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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Defining The Role Of Tyrosine Phosphorylation In The Regulation Of Connexin43 In Cardiac Diseases, Li Zheng
Defining The Role Of Tyrosine Phosphorylation In The Regulation Of Connexin43 In Cardiac Diseases, Li Zheng
Theses & Dissertations
Connexins are integral membrane proteins that oligomerize to form gap junction channels. Ions and small molecules diffuse intercellularly through these channels, allowing individual cellular events to synchronize into the functional response of an entire organ. Gap junction channels composed of Connexin43 (Cx43) mediate electrical coupling and impulse propagation in the normal working myocardium. In the failing heart, Cx43 remodeling (decreased expression, altered phosphorylation state, loss at intercalated discs, and increased presence at lateral membranes) contributes to rhythm disturbances and contractile dysfunction. While there is considerable information regarding key interactions of Cx43 in the regulation of gap junction channels, unfortunately, the …
Evaluation Of The Role Of Microvascular Pathology On Peripheral Artery Disease, Constance Mietus
Evaluation Of The Role Of Microvascular Pathology On Peripheral Artery Disease, Constance Mietus
Theses & Dissertations
Background: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) begins with atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries, including those that supply the legs. Individuals with PAD experience pain during walking, which becomes increasingly limiting. Studies from our group and others have shown that a myopathy is present in the skeletal muscle of PAD patients, and is characterized by myofiber degeneration, fibrosis, and remodeling of vessels ranging from 50 – 150 mm in diameter. However, microvascular pathology, particularly of the smallest microvessels (5 – 15 mm in diameter) remains poorly characterized. Furthermore, little is known about the relationships between microvascular architecture, microperfusion, and patient walking performance. We …