Publications by authors named "Steve Swann"

Background: 5-HT receptor (5-HT R) agonists exert prokinetic actions in the GI tract, but non-selective actions and potential for stimulation of non-target 5-HT Rs have limited their use. Since 5-HT Rs are expressed in the colonic epithelium and their stimulation accelerates colonic propulsion in vitro, we tested whether luminally acting 5-HT R agonists promote intestinal motility.

Methods: Non-absorbed 5-HT R agonists, based on prucalopride and naronapride, were assessed for potency at the 5-HT R in vitro, and for tissue and serum distribution in vivo in mice.

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Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1/MAP3K) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase family member shown to contribute to acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. Using structure-based drug design, deconstruction, and reoptimization of a known ASK1 inhibitor, a lead compound was identified. This compound displayed robust MAP3K pathway inhibition and reduction of infarct size in an isolated perfused heart model of cardiac injury.

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[formula: see text] Vitamin D3-resistant rickets (VDRR) is associated with mutations to the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) which effect ligand-dependent transactivation. Some VDRR associated mutants directly disrupt ligand binding. Using the reported VDR-1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) cocrystal structure, three 1,25(OH)2D3 analogues were designed to uniquely complement the rickets associated mutant VDR(Arg274-->Leu).

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The nuclear and steroid hormone receptors function as ligand-dependent transcriptional regulators of diverse sets of genes associated with development and homeostasis. Mutations to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the nuclear and steroid hormone receptor family, have been linked to human vitamin D-resistant rickets (hVDRR) and result in high serum 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) concentrations and severe bone underdevelopment. Several hVDRR-associated mutants have been localized to the ligand binding domain of VDR and cause a reduction in or loss of ligand binding and ligand-dependent transactivation function.

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