Numerous pathological states of the nervous system involve alterations in neuronal excitability and synaptic dysfunction,which depend on the function of ion channels.Due to their critical involvement in health and dis...Numerous pathological states of the nervous system involve alterations in neuronal excitability and synaptic dysfunction,which depend on the function of ion channels.Due to their critical involvement in health and disease,the search for new compounds that modulate these proteins is still relevant.Traditional medicine has long been a rich source of neuroactive compounds.For example,the indigenous Mapuche people have used the leaves and bark of the Drimys winteri tree for centuries to treat various diseases.Consequently,several studies have investigated the biological effects of compounds in Drimys winteri,highlighting sesquiterpenes such asα-humulene,drimenin,polygodial,andα-,β-,γ-eudesmol.However,there is currently no literature review focusing on the ability of these sesquiterpenes to modulate ion channels.This review summarizes the current knowledge about neuroactive compounds found in Drimys winteri,with special emphasis on their direct actions on neuronal ion channels.Several Drimys winteri sesquiterpenes modulate a diverse array of neuronal ion channels,including transient receptor potential channels,gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors,nicotinic acetylcholine receptors,and voltage-dependent Ca^(2+)and Na^(+)channels.Interestingly,the modulation of these molecular targets by Drimys winteri sesquiterpenes correlates with their therapeutic actions.The promiscuous pharmacological profile of Drimys winteri sesquiterpenes suggests they modulate multiple protein targets in vivo,making them potentially useful for treating complex,multifactorial diseases.Further studies at the molecular level may aid in developing multitargeted drugs with enhanced therapeutic effects.展开更多
Focused ion beam(FIB)processing with low-energy ions has become a standard technique for the manipulation of nanostructures.Many underlying ion beam effects that deviate from conventional high-energy ion irradiation o...Focused ion beam(FIB)processing with low-energy ions has become a standard technique for the manipulation of nanostructures.Many underlying ion beam effects that deviate from conventional high-energy ion irradiation of bulk systems are considered today;however,ion channeling with its consequence of significant deeper penetration depth has been only theoretically investigated in this regime.We present here an experimental approach to determine the channeling of low-energy ions in crystalline nanoparticles by measuring the sputter yield derived from scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images taken after irradiation under various incident ion angles.Channeling maps of 30 and 20 keV Ga+ions in Ag nanocubes have been identified and fit well with the theory.Indeed,channeling has a significant impact on the transport of energetic ions in crystals due to the large critical angle at low ion energies,thus being relevant for any FIB-application.Consequently,the obtained sputter yield clearly differs from amorphous materials;therefore,it is recommended not to rely only on,e.g.,ion distribution depths predicted by standard Monte-Carlo(MC)algorithms for amorphous materials.展开更多
Current experimental and computational methods have limitations in accurately and efficiently classifying ion channels within vast protein spaces.Here we have developed a deep learning algorithm,GPT2 Ion Channel Class...Current experimental and computational methods have limitations in accurately and efficiently classifying ion channels within vast protein spaces.Here we have developed a deep learning algorithm,GPT2 Ion Channel Classifier(GPT2-ICC),which effectively distinguishing ion channels from a test set containing approximately 239 times more non-ion-channel proteins.GPT2-ICC integrates representation learning with a large language model(LLM)-based classifier,enabling highly accurate identification of potential ion channels.Several potential ion channels were predicated from the unannotated human proteome,further demonstrating GPT2-ICC’s generalization ability.This study marks a significant advancement in artificial-intelligence-driven ion channel research,highlighting the adaptability and effectiveness of combining representation learning with LLMs to address the challenges of imbalanced protein sequence data.Moreover,it provides a valuable computational tool for uncovering previously uncharacterized ion channels.展开更多
Mechanosensitive ion channels are essential for sensing and converting mechanical forces into electrical or chemical signals.These channels are widely distributed across bacteria,animals,and plants.In Arabidopsis thal...Mechanosensitive ion channels are essential for sensing and converting mechanical forces into electrical or chemical signals.These channels are widely distributed across bacteria,animals,and plants.In Arabidopsis thaliana,the OSCA family has been identified as mechanically activated ion channels that respond to osmotic stress by allowing calcium ions to enter the cell.This influx increases the cytoplasmic calcium concentration,triggering osmotic stress-induced signal transduction cascades in plants.In this study,we determined the structures of OSCA2.2 and OSCA3.1 via cryoelectron microscopy(cryo-EM).Both proteins form homodimers consisting of 11 transmembrane helices(TM1–11).The ion conduction pathway is formed by TM4–8.Despite belonging to the same family,OSCA2.2 and OSCA3.1 exhibit notable structural variations.Structural analysis revealed that both OSCA2.2 and OSCA3.1 exhibit a closed conformation.We also conducted functional studies on OSCA proteins via electrophysiological experiments and confirmed the role of key amino acids in the process of ion permeation.展开更多
Patch-clamp technique serve as a powerful tool for precisely measuring and characterizing ion channel currents,offering critical molecular-level insights essential for drug screening and optimization.By enabling a dee...Patch-clamp technique serve as a powerful tool for precisely measuring and characterizing ion channel currents,offering critical molecular-level insights essential for drug screening and optimization.By enabling a deeper understanding of ion channel behavior,these techniques significantly accelerate the process of drug discovery and development.In recent years,automated patch-clamp technique has undergone substantial advancements,surpassing traditional manual methods with its high throughput,improved data consistency,and automation.However,fully harnessing these advantages requires meticulous optimization of experimental conditions tailored to specific targets.Without such refinement,the high cost of consumables and operational expenses could severely hinder the widespread adoption of this technique.This study focused on the TRPV1 channel,detailing the establishment of an automated patch-clamp detection system for TRPV1 currents,optimization of experimental parameters,and a comparative evaluation of the results against manual patch-clamp techniques.展开更多
