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 'International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology' source. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:48:58 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623261&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251557%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hollingsworth TJ, Gross AK Abstract Retinitis pigmentosa is a retinal degeneration transmitted by varied modes of inheritance and affects approximately 1 in 4000 individuals. The photoreceptors of the outer retina, as well as the retinal pigmented epithelium which supports the outer retina metabolically and structurally, are the retinal regions most affected by the disorder. In several forms of retinitis pigmentosa, the mislocalization of the rod photoreceptor protein rhodopsin is thought to be a contributing factor underlying the pathophysiology seen in patients. The mutations causing this mislocalization often occur in genes coding proteins involved in ciliary formation, vesicular transport, rod outer segment disc formation, and stability, as well as the rhodopsin protei... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623261 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623260&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251558%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harris TJ Abstract Adherens junctions are essential for the development and physiology of epithelial tissues. The Drosophila embryo is an excellent model for understanding adherens junction assembly, maintenance, and regulation during tissue development. Here, I review our current state of knowledge in this model system. The review begins by outlining the structure of the cadherin-catenin complex in Drosophila including core (DE-cadherin, Armadillo, α-catenin, and p120-catenin) and peripheral proteins. Then, it summarizes adherens junction assembly at cellularization and maturation at gastrulation. Finally, the regulation of adherens junctions during tissue morphogenesis is discussed. This discussion compares major morphogenetic events in the embryo (invagination of the v... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623260 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623259&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251559%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ruiz-Loredo AY, López-Colomé AM Abstract The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an essential role in the function of the neural retina and the maintenance of vision. Most of the functions displayed by RPE require a dynamic organization of the acto-myosin cytoskeleton. Myosin II, a main cytoskeletal component in muscle and non-muscle cells, is directly involved in force generation required for organelle movement, selective molecule transport within cell compartments, exocytosis, endocytosis, phagocytosis, and cell division, among others. Contractile processes are triggered by the phosphorylation of myosin II light chains (MLCs), which promotes actin-myosin interaction and the assembly of contractile fibers. Considerable evidence indicates that non-muscle myosin II act... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623259 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623258&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251560%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pierce SK, Curtis NE Abstract Chloroplasts removed from their species of origin may survive for various periods and even photosynthesize in foreign cells. One of the best studied and impressively long, naturally occurring examples of chloroplast persistence, and function inside foreign cells are the algal chloroplasts taken up by specialized cells of certain sacoglossan sea slugs, a phenomenon called chloroplast symbiosis or kleptoplasty. Among sacoglossan species, kleptoplastic associations vary widely in length and function, with some animals immediately digesting chloroplasts, while others maintain functional plastids for over 10 months. Kleptoplasty is a complex process in long-term associations, and research on this topic has focused on a variety of aspects including ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623258 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623257&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251561%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Qin H Abstract Cilia rely on their distinctive protein compositions to function. Proteins gain access to the privileged ciliary compartment through two major routes, membrane trafficking and intraflagellar transport (IFT). Recent advances have provided two possible models for ciliary membrane transport: lateral diffusion and retention, and targeted vesicle transport. The Rab11-Rab8 cascade, which was originally discovered in the yeast's secretion pathway for bud formation, is shown to be required for cilia membrane assembly. Small GTPases, including two IFT particle subunits, and Ran, the master regulator for nuclear-cytoplasmic transport, are implicated in various aspects of IFT, a fundamental process required for the assembly of the microtubule-based backbone of cilia. T... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623257 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623256&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251562%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Deane JA, Ricardo SD Abstract Primary cilia are microscopic sensory antennae that cells in many vertebrate tissues use to gather information about their environment. In the kidney, primary cilia sense urine flow and are essential for the maintenance of epithelial architecture. Defects of this organelle cause the cystic kidney disease characterized by epithelial abnormalities. These findings link primary cilia to the regulation of epithelial differentiation and proliferation, processes that must be precisely controlled during epithelial repair in the kidney. Here, we consider likely roles for primary cilium-based signaling during responses to renal injury and ensuing epithelial repair processes. PMID: 22251562 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Review of Cell ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623256 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623255&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251563%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Taubenschmid J, Weitzer G Abstract Self-renewing cells of the vertebrate heart have become a major subject of interest in the past decade. However, many researchers had a hard time to argue against the orthodox textbook view that defines the heart as a postmitotic organ. Once the scientific community agreed on the existence of self-renewing cells in the vertebrate heart, their origin was again put on trial when transdifferentiation, dedifferentiation, and reprogramming could no longer be excluded as potential sources of self-renewal in the adult organ. Additionally, the presence of self-renewing pluripotent cells in the peripheral blood challenges the concept of tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells. Leaving these unsolved problems aside, it seems very desirable to lea... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623255 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5623254&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22251564%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lu N, Zhou Z Abstract Apoptosis is a cellular suicide process that quietly and efficiently eliminates unwanted or damaged cells. In metazoans, cells that undergo apoptosis are swiftly internalized by phagocytes and subsequently degraded inside phagosomes through phagosome maturation, a process that involves the fusion between phagosomes and multiple kinds of intracellular organelles and the gradual acidification of phagosomal lumen. In recent years, rapid progress has been made, in particular, through studies conducted in the model organism, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, in understanding the membrane trafficking events and molecular mechanisms that govern the degradation of apoptotic cells through phagosome maturation. These studies revealed the novel and essential ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5623254 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:02 +0100 5623254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5421669&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22078958%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aylett CH, Löwe J, Amos LA Abstract Dynamic, self-organizing filaments are responsible for long-range order in the cytoplasm of almost all cells. Actin-like and tubulin-like filaments evolved independently in prokaryotes but have converged in terms of many important properties. They grow, shrink, and move directionally within cells, using energy and information provided by nucleotide hydrolysis. In the case of microtubules and FtsZ filaments, bending is an essential part of their mechanisms. Both families assemble polar linear protofilaments, with highly conserved interfaces between successive subunits; the bonding at these longitudinal interfaces is nucleotide dependent. Better understanding of the mechanisms by which nucleotide hydrolysis affects the bonding between sub... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5421669 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:36:03 +0100 5421669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5421668&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22078959%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fujimoto M, Hayashi T Abstract The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) is a specialized subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane that regulates ER-mitochondria communications. The MAM is characterized by direct apposition to a mitochondrion, a unique lipid profile, and the expression of a unique set of proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling, phospholipid biosynthesis, protein folding, and membrane tethering. The association of the MAM with a mitochondrion is in part cytoskeleton independent and dynamically changed by an elevation of the cytosolic Ca(2+) level. The mechanisms underlying the genesis of MAM are unclear but might involve COPI-dependent vesicular transport and soluble NSF attachment protein receptor. The MAM is recognized as ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5421668 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:36:03 +0100 5421668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5421665&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22078960%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lisch D, Slotkin RK Abstract Over the past several years, there has been an explosion in our understanding of the mechanisms by which plant transposable elements (TEs) are epigenetically silenced and maintained in an inactive state over long periods of time. This highly efficient process results in vast numbers of inactive TEs; indeed, the majority of many plant genomes are composed of these quiescent elements. This observation has led to the rather static view that TEs represent an essentially inert portion of plant genomes. However, recent work has demonstrated that TE silencing is a highly dynamic process that often involves transcription of TEs at particular times and places during plant development. Plants appear to use transcripts from silenced TEs as an ongoing sour... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5421665 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:36:03 +0100 5421665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5421656&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22078961%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Philonenko ES, Shutova MV, Chestkov IV, Lagarkova MA, Kiselev SL Abstract Pluripotent stem cells are able to give rise to all cell types of the organism. There are two sources for human pluripotent stem cells: embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from surplus blastocysts created for in vitro fertilization and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated by reprogramming of somatic cells. ESCs have been an area of intense research during the past decade, and two clinical trials have been recently approved. iPSCs were created only recently, and most of the research has been focused on the iPSC generation protocols and investigation of mechanisms of direct reprogramming. The iPSC technology makes possible to derive pluripotent stem cells from any patient. However, there ar... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5421656 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:36:03 +0100 5421656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5421655&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22078962%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Benyair R, Ron E, Lederkremer GZ Abstract In order to maintain proper cellular functions, all living cells, from bacteria to mammalian cells, must carry out a rigorous quality control process in which nascent and newly synthesized proteins are examined. An important role of this process is to protect cells against pathological accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has evolved as a staging ground for secretory protein synthesis with distinct sites for entry, quality control, and exit. In the ER, most proteins are N-glycosylated, a posttranslational modification that defines the quality control pathway that the protein will undergo. The folding state of glycoproteins is revealed by specific modifications of their N-glycans. Regardles... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5421655 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:36:03 +0100 5421655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361402&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017972%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grieb G, Steffens G, Pallua N, Bernhagen J, Bucala R Abstract Fibrocytes were first described in 1994 as fibroblast-like, peripheral blood cells. These bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells migrate into regions of tissue injury. They are unique in their expression of hematopoietic and monocyte lineage markers and extracellular matrix proteins. Several studies have focused on the specific role of fibrocytes in the process of wound repair and tissue regeneration. We discuss herein the biology and mechanistic action of fibrocytes in wound healing, scar formation, and maintenance of tissue integrity. Fibrocytes synthesize and secrete different cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, providing a wound milieu that supports tissue repair. They further promote angiog... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361402 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361401&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017973%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kikuchi A, Yamamoto H, Sato A, Matsumoto S Abstract Wnts compromise a large family of secreted, hydrophobic glycoproteins that control a variety of developmental and adult processes in all metazoan organisms. Recent advances in the Wnt-signal studies have revealed that distinct Wnts activate multiple intracellular cascades that regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, and polarity. Although the mechanism by which Wnts regulate different pathways selectively remains to be clarified, evidence has accumulated that in addition to the formation of ligand-receptor pairs, phosphorylation of receptors, receptor-mediated endocytosis, acidification, and the presence of cofactors, such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans, are also involved in the activation of specif... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361401 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361400&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017974%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leister D, Kleine T Abstract In eukaryotic cells, genes are found in three compartments-the nucleus, mitochondria, and plastids-and extensive gene transfer has occurred between them. Most organellar genes in the nucleus migrated there long ago, but transfer is ongoing and ubiquitous. It now generates mostly noncoding nuclear DNA, can also disrupt gene functions, and reshape genes by adding novel exons. Plastid or nuclear sequences have also contributed to the formation of mitochondrial tRNA genes. It is now clear that organelle-to-nucleus DNA transfer involves the escape of DNA molecules from the organelles at times of stress or at certain developmental stages, and their subsequent incorporation at sites of double-stranded breaks in nuclear DNA by nonhomologous recombinati... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361400 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361399&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017975%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miyagishima SY, Nakanishi H, Kabeya Y Abstract Plastids have evolved from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont, and their continuity is maintained by the plastid division and segregation which is regulated by the eukaryotic host cell. Plastids divide by constriction of the inner- and outer-envelope membranes. Recent studies revealed that this constriction is performed by a large protein and glucan complex at the division site that spans the two envelope membranes. The division complex has retained certain components of the cyanobacterial division complex along with components developed by the host cell. Based on the information on the division complex at the molecular level, we are beginning to understand how the division complex has evolved and how it is assembled, constricted, ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361399 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361398&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017976%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Serov OL, Matveeva NM, Khabarova AA Abstract This review is focused on recent advances in fusion-based reprogramming of cells of different pluripotent statuses or lineage origins. Recent findings are discussed from standpoints of both the developmental potency of hybrid cells generated by fusion of pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells, embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, and somatic cells and epigenetic mechanisms and other aspects involved in the reprogramming process. Complete reprogramming occurs at least 5-7 days after fusion and includes at least two steps. (i) initiation at the heterokaryon stage and choice of the direction of reprogramming using an "all-or-none principle" to establish the dominance of one parental genome and (ii) "fixation" of the newly acquired expres... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361398 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361397&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017977%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Temussi PA Abstract Understanding the molecular bases of taste is of primary importance for the field of human senses as well as for translational medical science. This chapter describes the complexity of the mechanism of action of sweet, bitter, and umami receptors. Most molecular weight sweeteners interact with orthosteric sites of the sweet receptor. The mechanism of action of sweet proteins is more difficult to interpret. In the only general mechanism proposed for the action of sweet proteins, the "wedge model," it is hypothesized that proteins bind to an external active site of the active conformation of the sweet receptor. This model can be updated by building topologically correct complexes of proteins with the receptor. Among the recent advances that will be descri... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361397 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5361396&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22017978%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Inagaki S, Umeda M Abstract The cell cycle is driven by the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-cyclin complexes. Therefore, internal and external signals converge on the regulation of CDK-cyclin activity to modulate cell proliferation in specific developmental processes and under various environmental conditions. CDK-cyclin activity is fine-tuned by multiple mechanisms, for example, transcriptional control, protein degradation, phosphorylation, and binding to CDK inhibitor. These molecular mechanisms underlie the regulation of the entry into or the exit from the cell cycle, the rate of cell cycle, or the transition from the mitotic cell cycle to the endocycle. The multiple mechanisms regulating CDK-cyclin activity coordinately enable the elaborate control of cell cy... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5361396 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:55:03 +0100 5361396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5193054&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875561%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Baccari GC, Pinelli C, Santillo A, Minucci S, Rastogi RK Abstract Mast cells are best known as multifunctional entities that may confer a benefit on immune system. This review presents the known facts on mast-cell system and breakthroughs in mast-cell biology in fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. As compared to mammals, there are relatively few data available on mast cells in many nonmammalian vertebrates. Nevertheless, like in mammals, mast cells in nonmammalian vertebrates contain a wide range of bioactive compounds including histamine, heparin, neuropeptides, and neutral proteases. In bony fishes, these cells secrete antimicrobial peptides as well. Mast cells have a widespread distribution in the brain, endocrine glands, intestine, liver, kidney, skin, tongue, and l... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5193054 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:36:02 +0100 5193054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5193053&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875562%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carlier MF, Husson C, Renault L, Didry D Abstract The WASP-homology 2 (WH2) domain is a 5-kDa actin-binding protein module that attracts increasing interest by its multifunctional regulation of actin dynamics in motile and morphogenetic processes. Identified by a short consensus sequence LKKT/V originally found in the actin-sequestering ß-thymosin peptides, the ßT/WH2 domains are inserted in a large number of proteins, in particular, the WASP proteins involved in cell protrusions. WH2 are found in tandem repeats in proteins involved in early development and axis-patterning processes, like Spire and Cordon-Bleu. These intrinsically disordered proteins regulate actin assembly in an adaptive and versatile fashion by a fine control of local interaction dynamics within the WH... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5193053 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:36:02 +0100 5193053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5193052&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875563%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Van der Heiden K, Egorova AD, Poelmann RE, Wentzel JJ, Hierck BP Abstract The cardiovascular system is exposed to biochemical and biomechanical signals. Various sensors for these signals have been described and they contribute to cardiovascular development, maintenance of vessel integrity during adult life, and to pathogenesis. In the past 10years, primary cilia, membrane-covered, rod-like cellular protrusions, were discovered on multiple cell types of the cardiovascular system. Primary cilia are sensory organelles involved in several key (developmental) signaling pathways and in chemo- and mechanosensing on a myriad of cell types. In the embryonic and adult cardiovascular system, they have been demonstrated to function as shear stress sensors on endothelial cells and coul... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5193052 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:36:02 +0100 5193052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5193051&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875564%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Imaoka S Abstract Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a folding assistant in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells. PDI has multiple roles, acting as a chaperone, a binding partner of other proteins, and a hormone reservoir as well as a disulfide isomerase in the formation of disulfide bonds. PDI only interacts covalently with the cysteines of its substrates, but also binds a variety of peptides/proteins and small chemical ligands such as thyroid hormone. Oxidative stress and nitrosative stress can cause damage to chaperones, protein misfolding, and neurodegenerative disease, by affecting the functional integrity of PDI. There are 20 putative PDI-family members in the ER of human cells, but their functional differentiation is far from complete. This review di... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5193051 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:36:02 +0100 5193051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5193050&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875565%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Inaba T, Yazu F, Ito-Inaba Y, Kakizaki T, Nakayama K Abstract Plastids are a diverse group of organelles found in plants and some parasites. Because genes encoding plastid proteins are divided between the nuclear and plastid genomes, coordinated expression of genes in two separate genomes is indispensable for plastid function. To coordinate nuclear gene expression with the functional or metabolic state of plastids, plant cells have acquired a retrograde signaling pathway from plastid to nucleus, also known as the plastid signaling pathway. To date, several metabolic processes within plastids have been shown to affect the expression of nuclear genes. Recent progress in this field has also revealed that the plastid signaling pathway interacts and shares common components wit... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5193050 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:36:02 +0100 5193050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5193049&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875566%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chavez A, Smith M, Mehta D Abstract The endothelium size selectively allows transport of fluids, ions, macromolecules, and leukocytes across the vessel wall paracellularly by dynamically opening intercellular junctions or transcellularly through caveolae. However, persistent opening of intercellular junctions leads to the formation of protein-rich edema in the interstitial tissue, a hallmark of tissue inflammation that, if left untreated, causes fatal diseases like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The requirements for continuous transendothelial protein flux while limiting leukocyte flux into tissue imply that signaling processes exist in the endothelium that dynamically controls protein flux and leukocyte migration between the vascular and extravascular spaces.... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5193049 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:36:02 +0100 5193049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5058087&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21749897%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Galluzzi L, Vanden Berghe T, Vanlangenakker N, Buettner S, Eisenberg T, Vandenabeele P, Madeo F, Kroemer G During the past decade, cell death researchers have witnessed a gradual but deep conceptual revolution: it has been unequivocally shown that necrosis, which for long had been considered as a purely accidental cell death mode, can also be induced by finely regulated signal transduction pathways. In particular, when caspases are inhibited by pharmacological or genetic means, the ligation of death receptors such as the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) can lead to the assembly of a supramolecular complex containing the receptor-interacting protein kinases 1 and 3 (RIP1 and RIP3) that delivers a pronecrotic signal. Such complex has recently been dubbed necrosome and me... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5058087 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5058087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5058086&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21749898%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Egli RJ, Wernike E, Grad S, Luginbühl R In vitro engineering of cartilaginous tissues has been studied for many years, and tissue-engineered constructs are sought to be used clinically for treating articular cartilage defects. Even though there is a plethora of studies and data available, no breakthroughs have been achieved yet that allow for implanting in vivo cultured articular cartilaginous tissues in patients. A review of contributions to cartilage tissue engineering over the past decades emphasizes that most of the studies were performed under environmental conditions neglecting the physiological situation. This is specifically pronounced in the use of bioreactor systems which neither allow for application of near physiomechanical stimulations nor for controlling a hypox... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5058086 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5058086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5058085&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21749899%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kinoshita T, Hayashi Y Uptake of CO(2), transpiration, and efflux of O(2) by plants through stomatal pores are indispensable aspects for survival, not only in terrestrial plants but other organisms as well. Stomatal opening is mediated by many environmental and endogenous signals, of which blue light is known to be the most effective signal. Recent investigations have revealed that blue light-induced stomatal opening, mediated by phototropins, is driven by activation of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase in guard cells. Moreover, blue light induces activation of H(+)-ATPase via phosphorylation of a penultimate threonine (Thr) in H(+)-ATPase and subsequent binding of the 14-3-3 protein to the phosphorylated H(+)-ATPase. These advances provide novel insights into the blue light-sig... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5058085 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5058085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5058084&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21749900%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Desiniotis A, Kyprianou N Upon detachment from the extracellular matrix, tumor epithelial cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells are capable of overcoming anoikis, gain survival benefits, and hence contribute to the process of metastasis. The focal-adhesion complex formation recruits the association of key adaptor proteins such as FAK (focal-adhesion kinase). Vimentin, paxillin, and talin are responsible for mediating the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and integrins. Talin is an early-recruited focal-adhesion player that is of structural and functional significance in mediating interactions with integrin cytoplasmic tails leading to destabilization of the transmembrane complex and resulting in rearrangements in the extracellular integrin compartments that med... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5058084 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5058084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5058083&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21749901%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shinn-Thomas JH, Mohler WA Many types of eukaryotic cells can fuse together as part of their normal developmental program or life cycle. This review describes a diverse set of examples of such cell types and focuses attention on several molecules that appear intimately involved in the process of plasma membrane merger that lies at the crux of every cell-fusion event. Some of these examples come from experimental systems where the discovery of molecules essential for cell fusion is sped by the approachability of the experimental organism itself. In other cases, especially in the many fusing human cell types, the molecular players in cell-cell membrane fusion are still to be discovered. PMID: 21749901 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Review of Cell and Molecular ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5058083 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5058083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5058082&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21749902%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Singaravelu G, Singson A Fertilization results from the fusion of male and female gametes in all sexually reproducing organisms. Much of nematode fertility work was focused on Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum. The C. elegans hermaphrodite produces a limited number of sperm initially and then commits to the exclusive production of oocytes. The postmeiotic differentiation called spermiogenesis converts sessile spermatids into motile spermatozoa. The motility of spermatozoa depends on dynamic assembly and disassembly of a major sperm protein-based cytoskeleton uniquely found in nematodes. Both self-derived and male-derived spermatozoa are stored in spermatheca, the site of fertilization in hermaphrodites. The oocyte is arrested in meiotic prophase I until a sperm-derived s... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5058082 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:00:03 +0100 5058082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813997&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482409%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sun H, Kawaguchi R Vitamin A is essential for diverse aspects of life ranging from embryogenesis to the proper functioning of most adult organs. Its derivatives (retinoids) have potent biological activities such as regulating cell growth and differentiation. Plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) is the specific vitamin A carrier protein in the blood that binds to vitamin A with high affinity and delivers it to target organs. A large amount of evidence has accumulated over the past decades supporting the existence of a cell-surface receptor for RBP that mediates cellular vitamin A uptake. Using an unbiased strategy, this specific cell-surface RBP receptor has been identified as STRA6, a multitransmembrane domain protein with previously unknown function. STRA6 is not homologous t... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813997 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:07 +0100 4813997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813996&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482410%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cecchettini A, Rocchiccioli S, Boccardi C, Citti L Vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main component of the artery medial layer. Thanks to their great plasticity, when stimulated by external inputs, VSMCs react by changing morphology and functions and activating new signaling pathways while switching others off. In this way, they are able to increase the cell proliferation, migration, and synthetic capacity significantly in response to vascular injury assuming a more dedifferentiated state. In different states of differentiation, VSMCs are characterized by various repertories of activated pathways and differentially expressed proteins. In this context, great interest is addressed to proteomics technology, in particular to differential proteomics. In recent years, man... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813996 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:07 +0100 4813996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813995&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482411%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davis GE, Stratman AN, Sacharidou A, Koh W Many studies reveal a fundamental role for extracellular matrix-mediated signaling through integrins and Rho GTPases as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the molecular control of vascular tube morphogenesis in three-dimensional (3D) tissue environments. Recent work has defined an endothelial cell (EC) lumen signaling complex of proteins that controls these vascular morphogenic events. These findings reveal a signaling interdependence between Cdc42 and MT1-MMP to control the 3D matrix-specific process of EC tubulogenesis. The EC tube formation process results in the creation of a network of proteolytically generated vascular guidance tunnels in 3D matrices that are utilized to remodel EC-lined tubes through EC motility and co... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813995 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:07 +0100 4813995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813994&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sarge KD, Park-Sarge OK The covalent attachment of small ubiquition-like modifier (SUMO) polypeptides, or sumoylation, is an important regulator of the functional properties of many proteins. Among these are many proteins implicated in human diseases including cancer and Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases, as well as spinocerebellar ataxia 1 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The results of two more recent studies identify two additional human disease-associated proteins that are sumoylated, amyloid precursor protein (APP), and lamin A. APP sumoylation modulates Aβ peptide levels, suggesting a potential role in Alzheimer's disease, and decreased lamin A sumoylation due to mutations near its SUMO site has been implicated in causing some forms of familial dilat... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813994 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:07 +0100 4813994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813993&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482413%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hall JE, Fu W, Schaller MD Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) are closely related nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases. FAK can regulate cell proliferation, survival, and motility, and plays an essential role in development. Pyk2 shares some functions with FAK but is a nonessential gene product during development. Recent discoveries related to FAK and Pyk2 structure have provided important insights into the regulatory mechanisms of catalytic activity, molecular basis of assembly of signaling complexes, and the transmission of downstream signals. This chapter reviews these advances in FAK/Pyk2 structure/function, compares and contrasts features of these kinases, and discusses new drug discoveries in the context of molecular structure. PMID... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813993 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:07 +0100 4813993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813992&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21482414%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vigodner M Spermatogenesis consists of the mitotic division of spermatogonia, meiosis of spermatocytes, and postmeiotic differentiation of spermatids, processes tightly controlled by hormones and growth factors secreted by testicular somatic cells. The events during spermatogenesis are precisely regulated by the sequential appearance of different proteins and their posttranslational modifications. Sumoylation (covalent modification by small ubiquitin-like modifiers; SUMO proteins) has emerged as an important regulatory mechanism in different cell types, and data obtained from studies on germ cells imply that SUMO proteins are involved in multiple aspects of spermatogenesis. Although progress has been made in the initial characterization of sumoylated proteins during spermatoge... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813992 Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:07 +0100 4813992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651339&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414585%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wolburg H, Wolburg-Buchholz K, Fallier-Becker P, Noell S, Mack AF Orthogonal arrays or assemblies of intramembranous particles (OAPs) are structures in the membrane of diverse cells which were initially discovered by means of the freeze-fracturing technique. This technique, developed in the 1960s, was important for the acceptance of the fluid mosaic model of the biological membrane. OAPs were first described in liver cells, and then in parietal cells of the stomach, and most importantly, in the astrocytes of the brain. Since the discovery of the structure of OAPs and the identification of OAPs as the morphological equivalent of the water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in the 1990s, a plethora of morphological work on OAPs in different cells was published. Now, we feel a ne... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651339 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651325&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414586%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xie Y, Awonuga AO, Zhou S, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA This review analyzes and interprets the normal, pathogenic, and pathophysiological roles of stress and stress enzymes in mammalian development. Emerging data suggest that stem cells from early embryos are induced by stress to perform stress-enzyme-mediated responses that use the strategies of compensatory, prioritized, and reversible differentiation. These strategies have been optimized during evolution and in turn have aspects of energy conservation during stress that optimize and maximize the efficacy of the stress response. It is likely that different types of stem cells have varying degrees of flexibility in mediating compensatory and prioritized differentiation. The significance of this analysis and interpretation is tha... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651325 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651312&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414587%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rikitake Y, Takai Y Cell movement is a complex and dynamic process that causes changes in cell morphology by reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton and modulating cell adhesions. For directional cell migration, cells must continuously receive the polarized environmental signals and transmit the polarized intracellular signals from a fixed direction, which orient protrusion of the leading edge. The dynamic regulation of cyclical activation and inactivation of the Rho family small G proteins as a result of the crosstalk between small G protein signaling pathways is particularly important for the formation and disassembly of leading edge structures. However, the regulatory mechanisms of directionality and small G protein dynamics have not been fully understood. Recently, it has been... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651312 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651306&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414588%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sieber F, Duchêne AM, Maréchal-Drouard L Mitochondria, owing to their bacterial origin, still contain their own DNA. However, the majority of bacterial genes were lost or transferred to the nuclear genome and the biogenesis of the "present-day" mitochondria mainly depends on the expression of the nuclear genome. Thus, most mitochondrial proteins and a small number of mitochondrial RNAs (mostly tRNAs) expressed from nuclear genes need to be imported into the organelle. During evolution, macromolecule import systems were universally established. The processes of protein mitochondrial import are very well described in the literature. By contrast, deciphering the mitochondrial RNA import phenomenon is still a real challenge. The purpose of this review is to present a general sur... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651306 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651299&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414589%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Peng X, Nelson ES, Maiers JL, Demali KA Vinculin is a cytoplasmic actin-binding protein enriched in focal adhesions and adherens junctions that is essential for embryonic development. Much is now known regarding the role of vinculin in governing cell-matrix adhesion. In the past decade that the crystal structure of vinculin and the molecular details for how vinculin regulates adhesion events have emerged. The recent data suggests a critical function for vinculin in regulating integrin clustering, force generation, and strength of adhesion. In addition to an important role in cell-matrix adhesion, vinculin is also emerging as a regulator of apoptosis, Shigella entry into host cells, and cadherin-based cell-cell adhesion. A close inspection of this work reveals that there are si... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651299 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651294&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414590%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jamali T, Jamali Y, Mehrbod M, Mofrad MR Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are the gateways connecting the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. This structures are composed of over 30 different proteins and 60-125 MDa of mass depending on type of species. NPCs are bilateral pathways that selectively control the passage of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus. Molecules smaller than 40kDa diffuse through the NPC passively while larger molecules require facilitated transport provided by their attachment to karyopherins. Kinetic studies have shown that approximately 1000 translocations occur per second per NPC. Maintaining its high selectivity while allowing for rapid translocation makes the NPC an efficient chemical nanomachine. In this review, we approach the NPC function via a structu... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651294 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4651290&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414591%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lloyd C The relationship between microtubules and cell-wall texture has had a fitful history in which progress in one area has not been matched by progress in the other. For example, the idea that wall texture arises entirely from self-assembly, independently of microtubules, originated with electron microscopic analyses of fixed cells that gave no clue to the ability of microtubules to reorganize. Since then, live-cell studies have established the surprising dynamicity of plant microtubules involving collisions, changes in angle, parallelization, and rotation of microtubule tracks. Combined with proof that cellulose synthases do track along shifting microtubules, this offers more realistic models for the dynamic influence of microtubules on wall texture than could have been i... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4651290 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:30:05 +0100 4651290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346415&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21199779%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chawla G, Sokol NS Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are small (21-24 nucleotide), endogenously expressed, noncoding RNAs that have emerged as important posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. MiRNAs have been identified and cloned from diverse eukaryotic organisms where they have been shown to control important physiological and developmental processes such as apoptosis, cell division, and differentiation. A high level of conservation of some miRNAs across phyla further emphasizes their importance as posttranscriptional regulators. Research in a variety of model systems has been instrumental in dissecting the biological functions of miRNAs. In this chapter, we discuss the current literature on the role of miRNAs as developmental regulators in Drosophila. PMID: 2... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346415 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:03 +0100 4346415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346414&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21199780%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tominaga-Wada R, Ishida T, Wada T Epidermis cell differentiation in Arabidopsis thaliana is a model system for understanding the mechanisms leading to the developmental end state of plant cells. Both root hairs and trichomes differentiate from epidermal cells and molecular genetic analyses using Arabidopsis mutants have demonstrated that the differentiation of root hairs and trichomes is regulated by similar molecular mechanisms. Molecular-genetic approaches have led to the identification of many genes that are involved in epidermal cell differentiation, most of which encode transcription factors that induce the expression of genes active in both root hair and trichome development. Control of cell growth after fate determination has also been studied using Arabidopsis mutants.... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346414 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:03 +0100 4346414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346413&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21199781%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hurst DR, Welch DR The molecular mechanisms and genetic programs required for cancer metastasis are sometimes overlapping, but components are clearly distinct from those promoting growth of a primary tumor. Every sequential, rate-limiting step in the sequence of events leading to metastasis requires coordinated expression of multiple genes, necessary signaling events, and favorable environmental conditions or the ability to escape negative selection pressures. Metastasis suppressors are molecules that inhibit the process of metastasis without preventing growth of the primary tumor. The cellular processes regulated by metastasis suppressors are diverse and function at every step in the metastatic cascade. As we gain knowledge into the molecular mechanisms of metastasis suppress... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346413 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:03 +0100 4346413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346412&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21199782%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takagi S, Islam MS, Iwabuchi K In plant cells, different kinds of single- and double-membrane-bounded cell organelles exhibit dynamic changes in their morphology, motility, and distribution patterns. The dynamic behavior of organelles plays crucial roles intimately associated with plant development and/or adaptive responses to environmental fluctuations. Recent progress in techniques for the visualization of cell organelles and cytoskeletal components has provided useful systems to dissect these complex processes, and revealed a number of striking features of plant organelle dynamics. This chapter summarizes recent findings on dynamic behavior of nuclei, mitochondria, and plastids in plant cells, focusing on imaging analyses and regulatory proteins. PMID: 21199782 [PubMed ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346412 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:03 +0100 4346412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346411&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21199783%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lie PP, Cheng CY, Mruk DD Mammalian spermatogenesis, a complex process that involves the movement of developing germ cells across the seminiferous epithelium, entails extensive restructuring of Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell junctions. Presently, it is not entirely clear how zygotene spermatocytes gain entry into the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium, which is sealed off from the systemic circulation by the Sertoli cell component of the blood-testis barrier, without compromising barrier integrity. To begin to address this question, it is critical that we first have a good understanding of the biology and the regulation of different types of Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell junctions in the testis. Supported by recent studies in the field, we disc... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346411 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:03 +0100 4346411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346410&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21199784%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wessler S, Backert S Abl nonreceptor tyrosine kinases are activated by multiple stimuli and regulate cytoskeletal reorganization, cell proliferation, survival, and stress responses. Several downstream pathways have direct impact on physiological processes, including development and maintenance of the nervous and immune systems and epithelial morphogenesis. Recent studies also indicated that numerous viral and bacterial pathogens highjack Abl signaling for different purposes. Abl kinases are activated to reorganize the host actin cytoskeleton and promote the direct tyrosine phosphorylation of viral surface proteins and injected bacterial type-III and type-IV effector molecules. However, Abl kinases also play other roles in infectious processes of bacteria, viruses, and prions. ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346410 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:45:03 +0100 4346410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139984&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21035097%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gouveia SM, Akhmanova A The microtubule plus end is a crucial site for the regulation of microtubule dynamics and microtubule association with different cellular organelles and macromolecular complexes. Several evolutionarily conserved groups of proteins form comet-like accumulations at the growing microtubule plus ends. These proteins belong to functionally diverse and structurally unrelated families: they include motors, nonmotor proteins, microtubule polymerases, and depolymerases as well as regulatory and adaptor proteins. Here, we provide an overview of microtubule plus end binding proteins, describe what is known about the mechanisms of their association with growing microtubule tips, and discuss their functional properties in relation to microtubule plus end accumulatio... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139984 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:30:03 +0100 4139984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139983&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21035098%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nordhues A, Miller SM, Mühlhaus T, Schroda M The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been used as a model organism for many decades, mainly to study photosynthesis and flagella/cilia. Only recently, Chlamydomonas has received much attention because of its ability to produce hydrogen and nonpolar lipids that have promise as biofuels. The best-studied multicellular cousin of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is Volvox carteri, whose life cycle comprises events that have clear parallels in higher plants and/or animals, making it an excellent system in which to study fundamental developmental processes. Molecular chaperones are proteins that guide other cellular proteins through their life cycle. They assist in de novo folding of nascent chains, mediate assembly and disa... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139983 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:30:03 +0100 4139983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139982&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21035099%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schumann GG, Gogvadze EV, Osanai-Futahashi M, Kuroki A, Münk C, Fujiwara H, Ivics Z, Buzdin AA Repetitive sequences occupy a huge fraction of essentially every eukaryotic genome. Repetitive sequences cover more than 50% of mammalian genomic DNAs, whereas gene exons and protein-coding sequences occupy only ~3% and 1%, respectively. Numerous genomic repeats include genes themselves. They generally encode "selfish" proteins necessary for the proliferation of transposable elements (TEs) in the host genome. The major part of evolutionary "older" TEs accumulated mutations over time and fails to encode functional proteins. However, repeats have important functions also on the RNA level. Repetitive transcripts may serve as multifunctional RNAs by participating in the antisense regula... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139982 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:30:03 +0100 4139982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027447&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20875628%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bereiter-Hahn J, Jendrach M Mitochondrial dynamics is a key feature for the interaction of mitochondria with other organelles within a cell and also for the maintenance of their own integrity. Four types of mitochondrial dynamics are discussed: Movement within a cell and interactions with the cytoskeleton, fusion and fission events which establish coherence within the chondriome, the dynamic behavior of cristae and their components, and finally, formation and disintegration of mitochondria (mitophagy). Due to these essential functions, disturbed mitochondrial dynamics are inevitably connected to a variety of diseases. Localized ATP gradients, local control of calcium-based messaging, production of reactive oxygen species, and involvement of other metabolic chains, that is, lip... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027447 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:00:03 +0100 4027447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027446&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20875629%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cisterna B, Biggiogera M In this chapter we describe the status of the research concerning the nucleolus, the major nuclear body. The nucleolus has been recognized as a dynamic organelle with many more functions than one could imagine. In fact, in addition to its fundamental role in the biogenesis of preribosomes, the nucleolus takes part in many other cellular processes and functions, such as the cell-cycle control and the p53 pathway: the direct or indirect involvement of the nucleolus in these various processes makes it sensitive to their alteration. Moreover, it is worth noting that the different nucleolar factors participating to independent mechanisms show different dynamics of association/disassociation with the nucleolar body. PMID: 20875629 [PubMed - in process] (... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027446 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:00:03 +0100 4027446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027445&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20875630%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barry SP, Townsend PA Our understanding of the molecular processes which regulate cardiac function has grown immeasurably in recent years. Even with the advent of β-blockers, angiotensin inhibitors and calcium modulating agents, heart failure (HF) still remains a seriously debilitating and life-threatening condition. Here, we review the molecular changes which occur in the heart in response to increased load and the pathways which control cardiac hypertrophy, calcium homeostasis, and immune activation during HF. These can occur as a result of genetic mutation in the case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or as a result of ischemic or hypertensive heart disease. In the majority of cases, calcineurin and CaMK respond to dysregulated calcium... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027445 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:00:03 +0100 4027445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942690&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20801417%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Slepchenko BM, Loew LM The Virtual Cell (VCell) is a unique computational environment for modeling and simulation of cell biology. It has been specifically designed to be a tool for a wide range of scientists, from experimental cell biologists to theoretical biophysicists. The models created with VCell can range from the simple, to evaluate hypotheses or to interpret experimental data, to complex multilayered models used to probe the predicted behavior of spatially resolved, highly nonlinear systems. In this chapter, we discuss modeling capabilities of VCell and demonstrate representative examples of the models published by the VCell users. PMID: 20801417 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology) International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942690 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:57:02 +0100 3942690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942689&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20801418%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Costa P, Parsons M Adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to adjacent cells is a fundamental requirement for survival, differentiation, and migration of numerous cell types during both embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Different types of adhesion structures have been classified within different cell types or tissue environments. Much is now known regarding the complexity of protein composition of these critical points of cell contact with the extracellular environment. It has become clear that adhesions are highly ordered, dynamic structures under tight spatial control at the subcellular level to enable localized responses to extracellular cues. However, it is only in the last decade that the relative dynamics of these adhesion proteins have been closely stu... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942689 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:57:02 +0100 3942689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942688&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20801419%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Blauth K, Banerjee S, Bhat MA Glial cells are critical players in every major aspect of nervous system development, function, and disease. Other than their traditional supportive role, glial cells perform a variety of important functions such as myelination, synapse formation and plasticity, and establishment of blood-brain and blood-nerve barriers in the nervous system. Recent studies highlight the striking functional similarities between Drosophila and vertebrate glia. In both systems, glial cells play an essential role in neural ensheathment thereby isolating the nervous system and help to create a local ionic microenvironment for conduction of nerve impulses. Here, we review the anatomical aspects and the molecular players that underlie ensheathment during different stages... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942688 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:57:02 +0100 3942688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942687&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20801420%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schlosser G Cranial placodes (which include the adenohypophyseal, olfactory, lens, otic, lateral line, profundal/trigeminal, and epibranchial placodes) give rise to many sense organs and ganglia of the vertebrate head. Recent evidence suggests that all cranial placodes may be developmentally related structures, which originate from a common panplacodal primordium at neural plate stages and use similar regulatory mechanisms to control developmental processes shared between different placodes such as neurogenesis and morphogenetic movements. After providing a brief overview of placodal diversity, the present review summarizes current evidence for the existence of a panplacodal primordium and discusses the central role of transcription factors Six1 and Eya1 in the regulation of p... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942687 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:57:02 +0100 3942687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942681&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20801421%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Skroblin P, Grossmann S, Schäfer G, Rosenthal W, Klussmann E The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is produced by adenylyl cyclases following stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors, exerts its effect mainly through the cAMP-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase A (PKA). Due to the ubiquitous nature of the cAMP/PKA system, PKA signaling pathways underlie strict spatial and temporal control to achieve specificity. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) bind to the regulatory subunit dimer of the tetrameric PKA holoenzyme and thereby target PKA to defined cellular compartments in the vicinity of its substrates. AKAPs promote the termination of cAMP signals by recruiting phosphodiesterases and protein phosphatases, and the integration of signali... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942681 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:57:02 +0100 3942681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912270&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797675%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Elkouby-Naor L, Ben-Yosef T Members of the claudin family of proteins are the main components of tight junctions (TJs), the major selective barrier of the paracellular pathway between epithelial cells. As such, the claudins have the ability to generate the TJ physiological barrier and to control various physiological processes. Therefore, the importance of this family of proteins is obvious and many efforts were made to reveal different aspects of claudin TJ protein biology. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of claudin structure and function, as well as their distribution pattern in different organs and tissues. We mainly highlight the complex interactions of claudins in various physiological systems and suggest a possible role for a coregulation ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912270 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912269&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797676%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kodama Y, Fujishima M Each symbiotic Chlorella species of Paramecium bursaria is enclosed in a perialgal vacuole (PV) membrane derived from the host digestive vacuole (DV) membrane. Algae-free paramecia and symbiotic algae are capable of growing independently and paramecia can be reinfected experimentally by mixing them. This phenomenon provides an excellent model for studying cell-to-cell interaction and the evolution of eukaryotic cells through secondary endosymbiosis between different protists. However, the detailed algal infection process remains unclear. Using pulse labeling of the algae-free paramecia with the isolated symbiotic algae and chase method, we found four necessary cytological events for establishing endosymbiosis. (1) At about 3min after mixing, some algae sh... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912269 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912268&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797677%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hu J Peroxisomes are multifunctional organelles whose abundance varies depending on the cell type, organism, developmental stage, and environmental and metabolic conditions in which the organism lives. Plant peroxisomes are essential to embryo viability and are involved in numerous biochemical processes in development and in plant interaction with the environment. In the past few years, several classes of peroxisomal proteins required for various steps in peroxisome division and proliferation and a signaling pathway underlying the light induction of peroxisome proliferation have been identified from the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Some of the major components of the peroxisome division apparatus have been conserved from plants to yeasts and animals, whereas plant... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912268 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912267&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797678%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yoshida R, Ninomiya Y Taste receptor cells detect chemical compounds in the oral cavity and transfer their messages to gustatory afferent nerve fibers. Considering the coding of taste information, the sensitivity of taste cells and the connection between taste cells and gustatory fibers may be critical in this process. Broadly tuned taste cells and random connections between taste cells and fibers would produce gustatory fibers that have broad sensitivity to multiple taste qualities. Narrowly tuned taste cells and selective connections would yield gustatory nerve fibers that respond to specific taste quality. This review summarizes results showing molecular and morphological aspects of taste bud cells, physiological responses of taste cells, possible connections between taste ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912267 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912266&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797679%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Becchetti A, Pillozzi S, Morini R, Nesti E, Arcangeli A By controlling cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, integrin receptors regulate processes as diverse as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and synaptic stability. Because the underlying mechanisms are generally accompanied by changes in transmembrane ion flow, a complex interplay occurs between integrins, ion channels, and other membrane transporters. This reciprocal interaction regulates bidirectional signal transduction across the cell surface and may take place at all levels of control, from transcription to direct conformational coupling. In particular, it is becoming increasingly clear that integrin receptors form macromolecular complexes with ion channels. Besides contributing to the me... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912266 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912265&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797680%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Porzionato A, Macchi V, Rucinski M, Malendowicz LK, De Caro R Atrial (ANP), brain (BNP), and C-type (CNP) natriuretic peptides act by binding to three main subtypes of receptors, named NPR-A, -B, and -C. NPR-A and NPR-B are coupled with guanylate cyclase. Not only NPR-C is involved in removing natriuretic peptides from the circulation but it also acts through inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. NPR-A binds ANP and BNP; NPR-B preferentially binds CNP; and NPR-C binds all natriuretic peptides with similar affinities. All natriuretic peptides and their receptors are widely present in the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal cortex, and medulla. In the hypothalamus, they reduce norepinephrine release, inhibit oxytocin, vasopressin, corticotropin-releasing factor, and luteinizing hormone-r... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912265 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912264&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797681%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Garm A, Ekström P Cnidarians are often used as model animals in studies of eye and photopigment evolution. Most cnidarians display photosensitivity at some point in their lifecycle ranging from extraocular photoreception to image formation in camera-type eyes. The available information strongly suggests that some cnidarians even possess multiple photosystems. The evidence is strongest within Cubomedusae where all known species posses 24 eyes of four morphological types. Physiological experiments show that each cubomedusan eye type likely constitutes a separate photosystem controlling separate visually guided behaviors. Further, the visual system of cubomedusae also includes extraocular photoreception. The evidence is supported by immunocytochemical and molecular data indica... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912264 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912263&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797682%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Plattner H Due to their well-defined pathways of vesicle trafficking and manyfold mutants ciliates have served as good model systems. Further studies required the development of databases, now available for Paramecium and Tetrahymena. A variety of key players have been identified and characterized based on BLAST search, domain analysis, localization, and gene-silencing studies. They include NSF (N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor), SNAREs (soluble NSF attachment protein [SNAP] receptors), the H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and actin, while Arf (ADP-ribosylation factor) and Rab-type small GTPases, COPs (coatamer proteins) and many others remain to be elucidated. The number of SNAREs, H(+)-ATPase subunits, and actins ever found within one cell type are unexpectedly high and most of the m... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912263 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912262&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797683%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kato Y, Sakamoto W Plastids change their morphology dynamically in response to environmental conditions and developmental status. Related to these plastid dynamics, the quality and quantity controls of proteins are necessary. Therefore, proteases are important as key regulators in almost all processes during the conversion of plastid types and the maintenance of plastid homeostasis. Recent progress in this field has revealed that various proteases and peptidases act on plastids. Results of the studies indicate that the vast majority of plastid proteases are homologous to prokaryotic ones because plastids are thought to originate from endosymbiosis of ancestral cyanobacteria. Moreover, the diversification of subunits of several plastid proteases has been revealed along with new... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912262 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912261&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797684%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weiss J, Haefeli WE Even though potent antiretrovirals are available against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection, therapy fails in a significant fraction of patients. Among the most relevant reasons for treatment failure are drug toxicity and side effects, but also the development of viral resistance towards the drugs applied. Efflux by ATP-binding cassette (ABC-) transporters represents one major mechanism influencing the pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs and particularly their distribution, thus modifiying the concentration within the infected cells, that is, at the site of action. Moreover, drug-drug interactions may occur at the level of these transporters and modulate their activity or expression thus influencing the efficacy and toxicity of the substrat... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912261 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3912260&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797685%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matsuo T, Ishiura M The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has long been used in research on circadian rhythm. Various circadian rhythms in behavior and physiology including phototaxis, chemotaxis, the cell division cycle, UV sensitivity, stickiness to glass (changes in properties of the cell surface), and starch content are observed in this alga. Soon after the isolation of clock mutants in Drosophila melanogaster and Neurospora crassa, clock mutants were also isolated in Chlamydomonas. Whereas genes responsible (clock genes) in Drosophila and Neurospora mutants have been identified and these organisms have become important models for understanding the circadian clock, Chlamydomonas clock genes have not been identified and the molecular basis of the algal clock ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3912260 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:46:21 +0100 3912260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761812&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20630466%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rouquette J, Cremer C, Cremer T, Fakan S In this review we describe major contributions of light and electron microscopic approaches to the present understanding of functional nuclear architecture. The large gap of knowledge, which must still be bridged from the molecular level to the level of higher order structure, is emphasized by differences of currently discussed models of nuclear architecture. Molecular biological tools represent new means for the multicolor visualization of various nuclear components in living cells. New achievements offer the possibility to surpass the resolution limit of conventional light microscopy down to the nanometer scale and require improved bioinformatics tools able to handle the analysis of large amounts of data. In combination with the much ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761812 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:12:03 +0100 3761812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761811&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20630467%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maine EM In many animals and some fungi, mechanisms have been described that target unpaired chromosomes and chromosomal regions for silencing during meiotic prophase. These phenomena, collectively called "meiotic silencing," target sex chromosomes in the heterogametic sex, for example, the X chromosome in male nematodes and the XY-body in male mice, and also target any other chromosomes that fail to synapse due to mutation or chromosomal rearrangement. Meiotic silencing phenomena are hypothesized to maintain genome integrity and perhaps function in setting up epigenetic control of embryogenesis. This review focuses on meiotic silencing in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, including its mechanism and function(s), and its relationship to other gene silencing processes in th... