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Many glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (GR-RBPs) have critical functions in RNA processing and metabolism. Here, we describe a role for the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) GR-RBP SlRBP1 in regulating mRNA translation. We found that SlRBP1 knockdown mutants (slrbp1) displayed reduced accumulation of total chlorophyll and impaired chloroplast ultrastructure. These phenotypes were accompanied by deregulation of the levels of numerous key transcripts associated with chloroplast functions in slrbp1. Furthermore, native RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (nRIP-seq) recovered 61 SlRBP1-associated RNAs, most of which are involved in photosynthesis. SlRBP1 binding to selected target RNAs was validated by nRIP-qPCR. Intriguingly, the accumulation of proteins encoded by SlRBP1-bound transcripts, but not the mRNAs themselves, was reduced in slrbp1 mutants. Polysome profiling followed by RT-qPCR assays indicated that the polysome occupancy of target RNAs was lower in slrbp1 plants than in wild-type. Furthermore, SlRBP1 interacted with the eukaryotic translation initiation factor SleIF4A2. Silencing of SlRBP1 significantly reduced SleIF4A2 binding to SlRBP1-target RNAs. Taking these observations together, we propose that SlRBP1 binds to and channels RNAs onto the SleIF4A2 translation initiation complex and promotes the translation of its target RNAs to regulate chloroplast functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-pore domain K+ channels (K2P) mediate background K+ conductance and play a key role in a variety of cellular functions. Among the 15 mammalian K2P isoforms, TWIK-1, TASK-1, and TASK-3 K+ channels are sensitive to extracellular acidification. Lowered or acidic extracellular pH (pHo) strongly inhibits outward currents through these K2P channels. However, the mechanism of how low pHo affects these acid-sensitive K2P channels is not well understood. Here we show that in Na+- based bath solutions with physiological K+ gradients, lowered pHo largely shifts the reversal potential of TWIK-1, TASK-1, and TASK-3 K+ channels, which are heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, into the depolarizing direction and significantly increases their Na+ to K+ relative permeability. Low pHo-induced inhibitions in these acid-sensitive K2P channels are more profound in Na+-based bath solutions than in channel-impermeable N-methyl-D-glucamine-based bath solutions, consistent with increases in the Na+ to K+ relative permeability and decreases in electrochemical driving forces of outward K+ currents of the channels. These findings indicate that TWIK-1, TASK-1, and TASK-3 K+ channels change ion selectivity in response to lowered pHo, provide insights on the understanding of how extracellular acidification modulates acid-sensitive K2P channels, and imply that these acid-sensitive K2P channels may regulate cellular function with dynamic changes in their ion selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is expressed in epithelial targets of gustatory neurons (i.e., fungiform papillae) before their innervation, and BDNF overexpression in nontaste regions of the tongue misdirects gustatory axons to these sites, suggesting that BDNF is necessary for gustatory axons to locate and innervate their correct targets during development. To test this hypothesis,we examined the targeting of taste neurons in BDNF-null mice (bdnf-/-). Analysis of bdnf-/- mice using a combination of DiI labeling and electron microscopy revealed that taste regions were not innervated by gustatory axons. Instead, branching was increased and many nontaste regions were innervated. The increased branching by gustatory axons in these animals was facilitated by neurotrophin 4 (NT4), because branching was virtually eliminated in bdnf-/-/nt4-/- mice. No abnormalities in gustatory innervation patterns and targeting were observed in nt4-/- mice. Conditional removal of BDNF selectively in epithelial cells disrupted targeting at the tongue tip, where gene recombination removed bdnf by embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). However, innervation patterns were normal in the midregion and caudal portions of the tongue, where gene recombination did not occur until E14.5. These findings demonstrate that BDNF derived from gustatory epithelia is required for gustatory axons to correctly locate and innervate fungiform papillae. In addition, they show that BDNF-mediated targeting is restricted to a critical period of development, on or before E13.