Development of a novel reporter gene vector for cell based angiogenic studies.

Angiogenesis is a promising area of research that targets key therapeutic areas like cancer; wound healing, inflammatory diseases, etc. There is an increasing demand for screening of potential angiogenic and anti-angiogenic agents using sensitive, robust cell-based assays. We have developed a reporter vector containing cis-acting elements that respond to growth factors/angiogenic ligands for use in a cell-based luciferase reporter assay.

Late signaling in the activated platelets upregulates tyrosine phosphatase SHP1 and impairs platelet adhesive functions: Regulation by calcium and Src kinase.

Sustained stimulation of platelets with protease-activated receptor agonists in presence of extracellular calcium was associated with tyrosine dephosphorylation of specific proteins of relative mobilities 35, 67, and 75 kDa. From phosphatase assays and inhibitor studies SHP1, a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase expressed abundantly in hemopoietic cells, was found to be upregulated in platelets between 25 and 30 min following thrombin stimulation. Concomitantly, SHP1 was tyrosine phosphorylated by, and coprecipitated with, Src tyrosine kinase.

Spectrum of beta-thalassemia mutations in North Indian states: a beta-thalassemia trait with two mutations in cis.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of beta-thalassemia mutations in two North Indian states.

Design And Methods: Mutation(s) were analyzed in 62 patients using 10 sets of allele-specific primers.

Results: Four mutations [IVS1 nt5 (G --> C), F.

Platelet storage under in vitro condition is associated with calcium-dependent apoptosis-like lesions and novel reorganization in platelet cytoskeleton.

Platelets are cleared from circulation after a life span of 8-10 days. The molecular mechanisms underlying platelet senescence remain poorly characterized. Here we report that, progressive functional impairment in the platelets incubated in vitro in a plasma-free isotonic medium for up to 24 h at 37 degrees C is associated with release of cytochrome c from platelet mitochondria and cleavage of procaspase-9, but without evidence of caspase-3 activation.