Aptamer and its applications in neurodegenerative diseases

Aptamers are small single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotide fragments or small peptides, which can bind to targets by high affinity and specificity. Because aptamers are specific, non-immunogenic and non-toxic, they are ideal materials for clinical applications. Neurodegenerative disorders are ravaging the lives of patients. Even though the mechanism of these diseases is still elusive, they are mainly characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the central nervous system. So it is essential to develop potential measures to slow down or prevent the onset of these diseases. With the advancements of the technologies, aptamers have opened up new areas in this research field. Aptamers could bind with these related target proteins to interrupt their accumulation, subsequently blocking or preventing the process of neurodegenerative diseases. This review presents recent advances in the aptamer generation and its merits and limitations, with emphasis on its applications in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis.     

Apolipoprotein CIII hyperactivates β cell CaV1 channels through SR-BI/β1 integrin-dependent coactivation of PKA and Src

Apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII) not only serves as an inhibitor of triglyceride hydrolysis but also participates in diabetes-related pathological events such as hyperactivation of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) channels in the pancreatic β cell. However, nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms whereby ApoCIII hyperactivates β cell Ca_V channels. We now demonstrate that ApoCIII increased Ca_V1 channel open probability and density. ApoCIII enhanced whole-cell Ca²⁺ currents and the Ca_V1 channel blocker nimodipine completely abrogated this enhancement. The effect of ApoCIII was not influenced by individual inhibition of PKA, PKC, or Src. However, combined inhibition of PKA, PKC, and Src counteracted the effect of ApoCIII, similar results obtained by coinhibition of PKA and Src. Moreover, knockdown of β1 integrin or scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) prevented ApoCIII from hyperactivating β cell Ca_V channels. These data reveal that ApoCIII hyperactivates β cell Ca_V1 channels through SR-BI/β1 integrin-dependent coactivation of PKA and Src.     

Control of cell growth: Rag GTPases in activation of TORC1

The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a central regulator controlling cell growth. TOR is highly conserved from yeast to mammals, and is deregulated in human cancers and diabetes. TOR complex 1 (TORC1) integrates signals from growth factors, cellular energy status, stress, and amino acids to control cell growth, mitochondrial metabolism, and lipid biosynthesis. The mechanisms of growth factors and cellular energy status in regulating TORC1 have been well established, whereas the mechanism by which amino acid induces TORC1 remains largely unknown. Recent studies revealed that Rag GTPases play a central role in the regulation of TORC1 activation in response to amino acids. In this review, we will discuss the recent progress in our understanding of Rag GTPase-regulated TORC1 activation in response to amino acids. Particular focus will be given to the function of Rag GTPases in TORC1 activation and how Rag GTPases are regulated by amino acids.     

从期刊文本考察近年来台湾设计学研究的论题动向——对2004—2010年台湾《设计学报》及《设计学研究》杂志的内容探讨

运用内容分析法对2004年至2010年台湾《设计学报》及《设计学研究》两份期刊刊载的研究文献进行了考察分析,以期探寻台湾设计学研究近年来的论题分布、研究取向和研究方法等问题。研究发现,两份期刊涉及设计管理和用户导向研究两类论题的文献数量最多,研究取向上呈现出技术导向、用户导向、应用导向的特质,而在研究方法层面则表现出实证主义倾向和多种方法综合运用的特点。     

滑坡变形阶段的划分及短期预报研究

滑坡是一种重要的地质灾害,一旦发生,就会带来严重的后果,本文研究了滑坡变形阶段的划分问题,并在此基础上提出了每个阶段应该进行的相应工作及目的。当滑坡进入加速变形阶段后期,出于防灾减灾的需要,此时准确预报滑坡发生时间显得尤为重要,结合实际工程本文研究了滑坡进入加速变形阶段的短期预报问题,并取得了较好的效果。     

概率统计在实际生活中的应用

随着科学的发展,概率统计作为数学的重要部分在生活中随处可见,并且在解决生活问题中发挥着重要的作用。学好概率尤其是能够将学习的概率统计应用于实践中对我们受益匪浅。     

浅谈质量流量计在长输管道中的应用

质量流量计在成品油管道应用中的技术日渐成熟,文章分析了质量流量计在长输管道应用中的常见问题,提出确保流量计精度的有效措施,总结了流量计使用过程中一些好的经验和做法.     

Fuchs群的上同调

用群扩张的方法,在系数群为一般ＺΓ模的情形研究了Ｆｕｃｈｓ群的上同调群,给出了二次以上的上同调群的表达式．