The ion channel in neurons is the basic component of signal transmission in the nervous system.The ion channel has important effects on the potential of neuron release and dynamic behavior in neural networks.Ion chann...The ion channel in neurons is the basic component of signal transmission in the nervous system.The ion channel has important effects on the potential of neuron release and dynamic behavior in neural networks.Ion channels control the flow of ions into and out of the cell membrane to form an ion current,which makes the excitable membrane produce special potential changes and become the basis of nerve and muscle activity.The blockage of ion channels has a significant effect on the dynamics of neurons and networks.Therefore,it is very meaningful to study the influence of ion channels on neuronal dynamics.In this work,a hybrid ion channel is designed by connecting a charge-controlled memristor(CCM)with an inductor in series,and a magnetic flux-controlled memristor(MFCM),capacitor,and nonlinear resistor are connected in parallel with the mixed ion channel to obtain the memristor neural circuit.Furthermore,the oscillator model with a hybrid ion channel and its energy function are calculated,and a map neuron is obtained by linearizing the neuron oscillator model.In addition,an adaptive regulation method is designed to explore the adaptive regulation of energy on the dynamic behaviors of the map neuron.The results show that the dynamics of a map neuron with a hybrid ion channel can be controlled by parameters and external magnetic fields.This study is also used to research synchronization between map neurons and collective behaviors in the map neurons network.展开更多
The inherent safety,high theoretical specific capacity and low raw material cost of aqueous batteries make them potential candidates in large-scale energy storage.However,uncontrolled dendrite growth,parasitic reactio...The inherent safety,high theoretical specific capacity and low raw material cost of aqueous batteries make them potential candidates in large-scale energy storage.However,uncontrolled dendrite growth,parasitic reactions and sluggish mass transfer on the anode-electrolyte interface are the main challenges restricting the application prospect of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.In general,eukaryotic cells utilize specific ion channels to achieve ion migration with the merits of low energy consumption and rapid speed.Herein,migrating the concept of ion channels to aqueous batteries,a crown species encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework(ZIF)interfacial layer(denoted as ZIF@Crown)was ex situ decorated onto the Zn anode.Similar to biological ion channels,the ZIF@Crown layer can homogenize the distribution of Zn^(2+)on the anode,accelerate the desolvation of hydrated Zn^(2+)and reduce the energy barrier for Zn^(2+)deposition,which were verified by theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations.Benefiting from these efficacious modulation mechanisms,the Zn@ZIF@Crown symmetrical cell could achieve a long calendar life of over 1900 h and the Zn@ZIF@Crown||Cu also sustained 600 cycles with a high Coulombic efficiency(97%).Furthermore,the full cells containing ZIF@Crown layer exhibit desirable electrochemical performance.This work provides an innovative avenue toward the optimization of aqueous batteries via bionic interfacial engineering.展开更多
NaTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)(NTP)has open threedimensional(3D)ion channels and a high theoretical capacity,but its inherent low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability impede practical applications.Meanwhile,the...NaTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)(NTP)has open threedimensional(3D)ion channels and a high theoretical capacity,but its inherent low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability impede practical applications.Meanwhile,the desalination mechanism of NTP in capacitive deionization(CDI)remains unclear,and the form of ion intercalation conversion is still ambiguous.Herein,we present an electron/ion transport-enhanced strategy for fabricating self-supporting electrodes via constructing an interlaced 3D network,which establishes interconnected channels for rapid electron/ion transfer and diffusion while simultaneously enhancing structural durability and mechanical robustness.The NTP combined with carbon nanofibers(NTP/CNF)composite electrode exhibits excellent salt adsorption capacity(83.9 mg·g^(-1)),fast salt adsorption rate(7.5 mg·g^(-1)·min^(-1)),and cycling stability.Furthermore,the desalination mechanism of the NTP/CNF electrode during the CDI process was revealed through ex-situ X-ray diffraction(XRD)patterns,Raman spectra,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)spectra,clarifying the transition from a sodium-deficient phase(NaTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3))to a sodiumrich phase(Na_(3)Ti_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)).展开更多
The authors used suspension cells of Populus euphratica to isolate protoplast in the present study. Protoplasts were successfully obtained after 4 hours incubation in enzyme solution containing 1 0% cellulase “o...The authors used suspension cells of Populus euphratica to isolate protoplast in the present study. Protoplasts were successfully obtained after 4 hours incubation in enzyme solution containing 1 0% cellulase “onozuka” R\|10, 0\^01% pectolyase Y\|23,0\^15% macerozyme R\|10 and 0\^1% hemicellulase at 25℃. Outward and inward single channels in plasma membrane were observed using cell\|attached recording of patch\|clamp technique. In this study, single channel records showed that more than one species of channel were obtained. These attempts in protoplast isolation and ion channel recording offers the opportunity to characterize cellular mechanisms of salt tolerance in tree species.展开更多
Aim To study the effects of cyclovirobuxine D on inward rectifier K^- current(I_(k1) ) > transient outward K^+ current (I_(to)), L-type Ca^(2+) current (I_(Ca-L)), and actionpotential duration (APD) in isolated rat...Aim To study the effects of cyclovirobuxine D on inward rectifier K^- current(I_(k1) ) > transient outward K^+ current (I_(to)), L-type Ca^(2+) current (I_(Ca-L)), and actionpotential duration (APD) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Methods The whole cell patch-clamptechniques were used to study the changes of I_(k1), I_(to), I_(Ca-L) and APD in rat ventricularmyocytes. Results Cyclovirobuxine D (1-10 μmol·L^(-1)) significantly prolonged APD_(50) andAPD_(90) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Resting potential (RP) was decreased by 10μmol·L^(-1) of cyclovirobuxine D. Cyclovirobuxine D significantly decreased both inward andoutward components of I_(k1) . At - 100 mV, 1 and 10 μmol·L^(-1) of cyclovirobuxine D decreasedI_(k1), density from (-8.0+- 1.1) pA/pF to ( - 4.1 +- 0.7) pA/pF and ( - 3.4 +- 0.8) pA/pF,respectively, whereas at - 30 mV, I-(k1) density was decreased from (1.10 +-0.24) pA/pF to (0.61+-0.18) pA/pF and (0.36+- 0.11) pA/pF, respectively. 1_(to) was markedly inhibited bycyclovirobuxine D from the test potential of 0 mV to + 60 mV. At + 40 mV, 1 and 10μmol·L^(-1) ofcyclovirobuxine D decreased I_(to) density from (8.9+- 2.0) pA/pF to (5.5 +- 1.2) pA/pF and (4.9+-0.9) pA/pF, respectively. Cyclovirobuxine D inhibited I_(Ca-L) in a concentration-dependentmanner. At 10 mV, 1 and 10μmol·L^(-1) of cyclovirobuxine D decreased I_(Ca-L) density from ( - 9.9+- 1.8) pA/pF to ( - 6.4 +- 1.4) pA/pF and (-4.2+-0.6) pA/pF, respectively. ConclusionCyclovirobuxine D significantly prolonged APD and inhibited I_(k1), I_(to), and I_(Ca-L) in ratventricular myocytes. The inhibitory effects of cyclovirobuxine D on _(k1) and I_(to) are majormolecular mechanisms of APD prolongation in rat.展开更多
