University of Dundee

About: University of Dundee is a education organization based out in Dundee, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Protein kinase A. The organization has 19258 authors who have published 39640 publications receiving 1919433 citations. The organization is also known as: Universitas Dundensis & Dundee University.

Effects of the tumour promoter okadaic acid on intracellular protein phosphorylation and metabolism

Abstract: Okadaic acid is a polyether derivative of 38-carbon fatty acid, and is implicated as the causative agent of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. It is a potent tumour promoter that is not an activator of protein kinase C, but is a powerful inhibitor of protein phosphatases-1 and -2A (PP1 and PP2A) in vitro. We report here that okadaic acid rapidly stimulates protein phosphorylation in intact cells, and behaves like a specific protein phosphatase inhibitor in a variety of metabolic processes. Our results indicate that PP1 and PP2A are the dominant protein phosphatases acting on a wide range of phosphoproteins in vivo. We also find that okadaic acid mimics the effect of insulin on glucose transport in adipocytes, which suggests that this process is stimulated by a serine/threonine phosphorylation event.

The classification of inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB): Report of the Third International Consensus Meeting on Diagnosis and Classification of EB.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Since publication in 2000 of the Second International Consensus Report on Diagnosis and Classification of Epidermolysis Bullosa, many advances have been made to our understanding of this group of diseases, both clinically and molecularly. At the same time, new epidermolysis bullosa (EB) subtypes have been described and similarities with some other diseases have been identified. OBJECTIVE: We sought to arrive at a new consensus of the classification of EB subtypes. RESULTS: We now present a revised classification system that takes into account the new advances, as well as encompassing other inherited diseases that should also be included within the EB spectrum, based on the presence of blistering and mechanical fragility. Current recommendations are made on the use of specific diagnostic tests, with updates on the findings known to occur within each of the major EB subtypes. Electronic links are also provided to informational and laboratory resources of particular benefit to clinicians and their patients. LIMITATIONS: As more becomes known about this disease, future modifications may be needed. The classification system has been designed with sufficient flexibility for these modifications. CONCLUSION: This revised classification system should assist clinicians in accurately diagnosing and subclassifying patients with EB.

Regulation of cell number in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract: the importance of apoptosis

Abstract: The regulation of cell number in adult tissues is determined by the balance of cell production and cell loss. In the gastrointestinal tract, where there are well defined zones of proliferation and migration of both epithelial cells and associated fibroblasts, it is widely held that cell loss occurs by shedding into the gut lumen. Since the evidence for this is not compelling, we investigated the distribution and amount of apoptosis in the normal mammalian gut. In the stomach, small intestine and colon of rodents and man, there is a small number of apoptotic bodies in the epithelium and in the immediate sub-epithelial connective tissue. Engulfment by adjacent epithelial cells and sub-epithelial macrophages accounts for the removal of apoptotic bodies. Apoptotic bodies are not randomly distributed but are found towards the distal end of the known cellular migration routes of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, consideration of the absolute numbers of apoptotic bodies, their rapid clearance and the dimensions of the small intestinal villi and colonic crypts indicates that the cell loss in the normal murine intestine can largely be explained on the basis of the observed apoptosis. Despite being inconspicuous in histological material, apoptosis probably accounts for the bulk of cell loss in the gut and is a central feature of the regulation of cell number in adult tissues.