Biochemical and biophysical research communications
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Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. · Jun 2015
H2S does not regulate proliferation via T-type Ca2+ channels.
T-type Ca(2+) channels (Cav3.1, 3.2 and 3.3) strongly influence proliferation of various cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and certain cancers. We have recently shown that the gasotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) inhibits T-type Ca(2+) channels and, in so doing, attenuates proliferation of VSMC. We have also shown that the T-type Ca(2+) channel Cav3.2 is selectively inhibited by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) whilst the other channel isoforms (Cav3.1 and Cav3.3) are unaffected. ⋯ Further studies demonstrated that T-type Ca(2+) channels in the smooth muscle cell line A7r5 and in human coronary VSMCs strongly influenced proliferation. In both cell types, H2S caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of proliferation, yet by far the dominant T-type Ca(2+) channel isoform was the H2S-insensitive channel, Cav3.1. Our data indicate that inhibition of T-type Ca(2+) channel-mediated proliferation by H2S is independent of the channels' sensitivity to H2S.
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Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. · May 2015
Involvement of the orexin system in sympathetic nerve regulation.
Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is a secreted neuropeptide implicated in the regulation of sleep and food intake. In the present study, we examined the importance of orexin in regulation of the sympathetic nervous system using an orexin/ataxin-3 transgenic (OXTg) rat, which has a minimal number of orexin neurons. RT-PCR analysis identified expression of prepro-orexin and orexin receptor-1 (OX1R) in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG), and expression of another receptor (OX2R) was marginal in the wild-type rat. ⋯ This was accompanied by decreased baroreflex and responsiveness to β-adrenergic blocker in blood pressure recording, also suggesting involvement of the orexin system in sympathetic nerve regulation. Histological examination revealed hypotrophic changes in the transgenic heart, suggesting involvement of the orexin system in cardiac development. Taken together, our present results indicate involvement of the orexin system in sympathetic nerve control.
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Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. · May 2015
Thrombin generation in abdominal sepsis is Rho-kinase-dependent.
Sepsis causes severe derangements of the coagulation system. However, the signaling mechanisms regulating sepsis-induced thrombin generation remain elusive. Herein, we hypothesized that Rho-kinase might be an important regulator of thrombin generation in abdominal sepsis. ⋯ These novel findings suggest that sepsis-induced thrombin generation is regulated by Rho-kinase. Moreover, inhibition of Rho-kinase reverses sepsis-evoked consumption of coagulation factors. Thus, our results show that targeting Rho-kinase signaling might protect against coagulation dysfunction in abdominal sepsis.
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Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. · Mar 2015
A cooled CCD camera-based protocol provides an effective solution for in vitro monitoring of luciferase.
Luciferase assay has become an increasingly important technique to monitor a wide range of biological processes. However, the mainstay protocols require a luminometer to acquire and process the data, therefore limiting its application to specialized research labs. To overcome this limitation, we have developed an alternative protocol that utilizes a commonly available cooled charge-coupled device (CCCD), instead of a luminometer for data acquiring and processing. ⋯ In comparison, The CCCD-based protocol is readily amenable to live-cell and high-throughput applications, offering fast simultaneous data acquisition and visual and quantitative data presentation. In conclusion, the CCCD-based protocol provides a useful alternative for monitoring luciferase reporters. The wide availability of CCCD will enable more researchers to use luciferases to monitor and quantify biological processes.
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Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. · Mar 2015
FK866-induced NAMPT inhibition activates AMPK and downregulates mTOR signaling in hepatocarcinoma cells.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the key enzyme of the NAD salvage pathway starting from nicotinamide. Cancer cells have an increased demand for NAD due to their high proliferation and DNA repair rate. Consequently, NAMPT is considered as a putative target for anti-cancer therapies. There is evidence that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) become dysregulated during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we investigated the effects of NAMPT inhibition by its specific inhibitor FK866 on the viability of hepatocarcinoma cells and analyzed the effects of FK866 on the nutrient sensor AMPK and mTOR complex1 (mTORC1) signaling. ⋯ Taken together, these findings reveal an important role of the NAMPT-mediated NAD salvage pathway in the energy homeostasis of hepatocarcinoma cells and suggest NAMPT inhibition as a potential treatment option for HCC.