Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Mite Aquaporin DerfAQP1 from the Dust Mite (Acariformes: Pyroglyphidae).

Aquaporins are a large family of transmembrane channel proteins that facilitate the passive but highly selective transport of water and other small solutes across biological membranes. House dust mite () is the major source of household immunogens, and we have recently reported six cDNA sequence encoding aquaporins from this mite species. To better understand the structure and role of mite aquaporin, we constructed a tertiary structure for DerfAQP1 by homology modeling from the X-ray structure of malaria aquaporin PfAQP (Protein Data Bank code No.

Blocking beta 2-adrenergic receptor inhibits dendrite ramification in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Dendrite ramification affects synaptic strength and plays a crucial role in memory. Previous studies revealed a correlation between beta 2-adrenergic receptor dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the mechanism involved is still poorly understood. The current study investigated the potential effect of the selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, ICI 118551 (ICI), on Aβ deposits and AD-related cognitive impairment.

Dust mite allergen Der f 4: Expression, characterization, and IgE binding in pediatric asthma.

Background: House dust mite hypersensitivity affects millions of people worldwide, and although many allergens produced by house dust mite species have been identified, some of the less potent allergens remain to be studied.

Methods: The full-length cDNA encoding the group 4 allergen of the house dust mite species Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 4) was generated through degenerate primer-based PCR, 5' RACE, and 3' RACE, and the cDNA fragment was cloned into an expression vector for nucleotide sequencing. Following codon optimization and removal of the signal peptide sequence, the mature gene fragment was subcloned into pET-28b (+) and transfected into E.

Expression, cloning, and IgE-binding of the full-length dust mite allergen Der f 8.

Dermatophagoides farinae, a domestic mite species, produces some of the most potent allergens that contribute to allergy in China and worldwide. We sought to clone and express the group 8 allergen of D. farinae (Der f 8) to investigate its IgE-binding reactivity.