Mutations in GDAP1 lead to recessively or dominantly inherited peripheral neuropathies (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, CMT), indicating that GDAP1 is essential for the viability of cells in the peripheral nervous system. GDAP1 contains domains characteristic of glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), is located in the outer mitochondrial membrane and induces fragmentation of mitochondria. We found GDA...

Antibodies raised against an intracellular and extracellular domain of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) confirmed that its topological orientation in the lipid bilayer is as predicted for G protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane domains. A strategy for mapping the agonist-binding site of the human GHS-R was conceived based on our understanding of ligand binding in biogenic amine...

OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the effects of different dosages of a GHS-R antagonist [D-Lys3] on some serum hormonal (cortisol, T3 and T4) and biochemical parameters in a rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six 60-day-old male rats were assigned to four treatments. [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 solutions were infused via intraperitoneal injections. Blood was collected and analyzed. RESULTS The l...

Hypercalciuria in genetic hypercalciuric stone–forming (GHS) rats is accompanied by intestinal Ca hyperabsorption with normal serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] levels, elevation of intestinal, kidney, and bone vitamin D receptor (VDR) content, and greater 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -induced bone resorption in vitro. To test the hypothesis that hyperresponsiveness of VDR gene expression to 1...

Synthetic ligands have been identified that reset and amplify the cycle of pulsatile GH secretion by interacting with the orphan GH-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). The GHS-R is rhodopsin like, but does not obviously belong to any of the established G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subfamilies. We recently characterized the closely related orphan family member, GPR38, as the motilin receptor. A ...

A novel G11-protein-coupled receptor specific for synthetic GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs) has recently been cloned and sequenced. Two forms exist, types 1a and 1b, the latter of which is biologically inactive. Using RT-PCR, we looked for the presence in tumorous pituitary cells of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for this novel GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). Both subtypes of GHS-R mRNA were...

Conventional performance evaluation mechanisms focus on dedicated systems. Grid computing infrastructure, on the other hand, is a shared collaborative environment constructed on virtual organizations. Each organization has its own resource management policy and usage pattern. The non-dedicated characteristic of Grid computing prevents the leverage of conventional performance evaluation systems....

The stomach-derived hormone ghrelin interacts with key CNS circuits regulating energy balance and body weight. Here we provide evidence that the central ghrelin signaling system is required for alcohol reward. Central ghrelin administration (to brain ventricles or to tegmental areas involved in reward) increased alcohol intake in a 2-bottle (alcohol/water) free choice limited access paradigm in...

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), has been primarily linked to the central neuroendocrine regulation of GH secretion and food intake, although additional peripheral actions of ghrelin have also been reported. In this context, the expression of ghrelin and its cognate receptor has been recently demonstrated in rat testis, suggesting a role for this molecule...

The UN-GHS, a globally harmonized system of classifying and labeling chemicals that was recommended by the United Nations in 2003, will be implemented globally in 2008. This system is expected to encourage people to behave in a way that reduces the risk of accidents or diseases caused by chemicals. However, the UN-GHS differs significantly from the present Japanese system of classifying and lab...