Download or read book Hemichannels from the molecule to the function written by Mauricio Antonio Retamal and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 123 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coordinated cell interactions are required to accomplish several complex and dynamic tasks observed in several tissues. Cell function may be coordinated by cell-to-cell communication through gap junctions channels (GJCs). These channels are formed by the serial docking of two hemichannels, which in turn are formed by six protein subunits called connexins (Cxs). It is well known that GJCs are involved in several functions, such as intercellular propagation of calcium waves, spread of electrotonic potentialsand spatial buffering of ions and metabolites. On the other hand, undocked hemichannels, which are not forming GJCs, can also serve other functions as “free hemichannels”. Currently, it is recognized that undocked hemichannels may have functional relevance in cell physiology allowing diffusional exchange of ions and small molecules between intra- and extra-cellular compartments. Additionally, another family of proteins calls pannexins (Panx) also forms functional hemichannels at the plasma membrane. Recently, Panxhemichannels have been involved in both pathological and physiological processes. Controlled hemichannel opening allows the release of small signaling molecules including ATP, glutamate, NAD+, adenosine, cyclic nucleotides, PGE2. They also allow uptake of relevant signaling molecules (e.g., cADPR) and metabolites (e.g., glucose). Additionally, a growing body of evidence shows that hemichannels are involved in important processes, such glucose detection in tanicytes, activation of the inflammasome, memory consolidation in the basolateral amygdala, potentiation of muscle contraction and release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells, among others. However, hemichannels can also play an important role in the homeostatic imbalance observed in diverse chronic diseases. In fact, massive and/or uncontrolled hemichannel opening induces or accelerates cell death in several pathological conditions including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, ischemia, oculodentodigital dysplasia, hydrotic ectodermic dysplasia, inflammatory responses, and deafness. Hemichannel-mediated cell death is due mainly to an entry of Ca+2. The latter activates proteases, nucleases and lipases, causing irreversible cell damage. An increasing amount of evidence demonstrates that blockade of uncontrolled hemichannel opening greatly reduces the cellular damage observed in several chronic diseases models. Therefore, Cx and Panx-hemichannels appear as promising drug targets for clinical treatment of human chronic diseases. Therefore, pharmacological tools are urgently needed to further elucidate hemichannels functions and to validate them as drug targets for the development of novel therapies for connexin-based diseases. Thus, understanding the role of Cx and Panx-hemichannels under physiological conditions and recognizing the molecular mechanisms controlling them, may provide us with a better picture of the hemichannels participation in some diseases and of the signals underlying their malfunctioning.
Download or read book Enteric Glia written by Brian D. Gulbransen and published by Biota Publishing. This book was released on 2014-07-01 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex neural network embedded in the gut wall that orchestrates the reflex behaviors of the intestine. The ENS is often referred to as the “little brain” in the gut because the ENS is more similar in size, complexity and autonomy to the central nervous system (CNS) than other components of the autonomic nervous system. Like the brain, the ENS is composed of neurons that are surrounded by glial cells. Enteric glia are a unique type of peripheral glia that are similar to astrocytes of the CNS. Yet enteric glial cells also differ from astrocytes in many important ways. The roles of enteric glial cell populations in the gut are beginning to come to light and recent evidence implicates enteric glia in almost every aspect of gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. However, elucidating the exact mechanisms by which enteric glia influence gastrointestinal physiology and identifying how those roles are altered during gastrointestinal pathophysiology remain areas of intense research. The purpose of this e-book is to provide an introduction to enteric glial cells and to act as a resource for ongoing studies on this fascinating population of glia. Table of Contents: Introduction / A Historical Perspective on Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia: The Astroglia of the Gut / Molecular Composition of Enteric Glia / Development of Enteric Glia / Functional Roles of Enteric Glia / Enteric Glia and Disease Processes in the Gut / Concluding Remarks / References / Author Biography
Download or read book The Endothelium written by Michel Félétou and published by Morgan & Claypool Publishers. This book was released on 2011 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References
