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TRP: its role in phototransduction and store-operated Ca2+ entry

Article Abstract:

The TRP protein encoded by the Drosophila trp locus is a Ca2+ -sensitive store-operated channel (SOC) whose activity produces a light-induced current. TRP expression increases store-operated Ca2+ entry and membrane conductance. TRP's transmembrane regions resembles an internal repeat of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels but has no amino acids similar to the channels' voltage sensor. The expression of the TRP homologue, TRP-like, produces a steady conductance that is insensitive to Ca2+ store depletion. TRP acts as a SOC that is probably opened by a decrease in intraluminal free Ca2+ levels.

Electric properties, Calcium channels, Membranes (Biology), Electrophysiology

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Fulminant jejuno-ileitis following ablation of enteric glia in adult transgenic mice

Article Abstract:

The role of ablation of astroglial cells on the pathogenesis of jejuno-ileitis was investigated. The ablation of astroglial cells was targeted genetically and transgenic mice that express herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) were generated. Results show that the pattern and regulation of HSV-TK expression is the same as that of endogenous glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter. It was also found that a fulminating and fatal jejuno-ileitis occurs following ablation of astroglial cells.

Complications and side effects, Development and progression, Surgery, Gastrointestinal diseases, Inflammatory bowel diseases, Ablation (Surgery), Jejunum

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What the fly's glia tell the fly's brain

Article Abstract:

Glial cells control the formation of the axonal pathway and the viability and differentiation of neurons in Drosophila. In the absence of the glial cells missing (gcm) gene, the glial cell precursors form neurons rather than glial cells. In gcm mutants, the formation of axons in the central and peripheral nervous system is defective. The mutants are unable to form bipolar dendrites (BD) in the BD neurons, as the glial support cell is absent. The mutation is lethal and the neurons degenerate.

Observations, Neurons

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