[Y-shaped osteotomy in the apical vertebra for treating congenital complex rigid scoliosis:at least 2-year follow-up]

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of the coronal Y-shaped osteotomy in the apical vertebra for treating congenital complex rigid scoliosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 66 cases who underwent Y-shaped osteotomy treatment for congenital complex rigid scoliosis in the uppermost vertebra at the Department of Orthopedics,the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2007 to August 2020. There were 19 males and 47 females,with an age of (13.1±5.3) years(range:2 to 30 years).Classification of congenital scoliosis:25 cases (37.9%) were incomplete,13 cases (19.7%) were dysarthritic,and 28 cases (42.4%) were mixed. There were 25 cases (37.9%) with thoracic or rib malformations. 45 cases (68.2%) were complicated with spinal cord malformation.The main radiological indicators included Cobb angle of the curvature,Cobb angle of the local bend,apical vertebral translation (AVT),trunk shift (TS),thoracic trunk shift (TTS),radiographic shoulder height (RSH),coronal balance and sagittal vertebral axis. The preoperative,postoperative immediate,and last follow-up radiological indicators were collected and the operation time,blood loss,hospitalization time,and operation-related complications were recorded. Data were compared by repeated measure ANOVA and paired-t test. Results: All patients underwent surgery successfully. The duration of the first surgery was (221.4±52.8) minutes,and the blood loss during the first surgery was (273.2±41.8) ml. The length of the first hospital stay was (8.8±1.7) days.Unilateral fixation was performed in 19 cases (28.8%),while bilateral fixation was performed in 47 cases (71.2%). The fused segments were 7.5±2.9,and the vertebral pedicle screw density was (68.5±20.6)%. The follow-up time for the 66 patients was (36.7±17.0) months(range:24 to 102 months).The main curve Cobb Angle was improved from (58.5±18.9)°before surgery to (21.1±11.8)°after surgery,and was (23.6±15.3) ° at the last follow-up(F=273.957,P<0.01),with a correction rate of 66.2%. Segmental curve Cobb Angle was improved from (47.9±18.0)° to (16.0±11.3)° after surgery,and was (16.8±12.8) °at the last follow-up (F=270.483,P<0.01)with a correction rate of 69.2%. The AVT,TS,TTS and RSH values improved significantly at the final follow-up (all P<0.05),while coronal balance and sagittal vertical axis were maintained without significant differences between pre-operation and post-operation(both P>0.05). A total of 5 patients underwent staged operation,all of which were residual scoliosis aggravated after the first stage of orthosis operation and had good prognosis after the second stage of operation. Conclusions: Y-shaped osteotomy for the treatment of congenital rigid scoliosis results in good clinical and radiological outcomes without serious complications. This procedure can be considered as an option for the treatment of congenital complex rigid scoliosis.

Emerging blood exosome-based biomarkers for preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Blood exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles secreted by living cells into the circulating blood, are regarded as a relatively noninvasive novel tool for monitoring brain physiology and disease states. An increasing number of blood cargo-loaded exosomes are emerging as potential biomarkers for preclinical and clinical Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of molecular biomarkers derived from blood exosomes to comprehensively analyze their diagnostic performance in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. We performed a literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library from their inception to August 15, 2020. The research subjects mainly included Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. We identified 34 observational studies, of which 15 were included in the quantitative analysis (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score 5.87 points) and 19 were used in the qualitative analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that core biomarkers including Aβ_1–42, P-T181-tau, P-S396-tau, and T-tau were increased in blood neuron-derived exosomes of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease patients. Molecules related to additional risk factors that are involved in neuroinflammation (C1q), metabolism disorder (P-S312-IRS-1), neurotrophic deficiency (HGF), vascular injury (VEGF-D), and autophagy-lysosomal system dysfunction (cathepsin D) were also increased. At the gene level, the differential expression of transcription-related factors (REST) and microRNAs (miR-132) also affects RNA splicing, transport, and translation. These pathological changes contribute to neural loss and synaptic dysfunction. The data confirm that the above-mentioned core molecules and additional risk-related factors in blood exosomes can serve as candidate biomarkers for preclinical and clinical Alzheimer’s disease. These findings support further development of exosome biomarkers for a clinical blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. This meta-analysis was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration No. CRD4200173498, 28/04/2020).

