A novel motif in calcimembrin/C16orf74 dictates multimeric dephosphorylation by calcineurin.

Calcineurin (CN), the only Ca2+/calmodulin-activated protein phosphatase and target of immunosuppressant drugs, dephosphorylates substrates within membrane-associated Ca2+ microdomains. CN binds to substrates and regulators via short linear motifs (SLIMs), PxIxIT and LxVP, which have distinct docking sites on CN. PxIxIT binding to CN is Ca2+-independent and affects its distribution, while LxVP associates only with the active enzyme and promotes catalysis.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: a new animal model.

Background Context: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and is frequently performed in humans who need surgical treatment of vertebral fractures. PVP involves cement injection into the vertebral body, thereby providing rapid and significant pain relief.

Purpose: The testing of novel biomaterials depends on suitable animal models.