Journal of Advances in Molecular Biology

15

Authors: Liliya Vitanova

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the putative interactions between the serotoninergic and the GABAergic systems in the lower vertebrate retinas. Experiments were performed on 12-14 μm frozen frog and turtle retinal sections, processed with more than 10 different antibodies directed against serotonin, GABA and their membrane receptors by means of the indirect immunocytochemical method. The results showed that some of the GABAergic retinal neurons possess the serotonin receptors 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A on their cell membrane, and vice versa: certain serotoninergic neurons possess the ionotropic GABAA and GABAC receptors. A simple neuronal chart is proposed to explain how the activation of serotonin receptors on a subgroup of GABAergic amacrine cells can decrease the GABAC receptor mediated inhibition on the retinal bipolar cells, the main generators of ERG. As the retina is a natural biological model of CNS, the relationships between both neurotransmitter systems described here may elucidate their participation in certain brain functions and to explain the possible mechanisms of action of some antidepressant drugs.

10

Authors: Fouzia Mesli, Salim Bouchentouf, Amina Ghomri, Noureddine Missoum, Said Ghalem

Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important approach for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. Different synthetic and natural inhibitors are used for Acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Synthetic inhibitors Polyphenols (Tacrine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine) and Natural molecules from Green tea which mainly contains catechins (Epicatechin, Epicatechin Gallate, Epigallocatechin, Epigallocatechin Gallate) are used to inhibit Acetylcholinesterase. In this work we use molecular docking methods to identify the ligand which has the best interaction energy with AChE among synthetic and natural products, and also descript binding affinity in purpose to design new inhibitor ligands. Obtained results from Docking and analyze of complexes parameters showed that the best affinity binding was observed for both (Galantamie and Epicatechin Gallete).This latter leads to same conclusion with experimentation inhibition study. We observed also that bulky group causes conformational rearrangement in the active pocket, which will probably give better interactions.

8

Authors: Yi Zhang, Zhihai Mao, Yuyang Hua, Shicheng Gao, Shenghan Lai, Jun Wang

Until 2016, the population living with HIV is 36.7 million. Though WHO set the goal to end HIV/AIDS, it is very challenging to stop HIV acquisition in 12 years due to insufficient of medical, economic, social and legal supports. Men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, sex workers, and drug users are traditionally classified as the key infected population. Recently, HIV infection in pregnant and breastfeeding women has caused more attention, for HIV hurts two generations in this case. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been evaluated to be an efficient tool to reduce HIV infection among high-risk population. In this paper, we reviewed the most recent progress of PrEP application in these critical populations who are at substantial risk of HIV acquisition. We also discussed challenges and solution for better prevention of HIV/AIDS.

8

Authors: Md. Saheb Ali, Md. Tarek Hossain, Birendra Mishra

Our endeavor is to identify with the basic system that regulates sequentially expressed cuticular protein genes around pupation. The present study was conducted to clarify the regulatory mechanism of a cuticular protein gene of Bombyx mori, BmorCPH33, whose expression in wing discs was atypical from others and peaked at wandering stage day 3 (W3) early to W3 late stage when ecdysteroid began to decrease before pupation. We compared the expression profiles of BmorCPH33 and BmorCPH34 to clarify their regulatory mechanism. Developmental profile of BmorCPH33 resembled BHR4, therefore we compared the expression profile of this transcription factor with that of BmorCPH33. BHR4 transcripts increased by the addition of 20E. BmorCPH33 expression was also induced by the addition of 20E, which was inhibited by cycloheximide. Both BHR4 and BmorCPH33 transcripts were induced after 6h 20E removal after exposure to 20E, but they were inhibited by the addition of cycloheximide. Thus, the results showed relatedness of BmorCPH33 and BHR4. Through this culture system it is suggested that BHR4 is a regulator of insect metamorphosis. The expression profiles of BmorCPH34 resembled those of E74A, therefore we compared the expression profiles of this transcription factor with BmorCPH34. BmorCPH34, E74A transcripts were up-regulated by the 20E pulse treatment. The results showed the relatedness of BmorCPH34 and E74A. The present findings showed different regulation of cuticular protein genes by ecdysone-responsive transcription factors at the pre-pupal stage of wing discs of B. mori.

19

Authors: John M. Schmitt, Jessica Magill, Amanda Ankeny, Renee Geck, Jessica Milligan, Hannah McFarland, Erica Rice

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM Kinase) proteins are targets of hormones and growth factors and regulate cancer cell growth, apoptosis and migration. The hormone estrogen (E2) utilizes CaM Kinases to activate the Extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) leading to MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. The hormone Vitamin D (Vit D) may inhibit breast cancer cell growth however the cellular mechanisms of Vit D action remain to be elucidated. Within the present study we provide data that E2 stimulation of MCF-7 cells activates CaM Kinase Kinase (CaM KK), CaM KI, and ERK and the transcription factors Elk-1 and SRF. E2 treatment of MCF-7 cells potently stimulated Elk-1/SRF directed transcription of SRE-luciferase reporters. E2 activation of ERK, Elk-1, SRF and SRE-dependent luciferase activities were blocked by treating cells with the CaM KK inhibitor, STO-609, and the ERK inhibitor, U0126. Moreover, siRNAs directed against CaM KK and ERK blocked transcription factor phosphorylation and luciferase activity. Treatment of cells with Vit D, the hormone Epinephrine (Epi), or Forskolin, prevented E2 activation of CaM KK and ERK. Interestingly, Vit D promoted a PKA-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of CaM KK as well as its association with 14-3-3. Epi and Vit D treatment of cells blocked the ability of E2 to active Elk-1 and SRE-luciferase activity. This data suggests an important role for CaM KK and ERK in regulating transcription downstream of E2 in MCF-7 cells. Our results also suggest that Vit D treatment of MCF-7 cells utilizes a unique PKA-dependent mechanism to block E2 activation of CaM KK, ERK and transcription.