 |
|
Getting on 'the GABA receptor shuttle' to treat anxiety disorders
October 22, 2009There are increasingly precise molecular insights into ways that stress exposure leads to fear and through which fear extinction resolves these fear states. Extinction is generally regarded as new inhibitory learning, but where the inhibition originates from remains to be determined. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory chemical messenger in the brain, seems to be very important to these processes.
A new article in Biological Psychiatry examined whether during the extinction of fear learning, GABA receptors may be inserted into the cell surface to reduce the excitability of the amygdala. Researchers inactivated a protein that links GABAA receptors to the cell surface. They found that this protein prevented fear extinction training and the local application of NMDA from increasing the number of GABAA receptors on the cell surface and enhancing the inhibition of amygdala nerve cells.
Lin and colleagues show that during fear conditioning, the number of GABAA receptors on the surface of neurons in the amygdala decreases, reducing the extent of inhibition of the neurons in this brain "fear center." When fear is extinguished by dissociating fear cues from unpleasant stimuli, the number of GABAA receptors on the cell surface of the amygdala neurons increases.
How does this happen? The study provides evidence of molecular mechanisms that shuttle GABAA receptors to the cell surface during extinction. The researchers showed that by inactivating a protein involved in the localization of GABAA receptors in the amygdala, they prevented the recruitment of GABA-mediated inhibition and extinction of fear. Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry comments: "This research provides evidence that we are starting to untangle the molecular mechanisms through which our cognitive and behavioral therapies might alter brain function."
Elsevier
How does this happen? The study provides evidence of molecular mechanisms that shuttle GABAA receptors to the cell surface during extinction. The researchers showed that by inactivating a protein involved in the localization of GABAA receptors in the amygdala, they prevented the recruitment of GABA-mediated inhibition and extinction of fear. Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry comments: "This research provides evidence that we are starting to untangle the molecular mechanisms through which our cognitive and behavioral therapies might alter brain function."
Elsevier
Unlocking biological secrets: Cornell scientists build 'nano-keys' to bind cell receptors and trigger allergic reactions
The tumblers of life continue to click as Cornell University researchers have fabricated a set of "nano-keys" on the molecular scale to interact with receptors on cell membranes and trigger larger-scale responses within cells - such as the release of histamines in an allergic response.
Nobelist discovers antidepressant protein in mouse brain
A protein that seems to be pivotal in lifting depression has been discovered by a Nobel Laureate researcher funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Grabbing addiction by the tail
Canadian scientists have developed some clever molecular trickery that is helping to reduce the drug cravings of addicted rats. One of the problems in addiction is that neurons in some parts of the brain lose glutamate receptors from the cell surface, and those receptors are important for communication between neurons.
More Receptors Cell Current Events and Receptors Cell News Articles
 |
The T Cell Receptor FactsBook by Marie-Paule Lefranc (Author), Gerard Lefranc (Author) The T Cell Receptor FactsBook contains entries on all the 176 functional variable, diversity, joining, and constant regions of the human T cell receptor, including alpha, beta, gamma, and delta loci. Introductory chapters summarize information of T cell receptor chain synthesis, chromosomal location, and an overview of the human T cell receptor loci. |
 |
Olfactory Receptor Cells Sense of Smell Photographic Poster Print, 40x30 by Art.com Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
 |
Now Foods Sam-e 2x 200mg, 30 Tablets by NOW Though discovered in 1952, the past six years have crowned SAMe as one of the most widely used supplements in todays marketplace. As a natural line of support to the nervous system functions, it increases the synthesis and breakdown of certain neurotransmitters, thus enhancing the sensitivity of nerve receptors. It may also aid in the repair of myelin, the sheath of fatty material that surrounds the nerve cells. SAMe may support joint health through transulfuration, a process that takes a certain amount of sulfur from SAMe to create glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates. This enhances proteoglycan synthesis, the molecule responsible for keeping articular joint cartilage lubricated. Important for the production of glutathione, this powerful free radical scavenger defends the body from toxic... |
 |
Cell Surface Receptors:: A Short Course on Theory and Methods by Lee E. Limbird (Author) Cell Surface Receptors: A Short Course on Theory and Methods, Second Edition is a primer for the study of cell surface receptors. The simplified discussion of methods and their underlying principles removes the usual intimidation caused by the specialized vocabulary or sophisticated mathematics that characterize many of the primary papers in this field. In this way, the basic concepts become emphasized. This volume is a starting point: a textbook as well as a manual to which the investigator can return for a refresher course, when needed. |
 |
Receptors: Models for Binding, Trafficking, and Signaling by Douglas A. Lauffenburger (Author), Jennifer Linderman (Author) This much-needed book introduces chemical engineers and bioengineers to important problems in receptor biology and familiarizes cell biologists with the insights that can be gained from engineering analysis and synthesis. |
 |
Sensitization of Cancer Cells for Chemo/Immuno/Radio-therapy (Cancer Drug Discovery and Development) by Benjamin Bonavida (Author), Benjamin Bonavida (Editor) Cancer chemotherapy can be traced back to the 1940 s and since then the world has witnessed the discovery and the important application of several new drugs. The successes of combination chemotherapy suggested that all cancers can be treated provided that the correct combination of drugs at the correct doses and correct intervals are established. However, with time, tumor cells develop mechanisms of resistance to apoptosis and no longer respond to the majority of cytotoxic therapies. Sensitization of Cancer Cells for Chemo/Immuno/Radio-therapy, edited by Benjamin Bonavida, reviews novel approaches developed to reverse tumor cell resistance to chemo/immuno/radio-therapy and the use of various sensitizing agents in combination with various cytotoxics. Such sensitizing agents target gene... |
 |
Cell Surface Receptors: A Short Course on Theory and Methods by Lee E. Limbird (Author) Cell Surface Receptors: A Short Course on Theory and Methods, 3rd Edition, links theoretical insights into drug-receptor interactions described in mathematical models with the experimental strategies to characterize the biological receptor of interest. The study of receptors has changed considerably over the period of the publication of the three editions of this book. The cloning of several genomes makes it unlikely that preparations of receptors now or in the future will arise from their purification as trace proteins from native tissues, but rather from a myriad of molecular approaches. Nonetheless, understanding the molecular mechanisms and ultimately the in vivo biology of these receptors means that investigators will engage in molecular, cellular and ultimate in vivo strategies. It... |
 |
Nk Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity: Receptors, Signaling, and Mechanisms by Eva Lotzova (Author) This volume provides a state-of-the-art survey of developments in the field of NK cell-cancer cell interactions, activation, and oncolytic signaling. Specific topics discussed include NK cell receptors and adhesion molecules, signal transduction and activation, and mechanisms of cytotoxicity. The book will be an excellent learning tool and reference resource for scientists, clinicians, and students. |
|
|
Olfactory Receptor Cells Sense of Smell Photographic Poster Print, 32x24 by Art.com Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
 |
Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) and Innate Immunity (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology) (Volume 183) by Stefan Bauer (Editor), Gunther Hartmann (Editor) Overall recent research on TLRs has led to tremendous increase in our understanding of early steps in pathogen recognition and will presumably lead to potent TLR targeting therapeutics in the future. This book reviews and highlights our recent understanding on the function and ligands of TLRs as well as their role in autoimmunity, dendritic cell activation and target structures for therapeutic intervention. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |