1.2.1.19) oxidizing a group of naturally occurring ω-aminoaldehydes including polyamine oxidation products. Recombinant isoenzymes from pea (PsAMADH1 and 2) and tomato (LeAMADH1 and 2) were subjected to kinetic measurements with synthetic aldehydes containing a nitrogenous heterocycle such as pyridinecarbaldehydes and their halogenated derivatives, (pyridinylmethylamino)-aldehydes, pyridinyl propanals and aldehydes deri... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524929 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524928&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160259%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Badarau E, Collighan RJ, Griffin M Abstract Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a Ca(2+)-dependent enzyme and probably the most ubiquitously expressed member of the mammalian transglutaminase family. TG2 plays a number of important roles in a variety of biological processes. Via its transamidating function, it is responsible for the cross-linking of proteins by forming isopeptide bonds between glutamine and lysine residues. Intracellularly, Ca(2+) activation of the enzyme is normally tightly regulated by the binding of GTP. However, upregulated levels of TG2 are associated with many disease states like celiac sprue, certain types of cancer, fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease. Selective inhibitors for TG2 both cell ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524928 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524927&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160260%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Huang JT, Xing DJ, Huang W Abstract The successful prediction of protein-folding rates based on the sequence-predicted secondary structure suggests that the folding rates might be predicted from sequence alone. To pursue this question, we directly predict the folding rates from amino acid sequences, which do not require any information on secondary or tertiary structure. Our work achieves 88% correlation with folding rates determined experimentally for proteins of all folding types and peptide, suggesting that almost all of the information needed to specify a protein's folding kinetics and mechanism is comprised within its amino acid sequence. The influence of residue on folding rate is related to amino acid properties. Hydrophobic character of amino acids may be an import... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524927 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524926&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160261%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jin Z, Mendu SK, Birnir B Abstract In recent years, it has become clear that there is an extensive cross-talk between the nervous and the immune system. Somewhat surprisingly, the immune cells themselves do express components of the neuronal neurotransmitters systems. What role the neurotransmitters, their ion channels, receptors and transporters have in immune function and regulation is an emerging field of study. Several recent studies have shown that the immune system is capable of synthesizing and releasing the classical neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). GABA has a number of effects on the immune cells such as activation or suppression of cytokine secretion, modification of cell proliferation and GABA can even affect migration of the cells. The immune cells... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524926 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524925&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160262%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Király R, Barta E, Fésüs L Abstract Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional member of an enzyme family: it modifies glutamine residues by cross-linking proteins and incorporating primary amines into them, has protein disulphide isomerase and protein kinase activities, mediates trans-membrane signal transduction and interactions between cell surface proteins and the extracellular matrix. These unusual multiple roles encoded into one polypeptide chain suggest that genomic variations in the TGM2 gene should be limited. Indeed, the available information in databases shows that unlike in the case of most other transglutaminases there are no common single nucleotide polymorphisms in exons of human TGM2. We collected data on and produced some of the rare genetic variants... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524925 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524924&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160263%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Madai VI, Poller WC, Peters D, Berger J, Paliege K, Bernard R, Veh RW, Laube G Abstract Light microscopic evidence suggested a synaptic role for agmatinase, an enzyme capable of inactivating the putative neurotransmitter and endogenous anti-depressant agmatine. Using electron microscopy and an alternative pre-embedding approach referred to as virtual pre-embedding, agmatinase was localised pre- and postsynaptically, to dendritic spines, spine and non-spine terminals, and dendritic profiles. In dendritic spines, labelling displayed a tendency towards the postsynaptic density. These results further strengthen a synaptic role for agmatine and strongly suggest a regulatory role for synaptically expressed agmatinase. PMID: 22160263 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sourc... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524924 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524923&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160264%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhu J, Xie R, Piao X, Hou Y, Zhao C, Qiao G, Yang B, Shi J, Lu Y Abstract Total elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for thromboembolism. Vascular endothelium is important to regulate coagulation, but the impact of Hcy on the clot-promoting activity (CPA) of endothelial cells has not been fully understood. In our study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Hcy (8, 20, 80, 200, 800 μmol/L) for 24 h. Annexin V was utilized to detect phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and endothelial microparticles (MPs) formation. CPA was assessed by recalcification time and purified clotting complex tests. We found that Hcy enhanced the externalized PS and consequent CPA of HUVECs in a dose-dependent fashion, effect of Hcy had statistical ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524923 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524922&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22160285%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marino F, Cosentino M Abstract Sympathoadrenergic pathways are crucial to the communication between the nervous system and the immune system. The present review addresses emerging issues in the adrenergic modulation of immune cells, including: the specific pattern of adrenoceptor expression on immune cells and their role and changes upon cell differentiation and activation; the production and utilization of noradrenaline and adrenaline by immune cells themselves; the dysregulation of adrenergic immune mechanisms in disease and their potential as novel therapeutic targets. A wide array of sympathoadrenergic therapeutics is currently used for non-immune indications, and could represent an attractive source of non-conventional immunomodulating agents. PMID: 22160285 [PubM... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524922 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524931&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22146868%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cui ZJ, Han ZQ, Li ZY Abstract The sulfur-containing amino acid residue methionine (Met) in a peptide/protein is readily oxidized to methionine sulfoxide [Met(O)] by reactive oxygen species both in vitro and in vivo. Methionine residue oxidation by oxidants is found in an accumulating number of important proteins. Met sulfoxidation activates calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, delays inactivation of the Shaker potassium channel ShC/B and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels. Sulfoxidation at critical Met residues inhibits fibrillation of atherosclerosis-related apolipoproteins and multiple neurodegenerative disease-related proteins, such as amyloid beta, α-synuclein, prion, and others. Methion... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524931 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524955&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22143427%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang CX, Zheng WW, Liu PC, Wang JX, Zhao XF Abstract Programmed cell death (PCD) plays an important role in insect midgut remodeling during metamorphosis. Insect midgut PCD is triggered by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and it is mediated by a series of genes. However, the mechanism by which 20E triggers midgut PCD is still unclear. Here, we report a protein phosphatase 6 (PP6) from Helicoverpa armigera playing roles in midgut PCD. PP6 was expressed in the midgut during larval growth and it is significantly increased during metamorphosis. The increase was proven to be regulated by 20E. The juvenile hormone analog methoprene has no effect on PP6 expression. RNA interference analysis suggests that 20E upregulated the PP6 transcript levels through the ecdysone r... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524955 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524954&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22143428%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Todorov PT, Mateeva PI, Zamfirova RN, Pavlov ND, Naydenova ED Abstract New series of N-modified analogues of the N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) with aminophosphonate moiety have been synthesized and investigated for biological activity. These peptides were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis-Fmoc-strategy. The N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) analogues were tested for agonistic activity in vitro on electrically stimulated rat vas deferens smooth-muscle preparations isolated from Wistar albino rats. Our study has shown that the selectivity of the peptides containing 1-[(methoxyphosphono)methylamino]cycloalkanecarboxylic acids to the N-side of Phe is not changed-they remain selective agonists of NOP receptors. The derivative with the largest ring (NOC-6) demonstrated efficacy similar to that of N/O... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524954 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524952&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22143429%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bellia F, Vecchio G, Rizzarelli E Abstract Carnosine (β-alanyl-L: -histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide widely and abundantly distributed in the muscle and nervous tissues of several animal species. Many functions have been proposed for this compound because of its antioxidant and metal ion-chelator properties. Many potential therapeutic properties have been recognized especially related to the antioxidant activity, but the therapeutic uses are strongly limited by the mechanism governing its homeostasis. This fact has been the main reason for developing the synthesis of carnosine derivatives with interesting potentiality, but until now there have been very few applications. These derivatives could represent the future drugs for many pathologies related to oxidative stres... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524952 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524946&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22143430%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to investigate the ability of curcumin to convert asparagine into acrylamide during heating at different temperatures. Binary and ternary model systems of asparagine-curcumin and asparagine-curcumin-fructose were used to determine the role of curcumin on acrylamide formation in competitive and uncompetitive reaction conditions. The results indicated that curcumin could potentially contribute to acrylamide formation under long-term heating conditions as long as asparagine was present in the medium. The amount of acrylamide formed in the ternary system was slightly higher than in the binary system during heating (p < 0.05), because of the higher concentrations of carbonyl compounds initially available. The kinetic trends were similar in both model systems evidencing tha... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524946 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524933&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22143431%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dimitrijević M, Stanojević S Abstract For many years, the central nervous system and the immune system were considered two autonomous entities. However, extensive research in the field of neuroimmunomodulation during the past decades has demonstrated the presence of different neuropeptides and their respective receptors in the immune cells. More importantly, it has provided evidence for the direct effects of neuropeptides on the immune cell functions. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is generally considered the most abundant peptide in the central and peripheral nervous system. However, it is also distinguished by exhibiting pleiotropic functions in many other physiological systems, including the immune system. NPY affects the functions of the cells of the adaptive and innate immuni... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524933 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524932&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22143432%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Del Favero S, Roschel H, Solis MY, Hayashi AP, Artioli GG, Otaduy MC, Benatti FB, Harris RC, Wise JA, Leite CC, Pereira RM, de Sá-Pinto AL, Lancha-Junior AH, Gualano B Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on exercise capacity and the muscle carnosine content in elderly subjects. Eighteen healthy elderly subjects (60-80 years, 10 female and 4 male) were randomly assigned to receive either beta-alanine (BA, n = 12) or placebo (PL, n = 6) for 12 weeks. The BA group received 3.2 g of beta-alanine per day (2 × 800 mg sustained-release Carnosyn™ tablets, given 2 times per day). The PL group received 2 × (2 × 800 mg) of a matched placebo. At baseline (PRE) and after 12 weeks (POST-12) of supplementatio... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524932 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524956&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22139436%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nakano M, Kubota M, Owada S, Nagai R Abstract Pentosidine is an advanced glycation end product, formed by oxidation and glycation that accumulates markedly during end-stage renal failure. Measurement of the pentosidine level in physiological samples is applied as a sensitive marker for the early diagnosis of renal failure. In the quantitative measurements of pentosidine reported to date, a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been widely used to estimate the plasma/serum pentosidine levels in a number of clinical samples, because high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods require multiple preparation steps before the analysis. However, the currently used clinical analysis of the plasma/serum pentosidine level by ELISA requires incubation of the pl... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524956 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524961&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22139409%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrated that aloin exerted inhibition of cell proliferation, adhesion and invasion abilities of B16-F10 melanoma cells under non-cytotoxic concentrations. Furthermore, aloin induced melanoma cell differentiation through the enhancement of melanogenesis and transglutaminase activity. To improve the growth-inhibiting effect of anticancer agents, we found that the combined treatment of cells with aloin and low doses of cisplatin increases the antiproliferative activity of aloin. The results suggest that aloin possesses antineoplastic and antimetastatic properties, exerted likely through the induction of melanoma cell differentiation. PMID: 22139409 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524961 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524960&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22139410%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Décombaz J, Beaumont M, Vuichoud J, Bouisset F, Stellingwerff T Abstract Oral β-alanine (βA) doses larger than 800 mg commonly result in unpleasant sensory symptoms (paresthesia). However, the association of form (pure vs. slow-release) with side-effects has not been fully described. The aim of this single-blinded, randomized three-arm clinical trial was to compare plasma kinetics and symptoms following βA bolus administration in solution or in slow-release tablet form. Eleven healthy adults ingested 1.6 g of a pure βA reference solution (REF), 1.6 g in slow-release βA tablets (TAB) or a placebo (PLA) after an overnight fast. During the next 6 h, urinary and plasma βA concentrations were measured and questionnaires about intensity, nature (pins and needles, itch... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524960 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524959&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22139411%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tarantino U, Ferlosio A, Arcuri G, Spagnoli LG, Orlandi A Abstract Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and bone remodelling. Under physiologic conditions, articular cartilage displays a stable chondrocyte phenotype, whereas in osteoarthritis a chondrocyte hypertrophy develops near the sites of cartilage surface damage and associates to the pathologic expression of type X collagen. Transglutaminases (TGs) include a family of Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes that catalyze the formation of γ-glutamyl cross-links. Their substrates include a variety of intracellular and extracellular macromolecular components. TGs are ubiquitously and abundantly expressed and implicated in a variety of physiopathological processes. TGs activity is modul... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524959 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524958&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22139412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Caraglia M, Park MH, Wolff EC, Marra M, Abbruzzese A Abstract Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is the only cellular protein that contains the unusual amino acid hypusine [N (ε)-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)lysine]. The role of hypusine formation in the eIF5A protein in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis is addressed in the present review. Moreover, vertebrates carry two genes that encode two eIF5A isoforms, eIF5A-1 and eIF5A-2, which, in humans, are 84% identical. However, the biological functions of these two isoforms may be significantly different. In fact, eIF5A-1 is demonstrable in most cells of different histogenesis, whereas eIF5A-2 protein is detectable only in certain human cancer cells or tissues, suggesting its role as a p... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524958 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524957&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22139413%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Delgado M, Ganea D Abstract Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino acid neuropeptide/neurotransmitter, is widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous system. VIP is released by both neurons and immune cells. Various cell types, including immune cells, express VIP receptors. VIP has pleiotropic effects as a neurotransmitter, immune regulator, vasodilator and secretagogue. This review is focused on VIP production and effects on immune cells, VIP receptor signaling as related to immune functions, and the involvement of VIP in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The review addresses present clinical use of VIP and future therapeutic directions. PMID: 22139413 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524957 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524963&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22134582%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhou Y, Jiang Y, Wang R, Bai B, Zhou M, Chen T, Cai J, Wang L, Shaw C Abstract Sauvagine is a potent and broad-spectrum biologically active peptide of 40 amino acid residues originally isolated from the skin of the South American frog, Phyllomedusa sauvagei. Since its discovery, no additional sauvagine structures have been reported. Following the discovery of sauvagine, peptides with similar primary structures/activities were identified in mammalian brain [corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin]. Here, we report the identification of a second sauvagine from the Mexican giant leaf frog, Pachymedusa dacnicolor, which displays primary structural features of both sauvagine and CRF. A cDNA encoding the peptide precursor was "shotgun" cloned from a cDNA library const... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524963 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524962&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22134583%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined their ability to disrupt the cell membrane in a range of pH values, concentrations and incubation times, using a standard hemolysis assay as a model of endosomal membranes. Furthermore, we addressed the mechanism of surfactant-mediated membrane destabilization, including the effects of each surfactant on erythrocyte morphology as a function of pH. We found that only surfactants with the positive charge on the α-amino group of lysine showed pH-sensitive hemolytic activity and improved kinetics within the endosomal pH range, indicating that the positive charge position is critical for pH-responsive behavior. Moreover, our results showed that an increase in the alkyl chain length from 14 to 16 carbon atoms was associated with a lower ability to disrupt cell membranes. Knowledge o... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524962 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524966&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130737%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Budillon A, Carbone C, Di Gennaro E Abstract Cancer resistance mechanisms, which result from intrinsic genetic alterations of tumor cells or acquired genetic and epigenetic changes, limit the long-lasting benefits of anti-cancer treatments. Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) has emerged as a putative gene involved in tumor cell drug resistance and evasion of apoptosis. Although some reports have indicated that TG2 can suppress tumor growth and enhance the growth inhibitory effects of anti-tumor agents, several studies have presented both pro-survival and anti-apoptotic roles for TG2 in malignant cells. Increased TG2 expression has been found in several tumors, where it was considered a potential negative prognostic marker, and it is often associated with advanced stages of dise... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524966 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524965&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Satterfield MC, Dunlap KA, Keisler DH, Bazer FW, Wu G Abstract Intrauterine growth restriction is a significant problem worldwide, resulting in increased rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality, as well as increased risks for metabolic and cardiovascular disease. The present study investigated the role of maternal undernutrition and L: -arginine administration on fetal growth and development. Embryo transfer was utilized to generate genetically similar singleton pregnancies. On Day 35 of gestation, ewes were assigned to receive either 50 or 100% of their nutritional requirements. Ewes received i.v. injections of either saline or L: -arginine three times daily from Day 100 to Day 125. Fetal growth was assessed at necropsy on Day 125. Maternal dietary manipulation altered ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524965 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524964&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22130739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mohan S, Wu CC, Shin S, Fung HL Abstract The therapeutic benefits of L: -arginine (ARG) supplementation in humans, often clearly observed in short-term studies, are not evident after long-term use. The mechanisms for the development of ARG tolerance are not known and cannot be readily examined in humans. We have developed a sensitive in vitro model using a low glucose/low arginine culture medium to study the mechanisms of ARG action and tolerance using two different human endothelial cells, i.e., Ea.hy926 and human umbilical venous endothelial cells. Cultured cells were incubated with different concentrations of ARG and other agents to monitor their effects on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and function, as well as glucose and superoxide (O ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524964 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524968&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22120669%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bowser TE, Trawick ML Abstract γ-Glutamylamine cyclotransferase (gGACT) catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of a variety of L: -γ-glutamylamines producing 5-oxo-L: -proline and free amines. Its substrate specificity implicates it in the downstream metabolism of transglutaminase products, and is distinct from that of γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase which acts on L: -γ-glutamyl amino acids. To elucidate the mechanism by which gGACT distinguishes between L: -γ-glutamylamine and amino acid substrates, the specificity of the rabbit kidney enzyme for the amide region of substrates was probed through the kinetic analysis of a series of L: -γ-glutamylamines. The isodipeptide N (ɛ)-(L: -γ-glutamyl)-L: -lysine 1 was used as a reference. The kinetic constants of th... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524968 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524967&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22120670%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gualano B, Everaert I, Stegen S, Artioli GG, Taes Y, Roschel H, Achten E, Otaduy MC, Junior AH, Harris R, Derave W Abstract Carnosine is present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle where it contributes to acid buffering and functions also as a natural protector against oxidative and carbonyl stress. Animal studies have shown an anti-diabetic effect of carnosine supplementation. High carnosinase activity, the carnosine degrading enzyme in serum, is a risk factor for diabetic complications in humans. The aim of the present study was to compare the muscle carnosine concentration in diabetic subjects to the level in non-diabetics. Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients and matched healthy controls (total n = 58) were included in the study. Muscle carnosine content was evaluate... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524967 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524969&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22120616%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kaur I, Yadav SK, Hariprasad G, Gupta RC, Srinivasan A, Batra JK, Puri M Abstract Plant seeds, a rich source of proteins, are considered important for their application as functional ingredients in a food system. A novel ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), balsamin was purified from the seeds of Balsam apple, Momordica balsamina. Balsamin was purified by ion exchange chromatography on CM Sepharose and gel filtration on superdex-75. It has a molecular weight of 28 kDa as shown by SDS-PAGE analysis. Balsamin inhibits protein synthesis in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate-based cell free translation assay with an IC(50) of 90.6 ng ml(-1). It has RNA N-glycosidase activity and releases a 400-base long fragment termed the Endo fragment from 28S rRNA in the same manner as does sa... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524969 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524970&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22116518%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kerkaert B, Mestdagh F, Cucu T, Shrestha K, Van Camp J, De Meulenaer B Abstract Among all dietary proteins, dairy proteins are the most important source of bio-active peptides which can, however, be affected by modifications upon processing and storage. Since it is still unknown to which extent the biological activity of dairy proteins is altered by chemical reactions, this study focuses on the effect of photo-induced molecular changes on the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Milk proteins were dissolved in phosphate buffer containing riboflavin and stored under light at 4°C for one month during which the molecular changes and the ACE-inhibitory activity were analysed. An increase in the total protein carbonyls and the N-formylkynurenine content w... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524970 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524973&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22113643%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Capuozzo E, Pecci L, Giovannitti F, Baseggio Conrado A, Fontana M Abstract Neutrophils play a major role in acute inflammation by generating reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Opioid peptides, including enkephalins, are present at inflammation sites. Neutrophils contribute to protect against inflammatory pain by releasing opioid peptides. In this investigation, the ability of human polymorphonuclear cells to induce oxidative and nitrative modifications of Leu-enkephalin has been investigated in vitro. Activated human neutrophils mediate the oxidation of Leu-enkephalin resulting in the production of dienkephalin. In the presence of nitrite at concentrations observed during inflammatory and infectious process (10-50 μM), nitroenkephalin, a nitrated derivative of Leu-enkepha... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524973 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524972&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22113644%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhao GJ, Cheng CL Abstract Steered molecular dynamics simulations are performed to explore the unfolding and refolding processes of CLN025, a 10-residue beta-hairpin. In unfolding process, when CLN025 is pulled along the termini, the force-extension curve goes back and forth between negative and positive values not long after the beginning of simulation. That is so different from what happens in other peptides, where force is positive most of the time. The abnormal phenomenon indicates that electrostatic interaction between the charged termini plays an important role in the stability of the beta-hairpin. In the refolding process, the collapse to beta-hairpin-like conformations is very fast, within only 3.6 ns, which is driven by hydrophobic interactions at the termini, as... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524972 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524971&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22113645%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Holzmann B Abstract The peripheral nervous system is connected with lymphoid organs through sensory nerves that mediate pain reflexes and may influence immune responses through the release of neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Local and systemic levels of CGRP increase rapidly during inflammatory responses. CGRP inhibits effector functions of various immune cells and dampens inflammation by distinct pathways involving the amplification of IL-10 production and/or the induction of the transcriptional repressor inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Thus, available evidence suggests that, in neuro-immunological interactions, CGRP mediates a potent peptidergic anti-inflammatory pathway. PMID: 22113645 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524971 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524974&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22109787%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roncero-Ramos I, Delgado-Andrade C, Haro A, Ruiz-Roca B, Morales FJ, Navarro MP Abstract Maillard reaction products (MRP) consumption has been related with the development of bone degenerative disorders, probably linked to changes in calcium metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effects of MRP intake from bread crust on calcium balance and its distribution, and bone metabolism. During 88 days, rats were fed control diet or diets containing bread crust as source of MRP, or its soluble high molecular weight, soluble low molecular weight or insoluble fractions (bread crust, HMW, LMW and insoluble diets, respectively). In the final week, a calcium balance was performed, then animals were sacrified and some organs removed to analyse calcium levels. A second balance was carri... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524974 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524976&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22105612%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mukai S, Flematti GR, Byrne LT, Besant PG, Attwood PV, Piggott MJ Abstract Histidine-phosphorylated proteins and the corresponding kinases are important components of bacterial and eukaryotic cell-signalling pathways, and are therefore potential drug targets. The study of these biomolecules has been hampered by the lability of the phosphoramidate functional group in the phosphohistidines and the lack of generic antibodies. Herein, the design and concise synthesis of stable triazolylphosphonate analogues of N1- and N3-phosphohistidine, and derivatives suitable for bioconjugation, are described. PMID: 22105612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524976 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524975&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22105613%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Porta R, Giosafatto CV, di Pierro P, Sorrentino A, Mariniello L Abstract Hen egg can cause food hypersensitivity in infants and young children, and ovomucoid is the most allergenic factor among proteins contained in egg white. Since proteinase treatment, a well-recognized strategy in reducing food allergenicity, is ineffective when applied to ovomucoid because of its ability to act as trypsin inhibitor, we investigated the possibility of reducing the ovomucoid antiprotease activity and antigenic properties by covalently modifying its structure. The present paper reports data showing the ability of the Gln115 residue of ovomucoid to act as an acyl donor substrate for the enzyme transglutaminase and, as a consequence, to give rise to a covalent monodansylcadaverine conjugate... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524975 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524980&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22102053%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fan GL, Li QZ Abstract Knowledge of the submitochondria location of protein is integral to understanding its function and a necessity in the proteomics era. In this work, a new submitochondria data set is constructed, and an approach for predicting protein submitochondria locations is proposed by combining the amino acid composition, dipeptide composition, reduced physicochemical properties, gene ontology, evolutionary information, and pseudo-average chemical shift. The overall prediction accuracy is 93.57% for the submitochondria location and 97.79% for the three membrane protein types in the mitochondria inner membrane using the algorithm of the increment of diversity combined with the support vector machine. The performance of the pseudo-average chemical shift is excell... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524980 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524979&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22102054%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carbonaro M, Maselli P, Nucara A Abstract The secondary structure of proteins in legumes, cereals, milk products and chicken meat was studied by diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy in the region of the amide I band. Major secondary structure components ( β-sheets, random coil, α-helix, turns), together with the low- and high-frequency side contributions, were resolved and related to the in vitro digestibility behaviour of the different foods. A strong inverse correlation between the relative spectral weights of the β-sheet structures and in vitro protein digestibility values was measured. Structural modifications in legume proteins induced by autoclaving were monitored by the changes in the amide I spectra. The results indicate that the β-sheet structures of ra... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524979 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524978&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22102055%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Descôteaux C, Brasseur K, Leblanc V, Parent S, Asselin E, Bérubé G Abstract Amino acids were transformed and coupled to chlorambucil, a well-known chemotherapeutic agent, in an attempt to create new anticancer drugs with selectivity for breast cancer cells. Among the amino acids available, tyrosine was selected to act as an estrogenic ligand. It is hypothesized that tyrosine, which shows some structural similitude with estradiol, could possibly mimic the natural hormone and, subsequently, bind to the estrogen receptor. In this exploratory study, several tyrosine-drug conjugates have been designed. Thus, ortho-, meta- and para-tyrosine-chlorambucil analogs were synthesized in order to generate new anticancer drugs with structural diversity, more specifically in regards t... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524978 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524977&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22102056%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smith AE, Stout JR, Kendall KL, Fukuda DH, Cramer JT Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of β-alanine supplementation on markers of oxidative stress. Twenty-four women (age: 21.7 ± 2.1 years; VO(2)max: 2.6 ± 0.3 l min(-1)) were randomly assigned, in a double-blind fashion, to a β-alanine (BA, 2 × 800 mg tablets, 3× daily; CarnoSyn(®); n = 13) or placebo (PL, 2 × 800 mg maltodextrin tablets, 3× daily; n = 11) group. A graded oxygen consumption test (VO(2)max) was performed to evaluate VO(2)max, time to exhaustion, ventilatory threshold and establish peak velocity (PV). A 40-min treadmill run was used to induce oxidative stress. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, 8-isoprostane (8ISO) and reduced glutathione ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524977 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524984&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22101980%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gualano B, Roschel H, Lancha-Jr AH, Brightbill CE, Rawson ES Abstract There is an extensive and still growing body of the literature supporting the efficacy of creatine (Cr) supplementation. In sports, creatine has been recognized as the most effective nutritional supplement in enhancing exercise tolerance, muscle strength and lean body mass. From a clinical perspective, the application of Cr supplementation is indeed exciting. Evidences of benefits from this supplement have been reported in a broad range of diseases, including myopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, rheumatic diseases, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, after hundreds of published studies and millions of exposures creatine supplementation maintains an excellent safety profile. Thus, we contend tha... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524984 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524983&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22101981%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kulebyakin K, Karpova L, Lakonsteva E, Krasavin M, Boldyrev A Abstract Carnosine is a known protector of neuronal cells against oxidative injury which prevents both apoptotic and necrotic cellular death. It was shown earlier that carnosine serves as an intracellular buffer of free radicals. Using the model of ligand-dependent oxidative stress in neurons, we have shown that homocysteine (HC) initiates long-term activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase, isoforms 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) which corresponds to exitotoxic effect resulting in cellular death. L: -Carnosine (β-alanyl-L: -histidine) protects neurons from both excitotoxic effect of homocysteine and cellular death. Its analogs, β-alanyl-D: -histidine (D: -carnosine) and L: -histid... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524983 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524982&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22101982%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gallego X, Molas S, Amador-Arjona A, Marks MJ, Robles N, Murtra P, Armengol L, Fernández-Montes RD, Gratacòs M, Pumarola M, Cabrera R, Maldonado R, Sabrià J, Estivill X, Dierssen M Abstract Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated pentameric ion channels that account for the effects of nicotine. Recent genetic studies have highlighted the importance of variants of the CHRNA5/A3/B4 genomic cluster in human nicotine dependence. Among these genetic variants those found in non-coding segments of the cluster may contribute to the pathophysiology of tobacco use through alterations in the expression of these genes. To discern the in vivo effects of the cluster, we generated a transgenic mouse overexpressing the human CHRNA5/A3/B4 cluster using a bacterial ar... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524982 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524981&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22101983%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gundacker C, Scheinast M, Damjanovic L, Fuchs C, Rosner M, Hengstschläger M Abstract There are considerable gaps in our knowledge on cell biological effects induced by the heavy metals mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). In the present study we aimed to explore the effects of these toxicants on proliferation and cell size of primary human amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells. Monoclonal human AFS cells were incubated with three dosages of Hg and Pb (single and combined treatment; ranging from physiological to cytotoxic concentrations) and the intracellular Hg and Pb concentrations were analyzed, respectively. At different days of incubation the effects of Hg and Pb on proliferation, cell size, apoptosis, and expression of cyclins and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 were inve... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524981 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524985&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22094542%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Melino S, Zhou M, Tortora M, Paci M, Cavalieri F, Ashokkumar M Abstract Microbubbles (MBs) have specific acoustic properties that make them useful as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging. The use of the MBs in clinical practice led to the development of more sensitive imaging techniques both in cardiology and radiology. Protein-MBs are typically obtained by dispersing a gas phase in the protein solution and the protein deposited/cross-linked on the gas-liquid interface stabilizes the gas core. Innovative applications of protein-MBs prompt the investigation on the properties of MBs obtained using different proteins that are able to confer them specific properties and functionality. Recently, we have synthesized stable air-filled lysozyme-MBs (LysMBs) using high-intensity u... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524985 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524987&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22089882%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tian F, Lv Y, Yang L Abstract The conformational change upon protein-protein binding is largely ignored for a long time in the affinity prediction community. However, it is widely recognized that allosteric effect does play an important role in biomolecular recognition and association. In this article, we describe a new quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR)-based strategy to capture the structural and nonbonding information relating to not only the direct noncovalent interactions between protein binding partners, but also the indirect allosteric effect associated with binding. This method is then employed to quantitatively model and predict the protein-protein binding affinities compiled in a recently published benchmark consisting of 144 functionally diverse... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524987 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524986&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22089883%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Phatak VM, Croft SM, Rameshaiah Setty SG, Scarpellini A, Hughes DC, Rees R, McArdle S, Verderio EA Abstract The multiple enzymatic activities and functions of transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) may be attributed to alternative TG2 molecules produced by differential splicing of TG2 mRNA. Different RNA transcripts of the human TG2 gene (TGM2) have been identified, but the expression of TG2 multiple transcripts has never been systematically addressed. We have confirmed and rationalized the main TG2 variants and developed a screening assay for the detection of alternative splicing of TG2, based on real-time reverse-transcription PCR. We have quantified the multiple TG2 transcripts in a wide range of normal tissues and in cancer cell lines from four different sites of origin. Our da... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524986 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524991&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22086210%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, a novel four-layer predictor (GPCRsG_CWTIT) based on support vector machine (SVM), continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and information theory (IT) is developed to classify G proteins and predict the coupling specificity between GPCRs and G proteins. SVM is used for construction of models. CWT and IT are used to characterize the primary structure of protein. Performance of GPCRsG_CWTIT is evaluated with cross-validation test on various working dataset. The overall accuracy of the G proteins at the levels of class and family is 98.23 and 85.42%, respectively. The accuracy of the coupling specificity prediction varies from 74.60 to 94.30%. These results indicate that the proposed predictor is an effective and feasible tool to predict the coupling specificity between GPCRs and G ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524991 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524990&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22086211%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ren W, Luo W, Wu M, Liu G, Yu X, Fang J, Li T, Yin Y, Wu G Abstract Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes reproductive failure in swine. As glutamine can enhance immune function in animals, this study was conducted with mice to test the hypothesis that dietary glutamine supplementation will improve pregnancy outcome in PCV2-infected dams. Beginning on day 0 of gestation, mice were fed a standard diet supplemented with 1.0% L: -glutamine or 1.22% L: -alanine (isonitrogenous control). All mice were infected with PCV2 (2000 TCID(50)) on day 10 of gestation. On day 17 of gestation, six mice from each group were euthanized to obtain maternal tissues and fetuses for hematology and histopathology tests. The remaining mice continued to receive their respective diets supplemented... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524990 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524989&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22086212%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Squerzanti M, Cervellati C, Ura B, Mischiati C, Pucci P, Annunziata S, Iannone C, Casadio R, Bergamini CM, Esposito C Abstract Subunit T of the native muscle troponin complex is a recognised substrate of transglutaminase both in vitro and in situ with formation of isopeptide bonds. Using a proteomic approach, we have now determined the precise site of in vitro labelling of the protein. A preparation of troponin purified from ether powder from mixed rabbit skeletal muscles was employed as transglutaminase substrate. The only isoform TnT2F present in our preparation was recognised as acyl-substrate by human type 2 transglutaminase which specifically modified glutamine 13 in the N-terminal region. During the reaction, the troponin protein complex was polymerized. Results are ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524989 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5524988&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22086213%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moon PD, Kim HM Abstract Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a key mediator of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Selenium (Se) has various effects such as antioxidant, antitumor, antiulcer, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of Se on the production of TSLP has not been clarified. Thus, we investigated how Se inhibits the production of TSLP in the human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. Se suppressed the production and mRNA expression of TSLP in HMC-1 cells. The maximal inhibition rate of TSLP production by Se (10 μM) was 59.14 ± 1.10%. In addition, Se suppressed the nuclear factor-κB luciferase activity induced by phorbol myristate acetate plus A23187. In the activated HMC-1 cells, the activation of caspase-1 wa... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5524988 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5524988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411313&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22083892%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kumar S, Mehta K Abstract Despite significant advances in surgery and biology, cancer remains a major health problem. It is now well accepted that metastasis and cancer cells' acquired or inherent resistance to conventional therapies are major roadblocks to successful treatment. Chronic inflammation is an important driving force that provides a favorable platform for cancer's progression and development and suggests a link between inflammation and metastatic transformation. However, how chronic inflammation contributes to metastatic cell transformation is not well understood. According to the current theory of cancer progression, a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors is responsible for their metastasis, resistance, and sustenance. Whether CSCs origina... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411313 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411312&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22083893%26dopt%3DAbstract We report here the contribution of AtoSC in E. coli motility and chemotaxis. AtoSC locus deletion in ΔatoSC cells renders cells not motile or responsive against any chemoattractant or repellent independently of the AtoSC inducer's presence. AtoSC expression through plasmid complemented the ΔatoSC phenotype. Cells expressing either AtoS or AtoC demonstrated analogous motility and chemotactic phenotypes as ΔatoSC cells, independently of AtoSC inducer's presence. Mutations of AtoC phosphate-acceptor sites diminished or abrogated E. coli chemotaxis. trAtoC, the AtoC constitutive active form which lacks its receiver domain, up-regulated E. coli motility. AtoSC enhanced the transcription of the flhDC and fliAZY operons and to a lesser extent of the flgBCDEFGHIJKL operon. The AtoSC-mediated re... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411312 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411315&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22080215%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pan C, Prentice H, Price AL, Wu JY Abstract Stroke (hypoxia) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the developed countries, and it can induce excessive glutamate release and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Taurine, as a free amino acid, present in high concentrations in a range of organs in mammals, can provide protection against multiple neurological diseases. Here, we present a study to investigate the potential protective benefits of taurine against ER stress induced by glutamate and hypoxia/reoxygenation in primary cortical neuronal cultures. We found that taurine suppresses the up-regulation of caspase-12 and GADD153/CHOP induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation, suggesting that taurine may exert a protective function against hypoxia/reoxygenation by reducing the ER... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411315 Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411314&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22080216%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we describe a simple HPLC method to determine the concentrations of CR, GA, and CN using a weak-acid ion chromatography column with a UV detector without any derivatization. CR, GA, and CN were separated clearly with the retention times (mean ± SD, n = 3) of 5.54 ± 0.0035 min for CR, 6.41 ± 0.0079 min for GA, and 13.53 ± 0.046 min for CN. This new method should provide a simple screening test for the diagnosis of CCDS. PMID: 22080216 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411314 Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411318&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22080207%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Agostinelli E PMID: 22080207 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411318 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411317&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22080208%26dopt%3DAbstract This study is carried out in connection with a material-based approach, termed as material-enhanced laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. DLC is selected as carrier surface which provides large surface to volume ratio and offers high sensitivity. DLC has a dual role of working as MALDI target while acting as an interface for protein profiling by specifically binding peptides and proteins out of serum samples. Serum constituents are bound through immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) functionality, created through glycidyl methacrylate polymerization under ultraviolet light followed by further derivatization with iminodiacetic acid and copper ion loading. Scanning electron microscopy highlights the morphological characteristics of DLC surface. It could be demonstrate... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411317 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411316&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22080209%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Perez Alea M, Thomas V, Martin G, El Alaoui S Abstract Transglutaminases (TGs) expression and enzymatic activities in human saliva were investigated. Specific antibodies showed the co-existence of TG1, TG2, TG3 and TG4. TG2 and TG3 were found in native and multiple proteolytic forms. Our data indicate that TG1 and TG2 isoenzymes are highly active with the major activity attributed to TG1. These findings pave the way for future studies on the physiological role of TG in the oral cavity and the potential impact of their deregulation in TG-associated oral diseases. PMID: 22080209 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411316 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411319&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22075968%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, HCh-II children do not have elevated ADMA plasma levels, largely due to an apparent increase in DDAH activity. While this would tend to limit development of endothelial dysfunction, it is not clear whether this might be medication-induced or represent a primary change in HCh-II children. PMID: 22075968 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411319 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411320&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22068917%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation with a combination of arginine and glutamine on the intestinal mucosa and inflammatory cytokines of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced adult rats. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats (average weight of 185 ± 15 g) were randomly divided into five groups: control group A (CA) and control group B (CB), both orally supplemented with 0.9% saline; group Arg, supplemented with 300 mg/kg day(-1) arginine; group Gln, supplemented with 300 mg/kg day(-1) glutamine; group AG, supplemented with 150 mg/kg day(-1) arginine and 150 mg/kg day(-1) glutamine. The experiment lasted for 2 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured during the experiment. At 10.00 h of day 15, animals were injected with 4 mg/kg LPS (group CB,... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411320 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5411320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5411321&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22057667%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pohl G, Beke-Somfai T, Csizmadia IG, Perczel A Abstract Due to the two methylene groups in their backbone, β-amino acids can adopt numerous secondary structures, including helices, sheets and nanotubes. Chirality introduced by the additional side chains can significantly influence the folding preference of β-peptides composed of chiral β-amino acids. However, only conceptual suggestions are present in the literature about the effect of chirality on folding preferences. Summarizing both the experimental and computational results, Seebach (Chem Biodivers 1:1111-1240, 2004) has proposed the first selection rule on the effect of side chain chirality, on the folding preference of β-peptides. In order to extend and fine-tune the aforementioned predictions of Seebach, we have... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5411321 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5411321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375952&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22045384%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Higuchi M, Celino FT, Tamai A, Miura C, Miura T Abstract In teleost fish, the progestin 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) is an essential component of the spermatogenesis pathway. In a series of investigations on the mechanisms underlying progestin-stimulated spermatogenesis, we have found that DHP up-regulates the expression of cysteine dioxygenase1 (CDO1) in the Japanese eel testis. CDO1 is one of the enzymes involved in the taurine biosynthesis pathway. To evaluate whether taurine is synthesized in the eel testis, cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD), another enzyme involved in taurine synthesis, was isolated from this species. RT-PCR and in vitro eel testicular culture revealed that although CSD was also expressed in eel testis, neither DHP nor other sex ste... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375952 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375951&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22045385%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sase A, Khan D, Höger H, Lubec G Abstract The involvement of the hippocampus in pain has been demonstrated but key players, i.e. the major brain receptors have not been shown to be modulated by pain. It was therefore the aim of the study to show the concerted action and pattern of brain receptor complex levels in a non-invasive model of moderate pain. C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups of 14 animals each: trained injected, trained non-injected, yoked injected and yoked non-injected. Animals were tested in the open field and the elevated plus maze for behavioural evaluation and cognitive functions were tested using the Morris Water Maze. Hippocampi were taken 6 h following sacrification. Membrane proteins were prepared by ultracentrifugation and run on blue nativ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375951 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375950&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22045386%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Watanabe K, Tsunoda K, Itoh M, Fukui M, Mori H, Hitomi K Abstract Differentiated osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1 expresses transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and Factor XIII (FXIII). In previous studies, we identified isozyme-specific and highly reactive glutamine-donor substrate peptides (pepF11KA and pepT26) for each isozyme. Using these peptides, we compared the reaction products with lysine-donor substrates for each isozyme in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells. By this analysis, distinct substrates for the activated TG2 and FXIII were detected in cultured cellular extract. Possible substrates that incorporated biotin-labeled peptides were further purified using streptavidin-affinity chromatography. Several isozyme-specific substrates were identified by mass spectrometry analysis o... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375950 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375953&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22038238%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Naqash SY, Nazeer RA Abstract In the present study, protein of muscles of commercially important marine fishes Nemipterus japonicus and Exocoetus volitans were extracted by trypsin and their hydrolysis conditions viz., temperature, time, and enzyme to substrate concentration on degree of hydrolysis were studied by response surface methodology. The optimum values for N. japonicus was found as temperature, 30°C, hydrolysis time of 100 min an enzyme/substrate concentration of 1.59% whereas, for E. volitans muscle protein, optimum hydrolysis conditions were temperature, 30°C, hydrolysis time of 115 min and enzyme/substrate concentration of 1.67%. Furthermore, amino acid sequence of antioxidant peptides derived after chromatographic purification was identified by ESI-MS/MS.... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375953 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375958&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22038178%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mishra V, Kumar A, Ali V, Nozaki T, Zhang KY, Bhakuni V Abstract Site-directed mutagenesis study was performed to elucidate the role of conserved tryptophan-101 present at the active site of phosphoserine aminotransferase from an enteric human parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and molecular dynamic simulation show that the indole ring of Trp101 stacks with the cofactor PLP. Loss of enzymatic activity and PLP polarization values suggest that Trp101 plays a major role in maintaining a defined PLP microenvironment essentially required for optimal enzymatic activity. Studies on W101F, W101H and W101A mutants show that only the indole ring of the conserved Trp101 forms most favorable stacking interaction with the pyridine ring of t... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375958 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375957&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22038179%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we present the synthesis and some pharmacological properties of fourteen new analogues of neurohypophyseal hormones conformationally restricted in the N-terminal part of the molecule. All new peptides were substituted at position 2 with cis-1-amino-4-phenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid (cis-Apc). Moreover, one of the new analogues: [cis-Apc(2), Val(4)]AVP was also prepared in N-acylated forms with various bulky acyl groups. All the peptides were tested for pressor, antidiuretic, and in vitro uterotonic activities. We also determined the binding affinity of the selected compounds to human OT receptor. Our results showed that introduction of cis -Apc(2) in position 2 of either AVP or OT resulted in analogues with high antioxytocin potency. Two of the new compounds, [M... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375957 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375955&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22038181%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Monincová L, Slaninová J, Fučík V, Hovorka O, Voburka Z, Bednárová L, Maloň P, Stokrová J, Ceřovský V Abstract In the venom of eusocial bee Lasioglossum laticeps, we identified a novel unique antimicrobial peptide named lasiocepsin consisting of 27 amino acid residues and two disulfide bridges. After identifying its primary structure, we synthesized lasiocepsin by solid-phase peptide synthesis using two different approaches for oxidative folding. The oxidative folding of fully deprotected linear peptide resulted in a mixture of three products differing in the pattern of disulfide bridges. Regioselective disulfide bond formation significantly improved the yield of desired product. The synthetic lasiocepsin possessed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positiv... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375955 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375954&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22038182%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Niu B, Wang D, Yang Y, Xu H, Qiao M Abstract The class II hydrophobin HFBI from Trichoderma reesei was heterologously expressed by Pichia pastoris using pPIC9 vector under the control of the promoter AOX1. The recombinant HFBI (rHFBI) was purified by ultrafiltration and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Tricine-SDS-PAGE and Western blotting demonstrated that rHFBI with the expected molecular weight of 7.5 kDa was secreted into the culture medium. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements indicated that rHFBI could lead to the conversion of the wettability of the hydrophobic siliconized glass and hydrophilic mica surfaces relying on the self-assembly membrane on hydrophobic/hydrophilic interfaces. It was demonstrated that rHF... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375954 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375956&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22038180%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we report that anti-tTG antibodies, both commercial and from a CD patient, induce a rapid Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores in Caco-2 cells. We characterized the mechanism of Ca(2+) release using thapsigargin and carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, which are able to deplete specifically endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria of Ca(2+), respectively. Our data highlight that both pathways of calcium release were involved, thus indicating that the spectrum of cellular responses downstream can be very wide. In addition, we demonstrate that the increased Ca(2+) level in the cells evoked by anti-tTG antibodies was sufficient to activate tTG, which is normally present as a latent protein due to the presence of low Ca(2+) and to the inhibitory effect of GT... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375956 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375965&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22016193%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Albalat-Serradeil M, Primazot G, Wilhelm D, Vallejos JC, Vanthuyne N, Roussel C Abstract The first successful resolution of rac-α-aminoacetals via diastereoisomeric salt formation with optically pure N-protected aminoacids is reported. The absolute configuration assignment of α-aminoacetal enantiomers is performed by an entirely non-racemizing chemical correlation method involving N-protection and a new efficient hydrolysis step followed by a reduction of the resulting N-protected α-aminoaldehyde intermediates. A racemization method of optically enriched α-aminoacetals is exemplified to allow valorisation of both enantiomers. PMID: 22016193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375965 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5375959&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22016194%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Du Y, Meng Q, Zhang Q, Guo F Abstract There has been a growing interest in controlling body weight by increasing dietary levels of leucine recently. By contrast, we have focused on studying the effect of deficiency of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine on lipid metabolism. We previously have shown that mice fed a leucine-deficient diet for 7 days exhibit significant changes in lipid metabolism as demonstrated by suppressed lipogenesis in the liver and increased fat mobilization in white adipose tissue, the latter of which was found to be caused by increased lipolysis in WAT and uncoupling protein 1 expression in brown adipose tissue. The goal of our current study is to investigate whether the above effects of leucine deficiency can be generalized to the deficiency... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5375959 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5375959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376123&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22009138%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hao X, Yang H, Wei L, Yang S, Zhu W, Ma D, Yu H, Lai R Abstract Cathelicidins comprise a family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) sharing a highly conserved cathelin domain, and play a central role in the innate defense against infection in most of vertebrates. But so far it has not yet been found in amphibians although a large number of other groups of AMPs have been identified. In the current work, the first amphibian cathelicidin (cathelicidin-AL) has been characterized from the frog skin of Amolops loloensis. Cathelicidin-AL (RRSRRGRGGGRRGGSGGRGGRGGGGRSGAGSSIAGVGSRGGGGGRHYA) is a cationic peptide containing 48 amino acid residues (aa) with 12 basic aa and no acidic aa. The chemical synthesized peptide efficiently killed bacteria and some fungal species including clinica... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376123 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376117&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22009139%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of creatine supplementation on muscle and plasma markers of oxidative stress after acute aerobic exercise. A total of 64 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control group (n = 32) and creatine-supplemented group (n = 32). Creatine supplementation consisted of the addition of 2% creatine monohydrate to the diet. After 28 days, the rats performed an acute moderate aerobic exercise bout (1-h swimming with 4% of total body weight load). The animals were killed before (pre) and at 0, 2 and 6 h (n = 8) after acute exercise. As expected, plasma and total muscle creatine concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the creatine-supplemented group compared to control. Acute exercise increased plasma thiobarbituric a... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376117 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376052&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22009140%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takeuchi S, Nawashiro H, Wada K, Nomura N, Toyooka T, Otani N, Osada H, Matsuo H, Shinomiya N Abstract Glioma is the most common type of brain tumor, and has the worst prognosis in human malignancy. Experimental evidence suggests that the use of high concentrations of various amino acids may perturb neoplastic cell growth. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether essential amino acids can alter the growth and proliferation of glioma cells. Studies were performed using C6 rat glioma cell lines. High concentration of L: -leucine induced growth arrest of glioma cell lines. Terminal transferase uridyl nick end labeling assay and cell cycle analysis showed that the effect of L: -leucine on glioma cells growth was not cytotoxic, but rather cytostatic. Additionally,... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376052 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376259&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22002793%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, differences in KTi proteome between Tia and Tib were investigated using three soybean cultivars and three mutant lines. Two cultivars, Baekwoon (BW) and Paldal (PD), and one mutant line, SW115-24, were Tia type, whereas one soybean cultivar, Suwon115 (SW115), and two mutant lines, BW-7-2 and PD-5-10, were Tib type. Protein from the six soybean lines was extracted and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (non-denaturing PAGE), and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE). By SDS-PAGE, there was no difference between soybean cultivars and mutant lines, except for SW115-24. Western blot analysis revealed that, in comparison with Tia, Tib type accumulated relatively lo... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376259 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376258&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22002794%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fíla J, Honys D Abstract Rapid changes of protein phosphorylation play a crucial role in the regulation of many cellular processes. Being post-translationally modified, phosphoproteins are often present in quite low abundance and tend to co-exist with their unphosphorylated isoform within the cell. To make their identification more practicable, the use of enrichment protocols is often required. The enrichment strategies can be performed either at the level of phosphoproteins or at the level of phosphopeptides. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Most enriching strategies are based on chemical modifications, affinity chromatography to capture peptides and proteins containing negatively charged phosphate groups onto a positively charged matrix, or immun... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376258 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376214&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22002795%26dopt%3DAbstract This report describes the comparison of two routes to obtain Fmoc-(L: ) Sip-OH on the gram scale using chiral HPLC resolution. PMID: 22002795 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376214 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5376132&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22002796%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bakillah A, Guillot R, Urios P, Grigorova-Borsos AM, Sternberg M Abstract Collagen IV accumulation is characteristic of diabetic angiopathy. To test the possible contribution of GH, we studied its effects on collagen IV production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells at 5.5 and 16.7 mmol/l glucose. GH (100 ng/ml) markedly increased collagen IV level in the culture supernatant and in the insoluble extracellular matrix and cell fraction at both glucose concentrations. This stimulating effect of GH was additional to that of high glucose. It was more pronounced on collagen IV than on total protein synthesis. GH increased free latent gelatinase activity slightly at normal and markedly at high glucose. Using GF109203X, a PKC inhibitor, we observed that high glucose, but n... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5376132 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5376132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323904&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21997535%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cigala RM, Crea F, De Stefano C, Lando G, Milea D, Sammartano S Abstract The acid-base properties of γ-L: -glutamyl-L: -cysteinyl-glycine (glutathione, GSH) were determined by potentiometry (ISE-H(+), glass electrode) in pure NaI((aq)) and in NaCl((aq))/MgCl(2(aq)), and NaCl((aq))/CaCl(2(aq)) mixtures, at T = 298.15 K and different ionic strengths (up to I ( c ) ~ 5.0 mol L(-1)). In addition, the activity coefficients of glutathione were also determined by the distribution method at the same temperature in various ionic media (LiCl((aq)), NaCl((aq)), KCl((aq)), CsCl((aq)), MgCl(2(aq)), CaCl(2(aq)), NaI((aq))). The results obtained were also used to calculate the Specific ion Interaction Theory (SIT) and Pitzer coefficients for the de... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323904 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323903&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21997536%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Thakur S, Baydoun AR Abstract Upregulation of L: -arginine transport by pro-inflammatory mediators is a widely reported phenomenon which accompanies the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme in various cells. Both processes require de novo protein synthesis which may be regulated differentially through diverging signalling pathways. This is particularly defined by observations that the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, acting potentially through NF-κB, selectively blocks the expression of iNOS whilst having little or no effect on transport; suggesting that this ubiquitous transcription factor may not be required for induced transporter activity. This notion is however controversial as is the suggestion that dexamethasone may regulate iNOS expression ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323903 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323902&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21997537%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Garabuczi E, Kiss B, Felszeghy S, Tsay GJ, Fésüs L, Szondy Z Abstract Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been known for a long time to be associated with the in vivo apoptosis program of various cell types including T cells. Though the expression of the enzyme was strongly induced in mouse thymocytes following apoptosis induction in vivo, no significant induction of TG2 could be detected, when thymocytes were induced to die by the same stimuli in vitro indicating that signals arriving from the tissue environment are required for the in vivo induction of the enzyme in apoptotic thymocytes. Previous studies have shown that one of these signals is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) which is released by macrophages engulfing apoptotic cells. Besides TGF-β, the TG2 promoter co... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323902 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323907&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21993536%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nokihara K, Hirata A, Sogon T, Ohyama T Abstract Focusing on drug discovery non-proteinogenic amino acids have often been used as important building blocks for construction of compound libraries in the filed of combinatorial chemistry and chemical biology. Highly homogeneous L: -mimosine, α-amino-β-(3-hydoxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyridin-1-yl)-propanoic acid, a non-proteinogenic amino acid, has been successfully isolated and purified on an industrial scale from wild leaves of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala de Wit) which is a widely distributed legume in Okinawa, a sub-tropical island in Japan. Optical purity determinations used for quality control have been established through diastereomer formation. Physico-chemical properties and biological properties of purified mimosine ... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323907 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323906&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21993537%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saha I, Maulik U, Bandyopadhyay S, Plewczynski D Abstract In this article, we categorize presently available experimental and theoretical knowledge of various physicochemical and biochemical features of amino acids, as collected in the AAindex database of known 544 amino acid (AA) indices. Previously reported 402 indices were categorized into six groups using hierarchical clustering technique and 142 were left unclustered. However, due to the increasing diversity of the database these indices are overlapping, therefore crisp clustering method may not provide optimal results. Moreover, in various large-scale bioinformatics analyses of whole proteomes, the proper selection of amino acid indices representing their biological significance is crucial for efficient and error-pro... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323906 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323905&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21993538%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nanni L, Brahnam S, Lumini A Abstract The last decade has seen an explosion in the collection of protein data. To actualize the potential offered by this wealth of data, it is important to develop machine systems capable of classifying and extracting features from proteins. Reliable machine systems for protein classification offer many benefits, including the promise of finding novel drugs and vaccines. In developing our system, we analyze and compare several feature extraction methods used in protein classification that are based on the calculation of texture descriptors starting from a wavelet representation of the protein. We then feed these texture-based representations of the protein into an Adaboost ensemble of neural network or a support vector machine classifier. I... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323905 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323908&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21989830%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rajendran V, Purohit R, Sethumadhavan R Abstract Lamin A/C proteins are the major components of a thin proteinaceous filamentous meshwork, the lamina, that underlies the inner nuclear membrane. A few specific mutations in the lamin A/C gene cause a disease with remarkably different clinical features: FPLD, or familial partial lipodystrophy (Dunnigan-type), which mainly affects adipose tissue. Lamin A/C mutant R482W is the key variant that causes FPLD. Biomolecular interaction and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis were performed to understand dynamic behavior of native and mutant structures at atomic level. Mutant lamin A/C (R482W) showed more interaction with its biological partners due to its expansion of interaction surface and flexible nature of binding residu... