Cytoskeletal inhibitors are small chemical molecules that affect the normal functioning of the cytoskeletal elements such as microtubules and F-actin by interacting with them directly. Some cytoskeletal inhibitors such as Paclitaxel (taxol; a natural product with antitumor and antileukemic activities extracted from the bark of the western yew Taxus brevifolia) (Wani et al., 1971) can stabilize microtubules and stimulate its polymerization, while others such as Nocodazole (a synthetic benzimidazole compound) (Vasquez et al., 1997) can depolymerize already formed microtubules by directly binding to tubulin proteins. Studies using taxol let to the discovery of the microtubule-based motor protein kinesin, and the inhibitor has been further used to visualize gliding motility by kinesin and dynein on microtubules (Vale et al., 1985). Nocodazole has …show more content…
The F-actin inhibitor Latrunculin (identified as a toxin in the marine sponge Latrunculia magnifica) (Spector et al., 1983) enhances the rate of depolymerization of the actin network and prevents its polymerization (Yarmola et al., 2000). Jasplakinolide is cell permeable and has been used in live cells to explore the effect of filament disassembly in cell motility, cell adhesion and vesicle transport (Cramer, 1999). Latrunculin has been utilized to investigate the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cell migration, endocytosis and spindle orientation. Since the actin inhibitors cannot distinguish between muscle and cytoskeletal forms of actin, these are less common is clinics due to many undesirable off-target effects caused by the lack of specificity for the different types of actin. Regardless, the actin inhibitors are still useful on a cellular level in research studies to further the understanding of biological
...st the sacrolemma will depolarized, thus activation potentials along the T-tubules. This signal will transmit from along the T-tubules to sarcroplasmic reticulum's terminal sacs. Next, sarcoplasmic reticulum will release the calcium into the sarcroplasm leading to the next second event called contraction. The released calcium ions will now bind to troponin. This will cause the inhibition of actin and mysoin interaction to be released. The crossbridge of myosin filaments that are attached to the actin filaments, thus causing tension to be exerted and the muscles will shorten by sliding filament mechanism. The last event is called Relaxation. After the sliding of the filament mechanism, the calcium will be slowly pumped back into the scaroplasmic reticulum. The crossbridges will detach from the filaments. The inhibition of the actin and myosin will go back to normal.
...s to interfere with bonding to the receptors. The final possibility uses CNP, which downregulates the activation in MAP kinase pathways in the chondrocytes (4).
The exoskeleton of the crab shells contains three distinct layers namely epicutile, exocuticle and endo cuticle. Generally, the exoskeleton has a high degree of mineralization, typically calcium carbonate as main constituent, in some case calcium phosphate. In exoskeleton, chitin fibrils are wrapped with proteins forms a form of fibers which is assembled further into a bundle of fibers in the exoskeleton. In addition to that, the calcium carbonate in the form of calcite deposited in the chitin–protein matrix.
Clenbuterol isn’t an anabolic steroid, but rather a stimulant belonging to a class of compounds known as sympathomimetic. This classification contains other similar compounds an average individual might be more familiar with, such as: ephedrine, amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, albuterol, and many others. This drug category is quite broad with each compound in the family being related, having many similarities and operating in a same manner through similar pathways. The effect of Clenbuterol on the nervous system involves an interaction with adrenoreceptors, located in different tissues and cell types in the body. The resulting effect of Clenbuterol binding with adrenoreceptors in different tissues
Laminin 332 can bind via the G domain to α6β4 and α3β1 integrins [144, 145]. It also has binding sites along its β-chain for laminin 311 and collagen VII [146], and other binding sites along the γ-chain for perlecan and different types of collagen (IV, VII, and XVII) [144, 146]. Several studies showed that laminin 332 is involved in various cellular processes, such as epithelial cell adhesion, spreading and migration [147, 148]. The
Dialysis tubing is made from regenerated cellulose or cellophane, and is used in clinical circumstances to ensure that molecule have a filtered flow, and that larger solute molecules do not enter the dialysis tubing (Alberts, 2002). Like a cell membrane, dialysis tubing has a semi-permeable membrane, which allows small molecule to permeate through the membrane. Thus, the dialysis tubing mimics the diffusion and osmosis processes of the cell membrane (Alberts, 2002). Although the dialysis tubing has a semi-permeable membrane, which mimics a cell, its structure is different. The me...
