Article Abstract:
The molecular basis of the antimicrobial activity in human airway surface fluid (ASF) which is defective in cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) was investigated using a human bronchial xenograft as the experimental model system. The results confirmed that the human beta-defensin (hBD-1) gene which encodes a protein product with salt-dependent antimicrobial activity is the one responsible for the bacterial killing effect of the ASF. hBD-1 thus plays an important role in the natural immune defense mechanism of the body.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The PDZ protein LIN-10 is needed for localizing GLR-1 to the ASH-to-interneuron synapses. It has been established that LIN-10 is a shared component of the polarized protein-sorting pathways in epithelia and neurons. Furthermore, it has been shown that PDZ proteins are needed for localization of a neurotransmitter receptor to central synapses in vivo. It is possible that different neurotransmitter receptors are recruited to the ASH-to-interneuron synapses through the action of distinct PDZ proteins.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Impaired bactericidal activity of airway surface fluid in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is caused by defective Cl transport across airway epithelia. Bactericidal activity in normal airway surface fluid depends on a low salt concentration. In CF epithelia, however, loss of the phosphorylation-regulated Cl channels results in an abnormally high salt concentration in the airway surface fluid, which reduces bactericidal activity.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: