Physiology of Nucleoside Transporters: Back to the Future. . . .

Physiology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer B. Rose ◽  
Imogen R. Coe
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Nucleoside Transporters ◽  
Integral Membrane Proteins ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

Nucleoside transporters (NTs) are integral membrane proteins responsible for mediating and facilitating the flux of nucleosides and nucleobases across cellular membranes. NTs are also responsible for the uptake of nucleoside analog drugs used in the treatment of cancer and viral infections, and they are the target of certain compounds used in the treatment of some types of cardiovascular disease. The important role of NTs as drug transporters and therapeutic targets has necessarily led to intense interest into their structure and function and the relationship between these proteins and drug efficacy. In contrast, we still know relatively little about the fundamental physiology of NTs. In this review, we discuss various aspects of the physiology of NTs in mammalian systems, particularly noting tissues and cells where there has been little recent research. Our central thesis is reference back to some of the older literature, combined with current findings, will provide direction for future research into NT physiology that will lead to a fuller understanding of the role of these intriguing proteins in the everyday lives of cells, tissues, organs, and whole animals.

scholarly journals Using Tertiary Sulci to Map the “Cognitive Globe” of Prefrontal Cortex

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Jacob A. Miller ◽  
Mark D'Esposito ◽  
Kevin S. Weiner
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Frontal Lobe ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Individual Participant ◽  
And Function

Stuss considered the human prefrontal cortex (pFC) as a “cognitive globe” [Stuss, D. T., & Benson, D. F. Neuropsychological studies of the frontal lobes. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 3–28, 1984] on which functions of the frontal lobe could be mapped. Here, we discuss classic and recent findings regarding the evolution, development, function, and cognitive role of shallow indentations or tertiary sulci in pFC, with the goal of using tertiary sulci to map the “cognitive globe” of pFC. First, we discuss lateral pFC (LPFC) tertiary sulci in classical anatomy and modern neuroimaging, as well as their development, with a focus on those within the middle frontal gyrus. Second, we discuss tertiary sulci in comparative neuroanatomy, focusing on primates. Third, we summarize recent findings showing the utility of tertiary sulci for understanding structural–functional relationships with functional network insights in ventromedial pFC and LPFC. Fourth, we revisit and update unresolved theoretical perspectives considered by C. Vogt and O. Vogt (Allgemeinere ergebnisse unserer hirnforschung. Journal für Psychologie und Neurologie, 25, 279–462, 1919) and F. Sanides (Structure and function of the human frontal lobe. Neuropsychologia, 2, 209–219, 1964) that tertiary sulci serve as landmarks for cortical gradients. Together, the consideration of these classic and recent findings indicate that tertiary sulci are situated in a unique position within the complexity of the “cognitive globe” of pFC: They are the smallest and shallowest of sulci in pFC, yet can offer insights that bridge spatial scales (microns to networks), modalities (functional connectivity to behavior), and species. As such, the map of tertiary sulci within each individual participant serves as a coordinate system specific to that individual on which functions may be further mapped. We conclude with new theoretical and methodological questions that, if answered in future research, will likely lead to mechanistic insight regarding the structure and function of human LPFC.

Understanding the relationship between the microbiome and the structure and function of the pig gastrointestinal tract

2022 ◽  
pp. 165-178
Author(s):  
Chunlong Mu ◽  
◽  
Weiyun Zhu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Amino Acid Metabolism ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Host Interaction ◽  
Epithelial Structure ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

The gut epithelium acts as a barrier to the gut environment. The integrity of the epithelial structure and function is thus critical for microbiome-host interaction. The gut microbiome can regulate the utilization and synthesis of mucin, the expressions of the intercellular junction complex, and the functioning of specific epithelial cells, such as enterochromaffin cells and stem cells in pigs. The factors involved include microbial metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids and host-microbe co-metabolism. Recent studies have revealed the essential role of amino acid metabolism in regulating the gut microbiome and epithelial barrier. This chapter discusses how the pig gut microbiome modulates epithelial structure and function, highlighting findings that reflect the relationship between the gut microbiome, intestinal structure and function.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Erythrocytes and Diabetes Mellitus

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yaqi Wang ◽  
Peiyuan Yang ◽  
Zhaoli Yan ◽  
Zhi Liu ◽  
Qiang Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Normal Structure ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Early Prevention ◽  
High Blood Glucose ◽  
High Blood Glucose Level ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

High blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) is a leading indicator of diabetes mellitus (DM). Erythrocytes are the most abundant cells in the circulation and the first to perceive changes in plasma composition. Long-lasting hyperglycemia affects the structure and function of erythrocytes. The detection of erythrocyte-related indicators can provide a valuable reference for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DM and its complications. This paper reviews the normal structure and function of erythrocytes, the changes in erythrocytes in patients with diabetes, and the role of erythrocytes in the development of diabetic complications to provide more indicators for the early prevention of DM complications and to monitor the therapeutic effect of DM.

