BACKGROUND Misfolded proteins are generally recognised by cellular quality control machinery, which typically results in their ubiquitination and degradation. For soluble cytoplasmic proteins, degradation is mediated by the proteasome. Membrane proteins that fail to fold correctly are subject to ER associated degradation (ERAD), which involves their extraction from the membrane and subsequent p...

Many studies in recent years have led to the concept that cellular membranes exist as a dynamic mosaic of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Recent contributions from our laboratory have centered on the synthesis and degradation of membrane proteins, particularly those of the rat liver endoplasmic reticulum. This work has led to a general model of the membrane in which the protein constituent...

The effect of chloroquine in combination with bright light on the ultrastructure of crayfish (Orconectes limosus R.) photoreceptors was investigated in vivo. Chloroquine had several effects upon the crayfish retina. Multivesicular bodies (MVB) that are involved in lysosomal degradation of photosensory membrane were altered in ultrastructure. MVB frequently contained smaller MVB in a state of mo...

The number of intermediate-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (KCa3.1) present at the plasma membrane is deterministic in any physiological response. However, the mechanisms by which KCa3.1 channels are removed from the plasma membrane and targeted for degradation are poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that KCa3.1 is rapidly internalized from the plasma membrane, having a sho...

Although proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are considered as a safe and clean energy technology, aging phenomena of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), more particularly membrane, still restrict PEMFC lifetime. In this paper, ex-situ accelerated chemical degradation – via Fenton's reagents exposure reinforced Nafion™ XL is performed in order to investigate impact on structure prope...

The photocatalytic degradation of the model pollutant carbamazepine (CBZ) was investigated under simulated solar irradiation with an N-doped TiO₂-coated Al₂O₃ photocatalytic membrane, using different water types. The photocatalytic membrane combines photocatalysis and membrane filtration in a single step. The impact of each individual constituent such as acidity, alkalinity, dissolved organic m...

To reduce the membrane fouling in an immersed membrane bioreactor (MBR) during the treatment of food wastewater, an additional continuous stirring was introduced. The results showed that both a better membrane performance and a higher degradation efficiency for food wastewater were obtained. The membrane contributed mostly in concentrating the activated sludge. The bioreactor ensured the degrad...