Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in physiological remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Recently we determined that both fibrinogen (Fg) and cross-linked fibrin (XL-Fb) are substrates for selected MMPs. Specifically, XL-Fb clots were solubilized by MMP-3 (stromelysin 1) by cleavage at gamma Gly 404-Ala 405, resulting in a D-like monomer fragment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlutamate transport in nearly pure rat cortical neurons in culture (less than 0.2% astrocytes) is potently inhibited by dihydrokainate, l-serine-O-sulphate, but not by l-alpha-amino-adipate. This system allows for a test of the hypothesis that glutamate transport is important for protecting neurons against the toxicity of endogenous synaptically released glutamate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe assayed glutamate transport activity in cultures of rat cortical neurons containing < 0.2% astrocytes. Using [3H]L-glutamate as the tracer, sodium-dependent high affinity glutamate transport was demonstrated [K(m) = 17.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOsteopontin is expressed in many different cell types and has been proposed to play several functions. Distinct forms of the protein have been detected. Various tissues and cell lines from mouse, however, exhibit two classes of transcripts with different 5'-untranslated ends but with an identical coding region (exons II through VII).
View Article and Find Full Text PDF