[De novo NFκB2 gene mutation associated common variable immunodeficiency]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, immunological, and molecular manifestations of nuclear factor kappa-B subunit 2 (NFκB2) gene mutation associated common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) . Methods: A 14-month-old boy diagnosed with NFκB2-mutated CVID was admitted into Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in December 2015. The clinical manifestations, biochemical tests, immunological function, molecular features, treatment, and follow-up of the patient were analyzed. The Chinese and PUBMED databases were searched with the key words "NFκB2" and "immune deficiency" and related literatures were reviewed. Results: The patient had 4 episodes of pneumonias and one otitis media since the age of 6 months. The serum immunoglobulin levels were IgG 2.73 g/L, IgA<0.07 g/L, and IgM 0.12 g/L. The percentage of peripheral lymphocyte subsets demonstrated increased CD3(+)T lymphocyte (81.8%), increased CD4(+) naïve T cell (39.1%), normal B cell (14.1%), low switched memory B and plasmablast B (respectively 0.1% and 0), and lightly diminished natural killer(NK) cell (4.13%). Within the peripheral CD4(+)T cells, the percentage of regulatory T cells (1.49% (control 4.08%)), T follicular helper (3.66% (control 11.0%)), and T helper 17 (9.65% (control 15.7%)) were decreased, while the percentage of T helper 2 (60.9% (control 46.5%)) was elevated. T lymphocyte proliferative response and T cell receptor repertoire diversity were normal. NK-cell cytotoxic activity was impaired. The whole-exome sequencing harbored a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 22 (c.2557C>T; p. Arg853X) in the C-terminus of NF-κB2. The western blotting confirmed the decreased expression of NF-κB2 (p52) protein. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin infusion monthly (400-600 mg/kg), followed by improvement of pulmonary infection. After searching the databases, a total of 28 cases (1 Chinese and 27 non-Chinese) were identified. There were 12 cases of nonsense mutation (5 were gain-of-function mutation), and 8 cases of missense and frameshift mutations, respectively. The main clinical manifestation was respiratory infection, followed by autoimmune diseases such as alopecia and trachyonychia. Fifteen cases developed adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. Conclusions: NF-κB2 signaling pathway played an important role in T and B lymphocyte differentiation, and NK-cell cytotoxic activity. NFκB2 mutation should be considered in cases with recurrent infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, and decreased memory B cells and plasma cells, especially when combined with ACTH deficiency.

