Tgf-beta induced Erk phosphorylation of smad linker region regulates smad signaling.

The Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) family is involved in regulating a variety of cellular processes such as apoptosis, differentiation, and proliferation. TGF-β binding to a Serine/Threonine kinase receptor complex causes the recruitment and subsequent activation of transcription factors known as smad2 and smad3. These proteins subsequently translocate into the nucleus to negatively or positively regulate gene expression.

Synthesis, characterization and cytocompatibility of a poly(diol-tricarballylate) visible light photo-cross-linked biodegradable elastomer.

The synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytocompatibility of a new family of photo-cross-linked amorphous poly(diol-tricarballylate) (PDT) biodegradable elastomeric polyesters are reported. The synthesis was based on the polycondensation reaction between tricarballylic acid and alkylene diols, followed by acrylation. The prepared and acrylated poly(diol-tricarballylate) (APDT) was characterized by means of FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, GPC and DSC.

Human kallikrein related peptidases 6 and 13 in combination withCA125 is a more sensitive test for ovarian cancer than CA125 alone.

The current biomarker for ovarian cancer, CA125, lacks the sensitivity and specificity required to detect early stage ovarian cancers. Since several Kallikreins (KLKs) are up regulated in ovarian cancer, they represent a potential pool of biomarkers for ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine if elevated expression levels of Muc16 (CA125 gene), KLK6 and KLK13 represent a more sensitive test for detection of early stage ovarian cancer than Muc16 alone.

Troubleshooting tissue specificity and antibody selection: Procedures in immunohistochemical studies.

Optimal antigen detection and identification is dependent on the tissue of interest, the method of fixation, processing, and antibody specificity. We evaluated specific antigens in frozen middle cerebral artery (MCA) sections from rat brains under various conditions of fixation and differing primary and secondary antibody concentrations. Fresh MCAs were frozen, cryosectioned (8 microm), and adhered to chrom-alum coated slides.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor contributes to recovery of skilled reaching after focal ischemia in rats.

Background And Purpose: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and neuroplasticity. Further, exogenous treatment with BDNF or exposing animals to enrichment and exercise regimens, which also increase BDNF, enhances behavioral recovery after brain injury. Thus, the beneficial effects of rehabilitation in promoting recovery after stroke may also depend on BDNF.

Endurance exercise facilitates relearning of forelimb motor skill after focal ischemia.

Endurance exercise (i.e. running), by up-regulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other modulators of synaptic plasticity, improves attention and learning, both critical components of stroke rehabilitation.

Transforming growth factor-beta activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is independent of Smad2 and Smad3 and regulates fibroblast responses via p21-activated kinase-2.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) stimulates cellular proliferation and transformation to a myofibroblast phenotype in vivo and in a subset of fibroblast cell lines. As the Smad pathway is activated by TGF-beta in essentially all cell types, it is unlikely to be the sole mediator of cell type-specific outcomes to TGF-beta stimulation. In the current study, we determined that TGF-beta receptor signaling activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in several fibroblast but not epithelial cultures independently of Smad2 and Smad3.

Internalization-dependent and -independent requirements for transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling via the Smad pathway.

Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family of proteins signal through cell surface transmembrane serine/threonine protein kinases known as type I and type II receptors. The TGF-beta signal is extended through phosphorylation of receptor-associated Smad proteins by the type I receptor. Although numerous investigations have established the sequence of events in TGF-beta receptor (TGF-beta R) activation, none have examined the role of the endocytic pathway in initiation and/or maintenance of the signaling response.