Biology

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Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in the Analysis of Macromolecular Interactions Using the Matrix-Free Method of Sedimentation in the Analytical Ultracentrifuge

by Stephen E. Harding, Richard B. Gillis, Fahad Almutairi, Tayyibe Erten, M. Şamil Kök and Gary G. Adams

Biology 2015, 4(1), 237-250; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010237 - 06 Mar 2015

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6699

Abstract

Sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge is a matrix free solution technique with no immobilisation, columns, or membranes required and can be used to study self-association and complex or “hetero”-interactions, stoichiometry, reversibility and interaction strength of a wide variety of macromolecular types and across [...] Read more.

Sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge is a matrix free solution technique with no immobilisation, columns, or membranes required and can be used to study self-association and complex or “hetero”-interactions, stoichiometry, reversibility and interaction strength of a wide variety of macromolecular types and across a very large dynamic range (dissociation constants from 10⁻¹² M to 10⁻¹ M). We extend an earlier review specifically highlighting advances in sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium in the analytical ultracentrifuge applied to protein interactions and mucoadhesion and to review recent applications in protein self-association (tetanus toxoid, agrin), protein-like carbohydrate association (aminocelluloses), carbohydrate-protein interactions (polysaccharide-gliadin), nucleic-acid protein (G-duplexes), nucleic acid-carbohydrate (DNA-chitosan) and finally carbohydrate-carbohydrate (xanthan-chitosan and a ternary polysaccharide complex) interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein-Protein Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Lipids and Gene Expression Reveals Differences in Fatty Acid Metabolism between Follicular Compartments in Porcine Ovaries

by Svetlana Uzbekova, Sebastien Elis, Ana-Paula Teixeira-Gomes, Alice Desmarchais, Virginie Maillard and Valerie Labas

Biology 2015, 4(1), 216-236; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010216 - 06 Mar 2015

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 9923

Abstract

In mammals, oocytes develop inside the ovarian follicles; this process is strongly supported by the surrounding follicular environment consisting of cumulus, granulosa and theca cells, and follicular fluid. In the antral follicle, the final stages of oogenesis require large amounts of energy that [...] Read more.

In mammals, oocytes develop inside the ovarian follicles; this process is strongly supported by the surrounding follicular environment consisting of cumulus, granulosa and theca cells, and follicular fluid. In the antral follicle, the final stages of oogenesis require large amounts of energy that is produced by follicular cells from substrates including glucose, amino acids and fatty acids (FAs). Since lipid metabolism plays an important role in acquiring oocyte developmental competence, the aim of this study was to investigate site-specificity of lipid metabolism in ovaries by comparing lipid profiles and expression of FA metabolism-related genes in different ovarian compartments. Using MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging, images of porcine ovary sections were reconstructed from lipid ion signals for the first time. Cluster analysis of ion spectra revealed differences in spatial distribution of lipid species among ovarian compartments, notably between the follicles and interstitial tissue. Inside the follicles analysis differentiated follicular fluid, granulosa, theca and the oocyte-cumulus complex. Moreover, by transcript quantification using real time PCR, we showed that expression of five key genes in FA metabolism significantly varied between somatic follicular cells (theca, granulosa and cumulus) and the oocyte. In conclusion, lipid metabolism differs between ovarian and follicular compartments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid Metabolism)

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573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

StAR Protein Stability in Y1 and Kin-8 Mouse Adrenocortical Cells

by Barbara J. Clark and Elizabeth A. Hudson

Biology 2015, 4(1), 200-215; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010200 - 04 Mar 2015

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5675

Abstract

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) protein expression is required for cholesterol transport into mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis in the adrenal and gonads. STAR is synthesized as a 37 kDa precursor protein which is targeted to the mitochondria and imported and processed to [...] Read more.