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) induces apoptosis by its ability to bind insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) as well as its IGF-independent effects involving binding to other molecules including the retinoid X receptor-α (RXRα). Here we describe that in response to IGFBP-3, the RXRα binding partner nuclear receptor Nur77 rapidly undergoes translocation from the nucleus to the mitochondria, initiating an apoptotic cascade resulting in caspase activation within 6 h. This translocation is a type 1 IGF receptor-signaling independent event as IGFBP-3 induces Nur77 translocation in R-cells. IGFBP-3 and Nur77 are additive in inducing apoptosis. GFP-Nur77 transfection into RXRα wild-type and knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts and subsequent treatment with IGFBP-3 show that RXRα is required for IGFBP-3-induced Nur77 translocation and apoptosis. Addition of IGFBP-3 to 22RV1 cell lysates enhanced the ability of GST-RXRα to ‘pull down’ Nur77, and overexpression of IGFBP-3 enhanced the accumulation of mitochondrial RXRα. This unique nongenotropic nuclear pathway supports an emerging role for IGFBP-3 as a novel, multicompartmental signaling molecule involved in induction of apoptosis in malignant cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces the principle of structured light three-dimensional vision. Image feature analysis of grid structured light; Three-dimensional mathematical model of grid structured light; Routines of calibrating model parameters.

High capacity Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite with good rate performance was prepared via a facile sol-gel method using ascorbic acid as carbon source. It had a uniform distribution on particle size of approximately 20 nm and a thin outlayer of carbon. The galvanostatic charge-discharge measurement showed that the Li2MnSiO4/C electrode could deliver an initial discharge capacity of 257.1 mA h g-1 (corresponding to 1.56 Li+) at a current density of 10 mA g-1 at 30°C, while the Li2MnSiO4 electrode possessed a low capacity of 25.6 mA h g-1. Structural amorphization resulting from excessive extraction of Li+ during the first charge was the main reason for the drastic capacity fading. Controlling extraction of Li+ could inhibit the amorphization of Li2MnSiO4/C during the delithiation, contributing to a reversible structural change and good cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and electrochemical properties of β-Co(OH)2 powders, synthesized by a chemical precipitation method, were investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction show that a reversible reaction between β-Co(OH)2 and hcp Co occurs. The cycling induces a capacity loss of β-Co(OH)2 electrode, which is probably attributed to the dissolution of β-Co(OH)2 and the subsequent formation of α-Co(OH)2 and CoOOH. The results of electrochemical impedance spectra indicate that the electrochemical discharge process of the as-prepared Co(OH)2 powders consists of three steps, namely the charge-transfer reactions of Co/CoH x and Co/Co(OH)2, and the hydrogen diffusion within Co, depending on the depth of discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is well established as a growth-inhibitory, apoptosis-inducing secreted molecule that acts via insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-independent as well as IGF-dependent pathways. Nuclear localization of IGFBP-3 has been observed and nuclear binding partners for IGFBP-3 demonstrated. However, little is known about the mechanism of IGFBP-3 internalization. We hypothesized that IGFBP-3 is first secreted then taken up again into cells and that its internalization could occur via binding to transferrin or caveolin. Incubation of cells with an IGFBP-3-neutralizing antibody demonstrated that nuclear translocation of endogenous IGFBP-3 requires IGFBP-3 secretion and re-uptake. Nuclear localization of exogenously added IGFBP-3 was rapid, occurring within 15 min, inhibited by co-incubation and extracellular sequestration with IGF-I, and dependent on the transferrin-binding C-terminal peptide region of IGFBP-3. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that IGFBP-3 binds transferrin but not directly to the transferrin receptor (TfR1); however, transferrin binds TfR1 and a ternary complex is formed. Specific binding to caveolin scaffolding docking sequence was confirmed utilizing radiolabeled IGFBP-3. Blocking TfR1mediated endocytosis prevents both endogenous and exogenous IGFBP-3 re-uptake and inhibitors of caveolae formation also retard IGFBP-3 nuclear entry. Co-treatmerit with anti-transferrin receptor antibody and cholesterol depletion agents completely abolished endogenous and exogenous IGFBP-3 uptake. Suppression of IGFBP-3 internalization by TfR1 blockade inhibited IGFBP-3-induced apoptosis. Together, these data indicate that the actions of IGFBP-3 are mediated by internalization via distinct endocytic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placenta-specific 9 (Plac9) is a putative secreted protein that was first discovered in the context of embryogenesis. The