The plasma membrane is the interface between cells and their harsh environment. Uptake of nutrients and all communication among cells and between cells and their environment occurs through this interface. 'Endocytosis' encompasses several diverse mechanisms by which cells internalize macromolecules and particles into transport vesicles derived from the plasma membrane. It controls entry into the cell and has a crucial role in development, the immune response, neurotransmission, intercellular communication, signal transduction, and cellular and organismal homeostasis. As the complexity of molecular interactions governing endocytosis are revealed, it has become increasingly clear that it is tightly coordinated and coupled with overall cell physiology and thus, must be viewed in a broader context than simple vesicular trafficking.

Regulated portals of entry into the cell

Molecular basis of bacterial outer membrane permeability.

The goal of this review is to present a comprehensive survey of the many intriguing facets of creatine (Cr) and creatinine metabolism, encompassing the pathways and regulation of Cr biosynthesis an...

http://www.afboard.com/library/creatinemetabolism.pdf

Creatine and Creatinine Metabolism

Production of large unilamellar vesicles by a rapid extrusion procedure. Characterization of size distribution, trapped volume and ability to maintain a membrane potential

Bacteriocins are bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides with narrow or broad host ranges. Many bacteriocins are produced by food-grade lactic acid bacteria, a phenomenon which offers food scientists the possibility of directing or preventing the development of specific bacterial species in food. This can be particularly useful in preservation or food safety applications, but also has implications for the development of desirable flora in fermented food. In this sense, bacteriocins can be used to confer a rudimentary form of innate immunity to foodstuffs, helping processors extend their control over the food flora long after manufacture.

Bacteriocins: developing innate immunity for food

Consequences of the interaction of calcium with dioleoylphosphatidate-containing model membranes: calcium-membrane and membrane-membrane interactions

Transbilayer movement of phosphatidylcholine in the mitochondrial outer membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is rapid and bidirectional.

Calcium antagonists may protect the myocardium against the consequences of ischemia. Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (P31 NMR) was used to study the effect of nifedipine on intracellular acidosis and high energy phosphate depletion during global ischemia. Isolated rat hearts were paced (300 beats/ min), perfused with a modified Tyrode solution for 30 min, made totally ischemic for 30 min (37°C) and then reperfused for 30 min. When required, nifedipine (1 mg/l) was added to the perfusion fluid 10 min before ischemia.

During ischemia intracellular pH fell from 7·11±0·03 (mean±S.E.M.) to 5·88±0·04 in the untreated hearts (n=6). and from 7·11±0·03 to 5·95±0·02 in the treated hearts (n=6). During the first 20 min of ischemia, intracellular pH was significantly higher in the treated than in the untreated hearts (P< 0·001). Myocardial creatine phosphate (CP) content was depleted after 15 min of ischemia in the untreated hearts, and after 20 min of ischemia in the hearts treated with nifedipine. Myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was depleted after 20 min of ischemia in the untreated hearts: ATP content in hearts that received nifedipine amounted to 23·5±6·2% of control after 30 min of ischemia In contrast with the untreated hearts, the nifedipine-treated hearts showed a rapid recovery of CP content during reperfusion.

/pdf/protective-effect-of-nifedipine-in-myocardial-ischemia-dva9nh4v1d.pdf

B. de Kruijff

Papers

Consequences of the interaction of calcium with dioleoylphosphatidate-containing model membranes: calcium-membrane and membrane-membrane interactions

Transbilayer movement of phosphatidylcholine in the mitochondrial outer membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is rapid and bidirectional.

Protective effect of nifedipine in myocardial ischemia assessed by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance.

Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance of Acholeplasma laidlawii cell membranes and derived liposomes

‘Lipidic particles’ are intermembrane attachment sites (reply)