TRPM7, the cytoskeleton and neuronal death

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the world. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms associated with neuronal death during this detrimental process has been of significant interest in the field of research. One principle component vital to the maintenance of cellular integrity is the cytoskeleton. Studies suggest that abnormalities at the level of this fundamental structure are directly linked to adverse effects on cellular well-being, including cell death. In recent years, evidence has also emerged regarding an imperative role for the transient receptor potential (TRP) family member TRPM7 in the mediation of excitotoxic-independent neuronal demise. In this review, we will elaborate on the current knowledge and unique properties associated with the functioning of this structure. In addition, we will deliberate the involvement of distinct mechanistic pathways during TRPM7-dependent cell death, including modifications at the level of the cytoskeleton.     

Renal Insensitivity to Frusemide Caused by Chronic Anticonvulsant Therapy

The diuretic response to 20-mg and 40-mg oral doses of frusemide was significantly smaller in a group of epileptic patients on chronic anticonvulsant therapy than in a group of normal staff members. Furthermore, the peak response was considerably delayed in the epileptic patients. The difference in the volume of diuresis was maintained after intravenous injection of 20 mg of frusemide. It is suggested that the sensitivity of the renal tubule to the diuretic action of frusemide is reduced by anticonvulsant therapy and that there may also be delayed absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract.     

Investigating molecular evolutionary forces and phylogenetic relationships among melatonin precursor-encoding genes of different plant species

Molecular Biology Reports - A total of 53 plant species accessions from different geographic regions, including four melatonin precursor-coding genes obtained from Arachis hypogaea (ASMT1, 2, 3 and...     

A methionine-Mettl3-N6-methyladenosine axis promotes polycystic kidney disease

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Internal anatomy and ultrastructure of the male reproductive organization of the Sesarmid crab Muradium tetragonum (1798)—(Decapoda: Brachyura)

Sesarmid crab, Muradium tetragonum, considered a key detritus consumer plays a significant role in the nutrient cycling and energy flow in most of the mangrove environments. Morphological and ultrastructural organization of the M. tetragonum male reproductive system are characterized through transmission electron microscopic studies. Adult males (3.2–4.2 cm) with dark violet carapace and white-tipped cheliped were procured alongside the coastal areas of Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The morphological analysis highlights the male gonads to be bilaterally symmetrical and anterolaterally located inside the cephalothorax. A pair of elongated testes lying attached to the hypodermis of the carapace leads to a long highly coiled vas deferens categorized into three distinct regions (Proximal vas deferens, Middle vas deferens and distal vas deferens) structurally and functionally with Posterior vas deferens receiving sac-like accessory glands. It gets followed by an ejaculatory duct and ends with the penile papillae at the coxae's base of the fifth peripod. Structural modifications were observed in the ultrastructure of vas deferens envisage (considering) its functional role in storing spermatophores, active absorption and assisting the secretory activity. Spermatophores, witnessed as spherical bodies are bounded by a dense double wall. Aflagellate, immotile and spherical spermatozoa that measuring 3.6 μm in diameter encompasses a complex acrosome cupped by a nucleus. Moreover, perforatorium and the extending nuclear arms with chromatin, as displayed in the experimental organism M. tetragonum, are in synergy with that of certain brachyurans as specified in the study. Hence, the current study assessing the morphology and ultrastructure parameters of the male gonads could be useful in understanding the physiology of sexual maturation, annual cyclic changes, tracing the phylogenetic relationship among species and enhancing the brood-stock management.     

Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) enhances the carcinogenic potential of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and accelerates the onset of tumor development in Swiss albino mice

Social stressors evolving from individual and population interactions produce stress reactions in many organisms (including humans), influencing homeostasis, altering the activity of the immunological system, and thus leading to various pathological states including cancer and their progression. The present study sought to validate the effectiveness of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in cancer promotion and to assess oxidative stress outcomes in terms of various in vivo biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, DNA damage, and the development of skin tumors in Swiss albino mice. Animals were randomized into different groups based on their exposure to CUS alone, 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) alone (topical), and DMBA-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (topical) and exposure to CUS prior to DMBA or DMBA-TPA treatments and sacrificed after 16 weeks of treatment. Prior exposure to CUS significantly increased the pro-oxidant effect of carcinogen, depicted by compromised levels of antioxidants in the circulation and skin, accompanied by enhanced lipid peroxidation, plasma corticosterone, and marker enzymes as compared to DMBA-alone or DMBA-TPA treatments. DNA damage results corroborated the above biochemical outcomes. Also, the development of skin tumors (in terms of their incidence, tumor yield, and tumor burden) in mice in the presence and absence of stress further strongly supported our above biochemical measurements. CUS may work as a promoter of carcinogenesis by enhancing the pro-oxidant potential of carcinogens. Further studies may be aimed at the development of interventions for disease prevention by identifying the relations between psychological factors and DNA damage.     

Purification, characterization, structural analysis and protein chemistry of a buffalo heart galectin-1

A soluble β-galactoside-binding lectin was purified by gel filtration chromatography from Bubalus bubalis heart. Its metal-independent nature, molecular weight of 14.5 kDa, preferential affinity for β-d-lactose, and 87–92% identity with carbohydrate recognition domain of previously reported galectin-1 confirmed its inclusion in galectin-1 subfamily. Stokes radii determination using gel filtration under reducing and non-reducing conditions revealed its homo-dimeric nature, further confirming its Gal-1 nomenclature. The purified lectin was found to be the most stable mammalian heart galectin purified till date, suggesting its preferential use in various recognition studies. Treatment of the purified lectin with oxidizing agent, thiol blocking reagents, denaturants, and detergents resulted in significant changes in UV–VIS, fluorescence, CD and FTIR spectra, which strongly emphasized the important aspect of regular secondary structure of galectins for the maintenance of their active conformation. Reduction of the activity of the purified lectin after oxidation by H₂O₂, with remarkable fluorescence quenching, may suggest potential role for galectin-1 in free radical-induced, oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular disorders. The predictions of bioinformatics studies were found to be in accordance with the results obtained in wet lab.