Physiology is a wide spanning discipline, and it is interesting to follow its journey into the unknown in different organs, and with ever more sophisticated methods. This research is reflected by high quality publications in physiological journals. Have a look!
The results of this research as well as of comparative physiology and mathematical modelling, provide ever growing insight into the body’s functions, mechanisms of disease and new therapies, including gene therapy and development of vaccines. The close interaction between basic physiological research and clinical work, has improved human health and life span and holds even more promises for the future.
A most interesting aspect of current physiology is that, unlike in past centuries, novel models and techniques have reduced or replaced the need to destroy or dissect organs and tissues to improve understanding of function. Now we can learn from growing cells and stimulating them to form tissues and even “organs”. It has become almost routine for physiologists to manipulate gene expression to study function in the intact animal. We are obtaining novel and unique insights into the principles of self-organisation of cells and their mutual interactions. Exciting times, indeed!
Physiology is a wide spanning discipline, and it is interesting to follow its journey into the unknown in different organs, and with ever more sophisticated methods. This research is reflected by high quality publications in physiological journals. Have a look!
Carolin Trappe et al.
From the abstract: The consensus or canonical model of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion provides that the metabolism of glucose closes KATP channels by increase of the ATP/ADP ratio and that the ensuing depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels represents the immediate signal for the onset of exocytosis. In this article it is shown that the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by oligomycin prior to K+ depolarization did not decrease the depolarization-elevated cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and did not affect the resting plasma membrane potential and the extent of depolarization. It is concluded that the exocytotic machinery of the beta cell requires a continuously running oxidative phosphorylation to remain responsive to the Ca2+ signal for granule fusion
Pedro Trevizan-Baú et al.
From the abstract: The role of airway sympathetic nerves in regulating airway responses remains largely undefined. We demonstrated that chemical depletion of airway sympathetic nerves attenuates specific IL-13 (a key mediator of allergic asthma) -induced airway deficits at the molecular, cellular, and functional level. Our data suggest that airway sympathetic nerves may represent novel therapeutic targets to alleviate some pathologic features due to type 2 (IL-13-mediated) airway inflammation.
Sean P. Langan et al.
From the abstract: We demonstrate insulin resistance during 4 days of exposure at 4,300 m is positively correlated with acute mountain sickness (AMS) severity. Transient perturbations to glucose metabolism during 4 days of HA exposure influences AMS severity without further impact from active ascent.This builds on previous data showing insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate metabolism at sea-level predict AMS. The blood glucose excursions appear at least partly mediated by cortisol and nocturnal hypoxemia.
Much more can be found in this month’s selection of articles from APS journals!
These new and engaging video feature from The Journal of Physiology aims to deliver short and informative research snapshots directly from the authors of research papers selected by the Editors of the journal!
The latest topic relates to an article published by Kaei Ryu et al. in Proc. Natl. Acad Sci.
From the abstract (“Significance”) Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have an extracellularly extended S4 segment. However, whether this long S4 contributes to gating is still unknown. Here, we elucidated the functional contribution of the extended part of S4 to voltage-dependent gating. Structure-based mutational analysis revealed that the extracellular parts of S4, S5, and the S1-S2 linker form salt bridge networks that are functionally involved in gating. We then used voltage clamp fluorometry to confirm that the S4 movement is indeed influenced by the salt bridge network. Interestingly, mutations of these extracellular arginine residues have been implicated in heart diseases, including sick sinus syndrome. Our findings add to the current understanding of the gating mechanisms of HCN channels and how mutations can cause HCN channel dysfunction.
PSJ celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. On this occasion the Journal of Physiology compiled a collection of some of the most influential research published by Japanese authors in this journal. Have a closer look here!
DPG’s latest paper of the month (Fenja Knoeop et al) was recently published in Circulation Research
From the abstract: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening and progressive yet incurable disease. The hallmarks of PH comprise (1) sustained contraction and (2) excessive proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). A major stimulus to which PASMCs are exposed during PH development is altered mechanical stress, originating from increased blood pressure, changes in blood flow velocity, and a progressive stiffening of pulmonary arteries. Mechanosensitive ion channels, including Piezo1 (Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component-1), perceive such mechanical stimuli and translate them into a variety of cellular responses, including contractility or proliferation.
This study provides evidence that Piezo1 expressed in PASMCs is critically involved in the pathogenesis of PH by controlling pulmonary vascular tone, arterial remodeling, and associated lung capillary rarefaction due to endothelial cell senescence.