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323908 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323911&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21986958%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, taurine prevented the HU-induced phenotypic transition of soleus muscle and might attenuate the atrophic process. These findings argue for the beneficial use of taurine in the treatment of disuse-induced muscle dysfunction. PMID: 21986958 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323911 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323909&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21986960%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sivaramakrishnan M, Shooter GK, Upton Z, Croll TI Abstract Transglutaminases are confounding enzymes which are known to play key roles in various cellular processes. In this paper, we aim to bring together several pieces of evidence from published research and literature that suggest a potentially vital role for transglutaminases in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signalling. We cite literature that confirms and suggests the formation of integrin:RTK:transglutaminase complexes and explores the occurrence and functionality of these complexes in a large fraction of the RTK family. PMID: 21986960 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323909 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323918&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984376%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dessì M, Noce A, Dawood KF, Galli F, Taccone-Gallucci M, Fabrini R, Bocedi A, Massoud R, Fucci G, Pastore A, Manca di Villahermosa S, Zingaretti V, Federici G, Ricci G Abstract The erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase (e-GST) is a member of a superfamily of inducible enzymes involved in cell detoxification that shows an increased expression in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We propose a new automated analysis procedure for e-GST activity that has been validated in 72 CKD patients and 62 maintenance hemodialysis patients (MHD). Regression analysis was carried out to assess association between e-GST activity data, main clinical variables, and plasma homocysteine (Hcy), a modified sulfur amino acid known as potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease that is in... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323918 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323917&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984377%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Adeva MM, Calviño J, Souto G, Donapetry C Abstract Peripheral resistance to insulin action is the major mechanism causing the metabolic syndrome and eventually type 2 diabetes mellitus. The metabolic derangement associated with insulin resistance is extensive and not restricted to carbohydrates. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are particularly responsive to the inhibitory insulin action on amino acid release by skeletal muscle and their metabolism is profoundly altered in conditions featuring insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, or both. Obesity, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus display a gradual increase in the plasma concentration of BCAAs, from the obesity-related low-grade insulin-resistant state to the severe deficiency of insulin action in diab... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323917 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323916&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984378%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jandu SK, Webb AK, Pak A, Sevinc B, Nyhan D, Belkin AM, Flavahan NA, Berkowitz DE, Santhanam L Abstract The multifunctional enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2) contributes to the development and progression of several cardiovascular diseases. Extracellular rather than intracellular TG2 is enzymatically active, however, the mechanism by which it is exported out of the cell remains unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) is shown to constrain TG2 externalization in endothelial and fibroblast cells. Here, we examined the role of both exogenous and endogenous (endothelial cell-derived) NO in regulating TG2 localization in vascular cells and tissue. NO synthase inhibition in endothelial cells (ECs) using N-nitro L: -arginine methyl ester (L: -NAME) led to a time-dependent decrease in S-nit... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323916 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323915&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984379%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Thomas H, Beck K, Adamczyk M, Aeschlimann P, Langley M, Oita RC, Thiebach L, Hils M, Aeschlimann D Abstract Transglutaminases (TG) form a family of enzymes that catalyse various post-translational modifications of glutamine residues in proteins and peptides including intra- and intermolecular isopeptide bond formation, esterification and deamidation. We have characterized a novel member of the mammalian TG family, TG6, which is expressed in a human carcinoma cell line with neuronal characteristics and in mouse brain. Besides full-length protein, alternative splicing results in a short variant lacking the second β-barrel domain in man and a variant with truncated β-sandwich domain in mouse. Biochemical data show that TG6 is allosterically regulated by Ca(2+) and guanine n... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323915 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323914&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984380%26dopt%3DAbstract This study demonstrates that the 2-helix protein based probes, (64)Cu/(111)In DOTA-MUT-DS, are promising molecular probes for imaging HER2-positive tumor. Two-helix small protein scaffold holds great promise as a novel and robust platform for imaging and therapy applications. PMID: 21984380 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323914 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323913&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984381%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pini A, Lozzi L, Bernini A, Brunetti J, Falciani C, Scali S, Bindi S, Di Maggio T, Rossolini GM, Niccolai N, Bracci L Abstract The tetra-branched peptide M33 (Pini et al. in FASEB J 24:1015-1022, 2010) is under evaluation in animal models for its activity as antimicrobial agent in lung infections and sepsis. The preclinical development of a new drug requires medium-scale manufacture for tests of efficacy, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and toxicity. In order to produce the most suitable peptide form for these purposes, we evaluated the behaviour of the peptide M33 obtained with different counter-ions. We compared activity and toxicity in vitro and in vivo of the peptide M33 produced as trifluoroacetate salt (TFacetate) and as acetate salt. The two forms did not differ s... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323913 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323912&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21984382%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion it was shown that CML absorption and faecal excretion were highly influenced by dietary CML levels. Since the compound has long-term effects on health, an excessive intake deserves attention, especially in a population nutritionally at risk as adolescents. PMID: 21984382 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323912 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5323910&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21986959%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, a new machine learning approach has been developed for predicting sumoylation sites from protein sequence information. Random forests (RFs) and support vector machines (SVMs) were trained with the data collected from the literature. Domain-specific knowledge in terms of relevant biological features was used for input vector encoding. It was shown that RF classifier performance was affected by the sequence context of sumoylation sites, and 20 residues with the core motif ΨKXE in the middle appeared to provide enough context information for sumoylation site prediction. The RF classifiers were also found to outperform SVM models for predicting protein sumoylation sites from sequence features. The results suggest that the machine learning approach gives rise to more accurate pr... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5323910 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5323910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5293598&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21971909%26dopt%3DAbstract This study used behavioral assessments to determine whether hypotaurine influenced nociceptive transmission in acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain. The tail flick, paw pressure, and formalin tests were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats to examine the effects of the intrathecal administration of hypotaurine (100, 200, 400, 600 μg) on thermal, mechanical, and chemical nociception. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve was induced in the rats, and the electronic von Frey test and plantar test were performed to assess the effects on neuropathic pain. To determine which neurotransmitter pathway(s) was involved in the action of hypotaurine, in this study, we examined how the antagonists of spinal pain processing receptors altered the effect of 600 μg hypotaurine. T... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5293598 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5293598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5293601&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21968500%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the solution structure of Pu14a was investigated using (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to understand the structure-activity relationship of this conotoxin. 20 converged structures of this conopeptide, with RMSD value of 0.77 Å, were obtained based on distance constraints, dihedral angles and disulfide bond constraints. The three-dimensional structure of Pu14a showed remarkable difference from typical α-conotoxins because of a large intercysteine loop between C2 and C13, as well as a 3(10)-helix near the C-terminal. Furthermore, four proline residues in Pu14a adopted the trans conformation that may correlate with the large loop configuration and the biological activity of this conopeptide. The distinct structural characteristics of Pu14a will be very useful fo... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5293601 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5293601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5293600&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21968501%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: André C, Calmès M, Escale F, Amblard M, Martinez J, Songis O Abstract Constrained enantiopure bicyclic β-amino acids derived from the asymmetric Diels-Alder reaction of the (R)-benzyl-4-(3-acryloyloxy-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-benzoate and the 1-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)cyclohexadiene provide original templates for the construction of new rigid enantiopure 1,3-amino alcohols. PMID: 21968501 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5293600 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5293600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5293599&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21968502%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Meng F, He F, Song X, Zhang L, Hu W, Liu G, Xu J Abstract Both sulfonopeptides and phosphonopeptides are important analogs of naturally occurring peptides and have been widely used as enzyme inhibitors and haptens for producing catalytic antibodies due to their tetrahedrally structural features. A series of hybrid sulfonophosphinodipeptides composing of taurines and 1-aminoalkylphosphinic acids were first and conveniently synthesized in satisfactory to good yields via a Mannich-type reaction of N-benzyloxycarbonylaminoalkanesulfonamides, aldehydes, and aryldichlorophosphines, and subsequent hydrolysis. The current method provides an efficient and direct synthesis of hybrid sulfonophosphinodipeptides. PMID: 21968502 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Aci... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5293599 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5293599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5293602&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21964984%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen C, Chi YJ, Zhao MY, Lv L Abstract Egg white proteins were hydrolysed separately using five different proteases to obtain antioxidant peptides. The antioxidant activity of egg white protein hydrolysates was influenced by the time of hydrolysis and the type of enzyme. Of the various hydrolysates produced, papain hydrolysate obtained by 3-h hydrolysis (PEWPH) displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. PEWPH could also quench the superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals, effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation and exhibit reducing power. Then, PEWPH was purified sequentially by ultrafiltration, gel filtration, RP-HPLC and two fractions with relatively strong antioxidant activity were subsequently subjected to LC-MS/MS for peptide sequence identification. The seq... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5293602 Sun, 02 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5293602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5293603&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21964968%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen F, Ma B, Yang ZC, Lin G, Yang D Abstract The metabolic stability of peptides containing a mixed sequence of α-aminoxy acids and α-amino acids is significantly improved compared to peptides composed of only natural α-amino acids. The introduction of an α-aminoxy acid into peptide chain dramatically improves the stability of the amide bonds immediately before and after it. These peptides containing α-aminoxy acids represent excellent structural scaffold for the design of metabolically stable and biologically active peptides. PMID: 21964968 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5293603 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5293603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225480&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21915798%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 21915798 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Amino Acids) Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225480 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:32:55 +0100 5225480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225477&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21922266%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scholz S, Liebler EK, Eickmann B, Fritz HJ, Diederichsen U Abstract The integration host factor (IHF) is a protein which sequence specifically induces a bend of double-stranded DNA by more than 160°. Based on IHF as lead structure, a peptide mimic was introduced resembling the positively charged body of the protein by a lysine dendrimer and the minor groove recognition loop by a cyclopeptide. The proline located close to the tip of the recognition loop intercalates between the base pair plane. It was modified in order to evaluate the influence of the side chain residue with respect to size (1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid), aromaticity (phenylalanine), conformation of the five-membered ring [(4R)-fluoroproline, (4S)-fluoroproline, 3,4-dehydroproline], and... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225477 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225476&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21922267%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cheng RP, Weng YJ, Wang WR, Koyack MJ, Suzuki Y, Wu CH, Yang PA, Hsu HC, Kuo HT, Girinath P, Fang CJ Abstract Arginine (Arg) has been used for recognizing negatively charged biological molecules, cell penetration, and oligosaccharide mass signal enhancement. The versatility of Arg has inspired the need to develop Arg analogs and to research the structural effects of incorporating Arg analogs. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of Arg side chain length on helix formation by studying 12 Ala-based peptides containing the Arg analogs (S)-2-amino-6-guanidino-hexanoic acid (Agh), (S)-2-amino-4-guanidinobutyric acid (Agb), and (S)-2-amino-3-guanidinopropionic acid (Agp). Solid phase guanidinylation with orthogonal protection strategies was necessary to synthesize Agb- and Ag... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225476 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225479&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21918875%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang L, Jia L, Zhang L, Guo H, Zhou Z, Weng J, Qi F Abstract Cyclic dipeptides, due to their chemical properties and various bioactivities, are very attractive for medicinal chemistry. Fragmentations of three simple cyclic dipeptides including cyclo(Gly-Gly), cyclo(Ala-Ala) and cyclo(Gly-Val) in the gas-phase are determined with synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry (VUV PIMS) and theoretical calculations. Cyclo(Gly-Gly) and cyclo(Ala-Ala) show the similar fragmentation pathways. The primary decomposition reactions of cyclo(Gly-Gly) and cyclo(Ala-Ala) radical cations are found to be HNCO loss and CO elimination. The appearance energies (AEs) of fragment ions [CH(2)NHCOCH(2)](+•) and [CH(3)CHNHCOCHCH(3)](+•) are measured to be 10.21 and... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225479 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225478&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21918876%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Caporale A, Gesiot L, Sturlese M, Wittelsberger A, Mammi S, Peggion E Abstract The N-terminal 1-34 segment of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is fully active in vitro and in vivo and it elicits all the biological responses characteristic of the native intact PTH. Recent studies reported potent helical analogues of the PTH (1-11) with helicity-enhancing substitutions. This work describes the synthesis, biological activity, and conformational studies of analogues obtained from the most active non-natural PTH (1-11) peptide H-Aib-Val-Aib-Glu-Ile-Gln-Leu-Nle-His-Gln-Har-NH(2); specifically, the replacement of Val in position 2 with D: -Val, L: -(αMe)-Val and N-isopropyl-Gly was studied. The synthesized analogues were characterized functionally by in-cell assays and their structures... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225478 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225481&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21915696%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Conradi J, Huber S, Gaus K, Mertink F, Royo Gracia S, Strijowski U, Backert S, Sewald N Abstract The human pathogen Helicobacter pylori that may cause different gastric diseases exploits integrins for infection of gastric cells. The H. pylori protein CagL present on the outer region of the type IV secretion pilus contains an RGD sequence (-Arg-Gly-Asp-) that enables binding to cells presenting integrins α(5)β(1) and α(V)β(3). This interaction can be inhibited with conformationally designed cyclic RGD peptides derived from the CagL epitope -Ala-Leu-Arg-Gly-Asp-Leu-Ala-. The inhibition of the CagL-α(V)β(3) interaction by different RGD peptides strongly suggests the importance of the RGD motif for CagL binding. CagL point mutants (RAD, RGA) show decreased affinity to in... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225481 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225484&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21912861%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lu SY, Jiang YJ, Zou JW, Wu TX Abstract Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase that is involved in several biological processes including insulin and Wnt signaling pathways. The Wnt signaling via FRAT-mediated displacement of axin inhibits GSK3β activity toward non-primed substrates without affecting its activity toward primed substrates. Herein, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics generalized Born/surface area (MM_GBSA) calculation, and normal mode analysis are performed to explore the structural influence of the double mutations K214/A-E215/Q of FRATide on the GSK3β-FRATide complex. The results reveal that the priming phosphate-binding site, the primed substrate-binding site, the alignment of the critic... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225484 Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225483&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21912862%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vanhauteghem D, Janssens GP, Lauwaerts A, Sys S, Boyen F, Kalmar ID, Meyer E Abstract The current study first investigates the emulsifying potential of glycine and its N-methylated derivatives N-methylglycine (sarcosine), N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) and N,N,N-trimethylglycine (betaine) under varying pH conditions. Subsequently, the effect of these test compounds on the membrane integrity of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) was evaluated. Oil in water emulsions containing each compound show that DMG is a more potent enhancer of emulsification than glycine, sarcosine and betaine under the conditions tested. Flow cytometry was used to investigate whether the emulsifying potential is associated with an effect on ETEC membrane integrity. The bacteria were exposed to each o... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225483 Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225482&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21912863%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sommer C, Hertel TC, Schmelzer CE, Pietzsch M Abstract In order to produce recombinant microbial transglutaminase (rMTG) which is free of the activating protease, dispase was used to activate the pro-rMTG followed by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). As shown by MALDI-MS, the dispase does not only cleave the pro-sequence, but unfortunately also cleaves within the C-terminal histidine-tag. Hence, the active rMTG cannot properly bind to the IMAC material. As an alternative, proteinase K was investigated. This protease was successfully applied for the activation of purified pro-rMTG either as free or immobilized enzyme and the free enzyme was also applicable directly in the crude cell extract of E. coli. Thus, it enables a simple two-step activation/purificati... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225482 Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5225482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5215399&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21909978%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Milne R, Brownstein S Abstract Retinopathy is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes and a major cause of blindness in young adults, worldwide. Early diabetic retinopathy is characterized by a loss of pericytes from retinal capillaries, the appearance of acellular capillaries and microaneurysms, and a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. In later stages, this can evolve into the proliferative phase in which there is neovascularization of the retina, which greatly increases the probability of vision loss. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which accumulate under hyperglycemic conditions are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. AGEs arise primarily by the modification of amine groups of proteins by reactive dicarbony... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5215399 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5215399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5215398&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21909979%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Olsen RR, Chung I, Zetter BR Abstract The endogenous protein antizyme inhibitor (AZI) is a potential oncogene which promotes cell growth by both inhibiting antizyme (AZ) activity and releasing ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) from AZ-mediated degradation. High levels of ODC and polyamines are associated with numerous types of neoplastic transformation, and the genomic region including AZI is frequently amplified in tumors of the ovary and prostate. To determine whether AZI functionally promotes prostate tumor growth, we made PC3M-LN4 (human) and AT6.1 (rat) cancer cell lines stably expressing shRNA to knockdown antizyme inhibitor 1 (AZI). AZI knockdown was confirmed by western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence. To examine the ability of these cells to f... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5215398 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5215398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5215400&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21901472%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we have performed site-directed mutagenesis of the key enzyme (NAGK) and the three mutations (E19R, H26E and H268D) exhibited the increase of I (0.5) (R) efficiently. Thereby, the multi-mutated NAGK(M3) (including E19R/H26E/H268D) was generated and its I (0.5) (R) of L: -arginine of the mutant was increased remarkably, whereas the NAGK enzyme activities did not declined. To get a feedback-resistant and robust L: -arginine producer, the engineered strains SYPA-CCB(M3) were constructed. Introducing the argB(M3) gene enabled the NAGK enzyme activity insensitive to the intracellular arginine concentrations resulted in an enhanced arginine biosynthesis flux and decreased formation of by-products. The L: -arginine synthesis was largely enhanced due to the overexpression of the arg... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5215400 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5215400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5215402&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21901470%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Alessandra C, Andrea B, Floriana M, Vittoria B, Carlo C, Maurizio P, Sebastiano C Abstract Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition are biologic processes responsible for conversion of epithelial cells into a mesenchymal phenotype or viceversa, respectively. They occur during embryo- and foetal-development and, in adult organisms, are involved in wound healing, in the genesis and progression of organ fibrosis as well as in the invasiveness of epithelial cancer cells. The key event of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is the loss of E-cadherin expression due to repressor activity of the transcriptional factor Snai1. Intracellular Snai1 levels are controlled through translational and post-translational events such as phosphorylation an... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5215402 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5215402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5215401&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21901471%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Andrea B, Valentina B, Vittoria B, Chiara B, Alessandra C, Carlo C, Floriana M, Enzo A, Maurizio P, Sebastiano C Abstract During our study of the cytostatic effect of agmatine, we were able to isolate an agmatine resistant clone from a parental hepatoma cell line, HTC. These cells, called Agres, had slower growth rate than the parental cells when cultured in normal medium. The modification in polyamine content induced by agmatine was much lower in these cells and ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase activities were much less affected. By investigating the mechanism responsible for these modifications, it was shown that agmatine and polyamines were not taken up by Agres cells. Their resistance to the antiproli... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5215401 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5215401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5215404&cid=s_37414_60_f&fid=37414&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21894529%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bermúdez A, Moreno-Vranich A, Patarroyo ME Abstract The serine repeat antigen (SERA) protein is a leading candidate molecule for inclusion as a component in a multi-antigen, multi-stage, minimal subunit-based, chemically synthesised anti-malarial vaccine. Peptides having high red blood cell binding affinity (known as HABPs) have been identified in this protein. The 6733 HABP was located in the C-terminal portion of the 47-kDa fragment while HABP 6754 was located in the C-terminal region of the 56-kDa fragment. These conserved HABPs failed to induce an immune response. Critical red blood cell binding residues and/or their neighbours (assessed by glycine-analogue scanning) were replaced by others having the same mass, volume and surface but different polarity, rendering som... Amino Acids journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5215404 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5215404