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) protein expression is required for cholesterol transport into mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis in the adrenal and gonads. STAR is synthesized as a 37 kDa precursor protein which is targeted to the mitochondria and imported and processed to an intra-mitochondrial 30 kDa protein. Tropic hormone stimulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is the major contributor to the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of STAR synthesis. Many studies have focused on the mechanisms of cAMP-PKA mediated control of STAR synthesis while there are few reports on STAR degradation pathways. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling on STAR protein stability. We have used the cAMP-PKA responsive Y1 mouse adrenocortical cells and the PKA-deficient Kin-8 cells to measure STAR phosphorylation and protein half-life. Western blot analysis and standard radiolabeled pulse-chase experiments were used to determine STAR phosphorylation status and protein half-life, respectively. Our data demonstrate that PKA-dependent STAR phosphorylation does not contribute to 30 kDa STAR protein stability in the mitochondria. We further show that inhibition of the 26S proteasome does not block precursor STAR phosphorylation or steroid production in Y1 cells. These data suggest STAR can maintain function and promote steroidogenesis under conditions of proteasome inhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid Metabolism)

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Open AccessCommentary

Body-Mass Scaling of Metabolic Rate: What are the Relative Roles of Cellular versus Systemic Effects?

by Douglas S. Glazier

Biology 2015, 4(1), 187-199; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010187 - 04 Mar 2015

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 13056

Abstract

The reason why metabolic rate often scales allometrically (disproportionately) with body mass has been debated for decades. A critical question concerns whether metabolic scaling is controlled intrinsically at the intracellular level or systemically at the organismal level. Recently, the relative importance of these [...] Read more.

The reason why metabolic rate often scales allometrically (disproportionately) with body mass has been debated for decades. A critical question concerns whether metabolic scaling is controlled intrinsically at the intracellular level or systemically at the organismal level. Recently, the relative importance of these effects has been tested by examining the metabolic rates of cultured dermal fibroblast and skeletal muscle cells in relation to donor body mass of a variety of birds and mammals. The lack of a relationship between in vitro cellular metabolic rates and body mass suggests that systemic effects, not intrinsic cellular effects are responsible for allometric metabolic scaling observed in whole organisms. Influential resource-transport network theory claims that the most important systemic effect involved is body-size related resource-supply limits to metabolizing cells. However, comparisons of in vitro cellular metabolic rates with scaling relationships for in vivo (basal) metabolic rates suggest that other systemic effects, such as body-size dependent biological regulation and tissue composition may also have major, perhaps more important effects. Furthermore, systemic effects must ultimately act at the cellular level, for example, by induced variation in the function, structure and intracellular densities of mitochondria. The mechanistic pathways involved require further study. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Visually Guided Learning of Grip Force Control

by Tamas Minarik, Paul Sauseng, Lewis Dunne, Barbara Berger and Annette Sterr

Biology 2015, 4(1), 173-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010173 - 02 Mar 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6619

Abstract

Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to be an effective non-invasive brain stimulation method for improving cognitive and motor functioning in patients with neurological deficits. tDCS over motor cortex (M1), for instance, facilitates motor learning in stroke patients. However, the [...] Read more.

Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to be an effective non-invasive brain stimulation method for improving cognitive and motor functioning in patients with neurological deficits. tDCS over motor cortex (M1), for instance, facilitates motor learning in stroke patients. However, the literature on anodal tDCS effects on motor learning in healthy participants is inconclusive, and the effects of tDCS on visuo-motor integration are not well understood. In the present study we examined whether tDCS over the contralateral motor cortex enhances learning of grip-force output in a visually guided feedback task in young and neurologically healthy volunteers. Twenty minutes of 1 mA anodal tDCS were applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) contralateral to the dominant (right) hand, during the first half of a 40 min power-grip task. This task required the control of a visual signal by modulating the strength of the power-grip for six seconds per trial. Each participant completed a two-session sham-controlled crossover protocol. The stimulation conditions were counterbalanced across participants and the sessions were one week apart. Performance measures comprised time-on-target and target-deviation, and were calculated for the periods of stimulation (or sham) and during the afterphase respectively. Statistical analyses revealed significant performance improvements over the stimulation and the afterphase, but this learning effect was not modulated by tDCS condition. This suggests that the form of visuomotor learning taking place in the present task was not sensitive to neurostimulation. These null effects, together with similar reports for other types of motor tasks, lead to the proposition that tDCS facilitation of motor learning might be restricted to cases or situations where the motor system is challenged, such as motor deficits, advanced age, or very high task demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Mechanisms of Learning and Memory)