Objective To re-confirm and characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of endogenously expressed human acid-sensing ion channel 1a （hASIC1a） current in HEK293 cells with a modified perfusion methods...Objective To re-confirm and characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of endogenously expressed human acid-sensing ion channel 1a （hASIC1a） current in HEK293 cells with a modified perfusion methods. Methods With cell floating method, which is separating the cultured cell from coverslip and putting the cell in front of perfusion tubing, whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record hASICla currents evoked by low pH external solution. Results Using cell floating method, the amplitude of hASICla currents activated by pH 5.0 in HEK293 cells is twice as large as that by the conventional method where the cells remain attached to coverslip. The time to reach peak at two different recording conditions is （21±5） ms and （270±25） ms, respectively. Inactivation time constants are （496±23） ms and （2284±120） ms, respectively. The cell floating method significantly increases the amiloride potency of block on hASIC 1 a [IC50 is （3.4± 1.1 ） μmol/L and （2.4± 0.9） μmol/L, respectively]. Both recording methods have similar pH activation ECs0 （6.6±0.6, 6.6±0.7, respectively）. Conclusion ASICs channel activation requires fast exchange of extracellular solution with the different pH values. With cell floating method, the presence of hASIC la current was re-confirmed and the biophysical and pharmacological properties of hASIC la channel in HEK293 cells was precisely characterized. This method could be used to study all ASICs and other ligand-gated channels that require fast extracellular solution exchange.展开更多
Ion channels are crucial in the generation and modulation of excitability in the nervous system and have been implicated in human epilepsy. Forty-one epilepsyassociated ion channel genes and their mutations are system...Ion channels are crucial in the generation and modulation of excitability in the nervous system and have been implicated in human epilepsy. Forty-one epilepsyassociated ion channel genes and their mutations are systematically reviewed. In this paper, we analyzed the genotypes, functional alterations（funotypes）, and phenotypes of these mutations. Eleven genes featured loss-offunction mutations and six had gain-of-function mutations.Nine genes displayed diversified funotypes, among which a distinct funotype-phenotype correlation was found in SCN1A. These data suggest that the funotype is an essential consideration in evaluating the pathogenicity of mutations and a distinct funotype or funotype-phenotype correlation helps to define the pathogenic potential of a gene.展开更多
Sexually reproducing animals require an orchestrated communication between spermatozoa and the egg to generate a new individual. Capacitation, a maturational complex phenomenon that occurs in the female reproductive t...Sexually reproducing animals require an orchestrated communication between spermatozoa and the egg to generate a new individual. Capacitation, a maturational complex phenomenon that occurs in the female reproductive tract, renders spermatozoa capable of binding and fusing with the oocyte, and it is a requirement for mammalian fertilization. Capacitation encompasses plasma membrane reorganization, ion permeability regulation, cholesterol loss and changes in the phosphorylation state of many proteins. Novel tools to study sperm ion channels, image intracellular ionic changes and proteins with better spatial and temporal resolution, are unraveling how modifications in sperm ion transport and phosphorylation states lead to capacitation. Recent evidence indicates that two parallel pathways regulate phosphorylation events leading to capacitation, one of them requiring activation of protein kinase A and the second one involving inactivation of ser/thr phosphatases. This review examines the involvement of ion transporters and phosphorylation signaling processes needed for spermatozoa to achieve capacitation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to fertilization is central for societies to deal with rising male infertility rates, to develop safe male gamete-based contraceptives and to preserve biodiversity through better assisted fertilization strategies.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus affects the heart through various mechanisms such as microvascular defects,metabolic abnormalities,autonomic dysfunction and incompatible immune response.Furthermore,it can also cause functional and ...Diabetes mellitus affects the heart through various mechanisms such as microvascular defects,metabolic abnormalities,autonomic dysfunction and incompatible immune response.Furthermore,it can also cause functional and structural changes in the myocardium by a disease known as diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)in the absence of coronary artery disease.As DCM progresses it causes electrical remodeling of the heart,left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure.Electrophysiological changes in the diabetic heart contribute significantly to the incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in diabetes mellitus patients.In recent studies,significant changes in repolarizing K+currents,Na+currents and L-type Ca^(2+)currents along with impaired Ca^(2+ )homeostasis and defective contractile function have been identified in the diabetic heart.In addition,insulin levels and other trophic factors change significantly to maintain the ionic channel expression in diabetic patients.There are many diagnostic tools and management options for DCM,but it is difficult to detect its development and to effectively prevent its progress.In this review,diabetes-associated alterations in voltage-sensitive cardiac ion channels are comprehensively assessed to understand their potential role in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of DCM.展开更多
Objectives To evaluate the association between a KCNQ 1 mutation, R259H, and short QT syndrome （SQTS） and to explore the elec- trophysiological mechanisms underlying their association. Methods We performed genetic s...Objectives To evaluate the association between a KCNQ 1 mutation, R259H, and short QT syndrome （SQTS） and to explore the elec- trophysiological mechanisms underlying their association. Methods We performed genetic screening of SQTS genes in 25 probands and their family members （63 patients）. We used direct sequencing to screen the exons and intron-exon boundaries of candidate genes that en- code ion channels which contribute to the repolarization of the ventricular action potential, including KCNQI, KCNH2, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNJ2, CACNAlc, CACNB2b and CACNA2D1. In one of the 25 SQTS probands screened, we discovered a KCNQ1 mutation, R259H. We cloned R259H and transiently expressed it in HEK-293 cells; then, currents were recorded using whole cell patch clamp techniques. Results R259H-KCNQ 1 showed significantly increased current density, which was approximately 3-fold larger than that of wild type （WT） after a depolarizing pulse at 1 s. The steady state voltage dependence of the activation and inactivation did not show significant differences between the WT and R259H mutation （P 〉 0.05）, whereas the time constant of deactivation was markedly prolonged in the mutant compared with the WT in terms of the test potentials, which indicated that the deactivation of R259H was markedly slower than that of the WT. These results suggested that the R259H mutation can effectively increase the slowly activated delayed rectifier potassium current （Irs） in phase 3 of the cardiac action potential, which may be an infrequent cause of QT interval shortening. Conclusions R259H is a gain-of-function muta- tion of the KCNQ1 channel that is responsible for SQTS2. This is the first time that the R259H mutation was detected in Chinese people.展开更多
