Unique Pharmacological Properties of the Kappa Opioid Receptor Signaling Through Gz as Shown with Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Tranfer.

Opioid receptors (ORs) convert extracellular messages to signaling events by coupling to the heterotrimeric G proteins, G• Classic pharmacological methods, such as [S]GTPS binding and inhibition of cyclic AMP production, allow for general opioid characterization, but they are subject to the varying endogenous G proteins in a given cell type. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technology offers new insight by allowing the direct observation of G subunit-specific effects on opioid pharmacology. Using a Venus-tagged G and nanoluciferase-tagged truncated G protein receptor kinase 3, an increase in BRET signal correlated with OR activation mediated by a specific G protein.

Quantification of light-induced miniSOG superoxide production using the selective marker, 2-hydroxyethidium.

Genetically-encoded photosensitizers produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to light. Transgenic expression of fusion proteins can target the photosensitizers to specific cell regions and permit the spatial and temporal control of ROS production. These ROS-generating proteins (RGPs) are widely used for cell ablation, mutagenesis and chromophore-assisted light inactivation of target proteins.

Leptin and its receptors in human fetal and adult ovaries.

The objective of the study was to investigate the immunocytochemical expression and presence of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts for leptin and its receptors in ovaries from human adults and adolescents and second- and third-trimester fetuses. Staining for leptin and the long form of its receptor was identified in oocytes of follicles from primordial stages onward, and for leptin only in granulosa cells of a minority of the samples. Expression of mRNA transcripts for both ligands was detected in all the samples tested.

Immunocytochemical detection and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction expression of oncostatin M (OSM) and its receptor (OSM-Rbeta) in human fetal and adult ovaries.

Objective: To investigate the immunocytochemical expression and presence of mRNA transcripts of oncostatin M (OSM) and its exclusive receptor (OSM-Rbeta) in ovaries from human adults and fetuses.

Design: Immunocytochemical and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) study.

Setting: Major tertiary care and referral academic centers.

Preliminary studies on apoptosis in human fetal ovaries.

Objective: To evaluate if apoptosis occurs in human germ cells between 19 and 33 gestational weeks (GW).

Design: Human fetal ovaries were obtained from aborted fetuses aged 19-33 GW.

Setting: Rabin Medical Center, a major tertiary care and referral center.