Pathophysiological Role of K Channels in Human Diseases.

The family of two-pore domain potassium (K) channels is critically involved in central cellular functions such as ion homeostasis, cell development, and excitability. K channels are widely expressed in different human cell types and organs. It is therefore not surprising that aberrant expression and function of K channels are related to a spectrum of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune, CNS, cardiovascular, and urinary tract disorders.

mTOR signaling in the nucleus accumbens mediates behavioral sensitization to methamphetamine.

Chronic psychostimulant treatment in rodents readily produces behavioral sensitization, which reflects altered brain function in response to repeated drug exposure. Numerous morphological and biochemical investigations implicate altered neural plasticity in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) as an essential component in behavioral sensitization. The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, a key regulator of synaptic neuroplasticity, in the ventral striatum of methamphetamine (METH) -sensitized mice was investigated to determine if a link exists with the development of METH sensitization.

Aberrant activation of AMP-activated protein kinase contributes to the abnormal distribution of HuR in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Distorted mRNA metabolism contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The human antigen R (HuR) is a major mRNA stabilizer. We report that abnormal localization of HuR was associated with enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in the motor neurons of ALS patients.

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase α1 mediates mislocalization of TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is a nuclear RNA-binding protein involved in many cellular pathways. TDP-43-positive inclusions are a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The major clinical presentation of ALS is muscle weakness due to the degeneration of motor neurons.

Next-generation transgenic mice for optogenetic analysis of neural circuits.

Here we characterize several new lines of transgenic mice useful for optogenetic analysis of brain circuit function. These mice express optogenetic probes, such as enhanced halorhodopsin or several different versions of channelrhodopsins, behind various neuron-specific promoters. These mice permit photoinhibition or photostimulation both in vitro and in vivo.

Argonaute identity defines the length of mature mammalian microRNAs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19- to 25-nt-long non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by base-pairing with target mRNAs and reducing their stability or translational efficiency. Mammalian miRNAs function in association with four closely related Argonaute proteins, AGO1-4. All four proteins contain the PAZ and the MID domains interacting with the miRNA 3' and 5' termini, respectively, as well as the PIWI domain comprising an mRNA 'slicing' activity in the case of AGO2 but not AGO1, AGO3 and AGO4.

Interactions of renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms and antihypertensive effect of benazepril in Chinese population.

Aim: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are widely used antihypertensive drugs with individual response variation. We studied whether interactions of AGT, AGTR1 and ACE2 gene polymorphisms affect this response.

Materials & Methods: Our study is based on a 3-year field trial with 1831 hypertensive patients prescribed benazepril.

A genetic epidemiologic study of social support in a Chinese sample.

Accumulated evidence suggests that social support is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. However, there are little data that examine this issue from Asian samples. We reported results from a preliminary study that examined familial effects on social support in a Chinese adult twin sample.

Stroke in China: epidemiology, prevention, and management strategies.

In this review, we examine the current status of stroke epidemiology, prevention, and management strategies in mainland China. The main findings suggested that total age-adjusted incidence of first-ever stroke in China is not very different from that in developed countries. Stroke incidence, mortality, and prevalence varied widely among different regions within China, with a noticeable north-south gradient.