MolMeDB: Molecules on Membranes Database.

Biological membranes act as barriers or reservoirs for many compounds within the human body. As such, they play an important role in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs and other molecular species. Until now, most membrane/drug interactions have been inferred from simple partitioning between octanol and water phases.

Investigation of New Orexin 2 Receptor Modulators Using and In Vitro Methods.

The neuropeptides, orexin A and orexin B (also known as hypocretins), are produced in hypothalamic neurons and belong to ligands for orphan G protein-coupled receptors. Generally, the primary role of orexins is to act as excitatory neurotransmitters and regulate the sleep process. Lack of orexins may lead to sleep disorder narcolepsy in mice, dogs, and humans.

Secreted Frizzled-related protein potentiation versus inhibition of Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling.

Wnt signaling regulates a variety of cellular processes during embryonic development and in the adult. Many of these activities are mediated by the Frizzled family of seven-pass transmembrane receptors, which bind Wnts via a conserved cysteine-rich domain (CRD). Secreted Frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) contain an amino-terminal, Frizzled-like CRD and a carboxyl-terminal, heparin-binding netrin-like domain.

Distinct overlapping sequences at the carboxy-terminus of merlin regulate its tumour suppressor and morphogenic activity.

The Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene product merlin is a tumour suppressor, which in addition to inhibiting cell proliferation regulates cell morphology. The morphogenic properties of merlin may play a role in tumour suppression, as patient-derived tumour cells demonstrate cytoskeletal abnormalities. However, it is still unclear how these functions are linked.

Ezrin is key regulator of Src-induced malignant phenotype in three-dimensional environment.

The oncogenic tyrosine kinase Src has a role in cancer development, especially by promoting invasive and metastatic behavior. It is, however, unclear which of the Src-regulated signaling cascades induce malignant phenotype in three-dimensional environment. One of Src substrates is ezrin, a cytoskeletal organiser and regulator of signal transduction.