expression pattern of Plac9 during embryogenesis, together with the results of recent reports, suggest that Plac9 may play a role in the liver development. The present study was conducted to investigate the secretory characteristics of Plac9 and its potential role in liver cell physiology. Methods: Immunofluorescence was employed to identify the subcellular distribution of Plac9. Cellular proliferative activity was analyzed by MTT assay and cell colony formation. The cell cycle distribution of Plac9 was analyzed by flow cytometry, and a functional analysis was performed using L02 cells following their stable infection with a lentivirus over-expressing Plac9. Results: Plac9 is a novel protein that is localized to the cytoplasm and may be secreted through the classic endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi route. The overexpression of Plac9 inhibits cell growth and induces G2/M phase arrest. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a novel role for Plac9 in regulating cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chloroquine, a bitter tastant, inhibits Ca2+ signaling, resulting in suppression of B cell activation; however, the inhibitory mechanism remains unclear. Results: In this study, thapsigargin (TG), but not caffeine, induced sustained intracellular Ca2+ increases in mouse splenic primary B lymphocytes, which were markedly inhibited by chloroquine. Under Ca2+- free conditions, TG elicited transient Ca2+ increases, which additionally elevated upon the restoration of 2 mM Ca2+. The former were from release of intracellular Ca2+ store and the latter from Ca2+ influx. TG-induced release was inhibited by 2-APB (an inhibitor of inositol-3-phosphate receptors, IP3Rs) and chloroquine, and TG-caused influx was inhibited by pyrazole (Pyr3, an inhibitor of transient receptor potential C3 (TRPC3) and stromal interaction molecule (STIM)/Orai channels) and chloroquine. Moreover, chloroquine also blocked Ca2+ increases induced by the engagement of B cell receptor (BCR) with anti-IgM. Conclusions: These results indicate that chloroquine inhibits Ca2+ elevations in splenic B cells through inhibiting Ca2+ permeable IP3R and TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai channels. These findings suggest that chloroquine would be a potent immunosuppressant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co3O4 nanorods were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Eco-friendly deionized water rather than organic solvent was used as the hydrothermal media. The as-prepared Co3O4 nanorods are composed of many nanoparticles of 30-50 nm in diameter, forming a finger-like morphology. The Co3O4 electrode shows a specific capacitance of 265 F g-1 at 2 mV s-1 in a supercapacitor and delivers an initial specific discharge capacity as high as 1171 mAh g-1 at a current density of 50 mA g-1 in a lithium ion battery. Excellent cycling stability and electrochemical reversibility of the Co3O4 electrode were also obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through loading of TiO2 on the surface of K6SiW11O39Co(II)(H2O)·xH2O (SiW11Co), a novel photoanode material has been created for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The absorbing band as well as photoelectricity response range of TiO2@SiW11Co is extended to the visible range. In addition, the absorption in the UV range is enhanced notably compared with P25 (raw TiO2). More importantly, the recombination of the TiO2 network is avoided. TiO2@SiW11Co is mixed with P25 powder (wt ∼1 : 1) to assemble dye-sensitized (N719) solar cells, which exhibit a short-circuit photocurrent density as high as 18.05 mA cm−2, which is 64% higher than blank samples under the standard AM1.5G global solar irradiation. In addition, the mechanisms for SiW11Co in DSSC are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rapidly prevailing as a serious global health problem. Current treatments for T2DM may cause side effects, thus highlighting the need for newer and safer therapies. We tested the hypothesis that dietary capsaicin regulates glucose homeostasis through the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-mediated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in the intestinal cells and tissues. Wild-type (WT) and TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1-/-) mice were fed dietary capsaicin for 24 weeks. TRPV1 was localized in secretin tumor cell-1 (STC-1) cells and ileum. Capsaicin stimulated GLP-1 secretion from STC-1 cells in a calcium-dependent manner through TRPV1 activation. Acute capsaicin administration by gastric gavage increased GLP-1 and insulin secretion in vivo in WT but not in TRPV1-/- mice. Furthermore, chronic dietary capsaicin not only improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin levels but also lowered daily blood glucose profiles and increased plasma