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Open AccessArticle

Easy and Rapid Binding Assay for Functional Analysis of Disulfide-Containing Peptides by a Pull-Down Method Using a Puromycin-Linker and a Cell-Free Translation System

by Yutaro Tanemura, Yuki Mochizuki, Shigefumi Kumachi and Naoto Nemoto

Biology 2015, 4(1), 161-172; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010161 - 02 Mar 2015

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 9359

Abstract

Constrained peptides are an attractive class as affinity reagents or drug leads owing to their excellent binding properties. Many kinds of these peptides, such as cyclic peptides containing disulfide bridges, are found in nature or designed artificially by directed evolution. However, confirming the [...] Read more.

Constrained peptides are an attractive class as affinity reagents or drug leads owing to their excellent binding properties. Many kinds of these peptides, such as cyclic peptides containing disulfide bridges, are found in nature or designed artificially by directed evolution. However, confirming the binding properties of the disulfide-rich peptides can be generally difficult, because of oxidative folding problems in the preparation steps. Therefore, a method for evaluating the binding properties of such peptides rapidly and easily is required. Here, we report an easy and rapid method for preparing biotin-attached peptides containing disulfide bridges or a chemical cross-linker using a cell-free translation system and a puromycin-linker, which is applicable to pull-down assays for protein (or peptide) molecular interaction analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein-Protein Interactions)

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Open AccessReview

Oncostatin M Modulation of Lipid Storage

by Carrie M. Elks and Jacqueline M. Stephens

Biology 2015, 4(1), 151-160; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010151 - 13 Feb 2015

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7713

Abstract

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a cytokine belonging to the gp130 family, whose members serve pleiotropic functions. However, several actions of OSM are unique from those of other gp130 cytokines, and these actions may have critical roles in inflammatory mechanisms influencing several metabolic and [...] Read more.

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a cytokine belonging to the gp130 family, whose members serve pleiotropic functions. However, several actions of OSM are unique from those of other gp130 cytokines, and these actions may have critical roles in inflammatory mechanisms influencing several metabolic and biological functions of insulin-sensitive tissues. In this review, the actions of OSM in adipose tissue and liver are discussed, with an emphasis on lipid metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid Metabolism)

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Open AccessReview

Eukaryotic LYR Proteins Interact with Mitochondrial Protein Complexes

by Heike Angerer

Biology 2015, 4(1), 133-150; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010133 - 12 Feb 2015

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 8955

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria host ancient essential bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways. LYR (leucine/tyrosine/arginine) motif proteins (LYRMs) of the Complex1_LYR-like superfamily interact with protein complexes of bacterial origin. Many LYR proteins function as extra subunits (LYRM3 and LYRM6) or novel assembly factors (LYRM7, LYRM8, [...] Read more.

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria host ancient essential bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways. LYR (leucine/tyrosine/arginine) motif proteins (LYRMs) of the Complex1_LYR-like superfamily interact with protein complexes of bacterial origin. Many LYR proteins function as extra subunits (LYRM3 and LYRM6) or novel assembly factors (LYRM7, LYRM8, ACN9 and FMC1) of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) core complexes. Structural insights into complex I accessory subunits LYRM6 and LYRM3 have been provided by analyses of EM and X-ray structures of complex I from bovine and the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, respectively. Combined structural and biochemical studies revealed that LYRM6 resides at the matrix arm close to the ubiquinone reduction site. For LYRM3, a position at the distal proton-pumping membrane arm facing the matrix space is suggested. Both LYRMs are supposed to anchor an acyl-carrier protein (ACPM) independently to complex I. The function of this duplicated protein interaction of ACPM with respiratory complex I is still unknown. Analysis of protein-protein interaction screens, genetic analyses and predicted multi-domain LYRMs offer further clues on an interaction network and adaptor-like function of LYR proteins in mitochondria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein-Protein Interactions)

