Ras-transformed cells can grow in amino acid-poor environments by recovering amino acids through macropinocytosis and lysosomal catabolism of extracellular proteins. However, when studying nontransformed fibroblasts, we found that Ras GTPases are dispensable for growth-factor-stimulated macropinocytosis and lysosomal catabolism of extracellular proteins. Instead, we establish a critical role fo...

The technic of isolated liver perfusion was used to study protein synthesis and amino acid catabolism in normal rat livers, rat livers undergoing azo dye carcinogenesis, and in regenerating rat livers. The results demonstrate that rat livers undergoing Carcinogenesis or regeneration have decreased catabolism of amino acids and increased synthesis of protein as compared with normal livers. Altho...

Lysine catabolism in plants is initiated by a bifunctional LKR/SDH (lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase) enzyme encoded by a single LKR/SDH gene. Yet, the AtLKR/SDH gene of Arabidopsis also encodes a second gene product, namely a monofunctional SDH. To elucidate the regulation of lysine catabolism in Arabidopsis through these two gene products of the AtLKR/SDH gene, an ana...

As a product of protein catabolism, urea is moved around the body and through kidneys for excretion. Although there experimental evidence concentrative transporters, these have not been defined at molecular level. The SLC14 family are facilitative allowing movement down its concentration gradient. Multiple splice variants transporters identified; UT-A in particular, cell-specific expression wit...

Cancer cachexia is a debilitating consequence of disease progression, characterised by the significant weight loss through the catabolism of both skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, leading to a reduced mobility and muscle function, fatigue, impaired quality of life and ultimately death occurring with 25-30 % total body weight loss. Degradation of proteins and decreased protein synthesis contri...