Microtubule-associated protein 8 contains two microtubule binding sites.

Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are critical regulators of microtubule dynamics and functions, and have long been proposed to be essential for many cellular events including neuronal morphogenesis and functional maintenance. In this study, we report the characterization of a new microtubule-associated protein, we named MAP8. The protein of MAP8 is mainly restricted to the nervous system postnatally in mouse.

Gigaxonin-controlled degradation of MAP1B light chain is critical to neuronal survival.

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a devastating sensory and motor neuropathy caused by mutations in the GAN gene, which encodes the ubiquitously expressed protein gigaxonin. Cytopathological features of GAN include axonal degeneration, with accumulation and aggregation of cytoskeletal components. Little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms underlying this recessive disorder.

[The role of graded reoxygenation with cardiopulmonary bypass in prevention of reoxygenation injury and its safety].

Objective: To investigate the role of graded reoxygenation with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in prevention of reoxygenation injury in children with cyanotic congenital heart defects, and to evaluate its safety.

Methods: Twenty pediatric patients with cyanotic congenital heart defect were randomly divided into 2 equal groups according to CPB methodology: group 1, undergoing routine hyperoxic CPB with CPB primed and initiated at FiO(2) of 1.0, and group 2 undergoing modified CPB with graded reoxygenation (CPB was primed and initiated at FiO(2) of 0.

Use of a pH-stat strategy during retrograde cerebral perfusion improves cerebral perfusion and tissue oxygenation.

Background: Although it is well documented that the use of a pH-stat strategy during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass improves cerebral blood flow, an alpha-stat strategy has been almost exclusively used during retrograde cerebral perfusion. We investigated the effects of pH-stat and alpha-stat management on brain tissue blood flow and oxygenation during retrograde cerebral perfusion in a porcine model to determine if the use of a pH-stat strategy during retrograde cerebral perfusion improves brain tissue perfusion.

Methods: Fourteen pigs were managed by an alpha-stat strategy (alpha-stat group, n = 7) or by a pH-stat strategy (pH-stat group, n = 7) during 120 minutes of hypothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion.

Maspin expression and its clinicopathological significance in tumorigenesis and progression of gastric cancer.

Aim: To investigate maspin expression in tumorigenesis and progression of gastric cancer and to explore its relevant molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from normal mucosa (n=182), dysplasia (n=69), cancer (n=113) of the stomach were studied for maspin expression by immunohistochemistry. Microvessel density (MVD) in gastric cancer was labeled using anti-CD34 antibody.

BPAG1n4 is essential for retrograde axonal transport in sensory neurons.

Disruption of the BPAG1 (bullous pemphigoid antigen 1) gene results in progressive deterioration in motor function and devastating sensory neurodegeneration in the null mice. We have previously demonstrated that BPAG1n1 and BPAG1n3 play important roles in organizing cytoskeletal networks in vivo. Here, we characterize functions of a novel BPAG1 neuronal isoform, BPAG1n4.

Microtubule-associated protein 1B: a neuronal binding partner for gigaxonin.

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in GAN, is characterized cytopathologically by cytoskeletal abnormality. Based on its sequence, gigaxonin contains an NH2-terminal BTB domain followed by six kelch repeats, which are believed to be important for protein-protein interactions (Adams, J., R.