Download or read book From Molecules to Networks written by John H. Byrne and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2003-11-10 with total page 599 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An understanding of the nervous system at virtually any level of analysis requires an understanding of its basic building block, the neuron. This book provides the solid foundation of the morphological, biochemical, and biophysical properties of nerve cells that is needed by advanced undergraduates and graduate students, as well as researchers in need of a thorough reference. * Highly referenced for readers to pursue topics of interest in greater detail* Unique coverage of the application of mathematical modeling and simulation approaches not found in other textbooks* Richly illustrated, four color presentation throughout* Includes CD-ROM of all of the illustrations
Download or read book Homeostatic Control of Brain Function written by Detlev Boison and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016 with total page 657 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Homeostatic Control of Brain Function offers a broad view of brain health and diverse perspectives for potential treatments, targeting key areas such as mitochondria, the immune system, epigenetic changes, and regulatory molecules such as ions, neuropeptides, and neuromodulators. Loss of homeostasis becomes expressed as a diverse array of neurological disorders. Each disorder has multiple comorbidities - with some crossing over several conditions - and often disease-specific treatments remain elusive. When current pharmacological therapies result in ineffective and inadequate outcomes, therapies to restore and maintain homeostatic functions can help improve brain health, no matter the diagnosis. Employing homeostatic therapies may lead to future cures or treatments that address multiple comorbidities. In an age where brain diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's are ever present, the incorporation of homeostatic techniques could successfully promote better overall brain health. Key Features include · A focus on the homeostatic controls that significantly depend on the way one lives, eats, and drinks. · Highlights from emerging research in non-pharmaceutical therapies including botanical medications, meditation, diet, and exercise. · Incorporation of homeostatic therapies into existing basic and clinical research paradigms. · Extensive scientific basic and clinical research ranging from molecules to disorders. · Emerging practical information for improving homeostasis. · Examples of homeostatic therapies in preventing and delaying dysfunction. Both editors, Detlev Boison and Susan Masino, bring their unique expertise in homeostatic research to the overall scope of this work. This book is accessible to all with an interest in brain health; scientist, clinician, student, and lay reader alike.
Download or read book From Molecules to Networks written by John H. Byrne and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2014-05-23 with total page 692 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An understanding of the nervous system at virtually any level of analysis requires an understanding of its basic building block, the neuron. The third edition of From Molecules to Networks provides the solid foundation of the morphological, biochemical, and biophysical properties of nerve cells. In keeping with previous editions, the unique content focus on cellular and molecular neurobiology and related computational neuroscience is maintained and enhanced. All chapters have been thoroughly revised for this third edition to reflect the significant advances of the past five years. The new edition expands on the network aspects of cellular neurobiology by adding new coverage of specific research methods (e.g., patch-clamp electrophysiology, including applications for ion channel function and transmitter release; ligand binding; structural methods such as x-ray crystallography). Written and edited by leading experts in the field, the third edition completely and comprehensively updates all chapters of this unique textbook and insures that all references to primary research represent the latest results. The first treatment of cellular and molecular neuroscience that includes an introduction to mathematical modeling and simulation approaches 80% updated and new content New Chapter on "Biophysics of Voltage-Gated Ion Channels" New Chapter on "Synaptic Plasticity" Includes a chapter on the Neurobiology of Disease Highly referenced, comprehensive and quantitative Full color, professional graphics throughout All graphics are available in electronic version for teaching purposes
Download or read book Volume II Novel molecular mechanisms and innovative therapeutic approaches for age associated diseases written by Leming Sun and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2023-01-09 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Heart Failure Pathophysiology pathogenesis and therapeutics written by Kenneth Scott Campbell and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2023-09-06 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Mechanisms of Vascular Disease written by Robert Fitridge and published by University of Adelaide Press. This book was released on 2011 with total page 589 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.
Download or read book Encyclopedia of Bone Biology written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-06-26 with total page 2390 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Encyclopedia of Bone Biology, Three Volume Set covers hot topics from within the rapidly expanding field of bone biology and skeletal research, enabling a complete understanding of both bone physiology and its relation to other organs and pathophysiology. This encyclopedia will serve as a vital resource for those involved in bone research, research in other fields that cross link with bone, such as metabolism and immunology, and physicians who treat bone diseases. Each article provides a comprehensive overview of the selected topic to inform a broad spectrum of readers from advanced undergraduate students to research professionals. Chapters also explore the latest advances and hot topics that have emerged in recent years, including the Hematopoietic Niche and Nuclear Receptors. In the electronic edition, each chapter will include hyperlinked references and further readings as well as cross-references to related articles. Incorporates perspectives from experts working within the domains of biomedicine, including physiology, pathobiology, pharmacology, immunology, endocrinology, orthopedics and metabolism Provides an authoritative introduction for non-specialists and readers from undergraduate level upwards, as well as up-to-date foundational content for those familiar with the field Includes multimedia features, cross-references and color images/videos
Download or read book Glia in Health and Disease written by Tania Spohr and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2020-05-20 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book will highlight the role played by glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems in both healthy and unhealthy individuals. Among all processes involved, we will discuss the importance of the enteric nervous system in the control of gut homeostasis, in the interaction with the immune system, and its participation in pathological conditions such as metabolic syndrome. We will also look at the relevance of astrocytes during synaptic transmission and the regulation of plasticity by releasing gliotransmitters. Ultimately, we will highlight the influence of astrocytes during the development of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on how the serum levels of the astrocytic protein S100B can be used as a biomarker for clinical decisions.
Download or read book Gap Junctions Hemichannels and Pannexons New Implications in Neuroplasticity and Neuroinflammation written by Juan Andrés Orellana and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2022-02-01 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Molecular Signalling and Pathways Editor s Picks 2021 written by Jean-Marc Taymans and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2021-07-29 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Hereditary Hearing Loss and Its Syndromes written by Helga V. Toriello and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2013-06-20 with total page 749 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the third edition of the foremost medical reference on hereditary hearing loss. Chapters on epidemiology, embryology, non-syndromic hearing loss, and syndromic forms of hearing loss have all been updated with particular attention to the vast amount of new information on molecular mechanisms, and chapters on clinical and molecular diagnosis and on genetic susceptibility to ototoxic factors have been added. As in previous editions, the syndromes are grouped by system (visual, metabolic, cardiologic, neurologic, musculoskeletal, endocrine, etc.), with each chapter written by a recognized expert in the field. Written for practicing clinicians, this volume is an excellent reference for physicians, audiologists, and other professionals working with individuals with hearing loss and their families, and can also serve as a text for clinical training programs and for researchers in the hearing sciences.
Download or read book Gap Junctions Molecular Basis of Cell Communication in Health and Disease written by Dale J. Benos and published by Gulf Professional Publishing. This book was released on 1999-12-14 with total page 692 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since the first gap junction protein (connexin) was cloned over a decade ago, more than a dozen connexin genes have been cloned. Consequently, a wealth of information on the molecular basis of gap junctional communication has been accumulated. This book pays tribute to this exciting era in the history of cell communication research by documenting the great strides made in this field as a result of the merging of biophysics and molecular biology, two of the most powerful approaches to studying the molecular basis of membrane channel behavior. Twenty-eight comprehensive chapters, authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field, discuss the biophysical, physiological, and molecular characteristics of cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions. Key aspects of molecular structure, formation, gating, conductance, and permeability of vertebrate and invertebrate gap junction channels are highlighted. In addition, a number of chapters focus on recent discoveries that implicate connexin mutations and alterations of gap junctional communication in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including the X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth demyelinating disease, some forms of inherited sensorineural deafness, malignant transformation, cardiac malformations and arrhythmia, eye lens cataract, and Chagas disease.
Download or read book Cell Communication in Vascular Biology written by Xavier F. Figueroa and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2021-04-07 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Molecular and Functional Insights Into the Pulmonary Vasculature written by Kaushik Parthasarathi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-12-29 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive review of the structure, function and pathophysiology of the pulmonary vasculature. Emerging evidence reveals the multifaceted roles played by the pulmonary vasculature. To reflect those roles, the individual chapters address topics ranging from pulmonary blood vessel development to vascular endothelial apoptosis, and delve deeply into our current understanding of various aspects of the pulmonary vasculature.