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Open AccessReview

Lipids around the Clock: Focus on Circadian Rhythms and Lipid Metabolism

by Davide Gnocchi, Matteo Pedrelli, Eva Hurt-Camejo and Paolo Parini

Biology 2015, 4(1), 104-132; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010104 - 05 Feb 2015

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 15939

Abstract

Disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and transport are responsible for the development of a large spectrum of pathologies, ranging from cardiovascular diseases, to metabolic syndrome, even to tumour development. Recently, a deeper knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that control our biological clock [...] Read more.

Disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and transport are responsible for the development of a large spectrum of pathologies, ranging from cardiovascular diseases, to metabolic syndrome, even to tumour development. Recently, a deeper knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that control our biological clock and circadian rhythms has been achieved. From these studies it has clearly emerged how the molecular clock tightly regulates every aspect of our lives, including our metabolism. This review analyses the organisation and functioning of the circadian clock and its relevance in the regulation of physiological processes. We also describe metabolism and transport of lipids and lipoproteins as an essential aspect for our health, and we will focus on how the circadian clock and lipid metabolism are greatly interconnected. Finally, we discuss how a deeper knowledge of this relationship might be useful to improve the recent spread of metabolic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid Metabolism)

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Open AccessReview

PDZ Domain Recognition: Insight from Human Tax-Interacting Protein 1 (TIP-1) Interaction with Target Proteins

by Smita Mohanty, Mohiuddin Ovee and Monimoy Banerjee

Biology 2015, 4(1), 88-103; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010088 - 05 Feb 2015

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7437

Abstract

Cellular signaling is primarily directed via protein-protein interactions. PDZ (PSD-95/Discs large/ZO-1 homologous) domains are well known protein-protein interaction modules involved in various key signaling pathways. Human Tax-interacting protein 1 (TIP-1), also known as glutaminase interaction protein (GIP), is a Class I PDZ domain [...] Read more.

Cellular signaling is primarily directed via protein-protein interactions. PDZ (PSD-95/Discs large/ZO-1 homologous) domains are well known protein-protein interaction modules involved in various key signaling pathways. Human Tax-interacting protein 1 (TIP-1), also known as glutaminase interaction protein (GIP), is a Class I PDZ domain protein that recognizes the consensus binding motif X-S/T-X-V/I/L-COOH of the C-terminus of its target proteins. We recently reported that TIP-1 not only interacts via the C-terminus of its target partner proteins but also recognizes an internal motif defined by the consensus sequence S/T-X-V/L-D in the target protein. Identification of new target partners containing either a C-terminal or internal recognition motif has rapidly expanded the TIP-1 protein interaction network. TIP-1 being composed solely of a single PDZ domain is unique among PDZ containing proteins. Since it is involved in many important signaling pathways, it is a possible target for drug design. In this mini review, we have discussed human TIP-1, its structure, mechanism of function, its interactions with target proteins containing different recognition motifs, and its involvement in human diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of TIP-1 interactions with distinct target partners and their role in human diseases will be useful for designing novel therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein-Protein Interactions)

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Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Molecular Responses of Fast and Slow Muscle Fibers to Lipopolysaccharide in a Teleost Fish, the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

by Leonardo J. Magnoni, Nerea Roher, Diego Crespo, Aleksei Krasnov and Josep V. Planas

Biology 2015, 4(1), 67-87; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010067 - 04 Feb 2015

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7712

Abstract

The physiological consequences of the activation of the immune system in skeletal muscle in fish are not completely understood. To study the consequences of the activation of the immune system by bacterial pathogens on skeletal muscle function, we administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an active [...] Read more.

