Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaojing Li, Feng Xu, Hao Xu, Shuli Zhang, Yiwei Gao, Hongwei Zhang, Yanli Dong, Yanchun Zheng, Bei Yang, Jianyuan Sun, Xuejun Cai Zhang, Yan Zhao, Daohua Jiang
Summary: This study reports the structures of human Na(V)1.3 channels in complex with the drug bulleyaconitine A and the selective antagonist ICA121431. Bulleyaconitine A partially blocks the ion path and expands the pore-lining helices, reducing peak amplitude but increasing channel open probability. In contrast, ICA121431 preferentially binds to the activated voltage-sensor and stabilizes the channel in an inactivated state, revealing its inhibitory mechanism.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Afeesh Rajan Unnithan, Arathyram Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala, Bishnu Kumar Shrestha, Alex Lincoln, Thomas Thomson, Alicia J. El Haj
Summary: Non-invasive approaches using remotely controllable nanomaterials, such as the developed GOMNP composite, have shown potential in enhancing treatment efficacy in regenerative medicine and tissue repair. Remote activation of mechanotransduction pathways through functionalized GOMNPs has led to enhanced bone formation.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Simone Mazzaferro, John R. Strikwerda, Steven M. Sine
Summary: Modulation of the alpha 4 beta 2 nAChR by divalent cations depends on the ACh concentration, the type of cation and the subunit stoichiometry.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Carolyn W. Zhu, Judith Neugroschl, Lisa L. Barnes, Mary Sano
Summary: Racial and ethnic disparities in treatment for dementia exist in long-term research studies. Black and Hispanic participants are less likely to report new anti-dementia medication treatment during follow-up and are also less likely to receive persistent treatment compared to White participants.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaria, Sara Sofia Avendano-Lopez, Daniel Felipe Ariza-Salamanca, Mateo Rodriguez-Giraldo, Carlos A. Calderon-Ospina, Rodrigo E. Gonzalez-Reyes, Mauricio O. Nava-Mesa
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive dementia in older adults. It is characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment due to dysfunction in cholinergic pathways and neurotoxicity mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). The presence of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, extracellular amyloid-beta (A beta) plaques, and selective neurodegeneration are the pathological hallmarks of the disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Barbara Barile, Maria Grazia Mola, Francesco Formaggio, Emanuela Saracino, Antonio Cibelli, Concetta Domenica Gargano, Guido Mogni, Antonio Frigeri, Marco Caprini, Valentina Benfenati, Grazia Paola Nicchia
Summary: Despite the prominent role of aquaporin (AQP) water channels in controlling transmembrane water fluxes, alternative ways of modulating water permeation have been proposed. This study aims to investigate the selective role of TRPV4 in regulating plasma membrane water permeability independently of AQP4. The results showed that TRPV4 activation can increase cell swelling rate and facilitate water transport, suggesting that TRPV4 can finely tune plasma membrane water permeability and serve as a protective mechanism against osmotic challenges.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emmanuelle Bignon, Marco Marazzi, Antonio Monari
Summary: This study reports on how the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a permeabilizes the lipid membrane in a model lipid bilayer, forming a water channel to ensure ion transport. The important role of ORF3a in the viral cycle and its high conservation among coronaviruses may make it a target for future antiviral development.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matteo Moschetta, Vito Vurro, Valentina Sesti, Chiara Bertarelli, Giuseppe Maria Paterno, Guglielmo Lanzani
Summary: Mechanosensitive ion channels are important in converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals and are involved in various physiological processes. Dysregulation of these channels has been linked to several diseases, making them potential targets for treatment. Researchers propose a new approach using nongenetic photostimulation to investigate the modulation of TRAAK ion channels. The study shows that a specific substance, Ziapin2, can modulate TRAAK channels in a nonselective manner.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuai Gao, Nieng Yan
Summary: This study reports the structures of Ca(v)1.1 bound with different drugs, revealing the molecular basis for their effects. The structures show that amlodipine and nifedipine have different impacts on Ca(v)1.1, while the two enantiomers of Bay K8644 as agonists are insufficient to maintain the activated state of the channel.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Mengyao Song, Mingxia Zhang, Sixuan He, Le Li, Huijing Hu
Summary: Ultrasound neuromodulation technology is a promising approach for noninvasive and targeted therapy. It can alter neuronal excitability by activating mechanosensitive ion channels, but the underlying biological mechanism is still poorly understood. This review provides an overview of ultrasound properties, specific mechanosensitive ion channel structures, and their role in ultrasound neuromodulation.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lingli He, Jiahui Sun, Yiwei Gao, Bin Li, Yuhang Wang, Yanli Dong, Weidong An, Hang Li, Bei Yang, Yuhan Ge, Xuejun Cai Zhang, Yun Stone Shi, Yan Zhao
Summary: Glutamate-gated kainate receptors interact with NETO2 to form complexes, demonstrating variable stoichiometry in inhibited and desensitized states. NETO2 only accesses two broad faces of kainate receptors and regulates receptor-gating kinetics. The transmembrane helix of NETO2 competes with the amphiphilic H1 helix for interaction with an intracellular cap domain, illustrating how rectification is regulated.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Arnela Saljic, Thomas Jespersen, Rikke Buhl
Summary: Atrial fibrillation is becoming a serious health problem in the aging population. Animal models, particularly large animals like pigs, goats, dogs, and horses, are important tools in understanding the mechanisms of AF and testing new pharmacological interventions. This review focuses on anti-arrhythmic investigations in large animals, discussing commonly used methods for inducing AF and exploring potential new AF medication candidates.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Khalil Saadeh, Ibrahim Talal Fazmin
Summary: The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias increases significantly with age, with changes in mitochondrial dysfunction playing a crucial role in promoting arrhythmic triggers and substrate. Understanding the mechanisms behind age-related mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to the development of novel anti-arrhythmic therapies that target upstream mitochondrial function.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kosuke Nishio, Kohei Toh, Amelie Perron, Masato Goto, Masahiro Abo, Yuichi Shimakawa, Motonari Uesugi
Summary: This study reports a method to generate tailored functional materials in pigment-producing cells by chemically fabricating intracellular melanin. The approach exploits synthetic tyrosine derivatives to hijack the melanin biosynthesis pathway, allowing for magnetic control of specific cells.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andy Sivils, Felix Yang, John Q. Wang, Xiang-Ping Chu
Summary: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), including ASIC1a and ASIC2 subunits, play important roles in human physiology and pathology. While ASIC1a has been extensively studied, the understanding of ASIC2 is relatively limited. ASIC2 is involved in modulating ASIC function, synaptic targeting, cardiovascular responses, and pharmacology. It also influences pathologies such as ischemic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines, and drug addiction. Thus, ASIC2 protein holds potential as a therapeutic target for various neurological, psychological, and cerebrovascular diseases.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tong Cheng, Zhusheng Chen, Yibin Qin, Xiang Zhu, Hongsheng Chen, Zhongling Xu, Xiaqing Ma
Summary: Morphine is commonly used and effective for pain relief, but its side effect of itching limits its clinical use. This paper discusses the potential of using esketamine to treat morphine-induced itching.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2024)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sung Eun Lee, Eunjung Park, Ji-yun Kim, HyukHoon Kim
Summary: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a potential therapeutic modality that has been recognized for its favorable mechanisms in various diseases, including sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). HBOT has neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects as well as increased tissue oxygenation capacity. However, there are caveats and limitations in applying HBOT in sepsis.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2024)