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 'Bioscience Reports' source. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:58 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5452621&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22115362%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Turner MD, Chaudhry A, Nedjai B Abstract Cytokines are secreted from macrophages and other cells of the immune system in response to pathogens. Additionally, in autoinflammatory diseases cytokine secretion occurs in the absence of pathogenic stimuli. In the case of TRAPS [TNFR (tumour necrosis factor receptor)-associated periodic syndrome], inflammatory episodes result from mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene that encodes TNFR1. This work remains controversial, however, with at least three distinct separate mechanisms of receptor dysfunction having been proposed. Central to these hypotheses are the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) families of transcriptional activators that are able to up-regulate expression of a number of genes, including... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5452621 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:32 +0100 5452621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5452620&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22115363%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bernardo GM, Keri RA Abstract When aberrant, factors critical for organ morphogenesis are also commonly involved in disease progression. FOXA1 (forkhead box A1), also known as HNF3α (hepatocyte nuclear factor 3α), is required for postnatal survival due to its essential role in controlling pancreatic and renal function. In addition to regulating a variety of tissues during embryogenesis and early life, rescue experiments have revealed a specific role for FOXA1 in the postnatal development of the mammary gland and prostate. Activity of the nuclear hormone receptors ERα (oestrogen receptor α) and AR (androgen receptor) is also required for proper development of the mammary gland and prostate respectively. FOXA1 modulates ER and AR function in breast and prostate cancer ce... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5452620 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:23 +0100 5452620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5452619&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22115364%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barron VA, Lou H Abstract NF1 (neurofibromatosis type I) is a common genetic disease that affects one in 3500 individuals. The disease is completely penetrant but shows variable phenotypic expression in patients. NF1 is a large gene, and its pre-mRNA undergoes alternative splicing. The NF1 protein, neurofibromin, is involved in diverse signalling cascades. One of the best characterized functions of NF1 is its function as a Ras-GAP (GTPase-activating protein). NF1 exon 23a is an alternative exon that lies within the GAP-related domain of neurofibromin. This exon is predominantly included in most tissues, and it is skipped in CNS (central nervous system) neurons. The isoform in which exon 23a is skipped has 10 times higher Ras-GAP activity than the isoform in which exon 23... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5452619 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:13 +0100 5452619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5308715&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981137%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sethi G, Shanmugam MK, Ramachandran L, Kumar AP, Tergaonkar V Abstract Increasing evidence from epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies suggests that dysregulated inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in a multitude of chronic ailments including cancer. The molecular mechanism(s) by which chronic inflammation drives cancer initiation and promotion include increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen intermediates, increased expression of oncogenes, COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2), 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase) and MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), and pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as NF-κB (nuclear factor κB), STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), AP-1 (activator protein 1) and HI... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5308715 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:30:28 +0100 5308715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5308714&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981138%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang J, Naslavsky N, Caplan S Abstract Endocytic trafficking is a highly organized process regulated by a network of proteins, including the Rab family of small GTP-binding proteins and the C-terminal EHDs (Eps15 homology-domain-containing proteins). Central roles for Rab proteins have been described in vesicle budding, delivery, tethering and fusion, whereas little is known about the functions of EHDs in membrane transport. Common effectors for these two protein families have been identified, and they facilitate regulation of sequential steps in transport. By comparing and contrasting key aspects in their modes of function, we shall promote a better understanding of how Rab proteins and EHDs regulate endocytic trafficking. PMID: 21981138 [PubMed - in process] (Source... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5308714 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:30:20 +0100 5308714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5308713&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21981139%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pérez-Lorenzo R, Zheng B Abstract Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and its incidence has increased dramatically in the last two decades. Even with a high rate of success in the treatment of early stages of this malignancy, currently there are no effective strategies for the treatment of advanced metastatic melanoma. Much effort has been put into the use of different target-specific drugs, among which BRAF kinase-specific small-molecule inhibitors have rendered promising results as therapeutic agents in metastatic melanoma. Nonetheless, some side effects, such as development of SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), as well as tumour resistance and recurrence, are common limitations of this therapeutic strategy. The use of combination treatments in whi... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5308713 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:30:11 +0100 5308713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225469&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21919891%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wu KJ, Yang MH Abstract EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition), a major mechanism of cancer metastasis, is a process that generates cells with stem-like properties. These stem-like cells in tumours are described as cancer stem cells. The link between EMT and cancer stemness is well documented without detailed mechanistic proof. Bmi1 belongs to the PRC1 (polycomb repressive complex 1) maintaining self-renewal and stemness together with EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homologue 2), which is a component of PRC2. Bmi1 is frequently overexpressed in different types of human cancers. Recent demonstration of an EMT regulator, Twist1, directly regulating the expression of Bmi1 provides a mechanistic explanation of the relationship between EMT and cancer stemness. The functional interdepe... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225469 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:20:43 +0100 5225469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5225468&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21919892%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Diao J, Ishitsuka Y, Bae WR Abstract Membrane fusion is one of the most important cellular processes by which two initially distinct lipid bilayers merge their hydrophobic cores, resulting in one interconnected structure. Proteins, called SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein receptor), play a central role in the fusion process that is also regulated by several accessory proteins. In order to study the SNARE-mediated membrane fusion, the in vitro protein reconstitution assay involving ensemble FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) has been used over a decade. In this mini-review, we describe several single-molecule-based FRET approaches that have been applied to this field to overcome the shortage of the bulk assay in terms of protein ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5225468 Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:20:23 +0100 5225468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797691&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21517783%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sugiura Y, Lin W The NMJ (neuromuscular junction) serves as the ultimate output of the motor neurons. The NMJ is composed of a presynaptic nerve terminal, a postsynaptic muscle and perisynaptic glial cells. Emerging evidence has also demonstrated an existence of perisynaptic fibroblast-like cells at the NMJ. In this review, we discuss the importance of Schwann cells, the glial component of the NMJ, in the formation and function of the NMJ. During development, Schwann cells are closely associated with presynaptic nerve terminals and are required for the maintenance of the developing NMJ. After the establishment of the NMJ, Schwann cells actively modulate synaptic activity. Schwann cells also play critical roles in regeneration of the NMJ after nerve injury. Thus, Schwann cells ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797691 Sun, 08 May 2011 11:00:28 +0100 4797691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797690&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21517784%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scott A, Wang Z It has long been thought that PTPs (protein tyrosine phosphatases) normally function as tumour suppressors. Recent high-throughput mutational analysis identified loss-of-function mutations in six PTPs in human colon cancers, providing critical cancer genetics evidence that PTPs can act as tumour suppressor genes. PTPRT (protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-T), a member of the family of type IIB receptor-like PTPs, is the most frequently mutated PTP among them. Consistent with the notion that PTPRT is a tumour suppressor, PTPRT knockout mice are hypersensitive to AOM (azoxymethane)-induced colon cancer. The present review focuses on the physiological and pathological functions of PTPRT as well as the cellular pathways regulated by this phosphatase. PMID: 2... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797690 Sun, 08 May 2011 11:00:21 +0100 4797690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797689&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21521175%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Urbanelli L, Magini A, Ercolani L, Trivelli F, Polchi A, Tancini B, Emiliani C Lysosomal α-D-mannosidase is an exoglycosidase involved in the ordered degradation of N-linked oligosaccharides. It is ubiquitously expressed, although the main transcript is more abundant in peripheral blood leukocytes. Here we report that α-D-mannosidase enzyme activity is very high in the promyelocitic leukemia cell lines HL60 and NB4, as compared to other leukemic cell lines or cells from different human sources. MAN2B1 transcript level correlates with enzyme activity, indicating a transcriptional up-regulation of the α-D-mannosidase gene. The promoter was then characterized in HEK and HL60 cells: regulatory sequences crucial for its activity were determined by reporter gene assay in HEK and ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797689 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4797689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4632917&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21401528%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sade A, Tuncay S, Cimen I, Severcan F, Banerjee S Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has numerous pleiotropic effects on the body which may be independent of its COX-2 inhibitory activity. The cancer chemopreventive ability of CLX, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC), has been shown in epidemiological studies. Here were have, for the first time, examined the biophysical effects of CLX on the cellular membranes of COX-2 expressing (HT29) and COX-2 non-expressing (SW620) cells lines using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and spin label electron spin resonance spectroscopy (SL-ESR). Our data show that CLX treatment decreased lipid fluidity in the cancer cell lines irrespective of COX-2 expression status. As metastatic cells ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4632917 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4632917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4632920&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21401525%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined the effects of the Hoasca alkaloid, harmine, which has a wide spectrum of pharmacological actions, on circadian rhythms using the validated assay system. Harmine dose-dependently elongated the period. Furthermore, EMSA and Western blot analysis showed that harmine enhanced the transactivating function of RORalpha, probably by increasing its nuclear translocation. Exogenous expression of RORalpha also caused a long period, confirming the phenotype indicated by harmine. These results suggest that harmine extends the circadian period by enhancing RORalpha function and that harmine is a new candidate that contributes to the control of period length in mammalian cells. PMID: 21401525 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4632920 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4632920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4632923&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21391918%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maerz S, Liu CH, Guo W, Zhu YZ Terpene trilactones from Ginkgo biloba have been investigated extensively for their anti-oxidant and anti-ischemic activities on the brain and the heart but the mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. For this study, a terpenoid constituent from Ginkgo biloba, bilobalide, was screened for protective effects on the ischemic heart and the involvement of the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) and the enzyme that degrades PAF, Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) during hypoxia. The PAF pathway is supposed to play a role in hypoxia and its regulation may prevent or alleviate myocardial infarction. Cardiomyocytes from neonatal rat hearts were cultured and treated with different concentrations of bilobalide (500-0.5 ng/ml). A... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4632923 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4632923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570934&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21370995%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cui J, Yu M, Niu J, Yue Z, Xu Z Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) are linked to the most common inherited and sporadic PD. Over-expression of LRRK2 and its mutants could induce mitochondrial dependent neuronal apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We have identified several novel LRRK2 interacting proteins and showed that LRRK2 can interact with three components of the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) including ANT, VDAC and uMtCK. Those components have been reported to be involved in the permeability of mitochondrial membrane. We provide evidence that LRRK2 is likely to interact with uMtCK directly and expression of LRRK2 and its mutant form... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570934 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4570934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570937&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21361874%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dias MC, Votto AP, Filgueira DD, Almeida DV, Vallochi AL, D Oca MG, Marins LF, Trindade GS Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drug (NSAID). ASA has gained attention as a potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for several neoplasms. The aim of this study is to analyze the possible antitumoral effects of ASA in two erythroleukemic cell lines, with or without the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. The mechanism of action of different concentrations of ASA were compared in K562 (non-MDR) and Lucena (MDR) cells by analyzing cell viability, apoptosis and necrosis, intracellular ROS formation and bcl-2, p53 and cox-2 gene expression. ASA inhibited the cellular proliferation or induced toxicity in K562 and Lucena cell lines, irrespective of... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570937 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4570937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570936&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21366540%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Radha V, Mitra A, Dayma K, Sasikumar K C3G (Crk SH3-domain-binding guanine-nucleotide-releasing factor) is a ubiquitously expressed member of a class of molecules called GEFs (guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor) that activate small GTPases and is involved in pathways triggered by a variety of signals. It is essential for mammalian embryonic development and many cellular functions in adult tissues. C3G participates in regulating functions that require cytoskeletal remodelling such as adhesion, migration, maintenance of cell junctions, neurite growth and vesicle traffic. C3G is spatially and temporally regulated to act on Ras family GTPases Rap1, Rap2, R-Ras, TC21 and Rho family member TC10. Increased C3G protein levels are associated with differentiation of various cell types, ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570936 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4570936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570935&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21366541%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Willenborg C, Prekeris R Segregation of the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains is the key distinguishing feature of epithelial cells. A series of interrelated cues and processes follow this primary polarization event, resulting in the morphogenesis of the mammalian epithelium. This review focuses on the role of the interactions between the extracellular matrix and neighbouring cells during the initiation and establishment of epithelial polarity, and the role that membrane transport and polarity complexes play in this process. An overview of the formation of the apical junctional complexes is given in relation to the generation of distinct membrane domains characterized by the asymmetric distribution of phosphoinositides and proteins. The mechanisms and machinery ut... