Characterization of a dual-affinity nitrate transporter MtNRT1.3 in the model legume Medicago truncatula.

Primary root growth in the absence or presence of exogenous NO(3)(-) was studied by a quantitative genetic approach in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of Medicago truncatula. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 5 appeared to be particularly relevant because it was seen in both N-free medium (LOD score 5.7; R(2)=13.

Inhibition of protein kinase C decreases sensitivity of GABA receptor subtype to fipronil insecticide in insect neurosecretory cells.

Phosphorylation by serine/threonine kinases has been described as a new mechanism for regulating the effects of insecticides on insect neuronal receptors and channels. Although insect GABA receptors are commercially important targets for insecticides (e.g.

Full characterization of three toxins from the Androctonus amoreuxi scorpion venom.

In this study, we have characterized the immunological and pharmacological properties of the three major alpha-type toxins from the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi, AamH1, AamH2 and AamH3, which were previously described as putative toxins from cDNAs [Chen, T. et al., 2003.

RNA editing regulates insect gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor function and insecticide sensitivity.

A-to-I pre-mRNA editing by adenosine deaminase enzymes has been reported to enhance protein diversity in the nervous system. In Drosophila, the resistance to dieldrin (RDL) gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunit displays an editing site (R122) that is close to the putative GABA-binding site. We assessed the functional effects of editing at this site by expressing homomeric RDL receptors in Xenopus oocytes.

Replacement of asparagine with arginine at the extracellular end of the second transmembrane (M2) region of insect GABA receptors increases sensitivity to penicillin G.

The actions of penicillin-G (PCG) on wild-type and mutant Drosophila GABA receptor (RDL) subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes were studied under two-electrode voltage-clamp. PCG was found to be a non-competitive antagonist of homomeric Drosophila RDL receptors with an IC(50) of 20.41 +/- 1.

Resistance to fipronil in Drosophila simulans: influence of two point mutations in the RDL GABA receptor subunit.

The Eyguieres 42 strain of Drosophila simulans, obtained by laboratory selection, displayed approximately 20,000-fold resistance to the insecticide fipronil. Molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding the RDL GABA receptor subunit of this strain revealed the presence of two mutations: the Rdl mutation (A301G) and an additional mutation in the third transmembrane domain (T350M). In order to assess the individual and combined roles of the two mutations in fipronil resistance, the functional properties of wild-type, A301G, T350M and A301G/T350M homomultimeric RDL receptors were compared by expression in Xenopus oocytes.

The modulatory effects of the anxiolytic etifoxine on GABA(A) receptors are mediated by the beta subunit.

The anxiolytic compound etifoxine (2-ethylamino-6-chloro-4-methyl-4-phenyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazine hydrochloride) potentiates GABA(A) receptor function in cultured neurons (Neuropharmacology 39 (2000) 1523). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are not known. In this study, we have determined the influence of GABA(A) receptor subunit composition on the effects of etifoxine, using recombinant murine GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Exploration of the functional site of a scorpion alpha-like toxin by site-directed mutagenesis.

Scorpion alpha-neurotoxins can be classified into distinct subgroups according to their sequence and pharmacological properties. Using toxicity tests, binding studies, and electrophysiological recordings, BmK M1, a toxin from the Asian scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, was experimentally identified as an alpha-like toxin. Being the first alpha-like toxin available in a recombinant form, BmK M1 was then modified by site-directed mutagenesis for investigation of the molecular basis of its activity.

Characterization of scorpion alpha-like toxin group using two new toxins from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus.

Two novel toxins, Lqh6 and Lqh7, isolated from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus, have in their sequence a molecular signature (8Q/KPE10) associated with a recently defined group of alpha-toxins that target Na channels, namely the alpha-like toxins [reviewed in Gordon, D., Savarin, P., Gurevitz, M.