The P2X4 receptor(P2X4)is an ATP-gated cation channel that is highly permeable to Ca2+and widely expressed in neuronal and glial cell types throughout the central nervous system(CNS).A growing body of evidence indicat...The P2X4 receptor(P2X4)is an ATP-gated cation channel that is highly permeable to Ca2+and widely expressed in neuronal and glial cell types throughout the central nervous system(CNS).A growing body of evidence indicates that P2X4 plays key roles in numerous central disorders.P2X4 trafficking is highly regulated and consequently in normal situations,P2X4 is present on the plasma membrane at low density and found mostly within intracellular endosomal/lysosomal compartments.An increase in the de novo expression and/or surface density of P2X4 has been observed in microglia and/or neurons during pathological states.This review aims to summarize knowledge on P2X4 functions in CNS disorders and provide some insights into the relative contributions of neuronal and glial P2X4 in pathological contexts.However,determination of the cell-specific functions of P2X4 along with its intracellular and cell surface roles remain to be elucidated before its potential as a therapeutic target in multiple disorders can be defined.展开更多
Neuropathic pain(NPP)is a kind of pain caused by disease or damage impacting the somatosensory system.Ion channel drugs are the main treatment for NPP;however,their irregular usage leads to unsatisfactory pain relief....Neuropathic pain(NPP)is a kind of pain caused by disease or damage impacting the somatosensory system.Ion channel drugs are the main treatment for NPP;however,their irregular usage leads to unsatisfactory pain relief.To regulate the treatment of NPP with ion channel drugs in clinical practice,the Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized first-line pain management experts from China to write an expert consensus as the reference for the use of ion channels drugs.Here,we reviewed the mechanism and characteristics of sodium and calcium channel drugs,and developed recommendations for the therapeutic principles and clinical practice for carbamazepine,oxcarbazepine,lidocaine,bulleyaconitine A,pregabalin,and gabapentin.We hope this guideline provides guidance to clinicians and patients on the use of ion channel drugs for the management of NPP.展开更多
It has been proposed that in cancer, where the bulk of the genome becomes hypomethylated, there is an increase in transcriptional noise that might lead to the generation of antisense transcripts that could affect the ...It has been proposed that in cancer, where the bulk of the genome becomes hypomethylated, there is an increase in transcriptional noise that might lead to the generation of antisense transcripts that could affect the function of key oncosuppressor genes, ultimately leading to malignant transformation. Here, we describe the computational identification of a melanoma-enriched antisense transcript, TRPM2-AS, mapped within the locus of TRPM2, an ion channel capable of mediating susceptibility to cell death. Analysis of the TRPM2-AS genomic region indicated the presence in the same region of another tumor-enriched TRPM2 transcript, TRPM2-TE, located across a CpG island shared with TRPM2-AS. Quantitative PCR experiments confirmed that TRPM2-AS and TRPM2-TE transcripts were up-regu- lated in melanoma, and their activation was consistent with the methylation status of the shared CpG island. Functional knock-out of TRPM2-TE, as well as over-expression of wild-type TRPM2, increased melanoma susceptibility to apoptosis and necrosis. Finally, expression analysis in other cancer types indicated that TRPM2-AS and TRPM2-TE over-expression might have an even wider role than anticipated, reinforcing the relevance of our computational approach in identifying new potential therapeutic targets.展开更多
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)are a promising candidate for spinal cord injury(SCI)repair owing to their advantages of low immunogenicity and easy accessibility over other MSC sources.However,mo...Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)are a promising candidate for spinal cord injury(SCI)repair owing to their advantages of low immunogenicity and easy accessibility over other MSC sources.However,modest clinical efficacy hampered the progression of these cells to clinical translation.This discrepancy may be due to many variables,such as cell source,timing of implantation,route of administration,and relevant efficacious cell dose,which are critical factors that affect the efficacy of treatment of patients with SCI.Previously,we have evaluated the safety and efficacy of 4×10^(6) hUC-MSCs/kg in the treatment of subacute SCI by intrathecal implantation in rat models.To search for a more accurate dose range for clinical translation,we compared the effects of three different doses of hUC-MSCs-low(0.25×10^(6) cells/kg),medium(1×10^(6) cells/kg)and high(4×10^(6) cells/kg)-on subacute SCI repair through an elaborate combination of behavioral analyses,anatomical analyses,magnetic resonance imaging-diffusion tensor imaging(MRI-DTI),biotinylated dextran amine(BDA)tracing,electrophysiology,and quantification of mRNA levels of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors.Our study demonstrated that the medium dose,but not the low dose,is as efficient as the high dose in producing the desired therapeutic outcomes.Furthermore,partial restoration of theγ-aminobutyric acid type A(GABAA)receptor expression by the effective doses indicates that GABAA receptors are possible candidates for therapeutic targeting of dormant relay pathways in injured spinal cord.Overall,this study revealed that intrathecal implantation of 1×10^(6) hUC-MSCs/kg is an alternative approach for treating subacute SCI.展开更多
Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomoti...Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion in the cerebral basilar artery （BA） of Wistar rats. Pressure myograph video microscopy was used to study the changes in cerebral artery vessel diameter. The main results of this study were as follows： （1） The diameters of BA and middle cerebral artery （MCA） were 314.5±15.7 μm （n=15） and 233.3±10.1 μm （n=12） at 10 mmHg working pressure （P〈0.05）, respectively. Pressure-induced vasomotion occurred in BA （22/28, 78.6%）, but not in MCA （4/31, 12.9%） from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. As is typical for vasomotion, the contractile phase of the response was more rapid than the relaxation phase; （2） The frequency of vasomotion response and the diameter were gradually increased in BA from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. The amplitude of the rhythmic con- tractions was relatively constant once stable conditions were achieved. The frequency of contractions was variable and the highest value was 16.7±4.7 （n=13） per 10 min at 60 mmHg working pressure; （3） The pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA was attenuated by nifedipine, NFA, 181]-GA, TEA or in Ca2＋-free medium. Nifedipine, NFA, 18^-GA or Ca2＋-free medium not only dampened vasomotion, but also kept BA in relaxation state. In contrasts, TEA kept BA in contraction state. These results sug- gest that the pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA results from an interaction between Ca2＋-activated C1- channels （CaCCs） currents and Kca currents. We hypothesize that vasomotion of BA depends on the depolarizing of the vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） to activate CaCCs. Depolarization in turn activates voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels, synchronizing contractions of adjacent cells through influx of extracellular calcium and the flow of calcium through gap junctions. Subsequent calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive stores activates Kca channels and hyperpo- larizes VSMCs, which provides a negative feedback loop for regenerating the contractile cycle.展开更多