[Two families of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1 characterized by agammaglobulinemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and immunological laboratory features, mutations in SH2D1A gene and SAP protein expression in four children of two families with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1(XLP-1). Method: Four patients (Family A including Patient 1 and Patient 2, Family B including Patient 3 and Patient 4) and their maternal relatives were enrolled in this study. The clinical manifestation, EBV infection status and chest CT scan were analyzed. The absolute and relative numbers of lymphocyte subsets, T lymphocyte proliferative response, SAP protein expression were assessed by flow cytometry. Quantification of signal joint TCR rearrangementexcision circle (sjTRECs), CDR3 spectratyping of TCRvβ and gene mutation of SH2D1A were detected by PCR based on genomic DNA or cDNA. Result: Four male patients from two families were diagnosed with XLP-1. The ages of disease onset were more than 1 year, more than 1 year, more than 1 month and 6 months. The ages at diagnosis were nine years and ten months, sixteen years and eight months, fourteen years and ten months, four years and nine months. All patients had recurrent infections and EBV infection. Patients 1, 2, and 3 had agammaglobulinemia and Patient 4 had hypogammaglobulinemia. Chest CT scan showed all patients had atelectasis and pneumonia, and Patient 3 had bronchiectasis. Patient 3 was diagnosised as Burkitt lymphoma. For immunological function, all patients exhibited reduced CD4/CD8 ratios, increased numbers of exhausted T lymphocyte, decreased number of NK cell. The numbers of total B lymphocyte and naïve B lymphocyte were normal, but the number of memory B lymphocyte declined in all cases. Four patients' copy numbers of sjTRECs were low and CDR3 spectratypings of TCRvβ showed mildly skewed. But their T lymphocyte proliferative response was normal. SAP protein expression in four cases were measured by flow cytometry. Two patients from Family A were absent and two patients from Family B showed decreased values. SH2D1A gene sequence analysis showed that the patients of Family A harbored a nonsense mutation (c.163 C>T; p.R55X) in exon 2. Their mother and two sisters were carriers. A missense mutation of SH2D1A gene (c.278 G>A; p.G93D) in exon 3 was found in the patients of Family B. The mother was carrier. Four patients remain survived, Patient 3 gave up treatment, other three patients received IVIG therapy. Conclusion: Four patients with XLP-1 from two families characterized by agammaglobulinemia have an extreme vulnerability to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The functions of T cell, B cell and NK cell are impaired at different stages. The detection of SAP protein and SH2D1A gene are the key methods for diagnosis of XLP-1.

[Clinical and immunological analysis of the patient with autoimmunity due to germline STAT3 gain-of-function mutation]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and immunological laboratory features and gene mutation in a female patient who carried a germline gain-of-function mutation in STAT3. Method: A patient with lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia, visited the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in May 2016. The clinical and laboratory characteristics, results of immunophenotyping and exome sequencing were analyzed retrospectively and related literature was reviewed. Result: The patient was a four years old girl. The clinical manifestation consisted of autoimmune pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. Multiple exams showed that peripheral blood leukocyte count was (2.2-4.9)×10⁹/L, red blood cell count was (2.09-5.75)×10⁹/L, hemoglobin level was 64-165 g/L, platelet count was (52-138) ×10⁹/L. Percentages of lymphocyte subsets showed that CD3⁺ T lymphocyte was 0.716 0 (CD4⁺ T lymphocyte was 0.326 0, CD8⁺ T lymphocyte was 0.323 0 and CD4^- CD8^-T TCRαβ⁺ lymphocyte was 0.029 0), CD19⁺ B lymphocyte was 0.235 0 (transitional B was 0.004 3), NK was 0.032 0. Percentages of CD4⁺ T lymphocyte release IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-21 were 0.014 9, 0.213, 0.024 0 and 0.021 0, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation function and TCRVβ diversity were normal. The serum immunoglobulin levels were 16.4 g/L (IgG), 1.53 g/L (IgA), 3.99 g/L (IgM) and 3.20 kU/L (IgE). The patient carried a missense variant in the 21^st exon of STAT3, c. 1974G>C, p.K658N, which was previously described as a gain-of-function mutation. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and prednisone intermittently. There were significant improvements of hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia. We searched internal database and literature for cases with gain-of-function mutations in STAT3. A total of 19 cases were identified, all were non-Chinese. Among 16 cases who had clinical data, age of onset of 11 patients was less than 5 years. 14 cases had autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia or autoimmune neutropenia. Twelve patients had lymphadenopathy while 11 had infections and 5 had endocrine abnormalities. Conclusion: The patient with Primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) due to gain-of-function mutation in STAT3 gene often has early-onset autoimmune disorders, lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. Since the routine immunological examination may be normal or slightly abnormal, comprehensive evaluation of immune function should be done. Genetic testing ultimately helps to confirm the diagnosis.

