PSD-95 (postsynaptic density-95) is thought to play important roles in the regulation of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. TANC1 is a PSD-95-interacting synaptic protein that contains multiple domains for protein-protein interactions but whose function is not well understood. In the present study, we provide evidence that TANC1 and its close relative TANC2 regulate dendritic spines and excitatory synapses. Overexpression of TANC1 and TANC2 in cultured neurons increases the density of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses in a manner that requires the PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1)-binding C termini of TANC proteins. TANC1-deficient mice exhibit reduced spine density in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, but not in the CA1 or dentate gyrus regions, and show impaired spatial memory. TANC2 deficiency, however, causes embryonic lethality. These results suggest that TANC1 is important for dendritic spine maintenance and spatial memory, and implicate TANC2 in embryonic development.
Background The present study was designed to investigate the effect and relationship of endothelial function and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by green tea consumption in chronic smokers. The numbers of circulating EPCs have an inverse correlation with chronic smoking and endothelial dysfunction. Green tea catechin improved endothelial dysfunction in chronic smokers.
Method and ResultsIn 20 young healthy smokers, endothelial functions, defined by flow-mediated endothelium dependent vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery via ultrasound as well as the number of EPCs isolated from peripheral blood, were determined at baseline and at 2 weeks after green tea consumption (8 g/day). Circulating EPCs were quantified by flow cytometry as CD45lowCD34 + KDR2+ cells and by acyl-low-density lipoprotein and fluorescein isotiocyanate-lectin double positive cells after culture for 7 days. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were not significantly different between the baseline and at 2 weeks after green tea intake. EPC levels were inversely correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked. Circulating EPCs by flow cytometry (78.6±72.6 vs 156.1±135.8 /ml, p<0.001) and cultured EPCs (118.2±35.7 vs 169.31±58.3/10 field, p<0.001) increased rapidly at 2 weeks after green tea consumption. FMD was significantly improved after 2 weeks (7.2±2.8 vs 9.3±2.4, p<0.001). The FMD correlated with EPC counts (r=0.67, p=0.003) before treatment and after 2 weeks (r=0.60, p=0.013). Conclusions A short-term administration of green tea consumption induces a rapid improvement of EPC levels and FMD. Green tea consumption may be effective to prevent future cardiovascular events in chronic smokers. (Circ J 2006; 70: 1052 -1057
Background:The androgen receptor (AR) is the primary drug target for prostate cancer treatment. Results: We have identified a novel AR antagonist, the compound 6-(3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)nicotinamide (DIMN) that inhibits the growth of AR-positive prostate cancer cells. Conclusion: DIMN has been identified as a new lead structure targeting the AR. Significance: This novel AR antagonist could be a useful therapeutic agent for prostate cancer treatment.
Background and ObjectivesWe used virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) to evaluate the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and plaque components in 279 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.Subjects and MethodsWe divided patients into three groups according to their hs-CRP levels {lowest tertile <0.07 mg/dL (n=93), middle tertile ≥0.07, <0.4 mg/dL (n=93), and highest tertile ≥0.4 mg/dL (n=93)}. Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was defined as focal, necrotic core (NC)-rich (≥10% of the cross-sectional area) plaques in contact with the lumen in a plaque burden ≥40%.ResultsThe highest tertile group was mostly diabetics (20%, 27%, 40%, p=0.009), and had the greatest plaque plus media volume (163±139/mm3 vs. 201±155/mm3 vs. 232±176/mm3, p=0.013). The highest tertile group had the greatest absolute and % NC volumes (13.6±15.1 mm3 vs. 14.8±14.2 mm3 vs. 23.7±24.3 mm3, p<0.001, and 14.9±8.7% vs. 16.0±8.7% vs. 19.5±10.2%, p=0.024, respectively). The culprit lesion TCFA was observed most frequently in the highest tertile group (28% vs. 35% vs. 55%, p=0.006). By multivariable analysis, absolute NC volume was an independent predictor of hs-CRP elevation {odds ratio (OR); 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.06-1.21, p=0.004}, and hs-CRP was an independent predictor of TCFA (OR; 1.86, 95% CI=1.11-2.90, p=0.010).ConclusionVH-IVUS analysis has demonstrated that ACS patients with elevated hs-CRP have more vulnerable plaque component (NC-rich plaques and higher frequency of culprit lesion TCFA), compared with ACS patients with normal hs-CRP.
The challenge in achieving precision medicine relies on how to advance and/or enhance new as well as old therapeutic strategies. Here, we highlight the significant role hydrophilicity of biotinylated fluorescent probe's plays on their cellular uptake behaviour.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.