C hemokines (chemotactic cytokines) are small (7–10 kDa) heparin binding proteins that govern the migration of circulating leucocytes to the sites of inflammation. Chemokines, currently numbering more than 50, are classified into four supergene families based on cysteine residues: CXC, CC, C, and CX3C chemokines (table 1). Chemokines are distinguished from other cytokines by acting on the G pro...

Nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA) is the name of a family of highly glycosylated bacterial-binding receptors found on human granulocytes and other tissues. These glycoproteins are members of the immunoglobulin supergene family and are related structurally to carcinoembryonic antigen. In this study, we demonstrate that ligation of granulocyte NCA results in the activation of the cells, as...

Background OX-2 is a member of the immunoglobulin supergene family of receptors . sOX-2 was originally described as a myeloid receptor, being expressed on macrophages, granulocytes and dendritic cells, and also expressed on T cells, Bcells, and natural killer cells. It displays a restricted tissue distribution, including activated T and B cells. sOX-2 is induced by inflammatory cytokines, inclu...

Both petnphigus vulgaris antigen (PVA; Dsg3) and petnphigus foliaceus antigen (PFA; Dsgl) are tnembers of the destnoglein subfamily of the cadherin supergene fatnily. Another destnosotnal cadherin, destnocollin, is occasionally recognized by certain petnphigus sera. We present a 38-year-old Japanese tnale who showed clinically and histopathologically typical features of petnphigus vulgaris, who...

The nuclear receptors constitute one of the largest groups of transcription factors known today. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are members of the nuclear receptor supergene family and are considered as key sensors of both lipid and glucose homeostasis. The role of the PPAR γ isoform in glucose metabolism is illustrated by the fact that antidiabetic thiazolidinediones ha...

Pigmentation, specifically melanism, is often the driving force behind classic examples of natural selection such as camouflage and mimicry. However, whilst pigmentation in insects has long been considered the exclusive preserve of the genetic model Drosophila, stunning new papers on the molecular basis of melanism and mimicry in butterflies are beginning to show how evolution can act directly ...

• Supergene copper mineralization (SCM) from Atacama Desert and SW of Burkina Faso. Paragenesis chemical characterization SCM different geodynamic context. The same mineralogy geochemical patterns are observed in both areas. REE study suggests oxidizing conditions to form supergene mineralization. Geological climatic controls involve the genesis these similar. Using optical microscopy, SEM, EPM...