Alisol A 24-Acetate, a Triterpenoid Derived from Alisma orientale, Inhibits Ox-LDL-Induced Phenotypic Transformation and Migration of Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Suppressing ERK1/2 Signaling

Alisol A 24-acetate, a triterpenoid extracted from Alisma orientale, has shown antiatherosclerotic actions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibition of alisol A 24-acetate on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-induced phenotypic transformation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and to explore the underlying mechanisms. VSMCs were pretreated with alisol A 24-acetate and a specific extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, U0126, and then stimulated with 50 mg/l Ox-LDL in vitro. The expression of VSMC phenotypic marker SM22α was determined using immunocytochemistry, and the migration of VSMCs was detected using a scratch-wound healing assay. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-2, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) and total ERK was determined. Ox-LDL treatment caused a reduction in SM22α expression, VSMC transformation to the synthetic phenotype, increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 synthesis, the extension of VSMC migration distance and the upregulation of pERK1/2 expression, while the addition of alisol A 24-acetate or U0126 resulted in the elevation of SM22α expression, VSMC transformation to the contractile phenotype, a reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, the shortening of cell migration distance and decreased pERK1/2 expression. The results of this study demonstrate that alisol A 24-acetate effectively reverses the phenotypic transformation and inhibits the migration of VSMCs, which may be associated with the suppression of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Inhibition of ERK1/2 improves lipid balance in rat macrophages via ABCA1/G1 and CD36

ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), and macrophage scavenger receptor, cluster of differentiation (CD)36, function as key mediators of cholesterol efflux and influx from macrophages. In addition, they are associated with foam cell formation and the development of atherosclerosis (AS). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibition on lipid balance in oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-stimulated rat macrophages, and to examine the role of ERK1/2 inhibitors in AS. Rat peritoneal macrophages were treated with Ox-LDL alone or in combination with an ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, and untreated cells served as controls. Ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation was detected by DiI fluorescence and oil red O staining. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 and CD36 were determined using polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Treatment with Ox-LDL significantly increased lipid accumulation and upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of ABCA1, ABCG1 and CD36 in macrophages. The addition of U0126 resulted in a marked reduction of lipid deposition, upregulation of ABCA1/G1 expression and suppression of CD36 expression in Ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages. The results of the present study indicated a novel association between ERK1/2 signaling and lipid metabolism, thus suggesting that inhibition of ERK1/2 may be considered a promising therapeutic strategy against AS.

Novel mutation in the ABCA1 gene identified in a chinese patient with dementia and atherothrombotic cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND

To date, 81 mutations of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) have been reported. However, no ABCA1 mutation has been reported in the Chinese population.

METHODS

We used direct sequencing to screen for ABCA1 mutations in 72 patients with both atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI) and plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) < 0.8 mmol/l. The functionality of the mutation was verified using 200 unrelated controls and 76 patients with ACI and normal HDL-C by PCR-RFLP analysis.

RESULTS

One patient with dementia prior to ACI was found to carry the heterozygous Y2206D mutation, which has not been reported previously. The patient had a medical history of atherosclerosis in the coronary and carotid arteries going back 40 years and splenohepatomegalia for 13 years, with a low plasma HDL-C level (0.66 mmol/l) and apolipoprotein A1 level (0.61 mmol/l). During the past decade, he had developed symptoms of dementia. Sixteen months prior to the study, he was admitted to hospital for an ACI.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that this patient is most likely a patient with familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia and that the Y2206D mutation may be associated with not only a lower level of HDL-C, but also with dementia.

Association between Ngb polymorphisms and ischemic stroke in the Southern Chinese Han population

Background

Neuroglobin (Ngb), one of novel members of the globin superfamily, is expressed predominantly in brain neurons, and appears to modulate hypoxic-ischemic insults. The mechanisms underlying Ngb-mediated neuronal protection are still unclear. For it is one of the candidate protective factors for ischemic stroke, we conducted a case-control study to clarify the association of Ngb polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in the Southern Chinese Han population.

