Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) functions in the genesis and activity of neuronal connections in mammalian brain. We previously reported that a protein coincident with CRMP2 on 2D-gels undergoes marked accumulation of abnormal L-isoaspartyl sites in brain extracts of mice missing the repair enzyme, protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT). To confirm and explore the significance of isoaspartyl damage in CRMP2, we expressed and purified recombinant mouse CRMP2 (rCRMP2).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCollapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) functions in the genesis and activity of neuronal connections in mammalian brain. We previously reported that a protein coincident with CRMP2 on 2D-gels undergoes marked accumulation of abnormal L-isoaspartyl sites in brain extracts of mice missing the repair enzyme, protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT). To conflrm and explore the signiflcance of isoaspartyl damage in CRMP2, we expressed and purifled recombinant mouse CRMP2 (rCRMP2).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOphthalmologic care is inaccessible to many people due to a variety of factors, including the availability of providers, cost of equipment for ophthalmologic care, and transportation to clinics and appointments. Because many causes of blindness are both highly prevalent and preventable once identified, it is essential to address gaps in care for underserved populations. We developed a novel 3D-printed mobile retinal camera.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major educational disruptions, it has also catalyzed innovation in service-learning as a real-time response to pandemic-related problems. The limited number of qualified providers was primed to restrict SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efforts. Thus, New York State temporarily allowed healthcare professional trainees to vaccinate, enabling medical students to support an overwhelmed healthcare system and contribute to the public health crisis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Multidrug resistance in has emerged as a serious problem to public health. A further understanding of the genetic diversity in antibiotic-resistant isolates is needed.
Methods: We conducted whole-genome resequencing for 25 pneumococcal strains isolated from children with different antimicrobial resistance profiles.
Approximately 12 % of histone H2B in mammalian brain contains an unusual D-aspartate residue in its N-terminal tail. Most of this D-aspartate is linked to the C-flanking glycine via an isopeptide bond. To explore the possible significance of these modifications, we generated an antibody to the D-isoaspartyl form of H2B, and used it to assess its levels in H2B associated with "active" vs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBioactive botanicals contain natural compounds with specific biological activity, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, immune stimulating, and taste improving. A full characterization of the chemical composition of these botanicals is frequently necessary. A study of small carbohydrates from the plant materials of 18 bioactive botanicals is further described.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA novel method based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of 19 amino acids in plant materials is described. For the analysis, the plant material is extracted with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid with internal standards present in the extraction solution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is a key regulator in cancer, in part, through oncogenic mutations. Eight clinically relevant mutants were characterized by biochemical, biophysical, and cellular methods. The c-Met catalytic domain was highly active in the unphosphorylated state (k(cat) = 1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiochem Biophys Res Commun
August 2007
Pin1, a phosphorylation-dependent peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase), regulates the activity of a number of cell cycle regulators, transcription factors, and microtubule-associated tau. Aberrant expression of Pin1 is implicated in carcinogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, there are discrepancies regarding its biological significance in different organisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA series of 2-aminoalkylethers prepared as potential antiarrhythmic agents is described. The present compounds are mixed sodium and potassium ion channel blockers and exhibit antiarrhythmic activity in a rat model of ischemia-induced arrhythmias. Structure-activity studies led to the identification of three compounds 5, 18, and 26, which were selected based on their particular in vivo electrophysiological properties, for studies in two canine atrial fibrillation (AF) models.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiochem Biophys Res Commun
June 2007
Assay conditions for the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase have been optimized by adding phospholipids in the media buffer to increase and stabilize the enzymatic activity. The presence of phospholipids greatly facilitates the study of the binding of cortisone and NADPH at the enzyme catalytic site. Kinetic analyses conducted with the human and rabbit enzyme isoforms suggest that both enzymes behave according to an ordered sequential bi-bi mechanism where the NADPH is the first to bind at the active site followed by cortisone.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFormation of atypical isoaspartyl (isoAsp) sites in peptides and proteins via the deamidation-linked isomerization of asparaginyl-Xaa bonds or direct isomerization of aspartyl-Xaa bonds is a major contributor to spontaneous protein damage under mild conditions. This nonenzymatic reaction reroutes the Asx-Xaa peptide bond through the beta-carbonyl of asparaginyl or aspartyl residues, thereby adding an extra carbon to the polypeptide backbone. Formation of isoAsp has been implicated in protein inactivation, aggregation, degradation, and autoimmunity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProtein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) catalyzes repair of L-isoaspartyl peptide bonds, a major source of protein damage under physiological conditions. PIMT knock-out (KO) mice exhibit brain enlargement and fatal epileptic seizures. All organs accumulate isoaspartyl proteins, but only the brain manifests an overt pathology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProstate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in American males. Currently, there is no curative therapy available once prostate cancer has metastasized. A major systemic therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is anti-androgen therapy.
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