Acute sleep deprivation upregulates serotonin 2A receptors in the frontal cortex of mice via the immediate early gene Egr3.

Serotonin 2A receptors (5-HTRs) mediate the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelic drugs and are a key target of the leading class of medications used to treat psychotic disorders. These findings suggest that dysfunction of 5-HTRs may contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental illness characterized by perceptual and cognitive disturbances. Indeed, numerous studies have found that 5-HTRs are reduced in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia.

BlaB, a protein involved in the regulation of Streptomyces cacaoi beta-lactamases, is a penicillin-binding protein.

Streptomyces cacaoi beta-lactamase genes are controlled by two regulators named blaA and blaB. Whereas BlaA has been identified as a LysR-type activator, the function of BlaB is still unknown. Its primary structure is similar to that of the serine penicillin-recognizing enzymes (PREs).

Apoptosis and cutaneous biology.

Apoptosis, a genetically encoded program that results in cell death, represents a fundamental biologic concept that has relevance to a wide range of dermatologic processes. This review discusses the basic biology of apoptosis and its relevance to cutaneous disease.