Cell wounding activates phospholipase D in primary mouse keratinocytes.

Plasma membrane disruptions occur in mechanically active tissues such as the epidermis and can lead to cell death if the damage remains unrepaired. Repair occurs through fusion of vesicle patches to the damaged membrane region. The enzyme phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in membrane traffickiing; therefore, the role of PLD in membrane repair was investigated.

The potential use of protein kinase D inhibitors for prevention/treatment of epidermal tumors.

Background: The serine/threonine kinase protein kinase D (PKD) has been proposed to be a pro-proliferative, anti-differentiative signal in epidermal keratinocytes. Indeed, the phorbol ester tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) induces biphasic PKD activation, which mirrors the biphasic response of initial differentiation followed by proliferation and tumor promotion seen in TPA-treated keratinocytes in vitro and epidermis in vivo.

Objective: Our objective was to test the idea that PKD's pro-proliferative and/or anti-differentiative effects in keratinocytes contribute to TPA-induced tumorigenesis.

Immobilization of a phosphonated analog of matrix phosphoproteins within cross-linked collagen as a templating mechanism for biomimetic mineralization.

Immobilization of phosphoproteins on a collagen matrix is important for the induction of intrafibrillar apatite mineralization. Unlike phosphate esters, polyphosphonic acid has no reactive sites for covalent binding to collagen amine groups. Binding of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) (PVPA), a biomimetic templating analog of matrix phosphoproteins, to collagen was found to be electrostatic in nature.

Effect of vapor lock on root canal debridement by using a side-vented needle for positive-pressure irrigant delivery.

Introduction: This study examined the effect of vapor lock on canal debridement efficacy by testing the null hypothesis that there is no difference between a "closed" and an "open" system design in smear layer and debris removal by using a side-vented needle for irrigant delivery.

Methods: Roots in the closed system were sealed with hot glue and embedded in polyvinylsiloxane to restrict fluid flow through the apical foramen during cleaning and shaping. For the open system, the apical foramen was enlarged and connected to the external environment via a channel within the polyvinylsiloxane to permit unrestricted fluid flow.

Angiotensin II-activated protein kinase D mediates acute aldosterone secretion.

Dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin II (AngII)-aldosterone system can contribute to cardiovascular disease, such that an understanding of this system is critical. Diacylglycerol-sensitive serine/threonine protein kinase D (PKD) is activated by AngII in several systems, including the human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line NCI H295R, where this enzyme enhances chronic (24h) AngII-evoked aldosterone secretion. However, the role of PKD in acute AngII-elicited aldosterone secretion has not been previously examined.

Exogenous expression of caspase-14 induces tumor suppression in human salivary cancer cells by inhibiting tumor vascularization.

Background: Current therapeutic approaches to salivary gland cancer are often associated with severe disfigurement and loss of glandular function, which are traumatic to the patients. Exploration of novel treatment approaches, such as gene therapy, is needed.

Materials And Methods: The human salivary gland cancer cell line HSG was transiently transfected with full length human caspase-14 cDNA.