Hyperglycemia-Induced Changes in ZIP7 and ZnT7 Expression Cause Zn Release From the Sarco(endo)plasmic Reticulum and Mediate ER Stress in the Heart.

Changes in cellular free Zn concentration, including those in the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum [S(E)R], are primarily coordinated by Zn transporters (ZnTs) whose identity and role in the heart are not well established. We hypothesized that ZIP7 and ZnT7 transport Zn in opposing directions across the S(E)R membrane in cardiomyocytes and that changes in their activity play an important role in the development of ER stress during hyperglycemia. The subcellular S(E)R localization of ZIP7 and ZnT7 was determined in cardiomyocytes and in isolated S(E)R preparations.

Patterned carbon nanotubes as a new three-dimensional scaffold for mesenchymal stem cells.

We investigated the cellular adhesive features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on non-coated and collagen coated patterned and vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) structures mimicking the natural extra cellular matrix (ECM). Patterning was achieved using the elasto-capillary induced by water treatment on the CNT arrays. After confirmation with specific markers both at transcript and protein levels, MSCs from different passages were seeded on either collagen coated or non-coated patterned CNTs.