The physiological consequences of the activation of the immune system in skeletal muscle in fish are not completely understood. To study the consequences of the activation of the immune system by bacterial pathogens on skeletal muscle function, we administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an active component of Gram-negative bacteria, in rainbow trout and performed transcriptomic and proteomic analyses in skeletal muscle. We examined changes in gene expression in fast and slow skeletal muscle in rainbow trout at 24 and 72 h after LPS treatment (8 mg/kg) by microarray analysis. At the transcriptional level, we observed important changes in metabolic, mitochondrial and structural genes in fast and slow skeletal muscle. In slow skeletal muscle, LPS caused marked changes in the expression of genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, while in fast skeletal muscle LPS administration caused major changes in the expression of genes coding for glycolytic enzymes. We also evaluated the effects of LPS administration on the fast skeletal muscle proteome and identified 14 proteins that were differentially induced in LPS-treated trout, primarily corresponding to glycolytic enzymes. Our results evidence a robust and tissue-specific response of skeletal muscle to an acute inflammatory challenge, affecting energy utilization and possibly growth in rainbow trout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Muscle Structure and Function)

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Open AccessArticle

Treatment of Leptothrix Cells with Ultrapure Water Poses a Threat to Their Viability

by Tatsuki Kunoh, Tomoko Suzuki, Tomonori Shiraishi, Hitoshi Kunoh and Jun Takada

Biology 2015, 4(1), 50-66; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010050 - 27 Jan 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7199

Abstract

The genus Leptothrix, a type of Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria, is characterized by its formation of an extracellular and microtubular sheath. Although almost all sheaths harvested from natural aquatic environments are hollow, a few chained bacterial cells are occasionally seen within some sheaths of [...] Read more.

The genus Leptothrix, a type of Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria, is characterized by its formation of an extracellular and microtubular sheath. Although almost all sheaths harvested from natural aquatic environments are hollow, a few chained bacterial cells are occasionally seen within some sheaths of young stage. We previously reported that sheaths of Leptothrix sp. strain OUMS1 cultured in artificial media became hollow with aging due to spontaneous autolysis within the sheaths. In this study, we investigated environmental conditions that lead the OUMS1 cells to die. Treatment of the cells with ultrapure water or acidic buffers (pH 6.0) caused autolysis of the cells. Under these conditions, the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of cells were drastically damaged, resulting in leakage of intracellular electrolytes and relaxation of genomic DNA. The autolysis was suppressed by the presence of Ca²⁺. The hydrolysis of peptidoglycan by the lysozyme treatment similarly caused autolysis of the cells and was suppressed also by the presence of Ca²⁺. However, it remains unclear whether the acidic pH-dependent autolysis is attributable to damage of peptidoglycan. It was observed that L. discophora strain SP-6 cells also underwent autolysis when suspended in ultrapure water; it is however, uncertain whether this phenomenon is common among other members of the genus Leptothrix. Full article

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Open AccessCommunication

KAP1 is a Novel Substrate for the Arginine Methyltransferase PRMT5

by Roberta Di Caprio, Michela Ciano, Giorgia Montano, Paola Costanzo and Elena Cesaro

Biology 2015, 4(1), 41-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010041 - 09 Jan 2015

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6328

Abstract

KRAB-associated protein 1 (KAP1), the transcriptional corepressor of Kruppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs), is subjected to multiple post-translational modifications that are involved in fine-tuning of the multiple biological functions of KAP1. In previous papers, we analyzed the KAP1-dependent molecular mechanism of transcriptional [...] Read more.

