PP2B and ERK1/2 regulate hyaluronan synthesis of HT168 and WM35 human melanoma cell lines.

Hyaluronan (HA) is the major glycosaminoglycan component of the extracellular matrix in either normal or malignant tissues and it may affect proliferation, motility and differentiation of various cell types. Three isoforms of plasma membrane-bound hyaluronan synthases (HAS 1, 2 and 3) secrete and simultaneously bind pericellular HA. HAS enzymes are subjects of post-translational protein phosphorylation which is believed to regulate their enzymatic activity.

Polymodal Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) Ion Channels in Chondrogenic Cells.

Mature and developing chondrocytes exist in a microenvironment where mechanical load, changes of temperature, osmolarity and acidic pH may influence cellular metabolism. Polymodal Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) receptors are environmental sensors mediating responses through activation of linked intracellular signalling pathways. In chondrogenic high density cultures established from limb buds of chicken and mouse embryos, we identified TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4 and TRPV6 mRNA expression with RT-PCR.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Pathway Is Induced by Mechanical Load and Reduces the Activity of Hedgehog Signaling in Chondrogenic Micromass Cell Cultures.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neurohormone exerting protective function during various stress conditions either in mature or developing tissues. Previously we proved the presence of PACAP signaling elements in chicken limb bud-derived chondrogenic cells in micromass cell cultures. Since no data can be found if PACAP signaling is playing any role during mechanical stress in any tissues, we aimed to investigate its contribution in mechanotransduction during chondrogenesis.

The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide inhibits transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 receptor-mediated currents in rat cultured primary sensory neurons.

The activity of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel (TRPV1) that is expressed by the great majority of polymodal nociceptors is pivotal for the development of inflammatory heat hyperalgesia. The responsiveness of TRPV1 is regulated by a series of intracellular signalling molecules including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA); increased or decreased PKA activity results in TRPV1 sensitisation or desensitisation, respectively. Activation of the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor that is expressed by the majority of the TRPV1-expressing primary sensory neurons reduces PKA activity.

Neonatal screening for biotinidase deficiency in Hungary: clinical, biochemical and molecular studies.

From 1989 to 2001, 1,336,145 newborns were screened for biotinidase deficiency in Hungary. Fifty-eight children with the disorder were identified as enzyme-deficient. We have characterized the clinical and biochemical features and mutations of 20 of these children.