Peptide aptamers targeting the hepatitis B virus core protein: a new class of molecules with antiviral activity.

A substantial proportion of the worldwide liver cancer incidence is associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The therapeutic management of HBV infections is still problematic and novel antiviral strategies are urgently required. Using the peptide aptamer screening system, we aimed to isolate new molecules, which can block viral replication by interfering with capsid formation.

Peptide aptamers: new tools to study protein interactions.

The ability to specifically interfere with the function of proteins of pathological significance has been a goal for molecular medicine for many years. Peptide aptamers comprise a new class of molecules, with a peptide moiety of randomized sequence, which are selected for their ability to bind to a given target protein under intracellular conditions. They have the potential to inhibit the biochemical activities of a target protein, can delineate the interactions of the target protein in regulatory networks, and identify novel therapeutic targets.

Functional and histochemical analysis of MDR3 P-glycoprotein in a tetracycline-controlled gene expression system.

Aim of the present study was to establish a cell system to study the physiological function of human MDR3 P-glycoprotein in cellular phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion. MDR3 cDNA was expressed in HeLa cells using the tet-off system together with a luciferase reporter gene. MDR3 Pgp expression was turned on upon removal of doxycycline as shown by Western blot analysis.

Fatty acid transporters in plasma membranes of cardiomyocytes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Long-chain fatty acids are one of the major cardiac energy substrates. Although the exact mechanism of myocardial fatty acid uptake is not known, several proteins, including the integral membrane proteins FATP1 (fatty acid transport protein 1) and FAT (fatty acid translocase), are being implicated in this process. The aim of this study was to further investigate FATP1 and FAT in the heart and its potential role in myocardial fatty acid utilization.

Downregulation of ileal bile acid absorption in bile-duct-ligated rats.

Background/aims: Accumulation of toxic bile acids in cholestasis contributes to liver injury and depends on their synthesis, secretion and intestinal absorption. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cholestasis on the active ileal absorption of bile acids in vivo and the adaptation of transporters involved in ileal bile acid absorption.

Methods: Male Wistar rats underwent ligation of the common bile duct or biliary diversion.