The presented work constitutes the first structural characterization of both insoluble human elastin and its solubilized form, kappa-elastin. Structural data were reached following the use of Fourier transform infrared, near infrared Fourier transform Raman and circular dichroism optical spectroscopic methods and their quantitative analysis permitted us to estimate approximately 10% alpha-helices, approximately 35% beta-strands and approximately 55% undefined conformations in the global secondary structure of insoluble human elastin in the solid state. Following the use of the LINK method, the probable local distribution of the secondary-structure elements along the sequence was determined and compared to that obtained for bovine elastin, the historical standard of elastin. This comparison led us to propose a globular architecture for the human elastomer and permitted us to delineate some elements of its structure-elasticity relationship.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1432-1327.1998.2580533.x | DOI Listing |
Hypertension
January 2025
Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. (X.Z., Q.X., A.V., Z.L.).
Background: Recent studies show that hyperactivation of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling plays a causal role in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Modulation of PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A) activity has been shown to be of significant therapeutic value. In light of the effects that PP2A can exert on the mTOR pathway, we hypothesized that PP2A activation by small-molecule activators of PP2A could mitigate AA progression in Marfan syndrome (MFS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFConnect Tissue Res
January 2025
Graduate School of Engineering, Kogakuin University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the collagen fiber structure of the subcutaneous fascia, a connective tissue layer between the skin and epimysium.
Methods: Fascia samples with varying extensibility were examined using biochemical and microscopic methods.
Results: Loose fascia, the more extensible type, displayed sparsely distributed collagen fibers, while dense fascia showed tightly packed collagen fiber bundles.
Int Angiol
December 2024
Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA -
The glycocalyx is an essential structural and functional component of endothelial cells. Extensive hemodynamic changes cause endothelial glycocalyx disruption and vascular dysfunction, leading to multiple arterial and venous disorders. Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common disorder of the lower extremities with major health and socio-economic implications, but complex pathophysiology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Recept Signal Transduct Res
January 2025
Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a copper-containing secretory oxidase, plays a key role in the regulation of extracellular stiffness through cross-linking with collagen and elastin. Among the LOX family of enzymes, LOX-like 4 (LOXL4) exhibits pro-tumor and anti-tumor properties; therefore, the functional role of LOXL4 in tumor progression is still under investigation. Here, we first determined that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) significantly decreased LOXL4 expression in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, which suggested that decreased LOXL4 may participate in tumor progression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Wound Care (New Rochelle)
January 2025
Kenatha Scientific Consulting LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
SN514 is a thermolysin-like enzyme under development as a debrider. Preclinical and non-clinical studies supported a first in human healthy volunteer study to predict the need for protection of periwound skin. Pharmacologic activity testing compared digestion of collagen, fibrin, and elastin with relevant enzymes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!