Publications by authors named "Masakazu Konno"

Etelcalcetide hydrochloride (Parsabiv, ONO-5163/AMG 416) is an allosteric modulator of the calcium (Ca)-sensing receptor that was originally produced by KAI Pharmaceuticals Inc. (now Amgen Inc.).

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  • * The study investigates how LPS and IFNγ activate microglia's signaling mechanisms, particularly focusing on calcium signaling and the role of the TRPM2 channel.
  • * Results indicate that the TRPM2 channel is crucial for the increased calcium signaling and subsequent activation of pathways that lead to elevated nitric oxide production when microglia are exposed to LPS/IFNγ.
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Microglia are intrinsic immune cells in the brain. In response to neurodegenerative events, excessively activated microglia change their shapes and release various cytokines leading to the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) disease. Because the intracellular mechanisms of this process are still unclear, we have evaluated the functional roles of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel expressed in the microglia.

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Store-operated channels (SOC) are Ca(2+)-permeable channels that are activated by IP(3)-receptor-mediated Ca(2+) depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recent studies identify a membrane pore subunits, Orai1 and a Ca(2+) sensor on ER, STIM1 as components of Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels, which are well-characterized SOCs. On the other hand, proteins that act as modulators of SOC activity remain to be identified.

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  • Reactive astrogliosis is a response of astrocytes to CNS injuries like intracerebral hemorrhage, characterized by abnormal cell growth and shape.
  • Thrombin, released when the blood-brain barrier is compromised, triggers reactive astrogliosis by increasing TRPC3 protein levels in astrocytes, leading to heightened Ca(2+) influx and signaling pathways.
  • Inhibition of TRPC3 or Ca(2+) blockers can prevent astrocytic changes and proliferation induced by thrombin, suggesting TRPC3 plays a crucial role in astrocyte activation during brain injury.
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The ataxic groggy rat (strain name; GRY) is an autosomal recessive neurological mutant found in a closed colony of Slc:Wistar rats. Recent genetic analysis has identified the missense (M251K) mutation in the alpha(1) subunit of the Ca(V)2.1 (P/Q-type) voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel gene (Cacna1a) of GRY rat.

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