LHRH Priming in Gonadotrophs: A Model System for the Analysis of Neuroendocrine Mechanisms at the Cellular Level

1986 ◽  
pp. 341-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Morris ◽  
Claire E. Lewis ◽  
George Fink
Development ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-480
Author(s):  
A.L. Muggleton-Harris ◽  
K. Hardy ◽  
N. Higbee

In the study of the lens of a congenital cataractous mouse mutant (CAT), it has been shown that a loss of growth regulation at the cellular level causes gross lens abnormalities. The phenotypic characteristics of the cataractous mouse lens are similar to those seen in human congenital cataract and thus serves as a model system for medical research. In this present investigation, we have demonstrated that the abnormalities of the congenital cataractous lens can be rescued by forming chimaeras between DBA/2 (a noncataractous strain of mouse) and the CAT mutant. This report describes the histological, cellular and biochemical analysis of the resultant chimaeric eyes, and discusses possible mechanisms by which these results were achieved.


Author(s):  
R. H. Goddard ◽  
J. W. La Claire II

We have been using the giant algal cells of Ernodesmis verticillata as a model system to study the process of wound healing at the cellular level of organization. Using immuno-localization techniques we have observed changes in the distribution of tubulin-containing microtubules (MTs) and actin-containing microfilaments (MFs), that occur during wound healing. Based on these and new findings, we carried out correlative experiments with inhibitors to investigate the functional roles of the various cytoskeletal components in wound healing.Emodesmis cells were cultured, Wounded and Fixed as described previously. The cytoplasm from fixed cells was adhered to polylysine-coated coverslips for light microscopy, or to formvar coated gold grids for transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The attached cells were labeled with primary antibodies (against tubulin ,actin,calmodulin [CAM], intermediate filament [If] proteins, or myosin)followed by incubation in appropriate secondary antibodies conjugated with FITC or TRITC for fluorescence, or conjugated to gold beads for TEM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (8-9-10) ◽  
pp. 541-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Schaf ◽  
Joseph Damstra-Oddy ◽  
Robin S.B. Williams

Developing novel compounds for the treatment of diseases remains one of the highest priorities in biomedical research, where it is critical to identify their targets and how they work at a cellular level. Most studies in this area employ mammalian models, since rodents or non-human primates are seen as a good approximation for humans. However, using mammalian models can be problematic for a range of reasons, including high genetic redundancy and the essential role for many proteins in development. More importantly, it is very difficult to identify how compounds function at a cellular or molecular level in these models without a previously suggested mechanism or target. So how can we identify targets of medicinal compounds? In this review we outline the use of an innovative and tractable model system, Dictyostelium discoideum, to provide useful insight to the cellular and molecular functions of both therapeutic drugs and pharmacologically active natural products. We outline the advantages of using this model, and then provide a range of exemplar studies using D. discoideum in pharmacological research to demonstrate breakthroughs in understanding the action and effects of compounds, and the subsequent translational of these advances to mammalian models leading to potential improvements in societal health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Quambusch ◽  
Laura Depta ◽  
Ina Landel ◽  
Melissa Lubeck ◽  
Tonia Kirschner ◽  
...  

AbstractThe protein kinase Akt plays a pivotal role in cellular processes. However, its isoforms’ distinct functions have not been resolved to date, mainly due to the lack of suitable biochemical and cellular tools. Against this background, we present the development of an isoform-dependent Ba/F3 model system to translate biochemical results on isoform specificity to the cellular level. Our cellular model system complemented by protein X-ray crystallography and structure-based ligand design results in covalent-allosteric Akt inhibitors with unique selectivity profiles. In a first proof-of-concept, the developed molecules allow studies on isoform-selective effects of Akt inhibition in cancer cells. Thus, this study will pave the way to resolve isoform-selective roles in health and disease and foster the development of next-generation therapeutics with superior on-target properties.


Author(s):  
D. C. Williams ◽  
D. E. Outka

Many studies have shown that the Golgi apparatus is involved in a variety of synthetic activities, and probably no Golgi product is more elaborate than the scales produced by various kinds of phytoflagellates. The formation of calcified scales (coccoliths, Fig. 1,2) of the coccolithophorid phytoflagellates provides a particularly interesting model system for the study of biological mineralization, and the sequential formation of Golgi products.The coccoliths of Hymenomonas carterae consist of a scale-like base (Fig. 2 and 4, b) with a highly structured calcified (CaCO3) rim composed of two distinct elements which alternate about the base periphery (Fig. 1 and 3, A, B). Each element is enveloped by a sheath-like organic matrix (Fig. 3; Fig. 4, m).


Author(s):  
Masako Osumi ◽  
Misuzu Nagano ◽  
Hiroko Kazama

We have found that microbodies appeared profusely together with a remarkable increase in catalase activity in normal alkane-grown cells of hydrocarbon-utilizing Candida yeasts, and that the microbodies multiplied by division in these cells. These features of Candida yeasts seem to provide a useful model system for studies on the biogenesis of the microbody. Subsequently, we have succeeded in isolation of Candida microbodies in an apparently native state, as judged biochemically and morphologically. The presence of DNA in the purified microbody fraction thus obtained was proved by the diphenylamine method. DNA molecule of about 15 urn in contour length was released from an isolated microbody. The physicochemical analyses of the microbody DNA revealed that its buoyant density differed from nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs. All these results lead us to the possibility that there is a novel type of DNA in microbodies.


Author(s):  
M.J. Witcomb ◽  
U. Dahmen ◽  
K.H. Westmacott

Cu-Cr age-hardening alloys are of interest as a model system for the investigation of fcc/bcc interface structures. Several past studies have investigated the morphology and interface structure of Cr precipitates in a Cu matrix (1-3) and good success has been achieved in understanding the crystallography and strain contrast of small needle-shaped precipitates. The present study investigates the effect of small amounts of phosphorous on the precipitation behavior of Cu-Cr alloys.The same Cu-0.3% Cr alloy as was used in earlier work was rolled to a thickness of 150 μm, solution treated in vacuum at 1050°C for 1h followed by quenching and annealing for various times at 820 and 863°C.Two laths and their corresponding diffraction patterns in an alloy aged 2h at 820°C are shown in correct relative orientation in Fig. 1. To within the limit of accuracy of the diffraction patterns the orientation relationship was that of Kurdjumov-Sachs (KS), i.e. parallel close-packed planes and directions.


Author(s):  
D. L. Taylor

Cells function through the complex temporal and spatial interplay of ions, metabolites, macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies. Biochemical approaches allow the investigator to define the components and the solution chemical reactions that might be involved in cellular functions. Static structural methods can yield information concerning the 2- and 3-D organization of known and unknown cellular constituents. Genetic and molecular techniques are powerful approaches that can alter specific functions through the manipulation of gene products and thus identify necessary components and sequences of molecular events. However, full knowledge of the mechanism of particular cell functions will require direct measurement of the interplay of cellular constituents. Therefore, there has been a need to develop methods that can yield chemical and molecular information in time and space in living cells, while allowing the integration of information from biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches at the cellular level.


Author(s):  
V.J. Montpetit ◽  
S. Dancea ◽  
L. Tryphonas ◽  
D.F. Clapin

Very large doses of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) are neurotoxic in humans, selectively affecting the peripheral sensory nerves. We have undertaken a study of the morphological and biochemical aspects of pyridoxine neurotoxicity in an animal model system. Early morphological changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) associated with pyridoxine megadoses include proliferation of neurofilaments, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complexes. We present in this report evidence of the formation of unique aggregates of microtubules and membranes in the proximal processes of DRG which are induced by high levels of pyridoxine.


Author(s):  
Ji-da Dai ◽  
M. Joseph Costello ◽  
Lawrence I. Gilbert

Insect molting and metamorphosis are elicited by a class of polyhydroxylated steroids, ecdysteroids, that originate in the prothoracic glands (PGs). Prothoracicotropic hormone stimulation of steroidogenesis by the PGs at the cellular level involves both calcium and cAMP. Cell-to-cell communication mediated by gap junctions may play a key role in regulating signal transduction by controlling the transmission of small molecules and ions between adjacent cells. This is the first report of gap junctions in the PGs, the evidence obtained by means of SEM, thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas.


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