Researchers Discover How Rho-associated Protein Kinase Modulates Neurite Extension

An essential regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics during the process of neurite extension is rho-associated protein kinase. However, whether Rho kinase regulates microtubule remodeling or the distribution of adhesive proteins to mediate neurite outgrowth remains unclear.

By using the ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, and the agonist, lysophosphatidic acid, Kenen Chen and colleagues from First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University in China observed that neurite outgrowth, microtubule remodeling and vinculin redistribution were tightly regulated by ROCK. They found that lysophosphatidic acid inhibited neurite outgrowth, which could be reversed by Y-27632.

Parasites Responsible For Formantion of Immune Proteins
It's the parasites that make the immune proteins in the body to adapt themselves to turn into inflammatory defenders, says a population genetics study.

Meanwhile, reorganization of microtubules was noticed during these processes, as indicated by their significant changes in the soma and growth cone. These findings, published in the Neural Regeneration Research (Vol. 8, No. 32, 2013), suggest that Rho kinase regulates rat hippocampal neurite growth and microtubule formation via a mechanism associated with the redistribution of vinculin.

Source-Eurekalert

Highest Production of Rhythmic Proteins Takes Place Twice a Day: Study
Sleep disorders, which affect around 70 million Americans, have already been tied to depression, obesity and diabetes

New Technology Reveals Proteins Responsible for Diseases
A new technology is revealing biochemical processes responsible for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and could one day pave the way for pharmaceutical applications

Proteins in Micro particles Identified in Women With Preeclampsia
Proteins released by the placenta may damage blood vessels in women with preeclampsia (PE).