ATP-binding and hydrolysis of human NLRP3.

The innate immune system uses inflammasomal proteins to recognize danger signals and fight invading pathogens. NLRP3, a multidomain protein belonging to the family of STAND ATPases, is characterized by its central nucleotide-binding NACHT domain. The incorporation of ATP is thought to correlate with large conformational changes in NLRP3, leading to an active state of the sensory protein.

Free Fatty Acid Species Differentially Modulate the Inflammatory Gene Response in Primary Human Skeletal Myoblasts.

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle is associated with obesity and inflammation. In animal models, intramuscular fat deposits compromise muscle integrity; however, the relevant fat components that mediate muscular inflammation are not known. Previously, we hypothesized that free fatty acids (FFAs) may directly induce inflammatory gene expression in skeletal muscle cells of obese rats.