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Results for “receptors”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1998

Mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) expresses extracellular calcium (Ca2+o)-sensing receptor and its agonists stimulate chemotaxis and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays key roles in extracellular calcium ion (Ca2+o) homeostasis in parathyroid gland and kidney. Osteoblasts appear at sites of osteoclastic bone resorption during bone remodeling in the "reversal" phase following osteoclastic resorption and preceding bone formation. Bone resorption produces substantial local increases in Ca2+o that could provide a signal for osteoblasts in the vicinity, leading us to determine whether such osteoblasts express the CaR. In this study, we used the mouse osteoblastic, clonal cell line MC3T3-E1. Both immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, using an antiserum specific for the CaR, detected CaR protein in MC3T3-E1 cells. We also identified CaR transcripts in MC3T3-E1 cells by Northern analysis using a CaR-specific riboprobe and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with CaR-specific primers, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplified products. Exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to high Ca2+o (up to 4.8 mM) or the polycationic CaR agonists, neomycin and gadolinium (Gd3+), stimulated both chemotaxis and DNA synthesis in MC3T3-E1 cells. Therefore, taken together, our data strongly suggest that the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 possesses both CaR protein and mRNA very similar, if not identical, to those in parathyroid and kidney. Furthermore, the CaR in these osteoblasts could play a key role in regulating bone turnover by stimulating the proliferation and migration of such cells to sites of bone resorption as a result of local release of Ca2+o.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1998

Extracellular calcium (Ca2+(o))-sensing receptor in a murine bone marrow-derived stromal cell line (ST2): potential mediator of the actions of Ca2+(o) on the function of ST2 cells

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays key roles in extracellular calcium ion (Ca2+(o)) homeostasis by mediating the actions of Ca2+(o) on parathyroid gland and kidney. Bone marrow stromal cells support the formation of osteoclasts from their progenitors as well as the growth of hematopoietic stem cells by secreting humoral factors and through cell to cell contact. Stromal cells also have the capacity to differentiate into bone-forming osteoblasts. Bone resorption by osteoclasts probably produces substantial local increases in Ca2+(o) that could provide a signal for stromal cells in the immediate vicinity, leading us to determine whether such stromal cells express the CaR. In this study, we used the murine bone marrow-derived, stromal cell line, ST2. Both immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, using an antiserum specific for the CaR, detected CaR protein in ST2 cells. We also identified CaR transcripts in ST2 cells by Northern analysis using a CaR-specific probe and by RT-PCR with CaR-specific primers, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplified products. Exposure of ST2 cells to high Ca2+(o) (4.8 mM) or to the polycationic CaR agonists, neomycin (300 microM) or gadolinium (100 microM), stimulated both chemotaxis and DNA synthesis in ST2 cells. Therefore, taken together, our data strongly suggest that the bone marrow-derived stromal cell line, ST2, possesses both CaR protein and messenger RNA that are very similar if not identical to those in parathyroid and kidney. Furthermore, as ST2 cells have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts, the CaR in stromal cells could participate in bone turnover by stimulating the proliferation and migration of such cells to sites of bone resorption as a result of local, osteoclast-mediated release of Ca2+(o) and, thereafter, initiating bone formation after their differentiation into osteoblasts.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS1995

Morphology and kainate-receptor immunoreactivity of identified neurons within the entorhinal cortex projecting to superior temporal sulcus in the cynomolgus monkey

Projections of the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampus are well known from the classical studies of Cajal (Ramon y Cajal, 1904) and Lorente de No (1933). Projections from the entorhinal cortex to neocortical areas are less well understood. Such connectivity is likely to underlie the consolidation of long-term declarative memory in neocortical sites. In the present study, a projection arising in layer V of the entorhinal cortex and terminating in a polymodal association area of the superior temporal gyrus has been identified with the use of retrograde tracing. The dendritic arbors of neurons giving rise to this projection were further investigated by cell filling and confocal microscopy with computer reconstruction. This analysis demonstrated that the dendritic arbor of identified projection neurons was largely confined to layer V, with the exception of a solitary, simple apical dendrite occasionally ascending to superficial laminae but often confined to the lamina dissecans (layer IV). Finally, immunoreactivity for glutamate-receptor subunit proteins GluR 5/6/7 of the dendritic arbor of identified entorhinal projection neurons was examined. The solitary apical dendrite of identified entorhinal projection neurons was prominently immunolabeled for GluR 5/6/7, as was the dendritic arbor of basilar dendrites of these neurons. The restriction of the large bulk of the dendritic arbor of identified entorhinal projection neurons to layer V implies that these neurons are likely to be heavily influenced by hippocampal output arriving in the deep layers of the entorhinal cortex. Immunoreactivity for GluR 5/6/7 throughout the dendritic arbor of such neurons indicates that this class of glutamate receptor is in a position to play a prominent role in mediating excitatory neurotransmission within hippocampal-entorhinal circuits.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗
DOE OSTI2023

