Yeast two-hybrid screen.

Yeast two-hybrid is a method for screening large numbers of gene products (encoded by cDNA libraries) for their ability to interact with a protein of interest. This system can also be used for characterizing and manipulating candidate protein: protein interactions. Interactions between proteins are monitored by the growth of yeast plated on selective media.

Regulation of AMPA receptor function by the human memory-associated gene KIBRA.

KIBRA has recently been identified as a gene associated with human memory performance. Despite the elucidation of the role of KIBRA in several diverse processes in nonneuronal cells, the molecular function of KIBRA in neurons is unknown. We found that KIBRA directly binds to the protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) and forms a complex with α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (AMPARs), the major excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.

Osteoblast-conditioned media influence the expression of E-selectin on bone-derived vascular endothelial cells.

Breast cancer cells frequently metastasize to the ends of long bones, ribs and vertebrae, structures which contain a rich microvasculature that is closely juxtaposed to metabolically active trabecular bone surfaces. This study focuses on the effects of osteoblast secretions on the surface presentation of adhesive proteins on skeletal vascular endothelial cells. Vascular endothelial cells were isolated from trabecular bone regions of the long bones of 7-week-old Swiss Webster mice and also from the central marrow cavity where trabecular bone is absent.