Mechanisms of ATP release - future therapeutic targets?

Virus-encoded microRNAs: future therapeutic targets?

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) is a remarkable breakthrough in the field of molecular genetics, as miRNAs are key actors which regulate gene expression in diverse cellular processes from unicellular yeast to human. The recent discovery of virus-encoded miRNAs indicates that viruses also use this fundamental mode of gene regulation. Research into viral miRNAs function demonstrates that some...

Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets.

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus are each increasing rapidly in our society. The majority of patients with diabetes succumb ultimately to heart disease, much of which stems from atherosclerotic disease and hypertension. However, cardiomyopathy can develop independent of elevated blood pressure or coronary artery disease, a process termed diabetic cardiomyopathy. This disorder i...

Cancer stem cells: therapeutic targets

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as rare cellular populations in many cancers, including leukemia and solid tumors. This minor subpopulation of cancerous cells is immortal tumor-initiating cells which thought to be responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence and drug/radiation resistance. Low proliferative rate, high self-renewing capacity, differentiatio...

Mechanisms of Atp Release in Airway Epithelial Cells

Mechanisms of ATP release, the enabling step in purinergic dynamics.

The only effective intervention to slow onset and progression of glaucomatous blindness is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Among other modulators, adenosine receptors (ARs) exert complex regulation of IOP. Agonists of A(3)ARs in the ciliary epithelium activate Cl(-) channels, favoring increased formation of aqueous humor and elevated IOP. In contrast, stimulating A(1)ARs in the trabecular ...