Imatinib mesylate stimulates low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1-mediated ERK phosphorylation in insulin-producing cells.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is an endocytic and multi-functional type I cell surface membrane protein, which is known to be phosphorylated by the activated platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib, which inhibits PDGFR and c-Abl, and which has previously been reported to counteract β-cell death and diabetes, has been suggested to reduce atherosclerosis by inhibiting PDGFR-induced LRP1 phosphorylation. The aim of the present study was to study LRP1 function in β-cells and to what extent imatinib modulates LRP1 activity.

An RNA virus-encoded zinc-finger protein acts as a plant transcription factor and induces a regulator of cell size and proliferation in two tobacco species.

Plant viruses cause a variety of diseases in susceptible hosts. The disease symptoms often include leaf malformations and other developmental abnormalities, suggesting that viruses can affect plant development. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying virus interference with plant morphogenesis.