Methods

355 cases and 158 controls were recruited. With brain imaging, cases were subdivided into large-artery atherosclerosis (LVD) and small-vessel occlusion (SVD) stroke. PCR amplified all the four exons of Ngb and flanking intron sequence for each exon. Genotyping for Ngb was achieved by direct sequencing and mismatched PCR-RFLP. Polymorphisms were studied both individually and as haplotypes in each group and subgroup which subdivided according to gender or age.

Results

Two intronic polymorphisms 89+104 c>t and 322-110 (6a)>5a were identified. The allele frequency of 89+104 t was decreased in stroke cases. The protective effect seems to be more pronounced in subgroups of female patients and age > 60 years. Also, we have confirmed decreased LDL-C level and reduced hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in 89+104 t allele carriers. In contrast, the 322-110 (6a)>5a genotype distribution was similar between cases and controls. However, the haplotype 89+104 c>t/322-110 (6a)>5a was related with LVD and SVD stroke. The haplotype c-5a was more frequent in both LVD and SVD groups while t-6a was more frequent in controls.

Conclusion

Ngb polymorphism 89+104 t had protective effects on LVD and SVD in the Southern Chinese Han population. A "hitchhiking" effect was observed for the 89+104 t/322-110 (6a) genotype combination especially for LVD.

The R219K polymorphism in the ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 gene has a protective effect on atherothrombotic cerebral infarction in Chinese Han ethnic population

The association of R219K and V825I polymorphisms of ABCA1 gene with cerebral infarction has been rarely reported. Here we wish to address this issue. A total of 476 subjects from Chinese Han ethnic population were investigated, including 152 control individuals and 324 patients with cerebral infarction. Genotyping of R219K and V825I were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Data were analyzed using a statistical package. The R219K genotype frequency distributions were significantly different between patients with atherothrombotic cerebral infarction (ACI) and control individuals, with fewer KK genotypes and more RR genotypes in ACI patients (chi(2)=9.89, P<0.01). The K allele is less frequent among ACI patients than in controls (chi(2)=9.16, P<0.005). A significant association of KK with decreased ACI risk was exhibited, especially in male patients, aged patients and individuals with hypertension. These results indicate that the K allele of R219K polymorphism is an independent protective factor against ACI. In addition, though there is no association of V825I with ACI, this polymorphism may have certain synergistic effect with hypertension in susceptibility to ACI.

Temperature dependence of cloned mammalian and salmonid cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger isoforms

The cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX), an important regulator of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration in contraction and relaxation, has been shown in trout heart sarcolemmal vesicles to have high activity at 7 degrees C relative to its mammalian isoform. This unique property is likely due to differences in protein structure. In this study, outward NCX currents (I(NCX)) of the wild-type trout (NCX-TR1.0) and canine (NCX 1.1) exchangers expressed in oocytes were measured to explore the potential contributions of regulatory vs. transport mechanisms to this observation. cRNA was transcribed in vitro from both wild-type cDNA and was injected into Xenopus oocytes. I(NCX) of NCX-TR1.0 and NCX1.1 were measured after 3-4 days over a temperature range of 7-30 degrees C using the giant excised patch technique. The I(NCX) for both isoforms exhibited Na(+)-dependent inactivation and Ca(2+)-dependent positive regulation. The I(NCX) of NCX1.1 exhibited typical mammalian temperature sensitivities with Q(10) values of 2.4 and 2.6 for peak and steady-state currents, respectively. However, the I(NCX) of NCX-TR1.0 was relatively temperature insensitive with Q(10) values of 1.2 and 1.1 for peak and steady-state currents, respectively. I(NCX) current decay was fit with a single exponential, and the resultant rate constant of inactivation (lambda) was determined as a function of temperature. As expected, lambda decreased monotonically with temperature for both isoforms. Although lambda was significantly greater in NCX1.1 compared with NCX-TR1.0 at all temperatures, the effect of temperature on lambda was not different between the two isoforms. These data suggest that the disparities in I(NCX) temperature dependence between these two exchanger isoforms are unlikely due to differences in their inactivation kinetics. In addition, similar differences in temperature dependence were observed in both isoforms after alpha-chymotrypsin treatment that renders the exchanger in a deregulated state. These data suggest that the differences in I(NCX) temperature dependence between the two isoforms are not due to potential disparities in either the I(NCX) regulatory mechanisms or structural differences in the cytoplasmic loop but are likely predicated on differences within the transmembrane segments.