scholarly journals The Role of Immunogenetics in COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2636
Author(s):  
Fanny Pojero ◽  
Giuseppina Candore ◽  
Calogero Caruso ◽  
Danilo Di Bona ◽  
David A. Groneberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Treatment Plans ◽  
And Function

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is induced by SARS-CoV-2 and may arise as a variety of clinical manifestations, ranging from an asymptomatic condition to a life-threatening disease associated with cytokine storm, multiorgan and respiratory failure. The molecular mechanism behind such variability is still under investigation. Several pieces of experimental evidence suggest that genetic variants influencing the onset, maintenance and resolution of the immune response may be fundamental in predicting the evolution of the disease. The identification of genetic variants behind immune system reactivity and function in COVID-19 may help in the elaboration of personalized therapeutic strategies. In the frenetic look for universally shared treatment plans, those genetic variants that are common to other diseases/models may also help in addressing future research in terms of drug repurposing. In this paper, we discuss the most recent updates about the role of immunogenetics in determining the susceptibility to and the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We propose a narrative review of available data, speculating about lessons that we have learnt from other viral infections and immunosenescence, and discussing what kind of aspects of research should be deepened in order to improve our knowledge of how host genetic variability impacts the outcome for COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Microglia: sculptors of neuropathic pain?

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 200260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Ward ◽  
Steven J. West
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Important Target ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Future Therapy

Neuropathic pain presents a huge societal and individual burden. The limited efficacy of current analgesics, diagnostic markers and clinical trial outcome measures arises from an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms. A large and growing body of evidence has established the important role of microglia in the onset and possible maintenance of neuropathic pain, and these cells may represent an important target for future therapy. Microglial research has further revealed their important role in structural remodelling of the nervous system. In this review, we aim to explore the evidence for microglia in sculpting nervous system structure and function, as well as their important role in neuropathic pain, and finally integrate these studies to synthesize a new model for microglia in somatosensory circuit remodelling, composed of six key and inter-related mechanisms. Summarizing the mechanisms through which microglia modulate nervous system structure and function helps to frame a better understanding of neuropathic pain, and provide a clear roadmap for future research.

scholarly journals The structure-based reaction mechanism of urease, a nickel dependent enzyme: tale of a long debate

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 829-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Mazzei ◽  
Francesco Musiani ◽  
Stefano Ciurli
Keyword(s):  
Metal Ion ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Enzymatic Catalysis ◽  
Bioinorganic Chemistry ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Essential Metal ◽  
The Many ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This review is an attempt to retrace the chronicle that starts from the discovery of the role of nickel as the essential metal ion in urease for the enzymatic catalysis of urea, a key step in the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen on Earth, to the most recent progress in understanding the chemistry of this historical enzyme. Data and facts are presented through the magnifying lenses of the authors, using their best judgment to filter and elaborate on the many facets of the research carried out on this metalloenzyme over the years. The tale is divided in chapters that discuss and describe the results obtained in the subsequent leaps in the knowledge that led from the discovery of a biological role for Ni to the most recent advancements in the comprehension of the relationship between the structure and function of urease. This review is intended not only to focus on the bioinorganic chemistry of this beautiful metal-based catalysis, but also, and maybe primarily, to evoke inspiration and motivation to further explore the realm of bio-based coordination chemistry.

Coping Humor as a Mediator Between Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peizhen Sun ◽  
Jennifer J. Chen ◽  
Hongyan Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Regulation Of Emotion ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Overall Job Satisfaction

Abstract. This study investigated the mediating role of coping humor in the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and job satisfaction. Participants were 398 primary school teachers in China, who completed the Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, Coping Humor Scale, and Overall Job Satisfaction Scale. Results showed that coping humor was a significant mediator between EI and job satisfaction. A further examination revealed, however, that coping humor only mediated two sub-dimensions of EI (use of emotion and regulation of emotion) and job satisfaction. Implications for future research and limitations of the study are discussed.

Moderating Role of Gender in the Relationship between Cognitive Errors and Anxiety among Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-102
Author(s):  
Tasnim Rehna ◽  
Rubina Hanif ◽  
Muhammad Aqeel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adolescent Psychopathology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Errors ◽  
Adolescent Anxiety ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Status ◽  
Manifest Anxiety ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Widespread social paradigms on which the status variances are grounded in any society, gender plays pivotal role in manifestation of mental health problems (Rutter, 2007). A hefty volume of research has addressed the issue in adults nonetheless, little is vividly known about the role of gender in adolescent psychopathology. Sample: A sample of 240 adolescents (125 boys, 115 girls) aging 12-18 years was amassed from various secondary schools of Islamabad with the approval of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), relevant authorities of the schools and the adolescents themselves. Instruments: Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (Taylor & Spence, 1953) and Children’s Negative Cognitive Errors Questionnaire (CNCEQ) by Leitenberg et al., (1986) were applied in present study. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that cognitive errors jointly accounted for 78% of variance in predicting anxiety among adolescents. Findings also exhibited that gender significantly moderated the relationship between cognitive errors and adolescent anxiety. Implications of the findings are discoursed for future research and clinical practice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document