Structural Determinants of the Binding and Activation of Estrogen Receptor α by Phenolic Thieno[2,3- d ]pyrimidines

Synthetic, structural, and computational approaches were used to solve the puzzle as to how a phenolic nonsteroidal estrogen 1 with only a single H-bond to its receptor was more potent than an isomer 2 which formed an intricate network of H-bonds. Synthesis of a series of substituted phenols revealed that pK a was not a determinant of estrogenic activity. First-principles calculation also failed to explain the difference in activity of 1 and 2. Molecular dynamics revealed that 1 formed a more stable receptor complex compared to 2, which may explain its increased activity despite forming fewer apparent H-bonds with the protein.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Correlated conformational dynamics of the human GluN1-GluN2A type N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels found in the nerve cell membranes. As a result of overexcitation of NMDARs, neuronal death occurs and may lead to diseases such as epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In this study, human GluN1- GluN2A type NMDAR structure is modeled based on the X-ray structure of the Xenopus laevis template and missing loops are added by ab-initio loop modeling. The final structure is chosen according to two different model assessment scores. To be able to observe the structural changes upon ligand binding, glycine and glutamate molecules are docked into the corresponding binding sites of the receptor. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations of 1.3 μs are performed for both apo and ligand-bound structures. Structural parameters, which have been considered to show functionally important changes in previous NMDAR studies, are monitored as conformational rulers to understand the dynamics of the conformational changes. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) is performed for the equilibrated part of the simulations. Additionally, from these analyses, the differences in between apo and ligand-bound simulations can be summarized as the following: The girdle right at the beginning of the pore loop, which connects M2 and M3 helices of the ion channel, partially opens. Ligands act like an adhesive for the ligand-binding domain (LBD) by keeping the bi-lobed structure together and consequently this is reflected to the overall dynamics of the protein as an increased correlation of the LBD with especially the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of the protein.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structural Basis of Functional Transitions in Mammalian NMDA Receptors

Excitatory neurotransmission meditated by glutamate receptors including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is pivotal to brain development and function. NMDARs are heterotetramers composed of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits, which bind glycine and glutamate, respectively, to activate their ion channels. Despite importance in brain physiology, the precise mechanisms by which activation and inhibition occur via subunit-specific binding of agonists and antagonists remain largely unknown. Here, we show the detailed patterns of conformational changes and inter-subunit and -domain reorientation leading to agonist-gating and subunit-dependent competitive inhibition by providing multiple structures in distinct ligand states at 4 Å or better. The structures reveal that activation and competitive inhibition by both GluN1 and GluN2 antagonists occur by controlling the tension of the linker between the ligand-binding domain and the transmembrane ion channel of the GluN2 subunit. Our results provide detailed mechanistic insights into NMDAR pharmacology, activation, and inhibition, which are fundamental to the brain physiology.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Antibody:CD47 ratio regulates macrophage phagocytosis through competitive receptor phosphorylation

