Background: KDEL receptor helps establish cellular equilibrium in the early secretory pathway by recycling leaked ER-chaperones to the ER during secretion of newly synthesized proteins. Studies have also shown that KDEL receptor may function as a signaling protein that orchestrates membrane flux through the secretory pathway. We have recently shown that KDEL receptor is also a cell surface receptor, which undergoes highly complex itinerary between trans-Golgi network and the plasma membranes via clathrin-mediated transport carriers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Golgi is surrounded by a ribosome-excluding matrix. Recently, we reported that the cis-Golgi-localized golgin GM130 can phase-separate to form dynamic, liquid-like condensates in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that the overexpression of each of the remaining cis (golgin160, GMAP210)- and trans (golgin97, golgin245, GCC88, GCC185)-golgins results in novel protein condensates.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFis an opportunistic pathogen that causes chronic and life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. A better understanding of the role that innate immunity plays in the control of infection is crucial for therapeutic development. Specifically, the role of unconventional immune cells like γδ T cells in the clearance of lung infection is not yet well characterized.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGolgins are an abundant class of peripheral membrane proteins of the Golgi. These very long (50-400 nm) rod-like proteins initially capture cognate transport vesicles, thus enabling subsequent SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. Here, we explore the hypothesis that in addition to serving as vesicle tethers, Golgins may also possess the capacity to phase separate and, thereby, contribute to the internal organization of the Golgi.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLegionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular bacterium that lives in aquatic environments where it parasitizes amoeba. However, upon inhalation of contaminated aerosols it can infect and replicate in human alveolar macrophages, which can result in Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Upon experimental airway infection of mice, L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a potent amplifier of pro-inflammatory innate immune reactions. While TREM-1-amplified responses likely aid an improved detection and elimination of pathogens, excessive production of cytokines and oxygen radicals can also severely harm the host. Studies addressing the pathogenic role of TREM-1 during endotoxin-induced shock or microbial sepsis have so far mostly relied on the administration of TREM-1 fusion proteins or peptides representing part of the extracellular domain of TREM-1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe innate immune response is a first line of defense against invading pathogens; however, the magnitude of this response must be tightly regulated, as hyper- or suboptimal responses can be detrimental to the host. Systemic inflammation resulting from bacterial infection can lead to sepsis, which remains a serious problem with high mortality rates. Lyn tyrosine kinase plays a key role in adaptive immunity, although its role in innate immunity remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUrotensin-II (U-II) is a cyclic peptide now described as the most potent vasoconstrictor known. U-II binds to a specific G protein-coupled receptor, formerly the orphan receptor GPR14, now renamed urotensin receptor (UT receptor), and present in mammalian species. Palosuran (ACT-058362; 1-[2-(4-benzyl-4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-ethyl]-3-(2-methyl-quinolin-4-yl)-urea sulfate salt) is a new potent and specific antagonist of the human UT receptor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Recept Signal Transduct Res
June 2003
Urotensin-II (U-II), a vasoactive cyclic neuropeptide, was recently identified as the natural ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor GPR14. The expression pattern of U-II and GPR14 are consistent with a role as a neurohormonal regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. Urotensin-II induces a rapid and short-lasting rise in intracellular calcium in recombinant GPR14 expressing cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Recept Signal Transduct Res
February 2001
We have modified Semliki Forest virus (SFV) vectors to broaden their application range. Here we describe a series of site-directed mutagenesis experiments on the SFV subgenomic 26S promoter to down-regulate the heterologous gene expression. Several mutants showed a dramatic effect on transgene expression levels in BHK cells.
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