基金supported by ANID-FONDECYT 1200908(to JF),ANID-FONDECYT 1211082 and 1250856(to GEY)by the Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain NCN19_038(Mi Nu SPain)(to GEY)funded by the ANID scholarship 21201176。
文摘Numerous pathological states of the nervous system involve alterations in neuronal excitability and synaptic dysfunction,which depend on the function of ion channels.Due to their critical involvement in health and disease,the search for new compounds that modulate these proteins is still relevant.Traditional medicine has long been a rich source of neuroactive compounds.For example,the indigenous Mapuche people have used the leaves and bark of the Drimys winteri tree for centuries to treat various diseases.Consequently,several studies have investigated the biological effects of compounds in Drimys winteri,highlighting sesquiterpenes such asα-humulene,drimenin,polygodial,andα-,β-,γ-eudesmol.However,there is currently no literature review focusing on the ability of these sesquiterpenes to modulate ion channels.This review summarizes the current knowledge about neuroactive compounds found in Drimys winteri,with special emphasis on their direct actions on neuronal ion channels.Several Drimys winteri sesquiterpenes modulate a diverse array of neuronal ion channels,including transient receptor potential channels,gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors,nicotinic acetylcholine receptors,and voltage-dependent Ca^(2+)and Na^(+)channels.Interestingly,the modulation of these molecular targets by Drimys winteri sesquiterpenes correlates with their therapeutic actions.The promiscuous pharmacological profile of Drimys winteri sesquiterpenes suggests they modulate multiple protein targets in vivo,making them potentially useful for treating complex,multifactorial diseases.Further studies at the molecular level may aid in developing multitargeted drugs with enhanced therapeutic effects.
基金We thank the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG)for financial support through the project Ro1198/22-1“Energy induced nanoparticle substrate interactions”.
文摘Focused ion beam(FIB)processing with low-energy ions has become a standard technique for the manipulation of nanostructures.Many underlying ion beam effects that deviate from conventional high-energy ion irradiation of bulk systems are considered today;however,ion channeling with its consequence of significant deeper penetration depth has been only theoretically investigated in this regime.We present here an experimental approach to determine the channeling of low-energy ions in crystalline nanoparticles by measuring the sputter yield derived from scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images taken after irradiation under various incident ion angles.Channeling maps of 30 and 20 keV Ga+ions in Ag nanocubes have been identified and fit well with the theory.Indeed,channeling has a significant impact on the transport of energetic ions in crystals due to the large critical angle at low ion energies,thus being relevant for any FIB-application.Consequently,the obtained sputter yield clearly differs from amorphous materials;therefore,it is recommended not to rely only on,e.g.,ion distribution depths predicted by standard Monte-Carlo(MC)algorithms for amorphous materials.
基金funded by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant Nos.:2022YFE0205600 and 2022YFC3400504)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:82373792 and 82273857)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China,and the East China Normal University Medicine and Health Joint Fund,China(Grant No.:2022JKXYD07001).
文摘Current experimental and computational methods have limitations in accurately and efficiently classifying ion channels within vast protein spaces.Here we have developed a deep learning algorithm,GPT2 Ion Channel Classifier(GPT2-ICC),which effectively distinguishing ion channels from a test set containing approximately 239 times more non-ion-channel proteins.GPT2-ICC integrates representation learning with a large language model(LLM)-based classifier,enabling highly accurate identification of potential ion channels.Several potential ion channels were predicated from the unannotated human proteome,further demonstrating GPT2-ICC’s generalization ability.This study marks a significant advancement in artificial-intelligence-driven ion channel research,highlighting the adaptability and effectiveness of combining representation learning with LLMs to address the challenges of imbalanced protein sequence data.Moreover,it provides a valuable computational tool for uncovering previously uncharacterized ion channels.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32322041,W2412029,32321001,32471279)USTC Research Funds of the Double First-Class Initiative(YD9100002004,YD9100002020)+2 种基金Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(WK9100000031)Research Funds of Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM(QYPY20230034)the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(2408085JX005).
文摘Mechanosensitive ion channels are essential for sensing and converting mechanical forces into electrical or chemical signals.These channels are widely distributed across bacteria,animals,and plants.In Arabidopsis thaliana,the OSCA family has been identified as mechanically activated ion channels that respond to osmotic stress by allowing calcium ions to enter the cell.This influx increases the cytoplasmic calcium concentration,triggering osmotic stress-induced signal transduction cascades in plants.In this study,we determined the structures of OSCA2.2 and OSCA3.1 via cryoelectron microscopy(cryo-EM).Both proteins form homodimers consisting of 11 transmembrane helices(TM1–11).The ion conduction pathway is formed by TM4–8.Despite belonging to the same family,OSCA2.2 and OSCA3.1 exhibit notable structural variations.Structural analysis revealed that both OSCA2.2 and OSCA3.1 exhibit a closed conformation.We also conducted functional studies on OSCA proteins via electrophysiological experiments and confirmed the role of key amino acids in the process of ion permeation.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32000674).
文摘Patch-clamp technique serve as a powerful tool for precisely measuring and characterizing ion channel currents,offering critical molecular-level insights essential for drug screening and optimization.By enabling a deeper understanding of ion channel behavior,these techniques significantly accelerate the process of drug discovery and development.In recent years,automated patch-clamp technique has undergone substantial advancements,surpassing traditional manual methods with its high throughput,improved data consistency,and automation.However,fully harnessing these advantages requires meticulous optimization of experimental conditions tailored to specific targets.Without such refinement,the high cost of consumables and operational expenses could severely hinder the widespread adoption of this technique.This study focused on the TRPV1 channel,detailing the establishment of an automated patch-clamp detection system for TRPV1 currents,optimization of experimental parameters,and a comparative evaluation of the results against manual patch-clamp techniques.
