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 'The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:38:45 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658948&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22297263%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morawski M, Brückner G, Arendt T, Matthews RT Abstract Aggrecan is well-studied in cartilage but its expression and function in the central nervous system has only recently begun to be appreciated. Aggrecan plays an important role in the organization of the neural extracellular space by binding and organizing hyaluronan to the cell surface through interactions with link protein and tenascins forming a large aggregated quaternary complex. While all members of the lectican family to which aggrecan belongs are thought to mediate similar roles in organizing the neural matrix, aggrecan is unique in that it is the only family member found almost exclusively in an enigmatic matrix substructure called the perineuronal net. Current work has established a critical role for perineur... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658948 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658947&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22300985%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the current knowledge about the structure, expression and function of this link protein. PMID: 22300985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658947 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658946&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22300986%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Senkov O, Tikhobrazova O, Dityatev A Abstract Dynamic regulation of glycosylation of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) by an unusual large negatively charged polysialic acid (PSA) is the major prerequisite for correct formation of brain circuitries during development and for normal synaptic plasticity, learning and memory in the adult. Traditionally, PSA is viewed as a de-adhesive highly hydrated molecule, which interferes with cell adhesion and promotes cellular/synaptic dynamics by steric hindrance. Analysis of synaptic functions of PSA-NCAM highlighted additional features of this molecule. First, PSA promotes interaction of NCAM with heparan sulfate proteoglycans and thus stimulates synaptogenesis. Second, PSA-NCAM modulates glutamate receptors: it restrains acti... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658946 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658945&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22300987%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ray P, Mihalko LA, Coggins NL, Moudgil P, Ehrlich A, Luker KE, Luker GD Abstract Chemokine receptor CXCR7 is essential for normal development, and this receptor promotes initiation and progression of diseases including cancer and autoimmunity. To understand normal and pathologic functions of CXCR7 and advance development of therapeutic agents, there is a need to define structural domains that regulate this receptor. We generated mutants of CXCR7 with deletion of different lengths of the predicted intracellular tail and analyzed effects on CXCR7 signaling and function in cell-based assays. While wild-type CXCR7 predominantly localized to intracellular vesicles, progressive deletion of the carboxy terminus redistributed the receptor to the plasma membrane. Truncating the int... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658945 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5639395&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22265655%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kwok JC, Warren P, Fawcett JW Abstract Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan composed of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid. It attaches to a core protein to form chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Being a major component of the brain extracellular matrix, CSPGs are involved in neural development, axon pathfinding and guidance, plasticity and also regeneration after injury in the nervous system. In this review, we shall discuss the structure, the biosynthetic pathway, its functions in the nervous system and how we can improve regeneration in the nervous system by modulating its structure and binding properties. PMID: 22265655 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5639395 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5639395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5639393&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22266400%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Henneberger C, Bard L, Rusakov DA Abstract Two discoveries have put d-serine in the spotlight of neuroscience. First, d-serine was detected in brain tissue at high levels. Second, it was found to act on the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). This receptor is central to use-dependent synaptic plasticity, the cellular process which is widely believed to underlie learning. The ensuing quest for the mechanisms of d-serine synthesis, release and clearance, as well as for its physiological significance has provided a wealth of experimental evidence implicating d-serine in synaptic plasticity. However some key questions remain unanswered. Which cells release d-serine and upon what stimuli? Is d-serine supply dynamically regulated? What is the fate of released d-serine? Answer... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5639393 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5639393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5639394&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22265656%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Attwood BK, Patel S, Pavlak R Abstract Eph receptors have been the subject of intense research since their discovery. Their widespread pattern of expression, involvement in a variety of important cellular phenomena and unique mode of action have stimulated interest in their role in health and disease across biological and medical domains. However, the function of Ephs in nervous system development and plasticity remains the best characterised. Recent advances suggest that Ephs play an important role in the development of brain pathologies. This review focuses on their basic structure and function and discusses the latest research on their role in neurological diseases. PMID: 22265656 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5639394 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5639394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621310&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22249025%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Damiano F, Gnoni GV, Siculella L Abstract Citrate carrier (CiC), a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, is an essential component of the shuttle system which transports acetyl-CoA from mitochondria to the cytosol where lipogenesis occurs. CiC is regulated by SREBP-1, a transcription factor that controls the expression of several lipogenic genes. CiC is also implicated in cholesterol synthesis, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, suggesting that besides SREBP-1 other transcription factors could modulate the expression of its gene. Here, we provide evidences demonstrating that CiC expression is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and gamma in hepatocytes and adipocytes, respectively. CiC expression increased in rat BRL-3A hepatocytes treated wit... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621310 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621307&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22249028%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, ES cell-derived hepatocytes were capable of liver repopulation and correction of metabolic defects after serial transplantation. Our results are an important piece of evidence to support future clinical applications of ES cell-derived hepatocytes in treating liver diseases. PMID: 22249028 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621307 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621312&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22245063%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nguyen TT, Létourneau M, Chatenet D, Fournier A Abstract Urotensin II (UII) and its receptor UT, is widely expressed in the cardiovascular and central nervous system, where they exert regulatory actions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Our study, aimed at investigating the presence of functional nuclear UT in various rat and monkey tissues as well as in human cell lines, demonstrated for the first time by western blot analysis and confocal immunofluorescence a tissue-specific nuclear expression of this receptor (heart and central nervous system). This nuclear UT was further characterized pharmacologically through radioligand binding studies using specific ligands of the urotensinergic system, as well as somatostatin. In 2D-gel experiments, we have obs... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621312 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621311&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22245600%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang L, Pang S, Deng B, Qian L, Chen J, Zou J, Zheng J, Yang L, Zhang C, Chen X, Liu Z, Le Y Abstract Renal hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation are early features of diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress is implicated in the etiology of diabetic nephropathy. Resveratrol has potent antioxidative and protective effects on diabetic nephropathy. We aimed to examine whether high glucose (HG)-induced NADPH oxidase activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contribute to glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and fibronectin expression and the effect of resveratrol on HG action in mesangial cells. By using rat mesangial cell line and primary mesangial cells, we found that NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin) and ROS inhibitor (N-a... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621311 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621309&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22249026%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bradshaw AD Abstract The SPARC family of proteins represents a diverse group of proteins that modulate cell interaction with the extracellular milieu. The eight members of the SPARC protein family are modular in nature. Each shares a follistatin-like domain and an extracellular calcium binding E-F hand motif. In addition, each family member is secreted into the extracellular space. Some of the shared activities of this family include, regulation of extracellular matrix assembly and deposition, counter-adhesion, effects on extracellular protease activity, and modulation of growth factor/cytokine signaling pathways. Recently, several SPARC family members have been implicated in human disease pathogenesis. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of the func... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621309 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621308&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22249027%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Velasco-Velázquez MA, Homsi N, De La Fuente M, Pestell RG Abstract Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) constitute a subpopulation of tumor cells that express stem cell-associated markers and have a high capacity for tumor generation in vivo. Identification of BCSCs from tumor samples or breast cancer cell lines has been based mainly on CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) or ALDH(+) phenotypes. BCSCs isolation has allowed the analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in their origin, self-renewal, differentiation into tumor cells, resistance to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and invasiveness and metastatic ability. Molecular genetic analysis using knockout animals and inducible transgenics has identified NF-κB, c-Jun, p21(CIP1), and Forkhead-like-protein Dach1 in BCSC expansion and... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621308 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621314&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22233974%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Noort JM, Bsibsi M, Nacken P, Gerritsen WH, Amor S Abstract There is now compelling evidence that members of the family of small heat shock proteins (HSP) can be secreted by a variety of different types of cells. Secretion of small HSP may at times represent altruistic delivery of supporting and stabilizing factors from one cell to another. A probably more general effect of extracellular small HSP, however, is exerted by their ability to activate macrophages and macrophage-like cells. When doing so, small HSP induce an immune-regulatory state of activation, stimulating macrophages to suppress inflammation. For this reason, small HSP deserve consideration as broadly applicable therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders. In one particular case, however, adaptive immun... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621314 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621318&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22230366%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Reiser K, François KO, Schols D, Bergman T, Jörnvall H, Balzarini J, Karlsson A, Lundberg M Abstract HIV-1 enters cells via interaction of the viral glycoprotein gp120, the host cell surface receptor CD4 and the co-receptors CCR5 or CXCR4. For entry, gp120 undergoes conformational changes that depend on the reduction of one or more disulfides. Previous studies indicate that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), thioredoxin-1 (Trx1), and glutaredoxin-1 (Grx1) catalyze gp120 reduction, but their specific disulfide targets are not known. Here, it was demonstrated that PDI and Trx1 have similar gp120 disulfide targets as determined by labeling after reduction, but with some pattern differences, including overall stronger labeling with Trx1 than with PDI. Furthermore, uneven lab... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621318 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621317&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22230367%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we explored the role of Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1) on the expression of P450 2E1 and related ROS production. P450 2E1 protein, not mRNA, was expressed at relatively low levels in BI-1 plasmid-transfected cells (BI-1 cells) compared with neomycin-resistant vector-transfected cells (Neo cells). When exposed to ER stress, P450 2E1 expression and activity and ER membrane lipid peroxidation increased in both Neo cells and BI-1 cells, but to a lesser degree in BI-1 cells. This observation correlated with the lower level of ER stress in BI-1 cells than Neo cells. To examine the BI-1-associated P450 2E1 degradation mechanism, cells were treated with the lysosome inhibitor, bafilomycin and the proteasome inhibitor, MG132. Bafilomycin recovered the reduced P450 2E1 expression in BI-1 cell... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621317 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621313&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22233975%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, we demonstrated that in COPD, the higher levels of Acrp30 are associated with the significantly increase of HMW representing the most biologically active forms. The important role of Acrp30 in pathophysiological conditions of lung is supported also by the modulation of AdipoRs with the down regulation of AdipoR2. The low expression of AdipoR2 could suggest a specific role of this receptor, mainly implicated in Acrp30 effects on inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, total Acrp30, HMW and its receptors could be considered critical targets to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung diseases. PMID: 22233975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621313 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621316&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22230368%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the cellular effects of CRBP1 on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that CRBP1 overexpression promoted osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived MSCs, while inhibited their adipogenic differentiation. We also demonstrated that the possible underlying mechanism for CRBP1 promoting osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was by inhibiting RXRα-induced β-catenin degradation, maintaining β-catenin and pERK1/2 at higher levels. These findings reveal a potential role of CRBP1 in the regulation of β-catenin turnover which can greatly affect the process of osteogenesis and adipogenesis of MSCs. PMID: 22230368 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621316 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5621315&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22230369%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hartmann D, Lucks J, Fuchs S, Schiffmann S, Schreiber Y, Ferreirós N, Merkens J, Marschalek R, Geisslinger G, Grösch S Abstract Ceramides are known to be key players in intracellular signaling and are involved in apoptosis, cell senescence, proliferation, cell growth and differentiation. They are synthesized by ceramide synthases (CerS). So far, six different mammalian CerS (CerS1-6) have been described. Recently, we demonstrated that human breast cancer tissue displays increased activity of CerS2, 4, and 6, together with enhanced generation of their products, ceramides C(16:0), C(24:0), and C(24:1). Moreover, these increases were significantly associated with tumor dignity. To clarify the impact of this observation, we manipulated cellular ceramide levels by overexpress... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5621315 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5621315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5578126&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22226816%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Margoni A, Fotis L, Papavassiliou AG Abstract Rising obesity epidemic makes the better understanding of transcription factor networks regulating adipogenesis very challenging. Adipogenesis begins with the commitment of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells to the adipocyte lineage, followed by terminal differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes. Among the molecules that influence the decision of progenitor cells to become adipocytes are members of transforming growth factor-beta superfamily and particularly bone morphogenetic proteins. Transforming growth factor-beta and bone morphogenetic proteins exert their biological functions mainly through their downstream molecules, the Smads. Here, we review the role(s) of transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5578126 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5578126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5578125&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22226817%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Horbelt D, Denkis A, Knaus P Abstract Ligands of the Transforming Growth Factor β superfamily like Transforming Growth Factor β and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins govern developmental processes and regulate adult homeostasis by controlling cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. Aberrant signalling activity is associated with human disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or fibrotic disease. Upon binding to specific sets of cognate cell surface receptors, family members induce highly similar pathways which include canonical SMAD dependent signalling as well as pathways without direct involvement of SMAD proteins, which activate signalling molecules like mitogen-activated protein kinases or small GTPases. The diverse ligand functio... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5578125 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5578125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5578127&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22222895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Henry SL, Bensley JG, Wood-Bradley RJ, Cullen-McEwen LA, Bertram JF, Armitage JA Abstract Globally 30% of adults are overweight or obese. The white adipocyte is a major component of adipose tissue, and as the obesity epidemic increases it is critically important to understand the factors determining adipocyte development and function. Adipogenesis has two distinct phases; determination of the adipocyte from a multipotent stem cell, and terminal differentiation of a pre-adipocyte into a mature adipocyte. The environment encountered in early life can alter adipocyte number and size and potentially impact upon adipocyte endocrine function in adulthood. These alterations may contribute to the pathophysiology of chronic diseases and thus targeted therapy of the adipocyte has gr... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5578127 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5578127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5578124&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22227369%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu ST, Chang YL, Wang WM, Chung MH, Lin WS, Chou WY, Huang SM Abstract Zac1, a zinc-finger protein that regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest 1, such as p53, can induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. The transactivation and coactivation functions of Zac1 may occur at non-promyelocytic leukemia nuclear body (PML-NB) sites in the presence of other PML-NB components, including ubiquitin-conjugating 9 (Ubc9). It is unclear whether post-translational modification of Zac1 by the small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO plays a role in the coactivation functions of Zac1 for the regulation of the p21 gene. Mutagenesis experiments revealed that the two SUMO-binding lysine residues of Zac1, K237 and K424, repress the transactivation activity of Zac1. Studies using a SUMO-1 C-termin... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5578124 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5578124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5578128&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22212176%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fu D, Arias IM Abstract Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a major cause of multidrug resistance in cancer. P-gp is mainly localized in the plasma membrane and can efflux structurally and chemically unrelated substrates, including anticancer drugs. P-gp is also localized in intracellular compartments, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi, endosomes and lysosomes, and cycles between endosomal compartments and the plasma membrane in a microtubular-actin dependent manner. Intracellular trafficking pathways for P-gp and participation of different Rab proteins depend on cellular polarization and choice of primary culture, cell line or neoplasm. Interruption of P-gp trafficking to the plasma membrane increases intracellular P-gp accumulation and anticancer drug leve... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5578128 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5578128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5549740&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22198249%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Montioli R, Fargue S, Lewin J, Zamparelli C, Danpure CJ, Voltattorni CB, Cellini B Abstract Alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) is a pyridoxal-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme. Its deficiency causes the hereditary kidney stone disease primary hyperoxaluria type 1. AGT is a highly stable compact dimer and the first 21 residues of each subunit form an extension which wraps over the surface of the neighboring subunit. Naturally occurring and artificial amino acid replacements in this extension create changes in the functional properties of AGT in mammalian cells, including relocation of the enzyme from peroxisomes to mitochondria. In order to elucidate the structural and functional role of this N-terminal extension, we have analyzed the consequences of its removal using... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5549740 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5549740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5549742&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22192844%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bläsche R, Ebeling G, Srikanth P, Weinhold K, Kasper M, Barth K Abstract Changes in intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) are believed to influence the proliferation and differentiation of airway epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, using mouse alveolar epithelial E10 cells, we demonstrated that the treatment of lung epithelial cells with BLM resulted in elevated intracellular Ca(2+) levels. BLM further increased P2rx7 mRNA expression and P2X7R protein levels, paralleled by increased PKC-β1 levels. BLM treatment or stimulation of the P2X7R with the P2X7R agonist BzATP induced translocation of PKC-β1 from the cytoplasm to the membrane. The expression of PKC-β1 was repressed by the P2X7R inhibitor oxATP, suggesting that PKC-β1 is d... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5549742 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5549742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5549741&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22192845%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rodrigues NP, Tipping AJ, Wang Z, Enver T Abstract Unremitting blood cell production throughout the lifetime of an organism is reliant on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). A rare and relatively quiescent cell type harbored in adult bone marrow, HSCs are, on entry into cell cycle fated to self-renew, undergo apoptosis or differentiate to progenitors (HPCs) that eventually yield specific classes of blood cells. Disruption of these HSC cell fate decisions is considered to be fundamental to the development of leukemia. Much effort has therefore been placed on understanding the molecular pathways that regulate HSC cell fate decisions and how these processes are undermined during leukemia. Transcription factors have emerged as critical regulators in this respect. Here we review t... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5549741 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5549741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534318&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22185821%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Minelli A, Grottelli S, Mierla A, Pinnen F, Cacciatore I, Bellezza I Abstract Cyclo(His-Pro) is an endogenous cyclic dipeptide that exerts oxidative damage protection by selectively activating the transcription factor Nrf2 signalling pathway. Given the existence of a tight interplay of the Nrf2/NF-κB systems and that the pro-inflammatory response is governed by transcription factor NF-κB, here we sought to investigate whether and how cyclo(His-Pro) interferes with the cross-talk between the antioxidant Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 and the pro-inflammatory NF-κB pathways. By knocking down the Nrf2 gene, we confirmed that cyclo(His-Pro) inhibits NF-κB nuclear accumulation induced by paraquat in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells via the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway. The protectio... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534318 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534317&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22185822%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bornstein B, Edison N, Gottfried Y, Lev T, Shekhtman A, Gonen H, Rajalingam K, Larisch S Abstract ARTS (Sept4_i2) is a mitochondrial pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor protein. In response to apoptotic signals, ARTS translocates to the cytosol where it promotes caspase activation through caspase de-repression and proteasome mediated degradation of X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP). Here we show that XIAP regulates the levels of ARTS by serving as its ubiquitin ligase, thereby providing a potential feedback mechanism to protect against unwanted apoptosis. Using both in vitro and in vivo ubiquitination assays we found that ARTS is directly ubiquitinated by XIAP. Moreover, we found that XIAP-induced ubiquitination and degradation is prevented by removal of the first ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534317 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534320&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22178075%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kima S, Kim YW, Shim SH, Kim CG, Kim A Abstract The β-like globin genes are transcribed in a developmental stage specific fashion in erythroid cells. The specific transcription of globin genes is conferred by the locus control region (LCR), but the chromatin structure of the LCR in the human adult β-globin locus transcribing the δ- and β-globin genes is not clear. Here, we employed hybrid MEL cells that contain a human chromosome 11. The δ- and β-globin genes were highly transcribed in hybrid MEL/ch11 cells after transcriptional induction. LCR HS3 and HS2 were strongly occupied by erythroid specific transcriptional activators and co-factors in the induced locus. These HSs, but not HS4 and HS1, were in close proximity with the active globin genes as revealed by high r... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534320 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534319&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22182598%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Campbell CR, Voyles J, Cook DI, Dinudom A Abstract One unique physiological characteristic of frogs is that their main route for intake of water is across the skin. In these animals, the skin acts in concert with the kidney and urinary bladder to maintain electrolyte homeostasis. Water absorption across the skin is driven by the osmotic gradient that develops as a consequence of solute transport. Our recent study demonstrated that chytridiomycosis, an infection of amphibian skin by the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, inhibits epithelial Na(+) channels, attenuating Na(+) absorption through the skin. In frogs that become severely affected by this fungus, systemic depletion of Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) is thought to cause deterioration of cardiac electrical funct... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534319 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534322&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22172377%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen C, Wirth A, Ponimaskin E Abstract Regulation of neuronal morphology and activity-dependent synaptic modifications involves reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Dynamic changes of the actin cytoskeleton in many cell types are controlled by small GTPases of the Rho family, such as RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42. As key regulators of both actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, Rho GTPases have also emerged as important regulators of dendrite and spine structural plasticity. Multiple studies suggest that Rac1 and Cdc42 are positive regulators promoting neurite outgrowth and growth cone protrusion, while the activation of RhoA induces stress fiber formation, leading to growth cone collapse and neurite retraction. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the m... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534322 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534321&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22172378%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jaerve A, Bosse F, Müller HW Abstract The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12), is not only the most ancient, but also one of the most potent chemotactic factors. Orchestrating the migration of cells as well as promoting axon outgrowth in the presence of myelin inhibitors, SDF-1 is fundamental to central nervous system development, homeostasis and traumatic injury. SDF-1 attracts endogenous stem/precursor cells and immune cells to the injury site and, upon local infusion, enhances axonal sprouting following spinal cord injury. Together these features make SDF-1 a very exciting molecule for spinal cord repair. PMID: 22172378 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534321 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534325&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155300%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Winther M, Berezin V, Walmod PS Abstract Neural cell adhesion molecules 2 (NCAM2/OCAM/RNCAM), is a paralog of NCAM1. The protein exists in a transmembrane and a lipid-anchored isoform, and has an ectodomain consisting of five immunoglobulin modules and two fibronectin type 3 homology modules. Structural models of the NCAM2 ectodomain reveal that it facilitates cell adhesion through reciprocal interactions between the membrane-distal immunoglobulin modules. There are no known heterophilic NCAM2 binding partners, and NCAM2 is not glycosylated with polysialic acid, a posttranslational modification known to be a major modulator of NCAM1-mediated processes. This suggests that NCAM2 has a function or mode of action distinctly different from that of NCAM1. NCAM2 is primarily expr... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534325 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534323&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155302%26dopt%3DAbstract We report the molecular dynamic simulations revealing the thermodynamic and structural stability of the withanone-mortalin complexes. We also demonstrate the experimental evidence of abrogation of mortalin-p53 complex by withanone resulting in nuclear translocation and functional reactivation of p53 in human cancer cells. The present study establishes a molecular interaction basis that could be used for screening and development of anticancer drugs with low toxicity to normal cells. Accurate knowledge of the 3D structure of mortalin would further enhance the potential of such analyses to understand the molecular basis of mortalin biology and mortalin based cancer therapy. PMID: 22155302 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biol... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534323 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534324&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155301%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Uhal BD, Li X, Piasecki CC, Molina-Molina M Abstract A large body of evidence demonstrates that angiotensin II and angiotensin receptors are required for the pathogenesis of experimental lung fibrosis. Angiotensin has a number of profibrotic effects on lung parenchymal cells that include the induction of growth factors for mesenchymal cells, extracellular matrix molecules, cytokines and increased motility of lung fibroblasts. Angiotensin is also proapoptotic for lung epithelial cells, and is synthesized by a local system (i.e., entirely within the lung tissue) after lung injury by a variety of agents of both xenobiotic and endogenous origins. Recent evidence shows that the counterregulatory molecule angiotensin 1-7, the product of the enzyme ACE-2, inhibits epithelial cell... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534324 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534330&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138223%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shen T, Li Y, Yang L, Xu X, Liang F, Liang S, Ba G, Xue F, Fu Q Abstract Polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2) is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family involved in cell-cycle regulation and cellular response to stresses. It is of great interest to investigate the molecular mechanisms that control the expression of Plk2. Here, using real-time PCR and Western blot assays, we show that trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, upregulated Plk2 mRNA and protein expression in the human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line. Luciferase activity analysis of the truncated Plk2 promoter indicated that the region from -1220 to -830 of the Plk2 promoter was sensitive to TSA. Moreover, using the electrophoresis mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534330 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534328&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138225%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Terui Y, Akiyama M, Sakamoto A, Tomitori H, Yamamoto K, Ishihama A, Igarashi K, Kashiwagi K Abstract It is known that polyamines increase cell growth through stimulation of the synthesis of several kinds of proteins encoded by the so-called "polyamine modulon". We recently reported that polyamines also increase cell viability at the stationary phase of cell growth through stimulation of the synthesis of ribosome modulation factor, a component of the polyamine modulon. Accordingly, we looked for other proteins involved in cell viability whose synthesis is stimulated by polyamines. It was found that the synthesis of ppGpp regulatory protein (SpoT) and ω protein of RNA polymerase (RpoZ) was stimulated by polyamines at the level of translation. Stimulation of the synthesis of... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534328 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534329&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138224%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Basu B, Correa de Sampaio P, Mohammed H, Fogarasi M, Corrie P, Watkins NA, Smethurst PA, English WR, Ouwehand WH, Murphy G Abstract The membrane associated MMP, MT1-MMP, is a critical pericellular protease involved in tumour cell invasion and angiogenesis and is highly up-regulated in numerous human cancers. It therefore represents an exciting new therapeutic cancer-specific target. We have generated recombinant human scFv antibodies against the non-catalytic, hemopexin domain of MT1-MMP that modulate its interactions with collagen. One of these is an effective inhibitor of the invasive capacity of cancer cells and of angiogenesis in model systems. This demonstrates that targeting sites outside the catalytic domain presents a potential novel approach to proteinase inhibiti... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534329 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534327&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138226%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Günther V, Waldvogel D, Nosswitz M, Georgiev O, Schaffner W Abstract Metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is a zinc finger protein conserved from mammals to insects. It mediates protection against heavy metal load by activating the expression of metallothionein and other genes. In Drosophila, MTF-1 serves a dual function in that it not only helps to protect against heavy metal load but also induces the expression of Ctr1B, the gene for an intestinal copper importer, upon copper starvation. By dissecting Drosophila MTF-1 function, we have identified determinants for nuclear import and export, and characterized a phosphorylation site mutant (T127A) that differentially affects MTF-1 target genes. Further, by generating a series of fusion proteins with the heterolo... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534327 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5534326&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138536%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, a transcription variant of exon 4 produces a loss of function of BHMT in human hepatocarcinoma. Whether this abnormal transcription of BHMT is part or consequence of liver carcinogenesis should deserve further investigations. PMID: 22138536 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5534326 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5534326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456182&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22120652%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, using human MSCs as an in vitro model, we showed that the two isoforms of PPARγ, PPARγ1 and PPARγ2, were differentially induced during hMSC adipogenesis, whereas only PPARγ1 was detected during osteogenesis. BADGE and GW9662, two potential antagonists of PPARγ, as well as lentivirus-mediated knockdown of PPARγ, inhibited hMSC adipogenesis but did not significantly affect osteogenesis. PPARγ knockdown did not significantly influence the expression level of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2. Together, these results suggest that PPARγ is not the master factor regulating mesenchymal lineage determination in human bone marrow. PMID: 22120652 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456182 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456183&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22119803%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang T, Zhang L, Shi C, Sun H, Wang J, Li R, Zou Z, Ran X, Su Y Abstract The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays important roles in maintaining normal tissue homeostasis, and is tightly controlled by a network of biomolecules. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs of ∼22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional levels. Increasing evidence points to the important role of miRNAs in TGF-β signaling. OncomicroRNA miR-21 has been established as a key regulator of mesenchymal phenotype transition induced by TGF-β. However, the effects of miR-21 on epithelial biology involved in TGF-β signaling pathway such as cytostatic program and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes are unclear. Here we show that miR... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456183 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456187&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22107969%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lin CH, Yang CH, Chen YR Abstract UTF1 (undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1) is a marker for the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. We found that UTF1-deficient clones, which were isolated from P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, showed higher neuron-differentiating potentials than the parental cell line. Consistent with this result, suppression of UTF1 expression in P19 cells by RNA interference enhanced retinoic acid (RA)-induced neuronal differentiation. Moreover, reconstitution of UTF1 expression in UTF1-deficient clones decreased their ability to undergo neuronal differentiation. Interestingly, the growth rates of UTF1-deficient P19 cells did not differ from that of parental cells in adherent cultures, but were increased in embryoid bodies during... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456187 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456186&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22108199%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li Z, Chen X, Li L, Liu S, Yang L, Ma X, Tang M, Bode AM, Dong Z, Sun L, Cao Y Abstract miRNAs (microRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNAs. The Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV) encoded miR-BHRF1-1 is barely expressed in most nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells with EBV latent infection. Here, we used a strategy of overexpression and inhibition of miR-BHRF1-1 and showed that miR-BHRF1-1 is involved in TPA-induced accumulation of EBV lytic proteins and viral copies in late lytic cycle. The data further suggested that the miR-BHRF1-1-potentiated induction of EBV lytic replication was accompanied by inhibiting p53 expression. Our results demonstrated that the EBV original pathogen miR-BHRF1-1 is involved in the control of EBV late lytic replication by directly targeting the host... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456186 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456185&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22108200%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Forges H, Bouissou A, Perez F Abstract Microtubules are hollow tubes essential for many cellular functions such as cell polarization and migration, intracellular trafficking and cell division. They are polarized polymers composed of α and β tubulin that are, in most cells, nucleated at the centrosome at the center of the cell. Microtubule plus-ends are oriented towards the periphery of the cell and explore the cytoplasm in a very dynamic manner. Microtubule alternate between phases of growth and shrinkage in a manner described as dynamic instability. Their dynamics is highly regulated by multiple factors: tubulin post-translational modifications such as detyrosination or acetylation, and microtubule-associated proteins, among them the plus-tip tracking proteins. This ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456185 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456184&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22108201%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jang YH, Min DS Abstract Phospholipase D plays an anti-apoptotic role but little is known about dynamics of phospholipase D turnover during apoptosis. We have recently identified phospholipase D1 as a new substrate of caspases which generates the N-terminal and C-terminal fragment of phospholipase D1. In the present study, we tried to investigate whether association of the caspase cleavage fragments may be involved in regulation of apoptosis. Ectopically expressed C-terminal fragment, but not N-terminal fragment of phospholipase D1, is exclusively imported into the nucleus via a nuclear localization sequence; however, endogenous C-terminal fragment of phospholipase D1 from etoposide-induced apoptotic cells and Alzheimer's disease brain tissues with active caspase-3, was lo... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456184 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456188&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22101077%26dopt%3DAbstract This study identifies miRNAs involved in the maintenance of intercellular junctions and barrier integrity. For the functional identification of barrier affecting miRNAs, we took advantage of the barrier-enforcing effects of the probiotic bacterium Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) which can be monitored by enhanced transepithelial resistance (TER). miRNA-profiling of T84 monolayers prior and after co-incubation with EcN revealed for the first time differentially regulated miRNAs (miR-203, miR-483-3p, miR-595) targeting tight junction (TJ) proteins. Using real-time PCR, Western blotting and specific miRNA mimics, we showed that these miRNAs are involved in the regulation of barrier function by modulating the expression of regulatory and structural components of tight junctional complexes. ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456188 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456192&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22094186%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kim WK, Choi HR, Park SG, Ko Y, Bae KH, Lee SC Abstract Brown adipocytes play an important role in regulating energy balance, and there is a good correlation between obesity and the amount of brown adipose tissue. Although the molecular mechanism of white adipocyte differentiation has been well characterized, brown adipogenesis has not been studied extensively. Moreover, extracellular factors that regulate brown adipogenic differentiation are not fully understood. Here, we assessed the mechanism of the regulatory action of myostatin in brown adipogenic differentiation using primary brown preadipocytes. Our results clearly showed that differentiation of brown adipocytes was significantly inhibited by myostatin treatment. In addition, myostatin-induced suppression of brown a... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456192 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456191&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22094187%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang Q, Lynch JW Abstract Glycine receptor chloride channels are Cys-loop receptor proteins that isomerize between a low affinity closed state and a high affinity ion-conducting state. There is currently much interest in understanding the mechanisms that link affinity changes with conductance changes. This essentially involves an agonist binding in the glycine receptor ligand-binding site initiating local conformational changes that propagate in a wave towards the channel gate. However, it has proved difficult to convincingly distinguish those agonist-induced domain movements that are critical for triggering activation from those that are simply local deformations to accommodate ligands in the site. We employed voltage-clamp fluorometry to compare conformational changes in... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456191 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456189&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22100910%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, a putative co-chaperone P. falciparum Aha1 (PfAha1) was identified and investigated for its interaction and regulation of PfHsp90. A previous genome-wide yeast two-hybrid study failed to identify PfAha1's association with PfHsp90, which prompted us to use a directed assay to investigate their interaction. PfAha1 was shown to interact with PfHsp90 via the in vivo split-ubiquitin assay and the association was confirmed in vitro by GST pull-down experiments. The GST pull-down assay further revealed PfAha1's interaction with PfHsp90 to be dependent on MgCl(2) and ATP, and was competed by co-chaperone Pfp23 that binds PfHsp90 under the same condition. In addition, the PfHsp90-PfAha1 complex was found to be sensitive to disruption by high salt, indicating a polar interaction betwe... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456189 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5456190&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22094188%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang F, Feng F, Yang P, Li Z, You J, Xie W, Gao X, Yang J Abstract The Four-and-a-half LIM protein 1 (FHL-1) is a member of LIM-only protein family. It plays important roles in proliferation and apoptosis regulation of certain hepatocellular carcinoma and human breast cancer. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is involved in the development and progression of human breast cancer. IGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway also plays certain roles in the program and regulation of human breast cancer and ovary cancer. However, the biological function of FHL-1 in regulation of human breast cancer and in the cross-talk of estrogen and IGF signaling pathway remains largely unknown. In this paper, we show that FHL-1 protein interacts with ERα and AKT. FHL-1 represses the translation and transcri... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5456190 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5456190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419652&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085530%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Campos F, Sobrino T, Ramos-Cabrer P, Castillo J Abstract It is well established that glutamate acts as an important mediator of neuronal degeneration during cerebral ischemia. Different kind of glutamate antagonists have been used to reduce the deleterious effects of glutamate. However, their preclinical success failed to translate into practical treatments. Far from the classical use of glutamate antagonists employed so far, the systemic administration of oxaloacetate represents a novel neuroprotective strategy to minimize the deleterious effect of glutamate in the brain tissue after ischemic stroke. The neuroprotective effect of oxaloacetate is based on the capacity of this molecule to reduce the brain and blood glutamate levels as a result of the activation of the blood... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419652 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5419652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419651&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085531%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of the present study is to investigate whether and how 3BDO inhibits LPS-induced VEC autophagic injury. Our results showed that LPS induced autophagy and led to increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in Human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, LPS significantly increased p8 and p53 protein levels and the nuclear translocation of p53. All of these effects of LPS on HUVECs were strongly inhibited by 3BDO. Importantly, the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could inhibited LPS-induced autophagy and knockdown of p8 by RNA interference inhibited the autophagy, p53 protein level increase, the translocation of p53 into nuclei and the ROS level increase induced by LPS in HUVECs. The data suggest... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419651 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5419651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419653&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085529%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mut M, Lule S, Demir O, Kurnaz IA, Vural I Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) have been shown to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma. In our study, the EGFR was stimulated with EGF in human U138 glioblastoma cells. We show that the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 pathway phosphorylated the E twenty-six (ETS)-like transcription factor 1 (Elk-1) mainly at serine 383 residue. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, UO126 and ERK inhibitor II, FR180204 blocked the Elk-1 phosphorylation and activation. The phosphatidylinositide-3-OH kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway was also involved in the Elk-1 activation. Activation of the Elk-1 led to an increa... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419653 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5419653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419664&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22062947%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhu JW, Wu XJ, Luo D, Lu ZF, Cai SQ, Zheng M Abstract Mounting evidence indicates that signaling via VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) extends beyond blood vessel formation. Recently, VEGFRs are also found to be constitutively expressed in keratinocytes and epidermal appendages. Here, we show that the expression of VEGFRs (including VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and NRP-1) was significantly enhanced by moderate dose of ultraviolet B (UVB) in normal human keratinocytes and epidermis. The elevated expression of VEGFRs by UVB was independent of autocrine stimulation by their natural ligand, VEGF, but mainly mediated through hypoxia and oxidative stress. Moderate dose UVB also promoted tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, this effect was again VEGF independent. Both α and δ isoforms o... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419664 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419659&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22064246%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang R, Piao MJ, Kim KC, Kim AD, Choi JY, Choi J, Hyun JW Abstract Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to exert strong acute toxic effects on various cultured cells by inducing oxidative stress, the molecular mechanisms by which AgNPs-damaged cells are unknown. Because the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may play an important role in the response to oxidative stress-induced damage and is quite sensitive to oxidative damage, we hypothesized that AgNPs may exert cytotoxic effects on cells by modulating ER stress. In our study, AgNPs resulted in cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death when analyzing cell viability, DNA fragmentation and the apoptotic sub-G(1) population. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy indicated that the cells were sensitive to AgNPs wit... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419659 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419658&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22064247%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang ZX, Xue D, Lu BB, Bian HB, Pan X, Yin YM Abstract Polo-like kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase which plays an essential role in mitosis and malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of polo-like kinase 1 expression and determine its possibility as a therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay was performed to detect polo-like kinase 1 mRNA expression in non-small cell lung cancer cells or tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect polo-like kinase 1 protein expression in 100 non-small cell lung cancer tissue samples, and the associations of polo-like kinase 1 expression with clinicopathological factors or prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients were evaluat... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419658 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419657&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22064248%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, our study highlights a novel bimodal effect wherein cooperativity between restoration of K+ homeostasis and a sustainable 'metabolic quiescence' induced by AMPK activation appeared indispensible for curtailing hypoxia-induced apoptosis. PMID: 22064248 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419657 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419656&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074660%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sinha S, Malonia SK, Mittal SP, Mathai J, Pal JK, Chattopadhyay S Abstract Acetylation of p53 is indispensable for its transcriptional activities and induction of apoptosis upon DNA damage. Here, we show that chromatin remodelling protein SMAR1 inhibits p53 acetylation and p53 dependent apoptosis by repressing p300 expression in response to DNA damage. The repression of p300 expression by SMAR1 is relieved upon treatment with proteosomal inhibitors MG132 and Lactacystin. We demonstrate that SMAR1 interacts with p53-p300 transcriptional complex and SMAR1 overexpression antagonizes p300 interaction with p53 and suppresses activation of p53 apoptotic targets and p53 regulated miRNA miR-34a. Conversely, knockdown of SMAR1 promotes p300 accumulation and p53 acetylation while ec... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419656 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419655&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074661%26dopt%3DAbstract This study revealed (1) differences in the expression of Rab proteins suggesting an increased TSHR internalization in mutTSHR but not in the WT-TSHR; (2) differential stimulation of PI3K/Akt signaling in mutTSHR vs. WT-TSHR cells, (3) activation of Epac, impairing short-time Akt phosphorylation in both, mutTSHR and WT-TSHR cells. Based on the analysis of global changes in protein expression patterns, our findings underline the complexity of gain-of-function TSHR signaling in thyrocytes, which extends beyond pure cAMP and/or IP formation. Moreover, evidence for augmented endocytosis in the mutTSHR, adds to a new concept of TSHR signaling in thyroid autonomy. Further studies are required to clarify whether the observed differences in Rab, PI3K and Epac signaling may contribute to differences... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419655 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419654&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22074662%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang SH, Liang CJ, Wu JC, Huang JJ, Chien HF, Tsai JS, Yen YS, Tseng YC, Lue JH, Chen YL Abstract Our previous study demonstrated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). In the present study, we examined whether PEDF inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated HASMC migration and proliferation. PEDF dose-dependently reduced PDGF-induced HASMC migration and proliferation in vitro and also arrested cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase, and this was associated with decreased expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK2, CDK4, and p21(Cip1) and increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1). The antiproliferative and antimigrato... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419654 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419663&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22062948%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martin-Martin N, Dan Q, Amoozadeh Y, Waheed F, McMorrow T, Ryan MP, Szászi K Abstract The regulation and maintenance of the paracellular transport in renal tubular epithelia is vital for kidney functions. Combination of the immunosuppressant drugs cyclosporine A (CsA) and sirolimus (SRL) exerts powerful immunosuppression, but also causes nephrotoxicity. We have previously shown that CsA and SRL elevate transepithelial resistance (TER) in kidney tubular cells partly through MEK/ERK1/2. In this work we examined the hypothesis that the RhoA pathway in the barrier may also be mediating effects of CsA and SRL. We show that CsA and the CsA/SRL combination activated RhoA, induced cofilin phosphorylation and promoted stress fiber generation. The Rho kinase (ROK) inhibitor, Y27632... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419663 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419662&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22062950%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tognini P, Pizzorusso T Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing. It is increasingly clear that miRNAs are key regulatory factors for a tight gene expression control. MiRNAs are involved in many aspects of organism development and function, in physiological and pathological conditions. MiRNA expression varies with cell type, tissue and developmental stages. The microRNA212/132 family is one of the most studied miRNA family due to the involvement of miR132 and miR212 in important cellular processes, especially in the brain. MiR132 and miR212 have been implicated in tissue development and in the formation and plasticity of neuronal connections. The main aim of this review is to highlight recent discoveries about m... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419662 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419661&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22062951%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kumar S, Sheokand N, Mhadeshwar MA, Raje CI, Raje M Abstract A majority of cells obtain of transferrin (Tf) bound iron via transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) or by transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) in hepatocytes. Our study establishes that cells are capable of acquiring transferrin iron by an alternate pathway via GAPDH. These findings demonstrate that upon iron depletion, GAPDH functions as a preferred receptor for transferrin rather than TfR1 in some but not all cell types. We utilized CHO-TRVb cells that do not express TfR1 or TfR2 as a model system. A knockdown of GAPDH in these cells resulted in a decrease of not only transferrin binding but also associated iron uptake. The current study also demonstrates that, unlike TfR1 and TfR2 which are localized to a specific membrane f... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419661 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419660&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22064245%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bravo R, Gutierrez T, Paredes F, Gatica D, Rodriguez AE, Pedrozo Z, Chiong M, Parra V, Quest AF, Rothermel BA, Lavandero S Abstract Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates an adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) that facilitates cellular repair, however, under prolonged ER stress, the UPR can ultimately trigger apoptosis thereby terminating damaged cells. The molecular mechanisms responsible for execution of the cell death program are relatively well characterized, but the metabolic events taking place during the adaptive phase of ER stress remain largely undefined. Here we discuss emerging evidence regarding the metabolic changes that occur during the onset of ER stress and how ER influences mitochondrial function through mechanisms involving calcium transfer, the... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419660 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279760&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21807114%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karapetsas A, Giannakakis A, Pavlaki M, Panayiotidis M, Sandaltzopoulos R, Galanis A Abstract The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways play significant roles in fundamental cellular processes, such as cell growth and differentiation. It has been shown that the specificity and efficacy of phosphorylation by MAP kinases rely upon distinct MAPK-docking domains (D-domains) found in a wide range of MAPK substrates including the ETS-transcription factor Elk-1. Importantly, the MAPK signaling cascade converges with the hypoxia-induced signaling pathway. The key regulator of hypoxia signaling is the heterodimeric transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). The α-subunit of HIF-1 (HIF-1α) is a substrate for the ERK2 MAP kinase. Unraveling the in... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279760 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:47:30 +0100 5279760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279738&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21820077%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Damiano F, Mercuri E, Stanca E, Gnoni GV, Siculella L Abstract Citrate carrier (CiC), also known as tricarboxylate carrier, is an integral protein of the mitochondrial inner membrane. It is an essential component of the shuttle system by which mitochondrial acetyl-CoA, primer for both fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, is transported into the cytosol, where lipogenesis occurs. Here, we report the effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the activity and expression of CiC in rat liver mitochondria. A significant reduction of CiC activity and a parallel decline in the abundance of CiC mRNA were found in liver from diabetic rats. Diabetes did not influence CiC mRNA stability, whereas nuclear run-on assay revealed that the transcriptional rate of CiC mRNA decreased, whe... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279738 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:46:49 +0100 5279738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279734&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21820526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martini M, Gnann A, Scheikl D, Holzmann B, Janssen KP Abstract SASH1, a member of the SLY-family of signal adapter proteins, is a candidate tumor suppressor in breast and colon cancer. Reduced expression of SASH1 is correlated with aggressive tumor growth, metastasis formation, and inferior prognosis. However, the biological role of SASH1 remains largely unknown. To unravel the function of SASH1, we have analyzed the intracellular localization of endogenous SASH1, and have generated structural SASH1 mutants. SASH1 localized to the nucleus as well as to the cytoplasm in epithelial cells. In addition, SASH1 was enriched in lamellipodia and membrane ruffles, where it co-distributed with the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, we demonstrate a novel interaction of SASH1 with the onc... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279734 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:46:38 +0100 5279734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279700&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21959250%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Iovine B, Iannella ML, Bevilacqua MA Abstract Damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1) is a multifunctional protein that was first isolated as a subunit of a heterodimeric complex that recognises the UV-induced DNA lesions in the nucleotide excision repair pathway. DDB1 and DDB2 form a complex that promotes the global genome repair (GG-NER), whereas DDB1 and Cockayne syndrome group A protein (CSA) form a complex that contributes to the transcription-coupled repair (TC-NER) pathway. DDB1 is also a component of an ubiquitin-E3 ligase complex and functions as substrate or adapter protein between Cullin 4A (Cul4A) and CUL4-associated factors (DCAFs) to target substrates for ubiquitination. CUL4-DDB1 E3-ligase complex regulates the selective proteolysis of key proteins in D... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279700 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5279700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279683&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21959251%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dupin I, Etienne-Manneville S Abstract The nucleus is the largest organelle in the cell and its position is dynamically controlled in space and time, although the functional significance of this dynamic regulation is not always clear. Nuclear movements are mediated by the cytoskeleton which transmits pushing or pulling forces onto the nuclear envelope. Recent studies have shed light on the mechanisms regulating nuclear positioning inside the cell. While microtubules have been known for a long time to be key players in nuclear positioning, the actin and cytoplasmic intermediate filament cytoskeletons have been implicated in this function more recently and various molecular links between the nuclear envelope and cytoplasmic elements have been identified. In this review, we s... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279683 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5279683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279668&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21959252%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marteil G, Gagné JP, Borsuk E, Richard-Parpaillon L, Poirier GG, Kubiak JZ Abstract Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is a major M-phase kinase which requires the binding to a regulatory protein, Cyclin B, to be active. CDK1/Cyclin B complex is called M-phase promoting factor (MPF) for its key role in controlling both meiotic and mitotic M-phase of the cell cycle. CDK1 inactivation is necessary for oocyte activation and initiation of embryo development. This complex process requires both Cyclin B polyubiquitination and proteosomal degradation via the ubiquitin-conjugation pathway, followed by the dephosphorylation of the monomeric CDK1 on Thr161. Previous proteomic analyses revealed a number of CDK1-associated proteins in human HeLa cells. It is, however, unknown whether s... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279668 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5279668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5279718&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21945809%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Espinosa-Neira R, Mejia-Rangel J, Cortes-Reynosa P, Salazar EP Abstract Epidemiological studies and animal models suggest an association between high levels of dietary fat intake and an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) is a process, by which epithelial cells are transdifferentiated to a mesenchymal state, and it has been implicated in cancer progression, including invasion and metastasis. Linoleic acid (LA) induces proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells. However, the role of LA on the EMT process in human mammary epithelial cells remains to be studied. In the present study, we demonstrate that LA induces a transient down-regulation of E-cadherin expression, accompanied with an increase of Snail1, Snail2, Twist1,... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5279718 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5279718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5229873&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21920451%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee E, Rosca EV, Pandey NB, Popel AS Abstract Angiogenesis is thoroughly balanced and regulated in health; however, it is dysregulated in many diseases including cancer, age-related macular degeneration, cardiovascular diseases such as coronary and peripheral artery diseases and stroke, abnormal embryonic development, and abnormal wound healing. In addition to angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis is pivotal for maintaining the immune system, homeostasis of body fluids and lymphoid organs; dysregulated lymphangiogenesis may cause inflammatory diseases and lymph node mediated tumor metastasis. Anti-angiogenic or anti-lymphangiogenic small peptides may play an important role as therapeutic agents normalizing angiogenesis or lymphangiogenesis in disease conditions. Several novel en... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5229873 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5229873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218880&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907820%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we show that p21-activated kinase 4 contributes to Fcγ receptor-mediated uptake downstream of actin cup formation by regulating phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain. siRNA-mediated knockdown of p21-activated kinase 4 leads to reduced myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation at Serine 19, with a corresponding reduction in phospho-myosin regulatory right chain localised to bound immunoglobulin G-opsonised red blood cells. p21-activated kinase 4 phosphorylates myosin light chain 9 at Serine 19 in vitro and RNA interference against myosin light chain 9 implicates this isoform, but not myosin light chain 12A or 12B, in Fcγ receptor-mediated uptake. Taken together, these data indicate that p21-activated kinase 4 regulates regulatory myosin light chain phosphoryl... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218880 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218879&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907821%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chiou JC, Li XP, Remacha M, Ballesta JP, Tumer NE Abstract Shiga toxins produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7 are responsible for food poisoning and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The A subunits of Shiga toxins (Stx1A and Stx2A) inhibit translation by depurinating a specific adenine in the large rRNA. To determine if Stx1A and Stx2A require the ribosomal stalk for depurination, their activity and cytotoxicity were examined in the yeast P protein deletion mutants. Stx1A and Stx2A were less toxic and depurinated ribosomes less in a strain lacking P1/P2 on the ribosome and in the cytosol (ΔP2) than in a strain lacking P1/P2 on the ribosome, but containing free P2 in the cytosol (ΔP1). To determine if cytoplasmic P proteins facilitated depurination, Stx1A and Stx2A were exp... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218879 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218878&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907822%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kurz T, Eaton JW, Brunk UT Abstract Iron is the most abundant transition metal in the earth's crust. It cycles easily between ferric (oxidized; Fe(III)) and ferrous (reduced; Fe(II)) and readily forms complexes with oxygen, making this metal a central player in respiration and related redox processes. However, 'loose' iron, not within heme or iron-sulfur cluster proteins, can be destructively redox-active, causing damage to almost all cellular components, killing both cells and organisms. This may explain why iron is so carefully handled by aerobic organisms. Iron uptake from the environment is carefully limited and carried out by specialized iron transport mechanisms. One reason that iron uptake is tightly controlled is that most organisms and cells cannot efficiently exc... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218878 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218877&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907823%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Badway JA, Baleja JD Abstract Since its discovery in the late 1990s as a signaling molecule in the Ras/Ral pathway, Reps2 has emerged as an important player in receptor-mediated endocytosis. Reps2 contains Eps15 homology (EH) domains, proline-rich regions, and a coiled-coil domain that engage in several protein-protein interactions to coordinate the internalization of various receptors with molecular signaling. Reps2 has clinical importance as it suppresses the ability of its binding partner RalBP1 to transport chemotherapeutic drugs, such as doxorubicin, out of a cell. Reps2 is also dysregulated during the progression of prostate cancer and is a potential biomarker for breast and prostate cancer. PMID: 21907823 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Internat... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218877 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218876&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21911079%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yan F, Yan G, Lv S, Shen N, Mu Y, Chen T, Gong P, Xu Y, Lv L, Liu J, Shen J, Luo G Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in cell growth, differentiation, and death. Excessive amounts of ROS (e.g., O(2)(-), H(2)O(2), and HO) play a role in aging as well as in many human diseases. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are critical antioxidant enzymes in living organisms. SOD catalyzes the dismutation of O(2)(-) to H(2)O(2), and GPx catalyzes the reduction of H(2)O(2) and other harmful peroxides by glutathione (GSH). They not only function in catalytic processes but also protect each other, resulting in more efficient removal of ROS, protection of cells against injury, and maintenance of the normal metabolism of ROS. To imitate the synergis... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218876 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218881&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21907305%26dopt%3DAbstract This study reports for the first time on the osmo-sensing signal cascade that related to the medaka osmotic stress transcription factor 1 (Ostf1), a hypertonic induced immediate early gene, under hypertonic stress. Quantitative real-time PCR showed the rapid increase of Ostf1 in gill after transfer of medaka from fresh water to 50% seawater; particularly Ostf1b whose mRNA expression increased to 4 folds at 0.5h and reached to 10 folds at 6h after the transfer. The in vivo knockdown of Ostf1b profoundly inhibited SEK and JNK phosphorylation, but not p38 and ERK phosphorylation in the medaka gill tissue. To further investigate the possible role of Ostf1b in the JNK pathway, Ostf1b was ectopically expressed in HEK293 cells. Results indicated that Ostf1b is a downstream target of SEK and JNK a... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218881 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218882&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21889603%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moynihan PJ, Clarke AJ Abstract The O-acetylation of peptidoglycan is now known to occur in 50 different bacterial species, both Gram positive and Gram negative, including a number of important human pathogens. This modification to the essential cell wall component of bacteria provides both a level of control over endogenous autolysins and protection from the lysozymes of innate immune systems. In this review, we describe the details of the pathways for peptidoglycan O-acetylation that are now beginning to emerge and we explore the possibility that the associated enzymes may present new candidates for antibacterial targets. PMID: 21889603 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218882 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175515&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864705%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Belotti D, Foglieni C, Resovi A, Giavazzi R, Taraboletti G Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the central element of a pericellular network of bioactive molecules. It orchestrates molecular interactions, availability and activity, acting as a key regulator of cell functions and complex biological processes, including physiological and pathological angiogenesis. The ECM serves as a source of both stimulatory and inhibitory angiogenesis regulatory factors. The observation that several endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis derive from the ECM proves its importance in physiological angiogenesis, and point to the ECM as a precious source of therapeutic agents for angiogenesis-driven diseases, including cancer growth and metastatic dissemination. This review focuses on t... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175515 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175514&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864706%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we show that the activation of the MMR component hMLH1 in response to doxorubicin (DOX) treatment requires the presence of BRCA1 and that this phenomenon is mediated by an ATM/ATR dependent phosphorylation of the hMLH1 Ser-406 residue. BRCA1 is an oncosuppressor protein with a central role in the DNA damage response and it is a critical component of the ATM/ATR mediated checkpoint signaling. Starting from a previous finding in which we demonstrated that hMLH1 is able to bind to BRCA1, in this study we asked whether BRCA1 might be the bridge for ATM/ATR dependent phosphorylation of the hMLH1 molecular partner. We found that: (i) the negative modulation of BRCA1 expression is able to produce a remarkable reversal of hMLH1 stabilization, (ii) BRCA1 is required for post-translat... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175514 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175513&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864707%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bommaya G, Meran S, Krupa A, Phillips AO, Steadman R Abstract Progressive renal disease is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix in the renal cortex. Proximal tubular cells (PTC) may contribute to disease through a process of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT): phenotypic change, disruption of the tubular basement membrane and migration into the interstitium. Hyaluronan (HA) synthesis and its extracellular organization by hyaladherins affect cell fate in other systems: this study investigated the role of the hyaladherin, tumour necrosis factor-stimulated gene (TSG)-6, in PTC EMT triggered in vitro by transforming growth factor (TGF)β1. TGFβ1 triggered the loss of PTC epithelial phenotype with 60% decreased expression of E-cadherin and 2-3-fold induct... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175513 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175512&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864708%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prus W, Zabka M, Bieganowski P, Filipek A Abstract Recently we have shown that the Sgt1 (suppressor of G2 allele of Skp1) protein translocates to the nucleus due to heat shock and that the Ca(2+)-bound form of S100A6 is required for Sgt1 translocation (Prus and Filipek, 2010). In this work we studied the influence of Sgt1 phosphorylation on nuclear translocation. By means of two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis we showed that in the protein extract of heat-shocked human epidermoid carcinoma (HEp-2) cells a higher level of a basic, most probably non-phosphorylated, form of Sgt1 can be detected. Also, we found a more efficient translocation of Sgt1 induced by heat shock when casein kinase II inhibitor was added to the cells. To confirm the role of Sgt1 phosphorylation/dephos... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175512 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175511&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871578%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lemieux H, Semsroth S, Antretter H, Höfer D, Gnaiger E Abstract Heart failure is a consequence of progressive deterioration of cardiac performance. Little is known about the role of impaired oxidative phosphorylation in the progression of the disease, since previous studies of mitochondrial injuries are restricted to end-stage chronic heart failure. The present study aimed at evaluating the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of human heart failure. We measured the control of oxidative phosphorylation with high-resolution respirometry in permeabilized myocardial fibres from donor hearts (controls), and patients with no or mild heart failure but presenting with heart disease, or chronic heart failure due to dilated or ischemic cardiomyopathy. The ca... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175511 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157239&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854867%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wanga MM Abstract Originally discovered nearly a century ago, the Notch signaling pathway is critical for virtually all developmental programs and modulates an astounding variety of pathogenic processes. The DSL (Delta, Serrate, LAG-2 family) proteins have long been considered canonical activators of the core Notch pathway. More recently, a wide and expanding network of non-canonical extracellular factors has also been shown to modulate Notch signaling, conferring newly appreciated complexity to this evolutionarily conserved signal transduction system. Here, I review current concepts in Notch signaling, with a focus on work from the last decade elucidating novel extracellular proteins that up- or down-regulate signal potency. PMID: 21854867 [PubMed - as supplied by pub... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157239 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157238&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854868%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu WH, Chang LS Abstract The contribution of Fas-mediated death pathway to doxorubicin-induced death of MCF-7 cells is not unambiguously elucidated. Thus, this study was conducted to explore doxorubicin-induced Fas/FasL signaling pathway activation in MCF-7 cells and doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/Dox) cells. Doxorubicin-induced caspase-8 activation was found to be mediated through Akt/ERK inactivation and FasL-independent Fas pathway in MCF-7 cells, while caspase-8 activation in MCF-7/Dox cells depended exclusively on FasL-stimulated Fas pathway. Suppression of caspase-8 activation restored the viability of doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 cells and MCF-7/Dox cells. Contrary to FasL surface expression exclusively detected in MCF-7/Dox cells, intracellular FasL expression wa... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157238 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157237&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854869%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morais C, Gobe G, Johnson DW, Healy H Abstract Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the commonest type of kidney cancer, is a highly metastatic and the deadliest of all urologic cancers. Despite the development of many novel chemotherapeutics in recent years, metastatic RCC remains an incurable and lethal disease. The imperative for the identification of novel molecular targets and more effective therapeutics for metastatic RCC remain. One promising target is the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). NF-κB is unique in the sense that it regulates all important aspects of RCC biology that pose challenge to conventional therapy - resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis and multi-drug resistance. Aberrations in the von Hippel Lindau gene (VHL) are the most important ris... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157237 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157234&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21856437%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chang YL, Lee HJ, Liu ST, Lin YS, Chen TC, Hsieh TY, Huang HS, Huang SM Abstract The anthracyclin antibiotic agent doxorubicin (DXR) has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic drug for more than 40 years, but its clinical use has been limited by its cardiotoxicity. The mechanism of action of DXR remains uncertain and controversial. A series of 1,2-heteroannelated anthraquinones and anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione compounds were synthesized and their cytotoxicity profiles were analyzed using the National Cancer Institute 60 (NCI 60) platform and human telomerase inhibition assays. In the current study, three of the 1,2-heteroannelated anthraquinones, NSC745795, NSC745885 and NSC745887, were found to differ from each other with respect to their effects on cell cycle regula... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157234 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157236&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21855646%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lafrenière RG, Rouleau GA Abstract Migraine is a severe episodic headache disorder affecting one in five people. Genetic studies have identified mutations in the CACNA1, ATP1A2 and SCN1A genes in the rare familial hemiplegic migraine. Recently, a mutation in the KCNK18 gene, encoding the TRESK two-pore domain potassium channel, was described in a large family with migraine with aura. This review will elaborate on the possible role of the TRESK channel in regulating neuronal excitability, its role in migraine pathogenesis, and on promising therapeutic opportunities targeting this channel. PMID: 21855646 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157236 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5157235&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21855647%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, Far Upstream Element (FUSE) Binding Protein 1 (FBP1) was shown to directly bind to the human p27 5'-UTR and to promote IRES activity. An eight-nucleotide element downstream of a U-rich region within the 5'-UTR was important for FBP1 binding and p27 IRES activity. Overexpression of FBP1 enhanced endogenous p27 levels and stimulated translation initiation. In contrast, repression of FBP1 by siRNA transfection downregulated endogenous p27 protein levels. Using rabbit reticulocyte lysates, FBP1 stimulated p27 mRNA translation in vitro. The central domain of FBP1, containing four K homology motifs, was required for p27 5'-UTR RNA binding and the N terminal domain was important for translational activation. These findings indicate that FBP1 is a novel activator of p27 translation ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5157235 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5157235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099478&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21801849%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Franco HL, Casasnovas JJ, Leon RG, Friesel R, Ge Y, Desnick RJ, Cadilla CL Setleis Syndrome (OMIM ID: 227260) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by abnormal facial development. Recently, we have reported that two nonsense mutations (c.486C>T [Q119X] and c.324C>T [Q65X]) of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor TWIST2 cause Setleis Syndrome. Here we show that periostin, a cell adhesion protein involved in connective tissue development and maintenance, is down-regulated in Setleis Syndrome patient fibroblast cells and that periostin positively responds to manipulations in TWIST2 levels, suggesting that TWIST2 is a transactivator of periostin. Functional analysis of the TWIST2 mutant form (Q119X) revealed that it maintains the ability to lo... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099478 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099469&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21810479%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu L, Shao L, Li B, Zong C, Li J, Zheng Q, Tong X, Gao C, Wang J It is a classical signaling pathway that the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) results in the phosphorylation of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and thereby initiates the transcription of osteogenic genes. Recently, it is found that the activation of ERK1/2 resulted from fluid shear stress (FSS) also increased the expression of Runx2 and β1 integrins, and finally enhanced osteogenic differentiation. However, it has been remained largely unknown how ERK1/2 regulates the expression of Runx2 and β1 integrins. We use the perfusion culture system to produce FSS exerting on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and thus activate ERK1/2. Our study demonstra... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099469 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099468&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21810480%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we identified the zinc-finger protein AWP1 as a tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2-interacting protein through yeast two-hybrid screening. We found that AWP1 directly interacted with the C-terminal tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) domain of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2. Knockdown of AWP1 using small hairpin RNA significantly decreased nuclear factor kappaB activity but increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced apoptosis, presumably by decreasing the induction of nuclear factor kappaB-responsive anti-apoptotic molecules, including FICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL. In contrast, overexpression of wild-type AWP1 inhibited nuclear factor k... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099468 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099467&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21810481%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kihira Y, Yamano N, Izawa-Ishizawa Y, Ishizawa K, Ikeda Y, Tsuchiya K, Tamaki T, Tomita S Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is a transcription factor that enhances glycolysis in cells in response to hypoxia, is induced in hypertrophied adipocytes in obesity. Recent studies have shown that growth factors are able to induce HIF-1α by mechanisms independent of hypoxia. Since basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), an angiogenic factor, is concentrated in expanding adipose tissue, the possible effects of bFGF on regulation of HIF-1α in adipocytes were investigated. Treatment of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with bFGF induced HIF-1α. Concomitantly, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), which is a target gene of HIF-1α, was induced at both mRNA and protein levels and was ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099467 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099477&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21807113%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we show that Sirt1 interacts physically with the C-terminus of c-Myc and deacetylates c-Myc both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the deacetylation of c-Myc by Sirt1 promotes its association with Max, a partner essential for its activation, thereby facilitating c-Myc transactivation activity on hTERT promoter. Finally, inhibition of endogenous Sirt1 in K562 cells by either RNAi or its inhibitor NAM causes the overall decrease of c-Myc target genes expression, including hTERT, cyclinD2 and LDHA, which further suppress cell proliferation and arrest cell cycle at G1/S phase. Thus, our results demonstrate the positive effect of Sirt1 on c-Myc activity by efficiently enhancing c-Myc/Max association in human leukemia cell line K562, suggesting a potential role of Sirt1 in tumorigen... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099477 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099476&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21807114%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karapetsas A, Giannakakis A, Pavlaki M, Panayiotidis M, Sandaltzopoulos R, Galanis A The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways play significant roles in fundamental cellular processes, such as cell growth and differentiation. It has been shown that the specificity and efficacy of phosphorylation by MAP kinases rely upon distinct MAPK-docking domains (D-domains) found in a wide range of MAPK substrates including the ETS-transcription factor Elk-1. Importantly, the MAPK signaling cascade converges with the hypoxia-induced signaling pathway. The key regulator of hypoxia signaling is the heterodimeric transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). The α-subunit of HIF-1 (HIF-1α) is a substrate for the ERK2 MAP kinase. Unraveling the interplay of th... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099476 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099480&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21794839%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Oskowitz AZ, Penfornis P, Tucker A, Prockop DJ, Pochampally R Recently we demonstrated that the miRNA regulate human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiation. To determine the role of the miRNA pathway in hMSCs proliferation, Drosha and Dicer knockdown hMSCs were generated using a lentiviral based tetracycline inducible shRNA. hMSCs with reduced Drosha expression had a significantly reduced proliferation rate, while hMSCs with reduced Dicer expression displayed a proliferation rate similar to untransduced cells. Cell cycle analysis identified that unlike Dicer knockdown, Drosha knockdown hMSCs contained an increased number of G1 phase cells, with a reduced level of cells in S phase, compared to controls. ELISAs of hMSCs revealed decreased levels of pRB and stable levels ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099480 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099479&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21798364%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fu LL, Zhou CC, Yao S, Yu JY, Liu B, Bao JK Lectins, a group of highly diverse, carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-immune origin that are ubiquitously distributed in plants, animals and fungi, are well-characterized to have numerous links a wide range of pathological processes, most notably cancer. In this review, we present a brief outline of the representative plant lectins including Ricin-B family, proteins with legume lectin domains and GNA family that can induce cancer cell death via targeting programmed cell death pathways. Amongst these above-mentioned lectins, we demonstrate that mistletoe lectins (MLs), Ricin, Concanavalin A (ConA) and Polygonatum cyrtonema lectin (PCL) can lead to cancer cell programmed death via targeting apoptotic pathways. In addition, we show t... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099479 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5052104&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21777689%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we first validated that these cells induced by safrole oxide were functional 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neuron-like cells. Then, we performed microarray analysis of safrole oxide-treated and -untreated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Safrole oxide elevated the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was accompanied by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation during the transdifferentiation. Blockade of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) by an inhibitor or short hairpin RNA inhibited the levels of COX-2/IL-8 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB but did not suppress the increased ROS level. As a result, cells underwent apoptosis. Therefore, via TrkA, safrole oxide may induce endothelial cell trans... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5052104 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5052104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5052103&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21777690%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, our data support TvCP39 as one of the surface proteinases that is glycosylated and is involved in trichomonal cytotoxicity. Thus, TvCP39 is the first glycosylated cysteine proteinase detected in T. vaginalis. PMID: 21777690 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5052103 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5052103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5052105&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21740978%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bobba S, Gutheil WG Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are bacterial enzymes involved in the final stages of cell wall biosynthesis, and are targets of the β-lactam antibiotics. They can be subdivided into essential high-molecular-mass (HMM) and non-essential low-molecular-mass (LMM) PBPs, and further divided into subclasses based on sequence homologies. PBPs can catalyze transpeptidase or hydrolase (carboxypeptidase and endopeptidase) reactions. The PBPs are of interest for their role in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, and as mechanistically interesting enzymes which can catalyze alternative reaction pathways using the same catalytic machinery. A global catalytic residue comparison seemed likely to provide insight into structure-function correlations within the PBPs. More ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5052105 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5052105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960476&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21679772%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the cellular and molecular aspects of D2 regulation and the current models of D2-mediated thyroid hormone signaling. PMID: 21679772 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960476 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960477&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664484%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: BektaÅŸ M, HacıosmanoÄŸlu E, Ozerman B, Varol B, Nurten R, Bermek E Diphtheria toxin has been well characterized in terms of its receptor binding and receptor mediated endocytosis. However, the precise mechanism of the cytosolic release of diphtheria toxin fragment A from early endosomes is still unclear. Various reports differ regarding the requirement for cytosolic factors in this process. Here, we present data indicating that the distribution of actin filaments due to cytochalasin D action enhances the retention of diphtheria toxin in early endosomes. Treating cells with cytochalasin D reduces the cytosolic fragment A activity and leads to changes in the intracellular distribution and size of early endosomes with toxin cargo. F-actin and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 can ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960477 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960475&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21683152%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ramiro-Cortés Y, Guemez-Gamboa A, Morán J Apoptosis induced by low potassium (K5) or staurosporine in cerebellar granule neurons triggers an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. ROS inhibition by antioxidants or inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity reduces the apoptosis induced by both stimuli. It has been reported that JNK mediates the apoptosis induced by K5 but not by staurosporine. No information is available about the role of other signaling pathways such as p38 in staurosporine-induced apoptosis, and whether p38 activation could be related to ROS levels induced by both K5 and staurosporine. Here, we explored this possibility and found that K5 activates p38 and ATF2 and that the inhibition of p38 activity prevents the apoptosis induced by this tre... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960475 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960474&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21683801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heo JM, Rutter J Progressive mitochondrial failure is tightly associated with the onset of many age-related human pathologies. This tight connection results from the double-edged sword of mitochondrial respiration, which is responsible for generating both ATP and ROS, as well as from risks that are inherent to mitochondrial biogenesis. To prevent and treat these diseases, a precise understanding of the mechanisms that maintain functional mitochondria is necessary. Mitochondrial protein quality control is one of the mechanisms that protect mitochondrial integrity, and increasing evidence implicates the cytosolic ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) as part of this surveillance network. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of UPS-dependent mitochondrial protein... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960474 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960473&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21684348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang L, Lu R, Zhao G, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ Interleukin (IL) 33 has been recently identified as a ligand to the ST2 receptor that mediates Th2-dominant allergic inflammation. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immunity in IL-33 induction by mucosal epithelium. Human corneal tissues and cultured primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were treated with a variety of viral or bacterial components without or with different inhibitors to evaluate the IL-33 regulation and signaling pathways. The level of mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription and real time PCR, and protein was measured by ELISA, immunostaining and Western blotting. IL-33 mRNA and protein were largely induced by various microbial comp... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960473 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960472&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21689781%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gomez-Concha C, Flores-Herrera O, Olvera-Sanchez S, Espinosa-Garcia MT, Martinez F The transfer of cholesterol to mitochondria, which might involve the phosphorylation of proteins, is the rate-limiting step in human placental steroidogenesis. Protein kinase A (PKA) activity and its role in progesterone synthesis by human placental mitochondria were assessed in this study. The results showed that PKA and phosphotyrosine phosphatase D1 are associated with syncytiotrophoblast mitochondrial membrane by an anchoring kinase cAMP protein-121. The (32)P-labeled of four major proteins was analyzed. The specific inhibitor of PKA, H89, decreased progesterone synthesis in mitochondria while in mitochondrial steroidogenic contact sites protein-phosphorylation was diminished, suggesting tha... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960472 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960471&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21693198%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee J, Lee J, Ju BG The eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum operates multiple quality control mechanisms to ensure that only properly folded proteins are exported to their final destinations via the secretory pathway and those that are not are destroyed via the degradation pathway. However, molecular mechanisms underlying such regulated exportation to these distinct routes are unknown. In this article, we report the role of Drosophila arf72A - the fly homologue of the mammalian Arl1 - in the quality checks of proteins and in the autosomal-dominant retinopathy. ARF72A localizes to the Golgi membranes of Drosophila photoreceptor cells, consistent with mammalian Arl1 localization in cell culture systems. A loss of arf72A function changes the membrane character of the endoplasmic ret... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960471 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960480&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21658466%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Suman S, Seth RK, Chandna S Lepidopteran insects/insect cells display 50-100 times higher radioresistance than humans, and are evolutionarily closest to mammals amongst all radioresistant organisms known. Compared to mammalian cells, Lepidopteran cells (TN-368, Sf9) display more efficient antioxidant system and DNA repair and suffer considerably less radiation-induced DNA/cytogenetic damage and apoptosis. Recent studies indicate that a considerably lower radiation-induced oxidative stress may significantly reduce macromolecular damage in Lepidopteran cells. Since nitrosative stress contributes in radiation-induced cellular damage, we investigated its nature in the γ-irradiated Sf9 cells (derived from Spodoptera frugiperda; order Lepidoptera; family Noctuidae) and compared wit... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960480 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960479&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664289%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martens JH Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the myeloid lineage, characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature progenitor cells which accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Aberrant regulation of E-twenty-six (ETS) specific transcription factors such as PU.1 (SPI1) is thought to play a major role in this type of leukemia. The importance of these factors in normal blood development is highlighted by the fact that numerous studies showed a direct link between hematopoietic defects and aberrant regulation of ETS factor expression or expression of mutant forms. Apart from PU.1, another ETS factor, ERG, has emerged as a key player in normal hematopoiesis. Here, the role of this protein in normal and aberrant blood developm... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960479 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960478&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664290%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brocardo MG, Borowiec JA, Henderson BR The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor traffics between nucleus and cytoplasm to perform distinct functions. Here we identify a specific role for APC in the DNA replication stress response. The silencing of APC caused an accumulation of asynchronous cells in early S phase and delayed S phase progression in cells released from hydroxyurea-mediated replication arrest. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed a selective binding of APC to replication protein A 32kDa subunit (RPA32), and the APC-RPA32 complex increased at chromatin after hydroxyurea treatment. Interestingly, APC knock-down prevented accumulation at chromatin of the stress-induced S33- and S29-phosphorylated forms of RPA32, and reduced the expression of ATR-phosphory... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960478 Sun, 29 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4960478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912088&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21642011%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arias HR, Feuerbach D, Targowska-Duda KM, Jozwiak K The interaction of ibogaine analogs with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in different conformational states was studied by functional and structural approaches. The results established that ibogaine analogs: (a) inhibit (±)-epibatidine-induced Ca(2+) influx in human embryonic muscle AChRs with the following potency sequence (IC(50) in μM): (±)-18-methylaminocoronaridine (5.9±0.3)∼(±)-18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC) (6.8±0.8)>(-)-ibogaine (17±3)∼(+)-catharanthine (20±1)>(±)-albifloranine (46±13), (b) bind to the [(3)H]TCP binding site with higher affinity when the Torpedo AChR is in the desensitized state compared to that in the resting state. Similar results were obtained using [(3)H]18-MC. These ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912088 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912089&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21640844%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang SY, Yu QJ, Zhang RD, Liu B Autophagy (macroautophagy), an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal degradation process, is implicated in a wide variety of pathological processes including cancer. Autophagy plays the Janus role in regulating several survival or death signaling pathways that may decide the fate of cancer cell. Accumulating evidence has revealed the core molecular machinery of autophagy in tumor initiation and progression; however, the intricate relationships between autophagy and cancer are still in its infancy. In this review, we summarize several key survival/death pathways such as mTOR subnetwork, Beclin 1 interactome, and p53 signaling that may play the crucial roles for the regulation of the autophagy-related cancer networks. Therefore, a better understandin... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912089 Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912090&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21635966%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, differential expression of PAR4 was measured by real-time PCR (n=28) and tissue microarrays (n=74). We showed that PAR4 was located from basal to middle portions of normal gastric mucosa. PAR4 expression was remarkably decreased in gastric cancer tissues as compared with matched noncancerous tissues, especially in positive lymph node or low differentiation cancers. Furthermore, methylation of the PAR4 promoter in cell lines was assessed by treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and genomic bisulfite sequencing. AGS and N87 human gastric cancer cell lines did not express PAR4, as compared to HT-29 human colon cancer cell line with significant PAR4 expression. Treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored PAR4 expression in AGS and N87 cells, which exhibited significantly more... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912090 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912091&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21635965%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guillot L, Tabary O, Nathan N, Corvol H, Clement A There is strong clinical evidence for the effectiveness of macrolides in the treatment of a number of chronic airway diseases through their immunomodulatory effects. Recently, new information has been released supporting the view that macrolides may also be beneficial in pathologic situations associated with altered repair of the alveolar structure, such as those observed in interstitial lung diseases and fibrosis. It is proposed that macrolides may contribute to lung regeneration through their actions on several components of the remodeling process. The present review provides new insights on the effects of macrolides on the regenerative response of alveolar epithelium to injury. It also discusses novel findings which suggest... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912091 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4912092&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21621634%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hornberger TA Mechanical stimuli play a major role in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass, and the maintenance of muscle mass contributes significantly to disease prevention and issues associated with the quality of life. Although the link between mechanical signals and the regulation of muscle mass has been recognized for decades, the mechanisms involved in converting mechanical information into the molecular events that control this process remain poorly defined. Nevertheless, our knowledge of these mechanisms is advancing and recent studies have revealed that signaling through a protein kinase called the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a central role in this event. In this review we will, (1) discuss the evidence which implicates mTOR in the mechanical regulat... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4912092 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4912092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863119&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21605696%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rieusset J Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are two important metabolic organelles for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and their functional defects are suspected to participate to the aetiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Particularly, excessive lipid intake and/or ectopic lipid accumulation in tissues (referred as lipotoxicity) are involved in alterations of both organelles and are closely linked to peripheral insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. Since, mitochondria and ER are physically and functionally interconnected, their respective alterations during T2D could be interrelated. However, the mechanisms that coordinate the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress, and its relevance in the control of glucose homeostasis are un... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863119 Fri, 13 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863120&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21605695%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wilkerson DC, Sankar U Mitochondria have long been recognized as cellular energy power houses that also regulate cellular redox signaling to arbitrate cell survival. Recent studies of mitochondria in stem cells (SCs) demonstrate that they have critical roles beyond this traditional view. Embryonic (E) SCs, termed pluripotent for their ability to differentiate into all cell types within an organism, maintain a limited number of morphologically undifferentiated (electron translucent and poorly formed cristae) mitochondria. As these cells differentiate, their mitochondria undergo a tightly choreographed gain of number, mass and morphological complexity. Therefore, mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial growth, localization, division and partition must play active roles in the mai... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863120 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863124&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601004%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, using the MG63 osteoblast cell line and osteoblasts differentiated from stem cells, the role of BI-1 was studied. First, expression of BI-1 was confirmed in osteoblasts, as well as osteoclasts, in mouse tibiae bone immunohistochemistry. For evaluation of a recently published property of BI-1, an acidic pH-dependent Ca(2+) channel-like effect in osteoblasts, acidic pH-associated cell death, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release were examined. In MG63 osteoblasts, acidic pH induced a pH-dependent increase in cell death and ER stress, as determined by elevated expression of GRP78, CHOP, phospho-eIF2α, IRE-1α, spliced XBP-1, and phospho-JNK. In osteoblasts, mitochondrial Ca(2+) also showed a strong pH-dependent increase. BI-1 knock-down using siRNA protected cells against acid... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863124 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863123&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601005%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we analyzed the differentiation stage dependent influence of primary porcine brain capillary pericytes on the barrier integrity of primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells. At first, we were able to induce two distinct differentiation stages of the primary pericytes in vitro. TGFβ treated pericytes expressed more α-SMA and actin while desmin, vimentin and nestin expression was decreased when compared to bFGF induced cells. Further analysis of α-SMA revealed that most of the pericytes differentiated with TGFβ expressed functional α-SMA while only few cells expressed functional α-SMA in the presence of bFGF. In addition the permeability factors VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were higher secreted by the α-SMA positive phenotype indicating a proangiogenic role of this TGFÎ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863123 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863121&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601007%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bryant KG, Camacho J, Jasmin JF, Wang C, Addya S, Casimiro MC, Fortina P, Balasubramaniam S, Knudsen KE, Schwarting R, Lisanti MP, Mercier I Prostate cancer (PCa) continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer- related deaths among American men. The prostate relies upon the androgen receptor (AR) to mediate the effects of androgens on normal growth, a reliance that is maintained during malignant prostate growth. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the main structural component of caveolae, has been shown to promote malignant growth and invasion of prostate tumors. In vitro work has shown that Cav-1 can act as an AR coactivator by enhancing its transciptional activity. However, it is unknown how Cav-1 affects androgen-dependent growth and signaling in vivo. To explore this role, a novel m... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863121 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863125&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601003%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fodero-Tavoletti MT, Villemagne VL, Rowe CC, Masters CL, Barnham KJ, Cappai R Whilst the amyloid-β (Aβ) hypothesis/centric theory continues to evolve, genetic, biochemical and pathological evidence still suggests that Aβ is central to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, Aβ-oligomers/soluble Aβ, may be an earlier determinant of Alzheimer's disease and better correlative of cognitive impairment. Whilst there are a number of Aβ-oligomeric species in existence (making therapeutic and diagnostic biomarker choice cumbersome), their existence is in equilibrium with Aβ-fibrils, the main constituent of cored plaques. Although Alzheimer's disease remains incurable, improvements to Aβ immunotherapies and strategies to target Aβ continue to evolve, with the r... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863125 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863122&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21601006%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, these results suggest that ILK might be involved in the development of bladder cancer, and could be served as a novel potential therapy target for human bladder cancer. Our study may be of biological and clinical importance. PMID: 21601006 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863122 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863126&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21558015%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Whitehead JP The PPARγ nuclear receptor orchestrates fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism by coordinating the expression of genes involved in lipid uptake, adipogenesis and inflammation. It is a target for the insulin-sensitising thiazolidinediones (TZDs) which have been used to treat diabetes since the late nineties. Adverse secondary effects of TZDs have underpinned continued investigations into the molecular details governing PPARγ regulation and new therapeutic approaches which represent the focus of this article. Recent findings position Cdk5 as a lead conductor of PPARγ. Cdk5 regulates PPARγ directly, via phosphorylation, and may also inhibit it indirectly, via phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase D2 (PLD2) which generates the endogenous inhibitor cyc... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863126 Wed, 04 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4863127&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21558014%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Law M, Morales JL, Mottram LF, Iyer A, Peterson BR, August A Mast cells play a critical role in the development of the allergic response. Upon activation by allergens and IgE via the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcÉ›RI), these cells release histamine and other functional mediators that initiate and propagate immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Mast cells also secrete cytokines that can regulate immune activity. These processes are controlled, in whole or part, by increases in intracellular Ca(2+) induced by the FcÉ›RI. We show here that N-(4-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-4-methyl-1,2,3-thiadiazole-5-carboxamide (BTP2), a pyrazole derivative, inhibits activation-induced Ca(2+) influx in the rat basophil cell line RBL-2H3 and in bone marrow-derived mast ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4863127 Tue, 03 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4863127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805673&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21554975%26dopt%3DAbstract Editorial for the directed issue: "Metabolic pathways in cancer" Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2011 Apr 29; Authors: Atzori L, Griffin JL, Scherer PE, Irminger-Finger I PMID: 21554975 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805673 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805678&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550417%26dopt%3DAbstract This study employed a novel strategy to generate stem-like corneal epithelial cells and promote the functional properties of these cells by coculture with embryonic stem cells. The primary corneal epithelial cells were labelled with GFP and cocultured with embryonic stem cells in a transwell or by direct cell-cell contact. The embryonic stem cells were pre-transfected with HSV-tk-puro plasmids and became sensitive to ganciclovir. After 10 days of coculture, the corneal epithelial cells were isolated by treating the cultures with ganciclovir to kill the embryonic stem cells. The expression of stem cell-associated markers (ABCG2, p63) increased whereas the differentiation mark (Keratin 3) decreased in corneal epithelial cells isolated from the cocultures as evaluated by RT-PCR and flow cytom... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805678 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805677&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550418%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wojewoda M, DuszyÅ„ski J, Szczepanowska J The importance of mitochondrial biogenesis in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases has been widely recognised but little is known about it with regard to NARP (Neuropathy, Ataxia and Retinitis Pigmentosa) syndrome. Since such knowledge would contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease, we designed a study to provide comprehensive overview of mitochondrial biogenesis in cybrid cells harboring NARP mutation (8993T>G). We also used Rho0 cells with the same nuclear background to show that distinct mtDNA defects lead to distinct cellular responses irrespective of nuclear genome. Mitochondrial biogenesis is regulated by mitochondria-to-nucleus (retrograde) communication which depends on intracellular signalin... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805677 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805676&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550419%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Duan J, Ba Q, Wang Z, Hao M, Li X, Hu P, Zhang D, Zhang R, Wang H Ribosomal proteins (RPs), structural components of the ribosome involved in protein synthesis, are of significant importance in all organisms. Previous studies have suggested that some RPs may have other functions in addition to assembly of the ribosome. The small ribosomal subunits RPS7, has been reported to modulate the mdm2-p53 interaction. To further investigate the biological functions of RPS7, we used morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MO) to specifically knockdown RPS7 in zebrafish. In RPS7-deficient embryos, p53 was activated, and its downstream target genes and biological events were induced, including apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Hematopoiesis was also impaired seriously in RPS7-deficient embry... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805676 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805674&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21554974%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bibi A, Agarwal NK, Dihazi GH, Eltoweissy M, Van Nguyen P, Mueller GA, Dihazi H The thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH) is normally exposed to variable and often very high osmotic stress and involves different mechanisms to counteract this stress. ER resident calcium binding proteins especially calreticulin (CALR) play an important role in different stress balance mechanisms. To investigate the role of CALR in renal epithelial cells adaptation and survival under osmotic stress, two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry and functional proteomics were performed. CALR expression was significantly altered in TALH cells exposed to osmotic stress, whereas renal inner medullary collecting duct cells and interstitial cells expo... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805674 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805671&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21554977%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fernández-Martinez AB, Jiménez MI, Hernández IS, García-Bermejo ML, Manzano VM, Fraile EA, de Lucio-Cazaña FJ Ypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) afford protection in several experimental models of kidney disease. HIF-1α protein is degraded under normoxia but stabilized by hypoxia, which activates its transcription factor function. ATRA activates another set of transcription factors, the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) α, β and γ, which mediate its effects on target genes. ATRA also up-regulates the expression of RAR α, β and γ at the transcriptional level. Here we demonstrate the presence of mutual regulation of hypoxic and retinoic acid related signalling in tubular proximal cells. In human proximal tubular HK-2 cells we have fo... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805671 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805672&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21554976%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gilleron J, Carette D, Fiorini C, Dompierre J, Macia E, Denizot JP, Segretain D, Pointis G Connexins (Cx) are key regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Cx trafficking and endocytosis need interactions with a large number of signaling and scaffolding proteins. We demonstrate herein that Cx43-GFP gap junction plaque endocytosis was blocked in cells transfected by the dominant-negative form of dynamin2 (Dyn2K44A) and by dynasore, an inhibitor of dynamin GTPase activity, which reduced the association between dynamin2 and Cx43. Our data also reveal that recruitment of the GTPase at the plasma membrane and its activation by c-Src are key events for Cx43 internalization. In addition they show that dynamin2 participated in internalization and degradation of ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805672 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805675&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550420%26dopt%3DAbstract We described previously a novel role for cyclin A2/Cdk2 as a progesterone receptor (PR) coactivator. In reporter gene assays, cyclin A2 overexpression enhanced PR activity while inhibition of Cdk2 activity using the chemical inhibitor roscovitine or Cdk2 siRNA strongly inhibited PR activity. We demonstrate here that both Cdk1 and Cdk2 contribute to maximal induction of endogenous progestin responsive genes in T47D breast cancer cells. Our earlier studies suggested that the mechanism by which cyclin A2/Cdk2 enhances PR activity is via phosphorylation of steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), which increases PR-SRC-1 interactions. To assess the importance of SRC-1 phosphorylation in the regulation of PR activity, SRC-1 was phosphorylated by cyclin A2/Cdk2 in vitro and seventeen phosphorylat... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805675 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805681&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21530677%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yang Y, Feng LQ, Zheng XX Autophagy, a major degradative pathway of the lysosomal system, has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. During autophagic process, organelles and proteins are encapsulated in double-membrane vacuoles called autophagosomes, which finally fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes where incorporated materials are degraded. Despite extensive investigations in identifying the molecular components that participate in autophagy, little is known about routes and dynamics of autophagosomes/autolysosomes in the neurites of live cells. Hence, in the present study, we aim to investigate the biophysical characteristics of neuritic transport of autolysosomes in PC12 cells. Our study demonstrated that monomeric red fluorescence protein-light chain... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805681 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805679&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21540123%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kargul J, Laurent GJ PMID: 21540123 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805679 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805680&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21536148%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Singhal E, Sen P Hepatocyte growth factor modulates activation and antigen-presenting cell function of dendritic cells. However, the molecular basis for immunoregulation of dendritic cells by hepatocyte growth factor is undefined. In the current study, we demonstrate that hepatocyte growth factor exhibits inhibitory effect on dendritic cell activation by blocking IκB kinase activity and subsequent nuclear factor-κB activation. Inhibition of IκB kinase is mediated by hepatocyte growth factor-induced activation of c-Src. Proximal signaling events induced in dendritic cells by hepatocyte growth factor include a physical association of c-Src with the hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-MET and concomitant activation of c-Src. Activation of c-Src in turn establishes a complex co... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805680 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4805680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755338&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21514399%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, primary human lung fibroblasts, MRC-5 fibroblasts and A549 epithelial cells were exposed to recombinant active TGF-β1. An adenovirus vector that expresses human ECSOD (AdECSOD) was constructed and rats were endotracheally intubated with an adenoviral vector encoding active TGF-β1 (AdTGF-β1), AdECSOD or a control vector (AdDL70) alone or in combinations AdTGF-β1/AdDL70 or AdTGF-β1/AdECSOD. TGF-β1 alone induced fibrotic responses and significantly down-regulated endogenous ECSOD gene expression both in vitro and in vivo and caused oxidative stress in rat lung, associated with increased levels of activated TGF-β1 in lung fluid and tissue. ECSOD protein was markedly reduced in the interstitium and fibrotic foci in TGF-β1 induced experimental lung fibrosis. The fibrotic r... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755338 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755337&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21515402%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sorrentino V The sarcoplasmic reticulum is a unique organelle found in muscle cells that is dedicated to the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis and activation of myofilament contraction. The functional requirement for an efficient and synchronous activation of Ca(2+) release from the SR, following the depolarization of the plasma membrane, accounts for the complex three-dimensional organization of internal membranes observed in muscle cells and for the localization of proteins at specific sites of the SR. Recent advancements in understanding the molecular basis of SR structure and function have greatly increased our understanding of muscle cellular physiology and biology. Parallel work has revealed that several human diseases affecting skeletal and cardiac tissues are linked to ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755337 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755339&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21513814%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wouters MA, Iismaa S, Fan SW, Haworth NL Cysteine residues in proteins are covalently modified under conditions of oxidative and nitrosative stress by oxidation, nitrosation, glutathionylation and disulfide formation. Modifications induce conformational changes in substrate proteins, effecting signal cascades that evoke a biological response. A growing number of structures with modified cysteines are allowing a piecemeal understanding of the mechanistic aspects of these signalling pathways to emerge. Conformational changes upon conjugation of nitric oxide and glutathione are generally small and often accompanied by a local increase in protein disorder. Burial of nitric oxide is also apparent, which may increase the timeframe of signalling. Conformational changes upon disulfide... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755339 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755340&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21513813%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Crestani B, Besnard V, Boczkowski J This review focuses on the roles of NADPH oxidase/NOX proteins in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathophysiology and in the signalling pathways involved in IPF. NOX proteins are membrane-associated multi-unit enzymes that catalyze the reduction of oxygen using NADPH as an electron donor. Recent studies indicate that NOX4 is induced in pulmonary fibroblasts in response to TGF-β. TGF-β or PDGF induce myofibroblast proliferation, differentiation, migration, contractility and extracellular matrix production, through NOX4 and reactive oxygen species dependent SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. NOX4 is increased in pulmonary fibroblasts from IPF patients and deletion of Nox4 in mice prevents bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. These data strongly s... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755340 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755342&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497669%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Meems H, van den Biggelaar M, Rondaij M, van der Zwaan C, Mertens K, Meijer AB Factor VIII (FVIII) catabolism has been demonstrated to involve LDL receptor-related protein (LRP). We have established that antibody fragment KM33 inhibits cofactor function of FVIII by interacting with the membrane binding region 2092-2093 of the C1 domain. As KM33 also inhibits LRP-dependent uptake of FVIII, we now assessed the role of region 2092-2093 for LRP-dependent endocytosis. For this purpose, we employed functional fluorescent FVIII-YFP or -GFP derivatives and U87MG cells which express high levels of LRP. Confocal microscopy studies and flow cytometry analysis combined with siRNA technology showed that the fluorescent FVIII derivatives are indeed effectively internalized by U87MG cells in... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755342 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755341&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21501695%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Uversky VN The ideas that proteins might possess specific functions without being uniquely folded into rigid 3D-structures and that these floppy polypeptides might constitute a noticeable part of any given proteome would have been considered as a preposterous fiction 15 or even 10 years ago. The situation has changed recently, and the existence of functional yet intrinsically disordered proteins and regions has become accepted by a significant number of protein scientists. These fuzzy objects with fuzzy structures and fuzzy functions are among the most interesting and attractive targets for modern protein research. This review summarizes some of the major discoveries and breakthroughs in the field of intrinsic disorder by representing related concepts and definitions. PMID... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755341 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4755345&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21447400%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Janowski E, Jiao X, Katiyar S, Lisanti MP, Liu M, Pestell RG, Morad M Tumor progression involves the acquisition of invasiveness through a basement membrane. The c-jun proto-oncogene is overexpressed in human tumors and has been identified at the leading edge of human breast tumors. TGF-β plays a bifunctional role in tumorigenesis and cellular migration. Although c-jun and the activator protein 1 (AP-1) complex have been implicated in human cancer, the molecular mechanisms governing cellular migration via c-jun and the role of c-Jun in TGF-β signaling remains poorly understood. Here, we analyze TGF-β mediated cellular migration in mouse embryo fibroblasts using floxed c-jun transgenic mice. We compared the c-jun wild type with the c-jun knockout cells through the use of Cre... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4755345 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4755345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4581505&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21354514%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kargul J, Laurent GJ PMID: 21354514 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology) The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4581505 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:45:36 +0100 4581505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4581501&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21392585%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vigouroux C, Caron-Debarle M, Le Dour C, Magré J, Capeau J Adipose tissue is now recognized for its major role in the control of energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. We review here the human lipodystrophies, that are rare conditions in which total or partial fat loss is associated with severe lipid and glucose abnormalities leading to diabetes with early cardiovascular and hepatic complications. The genetic origin of a number of human lipodystrophies has been recently unraveled, emphasizing the importance of proteins of previously unknown or unexpected functions. Major adipose functions were also illuminated when studying acquired forms of lipodystrophies linked to human immunodeficiency virus-antiretrovirals. Overall, most of the proteins or functions affected by mutat... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4581501 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4581501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4581504&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21376832%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bolognin S, Messori L, Drago D, Gabbiani C, Cendron L, Zatta P Amyloid-β(1-42) (Aβ) is believed to play a crucial role in the ethiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In particular, its interactions with biologically relevant metal ions may lead to the formation of highly neurotoxic complexes. Here we describe the species that are formed upon reacting Aβ with several biometals, namely copper, zinc, iron, and with non-physiological aluminum to assess whether different metal ions are able to differently drive Aβ aggregation. The nature of the resulting Aβ-metal complexes and of the respective aggregates was ascertained through a number of biophysical techniques, including electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence, transmission e... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4581504 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4581504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4581502&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21382504%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sirotkin AV The present short review demonstrates an important role of different cytokines (colony stimulating factors, tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, antimullerian hormone, inhibin, activin, follistatin, bone morphogenetic proteins, growth and differentiation factors) in control of different ovarian functions-ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis, folliculogenesis, luteogenesis, oogenesis, release of hormones, response to upstream hormonal regulators, fertility and, in some cases, in development of ovarian disorders. The possibility of practical application of these molecules for characterization, prediction and regulation the ovarian state including treatment of ovarian disorders is demonstrated. PMID: 21382504 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Inte... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4581502 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4581502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4581503&cid=s_35635_60_f&fid=35635&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21376833%26dopt%3DAbstract THE TRANSMEMBRANE DOMAIN OF PODOPLANIN IS REQUIRED FOR ITS ASSOCIATION WITH LIPID RAFTS AND THE INDUCTION OF EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2011 Mar 2; Authors: Fernández-Muñoz B, Yurrita MM, Martín-Villar E, Carrasco-Ramírez P, Megías D, Renart J, Quintanilla M Podoplanin is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is upregulated in cancer and was reported to induce an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MDCK cells. The promotion of EMT was dependent on podoplanin binding to ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins through its cytoplasmic (CT) domain, which led to RhoA-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent ERM phosphorylation. Using detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) assays, as well as transmembrane (TM) interactions and ganglioside GM1 binding, we ... The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4581503 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4581503