(Press-News.org) It has been 25 years since the identification of two proteins that facilitate communication between nerve cells – a significant achievement that revealed a group of related proteins. In recognition of this advancement, the Journal of Biological Chemistry has published a series of articles that assess what we know about each family member in this group and where that research is headed.
This superfamily was recognized in 1987 with the discoveries of the genes that encode two of its members, the GABAA and glycine receptors, and of the similarity of these proteins to the first characterized family of this group, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. F. Anne Stephenson of the University College London School of Pharmacy, an author on one of the two 1987 articles, explains that these findings, in addition to revealing the new superfamily, led to the discovery of multiple protein subtypes within each family. Since that time, two other protein families have been added to the group – the serotonin-3 receptors and the glutamate-gated chloride ion channels.
Proteins in this group, known as the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, are targeted by specific biological molecules (neurotransmitters) to allow the passage of ions across cell barriers, ultimately affecting functions such as muscle contraction, anxiety, pain, vision and food digestion and passage. For example, mutations in GABAA receptor subunits are involved in some forms of epilepsy. Also, certain anti-anxiety drugs target these receptors, and drugs that affect serotonin-3 receptors treat the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and irritable bowel syndrome.
The JBC series chronicles the history of this field, highlighting the many advances scientists have made over the past 25 years. Each review focuses on a different member of the group, covering its structure, regulation and functions. The roles of some of these proteins in diseases and therapeutics are also discussed.
Since 1987, scientists have overcome major challenges and learned where particular protein subtypes of a family are located and what functions they perform. Stephenson emphasizes that the advancements in this field were a boost for the pharmaceutical industry in terms of finding selective drugs that lack undesirable side effects, such as nonsedating anti-anxiety drugs.
The JBC series was convened by Stephenson, who today is an associate editor of the journal and whose lab continues to investigate the structures and functions of neurotransmitter receptors, including the GABAA receptors, in health and disease.
### -- Written by Danielle Gutierrez
The Journal of Biological Chemistry commemorates an important 1987 discovery
2012-11-19
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Is that nervous feeling social anxiety disorder, or is it simply a case of being shy?
2012-11-19
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Most people are faced with embarrassment or humiliation at some point in their lives. Maybe they get nervous before a big presentation to the bosses at work. Maybe they get a bit anxious thinking about approaching an attractive stranger at a party. But where is the line between normal shyness and social anxiety disorder?
Rhode Island Hospital researcher Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., of the department of psychiatry, explores the variances between the two, and discusses the differing beliefs of over, and under-, diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD) ...
Protein test is first to predict rate of progression in Lou Gehrig’s disease
2012-11-19
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A novel test that measures proteins from nerve damage that are deposited in blood and spinal fluid reveals the rate of progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in patients, according to researchers from Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida, Emory University and the University of Florida.
Their study, which appears online in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, suggests this test, if perfected, could help physicians and researchers identify those patients at most risk for rapid progression. These patients could then be offered ...
Support for gay marriage grows in Michigan
2012-11-19
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Support for gay marriage is growing in Michigan, mirroring changing attitudes in many parts of the United States, according to Michigan State University's State of the State Survey.
A recent survey found that 56 percent of the state's residents support gay marriage while 39 percent oppose it. Two years ago, 48 percent supported gay marriage and 51 percent were opposed.
"Support for gay marriage has increased in recent years, in Michigan and across the country," said Charles Ballard, MSU economics professor and director of the State of the State ...
Singular polymer, multiple functions
2012-11-19
Akron, Ohio, Nov. 19, 2012 —Working in the lab for the last few years, three generations of University of Akron polymer scientists say their mutual and passionate curiosity about science has led to their discovery of a first-of-its-kind, easily adaptable biocompatible polymer structure able to fight infection, filter water and perform a host of other functions.
Darrell Reneker, 82, distinguished professor of polymer science; Matthew Becker, 37, associate professor of polymer science; and 25-year-old graduate student Jukuan Zheng developed what they call a one-size-fits-all ...
Limiting neurosurgery residents' work hours hasn't decreased complication rates
2012-11-19
Philadelphia, Pa. (November 19, 2012) – Limits on duty hours for residents in training haven't increased the safety of one common brain operation, concludes a study in the November issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.
Hospitals that train neurosurgery residents have had an uptick in complication rates since the work-hour limits were introduced, according to the study led by Drs. Anand I. Rughani, of the University of Toronto, and Travis ...
Portable bed rails aren't safe - Groups ask FTC to ban false advertising
2012-11-19
Philadelphia, Pa. (November 19, 2012) – Portable bed rails marketed to "make any bed safer" actually increase the risk of injury and death, according to an article in the November 15 issue of Biomedical Safety & Standards (BS&S). A newsletter for medical device safety professionals, BS&S is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.
Two consumer watchdog groups have requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to order one manufacturer to stop making false advertising claims regarding the safety of its portable bed rail. A front-page ...
Study reveals clues to cause of hydrogen embrittlement in metals
2012-11-19
Hydrogen, the lightest element, can easily dissolve and migrate within metals to make these otherwise ductile materials brittle and substantially more prone to failures.
Since the phenomenon was discovered in 1875, hydrogen embrittlement has been a persistent problem for the design of structural materials in various industries, from battleships to aircraft and nuclear reactors. Despite decades of research, experts have yet to fully understand the physics underlying the problem or to develop a rigorous model for predicting when, where and how hydrogen embrittlement will ...
Greenland's viking settlers gorged on seals
2012-11-19
"Our analysis shows that the Norse in Greenland ate lots of food from the sea, especially seals," says Jan Heinemeier, Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University.
"Even though the Norse are traditionally thought of as farmers, they adapted quickly to the Arctic environment and the unique hunting opportunities. During the period they were in Greenland, the Norse ate gradually more seals. By the 14th century, seals made up between 50 and 80 per cent of their diet."
The Danish and Canadian researchers are studying the 80 Norse skeletons kept at the University ...
TGen, Scottsdale Healthcare lead worldwide study of new drug for patients with pancreatic cancer
2012-11-19
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A new cancer drug combination demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival of late-stage pancreatic cancer patients compared to those receiving standard treatment, according to results of a Phase III clinical trial led by physicians from Scottsdale Healthcare's Virginia G. Cancer Center Clinical Trials, a partnership with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
Physicians at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare were first to design a clinical trial to determine the safety, tolerability and effectiveness ...
Can't stop? Smoking less helps
2012-11-19
Countless studies demonstrate the virtues of complete smoking cessation, including a lowered risk of disease, increased life expectancy, and an improved quality of life. But health professionals acknowledge that quitting altogether can be a long and difficult road, and only a small percentage succeed.
Every day, doctors are confronted with patients who either cannot or will not quit, says Vicki Myers, a researcher at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine. To address this reality, Myers and her fellow researchers, Dr. Yariv Gerber and Prof. Uri Goldbourt of ...