Substrate specificity and inducibility of TACE (tumour necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme) revisited: the Ala-Val preference, and induced intrinsic activity.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha)-converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM-17, where ADAM stands for a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) releases from the cell surface the extracellular domains of TNF and several other proteins. Previous studies have found that, while purified TACE preferentially cleaves peptides representing the processing sites in TNF and transforming growth factor alpha, the cellular enzyme nonetheless also sheds proteins with divergent cleavage sites very efficiently. More recent work, identifying the cleavage site in the p75 TNF receptor, quantifying the susceptibility of additional peptides to cleavage by TACE and identifying additional protein substrates, underlines the complexity of TACE-substrate interactions.

An implantable strain measurement system designed to detect spine fusion: preliminary results from a biomechanical in vivo study.

Study Design: The strain distribution on the thoracic vertebrae during anteroposterior bending and torsion was examined for use with an implantable strain gauge system and miniature radio transmitter, which also were evaluated.

Objectives: To identify strain gauge placement sites by testing cadaver spines in vivo, and to evaluate an implantable gauge bonding technique and subminiature radio transmitter for accurate strain monitoring.

Summary Of Background Data: Fusion is determined currently through the use of radiographic techniques.