Nuclear export of misfolded SOD1 mediated by a normally buried NES-like sequence reduces proteotoxicity in the nucleus.

Over 170 different mutations in the gene encoding SOD1 all cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Available studies have been primarily focused on the mechanisms underlying mutant SOD1 cytotoxicity. How cells defend against the cytotoxicity remains largely unknown.

Synthesis and Characterization of 8-O-Carboxymethylpyranine (CM-Pyranine) as a Bright, Violet-Emitting, Fluid-Phase Fluorescent Marker in Cell Biology.

To avoid spectral interference with common fluorophores in multicolor fluorescence microscopy, a fluid-phase tracer with excitation and emission in the violet end of the visible spectrum is desirable. CM-pyranine is easily synthesized and purified. Its excitation and emission maxima at 401.

A comparative assessment of fluo Ca2+ indicators in rat ventricular myocytes.

The fluo family of indicators is frequently used in studying Ca(2+) physiology; however, choosing which fluo indicator to use is not obvious. Indicator properties are typically determined in well-defined aqueous solutions. Inside cells, however, the properties can change markedly.

Golgi export of the Kir2.1 channel is driven by a trafficking signal located within its tertiary structure.

Mechanisms that are responsible for sorting newly synthesized proteins for traffic to the cell surface from the Golgi are poorly understood. Here, we show that the potassium channel Kir2.1, mutations in which are associated with Andersen-Tawil syndrome, is selected as cargo into Golgi export carriers in an unusual signal-dependent manner.

Proton-sensing Ca2+ binding domains regulate the cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger.

The cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) regulates cellular [Ca(2+)](i) and plays a central role in health and disease, but its molecular regulation is poorly understood. Here we report on how protons affect this electrogenic transporter by modulating two critically important NCX C(2) regulatory domains, Ca(2+) binding domain-1 (CBD1) and CBD2. The NCX transport rate in intact cardiac ventricular myocytes was measured as a membrane current, I(NCX), whereas [H(+)](i) was varied using an ammonium chloride "rebound" method at constant extracellular pH 7.

Chain-reaction Ca(2+) signaling in the heart.

Mutations in Ca(2+) -handling proteins in the heart have been linked to exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. The best characterized of these have been mutations in the cardiac Ca(2+) release channel known as the ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2). RyR2 mutations cause "leaky" channels, resulting in diastolic Ca(2+) leak from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that can trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmias during stress.

Deglycosylation of the beta1-subunit of the BK channel changes its biophysical properties.

Large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels are composed of pore-forming alpha-subunits and auxiliary beta-subunits. The alpha-subunits are widely expressed in many cell types, whereas the beta-subunits are more tissue specific and influence diverse aspects of channel function. In the current study, we identified the presence of the smooth muscle-specific beta1-subunit in murine colonic tissue using Western blotting.

VIP and PACAP regulate localized Ca2+ transients via cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) have been suggested as participants in enteric inhibitory neural regulation of gastrointestinal motility. These peptides cause a variety of postjunctional responses including membrane hyperpolarization and inhibition of contraction. Neuropeptides released from enteric motor neurons can elicit responses by direct stimulation of smooth muscle cells as opposed to other transmitters that rely on synapses between motor nerve terminals and interstitial cells of Cajal.

Beta 1-subunits are required for regulation of coupling between Ca2+ transients and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels by protein kinase C.

Colonic myocytes have spontaneous, localized, Ins (1,4,5) trisphosphate (IP3) receptor-dependent Ca2+ transients that couple to the activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). We previously reported that the coupling strength between spontaneous Ca2+ transients and large conductance Ca2+ activated K+ (BK) channels is regulated by Ca2+ influx through nonselective cation channels and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Here, we used confocal microscopy and the patch-clamp technique to further investigate the coupling between localized Ca2+ transients and STOCs in colonic myocytes from animals lacking the regulatory beta1-subunit of BK channels.