GLP-1 levels in WT mice. However, this effect was absent in TRPV1-/- mice. In db/db mice, TRPV1 activation by dietary capsaicin ameliorated abnormal glucose homeostasis and increased GLP-1 levels in the plasma and ileum. The present findings suggest that TRPV1 activation-stimulated GLP-1 secretion could be a promising approach for the intervention of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1500–1512. Recently more evidences support baicalein (Bai) is neuroprotective in models of ischemic stroke. This study was conducted to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. Either permanent or transient (2 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in rats in this study. Permanent MCAO led to larger infarct volumes in contrast to transient MCAO. Only in transient MCAO, Bai administration significantly reduced infarct size. Baicalein also markedly reduced apoptosis in the penumbra of transient MCAO rats. Additionally, oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was used to mimic ischemic insult in primary cultured cortical neurons. A rapid increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species level and nitrotyrosine formation induced by OGD was counteracted by Bai, which is parallel with attenuated cell injury. The reduction of phosphorylation Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) induced by OGD was restored by Bai, which was associated with preserved levels of phosphorylation of PTEN, the phophatase that negatively regulates Akt. As a consequence, Bcl-2/Bcl-xL-associated death protein phosphorylation was increased and the protein level of Bcl-2 in motochondria was maintained, which subsequently antagonize cytochrome c released in cytosol. LY294002 blocked the increase in phospho-AKT evoked by Bai and abolished the associated protective effect. Together, these findings provide evidence that Bai protects neurons against ischemia injury and this neuroprotective effect involves PI3K/Akt and PTEN pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of a linear current-voltage (I-V) relationship (passive) K+ membrane conductance is a hallmark of mature hippocampal astrocytes. However, the molecular identifications of the K+channels underlying this passive conductance remain unknown. We provide the following evidence supporting significant contribution of the two-pore domain K+ channel (K2P) isoforms, TWIK-1 and TREK-1, to this conductance. First, both passive astrocytes and the cloned rat TWIK-1 and TREK-1 channels expressed in CHO cells conduct significant amounts of Cs+ currents, but vary in their relative PCs/PK permeability, 0.43, 0.10, and 0.05, respectively. Second, quinine, which potently inhibited TWIK-1 (IC50 = 85 μM) and TREK-1 (IC50 = 41 μM) currents, also inhibited astrocytic passive conductance by 58% at a concentration of 200 μM. Third, a moderate sensitivity of passive conductance to low extracellular pH (6.0) supports a combined expression of acid-insensitive TREK-1, and to a lesser extent, acid-sensitive TWIK-1. Fourth, the astrocyte passive conductance showed low sensitivity to extracellular Ba2+, and extracellular Ba2+ blocked TWIK-1 channels at an IC50 of 960 μM and had no effect on TREK-1 channels. Finally, an immunocytochemical study showed colocalization of TWIK-1 and TREK-1 proteins with the astrocytic markers GLAST and GFAP in rat hippocampal stratum radiatum. In contrast, another K2P isoform TASK-1 was mainly colocalized with the neuronal marker NeuN in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and was expressed at a much lower level in astrocytes. These results support TWIK-1 and TREK-1 as being the major components of the long-sought K+ channels underlying the passive conductance of mature hippocampal astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium channels activated by intracellular Na+ ions (KNa ) play several distinct roles in regulating the firing patterns of neurons, and, at the single channel level, their properties are quite diverse. Two known genes, Slick and Slack, encode KNa channels. We have now found that Slick and Slack subunits coassemble to form heteromeric channels that differ from the homomers in their unitary conductance, kinetic behavior, subcellular localization, and response to activation of protein kinase C. Heteromer formation requires the N-terminal domain of Slack-B, one of the alternative splice variants of the Slack channel. This cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of Slack-B also facilitates the localization of heteromeric KNa channels to the plasma membrane. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that Slick and Slack-B subunits are coexpressed in many central neurons. Our findings provide a molecular explanation for some of the diversity in reported properties of neuronal KNa channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]