Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) proteolytically activates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by cleaving the channel's γ-subunit.

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a heterotrimer consisting of α-, β-, and γ-subunits. Channel activation requires proteolytic release of inhibitory tracts from the extracellular domains of α-ENaC and γ-ENaC; however, the proteases involved in the removal of the γ-inhibitory tract remain unclear. In several epithelial tissues, ENaC is coexpressed with the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2).

Microbial diversity in the larval gut of field and laboratory populations of the sugarcane weevil Sphenophorus levis (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).

The sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis, is a wide-spread sugarcane pest in Brazil. Sphenophorus levis may depend on microorganisms that inhabit its intestinal tract. We examined the diversity of the gut microbiota of S.

Metagenomics of the water column in the pristine upper course of the Amazon river.

River water is a small percentage of the total freshwater on Earth but represents an essential resource for mankind. Microbes in rivers perform essential ecosystem roles including the mineralization of significant quantities of organic matter originating from terrestrial habitats. The Amazon river in particular is famous for its size and importance in the mobilization of both water and carbon out of its enormous basin.

Stimulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by cAMP involves putative ERK phosphorylation sites in the C termini of the channel's beta- and gamma-subunit.

The mechanisms involved in the regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) via the cAMP pathway are not yet completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate cAMP-mediated ENaC regulation in Xenopus laevis oocytes heterologously expressing the three subunits (alphabetagamma) of rat ENaC and to determine the ENaC regions important for mediating the stimulatory effect of cAMP. In oocytes treated for about 24 h with 1 mm 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and 1 microm forskolin (FSK) so as to increase intracellular cAMP, the amiloride-sensitive whole cell current (DeltaI(Ami)) was on average 10-fold larger than DeltaI(Ami) in matched control oocytes.

Modulation of the activation status of Stat5a during LIF-induced differentiation of M1 myeloid leukemia cells.

Treatment of M1 myeloid leukemia cells with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) causes activation of transcription factors Stat1, Stat3 and Stat5a (signal transducers and activators of transcription). DNA-binding of Stat proteins was detectable for extended periods of time in LIF-treated M1 cells, which simultaneously underwent terminal differentiation. The relative composition of Stat factors in the protein-DNA complexes changed during time.

Selecting a pharmacy computer system for the future.

Major advances are occurring in the field of computer science that have placed us at the threshold of a significant revolution in the management and application of clinical data. These advances will have a profound effect on the practice of pharmacy and are occurring at a time when many hospital pharmacies are deciding whether to enhance or replace their current systems. To best position your department for the future, it is essential that you are knowledgeable of the advances being made, have a vision for how they will affect your practice, and undergo a well-organized and thorough selection process.