0000000000083798
AUTHOR
Sanja Ramljak
The FOXP2-Driven Network in Developmental Disorders and Neurodegeneration
The transcription repressor FOXP2 is a crucial player in nervous system evolution and development of humans and songbirds. In order to provide an additional insight into its functional role we compared target gene expression levels between human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) stably overexpressing either human FOXP2 cDNA or its orthologues from the common chimpanzee, Rhesus monkey, and marmoset, respectively. Subsequent RNA-seq led to identification of 27 genes with differential regulation under the control of human FOXP2, which were previously reported to have FOXP2-driven and/or songbird song-related expression regulation. Importantly, RT-qPCR and Western blotting indicated differential re…
Evaluation of the genotoxic and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase‐inhibitory potential of dicuran on procaryotic and eucaryotic test systems
The effect of the herbicide Dicuran 500 FL (formulated product) on the phenotypical and genotypical changes in procaryotic and eucaryotic organisms was investigated using short-term tests for detecting genotoxins. Since pesticides discharged in the water environment can modulate the mixed-function monooxygenases (MFO) detoxification system of water organisms, the in vivo and in vitro effects of Dicuran on hepatic cytochrome P450 (cyt P450) monooxygenase activities were also examined in juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). By measuring the activities of MFO in experimental carp exposed to Dicuran an attempt was made to establish whether Dicuran could be bioactivated by MFO into ultimate mutag…
Cellular Prion Protein (PrPc) and Hypoxia: True to Each Other in Good Times and in Bad, in Sickness, and in Health
The cellular prion protein (PrPc) and hypoxia appear to be tightly intertwined. Beneficial effects of PrPc on neuronal survival under hypoxic conditions such as focal cerebral ischemia are strongly supported. Conversely, increasing evidence indicates detrimental effects of increased PrPc expression on cancer progression, another condition accompanied by low oxygen tensions. A switch between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism characterizes both conditions. A cellular process that might unite both is glycolysis. Putative role of PrPc in stimulation of glycolysis in times of need is indeed thought provoking. A significance of astrocytic PrPc expression for neuronal survival under hypoxic conditi…
Determination of 14-3-3 protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid from Creutzfeldt-Jakob patients by a highly sensitive capture assay.
The level of 14-3-3gamma protein was determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and non-CJD patients applying a new and fast microplate assay (14-3-3 protein capture assay), based on the binding to a peptide comprising a phosphorylated recognition motif of 14-3-3 protein. The levels of the gamma-isoform of 14-3-3 protein in CSF samples from CJD patients (n=41) were significantly higher than those observed in patients with non-CJD dementias (n=36) suggesting that this capture assay is a reliable method in the diagnosis of CJD. Since this assay allows the direct measurement of 14-3-3 protein in the CSF without prior concentration it is an ea…
14-3-3 in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with variant and sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease measured using capture assay able to detect low levels of 14-3-3 protein
Abstract A protein capture assay was used to measure 14-3-3 (γ-isoform) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with either variant or sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). The results were compared with those obtained using Western blotting. Elevated levels of 14-3-3γ were found in 58% of variant CJD (vCJD) patients and 82% of sporadic CJD (spCJD) patients using the protein capture assay. Using a Western blotting technique, the presence of CSF 14-3-3γ was detected in 58% of vCJD patients and in 89% of spCJD patients. When the results from the protein capture assay and the Western blot were combined, 14-3-3γ was detected in 77% of vCJD patients and in 91% of spCJD patients. These r…