Prediction of anti-microtubular target proteins of tubulins and their interacting proteins using Gene Ontology tools.

Background: Tubulins are highly conserved globular proteins involved in stabilization of cellular cytoskeletal microtubules during cell cycle. Different isoforms of tubulins are differentially expressed in various cell types, and their protein-protein interactions (PPIs) analysis will help in identifying the anti-microtubular drug targets for cancer and neurological disorders. Numerous web-based PPIs analysis methods are recently being used, and in this paper, I used Gene Ontology (GO) tools, e.

Nonmicrobial-mediated inflammatory airway diseases--an update.

In lungs, airways are in constant contact with air, microbes, allergens, and environmental pollutants. The airway epithelium represents the first line of lung defense through different mechanisms, which facilitate clearance of inhaled pathogens and environmental particles while minimizing an inflammatory response. The innate immune system facilitates immediate recognition of both foreign pathogens and tissue damage through toll-like receptor, which acts as a gateway for all intracellular events leading to inflammation.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 7 and 9, and their tissue inhibitors 1 and 2, in developing rabbit tracheae.

Background: Structural changes in the developing conducting airway impact the rigidity of the airway, altering the airway's ability to sustain its shape during ventilation. The developmental changes in airway compliance oppose the changes in compliance of the developing lung; thus the expression profiles of matrix modeling proteins likely are also opposite in these developing organs.

Objectives: To determine the profiles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2, -7, and -9 and tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) -1 and -2 in the developing trachea and test the hypothesis these profiles would contrast those previously reported for the lung.

Hyperoxia-induced changes in human airway epithelial cells: the protective effect of perflubron.

Objective: To determine the protective effect of perflubron (PFB), a type of perfluorochemical liquid, in hyperoxia-induced cellular injury in the human airway epithelial cells.

Design: A controlled, in vitro laboratory study.

Setting: Tertiary-care children's hospital.

Association of interleukin-8 with inflammatory and innate immune components in bronchoalveolar lavage of children with chronic respiratory diseases.

Background: The host inflammatory response and innate immunity play a complex role in respiratory diseases.

Methods: We evaluated the levels of inflammatory mediators and antibacterial proteins in children who required bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for clinical indications such as chronic tracheostomy (n=15) and chronic suppurative lung disease (n=8).

Results: Our results suggested the presence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-8 as major inflammatory mediators in BALF samples.

Protein composition of apical surface fluid from the human airway cell line Calu-3: effect of ion transport mediators.

Background: Analysis of the protein components of airway secretions is a potential means of detecting and characterizing biochemical alterations associated with airway diseases.

Methods: We evaluated airway protein secretions using the airway epithelial cell line Calu-3 grown at an air-liquid interface. To observe changes in apically secreted proteins, we analyzed the protein content of apical surface fluid (ASF) washings of Calu-3 monolayers treated with ion transport mediators.

Regulation of apical surface fluid and protein secretion in human airway epithelial cell line Calu-3.

We evaluated the relationship between apical surface fluid (ASF) and protein secretion in Calu-3 cells grown at an air-liquid interface. Calu-3 monolayers responded to forskolin, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) channel agonist, by secreting a significant amount of ASF. Such a response from Calu-3 monolayers was not observed with CFTR channel blockers glybenclamide and DPC.