The phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and glycogen synthase kinase-3 positively regulate the activity of metal-responsive transcription factor-1 in response to zinc ions.

Metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is a metal-regulatory transcription factor essential for induction of the genes encoding metallothioneins (MTs) in response to transition metal ions. Activation of MTF-1 is dependent on the interaction of zinc with the zinc fingers of the protein. In addition, phosphorylation is essential for MTF-1 transactivation.

Speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses in children with hearing loss.

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to investigate subcortical auditory processing in children with sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods: Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) were recorded using click and speech/da/stimuli. Twenty-five children, aged 6-14 years old, participated in the study: 13 with normal hearing acuity and 12 with sensorineural hearing loss.

Novel liposomal formulation for targeted gene delivery.

Purpose: Development of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-stabilized immunoliposome (PSIL) formulation with high DNA content suitable for in vivo intravenous administration and targeted gene delivery.

Materials And Methods: Plasmid DNA was condensed using 40% ethanol and packaged into neutral PSILs targeted to the mouse transferrin receptor using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs; clones RI7 and 8D3) attached to their PEG maleimide moieties. PSILs size was measured by quasi-elastic light scattering.