Ca(2+) binding to cardiac troponin C: effects of temperature and pH on mammalian and salmonid isoforms

A reduction in temperature lowers the Ca(2+) sensitivity of skinned cardiac myofilaments but this effect is attenuated when native cardiac troponin C (cTnC) is replaced with skeletal TnC. This suggests that conformational differences between the two isoforms mediate the influence of temperature on contractility. To investigate this phenomenon, the functional characteristics of bovine cTnC (BcTnC) and that from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, a cold water salmonid (ScTnC), have been compared. Rainbow trout maintain cardiac function at temperatures cardioplegic to mammals. To determine whether ScTnC is more sensitive to Ca(2+) than BcTnC, F27W mutants were used to measure changes in fluorescence with in vitro Ca(2+) titrations of site II, the activation site. When measured under identical conditions, ScTnC was more sensitive to Ca(2+) than BcTnC. At 21 degrees C, pH 7.0, as indicated by K(1/2) (-log[Ca] at half-maximal fluorescence, where [Ca] is calcium concentration), ScTnC was 2.29-fold more sensitive to Ca(2+) than BcTnC. When pH was kept constant (7.0) and temperature was lowered from 37.0 to 21.0 degrees C and then to 7.0 degrees C, the K(1/2) of BcTnC decreased by 0.13 and 0.32, respectively, whereas the K(1/2) of ScTnC decreased by 0.76 and 0.42, respectively. Increasing pH from 7.0 to 7.3 at 21.0 degrees C increased the K(1/2) of both BcTnC and ScTnC by 0.14, whereas the K(1/2) of both isoforms was increased by 1.35 when pH was raised from 7.0 to 7.6 at 7.0 degrees C.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of the trout cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger

Isoform 1 of the cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX1) is an important regulator of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration in contraction and relaxation. Studies with trout heart sarcolemmal vesicles have shown NCX to have a high level of activity at 7 degrees C, and this unique property is likely due to differences in protein structure. In this study, we describe the cloning of an NCX (NCX-TR1) from a Lambda ZAP II cDNA library constructed from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) heart RNA. The NCX-TR1 cDNA has an open reading frame that codes for a protein of 968 amino acids with a deduced molecular mass of 108 kDa. A hydropathy plot indicates the protein contains 12 hydrophobic segments (of which the first is predicted to be a cleaved leader peptide) and a large cytoplasmic loop. By analogy to NCX1, NCX-TR1 is predicted to have nine transmembrane segments. The sequences demonstrated to be the exchanger inhibitory peptide site and the regulatory Ca(2+) binding site in the cytoplasmic loop of mammalian NCX1 are almost completely conserved in NCX-TR1. NCX-TR1 cRNA was injected into Xenopus oocytes, and after 3-4 days currents were measured by the giant excised patch technique. NCX-TR1 currents measured at approximately 23 degrees C demonstrated Na(+)-dependent inactivation and Ca(2+)-dependent activation in a manner qualitatively similar to that for NCX1 currents.

Cloning and sequencing of complementary DNA for fatty acid binding protein from rainbow trout heart

A cDNA encoding a rainbow trout homologue of mammalian heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) was isolated. The deduced protein sequence is 75% identical to that of rat H-FABP. The structural conservation of H-FABPs and their evolutionary relationship are discussed.