Cancer immunotherapies often modulate macrophage effector function by introducing either targeting antibodies that activate Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) or blocking antibodies that disrupt inhibitory SIRPα-CD47 engagement. However, how these competing signals are integrated is poorly understood, raising questions about how to effectively titrate immune responses. Here, we find that macrophage phagocytic decisions are regulated by the ratio of activating ligand to inhibitory ligand over a broad range of absolute molecular densities. Using both endogenous and chimeric receptors, we show that activating:inhibitory ligand ratios of at least 10:1 are required to promote phagocytosis of model antibody-opsonized CD47-inhibited targets and that lowering that ratio reduces FcγR phosphorylation because of inhibitory phosphatases recruited to CD47-bound SIRPα. We demonstrate that ratiometric signaling is critical for phagocytosis of tumor cells and can be modified by blocking SIRPα, indicating that balancing targeting and blocking antibodies may be important for controlling macrophage phagocytosis in cancer immunotherapy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Indole-3-carbinol ameliorates necroptosis and inflammation of intestinal epithelial cells in mice with ulcerative colitis by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Highlights: • AHR activated by I3C plays an important role in protecting IECs from necroptosis and inflammation, in vivo and in vitro. • AHR could ubiquitinate RIPK1, promote IAPs expression and inhibit NF-κB activation in NCM460 cells. • I3C is a good candidate as a natural product to prevent and treat UC. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease characterized by inflammation and disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Necroptosis plays a critical role in disease progression. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a natural dietary agonist of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), has shown alleviating effects on UC. However, its mechanisms of action have not been comprehensively elucidated. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the protective role of I3C in DSS-induced colitis mice models. I3C significantly ameliorated body weight loss, colon length shortening and colonic pathological damage in colitis mice, reduced disease activity index (DAI) and histological (HI) scores, as well as alleviated colonic necroptosis and inflammation. In vitro, I3C attenuated necroptosis and inflammation of colonoids and NCM460 cells. AHR, activated by I3C, inhibits activation of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and the subsequent assembly of necrosome in a time-dependent manner, as well as suppressing NF-κB activation and decreasing TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 expression. Silencing of AHR aggravated necroptosis and inflammation of NCM460 cells, and did not be ameliorated by I3C. Furthermore, AHR activation induces the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) and the ubiquitination of RIPK1. In conclusion, I3C exerts a protective effect in DSS-induced colitis mice models by alleviating the necroptosis and inflammation of IECs through activating AHR.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Partial inhibition of activin receptor-like kinase 4 alleviates bladder fibrosis caused by bladder outlet obstruction

The bladder undergoes profound structural alterations after bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), characterized by hypertrophy of the bladder wall and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been found to promote fibrosis of the bladder induced by partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO). Activin receptor-like kinase 4 (ALK4) is a downstream receptor of the TGF-β superfamily. However, the role of the ALK4–Smad2/3 pathway in the pathogenesis of bladder fibrosis caused by pBOO remains unknown. This study focused on learning the role of ALK4 in the process of bladder fibrosis caused by pBOO. The pBOO mice models showed that ALK4 expression was found to upregulate in the wild-type bladder 6 weeks after pBOO compared to control group. Then, mice with heterozygous knockout of the ALK4 gene (ALK4+/−) were generated. Histological analysis and Western blot (WB) results showed significant suppression of collagen expression in the bladders of ALK4+/− mice after pBOO compared with WT mice. WB also showed that ALK4+/− mice demonstrated significant suppression of phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) expression in the bladder 6 weeks after pBOO but not of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase or protein 38 (p-ERK, p-JNK, p-P38) expression. This effect might have occurred through partial inactivation of the Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In vitro, ALK4 overexpression promoted collagen production in cultured BSMCs and activated the Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrated that ALK4 insufficiency alleviated bladder fibrosis in a mouse model of pBOO partly by suppressing Smad2/3 activity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Apelin receptor homodimer inhibits apoptosis in vascular dementia

Apelin receptor (APJ), a member of family A of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is a potential pharmaceutical target for diseases of the nervous system. Our previous work revealed that human APJ can form a homodimer that has different functional characteristics than the monomer. To investigate the effects of APJ homodimers on neuroprotection in vascular dementia (VD), we established VD model in rats and treated the animals by injecting apelin-13 into the lateral ventricle. In addition, we established an oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in SH-SY5Y cells treated with apelin-13. After apelin-13 stimulation in the VD rat, the level of APJ and APJ homodimer were elevated. Furthermore, APJ homodimer decreased the level of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 via the Gα{sub i3} and Gα{sub q} signaling pathway, thereby increasing the number of neurons and inhibiting apoptosis. Consequently, APJ homodimers may serve as a unique mechanism for neuroprotection against VD and provide new pharmaceutical targets for VD.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structural basis of the activation of a metabotropic GABA receptor

Metabotropic γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA B ) are involved in the modulation of synaptic responses in the central nervous system and have been implicated in neuropsychological conditions that range from addiction to psychosis. GABA B belongs to class C of the G-protein-coupled receptors, and its functional entity comprises an obligate heterodimer that is composed of the GB1 and GB2 subunits. Each subunit possesses an extracellular Venus flytrap domain, which is connected to a canonical seven-transmembrane domain. In this paper we present four cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human full-length GB1–GB2 heterodimer: one structure of its inactive apo state, two intermediate agonist-bound forms and an active form in which the heterodimer is bound to an agonist and a positive allosteric modulator. The structures reveal substantial differences, which shed light on the complex motions that underlie the unique activation mechanism of GABA B . Our results show that agonist binding leads to the closure of the Venus flytrap domain of GB1, triggering a series of transitions, first rearranging and bringing the two transmembrane domains into close contact along transmembrane helix 6 and ultimately inducing conformational rearrangements in the GB2 transmembrane domain via a lever-like mechanism to initiate downstream signalling. This active state is stabilized by a positive allosteric modulator binding at the transmembrane dimerization interface.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamics and activation of membrane-bound B cell receptor assembly

