Mechanical modulation of the transverse tubular system of ventricular cardiomyocytes.

In most mammalian cardiomyocytes, the transverse tubular system (t-system) is a major site for electrical signaling and excitation-contraction coupling. The t-system consists of membrane invaginations, which are decorated with various proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling and mechano-electric feedback. Remodeling of the t-system has been reported for cells in culture and various types of heart disease.

Patterning and detailed study of human hNT astrocytes on parylene-C/silicon dioxide substrates to the single cell level.

It is estimated that the adult human brain contains 100 billion neurons with 5-10 times as many astrocytes. Although it has been generally considered that the astrocyte is a simple supportive cell to the neuron, recent research has revealed new functionality of the astrocyte in the form of information transfer to neurons of the brain. In our previous work we developed a protocol to pattern the hNT neuron (derived from the human teratocarcinoma cell line (hNT)) on parylene-C/SiO(2) substrates.

Alternatively spliced forms of the P180 ribosome receptor differ in their ability to induce the proliferation of rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Expression of the canine 180-kDa ribosome receptor p180 in yeast induces the synthesis of RER, and increases the mRNAs of secretory pathway proteins, and protein secretion. To assess whether p180 is a master regulator of cell secretion in mammalian cells, we stably expressed red fluorescent forms of the human p180 variants p180DeltaR (no tandem repeats), p180R (26 repeats), and full-length p180FR (54 repeats) containing different lengths of the tandem repeat ribosome-binding domain in rat pancreatic RINm5F islet beta-cells. All three fluorescent p180 variants localized exclusively to the RER.

A mutation in bovine keratin 5 causing epidermolysis bullosa simplex, transmitted by a mosaic sire.

A mechanobullous skin disorder was identified in the progeny of a 3-y-old Friesian-Jersey crossbred bull. The condition presented as loss of skin and mucosa from contact areas and inflammation. Examination of skin samples under light microscopy revealed separation of the epidermis from the dermis.

Effects of acute ventricular volume manipulation on in situ cardiomyocyte cell membrane configuration.

Effects of mechanical stimulation on cardiac electrical activity, gene expression, protein synthesis, and tissue remodelling have received increasing attention in recent years, as reviewed in this issue of PBMB. Little is known, though, about how changes in ventricular filling affect the cell configuration of cardiomyocytes in the ventricular wall. Here, we present first electron-microscopic insight into changes in cardiomyocyte cell structure in situ during acute ventricular volume manipulation.