Interaction of Agouti protein with the melanocortin 1 receptor in vitro and in vivo

Article Abstract:

Agouti protein and Agouti-related protein (Agrp) regulate pigmentation and body weight, respectively, under normal circumstances. They oppose effects of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSJH). Bioassay based on Xenopus melanophores has been used to look at pharmacologic properties of recombinant Agouti protein. The cell-surface binding to mammalian cells was directly measured using an epitope-tagged form that keeps biologic activity. It seems Agouti protein can act as an agonist of Mc1r in a way different from alpha-MSH stimulation. Likely a novel signaling mechanism exists for alpha-MSH and Agouti protein or Agrp as independent ligands through one receptor.

Proteins, Organic pigments, Cell receptors

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Pointing roots in the right direction: the role of auxin transport in response to gravity

Article Abstract:

Directed growth responses to external stimuli, among them gravity, light and temperature, that is, 'tropisms,' are a major research area in plant physiology. Little is known about molecules that sense/transduce the gravitational signal that makes roots go toward the center of the earth even if the sprout is rotated. Phytohormone auxin is an implicated molecule and is clearly related to asymmetric tropic growth among other things. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is the most common form of active auxin in plants. Various IAA biosynthetic pathways are possible.

Roots (Botany), Botanical research, Auxin, Auxins, Plant physiology, Tropisms, Tropism

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WAT-free mice: diabetes without obesity

Article Abstract:

Transgenic mice largely without white adipose tissue (WAT) have been generated, and they have anatomical and physiological poperties very much like those of humans suffering from generalized lipodystrophy. Human patients with this condition lack WAT because of genetic or autoimmune phenomena and are severely diabetic with voracious appetites.. The mice are profoundly insulin resistant and extremely diabetic. There is much evidence to show activities of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family members in growth of differentiation of WAT.

Physiological aspects, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Observations, Mice, mutant strains, Mutant mice, Adipose tissues, Adipose tissue

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