Recent information obtained, mainly by recombinant cDNA technology, on structural heterogeneity of hormone and transmitter receptors, of GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) and, especially, of G-protein-linked receptors is reviewed and the implications of structural heterogeneity for diversity of hormone and transmitter actions is discussed. For the future, three-dimensional structural analysis o...

G protein-coupled receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins can diffuse laterally in the plasma membrane such that one receptor can catalyze the activation (GDP/GTP exchange) of multiple G proteins. In some cases, these processes are fast enough to support molecular signal amplification, where a single receptor maintains the activation of multiple G proteins at steady-state. Amplification in cell...

Abstract Elevated NF-?B activity is a contributory factor in many hematologic and solid malignancies. Nucleolar sequestration of NF-?B/RelA represses this elevated mediates apoptosis cancer cells. Here, we set out to understand the mechanisms that control nuclear/nucleolar distribution RelA other regulatory proteins, so agents can be developed specifically target these proteins organelle. We de...

Introduction: Vaccine studies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa have often focused on outer membrane proteins (OPRs) due to their potent stimulation of the immune response. Using major outer membrane proteins of cell walls (mOMPs) of P. aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacteria actively stimulate the immune system without any toxic side effects. Moreover, these antigens show immunological cross-...

In ventral mesencephalic organotypic tissue cultures, two timely separated sequences of nerve fiber growth have been observed. The first appearing nerve fiber pattern is a long-distance outgrowth that occurs before astrocytes start to proliferate and migrate to form an astrocytic monolayer that finally surrounds the tissue slice. These long-distance growing nerve fibers are retracted as the ast...

Background: Root to shoot connection and transfer of information seems to be taken place mostly via the transmissions of signal molecules, secondary metabolites, amino acids, hormones and proteins, through xylem sap. Examination of earlier reports is indicative of relatively high levels of conservation in xylem sap protein compositions. Apparently these protein molecules are be...

Lantibiotics form a family of highly modified peptides which are secreted by several Gram-positive bacteria. They exhibit antimicrobial activity, mainly against other Gram-positive bacteria, by forming pores in the cellular membrane. These antimicrobial peptides are ribosomally synthesized and contain leader peptides which do not show the characteristics of signal sequences. Several amino acid ...