Multivalent interactions are frequently used to enhance ligand-receptor binding affinity. In this study, mono-, di- and trimeric Ala-Val-Thr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Tyr (AVTGRGDSY) peptides, labeled with (125)I or Cy5.5, were compared in vitro and in vivo. Using human embryonic kidney HEK293 (naturally alpha(V)-positive and beta(3)-negative), HEK293(beta(1)) (beta(1)-transfected and alpha(V)beta(3)...

Chemokine receptors belong to a superfamily of proteins that signal through coupled heterotrimeric G proteins. Chemokine receptor CCR5 is the major co-receptor essential for HIV entry into host cells, and now chemokine CCR5 receptor has become an important target in searching for anti-HIV drugs. Here, we describe the establishment of a human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293/CCR5-HA cell line stably e...

Vinegar-baked Radix Bupleuri (VBRB) is clinically used to enhance the pharmacological activity of drugs used to treat liver diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that this effect is dependent on increased drug accumulation in the liver; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesize that VBRB mediated its effects by altering drug transporters. Thus, the present study was ...

Genetic polymorphisms in xenobiotic transporters have recently been clarified to be associated with change in drug distribution and disposition. To expand on recent identification of direct interaction and functional regulation of several transporters by a PDZ (PSD95, Dlg and ZO1) domain containing protein PDZK1, the effect of mutation in PDZK1 on transport activity and subcellular localization...

Helicobacter pylori is the causative agent for developing gastritis, gastric ulcer, and even gastric cancer. Virulent strains carry the cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI) encoding a type-IV secretion system (T4SS) for injecting the CagA protein. However, mechanisms of sensing this pathogen through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and downstream signalling pathways in the development of different patho...

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant which bioaccumulates in marine biota. Fish constitute an important part of a balanced human diet contributing with health beneficial nutrients but may also contain contaminants such as MeHg. Interactions between the marine n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) with MeHg-induced ...

Phosphorus (P)-based nanomaterials are being explored as substitute for conventional fertilizers due to their higher nutrient use efficiency. No potential cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized P-based was found in HEK293 cell line.