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570935 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4570935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517249&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21329491%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study a GST fusion protein of DENV-2 cNS2B49-95 was used as bait to pull-down DENV-2 protease domain (NS3pro). The affinity of NS3pro for cNS2B was strong (equilibrium binding constant <200 nM) and the heterodimeric complex displayed similar catalytic efficiency as single chain DENV-2 cNS2B/NS3pro. Various truncations and mutations in the cNS2B sequence showed that conformational integrity of the entire 47 amino acids is critical for protease activity. Furthermore, DENV-2 NS3 protease can be pulled‑down and trans-activated by cNS2B cofactors from DENV-1, -3, -4, and WNV, suggesting that mechanisms for activation are conserved across the flavivirus genus. To validate NS2B as a potential target in allosteric inhibitor development, a cNS2B specific human monoclonal antibody (3F10... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517249 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4517249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517250&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21323639%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rha GB, Wu G, Chi YI HNF4alpha is a culprit gene product for a monogenic and dominantly-inherited form of diabetes, referred to as MODY. As a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, HNF4alpha recruits transcriptional coactivators such as SRC-1alpha and PGC-1alpha through the LXXLL binding motifs for its transactivation, and our recent crystal structures of the complex provided the molecular details and the mechanistic insights into these coactivator recruitments. Several mutations have been identified from the MODY patients and among these, point mutations can be very instructive site-specific measures of protein function and structure. Thus, in the present study, we probed the functional effects of the two MODY point mutations (D206Y and M364R) directly found near the LXX... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517250 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4517250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517251&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21320073%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sharma R, Vinayak M Cancer development and progression are closely associated with inflammation. NF-κB provides a mechanistic link between inflammation and cancer, and is a major factor controlling the ability of malignant cells to resist tumor surveillance mechanism. NF-κB might also regulate tumor angiogenesis and invasiveness and the signaling pathways that mediate its activation provide attractive targets for new chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic approaches. ROS initiate inflammation by upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and therefore antioxidants provide a major defense against inflammation. α-Tocopherol is a lipid soluble antioxidant. In addition to decreasing lipid peroxidation, α-Tocopherol may exert intracellular effects. Hence the aim of this study is t... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517251 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4517251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459548&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21299499%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Atcheson E, Hamilton E, Pathmanathan S, Greer B, Harriott P, Timson DJ The IQGAP family members are eukaryotic proteins which act at the interface between cellular signalling and the cytoskeleton. As such they collect numerous inputs from a variety of signalling pathways. A key binding partner is the calcium sensing protein, calmodulin. This protein binds mainly through a series of IQ-motifs which are located towards the middle of the primary sequence of the IQGAPs. In some IQGAPs, these motifs also provide binding sites for calmodulin-like proteins such as myosin essential light chain and S100B. Using synthetic peptides and native gel electrophoresis the binding properties of the IQ-motifs from human IQGAP2 and IQGAP3 have been mapped. The second and third IQ-motifs in IQGAP2... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459548 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4459549&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21291421%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kabir SR, Zubair MA, Nurujjaman M, Haque MA, Hasan I, Islam MF, Hossain MT, Hossain MA, Rakib MA, Alam MT, Shaha RK, Hossain MT, Kimura Y, Absar N One lectin (named as NNTL) was purified from the extracts of Nymphaea nouchali tuber followed by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose, hydrophobic chromatography on HiTrap Phenyl HP and by repeated anion-exchange chromatography on HiTrap Q FF column. The molecular mass of the purified lectin was 27.0±1.0 kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE both in the presence and absence of 2-mercaptoethanol. NNTL was an O-Nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside sugar specific lectin that agglutinated rat, chicken and different groups of human blood cells and exhibited high agglutination activity between the pH range 5-9 and temperature 30-60 ºC.... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4459549 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4459549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4391309&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21250941%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ishimoto Y, Satsu H, Totsuka M, Shimizu M We previously reported that apoptosis of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells is induced by coculturing with human macrophage-like THP-1 cells, mainly via the action of TNF-a secreted from THP-1 cells (Satsu et al., 2006). Our recent DNA microarray analysis of cocultured Caco-2 cells showed that immediate early response gene X-1 (IEX-1) is the most significantly increased gene during coculture (Ishimoto et al., 2010). Hence, we investigated the role of IEX-1 in the coculture-induced damage of Caco-2 cells. We showed that IEX-1 expression induced in Caco-2 cells was suppressed by anti-TNF-a antibody treatment. Experiments using IEX-1-overexpressing and -knockdown Caco-2 cells suggested that IEX-1 was involved in the suppression of Caco-2 ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4391309 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4391309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4391308&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21250943%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fukuda M The TBC (Tre-2/Bub2/Cdc16) domain was originally identified as a conserved domain among the tre-2 oncogene product and the yeast cell cycle regulators Bub2 and Cdc16, and it is now widely recognized as a conserved protein motif that consists of approx. 200 amino acids in all eukaryotes. Since the TBC domain of yeast Gyps [GAP (GTPase-activating protein) for Ypt proteins] has been shown to function as a GAP domain for small GTPase Ypt/Rab, TBC domain-containing proteins (TBC proteins) in other species are also expected to function as a certain Rab-GAP. More than 40 different TBC proteins are present in humans and mice, and recent accumulating evidence has indicated that certain mammalian TBC proteins actually function as a specific Rab-GAP. Some mammalian TBC proteins ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4391308 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4391308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4391307&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21250944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li S Telomeres are essential for the stability and complete replication of linear chromosomes. Telomere elongation by telomerase counteracts the telomere shortening due to the incomplete replication of chromosome ends by DNA polymerase. Telomere elongation is cell-cycle-regulated and coupled to DNA replication during S-phase. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie such cell-cycle-dependent telomere elongation by telomerase remain largely unknown. Several aspects of telomere replication in budding yeast, including the modulation of telomere chromatin structure, telomere end processing, recruitment of telomere-binding proteins and telomerase complex to telomere as well as the coupling of DNA replication to telomere elongation during cell cycle progression will be discus... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4391307 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4391307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4391310&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21210765%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we examined whether RECQL5 constituted an important determinant of CPT resistance in colon cancer cells. Specifically, RECQL5 deficient derivatives of both DDL1 and HCT116 cells, two colorectal cancer cell lines were generated by adenovirus-based somatic gene targeting experiments and the CPT sensitivity between the RECQL5 proficient parental lines and their corresponding RECQL5 deficient derivatives were examined. We found that deletion of RECQL5 from DDL1 and HCT116 both resulted in a significant enhancement in CPT sensitivity under in vitro cultured condition. More importantly, xenograft tumors derived from RECQL5 deficient HCT116 cells but not those from the parental line could be cured by a CPT-based therapy in nude mice. Thus, this study has identified RECQL5 as a majo... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4391310 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4391310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304806&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21162711%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yang HP, Luo SJ, Li YN, Zhang YZ, Zhang Z The origin recognition complex (ORC) binds to the DNA replication origin and recruits other replication factors to form the pre-replication complex. The cDNA and genomic sequences of all six subunits of ORC in Bombyx mori (BmORC1-6) were determined by RACE and bioinformatic analysis. The conserved domains were identified in BmOrc1p-6p and the carboxyl terminal of BmOrc6p features a short sequence which may be specific for Lepidoptera. As in other organisms, each of the six BmORC subunits had evolved individually from ancestral genes in early eukaryotes. During embryo development, the six genes were co-regulated, but different ratios of the abundance of mRNAs were observed in thirteen tissues of the 5th-instar day-6 larvae. Infection by... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304806 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4304806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245968&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21114474%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, two anti-oxidant micromolecular components ( L2f-2, L2f-3), and an antioxidant macromolecular component LB2, were extracted from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) rhizomes. Mass spectrum (MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to identify these compounds. L2f-2 was (+/-)-gallocatechin, L2f-3 was (-)-catechin and LB2 was a polysaccharide-protein complex with a molecular weight of 18.8 kDa. LB2 was identified as a polysaccharide sulfate containing α/β-pyranose and α-furanose according to its FTIR spectrogram. It was composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose and xylose with a molar ratio 2:8:7:8:1. The antioxidant components L2f-2, L2f-3 and LB2 strongly inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245968 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4245968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4213920&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21091442%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lai WQ, Wong WS, Leung BP Sphingolipids are amphiphatic molecules ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cell membranes. Initially characterized as structural components of cell membranes, sphingolipids have emerged as sources of important signalling molecules over the past decade. Sphingolipid metabolites, such as ceramide and S1P (sphingosine 1-phosphate), have been demonstrated to have roles as potent bioactive messengers involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis. The importance of SphK (sphingosine kinase) and S1P in inflammation has been demonstrated extensively. The prevalence of asthma is increasing in many developed nations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of new agents for the treatment of asthma... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4213920 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4213920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164170&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21070191%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Long SW, Ooi JY, Yau PM, Jones PL Mutations in MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) are linked to the severe postnatal neurodevelopmental disorder Rett Syndrome (RTT). MeCP2 was originally characterized as a transcriptional repressor that preferentially bound methylated DNA, however, recent data indicates MeCP2 is a multifunctional protein. MeCP2 binding is now associated with certain expressed genes and involved in nuclear organization as well, indicating its gene regulatory function is context dependent. In addition, MeCP2 is proposed to regulate mRNA splicing and a mouse model for RTT shows aberrant mRNA splicing. To further understand MeCP2 and potential roles in RTT pathogenesis, we have employed a biochemical approach to identify the MeCP2 protein complexes present in th... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164170 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4164170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4121641&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20977429%26dopt%3DAbstract This study concerns the biochemical and structural characterization of mouse mAspAT. In this study, mouse mAspAT cDNA was amplified from mouse brain first stand cDNA and its recombinant protein was expressed in an Escherichia coli expression system. Sixteen keto acids were tested for the co-substrate specificity of mouse mAspAT and fourteen of them were shown to be capable of serving as co-substrates for the enzyme. Structural analysis of mAspAT by macromolecular crystallography revealed that the cofactor binding residues of mAspAT are similar to those of other KATs. The substrate binding residues of mAspAT are slightly different from those of other KATs. Our data provide a biochemical and structural basis towards understanding the overall physiological role of mAspAT in vivo and insight i... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4121641 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4121641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106984&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20961292%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Iino H, Kim K, Shimada A, Masui R, Kuramitsu S, Fukui K DNA mismatch repair is an excision repair system that removes mismatched bases generated primarily by failure of the 3'-5' proofreading activity associated with replicative DNA polymerases. MutL proteins homologous to human PMS2 are the endonucleases that introduce the entry point of the excision reaction. Deficiency in PMS2 function is one of the major etiologies of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers in humans. Although recent studies revealed that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of MutL harbors weak endonuclease activity, the regulatory mechanism of this activity remains unknown. In this paper, we characterize in detail the CTD and N-terminal domain (NTD) of Aquifex aeolicus MutL. CTD existed as a dimer in solution ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106984 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4106984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4075129&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20942802%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Boucher D, Blais V, Drag M, Denault JB During apoptosis, initiator caspases (8, 9, and 10) activate downstream executioner caspases (3, 6, and 7) by cleaving the interdomain connector (IDC) at two sites. Here, we demonstrate that both activation sites, site 1 and site 2, of caspase 7 are suboptimal for activation by initiator caspases 8 and 9 in cellulo, and in vitro using recombinant proteins and activation kinetics. Indeed, when both sites are replaced with the preferred motifs recognized by either caspases 8 and 9, we measured improvement in activation of up to 36 folds. Moreover, cleavage at site 1 is preferred over site 2 because of its location within the IDC since swapping sites does not lead to a more efficient activation. We also demonstrate the paramount role of Ile1... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4075129 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4075129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4075128&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20946101%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhou B, Zhu Y, Lin L, Cai Q, Sheng ZH The autophagy-lysosomal pathway is an intracellular degradation process essential for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Defects in this pathway have been directly linked to a growing number of neurodegenerative disorders. We recently revealed that Snapin plays a critical role in coordinating dynein-driven retrograde transport and late endosomal-lysosomal trafficking, thus maintaining efficient autophagy-lysosomal function. Deleting snapin in neurons impairs lysosomal proteolysis and reduces clearance of autolysosomes. The role of the autophagy-lysosomal system in neuronal development is, however, largely uncharacterized. Here, we report that snapin deficiency leads to developmental defects of the central nervous system. Embryonic snapin (-... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4075128 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4075128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4039961&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20883207%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, 6 month-old mice that were fed ad libitum (AL) or with a CR diet were infected with Salmonella serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), (also known as electron spin resonance, (ESR)) was used to identify free radicals (FRs). These results were subsequently correlated with superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalytic activity, inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOSII or iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) content. EPR analysis of liver samples demonstrated that there was a higher quantity of FRs and iron-nitrosyl complex in infected mice provided with a CR diet as compared to an AL diet, indicating that CR was beneficial by increasing the host response to S. typhimurium. Furthermore, in infected mice on the CR diet NOSII expression was higher, NO ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4039961 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4039961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025279&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20863320%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yao M, Dai M, Liu Z, Huang L, Chen D, Wang Y, Peng D, Wang X, Liu Z, Yuan Z CYP (Cytochrome P450) 3A29 in pigs could be an important candidate gene responsible for xenobiotic metabolism, like CYP3A4 in humans. Accordingly, the tissue expression of CYP3A29 mRNA in domestic pigs has been determined by a real-time PCR. The enzymatic properties of CYP3A29, CYP3A4 and pig liver microsomes were compared by kinetic analysis of testosterone 6β-hydroxylation and nifedipine oxidation. CYP3A29 mRNA was highly expressed in the liver and small intestines of domestic pigs. The CYP3A29 enzyme expressed in Sf9 cells had the same testosterone metabolizing activity as human CYP3A4 based on their roughly equal in vitro intrinsic clearance values. The affinity of CYP3A29 for nifedipine was low... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025279 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4025279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025283&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20858223%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Paradkar PN, Ooi EE, Hanson BJ, Gubler DJ, Vasudevan SG Dengue virus (DENV) induces unfolded protein response (UPR) in the host cell which strikes a balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic signals. We previously showed that Salubrinal, a drug that targets the UPR, inhibits DENV replication. Here we examine the impact upon UPR after direct or Antibody-Dependent Enhanced (ADE) infection of cells with DENV clinical isolates. THP-1 cells in the presence of sub-neutralizing concentration of humanized-4G2 antibody (cross-reactive with flavivirus Envelope protein) or HEK293 cells were infected with DENV 1-4 serotypes. UPR gene expression was monitored under these infection conditions using real-time RT-PCR and western blots to analyze serotype dependent variations. Subsequentl... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025283 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4025283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3981365&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20840080%26dopt%3DAbstract This study determined the magnitude of donor variations in terms of elemental composition of FCS and the effect these variations had on the expression of a group of proteins associated with the antigenicity of primary Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs), using a combination of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and flow cytometry. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated for a set of trace elements in FCS, with correlations made to variations in antigenic expression during culture. The findings question in detail, the suitability of FCS for the in vitro supplementation of cultures of primary human cells due to the lack of reproducibility and modulations in protein expression when cultured in conjunction with serum from xenogeneic donors. PMI... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3981365 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3981365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3953808&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20815811%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was conducted to examine whether the methylation profile of p16INK4a and hMLH1 promoters was associated with clinical features and patients' survival in CRC. Aberrant methylation of p16INK4a and hMLH1 promoters was found in 47.2% and 53.4% of tumours respectively. For adjacent non tumoral mucosa, p16INK4a was fully unmethylated in 30% of cases whereas hMLH1 was predominantly unmethylated (76%). Methylation of p16INK4a correlated with gender and tumor size (p=0.005 and p=0.035 respectively). while those of hMLH1 significantly correlated with overall survival (p log rank =0.007). Concomitant methylation of p16INK4a and hMLH1 was associated with TNM stage and tumor size (p=0.024 and p=0.021 respectively). Our data showed that loss of hMLH1 expression through aberrant methylation co... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3953808 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3953808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3953807&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20815812%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mudduluru G, George-William JN, Muppala S, Asangani IA, Regalla K, Nelson LD, Allgayer H Curcumin has promising potential in cancer prevention and therapy by interacting with proteins and modifying their expression and activity, which includes transcription factors, inflammatory cytokines, and factors of cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis. miR-21 is overexpressed in many tumors, promoting progression and metastasis. In the present study, we examined the potential of curcumin to regulate miR-21, tumor growth, invasion, and in vivo metastasis in colorectal cancer. In Rko and HCT116 cells, we identified two new transcriptional start sites of the miR-21 gene and delineated its promoter region. PMA stimulation induced miR-21 expression via motifs bound with AP-1 transcr... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3953807 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3953807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833601&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20687896%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Farazuddin M, Chauhan A, Khan MM, Owais M The present study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of amoxicillin bearing human serum albumin (HSA) and poly-lactic glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles in combating Listeria monocytogenes infection in Swiss albino mice. Amoxicillin bearing HSA microspheres were prepared by chemical crosslinking of drug albumin mixture with glutaraldehyde and PLGA microspheres were prepared by W/O/W emulsion technique. The microspheres were characterized for their size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency using scanning electron microscopy and Zeta sizer. Release kinetics was performed in a phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C simulating physiological conditions. Bacterial burden in various vital organs and survival data established th... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833601 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3833601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3803130&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20662772%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Blbulyan S, Avagyan A, Poladyan A, Trchounian A Escherichia coli is able to ferment glycerol and produce H2 by different hydrogenases. Wild type was shown to extrude H+ through the F0F1-ATPase and via other ways with lower rate compared with that under glucose fermentation. At pH 7.5 H+ efflux was stimulated in fhlA mutant (with defective transcriptional activator of Hyd-3 or Hyd-4) and lowered in hyaB or hybC mutants (with defective Hyd-1 or Hyd-2) and hyaB hybC double mutant: DCCD-sensitive H+ efflux was observed. At pH 5.5 H+ efflux in wild type were lowered compared with that at pH 7.5; it was increased in fhlA mutant and absent in hyaB hybC mutant. Membrane vesicles ATPase activity was lower in wild type glycerol fermented cells at pH 7.5 compared with that in glucose fer... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3803130 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3803130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3803131&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20662767%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scherbakov AM, Lobanova YS, Andreeva OE, Shatskaya VA, Krasil'nikov MA Recently it was shown that the resistance of breast cancers to growth stimulating oestrogen action may be accompanied with the paradoxical tumor sensitization to oestrogen apoptotic action. Here we studied the influence of oestrogens on the sensitivity of the resistant breast tumors to cytostatic drugs, and to evaluate the role of NF-kappaB signaling in the regulation of the apoptotic response of the resistant cells. The experiments were carried out on the oestrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast cancer cells and resistant MCF-7/LS subline generated through long-term cultivation of the parental cells in the absence of oestrogen. The cell treatment with the combination of estradiol and doxorubicin was found to enhan... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3803131 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3803131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633376&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20518746%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gomes DA, Giusti-Paiva A, Ventura RR, Elias LL, Cunha FQ, Antunes-Rodrigues J OT (oxytocin) is secreted from the posterior pituitary gland, and its secretion has been shown to be modulated by NO (nitric oxide). In rats, OT secretion is also stimulated by hyperosmolarity of the extracellular fluid. Furthermore, NOS (nitric oxide synthase) is located in hypothalamic areas involved in fluid balance control. In the present study, we evaluated the role of the NOS/NO and HO (haem oxygenase)/CO (carbon monoxide) systems in the osmotic regulation of OT release from rat hypothalamus in vitro. We conducted experiments on hypothalamic fragments to determine the following: (i) whether NO donors and NOS inhibitors modulate OT release and (ii) whether the changes in OT response occur concur... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633376 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:45:03 +0100 3633376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3578385&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20477750%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we report the immunohistochemical, western blot and genetic analyses in a large consanguineous Tunisian family with two branches including seven patients sharing similar LGMD2 phenotype in one branch and one CMD patient in the second. Linkage analyses were compatible with the LGMD2A locus in one family branch and with MDC1A locus in the other one. This result was supported by deficiency in merosin and calpain3 in the CMD patient and LGMD patients respectively. Mutation analysis revealed two distinct mutations: a c.8005delT frameshift deletion in exon 56 of the LAMA2 gene (MDC1A) was found in the CMD patient and a new homozygous mutation c.1536+1G<T in the donor splice site of intron 12 of the CAPN3 gene (LGMD2A) was found in the LGMD patients. RT-PCR performed on total RN... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3578385 Sun, 16 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3578385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3553918&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20450490%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang X, Wang Q, Guo W, Zhu YZ Heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have shown hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has cardioprotective effects. So we aimed to elucidate the potential effects of H2S on HF after MI in rats. HF model after MI was made by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. HF groups and Sham-operated groups of rats were treated with vehicle, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), or propagylglycine (PAG). Equal volumes of saline, 56 mumol/kg/day NaHS or 37.5 mg/kg/day PAG, were intraperitoneally injected to rats for 6 weeks after operation. Survival, lung to body weight ratio and left ventricular hemodynamic parameters were measured. The protein and gene expression of Bcl-2, Bax, casp... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3553918 Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3553918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545763&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20446926%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Farabegoli F, Papi A, Orlandi M The activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is one of the key mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to tamoxifen in breast cancer patients. As -(-) Epigallocatechine-3-gallate (EGCG), the most active catechin present in green tea, has been shown to downregulate EGFR, we studied the effects of 10-100 microg/ml EGCG treatment on growth and invasion in a breast carcinoma cell line resistant to tamoxifen (MCF-7Tam) and parental MCF-7. A dose-dependent downregulation of EGFR mRNA expression and protein level occurred after 50 microg/ml EGCG treatment of MCF-7Tam cells. EGFR molecules on the plasma membrane surface of MCF-7Tam cells significantly decreased. EGFR phoshoporylation (Tyr992, Tyr1045 and Tyr106... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545763 Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545764&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20446921%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of the BMAL1 gene, a critical component of the mammalian clock system to investigate the possibility of HSG cells as a model system of submandibular clock. The BMAL1 gene was expressed with circadian oscillation after stimulation with dexamethasone, and its regulatory region contained two recognition motifs for ROR and REV-ERB orphan nuclear receptors in hypomethylated CpG islands with an open chromatin structure. REV-ERB a was expressed with circadian oscillation, and knockdown experiments suggested that REV-ERBa is involved in circadian transcription of the BMAL1 gene in HSG cells. These results are similar to those in NIH3T3 cells, a standard model for circadian system, wheras RORa required for REV-ERBa antagonism was little expr... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545764 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530536&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20433421%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang Y, Meng L, Hu H, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Li Q, Shi F, Wang X, Lin A The human Oct-4 gene has three isoforms, Oct-4A, Oct-4B and Oct-4B1, which are thought to be derived from alternative splicing. It remains controversial whether the Oct-4 gene is expressed in cancer cells. Expression of Oct-4A is regulated by two elements, the proximal enhancer (PE) and distal enhancer (DE), but the expression and regulation of Oct-4B are not well known. Here, we firstly report that Oct-4B is expressed at low levels in MCF-7 cells while the Oct-4A gene is inactivated. By analyzing the function of different promoter constructs and the DNA methylation status of three regulatory regions, we demonstrate that the Oct-4A gene in MCF-7 cells is repressed by epigenetic control rather than transcriptiona... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530536 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3530536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3520462&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20426768%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, our study suggests that the sphere-growing cell population is not only composed of cells displaying classical stem membrane markers but needs CD44v6 positive cells to successfully form spheres. Our results also emphasize the potential therapeutic importance of pathways such as CXCR4 and Hedgehog for pancreatic cancer treatment. PMID: 20426768 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3520462 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3520462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499459&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20406196%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lin Y, Wang F The FGFs (fibroblast growth factors) regulate a broad spectrum of biological activities by activating transmembrane FGFR (FGF receptor) tyrosine kinases and their coupled intracellular signalling pathways. In the prostate, the mesenchymal-epithelial interactions mediated by androgen signalling and paracrine factors are essential for gland organogenesis, homoeostasis and tumorigenesis. FGFs mediate these mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in the prostate by paracrinal crosstalk through a diverse set of ligands and receptors. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in mouse models have demonstrated the requirement for the FGF signalling axis in prostate development and homoeostasis. The aberrant induction of this axis in either compartment of the prostate results in de... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499459 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:54:02 +0100 3499459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499458&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20406197%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tischfield MA, Engle EC The many functions of the microtubule cytoskeleton are essential for shaping the development and maintaining the operation of the nervous system. With the recent discovery of congenital neurological disorders that result from mutations in genes that encode different alpha- and beta-tubulin isotypes (TUBA1A, TUBB2B, TUBA8 and TUBB3), scientists have a novel paradigm to assess how select perturbations in microtubule function affect a range of cellular processes in humans. Moreover, important phenotypic distinctions found among the syndromes suggest that different tubulin isotypes can be utilized for distinct cellular functions during nervous system development. In the present review, we discuss: (i) the spectrum of congenital nervous system diseases that ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499458 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:54:02 +0100 3499458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456634&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20377529%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examines the molecular mechanism underlying in vitro induced resistance to fluconazole (FCZ), ketaonazole (KTC), miconazole (MCZ) and cycloheximide (CHX) in azole-susceptible (AS) strains of C. albicans when exposed to CaCDR1/CaCDR2 inducers like fluphenazine (FPZ) and steroids [progesterone (PRG) and beta-estradiol (beta-EST)]. By employing spot and checkerboard titer assays, we provide evidence of an in vitro induced antagonism between tested drugs and inducers, which was accompanied with a concomitant increase in CaCDR1 and CaCDR2 transcript levels. Notably, unlike AS isolates, parental wild type (WT) and Deltacdr2 null strains, Deltacdr1 as well as Deltacdr1/Deltacdr2 nulls, when challenged with the inducers could not display antagonism. Our results validated by the Northern... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456634 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3456634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433522&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20353401%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dai ZM, Li R, Dai L, Yang JS, Chen S, Zeng QG, Yang F, Yang WJ The brine shrimp, Artemia, reproduces either oviparously, producing encysted embryos (diapause cysts), or ovoviviparously, producing free-swimming nauplii. Environmental factors, such as photoperiod, have been applied to control the reproduction mode of Artemia, but when the determination of a reproductive mode occurs remains unknown. We analyzed the differential gene expression between oocytes from oviparous and ovoviviparous Artemia reared under different photoperiods. A total of 692 qualified cDNA clones were obtained by subtractive hybridization, 323 of which matched GenBank entries. Gene expressions of 44 cDNAs (representing 56 clones) were analyzed in oocytes using real-time PCR. Among these genes, 11 (21 clo... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433522 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3433522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3412142&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20337599%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Suryadinata R, Sadowski M, Sarcevic B The eukaryotic cell cycle is a fundamental evolutionarily conserved process that regulates cell division from simple unicellular organisms, such as yeast, through to higher multicellular organisms, such as humans. The cell cycle comprises several phases, including the S-phase (DNA synthesis phase) and M-phase (mitotic phase). During S-phase, the genetic material is replicated, and is then segregated into two identical daughter cells following mitotic M-phase and cytokinesis. The S- and M-phases are separated by two gap phases (G1 and G2) that govern the readiness of cells to enter S- or M-phase. Genetic and biochemical studies demonstrate that cell division in eukaryotes is mediated by CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases). Active CDKs comprise ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3412142 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:50:03 +0100 3412142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3309530&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20178457%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Michalska M, Wolf G, Walther R, Newsholme P Various pancreatic beta cell stressors including cytokines and saturated fatty acids are known to induce oxidative stress which results in metabolic disturbances and a reduction in insulin secretion. However, the key mechanisms underlying dysfunction are unknown. We have investigated the effects of prolonged exposure (24 hr) to pro-inflammatory cytokines, H2O2 or palmitic acid, on beta cell insulin secretion, ATP, the NADPH oxidase component p47phox and iNOS levels using primary mouse islets or clonal rat BRIN-BD11 beta cells. Addition of a pro-inflammatory cytokine mixture (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma) or H2O2 (at sub-lethal concentrations) inhibited chronic (24hr) levels of insulin release by at least 50% (from islets and BRI... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3309530 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3309530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3284524&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20156192%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cheng Z Special codes are embedded in the primary sequence of newly synthesized proteins to determine their final destination. Protein translocation across biological membranes requires co-operation between the targeting and translocation machineries. A conserved membrane channel, the Sec61/SecY complex, mediates protein translocation across or integration into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in eukaryotes and the plasma membrane in prokaryotes. A combination of recent biochemical and structural data provides novel insights into the mechanism of how the channel allows polypeptide movement into the exoplasmic space and the lipid bilayer. PMID: 20156192 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3284524 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:56:02 +0100 3284524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3261806&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144148%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, two mass spectrometry fragmentation methods, electron-capture dissociation (ECD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID), were tested as tools for analysis of N-phosphorylation of three model peptides, RKRSRAE, RKRARKE, and PLSRTLSVAAKK. The peptides were phosphorylated by the reaction with monopotassium phosphoramidate. The results were confirmed by the 1H NMR and 31P NMR studies. The ECD method was found useful for the localization of phosphorylation sites in unstable lysine-phosphorylated peptides. Its main advantage is a significant reduction of the neutral losses related to phosphoramidate moiety. Moreover, the results indicate that the ECD mass spectrometry may be useful for analysis of regioselectivity of the N-phosphorylation reaction. Stabilities of the obtained ly... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3261806 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3261806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254861&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20136636%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, these findings support and improve the "cavity model" of stop codon discrimination by eRF1 proposed by Bertram et al. [Bertram, Bell, Ritchie, Fullerton and Stansfield (2000) RNA 6, 1236-1247] and Inagaki et al. [Inagaki, Blouin, Doolittle and Roger (2002) Nucleic Acids Res. 30, 532-544]. PMID: 20136636 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254861 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3254861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212394&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20100173%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zeng Y, Li Y, Chen RS, He X, Yang L, Li W Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), or human herpesvirus 8(HHV-8), is associated with the pathogenesis of KS, the most common AIDS-related malignancy. xCT is known as the HHV-8 fusion-entry receptor as well as an oncogenic protein. How the xCT triggers the signal transduction of HHV-8 infection and the cell proliferation remains incomplete. We found that xCT was overexpressed in KS tissues and HHV-8 positive BCBL-1 cells. When xCT cDNA plasmids were transfected into the HHV-8 negative BJAB cells, the expression of 14-3-3beta and cell growth rate were increased. In contrast, the expression of 14-3-3beta and the cell growth of HHV-8 positive BCBL-1 cells were suppressed by either xCT siRNA or by an xCT inhibitor, sulfasa... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212394 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3212394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105261&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20017731%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sharma M, Manoharlal R, Puri N, Prasad R In the present study, we have investigated the antifungal effects of a natural polyphenol, Curcumin (CUR), against albicans and non albicans species of Candida and shown its ability to inhibit the growth of all the tested strains. The inhibitory effects of CUR were independent of the status of the multi drug efflux pump proteins belonging to either ABC (ATP-Binding Cassette) or MFS (Major Facilitator) super families of transporters. By using a systemic murine model of infection, we established that CUR and piperine when administered together caused a significant fungal load reduction (1.4log10) in kidneys of Swiss mice. Additionally, CUR raised the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which as revealed by Annexin V-FITC labeling, tri... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105261 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3105261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105262&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20001967%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jiang Z, Wang Z, Xu Y, Wang B, Huang W, Cai S The role of regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) has been studied in several tumors. Purpose of this study is to investigate the correlations between clinicopathologic factors and patients' survival time and RGS2 expression in stage II and III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Real-time quantitative PCR were performed in 36 CRC tissues with recurrence and 28 without recurrence, and in 3 CRC-metastasis-derived cell lines (SW620, Lovo, Colo205) and 3 primary-CRC-derived ones (SW480, Caco-2, HCT116) to examine RGS2 mRNA expression. In addition, to provide visualized evidences for RGS2 mRNA expression, random CRC samples were also performed with RT-PCR . RGS2 protein was detected by immunostaining in 118 paraffin-embedded specimen... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105262 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3105262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3057133&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19951261%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Khan SN, Lal SK, Kumar P, Khan AU Mitoxantrone (MTX) an antitumour antibiotic is known to cause cell death by intercalating the DNA bases. But how it interferes the cellular proliferation is not well known. Hence in this study we have tried to evaluate the interaction of this drug with proliferation dynamics for better understanding of mitoxantrone (MTX) antineoplastic action. Inhibition on proliferation by these drugs was detected by evaluating its effect on cell proliferation and growth curve of the cells. MTX was also found to affect the cell viability and thereby affecting the cell physiology. Typical apoptotic morphology such as condensation of nuclei and membrane permibilization were observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and fluorescence spectroscopy... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3057133 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3057133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015607&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19925456%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vinayak M, Pathak C tRNAs possess a high content of modified nucleosides, which display an incredible structural variety. These modified nucleosides are conserved in their sequence and have important roles in tRNA functions. Most often, hypermodified nucleosides are found in the wobble position of tRNAs, which play a direct role in maintaining translational efficiency and fidelity, codon recognition, etc. One of such hypermodified base is queuine, which is a base analogue of guanine, found in the first anticodon position of specific tRNAs (tyrosine, histidine, aspartate and asparagine tRNAs). These tRNAs of the 'Q-family' originally contain guanine in the first position of anticodon, which is post-transcriptionally modified with queuine by an irreversible insertion during matu... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015607 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:42:02 +0100 3015607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2983864&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19900165%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe here the encapsulation of CLX in multilamellar vesicles (MLVs) composed of DSPC and variable amounts of cholesterol. The effect of cholesterol content on liposome size, percent drug loading and in vitro drug release profiles were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine molecular interactions between CLX, cholesterol and DSPC. The phase transition temperature (Tm) of vesicles was reduced in a synergistic manner in the presence of both CLX and cholesterol. Encapsulation efficiency, loading and release of CLX decreased with increasing cholesterol content. FTIR data indicated that this decrease was due to a competition between CLX and cholesterol for the cooperativity region of the phospholipids. In t... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2983864 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2983864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2877136&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19811448%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, by using different biophysical techniques, we have investigated the possibility of a direct interaction between the p53 core domain, also referred to as the DNA binding domain, and UDCA. Our in vitro analysis did not provide any evidence for direct binding between the bile acid UDCA and the p53 core domain. PMID: 19811448 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2877136 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2877136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2592098&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19589129%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ling SH, Cheng Z, Song H mRNA decay is critical for the regulation of gene expression and the quality control of mRNA. RNA helicases play a key role in eukaryotic mRNA decay. In general, RNA helicases utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel RNA or RNA-protein complexes, resulting in the separation of RNA duplex strand and/or displacement of proteins from the RNA molecule in RNP (ribonucleoprotein) complexes. Recently, high-resolution crystal structures of RNA helicases in mRNA decay have contributed a great deal to our understanding of these key molecules. In the present review, we focus on the structural and mechanistic aspects of three RNA helicases, Dhh1, Upf1 and eIF4AIII, that are involved in eukaryotic mRNA decay. PMID: 19589129 [PubMed - in process] (Source:... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2592098 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:08:04 +0100 2592098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546180&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19500075%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gustavsson N, Han W Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones are released through the regulated exocytosis of SVs (synaptic vesicles) and LDCVs (large dense-core vesicles), a process that is controlled by calcium. Synaptotagmins are a family of type 1 membrane proteins that share a common domain structure. Most synaptotagmins are located in brain and endocrine cells, and some of these synaptotagmins bind to phospholipids and calcium at levels that trigger regulated exocytosis of SVs and LDCVs. This led to the proposed synaptotagmin-calcium-sensor paradigm, that is, members of the synaptotagmin family function as calcium sensors for the regulated exocytosis of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones. Here, we provide an overview of the synaptotagmin family, and revie... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546180 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:32:12 +0100 2546180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546176&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yao J, Zhang XB, Zhang XL, Fu WL Many studies have shown that Epigenetic regulation of estrogen receptors (ERs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of leukaemia. And our study found that the methylated status of ERalpha-A might serve as an epigenetic biomarker of leukaemias. In the present study, the protein expression and cell apoptosis, cycle, proliferation and viability with and without 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) were evaluated with western-blot, 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) incorporation, Propidium iodide (Pi) staining and trypan blue staining respectively. The protein expression of ERalpha was significantly enhanced in all of leukemic cell lines with the DNA demethylation reagent 5-aza-dC. However, the protein expression of ERbeta has no obvious change with 5-aza-dC. And... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546176 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546177&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19552625%26dopt%3DAbstract This study reports the first characterization of legumain cDNA from the protochordate Branchiostoma belcheri. The deduced 435 amino acids long protein is structurally characterized by the presence of a putative N-terminal signal peptide, a peptidase_C13 superfamily domain with the conserved Lys123-Gly124-Asp125 motif and catalytic dyad His153 and Cys195 and two potential Asn-glycosylation sites at Asn85 and Asn270. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that B. belcheri legumain forms an independent cluster together with ascidian legumain, and is positioned at the base of vertebrate legumains, suggesting that B. belcheri legumain gene may represent the archetype of vertebrate legumain genes. Both recombinant legumain expressed in yeast and endogenous legumain are able to be converted into acti... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546177 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546179&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19527224%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lai P, Michelangeli F Diabetes mellitus-related vascular disease is often associated with both a dis-regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and enhanced secretory activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here we employ a commonly used rat VSM cell line (A7r5 cells) to investigate the effects of glucose on the expression and activity of the secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase 1 (SPCA1 or ATP2C1), which is a P-type Ca2+ pump located in the Golgi apparatus, that plays a key role in the secretory pathway. Our results show that mRNA expression levels of SPCA1 is significantly increased in A7r5 cells cultured in high (25.0mM), compared to normal (5.55mM), glucose-supplemented media. SPCA1 protein expression levels and thapsigargin-insensitive Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity were also cons... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546179 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546178&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19531027%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kaminski A, Welters HJ, Kaminski ER, Morgan NG Secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines is associated with loss of pancreatic beta-cell viability and cell death. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) has been reported to mediate a protective effect against the loss of pancreatic beta-cells and IL-4 receptors have been found in rat pancreatic beta-cells at both the RNA and protein level. The aim of this study was to investigate IL-4 receptor expression on human islet cells and to examine the signalling pathways by which IL-4 exerts its effects using the rat beta-cell lines, BRIN-BD11 and INS-1E. By means of immunohistochemistry, it was demonstrated that IL-4 receptors are present on human islet cells. Using a flow cytometric method for evaluating cell death, it was confirmed that incubating beta... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546178 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546181&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19496755%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we firstly characterized the proteome of cultured BmN cells, derived from Bombyx mori. Total 1478 proteins were identified with two or more peptides by using 1-D SDS PAGE and LTQ-Orbitrap. According to the gene ontology annotation, these proteins presented diverse isoelectric points and molecular weights, involved in various molecular functions, including catalytic activity, binding, molecular transducer activity, motor activity, transcription regulator activity, enzyme regulartor activity, as well as antioxidant activity. Some proteins related with virus infection were also identified. These results provided us useful information to understand the molecular mechanism of Bombyx mori, as well as antiviral immunity. PMID: 19496755 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sourc... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546181 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546186&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19392663%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang M, Chen L, Wang S, Wang T The endocytosis pathway controls multiple cellular and physiological events. The lysosome is the destination of newly synthesized lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes. Internalized molecules or particles are delivered to the lysosome for degradation through sequential transport along the endocytic pathway. The endocytic pathway is also emerging as a signalling platform, in addition to the well-known role of the plasma membrane for signalling. Rab7 is a late endosome-/lysosome-associated small GTPase, perhaps the only lysosomal Rab protein identified to date. Rab7 plays critical roles in the endocytic processes. Through interaction with its partners (including upstream regulators and downstream effectors), Rab7 participates in multiple regulation mechani... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546186 Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546182&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19445653%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shi D, Ma D, Dong F, Zong C, Liu L, Shen D, Yuan W, Tong X, Chen H, Wang J The thermo-responsivity of poly(N-isopropylcarylamide) (PNIPAAm)-grafted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface is feasible for detaching cells adhered on the surface of plate. Based on benzophenone-initiated photopolymerization, we grafted PNIPAAm on PDMS substrates to construct the PNIPAAm-grafted PDMS surface. This PDMS surface was highly thermo-responsive. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were used to analyze the proliferation and multi-differentiation of stem cells on the PNIPAAm-grafted PDMS surface. The results showed that hMSCs could adhere on the PNIPAAm-grafted PDMS surface at the temperature of 37 masculineC and form cell colonies, and then become fibroblastic. The proliferation potential of... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546182 Thu, 14 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546185&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19435463%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Huang S, Chang IS, Lin W, Ye W, Luo RZ, Lu Z, Lu Y, Zhang K, Liao WS, Tao T, Bast Jr RC, Chen X, Yu Y ARHI (DIRAS3) is an imprinted tumor suppressor gene whose expression is lost in the majority of breast and ovarian cancers. Unlike its homologs Ras and Rap, ARHI functions as a tumor suppressor. Our previous study showed that ARHI can interact with the transcriptional activator Stat3 and inhibit its nuclear translocation in human breast and ovarian cancer cells. To identify proteins that interact with ARHI in nuclear translocation, we have performed proteomic analysis and identified several importins that can associate with ARHI. To further explore this novel finding, we have purified 10 GST-importin fusion proteins (importin 7, 8, 13, beta1, alpha1, alpha3, alpha5, alpha6, al... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546185 Tue, 12 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546184&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19435464%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McMurray EN, Rogers ED, Schmidt JV The insertional mouse mutation Acrodysplasia (Adp) confers a parent-of-origin developmental phenotype, with animals inheriting the mutation from their father showing skeletal abnormalities, while those inheriting the mutation from their mother are normal. This parental-specific phenotype, along with mapping of the insertion to a region of chromosome 12 proposed to contain imprinted genes, suggested that disruption of genomic imprinting might underlie the Adp phenotype. Genomic imprinting is the process by which autosomal genes are epigenetically silenced on one of the two parental alleles; imprinting mutation phenotypes manifest after inheritance from one parent but not the other. Imprinted genes typically occur in dense clusters that contain... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546184 Tue, 12 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2546183&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19438410%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ahmad E, Rahman SK, Khan JM, Varshney A, Khan RH This is the first report of its kind which well demonstrates that a lectin from Phytolacca americana (Pa-2) can also be intrinsically unordered; based on data obtained by circular dichroism (CD), tryptophan fluorescence, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonate (ANS) binding, acrylamide quenching, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and its amino acid composition database analyses. Pa-2 is an acidic monomeric lectin, acquires random coil conformation at neutral pH without any regular secondary structure. As confirmed by different spectroscopic techniques, on lowering the pH some secondary structures, predominantly alpha-helices are detected by far-UV CD which adopt a marginally stable partially folded collapsed conformation possessing the c... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2546183 Tue, 12 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2546183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323746&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19358694%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gupta S, Mahmood S, Khan RH, Mahmood A The interactions of gallic acid and tannic acid with purified brush border sucrase (E.C. 3.2.1.48) from mice intestine have been studied. These findings indicate that both gallic acid and tannic acid inhibit sucrase activity, which is pH dependent. Kinetic analysis revealed that enzyme inhibition by gallic acid is a pure V effect at pH 5.0, which changes to mixed type at pH 7.2, and pure K effect at pH 8.5.In contrast, sucrase inhibition by tannic acid was a pure K effect at acidic pH and uncompetitive type in alkaline pH range. Far CD spectroscopic analysis revealed an increase in helicity of enzyme at acidic pH in presence of tannic acid but no change at alkaline pH. Fluorescence spectra revealed a red shift in lambdamax of enzyme, sugg... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323746 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2323746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323749&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19335339%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we report that Snapin also associates with late endocytic membranous organelles and interacts with the late endosome-targeted SNARE complex. Using a genetic mouse model, we further discovered that Snapin is required to maintain a proper balance of late endocytic protein LAMP-1 and late endosomal SNARE proteins syntaxin8 and Vti1b. Deleting the snapin gene in mouse selectively accumulates these proteins in late endocytic organelles. Thus, our study suggests that Snapin serves as an important regulator of the late endocytic fusion machinery, in addition to its established role in regulating synaptic vesicle fusion. PMID: 19335339 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323749 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2323749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195842&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19220199%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Litt M, Qiu Y, Huang S PRMTs (protein arginine N-methyltransferases) specifically modify the arginine residues of key cellular and nuclear proteins as well as histone substrates. Like lysine methylation, transcriptional repression or activation is dependent upon the site and type of arginine methylation on histone tails. Recent discoveries imply that histone arginine methylation is an important modulator of dynamic chromatin regulation and transcriptional controls. However, under the shadow of lysine methylation, the roles of histone arginine methylation have been under-explored. The present review focuses on the roles of histone arginine methylation in the regulation of gene expression, and the interplays between histone arginine methylation, histone acetylation, lysine methy... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195842 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:14:26 +0100 2195842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2184284&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19210264%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xiao Y, Gao S, Di P, Chen J, Chen W, Zhang L Lithospermic acid B (LAB) is a dimer of rosmarinic acid (RA), and has been suggested to be derived from RA, but the detailed biosynthesis process has not yet been identified. The accumulation of RA has been intensively investigated in the plant species of Boraginaceae and Lamiaceae. Our study reported an abiotic elicitor, silver ion (Ag+, 15 microM) did not stimulate RA accumulation but dramatically enhanced LAB from approx. 5.4% to 18.8% of dry weight in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root cultures, and their content was found perfectly competitive at each time point after treatment. Meanwhile, profiling analysis of genes and metabolites (intermediates) involved in RA synthesis pathway was performed, the result indicated several gene tr... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2184284 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2184284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168512&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19196247%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, we have shown that aging up-regulates the expression of p16INK4a in VSMC in both cultures and arteries. The increase of CKIs in the vasculature with aging may modify VSMC's response to post-injury stress and, therefore, accelerate the development of age-related cardiovascular diseases. PMID: 19196247 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168512 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2168512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168514&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19193193%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wan B, Wang XR, Zhou YB, Zhang X, Huo K, Han ZG Here we describe a novel secreted protein, named C12ORF39 (chromosome12 open-reading framework 39), which contains a typical amidation-proteolytic processing signal (Gly-Arg-Arg motif). Interestingly, C12ORF39 protein is not been hydrolyzed, but is a full-length sequence protein without signal peptides. Western blotting assay indicated that the c-myc tagged C12ORF39 is secreted into culture medium in transfected HeLa cells. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that c12orf39 is mainly expressed in placenta and brain. Immunohistochemistry study on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human term placenta using a rabbit antibody against human C12ORF39 demonstrated that the protein was localized extracellularly surrounding the trophobla... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168514 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2168514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168513&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19193194%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we isolated a cDNA, designated BbPlgl, encoding a kringle-containing protease with plasminogen-like activity from the basal chordate Branchiostoma belcheri. The deduced protein BbPlgl consisted of 430 amino acids, which is structurally characterized by the presence of a N-terminal signal peptide of 16 amino acids, 2 kringle domains with the Lys-binding site structure, a serine protease domain with the putative tPA-cleavage site (between Arg297 and Val298), the catalytic triad His237-Asp288-Ser379 expected for protease function and a potential N-linked glycosylation site, all characteristic of Plgs. Besides, the recombinant BbPlgl refolded was readily activated by human uPA, and exhibited Plg-like activity. BbPlgl was also able to auto-activate at neutral and alkaline pH at 4... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168513 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2168513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2111198&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19143591%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Antonescu CN, Foti M, Sauvonnet N, Klip A The facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4, a recycling membrane protein, is required for dietary glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells. GLUT4 is also responsible for the increased glucose uptake by myofibres during muscle contraction. Defects in GLUT4 membrane traffic contribute to loss of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Numerous studies have analysed the intracellular membrane compartments occupied by GLUT4 and the mechanisms by which insulin regulates GLUT4 exocytosis. However, until recently, GLUT4 internalization was less well understood. In the present paper, we review: (i) evidence supporting the co-existence of clathrin-dependent and independent GLUT4 internalization in adipocytes... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2111198 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:10:59 +0100 2111198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090497&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19125696%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang Y, Xi D, Wang J, Zhu D, Guo X Mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) is the terminal oxidase of cyanide (CN)-resistant alternative respiratory pathway in plants. To investigate the role of tobacco AOX gene (NtAOX1a) under deleterious conditions which could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, we generated and characterized a number of independent transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines with altered NtAOX1a gene expression and alternative pathway (AP) capacity. AOX efficiently inhibited the production of low temperature-induced H2O2 and might be a main enzyme to scavenge H2O2 at low temperature. Furthermore, NtAOX1a may act as a regulator of KCN-induced resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) through regulation of H2O2. Notably, a moderate accumulatio... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090497 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2090497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2054041&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19093913%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wong JH, Wang H, Ng TB There are only a few reports on agglutinins from ascomycete and medicinal fungi. A hemagglutinin, with an N-terminal amino acid sequence different from those of known lectins, was isolated in the present study from dried fruiting bodies of the medicinal ascomycete fungus Cordeyceps militaris. The purification protocol comprised affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. The hemagglutinating activity of the hemagglutinin could not be inhibited by simple sugars or heparin, and was stable over the pH range 2-13 and up to 60 degrees C. Chemical modification of tryptophan and tyrosine residues had no effect. The hemagglutinin exhibited some antiproliferative activity toward hepatoma (HepG2) cells and inhibited HIV-1 reverse tran... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2054041 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2054041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2041322&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19076066%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sunde RA, Raines AM, Barnes KM, Evenson JK Glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1) enzyme activity and mRNA levels decrease dramatically in Se deficiency, whereas other selenoproteins are less affected by Se deficiency. This hierarchy of selenium regulation is not understood, but the position of the UGA selenocysteine codon is thought to play a major role in making selenoprotein mRNAs susceptible to nonsense mediated decay. Thus we studied the complete selenoproteome in the mouse to uncover additional selenoprotein mRNAs that are highly-regulated by Se status. Mice were fed Se-deficient, Se-marginal, and Se-adequate diets (0, 0.05 and 0.2 microg Se/g, respectively) for 35 days, and selenoprotein mRNA levels in liver and kidney were determined using microarray analysis and quantitative... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2041322 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2041322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018686&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19055484%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang Y, Qiu C, Zhang F, Guo B, Miao Z, Sun X, Tang K Gossypol, a kind of plant defense sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins, is synthesized from the 2C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) and mevalonate (MVA) pathway in isoprenoids biosynthetic system. The key step is the isomerization of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) to dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) catalyzed by isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPP isomerase, EC 5.3.3.2). A full-length cDNA encoding IPP isomerase (designated as GbIPI) was cloned from Gossypium barbadense by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA of GbIPI was 1205 bp and contained a 906 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 302 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 34.39 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.07. Sequence... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018686 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2018686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1992550&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19032145%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lu X, Zheng R, Gonzalez J, Gaspers L, Kuzhikandathil E, Peluffo RD Cationic L-amino acids enter cardiac muscle cells through carrier-mediated transport. To study this process in detail, L-[14C]lysine uptake experiments were conducted within a 103-fold range of L-lysine concentrations in giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from rat cardiac ventricles. Vesicles had a surface-to-volume ratio comparable to that of an epithelial cell, thus representing a suitable system for initial uptake rate studies. Two Na+-independent, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive uptake components were found, one with high apparent-affinity (Km = 222 +/- 71 microM) and low transport capacity (Vmax = 121 +/- 36 pmol (mg of vesicle protein)-1 min-1), the other with low apparent-affinity (Km = 16 +/- 4 mM) and high... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1992550 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1992550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964721&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19007334%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yao HP, Xiang XW, Chen L, Guo AQ, He FQ, Lan LP, Lu XM, Wu XF The midgut is the digestive apparatus and its proteome was studied by using nanoLC electrospray ionization MS/MS. Mass spectrometry data were analyzed by X!Tandem searching software using different parameters and validated by Poisson model. Total 90 proteins were identified and 79 proteins were described for the first time. Among the new proteins, 22 proteins were closely related to the digestive function of the midgut, including 11 proteins of digestive enzymes secreted by the epithelium, 8 proteins of intestine wall muscle and mechanical digestion, 3 proteins of peritrophic membrane that could prevent the epithelium from being mechanically rubbed; 44 proteins were involved in metabolism of substance and energy; 11... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964721 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1964721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1961884&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19006485%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we report that insulin stimulates the phosphorylation of Sec8 on Ser32 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Based upon the sequence around Ser32 and the finding that phosphorylation is inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin, it is likely that Akt is the kinase for Ser32. We examined the possible role of Ser32 phosphorylation in the insulin-stimulated trafficking of GLUT4, as well as the transferrin receptor, to the plasma membrane by determining the effects of overexpression of the nonphosphorylatable S32A mutant of Sec8 and the phosphomimetic S32E mutant of Sec8. Substantial overexpression of both mutants had no effect on the amount of GLUT4 or transferrin receptor at the cell surface in either the untreated or insulin-treated states. These results indicate tha... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1961884 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1961884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1934748&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18980577%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang L, Li D, Li Z The golden hamster is an attractive model organism for studying reproductive physiology, oncology, genetics and virology. In an effort to establish experimental protocols necessary for cloning golden hamsters, we examined changes in the reciprocal position of the first polar body (FPB) and chromosome set of MII oocytes of golden hamsters. Oocytes were collected under three different conditions: 1) oocyte direct recovery from the oviduct of hormonally treated donor; 2) oocyte recovery from the oviduct of hormonally treated donor followed by 5h/10h in vitro culture; 3) oocyte recovery from ovaries of hormonally treated donors and in vitro maturation. Then oocyte recovery from the oviduct of hormonally treated donor followed by 5h in vitro culture with colchici... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1934748 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1934748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930868&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18976238%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aires Menzel V, Cassarà MC, Benz R, De Pinto V, Messina A, Cunsolo V, Saletti R, Hinsch KD, Hinsch E VDAC (Voltage Dependent Anion selective Channel) is the pore-forming protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. In higher eukaryotes three genes encode for VDAC. Nevertheless the knowledge of VDAC isoforms is mainly restricted to VDAC1, the only isoform characterized from living tissues until now. We have highly enriched the isoform VDAC2 using as starting material bovine spermatozoa. VDAC2 was obtained in the hydroxyapatite/celite pass-through of sperm proteins solubilized with Triton X-100. This fraction showed in SDS-PAGE two major and one-faint bands in the Mr range of 30-35 kDa. Two-dimensional electrophoresis resolved these bands in ten spots with various C... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930868 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1930868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1896359&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18937645%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cartwright TA, Schwalbe RA Mammalian brains contain relatively high amounts of common and uncommon sialylated N-glycan structures. Sialic acid linkages were identified for voltage gated potassium channels, Kv3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4, by evaluating their electrophoretic migration patterns in adult rat brain membranes digested with various glycosidases. Additionally, their electrophoretic migration patterns were compared to those of N-CAM, transferrin, and the Kv3.1 protein heterologously expressed in B35 neuroblastoma cells. Metabolic labeling of the sugars combined with glycosidase digestion reactions were utilized to show that the N-glycan of recombinant Kv3.1 protein was capped with an oligo/polysialyl unit. All three brain Kv3 glycoproteins, like N-CAM, were termina... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1896359 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1896359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873524&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18847436%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pi Y, Liao Z, Jiang K, Huang B, Deng Z, Zhao D, Zeng H, Sun X, Tang K Allene oxide cyclase (AOC, EC 5.3.99.6), an essential enzyme in jasmonic acid (JA) and its methyl ester (MeJA) biosynthesis, was cloned from Camptotheca acuminata (named as CaAOC), a native medicinal plant species in China. CaAOC had significant similarity at amino acid level with AOCs from other plant species. Comparison between the sequences of the full-length cDNA and genomic DNA of CaAOC revealed that the genomic DNA of CaAOC contained an 89-bp intron and a 240-bp intron. Southern blot analysis indicated that CaAOC was a multiple copy gene and real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that CaAOC expressed constitutively in all tested organs, with the highest expression level in leaves. The results from ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873524 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1873524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873525&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18847434%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lam SK, Han QF, Ng TB A dimeric 62-kDa lectin exhibiting a novel N-terminal amino acid sequence was purified from caper (Capparis spinosa) seeds. The purification protocol involved anion exchange chromatography, cation exchange chromatography and finally gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. About 100-fold purification was achieved. The hemagglutinating activity of the lectin, which was stable in pH 1-12 and up to 40 oC, could be inhibited by D(+) galactose, alpha-lactose, raffinose and rhamnose at 1 mM concentration, by 25 mM L(+)-arabinose, and by 100 mM D(+)glucosamine. The lectin potently inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 of 0.28 uM, and proliferation of both hepatoma HepG2 and breast cancer MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of about ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873525 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1873525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1866145&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18842111%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ben Djoudi Ouadda A, Levy E, Ziv E, Lalonde G, Sané AT, Delvin E, Elchebly M AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been suggested as a central player regulating fatty acid metabolism through its ability to regulate acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity. Nevertheless, its involvement in insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (TD2)-associated dyslipidemia remains enigmatic. In the present investigation, we employed the Psammomys obesus gerbil, a well-established model of IR and TD2, in order to appreciate the contribution of AMPK/ACC pathway to the abnormal hepatic lipid synthesis and increased lipid accumulation in the liver. Our investigation provided evidence that the development of IR/diabetic state in Psammomys obesus is accompanied by 1) body weight gain and hy... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1866145 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1866145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856866&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18834331%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berkner H, Neudecker P, Mittag D, Ballmer-Weber BK, Schweimer K, Vieths S, Rösch P In many cases, patients allergic to birch pollen also show allergic reactions after ingestion of certain fruits or vegetables. This observation is explained on the molecular level by cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies induced by sensitization to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 with homologous food allergens. As IgE antibodies recognize conformational epitopes, a precise structural characterization of the allergens involved is necessary to understand cross-reactivity and thus to develop new methods of allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergic patients. Here we report the three-dimensional solution structure of the soybean allergen Gly m 4, a member of the superfamily of Bet v 1 ho... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856866 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1856866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1848480&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18828761%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Romero MD, Fernández-López JA, Esteve M, Alemany M We intended to determine how brown adipose tissue (BAT) maintained thermogenesis under treatment with oleoyl-estrone (OE), a powerful slimming hormone that sheds off body lipid but maintaining the metabolic rate. Overweight male rats were subjected to daily gavages of 10 nmol/g OE or vehicle (controls) for 10 days. A pair-fed vehicle-receiving group (PF) was used to discount the effects attributable to energy availability limitation. Interscapular BAT weight, lipid, DNA, mRNA and the RT-PCR expression of lipid and energy metabolism genes for enzymes and regulatory proteins were measured. BAT weight and lipid decreased in OE and PF; the latter showing a marked reduction of tissue mRNA. Maintenance of perilipin gene ex... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1848480 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1848480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1845592&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18826374%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Melendez AJ, Tay HK Receptor-mediated phagocytosis is a complex process that mediates the internalization, by a cell, of other cells and large particles; this is an important physiological event not only in mammals, but in a wide diversity of organisms. Of simple unicellular organisms that use phagocytosis to extract nutrients, to complex metazoans in which phagocytosis is essential for the innate defence system, as a first line of defence against invading pathogens, as well as for the clearance of damaged, dying or dead cells. Evolution has armed multicellular organisms with a range of receptors expressed on many cells that serve as the molecular basis to bring about phagocytosis, regardless of the organism or the specific physiological event concerned. Key to all phagocytic ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1845592 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1845592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826932&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18811591%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Oresic K, Mueller B, Tortorella D Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL), a group of inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases predominantly affecting children, are due to autosomal recessive mutations within one of the nine cln genes. The wild type cln gene products are comprised of membrane and soluble proteins that localize to the lysosome or endoplasmic reticulum. However, the destiny of the Cln variants has not been fully characterized. To explore a possible link between ER quality control and processing of Cln mutants, we investigated the fate of two NCL-related Cln6 mutants found in patient samples (Cln6G123D and Cln6M241T) in neuronal-derived human cells. The point mutations are predicted to be in the putative transmembrane domains and most likely generate m... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826932 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1826932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826933&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18811590%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hall T, Leone JW, Wiese JF, Griggs DW, Pegg LE, Pauley AM, Tomasselli AG, Zack MD Members of the ADAMs (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase) family of proteins possess a multi-domain architecture which permits functionalities as adhesion molecules, signaling intermediates, and proteolytic enzymes. ADAM8 is found on immune cells and is induced by multiple pro-inflammatory stimuli suggesting a role in inflammation. Here we describe an activation mechanism for recombinant human ADAM8 that is independent from classical pro-protein convertase (PC) mediated activation. N-terminal sequencing revealed that, unlike other ADAMs, ADAM8 undergoes pre-processing at Glu158, which fractures the pro-domain before terminal activation takes place to remove the putative cysteine switch (Cys167).... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826933 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1826933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826934&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18808365%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yao J, Huang Q, Zhang X, Fu W Other studies suggested an important role of Estrogene receptors (ERs) in the pathogenesis of leukemias. However, there is no information about the epigenetic characteristics of ERalpha isoforms and ERbeta in leukemias. In the present study, the mRNA expression and promoter CpG methylation of ERalpha isoforms (i.e., ERalpha-A, -B and -C) and ERbeta in leukemia cell lines were evaluated with RT-PCR and methylation-specific PCR (MSP), respectively. And the methylation of ERs was further analyzed in acute leukemia patients by MSP and direct DNA sequencing. Although all ERalpha isoforms and ERbeta were methylated in all leukemia cell lines except for ERalpha-C was unmethylated in HL-60 and K562 cell lines, only the expression of ERalpha-A was deficien... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826934 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1826934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1806897&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18798732%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang W, Hu Z, Li J, Chen G The puc2BA operon of Rhodobacter(R.) sphaeroides is similar to the original puc1BA operon at high level. Genetical, biochemical and spectroscopy approaches were applied to investigate the function of puc2BA, the puc1BA and puc2BA structural genes were amplified and cloned into pRK415 vector controlled by puc promoter from R. sphaeroides, which was then introduced into R. sphaeroides mutants. The results indicated that the puc2BA were normally expressed and puc2BA-encoded polypeptides were assembled into LHII of the membrane, though the puc2A-encoded polypeptide was much larger than puc1A-encoded polypeptide. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE experiments indicated that puc1BA and puc2BA from genome or vectors were expressed in R. sphaeroides. Furth... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1806897 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1806897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1760568&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18764779%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Verma N, Vinayak M Antioxidants are substances that fight with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect the cells from their damaging effects. Production of ROS during cellular metabolism is balanced by their removal by antioxidants. Any condition leading to increased ROS results in oxidative stress, which promotes a large number of human diseases including cancer. Therefore, antioxidants may be regarded as potential anticarcinogens as they may slow down or prevent development of cancer by reducing oxidative stress. Fruits and vegetables are rich source of antioxidants. Moreover, a number of phytochemicals present in medicinal plants are known to possess antioxidant activity. Therefore, the present study is aimed to investigate antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of n... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1760568 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1760568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1747646&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18754758%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang Q, Li Y, Liu G, Xu X, Song X, Liang B, Li R, Xie J, Du M, Xiao L, Gan X, Huang D The DHRS4 gene cluster, consisting of DHRS4 and its copy gene DHRS4L2, is localized on 14q11.2. The DHRS4 gene product NADP(H)-dependent retinol oxidoreductase participates in the metabolism of retinoids. The expression patterns of DHRS4 gene cluster were investigated in human neuroblastoma cells. Transcript analysis of the DHRS4 gene cluster using 3'- and 5'-RACE, reverse transcription PCR and bioinformatics approaches showed an alternative transcription start site in the copy gene DHRS4L2 generating two transcripts, DHRS4A1 (GenBank accession no. AY616183) and DHRS4A2 (AY943857), together with at least 6 alternative splicing variants (DHRS4A_v1-6) (GenBank accession no. AY920361, AY920362,... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1747646 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1747646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1747647&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18752469%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Faist F, Short S, Kneale G, Sharpe CR Signalling by small molecules such as retinoic acid is mediated by heterodimers consisting of a class II nuclear receptor and an RXR subunit. The receptors bind to DNA response elements and act as ligand-dependent transcription factors but, in the absence of signal, the receptors bind the corepressors SMRT and NCoR and repress gene expression. Alternative splicing of the SMRT transcript in mammals generates six isoforms containing 1, 2 or 3 CoRNR box motifs that are responsible for the interactions with nuclear receptors. We show that human cell lines express all six SMRT isoforms and then determine the binding affinity of mouse SMRT isoforms for RAR/RXR and three additional class II nuclear receptor-DNA complexes. This approach demonstrat... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1747647 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1747647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1747648&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18729825%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roostaee A, Barbar E, Lavigne P, Lehoux JG Steroidogenesis depends on the delivery of free cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane by the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR). Mutations in the StAR gene lead to proteins with limited cholesterol binding capacity. This gives rise to the accumulation of cytoplasmic cholesterol, a deficit in steroid hormone production and to the medical condition of lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A detailed understanding of the mechanism of specific binding of free cholesterol by StAR would be a critical asset to understand the molecular origin of this disease. Previous studies have led to propose that the C-terminal alpha-helix 4 of StAR was undergoing a folding/unfolding transition. This transition is thought to gate the... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1747648 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1747648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1747649&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18721127%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu S, Mao Q, Zhang W, Zheng X, Bian Y, Wang D, Li H, Chai L, Zhao J, Xia H The transduction efficiency of adenovirus depends to some extent on the expression level of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) of a target cell. The low CAR level on the cell surface is a potential barrier to efficient gene transfer. To overcome this problem, PTD.AdeGFP was constructed by modifying HI-loop of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) fiber with trans-activating (Tat) protein transduction domain (PTD) derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Our experimental results showed that PTD.AdeGFP significantly improved gene transfer to multiple cell types deficient in CAR expression. The improvement of gene transfer was not due to charge-directed binding between the virus and the cell surface. ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1747649 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1747649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1726910&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18717645%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heinrich A, Böer U, Tzvetkov M, Oetjen E, Knepel W Lithium salts are clinically important drugs used to treat bipolar mood disorder. The mechanisms accounting for the clinical efficacy are not completely understood. Chronic treatment with lithium is required to establish mood stabilization, suggesting the involvement of neuronal plasticity processes. CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) is a transcription factor known to mediate neuronal adaptation. Recently, the CREB-coactivator TORC (transducer of regulated CREB) has been identified as a novel target of lithium and shown to confer an enhancement by lithium of cAMP-induced CREB-directed gene transcription. TORC is sequestered in the cytoplasm and its nuclear translocation controls CREB activity. In the present st... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726910 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1726910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1724145&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18715222%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wu XF, Li XH, Yue WF, Roy B, Li GL, Liu JM, Zhong BX, Gao QK, David WC, Miao YG Although the ecdysteroid of silkworm had been studied for decades, the proteome of prothoracic Gland (PG), the primary source of ecdysteroid hormones, was still blank till now. In this paper, we utilized the proteomic approach to investigate the fifth instar PG during growth and development of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. The 2-DE results showed that acidic proteins were in the majority, especially concentrated in the area of 25k-65k, pI 4-7, and the distinction was not exquisite. Comparing to the Qiufeng, the distinction of interspecific was larger than innerspecific. 19 special spots, excised from 3rd, 5th and 9th day of p50 (Chinese strain) and Qiufeng (Japanese strain), were subjected to MALDI-TOF ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1724145 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1724145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1705325&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18699774%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shiu LY, Liang CH, Chang LC, Sheu HM, Tsai EM, Kuo KW Trastuzumab is utilized for breast cancer patients with HER2/neu overexpression; however, it has no effect with low levels of HER2/neu. Solamargine (SM), a major steroidal alkaloid glycoside purified from the Solanum incanum plant, triggered apoptosis of breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and SK-BR-3) and noncancerous breast epithelial cell (HBL-100) within 3 h. To extend the application of trastuzumab in breast cancer patients, regulation of HER2/neu expression by SM was investigated. SM significantly up-regulates HER2/neu expression in breast cancer cells with low expression of and over-expressing HER2/neu, and synergistically enhanced trastuzumab in the cell proliferation inhibition. Additionally, HER2/neu and topoIIalpha genes ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1705325 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1705325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696854&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18691158%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seredenina T, Ferraro T, Terstappen GC, Caricasole A, Roncarati R Recent reports demonstrate that the RIC-3 protein is important for the maturation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In the present work RIC-3e, a novel variant of RIC-3 is described. This variant carries a deletion of exons 4 and 5 resulting in a protein product lacking a conserved coiled-coil domain. Like RIC-3, the new variant is predominantly but not exclusively expressed in the brain. The analysis of expression of RIC-3 variants' mRNA and of alpha7-nAChR mRNA in a set of human tissues shows a similar profile. The RIC-3e protein is functionally active and enables surface expression of mature alpha7-nAChRs in cell lines otherwise not permissive for the expression of this receptor. PMID: 18691158 [PubMe... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696854 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1696854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689497&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18684104%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Espiña B, Cagide E, Louzao MC, Martinez-Fernandez M, Vieytes MR, Katikou P, Villar A, Jaen D, Maman L, Botana LM Palytoxin is one of the most complex and biggest molecules known showing extreme acute toxicity. During the last years, the dinoflagellate Ostreopsis spp, the producer organism of palytoxin, has shown a world-wide distribution thus making palytoxin an emerging toxin. Rat derived hepatocytes Clone 9 and BE (2)-M17 human neuroblastoma were used to test palytoxin or palytoxin -like compounds by measuring cell metabolic rate with Alamar Blue. The dose-dependent decrease in viability was specifically inhibited by ouabain in the case of BE (2)-M17 neuroblastoma cells. This is a functional, dynamic and simple test for palytoxins with high sensitivity as low as 0.2 ng/... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689497 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1689497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689496&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18684105%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we studied the feasibility of deleting essential genes in insect cells and purifying recombinant bacmid in DH10B cells by using bacmid. To disrupt the open reading frame 4 (orf4) of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), a transfer vector was constructed and co-transfected with BmNPV bacmid into Bm cells, and then three passages of viruses in Bm cells was carried out, followed by one round of purification. Subsequently, bacmid DNA was extracted and transformed into competent DH10B cells. A colony harboring only orf4-disrupted bacmid DNA was identified by PCR. A mixture of recombinant bacmid (white colony) and non-recominant bacmid (blue colony) was also transformed into DH10B cells. PCR with M13 primers showed that recombinant bacmid and non-recombinant bacmid were ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689496 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1689496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689495&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18684110%26dopt%3DAbstract This study describes the enzymatic properties and molecular identification of 5'-nucleotidase in rat cardiac soluble and microsomal fractions. Using AMP as a substrate, the results showed that the cation and the concentration required for maximal activity in the two fractions was magnesium in the final concentration of 1.0 mM. The pH optimum for both fractions was 9.5. The apparent KM (Michaelis constant) calculated from the Eadie-Hofstee plot were 59.7 +/- 10.4 muM and 134.8 +/- 32.1 muM with a Vmax values calculated of 6.7 +/- 0.4 and 143.8 +/- 23.8 nmol Pi/min/mg protein (mean +/- SD, n=4) from soluble and microsomal fractions, respectively. Western blotting analysis to ecto-5'-nucleotidase revealed a 70kDa protein in both fractions and a major density in the microsomal fraction. The pr... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689495 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1689495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1683946&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18680481%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nores MJ, Prucca CG, Quiroga R, Elías EV, Cavallín L, Price AM, Saura A, Carranza PG, Gottig N, Solari AJ, Lujan HD Giardia lamblia is a medically important protozoan parasite with a basal position in the eukaryotic lineage and an interesting model to understand evolution of biochemical events in eukaryotic cells. G. lamblia trophozoites undergo significant changes to survive outside the intestine of their host by differentiating into infective cysts. In this work, we characterize the previously identified gene Orf-C4 (Giardia lamblia open reading frame C4), considered specific of G. lamblia. It encodes a 22 kDa protein that assembles into high molecular mass complexes during the entire life cycle of the parasite. ORF-C4 localizes to the cytoplasm of trophozoites and... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1683946 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1683946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1680129&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18673301%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pavan B, Dalpiaz A, Biondi C, Nieddu M, De Luca A, Prasad PD, Paganetto G, Favaloro B Retinoids mediate their biological effect by interacting with specific nuclear receptors. Of the several known retinoic acid receptor subtypes, RARbeta is of particular interest since its expression is silenced in many cancers and is believed to be a tumor suppressor. Specific ligands of RARbeta can potentially be used in anti-cancer therapy. Here we have investigated the feasibility of using HRPE cells as an experimental model for characterizing RARbeta-ligand interaction. RT-PCR and western blot analyses show that HRPE cells specifically express only RARbeta and none of the other receptor subtypes. In addition, our studies show that the expression of RARbeta increases with increasing passag... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1680129 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1680129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1680128&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18673302%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pospíšilová H, Sebela M, Novák O, Frébort I Homogeneous adenine deaminases (EC 3.5.4.2) from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe and a putative adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4) from Arabidopsis thaliana were obtained for the first time as purified recombinant proteins by molecular cloning of the corresponding genes and their overexpression in Escherichia coli. The enzymes showed comparable molecular properties to well known mammalian adenosine deaminases, but exhibited much lower kcat values. Adenine was the most favored substrate for the yeast enzymes, whereas the plant enzyme showed only very low activities with either adenine, adenosine, AMP or ATP. Interestingly, the yeast enzymes also hydrolyzed N6-substituted adenine... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1680128 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1680128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1672268&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18666890%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yaqinuddin A, Abbas F, Naqvi Z, Bashir MU, Qazi R, Qureshi SA Alterations in genomic CpG methylation patterns have been found to be associated with cell transformation and neoplasia. While it is recognized that methylation of CpG residues negatively regulates gene expression, how the various methyl binding proteins (MBP) contribute to this process remains elusive. To determine whether the two well characterized CpG methylated DNA binding proteins, MeCP2 and MBD1, have distinct or redundant functions, we employed RNAi to silence their expression in the prostate cancer derived PC3 cells, and subsequently compared cell growth, invasion and migration properties of these cell lines in addition to their respective mRNA expression profiles. Cells devoid of MeCP2 proliferated more poo... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1672268 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1672268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1653026&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18651838%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which Ets-1 contributes towards the regulation of Npr1 gene transcription and expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel shift assays confirmed the in vivo and in vitro binding of Ets-1 to Npr1 promoter. Overexpression of Ets-1 significantly enhanced NPRA mRNA levels, protein expression, guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity, and ANP-stimulated intracellular accumulation of cGMP levels in transfected cells. Depletion of endogenous Ets-1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) dramatically decreased promoter activity by 80%. Moreover, methylation of the Npr1 promoter region -356 to +55 significantly reduced the promoter activity and hypermethylation around the Ets-1 binding sites directly reduced the Ets-1 binding to Npr1 promoter. Coll... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1653026 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1653026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1646810&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18643776%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kamagate A, Sener A, Courtois P, Malaisse WJ, Herchuelz A In order to investigate the possible link between plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) activity and D-glucose catabolism in insulin-producing cells, BRIN-BD11 cells were transfected with two isoforms of PMCA2. Transfection of insulin-producing BRIN-BD11 cells with plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase (PMCA2yb and PMCA2wb) was documented by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and 45Ca2+ uptake by microsomes. In the transfected cells, the overexpression of PMCA coincided with three major anomalies of D-glucose metabolism, namely a lower rate of D-[5-3H]glucose utilization prevailing at a low extracellular concentration of D-glucose (1.1 mM), a low ratio between D-[U-14C]oxidation and D-[5-3H]glucos... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646810 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1646810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1638218&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18636965%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined the molecular signaling involved in thrombin-induced RPE cell proliferation, using rat RPE cells in culture as a model system for PVR pathogenesis. Results showed that thrombin activation of PAR1 induces RPE cell proliferation through the Ras-independent activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 MAPK signaling cascade. Pharmacological analysis revealed that the activation of "conventional" PKC isoforms is essential for proliferation, although thrombin-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 requires the activation of atypical PKCzeta by PI3K. Consistently, thrombin-induced ERK1/2 activation and RPE proliferation were totally prevented by PI3K or PKCzeta inhibition. These results suggest that thrombin induces RPE cell proliferation by the joint activation of PLC-dependent and atypical PKC isof... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1638218 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1638218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1638217&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18636966%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ross-Inta C, Tsai CY, Giulivi C Mitochondria can synthesize a limited number of proteins encoded by mtDNA by using its own biosynthetic machinery, whereas most of the proteins are imported from the cytosol. It could be hypothesized that the mitochondrial pool of amino acids follows the frequency of amino acids in mtDNA-encoded proteins or alternatively, the profile is the result of the participation of amino acids in pathways other than protein synthesis (e.g. heme biosynthesis, aminotransferase reactions). These hypotheses were tested by evaluating the pool of free amino acids and derivatives in highly-coupled, purified liver mitochondria obtained from rats fed a nutritionally adequate diet for growth. Our results indicated that the pool mainly reflects the amino acid composi... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1638217 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1638217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1626243&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18620546%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yamane N, Takahashi K, Tanaka Y, Kato K, Takayama M, Ohyabu N, Shiota T, Takenaka H, Yoshida Y, Hara S, Murashi T, Nakamura E, Nishitani Y, Ishizaki J, Yamane S, Nagata K, Koizumi K, Yutsudo T, Suzuki R, Itoh T, Takemoto H We have identified a series of novel non-peptide compounds that activate the thrombopoietin-dependent cell line Ba/F3-huMPL. The compounds stimulated proliferation of Ba/F3-huMPL in the absence of other growth factors, but did not promote proliferation of the thrombopoietin-independent parent cell line Ba/F3. The thrombopoietin mimetic compounds elicited signal transduction responses comparable to recombinant human thrombopoietin, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of the thrombopoietin receptor, janus kinase (JAK) 2, tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2), signal transduce... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1626243 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1626243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1626242&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18620547%26dopt%3DAbstract This study concerns the biochemical and structural characterization of a human KAT II/AADAT. Substrate screening of human KAT II revealed that the enzyme had very broad substrate specificity, was capable of catalyzing the transamination of 16 out of 24 tested amino acids and utilized all 16 tested alpha-keto acids as amino group acceptors. Its broad substrate specificity contrasts to previous reports about KAT II. Kinetic analysis of human KAT II revealed its catalytic efficiency to individual amino group donors and acceptors, which provides a basis to pin point its primary substrates. Structural analysis of human KAT II complex with alpha-ketoglutaric acid revealed the conformation change of an N-terminal fraction, residues 15-33, is able to adapt different size substrates, which provides... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1626242 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1626242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1561786&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18588513%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Høier-Madsen M, Holm J, Hansen SI The high affinity folate binding protein/ folate receptor (FBP/FR) is expressed in three isoforms. FR alpha and beta are attached to cell membranes by hydrophobic glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchors, while FBP gamma is a secretory protein. Mature neutrophil granulocytes contain a non-functional FR beta on the surface , and in addition nanomolar concentrations of a secretory functional FBP (29 kDa) can be present in the secondary granules. A statistically significant correlation between the concentrations of functional FBP, probably a gamma isoform, in granulocytes and serum supported the hypothesis that serum FBP (29 kDa) mainly originates from neutrophils. The presence of FBP/FR alpha isoforms were for the first time established ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1561786 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1561786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1561785&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18588514%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study Hex was analysed in lysosomal membrane-enriched fraction, obtained by purification from highly purified human placenta lysosomes. Results demonstrate the presence of mature Hex associated to lysosomal membrane and displaying, as the plasma membrane (PM) associated form, an acidic optimum pH. When subjected to carbonate extraction, the enzyme behave as a peripheral membrane protein, while Triton X-114 phase separation confirmed its partial hydrophilic nature, characteristics that are in common with the PM-associated Hex. Moreover 2D electrophoresis indicated a slight difference in pI of beta-subunits in the membrane and the soluble forms of the lysosomal Hex. These data reveal a new aspect of the Hex biology and suggest that a fully processed membrane-associated form of Hex is... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1561785 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1561785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1561784&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18588515%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schroeter MM, Beall B, Heid HW, Chalovich JM An analysis of the primary structure of the actin binding protein fesselin revealed it to be the avian homologue of mammalian synaptopodin 21 [Schroeter, Beall, Heid, and Chalovich (2008) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 371, 582-586]. We isolated two synaptopodin 2 isoforms from rabbit stomach that corresponded to known types of human synaptopodin 2. The purification scheme used was that developed for avian fesselin. These synaptopodin 2 forms shared several key functions with fesselin. Both avian fesselin and mammalian synaptopodin 2 bound to Ca2+-calmodulin, alpha-actinin, and smooth muscle myosin. In addition, both proteins stimulated the polymerization of actin in a Ca2+-calmodulin dependent manner. Synaptopodin 2 has never befor... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1561784 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1561784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1561783&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18588517%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang J, Wang X, Liu C, Zhang J, Zhu C, Guo X A novel gene, named NgAOX1a, was isolated from Nicotiana glutinosa by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). The full-length cDNA of NgAOX1a was 1448 bp, including a 1062 bp open reading frame (ORF), a 124 bp 5' untranslated region (UTR) and a 262 bp 3' UTR. The ORF encodes a 353-amino acid protein which contains two conserved cysteine residues, four iron binding motifs, five helix regions and six conserved histidine residues. The phylogenetic tree showed that NgAOX1a belonged to AOX1-type. Alignment analysis showed that NgAOX1a shared high similarity with other known alternative oxidases. Four extrons and three introns were detected in the genomic DNA sequence, and Southern blotting analysis suggested that NgAOX1a is a single copy gen... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1561783 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1561783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1548198&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18576946%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion: This comparative competitive study suggests that Ap4A and Ap5A contribute to the purinergic responses via inhibition of adenylate-kinase mediated conversion of endogenous ADP, while Up4A most likely mediates its vasoregulatory effects via direct bindingmediated mechanisms. PMID: 18576946 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1548198 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1548198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1532578&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18558917%26dopt%3DAbstract This study has addressed the function of the CD36 amino-cytoplasmic domain in the binding and internalisation of OxLDL. A selection of CD36 amino-cytoplasmic domain mutants were generated and stably expressed in HEK293 cells. The capacity of three mutants (CD36_C3/7-A, CD36_D4/R5-A and CD36_nCPD-) to bind and endocytose OxLDL was then studied using immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative fluoremetry. Each of the CD36 constructs was expressed at differing levels at the cell surface as measured by flow cytometry and western blotting. Following incubation with DiI-OxLDL, cells bearing the CD36_wild-type, CD36_C3/7-A, CD36_D4/R5-A and CD36_nCPD- construct all internalized DiI-OxLDL into endosomal structures whereas empty vector-transfected cells failed to do so indicating that unlike th... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1532578 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1532578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1532579&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18557703%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we analyzed the molecular mechanisms that regulate the chicken Grin1 gene transcription in undifferentiated cells and neurons. In this work, we demonstrate with functional analysis of chicken Grin1/Luc gene 5 -regulatory region constructs, that the basal promoter was delimited within 210 bp upstream from the main transcription initiation site. DNA-protein binding and functional assays revealed that the 5 -UTR has one consensus NRSE that binds NRSF and one SP element that binds SP3, both repressing Grin1 gene transcription in undifferentiated P19 and PC12 cells. The promoter region lacks a consensus TATA-box but contains one SP-site near a GSG-like-box (GSG/SP) that binds SP3 and up-regulates gene transcription in embryonic chicken cortical neurons. Taken together, the results... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1532579 Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1532579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1498162&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18532926%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang Y, Zhao B, Zhang S, Qu X A cDNA clone encoding an amphioxus S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AmphiSAHH) protein was isolated from a gut cDNA library of Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtaunese. It contained a 1305 bp open reading frame corresponding to a deduced protein of 434 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 47.8 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AmphiSAHH and sea urchin SAHH clubbed together and positioned at the base of vertebrate SAHH clade, suggesting that both AmphiSAHH and sea urchin SAHH might share some characteristics of the archetype of the vertebrate SAHH protein. The genomic DNA sequence of AmphiSAHH contained eight exons and seven introns, which was similar to B. floridae and sea urchin SAHH exon-intron organization. Sequence com... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1498162 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1498162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494926&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18522535%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mudduluru G, Allgayer H Axl-receptor-tyrosine-kinase promotes antiapoptosis, mitogenesis, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and is highly expressed in cancers. However, the transcriptional regulation of this important gene has never been characterized. The present study was initiated to characterize the promoter, first cis-acting elements, and promoter methylation driving expression of Axl. The 2.4kb sequence upstream of the translational start site, and sequential 5'-deletions were cloned and revealed a minimal GC-rich region (-556/+7) to be sufficient for basal Axl-promoter activity in Rko, HCT116, and HeLa cells. Within this minimal region, five Sp-binding sites were identified. Two sites (Sp-a, Sp-b) most proximal to the translation start site were indispensable for ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494926 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1494926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1481204&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18510494%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tripathi A, Sodhi A The immunomodulatory properties of GH are well recognized. Recently, we have reported production of NO and cytokines by macrophages on treatment with GH. The present investigation was done to elucidate the signaling mechanism by which GH leads to macrophage activation. It is observed that GH induces the phosphorylation (activation) of JAK2, PI3K, PKC and MAP kinases. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors of various signaling molecules also indicated that GH induced proinflammatory responses in macrophages are mediated by JAK2/ PI3K/ PKC/ ERK1/2, JAK2/ JNK and JAK/STAT signaling cascades. It was observed that GH induced the enhanced expression/ phosphorylation of transcription factors c-fos, c-jun, Elk-1 and Stat1. Further, it is demonstrated that GH induc... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1481204 Fri, 30 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1481204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413893&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18444911%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we examined the incidence of polymorphic genes involved with the detoxification of exogenous chemicals including carcinogens namely glutathione S-transferase theta (gstt1), glutathione S-transferase micro (gstm1) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (nqo1) in 60 Filipino pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We found a significant high incidence of the gstm1-null genotype in ALL children (71.7%) as compared to 51.7 % in the control children (p<0.05 ). The gstt1- null genotype was observed in 35.0 % and 33.3 % of the ALL cases and the control subjects, respectively, with no significant difference. Nqo1 (C609T) screening showed a high incidence of the homozygous wild type (C/C) genotype in 60.0 % of ALL cases and was significantly higher than the control... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413893 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1413893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1396711&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18429748%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hagopian K, Ramsey JJ, Weindruch R The influence of caloric restriction on hepatic glyceraldehyde and glycerol metabolizing enzyme activities of young and old mice were studied. Glycerol kinase and cytoplasmic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were increased in both young and old CR mice when compared to controls, while triokinase increased only in old CR mice. Aldehyde dehydrogenase and aldehyde reductase activities in both young and old CR were unchanged by CR. Mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase showed a trend towards an increased activity in old CR mice, while a trend towards a decreased activity in alcohol dehydrogenase was observed in both young and old CR mice. Serum glycerol levels decreased in young and old CR mice. Therefore, increases in gly... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1396711 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1396711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1391610&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18422487%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provided a valuable starting point for further elucidation of molecular mechanism in the drought tolerance of maize plants. PMID: 18422487 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1391610 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1391610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385000&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18384291%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kornblum C, Zsurka G, Wiesner RJ, Schröder R, Kunz WS Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO)1 is a common mitochondrial disease phenotype in adults which is due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations in a subset of patients. Attributing pathogenicity to novel tRNA mtDNA mutations still poses a challenge particularly when several mtDNA sequence variants are present. Here we report on a CPEO patient in whom sequencing of the mitochondrial genome revealed three novel tRNA mtDNA mutations: G5835A, del4315, T1658C in tRNATyr, tRNAIle, and tRNAVal genes. In skeletal muscle, tRNAVal and tRNAIle mutations were homoplasmic, while the tRNATyr mutation was heteroplasmic. To address the pathogenic relevance, we performed two types of functional tests: (i) single sk... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385000 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1385000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385002&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18384277%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ribaya-Mercado JD, Maramag CC, Tengco LW, Blumberg JB, Solon FS In marginally nourished children, information is scarce regarding the circulating concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols, and physiologic factors influencing their circulating levels. We determined the serum concentrations of carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol at steady-state and in response to a 9-wk vegetable intervention in 9-12 y old girls (n=54) and boys (n=65) in rural Philippines. We determined cross-sectional relationships of body mass index (BMI) with serum micronutrient levels, and whether BMI is a determinant of serum carotenoid responses to the ingestion of carotenoid-rich vegetables. We measured dietary nutrient intakes, and assessed inflammation by serum C-reactive protein measurements. The ... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385002 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1385002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385001&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18384278%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Parker N, Vidal-Puig AJ, Brand MD Mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, caused by a leak of protons back into the matrix, limits mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species. This proton leak can be induced by lipid peroxidation products of reactive oxygen species, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). HNE activates uncoupling proteins (UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3) and the adenine nucleotide translocase, thereby providing a negative feedback loop. The mechanism of activation and the conditions necessary to induce uncoupling by HNE are unclear. We find that activation of proton leak by HNE in rat and mouse skeletal muscle mitochondria is dependent upon incubation with respiratory substrate. In the presence of HNE, mitochondria energised with succinate become progressively more... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385001 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1385001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385003&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18290765%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pathak C, Jaiswal YK, Vinayak M Constant generation of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) during normal cellular metabolism of an organism is generally balanced by similar rate of consumption by antioxidants. Imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defense results in increased level of ROS causing oxidative stress which leads to promotion of malignancy. Queuine is a hyper modified base analogue of guanine, found at first anti-codon position of Q- family of tRNAs. These tRNAs are completely modified with respect to queuosine in terminally differentiated somatic cells, however hypomodification of Q-tRNAs is close association with cell proliferation. Q-tRNA modification is essential for normal development, differentiation and cellular functions. Queuine is a nutrient factor t... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385003 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1385003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385010&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18215146%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang Y, Wang X, Cheng C, Gao Q, Liu J, Guo X A novel gene, designated as GhNPR1 (Gossypium hirsutum non-expressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1), was isolated from G. hirsutum (cotton) by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR) and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). The full-length cDNA was 2108 bp long and had an ORF (open reading frame) that putatively encoded a polypeptide of 592 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 66 kDa. Comparison of this protein sequence with that of Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica juncea and Nicotiana tabacum showed that the amino-acid homology was 52.98, 52.32 and 54.98% respectively. Analysis of the exon-intron structure of the GhNPR1 gene showed that GhNPR1 consisted of four exons and three introns. Southern-blot analysis revealed tha... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385010 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1385010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385009&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18215147%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berrettini S, Forli F, Passetti S, Rocchi A, Pollina L, Cecchetti D, Mancuso M, Siciliano G Over the last decade, a number of distinct mutations in the mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) have been found to be associated with both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of hearing impairment. Their real incidence as a cause of deafness is poorly understood and generally underestimated. Among the known mtDNA mutations, the A1555G mutation in the 12S gene has been identified to be one of the most common genetic cause of deafness, and it has been described to be both associated to non-syndromic progressive SNHL (sensorineural hearing loss) and to aminoglycoside-induced SNHL. In the present study, we have investigated the presence of mtDNA alterations in patients affected by idiopathic non-syndro... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385009 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1385009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385008&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18215148%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bargahi A, Rabbani-Chadegani A Development of therapies based on the growth inhibition of new blood vessels is among the most intensively studied approaches to the treatment of cancer and other angiogenesis-related diseases. Shark cartilage has been proven to have inhibitory effects on the endothelial cell angiogenesis, metastasis, cell adhesion and MMP (matrix metalloprotease) activity. In the present study, we have used a chromatography-based procedure for the isolation and partial purification of a shark cartilage protein fraction containing anti-angiogenesis activity. Proteins were extracted in 4 M guanidinium chloride, followed by sequential anion- and cation-exchange column chromatography. Angiogenesis assays were performed using the rat aortic ring and chick CAM (chorio... Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385008 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1385008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385007&cid=s_36934_61_f&fid=36934&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18215149%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gbaj A, Walsh L, Rogert MC, Sardarian A, Bichenkova EV, Etchells LL, Whitcombe D, Douglas KT Scorpion probes, specific DNA probe sequences maintained in a hairpin-loop, can be modified to carry the components of an exciplex for use as a novel fluorescence-based method for specific detection of DNA. The exciplex partners (5'-pyrenyl and 3'-naphthalenyl) were attached to oligonucleotides via phosphoramidate links to terminal phosphate groups. Hybridization of the probe to a complementary target in a buffer containing trifluoroethanol produced an obvious fluorescence change from blue (pyrene locally excited state emission) to green (exciplex emission). PMID: 18215149 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Bioscience Reports) Bioscience Reports journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385007 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1385007