The Computational Studies on the Conformation-Stabilizing Factors of the Left-Handed Z-DNA

Abstract

The conformation-stabilizing factors of the left-handed Z-DNA was estimated by the molecular dynamics calculations using the various metal cations and the polyamines. We concluded the conformation-stabilizing effect of metal cation for Z-DNA was more significant than that of the polyamine by theoretically.     

A model for the mechanisms of sensitivity control in the submammalian vertebrate retina

A model is proposed for the mechanisms of sensitivity control at the outer and inner plexiform layers in the submammalian vertebrate retina on the basis of Werblin's results and other physiological results. The model is especially based on the following suggestions: The signal that acts to shift the bipolar curves is probably carried by horizontal cell processes extending from the surround to the center of the receptive field. Furthermore, amacrine cells carry a lateral antagonistic signal across the inner plexiform layer that affects the response properties of ganglion cells. The simulations of the model were made and the results of the ones considerably coincided with the experimental results of Werblin.     

Visual arrestin modulates gene expression in the retinal pigment epithelium: Implications for homeostasis in the retina

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for maintaining retinal homeostasis by removing and recycling photoreceptor outer segment (POS) in membranes. It also produces and secretes growth factors involved in retinal homeostasis. Arrestin 1 (ARR1) is specifically expressed in photoreceptors (PRs) and a vital molecule for keeping visual cycle between PRs and RPE. In the present study, we showed the expression of ARR1 was decreased by form-deprivation (FD) in retina of rat. The ARR1 was detected in the RPE of the controls but not in the RPE of FD, which indicates RPE phagocytes POS containing ARR1. Furthermore, we overexpressed ARR1 in cultured human RPE and revealed the ARR1 upregulates bFGF expression and downregulates TGF-β1, -β2 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The upregulation of bFGF by ARR1 directly works for PR survival and the downregulation of TGF-βs by ARR1 inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RPE, which is the underlying mechanism of keeping retinal homeostasis. Our results also indicate the regulation of ARR1 expression in RPE might become a novel therapeutic option for various ocular diseases.