KRAB-associated protein 1 (KAP1), the transcriptional corepressor of Kruppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs), is subjected to multiple post-translational modifications that are involved in fine-tuning of the multiple biological functions of KAP1. In previous papers, we analyzed the KAP1-dependent molecular mechanism of transcriptional repression mediated by ZNF224, a member of the KRAB-ZFP family, and identified the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 as a component of the ZNF224 repression complex. We demonstrated that PRMT5-mediated histone arginine methylation is required to elicit ZNF224 transcriptional repression. In this study, we show that KAP1 interacts with PRMT5 and is a novel substrate for PRMT5 methylation. Also, we present evidence that the methylation of KAP1 arginine residues regulate the KAP1-ZNF224 interaction, thus suggesting that this KAP1 post-translational modification could actively contribute to the regulation of ZNF224-mediated repression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein-Protein Interactions)

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Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Biology in 2014

by Biology Editorial Office

Biology 2015, 4(1), 39-40; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010039 - 08 Jan 2015

Viewed by 3842

Abstract

The editors of Biology would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...] Full article

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Open AccessReview

Will Lipidation of ApoA1 through Interaction with ABCA1 at the Intestinal Level Affect the Protective Functions of HDL?

by Eric J. Niesor

Biology 2015, 4(1), 17-38; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010017 - 06 Jan 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 15051

Abstract

The relationship between levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular (CV) risk is well recognized; however, in recent years, large-scale phase III studies with HDL-C-raising or -mimicking agents have failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit on CV outcomes associated with raising HDL-C, [...] Read more.

The relationship between levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular (CV) risk is well recognized; however, in recent years, large-scale phase III studies with HDL-C-raising or -mimicking agents have failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit on CV outcomes associated with raising HDL-C, casting doubt on the “HDL hypothesis.” This article reviews potential reasons for the observed negative findings with these pharmaceutical compounds, focusing on the paucity of translational models and relevant biomarkers related to HDL metabolism that may have confounded understanding of in vivo mechanisms. A unique function of HDL is its ability to interact with the ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1 via apolipoprotein (Apo) A1. Only recently, studies have shown that this process may be involved in the intestinal uptake of dietary sterols and antioxidants (vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin) at the basolateral surface of enterocytes. This parameter should be assessed for HDL-raising drugs in addition to the more documented reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from peripheral tissues to the liver. Indeed, a single mechanism involving the same interaction between ApoA1 and ABCA1 may encompass two HDL functions previously considered as separate: antioxidant through the intestinal uptake of antioxidants and RCT through cholesterol efflux from loaded cells such as macrophages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid Metabolism)

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Open AccessArticle

Interacting Memory Systems—Does EEG Alpha Activity Respond to Semantic Long-Term Memory Access in a Working Memory Task?

by Barbara Berger, Serif Omer, Tamas Minarik, Annette Sterr and Paul Sauseng

Biology 2015, 4(1), 1-16; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology4010001 - 24 Dec 2014

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9036

Abstract

Memory consists of various individual processes which form a dynamic system co-ordinated by central (executive) functions. The episodic buffer as direct interface between episodic long-term memory (LTM) and working memory (WM) is fairly well studied but such direct interaction is less clear in [...] Read more.

Memory consists of various individual processes which form a dynamic system co-ordinated by central (executive) functions. The episodic buffer as direct interface between episodic long-term memory (LTM) and working memory (WM) is fairly well studied but such direct interaction is less clear in semantic LTM. Here, we designed a verbal delayed-match-to-sample task specifically to differentiate between pure information maintenance and mental manipulation of memory traces with and without involvement of access to semantic LTM. Task-related amplitude differences of electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillatory brain activity showed a linear increase in frontal-midline theta and linear suppression of parietal beta amplitudes relative to memory operation complexity. Amplitude suppression at upper alpha frequency, which was previously found to indicate access to semantic LTM, was only sensitive to mental manipulation in general, irrespective of LTM involvement. This suggests that suppression of upper EEG alpha activity might rather reflect unspecific distributed cortical activation during complex mental processes than accessing semantic LTM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Mechanisms of Learning and Memory)

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Biology, Volume 4, Issue 1 (March 2015) – 16 articles , Pages 1-250

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