Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 13, Issue 31, 2007

Ion channels are a class of integrated membrane proteins that allow selective ion permeation across biological membranes and are vital for signal transductions within the cell and between the cells. Because channels are involved in a variety of physiological functions, they are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. This issue of Current Pharmaceutical Design consists of seven review articles describing the roles of several Read More

Most studies of GABAA receptor accessory proteins have focused on trafficking, clustering and phosphorylation state of the channel-forming subunits and as a result a number of proteins and mechanisms have been identified that can influence the GABAA channel expression and function in the cell plasma membrane. In the light of a growing list of intracellular and transmembrane neuronal proteins shown to affect the fat Read More

Voltage-dependent potassium (K+) channels (Kv) regulate cell excitability by controlling the movement of K+ ions across the membrane in response to changes in the cell voltage. The Kv family, which includes A-type channels, constitute the largest group of K+ channel genes within the superfamily of Na+, Ca2+ and K+ voltage-gated channels. The name “A-type” stems from the typical profile of these currents that resul Read More

A recent search on PubMed for the phrase NMDA receptor results in 2,190 hits on this topic for review articles and 20,100 hits for experimental papers. This is a direct reflection of the intensiveness, significance, and complexity associated with the research on this key receptor protein over the last several decades. In this review, we briefly describe the NMDA receptor structure, discuss the role of NMDA receptors in modulati Read More

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major cause of mortality, and despite our knowledge of the causative genetic, molecular and biochemical cellular mechanisms involved, effective therapeutic strategies are lacking. Perturbations in cardiac Ca2+ handling promote arrhythmias and there is enormous interest in developing new anti-arrhythmics aimed at correcting Ca2+ release dysfunction. In particular, abnormal Ca2+ rel Read More

Aquaporins (AQPs) are expressed in physiologically essential tissues and organs in which edema and fluid imbalances are of major concern. Potential roles in brain water homeostasis and edema, angiogenesis, cell migration, development, neuropathological diseases, and cancer suggest that this family of membrane proteins is an attractive set of novel drug targets. A problem in pursuing therapeutic and basic research st Read More

Spermatozoa produced in the testis undergo maturation in the epididymis which secretes an osmolyte-rich fluid that bathes the sperm cells. These cells need to maintain their volume after ejaculation when they first encounter hypo-osmolal environments of accessory gland fluids and later within the female tract. If they do not, they experience swelling that is manifested in flagellar angulation that prevents their passage thr Read More

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus infections (H5 and H7 subtypes) in poultry and humans have raised concerns that a new influenza pandemic will occur in near future. Currently, four antivirals have proven efficacy in the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A infections: two M2 inhibitors (amantadine and rimantadine) and two neuraminidase inhibitors (zanamivir and oseltamivir). Early treatme Read More

Micturition, penile erection, contraction of prostatic smooth muscle, peristalsis of the male excurrent duct system and lumbosacral spinal cord neurotransmission all require adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) activity and this likely involves purinergic (P2) receptors. P2 receptors are categorized as either ligand-gated ionotropic P2X or metabotropic G-protein-coupled P2Y subtypes. In the urinary bladder, purinergic re Read More

Strong evidence indicates that bone marrow cells (BMCs) can contribute to the healing process of injured vascular system via CXCR4/Thymosin β4/Integrin α4β1/SDF-1 molecular pathways. We discuss the therapeutic approaches of BMCs and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to restore vascularization. Today some clinical trials employing BMCs in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases have been complete Read More

Before the cloning of the CFTR gene in 1989, there were relatively few treatment options for the many phenotypes associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). The advancement of research in areas such as immunology, molecular biology and pharmacology have provided new insights into the mechanism and evolution of CF. More than 40 systematic clinical trials evaluating new therapies for CF are presently registered with the Read More