beta2 integrins (CD11/CD18) play a key role in the adhesion, activation, migration and phagocytosis of human neutrophils. In order to exert their functions, beta2 integrins require activation, which results in an enhancement of ligand affinity. This functional up-regulation is probably due to a conformational change of the beta2 integrins, but the mechanisms of inside-out signaling that trigger...

One third of cases of cerebral ischemia have no clear etiology. A humoral response to the atherosclerotic plaques components beta2-glycoprotein l (beta2-gpl) and heat-shock proteins (Hsp) might be involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. This case-control study includes a complete profile of anti-beta2-gpl antibodies and testing of IgG antibodies to the 60/65 kilodaltons (kDa) Hsp in stroke pati...

Insulin gene expression is regulated by pancreatic beta cell-specific factors, PDX-1 and BETA2/E47. Here we have demonstrated that the insulin promoter is a novel target for SREBPs established as lipid-synthetic transcription factors. Promoter analyses of rat insulin I gene in non-beta cells revealed that nuclear SREBP-1c activates the insulin promoter through three novel SREBP-binding sites (S...

PURPOSE Currently available anti-scarring regimens for glaucoma filtration surgery have potentially blinding complications and thus the need for alternative and safer agents. The effects of a new antibody to transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 on in vitro and in vivo conjunctival scarring and after glaucoma filtration surgery were investigated. METHODS The activity of a novel recombinant m...

The MUC4 mucin is considered as the homologue of rat sialomucin complex (SMC, rat Muc4) due to its similar structural organization. Like SMC, MUC4 may also exist as two subunits: a mucin type unit known as MUC4alpha and a growth factor-like transmembrane subunit, MUC4beta. The expression of MUC4 in normal human pancreas is not detectable, but it is highly expressed in pancreatic tumor cells. In...

BACKGROUND Recent studies of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) subtype signaling in in vitro preparations have raised doubts as to whether the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling is activated in the same manner in response to beta2-AR versus beta1-AR stimulation. METHODS AND RESULTS The present study compared, in the intact dog, the magnitude and characteristics of chronotropic, inotropic,...

In the leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD)-1 syndrome, there is diminished expression of beta2(CD18) integrins. This is caused by lesions in the beta2-subunit gene and gives rise to recurrent bacterial infections, impaired pus formation, and poor wound healing. We describe a patient with clinical features compatible with a moderately severe phenotype of LAD-1 but who expresses the beta2 integri...

OBJECTIVE To determine whether high levels of antibodies against the phospholipid beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-gpI) cofactor are associated with an increase in the risk of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS The study comprised 82 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 82 controls, who were assessed in regard to age, sex, race, hypertension, smoking, previous heart disease, history of ...

The addition of an inhaled long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) gives optimal control of asthma in most patients and two fixed combination inhalers (salmeterol/fluticasone and formoterol/budesonide) are increasingly used as a convenient controller in patients with persistent asthma. There is a strong scientific rationale for the combination of these two drug class...

Although the expression patterns of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits thus far described are known, the subunit composition of functional receptors in different brain areas is an ongoing question. Mice lacking the beta2 subunit of the nAChR were used for receptor autoradiography studies and patch-clamp recording in thin brain slices. Four distinct types of nAChRs we...