To characterize the binding sites of mecamylamine enantiomers on the transmembrane domain (TMD) of human (h) (α4)3(β2)2 and (α4)2(β2)3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), molecular docking, and radioligand binding approaches. The interactions of (S)-(+)- and (R)-(-)-mecamylamine with several residues, determined by high-resolution NMR, within the...

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by lethal aggressiveness and patients with GBM are in urgent need for new therapeutic avenues to improve quality of life. Current studies on tumor invasion focused on roles of cytokines in tumor microenvironment and numerous evidence suggests that TGF-β2 is abundant in glioma microenvironment and vital for glioma invasion. Autopagy is al...

Excessive coughing is a common feature of airway diseases. Different G-protein coupled receptors, including β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR), have been implicated in the molecular mechanisms underlying the cough reflex. However, the potential antitussive property of β2-AR agonists in patients with respiratory disease is a matter of ongoing debate. The aim of our study was to test the efficacy of...

The beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2 adrenoreceptor), also known as ADRB2, is a cell membrane-spanning beta-adrenergic receptor that interacts with (binds) epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter (ligand synonym, adrenaline) whose signaling, via a downstream Ltype calcium channel interaction, mediates physiologic responses such as smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. Unlike other adr...

PURPOSE The microRNA-29 (miR-29) family has emerged, in various tissues, as a key modulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. In this study, the authors investigate the role of the miR-29 family in the regulation of ECM synthesis in the trabecular meshwork (TM) under basal and TGF-β2 stimulatory conditions. METHODS Human TM cells were incubated with 2.5 ng/mL activated, recombinant h...

Progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with small airway obstruction by accumulation of inflammatory mucous exudates. However, the mechanism of mucin hypersecretion after exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is still not clear. In this study, we explored the contribution of β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) signaling to CS extract (CSE)-induced mucus hypersecretion in vitro and ex...

BACKGROUND β2-adrenoreceptor (β2-AR) agonists and glucocorticoids (GCS) were shown to induce IgE synthesis in human PBMCs. Serum total IgE levels are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the β2-AR gene. We aimed to assess the association of the effect of fenoterol (β2-AR agonist) on IL-4-driven and budesonide-induced IgE synthesis with genetic variants of β2-AR. METHODS T...

High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The trabecular meshwork (TM), a reticular tissue in the outflow passage of the aqueous humor (AH), is a major contributor to intraocular outflow resistance. High levels of myocilin (MYOC), which is expressed in the TM, are associated with high IOP. Furthermore, transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) concent...

Dialysis-related amyloidosis is a major complication in long-term hemodialysis patients. In dialysis-related amyloidosis, β2-microglobulin (β2-m) amyloid fibrils deposit in the osteoarticular tissue, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome and destructive arthropathy with cystic bone lesions, but the mechanism by which these amyloid fibrils destruct bone and joint tissue is not fully understood. In t...