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Full-Text Articles in Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
Mechanisms, Potential Therapies, And The Role Of Tgf-Β In The Formation Of Scars, Isaac Traube
Mechanisms, Potential Therapies, And The Role Of Tgf-Β In The Formation Of Scars, Isaac Traube
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Scarring is the inevitable outcome of wound healing. This review looks at some of the underlying mechanisms of this complex process with the aim of identifying targets for therapeutic manipulation that could result in reduced scarring or even scarless wound repair. Fetal wounds are shown to heal without scars primarily due to low levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 and high levels of TGF-β3 as compared to adult wounds which heal with scars. Abnormal excessive scarring in keloid and hypertrophic scars are also attributed to TGF-β. Clinical manipulation of TGF-β ratios showed promise as a therapeutic means of controlling scar formation. …
Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto
Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Obesity is a mounting problem in America today. One major concern about obesity is that it is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a disease that impairs insulin sensitivity and secretion. This interferes with blood glucose levels and can cause hyperglycemia, which is when there is too much circulating glucose in the blood. Ghrelin, an amino acid peptide responsible for appetite stimulation and energy balance, plays a direct role in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. In many experiments, elevated ghrelin levels are associated with decreased insulin secretion from pancreatic islet cells. Although ghrelin concentration is decreased in obese individuals …
Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig
Cytoplasmic Actin: Structure And Function, Justin Konig
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Cytoplasmic actin plays a crucial role in cellular structure, cell motility, intracellular transportation, and the cell cycle. Two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have been identified, β and γ. Although their amino acid sequence is nearly identical, these two isoforms are encoded by different genes located on different chromosomes. Recent research has found that, despite their similarities, the two isoforms of cytoplasmic actin have distinct functions. This paper will review the structural and functional differences between the two isoforms, concluding with a discussion of some mutations that have been linked to disease.