Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibits Spread of Hepatitis C Virus Among Liver Cells, Independent From Interferons.

Background & Aims: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine expressed by human fetal liver cells (HFLCs) after infection with cell culture-derived hepatitis C virus (HCV). TNF has been reported to increase entry of HCV pseudoparticles into hepatoma cells and inhibit signaling by interferon alpha (IFNα), but have no effect on HCV-RNA replication. We investigated the effects of TNF on HCV infection of and spread among Huh-7 hepatoma cells and primary HFLCs.

Role of the primer activation signal in tRNA annealing onto the HIV-1 genome studied by single-molecule FRET microscopy.

HIV-1 reverse transcription is primed by a cellular tRNAlys3 molecule that binds to the primer binding site (PBS) in the genomic RNA. An additional interaction between the tRNA molecule and the primer activation signal (PAS) is thought to regulate the initiation of reverse transcription. The mechanism of tRNA annealing onto the HIV-1 genome was examined using ensemble and single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays, in which fluorescent donor and acceptor molecules were covalently attached to an RNA template mimicking the PBS region.

Trypanosoma brucei BRCA2 acts in a life cycle-specific genome stability process and dictates BRC repeat number-dependent RAD51 subnuclear dynamics.

Trypanosoma brucei survives in mammals through antigenic variation, which is driven by RAD51-directed homologous recombination of Variant Surface Glycoproteins (VSG) genes, most of which reside in a subtelomeric repository of >1000 silent genes. A key regulator of RAD51 is BRCA2, which in T. brucei contains a dramatic expansion of a motif that mediates interaction with RAD51, termed the BRC repeats.

Dynamic redistribution of calcium sensitive potassium channels (hK(Ca)3.1) in migrating cells.

Calcium-sensitive potassium channels (K(Ca)3.1) are expressed in virtually all migrating cells. Their activity is required for optimal cell migration so that their blockade leads to slowing down.

Dynamics of single potassium channel proteins in the plasma membrane of migrating cells.

Cell migration is an important physiological process among others controlled by ion channel activity. Calcium-activated potassium channels (K(Ca)3.1) are required for optimal cell migration.

Aldosterone and amiloride alter ENaC abundance in vascular endothelium.

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is usually found in the apical membrane of epithelial cells but has also recently been described in vascular endothelium. Because little is known about the regulation and cell surface density of ENaC, we studied the influence of aldosterone, spironolactone, and amiloride on its abundance in the plasma membrane of human endothelial cells. Three different methods were applied, single ENaC molecule detection in the plasma membrane, quantification by Western blotting, and cell surface imaging using atomic force microscopy.

Cells move when ions and water flow.

Cell migration is a process that plays an important role throughout the entire life span. It starts early on during embryogenesis and contributes to shaping our body. Migrating cells are involved in maintaining the integrity of our body, for instance, by defending it against invading pathogens.

Subcellular distribution of calcium-sensitive potassium channels (IK1) in migrating cells.

Cell migration is crucial for wound healing, immune defense, or formation of tumor metastases. In addition to the cytoskeleton, Ca2+ sensitive K+ channels (IK1) are also part of the cellular "migration machinery." We showed that Ca2+ sensitive K+ channels support the retraction of the rear part of migrating MDCK-F cells by inducing a localized shrinkage at this cell pole.