基金supported by the National Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi(Grant No.2023-JC-QN-0087)。
文摘The ion channel in neurons is the basic component of signal transmission in the nervous system.The ion channel has important effects on the potential of neuron release and dynamic behavior in neural networks.Ion channels control the flow of ions into and out of the cell membrane to form an ion current,which makes the excitable membrane produce special potential changes and become the basis of nerve and muscle activity.The blockage of ion channels has a significant effect on the dynamics of neurons and networks.Therefore,it is very meaningful to study the influence of ion channels on neuronal dynamics.In this work,a hybrid ion channel is designed by connecting a charge-controlled memristor(CCM)with an inductor in series,and a magnetic flux-controlled memristor(MFCM),capacitor,and nonlinear resistor are connected in parallel with the mixed ion channel to obtain the memristor neural circuit.Furthermore,the oscillator model with a hybrid ion channel and its energy function are calculated,and a map neuron is obtained by linearizing the neuron oscillator model.In addition,an adaptive regulation method is designed to explore the adaptive regulation of energy on the dynamic behaviors of the map neuron.The results show that the dynamics of a map neuron with a hybrid ion channel can be controlled by parameters and external magnetic fields.This study is also used to research synchronization between map neurons and collective behaviors in the map neurons network.
基金supported by research grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFB3803300)the Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52173235 and 62074022)+2 种基金the Venture&Innovation Support Program for Chongqing Overseas Returnees(No.CX2021018)the Youth Talent Support Program of Chongqing(No.CQYC2021059206)the Program of Graduate Education and Teaching in Chongqing(No.yjg223016).
文摘The inherent safety,high theoretical specific capacity and low raw material cost of aqueous batteries make them potential candidates in large-scale energy storage.However,uncontrolled dendrite growth,parasitic reactions and sluggish mass transfer on the anode-electrolyte interface are the main challenges restricting the application prospect of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.In general,eukaryotic cells utilize specific ion channels to achieve ion migration with the merits of low energy consumption and rapid speed.Herein,migrating the concept of ion channels to aqueous batteries,a crown species encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework(ZIF)interfacial layer(denoted as ZIF@Crown)was ex situ decorated onto the Zn anode.Similar to biological ion channels,the ZIF@Crown layer can homogenize the distribution of Zn^(2+)on the anode,accelerate the desolvation of hydrated Zn^(2+)and reduce the energy barrier for Zn^(2+)deposition,which were verified by theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations.Benefiting from these efficacious modulation mechanisms,the Zn@ZIF@Crown symmetrical cell could achieve a long calendar life of over 1900 h and the Zn@ZIF@Crown||Cu also sustained 600 cycles with a high Coulombic efficiency(97%).Furthermore,the full cells containing ZIF@Crown layer exhibit desirable electrochemical performance.This work provides an innovative avenue toward the optimization of aqueous batteries via bionic interfacial engineering.
基金supported by Tianshan Talent Training Program(No.TSYC202401B110)the Key Research and Development Program(No.2022B01026-1)of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regionthe National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22378341).
文摘NaTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)(NTP)has open threedimensional(3D)ion channels and a high theoretical capacity,but its inherent low electronic conductivity and poor structural stability impede practical applications.Meanwhile,the desalination mechanism of NTP in capacitive deionization(CDI)remains unclear,and the form of ion intercalation conversion is still ambiguous.Herein,we present an electron/ion transport-enhanced strategy for fabricating self-supporting electrodes via constructing an interlaced 3D network,which establishes interconnected channels for rapid electron/ion transfer and diffusion while simultaneously enhancing structural durability and mechanical robustness.The NTP combined with carbon nanofibers(NTP/CNF)composite electrode exhibits excellent salt adsorption capacity(83.9 mg·g^(-1)),fast salt adsorption rate(7.5 mg·g^(-1)·min^(-1)),and cycling stability.Furthermore,the desalination mechanism of the NTP/CNF electrode during the CDI process was revealed through ex-situ X-ray diffraction(XRD)patterns,Raman spectra,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)spectra,clarifying the transition from a sodium-deficient phase(NaTi_(2)(PO_(4))_(3))to a sodiumrich phase(Na_(3)Ti_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)).
文摘The authors used suspension cells of Populus euphratica to isolate protoplast in the present study. Protoplasts were successfully obtained after 4 hours incubation in enzyme solution containing 1 0% cellulase “onozuka” R\|10, 0\^01% pectolyase Y\|23,0\^15% macerozyme R\|10 and 0\^1% hemicellulase at 25℃. Outward and inward single channels in plasma membrane were observed using cell\|attached recording of patch\|clamp technique. In this study, single channel records showed that more than one species of channel were obtained. These attempts in protoplast isolation and ion channel recording offers the opportunity to characterize cellular mechanisms of salt tolerance in tree species.
文摘Aim To study the effects of cyclovirobuxine D on inward rectifier K^- current(I_(k1) ) > transient outward K^+ current (I_(to)), L-type Ca^(2+) current (I_(Ca-L)), and actionpotential duration (APD) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Methods The whole cell patch-clamptechniques were used to study the changes of I_(k1), I_(to), I_(Ca-L) and APD in rat ventricularmyocytes. Results Cyclovirobuxine D (1-10 μmol·L^(-1)) significantly prolonged APD_(50) andAPD_(90) in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. Resting potential (RP) was decreased by 10μmol·L^(-1) of cyclovirobuxine D. Cyclovirobuxine D significantly decreased both inward andoutward components of I_(k1) . At - 100 mV, 1 and 10 μmol·L^(-1) of cyclovirobuxine D decreasedI_(k1), density from (-8.0+- 1.1) pA/pF to ( - 4.1 +- 0.7) pA/pF and ( - 3.4 +- 0.8) pA/pF,respectively, whereas at - 30 mV, I-(k1) density was decreased from (1.10 +-0.24) pA/pF to (0.61+-0.18) pA/pF and (0.36+- 0.11) pA/pF, respectively. 1_(to) was markedly inhibited bycyclovirobuxine D from the test potential of 0 mV to + 60 mV. At + 40 mV, 1 and 10μmol·L^(-1) ofcyclovirobuxine D decreased I_(to) density from (8.9+- 2.0) pA/pF to (5.5 +- 1.2) pA/pF and (4.9+-0.9) pA/pF, respectively. Cyclovirobuxine D inhibited I_(Ca-L) in a concentration-dependentmanner. At 10 mV, 1 and 10μmol·L^(-1) of cyclovirobuxine D decreased I_(Ca-L) density from ( - 9.9+- 1.8) pA/pF to ( - 6.4 +- 1.4) pA/pF and (-4.2+-0.6) pA/pF, respectively. ConclusionCyclovirobuxine D significantly prolonged APD and inhibited I_(k1), I_(to), and I_(Ca-L) in ratventricular myocytes. The inhibitory effects of cyclovirobuxine D on _(k1) and I_(to) are majormolecular mechanisms of APD prolongation in rat.
