Parallel and Sequential Pathways of Molecular Recognition of a Tandem-Repeat Protein and Its Intrinsically Disordered Binding Partner.

The Wnt signalling pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and fate decisions in embryonic development and the maintenance of adult tissues. The twelve armadillo (ARM) repeat-containing protein β-catenin acts as the signal transducer in this pathway. Here, we investigated the interaction between β-catenin and the intrinsically disordered transcription factor TCF7L2, comprising a very long nanomolar-affinity interface of approximately 4800 Å that spans ten of the twelve ARM repeats of β-catenin.

Pulmonary Microvascular Blood Flow in Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema. The MESA COPD Study.

Rationale: Smoking-related microvascular loss causes end-organ damage in the kidneys, heart, and brain. Basic research suggests a similar process in the lungs, but no large studies have assessed pulmonary microvascular blood flow (PMBF) in early chronic lung disease.

Objectives: To investigate whether PMBF is reduced in mild as well as more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.