Action potentials in primary osteoblasts and in the MG-63 osteoblast-like cell line

Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis revealed a resting membrane potential of −60 mV in primary osteoblasts and in the MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Depolarization-induced action potentials were characterized by duration of 60 ms, a minimal peak-to-peak distance of 180 ms, a threshold value of −20 mV and a repolarization between the spikes to −45 mV. Expressed channels were characterized by application of voltage pulses between −150 mV and 90 mV in 10 mV steps, from a holding potential of −40 mV. Voltages below −60 mV induced an inward current. Depolarizing voltages above −30 mV evoked two currents: (a) a fast activated and inactivated inward current at voltages between −30 and 30 mV, and (b) a delayed-activated outward current that was induced by voltages above −30 mV. Electrophysiological and pharmacological parameters indicated that hyperpolarization activated strongly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels, whereas depolarization activated tetrodotoxin sensitive voltage gated Na+ (Nav) channels as well as delayed, slowly activated, non-inactivating, and tetraethylammonium sensitive voltage gated K+ (Kv) channels. In addition, RT-PCR showed expression of Nav1.3, Nav1.4, Nav1.5, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Kir2.1, Kir2.3, and Kir2.4 as well as Kv2.1. We conclude that osteoblasts express channels that allow firing of action potentials. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s10863-011-9354-7.BMBF/NANOTOMEDFG/Transregio37Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbHBMBF/NANOTOMEDFG/Transregio/37Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmb

Molekularbiologische, biophysikalische und physiologische Untersuchungen zur Funktion der purinergischen Rezeptoren

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Transcription at the proximity of the nuclear pore: A role for the THP1-SAC3-SUS1-CDC31 (THSC) complex

4 páginas, 1 figura.A key aspect of eukaryotic gene expression is the coupling of transcription with RNA processing, polyadenylation and export. The use of new techniques based on tandem affinity purification (TAP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and of genetic and cell biology approaches has contributed to the beginning of deciphering the network of protein-mRNA interactions accompanying this coupling. Although an extensive amount of work has shed light on this matter, the order of participation and precise role of the different proteins remain to be deciphered. It seems that different and sequential protein interactions must converge to finally promote the anchoring of genes to the nuclear periphery. Here we discuss the new data on the coupling of gene expression and RNA export, with emphasis on the THP1-SAC3-SUS1-CDC31 complex and the possible implications of these results on transcription at the nuclear pore.Research in A.A.’s lab is funded by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education and the Junta de Andalucía.Peer reviewe

P2X4 receptor function in the nervous system and current breakthroughs in pharmacology

ATP is a well-known extracellular signalling molecule and neurotransmitter known to activate purinergic P2X receptors. Information has been elucidated about the structure and gating of P2X channels following the determination of the crystal structure of P2X4 (zebrafish), however there is still much to discover regarding the role of this receptor in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review we provide an overview of what is known about P2X4 expression in the CNS and discuss evidence for pathophysiological roles in neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain. Recent advances in the development of pharmacological tools including selective antagonists (5-BDBD, PSB-12062, BX430) and positive modulators (ivermectin, avermectins, divalent cations) of P2X4 will be discussed

Book cover Sexual violence against women: How men can be protected from becoming aggressors

Das 2002 erschienene Buch Sexuelle Gewalt gegen Frauen von Susanne Kade ist ein umfangreicher und detaillierter Bericht über eine – theoretisch fundierte – empirische Untersuchung möglicher (Sozialisations-) Bedingungen, unter denen sich Männer „sexuell gewaltlos“ verhalten, ergänzt um Überlegungen, wie solche Bedingungen bei Jungen und Männern präventiv gefördert werden können. Zentrales Anliegen der Autorin ist die durch einen Perspektivenwechsel (von der potentiellen Täterschaft aller Männer hin zur sexuellen Gewaltlosigkeit einiger) mögliche Ressourcenorientierung bei der Präventionsarbeit.Susanne Kade’s book, published in 2002, gives a comprehensive and detailed account of an empirical survey which investigates the (possible) conditions of socialisation under which men behave sexually in a non-violent way. The solidly theorised study makes suggestions for the preventive provision of such conditions for boys and men. Kade’s novel point of departure is away from the potential guilt of all men, towards the sexual non-violence of some. Her central aim is to orient the reader towards resources that can be helpful in therapeutic social work