文摘Objective To re-confirm and characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of endogenously expressed human acid-sensing ion channel 1a （hASIC1a） current in HEK293 cells with a modified perfusion methods. Methods With cell floating method, which is separating the cultured cell from coverslip and putting the cell in front of perfusion tubing, whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record hASICla currents evoked by low pH external solution. Results Using cell floating method, the amplitude of hASICla currents activated by pH 5.0 in HEK293 cells is twice as large as that by the conventional method where the cells remain attached to coverslip. The time to reach peak at two different recording conditions is （21±5） ms and （270±25） ms, respectively. Inactivation time constants are （496±23） ms and （2284±120） ms, respectively. The cell floating method significantly increases the amiloride potency of block on hASIC 1 a [IC50 is （3.4± 1.1 ） μmol/L and （2.4± 0.9） μmol/L, respectively]. Both recording methods have similar pH activation ECs0 （6.6±0.6, 6.6±0.7, respectively）. Conclusion ASICs channel activation requires fast exchange of extracellular solution with the different pH values. With cell floating method, the presence of hASIC la current was re-confirmed and the biophysical and pharmacological properties of hASIC la channel in HEK293 cells was precisely characterized. This method could be used to study all ASICs and other ligand-gated channels that require fast extracellular solution exchange.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81571273,81571274,81501124,81271434,and 81301107)Omics-based precision medicine of epilepsy being entrusted by Key Research Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2016YFC0904400)+5 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China (2014A030313489)Science and Technology Planning Projects of Guangdong Province,China (2012B031800404 and 2013B051000084)the Department of Education of Guangdong Province,China (2013CXZDA022,2013KJCX0156,and 2012KJCX009)the Foundation for High-level Talents in Higher Education of Guangdong Province,China (2013-167)Yangcheng Scholar Research Projects of Guangzhou Municipal College (12A016S and 12A017G)Science and Technology Projects of Guangzhou,Guangdong Province,China (2014J4100069,201508020011,201604020161,and 201607010002)
文摘Ion channels are crucial in the generation and modulation of excitability in the nervous system and have been implicated in human epilepsy. Forty-one epilepsyassociated ion channel genes and their mutations are systematically reviewed. In this paper, we analyzed the genotypes, functional alterations（funotypes）, and phenotypes of these mutations. Eleven genes featured loss-offunction mutations and six had gain-of-function mutations.Nine genes displayed diversified funotypes, among which a distinct funotype-phenotype correlation was found in SCN1A. These data suggest that the funotype is an essential consideration in evaluating the pathogenicity of mutations and a distinct funotype or funotype-phenotype correlation helps to define the pathogenic potential of a gene.
文摘Sexually reproducing animals require an orchestrated communication between spermatozoa and the egg to generate a new individual. Capacitation, a maturational complex phenomenon that occurs in the female reproductive tract, renders spermatozoa capable of binding and fusing with the oocyte, and it is a requirement for mammalian fertilization. Capacitation encompasses plasma membrane reorganization, ion permeability regulation, cholesterol loss and changes in the phosphorylation state of many proteins. Novel tools to study sperm ion channels, image intracellular ionic changes and proteins with better spatial and temporal resolution, are unraveling how modifications in sperm ion transport and phosphorylation states lead to capacitation. Recent evidence indicates that two parallel pathways regulate phosphorylation events leading to capacitation, one of them requiring activation of protein kinase A and the second one involving inactivation of ser/thr phosphatases. This review examines the involvement of ion transporters and phosphorylation signaling processes needed for spermatozoa to achieve capacitation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to fertilization is central for societies to deal with rising male infertility rates, to develop safe male gamete-based contraceptives and to preserve biodiversity through better assisted fertilization strategies.
文摘Diabetes mellitus affects the heart through various mechanisms such as microvascular defects,metabolic abnormalities,autonomic dysfunction and incompatible immune response.Furthermore,it can also cause functional and structural changes in the myocardium by a disease known as diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)in the absence of coronary artery disease.As DCM progresses it causes electrical remodeling of the heart,left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure.Electrophysiological changes in the diabetic heart contribute significantly to the incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in diabetes mellitus patients.In recent studies,significant changes in repolarizing K+currents,Na+currents and L-type Ca^(2+)currents along with impaired Ca^(2+ )homeostasis and defective contractile function have been identified in the diabetic heart.In addition,insulin levels and other trophic factors change significantly to maintain the ionic channel expression in diabetic patients.There are many diagnostic tools and management options for DCM,but it is difficult to detect its development and to effectively prevent its progress.In this review,diabetes-associated alterations in voltage-sensitive cardiac ion channels are comprehensively assessed to understand their potential role in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of DCM.
基金grants obtained from the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No.： 81170177, 81030002） and science and Technology De- partment of Gansu Province Project （145RJZ104）.
文摘Objectives To evaluate the association between a KCNQ 1 mutation, R259H, and short QT syndrome （SQTS） and to explore the elec- trophysiological mechanisms underlying their association. Methods We performed genetic screening of SQTS genes in 25 probands and their family members （63 patients）. We used direct sequencing to screen the exons and intron-exon boundaries of candidate genes that en- code ion channels which contribute to the repolarization of the ventricular action potential, including KCNQI, KCNH2, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNJ2, CACNAlc, CACNB2b and CACNA2D1. In one of the 25 SQTS probands screened, we discovered a KCNQ1 mutation, R259H. We cloned R259H and transiently expressed it in HEK-293 cells; then, currents were recorded using whole cell patch clamp techniques. Results R259H-KCNQ 1 showed significantly increased current density, which was approximately 3-fold larger than that of wild type （WT） after a depolarizing pulse at 1 s. The steady state voltage dependence of the activation and inactivation did not show significant differences between the WT and R259H mutation （P 〉 0.05）, whereas the time constant of deactivation was markedly prolonged in the mutant compared with the WT in terms of the test potentials, which indicated that the deactivation of R259H was markedly slower than that of the WT. These results suggested that the R259H mutation can effectively increase the slowly activated delayed rectifier potassium current （Irs） in phase 3 of the cardiac action potential, which may be an infrequent cause of QT interval shortening. Conclusions R259H is a gain-of-function muta- tion of the KCNQ1 channel that is responsible for SQTS2. This is the first time that the R259H mutation was detected in Chinese people.