“When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does, too.” – Terri Clark
Ever since the beginning of time, human kind has always had a fascination with the unknown. One of the biggest unknowns was how the body works. As the ages passed, scientists began to look closer and closer to the human body. They began to look at muscles and skin and then eventually cells. It was here that they began to see things that were hard to explain. Why does one cell look different from another? How is everything kept in equilibrium? It took some time but mankind was finally able to isolate proteins in the body. These proteins turned out had specific functions that regulated certain functions of the body. One of these proteins was Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. The reason that this protein is important is because of the fact that it
-Wong, D. T., Bymaster, F. P., Horng, J. S., & Molloy, B. B. (1975). A new selective inhibitor
The sarcomere is found in structures called myofibrils which make up skeletal muscle fibres. Within the sarcomere there are various different proteins. One of the most significant, myosin is found in the thick filaments of the sarcomere. Although both cells contain myosin, it is important to highlight that smooth muscle cells contain a much lower percentage of myosin compared to skeletal muscle cells. Despite this, myosin filaments in smooth muscle cells bind to actin filaments in a manner similar to that in skeletal muscle cells; although there are some differences. For instance, myosin filaments in smooth muscle cells are saturated with myosin heads so that myosin can glide over bound actin filaments over longer distances, enabling smooth muscle cells to stretch further, whilst in skeleta...
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide as it can develop in almost any organ or tissue. Significant advances in understanding the cellular basis of cancer and the underlying biological mechanisms of tumour has been vastly improved in the recent years (Jiang et al. 1994). Cancer is a genetic disease which requires series of mutation during cell division to develop, it has characteristics which can be associated with their ability to grow and divide abnormal cells uncontrollable while in the mean time invade and cause nearby blood vessels to serve its need. Even though many people are affected by cancer today, the abilities which cancer cells own make it hard to find single effective treatment for cancer. The focus of research now lies on developing drugs which target cancer cells in the hope to cure cancer once and for all.
THE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE with which I was ultimately diagnosed, anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis, varies wildly in its presentation. For most people, it begins with flu-like symptoms, though it's unclear if patients initially contract a virus related to the disease or if these early symptoms are a result of the disease. Typically, about two weeks after onset, psychiatric problems--such as paranoia, insomnia, mania, and grandiose delusions--take hold, so most patients seek out mental health professionals. Seizures occur in 75 percent of patients, which is fortunate if only because this gets them to a neurologist. Next, language and memory deficits arise.
# Since the mid to late 1950’s, Thalidomide has been a controversial drug. Since its introduction it has seen its highs and its lows. From devastating birth defects, to a treatment for some life threatening cancers, Thalidomide could be considered the Jeckel and Hyde of the pharmaceutical world. The question that the pharmaceutical world is asking itself now is weather the risk of the possible devastating birth defects that can happen is worth the possible life saving benefits that could be gained. Thalidomide has been the topic of debate since its uses as a treatment of certain cancers has been discovered.
Tumor cells can also change the shape of movement that they use, so these inhibitors that stop the signaling in the cells may not be as effective as hoped. Though they would stop the rounded cells, the cells might be able to switch to an elongated shape and continue in their migration to other areas of the tissues. There are other methods, though, that would cause elongated cells to switch to the rounded cell shape for their migration. Sahai and Marshall are hoping that with further research, these two treatments may be combined to stop the migration of the cancerous cells and be a realistic, useable treatment for cancer in the future.
Drug is a chemical which alters the processes in the organism, which is used in the medicine for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases (Farlex, 2011). Drug discovery is a long term process that needs money investment. The process of drug investigation takes approximately from 9 to 15 years during which the number of chemicals that can become drug is reduced from 10,000 to 1-2 (Saparov, 2011). Even after manufacturing the drug is studied by scientists for modifying its structure, delivery and effects on the organism. Drug discovery consists of several stages which help to examine its effectiveness and side effects.