B-cell receptor (BCR) complexes are expressed on the surface of a B-cell and are critical in antigen recognition and modulating the adaptive immune response. Even though the relevance of antibodies has been known for almost a hundred years, the antigen-dependent activation mechanism of B-cells has remained elusive. Several models have been proposed for BCR activation, including cross-linking, conformation-induced oligomerization, and dissociation activation models. Recently, the first cryo-EM structures of the human B-cell antigen receptor of the IgM and IgG isotypes have been published that validates the asymmetric organization of the BCR complex. Here, we carry out extensive molecular dynamics simulations to probe the conformational changes upon antigen binding and the influence of the membrane lipids. We identify two critical dynamical events that could be associated with antigen-dependent activation of BCR. First, antigen binding causes increased flexibility in regions distal to the antigen binding site. Second, antigen binding alters the rearrangement of IgM transmembrane helices, including the relative interaction of Igα/Igβ that mediates intracellular signaling. Furthermore, these transmembrane rearrangements lead to changes in localized lipid composition. Our work indirectly supports the conformational-change induced models of BCR activation and contributes to the understanding of the antigen-dependent activation mechanism of BCRs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mechanistic Insights into Peptide Binding and Deactivation of an Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (ADGRGs) play critical roles in the reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. In particular, ADGRG2 plays a significant role in Ewing sarcoma cell proliferation, parathyroid cell function, and male fertility. In 2022, a cryo-EM structure was reported for the active ADGRG2 bound by an optimized peptide agonist IP15 and the Gs protein. The IP15 peptide agonist was also modified to antagonists 4PH-E and 4PH-D with mutations of the 4PH residue to Glu and Asp, respectively. However, experimental structures of inactive antagonist-bound ADGRs remain to be resolved, and the activation mechanism of ADGRs such as ADGRG2 is poorly understood. Here, we applied Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations to probe conformational dynamics of the agonist- and antagonist-bound ADGRG2. By performing GaMD simulations, we were able to identify important low-energy conformations of ADGRG2 in the active, intermediate, and inactive states, as well as explore the binding conformations of each peptide. Moreover, our simulations revealed critical peptide-receptor residue interactions during the deactivation of ADGRG2. In conclusion, through GaMD simulations, we uncovered mechanistic insights into peptide (agonist and antagonist) binding and deactivation of the ADGRG2. These findings will potentially facilitate rational design of new peptide modulators of ADGRG2 and other ADGRs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Toll-like Receptor Ligands Enhance Vaccine Efficacy against a Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Challenge in Chickens

To enhance the efficacy of the current Newcastle disease vaccine, we have selected potential adjuvants that target well-characterized pattern recognition receptors: the toll-like receptors (TLRs). Imiquimod is a small-molecule activator of TLR7, which is a sensor of dsDNA. ODN-1826 is a mimetic of CpG DNA and ligates TLR21 (a chicken homologue of TLR9 in mammals). The activation of TLRs leads to antiviral responses, including the induction of type I interferons (IFNs). In this study, birds were vaccinated intranasally with a live LaSota strain with or without imiquimod or ODN-1826 (50 µg/bird). Two weeks after vaccination, the birds were challenged with a virulent Newcastle disease virus (chicken/CA/212676/2002). Both adjuvants (imiquimod or ODN-1826) induced higher and more uniform antibody titers among vaccinated birds compared with the live vaccine-alone group. In addition, adjuvanted vaccines demonstrated greater protective efficacy in terms of the reduction in virus-shedding titer and the number of birds shedding the challenge virus at 2 and 4 days post-challenge. A differential expression of antiviral and immune-related genes was observed among groups from tissues (Harderian gland, trachea, cecal tonsil, and spleen) collected 1 and 3 days after treatment. These results demonstrate the potential of TLR-targeted adjuvants as mucosal vaccine enhancers and warrant a further characterization of immune correlates and optimization for efficacy.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Cytoplasmic Receptor-like Kinase Contributes to Salinity Tolerance

Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) are receptor kinases that lack extracellular ligand-binding domains and have emerged as a major class of signaling proteins that regulate plant cellular activities in response to biotic/abiotic stresses and endogenous extracellular signaling molecules. We have identified a rice RLCK (OsRLCK311) that was significantly higher in transgenic pSARK-IPT rice (Oryza sativa) that exhibited enhanced growth under saline conditions. Overexpression of OsRLCK311 full-length protein (RLCK311FL) and the C-terminus of OsRLCK311 (ΔN) in Arabidopsis confirmed its role in salinity tolerance, both in seedlings and mature plants. Protein interaction assays indicated that OsRLCK311 and ΔN interacted in-vivo with the plasma membrane AQP AtPIP2;1. The RLCK311-PIP2;1 binding led to alterations in the stomata response to ABA, which was characterized by more open stomata of transgenic plants. Moreover, OsRLCK311-ΔN effect in mediating enhanced plant growth under saline conditions was also observed in the perennial grass Brachypodium sylvaticum, confirming its role in both dicots and monocots species. Lastly, OsRLCK311 interacted with the rice OsPIP2;1. We suggest that the rice OsRLCK311 play a role in regulating the plant growth response under saline conditions via the regulation of the stomata response to stress. This role seems to be independent of the RLCK311 kinase activity, since the overexpression of the RLCK311 C-terminus (ΔN), which lacks the kinase full domain, has a similar phenotype to RLCK311FL.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2003

Toll-like receptor 4-positive macrophages protect mice from Pasteurella pneumotropica-induced pneumonia

This study investigates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-positive macrophages in early recognition and clearance of pulmonary bacteria. TLR4 is a trans-membrane receptor that is the primary recognition molecule for lipopolysaccharide of gram-negative bacteria. The TLR4(Lps-del) mouse strains C57BL10/ScN (B10) and STOCK Abb(tm1) TLR4(Lps-del) Slc11a1(s)(B10 x C2D) are susceptible to pulmonary infections and develop pneumonia when naturally or experimentally infected by the opportunistic bacterium Pasteurella pneumotropica. Since these mice have the TLR4(Lps-del) genotype, we hypothesized that reconstitution of mice with TLR4-positive macrophages would provide resistance to this bacterium. A cultured macrophage cell line (C2D macrophages) and bone marrow cells from C2D mice were adoptively transferred to B10 and B10 x C2D mice by intraperitoneal injection. C2D macrophages increased B10 and B10 x C2D mouse resistance to P. pneumotropica. In C2D-recipient mice there was earlier transcription of tumor necrosis factor alpha and chemokines JE and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) in the lungs of B10 and B10 x C2D mice, and there was earlier transcription of KC and MIP-1alpha in B10 x C2D mice. In addition, the course of inflammation following experimental Pasteurella challenge was altered in C2D recipients. C2D macrophages also protected B10 x C2D mice, which lack CD4(+) T cells. These data indicate that macrophages are critical for pulmonary immunity and can provide host resistance to P. pneumotropica. This study indicates that TLR4-positive macrophages are important for early recognition and clearance of pulmonary bacterial infections.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1986

Photoactivable analogs for labeling 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 serum binding protein and for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 intestinal receptor protein

3-Azidobenzoates and 3-azidonitrobenzoates of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 as well as 3-deoxy-3-azido-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 3-deoxy-3-azido-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were prepared as photoaffinity labels for vitamin D serum binding protein and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 intestinal receptor protein. The compounds prepared were easily activated by short- or long-wavelength uv light, as monitored by uv and ir spectrometry. The efficacy of the compounds to compete with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for the binding site of serum binding protein and receptor, respectively, was studied to evaluate the vitamin D label with the highest affinity for the protein. The presence of an azidobenzoate or azidonitrobenzoate substituent at the C-3 position of 25-OH-D3 significantly decreased (10(4)- to 10(6)-fold) the binding activity. However, the labels containing the azido substituent attached directly to the vitamin D skeleton at the C-3 position showed a high affinity, only 20- to 150-fold lower than that of the parent compounds with their respective proteins. Therefore, 3-deoxy-3-azidovitamins present potential ligands for photolabeling of vitamin D proteins and for studying the structures of the protein active sites.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS1993

Detergent solubilization of the EGF receptor from A431 cells

Functional reconstitution of purified preparations of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) requires dissociation of the protein from its plasma membrane lipid environment. Solubilization of membrane proteins in this manner requires the use of detergents, which are known to disrupt plasma membrane lipid/protein interactions. We have investigated the ability of three nonionic detergents to solubilize the human EGFR selectively, and have also analyzed the effect of these various treatments on the intrinsic tyrosyl kinase activity of the receptor. The nonionic detergent known as n-octyl glucoside (n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside) was found to give the best combination of selectivity, yield, and maintenance of enzymatic activity of the human EGFR.

Non-NASA Center↗