We have characterized the native voltage-dependent K(+) (K(v)) current in rabbit urethral smooth muscle cells (RUSMC) and compared its pharmacological and biophysical properties with K(v)2.1 and K(v)2.2 channels cloned from the rabbit urethra and stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells (HEK(Kv2.1) and HEK(Kv2.2)). RUSMC were perfused with Hanks' solution at 37°C and studied u...

Thioredoxins (Trx) are a class of small multifunctional redox-active proteins found in all organisms. Recently, we reported the cloning of a mitochondrial thioredoxin, Trx2, from rat heart. To investigate the biological role of Trx2 we have isolated the human homologue, hTrx2, and generated HEK-293 cells overexpressing Trx2 (HEK-Trx2). Here, we show that HEK-Trx2 cells are more resistant toward...

The NBCn1 Na(+)/HCO3(-) cotransporter catalyzes the electroneutral movement of 1 Na(+):1 HCO3(-) into kidney cells. We characterized the intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) subjected to NH4Cl prepulse acid loading, and we examined the NBCn1 expression and function in HEK cells subjected to 24-h elevated Pco2 (10-15%). After acid loading, in the presence of HC...

Background Transient gene expression (TGE) is a rapid method for the production of recombinant proteins. Protein productivity in TGE has improved significantly over the past decade, reaching 300 mg/L and 1 g/L in CHO DG44 (CHO) and HEK 293E (HEK) cells, respectively [1,2]. However, the amount of plasmid DNA needed for transfection remains relatively high, contributing significantly to the overa...

Background:Envenomation by Macrovipera lebetina (M. lebetina) is characterized by prominent local tissue damage, hemorrhage, abnormalities in the blood coagulation system, necrosis, and edema. However, the main cause of death after a bite by M. lebetina has been attributed to acute renal failure (ARF). It is unclear whether the venom components have a direct or indirect action in causing ARF. T...

The gene for human involucrin (hINV) is selectively expressed in stratifying epithelial cells lining external body surfaces. Previously, we characterized the hINV promoter 5' distal regulatory region (DRR) located between nt -2473 and -2088 upstream of the transcription start site. This region is required for optimal hINV gene expression. The DRR contains weak and strong activator elements. The...