Loss-of-function mutations of the SURF-1 gene have been associated with Leigh syndrome with cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency. Mature Surf-1 protein (Surf-1p) is a 30 kDa hydrophobic polypeptide whose function is still unknown. Using antibodies against a recombinant, hemagglutinin-tagged Surf-1p, we have demonstrated that this protein is imported into mitochondria as a larger precursor, which is then processed into the mature product by cleaving off an N-terminal leader polypeptide of approximately 40 amino acids. By using western blot analysis with specific antibodies, we showed that Surf-1p is localized in and tightly bound to the mitochondrial inner membrane. The same analysis revealed that no protein is present in cell lines harboring loss-of-function mutations of SURF-1, regardless of their type and position. Northern blot analysis showed the virtual absence of specific SURF-1 transcripts in different mutant cell lines. This result suggests that several mutations of SURF-1 are associated with severe mRNA instability. To understand better whether and which domains of the protein are essential for function, we generated several constructs with truncated or partially deleted SURF-1 cDNAs. None of these constructs, expressed into Surf-1p null mutant cells, were able to rescue the COX phenotype, suggesting that different regions of the protein are all essential for function. Finally, experiments based on blue native two-dimensional gel electrophoresis indicated that assembly of COX in Surf-1p null mutants is blocked at an early step, most likely before the incorporation of subunit II in the nascent intermediates composed of subunit I alone or subunit I plus subunit IV. However, detection of residual amounts of fully assembled complex suggests a certain degree of redundancy of this system.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a nonselective cation channel, is the predominant mammalian cold temperature thermosensor and it is activated by cold temperatures and cooling compounds, such as menthol and icilin. Because of its role in cold allodynia, cold hyperalgesia and painful syndromes TRPM8 antagonists are currently being pursued as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of pain hypersensitivity. Recently TRPM8 has been found in subsets of bladder sensory nerve fibres, providing an opportunity to understand and treat chronic hypersensitivity. However, most of the known TRPM8 inhibitors lack selectivity, and only three selective compounds have reached clinical trials to date. Here, we applied two virtual screening strategies to find new, clinics suitable, TRPM8 inhibitors. This strategy enabled us to identify naphthyl derivatives as a novel class of potent and selective TRPM8 inhibitors. Further characterization of the pharmacologic properties of the most potent compound identified, compound 1, confirmed that it is a selective, competitive antagonist inhibitor of TRPM8. Compound 1 also proved itself active in a overreactive bladder model in vivo. Thus, the novel naphthyl derivative compound identified here could be optimized for clinical treatment of pain hypersensitivity in bladder disorders but also in different other pathologies.

The present work describes the engineering and characterization of a new Ca 2+ -activated photoprotein (Photina ® ) and its use in mammalian cell lines for implementation of flash luminescence cell-based assays for high-throughput screening (HTS). When used to measure the activation of 2 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), targeting Photina ® to the mitochondria increased the signal strength as compared to the normal cytoplasmic expression of Photina.® The mitochondrial-targeted Photina ® also produced a higher signal-to-noise ratio than conventional calcium dyes and a consistently stronger signal than aequorin when tested under equivalent conditions. MitoPhotina

We have recently assigned a locus for familial psoriasis (PS) susceptibility to the region containing the epidermal differentiation complex gene cluster on chromosome 1q21. Gene S10OA7 maps within this cluster and is reported to be markedly over-expressed in the skin lesions of psoriatic patients. In order to analyse S100A7 as a candidate for PS susceptibility, we have determined its genomic structure regarding exon-intron boundaries and the transcription start site. The gene is organised in three exons and two introns, spanning 2.7 kb. The 5' flanking region contains AP1- and Sp1-binding motifs and a TATA box. We have performed functional assays by using the beta-galactosidase gene as a reporter and have confirmed that this region has strong promoter activity. To search for nucleotide variation within S100A7, we have designed a set of primers to amplify each exon and the gene promoter. Polymerase chain reaction products from 15 unrelated PS patients selected from 1q-linked pedigrees and 25 normal controls have been characterised by single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing techniques. These analyses have revealed the presence of two polymorphisms in the promoter region (-559G/A and -563 A/G), neither of which shows preferential association with the disease. Our results indicate that S100A7 can be excluded as a candidate for PS susceptibility.

P2X7, a ligand-gated purinergic ion channel, has been at the center of intense efforts in the pharmaceutical industry in the last 15 years due to the growing appreciation of its role in inflammation. Since 2008-2009, increased focus on CNS available compounds has led to the publication of various patents on behalf of several pharmaceutical companies. This patent review aims at analyzing the recent patent literature (2008-2016) with a particular emphasis on those patents that are thought to deal with CNS penetrant compounds on the basis of their physicochemical features, the assays described in the patents and the uses these compounds are claimed for.