Identification of a novel splicing product of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase in human colorectal carcinoma cells.

The RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a 180 kDa heterodimeric protein composed of a 40 kDa alpha chain and a 145 kDa beta chain with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Activation of RON causes cell dissociation, motility and invasion of extracellular matrices, suggesting that RON might be involved in tumor metastasis. We report here the cloning of a novel splice variant of RON in human colorectal carcinoma cell line HT-29.

Requirement of both tyrosine residues 1330 and 1337 in the C-terminal tail of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase for epithelial cell scattering and migration.

RON is a receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates cell scattering, migration, and tubular formation. This study focused on the function of two tyrosines, Y1330 and Y1337, in the C-terminus of RON in regulating epithelial cell scattering and migration. Substitution of both tyrosine residues with phenylalanine causes complete loss of cell scattering and migration in kidney 293 cells.

The role of neutrophils in acute renal failure.

The role of neutrophils in acute renal failure is controversial. Acute renal failure can clearly occur in the absence of neutrophils. However, recent studies using specific neutrophil markers indicate that neutrophils accumulate in postischemic kidneys.

Recently identified peptides involved in the regulation of body weight.

The application of molecular and genetic techniques to the study of body weight regulation have produced exciting new insights into the physiological systems governing energy expenditure, appetite, and metabolic signaling. A number of new peptides have been identified that play important roles in these regulatory systems. These include the hormone leptin, the short and long forms of the leptin receptor, uncoupling proteins, agouti protein, melanocortin receptor isoforms, melanin-concentrating hormone, and the proteins responsible for tub and fat, two monogenic mouse models of obesity.

Intravenous administration of oral N-acetylcysteine.

Objective: To report the indications and adverse events associated with administration of the oral N-acetylcysteine preparation by the intravenous route.

Design: Retrospective consecutive case series analysis of 226,720 Toxic Exposure Surveillance System data sheets from a certified regional poison center during the period January 1, 1992 through December 31, 1993.

Setting: A regional poison center certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.