The 27-bp repeat polymorphism in intron 4 (27 bp-VNTR) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene is associated with albumin to creatinine ratio in Mexican Americans

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry - The events leading to Schwannomas development are still largely unknown. Some studies have demonstrated that merlin acts as a tumor suppressor by blocking...     

Effect of fenfluramine on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in obese subjects

Obese subjects show a subnormal growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) release in response to a variety of stimuli. Fenfluramine, an anorexiant drug used in obesity therapy, may have some effects on hypothalamic-pituitary function mediated by serotoninergic stimulation. The present investigation in obese subjects was carried out to study the effects of fenfluramine (60 mg orally) on GH and PRL secretion after intravenous arginine infusion. Ten volunteer obese females were studied and compared with 10 volunteer normal weight controls. In the obese group the GH response to arginine was significantly lower than in control group. Fenfluramine administration restored the subnormal GH response to arginine in obese subjects. The PRL response to arginine in obese women was subnormal. Fenfluramine administration restored the response of PRL to arginine infusion to normal. In conclusion, fenfluramine--under acute circumstances--enhances the hypothalamic-pituitary response to arginine in obese subjects. The decreased GH and PRL output in obese subjects is not due to an absolute hormonal deficiency and this effect of fenfluramine on GH secretion may--due to its lipolysis stimulation--be useful in obesity treatment.     

The quest for ligands and binding partners of atypical cadherin FAT1

A recent study in Scientific Reports identified glypican-3 (GPC3) as a novel extracellular interacting protein for FAT1 in hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. FAT1 is a large transmembrane atypical cadherin with limited knowledge existing about its binding partners. While in Drosophila, dachsous (ds), another transmembrane member of the cadherin superfamily, is known to function as FAT1 ligand, no ligand is known in mammals so far. The revelation of GPC3 as a potential binding partner of FAT1 extracellular domain unfolds an opportunity to study potential triggers of FAT1 signaling in cancers. Available inhibitors of GPC3 in various phases of clinical trials also present an attractive option to curb GPC3-FAT1 signaling in tumors that overexpress these proteins.     

Probiotics-Derived Peptides and Their Immunomodulatory Molecules Can Play a Preventive Role Against Viral Diseases Including COVID-19

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins - As of recent, the pandemic episode of COVID-19, a severe acute respiratory syndrome brought about by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) expanding the pace of...     

Sensitive analysis of α-synuclein by nonlinear laser wave mixing coupled with capillary electrophoresis

Multi-photon nonlinear laser wave-mixing spectroscopy is a novel absorption-based technique that offers excellent detection sensitivity for biomedical applications, including early diagnosis and investigation of neurodegenerative diseases. α-Synuclein is linked to Parkinson's disease (PD), and characterization of its oligomers and quantification of the protein may contribute to understanding PD. The laser wave-mixing signal has a quadratic dependence on analyte concentration, and hence the technique is effective in monitoring small changes in concentration within biofluids. A wide variety of labels can be employed for laser wave-mixing detection due to its ability to detect both chromophores and fluorophores. In this investigation, two fluorophores and a chromophore are studied and used as labels for the detection of α-synuclein. Wave-mixing detection limits of PD-related protein conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate, QSY 35 acetic acid, succinimidyl ester, and Chromeo P503 were determined to be 1.4 × 10⁻¹³ M, 1.4 × 10⁻¹⁰ M, and 1.9 × 10⁻¹³ M, respectively. Based on the laser probe volume used, the corresponding mass detection limits were determined to be 1.1 × 10⁻²³ mol, 1.1 × 10⁻²⁰ mol, and 1.5 × 10⁻²³ mol. This study also presents molecular-based separation and quantification of α-synuclein by laser wave mixing coupled with capillary electrophoresis.     

Expression of the antibacterial peptide, cecropin, in cultured mammalian cells

We have stably transfected a Chinese hamster lung cell line V79 with a recombinant gene construct where the Drosophila cecropin A2 cDNA is under the control of Rous sarcoma virus, long terminal repeat (RSV LTR). We have not only been able to demonstrate expression at the RNA level by Northern analysis but also have detected an unprocessed peptide using an antiserum raised against Hyalophora cecropin.