基金This review was supported by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique,University of Bordeaux,and grants from Association pour la Recherche sur la Sclerose Laterale Amyotrophique,Initiative d'Excellencc of Bordeaux,and Laboratoire d'Excellence BRAIN ANR-10-LABX-43.
文摘The P2X4 receptor(P2X4)is an ATP-gated cation channel that is highly permeable to Ca2+and widely expressed in neuronal and glial cell types throughout the central nervous system(CNS).A growing body of evidence indicates that P2X4 plays key roles in numerous central disorders.P2X4 trafficking is highly regulated and consequently in normal situations,P2X4 is present on the plasma membrane at low density and found mostly within intracellular endosomal/lysosomal compartments.An increase in the de novo expression and/or surface density of P2X4 has been observed in microglia and/or neurons during pathological states.This review aims to summarize knowledge on P2X4 functions in CNS disorders and provide some insights into the relative contributions of neuronal and glial P2X4 in pathological contexts.However,determination of the cell-specific functions of P2X4 along with its intracellular and cell surface roles remain to be elucidated before its potential as a therapeutic target in multiple disorders can be defined.
基金Supported by Sichuan Science and Technology Program,No.2018SZ0386。
文摘Neuropathic pain(NPP)is a kind of pain caused by disease or damage impacting the somatosensory system.Ion channel drugs are the main treatment for NPP;however,their irregular usage leads to unsatisfactory pain relief.To regulate the treatment of NPP with ion channel drugs in clinical practice,the Chinese Association for the Study of Pain organized first-line pain management experts from China to write an expert consensus as the reference for the use of ion channels drugs.Here,we reviewed the mechanism and characteristics of sodium and calcium channel drugs,and developed recommendations for the therapeutic principles and clinical practice for carbamazepine,oxcarbazepine,lidocaine,bulleyaconitine A,pregabalin,and gabapentin.We hope this guideline provides guidance to clinicians and patients on the use of ion channel drugs for the management of NPP.
文摘It has been proposed that in cancer, where the bulk of the genome becomes hypomethylated, there is an increase in transcriptional noise that might lead to the generation of antisense transcripts that could affect the function of key oncosuppressor genes, ultimately leading to malignant transformation. Here, we describe the computational identification of a melanoma-enriched antisense transcript, TRPM2-AS, mapped within the locus of TRPM2, an ion channel capable of mediating susceptibility to cell death. Analysis of the TRPM2-AS genomic region indicated the presence in the same region of another tumor-enriched TRPM2 transcript, TRPM2-TE, located across a CpG island shared with TRPM2-AS. Quantitative PCR experiments confirmed that TRPM2-AS and TRPM2-TE transcripts were up-regu- lated in melanoma, and their activation was consistent with the methylation status of the shared CpG island. Functional knock-out of TRPM2-TE, as well as over-expression of wild-type TRPM2, increased melanoma susceptibility to apoptosis and necrosis. Finally, expression analysis in other cancer types indicated that TRPM2-AS and TRPM2-TE over-expression might have an even wider role than anticipated, reinforcing the relevance of our computational approach in identifying new potential therapeutic targets.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2017YFA0105401(to LMR)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.31671420 and 81602482(to MML)a grant from the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases.
文摘Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)are a promising candidate for spinal cord injury(SCI)repair owing to their advantages of low immunogenicity and easy accessibility over other MSC sources.However,modest clinical efficacy hampered the progression of these cells to clinical translation.This discrepancy may be due to many variables,such as cell source,timing of implantation,route of administration,and relevant efficacious cell dose,which are critical factors that affect the efficacy of treatment of patients with SCI.Previously,we have evaluated the safety and efficacy of 4×10^(6) hUC-MSCs/kg in the treatment of subacute SCI by intrathecal implantation in rat models.To search for a more accurate dose range for clinical translation,we compared the effects of three different doses of hUC-MSCs-low(0.25×10^(6) cells/kg),medium(1×10^(6) cells/kg)and high(4×10^(6) cells/kg)-on subacute SCI repair through an elaborate combination of behavioral analyses,anatomical analyses,magnetic resonance imaging-diffusion tensor imaging(MRI-DTI),biotinylated dextran amine(BDA)tracing,electrophysiology,and quantification of mRNA levels of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors.Our study demonstrated that the medium dose,but not the low dose,is as efficient as the high dose in producing the desired therapeutic outcomes.Furthermore,partial restoration of theγ-aminobutyric acid type A(GABAA)receptor expression by the effective doses indicates that GABAA receptors are possible candidates for therapeutic targeting of dormant relay pathways in injured spinal cord.Overall,this study revealed that intrathecal implantation of 1×10^(6) hUC-MSCs/kg is an alternative approach for treating subacute SCI.
基金supported by grants from National Basic Research Program of China(No.2012CB52660000)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81000411,No.31100829,and No.31260247)
文摘Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion in the cerebral basilar artery （BA） of Wistar rats. Pressure myograph video microscopy was used to study the changes in cerebral artery vessel diameter. The main results of this study were as follows： （1） The diameters of BA and middle cerebral artery （MCA） were 314.5±15.7 μm （n=15） and 233.3±10.1 μm （n=12） at 10 mmHg working pressure （P〈0.05）, respectively. Pressure-induced vasomotion occurred in BA （22/28, 78.6%）, but not in MCA （4/31, 12.9%） from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. As is typical for vasomotion, the contractile phase of the response was more rapid than the relaxation phase; （2） The frequency of vasomotion response and the diameter were gradually increased in BA from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. The amplitude of the rhythmic con- tractions was relatively constant once stable conditions were achieved. The frequency of contractions was variable and the highest value was 16.7±4.7 （n=13） per 10 min at 60 mmHg working pressure; （3） The pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA was attenuated by nifedipine, NFA, 181]-GA, TEA or in Ca2＋-free medium. Nifedipine, NFA, 18^-GA or Ca2＋-free medium not only dampened vasomotion, but also kept BA in relaxation state. In contrasts, TEA kept BA in contraction state. These results sug- gest that the pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA results from an interaction between Ca2＋-activated C1- channels （CaCCs） currents and Kca currents. We hypothesize that vasomotion of BA depends on the depolarizing of the vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） to activate CaCCs. Depolarization in turn activates voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels, synchronizing contractions of adjacent cells through influx of extracellular calcium and the flow of calcium through gap junctions. Subsequent calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive stores activates Kca channels and hyperpo- larizes VSMCs, which provides a negative feedback loop for regenerating the contractile cycle.