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761811 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:12:03 +0100 3761811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761810&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20630468%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lajoie P, Nabi IR Lipid rafts are plasma membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids that are involved in the lateral compartmentalization of molecules at the cell surface. Internalization of ligands and receptors by these domains occurs via a process defined as raft-dependent endocytosis. Caveolae are caveolin-1-enriched smooth invaginations of the plasma membrane that form a subdomain of lipid rafts. Endocytosis of rafts, including caveolar but also noncaveolar dynamin-dependent and dynamin-independent pathways, is characterized by its cholesterol sensitivity and clathrin-independence. In this review we will characterize lipid rafts and caveolae, their endocytosis and its regulation by the actin cytoskeleton, caveolin-1, dynamin, and cholesterol. PMID... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761810 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:12:03 +0100 3761810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761809&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20630469%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Watsky MA, Weber KT, Sun Y, Postlethwaite A Myofibroblasts are a differentiated cell type essential for wound healing, participating in tissue remodeling following insult. Myofibroblasts are typically activated fibroblasts, although they can also be derived from other cell types, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and mononuclear cells. In most organ systems, cell signals initiated following tissue-specific insult or during the metastatic process lead to differentiation of fibroblasts or other precursor cells to the myofibroblast phenotype. In addition to their beneficial and necessary role in wound healing, myofibroblasts also contribute to a number of pathologies, primarily fibrotic processes and tumor invasiveness. This review explores both traditional and nontr... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761809 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:12:03 +0100 3761809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564633&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20460182%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hata S, Kobae Y, Banba M Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inhabit the root cortical cells of most plants and obtain photosynthates from the host plants while they transfer mineral nutrients from the soil to the hosts. In this review, we first summarize recent progress regarding signal molecules involved in the recognition of each symbiont, the signaling pathways in the host plants, and the characteristics of AM-inducible nutrient transporters, which were elucidated mainly using model legumes. Then, we summarize studies on the colonization by AM fungi of lower plants and of the roots of major crops. There are not only "AM-responsive" crops like maize, sorghum, and soybean but also "AM-nonresponsive" ones like wheat, barley, and rice. Finally, we mention the worldwide problems ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564633 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:06:04 +0100 3564633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564632&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20460183%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sreenivasulu N, Borisjuk L, Junker BH, Mock HP, Rolletschek H, Seiffert U, Weschke W, Wobus U Seeds are complex structures composed of several maternal and filial tissues which undergo rapid changes during development. In this review, the barley grain is taken as a cereal seed model. Following a brief description of the developing grain, recent progress in grain development modeling is described. 3-D/4-D models based on histological sections or nondestructive NMR measurements can be used to integrate a variety of datasets. Extensive transcriptome data are taken as a frame to augment our understanding of various molecular-physiological processes. Discussed are maternal influences on grain development and the role of different tissues (pericarp, nucellus, nucellar projection, en... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564632 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:06:04 +0100 3564632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564631&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20460184%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang CL, Coluccio LM The actin cytoskeleton is regulated by a variety of actin-binding proteins including those constituting the tropomyosin family. Tropomyosins are coiled-coil dimers that bind along the length of actin filaments. In muscles, tropomyosin regulates the interaction of actin-containing thin filaments with myosin-containing thick filaments to allow contraction. In nonmuscle cells where multiple tropomyosin isoforms are expressed, tropomyosins participate in a number of cellular events involving the cytoskeleton. This chapter reviews the current state of the literature regarding tropomyosin structure and function and discusses the evidence that tropomyosins play a role in regulating actin assembly. PMID: 20460184 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Re... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564631 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:06:04 +0100 3564631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564630&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20460185%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Takahashi H Plants as autotrophic organisms have a set of transporters and enzymes that mediate uptake and assimilation of inorganic sulfate and subsequent metabolic conversion to organic sulfur compounds. Studies in higher plants indicate the individual components of sulfate transport systems and enzymes for sulfate assimilation are consisted of multiple isoforms. Among these isoforms, several essential components are shown to have specific biochemical properties and localize in specific cellular and subcellular compartments. This chapter will describe the functions and regulation of sulfate transport systems and assimilatory enzymes, particularly focusing on the sulfate transporter gene family of a model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Recent findings provided evidence t... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564630 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:06:04 +0100 3564630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564629&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20460186%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seeber F, Soldati-Favre D Intracellular parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa harbor a plastid-like organelle called apicoplast that is the most reduced organelle of this type known. Due to the medical importance of some members of Apicomplexa, a number of fully sequenced genomes are available that have allowed to assemble metabolic pathways also from the apicoplast and have revealed initial clues to its essential nature for parasite survival in the host. We provide a compilation of Internet resources useful to access, reconstruct, verify, or annotate metabolic pathways. Then we show detailed and updated metabolic maps and discuss the three major biosynthetic pathways leading to the generation of isoprenoids, fatty acids, and heme, and compare these routes in the different speci... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564629 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:06:04 +0100 3564629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3564628&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20460187%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shadrina MI, Slominsky PA, Limborska SA Parkinson's disease is a complex disease characterized by a progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. The development of this condition is defined by the interaction between the genetic constitution of an organism and environmental factors. Analysis of the genes associated with development of monogenic forms of disease has allowed pointing out several mechanisms involved in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis such as the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation, differentiation of dopaminergic neurons, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and others. In this review, a variety of data which throw light on molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease will be considered. PMID: 20460187 [PubMed -... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3564628 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:06:04 +0100 3564628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879900&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815176%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Field MC, Lumb JH, Adung'a VO, Jones NG, Engstler M Intracellular trafficking is a major mechanism contributing to maintenance of the surface composition in most eukaryotic cells. In the case of unicellular eukaryotic pathogens, the surface also represents the host-parasite interface. Therefore, the parasite surface is both a critical player in immune recognition, from the host's point of view, or in immune evasion, from the pathogen's point. The African trypanosomes are remarkable in dwelling throughout their period in the mammalian host within the bloodstream and tissue spaces, and have evolved several mechanisms that facilitate chronic infection. Here, we discuss current understanding of intracellular trafficking pathways of trypanosomes, and relate these processes to immun... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879900 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879899&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815177%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johnstone S, Isakson B, Locke D Intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins play a pivotal role in the direct movement of ions and larger cytoplasmic solutes between vascular endothelial cells, between vascular smooth muscle cells, and between endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Multiple genetic and epigenetic factors modulate connexin expression levels and/or channel function, including cell-type-independent and cell-type-specific transcription factors, posttranslational modifications, and localized membrane targeting. Additionally, differences in protein-protein interactions, including those between connexins, significantly contribute to both vascular homeostasis and disease progression. The biophysical properties of the connexin channels identified in the vasculatur... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879899 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879898&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815178%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Atallah J, Larsen E The quest to understand the relationship between an organism's DNA sequence and three-dimensional form is an interdisciplinary task, integrating diverse fields of the life sciences. The relevance of the metaphor of a genotype-phenotype map is explored from a developmental perspective, in light of the recent concept of a "molecular toolkit" of protein-coding genes, and the widespread view that analyzing the logic and mechanics of gene regulation at multiple levels is key to explaining how morphology is genetically encoded. We discuss the challenges of decoding genomes despite variable genetic backgrounds, the dynamically changing physical and molecular contexts of the internal environment during development, and the impact of external forces on morphogenesis... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879898 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879897&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815179%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barral Y, Liakopoulos D The mitotic spindle is mostly perceived as a symmetric structure. However, in many cell divisions, the two poles of the spindle organize asters with different dynamics, associate with different biomolecules or subcellular domains, and perform different functions. In this chapter, we describe some of the most prominent examples of spindle asymmetry. These are encountered during cell-cycle progression in budding and fission yeast and during asymmetric cell divisions of stem cells and embryos. We analyze the molecular mechanisms that lead to generation of spindle asymmetry and discuss the importance of spindle-pole differentiation for the correct outcome of cell division. PMID: 19815179 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Review of Cell and Mo... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879897 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879896&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815180%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Winklbauer R The amphibian gastrula can be regarded as a single coherent tissue which folds and distorts itself in a reproducible pattern to establish the embryonic germ layers. It is held together by cadherins which provide the flexible adhesion required for the massive cell rearrangements that accompany gastrulation. Cadherin expression and adhesiveness increase as one goes from the vegetal cell mass through the anterior mesendoderm to the chordamesoderm, and then decrease again slightly in the ectoderm. Together with a basic random component of cell motility, this flexible, differentially expressed adhesiveness generates surface and interfacial tension effects which, in principle, can exert strong forces. However, conclusive evidence for an in vivo role of differential adhe... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879896 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879895&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815181%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chieffi P, Franco R, Portella G Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are relatively uncommon, they are particularly important as they tend to affect children and young men, representing the most common tumor in male aged from 20 to 40years. TGCTs are a heterogeneous group of tumors, with specific peculiarities reflecting on epidemiologic distribution and clinic-pathological features. TGCTs show a high-cure rates in both seminomas and nonseminomas and represent the model of a curable neoplasia: sensitive serum tumor markers, accurate prognostic classification, contribute to a high effectiveness of cancer therapy. However, up to 30% of patients diagnosed with metastatic nonseminomas do not achieve a durable remission, and in metastatic teratomas cisplatin-based treatment... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879895 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879894&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19815182%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wong EW, Cheng CY In mammalian testes, extensive junction restructuring takes place in the seminiferous epithelium at the Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-germ cell interface to facilitate the different cellular events of spermatogenesis, such as mitosis, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and spermiation. Recent studies in the field have shown that Rho GTPases and polarity proteins play significant roles in the events of cell-cell interactions. Furthermore, Rho GTPases, such as Cdc42, are working in concert with polarity proteins in regulating cell polarization and cell adhesion at both the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES) in the testis of adult rats. In this chapter, we briefly summarize recent findings on the latest status of research and develo... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879894 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:02 +0100 2879894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824939&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19766966%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dubash AD, Menold MM, Samson T, Boulter E, García-Mata R, Doughman R, Burridge K Focal adhesions have been intensely studied ever since their discovery in 1971. The last three decades have seen major advances in understanding the structure of focal adhesions and the functions they serve in cellular adhesion, migration, and other biological processes. In this chapter, we begin with a historical perspective of focal adhesions, provide an overview of focal adhesion biology, and highlight recent major advances in the field. Specifically, we review the different types of matrix adhesions and the role different Rho GTPases play in their formation. We discuss the relative contributions of integrin and syndecan adhesion receptors to the formation of focal adhesions. We also focus... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824939 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:06:02 +0100 2824939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824938&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19766967%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mallinson J, Meissner J, Chang KC Calcineurin, also known as protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B), is a calcium-calmodulin-dependent phosphatase. It couples intracellular calcium to dephosphorylate selected substrates resulting in diverse biological consequences depending on cell type. In mammals, calcineurin's functions include neuronal growth, development of cardiac valves and hypertrophy, activation of lymphocytes, and the regulation of ion channels and enzymes. This chapter focuses on the key roles of calcineurin in skeletal muscle differentiation, regeneration, and fiber type conversion to an oxidative state, all of which are crucial to muscle development, metabolism, and functional adaptations. It seeks to integrate the current knowledge of calcineurin signaling in skeletal mus... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824938 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:06:02 +0100 2824938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824937&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19766968%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Oda Y, Higaki T, Hasezawa S, Kutsuna N The plant vacuole is a multifunctional organelle and is essential for plant development and growth. The most distinctive feature of the plant vacuole is its size, which usually occupies over 80-90% of the cell volume in well-developed somatic cells, and is therefore highly involved in cell growth and plant body size. Recent progress in the visualization of the vacuole, together with developments in image analysis, has revealed the highly organized and complex morphology of the vacuole, as well as its dynamics. The plant vacuolar membrane (VM) forms not only a typically large vacuole but also other structures, such as tubular structures, transvacuolar strands, bulbs, and sheets. In higher plant cells, actin microfilaments are mainly locate... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824937 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:06:02 +0100 2824937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824936&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19766969%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Popescu C, Höcker H Hair is a complex "cornified" multicellular tissue composed of cuticle and cortex cells mechanically acting as a whole. The cuticle cells overlap and cortex cells interdigitate, all cells being composed of different morphological elements and separated by the cell membrane complex (CMC). The CMC and the morphological elements of the cortex cells, the macrofibrils, composed of microfibrils or intermediate filaments (IFs), and the intermacrofibrillar and intermicrofibrillar cement or the amorphous matrix material determine the mechanical properties of hair. The IFs consist of alpha-keratin molecules being arranged in a sophisticated way of two parallel monomers and antiparallel and shifted dimers rationalized by the amino acid composition and sequence. T... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824936 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:06:02 +0100 2824936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824935&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19766970%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Meagher RB, Kandasamy MK, McKinney EC, Roy E The nuclear actin-related proteins (ARPs) share overall structure and low-level sequence homology with conventional actin. They are indispensable subunits of macromolecular machines that control chromatin remodeling and modification leading to dynamic changes in DNA structure, transcription, and DNA repair. Cellular, genetic, and biochemical studies suggest that the nuclear ARPs are essential to the epigenetic control of the cell cycle and cell proliferation in all eukaryotes, while in plants and animals they also exert epigenetic controls over most stages of multicellular development including organ initiation, the switch to reproductive development, and senescence and programmed cell death. A theme emerging from plants and animals... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824935 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:06:02 +0100 2824935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824934&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19766971%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Svetlova MP, Solovjeva LV, Tomilin NV New methods for detecting DNA damage and repair are reviewed and their potential significance is discussed. These include methods based on analysis of DNA damage-induced chromatin modifications, cytological detection of DNA repair synthesis, damage-induced immobilization of repair proteins and living cell imaging. Special attention is paid to current methods of detection of modifications of histones and other proteins associated with DNA double-strand breaks which represent most dangerous genome damage. New methods of analysis of DNA damage and repair may be useful in biodosimetry, early cancer diagnostics and in the analysis of efficiency of cancer radiation therapy and chemotherapy. PMID: 19766971 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Inter... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824934 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:06:02 +0100 2824934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588650&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584010%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bishopp A, Help H, Helariutta Y The cytokinin class of phytohormones regulates division and differentiation of plant cells. They are perceived and signaled by a phosphorelay mechanism similar to those observed in prokaryotes. Research into the components of phosphorelay had previously been marred by genetic redundancy. However, recent studies have addressed this with the creation of high-order mutants. In addition, several new elements regulating cytokinin signaling have been identified. This has uncovered many roles in diverse developmental and physiological processes. In this review, we look at these processes specifically in the context of root development. We focus on the formation and maintenance of the root apical meristem, primary and secondary vascular development, lat... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588650 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588649&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584011%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bakota L, Brandt R The development of vital fluorescent synthetic dyes and the generation of a myriad of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins permit sensitive visualization of a broad range of dynamic features in living cells with fluorescence microscopy. Many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease (PD) share common aspects on a cellular level that are associated with a change in the dynamic behavior of the whole cell, cell compartments, or single proteins. These include disturbances of transport mechanisms or protein turnover, missorting and aggregation of proteins, and changes in the structural plasticity o... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588649 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588648&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584012%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lindahl U, Li JP Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans at cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix of most animal tissues are essential in development and homeostasis, and variously implicated in disease processes. Functions of HS polysaccharide chains depend on ionic interactions with a variety of proteins including growth factors and their receptors. Negatively charged sulfate and carboxylate groups are arranged in various types of domains, generated through strictly regulated biosynthetic reactions and with enormous potential for structural variability. The level of specificity of HS-protein interactions is assessed through binding experiments in vitro using saccharides of defined composition, signaling assays in cell culture, and targeted disruption of genes for biosynth... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588648 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588647&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584013%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sorrell JM, Caplan AI The capacity of fibroblasts to produce and organize the extracellular matrix and to communicate with other cells makes them a central component of tissue biology. Even so, fibroblasts remain a somewhat enigmatic population. Our inability to fully comprehend these cells is in large part due to the paucity of unique cellular markers and to their pervasive diversity. Much of our understanding of fibroblast diversity has evolved from studies where subpopulations of these cells have been produced without resorting to cell surface markers. In this regard, cloning and mechanical separation of tissues prior to establishing cultures has provided multiple subpopulations. Nonetheless, in isolated situations, the expression or lack of expression of Thy-1/CD90 has bee... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588647 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588646&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584014%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miri K, Varmuza S Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism that silences one parental allele of a small subset of genes. Many imprinted genes exhibit this property only in extraembryonic tissues-placenta and yolk sac. This has led to the idea that imprinting in mammals coevolved with some aspect of placentation. Nevertheless, many studies of imprinting have ignored the extraembryonic tissues, the yolk sac and its precursor, the primitive endoderm, in particular. The primitive endoderm is involved in very early signaling events during a critical stage in development, gastrulation, during which body plan axes and head process neuroectoderm are established. Improper signaling from primitive endoderm as a result of abnormal expression of imprinted genes has the capacity to ef... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588646 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588645&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584015%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yazaki K, Shitan N, Sugiyama A, Takanashi K ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins constitute a large and diverse superfamily of membrane-bound and soluble proteins, which are involved in a wide range of biological processes in all organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Genome analyses of model plants, for example, Arabidopsis and rice, have revealed that plants have more than double numbers of this family member in their genomes compared to animals and insects. In recent years, various biochemical and physiological functions of ABC proteins in plants have been reported. Some are relevant for the defense mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stresses, whereas others are involved in the basic functions necessary for maintaining the plant life. Here, we provide an updated inventory o... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588645 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588644&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19584016%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Higashi-Fujime S, Nakamura A Chara myosin is a class XI plant myosin in green algae Chara corallina and responsible for fast cytoplasmic streaming. The Chara myosin exhibits the fastest sliding movement of F-actin at 60 mum/s as observed so far, 10-fold of the shortening speed of muscle. It has some distinct properties differing from those of muscle myosin. Although knowledge about Chara myosin is very limited at present, we have tried to elucidate functional bases of its characteristics by comparing with those of other myosins. In particular, we have built the putative atomic model of Chara myosin by using the homology-based modeling system and databases. Based on the putative structure of Chara myosin obtained, we have analyzed the relationship between structure and function... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588644 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:02 +0100 2588644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526402&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19349035%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lin JJ, Li Y, Eppinga RD, Wang Q, Jin JP Caldesmon (CaD) is a multimodular protein that regulates contractility and actin cytoskeleton remodeling in smooth muscle and nonmuscle cells. A single gene (CALD1) encodes high molecular mass CaD (h-CaD) and low molecular mass CaD (l-CaD) by alternative splicings. The h-CaD exclusively expresses in smooth muscle, whereas the l-CaD ubiquitously expresses in all cell types except skeletal muscle. The h-CaD/l-CaD ratio could be a marker for monitoring differentiating and pathological states of smooth muscles. The l-CaD associates with stress fibers and membrane ruffles in nonmuscle cells and with the actin core of podosomes in highly motile/invasive cells. Together with tropomyosin, CaD stabilizes actin filaments and inhibits actin-tropom... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526402 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526401&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19349036%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maffucci JA, Gore AC The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis undergoes a number of changes throughout the reproductive life cycle that are responsible for the development, puberty, adulthood, and senescence of reproductive systems. This natural progression is dictated by the neural network controlling the hypothalamus including the cells that synthesize and release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and their regulatory neurotransmitters. Glutamate and GABA are the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, and as such contribute a great deal to modulating this axis throughout the lifetime via their actions on receptors in the hypothalamus, both directly on GnRH neurons as well as indirectly through other hypothalamic neural net... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526401 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526400&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19349037%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martín-Belmonte F, Rodríguez-Fraticelli AE Epithelia coordinate the polarity of individual cells, in space and time, with surrounding cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) to organize three-dimensional structures that shape tissues and organs. One of the most important features of epithelial polarization is the asymmetric distribution of membrane surfaces with the apical surface facing a lumen or outside of the organism, and a basolateral surface facing other cells and ECM. This chapter discuss the processes required for the acquisition of the asymmetric distribution of membrane surfaces during morphogenesis, which include trafficking pathways, vesicle-sorting machineries, formation of junctional and polarity complexes, and the establishment of signaling networks.... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526400 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526397&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19349038%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saito C, Ueda T In all eukaryotic cells, vesicular trafficking is crucial for maintaining cellular and organelle functions. RABs and SNAREs play key roles in vesicle/organelle identity and exchange. Budding yeast genetics and mammalian cell biochemistry were the most effective approaches for investigating molecular mechanisms underlying vesicular trafficking and remain important in exploring new horizons. The field of vesicular trafficking attracted plant biologists in the early 1990s. Today, this field continues to stimulate a wide range of research. This review starts with some history of RAB and SNARE research in yeast and mammals and introduces a widely accepted general model. Then we summarize recent reports regarding plant RABs and SNAREs, focusing on functional diversit... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526397 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526396&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19349039%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barnekow A, Thyrock A, Kessler D The Ras superfamily consists of over 150 low molecular weight proteins that cycle between an inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound state and an active guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-bound state. They are involved in a variety of signal transduction pathways that regulate cell growth, intracellular trafficking, cell migration, and apoptosis. Several methods have been devised to detect and characterize the interacting partners of small GTPases with the aim of better understanding their physiological function in normal cells and tumor cells. The Rab (Ras analog in brain) proteins form the largest family within the Ras superfamily. Rab proteins regulate vesicular trafficking pathways, behaving as membrane-associated molecular switches. The guani... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526396 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526395&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19349040%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Almsherqi ZA, Landh T, Kohlwein SD, Deng Y Biological membranes are among the most fascinating assemblies of biomolecules: a bilayer less than 10 nm thick, composed of rather small lipid molecules that are held together simply by noncovalent forces, defines the cell and discriminates between "inside" and "outside", survival, and death. Intracellular compartmentalization-governed by biomembranes as well-is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic cells, which allows them to fulfill multiple and highly specialized anabolic and catabolic functions in strictly controlled environments. Although cellular membranes are generally visualized as flat sheets or closely folded isolated objects, multiple observations also demonstrate that membranes may fold into "unusual", highly organized s... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526395 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526394&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19491051%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Caldieri G, Ayala I, Attanasio F, Buccione R The controlled degradation of the extracellular matrix is crucial in physiological and pathological cell invasion alike. In vitro, degradation occurs at specific sites where invasive cells make contact with the extracellular matrix via specialized plasma membrane protrusions termed invadopodia. Considerable progress has been made in recent years toward understanding the basic molecular components and their ultrastructural features; generating substantial interest in invadopodia as a paradigm to study the complex interactions between the intracellular trafficking, signal transduction, and cytoskeleton regulation machineries. The next level will be to understand whether they may also represent valid biological targets to help advance ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526394 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526393&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19491052%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fischer WB, Krüger J Channel-forming proteins are found in a number of viral genomes. In some cases, their role in the viral life cycle is well understood, in some cases it needs still to be elucidated. A common theme is that their mode of action involves a change of electrochemical or proton gradient across the lipid membrane which modulates the viral or cellular activity. Blocking these proteins can be a suitable therapeutic strategy as for some viruses this may be "lethal." Besides the many biological relevant questions still to be answered, there are also many open questions concerning the biophysical side as well as structural information and the mechanism of function on a molecular level. The immanent biophysical issues are addressed and the work in the field is sum... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526393 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526392&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19491053%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karlsson C, Lindahl A The different stages of cartilage development are well described but no transcription factor capable of specifically inducing differentiation to articular cartilage has been identified and little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating cartilage development. Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway taking part in many developmental and cell type specification processes. It has been demonstrated that markers for Notch signaling are differentially expressed during cartilage development and there is evidence for their functional role during this process. Notch signaling has further been implicated in osteoarthritis and Notch1 has been suggested as a marker for chondrogenic progenitor cells. This review summarizes the current knowledg... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526392 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526391&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19491054%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ribatti D, Crivellato E Mast cells (MCs) were first described by Paul Ehrlich (Beiträge zur Theorie und Praxis der Histologischen Färbung, Thesis, Leipzig University, 1878). They have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions and protective responses to parasites. However, their functional role has been found to be complex and multifarious. MCs are also involved in various cell-mediated immune reactions and found in tissues from multiple disease sites, and as a component of the host reaction to bacteria, parasite, and even virus infections. They also participate in angiogenic and tissue repair processes after injury. The importance of a possible functional link between chronic inflammation and cancer has long been recognized. As most tumors conta... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526391 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526390&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19491055%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vemuganti GK, Fatima A, Madhira SL, Basti S, Sangwan VS Corneal opacification due to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is an important cause for ocular morbidity, resulting from a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. While the extrinsic factors include conditions such as chemical or thermal injuries, intrinsic include dysfunction, or reduction in the number of stem cells either due to pathological changes in autoimmune diseases or secondary to certain clinical conditions such as diabetes, dry eye disorders, or multiple previous eye surgeries. LSCD is characterized by a classic triad of signs-conjunctivalization, neovascularization and decrease in vision. With the increasing knowledge of limbal stem cells, the treatment of this condition has evolved from simple debrideme... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526390 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2526389&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19491056%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stenzinger A, Schreiner D, Koch P, Hofer HW, Wimmer M This chapter examines the current state of knowledge about the expression profile, as well as biochemical properties and biological functions of the evolutionarily conserved protein PTPIP51. PTPIP51 is apparently expressed in splice variants and shows a particularly high expression in epithelia, skeletal muscle, placenta, and germ cells, as well as during mammalian development and in cancer. PTPIP51 is an in vitro substrate of Src- and protein kinase A, the PTP1B/TCPTP protein tyrosine phosphatases and interacts with 14-3-3 proteins, the Nuf2 kinetochore protein, the ninein-interacting CGI-99 protein, diacylglycerol kinase alpha, and also with itself forming dimers and trimers. Although the precise cellular function remains... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2526389 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:35:02 +0100 2526389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235438&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215902%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ahmed AU, Fisher PR A growing amount of evidence suggests that the cytosolic translation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins and their subsequent import into mitochondria are tightly coupled in a process termed cotranslational import. In addition to the original posttranslational view of mitochondrial protein import, early literature also provides both in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence supporting the simultaneous existence of a cotranslational protein-import mechanism in mitochondria. Recent investigations have started to reveal the cotranslational import mechanism which is initiated by transporting either a translation complex or a translationally competent mRNA encoding a mitochondrial protein to the mitochondrial surface. The intracellular localization of mRN... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235438 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:34:29 +0100 2235438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235437&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215904%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Parat MO Caveolae are specialized plasma membrane subdomains visualized more than 50 years ago as cave-like invaginations at the cell surface. They are rich in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, and lipid-anchored proteins. Their signaling and trafficking capabilities influence multiple cellular processes, and are believed to require caveolin-1, a major protein component of caveolae in most cell types. Today the structure and functions of caveolae are still the objects of intense research. Caveolin-1 is not anymore the only protein known to be required for caveolae formation, and functions for caveolin-1 outside of caveolae are being unveiled. Studying the phenotype of mice lacking caveolae has largely confirmed the roles attributed to this organelle and its defining protein. Th... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235437 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:34:29 +0100 2235437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235436&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215905%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Plattner H, Sehring IM, Schilde C, Ladenburger EM Most data on the effects of drugs as inhibitors, modulators, or stimulators have been collected with higher eukaryotic, mainly mammalian cells. Although in cell biological experiments with lower eukaryotes, including ciliates, the same drugs have frequently been applied, many results remained questionable for several reasons. Most drugs had to be used in unusually high concentrations. Moreover, drug effects have rarely been verified at the biochemical or molecular level. Data steadily emerging from genomics of ciliates, mainly Paramecium tetraurelia and Tetrahymena thermophila, show that drug-binding sites have only occasionally been conserved during evolution. They may vary or be totally absent in ciliate orthologs or specific... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235436 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:34:29 +0100 2235436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235435&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215908%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gassama-Diagne A, Payrastre B Polarity is a prerequisite for proper development and function of epithelia in metazoa. The major feature of polarized epithelial cells is the presence of specialized domains with asymmetric distribution of macromolecular contents including proteins and lipids. The apical domain is involved in exchange with the organ lumen, and the basolateral membrane maintains contact with neighboring cells and the underlying extracellular matrix. The two domains are separated by tight junctions, which act as a diffusion barrier to prevent free mixing of domain-specific proteins and lipids. Extensive studies have shed light on the numerous protein families involved in cell polarization. However, many questions still remain regarding the molecular mechanisms of p... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235435 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:34:29 +0100 2235435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188677&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215901%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Eissenberg JC, Reuter G Near the end of their 1990 historical perspective article "60 Years of Mystery," Spradling and Karpen (1990) observe: "Recent progress in understanding variegation at the molecular level has encouraged some workers to conclude that the heterochromatization model is essentially correct and that position-effect variegation can now join the mainstream of molecular biology." In the 18 years since those words were written, heterochromatin and its associated position effects have indeed joined the mainstream of molecular biology. Here, we review the findings that led to our current understanding of heterochromatin formation in Drosophila and the mechanistic insights into heterochromatin structural and functional properties gained through molecular genetics an... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188677 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188676&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215902%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ahmed AU, Fisher PR A growing amount of evidence suggests that the cytosolic translation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins and their subsequent import into mitochondria are tightly coupled in a process termed cotranslational import. In addition to the original posttranslational view of mitochondrial protein import, early literature also provides both in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence supporting the simultaneous existence of a cotranslational protein-import mechanism in mitochondria. Recent investigations have started to reveal the cotranslational import mechanism which is initiated by transporting either a translation complex or a translationally competent mRNA encoding a mitochondrial protein to the mitochondrial surface. The intracellular localization of mRN... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188676 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188675&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215903%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang X, Schröder HC, Müller WE Only 13 years after realizing, during a repair of a telegraph cable pulled out from the deep sea, that the depth of the ocean is plentifully populated with a highly diverse fauna and flora, the Challenger expedition (1873-1876) treasured up a rich collection of vitreous sponges (Hexactinellida). They had been described by Schulze and represent the phylogenetically oldest class of siliceous sponges (phylum Porifera); they are eye-catching because of their distinct body plan, which relies on a filigree skeleton. It is constructed by an array of morphologically determined elements, the spicules. Soon after, during the German Deep Sea Expedition "Valdivia" (1898-1899), Schulze could describe the largest siliceous hexactinellid sponge on Ear... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188675 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188674&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215904%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Parat MO Caveolae are specialized plasma membrane subdomains visualized more than 50 years ago as cave-like invaginations at the cell surface. They are rich in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, and lipid-anchored proteins. Their signaling and trafficking capabilities influence multiple cellular processes, and are believed to require caveolin-1, a major protein component of caveolae in most cell types. Today the structure and functions of caveolae are still the objects of intense research. Caveolin-1 is not anymore the only protein known to be required for caveolae formation, and functions for caveolin-1 outside of caveolae are being unveiled. Studying the phenotype of mice lacking caveolae has largely confirmed the roles attributed to this organelle and its defining protein. Th... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188674 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188673&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215905%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Plattner H, Sehring IM, Schilde C, Ladenburger EM Most data on the effects of drugs as inhibitors, modulators, or stimulators have been collected with higher eukaryotic, mainly mammalian cells. Although in cell biological experiments with lower eukaryotes, including ciliates, the same drugs have frequently been applied, many results remained questionable for several reasons. Most drugs had to be used in unusually high concentrations. Moreover, drug effects have rarely been verified at the biochemical or molecular level. Data steadily emerging from genomics of ciliates, mainly Paramecium tetraurelia and Tetrahymena thermophila, show that drug-binding sites have only occasionally been conserved during evolution. They may vary or be totally absent in ciliate orthologs or specific... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188673 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188672&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215906%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hofmann WA Actin is a highly conserved protein and one of the major components of the cytoplasm and the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. In the nucleus, actin is involved in a variety of nuclear processes that include transcription and transcription regulation, RNA processing and export, intranuclear movement, and structure maintenance. Recent advances in the field of nuclear actin have established that functions of actin in the nucleus are versatile, complex, and interconnected. It also has become increasingly evident that the cytoplasmic and nuclear pools of actin are functionally linked. However, while the biological significance of nuclear actin has become clear, we are only beginning to understand the mechanisms that lie behind the regulation of nuclear actin. This review pro... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188672 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188671&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215907%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim KI, Baek SH Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) mediate a variety of cellular functions of protein targets mainly in the nucleus but in other cellular compartments as well, and thereby participate in maintaining cellular homeostasis. SUMO system plays important roles in transcriptional regulation, DNA damage responses, maintaining genome integrity, and signaling pathways. Thus, in some cases, loss of regulated control on SUMOylation/deSUMOylation processes causes a defect in maintaining homeostasis and hence gives a cue to cancer development and progression. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that SUMO system is involved in cancer metastasis. In this review, we will summarize the possible role of SUMO system in cancer development, progression, and metastasis and ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188671 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188670&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19215908%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gassama-Diagne A, Payrastre B Polarity is a prerequisite for proper development and function of epithelia in metazoa. The major feature of polarized epithelial cells is the presence of specialized domains with asymmetric distribution of macromolecular contents including proteins and lipids. The apical domain is involved in exchange with the organ lumen, and the basolateral membrane maintains contact with neighboring cells and the underlying extracellular matrix. The two domains are separated by tight junctions, which act as a diffusion barrier to prevent free mixing of domain-specific proteins and lipids. Extensive studies have shed light on the numerous protein families involved in cell polarization. However, many questions still remain regarding the molecular mechanisms of p... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188670 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:32:31 +0100 2188670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130009&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121815%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aspenström P The Pombe Cdc15 Homology (PCH) proteins have emerged in many species as important coordinators of signaling pathways that regulate actomyosin assembly and membrane dynamics. The hallmark of the PCH proteins is the presence of a Fes/CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvsp (F-BAR) domain; therefore they are commonly referred to as F-BAR proteins. The prototype F-BAR protein, Cdc15p of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has a role in the formation of the contractile actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. Vertebrate F-BAR proteins have an established role in binding phospholipids and they participate in membrane deformations, for instance, during the internalization of transmembrane receptors. This way the F-BAR proteins will function as linkers between the actin polymerization ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130009 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130008&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121816%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cerovic V, McDonald V, Nassar MA, Paulin SM, Macpherson GG, Milling SW Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical key role in the initiation of immune responses to pathogens. Paradoxically, they also prevent potentially damaging immune responses being directed against the multitude of harmless antigens, to which the body is exposed daily. These roles are particularly important in the intestine, where only a single layer of epithelial cells provides a barrier against billions of commensal microorganisms, pathogens, and food antigens, over a huge surface area. In the intestine, therefore, DCs are required to perform their dual roles very efficiently to protect the body from the dual threats of invading pathogens and unwanted inflammatory reactions. In this review, we first describe t... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130008 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130007&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121817%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Louvet E, Percipalle P Recent years have witnessed a new turn in the field of gene expression regulation. Actin and an ever-growing family of actin-associated proteins have been accepted as members of the nuclear crew, regulating eukaryotic gene transcription. In complex with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins and certain myosin species, actin has been shown to be an important regulator in RNA polymerase II transcription. Furthermore, actin-based molecular motors are believed to facilitate RNA polymerase I transcription and possibly downstream events during rRNA biogenesis. Probably these findings represent the tip of the iceberg of a rapidly expanding area within the functional architecture of the cell nucleus. Further studies will contribute to clarify how actin mediat... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130007 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130006&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121818%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tharun S The eukaryotic Lsm proteins belong to the large family of Sm-like proteins, which includes members from all organisms ranging from archaebacteria to humans. The Sm and Lsm proteins typically exist as hexameric or heptameric complexes in vivo and carry out RNA-related functions. Multiple complexes made up of different combinations of Sm and Lsm proteins are known in eukaryotes and these complexes are involved in a variety of functions such as mRNA decay in the cytoplasm, mRNA and pre-mRNA decay in the nucleus, pre-mRNA splicing, replication dependent histone mRNA 3'-end processing, etc. While most Lsm proteins function in the form of heteromeric complexes that include other Lsm proteins, some Lsm proteins are also known that do not behave in that manner. Abnormal expre... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130006 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130005&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121819%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Titorenko VI, Rachubinski RA Recent studies have provided evidence that peroxisomes constitute a multicompartmental endomembrane system. The system begins to form with the targeting of certain peroxisomal membrane proteins to the ER and their exit from the ER via preperoxisomal carriers. These carriers undergo a multistep maturation into metabolically active peroxisomes containing the entire complement of peroxisomal membrane and matrix proteins. At each step, the import of a subset of proteins and the uptake of certain membrane lipids result in the formation of a distinct, more mature compartment of the peroxisomal endomembrane system. Individual peroxisomal compartments proliferate by undergoing one or several rounds of division. Herein, we discuss various strategies that ev... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130005 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130004&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121820%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aspengren S, Hedberg D, Sköld HN, Wallin M Pigment cells of lower vertebrates provide an excellent model to study organelle transport as they specialize in the translocation of pigment granules in response to defined chemical cues. This review will focus on the well-studied melanophore/melanocyte systems in fish, amphibians, and mammals. We will describe the roles of melanin, melanophores, and melanocytes in animals, current views on how the three motor proteins dynein, kinesin, and myosin-V are involved in melanosome transport along microtubules and actin filaments, and how signal transduction pathways regulate the activities of the motors to achieve aggregation and dispersion of melanosomes. We will also describe how melanosomes are transferred to surrounding skin cells... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130004 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2130003&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19121821%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lasiecka ZM, Yap CC, Vakulenko M, Winckler B Many membrane proteins localize to restricted domains in neurons, such as axons, dendrites, synapses, or axon initial segments. The exquisite subcellular compartmentalization of adhesion molecules, growth factor receptors, signaling receptors, voltage-gated and ligand-gated channels, and others underlies the complex functioning of neurons and ultimately vectorial propagation of signaling in neuronal circuits. This chapter discusses the cellular mechanisms for compartmentalizing the neuronal plasma membrane. Among the mechanisms contributing to protein segregation in the membrane are sorting and targeting in the Golgi/TGN, endocytosis, recycling, and degradation, and control of membrane protein diffusion. The molecular underpinnings ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2130003 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:07:21 +0100 2130003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2054535&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081543%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vergés M Retromer is an evolutionary conserved protein complex required for endosome-to-Golgi retrieval of lysosomal hydrolases' receptors. A dimer of two sorting nexins-typically, SNX1 and/or SNX2-deforms the membrane and thus cooperates with retromer to ensure cargo sorting. Research in various model organisms indicates that retromer participates in sorting of additional molecules whose proper transport has important repercussions in development and disease. The role of retromer as well as SNXs in endosomal protein (re)cycling and protein targeting to specialized plasma membrane domains in polarized cells adds further complexity and has implications in growth control, the establishment of developmental patterns, cell adhesion, and migration. This chapter will discuss th... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2054535 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:24:31 +0100 2054535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042455&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081533%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dussurget O Listeria monocytogenes is the causative agent of human listeriosis, a potentially fatal foodborne infection. Clinical manifestations range from febrile gastroenteritis to more severe invasive forms including meningitis, encephalitis, abortions, and perinatal infections. This Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen has evolved multiple strategies to face extracellular innate defense mechanisms of the host and to invade and multiply intracellularly within macrophages and nonphagocytic cells. This chapter provides an updated panorama of recent advances in the characterization of L. monocytogenes virulence determinants in the postgenomic era. PMID: 19081533 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology) International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042455 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042454&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081534%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Terashima H, Kojima S, Homma M Bacterial flagella are filamentous organelles that drive cell locomotion. They thrust cells in liquids (swimming) or on surfaces (swarming) so that cells can move toward favorable environments. At the base of each flagellum, a reversible rotary motor, which is powered by the proton- or the sodium-motive force, is embedded in the cell envelope. The motor consists of two parts: the rotating part, or rotor, that is connected to the hook and the filament, and the nonrotating part, or stator, that conducts coupling ion and is responsible for energy conversion. Intensive genetic and biochemical studies of the flagellum have been conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, and more than 50 gene products are known to be involved in flagella... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042454 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042453&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081535%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gadjev I, Stone JM, Gechev TS Programmed cell death (PCD), the highly regulated dismantling of cells, is essential for plant growth and survival. PCD plays key roles in embryo development, formation and maturation of many cell types and tissues, and plant reaction/adaptation to environmental conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only toxic by products of aerobic metabolism with strictly controlled cellular levels, but they also function as signaling agents regulating many biological processes and producing pleiotropic effects. Over the last decade, ROS have become recognized as important modulators of plant PCD. Molecular genetic approaches using plant mutants and transcriptome studies related to ROS-mediated PCD have revealed a wide array of plant-specific cell de... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042453 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042452&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081536%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Duffield A, Caplan MJ, Muth TR Epithelial cells line the lumens of organs and thus constitute the interface between the body's interior and exterior surfaces. This position endows these cells with the important task of regulating what enters and what is exported from the body. In order to accomplish this function, epithelia must have structurally and functionally distinct membrane surfaces: the apical surface exposed to the lumen, and the basolateral surface in contact with the laterally adjacent epithelial cells, and the connective tissue and capillary network below the epithelia. The specific lipid and protein contents of the apical and basolateral membrane surfaces are determined by a number of sorting and retention mechanisms. Many of these sorting and retention mechanisms... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042452 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042451&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081537%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ribatti D The chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is an extraembryonic membrane mediating gas and nutrient exchanges until hatching. Since it has a dense capillary network, it has been commonly used in vivo to study both angiogenesis and antiangiogenesis in response to normal tissues and cells, to tumor bioptic specimens and cells, or to soluble factors. During the last 8 years, this assay has been used in over 550 published works. This chapter summarizes current knowledge about the embryological origin of the CAM, morphology of its blood and lymphatic vessels, the use of CAM in the study of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, angiogenic and antiangiogenic substances. The angiogenic response of CAM to multiple myeloma and neuroblastoma cells and bioptic specimens and th... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042451 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042450&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081538%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Surguchov A Synucleins are small, soluble proteins expressed primarily in neural tissues and certain tumors. The family includes three known proteins: alpha-synuclein, beta-synuclein, and gamma-synuclein. A typical structural feature of synucleins is the presence of a repetitive, degenerative AA motif KTKEGV throughout the first 87 residues and acidic stretches within the C-terminal region. Members of the synuclein family are natively unfolded proteins that are characterized by a high net charge and low hydropathy. The synuclein family recently came into the spotlight when one of its members, alpha-synuclein, was linked both genetically and neuropathologically to Parkinson's disease. It has a role in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042450 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042449&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081539%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ryskov AP There are more than 70 known unisexual species of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. They are all-female populations of interspecific hybrid origin that reproduce without sex via altered gametogenetic mechanisms. They are either sperm independent as in parthenogenesis or sperm dependent as in gynogenesis or hybridogenesis, which causes clonal (or hemiclonal) inheritance. The first two modes of reproduction produce species composed of genetically isolated clones. In many previous papers, origin and ancestry, clonal diversity based on allozyme or mitochondrial DNA variation, ecology and evolution of unisexual vertebrates were discussed. This chapter reviews the role of mutations in genome diversity of some unisexual vertebrates revealed by DNA fingerprinting and/or by l... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042449 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042448&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081540%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Amatruda JF, Patton EE Firmly established as a model system for development, the zebrafish is now emerging as an effective system for the study of the fundamental aspects of tumorigenesis. In keeping with the striking anatomical and physiological similarity between fish and mammals, zebrafish develop a wide spectrum of cancers resembling human malignancies. The potential for zebrafish as a cancer model derives from its strengths as an experimental system for developmental biology. Despite 450 million years of evolutionary distance, the pathways that govern vertebrate development including signaling, proliferation, cell movements, differentiation, and apoptosis-indeed, the same pathways that are often misregulated in tumorigenesis-are highly conserved between humans and zebrafi... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042448 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042447&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081541%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kisseljov F, Sakharova O, Kondratjeva T Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. The development of this disease involves reversible changes in the cervical tissue leading to various cellular abnormalities and ultimately to cervical cancer. Several well-defined stages of cervical neoplasia are described, namely, precancer lesions and cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas are most frequent among them, the former being much more common. Each stage is characterized by specific morphological changes. These changes were analyzed in the context of recent molecular biology data. Cervical carcinogenesis associated with infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) contains several early genes that are necessary for viral replication and among... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042447 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042446&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081542%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kuroiwa T, Misumi O, Nishida K, Yagisawa F, Yoshida Y, Fujiwara T, Kuroiwa H The original eukaryotic cells contained at least one set of double-membrane-bounded organelles (cell nucleus and mitochondria) and single-membrane-bounded organelles [endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes (vacuoles), and microbodies (peroxisomes)]. An increase in the number of organelles accompanied the evolution of these cells into Amoebozoa and Opisthokonta. Furthermore, the basic cells, containing mitochondria, engulfed photosynthetic Cyanobacteria, which were converted to plastids, and the cells thereby evolved into cells characteristic of the Bikonta. How did basic single- and double-membrane-bounded organelles originate from bacteria-like cells during early eukaryotic evolution? To a... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042446 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042445&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081543%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vergés M Retromer is an evolutionary conserved protein complex required for endosome-to-Golgi retrieval of lysosomal hydrolases' receptors. A dimer of two sorting nexins-typically, SNX1 and/or SNX2-deforms the membrane and thus cooperates with retromer to ensure cargo sorting. Research in various model organisms indicates that retromer participates in sorting of additional molecules whose proper transport has important repercussions in development and disease. The role of retromer as well as SNXs in endosomal protein (re)cycling and protein targeting to specialized plasma membrane domains in polarized cells adds further complexity and has implications in growth control, the establishment of developmental patterns, cell adhesion, and migration. This chapter will discuss th... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042445 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042444&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081544%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lackner DH, Bähler J The regulation of gene expression is fundamental to diverse biological processes, including cell growth and division, adaptation to environmental stress, as well as differentiation and development. Gene expression is controlled at multiple levels from transcription to protein degradation. The regulation at the level of translation, from specific transcripts to entire transcriptomes, adds considerable richness and sophistication to gene regulation. The past decade has provided much insight into the diversity of mechanisms and strategies to regulate translation in response to external or internal factors. Moreover, the increased application of different global approaches now provides a wealth of information on gene expression control from a genome-wide ... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042444 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042443&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081545%26dopt%3DAbstract We present an overwiew, based on the analysis of mutants, on how Dictyostelium contributes as a genetic model system to decipher the complexity of host-pathogen interactions. PMID: 19081545 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology) International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042443 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042442&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19081546%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang JH, Thampatty BP Mechanical forces, including gravity, tension, compression, hydrostatic pressure, and fluid shear stress, play a vital role in human physiology and pathology. They particularly influence extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression, ECM protein synthesis, and production of inflammatory mediators of many load-sensitive adult cells such as fibroblasts, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, the mechanical forces generated by cells themselves, known as cell traction forces (CTFs), also influence many biological processes such as wound healing, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Thus, the quantitative characterization of CTFs by qualities such as magnitude and distribution is useful for understanding physiological and pathological eve... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042442 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:50:37 +0100 2042442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1780518&cid=s_37716_171_f&fid=37716&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18779056%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Porzionato A, Macchi V, Parenti A, De Caro R The aim of the present study is to provide a review of the expression and action of trophic factors in the carotid body. In glomic type I cells, the following factors have been identified: brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, artemin, ciliary neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factors-I and -II, basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha and -beta(1), interleukin-1beta and -6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Growth factor receptors in the above cells include p75(LNGFR), TrkA, TrkB, RET, GDNF family receptors alpha1-3, gp130, IL-6Ralpha, EGFR, FGFR1, IL1-RI, TNF-RI, VEGFR-1 and -2,... International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1780518 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:57:03 +0100 1780518